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The summer is almost over and once again you’ve found yourself so bored you can’t even pull yourself off the couch to find some food in the fridge. Not to worry! Here are some awesome recommendations for what to stream RIGHT NOW on Netflix!

THE TERMINATOR – Dir. James Cameron (1984)
Save your money and forget about TERMINATOR: GENISYS. If you haven’t already seen the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic sci-fi film, you’re in for a real treat. Chances are you know all about THE TERMINATOR, whether you’re a fan or not, but this movie holds its own today. Of course some of the effects are cheesy and the story might leave a bit to be desired (that’s why there are way too many sequels), but it’s an insanely fun action flick that deserves a viewing or two. This is the film that put TITANIC and AVATAR director, James Cameron, on the map and he’s continued to create classics for three decades since. As far as 80s, sci-fi, action films go, this is the best you can hope for. Shwarzenegger plays The Terminator, a cyborg sent from the future with the task of “terminating” a young woman named Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton. Kyle Reese, played by Michael Biehn, is also sent from the future to protect Sarah. What she doesn’t know is that the person who sent Reese is her future son, the leader of the cyborg resistance. If this sounds intriguing at all, or if you simply want to quote this film with your friends who have most likely already seen it, make sure to check it out. IMDB

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – Seven Seasons (1997-2003)
Now, before you click away, hear me out. BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER is a great show. “But it’s for teenage girls!” you might be thinking. True. However, throughout its seven-season run, I can guarantee it’s relatable to any demographic. And it’s just really really fun. Buffy follows the young adulthood of the prophesized “Slayer”, one girl who is given the task of ridding the world of the blood sucking demons for which this show is named. “But I don’t want to watch seven seasons of a girl slaying vampires!” You don’t have to! Buffy faces many more monsters and challenges during her time in Sunnydale, most of which are simply metaphors for real life struggles. That’s what makes this show so relatable. Creator Joss Whedon, now known for directing Marvel’s AVENGERS films, expertly tackled several crises faced by teenagers and young adults, but was capable of putting these crises in demons and other bad guys to not make it seem too preachy. “Well, I tried watching a few episodes and I didn’t like it.” Fair enough. Not everyone will like it, but you should at least try to make it through the first season if it sounds interesting to you. IMDB

Also, watch this video.

Windows 10 is out in the wild. If you haven’t already seen, Microsoft has been advertising it to Windows 7 and 8.1 users using a system tray pop-up. This is a free upgrade, and will probably be a good one for Windows 7 and 8 users alike. Microsoft wants to get all recent Windows machines on the same operating system, providing a standardized Windows platform and pushing the “universal apps” offered by the Windows Store. After the mess of Windows 8, Microsoft appears to have come to their senses and Windows 10 is looking pretty solid.

It’s FREE! (Well… for most people)

Windows 10 is a free upgrade, assuming your computer runs Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. As long as you upgrade to Windows 10 within the first year, you won’t have to pay a cent. Despite some confusion online, it is a full copy with “lifetime support for the device” and you don’t have to pay anything. If you have an older computer running Windows Vista or a previous version of Windows, you won’t get a free upgrade. You may want to buy a new computer if you have such an old computer, anyway. If you have to pay for a copy you are looking at $110 for Windows 10 Home or $199 for Windows 10 Pro.

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How to Upgrade

You can get it with a upgrade via Windows Update. Microsoft rolled out a “Get Windows 10″ application that prompts you to “reserve” your copy of Windows 10, and you should already be seeing those notifications in your system tray on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 computers. Yes, that Windows 10 pop-up in your system tray is real, legitimate, and from Microsoft. “Reserve” your copy of Windows 10 and your Windows computer will automatically download Windows 10. When Windows 10 is good to go, you won’t have to download a massive installer from Microsoft. It’s a bit like preloading a game or movie. While the upgrade process shouldn’t erase your personal files, it’s always important to have backups anyway. If you have hardware or programs that won’t work with Windows 10, the upgrade application will inform you of any possible problems you might experience. Check HERE for more information on upgrading your system.

What’s New – Why Jump

Microsoft wants Windows 10 to be a worthy upgrade to both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users. It builds on Windows 8’s base, offering its desktop improvements and security features. The charms bar is gone. The pop-up Start menu is back— it has live tiles on it by default, but you can remove those if you like. That “modern” or “Metro” interface is now confined only to a special tablet mode, and all applications run in windows on the desktop on normal PCs. If you’re using Windows 8 on a non-touch device, this is a huge improvement. The desktop interface makes sense again. If you’ve been using Windows 7, you get access to all the improvements found in Windows 8 with an interface that makes more sense.

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Windows 10 includes other useful features, including “Task View” virtual desktops and enhancements to the Command Prompt. Last year was the death of Internet Explorer and Microsoft’s new “Edge” browser will have a better user experience without all the fuss. Microsoft’s Cortana voice assistant is integrated, this is essentially Microsoft’s Siri. One major nod to Windows 10 is device integration; PC, tablets, smartphones, and your Xbox One will all work together very nicely. Windows 10 is packed with other useful improvements, and — unlike some of the more annoying features found in Windows 8 — they can be disabled if you don’t want to use them.

There have been a lot of really great games to hit the shelves lately. Whether you play your games on PC, Xbox, or Playstation you are sure to find a bunch of great titles to fill your gaming needs.  We’ve decided to cover just a few of the games coming soon in this Fall Gaming Review.  Some are annual power houses,  a long awaited returning favorite, and even some new blood.

EA Sports – Madden, FIFA, NHL, NBA Live

First up is the annual EA Sports release of their flagship titles.  The release of Madden is coming first on 8/25, shortly followed by the others.  You are sure to see some improved features, updated graphics, and likely the best authenticity in the business.  If you are looking for originality however you are looking in the wrong place.  EA has found the magic potion of producing essentially the same game for the last 10 years and still making a killing every year.  The replay value is what you can bank on when you play one of these new titles.  There will be plenty of people slaving over these games for hours, no months, just to live out their dreams of bringing home a championship.  Available on Xbox, Playstation, and PC.

Gears of War Ultimate Edition

Gears has been remastered for the Xbox one! The landmark original Gears of War has been completely rebuilt from the ground up in full 1080P. Every aspect of the game including lighting, environments, characters, and cinematic scenes have been  recreated.   Includes all original 19 maps and six competitive modes including Team Death Match, King of the Hill and a new 2v2 mode.  Microsoft has taken a cue from 343 Industries approach by including all 4 Gears of Wars into one, similar to Halo Master Chief Edition.  Lets just hope it won’t be plagued with issues in the few days of the launch.  Available 8/25 on Xbox only.

 

LEGO Dimensions

Arguably one of the most anticipated games of the fall season.  LEGO Dimensions is a truly unique video game, for kids and adults (big kids).  For the first time ever, characters from all over the LEGO universe are joining forces to battle in worlds outside their own.  Here’s How It Works:  1. Build your mini figure heroes  2. Fire up the game
3. Assemble bricks into a LEGO gateway and play. It’s that easy!  Team up with accidental allies, journey to amazing worlds, and strive to defeat the evil.  You can expect your favorite characters and some new never before seen in the LEGO universe, Marty McFly (Back to the Future), The Doctor (Doctor Who), Homer Simpson, and Legolas (Lord of the Rings) just to name a few.  Check HERE for the complete list of expansions due at launch.  Available 9/27 on Xbox, Playstation, and Wii U.

BONUS GAME

Rockband 4

The triumphant return of the beloved Rockband is almost upon us.  It’s been 5 years since gamers have been able to put down their controllers and lay down some sick rifs to their favorite tunes.  The ultimate party game has returned with a brand new list of bands that are sure to keep you jamming.  The Fender inspired guitar bundle is $129 and the full bundle including guitar, drums, and microphone are gonna set you back $249.  Well worth the investment if it will be anything like its predecessors. Available 10/6 on Xbox and Playstation.

 

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