convert Archives

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Mewgenics co-creator Tyler Glaiel was “blindsided” by sales far greater than its Steam wishlist tally

Mewgenics has sold over one million units just seven weeks into 2026, surpassing Hades 2 in peak player count on Steam. Co-creator Tyler Glaiel expressed surprise at the game's success, noting it exceeded pre-launch wishlist numbers, which rose from approximately 400,000 to around 600,000 before launch. The game's player demographics include the USA, China, Germany, the UK, Canada, France, Russia, Australia, Spain, and Poland, prompting considerations for adding translations in Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.

Tech Optimizer

February 15, 2026

Manage PostgreSQL Databases Directly in VS Code with Microsoft’s Extension

Microsoft's PostgreSQL extension for VS Code streamlines database management by allowing users to connect to databases, write and execute queries, visualize schemas, and engage with GitHub Copilot without switching applications. It includes Entra authentication for Azure Database for PostgreSQL, enhancing security. The extension features a @pgsql GitHub Copilot agent that assists with PostgreSQL tasks, enabling users to rewrite queries, clarify functions, and analyze performance metrics. The Copilot Chat Agent Mode allows for multi-step tasks like debugging and schema optimization, requiring user permission for database changes. Users can visualize database schemas, manage connections for local and cloud-hosted databases, and utilize context-aware IntelliSense for writing SQL queries. Additional features include a server dashboard, schema migration capabilities, and Docker support for local PostgreSQL instances. Users can install the extension from the VS Code Marketplace.

Tech Optimizer

February 12, 2026

Build a custom solution to migrate SQL Server HierarchyID to PostgreSQL LTREE with AWS DMS

Data migration from SQL Server to Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL or Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition often requires adjustments to the database schema or SQL commands. AWS provides DMS Schema Conversion to aid in converting existing database schemas and AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) to assist in data migration, featuring enhanced security and minimized downtime. SQL Server uses the HierarchyID data type for managing hierarchical data, while PostgreSQL employs the LTREE extension for similar purposes. The migration process involves preparing both the source SQL Server and target PostgreSQL environments, creating tables, installing the LTREE extension, and converting schemas using AWS DMS Schema Conversion. The migration steps include creating sample tables in SQL Server with HierarchyID columns, enabling change data capture (CDC), creating the LTREE extension in PostgreSQL, and preparing the target table structure. AWS DMS endpoints are created for both source and target databases, followed by the creation and execution of an AWS DMS migration task. Post-migration, the original HierarchyID column is replaced with the LTREE column, and the IDENTITY column behavior is reverted to its original state. The migration process is verified by inserting rows in PostgreSQL and ensuring they are in the correct LTREE format. Common functions from SQL Server's HierarchyID are mapped to their PostgreSQL LTREE equivalents, facilitating the transition between the two systems.

Winsage

February 10, 2026

10 open-source apps I recommend every Windows user download

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users, particularly on Windows. Notable applications include: 1. LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite with a customizable interface, supports MS Office formats, and is free to download. 2. Flow Launcher: A file search and application launcher that enhances efficiency, customizable, and free to use. 3. Duplicati: A zero-trust backup solution with encryption and scheduling features, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, free to install on Windows. 5. Franz: Consolidates multiple messaging platforms into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: Allows users to create custom top bars for system information and quick access controls, enhancing the user experience. 7. File Converter: Simplifies file conversion and compression within the Windows file manager, available for free. 8. Bitwarden: A password management tool with a free version and additional paid features for collaboration. 9. AutoHotKey: Automates tasks on Windows through scripting, free to install and use. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI interaction tool that prioritizes privacy, free to use on Windows.

Winsage

February 1, 2026

5 Essential Free Apps That Aren’t Available On The Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store has recently added applications like VLC, Foobar2000, Firefox, and Brave, but several essential applications are still missing, leading users to download installers from developers' websites. Microsoft has discontinued support for Office installations via the store, and the transition to allowing Win32 app formats has introduced more applications, although many developers may find this shift too late, with full support for Win32 apps not expected until 2025. Notable applications currently unavailable on the Microsoft Store include: - Steam: A critical gaming platform with over 140 million users, absent from the store due to Valve's competition with Microsoft. - Notepad++: A popular text and code editor known for its simplicity and versatility, requiring direct download from its official website. - Calibre: An open-source e-book manager that allows users to organize, convert, and enrich e-books, also needing to be downloaded from its official site. - qBittorrent: A free and open-source torrent client offering a clean interface and extensive features, available only through direct download from its official website. - Paint.net: While available on the Microsoft Store for a fee, it can be downloaded for free from the developer's website, providing robust image editing features.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Swarmer Tool Evading EDR With a Stealthy Modification on Windows Registry for Persistence

Praetorian Inc. has launched Swarmer, a tool that enables low-privilege attackers to maintain stealthy persistence in the Windows registry while avoiding detection by Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems. Swarmer uses mandatory user profiles and the Offline Registry API to modify the NTUSER hive without triggering standard registry hooks. It operates by creating an NTUSER.MAN file that replaces the NTUSER.DAT hive upon user login, allowing low-privilege users to manipulate registry settings without alerting EDR tools. Swarmer employs functions from Microsoft’s Offline Registry Library, enabling it to perform operations without invoking Reg* API calls, thus evading detection mechanisms. Swarmer's workflow involves exporting the HKCU registry, modifying it, and executing the tool with specific commands to place the modified NTUSER.MAN file into the user profile. It can be used as an executable or a PowerShell module. While it presents a novel method for persistence, Swarmer has limitations, such as being unable to update without admin access and requiring user login to activate. Detection strategies include monitoring for NTUSER.MAN file creation and Offreg.dll usage in non-standard processes.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

PS2Recomp: Porting PlayStation 2 Games to PC

Software developer ran-j (Ranieri) has announced a project called PS2Recomp, which aims to recompile PlayStation 2 code for modern platforms like Windows, Linux, and potentially Android. The project is open-source and available on GitHub for developers and gamers to contribute. PS2Recomp is inspired by the N64Recomp initiative and seeks to address challenges in current PS2 emulation, such as high power demands and graphical glitches. The focus is on PC development, and while no playable games are available yet, updates will be shared regularly.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Microsoft secretly working FREE updates for Windows 11

Microsoft is set to introduce new features for Windows 11, following the discontinuation of Windows 10 support. Two major updates are planned for 2026: Windows 11 Version 26H1, available only for new PCs with the Snapdragon X2 chip, and Version 26H2, which will be released to all users in the autumn. Key features include the integration of Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, which can replace the standard search box on the Taskbar, allowing users to ask questions and search documents using natural language. The calendar flyout on the Taskbar will be updated to show upcoming events and reminders, syncing with the Outlook app. A new full-screen Xbox app will transform Windows PCs into Xbox consoles, optimizing for gamepad use. Microsoft is also exploring video-based wallpapers for the desktop, allowing continuous video playback. Additionally, Copilot will be integrated into File Explorer for enhanced productivity, enabling users to chat about files and generate document summaries.

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11 AI PCs put the “plus” in productivity because they’re 5x faster than old Windows 10 PCs, beat M4 MacBook

Microsoft has not clarified the reasoning behind the “Plus” designation for its Copilot+ PCs, which are described as AI-enhanced devices with notable upgrades in hardware and performance. These PCs can reach speeds up to 5x faster than a 5-year-old Windows device and outperform a MacBook Air with the M4 chip. Microsoft claims that Copilot+ PCs enhance “everything Windows 11 does best” and are “up to five times quicker than a 5-year-old Windows 10 device.” The company conducted benchmarks between June and September 2025, claiming that Copilot+ PCs outperform an “average” 5-year-old Windows PC by up to 5x in Cinebench 2024 multi-core performance, although the results have not been made public. Copilot+ machines exhibit up to 3.7x faster AI performance compared to previous-generation Windows 11 AI PCs, with a maximum of 40 TOPs of NPU compared to earlier models' 15 TOPs. Battery life is also improved, offering up to 19 hours of web browsing, 27 hours of local video playback, and 22 hours of streaming. Microsoft asserts that its top-performing Copilot+ PCs surpass the M4 in Cinebench 2024 multi-core tests. The Copilot key is emphasized for its utility in multitasking and quick responses, benefiting students and professionals alike.

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Microsoft lets you use .webp images as Windows 11 desktop background, no signs of Video wallpaper yet

Users can now select .webp images as their desktop wallpaper in Windows 11 by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Desktop Background, as part of Build 26220.7653. This feature is currently available to testers and will roll out to Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 devices soon. The .webp format allows for high-quality images with smaller file sizes compared to JPG and PNG. Previously, users had to convert images to PNG or JPG for use as wallpapers. Microsoft is also exploring the possibility of allowing video formats like .mp4 as desktop backgrounds, with tests showing that videos can be applied seamlessly without a size limit and stable resource usage. However, this video wallpaper feature has not appeared in the latest builds, leaving .webp images as the current option.