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Upgrade Your Windows 11 Experience with These 10 Free Alternatives to thew Standard Apps
Winsage
February 17, 2025

Upgrade Your Windows 11 Experience with These 10 Free Alternatives to thew Standard Apps

- ImageGlass is a fast and versatile replacement for the default Photos app, supporting various image formats and basic editing tools. - Files App is a modern alternative to File Explorer with features like split tabs, compact views, and smooth navigation. - LibreOffice is a free, open-source office suite that provides alternatives to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. - GIMP is a powerful, open-source image editing tool with advanced features like layer management and color correction. - ShareX, Lightshot, PicPick, and SnipPaste are enhanced screenshot tools offering features like screen recording, annotations, and workflow automation. - ScreenBox is a VLC-based media player with robust format support and a sleek design. - Nora is a modern audio player with dynamic controls, playlist management, and an equalizer. - PDF Gear offers advanced PDF features like annotation, editing, and built-in OCR. - Zen Browser is a privacy-focused web browser built on Firefox, emphasizing security and customization. - Fluid Cast is a dedicated podcast app with offline downloads and progress tracking. - Qalculate! is a versatile calculator supporting basic and complex calculations, while SpeedCrunch is a keyboard-focused calculator for quick calculations.
6 open-source alternatives to Windows Media Player that are probably better than it
Winsage
December 25, 2024

6 open-source alternatives to Windows Media Player that are probably better than it

Windows 11 introduces a revamped media player called Windows Media Player, which has a modern interface but may lack certain functionalities, leading users to seek alternatives. Audacious is a straightforward audio library manager with a minimalist design that allows users to import music collections and create playlists, supporting internet streams. MPV is a lightweight video player with a minimalistic interface that supports a wide range of formats and allows drag-and-drop playback, primarily functioning through command-line. SMPlayer provides a user-friendly graphical interface on top of MPV, enhancing usability with features like dual subtitle support and internet streaming, while remaining compatible with various formats and codecs. Clementine offers advanced music management with an intuitive interface that organizes tracks and generates playlists based on listening habits, integrating with internet services for streaming music and radio. MPC-HC is a lightweight media player known for extensive codec support, offering features like subtitle support, playback position saving, and content streaming from platforms like YouTube. VLC Media Player is renowned for its versatility, supporting virtually every audio and video format, including DVD playback, and can search for subtitles online, making it a top choice for media playback across platforms.
Steam Link Android app adds AV1, HDR support
AppWizard
November 19, 2024

Steam Link Android app adds AV1, HDR support

The Steam Link Android app has been updated to support over 500 new Android devices and now includes AV1 video streaming support for high-quality streaming from high-end PCs. The AV1 codec enhances video quality while reducing bandwidth usage, which is beneficial for users with poor network conditions. The update also adds HDR streaming support for Windows users, allowing enhanced 1080p or 4K streaming options. Valve has implemented a settings recommendation system based on network tests to help users optimize their streaming experience. Other improvements include better compatibility with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, resolutions for surround sound issues on Android TV, and the ability to disable low-latency audio. The update is being rolled out, and Steam Link v1.3.12 can be downloaded from official sources, though some Android TV devices may not support AV1 streaming. Users need a capable PC to utilize HDR, AV1, or surround sound audio features. The update also introduces a new Wi-Fi Lock setting to reduce streaming interruptions.
Is Linux Really Difficult For a Windows User? My Personal Journey Answers It!
Winsage
September 22, 2024

Is Linux Really Difficult For a Windows User? My Personal Journey Answers It!

The author transitioned from being a Windows-only user to using a dual-boot configuration with Windows 10 and Ubuntu, eventually moving to a laptop with Windows 11 due to a power supply issue. They fully transitioned to Ubuntu 22.04.4 LTS but later switched to Fedora after complications with GPU usage tools. The author learned to navigate various package managers and desktop environments, ultimately preferring GNOME for its productivity features. They utilize several applications on Linux, including GIMP, Spotify, Proton VPN, and LibreOffice. The author appreciates Linux's customization options and positive gaming experiences, particularly with Cyberpunk 2077. They recommend Linux Mint for newcomers and acknowledge some challenges in gaming and software availability. The author believes that Linux is accessible even for those with minimal technical expertise.
Nvidia driver update causes BSOD on older Windows PCs
Winsage
August 6, 2024

Nvidia driver update causes BSOD on older Windows PCs

Nvidia's latest graphics drivers (version 555 and beyond) cause Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors for users with older CPUs that lack the POPCNT instruction, particularly affecting Windows 10 users with processors like the Core 2 Duo E8400. This issue arises even when using supported Nvidia graphics cards such as the GTX 750 Ti and newer. The BSOD error message "System thread exception not handled" occurs when these drivers are installed on compatible Nvidia GPUs but unsupported processors, leading to system instability and potential data loss. Nvidia has ceased support for older CPUs without the POPCNT instruction set, limiting options for affected users. Open-source drivers exist for Linux users, but proprietary alternatives are lacking, and performance may be compromised with open-source options.
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