jay@jayscomputershop.com www.jayscomputershop.com 818 362-8015
jay@jayscomputershop.com www.jayscomputershop.com 818 362-8015
January 2008 Issue
Computer 101 Class
I will be speaking at the San Fernando Valley's TUGNET COMPUTER CLUBJanuary 8th from 7:30 to 8:30pm. (note the date change).
We will be reviewing the "Highlights" of the lessons I taught in 2007. Backing up Like a Pro and the Basics of using Windows Explorer. So if you missed any of those lessons then be sure to come.
Guests pay $3 to get in. For directions and further details go to http://www.tugnet.org or call me.
This Month's Computer Deals
At Amazon.com
Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0 3-user licence
Free after rebates, from amazon only. Offer expires 12/31/07
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=pe_14170_7389130_fe_exp_1/?docId=1000128921
Jay's Rating
*****
At Fry's Electronics
(Sales listed are for Sat, Dec 29, 2007 thru Tue, Jan 1,2008)
Sony Vaio Notebook PC
Intel Centrino Core 2 Duo Processor
Windows Vista Home Premium
2GB DDR2 Memory
200GB Hard Drive
802.11 a/b/g/n
$899.99 after $300 rebate
Jay's Rating
****
Did you know that Jay’s Computer Shop offers MobileService, at an affordable price?
Our in-home service chargeis a fraction of the cost of other major repair centers. Our hourly charge is only $75 per hour, M-F 9:00am to 5:00pm. WeekNights and Saturdays are only $85 an hour.
Flash Games
You always here me talk about not letting your kids and grandkids play video games on your PC. Well that is very true. And except for what I am going to show you here, that is still my advice. But it is not exclusive. There are exceptions. There is a group of games called Flash games that are safe for your PC to play. I will give you a list of fun games you and your kids can play that won't cause harm to either your PC, your wallet, or I hope, your kids.
Many games are available that can be played exclusively within Internet Explorer's browser windows called Flash games. These are ok to play. They don't install to your PC, so therefore they exclude the risk of downloading a virus. Since they are not installed to the PC, they won't slow it down either.
I want to make it clear here that I am talking about games of a certain variety (Flash games), not all games. Only Flash games are safe. Games that you "download" off the internet are not what I am talking about. You can really cause problems for your PC downloading games off the internet. Downloaded games can take a really be hit on your computers resources as well and leave your computer running slower then ever from viruses.
Even store bought games can cause PCs to get gummed up. Kids like to try out games till they find the one they like, and I mean a LOT of games; and each one adds up. One, two, three or even five or six may be fine, but twenty, thirty or forty is not. That many programs of any kind on a PC will take its toll on a system. The only exception is games that can be played within Internet Explorer itself, called flash games.
Flash games are what I have listed here for you. These are safe games that WON'T take a hit on your system. Kids can play as many of these flash games as they want without harming the PC. The only type of problems that could arise from using Flash games, have to do with the add-on components to Internet Explorer. These add-ons are called Flash, Java, or Shockwave.add-ons. For many of you they are already installed and you won't need to do anything other then start playing the games. For some, you may need to install, upgrade or re-install the add-ons.
If you experience any problems with the Flash, Java or Shockwave add-ons call me. I will try to talk you through it over the phone. In a few cases I may have to come and install or upgrade the add-ons.
Parents will like these flash games because they
1. Won't slow down, or clog up the computer
2. Won't add spyware, viruses or other types of malware onto the computer
3. Won't clutter up the computer with games all over the start menu and desktop
4. Are free!
Kids will like them because they
1. Are fun, new and interesting to play.
2. Not boring
These games I have listed below require no logon, no download, or additional addons to your pc other then Java, Flash or Shockwave which are most likely already installed into Internet Explorer.
The ratings below are mine. These games do not come with ratings. I put them here so that parents can be more informed and choose what is appropriate for their kids. I have been told that Norton Internet Security Parental Control has blocked a couple of the first person shooters games listed for reason of "anonymous proxies".
Rated E for Everyone
Robot War
Genre: First Person Shooter
Required: Flash Player
Age: E for Everyone
Description: A fast paced First person shooter
http://www.andkon.com/arcade/adventureaction/robotwar/
Portal
Genre: Puzzle
Required: Flash Player
Age: E for Everyone
Description: This Flash version includes over 40 challenging, portals, thinking levels, which have almost every feature the real game does, in 2d - energy balls, cubes, turrets and even the famous crusher from the trailer.
http://www.armorgames.com/games/portaltheflashversion.html
Line Rider
Genre: Puzzle
Required: Flash Player
Age: E for Everyone
Description: In Line Rider the player draws their own landscape with a simple pencil tool creating as many ramps, hills, and jumps as they can imagine.
http://www.linerider.com/play-line-rider-online
Smileys War
Genre: Action
Required: Flash Player
Ages: E for Everyone
Description: Turns the cute little smiley faces we all love so much into killing machines bent on death a destruction.
http://www.maxgames.com/game/smileys-war.html
Note: This game may be blocked by Norton Internet Security's Parental Control if you have "anonymous proxies" blocked.
Cubis 2
Genre:Puzzle
Required: Flash Player
Rating: E for Everyone
Important:Note: Click on "Play Online". Do not click "Try it Free"
Description:Slide colored cubes down the board. When you’ve created a group of three or more, it disappears. Special cubes allow you to make stacks, absorb cubes and change their color, and more.
http://www.freshgames.com/games/cubis2/
Alchemy
Genre:Puzzle
Required:
Ages: E for Everyone
Important:Note: Click on "Play Web Game". Do not click "Download Game or Buy Now"
Description:Ancient alchemists sought the formula to transmute lead to gold... now it's your turn! Cover the entire playfield with magical Runes... but be careful, they can only be placed next to tiles that match in either shape or color. Discard Runes you don't want, but watch you don't overheat the Forge!
http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=alchemy
Freak Out
Genre:Puzzle
Required:
Ages: E for Everyone
Important:Note: Click on "Play Online". Do not click "Try it Free"
Description: Think fast as this sizzling hot game tests your puzzle-solving skills in a way you've never experienced! Your objective is seductively simple - clear 75% or more of the game board while dodging the colorful bouncing Balls.
http://www.freshgames.com/games/freakout/
Perfect Pizza
Genre: Food Fun
Required:
Ages: E for Everyone
Description: Think you can make the perfect pie? Try to match the model pizza as closely as possible by placing ingredients in the right spots.
http://games.yahoo.com/free-games/perfect-pizza
Burger Builder
Genre: Food Fun
Required: Flash Player
Ages: E for Everyone
Description: Start out cooking burgers for relatives and build a reputation, then you advance yourself to buying and running your own Burger Joint.
http://www.andkon.com/arcade/adventureaction/burgerbuilder/
Sushi Go Around
Genre: Food Fun
Ages: E for Everyone
Required: Flash Player
Description: You must quickly assemble various sushi orders for customers at a sushi bar.
http://www.onemorelevel.com/games.php?game=584
Trapped
Genre: Mystery, Puzzle
Required: Flash Player
Rating: E for Everyone
Description: Can you escape? Only time will tell.
http://games.yahoo.com/free-games/trapped
Shuriken Challenge
Genre: Action
Required: Flash Player
Age: E for Everyone
Description: Use your mouse to move Ninja around, and click to throw Shurikens at the Ranx. Be sure to dodge the filthy Ranx soldiers and the fiery ball of death! Every time Ninja defeats an enemy, he earns points towards the next belt.
http://www.andkon.com/arcade/adventureaction/shurikenchallenge/
Tom and Jerry in Refriger-Raiders
Genre: Action
Required: Flash Player
Age: E for Everyone
Description: Two games. First game: You are Tom and have to throw water baloons at Jerry. Second game: You are Jerry and have to try to feed Nibbles with cheese while Tom throw balls at you.
http://www.andkon.com/arcade/adventureaction/tomandjerryinrefrigerraiders/
Rated T for Teen (violence, blood)
Age Of War
Genre: Action
Required: Flash Player
Rating: T for Teen (violence, blood)
Description: Take control of 16 different units and 15 different turrets to defend your base and destroy your enemy.
In this game, you start at the cavern men's age, then evolve! There is a total of 5 ages, each with its units and turrets.
http://www.maxgames.com/game/age-of-war.html
Note: This game may be blocked by Norton Internet Security's Parental Control if you have "anonymous proxies" blocked.
PowerFox & The Wrath of Zorro's Ninja Horse
Genre: Action
Required: Flash Player
Age: T for Teen (violence, blood)
Description: You are the Powerfox - little fox with big power. Fight against Zorro's Ninja Horse and other enemies.
http://www.andkon.com/arcade/adventureaction/powerfox/
Ninja Man
Genre: Action
Required: Flash Player
Age: T for Teen (violence, blood)
Description: Fight other ninjas in this action packed adventure.
http://www.andkon.com/arcade/adventureaction/ninjaman/
N - The Way of The Ninja
Genre: Action
Required: Flash Player
Age: T for Teen (violence, blood)
Description: Speed, dexterity, jumping power, and reflexes are all the result of an amazingly fast metabolism; sadly, so is your natural lifetime of 1.5 minutes.
http://www.andkon.com/arcade/adventureaction/nthewayoftheninja/
For Old Folks
Solitaire: TriPeaks
Genre:Card Games
Required:
Age: Old Folks
Description: A solitaire game with three connected card pyramids. Build regardless of suit counting up or down from the card on top of the pile.
Note: Click on"Play Free Online"
http://games.aol.com/game/solitaire-tripeaks/
Want more Flash games
Some games may have excessive blood and violence.
http://www.andkon.com/arcade/ Over a thousand Free Flash Games
http://www.onemorelevel.com/ Hundereds and Hundereds of Free Flash Games.
http://www.thekidzpage.com/index.html Kids Games, Non-violent: Coloring Books, Educational, Jigsaw Puzzles
Need the shop address?
Please be aware that I have a small shop behind my house, in a residential area. We are in and out all day, so its best to call before showing up. You can always reach me by cell at 818-642-2995. The address is: 13438 Sayre St., Sylmar, CA 91342
Best Regards,
Jay Cunnington
Jay's Computer Shop
(818)362-8015
jay@jayscomputershop.com
www.jayscomputershop.com
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All right reserved. December 30th, 2007