NAS Archives

Winsage

January 7, 2026

3 Free Windows File Managers That Beat File Explorer

Recent evaluations of three free alternative file managers—OneCommander, Files, and FileVoyager—show that they outperform Windows File Explorer in efficiency and usability, particularly for tasks like bulk renaming and data transfer. While File Explorer has improved with features like tabs and cloud integration, it still falls short for power tasks, requiring excessive clicks and context switching. OneCommander offers a familiar interface with dual-pane layouts, tabs, and interactive navigation, excelling in seamless navigation and file operations. It maintained stable connections during large data transfers. Files is a modern, open-source option with strong cloud support and effective media handling, benefiting from community-driven updates. FileVoyager provides extensive control with dual panes and customization options, appealing to power users who prefer keyboard-driven control. All three alternatives demonstrate improved interaction efficiency and stability during complex tasks compared to File Explorer, making them viable replacements for users managing extensive media libraries or engaging in heavy bulk processes.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Windows 11 KB5068861 won’t install, File Explorer SMB search not working on network shares, and other issues

Windows 11 users are facing installation issues with the KB5068861 update from the November 2025 Patch Tuesday release, which addresses 63 critical security vulnerabilities. Errors reported include 0x80070306, 0x800f0983, and 0x800f081f. Affected users can wait for an optional release or use the Media Creation Tool, which downloads the same patch. Some users have reported a malfunctioning SMB search feature after the update. The installation errors have prompted reports of specific error codes, and attempts to resolve them through SFC scans or health checks have been largely ineffective. Downloading the .msu package from the Microsoft Update Catalog is recommended, followed by an installation attempt. If unsuccessful, the Media Creation Tool can be used while retaining user data. The November 2025 Update includes enhancements like a revamped Start menu, improved battery icons, and performance improvements, particularly for gamers. However, some users have encountered Bluetooth connectivity issues, especially on AMD PCs, with a temporary fix involving adjustments in Device Manager. The KB5068861 update has also caused a bug affecting search functionality over shared networks, leading to slower search results or empty listings for businesses. This issue arises from a breakdown in communication between the Windows client and the server’s search index. Users can restore functionality by restarting the Windows Search service or rebuilding the index. Additionally, the remote search functionality over SMB is compromised, preventing the Windows client from utilizing the server’s index. Users may need to uninstall the update to restore functionality, which requires disabling the Sandbox feature first. Specific DISM commands can be used to identify and remove the update, or it can be uninstalled through the Settings menu.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

10 Of The Best Free Android Apps You Haven’t Heard Of

A selection of free Android apps with a minimum rating of 4.0 on the Play Store includes: 1. Solid Explorer File Manager - Rated 4.3 stars from 150,000 reviewers; features a dual-pane layout, cloud storage integration, file management across various storage options, batch renaming, and AES encryption. 2. Cashew - Expense Budget Tracker - Rated 4.8 stars; provides visual representations of spending, tracks subscriptions, and securely backs up data via Google Drive. 3. RunPee - Rated 4.7 stars with over 500,000 downloads; notifies users of optimal restroom break moments during movies and provides summaries of missed scenes. 4. Orbot: Tor for Android - Rated 4.0 stars; connects users to the Tor network for enhanced online privacy and allows for device-wide or app-specific encryption. 5. Libby, the Library App - Rated 4.8 stars; connects users to their local library's digital collection for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks, supports offline reading, and integrates with Kindle devices. 6. Image Toolbox - Edit & Convert - Rated 4.7 stars; offers photo editing capabilities, file format conversions, and an OCR feature for text extraction. 7. MacroDroid - Device Automation - Rated 4.4 stars; allows users to create custom automation workflows with over 80 triggers and 100 actions. 8. Hermit - Lite Apps Browser - Rated 4.6 stars; enables the creation of lightweight web-based applications with features like ad blocking and dark mode. 9. Bitwarden Password Manager - Rated 4.8 stars; provides secure password management with end-to-end encryption and syncing across devices. 10. ReadEra - Book Reader PDF EPUB - Rated 4.8 stars; supports various document formats, offers an ad-free reading experience, and includes features like bookmarks and text-to-speech.

BetaBeacon

October 28, 2025

No more ad-filled Android games; this is why I gave my husband the gift of emulation

Marcel's wife wanted to find him a dedicated gaming device with proper physical controls and higher-quality games to replace the ad-filled games he played on his Android phone. After considering the Switch and Steam Deck, she decided on an Android gaming handheld based on advice from a colleague. When she gave Marcel the Retroid Pocket Classic as a gift, he was surprised but delighted, as he had been curious about old Game Boy units. He was unfamiliar with the concept of emulation and Android gaming handhelds but was excited to figure it out.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Russian hackers replace malware with new tools, Windows updates cause login issues, campaign targets high-profile servers

Mark your calendars for this Friday's Super Cyber Friday, featuring the session titled "Hacking the Death of EDR." Russian state-sponsored hacking group Coldriver has introduced three new malware strains: NOROBOT, YESROBOT, and MAYBEROBOT, following the exposure of their previous tool, LostKeys. The new malware is designed to evade detection and extract sensitive data from high-value targets. Microsoft has acknowledged that Windows updates released since August 29th are causing login failures on systems with duplicate Security Identifiers (SIDs), leading to authentication failures. Microsoft recommends rebuilding affected systems or contacting support for a temporary fix. Kaspersky researchers have identified a likely Chinese-speaking threat actor behind the “PassiveNeuron” campaign, targeting government, financial, and industrial servers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America since 2024, using custom implants and Cobalt Strike. CISA has added high-severity vulnerabilities in Oracle E-Business Suite, Microsoft Windows SMB Client, Kentico Xperience CMS, and Apple JavaScriptCore to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring federal agencies to patch by November 10th. Researchers from France's CEA and Soitec have unveiled a new chip architecture called Fully Depleted Silicon-on-Insulator, designed to defend against laser fault injection attacks on automotive microcontrollers. During Pwn2Own Ireland 2025, researchers exploited 34 zero-days across various devices, earning a total of 2,500 in rewards, with Team DDOS chaining eight zero-days to compromise a QNAP router and NAS. Koi Security researchers discovered a new self-propagating malware named GlassWorm, which has infected approximately 36,000 developer systems by exploiting Visual Studio Code extensions, pilfering credentials, and installing remote access tools. PolarEdge is a botnet malware targeting Cisco, ASUS, QNAP, and Synology routers, first detected in February, which installs a TLS-based backdoor to fingerprint hosts and execute tasks while employing anti-analysis techniques.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Simplewall is the Windows Firewall tuning tool everyone needs

A firewall acts as a barrier against threats to devices, with most operating systems including one for basic protection. The Windows Defender Firewall has a complex interface, but it features a powerful packet filtering engine. Simplewall is a standalone network filtering application built on the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) that offers users straightforward control over network traffic. It includes a rules editor that allows users to manage applications and services, enabling them to block or allow specific traffic easily. Users can create custom rules based on protocol, ports, or IP addresses, which is particularly useful in home lab environments. Simplewall also provides an OS-level blacklist to limit Microsoft's data collection and can block known advertising and tracking IPs. It is compatible with various Windows versions, including Windows 7 and ARM64 architecture, and can filter traffic from the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Simplewall is available in a portable version, does not log telemetry data, and is open-source. However, users must manage rules carefully, as blocking critical services can lead to connectivity issues. The development of Simplewall is supported by a community that contributes to its improvement.

AppWizard

September 15, 2025

Hard drive prices are set to soar “immediately” according to leaked WD letter

WD is implementing a comprehensive price increase on its hard drive offerings due to unprecedented demand and the need for ongoing investment in innovation. Customers may experience shipping delays of up to ten weeks as a result of these changes. The price adjustments will be gradual and effective immediately. Additionally, WD is shifting to ocean freight for a larger portion of its product shipments to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance sustainability.

AppWizard

September 8, 2025

These are my 6 favorite self-hosted apps I use on my Android phone

Megan Ellis explores self-hosting solutions that offer cost savings and enhanced control over personal data. She has discovered various services that integrate with Android applications, improving her user experience through remote management, push notifications, and regular backups. Immich allows users to back up photos directly to their own servers, offering a sleek interface and features for folder selection and background syncing, although it can be slow at times. Paperless-ngx is an open-source document management platform that simplifies document uploads through its mobile app, making organization more efficient. Vikunja is an open-source to-do list app that provides push notifications but requires sideloading. It serves as an appealing alternative to TickTick for task management. Home Assistant is a self-hosted smart home automation platform that offers extensive functionality, though it may face integration challenges with smart devices. Karakeep is a self-hosted bookmarking solution that syncs across devices, enhancing the ability to save important content efficiently. Donetick is an app for managing chores and personal tasks, allowing automation of task scheduling based on completion dates, though it requires sideloading and lacks HTTP support. Ellis is also exploring other self-hosted services like Jellyfin and Nextcloud, valuing their cross-platform access despite the setup challenges.

AppWizard

September 7, 2025

This is the Samsung app I miss most when I use my Pixel

The Pixel 8 is appreciated as a capable smartphone, but it lacks some features found in the Galaxy S24 FE, particularly in software capabilities. Samsung My Files is favored over Files by Google in a poll, receiving 56% of the votes compared to 18% for Files by Google. My Files excels in connecting to network storage and offers superior search functionality, allowing users to search within documents. It also features a breadcrumb menu for easier navigation. However, Files by Google has advantages such as the Safe Folder feature for securing content, quick access tools, and a more visually appealing interface. Despite the strengths of both stock file managers, the author prefers third-party file management apps for greater control and versatility, with Samsung My Files being the preferred choice if limited to stock options on the Pixel.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

I automate my Windows PC maintenance with Task Scheduler, here’s how

The Windows Task Scheduler is a feature available since Windows 95 that allows users to automate tasks based on specific conditions. Users can create scheduled tasks for various maintenance activities, such as running Disk Cleanup weekly, installing Windows updates at night, conducting security scans with Windows Defender, and backing up files using Robocopy. Automating these tasks helps maintain optimal computer performance and reduces the cognitive load associated with manual maintenance.