scheduling Archives

Winsage

August 19, 2025

10 open-source apps I recommend every Windows user download

Open-source software provides alternatives to proprietary applications for Windows users, enhancing productivity without traditional software licenses. 1. LibreOffice is a free office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheets, and a database component, operates locally, and supports MS Office formats. 2. Flow Launcher is a free file search and application launcher that allows quick access to applications and files through a customizable hotkey. 3. Duplicati is a free backup solution that supports various storage destinations, offers encryption, scheduling, and remote management for data security. 4. Nextcloud is a free, locally hosted file storage and collaboration solution that allows users to control their personal data. 5. Franz is a free application that consolidates multiple messaging platforms into a single interface for easier communication. 6. YAZB (YAZB Reborn) is a free tool that customizes the Windows experience by creating a top bar displaying system information. 7. File Converter is a free application that allows users to convert various file formats through a right-click context menu option. 8. Bitwarden is a free open-source password manager that offers password generation and secure file sharing, with premium features available. 9. AutoHotKey is a free tool for automating tasks through scripting, enabling the creation of hotkeys and macros. 10. Ollama is a free open-source AI application that allows local interaction with AI models, ensuring data privacy.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2025

Best Free Antivirus Software for 2025 | Top Picks & Reviews

eSecurity Planet maintains an editorially independent stance regarding content and product recommendations, with potential revenue generated from partner links. In 2025, the landscape of free antivirus software includes notable options such as: - Bitdefender Antivirus Free: - Best for users seeking reliable, hands-off protection. - Pros: High malware detection scores, minimal system impact, clean interface, automatic updates, low false-positive rate. - Cons: No control over advanced settings, no firewall or password manager. - Avast One Essentials: - Best for users wanting all-in-one protection. - Pros: Real-time protection, limited VPN and firewall, device cleanup tools, modern dashboard, multi-platform compatibility. - Cons: VPN limited to 5 GB per week, scrutiny over data privacy. - AVG AntiVirus Free: - Best for users preferring a classic interface. - Pros: Excellent malware protection, performance scan tool, file shredder, custom scan scheduling, fewer ads. - Cons: No VPN or firewall, outdated user interface. - Malwarebytes Free: - Best for users needing to clean infected devices. - Pros: Exceptional at scanning for rootkits, fast scan times, effective against ransomware, simple interface, low false positive rate. - Cons: No real-time protection, not a standalone solution. - McAfee (Free Trial): - Best for users wanting to test full-suite protection. - Pros: Access to full suite, protects multiple devices, clean interface, strong anti-phishing scores. - Cons: Trial expires after 30 days, may slow down older systems. The evaluation methodology focused on protection, usability, performance, free value, and trust to highlight effective free antivirus software. The top recommendations include Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avast One Essentials for feature set, and Malwarebytes Free as an essential add-on.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft patch Tuesday update fails to install

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue with its August Patch Tuesday update affecting installations via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), specifically that the "August 12, 2025 Windows security update for Windows 11, version 24H2, might fail to install with error code 0x80240069 when installed via WSUS." This error complicates update management for organizations using WSUS. Microsoft is working on a resolution for this issue, which will be included in a future Windows update. Administrators can manually install the patch or use a provided group policy as a workaround. There is currently no timeline for when the installation issue will be resolved.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Windows 10 KB5063709 update fixes extended security updates enrollment

Microsoft has released the KB5063709 cumulative update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, addressing a critical bug that prevented users from enrolling in extended security updates. This mandatory update includes Microsoft's July 2025 Patch Tuesday security updates, resolving one zero-day vulnerability and 136 other flaws. After installation, Windows 10 version 22H2 will be upgraded to build 19045.6216, and version 21H2 will transition to build 19044.6216. Users can manually check for updates in Settings under Windows Update, and they can also download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Key changes and fixes in the KB5063709 update include: - Fixed an issue affecting the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates enrollment wizard. - Updated enhancements to Country and Operator Settings Asset profiles. - Introduced the capability to deploy SKUSiPolicy VBS Anti-rollback protections via Secure Boot. - Fixed stability issues on certain devices following the May 2025 security update. - Fixed issues with the Microsoft Changjie Input Method, emoji panel search functionality, and phonetic input methods for Hindi and Marathi keyboards. Microsoft has confirmed there are no known issues associated with this update.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

9 Hidden Default Settings and Behaviors on Windows 11

Windows 11 has several default settings that users may not be aware of: 1. Windows Update can utilize renewable energy by scheduling installations during times of lower carbon intensity. 2. Microsoft accounts automatically back up apps and settings, but individual item restoration is not available. 3. Delivery Optimization is enabled by default, allowing updates to be downloaded from both Microsoft servers and local devices. 4. The "Find My Device" feature is automatically turned on for Microsoft account users to help locate lost or stolen computers. 5. Device Encryption (BitLocker) is enabled by default, with the decryption key stored in the user's Microsoft account. 6. System Protection is disabled by default, requiring users to enable it manually for recovery capabilities. 7. Storage Sense is enabled by default to automatically delete unnecessary files and free up disk space. 8. Hibernation is disabled by default, likely due to hardware compatibility issues. 9. The default account lockout policy allows for 10 invalid sign-in attempts before locking the account for 10 minutes.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Battlefield 6 beta start times, pre-load, content, Early Access, PC specs and everything else you need to know

The Battlefield 6 open beta will take place over two weekends, starting with early access from August 7 to August 8 for select players. The first weekend for all players is from August 9 to August 10, and the second weekend runs from August 14 to August 17. Pre-loading begins on August 4. The beta will feature several launch maps and at least three core modes, with minimum and recommended PC specifications provided. Minimum specs include a GPU like Nvidia RTX 2060 and a CPU like Intel Core i5-8400, while recommended specs include a GPU like Nvidia RTX 3060Ti and a CPU like Intel Core i7-10700.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Galaxy Book 4 Edge, Book 5 series are getting a bunch of new AI features

The Galaxy Book 4 Edge is Samsung's first Copilot+ PC, followed by the Galaxy Book 5 series, which also has Copilot+ PC certification. A recent Windows 11 update introduces AI features for these devices, including Copilot Vision, which analyzes on-screen content and allows users to ask questions about applications and web pages. The update also enhances the ‘Click to Do’ feature, enabling users to execute tasks based on selected text, such as scheduling meetings, practicing reading, drafting documents, and using Immersive Reader. Additional features include an AI-driven sticker generator and an object selection tool in the Paint app. The Galaxy Book 4 Edge includes an AI-powered agent in the Settings app for natural language searches and will have an AI lighting option in the Photos app and a feature for capturing screenshots. Non-Copilot+ PC Galaxy Books will also receive some enhancements, including a color picker in the Snipping Tool and a tool for resolving reboot issues. Many features are available through the Microsoft Store and preview updates.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Remember the metaverse? — Microsoft Teams does, and it’s rebooting virtual meetings with immersive events

Microsoft Teams has launched immersive events in public preview, enhancing virtual meetings with spatial audio capabilities for casual conversations. Each participant can customize their virtual avatar, and hosts can personalize the event space without coding skills. Immersive events can accommodate larger groups than the existing Immersive Space view and are expected to replace it over time. Participants can join using a PC, Mac, or Meta Quest headset, with event organization requiring a Teams Premium subscription. Three environments are available for immersive events: Cascades, Oasis, and Canvas, each designed for different types of gatherings.

BetaBeacon

July 28, 2025

Emulating PC games on your non-Snapdragon device just got better

GameSir addressed problems with Dimensity devices by investing time and resources in debugging and analyzing, optimizing resource scheduling, creating a code conversion mechanism for Mali GPUs, and making runtime optimizations. They also claimed to offer native support for 32-bit PC games and are teaming up with MediaTek to offer custom GPU drivers for GameFusion. There is no release timeline for these drivers yet.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

Android’s new ‘Expanded’ dark mode darkens apps without a dark theme — but there’s a catch

Android is introducing a new feature that allows users to enable a dark theme in applications that do not have native support for it, as part of the second Android Canary build. This update includes two modes under Settings > Display & touch > Dark theme: Standard mode, which applies the dark theme to compatible applications, and Expanded mode, which automatically applies the dark theme to a wider range of apps. The Expanded dark mode functions similarly to the “override force-dark” toggle in Developer Options but is more effective across various applications. Users may experience visual inconsistencies in some apps and can revert to Standard mode if needed. The feature has been anticipated since its initial discovery over a year ago, and while it is live in the Canary build, its rollout to Beta or Stable channels is uncertain, with hopes for its debut in the upcoming second quarterly release of Android 16 in December.