vintage Archives

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Three ways to run Windows apps on a Linux box

If you're transitioning to Linux and need to run Windows applications, you have several options, including dual-booting, using a virtual machine (VM), or employing a compatibility layer like WINE. For virtualization, VirtualBox is a popular open-source choice, while VMware is another option that has been free since late 2024. Both require a Windows ISO, which can be obtained for free from Microsoft. VirtualBox suggests allocating 2GB of RAM and one processor core, but 8GB of RAM and two cores are recommended for better performance. Running a VM requires significant resources, and a valid Windows license is necessary for the guest OS. Dual-booting allows both Windows and Linux to run natively, providing full hardware access and optimal performance. WINE translates Windows application calls into Linux commands and is included in most Linux distributions. Its effectiveness varies by application. Bottles is a user-friendly wrapper around WINE that simplifies installation. For enhanced compatibility, CodeWeavers CrossOver is a premium alternative to WINE, with a free evaluation version available. For gaming, Lutris and Valve’s Proton are tools that facilitate running Windows games on Linux.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

The best deals and free Warhammer PC games in Skulls 2025

The annual Skulls event hosted by Games Workshop features previews of upcoming releases and discounts on Warhammer PC games. Notable discounts include 42% off Space Marine 2, 77% off Chaos Gate Daemonhunters, 60% off Rogue Trader – Voidfarer edition, 60% off Darktide, 69% off Total War Warhammer 3, and 84% off Vermintide 2. Additionally, three Warhammer games are available for free: Warhammer 40k Boltgun – Words of Vengeance on Steam, Warhammer 40k Gladius Relics of War on Steam, and Warhammer 40k: Rites of War on GOG.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

A Super Mario 64 ROM Hacker Is Recreating Minecraft Inside The N64 Classic

A modder named Arthurtilly has created a voxel engine similar to Minecraft within the Super Mario 64 engine, which operates on an authentic Nintendo 64 console. This project showcases modern modding techniques applied to vintage hardware. Arthurtilly, known for previous ROM hacks, collaborated with rovertronic to develop the Mario Builder 64 tool. His latest hack features an infinite world, multiple block types, diverse biomes, initial fluid dynamics support, and enhanced graphics. Future plans for the engine include a dynamic day/night cycle, flowing lava and water, world saving and loading functionality, integration of trees and vegetation, and an inventory system.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

I Just Murdered A Very Rare, Near-Worthless Keyboard And I Might Have To Stop Playing PC Games Forever

The author has been using a Microsoft MultiMedia Keyboard 1.0A since its introduction in 1997 and prefers it over modern mechanical keyboards. They have purchased six of these keyboards after learning they would cease production and are now down to their last one. The keyboard has been a constant in their computing experience, providing comfort and a reliable typing experience. The author has faced compatibility issues with newer operating systems and is contemplating the purchase of a new version, which they recently found for £32. They also experienced an issue with their PayPal account being flagged during the purchase process.

Tech Optimizer

April 29, 2025

Intego Mac Internet Security

PCs were introduced before Apple’s Macintosh, leading to the emergence of PC viruses and the establishment of antivirus companies, with Macintosh protection being less prioritized. Intego focused on Macintosh security from the start, offering Intego Mac Internet Security, which includes a firewall that manages network permissions and defends against external attacks. Intego has been effective against Mac malware, achieving a 99.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Intego's pricing is competitive, with a standard annual fee of .99 for a single license and .99 for three licenses. A five-device subscription costs .99, while the Mac Premium Bundle starts at .99 annually and includes additional features. A 14-day free trial is available, and free alternatives like Avast and AVG are also on the market. Intego supports older macOS versions back to Mavericks (10.9), but the latest version requires High Sierra (10.13) or later. The installation process for Intego is straightforward, requiring a restart and granting necessary permissions. The main interface includes components for updates, firewall, and antivirus, with user-friendly access to scanning options. Intego has received certification from AV-Comparatives and detected 100% of Windows malware samples in tests. Its quick scan takes about two and a half minutes, while a full system scan takes seven minutes. Intego's Safe Browsing feature checks existing browser protections but lacks a dedicated antiphishing solution. The NetBarrier firewall allows users to classify their network and manage traffic permissions effectively, although it may be complex for some users.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Microtransactions Made Up 58% of PC Video Game Revenue in 2024, Research Shows

Microtransactions account for 58% of total revenue for game companies, with a 1.4% increase in 2024, contributing .4 billion to overall PC gaming sales of .3 billion. Downloadable content (DLC) generated .8 billion in revenue last year, while microtransactions represent 32% of console revenue, amounting to .9 billion out of .8 billion in console sales. Subscription services have risen by 14.1%. PC gaming sales grew by 0.1%, but console gaming revenue declined by 3.9%. Major franchises like Fortnite, Roblox, and Call of Duty exemplify the popularity of microtransactions. The report also notes the trend of "recursive nostalgia," where established franchises reintroduce vintage content to engage players.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

5 nostalgic Windows 11 themes anyone can install

Installing a nostalgic Windows theme can evoke memories of simpler times through retro designs. Notable themes for Windows 11 include: 1. Windows XP Final Edition: Offers a near-authentic representation of Windows XP, requiring tools like Theme Patcher and SecureUXTheme ThemeTool for installation. 2. SynthWave 84: Features vibrant ‘80s disco-inspired designs with two color schemes and a collection of wallpapers and icons. 3. Retro Theme: Captures the ‘70s aesthetic with altered menu bar colors and 15 HD images reflecting the era's cultural references. 4. Vintage Theme: Evokes pre-digital nostalgia with 17 images representing vintage life, easily installed through the Settings menu. 5. Autumn Colors: Showcases 17 HD images of fall's color palette, highlighting nature's beauty without altering cursors or sounds.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

CrystalMark Retro 2.0.0 brings retro benchmarking to systems from Windows 95 to Windows 11

Crystal Dew World has released version 2.0.0 of its benchmarking tool, CrystalMark Retro, which now supports Windows 95, 98, and Me systems, in addition to Windows XP and later versions. The update was developed in response to user feedback and includes a new benchmark score comparison site, crystalmarkdb.com/retro. Users can benchmark a variety of systems, from vintage Windows versions to modern ones, including Windows 11 and various server editions. Windows NT 3.51 and its successors are also supported with a necessary patch.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

ReactOS drops release 0.4.15

ReactOS has released version 0.4.15, its first point-release in several years, following version 0.4.14 from December 2021. This release includes significant improvements such as enhanced plug-and-play support, improved sound and memory management, better Registry handling, a strengthened security subsystem, refinements in the graphical desktop environment, and upgrades to bundled accessories. ReactOS 0.4.15 can run Firefox 52 and successfully installed VirtualBox Guest Additions, recognizing a VirtualBox display adaptor. The operating system operates as an x86-32 platform, identifying itself as Windows NT 5.2 Build 3790: Service Pack 3. ReactOS can install Windows drivers through clean-room reverse engineering, and it features an integrated app store supporting nearly 400 programs, although some functionality issues exist with the built-in "WINE Internet Explorer" browser. The project appeals to users nostalgic for early Windows NT versions and serves as an alternative for those without a Windows license.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

One of my favorite indie RPGs is getting a follow-up made with FromSoftware’s 25-year-old Super Mario Maker for first person dungeon crawlers

Lunacid: Tears of the Moon, a spinoff of the first-person RPG Lunacid, will be released on April 12. It is developed using the Sword of Moonlight toolkit by FromSoftware, which has a cult following. The game draws inspiration from classic dungeon crawlers like King's Field and Shadow Tower and features a nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of early PlayStation graphics. Players will navigate a mysterious underground world and manipulate their environment using unique mechanics, such as stacking coffins. The narrative takes place thousands of years before Lunacid, focusing on the character Calamis Cerulean and themes of preservation. The game will include a PDF manual styled like a vintage release and is expected to be priced competitively, likely under the price of Lunacid. Players can wishlist the game on Steam.