Transitioning Archives

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Microsoft applies the thumbscrews to Windows 10 users, telling them to upgrade to be on “the right side of risk”

Microsoft is urging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 before support ends on October 14, 2025, citing security risks. Many users are reluctant to upgrade due to affordability and compatibility issues with their current hardware. The Linux community is responding by offering alternatives for users considering a switch away from Windows, with initiatives like the End of 10 project and support from KDE for maintaining older PCs.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Migrate Google Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL to Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora using pglogical

PostgreSQL is a popular open-source relational database used by enterprise developers and startups, enabling rapid prototyping and supporting mission-critical applications. Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL and Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition facilitate easy setup, operation, and scaling of PostgreSQL deployments in the AWS Cloud, automating administrative tasks like software installation, storage management, and backups. The pglogical extension, compatible with PostgreSQL versions 9.4 and higher, allows for asynchronous replication and is supported on RDS for PostgreSQL and Aurora PostgreSQL from version 12. It uses a publisher/subscriber model for logical streaming replication. To migrate a PostgreSQL database from Google Cloud SQL to RDS for PostgreSQL or Aurora PostgreSQL, users must configure the primary database in Cloud SQL, create a PostgreSQL user with replication privileges, enable logical replication parameters, and create the pglogical extension. The RDS instance also requires a special user for replication, enabling logical replication parameters and creating the pglogical extension. Known limitations of pglogical include the inability to replicate primary key changes directly, the need to manually transfer extensions, and the lack of support for materialized views and large objects. Workarounds involve using surrogate keys for primary keys, manually creating extensions, and converting large objects to bytea columns or storing them in Amazon S3. DDL statements are not automatically replicated, but can be queued using the pglogical.replicate_ddl_command function.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

KDE appeals to Windows 10 ‘exiles’

KDE has launched a campaign called "KDE for Windows 10 Exiles" in response to the end of support for Windows 10, which will occur on October 14. The campaign warns users that while Windows 10 will still function after this date, the lack of updates will lead to performance and security declines, increasing risks of hacking. Users face a choice between switching to the Long Term Servicing Channel, paying for extended security updates, or upgrading to Windows 11, which many are reluctant to do due to various reasons, including corporate policies and hardware incompatibility. KDE advocates for transitioning to Linux, specifically its Plasma Desktop environment, emphasizing its user-friendliness and visual appeal. While installing Linux has become easier, KDE advises users to seek help from Linux enthusiasts for a smooth transition. Once installed, KDE claims users will experience fewer data collection issues and no viruses, although users must remain vigilant against Linux malware. It is important to note that while support for many versions of Windows 10 ends on October 14, Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates until 2028.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Microsoft accused of ‘tech extortion’ over Windows 10 support ending in campaign to get people to upgrade to Linux

KDE has launched a campaign called ‘KDE for Windows 10 Exiles’ to encourage Windows 10 users to switch to Linux as support for Windows 10 is set to end on October 14. The campaign warns that without updates, users will face increased security risks and be pressured to buy new hardware for Windows 11, which has stringent requirements that may render older PCs incompatible. The initiative also highlights environmental concerns related to electronic waste from discarded functioning machines. While Linux can extend the life of older hardware, transitioning to it may be challenging for less tech-savvy users. Some KDE contributors are involved in the existing ‘End of 10’ initiative, indicating a shared goal to attract users dissatisfied with Microsoft’s practices.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

KDE opens its doors to “Windows 10 exiles” as it claims Microsoft wants to turn your computer “into junk”

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, leaving users vulnerable to bugs and security threats. Users have options to upgrade to Windows 11, invest in new hardware, or switch to alternative operating systems like Linux. The KDE group is promoting Linux, particularly Linux Mint, as a solution for those feeling abandoned by Microsoft, warning that users may face issues such as data breaches and inability to run new applications without updates. They also highlight the environmental impact of forced upgrades, labeling it "tech extortion." KDE advocates for the adoption of Linux to revitalize older hardware and regain control over computing experiences.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 is getting some big upgrades to tackle dreaded boot failures – and help novices set up their new PC

Windows 11 has released a new preview build, 26200.5622, in the Dev channel, introducing several features aimed at improving user experience. Key additions include Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) for recovering from boot failures, a PC-to-PC migration feature for easier transitions to new devices, a new option in Phone Link to mirror Android phone screens from the Start menu, enhancements to the widgets board with a navigation bar, and a Click to Do feature for drafting text in Word using Copilot on Copilot+ PCs. These features are in early testing and may be included in the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 release.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 lost users again in May, but not among gamers

In March, users of Windows 10 began transitioning to Windows 11, a trend that continued into April. By the end of April, Windows 11 had a market share of 43.72 percent, which declined to 43.22 percent by the end of May. Meanwhile, Windows 10's market share increased by 0.25 points to 53.19 percent. In the gaming sector, Windows 11 held a market share of 58.30 percent, an increase of 0.46 points, while Windows 10's share decreased to 37 percent, a decline of 1.09 points.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Can’t upgrade your laptop to Windows 11? Asus joins Microsoft’s campaign urging you to buy a new Copilot+ PC, and I’m not sure that’s wise

Asus is encouraging Windows 10 laptop users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 to consider transitioning to a Copilot+ PC, as support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025. The Copilot+ devices feature a dedicated AI processor, promising improved user experience and security. However, this marketing strategy raises environmental concerns regarding increased electronic waste from discarded older PCs. Critics argue that many users could upgrade their existing machines if not for Microsoft's stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced an option to extend support for an additional year, but it is uncertain if this will be available to all consumers. While Copilot+ PCs offer enhanced features, the urgency to upgrade may be overstated, and there are calls for a more responsible approach to product lifecycle and sustainability in technology.

Tech Optimizer

June 2, 2025

Streamline code conversion and testing from Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle to PostgreSQL with Amazon Bedrock

Organizations are transitioning from legacy database systems like Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle to open-source alternatives such as PostgreSQL to reduce costs and enhance scalability. This migration process involves several steps, including schema conversion, business logic transformation, data migration, application changes, and performance tuning. Amazon Bedrock aids this process by automating schema and code conversion, data transformation, identifying code compatibility issues, and generating test cases for validation. The migration challenges include adapting database objects to PostgreSQL's syntax, converting stored procedures and functions, executing ETL processes for data accuracy, modifying application code, and optimizing performance. Amazon Bedrock utilizes generative AI to simplify these tasks, significantly reducing manual effort and errors. An example of code conversion from Microsoft SQL Server to PostgreSQL is provided, illustrating how to convert a stored procedure into a PostgreSQL function while generating corresponding test cases. The process involves using the Amazon Bedrock chat interface to submit prompts for conversion and validation. To support the migration, table creation scripts for the Employees and SalaryUpdateLog tables are included, along with test data that covers various employee scenarios. This data allows for comprehensive testing of the converted function, ensuring it correctly applies salary updates based on specified criteria.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Time’s up: Windows 10 support ends, but Windows 11 Pro is just $15

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing critical updates and security patches. Users can purchase Windows 11 Pro for .97 through StackSocial. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as DirectX 12 Ultimate, Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and an integrated AI assistant called Copilot.