Microsoft DirectX FAQs

Q: What is DirectX? Do you have a definition?
A: Microsoft® DirectX® is a group of technologies designed to make Windows-based computers an ideal platform for running and displaying applications rich in multimedia elements, such as full-color graphics, video, 3-D animation, and surround sound.
Q: What is the latest version of DirectX
A: The latest released version is currently DirectX 9.0b for users of Microsoft Windows 98, 98Se, Me, 2000, XP, and Server 2003. The latest version of DirectX for Windows 95 users is 8.0a.

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Q: What is new in DirectX 9?
A: “There are many new and exciting features in all of the DirectX components.
The SDK has added a new member to its core technology called Managed DirectX, a DirectPlay port for the PocketPC, a High Level Shader Language for D3DX, and Windows XP parity on downlevel operating systems for DirectShow and the DirectX audio APIs.
DirectShow also has a new Video Mixing Renderer (VMR9) which uses D3D9 surfaces and always renders video through the 3D pipeline, along with new and exciting samples.
The generic Windows Media Format SDK stub library (wmstub.lib) available in previous beta releases has been removed. DirectShow samples using this stub library have been reverted to the DirectX 8.1 behavior of displaying a warning to obtain the stub separately, and the readme.txt files have also been reverted with information on the process to obtain the stub.”
Q: What is new specifically in DirectX 9.0b?
A: DirectX 9.0b includes security and performance updates, along with many new features across all technologies, which can be accessed by applications using the DirectX 9.0 APIs.
Q: Will there also be a SDK update coming?
A: Yes, Microsoft DirectX 9.0b SDK Summer 2004 Update will be released this summer.
Q: What will be included in that?
A: Primary areas of concentration for the Summer Update was for the Direct3D Extension Library (D3DX), Graphics Samples, Sample Frame work, tools and documentation. This release includes updated developer runtime and the previously released DirectX 9.0b Redistributable.
Q: What was new in DirectX 8.0a?
A: DirectX 8.0a contains updates for issues with international installs on Windows 2000 and issues where input devices could have buttons disabled that were enabled with previous DirectX releases. There are no other changes.
Q: What operating systems is DirectX 9 compatible with?
A: Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000(Professional and server editions), Windows XP. and Windows Server 2003. DirectX 9 is NOT compatible with Windows NT or Windows 95.
Q: You do not have Windows 95 listed as being compatible with Microsoft DirectX. What should I do?
A: The latest version available for Windows 95 is DirectX 8.0a.
Q: Is DirectX compatible with Windows NT?
A: Yes, though the only version supported on Windows NT 4.0 is DirectX 3.0a. You must also install Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6.
Q: How much space will this take up on the hard drive?
A: It will take about 18 MB of space once downloaded and installed. About 60 MB for installation.
Q: Do I need to install DirectX 9?
A: There are improvements over DirectX 8.1, but most users will do fine with running 8.1. Future games and hardware will obviously take better advantage of DirectX 9.
Q: What was new in DirectX 9.0a?
A: DirectX 9.0a featured bug fixes as well as improvements in performance within the graphics and networking components of the original DirectX 9.0 runtime.
Q: I thought that a DirectX Icon would appear in my control panel – what has happened to it?
A: The DirectX Control Panel is only included in the SDK versions of DirectX.
Q: What is the DirectX SDK?
A: The Microsoft® DirectX® 9 Software Development Kit (SDK) contains the tools needed to build cutting-edge, media-rich, interactive applications. It includes the run-time, headers and libs, sample executables, sample source, documentation, DirectX utilities, and support for both C++ and Visual Basic® development.
Q: What versions of DirectX are shipped with the different Microsoft Operating Systems?
A: Windows 98 comes with native DirectX 5 support. While Windows 98 Second Edition comes with DirectX 6.1a and Windows 2000 DirectX 7. Windows NT comes with DirectX 3.0a, and Windows 95 comes with DirectX 2. Windows XP comes with Direct X 8.1. Windows 2003 Server comes with DirectX 8.1.
Q: Will new versions of DirectX affect older games?
A: No, as each new version of DirectX is backwards compatible with older versions.
Q: Will Windows 2000 users finally be able to update to each new version of DirectX as they are released?
A: Yes – all future versions of DirectX will install onto Windows 2000.
Q: Does DirectX have a role with Xbox?
A: Yes, all DirectX technologies had played a role in the development of the Xbox both through Microsoft and NVIDIA. Xbox either shipped with a customized version of DirectX or has a similar set of non-updateable technologies.

Change the Registered Owner and Organization (All Windows)

If you entered the wrong registration information when you installed Windows you can change it and other miscellaneous settings such as ProductID and ProductName.

Open your registry and find the key below for your operating system.

Windows 95, 98 and Me:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion]

Windows NT, 2000 and XP:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion]

Modify the strings values of ‘RegisteredOwner’ and ‘RegisteredOrganization’ to equal the required owner and company names.

Settings:
Name: RegisteredOwner, RegisteredOrganization
Type: REG_SZ (String Value)

Fighting Unknown Problems

Hardware problems are quite difficult to tackle, worse if under Windows. There was once when installing a software, I accidentally inserted the Audio hardware diskette. Thinking it was harmless, I went on, thinking I can always “undo” everything again. How wrong was I. The next moment I restarted Windows, I got the blue screen of death. Yeah, Windows is very nasty when it comes to hardware.

Find The Culprit
Always calm down. Try to solve the problem yourself before resolving to formatting or sending to your computer dealer. First, know what’s happening and the cause of it. In my case, the installation must have overwrite my old setting and replaced the wrong file. There must be a reason why Windows is acting improperly.

Logging Back On
First, try to log back on. If you can’t log into Windows, don’t panic. Restart the computer. When the text “Starting Windows 98…” appears, press F8. A menu will appear. Choose “Safe Mode” to continue. Safe mode will take some time to load. When you are in Windows, go to Control Panel, System. Click on the Device Manager tab. Find the faulty hardware driver and delete it. Open autoexec.bat and config.sys (both are hidden files in your root directory) with notepad. If the hardware is a CD-ROM or sound card, it will probably write add some lines. Check whether there are backup file (autoexec.bak, autoexec.b~k e.g.) since most installation will back up the 2 important files. If there is, simply replace them with the backup files. If there isn’t, put “REM ” in front of every line that loads the hardware.

Repairing
When you restart, your computer is probably ok, since you have deleted all instances of the hardware drivers. But the hardware isn’t functioning. re-install the hardware drivers, restart and you’re done! If the problem persists, your probably have a system conflict go to the next page for more.

PC BUYING TIPS

INTRODUCTION

This section of Computer Tips is designed to help all users understand and make better decisions when purchasing computer hardware, software and computers.

BUYING LOCATIONS
The buying location can be the first and most costly mistake made by end-users when purchasing a computer or computer equipment. We have listed the main types of locations you will be able to purchase computer equipment or from and what to look out for. Please select one of the below locations you plan on purchasing from.

AUCTIONS
Auctions / On-line auctions are becoming more popular location for people to purchase computer equipment because of the low prices. However there are several things to watch for when buying through auctions.

Scams – On-line auctions are now the number one location where thefts and scams will occur. If at all possible look at the sellers history or profile. Always remember if it sounds to be good to true, it probably is.

Piracy – With the advances in technology it is now possible for anyone to make their own CDs it is possible that you may be buying copied software which is illegal. Ensure that the software you are buying is a authentic copy, documentation is included with the software, and the CD does not appear to be burned. Generally burned CDs will have a unusual color such as green or gold tint. However it is still possible for someone to make CDs which can look like an ordinary CD. Another way of possibly determining if Illegal copy is the price.

On-line Auctions – Companies such as E-bay or Yahoo may provide auctions which other people have the capability of listing products that they are selling. We recommend that if you purchase through an an auction that you only pay by check to prevent possible credit card fraud. If you need to user your credit card consider such options as PayPal.

Return Policy – Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be incase the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. Extra Note: Generally software cannot be returned to the place of purchase to help prevent software piracy.

Warranty – Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacture of the product or the place of purchase.

INTERNET
With the increase popularity of the Internet it is becoming easier, faster, and cheaper to buy over the Internet however pay close attention to what you are buying.

Security – When buying over the Internet it is generally a good recommendation to ensure the page you are purchasing from offers some type of security. When entering your credit card information look for a small padlock on your browser toolbar indicating that all information entered will have additional security helping to prevent information from being stolen by another entity. If you do not see this icon in the bottom left or mid left of your browser its a good possibility the page does not offer this additional security.

Piracy – With the advances in technology it is now possible for anyone to make their own CDs it is possible that you may be buying copied software which is illegal. Ensure that the software you are buying is a authentic copy, documentation is included with the software, and the the CD does not appear to be burned. Generally burned CDs will have a unusual color such as green or gold tint (unfortunately you will not be able to see the CD until bought). However it is still possible for someone to make CDs which can look like an ordinary CD.

Return Policy – Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be incase the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. Extra Note: Generally software cannot be returned to the place of purchase to help prevent software piracy.

Warranty – Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacture of the product or the place of purchase.

E-mail receipt – Generally most companies will provide you with a e-mail confirming that they have received your order. Keep this e-mail until your product has arrived.

LOCAL RETAILER
A Local Retailer is one of the safest location to buy computer hardware and software. However issues can still arise be sure to watch out for the following.

Incorrect Information – Unfortunately good help can be hard to find. Its possible for representatives to give you incorrect or false information either to help the sell or because they representative may not know all of the required information. If the sells rep says that a certain hardware device is capable of something see if they can demonstrate it to help certify their claim.

Return Policy – Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be incase the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. Extra Note: Generally software cannot be returned to the place of purchase to help prevent software piracy.

Warranty – Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacture of the product or the place of purchase.

MAIL ORDER
Mail order is sometimes considered an unsafe location to purchase your computer software and or hardware from. However taking the correct steps can help prevent issues from occurring.

Company information – Ensure that the company provides a valid phone number. Allowing you to speak directly with someone if required.

Return Policy – Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be incase the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. Extra Note: Generally software cannot be returned to the place of purchase to help prevent software piracy.

Company – Try determining how long the company has been in business. There have been several mail order companies which have packed up and left overnight leaving you without anyone to contact.

Warranty – Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacture of the product or the place of purchase.

Add a Cool Slideshow of Picasa Photos to Your Blog

Abdullah recently asked a question in our Blog Forum about how to add a Google Picasa Web Album Slideshow to his blog. This was a great question so I thought other people would be interested in how to do it as well.

Picasa is a free photo management product by Google that I actually use for all my photos. The software organizes and can adjust your photo albums on your computer and then easily uploads them to your Picasa account. I love the ability to quickly upload pictures from my trips, etc and just send the url to my friends and family.

So if you already have a Picasa account and have pictures you’d like to include on your blog, you should check out this widget. If you don’t have Picasa yet, I highly recommend you download it for free by clicking on the link below.

After you select the photo album and settings you want to use, it gives you some code to paste into your site. You can either paste it into your post or add it to your sidebar by creating an html/javascript widget. Then just paste the code into the widget and save.

Here’s a screenshot of the widget being setup:

Notice how easy the setup process is. It provides the code to paste into your blog and then you’ll have a flash slideshow rotating through all your photos! Pretty cool. I was going to include a working demo but once you login to your account and start building a slideshow, it shows you real-time how it works. It’s worth checking out….enjoy!

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