virtual Archives

Winsage

March 3, 2026

Best Shortcuts for PC Users

Keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11 include: - Ctrl + c: Copy the selected text or file. - Ctrl + v: Paste the last item from the clipboard. - Ctrl + x: Cut the selected item. - Ctrl + z: Undo your last change. - Ctrl + y: Redo what was undone with Ctrl + z. - Alt + Tab: Switch between open windows on the desktop. - Copilot key1: Open Copilot, the AI assistant. For screen capturing using the Snipping Tool: - Windows logo key + Shift + s: Open Snipping Tool overlay for image capture. - Windows logo key + Shift + r: Open Snipping Tool overlay for video capture. - Print Screen (PrtSc): Take a static image snapshot of the entire screen. For managing windows and multitasking: - Snap to the left: Windows logo key + left arrow. - Snap to the right: Windows logo key + right arrow. - Maximize: Windows logo key + up arrow. - Minimize: Windows logo key + down arrow. For managing virtual desktops: - Create a desktop: Windows logo key + Ctrl + D. - Switch between desktops: Windows logo key + Ctrl + left/right arrow. - Close the current desktop: Windows logo key + Ctrl + F4. - Show desktops in the taskbar: Windows logo key + Tab.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Icarus Is The Perfect Survival Sim No One’s Talking About

The search for the ideal survival game began with the early beta of Minecraft in 2009, leading to the exploration of various titles over nearly two decades. A recent discovery, Icarus, released in December 2021 by Dean Hall, has garnered 29,000 positive reviews on Steam and maintains a vibrant player base. Icarus allows players to experience a sense of safety at night while encouraging exploration during the day, set on a planet with terraforming issues. The game features a realistic approach to sustenance, manageable food and water consumption, and introduces an oxygen meter that adds complexity to gameplay. It offers three modes: Open World, Missions, and Outposts, with Missions providing structured quests. Icarus is set to launch on PS5 and Xbox on March 26.

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Upgrade Now $12.97 in Rare Deal

A Windows 11 Pro license is available for .97, representing a 93% discount from the standard retail price of 9. This license activates on one machine and includes features such as BitLocker full-disk encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V virtualization, Remote Desktop host, Group Policy, and Domain join support. Windows 11 Pro also integrates Microsoft’s Copilot for AI-assisted tasks and offers workflow enhancements like Snap Layouts and multiple desktops. To qualify for Windows 11, a PC must have a compatible 64-bit CPU, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, at least 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Users upgrading from Windows 11 Home typically retain their files and applications. Caution is advised regarding the purchase source to avoid gray-market or region-locked keys. Key differences between Windows 11 Pro and Home include enhanced security and management features, making Pro suitable for users handling sensitive data or requiring remote access.

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Steam OS vs. Windows: Which Wins for Handheld Gaming?

The handheld PC market is currently divided between powerful Windows devices, like the ASUS ROG Ally X, and Steam OS-powered devices that focus on gaming immersion. Steam OS allows users to access their game libraries immediately upon booting, providing a distraction-free experience. In performance comparisons, devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S show a 69% speed increase on SteamOS (39 fps) compared to Windows (23 fps), while the ROG Ally X can see a 32% performance boost with SteamOS. Battery life differs significantly, with the Steam Deck offering 3 to 6 hours of gameplay versus the ROG Ally X's 2 to 4 hours, despite the latter having a larger battery. Windows handhelds provide compatibility with various gaming platforms but suffer from inefficiencies due to background processes that consume CPU resources. Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience attempts to improve usability but does not resolve the underlying issues. Windows handhelds typically have 8GB or 16GB of VRAM, which may be insufficient for future games, while SteamOS's lighter footprint allows for better VRAM allocation, enhancing performance. SteamOS is gaining traction not necessarily due to technical superiority but because of its efficiency in addressing the unique constraints of handheld gaming.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Windows Server finally gets ReFS boot support

Microsoft has introduced boot support for the Resilient File System (ReFS) in Windows Server, allowing insiders to boot the server operating system directly from a ReFS volume. This feature has been made available in the latest Windows Server Insider Preview build after a fourteen-year wait since ReFS was launched in 2012. ReFS can detect corruption early and address issues online, eliminating the need for chkdsk, and supports volumes up to 35 petabytes. It also includes block cloning and sparse provisioning technologies for efficient file management. To use ReFS boot, organizations must install the latest Windows Server vNext Insider Preview with a minimum build number of 29531.1000.260206-1841, format the system partition as ReFS, and ensure UEFI firmware is used.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

New York Sues Valve Over Loot Boxes, Calls Them Illegal Gambling

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, the creator of Steam, regarding loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2, claiming they promote gambling behaviors among youth. The state seeks to stop Valve's use of loot boxes and impose financial penalties. The lawsuit argues that loot boxes resemble traditional slot machines and that items obtained can be traded for real-world value, with a virtual gun skin from Counter-Strike 2 reportedly selling for over a million dollars in 2024. The lawsuit claims Valve intentionally makes high-value items rare to increase their perceived worth and highlights the potential for addiction and illegal gambling, particularly among young people. Valve has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

PoC Published for Microsoft Windows Flaw That Allows Low-Privileged Users to Force Irrecoverable BSODs

Security researchers have developed a working Proof of Concept (PoC) exploit for a vulnerability in the Windows kernel, identified as CVE-2026-2636, which allows low-privileged users to induce a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), resulting in a Denial of Service. This vulnerability is linked to the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver, specifically the CLFS.sys component, and arises from improper handling of invalid or special elements within CLFS (CWE-159). The PoC demonstrates that a non-administrative user can trigger the bug by executing a crafted ReadFile operation on a handle linked to an opened .blf log file without the expected I/O Request Packet (IRP) flags set. This leads to a critical inconsistency in the driver, causing Windows to invoke the kernel routine KeBugCheckEx, which results in a BSoD. The CVE-2026-2636 has a CVSS score of 5.5 (Medium) and poses a high impact on availability, allowing any authenticated user to crash the host reliably. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability in the September 2025 cumulative update, protecting systems running Windows 11 2024 LTSC and Windows Server 2025 by default. However, older or unpatched builds remain vulnerable. Organizations are advised to verify the deployment of the September 2025 updates, prioritize patching multi-user systems, and monitor for unusual spikes in BSoD events.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Let Gemini handle your multi-step daily tasks on Android.

Gemini is launching a new beta automation feature in its app for users of the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S26 series, initially available in the U.S. and Korea. Users can activate this feature by long-pressing the power button to assist with multi-step tasks like booking rides or reordering meals. The feature emphasizes safety and privacy, allowing users to control, monitor, and secure their data during automation. It will initially support select applications in the food, grocery, and rideshare sectors.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Proton beam therapy comes to Minecraft to help children prepare for cancer treatment at The Christie

Young cancer patients can now explore a virtual representation of the proton beam therapy centre at The Christie in Manchester through Minecraft, marking the first instance of a working NHS health facility recreated in the game. This initiative, developed by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Microsoft with input from clinical specialists, aims to familiarize children with the therapy environment to reduce anxiety before treatment. The virtual centre includes key areas such as reception, waiting areas, imaging rooms, and play preparation rooms, and features interactive elements like functioning MRI machines and hidden rooms. The Minecraft environment is scaled up to five times the actual centre for easier navigation. The project was primarily developed by Microsoft volunteers and has received positive feedback from young patients like 10-year-old Ramatulaye, who found it helpful in understanding the hospital layout.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Russia probes Telegram founder Durov to crush messaging app

Moscow is conducting a criminal investigation into Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, over accusations of terrorism, as reported by the state-run Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The Russian government aims to control Telegram, which has over 1 billion active users, and is promoting a state-supported alternative, MAX. The investigation is based on allegations that Telegram assists terrorist activities, with claims that it serves as a tool for hybrid threats and poses risks to national security. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted substantial violations linked to Telegram's operations. In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia is increasing its repressive measures and digital surveillance, targeting VPNs and messaging apps to enhance national security. Despite these challenges, Telegram remains a crucial news source in Russia and is used by various groups, including Kremlin officials and opposition figures. Durov opposes government censorship and argues that the crackdown aims to push citizens towards a state-controlled app. He has previously faced scrutiny for his refusal to comply with Russian authorities and has criticized other governments for their influence on digital freedoms. The Russian FSB claims that Ukraine is exploiting data from Telegram for military purposes.