personal computing Archives

Winsage

February 20, 2025

Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Home: which version is right for you?

Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home are two primary versions of Windows 11, each catering to different user needs. Windows 11 Pro allows for up to 2TB of RAM and 128 CPU cores, while Windows 11 Home is limited to 128GB of RAM and 64 CPU cores. Pro includes additional features for networking, security, and management, which may not significantly impact everyday performance for typical users but can enhance performance for those using virtual machines. Support for both versions is available through online resources, phone support, and in-app help, but Pro users may receive quicker responses and more specialized assistance due to dedicated support options. In terms of pricing, Windows 11 Home is more budget-friendly, while Windows 11 Pro is priced higher due to its advanced features aimed at professionals and businesses. Upgrading from Home to Pro is possible for a fee, and there are differences between OEM and retail versions. Windows 11 Home is suited for average users and families, while Windows 11 Pro is tailored for advanced users and professionals, offering enhanced security, device management, and connectivity features.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

The Windows 95 setup was text-based for a good reason, Microsoft employee reveals

When installing Windows 95, users encountered a text-based environment rather than a graphical interface. The Windows development team integrated three distinct operating system environments to streamline the installation process. MS-DOS had limited graphical capabilities, requiring the setup team to potentially develop a graphics library from scratch. The minimum requirements for Windows 95 included a VGA video card, and the setup program needed to support ideogram-based languages and simple animations. The final setup utilized the Windows 3.1 runtime, which managed graphics under MS-DOS. This practice of code recycling continues in contemporary Windows versions, which require a "miniature" operating system known as the Windows Preinstallation Environment for setup and repair purposes.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

This Surface Laptop 7 with Snapdragon is “basically perfect,” and it’s almost half the price of the Surface Laptop 7 with Intel

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 is currently priced at 9.99, reflecting a 0 reduction from its standard retail price due to President's Day sales. It features a Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The laptop has received a perfect score in reviews for its design, keyboard, display, and performance. It has undergone a design refresh that allows for easier repairs, with replaceable components available for purchase from Microsoft. The Snapdragon processors provide exceptional battery life and performance, making the Surface Laptop 7 a cost-effective choice compared to the entry-level Intel variant, which retails at ,499.99.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Which Copilot+ PC is better for you?

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 features two variants: one powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chipset and the other by Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) chipset. The Qualcomm model starts at 9 for the 13.8-inch version and ,299 for the 15-inch version, while the Intel variant starts at ,499 for the 13.8-inch model and is projected to be around ,799 for the 15-inch model. Both models offer up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, with identical display options of a 13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touchscreen and a 15-inch (2496 x 1664) 120Hz touchscreen. The Intel model has a USB-A 3.2 port, while the Qualcomm model has a USB-A 3.1 port. Battery life estimates suggest up to 22 hours of video playback for the Qualcomm model and up to 12 hours for the Intel model. Initial performance tests indicate that the Snapdragon X Elite has a multi-core score of 14,426, while Intel models are expected to score between 11,033 and 11,125. The Qualcomm model demonstrated a practical battery life of 15 hours and 44 minutes under web browsing conditions. Compatibility with Windows on Arm applications is improving, but notable gaps remain, such as the lack of a native Steam app. The Intel variant will be available starting February 18, 2025.

Tech Optimizer

December 19, 2024

McAfee vs Norton: Which Antivirus Software Is Best?

The rivalry between Norton and McAfee has influenced the antivirus market for decades. Norton Antivirus Plus has a rating of 4.8 out of 5, while McAfee Total Protection has a rating of 4.7 out of 5. Norton offers excellent AV and malware protection, scanning speed, and very good false positive management, while McAfee excels in false positive reduction and includes features like a VPN, firewall, and identity monitoring. Norton typically retails for a certain price per year for five devices but is currently available at a discounted rate, along with a seven-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee. McAfee Total Protection lists at a higher price but is often discounted, with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Norton includes 2 GB of cloud backup and a password manager, while McAfee offers various tiers with additional features like AI-powered tools and enhanced identity theft protection. Users should choose Norton for cost-effectiveness and included cloud backup, while McAfee is preferable for lower system resource usage and fewer false positives. Both products are sufficient on their own, and installing both may cause conflicts.

Tech Optimizer

December 13, 2024

McAfee Plus review

McAfee, founded in 1987, is a pioneer in cybersecurity, known for introducing antivirus software. McAfee Plus offers features like antivirus protection, real-time threat prevention, a VPN, a password manager, and identity theft protection. The annual subscription is currently priced at .99, down from .99. The McAfee Plus Advanced plan costs .99 annually, offering identity theft coverage up to million, while the Ultimate plan is priced at .99 annually, adding bank account takeover monitoring and up to 0,000 in ransomware coverage. Family plans start at .99 annually, providing individual identity monitoring and up to million in coverage per adult member. McAfee Plus includes 24/7 monitoring, a secure VPN for online banking, and parental controls. Competitors include Norton 360, Bitdefender Total Security, and Trend Micro Maximum Security, each with distinct features and performance characteristics. McAfee offers various support options, including a Support Center, community forums, direct assistance via phone and chat, and tutorial videos.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Despite the tighter security precautions, I’m still never using Recall on Windows 11

Consumers have been using Microsoft's Copilot+ computers for nearly six months, during which the AI-driven Recall feature was launched in May. Recall allows users to save snapshots of their activities for later retrieval, but many users are hesitant to adopt it due to initial security concerns. Despite Microsoft's assurances of improved security, including on-device storage and encryption, users remain skeptical about privacy and the potential for mishaps involving sensitive information. The feature's perceived benefits are overshadowed by concerns about its intrusiveness and the effectiveness of Windows Search, which many find inadequate. Recall's initial rollout faced backlash due to security flaws that allowed users on the same device to access each other's data, leading Microsoft to change it to an opt-in feature and enhance security measures. This history of security issues has caused some users to reconsider their reliance on Windows and explore alternatives like Linux or macOS.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

6 reasons Windows is still the best desktop operating system for everyone

Windows is the leading desktop operating system, known for its familiarity, extensive hardware choices, better hardware compatibility, effective window management, robust app ecosystem, and dominance in gaming. Windows has a long-standing presence in personal computing, making it intuitive for users. It supports a wide range of devices, ensuring compatibility with numerous peripherals and components. Windows 11 offers multitasking features that enhance productivity, and it has a vast library of applications. Additionally, it remains the premier platform for gaming, with most games optimized for Windows.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

Long wait for Windows 365 Link PCs, but the wallpapers are already yours

Microsoft's Windows 365 Link PC operates without a standalone operating system, booting directly from the cloud via Windows 365. It is currently available to select business customers in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the US through a preview program, with full availability expected in April 2025. The price for the device and a Windows 365 cloud PC subscription is set at .99. Windows 365 Link wallpapers, featuring variations in shades of blue and a soft-glow aesthetic, are available for download, including a dark version, both in high-quality 4K images.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

Bill Gates Introduced Windows 41 Years Ago Today: Here’s How Much You’d Have If You Invested $1000 In Microsoft When It Went Public

Bill Gates unveiled Windows on November 10, 1983, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, marking the beginning of a software revolution in personal computing. Initially projected for release in April 1984, Windows faced development delays and was ultimately launched in November 1985. Despite early skepticism, Windows 1.0 laid the groundwork for future innovations, leading to Windows becoming the leading operating system globally. Microsoft's IPO occurred on March 13, 1986, with an initial share price that would have allowed a ,000 investment to secure approximately 47.6 shares. The company has had multiple stock splits, significantly increasing the number of shares for early investors, resulting in an initial ,000 investment now worth over .35 million. In the latest financial report, Microsoft reported revenue of .60 billion for the first quarter, a 16% increase from the previous year. Microsoft shares closed down 0.68% at 2.54, with after-hours trading at 2.35.