resource Archives

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Google finally reveals NotebookLM Android app, but you can’t use it yet

Google launched NotebookLM in 2023 as a web-based platform for document management, utilizing advanced AI models for information retrieval and analysis. The company plans to introduce a dedicated Android app, which is currently available for preview and pre-registration on the Play Store, with an official release expected during the Google I/O event in late May. NotebookLM specializes in processing various file types, including text documents, websites, and videos, with a context window of 500,000 tokens and the capability to handle document uploads up to 200MB.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

CraftCells: 3D Cell Biology Reaches Broad Audiences with Minecraft

Zaida Luthey-Schulten and her team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign developed CraftCells, a project that transforms 3D cell data into interactive objects in Minecraft. This initiative originated from Luthey-Schulten's research on cellular life, where her team created software to segment cells into a grid for studying reactions in specific regions. Inspired by a conference remark about the resemblance of their software to Minecraft's blocky objects, they began converting imaging data into schematic files for the game. Players can download CraftCells from GitHub, allowing them to explore various cellular structures, including bacterial and yeast cells, and experience a rollercoaster ride along a DNA strand. The team plans to collaborate with science educators for feedback on enhancing the platform and aims to incorporate dynamic elements to illustrate cellular processes and expand the variety of cell types available.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

5 alternatives to the Windows Task Manager that you should be using

Windows Task Manager has been enhanced in Windows 11, featuring a streamlined interface and improved functionality. Alternatives to Task Manager include: - System Informer: A free, open-source tool that monitors system resources with real-time performance graphs and detailed process information. It displays CPU, memory, and disk usage, tracks file access, and offers advanced features like call stack traces. - System Explorer: Integrates system monitoring with security features, providing a clean interface for exploring processes, modules, and network connections. It includes a built-in file database and VirusTotal integration for security assessments. - Process Lasso: Extends Task Manager capabilities by allowing users to adjust CPU priority and core affinities. Features include ProBalance for automatic CPU adjustments, performance mode for optimizing CPU usage, IdleSaver for power management, and SmartTrim for memory optimization. - Process Explorer: A Sysinternals tool that offers a detailed view of running processes in a hierarchical tree format, showing user, PID, and resource usage. It includes a search capability for identifying resource usage and integrates with VirusTotal for security checks. - Task Manager DeLuxe (TMX): A portable task management tool that consolidates system stats across multiple tabs, providing quick access to CPU and memory usage, along with graphical representations of network and disk activity. It allows filtering and searching for processes and can be run from a USB drive.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

PostgreSQL 18: Part 4, or CommitFest 2025-01

PostgreSQL 18 includes significant enhancements in monitoring capabilities and new features. Key updates include: - Buffer information in EXPLAIN ANALYZE is now enabled by default, providing detailed buffer statistics for better query performance insights. - The pg_stat_io view tracks I/O statistics in bytes (read_bytes, write_bytes, extend_bytes), simplifying monitoring of I/O operations. - Enhanced monitoring of Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) statistics is introduced, allowing tracking of WAL operations and new WAL segment initialization. - The pg_stat_get_backend_io function provides I/O statistics for specific client processes, aiding in performance tuning. - The VACUUM (verbose) command now includes visibility map information, detailing all-visible pages after a vacuum operation. - The pg_stat_all_table view tracks total vacuum and analysis times per table, and users can adjust autovacuum workers without server restarts. - A new uuidv7 function generates UUIDs with a Unix-epoch timestamp for ordered identifiers. - The passwordcheck extension enforces a minimum password length for better security practices. - Improvements to the jsonb type ensure correct handling of null conversions. - The casefold function facilitates case-insensitive searches. - The RETURNING clause in DML commands now supports returning both old and new values. - The to_number function can convert Roman numerals to numeric values.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Will be Out as a Free-to-Play Game on PC, iOS and Android on May 21

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad will have its full release on May 21 as a free-to-play game on PC, Android, and iOS. The game will feature field bosses with matchmaking for up to 12 players, and the frequency of boss spawns will be reduced. The developers are also planning to improve the RP system in response to player feedback, adding more content like exploration challenges and co-op content that won't require RP. The ultimate goal is to have the entirety of Westeros in the game, with the next major update focusing on bringing the Stormlands.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

5 Free Antivirus Programs To Eliminate Malware and Viruses (2025)

Users are increasingly seeking effective malware protection without the cost of premium software, leading to the emergence of free antivirus programs that offer robust security features. This trend is particularly beneficial for Windows 11 users who want real-time protection while staying within budget. Several leading cybersecurity firms provide free antivirus solutions equipped with advanced features such as real-time scanning, phishing defenses, cloud-based malware detection, and system optimization tools. These free programs can adequately protect a diverse audience, including gamers, remote workers, students, and casual users. Top free antivirus programs for Windows 11 in 2025 include: 1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Utilizes the same malware engine as its paid version, offers real-time detection, anti-phishing protection, and is ultra-light on system resources. 2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Integrated into Windows 11, provides cloud-delivered protection and built-in ransomware mitigation without ads. 3. Avast Free Antivirus: Offers additional tools like network scanning and a Do Not Disturb mode for gaming. 4. AVG AntiVirus Free: Features a simpler interface, link and attachment protection, and fewer pop-ups. 5. TotalAV Free Antivirus: A newer option with a clean interface, real-time protection, and a junk file cleaner. Key factors to consider when selecting free antivirus software include real-time protection, low resource usage, minimal intrusion, and extra security tools. While free solutions are suitable for most users, premium protection may be necessary for small businesses or those handling sensitive data. For gamers, Bitdefender and Avast are recommended for their low system impact and gaming modes. For remote workers, Microsoft Defender and TotalAV are highlighted for their ease of use and integrated protections. Essential features of effective antivirus programs include robust virus protection, real-time scanning, and a behavior shield to detect new threats. Performance should not significantly slow down the system, and the interface should be user-friendly. Experts recommend Windows Defender for basic protection, with AVG and Avast receiving endorsements for their feature balance, while Bitdefender Free is noted for its detection rates and minimal system impact. Free antivirus programs may lack advanced features and technical support compared to paid versions.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Windows Insider Program: What is it and why you should consider joining it (and few reasons you shouldn’t)

The Windows Insider Program allows users to explore unreleased features of Microsoft's Windows operating system by enrolling in various channels. To join, Windows 11 users can go to Settings >> Windows Update and select Windows Insider Program, enabling optional diagnostic data sharing with Microsoft. There are four channels to choose from: 1. Canary Channel: For technical users wanting to preview early-stage features, often unstable. 2. Dev Channel: More stable than Canary, includes features under consideration for future releases. 3. Beta Channel: Recommended for most users, offers a balance of stability and innovation with features likely to be rolled out to all users. 4. Release Preview Channel: The most stable option, providing a preview of the next major release with tested functionalities. Reasons to join include early access to new features, the ability to provide feedback to Microsoft, professional advantages for IT administrators, community engagement, and skill improvement. However, drawbacks include potential system instability and bugs, as well as privacy concerns related to sharing diagnostic data.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

5 steps I took for a successful in-place upgrade of my 6-year-old PC from Windows 10 to 11

Windows 11 was released in October 2021. A user upgraded from Windows 10 22H2 to Windows 11 24H2 on a six-year-old HP Omen using an in-place upgrade. They backed up important files using OneDrive, Proton Drive, and a 4 TB external drive. The hardware was checked for compatibility with Windows 11 using Microsoft’s support page and the PC Health Check app. The user decluttered the system using Disk Cleanup and Revo Uninstaller. A system restore point was created for safety before the upgrade. The upgrade was initiated through Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, and it proceeded smoothly, allowing the user to keep files and applications.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Medieval strategy sim Manor Lords is getting proper AI village-building, an upkeep system and fancier castles

In Manor Lords, a medieval strategy city builder by Slavic Magic and Hooded Horse, developers have announced updates as the game nears its first anniversary. Key updates include: - New buildings such as a quarry for stone mining and a lime kiln for construction. - Visual enhancements to the user interface and map resource nodes, along with improved castle components. - AI improvements allowing it to construct and manage small villages with new features like burgage plots. - Introduction of a new upkeep system requiring consistent resource flow for buildings like smithies and mines. - Modifications to the Record View for regional production and consumption tracking. - A rewritten pathfinding system for multi-story castles to improve unit navigation. The team has expanded since the game's early access debut and is focused on enhancing gameplay and AI capabilities.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Even now, Windows Vista is the most hated OS, and here’s why

Windows Vista was developed as a successor to Windows XP and was originally codenamed "Longhorn." The project faced significant challenges, leading Microsoft to abandon the original XP framework in favor of a foundation based on Windows Server. Despite its ambitious goals, Vista struggled to achieve a positive reception in the industry. The video explores Vista's development, its mixed legacy, and the lessons learned from its challenges in software development.