A joint project by the Italian Linux Society and the Free Software Foundation Europe, called Refund4Freedom, has launched a website offering forms and guidance for consumers seeking refunds on Windows 11 licenses bundled with new PCs. The site reports that Acer and Lenovo have functioning refund processes, Asus offers one only through an obscure Italian channel, while Dell and HP currently provide no such option. It also warns buyers to keep proof of an untouched system before attempting a refund claim.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-08-29
The developer credited with building the original Windows Task Manager has released TMOG, a new system monitoring app for macOS. The tool offers a detailed summary view covering CPU, clock speed, thermals, GPU, memory, storage, network, and energy usage, alongside deeper inspection features like per-core stats, process trees, service controls, and a native expandable version of the Mac's System Report.
tmog.org
· 2026-08-28
EasyEffects is a Linux application that taps into the PipeWire audio system to apply real-time sound processing—equalization, compression, bass enhancement, limiting and more—to a laptop's built-in speakers. Because it works directly with the audio streams entering and leaving the system, users can noticeably improve the thin, tinny sound typical of laptop speakers without buying external hardware. The tool bundles plugins from projects like Calf Studio Gear, MDA.LV2 and GStreamer with adjustable presets, all managed through one interface instead of separate mixers or command-line scripts.
osnews.com
· 2026-08-28
Paperwork is a free, open-source document management tool available for both Linux and Windows that lets users import, tag, label, and search files locally without uploading them to third-party servers. It supports formats like PDF, DOCX, and ODT, and includes features such as OCR, scanner support, automatic label suggestions, and keyword-based search.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-28
An advocacy campaign is calling on laptop buyers to request refunds for the Microsoft Windows license bundled with their device, arguing that most laptops are sold exclusively with Windows pre-installed even if the buyer intends to use another operating system. The campaign frames this as an unfair practice and provides guidance for consumers to formally request reimbursement from vendors.
en.refund4freedom.org
· 2026-08-28
Nvidia has confirmed that October 2026 will bring the last Game Ready driver built for Windows 10, with the following November release skipping the OS entirely. After that, Nvidia will only issue quarterly security patches for Windows 10 systems through October 2029, rather than the frequent performance and compatibility updates tied to new game launches.
techspot.com
· 2026-08-28
Microsoft has released the KB5120998 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, bundling 35 changes centered on taskbar positioning, a compact taskbar mode, and new Start menu size and layout options. The optional update also begins rolling out Administrator Protection, a feature using just-in-time privileges to limit elevation-of-privilege attacks, though it remains off by default and needs Intune or Group Policy to enable.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-08-28
ZDNET published a curated list of Linux distributions suited for people switching from Windows in 2026, deliberately excluding Linux Mint. Zorin OS tops the list for its Windows-like interface options and a feature that detects when a user tries to install a .exe or .msi file and suggests an open-source alternative from its app store.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-27
Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent fix for a bug that crashed Windows 11 systems and broke games like ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. The root cause was traced to the inpoutx64.sys driver, often bundled with RGB lighting peripherals, rather than the August 2026 update initially suspected. The update, which started propagating on August 26, 2026, automatically blocks the faulty driver and requires a restart to take effect.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-08-27
A new roundup evaluates Windows uninstaller tools that go beyond the operating system's built-in removal features, useful for broken uninstall processes, bulk app removal, or clearing leftover files and registry entries. IObit Uninstaller is highlighted as a standout freemium option, offering batch removal, forced uninstall, bundleware detection, and an Install Monitor that tracks setup changes for more accurate future cleanup.
techspot.com
· 2026-08-27
An APK teardown of Microsoft's Link to Windows Android app has uncovered hidden code for remotely shutting down, restarting, updating, or putting a paired Windows PC to sleep. The app currently only supports remotely locking a PC, and these new commands would extend that functionality with built-in warnings about lost work or disconnection.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
A ZDNET writer describes setting up Tailscale, a free service that links home computers—two physical machines and four virtual ones—into a secure private network called a tailnet. The setup allowed remote desktop access to all machines from abroad without configuring router settings or firewall rules, using tools already familiar to the user like Remote Desktop clients.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-26
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