February 2000 Volume 81 Number 2 "serving the protectors"
By Mike Horsfall

SYSTEM HARDWARE

Once again, the time has come to look at our PCs’ system hardware and determine what is really needed to play the latest and greatest games or run the latest applications.

The latter is really not an issue, as all but those very outdated systems (which probably didn’t survive Y2K) will reliably run most existing Office-type applications like word processing, and basic spreadsheets and data bases. To run these programmes, your PC will want at least a Pentium 166 processor with 32MB of RAM and just about any video card.

But games are the real carnivores of PC hardware. A 3D-accelerated video card is essential for the serious PC gamer. Not so long ago, any accelerated card would do the job. Now, we need at least 16 MB of video memory on board - and many will want 32 MB.

When it comes to system memory (RAM), look at 128 MB and you’ll probably be happy for a few more months at least. Also, make sure you have at least 8 GB of hard disk space and a good quality 17-inch monitor. There are many new sound cards on the market, like the SoundBlaster Live and Diamond Monster MX range, but the quality of sound produced by most proprietary sound cards will still suit most people.

HOMEWORLD

Our land has become a barren wasteland nearing the end of its geological life. As we struggle merely to survive, many of us now question our existence. Why are we here? Where did we come from? And where are we heading? Is this really the life we were meant to live?

These questions now haunt the people of Kharak. Recent genetic research suggests that they are different from other forms of life on their planet. After the discovery of an ancient tablet long hidden in the Great Banded Desert, they must now acknowledge the inescapable truth - they are aliens to this world. And so begins the search for their Homeworld.

Homeworld is a 3D real-time strategy game featuring incredible graphics and wonderful audio, both perfectly suited to the gameplay. Throughout your journey, be prepared to take command of the entire armada or each individual ship. There will be resources to harvest and derelict vessels to salvage - every skerrick will be vital to your mission. Be prepared to mount attacks and adjust your strategies to suit changing conditions and a variety of enemies. All must be controlled to ensure the safety of the colony on its epic journey home.

To ensure Homeworld isn’t quickly mastered and forgotten, players have the ability to engage in 16 single-player missions or play on-line with seven others. Altering fuel consumption and colour schemes can also customize the game. During the mission, players will utilize research to construct 54 ships ranging from light fighters to huge carriers. And all the action is presented in full colour 3D environments. It’s hard to imagine anyone not being satisfied with the features and gameplay of Homeworld.

To play Homeworld you will need a multimedia Windows 95/98 or NT PC with at least a Pentium II 233 with 32MB RAM and about 100MB of HD space. To experience the full wonder, a 12 MB 3D-accelerated video card is recommended with a Pentium II 350, 64 MB RAM and 400 MB of disk space.

Installation should present no problems. Look for a patch at your favourite Web site or let me know and I can e-mail it to you (for best performance the game patch should be installed).

For the opportunity to win a copy of this fantastic game, put your details on the back of a used envelope (but not your postcode) and address it to Mike Horsfall, Sturt Police Station (12) Homeworld.

iSTYLE - PERSONAL MAKEOVER

It’s an interactive beauty consultant right at your fingertips. Choose a hair style for that special occasion; prepare cosmetics and match the accessories - it’s all there. iStyle Personal Makeover is a complete tool for hair and makeup.

With over 500 hairstyles and hundreds of hair tints, there’s every opportunity to find the perfect look. Work on any of the supplied faces or work on yourself. Now you really can see what that new hairstyle will look like - before it’s too late.

Once the style is selected it’s time to put on the makeup, and the iStyle makeup kit includes dozens of brush sizes and applicators to apply eyeliner, lipstick, foundation and more.

But you’re not left on your own. See exactly how to do it right with 25 unique “how-to” videos. Get pointers on skin care, hairstyles and applying makeup. Use the Internet for more product information, and to make sure you have all the latest styles and colours in your personal makeup kit.

To use iStyle you will need a multimedia Windows 95/98 PC with at least a Pentium 133 (Pentium II 266 preferred) 16 - 64 MB RAM and about 50MB of HD space. Also included is Microsoft NetMeeting for on-line chat and sharing of styles and a 56K modem is recommended.

Installation uses the standard Autorun feature. The programme, however, does seem to be a little untidy. It would not run on our standard nVIDIA Video Drivers (reverting to older Diamond drivers solved the problem), and a setting of full screen video playback also caused errors.

For the opportunity to win one of two copies of this fantastic programme, put your details on the back of a used envelope (but not your postcode) and address it to Mike Horsfall, Sturt Police Station (12) Style.

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