http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/ Advice and information about personal computers, video games, digital cameras and photography. Each week there will be new articles posted here that will provide tips and advice. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:45:07 GMT Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/img/xbox-controller.jpg http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/ 128 128 en Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/photos/digital-photo-frames-and-what-to-look-for-when-buying-one.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/photos/digital-photo-frames-and-what-to-look-for-when-buying-one.html Digital photo frames are new products that replace old paper photo frames in displaying your photos on a desk, on a shelf or on a wall. This article explains what digital frames are, how you can use them and what you should look for when buying one. Digital photo frames are a good solution if you do not want to display your photos solely on your computer or on paper prints. Digital photo frames are an LCD screen with some electronics behind it that allows you to load photos and display them. Their design mimics old paper prints photo frames. Digital photo frames are thin devices and are designed to be placed on a desk, hung on a wall or put on a shelf... digital photography Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/games/casual-computer-games.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/games/casual-computer-games.html Computer games has always been popular. More and more people play games all over the world. A new kind of games, such as casual games, has become widespread besides console and large games, distributed on CD/DVD. The difference is in the fact that a user can download them freely from the Internet due to their small size and start playing. A small size doesn't mean that these games are not of of good quality as, for example, games for play stations. They excite gamers. The difference is only in gamers audience. Classic games are intended for so-called hard-core gamers, who are ready to spend long hours playing and perfecting their game-playing skills. They are usually teenagers; however they can be adults as well and vice versa... gaming Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/cameras/following-a-digital-photography-guide-and-learning-your-new-camera.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/cameras/following-a-digital-photography-guide-and-learning-your-new-camera.html Once you obtain your new-fangled digital camera, a reasonable chance is you're not fairly sure how to use it. For this reason a digital photography guide can coming in practical when you're learning about your new-fangled toy. If you want a digital photography guide, here are some options you have: Internet - the essential sourceThis days, the Internet is efficient as the central source for any query, trouble or interest you may have. If you are sprouting an interest in digital photography, the Net is a superior way to find what you need in a matter of seconds. Simply types in the words digital photography guide in any search engine, and you will be redirected to a number of websites that can help you with digital photography... digital camera Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/computers/simple-tips-to-make-your-computer-run-faster.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/computers/simple-tips-to-make-your-computer-run-faster.html First of all, there are two ways to make your computer run faster: hardware and software. Hardware boosting involves upgrading and adding new components to the computer to increase its speed and performance. Typical upgrades include installing more memory, purchasing a better motherboard or getting a better processor. Software optimization, on the other hand, does not require purchasing anything; it only requires that you optimize and fine tune your software set up and installation to make your computer run faster. Here are a few ways to accomplish this type of optimization. 1. Uninstall unneeded applications - Over the course of your computer's lifetime you may have installed a bevy of applications... computers Sun, 13 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/xbox/microsoft-xbox-360-vs-sony-playstation-3.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/xbox/microsoft-xbox-360-vs-sony-playstation-3.html Microsoft has tried to catch up with some of the titans of the gaming world, such as Sony with the release of the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 offers many new features that players will love: Free limited subscription to online gaming - This allows players who have not been participating in online gaming a chance to see what is available at no charge. All Xbox 360s come with Live-aware - This means you can get a friend invite or see who is online and what they are playing from your Xbox 360... xbox ps3 Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/photos/digital-photography-terms-that-you-should-know.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/photos/digital-photography-terms-that-you-should-know.html Digital photography brings with it a whole new set of terms and abbreviations that requires getting used to if you've been using film cameras in the past. Many of the terms are totally unique to digital cameras and photography, and if you don't understand them there is a good chance that you won't be able to get the equipment that you really need for taking digital photographs. So let's review some of the most important digital photography terms to help you understand them... digital photography Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/games/why-a-PC-is-better-than-a-game-console-for-online-gaming.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/games/why-a-PC-is-better-than-a-game-console-for-online-gaming.html Gaming consoles have taken over the gaming community. Companies such as Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony have changed the way we play video games. It used to be common to play computer games, sometimes against another person via the Internet. Access to these games was only available through your computer, now there are several options available and more on their way. Once consumers began using game consoles online to play, companies feared the downfall of computer gaming... gaming Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/cameras/digital-camera-modes-shutter-priority-and-more.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/cameras/digital-camera-modes-shutter-priority-and-more.html Digital cameras can be put in different photo shooting modes. The most used mode is automatic - the only thing you need to do is point and shoot. However understanding and using the other options will allow you to get better photos in certain scenarios. Here is how. We will go over the various camera modes. Some modes might not be available on your camera... digital camera Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/computers/is-it-time-to-buy-a-new-computer.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/computers/is-it-time-to-buy-a-new-computer.html With the Internet and computer technology developing every single day, you might want to give your old computer a long break it badly needs. Computer has gone a long way from being just a mere typing machine. If you want to know whether you need to box-up your old computer or buy a new one, here's a quick checklist: Operating system Run only in Windows 95/98 (or older operating systems!) Old operating systems won't allow you to add on scanners, printers, or dig cams... computers Sun, 06 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/xbox/the-new-xbox-360-next-generation-technology.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/xbox/the-new-xbox-360-next-generation-technology.html You must have heard about the the next generation games console Xbox 360 by Microsoft. Xbox 360 provides the new world of community, information, innovation and entertainment with its fusing games. If you live in Europe, Japan, and North America then you will have to wait only till November this year to experience the ultimate gaming experience. While combining the powerful technology in a sophisticated exterior to give an amazing look... xbox Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/photos/how-to-make-a-photo-collage.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/photos/how-to-make-a-photo-collage.html Making a digital photo collage is not as difficult as one might think. It's really very simple with most photo editing software. It just takes a little time and patience. Even basic photo editing software that normally come with the purchase of a digital camera or printer. A very good photo editing software is PhotoShop Elements and older versions of it, which are perfectly fine, often come included with a new digital camera, printer or scanner... digital photography Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/games/virtual-economy-in-mmorpg.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/games/virtual-economy-in-mmorpg.html In the world of Azeroth, life can be cheap but saving up for that much desired epic mount can take months of labour. Welcome to the World of Warcraft, currently the world's largest MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game). In the World of Warcraft, the auction house presents the avid window shopper with a cornucopia of wonders, from fabulous swords to armour guaranteed to make you the hardest elf in your neck of the woods. To purchase such wonders, the player needs gold... gaming Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/cameras/basic-digital-photography-taking-night-time-images.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/cameras/basic-digital-photography-taking-night-time-images.html From sparkling city skylines to moonlit rural landscapes, night time scenes can be enchanting. Although digital cameras are capable of capturing more color within a night scene than the human eye is capable of registering, capturing such a view requires some adjustments and special techniques to avoid blurry, underexposed photographs. The following tips will provide a good starting point for beginners as they begin to experiment and practice with night photography... digital camera Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/computers/choose-the-best-gaming-pc-for-your-needs.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/computers/choose-the-best-gaming-pc-for-your-needs.html Computer game technology is a rapidly-increasing field. In terms of both hardware and software, companies are constantly striving to push the envelope and increase performance. As the intricacy of individual games increases, however, it becomes important to select a computer gaming system that will best fit your particular needs. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of gaming PCs available on the market. How, then, do you select the best gaming system... computers Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/xbox/web-games-review-xbox-table-tennis.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/xbox/web-games-review-xbox-table-tennis.html If you have played the real game of table tennis, and know how to hit a shot across, the virtual counterpart to this game would definitely interest you when you are feeling weak and cannot play the real game. Coming from the authors of The Warriors and Grand Theft, this title from Rockstar Games is a realistic simulation of table tennis, where the player gets to maneuver the paddle and play various shots. The speed of the ball can go up to 100 miles per hour... xbox Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/photos/how-to-take-better-travel-photographs.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/photos/how-to-take-better-travel-photographs.html Most travelers like to bring home pictures to remember their trip. If you're looking for a way to turn so-so snapshots to fabulous photos, take a moment to review these tips. Before You Leave Make sure you're familiar with how your camera works. If you haven't read the manual, do it. You may find that your camera has capabilities you didn't know about, or you may find answers to questions that have been bothering you. If you have enough gear to warrant a camera bag... digital photography Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/games/the-future-of-final-fantasy-xi.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/games/the-future-of-final-fantasy-xi.html Final Fantasy XI has performed brilliantly since its launch and has become one of the leading games of its kind. There are going to be plenty of exciting developments for this title in 2006. Its release on a new platform shall see its audience grow even larger. A third expansion is also coming and will add new content to its world. Final Fantasy XI has already established itself as a success. The decision to take the Final Fantasy series into the realm of online gaming was a bold move... gaming Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/cameras/shooting-photos-in-aperture-priority-mode.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/cameras/shooting-photos-in-aperture-priority-mode.html Digital cameras support many photo shooting modes - from automatic point and shoot to manual where the camera does nothing for you. One of those modes is Aperture Priority. Aperture priority is useful in many situations and deserves a short explanation of what it is and how to use it... digital camera Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/computers/tweak-windows-xp-for-a-faster-pc.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/computers/tweak-windows-xp-for-a-faster-pc.html Windows XP has lots of colours, themes and similar special effects to make your PC look great. These effects slow down your PC and that is the main problem. If your computer is running slow, and you are sure you do not have a virus, spyware or adware you may try using some of these Win XP tweaks. The more special effects you remove the better. Some of the effects that slow your PC are: Pictures on the desktop background. A blank wallpaper is the best... computers Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/xbox/xbox-360-vs-ps3-an-in-depth-look.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/xbox/xbox-360-vs-ps3-an-in-depth-look.html All gamers are awaiting the release of the Xbox 360 and the PS3. This article takes an in depth look at how the two systems compare. Graphics: Everyone has seen an Xbox and a PS2 in action and we are all waiting to see which of the two next generation consoles for the two systems will have the edge when it comes to graphics. We have all seen the screenshots of the games on the two systems but what about actual gameplay graphics. Despite the hot debate... xbox ps3 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/photos/seven-ways-to-the-perfect-family-photo.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/photos/seven-ways-to-the-perfect-family-photo.html However simple or snazzy your camera, the basics of taking a great photo remain the same. Follow our seven rules and you'll soon have a brilliant collection of pictures that you'll want to share with your friends. And that's the simplest bit of all. Go to www.truprint.co.uk and you can quickly and easily upload all your photographs. Then send friends and family a link and they can enjoy your pictures too, wherever they are in the world... digital photography Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/games/tips-on-buying-video-games.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/games/tips-on-buying-video-games.html Is the local retailer's game testing system becoming your primary console? Have you resorted to subscribing to game magazines just to play the included demos? Are you having to go on a forced Ready Rice diet because you can not afford to buy the latest games? Now you don't have to, in this article we will examine ways for consumers to save money when purchasing video games. Avoid Buying From Offline Retailers One of the worst things you can do as a consumer is to buy games... gaming Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/cameras/taking-better-digital-photos-with-auto-focus-and-action.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/cameras/taking-better-digital-photos-with-auto-focus-and-action.html Using the auto mode on a digital camera gives you a point and shoot camera that allows you to concentrate on the subject while the camera makes the necessary settings to give you a well exposed and properly focused image. But like most automatic features, knowing how they function will help you keep the camera from getting fooled in those special situations that often yield the most dramatic photos: including when your subject is backlit or off-center or moving rapidly... digital camera Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/computers/accelerate-your-windows-XP.html http://www.cryosphere.co.uk/articles/computers/accelerate-your-windows-XP.html The outcome of each modification will vary to each PC's. I had focused on the XP OS machine regardless of my experience on the individual setup and trouble shooting. Please do not perform any of this modification if you're not sure and please back up your system first before attempting to modify the XP OS system. 1. Disable Unnecessary Services that is install in your system. 2. Defragment Your Pagefile(Harddrive) Keeping your pagefile defragmented can provide a boost performance... computers