storage Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 3, 2025

Understanding transaction visibility in PostgreSQL clusters with read replicas

On April 29, 2025, Jepsen released a report on transaction visibility behavior in Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL and its Multi-AZ clusters, which has been acknowledged since at least 2013. The report identifies a Long Fork anomaly affecting the visibility order of transactions between primary and replica nodes in cluster configurations, which does not lead to data loss or corruption and is absent in Single-AZ deployments. This anomaly allows two readers to see transactions in different sequences, breaching Snapshot Isolation. It affects all isolation levels in community PostgreSQL and can also occur in self-managed deployments. The issue has been discussed extensively in the PostgreSQL community, and potential solutions, including synchronizing visibility with commit order using Commit Sequence Numbers, have been proposed. AWS has established the PostgreSQL Contributors Team to address this anomaly and enhance PostgreSQL's capabilities.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

I use these 5 free tools to search files on Windows 11, and they are a lot better than Windows Search

Finding files swiftly and efficiently is essential for productivity, but Windows Search often falls short. A range of third-party tools exists that can significantly enhance your file search experience on Windows 11, offering superior speed, features, and user experience. 1. Everything: This lightweight application indexes files quickly, creating a searchable database with real-time updates. It has a minimalist interface and uses minimal system resources. 2. Listary: Integrates with File Explorer, offering instant search capabilities and customizable commands. It allows easy navigation between directories and serves as a launcher for files and applications. 3. DocFetcher: An open-source tool that indexes not just filenames but also the contents of text files, supporting formats like PDFs and Word documents. It requires initial indexing but provides quick search results afterward. 4. SearchMyFiles: Offers customizable search options with advanced filters and can find duplicate files. It is portable and user-friendly, suitable for various users. 5. FileSeek: A versatile tool for both simple and complex searches, capable of searching file contents and defining specific parameters. It offers search profiles for quick access and has a trial version that reverts to a free version. These tools outshine Windows Search due to their rapid speed, advanced search options, file content indexing, and lightweight operation.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Photo appears to shows Mike Waltz using Signal-like app that can archive messages

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed that the encrypted messaging application Signal is officially sanctioned for government use and installed on government-issued devices. The National Security Council has not commented on the related app, TeleMessage, which is derived from Signal and designed to help government entities comply with records retention laws. TeleMessage was founded in 1999, acquired by Smarsh in 2024, and has been involved in government contracts, including a .1 million contract with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA that began in February 2023 and will conclude in August 2025. Tom Padgett, Smarsh’s president for enterprise business, stated that like Signal, messages sent through TeleMessage are encrypted, but the app does not address security issues raised by a recent incident involving Signal. The specifics of how government officials utilize TeleMessage remain unclear, and five cybersecurity experts admitted they were unfamiliar with the app prior to recent developments. TeleMessage licenses parts of its technology, including its encryption protocol, to other companies, but Signal clarified there is no formal agreement with TeleMessage and expressed concerns about the privacy and security of unofficial versions of their app.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

20% off Windows 365 expires as Windows 10 support ends

Microsoft has reduced the price of Windows 365 and is encouraging Windows 10 users to consider this option as support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows users to receive security patches for a fee, starting at £35.60 per device per month in the UK, with costs doubling in subsequent years. Windows 365 provides access to a Windows 11 Cloud PC and offers a 20 percent discount for first-time users. Windows 365 currently costs £35.60 per user per month in the UK, €41.40 in the EU, and a similar amount in the US. Recent data shows Windows 10 holds 52.94 percent of the market share, while Windows 11 is at 43.72 percent. The offer for Windows 365 concludes on October 31, 2025.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Caught on camera: Mike Waltz using less secure version of Signal messaging app – The Times of India

Mike Waltz has come under scrutiny due to a photograph showing his use of a modified messaging application, TM SGNL, raising security concerns. The photo, taken by Reuters on April 30, 2025, during a White House cabinet meeting, revealed Waltz's phone screen with conversations involving JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard, and Steve Witkoff, who are key figures in foreign relations and national security regarding Ukraine. TM SGNL is a variant of Signal, known for its encryption, but its archiving feature risks compromising end-to-end encryption. Messages displayed included a note to Rubio stating, "there is time," and Vance's message about confirmation from a counterpart. Following these events, President Trump appointed Waltz as UN ambassador and Rubio as interim national security advisor. The White House stated that "Signal is an approved app for government use and is loaded on government phones."

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Every Minecraft Nerf Blaster You Can Buy Right Now

Minecraft has collaborated with Nerf to create a range of blasters inspired by the game. The following Nerf Minecraft products are available: 1. Nerf Minecraft Bow Dart Blaster - £14.99, features string-priming action and high-performance N1 darts. 2. Nerf MicroShots Minecraft Cave Spider Blaster - Compact design with rapid-fire capabilities. 3. Nerf Microshots Minecraft Chicken Blaster - £19.99, fires one dart at a time. 4. Nerf MicroShots Minecraft Ender Dragon and Elder Guardian Mini Blaster 2-Pack - £37.19, features both bosses from Minecraft. 5. Nerf Ender Dragon Blaster - Over £37.18, includes dragon design and storage for 12 darts. 6. Nerf Minecraft Firebrand, Dart Blasting Axe - £19.66, three-dart capacity. 7. Nerf MicroShots Minecraft Ghast Mini Blaster - £11.95, single-shot action. 8. Nerf MicroShots Minecraft Guardian Mini Blaster - £12.99, features two mini-sized darts. 9. Nerf Minecraft Heartstealer Toy Sword - £19.79, combines sword aesthetics with blaster functionality. 10. Nerf Minecraft Pillager's Crossbow Dart Blaster - £29.94, fires six darts consecutively. 11. Nerf Minecraft Sabrewing Motorized Blaster Bow - £44.99, motorized blasting with an 8-dart clip. 12. Nerf Microshot Minecraft Snow Golem Mini Blaster - Compact and easy to use. 13. Nerf Minecraft Stormlander Dart-Blasting Hammer - £25.19, fires three darts.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Oblivion’s one-room waterfront shack is the perfect player home

The ideal player home in video games is characterized by a single room to avoid loading screens, the ability to customize the space, and proximity to a fast travel point. The Dzonot Cave bandit dungeon offers a strategic fast travel point near the Imperial City’s waterfront shack, which costs 2,000 gold septims and is practical for thieves. The waterfront shack, despite its minimal furnishings, provides convenience and allows players to focus on leveling up and completing quests without external judgment. Alternatives like Benirus Manor come with complications such as interior loading screens and lack of fast travel. The waterfront shack has been upgraded with essential storage containers, reinforcing its status as the ultimate player home, especially for players seeking a reliable base for adventure.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Windows Recall Is Back (but Should You Use It?)

Windows Recall, an AI-driven feature by Microsoft, was initially launched in July but withdrawn due to security and privacy concerns. It has since returned with modifications aimed at improving user experience, although concerns about its functionality persist. Recall captures and analyzes screenshots of user activities to aid in retrieving past documents or messages. Users must have a Copilot+ PC to access Recall, which is not activated by default. Security enhancements include encrypted data storage and mandatory Windows Hello authentication for access. However, issues remain, such as potential access via a computer PIN, inconsistent filtering of sensitive data, and the risk of data being captured from shared devices. Users can exempt specific sites and apps from being captured, but the process is cumbersome.

Tech Optimizer

May 2, 2025

Amazon Aurora now supports PostgreSQL major version 17

Amazon Aurora has integrated support for PostgreSQL major version 17, specifically version 17.4. This release includes enhancements such as improved memory management, faster storage metadata initialization, and optimizations for write-heavy workloads on Graviton 4 instances. It also introduces new features for Babelfish, security updates, and revisions to extensions like pgvector 0.8.0 and postgis 3.5.1. PostgreSQL 17.4 is available across all commercial AWS Regions and AWS GovCloud (US) Regions. Users can create a new Aurora PostgreSQL-compatible database through the Amazon RDS Management Console and should review the Aurora documentation for upgrade strategies.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

This E Ink tablet that runs on Android is irreplaceable when I’m traveling

The Onyx Boox Page is a seven-inch E Ink display e-reader priced at 9. It operates on a simplified version of Android 11, allowing users to download various applications such as Kindle, TikTok, and Google Docs. The device facilitates note-taking and integrates apps for enhanced productivity. It includes a flip case for protection, customizable user interface options, and straightforward access to settings. The Boox Page features a Library and Store app for free book downloads and supports sideloading of ebooks and audiobooks. It has a battery life rated for up to six weeks, 32GB of base storage, and a microSD card slot for expansion. The device has received updates, including an AI assistant powered by ChatGPT.