My Halo News.com

The latest news about the Halo series of games from Microsoft

  • New to Linux? The New Ubuntu Is Now Out.

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    by

    Oculus



    This is aimed at general PC users and gurus alike. If your interested in a free, easy to use (and very cool) alternative to Windows, Ubuntu Linux is a very popular choice. In my opinion the ease of installation is now even easier than installing Windows considering you don’t have to enter in a license key.

    Steps to install:
    1. Download Ubuntu Desktop Edition
    2. Burn .iso to cd.
    3. Place CD in tray and restart computer. Ubuntu will boot from the CD.
    4. On the desktop is an “install” icon… click it. Follow the wizard.

    Then your good to go. That’s it.. it’s that simple.
    Click “read more” to see what you get with Ubuntu

    It installs by default a few pieces of software: Full office functionality (MS spreadsheets, MS .doc, MS powerpoint) with the openoffice.org software, Email client, Firefox browser, along with others that you should be able to choose during installation.

    The fact is, I’m actually surprised how easy it is to use Linux now. Before all of the Linux distributions got a handle on the installation process, Linux was slightly overwhelming to install and use. The OS has now gotten so user friendly that Dell is now offering PCs with Ubuntu already installed.

    If your planning on putting it on a hard drive with Windows already installed, again it’s quite easy. You can partition your hard drive and make space for Ubuntu. In the installation process you have the choice to install a boot loader called Grub that lets you select between Windows and Ubuntu when starting up your computer.

    Planning on installing it on a second hard drive? No problem.

    Here’s an example of the Compiz Fusion window manager that will be installed along with Ubuntu 7.10. Other features include 3d desktop switching, wobbly windows, particle effects, and more. Being a fan of the Windows OS, I can honestly say that these features far outshine Vistas window manager. The fact that it’s free is just icing on the cake.

    This article is not intended to make you an expert in Linux usage. It’s solely to give the novice user confidence that they can now use Linux with no problem. Here’s a couple things about Ubuntu that you will notice:

    There are multiple ways to install software on Linux. Here’s the preferred way:

    • Ubuntu uses a top level “package manager” that handles this with ease. This will keep track of the versions of software similar to the way Windows does with the it’s update manager.
    • Packages to install come in either .deb or .rpm files. These are analogous to the .msi Windows installer files. So when you find some cool software, just download the packaged version of it rather than the other forms (which I won’t go into here)
    • Compressed files are usually found with the extension .tar.gz which is analogous to .zip files. Extracting these is usually an easy click of the mouse button Zip files also work here as well.



    Hopefully, this is enough to convince some people that Linux is no longer just for the experts. Just ask away if you have any questions on installation, configuring or just plain “how do I ____ on Ubuntu”.

  • New to Linux? The New Ubuntu (7.10) Releases Soon

    —

    by

    Oculus



    This is aimed at general PC users and gurus alike. If your interested in a free, easy to use (and very cool) alternative to Windows, Ubuntu Linux is a very popular choice. In my opinion the ease of installation is now even easier than installing Windows considering you don’t have to enter in a license key.

    Steps to install:
    1. Download Ubuntu Desktop Edition
    2. Burn .iso to cd.
    3. Place CD in tray and restart computer. Ubuntu will boot from the CD.
    4. On the desktop is an “install” icon… click it. Follow the wizard.

    Then your good to go. That’s it.. it’s that simple.
    Click “read more” to see what you get with Ubuntu

    It installs by default a few pieces of software: Full office functionality (MS spreadsheets, MS .doc, MS powerpoint) with the openoffice.org software, Email client, Firefox browser, along with others that you should be able to choose during installation.

    The fact is, I’m actually surprised how easy it is to use Linux now. Before all of the Linux distributions got a handle on the installation process, Linux was slightly overwhelming to install and use. The OS has now gotten so user friendly that Dell is now offering PCs with Ubuntu already installed.

    If your planning on putting it on a hard drive with Windows already installed, again it’s quite easy. You can partition your hard drive and make space for Ubuntu. In the installation process you have the choice to install a boot loader called Grub that lets you select between Windows and Ubuntu when starting up your computer.

    Planning on installing it on a second hard drive? No problem.

    Here’s an example of the Compiz Fusion window manager that will be installed along with Ubuntu 7.10. Other features include 3d desktop switching, wobbly windows, particle effects, and more. Being a fan of the Windows OS, I can honestly say that these features far outshine Vistas window manager. The fact that it’s free is just icing on the cake.

    This article is not intended to make you an expert in Linux usage. It’s solely to give the novice user confidence that they can now use Linux with no problem. Here’s a couple things about Ubuntu that you will notice:

    There are multiple ways to install software on Linux. Here’s the preferred way:

    • Ubuntu uses a top level “package manager” that handles this with ease. It’s called Synaptic Package Manager. This will keep track of the versions of software similar to the way Windows does with the Update Manager.
    • Packages to install come in either .deb or .rpm files. These are analogous to the .msi Windows installer files. So when you find some cool software, just download the packaged version of it rather than the other forms (which I won’t go into here)
    • Compressed files are usually found with the extension .tar.gz which is analogous to .zip files. Extracting these is usually an easy click of the mouse button Zip files also work here as well.



    Hopefully, this is enough to convince some people that Linux is no longer just for the experts. Just ask away if you have any questions on installation, configuring or just plain “how do I ____ on Ubuntu”.

  • More for your Pumpkin

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    A couple of cool changes to the Guilt O’ Lantern prize packages… the three copies of Contact Harvest are now to be signed by the author, Joe Staten, and the Legacy package has just received an additional game, Crackdown, courtesy of a generous fan! w00t!(Louis Wu 13:46:06 UTC)

  • RT: Old Dogs

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    by

    Rooster Teeth News
    They say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, but I don’t buy it. Just this week we taught Matt to flush. Take that today’s comic! Halo 3 – 990/1000

  • You Finding Tropical Storm?

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Heh – talk about taking over the world… thanks, wesley burket.(Louis Wu 19:45:45 UTC)

  • Play Digital TV Review

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    LC pointed out a video review of Halo at Play Digital TV – it’s a tad spoilerish with the included footage, but a fun review. (Louis Wu 19:43:30 UTC)

  • Ross Goes Hunting for News

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Ross Mills found a couple of interesting articles – he mentioned one in which a Eurogamer reviewer commented in his blog about how unpleasant the actual review process for Halo 3 was, and another, over at GamesIndustry.biz, which looks at the way Halo 3 bridges the hardcore gamer community with ‘the mainstream’. Give ’em a read! (Louis Wu 19:40:47 UTC)

  • Brains…

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Vinx let us know about a Halo 3 comic he found on DeviantART – heh.(Louis Wu 19:33:12 UTC)

  • I think the Penny Arcade guys found him too…

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    This is just… silly. Hawty McBloggy found someone who will bump your achievements, rank, or experience… for a fee. Say WHAT?(Louis Wu 19:24:39 UTC)

  • Mission-a-Day 8 – Cortana’s a hassle

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Jake Seaton’s coming to the end of his 9 day romp through Halo 3 – he’s not particularly happy with Mission 8. Do you agree?(Louis Wu 13:07:42 UTC)

  • McFarlane Armor Variants Coming

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Fragclone was first with word of some new McFarlane Spartan figure variants – they’ll be including CQB and EVA armor variants in the Series 1 release next spring. Nice!(Louis Wu 12:07:10 UTC)

  • Critics on criticism

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Over at Variety.com, there’s an article by a videogame critic which worries about how to write videogame reviews for a mainstream audience. He makes some interesting points, though a lot of it comes off as rationalization, to me. Give it a read.(Louis Wu 12:04:31 UTC)

  • Halo 3 Thinking In Single Encounters

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    PEZ pointed out a strategy article by Refanius over at halowiki.net – it’s called “Halo 3 Thinking in Single Encounters“, and it might help you get better at your Halo 3 tactics. (Louis Wu 12:02:13 UTC)

  • Double Team on Construct, a vid

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Z pointed out a Gameplay vid by ThaggleS – Double Team on Construct. I’m having trouble understanding the allure of films like this now – unless it’s for people without Halo 3 (or without Live), because an uploaded Saved Film would show you exactly the same gameplay – and more – for a much smaller download. However, if you don’t have Live, or Halo 3, swing by.(Louis Wu 12:00:12 UTC)

  • Halo Toy Box hits 100

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Sane Intolerant pointed out that Halo Toy Box #99 and #100 are up – the end of the Origins storyline, and a remake of his first comic. Go see.(Louis Wu 11:45:09 UTC)

  • Top 5 most memorable video game songs

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Black Six was the first to mention a short piece at MSNBC that looks at the top 5 most memorable video game songs. Halo’s on the list. (Everything else is pretty old – the newest of the remaining four is FF7, released 10 years ago.)(Louis Wu 11:37:37 UTC)

  • Return of the black hole of free time.

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Bleet Tameheart let us know that Roomies had a Halo reference this week – but you might have to start at the beginning of the story arc to actually understand it. (Don’t worry, it’s only a couple of extra strips.)(Louis Wu 11:35:01 UTC)

  • Hi Res Assets

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Matt6908 wrote to tell us that High Resolution Halo has posted all but two of the Halo 3 Rank images (they’re missing General Grade 3 and 4) in high resolution (1000×1000). There are also some other items, like medals and HUD pieces – poke around!(Louis Wu 11:28:19 UTC)

  • Official Halo Sheet Music on Musicnotes

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Calliope got word that musicnotes.com is marketing the official sheet music for Halo (they’ve got the Halo theme and the Halo theme (Mjolnir Mix). Cost is about $5 each (a little more or less, depending on which one, and whether you’re a ‘Digital Club member’ or not).(Louis Wu 11:25:13 UTC)

  • He’s back…

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    by

    halo@bungie.org
    in
    Spartan Jag pointed out that Master Chief Sucks at Halo 3 (Part III) is now up – it made me laugh.(Louis Wu 11:13:37 UTC)