Recommended Posts

Wow, this is a bit surprising, but really cool on Valve's part.

Some time ago, the owner of TF2wiki.net put up his site for auction. The link to the thread with information is in Team Fortress 2's SPUF subforum. Today's TF2 blog post reveals Valve to be the new owners of the wiki; it's now here:

http://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Main_Page

Just another reason why I support Valve (Y)

Loving the ideas: http://www.polycount.com/2010/06/28/tf2-polycount-pack-week-5-check-in/

Apparently the best entries will be in the game! I can't wait. :devil:

I knew the contest was going on, but never saw the entries... it's a shame they won't all make it, those all look great! There's tons of other awesome ones in their forums, too.

Edit: D'oh, that this was going to edit my last entry... oh well.

New update:

Updates to Team Fortress 2 have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client is restarted. The major changes include:

Server Browser

Server browser now starts centered onscreen when it opens up.

Filter panel now starts expanded, instead of hidden.

Added a warning dialog that pops up to warn players joining games with more than the recommended number of players.

Added a "max player count" filter setting.

Renamed quick list checkbox from "Show Map List" to "Simplified List".

Mouseover the checkbox now explains the simplified list in the status bar.

Quicklist now shows the number of other servers running each map.

Fixed a couple of bugs related to toggling the quick list, which were resulting in you needing to refresh again.

Team Fortress 2

Added missing earbud particles for DX8 players.

Added new ConVar mp_windifference_min to be used with mp_windifference.

Added Engineer to the list of classes that can equip Max's Pistol.

Rebuilt sound cache files that were out of date.

Source TV:

Fixed unlockable items not being visible.

Stopped "player is carrying X" messages looping forever.

Fixed overhealed particle effect being visible on your current view target when in first-person spectator mode.

Changed in-game button colors to be less eyepoppingly bright.

Improved Steam Web APIs for TF2 items (see http://www.teamfortress.com/)

Engine

Fixed some graphical issues when alt-tabbing during a game.

Fixed bullet penetration problems with Linux dedicated server.

Removed an exploit that allowed people to change their names to something other than their Steam profile name.

Alt-tabbing fixes? About time!

Added missing earbud particles for DX8 players.

What a pointless 'fix'. Why is d3d8 even still supported at this point? Didn't they once state that retaining support for such outdated hardware for such an insignificant amount of people who somehow actually still require it is holding them back from implementing further improvements to the version of the engine used in tf2?

Didn't they once state that retaining support for such outdated hardware for such an insignificant amount of people who somehow actually still require it is holding them back from implementing further improvements to the version of the engine used in tf2?

Not as far as I'm aware. In fact, that seems converse to everything Valve's ever said IMO, but maybe they did state that at some point.

New update:

Alt-tabbing fixes? About time!

FINALLY. No more 'record temp' 'stop' in the console after alt tabbing the game, or "What the hell, YOU'RE HACKING, YOU'RE INVISIBLE" complaints. :p

Not as far as I'm aware. In fact, that seems converse to everything Valve's ever said IMO, but maybe they did state that at some point.

No, Blackhearted is right.....I emailed Robin awhile back asking if TF2 would ever be updated to the L4D or L4D 2 engine, he responded and said 1) Its too big of a workload for the size of the TF2 team and 2) They still have thousands of customers who play TF2 and require DX8, to update to the L4D or L4D 2 engine, they would have to drop those customers.

So yes, while the primary reason for not updating the TF2 engine is not that they wish to retain DX8 support in TF2, it is a major factor in why they haven't done it yet.

EDIT: Oddly enough, my post on the Steam forums about that email seems to have disappeared.....I still have the emails but am too busy at the moment to make more screenshots as "proof".

No, Blackhearted is right.....I emailed Robin awhile back asking if TF2 would ever be updated to the L4D or L4D 2 engine, he responded and said 1) Its too big of a workload for the size of the TF2 team and 2) They still have thousands of customers who play TF2 and require DX8, to update to the L4D or L4D 2 engine, they would have to drop those customers.

So yes, while the primary reason for not updating the TF2 engine is not that they wish to retain DX8 support in TF2, it is a major factor in why they haven't done it yet.

EDIT: Oddly enough, my post on the Steam forums about that email seems to have disappeared.....I still have the emails but am too busy at the moment to make more screenshots as "proof".

Oh, sorry, I know that -- that's what I meant. I just meant I didn't think Valve would ever phrase it like that (the way he did), as it's not an "insignificant amount of people" and they probably don't view it as holding them back.

I want it.

More info on the wiki:

http://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Golden_Wrench

It hasn't start to drop yet and it may be numbered like the Soldier's medal.

*Edit*

Blog post on TF2.com

http://www.teamfortress.com/post.php?id=4013

Engi update very very soon?

It might be part of a gamemode or event, they're numbered but there's UI stuff referring to them, and messages about creating and destroying them.

And we now know it's built out of "Australium", it's what makes the idiot Australians top scientific minds.

You sure it's one of the first? It's part of last year's Halloween update: http://www.teamfortress.com/pumpkinpatch/

The earliest reference I can find to TF2 hidden pages were hidden pages on the classless update, which is the update directly before the Halloween update. So, while it may not be one of the first, it is definitely a very old hidden page that existed before the war update, 119 update, and mac update.

Also, the scout knew of the Engy comic back with his update....."Here's something you shoulda built: A Not-Dyin'-Machine!", well, now the Engy is going to be repairing a "Not-Dyin'-Machine" (technically, the machine was built by the engies grandfather, so maybe the scout somehow knew of this machine and hinted about it to the engy?).

And yes, I know its unlikely that Valve thought that far ahead, but it sounds cool anyway! :p

The Neowin server now has the Golden Wrench enabled! 8.9.16.185:27015

Important: If you would like to use the golden wrench you MUST place this file in your TF2 directory. http://system-restor.../items_game.txt Place this file in tf\scripts\items. Typical locations for Windows users include: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\<your steam login>\team fortress 2\tf\scripts\items and C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\<your steam login>\team fortress 2\tf\scripts\items

No need for hacks anymore. The 1st wrench dropped 5 minutes ago. I was ingame and heard the announcer say that a wrench was dropped.

There was a HUD announcement + one in the chat.

I got this screen:

789612682t.jpg

This is his backpack: http://www.tf2items.com/id/TOASTYEAH

More dropping now:

http://www.tf2items.com/lists/golden_wrenches/

Another screen:

210217103t.jpg

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Posts

    • Microsoft's Copilot Cowork now generally available with usage-based billing by Pradeep Viswanathan Back in March, Microsoft first revealed Copilot Cowork, a new agentic AI experience in Microsoft 365 Copilot through which users can assign tasks to AI to complete in the background. After testing the service with a limited set of customers in Research Preview for a few weeks, Microsoft announced the general availability of Copilot Cowork to customers in the Frontier program on March 30. Today, Microsoft announced the general availability of Copilot Cowork worldwide for Microsoft 365 Copilot customers. The company also highlighted that Cowork became the fastest-growing feature in the history of its Frontier program. Unlike regular Copilot Chat, Copilot Cowork can run complex, long-running, multi-tool tasks from start to finish in the cloud by using organizational context through Work IQ. When compared to Claude Cowork, Microsoft claims that Copilot Cowork will be 30% to 40% cheaper on average with its Microsoft 365 connector. For now, Copilot Cowork runs on Anthropic models, including Opus 4.8 and Sonnet 4.6. However, Frontier customers can now use GPT-5.5. Microsoft also announced Cowork 1, a secure fine-tuned model coming in the next few weeks, which is designed to handle everyday Copilot tasks at a lower cost. To access Copilot Cowork, a Microsoft 365 Copilot user subscription is required. Usage is billed separately through Copilot Credits, based on model use, context retrieval, tool calls, and runtime. Pay-as-you-go pricing is set at $0.01 per Copilot Credit. To offer IT teams full control over usage costs, Microsoft provides spending limits, usage alerts, user-level controls, reporting, and prepaid usage plans for organizations. Usage-based billing begins today. However, Frontier customers who used Cowork between March 30 and June 16 will not be billed until July 1, 2026. The Microsoft 365 Copilot app now includes a toggle to enter the full Cowork experience. Microsoft is also adding partner plugins, with Enosix, Harvey, LSEG, Miro, monday.com, Moody’s, Morningstar, S&P Global Energy, and TeamsMaestro available now. Adobe, Atlassian, Box, Canva, Databricks, and others are coming soon.
    • With Nova enabled I am not seeing a difference with compactmode.show?
    • HOLY THREAD REVIVAL   But yes, look for browser.nova.enabled and set it to true
    • 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN price-dropped now 90% off by Steven Parker Today's highlighted deal comes via our Apps + Software section of the Neowin Deals store, where you can save 88% off a 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN. In the digital age where internet privacy is paramount, AdGuard VPN emerges as an essential tool. This virtual private network (VPN) is your encrypted gateway to the internet, helping your data stay secure and your online activities remain private, regardless of your location. More than just a privacy tool, AdGuard VPN is a robust solution packed with features that cater to a variety of internet needs. Why AdGuard VPN subscription deal over other VPNs: Exhaustive List of Locations: With 60+ locations available worldwide, you have the freedom to connect from anywhere you want, effectively bypassing geographically restricted content. Check complete list of servers here. Advanced Security Protocol: AdGuard VPN uses its own security protocol, guaranteeing a faster and safer VPN connection. This means you can browse, stream, and download with peace of mind knowing your data is secure. Zero-Logging Policy: Rest assured, your personal data is not collected and your internet traffic stays private at all times, thanks to AdGuard's strict zero-logging policy. Simultaneous Connections: Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, providing protection for all your devices under just one account. Trusted Developer: AdGuard is a renowned name in the world of computer security, bringing their expertise and commitment to privacy and security to their VPN service. What You Get: Up to 10 devices connected simultaneously All locations Light-speed servers Unlimited data No logs policy Trusted developer Available on all platforms Privacy Created by a team from Russia, AdGuard software Limited is headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus. While the country does follow European privacy laws, it's not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. Adguard may not properly work in China. Good to know Length of access: 5 years This plan is only available to new users Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Device per license: 10 Access options: desktop & mobile Updates included 5- years of AdGuard VPN normally costs $359.40 without discounts, but it can be yours just $39.97, that's a saving of $324.43 (90%) off. For full terms, specifications, and license info please click the link below. Get this 5-year AdGuard VPN deal for just $34.97 (was $359.40) Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • KillerPDF 1.5.1 by Razvan Serea KillerPDF is a lightweight, portable PDF editor for Windows built for users who want full control without subscriptions, installers, or telemetry. It runs as a single executable, making it ideal for USB use and field work. You can view PDFs with smooth PDFium rendering, navigate quickly with thumbnails, zoom, and shortcuts, and reorganize pages using drag-and-drop. It supports merging multiple PDFs, splitting documents, and extracting selected pages. KillerPDF also allows inline text editing with font matching to preserve the original layout, plus annotations like text boxes, freehand drawing, highlights, and reusable signatures. You can search full text, copy content easily, and print documents with flattened annotations. Designed as a free and open alternative to bloated PDF tools, it works fully offline on Windows 10/11 x64. No runtimes install. Everything needed is inside the EXE (targets .NET Framework 4.8, which ships with every supported Windows release). KillerPDF key features: High-quality PDF rendering via PDFium Edit PDF text inline (double-click to modify text) Page thumbnails and fast navigation with zoom and shortcuts Merge multiple PDFs into one Split PDFs and extract selected pages Drag-and-drop page reordering Font matching to preserve original document appearance Text boxes for notes Freehand drawing tools Highlight overlays with adjustable color, size, opacity Undo actions and clear per-page annotations Create, draw, and save reusable signatures Click-to-place signatures anywhere Full-text search with highlighted results Drag-select or Ctrl+A to copy text Print with annotations flattened Portable single-file app (~10 MB) No installer, no admin rights required No account, no telemetry KillerPDF 1.5.1 changelog: Performance Save Flattened PDF now uses multiple CPU cores. Page rasterization is parallelized (PNG encoding runs across cores; the PDFium render step stays serialized since the library isn't thread-safe), so large documents flatten significantly faster while the UI stays responsive (#68). Fixed PDFs that failed to open with "Unexpected EOF" now open (#72). The failure was PdfSharpCore's Flate inflater (SharpZipLib) rejecting the FlateDecode cross-reference stream on multi-revision PDFs - files that open fine in browsers, Acrobat, and Foxit. KillerPDF now detects this and re-opens the file losslessly through PDFium, preserving selectable text. Thanks to @javajon for the report and a detailed reproduction. Grid view renders every page. It was capped at the first 26 pages, so longer documents stopped loading partway through. Tiles also stream in progressively now instead of blocking until the whole document is rendered. Grid Ctrl+Scroll no longer reloads every page when the zoom is already at its limit and nothing would change. Removed a stray horizontal scrollbar (a thin green line) that could appear across the bottom of grid view. Files on UNC / network shares (including the WSL \\wsl$ filesystem) are copied locally before opening, avoiding partial-read failures on network filesystems. Changed Minimum zoom lowered from 10% to 5%, so grid view can pack more columns (helpful for wide/landscape pages) and single-page view can zoom out further. Download: KillerPDF 1.5.1 | 6.3 MB (Open Source) Link: KillerPDF Home Page | Github | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
  • Recent Achievements

    • One Year In
      Console General earned a badge
      One Year In
    • One Year In
      Twozo Technologies earned a badge
      One Year In
    • One Month Later
      Twozo Technologies earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Twozo Technologies earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Veteran
      branfont went up a rank
      Veteran
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      522
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      196
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      111
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      90
    5. 5
      Nick H.
      71
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!