computing Archives

Winsage

July 27, 2026

Stop putting off that Windows 11 Pro upgrade — it’s only $9.97 through 8/2

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, down from its original price of 9, until August 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Windows 10 will reach the end of its standard support in October 2025. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox, and has a rating of 4/5 from PC Magazine and TechRadar.

Winsage

July 27, 2026

Hate the Copilot Key? Here’s How to Disable It Completely

In 2024, the introduction of the Copilot key on Windows PCs replaced the Right Control (Ctrl) key on many laptops, leading to user complaints about disrupted workflows and the loss of keyboard shortcuts. In response to the backlash, Microsoft is preparing to implement a "kill switch" for the Copilot key, allowing users to revert it back to its original function or disable it entirely. Users will soon be able to remap the key through Settings, and the option to disable it was not previously available. Microsoft acknowledged the challenges faced by users who relied on the Right Ctrl key and noted significant disruptions to workflows. While disabling the Copilot key may become straightforward, completely turning off Copilot is more complex, requiring users to avoid launching the Microsoft Copilot app for 28 days. Microsoft has also indicated a need to remove Copilot from applications where it does not perform well, following the removal of Copilot from several ineffective Windows 11 applications.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Are you the family’s tech support? This Windows security checklist helped put an end to late night panic texts.

- A text message from the author's father prompted a discussion about using a password manager for cybersecurity. - The author's mother had a previous concern about an unexpected "tech support" notification on her computer. - The author created a cybersecurity best practices document to help their parents and others with technology. - Key security vulnerabilities to address include enabling Windows Hello, ensuring Windows Update is running, confirming Windows Defender is on, and turning on the 'Find my Device' feature. - One-time security measures recommended are switching from a local account to a Microsoft account with two-factor authentication, enabling device encryption, switching from a Windows 11 Administrator account to a Standard account, and using a password manager. - Good cybersecurity habits include learning to spot phishing scams, being cautious of unsolicited tech support calls, and avoiding the installation of unsolicited software.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Upgrade your PC with Windows 11 Pro and Office for $25.99

A bundle offering lifetime licenses for Windows 11 Pro and Office Professional Plus 2019 is available for .99, down from its original price of 9.99. The Office Professional Plus 2019 suite includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Windows 11 Pro features include Snap Layouts, BitLocker device encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, and Windows Sandbox. Support for Office 2019 will end in October 2025, and Publisher 2019 will reach its end of support in October 2026. The licenses are tied to a single PC and cannot be transferred.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

How I stopped being my parents’ emergency IT hotline — The complete list of Windows Security settings I made them fix once and for all

A family member inquired about the necessity of a password manager, reflecting growing cybersecurity concerns. A parent received a suspicious "tech support" message, indicating potential security risks. Windows Hello allows users to log in with a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition on Windows 11 PCs. Users can set it up via Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Regular updates through Windows Update are essential for security, and users can check their status in Settings > Windows Update. Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus for Windows 11, typically enabled by default, but users should verify its status in Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. The 'Find My Device' feature can be enabled in Settings > Privacy & security > Find my device to track and lock a lost or stolen laptop. Switching from a local account to a Microsoft account with two-factor authentication (2FA) enhances security, accessible via Settings > Accounts > Your info. Device encryption can protect sensitive data, available in Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption for Home versions and BitLocker for Pro versions. Using a Standard account instead of an Administrator account reduces malware risks, managed through Settings > Accounts > Family. Password managers like NordPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden help generate strong, unique passwords for accounts. Users should learn to spot phishing scams, be cautious of unsolicited tech support calls, and avoid installing software suggested by unknown callers to maintain cybersecurity.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

How Valve’s desperation to escape Windows 8 turned it into a Linux powerhouse

In 2012, Valve's CEO Gabe Newell expressed concerns about Microsoft's control over the PC market due to Windows 8, prompting the company to explore Linux and develop SteamOS. Valve addressed the "chicken and egg" issue of game compatibility on Linux by introducing Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux without separate versions. The company also began contributing to the Linux ecosystem by upstreaming improvements in graphical rendering and developing the RADV open-source Vulkan driver for AMD GPUs. Valve has made SteamOS available for free download and installation on personal computers, aiming to compete with Windows in the gaming sector and promote broader Linux adoption. As a result, Valve has become a significant player in the Linux landscape, enhancing the gaming experience and benefiting the open-source community.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

Today in Apple history: Windows scores big victory over Mac

On July 25, 1989, Apple faced a legal defeat against Microsoft in a copyright infringement lawsuit concerning the "look and feel" of the Macintosh and Windows operating system. Apple filed 189 counts of infringement related to Windows 2.0.3, but the judge dismissed 179 of these claims, allowing Windows to grow rapidly. The origins of the conflict began when Microsoft proposed a licensing agreement to Apple in 1985, which was rejected. Following this, Microsoft launched Windows 1.0 in November 1985, leading to tensions as Windows 2.0 more closely resembled the Macintosh interface. Apple filed a lawsuit on March 17, 1988, claiming copyright violations. The judge ruled that the existing licensing agreement covered many elements of Windows, contributing to a long-standing rivalry between the two companies and establishing a legal foundation for Windows' dominance in the 1990s.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

China Wants a Future Without Windows. It Starts This September.

Huawei will launch its first PCs powered by HarmonyOS in September, aiming to reduce China's reliance on Windows and create a homegrown computing ecosystem. The rollout will initially target government departments, financial institutions, and enterprise customers. HarmonyOS has been developed in response to U.S. sanctions, which restricted Huawei's access to Google services, advanced chips, and Windows licensing. The operating system has achieved high-level Chinese security certifications, making it suitable for sensitive government use. Huawei plans to build an interconnected ecosystem similar to Apple's, integrating HarmonyOS laptops with its other devices.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

This $10 Windows upgrade could save you from buying a new laptop

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, valid until July 26. It is designed to enhance older PCs with features like a user-friendly interface, advanced search capabilities, innovative snap layouts for multitasking, and integration of Microsoft's AI-powered assistant, Copilot. The operating system also provides seamless access to Microsoft Teams and enhanced security measures, including biometric logins and encrypted authentication.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

You can stop LG monitors that are reportedly installing bloatware on your Windows 11 PC, but the fix shouldn’t require this much effort

LG monitors are reportedly installing unwanted software, specifically McAfee bloatware, on Windows 11 systems without user consent when connected. This issue has been highlighted by Windows Latest, and the changelog of LG's monitor app on the Microsoft Store confirms the installation. A complex workaround exists for users to remove the software.