online gaming, i.e. games played over the internet, originally started with PC games and now includes the latest modern consoles. The first console in the arcade game world was the sega dreamcast. The console is now essential to modern arcade games, with the advent of internet connectivity in consoles such as the PlayStation 2, xbox and gamecube; portable consoles such as the PSP that use Wi-Fi; and in mobile/cellular phones.

online games require multi-player facility; hence, the most popular game genres include massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG), first person shooter (FPS) games, racing/driving games, strategy games, and sports titles, where more than one person can play the game.

A MMORPG is an online computer role-playing game in which a large number of players can interact with or against one another in the same game at the same time. Once a player enters the game world they can engage in a variety of activities with other players ranging from chatting with their friends or other members to teaming up in order to kill enemies or complete complex tasks or quests that are not possible solo.

A first-person shooter (FPS) game is a combat game on PC or video, characterized by the players on-screen view of the game simulating that of the character. The modern FPS games emerged during the early 1990s, the most popular being Id Software's Wolfenstein 3D and doom. doom defined FPS gaming to such an extent that subsequent FPS games were referred to as ""doom clones"" for a long time.

Today, many independent developers produce arcade games designed specifically for the internet. Such smaller web-based games, designed with Flash/Javascript/DHTML, run directly on web browsers. These games may not be as large and sophisticated as the PC and console games, and are generally quick to complete by comparison. Some, like Runescape, have expanded and can be considered on par with the bigger PC games.

Once upon a time there was no choice when it came to your phone service. Not only did you have to get your service through Bell Systems, you had to rent the equipment from them too. Yes, you had to actually rent the phone that was plugged into the RJ-45 on your wall. A 1968 case where Carter Electronics took on Bell Systems resolved that problem when a judge ruled that third party equipment can be plugged in and used on the network that Bell Systems maintained and provided service on. A whole new communications industry was born and consumers were free to choose which equipment they wanted to use for communications.

The Bell system companies dragged their feet for many years after the Carterphone decision, still requiring customers to rent their equipment up until consumers fought them well into the late 70's. Even through that battle, we are still retreating back to the era where our communications options are becoming increasingly controlled in other arenas. Consumers are forced into contracts they don't want to be locked into, and to use phones only supplied by our wireless providers, Shouldn't the 1968 Carterfone decision make a difference in the wireless industry? Because of this case, shouldn't I as a consumer have the ability to use whatever equipment I want on a wireless network? How about a cable network? The Internet?

In the Carterfone case, the FCC cited their decision which stated that a subscriber's right to use the network in ways which are "privately beneficial without being publicly detrimental" applied to ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT. What does this mean? It means that everybody who subscribes to a service is able to use their own equipment in a way that benefits the subscriber as long as no other subscribers are affected. Without the Hush-A-phone or Carterfone decisions, companies like AOL may have tried to rent us "the only computer that will work on the Internet." Electric companies could make a case for dictating which light bulbs you use. Gas companies might force you to buy their brand of furnaces.

Still today, most cable companies require their subscribers to rent a cable box you could buy your own. SIM card technology provides the ability to switch wireless phones whenever a person wants to, yet providers such as verizon and alltell fail to embrace this technology, forcing consumers to sign a new contract or spend exorbitant amounts of money to simply switch

As consumers we need to start demanding better of our service providers. AT&T and Sprint allow us to use SIM cards with most of their phones. We can go online and purchase a phone off Ebay, pop in the SIM card from an old phone and you're ready to go! There is alternative equipment that can be used on cable networks, but nobody really challenges cable companies when it comes to actually using it. We all just keep our mouths shut, dig in our pockets and fork over the extra $5 a month to rent the box. We have come along way since 1969. There are multiple phone carriers, wireless companies, and cable companies to choose from. but we can do better than being roped into paying a subscription fee on items we can buy ourselves or signing 2 year contracts just to get the latest smartphone. Remember it's supply and demand. Ultimately it should come down to the consumers wants and needs. Not what the provider is willing to give us.

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video Games Game Cube is another nintendo creation. nintendo are undoubtedly the trailblazers of the modern home video game.

Their system, nintendo game Cube made its foray into the market just after Playstation 2 and Xbox debuted. Surely two difficult if not impossible acts to follow. video Games Game Cube held its own because it boasted one of the most advanced systems at the time.

The visionaries at nintendo also took a calculated risk with game Cube. They stayed out of the ring with Playstation 2 and xbox. game Cube allowed them to duke it out among themselves.

nintendo basically picked up their marbles and went somewhere else to play. They introduced a family friendly, gaming console. They offered a total-family experience. Incorporating children right through to Grandparents.

video Games Game Cube boasts a choice of well over 500 games. There is something for everyone. Below are some of their favorites:

Mario

Pokmon

The Legend of Zelda

Resident Evil

Medal of Honor

Metroid Prime

game Cube uses a mini-size game disc and wont play DVDs. Neither does it have online capabilities. Dont be swayed buy their perceived shortcomings. What game Cube loses on the corners it picks up on the strait.

video Games Game Cube links up nicely with two handheld video game systems. The Gameboy Advance and The Gameboy Advance SP.

Nintendos new system, Nintendo Revolution will be released in 2006. Here are Nintendo promises for Nintendo Revolution:

Play dvd movies

Nintendo gamecube games.

support four controllers

built-in Wi-Fi, allows you to connect to the nintendo Wi-Fi wireless network

will have a "virtual console" that allows users to download practically any nintendo 64, Super nintendo, and nintendo NES video game ever made.

thousands of video game titles

Mario, Zelda, and Donkey kong will debut with nintendo Revolution.

Are we living in a great era or what? Families cannot lose.