Mac users Archives

Winsage

June 19, 2025

[Fixed] How to Recover Unsaved Word Document on Windows 10/11

4DDiG Data Recovery is a tool designed to recover unsaved Word documents by scanning the AutoRecover folder and other locations. It can recover corrupted, deleted, unsaved, or formatted MS Office files with a high success rate and offers a free trial. Users can preview files before restoration, and the software is compatible with various storage devices and Windows operating systems (7, 8, 10, and 11) without requiring technical skills. To recover an unsaved Word document using 4DDiG, users should install the tool, select the drive where the documents were lost, scan for unsaved documents, preview, and then recover the desired files. Microsoft Word has built-in features for recovering unsaved documents, including the Document Recovery Pane and manual searches for AutoRecover files with ".asd" and backup files with ".wbk" extensions. Temporary files with a ".tmp" extension may also contain unsaved work and can be retrieved from a specific path. To prevent future losses, users are advised to enable AutoRecover and create backup copies in Word's settings. Common recovery questions include the ability to recover unsaved documents depending on AutoRecover settings and the locations of AutoSave files, which vary by operating system. For Windows, common paths include C:Users[Username]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWord and C:Users[Username]AppDataLocalMicrosoftOfficeUnsavedFiles.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Will your old laptop still get security updates after this year? Check this chart

The tech community is dissatisfied with Microsoft's compatibility requirements for Windows 11, which have made some PCs from six or seven years ago obsolete and ineligible for security updates. Apple's update policy for MacOS is similarly restrictive, with free security updates provided only for the three most recent versions. The upcoming MacOS 26 Tahoe will lead to MacOS 13 Ventura no longer receiving updates, leaving older Macs unsupported due to hardware compatibility issues. Macs from 2017 or earlier will not upgrade to MacOS 14 Sonoma. Users can check compatibility through the "About This Mac" option. For Windows PCs, compatibility with Windows 11 generally requires a CPU from 2019 or later, with Microsoft's PC Health Check app available to identify issues. Windows 10 users can purchase security updates for up to three years after the end of support in October 2025, unlike Mac users. Both platforms typically provide security updates for eight to ten years after release.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

Will your Mac or Windows PC still get security updates in 2026? Check this chart

Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system has introduced stringent compatibility requirements, making many PCs, some as young as six or seven years old, ineligible for security updates and upgrades. Apple's MacOS update policies are similarly restrictive, with security updates provided for the three most recent versions. When a new version is released, older systems may become unsupported and stop receiving updates. The upcoming MacOS 26 Tahoe is expected to launch in September, at which point MacOS 13 Ventura will cease to receive updates, affecting older Macs. Unsupported models include MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or Mac Mini from 2017 or earlier, and iMac and Mac Pro models from 2018 or earlier. For Windows PCs, compatibility with Windows 11 generally requires a CPU released in 2019 or later, though some older Intel CPUs may qualify. Microsoft offers a PC Health Check app to assess compatibility, and users can bypass certain checks to install Windows 11. Windows 10 users can pay for security updates for up to three years after support ends in October 2025, a feature not available for Mac users. Security updates for both Mac and Windows PCs are typically available for eight to ten years after the release date.

Winsage

June 7, 2025

‘Screenbox’ Is a Sleek and Capable VLC-Based Video Player for Windows

Screenbox is a free and open-source video player designed for Windows 11, offering a user-friendly interface and extensive media format support. It is built on the LibVLCSharp framework, ensuring compatibility with all media formats supported by VLC. The application features a visually appealing interface with essential buttons, support for YouTube's keyboard shortcuts, picture-in-picture functionality, and a media library that includes default video and music folders with options to add more directories. Screenbox is suitable for both casual file playback and organization of media libraries.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

More than a decade later, WhatsApp finally brings out an iPad app

WhatsApp has launched its app for iPads, now available on the App Store, allowing users to access its full functionality on a larger screen for the first time in over a decade. The iPad app includes features like chat synchronization across devices, compatibility with Apple's Magic Keyboard, and navigation using the Apple Pencil. Previously, iPad users could only use WhatsApp through a web version that required a constant connection to a mobile phone. The new app enables better multitasking by allowing users to run WhatsApp alongside other applications.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Mac users are obsessed with this cult-favorite, lifetime Microsoft Office deal

Many users are paying recurring fees for Microsoft 365 subscriptions for applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A one-time purchase option for Microsoft Office is available for .99, which includes essential applications and eliminates ongoing costs. This version supports macOS Ventura and is optimized for Retina displays. It offers lifetime access without the need for monthly payments, making it a more economical choice compared to Microsoft 365, which costs 0 annually. A Windows version is also available. The deal provides a stable version of Office without unexpected updates or changes.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Any Mac users working with Parallels Pro can now get Windows 11 Pro for less than $15

Microsoft is phasing out Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11. Mac users can currently purchase Windows 11 Pro for .97, a significant discount from its regular price of 9. Windows 11 Pro includes enhancements like a streamlined interface, Snap Layouts, multiple desktops, Windows Sandbox, biometric login support, TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, and an AI-powered Copilot assistant. This offer is available for a limited time, and no coupon is required.

Tech Optimizer

May 31, 2025

Study offers a national report on antivirus software trends

Nearly half of Mac users have encountered viruses despite having protective software installed, challenging the belief that Apple products are immune to malware. The report highlights that 71% of Android users have antivirus software, but only 49% seek third-party tools. More than half of Americans do not use additional security measures beyond antivirus. Among iOS users, 38% are unaware of third-party antivirus options. While 84% have antivirus on computers, only 68% have it on smartphones and 60% on tablets. Despite widespread adoption, only 16% of antivirus users feel their software is ineffective. The virus encounter rates are 44% for Mac users, 36% for Windows users, and 30% for other platforms.

Tech Optimizer

May 29, 2025

How to turn off antivirus

Antivirus software is crucial for digital security, providing protection against malware threats. Users may need to disable antivirus temporarily for reasons such as system resource consumption, particularly during resource-intensive tasks like gaming, or to bypass false positives when installing applications. Disabling antivirus software poses risks, especially when browsing the internet, as even legitimate sites can be compromised. Precautions to take when disabling antivirus include disconnecting from the internet, avoiding USB drives, using trusted networks, closing non-essential applications, verifying the legitimacy of downloaded files, and limiting browsing to secure websites. Users should promptly re-enable their antivirus after completing necessary tasks.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Screw the Windows Search Bar, and Use Command Palette Instead

Mac users utilize Spotlight for searching applications, files, calculations, and web browsing, while Windows users have the Search Bar, which is less versatile. Command Palette is a new keyboard launcher for Windows, replacing PowerToys Run, allowing users to execute commands, search the web, find files, and create custom bookmarks with global keyboard shortcuts. Command Palette is part of PowerToys, which can be downloaded from GitHub, the Microsoft Store, or via the Windows Package Manager. After installing PowerToys version 0.9 or higher, users can enable Command Palette in the settings and customize its keyboard shortcut. Users can search for files by selecting the File search option and typing the desired term, and they can switch between open windows and execute commands in the Terminal. The hidden package manager WinGet allows users to install applications via Command Palette without opening the Terminal. Users can also enhance Command Palette with third-party extensions, which are currently limited but may expand in the future.