So, before you go out and buy new graphic cards or a fancy pro controller, see if you can improve your present setup. Controllers, for example, are often used and may not always withstand the test of time.

After a few years of use, there appears to be a lot of controller drift and input difficulties, at least with recent models. This becomes a serious issue if you’re playing a competitive game. How can you aim properly when your stick moves on its own or doesn’t record an input? This is known as the controller deadzone.

Here, we will discuss what a controller deadzone is and ways to find it and fix it. Read on to find out!

What is a Controller Deadzone?

When you push your analog stick in a specified direction on your controller, it doesn’t fully register input since it has a deadzone. Regardless of how hard you press the stick, the controller acts as though you aren’t pushing it all the way – if at all.

This causes several annoyances when playing video games. It doesn’t feel like your actions are fully transferring to the game when you try to move your character or the camera around.

Deadzones on controllers are easy to spot, but they’re a little more difficult to correct. Until recently, deadzones on controllers were an issue that you had to live with. Things have, thankfully, changed.

Finding and monitoring your controller deadzones is crucial to resolving the issue. In the next section, we will discuss the ways to find the deadzone and fit it.

How to Find Deadzones on Controllers

With an Xbox or a PS controller, it is not difficult to find out if you have a deadzone. Over time, you will realize that the left or right analog stick on your controller is not responding as effectively as it previously did. Your player in the game would act as though you had only pushed it halfway up every time you pushed it straight up (or in any other direction).

Gamers find it aggravating in competitive games. You can use a controller deadzone test like Gamepad Tester to help you with this. It’s web software that can identify controllers hooked to your PC and show up diagnostics for them automatically.

You’ll notice two crosshairs with white dots in the center once the diagnostics are activated. The white dots shift when you move the sticks on the analog stick testers.

When the dots are static, it’s fine if they “jitter” a little; just move the sticks about and check whether the dots match up with your motions.

How to Fix Deadzones on Controllers

Some games or platforms that enable you to correct for deadzone can quickly solve the problem; all you have to do now is determine how wide the deadzone is. Depending on your platform, there are many ways to achieve this.

Fix Deadzones on Steam

Steam is by far the most user-friendly mechanism for repairing deadzones on controllers. Go to the general controller settings once your controllers have been recognized. Then press the calibrate button.

You can now see how your controller motions are being recorded and, more crucially, adjust the settings to compensate.

Conclusion

It’s a little more difficult to fix deadzones on controllers beyond the software. Things are no longer made to last as they once were. The original analog stick on the Nintendo 64 sliced your palm up before breaking, and now controllers like the one you have on the PS5 will crumble if you just abuse them a little bit. The only viable long-term solution is to purchase a new controller. You may even disassemble it for repairs if you’re extremely technically inclined.

The cost-effective approach for most PC players, however, is to employ software to correct for a deadzone and return to a regular playing experience. After you’ve rectified that, double-check that all of your settings are working properly to compensate for the lack of accuracy.

It is pretty easy to use. First, you must download your game, which can take some time, especially when the game size is huge. Because of the advancements in visuals and customization, the storage needs for modern games grow on an annual basis. AAA titles like Elden Ring or God of War in 2022 may consume up to 60, 70 GB of your system’s storage space, which is tremendous when compared to earlier games in the nineties and noughties.

Due to the increasing data size of these games, downloading is taking slower. Internet speed, is quite essential. However, even if you have a speedy fiber-optic connection or the latest tech gaming router, it might feel like game downloading takes a lifetime.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to speed up your steam downloads.

How to Increase Steam Download Speed

If you desire to accelerate your downloading speed on Steam, follow these methods given below:

Switch to an Ethernet Connection or Faster Wi-Fi

Although your Wi-Fi connection might be enough, a physical ethernet cables connection is almost always preferable. Choose an ethernet wire to link your gaming computer to the router (and internet service) straight if possible.

In comparison to Wi-Fi networks, which might deal with interference, lower speed limits, and other issues, this will provide the best rates and capacity.

But, for most of the users, their routers are not placed near their gaming machines. Installing ethernet wire inside your house may not be a solution as a result. To get around this issue, you might build up a mesh network and link a node to your PC through ethernet.

You may alternatively want to employ powerline extenders, which allow you to route ethernet traffic across your electrical wiring.

Try Another Connection

When your Steam downloading speed is extremely sluggish, you might have to take more dramatic measures. If your computer is portable, consider borrowing a relative’s or family member’s connection to the internet to complete the task.

A quicker connection is the greatest approach to ensure that your Steam downloads are as fast as possible. If the game is too large for your network, your data can be consumed faster, leaving you behind with no data.

If you already have an unlimited internet capacity and a 4G or 5G connection, you might also utilize a personal hotspot & your cellular data allowance to install Steam games.

Terminate Unnecessary Processes

Eliminating unnecessary processes frees up RAM and CPU for other activities, such as downloads—Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.

Unnecessary processes can be terminated by right-clicking them and selecting “End Task.” Close all browsers and other programs that may have an impact on your download speed.

Click “Open Resource Monitor” at the bottom of the “Task Manager” window, then pick the “Network tab” in “Resource Monitor” to see whether anything is taking your bandwidth.

If you discover that a program is eating all of your bandwidth, you may choose to terminate the task there as well. Select “End Process Tree” from the context menu after right-clicking the process. Be patient since removing it from the list might take some time.

Set Priority for Steam

Another simple hack for making Steam download faster is to prioritize Steam downloads within Task Manager.

This tells your PC that you would like Steam to take precedence over other applications whenever it comes to internet connections. To begin, launch Task Manager by searching for it in the Windows start menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del.

Locate the Steam Client Service, right-click it, and then select Go to details.

Right-click SteamService.exe and choose Set priority > High. This should offer Steam higher network priority and aid with downloads.

Change the Download Region

Steam will automatically identify the area from where you link to servers, and when it mistakenly selects your location, you may be attempting to download from such a server located very far away.

Go to Steam, then click on Settings. Click on Downloads to check your download region.

Examine the Download Region part of this window. Make sure the area is nearest to where you are since this will result in the quickest download rates.

Another modification you may make is immediately below, where it says Limit bandwidth. Uncheck this box to enable Steam to utilize the whole amount of bandwidth required to install your game.

Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall

Your firewall or antivirus software may occasionally interfere with your download rates. Disable each of them to see if anything changes. To learn how to disable it, consult your antivirus provider’s handbook or website.

In the Cortana search field, type “firewall,” then pick “Windows Defender Firewall” in the start menu.

Then, click the “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” button.

Lastly, verify this by checking the box next to “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall,” then clicking “OK.”

Pause Auto-updates on Your Windows PC

Select Settings from the Start Menu by right-clicking on it. Choose the Update & Security option and update settings.

Select the Pause updates for seven days option under Windows Update. Update pause resume Steam downloads. When the download is finished, choose Resume updates to reverse the update settings.

Conclusion

So, these are some of the methods you can apply to improve downloading speed. Even if you only implement a couple of these suggestions, you should observe a significant improvement in your Steam download speeds.

Although it is difficult to manage the strength of your real internet connection, you may make the most of what you can control by following these tricks and methods. After that, you should be able to continue playing your favorite games in no time.

For sure, a fully-equipped desktop computer will provide you with the best options when it comes to customizing your experience, but you can now upgrade your laptop to have the capability of a full-tower system.

If you are using your laptop for gaming or work, you may find that you want a boost in performance that integrated graphics simply cannot deliver. That’s where an eGPU comes in handy.

What is an eGPU? Is eGPU worth it? Is it too early to invest in one now? Let’s take a look.

What is an eGPU?

An eGPU, which stands for external graphics processing unit, is an external graphics card that attaches to your device through a single wire. The power will then be transferred from your laptop’s internal GPU to the external graphics card.

A graphics processing unit (GPU) is the component of your device that creates the visuals on your screen. You may now have your graphics card reside outside of the casing and connect to the motherboard with a single wire, thanks to recent enhancements to device connectivity, such as the USB-C connection.

eGPUs works the best on systems that can’t take a traditional graphics card. Many low-cost PCs and laptops are sold without a graphics card.

How Do eGPUs Work?

In most circumstances, an external GPU will be connected via a dock. An external GPU port connects to your computer through a PCIe slot for the graphics card and commonly a Thunderbolt or USB-C cable.

Installing the card, drivers, restarting, and installing any custom software is all it takes to use a dock.

After you’ve set it up, your computer will send graphics requests to the external GPU rather than the one that came with your machine. Because laptops, on the whole, don’t have much graphical processing power, this technique should theoretically result in superior graphics performance.

Keep in mind that while you may utilize an external GPU on your desktop, laptops are far more prevalent. You gain more extraordinary graphics performance by using a larger, more powerful card. Perhaps even enough to play a few visually demanding games.

How eGPUs Look Today?

If you look at GPUs right now, you’ll see that they’re usually sold as enclosures. These are boxes that have a connection cable and dedicated power but don’t have a graphics card.

The product will display a list of compatible cards, allowing you to change them and select the one you wish to use. Some will even have several GPU compartments for even greater processing capacity.

As a result, selling an eGPU nowadays is more about selling a box for a graphics card than selling a graphics card in a box.

Is it Worth Buying an eGPU?

eGPUs are excellent at filling their niche. The issue is that the niche is far smaller than you may expect. If your laptop is having trouble playing the newest games, an eGPU might be able to help. A new PC, on the other hand, will do the same job as well.

As a result, anyone adopting an eGPU must weigh the benefits of doing so against the cost of purchasing new hardware.

There are, however, a few niches that meet the criteria. For example, suppose a buddy offers you their old GPU. In that case, you may use an eGPU case to connect it to a laptop without having to acquire all of the other components.

An eGPU is ideal if you want to utilize your laptop for graphically intense games. Instead of dragging around a heavy laptop designed exclusively for gaming, you may operate your machine as a portable device during the day. The eGPU will provide higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.

If you deal with special effects, editing, rendering, color grading, or animation, an eGPU is also a good choice. It can aid in the improvement of operations while also showing visuals of more excellent quality.

An eGPU can reduce the burden of updating technology by providing a significant power boost to laptops.

However, as previously stated, these are sporadic instances. It’s not about whether an eGPU performs a good job; it’s about if it’s the best match for the job. It’s worth investing in an eGPU if it’s the only option to reach your objectives. However, there is frequently a better and less expensive option that you may utilize instead.

External GPUs Are Only Going to Get Better

The Thunderbolt/USB-C bandwidth problem isn’t going away on its own. External GPU hardware and software will continue to develop, and external GPUs will almost certainly improve as well.

External GPUs have piqued the curiosity of many individuals. Hardware companies also want to get their GPUs into the hands of as many people as possible. As a result, they have a solid motivation to upgrade the technology continuously.

If you’re looking for an eGPU, the current lineup lets you mix and match graphics cards to customize your system. However, before you purchase one, think about if buying a new system would be a better option. After all, eGPUs are quite expensive.

If your computer already has a graphics card, and you want to figure out what’s slowing down its performance, you can do it by running a GPU stress test.

Conclusion

eGPU setups are a terrific option to enhance your outdated or lower-powered laptop with a GPU capable of rendering, gaming, and any other GPU-intensive activities you have in mind.

They are, nonetheless, exceptionally situational.

When you consider the entire expenditures of an eGPU system, it’s sometimes wiser to just save up and acquire a whole new laptop or desktop.

However, if you have the funds and a process that would benefit from it, an eGPU can boost your productivity significantly.

Three Mice for the Price of One

Razer Naga Trinity is one more high-performing gaming mouse from Razer that combines great efficiency, speed, and versatility into one of the best gaming MMO mice out there. This is a large, comfortable mouse, with great ergonomics, and most importantly, a swappable side panel that allows you to have a mouse with 9, 14, or 19 fully programmable buttons, giving you an incredible level of adaptation and a perfect tool for MMO or FPS games.

Specifications:

Form factor: Right-handed
Connectivity: Wired
Sensor: Razer 5G
Maximum Polling Rate: 1000Hz
Buttons: 9, 14, or 19 programmable buttons (depending on the configuration)
Switches type: Mechanical
On-board memory: Yes
DPI: 16,000
Maximum Acceleration: 50G
Weight: 120 grams
Dimensions: Length 119 mm, Height 68 mm, Width 43 mm
RGB lighting: RGB Chroma

Features

Razer Naga Trinity is a one-of-a-kind device that should satisfy a large portion of gamers, by delivering three different mice for the price of one. To make things even better, this mouse also brings a whole bunch of features, such as Razer Synapse 3 compatibility and great customization at the same time, quiet operations, as well an impressive Razer 5G 16000 DPI optical sensor that brings much-needed efficiency and precision. Also, there is the low latency, great build quality, and excellent paw grip, however, only for those with larger hands.

Razer Naga Trinity is fitted with solid PTFE feet, a scroll wheel with 24 steps, and it offers DPI adjustment from 100 to 16000. On top of that, it comes with a HyperShift function; it supports up to 42 programmable inputs and has everything that one of the best gaming mice should.

Usage

Razer Naga Trinity is very comfortable to use and feels good in hand; however, its larger size may present a serious obstacle for users with smaller hands. The mouse itself is very fast, due to low latency, and is a real pleasure to use it, especially for MMO titles, due to the 42 programmable inputs and 19 physical buttons.

The buttons themselves are stable and offer a good feeling, due to their mechanical nature, while mouse wheel that’s a bit wobbling may present the only issue.

Razer Naga Trinity offers very good customization options that can be easily managed with the help of the Synapse 3 software, while the swappable side panel helps in finding the perfect configuration, and is very easy to change.

On the other hand, if you are seeking an office or travel mouse, or a device for light gaming, this mouse will give you a good performance, but many other models will offer more for the money, are less bulky, and have much lower weight, which is one of the most important aspects for travels, as well as for an office mouse.

Design

When talking about the design, at the first glance, Razer Naga Trinity doesn’t offer anything spectacular. There are three Chroma-powered RGB lighting zones (on the logo, side buttons, and the wheel), as well as good ergonomics. The overall build is pretty good and the mouse has a sturdy structure, even though the it is entirely made of plastic, while its right-handed orientation harms its otherwise pretty good versatility a bit.

However, these are all just side things, the major feature on the Razer Naga Trinity is its swappable side panel with 2, 7, or 12 buttons that truly makes the difference and presents the key feature of this mouse. These side panels are locked with the help of a strong magnet that keeps them well-positioned and you just need a bit of pulling to change them.

Other than the changeable side panel, Razer Naga Trinity also has a traditional left and right button, middle-click button, DPI button, and the tilting wheel. In other words, everything needed for a gaming-oriented mouse is there.

Good

Simply, Razer Naga Trinity is an excellent device with great customizability, excellent build, and most importantly, great performance. There is an efficient and precise 16000 DPI sensor, low latency, and a pretty good overall build.

Good customization software combined with RGB Chroma lighting and multiple button configurations, including the 42 programmable inputs, makes the Razer Naga Trinity a highly adaptable device and the level of customization and options that is almost incomparable with any other gaming mouse. In other words, this device is what most gamers would want to see laying down on their precious gaming desk.

Bad

Of course, that doesn’t mean that the Razer Naga Trinity is without flaws, because it isn’t. However, these downsides don’t represent anything major and involve a lack of wireless connectivity, and it’s a bit larger size, which makes this mouse inappropriate for users with smaller hands.

Also, its 2.1-meter cable is a bit stiff, while the mouse itself feels a bit heavy, although it weighs only 120 grams, which isn’t much. In other words, its weaknesses are more than acceptable and more than reasonable for one of the best mice out there.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Razer Naga Trinity is a great mouse that maybe costs more than the other wired gaming mice, yet it offers three different products in one, which justifies its price that is still much lower than you would pay for three separate devices.

When compared to the competition, Razer Naga Trinity positions itself above the mice such as the Razer Naga X, and is somewhere in the class with the Logitech G502 HERO, although it offers more buttons, and better customizability than it, which is a serious advantage, especially if you are into MMO gaming.

In other words, Razer Naga Trinity is a serious gaming mouse, with only minor flaws that don’t make a true difference. Therefore, if you are after an excellent gaming mouse, especially for MMO games, the choice is pretty simple. Also, if you are not devoted to only one genre and like to use your mouse for a wide range of purposes, from gaming to office work, this mouse is the one that will fulfill your ever

A Blazing-Fast Full-Size Gaming Keyboard

Razer Huntsman Elite is a wired, lightning-fast mechanical keyboard that brings an excellent gaming and good typing experience, as well as very good office use characteristics. This is a feature-rich device, with an excellent build quality, great customization options, and on top of that, amazing RGB lighting. In other words, everything expected from the best gaming keyboard is there.

Specifications:

Form factor: Full-size
Connectivity: Wired
Keyswitches: Razer Linear Optical switches (Red) or Razer Optical switches (Purple)
Number of keys: 104 programmable keys
USB Polling Rate: 1,000Hz
Software Type: Razer Synapse 3
Onboard storage: Hybrid (it can save up to five different profiles)
Media keys: Dedicated media controls
Cable length: 2 meters
Weight: 1215 grams
Dimensions: Width 444 mm, Depth 140 mm, Height 37 mm
RGB lighting: Razer Chroma

Features

As you have probably realized by now, Razer Huntsman Elite isn’t like any other keyboard. This one is special – it accepts no compromise and brings only excellence.

It is highly responsive thanks to its low actuation point (Actuation Force is 37 gf); it comes with Razer Linear Red Optical switches or Razor Purple Optical switches, and it also allows for great customization, due to the excellent Razer Synapse 3 software, 104 fully programmable keys, as well as full macros support. In addition, there is also the flashy Razer Chroma RGB lighting that can be reprogrammed with the same Razer software, a customizable volume dial, Razer Hypershift control, and many other functions that make the whole user experience great.

Razer Huntsman Elite also comes with a low 1.3ms click latency, high-quality, a two-meter-long braided cable, as well as a special Gaming Mode that prevents hitting the wrong key in crucial gaming moments. Also, the keyboard is fitted with a 10-key rollover that allows for up to 10 simultaneous key presses with anti-ghosting and is fully compatible with Windows, while it can also work with both Linux and Mac; however, without certain functions.

Usage

As previously mentioned, Razer Huntsman Elite is a perfect fit for die-hard gamers that want a fast and responsive keyboard and a ton of features along with it.

Gaming is where this device shows its best sides, allowing for easy, straightforward use, except for the customization, which cannot be done on the board itself. This action requires that you make the changes through the Razer Synapse 3 software, which may present a major issue if you use Mac or Linux that are incompatible with the Synapse 3.

Razer Huntsman Elite doesn’t shine so much in fields other than gaming, although it brings decent office use, and makes a good option for programming and typing in general; however, it causes more typos than usual, due to the low actuation force, and brings too much of a typing noise, which is especially noticeable in the case of the Purple switches.

In other words, a solid multitasking experience is guaranteed; however, if you need a keyboard-only for office work, some other models, as listed here, are probably a much better solution.

Design

Another field where Razer Huntsman Elite doesn’t show any true weaknesses is its design and build quality that is of the highest level. Its construction is sturdy and only allows for small flexes, and is consisted of a plastic frame and a jet black anodized aluminum plate that are bringing the necessary stability to the design.

Its keycaps are hovering over the aluminum deck and are made of good-quality ABS plastic, bringing a stable feeling, except for the space bar that actuates too easily and presents one of the rare downsides of this keyboard; however, it is an acceptable one.

Razer Huntsman Elite also comes with an appropriate magnetic wrist rest, made out of plush leather and very comfortable to use, as well as Razer Chroma lighting that provides a 4-side underglow, due to the LED lighting around the edges of the keyboard and wrist rest, and brings the staggering 38 lighting zones that allow you to make the lighting effect perfectly suit your preferences. Unfortunately, these amazing lighting effects require a double USB connection; however, that is a small price to pay if you want an amazing RGB experience.

Moreover, Razer Huntsman Elite design also includes the minimalistic media keys buttons, volume wheel with a mute button in the center, as well as the smallest dimensions among the Razor keyboards, no matter the premium aspirations of the keyboard itself.

Good

Razer Huntsman Elite is a special breed of keyboard, like no other, with great responsiveness, macro-programing support, and great ergonomics. In addition, this keyboard also comes with a Full RGB backlighting, dedicated media keys, and super-fast and responsive performance that is one of its key advantages and the main reasons it belongs to the sheer top of the offerings and presents one of the best keyboards available.

On top of that, Razer Huntsman Elite offers a great keyboard layout, tactile and clicky typing experience, and amazing build quality, as it should be with a top-class product as this one.

Bad

When talking about the Huntsman Elite’s downsides, it should be noted that there are only a few issues with this keyboard, such as the lack of the dedicated MMO macro keys, which is certainly the main disappointment, considering its price. Also, it’s ABS plastic keycaps get slippery after extensive use, RGB lighting requires two USB ports to function properly, while the Razer Synapse 3 is compatible only with Windows, which kinda limits the overall usability of this keyboard.

In other words, no matter how good the Razer Huntsman Elite is, there is still plenty of room for improvements that would make this keyboard the best of the best among the best wired mechanical keyboards.

Final Thoughts

Now, this keyboard is neck and neck with the models such as Razer BlackWidow Elite, or Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, which bring similar feelings and features. SteelSeries Apex Pro, on the other hand, offers a customizable OLED screen, better Omnipoint switches, while its software is compatible with macOS, which ultimately positions it above the Razer Huntsman Elite in the race.

Simply, Razer Huntsman Elite is more than a good product, with a lot of tricks up its sleeve; however, the competition also comes with tricks of its own, and no matter what keyboard you choose, there will always be the good and the bad, and in the case of the Razer Huntsman Elite, luckily, mostly good.

This is definitely not an affordable router, but it comes loaded with all the technological bells and whistles one can dream of in the current year, features like Dual Band Gigabit Wireless which basically obliterates Wi-Fi dead spots, strong Wi-Fi 6 performance for long-range and so on and so forth.

And while we’re at it, check out this article on the best Wi-Fi router for long-range, especially if you’re on a tight budget and you don’t require all the fancy gaming features. Also, before you go on a shopping spree, make sure you know the difference between 2.4 ghz and 5 ghz Wi-Fi.

Let’s begin with tech specs.

Specs:

• Processor: 1.5 GHz tri-core processor
• Memory: 256 MB Flash, 512 MB RAM
• Ports: RJ45 for 10/100/1000 BaseT for WAN x 1, RJ45 for 10/100/1000 BaseT for LAN x 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 x 1
• Encryption: WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise , WPA2-Enterprise , WPS support
• Wi-Fi Technology: OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), Beamforming: standard-based and universal, 1024-QAM high data rate, 20/40/80/160 MHz bandwidth
• Dimensions: 275.5 x 184.4 x 165 mm (WxDxH) with antenna, 275.5 x 184.4 x 65 mm (WxDxH) without antenna
• Weight: 740 g

What it is

The ASUS AX5400 ticks off a lot of boxes for gaming aficionados, making for an ideal router for both gaming and streaming, due to its impressive Wi-Fi 6 performance.

However, this machine does not cost a fortune compared to other brands, and the Asus proprietary app is great for newcomers, and also provides solid security features and parental controls. Moreover, Asus offers a strong web browser interface for advanced users and gamers.

Keep in mind that this is not a ROG product, which means there are better and more expensive Asus gaming routers out there. Even if the RT-AX82U doesn’t’ really play in the same league as ROG routers, you’ll still receive a lot of gaming router for the money asked.

Basically, this router is crafted for casual gaming and video streaming, being significantly faster compared to conventional 802.11ac routers, while providing a comprehensive set of features for smart homes that require fast and reliable Wi-Fi.

Design and features

Even if the router doesn’t wear the ROG logo, it definitely looks like a gaming router, due to its sharply angular design, low profile and the aggressive 4 large antennae that look like they want to stab your enemies, both foreign and domestic. The front panel features a pair of alien eyes, or, to be more precise, 2 small LED panels that can glow in a variety of colors, and you can use the Asus app to choose between plethoras of auras that strobe through different color sequences.

Design-wise, this router looks spectacular, especially if you’re young at heart, but gaming gimmickry aside, the Asus RT-AX82U really means business, featuring dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (aka 802.11ax) with a top speed of 5400Mbps (5.4Gbps).

Before you complain, we know, there are faster gaming routers out there, for example the Asus RoG Capture, which offers 11 Gbps transfer speeds, but we’re not talking about the same price range, i.e. the latter is way more expensive. Now, since the ASUS AX5400 doesn’t come with a modem, it takes care of things via a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting to your existing modem or router, so there are zero issues with using your broadband connection.

The router also has 4 extra Gigabit Ethernet ports, which means you can connect your smart TV and your gaming console hassle-free for a lag-free gaming experience. One of the ports is designated as the “gaming port”, which means it has priority over the other devices connected; finally, there’s a “solitary” USB 3.1 port that comes handy for sharing a USB storage device like an external hard disk on your home network, plus a power switch that’s useful for router reboots.

Set-up and performance

The router walks the golden path in regard to striking the perfect balance between ease of use for tech noobs and advanced features for “gosu” gamers. Basically, even if you’re a greenhorn buying his first gaming router, you’ll have zero issues with setting this bad boy up. The retail package even includes a printed manual, but who reads instruction manuals these days, amirite?

You have basically 2 options to set up your router, but the quick and easy way is to go for the app, more precisely the Asus router app for Android and iOS smartphones. The advanced web browser interface is for tech geeks only, but it also offers a more comprehensive way to tinker with your Wi-Fi and network settings.

The Asus Router app starts by offering you the option to set up distinct networks on the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands, or, if one so inclined, to merge the 2 bands together into a single network. This is a nice touch from Asus, and the only complaint we have is that the router’s default network is not password protected for whatever reason.

The Asus Router app has all the features required for a normal user, including setting up a guest network and solid parental controls. There’s even a security feature available, called AiProtection, that protects your home network from hacking attempts via malicious websites or malware, while being absolutely free of charge.

The app also features a Mobile Gaming mode, for prioritizing mobile devices in order to provide maximum performance, as well as specific tasks, like video streaming. The web browser interface is even better in this regard, as it allows you to select other devices for gaming priority, and even use that USB port to set up a hard drive for Time Machine back-ups on a Mac.

Performance-wise, the router really shines considering the price asked, as in we have zero complaints at this price point in terms of data transfer speed, both on the 5 Ghz and the 2.4 Ghz band. Also, the app and the web interface are providing versatile controls and features that are suitable for both non gamers and gamers alike, making the router an excellent option for anyone looking for fast and affordable Wi-Fi.

Firmware Upgrades

It’s a known fact that older firmware may be plagued by security issues, and companies regularly update their devices to stay in touch with the latest security threats. In this regard, Asus did a great job with their router, as the RT-AX82U offers a step in the setup process to upgrade the firmware to the latest version, which is a nice touch.

This cool feature makes sure that all the latest security updates are applied, along with bug fixes.

Final word

The RT-AX82U makes for a solid upper mid-range gaming-focused router, and offers amazing value for money performance-wise, as well as integrated security and ease of use. Buy it if you’re a casual gamer/video streamer, and especially if you’ve got kids, as the router provides solid control features for protecting your kids from unsuited material and things of that nature.

Don’t buy it if you’re on a tight budget and especially if you’re not a gamer, as this router is overkill for “normie” use.

Fortunately, Xbox One supports the smooth insertion of portable hard drives through USB of various sizes and formats, making this a simple problem to fix. To get them up and running, you’ll have to jump through a few hoops, but the procedure is straightforward and easy.

While we already have an extensive list of the best external drives that you can purchase, we will tell you how Xbox owners can choose the correct external drive and make sure that it works properly.

How To Use an External Hard Drive With Xbox

External storage on the Xbox One is relatively straightforward. All you have to do is connect a USB external hard drive to one of the console’s ports.

It would be best if you kept this always connected; otherwise, you risk losing data and having to repair the drive every time it is removed.

To make life simpler for you, we have included some specific steps below:

• Connect your external hard drive to a USB port on your Xbox One and format it.
• Give your external drive a name.
• Select Install new things here to have future titles automatically installed on this drive.

Internal storage drives in Xbox consoles range from 500 gigabytes (GB) to two terabytes (TB). A large proportion of this space is dedicated to games and applications, with some space set aside for the console operating system and other system software.

To manage both internal and external storage, follow these steps:

• Hit the Xbox button on your controller.
• Select Profile and System, and press Settings options. After that, select System > Storage from the drop-down menu.
• A graphic for each drive is displayed on the Storage devices panel, along with the percentage of storage used and available free storage.
• Choose a drive to View contents. It will take you to your games and files, where you can check how your storage is being used.

How to Transfer Items from Internal to External Storage

Items can be moved from internal to external storage by following simple steps. You can transfer games to an external drive if they take up a lot of space on your system.

• Press the Xbox button and select My games & applications > See all > Games.
• Select Manage game and add-ons after picking a game and pressing the Menu button.
• Click on Move or Copy from the game box in the upper right corner of the screen.
• Make your changes in the Transfer section.
• Select a From drive if a game is installed in multiple locations.
• The To drive where you want your game to move to.
• Check the boxes for the items you wish to transfer and then press Copy selected or Move selected. Copy selected will keep the game files on the current drive and copy the game files to the To drive.
• When you click on Move selected, the game files will be copied to the To drive, and the game will be uninstalled from the From drive.

What Kind of External Hard Drive Works With Xbox?

All Xbox One games, including those purchased on disk, must be put on the console’s hard drive before being used. There are several symptoms of a failing hard drive, including strange noises, overheating, disk errors, and slow performance of the system.

You can’t repair or upgrade the Xbox One’s built-in hard drive without voiding your warranty, so unless you are willing to take that risk, you are forced to stick with the default drive.

On Xbox One, external drives must be at least 256GB and support USB 3.0. The old and slow USB 2.0 drives are not supported anymore, ensuring that data transfers between your console and the external drives are lightning-fast.

So, choosing the optimal storage device from the several possibilities is critical to having the best Xbox One experience. Your purchasing approach will become much easier if you know what to search for precisely in the market.

Simply keep your requirements and priorities in mind, and you will be on your way to making a decent buy.

The simplest method to narrow down your options is to figure out how much storage space you require. Your goal should be to have as much storage as possible for the least amount of money (without sacrificing performance).

We have gone over some of the most important things to look for when buying a hard drive for your Xbox One. Still, other variables like portability, design, reliability, and connectivity also play a role in determining which hard drive is suitable for you.

There has been a lot of discussion going on for a while now about the legality of private severs and game emulators. We have already discussed the issue of the legality of private servers on this blog. Now, we turn our focus on the legality of Game Emulators.

Many retro gamers have wondered if video game emulators are legal. The general response to it is yes; you should be able to download them without difficulty. But don’t get too excited. While emulators are legal, they are primarily ineffective on their own.

Most players may recall their first encounters with emulators. These programs do a miraculous job of converting the hardware of the world’s greatest video game consoles into software that can run on your computer.

When you combine them with game files (commonly known as ROMs), you have access to almost all of the gaming back-catalogs, from the NES to the Xbox.

What Are Game Emulators?

Let’s start with the basics so that everybody is on the same page. What are game emulators?

Game emulators work magic in a way to transform your laptop, PC, phone, or tablet into a gaming console. Okay, we say magic, but what we are talking about is virtual plugins that mimic the inner workings. Consider them a way of deceiving your system into believing it is a PS1 or a SNES for a brief moment.

So, if you were hoping to get your hands on some free retro games while adhering to the law’s intent, you will run into some legal issues.

Let’s delve a little deeper into the topic of legality and game emulators and see how ROMs fit into the picture as well. Not all is as straightforward as you would think.

Why Are Game Emulators Legal?

Emulators are legal because they are built to use particular files known as ROMs, without which emulators are useless.
Game Emulators are used as computer programs that mimic the behavior of other computers, such as video game consoles. A Sega Genesis emulator for PC, for example, is a program that emulates the system’s functionality.

This could theoretically allow you to play digital copies of various N64 games and Nintendo Switch games, but only if you download the ROMs first. If you do like the idea of gaming on a Nintendo Switch and are considering purchasing one, you can read our guide on Problems with the Nintendo Switch You Should Know Before Buying.

Emulators are legal because they contain no proprietary code. Even if everyone is aware of how emulators are used, they are legal because, in most cases, they do not infringe on copyrights and are essentially inert on their own.

Is It Legal To Use ROMs?

No, in the vast majority of cases, ROMs are illegal. What is the reason for this? Since ROMs are the game files that emulators use to enable people to play games, they are illegal in almost every case.

The proprietary code in ROM files belongs to the company that created the video game or later acquired the property.
In the eyes of courts and legal departments at several large video game firms, downloading a ROM is the same as creating an unauthorized copy of the game. That’s what there is to it.

You are allowed to have the pot, but not the substance you smoke in it.

Nonetheless, several people have inquired whether ROMs and Emulators can be used in particular circumstances.

Are Game Emulators Safe?

Some emulators are entirely secure, while others aren’t. If the downloaded ROM is an executable (.exe) file rather than .bin, .smd, or.md files, DO NOT launch the game and conduct a malware scan with best malware protection software just to be safe.

It’s better to read reviews and which emulators are trusted by the emulation community (both in terms of security and performance) before downloading one for use.

The vast majority of the well-known emulators are safe to download. Just make sure that you download them from the official website to avoid any viruses and malware.

Is It Legal To Keep ROMs for Games That Are No Longer In Production?

Many gamers claim that downloading a ROM is legal if a game isn’t currently available on the market. After all, if a game isn’t available digitally, there can’t be any market harm.

On the other hand, this is what Disney does. Disney’s policy is to keep iconic films in the vault for long periods of time. Rather than leaving films on the market endlessly, they re-release them on a regular basis, which raises demand and sales when the time comes.

Companies who make video games could argue that they’re doing the same thing with titles that haven’t been launched yet, and that ROMs are lowering their prospective selling price. This makes downloading ROMs for games that aren’t available a legal gray area, and you should tread carefully when trying to download such games.

Final Thoughts on Game Emulators and ROMs

In the coming years, retro gamers could face a crisis of consciousness and legality. When older games fall into the hands of collectors, scalpers, and trash cans, they will become increasingly rare.

For the time being, note that emulators are legal, ROMs are illegal. Sadly, this does mean that you are breaking the law when you emulate some of your favorite games.

Save your game progress to the PS Now cloud and continue playing on your Windows PC, PS5, or PS4 wherever you login in, as it is available in more than 20 countries now. Let’s discuss what you need to know about PlayStation Now on PC.

PlayStation Now on PC

PC vs. Console gaming is a widely discussed topic in the gaming world, but won’t it be better if you could play games from both devices?

PlayStation Now is a game subscription service with over 800 games to choose from for the players. PS Now allows you to quickly stream PS4, PS3, and PS2 games on your PS5, PS4, and PC. Additionally, you can download hundreds of PS4 games to your PS5 or PS4 console, all for $9.99 per month.

You can enjoy PlayStation Now on your PC by following a few simple steps. And you can get all of the games you can to play on the PS, with the bonus of playing them with your DualShock Controller.

How to Play PlayStation Now on PC

To start streaming games, download the PC app, log in to your PS account, and make sure that you have an active PS Now membership (you can also access the 7-day free trial).

You must also make sure that your PC meets the minimum requirements. However, we do not think that would be a problem for almost anyone.

• Windows Version: 7, 8.1 or 10
• CPU: Core i3 2.0 GHz minimum
• RAM: 2GB
• Available Storage: 300 MB
• Sound Card; USB port
• A broadband connection with atleast 5Mbps download speed (ideally 12+ Mbps).

Which Controllers Are Suitable for PS Now?

To put it a simple way, you’ll need a PlayStation controller to play games on PS Now. Unfortunately, third-party controllers that have their own benefits are not supported by the app. So, the PC controller that resembles a PlayStation controller will not work with PlayStation Now games. This is quite a problem, especially considering some of the problems that PS controller owners have experienced historically.

All of the games on PlayStation Now can be played with the PS4 or PS5 DualShock wireless controllers. A wired micro-USB to USB-A or a Bluetooth connection can connect the pad to the PC. You can learn to save the battery life in your PS5 Controller by using our guide for those long play sessions.

DualShock 3 controllers can also be used on a PC. However, they will only work with PlayStation 3 games. If you want to play PS4 games, you’ll need the PlayStation 4 controller.

Finding the Right Game

PlayStation Now on PC lacks a search option, which is a glaring flaw. You only have one screen to search for the title you’re looking for. There are various categories of games at the top of the page, including any added to your list.

All of the games are alphabetically sorted, split by each letter, as you scroll down the page. To find all the titles that start with the letter A, scroll left and right. It means you’ll have to cycle through all of them to get the one you want, which can be a nuisance if you’re looking for something easy to do.

With over 800 games to choose from, knowing what you want to play before you start exploring is a good idea. If you cycle through the games without picking what you want to play first, you may still come upon some great treasures.

How to Cancel Your PlayStation Now PC Subscription

The procedures are essentially the same whether you’re turning off the auto-renew of PS now or PS plus on a PC, smartphone, or PS console. Follow the steps below to cancel your PS Now subscription.

• Visit the official PlayStation website and log in using your PlayStation account.
• After signing in to your account, look for the Subscription menu item and open it.
• You’ll have to choose which subscriptions you want to cancel. Choose PS Now, for example, if you want to cancel PS Now on your PC.
• Then choose Turn Off Auto-Renew to stop the subscription from renewing.
• As is customary, another little confirmation window will appear on your screen, prompting you to select the YES button, indicating that you are sure you want to cancel the subscription.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have learned everything there is to know about installing and canceling PS Now on your PC. It’s a fantastic service that runs smoothly, even on an entry-level PC (as long as you have a decent internet connection).

Suppose you are not a huge fan of PlayStation and want to play games on a different platform. In that case, you should look into some of the top Cloud gaming vs. PC gaming options, which allow you to directly play or stream games from a range of other devices.

We have compiled a list of the most common issues that have befallen Switch owners, ranging from relatively minor cosmetic problems that can largely be overlooked to severe problems that have made the system useless.

We have also provided possible solutions where appropriate. Still, something that requires disassembling a component of your console may exacerbate the problem or void your warranty. If you are having trouble, just follow the steps below, and you’ll be back to playing your favorite Nintendo Switch games in no time.

1. The Screen Has Dead Pixels

The Nintendo Switch has a lot of great features, but it isn’t without flaws. One of the most annoying problems gamers encounter is that the Switch’s screen has dead pixels.

Dead pixels annoy you on any computer, but mainly on portable screens, where they become the center of your attention, mocking your desire for a screen free of flaws.

In the case of the Nintendo Switch, it not only serves to detract from your comfort, but it is also one of the few things that you cannot resolve on your own. It may be the most aggravating issue yet, as Nintendo is currently refusing to acknowledge that it is a valid complaint (but many users believe otherwise).

Nintendo defines dead pixels as “a feature of LCDs” that should “not be considered a flaw,” according to its support page.

That means Nintendo will not be replacing them with warranty claims, and you could be stuck with your faulty screen for the rest of your life.

There are two possible solutions:

Return the Switch to the store from where you bought it. Even though high-end stores are not legally obliged to take back the product if you have already opened the seal, it is worth a shot. You could get lucky and find a sympathetic fellow gamer behind the counter, as we did.

The Consumer Contracts Regulations would offer you an even better chance if you purchased the Switch online. It states that all online purchases can be returned for a period of up to 14 days.

Due to legal complications, you will be protected as long as the seller did not explicitly state that “dead pixels may occur in this product” (or anything similar).

2. The Battery Life is too Short

When playing the most graphically demanding games, you will definitely find the battery life is low due to the horsepower Nintendo has managed to cram into the tiny Switch console. The console would need to be recharged after just a few hours of handheld play in a game like Doom.

Since the AC adapter that came with your device is most likely connected to the dock, you will need to either go behind your setup, remove it, allow the Switch to charge in the port, or buy a second AC adapter.

An external battery pack, such as one for a phone or tablet, is a solution. Be aware, however, that many phone batteries do not have enough power to charge the Switch when it is in use. You can use our comprehensive guide to improve the life of the Nintendo Switch’s battery.

There is another possibility. Third-party accessory companies have developed Switch charging cases that allow you to play the device for more than twice as long as a regular battery would.

3. Switch Won’t Turn On

Some users have stated that their console refuses to turn on. Aside from the apparent flat battery, which we are sure you have already considered, the next step is to perform a hard reset.

Here’s what Nintendo’s support team says about this problem:

“There is a chance that the console has frozen with a black screen. Look at the console in a darkened room and see if any light is coming from the screen. If so, the console has frozen. Hold the POWER Button for 15 seconds or more to turn the console off.

Then, press the POWER Button again to turn the console on again.”

4. The Joy-Cons Stops Working

Disconnection of the left Joy-Con controller, the most well-known of the Nintendo Switch’s problems so far appears to be a fairly widespread issue.

The Joy-Con will randomly detach from the console, which can be particularly frustrating if it results in you failing a successful run in one of the Nintendo Switch’s games.

Nintendo’s decision to place the left controller’s Bluetooth antenna within the circuit board, rather than using a standalone portion that could be positioned optimally, appears to be the source of the issue according to numerous reports and user teardowns.

Nintendo has not made it public, but it appears that the company has developed a workable DIY hack for early adopters. CNET’s analyst spotted a thin piece of conductive foam over the controller’s internal antenna after sending a defective Joy-Con to Nintendo for repair.

It might seem too simple, but the simple addition is said to have resolved the controller’s synchronization problem. There is no official fix for this problem as of yet, but keep an eye out for a foamy solution.

5. The Screen Freezes or Flashes Randomly

In addition to controller issues and issues with the Nintendo Switch and its dock’s physical structure, several users have recorded screen freezes and flashing lights (that can cause horrific seizures in some). They cause the device to blare a high-pitched squeal and can be a frightening experience for someone of a younger age.

The only short-term fix so far has been to perform a “hard reset” of the Switch. It involves holding down the power button for 15 seconds until it entirely shuts down, then turning it back on.

Though this temporarily resolves the issue, affected Switch owners say that the problem reappears shortly after and that a factory reset will not fix the problem.

Conclusion

Nintendo has yet to resolve most of these problems, leaving users to wait patiently for a software update or a product recall that would solve these problems.

We recommend keeping an eye on the Nintendo support page, which posts regular updates on all known issues. Once a solution to some of the aforementioned problems is known, it will be made available on the support page.

Perhaps you have recently discovered the joys of retro gaming and own a modern television. Or you have recently upgraded your 1990s television which was on its way to being a family heirloom, to a current, OLED flat-screen TV, and are going through a tinge of nostalgia.

In any case, you might be wondering how to link your favorite consoles from “back in the day” to it.

Everything nowadays is connected via HDMI ports. This digital, high-definition plug is plug-and-play in every sense of the word, supporting both video and audio.

Any gamer can enjoy a retro console. For many people, connecting their old N64 or PlayStation to play some old-school games is the ultimate nostalgia remedy. Unfortunately, advances in technology will make connecting old consoles a lot more complicated.

Some people are discouraged by these hurdles, but there are several simple solutions available. To play your old retro games, you don’t need an out-of-date television or any knowledge of electronics.

You will quickly get back to playing your old consoles by following a few straightforward measures, which we will discuss in this post.

What Are My Options for Playing My Retro Console?

If you have not been able to locate the correct ports on the back of your TV, there are a few options for you to play your games. You may even have an easy solution right in your own house!

Check the Ports on Your Television

You can start with an elementary check of the ports on your Television. Double-check the Television’s ports. It is possible that you will be able to bind your old console to your new TV without any problems.

This is most likely the case for systems that use RCA (composite), part, or coaxial cables to link to your TV.

Use an Old Monitor or a Projector

You may still have something in your house that you can use to play your retro consoles. By any change, if you have an old monitor or projector lying around in your attic, it is possible that you can use one of those to plug in your console.

Check the back fo your device to see if it is possible to connect your console to it.

Invest in an Adapter

Having an adapter is another standard method for getting your console to function. There is a port on the adapter compatible with your TV, and another one that is compatible with your console.

These adaptors are frequently less expensive and easier to come by than brand new cables. If you have many retro consoles, getting a multi-purpose adapter is a good idea. For example, you can link your SNES or N64 to a modern TV using AV to HDMI converters.

Some Troubleshooting Tips

If you run into any problems, follow these quick steps to get your console back in operation.

Switch to The Appropriate Source

Don’t forget to check that your TV is tuned to the source that it is receiving signals from. It is possible that your TV will not understand signals coming from the designated port on its own and may need to be told to accept signals from a specific port.

On most models, this is done by pressing the source button on the TV remote. According to the port used, the channel should be labelled. After switching channels, it can take a few seconds for the link to be established.

Check Your Console

Check to see if your console is still operational. The majority of devices have a light that indicates when they are turned on.

The console could be faulty if this indicator light does not illuminate when you plug it in and turn it on. There are a few options for rebooting your new/old console, but you will need to seek professional assistance.

Examine the Connection

Double-check that all cords are safely plugged in if you are on the correct channel. Check the TV or console for any loose cables. Unplugging and replugging them will also improve the connection.

Clean the console or ports with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or pressurized air if they are dusty.

When using RCA cables, double-check that the audio and video outputs are connected correctly; the ports and jacks will be color-coded.

Change the Screen Resolution

Another major improvement that modern TVs received was a significant shift in resolution.

Retro consoles format their screens to match the regular TV of the time. To get the best results, you may need to adjust the resolution settings on your television. If the image is not clear or is stretched beyond the TV screen, try changing the aspect ratio. Most modern TVs are 16:9, while retro consoles are mostly 4:3.

Retro Games Can Be Played on Modern TVs

Yes, that is right. Retro consoles can be played on modern televisions, including the Best 75-80 Inch TVs. You will need to take some extra measures to get your systems on the screen, which isn’t a big deal if you’re looking for pure nostalgic pleasure.

There are a variety of ways to get your fix without having to hunt down an old television. Retro gaming’s popularity has made it easier than ever to play your favorite childhood games from the comfort of your own living room.

Information is an essential tool. Understanding how accounts get hacked will help you protect your accounts and avoid having your passwords “hacked” in the first place.

Malware and credentials stuffing attacks are the course of action for targeting gamers. The cybercriminal uses lists of usernames and password combinations that anyone can purchase online to log into game accounts or gaming channels like Steam.

What Is Interesting in Your Gaming Account?

Hackers will gain a lot of value from your account, whether you play a free or paid online game. Since so many players fail to take simple cybersecurity measures, hacking most gaming accounts is not difficult. They may very well be able to:

• Listen in on your gaming exchanges and read your chats until they take over your account.
• Use your login credentials to access your other accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Bank account.
• Sell your identity on the deep web.
• Use your personal information to extract even more information from you in phishing attacks.
• Launder money or evade taxes, using your bank account details.
• Purchase cryptocurrencies with your payment information.

How Can Hackers Gain Access to Your Account?

Your device is comparable to The Great Wall in Game of Thrones. It is reinforced and sits in one place. However, there is a massive army of white walkers waiting just outside its gates, ready to burst through and kill everything inside. The army of the dead is not going to take a break or withdraw the attack. They will surround you the moment you crack a window open.

Right now, hackers and criminals may be in your network and using your webcams and other credentials. Let us see how they can gain access to your gaming account.

Use of Insecure or Weak Passwords

Using a weak password while building your gaming account is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. For example, a common password like 12345678 or your name is straightforward to crack.

It is time to change your passwords if you don’t want to miss your success and achievements in the games you have played for years. When executing brute force attacks, hackers can access massive databases of common passwords.

The hacker only wants your user name or email address to complete a brute force attack. They will then use a bot to try all of the passwords in their database before one of them eventually works or until they have gone through the entire list without success.

Use of Credential Stuffing

Credential stuffing attacks are possible if you reuse passwords across several accounts. Suppose your login credentials are already leaked in the attempt, or a hacker has gained access to one of your other accounts.

In that case, they will most likely attempt to use the same credentials on other platforms. You could be in serious trouble if you used the same password for your gaming account and online banking transactions.

Use of Phishing

Phishing is a form of hacking. Phishing may also be used to persuade you to click on malicious or spoof links. PUBG fans, for example, have been duped into clicking on links posted in gaming forums that promised them discounted or free virtual tokens and other products.

The links were part of a cross-site scripting attack that enabled hackers to access player’s accounts. And by gaining access to your gaming account, they can steal anything they want, such as your passwords, payment information, home address, and so on.

Use of Data Breaches

Another login goldmine for hackers is data breaches and leaks. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to protect yourself because protecting the organization that holds your data is entirely dependent on them. If you want to be safe, just make sure that all websites that you register to encrypt your passwords.

Use of DDoS Attacks

You could be a target of a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack if you are serious about gaming and compete seriously or competitively.

A hacker might flood your router (if the IP is known) or the game server you’re connected to with requests using a botnet with hundreds or thousands of infected devices.

It overloads the machine, causing it to shut down. As a result, your game will be hampered, or you will be disconnected.

Use of Malware

Hackers may also use misinformation to get you to download malware. For example, if you want a game that has not been released in your country, you may want to get it from a P2P source.

Hackers are aware of familiar viral games and can use them as bait. Don’t be fooled into downloading malware disguised as a new game. Not to mention that pirating games is illegal in the first place.

How to Protect Your Gaming Account?

It would help if you took easy precautions to make it more difficult for hackers and your most ruthless opponents. Follow these tips, and you can make it work for you:

Select a Strong Password

The majority of us have a misunderstanding about passwords. We believe they must be complicated messes, such as $%^&&#. For years, the idea that passwords should be illogical and difficult to recall mainly prevailed.

However, you can make sure your passwords are solid in other ways. Read these tips on how to generate a unique and robust password to protect your gaming account from malicious hackers.

Complete the Two-Step Authentication

Another step towards protection is to allow two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA). It is something that a lot of people don’t do on their favorite websites and applications.

With all of the recent data breaches, it is simply irresponsible not to act. Once allowed, you must enter your password, and an additional authentication, such as a one-time access code sent to your mobile phone via text message.

Two-step Authentication is effective in two ways:

• An additional layer of protection now protects your account in addition to your password.
• Second, if anyone attempts to log into your account without your permission, you will be notified right away.

You can read this guide specifically for setting up Two-Step Authentication on standard websites and apps because the process is different for virtually every platform.

Use the Proper WI-FI Configuration

One of the most severe security threats is an unsecured Wi-Fi network. Anyone with basic security knowledge could hack into your wireless network and scurry through your personal data if it is not adequately secured.

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 is the most commonly used standard (or WPA2). Visit the administrator’s page for your router settings and find out more by reading our guide to set up Wi-Fi security.

Once you are in your router’s menu, look for an encryption settings section under Wireless or Security. When you find it, you will typically be presented with several choices, one of which is WPA2.

If you see a WPA3 option, this type of wireless protection is only available on the latest routers. If this option is accessible, use it; if it isn’t, use WPA2.

Install Latest Versions

You must use the most recent Windows version. Not only do these new versions provide the most up-to-date features, but they often include security fixes and patches. Patching the system on a regular basis is also the best way to combat critical security bugs, so keep an eye out for them when they become available.