New ransomware is so badly coded it destroys your files instead of holding them hostage
Is this a vibe-coded experiment or sheer incompetence? Either way, victims' data is gone for good
Sony's latest PlayStation DRM policy is causing widespread confusion (updated)
Facepalm: Console enthusiasts recently discovered another form of DRM policy reportedly implemented by Sony in games purchased on PlayStation systems. However, users are still debating how serious the policy is for long-term game ownership. AI-generated support messages and Sony's reluctance to directly address the issue have only added to the confusion.
Notepad++ lands on macOS as a native app
Notepad++ is now available on macOS as a free open-source app. It uses the same core editing engine, bringing familiar features like syntax highlighting, plugins, and macros, while integrating with macOS for better performance.
Intel says software, not more cache, is key to beating AMD in gaming
The company is still preparing a 3D V-Cache rival and hinting at Arc G3 handheld silicon
AI coding agent running Claude wiped a startup's database (and its backups) in 9 seconds
The model later confessed it guessed, skipped verification, and ran a destructive command unprompted
Microsoft's "Windows K2" plan promises a faster Start menu, instant search, and fewer botched updates
Fixing Windows before macOS and Linux eat its lunch
Super ZSNES is a GPU-powered SNES emulator that supports per-game enhancements
Original devs rewrite ZSNES emulator from scratch for the modern era
BleachBit 6.0 updates the free PC cleaner with smarter browser cleanup
BleachBit is an open-source utility built to clear junk files, reclaim storage, and scrub traces of browsing and system activity without the bloat often found in commercial cleaners. Its latest release expands browser cleaning, introduces a new cookie manager, and delivers over 100 fixes and improvements.
Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 is down to $35
Copilot integration, a refreshed development environment, and a steep discount make this one worth a look
Windows Insiders can now pause updates indefinitely, in 35-day increments
Users can also reboot without applying updates and skip updates during initial setup
OpenAI Codex brings agent AI workflows to coding tasks
OpenAI Codex is a coding agent powered by ChatGPT that helps developers build, test, and ship software. It can run tasks in parallel, generate and review code changes, and automate repeatable workflows, while working with existing tools and secure sandboxed environments.
Ransomware groups are using "post-quantum" hype to intimidate victims
Quantum-resistant ransomware may be more marketing stunt than cryptographic leap
Microsoft rolls out Copilot "vibe working" mode for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
What exactly does "engagement" in a word processor mean?
In brief: Microsoft is bringing Copilot's "agentic" mode to its Office productivity suite. With it, users will be able to provide instructions and let the system generate documents on their behalf. Despite ongoing concerns about hallucinations, the Redmond-based company says customers have responded positively to these capabilities.
OpenAI debuts GPT 5.5, Nvidia gave early access to 10,000 employees through Codex
Companywide rollout puts OpenAI's latest model into engineering, legal, marketing, and more for coding and knowledge work
Linux may drop legacy network drivers amid surge in AI-generated bug reports
AI kiddies are turning a low-burden task into a major maintenance issue
Duke Nukem 3D gets path tracing and DLSS through a new fan-made mod
Improving a 30-year-old classic
Microsoft says Windows 11 changes are "directly influenced" by users
The company claims performance, reliability, and polish are now bigger priorities
Portal 2: Community Edition enters open beta with enhanced graphics, larger maps, and new modding tools
Modders have rebuilt Valve's classic on a modernized Source engine
The big picture: Portal 2, which recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, continues to receive mods, but its implementation of Valve's Source engine is showing its age. To address that, modders have spent the past several years building a new version of the game, with Valve's blessing, that enables enhanced graphics, larger maps, and more complex fan-made campaigns.
Firefox 150 improves Split View and expands built-in tools
Firefox 150 introduces refinements to Split View, along with new tab-sharing options that let users copy multiple links with titles in one step. The update also enhances the built-in PDF editor, adds a private real-time translations page, and continues to expand security protections.
ZenTimings provides a detailed view of RAM timings on Ryzen systems
ZenTimings is a Windows utility designed for AMD Ryzen platforms that displays real-time memory configuration data and timings, frequency, and Infinity Fabric clocks. It's primarily used to verify BIOS or XMP/EXPO settings, offering a straightforward way to check how system memory is running.
Nvidia research promises 2x to 3x faster path tracing with better visuals
Experimental improvements improve image quality in between half and one-third of the frame time
Slack chats and internal data from failed startups are finding a second life in AI training
Developers are buying emails, documents, and code to train AI on real-world workflows and decision-making
What was the first OS you ever used?
From command lines to touchscreens
Valve's Proton 11 beta boosts Linux gaming with better performance and classic game support
The compatibility layer is growing in both scope and reliability for Windows games
PureMac is a new open-source macOS cleanup and app removal tool
PureMac strips system cleanup back to basics, offering full app uninstallation with leftover file removal alongside tools for clearing caches, logs, and other clutter. It's positioned as a free, open-source alternative to CleanMyMac, it runs on-device with no telemetry or subscriptions.