This is my shot to actually do something I care about. Every big win starts with a ‘crappy’ game, and this one’s probably no different. No feedback yet? No worries, it’s all part of the journey. I’m not backing down. Making games is all I’ve got left to offer, and I’m here to give it everything I’ve got—flaws and all!
In recent years, the software industry has undergone a seismic shift, with subscription models becoming the dominant method of software distribution. While proponents argue that these models offer flexibility and convenience, I firmly believe that they are a bane on the IT industry. Subscription models do not save users money in the long run, rely on people’s forgetfulness to extract payment, and are inherently dishonest.
Advocates of subscription-based software often tout the apparent cost savings as a key selling point. They argue that by paying a smaller monthly or annual fee, users can access the latest updates and features without the hefty upfront cost of purchasing software outright. However, this is a deceptive argument. Over time, the cumulative cost of a subscription can far surpass the one-time purchase price of software. It’s a cunning trick, where the software companies ensure a steady stream of income while the customer continually pays, often without realizing the true cost.
Once you subscribe to a service, it’s easy to set up automatic billing and forget about it. This hands-off approach may seem convenient, but it encourages a disconnect between the user and their spending habits. Users might find themselves paying for software they rarely use, or even forgot they had subscribed to in the first place. This convenient forgetfulness becomes a profit centre for software companies, as they continue to collect payments without delivering value.
Moreover, the subscription model fosters a sense of dishonesty in the software industry. Companies often use tactics such as automatic renewals, hidden fees, and complex terms and conditions to trap users into ongoing payments. It’s disheartening to see the industry resort to such tactics to secure profits. Instead of competing on the quality of their software, companies engage in a race to the bottom, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term customer trust.
But it’s not just customers who suffer from subscription models; the IT industry as a whole is adversely affected. Smaller businesses and start-ups, in particular, find themselves struggling to keep up with the ever-increasing software subscription costs. This hampers innovation and economic growth, as valuable resources are redirected towards software expenses rather than investment in new technologies and talent.
Indeed, as a seasoned player in the IT industry, BOSS IT has encountered numerous clients who have fallen victim to the subscription model trap, only realizing the drain on their bank accounts when it’s too late. However, we also acknowledge that subscription models can have their place if managed properly. It’s crucial to strike a balance and recognize that, just like managed services, they can be a way for companies to profit from the forgetfulness or ignorance of their users.
Managed services, when executed transparently and ethically, can be a valuable asset for businesses. They offer proactive maintenance, regular updates, and a support structure that can be a lifesaver for organizations with limited IT resources. However, when mismanaged or used as an excuse for lackluster customer support, managed services can indeed exploit the ignorance of clients, leading to a feeling of dependency that keeps businesses locked into costly agreements.
Similarly, subscription models can be a win-win scenario when software companies genuinely focus on delivering continuous value to their customers. Regular updates, improved features, and reliable customer support can justify the ongoing costs. However, when companies prioritize profit over customer satisfaction, they rely on users’ forgetfulness to keep the revenue stream flowing.
The responsibility falls on both sides of the equation. Users must stay vigilant, regularly reviewing their subscriptions, and taking control of their financial commitments. Companies, on the other hand, should embrace transparency, ethical business practices, and strive to provide tangible value for the fees they charge.
At BOSS IT, we firmly believe in responsible and ethical business practices. We advocate for subscription models and managed services that are clear, beneficial, and flexible to meet the evolving needs of clients. Our goal is to empower users with knowledge and understanding, helping them make informed decisions about their IT investments.
Unity3D’s Pricing Shift and the Porting of our Programs to Unreal Engine|Godot.
Unity3D, well-regarded for its prowess as a 3D Game Engine, has rolled out a revised pricing model that pertains to software installations. While Unity3D clarified that these charges apply exclusively to the initial installation, concerns have arisen, particularly concerning multi-platform deployments. This shift has ignited discussions within the Developer communities.
The Porting of our Projects
The decision to port some programs, from Unity to Unreal Engine 5 is a significant undertaking. Unreal Engine 5’s cutting-edge features, such as Nanite and Lumen, offer a promising environment to elevate the gaming experience, but how does that apply to 2 and 2.5D? This transition requires meticulous planning and resource allocation, thus we have requirement to reduce our Social Media Posts.
Evolution of Our AI Assistant
While Unity3D is not traditionally known as an AI development or 3D modelling platform, its capabilities in these domains have been continually expanding. Unity3D’s pricing changes introduced uncertainties and increased costs for developers. To ensure we maintain a sustainable approach in development, we have chosen to explore Unreal Engine 5 and Godot Engine for prototyping and smaller projects.
MoboNode – Benevolent AI Assistant (Based on Jamie Boss) – AI API Model Work in Progress in Unity NOW –> Porting to Unreal Engine 5 –> Goal to Make an AI and seeks and Destroys Evil AI’s
We have developed quite a few projects over the years, and Unity3D’s pricing shift has prompted us to re-evaluate our development strategy. While we transition our AI assistant to alternative platforms, we remain committed to innovation. Have you been betrayed by Unity? Please let us know.
More Information –>
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/16ilfui/a_deep_dive_on_why_unitys_new_install_based/
https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/15/23875396/unity-mobile-developers-ad-monetization-tos-changes
Purchasing a new PC is an exciting experience, but one decision you may want to reconsider is whether to keep the preinstalled antivirus software that often comes with it. Retailers like Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi frequently bundle their PCs with antivirus solutions, including popular names like Norton, Trend Micro, and McAfee. However, our 25 years of experience in the tech industry have shown us that these preinstalled options might not be in your best interest. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you should think twice before relying on these preinstalled antivirus programs and suggest alternatives that can provide better protection for your computer.
- Limited Choice: One of the main drawbacks of preinstalled antivirus software from retailers is the lack of choice. These retailers often push a handful of brands, such as Norton, Trend Micro, and McAfee, which may not necessarily be the most effective or cost-efficient options for your needs. This limited selection can prevent you from exploring other reputable antivirus programs that might better suit your requirements.
- Profit-Driven Recommendations: It’s important to understand that retailers have a financial interest in promoting certain antivirus products. The brands they push typically have partnerships or agreements in place that allow retailers to profit from each sale. This financial incentive can lead to biased recommendations that prioritize profit margins over your computer’s security.
- Deceptive Practices: Unfortunately, some retailers engage in deceptive practices when selling preinstalled antivirus software. They may use scare tactics to convince customers that they need additional layers of protection, upselling unnecessary subscriptions and add-ons. As a result, many users end up with multiple expensive subscriptions, only to find that they’re still susceptible to viruses.
- Specialized Removal Tools: Another significant concern with antivirus programs like Norton, McAfee, and Trend Micro is that they often require specialized removal tools to uninstall completely. This is a red flag in itself. The fact that these programs don’t uninstall easily through conventional methods can be frustrating and time-consuming for users. It raises questions about the user-friendliness and transparency of these products.
- Better Alternatives: There are several antivirus brands that offer excellent protection but are often ignored by retailers because they don’t yield the same profit margins. Brands like Avast, AVG, Malwarebytes, and Bitdefender consistently rank highly in independent tests for detecting and eliminating malware. These options are typically more cost-effective and provide comprehensive protection without the need for multiple subscriptions.
- Bitdefender Basic Protection with Added Features: For those looking for a robust antivirus solution, Boss IT offers Bitdefender Basic Protection starting at just $59-$79 per user per year, depending on the level of security you need, such as VPN capabilities. Bitdefender not only provides top-notch antivirus protection but also offers additional features like phone tracking, remote locking, remote data wiping, and even the ability to capture photos of potential thieves. This comprehensive package ensures not only your computer’s security but also the safety of your mobile devices and personal data.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Whether you prefer Norton or any other antivirus program, we respect your choice. However, we believe it’s crucial to provide you with the information and advice needed to make an informed decision that prioritizes your digital security and financial well-being. Retailers may prioritize profits, but your security should always come first. By considering the alternatives and evaluating your options, you can ensure that your computer remains protected without unnecessary expenses or risks. Of course, we’re here to guide you if you are unsure.
Even our IT professionals acknowledge that relying solely on Windows Defender for virus protection may not be suitable for those who aren’t tech-savvy. It’s a risk we wouldn’t recommend. In our office and workshop, we install Bitdefender on all our PCs, not only to clean and disinfect other systems but also to ensure our own protection. Despite our expertise in virus prevention, we maintain Bitdefender subscriptions for added peace of mind.
In this article, inspired by an online inquiry, we embark on a journey through the world of LibreOffice and OpenOffice extensions, presenting an extensive catalogue of notable extensions. What would influence a user’s decision?
LibreOffice Extensions:
1. LanguageTool: A comprehensive grammar and spell-check tool for multiple languages.
2. Template Changer: Facilitates quick template switching for document creation.
3. PDF Import: Enables the direct import and editing of PDF documents.
4. Writer2xhtml: Exports Writer documents to HTML and XHTML formats.
5. Calc Solver: Provides enhanced mathematical and statistical functions for Calc.
6. Zotero Integration: Streamlines referencing and bibliography management.
7. Google Drive for LibreOffice: Integrates Google Drive for seamless cloud storage access.
8. AutoText: Simplifies the insertion of frequently used text snippets.
9. Grammarly for LibreOffice: Enhances proofreading with Grammarly’s AI-powered suggestions.
10. SendLater for LibreOffice: Allows scheduling email sending in LibreOffice.
OpenOffice Extensions:
1. Sun PDF Import Extension: Imports and modifies PDF files directly.
2. LanguageTool for Apache OpenOffice: A grammar and spell-check tool for multiple languages.
3. Alternative Dialog Find & Replace for Writer: Enhances the find and replace functionality in Writer.
4. Template Chooser for Apache OpenOffice: Simplifies template selection for document creation.
5. Calc Solver for Apache OpenOffice: Provides enhanced mathematical and statistical functions for Calc.
6. PDF Import for Apache OpenOffice: Enables importing and editing PDF files in Apache OpenOffice.
7. Writer2LaTeX: Converts Writer documents to LaTeX format.
8. Vertical Text: Allows vertical text layout within Writer.
9. Report Builder: Enhances report creation capabilities.
10. ExtendedPDF: Expands PDF export options.
Exclusive LibreOffice Extensions/Add-ons:
Google Drive for LibreOffice: Integrates Google Drive for seamless cloud storage access.
AutoText: Simplifies the insertion of frequently used text snippets.
Grammarly for LibreOffice: Enhances proofreading with Grammarly’s AI-powered suggestions.
SendLater for LibreOffice: Allows scheduling email sending in LibreOffice.
MySQL Connector: Facilitates database connectivity within LibreOffice.
Presentation Minimizer: Reduces presentation file sizes for efficient sharing.
Save As DAISY: Converts documents to DAISY format for accessibility.
Exclusive OpenOffice Extensions/Add-ons:
Sun PDF Import Extension: Imports and modifies PDF files directly.
LanguageTool for Apache OpenOffice: A grammar and spell-check tool for multiple languages.
Alternative Find & Replace for Writer: Enhances the find and replace functionality in Writer.
Both offer valuable extensions, but LibreOffice shines with Google Drive integration and Grammarly support. On the other hand, OpenOffice excels with PDF editing and language tools.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between LibreOffice and OpenOffice to help you choose the best office suite for your needs.
Compatibility and Versatility:
LibreOffice:
Versatile and compatible with various document formats.
Strong support for Microsoft Office files.
Modern interface and regular updates.
OpenOffice:
Compatibility with popular file formats but occasional issues with complex MS Office files.
Familiar classic interface with less frequent updates.
Resource Usage:
LibreOffice:
Efficient resource usage for modern and older computers.
Responsive performance on low-spec machines.
OpenOffice:
Higher resource consumption, better suited for more powerful computers.
Performance varies based on hardware.
Extensions and Add-Ons:
LibreOffice:
Extensive add-ons available.
Features language tools and productivity enhancements.
OpenOffice:
Modest add-on collection, suitable for a lean workspace.
Collaboration:
LibreOffice:
Strong collaboration due to MS Office compatibility.
Effective document sharing in mixed software environments.
OpenOffice:
Collaboration support, but may have compatibility issues with other office suites.
Conclusion:
LibreOffice excels in compatibility, resource efficiency, and extension availability. OpenOffice offers a classic interface but may be less versatile. Choose based on your specific needs and hardware.
When it comes to selecting an email client for your business, the choice between Thunderbird and Outlook can be crucial. These two options each offer distinct advantages. At BOSS IT Solutions, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. So, which email client is right for your business?
Cost vs. Compatibility:
Cost-effectiveness is a major factor. Thunderbird, being open-source, is free to use. Meanwhile, Outlook is part of Microsoft 365, which comes with a subscription fee. Thunderbird may be more attractive for budget-conscious businesses. Yet, if your business relies heavily on Microsoft products, Outlook’s seamless integration with Microsoft 365 might make it the preferred choice.
Custom Solutions Tailored to Your Needs:
We understand that every business has unique requirements. That’s why we offer custom solutions. Whether you need advanced features or a straightforward email setup, we’ve got you covered. We tailor the solution to your needs, just like a master tailor crafting a bespoke suit.
Workflow Alignment:
Our expertise lies in aligning your email client with your workflow. We analyze your business’s requirements and recommend the email client that best suits your style. It’s like having a personal stylist for your business email.
The Open Source Advantage:
Thunderbird’s open-source nature makes it highly customizable and suitable for businesses committed to open-source software. It’s like thrifting for software—sustainable and cost-effective.
Our Balanced Approach:
At BOSS IT Solutions, we present a balanced perspective. We provide an unbiased view of Thunderbird and Outlook, ensuring you make an informed choice that aligns with your business’s goals.
So, which email client suits your business best?
