Powerful Computers

Checking out The Windows 7 distros: which one's perfect for you?

2010-05-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Windows 7 is that new version that is said to be what Windows Vista should have been. It is in fact better as it introduces a lot of new features. This new OS has focused its goal on being fully compatible with applications and hardware which is where Vista had failed to so.

Windows 7 has four distros, each with features that is designed for a specific purpose. This would definitely help users get the most out of this OS giving them options to fit into their activities.

Before getting too excited on upgrading your PC (even updating) here is some information on the four distros of Windows 7.

1. Windows 7 Starter

"Simpler and easier to use"

Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness when it comes to familiarity with compatibility. It gives less hassle connecting to networks. However considered as the lightweight version of this new operating system, this only comes with Netbooks. It is not available for upgrading a Windows XP or even Vista. The sixty-four bit is not available and the backup and restore center won't work with network based drives. Since it is a "starter" it lacks the key features that made Windows 7 the much awaited OS that has surpassed Vista.

The starter, however, can pin programs to the taskbar, plus the jump list remains active. There’s the snap function for resizing program windows although it lacks the aero look. But for those who love the internet the better Wi-Fi and device management are fully functional. Users can also use the in-place anytime upgrade option to buy an upgrade going to Home Premium.

2. Windows 7 Home Premium

"The best entertainment experience on your PC"

Retail price: $119.99.

This distro offers media enjoyment by letting the user create a home network and share favorite photos, videos and music. Free movies and music is accessible everywhere with its internet TV on Windows Media Center.

Home Premium is said to be one that appeals best to casual users. Public search shows that most of the big features that Microsoft can offer (sure to love by the public) is included in this distro:

· Aero Peek for previewing programs and clearing the desktop

· Aero Snap for resizing windows

· Aero skin which includes a translucent Taskbar and window borders.

· Aero shake which allows quick way to clear the desktop

With its features centered on Media entertainment, Windows media Center and Media Player allows users to stream video directly to their desktops. Furthermore it can be used to create a Home Group making sharing of music, videos and pictures between computers belonging to the same group simpler.

Unlike the Started, Home premium is available in 64-bit however it can only support up to 1GB of RAM. Home Premium can also be upgraded to either the Professional or Ultimate Widows 7 distros.

3. Windows 7 Professional

"Everything you need for work and home"

Retail price: $199.99

Professional distro is said to be perfect for the career person in the user. It allows the user to run many Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode plus recover them easily with automatic backups either to your home or business network.

This windows distro allows access to company networks effortlessly with a more secure domain join, proving further its flexibility.

With the said features, background check shows the Professional as an operating system that is definite power user edition. It supports up to 192 GB of RAM in 64-bit mode. It can also work with two physical processors. However this distro lacks the AppLocker and the BitLocker features thus disabling it to handle remote Aero glass support. It also lacks the multilingual interface support pack.

4. Windows 7 Ultimate

"Designed for people who want it all"

Retail price: $219.99

The Ultimate distro is the most versatile and powerful edition of windows 7. It has combined the entertainment features of the Home premium with the Professional's business theme (which means access to Windows XP mode).

Public search shows that Ultimate's security can be encrypt with data with BitLocker and BitLocker To-Go. It is also good to know that it can work with 35 languages.

For a more plus with the Ultimate; it also has virtual hard-disk booting and subsystem for Unix Applications. Features that separate the Ultimate from Professional is in a class that goes exclusively for international or network use. For home and office power user however the Ultimate is non recommendable.

For more information on what the windows 7 distros, public search brings us to CNET.com. Reviews of the Distros give us a table that will help see in what features are available.

Mozilla to Addresses Security Hole in 3.6: Firefox 3.6.2 Released Ahead of Schedule

2010-04-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, Mozilla released Firefox 3.6.2 to address critical security hole involving Web-based font technology.

In a blog post by Mozilla developer News they announced the release of the said browser ahead of schedule and are presently available for download for Windows, Mac and Linux. They also expressed their strong recommendation for the upgrade.

The said security hole was reported by Evgeny Legerov of Intevydis. In his report he said that the WOFF decoder contained an integer overflow in a font decompression routine. This could lead to a small memory buffer being allocated to store downloadable font. With this it could lead an attacker to crash it's victim's browser and worse allows him to run arbitrary code in the machine as well.

For those who are using earlier versions of Firefox, there's no need to worry of this problem since WOFF is introduced in the 3.6 version thus not affecting them.

WOFF or Web Open Font Format is a format developed during 2009. It is a wrapper that contains sfnt-based fronts (True Type, Open type or Open font Format) that are compressed using a WOFF encoding tool that enables them to be embedded in a web page.

Final Fantasy continuous: 13th Installment in away from the traditional

2010-03-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

WE have always loved the final fantasy installments. The role playing game that let us live the lives of characters as they deal with magic, adventure and at times love.

This year final fantasy approaches its thirteenth installment however with that certain question as to whether it can stand apart from the others.

It is one of the longest running video game franchises and has sold in excess 90 million of it for the past 20 years since it first started.

Final Fantasy was first released on Nintendo Entertainment system in 1987. It was a big hit locally in Japan. The westerners’ acceptance to this game however started during 1990 where sales went extremes the two million mark thus holding a great future for Square as a key international publisher.

Although with the acceptance of final fantasy, the second and third installment didn't reach the western shores so when the fourth came out the west took it as the second. The fifth didn't get there either but they got the sixth which they called the third. So it goes on and the installment to the game became more confusing then again final fantasy has always taken the same name that it became a phenomenal tag.

Final Fantasy has given its supporters every gaming platform plus spin-offs which graced genres: diverse turn-based strategy game, massively multiplayer online worlds, fighting games, and even the CGI movie.

Although there have been many final fantasy installments that garner great reviews, it was the seventh that reigned supreme. The story was remarkable that it captured many people's interest. It is still holds the most compelling story plus characters that are considered as unforgettable. One of the main characters names Aeries remained as an oft-cited high-water mark in gaming history. Even its music was adapted as one of the best classical music s its soundtrack boomed to impressive in concert halls.

Google Chrome receives upgrades

2010-03-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Google has recently done some updating on their Chrome browser for most of its multiple versions that focus on all platforms. Although most of the said updates were but minors the said activity was done in few days since it was about high security fixes to make the version stable.

The stable Windows version of Chrome has five security fixes labeled high including one which was discovered by Sergev Glazunov. For this he received the first $1,337 Chromium security Reward. The security fixes includes the following:

plugging holes in tab sandboxing
memory errors occurring with malformed SVG images
integer overflows in Web Kit JavaScript objects
cross-origin bypass error

One of the newest features, the XSS Auditor, since the version has been upgraded to v4 has been disabled. This was due to "serious performance issues".

The new Windows beta version presently includes a translate inforbar for automatic page translation using Google's translate function.

For the benefit of the Mac, Windows, and Linux, updated have been made for the Chrome dev channel. This will allow people to see improvements with the performance of the auto fill feature. Other than this the bookmark folders have received many fixes with regards to usage of the Mac OS X dev channel. However users of the said Mac channel will still experience significant problems with their bookmarking.

The chrome Frame, an add-on of Google's Internet Explorer, also had several repairs. At present it is using IE's default pop-up blocker. Clicking will no longer make the browser crash. Users however are reminded that this feature is still experimental and casual usage is not yet recommended.

MySpace: making new out of the old

2010-03-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

It's creating something new out of something old; that is presently what is being developed by the people in My Space. They are trying to figure out a new way to make the motto they have today (discover and be discovered); they just want this restated.

Can something old be turned new again?

My Space has been known as that social network focused on younger and artistic modes that touch the pop culture: Jazzed up as we all would call it. It has hooked up a lot of users that even personalizing one's page became a craze.

The said changes include a new Today on MySpace (TOM) to greet new users. However the changes are taking a slow movement.

MySpace is presently being managed by Hirschborn and Jones. They took over after News Corp fires CEO Owen Van Natta last month. They reported to Natta about their plan to revive the site which has lost ground due to other social networks such as Facebook.

MySpace is still a small enterprise with just $350 million in annual revenue.

Goodbye IE6 (sob...sob...sob)--RIP?

2010-03-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Yup! We say goodbye to Internet Explorer 6 as it dies of old age. More than a hundred people are expected to attend the said funeral, this Thursday, for the late web browser wearing black.

The surviving descendants of the said IE6 namely "his son" IE7 and "his granddaughter" IE8 will be represented in the eulogy hosted by Aten Design Group, a design firm in Denver Colorado.

This is not the first time someone has tried to put an end to the browser's existence. There have been Facebook groups which tried this stunt. There was even one movement "IE must die" that circulated on Twitter.

Although in truth IE6 isn't dead yet, as there are still those who continuously use this, this browser now faces limits especially with what is being offered in today's web. The release of faster browsers who support much more action with regards to videos and other special apps has definitely left this browser behind. However, even with the said discrepancies regarding browsers, it can't be denied that since its first release IE6 has proven itself to many internet surfers.

Released in 2001, IE6 was the standard browser for web surfing till 2006 when Microsoft launched IE7. It was only recently that IE8 which commanded 22.5 percent of the market last month. However despite the said claims that IE6 is definitely behind, it still remains a command of 19.8 percent in the market compared to that of IE7.

The mock funeral for IE6 was inspired by Google's decision to take out IE6 this month. The invitation to the funeral states that: "Internet Explorer Six, resident of the interwebs for over 8 years, died the morning of March 1, 2010 in Mountain View, California, as a result of a workplace injury sustained at the headquarters of Google, Inc."

According to Jon Clark, business development director for Aten Design Group, they were initially expecting 30 to 50 people to attend the funeral. After more than 1,000 comments online and 6,000 Tweets, the company decided to move it to a bigger venue.

"It's all in good fun" Clark further says as people are expected to go crying crocodile tears this Thursday.

IE6 will be presented in a coffin with a body inside having the IE6 logo for a head.

Years from Now (what if?): An Innovation in a sheer glass touch

2010-03-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

It was an example submitted and posted in Hoax-Slayer last November 2009. This submission was entitled “GOOGLE Has Done It Again!!! A Very Smart Innovation”.

The said article tells about a device that has features of a touch screen, camera, scanner, WiFi and Google maps. It has pics that showed it as a flat transparent screen that whenever it centers into focus a certain object (let’s say a building or food) it immediately gives information about it. As the description says:

“Choose a building and touch a floor and it tells you more details of the building. You can use it when you want to know a car model, an insect name, what kind of food is served at a restaurant and how much, who built a bridge, etc. etc.”

Displaying many advantages (as it can also be used as a dictionary), this device shows itself as something light and very useful to the needs of an individual—a good exchange for a phone.

Truly whatever we have right now is not merely based on logic alone. There is also imagination involve…

A toast to the future!!!!

IT'S THE ZERO SITE FOR MOBILE FB USERS

2010-02-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

This is planned to aim at mobile users; People behind Facebook will be launching in the coming weeks its Zero site.

The said plan to have the Zero site for mobile users of Facebook could help operators free-up critical bandwidth on their networks. This is due to the recent update of analyst at CCS Insights stating that there are more than 100 million people accessing Facebook on their phone.

The new site will definitely omit data intensive applications like photos. Another reason why this system was develop was due to the revelation by GSM Association that FB is responsible to almost half of all the time people in UK have spent going online through their phones.

At the moment the people at Facebook are discussing the option to make this social networking site, on mobile, more available to anyone anywhere thus encouraging more users.

There's also a slimmed down version of Facebook available to all those with either slow or poor internet connection. Facebook Lite is aimed for users in the developing world. This was announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona which run was held from February 15 to 18, 2010.

ON THE NEW WINDOWS PHONE 7

2010-02-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

Windows Phone 7 is out however; according to Microsoft Australia Developer Evangelists who hosted the Frankly Speaking podcast reports (article in Gisomdo via zdnet) it will only be available in three chassis variants.

The first chassis sporting the Windows Phone 7 will be a touch screen handset. It has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor which was shown in Barcelona when the Mobile World congress 2010 was held.

The second type shows the windows phone 7 to have keyboard variants. This will apparently feature sliding keyboards and touch screens which is said to be more similar to the palm Treo
The third chassis to support the windows phone 7 remains a mystery up till this point.
It’s an interesting note that windows phone 7 promises these different look however there is still that undeniable excitement that this gives a certain turn to the competition of smart phones.

15 year old Indian student's idea clicks at Stanford

2010-02-19T07:56:00.000-08:00

New Delhi: Think out of the box. This is what 15-year-old Sarojini Mahajan realized after her idea of using human pulse to charge a cell phone was picked up by Stanford University.

Sarojini, a class IX student of St Mark's Senior Secondary Public School, Meera Bagh, had sent her idea as an entry to IGNITE 2009 - a nationwide contest of innovative ideas. Though she won a consolation prize in the contest, Stanford University has decided to work on her idea.

According to Professor Anil Gupta, Vice-Chairperson, National Innovation Foundation (NIF), which conducts IGNITE every year, Stanford University has already given a token amount of $1,000 to develop a prototype if feasible. Professor Gupta said, "The girl has provided the idea. But we need technical assistance to make it work. Stanford University has come forward to try out if human pulse can be used to charge an e-book they have developed."

After hearing this news, Sarojini said, "I can't believe it's true. I had thought of this idea last year but never told anyone till Neena ma'am once asked for crazy ideas in the class. It was just an idea which has become so big now. Sarojini recalled that she was just sitting once when she thought of watches that run on the human pulse. I wondered if mobiles could be charged using the pulse too." Neena Punj is Sarojini's teacher and guide.

Sarojini teamed up with her teacher to develop her idea further who had by then decided to send her entry to IGNITE this year. They both worked for nearly four months and conceived a charging system in which sensors would be placed on the cell phone. Holding it in hand in a particular way would charge it using the heat of the palm. Sarojini's recognition has got other students thinking too.

Punj said, "Students have a lot of ideas and some of are absolutely crazy. Many of them will be motivated to share them now. I have already started getting new ideas from students."

Anjali Agarwal, Principal, St Mark's Senior Secondary Public School, agreed with Punj and said, "Sarojini has been a topper in class and though she loves science, she neither wants to become an engineer nor a doctor." "I may become a scientist but I have yet to plan," said Sarojini.

All those students, whose ideas have been selected, will be awarded by President Pratibha Patil on November 18. IGNITE is being organized since 2007 across the country in partnership with the CBSE. This year, it was organized between April 15 and September 15. Gujarat-based NIF (National Innovation Foundation) received 1,344 entries from 21 states. But out of all these, Sarojini's idea generated in the classroom may eventually turn into an invention. Professor Gupta said, "We were already in touch with Paul Kim from Stanford University who wanted us to have a competition to find the joyful ways of charging their e-book. We told them that we already had such an entry and they agreed to take it up."

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/15-year-olds-idea-clicks-with-Stanford-University-/articleshow/5129746.cms

Total Dominion of Search Maketplace: Google Ranking High on Surveys

2010-02-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

The Internet really has dominated the revenue in marketplace with US solidifying in its recent months it searches. Gaining information has really powered up as the net gives people a chance for fast and easy researching. And among the search engine to give such results is Google gaining the highest number of users.

Google owned almost two-thirds of the market share. Yahoo and Microsoft (MSN) are trailed behind in the browser’s race for the top. The results from comScore showed Google capturing 65.4% of the search market since January while Yahoo and MSN gained 17% and 11.3% respectively. In comScore’s background screening of the said sites, it was seen that two of these have decreased compared to their previous months with Google once was owning 65.7% and Yahoo loosing minor with its last result being 17.3%. Microsoft however gained more as its last results were seen to be only 10.7%. The remaining details of the search market were already a compilation of the results from AOL LLC network and Ask network. These two sites have remained with the same status as they mark with 2.5% and 3.8% respectively.

Last January Americans were noted to conduct 15.2 billion searches. This made a 3% turn of increase for the search market. Google sites were responsible for the 9.9 billion searches. But it wasn’t only Google (or Yahoo or Bing/MSN or any of the browsers mentioned) that got into the comScore result.

This was no surprise. Craiglist and Facebook also had a share of the search marketing results. comScore also showed that they have search results of 636 million and 395 million respectively. It was also noted that Facebook constituted 13% gain.

Amazon sites were unfortunately the biggest losers at this point. comScore showed them to have their results fall (compared to last month’s) to 302 million searches.

There are others who have conducted the said survey. Fox interactive Media recorded a 5% drop from FAcebook and Craigslist as well.

Whichever way we look at search marketing, let’s admit that the internet has become the best source of information that even people search or pre-employment background search are being conducted through it. Documented, although at times it may be blemished by hackers, searching something that may help people gain ideas are at this point basically coming from the net. The results presented by ComScore are no surprise and at this point it can’t be helped to make the domination of search marketing grew.

Going Automated: PCOS Machines for 2010 Philippine Election

2010-02-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

The long wait is over. For years the use of machines for voting and counting ballots has been a main issue when talks on election arise. Some say it will give results speedily; what used to be weeks of determining elected officials will only be known in a matter of days.

The use of Precinct Count Optical Scan or PCOS machines has been long delayed. For this coming 2010 elections, the usage of these automated machines are being prepared hoping that things will definitely bring the elections on track. There have been speculations that with these not only will the results be given earlier but also the cheating will be eliminated. The systems are guaranteed that it can’t be hacked and ballots won’t be stolen unlike past news on elections where even people are killed just to alter the results.

What is this PCOS machine that is said to give a certain “order” to the coming election?

The Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine uses tabulate paper ballots where choosing would mean shading the appropriate ring that represents a candidate. There are approximately 47 million registered voters here in the Philippines. This certain number is divided among 320,000 precincts where each is estimated to have 200 voters at most. To maximize the benefits of the PCOS machine the precincts are divided into clusters. These consist of at most five precincts. This system was organized with the knowledge that a remote area has 1000 voters meaning that a PCOS machine will be able to handle that certain number.

For every cluster there is a PCOS machine and for every machine there are people involved to ensure the security of the votes. However the ensuring to the machine will start days before the said period when it will be used.

Few days before the election, testing and sealing procedures will take place. This will be done in public where they will take on test ballots, first manually count them then have them fed to the machine to do the automated checking. After the test, comparisons will be made between the manual counting and the automated counting. This will see if there is any glitch on the machine or if it is working properly. In the account that the machine is accurate and in top shape it will be sealed and only opened during the said time of usage—Election Day where it will be opened in front of different watchers and BEI.

Recently news shows that COMELEC has asked Smartmatic-TIM (the group who’ll be giving the machines) to run a test on the PCOS machines only on selected areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It was also reported that as per last Friday, February 5, 2010, The Commission on Election has the source code, the software that dictates the functions of computing machines, is ready.

Smartmatic did recently demonstrate the PCOS to the public in a forum in Astoria, Ortigas. However no COMELEC official was present while the smartmatics guy who demonstrated the said machine was grilled with question after question, especially as he was not able to give a good answer.

Even will all the critique on the said automation, authorities under the said automation are still confident that the usage of the PCOS machine will be pushed through. AS of now the only thing that the public should worry is who to elect especially in the presidential chair.

Beep…Beep…Found it: Technology and Background check

2010-02-05T13:05:00.001-08:00

I Spy, you spy and things are really haywire. We’ve seen James Bond do it, and almost every Secret agent who hit both big screens and small screens. They have gadgets that fire as weapons, gadget that retaliate attacks like shields and computers that act as locators. When they first started they were but blip blips from the imagination. Now, these are found in the market available for the average Joe consumers—functional in every way.

Background check services have always been very specific and detailed in checking out a person history. When it comes to their people finder tracking is carefully done, from interviews to records search methods. There is one form of doing all of these and technology has handed that down to us. The social networking sites are but a few but a mobile tracker is another issue. There are instances when even background check services consider this a useful tool in searching for someone. Mobile credit accounts are one thing but how about a mobile tracker.

For mom’s who are worried too much for their kids’ safety; mobile trackers are usually featured as great locators in case they are lost. It becomes a buddy system between two mobiles or simply the phone has the feature where the GPS is involved.

GPS-track satellite networks are used to help people find the present location of the person they are looking for. Just like Credit card accounts are managed, a bank can tell which branch the card was accessed. The GPS even gives an outlook on the map where the person is presently located. The view then focused on the street where he is. It’s like a pictured being zoomed in—just like in the movies.

They were once ideas to spice up a movie. At present they have become more than a possibility as they are further enhanced. Things at present are definitely exciting like spy movies.

Apple Tablet gets the credit: first notion of Tablet from Bill Gates

2010-01-29T06:26:00.000-08:00

After a decade of trying to pursue the notion of a tablet computer for consumers, it is likely possible that Apple will get the credit and the revenue for making the product mainstream.

Although PC makers have been selling tablet-shaped computers, it was only limited to the business markets instead of giving a chance to the average Joe.

It wasn’t just Apple who’s been thinking of the Tablet computer. It can be remembered that Microsoft’s Bill Gates first talked about the idea at Comdex back in 2000. A year later, he rolled out various models, including Compaq prototype.

Microsoft continued to refine the notion, improving the handwriting--however the product remained a niche. Recently the company even worked on an effort to make a tablet called as Project Origami. They did get a considerable buzz even before people knew what the project was.

Microsoft continues to make exploration on the possibility of their Tablet PCs. They have placed a notion to have a dual-screen tabled, code named Courier. A video was shown on CNET which was confirmed to be true by Robbie Back, unit head for Microsoft Entertainment.

Apple was not the first to think of the Tablet PC. Background check shows that Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, first presented the idea at Comdex.

Ubuntu Strikes a Deal with Linux

2010-01-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

Canonical, Ubuntu Linux’s corporate backer has signed a partnership to use Yahoo’s search results by default in the version of Firefox.

According to Canonical’s Rick Spencer, Canonical has negotiated a revenue sharing deal with Yahoo which will help Canonical to provide developers and resources to continue the open development of Ubuntu and the Ubuntu platform.

The said move will set Firefox as a default to send search traffic to Google, where the majority of Mozilla’s revenue, which is $79 million during 2008, will be a portion of any resulting search-ad revenue.

The alliance of Canonical with Yahoo may make more enemies especially with Yahoo said to be selling its search business to Microsoft. It’s been known that Microsoft is an arch enemy of Linux. However the deal hasn’t yet been secured by regulatory approval.

At present Canonical is getting ready to be under a new management. Its founder Mark Shuttleworth, will be stepping down by March 1, replaced by Chief Operating Officer Jane Silber.

Watch Apple Tablet Announcement Event Live

2010-01-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

Apple Tablet Announcement Event Live – The CEO of Apple named “Steve Jobs, Today announced the worlds most latest technology gadget called Apple Tablet from the most Popular company Apple. gestures, a fingerprint-reader with up to five profiles, and support Verizon and AT&T networks.
Tech analysts expect CEO Steve Jobs to unveil a thin slab with a 10-inch multi-touch screen. Aside from the iTablet, Apple’s announcement could also cover the additional three possible topics, the Verizon iPhone, iLife, and iPhone OS 4.0. The Apple Announcement Event today may cover a Verizon iPhone release date.

Posted by adam on Jan 27th, 2010 and filed under World.

Source: http://www.timesasia.net/apple-tablet-announcement-event-live-18261192.htm

Apple’s MacBook Pro to use i5 Processors

2010-01-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

Apple Tablet is said to be released this September as revealed with what seems to be some of the makeup that made it powerful. It’s one of the most awaited innovations that people can’t wait to get their hands on it. They have waited to see if the rumors were true and now tablet’s release is confirmed. As of the moment another Apple gadget is coming into the market.

The New MacBook Pro models will be using Core i5 processors. This is definitely good news. At the moment Macbook Pro comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo chip.

The MacBook Pro is a line of Macintosh portable computers that was first introduced in January 2006. It replaced the PowerBook G4 and was the second to be announced in the Apple Intel transition. The 7” MacBook Pro was is the latest to the MacBook Pro series (13” and 15” as the first two). This was released January of 2009 at the 2009 MacWorld Expo which also introduces the built-in battery later used with the rest of the MacBook Pro line in June WWDC 2009 and the MacBook in October 2009.

What makes Core i5 processor special?

Intel Core i5 is positioned between the midrange Core i3 and Core 2 and the high end Core i7 and Xeon brands. It was September 8, 2009 when Intel released the first i5: the core i5 750 which is 2.66 GHz quad-core Lynnfield processor with Hyper-threading disabled. These processors have an 8 MB L3 cache, DMI bus running 2.5 GT/s and support for dual channel DDR3-800/1066/1333 memory.

It means higher speed and better computer support. Users nowadays are into speed in doing their things and other stuff. Apple has given anticipation to the highest level with the geeky and those who just loves gadgetry. At the moment the Apple Tablet and MacBook Pro’s newest Intel i5 Processor is something that would definitely let people feast their eyes on.

News on the Tablet: Apple Tablet Specs Revealed

2010-01-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

Since the end of 2009, news spurs the globe with the release of the Apple Tablet PC. First they say it was but a rumor then comes the date of the release. The New Year celebrations are over and the said rumors on this hot new gadget from Apple are finally confirmed, this time with certain additional gist to get people excited.

According to BGR Reports there are features that are sure to show power and something surprising to those who can’t wait to handle this baby (but I think since it’s been said, it’s not surprise anymore).

1. The tablet is said to be “out of control” when it comes to their multi-touch gestures.

2. It is powered by ARM CPU which is incredibly fast

3. Runs on the iPhone kernel

4. Has the internal model number K48AP

More on the Tablet, they say this is the reason why Apple hasn’t updated their iPhone OS. Let’s face it Apple have always been very secretive when it comes to their new gadgetry and only confirms them once days are running out before it hits the market. At this point releasing the OS update for the iPhone is like giving away another new detail about the Tablet since the said OS contains more tablet related codes or references.

Overall the Tablet is said to be an “íPhone in steroid”: very powerful and very advance.

iPhone has recently been compared to Google’s newest release: nexus One which is an android phone. The only win iPhone may have had is the fact that it gives more easy to understand apps that sure to give fun a brand new definition. With new OS it will sure boom boosters and give power a meaning it deserves.

Tablet is one of the most awaited gadgetry this 2010. For all thing said as they reveal the power bested in it, tablet is considered, basically, as an iPhone on steroids.

Linux Mint 8 “Helena” 64 bit OS Version: The Difference with the 32 Bit Version

2010-01-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

The new 64 bit Linux Mint Helena is almost like its Main Edition. It has the same improvements as the 32 version and features a lot of improvements. The only difference is that it is made for the 64 bit processors like the Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Core 2 Quad, and AMD Athlon X2 64.

The latest from the Open Source world it has the latest features stated below:

· OEM installationpossibility to ignore updates

· configuravle menu places

· multiple selection in the Software Manager

· new system tray File Uploader with support for drag and drop

· multiple files uploads

the difference between a 32 bit and a 64 bit

The Linux Mint 8 Helena may have no difference with its features whether it is the 32 bit version or the 64 bit version. The difference however, and the reason why people may want to try this out, relies on the compatibility with the 64 bit processors.

A 64 bit processor can handle 64 bits of data at one time while a 32 bit processor can only handle 32 bits. There are things to consider though when it comes to speed. Using the 64 bit doesn’t necessarily mean that it can make the system work faster, this will still depend upon other peripherals like memory and the program used. The thing is this type of processor allows working with other 64 bit hardware and software. If the devices used with the 64 bit stays with only a 32 bit it will still work in a speed within a 32 bit processor limit.

Linux Mint 8 64 bit

Linux Mint 8 had made lots of improvements to its system thus allowing more enjoyable and organize work to be done. Since its release it has received great reviews from users as they shift to using the said operating system. With a more developed system in Linux Mint 8 64 bit operating system, the full potential of Linux can be further met even if the computer goes for a 64 bit processor. Staying with the Linux Mint 32 bit OS, configured to a 64 bit processor can’t get to enjoy the advantage given brought by upgraded peripherals.

To get more out of Linux and to enjoy its full potential especially in both leisure and work, shifting to the Linux Mint 8 64 bit system is a good solution to best compatibility for upgraded computers.

Summary: Linux Mint 8 Helena 64 bit operating system brings no difference in features with its 32 bit version. However background check on the 64 bit processors will tell you all why this new version of Helena is best for your upgrading needs.

Choosing the Right Windows OS: XP, Vista, or Windows 7?

2010-01-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

Choosing techy stuff, from gadgets to systems software majorly depends on your needs from personal to work. Cellphone at the present have their own connotations thus allowing any customer to have the right choice to fit a certain lifestyle—the latest android phones being more in demand for allowing multitasking. Meanwhile for Windows users, choosing Windows 7 or Vista doesn’t depend on the latest model but on the usage of the computer either for business or leisure.

Criteria that must be considered in choosing the right Windows OS to be installed in your computers include the following:

1. Home and Office Use – how it generally supports home use like Internet browsing, homework, and home office work.

2. Multimedia Use – for entertainment purposes like playing of music and videos, picture storage, editing of media and creating copies.

3. Security – protection it can provide from different malwares like viruses and pop-ups.

4. Networking – connection to other DTE (data transmitting equipment) or other peripherals.

5. Ease of Use – functions should be easy to navigate—user friendly.

6. Technical help/support- provision of instant assistance in fixing problem encountered. These are self-guided support.

Windows 7

Windows 7 may be the latest and at the moment has caused sudden interest because of its promise of speed, lesser consumption in drive space and it’s compatibility with applications. Since its release last October 2009, Windows 7 has gained the whole attention of all geeks and techy after the drop in sales of due to Vista’s errors.

The recent release of the 64 bit Windows 7 has given greater promise of faster and easier work activity. With its increase performance additional applications it is said the Windows 7 is perfect most especially for those who wanted to get their office work done especially in searching for files, plus the “godly mode” which was said has the ability to gain access in all file folders using one folder.

It was also said that this OS is perfect for the gamers with the fast drives and easier plug and plays that are perfect for adding joysticks and game controllers.

Here are other key features to Windows 7:

Plug and play capability with hardware and peripheral devices
Completely customizable task bar
Jump lists
Homegroup networking
Low memory footprint

Vista

It may have been a bumpy ride for Vista especially with a lot of application said to have problems with compatibility; however it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s so bad. With the continued sales of Vista and further development of this OS, Vista is has become a comfortable software to its users especially for those who use their computers for business purposes. Here are the key features that make this OS a good choice:

Windows Media Center
Advanced protection from malware
Parental control options
Windows sidebar
Real time searches

Windows XP

Windows XP is still a great OS even with the presence of newer OS. This is still considered perfect for the gaming community since it works well with both the new and old games. Users with specific need in multimedia will still find this OS appealing. Sadly this operating system will soon be out of the stores with the entourage of Windows 7. Here are the key features that make this OS a perfect as a choice:

Fast boot up time
Driver rollback
Low system requirements
Low memory footprint

Understanding Windows 7's 'GodMode'

2010-01-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Windows 7's so-called GodMode is actually a shortcut to accessing the operating system's various control settings.

(Credit: CNET News)

Although its name suggests perhaps even grander capabilities, Windows enthusiasts are excited over the discovery of a hidden "GodMode" feature that lets users access all of the operating system's control panels from within a single folder.

By creating a new folder in Windows 7 and renaming it with a certain text string at the end, users are able to have a single place to do everything from changing the look of the mouse pointer to making a new hard-drive partition.

The trick is also said to work in Windows Vista, although some are warning that although it works fine in 32-bit versions of Vista, it can cause 64-bit versions of that operating system to crash.

To enter "GodMode," one need only create a new folder and then rename the folder to the following:

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

Once that is done, the folder's icon will change to resemble a control panel and will contain dozens of control options. I'm not sure it's my idea of playing God, but it is a handy way to get to all kinds of controls.

I've asked Microsoft for more details on the feature and how it came to be. But so far, Redmond is silent on the topic.

Posted by : During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10423985-56.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

Google Announces Chrome OS

2010-01-04T13:47:00.000-08:00

Alas, poor Microsoft. First Google dominates the search engine market. Then Google enters the Web-based e-mail market. Android invades Windows Mobile's turf. And then Google jumps into the browser market with Chrome. Tonight Google has upped the ante yet again with its plans for a new operating system based on Google Chrome.

The new operating system, aptly named Google Chrome OS, will be an open-source operating system initially geared toward netbooks, Google announced in a blog posting late Tuesday evening.

Google claims the new operating system, which should ship on netbooks starting in the second half of next year, will be "lightweight" and heavily Web-centric.

With Chrome OS, Google plans to follow the same formula it used with its browser: "Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS. We're designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds," Google stated in its announcement. "The user interface is minimal to stay out of your way, and most of the user experience takes place on the web."

Google will also make security a high priority with Chrome. The company notes it will be "going back to the basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. It should just work." As you might assume, that is a pretty ambitious goal, considering every current operating system sees its fair share of security flaws and patches.

Chrome OS will run on x86-based PCs, as well as machines built around the ARM processor (such as so-called smartbooks).

So what does this mean for Android? According to Google, Chrome OS is in no way connected to Android, and that while Android was created with smartphones, netbooks, and other devices in mind, Chrome OS "is being created for people who spend most of their time on the web" and will be able to run on practically any PC that meets the minimum requirements, ranging from netbooks on the low-end to high end power desktops.

When Google first introduced the Chrome browser last year, I remarked in my review that "In the past there has been some speculation that Google would develop its own operating system, but I think that Chrome's launch makes one thing is clear: The Web browser is Google's operating system."

While Chrome OS goes beyond being a mere Web browser, Google's vision of the future is as clear with Chrome OS as it was with the introduction of the Chrome browser: The Web is the OS of the future, and a modern OS needs to be built around the Web first. In fact, in the announcement, Google flatly states, "For application developers, the web is the platform." Even better: "And of course, these apps will run not only on Google Chrome OS, but on any standards-based browser on Windows, Mac and Linux thereby giving developers the largest user base of any platform."

So has Google just killed the operating system war? Or is it just getting started? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.

Stay tuned to pcworld.com for more on Chrome OS, and follow us on Twitter @pcworld.

Original Post : http://www.pcworld.com/article/168028/google_announces_chrome_os.html
Posted by : Nick Mediati, PC World

Games for Windows: going on an Upgrade

2009-12-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

It’s great news for gamers especially when they’re running Windows PC. With Windows still continuing to be the most important gaming pedestal all over the world, Redmond Company gives the OS’ user the advantage as they design a streamline where gamers are allowed to access games: Games for Windows “Games on Demand”.

As revealed by Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson), the director of programming for Xbox Live (Microsoft’s gaming network), Games for Windows Games on Demand is a newly launched downloadable application service where games’ full version can be bought and downloaded. A complete list of games is available through their client; in downloading it however, be sure to get Tinker a free game that allows you to add updates and points to the Gamerscore “without leaving your desk”. The said game is now available as a standalone download for Windows 7, Vista, XP, SP2, and SP3.

The game application also gives the leverage some users may want especially with the new Games for Windows LIVE Setup 3.2. It allows games such as Fallout 3, Batman, Arkham Asylum, DIRT 2, Street Fighter IV, Resident Evil 5 and many more. The users are also allowed access to more than just the actual games. They are allowed to get add-ons, demos and more without interrupting the game.

The latest release for this gaming application is presently compatible with Windows 7, Vista, and XP. However, even with the promise of good gaming due to optimum performance, there is still the question of how critiques find it. Then again it is pretty excusable if there are negative comments since it just went live yesterday. One comment given by a gamer was that of the price of the Viva Pinata which actually sells $9.99. If a boxed version was to be bought instead, there are offices who offer this at a lesser price. However, the said game is also in tandem with Shadowrun making the deals here to be a great for kids.

There is nothing wrong with giving it a shot even with the negative reviews. Like what was earlier said, critiques may find it boring at this point but can be forgiven since it is only beginning.

Windows 7 Takes Advantage on Multi-core Processors

2009-12-10T07:11:00.001-08:00

In choosing a processor, especially if there’s a need to optimize a computer’s performance, it is best to check the speed. Intel and AMD have provided us with great selection of processors and have made multi core processors available for use. Multi-cores have allowed processing more productive since it can execute different instructions at the same time making the computer’s performance faster. Unfortunately there are limitations to this optimized peripheral: Computer software, especially the Operating System needs to be rewritten to take full advantage of the processor’s speed. Doing this may increase performance however it won’t meet the right optimization the processor is designed to do.

The advent of Windows 7 Operating System has given pips in the techy world buzzing, wanting to check the “savior” to the Microsoft empire (after the flop its predecessor, Windows Vista, made in sales). Everyone seems to want to go for a trial in having it installed in their computers checking, from the layout to the compatibility (from software to hardware peripherals) which wasn’t met by the previous operating system. If there was one thing that Windows 7 should be proud of it is the fact that it has taken advantage of the multi-cores.

Programmers to Microsoft are taking the problem of using multi-core processor into consideration. The said adjustment to the codes is because of the fact that if one part of the program is processed by one core while the second part is handled by the other (take note that each core executes instructions at the same time) therefore an error may occur if the first and second part are dependent on each other; Intel strongly advices software manufacturers to develop their codes to fit with the usage of these processors.

Microsoft is presently looking at optimizing the codes for the Windows core: one that is perfect for parallel and faster processing.

Review: Linux Mint 8

2009-12-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

Linux Mint 8 ( Helena)
Based on Ubuntu 9.10
Live CD

To start off, this review will attempt to describe/find what sets Linux Mint apart from all the other remastered/customized version of Ubuntu.

Normally, I don't really fancy Ubuntu based distros, as most of them are nothing more than custom / remastered versions of the original Ubuntu. However, Linux Mint has really broken the tradition of poorly made custom respins and has nearly became a whole complete distro of its own .. ( unlike the other distrolets based on ubuntu )

Well, Linux Mint shares a few key items that it inherits from its parent. The installer, Ubiquity, is still employed in the installation process. Thumbs down to Ubiquity. Ubiquity takes so much system resources ( okay not that much but a minimum of 512 mb ram is required to install) that it makes it unsuitable to run Mint on older Computers...( what a pity...)

Well...I love screenshots. Yes, a picture speaks a thousand words. lol But there's really not much to describe or explain how to install or use Ubiquity. Really, trust me, It is as simple as it looks and as simple as it can get.Well...Not much to say here too :s...Just that I don't seem to fancy those self-advertisements that come with the installer...( reminds me too much of MS ) but I do appreciate the part where they said almost finish copying..

Well, the installation is rather fast, but that can also be expected from Ubuntu 9.10. Another thing that amazed me was the boot time. It is really fast (about slightly less than 20 seconds on my old rig ) PS . My old rig is a P4 3Ghz with

Hyperthreading and 512 mb of ram.

The new Gdm (2.2 is a thing to look out for. Sure it doesn't allow you to use all the old themes available at gnome looks, but it does give an overall nice and coherent theme to the system..

Finally at last, the desktop. I love it when they give a welcome pop up...( its just me...lol)Finally, this is the fancy and shiny app that you should look out for: The MintInstall software manager. Things to look out for: Applications can be and are ranked according to users liking. Applications are well-placed into each category making search for apps rather convenient.
Another thing that impresses me is the Mint Menu ...( not my cup of tea though ) The mint menu allows users to find and locate their applications A
Plus 1 for Linux Mint
Another Plus Point is the Mint Update Manager..Yes their own update manager. The number you see beside the update in the screenshot signifies how safe or secure it is to install that update. It's good for new users indeed. 1 stands for the most secure and tested and 5 the least.

Yes, I said it was really a pity that Ubiquity was a heavy installer. Upon fresh install, Linux mint only took 150 mb of ram ...Which made it really suitable for older computers

In summary, Linux Mint is really a unique distro, catering to a wide audience. People who just came from windows would most like feel comfortable with
Linux Mint and Linux Mint does really work great with older computers They just need to do something about Ubiquity. The MintInstall software manager is really great, making installing applications really a breeze. IMHO, Mintinstall is what we need to break those biased opinions that installing software is difficult for Linux

The MintUpdate is also a Plus point. Many new users screw their systems up through updates. ( especially major ones) This surely would help a lot. I went in with the opinion that Linux Mint would be just like any other remastered distro, but came out changed! Its really a great distro.

I personally would recommend it to any one who just came out of the windowed world or any one who is looking for a light and simple system. Linux Mint 8 is really on the right track on making Linux user friendly..

Linux Mint Site:
http://www.linuxmint.com/blog/?p=1171

The information of this blog come from Raiden's Realm Review due to I am a very fun of Linus Mint I want to share with you this very beautiful review that I've read.