The next major version of Windows has an updated user interface with improvements for multitasking and touchscreen devices, support for running Android apps, and an updated Microsoft Store, among other things.
But Windows 11 is also going to have another very important change: the Blue Screen of Death that occurs when the system crashes is no more. Instead, it will be a Black Screen of Death. At least we can still use BSOD for short.
Another change in Windows 11 that has been grabbing a lot of attention is that the operating system’s new minimum system requirements mean that many folks with older PCs (and even some recent or current-gen models) may not be able to upgrade. But one thing that hasn’t made as many headlines is that you’ll need an internet connection and a Microsoft account to set up and sign into Windows 11 Home edition the first time you run it.
You will be able to set up a local account and delete your Microsoft account after the initial setup. But if you want to avoid using a Microsoft account altogether, it seems like the simplest option is to pay more money: Microsoft will let you set up Windows 11 Pro edition with only a local account.
Here’s a roundup of recent tech news from around the web:
- Microsoft’s Blue Screen of Death is changing to black in Windows 11 [The Verge]
The Blue Screen of Death becomes the Black Screen of Death in Windows 11. At least the BSOD acronym still works. The change isn’t live yet in the preview builds of Windows 11 (which has a green screen instead), it’s coming in time for the full release. - Only Windows 11 Pro will let you install Windows 11 with a local account [PCWorld]
When introducing Windows 11, Microsoft said users would need to use a Microsoft Account for setup & first login. But it turns out you *can* use a local-only account… it’s just that you’ll need Windows 11 Pro to do it. Win11 Home users can’t do it. - Apple and Intel become first to adopt TSMC’s latest chip tech [Nikkei]
Apple and Intel are said to be testing TSMC’s 3nm chip production technology, which could offer 10-15% better performance and 25-30% lower power consumption than 5nm chips. - MSI Revamps theLatest All-AMD Gaming Laptop: Bravo 15 [MSI]
MSI introduces Bravo 15 gaming laptop with Ryzen 5000H series processors, AMD Radeon RX 5500M graphics, a 15.6 inch, 1080p 144 Hz display, and up to 64GB of RAM. The laptop weighs about 5.1 pounds and has dual fans and 6 heat pipes for cooling.
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I literally can’t stand Windows 11…it doesn’t make any sense to me. I actually installed Linux on my computer over the weekend. I’m now a linux advocate. Will never use a Windows product again. This Microsoft seems completely clueless as to what they’re doing unless there goal is to piss off and alienate their user base? That’s one job they can do correctly.
While I had already been curious about trying Linux, it was Windows 8 that really motivated me to make the commitment to attempt switching. I hated Windows 8. Microsoft seems to love creating PR disasters for themselves. To those considering going down the same path I did, Linux was easier to set up and learn than I expected. It’s even easier now. Yes, there can be some speed bumps with hardware and software issues, but then Windows always seemed to get in my way, so I’d still rather jump through the Linux hoops. When I’ve needed to solve problems, I usually found the answers I needed on the internet. I’ve had friends try it(Mint) and they liked it. I put my parents on Mint and it’s been lovely because they ask far fewer questions than they did with Windows and their machines run faster. I’m glad I made the switch. Mint is a good starting point for people, though I liked earlier versions more. People seem to like Manjaro. I’ve used Xubuntu as well which is another good one to start with. I’m currently on Devuan which I like a lot, but I think that requires a bit more post-installation work that beginners won’t want to deal with.
Just as a follow up, some of the issues I’ve had with recent versions of Mint are probably more to do with changes to the Cinnamon desktop among other things. I probably should have considered switching to the XFCE version. I really like the XFCE version, but that has its own issues so it’s hard to recommend which way to do. Cinnamon annoys me with its default setup now, but it does other things well.
And Microsoft is raising and raising the hate of the users. Statistics are burning up and they are finding more and more ways to fan the flames on purpose. Each new feature is a comburent, they know and they laught about it because in their innermost part of their hearts, they know people will be using their OS regardless of they are laughing at the user on their face or not.
What they are doing is just a recreation, a plus if you allow me to say, to make fun of somebody without any side effects, which is a superb move in my humble opinion, not many people / companies can do that 🙂
Windows 11 is Vista 2.0: The Next Disaster! This OS is dead on water—too many prerequisites—alienates current users.
I like the black screen of death. Atleast it fits the rest of the color scheme I use. 😛
Linux Mint is a great alternative to Windows 11 and it can run on older hardware without a Microsoft account.
I was about to post just that… Microsoft you have been an interesting option for my home PCs but between Chromebooks/ChromeOS and Linux I think it’s time to say goodbye!!
Mint, Zorin, Ubuntu… all of them should give beginners all they need to get started…