All posts by Andy

I'm an eternal optimist, follow a Buddhist philosophy, geek of many areas, entrepreneur, learning the Chinese language, a die-hard sports fan, love politics and nuclear submarines.

New Evidence Apollo Moon Landing Faked?!

Despite insurmountable evidence to the contrary, conspiracy theorists have claimed for years that man did not walk on the moon, that the landings were fake. That theory has surfaced again, thanks to a new “picture” posted to YouTube that alleges the last moon landing, one from Apollo 17, was staged.

For a brief moment, the astronauts visor shows a reflection of what some people claim is a stagehand on a lunar mockup.

Check the story for all the details.

Frankly, i’m not buying it 🙂

3 Things Stranger Things Gets Right

Stranger Things premiered on Netflix in 2016, and it was praised almost instantly by critics, regular audiences, and celebrities the world over. The second season is set to premier at the end of October 2017, as we lead up to that I wanted to explore at least 3 (there are many more) of the reasons that Stranger Things is one of the best shows on TV in recent years.

1. Nostalgia 101

It would take us ages to get into all the details of the call-backs and nostalgia that stems from this series. From many of Stephen King’s literary works, to Alien, The Goonies, Carrie, The Evil Dead, Firestarer, and so much more; Stranger Things really appears to have been the first step in a major push towards 80’s nostalgia.

It’s true that JJ Abrams captured some of this with his film Super 8, but that movie wasn’t praised as much, likely because it was just kind of average in execution. Fast forward to 2018, and we’ve got a Steven Spielberg-directed Ready Player One live adaptation on the horizon, and you can’t help but wonder if the mainstream hype for that film (outside of the book and Spielberg fandom) has a lot to do with the success of Stranger Things last year. As a self-proclaimed geek, I can’t say that I’m complaining one bit!

2. Horror and Sci-fi

By calling back to all these amazing works of art, whether they are films, books, games or music, means that Stranger Things becomes a mixture of a bunch of really interesting themes and ideas all at once. So it makes sense that you get elements of drama, some comedy, and adventure as well.

But the parts that the series really gets right relate mostly to science fiction and horror. Whether it’s the tension that’s created by this monster lurking in the shadows for most of the series, or the way the Upside Down was depicted, like a mix between the Labyrinth in Pan’s Labyrinth, and a xenomorph next on some lost planet or spaceship, the series always seems to strike such a delicate balance between sci-fi and horror, and that should be enough to get you hyped on its own.

3. That Intro

Ask anyone what the coolest thing about Stranger Things is (aside from the awesome telekinetic kid), and most people will talk about the synth-heavy intro that luxuriates in the glowing red font. What makes it so captivating?

Whether it’s the super music, or the way the font of the Stranger Things title is designed to call back to titles from many of Stephen King’s novels; overall this font says so much about what to expect from the show. And once we start to get to know the characters, and explore the world, we can see that it takes so much more than the font titles from Stephen King’s literary works.

As a side note, isn’t it crazy that Finn Wolfhard is in Stranger Things (strongly inspired by Stephen king’s works) and he will be staring in the upcoming 2017 adaptation of Stephen King’s IT. This kid is living the dream huh!

What was your favourite thing about Stranger Things? This post is compliments of BTG Lifestyle, a Movie Blog by a bunch of geeks who eat, sleep and breathe film all day! Feel free to share your love of Stranger Things, and film and TV in general with us by dropping a comment, or on Twitter & Facebook.

The Future of Remote Gambling

The casino gambling industry has seen better days, but the remote gambling industry is going from strength to the strength. There was a short time when it looked bad as millennials weren’t embracing online gambling, but it looks like those days are over. Younger people are opening up their favourite online casino sites once again and the future of remote gambling has never looked brighter. Here’s a look at what we can expect.

Bitcoin Gambling

One of the reasons that young people are embracing remote gambling again is that they were concerned about their security and staying anonymous. The industry responded with bitcoin casino sites. Some people are also using proxies to protect their identity. “What is bitcoin gambling?” we hear you ask. To put it simply, a bitcoin casino online allows you to make deposits and play using the anonymous digital currency bitcoin. There are also casino sites that allow you to use other cryptocurrencies such as litecoin. It’s expected that more and more online gamblers will take advantage of the cryptocurrency as it continues to rise in popularity. Anonymous gambling is definitely on the rise.

Skill-Based Gambling

Online slots may be the current kings of the digital gambling world, but this could be about to change. There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that young players prefer playing skill-based games such as poker and blackjack. This is something that has been seen even in land-based casinos. Young people are looking to play games that they have to actively participate in, and slots don’t give them that power. Poker also allows them to socialize and be competitive with others. Perhaps we’re returning to the days when four friends would gather around a table and have a poker night. Only time will tell. Of course, it would be a group of friends gathering around a virtual table rather than a real one, but the sentiment is still there.

More Creative Casino Games

The future of remote gambling is a creative one. Millennials created disruptive technologies such as social media. They need to have novel experiences, and so game developers will need to keep innovating. Unfortunately, innovation really slowed down in the online gambling industry. The good news for young and old gamblers alike is that game developers have noticed the lack of innovation and are making it one of their primary focuses for the future. The result is that we’ll see more creative casino games. These games will be more fun for everyone involved. Some industry experts feel that industry regulations are one of the reasons for this lack of creativity, but they feel developments in the industry will be able to counteract this and lead to an injection of innovation and creativity.

 Video Game Gambling

One change to the industry that many are predicting is that online casino games could soon be closer to video games than what we currently consider traditional gambling experiences. These games will be more skill-based of course, and will be very interactive. The framework is already there. What the industry does with it remains to be seen, but it should certainly be fun.

A Youth-Focused Gambling Industry

The online casino industry is focusing on younger customers. Even though the average age of online gamblers is still around 40 years old, the number is progressively getting younger and younger. There’s no denying that the youth are starting to take over. However, this doesn’t need to be a bad thing. They are bringing a wealth of innovation and creativity with them. If you’re an older gambler who’s ever felt that the industry needed a shake-up, you’re sure to love the future of remote gambling!

Keeping Your PC Safe From the Dangers of the Internet in 2017

It seems recently there have been quite a few high profile cyber-attacks that have raised the subject of Internet security and safety for the average user. Whether it is a virus, a malware attack or even the dreaded ransomware, the variety and styles of attack seem to be growing all the time. The question is, how can we keep our online devices safe in 2017?

One important thing that we have to do as a priority is to make sure we are running the latest and updated operating system. This problem was highlighted in the UK when the NHS was attacked with Ransomware. The fact that they were running Windows XP opened them up to vulnerabilities created by out of date software. This is why it is always important to update your operating system whenever security patches are made available.

The other factor is your antivirus software or sometimes lack of it. While some believe that turning off virus checkers can speed up your computer, the truth is computers are so fast and have enough memory to make this no longer true. Be sure to check the comparisons of antivirus software to find the best that fit your needs, but the simple rule is that you need some kind of protection in this day and age.

Proof of this can also be seen in the fact that Microsoft pre-load their Defender software into Windows, just in case you don’t have another antivirus system in place. Defender also adds a firewall to your computer to further protect you from any attacks that are made online. This all adds up to some fairly good protection against the dangers of using the internet.

One of the things that we must also use online is common sense. There are many offers that appear in our inboxes all the time, and it is easy to spot the ones that are too good to be true. Offering links to be clicked, that can’t be trusted, they wait for you to make that foolish move to let them in. Thankfully antivirus software can protect us from this, though it is recommended to always be cautious when emails arrive from an untrusted source.

The simple rule is that as internet users, we all have to be wary these days and use a level of suspicion with everything that we can’t be sure of. This also extends to websites that are questionable, which is why virus scanners also check web pages now and warns if there are any warnings about the site’s credibility. It can be sometimes annoying to get the warnings about a website we are trying to visit, but at least it makes us aware of any potential problems.

The simple fact is the internet can be a dangerous place at times, and we need to be on guard. It is a tool that provides us not only with all the information we need, but also many forms of entertainment. Why spoil the fun by taking risks and being forced to deal with unwanted malicious

Playing Online Bingo Games

Until recently, it was not possible to play free online bingo games, but not anymore, since the popularity and interest surrounding online games has increased. Because of this, many top bingo operators jumped on the band Wagon of offering all sorts of games to attract players. As hundreds of online sites have evolved and in size and popularity, online providers are luring fans with free online bingo games and their numbers of players are increased tremendously. All players can access the internet and easily find a free game.

There are several ways to play online for free. A common way to play online bingo games is with a bonus as a welcome incentive. Most online bingo sites offer a free welcome bonus , which is used to get a player interested in joining. This bonus can be in the form of free cards or free spins to try the site.

Some online sites offer free bingo rooms and free cards designated for real money which players can withdraw. Some websites run online bingo in special rooms on certain days at certain times, they also offer real money gains. This is a great way for players to get bingo free without spending any of your own money. This option is mostly available to depositing players.

Some sites even offer free exclusive access to loyal players who bet on a particular month’s room. This means that the number of players for this game is not so high, which increases your chances of winning. This is really a fantastic way to be reward loyal players.

In addition, although some sites don’t give free games, they offer games for a penny, which is virtually free games. You could buy 100 cards for a dollar!

Many online game stores download games for free, which allows users to play online bingo games on the go. Users can participate free in these bingo games before they deposit to play for real money. These games are usually not for the cash winnings. If you and I play free online bingo games, our main aim for playing the game is to have fun – and win! For most people, the chance to hit a bingo jackpots is what all the fun is about. Make sure that they offer loyalty points, special bonuses and promotions and that they are clearly shown on the site. Take all these factors into account as they all carry the chance to win money in your pocket. If you want to make money safely, play the progressive games as they offer you the chance to win big. The amount of money in progressive games can be life changing.

So you need to go and visit each websites to make sure they have the kind of games that you want to play. The key to finding a place to play bingo games online is to do your research and read reviews. It is best to visit a site which will provide you with a variety of free online bingo games, penny games as well as progressive games so you can stay within your budget.

5 Key Reasons to Use Integrated Cloud Solutions for Your Business

Perhaps one of the greatest advances in technology ever in terms of business profitability has been the ‘invention’ of cloud computing. While there are a great number of reasons why a company would want to operate in the cloud, there are really five key reasons that all tie together nicely, making it easy to understand why you would want to use an integration Platform as a Service, iPaaS, for literally every one of your business operations.

Basics Understanding of Platform as a Service

Many people get cloud computing confused with SaaS and PaaS (Software as a Service and Platform as a Service) but both are functions within cloud computing, not the totality of the technology. A platform consists of software, sometimes several types, all integrated into that one platform and a platform can be located internally on a company’s mainframe or in the cloud, which means on a server’s mainframe. When you are looking at a PaaS, you are looking at a platform that is hosted on a remote server and that you can rent space on to accommodate your particular needs. Always look for scalable cloud services because you can add or reduce space as needed, thereby making it cost effective.

Integration within Platform as a Service

As mentioned above, a platform can consist of several kinds of software all working together to accomplish what needs to be done within that platform. For example, NetSuite encompasses various software capabilities that deal with financials, warehousing, sales, communications and so forth. It is a highly advanced ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) platform that is sometimes integrated with a CRM (Customer Resource Management) platform. When the two function together, a CRM is said to be integrated into the PaaS and thus constitutes integration within the Platform as a Service.

A Brief Look at Those 5 Key Reasons to Use an iPaaS Cloud Solution

Now that you have a bit of background into what cloud computing is and what it isn’t, it’s time to take a quick look at five reasons why any business would want to use an integration Platform as a Service cloud-based solution for their business.

1) Remote Integration

Because an iPaaS is located in the cloud, there is no special hardware that needs to be purchased and installed. As a matter of fact, in general terms, there really isn’t any special software that typically needs to be installed either because it is a web based solution that is accessed via the Internet. The software is installed on the remote computer, the server, and you are granted access to that software for your own use. A dozen or more businesses can be sharing the very same software package.

2) One Innovative Integrator Makes Deployment Rapid

In the past, if you wanted to integrate one software solution with another, you either had to spend hours learning code or hire an IT professional to do the integration for you. Now, with NetSuite being the biggest cloud-based business solution on the market today, Celigo integrator provides cloud integration iPaaS platform that does all the integration for you with just the touch of a few buttons and a few clicks of the mouse. It’s one innovative tool that is easy to learn and even easier to use. Now you can integrate software to your NetSuite platform, whether it is stored locally on your hard drive or on another server on the cloud. The integrator enables everything to work together seamlessly and you don’t need any special technical knowledge to make it work.

3) Greater Integration between External and Internal Solutions

As mentioned above, the Celigo integrator enables you to integrate solutions located locally (internal solutions) with external solutions that reside in the cloud. Having given the NetSuite example, you could then use the integrator to liaise a proprietary software you had developed for your business with the NetSuite platform almost effortlessly. Yes, it takes some learning to operate the integrator, but once you have the basic functions and commands down, you can integrate anything effortlessly within a short period of time without waiting for the services of a tech which could be days or weeks down the road.

4) Cost Effective Service

Since the platform is located on a remote server and you are ‘renting’ space on that cloud, you can imagine how cost effective it would be. You no longer need to buy a huge mainframe and spend tens of thousands of dollars on software. Those platforms and software packages typically already reside in the cloud and all you need to do is integrate them. Some may be SaaS (Software as a Service) that you need to subscribe to and others you may have already purchased, but the hardware which can be the biggest expense is already purchased and you are literally ‘renting’ space on that server. You are considered a tenant in the cloud.

5) Advanced Security at No Additional Cost

One of the biggest concerns that many businesses have is in just how secure their data and intellectual property will be in the cloud. This is something that has been, and continues to be, addressed as time goes on. The current understanding is that cloud based storage of data and information is actually more secure than that which you have stored locally. There is a very good reason why this is so. Primarily, it is because of the fact that a service like this demands layers and layers of encryption and over-the-top security patches that guarantee their customers will have even greater security than the NSA in many cases! All this comes at the same cost as your subscription so you won’t be paying high dollar for the best security available, and security patches that are always current.

So now that you have a basic understanding of what a Platform as a Service is and how you can benefit from integration, it’s time to look at platforms like NetSuite that can significantly help you grow your business at a cost much less than you are currently spending on computer solutions. It’s the future of business operations here for you today.

The Best Devices for Traditional and Online Study

Starting university can be both daunting and exciting. You will have so much to do, but it opens the door to endless opportunities in the future. To ensure you get off to the best start, we are looking at the best devices for both traditional and online study so that you can maximise your degree.

A Laptop

Every student needs a laptop, whether they are embarking on a drama degree from a traditional university or earning their way to one of many non-clinical healthcare careers with an online degree program. Look for a laptop with large display screens, great battery life and a lightweight design. Also, think about adding more RAM or purchase a laptop with included SSD for a faster and smoother performance. If you like to play games in your spare time, make sure the graphics card so substantial.

From writing essays and researching topics to logging into the university dashboard, a laptop is a much-needed tech device you will need for the duration of your degree.

Bodyclock Starter

Students are notoriously bad for waking up in the morning, due to late night studying or one too many drinks with university friends.

The Bodyclock Starter is the perfect way to wake up in the morning. It will increase the light of dawn over a 30-minute period, offering a more relaxed method of waking up in the morning – so it’s ideal for those dark mornings when all you want to do is curl up in bed. So, you can wake up feeling a little more refreshed and ready to face the day ahead.

Also, if you have trouble falling asleep at night, you can put the Bodyclock Starter in reverse, as the light in the room can fade over the half hour period, allowing you to fall into a natural sleep.

A Fitbit

It’s not uncommon for some students’ health to fall into decline when they attend university, as they spend many sleepless nights studying, too many nights partying or just eating the wrong foods when prepping for an important exam.

A Fitbit can, therefore, boost your overall health, as it will allow you to consciously track your health to ensure you have reached your daily steps and are burning calories. The Fitbit Flex 2 is swim-proof and automatically recognizes exercise. If you need something more high tech, the Surge offers GPS tracking, sleep monitoring, SmartTrack and PurePulse Heart Rate.

An e-reader

Instead of hauling heavy books with you to and from campus, or cluttering your home with titles, you should invest in an e-reader, which can store thousands of books all in one place. You can simply download the book and start studying anywhere you like, flipping from book to book on the train home from university. The Amazon Kindle is a smart choice, with the Voyage being a favorite with the extra resolution 300 ppi display, new adaptive front light, and with its magnesium back and chemically-reinforced glass front, the Voyage is extremely durable. The battery life also lasts weeks on a single charge.

 

 

Play Indian rummy for a dose of fun!

When it comes to gaming, Rummy needs no introduction as it is one of the most popular games all across the world. Rummy is a 13 cards game and it played for fun as well as real cash. In India, Rummy is hugely popular and it is also known as Paplu. Rummy is played all over the world, however, Indian Rummy is a bit different from the original Rummy game which is played across the world. The Supreme Court of India has declared Rummy as a game of skill. It would not be fair to call Rummy a purely a game of luck as you need to know the game well as learn the tips and tricks of the game to beat your opponents. With options of so many online gaming websites, now it is easy to play this game online. You can choose to play any free online Rummy games in India and master the game to advance to playing real cash games.

Classic Indian rummy is a simple game and the number of the cards used in this game depends on the number of players playing in this game. Generally, Classic Indian rummy is played with a deck of two cards with two jokers. This game has different variations and it is only with practice and patience that you can master this game. You can play classic rummy online for free as well as play for real cash and make it big.

Once you have mastered the game of rummy, you would definitely make the shift to real cash games. You can pick and play your favorite classic and other variations of the Rummy game online. If you are yet to learn and practice the game, then get online and start playing free online rummy games.

Online rummy is an entertaining game which can be played anytime, anywhere. It totally depends on you, whether you want to play for fun or for cash at different gaming websites. So, whenever you play online, you will get a chance to play with professional as well as amateur players. So, get online and enjoy your favorite game of classic Indian rummy.

The Online Degrees You Can Study Today to Secure a High Salary Tomorrow

Choosing the right advanced degree can be a tough decision. Earning a master’s degree takes a big investment of time, energy, and money, so it’s vital that your investment pays off.

Online degrees allow you to study while you work, making better use of your time, and they can also offer cost savings over attending a traditional campus.

Take a look at the following master’s degree options to get a better idea of your future earning potential.

Economics Degree

An economics degree opens the door to some lucrative careers. With this degree you can take on a wide variety of roles and the median pay is $114,000.

Figure from Payscale.com shows that an economist with a master’s degree can earn $107,000. A marketing director could make as much as $150,000 and a senior financial analyst could earn $104,000.

Civil Engineering Degree

Taking an online civil engineering degree will give you the in-demand skills necessary to bring the country’s infrastructure up to date.

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the United States a dreadful D+ on their 2017 report card, indicating the poor state of the energy grid, roads, bridges, dams, water supplies, sewers, and railroads.

Civil engineers will have a huge role to play in improving this vital infrastructure and current salaries for civil engineers with a master’s degree are in the region of $97,000. A construction project manager can expect to earn $97,100, while a structural engineer can make $86,600. Norwich University offers a fully accredited, online civil engineering program that can be completed in your spare time in as little as 18 to 24 months.

Cyber Security Degree

Cyber security professionals are in short supply. According to Forbes, 2016 saw 1 million cyber security job openings with over 200,000 remaining unfilled.

As threats from foreign governments and criminal hackers continue to grow, job security and earning potential in this field looks solid.

The market for cyber security is projected to reach $170 billion by 2020 (up from $75 billion in 2015) and global demand for qualified professionals is expected to hit six million at that time, with 1.5 million jobs left unfilled.

Currently, the top 10% in this field make over $140,000 a year and cyber security professionals can expect to earn a 9% premium over other IT workers.

Finance Degree

A finance degree gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing the sector that you want to work in because every industry will need your expertise. You could work in the private sector, work for the government, or take on a role with a non-profit.

The median salary for holders of a finance master’s degree is $120,000, with salaries on the lower end of the scale sitting at $83,500 for a senior financial analyst, soaring to $170,000 at the senior vice president level.

With the economy in flux and millions of previously safe white collar jobs at risk from automation in the near future, opting for one of the online degrees mentioned in this article will ensure that you have great job security as well as financial stability.

Top Degrees That Go Well with Your Tech Prowess

IT-related skills are now among the best skills to have, especially with different industries trying to implement better information systems and other tech advancements. Companies in certain industries such as healthcare and marketing are actively looking for qualified people with good IT skills to fill important positions in various companies.

To make it even better, you don’t have to have a degree in information technology to enter these fields. In fact, there are some degrees that pair well with your technology skills. Here are the options to consider if you want to enter certain fields and develop a strong career.

Marketing and Business Administration

An MBA is still one of the most valuable degrees to pursue today. A lot of companies are taking advantage of the economic growth and expanding their operations, which means there are more mid- to top-level management positions to fill. An MBA is a perfect degree if you want to enter fields such as marketing, business operations, and finance.

Having good IT skills is a huge plus for those who are pursuing an MBA. For instance, you can combine your experience in doing internet marketing with the skills and knowledge you get through the MBA course. Add these ingredients to your CV and you will have no trouble at all finding the perfect position and starting a career in this field.

A number of MBA programs are also adding IT-related courses into their curriculums. These courses, mainly conducted online, are more modern and answer to the increasing demands for capable master’s degree holders.

Public Health

Healthcare is a particularly interesting field to enter because it is currently the fastest growing industry on the market. Despite recent uncertainties, a lot of experts believe that the demand for healthcare professionals will continue to increase for several more years. Aside from healthcare, public health is also an exceptionally rewarding field to venture into.

Public health offers a wide range of career options to choose from. You can pursue a master of public health degree from top names such as the University of Arizona and pursue a career in biostatistics, health services administration, and public health policy and management. In all of these fields, IT skills are considered very valuable.

You can also choose to pursue a public health degree online. Online courses allow you to get the degree you want while working a full-time job or running a business thanks to the extra flexibility they offer.

Statistics

Last, but certainly not least, we have a degree in statistics. Statistics and data analysis are hot fields to get into, especially if you love math or if you enjoy processing information to understand interesting insights they present. Naturally, knowing your way around computers and IT will boost your career in data analysis to new heights.

These are just some of the fields to consider if you love technology and you want to make use of your IT skills to advance in your career. All of these degrees can be acquired in as little as 15 to 18 months, especially with the best distance learning programs now more accessible than ever.

3 Ways Technology is Transforming Human Resources as We Know It

Technology has been transforming Human Resources in almost every aspect. The days of sending a job posting description to the newspaper and receiving a flood of paper job applications are shifting to online job postings and a deluge of electronic resumes. Online training and reporting and a host of other tools are altering Human Resources’ jobs in other respects. Here are three ways technology is transforming human resources as we know it.

The Automation of Job Postings

We cannot use the sheer number of job postings as a measure of the number of jobs available anymore because tools allow companies to post a single job on dozens of job boards. This creates challenges for job applicants since they may inadvertently apply to the same job on five different sites.

The Automation of Resume Screening

A number of job posting websites and growing number of tools facilitate applicants selecting a resume and submitting it to the online job posting with only a few clicks. On top of this, the high level of real unemployment and underemployment results in many people applying for jobs for which they are not qualified for in the hope of being hired. This leads to Human Resources being inundated with job applications. The solution is automated tools that screen resumes for the best potential matches using artificial intelligence. The software accepts criteria such as necessary years of employment, necessary skill sets, and preferred qualifications. It scans resumes in the database and then presents several dozen ideal and near matches.

One challenge automated resume screening creates is the changing lingo used to describe jobs and skillsets. Someone who says they have experience in Six Sigma may be screened out by an AI that gives priority to someone with an online MBA degree since most accredited online MBA programs deal with Business Process Improvement methodologies. Someone with twenty years as a secretary may be ignored by someone with less experience as an administrative assistant. This punishes applicants who don’t keep up with the current lingo for business terms and job titles even if they are ideally suited for the job.

Performance Management

Human Resources departments have been utilizing online assessments and reports for years. Allowing managers to type out their performance reviews of employees captures that information in a format they cannot alter later while giving them standard checklists and rating systems that are available to higher levels of management. Human resources software also allows HR to discretely gain insight into the real performance of employees by sending 360 evaluations to several or a dozen of a specific person’s co-workers. Instead of calling them in for interviews about someone’s performance or behavior, these employees receive a questionnaire they can fill out and only Human Resources reviews. It allows HR to get the real story on a manager’s behavior, how a co-worker is viewed by teammates and group dynamics that may or may not be problematic.

All of this allows Human Resources to focus on managing and assisting people, the very definition of their jobs.

 

 

Challenges Facing the World of Data Recovery in 2017

Contemporary companies are becoming more and more data driven and decisions are only made after analyzing various aspects of intricate real-time information.

In the process, businesses collect a lot of data and store this data in large databases. The fact that data has become the core aspect of business operations implies that when data is lost, business can incur huge losses. Global IT estimated that in 2015, US businesses lost a whopping $1.7 trillion due to loss of data.

Therefore, the need for data recovery is becoming ever increasing. Data recovery is usually never guaranteed and faces myriad challenges. Here are some of the challenges data recovery experts are expected to face in 2017.

Dynamism in Storage Technologies

One attribute of Information Technologies is that they are ever-changing. As the demand for space increases exponentially, new storage facilities that are smaller with larger capacities are being created. Furthermore, storage facilities are also revamping their security measures.

This has had an impact on data recovery experts. They have to contend with a buffer period where certain stored data from newly developed data storage tools can’t be recovered. Data can’t be recovered from storage that has not yet been discovered.

However, working with a secure data recovery specialist like Secure Data Recovery might be a sound option for you since they invest heavily in research. These companies develop newer data recovery tools to circumvent new data storage technologies.

Data Security Strategies make Data Recovery Difficult

The reality of cyber-attacks and threats to data in storage has led to an obsession over security architecture while developing storage devices. Most data storage devices entering the market today have default data encryption algorithms.

Although vital to ensure security of data, they can be a nightmare for data recovery experts. Cryptology strategies are aimed at making it hard to read data yet data recovery thrives on the ability to read data.

This has made data recovery in 2017 and in the future increasingly difficult. It means that experts have to develop decipher codes to recover data which significantly slows down the process.

The Rise of Big Data

The sheer volume of data held on databases on several separate hard disks makes data recovery a daunting task. Apart from the issue of time, determining the exact input/output sequence of data recovered can be a huge hurdle for data recovery. It is imperative to recover the storage configuration (instructions detailing on what disk certain data was stored) before data can be fully recovered.  Otherwise, you would have a huge collection of jumbled pieces of data.

Conclusion

As new storage technologies and encryption methods are being introduced, new challenges present themselves for data recovery experts. If you are in business, it is vital to understand that data recovery is always your last option and success is not always guaranteed. However, in case data recovery is inevitable, it is essential to work with companies that invest heavily in research and stay on top of the most recent developments in the industry.

Why slots are so much fun

Whether in a real casino or online, it is the sheer thrill of playing that makes slots machines as popular as they are. Playing slots requires no thinking on the part of the player and is a very relaxing way to pass time – and to win money in the process. Here are a couple of reasons why slots are so much fun to play.

Variety

By far the biggest reason for the popularity of online slots is the incredible variety of games that are now available. Unlike the slots in a physical casino, there are no limits to the type of slots games online, with an endless supply of unique themes and variations from which to choose. Exploring these is fun and easy, especially with the help of online slots games reviews which point you in the direction of those that offer the best jackpots.

Your local casino or games store will only offer a limited selection of slots to play, which may not be to your taste. As online slots vary tremendously, you can easily find a game that suits your interests and skills. Each game offers different odds, so try ones from different companies until you find a few that fit your appetite.

Easy and relaxing to play

Both physical slots machines and their online versions have one very appealing factor: they do not require a huge amount of mental strain and are therefore easy to use, which is a fantastic way to disconnect from the anxiety and stress of everyday life. People play slots because they are so relaxing and have a high excitement and entertainment factor for little cash outlay.

Small stake, big payout

Slots games offered by real world and online casinos give you the opportunity to win large sums by playing with very little money. There are no time restrictions or closing hours when it comes to online slots, so you can continue to try your luck with small bets until you strike the jackpot and win a significant sum of money.

Available 24/7

You can play online slots around the clock from anywhere in the world, which is a big reason for their increasing popularity. There is no need to travel to a physical casino anymore – you can simply open your laptop or launch an app on your cell phone to enjoy the latest games. So, whether you are excitingly looking for your next big win or simply looking for something to do to fill some free time, you could be playing an online slots game within seconds of making that decision.

The around the clock availability and sheer number of different games has made online slots more popular than traditional slots hosted in casinos or games rooms. In fact, it could be argued that online slots have given a new lease of life to an old pastime, making an already popular way of relaxing and having fun even more attractive.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

The EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is an awesome tool to have in the arsenal of every computer owner. Ever lost an email filled with vital information? Maybe you downloaded a program from the web and can’t find it anywhere on your computer? Or how about that really cool ringtone for your phone? You know the one that is there, somewhere on your computer, but you just don’t know where.

That’s a simplification of the data this tool can locate on your computer and restore for you, but you get the picture. This recovery software is easy to install and use for all of your computer data recovery and restoration needs. After installation, a window pops up that scans the computer, then displays sections like photos, audio(music), graphics, documents, video, and emails. You pick the section you wish to scan and it goes through generating a list of the contents for that area. The process is relatively quick and pain-free. Once you find the lost data, you can have it restored to be usable again.

I used the program to recover a deleted email containing information from my boss. I did not want to call him and say that I had lost the info, so this hard drive recovery saved my bacon! You can recover 500 MB of data for free, then you can upgrade to the paid version for long term benefits.

Some of the more common situations where the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard would be really helpful are a virus attack, formatted hard drive, OS crash or error, a partition loss, a RAW partition and many more problems. Think of this as a terrific peace of mind that you have at the ready so that if things go wrong with your computer’s data, the recovery wizard is there to save the day-ta.

Download the program and give it a try. I think you’ll find that it is a product worth owning long term.

Guide To No Deposit Online Casino Bonus Offers

No deposit bonuses are among the most popular offers which any casino can provide. They are intended to attract novice players and introduce them to the game selection which the online casino has in stock. The no deposit bonus takes care of this without asking for any money from the players.

With a constant flow of new player accounts on the casino website, it’s important to keep everyone informed about every detail in order to help them make the most out of it.

How to Claim a No Deposit Online Casino Bonus

Since it’s for new players, you are expected to register at the online casino in order to claim the no deposit bonus. Most claims come in the form of bonus codes which need to be inserted in a specifically marked box before the final step of the sign up process. All you will need to provide is an email address.

The value of a no deposit bonus mainly depends on the casino that you have chosen. Still, you should pay greater attention to the terms and conditions attached to it rather than the amount of free money you’re going to get. Most of the time it is better to play at Lady Lucks Casino for an average bonus with realistic withdrawal requirements than to seek the highest-paying bonus that is bound to cause you additional trouble.

Types of No Deposit Bonus Offers

Although it’s mostly about the free money, you can choose from several forms when claiming them.

No Deposit Free-Cash Bonus – This is the main type of bonus which simply offers a certain amount of money ranging from a low $5 up to $50 and above. You need to be extremely careful in such cases if you don’t want to spend some of your money just to get the “free bonus”.

Free Spins – Spins are also fairly common among no deposit bonuses. They have less cash out demands in order to account for some of the limits they impose. Most casinos offer these bonuses with a list of available games where you can use your free spins.

Timed Bonuses – This bonus may be last on our list, but it is certainly not the least. Timed bonuses usually offer large sums of free money, going over a thousand at times. The only catch is to try and play as much as you can for a limited period of time. These bonuses are no less demanding and either impose certain wagering and withdrawing requirements or simply want you to pay back the free bet money you managed to spend.

Tips on No Deposit Online Casino Bonuses

The first tip is the same for all online casino players – find a reliable online casino! There’s no other chance for you to truly win. Reading the conditions and keeping to them is the next thing to do. Having a solid strategy will give you more control over yours and the casino’s demands. The best players know when to push and retire.

How to Unlock Samsung Galaxy S8

We’ve waited long enough already, but we have a feeling that it’s going to be worth it. Unlike past years, Samsung decided to launch its new flagship, the Galaxy S8, a bit later, at the end of March, while the actual date when it will start hitting the shelves is April 28.

After tons of leaked images, as well as detailed information about the phone’s specs have surfaced online, we’re convinced that this is going to be one incredible smartphone. However, the same rumors mention something about a not-so-pocket-friendly price, so for everybody who can’t afford paying the full price, for a SIM-free version, the only alternative remains getting the phone from a carrier, with a two-year contract.

Ok, so you finally got your hands on it and it’s awesome, but your new Samsung Galaxy S8 still has a big problem: it’s carrier locked and basically, you’re stuck with using the same network for the whole period of the contract. But hey, there’s no need to panic, since you can easily unlock your Samsung Galaxy S8, in just a few minutes.

If you have a bit of technical knowledge, you should know that there are three main unlocking methods:

  1. Rooting the phone and flashing a custom firmware, which can remove the carrier lock
  2. Asking your current carrier to do it for you
  3. Unlocking the phone by code

Breaking it down, rooting requires proper documentation, not to mention that it should be done only by someone experienced and, in some cases, things go wrong and the phone is completely damaged. As for the carrier…well, not a lot of them are willing to unlock the phone, not to mention that it has to be fully paid in order to try this, so unlocking your Galaxy S8 by code remains the most viable method.

In order to do this, you just need to follow these steps:

Look for a reliable code provider online.

After a quick search on Google, you will find a lot of services able to help you with this, but truth is that just a few of them are actually trustworthy. For example, we’ve come across UnlockScope.com and UnlockUnit.com, which seem to be great options, according to the reviews they received on Trustpilot from previous clients.

Place your order

After deciding upon one service, you need to fill up a few details about your phone, then proceed to payment. Most websites will ask for the following information:

  • Your phone’s IMEI, which is unique for each device and can be found by dialing *#06#
  • The name of the network and country on which your phone is locked now. Be very careful with this, as a lot of people select the network on which they’re planning to use the phone. DO NOT do this.
  • A valid email address, where you will receive the code, as well as additional information on how to use it.

Insert the code

Shortly after placing the order, you will receive an email with the code, which will be used to unlock your Samsung Galaxy S8.

Now, everything you need to do is insert a SIM from an unaccepted network in the phone and wait for it to display a message like “SIM network unlock PIN”. Then, using the keyboard, just type the code you received and hit the “Unlock” button. And this is pretty much it! You have successfully managed to unlock your Galaxy S8! Simple as that!

5 reasons why people prefer gambling online to in person


Data from the UK Gambling Commission shows that online gaming is the largest sub-sector within the country’s gambling industry. This comes as no surprise to those of us who have long understood the many benefits of online vs. ‘real’ casinos. Here are just 5 reasons why people prefer gambling online…

Play whenever and wherever you want

Sites like playcasino.com are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – come rain or shine, hell or high water. So whenever the mood takes you, grab your smartphone, or sit down at your computer and starting playing the game of your choice. There’s no dress code, you can smoke as much as you want, and you don’t have to travel or pay for parking.

You can make more money online

Online casinos offer higher pay-out percentages than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. This is largely because they have lower overheads and can therefore offer bigger jackpots, and an array of sign-up and in-game bonuses. Online casinos also offer progressive jackpots. This allows you to play on different games at the same time in order to multiply your winnings.

By contrast, land-based casinos have to recover money they spend on everything from utility bills, to in-house entertainment, free buffets, and staff wages. These expenses usually translate to lower pay outs for the punter.

More ways to make money

The wide range of games on offer online gives you an almost endless list of ways to make money – and you’ll never get bored! Almost every type of slot game you can imagine is available in just a few clicks of your mouse. With this in mind, you can choose the games which best suit the way you like to play. Each game’s themes, graphics and sounds all add to the fun.

The aforementioned Gambling Commission report points to the way in which online operators continue to seek creative ways to engage and attract customers. The variety of games on offer is one of the many ways they achieve this.

Online casinos speak your language

The best online casinos offer multi-language support. As a result, you can play casino games, keep abreast of your winnings and the state of play in whatever language you choose, and whichever country you’re in. This isn’t just true for those who speak English. In fact, many online casinos also provide support for all European languages, as well as Arabic, Chinese, Turkish, Hebrew and more.

Stay secure and protect your privacy

Online casinos are subject to an exhaustive list of rules and regulations. Among these is the rule that all online operators must have the technology and resources in place to protect your personal information. Beyond this, online casinos offer you much more privacy than land-based establishments. Online, you can enjoy gambling with the peace of mind in knowing you are not being filmed or watched by CCTV.