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If you enjoying playing online games, you probably know how your operating system can affect play. Older systems often run slower, which can be the difference between getting a top score and barely keeping up. See how your computer works with basic media player software, like VLC player and Xvid. If these programs run slow you might consider looking into buying a new systems with better graphics capabilities. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

1. Consider what games you’ll be playing.

Games like Assault Cube work well on any system. If this is your favorite game, you might not need to upgrade at all because the game only needs 40 MB for its package and 20 KB for each additional map. It even works with 56 Kbps connection speeds. However, if you’re planning to play World of Warcraft, you want a computer designed to handle RAM-hogging applications.

2. Determine what systems you run simultaneously.

Most online games provide you with the amount of RAM you need to run the program if you have no additional programs running on your computer during play. However, people rarely only have one program open. Your operating system may have an anti-virus program running, an Internet browser connecting you to the gaming interface, and email notifications running at the same time. If you don’t have enough RAM for all the programs, your system will begin to freeze, negatively affecting your game.

3. Look at things that will affect graphics.

The quality of your online gaming experience can boil down to your computer’s ability to handle graphics. Having an advanced processor, such as a quad; a graphics card that can handle the game you prefer; and a monitor capable of displaying high-quality graphics will ensure you have the best system in place for gaming.

Upgrading your computer can be the difference between liking online games and loving them. When it’s time to upgrade, keep the games you’ll be playing and your operating system in mind.

When it comes to free software, not all kinds are created equally. You may not even realize the difference between freeware, shareware, and trialware, but the difference can be significant. First, consider the definition for each type of program:

-Freeware, like TightVNC, is actually free. It is not a trial version, and a company didn’t design it as a marketing ploy.

-Trialware provides free access to a program for a set length of time. When the trial expires, you must purchase the program to continue using it.

-Shareware encourages consumers to use other products from the company. For example, Adobe Flash is a free product that the company shares with users to gain loyal customers who will purchase Adobe software packages.

The Benefits of Using Freeware

Of the three options, freeware is the only category designed with true freedom in mind. Many freeware programs fall under the Open Source Initiative, which means they are free of malicious coding like viruses or spyware. Examples of Open Source software are Openoffice, Ares, and Xvid, these programs are similar to their well-known competitios, except they offer the convenience of free software without the risk of corruptions.

Additionally, websites that offer freeware downloads usually screen the download options to ensure closed-source programs are also from reputable developers who aren’t out to steal your personal financial information. Usually, these sites will pull a download from the site should a user discover a problem with the program.

Finally, freeware can compete with commercial products. In some cases, the freeware program provides a competitive set of features and a large support network that can rival the offerings from a commercial company. Consider programs that offer remote computer access. You could use the trialware GoToMyPC and buy it if you like it, or you could start with the freeware program TightVNC and continue to use it as long as you like.

As you can see, freeware is different — and better — than trialware and shareware. When you want to expand your computer’s functions, consider freeware applications.