hardware capabilities Archives

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Paint (25H2)

Microsoft has updated Paint significantly with the rollout of Windows 11, enhancing both its user interface and core functionalities. Key updates include the introduction of a Dark mode, an updated Text tool, layer capabilities similar to Photoshop, and support for transparent PNG files. Paint now features AI-driven tools, some of which require a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription, while others are accessible on any PC or require a Copilot+ PC. Customization options in Paint are limited; users cannot disable any image creation or editing features but can change the app theme and configure watermark settings for AI-generated content. The toolbar can be set to auto-hide, and users can view their work in full screen by pressing F11. New features include the ability to save projects with multiple layers, a Remove background tool, an Image Creator for generating images from text prompts, and a Generative erase tool for removing objects from images. Copilot+ PCs unlock additional features that operate locally, such as Object select, Sticker generator, Cocreator, and Generative fill, which requires specific hardware capabilities.

Winsage

April 12, 2026

Original Windows Task Manager Was Just 80 KB, Says Microsoft Engineer

The original Windows Task Manager was 80 KB in size, while its current version is 4 MB. Dave Plummer designed it to remain operational during system freezes, emphasizing that every line of code has a cost. The Task Manager could manage multiple instances by sending private messages to existing ones and launching new instances if the original was unresponsive. It utilized global strings and direct access to the kernel’s process table for speed and efficiency. Users have noted that modern systems consume more resources for similar tasks compared to older versions like Windows 7.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

This new Steam feature could soon make buying games a lot easier — and it’ll be a great addition for the Steam Machine and custom PCs

Valve is developing a feature called the 'Framerate Estimator' for the Steam Client, which aims to provide users with a projected frame rate based on the performance of a game as experienced by other Steam users. This tool will benefit users on SteamOS, Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S, and other handheld devices, as well as desktop PC owners using SteamOS or Windows. It will help users make informed decisions about game purchases and assess how games might run on their specific hardware configurations.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

“Wait, Windows uses less?”: I break down the surprising requirement that flips the Linux vs. Windows script

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, developed by Canonical, will be released on April 23, 2026, with updated desktop requirements of a 2GHz dual-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 25GB of storage. Unlike Windows 11, which enforces strict minimum requirements, Ubuntu allows installation on lower-spec machines, though performance may be compromised. The new requirements reflect a shift away from supporting older hardware, as the operating system incorporates a modern desktop stack with updated GNOME components and Wayland support. Ubuntu's installer evaluates hardware capabilities but does not block installation on unsupported devices, contrasting with Windows 11's rigid installation process that requires specific hardware features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PC) Review – Kojima’s Masterpiece Gets a Stellar Port

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a sequel that takes place approximately 11 months after the first game, featuring Sam Porter Bridges on a mission to connect the Chiral Network in Mexico and Australia. The game includes familiar characters and has improved traversal mechanics, with a quicker story pace and more low-level enemies. Nixxes has adapted the game for PC, introducing a new hardcore difficulty setting called “Into the Wilder,” and ensuring it runs well across various hardware configurations. The game offers extensive customization options for graphics and controls, performing well on devices like the Steam Deck and ROG handheld. It has received acclaim for its visuals and gameplay, although some players find the plot and pacing inconsistent.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach PC impressions

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features themes of connection, grief, and the transient nature of existence, set in Australia and linked to the Chiral Network. The game is noted for its engaging gameplay and visual capabilities, with performance tests showing around 60 fps in demanding environments on high settings with an RTX 4070 Ti and Intel Core i9-12900K. Lowering settings can yield up to 94 fps, while enabling frame generation can surpass 126 fps. PICO upscaling combined with DLSS frame generation provides optimal visuals. The Steam Deck struggles with performance, achieving only 24 fps on the Portable preset. The game supports various controllers, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and DualSense, with a new difficulty mode called "to the wilder" that increases challenge through tougher enemies and resource management.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Someone hacked Windows 98 onto a year 2000 Internet appliance just because they can

Dave Luna is attempting to run Windows 98 on the Compaq iPAQ IA‑2, a device originally designed for Windows CE. The iPAQ IA‑2 has limited hardware capabilities, including a 266 MHz Geode GX1 CPU and a maximum of 256 MB of SDRAM, which complicates the process of running a full operating system. Luna utilized the device's 16 MB flash drive, originally used for the operating system, to write MS-DOS and employ a chain-boot method to launch Windows 98. He successfully booted Windows 98 from an IDE drive by tricking the system into recognizing it as an ATAPI device, despite the BIOS restrictions. The iPAQ IA‑2 is not practical for regular use but allows for nostalgic gaming, such as playing DOOM. The concept of internet appliances, aimed at providing simple web browsing and email solutions, failed due to their restrictive nature, difficulties in software and hardware upgrades, and the need for subscriptions to specific Internet Service Providers. As broadband internet became more common, the appeal of these devices decreased, leading to their obsolescence, although they contributed to the development of modern devices like Chromebooks.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Death Stranding 2 Official Specs Suggest It’ll Run Great on Most PCs

Death Stranding 2 will be available on PC starting March 19th. The minimum system requirements for the game include an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or an AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT, an Intel Core i3-10100 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor, and 150GB of storage (SSD recommended), allowing for 1080p resolution at 30 fps on low settings. The recommended specifications for 1440p resolution at 60 fps on high settings require an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800, along with an Intel Core i7-11700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5700X processor. For 4K resolution at 60 fps on very high settings, the game requires an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT. The game does not utilize ray tracing on the PS5 Pro, and support for various upscaling technologies like DLSS, XeSS, and FSR will be included in the PC version.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

After getting Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on PC Game Pass, unlocking its ‘Unobtanium’ max graphics mode, and then upgrading those stunning visuals even more with mods, I’m convinced this is the ‘But can it run Crysis?’ FPS PC gamers should install today

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is available for PC Game Pass subscribers and is considered Ubisoft's best open-world game in years. It features impressive graphics, enhanced by Ubisoft's Snowdrop engine, and includes a mode called 'Unobtanium' that challenges current hardware capabilities. To achieve 4K at 60fps with this mode, a powerful system is necessary. The game has undergone improvements and now includes a third-person mode, along with expansions like From the Ashes, which adds new characters and gameplay refinements. Despite initial technical issues, it is regarded as a solid first-person shooter and a benchmark for PC gaming setups.

Winsage

February 23, 2026

De-Enshittify Windows 11: Microsoft Copilot and AI ⭐

Windows 11 was introduced amid concerns of user experience degradation, termed "enshittification," due to frequent updates and feature changes. Microsoft initially promised to shift from biannual to annual feature updates, but instead adopted a "continuous innovation" model, leading to monthly updates that compromised quality. The introduction of Copilot in early 2023 marked a significant change in strategy, but enterprise customers could delay updates, creating a conflict for Microsoft. In an unusual move, Microsoft released many features of Windows 11 version 23H2 early through a monthly security update, disregarding enterprise needs. The quality of updates declined as AI features were rushed, and the updates, initially called "Moments," became frustrating for users. Microsoft ensured all supported Windows 11 versions received the same features, allowing enterprises to stay on older versions while accessing new features. The Copilot+ PC initiative in mid-2024 aimed to boost hardware sales but created disparities in feature availability. The Recall feature faced backlash over privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to shift it to an opt-in feature. Partial solutions for managing AI features, like Win11Debloat, allow users to remove certain functionalities, including Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, while others require more complex removal processes.