code Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 30, 2025

Supercharging AWS database development with AWS MCP servers

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) facilitates integration between AI systems and various data sources, including databases, APIs, and business applications. AWS has released open-source MCP servers for Amazon Aurora, Amazon DynamoDB, and Amazon ElastiCache to enhance developer productivity by allowing AI-assisted tools to access structured metadata. MCP standardizes connections between AI assistants and external environments, enabling intelligent suggestions and context-aware query assistance. Traditional development challenges include time spent on boilerplate queries and context switching between different database technologies, which MCP aims to alleviate. The MCP servers provide secure access to structured metadata and streamline the development process by integrating database context directly into development environments. Developers can utilize these servers to generate tests based on live metadata, monitor database performance, and troubleshoot issues efficiently. The MCP servers are available for local deployment using Docker and can be configured for various AWS database services.

Winsage

June 29, 2025

This app makes my Windows 11 PC look like Windows 7 — but it’s not for everyone

Explorer 7 is a customization tool designed to restore the Windows 7 taskbar and Start menu for users of Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11. It allows users to modify accent colors and integrates familiar Windows 7 UI elements, although it lacks the Aero effect in app windows and retains a modern appearance in File Explorer. Setting up Explorer 7 requires registry edits and Windows 7 installation files, with no built-in method to revert changes. Limitations include compatibility issues with UWP apps, lack of support for multiple taskbars on different monitors, and potential inconsistencies with autoplay features. The project is aimed at enthusiasts seeking a Windows 7 experience, but its compatibility with future updates of Windows 10 and 11 may be uncertain.

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Windows 95 On PlayStation 2 Works As Well As You Expected

[MeraByte] has successfully installed Windows 95 on a PlayStation 2 using an x86 emulator called Bochs, despite the PS2's MIPS-based Emotion Engine not being designed for x86 instructions. The installation process faced numerous challenges, resulting in limited functionality, such as non-responsive mouse input and the inability to run the game Ultimate Doom 95. The endeavor raises questions about the overall success of the hack, especially given the significance of Doom in gaming culture. Alternative suggestions for PS2 users include exploring programming with GoLang, as there has never been an official release of Doom for the console.

BetaBeacon

June 28, 2025

Android Set to Introduce a Game-Changing iPhone Feature Enhancing Your Call Experience

Google Contacts app version 4.55 may soon allow users to use images as contact photos and calling cards, potentially linking a user's profile image to a dynamic call screen. The feature could support full-screen images, custom fonts, and cloud synchronization for easy management across devices. This new feature aims to enhance the visual appeal of Android phone calls by allowing users to personalize their call displays with images and text. However, Google has not confirmed the existence of calling cards yet.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 version 25H2 is coming soon — will install much faster than version 24H2

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 version 25H2 will launch later this year and has begun rolling out the first Insider preview build. This version will use the same platform release and servicing stack as version 24H2, allowing for a simple transition without the need for reinstallation of system files. Version 25H2 will reset the support timeline, offering enterprise editions a 36-month support period and consumer/pro editions a 24-month support period. The initial preview build does not include new features, and the general rollout is expected around September or October. Windows 10 users can receive security updates for an additional year at no cost if they sync their settings to the cloud or pay/redeem points for the same benefits. Windows 11 is nearing half a billion users and is expected to surpass Windows 10 in usage within the next year.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

So Long, Blue Screen of Death. Amazingly, You’ll Be Missed

Microsoft plans to retire the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 11, replacing it with a minimalist "unexpected restart screen" that will feature a black background and a single message: “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.” The redesign is part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative aimed at enhancing system robustness and clarity. The BSOD originated from Windows NT 3.1 in 1993, where it displayed a wall of white text on a blue background. The change follows a significant incident in 2024 where a problematic update caused widespread issues, prompting Microsoft to distance itself from the iconic blue screen.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

No, Windows didn’t kill the Blue Screen of Death, it just got a makeover

Microsoft is set to introduce a new version of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) for Windows 11, changing its color from blue to black as part of an update aimed at enhancing user experience. The redesigned BSOD will feature a dark interface, display an error code, and identify the driver or file responsible for crashes. This update will roll out later this summer following testing with Windows 11 Insiders. The 24H2 release has improved crash dump collection, reducing downtime during restarts to about two seconds. The new BSOD will eliminate the QR code and frowning face, which are currently included. Additionally, a new feature called Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) will be introduced to address PC crashes and boot-up issues by automatically repairing malfunctioning devices through the Windows Recovery Environment. When a critical boot-up error occurs, the PC will connect to the network and send diagnostic data to Microsoft, which will then dispatch a specific fix via Windows Update. Both the new BSOD and QMR will launch later this summer for all Windows 11 24H2 devices, with QMR enabled by default for Windows 11 Home users and customizable options for IT administrators in Pro and Enterprise systems.

Tech Optimizer

June 27, 2025

ClickFix fake error message malware spikes over 500%, takes second place as the most abused attack vector

The ClickFix attack vector has increased by 517% since the latter half of 2024, becoming the second most exploited method for cyberattacks, following phishing. Hackers are using ClickFix to deploy various infostealing malware, including Lumma Stealer, VidarStealer, StealC, and Danabot. The ClickFix mechanism involves a counterfeit reCAPTCHA that misleads users into executing harmful Powershell commands. This method is primarily spread through phishing emails directing users to fraudulent websites. ESET’s Threat Report indicates that SnakeStealer has surpassed Agent Tesla as the most frequently detected infostealer, targeting businesses in the US and EU for credential theft. The ransomware landscape has been disrupted by internal conflicts among groups, with DragonForce launching defacement campaigns against other ransomware entities. On mobile devices, Kaleidoscope infections have caused a 160% increase in Android adware detections, and the SparkKitty malware has been found in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Kaleidoscope generates revenue through intrusive ads while infecting devices with a malicious app from third-party stores.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Windows Blue screen of death axed after 40 years, but BSOD still remains — will be replaced by new black Windows 11 ‘unexpected restart screen’

Microsoft has introduced a new black variant of the "blue screen of death" (BSOD) for Windows, which will provide essential information like stop codes and fault system drivers. This update is part of the "Windows Resiliency Initiative" aimed at improving product robustness. The sad emoticon face will be retired, and the new BSOD is scheduled for release in Windows 11 later this summer, featuring a user interface update and a Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature. Other upcoming features include Connected Cache, Universal Print, Hotpatch Update, and Windows 365 Reserve. Users on older Windows 10 systems will still see the traditional BSOD with the frowning face emoji.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

New subscribers can score June’s Humble Choice bundle for $7 right now

Starting June 27, new subscribers to Humble Choice can purchase June's bundle for a discounted price using the promo code JUNE25, saving .99 off the regular monthly price of .99. The bundle includes eight PC games: Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered, Nobody Wants to Die, Dungeons of Hinterberg, Tchia, Sker Ritual, Biped, and Havendock, along with a one-month subscription to IGN Plus and Boot.dev. A Humble Choice membership also offers 20% off in the Humble store, and 5% of each membership fee supports The Trevor Project. Subscribers can skip a month or cancel at any time.