internet connection Archives

Winsage

December 26, 2024

Got a new laptop with Windows 11 in S Mode? Let’s break down what that means (and how to switch it off if it’s not for you)

Many Windows 11 laptops come preinstalled with Windows 11 in S mode, which restricts app installations to those available in the Microsoft Store to enhance security and efficiency. S mode is beneficial for families and less tech-savvy users as it prevents downloading unverified applications and continues to provide security features like Windows Defender and Windows Hello. To switch off S mode, users need a stable internet connection and an active Microsoft account. The process involves opening the Settings app, navigating to the System page, and selecting the Activation category to switch to Windows 11 Home or Pro. After confirming the choice in the Microsoft Store, users can verify the transition by attempting to download a non-Microsoft browser.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

New Windows 11 24H2 bug list: 12 reasons to avoid this update for now

On October 1, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, named Windows 11 24H2, which includes an upgraded Copilot AI, a revamped File Explorer, and performance improvements. The update is available through the Windows Update screen or can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. However, the rollout has encountered several bugs, prompting Microsoft to temporarily halt the update for certain devices. Key issues reported include: 1. Conflicts with Ubisoft games, causing freezes or crashes. 2. Problems with the Auto HDR feature leading to incorrect color displays or unresponsive games. 3. Incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat software, resulting in blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens due to driver incompatibilities, particularly with Intel's Smart Sound Technology and certain hardware configurations. 5. A bug causing the mouse pointer to disappear in Chromium-based applications. 6. Erratic internet connectivity issues, with some devices unable to obtain a valid IP address. 7. A time zone setting issue preventing users without administrative privileges from changing their time zone. 8. Problems with the clipboard history feature appearing empty despite copied items. 9. Network sharing issues where devices fail to appear in the network list. 10. Printer setup difficulties for users of Copilot+ PCs, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. 11. Audio output issues for users utilizing Dirac Audio technology. 12. Microsoft Outlook failing to launch for users relying on Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on patches and solutions. Users are advised to delay upgrading to the 2024 version until these problems are resolved.

BetaBeacon

December 22, 2024

Netflix Mobile Games: Everything You Need To Know

Netflix offers free mobile games through its service that can be played on smartphones or tablets. The games are available in the Netflix mobile app and are included with a Netflix membership. Currently, the games are only available on Android, with iOS support coming soon. The games are downloadable and not streamed, and some may require an internet connection to play. The games are compatible with most current Android devices, but specific device requirements are not listed by Netflix.

Winsage

December 18, 2024

The Windows 11 experience (from someone in a hurry)

The author needed to acquire a new laptop for a colleague and chose one at Costco after conducting personal research. Upon bringing the laptop home, the setup process was delayed by a lengthy update that took over 30 minutes, followed by an upgrade to version 23H2 that took an additional hour. The update process was complicated by the laptop entering sleep mode and requiring multiple updates, including a substantial 24H2. Additionally, the manufacturer’s software added 1.4 gigabytes of drivers, necessitating a reboot. The entire process stretched from around 6 PM to midnight, with significant data downloads involved. The author also faced issues with Microsoft Edge, which prompted unwanted notifications and settings imports despite instructions to keep browsers distinct.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Google Play Store to remove peer-to-peer ‘app share’ functionality

Version 44.1 of the Google Play Store has removed the "Share apps" feature, which allowed users to share installed applications via Nearby Share. This feature was introduced in early 2021 and enabled app transfers without internet or mobile data usage. The change was noted by 9to5Google in the official changelog, and while Google has not commented on the removal, there are speculations about security concerns related to potential malware distribution. Users can still share apps using Files by Google or third-party file sharing applications.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Best Educational PC Games for Students in Hong Kong | HP® Tech Takes

Hong Kong is increasingly integrating digital learning and gaming-based education, prompting parents and educators to seek effective educational games and hardware. Key factors that distinguish educational games include active learning engagement, scaffolded knowledge building, cognitive development support, and motivational elements. Research indicates that quality educational games can lead to a 23% improvement in test scores, 31% better retention rates, 27% increased engagement, 19% faster learning speed, and 35% higher completion rates. Recommended educational games include Minecraft: Education Edition for programming and STEM, Kerbal Space Program for physics and engineering, and DragonBox Algebra for mathematics. For optimal performance, systems should have a modern processor, dedicated graphics card, at least 16GB RAM, SSD storage, and reliable internet. Home setup should optimize space, ensure ventilation, and create dedicated learning areas, while best practices involve scheduled gaming sessions and parental involvement. Regular system maintenance is also necessary for optimal performance.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

How to rename the User folder on your Windows 11 PC

Microsoft's Windows 11 requires an active internet connection for installation and mandates the creation of a Microsoft account, which has raised privacy concerns. The User folder is automatically named using the first five letters of the associated email address, leading to issues for users with longer names. To rename the User folder, users can follow a complex process involving the Registry Editor, including creating a new user profile, switching to a local account, noting the SID of the user account, modifying the ProfileImagePath in the registry, renaming the folder in Windows Explorer, and creating a link between the old and new folder names using Command Prompt. Alternatively, users can create a new Microsoft account with the desired User folder name.

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

GOG’s Winter Sale Is Now Live, Save On Over 6,500 PC Games

GOG has launched its annual Winter Sale, featuring discounts on over 6,500 games, running until January 3, 2025. Free games and downloadable content are available daily until December 31, with The Whispered World free until December 15. Classic games are available for under , including Dragon Age Origins and System Shock 2. Cyberpunk 2077 is discounted, and its expansion Phantom Liberty is also available at a reduced price. Other notable discounts include Batman: Arkham Knight’s Premium Edition, Hotline Miami, and Alien Isolation: The Collection. GOG offers DRM-free games and ensures older titles are compatible with modern systems.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Rocksteady ending development for Suicide Squad in January

Studio Rocksteady will conclude development of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League next month after the release of Season 4 Episode 8 in January, which will be the last seasonal episode featuring a confrontation against Brainiac. All online features will remain operational, allowing players to continue cooperative play and access previous content. A new Offline mode will be introduced, enabling players to engage with the main story campaign and post-launch content without an internet connection. The game received mixed reviews and disappointing sales, leading Warner Bros to acknowledge that it did not meet expectations.

AppWizard

December 10, 2024

Stream Without Limits: Discover the Castle App for Android

The Castle App is a streaming application for Android users that provides free access to a wide variety of films and TV shows. Key specifications for installation include: Android version 7.1 or higher, a minimum of 1.5GB of RAM, at least 50MB of free storage, and an internet speed of at least 5Mbps for high-definition streaming. Installation steps involve enabling installations from unknown sources, downloading the Castle APK from the official website, locating the downloaded APK in the device's file manager, and launching the app after installation. The app features an extensive content library, a user-friendly interface, personalized recommendations, live TV access with over 1,000 channels, and offline viewing options. It prioritizes user security with advanced data encryption and secure payment processing, and users are advised to download the app only from the official Castle website.