resource allocation Archives

AppWizard

May 11, 2025

This new requirement for Android apps is something we need, even if it’s not sexy

Google has announced that all Android applications will be required to support 16 KB page sizes starting November 1st, 2025. This change aims to enhance system efficiency and performance by allowing better resource allocation and reducing memory management tasks. Memory management units operate on a page size basis, and increasing the page size fourfold will streamline processes and improve user experience. All new apps and updates targeting Android 15+ devices must comply with this requirement.

Tech Optimizer

May 4, 2025

5 reasons why I stopped using an antivirus on Windows 11

A growing number of users are reevaluating their reliance on traditional antivirus software, reflecting a deeper understanding of personal security needs. Many individuals are adopting strong cyber hygiene practices, taking personal responsibility for safe browsing and cautious online behavior. Modern browsers like Opera and Brave offer built-in security features and VPNs, emphasizing self-discipline in cybersecurity. Microsoft Defender Antivirus, integrated into Windows 11, provides real-time protection and frequent updates, making it a reliable choice for users who practice basic cyber hygiene. High-end antivirus packages often come with subscription fees, while open-source solutions can be cost-effective alternatives. Users have reported improved system performance after moving away from third-party antivirus programs, experiencing faster boot times and increased responsiveness. Essential security features are now recognized as not exclusive to antivirus software, with regular data backups, encryption, and password management enhancing overall protection. While some users find sufficient protection without traditional antivirus software, others with different threat models may still require it.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

PostgreSQL 18: Part 4, or CommitFest 2025-01

PostgreSQL 18 includes significant enhancements in monitoring capabilities and new features. Key updates include: - Buffer information in EXPLAIN ANALYZE is now enabled by default, providing detailed buffer statistics for better query performance insights. - The pg_stat_io view tracks I/O statistics in bytes (read_bytes, write_bytes, extend_bytes), simplifying monitoring of I/O operations. - Enhanced monitoring of Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) statistics is introduced, allowing tracking of WAL operations and new WAL segment initialization. - The pg_stat_get_backend_io function provides I/O statistics for specific client processes, aiding in performance tuning. - The VACUUM (verbose) command now includes visibility map information, detailing all-visible pages after a vacuum operation. - The pg_stat_all_table view tracks total vacuum and analysis times per table, and users can adjust autovacuum workers without server restarts. - A new uuidv7 function generates UUIDs with a Unix-epoch timestamp for ordered identifiers. - The passwordcheck extension enforces a minimum password length for better security practices. - Improvements to the jsonb type ensure correct handling of null conversions. - The casefold function facilitates case-insensitive searches. - The RETURNING clause in DML commands now supports returning both old and new values. - The to_number function can convert Roman numerals to numeric values.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Microsoft fixes Server 2025 Remote Desktop freezing issues

Microsoft has resolved a bug in Windows that caused Remote Desktop sessions to freeze, which emerged after an update to Windows 11 24H2 and Server 2025 released in February. The company released a patch (KB5055523) for Server 2025 and advised users to install it for essential improvements, while a previous update had already addressed the freezing issue on Windows 11. Microsoft has faced multiple patch-related challenges this year, including erroneous error messages and issues with USB-connected printers. A recent update also allowed some users to install Windows 11 against corporate policies due to a "latent code issue." User sentiment reflects frustration with Microsoft's reliability and suggests a need for better resource allocation to address internal failures.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

5 reasons you shouldn’t use Windows as a NAS OS

The author transformed a mini PC into a basic Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution using a standard Windows installation. While Windows can work for simple setups, it is generally inefficient for NAS due to its resource usage, lack of native ZFS support, forced updates, complicated Docker and VM management, and clunky remote access. Windows runs unnecessary background services that consume RAM and storage, while dedicated NAS software optimizes performance. Windows does not support ZFS natively, which is beneficial for data integrity and features like compression and encryption. Windows updates can disrupt services due to their unpredictable nature, unlike dedicated NAS systems that allow for scheduled updates. Managing Docker containers or virtual machines is more complex on Windows compared to Linux, which is better suited for these tasks. Remote access on Windows requires cumbersome setups, while Linux offers easier SSH access and web interfaces for management.

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

Windows Games On Android? Xiaomi’s WinPlay Engine Enables PC Gaming On A Tablet

Xiaomi has introduced the WinPlay Engine, allowing users to play PC games on an Android tablet, specifically designed for the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Mythbusters: Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm

Advantech's infographic addresses myths about Microsoft Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, distinguishing it from Windows Home or Professional editions. Myths about the operating system include: 1. Windows on Arm consumes significant power and resources, leading to poor performance. 2. The image size of Windows on Arm is greater than or equal to that of Windows on x86. 3. Desktop mode is unavailable on Windows on Arm. 4. Windows on Arm is a stripped-down version of Windows. 5. Arm architecture may face limitations with complex tasks. 6. All Windows devices are power-hungry, and switching to Arm offers no improvement. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC typically occupies about 6GB of storage, with a minimum requirement of 16GB. - Desktop mode is available on Windows on Arm. - Windows on Arm retains core functionalities, though some hardware drivers may have compatibility issues. - Arm processors are generally more efficient than x86 counterparts. Myths regarding applications and workload include: 7. Windows on Arm exclusively supports Arm64 applications. 8. Multimedia applications perform poorly on Windows on Arm devices. 9. Windows Copilot can be extended to all versions of Windows running on Arm. Key facts include: - An emulation system allows x86 applications to run on Arm hardware. - Multimedia performance depends on hardware acceleration, which is supported by major SoC manufacturers. - Cloud-based services like Windows Copilot operate effectively on Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, but on-device Copilot+ requires specific hardware capabilities. Myths about licensing and development include: 10. The Windows license fee for x86 is expensive, and the fee for Windows on Arm is similarly high. 11. Windows on Arm has limited support for certain Windows frameworks. 12. Development and debugging on Windows for Arm architecture present challenges requiring extended transition periods. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC is priced between 0 and 0, offering a decade of security updates. - Transitioning from x86 to Arm for application development is streamlined, with common programming languages and frameworks remaining compatible. Tools like Visual Studio facilitate the development process.

Winsage

November 30, 2024

9 Windows utilities every power user should know about

Windows 11 includes various tools for system management, catering to both novice and advanced users. 1. Task Manager: Allows users to manage applications, monitor CPU, RAM, and disk usage, manage startup applications, and create memory dump files for troubleshooting. 2. Device Manager: Helps resolve hardware issues by identifying malfunctioning components, rolling back problematic drivers, and manually installing drivers. 3. Resource Monitor: Provides detailed graphs of CPU, disk, and memory usage, along with specific process details for diagnosing performance issues. 4. System Configuration: Useful for booting into Safe Mode for diagnostics and troubleshooting driver-related issues. 5. Task Scheduler: Automates tasks based on triggers, allowing users to launch programs simultaneously and set up recurring tasks. 6. Windows Terminal: A powerful interface for power users that provides access to system maintenance tools and allows application installation and user account management. 7. Registry Editor: Enables advanced users to modify system settings that are otherwise inaccessible, with caution advised due to potential system instability. 8. Event Viewer: Monitors system events, logs blue screen errors (BSODs), and provides critical information for diagnosing system failures. 9. Disk Management: Oversees connected drives and manages partitions, allowing users to create, delete, format volumes, and attach virtual hard drives.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

9 ways to decrease power consumption on your Windows server

Excessive power consumption in Windows Server management can result from misconfigurations and inefficient component management. Strategies to enhance energy efficiency include: 1. Adjusting power settings through the Power Options menu, which offers Balanced, High Performance, and Power Saver plans, and fine-tuning Processor Power Management settings. 2. Disabling unnecessary services and roles via Server Manager to lower CPU load. 3. Investing in energy-efficient hardware, such as processors with low thermal design points, energy-efficient RAM, and solid-state drives instead of hard disk drives. 4. Scheduling resource-intensive tasks during off-peak hours to balance power load. 5. Utilizing virtualization with Hyper-V to consolidate workloads and reduce the number of active devices. 6. Optimizing the cooling system with variable-speed fans and maintaining proper airflow. 7. Using remote management tools like Windows Admin Center and PowerShell to manage servers without physical access, reducing the need for peripherals. 8. Regularly updating firmware and drivers to ensure hardware operates efficiently. 9. Reducing display power consumption by turning off inactive monitors and setting them to sleep mode after inactivity.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Windows 11 Version 24H2 updates are faster and require less CPU usage — Microsoft claims up to 45.6% faster installation times and 25% lower CPU utilization

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update, introducing features like the Recall feature and improving the Windows Update process. The update can reduce installation times by 45.6% and lower CPU usage during updates by 25%. Key optimizations include parallel processing of component manifests, caching of update manifests, and scalable RAM usage. Some users with specific SSDs from Western Digital and SanDisk have experienced Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, while users with AMD's Ryzen CPUs have seen performance improvements.