Upgrading your Graphics card

In the previous blog, I mentioned about people wanting to upgrade their toaster; I mean graphics card. Today, we are going to look at some popular choices to help guide you in your decision on which one to purchase. The first one we are going to look at is the NIVIDIA  GeForce GT and GTX series.

NIVIDIA GT

According to NIVIDIA, the GTX series splits off into two categories. The first category is for everyday computing and HD video [GT]. NIVIDIA states that these graphics cards are for "more than just great graphics. Speed up your favorite applications and play popular games the way they're meant to be played". These graphics card models range from 210 to 740. Here is the list of the models by NIVIDIA going from lowest to highest. 

GeForce 210

GeForce GT 610

GeForce GT 720

GeForce GT 730

GeForce GT 740

Elite Dangerous 3.0

These graphics cards are great if you are on a budget ranging from $20 to $90. However that does not means that they perform like budget graphics cards. Well, all except the 210 and maybe the 610. For me, I run a GT 740 on my ASUS computer and it performs excellently. I can run "Elite Dangerous",  on a high graphics setting and achieve over 45 FPS on a regular basis with rare occasional frame stuttering, but that is due to the beautiful graphics detailing woven in. By the way, I highly recommend this game is you enjoy exploring.

Then there is the second category of graphics cards that are specifically designed for HD gaming. This category is made for hardcore gamers who compete with their friends at who has the best frame rate. NIVIDIA quotes: "The ultimate GPU from NIVIDIA. Delivers intense performance and the broadest set of features for gamers who demand the best". Unfortunately, "the best" also includes the most expensive. They range from $150 to over $1000. You will have to be wise in your decisions if you wish to purchase such a godly GPU. These graphics cards range models range from 950 to 1080, the most godly being the 1080Ti. Again, here is a list of the models starting from godly, to extremely godly.

NIVIDIA GTX

GeForce GTX 950

GeForce GTX 960

GeForce GTX 970

GeForce GTX 980

GeForce GTX 980Ti

GeForce GTX 1050

GeForce GTX 1050Ti

GeForce GTX 1060

GeForce GTX 1070

GeForce GTX 1080

GeForce GTX 1080Ti

These graphics cards have all the qualities of the GT series but on a whole new level.
Graphics cards in this category are of the highest quality and are made for dedicated gamers. At least 100 frames per second can be reached with these graphics card. Th

The NIVIDIA series graphics cards are certainly remarkable and are a pleasure to operate; especially for beginners and the experts.

Windows vs Mac

The war between Microsoft and Apple started long before you were born and is still raging on today. Many people are preparing to purchase a PC and along with it, an operating system, an OS. The
first thing that comes to mind when it is time to decide is which company to buy it from and usually, the choice is between Windows by Microsoft or a Macbook, from Apple. So let's get down to the pros and cons of each OS. If you make it to the end, you can reward yourself with a pat on the back and might even get cake. ------->

WINDOWS OS

The Windows OS was released on Novembe
r 20, 1985 making it a pioneer of OS history. From then to now, the OS has undergone numerous upgrades, overhauls and even failures (*cough*Windows Vista). Today, Windows offers ex
tensive flexibility in its software and uses making it favorable for many customers. It has more software available that any other platform and offers great backwards compatibility. Backwards Compatibility is the ability to support older versions of software. For example, it is possible that you can run Windows 7 if you are currently using Windows 10. Security and the change of getting a computer virus increases however because now you're one of the big boys on the block and are a target to those wanting your sweet, succulent personal information.

Particularly, the gaming community seems to love using this OS as it allows for greater disk storage space as well as RAM allowing for plenty of graphics detailing and a smooth frame rate. This is a blessing for those who want to upgrade their graphics card that is a toaster shoved violently into your PC. Windows is also compatible with all games designed for use on a computer/laptop. Who doesn't like playing on "Ultra" graphics mode with 147 FPS?

MAC OS

The MAC OS is much younger than Windows. Its release date is March 24, 2001. The MAC OS is used specifically on computers and/or laptops made by Apple. The most common form of the OS is on the laptop, referred to as a Macbook. The OS is more user friendly and you quickly get used to it after learning the basics. Not like in Windows where you accidentally press "f12" when browsing and a bunch of code pops up out of nowhere making the experience not so enjoyable. However, professional Windows users have mastered the ancient art of the "f12" button and are said to have control over all four seasons and the UNLIMITED POWER OF THE UNIVERSE! Okay maybe not the last parts. On the other hand, once you have gotten the hang of it, there is not much more you can do. Sadly, no "f12" superpowers for you. A silver lining to all this; your OS is much less likely to succumb to viruses and security issues thus lowering the amount of maintenance and a smoother experience.

THE END

Here, we arrive at the end of this comparison. To briefly summarize, if you wish to get the most bang for your buck, Windows can provide it all, and much more. However, if you prefer a more user friendly interface and high security, go for a MAC. Now get out there and go treat yourself to a cake!

Windows 7 vs Windows 10 Should you upgrade?

A quick disclaimer: I know I'm a bit late covering this topic but lets just get right down to it.

     Today, most of the world is using the Windows 7 OS by Microsoft. But Windows 7 was getting old and we needed something new. Microsoft responded with a new OS, Windows 8. Windows 8 was a failed design with A START MENU WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!? (please excuse the amount of salt in that phrase)The most noticeable difference between the two operating systems is that the once glassy, rounded home screen has been changed to a flat, colorful and boxy one. The overall flatness if Windows 10 makes it look far more professional and appealing than Windows 7. Naturally, this big of an overhaul would send people rushing to upgrade yet 48% of Windows users still use Windows 7 while only about 28% use Windows 10. So why are people so reluctant to upgrade? (Probably because of some START MENU in your past Microsoft, hm?)

     One reason is that your machine does not read the requirements for Windows 10 to install. Usually, it takes at least 20 GB of open hard drive space to install the 64 bit version (16 GB for the 32 bit version). You'll also need an extra 2 GB of RAM and a Direct-X 9 capable video card.

     In Windows 10, personal privacy is also reduced as the OS is configured to send feedback to Microsoft for updates and to show ads in the Start Menu. Of course, these features can be turned off but you'll have to browse through the settings first. In fact, Windows 10 gathers more data from your computer than any previous version.

     Windows updates are usually a good thing; there might be some bugs and glitches here and there occasionally. No problem, you can just turn the auto updates off. Not in the case of Windows 10 though. There's no off button for the updates so if an update comes out and there are bugs with the new update, it will spell trouble for your computer. However, Microsoft is very thorough with its updates and triple many even quadruple checks them before they are released and you can choose when to install the updates so all is not lost. I recall one time that Windows 10 failed to update on my computer so it started a boot loop and the OS was clinically dead so I had to revert back my old OS which was Windows 7. Hopefully, you will be much luckier than I am.

     So should you upgrade to Windows 10? If you don't mind auto updates and some reduction in personal privacy plus you have some hard drive space and an extra 200 dollars, by all means go ahead. However, if you agree to most of the information above, it's best that you stick to your current OS.

   

Google Play Store vs App Store

Here is the extension of the apple vs android. The iOS and Android software have different download "hubs". For the iOS, it's the App Store. With Android, it's the Google Play Store. I promised in the last blog that I would do a review on this so here it is. We will be comparing 2 aspects: user interface/design, and apps available for download on each platform.

USER INTERFACE/DESIGN

Both the App Store and the Google Play Store have simplistic home screens that allow for efficient navigation between tabs. Whether you are looking for music, e books, or games, you can get there with a swipe of a finger. Though both download platforms are good in quality, Google Play Store has an edge in this comparison due to a better organization of apps and their information. It also has easy access to view your installed apps, updates pending and account settings. In addition, Google Play highlights sections recommended for you and new and updated apps as well. This way you will have a different browsing experience and not get the same old apps being showcased over and over again. As a bonus, the Google Play Store looks much more colorful and aesthetically pleasing than the App Store's basic contrast design. 

APPS

Downloading apps on Google Play and the App Store are a breeze. With just a tap of the screen, you have all apps at your disposal. But the question is, which apps are available for download first? Some apps are available exclusively on the App Store while others are just for the Google Play Store. For example, the game "Brawl Stars" is only available for download on the App Store. 

While it is a difficult process for developers of an app to make it available for download on the App Store, almost all are very stable. With the Google Play Store, it is less of a hassle but much more apps will have minor instability and bugs with the software. An app such as "Snapchat" will run more smoothly on an iOS than on an Android simply because of its download origin. Tough the change is not noticeable at first, it is definitely there. 

I SORT OF MESSED UP

Now we come to the end of this comparison. In hindsight, I realized that this comparison should have come before the Smartphone comparison because now, you probably gotten the smartphone and you are stuck with whatever download platform you have. I only hope that which download hub is on your smartphone, you are happy with its features. If not, you can have my strawberries.

GAME OF PHONES -Android or Apple

The first thought when it comes to buying a smartphone is which one to buy; Apple or Android. Both specialize in constructing excellent smartphones with great features. A customer's first instinct would probably be to choose a decent smartphone and buy it. But if you are the person who wants to buy the best one for you, then you have come to the right place. Today, we are going to delve deep into choosing the ideal smartphone for you.

1. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE

Typically, smartphones made by apple like the iphones are high in quality and performance. Since only Apple makes iphones, it has good control of the hardware and software including how they work together. Their smartphones are also unlikely to overheat.

Android phones are a different story. It's hardware and software are used by multiple manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Samsung, etc. Because of this, Android smartphones vary in shape, size and weight. This means choosing your smartphone will be all the more difficult, first choosing the brand then the model. For example, the LG (brand) G4 (model). Unfortunately, in some brands, Android smartphones are more likely to overheat due to a poorer quality . We wouldn't want another Samsung note 7 incident anytime soon (insert sinister laugh here).

Some people like Apple's simplicity of choosing high quality devices while other may prefer Android's greater, inexpensive selection choice.

2. APPS

 Apple and Android smartphones have their own little hubs to download apps being the App Store and Google Play respectively.  You can usually find the same apps on both of these download hubs though some apps are made specifically for Apple and vice versa for Android. In addition, there will be some apps that will be available on both Google Play and the App Store but on different times. For example, an app may be available on Google Play now but weeks later on the App Store. Overall, the two download hubs are excellent at their job. The deciding factor will most likely be which apps will be available for download on which platform earlier.

Personally, I prefer using Google Play more than the App Store simply because of the ease of access and colourful design. There will most likely be a separate review covering the more specific details of the two download hubs.

3. SECURITY

Apple and Android smartphones all have excellent security features to protect the precious smartphone you are going to buy. For example, lock screens, download confirmation buttons and advanced password options are available at your disposal. Want to unlock phone with face? Sure! Want to create a PIN number that's almost as long as the digits of pi that you'll probably never remember? Sure! 

However, it is usually not those security features that fail when there is something wrong with your smartphone. Just like computer viruses, there are ones made to invade smartphones as well. Some download random apps without your permission while others restart your phone repeatedly or at the most random of times and some even do both! But how does any of the available features prevent you from downloading these viruses? To put it simply, they don't. The only feature that somewhat prevents this is a ineffective confirm download button. Not only that, almost all smartphone viruses are designed to be downloaded on Android smartphones due to the plentiful brands and models that use Android. 

Because most smartphone viruses are meant to be downloaded on Android, it is far more safer to download random things on the internet using a smartphone made by Apple than on Android; not that you should... right? Not all is lost though. There are various antivirus apps available for download in the App Store or Google Play.

Judgement Time

Now we have come to the end of this comparison. These were the pros and cons of Apple and Android smartphones. As said before, there will be a separate review of Google Play and the App Store which will help finalize your decision. In the end it all comes down to your decision and what type of smartphone you want to purchase that is best for you.

Discord v/s TeamSpeak

During a online multiplayer game, voice communications or voice chat, is essential for you to coordinate and strategize with your team. The gaming life would be so frustrating without it. Imagine this scene: you are playing a round of "Battlefield 4" with your friend Bill. You have just gotten an 8 kill-streak when suddenly, you get taken out by another player because he had voice chat and you didn't; also Bill couldn't warn you about the danger. Now that you know the importance of voice chat, it's time to decide which voice chat app is best for you.Two of the  most popular ones are Discord and TeamSpeak.

Discord

Discord is a free cross-platform voice and text chat app primarily used by gamers as a form of communication when playing with one another. To use the app, you can join a channel or create one yourself which you can customize however you like as long as its within the parameters of the app. Discord also features an friendly user interface and helpful hints when it takes you on the "Grand Tour" when you first load up the application. As you can see in the picture under the logo, the layout is very organized. You have your channels bar on the leftmost part of the screen

A look inside Discord

while the bar on the right side indicates who is currently part of the channel. On the right side of the channels bar, you can create and name text and voice chat groups for your channel. In the middle of the screen is where you can text with other people in the channel. If you want speak or text someone in another group of the same channel, just click on another group. Everything will be explained more thoroughly in the tutorial when you load the app as a for the first time. All in all, Discord is for those people that want a simple yet effective way to communicate with one another.

A look inside TeamSpeak

TeamSpeak

Though there are three versions of TeamSpeak (;TeamSpeak, TeamSpeak2, and TeamSpeak3), today, we will be focusing on the most modern version;  TeanSpeak3 which will be referred to as TeamSpeak for the duration of the comparison. TeamSpeak is a free voice over internet protocol software which allows for audio communication between users on a channel. TeamSpeak functions similarly with Discord and is also primarily used by gamers. The app has much more customization options so you can make your channel to your liking. However, with buttons here and there, you don't know where to get started. It will take a while before you get used to the app; some more than others.

Judgement Time

Both Discord and TeamSpeak are very effective for voice and text communication. The difference is in the style in which the two apps use. TeamSpeak is more for those who wish to completely deck out their channel with a truckload of customizable options and Discord is for the people who prefer a more simple way of communication so you can get right into it without looking for tutorials or anything of the sort. As mentioned before, Discord and TeamSpeak are both very effective means for communication. Whichever app you choose, I'm sure you'll find a way to enjoy gaming with friends and remember, "Be Like Bill".

Keyboard Comparison: "Ctrl" Your Typing Life

The keyboard is essential for your typing needs. In fact, I'm using my keyboard to type right now! Since we use our keyboards pretty much every day, it would be a rational decision to invest in at least in a worthy one. Though there are many types of keyboards on the market, we are going to focus on two today: mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards.

How Keyboards Work

Keyboards work by you pressing a key. Pressing down on that key completes an open circuit under said key. When the open circuit is completed, it sends an electrical signal to the computer registering whatever key you pressed on the screen. If the key is held down, the key repeats itself until you let go. All keyboards, whether mechanical or membrane, work this way. If you don't believe me; open up Google and hold down any key you like.

Membrane Keyboards

These adequate keyboards are popular on the market. Membrane keyboards feature quiet, average high-speed typing, being more affordable than mechanical keyboards while still having the same functions. On the other hand, they don't live as long a life as other types of keyboards and wear out more easily. In addition, on some membrane keyboards you feel as if you are pressing into JELL-O when the typing starts. However, experienced keyboard users know that membrane keyboards just don't cut it when it comes to professional typing/gaming.

Mechanical Keyboards

Ah, the classic mechanical keyboard, a typist's or gamer's ultimate dream: The satisfying clickety-clack sounds overwhelm you as you pass the 40 WPM mark or when you're about to receive a "Pentakill" in your "League of Legends" match. Your fingers are flying across the keyboard with speed and precision.

Above is a quite accurate description of owning a mechanical keyboard. These can also be referred to as the "Elite Group of Keyboards". Mechanical keyboards 1 up membrane keyboards in terms of high-speed typing, precision and lifetime. Professional typists and gamers know that it's like switching from driving a horse-drawn carriage to a 2017 Ferrari. However, they can be loud. The clickety-clack sound mechanical keyboards make can get quite annoying over time; especially if you're the quiet type of person. For instance, imagine you are working late at night on a project. You are tired. Loud clickety-clack sounds are not comfortable sounds to hear when you are close to collapsing in your chair.

Judgement Time

   So which type of keyboard is superior? The truth is that both keyboards have their own strengths and weaknesses. Both keyboards outclass each other depending on the situation where you use the keyboard for. If you're one of those hardcore typist/gamers and choose the mechanical keyboard with its rapid high-speed typing and long life, your choice will serve you well. On the other hand, if you're not much of a computer person or enjoy your quiet time, it's best that you stick to a more economically friendly membrane keyboard.