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10 Facts you probably didn't know about Windows as Microsoft turns 50
Winsage
March 31, 2025

10 Facts you probably didn’t know about Windows as Microsoft turns 50

- Windows was originally named "Interface Manager" before being changed to "Windows" prior to its launch in 1985. - Early versions of Windows (1.0, 2.0, and 3.x) operated on top of MS-DOS and required users to boot into MS-DOS before launching the graphical interface. - The Briefcase folder was an early tool for synchronizing files between computers, which became obsolete with the rise of cloud storage solutions. - Prior to Windows XP, user profiles were basic and lacked robust security; full user accounts were implemented with Windows NT. - Several applications from Windows 1.0, including Calculator, Paint, Notepad, Clock, and Control Panel, are still present in Windows 11 in modernized forms. - The "Format" dialog in File Explorer has used the same code for over 30 years, although updates for FAT32 support are being developed. - TrueType fonts were introduced in Windows 3.1 in 1992 through a licensing agreement with Apple, improving font rendering quality. - The "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" shortcut was created by IBM engineer David Bradley as a debugging tool and later adopted by Microsoft for secure attention sequences in Windows NT. - Windows 1.0 required a minimum of 256KB of RAM at its launch in 1985, while Windows 11 requires at least 4GB.
An open-source Windows alternative you've probably never heard of just got updated
Winsage
March 26, 2025

An open-source Windows alternative you’ve probably never heard of just got updated

ReactOS 0.4.15 is the largest release to date, focusing on compatibility, bug fixes, and improved system stability. It introduces new features such as registry mechanisms, enhanced security, and improvements to system tools. The release supports 64-bit x86 architecture and includes significant updates to the Plug and Play Manager, audio enhancements, and better memory management. Users can now boot from USB devices and utilize more third-party drivers. The update also features quality-of-life improvements in tools like Notepad and Paint, and a new visual style. Future upgrades are promised, including power management and UEFI support. ReactOS 0.4.15 is available for download, but it remains in alpha status.
5 Windows tools and apps you can't find on other operating systems
Winsage
March 25, 2025

5 Windows tools and apps you can’t find on other operating systems

Certain features remain exclusive to the Windows operating system, offering unique functionalities not available on Mac or Linux. Microsoft has developed tools like PowerToys, which includes nearly 20 utilities enhancing Windows functionality, and Windows Sandbox, providing a secure environment for testing applications. Windows Notepad serves as a basic note-taking and coding app with features like spellcheck and autocorrect. The Snipping Tool allows users to capture screenshots and extract text from images, while the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables seamless access to both Windows and Linux environments. These tools are designed to enhance productivity and provide significant advantages for Windows users.
Forget Windows 11 -- ReactOS, the Microsoft-free Windows operating system, just got a massive update! Download it now
Winsage
March 24, 2025

Forget Windows 11 — ReactOS, the Microsoft-free Windows operating system, just got a massive update! Download it now

ReactOS is an open-source project aimed at providing a free and compatible replacement for Windows, eliminating unwanted features like telemetry and advertisements. The latest update, ReactOS 0.4.15, is the first major release in over three years and includes enhancements such as Plug and Play fixes, audio improvements, memory management tweaks, registry healing, and upgrades to essential tools like Notepad and Paint. This version has nearly eight times the number of commits compared to 0.4.14. Future plans for ReactOS include UEFI support, symmetric multiprocessing, a new graphical installer, a new NTFS filesystem driver, power management capabilities, and support for newer applications. ReactOS 0.4.15 is available for download.
You Can Try Notepad’s New AI Summarizer in Windows 11 Now (If You Pay)
Winsage
March 18, 2025

You Can Try Notepad’s New AI Summarizer in Windows 11 Now (If You Pay)

Microsoft is enhancing its Notepad and Snipping Tool applications in Windows 11 with new AI features. Notepad now includes a Summarize feature that allows users to summarize text by using the Copilot menu or pressing Ctrl-M, but it requires a Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot Pro AI credits for full access. Additionally, Notepad will show recently opened files, accessible via File > Recent, and users can clear this list if desired. The updates are part of Notepad version 11.2501.29.0. The Snipping Tool has been updated to allow users to draw arrows that automatically convert into straight lines with pointers, streamlining the annotation process, available in Snipping Tool version 11.2502.18.0. To access these features, users must join the Windows Insider program and may need to run unstable builds of Windows 11.
Snipping Tool and Notepad app updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders
Winsage
March 14, 2025

Snipping Tool and Notepad app updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Windows 11 is rolling out updates for the Snipping Tool and Notepad for users in the Canary and Dev Channels. The Snipping Tool (version 11.2502.18.0) introduces a "draw & hold" feature that allows users to create clean lines and shapes by holding the cursor or pen still before releasing. It also includes a new protocol launch experience for developers, enabling customization of capture features when invoked from applications. Notepad (version 11.2501.29.0) adds a generative AI feature for summarizing selected text and a "recent files" feature in the File menu for quick access to recently closed documents. Users can clear the recent files list or disable the feature in app settings. These updates are currently rolling out, and availability may vary among Insiders.
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