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If you are shortly going to be going to hospital to have an operation, it might not necessarily be the most comforting thing to hear that your surgeon, in whose hands lies your life, has had a good deal of training playing computer games.

Yet, recent studies have actually shown that the vast majority of surgeons who do regularly play computer games actually have a much better success rate and accuracy rating than their colleagues who play games either very rarely or not at all. This might seem strange, but there are a number of statistics to back up this claim, and a number of reasons why this trend may be the case.

The study was carried out at a medical centre in New York recently, and they found that those surgeons who, on average, play three hours video gaming per week managed to work almost thirty percent faster than those who did little or no gaming, and were over forty per cent more successful in operations. The tests were carried out on simulated operations, using virtual reality and computer controlled equipment, which is in many ways very much the way some operations are now carried out.

With more and more operations requiring finer accuracy and greater precision, human hands and clumsy tools are not always able to achieve the standards required. Therefore, computers are used to carry out the surgery, controlled directly by the surgeon. Shakes, tremors and inaccurate movement can be ignored by the computer, and where the surgeon moves his hand a long distance, the computer reduces this proportionally, so that very fine work can be carried out by the surgeon which would not be possible using the hands directly.

It may well be that this type of surgery is closer to playing a computer game, by interacting through a computer, than the traditional surgery normally carried out, that does not involve a computer in any form other than to monitor life signs. For this reason, the familiarity with using a computer, including visual interpretation, control and understanding, could mean that surgeons should be playing computer games more often in order to improve their skills.

Certainly no one would complain if surgeons were bought a computer game for them to play for three hours a week, if it meant that overall surgical operations were carried out nearly thirty percent faster and with a greater degree of accuracy, exceeding forty percent gain.

This study did focus on one very specific kind of surgery, but it does pose a number of interesting possibilities. With computers increasingly becoming tools which are used in every day life, to what extent do skills gained either directly or indirectly through playing computer or video games transfer to these real life skills, providing a better training and improved performance overall?

Taking this ideas further, should all students in school be provided with three hours of dedicated playing time per week in order to speed up their work success rate and improve their grades? It is unlikely to happen, but the theory at least does pose a number of interesting points. Certainly it is unlikely that the idea would be discouraged by the students concerned.

A study conducted in the U.K. found that primary school children improve their math scores and concentration levels by playing online educational games, according to an article released in the BBC last month. Thirty primary school children between the ages of nine and ten, played a game called “Dr. Kawashima’s More Brain Training” game every morning for about 15 minutes before their lessons started. The game consists of several mini-games including reading tests, number challenges, memory puzzles and problem-solving exercises. At the end of the study, the children were tested in math and the results compared to a control group. Children who had played the games increased their test scores by more points than those who did not play, even though the test scores for both groups increased.

So what does this mean? With educational games popping up by various manufacturers all over the world, a trend is emerging. Combining a child’s “play” time with education, seems to have positive results. Making learning fun-as in part of a game-increases a child’s desire to learn. The repetition of playing is more enjoyable than simply working math problems over and over and the concentration needed, as well as the child’s own competitive desire to beat the game, adds to the beneficial outcome.

So is it time to buy a computer for your kid? Possibly.

Setting up a computer desk and computer in your child’s room or play room may help. Give your child his/her own space with a computer desk at the proper height for comfort. We found fully customizable computer desks at excellent prices on Versatables’ website.

A computer just for your child can also be the way to go. Giving him/her his own computer allows you, as a parent, to lock off inappropriate features like internet websites and pop-ups, and download fun games and colorful desktops and screen savers.

Customize your child’s computer work area with fun mouse pads or a mouse (Target sells a Hello Kitty mouse for under $10). Versatables’ computer desks can also be customized with shelves, speaker platforms, and locking CPU holders and cable management systems that provide a safer environment for children.

Stickers can be used to decorate the outside of the monitor and the keyboard, or use the computer and desk to create a themed room. For example, an aquatic themed room would look great with a fishbowl screensaver, or a princess-themed room could have a photo slide show of Disney’s princess characters.

When picking computer games, be sure to do your research. Many have been tested and are endorsed by schools and learning centers. Keep in mind, anyone can put out educational software, and just because it says it’s educational, doesn’t mean your child will learn from it. Choose games that are age-appropriate and that your child enjoys playing. Give your child time to play before studying, as increased blood flow to the frontal cortex (which happens during game play) can increase memory and concentration for hours afterward, making them ripe for learning.

While much of what you hear about computers and kids is negative press, keep in mind that computers allow us to do much more than we could without them and with proper parental control, they can be key in giving your child the educational edge.

Computers are here to stay. They are in nearly every classroom and nearly every grade school child is already comfortable using one. Computers bring cutting edge technology and current information to students. Their contribution can be extended to include entertaining learning in the form of computer games.

Why are computer games being used in the classroom? Are they simply there to fill time in place of board games or outdoor playing, or do they serve an educational purpose? While games are often used to fill those times when students need something entertaining to do, they do serve a very important purpose.

Children enjoy using the computer. In fact, long before most kids have thought about school they have been on a computer. Video games, both computerized and on the television, are also extremely popular with children. Children will play computer games, so why not use them to reinforce educational material while they play?

Computer games in the classroom do not replace the teacher’s role. They are used for practice and drill in most situations. While some subjects, such as typing, are taught almost entirely using computer software, the computer is used in other subjects for practice. Take spelling as an example. When students need to practice their spelling words, a simple computer game like hangman could be used to help them practice in a fun, relaxed manner.

Educational software can be used in the home as well as the school. You know that your kids love to play on the computer. Imagine giving them a game to play that is fun while at the same time works to strengthen their math skills. Both you and your children’s teacher will approve of that type of screen time!

Educational computer games can also help strengthen the thinking skills of students. Games that ask students to solve mysteries are a great way to develop critical thinking skills in a fun, supportive way. These types of games are the ones that kids can play and learn without realizing that they are learning something!

When using computer games in the classroom, it is important to monitor what your students are doing. For example, you may find that a student always plays the basic math game that he knows he can win. He doesn’t really need to practice in spelling, so you might encourage him to embark on a history mystery game instead. Whenever possible, computer games should be used to work on skills that a student needs to strengthen.

Like all things in education, computer games require a balanced approach. Most children would be willing to play games all day long. Of course, this isn’t a good way to teach students. On the other hand, never allowing a student to play on the computer could be harming him. He will be missing out on valuable practice time and a fun way to approach learning. The balance should allow students to play, while at the same time providing traditional instruction throughout the school day.

So the next time you walk into your child’s school and see her on the computer, don’t worry. She is being entertained, challenged and learning at the same time! Computer games play a vital role in a well-balanced classroom, so take some time to thank your teacher for allowing your kids some time to play!

A few years back, computer games became a hit all over the world especially among kids and teenagers. Instead of playing tag or any kinds of sports outside with the sun?s rays shining down on their healthy and tan bodies, youngsters now prefer to stay inside the house, slouched on a couch while playing computer games. Sometimes, children do not want to go outside and interact with ?real people? and neglect their families, studies or jobs because they are too busy with their ?virtual? lives. They do not want to be disturbed most of the time and they tend to hide inside their virtual shell. They are irritable and they shrink their duties. Can this be called computer games addiction?

There are debates going on about computer games addiction. Despite researches about the topic, it is not yet clear whether it is a psychological disorder or not. Some experts say that playing computer games could make one addicted to it but right now, it is not considered as a mental disorder. However, there is a possibility that it may be considered as a mental disorder come year 2012.

Being addicted to computer games is the same as being addicted to other things such as alcohol or drugs. It could also be compared to compulsive gambling. However, addiction to computer games is much more related to youngsters than other kinds of addiction.

Last year of April, a survey was conducted and it found out that around 8.5% of the children and teens that play computer games are already ?clinically addicted? to computer games.

Computer games that are especially addictive are the ?massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs).

Why are these computer games addictive? There are things that motivate a person to play computer games. Playing computer games is not just about fun, emotional reasons could also affect it such as rewards, freedom, and interaction with other players. In real life, we have problems and most of the time we cannot do anything about them. In virtual life, we can control our lives and when we commit mistakes or die we can have another shot at it and try again.

You can check if a person is addicted to computer games by observing their behaviour. Like what was mentioned previously, people who are addicted to computer games tend to withdraw socially. They are sulky and they feel depressed. If these behaviours harm their relationship with other people, then you should be alarmed.

Moreover, they are giving very little attention to, if at all, their responsibilities like studies and homework for students and job for employees and businessmen. People who are addicted to computer games also tend to lie more. They also cannot refrain from playing computer games even if they feel very tired and unhealthy. There are also physical signs that say if a person is addicted to computer such as very dry eyes, headaches, loss of appetite, disregard personal hygiene and overall physical condition.

(c) ‘83 Atari Great Star Wars game from 83, though around the third level, you can see things get difficult, and I’m not great at games where the ship controls like a plane.

Save children, chase Joe Pesci, and use the power of a chimp to turn into a robot. It’s Moonwalker, the arcade game!

120GB Hard Drive for Xbox 360

Product Description:

The Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive is the best option for media enthusiasts who game on Xbox 360. It is the largest storage option for Xbox 360 to expand your gaming experience with downloadable content. Save your game progress, Xbox Live gamer profile, game demos and custom soundtracks from your own music collection. Download movies and television shows from Xbox Marketplace. Play original and retro games in Xbox Live Arcade. The Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive includes a data transfer kit to easily migrate all of your saved data from your 20GB HDD to your 120GB HDD. It comes preloaded with great HD game demos, videos and an assortment of Xbox Arcade game trials.

Features:

1. Save games, download new content from Xbox , and play an array of original Xbox games

2. Save music and create custom playlists

3. Pre-loaded high-definition bonus content including Hexic HD, a popular puzzle game.

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Me playing Shinobi’s last mission

Take to the skies and save the world, Tom Clancy style.

Ever since Top Gun hit the cinema screens in 1986, manning the cockpit of a fighter jet has been the fantasy choice of adrenaline junkies. Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X hopes to emulate the movie’s spectacular dog fights and knock Ace Combat from its perch to become the fight and flight sim of choice. Some readers might find that last sentence a bit confusing. Ace Combat is by no means a simulation, but it is the only aerial combat game that has any credibility left on consoles.

H.A.W.X is an aerial combat game that strikes a clever balance between sim-like realism and arcade thrills. Players take part in anti-terror missions, including reconnaissance and dogfights over real-world locations, stunningly recreated using satellite imagery. Pilots can switch viewpoints at any time to enable greater maneuverability or combat accuracy, catering for casual and hardcore veterans alike. Missions begin with the camera hanging a short distance from the back of the craft, After Burner-style. In this mode a HUD aids fight and flight with radars, advanced warning systems and input from your wingman.

A handy intercept mode opens gateways that, if flown through, will line up an enemy in the jet’s sight. The same method is also used for evading missiles, which is a nice added benefit. The second viewpoint opens up a more oblique camera angle that does away with the screen furniture, enabling fancy flying better suited to a maelstrom of missiles being fired your way, while releasing your inner daredevil and losing weapon accuracy.

As you play through the missions, you get points for accuracy and time that help you level up. With this RPG element thrown into the mix, you really need to perform in missions to unlock new planes, maps and weapons, as leveling up is the only way to open new items. Having said that, the extra weapons you acquire have some great-looking effects but they don’t do much more than your standard original weapons did in the first place. You can complete any mission from beginning to end with the same set of weapons, which makes your hard work at leveling up a bit pointless… except for those extra maps and planes.

What else, you ask? Up to four players can play the campaign mode in co-op. Online dogfights have been done numerous times before, but never with an online campaign mode. It is an amazing feeling gliding through the air with your buddy (or buddies) by your side and does add some humor to a slightly boring campaign. Should you be unlucky enough to have no social life, and therefore don’t have any mates, EndWar-like voice commands are available for you to shout strategic commands to your wingmen.

Visually this game is spectacular, but swoop down to take out tanks and everything gets a bit blurry. Most of your fighting will take place high up in the sky, so it is not something you will have to engage all that often. The stars of the game, the 50 playable planes, all look superb with particle effects – shooting missiles from them looks as realistic as you’re going to get. Talking about missiles, add a 5.1 surround sound set-up to the mix and it feels as if the missile is blasting away from your couch into the screen (if you use the cockpit camera).

Unfortunately, H.A.W.X is a victim of the high standards set by other Tom Clancy games. Most Tom Clancy games are lots of fun to play and the word ‘boring’ has no place in reviews. It was a great idea to launch another flight-sim into the industry, but it just needs a bit of polishing, a longer campaign and less RPG elements – then Ace Combat will have a flight-sim to be terrified of.

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For all your Discount Computer Parts, Notebook and Games requirements visit us at http://sacomputers.rr.nu and http://usacomputers.rr.nu.

Daddy’s back and he’s very angry.

When the last ‘proper’ Street Fighter game came out, over 10 years ago, it is safe to say that the characters had lost 1) much of their appeal and 2) the fan base they enjoyed during their heyday of the 90s. Street Fighter 3 3rd Strike did not exactly make much of an impact, with Ken and Ryo joining a bunch of misfits many people could care less about. It was beautiful, technical and a stunningly animated fighter, but it simply did not strike a cord with the masses. Had the fighting legend lost its way?

After countless bouts we can say it with a resounding ‘NO’. Street Fighter veterans will find the game familiar – some might even say that it’s too familiar. The original cast of fighters are back: Ryu and Ken, Chun-Li and Blanka to Vega and Bison.

Their fighting style feels the same (at least with execution) meaning fans around the world will feel at home with set up straight away, making the arcade stick add-on that much more essential. Thankfully there are some differences in place and each one of those is a positive step in the right direction.

Newcomers who feel more at ease with games like Soul Calibur 4 or Dead or Alive 4 needn’t be intimidated. Dragon-punching, spinning-bird kicking and performing the two and three hit-combos are now much, much easier and less technical. For the first time, in a 2D-based beat’ em up, your analogue stick will be of much more use than your D-Pad. The timing to pull off special moves is more generous, meaning that the barrier against more skilled opponents has been lowered.

It’s no longer about whether you can pull the moves off, but rather if you can use them appropriately or link them to more complex combos. One example of this is the new focus attack. Similar to that of Tekken, you have the opportunity to charge up a powerful blow, at the same time allowing you to absorb an attack. Unleashing it will stun your opponent for a few seconds, leaving him vulnerable to any other attack you desire.

There is also a great fight-leveler, so anyone taking a beating has the chance to make a dramatic Britney Spears-like comeback. Lose enough health and your combo is activated which allows you to execute a last-second attack to bring yourself back into the fight. Perhaps what makes Street Fighter 4 so unique is Capcom taking the 2D fighting template and making it relevant and exciting to gamers used to next-gen stunners. The animation in Street Fighter 4 is breathtaking to behold. Animations feel weighty, punches and kicks have real impact and each character is brimming with personality.

When taking a hit, you see the pain on their faces and their eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets. Blanka looks exceptionally aggressive and less cartoony than before, whereas Chun-Li is more fluid and graceful than ever before. Characters are more balanced now. The once weaker characters, like Blanka, now have the moves to accommodate their weakness, making them much more worthy opponents than before.

Zangief and E Honda (whose 360 moves were hard to get to grips with for novices) have also been beefed up, but they are naturally slower. The normal strength versus speed element is very obvious. With Capcom balancing all the characters and fine-tuning them to perfection, your choice of a character you enjoy playing is that much easier. If you chose Blanka in the past, your strategy would’ve been to get as close to your opponent as possible. Should you fight someone like Dhalsim, with his stretchy arms and legs, it would’ve been over before you knew it. You can now choose any character from the roster and be certain that you have a chance against the Ken-abusing scum.

New characters are as follows: Abel the grappler, secret agent C. Viper, kung fu fighter Rufus, luchador El Fuerte, Seth the boss and Gouken, a secret character. What strikes us is that these characters all mix so well with the old cast… or rather, the old cast did not age. However, what has changed is Capcom’s view on society. Guile was their take on Americans in the 80s – a strong, muscular and athletic soldier, whereas with Rufus they seem to be insinuating that Americans are all obese big-mouths, with streams of dialog being read at the end of each match (where other fighters finish it off with one small sentence). It does add to the humor in the game though, and essentially, to the overall balance.

All these new characters and moves would be pointless without any human interaction. An offline versus mode is there for your one-on-one battles as you have enjoyed in the past, but it is the new online mode that will get you excited. First, the bad news: only two players can enter the lobby at any given time. With that out the way, the rest works very well. To find a stranger or friend online takes but mere seconds to connect, even on our dodgy Internet lines. Once you have fought your opponent you are awarded with Battle Points that are used for nothing more than bragging rights. The higher the score, the more fights you have won. Battle Points might sound meaningless, but you forget that it is our human nature to be competitive and as such you will cherish each point you earn online.

So, we like it and it’s by no means an exaggeration to suggest that this is up there with the greatest fighters ever made. It’s not button-mashy like Soul Calibur, it does not require a colossal 20-button command like Dead or Alive and instead focuses on what is important – simplicity, strategy and fun. Exactly what you need before you begin to master its intricacies.

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For all your Discount Computer Parts, Notebook and Games requirements visit us at http://sacomputers.rr.nu and http://usacomputers.rr.nu.