Visualization Archives

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Pay Just $30 Once and Get Microsoft Office Office for Life

Around 60% of small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are seeking affordable technology solutions, according to McKinsey. Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is currently available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9. This lifetime license includes essential applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with no ongoing subscription fees. Office 2019 is compatible with Windows 10 and 11 and offers improved inking tools, advanced data analysis features in Excel, and new presentation capabilities in PowerPoint. The one-time purchase model eliminates monthly fees and hidden costs, providing long-term stability for users.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Windows 11 Enterprise machines can now get updates while you work—no reboot required

Microsoft has introduced a hotpatch update system for Windows 11 Enterprise builds, specifically for version 24H2, which allows updates to be applied without requiring a system restart. This feature is beneficial for corporate environments, as it helps maintain productivity and reduces CPU usage during updates. While quarterly updates will still necessitate a reboot, the hotpatching system represents a shift from the previous monthly reboot requirements. To enable hotpatching, organizations must meet specific requirements: a subscription to Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise (E3, E5, or F3), a client running Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 (build 26100.2033 or higher), activation of Visualization-based Security (VBS), and an AMD or Intel x64 processor. For Arm64 devices, the hotpatch system is in public preview and requires a registry key modification. Hotpatch updates will follow the standard update schedule applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 23H2 devices, with each release assigned a distinct KB number. This feature is only available for Windows 11 Enterprise clients and does not extend to Windows 11 Home or Pro machines.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview brings the ‘beginnings of support for non-Steam Deck handhelds’

Valve has released the SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview, which is currently exclusive to the Steam Deck but will soon support a wider range of non-Steam Deck handheld devices. Users can access the Preview channel by adjusting their Steam Deck update settings. Key updates include: - Updated to a newer Arch Linux base and Linux kernel version 6.11. - Bluetooth controllers can now wake LCD models of the Steam Deck. - Added support for the Proteus Byowave controller. - Resolved issues with the Switch Pro Controller gyros and stuck controller inputs. - Enabled HFP/HSP profiles for integrated microphone use with Bluetooth headsets in Desktop mode. - Introduced a battery level display for supported Bluetooth devices. - Improved compatibility for specific displays with the Steam Deck Dock. - Enabled AMD P-State CPU frequency control and fixed performance issues in certain games. - Updated desktop mode to Plasma 6.2.5, with improved surround sound functionality and pre-installed KDE Filelight. - Fixed various UI and system update issues, enhanced system responsiveness, and enabled IPv6 Privacy Extensions by default. Known issues include problems with Creative Zen Air Pro earbuds, Super NES controllers, and DualShock 3 controllers. Developer updates include kernel updates and improvements to system management.

Tech Optimizer

February 27, 2025

What’s New in Postgres Pro Enterprise 17: From Proxima to Intelligent Data Management

Proxima integrates connection pooling, query proxying, and load balancing into the Postgres Pro Enterprise DBMS, enhancing efficiency and minimizing latency. It establishes multiple connections for client sessions, optimizes resource usage, and alleviates server burdens. Proxima redirects client queries to the leader node in a BiHA cluster, automating cluster topology management. Load balancing is under development to prevent overload on replicas. The pgpro_queue extension facilitates asynchronous message processing directly within the database, ensuring transactionality, prioritization, filtering, and reliable message storage. Postgres Pro 17 Enterprise introduces enhanced query plan management tools, including the pgpro_multiplan extension for storing multiple execution plans and a query registration assistant for managing queries. Adaptive Query Execution (AQE) and Adaptive Query Optimization (AQO Enterprise) improve complex query execution by dynamically rescheduling long-running queries and correcting planner errors based on execution history. Security enhancements include the pgpro_usage extension for tracking database object usage and identifying unnecessary access rights. The pgpro_ilm extension automates storage optimization by relocating rarely accessed data and compressing it. Infrastructure improvements include BiHA enhancements, multimaster support, and improved management of partitioned tables, along with the updated PPEM 2.0 for better UI and automatic instance tuning.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

5 most useful SysInternals tools for optimizing your Windows PC

SysInternals is a suite of 74 utilities from Microsoft designed to enhance the performance and reliability of Windows PCs. Users can download the entire suite or select individual tools from the Microsoft SysInternals Learn page. 1. AutoRuns: Identifies unnecessary background processes and obsolete registry entries, providing detailed information about each entry. It allows users to review installed drivers and spot potentially harmful entries. Launched via Start menu or by typing Autoruns.exe in the Run dialog. 2. TCPView: Monitors all TCP and UDP connections in real-time, categorizing them by version and displaying ports and connection timestamps. It helps identify bandwidth-hogging processes. Launched via Start menu or by typing tcpview.exe in the Run dialog. 3. RamMap: Provides an in-depth analysis of memory consumption across processes, helping identify memory-hogging applications and diagnose memory leaks. It offers options to clear memory, including emptying working sets, standby lists, and modified lists. Launched via Start menu or by typing rammap.exe in the Run dialog. 4. DiskView: Offers detailed insights into hard drive usage with a color-coded map of disk sectors, helping users identify fragmentation and unused space. Launched via Start menu or by typing diskview.exe in the Run dialog. 5. CacheSet: Optimizes the Windows file system cache by allowing users to adjust cached data management settings and clear the cache with a single click. Launched by typing cacheset.exe in the Run dialog. The SysInternals Suite is cost-free, effective, and compatible with Windows Recovery mode, making it a practical choice for users looking to enhance their PC's performance.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

5 features the Windows File Explorer needs if it’s ever going to be good

Windows 11's File Explorer is functional but has room for improvement compared to third-party file managers. Suggested enhancements include: - Tagging files with labels and colors for easier organization, similar to macOS's Finder. - Quick file preview capability that allows users to view file contents without opening applications, akin to macOS's Spacebar feature. - A more intuitive bulk renaming process that provides clear options for sequentially renaming files. - Automatic file sorting based on custom rules to streamline organization. - Dual-pane navigation to simplify file management across multiple folders. These features could significantly enhance the user experience and elevate File Explorer's functionality.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

Explore The Inside Of A Biological Cell In Minecraft

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed CraftCells, a project that allows users to explore 3D models of biological cells within Minecraft. The project includes models of a yeast cell, healthy and cancerous epithelial cells, and a minimally viable bacterial cell. Users can interact with these models using modified Minecraft tools, including a rollercoaster ride inside a bacterial cell. The 3D representations help illustrate differences between healthy and cancerous cells, such as the elongated shape and enlarged nucleoli of cancer cells. The researchers published an article on CraftCells as an educational tool and made the Minecraft files available on GitHub for public access.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Most Useful 8 Android Apps for Architects

Mobile technology is increasingly important in architecture, providing architects with applications that enhance design capabilities, streamline project management, and facilitate collaboration. Key Android apps for architects include: - AutoCAD Mobile: Allows viewing, creating, and editing DWG files on mobile devices, enabling real-time adjustments to designs. - SketchUp Viewer: Offers augmented reality features for presenting 3D models in the field, improving client interactions. - Sketchbook: A digital drawing tool for quick concept sketches, supporting easy sharing of ideas. - Construction Master Pro Calculator: Simplifies complex calculations for accurate measurements and layout dimensions. - RoomScan Pro: Uses augmented reality for quick room measurements and floor plan creation. - BIMx: Provides an interactive 3D model interface for exploring Building Information Modeling (BIM) projects. - MagicPlan: Allows creation of detailed floor plans and project management directly from mobile devices. - Timely: A time-tracking app that logs productivity across projects and helps create project-specific timelines. These applications enhance architectural workflows and promote collaboration in a mobile environment.

Tech Optimizer

December 17, 2024

Quest v72 Brings Improved Hand Tracking & Keyboard Cutout

Meta Quest v72 is being rolled out to users, featuring improved hand tracking capabilities with the upgraded Hand Tracking 2.3 model, which enhances stability, accuracy, and reduces latency. Key improvements include a more stable hand cursor, better cursor stabilization during pinching, improved pinch-and-drag responsiveness, easier hand use in confined spaces, and a new hand ray visualization. The update also introduces experimental integration with Windows 11, a passthrough cutout feature for any keyboard, automatic call captions for live transcripts during calls, a Travel Mode indicator to prevent accidental activation, a streamlined home environment that defaults to a stationary boundary, and integration of direct messaging in the Instagram app on Horizon OS.