programmer Archives

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Here’s the original source code for Microsoft’s very first product

Bill Gates marked Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary by unveiling the source code for Altair Basic, a programming language interpreter developed for the MITS Altair 8800 microcomputer. This 157-page PDF is available for download on Gates' blog. Altair Basic was created in 1975 by Gates, Paul Allen, and Monte Davidoff, who worked intensively for two months after being inspired by the Altair 8800. They chose to develop an interpreter instead of a compiler to provide instant feedback for novice programmers. MITS licensed the software from Gates and Allen, leading to the founding of Micro-soft. The full code document is now accessible, along with a web page featuring animations and graphics celebrating this early coding project.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

The history of the video game that inspired ‘A Minecraft Movie’

On April 4, "A Minecraft Movie" will be released, featuring a cast that includes Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, and Jennifer Coolidge. The film follows four misfits who are transported to a block-based realm and must unite with Steve, played by Black, to protect their world. "Minecraft" is a sandbox game that allows players to explore and create in a limitless environment, rated Everyone 10+ by the ESRB. It has two main modes: Creative, which offers unlimited resources and immortality, and Survival, which involves resource gathering and managing health. Markus "Notch" Persson created "Minecraft" in 2009, launching it officially in November 2011 after successful testing. He sold the game to Microsoft in 2014 for .5 billion, after which Jens "Jeb" Bergensten took over as lead designer. As of 2023, "Minecraft" is the second highest-selling video game, behind Tetris, and has received numerous updates, with the latest being the "Trials and Tales Update."

AppWizard

March 12, 2025

On-rails aerial combat adventure game Wild Blue announced for PC

Publisher Humble Games and developer Chuhai Labs are releasing a game called Wild Blue, an aerial combat adventure that revitalizes the on-rails shooter genre from the 1990s. The game features players controlling Bowie Stray and the Blue Bombers on a mission to save the world, with gameplay that includes battles against enemies and the Baron. It will be available on PC via Steam, though the release date is not yet announced. Wild Blue offers easy-to-learn controls, hand-crafted anime-style visuals, branching paths, and various missions. Key features include classic on-rails shooter action, a colorful world, boss battles, secret paths, and a score system for mastering missions.

Tech Optimizer

March 5, 2025

Cybercriminals are distributing a miner disguised as a restriction-bypassing toolCybercriminals are distributing a miner disguised as a restriction-bypassing tool

In recent months, the use of Windows Packet Divert drivers in Russia has surged, nearly doubling between August 2023 and January 2024, primarily for tools that bypass access restrictions to foreign resources. Cybercriminals are exploiting this trend by distributing malware disguised as these tools, with some bloggers unknowingly promoting such malicious programs. An investigation revealed that a YouTube channel with 60,000 subscribers posted videos on bypassing restrictions, linking to a malicious archive that had been downloaded over 40,000 times. The malware, a variant of SilentCryptoMiner, is designed to mine cryptocurrencies while evading detection. Users are advised to ensure their devices have trusted protection, avoid obscure downloads, and be cautious of even reputable bloggers who may inadvertently share malware.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2025

Essential tips to protect your computer from malware

Malware includes various types of malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Email attachments and links are common methods for malware distribution, with cybercriminals often disguising malicious files as legitimate communications. Regular software updates are essential for protecting against security vulnerabilities. Pirated software frequently contains malware and poses risks to computer security. Installing antivirus and antimalware software is crucial for defense against attacks, with recommendations for programs like Windows Defender and Malwarebytes. Encrypting sensitive data can prevent unauthorized access, and maintaining cloud backups is vital for data recovery in case of ransomware attacks. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is recommended when accessing the internet on public networks to protect personal information. Users should monitor their devices for suspicious activity, such as system slowdowns or unexpected pop-ups, and conduct malware scans if symptoms arise.

TrendTechie

December 23, 2024

Дмитрий Стешин: Дополню уважаемого слесаря – именно Крым, должен был стать оплотом компьютерного пиратства, базой для всех торрент-трекеров

Crimea has been discussed as a potential hub for computer piracy, particularly after the imposition of sanctions in 2022, which created opportunities for a resurgence in digital piracy. Experts suggest that lifting sanctions might lead to a decline in piracy as the region could shift towards legitimate digital content distribution. In 2018, Yatsenko, the Minister of Information for the Donetsk People's Republic, proposed creating a digital ecosystem to rival Western offerings, though implementation faced challenges. The ongoing conflict and prioritization of traditional industries over the tech sector may hinder progress in fostering a digital piracy landscape. Historical examples, such as lobbying by Latvian fishing interests in Moscow, raise questions about the potential for IT sector lobbying in Crimea. There is speculation about the possibility of a virtual pirate republic or a unique Russian iteration reflecting local culture and identity.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Another N64 classic has been quietly ported to PC by fans

An unofficial PC port of the Nintendo 64 game Star Fox 64, called 'Starship,' has been released by the Harbour Masters team, who previously created PC ports for Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. The port features enhanced capabilities such as higher frame rates and ultra-widescreen resolutions, and players must use their own legally sourced ROMs to access it. The development involved reverse-engineering the original game while ensuring compliance with copyright laws. Original Star Fox programmer Dylan Cuthbert expressed hope for the franchise's future, noting the absence of a new game for eight years since Star Fox Zero on the Wii U. He discussed the game's inspirations and the importance of character development in the franchise.

BetaBeacon

December 16, 2024

Pine: A Story Of Loss Now Available On PC, Nintendo Switch, IOS, And Android

- Pine: A Story of Loss is a narrative-driven adventure game accessible on PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. - The game focuses on the life of a grieving woodworker navigating through a tranquil forest and confronting memories of a lost loved one. - Developed by Made Up Games, founded by professional illustrator Tom Booth and programmer Najati Imam. - The game draws inspiration from Booth's personal experiences with grief and features silent storytelling based on his original illustrations. - Pine: A Story of Loss explores themes of grief, sadness, optimism, and beauty, offering players a deeply personal experience.

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

November 22, 2024

5 cool things to do with virtual machines on Windows 11

Windows 11 simplifies the setup of virtual machines (VMs) using Hyper-V or Oracle's VirtualBox, allowing users to quickly establish VMs for various purposes. Users can run legacy applications and games that struggle on modern systems by utilizing older operating systems like Windows XP or Windows 7, or using DOSBox for very old games. VMs enable users to operate multiple operating systems simultaneously, catering to different needs such as programming or graphic design. They can also help maintain privacy against workplace monitoring by isolating personal activities from employer-mandated tracking software. Additionally, VMs allow users to safely explore potentially harmful software for cybersecurity purposes, although caution is advised due to the risk of sophisticated malware escaping the VM. Backing up an entire operating system within a VM is straightforward, involving the management of files like virtual disk images and configuration files, but users should be aware of legal considerations regarding sharing or duplicating VMs.