pasting Archives

Winsage

April 28, 2025

I use this app instead of File Explorer for managing my Windows folders

Windows 11's File Explorer is a familiar tool for file management, but alternatives like Directory Opus offer enhanced functionality. Directory Opus, originally developed for the Amiga platform, is a robust file organization tool for Windows. Key features include: - Dual Pane View: Allows simultaneous viewing of files and folders from different locations, facilitating efficient organization. - In-depth Organizational Features: Users can open multiple tabs within each pane, assign statuses to folders, and prioritize tasks. - Built-in Image Converter: Enables conversion of images to various formats and basic editing functions like cropping and rotating. - Synchronization Feature: Allows easy copying and synchronization between panes, with options for sub-folders and integration with cloud services. - Shortcuts to Favorite Apps: Users can create toolbars with shortcuts to frequently used applications for quick access. Directory Opus is designed to exceed file management needs, making it a compelling alternative to File Explorer.

Winsage

April 27, 2025

I tried the Windows Snipping Tool’s new text extraction feature and here’s how it went

A recent update to the Snipping Tool on Windows 11 has introduced an OCR feature, currently available only to beta channel users. This feature allows users to extract text from images and standard web pages easily, with a straightforward activation process. Users can draw a box around the desired text, and once recognized, a button appears to copy the text to the clipboard. The tool successfully retains formatting when extracting text from web pages. It performs well with clear printed text in images but struggles with handwritten text, producing numerous errors. The Snipping Tool is effective for recognizing simple fonts, enhancing productivity in text extraction.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

How to Try Copilot’s New ‘Vision’ and File Search Updates

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Copilot application, including Copilot Vision and an advanced file search capability, now rolling out to Windows Insiders. Copilot Vision allows the AI to "see" what is displayed on the user's screen, enabling users to ask questions about their browsing, documents, or music without needing screenshots. Microsoft assures users that they maintain control over accessible information, with data deleted after each session. The updated file search feature allows the AI to locate, open, and discuss files stored locally, enabling natural language queries for file retrieval. Users can manage permissions for Copilot through application settings. These features will eventually be available to all Windows users, and those interested can join the Windows Insider Program for early access. To use the new features, users need version 1.25034.133.0 or later from the Microsoft Store. Copilot Vision can be activated by clicking the glasses icon in the app, while file search is integrated for easy queries.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

5 essential tips to optimize Windows 11 for office work

Windows 11 includes features to enhance productivity, particularly through customization for older PCs. Key strategies include: 1. Virtual Desktops: Use Win + Tab or the Task View icon to create separate virtual desktops for work, allowing for a more organized workspace. Applications can be dragged into this desktop and will reappear upon reopening. 2. Focus Sessions: Activate Focus via Settings -> System -> Focus to set timers for work sessions and breaks, enabling Do Not Disturb mode to silence notifications during work periods. 3. System Optimization: Select a High Performance power plan in Control Panel -> Power Options or Settings -> System -> Power & battery, and disable unnecessary startup apps in Task Manager to improve performance. 4. Pinning Apps and Snap Layouts: Pin frequently used applications to the taskbar for quick access and use Snap Layouts by dragging windows to the screen edges for efficient arrangement. 5. Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize essential Windows 11 shortcuts to enhance efficiency, such as Windows key + A for Quick Settings, Windows key + E for File Explorer, and Windows key + H for voice typing.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Download TubeMate YouTube Downloader for Windows and Android, APK

TubeMate is a tool for curating a library of video files, allowing users to add video URLs via drag-and-drop or by pasting links. It features a user-friendly interface with three tabs: Download, Convert, and Tasks, enabling users to manage downloads and convert files. TubeMate can download entire playlists with a single link and uses multi-threaded connections for efficient downloading, supporting various video qualities up to 8K and formats including MP4, MP3, AVI, WAV, and WMV. Users can extract audio, trim videos, and preview quality during downloads with its built-in media player. The software includes organizational tools for managing content and is regularly updated for compatibility with evolving streaming technologies. TubeMate is available for Windows and Android devices.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

I started using a Mac full time for work – but these are the things I missed from Windows 11 that made me switch back

The author has used Microsoft Windows since Windows 3.1 and remains loyal to it due to familiarity, despite preferring macOS for its cleaner interface and respect for user preferences. Windows 11 is noted for its intrusive advertisements and tendency to override user settings, while macOS is appreciated for its stability and less aggressive promotional approach. The author misses Windows 11's Clipboard history feature and superior window management capabilities, which enhance productivity. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider alternatives, with the author contemplating a permanent switch to macOS Sequoia.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

You Can Try Notepad’s New AI Summarizer in Windows 11 Now (If You Pay)

Microsoft is enhancing its Notepad and Snipping Tool applications in Windows 11 with new AI features. Notepad now includes a Summarize feature that allows users to summarize text by using the Copilot menu or pressing Ctrl-M, but it requires a Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot Pro AI credits for full access. Additionally, Notepad will show recently opened files, accessible via File > Recent, and users can clear this list if desired. The updates are part of Notepad version 11.2501.29.0. The Snipping Tool has been updated to allow users to draw arrows that automatically convert into straight lines with pointers, streamlining the annotation process, available in Snipping Tool version 11.2502.18.0. To access these features, users must join the Windows Insider program and may need to run unstable builds of Windows 11.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Here’s why you should use TeraCopy instead of the built-in file copier on Windows

The default file manager on Windows, Windows Explorer, often lacks functionality for power users, leading many to seek alternative file managers or enhancements. QuickLook allows users to preview files, while the Explorer Tab Utility introduces a tabbed layout. TeraCopy is an add-on that replaces the native file copying system, offering features such as the ability to skip problematic files during transfers, queue multiple copying tasks sequentially, and maintain a log of file transfers. TeraCopy integrates with the Windows shell and learns user habits for quicker access to frequently used folders. However, its user interface may be intimidating for beginners due to the abundance of information displayed. TeraCopy has become essential for enhancing file copying efficiency.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Elon Musk’s X blocking links to Signal messaging app

Social media platform X has implemented restrictions on links to the Signal messaging application, resulting in error messages when users attempt to share signal.me links through public posts, direct messages, or profile pages. This blockage also affects existing signal.me links. Signal, known for its end-to-end encryption, is commonly used by journalists and whistleblowers. X has previously restricted links to Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, and Substack, despite Signal not being a direct competitor. Users can still share Signal handles on X, and a workaround exists by copy-pasting the link into Signal to bypass the restrictions.

Winsage

February 16, 2025

Third-party mod delivers the Start Menu Windows 11 deserves

Many users are dissatisfied with the Start menu in Windows 11, preferring the flexibility of Windows 10. Windhawk is a platform that offers mods for Windows 11, including a revamped Start menu layout that enhances usability by prominently displaying pinned applications and simplifying access to the full list of apps. Users can easily customize their Start menu by downloading Windhawk, selecting a layout from the 'Windows 11 Start Menu Styler' mod, and pasting in the corresponding code. Windhawk also allows extensive customization of the Windows interface, including the ability to change transparency and remove the Recommended section. It is a third-party modification with security considerations but operates on open-source principles. Additionally, Windhawk provides tools to modify app behaviors and redesign elements of the Windows interface, serving as a hub for exploring and implementing various mods.