Virtual Fashion Accessories
So first I should probably explain what an MMORPG is. Pronounced by those in the know as ‘muh-more-puh-guh’, MMORPG stands for ‘Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.
In case that doesn’t quite clear things up, MMORPGs are online games in which huge numbers of people participate at the same time, taking on the ‘role’ of a character, who they can usually design themselves, at least to a degree. Often a player can change their character’s hair colour, clothes, furniture (if you have a house), usually purchasing these items/services at various in-game stores.
Fantasy Fashion
A lot of MMORPGS revolve around fantastic worlds – the most popular (and most populated) is World of Warcraft, a game with over ten million subscribers. Players choose a race (such as dwarf or orc) and set off into the world.
Each character can be equipped with different clothing (technically called armour, but not necessarily consisting of a suit of mail). This is where the fashion element comes in – and the beginnings of a business. At the end of 2011, a new feature was added, called transmogrification. This is a process whereby you change the appearance of your ‘armour’, including various accessories such as necklaces, rings and cloaks, using other equipment.
One player, known as Keelhaul of Proudmoore, established a transmogrification monopoly by identifying ‘which armour sets had the potential to visually differentiate players from their peers’ prior to the feature being added, in his own words. As soon as the feature came into play he used his foreknowledge to sell this equipment for vast amounts of in-game currency. He now holds fashion shows, attended by hundreds of players – huge community events where players turn up to see who has the coolest accessories – the blingiest necklaces, the zaniest capes.
If all this sounds a bit fantastical for your tastes, though, there are more realistic MMORPGs out there, with more realistic fashion markets.
The Fashion of Second Life
Second Life is an MMORPG which more closely reflects the real world. Players’ characters are human, and can go through everything you could think of in your regular ‘first’ life. This includes starting a business – and the fashion business of Second Life is booming.
Players of Second Life can design anything, from hairstyles to shopping malls, from jewellery to clothing lines. Linden Research, Inc., the developers, decided to allow Residents (as players are known) to have complete Intellectual Property Rights over their creations, which has allowed some people to sell their virtual products for actual cash, even making enough to use it as a full time job.
This can be such a lucrative business that even real companies, such as Giorgio Armani, have set up shop. In 2007, Armani launched an in-game store which sold their top ten products both virtually (using the game’s currency, the Linden dollar, denoted L$) and in reality. The Linden dollar can even be converted into actual currency. Not surprising, then, that businesses are springing up left, right and centre.
The Second Life Marketplace website works like any other online fashion retailer. You can buy handbags ranging from L$0 for a travel tote bag, to L$2,399 for a Mesh Satchel bag/FatPack. Each item can be viewed from several angles, and has a full list of features. There’s a shopping basket and the option to buy something as a gift. You can purchase aviators, diamond engagement rings, tiaras, watches, even crowns. One crown is clearly inspired by the successful TV/book series Game of Thrones: A Targaryen king’s Three-Dragon Crown, selling for L$899. The features for this item include ‘Three Golden Dragons with ruby eyes and dark onyx horns’, ‘surrounded by cushion-cut diamonds set in gold’, ‘lined with dark ermine fur’. There are even listings online of blogs devoted exclusively to the fashion of Second Life.
One Final Note
So the world of virtual fashion is more expansive than you might have imagined. This is just the tip of the online iceberg. All you have to do to get involved is get playing – just remember though, when people tell you ‘it’s only a game’, they’re lying. It’s business.
This post was written by Simon form Higherclick.com in behalf of their client Macys.com. Macy’s does not yet sell virtual online handbags only regular ones.
6 Reasons to Use PC Wizard to fix your computer.
PC Wizard is a program developed by those at CPUID.com to display as much information about your computer system as possible in one location. This useful program can give insights into all of the hardware components and software installs of the computer system it is running on. Without opening the computer or digging through System Information in Windows, PC Wizard can give you information about every installed device down to the version of driver it is using. Here are some of the highlights that PC Wizard offers:
1. Windows Product Key – Sometimes computer users will lose their product keys for Windows. There are misconceptions that the OEM number that displays in the product information of Windows is the key. It is actually the encrypted product key and cannot be used in case of a reinstall. However, PC Wizard can decrypt this information and reveal the product license key to your computer system.
2. Upgrade Compatibility – Planning to upgrade your computer peripherals? PC Wizard can give you information about your motherboard to help discern what your capabilities are. By using the information provided by this program and Google, you can find the perfect match for your computer system.
3. Diagnostic Assistance – By regularly monitoring the information in PC Wizard, you can be apprised of any thermal issues or errors that could occur. Using supported fans, this program can monitor fan speeds, CPU temperature, chassis temperature, and even the S.M.A.R.T. capabilities and temperatures of hard drives. The voltage detection can be a useful tool if you are suspecting power supply damage.
4. Computer Configuration – With a click of the button, you have access to virtually every piece of software and its settings installed on your computer. Versions of Windows, patches, updates, databases, DirectX controls, and more can be examined from PC Wizard. This powerful informational tool will even detect the models of printers connected to your computer system including the location and version of the driver.
5. Networking Information – PC Wizard will detect your network status and provide information about the various computers, switches, and routers that are connected including any IP addresses and manufacturer website information that is available.
6. Multimedia Information – Having the right CODEC for multimedia can help you view and listen to a variety of files. PC Wizard will not only supply you the information recording your audio and video capabilities, but it will show the actual CODEC you have installed as well.
Whether you are planning an upgrade for installed components on your computer or need access to driver versions for updates, PC Wizard can be one of your greatest assets. With each new version available, the program gains stability, accuracy, and greater overall function for providing information about your computer.
Author Bio:
Ken Myers is the founder of http://www.longhornleads.com/ & has learned over the years the importance of focusing on what the customer is looking for and literally serving it to them. He doesn’t try to create a need, instead he tries to satisfy the existing demand for information on products and services.
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Making the Decision to Buy an Android or iPhone Smartphone
Lately the competition for the smartphone market has been becoming more and more competitive, and the decision between an android or an iPhone is more difficult. You may want a device that will allow you to keep in touch with loved ones far away, or a device that helps you manage your office productivity while you are out of the office. This is something that both phones can accomplish, but there is only going to be one in your pocket.
The Difference between an Android and an iPhone
There is a lot of difference between the Android and iPhone. Knowing these differences may help you in making your decision of which one you want to buy. There are many models of Android phone available, while with the iPhone there are only a few models in one series.
Fans of the iPhone and Apple may be surprised that Apple’s marketing is to have one well-made product with limited models. This is a problem for consumers who want to have options in high quality products. It is a well-built device, but there is little variation in the models available. You might even say there is no variation, as the differences are merely in the memory that comes with the model. This is a phone that is marked by generations, and the current models available are the fifth generation of iPhones.
The Android phones offer a different approach, and are based on an OS that is licensed to many different manufacturers. There is the Nexus phone, which is available from Google, but it is really only a Samsung Galaxy with a Google nameplate. There are many manufacturers to choose from when it comes to an Android phone, which allows users to pick a product that best fits their needs. Consumers have a choice of quality and performance with Android that the iPhone cannot offer.
Evaluating the Different Models of Smartphones to make a Decision
There are many different makes and models of smartphones, but the top 2 on the market are Android and iPhone. Making a decision can be difficult with an iPhone providing some original applications and a standard high quality phone, but the many different Android phones also have something to offer their users.
The iPhone 5 is the latest model phone to hit the market, and it is a great piece of hardware, with improvements in voice commands, and other software. It has also seen some problems with the release of the iOS6 operating system, and the ending of support for many popular applications from third parties. It has a larger screen, which allows users to enjoy HD content, and take advantage of applications that help to increase productivity. There is also a quick messaging service that is very popular.
The Android phones are now on version 4.2 of the Android mobile OS, and offer many of the features to be found with the iPhone on most models. There has also been gesture typing added, intelligent keyboard and a quick access type of start screen. There are many different models to choose from, and they can range in size, weight and features. Some of the phones available are comparable to the iPhone, or even superior in quality, features and performance.
Author Bio: Simon Hopes is a freelance writer, professional blogger, and social media enthusiast. His blog Cheapestservice.com focuses on Internet Service.
The best 5 Android security apps you can use on your smartphone.
1. NQ Mobile Security
The first in our list is called NQ Mobile Security. As always, there is a free of charge version and one for which you have to pay. The latter is more advanced. It offers manually scanning, remote access, contacts protection and malware detector technology.The scanning of SD cards is not available. The free version delivers firewall, remote access (Google Maps included), protected web browsing, a SIM change notifier, data backup and applications optimizer. From what we noticed, the remote functions will only be successful if your Android gadget is able to send and receive text messages.
2. Lookout Mobile Security
The second security app we recommend is Lookout Mobile Security. Its main offerings are the following: automatically applications scanning, contacts backup, malware detector in the free version. If you opt for the paid version you will have included more features: remote access, alarm, full browsing history, remote recovery and so on.
3. Avast Free Mobile Security
Next up is an app known as Avast Free Mobile Security. This one is very user-friendly. Once you download it, it is going to verify if the user wants to turn on the anti theft technology. This tool sports web browsing protection, SMS and call filtering and anti malware technology reports Droid Gator.com. A full scan of every single application on your Android device is also possible. This app is able to protect you against the untrusted USB debugging, too. The Avast Free Mobile Security can be protected with the help of a password. But there is no backup functionality. However, one of the main pros is that this app boasts a privacy module which is a way to see if one of your phone’s apps employs permissions that could harm it in the long run. The remote technology module offered by the Avast Free Mobile Security app are not going to work on an Android gadget which has Wi-Fi only; and some of them will need 3G support.
4. AVG Mobilation Anti-Virus Free
Another very good security app we found is labeled AVG Mobilation Anti-Virus Free. It comes with malware detector and applications locker technology. Each of these two does a different thing: the former offers protection via password for apps and the second scan the data and the applications. The malware scanner comes with a private data shredder, applications killer and tune up optimizer. The AVG Mobilation Anti-Virus Free can lock the gadget you own using a custom SMS.
5. Norton Mobile Security Lite
Norton Mobile Security Lite is the fifth and last Android security app that we think is very useful. It’s one of the few such tools which comes with an interface that is very easy to use. This tool delivers malware detection and remote access in its free version. There is no SIM card protection for this option and its remote access technology is activated just via the SMS commands alone. The paid version, though, sports many more advantages, such as: applications and memory card scanner, SMS and call blocking, web privacy protection and remote alarm.
Computers came way down in price!
When computers were fairly new to the home people were paying top dollar to have one. Everyone seems to be somewhat overwhelmed by all the great new technology that was available. Computers were selling for more than a thousand dollars and people were paying the price. Over the year millions of people were buying computers for the home and the office. There were so many people that needed computers. It was one of the greatest moves to make in the home. A home computer meant fewer trips to the library or school computer lab. It became essential for students in school, administrators in the workplace, and personal entertainment use. Today, however, there has been a decline in the demand and this has caused computer prices to drop.
More Software Upgrades, Less New PC Purchases
The ability to simply buy parts to a computer has helped many people save. A bigger hard driver and more memory can work wonders for consumers. All that many people have to do is add more memory. This gives them the ability to upgrade their software. When they backup their files and install a new OS it is sort of like having a brand new one. This is why so many people don’t worry about buying anything new.
Internet Television
The majority of people are using their computers just to get on the Internet. They aren’t doing much more with these machines today. That is why it is so easy for someone to simply buy a new Internet television. This concept allows people to surf the web and watch television when they want to. It is a great idea that has revived television, but it has contributed to the decline of computer sales. This is yet another reason why people are not spending much money on computers.
Welcome to the Cloud
The ability to store information in the cloud has changed a lot of things. People don’t have to buy a new computer for a bigger hard drive or more memory. They don’t have to store anything on their computer so they can just use the cloud to access everything. Google has actually attempted to spark the interest of consumers with a PC that has the entire operating system in the cloud. It may be one of the lowest costs advertised for PC users. Still, there isn’t a lot of demand for this.
The Smart Phone Revolution
When people started getting smart phones that were on the high Internet speed network this was surely a sign. People begin to use the phones more and the PCs became more of a bulky burden. It became something that people were just not all that interested in because the smart phone was lighter and portable.
The Tablet Takeover
The tablets are taking over where the smart phones left off. It’s like having a bigger smart phone with a better view for social media, shopping, paying bills and watch movies. Computer prices will continue to drop because of the tablet.
Author Bio: Simon Hopes is a freelance writer, professional blogger, and social media enthusiast. His blog Internetserviceproviders.org focuses on Internet Service.
How to Use Linux to Fix Windows Errors
Windows computers can become unresponsive at times, stopping your work. There is a way where you can easily get back to your valuable data using Linux. Linux can also penetrate in to the system’s registry and make changes. So, you can retrieve important data from the system before reinstalling Windows. If the problem in your computer is due to a virus, merely cleaning the virus from your computer’s registry will solve the issue. If the problem is something more than that and if you do not have a backup of your valuable data, you can use Linux. The steps that is going to be discussed can be used in any version of Linux CD.
Method to use Linux
• Create a copy of Linux and reboot the PC
• When the CD-ROM prompts, press “Enter”
• Open the Terminal Window from the “Application Menu”
• Enter “regedit” once the command prompt appears and make necessary changes to the Registry Editor
• Choose “hard-disk partition” from the desktop and select a folder to store data
• The program “K3B” can be used to write to a DVD or CD and also to drag and drop files to the USB folder
You can use Linux to:
Create the Live CD
The first step involved in this process is to create a Live CD based on Ubuntu. Download the Linux software and burn the file into a CD. When this process is in place, you can also create another CD through the reconstructor to accommodate custom applications that are not built-in.
If you are not comfortable with carrying the Live CD around, you can also create a Live USB. This is nothing but a flash drive which contains Linux. This can be booted much faster when compared to the CD. However, the only problem with this is, it does not support all computers. The best solution is to have both the CD and USB.
Reset the Password
If you are trying to pick up a forgotten password, using Linux is best suggested. Boot up Linux and run the commands which will reset your password. This is so simple to follow and take a look at the various ways you can do this:
• Change Windows password from the CD
• Reset the Ubuntu password via Live CD
• Change the password using the Linux System Rescue CD
• Identify Hardware Problems
Hardware problems can be diagnosed and fixed using Ubuntu Linux. Boot up the Live CD and run any application. Now test all the hardware from Linux and if it works fine, most likely the problem has to be a virus, driver or Windows issue. Memtest86+ can also be used to test hardware components like the RAM. Other tools can also be used to test the CPU and motherboard.
Cloning the Hard Drive
If you have a new hard drive replaced or want to have a backup of the entire files in the system, Linux Live CD can be used. Linux clones the drive, creates the drive image and even transfers the image to another computer. Cloning is easy but you need to take a close look at the guidelines to see which files can be backed up from the PC.
Recovering Data and Deleted Files
Important files which are accidentally deleted can be retrieved using Ubuntu Linux Live CD. Boot up Linux and get back the deleted files with a few keystrokes. This method is useful when you are not able to login to Windows due to a virus attack or other reasons. If your system can boot up with Windows but you still prefer to restore the deleted file, you can do it.
You can also repair damaged CDs that have the backup files and also access these files from a dead Windows computer. Do you have Linux Live CD or a USB drive with you? If no, then get it and have it done right away.
Ryan Larkin writes about Social Media, Technology and the latest about the Internet. He is writing for www.broadbandproviders.com – the leading provider of the best value broadband internet. click here
Everything You Need to Know about UK VPNs for Windows
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that provides secure tunnels for data transmission over the Internet. Many users are discovering the full benefits of VPNs. Internet users on a wireless network are exposed to serious threats, from hackers to malicious code and malware. A UK VPN protects users from these threats and provides them with freedom to browse the Internet without being monitored.
A user can connect to a UK VPN service from anywhere in the world, as long as they have access to the Internet. It is simple to set up a VPN connection. Frequent access to payment portals and banking interfaces requires the best possible security, which means the user should select a protocol with the highest encryption level. On the other hand, casual Internet usage involving access to non-sensitive websites only requires basic security implementation.
Windows 7, XP, and Vista all natively support the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) and the Level 2 Tunneling Protocol with IP Security (L2TP/IPsec). Other protocols may be supported, but require the installation of a specially built and pre-configured VPN client application. Most versions of Windows 98 (running Internet Explorer 5.01) natively support PPTP and L2TP/IPSec. Versions of Windows earlier than Windows 98 do not support these VPN protocols. Setting up a UK VPN connection on Windows for PPTP and L2TP/IPSec is very easy. There’s no need for additional client software.
Setting up PPTP on Windows 7, XP, or Vista
The setup for PPTP is essentially the same on all the three Windows versions, although slightly different interfaces are used. Below are the instructions for XP:
- Browse the menu as follows: Start > Control Panel > Settings > Network Connections, then click ‘Create a New Connection’ under ‘Network Tasks’.
- The ‘New Connection’ wizard will be launched. Click ‘Next’. The next selections are: ‘Connect to the network at my workplace’ > ‘Virtual Private Network Connection’ and then ‘Next’.
- Input the name of the server you wish connect to. This information is provided by the UK VPN service provider upon registration.
- The connection is now configured. To establish the initial connection, the user may click on the connection shortcut on the desktop.
- The user can configure connection properties here, such as the VPN protocol and security certificate information. To connect to the VPN, the user should logon on with the correct account name and password.
Why Choose A UK VPN?
A UK VPN for Windows is very easy to set up. With an active Internet connection, a user can connect to a VPN from anywhere in the world and enjoy the freedom of browsing securely. Never again will they have to worry about Internet risks like hacking and identity theft.
Why you should Consider Online Computer Repair
Most of us can’t get through the day without getting on a computer for one reason or another. Some of us make our living sitting behind a computer screen; others simply unwind after a busy day by surfing the web or playing games. While computer are cheaper than ever, and tend to last longer than they did in the past, they are still computers and they are still susceptible to breaking.
What Causes a Computer to Break?
There are a few things that can happen to a computer that cause them to stop function. First, hardware can burn out and cause problems as it goes through its death rattles. For example, a graphics card (the piece of hardware that handles high end graphics processing) may start to exhibit strange things on the screen. It may be very minor at first, but over time it will get worse until it gets to a point that the card no longer works. The most common issue is often caused by software problems and viruses. These issues can be thrown together into the same generalization because they can be fixed in a similar way.
Online computer repair companies are out there to ensure that you have access, sometimes around to clock, to computer technicians that can fix the problems with your computer without having to visit your home. Generally this is done by connecting to your computer and taking control of all the functionality that you are used to. This allows a highly trained professional to go over all of the files and issues that are occurring and work on finding the root issue. Sometimes they need to make a minor fix, other times they will need to spend hours at a time on the computer. Fortunately, in most cases, you won’t need to sit there for the entire time while the computer is worked on.
How Do They Access the Computer?
Depending on the company you use, you may find that you’ll need to download some specific software which will act as a virtual desktop for your online computer repair technician. They will guide you through the entire process and since you don’t lose the view of your computer screen, you can ensure that they don’t get into anything you don’t want them in. Generally, they will spend a little bit of time setting you up and teaching you how to give you access to the computer, and then just answer questions as you have them.
The best online computer repair technicians will use a VOIP program like Skype, or a simple phone call, to stay on the line with you and help you understand what they are doing. This will give you peace of mind and a little extra knowledge as they show you and explain the steps that they are taking to fix your issues.
Payments are generally handled through PayPal or a credit card, but prices will vary a great deal from one company to the next. You want the most talented people to work on your issue, so make sure you do a little research (if your computer lets you search the web at that point) into the different companies you look for. You’ll find plenty out there, and their prices will vary based more on their own reasons than based on the quality of their technicians. A cheaper company isn’t a sign of a bad technician, it may just be a sign of a more established and experienced group of technicians that can generally get the work done quicker and have a wider client base. A little research will go a long way, but finding someone to do repairs for you online will ensure that even the most serious problems can be fixed and that will keep your computer living a longer, healthier life.
Christian Teeples is a tech geek and a student at an online university. He enjoys spending his time working on computers and playing video games. When he isn’t plugged in, you can find him outside walking his dog, or hanging out with his friends.
Top 5 Computer Security Tips
No matter how advanced and ‘smart’ mobile phones get, you computer will always be your tech home front. And not just because of its sentimental value (the fact that before your Blackberry, iPhone, Android, and tablet, there was the stand alone home computer) but because your PC or laptop is ideal for long hours of work and study, something no phone or tablet can compete with.
Ensuring that your computer stays secure is imperative – if you can’t keep it safe from malware you’re risking a lot more than random strands of data. Unfortunately, people tend to take care of their phones but fail to do the same when it comes to computer security, and hence end up losing important data to viruses, Trojans, and spyware such as computer monitoring software and computer and internet monitoring software. Having a well-protected computer system is not as hard as one might think. Here are five simple ways to go about securing your computer from threats.
1.Use Anti-Virus Software. Trying out different versions of various Antiviruses is fine but users should remember that 30 day trials last only as long as they say they would, meaning 30 days. After that they expire and your system is open to attack once more. You need to pull out your wallet and purchase one to avoid this and also need to regularly update the anti-virus so that it does not lag behind when it comes to blocking the latest advancements in viruses.
2.Be Careful of Email. Asides spamming and annoying adware, emails are the main carriers of viruses, bugs, and PC monitoring software. Never open any email attachment that has been sent to you by anonymous persons. If someone from your contact list has sent you something via email attachment be suspicious of opening those as well. Instead, save and run all email attachments through virus checkers before opening them. If nothing comes up yet your suspicion is still aroused, do away with the file and the email and delete them.
3.Use a Firewall. Many people forego creating a firewall for their computer thinking that installing an Antivirus is sufficient when it comes to protecting them from corruptive programs. This is obviously not the case. Firewalls are great security tools, especially when used together with good Anti-Virus programs. A firewall forms a barrier between your system and whatever lies on the other side of the internet. It is preferable to get a software firewall as well as one for your hardware.
4.Update Anything and Everything. Updates are essential to having a secure system. Whenever an update is available, it means that security flaws have been discovered in previous versions of the software and need to be patched up, with the help of particular update. Updates are available for almost all software and programs you have running on your system. You should update everything, from your browser to your multimedia player whenever the option is available to keep your system safe and running.
5.Turn Off Internet. Unnecessarily keeping your system connected to the internet is a big security no-no. Many people absent mindedly leave their Wi-Fi on and increase the chances of their system being infected by a virus or malware of some sorts. By disconnecting, you disallow other people from breaking into your system remotely. Asides saving big chunks of your data plan (if you have one), turning off internet when not in use further secures your computer.
Author Bio:
Natalia David, an author significantly contributes towards PC security Software, cell phone tracking, iPhone and android spy. If you want to know more about Natalia you can follow her on twitter @NataliaDavid4
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