Steve Jackson’s Sorcery! gets an update in preparation for part 2

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Cult classic gamebook series Steve Jackson’s Sorcery! went digital this spring when a critically acclaimed adaptation of the first book, The Shamutanti Hills, arrived on the App Store and now developer inkle has released a major update in anticipation of the sequel, Kharé: Cityport of Traps, which is coming in November.

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In Sorcery! Part 1, a fresh new hero sets out across the vast Shamutanti Hills to recover the elusive Crown of Kings. Armed with only your wits, your sword, and your spellbook, you must outsmart fatal traps and overcome bloodthirsty monsters to reach the locked gate of Kharé. Beyond this is a sprawling city on the brink of revolution — a place filled with thieves, weird creatures, secrets, and magic to be explored in the upcoming Sorcery! Part 2. In both games, the interactive narrative literally writes itself based on your choices.

Learn more at: http://www.inklestudios.com/sorcery

The Sorcery! Part 1 update is a free download for those who already own the game, or $4.99 (or equivalent in local currency) for new players. New features include:

  • Female player character: Who says quests are just for boys?! Now play as either a male or a female hero, with dynamic artwork and text supporting your chosen gender.
  • Improved magic system: What sorcery is this? Look to the stars for answers! The new 3D spellcasting system is gorgeous and easy to use, eliminating the need to page through the in-game spellbook.
  • Simple saved game transfer: To continue the adventure, players with the old version of Sorcery! Part 1 will need to find and type in the name of their saved game. But with the update installed, the Sorcery! Part 2 app can grab this data directly — no hunting and pecking required.

When Sorcery! Part 2 hits in November it will include these new features and much more: double the narrative content of the first game, new enemy types, more complex story branches, a detailed city map that shows Kharé building by building, and other gameplay enhancements.

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Part 2 can be played on its own, or as a continuing adventure from Part 1.

Have you played part 1 yet? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

PS4 Lock Ins Coming to a Game Store Near you soon

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Today Game announced the First Lock in at over 60 stores, this time for the PlayStation 4 the lock in event start from 21st October until the 17th November.

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Gamers at the event can get their hands on the Dualshock 4 controller and FIFA 14 in its next gen glory alongside Knack,  Super Mother Load, Octodad, Pinball Arcade and Contrast! Click here for details on where and when the lock ins are in your area. I will be down at the Game store in Maidstone on the 7th November.

Microsoft updates Xbox SmartGlass app for Windows 8 and Windows RT again

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Microsoft have updated it’s Xbox SmartGlass app for Windows 8 and Windows RT.

Xbox SmartGlass lets you use your Windows 8 device as a second screen to intelligently interact with your Xbox 360. It helps your devices work together to enhance your TV shows, movies, music, sports, and games. Control and interact with what’s on your TV with simple gestures on your Windows device.

This update includes (it looks very similar to the last update release notes):

Various performance enhancements and feature updates, including the addition of support for Internet Explorer on Xbox 360 and rich interactive experiences that can show new content related to what you’re watching on your TV at the moment.

You can download the Xbox SmartGlass app from the Windows Store.

Multiplay celebrates 50 incredible weekends with Insomnia 50

Multiplay, organiser of the Insomnia series of gaming festivals, the largest gaming festivals in the United Kingdom is pleased to announce the initial line-up for its 50th LANniversary, Insomnia50, taking place at the Telford International Centre from 29th November through 2nd December 2013.

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Over 25,000 gaming enthusiasts attended Insomnia 49, with a further 4.7 million viewers on the Multiplay website, delivering over 11 million minutes of video views across the weekend, and over two million Flickr photo views and Insomnia 50 will continue the tradition of delivering an incredible weekend for attendees and its millions of viewers online.

With an incredible line-up of entertainment on offer, Insomnia is a place for friends and families alike to experience gaming-based activities throughout the whole weekend. From Hunger Games tournaments and creative builds in the Minecraft Zone, to a huge selection of the latest independent games and their developers in the Indie Zone.  There really is something for everyone; with prize-pool competitive tournaments for a variety of modern eSports for both pc and console gamers, a thriving exhibition with the latest games and merchandise the Card & Board game area, Retro Zone, Mainstage and more, Insomnia delivers a gaming experience unlike any other.

To celebrate the 50th LANniversary, Multiplay are hosting an Insomnia50 Celebration Evening. Taking place on the Saturday of the event, the evening comprises of the World Famous Insomnia Pub Quiz, live music from throwback glam rock heroes Saints of Sin, live comedy from critically acclaimed comedian Paul Tonkinson and the Insomnia Awards, a ceremony celebrating the uniquely brilliant qualities of both the Multiplay community and the Insomnia events themselves. With all proceeds going to Multiplay’s designated charity, Special Effect.

“It’s been a milestone we’ve been anticipating, and with the fantastic turnout from Insomnia fans at Insomnia49, we are incredibly pleased to produce the best gaming festival in the UK even better”, said Craig Fletcher, Multiplay CEO. “As a team, we couldn’t be happier with the success of Insomnia, driven by its passionate community, and we can’t wait to deliver something truly memorable for our fans as we celebrate our 50th LANniversary.”

With some of the biggest eSports tournaments in the UK, Insomnia is not to be missed, with spaces to compete in the tournaments still available online on the Insomnia Gaming Festivals website http://insomniagamingfestival.com/

Windows 8.1 is available now

Microsoft today announced the global availability of Windows 8.1, a feature-rich update to its popular Windows 8 operating system, enabling customers to create experiences that keep pace with their lives — at work, at home or on the go.

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Beginning Oct. 17, consumers with a Windows 8 device in more than 230 markets, including the UK and 37 languages can download the free update via the online Windows Store. Windows 8.1 will also be available on new devices and as boxed software starting Oct. 18 at retail locations around the world.

Windows 8.1 evolves the Windows vision for highly personalised computing while showcasing Microsoft’s continued commitment to rapid and responsive development. It marks a wave of new, innovative devices coming for consumers and businesses — from the convenience and mobility of tablets and 2-in-1s, to the productive experience expected from laptops, all-in-ones and specialised industry devices. Many of these new devices are touch-enabled and will deliver advancements in processing power, battery life and design, across a range of price points.

Windows 8.1 offers a host of increased customisation refinements and functional improvements, including the following:

· Highly personal. An improved and more customisable Start screen offers variable tile sizes, more background designs and colors so each Windows device looks unique and personal to the individual. In addition, customers can choose how to start their Windows experience — at the Start screen or directly in the familiar Windows desktop — while all their Windows devices stay in sync with their Microsoft account.

· More familiar and easy to navigate. As an iconic part of the Windows experience, Windows 8.1 brings back the Start button as a familiar point of navigation. An updated apps view lets users see all their apps at once for easy access and new clicks and cues, as well as a Help + Tips app that gets them up to speed quickly.

· Enhanced search. The new Bing Smart Search provides the easiest way to find what users need on the device or on the Web in one beautiful and easy consolidated view that’s built for touch. Simply swipe or type from the Start screen, and Smart Search will find it — whether it’s a document on a PC, a photo album on SkyDrive, a favorite app, a song from Xbox Music or a website.

· Wide range of apps and services from the Start. Windows 8.1 is the most complete out-of-the-box experience. It offers a range of apps and services from the Start screen, allowing customers to quickly and easily do the things they love on Windows, such as catching up with friends and family via Skype, emailing effortlessly in the Mail app, watching movies and TV shows on Xbox Video, finding new recipes with the Bing Food & Drink app, or listening to free streaming music via Xbox Music. Windows 8.1 also comes with the new Internet Explorer 11, which is fast, fluid and perfect for touch. Internet Explorer 11 brings enhanced touch performance, speed boosts, and synchronised browsing history, favorites and settings across all Windows 8.1 devices. Windows 8.1 also provides native support for 3-D printing, meaning it will have plug-and-play support for 3-D printers, enable apps to seamlessly print 3-D jobs and understand 3-D file formats.

· The best for multitasking and productivity. Windows 8.1 includes the display and use of up to four apps side by side, flexible windows sizing for each app on the screen, the ability for one app to launch another app, and improved multimonitor support so users can view the desktop or apps from the Windows Store on any or all monitors.

· Deep cloud integration with SkyDrive. Windows 8.1 makes it easier than ever to work from anywhere and know that files are always accessible — across devices and locations. With SkyDrive, users can create, edit, save and share files anywhere, anytime, on whatever device they’re using.

· A beautifully redesigned Windows Store. The new design of the Windows Store improves how great apps are showcased and makes it easier for customers to get the apps they want. Fresh layouts and categories, such as New & Rising, make it easier to stay up to date on the hottest new entries to explore. Personalised recommendations use the Bing advanced recommendation and relevance system to help find new favorites. And with Windows 8.1, apps are updated automatically by default, so users always have the newest and best version of any app, such as Fresh Paint, which now includes watercolor, a new graphite pencil set and a new clean, modern user interface for the latest painting or drawing creations. New and updated apps are also continually being delivered to the Windows Store, including Evernote, Facebook for Windows 8.1, Hulu Plus, Adobe Photoshop Express, eBay, Netflix and NOOK.

Have you tried Windows 8.1 yet? Let us know what you think of it by leaving a comment below.

Nikon announces new AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G FX lens

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Nikon today announced the new AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G, an extraordinary FX-format prime lens that pushes the limits of image quality.

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Meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional imaging performance, this fast new prime lens is in a class of its own.

The design concept pays homage to Nikon’s legendary Noct-NIKKOR lens, while the brand new optical construction enables astounding sharpness, contrast, and resolution. With outstanding resolving capability, exquisite bokeh, and unbeatable performance when shooting wide-open, this is a distinctive lens for those pursuing the holy grail of low-light photography or who want a lens with a truly unique signature.

A modern legend

The AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G brings the advantages of Nikon’s renowned Noct-NIKKOR to today’s high-resolution photography. Thanks to concerted efforts in developing the lens, Nikon’s designers were able to significantly increase sharpness, contrast, and resolution, in addition to greatly reducing coma flare and enabling exquisitely smooth bokeh. The result is a unique lens that offers exceptional aesthetic control, enabling photographers to explore a broad range of creative expression and create images that stand apart from the rest.

Drawing with light

Designed to meet the demands of discerning photographers, the exceptional resolving capability of the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G enables every component of a scene to be faithfully reproduced in exquisite high-resolution. Subjects are sharply rendered when shooting at the widest aperture of f/1.4, and high-contrast images of even distant subjects and low-light scenes can be obtained without needing to stop down the aperture. Sagittal coma flare is effectively minimised across the entire frame with the result that point light sources such as city lights are reproduced as fine rounded points, even at the periphery of the image, enabling unparalleled nightscapes. Despite being a large aperture lens, peripheral light falloff is effectively controlled to retain brightness across the entire frame when shooting at maximum aperture, even with focus set to infinity.

 

Exquisite bokeh

Thanks to its unique optical design, the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G delivers images with exquisite bokeh and an additional sense of depth. Because the intensity of image blur transitions smoothly as the distance from the sharply focused point increases, bokeh appears with no rough edges. In addition, the fine gradation of bokeh from the focus point to the background enables an incredible sense of natural depth. By measuring the degree of resolution and bokeh across individual planes of the image (between foreground, focus plane, and background), Nikon’s designers achieved the perfect balance of resolution and lens aberrations, resulting in a ‘three dimensional’ look that cannot be measured with MTF curves. The benefits extend to movies, too: When pulling focus, bokeh transitions incredibly smoothly, providing a unique advantage when it comes to filming atmospheric scenes.

Renowned NIKKOR quality

Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat provides outstandingly high anti-reflection effects throughout the visible light range, effectively reducing ghost and flare, and increasing the clarity and contrast of images. A three-element cemented lens technique ensures both optical clarity and reflection reduction, and the front lens element is located deep in the lens barrel to ensure that flare and ghost are effectively reduced even in backlit situations. Autofocus is smooth, quiet, and swift, thanks to Nikon’s SWM (Silent Wave Motor), and build-quality is solid.

Price and Availability

RRP: £1,599.99 / €1,949.00

31st October 2013

Minecraft, Fifa14 and more Tournaments at Gadget Show Live @ Christmas

Gamers will be able to compete in live gaming tournaments for Minecraft, FIFA 14, Injustice: Gods Among Us and F1 2013 at Gadget Show Live @ Christmas, which takes place 1st -3rd November at Earls Court.

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The tournaments, which will be held on each day of the show and are free to enter, are sponsored by Plantronics and daily winners will walk with away with fantastic Plantronics gaming headsets, including the brand new – not yet in the shops – RIG stereo headset and mixer. The following tournaments will take place each and every day.
·  Minecraft

o Hunger Games – Survive in 8-player last man standing Hunger Games competitions. Be the last person standing to be in with a chance of winning a prize! o Parkour – Run, jump and climb as fast as you can and set the fastest time on the specially created obstacle course.

·  FIFA14

o 8 player tournaments – Take part in regular short FIFA14 tournaments against fellow football game fans and see if you come out the best! o
· Injustice: Gods Among Us
o 8 player tournaments – Quick tournaments throughout the day – come and beat the competition in Warner Bros’ super hero fighting game for a chance to win.

·  F1 2013

o Fastest lap challenge – Set the fastest lap each day on the Silverstone circuit for a chance to win, on the latest F1 game – F1 2013.
Entry is free and it will be done on a first come first served basis with finals being hosted on the Game Zone Stage at 16.30 each day.

Nikon announces the D5300 DSLR camera

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Nikon today announced the D5300, the first DX-format D-SLR to feature built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.

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Optimised for creativity and streamlined for flexibility, the D5300 is an upper entry-level D-SLR designed to inspire spectacular photos and videos. As the first Nikon D-SLR to boast built-in Wi-Fi, it offers creative explorers a fantastic opportunity to capture and share their world in incredible detail.

The camera’s innovative 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor is specifically designed with no optical low-pass filter (OLPF) so the finest details and textures are captured with stunning sharpness. Photos are ready to share immediately using the built-in Wi-Fi function, which connects the camera directly to a smartphone or tablet, and the GPS function adds geotags to pictures in-camera. Capable of bringing creative ideas to life with striking clarity, this is an inspiring camera that draws exciting new perspectives.

Built-in Wi-Fi

As the first Nikon D-SLR to be equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, the D5300 takes photo sharing to a whole new level. Photos can be sent directly from the camera to any iOS™ or Android™ smart device1, ready for easy upload to social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. The Wi-Fi function also makes it possible to control the camera remotely using a connected smart device, plus you can preview the scene you’re shooting on the smart device’s screen. Together with the camera’s vari-angle monitor, the creative possibilities are endless.

Built-in GPS

When it comes to sharing exciting images, the D5300’s built-in GPS integrates perfectly with the in-camera Wi-Fi function. Images can be geotagged simply without using any external adapters, by logging location information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude in the image’s EXIF data. Your travel pictures gain an extra level of detail, and since the GPS logger function works when the camera is turned off, you can actually keep track of your route even when you’re not taking pictures2. Nikon’s ViewNX 2 software can help create stunning travel maps which you can showcase on NIKON IMAGE SPACE, or any other social networking or photo-sharing website that support GPS, like Flickr.

Incredible image quality

At the core of the D5300 is a 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor that has been designed without an optical low-pass filter (OLPF) to make the most of every megapixel, to faithfully render exactly what the lens sees. The texture of fine detail like hair or feathers are captured perfectly, and images burst with clarity — especially when captured with a NIKKOR lens.

High ISO light sensitivity (up to 12,800, extendable to 25,600 equivalent) combines with Nikon’s powerful new image processing engine, EXPEED 4, to ensure even clearer photos and movies than before when shooting in low light. The amazingly accurate 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor sends data to the Scene Recognition System, thus enabling optimum auto exposure, AF, and auto white balance for the best possible image quality. Fleeting movements or expressions can be captured at exactly the right moment thanks to continuous shooting speeds of up to 5 frames-per-second, and focus is spot-on thanks to the intelligent 39-point AF system, which boasts nine cross-type sensors in the centre for astounding accuracy.

A fresh perspective

Designed to encourage photographers to find their own angle on photography, the versatile D5300 is fully equipped to help create interesting and inspiring images. The large 8.1 cm (3.2-in.) LCD monitor with wide-viewing angle and high 1,037k-dot resolution offers the ultimate freedom to capture unique shots, including great self-portraits, from any angle. Simply flip, tilt, or turn the monitor to explore fresh perspectives and add intrigue to your photos or excitement to your movies.

For even more possibilities, a range of in-camera tools put creative techniques conveniently at your command. Enjoy optimum results in high-contrast situations with HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode or quickly capture perfect shots in various situations using any one of the 16 scene modes. When you want to explore different ideas, let your creativity run wild with the camera’s range of special effects for photos and movies: evoke a certain mood by isolating specific colours, or create a retro look-and-feel with the Toy Camera effect.

Inspiring Full HD movies

For those who want to take their creative vision to video, the D5300’s D-Movie function records smooth, finely detailed Full HD video clips at frame rates up to 50p/60p. Offering the kind of superior performance and sharp focus that’s critical for HD video, the camera begins recording with a simple press of its dedicated video record button. Continuous Live View autofocus keeps subjects sharp, even when the action is fast, and you can relax and let the camera keep track of your subject with subject-tracking AF or face-priority AF. Thanks to the camera’s built-in stereo microphone and compatibility with Nikon’s external ME-1 Stereo Microphone, it’s easy to capture footage with crisp, clear sound. And when it comes to sharing your latest creation, the HDMI output lets you connect your camera directly to an HDTV screen so you can enjoy your movies and photos in superb high-definition.

Intelligent design

With a body that’s even smaller and lighter than its predecessor (the D5200), plus a larger vari-angle LCD monitor, the D5300 is a pleasure to shoot with. Available in black, red, or grey, the incredibly lightweight build (the body weighs only 480g without battery and memory card) makes this a great camera to travel with, and a stable grip lets you get a firm hold on the camera. The large, high-resolution LCD monitor lets you see every detail of your photos and movies, and you can adjust the monitor’s brightness for a clearer image on the screen when shooting under bright light or in dark situations. The newly designed pentamirror increases viewfinder magnification to approx. 0.82x, making it even easier to accurately compose your shots. Nikon’s superior ergonomics, clear menus, and one-touch buttons for frequently used functions like D-Movie and Live View make operation quick and intuitive, so you can focus on your ideas.

NIKKOR, Speedlight, and system compatibility

One of the D5300’s greatest advantages is its compatibility with Nikon’s wide range of NIKKOR lenses and powerful system accessories. Combine the D5300 with such versatile partners, and your creative options become limitless. NIKKOR lenses are renowned across the world for their optical performance, and the D5300 is compatible with the full range of DX-format lenses. From compact zooms that are perfect for general use or travel, to fast prime lenses that enable beautiful bokeh (background blur), as well as wide-angle and micro lenses, there is a lens for every situation. Whichever you choose, you can enjoy the precision and flexibility to make the most of the camera’s 24.2-megapixel resolution and capture photos with vivid colour and striking contrast, or experiment with cinematic effects when shooting movies. In addition to lenses, Nikon Speedlights like the SB-400 and SB-700 open up opportunities to get creative with light, and optional wireless remote control devices like the WR-R10 and WR-T10 let you control key camera functions from a distance, even if there are obstacles between yourself and the camera.

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Summary of Key Features

  • Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
  • 24.2-megapixel DX-format sensor with no OLPF
  • Superb low-light performance with ISO 100–12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600 equivalent)
  • Fast and powerful EXPEED 4 image processing engine
  • 39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors in the centre
  • 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor with Nikon’s Scene Recognition System
  • 5 fps continuous shooting
  • Large vari-angle monitor: 8.1 cm (3.2-in.) LCD monitor with wide-viewing angle and high 1,037k-dot resolution

· Full HD movies at 1080/50/60p

· HDMI output supported

· Built-in stereo microphone and compatibility with Nikon’s ME-1 Stereo Microphone

· HDR and Active D-Lighting

· Special effects for still images and movies

· 16 Scene Modes

· Viewfinder with increased magnification (approx. 0.82x) using a newly designed pentamirror

· Small, lightweight body: Approx. 125×98.0×76.0 mm. Weighs just 480g (without battery and memory card)

· Stable grip for secure handling

· Improved graphical user interface for clearer menus

· Choice of three body colours: Black, red, and grey

· Expandable system: Compatible with the full range of NIKKOR DX-format lenses and specific Nikon Speedlights

· Compatible with the WR-R10/WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controllers

Price and Availability

Body only: £729.99 / €899.00

D5300 kit with 18-55mm VR lens £829.99 / €1029.00

Sales start date: 14th November 2013

Rabbids Big Bang out now for iOS and Android

Today, Ubisoft announced that Rabbids Big Bang is now available on iOS, Google Play and Amazon devices for 69p.

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The Rabbids are taking the skies and making the final frontier their new playground in this physics-based game for smartphones and tablets. Developed using Redlynx’s critically acclaimed engine, players will pilot the wacky little creatures using jetpack boosts and the gravitational force of planets to avoid catastrophic accidents, fly around obstacles and explore the edges of the galaxy. Rabbids Big Bang will allow Rabbids Invasion TV series and Rabbids games fans to bring this adventure with them wherever their smartphones or tablets may go!

Developed by Ubisoft Paris studios, a dedicated team of Rabbids lovers with previous experience developing for Rabbids and mobile games, Rabbids Big Bang includes 150 different missions including crash-landing landing on planets, bouncing off of space cows and reaching specific speeds. The customization options in-game are plentiful, jetpacks can be upgraded for an added boost or just a bit of flare and there are disguises, new outfits and funny looks to make Rabbids stand out! Lookout for silly space antics and characters including space duckies and cheese planets.

In the months after the release, the game will receive extensive support with free updates including new missions to continue providing Rabbids Big Bang fans with new content.

Installing and the Basic Configuration of CentOS

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Within the last year in working my current job my employer has started to make a shift on our project being more focused on our primary Operating Systems of Microsoft Windows and Solaris UNIX to Microsoft Windows and Red Hat Linux. One of the major problems is the two main system administrators (Myself the Certified Windows Admin and my partner Ed, the Solaris UNIX Admin) working on this project were NOT Linux literate, myself more so than my partner. The other problem we had was obtaining the Red Hat Linux Software; the main problem with this was not really getting the software as it was to having to buy the mandatory “Support” in order to legally use the software. Believe it or not Red Hat has found a way to basically charge for the use of what is supposed to be a free Operating System.

So my partner Ed did some asking around and found CentOS (Community Enterprise Operating System) which is essentially a exact Clone of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system, right down to the version numbering system. The only real difference between CentOS and Red Hat is the operating system is labeled with CentOS and not Red Hat; the other is there is no “mandatory support” that has to be brought in order for it to be used.

So with choice of Linux OS in hand our Lead wanted us to start loading around a dozen or so PC’s with the CentOS but we still had the problem of not knowing whole lot about this OS. So I went to my best friend in the whole wide world Google and found a gentlemen from the UK by the name of Andrew Mallet (Not of any relation to Andrew Edney of Connected Digital World) who has posted over 30 plus videos on the CentOS 6 operating system alone on his you tube channel theurbanpenguin. I immediately started within the next few days watching his videos which helped me immensely in doing my job.

So I have now decided to pass on what I have learned on to our readers here at Connected Digital World, I hope you enjoy.