letters Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2025

How to Easily Uninstall McAfee Antivirus Completely

McAfee can appear on computers without user consent, often pre-installed on new laptops or bundled with other software. To uninstall McAfee on Windows 10 or 11, users can access the Settings app or Control Panel to remove it. For Mac users, the McAfee Total Protection Uninstaller can be used, but some residual files may need to be deleted manually. If standard uninstallation methods fail, the MCPR removal tool can be used to thoroughly clean up remnants of the software. Uninstalling McAfee is generally not detrimental, as many users prefer alternative antivirus solutions or rely on built-in protections provided by their operating systems.

BetaBeacon

May 5, 2025

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – May 2025 round-up

- Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE is a game included with Apple Arcade subscription where players roll katamari to make them bigger in a mock livestream format. - The gameplay of Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE remains similar to its original version from 2004, with some minor changes in controls and influencer window dressing.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

6 first world Windows 11 problems I desperately want Microsoft to fix

Windows 11 creates local user directories using the first five letters of a user's email address instead of their actual name, which can be frustrating for users. The Taskbar thumbnail preview animations are lacking fluidity compared to previous Windows versions. Dark mode is inconsistent, with light mode interfaces appearing in various parts of the OS. Task View and Virtual Desktops animations can be choppy on systems without dedicated graphics cards. The transition between the Start menu and the Search pane feels abrupt and unrefined. Additionally, ads within Windows 11 lack personalization, leading to frustration for users who already subscribe to Microsoft services.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

I turned my Windows PC into an EdgeBook — Microsoft’s web apps were the most glaring issue

Microsoft Edge was used as the sole application for two weeks to explore its capabilities as a potential alternative to ChromeOS for Windows 10 users. The experiment revealed that while Edge has useful features like the Sidebar and Edge Drop, the web versions of Microsoft Office were inadequate for daily tasks, often performing poorly and lacking functionality compared to desktop versions. Essential applications identified during the experiment included Snipping Tool, PowerToys, Microsoft Office apps, and a dedicated photo editor. The experiment also highlighted the possibility of uninstalling many applications from Windows 11, emphasizing the benefits of a clean install. Additionally, the potential of Windows 10X as a competitor to ChromeOS was noted, though it remains unrealized.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

5 nostalgic Windows 11 themes anyone can install

Installing a nostalgic Windows theme can evoke memories of simpler times through retro designs. Notable themes for Windows 11 include: 1. Windows XP Final Edition: Offers a near-authentic representation of Windows XP, requiring tools like Theme Patcher and SecureUXTheme ThemeTool for installation. 2. SynthWave 84: Features vibrant ‘80s disco-inspired designs with two color schemes and a collection of wallpapers and icons. 3. Retro Theme: Captures the ‘70s aesthetic with altered menu bar colors and 15 HD images reflecting the era's cultural references. 4. Vintage Theme: Evokes pre-digital nostalgia with 17 images representing vintage life, easily installed through the Settings menu. 5. Autumn Colors: Showcases 17 HD images of fall's color palette, highlighting nature's beauty without altering cursors or sounds.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

6 reasons why I think Microsoft should keep the ‘local account’ option in Windows 11

Microsoft has updated Windows 11 to make it more difficult for users to bypass internet and Microsoft account requirements during installation, specifically in builds 26120.3653 and 26200.5516. The "BypassNRO.cmd" script, which allowed the creation of local accounts without an internet connection, has been removed. Local accounts provide enhanced privacy by storing data locally, simplify the setup process without needing an internet connection, and allow unrestricted access to systems in offline environments. Users can choose meaningful folder names with local accounts, and they facilitate smoother Remote Desktop connections compared to Microsoft accounts. Although local accounts can still be created post-installation, there are concerns about their availability in future updates, especially for the Home edition.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Powertoys 0.90: Command palette allows quick program start

Microsoft has released version 0.90.0 of Windows Powertoys, featuring the new "Command Palette" that allows users to quickly search for and launch applications by pressing the Windows key, Alt, and the space bar. The update also includes minor bug fixes, improvements to the color picker, and enhancements to the New+ function for creating predefined files and directories with variable support. Users can check for updates directly within Powertoys. The new installation packages for Powertoys 0.90.0 are available for download in both user and system-wide installations for x64 and ARM64.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

A high schooler built a website that lets you challenge AI models to a Minecraft build-off

Developers are exploring new methods to benchmark generative AI models, with one initiative being the Minecraft Benchmark (MC-Bench), a platform for head-to-head competitions among AI models that generate unique Minecraft creations. Users vote on the performances without knowing which AI created each entry. The project, created by 12th-grade student Adi Singh, leverages Minecraft's universal recognition to evaluate AI capabilities. MC-Bench currently has eight volunteer contributors and has received support from major AI companies like Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and Alibaba. The focus is on simple builds, with plans to scale to more complex tasks. MC-Bench requires models to write code for requested builds, making it easier for users to assess the quality of creations visually. Singh believes the scores from MC-Bench provide meaningful insights into AI performance compared to traditional text-based benchmarks.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

You might mock Microsoft’s new emoji button in Windows 11 but as someone that’s explained how to quickly access emojis and special characters too many times, I get it

Microsoft has introduced a dedicated emoji button in the taskbar of the latest beta build of Windows 11, allowing users to quickly access various emojis, including the thumbs-up. This feature can be activated using the Win + . shortcut, which brings up a window with emojis, emoticons, gifs, clipboard options, and special characters. Microsoft aims to improve the discoverability of this emoji panel, acknowledging its importance in a blog post. The feature is currently being tested in beta update 22635.5015 and is expected to be integrated into the main version of Windows soon. Users can also enable or disable system tray icons for a minimalist interface.

Tech Optimizer

March 2, 2025

5 things you may already be doing that compromise your Windows security

Many individuals compromise their computer security through everyday habits, which cybercriminals exploit, leading to data theft and unauthorized access. Common missteps include: 1. Downloading software from untrusted sources, which can harbor malware. To mitigate this risk, always download from official websites and consider using a sandbox for testing. 2. Using weak or reused passwords, making accounts vulnerable if one site is breached. To enhance security, use a password manager, enable multi-factor authentication, and create unique, complex passwords. 3. Clicking on phishing emails and links, which can lead to credential theft. To defend against phishing, scrutinize emails and links, and visit official websites directly for verification. 4. Disabling or ignoring antivirus and firewall protection, which exposes PCs to risks. Ensure these protections remain active and trustworthy before bypassing any warnings. 5. Ignoring software and OS security updates, which are crucial for addressing vulnerabilities. Regularly installing updates helps maintain security, as neglecting them can leave systems exposed.