criteria Archives

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade workarounds might not be safe

Microsoft will cease providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can consider several options: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 if their PCs meet compatibility criteria. 2. Replace their computer with a new one that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. 3. Use an unofficial workaround to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, though this carries risks. 4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after the deadline, primarily aimed at business customers.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

Will your Mac or Windows PC still get security updates in 2026? Check this chart

Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system has introduced stringent compatibility requirements, making many PCs, some as young as six or seven years old, ineligible for security updates and upgrades. Apple's MacOS update policies are similarly restrictive, with security updates provided for the three most recent versions. When a new version is released, older systems may become unsupported and stop receiving updates. The upcoming MacOS 26 Tahoe is expected to launch in September, at which point MacOS 13 Ventura will cease to receive updates, affecting older Macs. Unsupported models include MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or Mac Mini from 2017 or earlier, and iMac and Mac Pro models from 2018 or earlier. For Windows PCs, compatibility with Windows 11 generally requires a CPU released in 2019 or later, though some older Intel CPUs may qualify. Microsoft offers a PC Health Check app to assess compatibility, and users can bypass certain checks to install Windows 11. Windows 10 users can pay for security updates for up to three years after support ends in October 2025, a feature not available for Mac users. Security updates for both Mac and Windows PCs are typically available for eight to ten years after the release date.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

Steam Deck and SteamOS hit 20,000 playable games

Valve's rating system for the Steam Deck and SteamOS has reached 20,000 games rated as at least playable, an increase from 19,000 in May, 18,000 in March, and 17,000 in November 2024. The criteria for rating on SteamOS focus on whether a game can load and be played, while Steam Deck ratings include performance metrics, full controller support, and resolution capabilities. Recently rated verified games include titles such as Stellar Blade, FBC: Firebreak, and Myst: Masterpiece Edition. Games recently rated as playable include The Alters, Dune: Awakening, and Slayaway Camp. The ratings system aims to provide users with a clear indication of playable games, although perceptions of "playable" can vary among users. The current count reflects only games that have undergone testing, with many more titles likely to be playable.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Data Doctors: How to work safely in a Windows 10 environment when security updates stop

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing all security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. Users have several options for transitioning to Windows 11: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC meets compatibility criteria (TPM 2.0 chip and newer processor). 2. Replace the computer with a new one that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. 3. Use an unofficial workaround to install Windows 11 on noncompliant systems, which carries risks such as lack of future updates and system instability. 4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after the deadline, primarily for business customers but potentially available for individuals. Running an unsupported operating system after 2025 is not advisable.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Users can now search Steam by accessibility requirements

Valve has updated its Steam platform to improve accessibility for gamers, allowing users to search for games based on specific accessibility options such as adjustable gameplay difficulty, customizable text size, and narration of menus. Detailed accessibility information is now displayed on game store pages, and over 5,000 applications have included details about their accessibility support. This initiative responds to feedback from developers and players with disabilities, encouraging more developers to consider accessibility in their game design.

Tech Optimizer

June 10, 2025

Living without antivirus? Grab Avast Premium while it’s 70% off

Avast Premium is currently offered at a 70% discount, reducing the annual cost for a single device to .40, which is less than .50 per month. A package for ten devices is priced at .50 per year, or approximately .79 monthly. The Premium version includes enhanced security features such as network security verification, protection from unsafe websites, phishing protection, and defense against remote access attacks.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Putin’s WeChat wager Moscow is betting on a super-app strategy to sideline foreign platforms and control digital communications

In late May, a significant amendment was introduced to a draft bill aimed at establishing a government-backed instant messaging platform, endorsed by President Vladimir Putin, which would have unique privileges compared to competitors. The proposed legislation includes features like document certification using electronic signatures and replacing physical identification with the platform's identification, which private enterprises would be required to accept. The platform is intended to function as an alternative to Russia's existing digital government services but will not replace them. The government will select an organization to manage the platform, which may be a private Russian company with over 500,000 users. VK, the company behind Russia's leading social network, is the frontrunner to develop the super-app called "Max," which offers various features and aims to integrate with external services. The Russian government may consider blocking competitors to Max, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, with the latter having a user base of 68 million daily users. President Putin has instructed his cabinet to promote the Russian messaging platform by migrating services from government agencies and financial institutions.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft agrees that USB is a mess and it’s making changes to fix it: ‘Manufacturers can implement ports that look identical but differ wildly in functionality’

Microsoft is implementing new standards to enhance the reliability of USB connections, particularly for devices that comply with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). All WHCP-compliant hardware with USB Type-C must use USB-IF-certified silicon, ensuring efficient charging and support for DisplayPort Alt-Mode for additional monitors. USB4 certification requires a maximum data speed of 40 Gbps, up to 15 W of power for accessories, support for dual 4K displays at 60 Hz, and compatibility with PCIe and Thunderbolt 3. Testing is conducted through Microsoft's Hardware Lab Kit (HLK), and certification is paused if issues arise during testing. This initiative aims to clarify USB Type-C port capabilities and improve consumer confidence in WHCP-certified devices.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Minebrowse Propels Minecraft Servers to New Heights with Marketing and Advertising Services

Minebrowse is a platform designed to help Minecraft server owners effectively market their servers and connect with players. It offers tools for creating detailed server listings, including descriptions, banners, IP addresses, and player counts. The platform benefits from strong Search Engine Optimization (SEO), enhancing the visibility of listed servers in search results. Minebrowse provides both basic and premium listing options, allowing server owners to choose features that suit their needs and budgets. The user experience is optimized for both server owners and players, with a searchable interface that allows players to filter servers by various criteria. Additionally, Minebrowse encourages community engagement through server voting, which boosts server rankings and fosters player loyalty.

Tech Optimizer

June 2, 2025

Streamline code conversion and testing from Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle to PostgreSQL with Amazon Bedrock

Organizations are transitioning from legacy database systems like Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle to open-source alternatives such as PostgreSQL to reduce costs and enhance scalability. This migration process involves several steps, including schema conversion, business logic transformation, data migration, application changes, and performance tuning. Amazon Bedrock aids this process by automating schema and code conversion, data transformation, identifying code compatibility issues, and generating test cases for validation. The migration challenges include adapting database objects to PostgreSQL's syntax, converting stored procedures and functions, executing ETL processes for data accuracy, modifying application code, and optimizing performance. Amazon Bedrock utilizes generative AI to simplify these tasks, significantly reducing manual effort and errors. An example of code conversion from Microsoft SQL Server to PostgreSQL is provided, illustrating how to convert a stored procedure into a PostgreSQL function while generating corresponding test cases. The process involves using the Amazon Bedrock chat interface to submit prompts for conversion and validation. To support the migration, table creation scripts for the Employees and SalaryUpdateLog tables are included, along with test data that covers various employee scenarios. This data allows for comprehensive testing of the converted function, ensuring it correctly applies salary updates based on specified criteria.