cost Archives

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Steam Makes 4 PC Games Free for Limited Time

Steam is offering four full PC games for free, available for permanent ownership until specific dates. The titles include: - Gravity Circuit: A 2D platformer released in 2023 by Domesticated Ant Games, rated “Overwhelmingly Positive” with 95% approval from over 2,100 reviews. Available for free until June 14. - Tell Me Why: A narrative adventure game developed by Dontnod Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios, typically an Xbox exclusive, with an 80% approval rating from nearly 8,000 reviews. Available for free until July 1. - Linebound: An asymmetric local co-op puzzle platformer released on May 31, allowing one player to draw platforms while another controls a character. Available for free until July 1. - PICO Park: Classic Edition: A co-op action puzzle game for 2 to 10 players, transitioning from a premium title to free, but set to be delisted soon.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2026

Azure HorizonDB Enters Public Preview: Web IQ Already Powers Copilot and ChatGPT

Microsoft announced the public preview of Azure HorizonDB, a fully managed PostgreSQL-compatible database designed for agentic AI workloads, during Microsoft Build 2026 in San Francisco. HorizonDB features a "database-as-logs" architecture, allowing for sub-millisecond multi-zone commit latency and independent scaling of compute and storage. It incorporates a Rust-based storage engine, native DiskANN vector search, and in-database AI model invocation. Additionally, Microsoft launched Web IQ, a web-grounding API layer integrated into Microsoft Copilot and OpenAI's ChatGPT, which provides passage-level structured evidence objects rather than full documents. Web IQ is model-agnostic and aims to enhance information density and reduce costs. Both services are currently in limited availability, with HorizonDB open for preview signups across five Azure regions.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2026

PostgreSQL vs SQL Server 2026: $0 vs $15K License

PostgreSQL has become the most utilized database for developers for two consecutive years as of 2026, while SQL Server has introduced native AI capabilities and vector search functionalities in its latest release. PostgreSQL is favored for new projects due to its permissive licensing, cross-platform operation, and extensive ecosystem of extensions, whereas SQL Server is preferred by organizations already using Microsoft products for its robust tooling and enterprise support. As of June 2026, SQL Server ranks third in the DB-Engines popularity ranking with a score of 698, while PostgreSQL ranks fourth with a score of 688. Developer adoption trends show that 49% of respondents in the Stack Overflow 2024 Developer Survey use PostgreSQL, compared to 27% for SQL Server. The latest stable version of PostgreSQL is 18.4, released on May 14, 2026, while SQL Server 2025 (version 17.x) became generally available on November 18, 2025. PostgreSQL is free under a permissive license, while SQL Server's Enterprise Edition can cost upwards of ,123 per two-core pack, with an eight-core minimum. PostgreSQL supports various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD, while SQL Server operates on Windows and Linux. PostgreSQL uses PL/pgSQL as its primary procedural language, allowing for multiple procedural languages, whereas SQL Server uses T-SQL. PostgreSQL's JSONB type offers rich indexing, while SQL Server added native JSON support in its 2025 release. Both databases are capable of handling high transaction volumes, but PostgreSQL excels in read-heavy scenarios due to its multi-version concurrency control, while SQL Server's columnstore indexes provide advantages for analytical workloads. PostgreSQL supports tables up to 32 TB, while SQL Server can handle a maximum database size of 524 PB. SQL Server's high availability technology includes Always On Availability Groups, while PostgreSQL offers built-in streaming and logical replication. The security features of both databases meet enterprise standards, with PostgreSQL providing a transparent patching process and SQL Server integrating with Microsoft tools. Real-world usage examples include Stack Overflow using SQL Server, while Instagram and Reddit utilize PostgreSQL. Developer sentiment increasingly favors PostgreSQL for new projects, emphasizing flexibility and open-source solutions. For new startups or greenfield projects, PostgreSQL is recommended due to its zero license cost and compatibility. Existing Microsoft enterprises are advised to stick with SQL Server for its integration benefits. Migration from SQL Server to PostgreSQL is becoming common, with a structured approach required for successful transitions.

Tech Optimizer

June 5, 2026

This VPN + Antivirus Bundle Just Dropped to $3/mo: Get Full Protection for Cents

VPNs focus on online privacy, while antivirus software protects devices from threats. NordVPN combines these services, offering a comprehensive solution at competitive prices. The Basic plan costs .99 per month, while the Plus plan is available for .59 per month with a 76% discount and includes three free months with a two-year commitment. The Plus plan features Threat Protection Pro, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious URLs, and offers call protection for iOS and Android users. The Complete plan costs .99 per month and includes scam call protection, 1 GB of NordLocker, and dark web monitoring. The Prime plan, priced at .99 per month, includes Coveron for identity theft protection. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

I’ve spent over 25 hours in Gothic Remake—here are my top 20 quick tips to survive The Colony

Gothic Remake offers a straightforward yet challenging RPG experience, contrasting with modern titles. Combat is difficult, with significant damage from enemies and limited resources for armor. Players must adopt tactical strategies, engaging enemies one at a time and timing their attacks effectively. Healing can be accomplished through cooking meat from defeated foes. A free house in the Old Camp provides a resting place and initiates a quest. Maps are available from Dexter in the marketplace for navigation. NPC interactions can be used strategically, but antagonizing them carries risks. Magic can aid in combat, and completing quests grants access to spells. Players should explore cautiously and consider joining one of three camps for community and resources. Character development is essential, with opportunities to enhance strength, dexterity, and mana through training. The glossary feature in the menu offers insights into game mechanics.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

“2,000 to 3,000 new hits every single day”: Dangerous malware “WeedHack” hides in Minecraft mods, gives attackers webcam access, Steam and Discord passwords, and more

Minecraft's modding community is facing a threat from a malware called WeedHack, identified by McAfee researchers. This malware is part of a Malware-as-a-Service campaign that has been active since January and is notably affordable compared to other hacking tools. WeedHack targets systems that mod Minecraft and can compromise Discord accounts, browsers, and cryptocurrency wallets. To reduce risks, users are advised to download mods only from reputable sources like CurseForge and Modrinth, and to invest in strong security software, such as McAfee, which offers features to protect against such threats.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Xbox Giving Away Game for Free on Steam

Xbox is offering the game "Tell Me Why" for free on Steam until July 1. Players who redeem the game will permanently own it in their Steam library and it is playable on Steam Deck, although not Steam Deck Verified. "Tell Me Why," developed by Don’t Nod Entertainment and released in August 2020, is an Xbox console exclusive with an 80% approval rating on Steam based on nearly 8,000 reviews. The game features an adventure narrative where player choices affect the storyline, focusing on twins Tyler and Alison Ronan as they explore their childhood secrets in an Alaskan town, with gameplay lasting between 9 to 14 hours.

Winsage

June 4, 2026

Get Enterprise-Level Windows Features for Just $12.97 with This Windows 11 Pro Offer

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently offered at a price of .97, down from an MSRP of 9. It includes features such as BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and Azure AD for enhanced security and user management. The operating system is designed for productivity with user-friendly features like Snap layouts and biometric login supported by TPM 2.0. It is available as a lifetime license, eliminating the need for recurring subscriptions. The offer is valid until June 14.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

5 things I learned after vibe coding my first app

Megan Ellis explored vibe coding, a method that simplifies app development for both experienced and novice developers, allowing users to create functional applications in minutes. She began her journey through a Google AI course that introduced her to Google AI Studio, where she found the learning curve to be gentle, completing a simple spreadsheet analyzer app in 30 minutes. Most vibe coding tools focus on web app development, but recent updates have made Android app creation more accessible. Although no coding experience is necessary to engage in vibe coding, there are significant security risks associated with the apps created, leading Ellis to refrain from publishing her work. She found troubleshooting to be easier than expected, thanks to AI tools that helped resolve issues quickly. Additionally, she can keep her apps private using AI Studio's share link feature, allowing her to use them without public exposure.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Teens are using $5 WeedHack malware to target Minecraft players

A recent cybersecurity analysis from McAfee Labs has revealed a malware campaign involving WeedHack, which has garnered over 116,000 hits and is accumulating 2,000 to 3,000 malicious hits daily. WeedHack is marketed as malware-as-a-service (MaaS) and is accessible on the internet, allowing individuals with minimal technical skills to use it for harmful activities. A dedicated Telegram channel for WeedHack has over 850 members, many of whom are teenagers and young adults using the malware for cyberbullying. The malware spreads primarily through YouTube videos promoting Minecraft mods, which often conceal the WeedHack malware. Additionally, bad actors use SEO poisoning tactics to elevate fake websites posing as legitimate Minecraft clients. McAfee lists several legitimate clients targeted by WeedHack, including Meteor Client, Radium Client, and Wurst Client. For an additional fee, attackers can access premium features like webcam access, keylogging, and file management. McAfee advises players to be cautious when downloading mods and to seek help from trusted adults if approached by individuals claiming to have compromised their systems.