individuals Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

5 reasons why Windows isn’t the best OS for productivity

Operating systems significantly influence user interactions with computers, accommodating various preferences. Windows is the most widely used operating system for traditional desktops but has several productivity limitations: 1. Windows installations often come with excessive pre-installed applications (bloatware), unlike macOS and most Linux distributions, which have minimal bloatware. 2. Windows lacks built-in productivity software, requiring users to purchase Microsoft Office or use alternatives, while macOS includes basic applications and Linux offers LibreOffice for free. 3. Windows does not have an integrated local file-sharing solution comparable to Apple's AirDrop, making file transfers between devices more cumbersome. 4. Keyboard and touchpad shortcuts in Windows are less intuitive and consistent compared to macOS, which can hinder productivity for users accustomed to macOS gestures. 5. Windows is a primary target for malware due to its widespread use, leading to a higher risk of system compromise compared to macOS and Linux, which encounter less malware.

Winsage

February 22, 2025

4 Windows 11 features that make me regret upgrading

Windows 11 has become popular among users, but some experience frustrations with its features. The Copilot feature is heavily integrated, prompting users to engage with it frequently, which many find intrusive. The redesigned Start Menu is seen as cluttered and less user-friendly compared to Windows 10, requiring customization for better usability. The Widgets button on the taskbar has become a distraction, leading many to disable it for improved focus. Windows 11 frequently upsells Microsoft services, requiring a Microsoft account and inundating users with promotional notifications. Overall, users feel that navigating Windows 11 has become adversarial, prioritizing notifications over user experience and complicating basic usability.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Microsoft Paint’s AI features for Windows 11 out in more regions, including Image Creator

Microsoft is expanding the accessibility of its MS Paint application on Windows 11, introducing an update that enhances the Paint Creator mode for users outside the United States. This update includes the "Image Creator" button, which uses Bing's AI capabilities to generate images, now available to a broader audience. Users need a Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot Pro to access the Paint Image Creator, which operates on OpenAI’s DALL-E technology. The process involves entering a text description, selecting a style, and generating three image variants. Users must have a Microsoft account to track usage and a Microsoft 365 subscription to utilize the Paint Image Creator with an increased limit on AI credits. The Paint Creator operates on an “AI Credits” system, providing 60 credits monthly for image generation. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out the Generative Erase feature, allowing users to remove objects from images using AI.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Can you really get Windows and Office for free? These hackers say yes

A group of developers called Massgrave has hacked Microsoft's activation tools for Windows and Office, uploading PowerShell scripts to GitHub that allow users to activate Windows and perpetual-license Office versions without paying licensing fees. Their tool, TSforge, supports activation for Windows versions 7, 8.x, 10, and 11, as well as Office versions from 2010 onward, excluding Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The scripts require minimal technical expertise and have been tested successfully on fresh installations of Windows 11 and updated Windows 10 machines. Massgrave acknowledges their actions as piracy and does not accept donations, emphasizing the ethical implications. The safety of the scripts is questioned, as there is a risk of malicious actors cloning their work. Microsoft is aware of the situation and plans to take action against unauthorized use of their software.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Messenger rolls out new safety, useful, and fun features

Meta has updated Messenger with new features focusing on privacy, usability, and enjoyment. Privacy and safety updates include the View Once Media option for single-view media messages, screenshot and screen recording blocks, in-app scam alerts via Spam Protection, and streamlined reporting and blocking of suspicious contacts. Usability improvements consist of HD photo sharing, enhanced HD video calls, noise-suppressed audio for clearer calls, and Siri integration for easier navigation. Expressive features allow users to personalize chats with themes, add music to notes, and use new sticker packs, including the Butterbear stickers. Social features encourage community building through Messenger Communities, enabling topic-based chats via QR codes, and engaging with public figures through Broadcast Channels.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Home: which version is right for you?

Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home are two primary versions of Windows 11, each catering to different user needs. Windows 11 Pro allows for up to 2TB of RAM and 128 CPU cores, while Windows 11 Home is limited to 128GB of RAM and 64 CPU cores. Pro includes additional features for networking, security, and management, which may not significantly impact everyday performance for typical users but can enhance performance for those using virtual machines. Support for both versions is available through online resources, phone support, and in-app help, but Pro users may receive quicker responses and more specialized assistance due to dedicated support options. In terms of pricing, Windows 11 Home is more budget-friendly, while Windows 11 Pro is priced higher due to its advanced features aimed at professionals and businesses. Upgrading from Home to Pro is possible for a fee, and there are differences between OEM and retail versions. Windows 11 Home is suited for average users and families, while Windows 11 Pro is tailored for advanced users and professionals, offering enhanced security, device management, and connectivity features.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

Can’t quit Windows 10? You can pay Microsoft for updates after October, or try these alternatives

An ESU subscription allows customers to receive updates automatically through Windows Update, with updates also available for individual download via the Microsoft Update Catalog. Customers can set reminders to check for updates after their release, typically on the second Tuesday of each month. For a more streamlined approach, the third-party service 0patch offers critical security patches for Windows 10 for at least five years after the end-of-support date, costing between and per PC annually. 0patch provides "micropatches" for vulnerabilities discovered after October 14, 2025, which are small and applied to running processes without altering Microsoft's original files. Unauthorized alternatives, like PowerShell activation scripts from the Massgrave hacking collective, allow users to bypass Microsoft's licensing agreements for a free three-year ESU subscription, but using these scripts is illegal and poses significant risks to businesses.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

I’ve been waiting for this possible Windows 11 transfer tool

A new transfer application for Windows 11 has been discovered in a preview build, potentially allowing users to migrate data without external storage or cloud services. Features may include "Back up to this PC" and "Transfer files to a new PC," utilizing a wireless transfer mode that requires both PCs to be on the same Wi-Fi network. The app could leverage technology similar to Nearby Sharing for an intuitive interface. Users may need to pair their devices and connect to a power source for the transfer, though it might not show available controls or a list of files for transfer. The app is integrated into Windows 11’s Backup app, but its development status is uncertain, with no official announcement from Microsoft. The project is not currently undergoing active testing, leaving its future unclear. If released, it could simplify the transition to new devices without additional charges for larger file sizes.

TrendTechie

February 20, 2025

Хакеры заражали гаджеты российских пользователей криптомайнером под видом игр-симуляторов

Experts from Kaspersky GReAT have identified a scheme where cybercriminals distribute malware disguised as free versions of popular computer games via torrent trackers. This malware downloads a modified version of the XMRig cryptocurrency miner onto users' devices. The distribution began on December 31, 2024, and continued until the end of January 2025, with the first infected files appearing on torrent sites in the previous autumn. Affected countries include Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and Germany. The XMRig miner exploits the computational power of infected devices to mine Monero and was embedded in files associated with games like BeamNG.drive, Dyson Sphere Program, Universe Sandbox, Plutocracy, and Garry’s Mod. Kaspersky reported that 70.5% of users encountered infected versions of BeamNG.drive. The malware causes overheating, decreased performance, and increased electricity consumption without immediate signs of infection. Tatyana Shishkova from Kaspersky noted that the timing of the campaign coincided with the holiday season and that gaming applications were targeted due to their high performance. She advised users to avoid downloading software from unreliable sources.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Russian Groups Target Signal Messenger in Spy Campaign

Multiple Russian threat groups are targeting the Signal Messenger application, focusing on individuals likely to engage in sensitive military and governmental communications during the conflict in Ukraine. Researchers from Google's Threat Intelligence Group have identified these attacks as primarily aimed at individuals of interest to Russian intelligence services. The two main cyber-espionage groups involved are UNC5792 (tracked by Ukraine's CERT as UAC-0195) and UNC4221 (UAC-0185). Their goal is to deceive victims into linking their Signal accounts to devices controlled by the attackers, granting access to incoming messages. UNC5792 uses invitations that resemble legitimate Signal group invites with malicious QR codes, while UNC4221 employs a phishing kit that mimics Ukraine's Kropyva app and includes harmful QR codes on fake sites. Other Russian and Belarusian groups, including Sandworm (APT44) and Turla, are also targeting Signal Messenger in various ways, such as stealing messages from databases or local storage. Additionally, Belarus-linked group UNC1151 uses the Robocopy tool to duplicate Signal messages for future theft. The increased activity against Signal reflects a broader interest in secure messaging apps used by individuals in espionage and intelligence roles. These apps' strong security features make them attractive to at-risk individuals and communities but also high-value targets for adversaries. Russian groups are also targeting Telegram and WhatsApp, with a recent report detailing attacks by the Russian group Star Blizzard on WhatsApp accounts of government officials and diplomats.