An Epic Guide to Business Tech Fails

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When people imagine modern businesses, they think about offices replete with cool tech. In reality, a lot of businesses are making some pretty severe mistakes with their IT infrastructure that can harm their business in ways they perhaps hadn’t considered. This is a quick but detailed look at many of the fails such businesses make with their tech. Don’t make the same mistakes with your business!

Being too parsimonious

The performance of your business technology is extremely important. If things don’t run quickly and smoothly, then general business performance will suffer. A lot of business owners, in an attempt to save on startup costs, will place a premium on savings over performance. While it is possible to spend way more than you need to on, say, office computers, not spending enough is actually a fairly common business mistake. You don’t want to be stuck with computers that grind to a halt whenever the employee tries to open new programs. Productivity will suffer. Don’t be tempted to cut corners, and make sure you’re also investing in a good Internet service.

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Ignoring life cycles

Even when you get some very good tech, the fact remains that these things tend to have a life cycle. Some will say that you need to replace computers every three or four years; while good maintenance can extend that lifespan by quite a good measure, there’s no denying that the vast majority of computers (unless you really spend a lot on some real beasts) will start to show signs of slowdown around this time.

Companies who have the means to do so should consider replacing tech around this time; otherwise, start investing in maintenance to bring them up to speed. Beware that maintenance costs can, over time, exceed the cost of simply purchasing new computers.

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Improperly getting rid of old tech

So if you’re in a position where you need to replace tech, then you need to work out what to do with the old tech. It could be worth keeping some around for backup purposes, or finding less performance-heavy tasks that can be assigned to them. But, in general, it’s best to get rid of them responsibly. Otherwise you’re just cluttering the office with tech you’re not going to use anymore!

Throwing them away isn’t the answer, as tempting as it is to do away with the problem as quick as possible. You can resell that old tech to make a few extra bucks for your company, or even look into professional recycling. Simply throwing this stuff away isn’t just a waste of opportunity and cash; it’s also dangerous for the garbage collectors, as they often contain hazardous materials.

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Not getting specialized help

If you’re really stuck when it comes to your business IT needs, then you should probably consider hiring specialized assistance. This is a popular option for startups, as it saves on a lot of costs. After all, even hiring a part-time, in-house IT professional will far exceed the costs of getting another business to assist you.

Take care to consider your options, because wherever your business is located, there’s bound to be a plethora of IT services. One thing you should keep in mind is the specific work you do. Some companies will be better equipped and trained to deal with one type of business over another. So let’s say, for example, your business is a financial one. In which case, you would want to consider looking into IT support for financial services.

Relying on the cloud too much

People talk about the cloud as though it were some newfound omniscient being to which we must always pay homage and appease in whatever way it demands. That is to say, people seem to think that every business should be using the cloud almost exclusively, lest they fall behind and become completely irrelevant in a few years (or even in a few months, as some particularly zealous cloud fans may claim). And yes, there’s no denying that the cloud is tremendously useful for businesses. This is especially true for startups that need to save on IT costs, as it provides you with a lot of the benefits of having your own flexible and accessible server without the upfront costs of building one yourself.

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But if you’re only relying on the cloud, you’re putting a lot of your data and services at risk. If anything goes wrong at the end of the provider, then you’re going to run into some big business problems. Have other solutions, and remember to back things up outside of the cloud regularly. Speaking of which...

No backup strategies

Back when computers were a little less reliable and more prone to sudden crashing or even death, people become pretty used to hearing advice regarding backing up data. Just because computers are much more reliable these days (unless you’ve ignored the advice in the first paragraph and bought a bunch of duds!), it doesn’t mean you don’t need to place a premium on regularly backing up. Not only should you have a specific strategy for backing up data, but you should also, y’know, implement that strategy. (A lot of businesses have a backup strategy that they routinely fail to actually put into action.)

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You can look into automated backup programs that will help back things up to both the cloud and to physical storage devices. An outsourced IT service can also assist you with the backup process if you're working with the right one.

Insufficient power protection

No, we still haven’t progressed past the point where we no longer have to worry about power surges, thunderstorms, outages, and spikes. Businesses that are using tech heavily - i.e. pretty much every office-based business that is using more than, say, three computers at any given time - need to invest carefully in power protection. A lot of businesses use very cheap and simple power strips that simply don’t offer enough protection for their hardware. This isn’t just something that’s prevalent in startups - even established businesses tend to use surge protectors and the like that are at least five years old.

When electrical disaster strikes, it’s not just that computers will suddenly turn off - data may become corrupted, or, worse, the hardware itself may become so. Install proper power protection methods to ensure you don’t lose too much when the electrical infrastructure of your office fails you.

Being too relaxed about cybersecurity

Do you think that your business is too small, too unassuming and off-the-radar, to suffer some form of cyber attack? You may, in fact, be at even more risk, precisely because a lot of cybercriminals prey specifically on smaller businesses that they suspect may be a bit lax when it comes to cybersecurity. Don’t assume you can’t be a target. There are fiends out there who want to get their dirty paws on your customer and client data, as well as your trade secrets. You need to ensure your company has strong cybersecurity measures and that all your employees are properly informed of the risks and security procedures.

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Not enough training

Speaking of employees, don’t just assume that the age we live in means that every employee will be completely expert when it comes to using computers. The fact is that a lot of business tech is actually underutilized. The sheer amount of work you can get done on these things is incredible, but the most time-saving and useful methods are usually not the obvious methods. If your employees become more learned about the software and hardware they’re using, then their output can increase by mind-boggling amounts. Perhaps you should think about getting more IT training to ensure your employees can really harness the true power of the tech you’ve invested so much in.

Turn These Geek Skills Into Job Opportunities

Just a few years ago, no one wanted to be labeled a ‘geek’. However, these days lots of people are proud to be called a geek. And you shouldn’t just be a geek in your personal time either. In fact, all of those geeky skills and talents that you have could translate very nicely into your full-time job. Want to know which skills it’s a good idea to try and cultivate in your geeky hobbies? Here are some of the best.

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Tinkering With Hard Drives

Lots of geeks are very good with their hands. They use them to play around with hard drives and other hardware. But you shouldn’t leave this as just a hobby. In fact, there are now lots of companies who are desperately searching for IT workers who have practical skills in building computers and other machinery. To take this skill further, sign up for a college or night school course in computers and hardware.

Exceptional Knowledge

Lots of geeks are highly knowledgeable and have an incredible amount of information stored away in their brains! And, more often than not, all of this knowledge can be very much focused on one very unique subject. Why not use this to your advantage? It can certainly help you get some well-paid, niche work. For instance, if you know a whole lot about biology and the human body, you might want to start the Ultimate Medical Academy's Health and Human Services Program. Or, for example, if you are well-versed in the economy and finances, then you might want to join an economics program and become a financial advisor.

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Computer Data Whizz

Geeks often know about common computer data and software. As a result of this knowledge, they are often highly skilled in wiping computer data and protecting it from potential hackers and virus attacks. This is another skill that many companies now want their employees to have. As hackers and other online security threats are becoming a lot more sophisticated, businesses want to hire people who are always one step ahead and can help to protect their computer networks. You might be surprised to see just how much this knowledge can raise your salary by!

Developing Apps

Quite a few people have now taught themselves the skills that they need to develop their own apps. For many people, this is just a hobby that they do in their spare time. If this sounds like something you do in your free time, have you ever thought about making more of a go of it and carving out your very own career in software development? You could start off as a freelancer first and then, once you have gained some experience, could start to apply for full-time work with a company.

As you can see, your geeky skills and talents don’t have to be something that you keep to your spare time. There are plenty of chances you can turn them into a very lucrative career! Got any more ideas? Let us know!

Solving Your Study Stresses

Student life is often harder than we expect. Nothing can prepare you for the amount of work you’ll have to get through, especially in the lead up to exams. Of course, just how much work you face depends on how much you do throughout the year. The unfortunate majority of us think we have plenty of time, only to find exams coming up. So, for the most part, things get busy. It may seem counterintuitive, but during that last minute rush, it’s important to give yourself time off. Small breaks will actually help improve your attention. Burning yourself out will stop you absorbing information, and won’t help anyone. Here are a few ways you can take a break when you feel the need.

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GET YOUR GAME ON

Chances are, you’re already a gamer, else you wouldn’t be here. But, have you considered using games to help you escape the study strain? Many of us pack our consoles away during exam season. But, if you have enough restraint not to spend hours on them, they can be a huge help. Nothing is quite so good for taking your mind off work than getting into a good game. Plus, you can use your sessions as a reward system. Allow yourself an hour of gaming if you manage to study for two hours straight. It works wonders! Of course, an hour can quickly turn into more. Make sure to set the alarm and stop playing the moment it goes off. You don’t want to lose all your study hours! You could even get to grips with gaming on the go and take it with you if you study elsewhere. This is a fantastic way to achieve short-term escapism.

A GOOD BOOK

Chances are you’ll be sick of the sight of books right now. So, why are we telling you to read more? Because it’s fantastic for escapism. And because you can still enjoy personal reading, even after all those hours of staring at a page. It’s a good way to keep your brain engaged, while still kicking back a little. Break your academic reading up with five-minute personal sessions, and see how much of a different it makes. Your eyes will still be focused on the page, so returning to your studies won’t be a huge leap. But, you’ll still get some much-needed rest.

FRIENDS FOR ESCAPISM

Chances are, your friends also lock themselves away when exams are coming. But, it’s important you still take the time to see each other. None of the above will help you as much as time with friends can. If you don’t get out to see anyone, you’ll start going crazy. Plus, when you’re home, studying will always be in the back of your mind. You don’t have to go out for hours, here. Who has time for that? Instead, arrange to go out for a drink, or a meal with friends. They’ll understand if you have to leave early. They’ll probably need to do the same.

Bringing Old School Gaming Into Your Future

Would you believe that the first game console was released in 1972? It all started with the Magnavox Odyssey, and things have moved fast since then. So fast that those original 70s releases are now considered old. Before the introduction of apps and mobile gaming, you had groundbreaking consoles that changed the face of gaming forever. The good news is, many retro consoles still have their place in modern day gaming. Despite the advances that are forever being made, gamers seem to head back to the originals. It seems you just can’t beat the beginning! If you fancy a trip down memory lane, it’s time to get your retro game in gear. Here’s how to get started!

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THE CONSOLES

No retro gaming collection would be complete without the consoles...obviously. So, these should be your first step. It’s worth noting that attaching the label of ‘retro’ to anything makes it valuable. And, with retro gaming such big business, chances are you won’t find these consoles cheap. That’s why it’s worth taking things one step at a time. Think about where you would most like to start your collection. It may be that the Sega Megadrive appeals to you the most. Or, you might want to aim for something a little more modern. Even the 90s releases of Playstation and Nintendo have earned their place in the retro hall of fame. It’s worth considering where you buy from. Sites which know how much retro consoles are worth will charge top dollar for their goods. Yet, many parents sell their kids old consoles without knowing what they’re worth. It may pay to head to yard sales, or second-hand stores. You never know, you might find a bargain!

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THE GAMES

Of course, the console won’t do you any good without games to play on them. And, these may be even harder to get your hands on. For the most part, people either chuck games out, or realize how much they can charge. So, chances are you’ll end up paying full whack. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a few games included when you buy your console. It’s your best bet. Otherwise, the individual prices will leave you out of pocket. Bear in mind that the rarer a game is, the more it’s going to cost you. Do your research to find out what options will cost most. Chances are you're overpaying to collect games without this catalog! And, there’s a lot of help like it available. It’s also worth checking prices in as many places as possible. Comparing costs and checking Retro Games Pricing History is the best way to ensure you’re finding bargains wherever you can.

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THE COMMUNITY

Of course, one of the best things about gaming is the community, right? The good news is, there’s a huge retro gaming community out there. Even better, it spans all age ranges. Newer consoles are generally followed by a younger community. But, the retro community has something for everyone. So, it’s a hobby you can take into later life with you, too!

Make Your Blog Shine Through the Smog

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Thousands of new blogs are created every day. In a sense, this is a sign of a very cool thing about modern technology. Anyone can grab a seat at the table; if you want to publish your writing on the Internet, it's easier than ever. The problem, of course, is that the table is now so large, and we're not really seated as close to one another as people make out. Even when we're yelling, our voices my not be heard.

So how can you take your blog to the next level? How can you make your work really stand out? We're going to take a look at some tips that can be considered by new bloggers and by those who have already got a bunch of material and a few readers.

Guest blogging

There are two ways you can go about guest blogging. The first is to see if other bloggers are willing to submit a post to your blog; someone, perhaps, who is a bit more established in your given niche than you. They'll probably expect payment – and you should be willing to pay them - but it’ll be worth it for the extra attention boost you’ll get, as well as the improved ‘legitimacy’ with which you’ll be perceived.

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You can also look into submitting posts for other blogs. This could be another blog in your niche, or you could consider hitting a little higher up the food chain and seeing if a bigger publication would be interested in a post you’ve created. This helps a lot with networking and exposure.

Other mediums

A lot of bloggers are beginning to use YouTube more and more. This is because YouTube can be a more consistent means of earning money, though it’s also because so many fans love to watch opinion-based content through the medium of video. Vloggers are becoming more popular than ever, so it’s certainly worth considering a YouTube channel to go with your blog.

If you think you have enough readers hooked, you should think about physical publication. Some would claim that books, journals, and magazines are dead media that no-one invests in anymore, but this simply isn’t true. A lot of popular blogs have turned to the creation of an occasional magazine issue as a means of earning additional revenue. Start thinking about original magazine content and experimenting with a magazine cover maker to get some inspiration.

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The e-book hook

E-books are something else that a lot of writers are using to grow their blogs. The likes of The Daily Wire, for example, hook passers-by to their mailing list by offering a free download of an e-book by Ben Shapiro, the founder of the website and a bestselling author.

If there’s a topic that will excite a lot of people, one which you’d like to write about without worrying so much about people getting tired of using their scroll wheel, then consider writing about the topic across at least forty pages or so then turning it into an e-book. This will really show your dedication and expertise and will help you take your blog to new heights.

The Science Behind Mobile Gaming

There is no denying that smartphone and tablet use is on the rise, and has been for some years now. It’s likely that most people you know will own such a device and use it for a plethora of purposes. What you may not realize is that many people use their mobile devices as a platform to spend some time gaming!

Gone are the days where you had to sit in front of a TV with a games console to spend some time playing your favorite titles. For some years, console brands like Nintendo and Sony have brought out a range of handheld gaming devices. Today, the emphasis on accessible gaming is even stronger than ever before! Thanks to technological innovations, smartphones and tablets now have hardware specs that rival those found in desktop and laptop computers.

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As a result, we are now able to play a range of resource-demanding games on our mobile devices. What’s more, we don’t have to invest in any additional hardware accessories to do so! Did you know that in 2015, over 164 million people in the U.S. alone played games on their mobile devices?

With all that information in mind, why is the mobile gaming industry so widespread and growing at such an exponential rate? Here’s an insightful look at the science behind mobile gaming:

Delayed gratification

The thing about any computer game is that you cannot finish it within the space of a few minutes. Often, you have to dedicate days, weeks, even months to the cause before you reach the end.

It’s that delayed gratification that draws us into computer games and makes us addicted to them in some respects. It applies not just to console or PC-based gaming titles but also to those on mobile platforms too. With thousands of mobile games to choose from, and that’s not even talking about the ones in the Apple App Store or Google Play, there’s something for everyone!

Ease of use

One of the reasons for the surge in mobile gaming popularity is the ease of use. We don’t have to learn how to use the device to play a game because we’re already familiar with the device’s controls.

Most mobile games are played on touchscreen phones and tablets, so there’s no need to learn what a particular button does in a game, for example.

There’s plenty of online help

Let’s say that you start a new and popular game on your iPhone, but you’re unsure how best to progress through each level. The good news is that the Internet makes it easy to discover walkthroughs or “cheat sheets” to new and existing games titles!

So, whether you wanted a Mobile Strike guide or a helping hand with Candy Crush Saga, you won’t have to scratch your head for very long!

Mobile gaming is social

Although it’s the last point in today’s article, it’s by no means the least important. One of the features of mobile gaming is that it’s a social exercise. The vast majority of titles for mobiles and tablets can be played with friends, family, and even strangers via the Internet.

It’s clear that the future of mobile gaming is big and isn’t about to decline anytime soon.

Advice For Streaming Online Video

Most of us stream videos and movies online these days because it’s cheap. However, lots of people don’t get the most out of the experience. That is either because their equipment doesn't fit the bill or they’re making mistakes in other areas. The last thing anyone wants is for a Netflix and chill date to go wrong because the film won’t stop buffering. That could seriously cramp your style and ruin your chances of taking things further. With that in mind, the simple advice on this page will ensure you can stream online video uninterrupted. So, make sure remember this information the next time you plan to binge-watch or invite someone around.

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Make sure you have a fast enough computer

Slow computers can cause issues when trying to stream TV and movies online. Ideally, you need something with an i5 processor or higher. Thankfully, machines of that spec aren’t as expensive as they were. That means you should manage to pick something up for only a couple of hundred dollars. However, you can make the process cheaper by upgrading your current system. Just bear in mind that you’d have to take the case off the unit and mess around inside. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, you might want to pay a professional. Even so, they shouldn’t charge the earth for the installation.

Check your WiFi speeds

You know the situation. You’re watching a brand new episode of Rio Rainbow Gate, and suddenly, the screen freezes. Well, that tends to happen because you don’t have enough bandwidth to stream the video. That often means you have other devices connected to the internet at the same time. You could contact your internet service provider and complain about the speed. Companies of that nature can make your WiFi work faster with a little encouragement. At the end of the day, your internet should be fast enough to stream anything and play online games at the same time.

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Disconnect everything else from the internet

If all else fails, you just need to disconnect everything else from the web. Maybe your phone is performing an update or something similar? Perhaps a friend is playing Call of Duty in the next room? Either way, they’re using your bandwidth, and you need to stop them if you want to continue streaming. Maybe you could invite them to come and watch the move with you? If you don’t want to do that, just explain that your viewing habits are more important than their games…. And then run away fast! I joke.

You should have no issue streaming HD online video if you follow the steps mentioned on this page. Many movie and TV services will reduce the resolution of anything you watch to compensate for the lack of bandwidth. However, that just means you get a rubbish picture on the screen, and that can ruin whatever you’re watching. So, take my advice. Disconnect everything, upgrade your machine, and enjoy the show. If you do that, nothing should ever disturb your viewing time again.

My Trouble with Transitions

I have a confession to make; I struggle with transitions.

The sort of large, seismic changes in the status quo of my life. Unfortunately, this has happened several times in the past few years, between graduate school in New Jersey, my first professional job in Maine, and now my current gig outside of Washington, DC. I've had to move all my belongings, get used to a new area, find my spots for the usual stuff (groceries, haircuts, doctors, etc.), try to make new friends, and get used to a new job all at once. It's really hard for me, and I only recently became aware that this is something that really affects my mental health.

The first step to any solution is awareness, so I'm grateful to have figured this out about myself. I can work to do better as time goes on. Nevertheless, it was hard for me at the time for all the reasons I mentioned before, and I also just felt like I should be able to handle it better. I was hard on myself and put pressure on myself to do better and not struggle with it since other people seemingly were able to do it.

There are fallacies interlaid all over the place here. We often only see people highlight reels and never see and hear the full stories. Also, what is hard for one person may not be for another, so we can't get into this pissing contest or comparison with others about what we were able to handle and what we weren't. If something is hard for you, that is your own journey and it is a fair and valid issue to be going through. Also, don't feel like you have to go through it alone. Tell your manager, tell your friends, tell your family even if some of them aren't nearby anymore. Call them, text them, email them, whatever you see fit to make sure you're able to just vent, or perhaps ask for advice.

Change is hard, especially when it is of the large, life altering variety. If we equip ourselves to know what support we need and try to mitigate the impact on our lives, that is as much as we can do. I know for me, it takes a few months to get to a sense of "normalcy". I've been here in the DC area just about a year and I'm still finding my way around and discovering new things. Give yourself a break, and do your best. It will get better (and if it doesn't figure out what you can to not subject yourself to whatever is making you unhappy).

Thanks for stopping by!

The Arguments Every Gamer Has Had

If you’re a gamer, there are some arguments that you will most likely have had at one time or another. It’s not uncommon for gaming sessions to get heated and disagreements to arise. And sometimes the arguments are had with non-gamers too. Read on and see if you’ve ever had these arguments yourself. If you haven't, it’s only a matter of time before you do!

Which Final Fantasy Game is the Best?

This is a classic argument, and there are many other franchises that gamers argue over endlessly too. You could just as easily replace this with ‘Which Legend of Zelda Game is the Best?’ Or ‘Which Mario Game is the Greatest?’ But Final Fantasy holds a special spot in many people’s hearts, and there have been so many of them released over the years. Many people have tried to rank the games over the years, and this task in itself often results in arguments. It seems like everyone loves a particular Final Fantasy for a very specific reason. Perhaps that’s why there will never be a consensus on this issue.

PC vs. Console Gaming

PC gamers are known for being a little snobbish when it comes to their attitudes toward console gaming. They are not particularly sympathetic towards that style of gaming because they see PCs as being the truest form of gaming. If you’re new to all this, you can learn more about PC gaming at Level Up Your Gear. But most console gamers who have a friend who sticks steadfastly to PC gaming will probably have ad the argument over which is better at some point. There are some very strong views on both sides! Sometimes, it’s best to duck out of these arguments before they get too heated.

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Isn’t Gaming Just for Kids?

This is one of those things that non-gamers say that really annoys people who love games. It’s an accusation that’s been around for as long as gaming has. And it hasn’t become any less stupid as the years have passed. Gaming is for people of all kinds of ages. So, when someone tries to claim that games are only for kids, it’s no surprise that people who are passionate gamers feel a need to argue back and defend themselves. Unfortunately, this attitude sums up the way in which many people who know nothing about gaming see gamers in general.

The Nintendo Argument

Some people love Nintendo, and other people seem to hate the company. These two factions have been arguing back and forth for a long time. And that argument doesn’t look like it’s about to end anytime soon. When the Wii U failed spectacularly a few years ago, it looked like some people had a point. And many Nintendo fans worried for the future of the company. However, the early success of the Switch has made some people question their previous assumptions about Nintendo. But you can be sure that the arguments between the people on each side won’t end because of this.

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Taking Your PC Gaming Visuals to the Next Level

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Gaming graphics are constantly getting sharper and more photo-realistic. Without the right software and hardware, you may be missing out on the visual capabilities that new games have to offer. Whether you simply want to see each game in stunning high resolution or simply want a smoother frame rate so that you can react more sharply, here are some of the modifications worth making to your PC.

Upgrade your monitor

A decent monitor can help you to see opponents more sharply and clearly as well as truly testing out the graphic capability of each game you play. HD monitors were once the pinnacle of technology, but these have since been replaced by Ultra HD monitors – some reaching a staggering 8K pixel resolution. These latter screens are obviously very expensive and most HD monitors can do the job just as well. Sites such as Armchair Empire offer some great reviews on gaming monitors. These may help you choose the best monitor for you.

On top of size and resolution, many gamers are exploring options using multiple screens. One monitor can be used for gaming, whilst another can be used for showing leaderboards or options. Alternative setups allow you to play with an almost panoramic view made up multiple monitors.

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Improve your graphics card

By replacing your ordinary PC graphics card with a more high-end specialized one, you can obtain a greater frame rate as well making your resolution sharper. Graphics cards can vary in price with some selling under a hundred dollars and others such as the GTX Titan Z reaching over three grand. Your more expensive and finely tuned versions are better suited to those using screens with a resolution of 4k and above, or multiple monitors.

A cheaper option to buying a new graphics card is ‘overclocking’ it. This involves taking off limiters set by the manufacturer, enabling the graphics card to deliver higher visual frame rates. The risk of this is that it can cause overheating or damage to your hardware if you keep pushing the card beyond its capability. Only those with the technical know-how should attempt to do this to prevent breaking anything.

Optimize your settings with software

Many background processes may be using up memory and CPU processing power that could be better used for boosting your graphics. You may be able to manually manage these processes, although it may be easier to download optimization software such as Razer Cortex that can automatically handle such background processes whilst you game. Regularly de-fragging your computer can also help improve visual performance as well as updating drivers on your graphics card. On top of this make sure that your in-game setting are tweaked in order to get the highest performance possible.