text editor Archives

Winsage

March 31, 2025

10 Facts you probably didn’t know about Windows as Microsoft turns 50

- Windows was originally named "Interface Manager" before being changed to "Windows" prior to its launch in 1985. - Early versions of Windows (1.0, 2.0, and 3.x) operated on top of MS-DOS and required users to boot into MS-DOS before launching the graphical interface. - The Briefcase folder was an early tool for synchronizing files between computers, which became obsolete with the rise of cloud storage solutions. - Prior to Windows XP, user profiles were basic and lacked robust security; full user accounts were implemented with Windows NT. - Several applications from Windows 1.0, including Calculator, Paint, Notepad, Clock, and Control Panel, are still present in Windows 11 in modernized forms. - The "Format" dialog in File Explorer has used the same code for over 30 years, although updates for FAT32 support are being developed. - TrueType fonts were introduced in Windows 3.1 in 1992 through a licensing agreement with Apple, improving font rendering quality. - The "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" shortcut was created by IBM engineer David Bradley as a debugging tool and later adopted by Microsoft for secure attention sequences in Windows NT. - Windows 1.0 required a minimum of 256KB of RAM at its launch in 1985, while Windows 11 requires at least 4GB.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

WhatsApp could soon help add sarcasm and puns to your next message (APK teardown)

WhatsApp is developing an AI-based text rewriting tool that will allow users to modify the style and tone of their messages. An APK teardown of version 2.25.8.5 reveals a Pencil button above the send button, which will lead to a text editor for rewriting messages. The anticipated options include Funny, Proofread, Puns, Rephrase, Sarcastic, Shorter, Spooky, and Supportive. The Proofread option will check spelling and grammar, while the other selections will enable creative alterations. Additionally, a photo collage option for status updates has been identified, indicating a focus on enhancing user engagement. The feature is still under development, and its rollout remains uncertain.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Invisible Windows Rootkit Hides Dangerous Files Using This Prefix

Obscure#Bat is a malware campaign targeting Windows users that uses obfuscated batch scripts to deploy a user-mode rootkit, which can hide its activities from standard security measures. It stores hidden scripts in the Windows Registry and can conceal files, registry entries, and running processes through application programming interface hooking. The malware can embed itself within legitimate Windows processes, making it undetectable by conventional security methods, and is capable of deleting evidence of its activity. Attackers use social engineering tactics, such as fake CAPTCHA tests and legitimate software tools, to lure victims into executing the malicious batch file. The rootkit obscures files, processes, or registry keys that begin with the “$nya-” prefix and is identified as an open-source ring-3 rootkit known as r77. It avoids kernel modifications and relies on registry and scheduled tasks for persistence, allowing it to evade detection by traditional kernel-based security tools. Windows users are advised to be cautious of social engineering tactics and to inspect batch files in a text editor before execution.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Notepad will soon automatically summarize your notes with AI

Notepad is introducing an AI-powered summarization feature in version 11.2501.29.0, currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders. Users can highlight text and select 'Summarize' or use the Ctrl + M shortcut to generate a summary, with adjustable summary lengths. The feature can be disabled in app settings and requires a Microsoft personal account. This new capability complements the existing 'Rewrite' function, which allows users to modify text for different lengths and tones. Additionally, a 'Recent Files' option has been added to the File menu for easier access to recently used documents, which can also be disabled.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Enable old Classic Notepad in Windows 11 24H2 without AI and modern UI

Users can restore the classic Notepad experience by disabling the .txt execution for notepad.exe in the App execution aliases settings. To launch the legacy version, they can use the Windows Run dialog and type notepad.exe. Microsoft has introduced a ChatGPT-based "Rewrite" feature in Notepad, requiring a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription for access, while core functionalities remain available without an account. To enable the classic Notepad in Windows 11, users should check if it is installed, remove the association with the new Notepad, and associate .txt files with the legacy version. They can also create a Start menu shortcut for the classic Notepad. To revert to the new Notepad, users can delete the classic shortcut and adjust settings in the Registry Editor and App execution aliases.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Windows 11’s Notepad gets AI-powered ‘Rewrite’ feature, but not everyone’s going to be happy about it

Windows 11 users can now access an AI-powered Rewrite feature in the Notepad application, which allows text transformation using ChatGPT. The feature is included in Notepad version v11.2412.16.0 and is rolling out globally, despite Microsoft not officially announcing its launch. Initially tested in the US, the feature is now available to all users of the finished operating system. To use the Rewrite feature, users must have a Microsoft 365 subscription and be signed in, although some regions offer limited free credits for a trial. The feature enables users to select text and receive three alternative phrasings based on specified parameters. Critics argue that this premium offering may detract from Notepad's original purpose as a simple text editor.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

5 reasons why you should use Notepad++ instead of Notepad on Windows 11

Notepad++ is an open-source text editing application that serves as a comprehensive replacement for the basic Notepad in Windows 11. It supports a wide range of file types beyond the limited formats of Notepad, including XML and JSON with proper formatting through plugins. Notepad++ offers syntax highlighting for over 80 programming languages, enhancing readability and reducing errors. It includes an advanced find and replace function with Regular Expressions (RegEx) for efficient bulk text editing. The application features a focused clipboard history that allows users to retrieve previously copied text easily. Additionally, Notepad++ has a rich plugin ecosystem that enables users to expand its functionality with features like spellcheck, FTP support, and code execution for various programming languages.

Tech Optimizer

February 28, 2025

Mac security researchers expose two new exploits

Researchers have identified two significant exploits affecting Mac security. The first vulnerability, reported to Parallels seven months ago, will be addressed in upcoming fixes for Parallels Desktop versions 20.2.2 and 19.4.2, which are expected to be released within the week. Apple silicon Macs are not affected by this flaw. The second exploit involves a new malware strain called FrigidStealer, which uses deceptive emails to trick users into downloading an installer that bypasses macOS’s Gatekeeper security, allowing it to capture sensitive information like passwords and browser cookies. Users are advised to avoid downloading software from unverified sources, exercise caution with email links, use Control-click to inspect URLs, and regularly install security updates.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

You have to pay for Windows Notepad if you want to use AI

Microsoft has introduced AI features to Notepad, prompting users to subscribe to Microsoft 365 to access functionalities like Rewrite. While the basic functions of Notepad remain free, AI-powered features require a subscription. Users have expressed confusion over subscription prompts that disrupt the user experience. Notepad continues to operate without a Microsoft account, but accessing Rewrite requires "AI credits," which necessitate a subscription. Initially, Microsoft provided 50 credits for users to try Rewrite, but these credits have since expired for many. Microsoft describes Rewrite and other AI features as "bonus features," but the subscription prompts have raised concerns about user experience, especially following a price increase for Microsoft 365.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

7 ancient apps you can still use in Windows 11

Disk Cleanup, introduced in Windows 98, helps users reclaim disk space by removing system restore points, temporary files, and remnants from outdated Windows Updates. Windows Media Player, which debuted with Windows 3.0, remains available in Windows 11 and is used for playing DVDs and organizing music collections. The Control Panel has been part of Windows since 1985 and provides access to legacy tools, although Microsoft encourages users to use the modern Settings app. Character Map, introduced in Windows 3.1 in 1992, allows users to access every glyph in installed fonts and is useful for inserting specialized characters. Notepad, a staple since 1983, has received updates including spell check and rich formatting options in Windows 11. The Snipping Tool, first introduced in Windows Vista in 2007, has evolved to include features like screen recording and OCR-powered text extraction. WinZip, a third-party compression tool that debuted in 1991, remains popular for managing ZIP files and continues to function on Windows 11.