Playing Internet games often leads to some type of drama or other. Quite often, the fix for problems and errors that occur during or before game play are simple and easy to implement. Check through the following suggestions and implement as you see fit. Typically, you will need to make all of the changes in your browser settings. If you already have the latest updates, you can skip those instructions.

Enable Pop Ups to Load in Pogo Games

In order to enable pop ups to load in Pogo games, you need to make a few changes in your browser. If you are using Firefox, follow these directions: Start→ Tools→ Options→ Content→ Check the box in front of “Block Pop Up Ads” → Click “Exceptions” → Type in http://www.pogo.com/→ Click “Allow”→ Click “ok”.

If you are using Internet Explorer, complete this path: Start→ Tools→ Pop Up Blocker Start→ Tools→ Click to Enable. The default setting in Internet Explorer is to disable pop ups.

Enable Images to Load in Pogo Games

In order to enable images to load in Pogo games, you need to make a few changes in your browser. If you are using Firefox, follow these directions: Start→ Tools→ Options→ Content→ Check the box in front of “Load Images Automatically”→ Click “Exceptions” → Type in http://www.pogo.com/→ Click “Allow”→ Click “ok”.

In Internet Explorer, follow these directions: Start→ Internet Options→ Advanced→ Click the box in front of load images→ Click ok.

Enable Java to Load in Pogo Games

In order to enable images to load in Pogo games, you need to make a few changes in your browser. If you are using Firefox, follow these directions: Start→ Tools→ Options→ Content→ Check the box in front of “Java”→ Click “Exceptions” → Type in http://www.pogo.com/→ Click “Allow”→ Click “ok”.

In Internet Explorer, follow these directions: Start→ Internet Options→ Advanced→ Click the box in front of Java→ Navigate to “Security”→ Click “Custom Level” → Click enable in front of “Scripting of Java Applets”→Click ok.

Enable JavaScript to Load in Pogo Games

In order to enable images to load in Pogo games, you need to make a few changes in your browser. If you are using Firefox, follow these directions: Start→ Tools→ Options→ Content→ Check the box in front of “JavaScript”→ Click “Exceptions” → Type in http://www.pogo.com/→ Click “Allow”→ Click “ok”.

Update Pogo Games, Browser, Operating System, and Java to the Latest Version

An incompatibility exists in older versions of Pogo Games between Java and Microsoft. Make sure that you have the latest versions of both Pogo (from the Pogo web site), your browser (from the browser website), Java (from Java’s website), and your operating system (from its website).

The Sims Computer Game

The first thing to know about installing a Sims game is that you need to install the original Sims 2 version before you can add any of the expansion packs. Many people try to jump in with an expansion pack, not knowing that it needs the original game in order to function. If you are trying to install a later expansion pack, first install the original.

The Sims system requirements

The Sims computer games series has several versions and several compatibility issues that could explain the problem that you are having with your installation. Before we take these one at a time, let’s begin by checking some basic requirements. In order to run The Sims 2, you need some specific support cards and drivers. You need:

• A processor between 800 MHz and 2.0 GHz.
• 256 MB of RAM
• A Windows operating system version 98. 2000, ME, XP or Vista
• A minimum of 3.5 GB of free hard drive space.

The Sims supported video cards

Make sure that your computer meets these requirements first of all, or you won’t be able to use the game. The next big issue running this game is a supported and updated video card and, when it comes to running Sims, they aren’t all the same. The video cards that are supported by Sims include:

• ATI Radeon^TMseries 7000 or higher
• Nvidia Quadro^TM series and GeForce^TM series GeForce2 and higher
• Intel Extreme Graphics 82845, 82865 and 82915.

Updating video card drivers

Once you are sure that you have a compatible video card, you also need the latest drivers for your card. To make sure that you have them and to update with the latest releases, visit the manufacturer’s website and do a search for the latest drivers.

Sims and Vista compatibility issues

Sims 2 is well known for not getting along well with Windows Vista. If you are running Sims on a Vista powered machine, you will need additional hardware and memory - a 1.3 GHz processor and 512 MB of memory. The biggest problem for Vista and Sims is getting a compatible graphics card that meets the Vista requirement of a DirectX9. Capable cards include ATI Radeon 9800 and higher and Nvidia 6000 series or higher. A few other cards will work somewhat, but lose graphical features, and several cards that work on XP will not work on Vista. Once again, make sure that you update the latest drivers.

Windows Vista

Many standard Scrabble CDs don’t work with Windows Vista simply because you are ahead of the curve. One of these days, despite the bad press, Vista is going to be the standard and everything will work with it. Until then, you need to employ some workarounds to get your Scrabble fix. The Microsoft website shows the official Scrabble CDs with the compatibility as unknown. The good news? It’s easier than ever to play board games like Scrabble on your computer, even with Windows Vista installed.

Scrabble Downloads

I love playing Scrabble, but my husband won’t play with me anymore - could be that 85 point word I made last game. Now that I’ve been looking into computer Scrabble games I’m going to get one of my own so I can play against myself, the computer or other people around the world.

Why buy a CD when you can get the same game directly from the Internet? Many online Scrabble games are compatible with Vista - a free version that is endorsed by the original maker Hasbro is: http://www.spintop-games.com/word_game_download/scrabble.html . There is also a Vista version at Gamehouse here:

http://www.gamehouse.com/gamedetails/?game=scrabblegh&navpage=downloadgames&AID=6350 . These games offer several versions for your word-building pleasure. You can play in Classic mode which looks and feels just like the original board game with tiles that you put into play. There is also a Tournament mode, a Solitaire mode and a Blitz mode where you only have 20 seconds to make a word. Both versions contain an official Scrabble Players Dictionary.

Online Scrabble

If you want to take your Scrabble playing to the next level, check out online Scrabble clubs and games. Scrabboulous was famously taken offline recently because of licensing issues, but there are other options out there. Try the International Scrabble Club at: http://www.isc.ro/ . They offer games against players all over the world in English, French, Italian, Dutch and Romanian. When I checked their site, there were 2,191 games in progress. You can compete at your level so that you don’t feel intimidated by playing against true Scrabble masters.

Hasbro also offers a quick hit of online Scrabble at their website: http://www.hasbro.com/games/adult-games/scrabble/home.cfm?page=Entertainment/Games/scrabble . Not a true Scrabble game, it has you use Scrabble tiles to make as many words as you can in a given time period. It’s a good way to brush up on your skills.

Now I’m in the mood for a quick Scrabble game, so I’m headed online. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Yesterday, Filetonic received two questions about downloading Java - one on a computer, the other on a phone. Let’s see if we can’t help both readers.

Question #1  - Downloading Javascript to Computers

“Why can’t I download Javascript to my computer? It is saying the website cannot be located and opened, that there is an error.”

What Java Does

Java allows you to play online games, chat and view 3D images among other things. I’m not totally clear whether you can’t download Java from the website, or you’re trying to access a website that is using Java. You may need to update the Java that is running on your machine. The Java website has an extensive FAQ section that should answer any error questions, and lists common error messages by number. You can download the latest updates to Java here: http://java.com/en/download/ . You can download Java for most operating systems at this site. If you are having trouble with the automatic download, you can manually install Java here: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/6000010300.xml . They have step-by-step installation instructions.

It’s possible that the moment that you tried to access the Java site they were having server problems. I was just browsing the site and it seems to be working fine. I would go to Java, download the newest version and try to run your application again.

Question #2 - Downloading Javascript to Phones

“I’m having problems with my phone. I have been trying for 2 hours to watch a simple video but it keeps on saying that my java script is turned off or I need to download another one. My videos were working fine yesterday but today it seems like it doesn’t work. I am not going to download something that I don’t know about if it is not free! My dad would kill me if he found out that I did that.”

Upgrading Java

You probably need to upgrade to a new version of Java. Cell phones use KVM, which is similar to Java Virtual Machine (JVM) that is installed by the phone manufacturer. It is the engine that runs applications written with Java technology. We want to avoid trouble with your dad, so rest assured that Java downloads are free and if you download from the Java website they are safe.

Java for Mobile Devices

This part of the site has information and downloads for mobile devices: http://java.com/en/download/faq/index_mobile.xml . Get the newest version and you should be able to watch your videos without even getting your dad involved. If you’re still having trouble after you download the update, let us know and be sure to include any error messages you are getting.

Even though you may have downloaded the file for Javascript, you have to open it and let it install it. How you complete the installation depends on the browser that you are using. Below you will see several sets of instructions that explain how to enable Javascript. Use the set that pertains to your specific browser.

Enabling Javascript on Your Computer

If you want to allow all Web sites in the Internet Zone to run scripts, simply complete the set of instructions that pertain to your browser. If you wish to enable the scripting on one Web site only, you need to add the Web site to the “Trusted Sites Zone.”

How to Enable Javascript on Windows Internet Explorer (All Versions Except Pocket)

1. Open Windows Internet Explorer
2. Navigate to “Tools”
3. Click on “Internet Options”
4. Click on “Security”
5. Click “Internet Zone”
6. If you need to customize the Internet security settings: Click “Custom Level”→ Navigate to “Security Settings- the Internet Zone” and click enable “Active Scripting”

If you do not need to customize the Internet security settings: Click “Default Level”→ Click “Back” (this returns you to the previous page)→ Click “Refresh” (this enables scripts to run).

How to Enable Javascript on Netscape

1. Open Netscape
2. Select “Edit”
3. Select “Preferences”
4. Select “Advanced”
5. Click “Enable Javascript”

How to Enable Javascript on Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox
2. Navigate to “Tools”
3. Click “Options”
4. Click “Content”
5. Click the box in front of “Enable Javascript”
6. Click “Go back one page,” which will take you back to the previous page
7. Click “Reload” to enable the scripts to run

How to Enable Javascript on Opera

1. Open Opera
2. Navigate to “Tools”
3. Click “Preferences”
4. Click “Advanced”
5. Click “Content”
6. Click the box in front of “Enable Javascript”
7. Click “ok”
8. Click “back ” to return to the previous page
9. Click “Reload” to enable the scripts to run

What is DirectX?

DirectX is an “API,” or Application Programming Interface, that allows game and multimedia developers to use a variety of pre-created files known as DLLs within their applications. DLLs are modules containing codes for carrying out common instructions which are usually platform independent. By being able to build applications based on these modules, developers are better positioned to create fast, graphic rich applications without having to provide widespread hardware support or testing. DirectX communicates between the program, operating system, and hardware; it’s like a middle man that brings all of these elements together in an efficient manner. 

Why do I need DirectX for Sims 2?

Like many games, Sims games require DirectX as part of their installation. The developers have referenced many of the modules of DirectX and without an installation of these modules on your computer, the software won’t run.

Where to Get DirectX 9.0c

Many games come with the necessary version of DirectX on their installation disc. Since SIMS 2 told you that you need a copy of it, let’s assume that their installer does not provide you with DirectX 9.0c. Instead, you will need to download and install it separately. Microsoft makes DirectX 9.0c available for download in its Download Center.

Installing Direct X 9.0c

Before installing the Direct X download, make sure to set a Restore Point on your computer. This is because Direct X is difficult to uninstall once installed. Should the download fail or cause problems on your computer, being able to rollback your system to the earlier Restore Point will save you.

Direct X 10

If you have Windows Vista and a compatible Direct X 10 video card such as an ATI Radeon or Nvidia GeForce card, consider downloading DirectX 10, the latest DirectX technology. This version adds more realistic graphics and performance enhancements.