computing Archives

Winsage

April 26, 2026

This Windows‑95‑style game is pure nostalgia and weirdly addictive

Factory 95 is a Windows 95 themed automation game that launched on April 22, 2026. Players act as factory managers, creating PowerPoint slide-shows for clients while navigating tools and resources within a retro operating system. The game features nostalgic elements, including a Clippy-inspired character named "Pinny" and challenges reminiscent of early computing, such as slow loading times and managing emails. The design evokes the graphical aesthetics of the 1990s, and players must strategically manage limited resources to fulfill client requests and generate revenue.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

Don’t miss paying just $22 for MS Office and Windows 11 Pro

A bundle is available that includes Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 and Windows 11 Pro for a one-time price of .97, significantly lower than the MSRP of 8. Microsoft Office 2019 includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, featuring improved inking, expanded data analysis in Excel, and enhanced presentation options in PowerPoint. Windows 11 Pro offers a modern interface, performance and security features, Snap layouts, virtual desktops, and a built-in AI assistant called Copilot. The bundle is structured as a one-time purchase, avoiding ongoing subscription fees. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Build Automation Systems Inside Slides in This Windows 95-Inspired Sim

Macrobit Interactive has released Factory 95, a game inspired by the Windows 95 interface and PowerPoint aesthetic, where players manage a slideshow factory. Players handle client requests, navigate emails, and produce slides to increase revenue as the Y2K deadline approaches. Factories are built within slideshow software, requiring players to optimize space and resources. The game includes multiple modes and allows players to unlock tools for creating intricate slideshows, all presented in a charming 16-bit color palette.

Tech Optimizer

April 24, 2026

Is Microsoft defender enough to protect Windows?

The operating system on devices manages background tasks, with security being a key focus. Microsoft has improved Microsoft Defender, its pre-installed antivirus software, and now recommends it as a viable protection option for users. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is effective against everyday security risks for many Windows 11 users without needing additional software. It is deeply integrated into the operating system, continuously updated, and works alongside other security features to protect against hacking techniques, unsafe links, and untrusted applications. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen alerts users to suspicious content, while Smart App Control and Controlled Folder Access provide additional protections. Microsoft emphasizes the need to enable security features and keep devices updated. While many users find Defender adequate, experts note it has limitations, particularly in phishing detection and ransomware protection, with a protection accuracy rating of 93 percent, which is lower than some paid alternatives. For users handling sensitive tasks, a third-party antivirus solution is recommended for better protection.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 freebies are useful, but they also feel a little desperate

Microsoft has launched an offer for U.S. college students purchasing Windows laptops, providing a year of Microsoft 365 Premium, a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a custom Xbox Wireless Controller, valued at approximately 0. This offer is available until June 30, 2026, or while supplies last, through Microsoft channels, major retailers, and participating PC manufacturers. The initiative follows Apple's introduction of the MacBook Neo, priced at ,199 for regular customers and 9 for students. The offer is exclusively for verified U.S. college students, applicable only to qualifying PCs, and intended for new subscribers to the services. Many colleges already provide Microsoft’s productivity tools, which may lessen the appeal of the Office component. The pricing of Windows laptops has faced challenges, with recent increases noted, such as the 13-inch Surface Laptop rising to ,199.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Microsoft uses your computer to send Windows updates to computers worldwide

Windows computers remain active during periods of inactivity to facilitate updates for other computers globally using the user's device and internet connection. Users can disable the peer-to-peer update sharing feature to receive updates exclusively from Microsoft's official website, which enhances security, improves performance, and better utilizes internet connectivity.

Tech Optimizer

April 23, 2026

The antivirus feature I skip on every SSD-powered PC

File shredders may not effectively erase data on solid-state drives (SSDs) due to the way SSDs distribute data, which can lead to deleted files remaining retrievable. Additionally, using file shredders can reduce the lifespan of SSDs because of their limited write cycles. Instead of file shredders, drive encryption is recommended for protecting sensitive data on SSDs, as it ensures that deleted data remains unreadable. Windows 11 offers integrated drive encryption for users with a Microsoft account, and tools like VeraCrypt or Cryptomator can create encrypted folders for managing sensitive documents. It's important to safeguard access to encrypted data by backing up decryption passwords or recovery keys.

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 23, 2026

Windows 11 Pro dropped to just $9.97 for a limited time

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, featuring an organized interface with Snap Layouts for managing multiple windows, robust security with BitLocker encryption and secure login options, enhanced productivity tools including AI-powered Copilot, and support for modern graphics via DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming and media. It offers a lifetime license with a one-time payment, eliminating subscription fees.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

You can now run WSL on Windows 95, in case you’re crazy, too

Hailey has developed the Windows 9x Subsystem for Linux (WSL9x), which allows the 6.19 Linux kernel to run on Windows 9x systems without a graphical user interface, relying instead on a terminal experience. WSL9x consists of three main components: a modified Linux kernel that interacts with Windows 9x APIs, a virtual device (VxD) driver that initializes WSL9x and manages userspace events, and a simple 16-bit DOS client for passing commands to the Linux kernel. The system handles syscalls through a general protection fault handler due to limitations in the Win9x architecture. However, this setup poses security risks as both the Linux kernel and Windows kernel operate with the same CPU privileges, meaning instability could occur if either crashes. Comprehensive instructions for installation are available on Hailey's Codeberg page.