unique features Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 2, 2025

15 PostgreSQL Monitoring Tools

PostgreSQL monitoring tools are essential for database administrators to ensure optimal performance, availability, and reliability of databases. They provide real-time insights into performance metrics such as query execution times, CPU usage, memory consumption, and disk I/O, helping identify potential bottlenecks. Popular monitoring solutions include: - **DynaTrace**: AI-powered full-stack monitoring with real-time anomaly detection and performance insights. - **pgAdmin**: Comprehensive management tool with a graphical interface for database design and performance monitoring. - **Paessler PRTG**: All-in-one network monitoring solution with customizable PostgreSQL sensors and real-time tracking. - **Pganalyze**: Offers deep insights, automated query analysis, and visualizations for optimizing database operations. - **Sematext PostgreSQL Monitoring**: Cloud-based monitoring with detailed metrics, anomaly detection, and alerts. - **SolarWinds**: Database performance analyzer providing profound insights and real-time monitoring. - **Nagios**: Open-source system with PostgreSQL plugins for performance tracking and alerting. - **Pgwatch2**: Lightweight monitoring tool offering dashboards and real-time metrics. - **ManageEngine Application Manager**: Full-stack monitoring with detailed PostgreSQL metrics and alerts. - **DataDog**: Cloud-based platform with comprehensive metrics, anomaly detection, and customizable dashboards. - **Prometheus and Grafana**: Open-source stack with powerful query language, alerting, and customizable dashboards. - **PGObserver**: Tool offering detailed performance statistics, historical data analysis, and alerts. - **ClusterControl**: Management tool with monitoring, backups, and performance tuning. - **AppOptics APM**: Application performance monitoring with real-time metrics and anomaly detection. - **AppDynamics**: Enterprise-grade APM tool with advanced monitoring and root-cause analysis. These tools provide unique features tailored to the needs of PostgreSQL database administrators, facilitating real-time monitoring and advanced analytics for maintaining database performance and reliability.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

You can run Arch Linux in Windows now

Arch Linux has officially become available as a distribution for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This release follows earlier reports from It's Foss News in February. WSL allows users to run a complete Linux environment on Windows, and the addition of Arch Linux introduces a rolling release model. The Arch Linux WSL image is maintained by Robin Candau and is built and released monthly through a GitLab CI schedule, with systemd support included. Users are advised to run pacman -Syu after their first launch to ensure they have the latest updates. To use Arch Linux on WSL, WSL 2 must be installed. The installation process involves running commands in PowerShell: PLACEHOLDER2f45746c1eb6702b for WSL 2, followed by PLACEHOLDERcebb97c90d3dc3e4 to add Arch Linux, and then PLACEHOLDERff7af59bfa5f1c11 to boot into it. Users should also update their system with PLACEHOLDERe23a8bb0ce81dc13. WSL 2 supports running Linux GUI desktops via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), but available images are primarily command-line based.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

I turned my Windows PC into an EdgeBook — Microsoft’s web apps were the most glaring issue

Microsoft Edge was used as the sole application for two weeks to explore its capabilities as a potential alternative to ChromeOS for Windows 10 users. The experiment revealed that while Edge has useful features like the Sidebar and Edge Drop, the web versions of Microsoft Office were inadequate for daily tasks, often performing poorly and lacking functionality compared to desktop versions. Essential applications identified during the experiment included Snipping Tool, PowerToys, Microsoft Office apps, and a dedicated photo editor. The experiment also highlighted the possibility of uninstalling many applications from Windows 11, emphasizing the benefits of a clean install. Additionally, the potential of Windows 10X as a competitor to ChromeOS was noted, though it remains unrealized.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Windows 10 LTSC – the version that won’t expire for years

The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October, but two editions will remain supported for two and seven more years, respectively. Windows 10 LTSC 2021 will receive mainstream support until January 12, 2027, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 until January 13, 2032. LTSC versions lack the Windows Store and many modern applications, offering a streamlined experience with essential features only. Activation of LTSC editions requires an enterprise product key, obtainable through a Volume License Agreement. The IoT version is limited to US English, while the standard LTSC supports 38 languages. LTSC editions do not receive version upgrades, remaining on version 21H2 indefinitely. LTSC ISO files are not readily available on the Microsoft download page but can be accessed through the Microsoft portal with an enterprise license. Unauthorized third-party Windows distributions, such as Tiny11 and Atlas OS, exist but may violate Microsoft’s terms of service.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

After six months, Microsoft finally lets some Windows 11 PCs upgrade to 24H2

A segment of Windows 11 users faced issues upgrading to the 24H2 update due to certain incompatible wallpaper customization apps, prompting Microsoft to temporarily block the update on affected devices. Microsoft has since made progress in resolving these compatibility issues and is gradually lifting the restrictions on the 24H2 update installation. Users are advised to uninstall incompatible wallpaper apps or update them to newer versions for a successful upgrade. The timing of the update's availability may vary based on the specific wallpaper application in use.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Pixel Weather is my favorite weather app; there’s just one problem with it

Google's Pixel Weather app was launched alongside the Pixel 9 series and is noted for its user-friendly design and comprehensive data offerings. It provides hourly and 10-day forecasts, sunrise and sunset times, humidity levels, visibility, air quality, and UV index, all presented in an easily digestible format. The app features an AI Weather Report for quick summaries and has a visually engaging design with bold temperature displays and animated backgrounds. Customization options allow users to rearrange tiles and widgets according to their preferences. Currently, Pixel Weather is exclusive to Pixel devices, limiting its accessibility compared to other essential apps available to all Android users. There is a suggestion for Google to make Pixel Weather available on the Play Store for all Android devices, potentially retaining some exclusive features for Pixel users.

Tech Optimizer

April 5, 2025

I put Trend Micro and McAfee antivirus in a head to head showdown – here’s how it went

McAfee and Trend Micro are two antivirus software options with distinct features. Specifications: - McAfee costs per year for a single user; Trend Micro starts at per year for 2 adults and 4 children. - McAfee supports Windows 10 and 11; Trend Micro supports Windows 8.1 to 11. - Malware protection is rated as good for McAfee and adequate for Trend Micro. - Both do not offer backup software. - System resource usage is light to heavy for both. Costs and Coverage: - Both do not have a free tier but offer a 30-day trial. - Trend Micro's entry-level Antivirus + Security is priced at , while McAfee's Basic plan typically retails for for a single device. - Trend Micro offers packages for 3 devices, 5 systems, and 10 systems, while McAfee's plans cover up to two adults and four children. Antivirus Protection: - Trend Micro uses heuristic behavioral analysis, while McAfee employs cloud-based infrastructure and machine learning. - Both provide periodic updates, but McAfee features Ransom Guard for monitoring file changes. Antivirus Performance: - McAfee has a 99.8% protection rate; Trend Micro has a 98.1% rate. - McAfee has fewer false positives (10) compared to Trend Micro (76). Security and Privacy Features: - Trend Micro includes a Firewall Booster; McAfee emphasizes phishing protection and personal data privacy. Performance and System Impact: - Trend Micro has minimal impact on system resources; McAfee uses more resources during scans. Interface: - Trend Micro's interface is user-friendly; McAfee's interface is simplified but less customizable. Installation and Support: - McAfee's installation takes under five minutes; Trend Micro's takes over twelve minutes. - McAfee offers 24/7 support; Trend Micro's support is limited to business hours unless on a premium plan. Overall, McAfee is rated higher in performance and features, while Trend Micro is noted for its efficient resource management and user-friendly interface.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Q-Dir may be everything you need in a Windows file manager

Q-Dir is a free file management alternative to File Explorer for Windows 11, featuring a unique quad-pane view that allows users to manage four folders simultaneously. It offers customization options, including a dark theme and adjustable layouts, and can be set as the default file manager. The application is lightweight, under 1MB in size, and includes features like a built-in scanning tool and folder view export. However, its user interface appears dated, with old-school icons and limited theme customization. Overall, Q-Dir provides a practical solution for efficient file management without the need for payment.

Tech Optimizer

March 23, 2025

Killed by Google: These are the apps I miss the most

Google has retired several applications that were popular among users, including: - Google Now: Launched in 2012 and discontinued in 2015, it provided contextually relevant information through scrollable cards. It was replaced by features like the Discover feed and Google Assistant. - Inbox by Google: Introduced as an alternative to Gmail, it grouped similar emails and helped users manage their inboxes. It was retired in 2019, with some features integrated into Gmail. - Google Trips: Launched in 2016 as a travel companion app that integrated travel information from Gmail and Google Maps. It was discontinued in 2019. - Android Auto on Smartphones: Debuted in 2016, allowing smartphones to serve as navigation hubs in cars without built-in systems. It was discontinued in 2022 in favor of dedicated vehicle screens. - Trusted Contacts: Launched in 2016 to share real-time location with family and friends for safety. It was integrated into Google Maps but is missed for its simplicity. - Google Reader: A popular RSS feed aggregator that was shut down in 2013, known for its user-friendly interface and offline functionality. Its absence is still felt by users.