plugins Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Hands-on: Ueli is a launcher you can use on Windows, macOS, and Linux — and it’s pretty good

Ueli is a cross-platform app launcher compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing a consistent user experience across these operating systems. The Windows and macOS versions are similar in functionality and design, though the Linux version is untested. Ueli offers a uniform interface with plugins that function identically on both Windows and macOS, but lacks a synchronization feature for settings across devices. Users can customize various aspects of their experience, including themes and search engines, but face limitations such as the inability to define specific prefixes for launching extensions. Ueli includes around 20 extensions, many disabled by default, which limits its versatility compared to competitors like Raycast and Flow Launcher. A notable feature is the Workflows extension, allowing users to create custom task sequences with a single command, although linking applications within workflows can be cumbersome on Windows. Overall, Ueli shows promise but has limitations that prevent it from fully competing with established tools.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

PebbleHost review

PebbleHost, established in 2017, specializes in Minecraft server hosting and offers three plans: budget, premium, and extreme. The budget servers are designed for cost-conscious users. The company also provides VPS and dedicated server hosting, as well as Discord bot hosting services. The server hardware includes Intel i9-9900k and Ryzen 5700X CPUs for budget and premium plans, while the premium plan uses the Ryzen 7900 CPU and DDR5 memory. The extreme plan features dedicated CPU threads. The budget server starts at a low quarterly price for 1GB of RAM, while the premium server with 5GB of RAM is priced monthly. The extreme server starts at a higher price for 6GB of RAM and 3 threads. PebbleHost offers a 72-hour refund policy and various payment methods, including cryptocurrencies. The signup process is straightforward, providing immediate access to passwords and the control panel. The user-friendly control panel allows easy management of server settings, including switching between server versions. PebbleHost has server locations in North America, Europe, and the UK, with premium users also accessing servers in Australia and Singapore. Performance varies by plan, with the budget option potentially insufficient for active users. The premium plan is recommended for better gameplay. Support is available through a ticketing system and an active Discord server, with a positive response time for tickets. An advanced support package is offered for additional assistance. PebbleHost maintains a knowledge base and a server status page showing a 7-day average uptime of 99.992%.

Tech Optimizer

February 18, 2025

Microsoft Discovers Return Of Alarming MacOS Malware With Sinister New Tricks

The XCSSET malware, discovered in 2020, allows cybercriminals remote access to developers' MacBooks and has led to a reassessment of macOS security measures. A new variant of XCSSET has been identified, specifically targeting macOS systems and exploiting vulnerabilities, particularly in keychains, to steal sensitive information like usernames and passwords. This variant spreads through Xcode projects and features enhanced functionality that makes detection and removal more challenging. It employs increased randomization in payload generation and uses both xxd and Base64 encoding. The malware can remain undetected, targeting Xcode projects for payload insertion and extracting data from cryptocurrency wallets and the Notes app. Microsoft has confirmed that its Defender for Endpoint on Mac can detect both the old and new variants of XCSSET, but developers are advised to exercise caution by downloading only from trusted sources, using the latest software versions, inspecting Xcode projects before opening them, and avoiding third-party applications.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

7 alternatives to built-in Windows tools that will blow you away

- Process Lasso is a powerful alternative to Task Manager, offering features like dynamic CPU adjustments and SmartTrim memory management. - Notepad++ is a text editor that supports multiple programming languages, syntax highlighting, and includes macros and plugins. - 7-Zip is a file compression tool that handles various formats and allows users to split, merge, and encrypt files. - Everything is a search tool that quickly finds files and folders, scanning both names and document contents. - Audacity is a multitrack digital audio workstation for recording audio, supporting various formats and real-time effects. - Flow Launcher allows users to launch files, folders, applications, and websites without using the Start menu. - VLC Media Player plays a wide range of audio and video file formats and offers features like file conversion and live stream recording.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft to make app downloads faster on Windows 11 with Winget PowerToys plugin

Windows 11 is set to integrate Winget into PowerToys Run, allowing users to download applications directly through a keyboard shortcut. This feature will enable users to search for apps hosted on Winget within PowerToys Run, similar to macOS Spotlight. Users can enter the package name after pressing Alt + Space, avoiding the need to navigate the Microsoft Store. PowerToys will also introduce a built-in transcoding feature for audio and video files, allowing users to convert file formats and extract audio from videos while maintaining original quality. This feature will utilize natural language processing, enabling users to type commands like “transcode this file into .mp3.”

Winsage

February 10, 2025

9 tools that will supercharge your productivity on Windows

- Microsoft Outlook is a free, built-in tool for managing emails, appointments, meetings, and tasks, featuring calendar sharing and integration with Microsoft To Do. - IFTTT automates repetitive tasks by connecting various apps, services, and devices through customized applets. - The Windows Snipping Tool captures screenshots, records desktop activity, supports full-screen video recording, and has OCR capabilities for text extraction from images. - Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities that enhances the Windows experience, including tools for multitasking, file management, and keeping the PC active. - Grammarly provides real-time grammar and spelling checks, compatible with platforms like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, with a premium version offering advanced features. - Obsidian uses Markdown to create interconnected notes, allowing users to build a personal knowledge base with customizable plugins. - Microsoft 365 includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with collaboration tools like Teams and OneDrive, with regular updates for new features and security. - UniGetUI is a package manager that simplifies app installations by allowing users to select and install multiple applications simultaneously. - Flow Launcher allows users to quickly launch applications, files, and websites, enhancing workflow efficiency and providing flexibility as a portable app or standard installation.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

5 tools that put the Windows 11 Start menu to shame

The Start menu in Windows 11 has limited customization options, leading users to seek alternatives. Several third-party applications can enhance or replace the Start menu experience: 1. Windhawk: A free, open-source tool that allows customization of the Start menu and taskbar, offering features reminiscent of Windows 10, such as viewing the All apps list and removing the Recommended section. 2. StartAllBack: Restores the look of earlier Windows versions, providing a nostalgic interface with customization options, including a Windows 7-style menu, while enhancing the taskbar and File Explorer. 3. Start11: A powerful customization tool from Stardock that offers seven different styles for the Start menu, allowing users to organize apps into groups and folders, enhancing productivity. 4. PowerToys: Features PowerToys Run, a search bar that allows users to launch applications and perform tasks quickly, providing an efficient alternative to the Start menu. 5. Flow Launcher: A comprehensive replacement for the Start menu, offering a wide range of functionalities through plugins, allowing users to launch applications and access various tools efficiently.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

4 best/coolest Rainmeter mods to make Windows 11 look cool

Rainmeter is a free and open-source software for Windows 11 that allows users to customize their desktop with a variety of skins, plugins, and effects. It has a vast library of skins available on platforms like DeviantArt and Rainmeter subreddits. Users can enhance functionality by incorporating plugins, which are dynamic link library (.dll) programs. The official Rainmeter site provides tips and tricks for both novice and experienced users, including guides on coding variables and using the WebParser plugin. The open-source nature of Rainmeter allows users to make extensive code adjustments for further customization. Rainmeter's lightweight design ensures that customizations do not compromise system performance.

Tech Optimizer

February 3, 2025

Thousands of WordPress sites hijacked to spread Windows and Mac malware – how to stay safe

Researchers from c/side have discovered a widespread campaign targeting WordPress sites, resulting in over 10,000 compromised sites that distribute info-stealing malware. The attack exploits outdated versions of WordPress and its plugins, employing a "spray and pay" method that affects anyone visiting the infected sites. Users encounter a fake Chrome browser page prompting them to download a malicious update, which steals personal information such as passwords. The malware includes Atomic Stealer, targeting macOS users, and SocGholish, aimed at Windows systems. To protect against these threats, users should verify download sources, keep software updated, use password managers, and consider identity theft protection services.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer

A Copilot+ PC is not required to access many AI features in Windows 11; older laptops that run Windows 11 can still utilize various AI-driven tools. The Photos app includes AI enhancements such as the Background tool, which allows users to blur, remove, or replace backgrounds in images. The Generative Erase function in Photos enables users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Microsoft Clipchamp offers an Auto Compose feature for quick video editing, allowing users to create videos with AI assistance. Microsoft's Copilot has become a standalone app, enabling window movement and custom keyboard shortcuts, and integrates advanced language models to assist with various tasks across Microsoft applications.