Best Indie Games for Your Netbook or Ultrabook
If your computer is a netbook or ultrabook then you may well have already kissed goodbye to any hope of playing Max Payne 3, or Modern Warfare 3. In general games like this are aimed at high end machines and that means that you can only really enjoy them if you have lot of spare RAM, a powerful processor and a powerful graphics card.
However what you mustn't believe is that this is the only way to play a game full stop. In fact there are plenty of great new games that you can play right now on a computer that doesn't necessarily have top end spec (as long as you keep it running smoothly). Enter: the Indie Publisher. The individual who makes and designs a game on their own without the backing of a huge publisher or a team of thousands but who nevertheless makes something impressive and competitive that gets people talking. These games are games that impress in different ways – through clever gameplay mechanics and artistic styles, and they can be run on almost any machine. Best of all though they are always highly original and pioneering in the direction they take games. Here are some of the best for you to try out:
Spelunky
Spelunky is an odd little game. It's been around a few years now and has developed a die hard following. This fanbase is largely due to the intricate controls and surprising gameplay mechanics. You play an Indiana Jones-type character running around a mine picking up gold and opening treasure chests and your aim is to progress through levels by escaping through hidden doors. The game progresses through set level 'styles' such as 'cave' and 'jungle', but what makes the game so entertaining is the fact that each level is completely randomly generated meaning that you never know what's going to happen next – and the large number of enemies, characters and items ensures that every experience you have is completely unique. One level you might jet pack around carrying a woman only to be eaten by a swarm of spiders that came out of a tomb you destroyed, and in your next attempt you might be forced to outrun a boulder with a golden idol only for it to crush a shopkeeper and allow you to steel all his money. It's genius.
Limbo
This game is an incredibly haunting and beautifully original experience. You play a boy trapped presumably in limbo presumably with the aim of getting out. There's no music though, and everything is in black and white silhouette in a kind of French arthouse sort of way. In the background all you can hear is a kind of static whooshing noise, and you literally never know what waits for you around the next corner in a series of scripted events. It really is an experience as much as it is a game, and while the puzzles are the meat it's the silent encounters with other characters and wildlife that bring this game to life.
VVVVVV
Drawn in the style of a ZX Spectrum game this will bring back oooold memories for some. For others though the graphics merely add charm to the excellent and bizarre level design and challenges. You have the ability to reverse gravity, which is what you use to overcome your inability to jump. This way you traverse the huge open-world map in search of your fellow shipmates while enjoying one of the best chiptune soundtracks in videogame history.
This guest post was written by James Delurno. He works on a registry cleaner software and likes writing about gadgets and PC maintenance.
Everything about Casino Games Slot Machines
Summary: Slot machines are known with various names. With the introduction of online Casino games slot machines have received a huge turnover. There are many people who prefer to play casino games online as it provides them with the convenience to play anytime and anywhere.
Slot games are among the most preferred games at land based casinos, and with the introduction of online Casino games slot machines have been able to capture the interest of casino players at an entirely different level. There are thousands of websites which offer online slot games under different themes and sizes. Online slots are fun to play and quite easy too. You need not have to rush a nearby casino to enjoy playing the slot game you like the most. Online casinos have provided the convenience of playing slots anytime and anywhere. Moreover, you have the flexibility to play it for free or for money.
Types of Online Slots
When you play slot games online, you can find three basic types of slot machines. It includes reel slots, video slots and progressive slots. Some of the best online casinos offer you to play slot games of all the three types.
· Reel slots replicate old slot machines to a larger extent, and generally consist of three reels and five pay lines.
· Video slots are much complex in nature and are similar to video games. You can find as many as 5 reels with pay lines up to 40.
· Progressive slots offer the highest jackpot and are almost similar to video slots but with additional features.
Handy Tips to Play Slots Online
· While playing a slot game online, you should always try to stick to your budget. In simple terms, you should place your bets depending on your budget so that you can play for a longer period.
· It is important that you know how to bet. When you play online slots, it is better to make four bets of 0.25 cents rather than a single bet of $1 as the chances of winning are higher in multiple bets.
· While choosing an online slot game, opt for the ones with better pay lines and payouts. Playing on maximum pay lines will increase your winning chances.
· You should develop a pattern to play slots in order to switch the bets as per your win or loss. Try to increase your bets when you win and similarly, decrease your bets when you lose.
· Slot games are different from one another, and hence, you should have a better understanding about the terms and conditions of the game before you start playing it.
Among the online Casino games slot machines are known for their simple features and higher payouts. Knowing the different types of slot machines will help you improve your gambling experience and earn better payouts.
Free Online Casino Games No Download – An Overview
Summary: Free online casino games no download can be played without the necessity to download anything. They also offer numerous benefits like no time lag, convenience to play from anywhere, etc.
Many people like playing in online casinos that provide free games. The number of such people has grown by leaps and bounds. The casinos offering free online casino games no download are highly popular. They are making their presence felt in almost every corner of the world. These online casinos have made the game all the more attractive for players. They offer lucrative jackpots. In addition to this, they also provide great convenience. They can be played from the confines of home. There are several online casinos that provide the players online casino games freely, without having to download anything.
What is meant by Free Online Casino Games Requiring No Download?
Usually, the free online casinos can be played in two modes. They are the Flash mode and the download mode. Some players love playing at the online casinos that do not require downloading the free software that accompanies it. There are a few online casino websites which provide no download option. Generally, these online casinos use Macromedia Flash. It does not need downloading of any software. Online casinos offering free online casino games no download that make use of Macromedia Flash are also called as instant casinos or flash casinos. Playing at such casinos offers many benefits to the player.
The Flash Macromedia is also called the Shockwave. It is a kind of software that is utilized in an Internet browser. It is used to power up the applications. The JavaScript is similar to the Flash Player. The JavaScript is also used for running online games or any application on the website. The JavaScript is also used to play online games which can be easily played with the internet browser. However, the games played using Flash are extremely popular. It can generally be run using any browser. This includes the Internet Explorer (IE), the Firefox Mozilla or the Netscape Navigator.
Benefits of Free Online Casino Games without Download
The free online game does not necessitate any software download. The flash player that is used for the game gives it a quicker access. It is possible to play the game at a very short notice. The time is saved in downloading the software and the waiting period for software installation. These casinos provide casino bonuses on signing or for registration. These reasons attract many players to the casino sites where no download is needed. Nowadays, the no download casino games are facilitated by using Java. Though the Java based games are web enabled, they do not need any downloading.
Most of the network companies’ set-up firewalls to avoid their systems from being hacked by intruders. Generally, these firewalls deter players against downloading software through the internet. The flash casino which offers free online casino games no download is suitable for these players. They can log on to the internet through a firewall. In addition, a huge disadvantage to playing these Flash games is the convenience to login and play games. It is independent of place and time. You only need to visit the website and start playing. Registration is also not needed. There is no need to download anything.
Free Online Casinos Games
Summary: Free online casinos offer a host of games like Roulette, Slots, Keno, and Video Poker. These games are a lot of fun to play. They can also act as a practice session for professional players.
Casinos have been famous among players. They have become the hot favorites ever since they started offering online games for free. There are all sorts of games to suit the temperament of players. Thousands of players all over the world have taken part in them. The aim of these sites is to offer fun games. This should be the norm of casinos. The free online casinos offer a wide array of games. Some sites display the live action to the players. Webcams are installed to view other players playing online. In other sites players cannot see others while playing the game.
What are the Free Online Casinos Offer?
There are many online casinos which provide free games such as Roulette, blackjack, and craps. Sometimes, just a simple mouse click is required to take you to the free play casinos. They offer playing with fake money. There is a choice to move from this site to a real site. In a real site you can play with real money. The real money can be won or lost. These sites offer playing in both flash mode as well as download mode. In flash mode, downloading is not necessary. The download mode does not have any dependency on the internet.
If you like playing without involvement of money, then there is an option. The free online websites is the place to visit. They can be used to play just for fun and the thrill of the game. In case you would like to play with real money, these sites can also be utilized for practice sessions. It is always better for a novice to learn about the trade secrets of the game. After all, “Practice makes a man perfect”. These sites also serve as warm up classes. An experienced player can play here once before playing with real money.
Which are the Free Online Casino Games?
There are numerous free online casino games. Roulette is the favorite. It is played with one spin wheel. There are various betting types in the game. For instance, there is the "straight up" or the bet called "inside" bets. They need to be understood thoroughly. This is very much sought after amongst all free play casino games. The new addition to online casino games is video poker. This combines the skill of poker and slot. It maximizes the thrill quotient. A set of five cards needs to be played very skillfully. This game needs luck and tact to be won.
Slots offer a greater chance of winning. The free online casinos have a slot machine for betting. These machines simulate the game. It can be played with a click of your mouse. The attractive part about the slots is the option of playing more games as many free online games are slot based. A game that is very simple as well as exciting is the Keno. The unique aspect about the game pertains to the rules. They can be understood easily. It is similar to the game called Bingo or Housie. A strategy is not needed to play this game.
PC Gaming: Mechanical Keyboards
A guest post by: Tyler Goering
Nothing is hotter right now than PC gaming than mechanical keyboards. These high tech peripherals used to be reserved for the über nerds and pro gamers but are now are much more affordable and readily available. Mechanical keyboards differ from most keyboards found on the market by the method which the individual keys are pressed down. Most keyboards use small rubber domes to hold up the keys. When you press the key down these domes collapse and the electrical signal for the individual keystroke is made. These have a number of disadvantages, specifically the quality of the domes is not very high and the pressure required to push the key down is inconsistent. This leads to imperfect keystrokes and a lack of longevity in the keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards use precise switches to add consistency and longevity to your keyboard. There are many types of mechanical keyboards of varying quality and price as well as a few personal preferences built in. For example, some mechanical keyboards use switches that have a “clicky” feel to them. This creates an audible and tactile keystroke that many users associate with mechanical switches. Others have “silent” switches that have the same precise keystrokes of a mechanical keyboard without the loud noise.
Many brands of mechanical keyboards such as Das or Filco also come with special features such as unlabeled keys or custom key caps. Also, because almost all mechanical keyboards use Cherry MX switches of some type, the key caps they use are almost all interchangeable. This makes buying custom caps cheaper and easier.
The tactile feel of a mechanical keyboard is a matter of taste but the longevity of the keyboards is a fact. If you spend any significant amount of time at a computer it is definitely something to try.
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Remove Facebook Right Column, ads, and people you may know
This is a slightly modified version of the original script that works on Facebook (HTTPS). Requires Firefox and grease monkey.
// ==UserScript==
// @name Remove Facebook Right-Column
// @version 0.2
// @author Vaibhav Kanwal
// @namespace http://programmingkid.com.com/
// @description Increase Screen Estate by removing right column on Facebook.
// @include http://facebook.com/*
// @include http://*.facebook.com/*
// @include https://*.facebook.com/*
// @include https://facebook.com/*
// ==/UserScript==
(function() {
var css = "#rightCol{display: none;};";
if (typeof GM_addStyle != "undefined") {
GM_addStyle(css);
} else if (typeof PRO_addStyle != "undefined") {
PRO_addStyle(css);
} else if (typeof addStyle != "undefined") {
addStyle(css);
} else {
var heads = document.getElementsByTagName("head");
if (heads.length > 0) {
var node = document.createElement("style");
node.type = "text/css";
node.appendChild(document.createTextNode(css));
heads[0].appendChild(node);
}
}
})();
Buying a Refurbished HP Printer – A Dealer’s Perspective
This is a guest post by: Douglass M. Doggett, Sr.
As an authorized dealer for HP and Lenovo, I still have to pay for the equipment that we use in the home and office. Even though I get dealer pricing (it’s really not much lower than non-dealer pricing), I still have to shop for the best deal and look for the very best way to spend our limited resources. Even though I’d been in the business for a while, I had never personally experienced buying a refurbished HP printer until a couple of years ago. My experience began with the box arriving at the office with the help of the FedEx lady. My expectations began to get higher and higher as I examined the neat, clean, and nicely appointed box itself. It was clearly marked as an HP refurbished printer and the factory seal had not been broken; so, I knew it hadn’t been opened by anyone else. When we opened the box, we were pleasantly surprised to find all the parts and components inside and neatly packaged…just like a new printer!
I had a lot of reservations about buying a used computer products. At the time I considered a refurbished and used printer as about the same thing. Little did I realize that the refurbished HP products were real close to new…real close! Most of these refurbished products are just like new and if you didn’t know better, you’d swear they were new.
I now like to describe the refurbished HP printers as new printers that are priced like used HP printers. I must make it clear that these are technically used printers because they were purchased, opened, and later returned for a variety of reasons. Maybe there was a mechanical problem; maybe an order was cancelled; maybe the packaging was marred; or, maybe it didn’t fit in a certain space too well. Whatever the issue, the unit had to be sent back to HP because it could no longer be sold as new. Once returned to HP, these printers are thoroughly tested and if they fail testing, HP determines the cause and replaces any failed components. If a model contains a component with a known failure rate, the component is automatically discarded. At this point, the printers are put through a series of stress tests and given a final inspection, cleaning and repackaging.
Because of the extra attention these HP refurbished printers get, the defect rate is actually lower than the new printers. So, now you see why I’m such a believer and why I’ve chosen to specialize in the market for refurbished HP printers and used computer products. These are products that help our clients stretch their technology dollar and get high-level protection from the HP factory warranty or the distributor’s limited warranty ( in the case of used or off-lease products). As you consider these products, make certain that you work with a manufacturer authorized dealer who has experience in sourcing and delivering refurbished and off-lease products.
Author Box:
Feel free to contact us at www.mantecho.com for guidance, questions, or to get a great deal. Douglass M. Doggett, Sr.
Intel vs. AMD Processors
The war between Intel vs. AMD has been going on for centuries. OK, maybe not centuries but, for as long as I can remember Intel and AMD have been rivals. Not everybody is tech savvy, that's why when the choice comes up, often times people don't know which is better Intel or AMD? Today, we'll be breaking it down from price, to performance. Long ago the line was clear that AMD was a big competitor in terms of speed when they released their Athlon 64 line, showing Intel that GigaHertz wasn't the whole story.
Since then Intel has learned from its mistakes however. Over the years they've gained our trust back, processor by processor. Now Intel's Core i7 line comes with 4 cores and 4 threads (virtual cores). This may seem like nothing compared to AMD's new FX series 8xxx which offers up to 8 actual cores. However looking at some benchmarks we see flaws in AMDs coding. We notice that in brand name games such as Far Cry 2 and Crysis 2 the Phenom and FX series have a 20-30 FPS difference between the Core i7 series. 20 FPS is too much of a big margin to ignore.
The problem I see here is that AMD didn't spend enough time optimizing it's CPU for gamers' needs. It choose to go with synthetic benchmarks, and real world applications. However, this isn't that bad. AMD's performance in servers, and multi-threaded applications is very much up to par with Intel's Core i7. This is a big shock due to the fact that Intel's i7 can cost up to $900 while the FX series only cost up to around $250. Scaling this up in a server environment, or a work environment can mean big improvements and big savings! We can clearly see here who AMD's new target audience was, mid-range gamers and server applications.
So going back to the main question, which is better Intel or AMD? The question has become somewhat meaningless as we see that the companies have branched off so much now that a battle isn't very comparable. In terms of straight performance we can clearly say the i7 series is superior, however are you, the consumer really going to spend up to $900 for a cpu that will probably be outdated in a year? Or would you rather choose a $250 equivalent that you probably won't notice the difference on?
This was a guest post by TechStat.Net. Click here for more information on the best graphic card for the money.
Transformers 3 Review
The Transformers 3 is going to entertain you, and that is what a good movie is supposed to do. It will imprint itself on your mind, and you will recall scenes and portions of this movie for a long time. Going by the full name; Transformers 3: Dark Of the Moon, this is an epic thriller that tries to show the damnation that the world faces as good and evil clash in the search for control over the world.
Transformers 3 review of the plot
The plot is both simple and complex. If you wait just a little for the movie to get under way, then the plot will be easy to understand and you can enjoy the film better. Simply put, the plot is about good against bad, just as what happens in the real world. The Autobots are the good and they join the US war against terror and against the Decepticons who are the bad.
50 years ago on the moon, a very important piece of cybertronian technology (space ship) was lost, and the Decepticons now want to get their hands on it first. After you start getting the feel of the story, from there onwards, the movie is a perfect unfolding of one sizzling action after another. For a sensational 120 minutes running time for the Transformer 3, your eyes will be glued to the screen. Unlike other movies that run for just 90 minutes, which is enough but still leaves much wanting, this one has an extra 30 minutes of thrilling time.
The characters
They are an amazing lot and you must have met most of them before in other pictures but they play their roles well enough. If you are looking for a movie that has the geopolitics of the cold war in it, even in its characterization, then this is just what you really want. Ken Jeong, Frances McDormand, John Turturro, John Malkovich are among the members of the Transformers 3 cast. It is directed by Michael Bay. Expect a lot of action and excitement from the Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon.
The Best Free MMORPG Games
When you want good games, but do not want to pay a monthly fee, there are dozens of options online that can offer you adventure and adrenaline, without having to pay monthly fees. One of the best free MMORPG games is "Rappelz", produced by Gala Lab. You can choose your character from three factions, and the hero is able to fight monsters that populate the world with the help of pets that can be tamed: The rarer the more coveted titles of pride and become respected by older players.
"Perfect World" is another known MMORPG, which convince you to lose some time trying the various options in the game. You are into a world of fantasy based on Chinese mythology, with an impressive graphics and brilliant special effects.
"Maple Story", produced by Wizet is another game that takes place in a fantasy world. Although is one of the most popular games of this type, the 2D platform might disappoint some gamers.
"Prius Online", produced by CJ E&M Corp., has a three-character system, impeccable graphics and entertaining story. The character is accompanied by Anima and Gigas, and battles allow you to use special abilities from each character.
"Shaiya" is another MMORPG that offers 3D graphics and special effects as interesting the ones above.
For fans of science fiction, "Battlestar Galactica" offers an interesting alternative: it is a game similar to EVE Online, but no monthly fee. You own a spaceship and you can ally with people or robots in a fight for life and death.
This is a guest post by Costea, a writer on Next iPhone News. Visit his website for the latest iPhone 5 news, rumors and tips!
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