open-source alternatives Archives

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Winhance is the best free and open-source tool to customize and optimize your Windows 11 install

Winhance is a free, open-source application designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience by allowing users to debloat, optimize, and customize their systems. It originated as a PowerShell script and simplifies the installation and customization process for Windows users. Winhance is compatible with certain long-term servicing channel versions of Windows 10 until support ends in October 2025. The application provides an overview of available applications and features for installation or removal, enabling users to uninstall unnecessary Windows apps like Bing search, Copilot, and Microsoft Edge. It also offers alternative browsers such as Brave and DuckDuckGo. The main interface is intuitive, allowing users to easily identify and remove Microsoft applications. While it includes basic customization options, it lacks some popular open-source alternatives but offers storage and security applications like Proton VPN and Proton Drive. Users can initiate the installation process by selecting desired applications and features, and the removal of unwanted features is straightforward. The efficiency of these operations varies based on the number of items selected, but user feedback indicates a responsive process.

Tech Optimizer

May 2, 2025

15 PostgreSQL Monitoring Tools

PostgreSQL monitoring tools are essential for database administrators to ensure optimal performance, availability, and reliability of databases. They provide real-time insights into performance metrics such as query execution times, CPU usage, memory consumption, and disk I/O, helping identify potential bottlenecks. Popular monitoring solutions include: - **DynaTrace**: AI-powered full-stack monitoring with real-time anomaly detection and performance insights. - **pgAdmin**: Comprehensive management tool with a graphical interface for database design and performance monitoring. - **Paessler PRTG**: All-in-one network monitoring solution with customizable PostgreSQL sensors and real-time tracking. - **Pganalyze**: Offers deep insights, automated query analysis, and visualizations for optimizing database operations. - **Sematext PostgreSQL Monitoring**: Cloud-based monitoring with detailed metrics, anomaly detection, and alerts. - **SolarWinds**: Database performance analyzer providing profound insights and real-time monitoring. - **Nagios**: Open-source system with PostgreSQL plugins for performance tracking and alerting. - **Pgwatch2**: Lightweight monitoring tool offering dashboards and real-time metrics. - **ManageEngine Application Manager**: Full-stack monitoring with detailed PostgreSQL metrics and alerts. - **DataDog**: Cloud-based platform with comprehensive metrics, anomaly detection, and customizable dashboards. - **Prometheus and Grafana**: Open-source stack with powerful query language, alerting, and customizable dashboards. - **PGObserver**: Tool offering detailed performance statistics, historical data analysis, and alerts. - **ClusterControl**: Management tool with monitoring, backups, and performance tuning. - **AppOptics APM**: Application performance monitoring with real-time metrics and anomaly detection. - **AppDynamics**: Enterprise-grade APM tool with advanced monitoring and root-cause analysis. These tools provide unique features tailored to the needs of PostgreSQL database administrators, facilitating real-time monitoring and advanced analytics for maintaining database performance and reliability.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

I tried gaming on Linux — and it’s better (and worse) than you think

The gaming experience on Linux, particularly with Ubuntu, has been positive, with many single-player and co-op games performing well due to compatibility tools like Wine and Steam's Proton. While most Windows games can be played on Linux, limitations exist, particularly for MMORPGs and competitive multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat systems, rendering titles like Fortnite and Valorant unplayable. Some competitive games do offer Linux support, but this is not guaranteed. Additionally, accessory applications for gaming peripherals often lack support on Linux, although open-source alternatives exist. As of 2025, while Linux gaming has improved, significant gaps remain, particularly in compatibility with anti-cheat systems, making it less appealing than Windows for many gamers.

Tech Optimizer

March 28, 2025

Why SQL Server Is Still Worth It — Redmondmag.com

SQL Server Enterprise Edition costs approximately ,000 per CPU core, with an additional 23 percent for Software Assurance. SQL Server provides a mature solution for high availability and backups, integrating seamlessly with Windows Server Failover Clustering. PostgreSQL offers three primary backup methods: SQL dump, file system-level backup (requiring database shutdown), and continuous archiving, with the latter being complex to implement. SQL Server typically offers more integrated features out of the box, such as temporal tables and graph databases, while PostgreSQL requires extensions. SQL Server caches execution plans, which can reduce CPU usage but may lead to suboptimal plans. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) provides a superior user experience compared to PGAdmin. SQLPackage for SQL Server is considered better than available options for PostgreSQL, and the SQL Server community is noted for its support and engagement.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Running Windows 7 in 2025

Windows 7 officially retired on January 14, 2020, but remains in use by some users due to its classic features and lack of built-in advertising. Many users continue to use Windows 7 because of outdated hardware, software compatibility issues, or financial constraints following the end of the free upgrade program in 2023. Users can maintain their Windows 7 installations by decluttering with the built-in Disk Cleanup tool, using Legacy Update for updates, and being cautious while browsing the web. The last compatible version of Google Chrome for Windows 7 is version 109, while Firefox version 115 still receives updates. Alternatives like PaleMoon and eM Client are available for users. Disabling OneDrive and exploring reliable applications like Ghostwriter and Notepad++ can enhance the Windows 7 experience.

Tech Optimizer

February 25, 2025

APAC enterprises shifting towards open source in database strategies

Enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly transitioning from proprietary databases to open-source alternatives, with PostgreSQL being favored due to high licensing costs and vendor dependencies. IT leaders are reassessing database strategies to meet performance, cost, and scalability needs, particularly for applications requiring transactional, analytical, and AI workloads. Hybrid IT models are gaining traction, especially in countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, while Japan and Korea show strong on-premises demand, and India is moving away from legacy systems due to cost pressures. PostgreSQL is evolving to support hybrid IT and emerging workloads, including AI and analytics, with enhancements like lakehouse architecture for managing structured and unstructured data and the introduction of pgvector for AI applications. Data sovereignty regulations are prompting enterprises to deploy PostgreSQL in hybrid cloud environments to balance control and scalability. EDB has developed a hybrid control plane for unified management across on-premises and cloud deployments. Many enterprises are opting for a gradual transition to PostgreSQL due to legacy dependencies and operational risks, often starting with specific use cases before migrating legacy workloads. An example includes an insurance company in Hong Kong that migrated from Oracle to PostgreSQL, achieving reduced costs and improved performance. Successful migration depends on database mobility and application portability, with EDB planning to integrate GPU support and develop tools for faster AI application deployment, with expectations for rollout by the second quarter of 2025.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Upgrade Your Windows 11 Experience with These 10 Free Alternatives to thew Standard Apps

- ImageGlass is a fast and versatile replacement for the default Photos app, supporting various image formats and basic editing tools. - Files App is a modern alternative to File Explorer with features like split tabs, compact views, and smooth navigation. - LibreOffice is a free, open-source office suite that provides alternatives to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. - GIMP is a powerful, open-source image editing tool with advanced features like layer management and color correction. - ShareX, Lightshot, PicPick, and SnipPaste are enhanced screenshot tools offering features like screen recording, annotations, and workflow automation. - ScreenBox is a VLC-based media player with robust format support and a sleek design. - Nora is a modern audio player with dynamic controls, playlist management, and an equalizer. - PDF Gear offers advanced PDF features like annotation, editing, and built-in OCR. - Zen Browser is a privacy-focused web browser built on Firefox, emphasizing security and customization. - Fluid Cast is a dedicated podcast app with offline downloads and progress tracking. - Qalculate! is a versatile calculator supporting basic and complex calculations, while SpeedCrunch is a keyboard-focused calculator for quick calculations.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

6 open-source alternatives to Windows Media Player that are probably better than it

Windows 11 introduces a revamped media player called Windows Media Player, which has a modern interface but may lack certain functionalities, leading users to seek alternatives. Audacious is a straightforward audio library manager with a minimalist design that allows users to import music collections and create playlists, supporting internet streams. MPV is a lightweight video player with a minimalistic interface that supports a wide range of formats and allows drag-and-drop playback, primarily functioning through command-line. SMPlayer provides a user-friendly graphical interface on top of MPV, enhancing usability with features like dual subtitle support and internet streaming, while remaining compatible with various formats and codecs. Clementine offers advanced music management with an intuitive interface that organizes tracks and generates playlists based on listening habits, integrating with internet services for streaming music and radio. MPC-HC is a lightweight media player known for extensive codec support, offering features like subtitle support, playback position saving, and content streaming from platforms like YouTube. VLC Media Player is renowned for its versatility, supporting virtually every audio and video format, including DVD playback, and can search for subtitles online, making it a top choice for media playback across platforms.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

5 open source tools to replace Microsoft apps on Windows

Windows users can find open-source alternatives to Microsoft's applications, which can help avoid subscription fees. 1. Thunderbird: A free, open-source email client from the Mozilla Foundation, it offers features like multiple account support, a unified inbox, advanced filtering, and calendar integration. The latest version, 128, includes a modernized interface called Nebula UI and is available on Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android. 2. Nextcloud: An open-source platform for personal cloud storage and collaboration, allowing users to host their files on personal servers. It offers file storage, syncing, and sharing, but lacks advanced chat or video conferencing features. 3. Joplin: An open-source note-taking application similar to OneNote, supporting multiple themes, Markdown formatting, and tagging. It features end-to-end encryption and a web clipper for Chrome and Edge, though its user interface may feel outdated. 4. Kdenlive: An open-source video editor that supports multi-track editing, various effects, and advanced tools like chroma keying and audio mixing. It is free to use and compatible with many video and audio formats. 5. LibreOffice: A free office suite that includes applications comparable to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It allows users to open, edit, and save Microsoft Office formats, although it lacks mobile versions and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux desktops.

AppWizard

November 19, 2024

Steam Link Android app adds AV1, HDR support

The Steam Link Android app has been updated to support over 500 new Android devices and now includes AV1 video streaming support for high-quality streaming from high-end PCs. The AV1 codec enhances video quality while reducing bandwidth usage, which is beneficial for users with poor network conditions. The update also adds HDR streaming support for Windows users, allowing enhanced 1080p or 4K streaming options. Valve has implemented a settings recommendation system based on network tests to help users optimize their streaming experience. Other improvements include better compatibility with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, resolutions for surround sound issues on Android TV, and the ability to disable low-latency audio. The update is being rolled out, and Steam Link v1.3.12 can be downloaded from official sources, though some Android TV devices may not support AV1 streaming. Users need a capable PC to utilize HDR, AV1, or surround sound audio features. The update also introduces a new Wi-Fi Lock setting to reduce streaming interruptions.