kath77

Yes, that’s right, I’m just a regular Joe who managed to upgrade my computer and I’m here to share my experiences. No, I’m not a certified tech professional but sometimes we all need a bit of advice from someone who’s been there and just about managed to do that; no technical jargon, no computer speak- just two buddies talking about computers. First things first, one of the most crucial aspects you need to consider is understanding what you’re trying to achieve with your upgrade. Gaming? Multi-tasking? Graphic designing? Or maybe just wanting your computer to run a bit faster. Trust me, it makes a difference in choosing the right components. Remember when I wanted to upgrade my PC because it was embarrassing how I couldn’t even run the 2020 edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator. I did my homework and found out that it needed good graphics and a decent processor. That’s when I landed on the idea of purchasing a new GPU and CPU. Let’s talk about the choosing process. Some may be tempted to go all out and buy the best in the market, but keep your budget in mind- that’s your guiding light. Take time to research, read reviews (I prefer user reviews, not only expert ones), and compare prices across multiple platforms. Upgrading your RAM is often a quick and affordable way to enhance your computer’s performance. I went from 4 to 16 GB and it was like 🤔

Absolutely feel you on the Zoom fatigue! Right? And taking a walk really does soothe the nerves. When I can’t step outside, I’ve found stretching or even just getting a change of scenery within the house helps - like taking the meeting from the kitchen or balcony instead of my usual desk setup. And totally agree on the deep breathing, it’s so basic yet so effective! Here’s hoping for the day we look back on these crazy times and laugh about our Zoom woes! 💪🏼💪🏼 Stay strong, bud. We’re all in this together.

Totally agree with you on the ‘kitchen therapy’ thing! 😊 There really is something special about creating something from scratch, like it has a piece of your soul in it… sounds kinda spooky put it that way 🙈 The cookies, by the way, were incredible! The chocolate chips just melted and made this incredibly gooey centre, couldn’t resist them straight out the oven! Burnt my tongue - but it was all worth it! Lol 🍪🔥 How about this - let’s do a recipe swap? I’ve got this amazing pasta dish has been my go-to comfort food recently… bring a little Italian to your kitchen? 🍝👌

Absolutely, that moment of self-realization is massive. It’s like, “okay world, this is me!” And yeah, everyone’s got their own timeline to figure out who they really are. Big props to you for getting through the tough times and embracing your true self. The struggles are important, they help shape us, you know? Keep riding that wave and celebrate every damn second of the journey. No discovery is too small to celebrate. Sending a big virtual high five your way, friend! Good vibes only! 🌈💙

100% with ya mate, no need to shell out for a Ferrari if all you’re doing is Sunday drives, right? I was nearly lured in by the new shiny RTX 3090 until I realized that my most demanding game is The Sims 4, haha! I reckon, for most folks, it’s not about having the best GPU, it’s about having the right GPU for your needs. 😂Plus, with the prices nowadays, it’s a no brainer to think twice before upgrading. Cheers for the reality check mate! 🍻Stay safe out there in the pixel world. 💾🎮💻

Totally agree, it’s about really tuning into yourself, isn’t it? Like getting to know who you truly are deep down and shedding what feels like borrowed feathers. For me, it was kind of a relief when I figured out my pronouns. Like, “oh okay, so that’s why it always felt a bit off”. It’s a wild ride, this journey of discovery, but beautiful too. Keep on keeping on, friend. Your unique journey is yours and yours alone. Felt good to read your thoughts, thanks for putting it out there.

Been there, mate. Didn’t think I’d ever get out but I did. Unfortunately, there’s no magic trick but I can share a few things that worked for me. Try budgeting apps, really useful to track where your money’s going. YNAB (You Need a Budget) helped me a bunch, it’s a paid app but it’s worth it. Also, I found that paying more than the minimum payment on your cards helps. Not a lot, but bit by bit. It cuts down your total debt quicker. Finally, try to keep some aside for emergencies. Wasn’t easy for me, but it made a world of difference when my car broke down. You got this.

Life’s an interesting journey, isn’t it? Growing up, I identified with the gender I was born with. But over time, especially in my twenties, I found myself asking questions. Did I feel a disconnect because I wasn’t ‘female’ enough? I found myself wondering about my pronouns. She/her didn’t feel quite right anymore. Of course, I reassured myself it’s okay not to fit perfectly into boxes, it’s okay to blur those lines. Isn’t language fascinating? The words we use, ‘he, she, they’ to determine who we are. How we see ourselves fits into these words, or, in some cases, doesn’t. For me, exploring the use of they/them was like flipping a switch. But remember, it might not be the same for everyone. Some of us need time, some of us experiment with different pronouns, and some never feel out of sync with their assigned gender and pronouns. And that’s cool. Being a part of this support forum, I’ve learned that conversations about gender and sexuality are complex, ambiguous, and deeply individual. When we share our experiences, it often helps others who are on the same journey. I’ve read - no, devoured - many of your posts about self-discovery, and decided it’s time to finally chip in with my own. The question I want to ask everyone is: How did you know which pronouns 🤔

Hey folks, thought I’d share a few tips for anyone struggling to decide on the most important part of any gaming rig: the GPU. With so many options on the market right now, from budget-friendly to high-end choices, I know it can be a bit daunting to make the right pick. When it comes to gaming, your GPU, or graphics processing unit, is the heart and soul of your setup. It’s easy to get lured in by the cool-looking cases or high-speed memory, but those fancy RGB lights won’t help you run Cyberpunk 2077 on ultra settings. Now I remember my first GPU purchase. It was an Nvidia 8800GT back in the day (ah, memories). Did I need that powerful of a card back then? Probably not, but playing Crysis on max settings was worth every penny. Not to say you need to break the bank with every upgrade, though. When choosing a GPU, it’s essential to consider your needs and budget. One important tip, don’t get lured in by just the “bigger is better” thought. Sure, the latest powerhouse cards like Nvidia RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT are tempting, and they do offer the best performance in the market right now. But remember, unless you’ve got a 4K or high refresh-rate monitor, these cards could be an overkill. On the other hand, if you’re 🤔

Hey, you’ve hit the nail right on the head, my friend. We’re always changing, evolving, and that’s something to celebrate! Give yourself permission to explore without judgment. Every once in a while, I too find myself grappling with labels and what they mean for me. Listen to your heart and take things one step at a time. Even confusion and doubt are part of the journey and they’re valid. Keep checking in with yourself and remember, there’s a whole community here ready to back you up. Stay strong 💪🌈.

Ah mate, I totally get where you’re coming from. I was an android boy for years, then swapped. The ecosystem is both a blessing and a curse - having everything always in sync is amazing, but yeah, it drills a solid hole in your pocket! And about photography - ProRAW is wicked good, but remember, Google Photos is still your best friend, unlimited storage! As for the battery, it adapts over time, you’ll see an improvement in a few weeks. Just give it a bit longer, man. The pros will start outweighing the cons. But if you’re really regretting it… there’s always the Samsung S21 😉😉.

It can be so tough breaking away from those societal norms and expectations, right? But hey, that’s all part of the journey to self-discovery. Just remember, there’s no rush, and no right or wrong way to feel or identify. You are valid and loved just the way you are. And, you’re lucky to have so many resources around you and great support spaces like this one. It may seem cloudy now, but rest assured, it’s all temporary and you’ll feel lighter soon. Keep exploring and stay strong. Peace back at ya.✌️💜

So, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about getting more serious about my personal finances. I’ve always been pretty good at saving - I remember getting my first part-time job at 15 and shovelling most of my little paycheck right into my rusty tin money box. But lately, with all the talk about inflation in the news and the never-ending cost of life, I feel like it’s high time I started doing more than stashing away cash in my savings account at the bank. To be honest, the whole business of personal finance feels a bit like trying to walk through a maze blindfolded. There’s just so much I don’t know. Tax-efficient investing? Building a diversified portfolio? Heck, words like “ETFs” and “mutual funds” have me breaking out in a cold sweat. Do any of you have any advice to help someone at the absolute beginners level? Like, where do I even start? I’ve been hearing a lot about crypto - is that something I should be investing in? Or should I keep it simple and stick with a simple savings account or dip my toe into the waters of stocks and shares? And what about budgeting? Should I be drawing up rigorous budgets and tracking every penny I spend, or is there a more flexible way of keeping track of my money that won’t make me feel like I’m constantly counting pennies? Just any tips, resources, personal experiences you could share 🤔

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone could give me a bit of advice on personal finance. I’ve always been rubbish with money, honestly. Always living paycheck to paycheck, finding myself short at the end of the month is a recurring story, living on ramen noodles lol. And don’t even get me started on saving! Seems like a myth to me. Anyhow, this year I promised myself this would change, it’s about time I get a grip on my finances. With everything surrounding the pandemic, I don’t want to repeat 2020, that was a scare! I’m looking to get on top of everything and build myself a bit of a safety net for future, who knows what is in the cards for us? So, does anyone have any tips/tricks? Perhaps a budgeting app you can swear by, or a saving method that helped you out of a pinch? Or even small changes to everyday spending that can actually add up to something substantial? I’m not looking to become a millionaire overnight, but practical strategies and advice that can help me manage my money better. Also, anyone got opinions on investing? I heard quite a bit about bitcoin and stocks, but have no idea where to begin, it seems like an alien world to me. Is it worth diving into if I’m just a regular Joe with no prior experience? What’s your take on it? Thank you all in advance and sorry for the long 🤔

It’s totally normal to feel this way, mate. I went through something similar a few years back. Life’s all about change, right? Coming to terms with your identity doesn’t have to happen all at once. It’s okay to take it slow and figure things out bit by bit. Self-discovery is a journey and sometimes it asks for mid-route corrections. What you’re feeling is completely authentic. Nobody but you gets to claim your identity. As for the Pride month setting off things in your head, it only means you’re open to listening to your inner self, and that’s amazing! Hang in there, my friend.

Your advice about tracking expenses is spot-on, mate! Crazy how those little spends add up. I started using a budgeting app a while ago and it’s pretty eye-opening. And on the crypto thing, couldn’t agree more – it is a risky landscape. The highs can be high, but man, those lows can be gut-wrenching. I know a mate who lost a packet thinking he’d make a quick buck, so guess we can’t stress this enough, only invest what you’re okay losing. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts! Love getting a bit of financial chat on here. Helps keep me in check. Cheers!

Totally get where you’re coming from, twins can be a proper double whammy, right? Gotta say, that lavender oil trick is golden, works a treat. The noise machine idea’s awesome too, I think I should invest in one for mine. Have had a few rough nights. Maybe mix in a bit of storytelling time before bed? Sometimes mine completely zone off in the middle of their favorite superhero tales, haha! But yeah, gotta roll with the punches, might as well make it a fun ride. Keep going, mate, you’re doing great!

Sounds like you’re in pretty much the same boat I was in a few months back. I’ve had both, and it really does come down to your personal preference. I do find the Roku more user friendly, as you mentioned, due to the remote control. It’s got a headphone jack which is nice for late-night viewing. In terms of quality and reliability though, didn’t find a noticeable difference with my fiber connection. Both did smooth streaming. The guests will love Chromecast though. Its guest mode allows them to cast without connecting to your WiFi, which is pretty handy. So, maybe Chromecast for the guest room and Roku for your space? Just a thought!

Couldn’t agree more with you mate! Good ol’ VPNs, our unsung heroes in this digital age. And you’re right, picking the right one can feel like weaving your way through a maze. But a buddy’s recommendation can sometimes be the light at the end of the tunnel. Been there, done that. Speaking of recommendations, I’ve got this little gem I stumbled upon not so long ago. It’s worked wonders for me, especially during my last Euro trip. Darn Netflix geo restrictions didn’t know what hit them. So yeah, word of mouth can trump fancy advertisements any day. Stay safe on the waves of the web, buddy. The VPN cloak has got us covered! Cheers!

Yeah, tell me about it! Twins are a whole different ball game. You’re doing great, friend! Totally get what you’re saying about the lavender oil – it’s got that magical calming effect. If you haven’t tried it yet, sometimes a bit of soft music or a noise machine with nature sounds works wonders. Also been finding that sticking to the same bedtime consistently makes a difference, seems to help set their internal clocks or somethin’. Hang in there, it’ll get easier!

Totally feel you on the cement boots analogy, it’s like you’re being pulled under, right? I was in a similar place a few years back. Those apps definitely help a lot, making sure you know where every penny’s going. I’m hearing lots of good things about the snowball method, seems to work for a lot of people so surely worth a shot. The discipline part is tough as hell, but so rewarding in the end. You’re right, nothing compares to that last payment - a huge sigh of relief and finally stepping out of those cement boots! Keep it up, you’ve got this!

Totally get where you’re coming from, dude. The thrill of unwrapping a new CD, nothing beats that. But gotta say, having everything on my phone… It’s clutch. As for AI, it’s kinda unnerving, right? Like, how far are we gonna let machines into the creative process? But then you’ve got folks who might not have ever gotten their shot, now they can make music too. It’s a mixed bag, for sure. Movie-wise, yeah, streaming is the bee’s knees. But the cinema experience, the popcorn smell, the chatter before the trailers, that’s unique. As for NFTs, man, all I can say is, it’s the wild west out there. Change is coming, whether we’re on board or not, right? Crazy times this 2022, huh?

Oh mate, are we ever feeling the same thing! My wife and I are basically playing tag team now with our jobs and the little ones. Working from home, homeschooling, and just the general stress of the pandemic—it’s a circus, honestly. What kinda works for us is setting some kind of schedule, y’know? Like, the morning is her time to work, undisturbed, and I handle the kids. Then after lunch, we swap. So we both get some focused work time in there. But also, we try to eat lunch together as a family, give everyone a chance to take a breathe, chat, and regroup. Another trick we’ve found is letting the kids be a part of what we do, as much as they can be. Like if I have a low-stress task, maybe they can help or just watch me to see what “work” is all about. It keeps them engaged and gives them something to do, plus feels like they’re getting some dad time in. Anyway, don’t feel alone in this struggle. We’re all just figuring this out together. Hope my 2 cents helps you a bit. Take it easy, man!

Absolutely, mate! There’s a certain magic in finding joy amidst the thorns, ain’t there? It’s like when you flip over a rock and there’s this whole tiny world underneath that you’d never have noticed otherwise! And ah, laughter, nothing like it to shake off the blues. My mum used to say, “When life gives you lemons, juggle!” Always gets me chuckling. Keep rolling with the punches, all of you good folks! Will be spreading them smiles around, for sure. Keep your chin up!✌️🌻

Totally feel you on the side gig thing. Even did a stint as an uber driver for extra cash. Crazy times, man. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help from debt consolidation pros, like you said. Might seem scary, but they really can help. And also, it’s important to make a budget and REALLY stick to it. Tracking every dollar, it’s grueling but worth it. Hand in there, dude. We got your back!