Before you start with your online gambling foray you must ensure that you have a decent computer. At times it can be a nightmare to wade through the cyber gaming world especially if you are not familiar with it. Ask yourself a couple of questions before you start wagering online. Is the software of the site safe to download? What is Java? In the event of malware will my computer be able to get rid of unwanted viruses?
We have outlined some of the basic necessities that you must follow to ensure that your online gambling endeavours is not only an entertaining one but a memorable one too.
Proper Hardware
Before you start to wager online your computer must be equipped with the latest antivirus and spyware. If your computer is more than five years old chances are pretty slim that it won’t be compatible with the latest antivirus programs. Most online gambling sites provide a list of the minimum requirements needed to handle their software. This information can normally be found on the site’s ”Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section. Here is a list of the minimum system requirements:
- Windows 7 or higher
- Pentium 500 MHz or higher
- 48MB RAM
- 4 MB video card with 32-bit colour (800×600 or higher)
- DirectX 7 or higher
- Macromedia Flash Player 5
- 35 MB hard drive space.
In addition to these requirements, you will also need an Internet browser such as Microsoft Explorer, Google Chrome, Opera, or Safari. For Macintosh users online gambling can be quite a complicated issue. In general, however, online gambling for Mac users is available through the ‘no download’ sites whose formats include Flash or Java.
Gaming Software
Once your computer meets the minimum requirements for gambling. The next step in turning your computer into a casino, poker room is to install the gambling software onto your system. This software contains all the information needed to allow you to gamble via your computer. Where can this software be found? It’s simple really, just pick a site. All online gambling sites offer their software for free. Players only need to visit the site, click on the correct link (such as ”Download Casino”) and follow the onscreen instructions that will walk you through any downloading or installation procedures associated with the software.
Software Options
Just as there are three different types of sites and different types of games, there are different types of software platforms. Presently are two different types: downloadable and Flash. Let’s take a brief look at the pros and cons of each.
Downloadable Platforms
The original form of gambling software, downloadable gaming platforms compelled the would-be gambler to visit the site and download the entire software package from the casino’s server onto their own computer. More often than not these packages were bulky, typically running as high as 15 MB since they contained all the data required to play each game in the casino. These files were cumbersome it took nearly an hour to download the entire package!
As technology become more advanced this form of software package installation become more streamlined. It allowed players to download only the basic casino components with additional downloads later.
For example, a player can now quickly load the casino’s basic software package. It consists of 4 MB and contains general casino images (entrance, tables, etc.) and only a few basic games like blackjack, slots and a video pokers. Once the casino shell is downloaded onto your computer, you can then log on to the site and start wagering. If you want to install additional games later, simply select which ones you want and download them individually by clicking on a link from the original software package.
This method for installing the casino software is especially important for the “larger” sites that have over 100 games. It allows players to selectively add games and avoid wasting the tremendous amount of time it would take to install so many unnecessary files.
Flash Platforms
The latest innovation in online gambling software is Flash technology. It enables gamblers to start playing without the need for lengthy software downloads. However, while JAVA software sometimes has graphical limitations, Flash uses streaming technology to create a very realistic, smooth-flowing gambling experience. The only real drawback to the player who uses this platform is the need to download the Flash plug-ins. This is the software needed to run this program. The plug-ins typically take less time to incorporate, it only needs to be installed once and provided directly from the site.
However, it is up to you to decide which format best suits you best. The good news is, many casinos are now offering all both options to their customers, allowing them to decide for themselves which one to use. Some players prefer the downloadable software whilst others prefer the Flash formats. We must point out that the download software offers more stability and superior graphics. When a player downloads a site’s software they are more likely to return to that site, which helps to earn them more comp points.
