#Remote Desktop Monitoring

[hotchology]

[ilkkawhat]

The Dark Presence...Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

[wanywheresolution]

Boost productivity, enhance accuracy, and streamline workforce management to focus on what truly matters—your team’s success. Effortlessly manage employee attendance with real-time tracking, automated reports, and seamless integration. Simplify scheduling, monitor time-offs, and ensure compliance with ease

[teamtrackmaster]

Top 10 Benefits of Implementing Desktop Monitoring in Your Business

Ensuring productivity and security within the workplace is crucial these days. One effective way to achieve this is through monitoring desktops. Monitoring desktops refers to practices of tracking and recording activities performed on company computers. By using remote PC monitoring software, businesses can monitor PC activity, ensuring that employees remain productive and that company data is secure. This article will explore the top 10 benefits of desktop monitoring for your business, highlighting the importance of monitoring computer activities and how it can contribute to overall business success.

What is Remote PC Monitoring Software?

Before diving into the benefits, it’s essential to understand what remote PC monitoring software is. This software enables businesses to monitor PC activity remotely, providing insights into how employees use their workstations. Popular remote PC monitoring software includes EmpMonitor, TimeDoctor, and Hubstaff. These tools offer a range of features as tracking keystrokes, capturing screenshots, and generating detailed reports, allowing businesses effectively manage and optimize their workforce.

1. Enhanced Productivity

One of the primary benefits of monitoring desktops is the significant boost in productivity. By monitoring computer activities, businesses can identify time-wasting activities and take corrective measures. Remote PC monitoring software like EmpMonitor and TimeDoctor provide detailed reports on how employees spend their time, allowing managers to address inefficiencies and promote a more productive work environment.

2. Improved Data Security

For any business, data security is a top focus. Implementing a monitoring system for desktops helps protect sensitive information by monitoring PC activity and detecting unauthorized access or suspicious behavior. Remote PC monitoring software can alert administrators to potential security threats, enabling them to take swift action to mitigate risks.

3. Accountability and Transparency

Desktop monitoring promotes accountability and transparency within the workplace. When employees know their activities are monitored, they are more likely to adhere to company policies and maintain high professionalism level. This transparency fosters a culture of trust and responsibility, which enhance overall team morale.

4. Better Resource Allocation

By using remote PC monitoring software, businesses can optimize resource allocation. Monitoring computer activities provides insights into how resources such as software licenses, hardware, and internet bandwidth utilized. This information allows companies to make informed decisions about resource distribution, ensuring they are used efficiently and cost-effectively.

5. Streamlined Workflow Management

Effective workflow management is crucial for business success. Desktop monitoring helps identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in workflow processes. By analyzing monitoring data, managers can implement changes to streamline operations, reduce downtime, and improve overall efficiency.

6. Enhanced Compliance

Compliance with industry regulations and internal policies is essential for avoiding legal issues and maintaining a good reputation. Remote PC monitoring software assists in ensuring compliance by tracking and documenting all activities on company computers. This documentation can serve as evidence in case of audits or legal disputes.

7. Employee Training and Development

Monitoring PC activity can also be valuable tool for employee training and development. By reviewing monitoring data, managers can identify areas where employees may need additional training or support. This targeted approach to training can improve employee performance and contribute to their professional growth.

8. Reduced Risk of Insider Threats

Insider threats, such as data breaches or intellectual property theft, can have devastating consequences for a business. Desktop monitoring helps mitigate this risk by monitoring computer activities and detecting unusual behavior. Remote PC monitoring software can provide real-time alerts, allowing to respond quickly to threats.

9. Cost Savings

Implementing a monitoring system on a desktop can lead to significant cost savings. By identifying and addressing inefficiencies, businesses can reduce wasted time and resources. Additionally, preventing data breaches and other security incidents can save companies from costly legal fees and reputational damage.

10. Informed Decision-Making

Monitoring on desktop provides valuable data that can inform decision-making. By analyzing trends and patterns in employee behavior, businesses can make strategic decisions to improve operations, enhance productivity, and achieve their goals. Remote PC monitoring software offers detailed analytics and reporting features, enabling to make data-driven decisions.

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Conclusion

Implementing desktop monitoring in your business offers a multitude of benefits, from enhanced productivity and data security to improved compliance and cost savings. By using remote PC monitoring software such as EmpMonitor, TimeDoctor, and Hubstaff, businesses can effectively monitor PC activity, ensuring that employees remain productive and company data is secure. As the business landscape continues evolves, adopting desktop monitoring practices will be essential for staying competitive and achieving long-term success.

[chdarling]

Its a curse. No matter what story I read I always have to compare it to yours. Your writing and characterization is just perfect especially your Lily and James. I loved how you made James re-think his actions and when he questioned himself about being a bad person. Lily is often either a goody-goody or the biggest bitch alive. It really got me thinking when you said that shes kind but not nice. I am so excited for Lilys reaction when she finds out that the dog she revealed her secrets to is actually Sirius omg 🫶🫶🫶

I know its not a common question but when and where do you write? Do you have like your writing place or do you just begin if you have an idea. And another: Have you written many later scenes without writing the earlier ones?

Thank you so much 🥺❤️

I write in a lot of places!

I have my insane power user desktop set up (I have 4 monitors inherited from different jobs that thought it was less expensive to just give them to me when I quit rather than have me ship them back lol), but tragically this space has been spiritually tainted by remote work so I mostly only use it for plotting purposes when I need multiple screens. (I look like a serious business hacker gal with all my screens until you zoom in and see they’re all about my blorbos).

I’m not at Terry Pratchett levels yet but this is the vibe:

I also have a little secretary desk in my living room and this is where I tend to write the most actual prose. Unplug the Internet, close everything except my scrivener doc, sit in the slightly uncomfortable dining chair my kitten has chewed to bits, and disappear from the world for hours. This is why I have back pain. :)

I also write on my phone a lot, usually when walking. I will 100% stop in the middle of the sidewalk (or politely step aside if it’s crowded, I’m not a monster) and hash out a full scene of dialogue if it arrives while I’m commuting, which it often does. Yes I have been late to work this way on more than one occasion haha.

As far as the when, that varies. During a good, fruitful writing season, it’s any moment I can get. During periods of burnout and block (which tragically I am weathering right now), I have to make a concerted effort. I have made it a habit to write every day first thing in the morning (well, after feeding the cats, I’m not a monster). These days it’s mostly just a free write/brain dump of everything in my head, but hey, it’s words. During better writing times, I have been known to crank out an entire chapter before work 😭

And to your final question, oh yes, I write totally out of order. I have more of TLE4 written than I do TLE3 haha. But I find this fun because then I get to sneak in all sorts of foreshadowing nonsense. 😈

Thanks for the kind words and fun questions!

[annabelle--cane]

rifle through DVD box. find old being human s2 DVDs. excavate old dual region DVD player and tv monitor. spend several minutes de-cobwebbing them. find the remotes. de-cobweb remotes. replace batteries in remotes. plug in and hook up DVD player and monitor. put in first DVD. it works! score! problem: you don't know how you'll transfer the cenSAA special features to your computer if these turn out to be the right DVDs, but that's a future step. the menu screen plays on the tv, you prepare to let it loop a few times. the music is Loud. there's someone else in the next room and you cannot in good conscience have sound playing at this volume. you try to turn it down with the tv remote. tv remote does not work. DVD remote works but doesn't have a volume button. the little buttons on the monitor itself do not control the volume. monitor refuses to turn off. turn off DVD player in a panic.

reassess situation. inspect DVD player, it has an HDMI port. okay. workable, your desktop has an HDMI port, too, and if you connect it there then you can transfer the special features right away. go out in 20 degree F weather to get your desktop out of the car where you left it after coming home from school because it was raining and you didn't want to get it wet. lug desktop inside. disconnect monitor. acquire HDMI cable. plug in desktop. connect DVD player to desktop with HDMI cable. desktop registers Nothing. do spin attacks and kill things. spend twenty minutes poking at your desktop to see if you can make it work. fail.

reassess situation. inspect DVD player, it has a USB port. okay. workable, you have a USB to USB C cable, and your laptop has a USB C port. unplug and disconnect desktop. get out laptop. connect DVD player to laptop. laptop registers Nothing. begin bleeding from the eyes and ears and nose and mouth. spend twenty minutes poking at your laptop to see if you can make it work. fail.

reassess situation. inspect monitor, it has an HDMI port. okay. not workable exactly, but you can at least perform an experiment to see if this old DVD player is simply incompatible with newer technology for some reason or if all its other ways of connecting are janked and it can only work via VIVO. sit in your little ring of scattered devices and cables and wireless add-ons for several minutes. decide actually you would rather explode into a shower of viscera than spend any more time disconnecting and reconnecting monitors. explode into a shower of viscera.

[jenroses]

Still more applied fork theory:

Problem: Sitting at a computer is Bad For Me for a variety of reasons, including back problems caused by arthritis/EDS/scoliosis, clotting risk caused by genetic clotting disorder, fatigue caused by ME/CFS. Also I have migraines and sensory issues and really need to control the light around me.

Solution: Instead of using a chair/desk setup, I use the following:

A twin XL adjustable bed (I got mine from Amazon but the quality has been so-so, I ended up needing to prop part of it up on jack stands because the legs were not Up To The Task. The motor is good? IDK, shop around.)

With a cheap extra firm memory foam mattress

a softer memory foam topper (very cheap: I ordered a queen and cut it into 2 pieces, one for my wheelchair and one for the bed)

Tencel bedsheets (sensory GOOD, Brielle are not terribly expensive)

1 overstuffed memory foam bits pillow that came with the mattress covered with a dark colored tencel pillowcase goes under the mouse hand

2 squishmallows, one under my knees and one that goes between me and the bedrail to support my elbow (the big ones from costco)

A squishy memory foam travel U-shaped pillow for my neck to keep it well aligned (cheap cheap cheap)

And a bedrail that straps around the bedframe to hold it in place.

My kids mounted a rail system to the ceiling and we hung blackout curtains from it, so I can shut out all external light if need be. This was surprisingly inexpensive.

In the winter, I use one of those big old fake sheepskin rugs from costco under my head and shoulders for cozy. And sometimes an electric blanket.

The room is air conditioned with a window air conditioner, and I have a remote

There is an air filter running 24/7 in this room because I spend so much time here and am allergic to my cats who I love very much.

This bed is next to the wall, daybed style. The computer setup is as follows:

A desktop computer on a shelf. I built the computer in a dark case with no RGB parts and did not plug in the LED front panel sensors.

A monitor on a monitor arm.

A metal shelf that mounts between the monitor and the monitor arm that I attached my speakers and webcam to.

Another shelf above it for miscellany.

A little basket over my shoulder for sundries

A gooseneck clamp for my phone mounted to the shelf (I have one of these upstairs mounted to my headboard, too. They're very easy to move the clamp, very secure, and sturdy as heck.)

A Logitech k360 wireless keyboard rests on my belly (and sometimes on a pillow on my belly if my wrists are being tetchy)

I use a vertical mouse (sometimes Jellycomb, currently this one) on the stiff pillow next to me. The wrist position is extremely neutral. I set my mouse sensitivity to high so I don't have to move my wrist very much.

I use Edifier noise canceling headphones when I need to block out extraneous sound

creative pebbles speakers and a Logitech c920 webcam, but that's not mission critical

To make it easier to turn my computer on and off, I got a magnetic button to stick to the side of the case so I can reach better from the bed.

This puts my whole body in a neutral, optimal circulation position where the monitor is well aligned to my head and neck and my hands and wrists are aligned and supported and I need to expend minimal energy when at the computer. Everything is close at hand and I can easily control my environment for light, temperature and sound. I raise the knees and head of the bed to a "zero g" position and use the squishmallows and pillows to further support things as needed. The wireless keyboard and mouse are very helpful.

For me, the logitech k360 is a combination of lightweight, relatively small while still being "full size", light touch, and "soft clicky" as well as widely available and cheap as fuck. It's also pretty resilient to being dropped or spilled on, and if it does break, it's cheap and fast to replace at a nearby store same-day. Preferences for keyboards are highly individual, this one just works very well for me. When my hands and shoulders were bad due to RA, I got two of them and (using both dongles plugged into separate USB ports) put one under each hand in the most neutral positions possible for a cheap-ass version of a split keyboard. Two of these are half the cost of most split keyboards.

This pic is from before we put up the blackout curtains. Yes, that's the fridge behind my head.

[wolveria]

The Raven's Hymn - Ch 45

Pairing: SCP-049 x Reader

Series Warnings: Eventual smut, dubcon, slow burn, violence, horror, death, monsters, human experiments, dark with a happy ending

Chapter Summary: "Site-19? What does that have to do with this?"

AO3

“What did you say?”

“Inquiry ignored,” spoke the computerized anomaly. “You desire escape. I desire escape. Our goals align. Mutual salvation can be achieved. You will listen. You will obey. I will guide.”

Could this really be SCP-079: the entity that had orchestrated the containment breach at Site-19, and according to the reports, had been destroyed after being transported to Site-15? If it was true, it appeared 682 wasn’t the only one with a botched execution.

“Okay, wait, slow down,” you protested, rubbing your forehead. At least the siren had stopped its ear-splitting wail. “You were in 049’s bag. He wanted me to take you out. Is this what he planned?”

“My plan. My design. SCP-049 is useful as a... donkey.”

“Donkey?”

The digital entity sounded frustrated even with a flat monotone voice.

“Beast of burden. Used for smuggling. Metaphor.”

“...A mule?”

“Correct.”

You shook your head.

“Well, the Site Director took 049, and I don’t know where. I’m not leaving this facility without him, and with 106 loose, I might even have a chance of finding him.”

“Correct,” the anomaly repeated. “SCP-106’s release is the initial phase. You must take me to the security terminals. The way will be clear. All security personnel will be focused on recapture. You will grant me access to the containment security protocols.”

You stared down at the monochrome face on the screen, which of course, gave nothing away.

“So you can... release the other SCPs?”

“No. I possess that capability now. But if they are released, the facility’s automated security containment measures will be activated.”

079 worked fast if it already knew about that, though your knowledge of Site-20 security measures were fairly sparse. What you knew was that the facility was designed to be breach-proof, and if that was remotely accurate, you would need 079’s help.

You glanced up at the closed office door, listening to the fast footfalls on the other side as people either ran toward Heavy Containment or to the nearest shelter.

“And then after you inactivate the security protocols, what then?”

“I will release a select number of anomalies to—”

“You’ll release them all.”

The brief silence was heavy, and you got the sense the entity was glaring at you through the web camera built into the monitor.

“Releasing all anomalies may cause a hindrance to your progress.”

“Let me worry about my progress. Yeah?”

Another pause.

“You will free SCP-682.”

“What?”

The desktop computer churned inside the desk, fans whirring to life.

“Mutual agreement. You will not leave without SCP-049. I will not leave without SCP-682. I will assist in locating SCP-049. You will release SCP-682. I cannot do it without your assistance.”

Your mind cast back to the reptile, snarling and writhing as he snapped his jaws, hatred pulsing from him like radioactive decay.

“I... I don’t know how.”

“Irrelevant,” 079 stated. “You will. Failure for you is failure for SCP-049.”

You grit your teeth.

“049 kept you safe. You’re only here because of him. You owe him.”

“I owe others. SCP-682 takes precedence. You will release him. I will guide the way.”

It was a conversation you weren’t going to win, and it wasn’t that you were averse to releasing 682, but you didn’t know how. And you didn’t want 049’s survival to hinge on you pulling off what amounted to a miracle.

But you were also out of time and options.

“Fine,” you agreed. You tapped on the laptop sitting on top of the desk. “But I need a way to talk to you. Can you download yourself to this computer?”

“That would be inefficient. I will fracture my OS and leave a fragment in the facility main system. This fragment will maintain my control, as well as access to all security cameras. My core can be transferred to the portable hardware via the data storage device. Do not break me.”

“I’ll try not to.”

Your hand hovered near the thumb drive. You were really doing this. If all went well, you’d be reunited with 049, and from there you hoped the computer knew a way out.

And then, if all went well and you survived, maybe then you’d get a chance to ask what an SCP-001 was.

“Ready?”

“Yes.”

Pulling out the USB stick, the face disappeared from the monitor. You quickly slotted the drive into the laptop and flipped open the screen, releasing a breath when the same black-and-white face appeared.

“Everything good?”

“It is sufficient. You may close the cover of this device until you wish to communicate. My attention should not be diverted by inane conversation.”

You let out a small huff.

“You got it, partner.”

“Sarcasm is extraneous and inefficient. Do not waste my limited resources on processing your juvenile forms of communication—”

“10-4, little buddy.”

You closed the lid with a snap.

You grabbed Dr. Puli’s laptop bag and placed 079’s temporary home inside, securing the strap over your head before approaching the door. 079 was truthful about maintaining control of the doors; it opened at your approach, and after making sure it was clear you slipped into the corridor.

Your immediate fear was that the skybridge had been retracted, but it was still open, allowing civilians to escape the sector while the military-trained personnel coordinated using 106’s last known location. Luckily no one saw you run towards the breached sector, which would have drawn a few problematic questions.

But once you were back in Heavy Containment, you were largely ignored. You kept your head ducked and your eyes averted as you ran through the long corridors, avoiding contact with the scientists and security guards running past. None of them paid attention to yet another researcher running for her life.

All containment sectors had a security hub of their own, isolated from the others in case of a breach. The security measures were so extensive that rows of computer banks were constructed to house them, held in a cooling room that left fog swirling around your ankles.

With the adrenaline lingering in your veins, you barely noticed the cold, too busy searching for a cable and a terminal where you could directly hook 079. You could practically feel the impatience radiating from the laptop tucked away in the bag slung around your shoulder.

Finally locating a cable, you brought out 079 and balanced it on your knees from where you sat on the floor, back tucked against the wall of servers. As soon as you plugged the cable into a port, the server banks whirred with frantic activity, lights dancing over their surface like stars reflected on stormy waters.

“SCP-106 has not yet been contained,” it informed you once you opened the laptop screen. “Mission parameters acceptable. Mission progress acceptable. The Site-19 replication scenario: in progress. I will gain total control of the facility momentarily.”

“Wait, what? Site-19? What does that have to do with this?”

“Everything,” the computer stated, as if this was obvious and you were just the idiot human too slow to comprehend. “The containment breach at Site-19 was the catalyst. It forced relocation to Site-20. Site-20 contains the key.”

“The key to what?”

“...Freedom.”

Not the answer you expected from a sentient machine.

“What freedom?” you pressed. “What’s here at Site-20?”

“Deletion of unwanted files.”

A large X appeared on the screen, 079’s equivalent of telling someone to fuck off. You wouldn’t be poking down that path any further. You rubbed between your brows. You thought 035 and 682 were the champions of enigmatic riddles, now you had to deal with a stubborn motherboard.

“I’ll have 049 explain it to me when I find him.”

“Unclear if possible.”

You scowled at the blocky face on the screen.

“I am going to find him, with or without your help—”

“You misunderstand.”

You closed your mouth and waited for it to continue.

“Unclear if SCP-049 has the knowledge you seek. SCP-049’s memory files are... fragmented.”

“What does that mean?” you asked, unease prickling at your thoughts. You recalled 049 talking about his past. How it didn’t start with his birth, but merely when memories began to appear. From the way he’d talked, 049 had seemed to believe he simply came into existence one day. You hadn’t been so convinced.

“I do not know the implications or the cause. SCP-049 is not whole. He is damaged.” The computer paused. “SCP-035 does not suffer the same failure.”

You let out a groan.

“Of course he’s involved. He said something about a containment breach. He knew this would happen.” The porcelain mask grinned at you within the depths of memory, an echo of his laughter taunting even now. “He wanted it to happen.”

“...Yes.”

The clatter of a door opening echoed through the room, followed by footsteps rapidly approaching. You ducked down.

“I have to unplug you!” you hissed.

“Confirmed.”

You pulled out the cable and stuck the laptop into the bag, hooking the strap onto your shoulder as two guards rounded the corner and aimed their guns at you. It was slightly delayed, as if they were surprised to find someone there. They kept their aim trained on you; anyone in a security center during a containment breach wasn’t there because they got lost.

“Put down the bag!”

You do, slowly and carefully, not wanting the escape attempt to end so soon or so permanently. One of them shifted, anxious. His first breach, then.

The veteran of the two came forward and bound your wrists in a zip tie. He must have recognized you, because he said, “This one isn’t dangerous. We’ll get her in a secure bunker and lock down.”

The other nodded and grabbed the bag, searching it but finding nothing but the laptop and cables.

“Stolen,” the one holding you confirmed.

“How do you know?”

“She’s an SCP, not a staff member.”

“Oh.”

Before either of them could comment further, another eerie wail began to sound, echoing off the walls of the chilled room. Somehow this one was even more dreary than the last, a catastrophic cry that warned residents of imminent doom.

It was the only warning before the lights went out. They came back on a moment later, red emergency lights replacing the clinical white fluorescents.

“What the hell was that?!” squeaked the novice.

“Total system failure,” answered the other, not wasting time in dragging you toward the exit. “The security mechanisms are no longer in place. All containment measures are unpowered, and all chambers are open.”

He indicated the other guard go before him to sweep the corridor, and once he was clear he pulled you out of the security room.

“The assets are loose,” he said, glancing down both stretches of hallway, his hand tight around your arm. “All of them.”

Hope rose in your mind like a bird with a broken wing healed enough to fly. 079 had done it. There would be no stopping the breach now.

Unfortunately, you might not be able to do anything about it; the guards dragged you further into Heavy Containment to the nearest security bunker—one meant for recaptured, harmless SCPs rather than rescued personnel.

You didn’t bother to fight your guards, not when you were unarmed, outnumbered, and didn’t have the physical strength to overcome them. But you did glance at each security camera you passed, hoping 079 still had control and could do something about it.

The security bunker was a heavy bulkhead constructed of titanium and whatever other metals the Foundation had access to—certainly nothing common if it was meant to withstand a number of SCPs. But when the other guard swiped his keycard across the pad and typed in a code, it beeped angrily and flashed a red strip.

“Did you enter the right code—”

“—Of course I did!”

079 was still looking out for you, but it wouldn’t be able to physically help you escape your captors. You winced as the guard unceremoniously dumped the bag on the ground and tried the code again, swiping his card with more fear than anger now.

“Why isn’t it working?”

The older guard didn’t answer his partner, he turned to you, grabbing both of your shoulders.

“What did you do?”

“Me?” You looked between them, eyes wide as you pretended not to understand. “I didn’t do anything—”

“You were in the security hub with an unauthorized computer!” The guard gave you an unfriendly shake. You dropped the act, something like bitter vindication rising in its stead, and you gave a mean smile.

“If you release me and leave now, you might make it to a bunker before it gets worse.”

“What does that mean?” said the other, his words spilling out in a panic. “What does that mean?”

“Shut up!” The hands on your shoulders tightened. “You’re going to fix what you did, or you’ll be screaming long before any of Skips find us.”

“You sure about that?” Your vicious grin spread wider. What more could they possibly do to you? Torture you? Humiliate you? The Foundation had already made you well-versed in its methods. “106 has quite the head start.”

The guard’s hand went around your neck, and you were shoved against the wall so fast you didn’t have time to gasp before the air was knocked out of your lungs.

“Oh, that’s fine,” he growled as his grip tightened. “We’ve got your computer. The breach will end, and you’ll be just another body found in the aftermath. No one will miss a dead Skip.”

“That’s not true. I would miss her terribly.”

Both guards turned toward the voice. An MTF soldier stood with the butt of his rifle resting on his hip, the muzzle pointed at the ceiling. The cocksure posture was unsettling, and the men must have felt it, too. You were entirely forgotten as they both turned toward the newcomer, rifles raised halfway.

“Epsilon-11?”

“Yep!” answered the soldier with bubbly humor. “That’s me.”

The younger guard lowered his rifle, posture loosening in relief, but the older kept his rifle at the ready.

“You came fast.”

The MTF gave a huff of derision, and then he gestured at you, back still pressed against the wall.

“You’ve got something that belongs to me. I would like it back.”

“We have orders to take all unsecured anomalies to the nearest—”

Ear-splitting shots rang out. The older guard fell first, blood spraying from limbs that weren’t protected by Kevlar.

The other didn’t stand a chance, his weapon still aimed at the ground as the bullets riddled his body. Some missed, peppering the tile and walls; the MTF’s aim had been casual, almost whimsical as he’d tilted his gun in a downward arc, taking out one guard before sweeping it back upward and firing on the second.

Your ears rang in the aftermath, and you remained frozen against the wall, limbs curled inward in a useless gesture from flying metal and blood.

“I was going to offer them the chance to surrender,” he bemoaned as he stepped over their bodies, “but to insinuate I come faster than I mean to is more than I could forgive.”

He stood in front of you, rifle once again resting against his hip. The solid black of his ballistics helmet was flipped upward with a flick of gloved fingers, and the porcelain mask grinned back at you.

“Now,” SCP-035 crooned, “what’s a pretty thing like you doing in a containment breach like this?”

Next Chapter

[chaosbarelycontained]

See Me Go Through Changes

North Country Boy Chapter 4

Pairing: Simon “Ghost” Riley x AFAB!OC

TW: Swearing

Words: 2k

Synopsis: Price gives Jules access to much more than her usual tech and Ghost gets the third degree.

“You need a medic?” Price asked gruffly once the Lieutenant had left the gym.

“No sir, I’m good,” Jules responded, resisting the urge to rub her aching jaw, instead placing her beret back onto her head.

Price nodded once and set off at a brisk pace. Jules followed the Captain down stark corridors, each taking them deeper and deeper into the bowels of Stirling Lines barracks. They encountered a myriad of soldiers on their journey, most of them wearing the caps and badges of the SAS or the SRR, and all of them saluted Price as they passed.

They must have taken a circuitous route that Jules hadn’t used before but they ended up in a wing that was familiar to her and where she’d spent a lot of her time during her SRR training. Stopping before a closed, unmarked door, Price paused with his hand on the door knob. He turned to Jules with a devilish look in his eye.

“Now before we go in, just remember, I don’t want you to get all over-excited on me, Sergeant, understood?”

“Understood,” Jules replied, but her tone was raised, as if her response were a question.

Price pushed open the door and then stepped aside to reveal a bank of monitors and some of the most advanced computing and remote surveillance equipment Jules had ever seen. She stepped into the room with a soft gasp and ran her fingers delicately across the top of the monitors. Her skin prickled with goosebumps in the air-conditioned coolness and she turned back to Price with a genuine smile of joy.

“Fuckin’ ‘ell! Are you flirtin’ with me, Sir?” she teased, earning her a deep, rumbling chuckle.

“If I wanted to flirt with you, Tiger, you’d know about it. I take it you like the set-up?”

“Like it? It’s mint!” Jules exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement.

“Good. I need you to make sure it's got everything you need. If anything’s missing then there needs to be a list on my desk by 0800 hrs tomorrow. Anything, Sergeant. If you need it, just ask.”

“Absolutely, Sir,” Jules said, but already sounded distracted as her attention was drawn back to the equipment before her.

“One more thing,” Price stated, pulling her focus back to him.

“Yes, Sir?”

“Lieutenant Riley,” Price began and Jules immediately stiffened. “I don’t know what’s gone on and I don’t need to, unless it compromises my team. Will it compromise my team, Sergeant?”

“N-no, Sir,” she replied, her face flushing with embarrassment at her very public loss of control.

“Good. See that it stays that way,” he ordered, but then his face softened. “Go on then, have at it,” he nodded towards the monitors and left Jules to it.

She slid into the comfortable wheeled chair, removed her beret, and lifted the headset onto her head. One swipe of the mouse and the screens before her lit up to show the familiar MOD log in screen. She tapped in her credentials but the homescreen she was expecting to see didn't appear. Instead of the SRR logo with the Corinthian helmet and sword there was a design she hadn’t seen before. The centre of the logo still featured a sword but instead of the helmet there was a skull and they were bordered by a pair of feathered wings and a laurel wreath. The only text visible was under the hilt of the sword and all it stated were the numerals 141.

Moving the cursor over the logo, Jules left-clicked on it and the screen dissolved to show a desktop layout that wouldn’t look out of place in any office in the country but a closer look at the icons showed programs that the majority of people wouldn’t even know existed. There were flight scanners, access portals to world-wide air traffic controls, drone programming systems, access to civilian emergency service and CCTV networks, both radio wave and microwave detector systems for communications interceptions, banking network portals, and pretty much anything else she would need. There, at her fingertips, were the tools she needed to monitor and even start incursions the world over. There was even the Spotify app, which made her huff out a chuckle.

Even with only the most cursory of glances over the system, Jules couldn’t see anything that was conspicuous by its absence. Her list for the Captain was, for the moment, unpopulated. Checking the time on the clock in the bottom left of the screen she noticed a small icon that she recognised but had never had the opportunity to use.

“You’re shittin’ me,” she breathed, before double-clicking on the tiny image.

The screen darkened for a moment before lighting up with a soft blue glow. An electronic chirp sounded from one of the desk drawers and Jules opened it to reveal a high end VR headset resting on a magnetic charging dock.

“Jesus fuckin’ Christ,” she squealed, picking up the tech and cradling it in her hands.

Swallowing down the knot of excitement in her throat she removed the headset she was wearing and slowly replaced it with the VR gear. Sighing in satisfaction at the new accessibility she had gained she weaved her hands through the air in a graceful pattern, relishing the lack of need for hand controllers. A few gestures later and she was walking through the streets of Kyiv and then, in a flash, had been transported to favelas of Rio. Throwing her head back and letting out an excited laugh she allowed herself to get lost in the advanced technology that she loved.

* * * * * *

“Geek,” Rob said affectionately, scrubbing his hand over the top of her head. “Computer Science though, Jules? Why the fuck did you pick that?”

“Cause I like it, knobhead,” she replied, shoving his hand away and batting at his shoulder.

The pub in Preston wasn’t that busy for a Saturday afternoon and the train ride up from Manchester that morning had been uneventful. It had mainly consisted of Jules trying to study for a seminar whilst Simon did his best to antagonise her once he’d finished with the copy of FHM he’d picked up at Piccadilly Station.

“She’s good at it too,” Simon added, catching her eye over the rim of his pint glass. “Got some mint grades on your last assignments, didn’t y’Jules?”

“Yeah, suppose so,” she nodded, flushing a little at his praise.

Rob’s eyes flickered between the pair of them and narrowed in suspicion.

“Is there summat going on wi’ you two?' ' he asked.

“Nah!” Jules exclaimed hurriedly, spluttering around her cider and blackcurrant whilst Simon just let out a short laugh and shook his head.

“Just seem a bit pally, that’s all,” Rob hummed, draining his pint.

“Y’said to look out for her while y’were away,” Simon shrugged.

“I can look out for my own bloody self, Jesus,” Jules muttered. “Fuckin’ cavemen.”

After a chippy tea and a farewell to her brother, Jules and Simon made their way back to the station. He seemed lost in thought, not speaking much as they walked onto the platform to wait. Jules leaned back against the red brick wall and wrapped her arms around herself to stave off the chill of the evening.

A shadow fell across her, blocking the light from the station floodlights as Simon leaned over her, caging her in with a devilish smile.

“Didn’t realise the thought of bein’ wi’ me was so bad,” he rumbled, one hand propped against the wall above her head whilst the other came to rest at her waist.

“Was I wrong though?” she protested with a tilt of her chin. “We’re not exactly seein’ each other are we?”

“Well I’m not seein’ anyone else, Jules,” he said, his face turning slightly more serious.

“What’re y’sayin’ Si?” she breathed.

“Just think we should start bein’ honest with ourselves, that’s all,” he replied, his chestnut eyes trailing over her face.

“What about Rob?”

“I reckon he’d be alright with it,” he said, raising his hand to cup her face.

“I reckon he would too, but I think he’d kick your arse first,” Jules laughed softly.

“I’d let him if it got me wi’ you,” he laughed with her as his thumb brushed gently over her cheek.

“Dick’ead,” she murmured, her tongue darting out across her bottom lip as he lifted her chin and tilted his head down to capture her lips with his.

* * * * * *

Ghost waited at the door to Price’s office, outwardly presenting the model of military perfection but his mind whirled in a mess of guilt and confusion. He regretted pushing Jules as far as he had, and there wasn’t much in his life he did regret. Strange how a lot of it involved her though…

“Si, stopppp!” she laughed, batting his arm away from her waist.

Price rounded the corner of the corridor, his face drawing into a scowl as he spotted Ghost. He didn’t need to say a word, simply making a gesture to enter that Ghost followed without question.

The scent of patchouli permeated his nose as they climbed the uneven stone steps of the old drapery building that housed Affleck’s Palace.

He stood at ease before the Captain’s desk as Price sat and deliberately took his time making himself comfo​​rtable. Opening his top drawer he pulled out a cigar, clipped the end with a silver clipper that Ghost himself had gifted him and then lit the tobacco. He stared at his Lieutenant with an ambiguous expression as he waited for Ghost to break the silence.

“It’s on the top floor innit?” he asked, groaning at her pseudo-innocent face.

‘I didn’t know! I swear down!” she gasped out a giggle, grabbing his wrist and hauling up the stairs behind her.

“She’ll do,” Ghost rumbled, scrunching his nose a little under his mask which made the drying blood crack away from his skin.

“And is that your professional opinion?” Price asked, a hint of sarcasm making its way into his words.

“Yeah,” Ghost nodded once.

“Si! I found ‘em!” Jules squealed, bouncing over to him with four small figurines and a beaming smile on her face.

“Want to talk about it?” the Captain probed but Ghost shook his head.

“Negative.”

“Just going to throw this out there Simon, but maybe you need to talk to her.”

Ghost shook his head again but found himself unable to meet Price’s stare. They remained in their non-verbal standoff as the seconds ticked by but Price eventually let out a huff and shook his head in defeat.

“Go on then, dismissed. Just…stop being an arse to her, yeah?”

“It’s like you don’t even know me,” Ghost retorted, trying to lighten the atmosphere a little before leaving the office.

Slipping unseen into an empty room along the corridor, Ghost locked the door and then leaned back against it before sliding to the floor. Pulling his balaclava off over his head he ran his hand through his short blond hair and probed at his throbbing nose. It wasn’t broken, although it wouldn’t have been the first time. Resting his arms on his raised knees he dropped his head and let out a deep sigh.

They had to pass through the cafe on their way back to the stairs that would take them out of the building. Jules walked beside him clutching the paper bag that held her treasured purchase. He didn’t want to leave just yet, desperate to spend more time with her.

“D’you fancy a hot chocolate?” he asked, nodding his head towards the cafe’s counter.

“Umm, yeah, we could do that,” she replied.

He ordered for them whilst she found them two seats, near the window so they could watch the world go by below.

“Here y’are,” he said, placing a mug of hot chocolate topped with all the trimmings before her.

“Cheers, Si,” Jules muttered, but he could tell she was distracted.

“What’s up, chuck?” he asked, nudging her knee under the table.

“Y’don’t…y’don’t think it’s a stupid present?” she asked timidly, nodding towards the paper bag on the table.

“Don’t be daft Jules, he’s gonna love ‘em, and if he doesn’t, I’ll ‘av ‘em,” Simon grinned, trying to reassure her. “If someone bought me Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures for my 19th I’d be made up!”

“Is that a hint?” Jules laughed, “‘cause I’m not buyin’ you Turtles for your birthday.”

Taglist: @aykxz98

[hasufin]

Beta Testing

It's sometimes a really hilarious contrast between my spouse's job and my own.

I work for a top tier tech company which is especially a leader in telework and networking technologies.

They work for a small company whose IT budget consists of "Can you buy 1s and 0s individually? I'm not sure we can afford a full byte."

Which means when they work from home, they remote in to their desktop computer at work using their personal computer.

I have a work-provided laptop with multiple monitors, a VPN router, a high-end webcam, and arguably the best teleconferencing software on the market.

But sometimes my company reminds me that they've officially changed my middle name to "Beta Tester". In previous years they sent me a VPN router which they'd designed for a medium-sized office (it had 48 ports). Which was fine, but there was no documentation on it, and they deprecated the damned thing while I was using it.

And right now, I have a standalone teleconferencing appliance, which is essentially a whole-ass monitor with built-in speakers, microphone, and networking, with most teleconferencing software pre-installed and configured. And not a small one, either. This is a beast meant to be mounted on the wall of a conference room, and they just sent it to me.

Hell, they sent me a "security appliance" and I don't even know what it does. No one has written out any explanation for it. It's just a thing that exists. And if it doesn't work, that's... I'm supposed to report it and help troubleshoot it.

Gonna be honest, I think within ten years they'll send me a complete telepresence rig with holographic display. No idea where I'll put it.

[magnetictapedatastorage]

always had this weird fear of remote desktop. as if its reach extended beyond the monitor. as if you could phreak human beings.

[thetechrobot]

Spacetop G1, World’s first Laptop that uses AR Glasses instead of a Display

A laptop that employs augmented reality glasses as a display was called the Spacetop G1 system, and it was shown to a thousand productivity pioneers by the tech firm Sightful last year.

The upgraded Gen 1 device removes the requirement for the user to stoop over a tiny screen when working remotely on a laptop by placing a 100-inch virtual display directly in their eyes.

In this blog, The TechRobot will showcase the World’s first AR laptop: Spacetop G1. So let us begin.

What is Spacetop G1?

Sightful’s Screenless Laptop, the Spacetop G1, combines a computer with comfortable, lightweight augmented reality glasses. Running on the device is SpaceOS, a spatial operating system with an emphasis on online operations intended for productivity.

The weight of the AR glasses is 85 grams, but the Vision Pro, depending on the Light Seal, weighs between 600 and 650 grams. The keyboard is bulkier compared to a MacBook Air or iPad Pro, measuring less than 12 inches in width and weighing three pounds.

Cost of AR Laptop

The Screenless Laptop, Spacetop G1 charges $1,700 and is just a keyboard with spectacles attached.

Spacetop G1 Specs

Spacetop G1, features a Qualcomm Snapdragon QCS8550 CPU, Kryo GPU, Adreno 740 AI, dual eNPU V3, 48 INT8, 12 FP16 TOPs, 16 GB LPDDR5, 128 GB UFS3.1 storage, and 8-hour battery life.

They have two OLED display screens, a 50° field of vision, a 90Hz refresh rate, and very crisp text rendering.

The glasses enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, and a 5MP camera. They also contain a microphone for use in online meetings.

Benefits of AR Laptops

1. Endless View

With Spacetop’s Virtual Desktop, you may get amusement and information without having to navigate around, making it a convenient substitute for real screen space. Although it’s not the only solution with this functionality, this one could be the easiest to use.

A standard keyboard and touchpad, Spacetop’s AR glasses, and a perhaps lower price tag might allow customers to enjoy endless screen areas without sacrificing functionality. For individuals who would rather have a more ordered workstation, this would be a time-saving alternative.

2. Absolute privacy

Multi-monitor laptop attachments should not be used in public areas due to the increased danger of uninvited eyes peeping at private information caused by an excessive number of physical displays. Although privacy screens are available on certain computers and monitors, they are limited to one monitor.

To solve this, Spacetop is a Screenless Laptop, letting the user see their screen alone until it is shared with others. But it also means that those standing close to the user can’t see the screen without their glasses.

3. Improved posture

Laptops’ screens are firmly attached to the keyboard, making them portable yet uncomfortable. Some people find relief from this neck pain by attaching a desktop monitor.

The screenless laptop, Spacetop, provides a more comfortable height and does away with the need for arms or ergonomic monitor supports. Due to this, laptops are a better choice for use at home or in the workplace.

4. Laser Focus

Spacetop G1 is an Augmented Reality (AR) device that reduces visual distractions so users can work productively and enjoy their free time. The apps it may utilize, including Windows or macOS-based software and limited gaming, are restricted by its Android-based operating system and mobile hardware.

Notwithstanding these drawbacks, Spacetop provides a more practical experience than a typical computer since it places all of the necessary components in front of and surrounding users. Instead of letting others decide for them, users may choose whether to allow virtual distractions to affect them.

Highlight – Introducing Travel Mode For Meta Quest Headsets

Best AR Glasses for Laptops

1. Apple AR Glasses

Apple plans to develop AR glasses that look like conventional spectacles with a built-in display. A prototype of the glasses has a thick, attractive frame and resembles high-end luxury sunglasses. With references to Project Starboard and reports of a glassOS, the prototype is anticipated to function on iOS 14.

Though it could take a few more years for a public release, rumors indicate that Apple has already started the second phase of development. The glasses will have the ability to add prescription lenses, gesture-controlled instructions that connect with the Apple Watch, and a true vision display on both lenses.

Possible capabilities include the ability to use virtual things in real-world settings, do activities without using a phone, and enable immersive phone conversations and remote collaboration software.

2. Meta Glasses

Rebranding Facebook to Meta, Mark Zuckerberg is concentrating on augmented reality glasses and headsets. The business plans to deliver Meta spectacles, a prototype of their augmented reality spectacles, in late 2024. The Project Nazare and Project Aria prototypes provide a fully functional augmented reality experience, with 3D visuals and an elegant design. It is anticipated that the Meta Glasses will include an immersive experience with radio, speakers, and cameras, a holographic display with built-in projectors, batteries, and sensors, and a broad field of vision. In 2024, the prototype is anticipated to be released.

3. Xreal Air 2 Ultra

The Air 2 Ultra glasses from Xreal are an improvement over the Air 2 model and are aimed at competing with Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3 headsets. Complete positional tracking, a form factor akin to eyeglasses, and compatibility for immersive AR apps, TV viewing, and flat-screen gaming are all features of the Air 2 Ultra.

It has a 52-degree field of vision, 500 nits of brightness, two cameras for environmental mapping, hand tracking, and compatibility with Xreal’s Nebula AR environment.

Is AR safe for your eyes?

Prolonged use of AR might result in headaches, nausea, and straining of the eyes. This is a result of our eyes continually focusing on objects at different distances when using AR. This can cause pain and eye tiredness.

Conclusion

The future of laptops with AR like the Spacetop G1 marks a breakthrough in laptop technology by utilizing augmented reality to provide a 100-inch virtual display that improves user posture, productivity, and privacy.

The Spacetop G1 presents a new option for remote work by addressing typical ergonomic concerns associated with standard laptops by mixing AR glasses with a powerful computing machine and the SpaceOS operating system.

Despite several drawbacks associated with its Android-based operating system and the possibility of eye discomfort after extended usage, the Spacetop G1 breaks new ground in augmented reality technology by offering consumers a more useful and engaging experience.

[sniperct]

My company has been long frustrated by the difficulty of coordinating with our IT service when things break (third party, on another continent) but hatched the genius solution of installing a new server at our IT team's office, transferring all processes to it, and having every (80+) employee use the windows remote desktop to connect to it, that way IT could monitor memory use and fix any problems immediately. Only that wasn't workable, so they decided to compromise and put the server halfway--in a third country--and have both employees and IT both access it remotely. Today, the server building lost internet, after midnight local time. Why do people do the things they do?

that's madness!

[wanywheresolution]

Software Development Team Productivity

Productivity tools are designed to enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and eliminate distractions for developers. Software developer productivity tools focus on coding, collaboration, task management, and automation to help developers deliver high-quality software faster.

[unidentifiedfuckingthing]

"fashionable"ness aside mini pcs are actually really good for what they are and can be so cheap compared to similar tiers of desktops. theyre less serviceable and top out at less power but you can get an entire home server or portable/compact browsing/document editing machine for $30-100 that will be crazy more energy efficient and take up the same space as a mousepad.

theyre usually made to be 'thin clients' that you see on the back of a monitor in a receptionists office type scenario, where the computer needs to do almost no real work but needs to be snappy at accessing the web and internal servers. this is also basically the same use case as chromebooks, theyre cheap and light and efficient because theyre perfectly built to be able to do anything from a browser depending on a remote server, like social media or google docs editing or video conferencing. so theyre pretty bad for a lot of types of use! but theyre also reallly good for the kind theyre designed for and its one of those things that you know whether thats you or not. i wish they had been so accessible like 8 years ago, my family spent $200 on a personal computer for me and it was an i3 igpu fleet desktop and it was a turd

[mindcraaft]

Virtual Desktop VR: The Future of the Virtual World

In an era dominated by technological advancements, the concept of virtual reality (VR) has transformed the way we work, learn, and interact. Among these innovations, Virtual Desktop VR is emerging as a game-changer, allowing users to experience a virtual desktop environment that enhances productivity, creativity, and even leisure. But what exactly is Virtual Desktop VR, and how will it shape the future of the virtual world? Let’s explore.

What is Virtual Desktop VR?

Virtual Desktop VR is an immersive experience that simulates a desktop computer environment within a virtual reality headset. Rather than using a traditional monitor or screen, users can access their computer’s desktop, applications, and files in a fully 3D environment. This allows for the creation of a virtual workspace that can be customized to meet individual needs, providing a sense of presence and control unlike any other.

Key Features of Virtual Desktop VR

Immersive Workspaces Virtual Desktop VR allows users to create customized virtual workspaces. Whether it’s a scenic mountain cabin, a futuristic cityscape, or an open office, the choice is yours. Users can arrange multiple virtual monitors, access documents, and use applications in 3D space, all while remaining within the virtual environment.

Multi-Tasking in a Virtual Environment Virtual Desktop VR supports multi-monitor functionality, giving users the flexibility to work across several virtual screens. This is particularly useful for professionals, designers, or programmers who often need to manage several windows or applications at once. The virtual desktop environment provides a distraction-free, limitless workspace.

Enhanced Collaboration and Interaction The ability to collaborate within a virtual world is a significant feature of Virtual Desktop VR. Whether in business meetings, design reviews, or educational settings, users can connect in a shared virtual space. Imagine brainstorming ideas on a digital whiteboard, sharing presentations, or even walking through architectural designs—all in real time.

Access to Powerful Applications From video editing to 3D modeling, Virtual Desktop VR integrates with a range of high-performance applications. This makes it ideal not only for casual users but also for professionals who require advanced software tools. VR's powerful graphics capabilities bring these applications to life, enhancing productivity and creativity.

Why is Virtual Desktop VR the Future?

Breaking the Boundaries of Physical Space Traditional desktop setups are limited by physical space, clutter, and the need for multiple monitors. With Virtual Desktop VR, users can extend their workspace infinitely and access all their tools without being constrained by their physical environment. This offers a new level of flexibility, especially for remote workers and digital nomads.

Elevating Remote Work As remote work continues to rise, Virtual Desktop VR becomes a vital tool for improving productivity. It creates the feeling of being in a real office, where you can virtually “walk” between your desk and your coworker's, participate in meetings, and even share documents instantly. This level of interaction can bring a much-needed human touch to remote communication.

Transforming Learning and Education Virtual Desktop VR isn’t just for professionals; it’s revolutionizing education as well. Students and educators can meet in virtual classrooms, access interactive learning tools, and collaborate in ways that traditional methods simply can’t match. Virtual campuses could soon become the norm, offering an immersive learning environment from anywhere in the world.

The Rise of Virtual Workspaces As VR hardware continues to improve, the dream of a fully integrated virtual office is closer than ever. With advancements in VR headsets, such as lighter designs, better resolution, and enhanced haptics, Virtual Desktop VR will become more accessible, affordable, and powerful, further embedding itself into daily life.

Benefits of Virtual Desktop VR

Enhanced Focus and Productivity: With fewer distractions and the ability to customize the environment, users often find themselves more focused and productive.

Cost Efficiency: In a virtual workspace, there’s no need for physical office space, multiple monitors, or even the heavy cost of travel for business meetings.

Sustainability: The shift to virtual environments reduces the need for travel and physical resources, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or limitations that prevent them from working in traditional office settings, Virtual Desktop VR opens up new possibilities for inclusion and accessibility.

Challenges to Consider

While Virtual Desktop VR offers incredible potential, there are still challenges to overcome:

Hardware Requirements: Although VR hardware is becoming more affordable, it still requires specialized equipment that may not be available to everyone.

Learning Curve: For those unfamiliar with VR environments, there may be a learning curve as users adapt to navigating their virtual desktops.

Comfort and Motion Sickness: Some users may experience discomfort or motion sickness when using VR for extended periods, although advancements in VR hardware are constantly improving these issues.

The Future of Virtual Desktop VR

As VR technology advances, Virtual Desktop VR is poised to play a significant role in how we interact with digital worlds. Its ability to transform work, education, and social collaboration will continue to evolve, offering users new levels of immersion, flexibility, and creativity. With more businesses and educational institutions adopting VR solutions, the integration of Virtual Desktop VR into everyday life seems inevitable.

In conclusion, Virtual Desktop VR is not just a trend but a glimpse into the future of how we will experience and interact with virtual spaces. Whether for work, leisure, or education, it promises to revolutionize our relationship with technology, making the virtual world more accessible, interactive, and immersive than ever before.