virtual Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Google’s Android chief lays out his vision for how AI will change our smartphones

Google introduced new features in its Pixel 11 Pro smartphone, including a light that indicates when its Gemini AI is processing commands and a forthcoming Android feature named Halo that provides real-time updates on AI task progress. The company aims to reduce the need for users to micromanage their devices by allowing AI to handle routine tasks, such as scheduling appointments. Google anticipates consumer needs three years ahead in its Android development, focusing on how AI can enhance user experience. Other companies, like Samsung and Apple, are also investing in AI integration, with Apple planning to revamp Siri for better functionality. Despite advancements, there is growing consumer skepticism about AI, with 79% of Americans expressing distrust in businesses to use AI responsibly.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Microsoft shares details of a clever old Windows trick it no longer needs

Microsoft's WINSTART.BAT file is a batch file that predates Windows 95 and was documented in the Windows 3.1 Resource Kit. Its primary function is to load terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) programs for use by Windows applications, while these TSRs are not accessible to individual MS-DOS virtual machines. WINSTART.BAT is executed after the virtual machine manager (VMM) initializes, giving it an advantage over AUTOEXEC.BAT, which runs during the MS-DOS startup phase. TSRs loaded via AUTOEXEC.BAT are available to both Windows and MS-DOS environments, while those loaded through WINSTART.BAT are limited to Windows applications only.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

5 Easy Ways to Install Python on Windows

Installing Python has become more user-friendly, allowing installation on Windows, Linux, and macOS with simple commands. 1. Python Install Manager: Available via the Microsoft Store, it allows users to manage installations from PowerShell. To install, search for Python Install Manager in the Microsoft Store and run PLACEHOLDER4e979dce7860e252 to check the installation. For explicit installations, use PLACEHOLDER0eeddca4a1021d92 or specify a version like py install 3.14. 2. WinGet: A command-line tool for Windows Package Manager that enables installation from the terminal. Use PLACEHOLDER17cbf64bbdc226c5 to install Python and verify with PLACEHOLDER710d6197b454a541. 3. uv: A modern package manager that installs Python versions and manages virtual environments. Install it using the command PLACEHOLDERe2ebbf4877927de2 and then use PLACEHOLDERd5ce82eeb891b087 for the latest version or uv python install 3.14 for a specific version. 4. Miniconda: A lightweight alternative for managing packages and environments, particularly in data science. Download the Miniconda installer, check the Conda version with PLACEHOLDERee2f8e325b0fd186, create an environment with PLACEHOLDERe030ebd8e75a94c8, and activate it with py install0. 5. Python.org Installer: The traditional method involves downloading the installer from Python.org. After installation, verify with PLACEHOLDER385f0117bffc41e2 and use pip for package installations with PLACEHOLDER4d165d7f4e323fa1. This method may be phased out in future releases. For beginners, the Python Install Manager is recommended, while experienced users may prefer uv for its comprehensive features.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Smart PC users are upgrading to Windows 11 Pro while it’s only $10

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, until August 20. The operating system features a modern user interface, enhanced multitasking, improved security with BitLocker, virtualization capabilities with Hyper-V, integration with Azure AD, and an AI-powered Copilot.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Believe the hype for Wardogs, possibly the next great multiplayer FPS

Wardogs, a military simulation first-person shooter from the creators of Battalion 1944, will enter early access on September 10. The game supports up to 100 players in player-versus-player action and features a mode where three teams compete for control over a territory on a large map. Players earn account-level currency through various actions, which can be spent on gear, creating a personal stake in survival. The game encourages collaborative play and strategic loadout management, offering generous cash rewards for gameplay. Preorders are available, and players can request refunds if they find the beta unsatisfactory. The studio has committed to avoiding monetization during early access, with cosmetic skins earned through gameplay. Wardogs is designed as a PC-first FPS and will support community servers.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Meet Snowflake Volunteer: Tor’s Android app that lets you help people bypass censorship

The Tor Project has launched the Snowflake Volunteer app, an Android application developed in collaboration with Bloco, aimed at helping users in restricted regions bypass internet censorship. This app enhances the existing Snowflake capabilities, allowing users to share their internet connections through volunteer-operated proxies to access the Tor network. In June, the number of unique proxy IP addresses used daily increased from approximately 1,300 to 1,700, marking a 29% rise. The Tor Browser operates as a free, privacy-focused network, routing traffic through volunteer-run secure computers. The Snowflake Volunteer app employs "domain fronting" to connect users to various proxies and is designed for those with limited technical skills, simplifying the process of becoming a proxy. Users can download the app from F-Droid or Google Play, run it in the background, and set usage restrictions. While Tor generally advises against using VPNs, some experts recommend them for users in highly censored regions, though this approach has its own challenges.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft Word 1.1a Runs Natively on Windows 11 on x64

A developer has adapted Microsoft Word 1.1a, originally for 16-bit x86 systems, to run natively on modern 64-bit Windows PCs through a project called “Opus.” This adaptation compiles the original source code into a genuine x64 application, avoiding the use of emulators or virtual machines. The developer translated incompatible segments of the original code, including 16-bit assembly language, into C or C++, while mapping Win16 functions to modern Win32 APIs. The project retains original resources and copyright notices, and is hosted on GitHub without a broad open-source license. Automated testing has been implemented to ensure functionality mirrors the original application. Microsoft has previously published similar historic projects, but this port is an independent effort, providing insights into early Windows software architecture.

BetaBeacon

August 10, 2026

ARMSX3 is here: PS3 emulation on Android just got more exciting

ARMSX3 is a new PS3 emulator specifically tailored for Arm-based devices, offering improved performance and compatibility in games. Users can download the emulator from GitHub and obtain the necessary PS3 firmware from Sony's PlayStation website. However, most games may not run smoothly due to the experimental nature of the project, and users should expect high device temperatures. Despite some bugs, ARMSX3 supports virtual and physical controllers, resolution scaling, custom GPU driver support, and virtual controller configurations.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Azure Arc-Enabled ESUs for Windows Server 2016 Now Available

Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows Server 2016, which will provide critical security patches until January 2030, after the end of extended support on January 12, 2027. Organizations can enroll their Windows Server 2016 instances via Azure Arc to receive these updates without migrating to Azure. The ESUs are available through a pay-as-you-go pricing model, allowing flexibility for on-premises servers and other cloud platforms. By using Azure Arc, organizations gain access to Azure management tools for improved visibility and compliance. IT administrators should connect eligible systems to Azure Arc to manage ESU enrollment and compliance effectively. ESUs are intended as a temporary solution while businesses modernize applications and plan migrations to supported platforms.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Microsoft, Red Hat, and DH2i to Present, “Simplify Hybrid SQL Server: Windows & Red Hat OpenShift Side By Side”

DH2i will host a live webinar titled "Simplify Hybrid SQL Server: Windows & Red Hat OpenShift Side By Side" on August 20 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (9:00 AM Pacific Time) in collaboration with Microsoft and Red Hat. The webinar aims to help organizations extend their SQL Server OLTP environments to Red Hat OpenShift, focusing on deploying a secure, cross-platform Availability Group (AG) linking Windows Server VMs with Red Hat OpenShift. Key topics include automating Kubernetes AG cluster deployment, establishing secure connections using Zero Trust Networking (ZTNA), and implementing HA automation for hybrid SQL Server environments. Featured speakers include OJ Ngo from DH2i, Amit Khandelwal from Microsoft, and Vivien Wang from Red Hat. Registration is available for those interested in attending or accessing the recording later.