spreadsheet Archives

Winsage

April 11, 2025

How to Try Copilot’s New ‘Vision’ and File Search Updates

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Copilot application, including Copilot Vision and an advanced file search capability, now rolling out to Windows Insiders. Copilot Vision allows the AI to "see" what is displayed on the user's screen, enabling users to ask questions about their browsing, documents, or music without needing screenshots. Microsoft assures users that they maintain control over accessible information, with data deleted after each session. The updated file search feature allows the AI to locate, open, and discuss files stored locally, enabling natural language queries for file retrieval. Users can manage permissions for Copilot through application settings. These features will eventually be available to all Windows users, and those interested can join the Windows Insider Program for early access. To use the new features, users need version 1.25034.133.0 or later from the Microsoft Store. Copilot Vision can be activated by clicking the glasses icon in the app, while file search is integrated for easy queries.

BetaBeacon

April 7, 2025

My seven most anticipated Meta Quest games from the 2025 Ruff Talk VR showcase

- Vestiges: Fallen Tribes is a new interactive board game set in a unique sci-fi universe blending tribal desert style with card-battling minifigure concepts. - The game is playable in VR and on desktop PC via Steam, allowing for a wide range of players and styles. - It features several units controlled at a time with powers given by cards, supports PvP and PvE modes, and offers a solo campaign with diverse objectives and playable tribes. - The game is set to launch on April 24 on the Meta Quest platform.

Tech Optimizer

March 8, 2025

Why You Should Use a PostgreSQL GUI Instead of the Command Line

PostgreSQL is a robust and reliable open-source database system. A graphical user interface (GUI) offers several benefits over the command line, including: - Easier navigation through databases without memorizing commands. - Better organization of data in structured views like tables or charts. - Simplified query creation with user-friendly editors that include syntax highlighting and suggestions. - Time-saving tools that streamline tasks with built-in shortcuts. - Visual feedback displaying query results in sortable and filterable tables. - Learning support for newcomers with tooltips and example queries. - Fewer errors by monitoring user input and flagging issues before execution. - Enhanced collaboration features for teams, including shared connections and real-time updates. - Customization options allowing users to modify layouts and save queries to fit their workflows.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

This is how you get Excel, Word and more for less than $7 each

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 is available for a lifetime license at a price of .97, which is a 75 percent discount until March 30. The suite includes eight applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. The license is designed for one Windows PC and offers instant delivery and download. The user interface has been redesigned for improved focus and efficiency. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft Patch Tuesday February 2025 – 61 Vulnerabilities Fixed, 3 Actively Exploited in the Wild

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday update addresses 61 vulnerabilities, including 25 critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities. Three of these are zero-days, actively exploited before the update: 1. CVE-2023-24932: Secure Boot security feature bypass requiring physical access or administrative rights. 2. CVE-2025-21391: Windows Storage elevation of privilege vulnerability that could lead to data deletion. 3. CVE-2025-21418: Vulnerability in Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock allowing privilege escalation. Critical vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2025-21376: Windows LDAP RCE vulnerability. - CVE-2025-21379: RCE vulnerability in DHCP Client Service. - CVE-2025-21381: RCE vulnerability in Microsoft Excel. The update also addresses additional vulnerabilities related to remote code execution, elevation of privilege, denial of service, security feature bypass, spoofing, and information disclosure across various Microsoft products. Microsoft advises immediate application of the updates to mitigate risks.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Windows Ugly Sweater winner of last year is …

The readers of The Register participated in a light-hearted competition, with the winner receiving a Windows XP Christmas sweater. Suggestions for the placement of Microsoft’s Copilot included integrating it into itself, incorporating it into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, replacing elected officials, and providing blunt advice in Excel. A straightforward suggestion was made to simply ask the AI what to do. ChatGPT humorously proposed unconventional ideas for Copilot's placement, such as assisting in the bathroom or helping with toasting bread. Sureo's suggestion to ask the AI was deemed the most sensible, leading to their win of the XP sweater.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to Use Windows on Meta Quest 3 Headsets

At Ignite 2024, Microsoft announced enhanced support for Windows applications on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices, allowing users to access Microsoft’s suite of tools without additional software. Users can create multiple virtual windows for multitasking, such as switching between Microsoft Teams and spreadsheets. Previously, users accessed Windows apps via Air Link, Remote Desktop in Horizon Workrooms, or third-party software. The new integration allows streaming from a Windows 11 PC or virtual Windows Cloud PC, enabling quick access to Windows applications in an XR environment. This functionality includes creating multiple virtual monitors or a single large monitor while maintaining visibility of physical surroundings. The experience is supported by a program called “Volumetric Apps.” Microsoft has discontinued its “Windows Mixed Reality” platform but continues to support XR innovators. Microsoft also announced the end of software support for HoloLens 2 in 2027 and hinted at a new deal with Samsung for OLED displays for a future mixed-reality headset.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

5 Docker containers you should be using on your Windows 11 PC

Linux distributions are effective for self-hosting and containerization, allowing users to run containers on Windows 11 after setting up WSL2 and Docker Desktop. Notable self-hosted services include: - Penpot: A free, SVG-based design tool that offers vector image editing and prototyping capabilities, supporting SVG, CSS, and HTML. - Nextcloud: A self-hosted cloud storage solution that ensures data privacy and offers features like file synchronization, mobile apps, and collaboration tools. - Joplin: A note-taking application with markdown support and tagging, allowing users to self-host their own server for syncing notes without privacy concerns. - LibreOffice: A free alternative to Microsoft Office that supports various file formats and can be containerized for optimal performance. - Linux Distros: Users can run full Linux operating systems in lightweight containers, with popular options including Ubuntu and Alpine Linux, and even macOS in Docker containers. Additional Docker images for enhancing home networks and workflows include WireGuard, NetAlertX, Pi-Hole, Immich, Calibre-web, Jellyfin, Gitea, Code Server, and Nginx.

Tech Optimizer

December 17, 2024

Top PostgreSQL Tools for Developers and Administrators

PostgreSQL is utilized by over 48,000 companies, holding a market share of 17.33%. It is known for its robust architecture and advanced features, prompting users to seek various tools for enhanced productivity and database management. The top PostgreSQL GUI tools include: 1. **pgAdmin**: Official tool for database administration, compatible with major OS, with features for SQL scripts, database management, and server performance monitoring. 2. **DBeaver**: Universal database tool supporting around 80 databases, facilitating data editing, navigation, and report generation. 3. **Navicat**: User-friendly tool for managing PostgreSQL servers, creating queries, and analyzing data. 4. **TablePlus**: Modern tool with inline editing, advanced filters, and dashboard creation capabilities. 5. **DataGrip**: Intelligent query console with automatic code completion and bug detection features. 6. **Beekeeper Studio**: Online tool with a spreadsheet interface and robust security features, allowing multiple tabs and SQL query saving. 7. **dbForge Studio for MySQL**: Tool for database development, supporting various platforms and facilitating query creation. 8. **DbVisualizer**: Preferred tool for database navigation and SQL editing, used by organizations like Tesla and NASA. 9. **OmniDB**: Lightweight, open-source tool with an interactive interface and SSH tunnel security. 10. **Postico**: Mac-specific tool for data exploration and analysis. 11. **HeidiSQL**: Free tool for comprehensive data editing and structure management. 12. **Adminer**: PHP-based tool for easy deployment and enhanced security. 13. **PostgreSQL Data Wizard**: Supports multiple file formats for data export and manipulation. 14. **PostgreSQL PHP Generator**: Facilitates rapid web application development without coding. 15. **MySQL Workbench**: Unified tool for SQL development and data modeling, supporting migration. 16. **ClusterControl**: Monitoring tool for automating PostgreSQL management and security. 17. **Convertdb For PostgreSQL**: Cross-database tool for data migration and synchronization. 18. **Luna Modeler**: Tool for database design and SQL script generation. 19. **DronaHQ**: Low-code tool builder for front-end applications connecting to PostgreSQL. 20. **dbForge Data Compare for PostgreSQL**: Tool for comparing table data and managing inconsistencies.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

You Can Now Share Files Directly With Gemini for Quick Analysis

Google has introduced a new feature in the Gemini AI assistant that allows users to share documents directly from Android smartphones using the Android share sheet. This functionality is available in the Gemini app for Android version 1.0.686588308 and enables users to attach files from any application by selecting Gemini from the share options. Users can select up to ten files at once, and the supported file formats include TXT, DOC, DOCX, PDF, RTF, DOT, DOTX, HWP, HWPX, C, CPP, PY, JAVA, PHP, SQL, HTML, CSV, TSV, XLS, XLSX, and documents from Google Docs and Sheets. Access to this feature requires a Gemini Advanced plan, which costs Rs. 1,950 per month in India.