What's on your mind?

[Reginald_001]

14 hours ago, MrEsturk said:

Trying to do some voice acting work to create sound effects for my new Duke Nukem monsters. Nothing will quicker teach you that:

 

A - It is MUCH harder than it looks

B - when it comes to voice acting you are probably a no talent hack?

 

And given all I have to do is make some overacted creature grunts for a cheesy video game that doesn't take itself too seriously it is a video game journalist difficulty mode tier task as far as voice acting goes. And I still am struggling to make it not sound like total crap?

Tips!

 

- Find a room where no one else can hear you; takes away a lot of shame (also better for the recording)

- Really let go and act the stuff out. If you grunt, act like you are hurt in the stomach by a punch, etc.. it really helps with the overall quality.

 

 

[MrEsturk]

On 9/28/2019 at 12:40 PM, Reginald_001 said:

Tips!

 

- Find a room where no one else can hear you; takes away a lot of shame (also better for the recording)

- Really let go and act the stuff out. If you grunt, act like you are hurt in the stomach by a punch, etc.. it really helps with the overall quality.

 

-VIDEO-

Thanks for the advice! Though I discovered the problem isn't really my performance (it's not award winning but not god awful either) so much as my microphone just isn't designed to record sound effects. Everything comes out sounding like it was recorded in on the other side of an open gymnasium.

 

I'm using a small room so that isn't the issue. Also tweaking the volume after recording doesn't fix it (still has that recorded from a distance sound). So aside from spending a bunch of money to get proper equipment for a minor project that can't even begin to justify spending that much on I guess I'll just have to get my sound samples another way. Unless I can find some kind of fix in my sound editor options. ugh.

 

EDIT: I think I found a solution playing around with the Equalizer settings. I'm completely tone deaf when it comes to music/audio editing, but I'm slowly learning how to fake it a bit a least?

[KoolHndLuke]

RAID arrays and SATA disks. Never heard of this before, but it sounds really cool.

[RitualClarity]

2 hours ago, KoolHndLuke said:

RAID arrays and SATA disks. Never heard of this before, but it sounds really cool.

They are really cool... and awesome!

 

[KoolHndLuke]

6 hours ago, RitualClarity said:

They are really cool... and awesome!

 

I'm trying to figure out what RAID 0 would do. I understand mirroring, but I don't understand striping and how it speeds things up. I mean if you have a lot of ram and fast processor(s) already, why would you need it? But, faster definitely sounds better, lol! 

 

But, like can you tell the difference in speed immediately when starting programs and such since the drives read much faster? I understand the concept, I've just never seen it in action.

 

Edit; Okay, watched a vid to see the difference between hdd and ssd. The speed difference in booting and loading programs is significant. So, say RAID array with two ssd would be fuckin awesome! I wonder if you can combine them? hdd and ssd in a RAID array.

[RitualClarity]

7 hours ago, KoolHndLuke said:

1. I'm trying to figure out what RAID 0 would do. I understand mirroring, but I don't understand striping and how it speeds things up. I mean if you have a lot of ram and fast processor(s) already, why would you need it? But, faster definitely sounds better, lol! 
2. But, like can you tell the difference in speed immediately when starting programs and such since the drives read much faster? I understand the concept, I've just never seen it in action.
3. Edit; Okay, watched a vid to see the difference between hdd and ssd. The speed difference in booting and loading programs is significant. So, say RAID array with two ssd would be fuckin awesome! I wonder if you can combine them? hdd and ssd in a RAID array.

(edited the above for numbers for ease of response. Only numbers were changed at the time of quote)

1. Mirror is exactly that. a single copy on two drives. "redundant" if one drive fails the other one just keeps on going.  it is slower writing but can be faster at reads speeds. (slower as it is writing to two drives at once, faster read due to being able to read from two). Striping writes to two drives and reads from two drives so you gain speed because data can be pulled and written from two drives instead of one.  Storage is generally the slowest component on a system even in today M.2 standards. The processor and ram is magnitudes faster than any storage that is commercially available (not Raided or otherwise modified and not talking about specially drives or storage etc) Raid 1 is more stable and used for mission critical systems where down time is a very bad thing. One drive fails the system can continue until a replacement has been installed and the raid rebuilt. (barring a failure of the other drive) Raid 0 on the other hand is highly unstable. Easier to corrupt and if there is a failure of either drive or even the raid system. All is lost. (most of the time) or cost an incredible $$$$ of money to recover. Special process is required to recover data from a Raid 0 but a Raid 1 drive can be removed from the computer and the data can easily be seen (good drive)
2. Older drives were slower and was much more noticeable when you used Raid zero. (Mirror would actually be more noticeably slower when writing data or storing data)  With more cache on the drives (even mechanical) this became less and less noticeable as the cache on the mechanical drives minimized the normal day to day writing and impact of the drives actual speed. However, large data writing or reading (depending on the system) would start to really become noticeable once the cache of the drives were maxed out.  You can see it yourself if you decide to Transfer large data from one drive to another provided it is larger than the cache on the drives. It will be super fast .. then somewhat then slow down to the standard drive speed of the slowest drive you have.
3. You want to combine drives that are the same, or at least very close to each other in specs. You don't want to combine an SSD and a mechanical in they way you are talking about.  In this case you would want the SSD to be the "cache" for the mechanical. they actually sell M.2s that are designed to be such a cache. (remember the benefit of cache with the mechanical hard drives above? This is even more considering not KB or a few MB but many MB or even a TB of cache) Which stores the most used data to help speed up the system and make it more responsive without the $$$ cost of SSDs. In reality with the dropping cost of SSDs unless you need a massive amount of storage you can or should be able to get enough to cover the OS and programs at least. If your machine uses M.2 drives (PCI express type) then you would want that as that is the fastest type available. Interesting note.. new Ryzen 3 boards have PCIexperess 4 and M.2 that can run at those speeds is an option.

you aren't aware or haven't taken into consideration software raid vs hardware raid. Just pointing that out in case you aren't aware of that. Something to check into as well.

[2dk2c.2]

1 hour ago, RitualClarity said:

(edited the above for numbers for ease of response. Only numbers were changed at the time of quote)

1. Mirror is exactly that. a single copy on two drives. "redundant" if one drive fails the other one just keeps on going.  it is slower writing but can be faster at reads speeds. (slower as it is writing to two drives at once, faster read due to being able to read from two). Striping writes to two drives and reads from two drives so you gain speed because data can be pulled and written from two drives instead of one.  Storage is generally the slowest component on a system even in today M.2 standards. The processor and ram is magnitudes faster than any storage that is commercially available (not Raided or otherwise modified and not talking about specially drives or storage etc) Raid 1 is more stable and used for mission critical systems where down time is a very bad thing. One drive fails the system can continue until a replacement has been installed and the raid rebuilt. (barring a failure of the other drive) Raid 0 on the other hand is highly unstable. Easier to corrupt and if there is a failure of either drive or even the raid system. All is lost. (most of the time) or cost an incredible $$$$ of money to recover. Special process is required to recover data from a Raid 0 but a Raid 1 drive can be removed from the computer and the data can easily be seen (good drive)
2. Older drives were slower and was much more noticeable when you used Raid zero. (Mirror would actually be more noticeably slower when writing data or storing data)  With more cache on the drives (even mechanical) this became less and less noticeable as the cache on the mechanical drives minimized the normal day to day writing and impact of the drives actual speed. However, large data writing or reading (depending on the system) would start to really become noticeable once the cache of the drives were maxed out.  You can see it yourself if you decide to Transfer large data from one drive to another provided it is larger than the cache on the drives. It will be super fast .. then somewhat then slow down to the standard drive speed of the slowest drive you have.
3. You want to combine drives that are the same, or at least very close to each other in specs. You don't want to combine an SSD and a mechanical in they way you are talking about.  In this case you would want the SSD to be the "cache" for the mechanical. they actually sell M.2s that are designed to be such a cache. (remember the benefit of cache with the mechanical hard drives above? This is even more considering not KB or a few MB but many MB or even a TB of cache) Which stores the most used data to help speed up the system and make it more responsive without the $$$ cost of SSDs. In reality with the dropping cost of SSDs unless you need a massive amount of storage you can or should be able to get enough to cover the OS and programs at least. If your machine uses M.2 drives (PCI express type) then you would want that as that is the fastest type available. Interesting note.. new Ryzen 3 boards have PCIexperess 4 and M.2 that can run at those speeds is an option.

you aren't aware or haven't taken into consideration software raid vs hardware raid. Just pointing that out in case you aren't aware of that. Something to check into as well.

I know now that "sims 4" takes a while to load, Windows takes a few long seconds to load, even with my bootable m.2 and a minion ssd.

But if you're in a forum RAID 10 sounds very impressive.

(sas 4, raid 10, or whatever it says on wiki)

 Uhm, how bored are you, how rich are you. it matters.

And in the right forum, you'd be a god, overclocking some bus to shave off yet another second of boot.

[rieka]

12 hours ago, KoolHndLuke said:

Edit; Okay, watched a vid to see the difference between hdd and ssd. The speed difference in booting and loading programs is significant. So, say RAID array with two ssd would be fuckin awesome! I wonder if you can combine them? hdd and ssd in a RAID array.

For my SSD system disk (500GB), it takes 5 minutes to scan the entire surface for physical errors. For my HDD disk, it took 10 times more. So there is a difference.

[RitualClarity]

6 hours ago, 2dk2c.2 said:

I know now that "sims 4" takes a while to load, Windows takes a few long seconds to load, even with my bootable m.2 and a minion ssd.

But if you're in a forum RAID 10 sounds very impressive.

(sas 4, raid 10, or whatever it says on wiki)

 Uhm, how bored are you, how rich are you. it matters.

And in the right forum, you'd be a god, overclocking some bus to shave off yet another second of boot.

Sims 4 is an optimized piece of shit. Sorry, it is. 

Raid 10 is just an extension (using both raid 1 and raid 0 ) giving you some benefits of both with a downside of both. Nice actually but you end up with 50% of the space of your hard drives (actually less than stated space due to formatting and such. )  Good but overkill unless you are a person that "needs it" which .. you likely would already know about it and have it implemented. Same with many of the other RAID options.

 

 

 

[RitualClarity]

I'd advise to get any thoughts of RAID out of everybody's mind. A simple fast SSD or M.2 is more than enough for almost all users.  People with special needs or uses NEED RAID, not the common person. I played with it a few years ago (quite a few when it was more relevant) and had nothing but headaches.  Software RAID is decent but has it shortcomings (hit to the processor) and hardware RAID is great but to get what you really should to get the results you want.. well that cost $$$$ and not needed.

 

It is a useful exercise in thought, something to play with on a non-mission critical computer or something found in a closet of your house but not for your main machine. The only except ion might be Raid 1 considering it is redundant but that is $$$ in drive space when a simple backup processes that is followed regularly can be cheaper and just as reliable (barring the time ti takes to restore the system. ) Raid 1 is only needed for those that want to keep or need to keep their system up and running when the drive fails which now a days.. is very rare and can be corrected by replacing a drive every 3~4 years (for the main drive ) some here likely do that already when they upgrade.  I have 10 year old drives I am now using for backup and they test and run fine. (also have a copy on two min for those important files )

 

RAID is nice, but not needed for regular computer users.

[MrEsturk]

Just got back from seeing Joker. Complete disappointment. Not once did it deliver on its promise that I would feel inspired to unleash a terrible vengeance on the society that wronged me! Yet another example of total false advertising from the Hollywood hype train.

[steelpanther24]

On 10/6/2019 at 12:09 PM, RitualClarity said:

I'd advise to get any thoughts of RAID out of everybody's mind. A simple fast SSD or M.2 is more than enough for almost all users.  People with special needs or uses NEED RAID, not the common person. I played with it a few years ago (quite a few when it was more relevant) and had nothing but headaches.  Software RAID is decent but has it shortcomings (hit to the processor) and hardware RAID is great but to get what you really should to get the results you want.. well that cost $$$$ and not needed.

 

It is a useful exercise in thought, something to play with on a non-mission critical computer or something found in a closet of your house but not for your main machine. The only except ion might be Raid 1 considering it is redundant but that is $$$ in drive space when a simple backup processes that is followed regularly can be cheaper and just as reliable (barring the time ti takes to restore the system. ) Raid 1 is only needed for those that want to keep or need to keep their system up and running when the drive fails which now a days.. is very rare and can be corrected by replacing a drive every 3~4 years (for the main drive ) some here likely do that already when they upgrade.  I have 10 year old drives I am now using for backup and they test and run fine. (also have a copy on two min for those important files )

 

RAID is nice, but not needed for regular computer users.

I wish I had read the full thread before spending 10 mins typing up what you said, but with less detail as you.......<sigh>

[RitualClarity]

1 hour ago, steelpanther24 said:

I wish I had read the full thread before spending 10 mins typing up what you said, but with less detail as you.......<sigh>

Its all good.

[KoolHndLuke]

15 minutes ago, RitualClarity said:

Its all good.

Further study in the subject shows me that there is actually a lot of things you can do with your drive configuration. But, yeah, the best way to improve drive performance is to buy the ones with faster read/write speeds. People say that makes a helluva difference in performance.

[RitualClarity]

19 hours ago, KoolHndLuke said:

Further study in the subject shows me that there is actually a lot of things you can do with your drive configuration. But, yeah, the best way to improve drive performance is to buy the ones with faster read/write speeds. People say that makes a helluva difference in performance.

It does to a point. At some point you won 't notice the difference. Except if you transfer extremely large files and such. Normal day to day work will seem the same at 500mb or 1500mb. (most of what is being done is less than 500mb at any given time so can't really see the difference) 

 

Those that work with large data sets or need access to the data (up and running system all the time) need these advanced options. Most just need a good SSD or better yet M.2

[KoolHndLuke]

I have a stupid idea......what if a mod manager like MO2- that uses virtual folders- be configured to decrypt mod data only when the game is running, thus enabling an extra layer of protection from mod theft? In other words, the mod stays encrypted until the game is run. Anyone trying to "steal" a mod is fucked.......sort of.

[2dk2c.2]

"what's on my mind"..geez. Nothing on my mind makes the grade, yet (see below) you'll pay $1500 for shoes.

And wrap them up and stick them in your safe-deposit-box, no doubt.

 

But maybe this pic'll brighten your bitchy day:

 

[DoctaSax]

On 10/11/2019 at 6:12 AM, KoolHndLuke said:

I have a stupid idea......what if a mod manager like MO2- that uses virtual folders- be configured to decrypt mod data only when the game is running, thus enabling an extra layer of protection from mod theft? In other words, the mod stays encrypted until the game is run. Anyone trying to "steal" a mod is fucked.......sort of.

Anyone trying to learn from it, or check it for disallowed content or theft would be fucked too.

[Guest]

kitty .p

[rieka]

On 10/11/2019 at 6:12 AM, KoolHndLuke said:

I have a stupid idea......what if a mod manager like MO2- that uses virtual folders- be configured to decrypt mod data only when the game is running, thus enabling an extra layer of protection from mod theft? In other words, the mod stays encrypted until the game is run. Anyone trying to "steal" a mod is fucked.......sort of.

Wouldn't that be able to be circumvented with executables which hook into the main program like Script Extender? At some point, the game would have to be able to access unencrypted data, and if there is a hook, it can be accessed from outside.

 

I'm speculating here, since I'm not a C programmer (more of interpreted languages like Python) and I don't have practical knowledge of Skyrim hooks.

[KoolHndLuke]

25 minutes ago, rieka said:

Wouldn't that be able to be circumvented with executables which hook into the main program like Script Extender? At some point, the game would have to be able to access unencrypted data, and if there is a hook, it can be accessed from outside.

 

I'm speculating here, since I'm not a C programmer (more of interpreted languages like Python) and I don't have practical knowledge of Skyrim hooks.

I mean, I don't even know if it's possible. Even if it is, though, it would cause too many problems I think. And it's not like we need more problems with modding games.

[RitualClarity]

First of all, there is an overhead for virtualization of the mods. Not a big one but there is one. Adding other *stuff* will add stress to the system that has been tested over the past few years as solid and reliable. Something that isn't really needed.  You have a very low chance of getting in trouble with a good antivirus and scanning all mods that are downloaded from a reputable gaming site. LL, Nexus etc. All good. None of them want to be known for being carriers of bad content. Most authors don't create this content or distribute it.. again, counter to their goal. If parrionid.. only use mods that have been out for a few days/weeks and has dozens of download and no complaints.

 

Encryption is something that isn't needed, and can be taken care of by the community and the individual user. That hasn't been a serious problem in the years that modding games have been done. (decades)

 

Just make sure you have a good up to date antivirus.. download it and scan it before using it. Run regular scans of your system and keep your antivirus updated and you will be much better off than the average joe. Add keeping backups of your most important files (mods, games as well) and you are golden. If you can image off the entire computer (mod and all that) you are more than golden. You are set.  Most of what is mentioned above is the same shit you do if you download some porn from the internet or do any other shit on the net using windows. 

[KoolHndLuke]

5 minutes ago, RitualClarity said:

First of all, there is an overhead for virtualization of the mods. Not a big one but there is one. Adding other *stuff* will add stress to the system that has been tested over the past few years as solid and reliable. Something that isn't really needed.  You have a very low chance of getting in trouble with a good antivirus and scanning all mods that are downloaded from a reputable gaming site. LL, Nexus etc. All good. None of them want to be known for being carriers of bad content. Most authors don't create this content or distribute it.. again, counter to their goal. If parrionid.. only use mods that have been out for a few days/weeks and has dozens of download and no complaints.

 

Encryption is something that isn't needed, and can be taken care of by the community and the individual user. That hasn't been a serious problem in the years that modding games have been done. (decades)

 

Just make sure you have a good up to date antivirus.. download it and scan it before using it. Run regular scans of your system and keep your antivirus updated and you will be much better off than the average joe. Add keeping backups of your most important files (mods, games as well) and you are golden. If you can image off the entire computer (mod and all that) you are more than golden. You are set.  Most of what is mentioned above is the same shit you do if you download some porn from the internet or do any other shit on the net using windows. 

Let me ask you something.....what is the best way to back up your modded game files and mods? Through the cloud? I've heard that flash drives are a bad idea, though I can't remember why.

[Yueviathan]

1 hour ago, KoolHndLuke said:

Let me ask you something.....what is the best way to back up your modded game files and mods? Through the cloud? I've heard that flash drives are a bad idea, though I can't remember why.

They are? I been backing up all my files, saves, mod profiles and even the entire steam folder on external hard drives because I'm paranoid about loosing content that is gone now or stuff I privately edited. I don't like cloud so external hard drives are my go to especially when transferring between coms. SO if flash drives or hard drives are bad way to save, I like to know why.

[KoolHndLuke]

19 minutes ago, Yueviathan said:

flash drives

I just seem to remember someone wrote in a forum that saving to and then retrieving their game files from a flash drive didn't work for them. Or maybe they were storing AND playing their games from a flash drive. I don't remember tbh. I mean if you are switching from ntfs to fat32 and back again......idk. But if you've never had a problem...then who am I to say it's bad.

 

Edit; "the only problem is windows assign a drive letter to a usb drive each time use. So, you need to make sure it gets the same drive letter assignment. During install of the game, the current drive letter is remembered and save to the windows registry. So, after install windows will think game is in drive d: for life. So, all you have to do is plug only one flash drive and turn on the computer. this drive will always pick up “d:” as the drive letter. you can add other drive afterward or after bootup or restart."- somebody on Quora.