CPU usage Archives

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft squashes one of File Explorer’s strangest UI bugs in April’s Patch Tuesday

Microsoft released its Patch Tuesday updates on the second Tuesday of April, including the KB5055523 patch for Windows 11 24H2, which addresses a File Explorer menu issue and includes security enhancements. This patch encompasses improvements from the previous KB5053656 build. The update resolves a glitch with the three dots menu in File Explorer, fixes a critical issue causing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) when waking from sleep, and upgrades Task Manager to display standardized CPU usage metrics. For Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon chips, it introduces AI-driven Windows Search capabilities and improves Live Captions for real-time translation in over 44 languages. New features include an enhanced search functionality, a Gamepad keyboard layout for touch, and a new system tray icon for emoji. The update also provides a quick overview of key specifications in the Settings menu and resolves issues with Credential Roaming. KB5055523 is a mandatory security update, and older versions of Windows 10 have also received updates.

Tech Optimizer

April 8, 2025

Pools across the sea: how Hyperdrive speeds up access to databases and why we’re making it free

Cloudflare has made Hyperdrive available on the free plan of Cloudflare Workers, allowing developers to create high-performance global applications that connect to SQL databases. Hyperdrive simplifies database connectivity by using existing drivers and connection strings, reducing the need for extensive refactoring. It has been adopted by Cloudflare's engineering teams for various functions, demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing common challenges in application development. Hyperdrive significantly improves performance, with a benchmark showing latency reduction from 1200 ms to 500 ms when using Hyperdrive instead of a direct connection, and further to 320 ms with caching enabled. It employs transaction-mode connection pooling to efficiently manage database connections, minimizing overhead and ensuring optimal performance for serverless applications. Hyperdrive's architecture includes a split connection approach that reduces latency by conducting necessary round trips over shorter distances. It also features a regional pool strategy for selecting data centers based on the inferred location of the Worker, optimizing connection latency. The system includes a dual-layer caching strategy to enhance query performance and reduce load on the origin database. Developers can easily start using Hyperdrive by executing a simple command or using a dashboard to set up a sample Worker application with their existing Postgres database.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Google wants to make Android 16 even better at streaming music and video

Android devices have historically relied on complex processes for secure media playback due to vulnerabilities like the Stagefright exploit. Android 16 introduces support for in-process software audio codecs, allowing codecs to operate within an app's process, reducing CPU usage and power consumption. The MediaCodecInfo class in Android 16 includes a new getSecurityModel() method to indicate whether a codec uses the standard sandboxed model or the new memory-safe model, which requires codecs to be developed in a memory-safe language like Rust. Google has been developing this feature for several years, aiming to improve the performance of the AAC codec, which is crucial for streaming applications. Current tests show that media codecs still depend on the traditional sandboxed approach, and the implementation of in-process codecs requires codec vendors to rewrite their software in Rust.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Windows 11 Enterprise machines can now get updates while you work—no reboot required

Microsoft has introduced a hotpatch update system for Windows 11 Enterprise builds, specifically for version 24H2, which allows updates to be applied without requiring a system restart. This feature is beneficial for corporate environments, as it helps maintain productivity and reduces CPU usage during updates. While quarterly updates will still necessitate a reboot, the hotpatching system represents a shift from the previous monthly reboot requirements. To enable hotpatching, organizations must meet specific requirements: a subscription to Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise (E3, E5, or F3), a client running Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 (build 26100.2033 or higher), activation of Visualization-based Security (VBS), and an AMD or Intel x64 processor. For Arm64 devices, the hotpatch system is in public preview and requires a registry key modification. Hotpatch updates will follow the standard update schedule applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 23H2 devices, with each release assigned a distinct KB number. This feature is only available for Windows 11 Enterprise clients and does not extend to Windows 11 Home or Pro machines.

Tech Optimizer

March 28, 2025

Why SQL Server Is Still Worth It — Redmondmag.com

SQL Server Enterprise Edition costs approximately ,000 per CPU core, with an additional 23 percent for Software Assurance. SQL Server provides a mature solution for high availability and backups, integrating seamlessly with Windows Server Failover Clustering. PostgreSQL offers three primary backup methods: SQL dump, file system-level backup (requiring database shutdown), and continuous archiving, with the latter being complex to implement. SQL Server typically offers more integrated features out of the box, such as temporal tables and graph databases, while PostgreSQL requires extensions. SQL Server caches execution plans, which can reduce CPU usage but may lead to suboptimal plans. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) provides a superior user experience compared to PGAdmin. SQLPackage for SQL Server is considered better than available options for PostgreSQL, and the SQL Server community is noted for its support and engagement.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

What Is Runtime Broker On Your PC, And Is It Safe To Disable It?

The Runtime Broker is a core process in Windows that manages permissions for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. It typically uses minimal CPU resources but can spike to around 30% when a UWP app is launched to verify permissions. High CPU usage may persist even after closing an app, which can often be resolved by ending the process in Task Manager. If issues recur with a specific app, users can either uninstall it or check for updates. Disabling the Runtime Broker is not recommended, as it may destabilize the system and compromise security. Users can verify the legitimacy of the Runtime Broker process by checking its file location in the C:WindowsSystem32 directory. If the location differs, it may indicate malware.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

After years of complaints about Windows Task Manager displaying CPU utilization incorrectly, a fix is finally on its way

Microsoft has updated the Task Manager in Windows to improve CPU usage metrics by shifting from base clock speed calculations to more accurate effective clock speed measurements. This change aims to provide consistent CPU workload displays across various sections of Task Manager, addressing long-standing inaccuracies that have confused users, particularly power users and gamers. A recent test demonstrated discrepancies between Task Manager and third-party tools, highlighting the need for this update. Users will have the option to revert to the previous measurement method if desired. The update also includes new accessibility options in File Explorer and enhancements to system information visibility.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Fortnite is coming to Snapdragon PCs: ‘We’re all in on PC gaming’

Qualcomm announced plans to enable the multiplayer game Fortnite to run on Snapdragon processors, integrating Epic Games' Easy Anti-Cheat software to prevent cheating. This will allow Fortnite to be available on Windows devices powered by Snapdragon later this year. Qualcomm is collaborating with Epic to extend Easy Anti-Cheat support across the platform, addressing compatibility issues that have historically favored X86 CPUs. The company is committed to enhancing compatibility with essential platform services and has stated that they will provide developers with an Epic Online Services SDK to facilitate Easy Anti-Cheat integration in their games.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Make Your Windows PC Last 30 Percent Longer by Adjusting These Settings

The text discusses ways to optimize battery life on Windows laptops, which can extend usage by approximately 30 percent and potentially add up to 90 minutes of additional battery life. Key strategies include: 1. Using Standby Mode: Pressing Alt + F4 to activate standby mode can conserve energy when the laptop is idle. 2. Lowering Display Refresh Rate: Adjusting the refresh rate to 60 Hz can save between 10 to 30 percent of battery life. 3. Creating Custom Power Plans: Users can create tailored power plans for different tasks, optimizing settings for various times of the day. 4. Adjusting Additional Settings: Enabling dark mode and using Efficiency mode for specific applications can further enhance battery performance. These adjustments can significantly improve battery longevity and productivity without the need for a charger.

Tech Optimizer

March 10, 2025

SQL Query Optimization in 2025: 7 Simple Techniques for Faster Database Performance

Optimizing SQL queries is crucial for efficient performance in database management. A common issue occurs when using a lengthy IN clause, which can lead to high CPU usage due to sequential checks. A solution is to replace the IN clause with a JOIN on a virtual table created using the VALUES keyword. This allows the database to utilize indexes more effectively, improving performance. Example of the problem: ```sql EXPLAIN SELECT order_id, city FROM orders WHERE city IN ('Berlin', 'Paris', 'Rome'); ``` Example of the solution: ```sql EXPLAIN SELECT o.order_id, o.city FROM orders AS o JOIN ( VALUES ('Berlin'), ('Paris'), ('Rome') ) AS v(city_name) ON o.city = v.city_name; ``` This method enables PostgreSQL to generate a more optimal execution plan, significantly enhancing query performance.