practices

Tech Optimizer
April 2, 2025
PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system known for its extensibility, which allows developers to enhance its capabilities through various extensions and plugins. The pgstattuple extension provides detailed statistics at the tuple level from PostgreSQL tables and indexes, revealing key metrics such as the number of live tuples, dead tuples, average length of live tuples, total free space, and percentages of free space and dead tuples. These metrics help database administrators identify potential health and performance issues, such as excessive table bloat or index fragmentation. Both Amazon Aurora and Amazon RDS support the pgstattuple extension, which can be activated using the command CREATE EXTENSION pgstattuple;. Functions like pgstattuple(relation) and pgstatindex(index) can be used to analyze physical storage and index statistics. Bloat occurs when unused space is left behind after UPDATE and DELETE operations, and the autovacuum process in PostgreSQL automates the cleanup of dead tuples. However, if autovacuum fails, manual intervention may be necessary. Regular monitoring of bloat is essential for maintaining performance, and metrics from pgstattuple can help optimize autovacuum settings. The pg_cron extension can automate VACUUM operations to manage bloat proactively. Index bloat can also be detected using pgstatindex, and significantly bloated indexes can be rebuilt using REINDEX or pg_repack. Best practices for using pgstattuple include estimating bloat with check_postgres, analyzing physical storage, monitoring dead_tuple_percent, and avoiding interference on highly active tables.
Tech Optimizer
March 31, 2025
A new malware strain called CoffeeLoader has been identified, posing a significant risk to gamers by masquerading as a legitimate ASUS utility, specifically the Armoury Crate software. Once it infiltrates a system, it deploys the Rhadamanthys infostealer, which can extract sensitive information such as credentials from web browsers, email clients, cryptocurrency wallets, and password managers. CoffeeLoader evades detection by most security tools by operating on the GPU instead of the CPU and using advanced techniques like call stack spoofing, sleep obfuscation, and exploiting Windows fibers. To protect against CoffeeLoader, users should exercise caution when downloading software, navigate directly to official websites, avoid suspicious links, and adhere to basic cybersecurity practices. If infection is suspected, users should disconnect from the internet, reboot in safe mode, delete temporary files, and check Task Manager for unusual activity. Employing a reliable malware scanner can help identify and eliminate infections.
Tech Optimizer
March 31, 2025
McAfee is offering a two-year subscription to its Total Protection service for a reduced price of .99, down from 9.98. This service secures up to five devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Key features include AI-powered antivirus protection, a VPN for private browsing, web protection against harmful sites, identity theft protection, personalized security education, a password manager, personal data exposure protection, and credit monitoring services.
AppWizard
March 31, 2025
Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of sustainability as a core component of their operational strategies. Organizations are adopting innovative approaches to reduce carbon footprints, including investing in renewable energy sources, scrutinizing supply chains for responsible sourcing, and implementing circular economy principles to minimize waste. The integration of sustainability into corporate culture enhances employee engagement and productivity. Investors are considering sustainability practices as key indicators of long-term viability, holding companies accountable for their environmental impact. Businesses embracing sustainability are positioning themselves as industry leaders and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Winsage
March 30, 2025
Windows has evolved through various versions, creating a strong connection among users. Bugs can arise from updates, driver issues, or upgrades, and it is often advised to avoid upgrades in favor of fresh installations. Corrupted registry files and mislabelled directories can lead to resource consumption by background programs. A dual-storage drive system is recommended, designating a fast drive for the OS and a slower drive for media and backups, facilitating easier reinstallation. This setup encourages robust backup practices and helps maintain system integrity. Windows Defender is highlighted as an effective antivirus solution, and preparation for installation, including having necessary drivers on a USB stick, is crucial. A proactive approach to system maintenance can enhance the Windows experience.
Tech Optimizer
March 28, 2025
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.
AppWizard
March 28, 2025
Tourism New Zealand has launched a collaboration with Warner Bros., Mojang Studios, and Māori game developers to create a Minecraft campaign celebrating Māori culture and promoting tourism. The campaign, which began on March 24, 2025, features a free downloadable content (DLC) pack that allows players to explore six iconic locations in New Zealand, aiming to inspire real-world travel and generate significant visitor spending. The DLC includes locations such as Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, and Kāpiti Island, and incorporates activities that reflect real-life experiences. Piki Studios, the Māori game design studio behind the DLC, emphasized the importance of accurately representing Māori culture. The initiative aligns with Tourism New Zealand's strategy to promote the country as a year-round destination and is linked to the upcoming release of ‘A Minecraft Movie’.
AppWizard
March 28, 2025
Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat with high-ranking White House officials, highlighting the complexities of secure messaging applications. Signal is known for its robust end-to-end encryption and open-source nature, which allows for independent security audits. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, also uses end-to-end encryption but raises privacy concerns due to its corporate ties. Telegram offers cloud-based messaging with optional end-to-end encryption for "Secret Chats," but its standard chats lack the same level of security as Signal or WhatsApp. The incident underscores the importance of understanding the security features and vulnerabilities of different messaging platforms.
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