History of Real-time Strategy Games

Real-time strategy (RTS) games are arguably the most popular genre on PC and rightly so, as they are highly competitive and long-lasting due to the many different ways an RTS can be played. Today I want to provide you with a history of RTS that will give you an idea of where it all started.

RTS games are still a fairly new genre compared to others because early computer strategy game revolved around turn-based strategy, which whilst fun does not offer the frenetic thrills you can expect from an RTS. The following is a discussion of the most influential RTS games:

Herzog Zwei– Surprisingly enough what is now considered the first RTS game was in fact released on the Sega Megadrive back in 1989 instead of the PC. The game focused mainly on split screen multiplayer action, (Yes that’s right a split screen RTS) where each player had a main base with several support bases, the maps also consisted of neutral bases that any player could capure and use to their advantage. What made Herzog Zwei work on the console is the control of a single unit only, with all other units acting as support,a rather ingenious move that could be implemented in future console RTS games.

Dune II– After Dune II was released the RTS front suddenly became quiet until late 1994, when Warcraft: Orcs and Humans was released by Blizzard Entertainment. This game moved away from the sci-fi aspects oof Dune II and into a magical fantasy world that was thoroughly entertaining. There are two resources to be harvested in this game; lumber and gold. The two would have to be managed successfully inn order to build a mighty war machine. The units on both sides were essentially mirror images of each other, however they still looked distinctive from each other.

Warcraft: Orcs and Humans After Dune II was released the RTS front suddenly became quiet until late 1994, when Warcraft: Orcs and Humans was released by Blizzard Entertainment. This game moved away from the sci-fi aspects oof Dune II and into a magical fantasy world that was thoroughly entertaining. There are two resources to be harvested in this game; lumber and gold. The two would have to be managed successfully inn order to build a mighty war machine. The units on both sides were essentially mirror images of each other, however they still looked distinctive from each other.

Command & Conquer– Westwood responded to the release of Warcraft in 1995 with the release of Command & Conquer, which was a spectacular evolution of the Dune II formula. Command & Conquer could have been released under a different name but Westwood decided it was time to make a fresh game without a license attached. Command & Conquer follows the story of a charismatic batle between GDI (Global Defence Inititive) and the Brotherhood of Nod, led by the ruthless Kane. The game made use of cut-scenes, which were rather cheesy but proved a hit with gamers.

Conclusion– There you have it these are the most influential games in RTS gaming history and all except Herzog Zwei have spawned various sequels and clones. In this day and age developers often merge RTS elements into other genres and it is not difficult to predict that this trend will continue as more advanced technologies are released allowing for more creative expressions from software developers. The genre may start to re-emerge on consoles, as attempts made recently have been more successful, Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars being a good example.

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Tips on How to Keep your Domain Name Safe From Theft

If you want to register domain names online, you are required to do it through an authorized domain name registrar. This is an organization or company and it provides services for domain name registration for the public. To keep your domain name safe, you need to take some precautions. Authorization for these services comes from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN, an organization that concerns directly Internet governance. A registrar can also get an authorization from its government, in order to register names for domains within a specific country code Top Level Domain name extension, or ccTLD. The responsibility of a registrar is the creation and maintenance of a WHOIS database for its own customers.

To register domain names may be a more difficult task to complete, but you can do it for sure. After the registration, there is still work to do in keeping that name safe. Numerous calls and emails made everyday concern companies who lose control or ownership of their domain names. The common problems that occur after you register domain names are due to your own employees, third parties, vandals and others. There are some helpful tips that can protect your domain name from these people.

When you register domain names, the information you send to the registrar must be correct in order to control your domain. Many companies hire web developers or Internet service providers for securing the names of their domains and for developing their websites. However, the general recommendation is to avoid such situations. You should never allow third parties to register your domain name without instructions and oversight. You must control the information you send to the registrar, in order to have any control over the name of your domain.

When you create your account with the registrar, you also establish the account number, login name and password. You should keep these a secret at all times. The password you use should contain letters, numbers, and uppercase and lowercase characters in order to keep it safe from hackers. If you forget the password, you can easily recover it. All changes to the domain account occur through the e-mail address of the registrant. If there is another email address that is trying to modify the information in your account, the registrar will not consider it valid. You should not use the e-mail of an employee or partners for registration, because in case of a difference of opinion and if that person leaves the company, you are in trouble.

You should always lock your name. If you want to register domain names online, you are required to do it through an authorized domain name registrar. This is an organization or company and it provides services for name registration for the public. To keep your name safe, you need to take some precaution. If the registrars receive a transfer request from a third party, they will send you a confirmation e-mail. If you fail to respond to that e-mail and the domain remains unlocked, the authorization for the transfer comes automatically. If you lock the domain, this will never happen. You should watch out for spam e-mails that pose as your registrar and be very careful when you respond to any information requests about your domain by mail or email. Ninety percent of them are frauds.

Do not forget to renew the registration of the name. If the e-mail is wrong, you will not get the notice for renewal and you will lose the name of your domain. You should check the information in the WHOIS database regularly to be sure that the contact and email information are accurate. If you would lose the name of your domain, some might have purchased the rights for the name of your domain in case it expires. This happens because it has a built-in traffic and they can use it for their own purposes.

The best way you can protect the name of your domain is by law. In case you lose control of the name of your domain, you can call an attorney that specializes in this area. Domain names are valuable assets for companies. Nevertheless, in order to avoid the interruption of the activities and the loss of substantial revenues, you can approach the problem from a different legal point of view. You can establish that name as a trademark. The laws concerning domains concern directly the trademark rights you have in using the words for naming your domain. This will give you a substantial advantage for keeping the name of your domain.

20 Facebook Tips/Tricks You Might Not Know

Facebook is a social networking website that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc.[1] Users can add friends and send them messages, and update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves. Additionally, users can join networks organized by city, workplace, and school or college. The website’s name stems from the colloquial name of books given at the start of the academic year by university administrations with the intention of helping students to get to know each other better. Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook with his college roommates and fellow computer science students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes while he was a student at Harvard University.[5] The website’s membership was initially limited to Harvard students, but was expanded to other colleges in the Boston area, the Ivy League, and Stanford University. It later expanded further to include any university student, then high school students, and, finally, to anyone aged 13 and over. The website currently has more than 350 million active users worldwide.[6]

Click Here to read the tips and tricks

Facebook is a social networking website that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc.[1] Users can add friends and send them messages, and update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves. Additionally, users can join networks organized by city, workplace, and school or college. The website’s name stems from the colloquial name of books given at the start of the academic year by university administrations with the intention of helping students to get to know each other better.

Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook with his college roommates and fellow computer science students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes while he was a student at Harvard University.[5] The website’s membership was initially limited to Harvard students, but was expanded to other colleges in the Boston area, the Ivy League, and Stanford University. It later expanded further to include any university student, then high school students, and, finally, to anyone aged 13 and over. The website currently has more than 350 million active users worldwide.[6]

Facebook has met with some controversy. It has been blocked intermittently in several countries including Syria,[7] China,[8] Vietnam,[9] and Iran.[10] It has also been banned at many places of work to discourage employees from wasting time using the service.[11] Privacy has also been an issue, and it has been compromised several times. Facebook settled a lawsuit regarding claims over source code and intellectual property.[12] The site has also been involved in controversy over the sale of fans and friends.[13]

A January 2009 Compete.com study ranked Facebook as the most used social network by worldwide monthly active users, followed by MySpace.[14]

There has recently been reports of Facebook proposing an initial public offering (IPO), i.e. issue equity shares in the form of stock to investors. However, Zuckerberg stresses that it will not be for a few more years, and the company is in no need of additional capital.[15][16] Also, some analysts fear the Facebook IPO might be a particularly weak one.[17]

10 Benefits of Game Testing Membership Sites

1) You’ll have the opportunity to get paid doing what you love. There’s no better feeling than being in complete control of your life.

2) You’ll receive access to cheat codes and secret levels. Having access to cheat codes and secret levels definetly gives you a heads up on all your friends.

3) You’ll have the opportunity to receive free copies of video games. Some which are unreleased. Having the opportunity to receive video games or any product that haven’t hit the stores gives you a heads up in the market.

4) You’ll gain experience in the game testing field. Experience in any field gives you the opportunity to open doors for new experiences and better chance to excell.

5) You can work from the comfort of you home. A gamers dream is to sit on the couch all day and play games. Gamertestingground gives you a guide to do just that and get paid for it.

6) You have the opportunity to work with world famous aming companies. Great for expanding you resume.

7) Gives you the opportunity to become financially independent. Becoming financially independent is what everyone in the world trys to accomplish and this is a great way to do just that.

8) It gives you the experience to outsource your playing skills independently. Outsourcing your skills is a great way to earning an extra income.

9) You’ll lower your stress levels by doing what you love. Everyone wants to live longer.

10) It gives you the opportunity to have the coolest job in your family and circle of friends.

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Satellite TV for PC – The latest innovation

Satellite TV for PC is the latest innovation which most Television viewers are turning to today. Millions of viewers around the world have already made the switch from the regular satellite dish system to the affordable and easy to install Satellite TV for PC. This is because Satellite TV for PC has some powerful advantages over the regular satellite dish and cable service.

Here you will learn exactly how you can get this service. What you need to do is go to the Satellite TV for PC website and join a small fee of 49.95$ only, this will earn you a life time membership on the website. You will then proceed to download the amazing TV software that will enable you receive over 3000 HD international channels with digital sound. The process is easy; the software is completely user friendly with clear step by step downloading and installation process instructions.

The installation process is easy, no technician required, no additional hardware or equipment required, you don’t even need to be a computer wizard to do it because once you are done downloading the software all you need to do is install in your PC and you are done. The software works perfectly with broadband and dialup internet connections. What you need to ensure is that your PC is a Pentium III or higher and the RAM is 256 and above for best reception. The site has an awesome customer service ready to assist you and answer your questions round the clock. They will also guide you on how you can connect your PC to your Television set and watch the channels on big screen. Click here for a preview of Satellite TV for PC.