user-friendly experience Archives

Winsage

September 21, 2025

6 operating system luxuries Windows users have never known about Linux

Windows is the leading desktop operating system, but Linux offers several advantages for users willing to explore alternatives. 1. Windows often suffers from driver bloat, as drivers like Nvidia's come with unnecessary software, while Linux provides a more streamlined experience with drivers included in the kernel and installed via the command line. 2. Windows 11 enforces automatic updates that can require unexpected restarts, whereas Linux allows users to control when updates are installed, often without immediate restarts. 3. Linux offers a variety of desktop environments, allowing users to choose different looks and feels, unlike the uniform design of Windows. 4. Customization options on Linux are extensive, with environments like GNOME and KDE providing intuitive ways to personalize the user experience. 5. Linux allows users to run distributions directly from a USB drive, enabling testing and troubleshooting without altering existing systems, while Windows' Windows To Go feature is more complex. 6. Linux solutions like Timeshift create incremental backups that are efficient in storage use, unlike Windows restore points that consume considerable space.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

Microsoft is finally bringing native video wallpapers to Windows 11 — 16 years after Windows Vista’s DreamScenes

Microsoft is developing a feature for Windows 11 that will allow users to set videos as their desktop wallpapers. This feature, found in the latest preview builds, will support various video formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, and MKV. It aims to provide dynamic visuals on the desktop, playing selected videos seamlessly. The implementation is expected to be user-friendly, similar to the current image-setting process. Although there are concerns about battery life and system performance, the feature indicates a shift towards enhanced customization options in Windows 11. The feature has not been officially announced, but its presence in preview builds suggests a potential rollout soon.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Hate Windows 11’s vibe? Make it look more like Linux or MacOS

The author, a long-time Linux enthusiast, critiques the Windows user interface, particularly its lack of customization compared to Linux. They review Seelen UI, a customizable desktop environment for Windows, which enhances the Windows 11 experience with features like tiling windows, a media module, and various themes. Installation can be done via the Microsoft App Store or by downloading a binary installer, requiring Microsoft Edge and WebView. The customization process is user-friendly, allowing users to adjust settings and apply themes, resulting in a more visually appealing desktop.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

Upgrade your PC to Windows 11 Pro for just $13

Microsoft is offering a Windows 11 Pro license for .97, down from 9, until October 5. Windows 11 Pro includes features like a seamless interface, Snap Layouts, improved voice typing, powerful search, an AI-powered assistant, and enhanced gaming capabilities. It also provides essential applications for professionals, advanced cybersecurity features, and supports touchscreen functionality.

Winsage

September 8, 2025

Yes, you can run Windows apps on Linux – here are my top 5 ways

Many users of Linux occasionally need to run Windows applications, and there are several methods to do so: 1. Wine: A compatibility layer for running Windows applications on Linux, it has user-friendly graphical interfaces like WineGUI and WineZGUI. Wine is free and available across most Linux distributions. 2. Bottles: Utilizes Wine to create isolated environments for Windows applications, allowing users to select different Wine versions for different apps. Bottles is free and recommended to be installed via Flatpak for security. 3. Steam: A platform for playing Windows games on Linux, it uses the Proton compatibility layer to facilitate this. Steam is free to install and compatible with most Linux distributions. 4. VirtualBox: Allows users to run a full Windows environment in a virtual machine on Linux. It is free and widely available but may not be ideal for gaming. 5. Winboat: An emerging tool currently in beta that aims to provide a user-friendly experience for running Windows applications in a containerized Windows environment. It requires Docker and specific kernel modules for installation.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

It’s Windows 11, but actually Linux? Believe it.

Many users are exploring alternatives to Windows 10 as it approaches its end-of-life, particularly those hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11. One notable option is WINUX, a Linux distribution designed for users transitioning from Windows. WINUX closely mimics the aesthetics and functionality of Windows 11, featuring a familiar interface with a taskbar, Windows logo, and application icons that resemble their Windows counterparts. It uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment and includes stock wallpapers and themes from Windows 11, making the transition smoother for users. WINUX replaces familiar Windows applications with KDE equivalents that maintain a similar appearance, such as a terminal icon resembling Windows Terminal and Dolphin as the file explorer. The distribution allows for easy app installations and system management through a graphical user interface, making it less intimidating for new Linux users. Although Microsoft Office is not available, WINUX provides shortcuts to web versions in the Start Menu and sets Microsoft Edge as the default browser, with Google Chrome also available. For gamers, WINUX includes pre-installed access to Steam and Heroic Game Launcher, facilitating gaming on AMD graphics, while NVIDIA or Intel Arc users may need to install drivers. Overall, WINUX offers a user-friendly experience that prioritizes familiarity for those considering a switch from Windows to Linux.

AppWizard

September 6, 2025

Pixel’s app drawer gets quick work app schedule button

In the latest update of Android 16 QPR1, Pixel phones now allow users to schedule work applications directly from the app drawer. A new schedule icon is located in the lower right corner of the Work tab, enabling users to pause all work apps and notifications easily. This feature simplifies the process of managing work and personal time, eliminating the need to navigate through complex settings. Users can toggle the scheduling option with a button next to their work apps, enhancing visibility and ease of use.

AppWizard

August 31, 2025

Messaging app on your Galaxy phone gets more expressive design

Google is updating its Google Messages app with a new design called Material 3 Expressive, which began rolling out to users, especially those with Galaxy devices. The redesign features a container-centric layout, with chat threads housed in rounded containers for better organization. The interface includes a revamped emoji picker and a repositioned search bar for emojis below the tab bar. The Plus menu for adding attachments has also been redesigned with monochrome icons in pill-shaped containers. Additionally, enhancements are being made to other Google applications like Google Clock, Contacts, Phone, Gmail, and Translate for Android.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2025

The best antivirus software 2025

Antivirus software enhances security for desktop PCs, laptops, and mobile devices, protecting against threats like phishing, ransomware, and malware. Modern solutions provide alerts for untrusted websites and conduct regular scans. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended as the top antivirus, compatible with multiple platforms and offering features like anti-phishing protection and a built-in VPN. Norton Antivirus Plus provides real-time protection for one device and includes a firewall and cloud backup. McAfee offers antivirus protection across various platforms with additional features like a VPN and password manager. Surfshark provides basic antivirus functionality within its VPN packages. ESET Protect is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering customizable security solutions. AVG offers a robust free antivirus option with thorough scanning capabilities. Prices for these antivirus solutions vary, with some offering free plans and others requiring annual subscriptions.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Perplexity just made a bold $34.5 billion offer for Chrome amid Google’s lawsuit

Perplexity, an AI-driven search engine startup, has made an all-cash offer of .5 billion to acquire Google's Chrome web browser. This bid comes amid a looming antitrust case against Google, with a ruling expected from Federal Judge Amit Mehta that could require Google to divest Chrome. Industry insiders believe Perplexity's offer is below Chrome's estimated market value of at least billion. Perplexity has previously expressed confidence in managing Chrome effectively and has recently launched an AI-powered browser called "Comet." Google has not publicly responded to the acquisition proposal but is expected to contest any forced sale.