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PC Technical Notes - for Home PC Gamers

Lots of folks have a PC, but don't know much about it. I thought I'd put some helpful tips here in case you are one of those people that didn't grow up with or work around computers. I hope these tips help you understand some of the basics to use your PC and have fun playing games on it.

Technical Note: ** DOES YOUR PC FREEZE? **

If your mouse or keyboard "locks up" or "freezes", most likely your PC needs to be "rebooted" more often. Most PC's should be properly Shut Down at least once per day. It is especially important for older systems. This helps "clean up" the resources and resets them to work more efficiently. It's especially important for the memory (RAM).

This has been the TOP PROBLEM I have found with my non-technical friends and family so I thought I'd put this tip first. If your PC "freezes" or your mouse "freezes", go ahead and shut it down properly, if you can. If not, shut down power to it, and wait a minute, then turn the power back on and start you PC again. (This sequence is called a "reboot".)

To VISTA - or Not to Vista

When Microsoft introduced their VISTA operating system, there were SO many issues. I wrote up Vista or Not to help you decide what you should do. As time goes by, this becomes a moot point, but basically, most older PC's don't have enough RAM (memory) to upgrade to VISTA. Yes, you can add RAM to most PC's to prepare for a Vista upgrade. It may run slow tho cuz that old PC wasn't built for today's more complicated software - especially new games.

PC Games vs. On-line Games
What is the Difference?

If you are asked to "download" a game (and install it), it is a PC game. Some will try to use a live Internet connection to record scores or whatever, but it also runs (locally) while you are not connected to the Internet. If you have a DIAL-UP connection, you should stick to playing games which are downloaded first, rather than online games, even if the download takes awhile.

Downloading a game (and installing it) is creating a new program on your PC. You will find it in the Programs section and may have a "shortcut" to the game on your Desktop. You can play it when you are not connected to the Internet. These PC games are great additions to any PC gamer and lots of fun.

CAUTION: Here is where it gets tricky, as there are plenty of "games" that will also install spyware, or worse. PLEASE be sure to ONLY download games from reliable game providers, like the ones I have listed on CoolGamePlace.com. I have discovered MANY "bad places" online that provide games which also load spyware or automatic ads or worse.

You might be offered a FREE TRIAL of a game which you can play for an hour or so and then it expires. After it expires, you can either pay for the full version and get some "key" code to unlock it (you will need to be "connected to the Internet"), or you can UNINSTALL it. Look in the Programs menu for an UNINSTALL option to remove the trial game if you don't want it.

Online Games Do Not Run on Your PC - Not Really

Online games really are running over the Internet. When a game is displayed for you from your Internet browser or special game window when you are on-line, then this is an ONLINE game.

The game software actually runs a script that manages your PC controls. It may also need an additional plug-in for your browser or special game portal. If you try to play an online game and it asks you to install Java, or some "plug-in", you SHOULD proceed to load the recommended software. It's free - and then you will be able to go back and play that game, even if you have to reboot or restart your Internet browser window (IE, or Firefox, usually).

EVERYTHING usually works with Microsoft's browser, IE - or Internet Explorer, but gamers with other browsers (or Apple Macs) may have some problems that I don't know about. You can read the LATEST NEWS about MAC SUPPORT here.

Game Portal - What is That?

The newest trend of the major game providers is to provide a one-time free download to your PC of a "game portal". This is a special browser window for managing and playing their games. The game portal installs a separate program on your PC and will manage the games you can access on their gamesite. It often checks and refreshes, or updates, each time you run it. I found these game portals from the recommended popular game providers work very well and won't hurt your PC in any way. So GO AHEAD and INSTALL one for each major gamesite you like. (I have RealArcade, Shockwave, ArcadeTown, and of course, Spadester.)

Technical Notes for PC Gamers:
Since the huge majority of PC gamers today use Microsoft, this actually helps the Gaming Industry. I will mention that I only test in a Microsoft environment on a cable Internet connection and can only offer fellow MS users basic advice here. Fortunately, most PC's "just work" nowadays. Please accept your automatic updates and your PC will usually work better. They are fixing problems with those updates and you want those problems fixed. (see below for more details)
WARNING if you have a Dial-up connection to the Internet: You will likely want to avoid playing action games on-line. They might not even load for you. While your download times will take awhile, I really recommend you download and play computer games on your PC for the experience and FUN you can have with High-Tech Gaming!
If you are on Dial-up and you haven't figured out high-speed Internet yet, you can read more about Cable vs. DSL and Internet Service Providers.

Some games may require additional free software to run properly. I suggest that you accept these downloads over the Internet - in most cases. Unless you have a "very old and slow" PC, most PC's will run better and faster with them. So, in most cases please allow the automatic updates that are suggested for you as you attempt some new and exciting Internet experiences. In gaming on the Internet, you could experience some annoying and disturbing ads and websites in your "surfing" efforts. I will NOT POSE ANY OF THEM HERE, nor scam or trick you or annoy you with popup ads. You will have a SAFE and FUN experience playing here. Only a small percentage of PC gamers will have any problems, but be sure to have active virus protection on your PC, Adware cleaners, and personal file backups "at the ready" just in case. I hope you find many interesting and fun Internet experiences worth any potential hassle. It's a new universe out there. Be careful, but HAVE FUN too!

I feel it is my duty to WARN you gamers at WORK, that you probably are and should be blocked from downloading and playing most PC games and running Game Portals with your company's PC. Afterall, you are using important programs and files in your business environment.
Just don't do it! "Wait 'til ya get home and need a distraction. THEN, PLAY Your Favorite PC Games to your heart's content!"

MAC Users: New PC Gaming Support!

Oh yeah - it's TRUE! Apple realized it was missing out on a big market of PC Game Players!

We all know people who would not trade their Mac for anything. I don't blame them - Apple has a loyal fan base!

Unfortunately Mac users haven't had as much software (or games) to run on their PC's. Now THAT Has CHANGED! Read the CoolGamePlace.com section on MAC PC Gaming Support.

About Microsoft - Windows - Software - Updates - Your Home PC

Microsoft platform is present on more than 80% of the PC marketplace.

With the continuous improvements being made to the software we use on our PC's, we all want the latest versions installed as soon as they are available. Now over the Internet, Microsoft and other software producers send our PC's Automatic Updates regularly. They are fixing and improving their software almost in "real-time".

On your home and small office PC's, you SHOULD register all your software and accept their automatic updates. Your PC will run better in most cases.

JAVA is used for many online games and you will also get notices that there is a JAVA update available. You SHOULD accept this upgrade too. In fact, it is usually safe and better for your PC if you accept all the software upgrades that are freely distributed.

So, AGAIN, thanks to the Internet and Automatic Updates! Accept them, for the "health" of your PC!

Why PC Updates Are Important

I'm one of those people who offer to help people with their PC problems - when they don't have a teenager helping them already. I've volunteered at our local library for people to learn basic PC and Internet skills and help friends and neighbors willingly.

I realize there are still many people who don't understand their PC and are afraid to play games using their PC. That is sad, because playing games on it can be SO MUCH FUN.

Some people have an old PC left by their kids and they just want to email and play games online like everyone else. That's why I added some of the most common problems I deal with right here.

I know people who think there could be a problem with playing PC online games or downloading them. I put this section here to help you understand your PC better and why you can probably play games on your PC without worry.

I mention on this website that you may find Internet sites that may download harmful viruses and spyware that YOU WANT TO AVOID. That is one reason I reviewed many of the best websites for you. I only link to those that I KNOW you can trust which will not harm your PC - or display "adult" (porn) images or games. Unfortunately there are a lot of those also. Use caution when you find games or free software, as some of it can harm your PC. If in doubt, DON'T download.

I don't mind if you contact me via email to ask me questions about using a particular gamesite or downloading issues with your PC. It's usually a quick answer. Of course, I can't really help you when you HAVE real PC problems, but maybe I can tell you enough so you know if you need to have your PC technician pay you a visit.