A lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from 9. Key features of Windows 11 Pro include Azure AD support, BitLocker Encryption, and Hyper-V. The offer ends on September 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Windows and macOS offer various power management features to optimize energy consumption for both laptop and desktop users.
In Windows, users can access power options through Settings > System > Power (for desktops) or System > Power & battery (for laptops). Key features include:
- Power Mode options: Best Power Efficiency, Balanced, and Best Performance.
- Configurable screen, sleep, and hibernate time-outs to reduce energy use.
- Energy Saver mode, which minimizes background activity and dims the display.
- Customization of the Power & sleep button controls.
In macOS, users can find power settings under System Settings via the Apple menu. Key features include:
- Low Power Mode for laptops, which reduces background activity and dims the screen.
- Energy Mode options for Macs with Apple Silicon: Low Power, Automatic, and High Power.
- Options to prevent automatic sleep and optimize video streaming performance.
- Screen time-out settings under Lock Screen to adjust display delay when idle.
Windows 11 includes a built-in Task Scheduler that allows users to create custom notifications for various purposes, such as reminders or alerts. Users can access Task Scheduler by searching for it in the taskbar or Start menu, and they can create a basic task by navigating to the Action menu. Notifications can be scheduled with different frequencies, including daily, weekly, monthly, or based on specific events. Users can input notification text using the "msg" command in the Program/script field. Additionally, the Microsoft Clock app allows users to set custom alarms, while the Microsoft To Do app enables task creation with attached reminders. Third-party apps like TickTick also offer similar notification functionalities.
Google has introduced AI-powered scam call detection for Pixel phone users, analyzing incoming calls to alert users of potential scams. Not all Android devices support this feature. Various spam call prevention tools are available for Android users, including:
- Truecaller: A leading app with a user-generated database for identifying spam calls, offering Caller ID in its free version. It may produce false positives.
- Malwarebytes Scam Guard: Analyzes content like messages and links for scams, requiring manual submission for analysis and part of a premium package.
- YouMail: Blocks known scam numbers for free, includes Caller ID, and uses AI for text message fraud detection. Some features require a paid plan.
- Hiya Spam Blocker: Identifies suspicious calls with Caller ID and allows users to report dubious numbers. Paid plans offer automatic blocking and Call Screener features.
- Should I Answer?: A free app that checks unknown numbers against a community-maintained database, providing reputation assessments based on user reviews.
The methodology for compiling these apps focused on compatibility with various Android devices and essential features like Caller ID and automatic blocking, while also considering additional functionalities and accessibility.
Many users prefer default applications for calendars, messaging, and clocks, but third-party options like Chrono offer enhanced experiences. Chrono is an open-source clock application that provides a user-friendly interface, extensive alarm features, and an ad-free experience, but it is not available on the Google Play Store. The app features four tabs: Alarm, World Clock, Timer, and Stopwatch, with customization options including dark mode and Material design. Users can personalize the app's appearance and tag alarms for organization. Chrono's alarm functionality includes assertive alarms that require tasks to be completed before turning off, adjustable snooze intervals, and the ability to lock alarms. To download Chrono, users must visit the F-Droid website, download the app, and follow installation instructions. Updating Chrono through F-Droid is straightforward, while sideloaded users must check for updates manually or use a tool like Obtainium.
Power management options in Windows and macOS can help extend battery life for laptops and reduce energy consumption for desktops.
In Windows 11, users can access power options via Settings > System > Power (for desktops) or System > Power & battery (for laptops). Key settings include Power Mode (Best Power Efficiency, Balanced, Best Performance), screen and sleep time-outs, Energy Saver mode, and Power & sleep button controls.
In macOS 27 Golden Gate, users find power settings under System Settings > Energy (for desktops) or Battery (for laptops). Key features include Low Power Mode, Energy Mode options (Low Power, Automatic, High Power) for Apple Silicon Macs, and additional settings under the Options button. Screen time-out settings are found under Lock Screen in System Settings. Adjusting these settings can significantly impact energy usage.
In 2026, Windows 11 will introduce interface enhancements including a movable taskbar and a resizable Start menu. Windows 11 Pro will feature BitLocker for full-disk encryption, Hyper-V for running virtual machines, Windows Sandbox for safe application testing, Azure AD support for identity management, Snap layouts for multitasking, biometric login with TPM 2.0, DirectX 12 Ultimate for advanced graphics, and a Copilot feature in the taskbar. Currently, Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, until September 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Prices are subject to change.
Android Auto provides a range of applications designed to enhance the driving experience for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Key apps include:
- A Better Routeplanner (ABRP): A navigation app specifically for EV owners that helps plan road trips by generating trip plans with charging stops, estimated charging times, and projected battery levels. It supports over 1,000 EV models and offers a free version with basic features and a premium version with additional functionalities.
- Waze: A versatile navigation app that offers real-time traffic updates, estimated arrival times, and turn-by-turn directions. It can display charging stations along routes and is useful for both long and short trips.
- PlugShare: An app that provides a detailed overview of charging stations, allowing users to search for locations compatible with their specific EV. It includes community-driven features for reviews and connections among EV owners.
- Electrify America: An app for users of the Electrify America charging network that integrates with Android Auto, enabling drivers to find charging stations and access details directly from their vehicle's display.
These apps address common challenges faced by EV owners, such as locating charging stations and planning routes effectively.
Steam Deck debuted in early 2022 with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system that uses the Wine-based Proton compatibility layer to run Windows games. This development has significantly advanced Linux gaming, with approximately 95% of games functioning well on Linux. Steam's Verified program lists nearly 9,000 Verified games, and around 30,000 playable titles, with only about 1% of popular games failing to run entirely. Anti-cheat systems remain a major limitation, preventing popular titles like "Fortnite" and "League of Legends" from being playable on Linux. Game streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW offer alternatives for playing anti-cheat games on Linux. Linux distributions provide better controller support compared to Windows, particularly for handhelds and living room PCs. Accessing non-Steam games can be cumbersome, though tools like Heroic Launcher help. Compatibility issues with proprietary standards, such as HDMI 2.1 support, persist in Linux gaming.
Norton and Malwarebytes serve different purposes in cybersecurity. Malwarebytes Free is an on-demand scanner that lacks real-time protection, while Malwarebytes Premium offers a lightweight app with minimal settings. Norton provides comprehensive protection with a resident scanner included in all tiers. Norton excels in real-time protection, lab test scores, and features such as a firewall and parental controls, while Malwarebytes is effective at removing existing infections and has a free tier. Users can run Norton and Malwarebytes together, but it's recommended to use only one resident scanner to avoid conflicts. Malwarebytes maintains consistent pricing, while Norton has higher renewal costs. Malwarebytes is known for its user-friendly interface and quick installation, whereas Norton offers 24/7 support. In tests, both products effectively detected and removed threats, but Malwarebytes performed better in cleanup tasks.