running Archives

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.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

3 Windows settings that can make or break your PC

Windows 11 includes various settings that can significantly affect computer productivity and performance. 1. Windows Power Mode: This feature allows users to select performance settings under Settings > System > Power & battery. Options include “Best Power Efficiency,” “Best Performance,” and “Balanced.” For an Intel Core 300 laptop, power consumption varies as follows: - Performance mode: 30W sustained, 60W boost - Balanced mode: 25W sustained, 60W boost - Efficiency mode: 15W sustained, 20W boost Switching from “Balanced” to “Performance” mode can increase performance by 5%, while “Efficiency” mode can save up to 50% battery life with an 18% performance drop. 2. Storage Sense: Found under Settings > System > Storage, this feature automatically cleans up unnecessary files to maintain optimal SSD performance. It activates when free disk space falls below a certain threshold and can be manually triggered. Users can configure it to manage the Downloads folder and convert locally stored files backed up to OneDrive into cloud-only files. 3. OneDrive and Windows Backup: OneDrive syncs files between the cloud and PC, which can slow down performance, especially on asymmetric broadband connections. Users can adjust backup preferences through the OneDrive icon in the Action Center, but Windows may not always respect these settings, potentially leading to unwanted file re-downloads.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

Google Fined $1 Billion by EU Over Search, Android Practices

European Union regulators fined Google €890 million for unlawfully leveraging its dominance in search and Android to promote its own services. The European Commission found that Google violated the Digital Markets Act by prioritizing its offerings in search results and restricting Android app developers from directing users to alternative payment methods. Google has 60 days to comply with the ruling or face additional penalties of up to 5% of its global annual revenue. Since 2017, Google has faced fines exceeding €10 billion from EU regulators. The ruling reflects the EU's ongoing efforts to regulate Big Tech and ensure fair competition in digital markets.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

EU hits Google with $1 billion fine over its Play app store and search

The European Union imposed a fine of 890 million euros on Google for violations of digital antitrust regulations, alleging that Google manipulated its Play platform and search engine to favor its own services over competitors. This action is part of the EU's broader efforts to regulate major technology firms and protect consumer interests. Google has faced previous legal challenges, including an unsuccessful appeal of a 4.3 billion euro antitrust fine related to its Android operating system. The EU has identified major tech companies as "gatekeepers" that must ensure fair competition. Google's President of Global Affairs criticized the fine, claiming it would harm European businesses and consumers.

Tech Optimizer

July 23, 2026

Simplify AI agent orchestration with Lakebase Postgres

The auditing process has traditionally been labor-intensive, requiring extensive document reviews. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) partnered with the Databricks Forward Deployed Engineering team to develop a document processing application that reduces extraction time from hours to minutes while maintaining quality. The application is built on the Databricks platform, utilizing technologies like Lakebase Postgres, Databricks Apps, Lakeflow Jobs, MLflow, and Unity Catalog Volumes. The application addresses challenges in document parsing, including unpredictable per-task latency, rate-limit-aware throttling, workload prioritization, cost attribution per task, and real-time progress visibility. It eliminates the need for multiple specialized systems by integrating components such as a web application for user interaction, Lakebase for state management, an orchestrator for task management, and AI agents for document processing. The task queue is supported by two Postgres tables in Lakebase, tracking task status and execution attempts. Concurrency safety is ensured through a locking mechanism, and crash recovery is facilitated by lease-based locking. The orchestrator implements rate-limit-aware throttling and idempotent webhook callbacks to manage task processing effectively. An operator dashboard provides real-time metrics on task status, agent performance, and workload costs, with live updates through Postgres LISTEN/NOTIFY events. Cost attribution is managed at the application level, allowing for detailed monitoring of expenditures. Lakebase enhances the orchestration process with features like autoscaling compute, OAuth-rotated authentication, Unity Catalog integration, and support for branching and snapshots.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

14 Easy Fixes to Make Windows 11 Feel Faster

Many Windows 11 PCs experience performance decline over time due to background processes and unnecessary files. To enhance performance without reinstalling Windows, consider the following strategies: 1. Uninstall unnecessary software (bloatware) via the Start menu or Installed Apps section. 2. Limit startup processes using Task Manager to disable rarely used applications. 3. Clean up disk space by enabling Windows' Storage Sense for automatic cleanup. 4. Check for viruses and spyware using Microsoft Defender or dedicated malware removal software. 5. Change power settings to Best Performance in Settings > System > Power & Battery. 6. Identify and fix resource-hogging processes using Task Manager. 7. Keep Windows updated by checking Settings > Windows Update. 8. Run troubleshooting utilities by searching for "troubleshoot" in the Start menu. 9. Use Microsoft PC Manager for a one-click performance optimization. 10. Consider adding more RAM if your device allows it. 11. Install an SSD for faster application launches and improved startup times. 12. Adjust system appearance settings for Best Performance. 13. Ensure adequate cooling to prevent overheating. 14. Turn off search indexing to free up system resources. 15. Disable Windows' Tips and manage notifications to reduce processing demands. 16. Enable Game Mode in Settings > Gaming for optimized gaming performance.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

Windows 10 has almost three times as many active vulnerabilities as Windows 11, according to researchers

Windows 11 is installed on 78.8% of Windows computers, while 16.9% of users remain on Windows 10. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, with an extension until 2027. Windows 10 has 1,903 active Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), 2.9 times more than Windows 11, which has 652 CVEs. Of the active CVEs on Windows 10, 66.6% are classified as high or critical risk, with 2.4% actively exploited. Small businesses show the most significant lag in upgrading, with 21.4% still using Windows 10, while two-thirds of large enterprises have moved to Windows 11. The cost of upgrading is a primary barrier for smaller companies.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Minecraft Java Edition System Requirements

The updated system requirements for running Minecraft: Java Edition aim to enhance the gaming experience by addressing performance issues associated with older hardware. Players using outdated devices may now find their systems below the new minimum specifications, which could include older graphics cards and certain integrated graphics options. While the game will still launch on below-spec hardware, performance and visual quality are not guaranteed, and future updates may become challenging as the game transitions from OpenGL to Vulkan. Starting July 21, players can check the updated minimum and recommended specifications on Minecraft.net, which are designed to ensure a smooth experience at 1080p and 60 FPS with optimal visual quality.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Gardaland Resort Launches Minecraft Meet The Mobs — an Italian exclusive event, coming to real life for the first time this summer

Gardaland Resort is hosting the Minecraft Meet the Mobs event, running until 28 August 2026, making it the only location in Italy and one of two in Europe to feature this event. Guests can interact with Minecraft characters like Steve, the creeper, and the chicken jockey, and participate in themed activities. The event includes the Minecraft Hub, where visitors can take photos and enjoy themed snacks, and the Baby Mobs Trail, an interactive adventure across six areas featuring baby mobs. Completing the trail rewards guests with a digital prize. Additional activities include Mob Hunt and Zombie Freeze, and exclusive merchandise is available for purchase.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Still on Windows 10? You’re carrying 3x the security risk of Windows 11

A study by Lansweeper found that Windows 10 PCs have an average of 1,903 active security vulnerabilities, while Windows 11 systems have only 652 vulnerabilities. As of June 2026, nearly 20% of Windows PCs in the U.S. are still using Windows 10, despite Microsoft ceasing regular updates for it. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security updates until October 12, 2027. Security experts have urged users to upgrade to Windows 11 due to increasing vulnerabilities in Windows 10, while some data privacy experts recommend staying with Windows 10 for as long as possible.