Linux Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Timed Silence: An Open Source Android App to Automatically Silence Your Phone

Timed Silence is a Kotlin-based application for Android, created by Felix Nüsse, that manages smartphone volume settings, allowing users to mute, vibrate, or ring with sound. The app requires initial setup permissions and features an intuitive interface with a pause/play button. Users can create custom schedules, including pre-defined ones for "Night" and "Day." The app effectively activates Do Not Disturb (DND) at scheduled times, muting notifications while allowing calls and messages from specified contacts. Additional features include Calendar integration, Keywords for managing volume levels, Bluetooth compatibility, and a Sanity Check for priority contacts. The app is available on F-Droid, with source code and APKs on GitHub.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Which PC game store is your favorite and why?

Steam is known for its extensive library and support for Linux users through Proton, allowing seamless gameplay across various titles. GOG focuses on DRM-free gaming, appealing to players who value ownership and unrestricted access to their games. The Epic Games Store has gained popularity through exclusive titles and free game giveaways. Each platform caters to different preferences and gaming styles, contributing to the diverse landscape of digital gaming.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

5 tips for setting up BitLocker on Windows to secure your files

BitLocker drive encryption is a feature in Windows 11 that protects files from unauthorized access by encrypting the drive. It is enabled by default in Windows 11 Pro and higher editions, while a limited version is available in Windows 11 Home. Windows 11 automatically encrypts all fixed drives upon connection, and users should verify that all permanently attached drives are encrypted. Users can set drives to automatically unlock on the current PC or protect them with a password. BitLocker is a Windows-specific feature, making encrypted external drives inaccessible on other operating systems like macOS or Linux. Recovery keys for BitLocker-encrypted drives are automatically backed up for users with a Microsoft account, and it is recommended to create a Microsoft account for easier access to recovery keys. Users should also keep a second backup of the recovery key in case of internet outages, which can be printed or saved as a digital file.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Windows 11 is now the dominant OS among PC gamers

Windows 11 has become the leading operating system among PC gamers, with 51.97% of Steam users, surpassing Windows 10's 45.95% share. Windows 11's adoption among Steam users has risen, accounting for 96.61% of operating systems utilized by PC gamers. Windows 10's share has declined by 2.71% since September. The shift is attributed to Windows 11's superior integration of DirectX 12 technologies and advanced visual effects like ray tracing. Linux holds 2% of the gaming market, while MacOS has 1.39%. In terms of hardware, 46.75% of users have 16GB of RAM, and 31.61% have 32GB. Full HD displays are used by 57.32% of gamers, while 19.71% use 1440p displays.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Exploring eBPF for Windows: Opportunities and Limitations

The extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) allows for the execution of custom code in kernel space, enhancing application performance management and security. Windows has introduced support for eBPF, but it has limitations. Microsoft began a project in 2021 to enable eBPF capabilities on Windows, allowing the use of existing Linux eBPF tools and libraries. To install eBPF on Windows, a kernel debugger or test-signing mode is required, which is impractical for production systems. eBPF for Windows is still in development, suitable for experimentation, but not yet ready for real-world deployment. There is no clear timeline for a production-ready version, and development activity has slowed.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Valorant is winning the war against PC gaming cheaters

In 2020, multiplayer games experienced a surge in cheating during COVID-19 lockdowns, with titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, and Destiny 2 struggling against aimbots and wallhacks. Riot Games launched Valorant with its anti-cheat system, Vanguard, which has effectively deterred cheat developers. Vanguard employs a kernel-level driver that detects unauthorized access attempts and has led to a decrease in traditional software cheats, although some cheaters have shifted to hardware solutions like direct memory access (DMA) techniques. Vanguard has also been successful in detecting and blocking suspicious hardware-level DMA attempts. Currently, triggerbots account for about 80 percent of cheats in Valorant. Vanguard was introduced to League of Legends, resulting in over 175,000 account bans. A study from the University of Birmingham indicated that Valorant has the top anti-cheat system, while other games like Call of Duty: Warzone continue to struggle. Riot is exploring collaborations with Microsoft to enhance security and may adjust Vanguard's activation based on Windows 11 features. There are no plans for Linux support due to risks of kernel manipulation. The potential rise of AI-powered cheats presents a new challenge, as AI could replicate human gameplay, complicating anti-cheat efforts.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Respawn blocks Linux users from Apex Legends

Respawn Entertainment has announced that Linux users will no longer have access to Apex Legends due to significant cheating issues associated with the operating system. This change affects Steam Deck users, as the device operates on Linux by default. Players can still access the game on the Steam Deck if they install Windows instead of using Linux. The decision does not impact players using Steam on Windows or other supported platforms.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Remember Bricopacks? They could transform Windows XP into something special

Windows XP was known for its user-friendly interface and performance, leading to a community-driven desire for customization. Notable contributions included BricoPacks, which were comprehensive suites of software and tweaks that enhanced the operating system. These packs provided features such as a sleek dock for applications, revamped window styling and cursors, new wallpapers and taskbar designs, and customizable start menus. Customizing Windows XP required technical skills and experimentation, supported by active forums. Today, customization options remain available for Windows, and Bricopacks can still be downloaded for use with Windows XP virtual machines.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded? You have 5 options before support ends in 2025

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive updates, including security patches. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10, buy new hardware, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, pay for Extended Security Options (ESUs) from Microsoft, or attempt to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11 despite potential risks. The final version of Windows 10, 22H2, will receive monthly security updates until the end-of-support date.

AppWizard

November 3, 2024

You Can Get Minecraft: Java and Bedrock Editions on Sale for A$38 Right Now

Gamers can currently purchase a digital download of Minecraft: Java and Bedrock Editions at a promotional price, reduced from the regular price. The Java Edition is designed for desktop environments (Windows, macOS, Linux) and is known for its customization options through mods and skins. The Bedrock Edition offers cross-platform compatibility, allowing play on consoles, mobile devices, and PCs, and is optimized for less powerful hardware. It also includes access to the Minecraft Marketplace and supports controller play and Chromebooks. Worlds and saves from the Java Edition cannot be transferred to the Bedrock Edition.