Azure

Winsage
July 23, 2025
As Windows 11 support ends, many Windows 10 PCs and laptops lacking compatibility with the new operating system are expected to enter the resale market or be given away. This situation creates opportunities to repurpose these devices for various uses, including: 1. Installing a Linux distribution to cater to business and personal needs, with options like Ubuntu, Fedora, and MX Linux for older hardware. 2. Running ChromeOS Flex for a lightweight experience focused on web browsing and cloud applications. 3. Installing a thin-client OS to access virtual desktops, maximizing existing hardware for businesses transitioning to virtual environments. 4. Converting the device into a media server using software like Plex or Jellyfin for centralized media storage and streaming. 5. Recycling the device responsibly through manufacturer or retailer e-waste programs, ensuring safe processing and potential donation of usable parts. Before recycling, it is important to securely wipe or destroy personal data on the hard drive.
Tech Optimizer
July 22, 2025
Recent research shows that 82 percent of PostgreSQL users are concerned about cloud region failures, with 21 percent experiencing such failures in the past year. In the first half of 2025, PostgreSQL gained over 13 points in database popularity rankings, becoming the fourth most popular database. A survey found that 91 percent of organizations using PostgreSQL expect no more than four minutes of downtime per month, with 24 percent aiming for less than 30 seconds. Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google offer various PostgreSQL services, while alternatives like CockroachDB and YugabyteDB focus on reliability. PlanetScale recently launched a PostgreSQL service that is 100 percent compatible with open-source PostgreSQL. Convex is transitioning from AWS Aurora to PlanetScale for better performance. pgEdge offers a multi-master distributed database for high availability. AWS claims its Amazon Aurora DSQL is designed for up to 99.999 percent availability, while its Aurora for PostgreSQL guarantees 99.99 percent uptime.
Winsage
July 21, 2025
Windows administrators need to keep their systems updated for security and performance, with control over the timing and type of updates being crucial. There are three primary methods for managing Windows updates: 1. Per-client updates: Default for standalone clients, offering minimal control. 2. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS): Centralized management since 2005, allowing extensive control but requiring more administrative effort. 3. Windows Update for Business (WUfB): A cloud-based model providing greater control through tools like Group Policy and Mobile Device Management (MDM). WUfB offers several advantages, including policy-based management, granular control over deployments, and the elimination of on-premises WSUS servers. To implement WUfB, organizations must meet specific requirements, including using Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Team editions, Azure AD joining, and having the necessary licenses such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Administrators can defer feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for up to 30 days using Group Policy. They can create servicing rings for managing update deployments, such as testing, pilot, and rollout rings. Configuration involves creating Group Policy Objects (GPOs) linked to the appropriate Organizational Units (OUs) and setting relevant policies. WUfB reporting is available through the Azure Portal, allowing administrators to monitor update statuses and troubleshoot devices.
Winsage
July 19, 2025
Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update has encountered multiple issues, including a persistent Windows Firewall error (Event 2042) that worsened after the July 2025 update. The company issued an apology for the confusion, clarifying that the error is a logging anomaly with no security risk. Users have also reported problems with the Microsoft Changjie Input Method, Azure Virtual Desktop app failures, camera application unresponsiveness, wallpaper customization issues, blue screen errors related to Easy Anti-Cheat, and audio loss with Dirac Audio. Microsoft is working on resolutions for these problems in future updates.
Winsage
July 16, 2025
Microsoft has announced that Secure Boot certificates for Windows devices will begin to expire in June 2026, which may affect device functionality and security. An out-of-band update (KB5064489) was released on July 13, 2025, to address immediate security concerns and prepare systems for the certificate transition. This update includes essential quality improvements and fixes issues related to the startup of certain Azure Virtual Machines when Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is enabled. The update is cumulative and incorporates previous security fixes. Users are advised to install the update promptly and review guidance for updating their certificates before the expiration deadline.
Winsage
July 16, 2025
Microsoft released the KB5062553 update for Windows, which caused boot failures in some Generation 2 Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) with Trusted Launch disabled. In response, Microsoft issued an emergency patch, KB5064489, applicable to Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, to address these issues. Affected VMs may experience boot failures if Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is enforced via registry key. Users are advised to check if their VMs are created as “Standard” and if VBS is enabled. The KB5064489 update is not automatically deployed and must be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog, with specific installation methods outlined.
AppWizard
July 16, 2025
Microsoft's Xbox division is testing a new feature that allows users to stream their personally owned games through the Xbox PC app, eliminating lengthy installations. This feature is currently available to Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and enables players to access their game libraries on Windows devices using cloud technology. The app manages processing on remote servers, conserving local storage and reducing download times. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to unify its gaming ecosystem and respond to competition from services like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Amazon's Luna. The feature aims to democratize access to games without requiring a subscription for owned titles. Challenges include reliance on internet connectivity and privacy concerns regarding cloud data management. If successful, this could lead to broader integration across Xbox platforms, including smart TVs. Feedback from Insiders will influence the rollout pace.
Tech Optimizer
July 16, 2025
Open source database management system Postgres is nearing its 40th anniversary and has seen increased demand due to its compatibility with AI applications, although its search and analytics capabilities are limited. ParadeDB is an open source extension that enhances full-text search and analytics within Postgres, integrating with various data infrastructure tools like Google Cloud SQL, Azure Postgres, and Amazon RDS. Founded in 2023, ParadeDB released its first version the same year and gained Alibaba as its first customer in May 2024. The company recently secured a million Series A funding round led by Craft Ventures to expand its team and improve its platform. The growing popularity of Postgres is highlighted by recent acquisitions, such as Snowflake's acquisition of Crunchy Data and Databricks' purchase of Neon.
Winsage
July 15, 2025
Microsoft released an emergency update to address a bug affecting Azure virtual machines (VMs) that prevented them from launching when the Trusted Launch setting was disabled while Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) was enabled. This issue emerged during the July Patch Tuesday security updates and impacted Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11 24H2, specifically affecting VMs using version 8.0 with VBS provided by the host. The root cause was identified as a secure kernel initialization issue, which has been fixed with the KB5064489 out-of-band update. Administrators are advised to check if their VMs are created as "Standard" and if VBS is enabled. If affected, they should install the out-of-band update instead of the July 8th KB5062553 Patch Tuesday update and consider using the Trusted Launch security feature. Microsoft has also updated Windows Server 2025 VM images to include the latest cumulative update addressing this bug.
Winsage
July 15, 2025
Microsoft has set a timeline for the end of Windows 10 support. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from 9, but the offer is time-sensitive and codes are limited. Windows 11 Pro can be installed on two compatible PCs and features a redesigned user interface, productivity tools like snap layouts and advanced voice typing, enhanced security features including Smart App Control and BitLocker, and improved gaming performance with DirectX12 Ultimate. The Pro version includes remote desktop access and tools like Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox for professional use.
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