web browsing Archives

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

OperaGX is a browser built for PC gamers, and these 5 features prove it

Opera GX is a web browser designed specifically for PC gamers, featuring several tools to enhance performance and user experience. 1. GX Control allows users to limit RAM and CPU usage to prevent system slowdowns during gaming. 2. GX Corner serves as a hub for gaming news, free games, and release dates, providing a curated list and calendar without advertisements. 3. Integration of services like Twitch and Discord into the sidebar enables seamless communication while gaming. 4. The Hot Tabs Killer feature identifies and allows users to close resource-heavy tabs to maintain performance. 5. Users can customize the browser with various themes, background music, sound effects, and wallpapers to create a personalized experience.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

5 Ways to Repurpose your Windows 10 System — Virtualization Review

As Windows 11 support ends, many Windows 10 PCs and laptops lacking compatibility with the new operating system are expected to enter the resale market or be given away. This situation creates opportunities to repurpose these devices for various uses, including: 1. Installing a Linux distribution to cater to business and personal needs, with options like Ubuntu, Fedora, and MX Linux for older hardware. 2. Running ChromeOS Flex for a lightweight experience focused on web browsing and cloud applications. 3. Installing a thin-client OS to access virtual desktops, maximizing existing hardware for businesses transitioning to virtual environments. 4. Converting the device into a media server using software like Plex or Jellyfin for centralized media storage and streaming. 5. Recycling the device responsibly through manufacturer or retailer e-waste programs, ensuring safe processing and potential donation of usable parts. Before recycling, it is important to securely wipe or destroy personal data on the hard drive.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Now Microsoft’s Copilot Vision AI can scan everything on your screen

Microsoft's Copilot Vision tool has been updated to allow users to view their entire desktop, enhancing its previous capability of analyzing only two applications at once. Users can activate this feature by clicking the glasses icon in the Copilot app to select their desktop view. Copilot Vision provides real-time assistance by analyzing content, offering insights, and answering questions. It was initially tested for web browsing in Microsoft Edge and can now also respond to queries based on observations made through a mobile phone's camera.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft introduces fresh Windows 11 update to help laptops last longer on battery

Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11 that enhances battery life for laptops through a new adaptive energy saver mode. This mode manages power consumption based on the laptop's workload, activating energy-saving features during light activities like web browsing and reducing power during intensive tasks. The energy saver mode dims the display brightness by about 30%, disables transparency effects, and pauses background app activity. The update will also provide more accurate battery estimates and insights into power-hungry applications. Additionally, it includes smarter controls for screen refresh rates and brightness, automatically lowering them when the user steps away. The update is being rolled out in the latest Windows 11 release.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows 11 to periodically enable battery saver mode while you work — even when your battery isn’t low

Microsoft is piloting an "adaptive energy saver" feature for Windows 11 that activates battery saver mode based on user activities, regardless of battery level. This opt-in feature automatically enables and disables energy saver without changing screen brightness, depending on the device's power state and system load. It aims to extend battery life during less demanding tasks by monitoring CPU and GPU usage. The adaptive energy saver is currently being tested with Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel and is exclusive to battery-powered devices. Users must activate it in Settings, as it is not enabled by default. The feature is part of Windows 11 build 27898, which is rolling out in preview.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge Can Now Load Websites Faster After Migration to WebUI 2.0

Microsoft Edge has improved its web browser's loading speed, achieving a global First Contentful Paint (FCP) time of under 300 milliseconds, down from previous times that negatively impacted user satisfaction. Since February 2025, load times have been reduced by an average of 40 percent, with significant enhancements in features such as Settings, Read Aloud, and Split Screen. The migration to WebUI 2.0 has contributed to this improvement, reducing the Settings page load time from 0.394 seconds to 0.034 seconds. Microsoft plans to continue enhancing performance in features like Extensions and Print Preview in the coming months.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

5 reasons why Google’s Pixel software is better than Samsung’s One UI

63% of respondents in a recent poll prefer Google’s Pixel UI over Samsung’s One UI, which received 37% support. Users favor Google’s camera app for its intuitive design and image processing capabilities, finding it easier for everyday photography compared to Samsung’s more complex camera app. Google’s Pixel UI is appreciated for its simplicity, offering a single app for each function, while Samsung’s devices often come with multiple pre-loaded applications, leading to a cluttered interface. Users find Samsung’s One UI settings overwhelming, whereas Pixel UI provides a clean layout for quick adjustments. Unique features like Now Playing and Call Screen on Pixel devices enhance user experience, and Google’s speed in rolling out software updates is faster and more reliable than Samsung’s, contributing to user trust in the Pixel ecosystem.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Don’t buy into Microsoft’s “Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs” claim — Here’s why it’s stretching the truth

Microsoft's Windows 10 is approaching its "End of Life" on October 14, 2025, prompting the company to promote Windows 11 and encourage users to upgrade. Microsoft has introduced an "Extended Security Updates" (ESU) program, available at no cost for users who sync their Windows 10 settings to the cloud via a Microsoft Account, extending support until 2026. A campaign titled "Stay secure with Windows 11" highlights advantages of Windows 11, including claims that Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10 PCs, based on testing conducted in December 2024 using Geekbench 6. This testing compared Windows 10 PCs with older Intel processors to Windows 11 machines with newer Intel processors. The performance gap is influenced by hardware specifications, and users are advised to critically evaluate performance claims, especially those using the phrase "up to."

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Don’t be fooled: Microsoft’s claim that Windows 11 PCs are 2.3x faster than Windows 10 ones is based on hardware, not software

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, highlighting that Windows 11 PCs can be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10 PCs. This claim is based on testing with Geekbench 6 Multi-Core benchmarks, comparing older Windows 10 PCs with older Intel Core processors to newer Windows 11 systems with the latest Intel Core generations. The performance boost is primarily attributed to advancements in hardware rather than the operating system itself. Microsoft notes that performance will vary significantly by device and other factors.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here’s what they came up with, and more

In the digital landscape, online activities are monitored, leading to targeted advertising, scams, and privacy breaches. Individuals can enhance their digital security through various tools, including VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services. VPNs protect internet traffic through encryption, with options like Mo Harber-Lamond at .91/month, Surfshark starting at .99/month, and ExpressVPN from .99/month. Antivirus software, such as Amber Bouman at .17/month, Norton 360 Deluxe from .17/month, and Malwarebytes Plus from .81/month, defends against malware and phishing. Password managers like Amber Bouman at .99/month, Bitwarden (free), and NordPass from .29/month help secure passwords. Secure browsers include George Phillips (free), Vivaldi (free), and Tor (free), which prioritize user privacy. Encrypted messaging apps like George Phillips (free), Session (free), and Threema (one-time payment) enhance communication security. Data removal services, such as Mo Harber-Lamond at .29/month, Optery from .99/month, and PrivacyBee from .99/month, help reduce personal data exposure. Budget-friendly options for privacy tools can be assembled for under /month, while premium bundles can cost around /month. The highest privacy-focused bundle totals /month, featuring Mullvad VPN, Proton Pass, Tor, and Session. Mobile privacy protection can be achieved for .01/month with NordVPN and Bitdefender Mobile Security. The Proton Unlimited bundle, priced at .99/month, offers an all-in-one solution with various encrypted services.