computer Archives

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

The greatest DOS games that defined the golden generation of DOS gaming

Before the rise of platforms like Steam, MS-DOS served as a foundation for many influential games that shaped the gaming landscape. - Dangerous Dave (1988): A slow-paced platformer known for its vibrant colors and imaginative enemies, though it was not widely successful. - Star Wars: TIE Fighter (1994): A game that provided a nostalgic experience of piloting spacecraft in a 3D environment, marking a formative moment in gaming. - Wolfenstein 3D (1992): An innovative title that showcased the potential of PC gaming and paved the way for future titles. - Sid Meier’s Civilization (1991): A highly influential game in the turn-based strategy genre, allowing players to build empires through strategy and diplomacy. - Prince of Persia (1989): Notable for its smooth animations and challenging gameplay, it laid the groundwork for future platformers. - SimCity 2000 (1993): A significant title in the city-building genre, allowing players to manage urban planning and budgets, influencing modern city simulation games. - DOOM (1993): A revolutionary first-person shooter that introduced fast-paced action and multiplayer gaming, establishing itself as a cornerstone of gaming history. MS-DOS gaming represents the starting point for many gamers, contributing to the evolution of gaming.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Lethal Company’s biggest update for months is finally out, and with it comes the much awaited first look at a new monster

Zeekerss has released version 70 of Lethal Company, which includes a revamped mansion, enhanced features, and a new monster called the Giant Sapsucker. The update introduces five new furniture items (fridge, doghouse, sofa chair, microwave, electric chair), a new log titled "Team Synergy," and a new plan for logs that allows players to collect them as rare scrap. Enhancements to the Company Cruiser include reinforced materials, a self-correcting feature, and a speed boost. The radar system has been redesigned with a face cam, a new compass HUD, a path indicator to the nearest exit, and contour lines for outdoor terrain. The mansion now has eight new rooms and hallways with interactable objects, improving exploration and navigation.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft’s Bad News—500 Million Windows Users Must Now Decide

A recent advisory warns Windows users about vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 due to the impending cessation of support for Windows 10 in October. Asus has highlighted that users of Windows 10 or older systems will soon lose regular updates and support. Currently, around 750 million users are on Windows 10, with 500 million potentially eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. Recent market data shows Windows 10's user share has increased from 41% in April to over 43% in May, while Windows 11 has declined by 3.5%. The urgency for upgrades is heightened as the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, raising concerns about a potential cybersecurity crisis.

Winsage

June 1, 2025

We installed SteamOS on our ROG Ally and Legion Go Windows handhelds and we don’t want to go back

SteamOS has been released for non-Steam Deck gaming handhelds, including the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. To install SteamOS, users need a USB-C stick and the SteamOS recovery image, which can be downloaded from Steam's website. The installation process involves creating a bootable USB drive using the Rufus utility, adjusting BIOS settings to disable Secure Boot, and following specific steps to wipe the device and install SteamOS. After installation, users can set up their Steam account and check for updates. The transition to SteamOS enhances performance and visual fidelity for these devices.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

I replaced my Kindle with this E Ink tablet that runs Android – and don’t regret it

The Onyx Boox Page is a seven-inch E Ink display e-reader priced at 9, running a streamlined version of Android 11. It allows users to download various applications, enhancing its functionality beyond traditional e-reading. The device supports note-taking in Google Keep or Docs and offers access to apps like Instagram and YouTube, although video playback is limited. It includes a protective flip case, customizable user interface options, and straightforward access to a control panel. The Boox Page features dedicated Library and Store apps, Bluetooth capability for audiobooks, and a battery life rated for up to six weeks on a single charge. It has 32GB of base storage with a microSD card slot for expansion. The device lacks automatic light temperature adjustment and operates on an older version of Android, but ongoing updates are expected.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

NYC students use Minecraft to reimagine inclusive, sustainable spaces in citywide challenge

The all-girl team from P.S. 86 participated in the Minecraft Education Challenge for the second year, focusing on designing a sustainable and inclusive space at Orchard Beach. The challenge, part of the Battle of the Boroughs, had 3,259 applicants, with 175 students in the semi-finals. The team, consisting of sixth graders Yoselin, Zeynabou, Pearl, Emily, and Sadika, was guided by their teacher Kim Judin. They proposed features like solar panels, wheelchair accessibility, and bilingual signage. Although they did not advance to the finals, the experience was valuable for team bonding. The Mayor’s Cup Finals are scheduled for May 31.

Tech Optimizer

May 31, 2025

Authorities Dismantled AVCheck, a Tool For Testing Malware Against Antivirus Detection

Law enforcement agencies from multiple nations dismantled a cybercriminal operation that provided malware testing services to evade antivirus detection. This effort led to the seizure of four domains and their servers, disrupting infrastructure that facilitated ransomware attacks globally. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the disruption of an online software crypting syndicate that helped cybercriminals keep their malware undetected. The seized domains offered counter-antivirus tools and crypting services, allowing criminals to obfuscate malware and gain unauthorized access to systems. Investigators conducted undercover purchases and analyzed services, revealing connections to ransomware groups targeting victims in the U.S. and internationally. The operation, part of Operation Endgame, involved collaboration among the U.S., Netherlands, France, Germany, Denmark, Ukraine, and Portugal, with the FBI Houston Field Office leading the U.S. investigation. The seizures occurred on May 27.

Tech Optimizer

May 30, 2025

Dutch police takes Counter Antivirus service AVCheck offline

The Dutch Team High Tech Crime, in collaboration with international partners, has dismantled the counter-antivirus service AVCheck, which was used by cybercriminals to make malware undetectable. AVCheck was one of the largest services of its kind, allowing malware developers to test their software against antivirus programs. The operation involved cooperation from the Netherlands, the United States, and Finland, and was executed by the High Tech Crime Team under the National Public Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation not only shut down AVCheck but also gathered evidence against its administrators and users, including those of related services like Cryptor.biz and Crypt.guru. Additionally, a fake login page was launched to deter AVCheck users, and collaborations with antivirus organizations were established as part of Project Melissa. This action is connected to Operation Endgame, which previously targeted other malware services.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for just A$23

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for a reduced price of A, down from A0, until June 1. It features a streamlined interface, improved voice typing, robust search functionality, advanced security measures including biometric logins and encrypted authentication, integration with Microsoft Teams, Azure Active Directory for managing logins, Hyper-V for virtual machines, Windows Sandbox for secure file experimentation, touch navigation, and support for DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming. The system requirements include at least 4GB of RAM and 40GB of hard drive space, and compatibility issues may arise for users unable to install updates via Windows Update.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft investigates nasty Windows 11 bug that leaves PCs unable to boot – here’s what you need to know

Both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 are experiencing a significant issue that could make a PC inoperable after the May cumulative update. Microsoft is investigating a recovery error, specifically the message ‘0xc0000098 in ACPI.sys’, which primarily affects virtual machines. While Windows 11 Home users are considered less likely to be impacted, there is still a possibility of encountering the issue. Reports of similar errors have been noted, although not definitively linked to the May update. Users are advised to consider postponing the upgrade until Microsoft resolves the issues. Windows 11 users can pause updates for over a month and must apply deferred patches within 35 days.