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We tested gaming performance in 17-year-old Windows 7 against Windows 11 on a modern gaming PC — older operating system delivers advantages in some scenarios
Winsage
October 10, 2026

We tested gaming performance in 17-year-old Windows 7 against Windows 11 on a modern gaming PC — older operating system delivers advantages in some scenarios

Windows 7 was released in 2009 and has received positive reviews for nearly two decades. A performance evaluation was conducted by installing Windows 7 on a modern PC and testing it against Windows 11 across ten games, including eight DirectX 11 titles and two DirectX 9 titles. In the game Metro 2033 Redux, Windows 11 achieved a higher average frame rate, but Windows 7 had better handling of CPU-related performance drops, resulting in stronger 1% lows. In Batman: Arkham Origins, Windows 7 outperformed Windows 11 in both average frame rate and 1% lows at 1080p and 4K. For Batman: Arkham Knight, Windows 7 showed higher performance when CPU-limited at 1080p, while Windows 11 led in GPU-limited scenarios at 1440p and 4K. In Batman: Arkham City, Windows 11 had the advantage across all resolutions as the game was GPU-bound. In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Windows 7 outperformed Windows 11 in 1% lows at 1080p, but Windows 11 took the lead at higher resolutions. Control showed Windows 11 outperforming Windows 7 across all resolutions due to GPU optimizations. Hitman: Absolution also favored Windows 11 in GPU-limited scenarios. For DirectX 9 games, Windows 7 demonstrated significant advantages in average frame rate and 1% lows in Batman: Arkham Asylum, especially at lower resolutions, while performance in Borderlands 2 was nearly identical across both operating systems at 4K. Overall, Windows 7 excels in CPU-limited scenarios, while Windows 11 performs better in GPU-bound situations, aided by advanced graphics drivers. Microsoft’s ongoing efforts aim to improve Windows 11's performance and reliability.
A week with Googlebooks: four notes from our testing so far
AppWizard
October 10, 2026

A week with Googlebooks: four notes from our testing so far

Google has launched five new Googlebook laptops featuring the Googlebook OS, which has received mixed reviews. While the hardware is praised, the software is criticized for being problematic and not a significant upgrade from ChromeOS. Users report issues such as the inability to run Chrome with separate Google accounts, clunky Android apps, and awkward command requirements for messaging apps. The app ecosystem is struggling, with many applications failing to adapt to the Googlebook's interface, resulting in a frustrating user experience. Linux applications face integration challenges, complicating multitasking. Despite some successful features like file transfer and notification responses between Googlebook and Android devices, users experience frequent connectivity issues and sluggish performance.
DBtune autonomous optimization blows PostgreSQL bottlenecks away
Tech Optimizer
October 10, 2026

DBtune autonomous optimization blows PostgreSQL bottlenecks away

DBtune, a startup based in Malmö/Lund, Sweden, was founded in 2020 by Dr. Luigi Nardi as a spin-off from Stanford University and Lund University. The company focuses on enhancing PostgreSQL's capabilities through autonomous database optimization technology and has raised .4 million in a seed round from various investors in July 2023, with support from the Wallenberg Foundation and Vinnova. DBtune's technology utilizes agentic AI for optimizing PostgreSQL databases by tuning server parameters, optimizing indexes, and monitoring autovacuum processes. The release of DBtune version 4.0 incorporates machine learning and AI to dynamically adjust server parameters and suggest optimal indexing strategies. The platform identifies and ranks potential index opportunities based on workload and provides recommendations for new indexes and maintenance of existing ones. A case study with Midwest Tape demonstrated a 10.8x performance improvement in database query runtime after employing DBtune for performance tuning. Benchmarking tests showed a transaction throughput increase of 87% during initial optimization, with a further 17% improvement on an already optimized system. Disk I/O activity was reduced by 43%, and WAL generation decreased by 23%. Dr. Nardi emphasizes the need for AI-driven optimization to manage the complexities of PostgreSQL databases and rising cloud costs, suggesting that significant code adaptations will be necessary for achieving fully autonomous PostgreSQL.
Windows 11 annual update is boring, but staying on 24H2 is a security risk
Winsage
October 10, 2026

Windows 11 annual update is boring, but staying on 24H2 is a security risk

Microsoft has released Windows 11 26H2 as a low-disruption update that activates existing features for users who have kept up with monthly updates. Users on version 24H2 should upgrade soon, as support will end on October 13, 2026, and they will no longer receive security patches. The end of support for various Windows 11 versions is as follows: 26H2 on October 9, 2028; 26H1 on March 14, 2028; 25H2 on October 12, 2027; and 24H2 on October 13, 2026. The 26H2 update includes new security features, Start menu customization, and improvements to File Explorer and AI integration. Users must have 24H2 or 25H2 installed to access the update, which may not be available to all devices due to compatibility safeguards. It is recommended to create a System Restore Point before updating.
Your Android phone could be infected before you turn it on
AppWizard
October 9, 2026

Your Android phone could be infected before you turn it on

Bitdefender researchers have identified a malware campaign called Midnight Mimosa that can be embedded in the software of low-cost Android devices before sale. This malware operates stealthily, allowing it to install and remove applications without user knowledge, generate fraudulent advertising activity, and convert devices into residential-proxy relay nodes for a botnet. It has been found on MediaTek-based, white-label devices marketed under misleading names. Users should be cautious of suspiciously cheap devices and look for signs of infection, such as unexplained ads, unfamiliar apps, sudden battery drain, and discrepancies in model names. Standard uninstallation or factory resets may not remove this malware, and users are advised to update their devices, review app lists, and contact sellers for refunds or replacements if they suspect infection. Mobile protection solutions can help monitor app behavior and alert users to potential threats.
Googlebook Phone Pairing Update Rolls Out Android 17 Pixels
AppWizard
October 9, 2026

Googlebook Phone Pairing Update Rolls Out Android 17 Pixels

Google has identified a first-time setup timing issue that caused connectivity problems for users pairing their phones with new Googlebook laptops. This issue is not related to hardware malfunctions. A fix is being rolled out via a Google Play Services app update, which began this week, addressing the setup sequence and ensuring the QR code clears correctly for phone recognition. Supported devices running Android 17 can pair successfully, but some users may still experience issues if the update hasn't reached their devices. Samsung Galaxy phones, including the latest models, are not yet compatible, and a fix for these devices is expected in the coming weeks. The update is free and delivered through Google Play Services.
A Medical Emergency Forced A User To Downgrade From Windows 11 26H2 To Windows 10, But The Matter Is Being Blown Way Out Of Proportion
Winsage
October 9, 2026

A Medical Emergency Forced A User To Downgrade From Windows 11 26H2 To Windows 10, But The Matter Is Being Blown Way Out Of Proportion

A user known as “u/Shanaudio” reverted to Windows 10 after experiencing frustration with the Windows 11 26H2 update. Following the update, he faced a family medical emergency and needed to research medical information online. The installation of the built-in Windows language input method took 20 minutes, compared to just 2 minutes on Windows 10. This delay prompted him to downgrade to the older operating system.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
October 9, 2026

Thousands of cheap Android phones shipped with ad-fraud malware

Researchers from Bitdefender have discovered that thousands of inexpensive Android devices are preloaded with malware called "Midnight Mimosa," which generates fraudulent advertising revenue. This malware is embedded in the device firmware before the first power-up, making it impossible for users to uninstall. It operates with system-level privileges, allowing it to install or remove applications without user consent and to download additional code. The malware primarily aims for financial gain through advertising and click fraud, while also gathering information about devices. Bitdefender has detected this malware on thousands of devices across over 150 countries, with the highest concentrations in Mexico, France, and Italy, followed by the United States, Germany, Brazil, and Spain. Many affected devices are low-cost, white-label, or counterfeit models, often sold online. The malware stealthily installs legitimate-looking applications that display ads in invisible windows, generating ad impressions without user awareness. Bitdefender identified at least 32 disguised applications and found 13 apps in the Google Play Store with similar ad-fraud code. The source of the malware remains unidentified, but some affected firmware was signed with certificates from Shenzhen Zediel, a Chinese company. The researchers suggest that the malware could have been introduced at various stages of the supply chain, potentially by manufacturers or intermediaries.
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