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Valve's Steam Machine will have "fewer constraints" for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck

Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.
Windows 2000 still earning its keep running a rail ticket machine in Portugal
Winsage
January 12, 2026

Windows 2000 still earning its keep running a rail ticket machine in Portugal

A ticket machine in Portugal is still running on Windows 2000 Professional, an operating system retired by Microsoft in 2010. The kiosk shows signs of wear but continues to function, highlighting the operating system's durability and reliability. Windows 2000 was originally launched as a successor to Windows NT 4.0 and was praised for its performance on modest hardware. Despite the lack of mainstream support for over two decades, it remains operational in various devices worldwide. The presence of a keyboard in the kiosk evokes nostalgia for earlier technology, and the simplicity of navigating Windows 2000 is manageable for experienced users.
GTA: Vice City is now playable right in your browser, 2002 title that once demanded Pentium 3 now runs in Chrome — requires upload of an original game file to save progress
AppWizard
December 21, 2025

GTA: Vice City is now playable right in your browser, 2002 title that once demanded Pentium 3 now runs in Chrome — requires upload of an original game file to save progress

DOS Zone has introduced a feature that allows gamers to play GTA: Vice City directly in web browsers without traditional installation, requiring users to upload an original game file for ownership verification. To enhance the experience, users must subscribe to the js-dos 8.xx service for cloud save functionality, enabling gameplay on any device with a modern browser. The original game had minimal hardware requirements, while the Definitive Edition requires significantly more robust specifications. The browser version of the game only needs 56MB to launch, with the rest loading dynamically. DOS Zone operates independently from Rockstar Games, and the upload process is a one-time requirement for players who can use game controllers and touch interfaces.
Improve Aurora PostgreSQL throughput by up to 165% and price-performance ratio by up to 120% using Optimized Reads on AWS Graviton4-based R8gd instances
Tech Optimizer
December 18, 2025

Improve Aurora PostgreSQL throughput by up to 165% and price-performance ratio by up to 120% using Optimized Reads on AWS Graviton4-based R8gd instances

AWS has introduced Graviton4-based R8gd instances for Amazon Aurora, which offer significant performance enhancements over Graviton2-based db.r6g instances. Users can expect up to 165% higher throughput, a 120% improvement in price-performance ratio, and an 80% enhancement in application response time. The integration of an Optimized Reads-enabled tiered cache allows for expanded database caching capacity, minimizing network storage access and improving query response times. Organizations like Mindbody and Claroty have reported substantial performance improvements and cost savings after implementing these features. Aurora PostgreSQL 17 has introduced smarter storage batching algorithms and optimized writes, further enhancing performance for I/O-intensive applications. The db.r8gd instances allow for scaling up to 48xl, providing 192 vCPUs, 50 Gigabits of network bandwidth, and 10.4 TiB of local NVMe capacity. The benchmark testing using HammerDB demonstrated significant improvements in throughput, price-performance ratio, and response times when upgrading from db.r6g to db.r8gd instances. The Aurora Optimized Reads-enabled tiered cache is available for Aurora PostgreSQL versions 17.4 and higher, among others.
Repurposing an 'Obsolete' Windows 10 Laptop into a Thin Client, Part 1 -- Virtualization Review
Winsage
December 12, 2025

Repurposing an ‘Obsolete’ Windows 10 Laptop into a Thin Client, Part 1 — Virtualization Review

42% of desktop systems were still operating on Windows 10 as of mid-October 2025, leaving millions of devices unsupported and vulnerable to security risks. Organizations are considering either investing in new Windows 11 devices or repurposing old PCs into thin clients. The RepurpOS thin-client operating system can revitalize aging hardware, such as the Dell E7440 laptop, which is available for around 0 on platforms like eBay. RepurpOS requires modest hardware specifications: an Intel or AMD x86 CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 4 GB of persistent storage. It is offered through a subscription model that is more affordable than Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates for Windows 10. The installation process for RepurpOS is straightforward, and it supports various remote desktop protocols, including Citrix, Horizon, and AWS. Testing with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) shows that modern implementations provide fast and secure remote access with features like Adaptive Graphics and GPU-accelerated rendering.
Windows 10 Support Ending: Windows 11 Upgrade Guide
Winsage
December 5, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ending: Windows 11 Upgrade Guide

- Before upgrading to Windows 11, it is essential to update Windows 10 to ensure a smoother migration process. - A USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB is needed if using the Media Creation Tool method for the upgrade. - A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading the upgrade, especially in Malaysia, where the download size is substantial. - The upgrade can be performed through three methods: Windows Update Automatic Upgrade, Media Creation Tool Installation, and Clean Installation Process. - A clean installation will erase all files on the device, so backing up important data is necessary before proceeding. - Users should complete their Windows 11 upgrade before October 14, 2025, to avoid potential issues after support ends. - Businesses can utilize Microsoft Endpoint Manager for remote upgrades and should verify device compatibility with Windows 11. - The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for users with a valid Windows 10 license. - If a device does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, transitioning to a compatible PC or laptop is recommended. - Users can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading, but after that, a clean installation is required to revert. - The upgrade process typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on hardware and internet speed. - Most applications that work on Windows 10 will continue to function on Windows 11, but testing critical applications is advised. - Backing up files before the upgrade is essential, with recommendations for both cloud and physical storage solutions. - Upgrading to Windows 11 provides enhanced security features, such as improved virus protection, biometric authentication, and encrypted storage. - The end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, impacts compliance, insurance coverage, productivity tools, remote work capabilities, and vendor support for businesses. - HP Malaysia offers a range of devices for users needing to transition to Windows 11-compatible PCs or laptops.
Windows 10 Support Ending: Complete Windows 11 Upgrade Guide
Winsage
December 4, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ending: Complete Windows 11 Upgrade Guide

Upgrading to Windows 11 involves careful planning and preparation. Start by updating Windows 10 to ensure recent updates are applied. Acquire a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) for the installation process, and document current software licenses as some applications may require reactivation. Check for driver updates to ensure hardware compatibility with Windows 11. There are three main upgrade methods: 1. Windows Update Automatic Upgrade: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, check for updates, and if compatible, download and install Windows 11. This method retains files and applications and typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. 2. Media Creation Tool Installation: Download the Media Creation Tool, run it, and follow prompts to create installation media on a USB drive. This method is useful for upgrading multiple devices. 3. Clean Installation Process: Insert the USB drive with setup files, restart the device, boot from the USB, and follow the instructions for a custom installation. This method erases all existing data, so comprehensive backups are necessary. Effective planning is crucial, and it is advisable to start the upgrade process well before the deadline of October 14, 2025. This allows time for testing applications, training staff, and addressing hardware requirements. Ensure all devices are compatible to avoid security issues, and consider a robust data protection strategy, such as a 3-2-1 backup approach. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for users with genuine Windows 10 licenses. If a device does not meet the requirements, it cannot be upgraded. Users can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of the upgrade, retaining previous files. The upgrade process typically takes around 20 minutes, depending on various factors. Planning the upgrade early helps mitigate operational disruptions, allowing for staggered upgrades and reduced risks of security vulnerabilities as Windows 10 support ends.
New testing finds SteamOS easily dominates Windows for gaming
Winsage
December 1, 2025

New testing finds SteamOS easily dominates Windows for gaming

Ars Technica conducted a comparison between SteamOS and Windows 11 using the Lenovo Legion Go S handheld. The testing revealed that SteamOS 3.7 generally outperformed Windows 11 in recent games, achieving higher average frames per second (fps) without hardware changes. Specifically, SteamOS showed a significant advantage in three out of five tested games, with Cyberpunk 2077 improving from 44.6 fps to 52.4 fps. The only game favoring Windows was Borderlands 3, with a slight advantage of about 1%. SteamOS operates through a Proton translation layer for Windows games, allowing it to outperform Windows 11. Additionally, SteamOS has a more efficient system architecture, resulting in reduced overhead compared to Windows 11. Microsoft is working on optimizations for Windows to address these performance issues.
Windows 10 retirement pushes 780,000 users to Linux as Zorin OS Hits 1M downloads — but Microsoft still wants to evolve Windows 11 into an agentic AI OS
Winsage
November 26, 2025

Windows 10 retirement pushes 780,000 users to Linux as Zorin OS Hits 1M downloads — but Microsoft still wants to evolve Windows 11 into an agentic AI OS

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, leaving approximately 400 million PCs unsupported. Users can upgrade to Windows 11, enroll in the Extended Software Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support at a cost, continue using Windows 10 with potential risks, or explore alternatives like Zorin OS. Zorin OS has surpassed one million downloads, with 78% coming from Windows devices, appealing for its performance on older hardware and enhanced privacy features. The End of 10 group is advocating for a switch to Linux, highlighting benefits such as no ads and telemetry tracking.
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