by Ken May

3. RAM isn’t just a type of goat

Just like the number of processor cores in a computer affects its speed and ability to multitask, the amount of Random Access Memory, or RAM, in a computer can affect just how much multitasking can go on. RAM is basically a small, extra-fast form of memory.

By having more RAM, your computer is able to keep more data close at hand, rather than having to go digging around through the slower hard drive for the information it needs. That’s why it’s useful to have more RAM if you want to keep multiple tasks going at the same time and be able to jump between them relatively quickly. If you’re also guilty of having too many web browser windows open at the same time, more RAM will make that a lot easier.

4. Hard drives aren’t hard choices

Every computer needs data storage, and though that is where your hard drive comes in. There are typically a few different options in the search for a hard drive, but what it really comes down to is how you plan to use your computer.

If you plan to just have your computer and no peripherals, you may want to opt for the biggest hard drive you can. If you don’t plan to have many applications on your computer, and won’t store media on it, then you can opt for a smaller hard drive and save yourself some money. If you can handle a small hard drive but want to it be extra fast and you have the cash, consider going for a solid-state drive.

5. Check your peripherals

The peripherals on your computer are going to be pretty specific to your needs, but there are plenty of them to be thinking about whether you’ll need them, and just how many of them you want. You may want ten USB ports but not have a care in the world about having a DVD drive. Your best bet is to decide what your needs are and follow that. There are different types of computers for different needs and I’m not just talking about PCs and Laptops! Industrial PCs are designed to be spillproof and last a long time, even though it is going to be heavily used. A supplier of Industrial computers are cksglobal, they sell fully customisable keyboards and mice to fit any business’ needs as well. Make sure you buy or build a computer suitiable for your needs as it will save you time and money in the future.

6. Oh, so you want to get into PC gaming?

To play the latest games like league of legends, which many people get accounts for from websites similar to www.unrankedsmurfs.com, with the graphics on high and keep a high frame-rate, you’ll be needing to look into a truly high-performance machine like an Acer Predator (check out this acer predator x34 review). Modern games take up a lot of space, so a big hard drive is a must – you’ll want it to be a fast drive, too. Running those games also takes a lot of processing power, so a heavy hitting processor will be important. You can do without too many cores in your processor if each is extra fast.

Unless you want to sputter out low-quality visuals on the newest games, you’ll need a dedicated graphics card – even games like Minecraft, which people consider as having bad graphics needs some decent hardware to run because of the sheer amount that needs rendering, especially if you’re on a multiplayer server where buildings and structures are usually more extravagant. (If you’re thinking of hosting a Minecraft server by the way, check out GG Servers [https://ggservers.com] for what they can do – their name is always floating around the airwaves in the Minecraft community) You can probably get by with something in the mid-range of graphics cards, but a high-end card is your best bet. Be sure to get plenty of VRAM on that card. When it comes down to making your pick, you’ll want to go with a card from Nvidia or AMD.

Thinking about anything other than Windows? Reconsider. Some games are made available for Mac and Linux, but there will be a great number of games unavailable to you if you aren’t running Windows.

Thinking about a laptop? Reconsider again. There is a premium to be paid for cramming high-end hardware into an extra small box, and a PC gaming rig requires a lot of high-end hardware. There are plenty of quality gaming laptops out there, but in most instances they will be far more expensive than an equal desktop. An added benefit of going with a desktop is that you will be able to swap out components, and upgrading to a new graphics card is much easier in a desktop.

On Sunday, October 5, the Ventura Botanical Gardens (VBG) annual “Grow Your Garden” fundraiser brunch was held in Grant Park.

The nearly 500 guests who attended the brunch, prepared by Seasons Catering, were given the option of either hiking the trail up to the lunch area or riding shuttles from the City Hall parking lot up to the site.

The cooler weather and two large tents made for a comfortable event. Several speakers talked to the invited attendees and films were shown presenting inspirational photos and additional speakers.

Entertainer Hannah Davey started the day with her wonderful signing rendition of America the Beautiful.

She was followed by welcoming speeches by Beverly McCaslin, Founding member of the Gardens’ board of directors, Kevin Clerici, Executive Director of the Downtown Ventura Partners Improvement District and a member of the board, Gavin Garrety, an 8th grade student at DeAnza Academy of Technology & the Arts and Barbara Brown, founding partner of BBM&D Strategic Branding and a Charter Member of the VBG, who currently serves as its Vice President.

Barbara Brown stated, “We have much to do for the Gardens, from putting in water and plants to creating new buildings, to building our corps of volunteers. Support from our donors helps ensure that we can create a world class Gardens for Ventura County. To build a strong foundation for our programs and to provide a stable future for our Gardens, we have created a multi-year giving society we call the Perennial Society, our most committed supporters. If you have been inspired by what you have seen today, I ask you now to consider joining us this morning as a member of the Perennial Society.”

The motto of the Gardens’ is to create and maintain public gardens for the preservation, education, cultural contribution and enhancement of the entire community”. The Gardens are already accomplishing this mission as nearly 1,500 people per month now hike the trail.

The location of Ventura Botanical Gardens is Grant Park, in the foothills above City Hall, in downtown Ventura. The first trail, the Demonstration Trail, is complete. Almost a mile long and six feet wide, with a decomposed granite surface and hand‐built stone walls, the trailhead begins at the upper parking lot behind City Hall. Planting for the Chilean Gardens has begun. When completed, the Chilean Gardens will be the largest in the world, outside of Chile. Grant Park is open from dawn to dusk.

For more information, visit www.venturabotanicalgardens.com.

What do you say about the couple that works out together? 

The Pierpont Racquet Club (PRC)is celebrating 38 years in the Racquet Sports & Fitness Industry this October.  All these years the Club has been a second home to so many in our community!  As a matter of fact, many of their current members who grew up here as little kids, are now raising families and making sure to share the same experience with their own kids that they had!  With Tennis, Swimming, Fitness and Childcare, among many other amenities all under one roof, how could you not be a member at the Pierpont Racquet Club?

What do you say about the couple that works out together?  Zack is a cradle PRC member!  He loves to stay fit at the Pierpont Racquet Club when he is home in town.  Zack says “I grew up here at the PRC! I even worked here, built my resume and networked with members; which led me to my current awesome career, following professional sports around the country!  Now Krystal, my girlfriend, and I enjoy the great facilities here together! This place has been my home for all of my 27 years!”

You too can create your own personal PRC Member Story. Come down anytime during the last October days as they celebrate 38 years in business, and get 38% off the Join Fee to become a member!  Now is a great time!  Call 648-5161 or visit www.pierpontrc.com or see PRC on facebook!

The County of Ventura Grand Jury is an all-volunteer group serving as an independent agent of the public to investigate complaints from the public pertaining to government agencies in our community.  Is your organization interested in hearing about these investigative duties and procedures?  The Grand Jury Speakers Bureau is available to educate the public in its endeavors as the “public watchdog” for Ventura County. To learn more or schedule a date for a presentation, please call the Grand Jury at 477-1800.  For additional information, you may also refer to its website, http://www.ventura.org/grand-jury

By Kevin Brannon Host

It’s definitely not your typical fishing year and that’s an understatement no one could have predicted. Although, following a strong fishing season last year El Nino brings warmer waters into our area. Exotics are the topic matched with plenty of bait fish-Sardines, anchovies, mackerel squid and even the tuna crab (AKA red crab). Yellowtail numbers have been ridiculous. Here’s a quick fact on yellowtail. They get called tuna when they’re actually from the amber jack family. Yellowfin are the tuna. Both are game fish and prize trophies. To catch them you must fight hard and they are great to eat. Mostly in the sushi style, eaten raw or Sashimi. The warm water also gets Bonito (pronounced Bonita) and another prized local game fish is the Calico Bass, or Kelp Bass. More good eats!

One negative thing about the warm water is that it can kill the kelp and destroy Calico Bass fishing as it did last time we had El Nino conditions. Nature will take its course. Nothing we can do about it except get in on all of the hot local fishing action. If you are in need of some fishing equipment for your trips, you may want to check out some carp fishing wafters online from sites like casualcarper.com, and see how you can best prepare yourself for the fishing season.

Predictions say that it has not fully peaked yet. More exotics on the way. A dozen Marlin have been hooked with only a couple making it to the deck of the boat. Possibly Wahoo and Dorado (AKA Mahi Mahi) could be coming up as well. A few other landings have been reporting them. Mixed in with some Blue Fin Tuna. So I highly recommend it.

If you’ve never done it before you can rent a rod, buy the set up and gear that’s working on the water at Ventura Sportfishing Landing. The captains and crews will set you up to catch a fish of a lifetime.
Channel Islands Sportfishing 805-382-1612
Ventura Sportfishing 805-676-3474

Note: 16 and older needs a Fishing License but no license needed for anyone on a pier.
Items to have with you: Sunscreen, sun glasses, hat, pliers, small towel for your hands.
A Fish and Wildlife rules and regulation booklet is very helpful.
Only keep what you plan to eat.
Practice CPR- Catch Photograph and Release

Kevin Brannon Host and Producer -www.reelanglersfishingshow.com