March 2000 Volume 81 Number 3 "serving the protectors"
By Mike Horsfall

MORE RAM

If your system is lacking in the RAM area - and you’re operating with Windows 98 - search out one of the less often used features of your operating system.

Click the Start button and go to Programs > Accessories > System Tools. Select the System Information Tab to display a dialogue box that will present a rundown of your system’s resources. These can be expanded upon later at your leisure. Click on Tools on the Menu Bar and select the System Configuration Utility. This will display another dialogue box with several tabs. Explore them all, but don’t make any changes just yet as the Tab you’re really interested in is Startup. This lists all the programs your system loads (into RAM) when the PC opens Windows 98.

Often there is little need to run some (if not all) of the programs listed, so simply uncheck the ones you don’t consider necessary and then re-boot the computer. The result may be the freeing of a little more memory for those hungrier games that just don’t seem to run smoothly on your PC. Words of warning though: before uninstalling the associated programs, don’t forget to undo the process by rechecking the relevant Startup items and re-booting. While it is unlikely to cause any problems, failing to re-check the entries will cause them to remain on the list, even if the program is no longer installed.

Those who experience problems on their PC from time to time may also want to experiment with this process to locate any problem applications. Uncheck them one at a time in an attempt to locate the offending program. With the PCs running a little smoother it might be time to try out a new game.

WARCRAFT II BATTLE.NET

WarCraft II Battle.net Edition is a real-time strategy game which, like its predecessors - WarCraft and WarCraft II - is an enjoyable and entertaining game.

The aim is to battle for supremacy in the Land of Atheroth. There are two factions - the Humans and the Orcs. After players choose their race it’s all go. The resources of the land are gold, lumber and oil, and all are required to build and protect their colonies and then ultimately conquer the enemy.

The game is played on land using servants and troops - which includes wizards and knights - the air using flying machines and beasts; the sea using ships and submarines. Organize your colony and plan your defensive and attacking forces and the battle is nearly won - except that your opponent has other ideas.

For those familiar with WarCraft II, this edition is not much different, except that the game is now Windows-based as opposed to DOS-based. Multiplayer functions of the game have been enhanced to include allying and shared vision, and there are now over 100 new battlefields from which to choose.

The game developer, Blizzard, has also set up a Battle.net gaming service which enables players to play against up to seven other opponents world wide using the Internet. Features of this Battle.net gaming include global player rankings, tournaments and challenge ladders. The game also has a custom map editor that allows players to design their own maps.

The minimum system requirements are very friendly, only requiring a Windows 98/95 operating system, Pentium 60, 16 MB RAM, 80 MB disk space, two CD ROM, an SVGA video card and a mouse. The game is also suitable for Macintosh systems.

Overall, the game is very enjoyable with great sounds and visuals. As you play and enjoy the game, remember WarCraft III is coming soon.

HARLEY DAVIDSON - RACE ACROSS AMERICA

A recent release from Wizard Works, Race Across America, puts players in the seat of their own Harley Davidson® as they race across the America.

There’s a choice of five different Harleys, including classic and current models, or players can create and ride their own fully customized Harley Davidson. Throughout the journey, be prepared to face challenging competitors, unpredictable roads and intense weather conditions. Network and Internet play is also available.

To play Race Across America you will need a multimedia Windows 95/98 PC with at least a Pentium 200 with 32MB RAM and about 200MB of HD space - 3D-acceletration is highly recommended.

Some lateral thinking will also be required as the installation process is severely flawed - during Police Journal tests on a number of PCs, the game would not install as per instructions. To install Race Across America you will need to copy the entire CD to a folder on your hard disk and run the set-up file from there. Once installed no problems are experienced. Graphics were presentable and sounds were good.

Race Across America is ideally suited to the Harley Davidson fan, and will probably be available in most larger PC shops. At about $25 it’s suitably priced.

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