productivity tools Archives

Winsage

April 6, 2025

Save Your Operating Budget: Upgrade Team PCs for $15 Each

The Windows 11 Pro upgrade is available for .97 per person, significantly lower than its typical price of 9, providing businesses with a lifetime license for each PC. As of now, 35.5% of Windows users have upgraded to this operating system. Key features of Windows 11 Pro include the AI assistant Copilot, enhanced productivity tools like snap layouts and virtual desktops, improved search settings, and security features such as biometric logins and encrypted authentication. The user interface is designed to be visually appealing and easy to navigate, with customization options and touchscreen support.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

ReactOS, an Open Source Take on Windows

ReactOS is an open-source operating system designed to be compatible with Windows, aiming to recreate the Windows experience while ensuring compatibility with existing software applications. The first stable release occurred in 2011, followed by a beta version in 2013 that improved support for 64-bit systems. By 2020, ReactOS reached a Technical Alpha milestone, indicating progress in stability and performance. The latest version resembles the outdated Windows XP interface, which may appeal to some users but lacks modern functionality. The ReactOS Application Manager allows users to install applications, but many popular software versions are outdated or incompatible. Users are advised to use the Application Manager for installations, as external downloads can lead to issues. ReactOS appeals to Windows users reluctant to switch to Linux or invest in new hardware, but it remains a work in progress with bugs and limited application support. The project invites contributions to enhance the user interface and application compatibility.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft bundle deal: MS Office and Windows 11 for $54.97

A bundle is available for enhancing existing PCs, including Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and an upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, priced at .97, reduced from the regular price of 8. The Office 2021 suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Windows 11 Pro features a redesigned interface, productivity tools like Snap layouts, multiple virtual desktops, improved voice typing, enhanced search functionalities, and the AI-powered Copilot virtual assistant. Advanced features include Azure AD, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker device encryption. Compatibility with current hardware is required, and the offer is not applicable for systems unable to access Windows Update for Windows 11. Prices on StackSocial may change.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

7 PowerToys Run plug-ins I use to boost my productivity

PowerToys is a suite of productivity tools for Windows 11, featuring over two dozen modules. PowerToys Run is a launcher and search bar that simplifies launching applications and finding files. It can be enhanced with plug-ins, including: - Window Walker: Allows users to search for running applications for quick window switching. - OneNote: Enables quick access to notebooks and pages after activation. - WinGet/Scoop: Streamlines app installation and uninstallation from a trusted repository. - BrowserSearch: Facilitates quick searches of browser history across different web browsers. - FastWeb: Allows users to create shortcuts for websites accessible via text commands. - Everything: Provides a fast search engine for files, improving upon the basic file search capabilities. - Clipboard Manager: Makes clipboard history searchable for easier reuse of text clips.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Raycast is a better launcher than anything on Windows

The author has transitioned from using Flow Launcher on Windows 11 to Raycast on a Mac Mini and finds Raycast to be superior in elegance and functionality. Raycast is described as a comprehensive solution with high extensibility and customizability, offering an intuitive design that enhances productivity. A Windows version of Raycast is anticipated in the future, and the author hopes it will match the quality of the Mac version.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Download MSI App Player (free) for Windows

MSI App Player is a versatile tool for users seeking gaming and productivity enhancements on a larger screen. It features a user-friendly interface for setting up a virtual Android environment on Windows without requiring advanced technical skills. The app allows keyboard and mouse mapping to emulate touchscreen controls and supports console pad connectivity in Console Mode. Users can open multiple windows for different applications and launch the same game with different accounts. It is integrated with the Windows operating system for mobile software testing and can handle high-end graphics and fast-paced mobile games. MSI App Player optimizes CPU, GPU, and memory usage, ensuring smooth performance even on less advanced hardware. It includes an error-checking mechanism and a built-in recovery system to prevent gameplay disruptions, with regular updates for compatibility with the latest Android games and applications.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Last Chance for Windows 11 Pro With Copilot at Its Lowest Price Ever

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 later this year, ending free software updates and security patches. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, currently available for .97, down from its regular price of 9. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as remote desktop access, BitLocker device encryption, and Hyper-V. This offer is valid until March 30. Windows 11 Home can be installed for free but lacks essential features for professionals. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro also provides access to Copilot, an AI assistant powered by GPT-4. Upon purchase, users receive a download link and activation code for installation on up to two devices.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

5 Windows tools and apps you can’t find on other operating systems

Certain features remain exclusive to the Windows operating system, offering unique functionalities not available on Mac or Linux. Microsoft has developed tools like PowerToys, which includes nearly 20 utilities enhancing Windows functionality, and Windows Sandbox, providing a secure environment for testing applications. Windows Notepad serves as a basic note-taking and coding app with features like spellcheck and autocorrect. The Snipping Tool allows users to capture screenshots and extract text from images, while the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables seamless access to both Windows and Linux environments. These tools are designed to enhance productivity and provide significant advantages for Windows users.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Children of Morta, Front Armies, Star Survivor, more

The Amazon Big Spring Sale has started, coinciding with the Samsung spring sale event. Notable deals include Anker’s 25K mAh power bank at an all-time low, discounted Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the new Kindle Colorsoft at its best price ever, and Samsung’s Smart Monitors discounted by up to 0. In the Google Play offers, standout titles include "Children of Morta," "Front Armies," and "Star Survivor."