Wayne Williams

PC shipments rose 6.5 percent year over year in the second quarter of 2025, reaching 68.4 million units globally, according to preliminary data from IDC. While international demand remained strong, vendors in the United States appear to be approaching the looming Trump tariff deadlines with growing caution.

IDC’s latest Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker shows broad-based PC market momentum across many regions. The continued shift to Windows 11 and an aging installed base have helped sustain replacement demand in both the consumer and commercial sectors.

Online scams are evolving quickly, and while younger people often adapt with ease, older adults may not be keeping up.

According to Avast, nearly 60 percent of older loved ones have already fallen victim to cybercrime. Even when younger family members raise the alarm, the message does not always get through. Although 84 percent of adults say they have spoken to older relatives about potentially risky online habits, only 53 percent of those warned have taken the advice seriously and made changes

Windows Restrictions Fixer is a lightweight tool that can detect disabled Windows features and give you the opportunity to re-enable them in just a few clicks.

While it's possible to manually reverse many restrictions through the registry or Group Policy Editor, this app offers a much simpler route for those who prefer not to dig around in system files, or just don’t know where to begin.

Thunderbird 140 “Eclipse,” is officially here. Released as the latest Extended Support Release, it offers long-term stability and fewer changes over time, handy for users who prioritize reliability over rapid updates.

The latest build introduces new visual tools, improved usability, and behind-the-scenes improvements to one of the most established open-source email clients available today.

AI is reshaping how companies protect themselves against cyber threats, according to new research from ISG Software Research.

Enterprises are building layered cybersecurity defense systems that combine access controls, endpoint monitoring, and data recovery, and artificial intelligence is helping these systems adapt faster and work more effectively.

Developer Igor Pavlov has released a new version of 7-Zip, his long-standing and hugely popular file archiving tool.

The 25th edition of the software introduces improvements in compression speed and support for modern multi-core systems, helping power users handle large archives more efficiently.

Today is a big day for fans of popular Windows Amiga emulator, WinUAE. Version 6.0.0 has just been released, delivering the most comprehensive update so far.

Highlights of the new version include a full rewrite of the custom chipset emulation, massively improving accuracy and performance. It also introduces expanded hardware support, better debugging tools, and a wide range of small -- but meaningful -- quality-of-life improvements.

Just one day after Opera received an update with new translation tools and general improvements, its spiritual successor Vivaldi has released version 7.5. The Chromium-based browser, created by a team led by Opera co-founder Jon S. von Tetzchner, is rolling out a new build focused on usability, privacy, and customization.

The headline additions to Vivaldi 7.5 are colored Tab Stacks, a cleaned-up tab context menu, and new privacy controls including DNS over HTTPS. The update also includes a number of smaller fixes and UI tweaks that improve day-to-day use.

With support for Windows 10 winding down, many users are weighing up their next move. Traditionally, upgrading to the newest version of Windows was a no-brainer, but Windows 11 has complicated that decision. Its strict hardware requirements, growing insistence on a Microsoft account, system bloat, unpredictable updates, and an expanding focus on AI have left many users looking for alternatives, or at least wondering what else is possible.

Enter Windows Classic Remastered (Windows CR for short), a retro-inspired OS that shows us a version of Windows from an alternate reality; one where simplicity, consistency, and user control rule, rather than complexity and bloat.

Norwegian browser company Opera has launched a major update for its desktop browsers Opera One and Opera GX, adding a privacy-focused translation feature, improved multitasking tools, and a new level of personalization for GX users.

The update rolls out as Opera continues to try to compete with bigger players like Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Firefox by leaning into user-driven customization and features.

Seven months after it was first announced, Xerox Holdings Corporation says it has finalized its acquisition of Lexmark International in a $1.5 billion deal. The transaction, which includes net debt and assumed liabilities, closed on July 2, 2025. This move is part of Xerox’s broader efforts to evolve its business in a bid to stay relevant as work environments continue to shift in a post-Covid world.

The deal brings together two print giants with long-standing reputations in the industry.

Neurologyca has launched a new multi-modal AI platform called Kopernica that introduces emotional context to machine intelligence.

Described by the company as a “first-of-its-kind,” Kopernica uses real-time data from facial expressions, vocal tones, and behavioral signals to detect and interpret human emotions, cognitive states, and potential health risks, such as strokes. The platform is being positioned as a foundational layer for emotionally aware AI systems.

One of the first things people notice about Windows 11 is its redesigned interface, most obviously, the taskbar and Start menu, which are now centered. It’s a major departure from the classic layout of Windows 10 and earlier, and for long-time users, the change can take some getting used to.

If you’re someone who prefers the familiar feel of earlier versions, particularly Windows 7, there’s now a stylish way to bring that experience back.

There are a number of great tools you can use to improve Windows 10 and 11, including Winhance and BleachBit, both of which have been recently updated.

Crapfixer, which we’ve covered before, is another tool you can use to remove bloat, ads, creepy data collection, and more. It was originally created seven years ago but has been resurrected and completely rewritten for Windows 11. The modern incarnation appeared two weeks ago, and it has now reached the 1.0 milestone, meaning it’s considered stable and safe to use.

Windows 10 is set to reach its end of life later this year, meaning Microsoft will stop providing free security updates and support for the popular operating system. While extended security updates will be available for a fee, most users will need to choose between upgrading to Windows 11 or waiting for the long-rumored Windows 12.

Despite its continuous widespread use, Windows 10’s retirement marks a significant shift, pushing users toward a newer, AI-enhanced Windows experience -- whether they’re ready for it or not.