initialization Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2025

One-click Postgres Pro optimization with pgpro_tune

pgpro_tune is a command-line utility designed to optimize the initial server configuration of Postgres Pro based on hardware specifications. It scans the server to identify key hardware details, processes these values through shell scripts that encapsulate tuning expertise, and generates recommended parameters for PostgreSQL settings, including memory management, autovacuum tuning, connection limits, and statistics collection. The utility appends these settings to the postgresql.conf file, ensuring they override the default settings. pgpro_tune supports various presets for different use cases and allows database administrators to create custom presets. It runs automatically during cluster initialization and can be executed manually at any time, applying changes through standard PostgreSQL methods. This tool aims to streamline the tuning process, reduce the risks of misconfiguration, and enhance performance without replacing the need for advanced tuning in specialized scenarios.

Winsage

May 4, 2025

Code Smell 298 – How to Fix Microsoft Windows Time Waste

Conditional logic in software development can obscure critical signals, leading to issues such as user delays, poor experiences, unpredictable timeouts, incomplete initialization, hidden dependencies, policy mismanagement, silent failures, and backward compatibility breaks. Solutions include validating all code paths, utilizing default reporting mechanisms, conducting rigorous edge case testing, refactoring policy checks early, implementing performance tests, and positioning reports outside of conditionals. A specific example is provided where Windows 7 had slower login times due to a failure to signal readiness when users selected a solid color background instead of a wallpaper image. This oversight resulted in a 30-second wait instead of a 5-second login process. Effective software design requires consideration of all potential code paths to avoid technical debt and performance issues. Static analysis tools can help identify critical reporting calls guarded by conditionals, and code reviews should ensure all initialization paths signal completion. The correspondence between real-world states and program states is crucial for maintaining user trust in the system. AI generators may inadvertently introduce issues by wrapping legacy code in conditionals without validating all paths.

Tech Optimizer

May 2, 2025

Amazon Aurora now supports PostgreSQL major version 17

Amazon Aurora has integrated support for PostgreSQL major version 17, specifically version 17.4. This release includes enhancements such as improved memory management, faster storage metadata initialization, and optimizations for write-heavy workloads on Graviton 4 instances. It also introduces new features for Babelfish, security updates, and revisions to extensions like pgvector 0.8.0 and postgis 3.5.1. PostgreSQL 17.4 is available across all commercial AWS Regions and AWS GovCloud (US) Regions. Users can create a new Aurora PostgreSQL-compatible database through the Amazon RDS Management Console and should review the Aurora documentation for upgrade strategies.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Unpatched Windows Shortcut Vulnerability Let Attackers Execute Remote Code

Security researcher Nafiez has discovered a vulnerability in Windows LNK files that allows remote code execution without user interaction. Microsoft has chosen not to address this issue, stating it does not meet their security servicing criteria. The vulnerability exploits specific components of LNK files, enabling attackers to create malicious shortcuts that initiate silent network connections when a user accesses a folder containing them. The exploit involves manipulating the HasArguments flag, EnvironmentVariableDataBlock, and embedding UNC paths. Microsoft defends its inaction by citing the Mark of the Web (MOTW) feature as adequate protection, despite concerns from security experts about its effectiveness. Previous vulnerabilities in LNK files have been addressed by Microsoft, and the availability of proof-of-concept code raises fears of potential exploitation by malicious actors.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

PostgreSQL 18: Part 4, or CommitFest 2025-01

PostgreSQL 18 includes significant enhancements in monitoring capabilities and new features. Key updates include: - Buffer information in EXPLAIN ANALYZE is now enabled by default, providing detailed buffer statistics for better query performance insights. - The pg_stat_io view tracks I/O statistics in bytes (read_bytes, write_bytes, extend_bytes), simplifying monitoring of I/O operations. - Enhanced monitoring of Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) statistics is introduced, allowing tracking of WAL operations and new WAL segment initialization. - The pg_stat_get_backend_io function provides I/O statistics for specific client processes, aiding in performance tuning. - The VACUUM (verbose) command now includes visibility map information, detailing all-visible pages after a vacuum operation. - The pg_stat_all_table view tracks total vacuum and analysis times per table, and users can adjust autovacuum workers without server restarts. - A new uuidv7 function generates UUIDs with a Unix-epoch timestamp for ordered identifiers. - The passwordcheck extension enforces a minimum password length for better security practices. - Improvements to the jsonb type ensure correct handling of null conversions. - The casefold function facilitates case-insensitive searches. - The RETURNING clause in DML commands now supports returning both old and new values. - The to_number function can convert Roman numerals to numeric values.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

LG will shut down update servers for its Android smartphones on June 30

LG will officially terminate software updates for all its smartphones on June 30, 2025. This includes the cessation of the mobile phone software upgrade service (FOTA), update center, and LG Bridge service. Users are advised to upgrade their software before this deadline, as no further updates will be provided after that date.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft fixes auth issues on Windows Server, Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft resolved an authentication issue related to Credential Guard on systems using the Kerberos PKINIT pre-authentication protocol, affecting Windows 11, version 24H2, and Windows Server 2025. The problem involved improper password rotation when using the Identity Update Manager certificate, leading to user authentication issues primarily in enterprise environments. Devices failed to change passwords every 30 days, causing them to be perceived as stale, disabled, or deleted. The resolution was provided in April 2025 through Windows security updates, and Machine Accounts in Credential Guard were temporarily disabled. Microsoft advised users to install the latest updates for improvements and fixes. This is not the first authentication issue Microsoft has addressed; previous challenges occurred in November 2022 and November 2021, involving Kerberos sign-in failures and delegation scenarios.

Tech Optimizer

April 8, 2025

Pools across the sea: how Hyperdrive speeds up access to databases and why we’re making it free

Cloudflare has made Hyperdrive available on the free plan of Cloudflare Workers, allowing developers to create high-performance global applications that connect to SQL databases. Hyperdrive simplifies database connectivity by using existing drivers and connection strings, reducing the need for extensive refactoring. It has been adopted by Cloudflare's engineering teams for various functions, demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing common challenges in application development. Hyperdrive significantly improves performance, with a benchmark showing latency reduction from 1200 ms to 500 ms when using Hyperdrive instead of a direct connection, and further to 320 ms with caching enabled. It employs transaction-mode connection pooling to efficiently manage database connections, minimizing overhead and ensuring optimal performance for serverless applications. Hyperdrive's architecture includes a split connection approach that reduces latency by conducting necessary round trips over shorter distances. It also features a regional pool strategy for selecting data centers based on the inferred location of the Worker, optimizing connection latency. The system includes a dual-layer caching strategy to enhance query performance and reduce load on the origin database. Developers can easily start using Hyperdrive by executing a simple command or using a dashboard to set up a sample Worker application with their existing Postgres database.

Tech Optimizer

March 14, 2025

Webroot Total Protection

Webroot Total Protection includes antivirus capabilities, identity theft protection, file backup, parental controls, and a VPN application. The pricing starts at .99 annually for five devices and one identity, with a family plan extending coverage to ten devices and ten identities. The installation process requires users to create or log into an account, and the backup system can only be installed on one device. The user interface has been redesigned for improved readability. Some features, such as the Utilities page and Secure Erase, have been removed, and the firewall relies on Windows for external threat defense. Webroot employs a journal-and-rollback system for malware detection, achieving high scores in independent testing. The suite includes a simplified tune-up scan and a vulnerability scan. The Mac version mirrors the Windows interface but lacks certain features. Identity protection is provided in partnership with Allstate, but it is less comprehensive than competing services. The backup solution is limited to one device, and the integrated VPN service encrypts data during online activities. Parental controls have been introduced but are considered ineffective.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

How to create your own bootable Windows 11 SSD for the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck operates on Linux, which limits access to certain games and services that require Windows, such as PC Game Pass titles and multiplayer games with anti-cheat software. Users can integrate Windows 11 into their Steam Deck by creating a portable version on a USB-C SSD. Recommended SSD options include the Crucial X6 2 TB SSD or a Genki SavePoint SSD enclosure for M.2 2230-size SSDs. To download Windows 11, users should visit Microsoft's website and select the appropriate ISO file. Creating a bootable drive involves using Rufus to set up the SSD with Windows 11. After downloading Valve's official drivers for the Steam Deck, users can boot into Windows by connecting the SSD and selecting it from the drive selector screen. Adjustments may be needed for display settings, and installing the Steam Deck drivers is recommended for optimal functionality. Once set up, users can access a wider range of PC gaming experiences, including the Xbox app for PC Game Pass titles.