Stack Archives

Winsage

March 24, 2026

When Windows 11 sneezes, Azure catches cold

The short-term effects of Windows 11 on Azure's performance are muted due to many Azure customers operating in mixed environments that often include Linux-based systems and cross-platform tools. This shift reflects a move away from the idea of "run Windows everywhere" to "meet customers where they are." The introduction of Windows 11 could damage Microsoft's credibility and influence purchasing decisions, leading to skepticism from CIOs and architects regarding broader Microsoft platform investments. Historically, Microsoft's strength has been in stack continuity, with seamless integration across its products, but the company now faces the challenge of maintaining ecosystem cohesion while adapting to diverse customer needs.

Tech Optimizer

March 24, 2026

Gold Lapel launches PostgreSQL proxy to tune queries

Gold Lapel has introduced a PostgreSQL proxy that enhances database query performance by acting as an intermediary between applications and PostgreSQL databases. The proxy monitors live queries, identifies issues, and implements optimizations such as creating materialised views, introducing various index types, and rewriting queries. It supports over ten optimization strategies, seven programming languages, four frameworks, and three ORMs, and is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and Docker. The software includes features like prepared statement caching, in-memory result caching, connection pooling, automatic read replica routing, and security measures including TLS. An observability layer provides a live web dashboard and audit timeline. The pricing model is USD 9 per month per instance, with a site license available for unlimited instances. Gold Lapel has also released a 19-chapter technical book on PostgreSQL performance optimization. The company was founded by Stephen Gibson and is based in San Francisco.

Winsage

March 23, 2026

Equip either Mac or Windows with permanent MS Office software for an extra 15% off

Users can purchase Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for .48 and Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for .98 using the promo code MARCH15 before March 29. These are one-time purchases that provide a lifetime license without subscription fees. The Mac version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams Classic, while the Windows version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Windows 11 Pro was $199, but now it’s only $10

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, leaving users vulnerable to cybersecurity threats due to the lack of security updates. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for .97, a significant discount from its usual price of 9. Windows 11 Pro offers advanced security features such as TPM 2.0, UEFI, BitLocker encryption, and Smart App Control. It includes tools for virtual machines and business networks like Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox. The interface has been redesigned with a new Start menu and enhanced snap tools, along with virtual desktops. A built-in AI assistant is included, allowing users to access AI tools without additional fees. The .97 offer is available for a limited time. Prices on StackSocial are subject to change.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Android 16 has a silent VPN bug Google hasn’t fixed for months, claim multiple VPN providers

Multiple VPN providers are reporting a bug in Android 16 that disrupts their services and may compromise user security. The issue arises after VPN app updates, causing the apps to malfunction in the background and preventing users from connecting to the internet. Proton VPN first flagged the problem in September 2025, with other providers like Mullvad VPN, WireGuard, and TunnelBear also experiencing similar issues. The bug can leave users confused, as the VPN app may appear to be connecting but fails to provide internet access. Restarting the app does not resolve the issue; users may need to reboot their devices or reinstall the VPN. The bug affects a small percentage of users inconsistently, complicating diagnosis and resolution for developers. Google has not provided a comprehensive acknowledgment or solution, with the last communication indicating that the issue has been reported to relevant teams. Users are advised to monitor their VPN performance after app updates.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Android 16 Bug Silently Breaks VPNs, Say Providers

Multiple VPN providers, including Proton VPN, Mullvad, WireGuard, and TunnelBear, are experiencing a persistent bug in Android 16 that causes their services to disconnect unexpectedly after app updates. Google has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix. The bug occurs when the network stack enters a problematic state during a VPN app update while still connected, leading to a "connecting" loop and potential loss of internet connectivity or exposure of non-VPN traffic. Restarting the VPN app does not resolve the issue; a device reboot or app reinstallation is required. This bug undermines Android's safety features like Always-on VPN and "Block connections without VPN." The issue affects a significant number of users, given Android's 70% market share and the 30-35% of internet users utilizing VPNs. Temporary workarounds include rebooting the device, manually disconnecting the VPN before updates, and pausing auto-updates. The bug poses operational risks for organizations enforcing always-on VPN policies, and developers are seeking app-side mitigations while emphasizing the need for a platform-level fix. Users are advised to monitor their VPN status after updates and report issues to assist in troubleshooting.

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2026

Building a High-Performance Postgres Time Series Stack with Iceberg

Postgres extensions, specifically pg_lake, pg_partman, and pg_incremental, provide a vendor-agnostic, open-source solution for managing high-performance time series data. PostgreSQL serves as the foundation, while pg_partman automates time partition management, pg_lake connects Postgres with data lakes for offloading cold data, and pg_incremental processes append-only data in batches. These extensions are maintained by the Postgres team at Snowflake. An example system for monitoring temperature readings uses local storage for recent data and transitions cold data to an Apache Iceberg table on S3. The process includes creating a partitioned table in Postgres, establishing an Iceberg table, using pg_incremental for data appending, eliminating old partitions with pg_partman, and querying from both local and cold tables to optimize storage and costs. A time-partitioned table enhances performance by allowing efficient deletion of outdated data, speeding up queries, and reducing fragmentation.

BetaBeacon

March 18, 2026

How to Sync Your Mobile Game Progress Across Multiple Devices

Cross-device sync is important for mobile gamers as it allows them to seamlessly continue their game progress across multiple devices. This feature is especially appreciated by social casino fans who can link their accounts via Facebook to ensure their progress is always backed up and secure. Troubleshooting common sync issues and following security best practices are also important to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Tech Optimizer

March 17, 2026

How PostgreSQL on Azure helps modernize legacy databases

Microsoft is enhancing PostgreSQL to establish it as a high-performance, scalable, and enterprise-ready open database platform, addressing the limitations of legacy systems like Oracle. Many Oracle customers face rising licensing costs, performance bottlenecks, and scalability issues, prompting them to consider migration. Apollo Hospitals successfully migrated from Oracle to Azure Database for PostgreSQL, achieving a 60% reduction in operational costs and a threefold improvement in system performance. Microsoft has introduced an AI-assisted migration tool to simplify the transition from Oracle to PostgreSQL, automating the conversion of schemas and application code. Azure Database for PostgreSQL offers high performance, scalability, and security, with features like v6-series compute SKUs and SSD v2 storage. Azure HorizonDB, a new cloud-native PostgreSQL service, supports extreme performance demands and is designed for real-time analytics. Microsoft is committed to enhancing PostgreSQL as an open-source database for enterprise workloads, enabling organizations to innovate and become more agile.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 10/11 Patch Day March: Microsoft delivers the big security update, but as usual, the real message is in the fine print

In March, Microsoft released cumulative security updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11, with support for certain versions continuing until March 2026. The updates include KB5079466 for Windows 11 version 26H1, KB5079473 for versions 24H2 and 25H2, KB5078883 for version 23H2, and KB5078885 for Windows 10 version 22H2. These updates will be distributed via Windows Update, the Microsoft Update Catalog, and WSUS for enterprise environments. This month, Microsoft combined the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) with the Latest Cumulative Update, simplifying the update process. Key enhancements include improvements to Secure Boot, with expanded device target data for new certificates, and security enhancements for Explorer’s search functionality in Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. A fix for Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) was also implemented, addressing issues with COM objects under certain policy configurations. The Windows System Image Manager received a new warning dialog for confirming the trustworthiness of catalog files, which is important for enterprise environments. Updates for Windows 10 22H2, despite its end-of-life status, included fixes for secure boot issues and improvements for file version history in the Control Panel. An SSU for Windows 11 (KB5077869) was also released to maintain update stability. Microsoft's updates scheduled for March 2026 will address vulnerabilities in components like the Windows App Installer, SQL Server, and Microsoft Office. The Security Update Guide provides detailed information on specific vulnerabilities and affected components.