engine Archives

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

You can now play Half-Life 2 right inside your browser at over 100 FPS with save states & console support — Ingenious port recreates the entire game campaign using WebGL 2

A fully playable browser version of Half-Life 2 has been released, created by developers Slqnt and 98006 in three months. This version includes the entire main campaign and two episodic DLCs, operating natively on devices without cloud streaming. It utilizes WebGL 2 and WebAssembly to run graphics-intensive tasks and translate C++ code into JavaScript. The port features a Source console for accessing developer commands, though it does not support Steam achievements. Testing on various devices showed the best performance on a Windows PC, achieving over 100 FPS. The future of the port depends on Valve's response, and while copyright issues pose challenges, many classic games are available for free online.

Tech Optimizer

July 4, 2026

How to Use a Virus Checker on Your PC (2026)

Windows includes a built-in virus checker called Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which allows users to conduct virus scans. 1. To initiate a scan, open Windows Security, navigate to Virus & threat protection, and select Quick scan for a fast check. 2. Users can check which antivirus is active by going to Who's protecting me? in Windows Security. If a non-Microsoft antivirus is installed, Microsoft Defender will disable itself. 3. Before scanning, it's important to update the security intelligence by checking for updates in Protection updates. 4. A full scan can be executed by selecting Full scan in Scan options, while a custom scan allows users to specify a location to check. 5. For stubborn malware, Microsoft Defender Offline can be used, which requires a restart of Windows. 6. Scan results and quarantined threats can be reviewed in Protection history after any scan. 7. For additional checks, users can utilize VirusTotal for individual files or links, Microsoft Safety Scanner for a one-time scan, or the Malicious Software Removal Tool for specific malware. 8. Outdated tools like the Chrome Cleanup Tool and Norton Power Eraser should be disregarded as they are no longer effective. Users can scan individual files without scanning the entire PC, and results from the Microsoft Defender Offline scan are found in Protection history. The Microsoft Safety Scanner does not replace real-time antivirus protection, and managed devices can be scanned by IT administrators.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Microsoft Edge 150 Adds Google Account Sign-In on Windows and macOS

Microsoft has introduced the ability to sign into its Edge browser using a Google account, starting with version 150 on Windows and macOS. This feature allows users to integrate their Google accounts alongside Microsoft accounts and is being rolled out gradually. System administrators can manage this feature through the NonMicrosoftAccountSignInEnabled policy, which organizations can enable or disable based on compliance and security needs. Edge 150 is the last version compatible with macOS 12 Monterey, and users are encouraged to upgrade to macOS 13 Ventura or later. The update has transitioned the Workspaces feature to a new architecture but removed the sharing function. Users can sign in to Google accounts by updating to version 150.0.4078.48 or newer and following the sign-in process in Edge Settings.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

EVE Online studio Fenris follows through on yearslong promise to make its in-house game engine fully open source

On July 1, Fenris Creations released its Carbon Engine as open source, which supports EVE Online and EVE Frontier. The Carbon Engine repositories are now available on GitHub. Fenris is also developing a new FPS project, Vanguard, using Unreal Engine. EVE Frontier has introduced dynamic dogfighting mechanics and server-side modding support. EVE Online continues to be popular, with a recent player experiencing a rare in-game drop.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, is recreating Notepad in 2.5 kilobytes with a project called TinyRetroPad, which includes features like Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and unsaved changes prompt. TinyRetroPad leverages existing Windows infrastructure, utilizing built-in resources to function efficiently. It is based on Matt Power’s Dave’s Tiny Editor and operates as a wrapper around RICHEDIT50W. The size of TinyRetroPad increased with each feature added, reaching 2,476 bytes with printing. The project uses Crinkler, a compression linker, to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad currently lacks a dedicated Releases page and may trigger false positives from antivirus software. Users have reported issues such as excessive memory usage and compatibility problems with older Windows versions. In contrast, the modern Notepad in Windows 11 has grown to approximately 352KB, with a total disk footprint nearing 5MB, leading to user backlash over its complexity. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential of leveraging existing OS capabilities rather than adding unnecessary features.

Tech Optimizer

July 3, 2026

Percona & HexaCluster team up on database migrations

Percona has formed a strategic alliance with HexaCluster to assist organizations in migrating from proprietary databases to open-source alternatives, specifically PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB. The partnership combines Percona's migration assessment and production support with HexaCluster's migration software for diverse database environments. The migration process will begin with a comprehensive assessment by Percona to outline the scope and plan the transition. Percona will lead the migration efforts, while HexaCluster will provide software solutions for complex migrations. This collaboration aims to help enterprises reduce costs associated with proprietary databases and minimize risks during migration. HexaCluster specializes in PostgreSQL migration and offers tools for migration assessment, schema conversion, data migration, and live replication. Percona supports various database systems and emphasizes open-source solutions to give organizations more control over their data infrastructure.

Tech Optimizer

July 3, 2026

Best Antivirus for Windows XP: Options That Still Work

Finding a reliable antivirus solution for Windows XP is challenging due to the lack of support since 2014. Major antivirus vendors have withdrawn compatibility, leaving limited options. Panda Security continues to support Windows XP with its Panda Dome antivirus, which offers real-time protection and a cloud-based engine. Antivirus software can block known malware, flag suspicious activity, and stop recognized threats, but it cannot patch the operating system itself. Users have fewer choices for protection as new vulnerabilities emerge. Several antivirus tools compatible with Windows XP include: - Panda Dome: Actively maintained, offers real-time protection, free and paid plans available. - Avast (v18.8): Limited support, last updates in October 2024, free legacy version only. - AVG (v9): Discontinued in 2019, operates offline, free legacy version only. - ClamWin: Open-source, actively maintained, no real-time protection, free. - 360 Total Security: Active legacy version, multi-engine approach, real-time protection, free and premium options. - Malwarebytes (legacy): Only older versions support XP, best as a supplement, free legacy version. - VirIT eXplorer Lite: Actively maintained, free lite version with real-time protection. Choosing the right antivirus requires consideration of internet connectivity, hardware age, update status, and whether to use free or paid options. For most users, Panda Dome is recommended for its active support and real-time protection. To enhance security on Windows XP, users should keep machines offline when possible, use ad blockers, be cautious with emails and links, avoid fake antivirus downloads, transfer files via USB from modern computers, and keep third-party software updated.

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley and was advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered solved. This led to the creation of Apache Spark and Databricks. However, during the development of Databricks, it was found that OLTP databases were not solved problems; they were difficult to scale and fragile. This realization led to the development of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed with modern technology. Lakebase architecture separates the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent, scalable services. The WAL is externalized to a service called SafeKeeper, which uses Paxos-based replication for durability, while data files are managed by PageServer, which stores them in cloud object storage. This design addresses challenges such as data loss, scaling, and performance interference between transactional and analytical workloads. Lakebase maintains compatibility with Postgres, offers unlimited storage, serverless compute, durable writes, and simpler high availability. It also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which allows both transactional and analytical processing to operate on a single data copy in real time, eliminating the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. LTAP utilizes a unified storage layer that allows data to be materialized in both row and columnar formats, optimizing it for both transactional and analytical workloads. The system ensures that analytics can access the most current data without affecting transactional performance by using a log sequence number (LSN) to retrieve the latest changes. Unlike traditional CDC approaches, LTAP requires no explicit table replication, as all data is stored in a single governed copy. This architecture circumvents common issues faced by hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP) systems, such as incomplete feature sets, lack of ecosystem support, and performance contention. The Lakebase architecture has unlocked capabilities like unlimited storage, elastic compute, durable writes, and instant branching, with ongoing developments anticipated in the future.

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley, where they were advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered a solved problem. However, upon developing Databricks, they found that OLTP databases were cumbersome, challenging to scale, and fragile. This led to the creation of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed to address these issues by externalizing the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent services. Lakebase architecture separates the WAL into a distributed service called SafeKeeper and data files into another service called PageServer, allowing for improved durability, scalability, and performance. This architecture eliminates data loss risks associated with disk failures and misconfigurations, simplifies high availability, and allows for elastic compute resources. Lakebase also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which enables transactions and analytics to operate on a single data copy in real-time, avoiding the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. The system retains Postgres's ACID semantics while storing data in open columnar formats, making it accessible to both transactional and analytical engines without the delays and complexities of traditional replication methods. The architecture allows for unlimited storage, serverless compute, and instant branching, while ensuring that analytics can read the most current transactional data without affecting transactional workloads. LTAP aims to unify transactional and analytical processing by leveraging distinct compute engines for each workload while integrating at the storage layer.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

Microsoft fixes GIF functionality in the Windows Emoji Panel

Microsoft has restored GIF functionality in the Emoji Panel for Windows 11 users after the retirement of the Tenor GIF search engine's API, which caused disruptions starting June 30. The company has transitioned to GIPHY as the new GIF provider, implemented in the preview cumulative update KB5095093 released on June 23 for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. Users are advised to install the latest updates to restore GIF functionality. Microsoft is also working on a solution for users on Windows 11 23H2 and Windows Server 2025. The KB5095093 update includes the Point-in-Time Restore feature and addresses various bugs and known issues.