extensions Archives

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Windows 11’s mandatory update is pushing users to Microsoft Edge

Microsoft has programmed its Edge browser to automatically launch after a Windows 11 update, displaying a page that informs users their update is complete and prompts them to explore new features. This page lacks a close button, directing users to click a blue "Next" button to proceed. The features highlighted include the reinstatement of the taskbar clock, the ability to pin Emojis to the taskbar, Copilot's document summarization, the Snipping Tool's Quick markup, and AI actions in File Explorer's context menu. Users can provide feedback via like and dislike buttons, but these do not close the page. Windows 11 also includes pre-installed Get Started and Get Help apps that could showcase features instead of redirecting users to Edge. Edge, built on the Chromium engine, supports all extensions from that platform and includes features like AI tab organizer, Vertical Tabs, and Immersive Reader.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2026

Deploy Postgres and MySQL databases with PlanetScale + Workers

Cloudflare has deepened its partnership with PlanetScale to enhance the developer experience by providing Cloudflare Workers with access to Postgres and MySQL databases. Users will be able to create PlanetScale databases directly from the Cloudflare dashboard and API, with billing handled through their Cloudflare accounts. Cloudflare credits can be applied towards PlanetScale databases. The integration allows developers to link their PlanetScale accounts and create Postgres databases from the Cloudflare dashboard. Starting next month, new PlanetScale databases will be billed directly to Cloudflare accounts. The integration uses Hyperdrive for database connectivity, managing connection pools and query caching. PlanetScale offers performance and reliability, allowing developers to choose between Postgres and Vitess MySQL. Cloudflare users can deploy PlanetScale databases directly from Cloudflare, with features like query insights and usage breakdowns included. A single node on PlanetScale Postgres starts at a specified monthly rate. Developers can configure Workers to minimize latency by placing them near the primary database, with future plans to automate this process. Currently, billing for existing PlanetScale databases is processed through PlanetScale, but new databases will be billed through Cloudflare starting next month. Further enhancements and API integration are planned, with community feedback encouraged.

Tech Optimizer

April 11, 2026

Google Cloud Highlights Ongoing Work on PostgreSQL Core Capabilities

Google Cloud has made technical contributions to PostgreSQL, focusing on advancements in logical replication, upgrade processes, and system stability. Key developments include the evolution of logical replication towards active-active configurations with automatic conflict detection to identify row-level conflicts during replication. This progress has sparked discussions about consistency models in database systems. Enhancements have also expanded logical replication to include sequences, reducing manual synchronization needs. Improvements to pg_upgrade have streamlined large object management and reduced upgrade times, while ensuring WAL data retention and schema constraint preservation. Bug fixes have addressed issues with index pages, extension loading, and WAL flush logic. Future features under development include a structured conflict log for replication and enhancements to parallel data export in pg_dump.

Tech Optimizer

April 8, 2026

Avast Antivirus: A Complete Guide to the Software and Its Security Features

Avast antivirus is a widely used digital security solution for mobile and desktop platforms, developed by Gen Digital. It offers a free version that is accessible and easy to set up, making it popular among first-time users. Key security features include real-time threat protection, web protection tools, email protection, behavior monitoring, and a network inspector. The software operates quietly in the background, has a clean and intuitive interface, and provides essential security features in its free version. However, users may experience intrusive upgrade prompts, and advanced tools require a paid subscription. Avast distinguishes itself by offering behavioral threat detection in both free and paid versions, and its extensive user base enhances its threat detection capabilities. The free version includes basic protections suitable for everyday online activities, but advanced features necessitate an upgrade. Users are encouraged to adopt strong passwords, utilize password managers, enable two-factor authentication, and practice safe browsing habits to ensure online privacy.

Tech Optimizer

April 5, 2026

Linux 7.0 Cuts PostgreSQL Performance in Half

An AWS engineer reported a significant drop in PostgreSQL throughput on Linux 7.0, with performance reduced to approximately half of its previous capability. Benchmark tests showed that the removal of the PREEMPT_NONE scheduling option was the main cause of this regression. On a 96-vCPU Graviton4 instance, throughput measured at just 0.51x compared to earlier kernel versions. Salvatore Dipietro from Amazon/AWS conducted benchmarking analysis of PostgreSQL 17, revealing that Linux 7.0 delivered only 0.51x the throughput of its predecessors. The root cause was traced to kernel commit 7dadeaa6e851, which eliminated PREEMPT_NONE as the default option, leading to increased contention due to the new PREEMPT_LAZY model. Profiling data indicated that 55% of CPU time is consumed by spinning in PostgreSQL’s spinlock, causing significant performance degradation. When a revert patch was applied, throughput rebounded to 1.94x the baseline. The decision to restrict preemption modes in Linux 7.0 aimed to address issues within the kernel's scheduling model. Dipietro proposed a patch to restore PREEMPT_NONE, but kernel developers suggested PostgreSQL adopt the rseq time slice extension instead. Database operators running PostgreSQL on Linux face potential performance reductions with the upgrade to Linux 7.0.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Malwarebytes highlights Microsoft findings on WhatsApp attachments used in Windows attacks

A campaign targeting Windows users exploits WhatsApp attachments to execute a malicious .vbs script. Victims receive what appears to be a harmless attachment, which, when opened, duplicates legitimate Windows tools into a hidden folder and renames them to avoid detection. These tools are then used to download additional malware from reputable cloud services, disguising the malicious activity. The malware seeks administrator privileges by altering User Account Control settings and registry entries for persistence. It ultimately installs remote-access software and other payloads to maintain control over the compromised device. Malwarebytes recommends safety measures such as avoiding unsolicited attachments, enabling file extensions, using updated anti-malware tools, downloading software from official sites, being cautious of unexpected UAC prompts, and keeping systems updated.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Windows 3.1 On A Modern AM5-Based PC Is Surprisingly Usable

Enthusiasts can install Windows 3.1 on modern x86-compatible PCs, as demonstrated by tech aficionado [Omores]. The installation requires an AMD AM5 system with an Asus Prime X670-P motherboard that has a UEFI BIOS with the 'classic BIOS' Compatibility Support Module (CSM) enabled. Users can install Windows 3.1 using a USB floppy drive with backup floppies from the early 90s. Windows 3.1 features 'enhanced mode' for virtual memory and multitasking on systems with an 80386 CPU or better. The ahcifix.386 fix, developed by [PluMGMK], can resolve boot crashes related to SATA compatibility, and a separate SATA expansion card may also help. For video performance, [PluMGMK] provided the vbesvga.drv driver, which supports all VESA BIOS Extensions modes and works with the RTX 5060 Ti GPU, including DCI support for direct access to GPU VRAM. Audio functionality is robust but has minor driver-related quirks.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Google is Finally Forcing 64-bit on All Wear OS Apps

As of September 15, 2026, all new apps and updates for Wear OS must include a 64-bit version in addition to the existing 32-bit version. The Play Store will block uploads of non-compliant apps after this deadline. Current users of smartwatches running on a 32-bit version of Wear OS will continue to receive app support. The introduction of 64-bit app versions is expected to improve performance, enhance security, and allow for the use of more than 4GB of RAM in smartwatches.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Google embraces the future, mandates 64-bit apps for Wear OS

Google has mandated that all Wear OS applications must include a 64-bit version starting September 15, 2026. This requirement is part of a broader strategy that also applies to Android TV and Google TV, which will require 64-bit app versions from August 2026. Developers can still offer a 32-bit version alongside the new 64-bit applications, and the Play Store will continue to support legacy applications. A majority of Wear OS developers have already adopted the 64-bit architecture, although some dormant apps may present challenges. The transition to a 64-bit architecture is expected to enhance performance, security, and efficiency for chip manufacturers, as well as allow smartwatches to utilize more than 4GB of RAM.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

WhatsApp on Windows users targeted in new campaign, warns Microsoft

Microsoft researchers have identified a campaign that exploits WhatsApp attachments to infiltrate Windows machines, allowing attackers remote control. The attack uses social engineering tactics, where users receive a seemingly benign .vbs (Visual Basic Script) file that can be executed on Windows. This method does not rely on software vulnerabilities but on persuading victims to execute the malicious file. Attackers manipulate built-in Windows tools to download further malware, employing a technique known as living off the land (LOTL) to avoid detection. The malware seeks to elevate its privileges to administrator status, modifying User Account Control (UAC) prompts and registry settings for persistence. An unsigned MSI (Microsoft Installer) is deployed to establish remote-access software, granting continuous access to the compromised machine.