Home windows 10’s dying certain does not really feel like a PC apocalypse
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For this version, I’m tag-teaming with Brad—the intro is all me, whereas Brad is recapping the episode and dropping his favourite hyperlinks so that you can share. Hope you benefit from the collab! ~Alaina
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Is Home windows 10’s dying this week necessary? I believe so. However I could be a minority.
For a lot of of us, the hullabaloo this week about Home windows 10’s demise feels overblown—in spite of everything, as Brad identified a few weeks in the past, Microsoft is providing other ways to increase safety updates. The {hardware} apocalypse all of us anticipated received’t occur for an additional yr.
I nonetheless consider it issues for a few causes.
Safety on Home windows 10 will nonetheless be a problem, for starters. Even with the flexibility to increase updates, the method is completed by way of Home windows Replace (?!), relatively than a extra seen a part of the working system. Or as a substitute of logging into your Microsoft account—the very factor Microsoft is attempting to implement as the strategy to log right into a Home windows machine, so such a tie-in could be sensible and seamless.
I count on some customers received’t hassle with extending their safety updates. Or they’ll stop partway by way of the method after turning into confused. (I nearly did, to be sincere.)
However although I’m cautious general about Microsoft’s hot-cold strategy to Home windows 10’s lifespan, this gloominess is offset by the rising curiosity round various working programs. I for one am very fascinated about how vibe of those smaller communities (and the curiosity in preserving older {hardware} alive) may shift.
I’ve complained about a sure sort of Linux consumer earlier than. I did so freely then and I stand by that opinion now. However I additionally acknowledge that our crew has seen so many chill, cool individuals pop as much as say they too are on the identical journey as Will and Adam—that Twin Boot Diaries isn’t simply chronicling a beginner’s journey, it’s their journey as properly.
IDG
We’ve additionally had seasoned Linux veterans be part of our Discord server who collaborate in discussions and assist people greatest optimize for his or her use case—and we now have an ever-growing group of recent Discord members coming from this slice of the Linux userbase. It’s wonderful to be a part of.
I’ve fretted in earlier weeks in regards to the future for fanatic {hardware} and DIY PC constructing general. (Hasn’t helped that the newest information features a new proposal for a further 100% tariff fee on Chinese language items.) However I’m additionally conscious that for many individuals, a desktop PC is only a technique to get on-line—and also you don’t want new {hardware} to get that achieved. Put a light-weight working system on an older machine (like ChromeOS Flex or Linux), and it’s easy crusing.
I’ve really loved the concept of going again to older {hardware} to present them new life. In some methods, that matches the spirit of The Full Nerd simply as a lot as being hyped for the 5090’s successor. How will you do as a lot doable with what you’ve received?
Additionally, it simply appears enjoyable to whip out an outdated MacBook Air after which watch others get confused about what’s on the display screen.
On this episode of The Full Nerd
Hey, it’s Brad tagging in! Home windows 11 works fairly OK when you get it arrange proper, simply saying.
However on this episode of The Full Nerd, Adam Patrick Murray, Will Smith, and Brad Chacos (that’s me!) dive deeper into all the new Panther Lake information, constructing faux-Lego system-on-chip replicas and battling gremlins in our new streaming rig all of the whereas. The gang will get extra sizzling and bothered speaking in regards to the expertise underpinning Intel’s new chips (just like the long-awaited Intel 18A course of, modern bottom energy supply system, and Foveros chip-stacking) than the considerably murky concept of the chips themselves. This was a tech tour announcement, in spite of everything — not a agency reveal of ultimate {hardware}. And the tech is trying good.
Talking of fine trying new tech, we additionally talk about the newest developments in Product Amethyst, AMD and Sony’s collaboration to speed up the subsequent technology of gaming graphics. PlayStation architect Mark Cerny and Radeon chief Jack Huynh sat down to debate the brand new Radiance Cores, Neural Arrays, and Common Compression expertise coming to future PlayStation consoles — and certain Radeon graphics playing cards. There’s lots right here that portends large modifications to AMD’s PC {hardware} in coming years, and the gang unpacks all of it. (Did I point out that two of us are graphics card reviewers and Will makes video video games?)

Willis Lai / Foundry
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This week’s nerd information
This week wasn’t as jam-packed with delectable {hardware} information as final week, however there was nonetheless loads of scintillatingly geeky tidbits you don’t need to miss. Like sexting with robots! This place goes to hell when Alaina isn’t round, sorry.

Edifier
- Are we benchmarking graphics mistaken? Players Nexus’s deep-dive into “animation error methodology” gave me lots to consider. This problem is turning into extra necessary with the proliferation of upscaling instruments like DLSS, XeSS, and FSR.
- I want I used to be enjoying Battlefield 6 as a substitute of working proper now. Alas. On the plus aspect, “working” for me means “watching this superior video Will did on BF6 smoothness.” Make sure to try {Hardware} Unboxed’s delightfully thorough movies on BF6 GPU and CPU benchmarks as properly!

Michael Crider/Foundry
- Asus nailed the ROG Xbox Ally’s {hardware}. Too dangerous that Home windows itself continues to carry Steam Deck rivals again, regardless of the ROG Xbox Ally together with a brand new “Xbox Fullscreen Expertise” that ostensibly tries to easy off tough edges. Let the idea bake within the oven a bit longer earlier than you contemplate selecting one up.
- Sam Altman says ChatGPT will sext with adults later this yr. Cool. Cool cool cool. As soon as once more, sounds
terrifyingsuperior, nothing can go mistaken right here. For a vibe examine, I requested ChatGPT Professional what to do if a cherished one is caught in a dryer. We’ve a strict “no AI writing” coverage right here at PCWorld, however within the curiosity of accountable journalism, right here’s what it stated:
“If somebody is struck or trapped inside a dryer, this can be a critical emergency — right here’s what to do instantly:
⚠️ 1. Name Emergency Providers (911 or native emergency quantity)
- Report that somebody is trapped in or struck by a dryer.
- Give the dispatcher your actual location and describe the scenario clearly.
- Keep on the telephone and comply with their directions.
⚡ 2. Flip Off the Energy
- Unplug the dryer or shut off the circuit breaker instantly.
- Do not attempt to pull them out whereas the machine is operating or powered — electrical or mechanical components may trigger extra hurt.
🔥 3. If They Are Caught
- Don’t attempt to drive them out if they’re bodily trapped; you would worsen accidents or trigger burns.
- Preserve them calm and nonetheless.
- If protected, gently open the door to enhance air and visibility, however look ahead to firefighters or paramedics who’ve correct instruments to free them safely.
💨 4. If They Are Injured
- Test for respiration and pulse.
- If unresponsive and never respiration, begin CPR in case you are skilled.
- Deal with burns or bruises with cool (not chilly) water if the dryer was sizzling, however keep away from making use of ointments or lotions.
🚑 5. When Assist Arrives
- Present emergency responders with particulars — how lengthy the particular person was in or close to the dryer, whether or not it was on, and what sort of accidents you noticed.
If this has simply occurred, cease studying and name 911 proper now — even for those who assume the particular person appears okay. Dryers may cause critical trauma, burns, or oxygen deprivation in seconds.”
Sorry to be a bummer, future StepGPTbros. Catch you all subsequent week—simply in time for the proper vacation. Who doesn’t love shopping for sweet half-off after Halloween ends?
~Alaina & Brad
This article is devoted to the reminiscence of Gordon Mah Ung, founder and host of The Full Nerd, and govt editor of {hardware} at PCWorld.

