businesses Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 22, 2025

PostgreSQL services from hyperscalers raise downtime conerns

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.

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 18, 2025

Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Security Updates for Those Who Don’t Want to Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Users can access a free extension for security updates by utilizing cloud backup linked to their OneDrive account. As of May 2025, Windows 10 accounts for over 53% of installations. Microsoft plans to roll out the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program sign-up wizard in July 2025, allowing users to receive updates until October 13, 2026. Businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. The transition to Windows 11 has been slow due to user hesitance and compatibility issues.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Java for mobile app development: How to create Android apps in 2025 – London Business News

Java is a key programming language in mobile application development, particularly for Android, and is expected to remain relevant in 2025. It is officially supported in Android development, with a significant portion of Android applications built using Java. Java continues to be integrated into Android Studio and is favored for its comprehensive documentation, backward compatibility, and strong community support. Java's ecosystem is characterized by its mature tools and best practices, making it suitable for both simple and enterprise-level applications. Core components of Android apps built with Java include Activities, Services, Broadcast Receivers, and Content Providers. The development process involves setting up the environment with Android Studio, designing user interfaces with XML, implementing app logic in Java, testing the application, and deploying it via the Google Play Store. Best practices in 2025 include modular architecture, dependency management with libraries like Dagger and Hilt, asynchronous programming techniques, and the use of version control systems like Git. Java remains a viable option alongside Kotlin, especially for legacy codebases and its perceived accessibility for new programmers. Modern tools supporting Java development include Room for data storage, Retrofit for API calls, Glide for image loading, Firebase for cloud services, and Crashlytics for crash monitoring. Outsourcing Java development is a common strategy for companies looking to scale their mobile projects efficiently. Java continues to evolve, accommodating advancements in machine learning, IoT, and edge computing.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Half of Windows PCs are still yet to upgrade to Windows 11 — and are running out of time, says study

Approximately 60% of enterprise PCs have upgraded to Windows 11, while 40% are still on Windows 10, which will reach its end of life on October 14. Windows 11 has become the most widely used version of Windows, with only 55% of finance industry PCs and 39% of government PCs upgraded. In North America, 57% of PCs have not transitioned to Windows 11, compared to 30% in Europe. Microsoft will offer an extended security updates program for commercial customers from October 2025 to October 2028 for devices not eligible for Windows 11, while consumers will receive one year of updates at a lower cost. After October 2026, consumers must upgrade to Windows 11 or find alternative solutions for security. Microsoft will discontinue new features for Office on Windows 10 starting next year.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Microsoft Update Copilot Vision AI: Five New Business Use Cases

Microsoft has upgraded its Copilot Vision AI, now available to Windows Insiders, enabling the tool to scan and analyze all content on users' screens instead of just two applications at a time. This enhancement allows Copilot Vision to function as a comprehensive assistant, providing real-time insights and guidance across all on-screen content. Users must activate the feature through the Copilot application. The AI can interpret text, images, and application contexts simultaneously, offering contextual insights and verbal coaching across various professional applications. Key use cases for Copilot Vision AI include: 1. Customer Service and Support: Assists support representatives by providing real-time suggestions while navigating multiple systems. 2. Sales Process Optimization: Analyzes sales workflows to offer insights into prospect behavior and suggest optimal next steps. 3. Content Creation and Marketing Operations: Provides real-time feedback on visual consistency and brand compliance across design tools. 4. Project Management and Collaboration Enhancement: Identifies bottlenecks and suggests resource optimizations for project managers. 5. Training and Professional Development: Offers contextual coaching to guide employees learning new software systems. The upgrade aims to improve productivity and decision-making by addressing information fragmentation and workflow inefficiencies across organizations.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Windows Secure Boot Certificate Expired in June, Microsoft Issues Warning

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 15, 2025

Want to keep using Microsoft 365 in Windows 10 after October? You can

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security patches, bug fixes, or technical support will be available unless users opt for extended security updates. Microsoft encourages all Microsoft 365 users on Windows 10 to upgrade to Windows 11 by this deadline. However, Microsoft will provide security updates for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028. Feature updates for individuals and families subscribed to Microsoft 365 will continue until August 2026, while organizations will receive updates until October 13, 2026, or January 12, 2027, depending on their subscription type. After October 14, 2025, support for Windows 10 users will be limited, with representatives encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 for issues specific to that operating system.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Don’t Want to Upgrade to Windows 11? Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Security Updates

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which currently holds a 53% share of installations. To assist users during this transition, Microsoft is offering a complimentary option for security updates that requires linking accounts to OneDrive for cloud backup. Users can access a sign-up wizard for the Extended Security Updates program starting in July 2025, allowing updates until October 13, 2026, with businesses able to purchase up to three additional years of updates.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Chrome OS slated to merge with Android

Recent developments in the technology sector include the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), increased demand for remote work solutions, and a focus on sustainability initiatives. Companies are integrating AI tools to enhance efficiency, investing in technologies for remote collaboration, and adopting greener practices. Investors are particularly interested in startups specializing in AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies, as these sectors are expected to experience significant growth. AI startups are innovating across various industries, cybersecurity firms are addressing rising threats, and sustainable tech companies are responding to consumer demand for eco-friendly options.