system management

Winsage
August 27, 2025
Microsoft is introducing a new feature to simplify the installation of Windows upgrades, utilizing Azure Update Manager to manage updates across hybrid environments without the need for on-premises servers or complex scripting. This update mechanism includes intelligent scheduling and rollback options, enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of deployment failures. The enhancement is significant for enterprise security, ensuring timely application of critical upgrades to address cyber threats. It may also facilitate smoother transitions to newer Windows versions for businesses using older systems. Reactions from the IT community are positive, with expectations that similar efficiencies could extend to consumer updates in the future.
Winsage
August 3, 2025
Microsoft has transitioned from the traditional command prompt to Windows PowerShell, a command-line interface tool designed for scripting and task automation. Key commands in PowerShell include: 1. Get-Process: Retrieves information about processes running on a local computer or a remote server, including process names, IDs, CPU usage, and memory consumption. Example usage includes filtering processes by memory usage or specific applications. 2. Get-Command: Lists all available commands within PowerShell, including cmdlets, functions, aliases, and scripts. It helps users discover commands for specific tasks. 3. Set-ExecutionPolicy: Configures the PowerShell script execution policy, determining whether scripts can run and under what conditions. It allows power users to adjust policies for executing custom scripts. 4. Get-EventLog: Accesses detailed system logs for troubleshooting errors or auditing system activity, including warnings and security breaches. It can filter logs based on criteria like log name and entry type. 5. Where-Object: Filters objects in a pipeline based on specified conditions, allowing users to narrow down results for analysis, reporting, and automation. It can be combined with other commands for enhanced functionality.
Winsage
July 30, 2025
The Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit is a suite of tools for administrators to assess Group Policy Objects (GPOs) against Microsoft's security baselines, helping to identify discrepancies and implement secure settings. It includes tools such as the Policy Analyzer, Local Group Policy Object (LGPO) utility, and Set Object Security application. Administrators can download the toolkit from Microsoft's website, which contains zip files for various security baseline packages. The Policy Analyzer compares GPOs with local security policies to identify inconsistencies, while the LGPO tool manages local security policies and allows for policy backup and verification. The Set Object Security tool applies security descriptors to objects like files and folders. For Windows Server, administrators should test security baselines in non-production environments before deployment. With Windows Server 2025, the OSConfig platform allows for direct application of security baselines through PowerShell, simplifying the update process and maintaining compliance.
AppWizard
June 16, 2025
Google has updated the Fitbit app, introducing a redesigned Device Settings page for smartwatches and fitness trackers that resembles the Pixel Watch companion app. The update includes a large image of the connected device, essential information like battery level and last sync time, and a "Sync now" button. Below the device image, there are cards for Watch faces, Apps, and Tiles, leading to the same management options as before. The settings menu now includes options for managing notifications, device preferences, Google services, Fitbit reminders, tips and support, system management, and smart features. This update is part of Google's ongoing effort to enhance the Fitbit app's interface and functionality, with plans for further changes using the Material 3 Expressive design.
Winsage
June 6, 2025
Users may face a significant vulnerability related to a Windows update from April 2025, particularly concerning the "inetpub" folder, which is essential for the security of Windows 11 systems. Microsoft clarified that this folder, linked to Internet Information Services (IIS) and necessary for hosting capabilities, should not be deleted. If users have removed the folder, they must restore it to address the security patch for CVE-2025-21204, as its absence can lead to risks such as privilege escalation and unauthorized access. Microsoft has provided a PowerShell script to restore the folder without enabling IIS, and users are advised to follow specific commands to execute the fix. However, many users may not take action, leaving their systems vulnerable.
Winsage
April 30, 2025
Windows Task Manager has been enhanced in Windows 11, featuring a streamlined interface and improved functionality. Alternatives to Task Manager include: - System Informer: A free, open-source tool that monitors system resources with real-time performance graphs and detailed process information. It displays CPU, memory, and disk usage, tracks file access, and offers advanced features like call stack traces. - System Explorer: Integrates system monitoring with security features, providing a clean interface for exploring processes, modules, and network connections. It includes a built-in file database and VirusTotal integration for security assessments. - Process Lasso: Extends Task Manager capabilities by allowing users to adjust CPU priority and core affinities. Features include ProBalance for automatic CPU adjustments, performance mode for optimizing CPU usage, IdleSaver for power management, and SmartTrim for memory optimization. - Process Explorer: A Sysinternals tool that offers a detailed view of running processes in a hierarchical tree format, showing user, PID, and resource usage. It includes a search capability for identifying resource usage and integrates with VirusTotal for security checks. - Task Manager DeLuxe (TMX): A portable task management tool that consolidates system stats across multiple tabs, providing quick access to CPU and memory usage, along with graphical representations of network and disk activity. It allows filtering and searching for processes and can be run from a USB drive.
Winsage
April 24, 2025
The inetpub folder, introduced in the April update of Windows 11 (version 24H2) as part of a fix for the CVE-2025-21204 vulnerability, has raised concerns among security researchers. It can be manipulated to block Windows updates without administrative rights by creating a symbolic link to notepad.exe, which can lead to a rollback of patches and leave the system vulnerable. Microsoft has not yet responded to this issue, and the possibility of a patch to address the new vulnerability is still open.
AppWizard
April 10, 2025
Google Play services v25.13 introduces updates to improve battery life and connectivity across various Android devices, including Android Auto, PCs, phones, TVs, and Wear OS devices. Google Wallet now allows users to add nicknames to their passes. The Android System Intelligence v.23 update includes logging for Adaptive Sound and code optimization for Smart Dictation. The Google Play Store will implement verified badges for select VPN applications to enhance user trust and safety.
Search