DirectX Technology

Microsoft DirectX Microsoft DirectX is a group of technologies, designed to make Windows-based computers, an ideal platform for running and displaying applications, rich in multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, 3D animation, and rich audio. DirectX includes security and performance updates, along with many new features across all technologies, which can be accessed by applications using the DirectX APIs.

Update DirectX

You must always update your DirectX's plugin, if you wish to see animations in the web sites, with your browser.
If you want to update your Microsoft DirectX, just click here and you will be prompt to the update page.

Develop DirectX Apps

If you want to start to develop DirectX applications and need a software to do it, just choose one of the following available

DirectX SDK Toolkit

Download the DirectX SDK (Software Development Kit) (freeware?!)
Requirements: Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista Ultimate or Enterprise (32 bit or 64 bit running in 32-bit mode), Windows Server 2008 (32 bit), or Windows 7 (32 bit or 64 bit running in 32-bit mode)

DirectX Videos

DirectX Test and Tricks

If you wish to be sure that everything is alright, inside your Windows Computer, please follow these instructions
1)
Win Vista, 7, 8 - Click the [START] button and write [RUN]
Win XP, 2003, 2000, ME, 98, 95 - Click the [START] button and click on [RUN]
For all Windows - Hold Down the MS Windows Logo's Key and click the "R" Key

2)
Write "dxdiag" and click [ENTER]

3)
If is the first time you do this, Windows will ask you permission to run the ActiX, accept it, and the tool will test and scan your system for problems.
If not, it will opens a Dxdiag Box.

4)
You will see the DXDiag Box with some Tabs.
General Tab - Here you will see your DirectX version, this way you will know if you need to update it or not
DX Files Tab - Observe if some files are missing or if there are errors.
Display Tab - Very important if you play 3D games, DirectX Draw, DirectX3d and AGP must be enable
Sound Tab - If you have a good Music Card, or if you play 3D games, you must accelerate it to maximum
Music Tab - Your Sound card capabilities and Music quality will be here described.
Input Tab - Related with your Mouse or Joystick.
Network Tab - Related to your peripherals network
Advanced Tab - Where you can consult your system properties.

This article was created at 2005 and revised at Jan 2011