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I found a hidden way to limit RAM on Windows 11, and the results were way more surprising than I expected
Winsage
July 4, 2026

I found a hidden way to limit RAM on Windows 11, and the results were way more surprising than I expected

Windows 11 allows users to limit RAM usage through the System Configuration tool (msconfig) for testing and troubleshooting purposes. Users can specify the maximum memory in megabytes, but there is no simple option to set a fixed amount like "4GB of RAM." Limiting RAM can degrade performance and may cause applications to become sluggish. To limit RAM, users must navigate to the Boot tab in msconfig, check the Maximum memory option, and enter the desired amount. To restore full RAM access, users need to uncheck the Maximum memory option in the same tool. On some modern systems with UEFI firmware and Secure Boot enabled, the Maximum memory setting may not be accessible, and disabling Secure Boot may be necessary to apply the limit. Disabling Secure Boot can reduce security against boot-level malware.
How to Use a Virus Checker on Your PC (2026)
Tech Optimizer
July 4, 2026

How to Use a Virus Checker on Your PC (2026)

Windows includes a built-in virus checker called Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which allows users to conduct virus scans. 1. To initiate a scan, open Windows Security, navigate to Virus & threat protection, and select Quick scan for a fast check. 2. Users can check which antivirus is active by going to Who's protecting me? in Windows Security. If a non-Microsoft antivirus is installed, Microsoft Defender will disable itself. 3. Before scanning, it's important to update the security intelligence by checking for updates in Protection updates. 4. A full scan can be executed by selecting Full scan in Scan options, while a custom scan allows users to specify a location to check. 5. For stubborn malware, Microsoft Defender Offline can be used, which requires a restart of Windows. 6. Scan results and quarantined threats can be reviewed in Protection history after any scan. 7. For additional checks, users can utilize VirusTotal for individual files or links, Microsoft Safety Scanner for a one-time scan, or the Malicious Software Removal Tool for specific malware. 8. Outdated tools like the Chrome Cleanup Tool and Norton Power Eraser should be disregarded as they are no longer effective. Users can scan individual files without scanning the entire PC, and results from the Microsoft Defender Offline scan are found in Protection history. The Microsoft Safety Scanner does not replace real-time antivirus protection, and managed devices can be scanned by IT administrators.
Windows 11 has exceeded 70 per cent of Steam users for the first time
Winsage
July 4, 2026

Windows 11 has exceeded 70 per cent of Steam users for the first time

Windows 11 has surpassed 70% among Steam users, now at 70.44%. Windows 10 has declined to 23.56%, while Windows 7 is used by 0.07%. Overall, Windows holds a 94.10% share on Steam, with Linux at 3.69% and macOS at 2.21%. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU is now the most common graphics card at 4.02%, overtaking the RTX 3060 at 3.88%. Intel leads the processor market with 55.08%, and AMD has 44.92%. The preferred RAM configuration is 16 GB at 41.57%, and 1920×1080 resolution is the most popular display choice, with a rise in 2560×1440 monitors.
Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had
Winsage
July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft engineer, has developed TinyRetroPad, a Notepad-like application that is only 2.5 kilobytes in size. TinyRetroPad includes features such as Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and an unsaved changes prompt. It is built on existing Windows components, allowing it to function efficiently without extensive resources. TinyRetroPad is based on Dave’s Tiny Editor and utilizes RICHEDIT50W for text handling. The application's file size increased incrementally with each feature added, with the final size being 2,476 bytes. Crinkler, a compression linker, was used to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad is still in development, facing issues like high memory consumption and compatibility problems. In contrast, Windows 11's Notepad has become larger and more complex, weighing approximately 352KB and incorporating features that some users find unnecessary. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad without modern features, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential for simplicity in application design.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, is recreating Notepad in 2.5 kilobytes with a project called TinyRetroPad, which includes features like Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and unsaved changes prompt. TinyRetroPad leverages existing Windows infrastructure, utilizing built-in resources to function efficiently. It is based on Matt Power’s Dave’s Tiny Editor and operates as a wrapper around RICHEDIT50W. The size of TinyRetroPad increased with each feature added, reaching 2,476 bytes with printing. The project uses Crinkler, a compression linker, to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad currently lacks a dedicated Releases page and may trigger false positives from antivirus software. Users have reported issues such as excessive memory usage and compatibility problems with older Windows versions. In contrast, the modern Notepad in Windows 11 has grown to approximately 352KB, with a total disk footprint nearing 5MB, leading to user backlash over its complexity. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential of leveraging existing OS capabilities rather than adding unnecessary features.
Bitdefender is now offering a 1-year subscription for $20
Tech Optimizer
July 3, 2026

Bitdefender is now offering a 1-year subscription for $20

A 1-year subscription to Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is available for .99, reduced from its regular price of .99. The software provides real-time protection against various threats, including viruses and ransomware, and includes features like a built-in VPN with 200 MB of encrypted traffic daily, a vulnerability scanner, and anti-tracking capabilities. It is designed for easy setup and light performance impact, with automatic updates and a user-friendly dashboard. This offer is available to new and existing users in the United States and Canada.
Percona & HexaCluster team up on database migrations
Tech Optimizer
July 3, 2026

Percona & HexaCluster team up on database migrations

Percona has formed a strategic alliance with HexaCluster to assist organizations in migrating from proprietary databases to open-source alternatives, specifically PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB. The partnership combines Percona's migration assessment and production support with HexaCluster's migration software for diverse database environments. The migration process will begin with a comprehensive assessment by Percona to outline the scope and plan the transition. Percona will lead the migration efforts, while HexaCluster will provide software solutions for complex migrations. This collaboration aims to help enterprises reduce costs associated with proprietary databases and minimize risks during migration. HexaCluster specializes in PostgreSQL migration and offers tools for migration assessment, schema conversion, data migration, and live replication. Percona supports various database systems and emphasizes open-source solutions to give organizations more control over their data infrastructure.
Best Antivirus for Windows XP: Options That Still Work
Tech Optimizer
July 3, 2026

Best Antivirus for Windows XP: Options That Still Work

Finding a reliable antivirus solution for Windows XP is challenging due to the lack of support since 2014. Major antivirus vendors have withdrawn compatibility, leaving limited options. Panda Security continues to support Windows XP with its Panda Dome antivirus, which offers real-time protection and a cloud-based engine. Antivirus software can block known malware, flag suspicious activity, and stop recognized threats, but it cannot patch the operating system itself. Users have fewer choices for protection as new vulnerabilities emerge. Several antivirus tools compatible with Windows XP include: - Panda Dome: Actively maintained, offers real-time protection, free and paid plans available. - Avast (v18.8): Limited support, last updates in October 2024, free legacy version only. - AVG (v9): Discontinued in 2019, operates offline, free legacy version only. - ClamWin: Open-source, actively maintained, no real-time protection, free. - 360 Total Security: Active legacy version, multi-engine approach, real-time protection, free and premium options. - Malwarebytes (legacy): Only older versions support XP, best as a supplement, free legacy version. - VirIT eXplorer Lite: Actively maintained, free lite version with real-time protection. Choosing the right antivirus requires consideration of internet connectivity, hardware age, update status, and whether to use free or paid options. For most users, Panda Dome is recommended for its active support and real-time protection. To enhance security on Windows XP, users should keep machines offline when possible, use ad blockers, be cautious with emails and links, avoid fake antivirus downloads, transfer files via USB from modern computers, and keep third-party software updated.
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