Either enough to just replace your existing storage, or some smaller amount that you can then use with bcache to functionally speed up your existing storage. Look into investing in faster storage.The improvement is generally proportionate to how well the data compresses, but in many cases can easily translate to a 30% or more improvement. Provided you have a reasonably fast CPU, this will usually reduce the time required to read a large file, at the cost of requiring a bit more CPU time. Store the data compressed on disk, ideally using a filesystem that provides transparent compression, such as BTRFS, F2FS, or ZFS.If your data does not all fit in RAM, you have two realistic options: If all of your data actually fits in RAM, you’re much better off just pinning it all in RAM, either by using a tool like vmtouch, or by having the application mmap all the files and then call mlock on all the mapped regions. If you think you need a ramdisk, then 99% of the time you should really be using tmpfs instead. It also happens to auto-size based on the amount of data stored in it (instead of having to have the size defined up front), and it even can leverage swap space. This duplication of data as well as the number of additional layers involved are why tmpfs exists on Linux, instead of involving the block layer, a tmpfs filesystem just stores data directly in the page cache, skipping all the extra complexity. Because it is a block device, you end up with any read having to go through the block layer, and the filesystem, and the regular VFS layer, and the data will end up cached in RAM in addition to being stored in the RAM disk. We initially avoided this since often times certain files will not be accessed for long periods of time, but still need the read/write speed on-demand.įirst off, a RAM disk is almost never the correct answer on Linux. To note, we would like to avoid merely RAM caching the files with the OS, but if we can get the same performance as a stand-alone RAM disk, that could work. More importantly since the idea is to have the RAM disk be available for read/write, and have the physical disk "shadowing" the RAM disk, catching up with writes, we would want the RAM disk to be the "primary" disk for all reads/writes. I've found separate documentation on RAM disks, RAID 1 configuration, and Logical Mirrored Volumes to group physical disks, but I can't seem to find any documentation that suggests if either of these disk replication solutions can be used with a RAM disk. The problem I have with a RAM disk is the inherent volatility. While exploring possible solutions the idea of a RAM disk came up. One of those applications deals with a lot of flat files, and we're having throughput issues, namely waiting on disk I/O. We have a server with 64GB of total RAM, applications are using typically a maximum of 30GB of that available RAM.
0 Comments
This FPV-focused drone only weighs a mere 54 grams, yet records in stunning 5.3K widescreen at either 24, 50, or 60p and offers amazing slow-motion capabilities up to 240 frames per second at Full DH 1080p resolution.īut, weight reduction comes at a price and you will not find any front or rear screens on this GoPro model, you have to make do with reviewing all your FPV cinematic footage on your computer by removing the memory and transferring the old-fashioned way. Just launched, the GoPro Hero 10 Black Bones is a fully stripped-down FPV dedicated action cam, which shares most of its features with the GoPro Hero 10 Black. Read our full GoPro Hero 9 review (opens in new tab) for more details It's a fantastic bit of kit that will help you capture moments to remember in high definition. Thanks to its removable lens over, there's also the option to add a Max Lens Mod accessory to the GoPro Hero 9 Black which adds a few GoPro Max (opens in new tab)-style features such as 360-degree horizon lock and ultra-wide 155-degree Max SuperView mode. The 2.27-inch rear screen is larger than that found on the Hero 8 black and its Hypersmooth 3.0 video stabilization has also benefitted from improvements. It also boasts a 20-megapixel sensor and can shoot up to 5K video which might be a bit overkill but it's certainly nice to have! You can also capture 14.7-megapixel still grabs from the video which is ideal for sharing on social media. Now, if you use it mostly mounted to a helmet, your chest, or your handlebars you probably won't find it all that useful, however, if you're using it for vlogging, as a webcam, or for selfies it's a great addition. The most obvious difference between the GoPro Hero 8 and GoPro Hero 9 is the addition of a front-facing LCD screen. Read more: GoPro Hero 10 Black review (opens in new tab) for more details You can buy a wealth of accessories separately so as well as mounting it on your helmet, you could attach it to your chest, your head, or even onto one of the best selfie sticks (opens in new tab). It also has the ability to shoot 23-megapixel photos and it has the best low-light performance of any GoPro yet. The stand-out feature is its ability to record 5.3K 60p using GoPro's new HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization. It features the new G2 processor which makes the interface super responsive, doubles the frame rates, and fuels the best image stabilization tech available in action cameras. It might look a lot like the GoPro Hero 9 but it is a pretty significant upgrade. The GoPro Hero 10 might be a little more than you need if you just want a helmet cam for safety purposes, but if you're looking for a camera that's going to record super-smooth high-quality video this can't be beaten. GoPro Subscription explained: what you get, and is it worth it Read our full GoPro Hero 11 Black review (opens in new tab) for more details Particularly appealing to folks who use multiple social platforms, nothing else can do quite what the 11 Black can. Still, with its new 8:7 sensor, a simplified interface, and enhanced horizon leveling, it's upgraded GoPro's offering in a meaningful way. The Hero 11 Black might not have wildly improved the line's lowlight performance. You can also grab 27MP stills from 5.3K video. On top of 8:7 video, the Hero 11 Black captures 5.3K resolution video at 60 fps, 4K resolution video at 120 fps, or 2.7K resolution at 240 fps. Able to shoot in 5.3K resolution, 8:7 video at up to 30fps, its footage can be losslessly cropped to create new 4K portrait, landscape, and square clips from a single video. The Hero 11 Black's 8:7 aspect ratio is also a standout highlight for content creators. With best-in-class stabilization, great-looking video in all but dimly-lit and dark scenes, and some fun new modes like light painting, the Hero 11 Black is an excellent addition to the line. The new, almost square sensor is supremely versatile, the camera's software has been simplified successfully, and GoPro's companion app, Quik has also been improved. GoPro membership required to unlock featuresĭespite the Hero 11 Black looking like every other GoPro this side of 2019, with upgraded hardware and software, it's a triumph on all fronts. There is a strong player control in FIFA 19. there is a new Active Touch System in FIFA 19 which was not present in previous versions. There are different differences among older versions of FIFA as compared to FIFA 19. The gameplay changes over time with increasing quality and advancement in technology. The character of Alex Hunter first appeared in FIFA 17, then this character returns back for the third and final installment of “The Journey “, entitled “The Journey: Champions”. This anthem is created specifically for this game. There is a composer Hans Zimmer and rapper Vince Staples they have recorded a new remix of UEFA champions league anthem. Martin Tyler and Alan Smith return as a regular commentator, while the new commentary team of Derek Rae and Lee Dixon feature in UEFA competitions mode. This game presents the UEFA club competitions for the first time, including UEFA Champion league. This FIFA 19 is the 26th installment in the FIFA series. Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar appear on the Champions and Ultimate Edition packs for the game. In FIFA 18 Cristiano Ronaldo was portrayed as the cover athlete of the regular edition. This FIFA 19 game was released on 28 September 2018 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows. They have announced this game in the press conference on 6 June 2018. This game was developed by EA Vancouver and EA Bucharest as the part of electronic arts, FIFA series. So that before purchasing the game players can have an idea about what this game is about and how you are going to play this. As this essay is solely written about this video game. You can have details about all the aspects of that FIFA 19 game through this cheap college essay. FIFA 19 is the video game that is designed by taking inspiration from FIFA football games. Relic Entertainment has put a lot of effort into adapting the game system to consoles, and players will find specific features that will let them take part in exciting strategic battles in real-time without any problems. Dans cette édition, vous obtiendrez le jeu de base Company of Heroes 3 ainsi que le pack DLC de la Brigade du Diable, qui contient des apparences Légendaires pour les fusiliers américains, le M18 Hellcat, le M8 Greyhound et la section de reconnaissance. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. Therefore, Company of Heroes 3 is now in a much better state than it was at launch, and it's better prepared for its upcoming release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Innovative combat like breaching, verticality tactics, and sandbox focused missions will wow veteran Company of Heroes players. Précommandez lédition de lancement et obtenez plusieurs éléments de lancement. Read reviews and buy Company of Heroes 3 Console Edition - Xbox Series X/Xbox One at Target. The introduction of a paid currency is not much of an issue in Company of Heroes 3 as it just allows you to unlock cosmetic rewards from the shop which does not give you any advantage in multiplayer games. The recent release of Operation Sapphire Jackal in a free update brought the Challenges system, which rewards players with currency to buy cosmetic items for completing daily and weekly objectives, but it also added quite a few fixes and enhancements to the game. Fortunately, the time has proven the sequel to Company of Heroes 2 to be a great game with a lot of room for improvement. Publisher Sega, in association with developer Relic Entertainment, has announced that wartime strategy sequel Company of Heroes 3 will be making its debut on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Company of Heroes is coming to consoles for the first time. Some players thought that it was a bit of an unfinished game that needed more work, some didn't like the new dynamics of the two campaigns set in the Mediterranean theatre of war during World War II, and so on. Company Of Heroes 3 Is Coming To PS5 And Xbox Series In 2023. However, physical pre-order start dates “may vary by territory.” It’s currently unclear, though, whether or not purchasing the game early will give you any additional benefits.Company of Heroes 3 didn't manage to convince all the fans of the long-lived RTS series at launch. Company of Heroes 3 Console Edition for Xbox Series XACCLAIMED TACTICAL GAMEPLAY IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER. Those looking to do so will be able to buy the digital version through either the Microsoft store or the PS Store on the aforementioned date. Sega have also revealed that players can start pre-ordering both the physical and digital editions of the game on April 25, 2023. Unfortunately, no news of a Nintendo Switch port has been provided by the developers at the time of writing so handheld console fans may have to wait a bit longer. This includes both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, which means you’ll be able to play the game if you own either of these two platforms. When is the Company of Heroes 3 release date on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S?Ĭompany of Heroes 3 will be released for current generation consoles on May 20, 2023. So if you’re a fan of Sega’s strategic war-themed offering, then you’ll be able to find out when it releases for your current generation platform below. Purpose built for Xbox, Company of Heroes 3 delivers a custom UI, full controller support, and features that allow you to play at your own pace. Having been released recently in February 2023 for the PC, console players that want to experience the game’s challenging design will finally be able to do so. Company of Heroes 3 is the ultimate WW2 console experience, delivering an acclaimed blend of action, tactics and strategy. and SEGA Europe Limited announced that the real-time strategy game would be coming soon to both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. As work continues on Company of Heroes 3, developer Relic Entertainment has shared a few details on the most important part of the game: making things go boom.While the first two Company of Heroes. Company of Heroes 3 will be available on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 on May 30, 2023. Company of Heroes 3 on consoles is no longer just a dream after Relic Entertainment Inc. So, I don’t know that undertone makes a huge difference when it comes to using an actual contour shade. Anytime I see a warm toned one, it seems more of a bronzer shade than a contour. A velvety, lightweight putty blush by e.l.f Cosmetics from USA that melts into your skin. And the only grey toned browns I see are usually cool. It’s supposed to be like your natural shadow. I could be wrong about this, but I feel like with contour you get some wiggle room. My best matches so far are L’Oréal Fresh Wear in 400 Pearl and ABH luminous in 110C. Then I’d use cool ones and they’d fit me better and neutral ones fit me well too. Infused with argan oil and vitamin E for some added nourishment. But, every time I used a warm foundation it seemed way too dark for me. This lightweight but buildable, putty to powder blush, blends seamlessly into skin. That’s what I had guessed too because I initially thought warm (I always tanned really well when I used to tan, I have dark brown hair with dark, almost black, eyes and those were things I’d heard/read go with being warm toned). I did that and the answers I got concluded I was neutral with some pink. elf Bahamas Putty Blush(7.00 for 0.35 oz.) is a medium orange with reasonable, heat undertonesbalanced between crimson and yellowpaired with a largely matte end. You just make a post, and submit photos of your skin next to red and blue blocks, with swatches of foundations, and greyed out. I saw on a makeup forum on here you could ask about the your undertone. Mod Post | Haul/Swatches | Discussions | Question | Review | Links of Interest LIGHTWEIGHT, BUILDABLE COLOR: Featuring a highly pigmented, silky-smooth formula, this blush blends seamlessly into skin and transforms from cream to a semi-matte. Putty Blush is a velvety, lightweight but buildable putty-to-powder blush that melts into your skin for a natural glow. If you asking for undertone help please provide a picture of face and neck (wrist is additional). CREAM-TO-POWDER FINISH: Say hello to that island glow e.l.f. If you're wearing makeup in a picture, please provide a full product list in the comments. E.L.F., Putty Blush, Bahamas, 0.35 oz (10 g) By E.L.F. Just post pictures of good quality and choose a proper angle, so we can see your face and makeup. Store 3,890 ratings 21 answered questions Amazon's Choice in Face Blushes by e.l.f. No self promoting like linking social media profiles or posting of affiliate links. Putty Blush, Creamy & Ultra Pigmented Blush For Natural Glow, Infused with Argan Oil & Vitamin E, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Bahamas, 0.35 Oz (10g) Visit the e.l.f. Your comment will be removed and you will be banned without warning. We don't bear any kind of racist behavior. Your Makeup Looks, holy grail lipsticks, your rage at wrong-toned foundation, we want to hear it all! Rules This sub is intended to help those with milkier and pale complexions who are interested in makeup and search for advice, tips, recommendations or just want to share their looks and favorites.Ĭomment and post at your leisure. For example, a module may have a total current rating of 8 amps, but each output is only rated for 2 amps. Output modules have an overall module current rating and a per point current rating. Indicating type fuse holders require different types depending on voltage level and voltage type.ĩ. Fuse holders are preferred to be blown fuse indicating type if budget allows, with touch-safe swing-out arms where possible. However, some customers may require the 0.25 in x1.25 in format. The 5x20mm fuse size is popular and often used for I/O fusing since it offers a minimum footprint size that fits well with traditional cage-type terminal blocks. Generally, fuses for I/O will be fast-acting type for better protection (whereas power distribution in a panel will require use of time-delay fuses).Ĩ. Be aware that extremely low amperage fuses are expensive and usually not warranted. Since fuses are replaceable items, there should also be consideration to selecting non-overlapping fuse sizes to facilitate proper replacement. Fuse selection should give consideration to minimizing the number of replacement parts which must be stocked. Ceramic fuses are generally a better choice in most applications.ħ. Be aware that in food production or facilities that limit glass, glass fuses may not be allowed. If I/O modules are electronically fused or current limited there should not be a need to use external fuses.Ħ. Check the I/O module documentation for on board fusing details and make sure any external fuses coordinate with on board module fuses. To understand how Klarna manages customer data, please click here.5. The details on your ID must match those on your order. Please note that you will not be able to collect your purchase without this verification. For Click and Collect purchases, you must bring either your driving licence or passport to store. Alternatively, a store colleague can email you the link to complete the process at home. To access Klarna finance, you’ll need to have a web enabled device with you at point of purchase. įinance available on spends over £30 and subject to credit assessment, terms & conditions apply, you must be aged 18 + and a permanent UK resident, please spend responsibly. Monthly repayment of £14.90 and a total amount payable of £357.60. Representative example: 18.9% APR representative based on a loan amount of £300 repayable over 24 months at an interest rate of 18.9% p.a. Only available on purchases of £499 or less. Only available on purchases of £399 or more. Only available on purchases of £399 or more Only available on purchases of £99 or more Halfords Limited and Halfords Autocentres Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the purposes of credit broking (Halfords Limited reference 724263, Halfords Autocentres Limited reference 755309) Well, if you don’t fancy spending all your cash in one go, we’ve got several finance options to help you spread the cost, covering spends over £30. Got your eye on a new road bike or shiny socket set? Maybe you’ve had to have unexpected repairs on your vehicle. Borrowing beyond your means could seriouslyĪffect your financial status, ensure you can afford to make your repayments on time by the *Finance available subject to credit assessment, terms andĬonditions apply, you must be aged 18 + and a permanent UK resident, please spend *Finance available subject to credit assessment, terms and conditions apply, you must be aged 18+ and a permanent UK resident, please spend responsibly. If (document.getElementById('bvseo-reviewsSection')) įlexible finance to help you spread the cost I found the ordering and collection process was really simple and the price was fair. But they work so far and are reasonably priced. I've been asked to review them having only purchased them recently, so can't say if they're long lasting, and can only trust that they'll 'blow' when they should. Purchased to fit my Halfords cup holder style adaptor, 2 USB & 2 plug ins to allow my Nextbase & other items to work VMware Tools ISO images are frozen for some end of life guest operating systems.For details on solaris.iso, refer to VMware Tools 10.3.10 Release Notes.For details on linux.iso, refer to VMware Tools 10.3.25 Release Notes.darwin.iso supports Mac OS X versions 10.11 and later.Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) with Microsoft's update KB4474419.Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) with Microsoft's update KB4474419.Windows 8.1 with Microsoft's update KB2919355.Windows Server 2012 R2 with Microsoft's update KB2919355.Refer to Microsoft's update KB2977003 for latest supported Visual C++ downloads. Customers should continue to use VMware Tools 10.2.x or older until they can patch or update their Windows OS to meet the prerequisites for VMware Tools 12.1.0. Installing or upgrading to VMware Tools 12.1.0 is not supported for Windows versions that do not meet the prerequisite.If the guest has a more recent version already present, the package does not install.įor a 32-bit Windows guest, the prerequisite version is Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86) version 6.įor a 64-bit Windows guest, the prerequisite versions are Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86) version 6 and Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (圆4) version 6. While preparing a Windows guest for installation, VMware Tools runs the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package installer which checks for the presence of a more recent version on the guest. The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package is a prerequisite for installing VMware Tools for Windows 12.1.0 and ships with the VMware Tools 12.1.0 download package.windows.iso supports Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 and later.VMware Tools 12.1.0 supports the following guest operating systems:.For earlier releases of VMware Tools, see the VMware Tools Documentation page.For more information on this vulnerability and its impact on VMware products, see. Installation and Upgrades for This Release.Guest Operating System Customization Support.What's in the Release Notes The release notes cover the following topics: VMware Tools | 23rd AUG 2022 | Build 20219665Ĭheck back for additions and updates to these release notes. The pace should increase as the team finds that connection. “The next person receives that energy and immediately connects and passes it to someone else in the circle saying, “Zap!” That person passes it to another on a “Zop!” The game goes on and on passing energy clearly and quickly all around the circle to the rhythm of “Zip-Zap-Zop! The challenge is to keep the energy moving throughout the team, keep it positive, and don’t let it drop!”Īllow the game to start slowly remind the students that the game is more about connection and being clear than it is about speed. To start the game, I will clearly use my hands, body, eyes, and voice to make contact with a ready teammate in the circle and instantly shoot them that energy. “In my hands, I have a bolt of positive energy. Here’s some good language to explain the game… They do this by looking around the circle, making eye contact, affirming, and “checking in” with every teammate. Say, “Congratulations! You’ve got the pattern we’ll follow throughout the game!”ĭiscuss and demonstrate the physical and mental “readiness,” used in the game (and in performance), then instruct the students to ready themselves and their team. Have them repeat the words, “Zip, Zap, Zop” three or four times, all together. Moreover, it is a great, easy demonstration of the bright, positive, connected energy wanted for creative collaboration. Zip Zap Zop is also a great exercise to explore pace, interpersonal connection, specificity, and clarity of choice. To do this, students must be clear with their intentions, making eye contact and connection with the person they send the energy to, and work together to keep the Zip Zap Zop rhythm going. The goal is to keep the Zips, the Zaps, and the Zops z’moving. As students “shoot” and “speak” this energy to one another, you’ll hear the energy passing through the group following the sequence of “Zip,” “Zap,” “Zop,” “Zip,” “Zap,” “Zop.” Essentially, students use their “pass energy” (in the form of a Zip, a Zap, or a Zop) clearly and rapidly across the circle. Whether the participants are 7, 17, or 67 years old, this game is a terrific way for a teacher or director to rally the troops into a “team,” in a simple yet active way. We often use this game as to open a workshop, class, or rehearsal. Zip-Zap-Zop is about connection, focus, and energy. But, trust me, these three Z words have a lot to offer in the theatre and in the classroom. If, however, you’ve NEVER found yourself in such a time and place, you might think “Zip-Zap-Zop” are just words thrown up on the TV screen whenever Batman and Robin punch a bad guy. If you’ve ever found yourself backstage in the excited, nervous, energy directly preceding an opening night for a middle-school, high-school, or college play, you are likely to know (and know very well) that ever-popular mantra of theatrical warm-up: “Zip-Zap-Zop.” Update : added link to Nico Hagenburger’s Medium article. Update : added ‘Workaround: Export with Changing File Names’. Update : partial rewrite for better clarity, new screenshots, added TextPreview. Update : updated screenshots for Glyphs 2. Update : added link to Adobe Fonts Folder tutorial. Update : removed the superfluous user-specific cache-cleaning, the sudo line removes all caches. Update : clarified where to delete the font. If you want to know more, Nico wrote a Medium article about it: Install Fonts Without Caching Issues on MacOS. Occasionally, you would still need to restart apps that used the font. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it did not. We have received contradictory reports from users of older macOS versions. We were able to confirm the reliability of this workaround only for macOS 10.13 and later. In Finder, Choose Go > Utilities (Cmd-Shift-U) and double click the app called Script Editor: Thus, you do not need to remember the Terminal voodoo or go looking for this blogpost again. Since you are on a Mac, you can put these exact commands in an AppleScript, and make it conveniently available in the Script menu. And you really do not want that, do you? OK, restart your Mac. Don’t think you can get away without a restart, otherwise the trouble will reappear. No, really, open the Apple menu in the top left corner and choose Restart. Type it anyway and confirm by pressing the Return key: sudo atsutil databases -removeĪnd now, restart your Mac. Attention, you will not see ‘passphrase bullets’ ( The first code line will prompt you for your password. If you type them, each line must be finished by pressing the Return key if you paste them, you may need to press Return to confirm the entry of the third line. Should this not help, or if you simply want to avoid restarting twice, open up your Terminal.app (you can find it in /Applications/Utilities/) and type (or copy and paste) the following commands. Make Apple Type Server clean its database That is OK, because it is rebuilding its caches. Your Mac may be a little busy for a while, so you may see more HD and CPU action for a few minutes. So, the second restart (without Shift) boots your Mac normally again. But because it is starting in Safe Mode, some kernel extensions are not loaded, and your Mac may not appear as performant and snappy as usual. Important: restarting twice is essential, because the first restart (with Shift) deletes the root of all evil, the font cache. Once your login screen comes up, log in to your user, and restart again, this time without the Shift key. Starting with Shift should cause your Mac to delete and rebuild its caches, amongst which the font cache. Restart your Mac while holding down your Shift key until it says ‘Safe Mode’ on your screen. Afterwards, you have two options: First line of defence: restart with Shift Important: Don’t just deactivate it, REMOVE IT. If this happens to you, delete the font from Font Book or whatever third-party utility you use. Your font does not print, or prints wrong or garbled letters.You type one letter, but a different one appears.Glyphs appear garbled and messed up on screen.Changes you made in the font do not appear on the screen.The font menu does not show your font anymore.Likewise, font caches allow your Mac to speed up the use of installed fonts because all the stuff your Mac had to calculate to make your font appear on the screen, has already been done.īut, of course, if the original font has changed, and the font cache does not know about it, then the data stored in it is outdated and most likely wrong. They can speed up your computer because it does not have to reprocess the original information every time. Caches are collections of previously calculated data. Why not? Because installing a font with the same name as a previously installed one can seriously mess up your font caches. So, you install it in the system by either opening it in Apple’s Font Book app, or by using a third-party font manager, or by simply dragging the font file into ~/Library/Fonts/. Congratulations: You do not need to read any further, you are done! Testing in non-Adobe appsīut let us assume you decided to test your font in an application like TextEdit or Word. If you want to test your font in a real-life situation, and you are thinking about Adobe apps, well, then you can use the Adobe Fonts folder, and avoid cache problems from the start. Users’ biggest strife in changing software programs is their desire to avoid a learning curve and a massive change in their overall interaction with a product, even if it’s superior. The near-identical interface, logos, and functionality of Microsoft®’s comparable office suite gives Libre Office an immense advantage. However, as Libre Office’s footprint grows, so will the desire to move away from monopolized, expensive software. Most people are “comfortable” with Microsoft’s products and therefore are willing to pay for them. I tested the functionality of opening a Libre Office ODF document within Microsoft Word and had no difficulty, and vice versa. Overall, I see no logistical advantage to using Microsoft’s Office suite over Libre Office. That is the purpose by which Libre Office was created. Microsoft serves as a pseudo-monopoly in the office productivity suite arena and that goes against Libre Office (and its parent charitable foundation, The Document Foundation)’s mission. The most obvious comparison for Libre Office is the software that it is basically copied after, Microsoft® Office 365 Suite. Libre Office’s open-source office productivity suite can be downloaded on the following operating systems: Windows 86: 64-bit, Windows 86, MacOS X 86: 64-bit, Linux x86: 64-bit (deb), Linux x86: 64-bit (rpm), Linux x86 (deb), and Linux x86 (rpm). Libre Office offers free customer support to include community assistance, FAQ, security advisory contact information, forums, and installation instructions. While this may sound alarming, this is typical of any software of freeware. They collect additional information including browser type and version, operating system (OS), IP address, data and time of access, and websites accessed from and by the user through Libre Office’s website. Libre Office’s privacy policy states that they only collect and use personal data when “necessary to provide a functional website and our content and services.” They also state that they only collect and use personal user data “with the consent of the user”. From a security standpoint, users are required to provide the standard amount of information to download the freeware. The loading speed of all programs within the Libre Office suite was acceptable, with no noticeable delays or issues. With its tables, queries, forms, and reports, this tool has the necessary power to turn a user’s datasets into usable information. The final tool in the suite, Base, is a database tool whose functionality is impressive. The variety of options allow users to create multiple, custom image types ranging from business flowcharts to silly graphics. Draw, a drawing, graphic-based tool, opens to a blank canvas with a multitude of toolbar options. I am not aware of a Microsoft® comparable product for formulas, making this an excellent differentiator for Libre Office. Math, a formula-creation and editing program within the suite, instantly looks like a program I wish I would have had in middle school. Once a template is chosen, intuitive editing and formatting options present themselves in various toolbars to the left, right, and above the draft. Impress, Libre Office’s presentation software, prompts the user to choose a template upon opening the program. I was able to easily add data, create formulas, format cells, and accomplish anything I would need from a spreadsheet software. The spreadsheet tool, Calc, also bears a striking resemblance to Excel, making for great ease of adoption. In Libre Office’s word processor, Writer, I found it easy to draft documents, edit, format, and utilize any functionality a user would expect in a program like this. Most buttons and toolbars are exactly where a Microsoft® user would expect to find them, making the learning curve very shallow. As soon as the program opens, users will feel instantly at home, with a copycat interface to that of Office365. A computer restart is suggested for the full installation settings to take effect however, the program will work immediately upon its download, regardless of a restart. First, the download was quite easy and fast. The logos and icons and overall user interface feel like Deja vu as you toggle back and forth between each program. Libre Office’s look and feel bears a striking resemblance to Microsoft® Office 365 suite. Libre Office may give Microsoft® Office suite a run for its money with its near-identical user interface and free download. |