French bread spiked in CIA experiment
Mar/100
The cursed bread of Pont-Saint-Esprit 50 years ago has turned out to have been a CIA mind control experiment. It happened in 1951, a quiet little vill…
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French bread spiked in CIA experiment
Codemasters’ new FPS, Bodycount, announced briefly
Mar/100
We’ll find out more this week as the magazine arrives in UK homes, and presumably when an announcement is put online for good. Given the venue of announcement, we at least know it is an Xbox 360 game.
[Via Destructoid]
Codemasters’ new FPS, Bodycount, announced briefly originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is new king of UK sales charts
Mar/100
It’s debatable whether or not the server crashing this past week was a symptom of Battlefield: Bad Company 2’s success. What isn’t debatable is the game’s explosive debut on the UK’s Chart-Track all-formats chart. The multiplayer-centric shooter, which we’ve been thoroughly enjoying, outsold the original Bad Company’s launch week numbers almost 3 to 1. According to Chart-Track, BC2 is the “best ever launch for any game released this early in the year.” Interestingly, 53 percent of BC2 sales went to the Xbox 360 version, followed by 31 percent and 16 percent of sales for the PS3 and PC, respectively. (The game also topped the three, individual platform charts.)
Of course, lurking in the corner was Just Dance. The game will not go away and continues to stay in the top three week after week after week. Last week’s top game, Heavy Rain, slipped down to fourth and the battle of Aliens vs. Predator held onto third. Check out the complete top ten after the break.
Source – Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a born leader [GFK Chart-Track]
Source – Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]
Continue reading Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is new king of UK sales charts
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is new king of UK sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Desktop Fun: Fast Cars Wallpapers
Mar/100
Have you been feeling a need for speed lately? Then get ready to jump into the driver’s seat with our Fast Cars Wallpapers collection.
Note: Click on the picture to see the full-size image—these wallpapers vary in size so you may need to crop, stretch, or place them on a colored background in order to best match them to your screen’s resolution.
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For more fun wallpapers be certain to visit our new Desktop Fun section.
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Desktop Fun: Fast Cars Wallpapers
It’s official: an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs
Mar/100
A global team of scientists have announced that an asteroid impact is the only plausible cause for the dinosaurs’ extinction. Its been a subject of ho…
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It’s official: an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs
Geek Fun: Virtualized Old School Windows – Windows 95
Mar/100
Last week we enjoyed looking at Windows 3.1 running in VMware Player on Windows 7.? Today, let’s upgrade our 3.1 to 95, and get a look at how most of us remember Windows from the 90’s.
In this demo, we’re running the first release of Windows 95 (version 4.00.950) in VMware Player 3.0 running on Windows 7 x64.? For fun, we ran the 95 upgrade on the 3.1 virtual machine we built last week.
Windows 95
So let’s get started.? Here’s the first setup screen.? For the record, Windows 95 installed in about 15 minutes or less in VMware in our test.
Strangely, Windows 95 offered several installation choices.? They actually let you choose what extra parts of Windows to install if you wished.? Oh, and who wants to run Windows 95 on your “Portable Computer”?? Most smartphones today are more powerful than the “portable computers” of 95.
Your productivity may vastly increase if you run Windows 95.? Anyone want to switch?
No, I don’t want to restart … I want to use my computer!
Welcome to Windows 95!? Hey, did you know you can launch programs from the Start button?
Our quick spin around Windows 95 reminded us why Windows got such a bad reputation in the ‘90’s for being unstable.? We didn’t even get our test copy fully booted after installation before we saw our first error screen.?
Windows in space … was that the most popular screensaver in Windows 95, or was it just me?
Hello Windows 3.1!? The UI was still outdated in some spots.
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Ah, yes, Media Player before it got 101 features to compete with iTunes.
But, you couldn’t even play CDs in Media Player.? Actually, CD player was one program I used almost daily in Windows 95 back in the day.
Want some new programs?? This help file about new programs designed for Windows 95 lists a lot of outdated names in tech.?
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And, you really may want some programs.? The first edition of Windows 95 didn’t even ship with Internet Explorer.?? We’ve still got Minesweeper, though!
My Computer had really limited functionality, and by default opened everything in a new window.? Double click on C:, and it opens in a new window.? Ugh.
But Explorer is a bit more like more modern versions.
Hey, look, Start menu search!? If only it found the files you were looking for…
Now I’m feeling old … this shutdown screen brought back so many memories … of shutdowns that wouldn’t shut down!
But, you still have to turn off your computer.? I wonder how many old monitors had these words burned into them?
So there’s yet another trip down Windows memory lane.? Most of us can remember using Windows 95, so let us know your favorite (or worst) memory of it!? At least we can all be thankful for our modern computers and operating systems today, right??
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Geek Fun: Virtualized Old School Windows – Windows 95
Bottled ghosts for sale at online auction
Mar/100
Two bottles claimed to contain ghosts exorcised from a house in New Zealand are being sold at online auction. The house owner and his partner had been…
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Bottled ghosts for sale at online auction
Share a Printer on Your Network from Vista or XP to Windows 7
Mar/100
The other day we looked at sharing a printer between Windows 7 machines, but you may only have one Windows 7 machine and the printer is connected to a Vista or XP computer. Today we show you how to share a printer from either Vista or XP to Windows 7.
We previously showed you how to share files and printers between Windows 7 and XP. But what if you have a printer connected to an XP or Vista machine in another room, and you want to print to it from Windows 7? This guide will walk you through the process.
Note: In these examples we’re using 32-bit versions of Windows 7, Vista, and XP on a basic home network. We are using an HP PSC 1500 printer, but keep in mind every printer is different so finding and installing the correct drivers will vary.
Share a Printer from Vista
To share the printer on a Vista machine click on Start and enter printers into the search box and hit Enter.
Right-click on the printer you want to share and select Sharing from the context menu.
Now in Printer Properties, select the Sharing tab, mark the box next to Share this printer, and give the printer a name. Make sure the name is something simple with no spaces then click Ok.
Share a Printer from XP
To share a printer from XP click on Start then select Printers and Faxes.
In the Printers and Faxes window right-click on the printer to share and select Sharing.
In the Printer Properties window select the Sharing tab and the radio button next to Share this printer and give it a short name with no spaces then click Ok.
Add Printer to Windows 7
Now that we have the printer on Vista or XP set up to be shared, it’s time to add it to Windows 7. Open the Start Menu and click on Devices and Printers.
In Devices and Printers click on Add a printer.
Next click on Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
Windows 7 will search for the printer on your network and once its been found click Next.
The printer has been successfully added…click Next.
Now you can set it as the default printer and send a test page to verify everything works. If everything is successful, close out of the add printer screens and you should be good to go.
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Alternate Method
If the method above doesn’t work, you’ll can try the following for either XP or Vista. In our example, when trying to add the printer connected to our XP machine, it wasn’t recognized automatically.
If you’re search pulls up nothing then click on The printer that I want isn’t listed.
In the Add Printer window under Find a printer by name or TCP/IP address click the radio button next to Select a shared printer by name. You can either type in the path to the printer or click on Browse to find it.
In this instance we decided to browse to it and notice we have 5 computers found on the network. We want to be able to print to the XPMCE computer so we double-click on that.
Type in the username and password for that computer…
Now we see the printer and can select it.
The path to the printer is put into the Select a shared printer by name field.
Wait while Windows connects to the printer and installs it…
It’s successfully added…click Next.
Now you can set it as the default printer or not and print a test page to make sure everything works successfully.
Now when we go back to Devices and Printers under Printers and Faxes, we see the HP printer on XPMCE.
Conclusion
Sharing a printer from one machine to another can sometimes be tricky, but the method we used here in our setup worked well. Since the printer we used is fairly new, there wasn’t a problem with locating any drivers for it. Windows 7 includes a lot of device drivers already so you may be surprised on what it’s able to install. Your results may vary depending on your type of printer, Windows version, and network setup. This should get you started configuring the machines on your network—hopefully with good results.?
If you you have two Windows 7 computers, then sharing a printer or files is easy through the Homegroup feature. You can also share a printer between Windows 7 machines on the same network but not Homegroup.
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Share a Printer on Your Network from Vista or XP to Windows 7
How To Run XP Mode in VirtualBox on Windows 7 (sort of)
Mar/100
A few weeks ago we showed you how to run XP Mode on a Windows 7 computer without Hardware Virtualization using VMware. Some of you have been asking if it can be done in Virtual Box as well. The answer is “Yes!” and here we’ll show you how.
Editor Update: Apparently there isn’t a way to activate XP Mode through VirtualBox using this method. You will however, be able to run it for 30 days. We have a new updated article on how to Install XP Mode with VirtualBox Using the VMLite Plugin.
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Earlier we showed you how to run XP mode on windows 7 machines without hardware virtualization capability. Since then, a lot of you have been asking to a write up a tutorial about doing the same thing using VirtualBox.? This makes it another great way to run XP Mode if your computer does not have hardware virtualization.? Here we’ll see how to import the XP Mode from Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate into VirtualBox so you can run XP in it for free.
Note: You need to have Windows 7 Professional or above to use XP Mode in this manner. In our tests we were able to get it to run on Home Premium as well, but you’ll be breaking Windows 7 licensing agreements.
Getting Started
First, download and install XP Mode (link below).? There is no need to download Virtual PC if your computer cannot run it, so just download the XP Mode from the link on the left.
Install XP mode; just follow the default prompts as usual.
Now, download and install VirtualBox 3.1.2 or higher(link below).? Install as normal, and simply follow the default prompts.
VirtualBox may notify you that your network connection will be reset during the installation.? Press Yes to continue.
During the install, you may see several popups asking you if you wish to install device drivers for USB and Network interfaces.? Simply click install, as these are needed for VirtualBox to run correctly.
Setup only took a couple minutes, and doesn’t require a reboot.
Setup XP Mode in VirtualBox:
First we need to copy the default XP Mode so VirtualBox will not affect the original copy.? Browse to C:Program FilesWindows XP Mode, and copy the file “Windows XP Mode base.vhd”.? Paste it in another folder of your choice, such as your Documents folder.
Once you’ve copied the file, right-click on it and click Properties.
Uncheck the “Read-only” box in this dialog, and then click Ok.
Now, in VirtualBox, click New to create a new virtual machine.
Enter the name of your virtual machine, and make sure the operating system selected is Windows XP.
Choose how much memory you want to allow the virtual machine to use.? VirtualBox’ default is 192 Mb ram, but for better performance you can select 256 or 512Mb.
Now, select the hard drive for the virtual machine.? Select “Use existing hard disk”, then click the folder button to choose the XP Mode virtual drive.
In this window, click Add, and then browse to find the copy of XP Mode you previously made.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[21-47-55]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/b5e8c569c5214755.png.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[21-47-55]")
![sshot-2010-03-03-[21-50-30]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/8e0104ab8a2150301.png1.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[21-50-30]")
Make sure the correct virtual drive is selected, then press Select.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[21-51-40]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/8f9af43de2215140.png.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[21-51-40]")
After selecting the VHD your screen should look like the following then click Next.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[21-55-03]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/c1a4d778c22155031.png1.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[21-55-03]")
Verify the settings you made are correct. If not, you can go back and make any changes. When everything looks correct click Finish.
Setup XP Mode
Now, in VirtualBox, click start to run XP Mode.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[21-56-52]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/248dde6143215652.png.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[21-56-52]")
The Windows XP in this virtual drive is not fully setup yet, so you will have to go through the setup process.
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If you didn’t uncheck the “Read-only” box in the VHD properties before, you may see the following error.? If you see it, go back and check the file to makes sure it is not read-only.
When you click in the virtual machine, it will capture your mouse by default.? Simply press the right Ctrl key to release your mouse so you can go back to using Windows 7.? This will only be the case during the setup process; after the Guest Additions are installed, the mouse will seamlessly move between operating systems.
Now, accept the license agreement in XP.
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Choose your correct locale and keyboard settings.
Enter a name for your virtual XP, and an administrative password.
Check the date, time, and time zone settings, and adjust them if they are incorrect.? The time and date are usually correct, but the time zone often has to be corrected.
XP will now automatically finish setting up your virtual machine, and then will automatically reboot.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[22-13-05]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/97e26ac32c2213051.png1.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[22-13-05]")
After rebooting, select your automatic update settings.
You may see a prompt to check for drivers; simply press cancel, as all the drivers we need will be installed later with the Guest Additions.
Your last settings will be finalized, and finally you will see your XP desktop in VirtualBox.
Please note that XP Mode may not remain activated after importing it into VirtualBox.
When you activate it, use the key that is located at C:Program FilesWindows XP Modekey.txt.?
Note: During our tests we weren’t able to get the activation to go through. We are looking into the issue and will have a revised article showing the correct way to get XP Mode in VirutalBox working correctly soon.?
![sshot-2010-03-03-[22-19-41]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/aee1fa30e6221941.png.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[22-19-41]")
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Now we have one final thing to install – the VirtualBox Guest Additions.? In the VirtualBox window, click “Devices” and then select “Install Guest Additions”.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[22-30-13]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/69c6e618bc223013.png.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[22-30-13]")
This should automatically launch in XP; if it doesn’t, click Start, then My Computer, and finally double-click on the CD drive which should say VirtualBox Guest Additions.
Simply install with the normal presets.
You can select to install an experimental 3D graphics driver if you wish to try to run games in XP in VirtualBox; however, do note that this is not fully supported and is currently a test feature.
You may see a prompt informing you that the drivers have not passed Logo testing; simply press “Continue Anyway” to proceed with the installation.
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When installation has completed, you will be required to reboot your virtual machine.
Now, you can move your mouse directly from Windows XP to Windows 7 without pressing Ctrl.
Integrating with Windows 7
Once your virtual machine is rebooted, you can integrate it with your Windows 7 desktop.? In the VirtualBox window, click Machine and then select “Seamless Mode”.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[22-51-33]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/0b38040c862251332.png2.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[22-51-33]")
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In Seamless mode you’ll have the XP Start menu and taskbar sit on top of your Windows 7 Start and Taskbar.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[22-49-10]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/04a82a0c3a2249102.png2.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[22-49-10]")
Here we see XP running on Virtual Box in Seamless Mode. We have the old XP WordPad sitting next to the new Windows 7 version of WordPad.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[22-47-22]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/c3117395ac2247221.png1.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[22-47-22]")
Another view of everything running seamlessly together on the same Windows 7 desktop.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[22-56-54]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/8dafbd89a82256542.png2.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[22-56-54]")
Hover the pointer over the XP taskbar to pull up the Virtual Box menu items.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[22-57-38]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/293e7cd01f2257382.png2.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[22-57-38]")
You can exit out of Seamless Mode from the VirtualBox menu or using “Ctrl+L”.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[22-58-10]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/46dd3da3fc2258101.png1.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[22-58-10]")
Then you go back to having it run separately on your desktop again.
![sshot-2010-03-03-[22-58-46]](http://semibeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/058bc5778b2258461.png1.png "sshot-2010-03-03-[22-58-46]")
Conclusion
Running XP Mode in a Virtual Machine is a great way to experience the feature on computers without Hardware Virtualization capabilities.
If you prefer VMware Player, then you’ll want to check out our articles on how to run XP Mode on Windows 7 machines without Hardware Virtualization, and how to create an XP Mode for Windows 7 Home Premium and Vista.
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Amazon and Gamefly agree: Singularity out June 29
Mar/100
The upcoming Singularity from Raven Software is supposed to give you the power to age objects just by gesturing at them, and it appears that ability is being tested on the game itself: Its release date has been slowly edging into the future, from early 2010 up into March and then on to June. But it seems like the timeshifting has finally come to an end, as both Amazon and Gamefly have listed the game as releasing on June 29th of this year.
Activision originally cited the delay as an attempt to keep the game away from a crowded slate of “competitive titles,” so perhaps the game will do better kicking off the dog days of summer. If Raven’s time-bending twist on the FPS captures your interest, it’ll be one more good reason to stay out of that hot, hot summer sun.
[Thanks, Shagittarius]
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Amazon and Gamefly agree: Singularity out June 29