systems Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 19, 2025

Databricks To Buy Serverless Postgres Company Neon

Databricks has agreed to acquire Neon, a significant player in the serverless Postgres market, to enhance its database capabilities and developer experience. Over 80 percent of databases on Neon are automatically created by AI agents, indicating a shift towards agent-driven workflows. Neon's architecture allows for rapid deployment of Postgres instances in under 500 milliseconds, features a cost structure that scales with usage through the separation of compute and storage, and is fully compatible with the Postgres ecosystem. The acquisition aims to eliminate inefficiencies in database scaling, improve performance for concurrent AI agents, and streamline infrastructure while maintaining security and governance. Following the acquisition, Neon's team will join Databricks to support the development of responsive and reliable AI agent systems.

Tech Optimizer

May 19, 2025

This new Defendnot trojan can get Windows to disable its own antivirus software

A researcher using the pseudonym es3n1n has created a tool called Defendnot that manipulates Windows operating systems to disable Microsoft Defender, making devices vulnerable to malware. Defendnot simulates the presence of a legitimate antivirus by using an undocumented API in the Windows Security Center, convincing Windows that a valid antivirus is installed. This development raises concerns about cybersecurity, as it undermines the effectiveness of built-in antivirus protections like Windows Defender.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Latest patch puts some Windows 10 machines in recovery loops

Many users are experiencing issues with Windows 10 versions 22H2 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, particularly those with Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) on tenth-generation or later Intel processors with vPro support. Users who have BitLocker enabled and installed the KB5058379 patch released on May 13 may need their BitLocker recovery keys due to a bug causing lsass.exe to terminate unexpectedly, leading to an Automatic Repair cycle or a reboot loop. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on an Out-of-band update. Meanwhile, workarounds, such as disabling TXT, pose security risks. Microsoft also announced significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees.

Tech Optimizer

May 19, 2025

Microsoft Defender deactivated by new tool

The OpenEoX Technical Committee, part of OASIS, has introduced a draft framework to standardize end-of-life security notices for software and hardware, involving companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, IBM, Dell, and RedHat. The framework aims to provide clear communication about the security status of technology, helping organizations manage risks associated with legacy systems. It outlines a structured approach for notifying users about end-of-life status, enabling informed decisions on upgrades or replacements to improve security.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Windows Remote Desktop Gateway UAF Vulnerability Allows Remote Code Execution

A critical vulnerability, designated as CVE-2025-21297, has been identified in Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) due to a use-after-free (UAF) bug linked to concurrent socket connections during the service's initialization. This flaw, located in the aaedge.dll library within the CTsgMsgServer::GetCTsgMsgServerInstance function, allows multiple threads to overwrite a global pointer, leading to potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Windows Server, including 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025. Microsoft released security updates in May 2025 to address the issue, implementing mutex-based synchronization. The updates are KB5050011 for Windows Server 2016, KB5050008 for Windows Server 2019, KB5049983 for Windows Server 2022, and KB5050009 for Windows Server 2025. Security experts recommend applying these patches promptly and monitoring RD Gateway logs for unusual activity.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Microsoft Triumphs: Resolves Long-Standing Windows Bug from Last Year

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update, version 24H2, released in May 2025, resolves a dual-boot issue caused by the Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) feature that made Linux partitions unbootable for many users. Additionally, Microsoft has launched a new 13-inch Surface Laptop, which is the lightest and thinnest version ever produced, weighing 2.7 lbs, and emphasizing portability and performance with advanced AI features.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Five new Steam games you probably missed (May 19, 2025)

Steam introduces approximately a dozen new games daily. Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo: - Release: May 17 - Developer: Galla The Precinct: - Release: May 14 - Developer: Fallen Tree Games Ltd - Features a cop drama set in a fictional 1980s American city with a top-down perspective and cop simulation elements. Neon Hearts City: - Release: May 14 - Developer: Cosmic Void - A retro-styled point-and-click adventure featuring a private investigator in a cyberpunk setting. The Slormancer: - Release: May 14 - Developer: Slormite Studios - A pixelated action RPG with intricate skill trees and over 150 elemental skills and passives. Manivore: - Release: May 13 - Developer: Farkas Interactive - A horror game where players investigate sinister activities using a camera, solving puzzles and engaging in stealth sequences.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Goodbye Obsolete Tech—This USB Drive Instantly Revives Old Computers—Perfect for the Post-Windows 10 Era

Computers have a finite lifespan, and companies like Microsoft withdraw support for older devices to focus on newer models, a practice known as planned obsolescence. Microsoft is discontinuing support for the Windows 10 operating system, which means users will no longer receive security updates or technical assistance. Google has developed ChromeOS Flex, an operating system that can be installed on older Windows 10 devices, providing essential security features and updates. ChromeOS Flex offers rapid boot times and automatic updates and is compatible with a range of hardware from major manufacturers. Users must verify their device against an approved list and meet specific installation requirements, including having a 64-bit processor, at least 4 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of storage. An empty USB drive of at least 8 GB is needed to create the bootable installer for the installation process.

AppWizard

May 18, 2025

EA is reportedly cracking down on a Sims 4 mod. What it changes has fans furious

The Sims 4, developed by Electronic Arts, has maintained its popularity for over ten years, supported by a dedicated fan base and compatibility with modern hardware. The game recently released the Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Pack in March, allowing players to start their own small businesses. The community has also created numerous fan-made mods, some of which enhance gameplay, while others have sparked controversy, such as a mod aimed at removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) elements. This led to backlash and accusations of censorship when EA requested the mod's removal. Additionally, the conversation about diversity in video games has grown, with criticism directed at Sweet Baby Inc., a consulting firm, for its influence on narrative choices in games like Alan Wake 2 and God of War Ragnarok, resulting in organized boycotts against games associated with the firm.

AppWizard

May 18, 2025

How to Build an Automatic Crop Farm in Minecraft (2025 Guide)

In Minecraft, players can create automated farming systems to enhance productivity. To build a basic automated crop farm using wheat, follow these steps: 1. Collection System: Excavate a 9x9 area, lay powered rails activated by redstone torches, and place a hopper connected to a chest at one end. Use a hopper minecart to collect crops. 2. Farming Platform: Build a 9x9 dirt platform above the rails, place a water source block on a bottom slab in the center, till the soil, and sow seeds. 3. Villager Introduction: Enclose three sides of the farm, add a villager with seeds, and seal the area for the villager to plant and harvest crops. 4. Farmer Assignment: Place a composter on the water slab to designate the villager as a farmer for continuous planting and harvesting. 5. Lighting: Use torches to illuminate the farm for consistent crop growth. Notable community builds for inspiration include Shulkercraft's Auto Wheat Farm, JC Playz's Compact Farm, Shulkercraft's Potato/Carrot Variant, and CaptainOwl's TNT Tree Farm. Automated farms significantly reduce resource generation time and encourage experimentation with redstone mechanics and crop diversity.