workers Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2025

SQL Server vs. PostgreSQL query optimization: room for improvement?

The PostgreSQL community has developed tools like AQO and sr_plan extensions to enhance migration paths from Oracle, making PostgreSQL more appealing for transitions. PostgreSQL has been noted to outperform Oracle in certain scenarios, particularly in automatic re-optimization. Migrations from Oracle to PostgreSQL are generally smooth, aided by session variable extensions. However, migrating from SQL Server to PostgreSQL presents challenges, including significant query slowdowns. For example, a query that executed in 20 milliseconds on SQL Server took weeks on PostgreSQL due to an inefficient query plan. A specific JOIN operation involving GROUP BY on small tables showed a drastic difference in execution time: PostgreSQL took 4000 seconds while SQL Server completed it in 300 seconds. SQL Server employs a Hash Join and parallelizes execution across eight threads, enhancing performance. PostgreSQL's excessive time on hash calculations and tuple comparisons during this operation was noted, as well as its limitations in parallel processing due to temporary tables not being visible to parallel workers. Adjusting PostgreSQL settings for parallel workers improved performance, allowing it to match SQL Server's execution time. PostgreSQL's selectivity estimation for JOINs with multiple conditions often leads to underestimations, while SQL Server excels in this area by collecting extensive statistics. PostgreSQL's current extended statistics capabilities are limited, but the community is working on improvements. SQL Server's advanced parameterization and caching further enhance its optimization capabilities compared to PostgreSQL.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Leveling up your Microsoft Store on Windows experience

The Microsoft Store on Windows serves over 250 million users monthly and is enhancing user experience through customer feedback. The homepage is being redesigned to offer personalized recommendations based on user interests and activities. Significant improvements to search functionality include a more intent-aware search feature, the introduction of Copilot for assistance, a "Discover More" section on product pages, and badges for apps with AI features. Integration with Windows is being improved by allowing users to launch searches for Store apps and suggesting apps for specific file extensions. The Store now launches twice as fast, with improved installation reliability. Additional enhancements include the ability to install individual game components, faster in-app rating dialogs, and updated information on product pages. New developer partnerships have been established, and users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Lethal Company’s biggest update for months is finally out, and with it comes the much awaited first look at a new monster

Zeekerss has released version 70 of Lethal Company, which includes a revamped mansion, enhanced features, and a new monster called the Giant Sapsucker. The update introduces five new furniture items (fridge, doghouse, sofa chair, microwave, electric chair), a new log titled "Team Synergy," and a new plan for logs that allows players to collect them as rare scrap. Enhancements to the Company Cruiser include reinforced materials, a self-correcting feature, and a speed boost. The radar system has been redesigned with a face cam, a new compass HUD, a path indicator to the nearest exit, and contour lines for outdoor terrain. The mansion now has eight new rooms and hallways with interactable objects, improving exploration and navigation.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

ZeniMax Workers United and Microsoft sign tentative labour agreement

ZeniMax Workers United has negotiated a tentative labor agreement with Microsoft that includes a 13.5 percent wage increase effective July 1st, job security protections against arbitrary termination, limitations on AI usage in the workplace, guarantees for quality assurance workers to receive credit for their contributions, and new minimum salary standards as outlined by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This agreement follows over two years of challenges and negotiations since the union's formation and comes after a vote to strike due to frustrations over contract delays.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

3D platformer action adventure game Big Hops announced for PC

Big Hops is a 3D platformer where players control Hop, a young frog kidnapped by a spirit named Diss. The objective is to reunite with Hop's family by gathering Airship Parts while navigating challenges such as infiltrating the Gulley Gang’s Hideout, rescuing workers from DrillCO, and sneaking past cultists. The game features self-contained narratives in each world, with dynamic gameplay mechanics centered on movement and frog-tongue interactions. Players can use various Veggies for creative problem-solving, and collectibles enhance gameplay and customization options. The game includes four main worlds—Forest, Desert, Ocean, and Mountain—offering diverse environments and challenges. Chris Wade, the creator, aimed to modernize the 3D platformer genre, drawing inspiration from various games and shows.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Windows 10 Support Is Ending: Flipkart says it’s time to upgrade to a Windows 11 PC

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning users will no longer receive updates, security patches, or new features. Flipkart is offering exclusive exchange discounts for customers trading in old Windows 10 laptops for select Windows 11 models. Windows 11 provides faster performance, longer battery life, and enhanced security features compared to Windows 10. Copilot+ PCs, which run Windows 11, include integrated AI features and improved battery life, catering to designers, students, and professionals.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Microsoft blocks emails that contain ‘Palestine’ after employee protests

Microsoft employees have discovered that emails containing specific terms related to Gaza and Palestine, such as “Palestine,” “Gaza,” and “Genocide,” are being blocked in the company's internal communication system. Variations of these terms, like “Israel” or “P4lestine,” do not face the same restrictions. The No Azure for Apartheid (NOAA) protest group claims this selective blocking is an attempt to suppress free speech among employees advocating for Palestinian rights, labeling it as censorship. Microsoft has acknowledged making adjustments to its email system to limit the circulation of “politically focused emails” and stated that emailing large numbers of employees about non-work-related topics is inappropriate. This situation has coincided with protests against Microsoft's contracts with the Israeli government, including disruptions during the Build developer conference.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Windows 95 chime composer Brian Eno denounces Microsoft for its ties to Israeli government

Renowned musician Brian Eno announced he will donate the earnings from his Windows 95 startup chime to support those affected in Gaza. This decision follows scrutiny of Microsoft’s contracts with the Israeli government amid ongoing humanitarian crises. Eno criticized Microsoft for its involvement in operations contributing to violations of international law and called for the company to suspend services supporting such actions. Microsoft acknowledged its contracts with Israel’s Ministry of Defense but claimed an internal review found no evidence of its technologies targeting civilians in Gaza. Following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, significant casualties have been reported in Gaza, with estimates of over 52,000 to as high as 109,000 deaths. Human rights organizations have accused Israel of war crimes. Protests by Microsoft employees have occurred, demanding accountability for the company's actions. Eno emphasized the need for artists and corporations to consider the implications of their contributions.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Windows Remote Desktop Gateway Vulnerability Let Attackers Trigger Dos Condition

The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) has released critical security updates to address a significant vulnerability in the Windows Remote Desktop Gateway service, identified as CVE-2025-26677, which allows unauthorized attackers to cause denial of service (DoS) conditions. This vulnerability is rated as "High" severity with a CVSS score of 7.5 and affects multiple versions of Windows Server, including 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025. Microsoft has provided security updates (KB5058383, KB5058392, KB5058385, and KB5058411) to rectify the issue. Additionally, another vulnerability, CVE-2025-29831, has been identified that could enable remote code execution (RCE) through a Use After Free weakness, also rated with a CVSS score of 7.5. This vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically an admin user to stop or restart the service, and affects Windows Server versions 2008 R2, 2012/R2, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025. Organizations are advised to prioritize patching both vulnerabilities and to review network configurations to limit exposure of Remote Desktop Gateway services. The vulnerabilities were discovered by security researchers from Kunlun Lab.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Almost 200 Overwatch staff unionise

Nearly 200 developers from the Overwatch series have formed a union called The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA, announced by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The union includes members from various departments such as design, production, engineering, art, sound, and quality assurance. The unionization effort was motivated by layoffs in the gaming industry and aims to improve workplace conditions. Members believe collective action will help address long-standing issues like layoffs, excessive crunch periods, and inadequate working conditions in the gaming sector.