laptops and desktops Archives

Winsage

August 30, 2025

This updated Windows 11 clone is Linux underneath and makes your old PC run faster – get it now

Linuxfx has released version 11.25.09 “NOBLE,” a Windows-style Linux distribution aimed at revitalizing older laptops and desktops. It replicates the look and functionality of Windows 10 and 11, built on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS, and offers five years of free updates. The operating system uses KDE Plasma as its desktop environment and includes a new Redsand theme, kernel 6.14.0-29 for improved hardware compatibility, and over 1GB of package updates. It supports Wine Stable for running Windows applications and includes pre-installed applications like Microsoft Teams and Oracle Java 24. PowerTools version 1.8 is available without a license key, with additional features accessible through donations. Linuxfx requires only 2GB of RAM and a dual-core 64-bit CPU, making it less demanding than Windows 11, which has higher hardware requirements.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

“Browse Securely Now”: Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Gains as it Calls Users to Pass Up Chrome

Microsoft is encouraging users to switch from Google’s Chrome browser to its Edge browser by displaying messages that promote Edge's security features. This strategy has resulted in a slight increase in Microsoft's stock price. Users installing Chrome now see a message stating, “Browse securely now. Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with the added trust of Microsoft.” Additionally, pre-release versions of Microsoft’s Canary browser include taskbar flags that prompt users to pin Edge when closing Chrome, with one flag suggesting to pin Edge if Chrome usage exceeds 90%. A class action lawsuit is pending against Microsoft for withdrawing security support for Windows 10. Despite challenges in Windows support, Microsoft has confirmed ongoing support for popular games like Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5. Analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating for MSFT stock, with 34 Buy ratings and one Hold in the past three months, and an average price target suggesting an 18% upside potential for investors.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Ask Engadget: What are my options when Windows 10 support ends on October 14?

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can continue to operate their Windows 10 PCs after this date, but they will not receive customer support, security updates, or upgrades, making the system vulnerable. Upgrading to Windows 11 is the best option for most users, provided their hardware meets the minimum requirements. Users can check compatibility with Microsoft's PC Health Check app. If a PC cannot support Windows 11, users may consider buying a new PC, with prices typically ranging from 0 to ,200. Alternatively, users can continue using Windows 10, which poses significant security risks without updates. Another option is to pay for the Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) for an additional year of support until October 13, 2026, available for a fee or Microsoft reward points.

Winsage

July 18, 2025

Top 6 new features that landed on the Windows 11 Insider Program during the first half of July 2025

During the first half of July 2025, Microsoft released at least six preview builds for Windows 11, including four in the Canary and Beta Channels for version 24H2 and two in the Dev Channel for version 25H2. Notable features introduced include: 1. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR): A feature in build 27898 that minimizes downtime during boot failures by detecting and resolving issues via the Windows Recovery Environment and Windows Update. It is enabled by default on Windows 11 Home and can be configured on Windows 11 Pro. 2. Adaptive Energy Saver: An option in the Energy Saver mode that automatically activates based on system telemetry, available on devices with battery backup starting with build 27898. 3. App Permission Dialog: A redesigned modal that appears centrally on the screen when an app requests special permissions, introduced in build 27898. 4. Administrator Protection: A security feature that generates an authorization dialog for unsigned or untrusted applications seeking elevation, enabling it through Windows Security settings. 5. Passkeys with External Providers: Support for third-party passkey providers, starting with build 26200.5670, allowing users to create and use passkeys with 1Password. 6. Click to Do Image Description: An updated feature in build 26200.5702 that uses AI to describe images, available for Copilot+ PCs, with future support anticipated for Intel and AMD systems.

Tech Optimizer

April 24, 2025

4 things I wish somebody told me about Windows before I switched to it

The ongoing rivalry between Windows and Mac sparks passionate discussions among tech enthusiasts, with users appreciating the unique advantages of each platform. The Apple ecosystem offers limited premium models with consistent performance, while Windows provides a vast array of options, leading to significant performance variability based on specifications. Windows has a large selection of software, but its quality can be inconsistent compared to Apple's App Store. Additionally, Windows is more vulnerable to viruses and online threats, requiring robust antivirus solutions. Users may encounter more error messages and compatibility issues on Windows, necessitating more frequent restarts. Syncing files from an iPhone to a Windows PC can also be challenging for those accustomed to the Apple ecosystem.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

You Can Play Your Favorite Android Mobile Games on Your PC Now

Google has made all mobile Android games accessible on Google Play Games on PC.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google introduces new developer tools and titles for games on mobile and PC

Google has introduced new features for PC and mobile gaming, coinciding with the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Key updates include the transition of Google Play Games for PC from beta to general availability, a dedicated SDK for native PC games, enhanced Play Console for managing game builds, and default availability of mobile games on PC via the Play Store. Optimized games will feature specific icons, and support for AMD-based devices is forthcoming. A new Graphics API named Vilkan will improve frame rates and visual fidelity, and the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) will be enhanced. Developers can launch user acquisition campaigns for mobile emulated and native PC titles, and port their games to Google Play for PC, potentially earning additional revenue. New PC-optimized titles announced include “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “ODIN: VALHALLA RISING.” Google will also bring PC titles like “DREDGE” and “TABS Mobile” to mobile, with “Disco Elysium” to follow. Customizable controls for PC games will be introduced, along with a game sidebar for quick adjustments and multi-account support. Play Points tracking on PC will be simplified, with up to 10x points boosters for purchases.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Google wants to make every Android game playable on PC

Google has launched a beta program for playing Android games on PC, which has gradually expanded compatibility to include thousands of titles.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google Play Games on PC Gets Major Upgrades, More Games, New Play…

Google Play Games on PC will transition from beta to general availability later this year, allowing access to a wide range of Android mobile games unless developers opt-out. Google is expanding compatibility to include AMD laptops and desktops, with plans for integration into the start menu of new devices. Upcoming features include multi-account access, multi-instance support, and a revamped game sidebar. Exclusive PC titles like “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “ODIN: VALHALLA RISING” will be introduced. Games will be labeled as “Optimized” or “Playable” based on performance standards. Google Play Points will have improved tracking and bonuses on PC. Enhanced graphics capabilities will be provided through Vulkan technology. On mobile, new titles such as “DREDGE,” “TABS Mobile,” and “Disco Elysium” will be launched, ensuring PC games are optimized for mobile play.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Google wants games to run smoother and play seamlessly across devices with new updates

Google is making Vulkan the default graphics API for Android, allowing for advanced rendering features like ray tracing and multithreading. The ANGLE driver converts OpenGL games to Vulkan for smoother gameplay. Google Play Games is bringing more PC exclusives to mobile and making mobile games easier to play on desktops.