General Gaming Article

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• FCC Votes to Consider Paid Priority on the Internet
• How to Get the Most Out of VLC Media Player
• AMD Gets a Handle on Production, Pricing for Radeon R9 Graphics Cards No Longer Inflated
• Trendnet Embraces Open Source DD-WRT Firmware for Select Wireless AC Routers
• BitFenix Neos Brings Color to the Budget Market
• Game of Thrones Author Writes Books on an Offline DOS Machine
• Newegg Daily Deals: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 Graphics Card, Corsair HX650 PSU, and More!

FCC Votes to Consider Paid Priority on the Internet Posted: 15 May 2014 05:36 PM PDT "Fast Lanes" proposal open for discussion The Federal Communications Commission has voted in favor to release the "fast lanes" proposal, and open it up for public comment, that would allow ISP providers, such as Comcast, to charge web sites, for example Netflix, an additional fee to prioritize traffic. The plan was approved Thursday in a three-to-two vote to open up debate on the proposed changes to the net neutrality rules.  Prior to the vote, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said, "I strongly support an open, fast, and robust internet. This agency supports an open internet. There is one Internet. Not a fast internet, not a slow internet; one internet." While Wheeler talked about an open internet, it appears he seems determined to go through with the proposal that many believe is a threat to the internet's openness as he continued, "Nothing in this proposal authorizes paid prioritization despite what has been incorrectly stated today. The potential for there to be some kind of a fast lane available to only a few has many people concerned. Personally, I don't like the idea that the Internet could be divided into haves and have-nots and I will work to see that that does not happen. In this item we have specifically asked whether and how to prevent the kind of paid prioritization that could result in fast lanes." Opposition to the "fast lanes" proposal has been loud and numerous since it was revealed back in April with thousands of emails being sent, petitions started, and concerned citizens camping outside the building trying to get their message across. Web host NeoCities even went so far as to throttle the FCC's internet connection to its website down to dial-up speeds. The plan is not a final ruling and will be open for the public to leave their comments up until September 10 so that the FCC can hear the arguments for and against it.  Follow Sean on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

How to Get the Most Out of VLC Media Player Posted: 15 May 2014 10:32 AM PDT A few awesome VLC tricks you may not know about For most video-watching aficionados, VLC is an essential piece of software. The open-source app is well known for being a fantastic movie and music player, but there are a few clever tricks that can help you get a lot more out of the media player. We gathered seven fun and useful VLC features, that will help you get the most out of the media player. Taking a screenshot: You can take a screenshot with VLC by right clicking on the movie you are watching, then go to the Video Tab, at the bottom of the menu will be a Take Snapshot button, which you can click to take a shot of your current screen.  By default, the screen cap will be saved to your My Documents' Pictures library. Re-skin VLC to make it look more modern: VLC is a great media player, arguably the best, but why not spice up its looks a little with some skins? Here's how you can re-skin VLC. Step 1: Click on the Tools tab, then click on Preferences.  Step 2: Once you click on the Preferences tab, this window will show up. Click on the "use custom skin" button then the VLC skins website hyperlink to go to the download page for getting custom VLC skins.  Step 3: This is what the website should look like. We decided to download all the skins at once by clicking on the Download all the skins here hyperlink (It is a 37MB file).  Step 4: After you download the skins and unzip them, choose which skin you want by clicking on the Choose… button. After you do this, click save and restart VLC. Step 5: You will need to restart VLC to load your new skin. Once you've re-launched it, the software should look like the skin you chose to change it too.  Set your movie as your wallpaper: This feature might not be particularly useful, but there aren't many media players which let you use a running movie as your desktop background.  To set your movie as your wallpaper, right click on the movie and then go to the Video tab and click on Set as Wallpaper.  The end result will look something like this:  Rip a movie: Want to rip a movie so that you can play your DVD media on other devices? Here's how you can do it: Step 1: First click on Media, then click on Convert/Save… Step 2: This window will show up next. Click on the Disc tab, then click on Convert/Save. Step 3: This window will appear next, and you can start ripping the movie by clicking on the Start button. The Profile menu will let you select the video output file location you would like the video to be ripped to. If you wish to change where the file is saved to, click on the Browse bar.  Play a movie in ASCII mode: Have a desire to play your video file in those funny retro ASCII characters for whatever reason? Well, there just happens to be an ASCII mode! Here's how you enable it: Step 1: First click on the Tools tab and then click on Preferences.  Step 2: In the Preferences menu click on Video, then click on the Output Selection drop-down menu and select Color ASCII art video output. Once you've selected this, click the Start button to save the selection.  Step 3: Re-launch VLC for the changes to take effect and play a movie. The movie will look like the two images below.  ASCII: Image  Download Podcasts using VLC's Playlist Manager: Did you know that you can use VLC's playlist manager as an RSS Feeder to download your favorite podcasts? Here's how you can do it! Step 1: Click on the View tab and then click on Playlist. Step 2: Scroll down the playlist menu and click on the + button to add a podcast to VLC media player. Step 3: Copy in the URL to the podcast's RSS Feeder, then click OK. For reference, Maximum PC's RSS Feeder URL is http://feeds.feedburner.com/maximumpc/1337 *wink*.  Step 4: The podcast will then show up in VLC like this, and you can begin downloading your favorite podcast episodes. Convert Music and Video files to different file types: Step 1: Click on the Media tab and click on Convert / Save… Step 2: Click on the Add… button and select which media file you would like to convert. At the bottom of the page select Convert from the drop-down located at the bottom of the window.  Step 3: This window will now show up. Under the profile section you can choose what file type you'd like to convert your audio or video file to. Once you have your desired format, click on the Start button and the conversion process will begin. Well, that about wraps up our VLC guide. Know of any other useful features in VLC? Let us know in the comments below!

AMD Gets a Handle on Production, Pricing for Radeon R9 Graphics Cards No Longer Inflated Posted: 15 May 2014 09:47 AM PDT It's time to go GPU shopping again Have you put off upgrading your graphics card because you're interested in AMD's R9 series but didn't like the inflated price points (compared to MSRP)? Well, good news, folks -- apparently that's no longer going to be a concern. AMD is reportedly putting the word out that its entire line of R9 video cards is available, in stock, and with street prices back down to where they should be. The news comes from Forbes, which says it received the communication direct from AMD's headquarters in a "very carefully" worded manner so as not to come right out and blame the shortage of parts (and subsequent price hikes) on virtual coin mining. However, it's no secret virtual coin mining is the root cause -- AMD's newest GPUs are simply better than Nvidia's at mining cryptocurrencies like Litecoin and Dogecoin, and miners were quick to gobble up inventory. Regardless, R9 cards are now back in stock and priced appropriately. For example, one of the lowest priced Radeon R9 270 graphics cards on Newegg currently is the PowerColor model that sells for $170 (and comes with two games). Much higher on the totem pole is a Sapphire Radeon R9 290X graphics card for $522 shipped -- it comes with three games. In any event, if it's been some time since you last checked AMD GPU pricing, give it a look -- you might be surprised. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Trendnet Embraces Open Source DD-WRT Firmware for Select Wireless AC Routers Posted: 15 May 2014 08:56 AM PDT You can now install third-party DD-WRT firmware on certain Trendent AC routers We don't know if a war is brewing between Trendnet and Linksys, but like the latter's WRT1900AC router, Trendnet today announced open source DD-WRT firmware compatibility for its high performance TEW-818DRU (v1.0), TEW-821DRU (v2.0)l, and TEW-811DRU (v1.0) Wireless-AC routers. This is pretty big news for networking gurus who like to tinker but are other otherwise bound by their router's stock firmware. Zak Wood, director of global marketing for Trendnet, said the decision to support DD-WRT was the result of customer feedback. Third-party firmware is favored by enthusiasts because it grants access to controls that might otherwise be locked down, such as modifying wireless radio power (strong signals can increase range, but comes at the expense of reliability), choosing from a wider DDNS service support list, setup VLANs for wired ports, more fine grain control over QoS settings, and more. Tread carefully, networking Jedis. Trendnet is upfront about the fact that installing open source DD-WRT firmware immediately voids the router's warranty. If you don't know what you're doing, you can brick a router with third-party firmware, or even fry it by boosting signals to the point where the router begins to overheat. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

BitFenix Neos Brings Color to the Budget Market Posted: 15 May 2014 08:34 AM PDT A value minded case line that comes in four color options Looking to express yourself with your PC? Maybe you just want to run with a color theme. Either way, BitFenix's new Neos case line gives budget buyers several color options, along with uncluttered styling, upgradeability, and an "affordable" price tag. Buyers also have the choice of picking up a Neos with or without a side panel window -- both versions come with a colored mesh front panel available in black, blue, red, or silver. "Of course, the mesh itself is not merely cosmetic. A closer look reveals extra-large holes that allow for unencumbered airflow to system components. At the same time, this mesh design allows the negative space behind it to actually become a part of the overall design, providing a subtle yet appealing design element to the case," BitFenix says. Other features include USB 3.0 support, tool-less hard disk and optical drive installation, support for 2.5-inch SSDs, dust filters, and compatibility with graphics cards up to 30 centimeters long. Two included 120mm fans on the windowed version handle cooling duties, and there's room for a third 120mm fan as well. The non-window version comes with a single 120mm fan. You'll notice in the video above that several references are made to the Neos being a "reasonably priced case." Unfortunately, BitFenix didn't include the MSRP(s) in its press release. We've reached out to BitFenix for information on how much these cases will cost and will update when we hear back. The BitFenix Neo with window and without window will both be available soon. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Game of Thrones Author Writes Books on an Offline DOS Machine Posted: 15 May 2014 07:43 AM PDT George R.R. Martin kicks it old school Ah, the days of DOS. It was a bit of a dark age compared to the enlightened Windows era, but if you think the days of DOS are dead, think again. Perhaps you've heard of a little HBO Original called Game of Thrones. The highly popular drama series is an adaptation of A Song of Ice and Fire, a series of epic fantasy novels written by George R. R. Martin. He began writing the series in 1991 using an offline DOS machine, and remarkably, he still uses it today. Martin referred to his DOS box as his "secret weapon" against malware attacks during an interview with late night TV host Conan O'Brien. It doesn't have an Internet connection, and Martin uses WordStar 4.0, a word processing program from the 1980s, to write his novels, which can be over 1,000 pages long. Talk about old school! Another bonus outside of not having to worry about a malware infection destroying his work is the lack of spell check, especially when dealing with made up terms in the fantasy realm. Martin also has a second, more modern computer that he uses to browse the web and fire off emails. However, his novels are all written on something much older. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Newegg Daily Deals: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 Graphics Card, Corsair HX650 PSU, and More! Posted: 15 May 2014 06:52 AM PDT Top Deal: Between Steam and GOG and Humble Bundle, you could stack your pile of games from here to the moon and back several times over if they still shipped in VHS-sized boxes like they used to back in the day. "I'll play them when I get a new GPU," you keep promising yourself, not wanting to waste your first impression of a title using integrated graphics. Ready to get gaming? Then check out today's top deal for an EVGA GeForce GTX 770 FTW Graphics Card w/ ACX Cooler for $380 with free shipping (normally $430 - use coupon code: [EMCYTZG325]; additional $20 mail-in-rebate). This is a fast card with a custom cooling solution that performs better and runs quieter than stock. And for a limited time, you can score Watch Dogs for free with purchase. Other Deals: Samsung SD360 White High Glossy ToC 27-inch 5ms (GTG) HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight LCD Monitor for $210 with free shipping (normally $230 - use coupon code: [EMCPEWG28]) Seagate NAS HDD 2TB 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive for $90 with free shipping (normally $100 - use coupon code: [EMCYTZG296]) Corsair HX series HX650 650W ATX12V 2.91 80 Plus Gold Certified Power Supply for $75 with free shipping (normally $110 - use coupon code: [EMCYTZG322]; additional $20 Mail-in rebate) G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory for $72 with free shipping (normally $80 - use coupon code: [EMCPEWG65])

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