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Introduction and Test System We hope you learned something interesting from How to Stress-Test Graphics Cards (Like We Do). In that piece, we introduced monitoring software, real-world games, synthetic benchmarks and artificially intense workloads that the Tom's Hardware team uses in our laboratories around the world to enhance coverage of graphics cards. Now it's time to explore CPU and platform-oriented testing, including the apps needed to evaluate stability and CPU cooling. Setting CPU frequencies or voltages too high are a few of the variables that negatively affect an overclock, both of which can cause temperatures to rise. So, how do you stress test your own CPU thoroughly (yet safely), and which utilities should you use? Important Warning about All Stress Tests Before we begin, we have to warn you about the inherent dangers of running stress tests. The software that we’re presenting might not just produce a full load, but also potentially push beyond manufacturer-defined power limits. Using these so-called "power viruses" can result in damage to the system, especially if they're used for extended periods of time. Those who want to use these applications assume all responsibility for the outcome. Be sure to continuously monitor relevant parameters, including temperatures, with accurate and up-to-date utilities. At least you'll be able to abort your testing immediately if it becomes necessary. Choosing the Right Monitoring Application HWiNFO Monitoring Utility How to Stress-Test Graphics Cards (Like We Do) covered a lot of the software we use for monitoring graphics card health. Keeping an eye on your entire platform's vitals may require a different approach, though. After all, there are a lot more sensors to watch.

Tens of thousands of user accounts for online government services in Canada were recently hacked during cyber attacks, authorities said Saturday. The attacks targeted the GCKey service, used by some 30 federal departments and Canada Revenue Agency accounts, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat explained in a press release. The passwords and usernames of 9,041 GCKey account holders "were acquired fraudulently and used to try and access government services," the authorities said. All affected accounts have been cancelled. About 5,500 Canada Revenue Agency accounts were targeted in this and another attack, the authorities said, adding that access to these accounts has been suspended to protect taxpayer information. An investigation was launched by the government and the federal police to determine whether there were any breaches of privacy and whether information was obtained from these accounts, the authorities said. According to the CBC, a number of Canadians have reported since the beginning of August that their banking information associated with their Canada Revenue Agency accounts has been altered. Payments related to the Canadian Emergency Benefit, a financial assistance package put in place by the government in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, have also been issued in their names without their request.

I vote v2, i love the font of the text & effects.

Now is as good a time as any to get into streaming. Whether you want to share music with the world, color while your viewers watch or have epic fails in your favorite video game, there’s an audience out there to watch and possibly even some money to be made. But to broadcast to that audience, you need a streaming platform. While Twitch is, by the far, the most po[CENSORED]r service, it may not be the best option for you. To help you find the best platform for how you stream, we’ve compared Twitch against three key competitors: Facebook Gaming, Caffeine TV and YouTube Gaming. A service almost as synonymous with streaming as Google is with web search, Twitch transformed from a live DJ service to a po[CENSORED]r video game streaming platform, then into a live streaming service for music, art, gaming, STEM and more. This platform is a little more complicated to use than some competitors,though. You can obtain “Affiliate” status after cultivating a community, keeping to a steady schedule, gaining frequent viewers and applying. Affiliates have access to monetization tools and streaming capabilities that regular streamers do not. After becoming an affiliate, you may be selected as a Twitch Partner if your channel gets significant engagement. According to Twitch, there only 27,000 of the 2.2 million streamers on its service are Twitch Partners. Setup: Streaming on Twitch requires a program like OBS, XSplit or Elgato Game Capture. If you’re streaming from a console, you’ll need a capture card on your PC to take the input. No matter what platform you game on, you will need a stream key to make it work with your software. Many third-party sites offer overlay graphics that go on top of your feed and contain information, such as your social media data, latest followers, tips and subscriber count. Although your gaming PC may be able to run a stream at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second (fps), Twitch doesn’t run streams at that level unless you’re a Twitch Partner. Special Features: Twitch provides customizable extensions specific to your software platform. This makes it easier for you to showcase your stream schedule and keep up with top donators, latest followers and subscribers. Every time a viewer subscribes to your channel, they get a set of emotes made especially for that channel. Emotes are like badges of honor to subscribers. Subscribers use various emotes in chats all across Twitch to show off the communities to which they belong. Twitch integrates with Amazon, making it easy to sign up. Having Amazon Prime gives you more perks on Twitch, including free games and downloadable content (DLC). The interface, Creator Dashboard, helps keep track of how close you are to obtaining Affiliate or Twitch Partner status. Here is also where streamers monitor their chat, number of viewers, create clips and use emotes. With Twitch’s Creator Dashboard, it’s easy to create, trim and download clips. Monetization: With a constant stream schedule and a few viewers, you can reach Affiliate status on Twitch. Affiliate status allows streamers to start making money from ads that run during their videos. Once you’re an affiliate, viewers can subscribe to your channel, drop tips to you in the form of bits and get special badges that show they’re a part of the community. Twitch pays out every 30 days when revenue hits $100. A subscription to one channel is $4.99 a month; however, streamers only get half of that. Audience Building: Twitch doesn’t make it easy to find people it isn’t promoting, so expect to be on your own in terms of building a Twitch audience. I personally recommend building an audience outside of Twitch and carrying them over. Since Mixer’s demise, Facebook Gaming has welcomed former Mixer streamers with open arms. This is good news for Facebook, which is seeing a growth of streamers on its platform. By December 2019, Facebook Gaming had already grown by 210%, according to Venturebeat. Mixer had approximately two billion gamers on their site -- even if a fraction of its streamers head to Facebook, that’d be notable growth for Facebook Gaming in 2020. Setup: Facebook’s interface for live streaming games is similar to going live on a personal profile. Access to Facebook Gaming is as easy as creating a Like Page and setting it to Gamer Content Creator. The gaming portion of Facebook is for all streaming gaming-related content. The URL is Facebook.com/games/ or FB.GG. To stream video games, streamers need to have recording software,like XSplit, Elgato Game Capture or Open Broadcast Software (OBS). Note that there are many versions of OBS that integrate with other software, like StreamElements and StreamLabs. When OBS integrates with the software it enables quick access to media requests, moderating chat and stream information. Facebook Gaming connects to your software with a stream key. Special Features: The Level Up program is unique to Facebook gamers, and joining unlocks features, including the ability to monetize gaming streams. Before entering the program, streamers aren’t able to monetize their content. This isn’t the same thing as being a Facebook Gaming Partner but can lead to it. Think of Level Up as being for consistent streamers. To be invited, you have to stream for 4 hours within 14 weeks. Facebook’s Creator Studio, meanwhile, is a place to manage clips of gameplay, trim videos and post your clips. Facebook Gaming is convenient because it lets you access the Creator Studio and its other features in one place. Monetization: Once in the Level Up program, viewers support their favorite streamers by giving them stars; each star is worth 1 cent. Once you reach the Partner level, not only do you still have access to stars but now viewers are able to subscribe to your channel at $4.99 a month. There is no clear path to becoming a Partner; Facebook reaches out to individuals it thinks should join the program. Audience Building: Facebook Gaming allows you to bring over the audience you’ve cultivated from your personal profile. Since the games are categorized, someone could find your stream browsing through Facebook’s listings. Once an audience profile is built up, Facebook will suggest streamers to the target audience. The drawback is that there is no way to create clips, rewatch streams, or save footage without using a third-party application. Caffeine’s clout comes from showcasing famous rappers, like Offset, rap battles and gaming content. Setup: Caffeine.TV has its own capture card software for PC but can also integrate with third-party apps, such as OBS. Integrating with OBS allows streamers to play any game on console or PC. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on the list of approved games to stream. To use a separate broadcasting system, one that perhaps has an overlay, the software must be viewed in fullscreen. Then, Caffeine will place an overlay on the game showing the chat log. Special Features: Joining the Caffeine Discord has its perks. You’ll receive the latest updates, be able to speak with other streamers on the platform and get information on how to join the Caster Program. Streamers in the Caster Program can win prizes for streaming, are featured on the front page and get ‘gold’ monthly to spend on themselves or others on the platform. The next level is Caffeine Partner. These streamers’ chat log displays messages in real time; blink and you’ll miss it. It’s easier to stand out on Caffeine because most streamers there are playing the same games, i.e. Fornite or Apex Legends. So if you like to stream Borderlands, which is rarely streamed on this platform, the chance of someone looking through that category and finding you is high. Monetization: The reward system for streamers is a classic favorite: stickers. Viewers pay for stickers with gold currency. After a Caster Program member generates $200 worth of gold, they are allowed to cash out with a payment site, like PayPal, for real money. Audience Building: A lot of the people on the platform are known po[CENSORED]r personalities, influencers and celebrities. They usually have time slots that are showcased and promoted, so new streamers aren’t competing with them. The navigation on Caffeine isn’t strong when it comes to audience building, but it has come a long way. YouTube Gaming is another platform with an interesting history. The gaming portion of YouTube used to be a separate site just for gamers and gaming content, but that’s no longer the case as YouTube Gaming streamers are now merged with the rest of the site. That’s not necessarily a bad thing apparently:The total watch hours of YouTube Gaming increased by 46% in 2019, according to Newsweek. Setup: It’s easy to stream live on YouTube, as well as upload pre-recorded videos. The interface isn’t flashy, but it’s simple to understand and use. The cool and efficient thing about streaming on YouTube is that your video is already uploaded when you’re done. Whether playing from PC or a console, you’ll need recording software for an enjoyable experience. The only medium that can go live without any software is a cell phone, which is great for mobile games. Special Features: If your computer can output 1080p streams, YouTube will let you run them, no questions asked. That differs from Facebook and Twitch, which require you to obtain the Level Up and Affiliate status, respectively, to gain access to 1080p streams. Monetization: New streamers can monetize their streams by adding Google AdSense. There's a YouTube Partner program, which offers better monetization, but you'll need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 views to join. Audience Building: If you’re a master of SEO and optimize your videos accordingly, you have a chance to build an audience on YouTube. However, the platform doesn’t make it easy enough to promote its streamers or to help viewers to find livestreams in a sea of pre-recorded videos. Bottom Line All four of these streaming platforms work well for streamers who have a plan. If you like a simple, clean interface, and want the best return on your investment right in the short term, Caffeine.TV is for you. But if you love graphics, alerts and want a fancy stream, go with Twitch -- even though it has the worst monetization features. Facebook Gaming is the best option if Facebook is already where you spend most of your time crafting a community. In that case, it’ll be easy to monetize and grow with great FHD clips. YouTube-savvy users will find a lot to like in that platform, particularly if you already have a channel with subscribers. It’s easy to set up a stream schedule and have your subscribers in attendance. If you’re not sure which platform you prefer, it’s simple enough to try a few different ones. Once you get familiar with one service, it'll be easy to navigate through the others and discover which feels most natural for you.

Whether you're working at home more, getting ready to go back to school or got a new laptop to protect, there's an antivirus offer out there at the moment that beats all the rest. If you sign up for Bitdefender Total Security now, you stand to save an almost ridiculous 60% off the standard price. That's a huge discount on complete online security for up to five Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. And what makes Bitdefender so good? Obviously its basic virus protection is absolutely watertight - that's a given - but it's all the extras that really make it stand out from the crowd. Extra features like clean-up and maintenance tools, included Time Machine and even a VPN, for example. Not to mention just how easy it is to install and operate and how strong its mobile apps are. You can learn much more about Bitdefender Total Security by scrolling down or, if you just want to know how to get this antivirus deal, simply click on the relevant link to you below... Why do we rank Bitdefender so highly? There's a multitude of reasons why we rank Bitdefender Total Security as the world's best antivirus, all of equal importance to the user. Not only does it cover all your antivirus needs and deflects all possible threats coming your way - it also is extremely user-friendly and straightforward. Below we have listed our top five reasons for why we consider this antivirus software to be the best: Protects all systems: If you’re worrying that it won’t be able to defend your device, Bitdefender’s Total Security 2020 covers Android, Mac and iOS systems. Security: In our rigorous tests, we found that Bitdefender was one of the most impressive services out there for pure blocking of malicious software. So it will give you peace of mind once installed. Anonymity: All of its antivirus software seeks to ensure you remain anonymous online, also offering file encryption, firewall and anti-spam perks. Affordable: Despite its lofty position in our best antivirus countdown, Bitdefender still has extremely competitive prices in comparison to other antivirus software. No compromise necessary: Bitdefender says that all of its antivirus software preserves your battery and the speed of your devices, so they keep running smoothly. We found that it doesn’t significantly interfere with your system’s speed or battery life, unlike other antivirus software. Want even more security? Then head to our best VPN guide Sort your internet with today's best broadband deals (UK only) Apple user? Then get yourself dedicated Mac antivirus software

Fortnite has been removed from both Apple's App Store and the Google Play Store, after Epic introduced its own direct payment system in the game. Because of the game's removal, Epic has filed for legal action against Apple and Google, with court documents for the Apple case released by Epic, with the BBC confirming they have seen the Google court documents. This has come about after Fortnite introduced the "Epic direct payment" option. On mobile, it offers players discounted prices on V-Bucks, in exchange for circumventing the service charge that the App Store and Google Play normally take on each in-app purchase. Apple confirmed that Fortnite's removal was a direct result of the new payment option in a statement given to The Verge. "Epic agreed to the App Store terms and guidelines freely and we’re glad they’ve built such a successful business on the App Store. The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return Fortnite to the App Store." Epic was clearly anticipating this kind of response from Apple, because it almost immediately shared legal papers alleging that Apple's App Store terms are anti-competitive and unlawful on the official Fortnite account. It looks like you're still able to play Fortnite on iOS if you already have it installed, or download it from your purchase history if you've installed it in the past. That may also change if Epic and Apple can't come to an agreement soon. Samsung Galaxy users are still able to download the game from their device's Samsung Galaxy Store app though. No matter what happens on mobile, Fortnite is dropping the prices on V-Bucks purchases across the board, including a new direct purchase option that could shake things up for mobile players. Epic Games is calling it the "Fortnite Mega Drop", and it means permanent price reductions of up to 20 percent for all V-Bucks purchases. For instance, picking up 1,000 V-Bucks will now cost $7.99 instead of $9.99 on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.

The Nvidia Ampere architecture will power the RTX 3080 and other GPUs and will be the next major upgrade from Team Green. We'll know more on August 31, 2020, apparently, as Nvidia has issued a countdown to the 21st anniversary of its first GPU, the GeForce 256. The Ampere GPUs should rank high on our GPU hierarchy and list of the best graphics cards once they arrive, and we expect the same from AMD's Big Navi. Let's get into the details of what we know about Ampere, including potential specifications, release date, price, features, and more. In an apparent break from recent tradition, Ampere will find its way into upcoming GeForce RTX 3090, RTX 3080, RTX 3070 and RTX 3060 graphics cards. Models may also include a suffix like Ti, Super, or even Ultimate. Those model names aren't set in stone, however, so perhaps Nvidia will throw us all a curveball again and change things at the last second. Whatever. Though Micron confirmed the RTX 3090 will have 12GB of 21 Gbps GDDR6X, so probably not. Getting into the details, there will be multiple variations of Ampere, as with previous Nvidia GPUs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang unveiled the data center focused A100 on May 14, giving us our first official taste of what's to come. However, the A100 is not expected to go into consumer GeForce cards. It might find its way into a Titan, perhaps, but it's the replacement for the Volta GV100. Ampere will be in consumer GPUs as well, and the latest indications are that the RTX 3090, RTX 3080, and other graphics cards will arrive in the next month or two. It's important to note that many of the rumors and leaks are unconfirmed, and any claims of pricing are fabrications/guesses. Outside of the GA100, Nvidia A100, DGX A100 and related parts, Nvidia has released no concrete information. The GA100 GPU isn't the same core design as we'll see in consumer models, as it has no ray tracing hardware, includes extra hardware for FP64 operations, and likely has extra Tensor cores for deep learning and machine intelligence work. While we can estimate where Nvidia may go on other Ampere GPUs, nothing is certain.

The best access control systems allow a business to secure their facility, controlling which users can go where, and when, along with creating a record of the arrivals and departures of folks to each area. Gone are the days of having a facility not secured, or handing out physical keys to employees. With our uncertain times, security has become more important, and an access control system has become an integral part of any security plan for a facility. With affordable keycards, a business can have a unique one for each employee, and ensure that the employee only has access to the area relevant to their position. This type of access control also is useful for students at a school, and patrons at a hotel. Furthermore, when the employee no longer works for that employer, nobody needs to collect the access card like with a physical key. Rather, the card can just be deactivated, and there is no requirement to change all the locks, like would have been done with a physical key and lock setup. What is an access control system? An access control system is a series of devices to control access among visitors and employees within a facility. How does an access control system work? Typically there is centralized control via a software interface. Each employee is provided a level of security so that they are given access to the areas that are needed for them to perform their job functions, and restrict access to other areas that they do not need access to. A common configuration is to have some type of card reader to control each doorway. Each person that has access to the facility then has a card (which often has the dual purpose of an ID badge), which then gets scanned for access to the doorway. This is an attractive setup with obvious advantages compared to a traditional physical lock as visitor cards can be given an expiration date, and employees that no longer need access to the facility can have their cards deactivated. There are various costs to consider when acquiring an access control system. They can be broken down into the acquisition cost, and recurring costs. First there is the cost of the hardware, which includes both the acquisition of the devices, and the installation costs as well. Also consider any modifications to the building structure that will be required, such as additional networking locations, or getting electricity to an access card reader. The other costs are the subscription costs, which are a recurring expense. If purchasing the software outright, there will be upgrades down the road, and which need to be figured into the price. These days, many of the vendors supply the software through the cloud, with advantages of continuous upgrades at the back end, but then there is a requirement of a subscription to use the service, typically paid monthly or annually. Also, consider if a contract is needed, and for what length. Also, as occurs in many enterprise purchases, the costs of an access control system are quite opaque when you go to the vendor websites. Thankfully, these firms are forthcoming with a custom quote, so be prepared in advance to assess your needs, such as the number of users, the quantity of openings to be protected, and other anticipated extras, such as security cameras or integrated fire protection to streamline getting a quote. What devices get deployed? At the core of an access control system are the card readers, and the access cards that are provided to the users with each doorway protected by one. Beyond that, there is the central control, which can vary from a central computer running the software, or a cloud based system with access from a web browser or mobile phone app. Beyond that, some systems support integration with other devices for other protections, such as security cameras, break in alarms, carbon dioxide detectors, and smoke and fire detectors. What types of facilities will benefit from an access control system? Many types of facilities deploy access control systems; really anyplace that would benefit from controlling access to various areas as part of the security plan. The types of facilities include governmental, healthcare, military, business, educational, and hospitality. Are there other benefits? In this era of ‘Big Data,’ another benefit of an access control system is that data on the movement of employees in facilities is tracked and stored. This can then be analyzed on an individual basis, and in aggregate. This data becomes particularly valuable when an incident occurs to see who was physically in the area at the time of the incident. We took a look at many different access control systems prior to selecting which to include in this guide. The methods include looking at the available features of each product, including the support services, and available pricing. A limitation is that we unfortunately cannot install these access control systems and use them firsthand. However, we endeavor to overcome this by scouring the internet, including social media, for user reviews. Also looked at are the Google Play Store, and Apple App Store for available apps, that can also be a treasure trove for user experiences for applicable apps. We especially attempt to identify trends in the reviews. When available, an online demo is downloaded and trialed to assess the software more directly. In some cases, user support gets contacted on an anonymous basis to assess how responsive they will be to meet user needs. How it works 1. Enter your details below Simply tell us a bit about your business, what your access control system requirements are, and leave some contact details. 2. We search our database We'll match your requirements with the services and prices that our partners offer. 3. Partners will contact you Only the suppliers who match your requirements will reach out to you. This is how our recommended access control systems compare head-head-head in three crucial categories. You can read a short review of each below. Access Control System System Type Pro installation Key features Honeywell Cloud-based Yes Choice of software, available custom integrations Envoy Cloud-based Yes Mobile app support, upfront pricing Salto Cloud-based Yes Wireless card readers, Virtual network Bosch Cloud-based Yes Scalable, wide range of hardware HID Local hosting Yes Real time monitoring, multiple form factor options Honeywell Access Control Systems (Image credit: Honeywell) Honeywell Access Control Systems are a po[CENSORED]r option for enterprise customers, particularly in facilities with critical infrastructure. Support for the products is available via a number of methods, including a toll free phone number, an online portal, and a Knowledge Base Library, although a shortcoming is the limited hours of phone support. Pricing for a Honeywell Access Control System is not available, and opaque on the website. A custom quote can be had from either Honeywell, or via a third party reseller. Honeywell endows its access control system with some inherent advantages. This includes scalability, so the system can grow as needed with the organization, with no absolute maximum on the number of supported users, and support for a system at multiple sites. Another highlight is the Win-Pak Integrated Security Software, that is a single, browser based interface, that can tie together access control, along with intrusion prevention and video surveillance that can be accessed and managed from any internet connection. There is also support to integrate in third party solutions, for example, the po[CENSORED]r BioConnect Suprema and Morpho Biometrics. Finally, maintenance needs are minimized with this Honeywell system, as it is designed to be an automated process, with the ability to send reports via email. Envoy (Image credit: Envoy) Envoy chooses to focus its efforts on access control to office environments, for both security, and health. It also is designed to save time for teams. With the health aspect, Envoy is quite timely given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It has useful features that include asking screening questions of visitors such as if they have been sick in the last 14 days, and touchless sign ins. Guests can also fill out forms relevant to a visit. Security is also paramount. Envoy can track visitors, have them sign documents digitally such as an NDA, and have them automatically take pictures upon arrival for automated badge printing. Staff members can be notified upon arrival so they can greet the visitor. Visitors can also be cross referenced against third party watch lists to avoid unwanted folks, and notifications can be made- via email, text or Slack, if a visitor does not gain entry. Global information can also be easily gained via an analytics function to spot trends in visits to the facility, and guest logs on an annual basis are just a few clicks away. Envoy is also refreshing that it offers four tiers of plan. This includes a most basic free tier, on up to a custom plan to cover the most complex of needs. Salto (Image credit: Salto) Salto is based around smart locks for the business environment. These smart locks then offer “Cloud-based access control, for any company type or size.” These Salto locks can then be controlled through the cloud. There is a Salto app that can be used to control the lock, with robust control such as being able to supply the mobile key to anyone with a smartphone, avoiding the need for an access card to be able to open a lock. For even more ambitious needs, Salto also supports control of the lock via an internally developed app. This Salto control can be piggybacked into an existing app via Connect API. Once setup, providing access to locks to an individual can be done on a granular level. Not only is the permission granted specific to each lock, but also to a specific timeframe, offering a much higher level of security than any mechanical lock. As Salto is managed via the cloud, it can be controlled remotely, from anywhere with a web browser. Salto’s solution is quite scalable. Three tiers are offered of plans for management, including a custom tier that can be branded on the front end to your organization with a logo and URL. Bosch Access Control (Image credit: Bosch) Bosch Access Control offers a scalable, and effective solution for a wide variety of applications- after all this company claims 35 years of experience. It includes a number of software, as well as hardware options to suit different needs. Just about every access control company claims that it is a scalable solution, but Bosch takes this to the next level. There is a choice of hardware, Access Modular Controllers, readers and credentials, that can then be compatible with various software solutions as the system scales up to keep pace with the company’s needs. The software is even more flexible, such as the Access Professional Edition (APE) that is designed for a starter type of project. Using the same hardware components, you can then switch to the Access Management System (AMS) which is well suited to medium and larger projects. As things continue to scale up, next, you can transition to the BIS Access Engine (BIS-ACE), designed to handle the most complex projects, such as airports or stadiums. Bosch’s Access Control does an excellent job of not only securing an area for security, and to avoid unwanted intruders. It also helps to plan for an emergency, such as having a plan to unlock the doors in case of an emergency situation. HID (Image credit: HID) HID is a world leader in access control, securing assets with a combination of physical security, and logical access control. HID provides a comprehensive combination of available features, such as access control that can be time based, real time monitoring, scalable solutions, and individualized, concept-to-implementation support. HID can provide a total solution. This includes support for printing the ID badges via a broad portfolio of advanced ID card printers that are a cornerstone of many access control systems. With these printers, and their consumables, a variety of cards can be chosen, including both low frequency and high frequency contactless cards, as well as chip based smart cards. For situations that demand even a higher level of security, there is the option for holograms to be on the cards providing an additional layer of protection against counterfeiting. There is also the option for physical tokens to allow for multi-factor authentication. Going in the direction of convenience, another route is HID Mobile Access that forgoes a smart card, and rather, allows a smartphone to be used for secure access. Through an online management portal, administrators can grant and revoke privileges to employees and visitors as needed. These features are the ones to look for when considering acquisition of an access control system. A good access control system makes your facility more secure, and controls visitors to your facility. Installation Any access control will require professional installation. Thankfully, the suppliers have installation available so the system can all be configured professionally to work the way it was intended. Be sure to inquire about who does the installation, and the pricing when getting a quote. Security The most core function on an access control system is the security of the facility. Look for systems offering the latest in technology, with cards and access card readers that can replace physical locks and keys with a higher level of protection. Look for door readers that offer physical security in the form of specialty screws to discourage tampering, and hidden wiring, as well as tamper alarms. Another option is for a door hold alarm to send an alert if a door is open for too long. Some systems offer integration with security cameras as well. Access Cards Access cards are another critical component. Look for a vendor that can also supply the printer for the cards, along with the consumables to create them. Some offer a higher level of security in the form of holograms, and an encrypted signal. Emergency Alarms Some access control systems only do the security aspect of a facility. Others can also go beyond this to encompass aspects including emergency lockdown, fire, carbon monoxide detection, and intrusion detection. Be sure to determine your needs in advance so the right system can be chosen. Scalability Consider the potential scaling of an access control system. Inquire about aspects such as the maximum number of supported employees, and door openings. Some systems can grow, using the same hardware, while others have a limit to what is supported so factor in future needs when choosing a system. Reporting Be sure to assess the reporting interface for the access control system. While some are run locally, more modern ones reside in the cloud, enabling access from any browser anywhere, making it usable from outside the facility. A reporting interface can provide detailed information on where employees are within the facility. This interface can also tie into time and attendance reporting.

Apple has pulled Fortnite from the App Store after reports surfaced this morning of an option Epic was including in the game to bypass the App Store pricing, allowing users to make purchases from Epic directly. Apple responded by pulling Fortnite from the App store completely. Epic Games responded by airing a "1984" style video inside Fortnite. Watch the video inside this tweet: It's a big shot at Apple that hearkens back to ancient tech history when Apple introduced the Macintosh. Yes, this battle between two companies that are as rich as Croesus is full of twists, turns, and even mobilizing the Fortnite userbase with a hashtag, #FreeFortnite, in the battle against Apple. Any other year, I'd probably think this was pretty weird, but it's 2020 and there are no rules. Because the Fortnite in-game video was ready to go shortly after the app was pulled, it's this writer's opinion that the initial move to bypass the App Store was a deliberate gesture to move the events to where they are now – with Epic Games filing legal papers against Apple. While I'm a big thinker, I'm not anything resembling a lawyer, so you can go read about the legal filing here.

Today, Razer is bringing back the left-handed edition of its trusty Naga gaming mouse, which it discontinued back in 2014 due to a lack of demand. The Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition has been in the works since at least November, when Razer asked customers to register for the mouse and share information about how they’d use it. Now, Razer’s done gathering data and is ready to bring the product to stores. While Razer’s since updated the right-handed version of the Naga to the Razer Naga Trinity, which we consider the best gaming mouse for MMO players and comes with three detachable side plates with differing numbers of buttons for use in other genres. In contrast, the Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition will use the classic MMO-centric design only. That means 12 programmable buttons along the mouse’s right side, plus two additional buttons below the scroll wheel. When combined with the scroll wheel’s 3 input options itself and the left and right click, that makes 19 programmable buttons total. Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition Specs However, unlike the classic Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition, this new refresh includes all new specs that outperform even the Naga Trinity. For instance, while the Naga Trinity tops out at 16,000 CPI, the Naga Left-Handed Edition can go up to 20,000 CPI with a faster max velocity, thanks to Razer’s Focus+ optical sensor. Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition Razer Naga Trinity Sensor -> Razer Focus+ optical Razer 5G Advanced optical Sensitivity -> 20,000 CPI 16,000 CPI Speed -> 650 IPS 450 IPS Acceleration -> 60G 50G Weight -> 3.84 ounces 4.23 ounces Programmable Buttons -> 19 9, 4 or 19 Cable -> Razer Speedflex braided Braided

According to research analyst Gartner, the fleet management industry was worth $16bn in 2017 and expected to continue to grow. It is therefore not a surprise that so many businesses are on the hunt for fleet management software. However, fleet managers and other senior executives may question if there is a need for fleet management software, and if there is, then how they should determine which software meets their fleet management needs. In this article, we aim to help businesses to answer these questions, provide some details around the different types of fleet management buyers, and conclude with a checklist of questions that a fleet manager can answer to determine which features they require. Purpose of fleet management software We have covered this topic in more depth here, but to summarise, fleet management is the organisation and administration involved in coordinating business vehicles. By managing the fleet, companies can control the entire lifecycle of the fleet, and ultimately help them to improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase productivity, reduce risks, and ensure compliance with government regulations. Fleet managers are there to manage many of the responsibilities, including keeping track of fuel consumption, managing drivers, health and safety requirements, route planning, vehicle acquisition and maintenance. Even with the help of a team, this is a tall order for one person, and this is why software is often needed to assist managers and enhance their ability to benefit from a fleet management strategy. What kinds of companies buy fleet management software? Work vehicles are a huge part of the economy and are used in almost every industry. Companies with fleets include hauliers, couriers, sales, repair and service industries, utilities, public transport, oil and gas delivery, and emergency services. Vehicles are not limited to those on land—fleet management technology can also be used on vessels, aircrafts and on rail cars. Here are some examples of the types of industries that use fleet management software and where they come from: For instance, plumbing, construction and garden services can use GPS fleet tracking, which is one feature of software that can help a manager to understand where staff are and when to dispatch staff. Local government Councils, states and cities could use telematics and GPS tracking to reduce fuel costs as they bid to lower their CO2 emissions. By being able to track their drivers, they could ensure that average speed was reduced and that harsh braking stops; driving more economically, efficiently and safely would effectively reduce fuel consumption, servicing and maintenance costs and reduce the number of accidents. Oil & gas Oil distributing companies may want to implement a fleet management solution where they can track their petroleum and oil tankers, as well as monitoring there driver’s behaviour effectively. If there are any issues with the vehicle or if a driver is speeding, braking harshly, driving aggressively or idling for too long, the fleet manager can get an alert. This is very important in the oil and gas industry where safety is paramount. In case of emergencies , the driver may even be provided with a panic button that can alert the fleet manager in real-time. Service and repairs Company-owned vehicles are often used for services and repair personnel. A fleet management solution can ensure that the driver is using the most economical route, which would reduce fuel consumption and save costs. In addition, a combination of telematics and integration with third-party software can help a company to review stock, check road conditions, and monitor a driver’s location in real-time to ensure the closest person with the relevant experience is dispatched. Emergency services Optimising the use of emergency services vehicles is crucial to giving providers better control over their fleet. Knowing where vehicles are can help emergency services to deploy the right people to the scene in the fastest possible time. In addition, telematics can help to ensure that the car is meeting due diligence standards, and that the vehicle is safely driven for patients, staff and the public, taking into account other road users and pedestrians. This kind of data can help the emergency services to improve the service they provide as well as making it safer. Construction Construction managers need to ensure that all of their vehicles and equipment are in the right condition – for both productivity and safety. GPS tracking can help to monitor behaviour that could damage vehicles, including harsh breaking or acceleration. In addition, maintenance alerts can be set at certain milestones - whether it is by time or mileage – and this can help managers to stay on top of servicing. As construction vehicles are often attractive for thieves, alerts can be turned on to ensure the fleet manager knows if a vehicle has started at an unauthorised time, or if it has veered off course from its intended destination. If any vehicles do get lost, GPS location data can help to find them. Distribution Fleet management software can be helpful for huge global businesses and smaller courier companies when it comes to delivering parcels. Fleet managers are able to find the best routes for their vehicle and update the route that drivers should take. GPS tracking can help managers to monitor their driver behaviour, which can ultimately save them costs on maintenance and repair, but also on fuel consumption; if a driver is excessively idling and speeding, the company can put a stop to it before the car is damaged and before costs spiral out of control. Does your business need fleet management software? Some of the benefits for specific industries have been outlined above – and ultimately these are generally solutions to many of the difficulties that fleet managers have. As organisations have scaled up, many of these issues need attention more swiftly. These include: Many administrative duties such as quoting, invoicing, identifying and dispatching drivers, expense management and keeping customers informed have been complicated, and decentralized, but fleet management can help to simplify or automate many of these tasks. Fuel management has been a huge challenge. The software enables managers to track fuel consumption, check vehicles and drivers when there are cases of fuel overuse and monitor driver behaviour. By doing so, fleet managers can manage fuel fare more effectively. For instance, by analysing driver behaviour, managers can get insight into idle times which may be contributing to a large expense on fuel. Expensive maintenance costs. Fleet management software can come equipped with workflow automation software, offering managers regular service and maintenance reminders based on factors such as date, mileage or time of use. By monitoring maintenance scheduling, managers can act before a vehicle shows signs of malfunction. Lack of coherent communication. Fleet management software provides simplification of the way drivers are managed in the field with an application to communicate with them through messages and orders. In addition, vehicles can feed back updates in regards to the order and the estimated time of arrival. Keeping up to date with regulations and compliance. As all of the information is kept up to date and notifications on expiry dates can be used, it is far easier to stay compliant. Checklist of questions to ask yourself before you buy fleet management software While it is easy to know whether you need fleet management software or not, the decision of which provider to go for is more complicated. Much will depend on the features and the type of partnership a vendor can provide. Here are some questions that you need to answer yourself to know if you require specific features: Do you need more visibility over fuel costs or are you spending too much on fuel? If yes, fuel management can be achieved with a number of features including: A specific fuel management application that tracks fuel costs and individual transactions GPS tracking to help monitor driver behaviour Do you need a comprehensive way to manage everything to do with your fleet? If yes, then it is worth ensuring that the fleet management product you buy either has all of the capabilities required through its own different apps or integrates with other software providers seamlessly, so that payments, route-optimisation and HR tasks can all be carried out. Do you want your fleet manager to play a bigger role in the company? If yes, then fleet managers to become a more strategic part of the overall business, if they have the tools that can help with budget and forecasting, sustainability efforts, and management of big changes (such as the pandemic lockdown). Do you need the software to be accessible for drivers too? Data is a two-way journey, while many sources of data will be able to be sent through GPS tracking. Other data may need to be inputted by the driver, including accepting a new job or completing a job – they’ll therefore require a mobile app. In addition drivers may want to access data about a certain job while they’re on the go. Some providers will also provide a chat facility within their fleet management app, so that communication can be improved. Do you need better management of maintenance costs? Workflow automation software needs to be a part of the fleet management proposition if you do, while GPS tracking, and the ability to set notifications are other features that can help to better manage maintenance costs.

Ready to die a bunch of times and take new bodies for a spin? Choose the shell (they're kinda like classes) that's right for your playstyle when Mortal Shell launches on August 18 digitally on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. But wait, you already knew that part. Mortal Shell is also getting a physical release on October 2, announced today. More details in the tweet below and the associated link. While those interested in the physical release will have to wait a little longer, it might be worth it if you want something to hold. To touch. Like all those tar (souls) samples that you'll be collecting in Mortal Shell to unlock new and powerful abilities for your shells. The physical edition comes with a poster and artbook.

Microsoft has finally pulled the wraps off of the Surface Duo, its Android-based foldable (that it won't call a phone). It will start at $1,399 for a 128GB model when it launches on September 10. Microsoft made the announcement in a blog post this morning. That price puts it among the most expensive phones on the market (it's $1,499 for the 256GB model). Some of that is due to the Surface name, as well as the fact that you're getting two screens that total 8.1-inches when the device is open. But with a last-gen Snapdragon 855 processor, it's a bit behind on compute. The Surface Duo's two 5.6-inch displays are both 1800 x 1350 resolution AMOLED screens that Microsoft has dubbed "PixelSense Fusion." They should work with any Surface Pen (not included). The not-a-phone is also coming with an 11MP camera, 6GB of RAM and a 3,577 mAh battery. At 4.8mm (0.2 inch) when opened, Microsoft is calling this the thinnest Surface Device ever. Microsoft's Surface Duo will support LTE on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in the United States, but availability and carriers have not yet been announced worldwide. The Duo will be available for pre-order at Microsoft's online store, AT&T and Best Buy. This is also the first piece of Surface hardware to run something other than Windows. It's full-on Android, including Google Search, Google Calendar and the Play Store. But Microsoft has also included a bunch of its own software, including Office apps, OneDrive, Edge, Teams and LinkedIn. That's where we're most interested: to see how this portable device fits into our daily lives and integrates with our workflow when we get back to our computers. The Surface Duo is Microsoft's first foldable. It was announced alongside the Surface Neo, a Windows foldable at an event in October, but the Neo has seemingly been shelved while the company continues to work on Windows 10X. For a long time, a project called Andromeda, thought to be a Windows-based, pocketable foldable, was rumored, seemingly taking up the mantle of the canceled Courier.

Artificial surfaces that can repel liquids have attracted significant attention across scientific and industrial platforms to create functional topological features. But the role of the underlying structures that are in contact with liquid droplets is not well understood. Recent developments in micro-nanofabrication can allow researchers to construct a skin-muscle-like system that combines liquid repellence at the interface, alongside a mechanically functional structure. In a new report now published in Science Advances, Songtao Hu and a team of interdisciplinary scientists in China, Switzerland and the U.K., designed bioinspired surfaces with mushroom-like repellent heads using three-dimensional (3-D) direct laser lithography. The flexible, spring-like supports elevated liquid repellence by resisting complex forms of droplet breakdown and reducing droplet-surface contact time. The use of spring-like flexible supports is an unprecedented materials research approach that enhanced liquid repellence for excellent surface control and droplet mani[CENSORED]tion. The work extended research on repellent microstructures to yield functional possibilities by linking functional surfaces with mechanical metamaterials. The interplay between liquid droplets and solid interfaces on artificial liquid-repellent surfaces is important for self-cleaning, anti-icing, and anti-reflection technologies and for principles of water harvesting and droplet mani[CENSORED]tion. Researchers are interested in mimicking morphological and chemical characteristics of natural surfaces to fulfill biomimetic performance in the lab. A classic example is the lotus effect, which exhibits waterproofing performance by combining hierarchical morphology and wax-based chemical modifications. To improve the lotus effect in the lab, researchers have mimicked springtail-inspired topology with mushroom-like, flexible heads on top of pillar-like supports to mani[CENSORED]te droplet contact with surfaces. In this work, Hu et al. enhanced liquid repellence using the flexible microstructure design to bridge the gap between two research concepts of functional surfaces and mechanical materials to construct a "skin-muscle-like" system. Design and fabrication The top surface of the construct behaved as the skin to receive and respond, while the underlying supports played the muscle role to tune the mechanical properties. The work will trigger a window of opportunity for more functionalities and possibilities by linking functional surfaces with mechanical metamaterials. Using two-photon polymerization, the team tailored 3-D structures on the micro-nanoscale to realize the mushroom-spring design. They modeled the flexible surfaces in SolidWorks first and converted the designs into a stereolithography format for fabrication with a photoresist on an indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated fused silica. The team then coated the surface with chemical vapor deposition to make the flexible springs behave like rigid pillars. Hu et al. also supported a trampoline-inspired surface where vertical springs supported mushroom-like heads and horizontal springs linked the adjacent mushroom-like heads to mani[CENSORED]te the liquid-solid interface. Preventing droplet breakdown and observing spreading performance The mushroom-pillar/mushroom-spring surfaces showed excellent anti-penetrant capacity towards static droplets of water and the materials maintained structural hydrophobicity (water repellency) due to their surface coating. The team conducted tests to understand spreading and rebounding behavior of water droplets under diverse velocities of impact and named their forms as depositing (DEP), rebounding (REB) and pinning (PIN) behavior, with an increased We value (a non-dimensionless ratio between inertial and capillary forces). For instance, when the impacting energy increased, the REB behavior inherited the place of DEP to exhibit an effective kinetic resistance to events of impact. The team then calculated the maximum spreading factor as a function of We. The scientists credited the difference in the maximum spreading factor between different surface structures to viscoelastic breaking in soft materials. To further understand the spreading behavior of impacting droplets on microstructures, Hu et al. established a theoretical spreading model, to estimate work done (W) to spread out to a maximum diameter on a flexible or rigid surface. Restitution coefficient and contact time The scientists then calculated the restitution coefficient, i.e., the ratio of relative velocity between two objects post-collision in the setup, to quantify the remaining kinetic energy of the droplets after lifting off of surfaces. The deposition/rebound (DEP-REB) transitions on such surfaces did not reveal the influence of flexible modification on the restitution coefficient. They discussed the effect of flexible support modifications on the contact time of the droplet, which depended on the position of impact. By immobilizing flexible microstructures on a rigid substrate with efficient fabrication strategies the team overcame shortcomings of droplet contact. In this way, Songtao Hu and colleagues bridged the gap between two research areas of functional surfaces and mechanical materials to implement a skin-muscle-like concept in materials surface engineering. They designed bioinspired mushroom-like waterproof heads on top of spring-like flexible supports to kinetically repel liquid intrusion—suited for a variety of applications. The team proposed an advanced trampoline-like structure to resolve structural instability on droplet contact. They used 3-D direct laser lithography for micro-nano fabrication in order to precisely replicate the flexible surfaces with tunable liquid repellence. While the proposed Nanoscribe technique for high-precision 3-D direct laser lithography offers rapid prototyping technology, the technique must be optimized for large-scale fabrication in practice. The evolving 3-D printing technologies will provide more options for high-throughput centimeter-scale fabrication efficacy.

Update: A new post and trailer on the PlayStation Blog confirms the previous news about harder difficulty options, but also details additional upcoming features in the patch. These include new cheats and gameplay modifiers, like infinite crafting and slow motion. The update hits later this week on August 13, and you can see what to expect in the video below. Original Story (Published 8/10/20, 6:15 p.m.) The Last of Us Part II is a brutal game, but not necessarily because of the difficulty. It has plenty of customizable options that allow players to make certain elements more forgiving – but those same options also mean you can make the much harder for those who crave a challenge. If you fall into the latter camp, then you will definitely be interested in what Naughty Dog has in store for the game's upcoming update. As tweeted by the trophy-focused folks at PowerPyx, the trophy list for The Last of Us Part II now includes two new awards under the "Grounded Mode" category – one for finishing the game on the Grounded difficulty setting, and one for completing the game with a permadeath setting. Grounded Mode in the original The Last of Us was also a post-launch addition, and its intelligent enemies and decreased HUD elements (like no visible life bar) made it an extremely difficult way to play. If that persists in the sequel, along with the inability to continue if you are killed, The Last of Us Part II could become a masochistic-but-rewarding adventure for the hardcore fans. Sony and Naughty Dog have not confirmed a release date for the new patch that adds this functionality, though you can see the new trophies in your PS4 menu right now. For more on The Last of Us Part II, read our review, or watch our spoiler-filled breakdown of the story.

Fungi recipes are incredibly varied and versatile. Keep it simple and serve them on toast, or push the boat out and craft a pithivier Not everyone likes mushrooms. In fact, edible fungi come in such an extraordinary variety of tastes, textures and shapes that it is probably impossible to like all of them. Personally, I am not tempted by mushrooms that lie at either the extremely small or extremely large end of the size scale. I accept that a very big portobello mushroom can readily replace the meat portion of a burger – a simple but effective recipe for that can be found here – but it is not something I would do. Also, I am a little afraid of those enoki mushrooms with the long stems and tiny caps. They have the look of something that went wrong while the lights were off. What I am saying is: you can allow yourself a few irrational prejudices and still count yourself a mushroom enthusiast. I do. That said, I am guilty of sometimes trying to make mushrooms disappear: throwing them on top of a pizza, or into a stew, a pasta sauce or an omelette, chiefly because I have a sneaking feeling they have been in the fridge too long and a firm belief that they can’t do any harm. It may be time to fully embrace the idea of cooking with mushrooms deliberately. You don’t normally have to rinse mushrooms, but you certainly can if you feel they need it – just do it quickly, so they don’t soak up too much moisture. They already contain plenty of water – especially the ordinary white sort – which is why they can turn out soggy when you sauté them. Keeping the heat high should help the moisture evaporate. As quick, basic meals go, mushrooms on toast make for an elegant dish – “the best of the something-on-toasts”, as Nigel Slater puts it. Thankfully, this elegance is not a function of the effort involved. Add an egg and you have breakfast. Angela Hartnett’s version is like restaurant dining at home – and you could probably still manage it with a hangover. I would almost suggest you could manage it while drunk, but that is how accidents happen. Slater’s supper of mushrooms with ginger and coriander is just as quick to come together, as long as you have chopped up the garlic, ginger, chilli and spring onions before you start, as he suggests. Likewise, his spiced mushroom rice requires the preparation of a paste consisting of spinach, peanuts, red curry paste and groundnut oil. He also uses sushi rice, which needs to be soaked for half an hour first, but you can substitute basmati with no loss of face. I make Claire Saffitz’s mushroom pasta with prosciutto a lot, but I still watch the video tutorial every time, because I think the precise order of operations is the key to it. Like many of the recipes here, it calls for a general medley of fancy mushrooms – a combination of whatever happens to be available – in no particular proportions. Those “exotic mix” mushroom packs you often find in supermarkets are handy for this, but they are expensive and never quite enough – pad out the weight with some ordinary chestnut mushrooms, sliced. Thanks to their texture, mushrooms often take the place of meat in classic recipes. Jamie Oliver’s mushroom stroganoff is a case in point. (Again, the mix of mushrooms employed can stretch to anything your budget will allow.) The Doctor’s Kitchen does a mushroom bourguignon. In this rogan mushrooms recipe by Anjum Anand, mushrooms stand in for lamb. Yotam Ottolenghi’s mushroom lasagne adds the earthy intensity of rehydrated porcini mushrooms to the mix. Mushrooms also stand up well to baking. This can be as painless as an all-in-one oven breakfast of eggs, mushrooms and ham, slapped into a tray and baked until the egg is set. You can add spinach or kale to the mix without complicating it in the slightest. Lunch could be as robust as Slater’s baked mushrooms – four large field mushrooms upturned on a tray, their caps filled with tarragon and mustard butter – or as delicate as Dan Lepard’s mushroom and cheese soufflé. Rachel Roddy’s potato and mushroom bake has last-minute supper written all over it. With a block of puff pastry at your disposal, you can attempt Ottolenghi’s mushroom tarts with pine nut and parsley salsa. Each has a lid made from a whole portobello mushroom, pressed into the mixture skin-side down. Ottolenghi also offers this mushroom pithivier – a domed French pie – as another way of deploying mushrooms with puff pastry. Mary Berry, meanwhile, turns shop-bought pastry into a spinach and mushroom en croûte made with gruyère, ricotta and egg yolk. It can be prepared up to eight hours before you need to bake it. Berry’s recipe also contains some typically lapidary advice: “Never make an en croûte larger than for 12.” Words to live by. Finally, if your old mushrooms are too tired even to hide in a late-night omelette, Tom Hunt has a way to make use of them: mushroom ketchup. As long as they smell OK, your withered fungi can be combined with onion, garlic, nutmeg, vinegar and horseradish to concoct this 18th-century condiment. Kept in the fridge, it will extend the life of your mushrooms for another month, which should give you plenty of time to work out what to put it on.