Graphics processor units (i.e. your graphics hardware) support specific sets of functionality. Typically, the newer the GPU and more expensive it is, the more functionality it will support. The Xulu system requires a specific level of graphics acceleration in hardware to run. This is to ensure the best user experience. Microsoft’s DirectX API on the other hand requires very little hardware support. That’s because DirectX will use hardware if it is available, but if not, it will switch to a “software emulation” mode. In this mode, DirectX uses software running on your computer as a substitute for graphics hardware. Although this is functional, the performance is typically orders of magnitude (e.g. 100-1000 times) slower and thus not practical. The key point is that Xulu’s software requires hardware support for DirectX 10 level of functionality. You can easily check for this by looking at the specs of your computer’s graphics system. If you are in doubt, please send us the make and model of your GPU at support@xulu.com.
