direct 3 d

[andyswork@beci.net]

what is direct 3d or 3d fx glide how do i get is new hardware? or download ? had sis6326 3d 8mb agp installed what is that and how do I use it? help this computer dummy thanks alot maybe some day i'll be a pro too PS Thanks for all the help got my sounds working and did away with the illegal error message still trying to decide on buying cd writer type and kind and price and where to buy i'll probly(SPELLING IS BAD) use it as a coaster again thanks for all the help Andy

[BigBlue66]

Hey Andy,

The sis6326 3d 8mb agp is a video board. You 'use' it every time you use the computer. It's what supplies the picture on the monitor.

The direct 3d and 3dfx glide signifies a 3DFX Voodoo series video board. If your current 3d 8mb agp board is giving you no problems, then there isn't much need to upgrade. Voodoo series boards are great for 2D performance. I have a Voodoo 4 4500 PCI board that I have been using for a few months. It gives excellent resolution for normal desktop graphics, but I haven't tried any games on it yet. That's where the 3d capabilities of any video board will shine. If you have a Pentium III or higher and you are into gaming big time, you might want to consider a Geforce video card. I hear they rock for gaming.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

[xor_chad]

Hi
3dfx and D3D are APIs(application programming interface), and can be considered interpreted languages for your video card. Usually a video card is designed to do well in one specific API and add support for other APIs.

Microsoft develops DirectX which consists of Direct3D(D3D).
3DFX develops Glide(Voodoo cards).

Laters...



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Chad Wilson
C++/ASM Programmer
PC Support Technician

[kenja]

Thoughts on buying new hardware (Such as CD-RW):

Here is what I do when shopping for stuff on the web:
(I evade my state's exorbitant sales tax by shopping online (sorry, Governor Locke!).)
1.)I see a product in a catalog or written about in a review. (If I was currently in the market for a CD-RW, I think the best Performance/Cost ratio would be achieved with an IDE 8/4/32 model.)
2.)Using the manufacturer's name and model designation,I perform a Search online for additional reviews and current prices. (A personal favorite of mine is Pricewatch.com.)
3.)I make my buying decision based upon the total delivered cost, the perceived reputation of the vendor, and the warehouse's geographical proximity to me.

Note on taxes: I believe Congress is curtailing the federal moratorium on interstate internet taxes, so "Get while the gitten's good!".

Note on spelling: (I see this all over the web, andyswork, so please don't think I'm picking on you.) Keep a hardcopy dictionary next to your computer. The more you spell words correctly, the easier it becomes. (Words I looked up while writing this post: exorbitant, achieved (and I just corrected "achieved" again).) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by kenja (edited 12-29-2000).]

[andyswork@beci.net]

Many thanks I'm stilling and need all the help I can get I hope one day I'll be a pro to maybe except in spelling

[Paleo Pete]

Good job guys, just thought a pat on the back now and then might be nice, but I try not to tie up space in the posts to do it very often.

Chad- great explanations...

kenja- I like CSO (http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com) too. between them and Pricewatch, you can get the best deals anywhere.

Spelling...the dictionary suggestion was great. I keep mine in my head http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif (Seriously...I haven't opened a dictionary in nearly 30 years, except to look up a definition, and I keep my spelling checkers turned off.) I see spelling errors everywhere on the net, and would love to tell quite a few webmasters to invest in dictionaries...Especially in business sites trying to sell their products or services. Think about it...you can't spell it, and you want me to BUY it???? Get a grip!!

Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox...nice job folks...and not only in this post...all over the forums, we have a great crew here http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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My hairdresser charges me a finder's fee!!

Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[kenja]

Thanks, Paleo Pete. I considered suggesting a spell checker for the forum (it has every other bell and whistle!), but they can be a real annoyance.

[xor_chad]

Hey
I too wanted to suggest a spell checker on here but never did.
Maybe Pete can just proof read everything before it is posted! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif
Laters...

ps
thank you for the compliment pete.
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Chad Wilson
C++/ASM Programmer
PC Support Technician

[This message has been edited by xor_chad (edited 12-31-2000).]

[Paleo Pete]

You're very welcome, it was well deserved. We have accumulated a quite capable and informed group of great people here, who spend a lot of time helping these people for nothing more than the occasional thanks. I think you/they all do a great job, and figured it might be a good idea to let everyone know from time to time their knowledge and assistance is very much appreciated.

I ain't spell checkin' nuttin! OK, my posts maybe... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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My hairdresser charges me a finder's fee!!

Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)