DECEMBER 2005

Volume 25, No. 05, DECEMBER 14, 2005

TECHNOLOGY

Product review: The XBOX 360

Product review: The XBOX 360 games

Take steps to prevent annoying phone calls

Product review

The XBOX 360

by Z. G.

By the time you read this article, the XBOX 360 game console should have hit all the major retail stores. The XBOX 360 is the sequel to the original XBOX game console created by Microsoft. The XBOX 360 has 512 Megabytes of memory, similar to today’s mid-range PCs. It has a triple-core processor, allowing for improved performance in the performance and stability of games. Finally, it includes a blazing fast 500 megahertz ATI video card. All of these features have allowed for the best gaming performance of any console system.
At the time of launch, the XBOX 360 will have 18 available games. It will also be backwards-compatible with existing XBOX games. The XBOX 360 will come in a standard $300 edition with a wired controller. The $400 deluxe edition will come with wireless controllers and a 20 gigabyte hard drive for downloading material off XBOX Live and for playing saved music and video files. It will also include a 1 year XBOX live subscription.

Because of the complex nature of the XBOX 360, games released after the launch will have significantly better performance and graphics than the current XBOX 360 games. This is because the XBOX’s complex hardware is difficult to utilize fully.

Product review

The XBOX 360 games

by Z. G.

The latest in the video-game industry wouldn’t be that useful if it didn’t have any video games to go along with it. These games feature excellent gaming and graphics performance, and will improve as developers utilize the hardware fully.

“Call of Duty 2,” the sequel to the original game of the year, will be one of the games that is available for the XBOX 360 console. The game features authentic weapons and a more realistic damage system, along with the best graphics that have yet to hit consoles. The characters each have a full range of movements, including facial muscles and animations for running, ducking, dodging, and more.

“Halo 3” will also be a hit for the XBOX 360. The game will be built using a new engine, which means enhanced graphics, physics, and sound. Additionally, it is rumored that “Halo 3” will also be compatible with the upcoming Sony PlayStation 3.

The XBOX 360 will also have enhanced graphical capabilities that will allow for more realistic sports experience. The characters, in this game will have neck tendons that respond realistically to the players actions.

Although these games may seem advanced already, they will be getting even better. It is safe to say that games released later in the XBOX’s lifetime will be considerably better, in terms of both game play and performance.

Take steps to prevent annoying phone calls

by D. B.

People are getting tired of phone calls from telemarketers and other companies asking for money. Faculty member Jennifer Reese was so sick of receiving these calls she disconnected her home phone, and she keeps her cell phone number private. Teacher Monica Crowley signed up for a service that stops most calls. But most people aren’t as lucky as these two F. A. Day Middle School educators.

To prevent calls from telemarketers, follow the 3 steps below:

Step 1: If you don’t already have caller ID, then you can just call your phone company and ask about their caller ID service. You have to have caller ID for this to work.

Step 2: When a telemarketer calls, prepare to say this phrase “Put my number on your do-not-call list.” *** Important: You have to say the exact words or they won’t remove you. Per FCC requirements, the company can’t call you again for 10 years.

Step 3: This is the step where caller ID comes in to play, write a letter to Telephone Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association at P. O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014. Provide your name, address and home telephone number, and say that you do not want call from telemarketers. Sign the letter and keep a copy.

TIP: Ask for the name of the caller and the company’s name and address, and tell the caller you want a copy of the company’s don’t-call list. If the telemarketer doesn't give you a copy then, take action by filing a formal complaint with the government agency. Contact Know Fraud at (877) 987-3728; www.consumer.gov/knowfraud.

Companies that may also help to prevent calls are: Tps, TCPA, www.sharewareconnection.com/it-s-my-phone-.html, and DMA, National do-not- call list. NOTE: These companies may not stop all calls.

Source: www.ehow.com