virtual environment Archives

Tech Optimizer

November 27, 2025

How Letta builds production-ready AI agents with Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL

AI agents benefit from persistent memory, enabling them to recall past interactions and maintain context, which enhances customer experience in scenarios like customer service. The Letta Developer Platform allows developers to create stateful agents with advanced context management features. It supports self-hosting within a virtual private cloud and uses Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL for long-term memory storage. Aurora PostgreSQL offers capabilities such as efficient similarity searches with the pgvector extension, sub-second query latency, and dynamic storage scaling. Letta operates as a persistent service, allowing agents to function independently and scale horizontally using Kubernetes. The platform supports multi-tenancy and includes enterprise features for security and monitoring. To set up an Aurora Serverless cluster for Letta, users must create a database on Amazon RDS, configure security group access, and install the pgvector extension. Letta connects to Aurora using a PostgreSQL connection string. After establishing the connection, users can create agents, send messages, and view agent states and conversation histories stored in Aurora. Letta organizes data in 42 tables, including those for agents, messages, and memory blocks. Users can explore the database schema and examine the structure of stored messages and embeddings. Finally, it is recommended to delete the Aurora cluster and associated resources after completing the integration to avoid charges.

Winsage

November 4, 2025

Russian hackers abuse Hyper-V to hide malware in Linux VMs

The Russian hacker group Curly COMrades has been using Microsoft Hyper-V to bypass endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions by creating a concealed Alpine Linux-based virtual machine for running malware. They have deployed proprietary tools, CurlyShell and CurlCat, within this virtual environment to maintain operational stealth and secure communication. Active since mid-2024, the group targets government and judicial entities in Georgia and energy companies in Moldova. In early July, they gained remote access to two machines, activated Hyper-V, and disabled its management interface to deploy a minimalistic virtual machine that hosted their malware. This tactic allowed them to evade traditional host-based EDR detections. The virtual machine was configured to use the Default Switch network adapter, making malicious traffic appear to originate from the legitimate host's IP address. CurlyShell executes commands and maintains persistence, while CurlCat facilitates covert traffic tunneling. The group also utilized PowerShell scripts for persistence and pivoting to remote systems, including injecting Kerberos tickets into LSASS and creating local accounts via Group Policy. Bitdefender advises organizations to monitor for abnormal Hyper-V activation, LSASS access, and suspicious PowerShell scripts.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Introducing Galaxy XR, the first Android XR headset

The Galaxy XR features an expansive screen for exploring applications and includes the Gemini assistant for intuitive navigation using voice commands, hand gestures, and eye movements. It runs on Android and provides access to a wide range of applications from Google Play, including streaming services like Crunchyroll, HBO Max, and Peacock, enhanced Google apps, games from various studios, and over 50 new XR experiences from brands like Adobe and MLB. The device supports open standards such as OpenXR and WebXR, and the Gemini assistant enhances user interaction by understanding visual and interactive context for streamlined assistance across applications.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Starship is the customizable shell prompt every Windows user needs

Starship is a customizable command prompt tool designed to enhance the terminal experience across various shells, including PowerShell, Bash, Zsh, Fish, and Command Prompt. Built on Rust, it operates as a layer over existing terminal applications, dynamically constructing prompts that display relevant information such as the current directory, Git branch status, programming language versions, and system metrics. Configuration is managed through a starship.toml file, allowing users to customize modules, colors, and formatting. Installation on Windows can be done with the command "winget install starship." Starship provides real-time updates and feedback tailored to the user's context, enhancing both aesthetics and productivity in terminal use.

Tech Optimizer

October 1, 2025

Postgres Professional releases DBA course in English

Postgres Professional has released the English version of the course "DBA1: Basic PostgreSQL 16 Administration," aimed at individuals with foundational knowledge of databases, SQL, and Unix-like operating systems. The course is designed for junior database administrators, application developers, system administrators, and students studying database technologies. It covers essential topics over three days, including server installation, PostgreSQL architecture, data organization, essential administration tasks, security and access control, and backup and replication. All course materials, including a student guide for setting up a virtual machine, are available for free on the Postgres Professional website.

Tech Optimizer

September 11, 2025

Best Antivirus (September 2025): Avast Named Top Cybersecurity Software by Software Experts

Avast has been recognized by Software Experts as a leading cybersecurity provider, particularly for its antivirus solutions, including Avast Premium Security and Avast Ultimate. These products have shown exceptional performance across various platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Avast Premium Security offers multi-layered protection against threats like ransomware and phishing, while Avast Ultimate includes additional features like a VPN and anti-tracking technology. In 2024, AV-Test awarded Avast the Best macOS Security Award for Consumer Users, highlighting its perfect scores in protection, performance, and usability. AV-Comparatives recognized Avast as a Top Rated Product 2024 and awarded it the Real World Protection Award, while Virus Bulletin rated it with an A+ for a 99.69 percent detection rate. Avast has over 435 million users globally. The company’s products are designed to protect against various online threats, with features tailored for different operating systems. The latest innovation, Scam Guardian Pro, includes AI-powered tools to combat online fraud. Avast Ultimate combines multiple premium offerings under one subscription for comprehensive digital security.

Tech Optimizer

September 9, 2025

435 Million Users Protected: Avast Crowned Best Antivirus with Perfect 10/10 Security Score in 2025

Avast has been recognized by Software Experts as a top cybersecurity provider in its report on the best antivirus solutions for consumers and businesses. The recognition highlights Avast Premium Security and Avast Ultimate, which protect users across various platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Avast Premium Security offers multi-layered protection against threats like ransomware, phishing, and scams, while Avast Ultimate includes additional features such as a VPN, anti-tracking technology, and device cleanup utilities. In 2024, AV-Test awarded Avast the Best macOS Security Award for Consumer Users, achieving perfect scores in protection, performance, and usability. AV-Comparatives named Avast a Top Rated Product 2024 and awarded it a Real World Protection Award. Virus Bulletin granted Avast an A+ grade with a 99.69 percent detection rate and zero false alarms. Avast's Banking Mode was approved by the AV Lab Internet Banking Protection Test for secure online transactions. Avast Premium Security is the most widely adopted antivirus product, designed to defend against various threats while providing privacy and identity safeguards. It features Scam Guardian Pro, an AI-powered tool that protects against online fraud. Avast Ultimate combines four premium solutions under one subscription for up to ten devices, integrating VPN, AntiTrack, and Cleanup Premium for comprehensive digital security. Avast has over 435 million users globally and continues to adapt its solutions to evolving cybersecurity risks, emphasizing the importance of antivirus software in modern computing.

Winsage

September 3, 2025

Meta Quest: Microsoft Adds Windows on Arm Support to Mixed Reality Link App

Microsoft's Mixed Reality Link app now supports Windows on Arm PCs, allowing users of Arm-based devices like the Surface Pro 11 to connect with Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets. This update, rolled out around August 29 via the Microsoft Store, enables users to stream their Windows desktop and create a multi-monitor setup with up to three virtual screens. Initially launched for x86-based PCs in December 2024, this expansion to Arm reflects Microsoft's commitment to feature parity across its hardware ecosystem. The update strengthens the partnership between Microsoft and Meta, aiming to establish mixed reality headsets as essential tools for work and leisure. The Meta Quest 3S, recently launched, is designed to make VR technology more accessible, and includes an "Xbox Edition" bundle with an Xbox controller and Game Pass subscription. This update positions Microsoft strategically in the spatial computing landscape, targeting mainstream consumer and prosumer markets while maintaining Windows as a core productivity hub.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Windows 11’s new “Quick machine recovery” replaces Startup Repair, and it’s a game-changer

Over a year after the CrowdStrike incident, which exposed vulnerabilities in recovery processes, Microsoft announced the Windows Resiliency initiative in 2024, introducing Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11. Quick Machine Recovery allows the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to connect to the internet to download fixes from Microsoft’s servers when boot issues occur, potentially reducing recovery times significantly. This feature is enabled by default on Windows 11 Home editions and can be customized by Pro users. Quick Machine Recovery aims to facilitate faster resolutions during major outages, thereby minimizing downtime for critical services.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

Wrexham University gamers build Wrexham Eisteddfod on Minecraft

A team from Wrexham University has created a block-by-block replica of the 2025 National Eisteddfod in Minecraft to provide an immersive experience for those unable to attend the festival. The project, which took about three weeks to develop, has attracted 50 to 60 participants from Wales, England, and Ireland since its launch. Players can explore a virtual village featuring performance stages and craft stalls, and contribute their own designs. The National Eisteddfod is Europe's largest cultural festival, and the developers aim to promote the Welsh language in a playful environment. The server will remain active for another month, encouraging creativity from players of all ages. Minecraft, the best-selling computer game of all time, has been utilized for this project due to its accessibility and popularity.