Hardware Archives

Winsage

July 31, 2026

The man behind Windows’ Task Manager says Apple’s Activity Monitor “blows”, so he’s releasing his own

Dave Plummer is developing a macOS Task Manager app, planning to release it on the App Store with a free beta. He may also publish it as a git repository if he loses interest. Plummer is dissatisfied with the existing Activity Monitor and aims to create a more powerful tool. He has not provided a specific timeline for the app's release.

Winsage

July 31, 2026

Microsoft PowerToys is still the first app I install on every Windows PC

PowerToys is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, having originally been released for Windows 95 in November 1996. The Power Display feature simplifies the management of multiple screens, while other notable features include FancyZones for window management and PowerRename for file renaming. There is a gap in awareness about PowerToys, indicating that Microsoft could improve outreach to inform more users about its functionalities.

Winsage

July 31, 2026

Windows NT 4.0 brought the Win95 UI to servers 30 years ago today — milestone unifying modern Windows OS hit RTM in the Pentium era

On July 31, 1996, Microsoft released Windows NT 4.0, codenamed Cairo, which integrated the Windows 95 interface into a 32-bit enterprise operating system. It was the last version to support multiple CPU architectures, including Alpha, MIPS, and PowerPC. Windows NT 4.0 included features such as the Start Menu, Taskbar, Task Manager, and support for advanced functionalities like the cryptography API and DirectX (v2). The minimum hardware requirements were a CPU of 33 MHz or better, 32MB of RAM, SVGA graphics, and a 256 MB hard disk. Following its launch, Microsoft introduced versions for embedded systems and a Terminal Server edition. The release of Windows XP in 2001 marked a shift away from DOS-based consumer operating systems.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Recommended Hosting for Forge Servers: Minecraft Recipes Guide

In heavily modded Forge servers in Minecraft, recipe management is crucial due to the extensive crafting systems introduced by various mods. Players can encounter tens of thousands of recipes, especially in complex modpacks that combine technology, magic, farming, and automation. Crafting advanced machines requires a network of smaller components, leading to significant server load during crafting operations. Automation increases demands on servers, as multiple systems may run concurrently, generating thousands of crafting events every minute. Server performance is influenced more by CPU speed than by RAM, with high-frequency processors facilitating quicker recipe evaluations. Effective hosting configurations should include powerful CPUs and fast storage to maintain tick stability. Regular server management practices, such as avoiding large automated crafting loops and scheduling restarts, can enhance performance. Keeping mods updated and testing new ones before deployment can help prevent recipe conflicts and maintain stability.

Winsage

July 31, 2026

Microsoft Ended Windows 10 Support, but You Don’t Necessarily Need a New PC

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10, which means it will no longer receive technical assistance, feature updates, or security patches. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which has been extended to October 2027, allowing users to continue receiving essential security updates if their device meets specific criteria. Eligibility for ESU includes running Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition, having the latest Windows update installed, being signed in with an administrator Microsoft account, and enabling Windows Backup. ESU is free for users utilizing Windows Backup; otherwise, a one-time fee or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points is required. For devices not qualifying for ESU, alternatives include installing third-party antivirus software, upgrading to Windows 11, or switching to Linux. To enroll in ESU, users can navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, where an Enroll Now link will appear if eligible.

Winsage

July 30, 2026

You might think Linux always wins — but a lifelong Linux user found something in Windows 11 worth switching for

A Linux user with extensive experience transitioned to Windows 11 for practical reasons, citing compatibility with essential applications like Microsoft Office and Autodesk software as key factors. Despite acknowledging flaws in Windows 11, he found it better suited to his workflow. The discussion highlighted that many users differentiate between the operating system and Microsoft's corporate practices, with some praising Windows 11's improvements while criticizing Microsoft's approach. Concerns about resource usage and user control were also raised, along with the appeal of Linux's customization options. Ultimately, the debate emphasizes that the choice of operating system depends on individual needs and workflows rather than a definitive superiority of one over the other.

Tech Optimizer

July 30, 2026

EDB Says Postgres AI Tops Enterprise AI Data Platform Benchmarks

EnterpriseDB (EDB) has released benchmark results for its EDB Postgres AI (EDB PG AI), showing superior performance compared to various AI data platforms, including vector databases and managed Postgres platforms. The independent testing by McKnight Consulting Group indicated that EDB PG AI outperformed competitors in all evaluated metrics, including query speed, accuracy, and cost efficiency. Key findings include: - EDB PG AI achieved a median query latency of 50 milliseconds at 50 million vectors, making it the fastest platform tested, 80 times faster than Databricks and 21 times faster than MongoDB Atlas. - It demonstrated the highest accuracy for core vector search with a recall rate of 0.911, outperforming MongoDB by 26% and Databricks by 17%. - In a concurrent agent loop test, EDB PG AI completed tasks in 27 milliseconds, significantly faster than MongoDB Atlas (699 milliseconds) and Databricks (5.1 seconds). - EDB PG AI provided 76 times better price performance than Databricks and 34 times better than MongoDB. - The platform integrates vectors, structured data, and analytics within a single operational database, enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of data inconsistency. The benchmark study assessed the performance of EDB PG AI against Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL, Databricks, Crunchy Bridge, MongoDB Atlas, and open source PostgreSQL, all standardized on equivalent enterprise hardware.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Best in Class: Stream PC Games and Study on the Same Laptop With GeForce NOW

GeForce NOW allows students to balance study and gaming by transforming everyday laptops into powerful gaming machines through cloud gaming. Members can access a library of thousands of supported PC games, including the newly added Halo: Campaign Evolved, which features high-definition visuals and enhanced gameplay. The service enables users to stream games they own from platforms like Steam and Xbox Game Pass without lengthy downloads or installations. The Ultimate membership offers advanced gaming performance with NVIDIA technologies. New titles available this week include Halo: Campaign Evolved, Mistfall Hunter, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Sudden Attack Zero Point, The Ranchers, Corsair Cove, Funnel Runners, and Pathogenic.

Winsage

July 30, 2026

ThinkPads from 2008 are some of the hottest used laptops right now — Here’s how (and why) they’re being turned into Windows 11 PCs

The ThinkPad X210Ai is a modified laptop that combines the chassis of older ThinkPad models (X200/X201) with a modern mainboard from TP Art, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors, DDR5 RAM support, dual M.2 SSD slots, Thunderbolt 4, and HDMI 2.1. The modification allows users to retain the original display and keyboard while requiring some chassis adjustments. TP Art offers a kit starting at 9, with complete builds beginning at 9, excluding RAM and storage. The popularity of the X210Ai has surged due to rising RAM prices and the demand for reliable, customizable machines. The modified board allows compatibility with Windows 11 and various Linux distributions. Processing times for orders can take up to six months, and cancellations are not allowed once placed.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

I Spent a Month With the Steam Machine and it Perfectly Fills the One Gap in My Gaming Habits

The Steam Machine has been on the market for just over a month and has integrated into the user's gaming routine, particularly during a recent illness. The user connected it to their TV, disabled metrics, and explored their Steam library, finding the experience enjoyable. Despite skepticism about its high price for average consumers, the Steam Machine offers a solution for transitioning gaming from a desk to a living room without monopolizing the network. The user has historically preferred PC gaming over consoles, appreciating the flexibility of switching between devices. Previous attempts to set up living room PCs were inconvenient, but the Steam Machine simplifies this with SteamOS and the Steam Controller's trackpads. The user adjusted the output resolution to 1440p and enjoyed games like Resident Evil 4 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, valuing the ability to continue saves from their PC. The Steam Machine is priced at ,049, which may deter some, but it appeals to users with extensive Steam libraries.