Wayne Williams

Move over Kodi -- these are the top home theater alternatives you need

Watching Stremio, Kodi alternative

Kodi has long been a favorite for media enthusiasts, offering a customizable, open-source platform for streaming and managing media libraries, but it's not without its frustrations. The setup process, particularly installing and managing add-ons, isn't as intuitive as it could be, add-ons frequently break or becoming unsupported, and performance problems like buffering and crashes are common, especially on older devices.

If you’re searching for Kodi alternatives, you're in luck. There are several media center platforms that provide excellent options for streaming and managing your content. Here’s a look at the top 7 Kodi alternatives, along with key features to watch out for, and the download links you'll need.

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Save $39.95! Get 'WinX MediaTrans V8.0 -- Ultimate iPhone/iPad Manager for PC & Mac' for FREE

Struggling to free up enough space for the latest iOS upgrade or worried about losing data when switching to a new iPhone?

Get a licensed copy of WinX MediaTrans V8.0 for free (regularly priced at $39.95) and seamlessly transfer data between your iPhone, iPad, and computer with no risk of data loss or leakage. WinX MediaTrans makes it easy to back up your iPhone data, freeing up storage space for upgrades, switching devices, or simply for daily file management. It’s fast, secure, and user-friendly!

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Save $31.99! Get 'Mastering Spring Boot 3.0' for FREE

Mastering Spring Boot 3.0 is your gateway to building scalable and robust backend systems using the latest techniques. Penned by a seasoned software developer with 20+ years of experience in the tech industry, this book follows a hands-on, step-by-step approach to helping you understand Spring Boot concepts and apply them to real-world projects.

You’ll start by exploring key architectural patterns such as DDD, CQRS, and event sourcing. Next, you’ll focus on the nuances of reactive REST development, delve into advanced testing strategies, and fortify your applications' security. You’ll also discover the power of containerization and orchestration with Spring Boot 3.0 and unlock its potential for smooth deployments.

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Save $36.99! Get 'Starting an Online Business: All-In-One For Dummies, 6th edition' for FREE

With the right knowledge and resources, you can take action to start the online business you’ve been dreaming of. This comprehensive guide provides tips and tricks for turning your dream into a reality.

The sixth edition of Starting an Online Business: All-in-One For Dummies will teach you the basics and beyond. It will prepare you to set up your business website, offer your products in an online store, and keep accurate books. The authors help you navigate the primary legal, accounting, and security challenges related to running an online business.

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Forget Windows 11 -- Windows Moon Valley reaches a major milestone, download it now!

Windows Moon Valley

Windows 11, much like its predecessor Windows 10, has been criticized for various design inconsistencies. From outdated interface elements to uneven system-wide aesthetics, these issues have led to the development of tools like Rectify11, which streamline and improve the visual design of the operating system.

Windows Moon Valley takes this a step further by addressing not only Windows’ design shortcomings but also enhancing its overall functionality. The project is essentially a cross between Windows 10X (a streamlined version of Windows 10 originally designed for dual-screen and foldable devices, later adapted for single-screen devices) and Windows 11.

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Watch a game of Minesweeper destroy Windows in real time

Minesweeper is a classic puzzle game that has been included in Windows operating systems for decades. The objective is to clear a grid of hidden mines using numerical clues to determine how many mines are adjacent to each square, requiring strategy and logical thinking to avoid detonating them.

But what if losing a game of Minesweeper actually destroyed your PC? That’s exactly what a new video shows.

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Save $17! Get 'Not with a Bug, But with a Sticker' for FREE

In Not With A Bug, But With A Sticker: Attacks on Machine Learning Systems and What To Do About Them, a team of distinguished adversarial machine learning researchers deliver a riveting account of the most significant risk to currently deployed artificial intelligence systems: cybersecurity threats. The authors take you on a sweeping tour -- from inside secretive government organizations to academic workshops at ski chalets to Google’s cafeteria -- recounting how major AI systems remain vulnerable to the exploits of bad actors of all stripes.

Based on hundreds of interviews of academic researchers, policy makers, business leaders and national security experts, the authors compile the complex science of attacking AI systems with color and flourish and provide a front row seat to those who championed this change. Grounded in real world examples of previous attacks, you will learn how adversaries can upend the reliability of otherwise robust AI systems with straightforward exploits.

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Save $39.99! Get 'Kubernetes Anti-Patterns' for FREE

As the popularity of Kubernetes continues to grow, it’s essential to understand and navigate the potential challenges of scalability, resource optimization, troubleshooting, and security.

Kubernetes Anti-Patterns offers vital insights and strategies tailored to the current needs of practitioners and enthusiasts navigating the complexities of Kubernetes. Penned by an AWS-certified solutions architect with 16+ years of experience, this book will teach you the essential Kubernetes anti-patterns, their types, causes, and consequences. You’ll find practical solutions for each of the challenges and uncover real-world examples and case studies to enhance your Kubernetes expertise.

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Multitasking made easy with Windows Virtual Desktops and Snap Layouts

When used correctly, Virtual Desktops, first introduced in Windows 10 and then refined in Windows 11, offer a handy way to manage multiple workflows. They let you create separate, dedicated workspaces within the OS, keeping things organized and clutter free. This is especially useful for those who juggle work, personal projects, and entertainment, as it allows for smooth switching between different activities without losing track of anything. By assigning specific apps and windows to different desktops, you can stay focused and organized across various tasks.

In Windows 11, Microsoft introduced Snap Layouts, enhancing multitasking by providing predefined grid options for arranging windows. This feature expands on the simpler Snap Assist functionality from Windows 10 and when used with Virtual Desktops can keep each workspace neat and orderly.

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Windows 12.1 is everything Windows 11 should be -- and the Microsoft operating system we need!

As you likely know, Microsoft is preparing to end support for Windows 10 next year, and while you can continue to use that OS, provided you do so safely, the main options will be to upgrade to Windows 11 or wait for the anticipated release of its successor, likely to be Windows 12.

While Microsoft hasn't officially confirmed the next-generation operating system, there have been numerous hints and rumors about what it might be like.

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This shortcut will let you boot into the BIOS directly from Windows

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is like your computer's backstage manager, making sure the hardware and operating system can talk to each other smoothly and keeping everything running behind the scenes.

To access the BIOS, most people restart their computer and hit a specific key -- this can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Common keys are F1, F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc, and a prompt will usually appear on the screen during startup to tell you which one to press. While this method is fairly simple, there's an even easier way to boot directly into the BIOS from Windows.

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How to keep using Windows 10 safely after Microsoft ends support

As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10, marking the end of the road for regular security updates and technical support.

This doesn’t mean your Windows 10 machine will suddenly stop working of course, but it does mean that keeping it safe and secure will require more proactive measures. Here’s how you can protect your Windows 10 system after official support ends.

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Say goodbye to TeamViewer: Get AnyViewer Professional for free -- save $42.96

TeamViewer and AnyViewer are both popular remote desktop software solutions, but they cater to slightly different needs and user bases. TeamViewer is a well-established player in the remote desktop space, offering a wide range of features such as cross-platform compatibility, remote printing, file sharing, and even support for IoT devices. It’s widely used by businesses for IT support and remote collaboration, as well as by individual users who need to access their devices from anywhere.

TeamViewer provides strong security with end-to-end encryption and supports remote sessions with minimal latency. Although there’s a version that’s free for private use, the software's pricing can be a drawback for business users, as it operates on a subscription model which can prove to be rather expensive over time.

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Save $34.99! Get 'Python and SQL Bible' for FREE

Embark on a transformative journey with this course designed to equip you with robust Python and SQL skills. Starting with an introduction to Python, you'll delve into fundamental building blocks, control flow, functions, and object-oriented programming.

As you progress, you'll master data structures, file I/O, exception handling, and the Python Standard Library, ensuring a solid foundation in Python. The course then transitions to SQL, beginning with an introduction and covering basics, and proceeding to advanced querying techniques.

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I used KnowRoaming eSIM on a road trip across France and this is what I learned [Review]

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual SIM card built into devices like smartphones, offering digital management of mobile plans without the need for physical SIM swapping. It has become a favored option for travelers as it simplifies connecting to local networks abroad.

I recently put KnowRoaming’s eSIM to the test during a two-week family road trip through France (this isn’t a sponsored post, I just wanted to share my experience). The setup on my iPhone 14 Pro -- yes I'm due an upgrade -- was refreshingly simple. After selecting a plan online and scanning a QR code, the eSIM was ready to go with just a few steps. KnowRoaming’s website also provides easy-to-follow instructions for iPhone, Android, and Google Pixel devices.

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