Star Wars Zero Company has an aggregate critic score of 85 on Metacritic and is regarded as one of the most acclaimed Star Wars games recently. The game features tactical gameplay similar to X-COM but suffers from technical issues, particularly on PC, including traversal stutters, input lag, and game-breaking bugs. Players have reported frequent crashes, with some needing to restart missions multiple times. The game has a "mostly positive" rating on Steam from nearly 9,000 reviews, yet many highlight similar performance problems. Console players on Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 have also experienced these issues. Bit Reactor, the independent studio behind Zero Company, has furloughed a significant portion of its workforce, with reports indicating that up to 80 percent of employees are currently unpaid. The studio faces an ongoing legal dispute among its co-founders, and confidence in receiving adequate post-launch support is low. Acknowledgment of issues was made on Steam's Community forums on the game's release day, but no further updates have been provided since.
An ongoing malware campaign is targeting Windows devices through counterfeit download pages for well-known software brands like Microsoft Edge, Kaspersky, and Razer. The campaign affects various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, gaming, technology, logistics, government, and education. It utilizes high-fidelity fraudulent websites that closely mimic legitimate vendors, with observed lure domains such as app-microsoft-edge[.]com[.]cn and kaspersky-lab[.]hl[.]cn. Attackers employ evasion tactics like server-side payload regeneration and create multiple copies of the same archive in quick succession.
Victims are lured into downloading ZIP files that contain a bundled wrapper installer, which activates a stage-one executable in randomized directories. The malware often masquerades as legitimate software, with some payloads impersonating known applications. Persistence is achieved through scheduled tasks with unusual names, and the malware employs various evasion techniques, including deleting shadow copies and altering file permissions.
Microsoft Defender has identified activity across multiple stages of the attack, including delivery, execution, and command-and-control communications. To mitigate risks, organizations are advised to block downloads from unofficial sources, enforce Tamper Protection, and implement Attack Surface Reduction rules. Indicators of compromise (IOCs) include specific lure domains and URLs associated with the campaign.
A user on X highlighted their new 5K Dell UltraSharp monitor, leading to a discussion about the Windows 11 taskbar's alignment. Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, expressed his preference for a left-aligned taskbar, which he viewed as a stand against center alignment. The Start button's creation is attributed to Danny Oran, a behavioral psychologist who joined Microsoft in 1992. Oran's background included teaching chimpanzees to communicate, which informed his approach to user interface design. He observed users struggling with Windows 3.1 and proposed a single button for access to all features, initially called "System" but later renamed "Start." The placement of the Start button in the bottom-left corner was influenced by Fitts's law, which suggests users can quickly click targets in screen corners. Joe Belfiore confirmed this placement aligned with reading habits. The initial implementation of the Start button in Windows 95 had an issue with padding that was corrected in Windows 98. Oran also designed the taskbar, which was ultimately placed at the bottom of the screen to differentiate it from Apple's macOS. Oran holds the original patent for both the Start menu and the taskbar introduced in Windows 95.
Windows has several advanced features that can enhance productivity, including:
- Clipboard History: Activated by pressing Windows+V, this feature stores the last 25 copied items and can be enabled through Settings > System > Clipboard. Users can pin frequently used items for easy access.
- Virtual Desktops: Allows users to create multiple workspaces on a single monitor by pressing Windows+Ctrl+D. Users can switch between desktops using Windows+Ctrl+Left Arrow/Right Arrow or Windows+Tab.
- Focus Sessions: A built-in Pomodoro timer in the Clock app that promotes productivity by working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break.
- Snipping Tool: Accessible via Windows+Shift+S, it allows users to capture screenshots and includes features like screen recording, a color picker, and a Text Extractor for converting text from images.
- PowerToys: A suite of free and open-source tools from Microsoft that enhances Windows functionalities, including additional utilities and personalized templates.
The resurgence of "analog" technology has led to increased interest in console modding among hobbyists. Modders have successfully integrated Windows NT 4.0 into the GameCube through the Entii for Workcubes project, which allows the operating system to run on systems from the GameCube to the Wii U. This initiative was highlighted by YouTube creator emu_kidid in February 2025, followed by contributions from Jiga Tech and Michael MJD in 2026, who demonstrated the hardware installation process. The modifications included removing the disc drive, installing a mod drive, and using an SD card disguised as a GameCube memory card. The GameCube's design facilitated these modifications, despite its lower power compared to contemporaries. Nintendo's strict anti-modding policies on newer consoles have driven modders to focus on older systems, highlighting ongoing discussions about technology ownership and game preservation.
Console modding is experiencing a resurgence as enthusiasts enhance classic hardware, with a notable project involving the installation of Windows NT 4.0 on the GameCube. This initiative builds on previous work by Entii for Workcubes and has gained attention through videos by creators like Jiga Tech and Michael MJD. The process involves utilizing the shared PowerPC architecture of the GameCube and Wii, allowing modders to run the vintage operating system. Demonstrations of the modding process began in February 2025, showcasing the installation of a mod drive and software. Despite the challenges posed by modern gaming companies, such as Nintendo's strict anti-modding policies, these projects highlight the creativity of the modding community and the potential for innovative uses of older consoles.
Linux users benefit from a streamlined software update process through package managers like APT, DNF, and Pacman, allowing all applications to be updated with a single command. In contrast, Windows requires multiple update mechanisms for the operating system and third-party software, often necessitating manual checks. Most drivers in Linux are built into the kernel, enabling automatic recognition and configuration of new hardware, while Windows typically requires users to download drivers from manufacturers' websites. Linux provides clearer system logs for troubleshooting, making it easier to diagnose issues, whereas Windows error messages can be vague and less informative. Overall, Linux offers advantages in software updates, driver management, and troubleshooting compared to Windows.
Niagara Launcher is appreciated for its minimalist design but is not open source, prompting the exploration of alternatives like Escape Launcher, which is available on F-Droid. Escape Launcher features a text-only interface, presenting favorite apps in a list format and allowing users to swipe left for all installed applications. It emphasizes thoughtful font selection and spacing, creating a curated experience. Users can customize fonts, color themes, and basic clock styles, and hide unwanted apps. While it lacks some features of Niagara Launcher, it is favored for its minimalist approach and reduced distractions.
Microsoft integrated games into the Windows operating system from its early versions, starting with Reversi in Windows 1.0 in 1985 and introducing Solitaire in Windows 3.0 in 1990. Over the years, various versions of Windows included a range of built-in games, peaking with Windows Vista and Windows 7, which featured titles like Chess Titans and Mahjong Titans. However, with the release of Windows 8, Microsoft removed classic games from the operating system and transitioned to an app-centric model, directing users to the Windows Store for gaming. The Microsoft Solitaire Collection became a single app, while other games were made available as separate downloads. This shift marked a change in how Microsoft approached gaming, moving from integrating games as part of the OS to treating Windows as a platform for independent applications and services.