menu bar Archives

Winsage

July 6, 2025

I replaced my Windows desktop with this custom shell, and I actually love it

Cairo Shell is an application that transforms the Windows desktop experience by altering the taskbar and user interface elements. It serves as a file browser, displaying the contents of the desktop folder and allowing easy navigation through any folder directly from the desktop. Users can access their desktop contents via a keyboard shortcut or taskbar button, maintaining workflow continuity. The menu bar, reminiscent of macOS, provides access to settings, favorite programs, and user folders, allowing customization and quick access to files. The taskbar features a floating design with adjustable icon sizes and an option to auto-hide, though it does not combine icons for the same application. Cairo Shell is user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process that enhances the overall experience.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Android’s youthful new design will change the way you make and answer calls

The latest iteration of the Phone by Google app features a refreshed design aimed at enhancing user experience, currently being rolled out to select public beta users. The update includes a simplified bottom menu bar with three options: “Home,” “Keypad,” and “Voicemail.” The Home tab displays favorite contacts in bubbles and a straightforward call log that lists each call as a distinct entry. A new gesture feature allows users to swipe horizontally to answer or decline incoming calls. The incoming call screen has a playful design with contacts in a lumpy circular frame. The update is expected to roll out in September and includes a new “Pixel VIP” widget for Pixel devices, offering enhanced details about favorite contacts.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

OneDrive for Mac will soon give you more flexible storage options

OneDrive for Mac will soon support syncing with removable external drives, following the previous support for non-removable drives. This feature is available to Insiders using build 25.097 or later on macOS 15.0 or later. The external drives must be formatted for APFS, protected by FileVault, and not be read-only, network drives, or marked as quarantined. Users cannot transfer external drives between Macs for migrating OneDrive files; they must reconfigure OneDrive on the new device. Microsoft is seeking user feedback on this feature but has not provided a timeline for wider availability.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

macOS 26 Tahoe vs Windows Vista: Who did glass better?

Apple announced a visual redesign called Liquid Glass, set to debut with macOS 26 Tahoe. This design features transparency effects in context and dropdown menus, system controls, and the Control Center, where elements exhibit a glass-like quality. The dock allows icons to have varying translucency, with options for classic, dark, clear, or tinted versions. However, some inconsistencies exist in the beta version, such as tinted icons lacking transparency. The glass effects are present in many of Apple's apps, with navigation panes on a glass-like surface and floating menu buttons that are translucent. In comparison, Windows Vista's Aero Glass was noted for its impactful use of transparency in title bars and window borders, creating a sense of depth and enhancing user experience. Although Apple's Liquid Glass is meticulously designed, it may come across as too subtle compared to the more pronounced Aero Glass effects. The impressions of macOS 26 Tahoe are based on the initial developer beta, and improvements are expected before its public release later this fall.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Resize your windows the right way on macOS using MacsyZones

The user transitioned from Windows to Mac and found macOS generally positive but lacking certain productivity features, particularly a built-in window snapping function similar to Windows' FancyZones. A third-party application called MacsyZones has been introduced, which allows users to create custom layouts for window snapping, enhancing workflow. The installation of MacsyZones is straightforward, and it resides in the menu bar with a minimalist interface. Users can create layouts by naming them and resizing windows, with each layout assigned a snap key for easy activation. MacsyZones allows for asymmetrical layouts, enabling one window to occupy a larger portion of the screen while others take up smaller spaces. This customization is beneficial for multitasking and improves productivity, especially for users with multiple applications or secondary monitors.

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.

Tech Optimizer

April 29, 2025

Intego Mac Internet Security

PCs were introduced before Apple’s Macintosh, leading to the emergence of PC viruses and the establishment of antivirus companies, with Macintosh protection being less prioritized. Intego focused on Macintosh security from the start, offering Intego Mac Internet Security, which includes a firewall that manages network permissions and defends against external attacks. Intego has been effective against Mac malware, achieving a 99.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Intego's pricing is competitive, with a standard annual fee of .99 for a single license and .99 for three licenses. A five-device subscription costs .99, while the Mac Premium Bundle starts at .99 annually and includes additional features. A 14-day free trial is available, and free alternatives like Avast and AVG are also on the market. Intego supports older macOS versions back to Mavericks (10.9), but the latest version requires High Sierra (10.13) or later. The installation process for Intego is straightforward, requiring a restart and granting necessary permissions. The main interface includes components for updates, firewall, and antivirus, with user-friendly access to scanning options. Intego has received certification from AV-Comparatives and detected 100% of Windows malware samples in tests. Its quick scan takes about two and a half minutes, while a full system scan takes seven minutes. Intego's Safe Browsing feature checks existing browser protections but lacks a dedicated antiphishing solution. The NetBarrier firewall allows users to classify their network and manage traffic permissions effectively, although it may be complex for some users.

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

5 ways to use the Linux terminal on your Android phone

Android 15 includes a fully functional Linux terminal, allowing users to execute familiar commands, though running GUI applications can be challenging. With Android 16, the terminal receives more space. Users can connect to remote machines via SSH by configuring the SSH config file for easier access. The terminal serves as a platform for learning the Linux command line, executing commands, and accessing manuals. Developers can use it for coding, with Python pre-installed, and can create applications directly on their devices. The terminal also supports the installation of the MariaDB database server for database management. Additionally, users can create hidden files for storing sensitive notes using the Nano editor.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Windows 11 users are getting fixes for some longstanding bugs in 24H2 today, including the cure for a seriously annoying File Explorer glitch

Microsoft is rolling out its monthly update for Windows 11 version 24H2, which includes significant fixes to enhance user experience. The update addresses a bug in File Explorer that caused the flyout menu to extend upwards instead of downwards, making some options inaccessible for users with the window near the top of the screen. Additionally, it resolves issues related to wake-from-sleep functionality, including devices crashing with a Blue Screen of Death and random screen orientation changes on 2-in-1 laptops. The update is being deployed as a controlled rollout, with a preview update released in late March for a limited audience. The full patch notes will provide further details on additional fixes included in the update.

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.