tabs Archives

Winsage

May 11, 2025

5 reasons I use File Pilot to manage my files on Windows

Microsoft's File Explorer for Windows 11 is considered adequate but lacks certain features, leading users to seek alternatives like File Pilot, which is currently in beta and expected to have a paid release later this year. File Pilot allows users to adjust file views with a slider for seamless transitions and enhances usability by enabling real-time customization. It offers advanced file preview capabilities, particularly for images and TXT files, and features a command bar for quick navigation and access to various functions. The split view feature allows users to create multiple customizable panels for better organization. File Pilot is lightweight, with a download size of 1.8MB, and provides rapid performance, making it effective for managing large sets of files.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

I made my Windows Terminal exactly the way I want it, and it’s hard to go back to GUI apps

The author has been using Linux, specifically Ubuntu Server, for over a decade for cloud deployments, game server management, and media streaming. They primarily use a MacBook for daily tasks but also require Windows for gaming on a main PC, utilizing Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). The author has configured Windows Terminal to manage multiple command-line shells, including Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL, all within a single application. Windows Terminal is pre-installed on Windows 11 version 22H2 or later and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store for earlier versions. The author's Windows Terminal setup opens a WSL environment by default and includes options for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Developer Command Prompts. They have customized their experience by removing trailing whitespace when pasting, organizing tab order, hiding the title bar, and using a Dark theme with the Monokai Remastered color scheme and JetBrains Mono font. The WSL configuration is set to access an Ubuntu terminal directly. Windows Terminal allows the author to connect to Proxmox hosts or virtual machines via SSH and supports multiple tabs for managing different systems. It features a "Quake" mode for quick command execution and the ability to create automated tools with keyboard shortcuts. The author plans to explore adding SSH profiles for easier server connections.

BetaBeacon

May 10, 2025

Try these 5 Apps and Games for Android and iOS, tried and tested!

- Delta Force is a popular multiplayer first-person shooter originally released on PC. - Battles in Delta Force take place in 24 vs. 24 with large teams on large maps. - The game has different modes, including an "Operations" mode and a co-op campaign mode. - Delta Force is free to install but contains microtransactions for cosmetic items. - Run&Grow is an app that tracks running sessions and rewards users with virtual garden decorations. - Remember - A Brain Add-On helps users remember where they stored important items by taking photos. - Command Stick is an Android app that adds a floating widget for quick access to commands. - TMNT: Shredder's Revenge is a mobile game where players beat up enemies with different characters from the Ninja Turtles universe.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

5 alternatives to the Windows Task Manager that you should be using

Windows Task Manager has been enhanced in Windows 11, featuring a streamlined interface and improved functionality. Alternatives to Task Manager include: - System Informer: A free, open-source tool that monitors system resources with real-time performance graphs and detailed process information. It displays CPU, memory, and disk usage, tracks file access, and offers advanced features like call stack traces. - System Explorer: Integrates system monitoring with security features, providing a clean interface for exploring processes, modules, and network connections. It includes a built-in file database and VirusTotal integration for security assessments. - Process Lasso: Extends Task Manager capabilities by allowing users to adjust CPU priority and core affinities. Features include ProBalance for automatic CPU adjustments, performance mode for optimizing CPU usage, IdleSaver for power management, and SmartTrim for memory optimization. - Process Explorer: A Sysinternals tool that offers a detailed view of running processes in a hierarchical tree format, showing user, PID, and resource usage. It includes a search capability for identifying resource usage and integrates with VirusTotal for security checks. - Task Manager DeLuxe (TMX): A portable task management tool that consolidates system stats across multiple tabs, providing quick access to CPU and memory usage, along with graphical representations of network and disk activity. It allows filtering and searching for processes and can be run from a USB drive.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

I use this app instead of File Explorer for managing my Windows folders

Windows 11's File Explorer is a familiar tool for file management, but alternatives like Directory Opus offer enhanced functionality. Directory Opus, originally developed for the Amiga platform, is a robust file organization tool for Windows. Key features include: - Dual Pane View: Allows simultaneous viewing of files and folders from different locations, facilitating efficient organization. - In-depth Organizational Features: Users can open multiple tabs within each pane, assign statuses to folders, and prioritize tasks. - Built-in Image Converter: Enables conversion of images to various formats and basic editing functions like cropping and rotating. - Synchronization Feature: Allows easy copying and synchronization between panes, with options for sub-folders and integration with cloud services. - Shortcuts to Favorite Apps: Users can create toolbars with shortcuts to frequently used applications for quick access. Directory Opus is designed to exceed file management needs, making it a compelling alternative to File Explorer.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

My favorite File Explorer replacement just got better

Files has released an update to version 3.9.7, enhancing its functionality and introducing new customization features. Key improvements include a revamped Release Notes dialog that opens automatically after updates, customizable file size units, automatic encoding detection for ZIP file extraction, and UTF-8 encoding as the default for creating ZIP archives. The app is recognized for introducing features ahead of Windows File Explorer, such as tabs and unique functionalities like diverse view modes, sorting options, and tagging capabilities.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

7 things I learned while making the perfect, productivity-focused desktop environment on Windows

Windows 11 has challenges for users seeking a productivity-centric desktop experience, prompting many to seek alternatives and customization utilities. Key elements for enhancing productivity include effective file management, quick access to applications, and tools to streamline workflow. For file management, users can benefit from dual-pane file manager alternatives like XYplorer, File Pilot, Files, and Total Commander, which improve efficiency beyond the default File Explorer. Customizing the Start Menu by relocating it to the left and using tools like StartAllBack, Start11, and Windhawk can enhance productivity. Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar allows for quick access and utilizes jump lists for recent documents. Disabling the News & Interests widget can reduce distractions, and many users choose to remove Microsoft's Copilot due to unmet expectations. For desktop customization, tools like StartAllBack, Windhawk, Rainmeter, and PowerToys can improve both appearance and functionality. PowerToys offers over 20 utilities, including FancyZones for window management and PowerToys Run for quick application access, making it essential for optimizing workflow. Overall, effective file management, application accessibility, and thoughtful customization are crucial for enhancing productivity on Windows 11.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

I ran Windows 11 inside a Docker container… on my Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi series has evolved into versatile systems, but running Windows has been challenging for enthusiasts. A recent project explored running Windows 11 on the Raspberry Pi 5 using Runtipi, a platform for deploying containers. This method allows Windows 11 to run in a container using KVM technology. The installation process took about 38-43 minutes, resulting in a Windows 11 desktop with limited performance, including a capped display resolution of 800x600. Geekbench 6 tests showed single-core performance similar to Raspberry Pi OS, but multi-core performance was lower. Running PC games resulted in long load times and resolution issues, making the experience unsatisfactory. The containerized approach simplifies the installation process compared to traditional methods, making it a viable option for running lightweight applications on the Raspberry Pi.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

How to Set Up Windows Terminal with WSL, PowerShell, and CMD for Maximum Productivity

Windows Terminal is a unified interface that allows users to access multiple command-line environments, such as Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), from a single application. It features a tabbed interface for running multiple sessions and supports split panes for side-by-side work. Windows Terminal is pre-installed on Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, while Windows 10 users can download it from the Microsoft Store. Users can add profiles for different shells, customize themes and appearance, configure startup actions, and define custom keybindings. The application enhances productivity by consolidating command-line tools and providing an organized workspace.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

XYplorer is the best dual-pane file manager that I’ve used on Windows

XYplorer is a dual-pane file manager that enhances productivity with its intuitive interface and robust features, allowing simultaneous access to two folders for easier file management. It offers customization options, advanced search capabilities, file previews, batch renaming, and scripting automation. XYplorer is lightweight, providing faster performance and quicker search results compared to Windows File Explorer. It also has a portable version that can run from a flash drive without installation. XYplorer operates as trialware for 30 days, after which users can purchase a license.