Marts, 2007

Online Arcade Game ABC

- How To Start Playing Online Arcade Games

Served in a Fresh & Crisp 2007 Update Wrap

With A Nice Desert:
Now Also Including "The Real Arcade Top 5 FAQ"

Please, Print Out This Arcade Game ABC - So you always have it near to you, if you should ever feel like Garfield again. Scroll to the bottom for a full Word transcript - It looks much better in print Ÿ - We've compacted all our Newsletters, Articles, Support Mails etc. - Down to following Essential Questions & Answers...

	RAR Member Advice
	The Updated Arcade Game ABC now answers more than 80% of all questions received during the second half of 2006! Therefore we also urge you to: Look for a solution here, before you mail us or post any technical or security questions in the forum.,, .. . We are here to have fun, remember?!

Happy Reading
Danni & Thomas
Marts, 2007

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Security Questions
1. Is It Safe To Download Games From The Internet?
2. Is A Game Forum A Safe Place For My Kids?
3. Can I Avoid Getting "SPAM" From My Inbox?
4. How Do I Know If Online Payments Are Secure?


Technical Problems

5. Can I avoid Technical Problems When I Play Games Online?
6. I've Just Bought A Game, But It Doesn't Seem Do Work?
7. Why Is My Credit Card Being Rejected?

RealArcade Benefits

8. Who Is Behind The RealArcade GamePlayer?
9. Is RealArcade Something For Me?
10. What's The Major Benefits Of RealArcade?
11. What's The Exact Price Of The GamePlayer?
12. How do I join Real Arcade?

Before we drag you into a loooong line of tech & security stuff...

- Consider seriously to sign up for RealArcades' Free trial and you may not even need this Game ABC, because RealArcade eliminated most of the frustrating tech/security issues years ago, with their release of the RealArcade Game Player*

* You can read more in our RealArcade GAMEPASS™ Review

Security Questions

1. Is it safe to download games from the Internet?

	This logo verifies that the company in question is well established and has the necessary structure and process in place to produce high quality products and services. The following application has been tested as part of the International Charter software validation program and has been found to contain no elements of "Spyware", malicious code or other related functions.

Read more about The International Charter on their homepage.

But Do not trust every "Security Logo" you see Online
Unfortunately some webmasters are "plastering" their sites, with all kinds of unknown & meaningless security logos

Try to look for Recommendations/Reviews from any of the real acknowledged media reviewers like CNET.com & Wired.com

First of all they make Good Independent Reviews...

Secondly; Every Game Merchant fears bad publicity*!
- Especially from major Media Reviewers like CNET.com & Wired.com

... Thus both Honest and Dishonest Online Game Merchants hesitate to use any "phony" recommendations, unless it's the pure truth. - or at least very close...

* Bad Publicity Online can be so destructive it can "kill" a Website in a Week !!

2. Is A Game Forum A Safe Place For My Kids?

Yes - if you stick to known & well established Family Game Portals like Disney.com or RealArcade.com

No - if you let your kids participate in online forums, without knowing the exact"Theme" & "Rules" of that particular forum.

In addition, you should always pay attention, if anyone asks you for private addresses or telephone numbers in the subscription process!

it's important to say though …

Good & Cozy Game Portals are popping up everywhere Ÿ
They haven´t often accomplished the acknowledgement they deserve yet.

So...

- If you get curious about a particularly game site..

---- Why not try to sign up for their Newsletter and get to know them a little better, before you decide anything at all?

Just remember to read their "Privacy Policy" to ensure, they do not forward or resell your email address! Also it's very good idea for you to read the following answer to SPAM issues...

3. Can I Avoid Getting "Spam" in my Inbox?

Last year we had a lot of inquiries about how to avoid "Spam" [definition].

This may come as a surprise to you, but here In 2007+ ..

We wouldn't worry to much about getting "Spammed"!
- At least not just by signing up to a newsletter ..

Besides, signing up to a newsletter is the way to go when:

• You are looking for Clear Information..
  What do "they" really offer? --> what's in it for you?
  
• You are looking for Game Offers or SweepStakes..
  - Newsletters generally are the best source to the best offers!
  

Why? - Think of it from the merchants perspective..

By signing up to a newsletter the vendor/merchant recognizes your potential interest in what he is offering	-->	Exactly like it happens in the "mortar and brick" shops:
		If you start just to act a little curious...
		The seller instantly notice* you ain 't just "browsing" anymore.
* If he is a good salesman		Now all the fun begins, just read on...

RAR Member TIP 1

" Mr, Sales Guy will offer you almost anything if you just put One Leg Out On The Payment " Î Freely translated from a Danish Saying

In the Online World it often works like this: Usually the best offers arrives in your in-box around the 4th or 5th Newsletter you get from the company who is trying to sell you something, - this is when the merchant begins to get a little impatient (Read: Desperate!)..

RAR Member TIP 2:

I personally have 2 emails: One for Family + Friends <-> One for Business I consider to open a third mail account to use this mail address for every "Unknown" sales guy to avoid more SPAM!

Note: Advice published with permission from a RAR Forum member

We subscribe/unsubscribe to newsletters all the time ourselves

- Not only to keep perfectly "fit for fight " in our game developer work and for this Website...

- Also to get notified whenever someone has a good offer. To stay informed about good offers this way is much easier compared to look trough magazines or TV commercials etc., - and where you don't have anything to say or ask anyway.

Seriously, the risk of getting a lot of Spam this way isn't that big nowadays, - if you just take the right precautions!

• Always Read their "Privacy Policy" (as mentioned above)
  
  
• Look for the "Unsubscribe" button..
  

... The "Unsubscribe" possibility is now a minimum required feature in the online world, - Therefore "Unsubscribe" is our quick door out" from even the worst sites on the net.

Are you still receiving to much Spam?

Think of getting one of the good "Email Spam Filters" available. – They work wonders and give you a "clean" inbox. If you use Outlook or Outlook Express we recommend - it's quite cheap ($30 for 1 year) and very effective.

RAR Member Notice
In the WeEEKLŸ Newsletter, you'll find tips how to set up your mail filters, - so you avoid Spam but still receive the good Game Offers!

4. How do I know if online payments are secure?

We recommend anyone to read the "Consumer's Guide to E-Payments".
from The Federal Commission.

It's a little bit of reading, but it's worth it because it clearly states all the rights & possibilities you have today as an online consumer.

RAR Member TIP:

Look for the logo to download & print out the whole guide in good quality - it could come in handy...

Technical Problems

5. Can I avoid technical problems when I play games online?

Here are 5 steps to avoid the most common tech problems...
Note however this will also decrease your browsers overall security level,
- so make the changes at your own risk!

• Remove any PopUp blocker [Definition] running on your computer
  
  
• Make sure you have your "cookies" [Definition] activated
  
  
• Download the latest versions of Flash and Shockwave
  
  
• Make sure that Java [Definition] is enabled in your web browser
  
  
• Try using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer (or vice versa)
  

If you choose to "Go out on you own" without any secure GamePlayer, we highly recommend "Ad-Aware SE Personal".

We use this program ourselves, it's totally free and very popular. It will definitely help you staying away from so called "Badware" [Definition]

But be careful to download any unknown "Badware Removal Programs", as they might be infected themselves! Read more about this very annoying issue at WindowsSecurity.com

Also, you could consider "Joining The New team" of people shifting to the Firefox Browser since Spyware and Virus Writers tend to write malicious software specifically targeted Internet Explorer.

www.news.com has written a good article about Firefox Browser Trends

RAR Member Disclaimer:
We are still a little hesitant to recommend this "jump" fully..

- When Firefox gets more popular, aren't the spammers just going to re-adjust/re-aim their "Spam Canons" accordingly?!

Ú I'll keep my ears & eyes open for this one..
Danni T - RAR Detective

6. Why Is My Credit Card Being Rejected?

Here are 4 common reasons why your credit card is being declined:

• Using A Card That The Merchant Do Not Accept
  Check the merchant's website for available paying options.
  


• Your Name Or Address Does Not Match the name or address on file for that card. To correct this issue, please re-enter your credit card billing address and your name exactly as it appears on your billing statement.
  


• Your Card Has Been Blocked because of suspected fraud!
  If you really believe this is the case, contact the merchants customer support and provide them with the first four digits (sometimes also the last four) of your card number so the merchant can assist you further.
  


• You Have Insufficient Credit to cover the cost of the purchase. If this is the problem, please contact your bank directly to resolve the issue and try again.
  (- if that's a possible solution at all:-)

7. I've Just Bought A Game, But It Doesn't Seem To Work?

3 common annoyances are:

• The Screen goes blank
  
• The Game does not run
  
• The Game crashes your computer

- Those problems are often caused by some kind of Technical
Incompatibilities between your Computer and the Game you are trying to install or play.

Following actions often solves the problem:

The Fast Solution...Ÿ
If you did not already try it, it's always amazing how many technical problems can be solved just by rebooting your computer!

Here's a common joke among programmers:

The Quick Solver	Problem: Bill Gates' car suddenly stopped in the middle of no where..
	Solution: He stops the vehicle, He walks out and pause a few seconds ... And Bill just try all over again !

A more thorough solution is sometimes referred to as:

"The 5-Step" Solution"

• Run a Windows Update, (Look in your "START" menu)
  


• Ensure you have the most current version of DirectX [Definition]
  
  To get an updated version of DirectX, go directly to www.microsoft.com/windows/directx
  
• Reboot your Computer
  
  
• Make sure you are connected to the Internet
  
  
• Run your Game again
  

- If neither of the above steps resolve the issue...

• Your Computer may not have the correct configuration to run the game.
  
• It could also be due to insufficient memory or Hard Disk space
  
• Or maybe your PC is infected somehow...
  
  - But of course you have guarded your self with:
  a basic Virus Shield that make-so-many-security-AND-technical-annoyances-completely-unnecessary, right?!
  
• Finally, if your PC are using an old* Operating System [Definition], it may prevent you from using the game correctly
  
  You can check the system requirements for your particular game and then compare this to your current PC configuration. (Look it up by right-clicking on the icon saying "My Computer" on your desktop)
  
  * Note that "old" in the Game World is "A PC more than 1 year old"!

The GamePlayer from RealArcade automatically detects you PCs' configuration system and then compare it up against the tech requirements of any specific Game from their own 400+ Game Arsenal.

With the technology problems of to day that's really good news:
- No more bad surprises with incompatible Arcade Games that doesn't play on your PC!

But there is also The Fun Solution

With the you can play 1 hour of each game for free.
So here you can test if the game works on your own PC before you buy the game!

This is and always will be the bullet proof method to assure that any particular Game works on your specific Computer setup.

...In the complex "Tech-World" we live in today, unfortunately we are still haunted by loads of technical incompatibilities.

ChEcking if a game works with the RealArcade Gameplayer ...

RealArcade Benefits

8. Who is behind the RealArcade GamePlayer?

The company RealNetworks.com

You probably know them best from their other RealPlayers like RealAudio & RealVideo

RealNetworks were the first to launch a real Arcade Game Portal and is today one of the biggest - and super active - players in the Online Game Industry.

They are known for: "Innovative Technical Solutions to Daily Life Media Problems" - and the "Real Gameplayer + GAMEPASS Bundle" certainly belongs to that category.

Here is how they present themselves:

Read The Whole RealNetworks Profile here

9. Is RealArcade something for me?

People in all ages have been asking us this question and we always give the same answer:

Absolutely Yes!

- Inside the Real Arcade Forum, you'll find games for the whole family. You also have the possibility to choose among every kind of Arcade Game you could even imagine* - with different kinds of challenges, difficulty levels, educative incentives etc.

* Note however RealArcade.com do not have Action Games of "very violent character" - nor "Only for Adult" Games.

• Check out RealArcades' current lists of Games...
  
  RealArcade.com offers Games in following categories
  

  ARCADE GAME CATEGORIES

  Puzzle Games	Word Games	Mahjongg Games
  Arcade Games	Action/Adventure Games	Sports Games
  Card Games	Casino Games	Kids' Favorites Games

• Take a look at this "Demographic Picture"...

	Note: Judging by our own mail questions, we believe that around 20% of the members in RealArcade.com actually joined on behalf of their kids. But it's just our own assumption...

The numbers above clearly illustrates the 2007 trend in the Arcade Game Industry:

Everyone in the Family likes a good Game Ÿ

- And the folks over at RealArcade seem to be very aware of this new demand for variety since they respond to it by offering perhaps the widest selection of Arcade Games (400+) seen Online today!

- So no matter what ..

If you are curious:

This is a Fun & Easy way for you to pick your own, personal entrance into the sometimes hard & complex Online Game World Ÿ

However...

If you only are looking for Kids Games...
And all your kids are thinking & talking about is one particulary Fantasy Theme like Harry Potter or Disney then...

- The Big Companies often have their own more "Narrow" Game Portals mainly targeted for kids and/or youngsters.

10. How Does The Real GamePlayer Work?

The Game Player gives you access to 400+ Games, News & Special Offers directly from RealArcade.com to your Desktop.

The Real Arcade GamePlayer is a little 100% secure program you download and install on your PC.

That way you have a closed "Pipeline Connection" to RealArcade with a very high level of security!

Good Benefits includes...

• You avoid opening more than one "PC Port" [Definition] out to the net.
  
• You avoid playing PC Games through you Internet Browser at all
  
• You & your Family can play Games even when you are Offline.
  

PS The Gameplayer is very easy to use and works like a dream

Î RAR Member Tip Î

Pay attention if you still use Windows® 95 Special note for Windows® 95 users: Please note that RealArcade is only supported under the OSR2 version of Windows 95. If you purchased a new computer or installed Windows 95 after August 1996, then you probably have the OSR2 version. NOTE: You can check for sure by looking in the System Control Panel under the General tab. If you see the text "Microsoft Windows 95, 4.00.950", - Then you have OSR2.

11. What's The Exact Price?

Unlike many other Online Game Vendors, the Price Policy of RealArcade is Clear & Transparent:

• Right Now RealArcade runs their "Peak Season Offer":
  
  

  You get: 1 GAMEPASS + 1 RealArcade Gameplayer + 1 Month Subscription to Try all 400+ Real Arcade Games Price: Everything For Free!

  
  A rather amazing offer in it self...
  - Here are the price details:
  
• The Monthly Subscription is for any subsequent months = $8
  This entitles you to download 1 full Real Arcade Game of you own choice each month (You save $12).
  
  
• As a RealArcade Member you buy any number of Additional Games for $15 (You save $5).
  
  
• You can Play Any of Real Arcade's +400 Games for 1 hour each !
  
  That's a true "Try-Before-Ÿou-Buy" Offer"*
  
  
• Each week they send you their Newsletter ("The Score") with additional Game Tips & Tricks + "Members Only Offers"... Here you often find other Game Discounts Offers (You save $5-$15)
  
  
• Finally, it's important to point out, that even though the is a Monthly Subscription Service...
  
  You may cancel your membership at any time!
  - Other Game Vendors may ask you for a minimum "locked" subscription period from 3 up to 6 months.
  
  
  * [Try-Before-You-Buy Offer]
  Where we actually are allowed to try a product thoroughly before we say YES or NO.
  
  - This is a new approach to Internet Shopping which fortunately becomes more & more widespread this year - Again good news for the Online Consumers Ÿ
  

Receive More Shopping Hints in our Newsletter:
Ÿ - RAR Weeklÿ - Ÿ

Be sure to use your monthly GamePass Game Credit each month, as Monthly Pays Do Not Carry Over! They expire at the end of each month, so you loose 8 bucks, if you don't use them!

Also be aware the is only valid as a New Members Offer

12. What's The Major Benefits Of RealArcade?

OK, we guess you mean apart from the a "rodomontade" of bullet points we've stated above?

- Well, we'd like to ask you about a quality concern, that is rarely mentioned in Game Forums, - but in our opinion maybe is the most qualifying factor for any Game Forum:

Conclusion:
If you are a family with different "game needs" the definitely is for you. Their Family Portal gives you a huge selection of games – for kids, mothers, fathers, uncles, grandmas, - You name it!

14. How do you join Real Arcade?

We Thank you for an easy question, and reward it with a short answer

Click here --> TRY THE FOR FREE!

Î --- Summary --- Î

The Internet Game Scene of 2007
should not at all be about Tech/Security Problems...

When it could be about...

Exploring the New & Constantly Evolving -

Ÿ - Online World of Games - Ÿ


- And That's Right at Ÿour Desktop!

The Good News for all of us in this context is:


"Plug'n Play" Now Enters the Game Scene!

Now at least some of the big Game Portals are finally realizing they have a demanding audience that expect:

Easy & "Packet solutions" anyone can use.

- of course with a secure standard accessible Game Player

With RealArcade being the front Runners in this league...

We encourage all new & old RAR members to find out how easy & fun it actually can be playing games online this way.

Take the RealArcade for a free test ride!

With the Real Arcade GamePlayer playing games online becomes as easy & fun as turning on your TV

Let's end this long line of answers by asking you a question:

Hopefully, see Ÿou inside the Game Forums :)

Kind Regards,
Thomas & Danni
RealArcadeReviews.com, Marts2007

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PS Did you find the answer to your question ?
We keep adding to this Arcade Game ABC, so if you have any questions you think could be interesting for all of us, please Mail us directly at:

• thomas@realarcadereviews.com
• danni@realarcadereviews.com

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Copyright © RealArcadeReviews 2007 – Arcade Game ABC
Please do not distribute or sell this guide, without prior written permission from RealAracdeReviews.com (You are always allowed to send to a family & friends though Ÿ)