individuals Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

8 classic Windows features you can bring back with free tools

Windows 11 has introduced a range of tools and solutions to help users restore familiar features from previous versions of Windows. 1. GadgetPack: Revives Gadgets from Windows Vista for Windows 10 and 11, modernizing them with new functionalities like clipboard history, battery meters, and multi-core CPU monitors. 2. Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC): An alternative to the classic Windows Media Player, offering robust support for modern file formats and additional features. 3. OpenShell: A tool that restores the classic Start menu experience, allowing customization to resemble styles from Windows 95, XP, or Vista. 4. ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic taskbar functionality, including resizing and moving options, and reverts File Explorer to earlier command bars and context menus. 5. Task Switcher Options: ExplorerPatcher also allows users to customize the task switcher to resemble earlier Windows versions, including simplified views. 6. WinAero Tweaker: Provides a theme that evokes the Aero style of Windows 7, enhancing the nostalgic aesthetic. 7. Windows Photo Viewer: Can be re-enabled through a registry tweak, allowing users to access the familiar image viewing experience without additional software.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Windows 11’s Camera Just Got Smarter: Check Out the Latest Additions

Microsoft has introduced new camera features for Windows 11 that enhance video quality and user experience. Users can now adjust camera brightness, contrast, resolution, and frame rate, allowing for better visibility in various lighting conditions and catering to different bandwidth needs. Additionally, users can utilize their camera in multiple applications simultaneously, enabling multitasking during video calls. However, these features may not be available on all devices immediately, as some older camera models may not support them, and the rollout will occur gradually. Users interested in trying these features early can join the Windows Insider Program and download version 26120.2702.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 KB5044284 / KB5046617 can’t install new updates

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting users of Windows 11 version 24H2 who installed the OS using external media like CDs or USB drives. Users may be unable to install security updates released during the October 2024 (KB5044284) and November 2024 (KB5046617) Patch Tuesdays if they used external media for installation. This issue does not affect installations via Windows Update or the Update Catalog. The problem arises when the installation media includes the October or November security updates. Microsoft recommends avoiding installations with these updates and instead using media that includes the December 2024 monthly security update or later. Microsoft is investigating the issue and will provide further updates.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Edge push notifications not working [Fix]

A push notification is an alert that appears when new content is added to an app or website. Users can customize these notifications through their browser, but some have experienced issues with them not working in Microsoft Edge. Solutions to resolve this include: 1. Checking notification settings in Edge to ensure the website is not blocked and that the Quiet notification requests option is disabled. 2. Creating a new profile in Edge to see if notifications work with a fresh profile. 3. Clearing cookies for the specific website to potentially fix notification issues. 4. Checking Focus settings in Windows to ensure Do Not Disturb mode is not silencing notifications. 5. Verifying system notification settings to ensure notifications for the website are enabled. 6. Resetting Edge to its factory default settings if other solutions do not work. Push notifications may not function due to being disabled in system settings or the website being blocked. To unblock notifications, users should navigate to their browser settings and enable notifications for the blocked website.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Do Not Update Your PC This Way

Microsoft has issued an advisory for Windows users regarding potential issues when updating to Windows 11 version 24H2 using external media. If users create installation media that includes the October or November 2024 security updates, their devices may end up in a state where they cannot accept further Windows security updates. This problem does not affect devices that receive updates through the standard Windows Update process. The issue is reported to impact only a small number of users, and Microsoft recommends using the Media Creation Tool to create new media and reinstall the operating system if users encounter update problems.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Devoted Dad Quit His Job to Run First Minecraft Server for Autistic Kids

In 2013, Stuart Duncan, known as AutismFather, created Autcraft, a dedicated Minecraft server for children with autism and their families, to provide a safe and inclusive online environment. This initiative was inspired by his son's love for Minecraft and the bullying faced by many children on the autism spectrum in traditional gaming spaces. Duncan left his job as a web developer to focus on Autcraft full-time, which now serves over 17,000 players. The server includes supportive features like the "Bully Board" for sharing experiences of bullying and emphasizes community connection and mutual support.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

The Best PC Games of 2024

The best PC games of 2024 include: - Duck Detective: The Secret Salami: Players solve the mystery of a stolen salami in a quirky office environment, combining humor and intrigue with a captivating design and storytelling. - Turnip Boy Robs a Bank: A sequel featuring a mischievous vegetable engaging in a heist, noted for its engaging art style and witty writing. - The Crush House: A game blending reality TV and social commentary, exploring entertainment pressures and social media impacts with humor and engaging gameplay. - Conscript: A portrayal of the psychological toll of war, offering a raw narrative crafted by Australian developer Jordan Mochi. - Sumerian Six: A strategic turn-based adventure combining history and fantasy, encouraging thoughtful tactics and creativity. - The Rise of the Golden Idol: A successor to The Case of the Golden Idol, featuring fresh aesthetics and intricate puzzles that promote critical thinking. - Neva: Known for its emotional storytelling and stunning art direction, creating an immersive experience. - Harold Halibut: Reflects on life’s purpose through a handcrafted aesthetic and engaging narrative. - The Plucky Squire: Blends 2D and 3D environments, showcasing innovative mechanics and captivating visuals. - The Sims 4 Life and Death: An expansion pack introducing themes of mortality, enhancing the gameplay experience with new elements like funerals and a Reaper career.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

3 reasons you get more viruses on Windows than on Mac or Linux

The majority of malware is spread through social engineering, targeting users with limited computer security knowledge, particularly among Windows users. Windows has a larger user base, with approximately 1.6 billion devices and over 70% market share, making it a prime target for malware. In contrast, Macs account for about 15% of the market and benefit from robust security protocols, while Linux holds around 5% and its users generally possess higher technical expertise. Windows allows many applications to run with administrator access by default, which can create vulnerabilities, whereas Mac and Linux require explicit permissions for actions, enhancing security. Apple uses digital signatures and sandboxing to protect against malicious software, while Windows' security features are often limited to Pro and Enterprise editions. User behavior and knowledge significantly influence the likelihood of encountering malware, regardless of the operating system used.

Tech Optimizer

December 24, 2024

How To Secure Your Data in the New Year with Norton VPN

- It is important to assess online security as part of digital well-being. - Norton provides tools to enhance internet security, including VPNs, password managers, and antivirus software. - A VPN (Virtual Private Network) secures online activities, especially on public WiFi, by masking the IP address and minimizing tracking. - Norton offers various VPN plans: VPN Standard, VPN Plus (covers up to five devices and includes protection against viruses and malware), and VPN Ultimate (beneficial for families). - A password manager allows users to maintain one secure password for all accounts and securely stores login information. - Norton’s Password Manager is free with Norton VPN Plus and Norton VPN Ultimate plans and generates complex passwords. - Antivirus software scans devices for malware and viruses, with Norton offering a 100% Virus Protection Promise and dark web scanning for compromised personal information. - The Norton VPN Ultimate plan includes features for managing screen time and blocking inappropriate content for families. - Norton offers up to 54% off the first year for annual plan subscriptions.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Windows 11 suffers more bugs in latest update, with the Start menu hit hard by some frustrating issues

Microsoft's December 2024 update for Windows 11 has caused issues, particularly with the Start menu becoming unresponsive. This glitch is associated with cumulative updates KB5048667 for Windows 11 24H2 and KB5048685 for Windows 11 23H2. Users have limited options to address the problem, either reverting the update or dealing with the malfunctioning Start menu. Additional reported issues include the 'Safely Remove Hardware' icon being stuck on the taskbar and display problems linked to HDR after installing Windows 11 23H2 KB5048685. Microsoft needs to improve the stability of its updates to restore user confidence.