operating systems

Winsage
June 18, 2025
Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting an estimated 200 to 400 million devices that will no longer receive updates or patches, exposing them to security vulnerabilities. Transitioning to Windows 11 requires modern hardware specifications, which many older devices lack. Users must decide between investing in new hardware, opting for extended security updates, or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux. The Document Foundation advocates for Linux and LibreOffice as viable alternatives, emphasizing their ability to run on older hardware and providing robust security updates. Linux offers users greater control and transparency, addressing privacy concerns associated with proprietary systems. LibreOffice supports open document formats, ensuring long-term accessibility without vendor constraints. The end of Windows 10 support may prompt significant shifts in the tech industry, encouraging a move towards systems that prioritize sustainability and user rights.
Winsage
June 17, 2025
Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving an estimated 200 to 400 million devices vulnerable to security risks due to a lack of updates. Users must choose between upgrading to Windows 11, which has strict hardware requirements, paying for extended security updates, or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux. The Document Foundation advocates for Linux and LibreOffice as viable options, emphasizing their ability to run on older hardware and provide robust security updates without vendor lock-in. Privacy concerns regarding data collection by major tech companies are highlighted, with Linux offering users greater control and transparency. The transition away from Windows 10 is seen as an opportunity to promote user empowerment and sustainability in technology choices.
Winsage
June 17, 2025
Discord has developed a new client called Discord Messenger, which allows users on legacy systems such as Windows XP, Windows 95, and NT 3.1 to access the platform. This project utilizes the Discord API as a web application, enabling third-party client development without repercussions from Discord. The developers overcame challenges related to TLS encryption compatibility and crafted shims for API calls absent in older systems. They also addressed runtime issues on Windows NT 3.1 by backporting features from the original operating system.
Winsage
June 17, 2025
Test builds of Windows 11 have encountered a bug that changes the startup sound to the Windows Vista (and Windows 7) melody instead of the expected Windows 11 sound. This issue was highlighted by a Windows tester named Xeno and confirmed by Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc, who noted it as a glitch. The bug appears to have resulted from someone experimenting with the sound files.
Winsage
June 16, 2025
Schleswig-Holstein, the northernmost state of Germany, is eliminating all Microsoft products from its public offices, with the transition starting in 2023 and concluding by the end of 2025. The state is moving away from Microsoft tools, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, in favor of open-source alternatives like LibreOffice and Linux-based operating systems. This decision is influenced by the geopolitical climate and aims to achieve greater digital independence while avoiding high licensing fees associated with Microsoft products. The potential savings could reach tens of millions of euros. Neighboring Danish cities, such as Copenhagen and Aarhus, are also considering similar transitions. However, challenges include interoperability issues and the need for employee retraining during the transition.
Winsage
June 16, 2025
Users of the Windows 11 Dev Channel have experienced a glitch in build 26200.5651, where the boot sound has been mistakenly replaced with the Windows Vista chime. This error is linked to the imageres.dll file, and Microsoft has acknowledged it in the release notes, stating they are working on a fix. Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider team humorously commented on the situation, while community reactions have included amusement and nostalgia regarding the Vista boot sound.
Winsage
June 16, 2025
The latest beta builds of Windows 11 have a glitch that swaps the startup sound with that of Windows Vista. This issue was reported by tester XenoPanther, who found that the .WAV file for the startup sound had been replaced. Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider Program confirmed the bug, humorously suggesting it was a response to user nostalgia for Vista, but clarified it was not intentional. The cause of the sound swap is unclear, with speculation about it being a playful act by an employee. Microsoft is working to fix the glitch.
Winsage
June 16, 2025
Microsoft has introduced two options for users of unsupported PCs to transition to Windows 11: a paid OneDrive service for cloud storage and a new Windows Migration feature for free PC-to-PC transfers. The Windows Backup functionality is being enhanced with a dedicated Migration tool, currently in testing, which includes a hidden option for transferring information to a new PC. The "Transfer" tool is similar to the Windows Easy Transfer utility from Windows 7, allowing users to move files and settings between computers via wired or wireless connections. Users will need to confirm their PC's name during the transfer process, which requires both computers to be on the same network. The transfer process involves generating a code on one PC for pairing with the other. Microsoft has confirmed the testing of the new Windows Migration feature for Windows 11, and there are suggestions for users unable to upgrade to replace their old Windows 10 PCs and use the Migration feature. The PC Health app prompts users to run the Windows Backup app to save essential data before upgrading to Windows 11.
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