Fragetti
09-14-2004, 11:24 PM
Something to think about
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/games/expert/durham_gamesp2.mspx
You've probably read about Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx) and how it contains the latest updates and fixes for the operating system. It includes features to help make your computer less vulnerable to exploits, viruses, and Web-based attacks and contains other innovations designed to enhance the Windows experience. To me, the most important part of the Windows experience is gaming.
Here's how SP2 impacts gaming. First, the latest version of DirectX is included with SP2. It's a group of technologies that makes high-performance Windows gaming and multimedia possible. DirectX version 9.0c (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx) contains an update that paves the way for incredibly realistic lighting in 3-D gaming worlds. Second, SP2 includes Windows Firewall, a built-in firewall aimed at stopping attacks from nefarious denizens of the Internet. It replaces Internet Connection Firewall, and unlike its predecessor, Windows Firewall is on by default.
Although it's not intended to make life difficult, Windows Firewall may block some programs that require two-way interaction. SP2 enhances gaming, but by making it more secure, the service pack can interfere with the online aspect of some games. So in this column, I'll show you how to manage Windows Firewall during multiplayer gaming while keeping your system more secure. And I'll explain how Direct X 9.0c adds realism to gaming.
Full story use link above
Frag
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/games/expert/durham_gamesp2.mspx
You've probably read about Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx) and how it contains the latest updates and fixes for the operating system. It includes features to help make your computer less vulnerable to exploits, viruses, and Web-based attacks and contains other innovations designed to enhance the Windows experience. To me, the most important part of the Windows experience is gaming.
Here's how SP2 impacts gaming. First, the latest version of DirectX is included with SP2. It's a group of technologies that makes high-performance Windows gaming and multimedia possible. DirectX version 9.0c (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx) contains an update that paves the way for incredibly realistic lighting in 3-D gaming worlds. Second, SP2 includes Windows Firewall, a built-in firewall aimed at stopping attacks from nefarious denizens of the Internet. It replaces Internet Connection Firewall, and unlike its predecessor, Windows Firewall is on by default.
Although it's not intended to make life difficult, Windows Firewall may block some programs that require two-way interaction. SP2 enhances gaming, but by making it more secure, the service pack can interfere with the online aspect of some games. So in this column, I'll show you how to manage Windows Firewall during multiplayer gaming while keeping your system more secure. And I'll explain how Direct X 9.0c adds realism to gaming.
Full story use link above
Frag