computing Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 1, 2026

Backstage Ditches Postgres for Databricks Lakebase

The divide between operational and analytical databases is diminishing, as evidenced by Databricks integrating Spotify's Backstage with its Lakebase, transitioning from PostgreSQL to a unified data platform. Lakebase now offers a serverless PostgreSQL interface within Databricks, allowing Backstage to operate without awareness of the underlying changes. The integration involved updating configurations and addressing authentication challenges using OAuth JWTs. The integration transforms the database development lifecycle by enabling near-instant database branching through Lakebase's copy-on-write architecture, allowing developers to focus on testing changes rather than safety. Branching creates a pointer to existing data, making the operation instantaneous. Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR) allows for quick restoration of data, demonstrated by a recovery process that took less than four seconds. The goal is to integrate database branching into developer workflows seamlessly, making it automatic. This change could enhance developer productivity by allowing live data testing from the start, eliminating the need for mock objects, and resolving common issues related to staging environments. The traditional constraints of slow and costly database copies will become obsolete, prompting teams to reconsider how much time they spend on workarounds for now-nonexistent constraints.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Improve your OS: Windows 11 Pro is only $10 now

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9.00, through a Microsoft-Verified Partner. The operating system has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from over 100,000 satisfied customers. It includes enhanced security features like BitLocker device encryption, TPM 2.0 support, and Smart App Control, as well as productivity tools such as Snap Layouts and integrated Copilot AI assistant. The license is for a single device, non-transferable, and requires a 1GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage for installation.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Microsoft says 32GB of RAM is the “no-worries” upgrade for Windows 11 gaming

Microsoft has clarified that while 16GB of RAM is the baseline for gaming, 32GB is now promoted as the ideal upgrade, especially for users running applications like Discord, web browsers, or streaming tools alongside gaming. The company continues to recommend 8GB as the minimum for Windows, but emphasizes that 32GB is becoming a mainstream option due to the increasing demands of modern gaming setups. Microsoft previously described 32GB as "ideal for serious gamers" and highlights that it helps manage multitasking and background applications effectively. The growing memory requirements are attributed to the evolution of games, which feature larger assets and higher resolution textures, as well as the resource-intensive nature of many Windows applications. Additionally, consumers are facing higher costs for memory upgrades due to increased demands and a memory shortage exacerbated by AI companies. Microsoft is also working on developing more efficient native Windows 11 applications to address these challenges.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

Microsoft open-sources 86-DOS 1.00, the ancestor of Windows

Microsoft has made the source code for 86-DOS 1.00 available on GitHub to celebrate its 45th anniversary. 86-DOS, developed by Tim Paterson, was foundational for MS-DOS and Windows. This release is part of Microsoft's effort to preserve historically significant software. Microsoft previously released the source code for MS-DOS versions 1.25, 2.11, and 4.0. A team of historians and preservationists has gathered and transcribed DOS-era source listings, including the 86-DOS 1.00 kernel and development snapshots of the PC-DOS 1.00 kernel. Microsoft acquired 86-DOS from Seattle Computer Products for approximately ,000 and modified it to deliver PC-DOS 1.0 in August 1981, which became known as MS-DOS for IBM-compatible computers.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

ON THIS DAY: Continuum will be built into Windows 10 for Phones, turning your phone into a PC

Windows Central is approaching its 20th anniversary in 2027 and is reflecting on significant moments in its history. A notable milestone occurred 11 years ago with the introduction of Continuum for Windows 10 Mobile, which aimed to merge smartphone and desktop PC functionalities. This feature allowed users to connect their mobile devices to external monitors, keyboards, and mice, creating a desktop-like environment. Key features included integration with Windows 10 for phones, support for HDMI connections, an adaptable user interface, and the ability to run familiar applications like Office on external screens. The announcement was made during the Build 2015 keynote, highlighting the potential of the universal app model to enhance productivity and redefine personal computing.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

“GitHub is failing me, every single day, and it is personal”: After Xbox and Windows, now GITHUB is in crisis — Microsoft, what are you doing?

Microsoft acquired GitHub in 2018 for .5 billion in stock. As of April 25, 2026, GitHub has failed to meet its service level agreements (SLAs), reporting an uptime of only 90.21%, significantly lower than the promised 99.9%. Developer Mitchell Hashimoto has documented these outages, which have led to user frustrations, including issues like disappearing code commits. GitHub's Chief Customer Officer, Kyle Daigle, acknowledged the concerns but failed to alleviate user dissatisfaction. Hashimoto announced his departure from GitHub, citing ongoing outages that hindered his work. Additionally, the programming language Zig has migrated to competitor Codeberg, criticizing GitHub's engineering culture. GitHub's struggles are linked to Microsoft's focus on artificial intelligence, which has diverted resources and raised concerns about service quality across Microsoft's products.

Winsage

April 27, 2026

Linux 7.1-rc1 brings faster, safer file transfers between Windows and Linux partitions with a brand new NTFS driver

Linus Torvalds has announced the closure of the merge window for Linux version 7.1, allowing public testing to begin with the first release candidate now available. This version includes a significant rewrite of the NTFS code aimed at improving dual-boot experiences between Windows and Linux. Additionally, Linux 7.1 will gradually phase out support for the i486 Intel processor and some older networking technologies and SoC configurations. Users can find the release candidate in Linus' Linux Git repository and are encouraged to report any bugs.

Winsage

April 26, 2026

This Windows‑95‑style game is pure nostalgia and weirdly addictive

Factory 95 is a Windows 95 themed automation game that launched on April 22, 2026. Players act as factory managers, creating PowerPoint slide-shows for clients while navigating tools and resources within a retro operating system. The game features nostalgic elements, including a Clippy-inspired character named "Pinny" and challenges reminiscent of early computing, such as slow loading times and managing emails. The design evokes the graphical aesthetics of the 1990s, and players must strategically manage limited resources to fulfill client requests and generate revenue.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

Don’t miss paying just $22 for MS Office and Windows 11 Pro

A bundle is available that includes Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 and Windows 11 Pro for a one-time price of .97, significantly lower than the MSRP of 8. Microsoft Office 2019 includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, featuring improved inking, expanded data analysis in Excel, and enhanced presentation options in PowerPoint. Windows 11 Pro offers a modern interface, performance and security features, Snap layouts, virtual desktops, and a built-in AI assistant called Copilot. The bundle is structured as a one-time purchase, avoiding ongoing subscription fees. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Build Automation Systems Inside Slides in This Windows 95-Inspired Sim

Macrobit Interactive has released Factory 95, a game inspired by the Windows 95 interface and PowerPoint aesthetic, where players manage a slideshow factory. Players handle client requests, navigate emails, and produce slides to increase revenue as the Y2K deadline approaches. Factories are built within slideshow software, requiring players to optimize space and resources. The game includes multiple modes and allows players to unlock tools for creating intricate slideshows, all presented in a charming 16-bit color palette.