toolkit Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Adobe Firefly joins forces with Gemini Flash 2.5 for seamless content creation

Adobe Firefly has integrated Gemini's Flash 2.5 Image to enhance its AI content creation capabilities. Users can switch seamlessly between Adobe apps during their creative process. Premium members have unlimited access to Gemini's features until September 1st, while free tier users can generate up to 20 pieces of media for free. The integration allows for greater flexibility in exploring creative ideas and ensures that user-generated content will not be used to train generative AI models. The Gemini 2.5 Flash Image is available in Firefly’s Text to Image module, Firefly Boards (beta), and Adobe Express.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

5 “just-enough” open-source apps I install on every fresh Windows setup

A fresh installation of Windows provides a clean slate, but soon requires essential tools for tasks like file extraction, text editing, audio recording, and screen capturing. The following open-source tools are recommended: - 7-Zip: A lightweight file compression tool that supports various formats (.zip, .rar, .tar, .7z, .iso) and integrates into the right-click context menu. It is free and maintained by a community. - OBS Studio: An open-source software for gamers and content creators that excels in livestreaming and game recording, featuring customizable recording parameters and a replay buffer. - Audacity: A long-standing open-source audio editing software that is lightweight yet feature-rich, ideal for straightforward audio editing tasks and supports built-in effects and plugins. - Notepad++: An enhanced text editor that supports multiple programming languages and syntax highlighting, making it suitable for editing configuration files, with lightweight nature and plugin support. - ShareX: An open-source screenshot tool that offers advanced features and customizable workflows, improving upon the Snipping Tool for seamless screenshot management. The author values these tools for being free, open-source, and reliable, often preferring them over proprietary software.

Tech Optimizer

August 19, 2025

We’ve learned how to migrate databases from Oracle to Postgres Pro at 41 TB/day

An organization transitioning from Oracle Database to Postgres Pro faces challenges such as slow data transfer, the need to keep the source system operational during migration, and risks of data loss or corruption. ProGate is a toolkit developed to simplify this migration process, consisting of three main components: 1. **ProCopy**: A utility for high-speed initial data loading, achieving speeds of 200–500 MB/sec for Oracle to Postgres Pro migrations and around 1 GB/sec for PostgreSQL to Postgres Pro migrations. It allows for parallel execution, column omission, renaming, and on-the-fly data type modifications. 2. **ProSync**: A tool for continuous change synchronization (CDC) that captures and applies changes from Oracle to Postgres Pro in real-time, minimizing downtime during migration. 3. **ProCheck**: A tool that verifies data quality and integrity post-migration by comparing tables, rows, and columns across both databases to identify discrepancies. ProGate is designed for extensive databases, supports hot migrations with minimal downtime, and ensures strict data consistency. Limitations include potential manual intervention for schema changes, specific mapping for custom data types, and effectiveness issues with tables lacking primary keys. The public release of ProGate is planned for this fall, with future enhancements including a graphical user interface and support for additional database sources.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

This Windows 11 Settings quirk makes me love the Control Panel even more

Microsoft introduced Windows 11, featuring a redesigned Settings app with a nested menu system aimed at providing a cleaner, touch-friendly experience for novice users. The classic Control Panel is still accessible but is less prominent, leading some users to prefer it for its direct access to powerful options. Managing audio devices has become more complicated, requiring multiple steps in the new Settings app compared to the two-click access in the Control Panel. Similarly, managing core Windows components, changing user account types, and fine-tuning power plans have all become more convoluted in Windows 11's Settings app. The Control Panel remains essential for power users who need quick access to these features.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2025

How to Create a Foreign Data Wrapper in PostgreSQL and Aurora PostgreSQL on AWS RDS

Foreign data wrappers (FDWs) in PostgreSQL and Aurora PostgreSQL allow users to access and manipulate data from external sources without data migration. To set up a foreign data wrapper, the following steps are required: 1. **Install the Foreign Data Wrapper**: Use the command `CREATE EXTENSION postgres_fdw;` to install the FDW. 2. **Set Up Foreign Data Wrapper Access**: Grant usage permissions using `GRANT USAGE ON FOREIGN SERVER foreign_server_name TO PUBLIC;` or for specific users. 3. **Create a Foreign Server**: Use the command `CREATE SERVER foreign_server_name FOREIGN DATA WRAPPER postgres_fdw OPTIONS (host 'hostname', dbname 'dbname', port '5432');`. 4. **Create User Mapping**: Establish authentication details with `CREATE USER MAPPING FOR local_username SERVER foreign_server_name OPTIONS (user 'remote_username', password 'remote_password');`. 5. **Create Foreign Tables**: Reference remote tables using `CREATE FOREIGN TABLE remote_table ( id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY, data VARCHAR(50) ) SERVER foreign_server_name OPTIONS (table_name 'remote_table');`. An example use case is an online retailer using a PostgreSQL database for operations and an external SQL database for customer feedback, allowing real-time insights into customer satisfaction.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2025

Best Free Antivirus Software for 2025 | Top Picks & Reviews

eSecurity Planet maintains an editorially independent stance regarding content and product recommendations, with potential revenue generated from partner links. In 2025, the landscape of free antivirus software includes notable options such as: - Bitdefender Antivirus Free: - Best for users seeking reliable, hands-off protection. - Pros: High malware detection scores, minimal system impact, clean interface, automatic updates, low false-positive rate. - Cons: No control over advanced settings, no firewall or password manager. - Avast One Essentials: - Best for users wanting all-in-one protection. - Pros: Real-time protection, limited VPN and firewall, device cleanup tools, modern dashboard, multi-platform compatibility. - Cons: VPN limited to 5 GB per week, scrutiny over data privacy. - AVG AntiVirus Free: - Best for users preferring a classic interface. - Pros: Excellent malware protection, performance scan tool, file shredder, custom scan scheduling, fewer ads. - Cons: No VPN or firewall, outdated user interface. - Malwarebytes Free: - Best for users needing to clean infected devices. - Pros: Exceptional at scanning for rootkits, fast scan times, effective against ransomware, simple interface, low false positive rate. - Cons: No real-time protection, not a standalone solution. - McAfee (Free Trial): - Best for users wanting to test full-suite protection. - Pros: Access to full suite, protects multiple devices, clean interface, strong anti-phishing scores. - Cons: Trial expires after 30 days, may slow down older systems. The evaluation methodology focused on protection, usability, performance, free value, and trust to highlight effective free antivirus software. The top recommendations include Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avast One Essentials for feature set, and Malwarebytes Free as an essential add-on.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

How to craft Copper Torch in Minecraft | Esports News

The forthcoming Minecraft snapshot will introduce the Copper Torch, a decorative item scheduled for release in the 2025 Fall Drop. It functions like a traditional torch but features unique green textures and particles. To craft the Copper Torch, players need 1 Copper Nugget, 1 Coal, and 1 Stick. The crafting process involves placing the Copper Nugget on top, Coal in the middle, and Stick at the bottom in a Crafting Table, resulting in four Copper Torches. Copper Torches emit a light level of 14 and can be used for illumination and decoration in builds.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Google Maps sucks on unpaved roads, so I use this open source app instead

Google Maps is primarily designed for well-marked, paved roads and does not adequately highlight gravel routes, making it less effective for navigating unpaved paths. In a poll, 55% of users preferred OsmAnd for unpaved road navigation, compared to 20% for Google Maps. OsmAnd offers features like a color-coded system for road types, offline map support for entire regions, and the ability to import KML or GPX files. However, it has challenges such as cumbersome customization options, less detailed information compared to Google Maps, and performance issues on Android Auto.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

These 9 File Explorer alternatives make your Windows PC so much better

Windows Explorer has a basic interface that can hinder file management, prompting the development of alternative "commander" tools. These alternatives include single-window and dual-window applications designed to improve file management on Windows PCs. Free Commander XE features a dual-window layout with tabs for quick access and modern icons, allowing users to manage ZIP files and synchronize folders. Multi Commander also uses a dual-window approach, supports bulk file renaming, and offers a portable version. Double Commander is an open-source option with a familiar interface, capable of creating symbolic links and synchronizing folders. One Commander allows toggling between single and dual-window views and includes customizable features. Paid file managers like Total Commander, SpeedCommander, and XYplorer offer advanced functionalities, including FTP capabilities and scripting options. Q-Dir can open four windows simultaneously and provides extensive customization. File Voyager features a two-window view but may have stability issues. For Android devices, Google Files, Total Commander, and X-plore are notable file management apps, each offering various features for organizing and accessing files.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Fake Antivirus App Delivers LunaSpy Malware to Android Devices

A cybercrime campaign is targeting Android users with counterfeit antivirus applications that install LunaSpy spyware on devices. This campaign has been active since at least February 2025 and spreads through messaging apps and fake Telegram channels. Cybercriminals use social engineering tactics to trick users into installing the malware by presenting it as legitimate security software. Once installed, the app performs fake scans and generates alarming reports to manipulate users into granting extensive permissions, allowing access to personal data, including passwords and financial details. LunaSpy can steal passwords, record audio and video, access text messages, track locations, and capture screen activity. It communicates with attackers through around 150 domains and IP addresses. Users are advised to avoid unofficial software sources and be cautious with download requests.