Wayne Williams

When Windows 10 first launched back in 2015, it sparked a major backlash for its aggressive data collection practices. Features like default telemetry settings and forced updates left many people feeling uncomfortable with the new OS. Microsoft eventually dialed back some of the most invasive elements, but the damage was done, and some users still worry about how much control the company has over their data.

Beyond privacy concerns, Windows 10 has also faced criticism for performance issues, especially on older hardware, and for limiting user control with automatic updates and a lack of flexibility in system customization. The good news is there is a solution.

You can’t have failed to notice that certain searches on Google now display AI-generated summaries, known as "AI Overviews," at the top of search results.

If you ask Google a question, such as “What is Bigfoot?” you will see an instant answer explaining that it is a “legendary, hairy, ape-like creature said to live in the forests of North America, especially in the Pacific Northwest.” That overview will also provide additional information about its size, appearance, location, and other names.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has expanded its Raspberry Pi 5 lineup with the launch of a 16GB variant, priced at $120. This new model joins the previously released 4GB and 8GB versions introduced in 2023 and the cheaper 2GB model released last summer.

In a blog post announcing the new model, the company explains that it continues to be impressed by the diverse projects its hardware is being used in.

Every so often, we get hints about Windows 12 -- usually in the form of accidental slips from Microsoft partners, like Intel. So far, though, that future OS has yet to be confirmed. Instead, what we get are continuous updates for Windows 11, typically with new AI features hastily jammed in.

But it’s 2025, and a new year is when we look forward to fresh beginnings and groundbreaking innovations. It’s time for a new Microsoft operating system. Let me introduce you to Windows 25.

If you've ever wished you could play AAA PC games on your Android phone or tablet, so you can enjoy them on the go, there's some good news. Winlator is a free Android app that lets you do exactly that, and it's incredibly easy to get started with it.

The program has just been updated to version 9 and it gains a number of important fixes and new features, ensuring an even smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

Windows 11, despite being marketed as a modern operating system, often feels visually uninspired and inconsistent. The rounded corners and glass-like transparency effects attempt a minimalist look but come across as bland rather than innovative.

Microsoft stepped out of its comfort zone with a centered taskbar and Start Menu, but that’s about as bold as the tech giant was prepared to go. Key UI elements, like the Start Menu, feel oddly sterile, with a basic grid of icons and limited customization, making it look more like a placeholder design than a refined final product.

CES has arrived once again, bringing a raft of new product announcements from PC makers, with the spotlight once more on AI-powered devices. Acer has expanded its Copilot+ PC lineup with a range of new laptops and desktops aimed at bringing on-device AI performance to a wider audience.

The company’s latest models include the Swift Go 14 AI and Swift Go 16 AI, the Aspire 14 AI, Aspire S AI and Aspire C AI all-in-one desktops, and the Revo Box AI mini PC (yes, there's bit of a theme with all of Acer's product names). Each device is equipped with processors featuring integrated neural processing units (NPUs).

JavaScript: The Comprehensive Guide provides a full introduction to JavaScript and web development, starting with the basics of programming and progressing through advanced topics.

The initial chapters introduce JavaScript, exploring its history, its relationship with HTML and CSS, and how to integrate it into web pages. Readers will learn to create and manipulate variables, data types, and operators while controlling the flow of programs using loops and functions.

The start of a new year is always a chance to reassess priorities, try to break old habits, and make lifestyle changes that bring us closer to the life we want to live. New Year’s resolutions typically center around health, career, or relationships, but there’s another area worth considering -- the software and tools we rely on daily.

If you’ve been thinking about leaving Microsoft Windows 11 behind and diving into the world of Linux, this could be the perfect time to do so. (Like all resolutions there’s no guarantee you’ll stick to it of course, but like that well-meaning health kick, it’s worth giving it a go.)

As technology advances, the integration of artificial intelligence and automation is reshaping the landscape of pool maintenance. These innovations promise not only to enhance efficiency but also to align with eco-friendly practices, paving the way for a sustainable future in pool care.

The future of pool maintenance is being defined by the convergence of AI and automation. Homeowners are increasingly adopting these technologies to streamline pool care, reduce manual labor, and minimize environmental impact. A prime example is the use of a solar powered pool skimmer, which combines AI-driven efficiency with renewable energy, setting a new standard for sustainable pool management.

Becoming a data scientist is hard. The job focuses on mathematical tools, but also demands fluency with software engineering, understanding of a business situation, and deep understanding of the data itself. This book provides a crash course in data science, combining all the necessary skills into a unified discipline.

The focus of The Data Science Handbook is on practical applications and the ability to solve real problems, rather than theoretical formalisms that are rarely needed in practice.

Java Essentials For Dummies is a reliable and succinct reference on the core components of Java -- the multifaceted general-purpose language used for desktop, mobile, and web applications.

This straightforward book gets right to the point -- eliminating review material and wordy explanations -- so you get what you need, fast.

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 Excel with this extensive guide, crafted for both beginners and seasoned users alike.

Microsoft 365 Excel begins by revealing the foundational reasons behind Excel’s creation and its unmatched significance in the business world. Dive deep into the structure of Excel files, worksheets, and key concepts that underscore the application’s versatility. As you progress, you'll master efficient workflows, keyboard shortcuts, and powerful formulas, making Excel an indispensable tool for solving complex problems.

With millions of copies sold over 18 editions, Windows For Dummies is the all-time best selling tech reference -- and for good reason. Windows 11 For Dummies, 2nd Edition brings you up to speed on the latest version of Windows, so you can make your PC operate the way you need it to with no guesswork.

This straightforward and approachable resource helps you keep your PC or laptop humming, helping you do things like create user profiles, get connected to networks, find lost files, make your computer play nice with a printer, and fix the most common Windows hiccups.

For many users, Windows 10 and 11 feel like missed opportunities in design evolution. The look is functional but unremarkable, dominated by flat icons and muted colors that lack character or charm. While simplicity can be effective, the current design comes across as a bit sterile, offering little of the warmth or personality that once defined Windows. The result is an OS that sadly feels more clinical than engaging.

Seelen UI is a free tool that reimagines what a Windows desktop can be, giving users the tools to break free from this monotony. With an array of customization features designed to prioritize both style and practicality, it allows users to craft a unique workspace.