Flying Penguin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar_horizon

But if the price of cars went up 100% across the board in 3 months, you can guarantee that we'd be talking about the underlying drivers continually.

Whether the security is "fake" or not (i.e. whether it has real value) isn't relevant, it exists and making new coins amounts to rewards for solving maths problems first. Whilst the exact maths varies between currencies, for simplicity imagine each "coin" (of whatever currency) as a prime number, the first person to prove a number is prime "owns" that coin. The first few are easy, but as you get higher up the scale it gets progressively harder, not necessarily conceptually but in terms of number of steps per prime. Also it's a competition, the person able to prove prime numbers fastest "wins" most coins, leading to an arms race. It starts with CPUs (stage 1), then someone adapts it to GPUs (stage 2) because they are much faster at repeated but straightforward maths than more flexible but slower CPUs. This is the stage that Etherium and other similar currencies are at, low end Bitcoin miners also sit here. The next stage is ASIC (stage 3), which is a chip designed purely for mining a specific currency. This is where the Bitcoin big boys are and the other currencies will head to when/if market volumes allow. Currency miners in stage 2 buy up GPUs and directly hit the supply of cards that gamers would have. Currency miners in stage 3 don't buy GPUs, but ASIC manufacture on a large scale impacts raw material prices which drives manufacture costs up. Slightly simplified, but hope that helps :)

Well this 2014 laptop user is very happy.... Clearly I'm not running maxed, but for me it appears noticeably smoother at equivalent settings compared to 2.2/1.5, particularly in Normandy. Specs in sig.

Their listings are expanding like wildfire, pedals, sticks, Playstations. It's a veritable buffet of "too good to be true". Clearly maximising the number of quick bites before Paypal or buyers get wise. Judging by the sales numbers, it's working. I don't see a "report listing" button :huh: Edit Found it!

Last sold anything a year ago, seemingly all low value clothes and toys, but now they've suddenly come into 10+ Thrustmaster Warthogs at jaw droppingly bargain basement prices? Significantly number of recent transactions (dozens and dozens) from the same seller selling badges for pennies. If those Warthogs exist as something more than the figment of someone's imagination, I'll eat my hat, and it's a smelly old hat! My money is on a hacked or traded account.

I own all of them already, but I do so enjoy answering rhetorical questions :music_whistling: Because the amount of mental gymnastics being performed to avoid calling a spade a spade and using the word "rise" is worthy of a civil service authored briefing paper. ED lowered the price of the modules in question years ago, they are sitting in the shop right now at the lower price. Not as part of a sale, not as a stated discount, the (until recently) going rate. Any previous price it may have been sold at is merely of historical interest. If ED want to raise the price, for whatever reason, to the original release price (as is there prerogative) then that's fine. I'm an avowed free-marketeer, there is no criticism there, they make the pricing decisions, we each make our own value and purchase/skip decisions. Just call a spade a spade... "Prices are rising because this stuff is expensive to maintain and is significantly better now than when the prices were cut. But on the bright side, you are paying what those that bought it new paid, which when you account for inflation...."

Yeah it's the family model Super Hornet, but it has to be this: T1sBx2DWdeU

I was in a similar situation about 3 years ago myself, personal circumstances dictated that it was either a gaming laptop or no gaming. In the end I plumped for an MSI GT70, it's been great and still runs DCS perfectly well. I'm no longer as constrained as I wass, so when it dies I will be replacing it with a desktop, but I would absolutely buy an MSI gaming laptop again if I was in the market for one. Having had a run in with Alienware's customer (lack of) support on an earlier (desktop) gaming rig, personally I'd steer well clear.

You're right, the EternalBlue element limits the current iteration of WC to W8 and earlier only , I was thinking of DoublePulsar (the backdoor also installed by the current incarnation of WC), which does impact W10 without the March security update. Either way, exposed SMB is going to get you hurt so firewall it off and patch, patch, patch! :thumbup:

Agree, but then again I'd hazard a guess that 2/3 of home users wouldn't know how to manually patch Win 10 and are only barely aware of the auto update running because it is the default setting in 10. On the positive side, anyone that has patched since March, and I suspect that's most households given the default option is to have auto update on, is already covered, and there is now a patch for XP (never thought I'd ever use those words again! :huh: ) http://www.computerworld.com/article/3196292/windows-pcs/microsoft-issues-first-windows-xp-patch-in-3-years-to-stymie-wannacrypt.html Aside from a handful of XP die-hards, the biggest issue is the number of corporate systems that are either stuck on XP, or are on something newer but are earlier than March in their security patch level (not good practice, but certainly common to be a bit behind on the patch schedule).

Given this sort of thing is not confined to entering networks via email based malware, it's worth viewing the Shodan.io page for your IP address. They are constantly scanning the web for exposed services. If it's showing results for you that you don't expect (i.e. unless you are hosting a server, it should be a null result), then fixing them through your router's firewall should be your top priority. Example: https://www.shodan.io/host/194.169.234.5 <---replace the IP address with your own.

Long time coming, but still a shame, their R.A.T. mice are the most comfortable mice I've ever used... That they look like the bastard love child of a Lamborghini and Barricade was merely a happy coincidence.

Ok, we've firmly established some people might not like the joke. Does anyone have anything more to say about POL mode?

Then you either haven't been reading them, or have wilfully failed to comprehend the opinions expressed. Your desire for a specific, more advanced, variant of the F5 is not "wrong" in itself, but it's equivalent to asking for a 2017 Mustang, when the product on offer is a '69 Mustang. The 2017 Mustang may be faster, more fuel efficient and safer, but it's not a substitute for the '69 in any sense other than they have 4 wheels, a roughly similar body shape and you can use them both to go to the shops quite quickly. You are asking for a different product, not a better product.

The block they have chosen to develop is the most numerous block, representative of a mid-late E model, and something that is close to what would be found in the USAF as an aggressor. Yes, there are more capable versions that they could have simulated, assuming they could get their hands on the info, the Thai air force (for example) upgraded their E models to have modern avionics, HMCS and fire a wider range of missiles. The cockpit is something like this: The "problem" then is that it is no longer a good representation of the iconic aggressor of Red Flag fame, it's a completely different feel, with an impostor paint job. You've lost one of the main reasons to fly it. You are conflating simulation quality with aircraft capability, they are not the same thing. For the same reason a simulation of a Mk 24 Spitfire is not inherently "better" than one of the more iconic Mk IX Spitfire, a modern super upgraded F-5 is not an improvement on the more basic Aggressor F-5E, assuming the degree of care taken is equal on both. tl/dr; If you want the absolute most capable and versatile aircraft for your buck, buy the Viggen. If you want to fly an iconic aggressor, the F5E is you bag.

Well, excluding airshows/museums etc, there's two that stand out for me for different reasons. 1. As a kid, I did a day of work experience during a cadet camp at RAF Conningsby, basically following some poor engineer around. Don't remember which squadron, but they were on the Tornado F.3 and were exercising with visiting Yanks. Whilst they were diagnosing some issues with whatever recording equipment they were using (I forget the type), I got to climb into the cockpit and play with the Missile Management System and fire a few simulated missiles :thumbup: 2. Years later, flying a glider with a friend, we were climbing in a thermal near Basingstoke, Farnborough airshow is on, but we're well outside the airspace and published routes. To the north, I can see a silhouette of a B1 Lancer holding over Newbury (the published hold for the airshow, about 15 miles away), it's a long way away and I think nothing of it. A couple more turns, oh, that B1 is no longer holding, it's a head on silhouette. No problem, it's a long way away, we'll just level out, put it on our wingtip, we won't come anywhere near it. Hang on a second, did it just correct towards us? There's no way he can see us at that distance... Holy poop that's getting big fast! Quick diving 180 later, it's clear he's not going to hit us, so we turn to watch him. We were no more than 150m away and within 50ft vertically , and as soon as we turn back, he stuck the thing on it's wing and turned to Farnborough, he must have seen us, and for a few seconds we were completely matching turns, him lit up perfectly. Once I'd realised we weren't going to die, it was quite a nice view :pilotfly:

FS2Crew 737 NGX Reboot is available now: http://www.fs2crew.com/cart/categories/Special-PMDG-737-NGX-Reboot-Area/

For anyone that's interested, it's now available to purchase: http://www.battlefront.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=334&Itemid=576

There has been a patch (3.011) since that video which improves the lighting and effects significantly, but no-one ever played SB for the graphics ;) When looking at SB, it's important to remember that the entertainment market represents a very small percentage of their total sales (they won't give exact figures but they have hinted it's touch and go whether it's even in double digit percentages), it is designed as a learning tool first and foremost. Anything that doesn't contribute to desired learning objectives for their big customers isn't worked on (with a couple of exceptions), Entertainment isn't a space they choose to really play in and it shows, for better or worse. The 3D cockpit you see most of is the CV90, which was built for the Finnish Army for familiarisation, similar to A-10C and the National Guard. Not all vehicles have that level of detail, it depends on which of their military customers are willing to pay for the custom build. What that video doesn't show (and which is one of the major differentiators for their biggest customers) is the planning and mission editing capabilities, both pre and during engagements. Whilst is is possible to script and plan in both DCS and A3, the mission editing/planning/map functionality (they share the same interface) in SB has the most capable gui based and scripting free battle planning ability bar none. Careful use of triggers, conditions and default low level TacAI behaviours can give you a coherent and flexible battle plan in very little time and importantly, results are much more nuanced than DCS and much more intuitive and repeatable than A3 (where the AI seems to be much more empowered). What is keeping SB players from jumping to A3? It's relatively simple, damage modelling (yes, it's a deal breaker), map variety, impenetrable mission scripting, questionable low level TacAI behaviour (things like not automatically seeking hull down or turret down if reloading ready ammo from store) and piss poor planning interface (really, it's very bad for making detailed battle plans, even modded). That's not to say A3 is bad at what it does. Modded appropriately and with player control at the platoon level or lower, it's the best small scale combined arms sim bar none. Plus it's gorgeous to boot, at least in comparison with Steel Beasts. But get above a platoon or two or try to plan an engagement in detail and the cracks start to show. Planning a battalion sized engagement, including recovery and resupply, in A3 genuinely scares me. If you want to see the mission editor in action, this guy has done a complete walkthrough of mission creation. It's very long winded, but note zero scripting required.... https://www.youtube.com/user/ToyguyVT/videos (Part 8 shows the triggers) So, what would I want to see if DCS was ever to replace SB on my hard drive? Firstly, I've no doubt that ED can make a stunning and functional representation of any tank they can get access to. What is going to make the difference between a must buy and a white elephant is how much of the wider engine they are willing to adjust to accommodate ground warfare. Off the top of my head and in no particular order: Trees that can't be seen through by the AI or driven through by anyone (actually, the same goes for things like fences atm) AI massively improved, both for enemy and for your own units Penetration and damage modelling improved, including fixing the over powered HE. Note that this will need to encompass all vehicles in the game, no point having an M1 with an armour model as realistic as possible without joining up if everything else is working on hit points. Ability to order artillery quickly and in terms that make sense (tubes, rounds per tube, rate) Detailed battle planning including triggers and branching instructions Overhauled orders from the main map Status reports from friendly units (under fire, enemy spotted etc) Increase terrain mesh resolution to provide much more in the way of terrain detail (current bowling green map provides little in the way of smaller hull down positions, not convinced from screenshots that Nevada is quite there either) Improved thermal imaging And probably a whole bunch of things I can't think of right now.... Now that's a lot of text, I should shut up now, but suffice to say that there is an awful lot of stuff that would need to be done for a SB (or SB like) module, nothing insurmountable, but much of which involves fundamental engine changes. You could put a high fidelity tank in DCS, but that's just the first step to actually getting at what Steel Beasts is, which is a classroom training tool for people that really do this.... Steel Beasts in it's natural environment: Cheers, Jamie

Not an exciting WW3 type scenario (a convoy rescue), but the best Steel Beasts video I've ever seen, recorded on one of the BG ANZAC nights: L9qRjobinP8 Bear in mind that several of the players in the video are serving or ex tankers, and it is being played VERY seriously......

I'd love to see your plans for a turn based flight sim :music_whistling:

Thought this might be of interest to some here. Not the best looking series but a very good low level tactical wargame moving back to the modern setting with their latest outing in a fictional 2017 conflict in Ukraine... Given the setting, it's worth pointing out this has been in development for a few years, well before the current hoopla in the Ukraine, in fact Battlefront are disturbingly good (two for two) at predicting the next warzone, having brought out the Syria based Combat Mission: Shock Force in 2008. If they announce a game based on a NATO-Russia conflict in Europe, 21st century Fulda Gap, I'm moving to Australia! -------------------- Flashpoint Ukraine! Combat Mission - Black Sea Battlefront.com is proudly announcing its newest modern ground warfare simulation: Combat Mission - Black Sea, depicting a fictional 2017 conflict between NATO and Russia in Ukraine! Pre-orders are available immediately, scroll down for details! New Features Combat Mission: Black Sea includes the following new or enhanced features. These are just major new features. The list of tweaks and smaller changes to the simulation of modern equipment are too numerous to list here. Note: Black Sea uses Version 3 of the Combat Mission game engine. Consequently new features are focused on bringing our modern equipment up to date as opposed to general engine changes. Amphibious vehicles Water is no longer an obstacle! Most Russian and Ukrainian vehicles are now capable of swimming across the surface of water obstacles, giving them enhanced tactical utility. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) The time of the combat drone is here. Available as a special type of air support for United States and Russian forces, the UAV is a game changer on the modern battlefield. From the toy-like hand launched RQ-11B Ravens to the lethal MQ-1C Gray Eagle, UAVs will prowl the skies of Combat Mission battlefields while they search for the enemy. Electronic Warfare Don't want modern radio and satellite communications nets for your scenario? Shut them down! A new scenario environmental setting that simulates electronic warfare attacks allows you to degrade or completely disable electronic communications, forcing even Information Age forces to communicate without the benefit of modern technology. Precision Artillery Your fire support is now a surgical tool. Laser and GPS-guided artillery munitions allow most off-map artillery support and 120mm mortars to shoot precise single round fire missions, with a high probability of a direct hit on enemy vehicles, buildings, or defensive positions. For extra effectiveness, pair precision artillery with UAVs roaming the enemy's rear area. Active Protection Systems As weapon systems have become more sophisticated in order to destroy combat vehicles, so too have the defense systems designed to defeat them. Combat Mission: Black Sea features a variety of activate protection systems that detect and defeat incoming projectiles before they even have a chance to strike their target. Trophy, Arena, and Zaslon active protection systems protect some tanks and infantry fighting vehicles from weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles. Airburst Munitions High explosive shells fired from many ground weapons are now even deadlier thanks to their ability to airburst directly above the target, or even just behind cover such as a wall or building window! This capability is possible due to the proliferation of integrated laser rangefinders, targeting computers, and programmable munitions. Airburst capability is available at the squad level to United States rifle squads in the form of the M25 CDTE (nicknamed the "Punisher") as well as to vehicles such as Abrams tanks, and Russian vehicles such as the BMP-3, BTR-82A, and T-90AM. Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) Combat Mission: Red Thunder introduced anti-air capability to the game. This features continues in Combat Mission: Black Sea with the addition of SAM units capable of denying your enemy his UAV or air support. Systems included in the initial release are the Stinger, Igla, Igla-S, 9K35 Strela-10M3, and Tunguska. Expanded Soldier Night Vision Systems Darkness is not the impediment to combat that it once was. Individual night vision gear for soldiers has proliferated rapidly in recent years. United States soldiers are equipped with the state-of-the-art AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG), a device that fuses night vision and thermal imaging systems, while their weapons are equipped with more lightweight thermal imagers. Russian and Ukrainian troops can be equipped with both monocular night vision goggles and weapon-mounted night vision sights. What's more, these night vision systems are now automatically equipped in low light conditions! Major Formations: The initial release of Combat Mission: Black Sea depicts the following brigade unit types: United States Army infantry, armored, and stryker brigade combat teams. Russian Ground Forces motor rifle and tank brigades. Ukrainian Ground Forces mechanized infantry and armored brigades. Future expansions of Black Sea will add more Russian and NATO forces! Click here to jump to http://www.battlefront.com/blacksea for more details! You can PRE-ORDER Combat Mission - Black Sea now!! Click here to PREORDER CM Black Sea You pay now and will receive the product once it's released. You get: Immediate download upon release including early notification by email Tin Case Special Edition and DVD by mail (the tin case holds up to 4 discs, great for all the follow-up modules printed manual A saving of $10 for the "Download&Mail" option vs. ordering after release -------------------------------------------------- For those not familiar with the series, here is a video After Action Report of their previous title, Combat Mission: Red Thunder: DK53NwiEgeQ And some beta live stream footage of CM:BS: nA-dVJC3eyg

I'm quite aware of the definitions of PFM and ASM, thanks. An M1A1 module would (presumably) be the land equivalent of an ASM+PFM aircraft, therefore the F-15 PFM example isn't really applicable. The FC3 PFMs and 3D cockpits were given as a freebie because people had paid for the F-15/SU27 several times over (Lock On, FC1, FC2, FC3) without much changing. It's been hinted at by ED that an ASM F-15 would be an additional purchase, and therefore this is the most useful precedent to look at. Given you acknowledged that an F-15 ASM upgrade would be a paid upgrade (with perhaps a discount for FC3 owners), I'm not sure what your objection is? CA owners are unaffected and can continue in Wonder Woman mode, new module owners (whether by fresh purchase or by upgrade) get the cool toys.... We will soon have our first module with multiple levels of fidelity (Hawk SFM vs EFM), no reason a ground module couldn't have the same.

ED have already hinted that if the F-15 became a full fat module, it would be an additional purchase. So yeah, it would be just like that. How else would the module pay for itself?