I'd like to try some games.ABSOLUTE noob.

[SavageNerdz]

Minecraft doesn't need a high FPS rate in my opinion. The game as well as it's concept is rather simple. Build stuff and survive. At any rate, his PC is comparable to mine, and i can run MC no problem. (:

Minecraft is a pc killer, actually. I run Skyrim on ultra at a higher framerate than Minecraft. It doesn't make any sense, but Fraps doesn't lie.

[Faith No More]

An older game(2005) that is definitely worth checking out is Halfiife 2. Should be pretty cheap. GameInformer(a gaming website) named it the #5 game of all time.

[Aegrus]

An older game(2005) that is definitely worth checking out is Halfiife 2. Should be pretty cheap. GameInformer(a gaming website) named it the #5 game of all time.

Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that one, but it's a great game. Blends story and action very well. Plus, it has a ton of mod support, and I believe the source engine is well optimized.

[SavageNerdz]

Check out counter strike source as well

[R-e-n-n-a-t]

Thank you everyone for your help.


Is there any special support software I need to download before I start downloading games?

Most games will include any required software, but it's always a good idea to make sure you have the latest Nvidia drivers from their site, since you have an Nvidia graphics card.
http://www.official-drivers.com/installe...KgodX2mXsw

It also can't hurt to follow the advice of others here and update DirectX.
And as for my recommendation, I'm going to suggest Mass Effect 2. Practically nobody doesn't like it. Most people love it. It's probably a safe bet, since it has a little bit of everything. It has a nice story, amazing characters, great voice acting, solid shooting mechanics, some degree of exploration, and did I mention it has amazing characters? You'll cry if they die at the end. (and they CAN die at the end if you mess up, just a warning)

I'd recommend Mass Effect 1 except it doesn't run that well on Windows 7 and you have to know your way around some basic administrative functions to get it working properly on some machines. I don't think you'll want to go through that much work at first, so ME2 is a better option. Don't worry, it gives you a crash course in the story so far before you start playing.

If you're committed to getting something free, I recommend a free MMO (massive multiplayer online) such Dungeons and Dragons Online, Lord of the Rings Online, or the trial version of Rift. Here's a list of free MMOs as well.
http://www.whatmmorpg.com/free-to-play-m...KgodxGwcbQ
Keep in mind MMOs play much differently from traditional games. They're really not that fun in my opinion and they have virtually no story, atmosphere, or character depth. The entire appeal is the concept of playing with hundreds of other people at once in a community of sorts. I usually find them very dry and repetitive. They are, however, the highest grade of free game you're likely to find.

Personally, my favorite PC game ever is Skyrim, but that may change if Dark Souls gets a PC version.
http://petitionbureau.org/DarkSoulsForPC
(hint)

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Thanks R; I only want free stuff to start me off,to get the feel. If I get into it, I can see me buying all sorts of stuff. I love techno-toys.

Ummm Mass Effect says I need Nvidia GEForce 88000 GT or better. I have GT 520 (I can "obtain" Mass Effect2)

[Tiberius]

Before you play Half Life 2, get the original. Terrible graphics, but still one of the best games of all time.

---

Oh, if you want cheap games, sign up to humblebundle.com and wait for them to do their deals. You can get 5 (or more) games for whatever price you want to pay.

[Epimethean]

I played the original Half Life. It was a decent game, but you are right: The graphics suck.

[Faith No More]

Word of advice Pad, if you do decide to play an online game, you will be playing against people who have been playing video games their whole lives and take them very seriously. Consequently, some of them get very good at it, and it can get very frustrating for an absolute noob to play against. My suggestion would be to cut your teeth on a game that is not played online against other players.

[SavageNerdz]

Also, download steam and check out the "free to play" genre. There's a couple of games that may be fun