Antivirus Survivors 2003 Professional is a game inspired by Vampire Survivors, where players control a computer mouse cursor in a whimsical world where Windows XP icons have turned against them. The gameplay involves navigating through challenging foes while attacking and leveling up. The game features a faux operating system aesthetic, requiring players to double-click on options and interact with various icons, some of which may slow down gameplay or obscure visibility. The game includes imaginative weapons like a bouncing DVD logo and a firewall for protection. It embraces early 2000s computing culture and is anticipated for release in Q2 of this year, with a demo available online.
Keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11 include:
- Ctrl + c: Copy the selected text or file.
- Ctrl + v: Paste the last item from the clipboard.
- Ctrl + x: Cut the selected item.
- Ctrl + z: Undo your last change.
- Ctrl + y: Redo what was undone with Ctrl + z.
- Alt + Tab: Switch between open windows on the desktop.
- Copilot key1: Open Copilot, the AI assistant.
For screen capturing using the Snipping Tool:
- Windows logo key + Shift + s: Open Snipping Tool overlay for image capture.
- Windows logo key + Shift + r: Open Snipping Tool overlay for video capture.
- Print Screen (PrtSc): Take a static image snapshot of the entire screen.
For managing windows and multitasking:
- Snap to the left: Windows logo key + left arrow.
- Snap to the right: Windows logo key + right arrow.
- Maximize: Windows logo key + up arrow.
- Minimize: Windows logo key + down arrow.
For managing virtual desktops:
- Create a desktop: Windows logo key + Ctrl + D.
- Switch between desktops: Windows logo key + Ctrl + left/right arrow.
- Close the current desktop: Windows logo key + Ctrl + F4.
- Show desktops in the taskbar: Windows logo key + Tab.
Remedy Entertainment released a significant patch for Alan Wake Remastered on PC on February 26, introducing several enhancements. Key updates include the addition of HDR, improved DLSS capabilities, and unlocked frame rates ranging from 200 FPS to 240 FPS. Gameplay improvements feature a command to skip the intro, refined camera functionality, and optimized weapon swapping. Visual enhancements include a new optional camera style, upgraded SDR to 10-bit, corrected FOV scaling, and fixes for rendering errors. UI updates consist of a new setting to scale the gameplay UI and resolution of multiple mouse input issues. There are no announcements for similar updates on console versions.
Microsoft has released a non-security feature preview update for Windows 11, designated as version KB5077241, which introduces performance and visual enhancements. This optional update is available for all Windows 11 users and is not yet part of the stable channel, with a full release expected on March 10.
Key features of the update include:
1. A built-in network speed test accessible via the taskbar, allowing users to evaluate their network connection's performance.
2. Improvements to the taskbar search function, enabling result previews without opening additional windows.
3. Minor system upgrades, including backup and restore options for select Windows Professional devices, new emojis, an updated accounts menu, a built-in system monitor, and a revamped widgets settings menu.
4. Enhancements to printing services, nearby sharing features, and Windows Update, along with new camera settings for supported devices.
5. Performance improvements in File Explorer, including more reliable window opening using shortcuts and the introduction of an "Extract All" option for non-ZIP archived folders.
6. Optimizations in the Network page of File Explorer for better device display and improvements in display responsiveness after sleep.
Microsoft offers two alternatives to the built-in Windows 11 search feature: PowerToys Run and Command Palette.
PowerToys Run is a versatile launcher that allows users to search for files, settings, websites, and execute terminal commands.
Command Palette functions similarly to PowerToys Run and macOS Spotlight, enabling users to search their PC, run commands, and open webpages.
A recent update on GitHub introduced a lightning-fast mode for these tools, which reduces visual distractions during result list updates, selects the first interactable result promptly, removes selection indicator animations, and adds a "Results" section header for consistent visuals.
The latest version of PowerToys also includes a new utility called "CursorWrap," which allows the mouse cursor to wrap around the screen edges, with options for horizontal or vertical use.
Users of the classic Outlook desktop email client have reported that the mouse pointer disappears while navigating the application. This issue has led to numerous complaints on social media, with users expressing frustration over workflow disruptions. Microsoft has acknowledged that the cursor vanishes when hovering over the Outlook interface, although email color changes can still be seen. Similar reports have been noted for OneNote and other Microsoft 365 applications. Microsoft recommends that affected users have their administrators open a support case with the Outlook Support Team to submit diagnostic log files for troubleshooting. Temporary workarounds include selecting an email to prompt the pointer to reappear, opening PowerPoint and returning to Outlook, or restarting the computer. Many users are hesitant to switch from the Windows Mail and Calendar apps to the new Outlook app due to concerns about feature parity and design aesthetics.
Many developers are turning to TUI (Text User Interface) tools for tasks traditionally done in GUI applications.
MONICA is an interactive layer over ffmpeg that simplifies command usage, available on GitHub.
The lic tool allows users to create a LICENSE file with a single terminal command by selecting a license from a TUI menu. It can be installed via Homebrew or pip and debuted in late December 2024, receiving 21 stars.
PNANA is a TUI editor that combines the simplicity of nano with features from modern editors like Sublime, built with C++17 and FTXUI. Users need to compile it from source as no binary releases are available.
CodeWeaver compiles a codebase into a single Markdown document, allowing for easy sharing and documentation. It can be installed via Go.
Clox (version 1.3) introduces console clocks and calendars in the terminal, supporting various time zones and formats, and can be installed as a Python module.
Torrra v2 is a TUI torrent client that allows users to search and download torrents directly from the console, enhancing UI speed and navigation. It can be installed via pipx or other package managers.
A command for visualizing git history in the terminal is provided: `git log --graph --decorate --all --pretty=format:'%C(auto)%h%d %C(#888888)(%an; %ar)%Creset %s'`. An alias can be created for convenience.
All tools aim to enhance productivity in the terminal and are actively evolving.
Windows versions in the past provided a unique offline experience, allowing users to explore a variety of local applications that were integral to daily life. Key applications included:
- Microsoft Solitaire (Windows 3.0): Introduced many to card games and mouse navigation, evolving from a tutorial to a beloved pastime with simple mechanics.
- Windows Sound Recorder (Windows 3.0): Launched in 1990, it allowed users to capture audio, creating a space for creativity and basic audio editing.
- Minesweeper (Windows 3.1): A grid-based game that taught patience and risk assessment through its engaging gameplay.
- Paintbrush (Windows 1.0): Released in 1985, it served as a simple digital art tool, enabling users to express creativity and learn design fundamentals.
- 3D Pinball: Space Cadet (Windows 95): Bundled with Microsoft Plus! 95, it transformed computer classes into enjoyable experiences with engaging gameplay.
These applications were valued for their presence and ability to provide comfort and entertainment without the complexities of modern technology.
PC Gamer has released a new collection of quizzes focused on gaming trivia, including topics like health bars, currencies, and patch notes. The latest quiz centers on downloadable content (DLC) in PC gaming, featuring 20 questions that require participants to identify games associated with specific DLCs. The quiz starts easy and increases in difficulty, aiming to challenge even experienced gamers. Players can share their results and favorite DLCs after completing the quiz.
