Here’s How to Configure Quiet Hours on Windows 10 via Focus Assist

 Quiet Hours on Windows 10 were a popular setting that enabled users to manage notifications and alerts. With this feature, they were able to work without any interruptions and unwanted notifications. In 2018, Microsoft upgraded this service and named it as Focus Assist. With Focus Assist, you can do the same thing that you were able to do using Quiet Hours.

Some users are still confused as they cannot find and access the Quiet Hours feature on their Windows 10 computer. If you also want to set up and use Quiet Hours on Windows 10 in 2020, you have come to the right place. 

This article will guide you how you can use Focus Assist service to set up Quiet Hours on your Windows 10 system. 

Focus Assist Windows 10- Everything You Need to Know

Focus Assist is an upgraded feature of Windows 10 that enables you to control notifications and unwanted alerts. It was once known as Quiet Hours, but now it is known as Focus Assist. You can easily enable and disable Focus Assist on Windows 10.

This service has three basic controls:

• Off- We use it when we want to get all notifications on your computer and when you don’t want to focus.
• Priority only- You can use this option to listen only to selective notifications or alerts.
• Alarm only- This option will turn off of all alerts and notifications completely. However, you will still listen to your alarms.

How to Enable or Disable Focus Assist on Windows 10

Please obey the directions given down here to enable or disable the Focus Assist feature on Windows 10:

1. First and foremost, hit the start button on your keyboard to open the start menu.
2. In the start menu, search for the Focus Assist feature.
3. From the results, please select the appropriate option.
4. Now you will see the Focus Assist window on your screen.
5. Next, you will see the three options of Focus Assist as we told you before, these three options are, off, priority only, and alarm only.
6. If you want to focus and turn off unwanted and less critical notifications, then choose priority only.
7. In case you want to disable essential and unnecessary alerts and notifications, you should select the alarms only option.
8. If you want to disable Focus Assist, select the off option.

That is how you can use and enable Focus Assist on your Windows 10 PC.  If you want to make changes to the settings, you can open the Focus Assist window once again by using the same steps.

How to Customize Focus Assist Settings

If you want to change what notification and alarms to listen and what to not, you can customize it with the instructions given down here:

1. Firstly, navigate to the action centre on your computer.
2. Once you reach the action centre, locate the Focus Assist option from the action Centre window.
3. Now right-click on it.
4. Navigate to settings
5. Then you will see the Focus Assist window on your computer.
6. Now you can locate the automatic rules section on your screen.
7. This section has several customization options to customize the Focus Assist service.

That’s all you need to do to set up and use Focus Assist on Windows 10.  This setting is indeed useful if you want to improve your user experience while working. If you are a gamer, you may like to turn off all notifications and alerts to increase your focus while gaming.

Emily Johnson is a Microsoft product expert and has been working in the technology industry since 2002. As a technical expert, Emily has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as office.com/setup.

Source:  Here’s How to Configure Quiet Hours on Windows 10 via Focus Assist

Tools Required for Starting a Podcast

Want to get started with the basics of podcast recording to build up further? Follow this article to the end. With the help of this article, you will know what all essentials you need to start a podcast. There is not much that you require to start a podcast. You only need a PC, headphones, a microphone, and recording software so that you can reach out to listeners. You already are having some of the equipment which is needed for a podcast setup creation. Let’s talk about them in detail below.

Microphones

You will need a microphone to let your voice get your voice into your computer for recording. It is not recommended not to spend a lot of money on a microphone if the quality is not what you want, but make sure the better your podcast’s audio quality, the more professional it will sound. No one will listen to your podcasts if the audio is inferior. You can opt for the USB microphones. They are easy to handle and work efficiently. They can handle a one-person podcast.

Once you have spent a reasonable amount of time podcasting, you can go for a higher-end microphone. You can opt for microphones with XLR connections. These microphones need a mixer or an audio interface or a mixer, which provides you a more significant amount of control over your recording.

Some microphones offer both the USB as well as XLR connections. We recommend you start your journey with the USB connection, and then after some time, you can add a mixer or audio interface for use alongside the XLR capabilities. In general, there are two types of microphones: Dynamic and Condenser. Dynamic microphones are less expensive than condenser microphones. They provide good audio results alongside less feedback. On the other hand, Condenser microphones are more expensive and sensitive with a higher dynamic range. 

Microphones come with an individual sound pickup pattern that is either omnidirectional, bidirectional, or cardioid. If you are not in a soundproof studio, you will require a cardioid microphone. In case you want to share your microphone with your co-host, you can go for the bidirectional microphone.

Mixers

You will need a mixer; in case you choose an XLR microphone. Mixers come in various price ranges along with various channels. You will need a specific channel for every microphone you will use with the mixer. You can check for the mixers from Mackie mixers, Focusrite Scarlett series mixer, or Behringer.

Headphones

Headphones help in monitoring the recorded sound. Don’t go for the soft-shell headphones as they lack in suppressing sound. This may cause feedback. We recommend using a hard-shell headphone, which has a sturdy plastic or rubber outside. These kinds of headphones can easily trap the sound. You don’t need to spend a lot on headphones, but obviously, if you want good results, you will have to spend a decent amount on it.

Computer

If you have recently purchased a PC within some years, it can easily handle your podcast’s recording sessions. You don’t need to buy a new PC right away. You can still work efficiently with the one you already have. In case it doesn’t work correctly, then you can surely go for a new one with more memory and faster processing speed. But if it works fine, then there is no need to waste your money.

Recording & Mixing Software

Recording and mixing tools play a significant role in a podcast. You can record and mix your audio statically or straightforwardly in real-time. Mixing your audio in real-time needs the right tactics and reliable software. You should mix your audio in the form of a static project as it will allow you a more significant amount of time to make your finished product professional and more polished.

To start a podcast, you must have software. Many software related to mixing and recording is available in the market, both paid and free. You can start with a low at cost or free software. Once your podcast starts well, you can upgrade your software.

Internet Access

You will require a robust internet connection to upload your finished outcome when it is all set to be heard. Podcasts are large-sized files, so it is recommended that you should have a good internet connection.

So, you need a computer, a pair of headphones, a microphone, and a recording and mixing software f to start your podcast.

Emily Johnson is a Microsoft product expert and has been working in the technology industry since 2002. As a technical expert, Emily has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as office.com/setup.

Source:  Tools Required for Starting a Podcast

How to Check What GPU Your Computer Has on Windows 10

GPU aka graphics processing unit is one of the vital components in modern computers. Without a graphics card, your computer won't be able to run high-resolution apps and programs smoothly. It helps your device to load and process graphics effectively. The more powerful your graphics card is, the smoother your apps will run.

When it comes to building a gaming computer, installing a massive graphics processing unit is crucial. Though, the biggest question is how to tell which graphics card your computer uses?

If you want to identify your computer's video card, then you have selected the right website from the search engine result page.

This guide is all about the easiest way to recognize your computer's video card.

What is a Graphics Card?

Whether it is a laptop, desktop, or mobile phone, all devices have a component that boosts the graphics on your device. It is widely known as the graphics card. Only the RAM and processor of a device are not sufficient to render high-level graphics, and therefore the graphics processing unit is installed on most devices these days. Hence it is one of the essential factors to bear in mind while purchasing a new PC or used one. That's all you should know about it. Let's see how to guess how powerful your GPU is.

A Simple Way to See Your Graphics Card on Windows 10

It is not a challenging process at all, and in no time, you can recognize your GPU. You don't need to dig into the CPU cabinet to see what Graphics card it has.  

Here's how to know what GPU your PC has:

1. We will use the DirectX Diagnostic Interface to know it.

2. First and foremost, please make sure you are on the desktop screen.

3. To quickly jump to the desktop screen, please strike the Windows + D keys on your keyboard.

4. Then hit the Windows + R keys on your keyboard all at once to trigger the Run dialogue box.  

5. In the Run window, please input the dxdiag command and then strike the Enter key on your keyboard.

6. Select Yes option when the confirmation prompt appears.  

7. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool window should come into sight.

8. To check your graphics card, please go to the Display tab from above.

9. You will see the complete details of your computer's GPU on your screen from the model and brand name to the Approx memory size.

10. If your device has a 2GB graphics card, then you will see around 2092 MB next to the "Approx. Total Memory" option.

That way you can quickly tell what graphics card you have. If you want to use more massive apps on your computer, then please make sure you have at least 8 GB of graphics. We hope this helps.

Oliver Jack  is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security,cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes mcafee.com/activate  security products.

Source: :  How to Check What GPU Your Computer Has on Windows 10