migration Archives

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How I virtualized my Windows 11 PC using Disk2vhd and VirtualBox

Virtualization technology allows users to create a virtualized instance of their primary operating system using tools like Disk2vhd and VirtualBox. Disk2vhd is a free utility that converts storage drives into .vhd files for Physical to Virtual migration of Windows 11. The process involves downloading Disk2vhd, running it with administrator privileges, selecting drives, and creating the .vhd file while disabling the Use vhdx and Prepare for use in virtual PC options, but enabling Use Volume Shadow Copy for external drives. To deploy a virtual machine in VirtualBox, users must ensure CPU virtualization is enabled in the BIOS, install VirtualBox, and create a new VM by specifying its name, storage folder, type as Microsoft Windows, and version as Windows 11 (64-bit). Users then allocate memory and processors, select the option to use an existing virtual hard disk, browse for the .vhd file, and finish the setup. Once the VM is deployed, it should boot into the Windows 11 environment. If it loads the recovery environment, users can follow prompts to repair the system. However, running Windows 11 in a VM may lead to performance issues unless the host system has a high-end processor and sufficient RAM and CPU cores allocated. This project allows experimentation with the daily driver without risking its integrity.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to add Control Panel to the context menu in Windows 11

Microsoft is phasing out the classic Control Panel in favor of the modern Settings app, but the Control Panel remains available for compatibility reasons. Users can add the Control Panel to the context menu in Windows 11 by modifying the Windows Registry. The steps include opening the Registry Editor, navigating to HKEYCLASSESROOTDirectoryBackgroundshell, creating a new key named Control Panel, and adding a command to launch it. After completing these steps, the Control Panel option will appear in the context menu, accessible from the desktop or File Explorer. Some settings are exclusive to the Control Panel, making it useful for managing files and folders.

Tech Optimizer

December 17, 2024

Top PostgreSQL Tools for Developers and Administrators

PostgreSQL is utilized by over 48,000 companies, holding a market share of 17.33%. It is known for its robust architecture and advanced features, prompting users to seek various tools for enhanced productivity and database management. The top PostgreSQL GUI tools include: 1. **pgAdmin**: Official tool for database administration, compatible with major OS, with features for SQL scripts, database management, and server performance monitoring. 2. **DBeaver**: Universal database tool supporting around 80 databases, facilitating data editing, navigation, and report generation. 3. **Navicat**: User-friendly tool for managing PostgreSQL servers, creating queries, and analyzing data. 4. **TablePlus**: Modern tool with inline editing, advanced filters, and dashboard creation capabilities. 5. **DataGrip**: Intelligent query console with automatic code completion and bug detection features. 6. **Beekeeper Studio**: Online tool with a spreadsheet interface and robust security features, allowing multiple tabs and SQL query saving. 7. **dbForge Studio for MySQL**: Tool for database development, supporting various platforms and facilitating query creation. 8. **DbVisualizer**: Preferred tool for database navigation and SQL editing, used by organizations like Tesla and NASA. 9. **OmniDB**: Lightweight, open-source tool with an interactive interface and SSH tunnel security. 10. **Postico**: Mac-specific tool for data exploration and analysis. 11. **HeidiSQL**: Free tool for comprehensive data editing and structure management. 12. **Adminer**: PHP-based tool for easy deployment and enhanced security. 13. **PostgreSQL Data Wizard**: Supports multiple file formats for data export and manipulation. 14. **PostgreSQL PHP Generator**: Facilitates rapid web application development without coding. 15. **MySQL Workbench**: Unified tool for SQL development and data modeling, supporting migration. 16. **ClusterControl**: Monitoring tool for automating PostgreSQL management and security. 17. **Convertdb For PostgreSQL**: Cross-database tool for data migration and synchronization. 18. **Luna Modeler**: Tool for database design and SQL script generation. 19. **DronaHQ**: Low-code tool builder for front-end applications connecting to PostgreSQL. 20. **dbForge Data Compare for PostgreSQL**: Tool for comparing table data and managing inconsistencies.

Tech Optimizer

December 12, 2024

Quest Software Accelerates PostgreSQL Adoption with New Monitoring and Migration Solutions

Quest Software has introduced two updates to enhance PostgreSQL adoption: 1. Foglight® with the Performance Investigator for PostgreSQL add-on, which provides database observability and advanced workload analysis to improve performance monitoring. 2. SharePlex®, a data replication and migration tool that now supports synchronization among PostgreSQL 17.0, Oracle 23ai, MariaDB 11.4.2, Google AlloyDB, and Google AlloyDB Omni, facilitating smooth data migrations and real-time synchronization. These solutions aim to optimize PostgreSQL performance, reduce migration risks, and support organizations in leveraging modern database platforms effectively.

Tech Optimizer

December 12, 2024

New Quest Software updates help accelerate enterprise adoption of PostgreSQL

Quest Software Inc. has released two updates to support the adoption of PostgreSQL. The first update, Foglight with the Performance Investigator for PostgreSQL add-on, enhances database observability and performance optimization, allowing administrators to analyze workloads, identify inefficient queries, and resolve resource issues. Foglight provides a unified view across multiple database environments, essential for managing complex multicloud or hybrid landscapes. The second update, SharePlex, offers robust data replication and migration capabilities for PostgreSQL 17.0, Oracle 23ai, MariaDB 11.4.2, and Google AlloyDB, ensuring real-time data synchronization and minimizing disruption during migrations. SharePlex includes "Compare and Repair" features to address data discrepancies and allows parallel operation of legacy systems with PostgreSQL for phased transitions. Quest Software has been owned by private equity firm Clearlake since 2021.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Sony says there’s no “major risk” of players choosing PC gaming over a PS5, even if the PS5 Pro is $700 and the base console got a price hike in some regions

Sony expressed confidence in the enduring appeal of the PlayStation 5 during a recent shareholders' Q&A, despite a price adjustment for the PS5 in Japan and the introduction of the pricier PS5 Pro. They noted that the PS5 is in the latter half of its console cycle, with an increasing library of exclusive titles. There was a reported dip in PS5 sales following a price hike, which coincided with a rise in Xbox sales. However, Sony remains optimistic about player loyalty, as evidenced by reports of scalpers selling limited-edition bundles for high prices. The company is focused on enhancing the PlayStation experience with exclusive games and features.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Windows 10 support is ending. Why should you upgrade to Windows 11 now?

Date of the online workshop: December 20, 2024 Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Format: Online Webinar Key topics covered in the webinar: - Assessing technical devices for Windows 11 Pro deployment - Increasing competitive edge with performance and AI-enhanced features in Windows 11 Pro - Simplifying deployment for a smooth transition to Windows 11 Pro Reported benefits of Windows 11 Pro: - 58% drop in security incidents with new devices - 42% faster completion of demanding workloads on average - 62% drop in security incidents due to hardware-backed protection - 25% faster deployment of modern Windows 11 Pro PCs - All-day battery life and accelerated performance options available Speaker: Rajesh Sharma, Commercial Master Trainer at Microsoft Quote from Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President, Consumer, CMO, Microsoft: “With the Windows 10 End of Support moment, now is the time to move to Windows 11 with confidence.” Testimonial from Thomas Kaiser, Technical Lead, IT at Klöckner Pentaplast: Migration to Windows 11 has significantly reduced the time required for PC upgrades.

Tech Optimizer

December 10, 2024

How Firmex used AWS SCT and AWS DMS to move 65,000 on-premises Microsoft SQL Server databases to an Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL cluster

Firmex is a provider of Virtual Data Rooms, opening over 20,000 new rooms annually and focusing on security and availability for clients during due diligence processes. The company previously managed around 65,000 databases across four Microsoft SQL Servers but faced challenges related to database limits, backups, and licensing terms. In 2020, engineers recognized they were nearing the maximum database limit and shifted from a database-based isolation model to a schema-based isolation approach using PostgreSQL. This transition involved collaboration with AWS to utilize Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition, which offered better performance and cost-effectiveness. The migration process required extensive work, including converting stored procedures and addressing data migration challenges such as endpoint and task limits with AWS DMS. Firmex's engineers developed custom tooling to manage the migration effectively, ensuring minimal downtime for customers. Post-migration, they have seen improved performance and reduced operating costs, with ongoing efforts to optimize their PostgreSQL utilization further.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

The Countdown to Windows 10 End of Life: What IT Teams Need to Know

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available for a maximum of three years at approximately per device. Windows 10 is currently the most targeted among older Windows operating systems, facing high-severity vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct an asset audit, evaluate ESUs, migrate critical systems to the cloud, and establish a decommission plan for legacy systems. Morphisec offers a lightweight security solution for legacy systems, utilizing Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) technology to protect against advanced threats without the need for updates or internet connectivity.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Microsoft Edge is getting really faster on Windows 11. Menus, elements load instantly

Microsoft Edge has introduced WebUI 2.0, a new framework that improves the browser's speed and responsiveness by addressing performance issues related to JavaScript and code sharing. The migration to WebUI 2.0 is ongoing, with some settings already transitioned. The Browser Essentials feature now loads 42% faster, and the Favorites bar has a 40% increase in loading speed. The msInlineComposeWebUI feature has significantly reduced loading time, allowing the Copilot compose box to open almost instantly. The msPdfWebui2 feature also shows improved launch speed. Microsoft is gradually integrating these components into Edge, with many still not in the stable version. The company is seeking user feedback for future updates and is experimenting with methods to streamline the user experience by decluttering the interface.