cloud storage Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 25, 2025

I Lost My Production Database Overnight—Here’s the Tool I Built So You Don’t

A moment of fatigue led to a significant mishap in a production database, resulting in the loss of approximately 30% of revenue. This incident prompted the creation of an open-source PostgreSQL backup and monitoring tool called Postgresus, which is built using Go, gin, gorm, React, TypeScript, and PostgreSQL, and packaged in Docker. The tool allows for scheduled backups, storage in cloud options, and notifications about backup success or failure. It also alerts users if the database becomes unresponsive. The creator experienced a database corruption incident in 2023 while managing a pet project, which resulted in the overwriting of user emails and significant operational challenges. The initial version of the backup tool was developed in Java but later transitioned to Go for improved performance. The project aims to enhance PostgreSQL monitoring and expand notification channels and storage support. The creator has adopted safety rules for database management, including performing a SELECT before executing an UPDATE and conducting restoration drills every three months.

Tech Optimizer

July 17, 2025

TigerData Launches Tiger Lake, Unifying Postgres and the Lakehouse for Real-Time Intelligence

TigerData has introduced Tiger Lake, an architectural layer that integrates the operational speed of Postgres with the analytical capabilities of lakehouses. This innovation allows for continuous, bidirectional data movement between operational databases and scalable cloud storage systems, eliminating the need for data duplication and complex pipelines. Tiger Lake enables real-time replication of Postgres tables into the lakehouse and synchronization of processed results back into Postgres. It is built into Tiger Postgres and enhanced by TimescaleDB, making it suitable for high-ingest, time-series data management. Tiger Lake is based on open standards, such as Apache Iceberg, allowing flexibility without vendor lock-in. It is currently in public beta, enabling users to stream data between Postgres and Iceberg-backed S3 storage, with future updates planned for enhanced querying and synchronization capabilities.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

The best Android apps available right now

1Weather is a weather app with a clean interface, customizable widgets, and severe weather alerts, available for free with optional in-app purchases. Bitwarden is a free password manager offering unlimited storage and two-factor authentication, with premium options for enhanced features. ChatGPT is an AI service from OpenAI that allows users to perform various tasks, available for free with optional in-app purchases. Focus Go is a simple gallery app that organizes images into folders and offers a fast search and filter system, available for free. Google Drive provides 15GB of free cloud storage and integrates with Google apps for productivity, with optional in-app purchases. Google Keep is a note-taking app that allows users to create and organize notes across devices, available for free. Google Maps and Waze are leading navigation apps, offering features like offline maps and real-time traffic data, both available for free. Google Gemini is an AI tool for managing tasks and accessing information, available for free. Google Voice offers a second phone number for personal and professional use in the US, available for free with optional purchases. Microsoft SwiftKey is a customizable keyboard app with predictive text features, available for free. Mozilla Firefox is a mobile browser with extensive add-on support, available for free. Nova Launcher is a customizable launcher app for Android, available for free with an optional premium version. Pocket Casts is a podcast management app with a user-friendly interface, available for free with optional in-app purchases. Poweramp is an offline music player with extensive features, available for a free trial and optional premium version. Solid Explorer is a file manager app with a clean design and powerful features, available for a free trial and optional premium version. Tasker and IFTTT are automation tools, with Tasker catering to power users and IFTTT offering a more accessible approach, with prices starting at .49. Textra is an SMS app with customizable themes and multi-device messaging sync, available for free with optional Pro unlock. TickTick is a task management app that combines tasks, reminders, and calendar events, available for free with an optional premium plan. YouTube and YouTube Music are content apps providing vast libraries of video and music, available for free with optional premium subscriptions. Zedge offers wallpapers, ringtones, and notification sounds for device customization, available for free with optional premium content. ExpressVPN is a secure VPN service with fast speeds, 256-bit encryption, and servers in 94 countries, offering unlimited bandwidth.

Winsage

July 13, 2025

These PowerShell scripts make it easy to migrate Windows installs

A PowerShell script developed by GitHub user Anduin2017 allows users to create a new Windows 11 installation on an empty physical drive while retaining access to files and applications from the existing installation. The process requires running the script in an elevated PowerShell window, providing inputs such as the location of the empty drive and the edition of Windows to install from an ISO file. Users can continue using their PC during the installation, and upon completion, they can choose between the existing and new installations upon reboot. To set up necessary applications, users can customize PowerShell modules using a sample install.ps1 file from the GitHub project. This method is particularly beneficial for users relying on cloud storage solutions like OneDrive, as it allows for a refreshed operating system with minimal downtime and easy access to data. The streamlined approach is designed for users who frequently encounter Windows issues and need clean installations, enabling rapid replication of a base system with essential programs.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

How to delete the Microsoft account that Windows made you set up

Microsoft requires users to log in with an online account during the installation of Home versions of Windows 10 and 11. Users can bypass this requirement or modify their account settings after installation. To delete a Microsoft account, users should access the Settings app, navigate to the 'Accounts' section, select their account information, and follow prompts to remove the account. After removal, users can create a local account that does not require an online login.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey Builds Offline Messaging App That Uses Bluetooth Instead of the Internet

Jack Dorsey has launched a new messaging application called Bitchat, which operates outside the conventional internet framework. Bitchat uses Bluetooth technology to send messages directly between devices, eliminating the need for phone numbers, servers, and data plans. The app allows communication over distances of up to 300 meters by relaying messages through nearby devices. Bitchat does not include usernames, chat backups, or lengthy inbox histories; messages are ephemeral, encrypted, and stored locally. The beta version was launched on Apple’s TestFlight, filling 10,000 testing slots quickly. The app currently supports small group chats with features like hashtags and password protection, and future updates may introduce WiFi Direct support. Bitchat aims to provide direct, unmediated communication, aligning with Dorsey's vision for user-centric technology.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

I Tried Signal, Telegram and WhatsApp, and This Is the One I’d Recommend

Telegram retains data necessary for its operations, including metadata like IP addresses. In 2024, the company updated its privacy policy to clarify that it can disclose IP addresses and phone numbers of rule violators to law enforcement upon valid legal requests. This resulted in Telegram fulfilling 900 information requests from U.S. authorities in 2024, affecting 2,253 individuals. Telegram has experienced data breaches, including a 2020 incident where 42 million Iranian users had their data compromised and a 2019 vulnerability exploited by Chinese agencies affecting protestor identities in Hong Kong. The platform allows users to create public channels for sharing content, but these channels are not end-to-end encrypted. Telegram offers secret chats that are end-to-end encrypted, but they are limited to the device of origin. The app allows for automatic message deletion, with a minimum interval of one day, and features a self-destruct option for accounts after a period of inactivity. Telegram's client applications are open-source, while its server-side code is closed-source. The company operates on a freemium model, offering a paid tier for enhanced features. Telegram is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2025

Analysis finds Volumez block storage outpaces cloud giants for PostgreSQL

Volumez has launched a block storage service for PostgreSQL users in cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and OCI, enhancing transaction throughput and reducing latency compared to native offerings. The service utilizes ephemeral cloud block storage instances, providing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Analyst Chris Evans evaluated Volumez's Data Infrastructure-as-a-Service (DIaaS) for PostgreSQL, noting its ability to define application-specific metrics, allowing optimization without traditional scaling constraints. Performance tests using pgbench showed that Volumez achieved the highest transactions per second (TPS) on AWS and the lowest latency among tested alternatives. OCI was identified as the most economical option, being 40% cheaper than AWS. Volumez's costs are significantly lower than AWS's io2 Block Express configuration, with potential savings of up to 80% on AWS. Volumez DIaaS also outperformed Azure's storage in TPS and latency, making it a recommended solution for businesses using public cloud services for traditional database applications.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

5 reasons why Google’s Pixel software is better than Samsung’s One UI

63% of respondents in a recent poll prefer Google’s Pixel UI over Samsung’s One UI, which received 37% support. Users favor Google’s camera app for its intuitive design and image processing capabilities, finding it easier for everyday photography compared to Samsung’s more complex camera app. Google’s Pixel UI is appreciated for its simplicity, offering a single app for each function, while Samsung’s devices often come with multiple pre-loaded applications, leading to a cluttered interface. Users find Samsung’s One UI settings overwhelming, whereas Pixel UI provides a clean layout for quick adjustments. Unique features like Now Playing and Call Screen on Pixel devices enhance user experience, and Google’s speed in rolling out software updates is faster and more reliable than Samsung’s, contributing to user trust in the Pixel ecosystem.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here’s what they came up with, and more

In the digital landscape, online activities are monitored, leading to targeted advertising, scams, and privacy breaches. Individuals can enhance their digital security through various tools, including VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services. VPNs protect internet traffic through encryption, with options like Mo Harber-Lamond at .91/month, Surfshark starting at .99/month, and ExpressVPN from .99/month. Antivirus software, such as Amber Bouman at .17/month, Norton 360 Deluxe from .17/month, and Malwarebytes Plus from .81/month, defends against malware and phishing. Password managers like Amber Bouman at .99/month, Bitwarden (free), and NordPass from .29/month help secure passwords. Secure browsers include George Phillips (free), Vivaldi (free), and Tor (free), which prioritize user privacy. Encrypted messaging apps like George Phillips (free), Session (free), and Threema (one-time payment) enhance communication security. Data removal services, such as Mo Harber-Lamond at .29/month, Optery from .99/month, and PrivacyBee from .99/month, help reduce personal data exposure. Budget-friendly options for privacy tools can be assembled for under /month, while premium bundles can cost around /month. The highest privacy-focused bundle totals /month, featuring Mullvad VPN, Proton Pass, Tor, and Session. Mobile privacy protection can be achieved for .01/month with NordVPN and Bitdefender Mobile Security. The Proton Unlimited bundle, priced at .99/month, offers an all-in-one solution with various encrypted services.