Christ Centered Gamer Blog

Game providers know how to create games; they have countless ideas and once they finish a game they want to sell it fast to start designing another one. When getting started in the game design and diving right in, developers consider it a rewarding and fun experience. They share their visions with the world and they are working on something they are passionate about. However, there are times when the passions of the developer are not the same as the ones of the gamer, especially now when the gaming industry is in a major transformation.

Gaming has grown in a subculture nowadays and gamers are very determined when it comes to the features they want from their games. For the gaming providers, every year means 12 months of opportunities to launch new games and to make money. However, in order to make money they need to find out what the requirements of the market are.

Why is market research needed?

Market research helps gaming providers know their clients. They get to find out who their clients are because the audience is continuously changing. The main question gaming providers have is what do people want from their games?

First, they want to have a spectacular gaming experience and 4K games are nowadays considered the standard ones. The latest trends have shown that more and more gamers want to play games that include support for PS4 and Xbox One X with HDR included. The majority of them have PC monitors with HBR support and this is a sign that the tech industry is heading to a new direction. Players want to offer their eyes a visual feast when trying a new experience, and if the game promises them the best experience, they will be interested to try it. Gaming developers have to implement higher resolutions and High Dynamic Range on their products more than ever if they want people to buy them. Considering that nowadays high-quality monitors and TVs come at affordable prices, market research reveals that clients are interested in visuals more than ever.

Second, market research shows a growth of the number of players who are passionate about Indie games. Why do they prefer these products? They are more affordable, they offer a long time experience and they are easy to play. In addition, the majority of them come with expansions and additional features and these aspects always thrill the public. In order to meet their clients’ needs and interests game providers have to release new games weekly because the bar has been raised in this domain.

Third, Pokemon Go made people became more interested in AR gaming. When the game was launched, everyone was running around trying to catch digital creatures. Gamers nowadays want to have access to games that allow them to explore a new world through their devices that act as a mirror into another dimension. Market research shows that the gaming industry should base their products more on tech advances and use AR as an entertainment method.

Forth, the market research reveals that games are nowadays considered services and people want to access them anywhere. People want games that demand every hour of their life, they want to dive in the digital world and forget about their real lives. Game providers have to put on the second plan the games that imply pay-to-win tactics and to focus on creating games so good that the player is willing to pay to download it.

Games as services are a predominant trend in the industry and clients are interested in them more than ever.

Therefore, game providers should ask themselves if they are creating games for their players. Viewing the games as an extension of the creator is no longer an option. Nowadays, they need to present in the game their players’ vision and not their own. The market research should offer them information on the preferences of the audience. Companies need to research the market and reach out to their prospective clients to find out what features they want for the next games released.

In the process of knowing their audiences, companies need to determine whom they want to sell the games, what kind of games their audience prefer and why should their clients be willing to pay for their games.

Market research helps gaming companies know their competition

In order for a gaming company to succeed, they need to know who their competition is. Who is selling the same products as they do on the market? Having a list with their competitors and with the products they sell can help a provider know what aspects require their attention.

When developing a unique product they should get the assistance of experts, not only in their field, but in other related fields also. For example, Svitla now provides software consulting services for the companies that have difficulties in developing successful apps and systems. Sometimes a third party partner can have an objective perspective on the products a company is creating and can offer them a new vision on how to develop competitive products.

Market research goes a step further and it checks the quality of the products the competitors are offering and their sale price. It is known that people prefer to buy the cheapest product but when it comes to gamers, they are willing to go with a pricey option if it promises to deliver them an incomparable experience. By knowing how many competitors they have on the market and what place they have in the top of preferences they can decide how to market their products in the future.

Gaming providers have to be aware that constant effort is required in order to keep up with the tendencies of the market. Market research is vital in the process because it helps them understand how they should interact with their prospective clients. Market research is the new way of listening to your community and see if they like or not the direction you are heading to.

Thank you Blue Sparrow for sending us this book to review!

The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity is written by Matthew Kelly who is an author of books translated into twenty-five languages, acclaimed speaker, and business consultant at his company, Floyd Consulting. This book is fifteen chapters long and only 128 pages. It’s a pretty quick read if you want to learn how modern culture is robbing billions of people of happiness.

If you’re looking for the answer to the title’s statement, you’ll have to read through the first few chapters of fluff. In fact, much of the book is filled with statements that I was already aware of. For example, the second chapter discusses happiness and the author shares insights like “Lying never makes me happy” and “It is impossible to be grateful and unhappy at the same time.” The fifth chapter discusses various lies about Christianity including: Jesus did not exist, the resurrection is a myth, Christianity preys on the weak and ignorant, Christianity is anti-intellectual and anti-scientific, and Christianity is anti-sex.

The biggest lie is uncovered in chapter six, claiming that holiness is not possible. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 is referenced and used to state that “God wants us to live holy lives, grow in character and virtue, and become the-best-version-of-ourselves.” I bet you’re wondering how this is possible! Through what this book calls holy moments. Everyone else knows them as pay it forward. There are some nice examples of kindness like a guy taking care of his neighbor’s lawn while recuperating from a broken leg or nurses agreeing to take on an extra shift for years to cover the salary for their co-worker who is battling cancer. Those are some significant tasks that surely make God proud and bring joy to others, but even simple things like recycling are holy moments according to the author.

Even if I don’t see eye to eye with what qualifies as a “holy moment”, I do agree with the author that our world does indeed need changing and we as Christians should get off of our collective butts and do something about it. The thirteenth chapter uses some fascinating math on how if we impact three people that can multiply to one billion people if each of the three people we inspire bring three more and continue the cycle. In the end, The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity has some good stories and ideas, but I’ve already heard them all before.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you to Scarlet Moon Productions for the music!

Undoubtedly, one of the best parts of Celeste is the soundtrack. The various movements match the action, the melodies are emotional, and every track is catchy. As hackneyed as my regards are, the game deserves the praise it has received. When given the opportunity to listen to the Piano Collections, I was curious to see how an already piano heavy soundtrack would be modified for solos. The end result maintains most of the original's charm, but some of the omissions were disappointing.

Celeste Piano Collections comes with the main soundtrack of Celeste, arranged for the piano, of course. While many of the pieces in the main game were piano oriented, this rendition adds the various harmonies to the piano as well. I was provided a digital copy of the music, though a physical copy and sheet music are also available. All the included music is immediately recognizable to anyone who played Celeste, which is always a good sign with these arrangements. Generally, each piece contains the main melody and appropriate segments needed to loop back to the melody. The mood of each piece is maintained through various dynamic and tempo changes.

However, not all the movements of the pieces are included, which was disappointing. Although the pieces are still well composed and the key is properly maintained, omitting the many movements was a poor move. Granted, this would make some pieces nearly ten minutes long, but some of my favorite pieces from Celeste are these secondary segments. The music is stellar without considering what was removed, however. The B-Side remixes are also not included, despite being an integral part of the game's soundtrack. I assume this is because the negotiations with the various composers of the B-Side music (as opposed to the single composer of the A-Side) would be too difficult. I would have loved to hear the blues remix of Chapter 5's music on a piano.

While all the music that was chosen to be arranged for Celeste Piano Collections was done very well, I couldn't help but be disappointed by the missing parts. I loved that the mood of each piece was maintained with only one instrument, and the original melodies are still easily recognizable. However, I would recommend the original soundtrack over this, simply because it has more music. It’s 15 dollars for both the A and B side music, available wherever the Piano Collections are. As a standalone product, Celeste Piano Collections is nice, but the source material is certainly better.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

With massive data growth in every organization, the need for security is increasing every single day. Most companies face such security threats as data breaches and hacks that’s why the demand for qualified professionals that possess skills to protect company’s data has increased. Employers are ready to pay them high salaries, that’s why such professionals should be certified. If you wish to make a career in such a demanding and constantly developing field as security, having a certification is a real necessity for you. Among the certifications available here, the best way is to start with CompTIA Security+ credential, as it doesn’t require prerequisites. Being a vendor-neutral, it is one of the most demanding IT certifications in the field of security that after its completion grants you a number of benefits.

In this article, you’ll get to know the tips on how to gain this certification. So, to start with, you need to pass one exam, known as CompTIA Security certification exam or simply CompTIA Security+ Certification Practice Test Questions.

CompTIA Security+ Exam Overview:

The CompTIA Security+ test (SY0-501) is an online test that includes about 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. You are given 90 minutes to answer all the questions and your task is to score 750 on the scale of 100-900 in order to become a CompTIA Security+ certified professional. The price for taking this test is 339 USD.

There are no prerequisites to take the CompTIA Security+ exam. And the skills you should master in include access management, cryptography, architecture and design, disaster management and risk management among many. Only being confident in your knowledge and being armed with hands-on skills you are able to pass the exam successfully.

Sometimes, the hardest part of studying is simply starting. This is because we often don’t know where to begin with, so we keep putting it off until the last minute. When there’s no other option, we start cramming—often with cataclysmic results. If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. The CompTIA exams have a reputation of being difficult, but it’s not impossible to pass. We’re taking a look at some tips and tricks to help you ace SY0-501 certification exam.

1. Create a Study Plan

After getting a good grasp of the test objectives, creating a study plan is essential for time management. Remember to allocate more time for difficult topics. Additionally, leave time for taking practice exams and revising problem areas. Most of all, stick to the schedule—there’s no benefit in cramming!

2. Recall Objectives of SY0-501 exam

This is plain and simple but too often overlooked. Take some time to read through the Security+ test objectives you can find on the CompTIA website (this goes for related qualifications as well). Reading through the objectives will leave you with a good understanding of the required objectives and steps needed to pass the test.

Not only will you develop a thorough understanding of what can be found on the test, but you’ll also have a handy roadmap to keep track of your progress throughout the exam. Knowing how far you are and how much is left is imperative since the exam is time-oriented.

3. Practice, and Practice a Lot

Practice exams and questions are extremely useful when testing your own skills and readiness for the exam. Additionally, you can focus your time and attention on areas that you have issues with. When reviewing your answers after SY0-501 test, you can figure out your problem areas and put some extra effort into them.

In addition, practice gives you confidence. There’s nothing like acing 10 practice exams in a row when preparing for your CompTIA exam. You may be spending a lot of money on this certification, so knowing that you’re truly ready is vital. Once you’re able to nail these tests, you can sit your exam with assurance that you have the ability to pass.

4. Braindumps

Using quality material to study, like official CompTIA textbooks and resources from certified industry professional is non-negotiable. Sometimes, real exam-takers post exam questions after taking a test, such files are known as braindumps. Still, these files should be approached with caution, since they usually include the answers as well, you must keep in mind that there is no control over these questions and the source could be unreliable. Moreover, simply learning the answers to an exam won’t bring you very far because you won’t understand how to apply the concepts in a work environment. To be sure that you use the actual braindumps, find reliable platforms on the internet, such as PrepAway, Exam-Labs, ExamCollection among many. These websites offer the most updated files checked by IT experts. What you need to know is to use these braindumps for your revision, as they are the best option to systematize your knowledge.

5. Choose your preparation method

The learning process of each individual is different. Developing an understanding of the best practices to help you retain information is one of the best things you can do for yourself—it could save a lot of time and help you get rid of unwanted frustration. Choose a perfect method that suits you most, for example, start making short notes, learn with flashcards, keep thing written, use diagrams and try to use maximum time. Eg. while traveling in a bus or when you are stuck in traffic, you can start reading your notes which will surely help you to get better score.

6. Join Online Community

To succeed in any test or exam a person must find as much prep material as possible. For that, you can search the internet to find variable resources, from books to large online platforms. What will help you more is the communication with individuals that are sitting for or already passed SY0-501 exam. Ask them questions, discuss your stumbling blocks and you’ll find the solution and enhance your preparation with additional valuable tips and tricks.

7. Tip to Tackle Multiple-Choice Question

Keep cool and think logically. Even when faced with those “all of the above” options, there are ways to allow yourself a fair chance. Firstly, eliminate any and all answers that are clearly wrong. This may leave you with a single answer or 50/50 odds (which are considerably better than flailing around in panic).

Then identify a keyword in the question and try to recall the relevant information. Capitalized words are uppercase for a reason. This may seem redundant but can be extremely effective—simply think of ways the retained information relates to the word.

8. If it’s too Hard, Skip it

If you find yourself spending too much time on a question and getting frustrated by the lack of solution, move on and come back to it later. This could save precious time and your subconscious will keep working on the problem while you’re away (or you may find the answer in one of the later questions).Keep in mind that CompTIA sometimes places beta questions in papers. If a question is completely out of left field, leave it for now and come back if you have time left. While these questions aren’t graded, it’s difficult to identify them so it’s best to write something down.

Even if you have no idea which of 4 answers are correct, you have a 25% chance if you choose one. If you leave it blank, there’s a 0% chance. Therefore, coming back to those difficult questions you skipped is imperative. And, remember to use the multiple-choice tricks to eliminate incorrect options before taking a random guess.

9. Stay Calm on Exam Day

Be rested, be hydrated, and be confident in your abilities. A large part of CompTIA tests is failed due to panic—not lack of knowledge. So, take a deep breath if necessary and leave the tough questions for last. This is necessary for a candidate to stay calm and more active on exam day. To stay calm, you should try Yoga or morning walk, as they keep you closer to the nature and give you positive vibes which boosts your mental power and help you to stay calm.

10. Stay Positive & Motivated

Yet another really important point is to stay positive about the exam, about the job and a better career ahead. People fall down after few tries. If you are really serious about your career, then always stay motivated and never feel negative about your failures. Keep learning and keep fighting, and this amazing spirit will one day bring you the real joy of success. Remember that there’s always a position that you can apply for after completing SY0-501 exam. The jobs that you can choose vary from systems administrator, security engineer to penetration tester. Show you dedicated nature, believe in yourself and success attend you!

Conclusion

So, we hope that the information we’ve gathered here in this article is important for you. Now, you know the SY0-501 exam details and what is waiting for you at the certification exam, as well as you find out why Security+ credential is valuable and sought-after in the modern world. You are equipped with the tricks that will help you stay active, ambitious and motivated before taking SY0-501 exam. Use the tips provided to pass this test, make the plan, and start riding Security+. After its completion, enjoy the benefits, that the certification offers you, just boost your career of a valuable professional in the IT security.

Lack of time, a constraint on personal acquaintance, the desire to find love with the same interests are just some of the reasons why modern people resort to online dating applications. However, how to find a simple and secure mobile application with informative questionnaires and real photos? We offer the best Tinder alternatives that will help you to find true love.

1. Badoo

Badoo has a huge user base. You can find people who are nearby or with whom you have crossed paths before. By the way, to see the profiles you are interested in, you don’t have to open them. You can make gifts, communicate in a chat (by reciprocity), and look for the "lookalikes." This is a secure application that works correctly and safely.

Advantages:

- encrypted data transfer;

- verification of photos;

- informative user profiles and advanced interaction with the questionnaires;

- search for "Lookalikes;"

- attractive design;

- integration with social networks.

Disadvantages:

- a small number of search filters (3 out of 10 main ones: by gender, age, and network status);

- notifications with useless information;

- high subscription cost.

2. Mamba

In this application, there is a well-developed system of filters and very informative questionnaires. A profile you like can be added to favorites. Also, there is a verification of photos. However, to use all the features of the application and disable the limit of likes, you need to purchase a paid subscription. Moreover, this application does not have integration with third-party services.

Advantages:

- informative profile card and advanced profile management;

- verification of photos;

- a large number of search filters (8 out of 10 main ones: there is even a filter by the presence of bad habits, level of education, and language skills);

- ease of use;

- encrypted data transfer.

Disadvantages:

- limit likes per day;

- paid common chat;

- the absence of the “Help” section.

3. Mylove

Here you can search for users from different countries, filtering profiles by gender, age, region, network status, and dating goals. You can start a chat with any user and, if you wish, add him to your favorites. In addition, profiles can be viewed on a map of the city. Also, Mylove transmits personal data in an unencrypted form.

Advantages:

- informative user profiles;

- verification of photos;

- the ability to cancel the last action;

- statistics and rating of profiles;

Disadvantages:

- lack of encryption of personal data;

- demonstration on the map the exact location of users.

4. Wannameet

Here you can find people nearby. The application has a well-developed system of filters (there are even bad habits and the presence of children) and advanced statistics with information on the rating of the questionnaire, the number of visits and likes. Text chat opens only by mutual sympathy. The application is easy to use. However, it does not control the visibility of the questionnaire and sends useless notifications.

Advantages:

- A large number of search filters (6 out of 10 main ones);

- encrypted data transfer;

- advanced statistics;

- informative user profiles;

- ease of use.

Disadvantages:

- lack of verification of photos;

- lack of questionnaire visibility control.

5. Flirt Chat JAUMO

In this application, there are also many filters for user profiles (there is even a filter by appearance). Moreover, questionnaires can be viewed without any registration. Also, it is possible to chat with any user. There is integration with social networks and a map with the approximate location of users. However, the application does not have a computer version.

Advantages:

- a large number of search filters (7 out of 10 main ones);

- encrypted data transfer;

- integration with social networks;

- the ability to assess the database of profiles without registration.

Disadvantages:

- lack of verification of photos;

- extra advertising.

6. Loveplanet

The application allows you to communicate in anonymous chat rooms, search for users nearby, and give users not just gifts but service opportunities (for example, Premium). However, to use all the functionality, you need to purchase a paid subscription. Also, there is no verification of the photos. But the application is safe and works correctly. Moreover, there are a lot of very beautiful women for marriage, so you will definitely find a loved one.

Advantages:

- informative user profiles;

- encrypted data transfer;

- anonymous chat;

- advanced statistics.

Disadvantages:

- lack of verification of photos;

- the high cost of a paid subscription.

Having a rad gaming headset is a must in the world of interactive video games. If you don’t have a great gaming headset, you will struggle to keep up with other top notch players. If you are in the market for a new set, check out this gaming headset buyers guide. We have you covered.

What Not to Buy

If you want to really immerse yourself into the gaming world you don’t want to buy a cheap or knock off set that will break in a few hours. Avoid the drug store ear buds, that barely work well for cell phone calls, as well as the headphone you can get in the discount bin at Walmart. You don’t want these for gaming; maybe for your Walkman, but not for Fortnite or SmashBros or anything that requires talking to another human being and hearing what they are saying back to you.

What You Should Buy

There are several features you will want to consider. If you want a top-notch pair be prepared to pay for what you are getting. Even if your budget puts you in the middle-of-the-road market, you can score a decent headset. Be sure that whatever you pick meets the following:

Know the Difference Between Headphones and a Headset
Headphones are what you think of when you picture a kid walking down the street with a portable CD player. A gaming headset is more like what a pilot would wear, because you can talk and hear others. Size, features, and quality are what differentiate them.

Sound
If you can’t hear what’s being said, there is no point in even wearing a headset. Find something that has killer sound and has good bass.

Comfort
If you are like most gamers, you will be wearing your headset a lot. So find a set that is comfortable. The goal is to feel like you aren’t wearing anything on your head at all. If it is bulky and heavy, it won’t be comfortable, and you will get annoyed quickly.  

Microphone
You want to make sure that you have a great mic on your headset. You don’t want it picking up background noise or other sounds that are coming through your headset. The only thing that a mic should pick up is the sound of your voice and deliver it as clearly as possible.

Compatibility
Be sure that the headset you get is compatible with the gaming system that you own. Some headsets are specific to brand and won’t work with a different system.

Wireless vs Wired

Do you want to have constant gaming, but be limited by a cord, or be wireless and have to charge your headset from time to time? This is something to consider when purchasing a gaming headset. There are wireless ones that run off AA batteries, too. Be sure to check the expected battery life before diving into your purchase.  

Do They Look Cool?
Looks are not everything, but some people love a good looking headset. To some , the look, shape, color, and details on their headset are just as important as is its performance. There is nothing wrong with style, just be sure you aren’t sacrificing quality for aesthetics.

There are a ton of gaming headset options on the market. Where to start depends on what you plan on using your headset for and what you want to get out of it. After that, comfort, style, and even durability come into play. If you don’t have a headset that is comfortable and can withstand the occasionally launch across the room, you might want to consider a different brand. Things do get frustrating after all.

If you are running a fleet management company that deals with food transportation and deliveries, you need to ask yourself whether the fleet is ready to comply with all of the new rules. Starting a new business does not pose a lot of compliance challenges like those that run with different rules. Both 2017 and 2018 brought some changes into the industry that both small and large food transportation fleets are expected to comply with. However, all of these are for the benefit of the consumers who are the heart of the business.

FDA Regulations

Both the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 and Sanitary Food Transportation Act of 2005 mandate the FDA to come up with better ways of transportation of food with an aim of reducing contamination. Thus, they have been working on this before rolling it on to fleet owners and management firms. According to officials, this has since been completed in 2016.

Areas Covered

The FDA has tried to cover all food handling and transportation areas across all sectors. The primary goal is to have all vehicles and shipping containers maintained at set standards and to avoid contamination by all means. Apart from hygiene, temperature control is another concern one has to address. Thus, if you are in this sector, you need to understand the new rules and comply. Here are the areas covered.

• Transportation of food from the firms, especially animals and animal products.
• Shipping and receiving of food and in and out of the country.
• Food transportation through enclosed trucks.
• Food preservation gasses transportation.

Keeping of Records

Fleet companies are required to keep records of their transportation and shipping process. This includes the delivery time, temperatures of the enclosed vehicle at any specific time, and the condition of the food, among many other things. On the other hand, shippers need to show agreements, contracts, and condition records of the food items they are shipping.

According to experts, there is no better way of handling records than embracing technology. This is where fleet solution providers like eyerideonline.com come in. They have record keeping and transmission solutions for you.

Driver Training

Another requirement by the new regulations is the need to train drivers on how to handle food during deliveries. The argument is that some contamination can be prevented by the drivers while they are doing transportation. As a fleet owner or company, you need to show proof that your drivers have undergone training.

Apart from complying with the regulations, delivery fleet driver training on how to handle food safely will also be a plus to the company. Minimal loss of food means more cost-saving and more profits. Customers will also trust your company, which builds a better reputation in the end.

Check the Entire Transportation Process

The last thing you need to do is assess the entire food transportation process and see to it that it is compliant with the new rules. If not, then you are not yet ready. The authorities have ways of doing verifications. Of course, no fleet company wants to be locked out of business or get fined. Get your fleet ready.

Thank you Materia Collective for sending us this digital album to review!

Many video games are known for their great soundtracks and some catch your attention at the menu screen before embarking on your adventure. MENU: An Homage to Game Title Themes is a collection of over fifty theme songs and menu tracks from various games in the past three decades. Most of the songs are true to their origins and others like the Mega Man 2 and Minecraft themes have rap and/or lyrics added to them. While I didn’t mind the “enhancement,” the rest of my family preferred the rap-free songs.

Not surprisingly, this collection has five songs (nearly 10%) from Final Fantasy games. There’s music from Final Fantasy Tactics, IX, XIII, XIII-2, and XV. There are three songs from the Mario franchise including tracks from Mario Kart 64, Paper Mario, and Super Mario 64. Elder Scrolls fans will enjoy the songs from Oblivion and Skyrim.

Belmont Overture from Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse is probably one of the oldest tracks in this collection as this game originated in 1989. Listening to this song brought back pleasant memories from my childhood and my NES. Other familiar songs include Geralt of Rivia from Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Doki Doki Literature Club, Main Title from Deus Ex, Happiness from Sims 3, and Myst’s theme.

There are so many songs from games I have yet to play including Limbo, Celeste, Cuphead, Horizon Zero Dawn, Stardew Valley, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, Katamari Damacy, and FTL: Faster Than Light. Although I haven’t played Ninja Gaiden II, I really enjoy its menu music now! Mass Effect: Andromeda has good title music too and that series is on my bucket list.

Even if you haven’t played many of the songs in this collection, it’s exceptionally made. The asking price of $16 on Bandcamp is very reasonable. If you order it through there you can get the files in MP3 or in lossless formats like FLAC.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

The CompTIA Security+ certification the vendor-neutral certification that allows you to work on the overall cybersecurity field. The CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 exam is a worldwide recognized endorsement of foundation-level safety abilities and comprehension and can be employed by companies and security professionals around the world.  The CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 exam will ensure that the successful candidate has the knowledge and techniques required to set up and configure systems to safeguard applications, networks, and devices; execute hazard analysis and response using proper reduction techniques; engage in hazard reduction actions; and run with an awareness of related policies, laws, and regulations. The successful candidate can conduct these jobs to encourage the principles of ethics, confidentiality, and accessibility.  The CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 exam is aimed at an IT security professional with prepaway Security+ Practice Test - SY0-501:

• A minimum of 2 years' expertise in IT management with a focus on safety
• Day-to-day technical data security expertise
• Broad understanding of safety issues and execution, such as the subjects in the domain

Which are the modifications in CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 exam compared to the previous exam?

When there are lots of changes, possibly the most important is a heightened demand for hands-on abilities. Information technology has had a severe impact on the growing world. This trend will grow and continue because the SY0-501 exam is supposed to comprise endorsement of hands-on abilities. This means functionality based questions about the exam, though CompTIA hasn't supplied information about any new exam design. Several types of research indicate a foundation of 90 multiple choice questions, together with multiple choice questions being swapped out to every single performance-based query the candidate experiences about the exam. Although enforcement could be hard, CompTIA indicates that hands-on labs ought to be strong and compulsory given the new exam requirements.

Benefits offered by the CompTIA Security+ certification

Boost Your Employment Prospects

Many occupations require Security+ certification.  Moreover, many public-sector businesses realize the need for safety aware workers. The CompTIA Employer perceptions of IT Training and survey reported 91 percent of managers to imply CompTIA certifications are valuable in supporting experience. It shows an understanding of key safety concepts.

Expand Demonstrate Continuous Improvement & Your Expertise

Among the highest advantages of the Security+ certification is the fact that it provides you with a better comprehension of security fundamentals that are important. Additionally, it shows improvement. IT employees can't manage to stay stagnant if they wish to proceed in their career. The Security+ certification demonstrates your capacity to build your expertise and find out about current security issues.

Boost Your Value

Security+ certification is a fantastic method stick out in an aggressive business and to raise your worth. The value that you gain from the certification provides you an advantage when compared to others who haven't confirmed their understanding. It makes it possible to get in the doorway when following a job or marketing and assists you progress toward a career in safety and IT system management.  Security-conscious workers help reduce vulnerabilities. Organizations appreciate Safety employees recognizing they help them mitigate safety hazards that are costly.  Also, many organizations need to comply with a variety of laws, regulations, and guidelines. They utilize this as a technique and guarantee that a number of workers have certifications.

Suggestions to pass CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 exam

Utilize CompTIA Approved Content

Begin by buying a study manual using the CompTIA Approved Quality Content (CAQC) seal. This will make certain you're currently analyzing not just with the ideal material, but using the ideal material backed by CompTIA itself.

Produce a Research Plan

Preparing for the Security+ test whilst maintaining with your livelihood as well as other engagements can be quite the balancing act. Hence you can structure your total data and work accordingly

Prepare in Small Chunks

Choose bite-sized classes over all-nighters; the ideal research time for a lot of people is 30-45 minutes. Assessing in smaller openings can allow you to stay engaged and keep the info.

Use Video Content

Oftentimes, seeing and hearing with an explanation is much more memorable than studying a definition. This is particularly true with exams including CompTIA Security+, which cover a huge landscape of theories that intertwine and overlap.

Practice to Pass

Mock exams are essential since they train one to defy the length, breadth, and depth of the Security+ certification. They also permit you to set your strategies, like crossing off choices or highlighting key phrases.

Cover All Concepts

There will be regions of the test material which you find intriguing, and you'll likely excel in them. Make certain you're proactively not concealing out of -- your flaws while capitalizing on your strengths.

Review Repeatedly

As soon as you've finished a mock exam, reevaluate the questions that you answered incorrectly. Along with noting the right replies, dissect the rationale supporting the wrong choices. Look at making flashcards to enhance your practice exams, which means it is simple to mix up the sequence of the queries. The more ways you exercise, the more queries and theories you may recognize on exam day.

The internet may also prove to be a great source for study materials. You may either purchase these study materials from the various websites or from markets. However, if you want to get the best dumps then you I personally suggest you to choose PrepAway.com, however, you can even go with another dump provider but this is of the best place to get it.

Conclusion

You'll have 90 minutes to finish the 90-question Security+ certification exam (SY0-501). A score is 750 from 900 points that are possible. Passing CompTIA SY0-501 isn't a major deal. The SY0-501 CompTIA Security+ Certification is the written exam that's essential for the candidates to maneuver to input in the IT marketplace. It's the requirement and there is a demand for CompTIA Security+ certified professionals are there in most companies, government departments, small businesses, communication, and care.

Thank you CJ 4DPLEX for sending us to the movies!

As more and more aspects of the theater experience can be reproduced (or are simply better) at home, the movie industry continues looking for ways to encourage movie lovers to make the trek out of their houses and into the local cinema, while also offering value-adds that make it all the more memorable. Being one such enthusiast with a theater in my basement, I know this struggle all too well. Do I see the latest superhero movie when it's new in the theater, where I have to deal with other people and (usually) inferior video, sound, and comfort, or do I wait and watch it in my home theater with 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos surround and a 125" projection screen? (I told you I was an enthusiast.)

Well, 4DX can now safely say they offer something that no home theater ever will. All 4DX movies are in 3D, with a supported 3D glasses being offered. Unlike some theaters, this theater screen was more than bright enough to handle 3D properly. I was also pleased with the theater's sound system; while it wasn't quite as loud as I may have liked, the positional separation of the sound, from the clear center positioning of the voice, to the easy to locate side and rear speakers worked quite well. I did not note any ceiling speakers at this location for Atmos, though.

Each seat has rumble (this can be replicated at home with ButtKickers or other similar bass shakers), but what's really special is the tilting, fans, spritzers, and even scents that can be added to the movie experience. That's right - Smell-O-Vision is back! I'm sure you can imagine my surprise when I found out that, as of February 2019, there are only 12 4DX theaters in the USA, and one of them is just a few miles from my house - and the only one in the Midwest! Pretty cool, eh? Fortunately, they are expecting to have as many as 85 locations within a year or so, so hopefully there will be one near you soon.

My son and I were fortunate enough to watch a 4DX showing of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. This starts just a few minutes after the first Lego Movie, but not long after that there is a time shift to five years later. The kids who own the Legos play a much more prominent role in this one, and their tastes, and what happens in the house, have an impact on Emmet, Lucy, and their friends.

Emmet, Lucy, Batman, and all of the gang seem to live in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, called Apocalypseburg. The movie calls it a 'heckish place to live'. Many people are hard and downtrodden, with fighting in the streets, and so on. Emmet is one of the only ones to seemingly not allow himself to grow a negative attitude - he even listens to upbeat pop music, while everyone else seems to be a victim of their surroundings.

Strange space aliens capture Emmet's friends right in front of him, and he rushes off to save them in his newly created spaceship. In the process, he meets up with a new friend Rex, and goes on a daring chase reminiscent of an action movie to save them.

This is hard to talk about without spoiling the movie, but one of the things that I wasn't a huge fan of is that a theme of the movie is that becoming a powerful man - the kind that action-hero fans love - can lead to pushing people away and hurting the people you love. This unfortunately reminds me too much of the 'toxic masculinity' concept that anti-men culture warriors are pushing. This viewpoint was further solidified by some of the cameos in the movie, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Of course there is nothing wrong with her cameo, but it gave this viewer pause since I know how important she is to those who often hold a similar anti-men viewpoints.

My son and I really enjoyed the 4DX experience, and I recommend you check it out as soon as you can. We also enjoyed The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. It's just a shame that the 'lesson' the movie pushes is in some ways the opposite of what we want our young boys to learn. Teaching boys to be masculine men will not lead to them hurting other people, but instead protecting our most treasured people and values. In fact, our society needs more men like that - not less.

Thank you PBS for sending us this Blu-ray to review!

Cats are fascinating creatures and truly show God’s handiwork in their design. This series covers cats of various sizes and from around the world. In total, there are three parts that are an hour long each. The first episode is Extreme Lives and shows how ferocious and daring various cats are. For example, you’ll get to see a jaguar take down a caiman crocodile. It’s well known that cheetahs are fast, but I had no idea that the stress they put on their body during a chase would cause a human’s bones to break! Out of all of the cats in the world, the leopards thrive in the most environments. Sadly, that’s not the case for other cat species like the tiger and the Iberian lynx, which are in danger of extinction.

Episode 2, Cats in Every Corner, features felines thriving in unexpected environments. Many house cats (mine included) hate water, but the fishing cat literally lives in it and spends its life in a swamp environment living up to its name by hunting and eating fish. Swamp tigers also don’t mind getting wet. The bay cat has very little footage and information on it and there’s a scientist who has spent over a decade of his life researching this elusive animal.

The last part, Science and Secrets, shows how technology has been aiding in studying the lives of cats and even saving them from extinction. Out of all of the cats, lions are argued to be the most intelligent since they are social by living in prides. It was neat watching a female lion figure out how to open up a box with meat inside while having another female watching in the distance and learning from her experience and opening the box faster.

As cool as the big cats are, seeing some of the world’s smallest felines hunting is truly a sight to behold. The rusty-spotted cat is only 3 lbs and is every bit of a killing machine as its bigger relatives. The desert native Black-footed Cat is around 4 lbs and has a 60% success rate when it hunts, which is pretty impressive.

If you find cats fascinating, Nature: Super Cats is worth checking out. The visuals look great in the Blu-ray version, and it’s worth the extra $2 on Amazon. The series can be yours in high definition for less than $19.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you Universal for sending us this 4K Blu-ray to review!

The story of Dr. Seuss’ Christmas-hating Grinch has been told many times before. Those who are familiar with the tale will already know that his heart is three sizes too small and that a girl named Cindy-Lou Who will get him to change his views. But this movie develops the characters further and even shows how awesome of a companion the Grinch’s dog, Max, truly is.

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch begins with the Grinch and Max running out of food and a trip to Who-ville is necessary for their survival. As his name suggests, The Grinch is a misanthrope and despises socializing with the people of Who-ville. However, during Christmas time he really does not want to be near them with their caroling and joyous celebration of Christ’s birth. Though the town is decked out in candy canes, wreaths, snowmen, and Christmas trees, Christ is clearly mentioned and honored in the Christmas carols (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Silent Night) sung by the villagers.

There are many funny interactions between the grumpy Grinch and the overly cheery townspeople. Out of all of the villagers, Cindy-Lou and her family get the most screen time. Cindy-Lou is the oldest sister of twin baby brothers. There is no mention of a father figure, and as a result, the mother is working a night shift and struggling to attend to the needs of her children during the day. Unlike other children who ask Santa for toys, Cindy-Lou wants to talk to Santa in person to ask him to help make her mother’s life easier. Unfortunately, her method of reaching Santa isn’t exactly orthodox.

I like how the Grinch’s background is shown and how he comes to hate Christmas. It’s easy for him as an outsider to detect the greed displayed during the Christmas season. To pay back the town and to take away their fake joy he plans on stealing their Christmas from them, but in the end discovers what it’s really about: kindness and love.

Though I’m familiar with the book, I haven’t seen other film renditions to give a comparison. I will say that the voice acting by Benedict Cumberbatch, Angela Lansbury, and Pharrell Williams is well done. The visuals are astounding and vibrant, especially in 4K! The computer animation by Illumination is top-notch. The three mini-movies are worth checking out too. One of them, Dog Days of Winter, further develops Max’s character and devotion to the Grinch. The other two shorts, Yellow Is The New Black and Santa’s Little Helpers, feature the Minions and their typical silliness. There is some potty and crude humor which earns the PG rating awarded to the film.

In the end, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is worth watching with your family around Christmastime. It just might be a new yearly tradition for us.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you Fun Academy for sending us this DVD to review!

Sergeant Stubby is the most decorated dog of World War I and is also the only canine to be promoted to a sergeant through combat. Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero is based on his heroism and legacy that saved many French and American lives on the Western Front.

The story begins with Stubby being an ever-hungry stray dog on the streets of Connecticut. During a march through town, a newly enlisted Robert Conroy takes notice of Stubby and throws a cookie his way and the dog follows the soldiers back to boot camp. At first, the higher-ups are not keen on having a dog among the ranks, but once Stubby learns how to salute them and shows his dedication, they allow him to stay by Robert’s side. Stubby became the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment.

When the soldiers are dispatched to France, Stubby sneaks onboard and again is welcomed for his perseverance. The film depicts Robert having nothing to do with Stubby’s travels; however, internet sources claim that he was the one who smuggled him aboard. In the end, it’s good that he was there because many lives were saved as a result. On the battlefield, Stubby helped locate wounded soldiers along with warning of incoming artillery shells and gas attacks.

Since this ninety-minute computer animated film is geared for children, the violence is toned down quite a bit. There is no blood shown and many of the close combat encounters end in surrendering and not death. The battlefield is still depicted as grim with many soldiers being shown as sick and/or wounded. There is a death towards the end of the movie that brought some teary eyes among my family. Yes, I was one of them.

Overall, my family enjoyed watching this movie together. Though it’s based on a true story, some artistic liberties were taken. I’m not really sure if Stubby really got to meet George S. Patton, but he did get to sniff presidents Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren G. Harding. Sgt. Stubby was quite the war hero and I highly recommend this movie for any dog or history lover.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you Materia Collective for sending us this digital album to review!

I have been enjoying the Mario Bros. series since the Atari and Super Mario Bros. series on the NES. While the Atari 2600 version of the game lacks music, the NES version has quite the memorable soundtrack and it’s great to see it get the lullaby treatment in the Music Box Classics: Mario collection.

This digital album has ten tracks from various games through Mario’s 30+ years in existence. The first track is the Super Mario Bros. overworld music and is the slowest of the bunch. I honestly think it could have benefited from higher beats per minute. The rest of the tracks are a little bit more upbeat. The underwater music from the first Super Mario Bros. game is a welcome addition as well.

The most represented games are Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy with each having three tracks dedicated to them. You’ll find the following Super Mario 64 songs: Inside the Castle Walls, Bomb-Omb Battlefield, and Dire, Dire Docks. The songs from Super Mario Galaxy Include: Rosalina’s Observatory, Luma, and Gusty Garden. The overworld music from Super Mario Bros. 2 brings back pleasant memories as does Princess Peach’s Theme from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. I wish that Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario Sunshine had tracks included in the collection, but they’re absent.

Overall, this is a great collection of classic gaming music in music box form. It’s great lullaby music so make sure you’re not too comfortable when listening to it or you may find yourself sleeping before you know it! The total length of this album is a little over thirty-one minutes. It sells for $8.99 on Amazon or for $7 on Bandcamp which provides the tracks in MP3, FLAC and more.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you Universal for sending us this Blu-ray to review!

The House with a Clock in Its Walls takes place in 1955 and is about a 10-year-old boy named Lewis who loses his parents in a tragic car accident. His closest relative is his uncle Jonathan who lives in a haunted mansion in Michigan. The previous owner of the house was a warlock named Izard. This warlock is responsible for placing a clock within the mansion, and Jonathan, along with his best friend and neighbor, who is also a witch, are trying to find and destroy the clock within.

Lewis is out of place in his new school and the goggles that he wears all of the time are not helping matters. There is a girl who is fascinated with insects that takes a liking to Lewis, but he is more interested in impressing a popular boy named Tarby. His uncle Jonathan is pretty lenient and lets Lewis eat whatever he wants and go to bed whenever he feels like it. His only rule is to not open the locked cabinet. If you’re familiar with Genesis 3, you know what happens when humans only have one rule to follow.

Without spoiling the story too much, I must say that this movie is very anti-Christian and heavily promotes magic use. Lewis wants to become a warlock like his uncle and that involves studying various texts, runes, and spells. There are many occult symbols like pentacle, pentagrams, and upside-down crosses shown throughout this film. Some of the spells require the castor to offer their blood in order to complete the ritual. Necromancy (while frowned upon), is also practiced. One of the characters makes a pact with a powerful demon in exchange for some forbidden knowledge. The occult issues aside, there is also language (hell, d*mn), and gross humor involving puking jack-o'-lanterns' and a topiary griffin that refuses to use a litter box.

If it wasn’t for the heavy-handed occult content, I would have enjoyed The House with a Clock in Its Walls. I haven’t read the book that this film is based on so I’m not sure how descriptive it is with the spell casting and symbolism. It’s a shame since the acting by Jack Black and Cate Blanchett is exceptional and the characters and story are well done. If you’re a Christian and interested in seeing this film, I recommend renting it first.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you Lionsgate for sending us this Blu-ray, soundtrack CD, pot, and toy car to review!

God Bless the Broken Road is about Amber Hill, a wife and mother who tries to make ends meet after the loss of her husband in the Afghanistan war. Before his death, she was very active in church and led their worship ministry. Two years after his passing, her house is behind on the mortgage payments and working 7 days a week is straining the relationship with her daughter, Bree.

A dashing young racecar driver named Cody arrives in town and is instantly told that Amber is out of his league, but that makes her all the more appealing to him. After wrecking his racecar in the big leagues, he’s sent back to this small town to learn from one of the greats, Joe Carter. One of Cody’s first assignments from Joe is to work with the children at the town’s church. Bree takes a liking to Cody and enjoys making a pink camouflaged go-kart there.

While Bree is getting more active in church, her mother is becoming less so. Though Amber is working many hours at the diner, she’s still unable to make ends meet and resorts to pawning off possessions instead of pursuing a job offer from her mother-in-law. The relationship with Bree’s grandmother is strained and Bree wishes that she could spend more time with her. Amber’s walk with God is also deteriorating as she is relying on herself and not Him during her times of financial hardship.

One trait that Cody and Amber share is stubbornness. This film teaches a good moral lesson about listening to and relying on God. It’s Dove approved for all ages and there is little to be worried about morally. In fact, the war violence is bloodless which is contrary to most war films I’ve seen recently. The overall story is moving but predictable at times. While I’m not in a hurry to see this film again, I did enjoy it.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you Screen Media for sending us this Blu-ray to review!

There are many Christmas songs about Santa and his hard working reindeer that fly his magical sleigh. Unfortunately, Blitzen suddenly retires and favors running a juice bar instead of helping deliver presents to well-behaved boys and girls around the world. With only a few days before Christmas, the elves are scrambling to find a suitable replacement who can win the North Pole tryouts, which lasts three days.

In a warmer climate is a petting zoo that is struggling to pay its bills and its former minor-league baseball owner is considering a sales offer from a woman that seems more interested in eating the animals than caring for them. However, if their promising reindeer, DJ, makes Santa’s team, they may not have to sell.

There’s another hopeful at this petting zoo named Elliot. The only problem is that Elliot is a pony and not a reindeer. I’m all for having dreams and aspirations, but this movie is promoting the agenda anyone can be anything and that’s not necessarily a message I want to instill into my children. I believe that there is a place for boys and a place for girls which is contrary to today’s society that lets “transgender” boys compete (and unfairly win) on girls’ athletic teams and even partake in Miss Universe competitions.

Aside from the obvious agenda, there’s not much to say about the story in this 89-minute movie. Santa and some of the elves are cast in a negative light or even as villains in this film. The voice acting is top notch and has some notable cast members including Josh Hutcherson, Martin Short, and John Cleese. There are some positive messages about putting your friendship first and being selfless. A lesson is also taught about cheating. Given the overall moral of the story, I would still give this film a pass or recommend renting it before purchasing it for your family.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you PBS for sending us this 4 DVD collection to review!

Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood ran from 1968-2001 and has 895 episodes (excluding specials). It’s hard to select just thirty episodes from such a large collection, but this sampling is pretty good. My only complaint is that they’re not sequential, so the trips to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe are not always coherent as they often have multiple segments that need to be played in order to get the complete story.

The last disc has the very first episode which is in black and white. Mr. Rogers looks so young and his hair was mostly dark back then. Some of the same actors appear in the colorized episodes, but there were many changes since then. The later episodes still have the same puppets in Make-Believe, the same house set, and even the same fish tank. It's great to see that some of the final episodes are also present in this collection.

Many great memories returned when viewing these episodes again later in life. I wish that this collection was available when my kids were younger. The positive and encouraging messages and lessons are timeless. Kids should definitely know that they’re loved just the way they are.

Throughout the fourteen-and-a-half hours of content, you’ll get to see many famous writers, musicians, and singers showcase their talents in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. I was impressed with the musician who played Amazing Grace on a saw! You’ll also be able to accompany Mr. Rogers on many exciting field trips. During a trip to the zoo, Mr. Rogers gets to help feed a panda.

With the way Mr. Rogers encourages and talks to your kids through the television screen, your child will be engaged and feel good about themselves. Programs this wholesome are few and far between these days. The normal price for this set is $19.99 but I have seen it on sale on PBS’ website for $12.99. Amazon sells it too for even less.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you PBS for sending us this DVD to review!

Fire and Dew is the third installment from the Anne of Green Gables PBS movie series. It picks up a year after the previous movie where Gilbert vowed not to speak to Anne again after she chose her friends over him. Anne is not pleased with his behavior and finds it difficult to ignore him as they are academically equal and both selected to attend an advanced class to prepare for and apply to Queen’s Academy.

Anne is quite studious and applies for the Avery scholarship along with Gilbert and her friends hoping to earn it as well. Though Matthew and Marilla have budgeted for Anne’s education, they did not plan on their bank with all of their funds to be investigated and in danger of closing.

At Queen’s Academy, Josie is flirting with all of the boys and especially with Gilbert. Other emotions come into play as a character dear to Anne dies in this movie. All of us watching the movie got misty-eyed during that part.

As a result of the loss of a loved one, Anne has to make some difficult choices regarding her future education and employment. Anne is growing up fast and has many accomplishments to be proud of at the tender age of fourteen. I like the theme of forgiveness and sacrifice and hope to see more installments from these classic books. If not, I’ll have no choice but to read all nineteen of them to see how it ends.

Like the other movies, Anne of Green Gables - Fire and Dew is available to stream for free for Amazon Prime members. The DVD is also available to purchase from the PBS website for $14.99.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)

Thank you PBS for sending us this DVD to review!

Anne is settling into her new life and is acclimating to school and her household chores, though she’s not too fond of geometry or chickens. Out of all of the girls in school that Gilbert tends to tease, he seems to fancy Anne the most. She’s not too keen of his antics, but eventually she warms up to him. As she spends more time with Gilbert, her friends are a little upset and feel neglected.

Upon turning thirteen, Anne feels that she has some difficult choices to make and seeks the council of the adults in her life. Marilla urges Anne to be sensible while Matthew wants her to pursue romance. Anne also learns that loyalty is more important than honor and makes a difficult decision as a result. Unfortunately, the movie ended before we could see the impact that it made. Thankfully, there’s still one more movie left in the series for us to watch.

It’s pretty safe to say that my kids and I are hooked on this series. So much so that we’ve decided to do like Anne did and bake an apple pie from scratch for Thanksgiving this year. However, we’ll be mindful of the time and not let it burn. Like the previous movies, there are several funny mishaps that Anne must learn from. As usual, most of her mistakes are innocent ones and she tries to right any and all wrongs that she has done.

This film is family friendly and even has some Bible stories told by the newly married pastor’s wife. Forgiveness is a strong theme in this ninety-minute film. Like the rest of the entries, it’s only available in DVD format. It’s a shame since this island is so beautiful and can really benefit from Blu-ray visual enhancements. Either way, it’s still worth checking out for free on Amazon Prime or buying for $15 on PBS’ website.

(Amazon Affiliate Link)