Windows 11 dethrones Windows 10 in latest Steam usage statistics, while both Linux and macOS still don’t matter
In a surprising turn of events, Windows 11 has overtaken Windows 10 as the most popular operating system among Steam users. According to the August 2024 Steam Hardware & Software Survey, Windows 11 now claims 49.17 percent of the user base, while Windows 10 has dropped to 47.09 percent. This marks the first time that Microsoft's latest OS has surpassed its predecessor.
The surge in Windows 11's popularity represents a 3.36 percent increase from the previous month, a testament to the growing acceptance and adoption of the OS. Conversely, Windows 10 saw a decline of 3.07 percent, indicating that more gamers are making the switch to the newer platform.
Forget Microsoft Windows 11, say hello to Nitrux Linux 3.6.1
Nitrux, the Debian-based distribution known for its focus on simplicity and performance, has just released version 3.6.1, codenamed “lp.” This release packs a series of updates and fixes that are aimed at improving the overall experience for both new and existing users.
If you’ve been contemplating a switch from Windows 11, Nitrux 3.6.1 is the perfect alternative. You can download an ISO here now.
Average cost of industrial data breaches soars
In 2024, the average cost of a data breach skyrocketed to $4.88 million, up from $4.45 million in 2023, showing a 10 percent spike and the highest increase since the pandemic.
Some industries though have seen even bigger increases. Data from a Stocklytics survey of 604 organizations across 17 industries and in 16 countries between March 2023 and February 2024 shows the industrial sector has seen the biggest data breach cost growth in the past year.
Switching broadband in the UK is about to get easier
Changing your broadband service provider has always been a hassle. Usually it takes around 10 days, not to mention that you have to put up with phone calls and emails from your old supplier offering you better deals and pleading with you not to go.
For people in the UK, however, things are about to get a whole lot simpler. The One Touch Switching Company (TOTSCo) is a non-profit organization that has set up a messaging platform called the TOTSCo Hub.
The future of data analytics in business intelligence [Q&A]
In a little more than a decade, data analytics has been through several big transformations. First, it became digitized. Second, we witnessed the emergence of 'big data' analytics, driven partly by digitization and partly by massively improved storage and processing capabilities.
Finally, in the last couple of years, analytics has been transformed once again by emerging generative AI models that can analyze data at a previously unseen scale and speed.
As promised, Incase is reviving a range of discontinued Microsoft peripherals in the coming weeks
It is now almost a year-and-a-half since Microsoft decided to kill off a range of PC accessories. Large numbers of Microsoft-branded mice, keyboards and other peripherals were dropped as the company switched focus to Surface-branded kit.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Onwards Brands would take over many of the discontinued items, rebranded as "Incase Designed by Microsoft" products. Now the company has confirmed that the first batch of products will be available before the end of the year, including the Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse.
Armbian Linux 24.8.1 improves hardware support and system stability
Armbian, the Linux distribution designed for ARM development boards, has just released version 24.8.1. This version of the operating system brings a ton of updates (see full changelog here) that are sure to catch the attention of enthusiasts and developers alike.
Notably, this release focuses on improving hardware compatibility, especially for those using the Odroid XU4 and RK3588 platforms, while also refining the overall system stability and performance. You can download the distro here now.
Rhino Linux 2024.2 horns in on Microsoft Windows 11
Rhino Linux has released its latest version, 2024.2, bringing a bunch of updates and enhancements that make it a compelling choice for those considering a switch from Windows 11. The release includes improvements to both the distribution and the Rhino Linux wiki, offering a more streamlined and cohesive user experience.
One of the most notable changes in this version is the introduction of an upgraded Unicorn theme. This new theme replaces the previous Yaru-Purple scheme, giving the desktop environment a fresh and vibrant look. The updated theme enhances visual integration across the system, from the Rhino Linux installer to everyday applications like Thunar and XFCE4-Terminal, making the transition from Windows 11 smoother and more visually appealing.
Are you ready for 6G? A breakthrough device just made it possible
As we edge closer to the reality of 6G, the next generation of wireless communication, one of the biggest questions is how we will achieve the ultra-fast speeds and massive data capacity that it promises. The answer lies in a groundbreaking new device: a silicon-based polarization multiplexer designed to operate at terahertz (THz) frequencies.
This new polarization multiplexer is a key piece of technology that could help unlock the full potential of 6G. It works by allowing two separate streams of data to be transmitted simultaneously over the same frequency band, using different polarizations of the electromagnetic wave. This essentially doubles the data capacity of that channel, a crucial advancement given the data-hungry applications that 6G will support, such as real-time holographic communication, advanced AI-driven services, and ultra-responsive smart cities.
What Apple iPhones are compatible with iOS 18?
Have you been wondering if your iPhone can run the upcoming iOS 18? Well, I have good news. Apple has revealed the devices that will be compatible with the operating system update.
The iPhone 15 series, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, will naturally be at the forefront of this update, benefiting from the latest features and enhancements that iOS 18 has to offer. However, the new Apple Intelligence functionality is limited to the 15 Pro models.
Google Search now supports AVIF images
Google has announced that AVIF, a rapidly growing image format, is now officially supported in Google Search, including Google Images and other areas where images are utilized. This means that AVIF files can now be indexed by Google without requiring any special configuration from webmasters.
AVIF, an open image file format derived from the AV1 video compression standard, has gained traction due to its efficient compression and high-quality output. Its compatibility spans across all major web browsers and is supported by various platforms, including WordPress, Joomla, and CloudFlare.
HYPER HyperJuice Qi2 chargers are ready for Apple iPhone 16
HYPER has introduced its HyperJuice Qi2 lineup, designed for tech enthusiasts, Apple users, iPhone owners, and travelers. Notably, these chargers should prove to be perfect for the upcoming Apple iPhone 16 smartphones.
This new range features Qi2 technology, which allows users to charge their Qi2-enabled devices at twice the speed of the first-generation 7.5W Qi protocol. The efficiency of this charging solution is enhanced by magnetic alignment that ensures the charging coils are perfectly aligned, optimizing energy usage, reducing heat generation, and protecting battery life.
Vulnerabilities surge by 43 percent over 2023
Published vulnerabilities have increased by 43 percent compared to H1 2023, with 23,668 vulnerabilities reported in H1 2024 according to a new report from Forescout.
The average number of new CVEs per day is 111 or 3,381 per month, and 20 percent of exploited vulnerabilities affected VPN and network infrastructure.
Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-ten in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Windows 10 users will see ads for Microsoft 365 in the Start menu soon as well. Microsoft launched an update that is integrating the feature.
The rise of third-party browser script attacks [Q&A]
Third-party browser scripts are the code snippets that organizations put into their websites to run ads, analytics, chatbots, etc -- essentially anything that isn't coded by the organization itself.
Which sounds innocuous enough, but these scripts are increasingly being used as a vector for cyberattacks. We spoke to Simon Wijckmans, CEO of c/side, to understand how these attacks operate and what can be done to defend against them.
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