English Archives

Winsage

May 9, 2025

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 may be difficult for PCs older than five or six years due to strict compatibility requirements, including a CPU on the approved list and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Users may encounter error messages if their hardware does not meet these criteria. There are workarounds for some users, particularly those with PCs designed for Windows 10, but older devices, especially with AMD processors, may face significant challenges. To upgrade, users must ensure their PC is configured to start with UEFI, supports Secure Boot, and has an enabled TPM. A registry edit can allow bypassing CPU checks and accepting older TPM versions. Alternatively, a clean installation of Windows 11 can be performed using installation media, which bypasses CPU compatibility checks but still requires TPM and Secure Boot support. Microsoft has introduced new restrictions with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, requiring CPUs to support specific instructions (SSE4.2 and PopCnt). For those opting to use the Rufus utility to create installation media, it is essential to use version 4.6 or later to bypass compatibility checks. Users must download the Windows 11 ISO, prepare a USB drive, and follow specific steps to initiate the upgrade process.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

A Minecraft Movie 4K Blu-ray Release Date Is Coming Up Fast

A Minecraft Movie has been successful at the box office, with pre-orders for Blu-ray editions, including a 4K UHD limited-edition steelbook, now available for release on June 24th. The steelbook edition is priced at .99, the standard 4K edition at .95, the Blu-ray edition at .96, and the DVD edition at .95. Each edition includes special features such as a Dolby Atmos audio track and several featurettes exploring the film's production and music. The film stars Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Jack Black, who plays the character Steve. Critical reception has been mixed, but it has resonated with audiences.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

A Minecraft Movie; Arrives On Digital May 13 & On 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD June 24, 2025 From Warner Bros

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will release A Minecraft Movie digitally on May 13, 2025, followed by physical formats including 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on June 24, 2025. The film, directed by Jared Hess and featuring a cast that includes Jason Momoa and Jack Black, is the first live-action adaptation of the Minecraft video game. It has grossed over 2 million and achieved the largest domestic opening for 2025, becoming the highest-grossing film based on a video game. The film's running time is 101 minutes and it is rated PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor, and some scary images. Special features will include several featurettes exploring the film's production and music.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft unveils new AI agents that can modify Windows settings

Microsoft has introduced a suite of Windows experiences for Copilot+ PCs, featuring AI agents that help users adjust settings on their computers by interpreting user intent and automating tasks with consent. Users can communicate in natural language to receive guidance or have changes executed directly. This feature will initially be available to English-speaking Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered devices, with plans for broader support. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Windows search capabilities and expanding Click to Do actions, allowing users to schedule meetings, send messages, consult M365 Copilot, convert data in Excel, and draft documents in Word. Creative tools like Photos, Paint, and the Snipping Tool are receiving updates, including dynamic lighting controls in Photos, a sticker generator in Paint, and new capture capabilities in the Snipping Tool. Upcoming features for Windows 11 Insiders include a phone companion for the Start menu, AI-driven actions in File Explorer, and a new writing function in Notepad for generating text from prompts. Microsoft is also testing a "Draw & Hold" feature in the Snipping Tool and has introduced a text rewriting tool called "Rewrite."

BetaBeacon

May 3, 2025

‘Single’s Inferno: Choices’ Launches on Netflix Games on Android and iOS

Netflix Games has introduced a new game called Single's Inferno: Choices, based on the South Korean dating series. The game allows players to create their character and experience romance on a remote tropical island. It is developed by XO Games, a subsidiary of Series Entertainment Inc. This marks the first time Single's Inferno has been translated onto Netflix Games.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Say ‘no thanks’ Microsoft Windows 11 and ‘yes please’ to AnduinOS 1.3

Windows 10 is approaching its end of life, prompting users to consider alternatives to Windows 11, which has several challenges including strict hardware requirements and mandatory Microsoft account registration. One alternative is AnduinOS, a Linux distribution designed for users transitioning from Windows. The latest version, 1.3.0, is built on Ubuntu 25.04 and features GNOME 48, offering a familiar interface with a centered taskbar and rounded window corners. Key updates in version 1.3.0 include an integrated app store based on Flatpak, pre-installed GNOME Software, support for HDR displays, a new Super + V shortcut for clipboard history, and improved localization for Firefox. AnduinOS 1.3 is available for download with separate ISO files for each supported language.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Why CEO of $40 billion company that caused biggest-ever Windows outage wishes he had joined Microsoft before going to law school

Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince reflected on his career decisions, expressing regret for not gaining experience at a larger company before pursuing graduate studies. He received job offers from companies like Yahoo, Microsoft, and Netscape but declined them to attend the University of Chicago Law School, aiming to become a cybersecurity lawyer. In an interview, he noted that working at a mid-sized company during the dot-com boom could have provided valuable experience and networking opportunities. Despite not regretting his later job rejections, he acknowledged that his law degree has been crucial for navigating legal challenges in his company. Prince believes that experiencing a dynamic work environment could have accelerated his career.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

25 Years Later, This Cult-Classic Capcom JRPG Has Been Modernized For PC

Breath of Fire 4 has been re-released by GOG as a new PC port that is DRM-free and optimized for Windows 10 and 11. The game features both English and Japanese localizations and supports modern controllers, including the Sony DualSense. Enhancements include restored sound effects, new rendering options, and fixes for previous crashing issues. Originally launched for PlayStation in 2000, this is the second PC port, following the first in 2003. The game's story involves two isolated continental powers and the protagonist Ryu, who can transform into a dragon, as he seeks to stop an immortal emperor. GOG has also been expanding its game preservation program, which started in November 2024, and allows community voting on classic titles for revival.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Reinstalled Windows? Now is the time to Ninite it

Ninite is a tool that simplifies the installation of applications and runtimes during the setup of a fresh Windows LTSC edition. It allows users to create a custom installer that can be reused to update applications to their latest versions. Windows 10 will reach its support deadline in October 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11 or consider LTSC editions, which have support until 2027 or 2032 for US English. Users must back up data and have the necessary media and license keys for applications when switching to LTSC, which involves formatting and reinstalling the PC. Ninite enables users to select applications from its website, creating a single installation program that automates the process without unnecessary prompts. It offers a wide range of software, including web browsers, graphics packages, developer tools, messaging apps, and utilities. Additionally, users may need device drivers, for which Snappy Driver Installer Origin can be useful, while O&O ShutUp10++ can help disable Microsoft telemetry.

Tech Optimizer

April 24, 2025

Meet Xata Agent: An Open Source Agent for Proactive PostgreSQL Monitoring, Automated Troubleshooting, and Seamless DevOps Integration

Xata Agent is an open-source AI assistant designed for PostgreSQL database site reliability engineering. It monitors logs and performance metrics to identify issues like slow queries and unusual connection counts, helping to maintain database integrity and performance. The tool automates tasks such as vacuuming and indexing and provides actionable recommendations through diagnostic playbooks and read-only SQL routines. The architecture is built as a Next.js application using TypeScript, organized in a monorepo structure. Developers can set up their environment using Node, install dependencies, and configure a local PostgreSQL instance with Docker Compose. Production deployment involves using Docker images and configuring environment variables in a production file. Key functionalities include proactive monitoring, configuration tuning, performance troubleshooting, safe diagnostics, cloud integration, alerting, LLM flexibility, and playbook customization. Developers can create new tools and integrate them into playbooks for cohesive workflows. Future plans include custom playbooks, support for Model Context Protocol, evaluation harnesses, approval workflows, and a managed cloud edition. The architecture promotes extensibility and community contributions, standardizing incident response and reducing human error in database management.