[Tutorial] How To Import LastPass Passwords Into KeePassX ~ Web Upd8: Ubuntu / Linux blog

With privacy becoming a public issue not only from "hackers" but also from the government being able to access much of information without much oversight, some have opted to use cloud services less and less.  LastPass, a very good password management system that integrates with your web browser is one that I've thought a lot about lately.  If you don't know what LastPass is, it's basically an online password manager that will store your usernames and passwords when you allow it.  Then when you have to login to a web site again, it can automatically fill in those fields and even auto log you in if you choose.  A time saver and a life saver for those of us who have many passwords and actually use unique passwords to help secure our data and information.

[Tutorial] Install Genesis Emulator To 64 Bit Ubuntu (13.04)

After searching for awhile I quickly found that there isn't very many 64 bit emulators for Linux and even less specifically for the Sega Genesis. The problem isn't that I need 64 bit to satisfy my PC superiority complex but that in Linux, the 32 bit versions don't seem to work on the 64 bit distributions.  I did manage to find one though by the name of dGen. Problem with dGen is that it's command line only. Who in the world makes a program that displays graphics based on the command line? In any case I found a frontend GUI that works great even though it's very dated. Below are the step by steps and a video to hopefully help you out. Keep in mind that I wrote these as if you were using the Ubuntu 13.04 desktop. This will work for any Linux distribution if you change the steps to fit your desktop situation. There's a video tutorial with the same material that's covered in this write up.  It's all the way at the bottom of this page if you prefer the video.  If you need further help please feel free to leave a comment and I'll see what I can do.

[Tutorial] Live Stream To Twitch TV With Ubuntu Linux (video)

A couple of people from Twitter and YouTube asked me to do a video on how to stream to Twitch.tv after viewing a video I posted of a recent live stream.  Here is that video to follow up the written tutorial I also did.  The written instructions can be found here.  I suggest that you use video in conjunction with the written portion to follow along.  Should make it a little easier.  I noticed after going back and reading it and watching the video that neither one is very well done.  If something doesn't make sense to you feel free to leave a comment and I will try to help you the best I can.

[Build] Entry Level Gaming PC (Less Than $500)

Antec VSK-3000

Want to try out PC gaming for the first time?  Or build a PC gaming tower for a family member who's on a budget?  Here's a build that comes in at under $500 and not only today's games but can be used for homework, web browsing, and watching 1080p movies.  At this price point don't expect it to do high speed video rendering or break benchmark records but it gets the job done.

This build does not include the peripherals such as mouse or keyboard.  Or does it include the monitor and operating system.  To keep the price at a minimum, this is where you have to become creative and thrifty.  A good idea is to try to find these from an old computer that no one is using anymore.  Or you can get one from a friend who has an extra lying around.  Also shop your local classifieds such as Craigslist.org here in the U.S.  Local thrift stores like Goodwill Computer Works will often have parts and accessories for dirt cheap prices too.  Remember that the license for Windows can be reused from your old PC.  Ubuntu is an alternative to Windows that you can choose to use.  But keep in mind that although the game library for Ubuntu (Linux) is steadily growing, there are many games that are not compatible.

Record or Stream Desktop & Games (Ubuntu 13.04)

In my adventure to get desktop recording and live streaming working under Linux I have come across some great resources and information around the interwebs. This is an attempt to compile and present what I think is the best and easiest methods of doing these tasks at the time of this post. The instructions I give are specifically for Ubuntu but could work if you know how to follow these steps in your distro.

[Software] Handbrake

Ever tried to play a video and you got an error saying this file type isn't supported?  Or you need to edit video in Vegas or Premier but it wouldn't recognize it?  What about transferring your movies to your iPhone or Android in a way that it can actually read it?  Then you should check out Handbrake.

Handbrake is a very powerful tool for doing video conversion.  It's also fast, easy to use, and doesn't contain a bunch of fluff to convince you that it has more features then it needs.  The presets make using this app dead simple.  It will also backup your DVD's or Blu-Rays giving you the option to select the chapters and audio tracks.  There are many more features available that I have no idea how to use but I'm sure is useful to someone a lot smarter then me.

[Tutorial] Minimize All Windows Except One

This is a trick that can be very useful that you may not know about.  In the video I will show you how to minimize all windows but the one you're focused on.  Very simple and easy, but useful.

[News] AMD Releases the first 5ghz CPU

Newegg has the newest and first CPU that clocks to 5ghz from AMD.  I know its advertised at 4.7 Ghz but it will turbo to 5Ghz when its under load.  Not official 5Ghz but close enough for those looking for bragging rights.  The FX-9590 is available on Newegg for the hard to swallow price of $850!  This is definitely not a win for AMD.  All I can say is AMD keep trying.

Newegg: AMD-9590

[Hardware] The "You Dont Need No Console" Gaming PC ~$500

I swear the number one common misconception about PC gaming is that it's too expensive.  It's no more expensive then console gaming and I'll show you.  For those who propose the argument that you still need to buy the monitor and other peripherals, I say on consoles you still need to buy controllers, headsets, and whatever else you feel enhances your game play.  Not to mention online subscription fees (laughs at the idea).

I'm not a fanboy of any platform or corporation because why should I be when I know they only see my as profit.  I enjoy what I feel is best for me and that's it.  I guess this makes me my own fanboy!  Check out the video and I'll show you that you can build a gaming rig for the cost of a next generation console and you make your own decision.

[Opinion] Xbox Cloud Is NOT Magical

I keep coming across information on the internet about how this new founded Xbox cloud is supposed to be so great.  I'm not sure why people think that the cloud is supposed to change the face gaming but to each his own.  Check out the video and listen to me rant about this for a while.

[Opinion] Why I'm Not Buying A Next Gen Console

These are my views on why I don't want or need a next generation console.