computing environments Archives

Winsage

May 19, 2026

Best Virtual Machine for Mac (2026): Parallels Recognized for Windows Performance and Compatibility by Software Experts

Parallels Desktop for Mac is recognized as a leading solution for running Windows applications on macOS due to its robust performance, extensive compatibility, and seamless integration capabilities. It allows users to operate Windows, Linux, and other operating systems alongside macOS on a single device, enabling access to Windows 11 and various Windows applications. Parallels Desktop is the only solution endorsed by Microsoft for running Windows 11 on Apple Silicon Macs. It supports features like Coherence Mode, drag-and-drop functionality, direct access to Mac Finder files, and compatibility with thousands of Windows applications, including popular games. The Pro Edition offers advanced tools for developers and power users, such as support for multiple virtual machines, expanded virtual hardware allocation, and integration with Visual Studio. Parallels Desktop is widely adopted by home users, students, enterprises, developers, and creators, and the company provides 24/7 subscriber support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Winsage

May 8, 2026

Microsoft CTO confesses that 30-year-old code from the mid-90s still forms the bedrock of Windows 11 — ancient Win32 API still the backbone, but CTO says it’s ‘more relevant than ever in 2026’

Mark Russinovich, the Chief Technical Officer of Microsoft Azure, revealed that Windows 11 relies on a significant amount of legacy code from the 1990s, particularly the Win32 framework. He acknowledged the challenges posed by this legacy software while noting its continued relevance as we approach 2026. Russinovich reflected on past attempts to update the Windows API, such as WinRT, which did not meet expectations. He also highlighted that Win32 has been crucial in developing tools like Sysmon and ZoomIt, created in 1996, which remain relevant in the context of Windows 11 and PowerToys.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Engineering secure passkey sync in Microsoft Password Manager

Passkeys are a new form of authentication that replace traditional passwords, providing a phishing-resistant and streamlined sign-in process. Microsoft Password Manager allows users to save and synchronize passkeys across devices linked to their Microsoft accounts, enhancing accessibility. The architecture for passkey syncing includes confidential computing for sensitive operations, hardware-rooted key protection for encryption keys, tamper-evident recovery storage, and encrypted synchronization across devices. Sensitive passkey operations are executed in Azure's confidential computing environments, ensuring cryptographic materials are processed securely. The encryption keys are protected using Azure Managed HSM, with access governed by attestation-based mechanisms. Registration and recovery processes require user authentication and enforce security measures within confidential computing boundaries, including a lockout state after consecutive incorrect PIN attempts. The system aims to provide a secure and user-friendly experience as part of a transition to a passwordless future.

Winsage

April 6, 2026

Windows asks a networking question on a Stratford billboard

A network notification reading "Do you want to allow your PC to be discoverable…?" appeared on a billboard outside London's Stratford station, drawing attention from passersby and tech enthusiasts. This incident was noted by a reader of The Register and highlights the unpredictable nature of technology. Stratford station, established in the early 19th century, features modern amenities and is near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a legacy of the 2012 Summer Olympics. The display serves as a reminder of the user interface changes introduced with Windows 8, which was released in 2012.

Winsage

March 26, 2026

This is probably the first mainstream mini PC that can dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows out of the box — and it even comes with the hottest AI application of 2026

GMKtec has launched the NucBox K13 mini PC, which supports dual-booting of Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu. It features an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor with eight cores up to 4.8GHz and an Intel Arc 140V GPU. The device offers 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, dual M.2 SSD slots for up to 16TB of storage, Wi-Fi 6E, and five-gigabit LAN. It supports triple 4K display outputs and includes various ports such as USB 3.2 Gen2, USB4, HDMI 2.1, and a 5Gbps RJ45 LAN port. Concerns have been raised about the AI tool OpenClaw, which has known vulnerabilities and has been linked to malware, leading Microsoft to advise against its use on personal or enterprise systems.

Winsage

January 22, 2026

The Windows PC is dying, thanks to cloud-based services and AI

Microsoft has introduced several innovations in Windows, including Windows 365 Boot, which allows users to access a personalized cloud desktop without a local operating system. Windows 365 Switch enables seamless transitions between local and hosted sessions, making a cloud PC function like a regular desktop. The Windows App supports various services such as Azure Virtual Desktop and Remote Desktop Services, and is compatible with multiple devices, including Macs, iPhones, iPads, other Windows machines, web browsers, Linux PCs, Chromebooks, Android devices, and even Meta Quest VR headsets.