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Steve Ballmer once trashed Linux as "a cancer" — now it’s saving Windows 10 holdouts
Winsage
July 1, 2026

Steve Ballmer once trashed Linux as “a cancer” — now it’s saving Windows 10 holdouts

In 2001, Steve Ballmer, then CEO of Microsoft, referred to Linux as a "cancer" threatening Microsoft's intellectual property and likened its users to "communist thieves." By 2016, after Microsoft ported SQL Server to Linux, Ballmer expressed enthusiasm for the change and acknowledged that the conflict with open-source had benefited Microsoft's financial success. In 2020, Microsoft President Brad Smith admitted the company had been on the wrong side of history regarding open source and noted the need for change. Microsoft has since embraced open-source technologies, introducing products like Azure Linux 4.0, built on Fedora. As Windows 11's transition becomes difficult for users, advocacy groups have criticized Microsoft for ending support for Windows 10, which could lead to millions of discarded computers. Microsoft extended Windows 10's life through an Extended Security Updates program until October 14, 2026, with a recent announcement pushing it to 2027. Rising hardware costs and design flaws in Windows 11 have led some users to consider alternatives like Linux. A survey revealed that 30% of PCs are still running Windows 10, and a poll showed that 68% of respondents plan to stick with Windows 10 through 2027.
Microsoft hits back at viral MacBook Neo mocking Windows hardware, but the Windows 11 reputation is the real fight
Winsage
July 1, 2026

Microsoft hits back at viral MacBook Neo mocking Windows hardware, but the Windows 11 reputation is the real fight

A viral video comparing Apple's MacBook Neo to a Windows gaming laptop, the HP Victus, received 5.4 million views and was criticized for being an unfair comparison. Microsoft responded by showcasing the Dell XPS 13, emphasizing its features such as a touchscreen, robust build quality, and a starting price of 9 for students. The Dell XPS 13 specifications include a 13.4-inch 2.5K touch display, Intel Core 5 320 processor, 8GB of RAM, and up to 512GB SSD storage. The XPS 13 is positioned as a superior alternative to the MacBook Neo, offering more flexibility in RAM configurations and features that appeal to ultraportable laptop consumers. Despite the hardware advantages of the XPS 13, Microsoft faces challenges with the perception of Windows 11, which may affect consumer sentiment.
Microsoft is finally fixing the Windows 11 taskbar
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Microsoft is finally fixing the Windows 11 taskbar

Windows 11 is introducing a feature that allows users to resize the taskbar, available in the latest builds for Windows Insiders. The new Taskbar Size setting enables customization, allowing toggling between a standard and smaller taskbar, which can also utilize smaller icons. Enhancements have been made to thumbnail previews for cloud files in File Explorer, a OneDrive shortcut issue has been resolved, and system sounds have been improved for dark mode users. Additionally, the Xbox mode has been rebranded to XBOX mode as part of the Windows K2 initiative, which aims to improve performance, design, and reliability in Windows 11.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Microsoft is finally fixing the Windows 11 taskbar

The latest updates for Windows 11, particularly for Windows Insiders, include a new option to resize the taskbar, allowing users to adjust its height and icon size. The "show smaller taskbar buttons" feature has been enhanced to include a "small" setting for the taskbar. Additionally, improvements have been made to File Explorer, including better reliability of thumbnail previews for cloud files, a fix for the OneDrive shortcut, and a correction for the confirmation dialog when deleting files. System sounds have also been improved for dark mode users. The Xbox mode has been rebranded to XBOX mode, and the Windows K2 initiative is focused on addressing various issues within Windows 11.
Steve Ballmer once called Linux a “cancer” — it's funny Windows 10 holdouts may now see it as the cure for Windows 11’s hardware rules and the RAM crisis
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Steve Ballmer once called Linux a “cancer” — it’s funny Windows 10 holdouts may now see it as the cure for Windows 11’s hardware rules and the RAM crisis

Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer initially described Linux as a "cancer" in 2001 but changed his perspective by 2016, supporting Microsoft's decision to port SQL Server to Linux. Microsoft President Brad Smith acknowledged the company's past underestimation of the open-source movement in 2020. Microsoft has integrated open-source solutions into its products, including PowerShell and Visual Studio Code, and launched Azure Linux 4.0. As Microsoft phases out support for Windows 10, critics argue this leads to programmed obsolescence, affecting up to 400 million PCs. Microsoft extended support for Windows 10 through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program until October 14, 2026, with an additional extension through 2027. Rising hardware costs and stringent requirements for Windows 11 hinder many users' transitions. Advocacy groups are encouraging users to consider Linux, highlighting its advantages. Recent surveys show that 30% of HP PCs still run Windows 10, and a poll indicated that 68% of participants plan to stay with Windows 10 through 2027. There is a growing awareness among consumers regarding the potential shift to open-source alternatives like Linux.
Progress! Microsoft is finally giving Windows 11 users the taskbar they actually asked for
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Progress! Microsoft is finally giving Windows 11 users the taskbar they actually asked for

Windows Insiders can now experiment with a new feature that allows them to resize the taskbar in Windows 11. The update includes a toggle for a "small" setting, which decreases the height of the taskbar and enables smaller icons. This feature is part of Windows 11 Experimental Preview Build 26300.8758. Additionally, Microsoft is working on the Windows K2 initiative to address various performance, design, and reliability issues within the operating system.
Set up a new workstation with these All-in-One Windows Copilot+ PC deals up to $400 off at Best Buy
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Set up a new workstation with these All-in-One Windows Copilot+ PC deals up to $400 off at Best Buy

Best Buy is offering discounts on all-in-one (AIO) PCs, including models with Intel's Core 300-series processors. Notable deals include: - HP OmniStudio 27-inch FHD Touchscreen AIO PC with Ryzen AI 7 445, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage for ,219.99 (Reg. ,620) - HP OmniStudio X 27-inch QHD AIO with Core Ultra 7 356H, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage for ,520 (Reg. ,920) - HP OmniStudio X 27-inch 4K UHD AIO with Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD for ,300 (Reg. ,550) - Dell 27-inch 2K IPS touchscreen AIO with Core Ultra 7 3 355, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage for ,450 (Reg. ,660) - Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 27-inch 2K IPS LCD touchscreen with Core Ultra 7 355, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage for ,460 (Reg. ,700) - HP OmniStudio X 27-inch QHD AIO with Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB for ,100 (Reg. ,390) The HP OmniStudio AIO PC is available for ,219.99, down from ,620, featuring a 27-inch Full HD touchscreen, AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage. It includes Copilot+ support and AMD Radeon 840M integrated graphics.
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