Microsoft Flight Simulator X is a lot of fun, but the game isn’t cheap. If you don’t want to pay for your flight simulator, you might just want to try GeoFS instead. It’s a free flight simulator with a global environment generated by satellite images and digital geographic data. The simulator runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. There are more than 30 aircraft to fly and navigation charts with 40,000 referenced runways. You can even run it in your web browser without anything to install. Dominic Bayley / Foundry I really dig the realistic physics and the fact you can fly a wide variety of planes—everything from single engine biplanes to giant jumbo jet Airbus A380s. It’s worth noting, though, that it’s a little tricky to get the hang of at first, so you’re really going to want to personalize the controls before you fly. That’s a wrap for this Try This. If you want more recommendations like this one, be sure to sign up to our Try This newsletter. Read...

Screens with OLED panels are increasingly being used in laptops and PC monitors. The reason: The prices for OLEDs have fallen, and this is likely to continue in the future. A laptop with an OLED display is currently available for as little as $750, such as the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14. You won’t find top equipment here, neither in terms of components nor the screen. However, the 60-hertz display offered in this device class masters most everyday tasks without any problems, as long as gaming is not involved. A monitor with an OLED panel is often aimed at special application scenarios. It either supports creative work with outstanding detail or gaming on the computer with ultra-fast switching times. An OLED gaming monitor with a 27-inch diagonal, QHD resolution and 240 hertz refresh rate is priced at a good $700 — such as the LG Ultragear OLED 27GS95QE-B. A 4K 32-incher such as the Dell 32 Plus (S3225QC) costs upwards of $800. This means that OLED monitors are still no bargain, but their prices are increasingly moving into affordable regions. The Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLEDMatthew Smith / Foundry Stumbling block: Burn-in due to static image content Just like OLED televisions, OLED monitors also impress with their outstanding contrast. As they can dim with pixel precision and switch off the pixels completely, they display true black. The self-illuminating pixels also impress with their rich colors, very short switching times, and extremely stable viewing angles, where colors hardly change at all, even when you look at the screen from the side. What curbs the enthusiasm for OLED screens in the computer environment is the risk of burn-in. These effects can occur if image content is displayed statically for a long time. In the case of televisions, this applies to channel and program logos, for example. There are far more possibilities when working on a desktop monitor or laptop display on a daily basis. This is because many applications involve the display of static content — for example, tables, texts, or the Windows taskbar, which always remains visible in the default settings of the operating system. Even if the OLED panel is not yet a bargain for PC monitors, many gaming screens, such as the LG Ultragear OLED 27GS95QE-B shown here, are now quite affordable. LG There are different levels of burn-in effects: image sticking, image retention, or ghost image is a temporary effect. A slight shadow image or outline remains visible even though the image signal has already changed. The effect is caused by the fact that OLEDs react very sensitively to changes in the current voltage. If the threshold voltage of the pixel transistors shifts, the faulty picture can occur. Proper burn-in or image retention, on the other hand, is permanent in OLEDs. Static content that is displayed repeatedly over a long period of time leaves permanent traces on the panel. You then see them as shadow images in the background that no longer disappear. Burn-in occurs because OLED panels wear out during operation. They age and lose luminosity in the process. However, this is a very slow process. For this reason, genuine defects caused by burn-in are covered by most manufacturers’ device warranties. In addition, the panel can compensate for a deficit in luminosity by increasing the power supply to precisely these pixels. OLED maintenance support For both desktop monitors and most laptops with OLEDs, the manufacturers offer built-in maintenance measures. You should definitely carry them out in order to maintain the panel quality. In the case of monitors, you will find the integrated routines for OLED maintenance in the on-screen display (OSD). They are often located under the menu item “Other.” Laptop manufacturers often integrate the functions into the manufacturer’s own maintenance tools. Asus, for example, has added the “Asus OLED Care” section to the MyAsus utility program for laptops with OLED panels. In many cases, there are also additional apps for both device categories that support you with OLED care. However, the offer depends very much on the specific device. Lenovo, for example, limits the Lenovo Display Refresh utility to the Thinkpad X1 Fold. At the same time, an update of the respective tool does no harm. In our experience, some OLED maintenance functions are only enhanced by an update. Pixel refresh: Basic maintenance for the OLED screen A common maintenance routine that is intended to prevent the risk of burn-in from the outset is the pixel refresh, or pixel update. This measure checks and corrects the threshold voltage on the pixel transistors. This can shift in the course of OLED operation — especially when many bright areas are displayed. This is where the most current flows and the highest temperature is generated as a result. The aim of the routine is to restore the threshold voltage that was set when the panel was produced. The correction also eliminates any display errors. The pixel refresh starts automatically on most devices after a certain number of operating hours. Some monitor models, such as the Dell 32 Plus S3225QC, indicate in the OSD that a pixel refresh is necessary after just four hours. Visually, a green dot at “OLED screen status” changes to yellow. In this case, however, we do not receive an active notification to intervene. If we start the correction, the process runs automatically and takes six to eight minutes. The display switches off at the end. For good reason, the setting in the OSD cannot be deactivated. However, you can select that the refresh only starts when the monitor is in standby mode. Taking a look at the OSD from time to time and performing the refresh will benefit the lifespan of your OLED monitor. Panel refresh: Self-calibration of the OLED pixels To prevent irreversible damage caused by real burn-in, all OLED panels have an integrated self-protection mechanism — panel refresh, also known as panel compensation. The protection process starts automatically after a specified operating time. The device manufacturers are keeping quiet about when exactly this happens. However, several hundred operating hours have probably already passed. The panel refresh starts as soon as the display is switched off. For this reason, you should not completely disconnect an OLED monitor from the power supply via a switchable power strip. During panel refresh, the screen uses a memory function. The internal controller saves all the data on light duration and brightness — for each pixel. Those OLED pixels that have been shining at high brightness for a particularly long time and have therefore already diminished in brightness are given a higher power supply. This works because OLED panels do not usually light up in the maximum range, but on the basis of the Average Picture Level (APL). This describes in percent how high the average brightness of a picture on the screen is. Further protective measures: Pixel shifting, logo dimming, and more. Especially with OLED monitors and laptops intended for gaming, manufacturers integrate additional protective mechanisms for the OLED screen. However, not every model has to feature all of these processes. Pixel shifting: This function is also known as pixel orbiter. If it is activated, the displayed image is shifted horizontally and vertically by a few pixels at predefined intervals — approximately every three minutes. This changes its position on the display. This is intended to prevent certain pixels from being overused and therefore ageing more quickly. Logo recognition can be activated on some devices with OLED screens. It detects the static image content on the screen and darkens it to protect the panel from burn-in. Foundry Logo dimming/logo detection: If the operating menu of your monitor offers this function, the display automatically recognizes logos and recurring overlays and reduces their brightness. You can usually determine how much this should happen yourself using several levels. This setting is a precautionary measure that is useful for toolbars in games, channel logos, or program names. Screen saver: To protect the entire display, you can activate a screen saver via the manufacturer’s tool. It starts as soon as there is no input signal — often after just two minutes. An activated screen saver — here on a Samsung OLED monitor — protects the display from damage caused by static content when the computer is not in use.Foundry OLED protection measures for everyone With these measures, you can protect the valuable OLED screen from burn-in effects and preserve the lifespan of the pixels. Hide the taskbar: On the computer, the Windows taskbar is one of those static contents that are always displayed. To protect the OLED pixels, you can prevent this by hiding the taskbar. In Windows 11, right-click on the desktop and select “Personalize.” In the “Taskbar” area, scroll down to “Taskbar behaviors.” Tick the box next to “Automatically hide the taskbar.” Screensaver: Even if your OLED device does not have a screensaver, you can activate it in Windows 11. Again, under “Personalize,” click on “Lock screen” and go to “Screen saver.” Ideally, you should choose a dark color. You can display it in the preview and set a waiting time in minutes. Foundry Dark mode: Dark mode is a suitable means of further reducing the bright areas on the OLED screen. It is not only easy on the eyes, but also on the OLED panel. It can also be switched on in the Windows “Personalization” area. Click on “Colors” and select “Dark” under “Choose your mode.” Full screen mode: Full screen mode is particularly recommended for watching films and videos, so that the video display is scaled to fit the entire screen area. Cinema fans should therefore pay attention to the 16:9 format at the time of purchase to avoid annoying bars on the sides. Brightness control: With desktop monitors, ambient light sensors often regulate the brightness of the OLED screen depending on the conditions at the installation site. Depending on the situation, the luminance is automatically reduced. For moving images such as films, it is advisable to use existing modes — such as film mode. If you use HDR settings, don’t forget to switch them off again. This reduces the peak brightness, protects the OLED pixels and also saves energy. Related content Best laptops: Premium, budget, gaming, 2-in-1, and more The best monitors: 11 top picks for gaming, 4K, HDR, and more Are OLED laptops worth the extra price? 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TL;DR: Get Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 for life on sale for only $9.97 (reg. $499). Big software projects call for tools that can handle serious workloads and keep teams connected. Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 is a 64-bit integrated development environment built to manage large codebases and cross-platform development, and right now, a lifetime license is only $9.97 (reg. $499). Developers can use Visual Studio Pro to create web, desktop, and mobile apps using .NET MAUI or Blazor, and they can debug .NET and C++ code on Windows or Linux. Hot reload lets you see changes the instant you make them, so you can test new ideas without constant restarts. IntelliCode predicts the next lines of code based on context, while CodeLens shows authorship, test results, and commit history right inside the editor. Collaboration tools are built in. Live Share allows real-time pair programming and group sessions so teammates can edit and debug together from anywhere. Integrated Git support makes version control simple, and advanced testing tools help catch issues before release. Don’t pay monthly for an IDE when you can get Windows Visual Studio Pro for life on sale for only $9.97. Sale ends October 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

The scientist turned her childhood love of primates into a lifelong quest for protecting the environment. Read...

Windows 11 version 25H2, the next major feature update for Microsoft’s operating system, started rolling out in waves on September 30. Despite being categorized as an “enablement update,” the scope of the changes is considerable. The basic architecture remains identical to version 24H2, which means there are no new hardware requirements. If you don’t already have Windows 11, or just need a new license, you can grab it for 50 percent off on the PCWorld Software store right now. For all systems that are already running on Windows 11 24H2, the upgrade requires minimal effort. A small enablement package activates the new functions without the need for a complete reinstallation or in-place upgrade. This procedure not only saves time, but also significantly reduces downtime. Devices with older versions such as 23H2 or Windows 10, on the other hand, must go through the classic, more extensive upgrade process. Windows Latest Thanks to the “Shared Servicing Branch”, many new features are already distributed in 24H2, but are deactivated until the Enablement Package activates them. Users benefit from around 40 percent smaller update packages thanks to the combination of servicing stack updates and other cumulative updates, which further shortens the installation time. New start menu with extended control options The revised start menu is one of the most visible changes in 25H2. It shows the pinned apps at the top, a section with recommended content such as recently used documents or programs in the middle and the complete app list below. The latter can be displayed in three modes, as a category view, as a compact grid, or as a classic list. Users can control the scope dynamically using buttons such as “Show all” or “Show less”. New personalization settings allow more pinned apps to be displayed by default or recommendations to be hidden completely. Frequently used and recently installed apps can also be displayed or hidden as desired. Companies benefit from the largely retained basic structure, as adjustments to documentation and training material are minimal. Restrictions still exist. Categories cannot yet be renamed or created, drag & drop currently only works from “All” to “Pinned”, and touch navigation currently lacks support for swipe up gestures. The start menu is supplemented by the option to display system folders such as “Settings” or “Explorer” as fixed icons in the bottom bar, which enables quick access to frequently used functions. Further reading: Windows 11’s new-look Start menu is a huge upgrade. Let’s dive in Direct integration of smartphones via Phone Link With the new start menu integration of “Phone Link”, the connection between PC and smartphone takes center stage even more. Users can exchange files between PC and mobile devices via drag & drop, send images from Explorer directly “to my phone” or retrieve messages and content from the Start menu. The setup requires a Microsoft account for the app, but not for the Windows login. In private households, this simplifies the management of media and documents; in companies, it enables uncomplicated connection of service devices. Content can be synchronized via local networks or even mobile data connections. The implementation is considered to be more stable than in previous pre-release versions, in which Phone Link was often prone to errors. Windows Customizable widgets on the lock screen The lock screen display can be expanded with widgets, including weather, stock market prices, countdown counters or customized information sources. These elements can be customized to keep important data directly in view without unlocking the desktop. A new feature is the “Discover widgets” function, which displays suggestions for other available widgets and simplifies the selection process. For companies, this can be a way of providing employees with status information or appointments, while private users can keep an eye on birthdays or deadlines, for example. Currently, changes only take effect after a restart, which is likely to be optimized in the final version. Optimized energy management and performance diagnostics A new mechanism for throttling the CPU during idle phases reduces power consumption and extends battery life, which particularly affects mobile work devices and notebooks. In addition, Windows automatically records diagnostic data when the system reacts slowly. These logs can be sent to Microsoft via the feedback hub in order to identify the causes of performance problems more quickly. For the user, these are stored locally in the system under “%systemRoot%\Temp\DiagOutputDir\Whesvc” and are only transmitted when feedback is active. Extensions in the file explorer and in the search The File Explorer displays person icons in the “Recommended” area under the “Activity” column to make it easier to recognise who has recently worked on a file, but only when using a business or school account. In the search options, the direct link to the Bing search history has been removed; instead, access is centralised via the data protection dashboard. This change reduces redundant menu items and bundles data protection controls in one place. Higher quality system drivers through CodeQL analysis Higher quality standards will apply to driver signing in the future. Every kernel-mode driver (except graphics drivers) must pass a CodeQL scan before WHCP certification. This analysis uncovers potential errors or security gaps at an early stage and forces manufacturers to rectify them before the driver is released for Windows. This means more stable systems for OEM manufacturers and companies and a lower crash and incompatibility rate for private users. AI-supported functions and Copilot optimizations New functions are activated on devices with NPU, the so-called Copilot PCs. These include image descriptions for screen readers, live subtitles with translation options (currently still with crash problems), and intelligent text actions in “Click to Do”. The latter enables context-dependent processing of text content, such as recognizing and automatically processing certain entries. In addition, the search field in the top bar of “Click to Do” has been removed to simplify the interface. Users report long waiting times when using the app for the first time after model or build updates, which must be taken into account in corporate environments during rollouts. A new addition is the option to enter your own words in the Windows dictionary, which offers clear benefits for both private writers and companies with industry-specific vocabulary. Quick Machine Recovery and gamepad control of the on-screen keyboard With version 25H2, Windows 11 will receive an extended self-repair function, which will be introduced under the name “Quick Machine Recovery”. It builds on the Windows Recovery Environment, but extends it with the ability to automatically obtain updates or repair scripts from the Internet to resolve boot problems. If the system recognizes repeated boot errors, it automatically switches to the recovery environment, establishes a network connection and searches for suitable corrections via Windows Update. Administrators can specify whether this process should take place completely without user intervention. Activation is possible both locally, for example via configuration using Reagentc and XML files, and centrally via Intune policies. Parameters for waiting time, restart intervals and even WLAN login data can be predefined so that devices without a LAN connection can also be integrated. In Home editions, cloud-supported repair will be active by default in the future; in Pro and Enterprise environments, it must be specifically enabled. After a successful repair, Windows restarts automatically; if the repair is unsuccessful, the cycle is repeated according to the defined specifications. Thanks to this automation, Quick Machine Recovery reduces the administration effort and significantly shortens downtimes in both company networks and private installations. Thomas Joos New data protection dialogues and administrator protection 25H2 comes with revised data protection dialogues that offer more transparency when applications access data and system functions. An additional protection mechanism has been introduced for administrators, which makes unauthorized changes to the system more difficult and provides greater protection for security-critical actions. This gives companies an additional layer of security without having to resort to third-party solutions. Thomas Joos Further functional improvements and known problems Taskbar scaling adapts better to different display sizes and DPI settings. Context menus in Explorer have been optimized, new sharing options have been added, and Voice Access has been further developed. Support for Chinese and Japanese has been expanded, and in the settings under “Privacy and security” you can now see which applications are accessing Windows generative AI models. In current builds, this display is already visible in the user interface, but the full functionality will only be activated in a later update. Further adjustments relate to the toolbox, which has been improved in terms of its operation and integration. Microsoft has also fixed several bugs, such as truncated content in the notification center when the clock display is activated or a problem with dbgcore.dll, which could cause explorer.exe and other applications to crash. Known problems still exist, however: the Xbox controller can trigger a bug check on some systems when connected via Bluetooth. The Microsoft Changjie input method currently works incorrectly, which can be avoided by resetting to the previous IME version. In addition, Windows 11 25H2 supports touch keyboard control with a gamepad for the first time. This function, originally planned for 24H2, allows the on-screen keyboard to be operated without a mouse or touchscreen, which can be relevant in special application scenarios, such as on console-based workstations or for accessibility adaptations. Update strategy, insider options and rollback Microsoft emphasizes stability in 25H2. Many functions are already included in 24H2 and are only activated with the Enablement Package. For private users, this means a smooth upgrade without long installation times; for companies, it means the option to test only the new functions instead of recertifying the entire system environment. The update follows the shared servicing branch approach, which has also been used for previous upgrades, for example from 22H2 to 23H2. Mark Hachman After the official release, Microsoft offers a time window to leave the Windows Insider program and receive regular updates again. It’s also possible to completely reset 25H2 to 24H2 by uninstalling the Enablement Package without reinstalling the operating system; all 25H2 functions will then be deactivated immediately. Read...

A new PC is rarely a spontaneous purchase: people usually try to continue using their old computer for as long as possible. And in terms of the environment and your wallet, this makes perfect sense. But at some point, the problems start to pile up: Windows updates fail to appear, programs start agonizingly slowly, or the hard drive is permanently full. When the computer is just annoying in everyday use or it can no longer keep up with the latest hardware, it’s time for something new. These five clear warning signs will tell you when it’s time to think about a replacement. Sign number 1: No more updates available Regular updates are crucial for keeping your PC safe and functional. If Windows or other important programs no longer receive updates, this is a clear warning signal. It becomes particularly critical when the operating system itself is no longer supported – as was recently the case with Windows 10, which will no longer receive security updates from October 2025. Without such updates, important security patches will soon be missing. This makes a PC vulnerable to viruses, malware, and other attacks from the internet. In addition, many new programs will eventually only run on the latest Windows versions. Old computers will then also fall by the wayside in terms of software. Tip: Check the Windows settings regularly to see whether new updates are available. If your system constantly reports that it is “up to date”, even though a newer version of Windows already exists, then it’s high time to think about a new PC. Sign number 2: Constant overheating and noisy fans You can detect temperature problems with the free HWMonitor, for example.Foundry A healthy system should remain reasonably quiet even under load. However, if your PC runs hot even when performing simple tasks and the fans become loud in continuous operation, this indicates outdated or overloaded hardware. In addition to the annoying background noise, you also run the risk of components being damaged by overheating or the PC quitting at a critical moment. In the worst case scenario, important data could be lost. Tip: First clean your PC to remove dust and check the temperature with tools such as HWMonitor. If the problems persist despite maintenance, it often makes more sense to buy a new one than to retrofit cooling components while you’re still stuck with other outdated components. Sign number 3: Hardly any storage space left If the hard drive is constantly full, working on the PC quickly becomes a test of patience. Windows then constantly warns of insufficient memory, programs can no longer be installed, and even simple updates fail. An external hard drive or cloud storage can help out in the short term. In the long run, however, it becomes tedious to constantly move data back and forth. Tip: Check Explorer to see how much free memory is left on your system hard drive (usually under “C:”). If this is permanently full or almost full and the hardware cannot be upgraded sensibly, a new PC is the better solution. Sign number 4: Everything is only running at a snail’s pace Does your computer take minutes to boot up, programs start slowly, and even simple tasks such as opening a browser tab feel sluggish? Then the hardware is simply too old or overloaded. An new SSD or more RAM can help in the short term. But if the system is getting on in years then that means most of the other components should be replaced as well. Tip: Pay attention to how long your PC needs for everyday tasks. If waiting times accumulate and new software constantly jerks or crashes, it’s time to think about an upgrade. Not only will programs run quickly and smoothly, a responsive system will also be much more fun to use. Sign number 5: Upgrade components isn’t possible or no longer makes sense Another clear sign that a PC upgrade is due is if the computer can no longer be upgraded in a meaningful way. Old motherboards often don’t support the latest processors or RAM standards, and there is simply no room for a new graphics card in small ready-made systems. Anyone trying to upgrade here is often investing a lot of money in an old platform without any major improvement in performance. Tip: Before upgrading your hardware, check whether your system supports modern standards (e.g. DDR5 RAM, PCIe 4.0 or 5.0). If this is not the case, in many situations it’s worth switching to a completely new device. Conclusion: When a new PC really makes sense Missing updates, full hard drives, sluggish performance, overheating, or lack of upgradeability: these are clear signs that your PC has had its day. However, a new system is not only worthwhile in the event of problems. Suitable hardware is also important to improve productivity or to enjoy multimedia and gaming with modern standards—and promises you’ll have more fun in daily use, too. If you’re on the hunt for a new computer be sure to check out our roundup of the best computer deals to help you snag a great price on your next gaming rig, home office all-in-one, mini-PC, and more. Read...

Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds says it is `wholly appropriate` to engage with the primary sector. Read...

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Westcon-Comstor launches its 3D Lab virtual demo platform in APAC, enabling partners to test multivendor solutions in a secure, virtual environment. Read...