third-party programs

Winsage
February 13, 2025
Microsoft has introduced PC Manager, a free, built-in tool for Windows 10 and 11 designed to optimize system performance without the need for third-party software. After testing in China, it has been rolled out globally. Key features include: - PC Boost: Automatically clears temporary files, reduces RAM usage, and terminates unnecessary processes. Smart Boost identifies and removes files over 1GB. - Deep Cleanup: Targets outdated system files, browser caches, and the recycle bin to free up storage. - Startup Management: Allows users to disable unnecessary startup programs to improve boot speed. - Process Management: Provides an interface to quickly identify and close resource-hogging processes. - Large Files Locator: Scans for oversized files to help manage disk space. PC Manager is available in multiple languages and is expected to receive updates based on user feedback.
Winsage
December 5, 2024
Microsoft is pushing users to transition to Windows 11, particularly those with unsupported hardware, as PCs lacking a TPM 2.0 chip will not be eligible for the operating system. A watermark will be introduced on PCs that do not meet the minimum system requirements, along with a notification in the Settings app informing users of their non-compliance. The message warns that installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs is not recommended, may lead to compatibility issues, and will result in the loss of support and updates. Windows 10 support ends in October next year, increasing the urgency to upgrade. The hardware requirements, especially the need for a TPM 2.0 chip, have left many older PCs ineligible. While users can purchase a TPM 2.0 module for compatible motherboards, this option is unavailable for laptops. Unsupported PCs may face security risks due to a lack of updates, prompting antivirus companies to find ways to protect these systems. Microsoft's strict hardware criteria may alienate users, as many capable PCs are deemed obsolete.
Winsage
November 22, 2024
Microsoft informed Windows 10 users about an issue affecting the update process for packaged applications from the Microsoft Store, resulting in a "Something happened on our end" error. This issue has been resolved with the installation of Windows update KB5046714, released on November 21, 2024. The problem was caused by a version of WinAppSDK (1.6.2) released on November 12, 2024, which was later withdrawn. Additionally, Windows 11 users received updates KB5046740 and KB5046732, introducing features such as a shortened date and time display on the taskbar, new "Share" buttons for jump list items, and improvements to File Explorer functionality.
Winsage
November 22, 2024
Windows 10 users are facing issues with updating or uninstalling applications due to a bug related to the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package released on November 12, 2024. Users receive the message "Something happened on our end" when attempting updates through the Microsoft Store. IT administrators managing packaged applications via PowerShell may encounter the error ‘Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CFA’. The bug affects various applications, including Microsoft Teams, but does not impact Windows 11 users or Win32 applications on either Windows 10 or 11. Microsoft is working on a patch expected to be released soon. This is the second instance of application-related issues for Windows 10 users in recent weeks, following problems with certain apps after the installation of KB5043131, which were resolved with KB5046613 on November 12, 2024.
AppWizard
October 30, 2024
Anthropic's AI model, Claude 3.5 (Sonnet), has created a mansion in Minecraft without specific training for the task, demonstrating its capabilities in architectural design. The project was developed by Adonis Singh using a framework called Mindcraft, which allows AI models to interact with Minecraft through text commands. Claude 3.5 utilized architectural elements like domes, arches, and symmetry to design the mansion, despite some aesthetic criticisms. Mindcraft interprets the AI's output to execute commands in the game. Future AI models may produce more structurally sound designs, and recent advancements in Claude models could enable direct interaction with computer interfaces for tasks like building in Minecraft.
Winsage
August 31, 2024
The term "debloater" refers to utilities aimed at enhancing Windows performance, with 397 repositories found on GitHub offering various scripts and applications for this purpose. Complaints about "bloat" in Windows have existed for years, and while some debloating tools can remove unwanted applications and modify settings, modern PCs often see only marginal benefits from these changes. Users have reported issues such as disruptions to sleep mode and system malfunctions from popular debloating scripts, and there is a risk of introducing malware. Safe strategies for optimizing Windows include removing unwanted apps from the Start menu, uninstalling unused applications, reducing tracking, and disabling unwanted startup apps. Windows generally manages resource usage effectively, and high memory usage does not always indicate inefficiency. Caution is advised when installing third-party software to avoid performance issues.
TrendTechie
July 25, 2024
AltStore PAL, an alternative to the App Store, was introduced in Europe due to a new regional digital markets law. Initially offering two applications, it has now expanded to include third-party programs such as torrent clients, a dating app, and an operating system emulator. Apple had not allowed torrent applications in its store before, but the new law has given users more freedom. Apple Maps is now available as a web version for beta testing, offering features like route planning and city exploration.
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