graphical interface Archives

TrendTechie

April 29, 2025

Новые версии открытых Torrent-клиентов

Two open-source torrent clients, Deluge and qBittorrent, have released updated versions. Deluge 2.2 features a cross-platform BitTorrent client developed in Python, utilizing the libtorrent library and Twisted framework. It offers multiple interface options, operates on a client-server model, and supports modern torrenting capabilities such as DHT, UPnP, NAT-PMP, traffic encryption, and proxy connections. The new version includes support for the BitTorrent v2 format, enhancing hash calculations and improving file integrity with SHA2-256 and Merkle hash trees. The minimum required Python version is now 3.7. qBittorrent, developed in C++ using the Qt library, is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS. It allows users to search for torrents, manage downloads, set priorities, and configure network settings. The latest version introduces enhancements like drag-and-drop functionality, improved random number generation, and upgraded search capabilities, along with significant improvements to the web interface.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Download WampServer (free) for Windows

WampServer is a web development environment designed for Windows users, integrating MySQL, Apache, and PHP into a single package for local web application development. It simplifies the setup process, allowing novice developers to create functional development servers without affecting live websites. WampServer operates independently of an internet connection and provides a user-friendly control panel for managing server components. It supports both free-form PHP coding and content management systems like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. WampServer is free to use and compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, but not with macOS or Linux. Alternatives to WampServer include MAMP, XAMPP, and Apache HTTP Server, each offering different features and compatibility.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

Forget Windows 11. These mad lads made Linux look like Windows XP!

The Linux distribution Q4OS has introduced a feature that allows users to experience the Windows XP interface, along with other Windows versions, within a Linux environment. Users can download the free Q4OS distribution and install the XPQ4 graphical user interface (GUI) to activate various Windows-like interfaces, including Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. A live installation option via USB is available, allowing users to try the experience without installation by downloading the ISO file for XPQ4, referred to as FreeXP. Users can create a bootable USB stick using tools like Rufus or balenaEtcher, and upon booting, they will encounter the FreeXP or Free10 interface. The default login credentials for Q4OS are “adminq” with a blank password, and users can customize the language during startup. The XPQ4 environment allows users to switch between different Windows versions using the ‘XPQ4 Desktop Styles’ tool. The operational experience is designed to feel familiar to Windows users, with features for easy software installation and personalization. Installing Q4OS with XPQ4 involves selecting ‘Install Q4OS’ and following an installation wizard that includes options for language, keyboard model, and user account setup. After installation, users can log in with their new credentials and use a Linux environment that resembles Windows XP.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

The Windows 95 start-up sound and the Minecraft soundtrack have been added to the US Library of Congress list of nationally significant recordings

The Windows 95 start-up sound has been added to the US Library of Congress as a culturally significant recording. The operating system was launched on July 14, 1995, marking its 30th anniversary this year. Windows 95 introduced a user-friendly graphical interface, transforming personal computing and making it more accessible. The sound evokes nostalgia for many users who experienced it on their desktop speakers.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

10 Facts you probably didn’t know about Windows as Microsoft turns 50

- Windows was originally named "Interface Manager" before being changed to "Windows" prior to its launch in 1985. - Early versions of Windows (1.0, 2.0, and 3.x) operated on top of MS-DOS and required users to boot into MS-DOS before launching the graphical interface. - The Briefcase folder was an early tool for synchronizing files between computers, which became obsolete with the rise of cloud storage solutions. - Prior to Windows XP, user profiles were basic and lacked robust security; full user accounts were implemented with Windows NT. - Several applications from Windows 1.0, including Calculator, Paint, Notepad, Clock, and Control Panel, are still present in Windows 11 in modernized forms. - The "Format" dialog in File Explorer has used the same code for over 30 years, although updates for FAT32 support are being developed. - TrueType fonts were introduced in Windows 3.1 in 1992 through a licensing agreement with Apple, improving font rendering quality. - The "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" shortcut was created by IBM engineer David Bradley as a debugging tool and later adopted by Microsoft for secure attention sequences in Windows NT. - Windows 1.0 required a minimum of 256KB of RAM at its launch in 1985, while Windows 11 requires at least 4GB.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

The Windows 95 setup was text-based for a good reason, Microsoft employee reveals

When installing Windows 95, users encountered a text-based environment rather than a graphical interface. The Windows development team integrated three distinct operating system environments to streamline the installation process. MS-DOS had limited graphical capabilities, requiring the setup team to potentially develop a graphics library from scratch. The minimum requirements for Windows 95 included a VGA video card, and the setup program needed to support ideogram-based languages and simple animations. The final setup utilized the Windows 3.1 runtime, which managed graphics under MS-DOS. This practice of code recycling continues in contemporary Windows versions, which require a "miniature" operating system known as the Windows Preinstallation Environment for setup and repair purposes.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

6 open-source alternatives to Windows Media Player that are probably better than it

Windows 11 introduces a revamped media player called Windows Media Player, which has a modern interface but may lack certain functionalities, leading users to seek alternatives. Audacious is a straightforward audio library manager with a minimalist design that allows users to import music collections and create playlists, supporting internet streams. MPV is a lightweight video player with a minimalistic interface that supports a wide range of formats and allows drag-and-drop playback, primarily functioning through command-line. SMPlayer provides a user-friendly graphical interface on top of MPV, enhancing usability with features like dual subtitle support and internet streaming, while remaining compatible with various formats and codecs. Clementine offers advanced music management with an intuitive interface that organizes tracks and generates playlists based on listening habits, integrating with internet services for streaming music and radio. MPC-HC is a lightweight media player known for extensive codec support, offering features like subtitle support, playback position saving, and content streaming from platforms like YouTube. VLC Media Player is renowned for its versatility, supporting virtually every audio and video format, including DVD playback, and can search for subtitles online, making it a top choice for media playback across platforms.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

What to do when Windows 10 Print Management is missing

The Print Management Console is a utility in Windows 10 that allows desktop administrators to manage printer settings and configurations. It may be missing from some Windows 10 deployments, particularly in the Home edition and in installations from Windows 10 version 2004 onwards, where it became an optional feature. To check for its presence, users can run the command PrintManagement.msc. If absent, it can be installed using PowerShell with the command Get-WindowsCapability -Name "Print.Management.Console*" -Online | Add-WindowsCapability -Online or through the Windows GUI by navigating to Settings > System > Optional Features and adding it from there. The console is particularly useful for managing multiple printers, controlling access permissions, and monitoring print jobs.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

4 top personal finance apps for Linux that run on MacOS and Windows, too

The transition from traditional banking to digital solutions in personal finance management has both advantages and challenges, particularly regarding user experience. Several open-source applications for financial management on Linux include: 1. GnuCash: A robust application for personal and business finances using a double-entry accounting system. It supports multiple accounts, investments, and currency conversions. Installation commands include: - sudo apt-get install gnucash -y - sudo dnf install gnucash -y - sudo flatpak install gnucash - sudo pacman -S gnucash 2. HomeBank: A user-friendly alternative to GnuCash, supporting various import formats and multiple currencies. Installation commands include: - sudo apt-get install homebank -y - sudo dnf install homebank -y - sudo pacman -S homebank 3. KMyMoney: Designed for personal finance management with support for multiple accounts and detailed reporting. Installation commands include: - sudo apt-get install kmymoney -y - sudo dnf install kmymoney -y - sudo pacman -S kmymoney 4. Skrooge: An application that supports various import formats and allows direct data import from bank websites. Installation commands include: - sudo apt-get install skrooge -y - sudo dnf install skrooge -y - sudo pacman -S skrooge These applications can also be installed via software centers like GNOME Software, KDE Plasma Discover, and Octopi.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 95 used three different OS environments to provide a common setup experience

Raymond Chen, a longtime Microsoft software engineer, discussed the setup process of Windows 95 in response to a game developer's inquiry about the three distinct user interfaces used during the transition from MS-DOS to Windows 3.x. He explained that this design choice was made to minimize the code required for the Windows 95 configuration experience. The Windows 95 setup was designed to facilitate upgrades from MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, and Windows 95 itself, requiring compatibility across different computing environments. The setup program was primarily an MS-DOS application that installed a streamlined version of Windows 3.1, which then launched a 16-bit GUI setup program. This program managed essential tasks for the installation, including user interaction, configuration data collection, OS component installation, and hardware detection. After copying Windows 95 files and drivers, the setup transitioned to a genuine Win32 application to complete the installation, including printer and peripheral configurations. By interlinking these three setup programs, Microsoft streamlined development and reused a single codebase across all installation scenarios.