analyze Archives

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Microsoft’s 2030 Vision: AI Windows That Sees, Hears, and Anticipates

Microsoft envisions a future for Windows by 2030 where devices will have sensory capabilities, allowing them to see, hear, and engage in conversation. This shift towards "agentic" AI aims to transform the operating system into a proactive assistant that anticipates user needs. Recent advancements, such as Copilot Vision in Windows 11, exemplify this evolution by enabling real-time analysis of on-screen content. The integration of AI features, including Bing Chat, positions Windows 11 as the first operating system with a centralized AI assistant. Sensory AI will facilitate devices interpreting visual and auditory inputs, offering proactive suggestions based on user context. Microsoft is addressing privacy concerns through responsible AI frameworks while promoting a hybrid model where AI augments human capabilities. This evolution could redefine industries, with potential applications in healthcare and creative sectors.

Tech Optimizer

August 5, 2025

Building a job search engine with PostgreSQL’s advanced search features

Job search platforms connect employers and candidates through advanced search engines that analyze structured and unstructured data. These platforms require robust database technologies for executing complex queries, full-text and semantic searches, and geospatial functionalities. A modern job search engine consists of a data repository that stores job listings and candidate profiles, and a search engine that facilitates bidirectional searches. Key features of an effective job search engine include: - **Full-text search**: Provides lexical matching for job titles and skills, supporting exact phrase matching and typo-tolerant searches. - **Semantic search**: Uses vector-based similarity to understand context and relationships beyond literal terms. - **Geospatial search**: Incorporates geographic considerations to find opportunities within specific distances. PostgreSQL serves as both a data repository and search engine, supporting full-text search, semantic search via the pgvector extension, and geospatial queries using the PostGIS extension. The job search engine utilizes PostgreSQL to manage job listings and candidate profiles, enabling real-time searches across millions of entries. The data model for a job search engine includes tables for jobs and resumes, with columns for full-text search vectors, semantic vectors, and geographical locations. PostgreSQL's full-text search capabilities include tokenization, dictionaries for language-aware parsing, and ranking functions for relevance. Advanced features such as proximity search, simple and weighted ranking, and fuzzy matching enhance search accuracy. Vector embeddings represent text in high-dimensional space, allowing for semantic searches that recognize similar roles or skills. PostgreSQL supports vector similarity searches with specialized indexing methods like IVFFlat and HNSW for efficient querying. Geospatial search capabilities in PostgreSQL enable location-aware job searches, allowing candidates to find jobs within commuting distances. Combining different search techniques, such as full-text and semantic searches, provides more relevant results. Performance optimization features in PostgreSQL address challenges related to computational complexity, indexing overhead, and concurrent query loads. The architecture discussed is applicable to various applications beyond job search platforms, including e-commerce, real estate, content recommendation systems, travel, and healthcare provider matching.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

APT37 Hackers Weaponizes JPEG Files to Attack Windows System Leveraging “mspaint.exe” File

A new variant of the RoKRAT malware, attributed to North Korea's APT37 group, utilizes advanced techniques such as steganography to hide malicious code within JPEG image files, complicating detection efforts. This malware is primarily distributed in South Korea through compressed archives containing Windows shortcut files that lead to a multi-stage infection process. The process involves executing PowerShell commands to decrypt and run the malware, which can inject itself into trusted Windows processes like mspaint.exe and notepad.exe, leaving minimal forensic traces. The malware also exfiltrates sensitive information using legitimate cloud APIs, making attribution difficult. APT37 has demonstrated adaptability by changing its injection targets and camouflaging its development artifacts, highlighting the need for advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions and proactive security measures.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Galaxy Book 4 Edge, Book 5 series are getting a bunch of new AI features

The Galaxy Book 4 Edge is Samsung's first Copilot+ PC, followed by the Galaxy Book 5 series, which also has Copilot+ PC certification. A recent Windows 11 update introduces AI features for these devices, including Copilot Vision, which analyzes on-screen content and allows users to ask questions about applications and web pages. The update also enhances the ‘Click to Do’ feature, enabling users to execute tasks based on selected text, such as scheduling meetings, practicing reading, drafting documents, and using Immersive Reader. Additional features include an AI-driven sticker generator and an object selection tool in the Paint app. The Galaxy Book 4 Edge includes an AI-powered agent in the Settings app for natural language searches and will have an AI lighting option in the Photos app and a feature for capturing screenshots. Non-Copilot+ PC Galaxy Books will also receive some enhancements, including a color picker in the Snipping Tool and a tool for resolving reboot issues. Many features are available through the Microsoft Store and preview updates.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

How to build a workbench in Grounded 2

Players must analyze a grass plank at a resource analyzer to unlock the workbench in Grounded 2. The first resource analyzer can be found at the Ranger Outpost: Snackbar, which is surrounded by grass for harvesting. To analyze, players need to chop down a grass stalk to obtain grass planks and then interact with the analyzer to research the grass plank, unlocking the workbench schematic. The materials required to craft the workbench are three grass planks, four sprigs, and two sap. Sprigs are commonly found nearby, and sap can be identified by small brown orbs on wood and roots. Players must gather these materials and transport them to their building site to complete the workbench.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Windows 11’s new update will add a bunch of AI features

Microsoft is introducing the Copilot Vision tool for Windows 11, which scans and analyzes content on users' screens, allowing them to ask questions about what they see and receive immediate assistance. This feature is part of a broader rollout of AI capabilities aimed at improving productivity. For users with Snapdragon-powered Copilot Plus PCs, an AI-driven agent in the Settings app will enable natural language searches for specific settings. The “Click to Do” preview feature will be enhanced for quick actions, and unique features for Copilot Plus PCs will include an AI-powered sticker generator in Paint, an object selection tool for image editing, and an AI lighting option in Photos. The Snipping Tool will also gain a “perfect screenshot” feature. Additionally, all Windows 11 users will benefit from a new color picker in the Snipping Tool and an automatic issue resolution mechanism for unexpected restarts. These features will be rolled out over the next month.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Windows 11 is the home for AI on the PC, with even more experiences available today

Nearly 60% of individuals have used generative AI for work-related tasks in the past year, and 64% have used it for personal activities. Windows is introducing a new agent in Settings for Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to make changes using natural language. This feature is rolling out for English-speaking users on Snapdragon-powered devices, with support for Intel and AMD devices to follow. The Click to Do feature streamlines workflows by offering contextual actions related to text and images. The Photos app now includes a Relight feature for professional lighting controls, while Paint has added a sticker generator and object select tool. The Snipping Tool has been enhanced with a perfect screenshot feature and a color picker. Copilot Vision allows users to share their screen with Copilot for real-time assistance. Windows 11 is introducing a recovery mechanism that reduces recovery time from 40 seconds to 2 seconds. These features will be gradually rolled out to consumers.

Tech Optimizer

July 20, 2025

Antivirus vs Anti-malware: which is best for you?

The landscape of cyber threats has evolved, with increased sophistication and frequency of attacks, partly due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Businesses, regardless of size, should reassess their vulnerabilities as even small entities can be targeted. Investing in robust cybersecurity software is essential, with a distinction between antivirus and anti-malware tools being crucial. Malware includes various types of malicious software, and while antivirus software primarily uses signature-based detection, anti-malware tools employ advanced techniques like behavioral analysis and sandboxing. Anti-malware programs can identify hidden threats that antivirus may miss, such as rootkits. Antivirus solutions have adapted to include heuristic analysis and additional features like password management and firewalls. Antivirus is designed for average users, while anti-malware is favored by high-risk users, though everyone can benefit from both. Combining antivirus and anti-malware creates a layered security system, and many vendors now offer integrated products. Popular antivirus solutions with anti-malware capabilities include Bitdefender, Norton 360, McAfee, and Avast. Users are encouraged to run both types of software or choose a combined solution for comprehensive coverage. Despite high detection rates, users should remain vigilant and informed to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

Microsoft says it’s committed to Windows 11 performance upgrade, needs feedback

Microsoft is encouraging feedback from users in the Windows Insider Program regarding performance issues, particularly under the Desktop Environment > System Sluggishness category. Windows 11 requires more resources than Windows 10, impacting users with older hardware. Microsoft is collecting logs from Insider Program participants to address performance concerns, specifically when a PC shows sluggish behavior. These logs are stored in the %systemRoot% > Temp > DiagOutputDir > Whesvc folder and are sent to Microsoft only if users submit feedback through the Feedback Hub. The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to focus on bug fixes to improve performance, including faster load times for File Explorer's home tab. Additionally, the update is experimenting with a feature that throttles CPU usage when the user is away from the PC, potentially reducing power consumption and extending battery life, though there are concerns about its impact on background tasks.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

CrapFixer update fixes Windows 11 and turns it into the operating system you deserve – download it now!

CrapFixer is a tool designed to improve the user experience on Windows 10 and 11 by addressing issues such as bloatware, intrusive ads, and unwanted data collection. It was originally launched seven years ago and has been significantly updated for Windows 11, featuring a modern Policy Editor. Users can download CrapFixer, analyze their system for recommendations, and implement changes with a click. The software allows users to revert changes easily and offers manual options for customization, such as hiding Copilot and disabling telemetry. Additionally, NAppClean.exe is available as a standalone tool for a more structured approach to applying tweaks. CrapFixer is currently at version 1.18.200 since its initial release in May.