Tuesday, December 31, 2019

How to Make Sure Your Computer Can Run Windows 10

How to Make Sure Your Computer Can Run Windows 10

Well, if we look around, we will find that Microsoft’s Windows operating system has been transformed a lot. From Windows XP to Windows 10, Microsoft is busy pushing updates and upgrades all these days. While some users use Windows XP, Windows 7, or Windows 8, but the latest one is Windows 10.

While upgrading to the latest version of Windows operating system, that’s Windows 10, users often have questions like ‘do i need to upgrade my hardware to run Windows 10’, ‘is my computer powerful enough to handle Windows 10’, etc.

Well, if you are using Windows 7 or Windows 8, then there are good chances that your computer can run Windows 10 at ease. Still, if you have doubts, then you should check out our guide on how to make sure your computer can run Windows 10.

How to Make Sure Your Computer Can Run Windows 10

Now you all might be thinking, isn’t this topic is too late to cover? Well, the facts say that as of September 2019, Windows 10 is running on 70.7 percent computer, while Windows 7 is running on 29.3 percent computer. So, there are lots of users who haven’t yet installed the latest upgrade. So, this article is for those who were confused about whether their computer will run Windows 10 or not.

This article will answer every question of yours regarding whether you need to upgrade to Windows 10 or not, whether you need to upgrade your PC’s hardware, etc. So, let’s check out how to make sure your computer can run Windows 10 or not.

1. Know Your Current Hardware

Well, before installing Windows 10, make sure you are well aware of the current hardware of your PC. To check the current system information, click on the Start button and then type in ‘Sys’. Open System Information option from there. This will give you a detailed summary of your system.

Open Start Menu and Search for 'Sys'
Open Start Menu and Search for ‘Sys’

You can also know about your system information through the System Properties. Right-click on the My Computer, and select ‘Properties’. This will also tell you about the RAM and Processor.

2. System Requirements – Windows 10

Below, we are going to share minimum system requirements to run Windows 10. If your PC’s hardware matches with the below requirements, then you could go ahead and install Windows 10 without any confusion

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
  • RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2GB for 64-bit
  • Hard disk space: 16GB for 32-bit OS 20GB for 64-bit OS
  • Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
  • Display: 800×600

3. Using Virtual Machine

Another best method to check if your computer will run Windows 10 or not is to run the later operating system in a virtual machine. Look, we know it’s a complicated process, but it’s a free one. We have shared a detailed guide on how to install Windows 10 on Virtual Machine.

Using Virtual Machine
Using Virtual Machine

If your Windows 10 runs on Virtual machine, then most probably, your computer will run the Windows 10 operating system.

4. Check Wether your computer can run Windows 10 64-Bit

Well, if your computer is too old, then it’s unlikely to be able to run any 64-bit operating system. Some pre-2007 computers do have 64-bit hardware, but they can’t run a 64-bit operating system. So, in that case, you can opt for a Windows 10 32-bit version.

Windows 10 Architecture
Windows 10 Architecture

However, your computer is 64-bit, then it can smoothly run Windows 10 64-bit operating system. But, make sure that your system meets the requirement given above.

5. Can’t Run Windows 10, what to do?

Well, if your computer doesn’t match the minimum requirements, then you can try a different operating system. We have shared lots of articles on an operating system which runs on an old computer.

Linux Distro for Windows users
Linux Distro for Windows users

You can also give Linux distros a try, which are less resource-demanding than Windows OS. For the list of best lightweight Linux distro, check out our article – 15 Best Linux Distros for Windows Users

So, this is all about how to make sure your computer can run Windows 10. If you have any other doubts related to this, let us know in the comment box below.

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It follows pressure from LGBTQ groups and health organisations.

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The tech giant has filed a copyright infringement claim against software company Corellium.

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Top Best Texting & SMS Apps For Android (Latest)

Top Best Texting & SMS Apps For Android (Latest)

Well, we rarely think of text messaging these days, but still, it’s one of the most popular ways to communicate. In fact, we receive important messages like OTP, confirmation codes, banking receipts, etc on our SMS inbox.

So, text messaging is still useful and lots of people use it today. So, if you are one of those who rely on the default text message or SMS app to exchange text messages, then you have landed on the right webpage.

Top Best Texting & SMS Apps For Android (Latest)

In this article, we are going to share some of the best texting & SMS apps that will improve your messaging experience. So, let’s check out the best texting & SMS apps for your Android smartphone.

1. Android Messages

Android Messages
Android Messages

Well, Android Messages is one of the most used and popular messaging apps by Google. The messaging app is capable enough to replace the default one from your smartphone. Android Messages offers a material design that looks good and it has almost all the features that you need for messaging needs. Apart from that, the app also offers users multiple theme options.

2. Chomp SMS

Chomp SMS
Chomp SMS

Well, if you want to use the old Android messaging app, then you need to try Chomp SMS. Chomp SMS is one of the oldest messaging app available on the Google Play Store that offers users lots of features. The best part of Chomp SMS is that it allows users to filter numbers that means you can block and unblock numbers. Apart from that, the app also offers a quick reply option in the notification panel.

3. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is yet another messaging app that can display messages from Facebook as well as from your inbox. Actually, Facebook messenger replaces the default SMS app from your smartphone. The interface of Messenger is pretty good, but it consumes lots of battery, storage, and RAM. So, if you are having a low-end smartphone, then Facebook Messenger might create a few problems.

4. Handcent Next SMS

Handcent Next SMS
Handcent Next SMS

Handcent Next SMS is yet another best SMS app for Android that comes with lots of interesting features. The great thing about Handcent Next SMS is that it offers a privacy box which you can use to store private conversation. Apart from that, the messaging app has support for eCards, emojis, SMS Backup, etc.

5. Pulse SMS

Pulse SMS
Pulse SMS

Well, if you are looking for an SMS app that allows users to send SMS from PC, tablet and other devices, then Pulse SMS might be the best choice for you. The app allows has a web version that you can use to send text messages from the computer. Apart from that, Pulse SMS packs almost every feature that a messaging app needs.

6. QKSMS

QKSMS
QKSMS

QKSMS is another popular title on the list that offers lots of valuable features. This is an open-source messaging app that is known for its privacy and security related features. The interface of the app is pretty amazing and it’s completely ad-free. Apart from that, the app also offers a night mode and a few other customization options.

7. Mood Messenger

Mood Messenger
Mood Messenger

If you are looking for a lightweight version of Facebook Messenger, then Mood Messenger might be the best pick for you. Guess what? the app packs almost every feature that you need for a better messaging experience. Just like Facebook Messenger, Mood Messenger also supports chat heads. Apart from that, the app brings lots of settings under customization and theming.

8. Textra SMS

Textra SMS
Textra SMS

If you are looking for a stylish messaging app for your Android smartphone, then Textra SMS might be the best pick for you. The app is known for its interface and it also offers lots of customization options. Apart from that, the app also has support for floating notification, delayed sending, slide to delete, etc.

9. YAATA SMS

YAATA SMS
YAATA SMS

YAATA SMS is another great text messaging app that you can use on your Android smartphone. The best thing about YAATA SMS is that it provides users with lots of useful features like scheduling messages, auto-responses, backups, blacklisting, etc. Apart from that, the app has a Material design that looks great.

10. Signal Private Messenger

Signal Private Messenger
Signal Private Messenger

Signal Private Messenger is pretty much similar to the Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc. However, Signal Private Messenger is meant for those users who give security the utmost priority. For those who don’t know, Signal Private Messenger also works on a phone number and if the receiving person doesn’t have Signal Private Messenger installed, then it will send a text message.

11. GO SMS Pro

GO SMS Pro
GO SMS Pro

Well, don’t go by its name, it’s a free SMS app that is used by 100 million users right now. The best thing about GO SMS Pro is that it offers users a wide range of themes, lovely stickes, private messaging box, etc. Not just that, but GO SMS Pro also provides users an SMS Blocker which can be used to filter spam messages.

12. mysms

mysms
mysms

MySMS is another best SMS app that can be used on an Android smartphone. The great thing about mysms is that it allows users to send a text from a computer and tablet using Android. It basically syncs the Android SMS and calls on the PC or tablet. Apart from managing SMS from the computer, users can also use the mysms as default SMS app on Android. The SMS app provides a wide range of customization options, expandable notifications, etc.

13. TextNow

TextNow
TextNow

If you are searching for a free Text messaging app for your Android smartphone that could provide you a local US or Canada Phone Number, then TextNow might be the best pick for you. It basically provides users a Local US or Canada Phone Number which can be used to make and receive voice calls. Apart from that, TextNow also provides a unified inbox that can be used to send and receive text messages, GIFs, etc.

14. Text Me

Text Me
Text Me

Text Me is another best Android texting and SMS app on the list which is pretty much similar to the TextNow app that had been listed above. The Android app provides users the real USA, Canada phone number to call and text. The app allows users to send and receive an unlimited free message to the USA and Canada. You can subscribe to a premium package to avail of the international messaging and calling feature.

15. Messages

Messages
Messages

Messages is a relatively new Text message and SMS app available on the Google Play Store. The messaging app replaces the native text message app of your Android to provide you a new way of messaging. With Messages, you can send disappearing messages, send MMS. Although the app is not popular enough, it packs all useful features. So, Messages is another best Android text messaging app that you can use right now.

So, these are the Best Android text messaging app that will enhance your texting experience for sure. If you know any other app similar to these, then make sure to drop the name in the comment box below. I hope this article helped you! Share it with your friends also.

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25 Cool Android Mods you Should Definitely Use

25 Cool Android Mods you Should Definitely Use

If you have been using Android smartphones for a while, then you might be well aware of the Android Mods. Now, what are mods? Well, Mods are nothing else than the apps that tend to increase the performance and look of your smartphone. Not only that, but few mods can also add new features.

Just like Android apps, there are plenty of Android mods available on the web which you can use right now. So, in this article, we have decided to share a list of best Android mods that you would love to use.

25 Cool Android Mods you Should Definitely Use

These Android mods will add new features to your Android smartphone. So, let’s check out the list of best Android mods you should definitely use.

1. Protect your Screen Privacy

Screen Filter App
Screen Filter App

You would not like to let anyone see your screen while you are doing some private job on your Android device. You cannot actually stop the people from pointing to your screen but you can easily prevent your screen lights from reaching them. Screen Filter App applies such filters to the Android screen such as nobody could look at the screen content from any angle but you would see your device content easily!

2. Round Edged Display

Cornerfly app
Cornerfly app

Cornerfly app makes the edges of your display screen slightly rounder on the Android. This helps to give that aesthetic look to the device. Try out this free app and you can grasp that amazing display screen modification!

3. Power Backup and Performance

Kernel Auditor
Kernel Auditor

Underclock the speed of your device processor or increase it by using the Kernel Auditor app. You can, therefore, decide to either increase or decrease the performance of your device and even boost the battery performance through doing that. It’s up to you now how you use this app to get the best performance by increasing the processor speed or the best battery life by decreasing the processor speed.

4. RAM Boosting

ROEHSOFT RAM Expander app
ROEHSOFT RAM Expander app

RAM plays the most important role in the performance of your device. The ROEHSOFT RAM Expander app is made for those people who are lacking the RAM space on their device. This app lets them expand the RAM space by using internal or external storage as virtual RAM. This is an amazing app as the benefits it grants are quite great!

5. Gestures for Fingerprint Scanner

Gestures for Fingerprint Scanner

Now the fingerprint scanner on your device could also help you reach your destination on the Android device quickly. Make up the fingerprint scanner gestures for your custom apps or settings through the Fingerprint Gestures app!

6. Increase the Loudness of Speakers

Increase the Loudness of Speakers
Increase the Loudness of Speakers

Viper4Mod is an amazing mod for audio enhancement. You could say that if it is used on any device, it would easily convert that device into a great music device. The ultimate enhancements that you could achieve in the audio quality could only be done only through this app. So many tweaks and features are there inside this app that you would never end creating all new audio quality and tone on your device!

7. Visualize Audio in Navigation Bar

Audio visualizers
Audio visualizers

Audio visualizers are great fun to add some moving excitement to the device. The navigation bar of the Android could be transformed into an audio visualizer that tweaks it looks while playing any music or audio. This could be achieved through the MUNIZ Nav Bar Audio Visualizer app. You can use it to add from various types of visualizers and even create up your own custom one.

8. Battery Bar in Status Bar

Battery Bar in Status Bar
Battery Bar in Status Bar

The status bar on your Android could be utilized well for the update regarding the battery level. Although the battery icon is available right before in the Android status bar the slider battery level could be added to it through the Energy Bar app. This converts the background of the status bar to the battery level indicator.

9. More Tiles to the Quick Settings

Android Quick Settings
Android Quick Settings

Tile Extension for Nougat is the app that lets the users add more custom tiles to the quick settings of the Android device. This means that if you are willing to have any specific option as a toggle in the quick settings bar then you can do that simply through the above app.

10. Recycle Before Permanent Deletion

Recover Deleted Files Android
Recover Deleted Files Android

Have you ever witnessed that there is the requirement for the recycle bin for the Android device too as it is available there on Windows and Mac. This helps to prevent the sudden deletion of any data or information. Dumpster app introduces the recycle bin inside the Android and everything that the user deletes goes into the recycle bin first. You can then make sure that none of your app updates, images or data gets lost suddenly as it would be first placed or shifted to the Recycle bin by the Dumpster.

11. Lock Screen And Heads-Up Notifications

Lock Screen And Heads-Up Notifications
Lock Screen And Heads-Up Notifications

Floatify lock screen app for Android adds an Android O Lockscreen with blurred background on your smartphone. You can Quick Reply texts directly from the lock screen itself. There are many other features included in the app like Smart Wake which let you turn on the screen as soon as you pick up the phone.

12. Double Tap Screen On and Off

Double Tap Screen On and Off
Double Tap Screen On and Off

This awesome android app adds an extraordinary feature that let users turn on/off their Android screen by just tapping on the screen. Users can also change the number of taps to avoid screen off.

13. Access web pages in full-screen mode

web pages in full screen
web pages in full screen

There is an app that goes by the name Fluscrn that lets users use every pixel on the screen to provide a better experience for reading books, watching videos and playing games. With fulscrn app, you can force all apps to immersive Full-Screen Mode.

14. Notification Shades

Notification Shades
Notification Shades

Want to replace the traditional notification center? Well, with the Material Notification Shade app you can bring the features of Android Oreo to your notification panel. This app is fully customizable and comes with a few themes.

15. Colorful Navigation Bar

Navbar apps
Navbar apps

With Navbar apps, you can turn your Navigation bar to blue, red or anything you want. With this app, you can add a cool image as a background to match the navigation bar automatically.

16. Turn Android Into iPhone

xOS Launcher
xOS Launcher

Well, everyone gets bored with the smartphone at the time. So, if you are bored with your Android interface, then you need to try out the xOS Launcher for Android. The launcher can transform your Android interface into an iOS. Moreover, this launcher will let you experience the super speedy and smooth operation.

17. Turn Your Android Into Windows 10

Android Windows 10 Launcher
Android Windows 10 Launcher

Are you looking for the computer launcher style windows launcher for your android phone? Do you love the new style of windows 10 launcher? Are you getting bored with Android’s User Interface and want to enjoy Windows launcher on your Android phone? With Computer Launcher for Windows 10, you can actually experience the computer launcher Metro IO for Windows 10 on Android devices.

18. Easy Way to Adjust Volume

Volume Slider
Volume Slider

Well, there’s an app available for Android devices that allows users to adjust the volume in a much easier way. The app is known as Volume Slider and it will help you to ditch the physical volume button of your Android. The app adds an icon on your home screen which you can use to control the volume. It will show you a volume slider that you can use to control volume levels without pressing the physical volume button.

19. Privacy Screen/Privacy Filter

Privacy App For Android
Privacy App For Android

If you value your privacy, then you will love this app for sure. There’s an app known as Screen Guard which can help you to hide your screen from people around you. Normally, this app allows users to apply an overlay of patterns and colors on the top of the screen which makes things difficult for the intruders to read what’s written on the screen. The app is different from night mode apps because it hides the text content from your screen.

20. Add Cool Battery, Processor, Memory meter on Status Bar

Pixbars
Pixbars

Well, you can use the app known as Pixbars to add thin lines right under the status bar. These thin lines will show you the battery, processor, memory percentage. The app pretty much similar to the Energy bar which had been already listed in the article, but Pixbars can add multiple lines to the status bar.

21. Automate tasks

Automate tasks
Automate tasks

Well, if we look around, we will discover that Android smartphones are getting smarter. Now they are smart enough to perform different tasks automatically. There are some of the best Android apps available on the Google Play Store like Macrodroid which allows users to create macros. With Macrodroid, you can trigger different actions during any particular event. For example, you can turn on power-saving mode automatically whenever your phone’s battery reaches 30% mark, you can switch the phone to silent mode when you enter the office (requires GPS).

22. Enhance Gaming Performance With L Speed

Enhance Gaming Performance With L Speed
Enhance Gaming Performance With L Speed

Well, if you have a rooted Android smartphone, then you will love L Speed for sure. L Speed is a modification that combines multiple tweaks to improve the overall performance of your device. It will reduce significant lags, extend battery life, improve gaming performance, etc. So, L Speed is definitely one of the best apps that you can have on your rooted Android smartphone 2019.

23. Change Notification Panel

Change Notification Panel
Change Notification Panel

Well, you don’t really need to have a rooted Android smartphone to change the look of the Notification panel. You can make your notification drawer look outstanding by using Power Shade Android app. With Power Shade, you can customize the base layout of your Notification panel as per your wish. Not just that, but with Power Shade, you can read, snooze or dismiss notifications as well.

24. Add Music Visualizer On Navigation Bar

Muviz app
Muviz app

Yes, you read that right! The Muviz app for Android adds a music visualizer on your phone’s navigation bar. Not just on the navigation bar, but the app can also add a music visualizer on the Status bar as well. What’s more interesting is that Muviz works on both rooted and non-rooted Android smartphone. So, It’s another cool Android mod that you should use.

25. Add Navigation Gestures

Add Navigation Gestures
Add Navigation Gestures

Want to enjoy the all-new Android Pie’s Navigation Gesture on the older Android version? You need to use the Navigation Gesture app. With Navigation Gestures, you don’t need to buy a new phone or wait for the next Android update to arrive on your smartphone. The app adds navigation gestures on your Android smartphone without root access. With the Navigation gesture, you can swipe left to move to the next screen, swipe right to move to the previous screen.

So, these are some of the best mods that you can use on your Android smartphone. I hope this article helped you! Share it with your friends also. If you have any other doubts regarding this, let us know in the comment box below.

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Sonos in bricked speaker 'recycling' row

Customers who recycle old speakers qualify for a 30% discount on new products but there is a catch.

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How to Check Windows Experience Score on Windows 10 (3 Methods)

How to Check Windows Experience Score on Windows 10

If you have ever used an older version of Windows like Windows 7 or Windows XP, then you might be well aware of the Windows Experience Index. It’s a Windows utility that provides users with a quick way to figure out the overall computer performance.

The Windows Experience Index is visible under the ‘Properties’ section of My Computer. However, Microsoft removed the graphic version of the Windows Experience Index with Windows 8.1. For those who don’t know, Windows Experience Index uses WinSAT, which stands for Windows System Assessment tool to measure the capability of your PC’s hardware and software information.

So, WinSAT is already there in Windows 8 and Windows 10. That means you can still get the Windows Experience Index Score in Windows 10 computer. So, in this article, we have decided to share a working method that would help you access the old performance ratings easily on Windows 10 computers.

How to Check Windows Experience Score on Windows 10

So, let’s check out how to find your Windows Experience Score on Windows 10 computer. Please keep in mind that the method given below only works on the latest version of the Windows operating system that’s Windows 10.

1. Use WinSAT To Generate Windows Experience Index

Well, as we have mentioned early in the post, the Windows Experience Index uses the Windows System Assessment Tool to find out the Experience Score. So, in this method, we are going to run WinSAT to Generate Windows Experience Index 2019.

Step 1. First of all, right-click on the Start Button and select ‘Command Prompt (Administrator Mode)’

Open Command Prompt (Admin)
Open Command Prompt (Admin)

Step 2. On the Command Prompt, you need to enter the command – winsat formal

Enter the given command
Enter the given command

Step 3. Wait until the process completes, once done it will generate an XML file which is located in C:\Windows\Performance\WinSAT\DataStore

Head to the Winsat folder
Head to the Winsat folder

Step 4. Head to the given location and look for a set of files containing the data you are running the text. Use your internet browser to open the file that would look like “[date of test] Formal.Assessment (Recent).WinSAT.xml

Open the Formal.Assessment file
Open the Formal.Assessment file

Step 5. The XML file will show you the Windows Experience Score index.

XML File showing the index score
XML File showing the index score

That’s it! You are done. This is how you can use Command Prompt on Windows 10 to find your Windows Experience Score index.

2. Using Powershell

Well, if you don’t want to rely on the XML file, then you can use this method. In this method, we are going to use Powershell to use the WinSAT command in Windows 10. So, let’s check out how to use Powershell to find out the Windows Experience Score index in Windows 10 computer.

Using Powershell
Using Powershell
  • First of all, open the Windows Powershell as an Administrator.
  • Next type in the following command Get-CimInstance Win32_WinSat
  • Now you will see the Windows Experience Score in the PowerShell Window.

That’s it! you are done. This is how you can check your Windows Experience Score on Windows 10 computer.

3. Using Winaero WEI Tool

Using Winaero WEI Tool
Using Winaero WEI Tool

Well, this is a third party tool that comes handy while generating a visual Windows Experience Index. It’s a lightweight tool and shows the Windows Experience Score index in no-time. Some other software for the same purpose exists, but the Winaero WEI tool is best amongst all. So, it’s another best option that you can consider.

So, this is all about how to check your Windows Experience Score Index in Windows 10 computer. If you have any doubts related to this, let us know in the comment box below.

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