utility

Tech Optimizer
July 8, 2025
The content describes a video edition of a book titled "PostgreSQL Mistakes and How To Avoid Them," which aims to help readers learn from common PostgreSQL errors. The book covers various topics, including avoiding configuration and operational issues, maximizing utility and performance, rectifying poor SQL practices, addressing security and administration challenges, facilitating migrations and upgrades, and diagnosing problematic databases. It provides detailed explanations of mistakes, real-world examples, and actionable recommendations, along with illustrative code snippets and diagrams. The book is intended for PostgreSQL database administrators and application developers, and the author is Jimmy Angelakos, a systems and database architect.
Winsage
July 8, 2025
Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27891 to the Canary Channel, which includes the removal of Windows PowerShell 2.0. The update features several critical system fixes, including: - Correction of the “Reset this PC” feature under Settings > System > Recovery. - Resolution of an issue affecting the taskbar's acrylic material effect. - Fix for Windows Update downloads that stalled at 2%. - Correction of character rendering problems for languages like Vietnamese and Arabic. Enhancements in File Explorer include a dropdown menu in the address bar that shows the complete folder path. Stability improvements in Settings aim to prevent crashes when accessing microphone properties or Bluetooth settings, although a new known issue may cause crashes in Settings > System > Power & Battery. Task Manager now features updated CPU utility calculations. The Microsoft Store has been updated to allow users to install apps and games directly from the top featured sections. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN on Copilot+ PCs, graphical distortion for Remote Desktop users on Arm64 PCs, and incomplete localization of some features. Transitioning out of the Canary Channel requires a clean installation of Windows 11.
AppWizard
July 5, 2025
Special K is a versatile utility for PC gaming that enhances gameplay across various titles. It features a frame rate limiter that improves consistency, surpassing Nvidia's built-in limiter in minimum frame rates during tests. Special K allows users to force games into borderless or exclusive fullscreen modes, enable Nvidia Reflex, adjust DLSS settings, and link input devices to specific applications. It also addresses HDR support issues by enabling HDR injection in games that lack native support, with extensive customization options for HDR settings. Originally developed to fix problems in PC ports like Fallout 4 and Batman: Arkham Knight, it has evolved to optimize a wide range of games, including Elden Ring, Monster Hunter: World, and Final Fantasy VII Remake. Special K has limitations with online games due to anti-cheat concerns but is highly applicable for single-player titles. The introduction of the SKIF GUI has made it more accessible for users.
Tech Optimizer
July 5, 2025
Cybercriminals are using legitimate software installer frameworks like Inno Setup to distribute malware, taking advantage of its trusted appearance and scripting capabilities. A recent campaign demonstrated how a malicious Inno Setup installer can deliver information-stealing malware, such as RedLine Stealer, through a multi-stage infection process. This process includes evasion techniques like detecting debuggers and sandbox environments, using XOR encryption to obscure strings, and conducting WMI queries to identify malware analysis tools. The installer retrieves a payload from a command-and-control server via a TinyURL link and creates a scheduled task for persistence. The payload employs DLL sideloading to load HijackLoader, which ultimately injects RedLine Stealer into a legitimate process to steal sensitive information. RedLine Stealer uses obfuscation techniques and disables security features in browsers to avoid detection. The Splunk Threat Research Team has developed detection methods focusing on indicators such as unsigned DLL sideloading and suspicious browser behaviors. Indicators of Compromise (IOC): - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 1: 0d5311014c66423261d1069fda108dab33673bd68d697e22adb096db05d851b7 - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 2: 0ee63776197a80de42e164314cea55453aa24d8eabca0b481f778eba7215c160 - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 3: 12876f134bde914fe87b7abb8e6b0727b2ffe9e9334797b7dcbaa1c1ac612ed6 - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 4: 8f55ad8c8dec23576097595d2789c9d53c92a6575e5e53bfbc51699d52d0d30a
AppWizard
July 5, 2025
The PiKVM project allows users to control a desktop or server remotely using a Raspberry Pi 4B and an HDMI-CSI bridge adapter, providing comprehensive keyboard, video, and mouse control even during reboots. It offers browser-based access to the PC's screen in real-time, enabling actions like force shutdowns, BIOS access, and operating system reinstallation, independent of the host system's operating system. The setup captures HDMI output and simulates USB input, functioning in scenarios like BIOS or crash screens. Essential components for building a PiKVM include a Raspberry Pi 4B, an HDMI-to-CSI bridge adapter, a microSD card, USB cables, an official power supply, and the latest PiKVM OS image. The setup process involves writing the OS image to the SD card, connecting the hardware, and accessing the web interface for remote control. PiKVM is beneficial for tasks such as troubleshooting boot sequences, configuring BIOS settings, and monitoring system status without physical interaction.
AppWizard
July 4, 2025
Copper golems and new copper equipment will be introduced in the upcoming Minecraft update, currently in testing for Bedrock and soon to be released as a Snapshot for Java. Players can create copper golems by placing a jack-o-lantern or carved pumpkin on a block of copper, which will then organize items in treasure chests. Copper will also become a legitimate equipment tier, with durability between stone and iron, allowing players to mine faster than with a stone pickaxe, but not unlocking additional materials. Copper is abundant in Minecraft's generated worlds, making it ideal for early-game use.
Winsage
July 4, 2025
Microsoft announced 9,000 layoffs, bringing the total for the year to over 15,300, including cuts within Xbox. The layoffs are attributed to unrealistic fiscal expectations set by CFO Amy Hood, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. There is a perception that these layoffs are part of a broader shift towards artificial intelligence, with Microsoft executives and shareholders reportedly resenting the investment in Activision-Blizzard. The company plans to invest billions in new AI training centers globally, raising concerns about the impact on its core gaming and consumer products. Microsoft’s AI products have faced criticism, and the company has been accused of losing sight of the human element in its consumer businesses. The recent layoffs have left employees feeling uncertain about their futures, and there is a growing sentiment that Microsoft lacks a coherent mission or ethos, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term innovation.
AppWizard
July 3, 2025
Samsung is enhancing its One UI 8 experience by integrating the Live Notifications feature with Android 16's "Live Updates" API, allowing broader third-party app support for live notifications. This upgrade will enable real-time updates from various compatible applications, moving beyond the previous limitation of primarily supporting Samsung's own apps. The feature was initially introduced with One UI 7 and is set to expand significantly in One UI 8. The One UI 8 beta has shown a developer option for "Live notifications for all apps," which allows Live Updates to appear in the status bar and Now Bar. Currently, no public apps support Live Updates, and testing requires Google's sample app. It is expected that users will not need to toggle a developer option for the feature in the final release of One UI 8.
AppWizard
July 3, 2025
Mojang has announced the introduction of a new mob type, the Copper Golem, in an upcoming update for Minecraft. The Copper Golem was a contender in the 2021 Mob Vote and will now be included in the game. The reveal was made by game director Agnes Larsson in a video filmed at a copper mine. The Copper Golem generates copper chests that help players manage their inventory by transferring items. Additionally, new copper gear will be introduced, marking the first new tool and armor tier since the Nether update. This new tier aims to enhance the utility of copper, making it more accessible for players. The Copper Golem and new features are currently available in the Minecraft Bedrock beta and will be released in Java Snapshot soon, although no specific release date has been provided.
Winsage
July 2, 2025
PowerToys has released version 0.92, introducing several enhancements: - Command Palette: Improved performance with Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compatibility for first-party extensions and core UX fixes. - Color Picker: Users can customize mouse button actions for a personalized workflow. - Bug Report Tool: Streamlined reporting process with progress indicators, improved compression, and automatic cleanup of old trace logs. - File Explorer Add-ons: Enhanced rendering stability, fixing issues with PDF previews, blank thumbnails, and text file crashes. Additional highlights include: - Crop & Lock: Updated window styling to match the current Windows theme. - Command Palette Extensions: New commands like "Copy Path" and improved input handling in the Calculator extension. - FancyZones: Resolved DPI-scaling issues for high-resolution displays. - PowerRename: Now supports date-based renaming with flexible formatting options. The development team has also made updates to enhance performance and security, including updates to .NET libraries and the WinAppSDK. PowerToys is available for free download through the Microsoft Store or GitHub.
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