one-time purchase Archives

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft extends Office support on Windows 10 through 2028

Windows 10 users will lose official support and security updates from Microsoft on October 14, 2025. However, users of Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 will receive updates and support until October 2028. Windows Defender malware definitions will also be available to Windows 10 users through at least October 2028. For perpetually licensed versions of Office, support timelines are as follows: Office 2021 will be supported until October 2026, and Office 2024 until October 2029.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

6 reasons I want Microsoft Plus back, even though I never had it growing up

Microsoft's evolution of Windows has included various enhancements and features over the years, originally exemplified by the Microsoft Plus! add-on package. Key features that could be included in a modern add-on pack are: - Ad-Free Experience: An option to eliminate advertisements from the Windows experience, addressing user frustration with prompts for subscriptions like Microsoft 365 or Game Pass. - Engaging Games: The potential to reintroduce classic games or develop new titles that provide a more engaging gaming experience without microtransactions and ads. - Dynamic Desktop Themes: The ability to create dynamic themes with animated wallpapers and custom frames, allowing for more personalized desktop experiences. - DVD Playback and Codec Support: Inclusion of DVD playback functionality and enhanced codec support for modern formats like H.265 and AV1, along with a transcoding tool for media conversion. - Enhanced Video Editing: Development of a robust, native video editing application similar to Windows Live Movie Maker, with advanced features and support for 4K exports.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

Jim Rossman: Do you really need separate antivirus software? Probably not

A conversation between two friends during a workout revealed insights into personal computing and cybersecurity. One friend was considering purchasing a new Windows PC and evaluating updated antivirus software after using a well-known suite for over a decade. He expressed concerns about the annual subscription model of his previous antivirus, feeling it was a recurring expense without a tangible return. The other friend informed him about the trend of one-time purchase antivirus software, which offers robust protection without ongoing fees, alleviating financial pressure and allowing users to maintain control over their software choices. Key points discussed included the cost-effectiveness of one-time purchases, flexibility in choosing or upgrading software, and enhanced features in newer antivirus programs.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

When Microsoft made the Windows as a Service pivot

Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer discussed the company's shift from paid upgrades to a Windows as a Service model, highlighting the challenges faced after the success of Windows 7 and the disappointing reception of Windows 8. He noted that Microsoft made Windows 10 available as a free upgrade for users of Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, which allowed the company to gather valuable telemetry data while introducing users to subscription services. However, the telemetry raised privacy concerns among users, as it included advertising and upsell mechanisms. Plummer expressed a desire for a version of Windows Pro without telemetry and advertising, indicating he would pay for such a product. He also mentioned that the transition to a service model helped address piracy by offering free upgrades to users with non-genuine copies of Windows.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Why Many Business Owners are Finally Moving on From Microsoft 365

Businesses can purchase Microsoft Office 2024 for a one-time payment of .97, which includes a lifetime license for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. This version does not require subscription fees or auto-renewal and is compatible with both Macs and PCs. It features built-in co-authoring capabilities and AI tools to enhance productivity. The license is linked to a Microsoft account, allowing users to receive updates without ongoing charges.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Pay Just $30 Once and Get Microsoft Office Office for Life

Around 60% of small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are seeking affordable technology solutions, according to McKinsey. Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is currently available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9. This lifetime license includes essential applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with no ongoing subscription fees. Office 2019 is compatible with Windows 10 and 11 and offers improved inking tools, advanced data analysis features in Excel, and new presentation capabilities in PowerPoint. The one-time purchase model eliminates monthly fees and hidden costs, providing long-term stability for users.

BetaBeacon

March 26, 2025

5 Top PlayStation emulators for Android to relive classic games anytime, anywhere

- ePSXe provides a straightforward setup and stable performance for PlayStation emulation on Android. - DuckStation offers broad compatibility with PlayStation games and enhances graphics with OpenGL and Vulkan rendering. - My Boy! is primarily a Game Boy Advance emulator but includes features useful for PlayStation fans. - Lemuroid works as a multi-console emulator supporting PlayStation and other gaming systems. - RetroArch supports multiple consoles, including PlayStation, but requires individual downloads for each system as plugins.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Minecraft Won’t Be Going Free-To-Play, Mojang Says

Minecraft will not transition to a free-to-play model, according to Ingela Garneij, the executive producer. She stated that Microsoft and Mojang believe this approach does not align with the game's design and monetization strategy, which is based on a one-time purchase. Since its launch in May 2009, Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies worldwide and is considered one of the best-selling video games of all time. Microsoft acquired Mojang in 2014 for .5 billion.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Minecraft will not go free-to-play: Mojang defends one-time purchase and core game values

Mojang has confirmed that Minecraft will remain a one-time purchase and will not adopt a free-to-play model. Ingela Garneij, the executive producer, emphasized that changing the business model would deviate from the game's foundational vision and highlighted the importance of accessibility. The company aims to preserve the integrity of the Minecraft experience, contrasting its approach with the monetization strategies of other studios. Agnes Larsson, Game Director of Minecraft Vanilla, supported this view, stating that maintaining these values is crucial to the game's culture and community connection.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Don’t expect Minecraft to go free-to-play anytime soon, as Mojang says “It doesn’t really work with the way we built it”

Minecraft is the best-selling game of all time, maintaining its popularity since its launch in 2011. It has remained a paid title while other games have shifted to a free-to-play model. Minecraft has consistently been on the Nintendo Switch eShop's best-selling list since its 2017 release. Mojang producer Ingela Garneij stated that the game's design and monetization strategy were intended as a one-time purchase, calling it "the best deal in the world." A Minecraft movie featuring Jack Black is in development. The name Minecraft: Pocket Edition was inspired by the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket.