user activity Archives

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Windows 10 is dying, hardware is pricey, and Citrix says VDI will save you

Citrix is promoting its virtualization platforms to address rising hardware costs and upcoming U.S. tariffs effective April 2025. Vice President Philipp Benkler suggested that organizations could extend the lifespan of existing hardware by using eLux, an operating system acquired from Unicon. As businesses face the end-of-life for Windows 10 and the transition to Windows 11, Citrix advocates for deploying centrally managed remote desktops from existing endpoints through its virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) platform. However, VDI implementation can face challenges such as "boot storms," which may lead to performance issues. Citrix recommends its NetScaler platform to manage these challenges without requiring additional hardware. While Citrix's approach aims to mitigate tariff-related costs, the company has increased its licensing prices, necessitating careful evaluation by organizations considering VDI. Security concerns also arise with NetScaler, as it is often targeted by cybercriminals, potentially introducing vulnerabilities. The effectiveness of Citrix's solution depends on each organization's IT landscape, budget, and ability to manage technical complexities.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Upgrade Options For Windows Users With Old PCs

Microsoft has issued a warning to the 240 million Windows users still on Windows 10 that they will lose all security support for their PCs, urging them to upgrade to a secure Windows 11 PC, preferably the Copilot+ PC. While 500 million Windows 10 users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, many face the choice of buying new hardware or operating without security updates. The deadline for Windows 10 support is set for October 14, 2025. Microsoft has been using full-screen pop-ups to encourage users to reconsider their setups, as only 20 million users engage with Copilot weekly compared to 400 million using ChatGPT. Despite this, Microsoft claims strong early reception for Copilot+ PCs, with 15% of premium laptops sold in the U.S. during the holiday quarter being Copilot+ models. A feature called Recall, which tracks user activity, raises privacy concerns for those considering the upgrade.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

Microsoft is rolling out its controversial Recall feature to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is gradually introducing new preview features to Windows Insiders, including a feature called Recall, which allows users to return to previously accessed content by capturing screenshots of user activity. Recall was initially set for a broader rollout in June of last year but was delayed to meet security standards and further refine the user experience. It is an opt-in service requiring users to authenticate their identity with Windows Hello before accessing saved snapshots. Users can delete snapshots and pause screenshot saving at any time. Recall was previously available to a limited group of test users, and its release to all Insiders marks progress toward a broader launch.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Microsoft is putting privacy-endangering Recall back into Windows 11

Security and privacy advocates are concerned about Recall, an AI tool in Windows 11 that captures and stores user activity every three seconds. Initially unveiled in May 2024, Recall faced criticism for its potential to expose sensitive information and privacy risks, particularly in situations like intimate partner violence. Microsoft temporarily suspended Recall in response to backlash but announced plans to reintroduce it for insiders using a preview version. Recall allows users to search for previously accessed content by saving snapshots of their activity, which can be controlled and paused by the user. Microsoft aims to address privacy concerns with an opt-in requirement and the ability to pause the feature, but skepticism remains about its effectiveness.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows 11’s controversial Recall feature could soon arrive for Copilot+ PCs – I just hope Microsoft’s tightening of its privacy is up to scratch

Microsoft is testing its Recall feature for Windows 11 in the Release Preview channel with build version 26100.3902. Recall is designed for Copilot+ PCs with powerful neural processing units (NPUs) and will initially support English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. The feature uses AI to analyze screenshots of user activity, allowing for natural language searches. Microsoft has implemented security measures like Windows Hello sign-in to address privacy concerns. Recall is expected to be available in early 2025 in most markets, but not in Europe during the initial rollout, due to data regulations.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows Recall Is Finally Rolling Out To Customers

Microsoft is rolling out its Windows Recall feature, which captures near-constant screenshots of user activity to allow natural language searches for content. Concerns have been raised by cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont, who warns that it could reverse cybersecurity progress by a decade. Users must opt-in and use Windows Hello for authentication to access their stored images, which can be paused at any time. Recall captures snapshots during various tasks and allows users to reopen applications or documents and perform actions directly from these snapshots. The rollout will occur gradually, and the tech community is monitoring its impact on cybersecurity.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Microsoft president reflects on 50-year anniversary, AI, innovation and community impact

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AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Mullvad VPN Enables Multihop In Android App

Mullvad has introduced a multihop feature in its Android application that allows users to route their internet traffic through two distinct servers, enhancing online security and privacy. This feature creates a "tunnel within a tunnel," where data is transmitted through both an entry server and an exit server. By selecting servers in different jurisdictions, users can complicate the tracing of their data. The multihop service provides a higher level of privacy and security, as adversaries would need to execute timing attacks across multiple locations if one server is compromised. Mullvad operates under robust legal protections in Sweden and follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user activity is not recorded or retained.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft expands AI features across Intel and AMD-powered Copilot Plus PCs

Microsoft is enabling all Copilot Plus PCs powered by Intel and AMD processors to generate Live Captions, which translate audio into English subtitles in real time. This feature was initially tested on devices with Intel and AMD chips and is now part of the latest Windows 11 update. The update also includes Cocreator, an AI tool in Paint for generating images from text descriptions, and enhancements to the Photos app's AI image editor and generator. Previously, these features were exclusive to Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs. Microsoft is also testing Recall, an AI feature for capturing screenshots of user activity, though its release timeline is not yet announced. Additionally, Voice Access is being refreshed for improved communication, with plans to extend updates to Intel and AMD devices, including the ability to translate 27 languages into Simplified Chinese.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Lilbits: AI-enhanced search for Windows PCs and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Recent advancements in laptop technology have introduced high-performance neural processing units from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, enabling on-device artificial intelligence applications. Microsoft initially planned to launch its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs but delayed it due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is now testing a new AI-enhanced search function that allows users to search for files, settings, or documents by description. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out Local Semantic Search to Windows Insiders with Intel or AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, which allows searching by description in File Explorer, Windows Search, or Settings, and can be disabled for certain folders.