levimage

By resources I mean I don't have enough spare computer parts to build an adequate server capable of running muti-test server configurations. I got a free copy of Virtual PC 2004 at a M$ training long time ago... don't ask what for.My PC is an XP/SP2 slipstream setup with minor reg changes/services disabled. I have 2GB memory, 2.4 GHz Dual Core E6600, and I'll have +80 GB of hard drive space if i backup my movies/music to DVD's. I guess i really won't need to Upgrade to Vista for any virtualization benefits. Vujsa I have original oem/retail CD's/license to 95, 98, NT Wrk/Server, 2k Wrk/Svr, and XP 2003/Server; other M$ stuff are old TechNet trials/subscription media. I have not learned/used any released within the last 2-3 years. I just downloaded the 2007 Virtual PC; a free download.Mark420, I wonder what the 420 is for . Thanks for the link. I guess that will be my starting point for installed webserver and other packages. Now i just need to check for compatible versions within the download. This will make it eaiser and expose me to other compilimentary internet technologies.Jimmy89, thanks for the hard drive idea. I guess i can try that if I'm not getting the results I want with the Virtual setup. Hardware wise i could always use more space and offer some a better configuration option for pagefile.sys or mapping a virtual hardrive to physical drive. The motherboard I have has 4 sata connectors, which I guess i should upgrade my current os installation to.For myself, my motherboard can hold up to 16 GB of PC800 DDR2, do the Quad-Core, and the PCI-X16. But for now I have to make do with what I have cause and it's the holidays so any extra money should I acquire any will be tied up. Thanks for the responses guys. This gives me a good place to plan thing out rather than just jump right in and wonder why things are not working or are not as I'd expect performance wise.Happy Holidays, Levimage

I like your list. Here is what I use for my XP:AVG FreeSpybot S&DSpywareBlasterFirefoxDisable XP Firewall, Zone Alarm for FirewallCCleanerTCPOptimizerPagefiledefragAdd Service PacksDisable ServicesRemove entries from the: Check HKLM... /Run, Check HKCU... /Run, Startup folderModify the boot.iniMy computer works fine. I also use UBCD to setup write zeros, partition, format hard drive and do other maintanance tasks. My computer works fine.

Does anyone have any experience with MS Windows Virtual PC. I need help with setting up my os for an optimal sandbox configuration. What I would like to do once Virtual PC is setup, is to experiment by learning how to work with Content Management Systems on Windows XP and/or Vista.I've downloaded several different distributions like Drupal, Joomla, Sugar CRM, Zope, Plone, and some others. But I guess they need other technologies like apache, python, java, mysql, php, and others. I don't have an extra pc or resources to spare for setting up or turning my pc into a server so i'm going to have to go virtual.I'd appreciate a response if you have any experience with the above mentioned technologies. Like how long you've been using it and how what you recommend to another to get started learning.Thanks for your reply in advance,Levimage

Well I am not sure how knowledgable your are in computers but with a list like, "Windows Vista Home Premium, 2GB RAM, At least 320 GB hard drive, 22" wide-screen monitor", why don't you just build a computer. Or if that seems too intimidating try going to an online site like http://www.newegg.com/. There you wont have to limit your options to just Dell. But if you are really concerned about price and specific hardware components from a certain vendors, try another site i like using called http://www.pricewatch.com/. At pricewatch all kinds of online vendors submitt their prices and compete against each other -- which is good for you. Another place to try out is http://www.ebay.com/, you could search for something that meets your requirement there.Here are some other important tips here when it comes to online shopping:1) the web site's prices are meerily just offers, that doesn't mean they can't go lower.2) don't forget about shipping, this is how some sites get you back in their low prices.3) some sites offer discounts for multi items purchased or other incentives.4) also when you think you've found the lowest price + shipping for an item, it doesn't hurt to contact the other sites to see if they can match or beat it.5) coupons and rebates on out there at manufactures web sites6) and prices drop during November/December due to the Holiday season.My recommendations if you follow the above advice will get you more computer for your buck such as:Intel® Quad Core™ processor,+256MB video card with crossfire or sli,+300 GB hard drives sata,Windows Vista Pro Ultimate,+4 GB RAM,+22 wide screen monitorIf you are unclear on your other needs - wifi cards, modems, nic, etc. don't purchase them now - they are just optional equipment which can be acquired later. Anyway, have fun shopping this Holiday season and good luck with your new pc.Levimage

I came across it at one time in my RPG days. It took me awhile to to get it to work on XP. I had to download a bunch of files and extract them from different language builds and made some registry changes to reference the directory locations.I found it is simple for creating SNES like RPGs with side scrolling screens and turn based fighting. Creating the map is easy. You use the premade tiles and layers. You can add your own 2d graphics for background figting scenes, character, monsters, and some 2d animation. The points system for player/monsters stats/levels system are customizable. The script system is something new to me. I required my some time to learn the language and involved tedious clicking of various options and menus. Every so often i would save my work and test the game I created.* Oh the game i created was based on my family and friends in a game. You just walk around doing pointless tasks/quests like the real rpg's and you leave town, fight monsters, get money and experience to buy weapons and armor to equip to fight harder monster. Enough said. :rolleyes:All in all, this is an okay software to start out with if you are looking for package to make 2D RPGs. It is nothing like the custom campaign creators out there now days included in major PC game rpgs.

Hey i picked up a 1st generation Zune (30GB / White) for $175.00. It is kool, i like it. The only thing i didn't notice at purchase time was you have to buy all the accessories like car charger/adapter, wall adapter, and docking station if you wanna a wireless remote and connect to TV. I just bought a scratch resistant plastic case (non-Microsoft) for $25.00.I've been adding my some music, photos, and video to it. One thing i do recommend is that you backup all your music, photos, and video to DVD's before you install the software because it will want to manage it as a library and the files - updating and removing meta tags using Microsoft Zunes's 3rd party resources. It bummed me out cause i spent a long time sorting out my folders by genre and the like.The 2nd generation Zunes will have 80GB, touch controls, premium headphones, slimer design, scratch resistant glass, and big screens will be out on the 3rd week of November. And the Zune software/devices will receive a software/firmware revision on November 13th via internet upgrade!So far i have: 1381 songs - AAC, M4A, MP3, WMA 51 pictures - JPGs 4 videos - WMA Scarface - 2.9 hours, widescreen @ 789MB (512kbps windows video 9 CBR, 128kbps windows audio 9 CBR) Creepshow 2 - 89 minutes, fullscreen @ 577 MB (768kbps windows video 9 CBR, 128kbps windows audio 9 CBR)I've been reading online there are software/registry hacks; Hard drive, antenna, battery mods; and other file sharing capabilities, and undocumented efforts for playing divx and other codecs, and exploiting the WiFi capabilities. *** Caution People - may void your warranty *** B)Bottom line, this is certainly a next generation contender to consider. I'll mostly likely give my Zune to girlfriend and get the next 2nd generation one when it is released!

Hi there. I'm am interested in knowing what would be a good portable device to own nowdays which could support emulation and the porting over of existing games (e.g. roms) along with the ability to upload/download created RPG like games. I'd like to keep this topic ongoing list the various options out there and how they can be acquired. With the new devices out there I'm sure there is one on the market or in development with features like:1) processing power3) resolution size4) memory/storage5) battery power6) wireless/internet networking capability7) WiFi phone8) photo camera9) expansion via card(s), memory10) GPSI've owned an HP PocketPC with a ARM processor. It does okay with NES but sucks with SNES emulation. It was purchased in 2002 so it is kinda old.

I have been learning with a program called GIMP at https://www.gimp.org/ which is currently at version 2.2.17. I use it to edit my photos with the included plugins but you can always find more online. You might also have to download the 'help manual' and the 'GTK+ 2 Runtime Environment' from the following location. http://forums.xisto.com/no_longer_exists/ I use this software to create my flyers, convert photos to black and white, add borders, resize and layout for printing, and modify text using different layers. I create own templates of various print/resolution sizes, add guidelines, and custom layers. There are a lot of exporting options which are great for graphics projects. You can use the included plugins or download more online. There are not as much tutorials online as Photoshop but at least the software is free. I recommend this software if your on a budget or if you are learning how to go graphics / photo editing. I have an Olympus camera that comes with an photo management program call 'Olympus Master' which can also be downloaded from their website for free. If you haven't bought a camera yet, buy one first cause it might have a bundled images management program with all the editing/manipulation features you desire. Other software i've tried are Pixela, Picasa 2, Paint.Net. They are also free aswell. I hope the suggestions help.