Gaming

Console gaming (XBOX, Playstation, Nintendo, etc) or PC gaming.

Is it true that Xbox One has more than one operating system?

Matthew from Charlotte, NC

Episode 982

Matthew hears that the XBox One has more than one operating system. Leo says it actually has three! Under the hood, it has the central core of Windows 8. On top of that is Microsoft's HyperV, which switches in context. Lastly, there's the gaming interface for XBox. Leo says it's not really three separate operating systems so much as different user interfaces. The interesting thing is that Microsoft is using the Windows 8 kernel (even though they refuse to call it that), and Leo says it's going to be a very powerful PC with a gaming system on top of it.

New Xbox One From Microsoft Goes Beyond Gaming

Episode 982

Microsoft announced their next generation XBox this week. Dubbed 'XBox One,' the platform is not just for gaming anymore. The XBox One comes with an internal 500GB hard drive, and works as a 'pass through', meaning everything will connect to the Xbox instead of directly to the TV. This makes Xbox One a central hub for all entertainment, including live TV. According to the chat room, it should sell for around $299, but Leo suspects it could be around $500.

Can I use an HDTV for PC gaming in a multi-monitor setup?

Carlos from Brooklyn, NY

Episode 977

Carlos wants to get a nice multi HD monitor setup with an HDTV to use as a gaming monitor. Leo says that HDTVs have lower resolution than computer monitors. Monitors are over 2K while TVs are currently just 1080p. 4K TVs are coming though. There is a Seiki UHD $1500 4K TV. PC Perspectives has reviewed it and got pretty good results. Most video cards now have HDMI, so he could connect his computer to an HDTV directly.

Why does my computer shut down while playing games?

Norm from Upland, CA

Episode 973

David's laptop shuts down while he's playing Call of Duty. Leo says that's a protective measure. If the laptop gets too hot, it will shut down by design. The best thing he can do is make sure the laptop has free flowing air all around it so it can cool itself. Make sure that dust isn't blocking the airflow slots. Look to see if the laptop's fans are working properly. It could also be the thermal paste has been misapplied to the processor. It may be worth bringing in to get looked at.

Does DSL Extreme's Router work with XBox Live?

James from San Diego, CA

Episode 968

James wants to know if DSL Exteme's router will work with XBox Live. Leo says that it will work with all internet services. XBox Live configures the router to use Universal Plug n Play, and that's a security issue. So he'll want to use port forwarding to get around that and keep UPnP disabled. There may be a bit of latency, but DSL has less latency than a cable provider.

(Disclaimer: DSL Extreme is a sponsor).

Should I upgrade my video card?

Episode 966

Serge from Canada

Serge is a gamer and has an older ATI gaming video card. He's wondering when he should upgrade it. There are two things to consider in terms of video cards. Cost, and whether the system is powerful enough to justify a more powerful video card. If the GPU is more powerful than the CPU, then he'd be "CPU-bound", meaning the CPU would be holding him back from getting the most out of the video card.

Why is Solitaire so slow in Windows 8?

Mary from Long Beach, CA

Episode 961

Mary has Windows 8 and she has to hunt around for solitaire. Leo says that Microsoft put Solitaire under Xbox games in Windows 8. Users can then install Microsoft Solitaire. She was able to install it, but it doesn't work quite right. Leo suggests uninstalling it, and then downloading and reinstalling it. It could be that when it downloaded, it wasn't a complete download or installation. Removing and reinstalling it often cures many things.