macOS Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Windows 10 support shutdown offers window of opportunity for a Linux OS developed in Dublin

Windows 10 support will end in October, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats, and many older laptops may not meet the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, prompting the need for new laptops. Zorin OS, created by the Zorin brothers, is a user-friendly Linux-based operating system that has garnered over 10 million downloads and is preparing for its 18th release. The Zorin brothers emphasize their commitment to user feedback and community collaboration, contrasting their approach with that of major tech companies. The "End of 10" campaign promotes Linux as a viable alternative to costly Windows upgrades, encouraging users to retain existing hardware while adopting new software for cost savings and enhanced privacy. Zorin OS is noted for its intuitive interface and compatibility with popular applications accessible via web browsers, making it a practical choice for users seeking to maintain security and performance on older laptops.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

How I easily transfer files between my Android phone and Mac

QuickDrop is a free file transfer application designed for sharing files between Android and MacOS devices. Users need an Android device, a MacOS device, and a shared wireless network to use the app. Installation involves downloading QuickDrop from the Google Play Store on both devices. To transfer files, users launch QuickDrop on both devices, select the MacOS device from the list on the Android device, choose a file to send, and accept the transfer on the MacOS device. For sending files from MacOS to Android, users must add QuickDrop to the MacOS Share menu, enable it, and then select it when sharing a file. The transferred files are saved in the Downloads folder on the receiving device.

TrendTechie

August 25, 2025

Представлен открытый проект PikaTorrent 0.14.0

A new open-source project, PikaTorrent 0.14.0, is a cross-platform BitTorrent client available on GitHub under the GNU General Public License v3.0. It supports both magnet links and torrent files, allowing seamless organization and downloading across PCs, Android devices, and terminal environments. Key features include cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android), a user-friendly interface with light and dark themes, and remote management via WebRTC. The latest version introduces support for audio track selection, speed limit settings, and increased customization with an incoming peer port option in advanced settings. The source code is written in Dart and C++.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Why Microsoft defined the modern PC with Windows 95

Windows 95 was released on August 24, 1995, in the United States, and became a cultural phenomenon, supported by a significant advertising campaign featuring the Rolling Stones' song "Start Me Up." The operating system introduced the "Start" menu and was technically advanced for its time, despite some user interface challenges. Microsoft faced intense competition from IBM's OS/2 and the growing home PC market, which included the rise of gaming consoles. Windows 95 was made available for testing through a beta program, and its launch was backed by a 0 million advertising budget. The operating system included a "Plug & Play" feature, although it often led to crashes. Windows 95 relied on a DOS substructure and introduced DOS version 7.0, allowing better use of 32-bit processors. Microsoft also launched "The Microsoft Network" (MSN) alongside Windows 95, but Internet Explorer was only available in the additional "Plus!" package. By the end of 1995, Microsoft sold 40 million licenses for Windows 95, which continued to receive updates until 2001. The startup sound composed by Brian Eno was later added to the US Library of Congress in 2025.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Sorry, Bill Gates: I haven’t used Windows for years, and I don’t miss it one bit

The author transitioned from Windows to Linux nearly two decades ago, prompted by frustrations with Windows Vista. They appreciate Linux for its diverse distributions catering to various user needs, with user-friendly options like Ubuntu and Linux Mint for beginners and more customizable options like Arch Linux for experienced users. The author enjoys experimenting with different distros, particularly Fedora and Arch Linux. Gaming on Linux has improved significantly, with Valve's Proton enabling seamless play of Windows games, including titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and X4: Foundations. The installation process for Linux is simpler and less intrusive than Windows, which requires a Microsoft account and involves privacy-related choices. Linux also supports older hardware better than Windows and Apple, promoting sustainability. The author does not miss Windows and views Linux as the superior operating system.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

LibreOffice 25.8 Drops Windows 7-8.1 Support, Adds Speed and AES-256 Encryption

LibreOffice 25.8 has been released by The Document Foundation, ending support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, meaning users on these operating systems will no longer receive updates or security patches. The new version requires a minimum of Windows 10 and includes performance enhancements, such as faster document loading and improved interoperability with Microsoft formats. Security upgrades include AES-256 encryption and PDF 2.0 export capabilities. The decision to discontinue support for older Windows versions reflects a broader industry trend towards modernization and innovation. Future versions will also require macOS 11 or later. Users on outdated systems are encouraged to evaluate alternatives or stick with earlier versions.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

With critical Windows 10 deadline weeks away, it’s the ideal time for a £250 Chromebook price crash

Microsoft will discontinue security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users vulnerable to security risks. The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is available for £249 at Currys and offers a budget-friendly alternative with features such as an Intel Core 3-N355 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Currys provides a flexible payment plan for the Chromebook, and it operates on ChromeOS, which does not require regular updates. The device supports Wi-Fi 7 and includes a 1080p Full HD webcam, a 14-inch Full HD+ IPS display, and a long battery life of 10-15 hours. Purchasing the Chromebook also includes a complimentary 12-month trial of Gemini Advanced.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Who should consider Windows PowerToys?

Windows PowerToys is a collection of utilities for the Windows operating system, originally created for power users in the Windows 95 era and revived as an open-source project in 2019 for Windows 10 and 11. It is actively maintained by Microsoft engineers and volunteers. Key features include: - FancyZones: A window manager for creating custom snap layouts. - PowerToys Run: A launcher for quickly opening applications and files. - Keyboard Manager: Allows remapping of keys and creation of new shortcuts. - Text Extractor: Enables copying text from images or on-screen elements. - Mouse Utilities: Includes cursor highlighting and keyboard control of the mouse. PowerToys also offers File Explorer add-ons, a Color Picker, and utilities for batch renaming or resizing files. It is beneficial for users looking to streamline tasks and customize their systems, but may not be necessary for those engaged in basic computer activities. There may be a learning curve and occasional bugs due to its open-source nature.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Microsoft Warns All Windows Users—This Message Is An Attack

Microsoft has issued an advisory warning Windows and macOS users about a wave of attacks known as ClickFix, which targets enterprise and end-user devices globally. ClickFix is a sophisticated social engineering tactic that deceives users into executing malicious scripts on their devices, leading to malware installation, information theft, and potential ransomware attacks. The attacks often begin with deceptive technical support popups or fake Captchas that instruct users to run commands in systems like Windows PowerShell. ClickFix relies on human intervention, allowing it to bypass traditional security measures. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of user education to recognize these threats and reduce vulnerability, as well as implementing policies to strengthen device configurations.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Google TV and Android TV to Transition to 64-Bit Apps, Promising Enhanced Performance

Google will transition to 64-bit app compatibility for Google TV and Android TV starting in August 2026. All new applications and updates submitted to Google Play for these platforms must support both 32-bit and 64-bit ARM architectures. Google will provide developers with tools to assist in this transition, including support for various Nvidia Shield models and a 64-bit Google TV emulator for macOS devices with Apple Silicon. 32-bit support will remain available for older devices during this transition.