database Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 10, 2026

Researchers Use Windows Minifilter Drivers to Detect Ransomware in Real Time

A security researcher has developed a proof-of-concept tool called Sanctum, available on GitHub, aimed at combating ransomware within the Windows operating system. Sanctum utilizes a Windows feature known as a "filter driver" to monitor file operations at a strategic chokepoint between applications and the hard drive. It employs two primary callbacks: IRPMJCREATE, which detects rapid file write or delete requests indicative of ransomware activity, and IRPMJSET_INFORMATION, which identifies changes in file metadata, such as renaming with malicious extensions. Upon detecting suspicious activity, Sanctum blocks the action and identifies the source of the threat, logging events for security teams. Future enhancements may include real-time encryption detection and the ability to freeze malicious threads. This kernel-level approach offers greater visibility and speed compared to traditional antivirus solutions.

BetaBeacon

February 10, 2026

Download Google Play Store (free) for Android, APK and Web App

The Google Play Store is essential for Android users to access a wide collection of trusted and regularly updated applications.

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

January 31, 2026

Windows security breaks ROG Xbox Ally handheld game consoles

Microsoft's Windows Smart App Control feature has flagged essential software components of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally gaming handheld as untrustworthy following a recent update to Windows 11. This issue affects the Armoury Crate CE software, which manages the hardware functionality of the device, leading to difficulties in launching games outside of the Xbox app and adjusting performance settings. The problem may stem from inadequate configuration of certificates by Asus or the need for an update to Microsoft's trusted application database. Many Windows 11 PCs do not have Smart App Control activated, and users can disable it through SETTINGS > APP AND BROWSER CONTROLS > SMART APP CONTROL SETTINGS. If users choose to disable it, they may later need to reset or reinstall Windows to reactivate Smart App Control. ROG Xbox Ally owners are currently faced with the choice of waiting for a fix or disabling the security feature.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

I turned my phone into a Linux desktop with this free app

Smartphones can function as desktop replacements, exemplified by the Steam Deck and the introduction of Local Desktop, which allows users to install a full Arch Linux environment on Android devices. Users can run applications like VS Code and Firefox by connecting a keyboard, with installation taking about ten minutes and not requiring root access. However, the installation process may require multiple attempts for stability due to various errors. Once set up, users can enhance their experience with the yay package manager, although some applications may not perform optimally. Local Desktop operates by installing an Arch Linux ARM64 filesystem within the app's internal storage and using proot to create a chroot-like environment. The display mechanism employs a minimal Wayland compositor for improved responsiveness. While it offers a portable Linux environment, performance can vary, and it is not suited for heavy workloads. The experience may appeal to tech enthusiasts willing to navigate its challenges.

Tech Optimizer

January 29, 2026

Aurora PostgreSQL 13 Deadline: Four Upgrade Paths to Beat February Cutoff

Standard support for Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition and Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL version 13 will end on February 28, 2026. PostgreSQL 13 will be deprecated by the community in November 2025, ceasing to receive bug fixes or security patches. AWS recommends upgrading to newer versions, such as 16 or 17, which offer significant performance enhancements and improved security. PostgreSQL 17 can achieve up to twice the write throughput and consumes 20 times less memory during vacuum operations. Version 16 introduces pg_stat_io for detailed I/O statistics, while version 14 includes a vacuum emergency mode. Aurora-specific enhancements in version 14.9 and later can lead to faster query latency and reduced costs. Version 14 introduces new roles for access control, and version 15 revokes certain permissions. Major upgrades in logical replication include automatic slot synchronization in version 17 and support for parallel apply in version 16. Transitioning between major versions requires careful examination of catalog changes, as some views and configuration parameters will evolve. Extensions must be verified, as most do not auto-upgrade. An in-place major version upgrade can be performed via the AWS Console or CLI, with downtime varying based on database size. AWS recommends snapshot-based testing beforehand. The CLI command can check valid upgrade targets, leading from version 13 to 14, 15, 16, or 17. Preparation involves validating instance classes and dropping replication slots. Amazon RDS Blue/Green deployments allow for near-zero downtime by synchronizing production with a staging environment, enabling application testing before traffic switching. This feature is supported from Aurora PostgreSQL version 13.12 onward. Logical replication through pglogical offers flexibility for minimal downtime, while AWS DMS supports homogeneous migration with Change Data Capture. Extended Support is available for a fee, providing up to three years of security patches. Best practices include replicating production environments in staging, conducting load tests, and validating queries against new catalogs. Recent minor releases, including Aurora PostgreSQL 17.6 and 16.10, showcase ongoing improvements. Engaging AWS Support is advisable for complex setups to ensure seamless transitions before the deadline.

Tech Optimizer

January 28, 2026

Strategies for upgrading Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL and Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL from version 13

Standard support for PostgreSQL version 13 will end on February 28, 2026. Upgrading to newer PostgreSQL versions can enhance database performance and introduce new features. Notable enhancements in recent versions include: - Vacuum emergency mode (v14+) to manage old row versions. - Improved I/O performance (v17) with better write throughput. - Enhanced query optimization (v17+) for IN clauses and parallel BRIN index builds. - Memory efficiency improvements (v17) reducing vacuum memory usage. - Advanced monitoring features like pg_stat_io (v16+) and pg_wait_events (v17+). - Logical replication improvements such as failover support and slot migration (v17+). - Developer experience enhancements including JSONB subscripting (v14+) and SQL/JSON JSON_TABLE (v17+). - Security enhancements with new roles for access control (v14+) and maintenance tasks (v17+). For Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible, upgrading to versions v14.9+, v15.4+, v16.1+, and higher can yield performance optimizations, including faster query latency and cost savings. Changes in system catalog views and configuration parameters have occurred in PostgreSQL versions 14 to 17, impacting application compatibility. Upgrade strategies include in-place upgrades, blue/green deployments, logical replication, and using AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS). If an immediate upgrade is not possible, Amazon RDS Extended Support offers up to three years of continued security patches and bug fixes beyond the standard support end date.

Tech Optimizer

January 28, 2026

EDB Demonstrates Strong Global Momentum and Cross-Industry Adoption of EDB Postgres® AI

MNTN, Waystar, and NTT East have adopted EDB Postgres AI (EDB PG AI) to modernize their data platforms, enabling agentic AI, real-time analytics, and mission-critical operations while maintaining control over data and infrastructure. EDB's Sovereignty Matters research indicates that enterprises focusing on scalable agentic AI prioritize sovereign control of data, hybrid deployment flexibility, and a unified platform for transactions, analytics, and AI workloads. MNTN modernized its data warehouse for high-volume advertising data, Waystar consolidated its data infrastructure for healthcare transaction processing, and NTT East enhanced AI-driven network operations while ensuring data locality control. The adoption of EDB PG AI reflects a growing market demand for open-source database foundations, with 35% of enterprises considering PostgreSQL for complex workloads. EDB PG AI provides an open-source foundation, accelerated AI development, hybrid deployment flexibility, and enterprise-grade reliability.

Tech Optimizer

January 27, 2026

Expired Oracle Patent Clears Path For Faster Sorting In MySQL And PostgreSQL – Open Source For You

The expiration of Oracle's patent US7680791B2 has made the Orasort sorting algorithm, which offers a claimed 5× performance improvement, available in the public domain for open-source databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL. Developed by Mark Callaghan, Orasort enhances sorting workloads with similar keys and incorporates optimizations such as skipping repeated comparisons, adaptively switching sorting methods, caching key substrings, prefetching data, and producing partial results. The algorithm has shown to be approximately five times faster than previous sorting methods used by Oracle. The open-source community is actively exploring its integration into various database engines, with early experimentation underway using programming languages like Python, C, and C++.

Tech Optimizer

January 27, 2026

Not a virus: What it means and why antivirus flags it

The term “not a virus” is used by antivirus software to indicate that a file does not match known malware signatures but still triggers a detection. This means the file is not automatically blocked or confirmed as a threat; the alert highlights something unusual, leaving the decision to the user. Alerts typically arise when software exhibits behavior associated with increased risk, despite lacking clear evidence of malicious intent. Malware is specifically designed to inflict harm, while files labeled “not a virus” may perform actions that raise security concerns but are not classified as harmful. Antivirus programs identify threats through signature detection and heuristic behavior-based detection. Legitimate programs, such as system utilities, download managers, and game cheats, can inadvertently trigger “not a virus” alerts. Common types of detections include adware, riskware, and potentially unwanted applications (PUA). The primary security risk of “not a virus” files is exposure rather than direct attacks, and privacy concerns often arise from data collection by these programs. If an antivirus detects “not a virus,” users should identify the file, review recent changes, compare detections, and decide whether to keep or remove it. To reduce unwanted alerts, users should download from official sources, use custom installation options, and remove unused software.