storage solutions Archives

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

I just spent $6 on this Steam app that compresses PC games — and it’s already saved me 100GB

The acquisition of the Steam application CompressorX allows gamers to compress game files, maximizing existing storage without needing hardware upgrades. Modern games like The Last of Us Part II Remastered (150GB), Monster Hunter Wilds (75GB), and Cyberpunk 2077 with its Phantom Liberty expansion (100GB) contribute to high storage demands. External SSDs and hard drives provide additional space, but CompressorX offers a quick solution for optimizing current storage. While it has some quirks, such as a confusing automation feature and variable compression times, it helps gamers maintain their game libraries without deleting titles.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

TOS 6 in public preview for ARM shows we’re going to see many more NAS

Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

How to make a Barrel in Minecraft | Esports News – The Times of India

Barrels in Minecraft are utility blocks used for item storage, offering 27 inventory slots similar to chests. They require 6 wooden planks and 2 matching wooden slabs to craft. Barrels can be accessed even with a block above them, making them suitable for compact spaces. They can be placed upright or sideways and emit a redstone signal when interacted with. Additionally, placing a Barrel near an unemployed villager can turn them into a fisherman.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

How to use the Files by Google app to free up storage on your Android phone

Many Android devices, including those from Samsung and Google, often come with 128GB or less of internal storage, highlighting the need for effective storage management. The Clean tool in the Files by Google app helps users manage storage by identifying outdated files for deletion. Users can access the Clean tool by opening the app, selecting the Clean tab, and following prompts to delete unnecessary files. To permanently free up space, users must also delete files from the Trash tab. Pixel phone users can enable Smart Storage, which automatically deletes media backed up to Google Photos that is older than 60 days. Regular storage maintenance is important to prevent running out of space, and the Files by Google app provides tools for monitoring and managing storage effectively.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Latest Android Auto update could turn your car’s cameras into a free dash cam

Google has launched a free dash cam application for Android Auto that utilizes existing in-built vehicle cameras to capture journeys without additional hardware. Car manufacturers must customize the app for their specific vehicle models. Key features include using external storage for video recordings, automatic activation based on triggers like speed limits, and customization options for notifications and file storage durations. The app will only work in vehicles with cameras and will not replace traditional dash cams. Its availability will depend on updates from vehicle manufacturers.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

10 Facts you probably didn’t know about Windows as Microsoft turns 50

- Windows was originally named "Interface Manager" before being changed to "Windows" prior to its launch in 1985. - Early versions of Windows (1.0, 2.0, and 3.x) operated on top of MS-DOS and required users to boot into MS-DOS before launching the graphical interface. - The Briefcase folder was an early tool for synchronizing files between computers, which became obsolete with the rise of cloud storage solutions. - Prior to Windows XP, user profiles were basic and lacked robust security; full user accounts were implemented with Windows NT. - Several applications from Windows 1.0, including Calculator, Paint, Notepad, Clock, and Control Panel, are still present in Windows 11 in modernized forms. - The "Format" dialog in File Explorer has used the same code for over 30 years, although updates for FAT32 support are being developed. - TrueType fonts were introduced in Windows 3.1 in 1992 through a licensing agreement with Apple, improving font rendering quality. - The "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" shortcut was created by IBM engineer David Bradley as a debugging tool and later adopted by Microsoft for secure attention sequences in Windows NT. - Windows 1.0 required a minimum of 256KB of RAM at its launch in 1985, while Windows 11 requires at least 4GB.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: House of Da Vinci, Methods Detective, more

A new selection of deals has emerged on the Google Play Store, including discounts on the Sony XM5 ANC headphones, the Nothing Ear transparent wireless ANC buds, and Samsung's 1TB PRO Plus microSD card. Notable app discounts include "The House of Da Vinci," "Methods: Detective Competition," "Skel," and "Defense." Additionally, there are numerous free apps available for users.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Navigating the Windows 10 to 11 Migration for Amazon WorkSpaces Personal

Windows 10 Enterprise will reach its end-of-support (EOS) on October 14, 2025, necessitating a transition to Windows 11 for end-user computing administrators. The migration process is outlined for Amazon WorkSpaces Personal users utilizing the Bring Your Own License (BYOL) model, excluding WorkSpaces with Windows licenses or Windows 10 LTSC versions. Post-EOS, existing Windows 10 WorkSpaces will remain operational, but new Windows 10 images cannot be imported. Migration to Windows 11 can be done through two primary pathways: the WorkSpaces Migration API or establishing new Windows 11 WorkSpaces infrastructure. The WorkSpaces Migration API allows for a straightforward migration without needing new infrastructure but is a one-way process with no rollback option. The steps include importing a new Windows 11 BYOL image, launching a WorkSpace, applying customizations, creating a custom image, and migrating users in batches. The new Windows 11 BYOL WorkSpaces infrastructure offers more control and flexibility, allowing for coexistence of Windows 10 and Windows 11 environments temporarily. This option requires careful planning and may incur additional costs. Steps include importing a new Windows 11 image, launching a WorkSpace, applying customizations, creating a custom image, and then migrating users before deleting the original Windows 10 WorkSpaces. Dan is a Senior AWS End User Compute Solutions Architect with expertise in configuring and optimizing end-user computing solutions, specializing in EC2, Microsoft, and Linux-based workloads since March 2016.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

What happened to DirectStorage? Why don’t more PC games use it?

DirectStorage requires developers to rethink asset packaging, compression, and decompression during gameplay, making its implementation complex and time-consuming. PC developers face challenges due to diverse storage solutions, ranging from high-end SSDs to traditional HDDs, which complicates delivering optimal performance. Forspoken was one of the first games to implement DirectStorage, resulting in mixed outcomes. Developing games with zero loading screens while accommodating slower storage options is challenging, as it risks alienating players with specific hardware configurations. Additionally, without dedicated decompression hardware in modern GPUs, DirectStorage may hinder game performance by consuming GPU resources, potentially negatively impacting frame rates on older or slower hardware.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

Microsoft’s latest bit of nagging in Windows 11 might come from a good place, but it’s seriously annoying some people

Windows 11 users are receiving persistent reminders in the Settings app to back up their PCs, promoting Microsoft’s Backup app and OneDrive for cloud storage. This notification is particularly directed at users who have opted out of cloud syncing and backup settings, leading to frustration among those who manage their backups independently. Users have expressed a desire for a way to dismiss these reminders, as many already use third-party backup solutions. Discussions on platforms like Reddit indicate that some users are looking for workarounds to disable the notifications.