Fabric Archives

Winsage

July 1, 2026

Steve Ballmer once trashed Linux as “a cancer” — now it’s saving Windows 10 holdouts

In 2001, Steve Ballmer, then CEO of Microsoft, referred to Linux as a "cancer" threatening Microsoft's intellectual property and likened its users to "communist thieves." By 2016, after Microsoft ported SQL Server to Linux, Ballmer expressed enthusiasm for the change and acknowledged that the conflict with open-source had benefited Microsoft's financial success. In 2020, Microsoft President Brad Smith admitted the company had been on the wrong side of history regarding open source and noted the need for change. Microsoft has since embraced open-source technologies, introducing products like Azure Linux 4.0, built on Fedora. As Windows 11's transition becomes difficult for users, advocacy groups have criticized Microsoft for ending support for Windows 10, which could lead to millions of discarded computers. Microsoft extended Windows 10's life through an Extended Security Updates program until October 14, 2026, with a recent announcement pushing it to 2027. Rising hardware costs and design flaws in Windows 11 have led some users to consider alternatives like Linux. A survey revealed that 30% of PCs are still running Windows 10, and a poll showed that 68% of respondents plan to stick with Windows 10 through 2027.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Microsoft reveals why Windows 11 keeps saying a file is in use after you close the app, plus the fix

The 'file in use' error in Windows indicates that a file is currently being accessed by a program, preventing deletion or renaming to avoid data corruption. This error can persist even after closing an application due to reasons such as antivirus software scanning the file, network references from other devices, or files loaded as Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) that remain in memory. To identify the process causing the error, Mark Russinovich developed the command-line tool Handle, which shows all open file handles, and Process Explorer, which provides a graphical interface to find and manage these handles. Microsoft is integrating Sysinternals tools into PowerToys for easier access, including the File Locksmith tool that allows users to unlock files directly. A recommended workaround for the error is to rename the file instead of deleting it, as Windows permits renaming even when a file is open.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Knight of the Old Republic 2 was great because it peeled back Star Wars’ black-and-white morality

Knights of the Old Republic II is a sequel that deconstructs its predecessor by exploring darker themes and the complexities of morality rather than adhering to a simple good versus evil narrative. Designer Chris Avellone challenges traditional Star Wars mythos, presenting players with the Exile, an outcast dealing with the consequences of past decisions. The game features a diverse cast, including Kreia, a mentor whose philosophy complicates the understanding of morality. Despite facing development challenges, such as a rushed timeline leading to technical issues and incomplete content, the game has been enhanced by the Sith Lords Restored Content mod, which restores missing material. Kreia is recognized as one of gaming's most compelling characters, and the game's writing and character development are praised, contributing to its legacy in video game history.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Prism Launcher Setup 2026: Install Modpacks in 12 Steps

Prism Launcher is an open-source Minecraft launcher, a fork of MultiMC, licensed under GPL-3. It allows users to manage multiple isolated game instances, each capable of running different versions of Minecraft, mod loaders, and mod sets. The latest version, 11.0.2, was released in June 2026 and includes features such as integrated browsing for CurseForge and Modrinth, automatic Java switching, and support for mod loaders like Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt. It operates without ads and is cross-platform, compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Key features include: - Multiple instances: Unlimited isolated instances of Minecraft. - Integrated mod browsers: Direct installation from Modrinth and CurseForge. - Automatic Java management: Switches Java versions as needed. - Support for major mod loaders: Easy instance creation with Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, or Quilt. - No ads: Self-contained experience without interruptions. - Prerequisites: Requires a paid Minecraft: Java Edition license, specific operating systems, minimum RAM and disk space, and an internet connection. Installation steps vary by operating system, with detailed instructions provided for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Users must log in with a Microsoft account linked to their Minecraft license and can create instances for vanilla gameplay or install modpacks from Modrinth or CurseForge. Memory allocation settings can be configured per instance for optimal performance.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

SQL Server may be too lucrative for Microsoft to ditch, but too legacy to love

Microsoft's Build event highlighted its new AI agent, Scout, while SQL Server received limited attention, raising concerns about its future following Rohan Kumar's departure. Arun Ulag now oversees SQL Server, but analysts note a shift in priorities with SQL Server seemingly less emphasized. The 2022 SQL Server release was viewed as more of a marketing effort than a response to customer needs. Despite the introduction of vector search in SQL Server 2025, competitors had already offered similar features. Microsoft is shifting towards open-source solutions and PostgreSQL, although it reassured users of its commitment to SQL Server. SQL Server, launched in 1989, remains popular, ranking behind Oracle and MySQL. The on-premises database market is lucrative, generating significant revenue, and SQL Server holds a substantial share. Microsoft is unlikely to abandon this profitable segment, aiming to transition users to Azure SQL and SQL database within Fabric. However, migration compatibility issues may arise. Microsoft is also investing in PostgreSQL offerings to compete in the cloud database market, which is evolving rapidly. AWS currently leads in cloud DBMS revenue, posing a challenge for Microsoft. Despite uncertainties, support for SQL Server 2025 is guaranteed until 2036.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Do you recognize these survival crafting games? Prove you’re a real master of roughin’ it with our latest quiz on base-building sandboxes

Many gaming enthusiasts have specific genre preferences, often favoring narrative-driven RPGs, but their gaming history may show a variety of titles, particularly in the survival crafting genre. Survival crafting games combine creativity and adventure, offering social interaction and collaborative play. A new survival crafting quiz challenges players to identify 20 games through pixelated screenshots, allowing participants 12 minutes to complete it. This quiz aims to evoke nostalgia and encourage sharing results among gamers, reinforcing social connections within the gaming community.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

Final Fantasy 11 is one of the greatest MMOs of our time

Revisiting Final Fantasy 11 after nearly two decades evokes nostalgia but highlights a diminished community. The game approaches its 20th anniversary, and while familiar landscapes remain, the sense of belonging has faded. The introduction of NPC party members allows solo players to progress more quickly, altering the gameplay that once emphasized teamwork. This change raises concerns about the value of achievements earned without shared experiences, as the vibrant social dynamics have been replaced by messages from players selling items. The author grapples with the desire to reach max level while questioning the worth of solitary accomplishments.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Minecraft Horror Mods That Turn Simple Nights Into Nightmares

In Minecraft, horror mods enhance the gameplay experience by introducing unsettling elements that create tension and fear. Notable horror mods include: - Cave Dweller: Features a creature that breathes heavily as it approaches, causing dread. - The Man From The Fog: A figure that silently observes players, creating suspense. - Weeping Angels: Statues that move only when players are not looking, increasing stress. - Creepypasta Mod: Incorporates characters from Minecraft creepypasta tales, offering unpredictable encounters. - Silent Hill Fog Mod: Reduces visibility with dense fog, enhancing atmospheric horror. These mods are primarily compatible with Forge, and players should check compatibility before installation. Combining multiple horror mods may lead to performance issues. Playing with friends can amplify the experience, but all participants must have the same mods installed. Players should be aware of their comfort levels, as some mods can induce jump scares or prolonged psychological tension.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2026

Azure HorizonDB Enters Public Preview: Web IQ Already Powers Copilot and ChatGPT

Microsoft announced the public preview of Azure HorizonDB, a fully managed PostgreSQL-compatible database designed for agentic AI workloads, during Microsoft Build 2026 in San Francisco. HorizonDB features a "database-as-logs" architecture, allowing for sub-millisecond multi-zone commit latency and independent scaling of compute and storage. It incorporates a Rust-based storage engine, native DiskANN vector search, and in-database AI model invocation. Additionally, Microsoft launched Web IQ, a web-grounding API layer integrated into Microsoft Copilot and OpenAI's ChatGPT, which provides passage-level structured evidence objects rather than full documents. Web IQ is model-agnostic and aims to enhance information density and reduce costs. Both services are currently in limited availability, with HorizonDB open for preview signups across five Azure regions.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

A guide to agentic AI: How Windows is now going to do more things for you

Microsoft is advancing in the field of artificial intelligence with the introduction of agentic AI, which aims to perform tasks on behalf of users rather than just responding to queries. A key feature is 'autoagents,' starting with Scout, which will integrate into Microsoft 365 applications and autonomously manage tasks like monitoring communications and summarizing documents. Scout is currently being rolled out to select users and is designed with safety measures, including Execution Containers to control resource access and mitigate risks. Additionally, Microsoft has launched Discovery, a tool for enhancing scientific research, and Rayfin, which simplifies application development for individual creators.