MSN Archives

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft’s 2025 Limted Edition Windows Ugly Sweater celebrates 50 years of nostalgia with Clippy, DOS, MSN, and more— and it’ll sell out fast, so act now!

Microsoft has released the Windows Ugly Sweater for 2025, featuring characters like Clippy and the Paint application in celebration of the company's upcoming 50th anniversary. It is available for purchase through the Microsoft Company Store. The tradition began in 2019 with the Windows XP Ugly Sweater, initially gifted to influencers, and became available to a wider audience in 2020. Subsequent themes included Minesweeper in 2021, Clippy in 2022, and the Windows XP Bliss wallpaper in 2023. There was no Ugly Sweater in 2024, but it has returned for 2025.

Winsage

November 29, 2025

This free program is all I need to make my Windows desktop perfect

Microsoft removed widget support after Windows 7, leading to nostalgia for native desktop widgets. Windows 11 reintroduced widgets, but the implementation was limited and cluttered. Widget Launcher allows users to add and pin customizable widgets directly to their desktops, offering a user-friendly interface and easy installation from the Microsoft Store. It features two skins (light and dark), customizable color settings, and retains data without crashes. The app runs automatically at boot, maintaining desktop layout and settings, and has low resource consumption, rarely exceeding 100 MB of memory usage. The default widget collection includes practical options like a Notes widget, RSS feed widget, and world clock widget, with a free tier that meets most users' needs and a paid tier for additional designs.

Winsage

November 23, 2025

6 classic Windows XP apps I miss

Windows XP was a pivotal moment in personal computing, characterized by a unique charm and user-friendly built-in tools. Six notable applications from this era include: - Windows Movie Maker: A user-friendly video editing tool with drag-and-drop functionality that introduced many to video editing. - Windows Media Player: Known for its clean interface and swift performance, it featured iconic visualizations and a library view that many modern media applications struggle to replicate. - MSN Messenger: A popular messaging tool that allowed for self-expression through custom emoticons and personalized screen names, influencing modern messaging platforms. - Space Cadet Pinball: A built-in game that became a cultural touchstone for Windows XP users, evoking fond memories associated with the operating system. - Winamp: A lightweight music playback application known for its customizable interface and robust performance, creating a personal experience for users. - Microsoft Plus!: A premium customization pack that offered wallpapers, themes, and updates for core applications, adding charm to the operating system. These applications marked a groundbreaking moment in software development, shaping user interactions with technology.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Meta Launches AI Anti-Scam Tools for WhatsApp and Messenger

Meta Platforms Inc. has launched a suite of anti-scam tools for WhatsApp and Messenger to enhance user security amid increasing online fraud. The company has disrupted over 8 million fake accounts this year. The new features include real-time scam alerts for suspicious messages, advanced AI for identifying scam patterns, and enhanced account security measures like passkey support. User education is also prioritized through in-app resources. These tools integrate across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, with contextual pop-ups for reporting suspicious activity. The initiative coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month and aims to address regulatory pressures and user complaints about scams that cost consumers billions. Meta is also blocking malicious domains and collaborating with law enforcement. Concerns about data privacy exist, as the tools focus on metadata to maintain end-to-end encryption. This upgrade represents a significant evolution of Meta’s platforms toward enhanced security.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Microsoft won’t give up on Windows 11’s Widgets board as it gets another UI makeover

The Discover feed on the Widgets board in Windows 11 is being redesigned with rounded corners, multiple dashboards, and curated stories powered by Copilot. Users can customize or disable their Discover feed. This update will be part of the Windows 11 25H2 update. Widgets originated from Windows Vista's Gadgets in 2007, which included mini-apps like weather updates and calendars. Windows 11 reintroduced Widgets as a standalone feature in October 2021, though it has not been as popular as Gadgets. Copilot Discover, announced in June, aims to summarize content from trusted MSN publishers and is currently being tested in Insider builds. The new Widgets board will support multiple dashboards and feature a left-side navigation bar. User feedback on Widgets is mixed, with some finding the design outdated and cluttered. The effectiveness of the Copilot-curated widget will depend on the quality of news selected for users. The rollout of the new features will occur server-side and through updates to the Copilot app, with personalization options available in the Widgets settings.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

Microsoft brings its iconic wallpaper, Clippy and 2000s nostalgia to Crocs

Microsoft has launched a limited edition Crocs bundle celebrating its 50th anniversary, featuring designs inspired by Windows XP's 'Bliss' wallpaper and custom Jibbitz charms representing elements of its legacy, such as Clippy and the Internet Explorer logo. The bundle is available globally following the positive response to the #MicrosoftCrocSweepstakes.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

You can now buy Microsoft’s Windows XP Crocs for $79.95

Microsoft has released limited edition Crocs inspired by Windows XP, available for purchase at its online store for .95. The design features the blue sky and clouds from the Windows XP wallpaper and a green sole. Each pair includes a six-pack of Microsoft Jibbitz charms, such as the MSN logo and Clippy. A Windows XP-themed drawstring backpack is included with each purchase. This initiative was initially introduced to Microsoft employees in August and is part of the company's 50th anniversary celebration. It is not an official partnership with Crocs.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

It’s No Joke: Everyone Can Buy Microsoft’s XP Clippy Crocs Now

Microsoft's XP-themed Crocs are now available for purchase on their online store, celebrating the company's 50th anniversary. The shoes come with a Bliss bag and six Jibbitz charms that reference nostalgic elements from Microsoft's history, including Clippy, the Windows Recycle Bin, the Internet Explorer logo, the original MSN logo, a cursor arrow, and a manila file folder. They are available in sizes for both women (4 to 19) and men (2 to 17). The design features a cloud-filled background reminiscent of the Windows XP wallpaper.

Tech Optimizer

October 6, 2025

Optimizing queries by using observability

The text discusses the importance of tracing and monitoring PostgreSQL queries using OpenTelemetry with Python to improve application efficiency. It provides a code snippet for instrumenting PostgreSQL queries with the Psycopg2 library and OpenTelemetry, allowing developers to track query performance and identify bottlenecks. Additionally, it highlights the need for dynamic alerting thresholds based on observability data to detect performance degradation quickly. Another code snippet is provided for implementing alerts for queries that exceed a specified latency threshold, helping organizations maintain service level agreements (SLAs) and ensure a seamless user experience.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

Microsoft Puts Up Windows XP-Themed Crocs For Giveaway

Microsoft has launched limited-edition Windows XP-themed Crocs to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The design features a solid green sole and a sky blue upper with white cloud patterns inspired by the "Bliss" wallpaper. The footwear will come with a Bliss-themed drawstring backpack and custom shoe charms, including the MSN butterfly logo, the Windows XP pointer, and Clippy. The Crocs are not available for purchase online but can be won through a giveaway on Microsoft's official Instagram page by commenting “#MicrosoftCrocSweepstakes” before October 7.