monitoring Archives

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

I built a PiKVM to control my PC remotely, and it’s a game-changer

The PiKVM project allows users to control a desktop or server remotely using a Raspberry Pi 4B and an HDMI-CSI bridge adapter, providing comprehensive keyboard, video, and mouse control even during reboots. It offers browser-based access to the PC's screen in real-time, enabling actions like force shutdowns, BIOS access, and operating system reinstallation, independent of the host system's operating system. The setup captures HDMI output and simulates USB input, functioning in scenarios like BIOS or crash screens. Essential components for building a PiKVM include a Raspberry Pi 4B, an HDMI-to-CSI bridge adapter, a microSD card, USB cables, an official power supply, and the latest PiKVM OS image. The setup process involves writing the OS image to the SD card, connecting the hardware, and accessing the web interface for remote control. PiKVM is beneficial for tasks such as troubleshooting boot sequences, configuring BIOS settings, and monitoring system status without physical interaction.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Microsoft Windows Firewall complains about Microsoft code

A recent update to Windows 11 24H2 has caused confusion among users due to a "under development" code disrupting the Windows Firewall, following the installation of the June 2025 non-security preview update. An error logged in the Event Viewer states 'Config Read Failed' with 'More data is available,' appearing every time the device restarts. Microsoft has confirmed that these logs do not indicate a real problem with the Windows Firewall and can be ignored, as the firewall is expected to function normally. The issue is linked to an unfinished feature, and while it complicates device health monitoring, it does not significantly disrupt operations. Microsoft is working on a fix but has not provided a timeline for resolution.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Patch Chaos: Windows 11 Update Breaks PDF Printing

A Windows update in April 2025 caused the "Microsoft Print to PDF" function to disappear from Windows 11 24H2 systems, resulting in error 0x800f0922 when users attempted to reactivate it. Microsoft released cumulative update KB5060829 as a potential fix, available only through optional updates. Users can also try to manually reinstall the feature via the "Optional Features" window or PowerShell commands, though the error may persist. Previous updates had also caused issues with USB printers and delays in security patches. IT teams must carefully plan and test updates due to the potential for complications.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Austria wants to let police and prosecutors break into suspects’ messenger apps

Austrian authorities are planning to enhance surveillance capabilities, allowing prosecutors and police to monitor encrypted communications of suspects, primarily to combat terrorism. This initiative, proposed by Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, is supported by public prosecutors and the federal criminal police, following a school shooting in Graz that claimed ten lives. The proposal includes a "federal trojan" software tool for monitoring social media and messaging platforms. However, it has faced opposition from NGOs and political parties, particularly regarding the expansion of surveillance beyond terrorism to include ordinary crimes. Justice Minister Anna Sporrer stated there are no immediate plans for such an expansion, but future discussions may occur after a trial phase. Opposition figures have criticized the proposal as a significant shift in surveillance policy.

Tech Optimizer

July 1, 2025

Avast or Bitdefender? The Free Antivirus Battle You Need to Know About

Avast and Bitdefender are prominent cybersecurity firms known for their high-quality free antivirus solutions. Bitdefender: - Excellent protection in the free version. - Simple installation and use. - Lightweight and fast performance. - Provides both definition-based and behavioral protection. - Protects against viruses, spyware, ransomware, Trojans, and phishing. - Requires users to create a free account before installation. - Includes anti-phishing and anti-fraud features. - Offers yearly version releases and continual updates. Avast: - Excellent free protection. - High-quality protection against various threats. - Clean interface with smooth performance. - Provides definition-based and behavioral protection. - Protects against viruses, spyware, ransomware, Trojans, and phishing. - Installation is quick and unobtrusive. - Offers additional features like a password vault and Wi-Fi protection. - Provides yearly version releases and continual updates. Both antivirus solutions are compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, and they do not rely on static versions, ensuring continuous enhancements and current virus definitions.

Tech Optimizer

July 1, 2025

Fluent Commerce’s approach to near-zero downtime Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL upgrade at 32 TB scale using snapshots and AWS DMS ongoing replication

Fluent Commerce utilizes Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition as its OLTP database engine to manage complex customer search queries. The company migrated to AWS Graviton instances to enhance performance and cost-efficiency, requiring a major version upgrade from Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible 10.14 to 12.4 or higher. The migration involved upgrading over 350 production databases, some as large as 32 TB, using AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) and various upgrade strategies to minimize downtime. The migration process included configuring replication slots, creating snapshots, and validating data between source and target databases. AWS DMS was chosen for its cost-effectiveness, seamless integration with AWS services, and capabilities for ongoing data replication with minimal downtime. The cutover process involved updating application configurations, managing sequence numbers, and ensuring optimal performance through vacuuming and analyzing tables.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Steam’s new performance overlay feature will help you monitor how your games are running

Valve has released an update to the Steam Client that includes a performance monitoring overlay for enhanced gaming experience. This overlay provides comprehensive analysis of game performance, displaying FPS values and differentiating between frames generated by technologies like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). Players can select from four monitoring levels: Single FPS Value, FPS Details, CPU & GPU Utilization, and FPS, CPU, GPU, and RAM. The overlay shows minimum and maximum frame values, graphical representation of frame rates, and insights into CPU, GPU, and memory usage. It appears at the bottom of the screen and can be customized in real-time for color saturation, text size, and background opacity. Users can visualize CPU utilization per core and track FPS trends. To activate the overlay, users navigate to Settings > In Game and adjust the Performance Overlay section, where they can reposition it and assign a hotkey. Valve plans to enhance the overlay with additional data to identify hardware performance issues and provide a broader summary of game performance.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Microsoft’s free updates for Windows 10 draw criticism

Microsoft's initiatives to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 have faced criticism from privacy advocates regarding the environmental impact of obsolete PCs. The company announced that the first year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) would be free for individual consumers, but users must either sync their settings to the cloud or redeem Microsoft Rewards points to qualify. Lucas Rockett Gutterman from PIRG criticized the limited options, noting that many Windows 10 PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11. While Microsoft has made some concessions, such as affordable pricing for schools, it has not committed to extending support for Windows 10 or easing hardware requirements for Windows 11. In 2023, PIRG petitioned Microsoft to extend Windows 10's life, as support for many editions ends in October 2025. Commercial customers will still incur fees for ESU, which are expected to increase in subsequent years. ControlUp's Windows 11 Readiness Report indicates that 50 percent of enterprise Windows endpoints have not migrated to Windows 11, a decrease from over 82 percent the previous year. Migration rates vary by sector, with healthcare lagging behind.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

7 tools I use to customize my Windows 11 desktop

Microsoft Windows has a range of customization features, with third-party utilities emerging to restore lost functionalities and enhance user personalization. - Wallpaper Engine: Offers motion-reactive wallpapers and allows users to create dynamic backgrounds; available on Steam for a one-time purchase. - Rainmeter: A utility for creating desktop widgets that display system performance metrics; can be integrated with HWInfo for detailed monitoring. - Nexus Dock: A Mac-style desktop dock alternative that enhances desktop organization; available in free and Ultimate editions with various themes. - Translucent Taskbar: A lightweight utility that adds translucency to the Windows taskbar, allowing dynamic appearance changes based on user activity. - Custom Pointers: Users can enhance their experience with creative cursor designs available online, particularly on DeviantArt. - Tabbed Navigation for Windows: Stardock's Groupy 2 allows users to group applications into a tabbed interface, improving workflow; available for a one-time fee. - Hiding Your Icons: Users can hide desktop icons for a minimalist workspace, with a macro option for quick access. These third-party applications provide tools for users to tailor their Windows experience, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here’s what they came up with, and more

In the digital landscape, online activities are monitored, leading to targeted advertising, scams, and privacy breaches. Individuals can enhance their digital security through various tools, including VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services. VPNs protect internet traffic through encryption, with options like Mo Harber-Lamond at .91/month, Surfshark starting at .99/month, and ExpressVPN from .99/month. Antivirus software, such as Amber Bouman at .17/month, Norton 360 Deluxe from .17/month, and Malwarebytes Plus from .81/month, defends against malware and phishing. Password managers like Amber Bouman at .99/month, Bitwarden (free), and NordPass from .29/month help secure passwords. Secure browsers include George Phillips (free), Vivaldi (free), and Tor (free), which prioritize user privacy. Encrypted messaging apps like George Phillips (free), Session (free), and Threema (one-time payment) enhance communication security. Data removal services, such as Mo Harber-Lamond at .29/month, Optery from .99/month, and PrivacyBee from .99/month, help reduce personal data exposure. Budget-friendly options for privacy tools can be assembled for under /month, while premium bundles can cost around /month. The highest privacy-focused bundle totals /month, featuring Mullvad VPN, Proton Pass, Tor, and Session. Mobile privacy protection can be achieved for .01/month with NordVPN and Bitdefender Mobile Security. The Proton Unlimited bundle, priced at .99/month, offers an all-in-one solution with various encrypted services.