Bliss wallpaper Archives

Winsage

May 1, 2025

4 Windows versions Windows 12 should shamelessly imitate

Windows 12 is speculated to potentially launch in two to three years, following the end of support for Windows 10. It may draw inspiration from previous successful versions like Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10, focusing on user customization, performance, and reducing bloatware. Windows 11, launched six years after Windows 10, introduced a new visual style and features but faced criticism over hardware requirements. Windows 12 is expected to build on Windows 11's foundation with incremental improvements and enhanced support for ARM processors.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

From pixels to pinot: The Windows XP ‘Bliss’ wallpaper hill was real and this is what it looks like now

Windows XP is celebrated for its user-friendly interface and vibrant aesthetics, particularly the "Bliss" wallpaper, which features a real location in Sonoma County, California. The photograph was taken by Charles O’Rear in 1996 and sold to Microsoft before the operating system's launch in 2001. The original image has a resolution of 4,510 by 3,627 pixels, compared to the 800 by 600 pixel version included with Windows XP. Over time, the depicted hill transformed into a vineyard, reflecting Sonoma County's role in California's wine production, which contributed approximately 6% of the state's output in 2021. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP in 2014, with the last version ceasing in 2019. Windows XP was a significant advancement over its predecessors and was used on the International Space Station until it was replaced by Linux in 2013. Windows 11 was released in 2021, with indications that 2025 will focus on a "Windows 11 PC refresh."

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Need a Windows 10 alternative? Still miss XP? This Linux distro is for you

Since the late 1990s, the journey through Linux and open-source technology has aimed to simplify the operating system for newcomers, especially those transitioning from Windows. The Q40S distribution, also known as XPQ4, offers rethemed versions that mimic Windows 10 or Windows XP. Q40S is based on Debian, and XPQ4 provides the Windows-like appearance. FreeXP resembles Windows XP, while Free10 mirrors Windows 10. The FreeXP version includes the Bliss Wallpaper and a familiar Start button, while Free10 aligns more closely with Windows 10. The installation of Free10 is straightforward, and it features a quality interface that captures the essence of Windows 10. The Q40S Welcome Screen offers access to various tools, including the Desktop Profile tool for alternative desktop environments. Free10 presents a standard KDE Plasma menu with a Windows 10-like twist. Users can customize the bottom panel and themes, but changing the theme may detract from the Windows 10 experience. Application installation differs from Windows, requiring Wine for .exe files, while KDE Discover provides a user-friendly interface for installing applications. Free10 does not have Flatpak support enabled by default, but it can be added. Free10 is suitable for those transitioning from Windows 10 to a cost-free operating system with ongoing support and security. It can be downloaded and installed on multiple computers, making it a reliable alternative to traditional operating systems.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Who needs Windows 11? FreeXP is a modern version of Microsoft’s greatest OS, powered by Debian Linux

Windows XP is often regarded as a beloved classic and a significant advancement over its predecessors, despite debates about whether Windows 7 or Windows 10 is superior. FreeXP, a non-official operating system based on Debian Linux, replicates the Windows XP aesthetic within the Q4OS desktop environment. It features a nostalgic interface with the iconic Bliss wallpaper, classic XP Start menu, taskbar, and familiar icons. FreeXP can run as live media without installation and includes modern features like virtual desktop support and the option to install the Chromium browser. Users can customize their experience with various themes, including Windows 2000, Windows XP Classic, Windows XP Luna, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 Light, and Q4OS Default. FreeXP is available for download.

Winsage

October 27, 2024

Download Windows XP 4K wallpaper (Bliss updated) to celebrate 23rd birthday

Microsoft has released an updated version of the Windows XP Bliss wallpaper in 4K quality to celebrate its 23rd anniversary. The new wallpaper features a vibrant green hill under a blue sky with clouds, available in two versions: an official 4K edition with enhanced colors and an unofficial modified version with adjusted saturation. The original Bliss wallpaper was available in 800 x 600 pixels and 1024 x 768 pixels. Windows XP was officially launched on October 25, 2001, and was well-received by users for its performance and user-friendly interface, despite initial hardware concerns. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP in 2014, but some users still use the operating system.