tech journalism Archives

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Windows 11 is still my favorite OS, ads and all

The desktop PC is often associated with personal memories and experiences tied to various operating systems (OS). Windows XP is remembered fondly for its nostalgic connection to school days and online gaming. Windows 98 had issues like crashes and a clunky interface, while Windows 2000 faced similar frustrations. Windows XP marked a significant improvement, leading to a golden era of gaming and online communities. Windows Vista presented its own challenges during teenage years, and Windows 10 is regarded as one of Microsoft's best OS offerings. Windows 11 introduces a centered taskbar design that has caused mixed reactions among users but allows for customization. The Start Menu can be tailored to reduce clutter, making it more efficient. Windows 11 is seen as an improvement over Windows 10, offering a smoother experience on modern hardware, though it has its flaws, such as ads for Microsoft services and the requirement for TPM 2.0, which may render older systems obsolete. This raises concerns about sustainability and the economic impact on users, particularly government agencies with limited resources. In comparison to other operating systems, Windows 11 is preferred despite its challenges, while alternatives like ChromeOS, macOS, and Linux each have their own limitations.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

How many Windows 10 PCs are still in use? No one knows, but they try to tell you anyway

Statcounter Global Stats produces a chart that shows a decline in Windows 10 usage and an increase in Windows 11 usage. Forbes claims that approximately 40 million users upgraded to Windows 11 in January 2024. However, Statcounter's data, which is based on pageviews rather than visits or sessions, may not accurately reflect the actual market dynamics. Statcounter's user base has decreased from 3 million in 2009 to about 1.5 million in 2022, and as of January 2024, its services were used by only 0.5% of all websites. The company's monthly pageviews dropped from over 17 billion a decade ago to 5 billion by 2022, primarily reflecting traffic from smaller websites and excluding major platforms like Google and Facebook. The data indicates a slow decline in Windows 10 traffic and a gradual increase in Windows 11 traffic, but its correlation with the overall PC market share is uncertain. Accurate estimates of device populations would require proprietary data from Microsoft, which is not publicly available.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

It’s time for another round of Statcounter stories – here’s why you shouldn’t believe them

Each month, tech publications publish articles based on Statcounter Global Stats data, often leading to analysis of trends in operating systems. Currently, there is a focus on the decline of Windows 10 and the rise of Windows 11. Forbes claims that 40 million users upgraded to Windows 11 in January, but the validity of this claim is questioned. Statcounter's market share reports are seen as unreliable, as they reflect pageviews rather than actual device usage. A chart created from Statcounter data shows a decline in Windows 10 pageviews and an increase in Windows 11 pageviews, but these fluctuations may not represent broader market trends. Statcounter, founded in 1999, has seen a decline in its customer base and market share, dropping from 3 million customers in 2009 to 1.5 million by 2022, and its market share among websites decreased from 0.9% in 2019 to 0.4% by January 2025. Statcounter collects data from small and medium-sized websites, measuring pageviews but not visits or sessions, which skews its representation of the market. While its data shows trends in user behavior on client websites, it does not provide a complete picture of the Windows PC market, especially since many Windows 10 devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 until support ends in October 2025.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Top 15 Best PC Games – December 2024

Tyler Graham is an associate writer in CNET's home energy and utilities category, a recent graduate from Seton Hall University, and has been with CNET for seven months. He has attended a White House press conference, engaged in energy product testing at CNET's Testing Labs, and authored an article on federal solar policy. His expertise includes Community Solar, State Solar Policy, Solar Cost and Accessibility, Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicles, and Home Internet for Gaming. Ajay Kumar is an editor with over a decade of experience in tech journalism, having previously worked at Newsweek, PCMag, and Digital Trends. His expertise includes consumer product reviews, buying guides, and tech news, particularly in mobile products and electrical challenges in prewar apartment buildings.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

Windows is getting better keyboard input for Steam Deck-style gamepads

Michael has a decade of experience in technology journalism, specializing in brands like Apple and ZTE. He works at PCWorld as a keyboard expert, testing new keyboards and building custom mechanical boards. His contributions include writing for publications such as Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and covering major events like CES and Mobile World Congress. He lives in Pennsylvania and enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking.

Winsage

September 24, 2024

20 insanely useful Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts I use every day

Chris Hoffman is a tech journalist known for his contributions to Windows PCs and is the author of the email newsletter Windows Intelligence, which provides news, tips, and tricks to subscribers weekly. He was previously the editor-in-chief of How-To Geek and has written for publications like The New York Times, PCMag, and Reader's Digest. Hoffman's writing simplifies complex technology topics for everyday users, making him a trusted source for both novice and experienced tech enthusiasts. His newsletter fosters a community of readers interested in enhancing their understanding of Windows PCs.