KDE Plasma Archives

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Every Windows user should keep a live version of Linux handy

Many users experience frustration with operating system issues on Windows, often leading to time wasted on troubleshooting and rebooting. A live version of Linux, such as Linux Mint, can serve as a reliable alternative for diagnosing and fixing Windows-related problems. This live distribution runs from a USB drive and provides essential troubleshooting tools without the complications of Windows recovery environments. Utilities like GParted, Memtester, Foxclone, and Clonezilla are available for managing file systems, testing memory, and recovering data. Setting up a live version of Linux is straightforward, involving formatting a USB drive and flashing a live ISO. Linux Mint Xfce Edition is noted for its user-friendliness, while tools like Ventoy allow multiple ISOs on a single drive for versatility. A live Linux setup offers a familiar desktop experience and a suite of recovery tools, making it a valuable resource even for non-Linux users.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

My 6 favorite open-source Android apps from the Google Play store – and why that matters

Android's ecosystem is closely linked with open-source software, attracting many enthusiasts. The Google Play Store offers a variety of open-source applications. 1. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with essential features, industry-leading encryption, two-factor authentication, auto-fill capabilities, and a random password generator. It has a free version and a premium account for additional features. 2. Brave: A secure browser built on Chromium, featuring enhanced privacy tools, a built-in AI tool named Leo, and a toggleable VPN. It provides insights into tracker and ad blocking. 3. Wavelet: A free, open-source app for music lovers that offers preset sound profiles for various earbud models and features like AutoEQ, a graphic equalizer, and channel balance. 4. Tor Browser: A privacy-focused browser with extensive security features, though it may have slower loading times due to multiple security layers. It is free and open-source. 5. KDE Connect: An app that integrates Android devices with Linux systems, allowing users to share clipboard content, files, URLs, and notifications. It enhances productivity by enabling command execution on Linux devices from mobile phones. 6. ProtonVPN: A VPN service developed by CERN scientists, offering strong security features, access to servers in over 110 countries, and a free account with limitations. Paid plans provide higher speeds and more features.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

I switched to NixOS after using Windows my whole life, and here’s how it went

The author transitioned from Windows to NixOS as their primary operating system after using it intermittently for a year or two. They have extensively used a MacBook for work while maintaining a personal machine with Windows and a dual-boot setup with Linux. Recent statistics indicate that Linux users account for 5.4% of all visitors, with Windows holding a market share of 72.13% and macOS at 15.46%. NixOS allows users to manage the entire system through a single configuration file, offering atomic changes and reliable rollbacks. It isolates each package in its own environment to avoid dependency issues. NixOS supports individual application updates without impacting the entire system, enhancing flexibility. The author notes that while major applications like Photoshop are not supported, open-source alternatives are available. The relevance of Windows is diminishing as Microsoft focuses on Azure and SaaS offerings, making Linux a more appealing option.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Don’t toss your Windows 10 PC! Try switching to Plasma instead

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 at midnight on October 14th, ending new features, security updates, and app compatibility. In response, Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 or recycle their devices. Many users are hesitant to upgrade due to financial constraints or preference for their current system. KDE has launched the KDE for Windows 10 Exiles campaign, promoting Linux as an alternative for those unable to upgrade. The campaign highlights KDE Plasma, a user-friendly interface compatible with various Linux distributions like OpenSUSE, Fedora, Manjaro, and Kubuntu. Users can install OpenSUSE with Plasma to revitalize their machines, and resources are available to help extend the life of Windows 10 PCs after support ends.