local storage

Winsage
November 30, 2025
Shopping for a new computer involves focusing on three key components: the processor, storage drive, and RAM. For Windows machines in 2025, 16GB of RAM is the operational minimum for new consumer laptops, while 8GB is sufficient for regular use on MacBooks, although the new MacBook Air M4 starts at 16GB. Chromebooks can operate effectively with 8GB or less. DDR5 is the latest standard for RAM, enhancing data transfer speeds, while DDR6 has been announced but is not yet widely implemented. Most users need 16GB of RAM, but gamers and creative professionals may require 32GB or more for demanding applications. For resource-intensive tasks, 48GB or 64GB may be necessary.
AppWizard
October 24, 2025
A Python-based remote access trojan (RAT) has emerged in the gaming community, disguised as a legitimate Minecraft client named “Nursultan Client.” It uses the Telegram Bot API for command and control, allowing attackers to exfiltrate sensitive data and interact with compromised machines. The malware is packaged with PyInstaller and has a large executable size of 68.5 MB to evade security tools. Upon execution, it hides its console window and presents a fake installation progress bar. Researchers identified the executable with the SHA256 hash 847ef096af4226f657cdd5c8b9c9e2c924d0dbab24bb9804d4b3afaf2ddf5a61. It attempts to create a registry key for persistence but has a flawed startup command. The malware includes a hardcoded Telegram Bot Token (8362039368:AAGj_jyw6oYftV2QQYiYoUslJOmXq6bsAYs) and a restricted list of user IDs (6804277757) for command authorization. It targets Discord authentication tokens and scans local storage and user data directories of major web browsers to extract tokens. Additionally, it features surveillance capabilities like screenshot capture and webcam photography, compiling detailed system profiles.
AppWizard
October 24, 2025
Threat researchers at Netskope have identified a new Remote Access Trojan (RAT) named “Nursultan Client,” disguised as a legitimate application for Minecraft enthusiasts. This malware, developed in Python, uses the Telegram Bot API for command-and-control operations, enabling data exfiltration and persistent access to compromised systems. It was first detected as a 68.5 MB executable compiled with PyInstaller, which is often used for legitimate software but can also bundle malicious scripts. Upon execution, the RAT misleads users with a fake installation progress bar. Its core functionalities operate across Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms, targeting the gaming community through social engineering tactics. The malware contains hardcoded Telegram credentials, allowing attackers to issue commands to infected machines while obscuring their communications. The RAT can execute various commands, including stealing Discord authentication tokens and conducting system reconnaissance. It also offers surveillance capabilities, such as capturing screenshots and webcam images, and has adware functionalities that can open URLs or display pop-up messages. The operation appears to be aimed at lower-tier threat actors, lacking advanced anti-analysis techniques and sophisticated tradecraft. Organizations are advised to monitor encrypted traffic and educate users on software authenticity to mitigate risks.
AppWizard
October 24, 2025
A new Python-based remote-access trojan (RAT) has been discovered, targeting gamers by impersonating the legitimate “Nursultan Client” application used by Eastern European Minecraft players. It utilizes the Telegram Bot API for command-and-control operations, allowing attackers to exfiltrate sensitive data and control systems on Windows, Linux, and macOS. The malware employs deceptive installation screens and manipulates the Windows registry to appear as legitimate software, but its persistence mechanism is flawed, failing to survive system reboots. It contains hardcoded credentials, enabling specific attacker control, and can perform functions like system reconnaissance, data theft, and remote surveillance, particularly targeting Discord authentication tokens. The RAT can capture screenshots and activate webcams, sending this information through the Telegram API, which complicates detection. It also has adware-like features that display URLs and images on victims' systems. Researchers believe this malware is part of a Malware-as-a-Service ecosystem, and its signature is identified as QD:Trojan.GenericKDQ.F8A018F2A0 by Netskope’s Advanced Threat Protection.
Tech Optimizer
October 11, 2025
PlanetScale has launched a managed sharded Postgres service designed for PostgreSQL users, enhancing performance and reliability on AWS or Google Cloud. This service utilizes local NVMe drives for "Unlimited I/O," aiming to reduce latency and improve consistency compared to alternatives like Amazon Aurora and Google Cloud SQL. The company is also developing Neki, a Postgres sharding solution built by the team behind Vitess, which will not initially be open-source. Meanwhile, Sugu Sougoumarane is creating Multigres, a similar clustering solution for Postgres. User feedback on Hacker News indicates a positive reception of the new Postgres service, with reports of improved query performance. PlanetScale has released benchmarks comparing its Postgres service with others and plans to retire its Hobby plan in 2024, moving to paid plans starting at a monthly fee. Additionally, PlanetScale has partnered with Cloudflare to enable deployment of databases from Workers for full-stack applications.
Winsage
October 10, 2025
Microsoft has rolled out a significant update for its Copilot app for Windows 11 users, introducing enhancements such as the Connectors feature and improved Document creation capabilities. Currently, these changes are available only to Windows Insiders using version 1.25095.161.0 and higher, with broader access expected later. A notable update includes the default setting for saving new Word documents to OneDrive when autosave is enabled, raising privacy concerns among users. Additionally, a revamped OneDrive app for Windows 11 is set to launch next year, promising a better user experience for viewing and editing photos.
Winsage
September 5, 2025
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. Before upgrading, users should back up their files to prevent data loss, using either an external drive or OneDrive for cloud storage. To download Windows 11, users can either install it over Windows 10 or perform a clean install using a USB flash drive with the Media Creation Tool. During installation, users can choose to preserve existing files or perform a clean install. For those hesitant to upgrade, continuing with Windows 10 poses security risks, and Linux is suggested as an alternative operating system. User-friendly Linux distributions like Linux Mint or Ubuntu are recommended for newcomers.
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