desktop versions Archives

Winsage

April 23, 2025

I turned my Windows PC into an EdgeBook — Microsoft’s web apps were the most glaring issue

Microsoft Edge was used as the sole application for two weeks to explore its capabilities as a potential alternative to ChromeOS for Windows 10 users. The experiment revealed that while Edge has useful features like the Sidebar and Edge Drop, the web versions of Microsoft Office were inadequate for daily tasks, often performing poorly and lacking functionality compared to desktop versions. Essential applications identified during the experiment included Snipping Tool, PowerToys, Microsoft Office apps, and a dedicated photo editor. The experiment also highlighted the possibility of uninstalling many applications from Windows 11, emphasizing the benefits of a clean install. Additionally, the potential of Windows 10X as a competitor to ChromeOS was noted, though it remains unrealized.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Why Windows End of Life deadlines require a change of mindset

Organizations are increasingly concerned about the impending End of Life (EoL) deadlines for Microsoft applications and systems, with many large enterprises seeking advice on upgrading Microsoft Teams and legacy technologies. Key products like Windows 10, Office 2019, and Exchange Server 2019 will reach end-of-support by October 2025, prompting urgent decisions to mitigate operational, security, and compliance risks. Statistics show that as of January 2025, Windows 10 and Windows 11 each hold a 49.4% market share in the UK, indicating that half of all desktops are nearing their EoL. Dedicated EoL hotlines have been established to assist companies with migration strategies for applications approaching EoL, emphasizing the need for internal resources and expertise to manage transitions effectively. The industry-standard ‘R approach’ includes methods like rehosting and retiring applications to facilitate migrations. Organizations are encouraged to migrate out-of-support applications into secure environments rather than directly altering them, while remaining vigilant about EoL deadlines and the complexities of legacy systems.

Tech Optimizer

March 14, 2025

Webroot Total Protection

Webroot Total Protection includes antivirus capabilities, identity theft protection, file backup, parental controls, and a VPN application. The pricing starts at .99 annually for five devices and one identity, with a family plan extending coverage to ten devices and ten identities. The installation process requires users to create or log into an account, and the backup system can only be installed on one device. The user interface has been redesigned for improved readability. Some features, such as the Utilities page and Secure Erase, have been removed, and the firewall relies on Windows for external threat defense. Webroot employs a journal-and-rollback system for malware detection, achieving high scores in independent testing. The suite includes a simplified tune-up scan and a vulnerability scan. The Mac version mirrors the Windows interface but lacks certain features. Identity protection is provided in partnership with Allstate, but it is less comprehensive than competing services. The backup solution is limited to one device, and the integrated VPN service encrypts data during online activities. Parental controls have been introduced but are considered ineffective.

BetaBeacon

March 10, 2025

Gamecube and Wii emulation on Android just got even better with new Dolphin Emulator update

The Dolphin Emulator has been updated to Release 2503 on all platforms, bringing enhancements such as improved cheat support with RetroAchievements, game-by-game graphical settings, and automatic game time tracking. The Android version does not yet support RetroAchievements, but the development team promises more exciting features in future releases.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

WhatsApp & Messenger global outage

On Friday, WhatsApp and Messenger experienced a significant outage, preventing millions of users from sending or receiving messages and disrupting voice and video calls. Both mobile and desktop versions of the applications were affected, leading to difficulties in logging into accounts. This incident is reminiscent of a similar outage on December 11, 2024, when Meta acknowledged technical problems with its platforms.

Tech Optimizer

February 28, 2025

Mac security researchers expose two new exploits

Researchers have identified two significant exploits affecting Mac security. The first vulnerability, reported to Parallels seven months ago, will be addressed in upcoming fixes for Parallels Desktop versions 20.2.2 and 19.4.2, which are expected to be released within the week. Apple silicon Macs are not affected by this flaw. The second exploit involves a new malware strain called FrigidStealer, which uses deceptive emails to trick users into downloading an installer that bypasses macOS’s Gatekeeper security, allowing it to capture sensitive information like passwords and browser cookies. Users are advised to avoid downloading software from unverified sources, exercise caution with email links, use Control-click to inspect URLs, and regularly install security updates.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft is testing free Office for Windows apps with ads

The free desktop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are currently being tested in India, featuring advertisements and limitations compared to the paid Microsoft 365 subscription. This ad-supported version includes persistent banner ads and 15-second video ads, and requires users to store documents exclusively in OneDrive, disabling local file storage. The free version lacks several features found in the paid versions: Word does not include drawing and design tools or line spacing options; Excel does not support add-ins, pivot tables, or macros; and PowerPoint is missing dictation and custom slide shows. Microsoft has stated that there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of the desktop apps, despite the current testing phase.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft launches ad-supported Office apps for Windows users

Microsoft has introduced ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications for Windows users, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These applications display advertisements in a vertical panel on the right side of the window while users work. Users are encouraged to subscribe to Microsoft 365 to remove ads, with saving edited documents limited to OneDrive unless a paid subscription is chosen. The ad-supported versions come with basic functionality and restrictions compared to the full versions. Microsoft has previously integrated advertisements into its products, including the Windows 11 Start menu and Windows File Explorer.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

You Can Now Use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Free on Windows

Microsoft has introduced free, ad-supported versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows users, which require saving documents to OneDrive. These versions have significant limitations: Word lacks Dictate, Line spacing, WordArt, and all Draw and Design tools; Excel is missing Add-in support, Pivot Table functionality, and various chart types; PowerPoint excludes Add-ins, Dictate, Screenshot, and SmartArt. Users can use these apps offline, but they represent a compromise between Office Web Apps and the full desktop Office suite. The release coincides with a price increase for Microsoft 365 subscriptions and the distribution of AI credits for accessing Copilot features. To install, users must visit the Microsoft 365 website, skip the sign-in prompt, and agree to save documents to OneDrive to access editing features. There have been reports of inconsistencies in the installation process across different regions.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

5 reasons I can’t go back to Windows after trying Linux

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.