networking Archives

Winsage

March 31, 2025

A New Microsoft Tool Automatically Detects, Diagnoses, and Resolves Boot Issues in Windows

Microsoft has introduced a tool called "Quick Machine Recovery" to address boot failures in Windows devices. This feature automatically detects, diagnoses, and resolves critical system issues that prevent devices from starting correctly. It is currently available in the Windows Insider Preview Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. Quick Machine Recovery aims to reduce downtime by automating the diagnostic and remediation processes, allowing IT administrators to deploy targeted fixes directly to affected devices through the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). Key capabilities include automated remediation based on real-time crash data, admin customization options, and a test mode for simulating recovery processes. The recovery process begins when a device enters Windows RE due to a boot failure, utilizing a network connection to communicate with Microsoft’s recovery services. Future updates are expected to enhance networking configuration support. The feature is enabled by default for Windows 11 Home users, while IT administrators for Pro and Enterprise devices can customize its deployment.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Microsoft’s killing script used to avoid Microsoft Account in Windows 11

Microsoft has removed the 'BypassNRO.cmd' script from the Windows 11 Insider Dev preview build to enhance security and user experience, requiring users to log in with a Microsoft Account during installation. This change reflects Microsoft's ongoing emphasis on using a Microsoft Account since the launch of Windows 11, making it difficult to set up the operating system with a local account. Users previously used the script to bypass this requirement by creating a Registry value that allowed them to proceed without an internet connection. Although the script is no longer available, the BypassNRO Registry value remains intact, and users can still achieve the same outcome by manually modifying the Windows Registry. However, there is a possibility that Microsoft may disable this Registry value in the future.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

Indie Game Festival to debut at Mumbai Comic Con: 40 Indian PC and console games at showcase – The Times of India

The inaugural Indie Game Utsav will take place at the Mumbai Comic Con on April 12-13, 2025, showcasing 40 homegrown PC and console games at the Jio World Convention Centre. Supported by Xbox, Xsolla, and Nodwin Gaming, the festival aims to help indie creators overcome challenges in the industry. PC gaming constitutes 22 percent of India's video game revenue, with a global Steam player base of 132 million. The event will facilitate interactions with international publishers like Krafton, Epic Games, and Devolver Digital, and will include networking events, pitch sessions, and skill-building workshops. Pre-event activities will feature a two-day session by RawFury, workshops by Epic Games, and a Game Maker Mixer. The festival's founder, Avichal Singh, aims to help quality indie games from India achieve success, reflecting the potential demonstrated by titles like Raji: An Ancient Epic.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Malicious Android Apps Evade Detection: McAfee

Cybercriminals are using Microsoft’s .NET MAUI framework to create advanced Android malware that bypasses security measures and compromises user data. A study by McAfee researchers highlights a rise in malicious apps developed with this tool since its introduction in May 2022. These apps often impersonate legitimate applications, particularly from financial institutions, and are distributed through third-party websites or alternative app stores. One example is a counterfeit app mimicking the official IndusInd Bank app, targeting users in India to extract sensitive information. Another variant targets Chinese-speaking users by disguising itself as a social networking service. The malicious apps are designed to be subtle, with harmful code concealed as blob files within the assemblies directory, making detection difficult for antivirus solutions. Hackers use multi-stage dynamic loading, where the Android executable file is loaded in three stages, each encrypted until execution. They also manipulate the AndroidManifest.xml file by adding excessive permissions, complicating analysis and detection. Additionally, attackers replace standard HTTP requests with encrypted TCP socket connections to evade security software. These evolving tactics indicate a potential increase in similar mobile malware threats in the future.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Devious new Android malware uses a Microsoft tool to avoid being spotted

Cybercriminals are using legitimate software tools to create deceptive Android applications that steal sensitive user information. McAfee's findings indicate that hackers are exploiting the .NET MAUI framework to develop sophisticated malware that can evade traditional antivirus detection. The malware uses a multi-stage dynamic loading process, incrementally loading and decrypting code, making it difficult for security software to identify the applications' true nature. Hackers add extraneous settings and permissions to confuse security scanners and use encrypted communications for data transmission instead of standard internet requests. These malicious applications are not found in reputable app stores like Google Play but are distributed through unofficial app stores, often accessed via phishing links. Examples include a counterfeit banking app and a fraudulent social networking service targeting the Chinese-speaking community. The main goal of these apps is to secretly extract user data and send it to the attackers' servers. Users are advised to download apps only from official repositories and to be cautious by reviewing user feedback before installation.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Learn how the Windows Server 2025 editions differ

Microsoft is set to release Windows Server 2025 in November 2024, featuring several editions: Essentials, Standard, Datacenter, and Datacenter Azure. Windows Server Essentials is limited to servers with a single CPU and fewer than 10 cores and can only be obtained through hardware OEMs. The Standard edition allows Hyper-V licensing for up to two virtual machines, while the Datacenter edition has no such limits and offers more flexibility with disaster recovery features. The Datacenter Azure edition is optimized for the cloud and receives annual updates. The hardware requirements for Windows Server 2025 include a minimum 64-bit CPU at 1.4 GHz, support for various instructions, and the ability to accommodate up to 2,048 logical processors. The minimum memory requirement is 512 MB, with 2 GB recommended for optimal performance. Storage requirements suggest at least 64 GB for better performance, especially with Desktop Experience, and a Gigabit Ethernet adapter is necessary for networking. Several features have been deprecated in Windows Server 2025, including Computer Browser, Failover Clustering Cluster Sets, and NTLM, among others. Completely removed features include IIS 6 Management Console, NTLMv1, and Windows PowerShell 2.0 Engine. Organizations planning to migrate to Windows Server 2025 must ensure their hardware meets the minimum requirements and can perform an in-place upgrade if currently using Windows Server 2012 R2 or newer. Testing in a lab environment and backing up servers before migration are recommended steps.

Tech Optimizer

March 18, 2025

Use pgactive for rolling major version upgrades in Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL

pgactive enables rolling major version upgrades for Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL, allowing for a smoother transition with reduced impact on applications. Amazon RDS supports both minor and major version upgrades, with minor upgrades being backward-compatible and major upgrades introducing non-backward-compatible features. Downtime during minor upgrades can be minimized using Amazon RDS Proxy or PgBouncer. For major upgrades, a blue/green deployment option is available, which involves provisioning a new DB instance and validating the upgrade. The pgactive extension allows for active-active replication, enabling all nodes to handle read and write operations simultaneously. It includes features like conflict detection and resolution. Key benefits of using pgactive for database upgrades include multi-tenant support, minimal downtime, and seamless rollback capabilities. To perform a major version upgrade using pgactive, the process involves setting up source and target databases, configuring pgactive parameters, and verifying data replication. Specific commands are provided for creating and modifying databases, setting up user mappings, and initializing the replication group. Limitations of pgactive include handling sequences, materialized views, DDL replication, existing logical replication, and tables without primary keys. Monitoring replication lag is crucial for diagnosing potential issues, and alerts should be set up for active status and pending WAL files. In case of a rollback, the application can be pointed back to the old primary database. After the upgrade, resources should be cleaned up to avoid incurring charges.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Streamline your Windows 11 upgrade with these versatile yet compact mini PCs

The end-of-support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, prompting businesses to upgrade to Windows 11 to maintain security and functionality. MSI offers commercial desktops optimized for Windows 11, featuring powerful processors and enhanced security. Selected models come with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, which includes IT management tools and improved productivity features, such as faster multitasking and better malware resilience. MSI's desktops, including the compact MSI Cubi NUC and the MSI Pro DP21 14MQ, provide extensive connectivity options and commercial-grade security features. These systems are designed to meet various business needs and enhance productivity while ensuring data protection.

AppWizard

March 16, 2025

New messaging app hopes to get travellers to fill idle time on flights by talking to others

Wingle is a mobile application that enables passengers to communicate with each other during flights without needing an internet connection, utilizing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The app allows users to send messages and book airport lounge services, and it was launched in Europe in July 2024, with a global rollout planned for January 2025. It has attracted over 20,000 active users, primarily from Europe. Users create profiles that include personal information and a personality diagram, and conversations are temporary, disappearing after the flight. Wingle generates revenue through commissions from booking services, and its reception has been mixed, with some users appreciating the opportunity for social interaction, while others express concerns about privacy and potential misuse.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Pocket Gamer Connects offers complimentary tickets to job seekers for San Francisco 2025 conference

Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) is offering a limited number of complimentary tickets to job seekers for its conference in San Francisco on March 17 - 18, 2025. The initiative aims to support both experienced professionals and newcomers in the gaming industry by facilitating networking and career development opportunities. The event will feature talks, panels, roundtable discussions, networking with over 750 professionals, an indie pitching competition, and other activities. Interested candidates should complete the application form promptly due to the limited availability of tickets.