The world of tech is full of buzzwords and jargon that seems to change faster than many can keep up with. Never fear. DevSpeak is here! Today, we’re learning all about virtual machines!
Imagine you have a powerful computer at home, capable of handling many tasks simultaneously. Now, picture this computer being able to run not just one, but several different “mini-computers” inside it. Each of these mini-computers can run its own software, operate independently, and even have its own operating system. Sounds like science fiction? It’s actually a reality, thanks to something called a Virtual Machine (VM). If you’ve ever wondered how a single computer can do so many things at once, or how developers test software in different environments without needing multiple physical computers, you’re about to find out!
Virtual Machine, Defined
A virtual machine is basically a computer within a computer. Imagine your computer is a big, fancy hotel with several rooms. Each room can be rented out separately and has its own furniture, decor, and amenities. The hotel is your physical computer, and each room represents a virtual machine.
Just like rooms within a hotel can be used for different purposes, each virtual machine can run different types of software and operate under different operating systems (like Windows, Linux, or macOS) and perform different tasks. For example, a software developer might use one VM to test a new app on Windows, while another VM runs a different app on Linux.
Virtual Machines are incredibly useful in various situations:
Testing and Development: Developers often need to test their applications in different environments to ensure compatibility. Instead of buying and setting up multiple computers, they use VMs to simulate those environments.
Simulation of Different Environments: If you need to use software that only runs on a specific operating system, you can create a VM that runs that OS without affecting your main computer.
Security: By isolating potentially risky software or browsing activities within a VM, you can protect your main operating system from malware and other threats.
Better Development Through VMs
Let’s walk back to your hypothetical hotel. Regardless of how many rooms it has, those rooms are what they are and can’t be changed without sinking some remodeling money into it. Not the case with virtual machines. You can easily adjust your environments to do what you need them to when you need them to do it.
There are lots of ways that a VM could be leveraged for more effective use of digital tools, beyond just making yourself a fresh computer environment.
Cloud Computing: Many cloud services use VMs to provide resources on-demand. If you run a website, your traffic demands aren’t exactly consistent all the time. Cloud providers can use VMs to handle high traffic by creating more VMs to accommodate more visitors. When traffic decreases, they can easily reduce the number of VMs to optimize cost and resources.
Resource Efficiency: Virtual Machines maximize your use of physical hardware. Instead of having one physical server for each task, you can run multiple VMs on a single server. This not only saves space but also reduces energy consumption and hardware costs.
Disaster Recovery: VMs play a crucial role in backup and disaster recovery plans. If a VM crashes or gets corrupted, you can quickly restore it from a backup without affecting the entire system. This is akin to having those multiple hotel rooms in the above example. Say one room floods… you’ve got other rooms to move guests to that provide the exact same quality night’s stay.
Sandboxing: Developers and security professionals often use VMs as “sandboxes” where they can experiment with new software or analyze potential threats without risking their main operating system. This also can be referred to as “staging”. You copy your main environment to the stage or sandbox, then implement your changes there first. That way, if you bork your whole site or app, the part you need to stay working stays working undisturbed.
You’re Virtually an Expert Now!
In essence, Virtual Machines transform a single physical computer into a versatile, multi-functional tool.. They provide immense flexibility, efficiency and safety in computing. Whether it’s for running multiple operating systems, testing new software, or managing resources efficiently in the cloud, VMs are a cornerstone of modern technology.
Next time you use a cloud service or hear about tech-savvy developers working on different systems, you’ll be a little wiser about what this all means.
We’ll be back with another DevSpeak before too long… there’s so much jargon out there and so little time! Have a topic you want us to cover? Let us know on Discord!
Proof-of-Work (PoW) is a consensus mechanism used in blockchain networks to validate transactions and secure the network.
Proof-of-Work (PoW) was the pioneering consensus mechanism that laid the groundwork for blockchain technology. It has since been joined by several other alternatives, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Several of these alternatives will be explored below.
It is the method by which network participants, known as miners, solve complex mathematical problems to add new blocks of transactions to the blockchain. Think of it as a competitive puzzle-solving race where the first participant to solve the puzzle gets to add the next block to the blockchain and is rewarded for their effort.
Gold Fever
Bitcoin has often been referred to as “digital gold” for several reasons: First, it has a finite total supply, just like gold buried within the rocks of the earth. Next, it acts as a store of value in the same way as gold, providing an alternative way to hold wealth to the world’s Fiat* currencies.
* “Fiat currency” is derived from the Latin “fiat,” which means a determination by an authority, or an arbitrary order. Basically, Fiat currencies are those decided upon and approved by governmental authorities… they have value because an authority told us they do.
Finally, Bitcoin resembles gold because it must be mined, converting time and energy into the retrieval of BTC for miners. In the same way, gold miners must commit financial resources, time and energy into their operations. A miner who only expects to find a few specks of gold can probably do so in a wise location with only simple panning equipment, but a large company with employees and equipment expenses needs to mine a great deal more gold to prove a profitable venture.
How Does Proof-of-Work Work?
Transaction Bundling: When users initiate transactions, these are grouped together into a block by miners.
Puzzle Solving: Miners compete to solve a cryptographic puzzle, which involves finding a hash (a fixed-length string of characters) that meets specific criteria. This process is computationally intensive and requires significant processing power. Most of these computations are executed by GPUs (Graphics Processing Unit) because of their ability to quickly perform extremely complex calculations.
Block Validation: The first miner to solve the puzzle broadcasts their solution to the network, which is then verified by other miners. If the solution is correct, the block is added to the blockchain.
Reward: The miner who successfully adds the block is rewarded with newly created cryptocurrency and any transaction fees from the transactions included in the block.
Security: PoW secures the blockchain by making it computationally expensive to alter any part of the blockchain. To change a block, an attacker would need to redo the PoW for that block and all subsequent blocks, requiring immense computational power.
Decentralization: PoW allows a decentralized network of miners to compete to validate transactions, reducing the risk of central control.
Integrity: It ensures that all transactions are processed in a trustless manner, meaning participants do not need to trust a central authority but can trust the network’s consensus rules.
“Consensus” in web3 – An agreement between all participants in a blockchain network on the order and content of blockchain blocks.
Proof-of-Work Simplified
Imagine a large-scale Sudoku competition where participants race to solve the puzzle. The first one to complete it correctly gets a prize and publishes their solution, which others can quickly verify as correct or incorrect.
Think of the PoW puzzle as a lock and the solution as the key. Each miner tries different keys (hash values) until one fits (meets the criteria). The first one to unlock the lock (solve the puzzle) can add a new block to the blockchain and collect its associated rewards.
Energy Consumption: PoW requires significant computational power, which translates to high energy consumption, raising a plethora of environmental concerns. This concern has been the primary driver of development of alternative consensus mechanisms in web3.
Centralization Risks: Despite being a decentralized mechanism, PoW can lead to centralization of mining power in regions with cheap electricity or in the hands of entities that can afford specialized hardware. Some people worry that mining operations will become overly centralized with this approach, especially if reward value continues to increase at a level that will justify large scale operations and great expense.
Scalability Issues: PoW networks, like Bitcoin, face scalability challenges due to the time and resources required to solve the cryptographic puzzles and add new blocks.
Alternatives to Proof-of-Work
In response to these challenges, alternative consensus mechanisms have been developed, such as Proof-of-Stake (PoS), which relies on validators who stake their cryptocurrency to propose and validate blocks, requiring less computational power.
Proof-of-Stake (PoS)
The main alternative to Proo-of-Work is Proof-of-Stake, in which Validators stake their cryptocurrency to participate in the network. They are selected to create new blocks based on the amount of staked cryptocurrency.
Strengths
Energy-efficient: Significantly less energy consumption compared to PoW.
Faster transaction times: Can process transactions more quickly.
Weaknesses
Potential for centralization: Wealthier validators can have greater influence.
Security risks: Vulnerable to attacks like the “nothing-at-stake” problem (when the cost to create blocks becomes too low).
With this mechanism, token holders vote for delegates who validate blocks. With fast transaction times, this method closely resembles PoS but with increased scalability. However, decentralization is reduced because more staking power can be concentrated in the hands of fewer delegates. Plus, if delegates are compromised for any reason, things can go awry for the chain.
Other Consensus Mechanisms
Proof-of-Authority (PoA): Relies on a pre-selected group of validators to validate transactions.
Proof-of-Burn (PoB): Requires users to destroy cryptocurrency to become a validator.
Proof-of-Capacity (PoC): Uses hard drive space as a measure of stake.
Proof of Storage (PoS): Validators prove they are storing data to secure the network and earn rewards.
GalaChain is a highly advanced blockchain, first built by our web3 experts to accommodate the rapidly expanding and evolving needs of gaming and entertainment.
It uses a special hybrid model of pluggable blockchain consensus. GalaChain was built on the Hyperledger Fabric protocol, which allows consensus to be highly customizable on individual channels. An Ordering Service works with predesignated peers on the network to sign transactions in a multi-step, asynchronous system.
Despite its criticisms, PoW remains a foundational technology in the blockchain space, particularly for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Innovations and improvements in mining technology and energy efficiency are being explored to mitigate its environmental impact. Even as other consensus mechanisms are introduced, Proof-of-Work elements will still be used in a growing variety of hybrid consensus models.
Even if Proof-of-Work is gradually phased out of prominence as a consensus mechanism, it will continue to work well as an educational basis to help anyone understand the decentralized nature of blockchains and cryptocurrencies.
Proof-of-Work is a vital component of many blockchain networks, providing security, decentralization and integrity. Understanding PoW is essential for grasping how blockchain technology works and its implications for the future of digital transactions and decentralized systems.
Roughly three days remain before the final Conquest of the season. Are you prepared? Will your forces carry the day or be crushed by your opponents?
Conquest 101
Quick review for those who haven’t fought hard in a Conquest in the past:
Conquest is vastly different from the rest of the season. If you’ve only scratched the surface of these epic battles so far, it’s definitely worth it to dive in and fight for your guild. If you haven’t joined a guild, Conquest is one of many great reasons to do so. War is a team sport!
During the Conquest, guilds will compete for control of the 16 Ruins positioned around the map. Normally these can be explored by any player, but during Conquest they become positions that can be occupied. Guilds will plan which to attack and make large rallies to fight off the competition.
Guilds gain points for each second they occupy a Ruin, but they’ll also get a large chunk of bonus points every 30 minutes for the 90 minute duration of Conquest. After the first 30 minute period, the Ring of Ruin will open for conquest in the center of the map. This provides more points than each Ruin and is often a critical factor in determining the winner.
Points gained in Conquest are based on the rank of your guild, and each guild’s members will get a portion of those points equal to their contribution percentage, which is viewable on the “Share” screen in the guild menu. At the end of the season, 60% of all season rewards will be distributed to individual players according to their Conquest rank.
The Battle for Season 5
Now that we’re all caught up with each other, let’s break down where we’re at in season 5. SquareXII is firmly in the lead with their members occupying more than the top 30 spots on the leaderboard!
BTB isn’t going down without a fight though, and they’re not too far behind. EPx and GFX could still be players in the top ranks yet with some fireworks in this last Conquest.
Dome seriously dramatic action will need to happen to unseat XII from the Season 5 throne… but unexpected things happen in Conquest.
Conquest Tips
Let’s run down some quick tips and best practices for Conquest.
Even if this is the first time you’re going to join the fight, there’s more battles in the future. Season 6 is just around the corner. Give it all you’ve got this time to sharpen your tactics for bigger battles ahead!
All you seasoned veterans may find one or two things in here to improve your game… no captain knows everything!
Synergy, synergy, synergy…
War Synergy is everything in Conquest. Hunting Synergy does not count in PvP combat.
This is very important. This means your 9m power fire troop will be much less powerful than your 7m light troop with 40% War Synergy. Light and Dark are crucial in Conquest, and don’t mix them in your troops when possible.
No T1s
During normal gameplay, a lot of captains will mix in a few T1s with their troops to absorb any losses they may take. The lowest tier soldier dies first.
Don’t do this in Conquest. It lowers your troop power by a lot, but also your War Synergy. There are no light and dark T1s. If you are very short on high tier soldiers, use T6 light and dark. Make a pile of them the day before Conquest and mix them into your saved troops.
Follow the Leader
If everybody in the guild is doing their own thing, you won’t get very far. Designate rally leaders, then designate backup rally leaders. Listen to your rally leaders – argue about strategy before and after Conquest. Make sure you’ve got at least a few groups working on different goals at the same time, but coordinate them towards one greater goal.
At a last Conquest like this, most players will have at least three if not all four operational slots unlocked. That means you could potentially have your whole guild involved in four battles at once. Some of those troops will get locked up in Ruins scoring points though… be careful to not put all your power into holding ruins and not be able to fight back against attackers!
Defend the Rally Points!
A rally disbands when the rally leader’s fortress warps. This means that if you’re holding the Ring of Ruin solidly with only minutes to go, an enemy can make your rally disband by attacking the rally leader’s fortress.
Save some arrows for when those attackers come. Try to hide your rally leaders if you can. Iif the enemy knows who they are, make sure you can defend them!
In season 1, SXII created a signature strategy to hide their rally leaders!
Don’t forget you can support an ally’s fortress with your own troops! It takes an operational slot to do so and you won’t score any points for your guild from it, but if it saves an entire rally from disbanding it could be an amazing help.
For Elysium!
The battle is almost here. Good luck captains!
Of course Alex and Emma will be back to recap all the action next week. Get out there and give them something to talk about!
Miss the last conquest? Check out the recap below!
When the people of Rewban the Aggressor first colonized the planet of Cacus, they were prepared to forge a new life from the inhospitable terrain of the molten world. As they began excavations, however, it became clear that they weren’t the first to have this idea.
Large ruins were discovered all over the planet, and the new Cusans were more than happy to utilize this treasure trove. Little is known about the lost race that previously inhabited these vast caverns, but the Cusans of today are more than happy to pluck the precious gems from these deep places to trade with the rest of The Planetary Union.
Of course, the Tank Olympiad has found a home in these caverns as well. The heat of Cacus is the perfect venue for Spider Tanks mayhem!
Know Your Battlefield
Dragon Cave is incredibly symmetrical compared to most arenas. While this offers a definite advantage to keeping up your strategy while you’re on the move, it also presents issues for team coordination. A split decision between two Tank Pilots could lead to easy pincer attacks from your enemies.
There are four repair kits at regular intervals around the perimeter of the central ring of Dragon Cave. There are four distinct types of area, each repeated four times in a circle.
Area 1: Satellites
These four circles on the very exterior of Dragon Cave are useful as a sort of redoubt when in trouble or regrouping, but they can also be a cruel trap.
Each of these has three angles of attack clearly pointed at them. Attackers will come at you around the corners or shoot with a longer range weapon across the pit. If you’re playing a shorter range weapon, don’t use these!
These areas are, however, absolutely critical in Chicken Chaser. Make it a point to check the far edges of these circles regularly, as birds will commonly be stranded over here and overlooked by other players!
Area 2: Roundabout Pullovers
These four circles are in between and just inside of area 1’s circles. These are even more congested and wide open than area 1, but they are absolutely critical to maneuvering through the arena.
User these but avoid lingering in the middle of them. When standing in the center of these circles, you can potentially be hit from four different angles. Approaching the edges of these circles necessarily obscures attack from multiple angles due to the pillars on the four corners of these circles.
Consider these transitional places when possible. Stage attacks from here and pull chasing enemies through them, leaving them guessing which exit you’ll take.
Area 3: The Chasm Gap
The small strips between each lava chasm are absolutely critical for dominance of the arena. Each of these is protected by a narrow fence on either side of the chasm, providing a decent amount of cover despite being in the middle of all the action.
Depending on the match, these can either become hotly contested or major defensive bulwarks… and which could shift quickly according to the flow of battle.
Since these areas almost always play a role in how the match plays out, it’s fitting that the Command Point in King of the Hill will spawn on the north most of these areas.
Area 4: The Inner Circle
The inner circle is in theory the most exposed area in the map, but it enjoys incredible cover from the ancient dragon statue towering overhead.
Hugging these walls can leave you covered against half the map, and you can quickly race around the small circle to reposition yourself better than another tank can from any other part of the arena.
Poultry Pusher often becomes the most violent as the payload processes on either side of this area. Even in other game modes though, this will be one of the best angles of attack. With only a few seconds of movement from anywhere in this ring, you can get in position to threaten anywhere in the map.
Dragon Cave Best Practices
Cover Isn’t Always Reliable
Those big, sturdy pillars on the outside corner of the south and west area 2s may seem nice and cozy… but they can be easily shot around from the adjacent area 1s with tiny adjustments to positioning.
Even on the interior, the cover you find in the shadow of the dragon can be easily compromised if an enemy moves perpendicularly away from you instead of straight towards you. A clever bunch of opponents can make those angles close in on you when most of your cover is part of a greater circle.
Enemies Approach Quickly
Thanks to the many ways to wind across the relatively small battlefield, you can get anywhere in Dragon Cave relatively quickly, even with a pretty slow tank.
Get trapped on the satellites and you may have a bad time.
This means that enemies can come from out of view to on top of you fast, and that 8-second respawn timer may be all the delay you get before an enemy is back in the fight.
Mind the Enemy’s Weapons
The weapons that you are up against make a huge difference in any match, but even more so in Dragon Cave.
Here, you’re working with very narrow cover anywhere but the very center of the map. Artillery will follow you anywhere here, and melee weapons will have very little ground to cover before they’re tearing you to pieces.
Glorious Battle
Dragon Cave’s layout is fairly simple, but underneath that lies an incredibly complex nuance to positioning if you really want to excel in this arena.
That’s all we’ve got for this week, next week though we’re powering up for some almighty BOOMs as we dive into everything about the Railgun!
Today we’re announcing a new partnership with Coinflow, our newest credit card payment processor. This collaboration aims to provide our users with a seamless credit card payment experience, ensuring flexibility and reliability in transactions across our platform.
Expanding Payment Options
In our ongoing commitment to enhance user experience, we are finalizing the implementation of Coinflow as an additional payment processor. This strategic move will offer our users another option for credit card payments, complementing our existing service. By doing so, we ensure that our community has robust and flexible payment solutions, reducing potential disruptions and enhancing overall transaction reliability.
Our integration rollout plan with Coinflow has commenced with a wide variety of eligible purchases in the Gala Games store. All items that had Stripe credit card purchases as a payment option should now show the CoinFlow option.
This initial phase will allow us to test and optimize the new payment processor before extending its use to our broader range of products in Music and Film, and add support for Google and Apple Pay.
For the first days of the new Coinflow payment option, Coinflow purchasers will receive a special 5% rebate for a limited time delivered as $GALA at the time of fulfillment (rebate amounts may fluctuate). Enjoy this exclusive rebate as we celebrate this new integration!
Start of Coinflow Rebate: 1pm PT, July 30th
We are enthusiastic about this partnership with Coinflow and the added convenience it brings to our users. Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out this feature and continue to innovate within the GalaChain ecosystem.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we are reshaping the future of decentralized entertainment and beyond.
