The Review

Netfront Browser

2010-11-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

NetFront Browser Android

by Blade78

NetFront Browser is available now in the Android Market. I have read some of the comments. One user said that it didn’t have an address bar. It does have one. Take a look at the slide I put together. Keep working with it. You will discover all its features.

I like the UI; its different. It features a 3D like screen with bookmarks, search history, scrapbook all on one screen. Simply click on a bookmark or search history to go to that website. Scrapbook is where you save your web-clippings. If you notice on the bottom of the screen shots Amazon website screen; you have five buttons: back button, forward button, home screen button, check button and clip button. Check Button is a webpage bookmark where clip on a section of the page where you would like to revisit. and clipping button is where you clip and article are item you like to save in the scrapbook features.

You can find help about using the browser on the main screen by pushing the menu button. It is a fast browser depending on your phone connection WiFi or 3G. I like it; but many of you probably wont like it. It’s far from perfect; it needs pinch and zoom. It does have the plus and minus indicators on screen in which you can move over an article that you wish to enlarge. I think after a couple of updates; it will be able to compete with other browsers like Xscope, Dolphin, Opera and others.

You can get more information from this website: http://www.access-company.com/products/mobile_solutions/netfrontmobile/browser/index.html

Android Security

2010-04-18T08:09:00.001-07:00

I personally use this app on my Motorola Droid. It scans all your applications. I love this app. I highly recommend this one.

There’s nothing worse than reaching in your pocket and finding a nickel, dime, two receipts, and no Droid. Did someone steal it or did I just lose my mind and leave it somewhere? Where would it be, how am I going to find it? Personally, if someone has my phone, they have a ton of information about me. My emails, pictures, contacts, all served to would be thieves in one place. Luckily, there are a few applications on the market that cater to this issue.

Lookout Mobile

This application includes:

Security: Stops Viruses and Hackers

Scans downloads and attachments

Scans the phone for viruses, trojans, and malware

Data Backup: Backup and Restore your Data

Backs up pictures

Contacts, Text Messages, and Call Logs

Missing Device: Remote Locate and Wipe

Application Interface on Android

The application UI on Lookout Mobile is clean and uncluttered. You can enable/disable AntiVirus protection, data backup, and Missing Device features.

New App – NFL Mobile

2010-04-18T08:04:00.001-07:00

April 13th, 2010

I have to say I am pretty excited about this application. Just in time for the Draft, NFL Mobile is released for Android!

It’s come out of the box with plenty of content to get those salivating NFL fans some relief from the off season.

Right now it has a section for Mock Drafts, NFL Headlines, Featured Prospects, Draft Videos, a Draft Tracker,Team Pages so you can track what your favorite team is up to, and NFL Network videos and streaming NFL Network broadcast.

The video is pretty decent quality and loads up pretty fast.

I have been hearing some comments that the application is giving an error message that users need to be on the Verizon Network, seems the application needs a pretty good connection, and we will see how different ROM’s affect compatibility with this application. I just saw a comment about someone running the Desire ROM not being able to use the app (since Desire is obviously not on Verizon’s network) I am running CyanogenMod 5.0.5.7 and currently am not experiencing any issues ATM.

All in all, seems to be a pretty well put together application, I can see my data usage spiking even more with the streaming video here shortly. It will be interesting to see if Big Red tries to charge for this application in the future, but ATM it is free on the market, and free to use. Check it out!

Verizon iPhone in the works

2010-03-29T23:00:00.001-07:00

In addition to a new iPhone model that works on AT&T's network, Apple is also reportedly prepping an iPhone that is compatible with Verizon's network.

The Wall Street Journal quoted unnamed sources in a story Monday who say one of Apple's contract manufacturers--the companies that build the hardware according to Apple's specifications--is working on an iPhone that runs on a CDMA network. That's the cellular network that Verizon uses in the U.S. The sources said the CDMA-compatible iPhones will go into mass production in September, though when Apple would sell it wasn't mentioned. Apple has traditionally released new iPhone hardware in late June or early July.

There have long been rumors that a Verizon iPhone was in the works, but Apple's exclusive contract with AT&T in the U.S. has appeared to be a roadblock. However, it's never been clear how long AT&T was granted exclusivity. Apple has added additional carriers in other countries but as recently as January has not sounded overwhelmingly positive about the possibility of doing so in the U.S.

The Journal story says that while Apple's traditional partner for building iPhones has been Taiwan's Hon Hai, a different manufacturer, Pegatron, has been assigned to build the Verizon-compatible model. Pegatron is also based in Taiwan and is a subsidiary of Asustek. Hon Hai is said to be working on the next-generation iPhone that will operate on AT&T in the U.S. and on GSM networks in other countries.

Verizon to Finally Update Droid to Latest Android 2.1 OS

2010-03-17T10:38:00.001-07:00

by Daniel Ionescu

Mar 17, 2010 9:55 am

Verizon says on Thursday it will update its Motorola Droid phone to the latest Android 2.1 software juicing the handset with multitouch pinch-to-zoom capabilities and adding live wallpaper. Verizon customers have been eagerly awaiting the update ever since Motorola said the upgrade would occur in early February in "one week" - but it never happened.

The Motorola Droid, the once must-have Android device (before the Google Nexus One came out in January), gets the latest version of Google's mobile operating system, according to promotional material on Verizon's website (PDF) originally unearthed by Engadget.

The set of improvements in the Android 2.1 software update for the Droid is richer than previously thought, in a welcomed move by users who had to wait an extra month for Motorola's announcement of the upgrade.

With Android 2.1, Motorola Droid users will get multitouch pinch-to-zoom capabilities (using the built-in browser), the Gallery feature (for viewing images), and a Google Maps app. The Gallery app also brings the 3D layout found on the Nexus One, and - surprise, surprise - live wallpapers, which were previously missing from the upgrade reports.

Also on the Android 2.1 feature list for the Droid are new Weather and News applications and widgets, and support for voice-to-text entry from within the virtual keyboard (by tapping the microphone icon).

Android 2.1 on the Motorola Droid you will also bring better handset audio when disconnecting a wired headset, an "improved" pattern-lock functionality and automatic night-mode switch in Google Maps.

One thing that the Motorola Droid won't get in the Android 2.1 software update is the new 3D application launcher found on the Nexus One, though despite this, most of the new features have made their way to the Droid.

The Android 2.1 update for the Droid will be delivered over-the-air from Thursday, and a report from Android Central says it will be rolled out in batches of 250,000. The Verizon documentation states that email accounts will no longer need to be re-entered after an over-the-air upgrade.

The iPad: A Great Car Accessory?

2010-03-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

This article was posted at PCWorld

The most obvious use for an iPad in the car is the Google Maps application. For this to be effective you'll need to purchase one of the iPads with 3G and GPS and give AT&T $15-$30/month. The maps application works just like the iPhone's, but it's bigger and faster with a terrain option. There is also a compass which makes navigation and the higher definition street view that much more functional. GPS software makers like Tom Tom and Garmin might also make special versions of their current iPhone apps for the iPad, otherwise, you can get by with the iPhone formatted versions.

But there are many other uses for the iPad in the car.

Videos. Rather than install LCDs in the headrests of cars for thousands of dollars, why not just get a few iPads? While they won't play TV without some third-party equipment, they do have 16-64GB to fill up with videos. If you have the 3G option, Youtubing in the car becomes a real possibility. What's better for kids -- interacting with a device or staring blankly at a screen for a few hours a day?

Tourism. The iPad's browser makes finding points of interest even better, for times when the maps application doesn't offer everything you want. It is also the only way to use Google Latitude on Apple devices.

Calendar. How many times do you put driving directions for an appointment in your calendar? Nice to have that at your fingertips.

Addressbook and Facebook. Look up your friends' addresses when you are trying to find them.

Food applications like Urban Spoon and Local Picks help you find the best restaurant in the area you are in. That's useful in a car.

Pandora, NPR Addict and other radio apps are better than terrestrial FM radio - just watch out if you don't have the unlimited plan, as this can be a data drain on your 3G plan.

Time wasters. There is no shortage of web browsing, game apps and general time wasters for both adult and child passengers (who don't get car sick) as well as for drivers who are parked and waiting.

Books. Both audio and eBooks would also fit into the time wasters category, though I'd hardly call reading a good book a waste of time.

Assistance. Though this is a bit of a stretch, the iPad with 3G can also serve as another level of protection if you find yourself in need of help. Perhaps you have an out of service mobile provider or a dead phone battery and you need to contact someone. If the iPad has a signal you can use it to email people or possibly use VoIP to call someone. You can also access information on CPR and other lifesaving tips via the browser -- just like this guy did in Haiti with his iPhone during the earthquake.

So will, the iPad be great in the car? I think so -- but not in the built into the dash sort of way. It will be something you bring with you on trips, and like the iPhone, may have a mounting place inside your car.

WD SiliconEdge Blue 256GB SSD Review

2010-03-04T08:07:00.001-08:00

This article was written by Marco Chiappetta and Dave Altavilla in Storage

Solid State Storage products are obviously setting the computing market on fire as of late. There is little question that the writing is on the wall. Like the vacuum tube transistors of yesterday, spinning hard drives are bound to go the way of the Dodo bird. It's only a matter of time; not if, but when. However, the "when" in reality will likely not come for years yet of course. In the Data Center, where ridiculously cheap bulk storage is critical, there is just no substitution for the cost per gigabyte metrics of traditional spinning disk media. However, in the end user notebook and desktop markets, especially where performance is often times a differentiator, SSDs are making huge inroads. It's only a matter of time (and cost reduction) before SSDs are the de facto standard for notebooks and then comes the desktop. We won't make any grand predictions here but there's good reason why the major hard drive manufacturers are lining up now to get some skin in the game.

It's only natural that the major storage players are watching this market closely to align at the proper entry points. Let's face it, the storage model historically has been all about volume and razor thin margins. There's plenty of room for error with leading the curve in SSD technology, with the break-neck pace of evolution the product is going through currently. There's literally a new product arriving to market monthly it seems. And this time, the major storage players are going to be slugging it out in yet another razor-thin margin arena with the major memory manufacturers and that little company called Intel, gunning for their share of the kill.

So why would good ol' Western Digital want in on this mayhem? Because they have to eventually; it's that simple. Storage is going solid state and the move to acquire Silicon Systems back in March of 2009, was a very deliberate course of action for WD that spoke clearly about their intentions. We've heard rumblings of offerings forthcoming from WD's primary competitor, Seagate, as well but today WD makes it real with their new SiliconEdge line of SSD products. We've taken a 256GB SiliconEdge Blue drive out for a spin, or perhaps lack thereof, and have our impressions for you on the pages ahead of WD's first foray into solid state drive technology.

Motorola Droid Goes Android 2.1 This Week

2010-02-09T06:56:00.001-08:00

I”m looking forward to this update. Even though the droid isn’t getting everything the Nexus One has; but multitouch browsing is a start. This story was first posted by Daniel Ionescu, PCWorld.

Feb 9, 2010 7:54 am

The Motorola Droid will be upgraded to the Google Android 2.1 software this week, the company announced on its official Facebook page. The over-the-air software update will bring the Droid software on the par with the Google Nexus One, albeit with some features missing.

"We're happy to relay the 2.1 upgrade to Droid will start to roll out this week, and we will have more information to share on other device upgrades later," Motorola teased on its Facebook page - without mentioning which features the Droid will get, or which other of its devices will be upgraded.

Despite few details on features, Engadget quotes "trusted sources" saying the 2.1 software update for the Droid will bring multitouch capabilities to the built-in browser and for Google Maps 3.4, Google Googles visual search, and the news and weather widgets as seen on the Nexus One. Yet the similarities with the Nexus One end here.

Some visual aspects introduced with Android 2.1 on the Nexus One won't make it onto the Motorola Droid though. These include the new home screen with active wallpapers and the new 3D app icons grid, instead of the pull-up drawer tab Android users got accustomed to by now.

Multitouch is probably the most anticipated feature to soon grace the Motorola Droid. The Nexus One received last week a software update that added pinch-to-zoom functionality to the phone's stock browser, photo gallery and Google Maps. Android has been previously criticised for the lack of multitouch support and hackers even went on a campaign to enable the feature.

While we patiently wait for the Android 2.1 software update for the Motorola Droid, it is still unknown when other of the company's Android devices (Cliq) will get up to speed with the latest release. HTC Android phones, (G1, MyTouch 3G, Hero) are still awaiting the 2.X upgrade, though some of these devices could be left behind due to hardware differences.

Motorola Droid's next update to be Android 2.1, includes multitouch browser

2010-02-09T00:27:00.001-08:00

I’m looking forward to the update to Android 2.1. The Droid will get multitouch web browser; as explain in the article by Chris Ziegler.

By Chris Ziegler posted Feb 8th 2010 9:05AM

Exclusive

We've just gotten the inside line on the next Droid update that's making the rounds through Verizon's testing department from one of our trusted sources, and overall, it looks like this should take users 95 percent of the way to curing pangs of Nexus One envy. Here's what we've got:

It's based on Android 2.1. The build currently being circulated is identified as 2.1 version 1, mirroring the update just pushed to the Nexus One last week.
Google Goggles is now pre-installed (no matter how unhelpful it may be).
The browser's now multitouch enabled, just like Google Maps 3.4. Huzzah! No Flash, but then again, we weren't really expecting that.
Interestingly, the home screen's still got the same look as 2.0.1, meaning it doesn't adopt the Nexus One's rotating 3D grid of app icons -- it's still got the pull-up drawer tab at the bottom.
No active wallpapers. Bummer!
The news and weather widgets introduced on the Nexus One are included. Maybe certain capabilities of 2.1 are going to be restricted to devices with minimum performance benchmarks?

There's no word on timing, and for all our source knows, this build could still very well fail testing -- goodness knows it's happened with plenty of pre-production firmwares in Verizon's past. We'll keep our ear to the ground and you do the same.

Early Windows 7 Testers Must Soon Upgrade or Backtrack

2010-02-07T21:12:00.001-08:00

This article was posted on PCWorld. I tried the Windows 7 RC and I was impressed with it. I knew it was a temporary trial. It’s time for the testers to move on to the full release of Windows 7 or operating system of your choosing. I have; and I’m still impressed with its new features. posted by Blade78

The unprecedented number of PC users who installed Windows 7 release candidate (RC) will soon have to decide whether to upgrade to the new OS or face bi-hourly shutdowns and significant hassle re-installing their old version.

Beginning on February 15, users of machines running the RC will see an expiration message above the taskbar, followed on March 1 by the start of shutdowns every two hours. The next key date will be June 1, the point at which the entire desktop wallpaper will be replaced with the message "This copy of Windows is not genuine", a state that will nix updates of any kind and the ability to use Microsoft applications.

"To avoid any data loss, I suggest making plans to move to a released version of Windows 7 before the automatic shutdowns start. During these shutdowns, your work will not be saved," says Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc in blog reminding the world of the issue.

At this point RC users have only two options if they want to continue using their computers; to upgrade to Windows 7 through a full install, or revert to a previous operating system such as Vista. How easy that the latter choice proves will depend on the way the OS was installed, the size of the hard disk, and the technical expertise and patience of the user.

Anyone who installed the RC over Vista or XP should be able to return to that version as long as their PC contains the folder Windows.old and the available hard disk space is double that consumed by this folder.

However, as an article on the topic makes clear, even then the re-install of Vista or XP could turn into a time-consuming process unless the user is willing to start from scratch and has the required OS disks to hand.

The message from Microsoft is clear: let go of the past and pay to upgrade to Windows 7.

AT&T Will Improve Network for IPhone, Apple Says

2010-01-27T09:46:00.001-08:00

clipped from www.businessweek.com

Jan. 26 (Bloomberg) -- AT&T Inc., the exclusive U.S. wireless carrier for the iPhone, plans to improve the performance of its network to reverse declining customer satisfaction with the service, an Apple Inc. executive said.

The carrier has shown Apple its plans for the wireless network, Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook said yesterday on the Cupertino, California-based company’s earnings call.

“We have personally reviewed these plans, and we have very high confidence that they will make significant progress toward fixing them,” Cook said in a conference call.

He didn’t directly answer an analyst’s question about whether Apple intended to stick with a single partner or expand to other U.S. wireless carriers. Analysts say Apple may offer the phone this year through additional U.S. mobile-phone carriers, including market leader Verizon Wireless.

Firefox 3.6 Released

2010-01-22T22:25:00.001-08:00

clipped from mashable.com

After months of testing, Mozilla has finally released Firefox 3.6, the newest version of its popular browser.

The new edition of Firefox () sports an array of features, least of which is an increase in speed — 20% faster than Firefox 3.5, according to Mozilla. It uses Gecko 1.9.2 web-rendering, which improves its load times, startup speed and stability. Javascript execution is faster and smoother as well.

We’ve talked about some of the other new features before, but our favorite has to be Personas, which lets you customize your Firefox with a single click and without a restart. There’s also autocomplete form functionality and full HTML5 support. You can check out all of the new features here.

The Firefox 3.6 beta has been in testing for several months now, but the release candidates only started coming out this month. It looks like the releases went smoothly, so Mozilla is rolling it out for everyone.

You can visit the Firefox homepage to download the newest edition of the browser.

22-Inch Touchscreen iMac in the Works

2010-01-18T10:04:00.001-08:00

clipped from www.pcworld.com

If you're tired of hearing about the mythical Apple tablet, then you'll be happy to hear a new rumor has popped up claiming Apple will launch a 22-inch touchscreen iMac later this year. The computer will be produced by Taiwan-based manufacturer Quanta, with the screens being produced by Sintek Photronic, according to DigiTimes based on an account from the Chinese language newspaper China Times.

What Would a Touchscreen iMac Look Like?

The obvious assumption is that a touchscreen iMac would be an evolution of the current iMac design. But then again, the company may have something a little more radical in mind.

Check out this quote from Apple CEO Steve Jobs

"This general purpose device is going to continue to be with us and morph with us, whether it's a tablet or a notebook or, you know, a big curved desktop that you have at your house or whatever it might be."

Netflix streaming finally coming to the Wii

2010-01-14T07:58:00.001-08:00

This is a nice feature for ones who love playing games and watching movies on a game console. I'll be buying a blu-ray player with Netflix streaming since I'm not a game console buyer.

clipped from news.cnet.com

The
Nintendo Wii is finally getting Netflix's streaming service, which is already available on competing game consoles.

Streaming from the online movie-rental service will go live on Nintendo's console this spring, according to a joint announcement on Wednesday. As with the competing consoles, the service will be available at no additional cost for Netflix subscribers with unlimited plans, which start at $8.99 per month.

Like with the
Sony PlayStation 3, which added Netflix streaming last fall, Nintendo Wii owners will need a free, instant-streaming disc from Netflix to access content. Using the disc may be annoying to some people since they must pop it into their Wii drive to access Netflix's stream.

Microsoft's
Xbox 360, the first console to get Netflix streaming, requires no extra disc. However, Microsoft does require an Xbox Live gold membership, which costs $50 a year, to access the Netflix service.

Google’s Nexus One phone sells a mere 20,000 in its first week

2010-01-14T07:48:00.001-08:00

clipped from mobile.venturebeat.com

The Google Nexus One sold an estimated 20,000 units in its first week, according to market analytics firm Flurry.

It tracks over 25 million end user sessions per day. From that, it was able to figure out the first week sales for the Nexus One as well as prior phone launches such as the myTouch 3G, Droid, and iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS sold more than a million units over the first three days of sales in June, 2009. The Droid, an Android phone built by Motorola and launched in November, sold 250,000 units in its first week, more than 12 times as much as the Nexus One.

It has gotten good reviews for features such as Google Voice and Google Maps. But Flurry notes that it hasn’t lived up to the early expectations, and distribution, pricing, and marketing have not been aggressive.

While Verizon spent $100 million marketing the Droid, and has plenty of customers ready to upgrade, Google merely sells its device directly to consumers via its own web site. Google also launched after the holidays.

Microsoft and HP prepare for tablet PC launch

2010-01-06T23:26:00.001-08:00

E-Readers and Tablets are becoming more common these days. Apple is also coming out with one too.

clipped from ces2010.techradar.com

Microsoft’s rambunctious CEO, Steve Ballmer, is set to unveil a Hewlett Packard manufactured tablet (or ’slate’) PC this week.

The news comes direct from unnamed sources in a New York Times report — in which reporter Ashlee Vance notes: “My sources say that Mr. Ballmer will show the as yet unnamed HP device. The product will be touted as a multi-media whiz with e-reader and multi-touch functions.”

The New York Times states that the new HP/Windows tablet computer announcement will be one of the highlights of Mr Ballmer’s keynote speech at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Microsoft Courier

The latest report in this week’s New York Times warns that: “It could be one of Steve Ballmer’s riskiest trade show moves in years…the last thing Mr. Ballmer wants to hold up is a me-too device.

“All eyes will be on Mr. Ballmer this week to see if Microsoft and H.P. can out-Apple Apple before Apple Apples.”

HTC HD2 Coming to T-Mobile US This Spring

2010-01-06T23:18:00.001-08:00

clipped from www.pcworld.com

Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer announced in a keynote tonight at CES that the HTC HD2 phone, which has previously been available only in Europe, will become available, subsidized, through T-Mobile this spring.

It has a big 4.3-inch capacitive touch screen supporting pinch and zoom gesture commands, and runs on a fast 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. But the user experience offered by the phone isn’t entirely Microsoft-flavored. The HD2 was the first phone featuring HTC’s Sense user interface, which controls such things as the calendar, address book and photo gallery.

The HD2 also sports a 5-megapixel camera with dual flash, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g).

We brought in a new leadership team, established a new Windows phones brand, launched Windows Marketplace for Mobile and My phone, and worked hard with partners to ship dozens of new Windows phones starting in October 2009.”.

The phone will become available through T-Mobile this spring, but pricing isn’t yet available.

iBuyPower Plans Multi-Touch Gaming Laptops

2010-01-05T23:57:00.001-08:00

clipped from www.pcworld.com

Touch technology is a godsend on our phones and tablets, but can it do anything innovative for gaming? Boutique PC vendor, iBuyPower, is betting so with the announcement of its new 15-inch Battalion Touch CZ-10 multi-touch gaming notebook--the first in a new series from the company.

No other specs were announced, but given that this is iBuyPower we're talking about, you can expect a hefty amount of high-end hardware options

But here's the thing: touch support for games isn't quite there yet and it may not even be suitable for all genres. The upcoming RTS R.u.S.E. from Ubisoft will support a multi-touch interface, but there is currently no barometer for what makes a good, touchable game on a screen bigger than say, the iPhone.

Will our fingers be precise (and fast enough) to make games fun? Will LAN-party pizza make this gameplay choice a liability? These are all questions yet to be answered by gamers, game developers, and hardware makers.

Dallas Cowboys Playoffs

2010-01-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

Dallas_Cowboys_helmet_rightface.pngSports is something I don't normally blog about. But I am a big Dallas Cowboys fan. They played a good game against the Philadelphia Eagles and won 24 to 0. The second team they held scoreless in two weeks. The Cowboys will play the Eagles again in the first round. I would expect the Eagles will play a better game. Cowboys must be ready for them because the Eagles didn't blitz a lot in this one. They will bring more pressure in the rematch. Dallas needs this playoff win; because they haven't won one in over a decade. Wade Phillips better have his team ready. His job depends on it. Jerry Jones wont make a decision about his job until the season is over. I would expect that if the Cowboys don't win a playoff game or the Super Bowl. Wade wont be back next year. They are playing good ball right now; but they must not get over confident. I believe that they will beat the Eagles again. But after that; I don't know. But if this is their year; the other teams in the playoffs better watch out. The Cowboys could be dangerous with their red hot defense.

Verizon sees rise of 'slate' computers in 2010

2009-12-29T11:21:00.001-08:00

clipped from news.cnet.com

Verizon is looking closely at "slate" computers as it plans to expand its portfolio of offerings in 2010.

"I do think that slates are going to be emerging in rapid succession in 2010," Ullem told me. "What remains to be seen is how people use them. And the operating systems that manufacturers and carriers will select."

Verizon is looking at the slate computer as an emerging device that it would possibly market

And what may be inside some of these devices? Verizon is looking at Nvidia's Tegra processor, among many possibilities. The graphics chipmaker's new processor is expected to be used in tablet or slate computers that will come to market

And the operating system for these emerging devices? Ullem mentioned Jolicloud, Intel's Moblin, and Google's Chrome OS as possibilities

To consumers, MIDs will look like oversize smartphones or small tablets. Larger-size tablets (with a 10-inch diagonal screen size) will be more like a full-blown personal computing device, Ullem said.

Microsoft Security Essentials Review

2009-12-29T08:48:00.001-08:00

I recently installed Microsoft Security Essentials. It installed quickly and easily. It automatically integrated with Windows 7 and deactivated Windows Defender. Windows Defender can't be removed; but is no longer needed while using Microsoft Security Essentials.

After the install; it automatically updated it virus definitions. I noted that it is light on the resources of the PC. It has a simple design; with four menus; Home, Update, History and Settings. It is already preset. You may want to change your scan schedule.

I ran the quick system scan; it only took about 21 minutes. And when I ran the full system scan; it took about an 1hr 25 minutes. When compared to my previous security software Norton 360. It was quicker than Norton 360; which took over 3 hrs for a full system scan.

Norton 360 is a good security program that did a lot of things. But it took up a lot resources; but I didn't notice any slow down of my PC. I will continue evaluated Microsoft Security Essentials to see if my system will be protected. If it fails; I will go back to Norton.

I know that security software is not full proof protection from viruses, malware or spyware. But it's good to have. If you can avoid suspect websites or emails; you will be ok. If I should incur any problems from using Microsoft Security Essentials; I will write another blog on the subject. So far I am satisfied with protection.

posted by blade78

Western Digital WDBAAA3200ABK My Passport Essential External Hard Drive - 320GB, USB 2.0, Black

2009-12-27T22:50:00.001-08:00

This drive backs up your computer automatically and updates it when there are changes.

clipped from www.tigerdirect.com

Price:

$79.99

Monitor your backup as it happens: Seeing is believing. Visual backup displays your content in categories and shows the progress of your backup.

Protect your data automatically: Relax, your data is safe. Automatic, continuous backup will immediately make a second copy whenever you add or change a file.

Bring back lost files effortlessly: Use the Western Digital WDBAAA3200ABK My Passport Essential External Hard Drive to recover your valuable data to its original location whether you’ve lost all your data or just overwritten an important file.

Take control: Customize your backup, set drive security, run diagnostics, manage the power settings, and more from the WD SmartWare control center.

This Western Digital WDBAAA3200ABK My Passport Essential External Hard Drive Holds
- 127 two-hour DVD-quality movies or
- 450 hours of VHS-quality video or
- 265 days of around-the-clock MP3 audio or
- 112,500 vivid digital photos or
- 640 action-packed games!

XBMC 9.11 'Camelot' now available for download, huge changelog in tow

2009-12-26T08:42:00.001-08:00

This could be a useful video playback software for PC, Mac or Linux. Designed to playback all your video content.

clipped from www.engadget.com

Frankly, we haven't heard much noise coming from the XBMC camp in quite some time. All that changes today, as the project has just launched its latest major update in v9.11. The so-called Camelot build is now available for download on Windows, OS X and Linux, with the most notable changes including a revamped user interface, DirectX support by default in Windows, a "complete reorganization of the settings menus, automatic video information extraction, and smoother video playback." You'll also find updated scrapers, expanded remote control support and updated codecs. Tap that source link for the download and condensed changelog -- though, we should caution you that the live installer seems to be causing issues for some, so try and stay positive, okay?

T3Desk Brings 3D Eye-Candy to Your Windows Desktop

2009-12-16T22:43:00.001-08:00

Is compatible with Vista and Windows 7

clipped from lifehacker.com

Windows only: If you want a little extra eye-candy in your Windows management, T3Desk is an alt-tab alternative that gives you 3D windows arrangement and more.

T3Desk works on all versions of Windows but it really shines in Vista and above where it can take advantage of Aero. After installing T3Desk you can use keyboard shortcuts to minimize and maximize windows to the edges of your monitor, arranging them in a pseudo-3D fashion. T3Desk can be tweaked in a variety of ways including how the windows are angled, animated, their level of transparency, the apparent distance from the viewer, and how they transition from the virtual desktop back into use.

T3Desk is free and Windows only. Have a favorite application for tweaking the appearance of Windows and managing your applications? Let's hear about it in the comments.

T3Desk [via Download Squad]

The hottest PC technology for 2010

2009-12-16T11:19:00.001-08:00

New processors, graphics cards and more revealed

Micron's RealSSD C300 promises to be an absolute scorcher

Another glorious year in tech is coming to a close.

As ever, the PC got faster, better and often cheaper in 2009.

But as one chip engineer said to another, nostalgia ain't what it used to be.

Instead of looking back, therefore, allow us to regale you with the likely highlights for the personal computer in 2010.

Processors

Early 2010 for Intel will be all about rolling out its new 32nm revision of the Nehalem architecture. Known as Westmere, the first installment of this new family of 32nm processors will be Clarkdale, a superficially unassuming dual-core CPU to be flogged under the Core i3 and Core i5 brands.

However, by virtue of being the first PC processor to combine both a CPU and graphics in a single package, Clarkdale is much more interesting than your average budget chip. Rest assured, we'll be running Clarkdale through its paces early in the new year, so keep your scanners peeled.

Indeed, we'll be taking a particular interest in the graphics half of the Clarkdale equation – especially in the context of Intel's recent decision to put the high performance Larrabee graphics architecture on ice. For the foreseeable future, in other words, traditional integrated graphics is all Intel will offer.

For performance enthusiasts, of course, the six-core Gulftown processor will be the 32nm Westmere chip of choice. Almost certainly on sale before summer, Gulftown will go under the Core i9 brand. Tests of early engineering samples suggest it's a killer – every bit as overclockable as Intel's existing quad-core beasties.

As if that wasn't enough, Intel has a brand new architecture penciled in for the fag end of 2010. Relatively little is known of Sandy Bridge. But what we can say is that is will be based on 32nm technology and pack Intel's 256-bit AVX addition to the existing 128-bit SSE instruction set. It should be a bit of a floating point beast, then.

But what of AMD? In architectural terms 2010 will be a year of making do. The much-needed Bulldozer core doesn't arrive until 2011. Indeed, AMD's CPU-GPU fusion chip, otherwise known as the Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), isn't due until 2011, either.

In the meantime, AMD will keep things interesting with a new family of chips known as Thuban. Essentially a minor revision of existing Phenom II CPUs, the big news will be a six-core variant. Given AMD's current performance shortfall, pricing should be keen. A sub £200 six-core chip by next summer? Very likely.

Right at the end of 2010, it's just possible AMD's 32nm processors could begin to come on line. The result will be higher clocks, lower prices and better power consumption.

Graphics

2010 was supposed to be the year Intel crashed the graphics party with its many-cores Larrabee chip. So much for that idea. With Larrabee a goner for at least a few years, next year will revert to form with the usual fisticuffs twixt AMD and NVIDIA.

First out of the blocks will be NVIDIA with the mother of all GPUs. Currently codenamed Fermi, it's the most complex chip ever mooted for the PC thanks to no less than 3bn transistors.

It's also likely to be the most powerful single GPU ever, eclipsing AMD's mighty Radeon HD 5870. Whether it can show AMD's dual-chip 5970 a clean pair, however, is another question.

Still, Fermi is about more than pixel pushing. It boasts significantly more dedicated general processing resources than any previous graphics architecture. By some measures, it will have 10 times the processing power of any existing Nvidia chip. Staggering.

The year in graphics for AMD will once again be one of consolidation, but in this case, from a position of strength. Early doors, don't expect too much. After all, the Radeon HD 5800 series is currently the best you buy.

As the months tick by, expect to see a tweaked version of the mighty Cypress chip with increased clockspeeds. An all new GPU of as yet unknown majesty and pixel pumping prowess – call it the Radeon HD 6800 series - is an outside chance for the last few months of the year.

Oh, and don't forget. Thanks to the arrival of the Compute Shader in DirectX 11, the increasing availability of DX11 graphics chips in 2010 should make it the year that general purpose processing on the GPU (GPGPU) finally delivers on its promise of immense parallel processing power.