Wolf King Trooper MVP Gaming Mouse Review Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Every day, the makers of gaming gear churn out the new and improved. The latest 100,000Mhz Ultrapolling keyboard. The highest resolution 14 Million dpi mouse that vibrates as you rub it counter-clockwise. Headsets that allow you to experience 7.1 digital surround sound whilst chatting with the built-in telepathic sensor. Chairs with mini subwoofers built in so you "feel" the game.
This new gear is so coveted; so must-have, that it's more sought after than a government-issued Polybius console. My problem with most of it?...
Nanoxia FX Series Waterproof Case Fans Review Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Case fans are the one part of a computer that many people overlook in the midst of such techno-talk as new GPUs, SLI compatibility, and SATA hard drives. I, however, have had a very nasty experience with an overheating computer and I never wish to live through the ordeal again. In comes Nanoxia, a German manufacturer with nothing but the cool side of life on their mind.
The three Nanoxia products I reviewed were simply their FX08 80 millimeter fan, their FX09 92 millimeter fan, and finally their FX12 120 millimeter fan. First things first, each fan not only comes with, obviously, the fan itself, but four of their Vibekiller shock absorber bolts, a fan speed controller, and a 10 year warranty.
F.E.A.R.: Project Origin Review (PC, Xbox 360, PS3) Monday, February 23, 2009
After a nearly four year wait, two expansion packs, a change of publishers, and a title change, the follow up to our 2005 Game of the Year award winner F.E.A.R. is finally here. After successfully obtaining the rights to the name F.E.A.R., the new sequel is called F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin instead of the planned Project Origin. Regardless of what it is called, developer Monolith Productions and Publisher Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment have unleashed one of the best 3D shooters and action games ever made.
These time out players are put in the role of Sgt Michael Becket as you and your team are dispatched to obtain Aristide, an executive with Armacham Technology Corporation. Starting roughly thirty minutes before the climatic events that concluded the first team, you race through various locales doing battle with private security and fearsome Armacham Black Op soldiers as well as the deadly Replica soldiers.
Max Payne DVD Review Sunday, February 22, 2009
Against the gritty, snow covered, and crime ridden streets of New York, one man is waging a battle for redemption and revenge. The man in Detective Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg), and following the murder of his wife and infant son, Payne has seen his life and career spin down an ever deepening black hole to the point where he is relegated to a basement office working on cold cases.
Max has become a creature of the night, and spends his off hours patrolling the grimy sections of the city looking for clues about the death of his wife and taking on all manner of the cities criminal elements to get to the truth which has so long eluded him.
Attack of the iPhone Clones Saturday, February 21, 2009
You can forgive the news reporter who mistook President Obama’s Shaka wave for a sign to call him during the inauguration. The connected candidate -- who took communications to a whole new level -- would have expected a text message or email…not a call. Doubt if his new phone number is in the phone book anyway!
Mobile phones have come a long way since Motorola’s Cooper showed off his analogue brick back in 1973. Since then they’ve gotten smaller, cheaper, cuter and more a part of your personal identity…just ask the kids.
The Bikini Slasher: X-Blades for PC Review Friday, February 20, 2009
Hack and Slash games have been around for a while; even some classic video games like Gauntlet, Altered Beast and Castlevania could be considered part of the genre. The premise of these games is to cut up opponents into tiny kibbles in as many satisfyingly gory ways as possible. As hardware become more complex, so did the Hack-and-Slash. Many recent games pit a super-warrior against a literal army of foes, which can be awe-inspring.
There's nothing really complicated about these types of games, and many of them have redundant gameplay ad nauseum. But I guess that's part of the genre's charm. One way developers have made new games more appealing is to churn out the eye-candy, in terms of graphical visuals and scantily-clad heroines.
Linux: A Complete Overview Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Let us first start out with a general overview of the Linux operating system. Linux at its most basic form is a computer kernel. The Kernel is the underlying computer code, used to communicate with hardware, and other system software, it also runs all of the basic functions of the computer.
The Linux Kernel is an operating system, which runs on a wide variety of hardware and for a variety of purposes. Linux is capable of running on devices as simple as a wrist watch, or a cell phone, but it can also run on a home computer using, for example Intel, or AMD processors, and its even capable of running on high end servers using Sun Sparc CPU’s or IBM power PC processors. Some Linux distro’s can only run one processor, while others can run many at once.
Sapphire Radeon 4670 Video Card Review Monday, February 16, 2009
The gaming industry is a competitive market these days. Everyone has to have the latest thing to keep up with the demanding, hardware sucking games that are being churned out every day with little hesitation. And the video card makers are making a killing off of us. Not just a killing, a freaking massacre. Sure, you can pay under $200 for a card and play the game. You could do that. But not if you want any kind of detail in any form or splendor. How the Hell am I supposed to play Fallout 3 on a card that barely handles an emulated Mario 64? Give me clarity or give yourself death, you corporate jerkoffs.
And then, along comes ATI. Or is it AMD? No, it’s still ATI, I guess. Anyway. Along they come and attempt to save us penny pinchers a few bucks. And you know what? Every now and then they create a card that just possibly could do the job without the distinct sound of a snicker coming from under the heatsink. You’ll find that with the really expensive cards, it comes standard.
Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder BluRay Review Sunday, February 15, 2009
The fourth (and lets hope not final) of the planned straight to DVD Futurama movies, “Futurama: Into The Wild Green Yonder” has arrived and continues the winning formula of the television series and three previous films as well as ties things up nicely should this be the final outing for the Planet Express crew.
The film opens with a new take on the traditional opening and we are treated to the scenic Mars Vegas complete with futuristic interpretations of the class Las Vegas hotels.
Raxco PerfectDisk 10 Defrag Software Review Saturday, February 14, 2009
PerfectDisk 10 is a nifty new program that I’ve been testing out extensively over the past few days. Essentially, it is a defragment program, and one might say “Well, Windows already comes with a way to defrag my hard drives, how much more can this do?” PerfectDisk 10, however, is the defrag equivalent to a Harvard student on a caffeine high before his finals. This program far exceeded any hopes I formerly had of any defrag software.
PerfectDisk 10 Professional is the version I’ve been working with, but each edition does virtually the same thing, with the only major exceptions being various versions are designed for larger servers, businesses, etc.
Friday the 13th (2009) Movie Review Friday, February 13, 2009
In the 1980’s the so- called slasher film genre was in full swing. When Michael Myers and the “Halloween” franchise became the highest grossing independent film in cinema history, the studios scrambled to get in on the booming genre and unleashed a flood of psycho killers on the viewing public, for the better part of a decade and a half.
Along with the aforementioned Michael Myers, and the later Freddy Krueger from the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series, Jason Voorhees of the “Friday The 13Th” series has become a cultural landmark. He has appeared in over ten movies (eleven if you count “Freddy Vs. Jason”) and unleashed havoc on countless oversexed and loaded teens, as well as those unfortunate enough to cross his path.
Noctua NH-C12P Premium CPU Cooler Review Wednesday, February 11, 2009
We here at OCMS have reviewed several products from our European pals at Noctua and I was very pleased to hear they contacted me again for some new products up for review this time is the “Noctua NH-C12P” CPU cooler.
All Noctua products use their familiar Blue-Brown and beige color palette, keeping in line with their renowned fans. To go with its easily identifiable box is all the necessary information you need, such as sizing charts and package contents, but you can forget about that as you can be damn sure Noctua added all you needed and then some.
Plantronics GameCom 777 Surround Gaming Headset Review Tuesday, February 10, 2009
PC Gamers like them some headphones. Whether its communicating with team members in tactical shooters, taunting n00bs in PvP, or just not waking your significant other when gaming into the wee hours, a good headset is a necessary tool for gamers.
Plantronics has developed their GameCom 777 Gaming headset, which is used by professional gamers (at least that's what I saw at their booth at PAX 08). This gamingheadset features Dolby Headphone technology, which not only allows gamers to experience positional sound in games, but listen to music and watch movies in 5.1 surround.
5 Classic Games You Need to Play Monday, February 09, 2009
I used to do these a lot a few years ago and I don’t know why I didn’t do one last year. So this time I’m bringing another Pato game club. This is essentially my version of a book club but with video games. My goal is to cite a few niche titles that this year would be perfect for a download or ebay to play through. Lets do this.
Square Enix vs. The Economy Sunday, February 08, 2009
One of those companies though is using that as an excuse. Yep, my friends at Square-Enix are saying they lost 11% due to this recession. A five year low.
Hmmm, let me see here, we haven’t had a new Kingdom Hearts, a new Final Fantasy, or even a Final Fantasy remake. What else? Oh yeah no prequels, sequels or whatever else Square could do to milk the FF franchise let along FFVII. Am I leaving out anything? Oh Dragon Quest comes next year.
Fix: Hard Drive goes to sleep even in High Performance Power Profile Saturday, February 07, 2009
I have a desktop PC running Vista Ultimate, and I want it running at its full potential. I have several hard drives, and notice that they do a "hard click" after a while, turning themselves off.
I hate it when hard drives do that... I've had too many hard drive crashes that this noise makes me jump out of my chair every time I hear it. Why does it do this? I've even selected the "high performance" power profile.
How to get rid of unused Device Drivers in Vista Friday, February 06, 2009
As you add more experiment with more hardware on your computer, you no doubt upgrade your components, or just lose interest in some. Windows adds drivers to items you didn't even think had drivers, like monitors and USB flash drives. It retains these records just in case you attach the device again. Even if you think you've successfully uninstalled the device, it can exist in your Windows configuration, which could cause conflicts, or just take up space.
Keeping your system as clean as possible is always a good idea, and completely removing unused drivers is a way to help your system's arteries from getting clogged with digital plaque.
How Safe is the Auto-Complete Feature? Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Even word processors can use auto complete technology. For instance if you begin to type today’s date you may find a suggested date that you simply click saving some typing time. Many have come to rely on the feature to make checkout in ecommerce quick and painless.
I’d like to provide an argument for refraining from using some auto complete technology in the world of online business.
Killzone 2 Review (PS3... duh) Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Sony and Guerilla games have combined to produce the first must have game for 2009. Killzone 2 is a non-stop thrill ride that is easily the best first person shooter developed for the Playstation 3 console. The game follows up the events of the first game as well as the popular Kilzone: Liberation for the PSP.
Killzone 2 takes place on the Helghast home planet of Helghan. In response to an attack on a colony of the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance or ISA, a large group of soldiers has been dispatched in an effort to capture the Helghast Emperor and bring an end to the conflict.
OCMS Vaults Opened Monday, February 02, 2009
Since we opened our doors in 2000, we’ve changed some things behind the scenes a few times. We’ve gone through several website revisions (with another one on the way) and moved forums and blogs around.
Back when we first had our forums, they essentially were blogs, even before blogs as we know them now exist.
There is a ton of solid-gold information in the old forums, and it would be an absolute waste to leave them in the dustbin.
So, these wealth-nuggets are being imported into this blog. This helps preserve our identity, reminds us of where we came from, and heck, it’s interesting stuff to read.
So, enjoy as we fill out our thoughts from years past…
Metal Gear Solid 4 Storyline Gripes Friday, January 30, 2009
Warning: This is going to spoil Metal Gear Solid 4. Do not, I repeat DO NOT read this if you have not played MGS4 and have followed the series. If you haven’t played MGS4 go play it, because MGS4 effing rules. Come back here, this editorial will be here.
THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU HAVE NOT PLAYED MGS4. I PROMISE YOU IT’S AN AWESOME GAME.
ONE MORE WARNING FOR FUN DO NOT READ THIS IF
Aw screw it.
Microsoft Talks about Windows 7 Thursday, January 29, 2009
With the pending release of the latest Microsoft Windows operating system, I like many other PC users have questions about the latest system currently known as Windows 7. I recently was able to speak with a Microsoft spokesperson for the new OS who took the time to provide us at OCModShop with this interview.
OCMS: What new enhancements does Windows 7 offer?
A: For consumers, Windows 7 breaks down walls and makes new things possible – we’ve made investments in user experience, multi-touch capabilities, media streaming and integration with devices that make it easier to find the information people care about regardless of where it’s housed on their PC, network, devices or on the cloud and do some cool new things.
Jeff Gardiner Answers Questions about Fallout 3 DLC Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Recently I got the chance to speak with Jeff Gardiner, lead producer for Fallout 3 DLC about the latest addition to the multi award winning game.
OCMS: What is the background and setting for the new material?
JG: Operation: Anchorage is allows the player to discover the location of a secret military installation housed deep inside of Washington, D.C. The Brotherhood of Steel Outcasts are trying to requisition top-secret military technology from a long dead war… But the only way to open the safe is by successfully completing a training simulation in which the player will have to liberate Anchorage, Alaska from an invading Red Chinese occupying force. This battle played out hundreds of years ago, and is a staple of the Fallout 3 canon. Once inside the sim the player will have to utilize stealth and combat cunning to overcome a huge military presence; they’ll even have the opportunity to outfit and order their own Strike Force in the process!
Data Security Related to Stupidity Saturday, January 24, 2009
Instant information, instant entertainment, instant communications to and from anywhere in the world, with anyone is fantastic. It’s all been brought to us by the computer and communications industries. It’s a lot like Forrest Gump’s magic shoes, “They could take me anywhere.” The problem is a lot of other people also have magic shoes. Some good. Increasingly, some bad.
Surprise…it doesn’t have to work 100 percent of the time. If only .01 percent of a million emails respond then BAM!!! they’ve got enough account information to work with. As Forrest said, “Stupid is as stupid does.”
UPDATE: Microsoft Laying off 5,000 Employees Thursday, January 22, 2009
UPDATE: 1/21/2009: We have learned that the problem is much worse than we originally thought. Microsoft employees confirmed that they are laying off 5,000 employees within the next months, and 1,500 are being notified today. The hardest hit is the Windows Mobile division, which is practically being gutted. The Windows Mobile division isn't going away, because Microsoft plans to re-populate the staff with new hires or contractors.
SansDigital MobileStor MS2UTN+ RAID Enclosure Review Thursday, January 22, 2009
Sometimes setting up a RAID array can be a pain in the butt. For one, professional RAID cards can be expensive. Two, many "easy RAID" features of motherboards are closed solutions. Three: cheaper solutions may not be reliable, and often require offline rebuilds when something goes wrong.. What if you want to have the redundancy protection or speed of RAID, but in an external modular box that doesn't mess with your system's current configuration?
SansDigital presents the industry with their MobileStor solutions, which are external hard drive enclosures with a built-in RAID controller. This solution allows you to instantly create several RAID arrays. Since the enclosure is its own little island, you can take your RAID array with you on place it on any computer.
Intel and AMD: What Went Wrong Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Ever have that feeling that someone with a Heavyweight title just put you in a coma? And when you awoke from that coma everything you thought you knew was no longer a reality? That was the same way I felt when I realized how bad Intel was kicking the crap out of AMD’s booty all over the CPU market. And as a long-time fan of AMD, I’m sitting here wondering… just what the heck happened?
Breaking News: Microsoft Layoffs 'Eminent' Tuesday, January 20, 2009
There has been a lot of chatter that Microsoft will be laying off employees this month. The world economy has not been doing very well in the past year, and many companies are either bought out, absorbed, collapse, or simply trim the fat in an attempt to survive. People are looking to see if Microsoft, one of the most profitable companies in the world, will be laying off employees as a sign of just how bad the economic climate is.
We have learned through Microsoft employees that layoffs are not just a rumor, but they are eminent.
Prince of Persia Complete Walkthrough! Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Well, I've played all of the last generation PoP games, and I must say this one is both weaker and stronger. I also played Okami, and I've played Assassin's Creed.
For one, the element of Okami, the beautiful graphics, are worth the play all on their own. The contrast between pure and corrupted highlights the cel- shaded graphics that were beautiful in previous generations and are only that much better in high definition. You almost want to cleanse each area just to see the crisp, sharp shadows from the shining sun.
How Surge Protectors Benefit Laptop Computers Monday, January 19, 2009
Known as power spikes, surges, brownouts, and blackouts, these fluctuations can cause anything from fire to data loss in an unprotected laptop computer. When power returns, it can come in a rush, rising significantly above standard household voltage levels to burn wires, overwhelm circuits and potentially cause damage to laptops, adapters, and any external peripherals that may be connected to the computer. Even when the power surge is not strong enough to knock out a system, it can slowly damage the computer's components, reducing its reliability and lifespan. A surge protector diverts the extra voltage from a power surge to a ground wire, sparing harm to any connected electrical devices.
