The Importance Of Safeguarding Your Computer

What does your computer do for you? If you’re like everyone else, it probably does everything. It helps you study, complete work, relax, play games.

Computers do a lot for us, so we should be doing a lot back for our computers. This isn’t always the case though. Another thing to remember is that our computers hold a lot of data that is key to our livelihoods and safety.

It’s time to take the security and health of your computer seriously.

No matter what you’ve got, be it a desktop or a laptop, it’s important to remove dust from the chassis and components of the computer regularly. This could be by taking the computer apart and spraying the inside with compressed air, or it could be by giving your desk and the surrounding area a good wipe down. It’s vital to ensure there is good ventilation around your workspace so that your computers aren’t constantly overheating and those fans are not sucking in dirt. If they are working harder to cool your computer down, they are going to be attracting more dust and dirt.

Cleaning isn’t just something you perform on the exterior of your computer though. You need to clean the internal software of junk. Like dust, your software attracts temporary files and caches that can fill the hard drive of your computer in no time at all. It’s important to wipe your computer clean of files you don’t need as they will only build up and slow your computer down. Masses of files will lead to a stodgy computing experience and you won’t be getting the best out of your laptop. Try to be consistent with your cleaning and although you should regularly clean out unused files, removing software you do not use is pretty key to the lifespan of your computer. The rule is, if you don’t need it - don’t keep it.

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But what about things you do need? Films and memories. Well, you’ve got to back it up! Backing up your precious files to the cloud is one way, but you should have a number of methods so you can store the files you need, whilst keeping your computer clean. Using physical media such as hard-drives and CD-ROM’s can keep your memories and useful files at your fingertips. If you’re scared of losing your CD’s you can encrypt them with passwords and have them duplicated by a service like Nationwide Disc Replication.

You should also be scanning your computer for viruses and malware on a regular basis. Viruses can infect your computer and hide in your files, which is why regular cleaning is important. Anti-virus software is the best safeguard that you can deploy against the threats that your computer faces. Regular scans could prevent a disaster from occurring.

With simple steps you can safeguard your laptop against physical and digital threats. It’s important that you take the security of your data seriously. Don’t be left out and vulnerable.

These Outlets Got Web Application Design Just Right

Sometimes when we’re brainstorming for a new project, we need a little inspiration to get our creative juices flowing. But most of the time, it’s hard to find inspiration for web applications themselves. Yes, there are plenty of blogs categorising beautiful websites, but when it comes to the applications themselves there isn’t as much material out there.

As a result, this post will focus on some of the best interfaces used right now for existing web apps. Web apps don’t just have to be practical: they can be beautiful too.

Gumroad

Gumroad was set up back in 2011 to be a platform that helps creators sell their products directly to consumers. If for instance, you’re a music artist, Gumroad is a way to bypass music studios and all of the hassle of getting signed and make your work public for anybody to buy and download.

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Being an arty website, you’d expect the design to be awesome, and it is. The colour bars that animate when you click save help to make the whole experience more interactive and bring pages to life. The site also has a clean feel, making it easy to navigate and understand pricing.

Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee didn’t get to become Britain’s favourite coffee shop by chance - not with competitors like Starbucks and Caffe Nero breathing down their necks. Instead, they worked with a Magento agency to produce one of the most beautiful and helpful web apps out there. Everything has a sort of cartoon-like feel, except of course for the products themselves which stand out. There are also tools that help visitors find local stores and connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.

Grooveshark

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Grooveshark is a music streaming service based in the US, designed to help users upload, stream and organise digital audio files. The company is going up against the likes of SoundCloud, and to a lesser extent, Spotify, and as a result, they’ve prioritised the aesthetic. The interface is quick and snappy, and like Gumroad there are a lot of clean edges and minimalist lines. Every audio file on the site is labelled and categorised, making the whole site easy to navigate.

AirBnB

Just a couple of years ago, most people hadn’t heard of AirBnB. But thanks to it, and other sharing economy services, like Uber, it’s become a lot more popular. One of the ways it managed to draw people in was the simplicity and beauty of its web app. It knew that it had to make it simple for people to book rooms and hotels in other countries, and so it immediately set about streamlining the process. Now users have all sorts of features, like wish lists as well as smart search. The search bar simply asks users the question “where do you want to go?” It’s that simple to get started.

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There’s also the fact that the colors on the sites are done to perfection. AirBnB knows that the way to sell a holiday is to show pictures of it, so they combine quality photography with a simple colour scheme.

Want To Kill Some Time? Check Out These Awesome Online Gaming Ideas

We’ve all been in situations where we’re seriously bored for periods of time. Luckily, technology makes it hard for us to stay bored for long these days. There’s been a huge growth in the gaming industry which allows us to do so many fun things whenever we have time to kill. Bearing that in mind, here are some great online gaming ideas for when you’re bored:

(Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/eC6sXt)

Run Down The Minutes With An FPS

First person shooters have long been a popular online game for this current generation. Games like Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Counterstrike are played by millions. What makes these games great is that they’re set up so perfectly for killing time. You can hop on a console or PC and jump straight into a Free For All or Team Deathmatch in seconds. The games only last a few minutes, and you can quit them whenever you like too. So, if you have some time to spare before you leave for work, an FPS game is a perfect choice. You can run around, shoot the enemy team, and then leave when it’s time to go to work. These games are quick to set up, and you really don’t have to think too much when playing them.

Pass The Time With Some Online Bingo

Bingo has become such a popular online game for people to play when they’re bored or just looking for some fun. Many people associate bingo with huge halls filled with middle aged women that are looking for ways to kill time with their friends. It’s often been seen as quite a boring game to play, but, times are changing. Nowadays, everyone is at it, thanks to online gaming. You can play bingo on sites like Ladbrokes Bingo and experience the game like never before. You’ll play against people all over the country, and it becomes very fun and competitive. Plus, online bingo often includes cool features that regular bingo can’t boast, like multipliers to increase the winning pot. The best thing is, you stand a chance of earning some cash when you play bingo too, making it an ideal game to play in your spare time.

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Melt Away The Hours With A Simulation Game

Simulation games are very popular amongst people that want to play something they can return to whenever they please. These games revolve around you simulating something that happens in the real world. A good example of this is a game like Planet Coaster where you build and manage your own theme park. It’s something that you can do whenever you like, and there’s no real way to end the game. You just keep playing and expanding your park and introducing new things, etc. There are other examples out there too like popular franchise The Sims, which was a game that essentially simulated real life. These games are perfect if you’re often left bored for hours each day and want to plug away at something.

These three ideas are all different and offer varying experiences for you. But, they’ll all kill time and help combat your boredom. 

Ultimate Updates to Give Your Gaming Setup a Boost

You've created a great gaming setup in your home, and it's your refuge at the end of a long day. But you can't help feeling that it could be better than it is. Just one or two changes could make it perfect and even good enough to share with someone else. You might already have all of the essentials, but you can always go one step further to make it even better. If you're looking to pimp your gaming setup, there are a few impressive things you can do to make a big difference. Try one of these moves to improve your experience and maybe wow your friends.

Supersize Your Screen

You haven't enjoyed gaming properly until you've done it with a huge screen. There's something about getting a cinematic experience when you're playing that nothing can beat. If you want a larger screen, you don't even need to have that much space available. There are a few options you can choose from to get your wish. The first is having a large TV or computer screen, which you could put on a stand or mount on a wall. Another option is to use a projector. One advantage of this is that you can easily put it away so that it doesn't take up too much space.

From Pexels

Add Accessories to Your Console

Getting accessories for your console is often an ongoing task. You start with the essentials like controllers and headsets. Then you begin to consider other must have accessories, such as remote controls or even just different cables. Some accessories can improve your gaming by speeding things up or giving you better control. You can keep your console healthier using cooling fans or just store more games on a handy external hard drive.

Make It More Comfortable

Creating a more comfortable setup is another way to improve your gaming experience. However, it involves more than just getting a comfy gaming chair. You can also consider the other things that keep you comfortable when you're playing. For example, you might like to have a drink and some snacks within easy reach. You can have some supplies close by, perhaps in a mini fridge or just wherever you have space to put them. The level of lighting in the room might also have an effect on how comfortable you feel. You might want to get some lamps so you can be in control of how much light there is.

Add New Consoles

Of course, the ultimate way to improve your gaming setup might be to add more consoles. Everyone has their favorite, but sometimes there's a game that's not available on your preferred console. They all offer different experiences, so some days you might prefer to use one over the others. Having two or more consoles gives you options if you sometimes feel in a different mood. Of course, you'll need all the latest accessories to go with each of them.

Your gaming setup can always be better. Once you have the basics sorted out, you can continue to add to it to have more fun and keep improving!

Gifts That Will Make Any Gamer's Christmas

Like countless parents, girlfriends, and students out there, you might have a gamer who means a lot to you, and naturally you’ll want to get them a thoughtful gift for Christmas. However, if you don’t know the difference between a Necromorph and a Koopa Troopa, buying for the gamer in your life can be an extremely hard thing to do. Being the nerd that I am, I figured I’d do my duty, and give you all some ideas that will make your gamer’s Christmas one to remember!

New Graphics Card

Ask a cross-section of people what the most important part of a computer is, and you’ll get a wide range of answers. For gamers though, the answer is obvious: the graphics card. This is the part of a PC that has the biggest impact on the gamer’s overall experience, dictating how detailed the maps are, how smooth and responsive their commands are, and generally how great the game looks. There are a wide range of gaming-standard graphics cards out there, which start at around $200. Just make sure you do a little recon before going out and buying one. Your gamer probably has a pretty competent graphics card as it is, and you’re only going to waste money if you get them anything lower than what they’re using!

New Headset

Source: Pixabay

Just like the mouse, graphics card and CPU, the gaming headset your gamer uses is going to be an important part of their setup. The quality of the earphones will dictate how crisp and sharp every monster’s roar, every swoosh of a sword, and every gunshot sounds. It will also ensure they hear other gamer’s groans and insults clearly, and come up with the best response! By the same token, the quality of the mic will ensure everyone in your gamer’s lobby hears exactly what they’ll do if another player keeps spawn-camping. If your gamer’s headset is a little worse for wear, then this could be the gift that makes their whole year. Try to find out about the one they’re already using, then source some detailed reviews any headset that’s a little better.

Steam Voucher

So, what if your gamer doesn’t need any new gear this Christmas? Usually, I’d never recommend getting vouchers for anyone as a gift. Why would you take currency, which you can spend anywhere, and convert it into credit which is tied to a single store? When it comes to us gamers though, it’s a different story. For hardcore PC gamers, money exists for two reasons and only two: upgrading their setup, and buying things on Steam! If you weren’t already aware, Steam is the largest online gaming market in the world. If you’ve known the gamer in your life long enough, you probably would have seen the iconic logo a few times. Here, your gamer can buy and review new blockbusters, along with niche indie games and DLC for pretty much any title. It may feel a bit impersonal, but believe me your gamer won’t be disappointed!

Why it is Suddenly Cool to be a Geek

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I’m sure the majority of you didn’t even raise an eyebrow at that title, because you all know exactly what I mean. The recent influx of Marvel and DC films over the last few years, and their mainstream popularity amongst those who either weren’t interested in the comic books or hadn’t heard of them until now, shows just how popular it’s become to be a geek. This is no bad thing, of course, but it’s a very peculiar U-Turn considering that to be a geek used to be something for which kids were bullied at school. Now kids are probably bullied if they’re not into the latest superhero franchise… Well, it’s probably not that bad, but it’s still an interesting phenomenon.

It’s sociable to be a geek.

I, for one, welcome this new horizon in terms of being ‘cool’. People are welcoming the idea that it’s a good thing to be really passionate and interested in any topic, whether the subject involves a fictional story or even a pastime, which might be a slightly odd and unique niche. It really brings people together when they have a common interest, and I think that’s been the key to changing the idea of geeks as lonely, unsociable weirdos into the idea that, actually, to be geeky is to be part of a community of like-minded people with a similar, exciting interest. It’s boring not to be geeky, because it means you don’t have some hardcore obsession or interest.

We live in the technological age.

Maybe in the 80s it wasn’t cool to spend all your time on a computer, but now that the internet rules our entire social lives, rather than just affording us the ability to play games or simply use ‘boring’ office programs, it’s cool to like all things technological. Geeks are now our innovators, meaning that people aren’t as turned-off by the idea of a computer scientist, because it’s seen as a symbol of creativity in terms of pushing the limits of technology, or web design. Just make sure you’re creating the next Instagram, and you should be able to keep people’s interest.

The geek epidemic infected the world silently.

Those same popular kids, or disgruntled adults who rolled their eyes and dismissed technology 10 years ago have been caught up in the exact same storm as everyone else with the recent influx of new devices promising to connect us more than ever.

Then you have incredible conventions, such as Con Junkies, which have turned the experience of comic books and other fictional media into an interactive, community-based experience. It’s cool to like comics now, because they’ve been turned into Hollywood hits with popular actors. Again, this is a good thing. It’s brought people together.

There’s a common theme throughout all the reasons for geekiness becoming cool, and it comes down to socializing. To be a nerd or a geek was once seen as weird, because popularity depends on social interaction, connectivity and ‘sharing’ what’s cool with your friends. The things which have always been popular are still popular, but now people communicate through means which they once mocked. Films and the internet have given geeky interests new life. Perhaps there is no divide anymore.

Important Announcement Regarding the SAC Podcast

Hello everyone!

Check out this bonus episode of the podcast where I give an update on the future of the show:

https://t.co/XSMlcV4UaR

I don't want to get much into the decision online, so I'm happy to discuss more with anyone interested offline.

Thanks for all of your support!

High Rollers: The Biggest Prize Pools in Gaming

People might still be debating if gaming can be considered a sport yet, but one thing’s for sure: the cash prizes are insane! Almost every big gaming organization, be it Poker or Dota 2, hosts massive tournaments with freakishly large cash prizes that could convince more than a few people to play the games.

Although it’s tempting to start playing a game because of the immense cash prizes, do keep in mind it’s not just a case of trying to win. There are plenty of sponsorships and deals involved, contracts to read and sign, and of course, a lot of practice involved to get good at the game.

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Poker - $82,512,162

Perhaps the most ridiculous prize pool in anything gaming-related is the World Series of Poker in 2006, where the prize pool exceeded $80 million. This record has yet to be broken and still remains the largest prize pool in the history of both Poker and gaming. The grand prize for the winner was Jamie Gold, taking home a delicious lump sum of $12,000,000.

However, that isn’t the largest 1st prize amount in the history of Poker. That award goes to Antonio Esfandiari, winner of the 2012 WSOP Event 55. The prize pool was a total of $42,666,672, and Esfandiari took home a whopping $18,346,673. Talk about incredible money!

Very few professional Poker players have taken home multiple titles, but they do regularly attend even if they’ve won a huge cash prize in the past. They play for the love of the game, and of course, they need to invest money into the game to bet with!

While you may be wondering if you want to get into Poker, you can always try your hand online and play with the help of NetEnt Online Casinos. While the cash prizes aren’t as high as these amazing events, there’s still a lot of competition online and you’re bound to have fun.

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Dota 2 - $20,770,640

The next award goes to Valve’s Dota 2 MOBA game, an online multiplayer game where two teams of five compete on a virtual battlefield with different heroes. The goal of the game is to destroy the enemy’s base, and you do this by utilizing the abilities and items that each hero has access to. Team play is critical in Dota 2 because each character specializes in a different role—a bit like traditional sports. There’s a lot of skill involved to play, but the game is free so you can try it out whenever you want.

The biggest prize pool in Dota 2 goes to Valve’s very own international event: The International 2016. There were a total of 80 players which made up 16 teams, all who battled through regional qualifiers to reach the world stage. First place went to Wings Gaming, a new Chinese team that dominated most of the tournament. They took home a total of $9,139,002 to share among themselves, and that’s not including any sponsorships or other deals they may have been offered afterwards.

Dota 2 currently holds the largest prize pool of any competitive video game. In addition to holding the Number 1 spot, it also holds the Number 2 and 3 spots with The International 2015 and The International 2014. Valve has increased the prize pool each year, and much of the money came from fans who purchased special items and virtual tickets to support their favourite team. The prize pool has been steadily increasing throughout the years. The biggest jump was from 2014 to 2015, where the prize pool jumped to a staggering $8 million.

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League of Legends - $5,070,000

Developed by Riot Games, League of Legends is another MOBA game with similar rules to Dota 2. There are some big differences, but it’s the same style of 5v5 combat with a large selection of champions to pick and many items to help power them up.

Riot Games hosts their own league which is unique to each region that plays the game. The top performers of each league are given an invitation to the world tournament where they compete against other regions for dominance. In 2016, the 1st place prize went to the team SK Telecom T1, and they took home a total of $2 million to split between them out of the $5 million prize pool. SK Telecom T1 won the championship in 2015, making this their second win on the global stage.

Players that compete in Riot’s leagues are also offered a salary because there aren’t many tournaments with cash prizes. This enables the players to focus purely on improving themselves and playing the game instead of worrying about a stable income.

Gaming tournaments can reach ridiculous prize pools, but don’t let that trick you into quitting your job. It takes hard work, dedication, and a lot of skill to become a champion!

Making Time for What You Want to Make Time For

The title of this post is something I say to people often. It can apply to anything (and anyone) and speaks to what we value and what we make space for in our lives. Granted, there is always more that we can do with our time, but often, I find that people suffer from inertia coming from what they've always done or whatever is easiest. Time is a finite resource. When we "save" it, it isn't going into some bank to use later, we have to make the most of the time that is given to us.

An example of this that often frustrates me is people making time for each other. Whether it is friends, colleagues, or family, we have to deliberately make time for whatever we want to make time for, even when that might not be the path of least resistance. We always give each other the pleasantries of wanting to meet up and do something or talk more, but we often don't. After the long days of our busy lives, we end up procrastinating about these sort of things. Perhaps those are efforts that are best left undone, maybe they don't deserve our time, but a lot of them might warrant our attention and we have to push through the inertia to actually make it happen. If we don't then the decision about it will probably be made for us by the people and tasks we're neglecting.

We can do more and be better by spending purposeful energy thinking about what specifically we want to make time for and actually making that time. Schedule time to talk with that person you want to talk to, make a to-do list about that project you want to get done, and figure out what in your life deserves your attention.

Inertia is the enemy of productivity and the enabler of complacency. We can do more and be better to each other by being aware of it and actively working against it. We have to make time for what we want to make time for. Only then will we feel empowered to make positive change for ourselves and each other.

Thanks for stopping by!

Worlds Collide: The Divide Between Gamblers And Gamers

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Obviously, love for games is synonymous with both video gamers and gamblers. So, why is there a divide between these two groups, at all? Well, from years of gaming, it’s easy to see that there are different motivations afoot! With a little snooping, it’s obvious that there’s a difference between the two communities. So, here’s a post to give you an insight into the distinction between and gambler and a gamer.

Of course, there are many similarities between the two communities. For one, without games, neither group would exist. And, with playing a game being both group’s goal, this is the primary connection they have with each other. But, there are other similarities, as well. Both communities are notorious for aggressive behavior in-game, and even out of the game, on forums and social media. Gamblers and gamers are also often looked at as reclusive people, only socializing when their favorite game is on offer. On a lighter note, you’ll also find both groups constantly vying for cheaper or free experiences. You’ll find the free spins guides and tricks to get free games that you find online to be very popular amongst the groups. So, what is really different about these groups?

Well, even though both parties will play games, they will play them for different reasons. For a gamer, there are loads of reasons to play. A lot of games have no competitive edge at all and are played simply for the story or fun factor. Other games, like MOBAs and FPSs, can get extremely competitive. For most gamblers, it’s all about the rush before and after a win. For example, most gamblers won’t be having much fun, if they’re losing.

A lot of the enjoyment both parties get from playing is found in the adrenaline rush the games cause. But, the chemicals in our bodies are triggered by different things. Gambling releases these chemicals because you’re in a position of risk. You have to out think, or out draw, your opponent. Within video games, adrenaline can be present because of many factors. Certain games will cause more chemicals to be released because of the action involved. A lot of games are based on pin point accuracy and reaction time, as well as strategy.

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Different people will play games or gamble for different reasons. But, most people do it all for the rush. Ultimately, your preference between video games and gambling is probably based on your age and social group. OIder generations and people from poorer backgrounds are more likely to gamble. Whereas young people and those considered to be nerdy will tend towards games. It can also depend on what you go hooked on first, as well. Both videos games and gambling require a dependency to remain fun. Whether you do it for the rush or because you want to escape the real world, you’re still dependent on it for your everyday entertainment.

These two communities are very similar. With the only real divides being the reasons for playing, generational gaps, and prejudices that are hard to shake. Whether you game or gamble, you’re still part of an elite community filled with interested people and new friends to make. So, drop the differences, and embrace the similarities.