waste Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2025

TOS 6 in public preview for ARM shows we’re going to see many more NAS

Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

Microsoft is digging its own grave with Windows 11, and it has to stop

Microsoft is actively encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 through advertisements and reminders, which raises sustainability concerns. The upgrade requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip, and while upgrading without it is technically possible, it is not recommended. The end of life for Windows 10 may lead to increased e-waste as many devices could be discarded. Users desire a stable, continuously updated operating system without disruptive upgrades, similar to macOS. A 2021 Kaspersky report indicated that 73% of healthcare providers globally still use outdated operating systems for critical medical equipment, highlighting financial constraints that hinder upgrades. Users are frustrated with the increasing presence of ads and notifications in Windows, feeling that Windows 11 operates more like a service they pay for but do not fully own. The dissatisfaction extends to Windows 10 users, who anticipate the end of life for the OS as a way to regain control over their digital experience.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft Says Throw Away Your Windows 10 Computers

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security updates or technical assistance will be provided. While Windows 10 will still function, users face increased security risks without updates. Alternatives for users with incompatible hardware include Linux distributions like Zorin OS and Linux Mint, which offer familiar interfaces for those transitioning from Windows. Users can choose to ignore the deadline, invest in new hardware, switch to Linux, pay for Extended Security Updates, or attempt to upgrade incompatible systems to Windows 11 through registry edits and enabling Secure Boot with TPM. The impending support cutoff raises concerns about e-waste and sustainability, prompting discussions on the need for manufacturers to focus on product longevity and repairability. Local Linux User Groups and online communities are available to assist users in this transition.

Tech Optimizer

April 2, 2025

Improve PostgreSQL performance using the pgstattuple extension

PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system known for its extensibility, which allows developers to enhance its capabilities through various extensions and plugins. The pgstattuple extension provides detailed statistics at the tuple level from PostgreSQL tables and indexes, revealing key metrics such as the number of live tuples, dead tuples, average length of live tuples, total free space, and percentages of free space and dead tuples. These metrics help database administrators identify potential health and performance issues, such as excessive table bloat or index fragmentation. Both Amazon Aurora and Amazon RDS support the pgstattuple extension, which can be activated using the command CREATE EXTENSION pgstattuple;. Functions like pgstattuple(relation) and pgstatindex(index) can be used to analyze physical storage and index statistics. Bloat occurs when unused space is left behind after UPDATE and DELETE operations, and the autovacuum process in PostgreSQL automates the cleanup of dead tuples. However, if autovacuum fails, manual intervention may be necessary. Regular monitoring of bloat is essential for maintaining performance, and metrics from pgstattuple can help optimize autovacuum settings. The pg_cron extension can automate VACUUM operations to manage bloat proactively. Index bloat can also be detected using pgstatindex, and significantly bloated indexes can be rebuilt using REINDEX or pg_repack. Best practices for using pgstattuple include estimating bloat with check_postgres, analyzing physical storage, monitoring dead_tuple_percent, and avoiding interference on highly active tables.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Minecraft-Themed 4DX Auditorium Opens in Antwerp, Belgium

Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of sustainability as a core component of their operational strategies. Organizations are adopting innovative approaches to reduce carbon footprints, including investing in renewable energy sources, scrutinizing supply chains for responsible sourcing, and implementing circular economy principles to minimize waste. The integration of sustainability into corporate culture enhances employee engagement and productivity. Investors are considering sustainability practices as key indicators of long-term viability, holding companies accountable for their environmental impact. Businesses embracing sustainability are positioning themselves as industry leaders and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Microsoft no longer includes a power supply with Surface Pro 11 in some regions — now you have to pay extra for one

Microsoft has stopped including a power supply with its Surface Pro 11, requiring consumers to pay an additional €90 for it. This change is part of the European Union's efforts to reduce electronic waste and has resulted in more compact packaging that includes only the tablet and a quick start guide. The decision aligns with the 2022 Radio Equipment Directive, which allows companies to make power supplies optional. Other tech companies like Apple and Google have also begun excluding power supplies from their tablet offerings in EU markets. It is unclear if the Surface Pro 11 will come with a USB-C cable.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

E-waste or Linux? Charities face tough choices as Windows 10 support ends

Microsoft will end free security updates for Windows 10 in October, affecting charities that refurbish older computers. Approximately 240 million PCs do not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements, which include a CPU of 1GHz or faster with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, Secure Boot capability, and TPM 2.0 compatibility. Many recent computers are ineligible for the upgrade despite having sufficient RAM and storage. Chester Wisniewski from Sophos warns that using Windows 10 poses security risks, as vulnerabilities in both Windows 10 and 11 can be exploited. Charities using Windows 10 may face compliance issues with regulations like GDPR, risking fines and reputational damage. The U.S. recycles only 14 to 40 percent of electronic waste, leading to an estimated 1.06 billion pounds of e-waste, which contaminates soil and water. The UN estimates the annual economic cost of e-waste at billions, projected to rise significantly by 2030. Statcounter reports that Windows 10 still accounts for 58.7 percent of Windows installations. Organizations like PCs for People have shifted to Linux Mint for older systems, ceasing distribution of Windows 10 a year before the cutoff.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

March Madness 2! Robocop, Sonic, Minecraft, Persona 3 & More!

Several leading companies are committing to sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing their carbon footprints, with tech giants and manufacturing leaders pledging to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. These commitments involve substantial investments in renewable energy sources, innovative technologies like carbon capture and storage, and sustainable practices in operations. Companies are collaborating with non-profit organizations, governments, and other stakeholders to enhance their sustainability efforts. Additionally, as consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, businesses are aligning their practices with customer values, promoting transparency, engaging customers in sustainability initiatives, and educating them about the importance of sustainability.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

4 Big Reasons To Quit Windows And Try Linux In 2025

Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, leaving an estimated 240 million PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to new hardware requirements. Users can extend the life of their existing PCs by transitioning to Linux, which operates well on older hardware and is free. The installation of software on Linux has become easier with the introduction of Flatpak, allowing for quick and straightforward app installations. Linux provides a less intrusive user experience compared to Windows, with unobtrusive updates and no mandatory online accounts. Gaming on Linux has improved significantly, with many Windows games now running smoothly due to advancements like Valve's Proton compatibility layer. Transitioning to Linux involves choosing from various distributions to suit individual needs, with guides expected to assist users in the process.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

End of Windows 10: Microsoft will phase out your computer by 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive free security updates. To upgrade to Windows 11, a computer must support TPM 2.0, which many older devices lack. A report indicates that about one in five computers could be left behind due to this requirement, particularly those purchased before 2021. Users should check if their device supports TPM 2.0 and consider budgeting for a new computer if it does not.