preparation Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Gardening and tech don’t always go hand-in-hand, but these solutions help make it more fun and less work

Tertill is a compact robotic weeder priced at 9 that helps busy gardeners by taking care of weeding tasks. It has sold out this season due to its popularity. The Seedtime app serves as a digital companion for gardeners, offering a free version and a premium subscription starting at approximately .55 per month. Users can input their garden details, and the app calculates optimal planting times and schedules. It allows manual input for crops not in its database and features a layout section for garden design. Recent updates include an AI-powered companion planting feature that suggests beneficial plant pairings and provides planting dates for crops not in the app's database. The app aims to streamline gardening tasks and enhance the overall gardening experience.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Amid the slow death of Windows 10, Microsoft’s CEO reveals a bold stat about Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security patches will be provided. As of April 2024, Windows 10 comprised 70% of Windows users, but this dropped to 54% by April 2025. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reported a nearly 75% increase in commercial deployments of Windows 11 year over year. Transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free, but Windows 11 requires more RAM and memory, which may not be compatible with older hardware. Microsoft continues to release updates for Windows 11, with the latest security update on April 25 and the anticipated 24H2 version released in October 2024. The next version, Windows 11 25H2, is expected between September and October 2025.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Bernard O’Shea: Five things I learned from the Minecraft movie

Many parents, especially those with children under 12, have not experienced solo trips to the cinema in over a decade. Family cinema outings are often driven by necessity, such as rainy days, and involve extensive preparation, including snacks and supplies. The cost of these trips can be high, sometimes reaching €57 before the film starts. Inside the theater, children frequently ask about the film's start time and need bathroom breaks, creating a chaotic environment. However, moments of genuine joy can emerge, as seen during a screening of A Minecraft Movie, where a group of boys expressed their enthusiasm through applause and cheers. This shared joy among children, regardless of gender, highlights the cultural significance of Minecraft in their lives. The experience emphasizes that cinema can serve as a valuable shared time, fostering connections and creativity, even if adults may not fully understand the content.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

This PowerToys tool gave me unlimited power on Windows 11 and I almost fell in love

The Windows 11 Command Palette from PowerToys serves as a centralized command hub, allowing users to execute system commands, settings, and application launches through a unified search bar. Users can customize the palette by integrating third-party tools and adding their own commands. WinGet can be accessed from the interface to install software packages easily. However, there are issues with the Command Palette not launching consistently, requiring users to disable and re-enable it to fix the shortcut. Some preinstalled commands are deemed unhelpful, but users can disable them in the settings. Overall, the Command Palette enhances workflow efficiency by simplifying access to various tasks.

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2025

Steps to Scan Your Computer for Free and Check for Viruses and Malware

Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender, is a built-in security tool in Windows 10 and 11 that provides comprehensive protection against viruses and malware without requiring additional software. Users can perform manual scans, including Quick, Full, and Custom scans, to identify and eliminate threats. To run a scan, users must open Windows Security, navigate to "Virus & threat protection," and select the desired scan option. Windows Security also includes features such as real-time protection, firewall and network protection, app and browser control, device security, and account protection. It is essential to keep Windows Security updated with the latest virus definitions for optimal protection. Users can also schedule automatic scans for regular checks.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Austrian government plans surveillance of WhatsApp, Telegram messaging apps

The Austrian government has introduced a draft law to increase oversight of messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, aiming to aid law enforcement in monitoring potential terrorist and extremist activities. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that police currently lack visibility into the actions of such individuals on these platforms, highlighting the need for specific measures that would only apply to a limited number of cases annually. Access to messaging services would be granted only in situations that suggest terrorist-related or constitution-threatening activities. The initiative received support from State Secretary Jorg Leichtfried of the Social Democratic Party, who assured that it would not lead to mass surveillance. However, there are concerns from the liberal NEOS party regarding the proposal, indicating the need for further discussions. An eight-week review period has been established for the draft law, during which the involved parties will engage with each other.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Google’s Android 16 Beta 3.2 brings essential fixes to battery, display, and more

Android 16 Beta 3.2 addresses haptic feedback calibration, excessive battery drain, and screen flickering issues on select Pixel devices. The update is available to beta testers using Pixel 6 and newer models, with Over the Air (OTA) updates expected within 24 hours of release. The version number for this update is BP22.250221.015. It resolves a miscalibration issue affecting haptic feedback, excessive battery drain during idle times, and screen flickering for Pixel 6 Pro users. The update also improves system stability and usability.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Naughty Dog And Nixxes On The PC Port Of The Last Of Us Part II: “We Take The Steam Deck Very, Very Seriously”

The Last of Us Part II is set to launch on Steam on April 3, marking a shift in Sony's strategy to release titles across multiple platforms. The porting process involves adapting the game from PlayStation hardware to PC, which presents challenges due to differences in architecture and the need for customizable experiences for PC gamers. The development team, including members from Naughty Dog and Nixxes, has implemented a system for real-time shader compilation to enhance performance. The port will also include new characters and gameplay modes, while maintaining the original narrative. Extensive collaboration between Naughty Dog and Nixxes has ensured support for various input devices and accessibility options.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Here’s why you should reinstall Windows 11 every two months – no, I’m not kidding

Windows has evolved through various versions, creating a strong connection among users. Bugs can arise from updates, driver issues, or upgrades, and it is often advised to avoid upgrades in favor of fresh installations. Corrupted registry files and mislabelled directories can lead to resource consumption by background programs. A dual-storage drive system is recommended, designating a fast drive for the OS and a slower drive for media and backups, facilitating easier reinstallation. This setup encourages robust backup practices and helps maintain system integrity. Windows Defender is highlighted as an effective antivirus solution, and preparation for installation, including having necessary drivers on a USB stick, is crucial. A proactive approach to system maintenance can enhance the Windows experience.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

10 best tips to help you survive your first night in Minecraft | Esports News – The Times of India

1. Gather wood immediately to craft tools and build a shelter. 2. Craft essential tools like pickaxes, swords, and shovels for resource gathering and combat. 3. Build a quick shelter, such as a small cave or a wooden hut, to survive the night. 4. Mine stone to create more durable tools like stone pickaxes and swords. 5. Light up your shelter with torches to prevent hostile mobs from spawning. 6. Gather food from animals to avoid starvation and cook it for energy. 7. Avoid hostile mobs by staying inside your shelter after dark. 8. Set your spawn point by crafting a bed from wool and wooden planks. 9. Keep an eye on your coordinates to locate your shelter if needed. 10. Plan for the next day by gathering resources, enhancing your shelter, and exploring.