By Tim Culpan and Adam Satariano
March 4 (Bloomberg) — Activision Blizzard Inc. was sued by the executives who created the “Call of Duty” franchise, after the video-game publisher fired them on “false” insubordination charges to avoid paying royalties, according to their complaint.
Jason West and Vince Zampella, who co-founded Activision’s Infinity Ward studio, sued the company in Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday, claiming breach of contract and wrongful termination. They seek at least $36 million and control over “Modern Warfare,” a subset of the “Call of Duty” combat games, according to a copy of the complaint.
Activision, the world’s largest video-game company, conducted a “pretextual” investigation to fire the Infinity Ward co-heads and avoid making a royalty payment due on March 31, according to the complaint. “Activision terminated their employment weeks before they were to be paid substantial royalty payments as part of their existing contracts for ‘Modern Warfare 2,’” West and Zampella’s lawyers at O’Melveny & Myers LLP wrote in a statement.
Category: Legal Stuff
Notepad++ is a free source code editor (and Notepad replacement), which supports several programming languages, running under the MS Windows environment. This project, based on the Scintilla edit component (a very powerful editor component), written in C++ with pure win32 api and STL (that ensures the higher execution speed and smaller size of the program), is under the GPL Licence.
Features Include:
Syntax Highlighting and Syntax Folding
WYSIWYG
User Defined Syntax Highlighting
Auto-completion
Multi-Document
Multi-View
Regular Expression Search/Replace supported
Full Drag ‘N’ Drop supported
Dynamic position of Views
File Status Auto-detection
Zoom in and zoom out
Multi-Language environment supported
Bookmark
Brace and Indent guideline Highlighting
Macro recording and playback
Download: Notepad++ 4.2.2 (Freeware)
View: Notepad++ Website
Link: Change List
Go here and u can win lots of stuff by just searching !
Download:
Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3 Standard
Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3 Enterprise
Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3 Datacenter
Windows® Web Server 2008 Beta 3
Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3 : System Requirements and Installation Documentation
Overview :
This time-limited release of Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3 will expire on April 7, 2008. After this time, you will need to uninstall the software or upgrade to a later release or a fully-licensed version of Windows Server® 2008.
This product requires a valid product key for activation – you may install the product without activation, but if you do not enter a valid product key and activate within 30 days of installation, the software will cease to function.
If you have received a product key via email confirmation, you may use the key with the software you download from this site or with a DVD containing Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3.
If you have not received a product key, you can obtain one by visiting one of the following sites :
Well, go on and enjoy testing. If you are curious about which one i downloaded, well …….
I downloaded the Datacenter Edition !
XdN Tweaker is a free tweaking program for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Vista. It sets itself apart from the other tweak programs though by not being filled with options, settings, and “tweaks” that are actually normal options and menu settings of other programs. It tries to fill the gaps that other tweak programs overlook. Instead of just being another way of doing something you could do yourself just by clicking on “options” or “settings” in Windows, it offers features that Windows normally wouldn’t allow you to do without digging into the system registry. Depending on if you run the program under Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, or Windows Vista, different options will be available to you (works with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows).
Features:
* Changes the number of Folder views Windows saves.
* Resets the folder views Windows has saved.
* Add/Remove classic Windows 2000 user control panel icon.
* Disable/Enable ATI Catalyst Control Center right click on Desktop (only for use if you have an ATI video card and have the Catalyst Control Center installed).
* Disable/Enable ‘SendTo’ right-click menu.
* Allows you to adjust and tweak TCP/IP settings.
* Disable/Enable ZipFolders.
* Disable/Enable the Outlook Express/Windows Mail splash screen.
* Put the File menu above the Back/Forward buttons in IE7.
* Remove or Replace the Search box in IE7.
* Disable/Enable User Account Control prompts under Vista.
* Disable/Enable the “- Shortcut” text under Vista.
* Attempt to force Vista to better save folder views.
* Disable/Enable Windows Media Player Explorer context menus.
* Add/Remove “Take Ownership” to right-click menus under Vista.
* Disable/Enable the Documents item on the Classic Start Menu.
* Changes “Delete” to “Search…” on Recycle Bin.
* Turn off the annoying full screen “black” UAC prompt.
* Enable Classic Search in Explorer and Internet Explorer.
* Disable/Enable Shutdown Reason dialog under Server 2003.
* Disable/Enable Windows scanning AVI files for thumbnails.
* Remove/Restore hidden ASPNET user that prevents auto login.
* Add “Tweak UI” icon to Control Panel (if installed).
For Windows XP and 2003, the .NET 2 Framework is required!
Download: XdN Tweaker 0.8.7.3 – 213 KB, freeware
Screenshots: 1 | 2 | 3
View: XdN Tweaker Page
OpenCD is a collection of high quality Free and Open Source Software. The programs run in Windows and cover the most common tasks such as word processing, presentations, e-mail, web browsing, web design, and image manipulation. All these applications install and un-install cleanly, so you can be comfortable testing them with the knowledge that they will not adversely affect your system. The programs on the disc are all distributed under an Open Source License (OSI approved), which allows you to freely use and distribute them. You may even change the programs using the source code, which we make available, and distribute your own modified versions, provided you then in turn make the source code available, and give appropriate credit to past contributors.
Programs featured on OpenCD:
- Blender
- Inkscape
- NVU
- Azureus
- FileZilla
- Firefox
- Gaim
- HTTrack
- 7-zip
- Clamwin
- HealthMonitor
- Workrave and much more!
Download: TheOpenCD SFD2007 Edition
Screenshot: 1 2 3
Link: Home Page
Halo fans rejoice! Bungie, maker of Halo 3, one of the most anticipated games for Microsoft’s Xbox360, has just confirmed today that Halo 3 will have a not two, not three, but four person co-op in campaign mode, either through System Link or over Xbox Live. The addition of a four man team promises to open up heretofore unavailable strategies, resulting in endless possible tactical scenarios, according 
to the announcement. In addition to the Legendary difficulty mode, developers promise to reveal “more ways to make the game more interesting and challenging for multiple players in the very near future.” While split-screen co-op is still limited to only two players, two split screen games can link up to form the aforementioned four person game.
For fictional reasons, Bungie has decided to forgo the traditional compromise of multiple Master Chief characters; while the first play still controls the Chief, the second player will control the Arbiter, and the third and fourth spots will be filled by two totally new characters: N’tho ‘Sraom and Usze ‘Taham, both Elites. While cosmetically the players may look different, all characters will have the exact same abilities as each other.
From Bunjie .net
” The Truth About Co – Op In Halo 3
It’s time for us to sack up and tell you what’s what regarding online co-op.
So you were probably wondering why we didn’t want to commit to two player co-op online over Xbox Live. We certainly got plenty of mail asking, no, demanding that we make it happen. Of course we were working on it, but we were also working on something better. Not two player co-op. Not three-player co-op, but up to four player co-op. Online. On Xbox Live, or sure, System Link if you prefer.
That is correct – up to four player co-op in Campaign mode on Xbox Live or System Link.
We’ve been playing it for quite some time, and bluntly, having some of our greatest ever Halo experiences. We wanted to make sure all our “t”s were crossed and our “i”s dotted before unveiling this important new part of Halo 3’s Campaign mode.
Apart from the horrifying network challenges this new mode presented us, were the various gameplay balance issues it adds to the fray. So we got it all together, polished it, and that’s why we’re revealing it now. As a result, you’re going to want to play co-op as hard as you can stomach it. We’d certainly recommend Legendary, but we’ll be revealing some more ways to make the game more interesting and challenging for multiple players in the very near future.
Acting as a team is a fantastic new twist to the Campaign gameplay – something that works as well on foot, in close confines as it does on the battlefield, with large scale vehicle mayhem. Scared of Jackal snipers? Send out a scout to see what dangers lie ahead. Terrified of an open field? Flank your enemies and swipe their rides. The combinations and scenarios are endless – and you’ll be able to enjoy them time and time again in Saved Films of your co-op exploits.
We mentioned that we’ve been having a blast. We have a lot of stories. Many of them would require that we explain some of the reasons replay will be a big factor, but not quite yet. Soon, we promise.
Like every other aspect of Halo 3, this mode is chosen from a Lobby. Simply select Campaign, choose your network (Xbox Live or System Link) and invite your friends to join you, or they can simply join your session once it’s set up and in a lobby (but they cannot join a game once it’s in-progress). They will pop into your lobby instantly, and when you have all the players you need (anywhere from one to four) you can begin the game from the beginning – or from any of your saved checkpoints.
Split-screen co-op is as ever, limited to two players per screen – but they can if they wish join two other friends online or via System Link.
For fictional reasons, we decided to avoid Halo’s slightly surreal compromise of two identical Master Chiefs and rather, use this opportunity to expand the Halo universe just a little bit. Player one will control the Master Chief, player two will control the Arbiter and players three and four will get the chance to control two brand new Elite characters.
Allow us to introduce them:
PLAYER 3 (Sangheili)
Name: N’tho ‘Sraom
Affiliation: Fleet of Retribution/Special Warfare Group/Special Operations
History: N’tho ‘Sraom is the youngest member of his Special Operations unit and is one of a growing number of human sympathizers amongst the Sangheili youth. He is a fairly typical young male adult Sangheili—he began compulsory military service at the end of adolescence, and remains unmarried with no close, non-familial relationships outside of his martial order. N’tho Sraom refused to stand idly by while the Prophets replaced Sangheili units with Jiralhanae packs, and now bears deep resentment toward those Sangheili politicians who landed his kind in their current predicament.
Although N’tho ‘Sraom’s romanticized nationalism is emblematic of all Sangheili, he has developed a healthy respect for humanity—not for their physical abilities or martial prowess, but for their audacity and resolve.
PLAYER 4 (Sangheili)
Name: Usze ‘Taham
Affiliation: Fleet of Retribution/Special Warfare Group/Fleet Security
History: Although Usze ‘Taham was born into a respected merchant family he was fathered by Toha ‘Sumai—one of the preeminent swordfighters of this age. Usze graduated with honors from the top War College in the Iruiru region of Yermo, Sanghelios (a distinction he shares with Rtas ‘Vadum). Shortly after receiving his first post within the Covenant Navy he was offered a place on the Prophets’ Honor Guard but he declined citing “lack of practical experience”. In truth, he had no desire to be part of a largely ceremonial unit, and at the end of his third combat tour, Usze ‘Taham again refused the post—even though his superiors warned him such behavior could be misinterpreted as apostasy.
Since that time Usze has evaded countless punitive actions, at least two assassination attempts, and served with distinction for two additional tours before the Schism. Following the dissolution of the Covenant, he was approached by the Ascetics to become one of their liaisons within the Navy.
Every player will have identical abilities – only their appearance and weapon starts are different (Elites will start with Carbines versus Battle Rifles for example, depending on the mission). So there you have it. Mystery solved. Internet dramas ended. Four player online co-op it is. And a special thanks to the test, engineering, production and design teams who worked incredibly hard to make this feature happen.
Bam! “
