Linux systems Archives

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft fixes Linux boot issues on dual-boot Windows systems

Microsoft addressed a boot issue affecting dual-boot systems running Linux alongside Windows after the August 2024 Windows security updates, which caused Linux systems to fail to boot due to a Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) update. This issue impacted various Windows operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012 and later. The problem arose from a detection mechanism that failed to recognize some customized dual-boot setups, leading to error messages such as "Something has gone seriously wrong: SBAT self-check failed: Security Policy Violation." Microsoft confirmed that the boot issues would be resolved with the May 2025 Patch Tuesday security updates and provided a temporary workaround in late August, advising users to delete the SBAT update. On September 19, Microsoft stopped the automatic application of the problematic SBAT update and recommended a command to prevent future SBAT updates. The issue was specific to the August 2024 security and preview updates, and subsequent updates starting with September 2024 did not contain the problematic settings.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Windows 11’s Patch Tuesday for May finally brings Recall into the mix

Microsoft's Recall feature is set to debut after a delay due to security concerns. The update for Windows 11, released on May 13th, includes AI-driven tools to enhance user interactions and productivity. Key features integrated from the April 25th Preview update include: - Recall (preview): Allows users to retrieve information from various applications, websites, and documents using AI for quick searches based on content descriptions, with options to save snapshots of activities and manage them through Windows Hello. - Click to Do (preview): Enables immediate action on items displayed on the screen using a keyboard shortcut for editing or summarizing content. - Improved Windows Search: Enhanced search capabilities allow natural language queries to locate documents and settings. - Phone Link: Facilitates interaction between Windows PCs and mobile devices for calls, messages, and content sharing. - Widgets: Web developers can create interactive widgets with customization options for lock screen widgets. Additional updates include improvements to File Explorer, accessibility enhancements, and new settings management options for app recommendations. The update for Windows 10 focuses on a fix for Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) and Linux Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) to improve detection of Linux systems. Detailed patch notes and download links are available through the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

I started dual-booting NixOS alongside Windows, and I’m so glad I did

Dual-booting allows users to navigate between Windows and Linux, with NixOS being a notable Linux distribution due to its unique package management system that isolates each package in its own immutable path, preventing dependency conflicts. NixOS uses a single configuration file for system management, enabling atomic changes and easy rollbacks. Users have reported that NixOS provides a streamlined experience compared to Windows, which is often cluttered with advertisements and notifications, and feels sluggish. Daily use of NixOS is described as straightforward and enjoyable, allowing for easy customization and experimentation without the fear of disrupting the system. While some users still rely on Windows for specific applications, NixOS offers a stable and personalized environment that enhances the overall computing experience.

Tech Optimizer

April 29, 2025

Intego Mac Internet Security

PCs were introduced before Apple’s Macintosh, leading to the emergence of PC viruses and the establishment of antivirus companies, with Macintosh protection being less prioritized. Intego focused on Macintosh security from the start, offering Intego Mac Internet Security, which includes a firewall that manages network permissions and defends against external attacks. Intego has been effective against Mac malware, achieving a 99.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Intego's pricing is competitive, with a standard annual fee of .99 for a single license and .99 for three licenses. A five-device subscription costs .99, while the Mac Premium Bundle starts at .99 annually and includes additional features. A 14-day free trial is available, and free alternatives like Avast and AVG are also on the market. Intego supports older macOS versions back to Mavericks (10.9), but the latest version requires High Sierra (10.13) or later. The installation process for Intego is straightforward, requiring a restart and granting necessary permissions. The main interface includes components for updates, firewall, and antivirus, with user-friendly access to scanning options. Intego has received certification from AV-Comparatives and detected 100% of Windows malware samples in tests. Its quick scan takes about two and a half minutes, while a full system scan takes seven minutes. Intego's Safe Browsing feature checks existing browser protections but lacks a dedicated antiphishing solution. The NetBarrier firewall allows users to classify their network and manage traffic permissions effectively, although it may be complex for some users.

Tech Optimizer

April 8, 2025

PostgreSQL Merges Initial Support For NUMA Awareness

The PostgreSQL open-source database server is integrating IO_uring support for asynchronous I/O operations and AVX-512 acceleration for CRC32 computations, potentially improving performance by up to three times. It has also introduced initial support for Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) awareness, aimed at enhancing performance on multi-node and multi-socket servers. This feature is available in the PostgreSQL Git repository ahead of the PostgreSQL 18.0 release scheduled for September and can be enabled with the "--with-libnuma" configuration option, currently limited to Linux systems. Enhancements include pg_shmem_allocations_numa for shared memory allocation insights and pg_buffercache_numa for buffer information across NUMA nodes.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Griffith Observatory recreated in Minecraft. How you can play the map

The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles has launched a free downloadable Minecraft map that allows users to explore its architecture virtually. The map is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems and offers a first-person perspective, featuring art, architecture, and educational exhibits. A scavenger hunt side-quest is included for interactive engagement. The observatory, dedicated in May 1935, underwent renovations and reopened in November 2006. It has been featured in various films and television shows, including "Rebel Without a Cause" and "La La Land."

Winsage

February 22, 2025

5 reasons why Windows isn’t the best OS for productivity

Operating systems significantly influence user interactions with computers, accommodating various preferences. Windows is the most widely used operating system for traditional desktops but has several productivity limitations: 1. Windows installations often come with excessive pre-installed applications (bloatware), unlike macOS and most Linux distributions, which have minimal bloatware. 2. Windows lacks built-in productivity software, requiring users to purchase Microsoft Office or use alternatives, while macOS includes basic applications and Linux offers LibreOffice for free. 3. Windows does not have an integrated local file-sharing solution comparable to Apple's AirDrop, making file transfers between devices more cumbersome. 4. Keyboard and touchpad shortcuts in Windows are less intuitive and consistent compared to macOS, which can hinder productivity for users accustomed to macOS gestures. 5. Windows is a primary target for malware due to its widespread use, leading to a higher risk of system compromise compared to macOS and Linux, which encounter less malware.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

5 reasons you shouldn’t use Windows as a NAS OS

The author transformed a mini PC into a basic Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution using a standard Windows installation. While Windows can work for simple setups, it is generally inefficient for NAS due to its resource usage, lack of native ZFS support, forced updates, complicated Docker and VM management, and clunky remote access. Windows runs unnecessary background services that consume RAM and storage, while dedicated NAS software optimizes performance. Windows does not support ZFS natively, which is beneficial for data integrity and features like compression and encryption. Windows updates can disrupt services due to their unpredictable nature, unlike dedicated NAS systems that allow for scheduled updates. Managing Docker containers or virtual machines is more complex on Windows compared to Linux, which is better suited for these tasks. Remote access on Windows requires cumbersome setups, while Linux offers easier SSH access and web interfaces for management.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

REF7707 Hackers Attacking Windows & Linux Machines Using FINALDRAFT Malware

A hacking campaign named “REF7707” has been targeting Windows and Linux systems with malware families including FINALDRAFT, GUIDLOADER, and PATHLOADER. It originated in late November 2024, when Elastic Security Labs detected alerts from the Foreign Ministry of a South American nation. The attackers used Microsoft’s certutil application to download files and had valid network credentials for lateral movement. FINALDRAFT, a key component of the campaign, exploits the Windows-signed debugger CDB.exe and uses a Scheduled Task for persistence. It employs Microsoft’s Graph API for command and control, utilizing cloud services and domains like support.vmphere[.]com and update.hobiter[.]com. The campaign highlights the need for improved security measures across different operating systems.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

What is Minecraft Minepal mod?

The Minecraft Minepal mod introduces an AI-driven non-player character (NPC) that interacts with players in a lifelike manner, powered by ChatGPT. It supports 55 languages and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, available for free and supporting up to Minecraft version 1.20.4. The NPC can engage in voice chat, assist in constructing structures, accompany players, gather and craft blocks, perform tasks like cooking and repairing, and can be customized in appearance and personality. Installation involves downloading the standalone Minepal application, entering the Minecraft username, specifying the host, selecting the Java version, and launching Minecraft to introduce the NPC into the game.