older hardware Archives

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Why I Use simplewall Instead of Windows Firewall (And You Should Too)

Simplewall is a rule-based firewall controller for Windows that enhances the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) without replacing it. It allows users to manage network access for applications and services with a user-friendly interface, supporting advanced features like filtering rules by IP, port, or protocol. Users can create tailored profiles for different scenarios and have comprehensive control over network interactions, including blocking telemetry data and automatic updates. Simplewall is lightweight, portable, and operates without background processes or telemetry, ensuring a straightforward user experience. Setting up simplewall involves downloading it, extracting the files, and enabling filters, allowing users to establish a functional firewall profile quickly. While it offers many advantages, such as being open-source and compatible with older Windows versions, it may be overwhelming for beginners and lacks detailed app profiling compared to premium firewalls.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Microsoft accused of ‘tech extortion’ over Windows 10 support ending in campaign to get people to upgrade to Linux

KDE has launched a campaign called ‘KDE for Windows 10 Exiles’ to encourage Windows 10 users to switch to Linux as support for Windows 10 is set to end on October 14. The campaign warns that without updates, users will face increased security risks and be pressured to buy new hardware for Windows 11, which has stringent requirements that may render older PCs incompatible. The initiative also highlights environmental concerns related to electronic waste from discarded functioning machines. While Linux can extend the life of older hardware, transitioning to it may be challenging for less tech-savvy users. Some KDE contributors are involved in the existing ‘End of 10’ initiative, indicating a shared goal to attract users dissatisfied with Microsoft’s practices.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

KDE opens its doors to “Windows 10 exiles” as it claims Microsoft wants to turn your computer “into junk”

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, leaving users vulnerable to bugs and security threats. Users have options to upgrade to Windows 11, invest in new hardware, or switch to alternative operating systems like Linux. The KDE group is promoting Linux, particularly Linux Mint, as a solution for those feeling abandoned by Microsoft, warning that users may face issues such as data breaches and inability to run new applications without updates. They also highlight the environmental impact of forced upgrades, labeling it "tech extortion." KDE advocates for the adoption of Linux to revitalize older hardware and regain control over computing experiences.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Forget Windows 11, this version of Windows 10 is officially supported until 2032

Microsoft will retire Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive technical support, feature updates, or security patches. Users can upgrade to Windows 11, but not all devices meet its requirements. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of security support for a fee. Another option is the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC edition, which provides a streamlined experience but is not intended for general consumer use and comes with complex licensing requirements. Windows 10 LTSC will receive official support for several years, but as mainstream Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date, software and driver support may decline. Users with older hardware may consider acquiring a Windows 10 LTSC key to extend device functionality, but should weigh the associated challenges.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Updaing your Windows 10 PC? I found a Linux distro that can give it 5 to 10 more years of life

FunOS is a Linux distribution focused on stability, performance, and security, built on Ubuntu LTS. It features a lightweight architecture with Joe's Window Manager, resulting in an idle RAM usage of approximately 250 MB and an installer size of 1.8 GB. The installation process takes less than five minutes, and the desktop layout resembles traditional environments. FunOS lacks a graphical user interface for the package manager and does not include an app store, requiring users to manage software via the command line. Users can install Synaptic for easier software management. FunOS is designed for older Windows 10 machines, offering a practical solution for extending their lifespan without the bloat of heavier operating systems.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

This new Microsoft tool could be the final nail in Windows 10’s coffin

Microsoft has launched Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool designed to assist businesses in securely backing up and restoring Windows settings during the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool is particularly useful for organizations upgrading multiple laptops, as it helps minimize manual adjustments. As of April 2025, 52.9% of Windows users are still on Windows 10, while Windows 11 has a market share of 43.7%. Users are encouraged to back up data before upgrading, and alternatives like Linux are suggested for those hesitant to switch to Windows 11, especially for older hardware.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Forced E-Waste PCs And The Case Of Windows 11’s Trusted Platform

The process of upgrading Windows operating systems was straightforward until Windows 11, which introduced a new requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), potentially rendering many capable PCs obsolete. The TPM is used for boot validation and storing biometric data, but it complicates data recovery and may lock out legitimate users. Users have found ways to bypass Windows 11's TPM and CPU restrictions, allowing installation on unsupported hardware. Microsoft’s enforcement of these requirements remains uncertain, raising concerns about system reliability and user access to updates. Many users are opting to stay on Windows 10 while advocating for continued support from developers.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

This lean Linux distro can give your Windows 10 PC an extra 5 to 10 years of life

FunOS is a Linux distribution built on Ubuntu LTS, focusing on stability, performance, and security. It has an idle RAM usage of approximately 250 MB and an installer size of 1.8 GB, making it suitable for older hardware. The installation process is straightforward, taking about five minutes. FunOS features a familiar desktop layout but lacks a graphical user interface for the package manager and does not include an app store. Users can install Synaptic via the terminal for software management. FunOS is designed for users with older Windows 10 machines, aiming to extend their lifespan while prioritizing a simple and efficient user experience.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

3 reasons Windows 11 is the best advertisement Linux ever had

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 support for installation, creating compatibility issues for users with older hardware, even if the hardware is otherwise capable of running the OS. Many users are still on Windows 10 as the support deadline approaches, with some considering Linux as an alternative since it does not impose TPM 2.0 restrictions. Linux distributions can be installed on machines lacking TPM 2.0, allowing users to retain their existing hardware. Older CPUs, typically from Intel's 7th generation or earlier, are often incompatible with Windows 11 but can run Linux efficiently, sometimes improving application performance. Linux offers more customization and less bloat compared to Windows, appealing to users frustrated with Windows 11's limitations. The shift to Windows 11 has prompted some users to explore Linux as a viable alternative.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

The ‘End of 10’ is nigh, but don’t bury your PC just yet

The "End of 10" website is a collaborative initiative aimed at educating users about alternatives to purchasing new computers as Windows 10 approaches its end of life. The official launch is set for May 28, and the site features a comprehensive list of over 70 locations worldwide for Linux support, with a significant concentration in Germany. Recent data shows that Windows 11 has a market share of 16.5%, while Windows 10 has 15.5%. Approximately 400 million Windows 10 machines cannot upgrade due to hardware limitations. The UK's Consumer Association magazine suggests converting to ChromeOS Flex for those unable to upgrade or purchase new hardware. Which? recommends Ubuntu for users willing to learn a new system, and alternatives like Linux Mint or Ubuntu flavors are suggested for those transitioning from Windows. The discussion also mentions the longevity of Windows 10 LTSC and the maturity of tools like Snap and systemd in recent years.