package manager Archives

Winsage

July 25, 2025

I have a lot of Windows PCs, and these are my 6 tips for managing multiple Windows PCs at home

To manage multiple Windows 11 PCs effectively, consider the following practices: 1. Use Windows Backup to back up settings and app lists to the cloud, simplifying device setup and restoration. A Microsoft account is required for this feature. 2. Disable OneDrive folder backups to avoid complications from limited free storage and syncing issues. 3. Utilize the Windows Package Manager (winget) to manage applications across devices by exporting and importing lists of installed apps. 4. Enable nearby sharing in the Settings app to transfer files between devices without internet reliance. 5. Use a software KVM, like Microsoft's Mouse Without Borders, to control multiple PCs with a single keyboard and mouse. 6. Implement a remote desktop tool, such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk, for remote access and control of other PCs.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Here’s how I update most of my apps with just one command

Users often face challenges in keeping applications updated on Windows, leading to outdated versions and missed features. The Windows Package Manager, or WinGet, simplifies the update process by allowing users to update multiple applications simultaneously through a command-line interface. It is integrated into Windows 10 and 11 and works with about 90% of applications, typically executing updates in a few minutes. To use WinGet, users need to open Terminal as an administrator and run the command PLACEHOLDERddcd0de405f7da24. Some applications may require separate updates, and Microsoft applications can also be updated via the Microsoft Store. If issues arise, users may need to upgrade the WinGet app installer package using the command PLACEHOLDER907cae8359ff2d8e.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

4 reasons I switched from NixOS to Mint Linux as a Windows-to-Linux convert

Transitioning from Windows to Linux can be prompted by the end of support for Windows 10. The author chose Linux Mint after experimenting with various distributions, influenced by experiences with NixOS. Linux Mint features a Cinnamon desktop environment that resembles Windows, offering an intuitive interface with a customizable taskbar and easy navigation. It comes preloaded with essential applications like Firefox, VLC, and LibreOffice, and uses a straightforward APT package manager for software installation. Built on Ubuntu LTS, Mint provides robust driver support and GUI-based troubleshooting tools, making it more approachable than NixOS, which has a steeper learning curve and requires knowledge of the Nix language. The author prefers Mint for its user-friendly design and ease of use as they transition from Windows.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

3 easy ways to turn Windows Terminal shells from drab to drip — customize both PowerShell and WSL with these same tools

- The Starship prompt enhances the command line experience with a sleek design, customization options, and compatibility across different shells. It requires a NerdFont for effective operation and can be installed via the Windows Package Manager for PowerShell or various package managers for WSL. Configuration involves adding specific commands to shell profiles and creating a configuration file. - Fastfetch is a lightweight system information display tool that serves as a modern alternative to Neofetch, supporting both Windows and Linux. Installation can be done through various package managers, and configuration is achieved by generating a config file. - Windows Terminal on Windows 11 can be customized for a more personalized experience, including theme changes, font adjustments, and transparency. Customizations can be made via the GUI or by editing a JSON configuration file. - To use Starship and Fastfetch upon startup in PowerShell, a PowerShell profile must be created using a specific command, allowing users to add necessary commands for these tools.

Winsage

July 13, 2025

Windows-MCP does everything Copilot+ wishes it did, without Microsoft (and it’s not even good)

Microsoft's Copilot has transformed into a conventional AI assistant, disappointing some users who expected seamless integration with Windows. In response, a third-party solution called Windows-MCP has emerged, utilizing advanced language models like Anthropic's Claude to help users manage their PCs. Setting up Windows-MCP requires Python 3.13 or newer, the Claude desktop app, the UV package manager for Python, Node.js, and Git. Once installed, users can execute commands using text, but Claude's permission requirements can disrupt command flow. During testing, Claude successfully opened and closed browsers, launched applications, and summarized web content, though the free plan limits interactions. Users have reported that the time taken for Claude to execute commands can be longer than performing tasks manually, and bugs have been noted, including issues with browser profiles. Despite its current limitations, Windows-MCP showcases the potential for AI to enhance user interaction with technology.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

How to Run Android Apps on Linux with Waydroid

Waydroid is a container-based architecture that allows users to run Android applications on a Linux desktop with near-native performance. It boots a complete Android system directly on the Linux machine using Linux containers (LXC), optimizing resource usage and enhancing application performance. Waydroid is compatible with various Linux distributions and CPU architectures, utilizing Android’s Mesa technology for improved graphics performance. To install Waydroid, users must ensure their system is running a Wayland session and is up to date. The installation involves adding the official Waydroid repository and executing installation commands specific to the Linux distribution being used. After installation, users can launch Waydroid and set it up by downloading an Android image, choosing between a Vanilla image or a GAPPS image for Google Play Services access. To register the device for Google Play Store access, users need to retrieve their Android ID using a command in the Waydroid shell and complete the registration process on the Google Uncertified Device Registration page. Once registered, users can install and manage Android apps directly from the Google Play Store or manually using APK files.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Bring the “Windows 10 look” back to Windows 11 — Everything I changed to restore the desktop UI experience

Many users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 find the new design and interface changes challenging. Windows 11 features a centered Taskbar, a simplified Start menu, and an updated File Explorer and Settings app. Users can customize their Windows 11 experience to resemble Windows 10 by making several adjustments. To align the Taskbar and Start menu to the left, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and select "Left" for Taskbar alignment. To show app labels in the Taskbar, users need to select "Never" for the "Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels" setting in the same menu. For those preferring the classic File Explorer, they can access it by searching for Windows Tools in the Start menu and selecting Home or This PC. Users can also change the color scheme by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting "Custom" mode, choosing a dark theme, and enabling accent colors for the Start and taskbar. To display classic desktop icons, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and check the desired icons. In Notepad, users can disable new features by adjusting settings in the app to revert to a more classic experience. For further customization, third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher and Windhawk can be used. ExplorerPatcher allows users to restore various interface elements from earlier Windows versions, while Windhawk provides a framework for modifying Windows 11 with community-created mods. Both tools can be installed via the Windows Package Manager and offer options to revert to classic aesthetics.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

I found a file-transferring app that works between Android and Linux – and it’s free to use

Packet is a tool that allows users to transfer files from a Pop!_OS Linux desktop to an Android device over the same wireless network. It works with Quick Share and requires a Linux distribution with Flatpak support, an Android device with Nearby Share enabled, and sudo privileges on the Linux machine. The installation involves executing a command in the terminal, toggling the Static Network Port option to 'On', and ensuring port 9300 is open on the firewall. Files received on the Linux desktop are stored in the ~/Downloads folder, which can be customized.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

This Linux app makes sharing files to Android a breeze

Packet is a user-friendly application that facilitates file transfers from a Pop!_OS Linux desktop to an Android device, requiring both devices to be on the same wireless network and using Quick Share. It is distributed as a Flatpak app, necessitating a Linux distribution with a universal package manager and an Android device that supports Nearby Share. Users need sudo privileges to install Packet via the terminal. After installation, users must enable the Static Network Port in Preferences and open port 9300 on their firewall to allow communication. Files sent from Android devices are stored in the ~/Downloads folder, which can be modified in the Preferences settings.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Why I recommend this Linux distro to Windows 10 users who can’t upgrade to 11

SDesk is a free Linux distribution that can be installed on an unlimited number of computers. It uses the GNOME desktop environment designed to resemble Windows and macOS layouts, providing a user-friendly experience with a clean interface. Pre-installed applications include LibreOffice, Geary, GNOME Music, GNOME Video, Octopi, GNOME Maps, and Swirl. Users can install additional software easily through Octopi and Flatpak. SDesk features a responsive layout, quick application performance, and a window snapping feature for workspace organization. However, it has some issues, such as a login freeze after updates and the lack of multimedia codecs for MP3 and MP4 playback. These can be resolved by installing VLC media player. The latest version released is 19.1.