modifications Archives

Winsage

August 25, 2025

I tried a “kinder” Windows 11 experience with AtlasOS, and this is how it should be

Windows 11 has faced criticism for its telemetry features, mandatory Microsoft Edge inclusion, and resource-consuming background processes that can hinder performance. AtlasOS offers a structured setup process requiring a clean installation of Windows 11 with a local account. Users download the AME Wizard and Atlas Playbook from the AtlasOS website to apply modifications, including disabling Windows Security features and replacing Microsoft Edge with alternative browsers like Brave or Firefox. After installation, AtlasOS modifies the desktop experience, aligning the taskbar to the left and introducing a new wallpaper. It disables animations for faster application opening times and optimizes power plans for performance. Bing search is removed from the search bar, enhancing search efficiency. Privacy is prioritized by disabling telemetry services and location permissions. Performance tests show that AtlasOS stabilizes CPU usage and slightly reduces memory consumption compared to standard Windows. Benchmark results indicate minor performance improvements, with AtlasOS scoring slightly higher in Geekbench 6 but comparable in Cinebench 2024. Users should manage expectations regarding performance gains, as the primary advantage lies in an improved user experience rather than significant speed increases.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

“My Apps” Feature Rolls Out to Xbox PC Insiders This Week

Microsoft announced that the "My Apps" feature will start rolling out to PC Gaming Preview insiders this week. This feature will be integrated into the Xbox PC app's library, allowing users to locate, view, and download various gaming applications from a single location. Initially, insiders will have access to a curated selection of applications, with plans for expansion. The feature is designed to improve navigation within the Xbox full-screen experience, especially for the upcoming Xbox ROG Ally launching on October 16. It reduces background activity to allocate more system resources to gameplay and includes an aggregated gaming library and play history.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends Soon. Here Are Your Best Options if You Can’t Upgrade

Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 on October 14, meaning users will no longer receive bug fixes, technical support, or security updates. Extended security updates (ESU) will be available for a fee, primarily aimed at businesses and educational institutions, with a consumer version available for one year. Users can also consider alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex. Microsoft suggests cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for those unable to upgrade their devices. Some users are opting for third-party security software, such as the 0patch agent, to address security risks associated with using Windows 10 post-support. There are methods to bypass Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checks using tools like Rufus or Registry Editor modifications.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

The latest Windows 11 Canary update shows that Microsoft really just wants to move past the Control Panel already

Microsoft is accelerating the transition from the Control Panel to the Settings app in Windows 11, as evidenced by the recent Canary update. This update introduces several new features in the Settings app, including: - The ability to add additional clocks via Settings > Time & language > Date & time, with options to display them in the system tray and Notification Center. - A new option to change the time server under Settings > Time & language > Date & time. - Relocation of formatting settings for date and time, allowing modifications of AM/PM symbols and other options from Settings > Time & language > Date & time. - Adjustments for number and currency formats through Settings > Time & language > Language & region. - A toggle for enabling Unicode UTF-8 support for global language compatibility under Settings > Time & language > Language & region. - The option to copy current user language and region settings to the welcome screen and system accounts under Settings > Time & language > Language & region. This increase in feature migration may indicate Microsoft's preparation for the end of support for Windows 10 in October, aiming to provide a cohesive experience for users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Fake Antivirus App Spreads Android Malware to Spy on Russian Users

Cybersecurity experts at Doctor Web have identified a new variant of Android malware called Android.Backdoor.916.origin, active since January 2025. This malware can eavesdrop on conversations, steal messages, stream video, and log keystrokes. It targets Russian business representatives rather than average users, being distributed through direct messages as a fake antivirus app named GuardCB, which mimics the Russian Central Bank's emblem. The app requests extensive permissions, including geolocation, audio recording, camera access, and SMS data, and can function as a keylogger. It is designed for persistence, launching background services and communicating with multiple command-and-control servers. The malware can livestream audio, broadcast video, capture text, and upload contacts and call history. It exploits Android’s Accessibility Service to capture keystrokes and prevent uninstallation. The interface is exclusively in Russian, indicating it is specifically designed for a targeted group. Users in Russia are advised to download applications only from trusted sources to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Minecraft Snapshot 25w34b

This week, a new main menu panorama has been introduced, along with a comprehensive Code of Conduct for servers and ongoing enhancements with Copper Golems. Snapshot 25w34b has been released, addressing connectivity errors with Realms. New features include an in-game Code of Conduct that players must accept to access a server, with an option to opt out of future displays unless updated. A new boolean field, enable-code-of-conduct, has been added to server.properties to manage this feature. The main menu has been updated to feature Copper Golems. The sound effect for the End Light Flashes has an increased delay, and the accessibility setting "Hide Lightning Flashes" has been renamed to "Hide Sky Flashes." Copper Golems will now have invisible eyes when splashed with a Potion of Invisibility, and their hitbox has been adjusted to allow navigation through open doors. Sounds associated with Copper Golems and Copper Chests can now be heard from up to 12 blocks away, with modifications to the volume of copper sorting sounds. The Data Pack version has been updated to 84.0, introducing a new fetchprofile command for downloading player profiles. The alignitemsto_bottom block state property has been removed from the Shelf block. Fixed bugs in 25w34b include issues with glowing items, world selection screen overflow, and various interactions with Copper Golems and other entities. Snapshots are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and players are advised to back up their worlds before installation.

Tech Optimizer

August 19, 2025

We’ve learned how to migrate databases from Oracle to Postgres Pro at 41 TB/day

An organization transitioning from Oracle Database to Postgres Pro faces challenges such as slow data transfer, the need to keep the source system operational during migration, and risks of data loss or corruption. ProGate is a toolkit developed to simplify this migration process, consisting of three main components: 1. **ProCopy**: A utility for high-speed initial data loading, achieving speeds of 200–500 MB/sec for Oracle to Postgres Pro migrations and around 1 GB/sec for PostgreSQL to Postgres Pro migrations. It allows for parallel execution, column omission, renaming, and on-the-fly data type modifications. 2. **ProSync**: A tool for continuous change synchronization (CDC) that captures and applies changes from Oracle to Postgres Pro in real-time, minimizing downtime during migration. 3. **ProCheck**: A tool that verifies data quality and integrity post-migration by comparing tables, rows, and columns across both databases to identify discrepancies. ProGate is designed for extensive databases, supports hot migrations with minimal downtime, and ensures strict data consistency. Limitations include potential manual intervention for schema changes, specific mapping for custom data types, and effectiveness issues with tables lacking primary keys. The public release of ProGate is planned for this fall, with future enhancements including a graphical user interface and support for additional database sources.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

You Can No Longer Turn Off App Updates in Microsoft’s Store

The Microsoft Store has changed its app update policy, limiting users to delaying individual app updates for a maximum of five weeks, down from the previous option to pause updates indefinitely. Users can manage these settings in the App updates section of Settings, where they will receive notifications about the potential risks of missing critical updates. This change is part of a broader trend in Microsoft's update policies, which previously allowed indefinite pauses for operating system updates but now enforces a 35-day limit. The motivation behind these changes is primarily focused on enhancing security by encouraging timely installation of updates. The new policy applies only to apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store, and users seeking indefinite delays may need to consider alternative sources, albeit with the risk of missing important security updates.

AppWizard

August 17, 2025

Minecraft: ‘Baby Game’ Or Secretly The #1 Best Hardcore ARPG?

Minecraft is a real-time game that requires players to be alert and responsive, as threats like Creepers can disrupt gameplay without warning. The game features item-centric progression similar to classic ARPGs, where players seek superior gear and upgrade their equipment. Its enchantment system allows players to apply magical properties to items, enhancing gameplay akin to modding in other ARPGs. The game's simplistic art style may mislead some to view it as a children's game, but it possesses significant complexity and depth. The modding community actively expands Minecraft's capabilities, creating modifications that can rival standalone games. Additionally, the creative mode offers limitless possibilities for construction and exploration, fostering community and creative expression among players of all ages.

AppWizard

August 17, 2025

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers Mod Restores Uncensored Version

Last week, Leenzee released Patch 1.5 for WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers, which addressed gameplay issues such as DLAA/TSR problems, knockout recovery, and healing speed, but also introduced censorship that has generated discussion among players. A mod is available for PC gamers to revert to the uncensored Version 1.4. Patch 1.5 changed how players interact with certain bosses and NPCs, replacing death with collapse from exhaustion and adding new dialogue. While some players may prefer these changes, others may want to revert to Version 1.4, which means losing the enhancements from Patch 1.5. The modding community has created several mods compatible with Version 1.4 to improve knockout recovery, healing speed, fix DLAA/TSR issues, and speed up item pickup animations. Additional mods include an Easy Mode for accessible gameplay and the ParryAnything Mod, which introduces a parry system similar to Sekiro. A DLSS 4 Frame Gen Mod is also available for NVIDIA RTX GPU owners, enhancing graphics without interruptions. These mods allow players to enjoy the uncensored version while benefiting from improvements from the latest patch.