set up Archives

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Even though Old School RuneScape was ‘not built to have a LAN setup at all,’ it just had a live esports tournament with 4,000 attendees: ‘We were doubting at times whether we actually can pull it off’

On June 20, 4,000 fans attended the Deadman All Stars PvP tournament for Old School RuneScape in Chicago, with over one million viewers online. The tournament showcased a successful adaptation of the game for modern esports, featuring a combat system that requires quick item switching and strategic gameplay. Players used their own equipment for comfort and performance, often opting for a low-resolution display to enhance focus. The matches followed a format similar to crew battles, with players starting fresh accounts and a 120-hour playtime limit to prepare. Jagex faced logistical challenges in creating a LAN setup for the tournament, which was their first major event in North America and their largest to date, surpassing RuneFest in the UK.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Best Android Monitoring Apps for Parents in 2026

Parents face challenges in monitoring their children's online behavior due to the limitations of built-in parental controls on Android devices. Key features to look for in an Android monitoring app include message monitoring across social platforms, real-time GPS tracking, access to call logs, browsing history, app activity tracking, and keyword alert capabilities. Haqerra is highlighted as the best Android monitoring app, offering extensive coverage of messaging platforms without the need for rooting the device. It includes features such as call log tracking, continuous GPS tracking, and an innovative keyword alert system. The app can be set up in about five minutes and allows for discreet management through a web dashboard. Other notable monitoring apps include mSpy, which has a strong reputation but may require rooting for full social media monitoring; Eyezy, which focuses on social media but lacks comprehensive features; Spynger, which offers good GPS and messaging coverage but limited social app support; and Parentaler, designed for younger children with an emphasis on content filtering and screen time limits.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Pastor turns Minecraft into a mission field for the unchurched

A Reformed pastor in Switzerland, Florian Homberger, conducts weekly devotionals in Minecraft, attracting around 20 participants each session, nearly half of whom have no prior ties to the church. Homberger began using Minecraft after being inspired by the strong connections within an online gaming community. He created a virtual city named Convento and initiated the devotionals in summer 2025, with sessions lasting about 30 minutes. The format is interactive, involving in-game activities related to biblical themes, such as obstacle courses representing trust during challenges. Each session ends with participants launching virtual fireworks as a symbolic gesture of prayers. Homberger believes this virtual setting helps dismantle barriers to church attendance, providing a comfortable space for young people. He has also set up laptops in the parish hall for young people to log on together, viewing Minecraft as a legitimate social space.

BetaBeacon

July 12, 2026

Your living room doesn’t need a Steam Machine when a cheap Android TV box and Moonlight can do better

Moonlight is a combination of apps that allows you to stream games from your gaming PC to your Android TV box. It works well even over Wi-Fi and does not require a powerful TV box since all the games run on your desktop PC. Moonlight is a cost-effective way to enjoy high-end PC gaming on your TV without the need for a new PC or console.

Winsage

July 12, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows GDID Device Identifier That Cannot Be Disabled, Documented in FBI Case Filing

Microsoft has confirmed the existence of the Global Device Identifier (GDID), a unique identifier assigned to Windows installations, in a federal complaint against an alleged member of the Scattered Spider hacking group. The GDID is generated when a Windows system is set up with a Microsoft Account and remains active through various Windows updates. Disabling the GDID could disrupt Windows activation and access to Microsoft Store applications. The GDID is described as "a persistent, device-level identifier designed to uniquely identify an installation of a Windows operating system on a device." It is created during the provisioning of Windows with a Microsoft Account and is stored in the Windows registry under HKCUSOFTWAREMicrosoftIdentityCRLExtendedProperties. The GDID remains persistent through Windows updates but is not retained after a clean reinstall. A single user can possess multiple GDIDs linked through their account, OneDrive, and activation history. The FBI used the GDID to track Peter Stokes, an alleged member of the Scattered Spider group, across various VPN connections and proxy servers. The GDID was recorded visiting specific websites and was linked to Stokes's accounts on platforms like Snapchat and Facebook. Concerns have been raised regarding user privacy, as the GDID is assigned without user consent and cannot be disabled without compromising essential Windows features. Microsoft has not committed to providing user-facing controls or comprehensive documentation for everyday users regarding the GDID. Legal requests can compel Microsoft to disclose GDID activity data to law enforcement. The GDID is linked to the Microsoft Account rather than the device itself, meaning reinstalling the operating system does not sever this connection.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

This underrated Samsung feature is the first thing I set up on any new Android phone… except Pixels

The taskbar feature at the bottom of the screen enhances user experience on tablets and foldable phones, allowing quick access to frequently used applications. This feature is also available on regular non-folding smartphones, such as Samsung and Motorola devices, where users can enable and customize a side panel known as the Sidebar or Edge Panel. On Samsung devices, users can download the Good Lock app and install the Home Up module to activate the Edge Panel, which offers customization options for quick access to apps, contacts, and shortcuts. The upcoming One UI 9 update is expected to introduce more customization options for the Edge Panel. Motorola users can enable a similar sidebar feature through Settings > Gestures > Sidebar. OnePlus users can find it under Settings > Accessibility & convenience > Smart Sidebar. Pixel smartphones lack a built-in sidebar feature, with users relying on third-party applications to replicate this functionality. The closest alternative on Pixel devices is the App Bubbles feature for multitasking, but it does not provide the same experience as a dedicated sidebar.

Winsage

July 9, 2026

GDID Windows – Cut the tracker that follows you even through a VPN

In April 2026, the FBI apprehended an individual associated with the Scattered Spider group, who had concealed his online activities using a VPN. His efforts were thwarted by the GDID, a 64-bit Persistent Unique Identifier assigned by Microsoft upon logging into Windows. The GDID is stored in plain text in the registry and is linked to Microsoft’s servers, remaining unaffected by changes to IP addresses or attempts to delete it. Disabling Windows telemetry does not prevent the GDID from being accessed, as it operates through other services. To mitigate its transmission, users can disable certain services and modify the hosts file, although the GDID itself remains stored on Microsoft’s servers. Scripts are available on GitHub to audit and implement changes regarding the GDID. Transitioning to a local account does not guarantee anonymity, and for sensitive activities, using a live Linux system is recommended for better data control.

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Lenovo’s stunning new Windows 11 all‑in‑one finally dethrones the Surface Studio with its bold Yoga AIO i Aura design

The Lenovo Yoga AiO i 32 Aura Edition features a unique upside-down V-shaped stand that supports the display and houses the computing hardware, creating a floating screen illusion. It has a 32-inch 4K OLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 99% DCI-P3 color rating, making it suitable for creative professionals. The device is powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor and integrated Intel Arc B390 graphics, performing well in various tasks but lacking a dedicated GPU option for high-performance gaming. The built-in speaker system has been reported to produce a persistent hissing noise, affecting audio quality. The port selection is limited, with only a few USB ports and no Ethernet jack or SD card reader, which may require users to invest in additional adapters or peripherals.

Tech Optimizer

July 8, 2026

Logical replication improvements in Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL 18

PostgreSQL logical replication has operational challenges, such as the absence of generated columns in the replication stream, replication conflicts causing apply worker halts, and lingering replication slots consuming write-ahead log (WAL) files. PostgreSQL 18 introduces enhancements to address these issues, including the ability to include STORED generated columns in the replication stream with a new publication parameter, detailed conflict counters in pg_stat_subscription_stats, automatic invalidation of idle replication slots, and the ability to toggle two-phase commit settings on live subscriptions. To set up a test environment, two PostgreSQL 18 instances (one publisher and one subscriber) are required, along with an EC2 instance for executing commands. The publisher and subscriber must have specific configurations for logical replication, including enabling logical replication and setting appropriate parameters. PostgreSQL 18 allows the replication of STORED generated columns by using the publish_generated_columns parameter. The subscriber must define these columns as regular columns. The new version also enhances conflict monitoring by providing detailed counters for different types of replication conflicts. Parallel streaming is now the default behavior for subscriptions, improving efficiency. The two-phase commit feature can now be modified on existing subscriptions without needing to recreate them. PostgreSQL 18 also introduces automatic cleanup of idle replication slots, which can be configured to invalidate unused slots after a specified duration. Considerations for implementation include ensuring that the subscriber's column types match those of the publisher for generated columns, the requirement for track_commit_timestamp for certain conflict counters, and the fact that sequences are not replicated. Cleanup of replication resources is recommended after testing to prevent unnecessary costs and WAL accumulation.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Valve shares Windows drivers for Steam Machine and says an official dual-boot wizard will ship “once it’s complete”

Valve's Steam Machine runs on SteamOS, allowing users to access their game libraries directly. It can also function as a standard PC, enabling the installation of alternative operating systems, including Windows. Valve has released official Windows drivers for essential hardware components like graphics processors, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and SD card readers, but does not provide technical support for Windows users. Installing Windows requires wiping SteamOS completely, and while dual-booting is possible, an official setup wizard is not yet available. Users must access the boot menu by powering down the device and pressing the Escape key during restart. An internet connection via Ethernet is necessary for the Windows setup process, as Wi-Fi will not work until drivers are installed.