speed and efficiency Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Is it time to ditch Windows File Explorer? 6 signs you’ve outgrown it

Windows File Explorer is the default file management tool for Windows but often disappoints power users due to several limitations. The search function is slow, taking several minutes for results, especially in large folders or external drives, and requires careful configuration of indexing settings. Customization options are limited, lacking advanced features like split views or custom color labels, while third-party tools offer extensive customization. File Explorer's reliance on traditional folder structures is outdated, missing features like tagging or smart folders, which are crucial for professionals in creative fields. File transfers can be frustrating, with stalls and unpredictable speeds, whereas alternatives like TeraCopy provide faster and more reliable transfers. Filtering and sorting options are basic and insufficient for managing large collections, lacking advanced capabilities found in third-party explorers. Additionally, the absence of dual-pane navigation hinders efficiency, despite recent updates introducing tab functionality.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

The World Is A Mess, But This New Tiny Boat Game Lets You Clean It Up

Spilled is a new indie game launched on PC by developer Lente, where players control a boat equipped with a vacuum, water cannon, and crane to clean up black goo left by vessels across various biomes. The objective is to collect and recycle the goo into coins for boat upgrades. Initial gameplay involves simple goo collection, while later stages present larger challenges. Players witness the return of sea creatures as they clean, enhancing the visual experience. The main storyline lasts about an hour, but exploration can extend gameplay to two hours. Future iterations may include additional levels and cooperative gameplay options.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

4 reasons PowerToys Run is the best Spotlight alternative for Windows users

PowerToys is a suite of productivity tools for Windows users, featuring PowerToys Run, which serves as an alternative to macOS's Spotlight. PowerToys Run allows users to launch applications and search for files quickly and efficiently, with built-in plug-ins for searching the Windows registry, executing terminal commands, converting units, performing calculations, creating timestamps, and conducting web searches. It offers high customization options, enabling users to adjust settings for an optimized search experience. Additionally, it supports third-party extensions for enhanced functionality, such as browser history searches and direct queries to ChatGPT. The entire PowerToys suite includes other tools like FancyZones for window management and PowerRename for file renaming, contributing to improved workflow efficiency.

Tech Optimizer

March 11, 2025

What’s in Store for pg_probackup 3

Pg_probackup is a backup solution for PostgreSQL that debuted in 2016 and has evolved significantly, with the latest version being 2.5.15 available on GitHub and version 2.8.6 included in the Postgres Pro product suite. It supports 14 platforms and offers three types of incremental backups, features like merging backups, quick replica restoration, and integration with S3 and CFS. Users can access community support via a dedicated Telegram chat. The versions of Pg_probackup include: - 2.5.15 Community: Open-source, available on GitHub with critical bug fixes. - 2.8.6 STD: Closed-source, optimized for large datasets, included with Postgres Pro Standard. - 2.8.6 ENT: Closed-source, similar to STD but adds CFS and S3 support. - 3 and above: Closed-source overhaul aimed at improved speed and efficiency. Pg_probackup 3 was developed to address client requests and internal ideas, leading to a modular architecture with three components: a DB core extension, LibProbackup3 (a core library for database connection), and the backup application itself. Libprobackup3 is written in C++, providing a C interface for integration with various programming languages and managing archival file streams and backup logic. Pg_probackup 3 introduces a custom communication protocol for optimized data handling and supports multiple backup modes: FULL, DELTA, PTRACK, and PAGE. The recovery feature includes FUSE capability for direct data restoration from backups without full unpacking, enhancing recovery options for selective restoration of databases and WAL files. Performance testing showed that while version 2.8.6 excelled in single-threaded scenarios, pg_probackup 3.0.0 outperformed it in multi-threaded environments, especially in PRO mode for PTRACK incrementals. The roadmap for pg_probackup 3 includes releasing the current version, preparing an open-source variant, optimizing multi-threading, and implementing additional features in pg_probackup 3.1.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Microsoft revamps the Copilot app for Windows 11, makes it truly native

Microsoft has rolled out a revamped version of its Copilot application for Windows 11 Insiders, transitioning it into a native application integrated within the operating system. Initial feedback indicates that the new Copilot app outperforms the ChatGPT desktop application, operating with speed and efficiency while using only 50 to 100 MB of RAM. The app has been redeveloped using Windows technologies like XAML and WinUI, featuring its own controls, a dedicated taskbar icon, and picture-in-picture mode. It allows for quick initiation of conversations with the AI chatbot and provides tailored responses based on installed components and applications. The current version does not control Windows 11 directly, but future updates may introduce this capability. The rollout is ongoing for Windows 11 Insiders, with the latest version identified as 1.25023.101.0.

AppWizard

February 6, 2025

The Gemini app now has two more powerful models

Google has introduced two new models for its Gemini app: Gemini 2.0 Pro Experimental and Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental. The Gemini 2.0 Pro Experimental is in the experimental phase and is designed for coding and managing complex prompts, accessible through the Gemini app, Google AI Studio, and Vertex AI. The Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental is marketed as the “world’s best model,” focusing on speed and efficiency, capable of breaking down prompts into manageable steps and providing transparency in its thought process. Users can explore these new models at no cost, and an app update may be required to access the latest features.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

5 ways to make Windows 11 boot faster without new hardware

Windows can exhibit sluggishness during boot times, which can be improved without hardware upgrades or reinstallation. 1. Disable unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager to enhance boot times. 2. Adjust the Fast Startup feature in Control Panel, as it can sometimes hinder performance. 3. Reduce the operating system selection timeout in System Properties to streamline booting for users with multiple operating systems. 4. Uninstall unneeded applications to free up resources. 5. Ensure sufficient free space on your SSD, as full SSDs can degrade performance.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Google launches ‘Whisk’ for fast AI-generated imagery and updates Veo 2, Imagen 3

Google has launched an AI experiment called Whisk for Labs testers, which allows users to generate images by uploading images that define subject, scene, and style. Whisk uses Gemini and Imagen 3 to extract characteristics from the uploaded images, creating variations in attributes like height, hairstyle, and skin tone. It features a "review and edit" option for users to refine generated images and provides a detailed description of the creation process. As of December 16, U.S. Labs testers can sign up to explore Whisk. Additionally, Google has updated Imagen 3 and Veo 2. Imagen 3 now offers brighter and better-composed images with improved adherence to prompts, rolling out globally in ImageFX within Google Labs. Veo 2 has been enhanced to create high-quality videos in 4K resolution, allowing for detailed descriptions and improved understanding of expressions and movements. The updates for Veo 2 are being rolled out in Google Labs' VideoFX, with plans to integrate it into YouTube Shorts and other products in the future.

Tech Optimizer

December 9, 2024

Amazon explains absence of familiar features in ‘PostgreSQL compatible’ Aurora DSQL

Amazon unveiled Aurora DSQL, a distributed SQL database manager, at the re:Invent conference in Las Vegas, designed to enhance performance with rapid read capabilities. Key PostgreSQL features are absent from Aurora DSQL as Amazon focuses on optimizing it for cloud-native environments, prioritizing performance and reliability over feature parity. The design aims to simplify operational complexities and cater to the scalability demands of modern applications. Amazon emphasizes performance optimization by focusing on core functionalities and eliminating less critical features, making it suitable for applications requiring high throughput and low latency. The company plans to gather feedback from the developer community to shape future iterations of Aurora DSQL.

AppWizard

December 8, 2024

If Gboard is the best Android keyboard, why do I like this alternative so much?

Gboard is a popular keyboard for Android users due to its integration with Google's ecosystem and features. HeliBoard is an alternative minimalist keyboard that focuses on privacy and simplicity. Transitioning to HeliBoard requires some customization, which may not appeal to all users. HeliBoard offers customizable aesthetics, three keyboard styles, and a dynamic color palette. It allows easy language switching but may lack dictionary support for some languages. HeliBoard prioritizes a streamlined experience, enhancing speed and efficiency by removing unnecessary features, although it supports basic functionalities like word suggestions and gesture typing, which need manual activation. HeliBoard does not collect usage data, ensuring user privacy, unlike Gboard. However, it may have bugs and issues that could frustrate users, making it less reliable for everyday use. Other alternatives to Gboard include Florisboard, Microsoft SwiftKey, FUTO Keyboard, and Unexpected Keyboard.