package managers Archives

Winsage

January 19, 2026

What is Bazzite, and is it better than Windows for PC gaming? I installed this trending Linux distribution to see for myself

The debate over the superiority of Windows versus Linux for PC gaming has intensified, particularly with the introduction of Valve's Steam Deck, which uses SteamOS and Proton to enable Windows games on Linux. Bazzite, an open-source Linux distribution based on Fedora, is designed for gamers and features an immutable system that protects core files from user modification. It allows the use of Steam and other launchers through Lutris and organizes applications in containers to maintain system integrity. Bazzite includes a pre-installed software store called 'Bazaar' for easy access to game launchers and emulators, while additional software can be installed using Distrobox. Although Bazzite simplifies the gaming experience, the absence of some major PC games and the differences in file execution between Windows and Linux may pose challenges for new users. Despite these hurdles, Bazzite is considered a strong gaming-friendly distribution, closely resembling Fedora KDE, and is gaining traction among gamers as Linux becomes more prominent.

Winsage

January 19, 2026

How to run Windows apps on Linux with Wine

With the end of support for Windows 10, Zorin OS saw over 100,000 downloads within two days. Many users are looking to run Windows applications on Linux, which can be done using Wine, a compatibility layer for running Windows applications on Linux. Wine's latest version, Wine 11, includes features such as NTSYNC support, a unified 64-bit binary, enhanced Wayland/X11 integration, improved graphics via Vulkan/D3D12, better gamepad support, and smoother performance through WoW64. To install a Windows application like Notepad++ on Linux using Wine, users need to download the installer, navigate to the Downloads directory in the terminal, and run the installer with the command PLACEHOLDER62382e95b0b64d01. If 32-bit support is missing, it can be added with the command PLACEHOLDER069a94c8ac48a981. Additionally, users can install Windows applications through Winetricks, which simplifies the process by automatically downloading and running the necessary installers. Some applications may require further configuration, particularly games, which can be adjusted using Winetricks.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

2026 Shift: Professionals Ditch Windows 11 for Linux’s Speed and Savings

Professionals are increasingly moving away from Windows 11 to various Linux distributions due to dissatisfaction with performance issues and intrusive features in Windows. A 2025 analysis showed Linux distributions outperforming Windows by an average of 19.5% in everyday tasks. Performance tests indicated that SteamOS, a Linux-based platform, often matched or exceeded Windows 11 in gaming performance. Linux's lightweight nature and superior system administration tools appeal to those managing servers and virtual environments. Security concerns regarding Windows 11, including privacy issues and forced updates, have led users to prefer Linux's open-source model, which allows for greater transparency and customization. Economic factors also play a role, as Linux is free and open-source, eliminating licensing fees associated with Windows 11. User-friendly distributions like Linux Mint facilitate the transition for new users, and community support helps address common challenges. Large organizations are increasingly adopting Linux for its stability and responsiveness, while the Linux community fosters rapid improvements and adaptability. User feedback highlights privacy, performance, and customizability as key benefits of switching to Linux.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Puppy Linux vs. Linux Lite: Which distro is right for your old Windows 10 PC?

Puppy Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution with a footprint of 500 MB to 1.5 GB, capable of running entirely in RAM and allowing users to boot from a USB drive without altering their existing OS. It offers session persistence, comes pre-installed with essential applications, and supports various package managers. It is ideal for users prioritizing performance over aesthetics. Linux Lite is based on the latest Long Term Support release of Ubuntu and features a desktop layout similar to Windows, making it user-friendly for newcomers. It includes pre-installed applications like Chrome, LibreOffice, VLC, and GIMP, and utilizes the Xfce desktop environment for customization. It is optimized for speed and resource efficiency and facilitates a smooth transition from Windows. The choice between Puppy Linux and Linux Lite depends on individual needs: Puppy Linux is suited for those wanting a lightweight, portable solution, while Linux Lite is better for users seeking a traditional OS experience.

Winsage

November 9, 2025

I finally started using Linux-style package management on Windows, and I should have sooner

WinGet is a native package manager for Windows 10 and 11 that simplifies software installation and management. It allows users to install software using terminal commands, significantly reducing the time and steps involved compared to traditional methods. WinGet offers a silent installation option, enabling users to bypass installation prompts. It also allows access to multiple versions of software packages and provides a command to check for updates across all installed applications. Users can upgrade all apps at once with a single command. WinGet's command structure is user-friendly, and comprehensive documentation is available. Additionally, it can export and import installed packages, making it easier to set up a new PC. WinGet is considered a more robust solution compared to alternatives like Ninite, as it is a trusted, native tool for software management on Windows.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Stop downloading software from websites: Windows has a built-in package manager

Windows 11 users can utilize Winget, or Windows Package Manager, for downloading applications through the command line via Windows Terminal. Winget allows users to search for applications using the command "winget search" and install them using their IDs with "winget install," which is faster and reduces confusion compared to traditional web-based methods. It enhances security by sourcing applications from trusted locations like the Microsoft Store and the Winget repository on GitHub, where submissions undergo a vetting process. Additionally, Winget enables users to create a backup file of installed software, facilitating quick setups on new devices or after system resets by allowing users to import the list and reinstall applications efficiently.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

The end of Windows 10 has been a boon for one particular Linux distro – and I’m not surprised

Support for Windows 10 officially ended recently, leaving users with unsupported PCs to consider transitioning to MacOS or Linux. Zorin OS launched its significant upgrade, Zorin OS 18, which received over 100,000 downloads in two days, with 72% coming from Windows machines. Échirolles, France, has transitioned its town hall computers to Free & Open Source software, including Zorin OS, although only 10% of those machines are using it. Microsoft is offering an additional year of security updates for Windows 10 for a fee. The "End of 10" campaign provides guidance for Windows 10 users transitioning to Linux. Linux has a wide range of applications and is considered accessible for those familiar with Windows. Continuing to use Windows 10 without support poses security risks, while Linux offers a seamless upgrade process without new hardware requirements. Zorin OS can mimic the Windows interface and supports running Windows applications through Wine. Users must decide whether to invest in a new Windows 11 computer or explore Linux as a cost-saving alternative.

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Why the end of Windows 10 is great news for Linux – and your chance to switch

Support for Windows 10 officially ended recently, prompting users of unsupported PCs to consider alternatives like MacOS or Linux. Zorin OS launched its significant upgrade, Zorin OS 18, coinciding with this change, achieving over 100,000 downloads in two days, with 72% from Windows users. The city of Échirolles in France has transitioned its town hall computers to Free & Open Source software, including Zorin OS, although only 10% are currently using it. Microsoft is offering an additional year of security updates for Windows 10 for a fee, but many users are looking for alternatives. Linux is presented as a reliable and user-friendly option, with strong software availability and security features. Zorin OS is highlighted as a suitable replacement for Windows, offering customization to mimic the Windows interface and tools for running Windows applications.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

5 apps that are way better on Linux than they are on Windows

GIMP and Krita perform better on Linux due to their native integration with system libraries (GTK for GIMP and Qt for Krita), resulting in a more responsive user experience compared to Windows. Kdenlive, a video editing software, is more stable on Linux, with fewer crashes and better performance due to its native MLT framework, while the Windows version often experiences issues. OBS Studio benefits from direct access to hardware resources on Linux, leading to lower latency and reduced CPU/GPU load, while capturing per-application audio is easier on Linux. VLC Media Player on Linux comes with full codec support out of the box, unlike the Windows version, which requires additional downloads. Linux's package management system allows for centralized software distribution and efficient dependency tracking, making it more secure and streamlined than Windows' fragmented approach to software management.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Updating your Linux kernel sounds scary, but here’s why it’s no different from a Windows update

Updating the Linux kernel is generally straightforward and low-risk, similar to Windows updates. Most Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Linux Mint, manage kernel updates automatically through the package manager. When a new kernel is installed, the previous version remains intact, allowing users to revert to it if necessary via the GRUB boot menu. Kernel updates provide essential security patches, bug fixes, and improved hardware support. While manual installation of a kernel is possible, it is not required for most users. Tools are available for easier management of kernel versions, but the update process is designed to be user-friendly and safe.