From ZDNET · 37 stories
stillOS Linux distribution offers an easy onboarding experience for new users
stillOS is a new Linux distribution designed to be user-friendly, particularly for those new to Linux, by offering simple desktop customization and atomic updates. This approach aims to make Linux more accessible and potentially suitable for pre-installation on consumer devices.
MainstreamOS simplifies Arch Linux and Hyprland for desktop users
MainstreamOS is a new Linux distribution that combines Arch Linux and the Hyprland tiling window manager, making them accessible to a wider audience. It offers a polished user experience with GUI tools for setup and customization, aiming to simplify complex Linux configurations.
Aura Glass brings a new glassy aesthetic to GNOME desktops
A new desktop customization called Aura Glass offers a glassy, Apple-like appearance for GNOME 48, 49, and 50. This customization changes the GNOME desktop's visual style, adding features like frosted glass effects and adaptive accent colors.
Claude's Record-a-Skill Feature Reduces Research Time, but Has Limitations
Claude's new Record-a-Skill feature allows users to create complex AI automations for tasks like sentiment analysis and quote aggregation, significantly reducing research time. While the feature simplifies automation compared to traditional scripting, it still requires tweaking and has potential limitations regarding UI changes.
BastionGuard 2.0 offers a comprehensive, free security suite for Linux desktops
BastionGuard 2.0, a free security platform for Linux desktops, was released on February 27, offering features like real-time scanning, ransomware protection, and a password manager. The platform aims to provide deterministic and explicit security for Linux users. This release is significant for Linux desktop users seeking an all-in-one security solution.
Apple Announces 2026 Sales Tax Holidays for Select Products in 10 U.S. States
Apple shared its 2026 sales tax holiday schedule, allowing tax-free purchases of specific products in 10 U.S. states between July and August. The initiative will include popular devices such as Macs and iPads, with varying dates and price limits depending on the state. This move provides financial relief for consumers amidst rising product prices.
Recommendations for Appliances Not to Run on Power Stations During Outages
Certain high-wattage and heat-producing appliances can rapidly deplete a power station's battery, making them unsuitable for continuous use during power outages. Prioritizing essential devices like modems, routers, and refrigerators helps conserve limited backup power.
Paperwork: An Open-Source Document Organization Tool for Linux and Windows
Paperwork is a free, open-source application available for Linux and Windows that allows users to organize, tag, and search documents. It provides features like scanner support, OCR, and keyword-based searching to manage various document types locally.
ClamUI offers a modern graphical interface for ClamAV on Linux
ClamUI is a new graphical user interface for the open-source antivirus engine ClamAV on Linux, providing an updated look and simplified scanning and database updates. This tool offers an easier way for Linux users to manage antivirus scans, particularly when sharing files with Windows users, by improving the usability of ClamAV.
Using Tailscale for secure, free remote access to home PCs
This article details how Tailscale can be used to create a secure private network for remote access to home PCs without cost. It explains that Tailscale allows devices to connect securely over the internet as if they were on the same local network, bypassing router and firewall configurations.
Google Play Points can be redeemed for gift cards from various retailers
Google Play users accumulate points from purchases and subscriptions, which can be redeemed for gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and Walmart. These points expire 12 months after the last account activity, and users can check their balance in the Play Store app.
FydeOS Transforms Old PCs into Chromebook-like Devices, Offering a Free ChromeOS Alternative
FydeOS, a free Linux-based operating system, can be installed on older PCs to provide a ChromeOS-like experience, potentially extending the lifespan of aging hardware. The installation process, however, is complicated by unclear version descriptions that can lead to compatibility issues with hardware components.
Floccus synchronizes bookmarks across multiple browsers and operating systems
Floccus is a free tool that synchronizes bookmarks across various browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, and supports multiple operating systems. It allows users to store their bookmark data in personal cloud storage or self-hosted services, offering privacy and flexibility.
Google AI Professional Certificate Course Offers Free Access to Gemini Training
Google's AI Professional Certificate course, available through Coursera, provides training in AI fundamentals, data analysis, and app building using Gemini. The course is structured to build practical AI skills and can be completed for free by utilizing a trial period.
iOS Tip: Quickly Add Photos to iMessage by Holding the Plus Button
Recent iOS updates introduced an extra step to add photos to iMessages, but users can bypass the menu by holding down the '+' button. This action directly opens the most recent photos and videos, streamlining the process for sharing media within messages.
Google Play Pass trial grants Gold status for Pixel 11 Pro XL discounts
Users can obtain Google Play Store Gold status through a free Play Pass trial, which then unlocks discounts of $125 to $175 on Pixel 11 series phones. This method allows individuals to access savings on new Pixel devices without long-term Play Pass commitment. This matters as it provides a temporary workaround for consumers to save money on new hardware purchases.
OpenFactory service allows users to build custom Linux distributions from a prompt or menu
OpenFactory, a new service in early alpha, enables users to create custom bootable Linux distributions, multi-node labs, and fleet deployments. It offers creation via AI prompt or selection menu, and allows testing in virtual machines and repeated builds. This service simplifies the process of tailoring Linux systems for specific needs without building from scratch.
Dicio: A Free and Open-Source Android Voice Assistant Alternative to Google Assistant
Dicio is a free, open-source voice assistant for Android that processes user input and generates output entirely on-device, offering a privacy-focused alternative to Google Assistant and Gemini. It handles various tasks like hands-free calling and internet searches, but currently lacks support for sending messages, composing emails via voice, and Android Auto integration.
Advanced iPhone Do Not Disturb Settings for Enhanced Focus
This guide details several advanced configurations for iPhone's Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, allowing users to customize notification silencing based on app usage, lock screen appearance, privacy preferences, and call exceptions. These settings provide more granular control over interruptions, helping users manage their attention more effectively.
ZDNET Ranks 1Password as Top Password Manager for 2026
ZDNET has identified 1Password as the best overall password manager for 2026, citing its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. This ranking provides guidance for individuals seeking to improve their digital security through password management solutions.
Tips for Creating Effective AI-Generated Flyers
This article provides tips and prompt suggestions for creating flyers using AI tools that avoid common design flaws. It highlights that while AI can produce decent flyers, specific guidance and an understanding of design principles are necessary to achieve better results.
How to Enable SIM Protection Settings on Verizon to Prevent SIM Swapping Attacks
Verizon Wireless offers specific settings, SIM Protection and Number Lock, to prevent unauthorized SIM swaps and device changes. Enabling these features helps protect mobile accounts and other linked services from fraudulent access by blocking attackers from intercepting two-factor authentication codes.
How to Access and Analyze Android 'dumpstate' Diagnostic Files
Android phones contain a hidden 'dumpstate' diagnostic file that provides detailed information on battery health, cache usage, and app activity. Accessing this log can help users identify root causes of performance issues and make informed decisions to improve phone health.
Affinity Image Editor Now Available on Linux via AppImage or Script Installation
Affinity, an image editor acquired by Canva in 2024, is now unofficially available for Linux users through AppImage or script installations. This provides a Photoshop alternative for Linux users who find GIMP's interface challenging.
Common Phone Charging Myths Debunked for Lithium-Ion Batteries
This article debunks six common myths about charging smartphones, clarifying practices that are often based on outdated nickel-cadmium battery technology. It explains that charging to 100% stresses lithium-ion batteries and draining them to 0% does not calibrate them, citing manufacturer documentation and battery research. This information helps users maintain their device's battery health and longevity.
How to Use Windows 11 System Restore to Undo System Changes
System Restore is a built-in Windows tool that creates snapshots of system files, settings, drivers, and applications, allowing users to revert their PC to a previous state if problems arise. This feature helps undo troublesome system changes but does not back up personal files.
Repurposing Intel-based Macs After macOS Updates End
This article outlines options for repurposing Intel-based Macs once they no longer receive macOS updates, specifically after macOS Sonoma. It suggests installing Linux or using the machine as a home cloud server to extend its usability.
ZimaOS offers a free, local, and private Google Drive alternative for network storage
ZimaOS is a free, Linux-based Network Attached Storage (NAS) platform designed for local file storage and privacy. It allows users to store sensitive data on their own network, reducing reliance on cloud services like Google Drive and preventing potential data use for LLM training.
Android Auto can function offline using pre-downloaded maps and media
Android Auto can operate without a mobile data connection by utilizing pre-downloaded maps and playlists, which helps in areas with no signal and reduces phone battery drain. However, this offline mode sacrifices real-time traffic updates and web-based assistant features.
Understanding mAh and its limited impact on smartphone battery life
Smartphone battery capacity, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), indicates the amount of current a battery can provide for one hour. While a higher mAh suggests more power, factors like processor, display, software optimization, and usage patterns significantly influence actual battery longevity more than the raw mAh number. This information helps consumers understand that a larger mAh alone does not guarantee extended battery life.
Tips for speeding up Android phones beyond clearing system cache
This guide outlines methods to improve Android phone performance, including clearing app data, hibernating unused apps, and adjusting animation scales. These techniques offer ways to refresh device responsiveness without needing to upgrade hardware.
Samsung's Connectivity Labs tool used to diagnose and improve home Wi-Fi signal
A user leveraged Samsung's free Connectivity Labs diagnostic tool on a Galaxy phone to identify and resolve Wi-Fi dead spots and poor signal strength in a home office. The tool provides data points like signal strength heatmaps, which helped pinpoint optimal device placement for better internet reception. This demonstrates a practical application of built-in smartphone diagnostics for common connectivity issues.
Google Calendar features for productivity: attachments and appointment scheduling
Google Calendar offers features beyond basic event tracking, such as attaching files to events and using appointment schedules to coordinate meetings. These functionalities aim to reduce time spent on administrative tasks like searching for documents or arranging meeting times.
Understanding Spatial Audio: How It Works on Headphones and Speakers
Spatial audio, often associated with Dolby Atmos, provides immersive sound experiences through specific hardware and mixed content. Its implementation varies across devices and formats, requiring compatible streaming services for optimal listening.
Guide to Setting Up Android Auto Automations for Easier Driving
Android Auto now supports routines that automate multiple tasks during driving, such as sending messages and controlling devices. This capability streamlines common driving tasks, potentially improving safety and convenience for users.
OnPay highlights small business payroll errors and its platform as a solution
Small businesses frequently face significant financial losses due to payroll errors, with some businesses losing up to 5% of their total payroll spend. OnPay, a payroll and HR platform, is presented as a solution to automate payroll tasks and prevent common mistakes like worker misclassification. The platform aims to help small businesses manage W-2 employees and 1099 contractors from a single dashboard.
Recovery Readiness Becomes New Standard for Cyber Resilience Amidst Evolving Ransomware Threats
Ransomware attacks increasingly target and succeed in deleting or tampering with backups, highlighting that backup alone is insufficient for disaster recovery. Organizations need to adopt modern resilience strategies that combine secure, immutable backups with rapid recovery capabilities to protect their businesses from prolonged downtime and data loss.