administration

Winsage
July 30, 2025
The Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit is a suite of tools for administrators to assess Group Policy Objects (GPOs) against Microsoft's security baselines, helping to identify discrepancies and implement secure settings. It includes tools such as the Policy Analyzer, Local Group Policy Object (LGPO) utility, and Set Object Security application. Administrators can download the toolkit from Microsoft's website, which contains zip files for various security baseline packages. The Policy Analyzer compares GPOs with local security policies to identify inconsistencies, while the LGPO tool manages local security policies and allows for policy backup and verification. The Set Object Security tool applies security descriptors to objects like files and folders. For Windows Server, administrators should test security baselines in non-production environments before deployment. With Windows Server 2025, the OSConfig platform allows for direct application of security baselines through PowerShell, simplifying the update process and maintaining compliance.
AppWizard
July 24, 2025
Moscow is set to launch a new device in September that will come with a pre-installed messaging application called Max, aimed at enhancing government surveillance of citizens. This development follows indications that WhatsApp, used by about 70% of the Russian population, may be forced to cease operations in Russia due to new legislation. The Max app is expected to serve as a surveillance tool for the FSB, providing communication, government services, and mobile payment options, thereby increasing government oversight in digital interactions.
AppWizard
July 23, 2025
Russia's deputy head of President Putin’s administration, Maxim Oreshkin, stated that foreign messaging applications will not be banned as long as they comply with Russian laws, which include registration and measures to prevent fraud. He emphasized the development of a domestic messaging app called Max, created by VK, which aims to integrate with Russia's banking system. Oreshkin encouraged entrepreneurs to create user-friendly services for competitive advantage. His comments followed reports of Telegram seeking to align with Russian regulations by filing for registration with Roskomnadzor, although its founder, Pavel Durov, denied claims of exiting the Russian market.
AppWizard
July 22, 2025
The Kremlin has increased restrictions on Russian citizens' access to foreign websites and information that contradicts state narratives since the Ukraine conflict began. New legislation has been passed to impose fines for searching for "extremist" content and for advertising VPN services, with penalties including fines of up to 5,000 rubles for individual users. A potential ban on WhatsApp is being considered in favor of a domestic alternative called Max, which is expected to serve as Russia's national messaging platform and may collect user data. Approximately 680 bots have been promoting Max while disparaging WhatsApp. Additionally, at least 40 Russian regions have recently experienced mobile internet outages, which coincide with increased Ukrainian drone attacks and are speculated to serve both security and internet sovereignty goals.
AppWizard
July 15, 2025
UK-based co-development firm Airship Interactive has entered administration, and its assets have been acquired by a newly established studio named Airmergent. Airmergent has retained all 78 employees from Airship Interactive, in compliance with UK TUPE regulations, ensuring ongoing contracts remain unaffected. Airship Interactive officially entered administration on July 1st.
Tech Optimizer
July 14, 2025
A SQL query initially took fifteen hours to process, but after performance engineering adjustments by Vadim Laktushin, it was reduced to two minutes. Performance engineers (PEs) work to enhance IT system efficiency by identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks in application code, database management systems, configurations, and hardware. Vadim transitioned from a developer to a performance specialist at Postgres Professional after exploring benchmarks and system tuning. Performance issues often require complex solutions rather than straightforward fixes. For example, a client migrating from Oracle to PostgreSQL faced delays due to the Write-Ahead Log (WAL), which became a bottleneck during heavy write operations. PEs adhere to principles such as proactive analysis, reliance on data, and caution against quick fixes. Essential skills for PEs include programming, Linux expertise, understanding algorithms, statistical thinking, and effective communication. The future of performance engineering may involve specialization, and while AI can assist, it cannot replace human expertise in optimization tasks.
Winsage
July 12, 2025
The global PC market saw a 7.4% year-on-year increase in shipments during Q2 2025, totaling 67.6 million units. This growth is primarily driven by urgent business upgrades due to the impending end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, rather than a resurgence in consumer confidence. Businesses are refreshing their PC deployments, while consumer spending on personal devices has stagnated, with many delaying upgrades until 2026. Over half of channel partners expect growth in their PC business in the latter half of 2025, with nearly a third anticipating growth exceeding 10%. Lenovo led the market with 17.0 million units shipped, followed by HP with 14.1 million units, and Dell with a slight decline of 3.0%. Apple experienced a 21.3% increase to 6.4 million units, while Asus saw an 18.4% rise. Desktop shipments increased by 9%, and notebooks rose by 7%. The market dynamics are also influenced by evolving US tariff policies, which are reshaping the PC supply chain landscape.
AppWizard
July 11, 2025
A new app called ICEBlock alerts users about nearby Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity by allowing them to report sightings of ICE officers. The app has quickly gained popularity on the Apple App Store and is designed to track location and send push notifications when ICE is reported within a five-mile radius. Users can report sightings anonymously, with reports deleted within four hours, and can only report once every five minutes. The app developer, Joshua Aaron, created it to protect vulnerable communities and insists it is not intended to obstruct law enforcement. Critics, including U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, argue that the app undermines law enforcement and endangers ICE officers. Aaron has faced criticism for not making the app available on Android due to concerns about user anonymity. He emphasizes that the app is legal and protected under the First Amendment.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Activision has temporarily removed the PC Game Pass version of Call of Duty: WW2 due to reports of an unspecified issue, with concerns raised about a potential remote code execution (RCE) exploit causing disruptive app pop-ups, unexpected PC shutdowns, and inappropriate content. The game is unavailable on both the Game Pass and Microsoft Store but remains accessible on Steam and Battle.net. Community feedback indicates that the game may be vulnerable to RCE exploits, allowing malicious actors to execute harmful code on players' systems. A notable incident involved streamer Wrioh, who reported being "hacked," with a video showing a pop-up claiming, "just RCE'd your ass," and a change to their desktop wallpaper. The VX-Underground malware research collective shared images of an alleged RCE attack, highlighting an "unpatched RCE exploit" and instances of trolling with pop-ups and inappropriate content. VX-Underground speculated that the attacker could deploy various forms of malware, though their primary intent seems to be creating chaos. As of now, Call of Duty: WW2 for PC Game Pass and the Microsoft Store remains offline, with no updates from Activision on its return.
Tech Optimizer
July 8, 2025
The content describes a video edition of a book titled "PostgreSQL Mistakes and How To Avoid Them," which aims to help readers learn from common PostgreSQL errors. The book covers various topics, including avoiding configuration and operational issues, maximizing utility and performance, rectifying poor SQL practices, addressing security and administration challenges, facilitating migrations and upgrades, and diagnosing problematic databases. It provides detailed explanations of mistakes, real-world examples, and actionable recommendations, along with illustrative code snippets and diagrams. The book is intended for PostgreSQL database administrators and application developers, and the author is Jimmy Angelakos, a systems and database architect.
Search