solitaire Archives

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Five new Steam games you probably missed (July 14, 2025)

Steam releases approximately a dozen new games daily, which can make it difficult for players to find new favorites. Recent notable PC game releases include: - Everdeep Aurora: Released on July 10, developed by Nautilus Games. - Dread Flats: A first-person horror game set in a "murder building" in 1990s China. - Last Report: Released on July 12, developed by Moonpixel Games, this point-and-click adventure follows a park ranger uncovering disturbing events through CCTV footage. - Occlude: Released on July 11, developed by Tributary Games, this occult card game features a "reality-bending" narrative. - Azrael's Tear: Released on July 12, developed by Intelligent Games Ltd., this retro game originally from 1996 involves a quest for the Holy Grail in a futuristic setting, focusing on puzzles and exploration.

Winsage

July 11, 2025

4 things Linux does better than Windows for the average user

Windows 11 dominates the consumer market due to partnerships with laptop manufacturers, creating a barrier for Linux. Windows 11 requires users to create a Microsoft account during setup, allowing data tracking, while Linux allows setup with just a local username and password, enhancing privacy. Windows 11 imposes unnecessary features like OneDrive and aggressive marketing, whereas Linux offers a customizable experience without upsells. Windows often includes bloatware, while Linux distributions typically come with only essential applications that can be uninstalled. Linux provides extensive customization options through various distributions, allowing users to tailor their computing experience.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Windows 11 now lets you remove unwanted Microsoft apps natively

Microsoft is preparing to release a significant update for Windows 11, designated as 25H2, which will include a new feature that allows users to easily remove unwanted Microsoft applications through a group policy. This update aims to enhance system performance by reducing clutter. Users will be able to remove applications such as Feedback Hub, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Teams, and others without needing external tools or complex commands. The feature is expected to debut with the Windows 11 25H2 update, and currently, select users can test it in preview builds. It will allow the removal of standard Microsoft Store packages but will not extend to third-party software. There is uncertainty about whether this feature will be available to Windows 11 Home users or limited to the Pro version.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 has a new option to remove all unwanted Microsoft apps

The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update will introduce a new policy called the Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages, which allows users to remove unwanted Microsoft applications in a single action through Group Policy. This feature aims to simplify the process of debloating Windows 11, which has historically been cumbersome. Users can find this setting under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment. The policy currently supports the removal of various Microsoft applications but does not extend to third-party software. While initial tests show the policy functions as intended, further refinement is needed to address issues like orphaned shortcuts. This feature will not be available to Windows 11 Home users.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

This week in PC games: Tony Hawk, eerie cat miners and all the speedrunning you can eat

Last week saw cancellations, layoffs, and discontent. The Summer Games Done Quick speedrunning festival began, with donations of around 9,000 benefiting Doctors Without Borders. Missile Command Delta reimagines the original game as a turn-based experience, releasing on July 8th. Mycopunk, a teampunk shooter, is set to release on July 10th. Occlude offers a unique twist on Solitaire, while Everdeep Aurora allows players to navigate an underground world. Islanders: New Shores features buildable archipelagoes. Dogwalk involves dragging a child through snowy landscapes, and Xenopurge is an autobattler set in alien hives. A remake of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is also in the works, along with the turn-based mech strategy sim Death Ring: Second Impact.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

I used Winaero to customize Windows, and here’s how it went

Winaero Tweaker is a free application that offers a suite of tools for customizing Windows 11, organized into sections for appearance, behavior, and more. It allows users to enable or disable features such as the Copilot and automatic updates, modify Windows Explorer options, and enhance visual settings. Users can enable the classic full context menu, modify the Windows Explorer Window, resize scroll bars, and prevent Windows themes from changing mouse pointers and desktop icons. The Context Menu Tweaker allows customization of right-click options, adding shortcuts for functions like the Control Panel and Snipping Tool. Winaero also provides tools for modifying support and maintenance settings, including automatic registry backups and creating multiple System Restore points. It offers features to restore classic Windows functionalities and install legacy applications. While Winaero presents many options to enhance the user experience, users should be cautious as some features may pose security risks or performance issues. The application includes a Recent Changes feature for reviewing modifications and reverting to default settings if necessary.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

5 Windows XP features I miss dearly on Windows 11

Microsoft's Windows operating system has evolved significantly, with Windows 11 featuring enhanced multitasking and modern functionalities. However, nostalgic elements from older versions, particularly Windows XP, are missed. 1. The Disk Defragmenter in Windows XP had a visually appealing interface that represented data on the disk, which has been replaced by a text-based interface in later versions. 2. Built-in games like Solitaire, Hearts, and 3D Pinball in Windows XP provided straightforward enjoyment, while their modern counterparts have become cluttered and commercialized. 3. Windows Media Player in XP allowed users to customize with quirky skins, which added personality, a feature that is lacking in today's streamlined media players. 4. Windows Movie Maker was a user-friendly video editing tool that has been replaced by Clipchamp, which many find less intuitive and more patronizing. 5. Windows Messenger and Windows Live Messenger offered a personalized messaging experience with group organization and unique emoticons, which is not matched by current platforms like Skype and Microsoft Teams.

BetaBeacon

June 3, 2025

Limited-Time Offers: Free Premium Apps You Need to Download!

- Various Android apps and games are currently free for a limited time - PhotoApp allows users to modify pictures by integrating their face into other photos - Simple App Locker offers the option to secure desired applications with a PIN code or fingerprint - Touch Lock allows users to temporarily deactivate the touchscreen - PowerAudio is a music player with a 4.4-star rating - Smart Navigation Bar - navbar provides an alternative navigation bar for free - Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD is a tower defense game with great graphics - Cooking Quest challenges players to run a street food cart - Sudoku Master Premium offers a nice implementation of Sudoku - Crossword Quest Premium is for crossword puzzle fans - WindWings is a spin-off of the Atari classic Galaxian with a great rating

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2025

You Can Play Classic Pinball from Windows on Android for Free

The classic Pinball game is now available for free for Android users, thanks to Kyle Sylvestre who ported it there.

BetaBeacon

May 27, 2025

These iOS & Android Apps are Free for a While

Android Apps and Games are available for free for a limited time, including apps like Fake Call Screen, Stabilize Video, Simple Quote Widgets, Number to Word Convert, and Quick Volume Control.