production Archives

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Missed Windows 11 Secure Boot? Don’t panic, Microsoft is still pushing it in the coming months

Microsoft reassured Windows 11 and Windows 10 users that their PCs will continue to boot normally and receive updates even if they have not yet received the new Secure Boot 2023 certificates. The rollout of these certificates is expected to continue over the upcoming months. The initial Secure Boot certificate expired on June 24, 2026, and Microsoft has been replacing older 2011 certificates since 2024. The latest update, KB5101650, transitioned Windows 11 to OS builds 26200.8875 and 26100.8875 for versions 25H2 and 24H2, respectively. The 2023 certificates replace older certificates with modern cryptographic standards, allowing Microsoft to deliver DBX revocation updates without interruption. Devices using the 2011 KEK can only receive DBX updates signed with that key, which is no longer valid after June 24. Microsoft has been rolling out the 2023 certificates for the past two years, and many devices remained in a yellow or red status by the June deadline. To check Secure Boot status, users can navigate to Windows Security > Device Security. A green checkmark indicates successful application of the certificates, while yellow and red alerts indicate compatibility issues or firmware incompatibility. PCs that are older or operating in Legacy BIOS mode will not receive the updates. Windows 10 also receives Secure Boot updates, but enrollment in Extended Security Updates (ESU) is required.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

AI taught to design efficient farms in Minecraft – mathematical modeling and constraints are used

The emergence of virtual assistants in gaming, particularly in agricultural simulation within Minecraft, enhances the gaming experience by providing players with instructions and explanations for farming tasks. A developer named Serranegra has created an AI tool that optimizes farm construction by generating an optimal arrangement of blocks based on player input regarding terrain and desired crops. For example, the AI's solution for sugarcane cultivation increases yield from 54 to 61 units while improving land utilization from 66.7% to 75.3%, representing a 13% efficiency increase. However, the tool's benefits vary by crop, with negligible gains for some, such as cacti and wheat. Serranegra has made the source code of the "optifarm" project publicly available on GitHub for collaboration.

Tech Optimizer

July 28, 2026

Migrate self-managed PostgreSQL to Amazon RDS using the RDS console

Running PostgreSQL on Amazon EC2 requires users to manage operational tasks such as patching, backups, and security. Migrating to Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL or Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition offers a fully managed service that automates these tasks, allowing development teams to focus on application development. The migration process uses the auto-migration feature in the Amazon RDS console, supported by AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS), which facilitates PostgreSQL-to-PostgreSQL migrations using native tools for accurate schema mapping and faster migration. The migration can be executed using various methods, including pg_dump/pg_restore, manual AWS DMS tasks, or third-party tools, with the RDS console approach being preferred for its reliability and minimal setup effort. AWS DMS supports three replication modes: full load, CDC only, and full load + CDC, with the migration duration depending on database size and network throughput. Prerequisites for migration include having a source PostgreSQL 10.4+ on Amazon EC2, a target RDS for PostgreSQL or Aurora PostgreSQL, proper IAM roles, stored credentials in Secrets Manager, and appropriate networking configurations. Considerations include unsupported objects, potential issues with sequence values, and the need to avoid schema changes during CDC. The migration involves preparing the source database, creating necessary users and permissions, and executing the migration through the RDS console. Post-migration, it is essential to verify data integrity, optimize performance by updating statistics and rebuilding indexes, and implement security best practices such as disabling the DMS user and enforcing SSL/TLS connections. Common troubleshooting errors during migration include permission issues, incorrect WAL levels, and connection refusals, each with specific resolutions. Finally, to avoid ongoing charges, it is recommended to clean up resources created during the migration process, including deleting the DMS migration task, logical replication publications, Secrets Manager secrets, and the target RDS/Aurora instance.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Ubisoft is Providing Free PC Copies of 13 Games to Players Who Own Them on Xbox

Ubisoft and Xbox have partnered to allow Xbox players who own select Ubisoft titles on console to obtain free copies for their PC. This offer includes titles like Assassin’s Creed, The Crew 2, and Watch Dogs Legion, but is limited to digitally purchased games. Users must log into Ubisoft Connect with the same account linked to their Xbox to access the free PC games. The offer does not apply to PC players receiving Xbox versions of Ubisoft games. Players can access nearly all add-on content and expansions they owned on consoles, except consumable items and in-game currencies. The current selection includes titles such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Far Cry 6, among others. There is no time limit on the offer, and it is unclear if the partnership will expand to include more titles in the future.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

EA is ‘a hedge fund with a videogame hobby,’ former Dragon Age boss says, and that’s why he reckons the series is probably dead and buried

Electronic Arts (EA) has decided to stop development of the Dragon Age RPG series due to the poor sales performance of the latest installment, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This decision puts BioWare in a difficult position, and former executive producer Mark Darrah believes it may signify the end of the series. Darrah described EA's approach to game development as challenging, likening it to a "hedge fund with a videogame hobby." EA is facing financial pressures, including a potential takeover by Saudi Arabia, which raises concerns about the future of its game titles. While Dragon Age's future is uncertain, a new Mass Effect installment is in development. Former BioWare writer David Gaider noted that EA has historically struggled to understand the Dragon Age series, often dismissing its successes.

Winsage

July 27, 2026

New Certighost PoC exploit lets attackers hijack Windows domains

A proof-of-concept exploit for the "Certighost" vulnerability (CVE-2026-54121) has been released, affecting Windows Active Directory Certificate Services. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to compromise a Windows domain by manipulating machine account attributes to obtain certificates from AD CS, enabling them to authenticate as that machine or even as a domain controller. The flaw was reported to Microsoft on May 14, 2026, and addressed in the July 2026 Patch Tuesday updates. The vulnerability exploits a fallback mechanism in AD CS during certificate enrollment requests, allowing attackers to direct the Certification Authority to their controlled systems. The researchers demonstrated that a low-privileged user could create a machine account and use it to impersonate a domain controller, leading to potential domain compromise. Microsoft has added validation to the chase process in the July updates to prevent this exploitation. For those unable to install the updates, a temporary workaround involves disabling the chase fallback, though this has not been extensively tested.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

Rockstar co-founder says ‘I don’t know if I personally care’ if games release on disc, adds ‘I love physical media’

The installation of World of Warcraft on a family laptop required multiple discs, reflecting a time when gaming relied heavily on physical media. Today, the gaming industry has shifted towards digital formats, with major companies like PlayStation phasing out disc production. Industry figures such as Ubisoft's Yves Guillemot and Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser have commented on this transition, with Houser noting the benefits of digital distribution, including the ability to update games post-launch. Grand Theft Auto writer Jeffrey Crawford "Lazlow" Jones expressed nostalgia for physical discs while also valuing the convenience of digital downloads. The ongoing discussion about physical versus digital gaming highlights a cultural shift in entertainment engagement.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Ubisoft chief says Sony’s decision to kill game discs isn’t going to be a big deal

Sony plans to cease the production of game discs by 2028, prompting concerns among PlayStation fans about reliance on digital platforms and the ability to trade in games. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed optimism, suggesting that the shift could grow the market, similar to the impact of Steam on PC gaming. He noted that a fully digital approach could lead to more accessible machines, although the implications for pricing and costs remain uncertain. The transition to digital in PC gaming occurred organically, unlike the controlled environment of consoles like PlayStation, which may limit consumer outcomes in a digital future.

Tech Optimizer

July 23, 2026

Optimizing PostgreSQL on Azure directly in Visual Studio Code

Poor database performance can lead to missed SLAs, delayed releases, customer dissatisfaction, and lost revenue. Microsoft has enhanced PostgreSQL on Azure, transforming it into a fully managed platform that meets enterprise demands. Azure Database for PostgreSQL and the new Azure HorizonDB offer significant performance improvements, with HorizonDB being three times faster than self-managed PostgreSQL. The PostgreSQL extension for Visual Studio Code integrates performance management into development workflows, providing tools for managing PostgreSQL throughout its lifecycle. Key features include a server metrics dashboard that displays performance indicators, Azure Advisor recommendations for actionable insights, improved query plan visualization, and AI-assisted query analysis. The extension also enhances schema design and query formulation experiences, ensuring secure and governed interactions with PostgreSQL. Azure HorizonDB is in public preview, designed for AI-native workloads. These advancements aim to reduce friction, enhance clarity, and enable faster actions for enterprise teams managing PostgreSQL at scale.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

Take Note, PlayStation: Xbox Brings Classic Games To PC

The gaming industry is experiencing a surge in demand for artificial intelligence, leading to increased hardware prices, such as the new Steam Machine exceeding ,000 despite its specifications. PlayStation plans to stop producing physical media for the PS5 by 2028, causing backlash from fans. Xbox has laid off 1,600 employees and anticipates more layoffs by the end of the 2027 fiscal year. Xbox has introduced backwards compatibility for PC, allowing access to four classic titles: Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Fuzion Frenzy, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Conker: Live and Reloaded, with enhanced features like customizable upscaling and resolution options. There is a growing interest in preserving gaming history, particularly for classic titles from the PS1, PS2, and PS3 eras, as the industry shifts towards an all-digital future.