review Archives

Winsage

October 21, 2026

How to Change Windows 11 Clock Font, Size, and Color

Windows 11 does not provide built-in options to customize the taskbar clock's font, size, or color. To achieve this, users need a third-party tool called Windhawk along with its Taskbar Clock Customization mod. Testing on Windows 11 Pro version 25H2 confirmed that the mod allows changes to the clock's font family, size, weight, and color. The mod requires Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 (version 22H2 or newer) and must be installed from windhawk.net. Users need internet access for the initial mod load, as Windhawk downloads necessary debug symbols. Windhawk is open-source, and while generally safe, code injection may trigger antivirus alerts. Users can revert to the default clock by disabling or removing the mod through Windhawk.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

How to optimize your Windows PC for excellent performance

Personal computers have improved in speed and performance due to advancements in hardware and software, but performance can still vary based on configurations and usage. The latest version of Windows may experience occasional lags even with high-end hardware. To optimize Windows PCs, users should ensure they have the latest updates installed, as these enhance performance and security. Regularly updating drivers and applications is also important. Freeing up disk space is crucial for optimal performance, as a cluttered hard drive can slow down the system. Users should monitor their disk space and delete unnecessary files. Malware can hinder performance, so running antivirus scans is essential if issues arise. Adjusting power settings to "Best Performance" can improve speed, particularly when the device is plugged in. Pausing OneDrive syncing can alleviate resource consumption during uploads. Upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly enhance performance, as SSDs offer faster boot times and application loading. Increasing RAM capacity allows for better handling of simultaneous processes. Disabling unnecessary startup programs can free up system resources, and adjusting Windows appearance settings can conserve RAM. Uninstalling unused applications can also improve performance. For gamers, enabling Game Mode prioritizes system resources for gaming. Regularly restarting the PC helps maintain optimal performance by closing background processes and refreshing memory.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

PS5 open-world RPG lands rave 9/10 score, as game praised as the next Minecraft

Enshrouded has transitioned from early access to a full launch on PC and PlayStation 5, receiving a Metacritic score of 89 and a 4.81-star rating on the PlayStation Store. Developed by Keen Games, it features both solo and cooperative gameplay, set in the kingdom of Embervale, where players face the Shroud, a threatening fog. The game includes a handcrafted map with quests and exploration opportunities, allowing players to level up, unlock skills, and gather resources. Reviews highlight its successful integration of survival crafting mechanics with ARPG exploration, with scores of 90 from GamingBolt and a perfect score from Try Hard Guides. Many players consider it a worthy successor to Minecraft, emphasizing its innovative approach to voxel-based gameplay. 92% of players on the PlayStation Store rated it five stars.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and added automatic ransomware backup to its Ultimate plan. The NOD32 engine was updated to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus options due to discrepancies between current product names and older installations. A comprehensive 13-step guide has been developed to facilitate the transition to new antivirus software, addressing potential risks such as performance issues from running multiple engines, improper uninstallation, and loss of license keys. In 2026, ESET introduced features like a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus includes real-time anti-ransomware protection and machine-learning threat detection. Security.org's 2025 report indicated that 84% of users made no changes to their antivirus software over the past year, with many only reconsidering when faced with price increases or product discontinuations. The choice between paid and free antivirus solutions is significant, with 54% of third-party users paying for their software. ESET's Ultimate tier is the only one that includes ransomware backup features. Before switching antivirus products, users should ensure they are running compatible operating systems, have administrator access, document current and new antivirus version numbers, and have a stable internet connection. A PowerShell command can check the current antivirus status. Steps for migration include auditing current antivirus features, choosing a suitable replacement, exporting license keys, and using official removal tools to uninstall the old software. After installation, users should verify real-time protection is active and rebuild exclusions and scan schedules. Common pitfalls during migration include failing to uninstall the old antivirus completely, forgetting to disable tamper protection, and losing exclusion lists. For mobile devices, permissions from the old antivirus must be cleared to avoid conflicts. Advanced users managing multiple devices may benefit from staggering migrations and checking for known vulnerabilities in the antivirus products. A PowerShell script can be created to log the antivirus state before and after migration.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2026

McAfee+ Advanced All-in-One Online Protection Plan Is $110 Off Right Now and Can Give You Peace of Mind in the Age of AI Scams

Artificial intelligence is being used by cybercriminals to create sophisticated online threats, such as convincing phishing emails and lifelike AI-generated videos. Traditional methods of protection are insufficient, making comprehensive cybersecurity solutions essential. McAfee+ offers a unified solution that includes a secure VPN, antivirus software, scam detection, and identity theft coverage. It has received an "Excellent" rating from PCMag for its performance and effectiveness. McAfee+ has three tiers: Essential, Premium, and Advanced, with the Advanced tier providing extensive protections, including identity theft coverage and transaction monitoring.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

Review

Minecraft Dungeons II is a sequel that builds on the original's accessible loot-driven action role-playing game (ARPG) formula, appealing to both younger players and families. The narrative involves mysterious rifts in the Overworld and the Supreme Evoker seeking to conquer it. The game features an interconnected open world with side quests, but the story lacks emotional depth. Gameplay enhancements include new mechanics like jumping, an expanded equipment system, and the introduction of Talisman slots, though it has limitations such as only three Artifact slots. Arrow regeneration improves gameplay flow, while the world design fosters a cohesive experience. Visually, it retains the voxel style with vibrant colors, but the sound design lacks a memorable soundtrack. The game is available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

Android TV Debloat Gets a Free tvOS-Style Makeover vibehack

A developer named Gathin has created tv-vibehack, a free and open-source tool for Android TV users that removes unwanted advertisements and preloaded applications. The tool operates over Wi-Fi and allows users to customize their home screens to resemble an Apple TV interface without rooting or physical connections. It can identify and debloat various TV models, such as Xiaomi, Redmi, TCL, Hisense, Sony, OnePlus, Realme, and Nvidia Shield, but does not support Samsung, LG, or Amazon Fire TV. The process takes about 15 minutes and includes a custom launcher with features like a sleek black background, a dock for favorite apps, and a drifting clock screensaver. Users must enable USB debugging and trust their computer to initiate the debloating process, which is facilitated by a coding assistant. While the tool does not root or permanently delete anything, users are advised to back up data and review documentation carefully, as disabling critical packages may disrupt essential features.

BetaBeacon

October 18, 2026

AYN Thor Setup Guide: 13 Steps, 90 Minutes [2026]

- AYN's Thor is a clamshell Android handheld with two AMOLED panels: a 6-inch top display and a 3.92-inch touchscreen on the bottom. - It comes in four configurations: Lite, Base, Pro, and Max, with varying specs including RAM, storage, and GPU. - Setup of the AYN Thor takes longer than expected as it does not come with bundled games, preinstalled emulators, or a third-party launcher. - The setup process includes steps such as unboxing and inspecting the model, charging fully before the first boot, updating firmware, configuring the dual-screen display, setting up the microSD card, installing RetroArch, Winlator, and Moonlight, mapping controls, calibrating sticks, setting up cloud and PC game streaming, optimizing battery and thermal behavior, organizing storage, launchers, and backups, and running a final full-system pass.

Winsage

October 18, 2026

His scanner wouldn’t work on Linux — so he let Claude study the Windows driver

Christian Schaller, an engineering director at Red Hat, faced challenges digitizing family negatives with a Plustek OpticFilm 8200i scanner due to Linux driver incompatibility. After pausing the project, he successfully scanned using a new strategy and launched an open-source initiative called hw-harness to help developers tackle hardware lacking Linux support. Schaller reverse-engineered the scanner driver by analyzing USB traffic and comparing it with data from a Windows environment. His driver outperformed the upstream version in speed and included features like infrared dust removal and various scanning capabilities. He also developed an application named Negative Vibes for image processing. Additionally, Schaller improved the camera on his Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon by addressing issues in the Linux kernel and libcamera, resulting in significant enhancements in image brightness and color accuracy. His hw-harness project is available on GitHub, providing tools for driver development and analysis.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 review-in-progress: A campaign you shouldn’t skip

The author attended a three-day review event in Los Angeles for Modern Warfare 4, spending nearly 24 hours on the campaign, multiplayer, and DMZ modes. They have been engaged with Call of Duty for over two decades, initially drawn in by the campaigns. The campaign of Modern Warfare 4 features relatable characters, primarily a group of young South Korean marines during a North Korean invasion, and aims to recapture the essence of earlier installments. Key missions include "Mayhem," "Losing Ground," and "Stranded," the latter showcasing a sandbox level with non-linear objectives. Concerns about integrating Warzone mechanics into single-player gameplay were alleviated by the assurance that the map was designed specifically for the campaign. The narrative includes Captain Price but feels disjointed, with his character fading from the story. Overall, Modern Warfare 4 is noted for its robust campaign, extravagant set pieces, and solid gunplay, marking a return to form for the series.