November 7, 2007 — On-line scratch card site Scratch2Cash produced a very lucky winner recently when it entered the record books by producing a record smashing new winner. A devoted player took home an extra 200,000 Euros, the largest amount ever won on an on-line scratch card.

The newfound winner was playing her favourite scratch card and says she had no idea she was about to become so fortunate. Now enjoying her winnings she is also enjoying her new found status as a world record breaker.

Gisele L from France, The lucky new owner of a very large cheque was so happy to finally be able to live her dream, “finally I’ll be able to give my family what I’ve always wanted to, a new home.”

The fortunate winner plans to build her dream home for her and her family somewhere in a remote location in France.

…Download or Stream?

I’ve started downloading more now because I can use the files over and over again, but if you don’t want to wait for the download (I’m impatient too) streaming is the best option.

I’ve put together my quick list of things you’ll need to do either way.

If downloading is your thing you’ll need a few useful programs:

1. A download manager: there are tons of download managers on the net. I use Flashget. It’s relatively easy to use and has tie-ins with your browser so you can just right click your way to download heaven.
2. A P2P host: I use Ares. Knock on wood, no spyware, adware or even a virus after 4 years of use. If you plan to use Ares, download it from sourceforge.net, the other downloads are usually fakes.
3. A huge harddrive: Have at least 10 times the amount of space you’ll need to store your file. Remember that your programs require space to run too, so don’t fill up your harddrive to the point where you can’t run your other programs.
4. A media player:I use VLC. Most of us have Windows Media Player on our PC’s, but often it doesn’t play ALL the files we download. VLC plays everything, even partially downloaded files, plus it also plays streamed files and sometimes fixes corrupted files. I would say the most important program I downloaded for my media files.
5. Codecs: I have several installed on my pc. ffdshow is DirectShow and VFW codec for decoding/encoding many video and audio formats, including DivX and XviD movies using libavcodec, xvid and other opensourced libraries. Just google it to find the latest version.
6. Divx/Xvid – so many videos in this format, you might as well download the codecs, just in case.

Not an exhaustive list but definately one that can help you get started.

Now in order to stream videos from some of your favourite sites, you’ll need a few programs that will install themselves as plugins for your browser. Some of these you’ll already have if your constantly on the interweb.

1. Java: You probably have this already, you can go here to check if you have it and download/install if you don’t.
2. Other flash: Adobe Flash, Shockwave flash

You also need to make sure you’ve installed ActiveX in your browser. (you probably have this already as most sites require it to work)

All you need now is to go and find those movies.

The ovguide.com has a pretty good list of sites that have download/stream links. I generally use 3 sites to find movies/tv shows to watch. You’ll have to decide for yourself which ones you like.

I didn’t touch on torrents here at all, cuz I just don’t get them.

But whether you decide to download or stream check your ISP’s limit on uploads/download or else you’ll get bitten, hard!

Now go get that popcorn and have some fun.