Computer Games
Although home consoles have made a number of strides in recent years to match the power of computer gaming, PCs and Macs are still superior in terms of graphics and memory. The processing power, speed and intricate detail in high-end computer gaming is unmatched. There tends to be a divide between computer and console gamers, with console lovers declaring computer gamers to be out-of-touch snobs, while computer gamers dismiss console lovers as bourgeoise dupes. Console gamers whine that though PCs are more powerful than consoles, computers are lackluster gaming devices because they're not built specifically for gaming. Meanwhile, computer gamers laugh at console aficionados because they dump hundreds of dollars on hardware while they could be playing better games on the computers they already own.
All prejudices aside, there's no reason gamers can't take advantage of both computers and consoles, and there's no denying there are certain genres in which computers serve gamers in far better ways than a console ever could. If you're into any of these types of games, save the money you planned on spending on a PlayStation 3  and think about investing in a tricked-out Alienware computer geared for gaming (they even make a High end HD entertainment center as well as having a great selection of Video games ). For a more specific look at individual titles, check out our Computer Game Software guide.
Getting Started
It's surprisingly easy to get rolling in PC gaming. Odds are, since you're reading this story, you've already got the most important piece of equipment -- the computer. Not all motherboards are created equally, however, so you may want to make sure your memory and processing speed are up to snuff. - RAM (random access memory) should be at least 64MB (megabytes), although many newer games require 128MB.
- VRA, which is RAM used by the computer's graphics card, should be at least 32MB, and ideally up to 128MB.
- CD ROM drives should be 12x or 16x speed for optimum gaming.
- Invest in a decent sound card and computer speakers.
- Make sure you have at least 3GB (gigabytes) of free hard drive space for games. Some higher-end games, such as Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, require 4.6GB open hard drive space.
- For online gaming, a broadband DSL or cable modem connection is an absolute must.
- Make sure you've got the right controller peripherals. Check out our buying guides on PC Video Game Controllers, Joysticks, Dance Pads, Video Game Steering Wheels, Gaming Mice and Gaming Keyboards.
If your old clunker doesn't meet the above technical requirements, don't fret and think you need to buy a new computer. All of these are purchasable as upgrades.
Genres Owned By Computer Gaming
Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
The keyboard interface allows for all the hot keys and macros needed to control your army against the opposition. RTS games are frenetic, nonstop thrillrides that have you control various troops, ammunition and resources of an army while an opponent does the same to work against you. Those who think the quickest and smartest on the fly are the winners. One of the best RTS franchises available is Age of Empires. Check out our Real Time Strategy guide.
Western Role-Playing Games
Though consoles are clearly the dominant force in role-playing, generally speaking, computers continue to produce high quality, sandbox-style games that are just now catching on amongst console RPG designers. Though Microsoft's entrance into the console market has indirectly unified Eastern and Western approaches to RPGs, there is still plenty of innovation in PC RPGing. Check out our computer role-playing games guide.
MMORPGs
Centered as much on social interaction as visceral thrills, the MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) is the ideal product of the web-connected Information Age. Players from around the globe assume various identities and join one another for missions in an alternate universe that never sleeps. These games are almost too much fun, and well worth the monthly subscription fees. We've all read stories about those who have become so obsessed with World of Warcraft they've jeopardized their jobs. Other popular MMORPGs are Star Wars Galaxies, Everquest, The Matrix Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online.
Simulation (Sim)
Also known as God games, these amazingly detail-oriented pastimes put you in control of cities, railroads or even the cosmos itself. As the veritable lord of your realm, you manage the intricacies of this world of your creation. The most popular sim franchise is the aptly named The Sims, which puts you in control of the life of an everyday person trying to make his or her way through love life, family life and career. Other popular sim games include The Movies, Railroad Tycoon and the Civilization series, including Civilization IV.
First-Person Shooters (FPS)
What you see on the gamescreen is what your character sees. You stride down the hallway with a gun and monsters and other enemies jump out from behind walls and also take you from behind. True visceral experiences that makes you feel as if you're really in the game, FPS titles fall flat on consoles because controllers lack the complexity of keyboards to provide full 360-degree access. There are many solid FPS franchises, including Doom, Quake and Half-Life, all of which boast many sequels. Take a look at our First-Person Shooters for PC guide.
PC Games
MAC Games
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