XP Archives

Winsage

June 9, 2025

5 Windows XP features I miss dearly on Windows 11

Microsoft's Windows operating system has evolved significantly, with Windows 11 featuring enhanced multitasking and modern functionalities. However, nostalgic elements from older versions, particularly Windows XP, are missed. 1. The Disk Defragmenter in Windows XP had a visually appealing interface that represented data on the disk, which has been replaced by a text-based interface in later versions. 2. Built-in games like Solitaire, Hearts, and 3D Pinball in Windows XP provided straightforward enjoyment, while their modern counterparts have become cluttered and commercialized. 3. Windows Media Player in XP allowed users to customize with quirky skins, which added personality, a feature that is lacking in today's streamlined media players. 4. Windows Movie Maker was a user-friendly video editing tool that has been replaced by Clipchamp, which many find less intuitive and more patronizing. 5. Windows Messenger and Windows Live Messenger offered a personalized messaging experience with group organization and unique emoticons, which is not matched by current platforms like Skype and Microsoft Teams.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

‘I’m not here to apologize but I am here to clarify’: Splitgate 2 boss says his Make FPS Great Again hat is ‘not a political statement’

1047 Games unveiled a battle royale mode for Splitgate 2 at the Summer Game Fest, announced by CEO Ian Proulx. Proulx wore a hat with the phrase "MAKE FPS GREAT AGAIN," which drew mixed reactions from viewers. He later clarified the hat's message on social media, emphasizing the company's commitment to improving the multiplayer FPS experience. The launch included a shop refresh with a new skin bundle, the most expensive item in the game, prompting discussions about in-game purchase value. The new mode led to a surge in players and technical issues, including problems with the experience points (XP) system, which the company is working to resolve.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Machines running Windows 10 — even the latest version of 22H2 — will no longer receive security patches and updates. While Windows 10 will continue to function, it won’t be secure.

October 14, 2025, marks the end of support for Windows 10, meaning devices running this OS will stop receiving security patches and updates. Since the end of 2022, Windows 10 has only received security patches without new features. While it will continue to function, its security will be compromised. Organizations may need to consult IT professionals before relying on unsupported operating systems. It is also advisable to assess older infrastructure that may depend on outdated operating systems. Upgrading to Windows 11, specifically version 24H2, is recommended before the October 2025 deadline, as unsupported operating systems pose significant security risks.

BetaBeacon

May 27, 2025

This classic 30-year-old Windows game is now free for Android users

- Space Cadet Pinball is no longer available on Windows PCs due to compatibility errors caused by the internal switch from AXP to Itanium in Windows Vista.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2025

Microsoft oversells Windows 11’s Smart App Control as a “top antivirus solution”

Microsoft's Smart App Control (SAC) is integrated into Windows 11 and requires a clean installation to function optimally. It is designed to enhance security by using artificial intelligence to proactively shield users from threats, working alongside existing antivirus software rather than replacing it. SAC aims to anticipate and block suspicious applications before they can cause harm, minimizing system performance impact by avoiding constant file scanning. However, the effectiveness of SAC and its claims of being a groundbreaking innovation have been questioned, as proactive security measures have existed for years, and modern antivirus solutions offer advanced features beyond basic scanning. Users are advised to consider independent testing platforms for reliable antimalware options.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Top 5 essential farms for a survival world in Minecraft | Esports News

Starting a survival world in Minecraft can be made easier by creating essential farms that automate resource gathering. Key farms to include are: 1. Crop farm: Grows wheat, carrots, and potatoes for food. Use water canals for irrigation and automate harvesting with villagers or pistons. 2. Mob farm: Collects resources from hostile mobs like gunpowder and bones. Build underground or in dark towers, using platforms and water channels for efficiency. 3. Iron farm: Provides a steady supply of iron ingots. Set up with villagers, beds, and a zombie to spawn golems, and use traps to collect iron. 4. Sugar cane farm: Grows sugar cane for crafting and trading. Plant near water and automate harvesting with pistons and observers, stacking crops for space efficiency. 5. XP and enchanting farm: Generates experience points for enchanting tools and armor. Use mob grinders with spawners or a furnace farm for smelting items for XP. These farms ensure a steady supply of food, gear, and resources, enhancing the overall Minecraft experience.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Warhammer Skulls PC Game Deals – Save On Space Marine 2, Dawn Of War, Vermintide, And More

A wave of excitement in the gaming community has followed the Warhammer Skulls event, leading to significant discounts on Warhammer PC games across various online platforms. Discounts include Vermintide 2 Collector's Edition for .19 (down from ) and Space Marine 2 for .15 (down from ). Free offerings include a Warhammer Goodie Bag with wallpapers and discount codes, as well as the classic game Rites of War available for free on GOG. Deals are available on platforms like Fanatical, GOG, Humble Bundle, and Green Man Gaming, with varying prices and availability. Notable deals include the Warhammer 40K Bundle for (originally 0) and the Shooter Dual Pack for .70 (originally ) on GOG. Fanatical offers Total War: Warhammer III for .59 (down from ), while Green Man Gaming lists Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Voidfarer Edition for (down from 0). Humble Bundle features Warhammer 40,000: Darktide Imperial Edition at .80 (down from ). Console gamers can access a selection of eight Warhammer Xbox games available for Game Pass subscribers at no additional cost until May 25.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

How to set up an enchanting table and make enchantments in Minecraft | Esports News

Enchanting in Minecraft allows players to enhance tools and weapons with unique abilities, crucial for survival. To create an enchanting table, players need 4 obsidian blocks, 2 diamonds, and 1 book, arranged with the book in the top-middle slot, diamonds in the left and right slots of the second row, and obsidian blocks in the bottom row. To achieve 30 levels of enchantment, players must place 15 bookshelves one block away from the enchanting table in a square or rectangular formation. Each bookshelf requires 3 books and 6 wooden planks. Books are crafted from paper and leather, with paper made from sugarcane and leather obtained from cows. To enchant items, players need Lapis Lazuli and experience levels. They interact with the enchanting table, placing the item to be enchanted in the left slot and Lapis Lazuli in the right slot, then selecting one of three enchantment options. The number of surrounding bookshelves affects the quality of enchantments, and players can modify or combine enchantments using an anvil or grindstone.

BetaBeacon

May 20, 2025

Android phones can now play the legendary Windows XP Space Cadet pinball game for free

- The classic game "3D Pinball Space Cadet" from Windows XP has been ported to Android devices for free. - Developer Kyle Sylvertre brought the nostalgic game to Android using a GitHub decompilation of the original game by k4zmu2a. - The game is available on the Google Play Store for fans to enjoy, but users may need to scroll down or use a provided link to find the free version.

BetaBeacon

May 20, 2025

Someone ported the iconic pinball game from Windows XP to Android, and it’s free

"Space Cadet" pinball game from Windows XP has been ported to Android by developer Kyle Sylvertre. The game is optimized for touchscreens, supports 18 languages, integrates with Google Play Games for a leaderboard, and is less than 5MB in size. It is completely free with no ads or in-app purchases.