PC Gaming: Games Worthy of Space in Your Hard Drive

PC Gaming: Games Worthy of Space in Your Hard Drive

Posted by Jack Solomon on May 23, 20130 Comment

Although gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox may have taken the home gaming community by storm, the number of PC games still has dramatically increased over the past few years. This is partially due to the increased hardware capacity of many modern computers as well as the ability for many of these games to reflect an unsurpassed level of visual realism due the bitrates and frames per second that such games can produce. The number of different genres is as varied and as interesting as the games themselves. Additionally, many of these games are now mobile due to the advent of smartphones and their seemingly unbelievable computing capacity. An interesting review of some of the latest phones can help illustrate just how far these compact devices have come.

For those interested in action and adventure, many role playing platforms can bring this intrigue to life. First-person shooters have become a mainstay of these modern times; truly making the participant feel as if he or she is part of the adrenaline-packed scenario and allowing a sense of reality only dreamed about only a few short years ago. Conversely, this increased computing capacity has also allowed players to enjoy flash games over the internet such as those found at slots.com. This reflects the desire for many gaming aficionados to play jackpot slots in real-time while simultaneously taking advantage of the excitement that such games can provide. Alternatively, others may choose to enjoy the classic arcade games of the past. Regardless of the type of game being played, PC games have become a mainstay of contemporary entertainment and will continue to grow in popularity with each generation. So, let us briefly examine a few games well worth the storage on a computer’s hard drive.

Role Playing Games

Otherwise known simply as RPGs, these games literally place the gamer in charge of his or her own destiny. Such popular titles as Mass Effect 3 and Dead Space are at the cutting edge of fast-paced science fiction technology. Others who may enjoy comic books have found games such as Batman: Arkham Asylum particularly enjoyable. Along these same lines are pedal-pumping racing games such as Blur that truly present a virtual white-knuckle ride. As computing power can have a direct influence on the quality of such games, it is always prudent to read the latest reviews on the most popular laptops and notepads.

Casino Games

Another popular area for countless gamers revolves around slots and other casino-oriented scenarios. One of the benefits that these games provide is the ability to play online as well as to download a specific program. For instance, the internet offers a number of free slots games and for those who are unaware of how to play slots, learning is both easy and fun. Additionally, many may wish to download a PC version of such games to enhance their enjoyment or to practice for the real thing. Many can be downloaded directly onto a tablet, laptop or a smartphone.

Never Forget the Classics

Some of our favorite games are those which we remember from childhood. While twenty or thirty years ago such games would have needed a standalone platform to operate, many downloadable “bundles” exist that can provide us with countless hours of nostalgic memories. From Super Mario Bros. to Frogger and Double Dragon, these classics have already taken their place in gaming immortality. While heart-pumping role playing games or online casinos may be the choice for some, others will prefer the simpler times of yesteryears that still offer unparallelled excitement in simpler packages.

Where to Begin…

As the choice of games can prove daunting even for the most astute enthusiast, gaming websites such are a great place to begin. One can watch a review, download or purchase some of the most popular games currently on the market. So, whether one is looking to play online slots, to participate in a thrilling role playing game or instead has the taste for a nice game of Pac Man, the sheer number of PC games will not disappoint.

Top 10 Windows 8 tips and tricks

Customize your tiles

Make the most of your Windows Start screen tiles by adjusting the sizes,

where they are located, and what is listed.

• Move any tile by clicking and dragging the tile. While moving a tile, if you need a larger view of the Start screen move the tile towards the top or bottom of the screen to zoom out.
• Use your mouse wheel to scroll left-to-right through your tiles.
• Any Desktop shortcut or program can be pinned to the Start screen by right-clicking the icon and choosing Pin to Start.
• In the bottom right-hand corner of the start screen is a magnifying glass with tiles, click this icon to get a zoomed out view of your Start screen. In this view, if you right-click on a group of tiles you'll be given the option to name group, which can be useful if you have a group of related tiles (e.g. games). In this view, you can also click and drag a group to organize your tile groups.
• Create a new speed bump between tile groups by moving a tile to a speed bump.
• Resize any User tile or Live tile by right-clicking the tile and choosing resize.
• If there is a tile you want on your Taskbar, right-click the tile and choose Pin to taskbar.
• Show admin applications on the Start screen by clicking Settings in Charms, click Settings, and change the Show administrative tools from No to Yes.
• In Internet Explorer 10, you can also pin any of your favorite web pages to your Start Screen.

Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts

Knowing at least some of the Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts will make your Windows 8 experience much more enjoyable. Try to memorize these top Windows 8 shortcut keys.

• Press the Windows key to open the Start screen or switch to the Desktop (if open).
• Press the Windows key + D will open the Windows Desktop.
• Press the Windows key + . to pin and unpin Windows apps on the side of the screen.
• Press the Windows key + X to open the power user menu, which gives you access to many of the features most power users would want (e.g. Device Manager and Command Prompt).
• Press the Windows key + C to open the Charms.
• Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings, which is the same Settings found in Charms.
• Press and hold the Windows key + Tab to show open apps.
• Press the Windows key + Print screen to create a screen shot, which is automatically saved into your My Pictures folder.

See our Windows shortcuts page for a full listing of all Windows shortcuts.

Know your hot corners

The corners on your screen are hot corners and give you access to different Windows features. Below, is a brief explanation of each of these corners.

Bottom Left-hand corner

The bottom left-hand hot corner of the screen will allow you to access the Start screen, if you're in the Start screen and have the Desktop open, this corner will open the Desktop from the Start screen.

Tip: Right-clicking in the left hand corner will open the power user menu.

Top-left corner of the screen

Moving the mouse to the top-left corner and then down will display all the apps running on the computer. Clicking and dragging any of these apps to the left or right-hand side of the screen will snap that app to that side of the screen. Each of these open app icons can also be right-clicked to close or snap.

Right-hand side of the screen

On the full right-hand side of the screen will be given access to the Windows Charms.

Taking advantage of search

The Search in Windows 8 has been significantly improved when compared to all previous versions of Windows. To search for a file or run a program in Windows 8 from the Start screen just start typing what you're trying to find or want to run.

As you begin typing, the results will start appearing on the left-hand side. In addition to being able to search for files and run programs, the Search also supports limiting the search to apps such as Finance, People, Maps, Photos, Mail, Music, Videos, Weather, and much more. If what you are searching for is not a file or program, click on the app you wish to use as the search. For example, if you were searching for "New York" and selected the Weather App you would be shown the weather in New York, NY.

By default, Search organizes the available Apps by how frequently they are used and then in alphabetical order. If you want to keep your favorite app at the top of the Search list, right-click the app and choose Pin. Pinning the app will lock it in place regardless of how often it is used. If there is an app you don't want (e.g. Finance) you can turn on and off any of the search apps through the PC settings, which is found under the Settings in the Charms.

Bonus tip: The Search is also found through Charms and can also be opened by pressing Windows key + F.

Running two apps side by side

Any app can be pinned to the left or right-hand side of the screen. For example, open the People app and then press the Windows Key + . (period) to move that app to the right-hand side of the screen, pressing the same keys again will move it to the left-hand side, and pressing the same keys again will make it full screen. While an app is pinned, any other app or program can be opened and loaded into the available space on the screen. For example, in the below picture, we've opened a browser window and have the People app running to monitor our social networks.

Any open app can also be pinned using your mouse by clicking at the top of the tile and dragging it to the left or right-hand side of the screen.

Bonus tip: The Desktop can also be pinned to the left or right-hand side of the screen.

Note: In order for snap to work properly your resolution must be at least 1,366 x 768.

Windows 8 Task Manager

The Windows 8 Task Manager has been significantly improved over previous versions of Windows. Some of the new changes include showing a total percent usage at the top of your Processes, which makes it easier to determine total memory and CPU usage, improved Performance graphs, a Startup tab to see startup processes and their impact to system performance, and the App history tab (as shown below) that gives you the total resources an app has used over a period of time. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to start exploring the new Task Manager.

Use a picture password to log into your computer

Windows 8 includes a new feature called Picture password, which allows you to authenticate with the computer using a series of gestures that include circles, straight lines, and taps. Enable this feature if you want a new way to access your computer or have a hard time with passwords.

1. Open the Windows Charms.
2. Click Settings and then More PC settings
3. In the PC settings window click Users and then select Create a picture password

Bonus tip: A four digit pin password can also be created and used to access your computer.

Take advantage of Windows 8 apps

Windows 8 comes included with several apps to help you get the most from your computer. Below are just a few of the included apps.

People

Microsoft touts the People feature in Windows 8 because they understand how many people are using social networks today. In the People feature you'll be able to connect your Windows computer to all the major social networks including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Once connected, you can pin the people app and monitor your social network (as shown below), use People in Search to find people, and get an overview of what is happening in all your social networks.

Reader

The Reader app will give you PDF support right out of the box.

SkyDrive

The SkyDrive app will give you access to the Microsoft cloud service SkyDrive, which allows you to store your photos, documents, and other files in the cloud and access or share those files with any computer with Internet access.

Store

Take advantage of the Windows Store and install one or more of the thousands of available apps designed for Windows 8. The Store is found in the Start screen, or use Search to search the Store app for any apps that you are trying to find.

Know the answers to common questions

Windows 8 is the biggest change to Microsoft Windows since the introduction of Windows 95, which was released all the way back in 1995. Since so many people have grown up with Windows, it can be difficult to transition to a new way of doing things. Below, is a short list of the most common questions previous Windows users will have.

• How can I close an app in Windows 8?
• How do I sleep, restart, or shut down Windows 8?
• How do I get the start button back in Windows 8? 

Know the Jargon

Knowing all the new jargon introduced with Windows 8 will help improve your familiarity with Windows 8 and make it a more enjoyable experience. Below, are just a few links to the most commonly used Windows 8 terms.

• Charms
• Lock screen
• Picture password
• Pin
• Power User Task Menu
• Snapped app
• Speed bump
• Start screen
• Tile, User Tile, and Live Tile
• Windows Store

Computer tips home -

---Trick to enable/disable "Task manager"---

---Trick to enable/disable "Task manager"---

* Click Start

* Click Run

* Enter gpedit.msc in the Open box and click OK

* In the Group Policy settings window

o Select User Configuration

o Select Administrative Templates

o Select System

o Select Ctrl+Alt+Delete options

o Select Remove Task Manager

o Double-click the Remove Task Manager option

since the policy is Remove Task Manager, by disabling the policy, you are enabling the Task Manager.

Microsoft Short Cut Keys

Microsoft Short Cut Keys

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl + A Select all (including text, graphics).

Ctrl + B Bold.

Ctrl + I Italic.

Ctrl + U Underline.

Ctrl + C Copy.

Ctrl + V Paste.

Ctrl + X Cut.

Ctrl + F Find.

Ctrl + Z Undo.

Ctrl + K Insert link.

Ctrl + L Left align.

Ctrl + E Center align.

Ctrl + R Right align.

Ctrl + M Indent.

Ctrl + (left arrow) Moves one word to the left.

Ctrl + (right arrow) Moves one word to the right.

Ctrl + (up arrow) Moves cursor to the beginning of the paragraph.

Ctrl + (down arrow) Moves cursor to the end of the paragraph.

Ctrl + Shift + F Change font.

Ctrl + Shift + * View/hide non-printing characters.

Ctrl + Del Deletes word to the right of cursor.

Ctrl + Backspace Deletes word to the left of cursor.

Ctrl + End Moves cursor to the end of document.

Ctrl + Home Moves cursor to the beginning of document.

Ctrl + Spacebar Reset highlighted text to the default font.

Ctrl + 1 Single-space.

Ctrl + 2 Double-space.

Ctrl + 5 1.5-line.

Ctrl + Alt + 1 Format text: heading 1.

Ctrl + Alt + 2 Format text: heading 2.

Ctrl + Alt + 3 Format text: heading 3.

F1 Help.

F4 Repeat the last action

F5 Go to .

F7 Spelling and grammar.

F12 Save as.

F8 then (left arrow) Increase selection to the left by one character

F8 then (right arrow) Increase selection to the right by one character

Ctrl + F1 Task Pane.

Ctrl + F2 Print preview.

Alt + Ctrl + F2 New document.

Shift + F3 Cycle between capitalized formats

Ctrl + Insert Copy.

Shift + Insert Paste.

Shift + End Select from current position to the end of the line.

Shift + Home Select from current position to the beginning of the line.

Ctrl + Shift + (left arrow) Select from current position to the beginning of the word.

Ctrl + Shift + (right arrow) Select from current position to the end of the word.

Ctrl + Shift + (up arrow) Select from current position to the beginning of the document.

Ctrl + Shift + (down arrow) Select from current position to the end of the document.

Ctrl + Shift + Page Up Select from current position to the beginning of the window.

Ctrl + Shift + Page Down Select from current position to the end of the window.

Shift + Page Up One screen page up.

Shift + Page Down One screen page down.

Shift + F7 Thesaurus check selected text.

Shift + F12 Save.

Ctrl + Shift + F12 Print.

Alt + Shift + D Insert the current date.

Alt + Shift + T Insert the current time.

Enjoy and Share Click to add text, images, and other content

Partition a Drive Without Losing Data

Partition a Drive Without Losing Data


Wishes to partition your hard drives? But, partitioning a drive in windows will needed us toformat the drive. In this tutorial, I will teach you how to partition a drive without need to backup your data and format your drives. You might wonder if this trick need you to downloadsome softwares or tools. Do not worry because this trick is 100% download-free. We just gonna use a built in windows tool.

This trick had been tested on Windows7 and Vista. I'm not sure that this trick will work onwindows XP. This trick allows you to partition any drive including system drives.

Okay, first of all open Run dialog box ( Start > Run ). Type in "diskmgmt.msc" without the quotes in the text box. Wait until Disk Management window pop up. It may take a few seconds to load. After it’s fully loaded, go to Storage > Disk management at the left sidebar. Now you could see a list of storage devices that are currently connected to your computer. Now choosethe drive that you want to partition. Right Click on it and select "Shrink Volume" option from menu.


The system will search for available space in your selected disk volume. A window will pop up asking you to wait while it loads. This will not take much longer than few seconds. Next the Shrink dialog box will pop-up. This is where you’ll have to specify the volume for next partition. Look at the total size of available shrink space. Below it, you’ll have to enter the space to shrink.


To make sure that you not losing any data, shrink size is not below the total size of space taken by files in that drive. You can check the used space by right clicking on the drive you are going to partition and choose "Properties" from the menu.


After done shrinking your drive. You can see an unallocated space in your shrunk drive. But you’ll still not able to access this new drive. You’ll have to format it and specify the drive letter to access them. Right click on unallocated drive and choose "New Simple Volume" option.


New Simple Volume Wizard Window will pop up. Click on "Next" button to continue. In next window, you’ll have to specify the size for your new volume. Set full size if you are satisfied with two partitions or you can divide it again for new partition. Next, choose any drive letter from the available list and click on "Next" button. In next window, leave everything as default but make sure it's similar to the screen below ( If you want to change the volume label, feel free to do it ).


Click on Finish window to complete the wizard. Go to My Computer and you can see your new drive. That is all. Hope this tutorial will help you. Enjoy.