Another incentive to secure a window seat is its potential to help manage blood sugar levels.
Anton Dios/Shutterstock
Many of us prefer sitting by a window to enhance our mood, but exposure to natural light during the day may also be beneficial for blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Our cells and tissues operate on circadian rhythms, or 24-hour metabolic cycles that influence factors like blood sugar levels. Studies indicate that exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt these rhythms. This raises blood sugar levels, while individuals who spend more time outdoors in sunlight experience enhanced insulin response, a hormone crucial for regulating those levels.
Despite these findings, none of these studies explored the advantages of receiving natural light through windows, especially since most people spend significant time indoors, according to Joris Fuchs from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
To investigate further, Fuchs and his team enlisted 13 participants with type 2 diabetes, averaging 70 years old, to spend 4.5 days in a room with only natural light from large windows from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Participants continued their usual diabetes medications and largely sat at desks with access to their mobile phones and computers, with their screens dimmed. In the evenings, they were exposed to soft artificial light and could use their devices until 11 p.m., then slept in complete darkness until 7 a.m. They consumed similar meals three times daily to maintain stable weight and followed consistent exercise routines over the 4.5 days.
The researchers conducted a similar experiment with the same group, this time in a windowless room under artificial light. This phase occurred either one month before or after the natural light segment of the study.
Throughout both experiments, participants wore devices to monitor their blood sugar levels continuously; however, due to technical difficulties, data was only obtainable from 10 individuals.
The results indicated that during weeks with more natural light, participants maintained their blood sugar levels within a healthy range 50% of the time, compared to only 43% in the artificial light experiment.
Although the difference between the two studies may seem minor, extended periods outside of a healthy range can impact an individual’s health significantly, increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications, including heart problems, according to Fuchs.
The positive impact of sunlight may stem from the fact that light-sensitive cells in the eye, crucial for regulating metabolic activity cycles, are particularly responsive to shorter wavelengths present in natural light, Fuchs explained.
Further research is essential to validate these findings; however, Fuchs suggests that many individuals with type 2 diabetes can benefit from increased exposure to natural light, even if it’s simply by sitting near a window. “It’s easy, free, and accessible to all,” Hoeks said. It remains uncertain whether individuals with type 1 diabetes or prediabetes gain similar benefits.
Glenn Jeffrey from University College London emphasizes the necessity for larger studies to substantiate these results. Nonetheless, he noted, “the significance of sunlight is gradually gaining recognition.”
Beginning Tuesday, Microsoft will cease offering standard free support for Windows 10, the operating system relied on by millions of computer and laptop users globally.
As of September, data indicates that four out of ten individuals worldwide still use Windows 10, despite the release of its successor, Windows 11, in 2021.
What’s Changing with Windows 10?
Effective October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer offer standard free software updates, security patches, or technical support for PCs running Windows 10.
While computers utilizing this software will continue to operate, their vulnerability to viruses and malware will increase as new bugs and security issues come to light.
Microsoft states that Windows 11, a more advanced system, “meets modern security demands by default.”
What Are the Risks?
If Windows users take no action, they might find themselves particularly exposed to hackers attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in large systems.
The consumer group Which? has highlighted that around five million British users intend to keep using devices running this software.
Regardless of location, continuing to operate on Windows 10 places users at risk for cyberattacks, data breaches, and fraud.
According to Lisa Barber, editor at Which?, criminals “will target individuals and exploit vulnerabilities to steal data.” – Technology magazine.
How Can I Mitigate the Threat?
The simplest solution is to upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost.
If your PC is less than four years old, it is likely capable of running Windows 11. To confirm, check your computer specifications. The minimum specifications for Windows 11 include 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and the machine also requires a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0) that securely stores credentials, similar to modern smartphones.
Microsoft provides a free tool to determine if your Windows 10 PC is compatible with Windows 11. For additional compatibility checks, you can use online tools based on your CPU.
What If My Computer Lacks the Necessary Hardware to Upgrade to Windows 11?
If you don’t take any action, you could be exposed to malware and security risks. One option is to enroll in a one-year agreement with Microsoft for Extended Security Updates, which will be available until October 13, 2026.
This provides an additional year to plan for the end of support and arrange for replacements.
Registration is free if you log in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account to sync your settings. Otherwise, it will cost $30 (excluding tax) or you can redeem 1,000 reward points.
Are There Alternatives to Windows 11?
You can use your PC safely with other operating systems if it cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.
A viable solution is installing Linux, a free family of operating systems that offers various distributions.
Ensure you back up all your files to an external drive or secure storage, as switching from Windows may delete or complicate file access.
Among the most popular and user-friendly versions of Linux is Canonical’s Ubuntu, which is free, open-source, and regularly updated for security. Installing it in place of Windows requires a USB flash drive; Canonical provides a step-by-step installation guide.
While many applications support Linux, be mindful that not all Windows software is available for Linux.
Alternatively, if your computing needs can be met via a web browser, Google provides a lightweight version of ChromeOS, which can be installed for free on many PCs. Ensure your model is supported and refer to Google’s installation guide, which also requires a USB flash drive.
Buying a New Computer
If you cannot install alternative software or still require Windows, consider purchasing a new PC equipped with Windows 11 and ongoing support.
Many retailers offer trade-in programs where you can recycle your old computer and get a small discount on a new model. Refurbished Windows 11 devices are also readily available from various retailers. Check out options like Currys, Back Market, and manufacturers like Dell for affordable options.
Microsoft’s newest Surface laptops are compact and affordable, allowing users to enjoy many of the great features of their larger counterparts in a more portable format, while still delivering impressive performance.
The Surface Laptop 13-inch model features the latest 7th generation laptops, available in 13.8″ and 15″ sizes released last summer. It sits at the lower end of the price spectrum, starting at £899 (1,099 Euro/$900/$1,699), making it an attractive option.
The design of the new 13-inch model blends elements from both the Laptop Go and its larger siblings. It features a glossy LCD touchscreen that, while not the brightest or clearest, looks great for its size. The smooth aluminum surface includes a full-size keyboard that provides a premium typing experience, outclassing many competitors.
The power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The generously-sized trackpad is smooth and precise, though it features an older hinge design that some might find less tactile compared to newer models from bigger competitors. Nevertheless, it gets the job done, although clicking can be a bit awkward.
The speakers are impressive for the device’s size, and the 1080p webcam performs well even if you don’t utilize Microsoft’s Windows Hello facial recognition for logging in.
Specifications
Screen: 13in LCD 1920 x 1280 (178 ppi)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (8 cores)
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 256 or 512GB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Camera: 1080p front
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-A, 2X USB-C (3.2), Headphones
Size: 285.7 x 214.1 x 15.6mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Snapdragon X Plus
The laptop takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge using a 60W or higher power adapter (not included), achieving 50% battery in just 36 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The 13-inch model is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor with 8 cores (compared to 10 in larger models). While it may not lead in raw performance, it holds up well against Intel’s offerings and is sufficiently fast for a laptop of this size. Under typical workloads, it remains quiet and efficient, delivering approximately 14 hours of usage with multiple browser tabs and apps open. This is nearly double the battery life of its Intel-based predecessor and rivals Apple’s MacBook Air.
For resource-intensive tasks like large photo editing or other creative software, expect battery life to decrease by nearly half.
The Surface Laptop includes two USB-C (3.2) ports and a USB-A port, suitable for devices of this size. Notably, it lacks USB4/Thunderbolt support and instead uses USB-C for charging.
Windows 11 on Arm
Recall lets you use your timeline or search to revisit what you were doing in various apps. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
The Surface runs Windows 11 effectively, avoiding the clutter of unnecessary features and software that often plague competitors. However, there are some compatibility issues with apps designed for ARM processors, like the Snapdragon model, that don’t affect those running on Intel or AMD’s x86 architecture.
Applications that aren’t specifically designed for ARM must run in emulation mode, which can slow them down significantly. Lightweight x86 applications like Evernote perform adequately but lag behind their ARM-native counterparts.
Many popular applications have ARM versions that perform seamlessly, including Google Drive. Until recently, Google Drive was not compatible with Windows on ARM. It’s essential to check for app-specific issues, especially in the creative field, as many major games, including Fortnite, face incompatibility with ARM chips.
Using Copilot in the Edge browser, instead of performing a Google search, you can ask questions related to the site you are currently visiting. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
The laptop boasts a Copilot+PC feature that includes an array of Microsoft AI tools. This encompasses a recall function that captures snapshots of your activities, allowing you to revisit what was displayed at specific moments. Users can search recalls using natural language and interact with text, images, or data—like reopening websites browsed in the past.
This feature is opt-in and safely stores screenshots locally on a device protected by fingerprint security, which helps prevent the capture of sensitive information. However, some individuals may view this as a privacy risk.
Other AI tools echo those available on previous Surface models, including a sketch recognition system that can transform hand-drawn sketches into refined artwork. The standout tool is Copilot, integrated into various Microsoft applications such as Word and others in the Office Suite, provided you have a subscription. It functions as a cross between a search tool and an AI assistant, capable of performing tasks like converting data into tables or enhancing written content while working exclusively within Microsoft’s Edge browser.
Clicking serves as a new and efficient way to interact with images, objects, and text on your screen. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
Microsoft’s new “Click to do it” feature allows users to press the Windows button and click on an item on the screen to initiate an action. For example, you can use Paint to remove the background from an image or rewrite text with AI. More features are expected to roll out later this year, providing a quicker and more intuitive way to perform AI tasks on your PC.
Sustainability
The sleek aluminum lid appears premium, especially in its purple variant. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at £899 (€1,099/$899.99/$1,699). Orders will ship starting June 10th.
In comparison, the Surface Laptop 13.8-inch costs around £944, the Surface Pro 12-inch is priced at £799, and the Surface Pro 13-inch retails for £1,029. The 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is available for £999.
Verdict
The Surface Laptop 13-inch offers a scaled-down version of Microsoft’s impressive Windows 11 experience.
The overall feel of the device closely resembles its larger sibling, boasting premium materials, a high-quality keyboard, and a clean Windows 11 interface. The 13-inch touchscreen is good but not as exceptional as those on larger models, and the older design of the trackpads still proves functional. Microsoft’s AI tools are evolving, but may not be a decisive factor in purchasing this device.
While the absence of USB4/Thunderbolt and facial recognition might be seen as drawbacks, the relatively lower price compensates for this, just like the less powerful chip. It’s sufficient for everyday productivity tasks and offers impressive battery life, allowing for two full working days between charges. Arm chips come with potential app compatibility concerns that should be examined prior to purchase.
Overall, the Surface Laptop is a delightful device. However, at £900 or its equivalent, it isn’t the cheapest option, and it’s worth considering whether larger, more capable models can be had for a similar price.
Pros: Clean Windows 11 interface, exceptional keyboard, decent trackpad, impressive speakers, USB-A and USB-C connectivity, solid screen, fingerprint reader, long battery life, and good performance enhanced by AI features.
Cons: Compatibility issues with ARM-based apps and games, potential for higher performance from larger siblings, absence of facial recognition, lack of USB4 support, older trackpad design, and slightly expensive for what it offers.
The refined design and premium materials set the Surface Laptop apart from the competition. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
A large number of Microsoft Windows computers around the world today were found to be unable to boot, instead displaying the so-called “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD), among the computers reportedly affected, with the UK’s Sky News ceasing live broadcasts just before 6am local time, as well as causing outages for a number of airline and banking services.
What’s happening on my Windows computer?
Some users have reported that their Windows devices are refusing to boot up, while others have witnessed their computers suddenly display a BSOD while in use.
Eddie Major of the University of Adelaide in Australia…
The Browser Company today announced that it has onboarded its first set of users for its Windows client, launching it in beta today. Users and observers have been demanding a Windows version of Arc, especially after the company made its Mac client available to everyone after being in invite-only mode since 2022.
The company said it will bring more beta users on board this month and “rapidly” increase the rollout of invites in January. The company said it has more than 500,000 users I’m on the Windows waiting list.
The Thrive Capital-backed startup did not say whether the Windows client will have the same full functionality as the Mac client. However, he also mentioned that he is currently working on porting features such as Peek (a preview of his web page when hovering) and Mini Arc. Therefore, it is expected that some features will be missing at launch.
Last year, the founders josh miller and Harsh Agrawalhas talked about working on a Windows version and shipping it in 2023. And with only a few days left in the year, the company launched its Swift-based browser on the platform.
The company said its core team building on Windows included Alexandra Medway, product engineering lead, Darin Fischer, former vice president of Chrome, and Saleem Abdulrasool, a former Facebook engineer and Swift expert on Windows. I did. As the company develops, I’m trying to open source my code For Windows.
The Arc browser has had a busy year.The company introduced it in April. iPhone companion app A browser that allows users to save web pages in various workspaces and easily access them later from a desktop client. In May, it released a tool that lets you adjust web pages and remove some elements, such as the user suggestion box on X (formerly Twitter). In October, it finally rolled out AI-based features like renaming files and pinned tabs, page summary previews, and accessing ChatGPT from the command bar. Later that month, the company released a feature that allows users to share their folders and spaces and split views with non-Arc users.
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