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Improve PostgreSQL performance using the pgstattuple extension
Tech Optimizer
April 2, 2025

Improve PostgreSQL performance using the pgstattuple extension

PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system known for its extensibility, which allows developers to enhance its capabilities through various extensions and plugins. The pgstattuple extension provides detailed statistics at the tuple level from PostgreSQL tables and indexes, revealing key metrics such as the number of live tuples, dead tuples, average length of live tuples, total free space, and percentages of free space and dead tuples. These metrics help database administrators identify potential health and performance issues, such as excessive table bloat or index fragmentation. Both Amazon Aurora and Amazon RDS support the pgstattuple extension, which can be activated using the command CREATE EXTENSION pgstattuple;. Functions like pgstattuple(relation) and pgstatindex(index) can be used to analyze physical storage and index statistics. Bloat occurs when unused space is left behind after UPDATE and DELETE operations, and the autovacuum process in PostgreSQL automates the cleanup of dead tuples. However, if autovacuum fails, manual intervention may be necessary. Regular monitoring of bloat is essential for maintaining performance, and metrics from pgstattuple can help optimize autovacuum settings. The pg_cron extension can automate VACUUM operations to manage bloat proactively. Index bloat can also be detected using pgstatindex, and significantly bloated indexes can be rebuilt using REINDEX or pg_repack. Best practices for using pgstattuple include estimating bloat with check_postgres, analyzing physical storage, monitoring dead_tuple_percent, and avoiding interference on highly active tables.
10 Windows features you aren't using, but should
Winsage
April 2, 2025

10 Windows features you aren’t using, but should

Recent updates in popular software applications have introduced several features aimed at enhancing user experience and productivity. 1. Phone Link has added a one-click-copy button for messaging notifications, simplifying the sharing of codes and reducing errors. 2. Windows 11's Snipping Tool now includes a “Text actions” button, allowing users to extract and manipulate text from screenshots. 3. PowerToys enables users to paste text as plain text, helping maintain consistency by eliminating unwanted formatting in documents and communications.
Powertoys 0.90: Command palette allows quick program start
Winsage
April 2, 2025

Powertoys 0.90: Command palette allows quick program start

Microsoft has released version 0.90.0 of Windows Powertoys, featuring the new "Command Palette" that allows users to quickly search for and launch applications by pressing the Windows key, Alt, and the space bar. The update also includes minor bug fixes, improvements to the color picker, and enhancements to the New+ function for creating predefined files and directories with variable support. Users can check for updates directly within Powertoys. The new installation packages for Powertoys 0.90.0 are available for download in both user and system-wide installations for x64 and ARM64.
The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool
Winsage
April 2, 2025

The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool

PowerToys version 0.90.0 introduces the Command Palette, also known as "CmdPal," which enhances the previous PowerToys Run feature by allowing users to launch applications and perform tasks efficiently using the shortcut Win+Alt+Space. The update also includes improvements to the Color Picker, Peek feature enhancements that allow file deletion, and new customization options for template filenames. The update is available for download on the PowerToys GitHub page.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 2, 2025

The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool

PowerToys version 0.90.0 introduces the Command Palette, or "CmdPal," which enhances app launching and user efficiency. Users can access it by pressing Win+Alt+Space, allowing for quick app launches and mathematical calculations. The update also includes enhancements to the Color Picker, which now features improved visual consistency and theme support, the ability to delete files directly from the Peek feature, and support for variables in template filenames in the New+ module. The update is available for download from the PowerToys GitHub page.
Google updates Play Books with Dynamic Color
AppWizard
April 1, 2025

Google updates Play Books with Dynamic Color

In February 2024, Play Books adopted the Material You redesign, introducing Dynamic Color theming, which enhances its user interface by moving away from a static blue accent color. The new design features Dynamic Color across various elements such as the bottom bar, background, and current tab indicator, while maintaining unchanged reading options. The Library tab showcases the best implementation of the new design, despite some padding issues in other areas. Other Google applications, including Google, Play Store, Google Maps, and Google TV, have not yet adopted the Dynamic Color feature.
I played 5 games on an RTX 5070 vs RTX 5070 Ti gaming PC — is it worth paying extra
AppWizard
March 31, 2025

I played 5 games on an RTX 5070 vs RTX 5070 Ti gaming PC — is it worth paying extra

Both the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti GPUs are being tested across five demanding PC games to evaluate their performance. The RTX 5070 is priced at £529, while the RTX 5070 Ti is priced at £729. In Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5070 achieved 17 FPS and the RTX 5070 Ti achieved 25 FPS at 4K Ultra settings without DLSS. With DLSS 4 enabled, both GPUs exceeded 100 FPS. In Forza Horizon 5, both GPUs showed similar 1% low performance. In Call of Duty Black Ops 6, the RTX 5070 showed limitations compared to the RTX 5070 Ti. Black Myth: Wukong revealed a noticeable performance gap between the two GPUs, while both performed well in Alan Wake II. The RTX 5070 Ti is recommended for multiplayer gaming, while the RTX 5070 may suffice for single-player experiences. Both GPUs offer enhanced performance for users with older hardware.
5 reasons I use PowerShell to automate boring Windows tasks
Winsage
March 30, 2025

5 reasons I use PowerShell to automate boring Windows tasks

PowerShell automates repetitive computing tasks, enhancing productivity by offering a faster command-line interface (CLI) compared to traditional graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It simplifies app management, allowing users to reinstall or update applications more effectively than through the Microsoft Store. PowerShell also streamlines file management with the Move-Item cmdlet, which transfers files and deletes the original from the source. Users can automate scripts with Task Scheduler for routine tasks, and it supports system maintenance through cmdlets and custom scripts, benefiting both IT administrators and casual users. PowerShell's automation capabilities make it a valuable tool for optimizing computing experiences.
Ranking the 10 best PowerToys tools you should be using
Winsage
March 26, 2025

Ranking the 10 best PowerToys tools you should be using

PowerToys includes over 25 tools designed to enhance productivity on Windows 11. Key features include: - Mouse without Borders: Connects up to four PCs, sharing mouse and keyboard inputs and enabling clipboard synchronization for items up to 100MB. - Quick Accent: Simplifies typing accented characters by providing a pop-up menu when holding down a character. - Image Resizer: Allows users to resize multiple images simultaneously, offering preset sizes and custom options. - Keyboard Manager: Enables the creation of custom keyboard shortcuts and key remapping for improved efficiency. - Peek: Allows users to preview files in full size by pressing Space, enhancing file exploration. - PowerRename: Facilitates bulk renaming of files using regular expressions for complex tasks. - New+: Lets users create files and folders from templates, ensuring consistency in formatting. - Workspaces: Allows users to launch multiple applications simultaneously and configure app layouts with keyboard shortcuts. - FancyZones: Enhances window management by enabling custom layouts for applications, offering more flexibility than default Snap Layouts. - PowerToys Run: Acts as a fast app launcher, integrating with plugins for enhanced functionality.
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