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Exploring eBPF for Windows: Opportunities and Limitations
Winsage
November 5, 2024

Exploring eBPF for Windows: Opportunities and Limitations

The extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) allows for the execution of custom code in kernel space, enhancing application performance management and security. Windows has introduced support for eBPF, but it has limitations. Microsoft began a project in 2021 to enable eBPF capabilities on Windows, allowing the use of existing Linux eBPF tools and libraries. To install eBPF on Windows, a kernel debugger or test-signing mode is required, which is impractical for production systems. eBPF for Windows is still in development, suitable for experimentation, but not yet ready for real-world deployment. There is no clear timeline for a production-ready version, and development activity has slowed.
Remember Bricopacks? They could transform Windows XP into something special
Winsage
November 3, 2024

Remember Bricopacks? They could transform Windows XP into something special

Windows XP was known for its user-friendly interface and performance, leading to a community-driven desire for customization. Notable contributions included BricoPacks, which were comprehensive suites of software and tweaks that enhanced the operating system. These packs provided features such as a sleek dock for applications, revamped window styling and cursors, new wallpapers and taskbar designs, and customizable start menus. Customizing Windows XP required technical skills and experimentation, supported by active forums. Today, customization options remain available for Windows, and Bricopacks can still be downloaded for use with Windows XP virtual machines.
Claude was given access to Minecraft and it built a mansion with domes
AppWizard
October 30, 2024

Claude was given access to Minecraft and it built a mansion with domes

Anthropic's AI model, Claude 3.5 (Sonnet), has created a mansion in Minecraft without specific training for the task, demonstrating its capabilities in architectural design. The project was developed by Adonis Singh using a framework called Mindcraft, which allows AI models to interact with Minecraft through text commands. Claude 3.5 utilized architectural elements like domes, arches, and symmetry to design the mansion, despite some aesthetic criticisms. Mindcraft interprets the AI's output to execute commands in the game. Future AI models may produce more structurally sound designs, and recent advancements in Claude models could enable direct interaction with computer interfaces for tasks like building in Minecraft.
Timescale Brings PostgreSQL into the GenAI Era with pgai Vectorizer
Tech Optimizer
October 29, 2024

Timescale Brings PostgreSQL into the GenAI Era with pgai Vectorizer

Timescale has enhanced its PostgreSQL database platform by introducing the pgai Vectorizer, an open-source tool that integrates advanced AI capabilities. This tool is part of a suite of PostgreSQL extensions aimed at reducing infrastructure costs by 75%. PostgreSQL is widely used by 49% of developers, and the pgai Vectorizer simplifies AI development workflows by allowing developers to create, store, and manage vector embeddings alongside relational data within a single system. Key features of the pgai Vectorizer include unified management of AI data, real-time synchronization of vector embeddings, seamless experimentation with embedding models, and version tracking for model compatibility. This integration positions PostgreSQL as a comprehensive platform for building AI applications, enabling faster development while reducing infrastructure concerns. Timescale continues to focus on enhancing PostgreSQL's capabilities for demanding workloads, supported by investors like Benchmark and NEA.
Making Adding AI Apps with Postgres Easier for Developers
Tech Optimizer
October 29, 2024

Making Adding AI Apps with Postgres Easier for Developers

Timescale has introduced the pgai Vectorizer, a tool that automates the embedding process within PostgreSQL, allowing developers to create, store, and manage vector embeddings alongside relational data without needing external tools. Built on the pgvector extension, it simplifies the integration of AI into applications for developers lacking AI expertise. The pgai Vectorizer automates embedding creation with a single SQL query, synchronizes data changes to vector embeddings in real-time, allows effortless switching between embedding models, and tracks model versions for backward compatibility. It replaces the need for building ETL pipelines, chunking and formatting data, scaling the embedding creation pipeline, and ensuring synchronization of embeddings and metadata. The pgai suite, launched last June, aims to empower PostgreSQL developers in AI engineering and has expanded to support various AI models. Additionally, the pgvectorscale enhances PostgreSQL's capabilities for large-scale AI use cases, offering performance comparable to dedicated vector databases while being cost-efficient. The pgai tools are open-source, reducing infrastructure costs and streamlining development processes. Recent benchmarks show that Timescale's pgvector outperforms standalone vector databases in performance and cost-effectiveness.
How to Make Your Windows 11 PC Look Like Pixel UI [Easily]
Winsage
October 24, 2024

How to Make Your Windows 11 PC Look Like Pixel UI [Easily]

Windows 11's user interface can be customized to resemble the minimalist Pixel phone interface using Rainmeter and the MD3 skin package. To achieve this, users need to install Rainmeter, download the MD3 Basic version from GitHub, and follow specific steps to extract and install the skin. Customization includes adjusting the Taskbar settings, enabling auto-hide, hiding desktop icons, and selecting styles for the Taskbar and widgets. The MD3 skin allows for the addition of various widgets like Clock, Date, Weather, and Music, enhancing the desktop experience with a Pixel-inspired aesthetic.
Minecraft musician declares 'trans lives matter'
AppWizard
October 23, 2024

Minecraft musician declares ‘trans lives matter’

German musician C418, real name Daniel Rosenfeld, has publicly opposed transphobia and advocated for transgender rights, stating, “Trans lives matter and anything else is unacceptable.” He has also expressed support for movements like Black Lives Matter and criticized Donald Trump. Rosenfeld's advocacy is part of a broader social media experiment to understand content moderation on platforms like Twitter. He previously addressed anti-trans rhetoric in 2021, emphasizing the importance of trans rights and representation for LGBTQ+ individuals. This stance contrasts with Markus Persson, the original creator of Minecraft, who made controversial anti-trans comments in 2019.
Nintendo 3DS runs Windows 95 via DOSBox — but takes hours to boot | Tom's Hardware
Winsage
October 17, 2024

Nintendo 3DS runs Windows 95 via DOSBox — but takes hours to boot | Tom’s Hardware

A tech enthusiast successfully installed Windows 95 on a homebrew Nintendo 3DS using a DOSBox port. The New Nintendo 3DS, with its enhanced RAM and processing power, was capable of running the operating system, which was designed for systems with as little as 4MB of RAM. The installation took approximately five minutes, but initial loading times were lengthy. Mouse input support via Touch became functional only after Windows 95 launched. Audio playback was possible, but attempts to use music studio software resulted in a bluescreen error. The setup functioned adequately for basic tasks, suggesting lighter applications might work better. It is recommended to explore older DOS titles for a more seamless experience.
IO Interactive to publish Build A Rocket Boy action adventure game MindsEye for console, PC
AppWizard
October 16, 2024

IO Interactive to publish Build A Rocket Boy action adventure game MindsEye for console, PC

IO Interactive is collaborating with Build A Rocket Boy to publish and distribute the single-player action-adventure game, MindsEye, which will be available on console and PC via Steam. The game is developed by Build A Rocket Boy, led by Leslie Benzies, a veteran with 25 years in the gaming industry. MindsEye is set in a near-future America and explores themes of artificial intelligence, corporate espionage, and political corruption. Players will assume the role of Jacob Diaz, a former soldier with memory loss, who undertakes covert missions to uncover his past. The game features high-octane driving, explosive combat, and cinematic storytelling. First screenshots of MindsEye are available in the gallery.
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