Windows 7

I have installed Windows7 Ultimate beta build 7000 on my cheap spec Intel Core2Duo 2.34Ghz, ECS G31 Motherboard using on-board Graphic Accelerator and a 2GB DDR2 667 RAM 2 weeks ago and I was amazed by the changes that I saw considering that I didn't bother upgrading to Vista (but tested it) and only used XP since it launched. So far, I am very impressed on this Microsoft upcoming Operating System.

I won't be doing a full review of Windows 7 since it is in its beta phase but here's my first impression and some of the main features of this new Operating System.

In my own view Windows7 installed faster than WindowsXP. Device drivers are automatically installed except for the ECSG31 on-board LAN and my A4Tech webcam that needs to install manually in order to be used. This is not a problem for newer PC hardware and if the transition is from Windows Vista to Windows7. Since Windows 7 mostly adopted Vista drivers.


Windows 7 isn't a radical shift from Vista, but is more of an attempt to fix Vista's main flaws. It shares the same underlying architecture, and retains or enhanced the graphical touches like translucent Window borders which is more pleasing to use and to the eye as well.


Taskbar is more customizable such as the use of small and large icons, taskbar locations, Desktop preview and etc. Pinning of mostly used applications on the taskbar reduces desktop clutter and in addition, easy and simplified navigation.

One thing I noticed about this OS is that leaving it ON for a long time it automatically sleeps wherein I thought that my computer was OFF no lights, sounds nor the PSU fans. but when I switched it ON the computer starts automatically from where I left it. I don't know about this I think this will be different on another systems.

Due to my PC specifications I did not have the opportunity to test PC games in this Operating System. Still, even in its beta form, with some features incomplete or imperfect, Windows 7 is faster, reliable, smarter, more functional and more importantly improved performance which could well help fade the bad reputation of Vista.

There are so much to write about this new OS but I ran out of words. However, I was very thankful that I skipped Windows Vista.

Release date? I don't really know at the moment. Windows 7 will be a must upgrade for all when released.

UPDATE:
My copy of this OS (Operating System) beta build 7000 will expire in approximately 9hours today July 01, 2009 and I will be very glad to tell you (when the countdown ends) on how Microsoft professionally do it. click here

Popular Gaming Sites

For gaming news, info and updates. These are the sites that I often visit.

1UP - Where gamers call home
IGN - Video Games, Cheats, Movies and More!
Gamasutra - The art and business of making games.
Gamerevolution - The largest independent source of video game information.
Gamespot - GameSpot is the world's largest source for PC, Console and Portable Gaming.
GameSpy - Your home for video game commentary, humor and more!
Gametrailers - A site where high-resolution video game trailers and gameplay that users can download or stream immediately to their computer.
Kotaku - The Gamers guide.

Note: List are posted alphabetically not by popularity.

Killzone 2: Graphics

I just picked-up my order of Killzone 2. Run through the first chapter of the game and I really like the intensity of it. In addition, the graphics are amazingly outstanding.


The game is so much fun playing on campaign mode. The enemy's AI is tough and has its own set of battle tactics. The environment, lights, weather, fire and smoke are meticulously detailed along with sound effects that seamlessly fuse which adds up the thrill and excitement. The weapons are realistic and fun to shoot. The heads explode during head shots and blood spurts on body shots. For me it just feels right.

Killzone 2 has my fullest recommendation. No doubt about its superior graphics and certainly it is the best single or online multiplayer FPS game for PS3 to date.

Resident Evil 5

Resident Evil 5 is the seventh installment in the Resident Evil survival horror game series following the overwhelming success of Resident evil 4. It was developed and produced by Capcom and was released on March 5, 2009 on Japan/Asia and is scheduled for release on March 13, 2009 in North America and Europe.

The game features similar gameplay to Resident Evil 4. The player will control Chris Redfield similarly to Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 4, with the same over the shoulder perspective. But, with different button configurations and this time the player will have Sheva Alomar as a partner.

I got myself a copy of Resident Evil 5 last March 7, 2009 at i-TECH SM, Cagayan de Oro City. It is still sealed, the box art is good (see picture above), inside the box includes a game booklet and the game disk itself. Moreover, I was surprised to see that the back of the cover contains the Japanese version BIOHAZARD box art. All I have to do is to flip the cover to its other side and I get myself a BIOHAZARD 5.

The game will have a mandatory install of 5000Mb or 5Gbyte during initial play. Which took me about 10 minutes or less before I played the game. The game overall is great, action packed and more importantly it's fun. Especially when playing 2 player online or split screen mode. The only downside that I saw was the diminished scare factor due to the fact that you are not alone on your adventure.

Updates will be posted as soon as I finish the game

Killzone 2

Killzone 2 is a Sci-Fi First Person Shooter (FPS) exclusive for Playstation 3 developed by Guerilla Games and published by SCE Europe. Killzone 2 was released last February 20, Asia and 27, 2009 worldwide.

I have nothing to post about this at the moment as I have to pass on this game in favor of Resident Evil 5. Updates will be posted as soon as I get this game.

SLI and CrossFire

NVIDIA® SLI™ technology is a revolutionary platform innovation that allows you to intelligently scale graphics performance by combining multiple NVIDIA graphics solutions in an SLI-Certified motherboard.




CrossFire™ is a high-performance PC Gaming Platform technology that enables multiple ATI Radeon™ graphics cards and a CrossFire-ready motherboard in a single computer to increase graphics quality and performance. By intelligently scaling graphics capabilities, CrossFire provides an incredibly immersive gaming experience through stunning visual realism in today's 3D titles with uncompromising image quality at extreme HD resolutions. CrossFire redefines the PC gaming platform with industry leading performance, scalability, image quality and compatibility.

Pinoy Gaming Forums

PinoyPS - A forum about console, games, accessories and technical support from a Filipino Playstation Community

PinoyPSP - A forum about games, accessories and technical support from a Filipino PlayStation Portable Community

Pinoy Xbox - A forum about console, games, accessories and technical support from a Filipino Xbox Community

Pinoy-N - A forum about console, games, accessories and technical support from a Filipino Nintendo Community

Overclocking

Overclocking is basically the process of pushing the computer's processor to run faster than its stock speed to gain more performance for half the price.

Overclockers are divided in to two groups

1. The Practical - are those who buy cheaper low-end parts and overclock them to the performance on par with the high-end parts or beyond, and save some hard earned dough for other PC parts.



2. The Enthusiast - are those people who buy high-end parts and overclock them to its full potential because they can afford it and most importantly earn some bragging rights into it.

Street Fighter 4

This is my 2009 most anticipated game next to Resident Evil 5. While, some people got it 1 week early ahead of the released date I could not help myself but read on some Filipino online forums about it and how fun it is to play with. I immediately got a towel and wipe my saliva off my face, just by reading about it make my mouth water dripping with saliva.

When it was already released on February 17, 2009 I looked at the net as to where I can order one. But, I was unlucky that I don't have a credit card to continue my purchase. Even so, I looked for any other ways just to get myself a copy. To make this story short, out of desperation I contacted one store in Manila that has a branch here in Cagayan de Oro (CdeO) and luckily they told me that they already delivered it and it will arrive on February 21, 2009. so, I contacted the branch here in CdeO and make my reserve.

When it arrived I immediately bought one of the four copies of it on the first day moreover, I played it. And I have no regrets on what I did or what I have gone through just to acquire a copy of this game because, I know that I am one of the few who got and played it early in CdeO.



The game is just plain FUN it's just like the Street Fighter 2 that I used to play on arcade boxes when I was just 10 years old. with some visual upgrades, new characters, moves and additional gameplay.



The game features a robust and challenging single player modes. although, I find the easiest difficulty to be tough when fighting with Seth for the first time. He is just too powerful and cheap and it annoys me a lot "maybe I just sucked at playing". however He was a real challenge for me.

The game also features setting online competitive challenge mode on and off to work with single-player. Just as you would expect in playing an arcade boxes, if you're battling the CPU and someone issues a challenge, your game will pause and you'll automatically accept the invitation. Once the game has finished and you leave the multiplayer lobby, you'll restart your offline game from where you were. I have not experienced this yet because I am still on the process of completing my characters.

For more Information please visit the Official Site

This may not be a game for all but I think this is a must buy for fighting fans so that you can challenge me online.

Little Big Planet

Little Big Planet "LBP" is an addicting platform game of explorations, puzzles and collecting pieces requiring your brains for analysis. This game let players make their own custom level.

The game starts with players learning about their characters "sack boy" skills to interact personally with the environment. as players begin to explore their game experiences and creative skill will grow, they will now be ready to start creating and modifying their surroundings making it the first step to sharing them to your family, friends and to the online community. Creativity and analysis is a part of the gameplay experience. thus, players can make their world as open, confusing and secretive to explore as they like. when its done they can invite anyone in the LBP community or can go and explore everybody else's world.

For more info please visit Little Big Planet

This is an excellent game for a family and definitely a must buy. Me and my 4 year old son are having a great time with it, even at 4 he does not hold me back when playing 2 player cooperative mode.

Guild Wars

ArenaNet® and NCsoft® have announced that Guild Wars Nightfall, the third campaign of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed Guild Wars® franchise, will be available in stores worldwide on October 27, 2006. It follows the second campaign Guild Wars Factions, and the original game Guild Wars Prophecies.

This is the only online game that does not require a monthly pay to play. I can testify on that cause I have a copy of Guild Wars Prophecies, too bad Factions is still not available from where I live.

Cyber-shot™ digital still camera. And mobile phone

It’s here. A Cyber-shot™ digital camera and a small and sophisticated feature-packed 3G mobile phone all in one. Open the lens cover and you're ready to take the picture. Bring the K800i with you and you have a 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, built-in xenon flash and image and video stabilizer function ready for any moment, anytime. And a 3G phone for sharing your pictures. Instantly.

You know what? I already own one hehehe...

For more information please visit Sony Ericsson