computers

AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Activision has temporarily removed the Microsoft Store version of “Call of Duty: WWII” due to a serious security breach involving a vulnerability that allowed hackers unauthorized access to players' computers. The company is investigating the situation and is working on a patch to resolve the exploit. Players have reported hacking incidents while playing, with concerns raised about a remote code execution vulnerability. The affected version of the game differs from those on Steam, as it contained an outdated flaw that had already been patched elsewhere. Activision has faced multiple hacking incidents in recent years, including issues with its anti-cheat system and malware targeting players. The company has also experienced layoffs that have impacted its cybersecurity resources.
Winsage
July 8, 2025
Microsoft plans to transition the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to a Black Screen of Death, set to roll out in the summer of 2025. The new black BSOD will feature a streamlined user interface and a "Quick Machine Recovery" feature to assist in repairing computers that fail to boot up. This update will be included in a cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 or later, excluding Windows 11 23H2 users. Key changes include a black background, the absence of the frowning emoticon, and no QR code or detailed explanatory text. The black BSOD will display a brief message indicating a problem has occurred, prompting a restart, which may lead to user confusion.
Winsage
July 8, 2025
Windows 11 has achieved a market share of 50.24%, while Windows 10's market share has declined to 46.84%. The end-of-life date for Windows 10 is October 14, prompting many corporate clients to transition to Windows 11 or Windows 365, which offers complimentary access to extended security updates. Companies are weighing the costs of extended security updates against upgrading hardware. Retail vendors are facing challenges with an oversupply of computers, as consumers are hesitant to invest in new AI-enhanced models.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
The PC version of Call of Duty: WWII has been temporarily taken offline due to a serious security concern involving a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability. This flaw allows attackers to execute malicious code on players' machines without consent, leading to unauthorized control during multiplayer sessions. Exploits reported include opening command prompts, sending messages via Notepad, forcing remote shutdowns, and changing desktop wallpapers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for PC gamers using Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service, as it stems from the game's reliance on peer-to-peer networking. Activision is speculated to be enhancing its anti-cheat systems in response, but the effectiveness of updates to address the RCE vulnerability is uncertain.
AppWizard
July 5, 2025
Gunman Chronicles is a first-person shooter developed in 2000 by Valve and Rewolf Software. The game features programmable weapons and dinosaurs, which are a significant aspect of its appeal. Despite its unique qualities, Gunman Chronicles is not available for purchase on Steam or any other platform. The game's development was led by Herbert Flower, who began his journey in game development with an Atari ST and created a mod for Doom that evolved into Gunman Chronicles. The project received funding from Valve, but the development process was challenging, leading to strained relationships within the team. Upon its release on November 21, 2000, the game received mixed reviews and modest sales. Afterward, Flower transitioned to forming Mythyn Interactive and later shifted focus to running a photogrammetry business named Goatogrammetry.
Winsage
July 4, 2025
Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life support on October 14, 2025, prompting backlash from users and a petition from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision. Microsoft will provide free security updates beyond the end-of-life date, but only under specific conditions, leading to concerns about accessibility due to stringent system requirements. PIRG argues that the updates will not sufficiently address the needs of the estimated 400 million Windows 10 PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Users have limited options, including syncing settings to the cloud, redeeming Microsoft Reward points, or paying for extended security updates (ESU). While Microsoft has made some concessions, such as offering ESU for individuals and affordable pricing for educational institutions, it has not committed to extending Windows 10 support or easing Windows 11's hardware requirements. Windows 11 is gaining market share, reaching 47.73% in June, while Windows 10 holds 48.92%. Microsoft is promoting Windows 11 and its AI-enhanced features, claiming significant performance improvements. Additionally, a movement called End of 10 is encouraging users to switch to Linux as Windows 10's end-of-life approaches, highlighting benefits like the absence of ads and telemetry tracking.
Winsage
July 3, 2025
Microsoft has acknowledged issues with the latest Windows 11 updates, particularly affecting the update preview released last Friday. Users have reported firewall error messages and some computers failing to boot after applying the updates. The Windows Release Health Notes indicate that these firewall errors, specifically event number 2042 related to Windows Defender Firewall, can be ignored as they do not indicate a malfunction. The issue is linked to a function under development and primarily impacts Windows 11 24H2, with a resolution planned for a future update. Additionally, users of older Fujitsu Esprimo PCs have reported startup problems after installing the June security updates, with affected devices displaying a black screen. Investigations suggest these issues may be related to a DBX update affecting bootloaders when Smart Boot is enabled. Users have speculated that outdated BIOS may be a factor, and instructions for updating firmware have been shared, although they are not user-friendly. Microsoft has not confirmed the startup issues with Fujitsu PCs and is not currently working on a specific solution.
Winsage
June 28, 2025
Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 10 in October and is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, highlighting the risks of unsupported systems that will no longer receive security updates. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's Executive Vice President, claims that PCs running Windows 11 can be up to 2.3 times faster than those running Windows 10, based on benchmarking tests comparing older Windows 10 PCs with newer Windows 11 machines. The performance metrics come from tests conducted in December 2024 using the Geekbench 6 Multi-Core measurement tool. Windows 11 is also noted for its security advantages, including features like TPM 2.0 and Smart App Control, and a reported 62 percent reduction in security incidents. For users not ready to upgrade, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates subscription for Windows 10 PCs.
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