user-friendly interface Archives

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

This is the notification manager Google should’ve built for Android years ago

Buzzkill is a premium application designed to help users manage notifications on their devices through customizable "rules." It allows users to dictate responses to notifications based on the application sending them, the content of the notification, and the desired action. Buzzkill offers 25 actions, including dismissing notifications, obfuscating content, reading notifications aloud, and triggering device functions. Users can create rules to suppress spam, prioritize important messages, copy one-time PINs, batch news notifications, and manage smartwatch alerts. The app is priced at .99 and requires regular updates and adjustments to maintain effectiveness.

Tech Optimizer

April 25, 2025

This antivirus software is for people who hate subscriptions

Priil Internet Security is currently available for .99 for a lifetime subscription, reduced from its regular price of .97. It is certified by Virus Bulletin and effectively blocks 100% of known malware threats. The software includes features such as real-time detection, firewall protection, a VPN, a password manager, a file shredder, and browser safety tools. It also offers custom scan options, a PC optimizer, and safeguards against data leaks and malicious tracking. The user-friendly interface makes it accessible to all users.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Google Maps continues its mission to be mappier than ever with expansion of sheets UI redesign

Google Maps is implementing a new user interface that features a sheets-first design, allowing app elements to appear as sheets while keeping the map view visible. This redesign started with the Explore tab on Android last summer and is now being applied to the You and Contribute buttons, which display a draggable sheet that can cover most or part of the screen. The update aims to enhance aesthetics and improve navigation while maintaining familiar features in the same locations. User feedback on the changes is encouraged as the update continues to roll out.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

5 reasons I use Windows 11 Backup over Macrium Reflect

Backups are crucial for data preservation, especially when primary machines face issues. Windows 11 provides various backup tools, including the Windows Backup app, which allows users to safeguard files, applications, and system preferences. This app can restore backups during Windows reinstallation and remembers wireless network credentials, simplifying the restoration process. It enables users to restore Microsoft Store apps with a single click and features a user-friendly interface that makes navigation easy. Windows Backup also offers data protection against ransomware through OneDrive storage. However, it cannot restore third-party apps and has limited cloud storage of 5GB on OneDrive, necessitating careful management of saved files.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

I tried installing Windows on an ReFS drive, and I actually don’t hate it

Microsoft has been developing a new file system called ReFS (Resilient File System) to eventually replace NTFS. Users can boot Windows 11 from an ReFS drive, but the setup process is complex and requires formatting the drive using the Command Prompt. After installation, Windows 11 operates normally on ReFS, offering advantages in data resiliency and durability, especially for virtual hard disks and Storage Spaces. However, performance tests show that ReFS is slower than NTFS across various metrics, indicating it may not provide speed enhancements for general use. ReFS is seen as a promising alternative to NTFS, with potential future improvements in performance, particularly for specialized workloads.

Tech Optimizer

April 20, 2025

Do you really need to pay for antivirus software?

Investing in antivirus software is debated in cybersecurity, but some form of protection is necessary to guard against threats like malware, spyware, and ransomware. Windows Defender is a free built-in antivirus option for Windows, providing basic protection. Norton 360 Deluxe is a comprehensive paid option with advanced features. Other free antivirus programs include Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avast, Avira, and AVG, each with varying levels of effectiveness and features. Paid antivirus software typically offers better security, advanced features, and dedicated customer support, making it worthwhile for users needing more than basic protection. Free trials for paid antivirus solutions are often available for evaluation.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

7 things you can do with your old Windows 10 PC instead of trading it in

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and suggests trading in old PCs that cannot be upgraded. However, trading in may not provide significant discounts, and there are various ways to repurpose old hardware. 1. Install Linux: Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Pop! OS can extend the life of older PCs due to their low system requirements and long-term support. 2. Make it a retro gaming machine: Using Emulation Station, an old PC can be transformed into a retro gaming machine, allowing access to thousands of classic games. 3. Make it a media server: Old PCs can be converted into home media servers using platforms like Plex and Jellyfin, enabling offline viewing of shows and movies. 4. Use it as a game server: An old PC can host game servers for titles like Minecraft, allowing for a unique gaming experience with friends. 5. Power your smart home: Turning an old PC into a Home Assistant server can help manage smart home devices from a single interface. 6. Turn it into a NAS: An old PC can be transformed into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution for centralized data backup across multiple devices. 7. Kickstart your home lab: Setting up a home lab using dedicated operating systems or platforms like Docker can turn an old PC into a multifunctional server for various services.

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.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Quick Share redesign looks more like a normal app with prep for ‘Receive’ and ‘Send’ tabs [Gallery]

Google is enhancing its Quick Share feature on Android with a redesigned interface that includes two tabs: “Receive” and “Send.” The “Receive” tab shows how the device appears to others and any incoming share requests, while the “Send” tab displays available targets for sending files and includes a new “Add Files” option for manual file selection. The redesign suggests Quick Share may function as a standalone application, and the settings page for managing sharing permissions is also being updated. Speculation about the launch of these updates exists, but the timeline for rollout is uncertain.

Tech Optimizer

April 13, 2025

Panda Dome review

Panda Security, a Spanish antivirus company, has introduced various cybersecurity innovations since its founding, including daily signature updates in 1998, behavioral monitoring in 2004, and cloud scanning in 2007. It offers several plans for home users: Panda Dome Essential, Advanced, Complete, and Premium, each with increasing features such as firewall protection, WiFi security, online shopping safeguards, and a Dark Web Scanner. All plans include a 30-day free trial. Panda Dome received an AAA award from SE Labs for a Total Accuracy Rating of 99% without false positives between October and December 2024, outperforming Microsoft Defender and Webroot but not achieving the perfect scores of Avast, Kaspersky, and McAfee. The AV-Test Product Review awarded Panda a score of 6/6 for protection and usability, and 5.5/6 for performance. However, Panda Free Antivirus had a higher number of false alarms in AV-Comparatives’ False Alarm Test. The Panda Dome Advanced plan, priced at .99 for the first year, includes parental controls and enhanced ransomware protection. It offers multiple scanning options and reasonable scan times. Its anti-ransomware features include behavior-based detection, file access control, and backup capabilities. Panda Dome Complete, priced at .99 for the first year, adds system cleanup tools and a password manager, allowing users to optimize system performance and securely manage passwords. It also includes file encryption and shredding features. Panda Dome Premium, priced at .99 for the first year, provides unrestricted VPN access, an update manager, and unlimited premium technical support. It allows secure browsing across over 60 countries for up to five devices and includes features to keep systems updated and secure.