launch Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2025

6 PowerToys tools that quietly make my day ten times easier on Windows

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several productivity-enhancing tools for Windows 11 users: - Keyboard Manager: Allows users to create custom shortcuts and swap keyboard layouts, such as changing the positions of the Y and Z keys on a QWERTZ layout. - Quick Accent: Simplifies typing accented characters by providing a flyout menu for selecting accents when holding down a letter and pressing Space. - New+: Introduces a template folder for storing frequently used documents, enabling quick generation of new files. - Workspaces: Lets users save and launch a specific layout of applications simultaneously, streamlining workflow. - PowerToys Run/Command Palette: Provides quick access to applications and commands through keyboard shortcuts, allowing for instant launching and execution of commands. - FancyZones: Enhances window management by allowing users to create custom layouts for snapping applications into designated zones on their screens.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

The best Oblivion Remastered mods

The modding community has become essential to the experience of Bethesda RPGs, particularly with the launch of Oblivion Remastered. Modders are updating existing mods and creating new ones, although the introduction of Unreal Engine 5 alongside Gamebryo may slow the maturation of the modding scene. Key mods include: - Oblivion Script Extender: A crucial tool expected to support complex customizations. - Ultimate Engine Tweaks: Helps alleviate performance issues by allowing players to disable certain visual effects. - Universal Achievement Unblocker: Prevents mods or console commands from blocking achievements. - Better HUD: Provides smaller compass options and minimalist designs for a more immersive experience. - No HUD No Effects: Toggles off UI elements and visual effects for distraction-free gameplay. - Unleveled Item Rewards: Ensures players receive optimal quest reward items. - Difficulty Slider Fixed: Balances difficulty settings for a consistent challenge. - Auto Local Map: Automatically opens the local map when entering an interior space. - First Person Horse: Allows first-person riding, despite some clipping issues. - Faster Sleep and Wait: Speeds up the waiting process for players.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

How To Dual Boot Linux and Windows on any PC

The process of installing Linux has evolved from text-based installers in the late 1990s to user-friendly graphical installers in distributions like Ubuntu and OpenSUSE. Users can start with a single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi or set up a dual-boot configuration with Windows and Linux using a custom boot menu called GRUB. It is advisable to back up the drive before installation to prevent data loss. To create a Linux Install USB, users need to download an ISO image of the Linux distribution and use Rufus to write it onto a USB drive of at least 8GB. The steps include selecting the USB drive, choosing the Linux OS, selecting the GPT partition scheme, and writing the OS in ISO image mode. For dual-boot installation, users should insert the USB drive, boot from it, and select “Try or Install Ubuntu” from the GRUB menu. After testing hardware functionality, the installation process involves selecting language, configuring accessibility, choosing keyboard layout, connecting to the Internet, and selecting installation options. Users must choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” and allocate space for each operating system. After installation, users need to adjust BIOS settings to ensure the system boots from the Linux installation. This includes selecting the Boot menu, setting the Linux install as Boot Option 1, and saving the changes. Upon rebooting, users can select their Linux OS from the GRUB menu and verify the functionality of both operating systems.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Delete Your Password

Microsoft aims to eliminate passwords for a billion users, promoting the use of passkeys that enhance account security by linking it to physical devices. The company warns that password-related attacks are increasing and emphasizes that having both a passkey and a password leaves accounts vulnerable to phishing. On World Password Day, Microsoft encourages users to abandon passwords entirely. The FIDO Alliance supports this initiative with a "Passkey Pledge," highlighting that over 35% of individuals have faced account compromises due to password vulnerabilities. Research shows that 54% of those familiar with passkeys find them more convenient, and 53% believe they offer better security. Microsoft will make new accounts passwordless by default and encourages existing users to remove their passwords. Passkeys are described as easy to use, intuitive, and resistant to phishing. For those who continue to use passwords, Microsoft advises making them long and complex and using authentication apps for two-factor authentication.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Turns out that the earliest versions of Windows 7 took longer to load depending on your choice of desktop wallpaper

The mauve desktop background in Windows 7 may have caused slow boot times, with users experiencing delays of up to 30 seconds at the welcome screen when using a solid color background. This issue was attributed to a programming error and was addressed by Microsoft in November 2009, five months after the launch of Windows 7.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

GeForce NOW to Get DOOM: The Dark Ages, Blades of Fire and More in May

NVIDIA's GeForce NOW platform is set to release several new PC games in May, including: - Survival Machine - May 7 - Revenge of the Savage Planet - May 8 - Spirit of the North 2 - May 8 - The Precinct - May 13 - DOOM: The Dark Ages - May 15 - Blacksmith Master - May 15 - 9 Kings - May 19 - RoadCraft - May 20 - Monster Train 2 - May 21 - Survive the Fall - May 21 - Blades of Fire - May 22 - Tokyo Xtreme Racer - Available on Steam - The Last Spell - Available on Steam - War Robots: Frontiers - Available on Steam - Torque Drift 2 - Available on Epic Games Store Recent additions to the library include: - Deadzone: Rogue - April 29 - Haunted House Renovator - April 30 - Far Cry 4 - April 30 - Anno 1800 - May 1 - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered - May 1 - Blood Strike - Available on Steam - DREDGE - Available on Xbox - LONESTAR - Available on Steam - Soulstone Survivors - Available on Steam DOOM: The Dark Ages will feature path tracing and NVIDIA DLSS, with path tracing available shortly after launch.

BetaBeacon

May 1, 2025

Flappy Bird – Official Android Epic Games Store Launch Trailer

Flappy Bird, a classic mobile game developed by Flappy Bird Foundation, has launched its Android version on the Epic Games Store. The game features familiar gameplay in the Classic mode and offers a Quest Mode for new challenges. Players can now download Flappy Bird on the Epic Games Store for Android.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Ubisoft, Devolver Digital, and Failbetter Games Confirmed for PC Gaming Show 2025

The PC Gaming Show will take place on June 8th at noon PT, featuring over 50 titles, including world premieres, exclusive announcements, updates, and developer interviews. Confirmed developers include Ubisoft, Failbetter Games, Devolver Digital, and Astra Logical. Ubisoft is expected to present Assassin’s Creed Shadows and insights into its first story expansion, Claws of Awaji. Failbetter Games will showcase Sunless Skies, Devolver Digital will present Enter the Gungeon 2, and Astra Logical will introduce Castle Craft. Other upcoming showcases include Summer Game Fest on June 6th, Future Games Show on June 7th, and Xbox Games Showcase on June 8th at 10 AM PDT.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Assassin’s Creed Shadows announces more difficulties, more immersion options, more Jesuits, and a bo staff in its year 1 roadmap

Ubisoft has announced a post-launch roadmap for Assassin's Creed Shadows, featuring a year of updates that include patches, new features, and enhancements. This month, players can expect: - A free quest focused on Yasuke's companion, Luis Frois. - Quality-of-life improvements, including the potential reinstatement of the multi-sell feature. - An updated photo mode for creative expression. - A special collaboration similar to past co-marketing efforts. - Refinements to parkour mechanics, introducing new movement options. Future content will include: - A new free quest and ally. - New difficulty settings. - Gameplay immersion options, such as headgear visibility in cutscenes. - An open-world alarm system with unspecified changes. Ubisoft has also teased expansions, including new storylines, collaborations, unique gear for the battle-pass system, and the Claws of Awaji expansion, which will add a new region. Additionally, Naoe will be able to wield a bo staff, enhancing combat dynamics.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

How to schedule WhatsApp messages on Android

Users can schedule messages on WhatsApp for Android by following these steps: 1. Open WhatsApp on the Android device. 2. Select the chat for the scheduled message. 3. Compose the message. 4. Access the scheduling options, usually indicated by a clock icon. 5. Set the desired date and time for sending the message. 6. Confirm the schedule to finalize the process.