late 1990s Archives

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Russian Lawmakers Authorize Creation Of National Messaging Service

Russian lawmakers passed legislation on June 10 to establish a national instant messaging service, envisioned as a multifunctional information exchange service similar to WhatsApp. The service aims to facilitate bureaucratic and legal functions, including electronic document signing. VK, a Kremlin-aligned social media platform, is reportedly developing a new digital platform named Max, which will include chat, messaging, and payment services. The Russian government has previously launched the Gosuslugi e-government service portal, which serves around 100 million citizens and is being integrated with VK. President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for the new messaging service, instructing officials to transition services from government agencies to the platform.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

How To Dual Boot Linux and Windows on any PC

The process of installing Linux has evolved from text-based installers in the late 1990s to user-friendly graphical installers in distributions like Ubuntu and OpenSUSE. Users can start with a single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi or set up a dual-boot configuration with Windows and Linux using a custom boot menu called GRUB. It is advisable to back up the drive before installation to prevent data loss. To create a Linux Install USB, users need to download an ISO image of the Linux distribution and use Rufus to write it onto a USB drive of at least 8GB. The steps include selecting the USB drive, choosing the Linux OS, selecting the GPT partition scheme, and writing the OS in ISO image mode. For dual-boot installation, users should insert the USB drive, boot from it, and select “Try or Install Ubuntu” from the GRUB menu. After testing hardware functionality, the installation process involves selecting language, configuring accessibility, choosing keyboard layout, connecting to the Internet, and selecting installation options. Users must choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” and allocate space for each operating system. After installation, users need to adjust BIOS settings to ensure the system boots from the Linux installation. This includes selecting the Boot menu, setting the Linux install as Boot Option 1, and saving the changes. Upon rebooting, users can select their Linux OS from the GRUB menu and verify the functionality of both operating systems.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

The Best PC Games Right Now (2025)

PC gaming in 2025 features a mix of innovative remasters, indie titles, and new intellectual properties, providing a wide range of experiences for gamers. The most played games on Steam include Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, and Dota 2, with Counter-Strike 2 leading in player engagement due to its esports scene. Notable new releases include Blue Prince, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, and Promise Mascot Agency. Other popular games outside Steam are Minecraft, Fortnite, and Valorant. Genre-specific leaders include South of Midnight for action, Myst (Remastered) for adventure, and Street Fighter 6 for fighting. Upcoming anticipated titles include Grand Theft Auto 6 and Elden Ring: Nightreign. Trends in 2025 highlight esports engagement, indie innovation, purposeful remakes, and cinematic storytelling. Last Epoch's Season 2 update has revitalized player interest with new content and enhancements. The year 2019 was significant for PC gaming, with acclaimed titles like Resident Evil 2, Control, and Disco Elysium, and marked by the influence of digital distribution platforms.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

As Microsoft Turns 50, Bill Gates Gives A Rewind Of His Early Days

Bill Gates shared rare throwback photographs on Instagram to commemorate Microsoft's 50th anniversary, reflecting on his early days with the company. Gates humorously described the images as part of his "awkward photo shoots" era and expressed gratitude towards Microsoft. He co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen after dropping out of Harvard. Gates led the company through significant developments, including the creation of the MS-DOS operating system and Windows. He stepped down as CEO in 2000 and left Microsoft's board in 2020. Microsoft has become one of the leading tech giants, celebrating its history and future aspirations on its website.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Need a Windows 10 alternative? Still miss XP? This Linux distro is for you

Since the late 1990s, the journey through Linux and open-source technology has aimed to simplify the operating system for newcomers, especially those transitioning from Windows. The Q40S distribution, also known as XPQ4, offers rethemed versions that mimic Windows 10 or Windows XP. Q40S is based on Debian, and XPQ4 provides the Windows-like appearance. FreeXP resembles Windows XP, while Free10 mirrors Windows 10. The FreeXP version includes the Bliss Wallpaper and a familiar Start button, while Free10 aligns more closely with Windows 10. The installation of Free10 is straightforward, and it features a quality interface that captures the essence of Windows 10. The Q40S Welcome Screen offers access to various tools, including the Desktop Profile tool for alternative desktop environments. Free10 presents a standard KDE Plasma menu with a Windows 10-like twist. Users can customize the bottom panel and themes, but changing the theme may detract from the Windows 10 experience. Application installation differs from Windows, requiring Wine for .exe files, while KDE Discover provides a user-friendly interface for installing applications. Free10 does not have Flatpak support enabled by default, but it can be added. Free10 is suitable for those transitioning from Windows 10 to a cost-free operating system with ongoing support and security. It can be downloaded and installed on multiple computers, making it a reliable alternative to traditional operating systems.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Bill Gates says he’d “hide from the press” if former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer traded “the new and hot OS” for Windows 10

Mark Cuban humorously compared the hypothetical trading of Mavericks player Luka Dončić to Microsoft trading Windows 11 for Windows 10 during a conversation with Bill Gates. Gates reflected on his journey with Microsoft, admitting he didn't recognize the company's success until the late 1990s. As Microsoft plans to phase out Windows 10 by October 14, 2025, it still holds a 60.33% market share compared to Windows 11's 36.65%. Many users prefer Windows 10 due to factors such as the current state of the PC market, strict system requirements for Windows 11, and reported design flaws in Windows 11. A public interest research group has filed a petition against ending support for Windows 10, citing that over 40% of users still rely on it. Microsoft remains committed to its timeline, but users can extend support for Windows 10 through the Extended Security Updates program for an additional year.

Tech Optimizer

December 19, 2024

McAfee vs Norton: Which Antivirus Software Is Best?

The rivalry between Norton and McAfee has influenced the antivirus market for decades. Norton Antivirus Plus has a rating of 4.8 out of 5, while McAfee Total Protection has a rating of 4.7 out of 5. Norton offers excellent AV and malware protection, scanning speed, and very good false positive management, while McAfee excels in false positive reduction and includes features like a VPN, firewall, and identity monitoring. Norton typically retails for a certain price per year for five devices but is currently available at a discounted rate, along with a seven-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee. McAfee Total Protection lists at a higher price but is often discounted, with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Norton includes 2 GB of cloud backup and a password manager, while McAfee offers various tiers with additional features like AI-powered tools and enhanced identity theft protection. Users should choose Norton for cost-effectiveness and included cloud backup, while McAfee is preferable for lower system resource usage and fewer false positives. Both products are sufficient on their own, and installing both may cause conflicts.

AppWizard

October 7, 2024

Iconic Dungeons & Dragons RPG Planescape: Torment was a ‘B-Team’ project that started life as 3 different games⁠—including a 3D dungeon crawler

Robert Zak's retrospective in PC Gamer explores the history of Planescape: Torment, detailing its development by a small team at Interplay during the late 1990s. Feargus Urquhart, then leading Interplay's RPG division, recalls the chaotic atmosphere of 1996-1997, when multiple Planescape projects were underway. Lead artist Tim Donley and other team members were initially unfamiliar with the Planescape setting. Lead designer Chris Avellone's enigmatic presence added intrigue, while team members like Eric Campanella and Dennis Presnell contributed through hands-on experimentation. An early demonstration at BioWare impressed CEO Ray Muzyka, highlighting the game's groundbreaking quality. The full retrospective will be available in issue 390 of PC Gamer.

Winsage

October 6, 2024

I might switch to macOS permanently if these 7 things aren’t fixed about Windows

Approximately 72% of personal computers were running some version of Windows as of February 2024. Microsoft has introduced intrusive advertising in Windows, including ads on the Start menu and prompts to upgrade to Windows 11. The Start menu's search functionality often prioritizes web results over local files, complicating the search process. Windows adds new icons to the taskbar without user consent, cluttering the workspace. Microsoft has offloaded support documents online, which can be inconvenient for users with unreliable internet access. Users are frequently pushed to use Microsoft services like Bing and Edge, overriding their preferences. The integration of OneDrive for backing up desktop contents can lead to broken shortcuts and a disjointed experience across devices. Microsoft has retired applications like Paint 3D and WordPad, disrupting the workflows of users who relied on these tools.

AppWizard

September 8, 2024

How Jack Black became the world’s highest-paid children’s entertainer

Fans of Minecraft reacted with mixed emotions to the first trailer for the upcoming movie adaptation, drawing comparisons to the successful Super Mario Bros. Movie. The 80-second teaser, featuring live-action and CGI, received skepticism due to uninspired dialogue and Jason Momoa's appearance. Jack Black's portrayal of Steve was criticized for lacking energy and charisma. Despite past box office successes, including Kung Fu Panda 4 and the Jumanji reboots, Black's recent role in Borderlands was poorly received. Additionally, he faced backlash from the dissolution of his band Tenacious D. Black's career has seen a decline from his earlier chaotic charm to more family-friendly roles, raising concerns about his commitment to acting. The Minecraft Movie is scheduled for release in April 2025.