Mac OS X Leopard
Saturday, 27 October 2007 Posted at 05:05
Yesterday Apple finally released its long awaited Mac OS X Leopard.
What is Leopard?
Leopard is an update to the Mac OS X platform. The official version for Leopard is 10.5 and according to Apple, Leopard contains over 300 changes and enhancements.
New Features
Time Machine
An automated backup up service that allows you to restore deleted files and recover previous versions.
Spaces
A virtual desktop engine that allows up to 16 desktops (or spaces).
Back to My Mac
Remotely access your Mac whilst away from home although you need to be a .mac user.
New UI
The new desktop has transparency effects as with the dock and a new dock feature called stacks that allows you to expand locations into a fan or grid.
Updated & Improved
Preview
Dictionary
Safari 3
Boot Camp (No longer in BETA)
Parental controls
iChat
Spotlight
In The News
Leopard has been criticized for being nothing more than a service pack but with a price tag and many bloggers and news editors believe there are no compelling reasons to upgrade to leopard yet.
If your a die hard Mac fan you will be getting this product no matter what, If your a Windows Vista user who is thinking of switching the advice is your not missing out on much.
Leopard is an Apple product meaning what you do get will be high quality but the lack of new features puts a downer on this product. The question in everyones mind is it time to end the OS X range and give us something new.
The new Xbox 360 Arcade
Tuesday, 23 October 2007 Posted at 06:58
Microsoft are no longer shipping the Xbox 360 core systems in favor of there new Xbox 360 Arcade. This new packages is basically an Xbox core system (White disk tray) but it comes with lots of extras! heres what you get:
HDMI Input
A lager 256MB Memory Unit
A Wireless controller
5 Xbox Live Arcade Titles:
Pac-Man
Boom Boom Rocket
Feeding Frenzy
Luxor 2
Uno
The price of this new bundle is $280, So if your on a tight budget this package is for you you get the full crispness of HDMI and some basic memory to store all those free arcade games on. All in all a great value package for those who want to jump in to the world of next-gen gaming.
Vista vs. XP – The Microsoftopia Fight of the Century
Saturday, 20 October 2007 Posted at 21:56The computer and software fans have been clamoring for this matchup for quite some time. Browsing through the internet, one can't help but find the many comments from MS OS fans who want Winxp to fight Winvista. Winxp is slowly approaching retirement from the computing arena, though many computer fans disagree.
Winvista on the other hand is a strong contender, incorporating newer techniques, and visually much superior. However, he is much younger and lacks the experience, which may be a disadvantage against the much experience and well tested Winxp.
This is perhaps one of the most significant fights since Winxp won the crown through a surprising unanimous decision against previous undefeated champion Winnityfive. This fight will surely have a severe impact in the OS division and exemplify what OS supremacy is all about; a young, rising star against an older but tough champion. Put that crown on the line and we will have a fight that no one want to miss.
This is the type of fight that will get computer fans excited in the OS division. “This is my big opportunity to demonstrate to the OS world that I am ready to take that next step towards my goal of becoming the OS world champion,” said the one-year-old Winvista.
“Winvista is on track to become the best champion of the OS world,” said his trainer Billy the Gate. “We feel confident that Winvista will make a huge statement in the OS division.”
The five-year old Winxp, also from
“Winvista has a lot to prove,” Winxp said. “I have been around games for over five years and I know exactly what to do. Winvista has a lot of growing to do.”
“I can tell you that my ratings are also great,” said Winxp, when asked about Winvista’s 5.0 rating. “It’s a very special opportunity for me to fight Winvista and feel proud to be part of this history-making OS showcase. I invite the Linuxos and the Macosx to tune in to watch this great and exciting match for the MS OS champion of the world.”
The winner of the Winxp-Winvista fight will prepare to take on either Open Linuxos or Apple Macosx on a future date not yet determined.
For more information on this and other exciting matches, including you-tube videos, images and Xbox 360 links, please go to http://procookie.co.uk/.
Vista Is Now
Wednesday, 17 October 2007 Posted at 15:46
I was recently asked by a Friend who was reluctant to use vista EVER, were is the cheapest place to buy a copy of Vista for himself. Of course i asked him "Why the change of heart?" he replied "everything seems to work on vista now and everyone else is getting it". I was very shocked to hear this from my anti-Vista Friend but at the same time i was happy. It seems that some people are coming round to the fact that Vista is the future and are now wanting to upgrade.
Then i asked myself what has changed in Vista to make people buy it? Well personally i don't think much if not anything has changed since it hit the shelf's. However i do believe now that people have seen Windows Vista tried and tested for months now they are ready to take the jump. Secondly its not a question of what has changed in Vista rather what have software publishers have changed to adapt to Vista. A few months back and you would see a "Works with Windows Vista" logo on the odd bit of software. Nowadays i see "Certified For Windows Vista " on almost every piece of software.
I dont blame people like my Friend for not getting Vista all ready, in fact i would go as far to say he was clever, sitting back and watching how Vista does before rushing out and buying it. My reason for having it from day one is that from what i gathered from the BETA Versions i tested i knew Vista just had to succeed, i knew the Usability, extra Security and the freshness was destine to make Windows Vista Microsoft's biggest product of all time and now people are waking up and smelling the coffee i believe the WOW is truly now.
My Vista Experience
Saturday, 13 October 2007 Posted at 15:01I have been using Windows Vista since its Beta days and though the journey has been kind of rough, I had lots of fun along the way. On this and other articles (stories) to come, I will detail my experiences as I installed, removed, reinstalled Vista, not just one or twice, but perhaps on too many occasions. I hope you enjoy this article and find it useful in its own way.
My Vista Experience
Once upon a time, in the land of Microsoftopia, a new OS was about to be created. But not just your ordinary OS, no, no, no; this new OS was to become the surrogate to all other previous prevailing leaders, from the magnificent and trusted XP, to the ancient but faithful Win95. And so, the people of Microsoftopia began their secret journey. They collected their tools and gathered brilliant designers and brainy writers, and went to an undisclosed location to begin their quest.
It took many years of restless work and lonesome nights, but one day, unexpectedly, after more than five years and countless rumors and theories, a new OS was born. It was clear that the people from Microsoftopia had discovered their new ruler of the OS world and they named it Vista since it provided clarity and stunning manifestation. They thought they had created the perfect ruler, yet quickly realized that Vista was new to the world and had not yet experience the feel and demands from the masses, so they implemented and carried out a plan, which they named Vista Beta. With Vista Beta, Microsoftopia provided the masses a chance to prove once and for all that their new to be ruler of the OS’s was up to the challenge of being accepted by the populace, and so, their plan was set into motion.
For over a year, Vista, transformed into Beta, visited countless nations from all across the globe, trying to prove its supremacy. Nevertheless, it encountered many challenges along the way. In its quest, it infuriated many, who threaten never to let Vista take over their homes or rule over their daily lives. They possibly did not comprehend the rules and policies established by Microsoftopia and the new OS, and turned against it. Nevertheless, Vista, shrouded in its Beta attire, carried on with its quest to gain knowledge, not just from its many dreadful experiences, but from its ultimate encounters as well.
Along its way, it also gained the trust of many, especially those who cried out for change and wanted their harvest to be protected from the hacking of dark invaders. Vista made the promise to keep hackers away, to maintain people’s harvest free from plagues and diseases, and to provide the nucleus where every human being from far away lands could collaborate with one another, safely from the comfort of their own dwellings.
It provided people a clear view, where one and all could see thru layers of fine manuscripts, astonishing images and music that made the world come to live. It allowed people from all corners of the world to communicate with one another safely within their compound; not being afraid of hackers looming in the horizon, searching for unprotected souls. Moreover, it delivered the many tools masses yearns, most thru one leader and ruler, without the need for the citizens to use their fortunes to collect supplementary tools from many other merchants. Without a doubt, Microsoftopia has done the utmost to make Vista the supreme ruler of the new world.
Nonetheless, many have struggled to accept this new comer as their supreme ruler. For one, they pointed towards the inefficiency when making use of the OS newest tools on their old, but trusted machinery. Some also complaint about shedding their hard-earned wealth into expanding their goods to contain the growth and extension obligated by this new ruler. It is clear that Vista’s journey has not been as satisfying as foreseen by Microsoftopia.
But, in the spite of this, Vista continues its path in its quest to become the supreme OS ruler of the land. While Microsoftopia exhausted its Beta plan, it has indeed realized that there are still many rough roads ahead to travel before the new to be ruler of the OS world can be crowned their savior. And, as the love and hate rapport continues, there will be many more tales to enlighten those who seek the truth about Microsoftopia and Vista, their new contender as ruler of the OS’s. Until then, happy computing to all!
My Vista Experience
Once upon a time, in the land of Microsoftopia, a new OS was about to be created. But not just your ordinary OS, no, no, no; this new OS was to become the surrogate to all other previous prevailing leaders, from the magnificent and trusted XP, to the ancient but faithful Win95. And so, the people of Microsoftopia began their secret journey. They collected their tools and gathered brilliant designers and brainy writers, and went to an undisclosed location to begin their quest.
It took many years of restless work and lonesome nights, but one day, unexpectedly, after more than five years and countless rumors and theories, a new OS was born. It was clear that the people from Microsoftopia had discovered their new ruler of the OS world and they named it Vista since it provided clarity and stunning manifestation. They thought they had created the perfect ruler, yet quickly realized that Vista was new to the world and had not yet experience the feel and demands from the masses, so they implemented and carried out a plan, which they named Vista Beta. With Vista Beta, Microsoftopia provided the masses a chance to prove once and for all that their new to be ruler of the OS’s was up to the challenge of being accepted by the populace, and so, their plan was set into motion.
For over a year, Vista, transformed into Beta, visited countless nations from all across the globe, trying to prove its supremacy. Nevertheless, it encountered many challenges along the way. In its quest, it infuriated many, who threaten never to let Vista take over their homes or rule over their daily lives. They possibly did not comprehend the rules and policies established by Microsoftopia and the new OS, and turned against it. Nevertheless, Vista, shrouded in its Beta attire, carried on with its quest to gain knowledge, not just from its many dreadful experiences, but from its ultimate encounters as well.
Along its way, it also gained the trust of many, especially those who cried out for change and wanted their harvest to be protected from the hacking of dark invaders. Vista made the promise to keep hackers away, to maintain people’s harvest free from plagues and diseases, and to provide the nucleus where every human being from far away lands could collaborate with one another, safely from the comfort of their own dwellings.
It provided people a clear view, where one and all could see thru layers of fine manuscripts, astonishing images and music that made the world come to live. It allowed people from all corners of the world to communicate with one another safely within their compound; not being afraid of hackers looming in the horizon, searching for unprotected souls. Moreover, it delivered the many tools masses yearns, most thru one leader and ruler, without the need for the citizens to use their fortunes to collect supplementary tools from many other merchants. Without a doubt, Microsoftopia has done the utmost to make Vista the supreme ruler of the new world.
Nonetheless, many have struggled to accept this new comer as their supreme ruler. For one, they pointed towards the inefficiency when making use of the OS newest tools on their old, but trusted machinery. Some also complaint about shedding their hard-earned wealth into expanding their goods to contain the growth and extension obligated by this new ruler. It is clear that Vista’s journey has not been as satisfying as foreseen by Microsoftopia.
But, in the spite of this, Vista continues its path in its quest to become the supreme OS ruler of the land. While Microsoftopia exhausted its Beta plan, it has indeed realized that there are still many rough roads ahead to travel before the new to be ruler of the OS world can be crowned their savior. And, as the love and hate rapport continues, there will be many more tales to enlighten those who seek the truth about Microsoftopia and Vista, their new contender as ruler of the OS’s. Until then, happy computing to all!
Labels: experience, vista
Extend Your Media To Your Xbox 360
Thursday, 11 October 2007 Posted at 13:10I know a lot of people that have xbox 360's and a Windows Media Center computer, but hardly any of them extend there media. There are so many benefits to setting up your 360 as an extender but firstly i will explain what an extender does.
What is an extender?
All your media stored on your computer, your music, photos and videos can bet accessed via your Xbox 360.
What Are The Benefits?
Play your movies on your TV
Save your Xbox 360 hard drive space by playing music from your computer
Watch & record live TV (If you have a PC TV tuner card)
Use online media and plugins
Surf the Internet on your Xbox 360 download plugin here
What i will need?
Xbox 360
Windows Media Center PC
Xbox 360 Wireless adapter (if networking via wireless) R.R.P £69.99
Long ethernet cable (if networking via wired)
Lets get extending!
First of connect your Xbox 360 to your network, if wired simply plug in an ethernet cable from your xbox to your network router/hub. If wireless plug in your Xbox 360 wireless adapter and follow the setup options on your 360 dashboard.
Next turn on your computer and after its fully booted turn on your Xbox 360.
Then open up Windows media Center and within about 20 seconds you should receive this prompt.
If you don't receive this prompt don't worry you can select the "add extender" option from within media center.
Next you will get a screen telling you what steps will be taken to get you all set up.
To determine what extender you want to setup and that you have access to it, you will be asked to enter a setup key. This is were the Xbox 360 is needed.
On your Xbox 360 dashboard go to your media blade and select the Windows Media Center option. You will be given a screen with a little info about the extender setup just click the A button. Finally you will see the 8 digit code that you need, make a note of it head back to your computer and type it in.
When you click continue the setup process will co mense, if all goes well your media center should pop up on your TV screen. Congratulations!
Is it that simple?
Well putting it shorty, no. The above method is how it should work but more often than not things don't turn out as easy.
Theres is a few thing you can do to solve setup problems.
Firewall
You may have been alerted during setup that you may need to alter your firewall. To fix this problem you will need to go into your firewall settings and tick the "allow extenders" box. If you don't see this option consult your firewalls help and support. i can confirm Windows firewall and Windows Live Onecare have the "allow extender" option.
Configure Your OS
More than likely you will be using Windows Vista and with Vista comes enhanced security. Now Vista wont let any old device have access to your files. You need to tell it its ok for this device to connect. So to do this go into control panel and select networking and Internet, then networking and sharing center.
You will get a screen with some options, make sure you turn on these settings (they will turn green when active)
Network Discovery
File Sharing
Public Folder Sharing
Media Sharing
When allowing some of these options you might get a list of devices to allow its vital that you click allow on the Xbox 360 option.
Hopefully with these steps taken you should be able to connect without any trouble, If not feel free to post a comment of your problem and I'm sure our team will be able to help.
So just to round up Media Center extending is a very cool way of getting your media around your home with out a massive price tag.
Final happy extending! weather it be watch your home movies or enjoying the live game with your pals. Enjoy!
What is an extender?
All your media stored on your computer, your music, photos and videos can bet accessed via your Xbox 360.
What Are The Benefits?
Play your movies on your TV
Save your Xbox 360 hard drive space by playing music from your computer
Watch & record live TV (If you have a PC TV tuner card)
Use online media and plugins
Surf the Internet on your Xbox 360 download plugin here
What i will need?
Xbox 360
Windows Media Center PC
Xbox 360 Wireless adapter (if networking via wireless) R.R.P £69.99
Long ethernet cable (if networking via wired)
Lets get extending!
First of connect your Xbox 360 to your network, if wired simply plug in an ethernet cable from your xbox to your network router/hub. If wireless plug in your Xbox 360 wireless adapter and follow the setup options on your 360 dashboard.
Next turn on your computer and after its fully booted turn on your Xbox 360.
Then open up Windows media Center and within about 20 seconds you should receive this prompt.
If you don't receive this prompt don't worry you can select the "add extender" option from within media center.
Next you will get a screen telling you what steps will be taken to get you all set up.
To determine what extender you want to setup and that you have access to it, you will be asked to enter a setup key. This is were the Xbox 360 is needed.
On your Xbox 360 dashboard go to your media blade and select the Windows Media Center option. You will be given a screen with a little info about the extender setup just click the A button. Finally you will see the 8 digit code that you need, make a note of it head back to your computer and type it in.
When you click continue the setup process will co mense, if all goes well your media center should pop up on your TV screen. Congratulations!
Is it that simple?
Well putting it shorty, no. The above method is how it should work but more often than not things don't turn out as easy.
Theres is a few thing you can do to solve setup problems.
Firewall
You may have been alerted during setup that you may need to alter your firewall. To fix this problem you will need to go into your firewall settings and tick the "allow extenders" box. If you don't see this option consult your firewalls help and support. i can confirm Windows firewall and Windows Live Onecare have the "allow extender" option.
Configure Your OS
More than likely you will be using Windows Vista and with Vista comes enhanced security. Now Vista wont let any old device have access to your files. You need to tell it its ok for this device to connect. So to do this go into control panel and select networking and Internet, then networking and sharing center.
You will get a screen with some options, make sure you turn on these settings (they will turn green when active)
Network Discovery
File Sharing
Public Folder Sharing
Media Sharing
When allowing some of these options you might get a list of devices to allow its vital that you click allow on the Xbox 360 option.
Hopefully with these steps taken you should be able to connect without any trouble, If not feel free to post a comment of your problem and I'm sure our team will be able to help.
So just to round up Media Center extending is a very cool way of getting your media around your home with out a massive price tag.
Final happy extending! weather it be watch your home movies or enjoying the live game with your pals. Enjoy!
Labels: extender, media center, tutorial, xbox 360
Vista + Linux = Vixta!
Tuesday, 9 October 2007 Posted at 13:40
So there is a new Fedora-based Linux system is out but can anyone guess why its called 'Vixta'?
Yes it a Vista alternative...literally!
With the a surprisingly Windows Vista like look and feel nearly an exact copy, looks like Microsoft's lawyers might make a case out of this.
To find out more and to download go to http://vixta.sourceforge.net/
First Look: Vista Service Pack 1
Saturday, 6 October 2007 Posted at 13:59Recently i have been trying out the latest version of the Windows Vista service pack 1 BETA and basically this post is to tell you what its all about.
Most of all people ask me what is new in Service Pack 1? Well usually i say not much and im not wrong, but of course there are some changes or a service pack would be pointless.
I wasn't expecting much from SP1 as first packs are almost always a chance to iron out bugs and performance issues and that's basically what we get, Vista SP1 feels faster and its a moderate but not exstatic overall boost than your standard Vista RTM. Bugs have disappeared most noticeably the file copy and deletion bugs.
Sp1 also incorporates some minor feature and visual changes, here is what i have noticed so far:
New Defragmenter Options
You can now chose what drives to Defrag rather than doing them all.
Ultimate extras Coverup!
As an Ultimate user this is not cool, Just check out how they have toned down the Ultimate extras Jibba Jabba.
Vista RTM
Vista SP1
Start Search Option Removed
Because of the Goggle law suite, Microsoft has been forced to provide options to allow other desktop search engines to get a look in. Part of this was to remove the search link from the start menu.
Vista RTM
Vista SP1
Final Thoughts
I would say Vista SP1 doesn't dramatically change the Vista experience but it does feel more responsive and pleasurable and with annoying bugs like the "calculating time required" bug fixed its a worthy upgrade.
Most of all people ask me what is new in Service Pack 1? Well usually i say not much and im not wrong, but of course there are some changes or a service pack would be pointless.
I wasn't expecting much from SP1 as first packs are almost always a chance to iron out bugs and performance issues and that's basically what we get, Vista SP1 feels faster and its a moderate but not exstatic overall boost than your standard Vista RTM. Bugs have disappeared most noticeably the file copy and deletion bugs.
Sp1 also incorporates some minor feature and visual changes, here is what i have noticed so far:
New Defragmenter Options
You can now chose what drives to Defrag rather than doing them all.
Ultimate extras Coverup!
As an Ultimate user this is not cool, Just check out how they have toned down the Ultimate extras Jibba Jabba.
Vista RTM
Vista SP1
Start Search Option Removed
Because of the Goggle law suite, Microsoft has been forced to provide options to allow other desktop search engines to get a look in. Part of this was to remove the search link from the start menu.
Vista RTM
Vista SP1
Final Thoughts
I would say Vista SP1 doesn't dramatically change the Vista experience but it does feel more responsive and pleasurable and with annoying bugs like the "calculating time required" bug fixed its a worthy upgrade.
Halo 3 Review
Tuesday, 2 October 2007 Posted at 13:41
Ok so now i have completed Halo 3 campaign and ranked to Sergeant on multi player and i now think its time for me to write my review.To put it simply i think Halo 3 is amazing! Now of course i cant just make a statement like that and not back it up. I have many reasons why i like Halo and the best way i can describe them is to split them into groups, So hears it goes:
Graphics
Halo 3 isn't the nicest looking game in the world but it has a certain realism about it. They have paid attention to detail and i would recommend you stop and stand still whilst playing campaign to see this game in all its glory. Some of the scenery and graphical effects are simple breathtaking and i also found the lighting effects have taken a big leap since Halo 2. The character modals are great as with all the halo games and the chiefs armor looks incredible and reacts well with light. So overall this game hasn't got the super shininess of Gears of war but most importantly it makes you feel as if your there finishing the fight.
Single Player
The campaign in Halo 3 feels some what short compared to previous halos but i will say that the story line fits nicely and doesn't drag, so all tough the campaign is short and sweet it keeps you wanting to player more right until the end. Without giving to much away the chief is still as cool as ever and the Arbiter has some great moments thought the campaign too. After playing through on standard difficulty i still jumped at the chance to play though again on co-op legendary so i would say the story line is one you could play through at least twice without getting board.
Multiplayer
What can i say? Amazingly Fun! with great maps with perfectly laid out spawns and weapon spots the game play is fair and entertaining, Halo 3 only supports 16 player but this is plenty for the maps provided and it can get quite insane on single slayer. With the new tools like the grav lift and bubble shield it adds that extra umph that Halo needs to keep it going for years to come.
New Features
Theater
This cool feature comes in handy for catching those one off Halo moments. It records both Campaign and Multi player automatically. You can then go back and edit and share your replay with your friends. This feature is essential for clan tactics and catching out campers and spawn killers.
Forge
I cant seem to get my head around this feature, is it a map maker or a game type? i have tried it out a few times but it gets dull fast. i guess if you try you could do something cool with it but personal i find it quite dull.
Weapons and tools
I wont list them all hear because there's simply to many to remember but the ones that stick in my mind for being cool are:
Weapons:
Spikers - Like a needler with higher round capacity, great for close combat
Spartan laser - slow but hit a vehicle with it and its history
Original battle rifle and Pistol- The old Halo 1 weapons are back! Great move as the battle rifle in halo 2 sucked.
Original battle rifle and Pistol- The old Halo 1 weapons are back! Great move as the battle rifle in halo 2 sucked.
Removable Turrets - Mount a turret then yank it off its stand! This is cool as you walk around in 3rd person view with a mega powerful weapon.
Tools:
Grav Lift - Throw one under a vehicle and watch it fly! this is so funny when it works out right. They are also handy for getting to those out of reach spots.
Bubble shield - The ultimate sniper killer, Throw one down and you get a protective dome that reflects bullets.
Energy Drain- Suck the life out of your enemys. I save theses for when im reloading.
Final Thoughts
I love this game! Its all ready gave me many hours of entertainment and its definitely my favorite Xbox 360 title so far.
Graphics 9.7
Single Player 9.8
Multiplayer 10
Features 9.5
The NEW procookie.co.uk
Posted at 10:12I am transferring my ever growing "Essential Vista" technology blog to procookie.co.uk. Doing this will allow me to add many new features and make my blog even better!
Here is some new stuff you should look out for:
Email Newsletter Subscription
Digg Compatibility
Xbox Live Gamertag Support
Embedded Vista Babble Podcast
Supports Real Time Software Usage Tracking
Better UI
Faster Loading & Rendering Times
Here is some new stuff you should look out for:
Email Newsletter Subscription
Digg Compatibility
Xbox Live Gamertag Support
Embedded Vista Babble Podcast
Supports Real Time Software Usage Tracking
Better UI
Faster Loading & Rendering Times
