Windows 11 Help

[Captain X]

So my new computer has Windows 11 on it, and something I could use help/advice on is how to handle updates. I do not like the idea of my computer randomly installing stuff I may not want on my computer, nor disabling/uninstalling things I do want, like WordPad. Is there any way of being able to look through updates and pick and choose which ones I want, or of protecting things I don't want Microsoft to mess around with, or would I have to disable updates altogether and manually install any updates I might want?

 

[Brutus]

Go to search type in -> windows update settings -> if you look through that there are several options to choose from and you can limit the amount of bandwidth it uses so you can look through the updates first. There are extra option under advanced options.

You can also pause the updates and stop it from grabbing then installing the updates as they show up.

 

[Brutus]

If your looking to remove the trackers and bloatware there is an article with details

How to Debloat Windows 11 to Improve Performance

Find out how to debloat Windows 11 completely and remove junkware, unncessary apps, stubs, promotional ads and background tracking services.

beebom.com

Now the script they're talking about is from Git hub, I did it this morning and ran scans on it it looks good on my end. I was able to remove the trackers and uninstalled the xbox overlay services. After restart It boots up very fast when logging in. That is also an option available to you.

 

[Allanon]

Dump Windows, go with Linux.

Is it just me or has Windows gone downhill after Windows XP and 7?

Seriously, I have a 2012 ASUS laptop. Its hard drive is shot. Yet...I can use it.

How?

With Puppy Linux 6.3.0 Slacko installed directly in the RAM from a USB stick. As long as you do not actually shut down the computer it remains.

Now, Slacko is an old Operating System, yet with it and even WINE 1.7.4 (and by the by this version of Puppy Linux is 32-Bit, it was all I had lying around) I am able to browse the Internet nicely and run most Windows programs and games. Therefore a recent version of say Ubuntu and WINE for it should be able to do so much more, especially if 64-Bit.

Maybe you can make your device a Dual Boot?

 

[49ersfootball]

So my new computer has Windows 11 on it, and something I could use help/advice on is how to handle updates. I do not like the idea of my computer randomly installing stuff I may not want on my computer, nor disabling/uninstalling things I do want, like WordPad. Is there any way of being able to look through updates and pick and choose which ones I want, or of protecting things I don't want Microsoft to mess around with, or would I have to disable updates altogether and manually install any updates I might want?

Following this discussion thread!

 

[PsihoKekec]

Following this discussion thread!

You do realize that it is possible to subscribe to threads without zero content posts?

 

[Agent23]

Dump Windows, go with Linux.

Is it just me or has Windows gone downhill after Windows XP and 7?

They were always garbage.
10 was ok.

Seriously, I have a 2012 ASUS laptop. Its hard drive is shot. Yet...I can use it.

How?

With Puppy Linux 6.3.0 Slacko installed directly in the RAM from a USB stick. As long as you do not actually shut down the computer it remains.

Yup, that is what I set up for my father after his first laptop started giving out, with the disk dying.
Worked on for a long while, then the old Mobo died.

Now, Slacko is an old Operating System, yet with it and even WINE 1.7.4 (and by the by this version of Puppy Linux is 32-Bit, it was all I had lying around) I am able to browse the Internet nicely and run most Windows programs and games. Therefore a recent version of say Ubuntu and WINE for it should be able to do so much more, especially if 64-Bit.

Maybe you can make your device a Dual Boot?

My boomer parents are on Ubuntu (Lubuntu and xubuntu because gnome is massive bloat) 20.04 on 8+ years old laptops on average, it has bloat too, but that is usually easily fixable with some bash one liners, mainly getting rid of their stupid appimage ripoff and forcing it to use regular old packages from ppas.

They just need some document viewing and editing capabilities and the ability to browse the internet.

If you are not gaming and not using some very specific, proprietary software only built for Windows that has no decent analogue, like say, Photoshop and GIMP, there is no sense buying a brand new laptop every few years and dealing with Microshaft's garbage.


However, you should really look into upgrading. I like puppy linux myself, that version you are running is ancient.

You will probably have all sorts of old, vulnerable software on there and while you don't need a new laptop every 3-4 years the older stuff gets the more likely it is to fail at some point.

Seriously, a higher end SBC will probably have better specs than that laptop you are talking about.

 

[Jormungandr]

Dump Windows, go with Linux.

Is it just me or has Windows gone downhill after Windows XP and 7?

Seriously, I have a 2012 ASUS laptop. Its hard drive is shot. Yet...I can use it.

How?

With Puppy Linux 6.3.0 Slacko installed directly in the RAM from a USB stick. As long as you do not actually shut down the computer it remains.

Now, Slacko is an old Operating System, yet with it and even WINE 1.7.4 (and by the by this version of Puppy Linux is 32-Bit, it was all I had lying around) I am able to browse the Internet nicely and run most Windows programs and games. Therefore a recent version of say Ubuntu and WINE for it should be able to do so much more, especially if 64-Bit.

Maybe you can make your device a Dual Boot?

While Linux is great, it's not really mainstream viable if most of the softwares produced are for Windows first, Linux second -- and when Linux ports are made, they're either half-assed, bugged, or are plagued with problems that take years to fix.

A lot of people I know, including family, still stick with Windows when all they do is browse the Internet or use YouTube, too.

Until Windows' monopoly is basically broken on mainstream applications and games, Windows is always going to be the OS of choice for most people out there, while Linux users will be the minority... which is a shame, because if more effort was focused on Linux in comparison to Windows itself, it could surpass Windows in a few years.

Well, Microsoft themselves are using it internally. 'nuff said.

 

[ThatZenoGuy]

Is it just me or has Windows gone downhill after Windows XP and 7?

Something a lot of people neglect is the 'pro' versions of Windows. For the love of god, NEVER install anything but the Pro versions.
'Consumer' versions are gimped and restricted, so when they inevitably break, they break for good. At least with the added flexibility of the pro versions you get a bit more leeway in fixing shit and customizing it to your liking.

 

[Captain X]

I have the pro version.

 

[Agent23]

While Linux is great, it's not really mainstream viable if most of the softwares produced are for Windows first, Linux second -- and when Linux ports are made, they're either half-assed, bugged, or are plagued with problems that take years to fix.

A lot of people I know, including family, still stick with Windows when all they do is browse the Internet or use YouTube, too.

Until Windows' monopoly is basically broken on mainstream applications and games, Windows is always going to be the OS of choice for most people out there, while Linux users will be the minority... which is a shame, because if more effort was focused on Linux in comparison to Windows itself, it could surpass Windows in a few years.

Well, Microsoft themselves are using it internally. 'nuff said.

While I would have partially agreed with statement a few years ago, the situation is very different now.

Partially agree?


Well, partially because for a lot of the major programs used in Windows there were always alternatives for linux.


OpenOffice to replace MS Office.
GIMP to replace Photoshop.

All the major browsers have versions for Linux.


VS Code, which is a code editor/IDE and is an actual opensource project supported by Microshaft has versions for Mac and Linux, and before that there were quite a few IDEs that could be used instead, with many produced by MS's enemies and opensourced, think JetBrains products, Eclipse, NetBeans.



Nowadays, thanks to stuff like Electron, on top of which stuff like VS code is built, porting writing "native" applications that work on multiple operating systems has never been easier.

 

[posh-goofiness]

i don't think there's a single normy piece of software other than libreoffice that has issues on linux.

however, if you wanna use streaming services, I will admit you're pretty much SOL.

 

[Jormungandr]

While I would have partially agreed with statement a few years ago, the situation is very different now.

Partially agree?


Well, partially because for a lot of the major programs used in Windows there were always alternatives for linux.


OpenOffice to replace MS Office.
GIMP to replace Photoshop.

All the major browsers have versions for Linux.


VS Code, which is a code editor/IDE and is an actual opensource project supported by Microshaft has versions for Mac and Linux, and before that there were quite a few IDEs that could be used instead, with many produced by MS's enemies and opensourced, think JetBrains products, Eclipse, NetBeans.



Nowadays, thanks to stuff like Electron, on top of which stuff like VS code is built, porting writing "native" applications that work on multiple operating systems has never been easier.

GIMP is good if all you need to do is a few quick modifications to an image, but it's not as comprehensive and intuitive as Photoshop, and Photoshop is the standard for many different industries.

Open Office is pretty good (well, Libreoffice really; fuck OO), but all companies that involve publishing, proofreading, and editing require Microsoft Word as a standard (personal experience here). They're very strict about it.

Industry softwares, especially those in games, media, and film? All Windows.

The only area Linux is ahead really is, as you said, programming. There are also a lot of companies that use it for databases, media servers, et cetera.

But mainstream programs? All Windows.

The only other platform that can come close to Windows is MacOS, and even then while major companies do use it instead of Windows for Photoshop and the like, it's only part of their workflow since the projects produced are often forwarded to others who further work on them in programs on Windows (e.g. 3DSMax, Maya, et cetera).

Until that monopoly is broken, and companies have shown no real signs of trying that, Windows is going to still be at the top, unfortunately.

 

[Agent23]

GIMP is good if all you need to do is a few quick modifications to an image, but it's not as comprehensive and intuitive as Photoshop, and Photoshop is the standard for many different industries.

So you are saying it does 99% of the stuff most people use Photoshop for?

Also, Adobe is kinda trying to force all their users to use their as a service solution from what I hear, so that is kind of a moot point.

Open Office is pretty good (well, Libreoffice really; fuck OO),

Yeah, me boomer again, I always call that thing openoffice despite the fork, since there was no such thing back then.
And I think you mean Fuck Oracle.

but all companies that involve publishing, proofreading, and editing require Microsoft Word as a standard (personal experience here). They're very strict about it.

The EU kinda trying to get everyone to use ODF.

Industry softwares, especially those in games, media, and film? All Windows.

Not really, a lot of game engines are multi-platform.
First ever game I ran on linux was UT 2003, from the same bootleg disk I was using for Windows.

Failing that there is Wine and Proton, and Steam is pushing that project pretty hard.

Industrial software - no idea what you are talking about, it really depends which industry.

The only area Linux is ahead really is, as you said, programming. There are also a lot of companies that use it for databases, media servers, et cetera.

Most servers run Linux.

Only people dumb enough to run a DB on Windows are the ones that have to use MS SQL Server, and that piece of crap works on Linux, too.

But mainstream programs? All Windows.

For most people the most mainstream programs are whatever they use to surf the internet, followed by whatever they use to deal with documents, listen to music and watch videos.

Linux has native solutions for all those needs.

The only other platform that can come close to Windows is MacOS, and even then while major companies do use it instead of Windows for Photoshop and the like, it's only part of their workflow since the projects produced are often forwarded to others who further work on them in programs on Windows (e.g. 3DSMax, Maya, et cetera).

Um, maya has linux support:

Help

help.autodesk.com

There are a bunch of CAD programs for linux, but again, I see the companies making that software all turning it into an always online service down the road.

Until that monopoly is broken, and companies have shown no real signs of trying that, Windows is going to still be at the top, unfortunately.

It can do most stuff most normie users.

Do you do something related to CAD/multimedia?

 

[Jormungandr]

So you are saying it does 99% of the stuff most people use Photoshop for?

Also, Adobe is kinda trying to force all their users to use their as a service solution from what I hear, so that is kind of a moot point.

Yeah, me boomer again, I always call that thing openoffice despite the fork, since there was no such thing back then.
And I think you mean Fuck Oracle.



The EU kinda trying to get everyone to use ODF.


Not really, a lot of game engines are multi-platform.
First ever game I ran on linux was UT 2003, from the same bootleg disk I was using for Windows.

Failing that there is Wine and Proton, and Steam is pushing that project pretty hard.

Industrial software - no idea what you are talking about, it really depends which industry.

Most servers run Linux.

Only people dumb enough to run a DB on Windows are the ones that have to use MS SQL Server, and that piece of crap works on Linux, too.

For most people the most mainstream programs are whatever they use to surf the internet, followed by whatever they use to deal with documents, listen to music and watch videos.

Linux has native solutions for all those needs.


Um, maya has linux support:

Help

help.autodesk.com

There are a bunch of CAD programs for linux, but again, I see the companies making that software all turning it into an always online service down the road.

It can do most stuff most normie users.

Do you do something related to CAD/multimedia?

Most things people use Photoshop for, such as brightening a photograph, can be done in GIMP; however, the interface and effectiveness of the tools are pretty poor compared to Photoshop. I can say this from personal experience, as I've used both. GIMP is great if you're on a budget or are basically "fuck Adobe", but it's like using a wooden mellet when you need a metal hammer.

Yeah, fuck Oracle.

ODF won't pick up, despite the EU's pushing of it: Professional proofreading companies, internal and external publishing houses, copy-editors and copywriters all use some variant of Microsoft Word/Office, even ones from like ten years back. They're incredibly strict about it to the point that some companies will automatically reject works if they weren't done in Microsoft Word/Office.

Not all games are Linux compatible, and except for trailblazers (such as Epic with Unreal Tournament), most, especially at an Indie or AA level, are Windows-only. So long as that remains the case, Windows' monopoly will continue.

Yeah, servers being run on Linux is just common-sense/easy.

And mainstream people still use Windows, despite Linux offering all of that. They like familiarity, and Windows is familiar (despite forks like Mint basically being very Windows-like). Linux will always be a niche here unless something radically changes.

Maya does have Linux support, but many of the applications that are in a project's workflow are still Windows-based. Unless there's a third-party advantage somewhere, they'll stick to having the programs in the same OS ecosystem.

Industrial softwares, like those in CAD or running factories? Windows. Hell, some even still run on Windows 95 or earlier. Flame, an archaic but still widely-used bit of software for digital retouching, VFX, et cetera, is Windows only. There are many other pieces of software like it in other industries/niches that are Windows only, too.

I've dabbled in a few areas, yeah. Just because something can support Linux over Windows doesn't mean people will adopt it in Linux over Windows, which is sad because Windows is becoming a fucking nightmare (especially 11).

 

[Agent23]

Most things people use Photoshop for, such as brightening a photograph, can be done in GIMP; however, the interface and effectiveness of the tools are pretty poor compared to Photoshop. I can say this from personal experience, as I've used both. GIMP is great if you're on a budget or are basically "fuck Adobe", but it's like using a wooden mellet when you need a metal hammer.

Well, between Adobe turning into an online service and GIMP constantly improving I think that the situation is not that dire.

Yeah, fuck Oracle.

ODF won't pick up, despite the EU's pushing of it: Professional proofreading companies, internal and external publishing houses, copy-editors and copywriters all use some variant of Microsoft Word/Office, even ones from like ten years back. They're incredibly strict about it to the point that some companies will automatically reject works if they weren't done in Microsoft Word/Office.

Copy-editors?
You mean the stuff that ChatGPT and the Internet in gneral will be replacing and a fairly small percentage of the overall market for the various office software packages?

Also, for those that must have MS Office, there is office 365, aka a full blown web service.
You also have Google Docs/Sheets/etc, which a bunch of companies are moving to, and Micro$haft itself wants to replace the one time licensing with a subscription-based licensing model.If anything large segments of their business will not benefit if they are not shackled to their OS.

Not all games are Linux compatible, and except for trailblazers (such as Epic with Unreal Tournament), most, especially at an Indie or AA level, are Windows-only. So long as that remains the case, Windows' monopoly will continue.

Indie stuff usually utilizes Unity and now lots will be moving to Godot, which is an opensource project that runs fine on linux.
Failing that, emulation and virtualization have advanced quite a bit, and Micro@hit is trying to compete with Steam and other game companies, so it is only logical that they will push for more multiplatform stuff like Steam does with Proton.

And mainstream people still use Windows, despite Linux offering all of that. They like familiarity, and Windows is familiar (despite forks like Mint basically being very Windows-like). Linux will always be a niche here unless something radically changes.

Chrome OS is linux under the hood and it is gaining popularity.

Maya does have Linux support, but many of the applications that are in a project's workflow are still Windows-based. Unless there's a third-party advantage somewhere, they'll stick to having the programs in the same OS ecosystem.

Ok, Niche software.

Industrial softwares, like those in CAD or running factories? Windows. Hell, some even still run on Windows 95 or earlier. Flame, an archaic but still widely-used bit of software for digital retouching, VFX, et cetera, is Windows only. There are many other pieces of software like it in other industries/niches that are Windows only, too.

CAD is used for design, it does not run anything.
You are thinking of SCADA and ERP.
Most ERP is java based and works on linux, the only windows only crap is Microsoft dynamics.
SCADA - no idea, but I would not let mission critical software run on Windows.

I've dabbled in a few areas, yeah. Just because something can support Linux over Windows doesn't mean people will adopt it in Linux over Windows, which is sad because Windows is becoming a fucking nightmare (especially 11).

I am staying with 10 for gaming, aka the only thing that OS is good for.

 

[Allanon]

While Linux is great, it's not really mainstream viable if most of the softwares produced are for Windows first, Linux second -- and when Linux ports are made, they're either half-assed, bugged, or are plagued with problems that take years to fix.

A lot of people I know, including family, still stick with Windows when all they do is browse the Internet or use YouTube, too.

Until Windows' monopoly is basically broken on mainstream applications and games, Windows is always going to be the OS of choice for most people out there, while Linux users will be the minority... which is a shame, because if more effort was focused on Linux in comparison to Windows itself, it could surpass Windows in a few years.

Well, Microsoft themselves are using it internally. 'nuff said.

WINE enables Linux to handle most Windows software, including games.

 

[Agent23]

WINE enables Linux to handle most Windows software, including games.

The Azure public cloud runs in Hyper-V, actually.

In any case, Micro$ needs to break up, thet will give the more innovative divisions like Azure, Office 365 and the development tooling and services a huge boost, especially if they are not shackled to that shit tier OS.

Trust me, nowadays no one wants to deal with shit like vanilla LDAP or derivatives for Linux/FOSS offerings when you can just make it the AD team's business.

 

[Allanon]

A bit off-topic, but whenever I hear "cloud" I become suspicious. You cannot possibly know when, for whatever reason, something that relies on anything in "the cloud" will fail or disappear forever, especially in these dystopian times.

For example, I played "Gemcraft: Chasing Shadows" on Armor Games. It was a Flash (SWF) game. The progress you made was stored on that website. Well, take a look there now. This is why I downloaded and unlocked that SWF file, for offline play, and yes I know how to save such information even if you clear your browser.

The entire history of CompuServe- pretty much gone.

This is why I prefer the GOG version of games, and will NEVER use any Operating System which requires you to be online.