hardware support Archives

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Chrome OS vs. Windows 11 [Performance and Features]

Microsoft Windows and Google Chrome OS are the most widely adopted desktop operating systems. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0, but offers greater flexibility and compatibility with a wide array of devices. In contrast, Chrome OS is tied to its hardware, making transitions to Windows typically require a new device. Chrome OS supports Android applications and includes a built-in Linux virtual machine, allowing for some offline functionality and development tools, while also featuring Google Assistant. Windows 11 supports a vast range of software, offers browser choice, excels in gaming performance, and provides seamless compatibility with applications, including Linux GUI applications through the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

The latest Windows 11 update did not end support for older Intel chips. Here’s the source of the confusion.

Windows 11 has stringent minimum requirements, leaving many PCs unable to upgrade. A Microsoft support document caused confusion by excluding several Intel 8th, 9th, and 10th Gen processors, leading to speculation about their support status. However, there are no new devices being produced with processors older than Intel's 11th Generation, so the changes are unlikely to affect many users. Even if a PC has an unsupported processor, it may still upgrade to Windows 11 if it meets other minimum requirements. The document is intended for OEMs to determine which processors can be used in new devices and does not impact existing Windows support for consumers. The list of Intel 8th, 9th, and 10th Gen chips eligible for upgrading remains unchanged, and devices must comply with all minimum requirements, including TPM 2.0. Recent updates were misreported, primarily affecting OEMs without requiring significant changes to their strategies.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

6 reasons you’re going to keep using Windows despite its problems

Windows 11 is widely criticized but remains popular due to several factors. It has extensive software availability, with most applications designed for Windows, making it the preferred platform for many users. For gaming, Windows is the dominant platform, with most new PC games developed primarily for it, while macOS and Linux lag in game availability and support. Hardware support is another critical factor, as many specialized devices only have software compatibility with Windows, making it challenging for users to switch to other operating systems. Installing new operating systems can be difficult for average users, with macOS being hard to install on non-Apple hardware and Linux requiring additional considerations. Macs are generally more expensive than Windows laptops, which offer more budget-friendly options. Additionally, users are often reluctant to learn new systems, as they are accustomed to the layout and functionality of Windows.