Upgrade Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 5, 2026

Linux 7.0 Cuts PostgreSQL Performance in Half

An AWS engineer reported a significant drop in PostgreSQL throughput on Linux 7.0, with performance reduced to approximately half of its previous capability. Benchmark tests showed that the removal of the PREEMPT_NONE scheduling option was the main cause of this regression. On a 96-vCPU Graviton4 instance, throughput measured at just 0.51x compared to earlier kernel versions. Salvatore Dipietro from Amazon/AWS conducted benchmarking analysis of PostgreSQL 17, revealing that Linux 7.0 delivered only 0.51x the throughput of its predecessors. The root cause was traced to kernel commit 7dadeaa6e851, which eliminated PREEMPT_NONE as the default option, leading to increased contention due to the new PREEMPT_LAZY model. Profiling data indicated that 55% of CPU time is consumed by spinning in PostgreSQL’s spinlock, causing significant performance degradation. When a revert patch was applied, throughput rebounded to 1.94x the baseline. The decision to restrict preemption modes in Linux 7.0 aimed to address issues within the kernel's scheduling model. Dipietro proposed a patch to restore PREEMPT_NONE, but kernel developers suggested PostgreSQL adopt the rseq time slice extension instead. Database operators running PostgreSQL on Linux face potential performance reductions with the upgrade to Linux 7.0.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

RIP Samsung Messages: End-of-life date officially announced

Samsung will phase out the Samsung Messages app by July 2026, encouraging users to transition to Google Messages for a more consistent messaging experience across Android devices. Samsung previously announced in July 2024 that Google Messages would become the default messaging app for Galaxy smartphones. The upcoming Galaxy S26 series will feature Google Messages exclusively, without Samsung Messages. Devices running Android 11 or older will still support Samsung Messages. Users are advised to check their app for specific shutdown details, which may vary by region.

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

New Crimson Desert patch brings a huge storage upgrade, but waves goodbye to its best flight trick

The latest update for Crimson Desert, version 1.02.00, introduces significant enhancements based on community feedback. Key features include: - Inventory expansion, allowing private storage to grow from 240 slots to 1,000 with five possible expansions. - Improved movement controls with the option to toggle between new 'basic' controls and classic settings, along with enhanced fast travel capabilities. - A headgear visibility toggle for character customization, with future updates promising additional options for hiding weapons. - Balancing adjustments, including a nerf to a popular flight trick, while maintaining the ability to activate flight mid-air. - New features such as a fresh armor set for cats, clearer visibility for explosive barrels, and a reorganized save/load menu for better user experience. - Graphical improvements addressing foliage display and screen flickering, alongside fixes for crashes and localization errors. The update is available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Mac App Store.

Winsage

April 4, 2026

Microsoft is Forcing Windows 11 25H2 Update to 24H2 Users

Microsoft is forcefully upgrading users from the 24H2 version of Windows 11 to the latest 25H2 version through a "machine learning-based intelligent rollout." The 24H2 version will lose official support on October 13, 2026. Users can schedule a restart or postpone the update briefly, but they cannot opt out of the upgrade. The upcoming 26H1 update will be specifically for Windows-on-Arm devices, while the 26H2 update is expected later this year, promising new features and improvements.

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

Ahead of its full remaster, the most relaxing building game ever is yours for free on Steam, but be quick

House Flipper is offering players a chance to download the game for free on Steam as it approaches its eighth anniversary. The player base has exceeded ten million, and a House Flipper Remastered Collection is set to launch later this year. The remastered version will be priced at .99 and will include all downloadable content (DLC). Discounts will be available for players who already own the original game, based on the content in their libraries. Players can claim their free copy until April 6, 2026, and the remastered collection is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2026. A playtest is currently underway until April 6, allowing players to explore two jobs and one purchasable house, with feedback being actively sought by the developer.

Winsage

April 4, 2026

Run Windows on your Mac or revive an old PC for $13

A sluggish computer often does not require a complete overhaul; upgrading the operating system can enhance speed, security, and functionality. Windows 11 Pro offers a modern interface, multitasking tools, and security features like biometric login and advanced antivirus protection, which can extend the lifespan of older devices. Mac users can run Windows 11 Pro using Boot Camp or virtual machine software, allowing access to Windows-exclusive applications and games. Windows 11 Pro also enhances gaming through DirectX 12 Ultimate. The operating system is available for .97 (MSRP 9) until April 4th at 11:59 PM PST. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

April 4, 2026

Give Your Laptop an Easy Upgrade with This Microsoft Bundle

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, originally priced at 9. The bundle includes Windows 11 Pro, valued at 9, which features enhanced security, multitasking capabilities, custom desktops, voice typing, and an AI assistant called CoPilot. It also includes Microsoft Office 2021, valued at 9.99, which contains applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The bundle offers immediate download and lifetime access. Prices on StackSocial may change.

BetaBeacon

April 3, 2026

Wine 11.6 Brings Android Driver Work, Game Mod Fixes

The Wine Project has released version 11.6, which includes improvements and bug fixes to enhance user experience. The update focuses on reviving the Android driver and improving VBScript compatibility. Gaming compatibility has been addressed, fixing issues in popular games like Minecraft Windows 10 Edition and Mount & Blade: Warband. For Linux gamers, the update resolves problems in Diablo IV and Cyberpunk 2077. Additionally, enhancements have been made for DLL handling in Gecko-based browsers and modded game setups. Compatibility fixes have also been provided for various applications like StarOffice 5.1 and PDF-XChange Editor. The source code for Wine 11.6 is available for download on GitLab, with binary packages for different distributions expected to be available soon.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

I saved a doomed Windows laptop by embracing Linux

The author switched from a MacBook Air to a nine-year-old ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5, which does not meet the requirements for Windows 11 due to its 7th-gen Intel processor. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October, leaving many devices like the ThinkPad considered "obsolete." The author installed Linux Mint on the ThinkPad, which is compatible with older hardware and provides a user-friendly experience. The ThinkPad has 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and was purchased for 0. Despite some challenges, such as reduced battery life and minor driver issues, the device remains functional for everyday tasks. Linux Mint is free and open source, requiring no mandatory agreements for installation.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

This $45 bundle gives you Office 2021 + Windows 11 Pro for life

The combination of Microsoft Office 2021 Professional and Windows 11 Pro is available for a one-time payment of .97, reduced from the standard retail price of 9.99. Microsoft Office 2021 Professional includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, and offers a lifetime license. Windows 11 Pro features an intuitive interface, productivity-enhancing tools like Snap layouts and an AI-powered assistant called Copilot, along with security features like BitLocker encryption. This bundle is available until April 12.