Microsoft is implementing a significant architectural change to its Windows operating system, aiming to improve stability by moving third-party security applications out of the core Windows kernel. This development comes after incidents where kernel-mode applications, including cybersecurity software, have been linked to system crashes, often resulting in the “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD).

Historically, Windows has allowed applications, particularly drivers and some security software, to run in kernel mode, granting them deep access to system hardware and processes for perceived performance benefits. However, as noted by David Weston, Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security at Microsoft, this approach can lead to system instability if these applications are not meticulously developed. He referenced a July 2024 incident where a CrowdStrike update, running in kernel mode, caused widespread BSODs across millions of Windows machines.

On June 26, Weston announced that Microsoft will provide a private preview of a new Windows endpoint security platform to select Microsoft Virus Initiative partners in July. This platform will enable these partners to develop their security solutions to operate in user mode, similar to standard applications, rather than in the kernel.

Beyond this architectural shift, Microsoft is also refining the user experience for system failures. The familiar Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) will be redesigned into a “black screen of death,” and the company is introducing Quick Machine Recovery (QMR). QMR is a recovery mechanism designed for devices that fail to restart successfully. In the event of widespread outages, Microsoft plans to use QMR to deploy fixes to affected devices via the Windows Recovery Environment. QMR and the updated error screen experience are expected to become generally available later this summer.

Dell Technologies is bringing a new era of computing to the UAE with its impressive range of AI-powered PCs, first unveiled at CES earlier this year. This cutting-edge portfolio, now available in the region, includes sleek laptops, high-performance workstations, and adaptable desktops, all meticulously designed to enhance collaboration and boost productivity for businesses of all sizes.

Dell has streamlined its product offerings into three distinct categories, making it easier for customers to select the perfect device based on their core business requirements:

1. Dell: Ideal for a balance of play, school, and work.
2. Dell Pro: Engineered for professional-grade productivity.
3. Dell Pro Max: Built for maximum, uncompromised performance.

Within each category, a consistent tiering approach further simplifies choice: the Base tier for everyday devices, a Plus tier offering scalable performance, and a Premium tier delivering the ultimate in mobility and design. This clear structure ensures customers can pinpoint the exact device for their specific needs.

As the AI PC market rapidly evolves and businesses prepare for the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025, the critical role of AI in modern organizations has become undeniable. With over 70% of businesses already integrating Generative AI into their workflows, Dell’s new lineup is perfectly timed to meet this demand.

Haidi Nossair, Senior Director, Client Solutions Group, META at Dell Technologies, emphasized this shift, saying,
“Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and staying ahead is essential for businesses looking to sharpen their competitive edge. With Generative and Agentic AI becoming board-level priorities, and data inferencing shifting closer to the edge, the PC is once again at the center of productivity and innovation. The upcoming end of support for Windows 10 and the shift to Windows 11 mark a pivotal opportunity for organizations to modernize their workplace with future-ready solutions. Dell’s cutting-edge portfolio of AI-powered PCs is purpose-built to boost performance, enhance security, and help businesses confidently seize the opportunities of tomorrow.”

The Dell portfolio expands with four new Copilot+ devices in the Plus tier. These new devices introduce the most scalable Dell PCs, balancing versatility and productivity. Featuring a brand-new design, they are powered by Intel Core Ultra (Series 2, V SKUs) processors, offering up to 39% longer battery life and a 14% thinner profile. On-device AI capabilities are integrated to significantly boost efficiency.

Beyond these, Dell is also introducing new devices with Snapdragon X Series processors and AMD options. The Base tier will offer reliable everyday devices, while the Premium tier continues the legacy of XPS, favored by consumers and prosumers for its ultimate mobility and design.

The new Dell Pro laptop portfolio brings a fresh, clean, and timeless aesthetic for the business professional. These are among the smallest and lightest laptops in their class, built with durable materials to endure demanding workdays. Impressively, they withstand three times as many hinge cycles, drops, and bumps as competitor devices, ensuring exceptional resilience in daily use.

Equipped with Intel Core Ultra (Series 2, V and U SKUs) and AMD Ryzen processor options (all featuring an NPU, CPU, and GPU), Dell Pro laptops deliver exceptional battery life, powerful on-device AI, Copilot+ PC experiences, and dependable productivity, whether in the office, at home, or on the go.

The Dell Pro 14 Premium stands out as the first commercial notebook with a Tandem OLED display, offering 24% greater power efficiency and 49% less weight than traditional OLED displays, while providing bright, vibrant colors. Dell Pro Premium models utilize 90% recycled magnesium in the chassis for an elegant, light, and durable experience.

Designed for the most demanding applications, the new Dell Pro Max portfolio offers a range of high-performance PCs. The Dell Pro Max with GB10 and Dell Pro Max with GB300 represent the pinnacle of this range, delivering exceptional performance in compact, power-efficient form factors.

In a category where performance is paramount, these new devices achieve significant generation-over-generation performance gains through Dell’s patented new thermal design. Featuring Intel Core Ultra (Series 2, U SKUs), AMD Ryzen, and AMD Threadripper processor options, along with professional graphics, users can power intensive workloads, from animation to video rendering, run AI inferencing, and fine-tune large language models (LLMs), all while maintaining security and managing costs.

Building on Dell’s leadership in circular innovation, the new portfolio emphasizes modular design and the increased use of recycled, low-emissions, and renewable materials in both products and packaging. Notably, Dell Pro and select Dell Pro Max are the world’s first commercial notebooks built with a modular USB-C port. Furthermore, innovations in battery chemistry allow new Dell Pro and Dell Pro Plus batteries to use up to 80% less cobalt, reducing dependence on critical minerals.

From desktops and laptops to displays, Dell’s product ecosystem is meticulously engineered to seamlessly connect tools, boost productivity, and enrich everyday experiences. Reflecting Dell’s commitment to innovation, user well-being, and environmental responsibility, the new displays incorporate advanced low blue light technology to reduce eye strain, ideal for extended workdays, creative projects, or immersive gaming.

To further streamline the user experience and simplify device management, the Dell ecosystem is unified through a powerful and intuitive interface. With Dell Display Peripheral Manager (DDPM) and Dell Client Device Management (DCDM), users can effortlessly control all connected devices from one convenient platform, adjusting settings, monitoring performance, and optimizing workflows.

The ASUS V500 positions itself as a versatile and powerful compact PC, designed to meet the diverse needs of students, home users, casual gamers, and creative hobbyists. With a focus on performance, ease of upgrade, and robust build quality, it aims to deliver a compelling computing experience in a small form factor.

Performance
At the heart of the ASUS V500 lies serious processing power, configurable with up to an ultra-efficient Intel Core i7-13620H processor. This 13th Gen Intel chip ensures snappy performance for demanding applications, multitasking, and everyday computing.

ASUS has also paid attention to thermal management, implementing a custom thermal solution designed to maintain optimal performance even under load, all while keeping noise levels to a minimum. This is crucial for a compact system where heat dissipation can be a challenge.

Memory and storage options are equally impressive, supporting 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD. This offers high-speed storage for the operating system and frequently used applications, alongside ample capacity for large files and media libraries. This system is equipped with two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, allowing for significant memory expansion. It comes pre-installed with 16GB of DDR5 SO-DIMM memory, providing a solid foundation for performance. For users with more demanding needs, the memory can be upgraded to a maximum capacity of 64GB.

The ASUS V500 offers robust expandability through its various expansion slots. It includes one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, though it operates at PCIe 4.0 x8, providing ample bandwidth for a dedicated graphics card or other high-performance components. For wireless connectivity, there’s a dedicated M.2 connector for WiFi.

Durability and Reliability
ASUS leverages its reputation for quality with the V500, incorporating an ASUS motherboard built with 100% solid capacitors for long-term usage. This commitment to high-quality components ensures stability and longevity. The system also boasts US military-grade reliability with optimised construction, suggesting it can withstand more rigorous conditions than typical consumer PCs, adding peace of mind for users who might transport it or use it in varied environments.

The system is powered by a robust 330W power supply, which boasts an 80 Plus Platinum certification. This certification signifies exceptional energy efficiency, meaning a significant portion of the electricity drawn from the wall is converted into usable power for the components, reducing waste heat and electricity bills. Furthermore, this power supply is capable of delivering a peak output of 660W when transient power demands are higher, ensuring stable operation even under momentary heavy loads.

Security and Management
For environments requiring centralised control, the ASUS V500 is compatible with ASUS Control Center, enabling one-to-multiple centralised management. While this feature might be more relevant for educational institutions or small businesses, it highlights ASUS’s consideration for professional deployment and secure operation.

Connectivity
Equipped for diverse connectivity needs, the ASUS V500 features a comprehensive set of front and rear I/O ports. On the front, you’ll find convenient access with a 2-in-1 SD/MMC card reader, a smart card reader, a headphone jack, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack for headsets.

Around the back, the connectivity expands to include an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port for reliable networking, HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort 1.4 for multiple display setups, a 7.1 channel audio array (microphone, line-out, line-in) for immersive sound, a Kensington lock for security, and four USB 2.0 Type-A ports for peripherals.

Target Audience
The ASUS V500’s features align perfectly with its identified target audiences. For students and those in education, the powerful Intel Core i7 processor and ample RAM facilitate seamless access to educational materials, online research, and handling multiple browser tabs and applications simultaneously. The responsive performance ensures smooth document creation and coursework completion, and reliable performance and connectivity support participation in online group projects and virtual classes without lag.

For home users and families, the V500 effortlessly handles everyday tasks such as web browsing and managing personal finances. The ample storage makes it ideal for multimedia consumption, including streaming videos in high definition, listening to music, and viewing photo collections with excellent clarity. It also efficiently manages digital documents and files, providing a central hub for family data.

Casual gamers and creative hobbyists will find the ASUS V500 highly capable. The PC provides the essential performance required for popular and casual games, offering a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience without needing a full-blown gaming rig. The powerful CPU and generous DDR5 RAM are well-suited for demanding tasks like graphic design and audio track editing, allowing for quicker rendering and smoother workflows. For aspiring vloggers or content creators, the V500 can handle recording and editing videos, providing the necessary horsepower for efficient content production.

Verdict
The ASUS V500 is a well-rounded compact PC that punches above its weight. It successfully blends high-end performance components with user-friendly upgradeability and robust build quality. Its thoughtful design caters effectively to a broad spectrum of users, from students needing a reliable study machine to casual gamers and creative hobbyists seeking a capable system for their passions. The emphasis on durability and future-proofing through easy upgrades makes the ASUS V500 a compelling choice for anyone looking for a powerful yet compact computing solution. The ASUS V500 is now available for AED 2699 in the ASUS eshop and Sharaf DG stores.

Price: AED 2699