computing landscape

Winsage
May 11, 2025
Fast Startup on Windows enhances boot times by placing the computer in a hibernation-like state, saving the system state to disk for quicker startups, but does not preserve open programs and processes. Disabling Fast Startup is advisable for users with modern SSDs unless they experience noticeable slowdowns. Fast Startup circumvents traditional shutdowns, which are necessary for proper power cycling of components, potentially leading to system issues over time. It can disrupt Windows updates, causing instability and missing features, making it wise to keep it disabled for regular updaters. For dual-boot systems with Windows and Linux, Fast Startup should be disabled to avoid boot issues and potential data corruption. It can also exacerbate wake-from-sleep problems, leading to slower wake times and peripheral malfunctions. Users with modern NVMe SSDs may find that Fast Startup offers minimal advantages and could even result in longer boot times.
Winsage
April 4, 2025
Bill Gates marked Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary by unveiling the source code for Altair Basic, a programming language interpreter developed for the MITS Altair 8800 microcomputer. This 157-page PDF is available for download on Gates' blog. Altair Basic was created in 1975 by Gates, Paul Allen, and Monte Davidoff, who worked intensively for two months after being inspired by the Altair 8800. They chose to develop an interpreter instead of a compiler to provide instant feedback for novice programmers. MITS licensed the software from Gates and Allen, leading to the founding of Micro-soft. The full code document is now accessible, along with a web page featuring animations and graphics celebrating this early coding project.
Winsage
March 28, 2025
Microsoft is introducing a feature called "Startup Boost" for its Office suite, allowing applications like Word and Excel to launch automatically upon booting Windows. This feature will only be enabled on devices with a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 5GB of available disk space. The rollout will begin in mid-May, starting with Microsoft Word, and users can disable the feature in Word’s settings or through the Task Scheduler.
Winsage
March 1, 2025
Microsoft is celebrating 50 years of innovation in the technology sector this April. MS-DOS, acquired by Microsoft in 1981, was the precursor to modern graphical operating systems. Windows 95, released in 1995, introduced features like the Start menu and taskbar, requiring a minimum of an Intel 386DS CPU, 4 MB of RAM, and over 50 MB of hard drive space. Microsoft Office 95, launched in 1995, bundled Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, becoming a cornerstone of productivity software. DirectX, launched in 1995, became integral to gaming development, with Doom 95 being the first DirectX game. Microsoft Azure, launched in 2008, has grown to over 600 services and commands a 20% share of the cloud market as of the third quarter of 2024.
Winsage
February 17, 2025
Linux distributions are popular in the server realm but remain a niche in the broader computing landscape dominated by Windows. The command-line interface (CLI) in Linux aids troubleshooting with detailed logs and accessible commands, unlike Windows, which often requires extensive navigation. Linux package managers, such as Yum and Nix, offer a more secure and straightforward application installation process compared to Windows tools like WinGet and Chocolatey. Linux distributions have lower performance overhead, making them suitable for older devices, while Windows 11 has high system requirements. Linux is viewed as better for privacy, avoiding intrusive advertisements and telemetry services present in Windows. The versatility of Linux allows it to cater to various computing needs, enabling users to transform installations into servers, media hubs, or NAS. Despite its advantages, Windows still excels in certain areas, such as game compatibility and access to Adobe products, which may require a Windows virtual machine for Linux users.
Winsage
November 25, 2024
PowerShell has gained prominence over cmd.exe due to its deep integration with Windows and enhanced developer tools. It uses .NET framework syntax for automation, allowing for dynamic scripts, while cmd relies on batch scripts. PowerShell outputs .NET objects, improving interoperability but complicating output viewing. It is cross-platform, functioning on macOS and Linux since PowerShell Core 6, reflecting Microsoft's shift towards inclusivity. PowerShell is partly open-source, with development tracked on GitHub, allowing community contributions that enhance its reliability and user satisfaction.
Winsage
November 15, 2024
Qualcomm is working to establish Arm-based Windows laptops as a viable alternative in computing, utilizing Snapdragon processors that offer extended battery life, fanless designs, and integrated 5G connectivity. The company aims to address the software compatibility challenges faced by users of traditional x86 machines by relying on Microsoft's x86-64 emulation, which allows Arm devices to run x86 applications. However, this emulation often leads to performance issues and increased battery drain, particularly with demanding applications like Adobe Creative Cloud and AutoCAD. Qualcomm's strategy suggests a need for investment in native Windows on Arm software and a push for Microsoft to optimize Windows for Arm architecture. The company should also consider positioning Arm laptops as secondary devices for light tasks rather than direct competitors to x86 machines.
Winsage
October 16, 2024
Intel and AMD have formed an x86 advisory group to strengthen their platform against competition from ARM, supported by major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Dell. The group's goal is to enhance the x86 architecture by creating standardized interfaces and architectural guidelines to foster innovation and improve integration across software frameworks. This initiative aims to maintain x86's relevance in various sectors, including cloud computing and data centers, by ensuring compatibility and consistency in application development. The advisory group will engage with the x86 development community to align future enhancements with developer and customer needs, continuing a history of collaboration on industry standards.
AppWizard
September 4, 2024
Microsoft and its partners have launched Copilot+ PCs featuring AI-powered capabilities, moving away from Intel's architecture to Qualcomm chips based on Arm designs. However, gaming compatibility poses challenges, as many popular PC games are optimized for Intel's x86 chips. An analysis revealed that out of approximately 1,300 evaluated games, only about half functioned smoothly on the new Arm-powered PCs. Microsoft has acknowledged that some high-demand games may not work on these devices, and Qualcomm stated that their chip architecture is not currently viewed as a gaming platform. The competition between the Qualcomm-Arm alliance and Intel is expected to intensify, with predictions that new Intel chips for Windows AI PCs will gain significant market share due to better compatibility.
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