Category Archives: Desktops

Desktops

What Is V-Sync, And Should You Turn It Off?

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The brief reply as as to if or not it is best to flip V-Sync off is that it is determined by a number of components — however most likely sure. It feels like a helpful function that smooths out your PC’s show, which very effectively would be the case. However, it may additionally negatively influence your total efficiency by limiting your framerate and inflicting enter lag. 

No two PCs are the identical, so the easiest way to determine whether or not or not you want V-Sync is to check it in your machine. Turn V-Sync on should you discover frequent display screen tearing when gaming or utilizing different 3D functions, whatever the {hardware} you are working with. On the opposite hand, flip V-Sync off when you’ve got it enabled and also you’re noticing extreme enter lag or lower-than-normal framerates. 

However, chances are high that you just need not have V-Sync turned on. Screen tearing occurs when video games and functions run at a better framerate than your monitor can deal with. However, most of at this time’s screens, notably gaming screens, have excessive refresh charges. It’s not unusual to see screens with 144Hz, 160Hz, and even 240Hz refresh charges. 

If you will have a high-refresh-rate monitor, it is best to flip V-Sync off as a result of your monitor can deal with the frames, so the one factor V-Sync is doing is limiting your framerate. However, when you’ve got a low refresh price monitor, V-Sync is a useful instrument for lowering display screen tearing, so it is best to flip it on or look into utilizing an identical function like Nvidia G-Sync.

Desktops, Laptops, Smartphones, Tablets

5 Ways Your Personal Information May End Up On The Dark Web

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One of the dangers of clicking on a sketchy hyperlink is that it could possibly infect your machine with malware, or malicious software program. These insidious apps, which regularly work quietly within the background of your pc, can take management of your browser, steal info, and probably unfold like a virus to different units in your community. 

One frequent type of malware is named ransomware, which locks down your machine and calls for you pay a ransom to hackers earlier than they ship you a passcode to get again in. Even in the event you pay the hackers, although, it is essential to recollect they’re criminals and should resolve to not ship you the unlock key. The FBI recommends to not pay in response to a ransomware assault.

Another sort of malware is named adware, which permits somebody to spy in your machine by taking screenshots of your exercise, monitoring your keystrokes, and even remotely turning in your pc’s microphone and digicam. All the small print the hacker gathers can be utilized to steal your private info and compromise your work.

To stay protected, it’s best to understand that the most common ways malware is spread is thru phishing emails, fraudulent web sites, and faux apps. Staying knowledgeable and on guard is one of the simplest ways to guard your self, your units, and your private info from malware.

Artificial Intelligence, Desktops, Laptops

How To Use Google Chrome’s Experimental AI Feature To Help You Write

While we might all like to open Google Chrome and soar proper into utilizing its new AI options like “Help me write,” there are a couple of necessities you will want to fulfill earlier than doing so. First, the function is barely accessible for Chrome customers within the United States, and you will should be not less than 18 years outdated, have your browser’s language set to English, and be signed in to a Google account.

Another requirement is having “Make searches and browsing better” activated, which sends Google the URLs of pages you go to “to improve your browsing experience and security.” Follow these steps:

  1. On a pc, open Chrome.
  2. Click the three vertical dots within the prime proper nook.
  3. Click Settings (on the backside), then “You and Google.”
  4. Click “Sync and Google services,” and activate “Make searches and browsing better.”

Unfortunately, that is not the top. You’ll additionally have to then activate Experimental AI in your browser. In your Chrome settings, click on “Experimental AI” from the classes on the left facet of the display screen and activate “Try out experimental AI features.” 

Once activated, you will see toggle switches for every of Google’s new options. Just ensure that “Help me write” is turned on. Whether you need to hold “Tab organizer” and “Create themes with AI” on is as much as you. Turning them off will not have an effect on “Help me write.”

Desktops

3 Ways To Make Your Own Custom Animated Desktop Wallpapers

Wallpaper Engine and Lively Wallpaper typically cowl one of the best premium and fundamental choices for creating animated wallpapers on PC. However, there’s but an alternative choice that, in some ways, combines one of the best qualities of each. 

Stardock DeskScapes, a program out there as a Steam download or standalone set up, is one other high quality gateway to constructing and powering energetic wallpapers. The abundance of choices included on this specific piece of software program permits the wallpaper-creating course of to be as easy or as in-depth as customers want.

At a floor degree, it is fairly straightforward to get a fundamental animated wallpaper up and working in DeskScapes. Just as with Lively Wallpaper, customers can intuitively choose any type of picture or video file and immediately flip it right into a wallpaper. However, it is also attainable to create new animated backgrounds fully from scratch. 

The program comes bundled with a device known as DeskScapes DreamMaker, a fully-featured enhancing software program that permits customers to construct and edit animated wallpapers. Admittedly, the software program is not fairly as instantly intuitive as one thing just like the builder in Wallpaper Engine, but it surely nonetheless has loads of compelling choices, together with the power to begin from one among a number of included templates.

DeskScapes could also be a sensible choice for making animated PC screens, but it surely’s not fully free. Users should pay $3.99 to personal the software program — the exact same worth as Wallpaper Engine. However, this system notably consists of an choice for a 30-day free trial interval, so these can nonetheless test it out and see what they suppose earlier than deciding on whether or not to purchase it.

Desktops

What Is Weight-reduction planPi, And Should You Install It On Your Raspberry Pi?

As beforehand talked about, Weight-reduction planPi is a simplified model of the Linux-based working system, Debian, which is already used on many Raspberry Pis. According to the official DietPi website, the OS has been modified in numerous methods. To begin, its applications use Whiptail menus, that are light-weight and simple to work with for many who do not wish to spend an abundance of time getting into instructions into their console. The website states that the OS additionally permits for simple set up of common software program, has easy configuration settings, has a built-in backup system, permits customers to customise logging selections, has a management system for assigning precedence ranges for put in software program, has a built-in replace system, and has a built-in automation system for set up. That’s a very good chunk of options. So, simply because the system is paired down would not essentially imply it is naked bones.

While the title clearly signifies that it is primarily supposed for Raspberry Pi customers, Weight-reduction planPi is definitely appropriate with a wide selection of single-board computer systems. Its compatibility desk lists that the system runs on a number of Odroid, PINE, ROCK, Quartz, Radxa, Orange Pi, Sparky, ASUS, NanoPC, and NanoPi boards, in addition to a handful of laptops, desktops, and bigger PC boards.

Desktops, News

LG’s MyView 4K Smart Monitor Taps webOS To Let You Ditch Your PC

LG’s new CineBeam projector is the latest member of the corporate’s famed CineBeam lineup of high-end projectors and is positioned as a way of life product for its prosperous prospects. The CineBeam Qube’s premium positioning is obvious from its distinctive appears, which when you discover, is kind of a departure from standard run-of-the-mill projectors. LG has added a plethora of minimalistic design touches to the Qube’s design and even touts it as a classy artwork object. Some of the notable bits embrace the cinderblock-styled, chiseled physique, and the 360-degree rotatable deal with that permits you to carry it round with relative ease when required.

The CineBeam Qube is well-endowed on the options entrance as nicely. It helps 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) decision, boasts a 450,000:1 distinction ratio, and 154 p.c protection of the DCI-P3 shade gamut. Other notable characteristic additions embrace assist for HDR10, a brightness score of 500 ANSI lumens, and HDMI with eARC assist.

Like the aforementioned sensible displays, the Qube additionally runs LG’s webOS 6.0 platform, which provides native assist for a number of companies and apps, together with Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. Both these new merchandise shall be showcased at LG’s stall at CES 2024, which kicks off on January 9, 2024, earlier than formally happening sale later in 2024. LG is but to announce pricing particulars for each merchandise.

Desktops, PC Gaming

How To Choose The Best Raspberry Pi Model For Your Retro Gaming Project

Choosing the right Raspberry Pi model for your gaming project depends on your specific needs and preferences. One important consideration is the presence of an HDMI port, which allows you to connect your Raspberry Pi to a display. If you require an HDMI port, you should avoid getting a Raspberry Pi Pico as it does not have one. Additionally, you will need sufficient USB ports for connecting controllers. A minimum of two USB ports is recommended. Furthermore, the chosen model should support an SD or microSD card where you can store your emulator and games.

In general, both the Raspberry Pi 3B+ and Pi 4 are suitable for gaming purposes. There are some differences between the two models, and they cater to different needs. For example, the Pi 4 offers significant improvements and comes with more RAM options, making it capable of running more complex games such as those from the Nintendo 64. After selecting your Raspberry Pi model, you can refer to this guide on turning it into a gaming console of your own: how to build your own retro gaming console with a Raspberry Pi.

Desktops, Laptops

Key Points to Consider When Buying a New Computer at Costco

If you are not aware, Costco is a reliable retailer for purchasing PCs, provided you have a membership. They offer prebuilt PCs with features like liquid cooling and RGB lighting, just like other brands. Additionally, Costco provides promotions such as free game copies with your purchase, as exemplified by “Alan Wake 2”. Their laptops come with enticing offers, including a free year of Microsoft Office 365 Personal subscription, which is ideal for work and leisure activities.

One of the main advantages of shopping at Costco is the warranty they offer. When you buy a new PC, it automatically comes with a two-year warranty, providing peace of mind for significant purchases. This warranty also extends to other products like televisions, phones, projectors, appliances, and even Apple products bought from Costco. Moreover, you can benefit from free technical support and troubleshooting advice whenever you need it. In case you are dissatisfied with your purchase, Costco has a 90-day return policy.

If you are in the market for a gaming PC, you can expect to spend over $1,000 for a high-end rig at Costco. However, they also offer more affordable options for casual or work use, with laptops costing a few hundred dollars. Regardless of your choice, the warranty and return policy remain the same. The only drawback is that you need a membership to access these deals if you don’t already have one.

Desktops, Laptops, News

How to Install the Windows 11 23H2 Update

Installing the Windows 11 23H2 Update is a simple process. Just follow these steps:

  1. Click on the “Settings” option in your Windows 11 computer.
  2. Next, click on “Windows Update.”
  3. Then, click on the “Check for updates” button.
  4. Your computer will now check for any available updates.
  5. If your system is eligible for the Windows 11 23H2 Update, you will see an option to download and install it.
  6. Once the update is downloaded, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.

Microsoft has also created a video that provides a detailed guide on how to install the 23H2 Update. You can watch it below:

If you don’t see the option to update even after clicking on “Check for updates,” it could mean that the update is not available for your system. Microsoft may have withheld the update due to compatibility issues with certain applications. Although Microsoft doesn’t mention the specific apps causing this incompatibility, they state that the update will not be issued to such systems until the compatibility issue is resolved.

Furthermore, Microsoft has hinted at the development of an auto-update option, which is expected to be introduced in the coming months.

Desktops, News

24-Inch iMac Receives an M3 Upgrade, with Pricing Making Waves

The upgraded 24-inch iMac now features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a built-in 1080p camera and high-quality microphones for an impressive video conferencing experience, as touted by Apple. Additionally, the new iMac boasts a six-speaker sound system that supports Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. It also offers convenient features like Continuity and Universal Clipboard for seamless integration with an iPhone from the same Apple account.

Apple has not neglected the exterior design of the iMac. The all-in-one unit is remarkably slim, measuring only 11.5 millimeters in thickness. Moreover, customers can choose from a variety of vibrant colors. The 8-core base model is available in green, pink, blue, and silver, while the 10-core model offers additional color options such as yellow, orange, or purple.

The new iMac with M3 also aligns with Apple’s sustainability objectives. It is crafted using 100% recycled aluminum and incorporates rare earth magnets. The printed circuit boards feature recycled tin soldering, and the plating of some circuit boards uses 100% recycled gold, a first for Apple. In addition, the iMac is free from harmful substances such as beryllium, brominated flame retardants, and mercury. Apple’s commitment to sustainability extends to the packaging as well, with recycled wood fiber sourced from responsibly-managed forests. These initiatives are part of Apple’s goal to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2030.