Linux on the PS3

As someone who's always curious about ways to run alternative operating systems on consoles, I recently started looking into how to install Linux on the PS3.  However, I'm also lazy and usually prefer to take the easy way out when it comes to these things.  So I did a little research for a program that would essentially do all the work for me - and I found Linux for PS3.

This program is a downloadable ebook that walks you through each step of Linux installation for a PS3.  You will need a few things: a USB keyboard and mouse, blank DVD, and blank CD being among them.  And of course a PS3.

The guide basically takes you through each step of Linux installation, from the initial formatting process to the actual download and setup of the OS.  The instructions are clear and easy to follow; it took me about 2 hours to get Linux up and running from this setup.  The book tells you exactly what software to download and how to get it working on your PS3 - that's where needing a blank DVD comes in.

Now, once you get Linux up and running, you can essentially use your PS3 as a computer.  One thing to note is that you should back up your saved games and files on the PS3 before you actually install the OS, though, otherwise they will all get erased.

Bottom line:

• This book walks you through each step of Linux for PS3 installation
• Worth the $30 fee if you have a "time is money" attitude 
• Also good if you have no experience installing operating systems on consoles
• Tells you what software to download and how to back up your PS3
• 60 day money back guarantee if you are not happy with it
• Will not void your warranty

Visit the Linux for PS3 website

E4WII: Everything 4 Wii Game Downloads

In the last review, we looked at the E4XBOX 360 download site, which features downloadable Xbox 360 games. While that site is great for downloading Xbox games, what do we do for instant Wii game downloads?

Well, there's Unlimited Wii Downloads. I like this site, but I recently came upon one I like even more: E4Wii. E4Wii offers the biggest selection of downloadable Wii games that I've ever seen, because they tap into 9 different download sources.

Their downloads are all safe, tested, and contain no viruses or adware.

On top of that, E4Wii also includes a 40 minute video which shows you step by step how to set up your console for downloaded games. You will need to configure it for the homebrew channel software, but as you get instant access to this when you sign up, you can get started immediately.

Now, one word of caution: In order to download games to your Wii, you will need to be prepared to do some work. You won't need to buy a modchip, but you will have to configure it for homebrew games as mentioned above. This means that whatever download site you go with, you'll still have to do the initial work of getting your console set up for game downloads. It doesn't take long at all with E4Wii's service, which I like even better than BreWii and others.

So the bottom line:  Try out E4Wii if you want a fast and easy download service for Wii games that offers the most recent games available.  They have fantastic customer support that's on the ball and replies within 24 hours to all queries.  I tested them out and they got back to me about an hour after I emailed them.

Visit E4Wii's website to learn more about them

Easy to Download and Burn Xbox Games

If you're looking for a place to download XBOX 360 games easily, Everything 4 360 is a great place to do it. I recently signed up for their service to test it out, and while I found their selection slightly lacking (they don't have some newer games that I've been looking for, for instance), I am impressed with the download speed and how easy it is to get games running. Their customer service is also excellent, quick, and on the ball. Their website layout is a little clunky, but their ease-of-use makes up for it.

Their downloads are all spyware and adware free, as they are commissioned and safe. You pay a flat $40 membership fee and get access to all the games on their site for life. So basically it's $40 to get any Xbox 360 game you want, provided you are willing to actually burn the games yourself. So you will need blank DVDs to actually get the games from your computer to your Xbox. You don't need any modchips to get these games to work, either.

Everything 4 360 is a great way to get instant access to all the games you could ever want to play on your Xbox 360. If you want a quick, easy, and safe download site for an affordable price, they're definitely the way to go.

Click the link below to visit their site.

Everything XBOX 4Ever

R4 Cards and Downloading Games to Your DS

If you own a Nintendo DS, you may have wondered if there's a way to download games directly to it instead of having to buy hard copies of them.  Well, much like the Wii homebrew method, it is possible to directly download and play games through your DS.

The first thing you need to do this is an R4 card.  This is an amazing little device that lets you unlock all kinds of possibilities with your DS, such as playing DVDs, downloaded movies, music, homebrew games, and downloaded games.  Ideally the R4 card you choose will have a micro SD card and flash drive, for maximum storage and speed.

Now, once you have your R4 card, the next step is to find a reputable download site.  Much like downloadable movies, you have to be VERY careful where you download games for your DS.  The web is crawling with pirated content and most of it contains viruses.  You don't want to infect your DS by downloading a corrupt file, so it's wisest to choose paid sites where you pay a one time membership fee or a fee per game, and then have access to safe, affordable downloads.

I recently purchased a DS for a friend as a Christmas gift and am doing the pre-work of setting it up for homebrew games and movies, so I chose Unlimited DS Downloads. 

Now, there are a couple things about this site.  It doesn't look like it's written by a native English speaker, since there are some strange syntax problems scattered throughout it.  However, I decided to go ahead and try it because I'd read good reviews and it was actually recommended to me by someone else.

Basically, once you sign up for the site, you pay a membership fee to get access to the downloads section.  There's an extensive selection of games, videos, music, etc. that's available for downloading to your DS.  You can download as much as you want, whenever you want.  It's basically like a game store for DS applications, only it's all online.

Featured games on Unlimited DS Downloads:

Visit Unlimited DS Downloads

The minor annoyances of this site are the awkward wording and annoying graphics (the fat guy running around in a cape, for example, is pretty darn cheesy).  However, the service is fast, dependable, and the customer support which is largely online (through chat) is excellent.  I actually tested it out because I had some questions after my initial signup, about how the membership plan worked, and got through to someone (again I don't think it was a native English speaker, but they were able to answer my questions quickly).

So the bottom line - Unlimited DS Downloads has some minor interface annoyances, but that can be overlooked because of the quick service, large selection of downloads, and efficient customer service.

The order screen of Unlimited DS Downloads:

Read more about Unlimited DS Downloads 

Announcement: WODE

The Wii Optical Drive Emulator (WODE) has been released for the Wii. This handy little gadget, which is kind of like a flash card for the Wii, lets you:

-Plug a USB stick/hard drive into your Wii to play ISOs directly (no need for discs)
-Is upgradeable, lets you rip games to the harddrive with first update
-Is solderless and external so anyone can install it

Here's an early video of the WODE demonstrating some of its features (thanks to Wiihacks.com):

Update: Wii system 4.2 released - HOMEBREW USERS READ

Nintendo has released a new operating system that can be attained through the regular Wii updates.  It has been shown to block most homebrew applications and the homebrew channel itself.  If you do not want to lose access to homebrew, it is strongly recommended that you don't update yet.

Note: Homebreware has put out a recent software update that lets you still access homebrew games with the 4.2 update from Nintendo.

Read the full article here

Team iDemise 1-80 Leveling Guide Review

Team iDemise has been putting out World of Warcraft leveling guides for quite a while now, and they're one of the most trusted leveling guide producers out there.  However, I hadn't actually used one of their guides before, so when I started my latest character, I decided to give their guide a spin to see how it compared to some of the others, like Zygor's and Joana's.

The Team iDemise guide is a little different.  Instead of guiding you through each quest and zone based on the route they took when designing the guide, as most guides do, this one instead monitors the fastest leveling routes taken by WoW players who reached 80 in the shortest amount of /played time.  They collect this data and consistently update the guide, so it's always got the freshest content.

A few shining spots of this guide:

-No side content to distract you from main leveling path
-No gold or instance guides; focused solely on leveling
-Goes from level 1-80 in under a week of /played time
-Easy to install, user friendly, clean design
-Horde and Alliance versions available

I wouldn't suggest this guide if you're looking for a PVP or gold-acquiring guide, or need help with professions.  But as far as leveling goes, it can't get much easier than this.

Install page:

Screenshot of the guide's interface in game :

Read more about Team iDemise's leveling guide

What are the two types of modding?

There are two types of modding that can be done to a game console: hard modding or soft modding.

Hard modding exploits the BIOS of the console (its mainframe, essentially) to run unsigned code and games. This form of modding is very popular because it allows the user to run many different types of software.

Soft modding is much more popular because it is so easy to do. Soft mods are very easy to install and relatively low priced - sometimes even free if you have the right tools.

Of course, there is also external modification such as modifying a console's outward appearance, usually by replacing the box, adding lights, cutting the case, or adding fans.

WoW Leveling Guide: Zygor Guide Review

Zygor's leveling guide, put together by John cook, advertises a leveling speed of less than 7 days for 1-80.  With the efficient way this guide is put together, the average WoW player will be able to come close to that time frame, assuming distractions are kept to a minimum.

Advantages of Zygor's Guide: 

The guide is in a small, resizable window you keep on your main WoW screen, so you don't have to deal with irritating alt-tabbing.  The guide includes waypoint markers for the minimap, as well as detailed quest information in the main guide window.

The guide keeps track of your progress automatically, so if you crash or log out, you can pick up right where you left off.   Completed quests are grayed out, so you know which ones you've done.

One of the best parts of this fast leveling guide is that it's automated, meaning you don't have to switch from game to guide, click to the next quest, etc.  The guide advances your quests and waypoints automatically, so you don't have to click through to progress.  You don't need to remember where you are or set waypoints at any point; the guide does that for you. 

You can also start the guide even if you're level 20, level 30 - even level 60.  Just advance through to the quests relevant to your level, and the guide will automatically start keeping track of your progress.

Because so much detail is included in the guide, you don't need to resort to Thottbot, Allakazam, Wowhead, or any of the other WoW quest guide sites.  In fact, looking at these sites will probably slow you down.

One of the main selling points of this guide is that it's as close as you can come to having someone guiding you over your shoulder, so it's very user-friendly (even for new WoW players).  It's not class specific, and class quests are also included. 

As to the question of whether Zygor's is faster than the other guides: I say yes, because Zygor's has tried to minimize distractions and things that slow down the leveling process.  How fast you level is ultimately up to you, but this guide does follow through on its promise to deliver quick, efficient leveling.  And the best part is that it's very easy to follow.


Read more about Zygor's guide 

Get Unlimited PSP Downloads for Movies Without Spending a Fortune

These days, pretty much all PSP owners - or at least those up to date with the latest console trends - are aware of modding/homebrew firmware for consoles.  These are essentially applications that let you run games and movies from a memory card instead of a UMD disk.  The Wii has recently jumped on this boat, as well.

Game developers haven't really embraced this practice, which is disappointing considering that it's not something they can really police or control, and it could potentially be a great money-making source for them. 

Third party developers, however, have recognized this, and are creating new products to fit the demand for modded consoles.  PSP Download Center is one of these.  It's a completely online service that allows PSP users to pay a fee and get unlimited PSP downloads for movies, games, music, or anything else they want without having to pay a fortune.  Technically you can purchase the membership and then only subscribe for one month so that you can get all the movies and games you want for a one-time fee.

You will of course need a modified PSP/memory card and free space to run the games, but there are many tutorials out there to show you exactly how to do this. 

PSP Download Center is a cinch to sign up for and get started with.  It took me maybe 20 minutes to get everything set up.  It was definitely worth the one-time fee because it meant I didn't have to go to any game or electronics stores to look for games, and I saved big time on space since I didn't have to carry around a bunch of different disks.  


As with most download/membership sites, it's totally risk free as there's a 7-day moneyback period where you can get your money back, guaranteed, no questions asked, if you aren't happy with it.

Odds are, though, that you will be.  If you want to get unlimited PSP downloads for movies and anything else you want to play on your PSP without having to spend a fortune, PSP Download Center is highly recommended.

Give PSP Download Center a try

What Should I Buy: Xbox 360 or PS3?

With Microsoft recently cutting the price of the Xbox 360 Elite down to $299 and the holiday season now approaching, it's time to ask that age-old question once again.  What should I buy: an Xbox 360 or a PS3?

Well, now that price is no longer a deciding factor (the PS3 and the 360 Elite are both running for $299), this decision is a little tougher.  If there are specific games you want (Fable and its predecessors, for example, are made exclusively for the Xbox and PC), that's something to take into account.  I'm not going to get into the details of which games are exclusive to which platforms, but you can visit this link to see a breakdown of how the two consoles rate against each other.

Now, there is the issue of the new PS3 Slim.  This is also running at $299 and has been pre-ordered by many consumers; how many of them are Xbox 360 owners is yet to be seen, but an interesting question to consider.

These days, in terms of hardware, the two consoles rate very closely.  It's much like the PC processor debate of whether to get an AMD or Intel processor: an undeniably hot subject of debate because the two processors are so similar, but the AMD's slightly lower price range vs. Intel's slightly better technology is frequently a deciding factor.  Where the Xbox 360 and PS3 are concerned, they both are priced the same, and their hardware is basically the same (though Microsoft is arguably leading in that department, as is proven by the 360's more powerful GPU). Both consoles are capable of acting as DVD players and can connect to the internet, so there's really no debate there, either.

That said, the main factor in the question of "what should I buy?" between the Xbox 360 or PS3 is primarily games.  If you're trying to decide which console to buy, your best bet is to find the one that's going to give you the games you want. The 360 arguably has a slightly larger game selection, but this is really a matter of personal preference.

Microsoft is likely going to be targeting the casual gaming market due to the 360's userbase already being saturated with hardcore gamers, and Sony will be turning its sight to these gamers.

However, one interesting thing to note is that the Xbox 360 is the only console that will officially stream Netflix videos, so if you are a dedicated Netflixer, you may want to consider this before deciding which console to invest in.

Tech-Ex: Microsoft Cuts Xbox 360 Elite Price $100

Tech-Ex: Microsoft Cuts Xbox 360 Elite Price $100

Shared via AddThis

Xbox 360 Red Light Fix Pro Repair Guide: Review

If you've ever owned an Xbox 360, you may have experienced one very common problem.  You go to power up your Xbox, and suddenly 3 of the 4 green lights around the light ring are suddenly red.  This is known as the Red Ring of Death (or RROD), and 35% of all Xbox 360 owners experience it at some point. Considering how many people own Xboxes, that's a pretty high number.

Now, there are a few ways to go about fixing the Xbox 360 RROD error.  Either you can:

1. Scrap your console and buy a new one
2. Send it to Microsoft or a console repair shop
3. Try to repair it yourself

Option one is usually the most costly, especially since Xboxes still run at around $300 depending on where you buy.  Option two is sometimes good, depending on whether your Xbox 360 is still under warranty, in which case Microsoft has to fix it.  This option takes up to a month or more for you to get your console back, however.

The third option is becoming more popular these days.  Because the RROD problem is so common, many savvy console users have put together repair guides.  These guides help you diagnose the exact cause of your RROD, then walk you through the repair process.  Not only are you saving a ton of money by investing in a repair guide, but you're also gaining valuable knowledge that you may need to fix the Xbox 360 RROD error for your next console if this happens again - or even for a friend's Xbox 360, if it happens to them as well.

There are a ton of repair guides out there, but the one I chose to repair my Xbox was the Xbox 360 Red Light Fix Pro.  Most of these guides promise to get your console up and running pretty fast, but I chose this one because of the guarantee that I'd be able to use my Xbox again normally within 2 hours. The other reason I chose this guide was the moneyback guarantee of 8-weeks to get a full refund (I didn't have to return my guide, but it was nice to have that security).

Whether you're interested in the free ebook they offer or not, the repair guide itself is pretty straightforward.  It's in PDF format so you get access to the download as soon as you buy it.  It's got clear instructions and a checklist of all the tools you need for the repair (which are few).  It's also got pictures to guide you through the process, which I found very helpful, since I'm not good at translating instructions to action in my head.

They also include high-def instructional videos on the site, which means you don't actually have to read the PDF guide at all if you choose not to.  I ended up combining the two, resorting to the videos when I wasn't sure what to do.

If you want a quick, easy way to fix the Xbox 360 RROD error, I highly recommend the Xbox 360 Red Light Fix Pro.  It'll save you money in the long run and get your console up and running really fast.  If you don't want to do it yourself, though, your best bet is probably to send it to Microsoft or try to find a repair shop.  I don't suggest buying a brand new console when there are resources like this available.


To learn how to fix your Xbox 360 RROD fast, click here

Best Video Game Rental Services: GameFly Review

If you're just starting up your game testing career, or if you're tired of going to the video store to rent games, there's an online solution: GameFly.

GameFly is essentially the Netflix of gaming. They provide unlimited game rentals through mail-in, just like Netflix does for movies. You choose the game you want from their website, they mail it to you, and you play it for as long as you want. Then when you want to get a new game, you send it back in the pre-paid envelope provided by them.

Their selection quality is very large, with over 7000 titles currently offered. They also offer games for pretty much every console on the market (excluding older ones like SNES/Sega Genesis), including handhelds like the PSP, Gamecube, and GBA.

Their delivery times are quite fast; I would usually receive a game within 2-5 days after ordering. I live in a residential area and have my mail delivered right to my mailbox (instead of a post box), so this made things really convenient. It was also nice to have access to any game I wanted as opposed to going to the video store and finding that they either don't carry the game at all, or it's out of stock.

In terms of price, I've found GameFly to be very reasonable. I usually rent between 6-8 games a month, which would be $40+ from a video store. GameFly charges a flat fee of $22.95 (plus any applicable tax) to have 2 games out at a time. You can have up to four games out at a time if you choose that plan. Personally, I chose the cheaper option ($15.95) to have one game at a time, just because I mostly focus on just one at a time anyway. Breaking this down, it worked out to about $2.50-3.00 per game, where I'd pay $6 or $7 at Blockbuster - and then got hit with late fees sometimes, when I'd forget to return it on time.

Shipping is free, and there are no late fees, obviously.

If you want to cancel, you can do so online or by phone. Your login and list of games you've rented or want to rent are saved for one year, and there aren't any cancellation or reactivation fees.

They also offer a rewards system, where you earn discounts and rewards the longer you stay a member. And their "Keep" feature lets you buy the games you've rented if you really enjoy them. Game manuals and cases are included and shipped with no additional fees, which is another nice bonus.

Also, if a game ever gets lost in the mail, GameFly doesn't charge you or hold you responsible for it.

Bottom line: GameFly is a great alternative for renting games, and will save you a good chunk of change in the long run. If you rent or buy games regularly, or if you've just gotten a new system and want to try out a few games, this is a great option. If you like the convenience of having games delivered to you, this is also ideal. GameFly ensures that you basically never have to rent or buy games from any other source.

If you don't like waiting for games in the mail or if you're not a fan of Netflix-style services, you're probably best sticking to video stores for your game rentals.

Visit GameFly to learn more or use Coupon Code TENDAY to start your 10-day free trial today to GameFly

Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter: Worth the price tag?

If you own an Xbox 360, chances are you've wanted to sync your PC with your Xbox at some point. Wireless adapters that you can plug directly into your Xbox can do this.

The Xbox 360 wireless network adapter runs at roughly $76, which seems pretty high for a little chip that's going to sync your PC and Xbox. So let's look at some of the pros and cons.

Pros:
-Very easy to use
-Plug and play for real: plug it in and it works
-Hassle-free, especially compared to offbrand adapters
-Looks great on the Xbox; snaps into place and prevents cable clutter
-Has a larger range than most network adapters, which is especially advantageous if you live in a large house or have PC and console in different rooms

Cons:
-Expensive

Bottom line: If you're willing to shell out a few extra bucks for ease of use and ergonomic design, this adapter is worth it.

If this is too expensive for you, consider the Xbox 360 wireless gaming receiver instead. It's slightly cheaper at $50, but you sacrifice range (as you have to have your PC and Xbox close enough to run a cable between).

Lazy Video Game Player Makes $150 a Day: is This for Real or a Scam?

Gamer Testing Ground is a membership site for people interested in starting a career in video game testing. You have three options for membership: a 6-month, year-long, or 2-year-long subscription. $35 for 6 months, $40 for a year, and $45 for two years (the best value.)

Gamer Testing Ground is membership-based because its content is frequently updated depending on changes made in the video game industry (and those changes are frequent). So instead of buying an outdated book or manual, you're getting access to the most recent information about jobs as a video game tester.

That's what I like best about this site, and why I chose it over buying a how-to for video game testers. The information is also presented in a very user-friendly, straightforward way. It's very easy to navigate.

Basically, once you sign up for membership, you'll see this:



In the beginning, you'll learn exactly what's involved with the process of becoming a game tester: personal requirements (age, your own level of commitment, attention to detail, for example), how your previous experience playing games comes into play, what your resume looks like right now, how many consoles/platforms you own, etc.

In fact, Gamer Testing Ground has an entire chapter devoted to building your resume, so you don't need to go out and buy additional materials to learn how to create the best resume. And believe me, you will need a good-looking resume to get a job in this field.

There's also a section that lists the best resources for posting your resume.

Where the primary benefit of Gamer Testing Ground comes in, though, is chapter 7. This chapter discusses all the big name game companies that are hiring, who to contact, and exactly how to get in with them.

So the bottom line is, you're investing $35-50 for a how-to manual on how to make yourself attractive to game companies, and constantly updated resources that give you information about legitimate companies who hire game testers.

And the good news is, the resource list is constantly being updated and added to, as more companies offer game tester jobs.

If you're worried about not getting your money's worth, there's an 8-week moneyback guarantee. So Gamer Testing Ground is totally risk-free.

I highly recommend Gamer Testing Ground to anyone who wants a step-by-step guide to becoming a video game tester, and who's willing to make a minimal investment for it. After all, you could go out and spend thousands of dollars on a college education to learn how to do this. I personally didn't have that much dough to shell out, and $35 is a lot easier to afford than $35,000.

Click here to visit Gamer Testing Ground.

Mod Your Wii Without a Mod Chip

If you're a Wii owner, you may have been disappointed by the lack of features available with the basic Wii design. On its own, the Wii is limited to playing games made specifically for the Wii and can only play videos if you have an SD card.

Many Wii owners resort to buying expensive mod chips in order to increase their console's functionality. These chips cost upwards of $50 and can even damage your Wii if they aren't installed correctly.

Up until recently, there was no way to unlock the full range of features in your Wii (playing Homebrew games on your Wii, DVDs, DivX movies, download Homebrew applications, download and play Wii games, backup and play your own Wii games, etc.) without a modchip. Modchips also gave console users the ability to bypass certain legal restrictions and copyrights, making them ethically questionable.

However, there is now software that does exactly what modchips do - and in a way that is totally legal and much easier. It's also safer for you, especially if you have no technical experience with removing parts from your Wii. This software prevents you from ever having to open your console at all.

This software is also compatible with system update 4.1.  It's called HomebreWare.

HomebreWare gives you:

-Ability to Play DVDs and DivX Movies on your Wii
-Download and Play Games through the HomeBrew Channel
-Play Backup Wii Games
-Make and/or Download Backup Wii Games
-Download and use many applications on your Wii
-Play Your Backup Games, Play Imported Games that are region locked.
-Make Copies of Existing Games You Have.
-Play N64, SNES, NES and Sega Genesis Games, as well as games from other consoles.
-Unlock Safely with NO Hardware Modifications or Mod Chips Needed.
-Homebreware Lifetime Membership, Get All Future Upgrades free.

Visit this link to learn more about HomebreWare