Communities Archives

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Digital Content Observatory Warns of Rising Blackmail via Instant Messaging Apps

The Digital Content Observatory has reported a significant increase in digital blackmail cases linked to instant messaging applications, driven by the rise in their use across various age groups and a lack of awareness about associated risks. Blackmail schemes often start with fake accounts that engage users and escalate to threats demanding compliance under the risk of exposing personal information. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram are favored for these activities due to their private nature and encryption challenges. The Observatory emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, especially among younger users, advising caution in sharing personal information and encouraging the reporting of blackmail attempts. They highlight the need for improved digital literacy as a preventive measure against unsafe digital practices.

Winsage

May 17, 2025

9 Months Later, Microsoft Finally Fixes Linux Dual-Booting Bug

In August 2024, a security update aimed at improving Secure Boot disrupted dual-booting of Windows and Linux due to a vulnerability in the GRUB bootloader. This allowed malicious actors to bypass Secure Boot protections. Microsoft released a patch, KB5058385, on May 13, 2025, to resolve the issue by enhancing the Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) system's ability to recognize legitimate Linux bootloaders, preventing them from being blocked. The patch is applicable to various versions of Windows, including Windows 11 (multiple versions) and Windows Server (multiple versions). The update will be automatically applied through Windows Update for affected installations.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

‘End of 10’ offers hope and help to Windows 10 users who can’t upgrade

- Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. - Microsoft is encouraging users to purchase new computers. - Linux is presented as a faster, more secure alternative to Windows. - The End of 10 campaign provides resources and support for users transitioning to Linux. - The campaign includes links to PC shops and user groups worldwide. - It offers a guide for installing Linux and lists benefits such as lower costs, no ads or data tracking, environmental friendliness, community support, and enhanced user control. - The campaign organizes events for Linux installation assistance in various countries. - The initiative is a collaboration among several individuals from different organizations. - End of 10 maintains public channels on Matrix and a mailing list, and is present on the Fediverse for outreach.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

4 steps to join a Facebook group on Android devices

Facebook groups serve as platforms for individuals to connect and collaborate based on shared interests. To join a Facebook group, users should open the Facebook app, use the search bar to enter relevant keywords, switch to the 'Groups' tab to filter results, and browse through group options before clicking 'Join' on a group that interests them.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Don’t ruin your Galaxy phone with a half-baked beta update

Samsung is expected to begin public beta testing for Android 16 and One UI 8 as early as June, with the software already appearing on a secret test server. Users are advised to exercise caution when considering participation in the beta testing, as unfinished software may lead to bugs and glitches. One UI 8 is anticipated to introduce meaningful changes to enhance user experience, but it is recommended to wait for a fully polished version before adopting it. The initial beta versions are primarily intended for developers, and early adopters may encounter challenges. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra are highlighted as peak Android devices, featuring impressive RAM, performance, and the latest One UI with unique AI features.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

PlayStation spins out new studio TeamLFG out from Bungie

TeamLFG is a new studio formed by former Bungie employees, located in Bellevue, Washington. The studio is developing a multiplayer action game and aims to incorporate player feedback through early access playtests. They also hinted at a "frog-type" game concept in a recent PlayStation Blog post.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Props for the honesty: Tim Sweeney says the reason ‘people characterize the Epic Games launcher as clunky’ is—wait for it—’because the Epic Games launcher is clunky’

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, described the Epic Games Store launcher as "clunky" and acknowledged that many users find it slow and cumbersome compared to Steam. The Epic launcher received a score of 41% in a recent evaluation, ranking behind competitors like the Microsoft Store and EA, and significantly trailing Steam and GOG Galaxy. Performance issues vary based on a user's proximity to a content delivery network and the size of their game library, with slower internet connections exacerbating loading frustrations. Sweeney believes the Epic launcher should incorporate convenient features from Steam while maintaining its unique advantages. He emphasized the importance of connecting players across platforms and criticized Valve for not allowing cross-platform functionality with Steamworks. Sweeney also addressed negative backlash against developers using Epic Online Services, citing harassment related to crossplay features. Users seeking alternatives to the Epic launcher can consider GOG Galaxy or Heroic, which are noted for better functionality.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

As support for Windows 10 counts down, End of 10 asks ‘why not Linux?’

Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users whose hardware does not meet the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11 have alternatives, such as transitioning to Linux. The End of 10 initiative encourages Windows 10 users to consider Linux as a way to rejuvenate their existing hardware, especially for those with machines not primarily used for gaming. To upgrade to Windows 11, users need a processor from Intel's 8th generation or AMD's Ryzen 2000 series at a minimum. The End of 10 website provides resources for users hesitant about installing Linux and addresses concerns about electronic waste, highlighting that 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2022, with projections of 82 million tonnes by 2030.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

The Best PC Games of 2025 So Far (Spring Edition)

Spring 2025 has seen the release of several notable PC games, including: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Released on April 24, 2025, by Sandfall Interactive, it sold over 1 million copies in three days and features a blend of French art nouveau aesthetics and JRPG combat mechanics. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Released on February 28, 2025, by Capcom, it introduces full narrative integration and dynamic monster interactions. - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered: Released on April 22, 2025, by Bethesda Game Studios, it attracted over 4 million players shortly after launch and features enhanced visuals and gameplay updates. Other early 2025 releases include: - Blue Prince (April 10, 2025) - Split Fiction (March 6, 2025) - Atomfall (March 27, 2025) - Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20, 2025) - Two Point Museum (March 5, 2025) - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (January 23, 2025) - Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (January 22, 2025) - Ninja Gaiden II Black (January 23, 2025) - The Talos Principle: Reawakened (April 10, 2025) Highly anticipated titles for later in 2025 include: - Grand Theft Auto VI (Late 2025) - Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15, 2025) - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28, 2025) - The Outer Worlds 2 (Expected 2025) - Borderlands 4 (September 12, 2025) - Marvel’s Blade (TBA 2025) - Hades II (Full Release later 2025) - Frostpunk 2 (Summer 2025) - Slay the Spire 2 (Early Access Expected 2025) - Anno 117: Pax Romana (Expected 2025) - Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (October 2025) - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Expected 2025) - Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl (Expected 2025) In 2024, top-rated PC games included: 1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 2. Metaphor: ReFantazio 3. UFO 50 4. Tekken 8 5. Caves of Qud 6. Animal Well 7. Satisfactory 8. Balatro 9. Thank Goodness You’re Here! 10. The Last of Us Part II Remastered The PC gaming landscape in 2024 was characterized by significant hardware advancements, improved game integration and compatibility, and thriving online communities.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

RuneScape: Dragonwilds has sold over 600k copies

RuneScape: Dragonwilds, launched on April 15th, has sold over 600,000 units and became the No. 1 selling game on Steam among premium titles in its debut week, while ranking as the second highest-grossing game overall, behind Counter-Strike 2. It has received an 84 percent "Very Positive" rating on Steam. Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy expressed gratitude for the positive response from players and emphasized the company's commitment to player communities.