New MAME 0.128 verson in short.

After reading over the release notes from the developers; I am going to give a real short overview on what is happening. More will be added to this post as more info becomes available.

The major change will be te ability to play laserdisc games without the need for Daphne. As you may know, the Daphne emulator checks the disc before it will allow you to play the. Funny thing is, it downloads ALL laserdisc game all at once (this takes some time), but again, you can't play any of them without Daphne scanner the real deal first.

Well, the new mame release will allow you to play these and the only thing you need is the .chd file. This feature is still under development.

So, the bad news. As of right now, the neogeo games are not working correctly. The neogeo.zip you used to use WILL NOT work with this. So your options are:

- Use an older mame.
- Use Winkawaks to play neogeo games.

Detailed release notes are at here, or view below.

Shoutbox in index...the easy way.

I was in a pickle getting my shoutbox to show on the index. Everywhere I looked had instructions that were either not for the version I have (phpBB3), of the were many steps involved.

So how did I do it?

1. Install the Ajax Chat Module here. It takes about 3 minutes and all you really do it copy the "chat" folder over to your phpbb home directory aka root, then in the URL go to http://yourwebsite/phpbb/chat/install.php.
2. Once Chat is installed, make a new webpage called "chatbox.html" (no content yet, just blank page) and FPT it in your theme/template folder.
3. Now go ACP and go to Syles tab, then Templates>your_template_name. In the drop-down, find your new (chatbox.html) page that you just sent. When you see it, it should be blank.
4. Copy and paste this code: Remember to change the paths! Then SAVE.

<table width="100%" border="0">
<tr>
<td><IFRAME SRC="http://www.mameaddicts.com/phpBB3/chat/" WIDTH=1000 HEIGHT=400 FRAMEBORDER=1 SCROLLING=auto></IFRAME></td>

5. Now, go to the drop-down and choose index_body.html. Copy and paste this code where you want you shoutbox to appear.

<!-- INCLUDE chatbox.html -->

I added mine right below were my title and links are. If you want it there, then find
<!-- INCLUDE overall_header.html -->, and paste after it.

Wuala! You now have a secure full-functioning shoutbox.

My New Laptop, and Advice on Buying One.

After years of getting used laptops as payment for in home computer repair / installation (I load them with Ubuntu Linux and OpenOffice and them give them to people who can't afford a laptop.); I decided that I would spoil myself and get one. Please read the bottom to help save you $40 on your next computer purchase. Since this has Vista SP1, I had to use MAME32 ++ UI.

The Acer Aspire T5800!

Its features are:

• Intel® Centrino® processor technology with interrelated Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor T5800
  Intel® GM45 Express chipset, Intel® Wi-Fi Link 5100 (802.11a/b/g/n) and extended battery life capability.
• The next-generation Intel® Core™2 Duo processor
  Based on the innovative Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, so it runs faster and is more energy-efficient for cooler, quieter operation.
• 3GB DDR2 memory
  For multitasking power; expandable to 4GB; 667MHz frontside bus, 2MB L2 cache and 2.0GHz processor speed.
• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
  Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media.
• 16" AcerCrystal TFT-LCD widescreen display
  With 1366 x 768 resolution brings your movies and games to life; Acer GridVista allows simultaneous multiwindow viewing.
• 320GB serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
  Provides plenty of storage space and fast read/write times.
• Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD graphics
  With up to 1759MB of memory with Intel® Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0. Dolby 8-optimized surround sound with 2 stereo speakers and Acer Tuba CineBass (subwoofer). HDMI output.
• 5-in-1 media reader
  Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card for easy digital photo transfer.
• Built-in Acer Crystal Eye webcam
  Makes it east to video chat with friends and family.
• 3 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
  For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
• Built-in Ethernet connectivity with RJ-45 port
  With 56 Kbps modem for easy Internet access.
• Weighs 7.5 lbs. and measures just 1.7" thin
  For portable power.
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled
  Software package included with NTI Media-Maker, Acer Empowering Technology and more; trial version of Microsoft Office also included.
• Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

ADVICE FROM AN COMPUTER GEEK YOU SHOULD FOLLOW!

IF they ask you if you want a "Recovery Disc" or "BackUp Disc" made, SAY NO!
Save yourself the $40 because as soon as you turn on a Vista PC, and you finish the set up (Add your username, and name your computer, network DHCP which is automatically done) , it will prompt you to make a "Recovery Disc". All you do in put your DVD-R / DVD+R disc in and it will start burning a recovery for you.

So, if you can't plug in a cable and spell your name, then maybe you should shell out the $40?

Metriod MeTaL, and First Post

For my first post, I thought I would share a really good remake of the Metroid theme song with a HeAvY MeTaL sound. It is baddAzz! Click Play button on the player below.

The band offers their collection for FREE DOWNLOAD HERE!

Metriod Theme MeTa...