templates Archives

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

My Google Keep notes were a mess — here’s how I got them under control

A user reflected on their experience with Google Keep, noting challenges in managing a growing collection of notes despite attempts at color-coding and pinning. They committed to better organization through labels and deleting outdated notes. In a poll, users shared their strategies for maintaining order: 16% delete and archive old notes, 19% color-code notes, 13% pin important notes, 14% use labels, 22% use another app for complex notes, and 16% use all of the above. Organizing notes into categories with labels has been beneficial, allowing users to filter and reduce clutter. Users expressed a desire for enhanced organizational features, like folders. A user recognized a tendency to hoard unnecessary information and conducted a cleanup, deleting irrelevant notes. Some users moved complex notes, such as medication tracking and pet vet visits, to Notion for better organization, as it offers more advanced features than Google Keep. Despite these changes, Google Keep remains popular for quick notes and spontaneous ideas.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Secure Windows with Microsoft’s Security Compliance Toolkit

The Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit is a suite of tools for administrators to assess Group Policy Objects (GPOs) against Microsoft's security baselines, helping to identify discrepancies and implement secure settings. It includes tools such as the Policy Analyzer, Local Group Policy Object (LGPO) utility, and Set Object Security application. Administrators can download the toolkit from Microsoft's website, which contains zip files for various security baseline packages. The Policy Analyzer compares GPOs with local security policies to identify inconsistencies, while the LGPO tool manages local security policies and allows for policy backup and verification. The Set Object Security tool applies security descriptors to objects like files and folders. For Windows Server, administrators should test security baselines in non-production environments before deployment. With Windows Server 2025, the OSConfig platform allows for direct application of security baselines through PowerShell, simplifying the update process and maintaining compliance.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

5 apps you should use instead of Obsidian

Obsidian is a personal knowledge management (PKM) system that can handle various tasks but may have a steep learning curve and an uninviting aesthetic for some users. Notion is a cloud-based alternative that allows for personalized knowledge bases and workflow optimization, appealing to those who prioritize convenience. Google Keep offers a simple, cloud-based note-taking experience that is easy to navigate but has limitations in text formatting and organization. Evernote provides enhanced note management and text formatting features, along with a web clipper, but has restrictions on its free plan. Anytype adopts an offline-first approach, prioritizing privacy and combining features of both Notion and Obsidian. Capacities enhances productivity and can complement other tools, catering to various workflows.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

I’ve tried dozens of to-do apps — these 6 clicked with me, but one’s my favorite

Megan Ellis explores various to-do list applications in her search for the ideal productivity tool. - TickTick: A feature-rich app with flexible reminder settings, Kanban view, list sharing, and a balance of robust features for power users and accessibility in its free version. - Todoist: Offers structured task management with morning overviews, evening recaps, project organization, labels, and natural language input, but many advanced features require payment. - Microsoft To Do: Integrates with Microsoft 365 and Outlook, allows group creation and nested lists, and features customizable wallpapers, all for free. - Google Tasks: A simple task manager with basic functionalities, available on Android devices, but lacks location-based reminders and sharing features. - Notion: A versatile platform for creating personalized to-do lists, appealing to those who want an all-in-one organizational tool, though it may have a learning curve. - Post-it: A digital app that allows users to create virtual notes for reminders and tasks, useful for non-urgent tasks.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

3 easy ways to turn Windows Terminal shells from drab to drip — customize both PowerShell and WSL with these same tools

- The Starship prompt enhances the command line experience with a sleek design, customization options, and compatibility across different shells. It requires a NerdFont for effective operation and can be installed via the Windows Package Manager for PowerShell or various package managers for WSL. Configuration involves adding specific commands to shell profiles and creating a configuration file. - Fastfetch is a lightweight system information display tool that serves as a modern alternative to Neofetch, supporting both Windows and Linux. Installation can be done through various package managers, and configuration is achieved by generating a config file. - Windows Terminal on Windows 11 can be customized for a more personalized experience, including theme changes, font adjustments, and transparency. Customizations can be made via the GUI or by editing a JSON configuration file. - To use Starship and Fastfetch upon startup in PowerShell, a PowerShell profile must be created using a specific command, allowing users to add necessary commands for these tools.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

How to use Windows Update for Business with Group Policy

Windows administrators need to keep their systems updated for security and performance, with control over the timing and type of updates being crucial. There are three primary methods for managing Windows updates: 1. Per-client updates: Default for standalone clients, offering minimal control. 2. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS): Centralized management since 2005, allowing extensive control but requiring more administrative effort. 3. Windows Update for Business (WUfB): A cloud-based model providing greater control through tools like Group Policy and Mobile Device Management (MDM). WUfB offers several advantages, including policy-based management, granular control over deployments, and the elimination of on-premises WSUS servers. To implement WUfB, organizations must meet specific requirements, including using Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Team editions, Azure AD joining, and having the necessary licenses such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Administrators can defer feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for up to 30 days using Group Policy. They can create servicing rings for managing update deployments, such as testing, pilot, and rollout rings. Configuration involves creating Group Policy Objects (GPOs) linked to the appropriate Organizational Units (OUs) and setting relevant policies. WUfB reporting is available through the Azure Portal, allowing administrators to monitor update statuses and troubleshoot devices.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

I was wrong about Obsidian: Here’s why it’s actually a powerful app

Obsidian has evolved from a frustrating app to a vital organizational tool for the user. Initially, the app's complexity and unstructured layout were overwhelming compared to alternatives like Google Keep and Notion. The user struggled with its numerous plugins and customization options, which made note-taking chaotic. However, after adopting a minimalist approach by simplifying the setup and using Obsidian's official sync service, the user discovered its potential. Obsidian's strengths include local storage of notes, a straightforward folder and tagging system, and a web clipper extension for capturing information. Despite its steep learning curve, Obsidian has become an effective tool for organizing thoughts and capturing notes.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 adds tool to debloat the OS and remove built-in apps

Windows 11 version 25H2 introduces a feature called Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages, allowing users, particularly IT administrators, to remove preinstalled Microsoft applications such as Camera, Sound Recorder, Windows Media Player, Xbox, Windows Terminal, and Notepad. This feature is accessible under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment and simplifies the uninstallation process compared to previous methods like PowerShell. Users may still see non-functional shortcuts in the Start menu after removal. The first preview build of version 25H2 was released recently, and a public release is expected later this year. Similar uninstall features will also be available in version 24H2, though disabled by default. Windows 11 has recently surpassed Windows 10 in user base, partly due to the upcoming end of Windows 10 support.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge UI Now 40% Faster on Average, Key UI Elements Load Up to 4x Quicker

Microsoft has updated its Edge browser, achieving a First Contentful Paint (FCP) of under 300 milliseconds by using its WebUI 2.0 architecture instead of the traditional React framework, resulting in a 40% average reduction in load times for thirteen core features. The updated settings UI shows a fourfold improvement in performance compared to the previous version. This release builds on enhancements from May 2024, which improved launch times by 42-76%, and an optimization effort in February 2025 that targeted fourteen interface subsystems. Internal tests confirm the settings panel now consistently renders in under 300 ms. Microsoft plans to extend these performance improvements to Print Preview and Extensions management throughout 2025.

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.