internet access Archives

Winsage

March 29, 2025

New Windows 11 build makes mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in even more mandatory

Microsoft has released a new Windows Insider build of Windows 11 in its Dev Channel, which includes the removal of the bypassnro command prompt script. This script previously allowed users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in during the setup of new installations. The change is intended to enhance security and user experience, ensuring that all users complete setup with internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account. This decision complicates the setup process for users who prefer local accounts or who lack internet access.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Microsoft cracks down on Windows 11 users who don’t log in with Microsoft accounts

Microsoft is increasingly favoring the use of Microsoft accounts over traditional local accounts in Windows 11, reflecting a trend towards online connectivity. The ability to create local accounts has been further restricted, with the removal of the bypassnro.cmd script that allowed users to set up local accounts without internet access. Users must now complete the setup process with internet connectivity and a Microsoft account. Third-party tools like Rufus still allow the creation of local accounts during installation, providing a workaround for those who prefer local accounts.

TrendTechie

March 28, 2025

Вышла долгожданная игра inZOI. Есть даже бесплатно на торрентах

The South Korean company inZOI Studio has launched its game, inZOI, which is priced at 2399 rubles but is not directly purchasable through Russian Steam accounts. The game features enhanced realism using Unreal Engine 5, a flexible character editor, self-scanning for character creation, AI capabilities for integrating real-world objects, rich NPC interactions, a criminal mode, and is available in Russian with free updates for licensed players. A hacked version is available on torrent sites but lacks key features. The game requires a Windows 10 or 11 PC with specific hardware requirements, including an Intel Core i5 10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor, an NVIDIA RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT graphics card, at least 12 GB of RAM, and 40 GB of free storage.

AppWizard

March 22, 2025

Killed by Google: These are the apps I miss the most

Google has retired several applications that were popular among users, including: - Google Now: Launched in 2012 and discontinued in 2015, it provided contextually relevant information through scrollable cards. It was replaced by features like the Discover feed and Google Assistant. - Inbox by Google: Introduced as an alternative to Gmail, it grouped similar emails and helped users manage their inboxes. It was retired in 2019, with some features integrated into Gmail. - Google Trips: Launched in 2016 as a travel companion app that integrated travel information from Gmail and Google Maps. It was discontinued in 2019. - Android Auto on Smartphones: Debuted in 2016, allowing smartphones to serve as navigation hubs in cars without built-in systems. It was discontinued in 2022 in favor of dedicated vehicle screens. - Trusted Contacts: Launched in 2016 to share real-time location with family and friends for safety. It was integrated into Google Maps but is missed for its simplicity. - Google Reader: A popular RSS feed aggregator that was shut down in 2013, known for its user-friendly interface and offline functionality. Its absence is still felt by users.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Webroot Premium

PCMag editors independently select and review products. Webroot Premium combines device-level protection with identity theft tracking and remediation, but its antivirus protection is limited compared to competitors. Webroot Premium costs .99 per year for five devices and one identity, with a family edition available for .99 covering ten devices and identities. Other competitors like Bitdefender Ultimate Security and Norton 360 With LifeLock offer more comprehensive features at similar price points. Webroot AntiVirus has been rebranded as Webroot Essentials, and older versions have been phased out. The installation process for Webroot Premium is straightforward, and it includes a firewall that monitors network activity. Webroot's antivirus effectively identifies malware, achieving a 100% detection rate in tests. It also offers a secure deletion tool and basic identity protection features, including credit monitoring, transaction monitoring, and dark web monitoring, though these features are less comprehensive than those of competitors. Webroot provides 24/7 support for identity restoration, with a monetary guarantee for remediation services up to million for ten family members. Overall, while Webroot Premium offers solid antivirus protection, its identity protection capabilities are limited compared to other security suites.

Winsage

February 23, 2025

The Windows Concept Journey — ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)

Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is a feature in Windows that allows a device with internet access to share its connection with other devices on a local area network (LAN). To enable or disable ICS, users can go to the Control Panel, access "Network Connections," right-click on the LAN or Wi-Fi device, select "Properties," click on the "Sharing" tab, and toggle the checkbox for "Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection." ICS can also be configured using PowerShell or the netsh.exe command. It provides services such as DHCP and NAT and can share various connection types, including dial-up, PPPoE, and VPN. ICS has been integrated with UPnP since Windows XP for remote discovery and control. The settings for ICS are stored in the Windows registry at "HKLMSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsNetwork Connections."

Winsage

February 21, 2025

How to Fix the “Windows Could Not Find a Driver for Your Network Adapter” Error

The "Windows Could Not Find a Driver for Your Network Adapter" error occurs when Windows cannot communicate with the network adapter due to outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers. To resolve this issue, users can reinstall network adapter drivers by opening "Device Manager," locating the network adapter under "Network Adapters," right-clicking it to select "Uninstall Device," confirming the uninstallation, and then scanning for hardware changes to prompt Windows to reinstall the adapter and its drivers. Alternatively, users can perform a network reset, which removes all network adapters and restores settings to their original defaults. This involves opening the Settings app, selecting "Network & Internet," clicking on "Network reset," and then clicking "Reset now" to initiate the process.

AppWizard

February 17, 2025

Why Video Game Adaptations Are Hollywood’s New Obsession

A Minecraft Movie is scheduled for release on April 4, 2025, directed by Jared Hess and featuring stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Myers, and Danielle Brooks. The plot revolves around a group of misfits transported into the Minecraft Overworld, where they embark on a quest to defeat the Ender Dragon. Other confirmed movie adaptations set to debut in 2025 include Until Dawn on April 25, Mortal Kombat 2 on October 24, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 on December 5, Return to Silent Hill on October 17, and Ghost of Tsushima, which is in development.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Ubuntu Officially Available on the Updated Windows Subsystem for Linux

Ubuntu has launched its availability on Microsoft’s tar-based Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distribution architecture, enhancing deployment and scalability for enterprise use. Key features include easier deployment from a tar file, the ability for organizations to manage Ubuntu WSL images internally, and customization options for administrators. To install Ubuntu on WSL, users need WSL version 2.4.8 or higher and can do so using the command wsl --install ubuntu, downloading a tar-based image, or by double-clicking the .wsl file. Comprehensive documentation is available for advanced configurations and custom distributions.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

Ukrainian competitor to Telegram: Bridge messenger with «panic button» and encryption

Discussions about potentially blocking Telegram in Ukraine led to the development of a domestic alternative called Bridge messenger, created by a team of four IT specialists from Lviv. Bridge is designed to compete with messaging apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal, featuring efficient data compression for low Internet conditions, a recommendation feed, and a user-friendly interface tailored for Ukrainians. Notable features include a panic button for data deletion, end-to-end encryption, temporary accounts for anonymity, and advanced automation for business processes. The project has consumed over 2,000 hours and nearly 0,000 in personal funding. Bridge's concept originated in summer 2024 due to power outages and communication issues, with its beta version launched on October 29, attracting over 5,000 testers. The full release is expected in the second quarter of 2025.