Run Classic DOS Games On Your Wii With DOSbox

Run Classic DOS Games On Your Wii With DOSbox:
Run DOS software on your Wii, just because you can. DOSbox for Wii puts the complete DOS experience – command prompt and all – on your Wii.
We’ve shown you how to run old DOS games in Windows 7 with DOSbox. DOSbox isn’t just for Windows, though: it works on Linux, OS X and almost any platform you can imagine…including, believe it or not, the Wii. You’ll need to know your way around DOS to get your favorite games working, but if a DOS prompt doesn’t scare you it won’t be a problem.
You’re going to need to jailbreak your Wii using Letterbomb before you can install DOSbox Wii. Follow those instructions and come back here; I’ll wait.
Ready? Good. Find DOSbox Wii in the Wii Homebrew Browser and install, and let’s get started.

Using DOSbox Wii

First things first: you’re going to need a USB keyboard in order to use DOSbox Wii. That’s because DOSbox Wii, like every version of DOSbox, by default presents you with a DOS prompt:

There’s no way around it: to use DOSbox Wii you’re going to need to learn the basics of the DOS prompt. DOSbox offers a great tutorial on their wiki; read it to get your bearings. It shouldn’t be a problem if you’re a longtime DOS user, however.
Those instructions teach you how to mount a drive. DOSbox Wii automatically mounts the “/DOSbox” folder on your Homebrew drive (the SD card or USB drive you run homebrew from) as “C”. For the sake of simplicity I recommend you put software you want to use there.
When you launch a program, the WiiMote will act as your mouse; you can also use a USB mouse, if you prefer. The Gamecube and classic controller are both supported as well. Check the DOSbox Wii page on WiiBrew.org for more information

Playing Games

I tested this out with two games: SimCity2000 and Lemmings, because they’re DOS games I happen to have legal copies of. Both installed fine, though it took a while – I suggest doing the installation using Dropbox on your computer and copying the existing files to your Homebrew drive.
Sim City 2000 works very well on the Wii. I’m not sure the WiiMote makes the best replacement for the mouse in the world – precision is challenging from my couch – but everything worked great.

Man, playing this game again brings back memories. I hope that freaking metal alien with the giant eyeball doesn’t destroy my city; that thing sucks.
Lemmings worked well too, the occasional glitch with the mouse notwithstanding.

It was fun playing this game from my couch, which is basically the entire point of using this software. Wonder how well your favorite games will work? Check the DOSbox Wii Compatibility list.
You’ll need a keyboard to play any games that revolve around the keyboard, obviously. The analogue stick on the WiiNuncuck will work as a joystick but you may need to configure this in-game. Read the DOSbox Wii page on WiiBrew.org for more information.

Using Without The Keyboard

Using the DOS prompt with a keyboard on your Wii can feel a little…off. It’s hard to get around this – the prompt is how you load DOS programs – but not completely impossible, especially if there’s really only one game you want to launch.
Longtime DOS users are no doubt familiar with AUTOEXEC.BAT; a section of DOSbox’s configuration file (dosbox.conf) emulates it. Basically: any commands written here will automatically launch when DOSbox is opened. As such, to launch your favorite game automatically when DOSbox is opened, all you need to do is edit this file on your computer and add the commands to launch your game. Assuming your game works without a keyboard this is a great way to launch it directly and start playing immediately.
You’ll find dosbox.conf in the “DOSbox” folder on your Homebrew drive.

Random Tips and Ideas

• There is a menu you can bring up by pressing your home button, but it’s basically a quick way to quit. No GUI launcher for software or settings.
• It’s probably best to install your software in DOSbox on your computer, then copy the folder full of working software to your Homebrew drive – especially if you have a lot of software you wan to get working.
• It’s possible to run Windows 3.1 in DOSbox and I’ve managed to do so on my computer. It wouldn’t start on the Wii for me, however. Let me know if you get it working in the comments below; plenty of people on YouTube have.
• Ryan showed you how to turn an old computer into a Star Trek clock with LCARS24. You can do the same thing with your Wii, if you want. Enjoy.
• Many classic point-and-click adventure DOS games are easier to set up using ScummVM for Wii because of it’s GUI interface. Check it out if you’re primarily interested in those.

Let me know which games you manage to get working on your Wii in the comments below! Feel free to ask questions, too, though be warned: I might not be able to answer everything.

How To Get Windows 8 For The Lowest Possible Price

How To Get Windows 8 For The Lowest Possible Price:
Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system means change – with a capital “C” – for anyone interested in purchasing new PCs and laptops in the coming months.
The introduction of the Metro UI – now apparently known simply as “Windows 8” – has proved controversial. Designed primarily as a touch-based user interface, the tiles and hidden menus of the new Start screen and the relegation of the old Windows desktop seems to have dismayed many people.
However, Microsoft believe they are playing catch-up to Apple in the tablet computer and UI stakes. They’ve already announced the Windows 8-powered Surface tablet, and the whole touch interface aspect of Windows 8 is influenced by the touch-based changes Apple introduced in Mac OS X Lion.
Whether the mixed reviews of the preview releases of Windows 8 have influenced pricing or Microsoft are simply taking a leaf out of Apple’s book isn’t quite clear, but the price of a new copy of Windows 8 will be noticeably lower than a comparative copy of Windows Vista or Windows 7.
Indeed, there is a chance of purchasing Windows 8 for under $15!

The Apple Model

Have Microsoft based their new operating system pricing on the relatively low prices offered by Apple?
Mac OS X 10.8 costs just $19.99 when downloaded from the App Store (currently the only option) while the previous Mac OS X 10.7 was available for $24.99 on DVD.

This is in stark contrast to Windows 7; upon release, this popular operating system was a massive $154 for the Home Premium version!
It doesn’t look as though this is a one-off, either – the inclusion of the Microsoft Store in Windows 8 means that subsequent releases can be made available via download. Will users accept much higher prices for downloadable updates? It is unlikely, so it could be that future versions of Windows stay around the $39.99 upgrade price rather than the brand new disc option at $69.99.
Hmm, $39.99 doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

Upgrading from Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7

While not the lowest price on offer on this page, the prospect of getting a new copy of Windows for $39.99 is pretty tempting. Sure, it might have the touch-based user interface formerly known as Metro, but it also has a desktop view and full backward compatibility with Windows 7 applications.
Additionally, Windows 8 is designed to run apps – many of which are free – from the Microsoft Store.

So how do you get a copy of Windows 8 for $39.99? The secret is to already run a legal copy of Windows XP, Vista or 7 and use the upgrade path. There are three versions of the new OS: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 RT. The latter is for ARM tablets, while the former has fewer features (but should be fine for the vast majority of users). As there were so many versions of Windows 7 (six main editions alone) this will make choosing a copy much easier.
Note that while the operating system might be relatively cheap, the amount of time it takes for you to upgrade from Windows XP might not be. Vista and 7 can be easily upgraded, meaning that vital data and applications will be retained during the process (although anything you don’t wish to lose should be backed up, of course). For Windows XP users, however, backing up all vital data is necessary before installation of the new OS.
If you’re using Windows XP, the chances are that you’ve had your computer for five or six years. Upgrading for just under $40 therefore is an opportunity not to be missed!

Bought a Windows 7 PC Recently? No Problem!

Remarkably, $39.99 isn’t the cheapest option for purchasing Windows 8. If you are buying a Windows 7 computer before January 31st 2013, Microsoft will offer an upgrade for a super-low $14.99! It isn’t just any upgrade either – this option also offers Windows 8 Pro!
All you need to do to qualify is buy a new computer with a legal copy of Windows 7 preinstalled, head to Windows Upgrade Offer and register your details.
When the offer is available, Microsoft will then email purchase instructions and require payment, and you’ll then be able to download your copy of Windows 8 Pro for that super low price!

Use The Windows 8 Release Preview

If all of this seems a bit too much trouble and you’re not all that bothered about buying Windows 8 until you have got used to it, the Windows 8 Release Preview will be available to use until January 16, 2013.

This means that you have plenty of time to head to Microsoft’s download site and grab your copy of the preview which can be installed as an upgrade, as a dual-booted OS or as a virtual machine.
After all, what’s the point of spending money on an operating system as radically different as Windows 8 if you don’t like it? Try before you buy!

Conclusion

There are three ways in which you can get a copy of Windows 8 without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to take the upgrade path from your current version of Windows or you’re buying a new PC, laptop or hybrid tablet now and want to have the option to upgrade when the new OS is released or even if you want to try it for free first, there is an option to cover any budget.
What is most interesting about this whole Windows 8 upgrade scenario however is that is seems to signal a sea-change in pricing from Microsoft.
Image Credits: Windows 8 RT via Tornedo500, Mac OS X 10.8 via Olivewarbler

8 Crucial Things You Should Know Before Travelling Abroad With Your Phone, Tablet, Or Laptop

8 Crucial Things You Should Know Before Travelling Abroad With Your Phone, Tablet, Or Laptop:
If you’re about to go international with your smartphone, tablet and/or laptop there are a few things you should know before you go. You might need extra peripheral devices and plugs, entertainment and maps pre-downloaded, a new SIM card for data, and to prepare for a few important security scenarios.
Wherever you go and whatever your trip will involve, these tips will prepare you for things as best as possible. The last thing you need is to lose a smartphone full of data with no way of protecting yourself! Here’s what you need to know.

Work Out What International Plugs You’ll Need

Since the standard electrical socket type is different wherever you go in the world, it’s handy to have the right plugs for the places you’re going. There are useful websites you can use to find out which type of socket to expect though, like PlugsMap. Also, remember to pack your USB charger and car charger into your cabin bag as you can sometimes find places to charge devices on the plane or in airports.

Ensure You Don’t Use Expensive Wireless Data Plans

When you’re travelling internationally it’s worth noting that your regular data plan will probably cost you a fortune. Turn 3G off, disable notifications and push services, then do not touch it even for a minute unless you know you’ve got a good deal. Most people are horrified at how expensive international data costs are.
If you’re travelling through lots of different countries, you might consider getting an international data SIM. If you’ll spend most of your time in one country, it might be better value to get a data SIM for that one country or rely on a local hotspot network. Ask your current provider if they have any preferred partners in the country you’re heading to as you could get a better rate. Whatever you do, hunt around for the best deals before you choose your method.

When considering your SIM choice, don’t forget to get the correct size SIM for your device! The iPad and iPhone 4 use a micro SIM, while most other devices use a full size SIM. You may also want to bring along any custom-made tool you need to remove your SIM.
Another data-conserving tip is to download as much as possible to your devices while using free Wi-Fi. Use apps like Instapaper to save websites you want to read in advance, while also adding music, movies and books to your device well in advance.

• Calculations 4.0 For Android: If You Are Going on A Trip, This is One App You Need [Android 2.1+]
• New Skype WiFi iOS App Provides Pay-Per-Minute Global Wireless Hotspot Access [News]

Plan Ahead & Get Offline GPS Maps

There are a huge range of maps available for smartphones and tablets. Ideally, what you need is one which allows you to get the maps you’ll need in advance and then find your location using GPS, without data access, later. Google Maps is very good at this, but there are plenty more you can consider too.

• The Top 3 Free Offline GPS Apps For Android

Bookmark All The Best Travel Deal Sites & Tourist Info

When you’re in a new area, apps like Foursquare can be a great way to find out about the best restaurants and bars. But most tourism offices have applications these days too, so do some research and get hold of them if possible. If there’s no application, they may at least have PDF versions of travel guides you can download and read while in transit.

You might also like to check out these great sites for hotel deals and other useful travel information:

• 10 Best Hotel Search Engines To Get The Best Deals When You Travel
• 8 Best Websites To Find Summer Retreats You’ll Never Forget
• 6 Most Useful US Government Websites For International Travelers
• The Best Travel Deals Sites To Save Cash On Your Next Vacation

You May Need Wireless Peripherals

If you’ve tried to cut down on the amount of luggage you’re bringing and are therefore travelling with a tablet, you may think you don’t need a keyboard or mouse. But what happens if you’re suddenly required to do a few fiddly things for work or to make a Skype call? Would your tablet keyboard and microphone be good enough? Maybe it’s worth packing a few peripheral devices in your main luggage just in case. I also like to carry a headphone splitter so that I can share the sound for movies or music I’m enjoying.

• Need An Affordable Keyboard For Your Tablet? Here Are Some Good Options
• 4 Excellent Mice For Everyday Use Under $50
• 5 Quality Headphones That Cost Less Than $50
• Better iPhone Audio & Video: Adapters, Microphones And Accessories For Superior Sound [iPhone]

Travelling Tablets Need Protecting

You might not need a case for your tablet for everyday use, but once your travelling things are different. You need free hands to go through airport security and carry luggage, so those tablets are going to be shoved into bags and possible handled by people other than yourself. Get a case if you want to protect your tablet properly.
Extreme changes in temperature may also affect your tablets, as it allows condensation to form inside the device. Also, extreme cold may affect the battery life of your device. For best results, keep your tablet insulated when travelling in extreme weather.

Protect Yourself Against Theft Of Your Devices & Data

Travelling will take you to busy places, some of them more notorious for crime than others. Regardless of the area, as a traveller you are a prime target. There are several things you can do to protect yourself against device theft or to help in the aftermath:

• Carry your devices near your body.
• Don’t get too distracted when using tablets or phones in public spaces.
• Purchase insurance for your devices (and make sure you are covered internationally and for potential work usage).
• Keep your devices locked when not in use. You might also consider the risks of leaving your applications logged in on your device.
• Don’t log into sensitive accounts while using public Wi-Fi.
• Back up your devices before you leave and when staying with friends while travelling.
• Keep back-ups on-the-go by syncing with web storage like Dropbox or Box.
• Install applications to help you retrieve a lost phone or tablet – or to delete the data remotely (for iPads, enable the “Find This iPad” feature before you go).

Also note that many border security agents have the power to examine your devices and sometimes to ask for you to decrypt partitions. If you’re security paranoid, it’s best to bring only devices with clean installs and no personal data on them whatsoever (definitely nothing illegal!). This goes double for workplace devices.

Protect Against RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Skimming

Here’s another travel tip for the technically minded. When you’re in a busy place like an airport carrying all your most vital identification and credit cards, you’re at risk of having that information stolen by RFID skimmers. Many passports and credit cards these days have RFID chips in them, which are vulnerable to being read by identity thieves who are carrying a portable card reader.

It’s possible to buy an RFID blocking passport protector from places that sell anti-theft and travel security goods. It’s also an idea to put your credit cards in there while you’re in busy places.

More Great Travel Tips

Since you’re a techy who loves travelling, you’ll probably appreciate these articles too:

• How To Create Your Own Online Proxy Server In Minutes
• 3 Tools to Control Your PC from A Distance Using Remote Access

What are your best travel tips for travelling with tech gear?
Image Credit: Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock

The 2 Best Applications For Keeping A Time Limit On Yourself

The 2 Best Applications For Keeping A Time Limit On Yourself:
Keeping productive and on track with yourself is important. Today, there’s no longer a need for physical alarm clocks or sticky notes. If that’s your thing, keep it up! However, the wonderful powers of the Internet make staying on track effortless. All you need to do is find the right application or web service and you’re set.
One thing I like to do is set time limits and other assorted timers for myself throughout the day. It shouldn’t take me more than an hour to do this or that, and if it does then I know I’m slacking off. That added bit of pressure creates a sense of urgency and importance when it comes to completing a task.
Today, I’ve got two awesome applications for you – one a Windows application and another a web application – that will assist in doing just that.

SnapTimer

SnapTimer is one of the many applications on our Best Portable Apps page. I love SnapTimer because it’s lightweight, simple, and very straightforward with its features.

SnapTimer serves a single purpose, and that’s not to say that it’s limited or some sort of primitive and shallow software either. It’s a simple countdown timer with all of the features and cleanliness to get the job done. Simply enter a time limit, in minutes (does not support seconds), and click the play button. You can optionally click the interface to start the timer. You can click again to pause it.

Under the Edit menu, you’re able to save your timer and edit some of the program’s options. Let’s look into those.

I’ve really got a thing for apps that dock to the Windows system tray. I hate having a cluttered taskbar. SnapTimer can do this.
As you can see in the screenshot, there are a handful of other very basic functionalities that you can enable or disable also.

SnapTimer supports alarms also, and I love the way that it handles them. You’re able to configure a display message, tray tooltip, sound file, or run an application after a time limit.

E.ggTimer

E.ggTimer is already extremely popular and has been featured in the MakeUseOf Directory, but it’s really necessary to include a web application in a post like this. As of right now, I only run Windows but I think it’s really important to involve the Mac and Linux crowd in the mix.

Like SnapTimer, E.ggTimer is incredibly simple but just as effective. Navigate to the website, enter a time limit (supports hours, minutes, seconds) and launch that timer. You’ll then be taken to a page that displays nothing more than the countdown timer. At the top and bottom of the page, there is a progress bar that allows you to visualize what percentage of time you’ve got left. Very minimal and straightforward.

Another little perk of E.ggTimer is being able to set your timer by the URL. Typing in a value like “5 hours” or “40 seconds” will automatically start up your timer.

At the end of your timer, you’ll hear two beeps and you’ll receive a popup telling you that the time has expired.
Which of these two do you prefer? Let me know in the comments!

Design and create with nanoCAD, a totally free CAD solution

Design and create with nanoCAD, a totally free CAD solution:

nanoCAD is a free, full-featured 3D CAD solution for all your CAD needs. Designed to replace the big name retail CAD programs, it stands out among free CAD programs as one of the best.
CAD programs are some of my favorites to mess around with, without actually producing anything useful from them necessarily. I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of creating or re-creating objects in three dimensions on the computer, ever since I saw my first example of a vector graphic in the early 80s. I enjoy just messing around with them, seeing what I can come up with, but I also know a few people who use them on a regular basis for work and other endeavors. It is therefore always of interest to me to find a new CAD program that is both full-featured as well as free. nanoCAD is both of those things and it’s definitely one of the more impressive CAD tools I have seen, never mind the fact that it costs nothing to use or download and the wide online community and support on the home page.

The install process is bereft of toolbars and junkware, which is always preferable. In order to use the program, you will need to get a serial number and register a license. but this costs nothing but time to fill out the forms. You’ll need to provide an email address, which they send a link to which allows you to download the product. Then you will also get an email containing your login information and after installing the program itself a registration wizard will lead you through the process of getting that free license number. It’s a bit complex, with all those steps just to get the program running for the first time, but the end result is worth it and the whole process is an indicator of what using the program is like all around. From beginning to end, it is easy and user-friendly, but with many steps along every way. This is to be expected, however, when using a CAD program, really, since the whole idea is to create 3D objects from digital nothingness.

Once up and running, you will have a couple of graphic options asked of you at the start up and you will be ready to begin using the various functions of the program. While I admit that many of the functions are beyond my skill level and understanding, it is worth noting that the sheer amount of options, features, tools and functions is pretty impressive and almost overwhelming. This is especially true when comparing nanoCAD to a few different free CAD tools I have used in the past. Specifically, nanoCAD uses the .dwg format so you can be sure of compatibility, as well as a number of key features that go above and beyond what you might expect from a free CAD utility. nanoCAD is really an ultimate 3D CAD solution, not just a tool to manage or manipulate. The drawing tools are exceptionally robust, and the interface is easy and familiar for anyone who has used some of the more popular retail programs for CAD, like AutoCAD. Additionally, since the program is an open API project, it is possible to develop or modify it for your own needs, if you should decide to. You can use the open coding, essentially, to develop you own applications and programs built around or with the nanoCAD system itself. I was also impressed with the ability to modify the right button context menu based on the current environment, as well as the auto-complete features that make everything faster and easier.

Overall, after my exploration of nanoCAD, I sort of think of it as the gimp of the CAD world. Whereas gimp is to replace Photoshop, nanoCAD can easily replace AutoCAD in most respects. There are too many tools and functions to go into all of them, and unless you are a regular user of 3D CAD programs, you wouldn’t know what to do with them anyway, but I can reliably state that nanoCAD is a decent replacement or free alternative to any of the retail cost CAD programs out there now. I would put it in the same category of quality and expectations for future usability with programs like OpenOffice.org. So, if you have need of a free CAD solution, or just want to see what the alternative to using an expensive program has to offer, check out nanoCAD, you won’t be disappointed.
[Thanks go to reader Panzer for the tip about this great program].
Get nanoCAD here (registration with a valid email required).