package manager Archives

Winsage

January 15, 2026

This ideal distro for Linux newbies includes a bonus for Windows users

Q4OS is a Linux distribution built on Debian, designed for users transitioning from Windows. It features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, known for its balance of elegance and user-friendliness, and also supports the Trinity desktop environment. The Welcome app includes a Desktop Profiler tool for switching between different Q4OS versions and installing alternative desktop environments. Q4OS comes preinstalled with applications like LibreOffice, Chromium, Thunderbird, and VLC, and utilizes the Flatpak package manager for additional software. Users can access apps through KDE Discover and the Q4OS Software Center, which includes tools like LookSwitcher for changing KDE Plasma themes. Q4OS prioritizes stability by following the Debian development model, ensuring a reliable operating system. It is available for free download, and the q4os-winsetup tool allows Windows users to set up a dual-boot system.

Winsage

January 10, 2026

How to edit text files directly from Command Prompt and PowerShell on Windows 11 — using Microsoft Edit just like Linux’s Nano

Windows 11 includes the Microsoft Edit command-line tool for editing text files directly within Command Prompt or PowerShell. The tool is under 250KB in size. To install Microsoft Edit, users can open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command: winget install --id Microsoft.Edit. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from GitHub, but manual configuration is required. To use Microsoft Edit, users can launch it by typing PLACEHOLDERb167be8248c505bb in Command Prompt or PLACEHOLDER4905f66b5f26fc6f for administrator access. Existing text files can be edited using the command edit filename.txt, and new files can be created with the same command. Basic editing options include undo, redo, cut, copy, paste, and find and replace. Files can be saved with "Ctrl + S" and exited with "Ctrl + Q". The tool is designed for straightforward text editing without the need to switch applications.

Winsage

January 4, 2026

How to Install Windows Configuration Designer Using Winget Command

The Windows Configuration Designer is a tool from Microsoft that allows users to create provisioning packages for automating the setup of Windows devices. These packages, saved as .ppkg files, can pre-configure settings such as network configurations, user accounts, and device names. The tool is not pre-installed on Windows systems and is primarily intended for IT administrators. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or installed via the command-line tool winget, which requires the package name to be enclosed in double quotes for proper recognition. The installation process involves opening a terminal as an administrator, checking for winget availability, and executing the installation command. The download size is approximately 30 to 50 MB, and installation typically completes in under a minute. Users can verify the installation by searching for the application or using winget commands. Alternative installation methods include using the Microsoft Store or the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK). The tool is free and does not require a Microsoft account for winget installations.

Winsage

December 30, 2025

The great programming transformation: How AI and Rust are quietly dethroning C in Linux

Microsoft is focusing on AI development more than Linux, with 20% to 30% of its code now generated by AI. Galen Hunt aims to eliminate C and C++ from Microsoft's codebase by 2030, envisioning a transition to Rust, although not a complete rewrite of Windows. Microsoft is integrating Rust into security-critical areas, while Linux is also adopting Rust through initiatives like Rust-for-Linux and plans to write its apt package manager in Rust. Both companies are using AI to streamline development, with Microsoft allowing AI to autonomously handle coding issues, while Linux maintains human oversight in decision-making. Rust is seen as a safer alternative to C due to its memory-safe design, despite some challenges, including identified security bugs.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

10 Hacks Every Windows Power User Should Know

Windows is a widely used computing platform that integrates applications, synchronizes Microsoft Office documents, and provides a gaming environment. It has introduced the Command Palette, a keyboard launcher for accessing various functions, which can be enabled through PowerToys and accessed using the shortcut Windows + Alt + Space. Users can replace the default File Explorer with the Files app, which offers a better interface and features like tabs and dual-pane mode. The ExplorerPatcher app allows users to revert to the Windows 10 Taskbar, while Start 11 enables customization of the Start menu. Seelen UI provides a customizable menu bar and Dock for users transitioning from Mac. PowerToys includes Light Switch for automating dark mode transitions. Snap Layouts helps organize multiple windows, accessible via the Maximize button or Windows + Z shortcut. Winget is a package manager for installing applications with a single command, and UniGetUI offers a graphical interface for app management. Clipboard History can be accessed with Windows + V, and the Ditto app enhances clipboard functionality. Focus Sessions in the Clock app serve as a Pomodoro timer, and the Keyboard Manager in PowerToys allows users to create custom shortcuts and remap keys.

Tech Optimizer

December 18, 2025

Constructive Launches pgpm: Modular Postgres for Large-Scale Application Development

Constructive has launched pgpm, an open-source PostgreSQL package manager that enables a Modular Postgres approach, allowing teams to decompose complex databases into focused, composable modules with explicit dependencies and isolated testing. This modularity facilitates better management of application-layer SQL, enabling developers to define schemas, tables, functions, and business logic directly in SQL without the limitations of traditional PostgreSQL extensions. Key features of pgpm include separation of concerns, composable architecture, idempotent migrations, first-class CI/CD testing, npm distribution for easy installation across projects, and compatibility with native PostgreSQL extensions. The system has been successfully implemented in real-world applications, such as packaging the Supabase PostgreSQL backend as pgpm modules. Teams can quickly initialize workspaces, create modules, and deploy to PostgreSQL using a package-driven workflow.

Winsage

December 11, 2025

Zorin OS vs. AnduinOS: How to pick the right Windows-like Linux distro for you

Zorin OS has over one million downloads within a month of Windows 10's discontinuation, with 75% from Windows users. It features an intuitive user interface with four layouts, including two resembling Windows, and offers additional layouts in the Pro edition. Zorin OS supports modern and older hardware through the Hardware Enablement (HWE) kernel and comes pre-installed with software like LibreOffice and Evolution. It includes features such as seamless Android connectivity via Zorin Connect, lightweight design, robust security, full-disk encryption, accessibility in over 100 languages, built-in window tiling, and is available in Core, Pro, and Education versions. Zorin OS suggests Linux alternatives for Windows applications and uses the Flatpak package manager for application installation. AnduinOS closely resembles Windows 11 and is based on Ubuntu, utilizing the GNOME desktop environment. It integrates Flatpak for application installation and has fewer preinstalled applications compared to Zorin OS. AnduinOS supports HDR, is optimized for various hardware, and undergoes active development with monthly updates. It does not collect user data, ensuring privacy and a secure experience. Users can adjust the default dark theme to match the Windows 11 aesthetic.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Install Citrix Workspace on Windows 10 or 11 with One Winget Command

The Windows Package Manager (Winget) is a command-line tool for installing applications on Windows 10 and 11, allowing users to install Citrix Workspace with a single command. The installation process is streamlined compared to traditional methods, which require multiple steps. To install Citrix Workspace, users can run the command PLACEHOLDERc6b882d28883340b, and for a silent installation, the command is PLACEHOLDERbaded4e7ed0be5cc. Winget also allows for easy updates and uninstallation of Citrix Workspace using the commands PLACEHOLDERa8a40c3b00eedb29 and PLACEHOLDER2a455122f4fd3869, respectively. Before installation, users should verify that Winget is installed by running winget --version. If not installed, Windows 11 typically has it by default, while Windows 10 users can install it via the Microsoft Store or GitHub.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Install Citrix Workspace on Windows 10 or 11 with One Winget Command

Citrix Workspace can be installed on Windows 10/11 using the Windows Package Manager (Winget) with a single command, significantly simplifying the installation process. The command to install Citrix Workspace is PLACEHOLDERd82422506e45dbee, and for a silent installation, the command is PLACEHOLDER9e60d2b5a15c0a19. Winget is pre-installed on Windows 11 and available for Windows 10 (version 1809 and later). To check if Winget is installed, use the command winget --version. If not installed, Windows 10 users can install it via the Microsoft Store or download it from GitHub. To verify the installation, use PLACEHOLDER22b868ab6c66c0b5. If issues arise, commands such as PLACEHOLDER701c3ab11cb60203 or PLACEHOLDERfe806bd28c6739dc can help troubleshoot. Updating Citrix Workspace can be done with PLACEHOLDERa75655fef5d4711e. For batch deployments, a PowerShell script can be created to automate the installation across multiple machines.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

The 7 apps I always install first on a Windows 11 PC — and they’re all FREE

PowerToys is an open-source collection of utilities that enhances productivity for Windows 11 users, featuring tools like FancyZones for window management and Image Resizer. Google Chrome is a popular web browser known for its synchronization across devices. Steam is a primary gaming platform with a robust library and the ability to stream games to a Steam Deck. The Heroic Games Launcher is a third-party alternative to the Epic Games Launcher, offering customizable features and support for GOG and Amazon Games libraries. GIMP is a powerful open-source photo editing tool that provides advanced features without the cost of commercial software. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows seamless integration between Windows and Linux, supporting applications like Docker Desktop and Visual Studio Code. Spotify is used for audio entertainment, helping users maintain focus during work. Tools like Ninite, the Microsoft Store, and winget streamline the installation of applications on Windows 11, with winstall.app providing a user-friendly interface for generating installation scripts.