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5 apps you should use instead of Google Password Manager
AppWizard
June 21, 2026

5 apps you should use instead of Google Password Manager

Google Password Manager is easy to set up but can be restrictive in sharing vaults, exporting data, and transitioning to different platforms, leading users to seek third-party password managers for better flexibility and control. A recent poll indicated the reasons users consider alternatives: 34% for more privacy and security, 22% for better cross-platform support, 18% for more control over data, 6% for advanced features, 3% for better sharing options, and 17% would not switch. Bitwarden is recommended for its open-source nature, independent audits, and a free tier with no limits on devices or passwords. The premium plan is priced attractively, and a family plan is available. 1Password offers a polished interface and features like a Watchtower tool and Travel Mode, with a 14-day trial available before an annual subscription. Proton Pass is known for its privacy reputation, has a generous free tier, and offers a Pass Plus plan with additional features. NordPass provides an intuitive experience with a straightforward migration process, but its free tier is limited to one active device, while the premium plan is competitively priced. KeePassXC is a free and open-source tool that allows local storage of encrypted vaults, prioritizing data sovereignty and security, though its complexity may deter casual users.
Что такое торрент, как он работает и можно ли им пользоваться
TrendTechie
June 20, 2026

Что такое торрент, как он работает и можно ли им пользоваться

Downloading a Linux distribution from the official website typically takes about half an hour, but during high-demand periods, such as new Ubuntu releases, speeds can drastically decrease due to server overload. Torrents, which use a peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol, allow users to download and share data simultaneously, reducing the load on a single server. Torrents operate by enabling direct exchanges between users through the BitTorrent protocol, where files are divided into smaller pieces and downloaded in parallel from multiple sources. Key terms include peers (users with parts of the file), seeds (users who have fully downloaded the file), .torrent files (metadata files), and magnet links (text-based alternatives to .torrent files). The BitTorrent protocol does not rely on a central server, enhancing resilience as files can continue to circulate as long as at least one seed is available. To use torrents, a torrent client is needed, with recommended options for 2026 including qBittorrent, Transmission, and BiglyBT. The BitTorrent technology itself is legal, but legality depends on the content being shared. Legal uses include downloading Linux distributions, open-source software, and scientific datasets, while unlicensed movies and cracked software are illegal. In Russia, while torrent technology is not prohibited, downloading copyrighted content without permission is a violation. Risks of using torrents include exposure to viruses and malware, copyright infringement, fake distributions, and IP address exposure. To protect oneself, users should choose moderated trackers, avoid suspicious files, use antivirus software, and limit upload speeds. Common problems include slow speeds, connection issues, and disappearing files, which can often be resolved by checking settings or ensuring there are seeds available. Sharing files after downloading is not legally mandatory but is considered good etiquette in the torrent community.
ReactOS Runs Half-Life Natively: Open-Source Windows NT Clone Clears 3D Graphics Bar
Winsage
June 11, 2026

ReactOS Runs Half-Life Natively: Open-Source Windows NT Clone Clears 3D Graphics Bar

ReactOS has successfully executed Valve's original Half-Life on consumer hardware, marking a significant milestone in open-source software development. This achievement was announced on June 10, 2026, after three decades of effort to reimplement Microsoft Windows. The game was run on a Dell OptiPlex desktop with an Intel Core i5 2400 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS graphics card, demonstrating ReactOS's capability to handle real-time 3D applications without compatibility shims. ReactOS operates independently from Microsoft, sharing no code, and can execute a real-time 3D graphics workload natively. It has achieved approximately 90 percent GPU driver compatibility for Windows XP and Server 2003-era hardware through the implementation of the Kernel-Mode Driver Framework and Windows Display Driver Model subsystems. ReactOS is still in alpha stage, with limitations in application support and driver gaps for modern hardware. The project is working towards a new release, version 0.4.16, to enhance user experience.
Linux desktops finally learned restraint, and that's the upgrade Windows still hasn't made
Winsage
June 1, 2026

Linux desktops finally learned restraint, and that’s the upgrade Windows still hasn’t made

The Linux kernel maintainers have decided to phase out support for outdated hardware, including processors over three decades old, to keep the system agile and relevant. The Ubuntu team plans to introduce AI tools with a focus on open-source and user experience, allowing users to opt-out. Linux distributions typically adopt a respectful approach to monetization, often allowing users to use the system without financial obligation, contrasting with aggressive marketing tactics from companies like Microsoft. Linux's measured approach to innovation fosters a sense of community and reliability among users.
Google ranks the best AI for building Android apps, and the winner isn't Gemini
AppWizard
May 26, 2026

Google ranks the best AI for building Android apps, and the winner isn’t Gemini

Google launched the Android Bench benchmarking portal in March to help software developers evaluate AI models for Android app development. The leaderboard was updated last week to include open-weight models and new metrics for latency, tokens, and cost. Matthew McCullough, Google's VP of Product for Android Development, stated that the goal is to provide a benchmark for evaluating large language models (LLMs) in Android development. As of May 18, GPT 5.5 is the top AI model for Android app development, with Gemini 3.1 Pro and GPT 5.4 ranked as joint leaders. Android Bench evaluates LLMs based on real-world challenges and tasks sourced from public GitHub repositories. Other benchmarking tools in the Android ecosystem include Jetpack Microbenchmark, Jetpack Macrobenchmark, Firebase Performance Monitoring, Android Vitals, Apptim, and Android Performance Analyzer. The overall benchmark score on Android Bench is calculated using four core values: Confidence Interval Range, Average Latency Score, Average Total Tokens Score, and Average Cost. The test harness for Android Bench is publicly available on GitHub.
PostgreSQL backup tool gets some backup of its own after sole maintainer sounds alarm
Tech Optimizer
May 20, 2026

PostgreSQL backup tool gets some backup of its own after sole maintainer sounds alarm

A coalition of companies, including AWS, Percona, Supabase, pgEdge, and Tiger Data, has formed to support the maintenance of pgBackRest, an extension for the PostgreSQL database, after its long-time maintainer, David Steele, could no longer continue due to a lack of sponsorship following the acquisition of Crunchy Data by Snowflake. pgBackRest is a backup and restore solution for PostgreSQL, which is widely used by major cloud service providers. Steele had been seeking sponsorship to maintain the project but was unsuccessful, prompting concerns about its future. The coalition aims to provide stability and reduce reliance on a single sponsor by onboarding a new maintainer and seeking additional support. Percona's CEO emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure the project's health for the community.
'F-Droid' allows you to easily install and automatically update free, open-source Android apps other than those on Google Play.
AppWizard
May 4, 2026

‘F-Droid’ allows you to easily install and automatically update free, open-source Android apps other than those on Google Play.

Google Play is a primary platform for Android app distribution but poses challenges for developers of free and open-source software due to registration fees and a strict review process. As an alternative, users can install apps via APK files, which allow direct installation but come with security risks. F-Droid is a dedicated repository for free and open-source Android applications, offering built-in update notifications and support. To use F-Droid, users must manually install the app from its official website. After installation, users can navigate the interface to find and install apps, grant permissions for updates, and manage app installations, including enabling settings for unknown sources. F-Droid provides a user-friendly experience for locating and updating apps, ensuring that users have access to secure and regularly updated software.
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