computing Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 11, 2025

pgEdge Receives Strategic Investments from Akamai and QRT

pgEdge, based in Alexandria, VA, has secured a strategic investment from Akamai Technologies, Qube Research & Technologies, Rally Ventures, and Sands Capital, with the amount undisclosed. The company aims to enhance growth and innovation in distributed PostgreSQL solutions, focusing on high availability and low latency for mission-critical applications. Under CEO Phillip Merrick, pgEdge offers a fully distributed, open-source PostgreSQL database with multi-master replication technology for seamless operation across geographic regions and multi-cloud environments. Its clients include Bertelsmann, Qube RT, Jobot, the European Parliament, and various U.S. government agencies. pgEdge has raised a total of million in seed stage funding.

Tech Optimizer

March 11, 2025

pgEdge, Inc. Secures Strategic Investments from Akamai and QRT, Strengthening the Future of Distributed PostgreSQL for High Availability and Edge Computing

pgEdge, Inc. has secured strategic investments from Akamai Technologies, Inc. and Qube Research & Technologies (QRT), along with participation from existing investors Rally Ventures and Sands Capital, totaling an impressive amount in seed stage funding. This funding aims to enhance pgEdge's innovation and expansion in distributed PostgreSQL solutions, focusing on high availability and low latency for mission-critical applications. pgEdge is recognized as the only fully distributed PostgreSQL database that is open-source and based on standard PostgreSQL. The company offers innovative multi-master replication technology designed for geographic regions and multi-cloud environments. pgEdge is headquartered in Northern Virginia and serves clients including Bertelsmann, Qube RT, Jobot, the European Parliament, and various U.S. government agencies.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Compare Acer One 14 Laptop Intel Core i5 1135G7/16GB/512GB SSD/Windows 11 vs Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 Laptop 11th gen Intel Core i9-11900H GeForce RTX 3070 48GB 2TB SSD Windows 10 – Acer One 14 Laptop Intel Core i5 1135G7/16GB/512GB SSD/Windows 11 vs Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 Laptop 11th gen Intel Core i9-11900H GeForce RTX 3070 48GB 2TB SSD Windows 10 Comparison by Price, Specifications, Reviews & Features

The Acer One 14 features an Intel Core i5 1135G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, running on Windows 11, making it suitable for everyday tasks. The Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 is equipped with an Intel Core i9-11900H processor, 48GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD, and a GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, operating on Windows 10, designed for gaming and intensive applications. The Acer One 14 is budget-friendly, while the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 is priced higher due to its advanced features and capabilities.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft is adding image editing and compression to its Windows Share feature – and I couldn’t be happier

Microsoft has released a beta update for Windows 11 version 23H2 that enhances image editing and sharing capabilities. This update allows users to edit and compress images directly within the Windows Share interface, enabling cropping, adjusting, and filtering without the Snipping Tool. The feature is currently available in the beta version, but its future in subsequent updates is uncertain. This development aids users in managing file sizes when sharing larger images and may reduce reliance on third-party compression tools. Users have expressed satisfaction with the stability of version 23H2 compared to version 24H2.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

Microsoft: Don’t fall for unwanted apps on Windows 10, clean install Windows 11 ASAP

Microsoft has revised its support documentation to highlight the importance of recognizing unsafe applications on Windows 10 and encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11. Applications on a PC can be categorized into three groups: Clean apps (from the Microsoft Store or pre-installed), malware apps (from untrusted sources), and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) which may not be malicious but can clutter user experience. Microsoft warns that after October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. Upgrading to Windows 11 enhances security with features like Smart App Control. To clean install Windows 11, users need the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive. The process involves downloading the tool, creating the USB, and then installing Windows 11 on the target PC. Users should ensure their PC meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11. After upgrading to Windows 11, users are advised to configure settings to block potentially unwanted applications by enabling options in the Privacy and Security settings. To minimize risks, it is recommended to download apps from the Microsoft Store, keep Windows 11 updated, and use the Microsoft Edge browser with SmartScreen.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Your Android phone will run Debian Linux soon (like some Pixels already can)

Qualcomm claims that its Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU outperforms Intel's Core Ultra 288V chip. Google has introduced a native Linux Terminal application in its March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, available exclusively on the latest Pixel devices running Android 15. This Linux Terminal operates on a Debian Linux virtual machine and allows users to run desktop Linux applications directly from their devices. Users must enable Developer Mode to access the app, which requires downloading a 500MB Debian package. Graphical user interface applications are not yet supported, but enhancements in Android 16 are expected to improve compatibility with traditional PC input methods and display options. There is speculation about a potential merger between Android and Chrome OS, aiming for a seamless integration between smartphone and desktop experiences. The integration of Linux into Android devices may lead to large Android phones and tablets replacing traditional laptops for some users.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Android’s Linux Terminal app is now widely available on Pixels, and here’s how to get it

The Android Linux Terminal app has launched for Pixel users with the March 2025 update, allowing a fully functional Linux environment on smartphones. Users can activate it by enabling the Linux development environment in Settings > System > Developer options, followed by a download of approximately 567MB. The terminal supports basic commands and is built on the Debian framework, operating within a virtual machine via the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF). It currently lacks GUI app support, but enhancements are expected in future updates, with GUI support anticipated in Android 16.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Compare Dell Inspiron 14 7420 (D560774WIN9S) Laptop Intel Core i3-1215U (12th Gen)/8GB/512GB SSD/Windows 11 vs Dell Latitude 7420 Laptop Intel Core i7 11th Gen Intel Integrated Iris Xe 8GB 128GB SSD Windows 10 – Dell Inspiron 14 7420 (D560774WIN9S) Laptop Intel Core i3-1215U (12th Gen)/8GB/512GB SSD/Windows 11 vs Dell Latitude 7420 Laptop Intel Core i7 11th Gen Intel Integrated Iris Xe 8GB 128GB SSD Windows 10 Comparison by Price, Specifications, Reviews & Features

The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 (D560774WIN9S) is powered by an Intel Core i3-1215U processor, has 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and runs on Windows 11. It is designed for everyday tasks like browsing and document editing. The Dell Latitude 7420 features an Intel Core i7 processor from the 11th generation, 8GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD, and operates on Windows 10. It is tailored for business professionals needing to run demanding applications. The Inspiron 14 7420 is typically priced lower, making it suitable for budget-conscious consumers, while the Latitude 7420 is priced higher due to its advanced specifications.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

I get to play with the world’s most powerful gaming tablet, and it’s totally awesome

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is a 2-in-1 convertible device designed for gaming and creative tasks, featuring a Windows-powered tablet with a large touch-enabled display, an adjustable kickstand, and a keyboard that doubles as a protective cover. It includes the Ryzen AI MAX platform, which integrates a powerful CPU, NPU, and advanced integrated GPU, allowing for exceptional performance without additional components. The device starts at ,099.99, with configurations and pricing that can be complex, but broader availability is expected. The unboxing experience is premium, featuring a sleek design and a substantial 200W charger. The tablet has a 13.4-inch display, a solid kickstand, and a responsive keyboard cover. It is equipped with a Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 CPU, a Radeon 8060S GPU, 1TB of PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD storage, and can be configured with up to 128GB of RAM. Battery life is decent, with a 70Whr battery allowing several hours of use, even while gaming. The ROG Flow Z13 caters to a niche audience seeking innovative hardware in a portable form factor, though potential buyers may find traditional gaming laptops offer better value.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Navigating the Windows 10 to 11 Migration for Amazon WorkSpaces Personal

Windows 10 Enterprise will reach its end-of-support (EOS) on October 14, 2025, necessitating a transition to Windows 11 for end-user computing administrators. The migration process is outlined for Amazon WorkSpaces Personal users utilizing the Bring Your Own License (BYOL) model, excluding WorkSpaces with Windows licenses or Windows 10 LTSC versions. Post-EOS, existing Windows 10 WorkSpaces will remain operational, but new Windows 10 images cannot be imported. Migration to Windows 11 can be done through two primary pathways: the WorkSpaces Migration API or establishing new Windows 11 WorkSpaces infrastructure. The WorkSpaces Migration API allows for a straightforward migration without needing new infrastructure but is a one-way process with no rollback option. The steps include importing a new Windows 11 BYOL image, launching a WorkSpace, applying customizations, creating a custom image, and migrating users in batches. The new Windows 11 BYOL WorkSpaces infrastructure offers more control and flexibility, allowing for coexistence of Windows 10 and Windows 11 environments temporarily. This option requires careful planning and may incur additional costs. Steps include importing a new Windows 11 image, launching a WorkSpace, applying customizations, creating a custom image, and then migrating users before deleting the original Windows 10 WorkSpaces. Dan is a Senior AWS End User Compute Solutions Architect with expertise in configuring and optimizing end-user computing solutions, specializing in EC2, Microsoft, and Linux-based workloads since March 2016.