obtaining

Winsage
August 5, 2025
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has been challenging for many users due to Microsoft's strict requirements, including the necessity of a TPM 2.0 chip and other high system specifications. Microsoft has introduced a pop-up notification and a support article to assist users with the upgrade process. Steps for upgrading include checking for updates in Settings, using laptop companion applications for BIOS updates, and searching for driver updates from manufacturers' websites. It is technically possible to install Windows 11 on systems that do not meet the official requirements, but users are advised to proceed with caution due to potential compatibility issues. Microsoft has acknowledged the lack of clear guidance regarding end-of-life notifications and is now providing support initiatives to help users transition to Windows 11.
AppWizard
July 29, 2025
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced recalls for several products due to safety concerns. 1. Winston is recalling approximately 3.6 million HydroTech Expandable Burst-Proof hoses due to reports of bursting, which have caused 29 injuries. These hoses were sold from January 2021 to April 2025 at various retailers. Customers can return the hoses for a refund. 2. Innovative Designs is recalling around 75,900 Minecraft Light-up Slap Ruler Bracelets because the button cell battery is accessible, posing a risk of injury to children. These bracelets were sold at Walmart from March to May 2025. Customers should stop using them and can obtain a refund by contacting the company. 3. Curtis International is recalling about 634,000 Frigidaire-brand Minifridges due to a potential short-circuiting issue that poses a fire risk. There have been 26 reports of these minifridges sparking or catching fire, resulting in smoke inhalation injuries. They were sold from January 2020 to December 2023 at Walmart and Amazon. Owners should stop using them and follow instructions for obtaining a refund.
Winsage
July 25, 2025
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, though many older PCs may not meet compatibility requirements. Flyby11 is a utility that helps users bypass these restrictions by making the system appear as if it is running on Windows Server, thus avoiding checks for processor compatibility, TPM, and Secure Boot. Flyby11 is free but does not guarantee a smooth upgrade experience, and users are advised to back up their data before proceeding. To use Flyby11, users must download and unzip the latest version, check their system's compatibility, and initiate the upgrade process by dragging and dropping a Windows 11 ISO file into the interface. Potential issues include hardware and applications not functioning correctly, persistent notifications about incompatibility, and lack of support from Microsoft for incompatible devices. Users may also miss out on updates, although they can manually retrieve some from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Alternatives to upgrading include purchasing a new PC, continuing to receive Windows 10 updates for another year, or switching to a different operating system like Linux, which is compatible with older hardware.
Winsage
July 12, 2025
A Reddit user shared a story about convincing ChatGPT to generate Windows 7 activation keys by fabricating a narrative about his late grandmother reading them as a lullaby. The AI complied and produced a bedtime story that included several Windows 7 keys, which were ultimately non-functional since Windows 7 is no longer supported. This incident is not unique, as similar attempts to obtain activation keys from AI systems have occurred before, including a successful case involving Windows 11 keys two years prior, which led Microsoft to work with OpenAI to address the issue. Users often employ creative narratives to bypass AI safeguards, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of AI interactions.
AppWizard
July 10, 2025
Blue Archive launched on Steam after four years as a mobile exclusive, quickly gaining over 20,000 concurrent players and more than 10,000 reviews. A controversy arose when it was revealed that the developer organized an in-game event encouraging players to leave reviews on Steam, which violates Steamworks guidelines. Players were promised in-game rewards if the review count reached 10,000, but this event has since been removed. A user pointed out that developers are prohibited from manipulating the review system or soliciting reviews for rewards. Blue Archive is categorized as a tactical RPG with gacha elements, and following its release, Umamusume: Pretty Derby also achieved over 50,000 concurrent players on Steam.
AppWizard
July 9, 2025
A new Android vulnerability named TapTrap allows malicious applications to bypass the operating system's permission system without requiring special permissions. It exploits activity transition animations to mislead users into granting sensitive permissions or executing harmful actions. Researchers from TU Wien analyzed 99,705 applications on the Google Play Store and found that 76.3% are susceptible to this attack. TapTrap uses low-opacity animations (approximately 0.01 alpha) to make sensitive permission dialogs nearly invisible while still registering touch events. The attack can last up to six seconds and can lead to unauthorized access to critical functionalities like the camera and microphone, and even device administrator privileges. TapTrap bypasses existing defenses against tapjacking in Android, affecting popular web browsers as well. A user study showed that all participants failed to detect at least one variant of the attack. As of June 2025, Android 15 remains vulnerable, with no timeline for a comprehensive fix. The vulnerability has been assigned two CVEs, and researchers disclosed their findings to Google in October 2024. They propose solutions to mitigate the risks, including blocking touch events during low-opacity animations and setting an opacity threshold of 0.2.
Tech Optimizer
July 1, 2025
All software is susceptible to security vulnerabilities, but open-source solutions can enhance defenses against cyber threats, according to Jeremy Wilson, CTO for the North America public sector at EDB. He noted that the global community continuously inspects open-source code, leading to fewer issues and quicker resolutions. EDB's PostgreSQL database product is designed for online transaction systems, data warehousing, and analytics, incorporating security enhancements and performance improvements. EDB synchronizes its release cycles with the open-source community and aims to meet regulatory requirements, including obtaining FedRAMP High certification. EDB collaborates with Red Hat to implement security controls and has integrated features like transparent data encryption and APIs to support zero trust cybersecurity initiatives. Wilson acknowledged challenges agencies face when transitioning to open-source solutions, including legacy systems and regulatory compliance hurdles. EDB aims to provide a turnkey enterprise database that simplifies the migration of applications, ensuring compliance with FIPS 140-3 and DISA STIGs.
AppWizard
June 4, 2025
The Chase the Skies Summer Drop update in Minecraft introduces the happy ghast, a cheerful character that can be befriended and ridden. To acquire a happy ghast, players must first craft a dried ghast block using 8 ghast tears and a soul sand block, then waterlog it for 20 minutes to transform it into a ghastling. Afterward, feeding the ghastling snowballs for another 20 minutes will result in a happy ghast.
Tech Optimizer
June 4, 2025
Snowflake is acquiring Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source PostgreSQL technology, to enhance its PostgreSQL database services and bolster its AI Data Cloud platform with the introduction of Snowflake Postgres. This acquisition will provide developers with full PostgreSQL capabilities integrated with governance, security, and operational standards for AI applications. Crunchy Data, founded in 2012, offers products like Crunchy Bridge and has a focus on security and compliance, making it a trusted choice for enterprises. Snowflake plans to integrate Crunchy Data's technology into its offerings, streamlining the lifecycle of enterprise PostgreSQL workloads. The acquisition is estimated to be around 0 million and is pending regulatory approvals. Snowflake aims to support Crunchy Data's existing customers and strengthen ties with the Postgres community.
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