cloud solutions Archives

Winsage

March 31, 2025

10 Facts you probably didn’t know about Windows as Microsoft turns 50

- Windows was originally named "Interface Manager" before being changed to "Windows" prior to its launch in 1985. - Early versions of Windows (1.0, 2.0, and 3.x) operated on top of MS-DOS and required users to boot into MS-DOS before launching the graphical interface. - The Briefcase folder was an early tool for synchronizing files between computers, which became obsolete with the rise of cloud storage solutions. - Prior to Windows XP, user profiles were basic and lacked robust security; full user accounts were implemented with Windows NT. - Several applications from Windows 1.0, including Calculator, Paint, Notepad, Clock, and Control Panel, are still present in Windows 11 in modernized forms. - The "Format" dialog in File Explorer has used the same code for over 30 years, although updates for FAT32 support are being developed. - TrueType fonts were introduced in Windows 3.1 in 1992 through a licensing agreement with Apple, improving font rendering quality. - The "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" shortcut was created by IBM engineer David Bradley as a debugging tool and later adopted by Microsoft for secure attention sequences in Windows NT. - Windows 1.0 required a minimum of 256KB of RAM at its launch in 1985, while Windows 11 requires at least 4GB.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

Clues in Windows 11 suggest Microsoft has a nifty plan to help you move all your stuff from an old PC to a new computer more easily and conveniently

A new 'Migration' tool has been introduced in Windows 11, integrated within the Backup app, allowing users to wirelessly transfer files and settings between two PCs connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This feature, discovered through code analysis and community collaboration, is expected to utilize Nearby Sharing, similar to Apple's AirDrop, facilitating direct local transfers without relying on cloud storage. The Migration tool is still in the conceptual phase and not yet available for testing, but it aims to enhance the Backup app's capabilities by providing a more efficient transfer process. There is potential for the Migration feature to support third-party software, broadening its utility for users.

Tech Optimizer

December 20, 2024

PostgreSQL Tips: Installing the PostgreSQL Client

To install the psql client for PostgreSQL on various operating systems: - **macOS**: Use Homebrew with the command `brew install libpq`. Then link it with `brew link --force libpq`. - **Ubuntu (16.04 and 18.04)**: Run `sudo apt-get install postgresql-client` to install the PostgreSQL 10 client. - **Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 7)**: First, configure the repository with `sudo yum install https://download.postgresql.org/pub/repos/yum/10/redhat/rhel-7-x86_64/pgdg-redhat10-10-2.noarch.rpm`, then install the client with `sudo yum install postgresql10`. - **Fedora (27 and 28)**: Execute `sudo dnf install postgresql.x86_64` to install the PostgreSQL client. - **Windows 10**: Download the PostgreSQL installer from Enterprise DB, select only the Command Line Tools during installation, and configure the PATH environment variable to include `C:Program FilesPostgreSQL10bin`. These steps allow users to connect to IBM Cloud Databases without needing a full PostgreSQL installation.

Tech Optimizer

December 10, 2024

How Firmex used AWS SCT and AWS DMS to move 65,000 on-premises Microsoft SQL Server databases to an Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL cluster

Firmex is a provider of Virtual Data Rooms, opening over 20,000 new rooms annually and focusing on security and availability for clients during due diligence processes. The company previously managed around 65,000 databases across four Microsoft SQL Servers but faced challenges related to database limits, backups, and licensing terms. In 2020, engineers recognized they were nearing the maximum database limit and shifted from a database-based isolation model to a schema-based isolation approach using PostgreSQL. This transition involved collaboration with AWS to utilize Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition, which offered better performance and cost-effectiveness. The migration process required extensive work, including converting stored procedures and addressing data migration challenges such as endpoint and task limits with AWS DMS. Firmex's engineers developed custom tooling to manage the migration effectively, ensuring minimal downtime for customers. Post-migration, they have seen improved performance and reduced operating costs, with ongoing efforts to optimize their PostgreSQL utilization further.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Windows Copilot+ PCs aren’t there yet: 8 must-change upgrades for 2025

Intel's Lunar Lake and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 CPUs are expanding the market for AI-infused Copilot+ PCs beyond Arm-powered laptops, featuring neural processing units (NPU) capable of 40 trillion operations per second. The new baseline specifications include at least 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. However, the initial features of Copilot+ PCs have been underwhelming, lacking transformative AI integration, and privacy concerns have arisen with the Windows Recall feature, leading to its retraction. The Copilot AI assistant requires an internet connection, limiting functionality, and generative image capabilities are also constrained by this requirement. Current local image generation models do not match the quality of cloud-based solutions, and the focus on NPUs has overlooked the potential of GPUs in gaming laptops. The Copilot+ designation is currently limited to thin-and-light laptops, excluding desktop PCs and gaming laptops. Applications must utilize the Windows Copilot Runtime for full potential, but few currently do. Lastly, the high prices of Copilot+ PCs hinder widespread adoption.

Winsage

November 19, 2024

Microsoft’s New 365 Link PC Is More Chromebook Than Mac Mini

Microsoft has introduced the Windows 365 Link, a mini PC designed to stream Windows directly from the cloud rather than running a local operating system. Unveiled at the 2024 Ignite conference, the device features a fanless, lightweight design and is set for release in April next year. It can support up to two 4K monitors and run applications like Microsoft Teams or Webex locally, but most operations will be cloud-based. The device incorporates a passwordless entry system via Microsoft’s Entra biometric ID for security. It operates within a closed ecosystem, does not support win32 applications, and lacks local administrative capabilities. Connectivity options include a USB-C port, three USB-A ports, one DisplayPort, one HDMI, and Ethernet, with support for WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows Server 2025 now generally available, with advanced security, improved performance, and cloud agility – Microsoft Windows Server Blog

Windows Server 2025 is now generally available, featuring enhanced security capabilities such as improvements to Active Directory, SMB hardening with SMB over QUIC, and Delegate Managed Service Accounts for automated password management. It also introduces hybrid cloud capabilities like hotpatching enabled by Azure Arc, easy Azure Arc onboarding, and unified network policy management. The platform supports demanding workloads with built-in GPU partitioning, NVMe storage performance improvements, and significant enhancements in Hyper-V performance and scalability. System Center 2025 has been released alongside Windows Server 2025, offering improved management capabilities. Microsoft Ignite 2024 will showcase these features, and existing Windows Server customers can access Azure management tools at no extra cost.

Winsage

September 22, 2024

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to be deprecated

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is deprecated, with no new features or enhancements planned. Microsoft encourages organizations to transition to cloud solutions for update management. WSUS will continue to function with existing capabilities until its official deprecation on April 18, 2025, but it will not receive updates or new features. Microsoft has phased out WSUS driver synchronization in favor of cloud-based driver services. Organizations are advised to consider tools like Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager for managing updates.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Microsoft will no longer add new features to Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

Microsoft announced the impending deprecation of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), with plans to stop driver synchronization by April 18, 2025, and to cease investment in new capabilities or feature requests for WSUS. Current functionality will be preserved, and updates will continue to be published through WSUS. Microsoft is encouraging a transition to cloud-based updating solutions like Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager. WSUS will still be included in Windows Server 2025, but no new features will be added, indicating a move towards its eventual retirement. Additionally, Microsoft introduced a public preview of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, allowing security updates to be installed without server reboots.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Microsoft ends development of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

Microsoft has officially deprecated Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) but will maintain its current functionality and continue to publish updates through this channel. WSUS, introduced in 2005, has been essential for IT administrators to manage and distribute updates across corporate networks. While new features and further development will cease, existing functionality will be supported. Microsoft encourages businesses to transition to cloud-based solutions like Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager for update management. Additionally, Microsoft announced the deprecation of NTLM authentication on Windows and Windows servers, advising a transition to Kerberos or Negotiation authentication.