Games for Windows: going on an Upgrade

It’s great news for gamers especially when they’re running Windows PC. With Windows still continuing to be the most important gaming pedestal all over the world, Redmond Company gives the OS’ user the advantage as they design a streamline where gamers are allowed to access games: Games for Windows “Games on Demand”.

As revealed by Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson), the director of programming for Xbox Live (Microsoft’s gaming network), Games for Windows Games on Demand is a newly launched downloadable application service where games’ full version can be bought and downloaded. A complete list of games is available through their client; in downloading it however, be sure to get Tinker a free game that allows you to add updates and points to the Gamerscore “without leaving your desk”. The said game is now available as a standalone download for Windows 7, Vista, XP, SP2, and SP3.

The game application also gives the leverage some users may want especially with the new Games for Windows LIVE Setup 3.2. It allows games such as Fallout 3, Batman, Arkham Asylum, DIRT 2, Street Fighter IV, Resident Evil 5 and many more. The users are also allowed access to more than just the actual games. They are allowed to get add-ons, demos and more without interrupting the game.

The latest release for this gaming application is presently compatible with Windows 7, Vista, and XP. However, even with the promise of good gaming due to optimum performance, there is still the question of how critiques find it. Then again it is pretty excusable if there are negative comments since it just went live yesterday. One comment given by a gamer was that of the price of the Viva Pinata which actually sells $9.99. If a boxed version was to be bought instead, there are offices who offer this at a lesser price. However, the said game is also in tandem with Shadowrun making the deals here to be a great for kids.

There is nothing wrong with giving it a shot even with the negative reviews. Like what was earlier said, critiques may find it boring at this point but can be forgiven since it is only beginning.

Windows 7 Takes Advantage on Multi-core Processors

In choosing a processor, especially if there’s a need to optimize a computer’s performance, it is best to check the speed. Intel and AMD have provided us with great selection of processors and have made multi core processors available for use. Multi-cores have allowed processing more productive since it can execute different instructions at the same time making the computer’s performance faster. Unfortunately there are limitations to this optimized peripheral: Computer software, especially the Operating System needs to be rewritten to take full advantage of the processor’s speed. Doing this may increase performance however it won’t meet the right optimization the processor is designed to do.

The advent of Windows 7 Operating System has given pips in the techy world buzzing, wanting to check the “savior” to the Microsoft empire (after the flop its predecessor, Windows Vista, made in sales). Everyone seems to want to go for a trial in having it installed in their computers checking, from the layout to the compatibility (from software to hardware peripherals) which wasn’t met by the previous operating system. If there was one thing that Windows 7 should be proud of it is the fact that it has taken advantage of the multi-cores.

Programmers to Microsoft are taking the problem of using multi-core processor into consideration. The said adjustment to the codes is because of the fact that if one part of the program is processed by one core while the second part is handled by the other (take note that each core executes instructions at the same time) therefore an error may occur if the first and second part are dependent on each other; Intel strongly advices software manufacturers to develop their codes to fit with the usage of these processors.

Microsoft is presently looking at optimizing the codes for the Windows core: one that is perfect for parallel and faster processing.

Review: Linux Mint 8

Linux Mint 8 ( Helena)
Based on Ubuntu 9.10
Live CD

To start off, this review will attempt to describe/find what sets Linux Mint apart from all the other remastered/customized version of Ubuntu.

Normally, I don't really fancy Ubuntu based distros, as most of them are nothing more than custom / remastered versions of the original Ubuntu. However, Linux Mint has really broken the tradition of poorly made custom respins and has nearly became a whole complete distro of its own .. ( unlike the other distrolets based on ubuntu )


Well, Linux Mint shares a few key items that it inherits from its parent. The installer, Ubiquity, is still employed in the installation process. Thumbs down to Ubiquity. Ubiquity takes so much system resources ( okay not that much but a minimum of 512 mb ram is required to install) that it makes it unsuitable to run Mint on older Computers...( what a pity...)

Well...I love screenshots. Yes, a picture speaks a thousand words. lol But there's really not much to describe or explain how to install or use Ubiquity. Really, trust me, It is as simple as it looks and as simple as it can get.Well...Not much to say here too :s...Just that I don't seem to fancy those self-advertisements that come with the installer...( reminds me too much of MS ) but I do appreciate the part where they said almost finish copying..

Well, the installation is rather fast, but that can also be expected from Ubuntu 9.10. Another thing that amazed me was the boot time. It is really fast (about slightly less than 20 seconds on my old rig ) PS . My old rig is a P4 3Ghz with

Hyperthreading and 512 mb of ram.

The new Gdm (2.2 is a thing to look out for. Sure it doesn't allow you to use all the old themes available at gnome looks, but it does give an overall nice and coherent theme to the system..

Finally at last, the desktop. I love it when they give a welcome pop up...( its just me...lol)Finally, this is the fancy and shiny app that you should look out for: The MintInstall software manager. Things to look out for: Applications can be and are ranked according to users liking. Applications are well-placed into each category making search for apps rather convenient.
Another thing that impresses me is the Mint Menu ...( not my cup of tea though ) The mint menu allows users to find and locate their applications A
Plus 1 for Linux Mint
Another Plus Point is the Mint Update Manager..Yes their own update manager. The number you see beside the update in the screenshot signifies how safe or secure it is to install that update. It's good for new users indeed. 1 stands for the most secure and tested and 5 the least.

Yes, I said it was really a pity that Ubiquity was a heavy installer. Upon fresh install, Linux mint only took 150 mb of ram ...Which made it really suitable for older computers

In summary, Linux Mint is really a unique distro, catering to a wide audience. People who just came from windows would most like feel comfortable with
Linux Mint and Linux Mint does really work great with older computers They just need to do something about Ubiquity. The MintInstall software manager is really great, making installing applications really a breeze. IMHO, Mintinstall is what we need to break those biased opinions that installing software is difficult for Linux

The MintUpdate is also a Plus point. Many new users screw their systems up through updates. ( especially major ones) This surely would help a lot. I went in with the opinion that Linux Mint would be just like any other remastered distro, but came out changed! Its really a great distro.

I personally would recommend it to any one who just came out of the windowed world or any one who is looking for a light and simple system. Linux Mint 8 is really on the right track on making Linux user friendly..

Linux Mint Site:
http://www.linuxmint.com/blog/?p=1171

The information of this blog come from Raiden's Realm Review due to I am a very fun of Linus Mint I want to share with you this very beautiful review that I've read.