The art of hacking in a technological world is generally a negative thing. To hack into something, usually means a breach in security and some form of data altered. However, hacking, and being particularly skilled at it, can pay off – if the skills are used appropriately.

Shane Kelly, age 16, became the world’s youngest person to pass the Certified Ethical Hacker course. Because of his dedication and precision, there are some big people very interested in utilizing his mad skills.

Hacks can be used for good! Programming something to “hack” into a problem you’re encountering, like with say your website development or network. Hacking can be viewed as a positive thing, and quite frankly, the biggest networks and programs are developed by hackers. You have to know how to get into it to be able to prevent access to it, right?

Now, by no means am I saying that it is okay to hack into someone else’s property, or copyrighted works like programs and applications, but hacking should not always be viewed as illegal. Take those skills and go work for someone who can really benefit from them. Internet companies, software companies, police departments. Fight crime! Slip into your bat-suit and get involved in the criminal investigation sector of a police department. After all, they are likely to more fully utilize your hacking super-powers (and you’d get paid for it).

We here at ArsGeek want to know what YOU think about this announcement.  Are you excited?  Pensive?  Will this get you to build a new gaming rig or could you care less?  Here’s what I loved about the previous versions and what I’m hoping for in the new one.

1. Lots of hacking and slashing.
2. Super easy interface.  You can pretty much play the whole game using your mouse.
3. Dynamic play - levels are never the same, multiplayer is free and fun, neat items, the ability to mod your own items in D2.
4. I get to crush demons like they were over ripe tomatos.  Seriously, that’s fun!

That’s why this video has my heart beating faster and my wife getting worried.

I’ve watched it a number of times and I’ve gotten that old feeling again.  For the first time in a long time I’m really anticipating the release of a new game.  Anticipating it in my bones.   This has the potential to be one of the greatest games of whenever the heck it’s launched.  Even better than Duke Nukem Forever.  If Blizzard sticks to their successful format and doesn’t change the game beyond all recognition.

Diablo was really my first good multiplayer experience, set up in a rental house I shared with a couple of other gamers.  Here was Moria (Nethack) with a beautiful skin!  It was my gaming dream.   When Diablo 2 arrived, and later with the LOD expansion I was again in heaven.  Even my wife, who’s not really a gamer, enjoyed the hell out of it.  We’ve played several characters into the upper 60s and had lots of fun with this game.

From the sound of it, they won’t depart to far from their original blueprint, while updating the game enough to give me some other reason to play it than just having shiny new graphics.  It’s still tied to Battle.net - which can be good and bad, but I’ll take it.  Just please, please don’t saddle this thing with some uber-intrusive  DRM crap Blizzard, that and good game play is all I ask!

They’ll be launching with 5 character classes (including a revamped Barbarian and the Witch Doctor who looks to be a Necromancer replacement) which will be customizable.  I’m assuming they’ll have something like or better than the gems and jewels of D2 to upgrade items.  DETAILS!  I need them!

If you haven’t checked out the Diablo universe yet, you can grab the whole series for $30 from Amazon.  It’s very much worth it.  It’s something to say that a game that came out years ago is still playable, and still ranks up there with my favorite titles that I’m currently playing.

If you’d like to get even deeper into it than that - Blizzard is hiring a whole horde of people to make this game.   Now’s your chance to get in on this franchise if you have 3D artistry skills or are a coding guru.

Technorati Tags: diablo, blizzard, itchy mouse fingers, can’t wait, computers, games, video games, WOW can go blow

Here’s the official press release:

StreamMyGame.com announced today that its software now enables 2D applications as such as Microsoft Office as well as 3D games to be used remotely on low spec Windows notebooks, Linux devices and the PlayStation 3.

StreamMyGame.com offers its members the flexibility to use their 2D applications installed on a main PC on any other PC or Linux device in their home or home office. The application does not need to be installed on the remote PC/device. Their applications can be viewed at HDTV resolution and two people can simultaneously use the same application making it easy to collaborate.

All 2D applications can be used including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, XP Media Center and even Photoshop along with commercial applications such as MYSQL Administrator and SAP’s Database Manager.

Gamers who use Valve’s Steam network can now use StreamMyGame to remotely see Steam’s 2D launcher. They can start games such as Half Life 2, Counter Strike Source and Team Fortress and then record, broadcast and stream them, even to the PlayStation 3.

“Our members wanted to be able to launch and play their Steam games remotely,” said Richard Faria CEO. “We have delivered that and provided them with the ability to access email and use other office applications as if they were in front of their PC,” he said. “Now they can play games and use applications anywhere around the home”.

StreamMyGame will extend its services in late March 2008 to enable games and applications to be used remotely over broadband networks and will release an office version of its technology later this year.

“Our new Linux player contains many optimisations including the use of the Cell’s multi-core architecture. It has improved video playback with a higher gamut and deeper blacks to provide high quality HDTV streaming,” said Richard.

StreamMyGame software is available free by simply registering at http://www.StreamMyGame.com/

Customers can use the free service or subscribe for $9.99 per year for resolutions up to HDTV 720p or $19.99 per year for higher resolutions.

Technorati Tags: streammygames, windows, linux, technology, computers, applications, office, ps3, playstation, neato

1. Increased graphics performance is needed.
2. You should move out of your parent’s basement.
3. Less power consumption is a good thing.

Two out of three ain’t bad for this giant video card creating group.

They’ve created something called Gforce Boost. This technology works by “combining the processing power of the traditional NVIDIA GeForce-based graphics card with that of the second GPU integrated into the motherboard core logic. ”

The power consumption angle is worked by allowing the computer to switch from using one or, if you have an SLI setup, multiple GPUs to the onboard GPU sitting on your mobo. If you’re just tooling around on the web or writing up a nasty retort to your guild members in word, you won’t be using your “discreet” GPUs (the onese you plug into slots) but only the onboard GPU, allowing your computer to suck down less power.

This tech works with the Gforce 8400, 8500 or 8800 series GPUs, and currently the nForce 7 series or GeForce 8200 mGPU mobos, with some Intel manufactured names to be dropped shortly.

Read on for the official press release.

NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA), the world leader in visual computing technologies, today announced the industry’s first hybrid technology for PC platforms — Hybrid SLI — that addresses two critical issues: increasing graphics performance and reducing power consumption. NVIDIA Hybrid SLI technology will be incorporated into a wide variety of graphics and motherboard desktop and notebook products that the Company is rolling out for both AMD and Intel desktop and notebook computing platforms throughout 2008.

“From the introduction of programmable GPUs to the rapid adoption of our multi-GPU SLI technology, NVIDIA has repeatedly pioneered and innovated to solve difficult problems for the industry. We believe Hybrid SLI technology is one of the most important innovations we’ve come up with to date,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, CEO of NVIDIA. “Hybrid SLI delivers new multi-GPU technology to a large segment of the PC market, delivering consumers a level of PC graphics performance and power efficiency never before seen.”

First disclosed in June 2007, NVIDIA Hybrid SLI technology is based on the Company’s market-leading GeForce graphics processor units (GPUs) and SLI multi-GPU technology. Hybrid SLI enables NVIDIA motherboard GPUs (mGPUs) to work cooperatively with discrete NVIDIA GPUs (dGPUs) when paired in the same PC platform. Hybrid SLI provides two new technologies — GeForce Boost and HybridPower — that allow the PC to deliver graphics performance for today’s applications and games when 3D graphics horsepower is required, or transition to a lower-powered operating state when not.

For lower energy consumption and quieter PC operation, HybridPower allows the PC to switch processing from a single GPU or multiple GPUs in SLI configuration to the onboard motherboard GPU. HybridPower is most useful in situations where graphics horsepower is not required, such as high definition movie playback on a notebook platform or simple e-mail or Internet browsing on a desktop. It is also beneficial for those users who want a quiet operating state with reduced thermals and noise. For notebooks, HybridPower can also dramatically extend battery life by up to 3 hours. When a game or application is started that requires the additional 3D horsepower, the PC can automatically transition back to the discrete graphics cards and power up the 3D capabilities all transparent to the end useri.

For applications where 3D performance is required, GeForce Boost turbo-charges 3D operation by combining the processing power of the traditional NVIDIA GeForce-based graphics card with that of the second GPU integrated into the motherboard core logic. In media-rich applications, both GPUs work in tandem to render the combined images with the end user benefiting from the increase in performance and frame rate. For typical games and 3D applications, GeForce Boost can kick in automatically, resulting in a greatly enhanced consumer experience.

NVIDIA is the recognised market leader for GPU desktop and notebook solutions for both Intel and AMD platforms and has a full lineup of Hybrid SLI-capable graphics and motherboard products planned for 2008. New Hybrid SLI-capable products include the upcoming NVIDIA nForce 780a, nForce 750a, nForce 730a media and communication processors (MCPs) for AMD CPUs, which will be released later this month, as well as the new GeForce 8200 — the industry’s first micro-ATX motherboard solution with an onboard Microsoft® DirectX® 10-compliant motherboard GPU. NVIDIA Hybrid SLI notebooks as well as desktop products designed for Intel CPUs will be available next quarter.

For more information on Hybrid SLI technologies, including GeForce Boost and HybridPower, please visit http://www.nvidia.com/object/hybrid_sli.html

Technorati Tags: nvidia, sli, hybrid, gaming, gpu, 3d, high end, computers, technology, video games

I’d like to introduce the newest bit of computing that we’re going to be taking a look at here at ArsGeek.  It just arrived today - the VyePC S37. 

This little computer sports an 800Mhz Intel processor, an Intel 945GU onboard graphics processor, 2 GB of RAM, a 32GB solid state hard drive, wireless, touchscreen tablet goodness and weighs in at about 2.2 pounds (with the battery). 

There will be a full review of this UMPC in a few weeks once I’ve had a chance to put it through it’s paces.  Here’s a picture with a standard USB keyboard and a 17″ LCD behind the S37.

Blogged with Flock

Tags: vyepc, umpc, mini computers, mini-v, vista, 7 inches of fury, touch screen, mobile power

I just had a chance to download and start using Flock and I am loving it. Yes, it’s a tad slower than Firefox but the tools and integration it comes with are great!

It allows you to upload photos to flickr directly, drop videos into YouTube, check on the status of your Twitter account, see who’s online that you’re friendly with on any of these sites and more.

In fact, I’m posting this to ArsGeek via the Flock blogging tool. It’s not perfect - I can’t upload images directly to the blog but I’m still enjoying it. And best of all, it’s native to Linux, Windows and OSX.

If you’re interested in trying it out on your Ubuntu install (or any other distro) just download it, copy the compressed file to your home directory, right click on it and uncompress and then double click on the script file called ‘flock’.

Blogged with Flock

Tags: flock, social websites, web 9.0

Goozex,

The site looks pretty sweet, with games available for just about every platform out there.  100 points will get you on mid-demand game.  Plus you pay $1 per trade to Goozex itself. Here’s more:

New members simply need to register with Goozex and activate their account to receive the free 100 Goozex points. After joining, members can search and request the nearly 4,000 titles available at that point price. The Goozex game trading system will match the requests and new members can start receiving games in a matter of days depending on the supply and demand of titles.

“We are excited to introduce Goozex in a new way that benefits everyone in our community,” said Valerio Zanini, CEO of Goozex, Inc. Valerio continued, “We have one of the fastest growing gaming communities and we want to start to reach out to a broader audience of gamers who are ready to start trading games. And because you can do so much more on Goozex besides trading, we expect our new members to really value the services we offer.”

The promotion will run from November 5 through November 31, 2007.

Kudos Phoenix, it’s about time.

Technorati Tags: bloodspell, nwn, movies, awesome

I can certainly see myself tooling around in a Caddy like this, the wind buffeting my hair as I do a cool 22 MPH, my scarf blowing behind me as I startle horses and humans alike.

After removing those, I found two psuedo tupperware containers with the remains of some ancient sandwiches. Ouch, those can go.

This is good, right?  I’ve removed about 1/10th of a pound worth of plastic so far.

Okay, two thumb drives, gotta keep those to transfer files.  Two LED mini-flashlights, useful in black outs or surviving zombie uprisings.  My paperback. . . nope, going to keep that too.

Two pens, a first aid kit, a plastic baggie with some tylenol and cold medicine, chapstick, 17 cents.  Okay, the pennies can go.  An old gum wrapper can go as well.

So, after sorting out my entire bag I’ve removed a few bits of plastic and made room for one new DS game, and space in case I happen to receive any new gadgets, like say a largish laser.

How much tech is too much tech?

Technorati Tags: tech, too much, gadgets, backpacks, 36 pounds of crap

There’s an unrepresented minority amongst gamers - folks who love video games but have difficulties playing them because of their bodies. COGAIN - COmmunication by GAze INteraction is bringing together scientists, game designers and universities to address the needs of these players.

A quick sampling of papers being presented looks very interesting.

• ‘Gamepad and Eye Tracker Input in FPS Games: Data for the First 50 Minutes’
• ‘Magic Eye Control’
• ‘Dwell time free eye typing approaches’
• ‘Hands Free Interaction with Virtual Information in a Real Environment’

From their site:
The conference is the third COGAIN conference. It is dedicated to gaze-based communication with computer systems by anyone, but primarily by people who have different types of disability.

Paper submissions are invited on all aspects of gaze-based communications. This year’s special theme, however, is using gaze to interact with games and virtual on-line communities, as well as with applications to express creativity. Gaze can add considerable interaction bandwidth for able-bodied or mainstream users, if measuring gaze position is not intrusive. Profoundly disabled people may find great enjoyment from participation in virtual communities as their disability need no longer be a barrier between them and the able-bodied world. Gaze-based interaction techniques can enable this. There is then the added challenge of fast real-time interaction if this user group is to participate in a world or game on an equal footing with able-bodied participants. Computer games have become such a large part of the entertainment culture, and making use of where the player is looking has yet to be exploited. Disabled users too should be able to fully engage with this form of entertainment and gaze communication offers a means to realise this. Attentive gaze responsive interfaces and applications are the focus of increasing attention. Different electronic forms of creativity and artistic expression for both disabled and able bodied people alike can benefit from the knowledge of where the user is currently looking.

COGAIN (COmmunication by GAze INteraction) is a European Union funded research Network of Excellence, which comprises 25 universities, manufacturers and end-user organizations from across the European Union together with partners from across the globe. More information about the COGAIN network can be found at www.cogain.org.

Technorati Tags: cogain, eye tracking, gaze tracking, games, video games, gaming, gamers, disabilities

From the official Google blog:

• We’re giving a full refund — as a credit card refund — to everyone who ever bought a video. We’ll need you to make sure we have your most recent credit card information, but once we know where to send the money, you’ll get it.

• You can still keep the Google Checkout credit that you’ve received already. Think of it as an additional ‘we’re sorry we goofed’ credit.

• We’re going to continue to support playing your videos for another six months. We won’t be offering the ability to buy additional videos, but what you’ve already downloaded will remain playable on your computer.

Technorati Tags: google, video, oops, refund, credit, no evil