startup Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 6, 2025

Databricks reportedly could acquire serverless database startup Neon for $1B+

Databricks Inc. is in advanced discussions to acquire Neon Inc., a startup specializing in a commercial version of the open-source PostgreSQL database, with the deal anticipated to exceed billion. Neon, based in San Francisco, has raised over 0 million in funding, including contributions from Microsoft's M12 fund. Neon’s PostgreSQL distribution features a serverless architecture that dynamically adjusts hardware resources based on workload demands, allowing for separate provisioning of storage and processing power. It also includes an innovative connection pooling feature to minimize resource drain when establishing network connections. Neon enhances its offering with a cybersecurity tool for granular user access control and the ability to revert databases to previous states in case of data loss. Databricks' interest in Neon may be linked to its suitability for AI applications, as it supports vector storage and can provision new database instances in as little as one second. Databricks has been actively pursuing acquisitions to enhance its AI capabilities, including recent purchases of Fennel AI Inc., Lilac AI Inc., and MosaicML Inc.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3950 (KB5055653) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. Insiders on version 23H2 can opt to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. Key changes include the introduction of energy saver management in Microsoft Intune, allowing IT administrators to manage energy settings on Windows 11 PCs. Other updates involve UI experiments in Recall, taskbar enhancements, and graphics improvements for HDR capabilities. Fixes include resolving keyboard focus issues in the taskbar, startup sound playback issues, and scaling problems after sleep/resume. Known issues involve bugs with Xbox Controllers and live captions crashing. Insiders are reminded to keep their devices updated for optimal performance and access to features.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (KB5055651) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include: - Energy Saver in Microsoft Intune: IT administrators can manage energy saver settings on Windows 11 PCs through group policies and MDM configurations, optimizing battery usage by limiting background activities and reducing screen brightness. - Taskbar Improvements: The needy state pill for apps has been redesigned, and administrators can allow users to unpin specific pinned apps. - Graphics Enhancements: Improved management of HDR capabilities, including refined wording for HDR settings and independent toggling of Dolby Vision mode. - Fixes: Resolved issues with taskbar keyboard focus, startup sound playback, scaling after sleep, and cumulative update errors. - Known Issues: Users may experience discrepancies in build version display after PC resets and issues with Xbox Controllers causing bugchecks. - Recall (Preview): Users can opt to remove Recall at any time, and intelligent text actions are now moderated locally. - Windows Search: For optimal performance, devices should be connected to power during initial search indexing. - Task Manager: Users may see the System Idle Process showing as 0 after the addition of a new CPU Utility column. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

How to Remove Login Password on Windows 11

To remove the login password on Windows 11 for a local account, open Windows Settings by pressing “Windows + I,” navigate to “Accounts,” select “Sign-in options,” expand the “Password” section, click “Change,” enter the current password, leave all fields blank on the next screen, and click “Next” and then “Finish.” For a Microsoft account, open the Start menu, type “netplwiz,” uncheck “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer,” and if necessary, adjust settings in Windows Settings under Accounts > Sign-in options to disable the toggle for “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (Recommended).” After that, return to the netplwiz window, uncheck the option, and click Apply > OK. Consider removing the PIN for a smoother sign-in experience.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Here’s why Windows 7 took so long to boot with solid color backgrounds in 2009

Some users of Windows 7 experienced a 30-second boot delay when using solid color desktop backgrounds shortly after its launch in October 2009. This issue arose because Windows waited for system components, including desktop icons and the background, to report readiness. If any element was absent, the operating system paused for up to 30 seconds. The problem was also linked to group policies that hid desktop icons. Microsoft addressed the glitch by November 2009. As of recent data, Windows 7's market share has decreased to 2.5 percent, and Microsoft has ceased support for the operating system.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Get Windows 11 Home for A$23 Right Now

Users can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 Home for a reduced price of A until June 1, down from the regular price of A7. Windows 11 features a refreshed interface with rounded app corners, a centered taskbar, customized widgets, and enhanced multitasking tools. It offers performance improvements, quicker startup times, and enhanced security features. A verified buyer reported a seamless installation process. The upgrade opportunity is available until June 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with prices subject to change.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

How To Dual Boot Linux and Windows on any PC

The process of installing Linux has evolved from text-based installers in the late 1990s to user-friendly graphical installers in distributions like Ubuntu and OpenSUSE. Users can start with a single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi or set up a dual-boot configuration with Windows and Linux using a custom boot menu called GRUB. It is advisable to back up the drive before installation to prevent data loss. To create a Linux Install USB, users need to download an ISO image of the Linux distribution and use Rufus to write it onto a USB drive of at least 8GB. The steps include selecting the USB drive, choosing the Linux OS, selecting the GPT partition scheme, and writing the OS in ISO image mode. For dual-boot installation, users should insert the USB drive, boot from it, and select “Try or Install Ubuntu” from the GRUB menu. After testing hardware functionality, the installation process involves selecting language, configuring accessibility, choosing keyboard layout, connecting to the Internet, and selecting installation options. Users must choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” and allocate space for each operating system. After installation, users need to adjust BIOS settings to ensure the system boots from the Linux installation. This includes selecting the Boot menu, setting the Linux install as Boot Option 1, and saving the changes. Upon rebooting, users can select their Linux OS from the GRUB menu and verify the functionality of both operating systems.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

4 Windows versions Windows 12 should shamelessly imitate

Windows 12 is speculated to potentially launch in two to three years, following the end of support for Windows 10. It may draw inspiration from previous successful versions like Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10, focusing on user customization, performance, and reducing bloatware. Windows 11, launched six years after Windows 10, introduced a new visual style and features but faced criticism over hardware requirements. Windows 12 is expected to build on Windows 11's foundation with incremental improvements and enhanced support for ARM processors.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Windows 7 users with a solid background color faced delayed login process — it took four months for Microsoft to fix

Users of Windows 7 experienced a startup delay of up to 30 seconds if they chose solid color backgrounds due to the logon system waiting for the loading of the desktop wallpaper bitmap. This issue arose because the code to report that the wallpaper was ready was embedded within the wallpaper bitmap code, leading to a timeout if no wallpaper was present. The delay affected users who hid their desktop icons as well, but the actual startup time was not extended; the Welcome screen remained visible for the duration of the timeout regardless of system readiness.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

Search Bar Not Working in Windows 11? Follow these Fixes

Numerous users have reported issues with the search bar functionality in Windows 11. A guide has been compiled to offer effective solutions, including: 1. Restarting File Explorer by opening Task Manager, finding "Windows Explorer," right-clicking it, and selecting "Restart." 2. Rebuilding the search index by accessing Windows Settings, navigating to Privacy & Security, selecting "Searching Windows," clicking on "Advanced indexing options," and choosing "Rebuild." 3. Starting the Windows Search service by opening the Run dialog, typing services.msc, locating "Windows Search," stopping the service, starting it again, setting the Startup type to "Automatic," and restarting the PC. 4. Ending the SearchHost.exe task in Task Manager by finding "Search," right-clicking it, and selecting "End task." 5. Using the Recovery tool via Windows Update by accessing Windows Settings, navigating to System -> Recovery, and clicking "Reinstall now" next to "Fix problems using Windows Update." Rebooting after these steps should restore the search bar's functionality. Rebuilding the search index can enhance local search speed, and users may also consider removing Bing search results from the Start menu.