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INTRODUCTION Hello {FIRST_NAME|Valued Customer}, Welcome to our second newsletter. We appreciate all the great feedback we got on our first newsletter, and hope we can keep providing you with quality content. With the holidays fast approaching, the last thing anyone needs is the headache of a slow or broken computer, so we're here for you throughout the busy season. Our office will be closed for Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and we'll be closing at 8pm Christmas Eve. Until then, we're available until 11pm 7 days a week for all your needs. Gregg Housh, editor ghoush@geekchoice.com GEEK SOLUTIONS: Gifts That Computer Gamers Will Love! Computer gaming is a hugely popular hobby, with more than 70 percent of the population from children to middle aged adults playing some form of video game in the year. This number is only expected to rise as video game and online culture continue to influence our society and existing players age. Knowing this, it's very likely that someone on your list is a computer gamer too. Computer gamers have different requirements of their systems than a typical computer user. Computer games are typically very graphically demanding, requiring an expensive, high end graphics card or multiple graphics cards linked together with new technologies. Massively multiplayer online games (such as the vastly popular World of Warcraft) put a heavy load on the processor. Serious gamers even feel the need to invest in specialized keyboards and mice to help them navigate game controls. The question is, how do you buy for someone with such specific demands? Like any good gift giver, you'll have to combine a little guess work, espionage, and coordination with others to make sure that you get just the right thing. The first step is to decide if you are going to attempt to purchase a game to add to their library, hardware to enhance their system, or specialty gifts and accessories that are related to the culture of computer gaming. If you're looking to purchase a computer game, it's a good idea to learn what kinds of games your loved one prefers. "First person shooters" are games that occur from the first	IN THE NEWS: Windows 7 Delivers, Users Rejoice Cynics, tech blogs, and mac users alike finally have to admit that Microsoft got something right: Windows 7 is a huge success in more ways than just sales. After the disastrous launch of Windows Vista, which had serious stability issues and was so strongly disliked by consumers that they demanded support for the older Windows XP be extended, Microsoft needed to hit the ball out of the park. Windows 7, while not a perfect operating system, is exactly what the doctor ordered. Several neat little usability enhancements have been introduced, but it's the stability and standards compliance that has most reviewers and users jumping for joy. An interesting side effect of the changes to the visual experience is probably not something Microsoft was actually aiming for, though: it may now be easier to switch back and forth between Macs and PCs. The new taskbar and Aero Peek features are more in line with Mac's OS X than older versions of Windows, but users should adapt to the new system with little trouble. In the end, if Microsoft can deliever a quality product at a reasonable price, they have no reason to fear users becoming less afraid of other operating systems. Competition is the lifeblood of industry, and it looks like Microsoft is finally beginning to learn that lesson. If you're having trouble making the switch to Windows 7, or you're still trying to decide whether you will, check out our new Windows 7 Upgrade Center or give us a call at 1-800-GEEK-HELP (433-5435). WHY I CHOSE GEEK CHOICE When interviewing with Geek Choice the management made me feel like this would not just be a job but a family. I chose a company that strives to get the very best out of everyone who works for them. I saw a great opportunity for growth within this company which from the job market, it is not easy to find a company with the ability to grow in a short amount of time. With my experience and background I felt I was a great fit for Geek Choice and thankfully Geek Choice thought so too. I am very excited to be working here at Geek Choice. - Joe Ruthaford, Tech since November 2008
person perspective, and usually are too violent for young gamers. "Role playing games" feature several characters and are more story driven, but just because a game is an "RPG" does not mean it's safe for kids. There are also sports simulators (like the Madden series), racing games, and puzzles. Next, make sure you know what games they already have, and which ones they've pre-ordered or other friends and family are planning to get them. Finally, when you get to the store ask about popular new games in the proper genre. Make sure to check with the game rating if you are buying for a younger player, as some computer games contain content that is unsuitable for children. Ratings run from E for everyone to M for mature. If you know that the gamer in your life is looking to upgrade their system, you may want to consider helping them invest in a better computer. Most computer gamers end up assembling a system from scratch, as an off-the-shelf system that meets their needs usually runs upward of $1,000. You can coordinate with other family members to purchase all the neccesary components of a new machine, or you can purchase a gift card for a specialty computer parts store. Newegg is a popular online store for such purchases, and odds are if your gamer has put together their own system they're already familiar with Newegg's system (you can check out their gift card system here). If you choose to purchase parts instead of giving a gift card, make sure to save the reciept and original packaging, as hardware occasionally has compatability or manufacture errors that will require the part to be returned or replaced. Specialty accessories exist for computer gamers as well, although it can be hard to tell whether the gamer on your list will think they're awesome or tacky. There's everything from roll up keyboards to bumper stickers with obscure game references. Thinkgeek.com has a wide variety of gifts nerds love, and even has a section specifically for gamers (check it out here, and don't worry too much about all the caffinated options). There are also a number of gamer tee shirt sites, you'll probably get the best results by searching for a game they like and the word "tee shirt" (we just got this http://shop.cafepress.com/halo using that method). In the end, there's no way to know for sure what gifts will be the ones remembered for a life time, but taking a little time to look into gifts that fit the interests of your loved ones is a surefire way to show that you care. NEWSLETTER COUPON Just print it out and hand it to your tech the next time you need service for $20 off the bill. CONCLUSION That's about all we have time for this month. Remember that we'd love to hear back from you on any of the subjects we've discussed or any suggestions for new topics for future issues. Until next month, The Geek Choice Team http://www.geekchoice.com http://www.geekchoiceblog.com Know someone else who needs computer service? Forward this to a friend!