self-service Archives

Winsage

October 18, 2025

What is Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 and why does it expire in 2032 and not in 2025?

Windows 10 support will expire on October 14, 2025, but Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 will receive updates until January 2032. This version is designed for embedded systems like kiosks and ATMs, focusing on security and stability without new feature releases. Transitioning to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC requires a new license, as an in-place upgrade is not possible. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC may lead to compatibility challenges and lacks access to the Microsoft Store. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC is also an option, with support lasting until 2029 and extended support until October 2034. Transitioning from standard Windows versions to IoT Enterprise LTSC can be complex and may involve data loss.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

KAL offering Windows 11 upgrades via Kalignite

Microsoft will end support for non-LTSC versions of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, necessitating an upgrade to Windows 11 for ATMs. KAL ATM Software has announced that its Kalignite software suite will be compatible with Windows 11 and over 40 ATM hardware manufacturers. KAL has also introduced the Kalignite Hypervisor solution, enabling Windows 11 to run on older ATM models lacking vendor support. KAL aims to future-proof banking technology and alleviate the need for extensive hardware upgrades for banks. KAL is a leading provider of multivendor ATM platform, application, and management software.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2025

AVG Antivirus Review 2025: Robust Free Version but Middling Premium Plans

AVG Antivirus offers a freemium model with a suite of cybersecurity tools. The Ultimate plan scored 7.6/10 overall, with the following breakdown: Performance 9/10, Security 7/10, Customer Support 7/10, Usability 9/10, Value 7/10, and Features 7/10. The free version includes scan scheduling and protection against ransomware, while the paid AVG Internet Security covers up to 10 devices. AVG Ultimate includes a VPN and performance tools but lacks some advanced privacy features found in competitors. Usability testing showed intuitive account navigation, though installation was complex. AVG's antivirus engine achieved a 99.3% online detection rate, but there are concerns about data-sharing policies and past breaches. Customer support includes a knowledge base and 24/7 live chat, but experiences were often unsatisfactory. AVG's pricing is competitive, especially for its free option, but may not meet the needs of users requiring advanced features.

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2025

Norton Antivirus Review 2025: Solid Value for Fast, Effective Protection

Norton Antivirus has a score of 8.6 out of 10 and was established in 1982. The Norton 360 Deluxe package includes features such as real-time protection, manual and automated scans, the Genie Scam Detector, a password manager, and 2GB of cloud backups. It offers four plans: Norton Antivirus Plus, Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus, each with varying identity protection features and cloud backup space. The installation process is user-friendly, and the software operates efficiently, using minimal CPU and disk space. Norton has maintained a perfect security ranking from AV-Test for over a decade but has experienced a data breach in the past five years. Customer support includes a knowledge base, community forum, and 24/7 live chat and phone support, with an overall customer support score of 8 out of 10. Norton’s pricing is competitive, particularly for higher-tier plans, resulting in a value ranking of 8 out of 10.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

T-Mobile’s T-Life App: Why User Frustration Continues (Despite Updates)

T-Mobile's T-Life app has faced significant criticism from employees and customers since its launch, despite updates aimed at improving functionality. Users report challenges with the app, including unclear and impractical functions. One user experienced difficulty after accidentally deleting their eSIM, as the app did not provide a solution and required a visit to a physical store for assistance. T-Mobile has encouraged customers to use the app for self-service tasks, but reports indicate that employees must report instances when customers refuse to use it. The transition to the app has created friction and raised questions about its effectiveness.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2025

Immuta Deepens AWS Integration with Native Support for PostgreSQL on Amazon RDS and Aurora

Immuta has introduced native support for PostgreSQL on Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition, now available in public preview. This integration aims to streamline access to PostgreSQL data on AWS through automated policy enforcement and a centralized data marketplace. Key features include automated access provisioning, dynamic policy enforcement, and marketplace integration for PostgreSQL datasets. This support facilitates faster data access, enhances compliance with privacy regulations, and empowers organizations to manage PostgreSQL data effectively in cloud-native environments. The capability is available globally starting today, and the Immuta Platform can be accessed on the AWS Marketplace.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

TSplus Releases Remote Support Android V4: Smarter, Broader, and Now Compatible with Android TV

TSplus has released version 4 of its Remote Support app for Android, which now fully supports Android TVs. This update enhances compatibility, performance, and usability, expanding device support to over 22,720 models, including both arm32 and x86 architectures. The app allows for innovative applications in various settings, such as home, retail, public transport, and events. Key features include Viewer mode for assisting others and casting presentations, and Sharer mode for secure screen sharing with remote technicians. The update also improves navigation for Android TV and optimizes network usage. Users can download the latest version from the Google Play Store.

Tech Optimizer

May 16, 2025

The $1 Billion database bet: What Databricks’ Neon acquisition means for your AI strategy

Databricks acquired the privately held serverless PostgreSQL startup Neon for approximately billion. Neon, founded in 2022, had previously raised million in a Series B funding round. Over 80% of the databases generated on Neon's platform were initiated by AI agents. PostgreSQL, an established relational database platform, is ranked as the fourth most popular database as of 2025. Serverless PostgreSQL offers operational simplicity, allowing on-demand resource allocation, which is particularly beneficial for AI-centric projects. Major cloud providers, including Google, Microsoft, and AWS, offer serverless PostgreSQL services. Databricks aims to build a developer and AI-agent-friendly database platform with this acquisition. Serverless architectures excel in handling short bursts and smaller workloads, providing rapid scalability, but may present challenges in data management. Neon’s model enhances appeal for developers by distinguishing between storage and compute, facilitating automated scaling. The acquisition indicates a shift in infrastructure requirements for successful AI implementation, highlighting the need for flexible, instantly scalable serverless solutions.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

These 7 WSL programs changed how I use Windows

Windows users previously faced challenges using Linux tools via virtual machines until the introduction of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which was further improved with WSL2. WSL2 integrates a lightweight virtual machine into Windows, allowing users to run Linux applications seamlessly. Runtipi and CasaOS can be easily set up on WSL2 to host self-service applications without complex configurations. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) offers a WSL extension that enables code execution directly in Linux distributions from Windows, enhancing the coding experience. Gigolo is a frontend for managing network shares, which can also be integrated into Windows 11 through WSL2. Ansible can automate the provisioning of virtual machines and containers on WSL2, making it easier for users engaged in DIY projects. Rsync can be installed via WSL2 for efficient file synchronization and backups on Windows. Podman Desktop allows Windows users to explore container runtimes using WSL2, providing a GUI for managing containers. Lastly, WSL2 enables users to access the Linux terminal and run various Linux distributions directly within Windows 11.

Tech Optimizer

March 1, 2025

I compared Norton vs McAfee’s antivirus software to see which one is best

Norton 360 provides robust malware protection, including features to combat malicious email attachments, phishing attacks, and ransomware, with a Community Watch program for enhanced threat detection. McAfee uses a cloud-based infrastructure and machine learning for threat identification, with a malware scanner that analyzes suspicious code on its servers. Norton excels in malware detection but has some false positives, while McAfee achieved a perfect score in detecting existing malware and zero-day exploits, also with some false positives. Norton includes a two-way firewall, password manager, and 2GB of online storage, while McAfee focuses on phishing protection and personal data privacy tools, often at an additional cost. Benchmark tests show Norton has minimal system impact, while McAfee significantly slows down during full scans. Norton offers two interface options and is user-friendly, while McAfee's interface is simple but lacks customization. McAfee has a quick installation process under five minutes and 24/7 support, while Norton’s installation is longer but includes conflict checking and extensive support options. Ultimately, Norton is noted for comprehensive security features and performance, while McAfee is recognized for its user-friendly interface and quick installation.