1. What is the best kind of record player?

Depending on how you’re going to be using your turntable, you basically have one of two options, depending on how you will use your record player:

Belt Drive

This turntable’s platter sits atop a bearing that rotates by an elastic belt connected to a motor on the side. The belt helps to minimize any vibrations or noise from the motor by absorbing the waves.

Ideal for: home listening, people on a budget

The bad: can be slow, rubber belts need replacing after a while, inconsistent pitch and speed (wow and flutter)

Recommended Models:

• Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB ($250-300)
• Pro-ject Debut Carbon Turntable ($350-400)
• Audio Technica AT-LP60 ($100)

Brands to look out for used: Audio Technica, Music Hall, Rega

Direct Drive

The platter of a direct drive turntable is placed directly over the motor instead of off to the side, this allocates more power for a cleaner and consistent sound. This is the preferred table for DJs and musicians, as you can play the record backwards, scratch, and generally

Ideal for: DJs, audiophiles

The bad: can be rumbly, expensive, often come in pairs

Recommended Models:

• Technics SL-1200 ($400-3,000)
• Pioneer PLX-1000 ($700)
• Stanton T62 ($200)

Brands to look out for used: Technics, Numark, Vestax, Stanton, Pioneer

Manual or Automatic: A manual turntable requires you to place the needle on and off the record, an automatic will play and stop automatically.

USB: If you’re looking to move vinyl record onto your computer, some newer tables have this functionality, although they usually have poorer performance than a standard record player.

2a. Record Player Parts and Equipment

Stylus (the needle), this needs to be upgraded the most, as it can wear out the fastest (every 1,000-2,000 hours)

Cartridge (the piece that holds the needle), a good cartridge is key to great performance. A new cartridge is needed if yours is damaged or you are looking to upgrade.

Pre-amp, unlike the plug and play world we live in now, a record player may need to convert the PHONO (output signal) to LINE (AUX signal) by hooking it up with RCA cables. Basically, it won’t work unless you have a middle man, especially with older tables, as new ones sometimes have a preamp built-in. A DJ mixer can suffice as a preamp as well.

Speakers or Headphones, If you want to start slow, you can go to your local thrift store and pick up some speakers, otherwise, you can pick some good ones up for relatively cheap nowdays. Headphones can be a bit expensive, but if you’ve grown up in the early aughts already, you probably know how good headphones are worth it.

2b.The Record Player Setup

There’s actually a fine science to setting up your record player, receiver, setup and speakers.

1. Keep speakers apart and away from turntable. They should be as far away from one another as they are to you and unable to shake the turntable from bassy vibrations.

2. Keep the speakers away from the wall

3. Raise your speakers (if possible)

4. Make sure your turntable is balanced and not hanging off a ledge

5. Keep vinyl records in plastic sleeves for protection, and upright like books–not in a stack. Make sure it’s not by a heater, window, or any other source where it could warp from temperature.

3. Buying Records: How to Buy a Used Record

1. Move towards a bright light at the store you’re in
2. Check out the record’s jacket to see if it’s heavily worn, this could indicate heavy use or damage
3. Inspect the color and sheen of the record, is it shimmering with the tiny etchings of the grooves or is it grey, flat or dirty? The better it looks, the better it will sound. Sidenote: some records might just be a bit dusty but be near VG+, but some of the dirt can also hide scratches–try spitting on the record and wiping it down with your sleeve in the light to see if there are any marks. Or use some water from a waterbottle if you’re more civilized than that.
4. Look at the edges of the record for wear, since the needle will hit this point first.
5. Inspect the scratches–are they deep, cutting into the wax? If you can feel it you can hear it, so make sure to pay attention. Tiny scuffs aren’t too worrysome, you can still get some great playtime out of it even if the former owner decided it was no good. Look for parallel scratches towards the grooves, those are the worst.
6. The balance test. To make sure the record isn’t warped, bring the record to eye-level make sure everything looks pretty flush. If the far edges are above or below the surface then you may have a warped record.
7. Heat test. To check the record for heat damage, look for tiny crater-like patterns, that may even look foamy.

Buying a Used Record Online

1. This is mostly on a trust basis since you can’t physically inspect the item. Check the seller’s ratings, past items, and other indicators that you’re not dealing with a cheat.

2.  You can also try firing up Photoshop to make sure it’s the real deal. Drag the seller’s image into your photo editor and adjust the levels to look for defects that the camera’s exposure may be covering. Image > Adjustments > Levels (Command+L is the shortcut). Drag the sliders around underneath the mountain-like picture and get a detailed look at the album. See example on the right:

 4. Terminology

 LP – long play

EP – extended play

Original Pressing/Issue – Vintage Record (not a reissue)

First Pressing/issue – First version of record, the rarest and highest desired

RPM – revolutions (of the record) per minute. Most 12″ albums will be at 33 1/3 speed, while EPs and other smaller records will be at 45 RPM/

180 gram vinyl – a heavier vinyl record that will not wear out as easily as other records, these can sound great on a subpar stereo system as well.

Warping – when a record bends its shape from heat, or another cause and distorts the shape.

Crate Digging – Scouring through record stores to find new or rare music (especially dollar bins)

Jacket – The insert which the record is packaged in, what protects the vinyl

The post From Grooves to Melodies: A Beginner’s Guide to the Vinyl Revival appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

There is no doubt that the digital world has opened up many avenues for people. Whether it involves entertainment, e-commerce, learning, or any other activity, the internet and the digital platform are there for us. However, alongside these opportunities, there are drawbacks.

Cybersecurity threats and hackers have become more daring than ever before. They use various techniques to steal private information and hold it as ransom. Because of such threats, people need to be more vigilant about sharing personal information. Most importantly, they need to be aware of the various methods hackers use to access information without consent.

Ransomware is a common technique hackers use to infect your computer with malware or corrupted software. The following section explains this in detail:

Ransomware

You may have heard of ransomware in the news. Recently, hackers used ransomware to attack a food supply company. It forced the company to shut down its plants, workers had to go home, and livestock had to be sent back to the farmers, according to a report by Wired.

Such attacks are a threat to national security and can put a company at losses. Financial losses aside, it mires the image of a company so that customers and stakeholders lose trust in it.

So what is ransomware?

In simple terms, ransomware is a malicious file or software that hackers use to prevent you from accessing your data. It does so by encrypting the files. Hackers use various encryption methods to encrypt the files. Encryption algorithms, such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), are common methods involved in ransomware.

The hacker demands the victim to provide compensation so that the victim can gain access to personal information. The amount varies from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the nature of the information stolen. In the case of corporations, the ransom may as well be millions of dollars.

In recent years, there have been many ransomware attacks. Those that were found and defeated are mentioned as follows, according to InfoSec Institute:

• Apocalypse Ransomware
• Cerber Ransomware
• CryptoWall Ransomware
• CTB_Locker
• Jigsaw Ransomware
• Locky Ransomware
• Petya Ransomware
• TeslaCrypt Ransomware
• TorrentLocker Ransomware
• Unlock92 Ransomware

Hackers use various social engineering techniques to lure victims into providing personal information. Social engineering involves techniques that exploit human nature.

There are various ways that ransomware can infect your computer. Here

Phishing

Phishing involves dubious emails, websites, and text messages that gather personal information. The email may seem like it is from a reputable source, for example, a bank. The email may ask you to click on a link or download a file. The file is malware that infects the computer. The hacker may also create a sense of urgency in the email to trick the victim into providing personal information.

Because of the availability of various tools, hackers are becoming better and better at phishing attempts. In addition to this, a hacker may look into system vulnerabilities to spread ransomware.

How to prevent ransomware?

There are some ways that a person can prevent a ransomware attack or a phishing attempt:

Check the email for its recipient. Make sure that it is from a reliable source. Also, check for mistakes in the email address.

Messages in an email from a questionable source will have grammatical mistakes in the content.

Never click on an email attachment or link if it is from an unknown source.

Never provide personal information, such as name, address, social security number, phone number, and other details, to someone you don’t know.

Conclusion

Ransomware has become quite common within the past few years. People and organizations that have fallen prey to it have suffered immensely. Hence, ensuring that you are safe from such attacks is essential in the digital age.

The post Ransomware: What techniques are hackers using to steal your information? appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

A photography filter is a camera accessory used to modify photographs. Many people disregard their importance since software is readily available to tweak photos. However, filters will contribute to outstanding pictures if you take the time to understand and research them.

The correct filter size for your camera depends on the diameter of the lens. Standard sizes include 49mm, 52mm, 55mm and 67mm, but many other sizes are available. The most frequently used filter is the UV filter. It blocks out ultraviolet rays and protects your lens.

There are many different types of filters available. These five are the most commonly used by photographers.

1. Polarizing filters

A polarizing filter is typically put in front of the camera lens to manage reflections, subdue glare and darken skies. It makes your photos appear less shiny while enhancing the colors. Check out vsco lightroom presets for free tools to improve your photos further.

The most popular polarizing filter is the circular polarizer, particularly if you have an autofocus camera. It consists of two attached filters that can turn until the desired amount of light is absorbed and the photo is to your liking.

Polarizing filters are suitable for all types of photography. When shooting landscapes, they sharpen the colors while practically eliminating the glare and reflection caused by water or glassy surfaces. They are also valuable for taking indoor shots, particularly for people who wear glasses.

2. Neutral density filters

A neutral density (ND) filter is a must-have for most photographers. It is similar to a polarizing filter since it sits in front of the camera lens. The ND filter’s job is to limit the amount of light that makes its way into your camera. However, it does not change the color of the resulting photo or move like the polarizing filter. The neutral density filter functions for the camera much like sunglasses do for your eyes.

Neutral density filters are useful for aperture and shutter speed issues, and their different levels correspond to the number of stops of light they will darken your exposure. Neutral density filters are best suited for landscape, street and flash photography. They are also useful for capturing moving bodies of water.

Graduated neutral density filters are also very popular with photographers. Instead of being a solid shade, they are dark on one end and gradually get lighter until they are clear on the other end. The three types of graduated neutral density filters are:

•         The hard-edge filter, which is half gray and half clear, provides no gradual transition.
•         The soft-edge filter allows for a smoother transition from dark to clear.
•         The reverse filter is best suited for shooting sunrises and sunsets and transitions from dark to darker in the top half and clear in the bottom half.

Graduated neutral density filters are ideal for landscape for photography. However, their best use is shooting during the golden or magic hours, the first and last hours of daylight.

3. Warming and cooling filters

Also known as color correcting filters, warming and cooling filters are very important if you are still shooting with a film camera. They alter the white balance of the photograph while enhancing certain colors. The automatic adjustment for white balance on digital cameras has reduced the requirement for warming and cooling filters but do not eliminate it entirely.

Warming and cooling filters are still in use, especially for underwater and unique lighting images, where the considerable amount of monochromatic light makes the automatic sensors ineffective. They are also handy for correcting indoor lighting.

4. Enhancement filters

There are many types of enhancement filters for your camera. These are a few of the more popular enhancement filters.

•       Sharpening filters, also known as high-pass filters, intensify objects’ edges and tweak the contrast and shade in a photo. Sharpening filters hold on to the high-frequency information while lessening the low-frequency information.
•         Line and edge enhancing filters sharpen the lines and edges between objects. They provide the effect of subtle highlights on both sides of the lines or edges.
•         Laplacian filters are derivative filters and sharpen the edges of a larger space in the photo. Because Laplacian filters are susceptible to noise in the picture, a Gaussian filter is often applied first to quiet down the image. This two-step process is called Laplacian of Gaussian filter.
•         Sobel filters and Roberts cross filters are used for edge detection by computing the colors’ severity in the photo.

5. Graduated color filters

Graduated color filters add color to a portion of a photo where the original color may not be as intense as you would like or simply not visible at all. All graduated color filters, which come in several different shades, are both clear and colored.

The subtle touch of color can add a dramatic effect or enhance what was already in the photo. For example, an orange filter can intensify a sunset while a red filter will darken the sky. Blue filters bring coolness to a photo and enhance the atmosphere, water, and even some landscape aspects.

These five filters are the most commonly used by photographers. However, many other specialty filters are available for more specific uses, such as the infrared filter, starburst filter, day for night filters, and diffusion filters.

Protective UV and skylight filters protect the camera’s lens from dirt, scratches, and other types of damage. Skylight filters also are valuable for reducing the brightness of a sky or maintaining accuracy in skin tones.

Close-up or macro filters are used in macro photography, a technique in which very small objects are photographed and made to look bigger in the photo. Using the filter is less expensive than purchasing a macro lens, which benefits photographers who do not often take close-up or still life shots.

Whichever filter or filters you decide to use, first research to determine if they will fit your needs and budget. Although not as costly as a lens, a filter is an investment, so choose wisely.

The post The Perfect Touch: 5 Things Every Photographer Should Know About Photography Filters appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Working from home isn’t always easy—while the lack of a commute is great, the lack of office technology is not-so-great. Every brave self-starter, intrepid freelancer, and audacious entrepreneur deserves top-notch tech tools to flip their home office into a beacon of productivity and success.

Read this nifty guide for the best tools, accessories, and gadgets for any work-at-homer looking to give their workspace a mighty fine upgrade.

#1: Headset or Headphones

For people looking to zone in on their work and stay as focused as possible, a headset or high-quality pair of headphones can help shut out the rest of the world so you can put in those valuable hours of hard work.

Either opt for a robust, powerful pair of noise-cancelling headphones or a lightweight wireless headset for crisp sound, on-the-go.

#2: High-Def Speaker

Not everyone works well in complete silence. Sometimes, you need to get pumped with some energizing hits, or stay in the flow with some productivity-promoting playlists. Workplace jams are excellent for fueling ideas, relaxing an anxious mind, and keeping you focused during a difficult task.

Opt for instrumental tunes over lyrical pop songs for optimal concentration while working from home. If you’re feeling nostalgic, look into getting your hands on a retro-style Bluetooth record player and CD set.

#3: Wireless Computer Accessories

When you have so much on your mind already, you don’t also want to deal with the nonsense of unnecessary cables and connectors. That’s why you should invest in a wireless keyboard and mouse combo to boost your efficiency without getting tangled up in wires.

To ensure that you preserve your hands during your strenuous workweek, try to select a keyboard that is comfortable and ergonomic. That way, you can nurture your joints and your productivity, all at once.

#4: Good Lighting

Lighting has a remarkable effect on the human psyche. Changing up the lighting fixtures in your office can do wonders for your productivity and lift your spirits.

Here are some tips to spruce up the lighting in your workspace:

• Buy a chic desk lamp with an adjustable stand for an easy way to brighten your day.

• Get a smart headlamp with brightness controls to regulate the lighting in the room.

• Move your home office to a room with a big window—just avoid facing direct sunlight when you work.

• Pay attention to computer brightness. Too much needless screen light can hurt your eyes and impair sleep.

#5: Wi-Fi Router and Extender

In the world of online business, Internet entrepreneurship, and remote working, connectivity is everything. You always want high-speed internet access. Any downtime could cost you valuable time, energy, and money.

Invest in a new, high-powered Wi-Fi router along with range extenders to reach your home office. That way, you’ll never have to worry about excruciating lags or buffering.

When you pay more for internet performance, you earn more peace of mind.

#6: Electric Standing Desk

Sitting for hours all day can do a lot of damage to your back, posture, and contentment. To boost your mood, improve your stature, and add a fun spin to your usual day, splurge on an electric standing desk and wooden desktop for a chic, adjustable addition to your high-tech home office.

#7: Another Computer Monitor

Whether you’re kickstarting your own business or working for the big boss, you’ll want to keep your digital space as organized as your physical space. That’s why investing in a second monitor will change how you work forever—you’ll suddenly have all the screen space you need to spread out your files and web browsers, without squinting or clicking from page to page.

Upgrade Your Office, Upgrade Your Life

When you purchase new items for your home office, your intention is to improve your output and your focus throughout the workday. The same should go for your daily habits—with every new purchase, remember to upgrade your work ethic and discipline so that you can take full advantage of all your exciting new tech tools.

Good luck, and get to work!

The post 7 Tech Tools to Upgrade Your Home Office appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

The fact is that the ultimate goal for any business is to achieve growth and develop into a highly successful company. However, the route to achieving these goals isn’t always straightforward or easy. The tech landscape is constantly changing, which means that as an owner of a tech-based business, you need to be willing to embrace change if you want to give your business the best chance of success.

Wondering what steps you should take to enhance your business and boost your success? Have a read of our guide below to help ensure that your company has a prosperous and profitable 2020!

Take things slow 

It’s all well and good dreaming big, but the fact is that if you try and achieve your goals too quickly, the chances are that you will fail. Instead, aim to take things nice and slowly – take a more realistic approach to achieving success. The tech industry is a highly competitive one, which means that if you want to achieve success, you need to think carefully about every move you make. Plot out every plan that you have for the next 12-months, and book an appointment to share your ideas with a reputable business advisor. That way, you will gain vital feedback in regards to your ideas.

Take care of your customers 

Your customers are valuable, so it pays to take good care of them. Understand that your customers aren’t guaranteed to remain loyal to your brand, which is why it is so essential that you take the time to put your customers first. Think about how you can keep them on board in the long-run. Not sure what your customers would like to see from your business – then why not take the time to ask them? You can also build your customer base up with additional services. Ask your customers what services they would like you to offer – whether it’s white label SEO or app design, take the time to consider if it is possible. Remember, you don’t attempt to run them in-house, instead, outsource them to specialists in the field.

Monitor your competitors 

As a rule of thumb, always make sure that you are watching what your competitors are up to. The tech industry is already highly competitive, regardless of the area of tech that you are working within, so it pays to stay on top of what your competitors are doing. Monitor your competitors’ mistakes, so that you can learn what didn’t work well for them, and why. It’s also worth looking at what did work well for your competitors so that you are able to utilize this information to improve your offering. Make sure to stay ahead of the game, allowing you to always be one step ahead of your key competitors.

As a tech-based business, you are in a highly competitive field, which means that you need to take the time to focus on how you can enhance your business. If you want to ensure that your venture continues to grow, you need to take business development seriously.

The post Advice For Enhancing Your Tech-Based Business Effectively appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Gadgets are always a great Christmas present for anyone on your list. Here are some of the top gadgets to get for Christmas in 2020. Don’t forget to get that gadget insurance for extra protection!

Night Light Bluetooth Speaker – $25

This is a great and inexpensive gadget for any music lover on your list. Not only does it offer immersive sound, it also comes in six different color options. So, you can program it to either blue, green or even pink. It is great for any bedside table or even to use outdoors during the evening!

Mophie Battery Case – $80

Need a gift for that iPhone user? This battery case it is perfect. Not only is it sleek, it gives you 12 extra hours of talk and 8 extra hours of video watching and browsing. It is a convenient and stylish way to keep your phone juiced up!

Digital Picture Frame – $80

This is the perfect gift for anyone in your life. The 10-inch screen is high-resolution and the device can even play music and videos. It also comes with a handy remote! If this is for someone really special, you can even preload the frame with some of their favorite photos.

Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate & Fitness Tracker – $100

A Fitbit is always an awesome gift. And the newest Fitbit is even more accurate. It can track calorie burn and resting heart rate. It also monitors your sleep and can go 5 days without needed to be charged.

Campark Waterproof Action Camera – $100

Have a friend that loves to mountain bike, scuba dive or go hiking? This camera is a great present for them! It is waterproof, comes a 2-inch HD screen and even a wide angle lens.

Philips Hue Wake Up Alarm Clock – $100

It isn’t always easy to wake up. But this alarm clock can help. It comes with 10 brightening levels and nature sounds to help anyone ease into their day.

Apple Airpods – $150

No need to spend time untangling annoying wires. Everyone on your list will love their own pair of Apple Airpods. You can listen up to 5 hours of music with just one charge!

Amazon Echo Plus – $150

The Amazon Echo Plus played music, makes calls, control smart home devices and can be programed to play music alarms. The perfect addition to any tech lover.

Bose Audio Sunglasses – $200

Thanks to advancement in technology, we now have sunglasses that can play music! Yes, the Bose sunglasses are stylish and can play music in ear, without everyone else having to hear it.

Nintedo Switch Lite – $200

This is an even smaller Nintendo game. The hand-held device is compatible with all physical and digital Nintedo games. So get ready to play lots of Mario.

Have fun shopping for these gifts and don’t forget to put them on your wish list!

The post Top Gadgets for Christmas 2020 appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

There’s a lot of misconceptions floating around the world of Instagram social media marketing. It’s easy to see why there’s a lot of vested interest in getting people to believe that there is such a thing as viral content.

You have to understand that if viral content does exist, then you would have to hire a lot of people and possibly companies to craft together sophisticated and highly complicated content creation systems so your materials will go viral. As you can probably already tell by the way I described the process above, it can cost quite a bit of money.

All told, hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent year after year by companies such as yours or marketers like you to get on the viral content train on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and other social media platforms. The question that’s begging to be asked is with all of this warranted, does all of this make any practical sense?

I’ve got some bad news for you and I don’t mean to burst anybody’s bubble, but the resounding answer based on many years of research, as well as the experience of many other social media marketing professionals, is a resounding no. It turns out that viral content on Instagram, or any other platform, relies more on the influence level of the people sharing that content.

I want that to sink in. I want you to read that sentence again. The moment you start believing that it’s the content itself that pushes its way through all sorts of social networks, the more you will see that you’re doing viral marketing wrong. You’re basically barking up the wrong tree.

It’s the network that makes content viral or not. Let’s test this. Let’s say that you have a well-produced amazing piece of video. It’s as if anybody who sets their eyes on that video will be guaranteed to fall in love with it. So far so good, right?

Well, if you share that video with only ten people and all those ten people has a social network of exactly five people and all these five people don’t have much social influence, what do you think will happen to your well-produced video that costs an arm and a leg to make? That’s right. A whole lot of nothing.

Now, let’s change up that situation and share that video with ten people, but each of these ten people actually attracts others who have big followings of their own. We’re talking hundreds of thousands of people.

Then if you get those eyeballs on your video, at least some of their followers might check out the video and then pass it on and then even some of those followers might pass it on and eventually, there’s a chance that they would pass it on to somebody with a strong level of influence. That’s how things go viral.

Forget about the content itself. Focus on building the right network. Excited yet? You should be because this will help you save a tremendous amount of time, money, and effort.

Now, with that said, there’s a missing piece here and I really would be doing you a big disservice if I were to leave this off. What am I talking about? I’m talking about social proof.

I’m sure you already know how social proof works because when you are presented with a new account to visit, chances are you would look at all of its content and you would think twice before you interact with the content or even follow the account. Why?

It seems that the content doesn’t have many likes. It seems that people who checked out the content didn’t like what they saw and they didn’t leave a comment. This is going to give you cold feet.

This is why it’s really important to invest in Instagram video views if you are promoting Instagram videos or Instagram likes for photo content. Regardless of the type of content you’re promoting, make sure you get rid of the initial skepticism and suspicion people really have when they are presented with a new account.

With this out of the way, then you can work your viral networks and there is a high likelihood that your stuff will catch up. Make sure that every piece is in place so you can maximize your likelihood of Instagram viral success.

The post Is There Such A Thing as Viral Content on Instagram? appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Earlier this year, Nintendo celebrated two years since the Nintendo Switch’s hybrid console was on the market, a time when it was enjoying an uncommon popularity. Thus, although it may still be considered “young”, Nintendo Switch has already compiled a selection of games worth envying, the next titles being the most recommended, which you simply cannot miss if you own such a console.

BAYONETTA 2

(Platinum Games / SEGA / Nintendo)

In addition to being one of the most successful action titles of all time, Bayonetta 2 for the Nintendo Switch also attracts by including in the game package the first episode of the Bayonetta series, adapted in turn for the Nintendo console. However, you should keep in mind that both titles are just portions of the older Nintendo Wii U, with improved resolutions, effects and framerates. Even so, Bayonetta remains the perfect combination of action and sex appeal, a third game in the series being developed for the Nintendo Switch.

NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. U DELUXE

(Nintendo)

Ever since the series began in the 1980s, Mario games have become synonymous with the evolution of the platform genre. Later, with the debut of the Nintendo 64 console, Mario began to write history in the field of 3D games, the series being divided into two branches, as loved by fans: the traditional 2D platformers, made in the style of the original titles, and the three-dimensional ones like Mario 64. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe addresses those who prefer the former, representing one of the most refined two-dimensional platforming experiences on the market. Don’t be scared that this title is actually a retouched port from the Wii U: the Deluxe edition includes the expansion of the New Super Luigi U, new playable characters and obvious graphics enhancements.

POKÉMON: LET’S GO, PIKACHU! / LET’S GO, EEVEE!

(Game Freak / The Pokemon Company / Nintendo)

Remember the madness of Pokémon Go mobile game a few years ago? Despite the fact that it was only a small part of what Pokémon means, Go enjoyed a resounding success; well, the two variations of the Pokémon game: Let’s Go, Pikachu / Eevee! delivers the entire RPG “experience” of the series, being designed as upgraded remakes of older Pokémon Red / Blue and Pokémon Yellow. Enthusiastic fans will be glad to hear that Let’s Go, Pikachu / Eevee! have integrated communication functionality with Pokémon Go and can also be addressed with a special controller designed for these games: Poké Ball Plus.

DEAD CELLS

(Motion Twin)

Dead Cells falls into the category of titles that, although there are versions dedicated to the PC or other consoles, does not reach its full potential except on the Nintendo Switch. First of all, you don’t have to worry about any graphic compromises made to bring the game to Switch: Dead Cells uses a retro pixelated visual appearance, even more attractive when displayed on the Switch console’s portable unit screen than on the Switch TV. Secondly, gameplay that combines the concepts of “roguelike” and “metroidvania” with randomly generated levels at each new session and with a spectacular combat system fits like a glove to the portable nature of the Nintendo Switch console.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD

(Nintendo)

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is probably the first recommendation any new Nintendo Switch console owner should make. The story of the game is simple: Link, the main hero of the series, wakes up after 100 years in a Hyrule realm devastated by an evil entity called Calamity Ganon. The hero is thus forced to regain his memories, in an attempt to save Princess Zelda and the entire realm from ruin. It is not the story, however, that is the main asset of Breath of the Wild, but its open game environment, which the producers encourage you to explore in detail, according to the desire and understanding of each one, the freedom of movement and the game options being far beyond which offers most of the open world alternatives.

The post The best games for Nintendo Switch appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Gaming is universal, and it’s not true that you must be rich to enjoy the hobby. There are ways you can play video games without spending a ton of money. You can either borrow or go to game centers to play. The downside for the latter is that it requires more time and effort on your part.

If you’re finally biting the bullet and buy a gaming PC of your own, you’ve come to the right place. Gaming electronics are a significant investment, and you need to ensure you get the best out of your hard-earned money. Budget gaming builds exist, but here are some essential factors you should reconsider.

Determine Specs Needed

If you want to build your own PC, you need to determine which components you need. To help you decide, you need to know which games you aim to play. Remember that AAA titles will require higher-end specs. When working with a budget, there will be some compromises along the way, and you need to know which parts to splurge on or be stingy on.

Budget and Prioritization

As briefly mentioned above, the budget will determine what gaming PC you’ll have. It’s recommended to save as early as you can or while planning. There are many ways you can earn extra income. If you have a surplus of items, you can sell them online easily with the help of user-friendly e-commerce platforms. Online selling is lucrative, especially if you have collector’s items, designer products, and more.

When choosing the parts of the PC for gaming, focus on four major components: the central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), storage, and RAM. Most of these parts are vital for in-game performance, including graphics and resolution. Always remember that some parts can be upgraded later.

Solid-State Drives > Hard Drives

Storage is important if you plan to install many games and apps. Hard drives (HD) are the most common form of storage, and while they’re cheap and accessible, they’re not as fast as solid-state drives (SSD) are. HDs operate mechanically and offer 750 gigabytes and 1 terabyte in space, which are both decent for a gaming computer.

However, load times are slower with HD, compared to SSD. The latter has a quicker loading time because it doesn’t use movable parts to read and retrieve data. For comparison, a game that loads a save file for one minute using an HD will load in approximately ten to fifteen seconds on SSD.

With the rise of powerful gaming computers comes the demand for SSD, and while it is more expensive than HD, it’s cheaper now than it was years ago. You can opt to have purely HD, SSD, or both. Just make sure you put the operating system on the SSD to get faster boot times when you turn on and operate your PC.

Don’t Forget the Extras

Now that you’ve figured out the components you need, you need to look into the other things to complete your gaming system. Parts such as the monitor and peripherals such as mouse and keyboard are important, and fortunately, selections widely vary in options and prices, so you’ll find something for you.

Monitors are a little tricky. If your gaming PC is built to run video games in high resolution or at least 1080p, then your display should be able to show that. You don’t have to do it right away if you don’t have the money. You’re better off putting your money on the most important components and make do with a less powerful display.

Consider getting a refurbished or secondhand monitor for deals or discounts that are within budget. Despite being preloved, monitors from authorized refurbishment centers work perfectly and have a warranty.

Don’t forget about the speakers, headphones, or both. They have their own pros and cons. Buy headphones that have good-quality mic and audio if you plan to play games that use voice chat. Speakers come in handy if you plan to use your PC to stream videos.

Conclusion

The popularity of playing video games will not stop soon. You’ll soon realize that a gaming PC is within reach once you have determined your needs and budget. The flexibility of most components that are in the market right now makes building a low-cost PC possible more than ever. The same can be said for upgrading.

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Many drivers see fleet cameras as a negative intrusion that is meant to monitor them. However, this solution works to their benefit in many ways while also benefiting the company. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how this solution works especially when it comes to protecting both drivers and fleets.

Different cameras are installed as part of the solution. They include dashcams, cabin cameras, passenger counting cameras, reverse cameras and any others. Many fleet solutions companies provide this solution as a package, and it is crucial to ensure that it is in line with your needs.

Technology Used in Fleet Cameras

Gone are the days when dashcams were the only solution in this category. These cameras would record and save the footage in internal memory, which would then be retrieved later by the fleet managers.

Fast forward to today, things have changed. Fleet cameras record high-quality footage and transmit it in real time to a remote location through the use of the internet. Impressively, they also use GPS technology to show the actual location of vehicles. Such advancements have increased accountability, transparency and safety of drivers and fleet vehicles.

Tracking Driving Habits

Front-facing cameras with a GPS can reveal bad driving habits that can cause an accident on the road. If the driver did not make any mistakes, then she or he will not be held accountable for the mistake of another driver. These cameras have assisted in police and insurance investigations of accidents to minimize loss for the company. Otherwise, those who are responsible for the loss may not be the ones who end up paying.

Telematics Cameras

According to Eyeride experts, this is a solution you should consider so that you can combine video footage and telematics data. We have already mentioned the cameras that are connected to GPS technology to detect the actual location of the vehicles. With this technology, there is no need to have additional GPS devices in your fleet vehicles. Thus, this protects the company from incurring additional costs. GPS cameras can be used to track the vehicles in case of theft or attack. The good thing is that very tiny cameras can be placed in the cabin, and those with malicious intentions will hardly notice their presence.

Solving Conflicts Between Drivers and the Fleet Company

It is always good to enhance transparency in the company. One of the interests of a fleet company is to reduce loss by paying the actual hours that drivers have worked. This is a double-edged sword as the driver will get their due in full, which protects them from fleet companies that tend to distort such data.

Many other conflicts are solved using camera footage in a fleet company. The footage provides evidence if the driver has been misbehaving on the road, and the fleet company can retrain the driver. Such footage is also used to dismiss employees if they have committed gross misconduct according to the contract agreement. This protects the fleet company from experiencing a loss.

Conclusion

Fleet camera solutions are crucial, and you can see the reasons why. Both drivers and the fleet have reason to embrace them. If you are planning to open a fleet business, now you know one of the solutions to include.

The post Fleet Camera Solutions: How They Protect Drivers and Fleets appeared first on Just Noise To Me.