environment Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

$1B DEI slush fund: Minecraft extremism study & “intersectional” virtual reality

The Canadian government has invested over billion in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives since 2016, with funding exceeding 4 million across 29 departments and agencies. Notable expenditures include a ,522 grant from Public Safety Canada for a study on radicalization linked to gaming communities, a .2 million award to the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce for developing virtual reality software for women entrepreneurs, a ,000 grant for research on gender and race in Canada’s space program, and a ,595 grant to the University of British Columbia for establishing a research network on parks and protected areas. Concerns have been raised by lawmakers about the effectiveness and transparency of these expenditures, with calls for clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. Harvard cognitive scientist Steven Pinker cautioned that DEI mandates might inhibit free inquiry and stifle dissenting voices.

Winsage

September 19, 2025

A major Windows upgrade that normally costs $199 is now $13

Users can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9. Windows 11 Pro features a centered taskbar, improved search function, innovative snap layouts, enhanced virtual desktops, voice typing enhancements, DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming, TPM 2.0 support, Smart App Control, BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, integrated Microsoft Teams, and a new Copilot assistant. Prices on StackSocial are subject to change.

Winsage

September 19, 2025

Microsoft Stops Windows Updates—Turn Your PC Into A Chromebook

Microsoft's recent security developments have raised concerns for over 200 million Windows users, who may be exposed to cyber threats in 25 days and might need to pay for extended security coverage. Microsoft promotes Windows 11 for enhanced cybersecurity but restricts the upgrade to specific hardware, leaving many older devices obsolete. Back Market, a used PC distributor, is repurposing unsupported Windows 10 hardware and offers Chrome OS Flex, a free operating system suitable for online activities. Chrome OS Flex is lightweight, easy to install, and provides built-in virus protection and encryption, making it a viable option for users with older devices.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

4 apps you should use instead of Google Docs

The author experienced file management issues with Google Docs due to its lack of a folder system, leading to a search for alternatives. 1. Notion: Offers seamless transition from Google Docs, with essential formatting tools, auto-save, user-friendly sharing, and offline access. It is highly customizable but has a steep learning curve compared to Google Docs. 2. Obsidian: Focuses on privacy with local file storage by default, allowing offline access without internet. It offers cloud synchronization for flexibility but is ideal for users who prefer keeping documents off the cloud. 3. Simplenote: A simple app for creating notes and to-do lists with easy sharing and document pinning. It lacks a folder organization system, which may limit its use for extensive document collections. 4. WPS Office: A robust alternative that supports document creation, presentations, and spreadsheets, with a built-in PDF reader. Its interface resembles Microsoft Word, but it is owned by a Chinese company, raising some privacy concerns despite end-to-end encryption. The author also mentions Evernote and Google Keep as other options, with Evernote's free plan becoming less appealing and Google Keep being simpler but limited for extensive document needs.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

Dying Light: The Beast: Review – Best Open World Game Of 2025

Techland's Dying Light: The Beast is a standalone title set in the Swiss Alps, following the original protagonist Kyle Crane, who has transformed into a half-human, half-zombie entity. The game features first-person melee combat and parkour-inspired exploration, with a new map comparable in size to the original Dying Light world. Players can enhance their gameplay by crafting weapons and utilizing Crane's ability to transform into a powerful beast mode through "beast juice" accumulated in combat. Unique infected bosses present challenges, and players earn Beast Points to enhance their powers. The game emphasizes enjoyable mechanics and stunning visuals, despite some narrative shortcomings, making it a strong contender for Game of the Year.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Farewell, Windows 10!

On October 14, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10, ceasing new features, security updates, or bug fixes. Users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase a new device. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers security updates for an additional year beyond October 2025, available for free with a Microsoft account or for a fee of 1,000 Microsoft reward points. Alternatives to Windows 10 include Linux distributions and Google's ChromeOS, with WINUX being a notable Linux option that resembles Windows. Recommended devices for those considering a new purchase include the ASUS Zenbook A14, priced around 9, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, priced around ,399.99.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

The Tor Project quietly launches a beta Android VPN – and looks for testers

The Tor Project has launched a VPN app for Android users, currently in beta, aimed at enhancing online privacy and circumventing censorship. The app is available on the Google Play Store and operates under an open-source model. It routes user traffic through the Tor network to conceal real IP addresses and features split tunneling, allowing users to select specific applications for Tor traffic. The app is built on advanced infrastructure using Arti, the Tor Project's next-generation implementation, and includes built-in bridges to disguise Tor traffic. Users are cautioned against using the beta version if they face severe surveillance threats, as it is primarily a testing platform.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

It looks like Microsoft is about to launch a new “Windows AI Labs” program for testing experimental AI features in Windows 11 apps

Microsoft is introducing a new initiative called "Windows AI Labs" for Windows 11 users, allowing them to test experimental AI features in Microsoft Paint. Users can sign up to provide feedback on these features, although some have faced technical difficulties during enrollment. The initiative aims to gather insights from participants to refine AI enhancements before their mainstream release. Additionally, Microsoft has updated Paint to support project files similar to Adobe Photoshop and has introduced on-device AI generation tools in Notepad. Currently, the Windows AI Labs program is exclusive to Paint, but it may expand to other applications in the future.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Microsoft’s new handheld gaming mode, exclusive to ROG Xbox Ally, has just leaked for every handheld running Windows 11 — all you need is the 25H2 update and a few registry tweaks

Microsoft and Asus have introduced the ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld device with Xbox branding that enhances Windows functionality. It features a full-screen Xbox app that replaces Windows 11 for users. The full-screen Xbox experience has leaked and is accessible to any Windows handheld device, allowing users to enjoy this mode before the official launch. Eligible devices include the original ROG Ally and Lenovo's Legion Go, with access requiring participation in the Windows Insider program. Users may need to make registry adjustments to enable the full-screen experience on startup. Tests on the original ROG Ally showed frame rate improvements in games and an increase in battery life, achieved by disabling unnecessary background processes. Users can switch back to the traditional desktop environment but are advised to use a mouse and keyboard for navigation.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Steam Users Have 24 Hours to Get New Free PC Game

Puzzle Chambers, an adventure puzzle game that has typically required a purchase, is available for free download on Steam for the next 24 hours until September 19. This is the first time since its launch in 2017 that the game can be accessed without cost. The game, developed by Entertainment Forge and published by GrabTheGames, has a 74% approval rating from Steam users.