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A Revolution of Games and Gamers Alike

admin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:01:37 +0000

The successor of Nintendo’s Gamecube is currently being dubbed a
revolution. According to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, the next-gen
Nintendo console will be a ‘paradigm shift’, proving to be much more
innovative than even the DS. Several rumors floating around include
those which speak of being able to connect to a PC monitor, and
Valve’s Team Fortress 2 being added to the game line-up, just as it
might be added to the other next-gen consoles and the PC. Both those
rumors sound a little fishy, although it is confirmed that this
console will be able to play over 20 years of Nintendo Games. It is
unclear whether this will be accessed through purchasing them on a
disk or downloading through the new Internet-Accessible console (a bit
late there eh Nintendo?) but either way it is a treat for old school
gamers.

‘The concept behind our new console, tentatively named ‘Revolution,’
is the same as the DS. We want it to broaden the audience range, and
we don’t want it to be something that people will see as too
irrelevant to them, too difficult to use, or as something that wastes
space. It will most likely come out between this year [and] next year,
which is considered to be the transition period for home consoles,”
Iwata said, also noting that it will be released about the same time
as Sony and Microsoft’s efforts. This new console will also be more
geared towards women and older gamers, not the traditional gamer
audience although lately that has been the focus of many other game
organizations. I myself will be purchasing this console as I have been
a fan of Nintendo and their products my entire life, but I am very
tempted to stray off to the Xbox 360 as its graphics look oh-so-tasty.
I feel the competition from all three companies (Nintendo, Sony, and
Microsoft) will be very strong, but I sense Nintendo will be the
underdog like it was with the last generation of gaming consoles.

For more great gaming information, check out this great Video Game Forum or check out this great Nintendo Revolution resources

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A Tale of Two Regeds

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:06:07 +0000

Tech support tells me to type ‘regedt32′ as opposed to ‘regedit’ to access the registry from the command line (Start > Run). I question the use of ‘regedt32,’ but he says to do it anyway. Whenever I use the registry editor, I recall this incident and never look up the tale of the two regs… until now.

Regedt32.exe is an alternative registry editor available with Windows NT/2000 with features of its own. Regedt32.exe does not support importing and exporting registration entries (.reg) files. Regedit has limitations of its own as quoted here:

You cannot set the security for registry keys. You cannot view, edit, or search the value data types REG_EXPAND_SZ and REG_MULTI_SZ. If you try to view a REG_EXPAND_SZ value, Regedit.exe displays it as a binary data type. If you try to edit either of these data types, Regedit.exe saves it as REG_SZ, and the data type no longer performs its intended function. You cannot save or restore keys as hive files.

Research indicates regedit has:

a better search tool

bookmarking of subkeys

opens to last edited subtree, export and import capabilities

all keys are visible from a window similar to Windows Explorer

Regedt32 (pre-WinXP) can:

run in read-only mode

allows you to edit values longer than 256 characters (who wants to do that???)

displays subtrees in their own windows

modify access permissions to subtrees, keys, and subkeys

In WinXP and Server 2003, the two have been replaced by a new version of regedit that has features from both. Try typing ‘regedit’ and ‘regedt32′ to see what happens. They’re the same. To prove it, while in ‘regedit,’ select ‘edit’ and you’ll see ‘permissions.’ This is a feature that was only available in the old ‘regedt32′ and not ‘regedit.’

Technically, regedt32 is a small program that runs regedit. So when typing ‘regedt32,’ it takes you to ‘regedit.’ The destination is the same either way. So type whichever is easier for you to remember. Regedit is easier for me - I had to play with the spelling of the other version until I got it right.

Now I remember that tech support was checking to see if the permissions were properly set and that was why we used ‘regedt32.’ However, someone forgot to update the script or tell him that it didn’t matter anymore when a user had WinXP. Tech support always asks what operating system at the beginning of the call, so he knew.

More registry editor resources: Microsoft has a knowledgebase article on the differences between the two. Windows IT Library has a feature comparison chart dated 2000, so it’s way old, but it will satisfy curiosity. Here’s a list of registry editor alternatives for those who wish to try something different. For tweaks, tricks, and hacks, check out WinGuides’ Registry Guide for Windows.

Meryl K. Evans is the Content Maven behind meryl’s notes, eNewsletter Journal, and The Remediator Security Digest. She is also a PC Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs. The native Texan resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of Dallas, and doesn’t wear a 10-gallon hat or cowboy boots.

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Adware and Spyware Blockers

admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:03:42 +0000

The most important things you can do for your computer right now is to install adware and spyware blockers. Everyone is aware of computer viruses and run an anti-virus program to guard your computer against them.

But only a fraction of computer users are running any kind of adware and spyware blockers software. It is believed that 90% of today’s PCs are infected with some form of adware and spyware. Most of the time you are not aware that your computer is even infected.

Adware and Spyware are less noticeable than computer viruses but can be much greater danger to your computer. So what is the danger posed without removing spyware from computers and how do you block spyware and adware on your PC?

If your computer becomes infected, the results range from minor nuisances such as pop up ads to more serious threats including identity theft. Even your passwords and credit card numbers could end up in hacker’s hands and you wouldn’t know it happened until the damage was done.

Spyware and adware files hide in your computer and are loaded down as you browse the Internet. Common culprits include pop up ads, shareware, freeware and instant messaging. However, there are less common ways to become infected.

Some computers contain adware and shareware files even before you purchase them. Because of this fighting spyware and adware and removing spyware from computers is becoming even harder today.

Spyware and Adware has become such an epidemic that it is the latest target of NY Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. “Spyware and adware are more than an annoyance,” Spitzer said in the statement. “These fraudulent programs foul machines, undermine productivity and in many cases frustrate consumers’ efforts to remove them from their computers. These issues can serve to be a hindrance to the growth of e-commerce.”

There are many programs that you can download to block adware and spyware from infecting your computer. Protect your privacy, and get the right Internet privacy tools installed on your computer immediately. You need to install adware and spyware blockers now so you can enjoy the Internet without the hidden dangers.

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Cut Through the Hype and Make the Right Digital Camera Comparisons

admin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:12:22 +0000

There are soooo many choices. With all the styles and features, and prices are all over the map, digital camera comparisons can be mind-boggling. Pixels, memory, optical and digital zoom, camera size and cost are all factors to compare. So how do we sift through all the hype and find the best digital camera?

First step: Identify your primary prerequisites. A camera is normally something we will own and use for several years. To find the best camera for your needs, certain basic decisions need to be made before you start comparing features. These include:

Suitability - do you want a camera for candid snapshots or serious photography? Quality - compare quality of both the camera and the photos it takes. Size - models to compare include miniature, compact and full-sized cameras. Price - compare cameras in a price range set by your needs and budget.

Second step: Compare specific features

Compare Pixel Quantity and Quality

In general, more is better. Each pixel is a tiny square of light and color. Digital photos can be compared to mosaics - more pixels mean smaller squares and sharper pictures. But comparing pixel quality is just as important.

Tiny photodiodes in an image sensor is the technology that creates the pixels. The sensor functions as the camera’s eye and some digital camera sensors measure only a few millimeters. Other cameras with larger sensors usually have better quality diodes, resulting in sharper, clearer pictures.

Don’t Skimp on Memory

A single digital photograph can require several megabytes, though file type, compression rate and subject matter all affect file size. Most digital cameras don’t have nearly enough built-in memory, so when doing a digital camera comparison plan on buying more. A general rule of thumb is to have at least 256-512MB of memory - more if taking high resolution or a lot of photographs.

Check memory compatibility when you compare digital cameras. Compact flash is the most universal and cost effective. MultiMedia cards are smaller and also work with other devices. Secure Digital are MultiMedia cards with an added write-protect switch. xD Picture cards are small and adaptable to most compact flash applications. Others such as Memory Sticks, SmartMedia and MicroDrives have limited applications, but may be best for the camera you want.

CCD Compared to CMOS

Charged Coupled Devices (CCD) and Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductors (CMOS) are digital camera image sensors. They can be compared to the shutter and film in a traditional camera.

Developed in the mid 1970’s, the CCD is the heart of most digital cameras. With millions of light collecting cells, its image perception can be compared to the human eye. The CCD sensor’s quality makes it the preferred choice for high-end digital cameras.

CMOS sensors were developed in 1998 with technology comparable to processor chips. Advantages are lower cost, less power required and multi-tasking ability. Disadvantages include signal noise and resolution issues. As the technology improves, CMOS sensors will make digital cameras more affordable and be the best choice for entry level cameras.

Beware the Zoom-Zoom

In your comparison of best digital cameras, be aware of the zoom issue. Digital zoom isn’t much more than a marketing gimmick. It crops the image on the sensor, reducing total pixels and degrading resolution. Optical zoom magnifies the image before the sensor reads it, retaining full resolution.

Other important features

Shutter lag - how quickly can you take another picture? Should be a second or less. Start up time - when turned on, the camera should be ready within a couple of seconds. Manual override - allows you to adjust exposure and focus settings. Auto-focus - should be nearly instantaneous in most lighting conditions.

Digital camera ratings often discuss other features, but getting these right will enhance the enjoyment of your digital camera experience for years to come. Find more detailed comparisons at our Digital Camera Technology page.

Digital cameras information from A to Z: camera types & features, how they work, accessories, photo printers, comparisons and more - plus digital photo processing tips and info at A-Z Digital Cameras.com, Your Complete A-Z Resource for Digital Cameras, Accessories and Information.

This article may be re-printed in its entirety, with no changes and this resource box included.
© 2005 A-Z Digital Cameras All rights reserved

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Beware of The Pirated Software E-Mail Scams!

admin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:09:42 +0000

You have gotten those E_Mails buy software at deep discounts. It is very tempting to save 85% to 95% on your favorite Software Titles. Why would you pay $279 for Windows XP when you can pay $49. Most of the times these are Pirated copies of the Software. You can run into huge problems later when you seek upgrades, Support or Security patches.

Anyone can rationalize buying Pirated software. Who are you hurting? Bill Gates is so rich he can afford to loose a few sales. No you won’t hurt Bill Gates to much. But what about the Microsoft Employee with a wife and a Child or 2. If Microsoft looses enough sales tom these pirates who do you think will be laid off. The Working Man with a wife and children to support. The single mom trying to make a better life for her and her children. People much like you are going to suffer the most.

If ethics alone are not enough to keep you from buying pirated software how about the fact that Microsoft is now verifying that you have a legal copy of their software before they allow you to download updates. Updates that are often meant to plug security holes in the software that leave your computers fair prey for worms. Viruses and Adware.

You will want those security updates. Buying Pirated software will cost you more in the long run because you will need to buy a Microsoft version to get support and upgrades

About The Author:
Mike Makler has been Marketing Online Since 2001 When he Built
an Organization of over 100,000 Members

Get Mike’s Newsletter:
http://ewguru.com/newsletter

More Articles by Mike:
http://ewguru.com/tips

Permission Based E_Mail Marketing Methods
http://ewguru.com/hbiz/amazingoffer.html

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Data Backup Solution - Why You Need a Backup Plan in Place - Part 1

admin — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:25:30 +0000

Is a data backup solution part of your computer plans? Do you have a way to protect yourself if something goes wrong with your computer or data? Computers are a useful part of our lives but we don’t always protect ourselves from their loss be it fire, theft or hardware failure.

We often don’t consider how fragile our computer data really is. Do you keep sensitive information on your computer that you would be upset if you lost it? Not sure? Consider this. If I told you that I was going to format your hard drive right now and you will lose all of the information on your computer, would you be ready? Or would you need to get a few files first… If you are in the second group, chances are you don’t have a proper data backup solution in place to help you handle disasters.

What happens if your computers are stolen?

I recently had a business colleague of mine who’s office was robbed and who had all of his computers stolen. He naturally felt helpless and victimized over the situation. What was especially frustrating was that he thought he had taken the proper measures to secure his office. He had a good security system in place, had secured his premises and yet they were still able to cut his phone lines, disable his alarm and have their way in his office. Don’t think a computer theft can happen to you? You know what? It can happen to anyone and you don’t have to own a business.

Computer hard drives do crash

If theft doesn’t get your computer, a hard drive failure certainly might. Hard drives are the devices in your computer that store the information on your computer. Your computers’ long term memory if you will. They are built with rotating mechanical parts. These parts break down. If they break down, your data can be gone. Are you prepared?

Data on a hard drive can often be recovered by expert data retrieval houses but their prices usually start at $10,000 and up. Want to avoid such costly recovering options? Establish a data backup solution.

A fire can wipe out your computers and your data

If computer theft or hard drive failure don’t destroy the data on your computers, a fire certainly might. This threat speaks to an off site backup storage solution. While the first two can be averted by simply burning a CD of your most critical data, fire can destroy your CD’s too if they aren’t stored off site. Fire is just one more reason why a data backup solution needs to be a part of your vocabulary and your action plan.

Protecting your data just makes good common sense. If you have data that you don’t want to loose - and most of us do - you owe it to yourself to protect your data. The next article in this series gives you some simple steps you can follow to protect yourself from data loss.

Joe Duchesne is the webmaster of Gotocompare.com a computer hardware information site with links to hardware drivers, manuals and lots more. Reprint freely as long as you maintain the live keyword rich links in this resource box.

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D2X Digital SLRCoolpix 8800 Actually Refers to Two Nikon Cameras

admin — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:15:25 +0000

Addressing a D2X Digital SLRCoolpix 8800 search, this article provides a quick comparison of the Nikon D2X digital SLR and Coolpix 8800 cameras.

Nikon D2X Professional Digital SLR

Check out a Nikon D2X review or two and quickly realize this is a world class professional digital SLR. Instantaneous response and fast 37ms shutter lag allow the photographer to compose and take the photo instead of waiting for camera start-up, shutter or processing time.

The D2X sports a 12.4 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor capable of 5 FPS. Continuous mode can be increased to 8 FPS with a cropped field of view using 6.8 megapixels. The D2X SLR’s 4-channel color readout and advanced image processing algorithms deliver truer color and higher processing speeds.

Additional features such as i-TTL Speedlight technology, sYCC color profiling, and Advanced 3D-Color Matrix Metering II make the D2X digital SLR a professional photographer’s dream.

Nikon Coolpix 8800 Long-Zoom Digital Camera

An 8800 camera digital Nikon review search reveals a surprisingly compact mid-sized digital camera. With 8.0 effective megapixels and 10X optical zoom, this camera ranks at the top of Nikon’s Coolpix line. Vibration Reduction circuitry compensates for camera movement, allowing shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower without image blur.

The 8800 offers a choice of built-in flash or external hot-shoe. Nikon’s i-TTL flash technology delivers full flash zoom control with the SB-600 and SB-800 Speedlight units. In addition to fisheye, wide angle and telephoto converters, and other adaptors, Nikon 8800 filter options include neutral color, neutral density and polarizing filters.

Other Coolpix 8800 features include: 15 automated scene modes, 5 movie modes, and continuous shot modes up to 30 FPS. For the serious digital photography enthusiast the 8800 offers quality and features comparable to, but at a lower cost than digital SLR’s.

How Do These Cameras Compare?

Unlike many digital camera comparisons, comparing the D2X and Coolpix 8800 is not a true “apples-to-apples” comparison. Both models have a rugged but lightweight magnesium alloy body and high quality Nikkor lenses. And both feature i-TTL flash technology, multiple AF, scene, shot and exposure metering modes, plus aperture and shutter-priority settings.

The Coolpix 8800’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery will take up to 240 shots per charge, while the D2X’s (also lithium-ion) will take up to 2,000 photos on a single charge. DX Nikkor lenses for the D2X offer wide-angle views up to 180?, and the camera also accepts all conventional AF Nikkor lenses. The D2X also supports both WT-1A and WT-2A transmitters for wireless image transfer and full remote camera control from a computer.

But there’s a huge difference in cost. The Coolpix 8800 is available from about $550 to $900, while the Nikon D2X price is closer to $4,000. For the professional who earns a living with his camera, the D2X digital SLR is one of the best and most reliable cameras available. But for the serious photographer that can’t justify the D2X’s cost, the Coolpix 8800 offers professional quality photos at an affordable price.

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Animation Software Overview, Part I

admin — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:25:14 +0000

Looking for inexpensive animation software? There are dozens of great titles on the internet. Here are the ones you should take a look at.

SWFText (Ants Soft)

SWF Text is an author tool of Flash text animation. It embraces 150+ text effects and 20+ background effects, and users may also customize all the properties of a Flash, including font, text color, and layout, etc. With SW FText, a user without any experience of Flash development can easily create a Flash banner or an introductory page within a few minutes. And all you need do is to input text, select font and animation effects. While a veteran Flash designer may use SWF Text for text animation in a project, which sure greatly saves your time and effort.

FantaMorph (Abrosoft)

Abrosoft FantaMorph is powerful and easy-to-use morphing software for the creation of fantastic image morphing pictures and sophisticated animation effects. FantaMorph empowers users with the tools to add unique and exciting visual effects to screen savers, web graphics, music videos, advertisements, movies, educational software, presentations, email, greeting cards, and various other electronic documents. You won’t be disappointed with the professional quality of your FantaMorph projects.

And yes it’s also a valuable and sophisticated toy for personal entertainment. You can do everything a professional animation director does to create amazing images and animations. FantaMorph supports most image formats including BMP, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, TGA, PCX, and even professinal 32bit with alpha formats.

CoffeeCup GIF Animator (CoffeeCup Software)

CoffeeCup GIF Animator allows you to create or edit Animated GIFs for your Web pages. Just open the software and it guides you through making great Animated GIFs in just a few simple steps. It’s so easy… anyone can do it. CoffeeCup GIF Animator can also convert JPEG and BMP graphics to GIFs automatically, as well as import AVI files. You can save your animations as Flash too. There is also a floating Preview Window so you can see your Animation and Edit at the same time! GIF Animator makes it easy to create professional GIF Animations, and even Export them to Flash SWF format… and the HTML code is generated automatically for easy insertion into any Web page.

CrazyTalk (Reallusion)

Now, without the use of any additional video hardware or software, CrazyTalk enables users to easily and quickly generate professional-grade output. Images are brought to life by displaying emotions and lip-synching with recordings of your own voice, imported audio files or text messages. Send your animated images as talking electronic greeting cards, as a talking messenger in e-mail or an EXE file attachment.

More Information:

http://www.deprice.com/swftext.htm
http://www.deprice.com/abrosoftfantamorph.htm
http://www.deprice.com/coffeecupgifanimator.htm
http://www.deprice.com/crazytalkhome.htm

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Back Up, Back Up, Back Up!

admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:11:40 +0000

This is not your typical lost data story. I was a good girl and I kept my files on the network drive just like the company recommended. The only thing I put on my hard drive was junk files - things that wouldn’t bother me if the hard drive crashed. But not on the network drive. The drives are backed up and even my PC has a local back up program. Can you see where this is going?

On Wednesday, August 25, I accessed my work from the network drive as always. I kept copies of my time report and my daily activities there. Since I was going to be out on August 26 for surgery, I saved everything and did the usual end of day sign out routine.

I returned to work on Wednesday, September 1 and accessed the drive through my ‘Favorites’ and got an error message. Thought nothing of it — figured the network was down or something. Eventually, I went into File Explorer and accessed my private network drive from there. Ah ha! They moved me to a new server. Fine, fine. Whatever.

Not fine! On that drive were two folders: /windows and /log. That’s it. Nothing else. I opened a ticket. Turned out the data wasn’t migrated from the old to the new server. Thankfully, they kept archived data for 30 days, so the ticket should take care of that.

Thursday, I went home early. My surgery wore me out after half a day. Friday, September 3, I had to go to the ER and ended up not returning to work until October 5. I checked the drive and nothing changed. I checked the ticket and it was closed! According to the ticket, the problem was resolved. My foot! I immediately contacted support and explained the ticket wasn’t resolved.

He asked for permission to remote control my PC. By all means. I watched him do all the things I had attempted. He passed the ticket to a specific group. I kept checking on the ticket and emailing the contact. I heard stuff like it’s past 30 days so it may not be archived. Well, hey, I reported the problem within five days of the last time it worked! Why wasn’t it properly resolved while I was out?

If you work for support or have worked for them - don’t get me wrong, I am married to a guy who has worked in it and managed it. I’ve lost serious data here.

Lesson learned? I should’ve backed up the data onto my hard drive. If I had, then all would be cool. What are the chances of losing the network data AND hard drive data? Wait, don’t answer that.

Back up early and back up often.

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Codename ‘Revolution’ - Nintendo’s Next Generation Gaming System

admin — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:17:05 +0000

Over the past year or so plenty of hype, mystery and controversy has been raised over the new Nintendo Console. Systems like the Xbox have taken the lead in gaming with offering capabilities such as online multiplayer. When Nintendo showed off their new system at the E3 Expo they showed gamers that they truly intend to revolutionize the video game community once again. But until Nintendo “officially” gives us the details, we can only speculate and wait.

The Hype and the Mystery

No one really knows too much about the Nintendo Revolution . What will it look like? What kind of power will it “actually” have? What games are in development? Nintendo is, for the most part, keeping a lid on things. We don’t even really know when the official release date will be. It has been reported that March of 2006 will be the “unofficial” date.

Living in an online world, it seems everyone has “the inside scoop” on the new console. Members of blogs and forums are saying everything from holographic imaging to new methods of image processing where a developer could create hyper realistic vistas at a fraction of the current processing cost. The bottom line is, with limited facts, speculation is rampid, which creates plenty of misinformation and hype..

What we do knowor think we know?

Nintendo Revolution Technical Specs

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/screenshots_library/dir_285/vortal_pic_142858.jpg

Stylized shell about the thickness of three DVD cases stacked flatly on top of each other
May come in five different colors including a sleek, glossy black and an Apple-white

Backward compatible. Plays both GameCube optical discs and proprietary 12cm discs, the latter of which may be dual-layered for upward of 8GBs storage capacity

Slot-loading drive with stylized blue light

One proprietary component/digital out located on the rear of the system

Two USB 2.0 ports located on the rear of the system

No Ethernet jack; Revolution connects to the Internet using 802.11b and 802.11g Wi-Fi wireless

GameCube docking station features inputs for four GCN controllers and two Memory Packs

Two front slots for 512MB flash memory, likely SD Card compatible
Utilizes wireless controllers

Custom-built IBM CPU, codenamed Broadway; speed and architecture undetermined at this time

Custom-built ATI-GPU, codenamed Hollywood; speed and architecture undetermined at this time

MoSys-developed 1T-SRAM solution; unknown amount of memory at this time

Nintendo download service: connect online and download classic NES, S-NES and N64 games

Conclusion

As it stands right now, the new Nintendo console will most likely be available early to mid 2006, along with the release of the new PS3 and the Xbox 360. What can we expect? I think it would be naive to think that Nintendo is going to release a system that will be inferior to the competition. They have been around too long to make another big mistake. The new Nintendo gaming system will enter the market as a greater or equal to the competition, enhancing the next generation gaming system. Nintendo Revolution hopes to live up to its name when it hits stores in 2006.

Ron is the CTO for Dice Ventures Inc an internet holdings and development company. For more great gaming information and discussion visit our Video Game Forum or check out this great Nintendo Revolution resources

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