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Hands-on Learning in the Classroom: Durability by Design
In today’s classrooms, it’s important to not just know how to use technology, but also more about how it’s made. To address this, Intel® Skills for Innovation (SFI) Starter Packs seek to bring real-world problem-solving into the learning experience, and encourage students to explore engineering concepts through hands-on activities. The Durability by Design module challenges students to think critically about device durability by designing, testing, and using rugged laptop features.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NakbvWAA8oY
Exploring Ruggedized Designs
Laptops in educational settings need to withstand daily wear and tear, making durability a key consideration in device design. This starter pack starts by introducing students to ruggedization techniques strategically adopted into the designs of laptops and cell phones, including:
* Reinforced structures to absorb shocks from falls and prevent breakage
* Durable materials to protect against physical damage
* Innovative features that protect components and ensure reliable performance
Students will probe deeper into these features, learning more about how they keep devices protected even in tough classroom environments.
Hands-on Learning: Designing for Durability
The Durability by Design starter pack then takes students beyond theory, immersing them in the engineering design process. Throughout the module, they will:
* Research and Sketch Durable Features: Students analyze real-world laptop durability and brainstorm ideas for improving device resilience.
* Create a 3D Model in Autodesk Fusion 360: Using industry-standard design software, students construct a 3D model of a ruggedized laptop, integrating durability-focused features.
* Simulate Drop Tests and Optimize Their Designs: Students run virtual durability tests, analyzing how their model withstands impact. They then refine their designs based on test results, mirroring the real-world product development cycle.
Classroom Impact
Through this hands-on approach, students develop essential STEM skills, including:
* Problem-solving: Identifying durability challenges and engineering solutions.
* Critical thinking: Assessing the effectiveness of different ruggedization features.
* Design thinking: Iterating on their laptop models to improve durability.
This starter pack gives students a glimpse into how engineers create technology that lasts, while strengthening their technical and creative skills.
Conclusion
With the Durability by Design starter pack, educators are able to seamlessly integrate engineering-based learning into their curriculum while helping students think like engineers, exploring the real-world challenges of product design and durability.
Ready to bring hands-on learning to your classroom? Discover more Intel SFI Starter Packs and start innovating in the classroom today.
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How to Hide Files and Folders on a Windows 11 Computer
Knowing how to hide files and folders on Windows 11 is crucial for maintaining privacy, organizing sensitive information, and keeping your important data away from unauthorized users. In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step on how to hide files on Windows 11, how to view hidden Windows files, and how to ensure your files stay discreetly out of sight.
How to hide files on Windows 11
Windows 11 provides built-in methods to hide files and folders easily, ensuring your sensitive or private documents remain out of plain sight. This feature helps maintain privacy, especially on shared computers or when you want to prevent accidental file deletion or modification.
Using File Explorer to hide files and folders
File Explorer is the quickest way to hide files and folders on your Windows 11 computer. It requires no additional software and can be executed with just a few clicks:
* Open File Explorer: Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
* Locate the file or folder: Navigate to the file or folder you wish to hide.
* Access properties: Right-click the file or folder and select Properties from the context menu.
* Set as Hidden: In the General tab, under the Attributes section, check the box labeled Hidden.
* Confirm changes: Click Apply and then OK to hide the selected file or folder.
Your selected file or folder will now be hidden from the default view, helping ensure your privacy.
How to view hidden Windows files
There might be instances where you need to access or modify files you previously hid. Fortunately, Windows 11 makes it simple to view hidden files whenever you need to.
Steps to see hidden files in Windows
To temporarily reveal files or folders you have hidden:
* Open File Explorer: Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer.
* Select the View tab: Click the View dropdown menu on the toolbar.
* Show hidden items: Hover over Show and select Hidden items from the dropdown menu.
Hidden files and folders will now appear with semi-transparent icons, indicating they were previously hidden.
Advanced method: hide files using Command Prompt
If you're comfortable using the Command Prompt, this method provides an efficient alternative to hiding files. This is particularly useful for advanced users who prefer command-line interactions.
* Open Command Prompt: Press Windows + S, type Command Prompt, right-click on the app, and select Run as administrator.
* Navigate to the file location: Use the cd command to navigate to the directory containing your file or folder.
* Enter hide command: Type the following command and press Enter:
attrib +h +s +r "filename.ext"
Replace filename.ext with the name of your file or folder.
To reverse this and unhide files, you simply run:
attrib -h -s -r "filename.ext"
How to hide files in Windows 11 securely using encryption
For files that require an extra layer of protection beyond merely hiding them visually, encryption is highly recommended. Encrypting your files makes them unreadable without the correct Windows user account credentials, significantly enhancing security.
* Right-click the file or folder you wish to encrypt.
* Choose Properties, then click the Advanced button.
* Check Encrypt contents to secure data.
* Click OK, then Apply, and confirm by clicking OK again.
If the option to Encrypt contents to secure data is unavailable (meaning it’s grayed out and you’re unable to check the box), encryption may not be enabled or available on your device. If that’s the case, read this guide to learn how:
Enable encryption in Windows 11
To enable file encryption if the encryption option is unavailable:
* Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
* Navigate to Privacy & security > Device encryption.
* If device encryption is available, toggle it on by clicking Turn on.
* Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the encryption setup.
Once enabled, you should now be able to encrypt your individual files and folders.
Encrypted files are securely locked and provide robust protection against unauthorized access.
Tips to manage hidden files securely
* Regularly review and organize hidden files to maintain system efficiency.
* Combine hiding files with encryption for sensitive or critical data.
* Always remember your encryption password or securely back up your encryption key to avoid permanent data loss.
Conclusion
Effectively managing file visibility on Windows 11 is essential for maintaining privacy and security. Whether you choose the straightforward File Explorer method, the command-line approach, or robust encryption, Windows 11 offers versatile tools tailored to various privacy needs. Understanding how to hide files, view hidden Windows files, and securely encrypt your data ensures you can confidently protect and manage your important information.
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Why CPU Intensive Games are Starting to Become More Prevalent
Gaming on PC has long been synonymous with high-end graphics and smooth visuals, traditionally placing the graphics processing unit (GPU) at the forefront of hardware considerations. The GPU's ability to render complex environments, realistic textures, and detailed effects has typically defined the quality of the gaming experience. However, a significant shift is occurring—today's games are increasingly demanding more from the central processing unit (CPU).
While CPUs have always played a vital role in gaming, managing physics simulations, AI behavior, and overall game logic, their importance is rapidly rising. Modern games, especially those emphasizing expansive open worlds, intricate AI interactions, and extensive physics calculations, now heavily rely on powerful CPUs to ensure optimal performance. This evolution marks a new era where balancing both GPU and CPU performance is becoming critical for achieving the best possible gaming experience.
GPU in gaming
Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have traditionally been the cornerstone of PC gaming hardware. Responsible primarily for rendering visuals—textures, lighting, shadows, and intricate graphical effects—the GPU significantly influences frame rates and graphical fidelity. Advanced GPUs allow for features such as ray tracing, ultra-high resolutions, and high refresh rate gaming, directly enhancing visual immersion and overall gaming experience. Games with detailed graphics (Cyberbunk 2077), demanding visual effects, and expansive environments typically require powerful GPUs to deliver the desired smoothness and quality.
CPUs in gaming
While the GPU's role has always been prominent, CPUs are increasingly becoming vital due to the evolving complexity of modern games. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) manages tasks like physics simulations, NPC artificial intelligence (AI), game logic, environmental interactions, and network communications in multiplayer scenarios. As games introduce more sophisticated mechanics—dynamic weather systems, lifelike AI behaviors, realistic physics-based interactions, and expansive open worlds—the CPU's ability to process these complex, real-time computations efficiently has become crucial. Consequently, CPU-intensive games are gaining prevalence, placing higher importance on processor performance.
CPU and GPU relationship in gaming
CPU and GPU work in tandem, each contributing to different but complementary aspects of performance. The GPU focuses on rendering visual output and graphical fidelity, while the CPU supports this by feeding it essential data, performing calculations, and handling core gameplay mechanics. Optimal gaming performance increasingly relies on a balanced interplay between the GPU and CPU. An imbalance between these components often results in performance bottlenecks. For example, pairing a high-end GPU like an RTX 5090 with a significantly weaker CPU (Intel Ultra 5 and below) may cause the GPU to underperform, as the CPU cannot feed it data quickly enough, leading to lower frame rates and diminished gaming quality.
CPU vs GPU
* CPU (Central Processing Unit):* Processes sequential tasks and calculations.
* Manages game logic, physics, artificial intelligence (AI), and multiplayer network tasks.
* Crucial for games featuring complex AI and detailed physics simulations.
* Increasingly vital due to growing complexity in modern games.
* GPU (Graphics Processing Unit):* Handles parallel tasks primarily focused on rendering graphics.
* Responsible for visual details like textures, lighting, and shadows.
* Essential for visually demanding games and maintaining high frame rates.
* Traditionally viewed as the key component for gaming performance.
Why CPU-intensive games will be more prevalent in the future
CPU-intensive games are likely to become more prevalent due to evolving player demands for richer, more dynamic gaming experiences that GPUs alone cannot fully deliver. Recent titles like Dragon's Dogma 2 have shown significant performance issues tied directly to CPU limitations, particularly due to complex NPC simulations and advanced AI pathfinding. Even high-end CPUs (at the time of the game’s release), such as the Intel Core i9-14900K, experience noticeable frame rate drops when managing dense, interactive environments.
Additionally, games like Dwarf Fortress and the Total War series exemplify how extensive world simulations, detailed environmental interactions, and sophisticated AI behaviors necessitate powerful CPUs. These games are renowned for pushing CPUs to their limits, emphasizing real-time calculations and logic processing rather than purely visual fidelity.
Generative AI is set to transform gaming by introducing characters driven by advanced AI models capable of dynamic, realistic dialogue and behaviors. As characters become increasingly lifelike, simulating believable interactions and habits, CPUs will bear the brunt of these demanding computations. Coupled with an emphasis on realistic physics engines that require significant real-time calculations, the role of CPUs will inevitably expand, solidifying their importance in delivering next-generation gaming experiences.
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How to Block Websites on a Chromebook
Chromebooks are fast, affordable, secure, and easy to use laptops that we’ve grown to love. Packed with innovative features and built-in virus protection, Chromebooks run Google’s very own operating system: ChromeOS. The simplicity and user-friendly nature of ChromeOS make it a perfect choice for a wide range of users, including children, college students, professionals, and the elderly. Every Chromebook provides accessibility, convenience and the world of opportunity that the internet offers.
While there’s no denying that the internet has massively contributed to the spread of information and education, there are two sides to every coin. There are many websites that you may not want your children or those in your care to access. In this article we’ll cover the reasons you might want to block certain websites, as well as how to block a website on your Chromebook using Parental Control. Finally, we’ll discuss how to blacklist websites that you don’t want little Timmy accessing, as well as methods to un-blacklist sites.
Reasons for blocking a website
Believe it or not, there are around 1.1 billion websites on the internet, but surprisingly only around 200 million of these are actively maintained and visited. Among these 200 million websites, there are some that are best avoided in order to protect your privacy, security, personal well-being, and of course, your productivity. Let’s consider a few common reasons that you may add a URL to your website blacklist:
Child protection: Way back in 2021, 93% of 3 to 18-year-olds in America had home internet access, with 87% of American teens between 13 and 17 reporting access to a desktop or laptop device. By preventing access to inappropriate or harmful content, children can enjoy a safer browsing experience. Various websites feature adult content, violence, misinformation, and even nefarious individuals who may harm young users. Blocking inappropriate websites that pose a risk to our children contributes to a safer, healthier digital environment.
Reducing screen time: Many Chromebook users already keep tabs on their children’s screen time via the Family Link app. Alas, some websites are designed to be addictive and keep you scrolling. Too much screen time can lead to all sorts of issues ranging from increased stress to insomnia, reduced productivity, and even eye strain. Blocking certain social media, streaming, gaming, and gambling websites can contribute to healthier, more balanced online habits, and overall well being.
Productivity boost: It’s no secret that social media, gaming, shopping, and other distracting websites can quickly eat up your school or workday. If you’re an employer, this may well be something you’re already familiar with. Employees wasting time on websites unrelated to work can really reduce efficiency, leading to lower productivity and missed deadlines. Block offending websites and your students or employees are bound to excel in a focused work or study environment.
Security enhancement: While some websites are designed to keep you scrolling, other malicious websites are designed to simply steal your data, to even install malware on your device on the sly. While Chromebooks are mostly virus free, avoiding websites that may pose a security risk helps to prevent malware, viruses, and phishing scams. By blocking websites that are known threats, you reduce your cybersecurity risks and keep important data secure.
How to turn on Parental Control on a Chromebook
If you’ve got children, then taking the step of turning on Parental control on your (or your kid’s) Chromebook is a decent start to creating a safer online environment. It’s a wise idea to first set up child accounts for the young Chromebook users in your family. After you’ve set them up with an account, setting up Parental Control on your Chromebook is a breeze. To block websites on a Chromebook, simply:
* Open the Family Link app
* Select your child
* Tap Controls, navigate to Google Chrome and Web.
* Choose the setting that’s right for your family:
* Allow all sites: Your child can visit all sites, except the ones you manually block (more on that later)
* Try to block explicit sites: Alas, no filter is perfect, but this approach should help to hide 18+ sexually explicit sites
* Only allow approved sites: Your child can only visit the sites you allow
How to blacklist a website on Chrome
The Chromebook website blocker approach outlined above generally covers the bases for adult and inappropriate content. That said, if there are specific “problem" websites that you want to stop your child accessing, you need to manually enter the websites to stop access. Do this by following these steps:
* Open the Family Link app
* Select your child
* Tap Controls, navigate to Google Chrome and Web
* Under Manage sites, click Approved sites and Blocked sites
* Select Add a website
* Add a website, like www.badsite.com or simply the domain, like badsite.
* Websites: Include the www. portion of the URL, like www.badsite.com instead of google.com.
* If you block or allow a specific website, the permission doesn't apply to sites that begin or end differently, like www.badsite.co.uk or photos.badsite.com.
* Domains: If you block or allow an entire domain, the permission also applies to sites that begin or end differently, like www.badsite.com and images.badsite.fr.
To un-blacklist a site for a child’s account, just follow the above steps until you reach the Manage sites section, then remove the blacklisted site from the Blocked site list. If there’s a website that your child has used but you’ve decided to block to help them focus on studies, then they can actually ask your permission to visit it by choosing:
* Ask in person: Adult users can review the request from their children’s device, and approve or deny it with your Google Account password.
* Ask in a message: You’ll get a notification in the Family Link app where you can approve or deny their request to access the blocked website.
Final thoughts on website blocking
We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s informative adventure into the world of blocking websites on Chromebooks. As Chromebook and Chromebook Plus technology continues to advance, new methods to block and unblock websites on ChromeOS devices will emerge. Check back with the Google support page for the latest information to ensure that you and your family stay safe online.
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Secret Palico Gear in Monster Hunter Wilds: How to Unlock These Hidden Armor & Weapon Sets
Palicoes have been loyal companions throughout the Monster Hunter series, and in Monster Hunter Wilds, they’re more customizable and useful than ever. Whether they’re helping you gather items, set traps, or deal extra damage, keeping your Palico geared is essential. But while some armor sets offer impressive stats and abilities, many of the secret Palico gear options in this guide are more about style than substance.
These rare and hidden sets are often better suited for collectors or players looking to give their Palico a unique aesthetic flair. Still, they’re fun to unlock and great for casual play, especially if you’re a completionist or just love having a stylish sidekick. Below is a breakdown of the hidden Palico armor-and-weapon combos you can unlock, along with the materials and methods required to get them.
1. Athos Gear Set
Key Material: Hunter Symbol III
How to Obtain: Rewarded for defeating Tempered Apex Monsters in Tier 7+ quests.
The Athos set turns your Palico into a battle-hardened miniature knight. Inspired by elite Guild Ace armor, this set features sleek plating, a regal cape, and a blade that gleams with authority. While its abilities are nothing groundbreaking, the aesthetic alone makes it a trophy-worthy set for hunters who've tackled the toughest endgame content.
2. Felyne Deathgear Set
Key Material: Sinister Cloth
How to Obtain: Complete material retrieval quests in Kunafa, or trade with Kilama (Great Windward Aloe) or Gawdygog (Ancient Wyvern Coins).
Cloaked in tattered rags and built for the shadows, the Deathgear set transforms your Palico into a grim little reaper. The weapon and armor exude eerie energy, and while the stats lean toward niche support roles, this set is perfect for spooky season vibes—or just making your Palico look fearsome.
3. Felyne Sild Set
Key Material: Sild Cotton
How to Obtain: Trade with Sild traders such as Ren (Mature Wyveria Lanterns, Genesis Opal, or Fossilized Fire Opal), or Gawdygog (Ancient Wyvern Coins).
The Sild set wraps your Palico in a pillowy, marshmallow-like jacket, giving it a soft and overstuffed look. Its charming puffiness makes it a favorite among players who want their Palico to look cozy and carefree, even in the middle of battle.
4. Felyne Suja Set
Key Material: Suja Textiles
How to Obtain: Trade with Suja villagers like Sekka (Dragonscale Vase) or Gawdygog (Ancient Wyvern Coins). Vases can be found on Ancient Relics in the Ruins of Wyveria.
Whimsical and unique, the Suja set features a small frog perched proudly atop the Palico’s head as the helm. The body armor is a simple vest, creating a playful yet traditional look that adds a touch of humor and regional flavor to your Palico’s wardrobe.
5. Felyne Azuz Set
Key Material: Azuz Tanned Leather
How to Obtain: Trade with Azuz traders such as Dogard (Fine Antimite Ore), Yabran (Wylk Gems), or Gawdygog (Ancient Wyvern Coins).
The Azuz set outfits your Palico in metallic armor with a distinct Mayan or Incan-inspired aesthetic. Its rigid design and floating posture make your companion look more like an ancient guardian statue than a typical feline fighter—truly a standout look.
6. Felyne Kunafa Set
Key Material: Dalthydon Wool
How to Obtain: Trade with Kunafa villagers like Kilama (Windward Aloe) or Gawdygog (Ancient Wyvern Coins). Aloe can be gathered in Windward Plains; coins can be farmed in Scarlet Forest Area 8.
Sleek and stealthy, the Kunafa set gives your Palico the look of a desert-dwelling sand ninja. The fabric is light and tactical, with subtle wrappings and gear that suggest speed and precision—perfect for players who want their Palico to look cool, calm, and capable.
Conclusion
With a little patience and the right materials, these secret Palico sets offer some of the most creative designs in Monster Hunter Wilds. While they may not replace your endgame loadout, they’re a great way to show off your style and make your hunts a bit more fun. Hopefully, as time goes on, Capcom will introduce even more Palico gear through special events and updates—because honestly, we can never have too many adorable (or deadly-looking) cats in battle.
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Why Gamers Should Regularly Clear Their PC's RAM
Regularly clearing your PC’s RAM (Random Access Memory) is a fundamental yet often overlooked maintenance practice that ensures optimal performance and stability. This guide clearly explains RAM, its relation to your PC, why you should regularly clear RAM, how to clear RAM cache, and its critical role in gaming and everyday computing.
What is RAM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is short-term memory used by computers to store data actively being used or processed by the CPU. Unlike storage drives (HDDs or SSDs), RAM is volatile memory—meaning it temporarily holds data only while the computer is powered on and clears it upon shutdown.
Currently, the most common RAM types in modern PCs are DDR4 and DDR5:
* DDR4 RAM: Speeds from 2133 MHz to over 3200 MHz, providing efficient power usage and suitable performance for everyday tasks and most games.
* DDR5 RAM: Offers enhanced bandwidth, efficiency, and capacities, with speeds starting around 4800 MHz, ideal for high-performance tasks and intensive gaming.
DDR6 RAM, offering even greater performance boosts, is under development and expected to arrive soon.
What is RAM's relation to your PC?
RAM serves as your CPU’s workspace, temporarily holding data from active programs and system processes. When you open programs, browse online, or multitask, your PC loads data into RAM, allowing rapid CPU access and smooth operation. Therefore, adequate and efficiently managed RAM is crucial for seamless multitasking and swift performance.
Why do we need RAM?
RAM directly impacts your PC’s responsiveness and efficiency. Insufficient RAM forces your computer to rely heavily on virtual memory—a reserved section on your hard drive or SSD—which is significantly slower. This causes noticeable performance issues, including slow load times, lagging, and instability. Regularly clearing RAM prevents these performance hiccups, ensuring your PC operates smoothly.
Importance of regularly clearing RAM
Accumulated data fragments from background processes or inefficiently optimized apps can clutter RAM, reducing its efficiency. Regularly clearing RAM provides several key benefits:
* Frees memory from unnecessary background apps
* Enhances responsiveness and processing speed
* Prevents software conflicts and system crashes
* Improves overall stability
To clear PC RAM, simply restart your computer, manually close unnecessary apps, or use dedicated RAM-cleaning utilities. Regularly performing these steps effectively clears RAM cache and optimizes memory usage.
How RAM impacts regular PC usage
Daily computing activities—like web browsing, video streaming, and productivity tasks—heavily rely on RAM. Adequate RAM ensures smooth application performance, fast multitasking, and minimal interruptions. Conversely, insufficient RAM causes sluggishness, delays, and decreased productivity. Understanding how to clear RAM regularly is essential for maintaining optimal everyday PC performance.
How RAM impacts PC gaming
RAM plays a critical role in gaming, as modern games continually load textures, models, and other assets into memory. Insufficient or cluttered RAM negatively affects gaming experiences, causing:
* Reduced frame rates (FPS)
* Longer load times
* Frequent stutters or freezes
Knowing how to clear RAM cache is especially important for gamers. Regularly clearing RAM before gaming sessions ensures games run smoothly by maximizing available memory. For optimal gaming performance:
* Restart your PC before lengthy gaming sessions
* Minimize background applications
* Consider upgrading to at least 16GB RAM or more
Additional benefits of proper RAM maintenance
Regular RAM maintenance reduces strain on your SSD or HDD, extending your hardware's lifespan by lessening dependence on virtual memory. Additionally, clearing RAM frequently results in smoother multitasking and fewer frustrations during daily tasks.
Conclusion
Regularly clearing your PC’s RAM is essential for maintaining peak performance, stability, and responsiveness. Whether you’re gaming or simply using your PC for everyday tasks, understanding how do you clear RAM and implementing proper RAM management practices will significantly improve your computing experience. For high-performance RAM solutions designed specifically for gaming and intensive workloads, consider exploring Acer Predator Storage.
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