setup Archives

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

This free to-do list app keeps me organized and sane

Megan Ellis discovered TickTick in 2018 and found it to be an indispensable productivity tool, particularly due to its user-friendly interface and simplicity, which is important for users with ADHD. TickTick allows users to start adding tasks immediately without account creation and offers flexibility in organizing tasks into separate lists. The app's notification system keeps tasks visible without overwhelming the user, and the snooze feature helps manage time effectively by allowing users to delay tasks. Ellis has chosen not to subscribe to TickTick's premium plan, believing the free version meets her needs, although the premium offers additional features for a competitive annual cost. She acknowledges alternatives like Todoist, Google Tasks, Microsoft To Do, Any.do, and ClickUp, but still considers TickTick the most comprehensive solution for her task management.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Got a Pixel phone? Grab these 5 Google apps because they’re not installed by default

A curated list of recommended Google apps for Pixel phones includes: - Chrome Beta: Offers multiple account support, allowing seamless management of different Gmail accounts without logging out. - Google Maps Go: A lighter version of Google Maps that enables simultaneous navigation and exploration for nearby places. - Gallery: An efficient alternative to Google Photos that organizes media files offline and includes light facial recognition. - Google Translate: Translates text, audio, and images across languages, supporting offline translations, useful for travelers. - Google Go: A lightweight app for less powerful devices that includes features like incognito searching and a built-in reader mode. Honorable mentions include Google News, Google Tasks, Google Fit, Find Hub, and Photoscan.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

PC finally has its own Breath of the Wild killer, and it’s indistinguishable from the Nintendo game except that you are a boy who is also a tire

The Nintendo Switch is a gaming console that features games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. A new game called Tire Boy, unveiled at the Day of the Devs event, features a protagonist with a tractor tire for a head who navigates through lush landscapes and battles creatures. The game involves repairing a radio transmitter to reconnect with lost travelers and includes whimsical elements, such as Tire Boy playing an acoustic guitar. Tire Boy is expected to compete with the Nintendo Switch in the gaming market.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Why I Use simplewall Instead of Windows Firewall (And You Should Too)

Simplewall is a rule-based firewall controller for Windows that enhances the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) without replacing it. It allows users to manage network access for applications and services with a user-friendly interface, supporting advanced features like filtering rules by IP, port, or protocol. Users can create tailored profiles for different scenarios and have comprehensive control over network interactions, including blocking telemetry data and automatic updates. Simplewall is lightweight, portable, and operates without background processes or telemetry, ensuring a straightforward user experience. Setting up simplewall involves downloading it, extracting the files, and enabling filters, allowing users to establish a functional firewall profile quickly. While it offers many advantages, such as being open-source and compatible with older Windows versions, it may be overwhelming for beginners and lacks detailed app profiling compared to premium firewalls.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2025

Bitdefender Antivirus Review 2025: I Found This Top-Rated Security Software Effective and Efficient

Bitdefender Antivirus has a score of 9.5 out of 10, with the following breakdown: Performance: 9/10, Security: 10/10, Customer Support: 9/10, Usability: 10/10, Value: 9/10, Features: 10/10. It has over 500 million users worldwide and offers real-time protection against malware, a scam detector, a VPN, password manager, ad blocker, digital identity protection, dark web monitoring, and data breach detection. Bitdefender's plans include a free version for single-device use and various Ultimate Security packages for individuals and families, all priced at 0 for the first year. The software is user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process and minimal impact on system resources during operation. It consistently achieves high marks in third-party lab tests for security and offers various customer support options, though the initial steps to reach a representative can be cumbersome.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Citadel Launches Digital Signage Software, Android App

Citadel Texas has launched an upgraded version of its Citadel Digital Signage software suite, featuring a new Android app and media player aimed at enhancing customer engagement through dynamic video content and real-time updates. Key features include enhanced engagement tools, effortless management, and accessibility at an affordable price. The software allows businesses to create impactful visuals, influence purchasing decisions, and transform displays into educational hubs. The Android app and media player offer features like integrated Google Reviews, live weather widgets, and reliable connectivity. The solution is particularly beneficial for healthcare settings, improving patient experiences during wait times. Pricing starts at a competitive rate, making it accessible for various businesses.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

This $200 Windows PC fits in the palm of my hand – and powers three 4K displays

The Minix Neo Z97 mini PC is priced at 9 on Amazon and features Windows 11 pre-installed. It has a compact size of 88×88×42mm and weighs 0.18kg. The specifications include an Intel® Processor N97 (up to 3.6 GHz), Intel® UHD Graphics, 12GB LPDDR5X-4800MHz memory, and a 512GB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x 4 NVMe SSD. It supports a triple monitor setup and offers connectivity options such as dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The device operates quietly, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. While it performs well for everyday tasks, it shows strain with resource-intensive applications.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Migrate Google Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL to Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora using pglogical

PostgreSQL is a popular open-source relational database used by enterprise developers and startups, enabling rapid prototyping and supporting mission-critical applications. Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL and Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition facilitate easy setup, operation, and scaling of PostgreSQL deployments in the AWS Cloud, automating administrative tasks like software installation, storage management, and backups. The pglogical extension, compatible with PostgreSQL versions 9.4 and higher, allows for asynchronous replication and is supported on RDS for PostgreSQL and Aurora PostgreSQL from version 12. It uses a publisher/subscriber model for logical streaming replication. To migrate a PostgreSQL database from Google Cloud SQL to RDS for PostgreSQL or Aurora PostgreSQL, users must configure the primary database in Cloud SQL, create a PostgreSQL user with replication privileges, enable logical replication parameters, and create the pglogical extension. The RDS instance also requires a special user for replication, enabling logical replication parameters and creating the pglogical extension. Known limitations of pglogical include the inability to replicate primary key changes directly, the need to manually transfer extensions, and the lack of support for materialized views and large objects. Workarounds involve using surrogate keys for primary keys, manually creating extensions, and converting large objects to bytea columns or storing them in Amazon S3. DDL statements are not automatically replicated, but can be queued using the pglogical.replicate_ddl_command function.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

While tinkering with an old typewriter, this gamer managed to build a real gaming PC capable of running Minecraft.

A gamer transformed an old typewriter into a fully functional gaming PC capable of running Minecraft. The project involved using an H110 motherboard, an Intel i5-6600 processor, a 4GB DDR4 memory module, a GT635 graphics card, a 240GB SATA SSD, a 200W SFX power supply, and a WiFi card. The components were integrated into the typewriter's chassis using hot glue, and the original keyboard was modernized with an Arduino Leonardo microcontroller to make it compatible with PCs. The project received positive feedback on Reddit, highlighting its creativity and eco-friendly approach.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Why pay recurring fees for 365 when Microsoft Office is only $50?

Microsoft Office 2021 is currently available for a one-time purchase of .97, reduced from its regular price of 9.99. This version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (free version), OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Users receive instant download codes for immediate installation on a single computer, ensuring uninterrupted access without recurring fees. Microsoft 365, in contrast, operates on a subscription model that has recently seen a price increase, making Office 2021 a more economical choice for individuals and businesses. The offer is time-limited, and prices on StackSocial may change.