NAS Archives

Winsage

May 6, 2025

This is what I’m doing with my old Windows 10 PC instead of trading it in like Microsoft wants me to

Numerous alternatives exist for extending the life of a Windows 10 PC instead of discarding it. 1. Installing Linux Mint can provide a user-friendly transition to a different operating system, allowing old hardware to remain functional. 2. Transforming the PC into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device by installing an operating system like TrueNAS Scale can repurpose the hardware for file storage across a network. 3. There are emerging third-party support options that may offer security patches for Windows 10 after Microsoft ends its support, allowing users to continue using the operating system. Repurposing older technology promotes sustainability and offers new experiences.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Jack Black Made Music History With A Minecraft Movie Song

In "A Minecraft Movie," Steve, voiced by Jack Black, creates a fast-food venture called Steve's Lava Chicken, which features a 34-second jingle that has gained popularity among "Minecraft" fans. The song debuted at #77 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the shortest song ever to chart, surpassing Kid Cudi's "Beautiful Trip." Other notably short songs on the Hot 100 include Piko-Taro's "PPAP," which peaked at #77 and runs for 44 seconds, and "Little Boxes," which reached #83 with a runtime of one minute and two seconds. The shortest song to reach #1 is "Stay" by Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs, at 98 seconds. In contrast, André 3000's instrumental piece debuted at #90 and is the longest single on the chart at 12 minutes and 20 seconds. Taylor Swift's "All Too Well (Taylor's Version)" is the longest song to reach #1 at 10 minutes and 13 seconds.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

7 things you can do with your old Windows 10 PC instead of trading it in

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and suggests trading in old PCs that cannot be upgraded. However, trading in may not provide significant discounts, and there are various ways to repurpose old hardware. 1. Install Linux: Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Pop! OS can extend the life of older PCs due to their low system requirements and long-term support. 2. Make it a retro gaming machine: Using Emulation Station, an old PC can be transformed into a retro gaming machine, allowing access to thousands of classic games. 3. Make it a media server: Old PCs can be converted into home media servers using platforms like Plex and Jellyfin, enabling offline viewing of shows and movies. 4. Use it as a game server: An old PC can host game servers for titles like Minecraft, allowing for a unique gaming experience with friends. 5. Power your smart home: Turning an old PC into a Home Assistant server can help manage smart home devices from a single interface. 6. Turn it into a NAS: An old PC can be transformed into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution for centralized data backup across multiple devices. 7. Kickstart your home lab: Setting up a home lab using dedicated operating systems or platforms like Docker can turn an old PC into a multifunctional server for various services.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

TOS 6 in public preview for ARM shows we’re going to see many more NAS

Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.

Winsage

February 23, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: super-fast file managers for Windows 11, faster Edge, new builds, and more

Microsoft Edge has received performance improvements, particularly for lower-end devices, with the latest version 132 enhancing the user interface. Alternatives to File Explorer for Windows 10 and 11, such as File Pilot, are emerging. Support for Windows 95 has ended in a widely-used application, and Microsoft has released several updates for the Windows Insider Program, including new builds for Windows 11 and 10. The Snipping Tool app has been updated to include a cropping tool for easier editing of screen recordings. Microsoft clarified that a feature to keep Microsoft Accounts always signed in will not be implemented at this time. Additionally, a significant update patched high-severity vulnerabilities in Edge, and the Edge Add-ons website has been revamped. Finalwire's AIDA64 has dropped support for Windows 95, 98, and Me. Battery Flyout has been updated to generate detailed battery reports. Xbox and PC Game Pass subscribers can expect new game releases in February 2025, including titles like Avowed and EA Sports F1 24. Sea of Thieves has introduced new content in Season 15, and GTA V on PC will receive an upgrade on March 4. Xbox consoles can now support external hard drives larger than 16TB. The GeForce NOW streaming service has added new titles to its library.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

5 reasons you shouldn’t use Windows as a NAS OS

The author transformed a mini PC into a basic Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution using a standard Windows installation. While Windows can work for simple setups, it is generally inefficient for NAS due to its resource usage, lack of native ZFS support, forced updates, complicated Docker and VM management, and clunky remote access. Windows runs unnecessary background services that consume RAM and storage, while dedicated NAS software optimizes performance. Windows does not support ZFS natively, which is beneficial for data integrity and features like compression and encryption. Windows updates can disrupt services due to their unpredictable nature, unlike dedicated NAS systems that allow for scheduled updates. Managing Docker containers or virtual machines is more complex on Windows compared to Linux, which is better suited for these tasks. Remote access on Windows requires cumbersome setups, while Linux offers easier SSH access and web interfaces for management.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

5 reasons I can’t go back to Windows after trying Linux

Linux distributions are popular in the server realm but remain a niche in the broader computing landscape dominated by Windows. The command-line interface (CLI) in Linux aids troubleshooting with detailed logs and accessible commands, unlike Windows, which often requires extensive navigation. Linux package managers, such as Yum and Nix, offer a more secure and straightforward application installation process compared to Windows tools like WinGet and Chocolatey. Linux distributions have lower performance overhead, making them suitable for older devices, while Windows 11 has high system requirements. Linux is viewed as better for privacy, avoiding intrusive advertisements and telemetry services present in Windows. The versatility of Linux allows it to cater to various computing needs, enabling users to transform installations into servers, media hubs, or NAS. Despite its advantages, Windows still excels in certain areas, such as game compatibility and access to Adobe products, which may require a Windows virtual machine for Linux users.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Windows 10 on the brink of extinction: This is how vulnerable you really are!

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025, meaning new security vulnerabilities will not be patched, increasing exposure to threats. Cybercriminals are expected to target Windows 10, which still has over 60% market share, making it an attractive target. ESET estimates that around 32 million PCs in Germany are still using Windows 10. Users can opt for the Extended Security Updates program for an additional cost, extending updates until October 2026, or use 0Patch for updates until 2030. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 will receive updates until 2032, but its use as an office PC is restricted. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 where hardware compatibility exists for ongoing security updates and new features.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

4 things you can do to turn your Windows 11 machine into a home server

Windows 11 can be transformed into a self-hosting and experimentation workstation through various methods: 1. Configure Storage Spaces and Network Shares: Windows 11 can serve as a basic file-sharing and backup server by adjusting network and file-sharing settings. Storage Spaces allows users to combine multiple drives into mirror and parity pools for enhanced storage resilience. 2. Run Type-2 Hypervisors: Users can deploy virtual machines using Type-2 hypervisors like VirtualBox and VMware Workstation Pro on Windows 11, enabling exploration of home server concepts. 3. Enable Hyper-V: Hyper-V can be enabled on Windows 11, including the Home version, providing enhanced performance for virtual machines, although a powerful PC is required. 4. Set Up Docker Desktop: Docker Desktop allows for the deployment of containerized applications on Windows 11, which are less resource-intensive than traditional virtual machines. Proper configuration of Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2) can improve compatibility and performance. Windows 11 has limitations such as higher resource consumption compared to Linux, prevalent security vulnerabilities, and frequent update issues, but it can still be utilized for setting up a home server.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Rainmeter is an impressive Windows customization tool

Users are exploring alternatives to the default File Explorer in Windows 11, with OneCommander being a popular choice among enthusiasts. Various recommendations from the community include Total Commander and Directory Opus. A user experienced burn-in on their QD-OLED monitor after using a static image for a year but found relief by switching to dynamic wallpaper. They appreciate QD-OLED technology and plan to upgrade to a newer generation panel. The Linux ecosystem features numerous distributions, with the user rotating between NixOS, Pop_OS!, Debian, and Q4OS based on their needs. A user transformed an outdated dual-Xeon CPU and motherboard into a home lab and budget gaming system, highlighting its versatility. Despite being a professional writer, the user relies on four fingers for typing and feels retraining could hinder productivity. Their first laptop was a Dell Inspiron 8500, which sparked their interest in technology. Microsoft’s OneDrive integration in Windows 11 has mixed reviews, with some users disabling automatic backups for a cleaner workspace. The gradual rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 has not introduced significant changes, leading some users to wait for broader adoption. A Discord server dedicated to co-working has helped one user maintain productivity while working from home. The challenge of non-repairable tech is noted, with companies like Framework promoting sustainability through repairable products. Opinions on drive partitioning vary, with some advocating for multiple partitions while others prefer a single partition for simplicity. Casual gaming with Vampire Survivors has become a favorite for low-stress gameplay. The need for RAM in gaming PCs is increasing, with 16GB being standard and 32GB ideal for many users. The user was motivated to build their first PC for better gaming performance, inspired by the original Titanfall game. They transformed an old PC into a smart home hub using Home Assistant, enhancing device management. Obsidian is being explored for running tabletop RPGs, showcasing its versatility. The user transitioned from the unreliable Snipping Tool to Greenshot for capturing screenshots. Odd-length M.2 drives are noted as scarce in consumer markets despite the rise of smaller NVMe SSDs. The user is exploring alternative browsers like Floorp and Vivaldi after years of using Chrome.