Are you a PC gamer and want the best out of your graphic card?

In this article you will learn how to get the most out of your graphics card by installing new drivers and tweaking Windows. The guide is based around Windows XP Professional Edition but you can use the same guide to tweak other Windows operating systems. Step 1. The first thing you need to know what graphics card you are using. The most popular graphics card companies are nVidia and ATi. Both these companies have an excellent range of products and offer excellent service. Once you know what graphics card you are using, then head over to the companies website where you can download the latest drivers. Drivers are software that runs your graphics card, printer or scanner correctly. Being up to date with drivers will help solve issues that may arise with modern PC games. Just recently I had to update my drivers to fix a problem I had with a game I recently purchased, and this solved my problem. OK once you have downloaded your drivers for your graphics card make sure you create a restore point using the utility System Restore. This can be done my click Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools and then System Restore. Then follow the on screen instructions to create the restore point. By doing this it makes sure that if a problem occurs after you installed the new drivers, you can return to the restore point to see if the problem is the drivers you installed. Once you’ve finished creating your restore point, you need to install your drivers. This can done by double clicking on the file you downloaded and then you follow the on screen instructions. After you’ve installed your drivers you will have to restart Windows so the changes can take effect. If everything goes according to plan you should see an increase in performance in your games and you will not need to go back to your restore point. If you do have problems, use your restore point to go back and fix the problems. If the problem persists, then contact the company that made your graphics card. Step 2. Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX. This can be done by going onto the Microsoft website http://www.microsoft.com and searching DirectX. Once you’ve downloaded the latest version, you will need to create another restore point. One person I know installed the latest version of DirectX and then had problems afterwards, and because they didn’t create a restore point they couldn’t fix the problem and so they needed to reformat their computer to solve the problem. Again to create a restore point, go to Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools and then System Restore. Once you’ve created the restore point install the latest version of DirectX by double clicking on the file you just downloaded. Follow the on screen instructions and once you’ve finished you will have to restart your Windows. Step 3. In this step I will guide you through tweaking Windows XP. The first step will be changing the performance of Windows, to do this right-click on My Computer and then Properties->Advanced->Performance->Settings and select ‘Adjust for best Performance’. The next step is to change your Themes, so right-click on your desktop and select Properties. Under the Themes tab set your theme to Windows Classic.

You don't have to be rich to be a PC gamer

There is a common misconception that you have to take out a second mortgage on your house if you want to get a computer that will run all of the latest and greatest games. I don't know who started the rumor that you need to spend $3000 to get a gaming computer. The truth is, if you are smart about it, you can easily afford to get a high-end gaming computer. Here are a few simple rules to follow to put a gaming computer within reach. Rule 1. Never buy the newest technology. I know we all want to be the guy or girl with the newest toy, but you will never be able to keep up with technology. That top-of-the-line graphics card that came out today will be old news in just a couple of months and a new one will be released that is "so much better". Guess what happens to the price of the new graphics card you just broke the bank on? It dropped by about 50%. If you would have just been patient you could have purchased it for a fraction of the cost. Rule 2. You only have to keep up with the software. Rule 2 closely correlates to Rule 1. It usually takes software companies two years, give or take, to develop a new game. During this time there are new technology breakthroughs. If they went back and re-engineered the game every time a new processor or a new graphics card came out, the game would never be released. Another important factor is that they want the game to be available to the largest number of consumers. For this reason they do their best to make sure the game can be played on a wide variety of systems. Check out the system requirements for some of the more popular games. A 1.8GHz processor and a Direct X 9 compatible graphics card will run just about everything out there. Granted you might have to turn some of the settings down but it will run it. Once you reach a certain point the added performance of the new technology is noticeable. For example, the Athlon 64 chip has been out for more than a year, yet there are very few applications that require a 64 bit processor. If you check out benchmarks on the new PCI Express graphics cards you will see that they are running games at 300+ frames per second. When you watch a movie it runs at roughly 60 frames per second. A game will still run relatively smoothly at 20 frames per second. Basically anything over 60 frames per second likely will not be perceived while playing the game. You will only see the difference in your benchmark programs. Rule 3. Build Your Own Computer This is important for two reasons. First, you can be assured of better quality components when you pick everything out on your own. When you buy an off-the-shelf system, chances are you are getting a big name CPU and everything else is most likely generic. Do you know what motherboard, power supply, or type of RAM you are getting? This of course, is my personal opinion, I'm not saying every manufacturer builds sub standard machines, but from experience I've had greater longevity from the computers I've built myself. I've also noticed that you will often get little system memory, unless you pay a great deal more for it. You will often get 256MB of RAM with these base system. Windows XP will run, but likely with problems, on 256MB of RAM. It seems to be the most stable with 512MB or more. Other areas they cut costs is by using integrated graphics chips. This saves them having to put in a graphics card, but you will pay the price for it when you try to play a game. The second reason to build your own computer is that you can cut your costs by stealing parts from your old computer. You can save hundreds of dollars by reusing the drives, case, monitor, keyboard and mouse. Plus, you don't have to worry about calling a technician to install RAM or a new graphics card because you'll already know how to do it. How Much Can You Build A Computer For? I just checked out some pricing and you can build a very nice midrange gaming computer for around $600-$700 using an AMD Athlon 64 3000+. If you can steal a DVD drive from your old computer and maybe the case, you can bring the cost down even more. You can build a high-end machine for under $1000. The internet is full of useful websites about how to build computers. Look around and you'll find all the information you need. There are several books published about the topic as well. If you follow these simple rules and do a little research you can enjoy all of the best computer games even if you are on a shoestring budget.

Integrate fun and learning with PC game

Children are always up for a good game. Well, who isn't? Pretend that you are back in school. For the rest of the class period you have two choices as to how you can spend your time. Option #1 is to struggle through endless arithmetic and English worksheets without any feedback except for a stamp that says "Great Job!" Option #2 is to work on the same arithmetic and English content, but on a computer. Yes, you can play a computer game to learn your numbers and verbs. Which option would you choose? Which option would children most likely choose? Option #2 of course! Using computer software in education is not a new concept. Computer games have been used as a learning tool for the past two decades because they help students with basic skills, logic, problem solving, and various other academic skills. The Oregon Trail was a popular computer game in the 1980's. This game helped students to work on their planning and problem solving skills. If you have ever played that game you might have realized that it was difficult to complete the trail. Everyone in my wagon always died of Cholera. Parents and educators that are unfamiliar with computer game technology may automatically dismiss the use of computer games for learning. They view computer games as nothing but "shoot 'em up" and mind numbing entertainment. As avid computer gamers we all know that they are way off base. Just think of all the problem solving, logic, and planning that goes into working on a team in a computer game, playing a puzzle, or figuring out a code. There are computer games that are specifically based around educational learning standards. These games explicitly include counting, grammar, etc. They range from learning software that has a battery of tests to mimic standardized testing to fun, interactive learning games such as Caillou Magic Playhouse. This game allows a child to learn about numbers, patterns, spelling, phonics, and many other skills. One advantage of using computer games in education is that the student is learning whether they realize it or not. Many children sigh when it is time to work on multiplication, but if you bring out a computer game - poof! They suddenly want to go through their multiplication tables. The computer game presents the same academic material, but makes it fun by integrating colorful animations and cool sounds. Plus, computer games allow for instant feedback and gratification. We have become a society that runs on instant gratification. A computer game can provide this feedback and it can also provide a means of competition. You will be stretched to find a student that wants to "beat" their worksheet, but a child who wants to beat a computer game? You will find them everywhere you look. Computer games are advertised as forms of entertainment, which they most certainly are, but they are learning avenues as well. Gamers of all ages are learning every time they play a game. For example, there are games that work on your business skills. Games like Lemonade Tycoon and Mall Tycoon are prime examples. You are learning the skills to succeed in a business through simulation. Simulation is how many professionals acquire the skills for their occupation. Even though you are in a computerized environment, you can still come across many different business situations. Computer software is here to stay. Email will one day override handwritten communication and perhaps games will take over traditional education. Granted games most likely will not take over traditional education, but they should become part of the educational experience. A child is learning while playing a computer game. Their memory and reaction time increases. They are sharpening various parts of their brain. The key is to play a mixture of games that range from pure entertainment to ones that are specifically designed for educational skill sets. If your child or student is having trouble with math, English or any academic subject, set them up with a computer game. Their interest in learning will soar. Computer games can bring any student that is hesitant about school to learning whether they realize it or not. Computer games make learning fun.

PC computer game : Engaging realism and imagination

The development of personal computer games from simple multimedia exercises to the current trend that involves very sophisticated graphics, operating system and surround sound system have been very fast and impressive. The varieties of games that are being marketed online and in the regular outlets account for thousand of varieties. The games range from strategic, real time, role playing, shoot em up, beat em up, third person shooters, racing and simulation to name the most popular. As video stores are selling a multitude of choices, it is smart that parents use good judgment in the games that children play on their Personal computers. The best way to do this is to check the package information of the game about the age groups that the game is intended for. This is important as some games contain very violent scenes, sexual themes, the use of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs. However, parental settings that are printed on the packaging label make it possible for guardians to password protect parts of the game so that the more adult parts of the games are not being accessed while the child still enjoys a perfectly playable version. Because of the variety of games being marketed, choices can prove to be a challenge. It is not uncommon for the buyer to choose a game that has been recommended by a friend. However if you want something that is different, it is not enough to pick the game that will be interesting to you personally, or to the person that the personal computer game is intended for. Remember to look also on the Minimum PC requirements. Another factor that is also to be considered is what the game is for. There are games that offer purely gaming enjoyment while there are those that are educational and informative. Some are especially designed for children, toddlers, teenagers, they come virtually for all age groups and intentions. Some of the best family games combine education with entertainment. The largest groups of games and the best selling are the mind games. These are basically designed for adults and will take hours of playing. Adventure games are onee of the oldest variety. The design of these games often includes a number of very beautifully drawn locations. Adventure games, unlike most other game designs, involve lateral thinking. The player travels from place to place in quest of an objective. The player often meets villains or impediments in his search for clues. Another component of adventure gaming is humor. Another big seller for personal computer games are action heroes. The focus here is in fighting, shooting, beating the opponent up, and jumping across platforms. While this may sound violent, there are action games that are designed for children often coupled with humor and fun. Simulators are also good sellers. Whether it be driving, sailing, flying and racing, there are simulators that are designed to familiarize the player with the actual handling of the vehicle to simulate the real one. There are even simulators that are being used for professional training. Sports Games are very popular among the teens and early twenties. Many good personal computer sport games have been designed for realism. Classic games like chess, backgammon and pool are also featured in many variations. The main task of these games is often to beat the computer that leaves most players very challenged. Personal computer games today are being developed to capture the players' imagination on its realism. As personal computer games have continually attracted investors and designers, expect that personal computer games will become even better in a few months to come.

Free pocket PC casino game

Casino Gambling Wherever You Like Are you absolutely crazy about pocket pc gaming? One of the very best things about pocket pc casino games is that nearly all of them are free games. There is a free pocket pc casino game everywhere you look on the Internet. The downloads are simple, and the sites support a variety of devices, so no matter what kind of palm pilot, pda or ipaq you have, you can gamble your time and money away whenever you want to. Freeware sites offer many different casino games, so it is likely that your favorite is among them, and it also gives you the opportunity to learn new ones. All the most popular casino games are available for free downloads. These games include blackjack, roulette, various types of poker, slots, craps, baccarat, and keno. If you play it in a real casino, you can play it on your pda. These free pocket pc casino games offer the ultimate in privacy and security, too. Gaming sites use 128-bit encryption for protection. These sites value your participation and often give large bonuses for signing up with them. They make the free downloads easy and user friendly so that even the most inexperienced pda owner can do it. So for all those palm pilot gamers, these free downloads of casino games make gambling convenient and highly entertaining. Gambling has never been so easy or so fun. Best of all, it can be done from the privacy of your own pda without anyone else being the wiser.

Fastest online streaming PC game player

Digital Interactive Streams, Inc., has recently released its Triton player to work with the world's fastest broadband entertainment streaming service. The July 11, 2006, release of the anticipated FPS (first person shooter) game Prey, by 3D Realms, marks the beginning of a new era in the delivery of AAA games to the public. Here's what the free Triton player (www.playtriton.com) brings to the table: 1. you can play a game within minutes of purchase, and participate in multiplayer gameplay while the game is streaming in the background 2. no need for a gamer to physically procure a game and no need to wait for lengthy download and installation processes 3. accelerates on-demand gaming experience for the most graphic-intensive games 4. provides the fastest delivery of any service to the gamers desktop 5. no need to search the web for updates, or modifications, so you always have the latest version of the game and player 6. dynamic, bandwidth-shaping streaming engine, which streams in the background even after game play has started, even in multiplayer mode 7. reliable and extremely scaleable gaming-on-demand solution for hardcore gamers, service providers, content providers, game developers, and publishers 8. available directly from playtriton.com or through over 7 million Microsoft XP MCE PCs distributed around the world For retrogamers or others who may not be up with the latest PC games, this means you can download the free player and demo games before you decide you would like to enter this advanced gaming world.

Review of the latest PC game

Finding some good information on the latest PC games can be quite a difficult task. I've tried to do a Google search with the key words 'latest PC games' or 'current PC games'. I got thousands of replies but most of them were not what I was looking for. I've been keen on playing PC games for a long time and I've always found it hard to come across any decent sites giving updated information about the latest PC games. Nowadays all the attention goes to gaming consoles and thus, finding news on computer games is getting harder and harder. Probably the most popular gaming platform are computers. So you can look for the latest PC games on websites devoted to them. It is not really difficult to find lists of new games and their prices but it is a couple of times harder to find any good sites which offer reviews about the newest PC games. If I have to recommend you some sites I'd suggest you had a look on my personal favourite ones - Gamespot, Gamespy, IGN, and Gamezone. You can always find recent reviews of the lastest PC games on them, as well as some information on the most popular and newest console videogames. Even though I sometimes fully disagree with the reviews published, I still believe they are useful, at least you can get some basic info about the game, for example what it's genre is. In my case, if it's not one of the types I like, I don't purchase it and save some money. If I have genuine interest in a particular game I usually read at least a couple of reviews on different sites about it. That way I get all the information I need before going to the store and buying it. One of the reasons why you should try to get as many reviews as possible about a PC game before purchasing it is because the price of the latest games varies about $50 per title. I cannot imagine anything worse than spending your hard-earned money on a new PC game which might turn out to be a beta program filled with bugs, a game with a poorly conceived plot. However, it is true that most of the latest PC games are no good, as the standard is getting lower and lower. Being completely honest, I have to admit that from time to time even nowadays a real treasure comes out of the blue. This gem gets much more appreciation and popularity now because the rest of the new PC games are not worth it. I try to regularly check for news on the latest PC games on varies sites with the only hope to find and buy one of these gems.

The Beginning

"Hi, my name is Nimrod Busyman, but you can call me Nimrod. I'm a gamer where I already know 'bout the game since I still in IV class elementary school, and since that, I'm very love video game 'till now. All the time, I always learn about the whole lot is connected with the game and maybe have playing in hundred or thousand the game (just maybe 'cause I'm never count how much I've play the game, so don't think 'bout it), all is the PC game of course. Picture in the left side is my favourite character in video game 'cause I like his attitude, characteristic, skill, and really I'm very like his style (but for you to know that I'm not bald like him). Thus this short beginning, and this is my article about video game (especially the PC game). I posting the article for everyone that visit my blog, included the gamers and everybody who love video game (especially the PC game) from around the world and my state ownself, Indonesia."