risk Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley and was advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered solved. This led to the creation of Apache Spark and Databricks. However, during the development of Databricks, it was found that OLTP databases were not solved problems; they were difficult to scale and fragile. This realization led to the development of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed with modern technology. Lakebase architecture separates the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent, scalable services. The WAL is externalized to a service called SafeKeeper, which uses Paxos-based replication for durability, while data files are managed by PageServer, which stores them in cloud object storage. This design addresses challenges such as data loss, scaling, and performance interference between transactional and analytical workloads. Lakebase maintains compatibility with Postgres, offers unlimited storage, serverless compute, durable writes, and simpler high availability. It also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which allows both transactional and analytical processing to operate on a single data copy in real time, eliminating the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. LTAP utilizes a unified storage layer that allows data to be materialized in both row and columnar formats, optimizing it for both transactional and analytical workloads. The system ensures that analytics can access the most current data without affecting transactional performance by using a log sequence number (LSN) to retrieve the latest changes. Unlike traditional CDC approaches, LTAP requires no explicit table replication, as all data is stored in a single governed copy. This architecture circumvents common issues faced by hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP) systems, such as incomplete feature sets, lack of ecosystem support, and performance contention. The Lakebase architecture has unlocked capabilities like unlimited storage, elastic compute, durable writes, and instant branching, with ongoing developments anticipated in the future.

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley, where they were advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered a solved problem. However, upon developing Databricks, they found that OLTP databases were cumbersome, challenging to scale, and fragile. This led to the creation of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed to address these issues by externalizing the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent services. Lakebase architecture separates the WAL into a distributed service called SafeKeeper and data files into another service called PageServer, allowing for improved durability, scalability, and performance. This architecture eliminates data loss risks associated with disk failures and misconfigurations, simplifies high availability, and allows for elastic compute resources. Lakebase also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which enables transactions and analytics to operate on a single data copy in real-time, avoiding the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. The system retains Postgres's ACID semantics while storing data in open columnar formats, making it accessible to both transactional and analytical engines without the delays and complexities of traditional replication methods. The architecture allows for unlimited storage, serverless compute, and instant branching, while ensuring that analytics can read the most current transactional data without affecting transactional workloads. LTAP aims to unify transactional and analytical processing by leveraging distinct compute engines for each workload while integrating at the storage layer.

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

Kalshi Challenges Illinois Sports Betting Tax as Prediction Market Jurisdiction Fight Escalates

Kalshi has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Illinois, challenging a law that imposes taxes and licensing requirements on sports-related trades in prediction markets. The lawsuit questions whether contracts traded on Kalshi's federally regulated exchange are classified as sports bets under state laws or as financial derivatives overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Illinois law categorizes prediction market operators as sports wagering businesses, imposing a 1.75% tax on the first five million sports wagers annually, increasing to 3.5% for wagers above that threshold, along with a costly licensing requirement. Kalshi argues that these state requirements are preempted by federal law and contends that its offerings are financial instruments, not traditional wagers. The dispute reflects a broader conflict between federal and state regulators regarding jurisdiction over prediction markets, with the CFTC previously filing a lawsuit against Illinois over similar regulatory issues. The outcome of this legal battle could have implications for the regulation of prediction contracts related to various events beyond sports.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

🚨 Windows users, don’t let a $9.97 Pro upgrade pass you by

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, down from 9, as part of the Extended Deal Days event, valid until 11:59 p.m. PT today. Key features include BitLocker, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and Azure AD Support. User experience enhancements include Snap Layouts, Copilot, DirectX 12 Ultimate, and Biometric Sign-In. The purchase is a one-time fee, and users should verify compatibility with Microsoft's PC Health Check app.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

I love the PC, but I’m no longer a fan of Windows

Installing Windows 11 involves a complex setup process that emphasizes Microsoft accounts, OneDrive, and personalized advertising, making it feel more like an advertising campaign than a straightforward installation. Users are encouraged to create Microsoft accounts, with local accounts being less accessible. The installation prompts users to enable various services, which can be frustrating and intrusive. The Start menu has transformed to include recommendations and promotional content, cluttering its functionality. Microsoft makes it challenging to switch default applications, reinforcing reliance on its ecosystem. Windows 11 collects significant diagnostic data, raising privacy concerns, and users must actively seek to disable data collection features. Public institutions in Europe are considering alternatives to Microsoft due to these concerns. The trend towards subscription models, such as Microsoft 365, can feel burdensome for home users. Hardware requirements for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, have rendered many older PCs obsolete. Despite criticisms, Windows remains a powerful operating system essential for many workflows. Linux is gaining popularity, especially among gamers, as a viable alternative. Users desire a less intrusive and more user-friendly version of Windows that restores their control over devices without constant interruptions.

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

Google Is Finally Giving Android Users The Backup Settings They Should Have Always Had

Google is rolling out a per-app backup feature for Pixel devices, allowing users to control which specific apps are backed up to the cloud. This feature can be accessed through Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data, where users can see the top three apps consuming space and toggle backups on or off for each app. Users can also view the backup size for each app and manage apps that currently have no data backed up. This update aims to give users clearer visibility and control over their Google cloud storage.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

A critical exploit bypasses Microsoft Defender in Windows 11 and Windows 10 — so much for “everyday risk protection without additional software”

Security researcher Chaotic Eclipse, known as Nightmare-Eclipse, bypassed Windows 11's BitLocker security using a USB stick and claimed Microsoft intentionally included a backdoor in the feature. Microsoft responded by patching three zero-day exploits disclosed by Nightmare-Eclipse: YellowKey, GreenPlasma, and MiniPlasma, and is monitoring another exploit called RoguePlanet, cataloged as CVE-2026-50656. The RoguePlanet exploit is a race condition with varying success rates on different machines, achieving a 100% success rate on some devices. Microsoft acknowledged that while Windows 11's Defender is generally sufficient for most users, third-party tools can offer additional security features. Tensions between Nightmare-Eclipse and Microsoft have risen, with the company previously considering legal action but now indicating it will not pursue lawsuits against researchers sharing their findings.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Windows Defender ‘BlueHammer’ vulnerability now exploited as part of malware campaigns — CISA issues warning despite patch release on April 14

A race condition vulnerability in Windows Defender, known as BlueHammer, has been exploited by the hacker Nightmare Eclipse, allowing attackers to gain SYSTEM user access. Microsoft released a patch for this vulnerability on April 14, but the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has flagged it as actively exploited in ransomware campaigns. The average time to apply critical OS patches across Windows 10 and 11 is now 127 days, with enterprise environments averaging 76 days. Estimates suggest that 15% to 26% of Windows 10 machines remain unpatched, with a conservative estimate of 20% translating to one in five machines being vulnerable. Microsoft has extended security updates for Windows 10 until October 14, 2027, but public awareness of the updates remains low.

Winsage

June 30, 2026

Microsoft Reveals Windows Setting to Safely Remove USB Drives and Prevent Data Loss

Removing a USB drive from a port without using the “safely remove” option is generally acceptable on many Windows computers, depending on the policy for the external device. Microsoft provides two main options for removable drives: quick removal and better performance. Under the quick removal policy, users can disconnect the device without the “Safely Remove Hardware” process, although this may reduce system performance. Since Windows 10 version 1809, quick removal has been the default policy for external devices. However, users must ensure that all operations, such as copying or formatting, are completed before removal. The better performance policy requires users to use the safe removal option to prevent data loss, as it allows write caching. Failing to do so increases the risk of data loss if the drive is disconnected while Windows is still processing writes. The highest risk of data loss occurs when the drive is removed while Windows or an application is engaged in file operations. The safe removal icon serves as a confirmation that the drive is not in use, helping to prevent accidental ejection during active processes. Users can check the flash drive policy by accessing the device properties in Disk Management. The chosen setting may persist upon reconnection to the same computer port, leading to different experiences for users with similar drives. To minimize data loss, it is recommended to wait for operations to finish and use safe removal when uncertain about the drive's status.

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

New PC Game Just Released Free for All Steam Users

A new game titled Lord of the Trough, developed by Rory O’Brien and published by Buck50 Games, has been released for free on Steam, attracting attention for its lack of hidden costs. It supports up to five players in a party-style format, featuring various minigames that allow players to earn girth points. The game has received a 95% approval rating from users on Steam, with praise for its absence of microtransactions. Instead, the developers are offering four paid DLC options at launch for [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A new addition to the gaming world has arrived this week, captivating the attention of Steam users with its enticing offer: a free game with no hidden costs. Titled Lord of the Trough, this creation by solo developer Rory O’Brien and publisher Buck50 Games is also accessible to Steam Deck users, although its compatibility on the handheld remains untested by Valve, leaving it marked as “Unknown.” For those adventurous enough to explore, there’s little risk involved aside from the time spent trying it out. Game Overview Upon diving into the game, players will discover a party-style experience designed for up to five participants, whether they be friends or strangers matched through online play. The objective? Compete in a series of minigames to accumulate girth points, ultimately striving to impress the gods and claim victory. The minigames range from skateboarding and hang-gliding to boxing and RPG-style challenges, drawing comparisons to the beloved Mario Party series, albeit with a more modest budget. User reviews on Steam reflect a positive reception, with an impressive 95% approval rating. Many players have praised the absence of microtransactions, a refreshing feature in today’s gaming landscape. Instead, the developers plan to introduce paid DLC, with four options already available at launch for .99 each. While the specifics of future DLC remain under wraps, the current offerings provide a taste of what’s to come. Feedback from the gaming community highlights the charm and creativity embedded within Lord of the Trough. One user noted, “It’s an experience that shows its character and passion from the devs only after a second playthrough,” while another enthusiastically declared it “really fun and highly creative.” A third review echoed sentiments of nostalgia, likening the game to classics like Fusion Frenzy. For those who may not find this new title appealing, there are alternative options available on Steam, including another game boasting an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating. However, the window to claim this other title for free closes today, adding a sense of urgency for eager gamers." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 each. User feedback highlights the game's charm and creativity, with comparisons to classic games like Mario Party and Fusion Frenzy. Additionally, there is another free title available on Steam, but the offer expires today.