user-friendly Archives

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

The 15 Hottest Android Apps You Need This May 2025

Android maintains its leading position in the mobile operating system market with a diverse ecosystem of applications. A selection of 15 notable Android apps for May 2025 includes: 1. Gesture Control: Edge Seek allows users to create customizable gestures for tasks like volume adjustments and app launches. 2. Device Mirroring: Screen Copy for Android enables users to mirror and control one Android device from another. 3. Customization: Everything Widgets offers over 100 customizable widgets, while Anting Icons provides a unified icon pack. Creative App combines widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs, and Fluffy KWGT features 3D-style widgets. 4. Cross-Device Integration: Sapphira syncs Android with Windows for messaging and file sharing, while Our Quick Share extends functionality for Mac and Linux users. 5. AI Tools: Adma is a free AI image upscaler that enhances image resolution offline. 6. Gaming and Entertainment: Swick is a platform for discovering and playing mini-games. 7. Lightweight Alternatives: Notebook is an ad-free alternative to the Facebook app with a minimalistic design. 8. Rooted Device Tools: Pixel Launcher Enhanced and Android 16 Expressive Theme provide advanced customization for rooted devices. 9. Productivity and Organization: Pixel Shot organizes screenshots, and Digipause tracks time spent on video apps. 10. Utility Tools: Curome combines over 25 features, including a QR code generator and Pomodoro timer. These apps enhance functionality, creativity, and efficiency for Android users.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Say ‘no thanks’ Microsoft Windows 11 and ‘yes please’ to AnduinOS 1.3

Windows 10 is approaching its end of life, prompting users to consider alternatives to Windows 11, which has several challenges including strict hardware requirements and mandatory Microsoft account registration. One alternative is AnduinOS, a Linux distribution designed for users transitioning from Windows. The latest version, 1.3.0, is built on Ubuntu 25.04 and features GNOME 48, offering a familiar interface with a centered taskbar and rounded window corners. Key updates in version 1.3.0 include an integrated app store based on Flatpak, pre-installed GNOME Software, support for HDR displays, a new Super + V shortcut for clipboard history, and improved localization for Firefox. AnduinOS 1.3 is available for download with separate ISO files for each supported language.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

I use these 5 free tools to search files on Windows 11, and they are a lot better than Windows Search

Finding files swiftly and efficiently is essential for productivity, but Windows Search often falls short. A range of third-party tools exists that can significantly enhance your file search experience on Windows 11, offering superior speed, features, and user experience. 1. Everything: This lightweight application indexes files quickly, creating a searchable database with real-time updates. It has a minimalist interface and uses minimal system resources. 2. Listary: Integrates with File Explorer, offering instant search capabilities and customizable commands. It allows easy navigation between directories and serves as a launcher for files and applications. 3. DocFetcher: An open-source tool that indexes not just filenames but also the contents of text files, supporting formats like PDFs and Word documents. It requires initial indexing but provides quick search results afterward. 4. SearchMyFiles: Offers customizable search options with advanced filters and can find duplicate files. It is portable and user-friendly, suitable for various users. 5. FileSeek: A versatile tool for both simple and complex searches, capable of searching file contents and defining specific parameters. It offers search profiles for quick access and has a trial version that reverts to a free version. These tools outshine Windows Search due to their rapid speed, advanced search options, file content indexing, and lightweight operation.

Tech Optimizer

May 2, 2025

McAfee+ Premium antivirus review

McAfee+ Premium offers comprehensive antivirus protection without device restrictions under a single account. It includes features such as an unrestricted VPN, True Key password manager, file shredder, and cleanup tools. The pricing is higher compared to some competitors, with an Essential subscription available for .99 annually, covering five devices. The Advanced package costs .99 and includes fraud protection and a credit bureau scan, while the Ultimate package is .99 and offers three credit bureau scans. Ransomware protection is included only in the Advanced and Ultimate packages. Performance tests show a malware detection accuracy of 99.96%, although it has a higher number of false positives compared to Bitdefender. The interface is user-friendly, and customer support is available 24/7 via chat, but email support is not offered.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

6 PowerToys tools that quietly make my day ten times easier on Windows

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several productivity-enhancing tools for Windows 11 users: - Keyboard Manager: Allows users to create custom shortcuts and swap keyboard layouts, such as changing the positions of the Y and Z keys on a QWERTZ layout. - Quick Accent: Simplifies typing accented characters by providing a flyout menu for selecting accents when holding down a letter and pressing Space. - New+: Introduces a template folder for storing frequently used documents, enabling quick generation of new files. - Workspaces: Lets users save and launch a specific layout of applications simultaneously, streamlining workflow. - PowerToys Run/Command Palette: Provides quick access to applications and commands through keyboard shortcuts, allowing for instant launching and execution of commands. - FancyZones: Enhances window management by allowing users to create custom layouts for snapping applications into designated zones on their screens.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 10 — here’s what you need to do

A limited-time offer allows users to purchase a Windows 11 Pro key for .97, down from its regular price of 9. This promotion enables upgrades for two compatible PCs. Windows 11 Pro features a user-friendly installation process, a lifetime license with no ongoing fees, productivity enhancements like snap layouts and virtual desktops, and robust security measures including biometric login and device encryption. It also includes an AI-powered assistant, Copilot, to help optimize workflows. Support for Windows 10 will end soon, making this an opportune time to upgrade. Prices on StackSocial may change.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

How To Dual Boot Linux and Windows on any PC

The process of installing Linux has evolved from text-based installers in the late 1990s to user-friendly graphical installers in distributions like Ubuntu and OpenSUSE. Users can start with a single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi or set up a dual-boot configuration with Windows and Linux using a custom boot menu called GRUB. It is advisable to back up the drive before installation to prevent data loss. To create a Linux Install USB, users need to download an ISO image of the Linux distribution and use Rufus to write it onto a USB drive of at least 8GB. The steps include selecting the USB drive, choosing the Linux OS, selecting the GPT partition scheme, and writing the OS in ISO image mode. For dual-boot installation, users should insert the USB drive, boot from it, and select “Try or Install Ubuntu” from the GRUB menu. After testing hardware functionality, the installation process involves selecting language, configuring accessibility, choosing keyboard layout, connecting to the Internet, and selecting installation options. Users must choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” and allocate space for each operating system. After installation, users need to adjust BIOS settings to ensure the system boots from the Linux installation. This includes selecting the Boot menu, setting the Linux install as Boot Option 1, and saving the changes. Upon rebooting, users can select their Linux OS from the GRUB menu and verify the functionality of both operating systems.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Delete Your Password

Microsoft aims to eliminate passwords for a billion users, promoting the use of passkeys that enhance account security by linking it to physical devices. The company warns that password-related attacks are increasing and emphasizes that having both a passkey and a password leaves accounts vulnerable to phishing. On World Password Day, Microsoft encourages users to abandon passwords entirely. The FIDO Alliance supports this initiative with a "Passkey Pledge," highlighting that over 35% of individuals have faced account compromises due to password vulnerabilities. Research shows that 54% of those familiar with passkeys find them more convenient, and 53% believe they offer better security. Microsoft will make new accounts passwordless by default and encourages existing users to remove their passwords. Passkeys are described as easy to use, intuitive, and resistant to phishing. For those who continue to use passwords, Microsoft advises making them long and complex and using authentication apps for two-factor authentication.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Search AI Mode opens up to more people with new features

Google is making its AI Mode accessible to all users in the U.S. by eliminating the waitlist system. The rollout includes new tools, such as a feature that provides a history of search results, aimed at improving the search experience. Users will see an enhanced interface that offers detailed information from search results, including localized content about nearby businesses with ratings, reviews, and operating hours. Additionally, Google is testing AI Mode with a select group of users outside of Labs, indicating plans for broader deployment.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Is Almost Free Now, but This 92% Off Deal Won’t Last Long

The Blue Screen of Death can indicate the need for a fresh installation of Windows 11 Pro, especially after issues like corrupt files or viruses. StackSocial is currently offering Windows 11 Pro activation keys for a reduced price of , down from 9, which is a 92% discount. The Home edition is also available at a discount of 89%. These keys are intended for PCs that require a new Windows license, and users should ensure compatibility with Windows Update for the upgrade. Windows 11 Pro includes features like Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and AI-powered Windows Copilot, providing advanced security, user-friendly design, and productivity tools. The deal is time-sensitive, with keys selling rapidly.