Tips #SQL Server 2016 Database Mail does not work on a computer that does not have the .NET Framework 3.5 installed or stops working after applying SQL Server update

In the past we faced this problem:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb3186435-fix-sql-server-2016-database-mail-does-not-work-on-a-computer-that-does-not-have-the-net-framework-3-5-installed-or-stops-working-after-applying-sql-server-update-3480beb6-1329-74d6-0f3a-e8e3d893326c

This is official Microsoft KB that fix problem:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/sql/releases/sqlserver-2016/servicepack1-cumulativeupdate2

App #Stocard Alternative --> Catima

Stocard is a mobile app that allows users to store their loyalty cards digitally, helping to reduce wallet clutter. It enables users to collect rewards points and access discounts by scanning their loyalty card barcodes directly from their phones.

Unfortunately this app is no longer available and alternative app proposed did not convince me. (Klarna)

So I found an interesting open Source app (Catima) that work properly and with less privacy concerns (only problem is that card image is not automatically included but you can take loyalty card photo and override problem)

About backups are done locally and, from my perispective, I decisevely prefer this approach.

[original articles]

https://scikingpc.eu/2025/04/ciao-stocard-cosa-usero-al-posto-di-klarna/

https://www.lealternative.net/2020/01/31/catima/

Windows 2025 Server #OSConfig and manage Security settings

Windows 2025 server has a new feature called OSConfig that permits you to configure Microsoft"s recommended security settings.

This can be done through powershell, Windows Admin center and Azure Policy

More details and command lines could be found here:

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/itopstalkblog/using-osconfig-to-manage-windows-server-2025-security-baselines/4415824

https://4sysops.com/archives/osconfig-manage-security-settings-in-windows-server-2025-and-revert-configuration-drift/

Powershell #how to execute Powershell scripts on remote computers

If you need to execute powershell scripts on remote computers you might give a look to following article:

https://sid-500.com/2025/01/13/powershell-how-to-execute-powershell-scripts-ps1-on-remote-computers/ 

Windows 11 #Enable Administrator Protection in Windows settings

UAC is a windows feature implented for security reasons.

In any case it could be bypassed to this reasons on Windows 11 you should enable Administrator Protection

1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Account protection
2. Activate Administrator Protection
3. Restart Windows.

More details can be found here:

https://4sysops.com/archives/enable-administrator-protection-in-windows-11/

Security #Cloudflare’s ‘I Am Not a Robot’ CAPTCHA bypassed related to ChatGPT feature

I am mentioning an article that well explain as automated advanced AI permitted to bypass Cloudflare’s ‘I Am Not a Robot’ 

Cybersecurity experts have long relied on CAPTCHA systems as a fundamental barrier against automated attacks, spam generation, and unauthorized access attempts.

The apparent ease with which advanced AI systems can now navigate these defenses suggests a critical vulnerability in current digital security infrastructure.

Full article is here indicated:

https://cyberpress.org/chatgpt-cloudflares-i-am-not-a-robot/