legacy Archives

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Windows has a secret database that makes your old games

Microsoft's Windows operating system has developed intricate compatibility mechanisms over decades to ensure that older games can run on modern machines. It maintains compatibility databases that recognize software with known issues and applies specific fixes, known as shims, which adjust the OS's responses to meet the game's expectations without modifying the game's executable. Users can also manually apply fixes through Compatibility settings, allowing them to emulate earlier operating system behaviors and address specific issues. The compatibility shims can modify interactions with APIs, file handling, system privileges, and display scaling. Microsoft provides AppHelp warnings for applications with known compatibility issues and maintains a comprehensive compatibility database located at C:WindowsAppPatch. Users can access this database and explore compatibility settings using the Windows ADK and the Compatibility Administrator tool.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Shoutout to this particular skeleton, who researchers believe is the first confirmed case of being totally obliterated by a trebuchet

Researchers have identified Skeleton 150, believed to be the first confirmed victim of a trebuchet, unearthed during excavations beneath Stirling Castle in Scotland in 1997. This skeleton is part of a collection dating back to the 1300s and shows signs of violent death, including distinct cut marks, puncture wounds, and blunt force trauma. Dr. Buckberry from Historic Environment Scotland presented findings indicating that the unusual burial location beneath the castle chapel suggests these individuals may have died during sieges in the late 13th century. Stirling Castle was a strategic stronghold that fell to Edward I's armies after a siege in 1304, during which the largest trebuchet, "The War Wolf," was used. Dr. Buckberry noted that the extensive damage to Skeleton 150 indicates the individual was likely killed by a siege engine.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Microsoft warns users to install Windows 11’s latest update within 3 days, 400+ security bugs fixed

Windows 11's August 2026 Patch Tuesday update has been released, addressing 421 security vulnerabilities, including 400 specific to the Patch Tuesday release. The update rectifies at least 37 remote code execution bugs and five elevation-of-privilege vulnerabilities. Microsoft advises users to implement the update within three days for security. The update includes fixes for other Microsoft products like Entra, Office, and Teams. Users should verify their Windows 11 build number, with recommended versions being 26200.9168 for 25H2 and 26100.9168 for 24H2. The update is identified as KB5121003 and may require up to two reboots to apply fully. Key areas of focus in the update include the kernel, Remote Desktop, DNS, DHCP, SMB, and Windows Defender Firewall. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of timely updates and recommends limiting the deferral period for quality updates to less than three days.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

The guy who built Windows Task Manager in 1996 just remade it with a cyberpunk vibe — but there’s one big issue for PC users

Dave W. Plummer, a notable figure in programming, contributed significantly to Microsoft by introducing ZIP file support for Windows, adapting Space Cadet Pinball for Windows NT, and creating the Windows Task Manager, which debuted in 1996. He has shared insights from his time at Microsoft through his platform, Dave's Garage. Recently, he released a mockup of a redesigned Task Manager, named "Task Manager OG" (TMOG), which features a cyberpunk aesthetic and is currently available as a beta version for macOS, with a Windows version planned. TMOG combines elements of macOS's Activity Monitor and Windows Task Manager, providing essential system information and deeper diagnostics. The application is described as being half the size of the Windows Task Manager and is available for free download.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

PC Gamer magazine’s new issue is on sale now: Onimusha: Way of the Sword

PC Gamer has an exclusive feature on Onimusha: Way of the Sword, a new action sword-fighting game from Capcom, marking its return after two decades. The magazine includes insights from seven developers and highlights the game's unique swordfight experience. Additionally, it features a 32-page supplement titled PC Gamer's Top 100, showcasing the top 100 games for PC gamers in 2026. The issue also includes an A1 poster of Onimusha, discusses favorite co-op games, and provides hands-on impressions of upcoming titles like The Blood of Dawnwalker and others. It reviews new releases such as Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced and is available in PDF and EPUB formats.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Microsoft’s August update fixes a Windows flaw that’s already being attacked

The upcoming Patch Tuesday is scheduled for September 8th, 2026, during which Microsoft will address over 200 vulnerabilities across Windows platforms, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. Windows 10 users in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will receive updates until October 2027. Among the vulnerabilities, CVE-2026-68820 allows attackers to gain elevated privileges through the Windows auxiliary function driver for Winsock. Microsoft has identified 18 vulnerabilities as critical, including CVE-2026-62878, an RCE vulnerability in the Windows DNS server that can lead to a buffer overflow and code execution without user interaction. Another critical issue is CVE-2026-62893, a UAF vulnerability in the TFTP server of Windows Deployment Services, which allows code injection through UDP port 69. Additionally, CVE-2026-62815, an RCE vulnerability in Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC), permits code execution without user interaction, while CVE-2026-59124, although high risk, is not classified as critical due to the HPC Pack not being enabled by default.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Dawn of War 4 has been delayed: ‘We saw an opportunity to further enhance Dawn of War 4 and deliver the quality of experience we’ve always envisioned’

King Art Games has delayed the release of Dawn of War IV from September 17 to December 3. The Commander Edition will offer early access on November 30, featuring free updates with new maps, the return of Crusade mode, additional commanders, and a mission editor. Two story expansions are also in development.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North Legacy Edition Gets Shadow Drop on Modern Consoles and PC

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North has been re-released on modern consoles and PC, remastered by Aspyr. It is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC, priced at .99 until August 25th, after which it will increase to .99. The remaster features 60fps, bug fixes, and quality of life improvements, including enemy lock-on and character hot swapping. Originally launched in November 2011, the game received mixed reviews, with IGN rating it 7/10. It includes an online co-op feature and a narrative that runs parallel to the events of the books and films. War in the North was the first in the franchise to receive an M for Mature rating. Aspyr hinted at the possibility of more Lord of the Rings re-releases in the future, though specific titles have not been disclosed.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

The Intel Gamer Days Sale Stacks Walmart’s Best Gaming PC Deals With Two Free Upcoming PC Games

The annual Intel Gamer Days Sale is ongoing until September 13, offering customers who purchase eligible gaming PCs or laptops two free AAA games: Star Wars: Galactic Racer, releasing on October 6, and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, debuting on February 12 next year. Buyers will receive instructions to claim a download voucher for the games upon making a qualifying purchase. This promotion is available through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and Walmart. Notable deals include the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme RTX 5070 Gaming PC at Walmart for ,399 after a 0 discount, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus CPU, GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. Additionally, the Gigabyte AORUS Master 16" gaming laptop is priced at ,599 after a 0 discount, equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 HX CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card. Star Wars: Galactic Racer features a unique roguelike campaign, while Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis aims to revitalize the classic 1996 title with fresh gameplay experiences.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Amazon Is Offering a Great Deal on a RTX 5070 Ti Gaming PC, and It Includes Two Upcoming AAA Games

Amazon is offering the Acer Predator Orion 6000 gaming desktop for ,099, which includes free shipping. This gaming PC features an Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF CPU, a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The purchase is part of the Intel Gamer Days Sale, which runs until September 13, and includes two free upcoming PC games: Star Wars: Galactic Racer, releasing on October 6, and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, set for February 12 next year. The RTX 5070 Ti GPU provides excellent 4K gaming performance and is capable of running games at 60fps.