Eliana Willis

ZDNETI’ve been around Linux long enough to have experienced nearly every package manager (GUI or not) ever created.I remember, in 2001, when a particular GUI frontend for the apt package manager was first released. I had become so accustomed to installing software from the command line that a GUI tool seemed like crazy talk.But I decided to give this new kid on the block a try and see how it fared.I was impressed and glad not to always have to type commands to install the software I needed.Also: Here’s the easiest thing Linux developers can do to win more usersBack then, Synaptic was a welcome and modern change. It seemed, dare I say, fancy!Since Synaptic was released, other software centers, such as GNOME Software and Discover, have arrived, causing me to leave Synaptic behind. However, I have come across a few Linux distributions lately that default to Synaptic, so even though this package manager GUI is long in the tooth, it’s still very relevant.So, how do you install software with Synaptic? Let me show you.How to install software with SynapticWhat you’ll need: The only thing you’ll need for this is an Ubuntu/Debian-based distribution that includes Synaptic. If your distribution of choice doesn’t use this GUI and you’d like to try it, you can install it with the command: sudo apt-get install synaptic -y More

Kaycco/Getty Images According to Linus Torvalds (the creator of Linux), kernel 6.14 is “tiny.” He also said this: “Of course, ‘tiny’ for us still means that there’s half a million lines changed and more than 10k commits in there — but only barely. In fact, not counting merges there’s only something like 9.3k commits. So […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways As part of its Zeno Series, Lockly released a new Visage smart lock, available for $349. The Lockly Visage comes with facial ID support, automatic unlocking when you’re near, and Apple Home Kit compatibility. The Lockly app can be more user-friendly, as it’s difficult to find certain settings, and it’s pricier […] More

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETIf you purchase AppleCare+ for your devices, the company’s repair and tech support coverage program, pay attention because some big changes are on the way.Also: Is Apple launching an AirTag 2 this year? Here’s what we knowRight now, you have the option to add a multi-year AppleCare+ plan within 60 days of buying a new iPhone. You can do this straight from your device through the settings menu or in an official Apple Store as long as you have your phone inspected.Limited optionsAccording to Mark Gurman, a reliable Apple tipster, the multi-year option is going away. Apple is apparently eliminating the option to purchase a two- or three-year AppleCare+ plan in an Apple Store or on your device. Instead, if you’re purchasing device protection through those methods, Apple is going to limit you to a single-year subscription or a month-by-month plan. You’ll still be able to purchase a multi-year plan online (for now).Paying more to protect devicesThis means that you’ll ultimately end up paying more to protect your devices (unless you opt for the online option). For the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max, for example, AppleCare+ costs $9.99 a month or $199 for a two-year plan. If you pay monthly, two years of coverage is $40 more. If you add in theft coverage too, the difference ends up costing you $55 more over two years.Also: Is this the new iPhone SE? Leaked images reveal major changes coming in 2025Apple hasn’t said anything officially, but this seems to be a move toward making AppleCare+ an ongoing monthly subscription instead of a one-time purchase. More

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETLooking for a way to magnify your computer screen, either for yourself or for public presentations? A new PowerToys tool from Microsoft may be exactly what you need. Added to the latest version of PowerToys, ZoomIt can zoom in on the screen, let you write on it, and take a screenshot or recording of your current activity.Microsoft is touting ZoomIt as a tool for presentations and demos. By zooming in on specific areas of the screen, you can emphasize certain points or simply enlarge text and images for your audience. The writing and annotation features let you mark up the screen to highlight key elements. Also: How to clear the cache on your Windows 11 PC (and why it makes such a big difference)Beyond its worth as a presentation tool, ZoomIt can magnify the screen if you have trouble seeing or reading small print on a web page or document.ZoomIt was originally a Sysinternals tool. Recently, its source code was released, allowing it to be included in PowerToys. However, it will still be available as an external tool, updated, and offered by Sysinternals for anyone who’d rather use it as a standalone program.How does the PowerToys version of ZoomIt work and how can you use it? More

ZDNETIf you’re an iPhone user, pay attention — Apple is changing how you invite people to events.Also: How to clear your iPhone cache for a fresh (and faster) start in 2025According to noted Apple tipster Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is rolling out “a new way to invite people to parties, functions, and meetings.”Confetti: A new Apple app or feature?It’s not clear if this is an entirely new app or a new feature for an existing app, but it does seem like it will work with multiple apps.You can already send invitations to events with the built-in Apple Calendar app, but that involves creating an event and then inviting people by sending them the link. The new upcoming change, called Confetti internally, will streamline that process and likely add a few new features.Also: App fatigue is real: Users are downloading fewer apps than everA 9to5Mac report from last month explained that it will integrate with iCloud and work much like Facebook events. It will show a list of people invited and a list of people who have confirmed they’re coming. It will also reportedly work with other apps, saving you the step of inviting someone manually. That same report found references to “Apple Invites” in the iOS 18.2 beta, which could end up being the final name if it’s a standalone app.If this works like Google Calendar, allowing you to see if your invitation conflicts with someone’s schedule, it will be even more useful. If Apple limits full functionality to its own ecosystem, as it tends to do, the usefulness will decrease significantly. More

ZDNETI’m not one for traditional desktops. I prefer something with a more modern (and often minimalistic) aesthetic. But for those who are just dipping their toes into the Linux waters, something a bit more familiar might be required.Although Ubuntu Mate flips tradition on its head (with the main panel at the top), it couldn’t possibly be any easier to use. As soon as you log in, you’ll see a button at the top left of the screen clearly labeled “Menu.” That panel at the top functions exactly like the bottom panels you’re accustomed to. Also: The best Linux distributions for beginnersBefore we get into how I would suggest tweaking Ubuntu Mate, let’s talk about what’s new. What’s new, Mate? More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The SwitchBot Wallet Tracker Card is on sale right now for $20. This slim wallet tracker works with Bluetooth and the Apple Find My network, is IP67 waterproof, and is almost as reliable as an Apple AirTag. It only works with iOS, not Android, and its battery isn’t replaceable or rechargeable. […] More