computer Archives

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

PCs under $500 to “disappear by 2028” predicts analyst. Apparently water’s wet, too.

Gartner predicts that the sub-0 entry-level PC segment will disappear by 2028 due to a 130% increase in memory and SSD costs, contributing to a 17% rise in PC prices by 2025. This situation is expected to result in a 10.4% decline in PC shipments this year, the first contraction in over a decade. Consumers are anticipated to keep their devices longer, with business users holding onto PCs for 15% longer and consumers for 20% longer by the end of 2026. The report indicates that elevated RAM and SSD prices will persist longer than expected, influenced by broader inflation trends. Additionally, the anticipated 50% market penetration of AI PCs is now expected to be delayed until 2028.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

Cara Ellison, senior narrative designer on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 before Paradox switched developers, discusses her love of Troika’s original RPG: ‘Everyone on the team helped really make that maximum goth’

Cara Ellison is a narrative designer whose journey in gaming began with a BBC Micro and the 1987 game Acheton. She has worked as a games journalist for publications like PC Gamer and transitioned into game design, contributing narratives to titles such as Dishonored 2, Void Bastards, God of War: Ragnarok, and Ghost Town. Her latest project is Sleight of Hand, a deckbuilding stealth game inspired by Metal Gear Solid and Vampire: The Masquerade—Bloodlines. She has a fondness for the original Vampire: The Masquerade—Bloodlines, despite its technical challenges, and has logged 103 hours in Kentucky Route Zero. Ellison keeps Sunless Sea installed on both her work and personal computers, appreciating its narrative depth. For her writing, she uses Scrivener, which she utilized for Void Bastards. Her desktop is relatively tidy, featuring a mix of business and leisure icons, with a wallpaper from Vertigo.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Limited-time offer: Windows 11 Pro lifetime license for just $12.97

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, down from its regular price of 9. It offers a lifetime license. The operating system features a modern interface, advanced multitasking capabilities, enhanced security features (TPM 2.0, BitLocker, Smart App Control), support for DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming, and a built-in AI assistant called Copilot. Windows 10 is being phased out, making the upgrade timely. It also supports Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and touch-enabled devices.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Microsoft’s new mini PCs skip Windows and get you right where your work is

Microsoft introduced Windows 365 Link in 2024, allowing PCs to boot directly into Office applications without the traditional Windows operating system. This service requires minimal hardware, enabling users to utilize lightweight devices for cloud operations. Microsoft has partnered with manufacturers to create mini PCs for Windows 365 Link, including the Asus NUC 16 and Dell Pro Desktop, both launching in the third quarter of 2026. The Asus NUC 16 has a 0.7L form factor, supports three displays, and integrates with Microsoft Intune. The Dell Pro Desktop can be used vertically or horizontally, also supports three displays, and features a fanless design for silent operation. Both devices aim to enhance productivity and simplify IT management.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Windows Could Be the Reason Your Printer Refuses to Cooperate

Microsoft has phased out support for older V3 and V4 printer drivers in Windows 11, marking them as deprecated since September 2023. While printers using these drivers will still function, they will no longer receive automatic updates through Windows Update, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues. User feedback is mixed, with some appreciating the move towards modern driver architecture and others concerned about manufacturers' ability to adapt.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Proton beam therapy comes to Minecraft to help children prepare for cancer treatment at The Christie

Young cancer patients can now explore a virtual representation of the proton beam therapy centre at The Christie in Manchester through Minecraft, marking the first instance of a working NHS health facility recreated in the game. This initiative, developed by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Microsoft with input from clinical specialists, aims to familiarize children with the therapy environment to reduce anxiety before treatment. The virtual centre includes key areas such as reception, waiting areas, imaging rooms, and play preparation rooms, and features interactive elements like functioning MRI machines and hidden rooms. The Minecraft environment is scaled up to five times the actual centre for easier navigation. The project was primarily developed by Microsoft volunteers and has received positive feedback from young patients like 10-year-old Ramatulaye, who found it helpful in understanding the hospital layout.

Tech Optimizer

February 25, 2026

Fix “kernel security check failure”: Step-by-step guide

The "kernel security check failure" error on Windows indicates corruption in critical system memory or internal data structures, triggering a bug check to prevent further damage. It is marked by the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) displaying the message “KERNELSECURITYCHECK_FAILURE” and stop code 0x139. Causes include outdated or incompatible drivers, corrupted system files, faulty RAM, disk errors, third-party software conflicts, faulty Windows updates, overclocking, and malware threats. Common fixes involve updating Windows and drivers, scanning for corrupted files, using Check Disk (CHKDSK), running Windows Memory Diagnostic, and performing System Restore. If unresolved, a clean installation of Windows may be necessary. Regular updates and avoiding unnecessary software installations can help prevent future occurrences.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Steam Next Fest is full of Balatro-likes: here’s 7 demos I think you should try

Steam Next Fest features various new game demos inspired by Balatro, including: 1. Gambonanza: A strategic game set on a miniature chessboard where players use chess pieces to battle against the computer, with options to enchant tiles and acquire gambits after mini-matches. 2. Raccoin: A coin pusher arcade game where players drop coins to create chaos and push additional coins into a basket, featuring special coins with unique interactions. It is set to launch on March 31. 3. Coinsweeper: An enhanced version of Minesweeper that allows players to bail out mid-game, offering purchasable items and modifiers for bonuses. 4. Ultrapool: A pool game where players can upgrade and combine pool balls and increase pocket multipliers for higher scores. 5. Rogue Hanafuda: A game using hanafuda cards similar to poker, where players unlock more card plays as they accumulate wealth and can purchase stackable items for bonuses. 6. Capsulitas: A game combining gashapon mechanics where players buy capsules and manage inventory to enhance scoring chances in future rounds.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

Classic Outlook bug makes users click blind — and the fix is the most Windows thing ever

Users of the classic Outlook desktop email client have reported that the mouse pointer disappears while navigating the application. This issue has led to numerous complaints on social media, with users expressing frustration over workflow disruptions. Microsoft has acknowledged that the cursor vanishes when hovering over the Outlook interface, although email color changes can still be seen. Similar reports have been noted for OneNote and other Microsoft 365 applications. Microsoft recommends that affected users have their administrators open a support case with the Outlook Support Team to submit diagnostic log files for troubleshooting. Temporary workarounds include selecting an email to prompt the pointer to reappear, opening PowerPoint and returning to Outlook, or restarting the computer. Many users are hesitant to switch from the Windows Mail and Calendar apps to the new Outlook app due to concerns about feature parity and design aesthetics.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2026

Hackers Are Using Fake Invitations to Take Over Your PC

Cybercriminals are sending counterfeit email invitations that, when clicked, install a backdoor on the victim's computer, allowing hackers full control. The scam often involves downloading a file named “invites.msi,” which is a Windows Installer package. This file can install ScreenConnect, a legitimate remote support tool that can be exploited by attackers to monitor screens, access files, and deploy additional malware. Many security engines fail to flag this software as malicious, making it difficult to detect. If someone suspects they have fallen victim to this scam, they should disconnect from the internet, check for and uninstall any remote management software, run a comprehensive antivirus scan, change passwords for critical accounts, enable two-factor authentication, inform their IT department if applicable, and consider performing a full Windows reset. The scam originated from a compromised email account, which was used to send the malicious link to contacts. Implementing two-factor authentication and using a password manager can help prevent such incidents. Users should be cautious of any email invitations that require downloading and running installer files.