IT Corner

All-in-One

2009-06-27T01:27:00.000-07:00

All-in-One computers are desktop computers that combine the monitor into the same case as the CPU. Apple has manufactured several popular examples of all-in-one computers, such as the original Macintosh of the mid-1980s and the iMac of the late 1990s and 2000s. Some older 8-bit computers, such as the Commodore PET 2001 or Kaypro II, also fit into this category. All-in-One PCs are typically more portable than other desktop PCs and many have been built with carrying handles integrated into the case. They can simply be unplugged and transported to a new location.
Like laptops, All-in-One desktop computers are characterized by a comparative lack of upgradeability or hardware customization, as internal hardware is often placed in the back of the visual display unit. Furthermore, in the case of the iMac line since 2002, the CPU and other internal hardware units are, more or less, permanently glued to the motherboard due to space constraints.
However, latest models of the All In One Computer have changed their approach this issue. Many of the current offerings, like the Handii myFace and others, are using standard off-the-shelf components and are designing upgrade convenience into their products.
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_computer#All-in-One

Desktop computer

2009-06-27T01:20:00.000-07:00

A desktop computer is a personal computer (PC) in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer. Prior to the wide spread of microprocessors a computer that could fit on a desk was considered remarkably small. Today the phrase usually indicates a particular style of computer case. Desktop computers come in a variety of styles ranging from large vertical tower cases to small form factor models that can be tucked behind an LCD monitor. In this sense, the term 'desktop' refers specifically to a horizontally-oriented case, usually intended to have the display screen placed on top to save space on the desk top. Most modern desktop computers have separate screens and keyboards. A specialized form of desktop case is used for home theater PC systems, incorporating front-panel mounted controls for audio and video.
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_computer

Windows Vista Ultimate

2009-06-27T01:06:00.000-07:00

If you use the same computer at home and for your daily work, Windows Vista Ultimate is an excellent choice. You can smoothly shift between the things you want to do and the things you need to do. For fun, you'll love the extensive options you get for music, images, live and recorded TV, and online entertainment. For work, you'll find improved document sharing and networking support. If your PC is a laptop, you'll appreciate how easily you can manage and extend your battery life. And you'll get the most advanced, layered security protection of any Windows release yet.
Easier
See what you're doing, find what you need
The first things you'll notice about Windows Vista Ultimate are its elegant looks and how it helps you with essential tasks. It's easier to work with and visualize your information with Windows Aero. You can conveniently arrange and manage your open windows using Windows Flip and Flip 3D. And you won't have to click to see your content because live taskbar thumbnails reveal it.

Source : http://www.microsoft.com

Compare Windows XP to Windows Vista

2009-06-27T00:59:00.000-07:00

Windows XP
Windows Vista
Enjoy more
Find, fix, and share photosOrganize, edit, and share your favorite photos with family and friends using Windows Photo Gallery.
Find almost anythingFind documents, e-mail, photos, and more in a snap through Instant Search.
Turn any room into a media roomManage and enjoy digital photos, music, TV shows, and movies in your living room with Windows Media Center.M
Play the way you wantEasily install, organize, and play games using Windows Game Explorer.
Make movie magicRetain high-definition quality as you capture, edit, and publish movies from a video camcorder with Windows Movie Maker.2
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Worry less
Help your kids stay saferHelp keep your children safer online with customizable Parental Controls.
Back up and restore filesGet improved backup and restore functions, including automatically scheduled backups, with Windows Backup and Restore Center.
Help safeguard sensitive dataBetter protect your data against loss or theft if your mobile PC is ever lost or stolen with Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption.B
Guard against external threatsHelp protect your PC from external threats with Windows Firewall.
Find and remove spywareHelp protect your PC by regularly scanning your computer for spyware with Windows Defender.3
Windows XP feature improved in Windows Vista
Next steps
Compare the editions of Windows Vista
Upgrade now at Windows Marketplace
1 Customers can contact Microsoft as often as they need during this important 90-day period. See our phone support hours of operation and further information for Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, and Windows Vista Home Basic.
2 High-definition support is only available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate.
3 Windows Defender is a free download for Windows XP.
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Source : http://www.microsoft.com

HP PAVILION DV5-1299 SPL

2009-06-26T03:39:00.000-07:00

DETAIL DESCRIPTION
Product Specifications

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
Processor Type
Intel Core 2 Duo T9550
Processor Speed
2.66GHz
Hard Disk Capacity
320 GB
RAM
4 GB
Screen Size
15.4 inch
L2 Cache
3 MB
Graphics
Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT
Video Memory
512 MB
Wi-Fi
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
Infrared
No
Fax/ Modem
56 kbps
Ethernet Card
10/100
Optical Drive
DVD RW/ Blu Ray
Battery Cells
6
Dimension
35.70 cm (L) x 25.70 cm (W) x 2.54 cm (min H) / 3.96 cm (max H)
Weight
2.65 kg
Webcam
Yes
Fingerprint Reader
No
Warranty
1 Year
Source : http://www.me-myco.com

2009-06-26T03:33:00.000-07:00

DETAIL DESCRIPTION
Product Specifications
Operating System
Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista® Business (English Version)
Architecture
Processor Technology
Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology
Processor Name
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor SU9400 (1.40 GHz)*1*2
Network Connection
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100
Chipset
Mobile Intel® GS45 Express Chipset
Processor System Bus
800 MHz
Memory Bus
800 MHz
Cache Memory
3 MB
Main Memory
Pre-installed
2 GB DDR3 SDRAM*3*4
SO-DIMM Slots
2 SO-DIMM slots (The pre-installed memory module uses one)
Hard Disk Drive
Hard Disk Drive
160 GB*5 (Serial ATA, 5400 rpm)
Optical Disc Drive
Drive
DVD±RW/±R DL/RAM Drive
Maximum Reading Speed
DVD+R: 8x (SL), 6x (DL)/DVD-R: 8x (SL), 6x (DL)/DVD+RW: 8x/DVD-RW: 8x/DVD-ROM: 8x/DVD-RAM: 5x/CD-ROM: 24x/CD-R: 24x/CD-RW: 24x
Maximum Writing Speed
DVD+R: 8x (SL), 4x (DL)/DVD-R: 8x (SL), 4x (DL)DVD+RW: 8x/DVD-RW: 6x/DVD-RAM: 5x/CD-R: 24x/CD-RW: 16x
Graphics
Graphics Accelerator
Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Display
Type
11.1" wide (WXGA: 1366 x 768) TFT colour display (Clear Tough LCD [Rich Colour])
Interface
USB
High Speed USB 2.0 x 2
i.LINK(IEEE 1394)
4 pin (S400) x 1
Network (RJ-45)Connector
10Base-T/100Base-TX / 1000Base-T x 1
Display Output Connector
Analogue RGB, mini D-sub 15 pin x 1
Headphone
Stereo mini jack x 1
Microphone
Stereo mini jack x 1
Modem
V.92 and V.90 Compliant x 1
Memory Stick Slot
Memory Stick (Standard/Duo Size compatible, MagicGate compatible, Memory Stick PRO compatible, High-speed data transfer compatible)*6
SD Memory Card Slot
SD Memory Card*7 (SDHC compatible, MMC compatible)
PC Card Slot
ExpressCard™/34 x 1
Compatible Memory Cards
Memory Stick (Standard/Duo Size compatible, MagicGate compatible, Memory Stick PRO compatible, High-speed data transfer compatible) , SD Memory Card (SDHC compatible) , Multi Media Card
DC IN
x 1
Others
Docking Station Connector x 1
Wireless Connection
Wireless LAN Type
Integrated Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11a/b/g/Draft n*8
Wireless LAN Data Rate
maximum 11Mbps (802.11b)/54 Mbps (802.11a/g) 300 Mbps (Draft 802.11n)*9
Wireless LAN Frequency
5 GHz (802.11a/Draft n), 2.4 GHz (802.11b/g/Draft n)
Bluetooth
Bluetooth standard Ver. 2.1+EDR
Security/Utilities
Fingerprint Sensor
x 1
Security Chip
TCG Ver.1.2 compliant Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Camera
Front Side Camera
Effective pixels: 640x 480
Audio
Sound Chip
DSD compatible high quality sound chip: "Sound Reality"(Intel® High Definition Audio compatible) , 3D audio (Direct Sound 3D support)
Speaker
Built-in stereo speakers
Microphone
Built-in monaural microphone
Keyboard/Input Device
Keyboard
Approx. 17 mm key pitch/1.7 mm keystroke , 82keys
Touchpad
Intelligent Touchpad
Battery Life*10
Bundled Battery
VGP-BPS14/B,/S Lithium-ion battery: up to 6 hours of use
Optional Long Battery
VGP-BPL14/B Lithium-ion battery: up to 9 hours of use
Size
Dimensions (WxHxD)
279 x 23.5 x 199.8 mm
Weight
1.3 kg (including the supplied battery)
Warranty

Source : http://www.me-myco.com
1 Year

HP HDX16-1255

2009-06-26T03:28:00.000-07:00

Core 2 Duo, 4GB, 320GB, B.R./ DVD±RW, 16.0" WXGA, Cam Etc.l

DETAIL DESCRIPTION
Product Specifications

• Operating System Microsoft Vista Home Premium
• Processor Intel® Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4Ghz
• Hard Drive 320 Gb
• Display 16.0" W TrueBrite
• Memory 4 Gb
• Video Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
• Multimedia Drive DVD RW
• Warranty 1 Year
• Built-in CameraYes
• Wi-Fi Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
• Bluetooth Yes
• TV Tuner Yes
• External Ports
4 Universal Serial Bus, 1 IEEE 1394 Firewire Port, 1 Consumer IR (Remote Receiver)HDMI 1.3 connector, Microphone in, integrated stereo microphone, eSATA port, HDMI external port, RJ-45 (LAN), VGA
• Remote Yes
• Battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Dimension 14.9 (W) x 10.0" (D) x 1.31 (min H)/1.70(max H) - with Dual
• Weight 7.37lbs

Source : http://www.me-myco.com

Lenovo 3000 N500 (NS75MAD)

2009-06-26T03:24:00.000-07:00

Operating System
DOS
• Processor
Intel® Core Duo 2.16 GHz - T3400
• Hard Drive
1Gb
• Display
15.4" WXGA TFT(1280x800) VibrantView
• Memory
250Gb
• Video Graphics
• Video Memory
• Multimedia Drive
DVDRW
• Infrared
No
• Built-in Camera
Yes
• Wi-Fi
Intel 802.11a/b/g
• Bluetooth
Yes
• PC Card Slots
• TV Tuner
No
• FingerPrint Reader
No
• External Ports
External Display (VGA)External Microphone/Line-InHeadphone / Line outIEEE 1394RJ-11RJ-45S-Video out4 USB 2.05-in-1 Multi-card Reader (SD/MMC/XD/MS/MS Pro)
• Remote
• Battery
6 Cell Lithium-Ion
• Dimension
• Weight
• Others
Integrated speakers: 2 Speaker power rating: 3 Watts Volume control buttons: Speaker Quantity: 2 (Internal Speakers) Audio chipset: ALC861VD

2009-06-26T03:20:00.000-07:00

General
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
Processor
2.0 Ghz Intel Core2Duo
T6400 / 2MB L2 Cache / 800Mhz FSB
Screen
16' diagonal High Definition HP Ultra Brightview Infinity Display
With HP Ultra BrightView technology
Integrated HP Webcam
Ram
4 GB System Memory
Max 8GB
Hard Drive
320 GB Hard Drive
5400RPM SATA
Optical Drive
Blue Ray ROM with DVD Burner
Capable of Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs and Reading BlueRay Discs
Graphics
Nvidia GeForce 9600GT Graphics Card
512MB Dedicated Memory along with Shared Memory
Multimedia & Security
Integrated Altec Lansing Stereo Speakers, Fingerprint, Fluid Finish, HP Illuminated Logo & HP webcam + mic
HP Pavilion Webcam * Integrated Mic
HP Gloss Fluid Finish
Integrated Fingerprint Reader
Communication
LAN, Bluetooth and Built-in Wifi
Integrated Wifi-N
Integrated Bluetooth
Integrated Ethernet LAN
Dimensions
14.9 (W) x 10.0" (D) x 1.31 (min H)/1.70(max H) - with Dual Lamp
Weight
6.9 lbs
Warranty
1 Year Warranty
Specifications Datasheet (URL)

Source : http://www.myshop.com.pk

Toshiba A300-1G3

2009-06-26T03:12:00.000-07:00

General
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
with Service Pack 1
Processor
Intel Core2Duo Processor T5850
2.16Ghz, 2Mb L2 Cache
667Mhz FSB
Screen
15.4" Widescreen TruBrite
TFT Active matrix LCD
Max resolution 1280x800
with Integrated 1.3Mp Webcam
Ram
2 GB DDR2 SDRAM
PC2 5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667Mhz
Max 4GB
Hard Drive
250 GB SATA Drive
Optical Drive
DVD SuperMulti (+/-R Double Layer)
4x DVD+R DL; 4x DVD-R DL; 8x8x8 DVD+RW; 8x6x8 DVD-RW; 5x DVD-RAM; 24x16x24 CD-RW
Graphics
Intel GMA X3100
Shared system memory
Multimedia
Built in Harmon Kardon Stereo speakers
Security
Slot for Kensington Lock
Multimedia
Integrated Toshiba Webcam & Mic
Communication
Modem, LAN, Bluetooth and Built-in Wifi
Intel Wireless
Integrated Bluetooth
10/100 Ethernet
Toshiba V.90 Modem
Dimensions (W x H x D)
363 x 267 x 34.5 (front) / 38.5 (rear) mm
Weight
6.4 lbs
Warranty
1 Year Warranty
Specifications Datasheet (pdf)
Click here for specification datasheet
Any other details or queries
Click here to mail for further info not mentioned anywhere.

Source : http://www.myshop.com.pk

LG launched multimedia phone “LG KM900 – Arena”

2009-06-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 12, 2009 at 12:35 pm under Google, U.S. News
yahooBuzzArticleHeadline = "LG launched multimedia phone “LG KM900 – Arena”";
yahooBuzzArticleId = window.location.href;
ARTICLEURL
Buzz up! (1)LG launched multimedia phone “LG KM900 – Arena”

LG has launched its new stylish and fully-loaded multimedia phone, LG KM900 – Arena, in India.
Featuring a new 3D S-class user interface for an exhilarating audio and video quality, Arena is the first premium phone in the global market to use Dolby Mobile from Dolby Laboratories to deliver a thrilling surround sound experience for video content and enhance the sound of music content, the company said.
“Arena is a superior class and is special for its 3D S-Class U. The phone has already received rave responses from users abroad, and we are sure that new launch will set new standards for handsets for both functionality and fun and will be well accepted by Indian users,” said Anil Arora, Business Group Marketing Head, Mobile Communication, LG Electronics.
As per the company, its 3-inch WVGA screen with 16M colors has four times sharper resolution than standard QVGA screens.D1 recording capability with a 5 MP camera captures DVD-resolution video that looks great even when played back on a large TV through TV Out. Moreover, Arena can record 120 frames per second slow motion video to catch every detail.
Hundreds of music and movie files can be handled with expanded 40GB storage, including 8GB of internal memory and a 32 GB micro SD slot. Its battery offers up to 30 hours of MP3 playtime, and video and photos can easily be shared on social networking sites. Other advanced features include Google Mobile Service, GPS and geo-tagging.
All this comes packed in sleek metal design with tempered glass over the touch screen. Priced at Rs 24,990, LG Arena is available in silver and black titanium colour schemes at all retail outlets.

Soure : http://www.apakistannews.com/lg-launched-multimedia-phone-%e2%80%9clg-km900-%e2%80%93-arena%e2%80%9d-125473

Nokia N97 Coming Soon in Pakistan

2009-06-20T11:42:00.002-07:00

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 5:21 pm under IT News

KARACHI: The highly anticipated Nokia N97, Nokia’s flagship mobile computer has been announced Saturday in Pakistan after its global launch in 75 countries worldwide. Along with a tilting 3.5? touch display, QWERTY keyboard and a fully customisable home screen, the Nokia N97 will offer instant access to the full range of Ovi services. The N97 is expected to be sold in Pakistan at a retail price of Rs 58,000. The device was announced at a press event where two European models brought the phone at the venue and the Finnish First Secretary, Deputy Head of Mission H.E Miia Rainne handed over the phone to the GM Nokia Pakistan Imran Khalid Mahmood. Also present at the ceremony was Henri Mattila, Head of Category Marketing, Nseries Middle East and Africa.
Speaking at the occasion, Imran Khalid Mahmood, GM Nokia Pakistan said, Delivering on Nokia’s vision and thought leadership based on mobile convergence, Nokia Nseries has aimed to present the best in class mobile computers to its internet savvy consumers. Today, we take great pride in introducing the newest addition to Nokia Nseries Nokia N97. We have combined the most-advanced smartphone capabilities in this device to enhance the internet entertainment for our consumers and at the same time ease-of use with one-touch access to their favourite online content.
“The Nokia N97 is an important step towards our vision of delivering a highly personalized Internet experience,” Henri Mattila said. “Fuelled by a multitude of music, maps, games, media and applications via Ovi, the Nokia N97 transforms the Internet into an experience that’s completely tailored to the tastes and interests of its owner.”

Source : http://www,apakistannews.com/nokia-n97-coming-soon-in-pakistan-126089

Microsoft Corp files lawsuit over click fraud

2009-06-20T11:42:00.001-07:00

NEW YORK: Microsoft Corporation filed a lawsuit against three individuals believed to be based in Vancouver, accusing them of a form of “click fraud” by improperly using Microsoft’s online advertising service for profit, court documents show.
In the suit filed on Monday in a U.S. federal court in Seattle against the three individuals and companies they are believed to control, Microsoft said it suffered at least $750,000 as a result of the click fraud scheme.
Under the scheme, large groups of people or automated computer scripts click on online advertisements without having any interest in the services or product being advertised.
The Redmond, Washington-based company said it traced the source of allegedly fraudulent traffic back to the defendants, Eric Lam, Gordon Lam and Melanie Suen.
Microsoft alleges that advertisements for the defendants’ websites displaced their competitors’ advertisements.

Source : http://www.apakistannews.com/microsoft-corp-files-lawsuit-over-click-fraud-126137

Iphone 3.0 Release Time

2009-06-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

It can be said that the iPhone OS 3.0 will have a wide release on Wednesday. What exactly is the release time? It is not known yet.iphone 3.0 release time
As Apple rolls out iPhone 3.0 tomorrow, iPhone users can download the software from iTunes for free. However, iPod Touch users have to pay a fee of $9.95.
iPhone OS 3.0 wide release coming WednesdayThe update includes many functions other phones have had for a while, including multimedia messaging (if supported by your carrier–AT&T won’t offer it until later this summer), voice recording, buying and renting movies and TV shows over the air, full system search, tethering (again, if your carrier allows it), and push notifications.
Apple has also bundled in some extras, like landscape virtual keyboard for certain apps, more extensive parental controls, in-app purchasing, and a feature for MobileMe customers called Find My Phone.

Source : http://www.apakistannews.com

Iphone 3gs Lines

2009-06-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

As you may have heard by now, AT&T has released official word that those who preordered an iPhone 3GS line will be able to pick them up from one of 2, 200 retail outlets or 211 Apple stores. However, some people won’t get theirs tomorrow but if you check your inbox you’ll find a email verification with your pickup date. In terms of pricing, new AT&T customers will pay $199 for the 16 GB version and $299 for the 32 GB. Existing customers that have fulfilled their contractual obligations will also be eligible for the same pricing while iPhone 3G customers whose contracts end in July, August or September of this year will be as well.
Existing AT&T customers who contracts aren’t up but want to upgrade early will have to pay a little bit (alot) more. In fact, it’ll be $399 for the 16 GB version and $499 for the 32 GB. Check out the press release after the cut for additional pricing plan details, what you’ll need to pick up your iPhone 3GS and a few feature explanations.
iPhone 3G S Available at AT&T Tomorrow
Locations Open Early at 7 a.m. For Customers Who Preordered In Store
DALLAS, June 18 AT&T* begins selling iPhone 3G S nationwide tomorrow morning in its more than 2,200 company-owned retail locations. In addition, AT&T today will begin shipping devices to customers who preordered online for arrival beginning tomorrow. iPhone 3G S will also be available tomorrow morning at all 211 U.S. Apple retail stores.
“The time is finally here. We’re more than ready to open our doors tomorrow and begin selling the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets. “We understand that customers are eager to get their hands on this great new device. So we’ve worked hard to make the experience as easy as possible.”
EARLY HOURS FOR PREORDER CUSTOMERS
Many customers have chosen to preorder iPhone 3G S in an AT&T store or online.
AT&T Store Preorders: Customers who preordered in AT&T stores can return to the same store beginning tomorrow morning, with their receipt, to pick up their order. Customers should be sure to check the e-mail notification they received for their actual arrival date as some preorders will arrive after June 19; dates are based on when preorders were made and available inventory. All stores will open at 7 a.m. local time to exclusively serve preorder customers whose orders are expected to arrive on June 19. Any customer is welcome to visit beginning at normal business hours, at which point all customers will be served on a “first come, first served” basis.
http://gpsobsessed.com
Source : http://www.apakistannews.com/

Unlimited Web Hosting

2009-06-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 10:49 pm under IT News

After the successful launch of Free Managed DNS Service of YoursDomain.Com and competitively priced Email Hosting Product, Web Hosting Product is now all set for a revamp!
YoursDomain.Com are now introducing unlimited features web hosting comes your way on the 1st of July ‘09.
Details of YoursDomain.Com’s Product are as follows:
New Web Hosting Product Specifications.

AccUnlimited Bandwidth
Unlimited Disk Space
Unlimited Databases
Unlimited DLLs
Unlimited Email ounts

Source : http://www.apakistannews.com

Computer Connections: Lesson 1 - Outer Hardware

2009-06-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the computer in front of you. No, not just the screen. Look at all of the other parts. Do you know what they are? Do you know what they do? If you already know - great! Give yourself a big pat on the back! But if you don't know about all the gadgets surrounding your computer, then read on and find out!
The Basics
Let's start with the center of any computer system. Do you see something shaped like a box nearby? It will have a power switch and a light or two. It should also have a place or places to insert disks. This is the case that houses all of the important computer components. If it stands up tall, it is a tower case. If it sits flat, it is a desktop case. Ask your parents to let you look at the back of the computer (never do this without permission, because there is a lot of dangerous electricity back there!). You will see lots of cords and cables coming out of the back of the case and going to other computer parts like the monitor.

Your computer case probably has a place to insert CDs. This is usually called and the CD-ROM or CD drive. CD-ROM is short for Compact Disk - Read Only Memory. A compact disk is a shiny, circular disk that stores information. A CD-ROM can only read information from the disk. Many new computers have a CD-RW (RW stands for ReWritable) instead of a CD-ROM. CD-RW allows you to write information to the disk as well as read from it. Also, some new computers have a DVD (Digital Video Disc) drive instead of a CD-ROM or CD-RW. A DVD looks just like a CD, but it holds much more information. You can watch movies, listen to music, or play computer games from DVDs. One important thing to know is that you can play CDs in a DVD player, but you cannot play DVDs in a CD player.
Input Devices
There are several ways to get new information or input into a computer. The two most common ways are the keyboard and the mouse. The keyboard has keys for characters (letters, numbers and punctuation marks) and special commands. Pressing the keys tells the computer what to do or what to write. The mouse has a special ball that allows you to roll it around on a pad or desk and move the cursor around on screen. By clicking on the buttons on the mouse, you give the computer directions on what to do. There are other devices similar to a mouse that can be used in its place. A trackball has the ball on top and you move it with your finger. A touchpad allows you to move your finger across a pressure sensitive pad and press to click.

Other types of input devices allow you to put images into the computer. A scanner copies a picture or document into the computer. There are several types of scanners and some look very different, but most look like a flat tray with a glass pane and a lid to cover it. You can input photographs into a computer with a digital camera. Photos are taken with the camera away from the computer and stored on a memory chip. Then the camera is plugged into the computer, so that the images can be downloaded. Another input device is a graphics tablet. A pressure sensitive pad is plugged into the computer. When you draw on the tablet with the special pen (never use an ink pen or pencil!), the drawing appears on the screen. The tablet and pen can also be used like a mouse to move the cursor and click.
Output Devices
Output devices display information in a way that you can you can understand. The most common output device is a monitor. It looks a lot a like a TV and houses the computer screen. The monitor allows you to 'see' what you and the computer are doing together.

Speakers are output devices that allow you to hear sound from your computer. Computer speakers are just like stereo speakers. There are usually two of them and they come in various sizes.
A printer is another common part of a computer system. It takes what you see on the computer screen and prints it on paper. There are two types of printers. The inkjet printer uses inks to print. It is the most common printer used with home computers and it can print in either black and white or color. Laser printers run much faster because they use lasers to print. Laser printers are mostly used in businesses. Black and white laser printers are the most common, but some print in color, too.

Source : http:///parenting.kaboose.com

Kids Domain Computer Connections

2009-06-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

Kids Domain Computer ConnectionsComputers: Inside & Out
Lesson 7: Files & Folders
Computer hard drives hold an enormous amount of data or information. It is very important that all of the data is well organized. That way it is easy for the computer to find what it is looking for. Knowing how a computer's organization system works will help you to find what you are looking for. Computers use files and folders to organize data.
What is a file?A file is a collection of data that is stored together. Files can be stored on a hard drive, a floppy disk, or a CD. Everything that a computer does is based on data stored in files. You can do lots of things with files - create them, name them, rename them, save them, or delete them. Certain files can even be looked at, listened to, and run.
In some ways, files are like television shows. All TV shows have 3 things, just like computer files:
.Name
.Location
.Length
Just as you recognize your favorite TV program by its name, you can also recognize a file by its name. File names often consist of 2 parts: name and type. There are many different types of TV shows - comedies, dramas, cartoons, sports shows, game shows, etc. Similarly, computer files come in different types - text files, graphic files, program files, email files, etc. In many computer systems, files are named so that you know what type of file it is just by looking at the abbreviation behind the name. A period is used to separate the name from the type, like this: "name.type". If TV show titles came in 2 parts like computer files, they would give the name of the program, followed by a period, followed by the type of show it is. It might look like this: "Sillykids.toon" or "EmergencyRoom.drama" or "Football.sport"! One important thing that you should know about file types or extensions is that they are always written as abbreviations, usually with 3 letters. For example, a text file is shown as .txt and an executable program file is shown as .exe. You may not always see the extension on a file name, because many PCs offer the option of turning off the extension. Even though you don't see it, the computer still does. On the Macintosh system, however, the practice of naming files with extensions is not always followed; but you can see what kind of file it is by the icon or 'kind' identifier in the directory listings. Common Mac extensions you'll see are .sit (a compressed stuffit file), .hqx (a binhexed encoded file), .pdf (Adobe Acrobat file). Web pages (no matter what system) always use extensions to identify the kind of file - .htm or .html for the web pages, .gif for gif graphics, .jpg for jpg graphics and so on. Files are stored in certain places within your computer, much like TV programs are shown on certain channels. So, to find a file you must know where it is located, just like you must know on what channel to find your favorite TV show. If you forget what channel a TV show is on, you can either flip through channels until you find the program or you can look in a TV guide to find the information you need quickly. The quickest way to find files on most computers is to use Find. This is a type of search program where you can type in the name of a file and the computer will search and tell you where the file is located. If you use a Windows Operating System, Find is located on your Start Menu. On a Macintosh System, Find! is located under File on the menu bar. (More on Start Menu and menu bar in Lesson 8).
TV Programs, like files, have specific lengths. TV shows may be 30 minutes long, 1 hour long, or several hours long. Files are not measured in time, but in bytes. If you'll remember from Lesson 3: Bits & Bytes, a byte is a measurement of stored data. Larger files may be measured in kilobytes or megabytes. The length of a file tells how much storage space that file is using within the computer.
Folders or DirectoriesWith so many thousands of files stored inside a computer, it is very important to keep them organized. Folders, also known as Directories, keep files organized by grouping them together.
Imagine for a moment that you had a giant toy room filled with toys and you were given the job of organizing all of those toys. You decide to start the job by sorting all of the toys and grouping similar toys together. For example, you put all of your red marbles in a box and all of your blue marbles in another box and all of your clear marbles in another box. Then, you put all of those boxes into a bigger box and label it "marbles". Then, you might even put the "marbles" box into a bigger box that contains boxes of "super balls" and "tennis balls" and "baseballs". You would name that big box "balls". If you continued to organize toys that way, you would end up with an entire room of boxes with labels that contain similar kinds of toys. Then if you needed to find your plastic brontosaurus, you would know to open the box labeled "toy animals" and go past the "bug box" and the "reptile box" until you find the "dinosaur box" - open it and there is the brontosaurus! In this example, the toys are like files and the boxes are like folders. Your computer is set up to store similar files in specific folders. Then similar folders can be put inside other folders, and so on.
Many times, the computer will automatically store files in certain folders in order to keep itself organized. However, when you create new files, you must decide which folders to put them in to keep them organized. You can even create new folders to store your files. For example, let's say that a boy named Adam wants to make a folder of all the fun things he creates on the computer. With an adult's help, Adam creates a folder titled "Adam". Within that folder, he creates 3 new folders titled "stories", "drawings" and "jokes". Then, when Adam writes a story called "Alien Tap Dancing", he stores or saves that file that contains the story in the "stories" folder. On a PC, the file name would be "Alien Tap Dancing.txt" because it is a text file.
The best way to keep up with a file is to know its address. The address basically tells you what drive and folders to look in for a file. For example, the address for Adam's story might look like this on a Macintosh system: "Macintosh HD\Users\Adam\stories\Alien Tap Dancing" (Macintosh HD indicates the hard drive). On a PC, the address might look like this: "C:\\My Documents\Adam\stories\Alien Tap Dancing.txt". In this case, the letter "C" indicates the hard drive, as most PCs assign a letter to each drive in the system. Note, that the file address always includes the drive, folder(s), and file name in exactly that order.
Be A Responsible Computer UserUnderstanding the relationship between files and folders, and how they are addressed and located within your computer system is a very important part of using a computer. Beginners should make it a priority to learn about this early in their computer education. Never delete, move or rename a file unless you are absolutely sure of what you are doing! A computer relies on many files to keep itself running correctly, so changing or deleting those files can cause major computer malfunctions! When in doubt, ask a parent, teacher or other expert for assistance. The safest way to learn about using files and folders is to ask for help in setting up your own personal folder, then creating new folders and files within it.
Source : http://www.kidsdomain.com

Kids-and-Teens

2009-06-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

Computer Education For KidsBy Nicole Munoz
Computers have become a common and needed part of life in today's society, making computer education imperative for children. Young children will typically begin to show an interest in the home PC by their toddler years. While it is may be a good idea to begin introducing your toddler to the computer in very short sessions, most children can began to learn and understand a computer’s functionality by preschool age.

Computers have become a common and needed part of life in today’s society, making computer education imperative for children. Young children will typically begin to show an interest in the home PC by their toddler years. While it is may be a good idea to begin introducing your toddler to the computer in very short sessions, most children can began to learn and understand a computer’s functionality by preschool age.
Preschool age children can learn to turn the computer on by themselves and will quickly learn to operate the mouse. Simple games that teach and reinforce basic school readiness skills are great for this age. Computer education for preschool age children should be limited to short sessions of about 30 minutes a few times a week.
Many childcare facilities offer computer time as part of their weekly curriculum for preschoolers. Structured games and activities give young children an opportunity to explore the way a computer works. Games that require dragging objects across the screen are excellent for building mouse skills in beginner users. Chose age-appropriate software and websites that involve alphabet and color recognition, shapes, counting, or short stories that are read aloud. Activities that feature music are also enjoyable for a preschooler’s computer time.
Kindergartners are normally still exploring the basics of computer use and will probably do best with activities that reinforce simple skills. As children become more comfortable with the computer, more complex games and activities can be introduced. Computer education for kindergartners typically consists of short sessions of no more than an hour, playing games that correlate with their classroom learning material.
By first grade, children have usually gained a good understanding of how to use a mouse and they are learning to use keyboard letters to type. Games like Typing Instructor for Kids can help young children become fast and efficient computer users. Early elementary age children are ready to move beyond simple reinforcement and skill drill activities to the many different functions of a computer.
First through third graders should use the computer as a supplement for their classroom work. A student studying about stars and planets can use the internet to search for pictures and information about constellations. An assignment about Africa can include a search for videos of African animals. Allow your child to work on his own, but stay close by to prevent access to inappropriate content and to answer any questions.
Software programs that allow children to create, like an art or publishing suite designed specifically for kids, can boost creativity along with providing exposure to technology. Grade level skills can also be practiced and enhanced with math, reading, and spelling computer games. There are a number of kid-friendly websites that provide search engines, games, and interaction opportunities.
Computer education for children should also include writing and creative writing activities. First graders are beginning to familiarize themselves with the keyboard and can write short letters or emails. By second and third grade, children can use word processor programs or writing software designed for children to write and publish their own short stories and poems, as well as use email to write to relatives.
For more tips and information about 22 Baby Einstein Titles, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Munoz

Source : http://ezinearticles.com

Computer's Education for Kids

2009-06-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.cybergardenkids.com/

IT Proffessionals

2009-06-19T01:19:00.000-07:00

Building a digital environment is much simpler with one vendor. Apple gives you hardware, software, and the amazing Mac OS. And it’s all designed to work together seamlessly so it’s easy to implement, use, and maintain.

Apple technology lets you reduce tactical challenges and make a key contribution to the way learning happens. Because deployment, management, and maintenance take less time and effort, you can focus squarely on empowering educators and students. Apple makes that easy, too, with innovations for digital content creation, virtual collaboration, and mobile learning that let you advance your institution’s mission. And everything will work with your existing network and assets, right out of the box. The Mac even runs Windows (sold separately) at native speed if you need it to. So now there’s nothing to hold you back.

INTEGRATION

Connecting a Mac to existing workgroups, computers, and peripherals is easy. Because Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server are built on open, industry-standard protocols and the latest networking security standards, it’s simple to support the Mac on your network. The Mac also has drivers for a host of peripherals, making it a true plug-and-play computer. Mac clients can integrate with most popular directory services environments, including Microsoft’s Active Directory. And since the Mac will run Windows, students and faculty can use PC applications if they want. With a copy of Windows installed, they can simply restart using Boot Camp, now included with Mac OS X. Learn more
Simplified Management
The Mac is simpler to manage because it’s simpler to use. Faculty and students won’t come to you with problems like PC viruses, network connection troubles, or uncertainty about how to back up. They require less help than ever to do more than ever. If you’re used to Windows administration, you’ll find plenty of similarities in Mac computers, and you’ll be surprised at how easy they are to manage. Mac OS X Server lets you streamline or automate tasks like system imaging and software deployment. And with Apple Remote Desktop, you can do it all without ever leaving your desk.

MAX OS X in the class roomCollaboration is more important to faculty and students every day, but supporting it doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. With Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server, you can set up wikis, blogs, and video chats simple enough for faculty to manage without constant help from you — and safe enough for K–12 students.* You can implement a shared calendar with no per-user costs. And you can help students and researchers easily find and share digital assets across your network while protecting confidential information. All of which means you get to be a hero, without the usual heroic effort. Learn more
Mac Labs
Whether you need a streamlined multipurpose lab, a room full of 8-core high-performance machines, or an affordable way to tap into mobile learning, Apple has you covered and then some. You get powerful content-creation software and wireless networking built in. Every new Mac can run Windows or Vista (sold separately), so one computer can do the work of two. And Mac OS X is the most secure, reliable operating system available, so you’ll spend very little time dealing with viruses, bugs, and crashes.

Source : www.apple.com

We support Our Peoples:

2009-06-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

The support and training options that come with every Mac are almost as amazing as the Mac itself. Every kind of help is available at every turn. All you have to do is decide what’s most useful for your institution. And we can even help you with that.

Professional development for educators.
Apple offers a range of Professional Development workshops. They’re designed to give faculty the skills and confidence to create and publish digital content for their classes, inspire creativity with engaging media assignments, and get teams collaborating in and out of class. We also have sessions to help principals, district leaders, deans, and provosts bring momentum to their technology plans.
Each workshop is led by former educators and is fully customized for your institution. Our Professional Development team can help you evaluate your faculty’s current skills and teaching strategies and create a step-by-step development plan. Learn more
Professional services for IT.
The Apple Professional Services team partners with your IT department to plan or implement your technology initiatives. The team can even manage those initiatives over time.

We can assist your IT team or take on entire projects. We can simply set up new Mac computers. Or we can create a one-to-one program from the ground up, integrate Apple technology into your infrastructure, develop networks and services, bring

We can assist your IT team or take on entire projects. We can simply set up new Mac computers. Or we can create a one-to-one program from the ground up, integrate Apple technology into your infrastructure, develop networks and services, bring iTunes U to your campus, and more.

Source :http://www.apple.com/

Prepared Student

2009-06-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

Computers, mobile devices, digital media, and the Internet are already part of students’ everyday lives. Apple makes it possible — and easy — for you to use these technologies to engage your students. So you can reach them in ways that are familiar to them, and at the same time, prepare them for a job market where information sharing has never been more

The Apple Ecosystem

2009-06-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Apple Ecosystem
Only Apple makes everything you need — the hardware, the software, and the operating system. Why does this matter? Because everything Apple makes is designed from the ground up to work together seamlessly — the way things ought to work. The fully integrated Apple ecosystem is easier to implement, use, and maintain. And it allows you to work with one vendor, not four or five. Ultimately, that saves you time and money
Source : www.apple.com

Education

2009-06-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

You want to take your school boldly into education’s digital age. Apple makes it easy to rally support for your plan. Students, faculty, and parents already love the Mac. And IT will appreciate the simplicity of it all.

Education

2009-06-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

COMPUTER EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

2009-06-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

6.1 The programme of Computer Literacy and Studies in Schools (CLASS) was started in 250 schools in 1984-85. It was extended to 500 more schools in 1985-1986 and another 500 schools in 1986-87. Evaluation of the scheme through the Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad reveals that:
- de-mystification objective of the project was partially achieved. 15.6% of the students were de-mystified as per the criterion developed for the evaluation.
- the project was implemented best in Kendriya Vidyalayas followed by State Government schools, aided/private schools in that order.
- in most of the schools "welcome package" was the most widely used package. All the packages supplied were not used in most of the schools.
- there was a long time lag in the sanction and installation of systems in the schools.
- English language posed a problem for both students and teachers in a large number of schools.
6.2 The NCERT and the CMC have started the work of generating software packages and 14 such packages have been developed and supplied to schools so far. The CMC has developed key boards and ROMS in 11 regional languages, namely, Marathi, Oriya, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Gurmukhi, Bengali and Assammese. The scheme has been revised on the basis of experience gained and evaluation. The salient features of the revised scheme expected to be finalised very soon include -
- Coverage of 13000 higher secondary schools by 1990.
- Supply of at least five systems in each school.
- Transaction of the programme at plus two level and integration of the programme with the curriculum.
- Resource support to schools through about regional, local and district level resource centres.
6.3 An expert group was constituted in 1986 under the Chairmanship of the Education Secretary to recommend the programme objectives, the hardware and software choice and management system for implementation of CLASS Programme. It has given its report some time back. This report has made a series of recommendations for the implementation of the programme keeping in view the provisions in the NPE, the experi- ence gained in implementation of the programme since 1984-85 and the evaluation of the programme done by the Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad. Based on this, a regular programme is being finalised for covering all the higher secondary schools by 1990. This programme would have some significant improvements over the pilot phase. Some of these are:
a) Literacy would remain the immediate objective of the programme gradually leading to educational computations for students indi- vidually and in groups.
b) Instead of 2 micro-computers 5-8 micro-computers would be given to a school to allow all the students at plus 2 stage in the school to be covered by the programme.
c) A large programme of software generation would be taken up with clear emphasis on Indian languages.
d) Resource Centre support would be provided to schools at district and regional levels.
9
The final decision of the Government on this programme is likely to obtained in the next few months.
Simultaneously to allow for continuity in implementation, an additional 700 schools are being added to the 1250 already covered under the CLASS Project. These schools will be provided the systems comprising of 5 micro-computers each. The selection of schools has already been done in 28 States and UTs and for the remaining would be completed in coming weeks. Three teachers from each school as before would be trained during summer vacation and implementation of the programme in these schools would start in July-August, 1988.
Source : http://www.education.nic.in

DNS Server in Windows Server 2003

2009-06-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Before You Start
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Before you start to configure your DNS, you must gather some basic information. Internic must approve some of this information for use on the Internet, but if you are configuring this server for internal use only, you can decide what names and IP addresses to use. You must have the following information:
Your domain name (approved by Internic).
The IP address and host name of each server that you want to provide name resolution for.Note: The servers may be your mail servers, public access servers, FTP servers, WWW servers, and others. Before you configure your computer as a DNS, verify that the following conditions are true:
Your operating system is configured correctly. In the Windows Server 2003 family, the DNS service depends on the correct configuration of the operating system and its services, such as TCP/IP. If you have a new installation of a Windows Server 2003 operating system, then you can use the default service settings. You do not have to take additional action.
You have allocated all the available disk space.
All the existing disk volumes use the NTFS file system. FAT32 volumes are not secure, and they do not support file and folder compression, disk quotas, file encryption, or individual file permissions.
Install DNS
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Open Windows Components Wizard. To do so, use the following steps:
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
In Components, select the Networking Services check box, and then click Details.
InSubcomponents of Networking Services, select the Domain Name System (DNS) check box, click OK, and then click Next.
If you are prompted, in Copy files from, type the full path of the distribution files, and then click OK.
Back to the top
Configure DNS
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Start the Configure Your Server Wizard. To do so, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Configure Your Server Wizard.
On the Server Role page, click DNS server, and then click Next.
On the Summary of Selections page, view and confirm the options that you have selected. The following items should appear on this page:
Install DNS
Run the Configure a DNS Wizard to configure DNSIf the Summary of Selections page lists these two items, click Next. If the Summary of Selections page does not list these two items, click Back to return to the Server Role page, click DNS, and then click Next.
When the Configure Your Server Wizard installs the DNS service, it first determines whether the IP address for this server is static or is configured automatically. If your server is currently configured to obtain its IP address automatically, the Configuring Components page of the Windows Components Wizard prompts you to configure this server with a static IP address. To do so:
In the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click Properties.
In the Internet Protocols (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box, click Use the following IP address, and then type the static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for this server.
In Preferred DNS, type the IP address of this server.
In Alternate DNS, type the IP address of another internal DNS server, or leave this box blank.
When you finish setting up the static addresses for your DNS, click OK, and then click Close.
After you click Close, the Configure a DNS Server Wizard starts. In the wizard, follow these steps:
On the Select Configuration Action page, select the Create a forward lookup zone check box, and then click Next.
To specify that this DNS hosts a DNS zone that contains DNS resource records for your network resources, on the Primary Server Location page, click This server maintains the zone, and then click Next.
On the Zone Name page, in Zone name, specify the name of the DNS zone for your network, and then click Next. The name of the zone is the same as the name of the DNS domain for your small organization or branch office.
On the Dynamic Update page, click Allow both nonsecure and secure dynamic updates, and then click Next. This makes sure that the DNS resource records for the resources in your network update automatically.
On the Forwarders page, click Yes, it should forward queries to DNS servers with the following IP addresses, and then click Next. When you select this configuration, you forward all DNS queries for DNS names outside your network to a DNS at either your ISP or central office. Type one or more IP addresses that either your ISP or central office DNS servers use.
On the Completing the Configure a DNS Wizard page of the Configure a DNS Wizard, you can click Back to change any of the settings. To apply your selections, click Finish. After you finish the Configure a DNS Wizard, the Configure Your Server Wizard displays the This Server is Now a DNS Server page. To review all the changes that you made to your server in the Configure Your Server Wizard or to make sure that a new role was installed successfully, click Configure Your Server log. The Configure Your Server Wizard log is located at %systemroot%\Debug\Configure Your Server.log. To close the Configure Your Server Wizard, click Finish.
Sourcre : http://support.microsoft.com

The X Server Configuration HOWTO

2009-06-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

1. What is the X Window Server?
Graphical vs Command-Line
The average user may be frightened at the thought of having to type in commands. Why wouldn't he be able to point and click his way through the freedom provided by Gentoo (and Linux in general)? Well, *big smile*, of course you are able to do this. :-) Linux offers a wide variety of flashy user interfaces and environments which you can install on top of your existing installation.
This is one of the biggest surprises new users come across: a graphical user interface is nothing more than an application which runs on your system. It is not part of the Linux kernel or any other internals of the system. It is a powerful tool that fully enables the graphical abilities of your workstation.
As standards are important, a standard for drawing and moving windows on a screen, interacting with the user through mouse, keyboard and other basic, yet important aspects has been created and named the X Window System, commonly abbreviated as X11 or just X. It is used on Unix, Linux and Unix-like operating systems throughout the world.
The application that provides Linux users with the ability to run graphical user interfaces and that uses the X11 standard is Xorg-X11, a fork of the XFree86 project. XFree86 has decided to use a license that might not be compatible with the GPL license; the use of Xorg is therefore recommended. The official Portage tree does not provide an XFree86 package anymore.
The X.org Project
The X.org project created and maintains a freely redistributable, open-source implementation of the X11 system. It is an open source X11-based desktop infrastructure.
Xorg provides an interface between your hardware and the graphical software you want to run. Besides that, Xorg is also fully network-aware, meaning you are able to run an application on one system while viewing it on a different one.
2. Installing Xorg
Before installing Xorg you have to configure two important variables in the /etc/make.conf file.
The first one is VIDEO_CARDS. This is used to set the video drivers that you intend to use and is usually based on the kind and brand of card you have. The most common settings are nvidia for Nvidia cards or fglrx for ATI Radeon cards. Those are the proprietary drivers from Nvidia and ATI respectively. If you would like to use the open source versions, use nv rather than nvidia in the variable, but bear in mind that using this driver means no 3D acceleration at all. The free radeon and radeonhd drivers for ATI cards support 3D acceleration on older Radeons but don't yet support all the features of the newer ones. VIDEO_CARDS may contain more than one driver, in this case list of them should be separated with spaces.
The second variable is INPUT_DEVICES and is used to determine which drivers are to be built for input devices. In most cases setting it to keyboard mouse should work just fine. If you use alternative input devices, such as a Synaptics touchpad for a laptop, be sure to add it to INPUT_DEVICES.
Now you should decide which drivers you will use and add necessary settings to the /etc/make.conf file:
(For mouse and keyboard support)
INPUT_DEVICES="keyboard mouse"
(For Nvidia cards)
VIDEO_CARDS="nvidia"
(OR, for ATI Radeon cards)
VIDEO_CARDS="fglrx"
More instructions on how to configure nVidia and ATI cards can be found in Gentoo Linux nVidia Guide and in Gentoo Linux ATI FAQ. If you don't know which drivers you should choose, refer to these guides for more information.
Note: If the suggested settings don't work for you, you should run emerge -pv xorg-server, check all the options available and choose those which apply to your system. The example is for the amd64 architecture and xorg-server-1.2.
# emerge -pv xorg-server
These are the packages that would be merged, in order:
Calculating dependencies... done!
[ebuild R ] x11-base/xorg-server-1.2.0-r3 USE="dri nptl xorg (-3dfx) -debug
-dmx -ipv6 -kdrive -minimal -sdl -xprint" INPUT_DEVICES="keyboard mouse -acecad
-aiptek -calcomp -citron -digitaledge -dmc -dynapro -elo2300 -elographics -evdev
-fpit -hyperpen -jamstudio -joystick -magellan -microtouch -mutouch -palmax
-penmount -spaceorb -summa -synaptics -tek4957 -ur98 -vmmouse -void -wacom"
VIDEO_CARDS="nvidia -apm -ark -chips -cirrus -cyrix -dummy -epson -fbdev -fglrx
-glint -i128 (-i740) -i810 (-impact) (-imstt) -mach64 -mga -neomagic (-newport)
(-nsc) -nv -r128 -radeon -rendition -s3 -s3virge -savage -siliconmotion -sis
-sisusb (-sunbw2) (-suncg14) (-suncg3) (-suncg6) (-sunffb) (-sunleo) (-suntcx)
-tdfx -tga -trident -tseng -v4l -vesa -vga -via -vmware -voodoo" 0 kB
After setting all the necessary variables you can install the Xorg package.
# emerge xorg-server
Note: You could install the xorg-x11 metapackage instead of the more lightweight xorg-server. Functionally, xorg-x11 and xorg-server are the same. However, xorg-x11 brings in many more packages that you probably don't need, such as a huge assortment of fonts in many different languages. They're not necessary for a working desktop.
When the installation is finished, you might need to re-initialise some environment variables before you continue. Just run env-update followed by source /etc/profile and you're all set.
# env-update
# source /etc/profile
3. Configuring Xorg
The xorg.conf File
The configuration file of Xorg is called xorg.conf and it resides in /etc/X11. Xorg provides an example configuration as /etc/X11/xorg.conf.example which you can use to create your own configuration. It is heavily commented, but if you are in need of more documentation regarding the syntax, don't hesitate to read the man page:
# man 5 xorg.conf
Happy reading for those of you willing to. We surely don't so we'll continue with checking out how we can create the file automatically.
Default: Automatic Generation of xorg.conf
Xorg itself is able to guess most parameters for you. In most cases, you will only have to change some lines to get the resolution you want up and running. If you are interested in more in-depth tweaking, be sure to check the resources at the end of this chapter. But first, let us generate a (hopefully working) Xorg configuration file.
# Xorg -configure
Be sure to read the last lines printed on your screen when Xorg has finished probing your hardware. If it tells you it failed at some point, you're forced to manually write an xorg.conf file. Assuming that it didn't fail, it will have told you that it has written /root/xorg.conf.new ready for you to test. So let's test. :)
# X -config /root/xorg.conf.new
If all goes well, you should see a simple black and white pattern. Verify if your mouse works correctly and if the resolution is good. If you received errors about "/dev/mouse", try changing your mouse device to /dev/input/mice in the "InputDevice" section of xorg.conf. You might not be able to deduce the exact resolution, but you should be able to see if it's too low. You can exit any time by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Backspace.
Alternative: Semi-Automatic Generation of xorg.conf
Xorg provides a tool called xorgconfig which will ask you for various information regarding your system (graphical adapter, keyboard, ...). Based on your input it will create a xorg.conf file.
# xorgconfig
Another tool, also provided by Xorg, is xorgcfg, which will first attempt to run Xorg -configure and then start the X server for more final tweaking.
# xorgcfg
(In case X crashes or the configuration fails, try:)
# xorgcfg -textmode
Copying over xorg.conf
Let us copy over the xorg.conf.new to /etc/X11/xorg.conf now, so we won't have to continuously run X -config -- typing just X or startx is easier. :)
# cp /root/xorg.conf.new /etc/X11/xorg.conf
Using startx
Now try startx to start up your X server. startx is a script that executes an X session, that is, it starts the X servers and some graphical applications on top of it. It decides which applications to run using the following logic:
If a file named .xinitrc exists in the home directory, it will execute the commands listed there.
Otherwise, it will read the value of the XSESSION variable and will execute one of the sessions available in /etc/X11/Sessions/ accordingly (you can set the value of XSESSION in /etc/rc.conf to make it a default for all the users on the system).
If all of the above fail, it will fall back to a simple window manager, usually twm.
# startx
If you see an ugly, loathsome, repulsive, deformed window manager, that's twm. To finish the twm session, type in exit or Ctrl-D in the upcoming xterms. You can also kill the X session using the Ctrl-Alt-Backspace combination. This will however make X exit disgracefully -- something that you might not always want. It doesn't hurt though. :)
4. Tweaking xorg.conf
Setting your Resolution
If you feel that the screen resolution is wrong, you will need to check two sections in your configuration. First of all, you have the Screen section which lists the resolutions, if any that your X server will run at. By default, this section might not list any resolutions at all. If this is the case, Xorg will estimate the resolutions based on the information in the second section, Monitor.
What happens is that Xorg checks the settings of HorizSync and VertRefresh in the Monitor section to compute valid resolutions. For now, leave these settings as-is. Only when the changes to the Screen section (which we will describe in a minute) don't work, then you will need to look up the specs for your monitor and fill in the correct values. You can also use a tool that searches for your monitor's specs, such as sys-apps/ddcxinfo-knoppix.
Warning: Do not "just" change the values of these two monitor related variables without consulting the technical specifications of your monitor. Setting incorrect values lead to out-of-sync errors at best and smoked up screens at worst.
Now let us change the resolutions. In the next example from /etc/X11/xorg.conf we add the Modes lines and the DefaultDepth so that our X server starts with 24 bits at 1024x768 by default. Don't mind the given strings -- they are examples and will most likely differ from the settings on your system.
Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "S3 Inc. ProSavage KN133 [Twister K]"
Monitor "Generic Monitor"
DefaultDepth 24
# Skipping some text to improve readability
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768"
EndSubSection
EndSection
Run X (startx) to discover it uses the resolution you want. :)
Configuring your Keyboard
To setup X to use an international keyboard, search for the InputDevice section that configures the keyboard and add the XkbLayout option to point to the keyboard layout you want. As an example, we show you how to apply for the Belgian layout. Just substitute the country-keycode with yours:
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "keyboard"
Option "CoreKeyboard"
Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
Option "XkbLayout" "be"
EndSection
Configuring your Mouse
If your mouse isn't working, you will first need to find out if it is detected by the kernel at all. Mice are (device-wise) seen as /dev/input/mouse0 (or /dev/input/mice if you want to use several mice). In some cases /dev/psaux is used. In either case you can check if the devices do represent your mouse by checking the output of those files when you move your mouse. You will usually see some junk on your screen. To end the session press Ctrl-C.
# cat /dev/input/mouse0
(Don't forget to press Ctrl-C to end this)
If your mouse isn't detected, verify if all the necessary modules are loaded.
If your mouse is detected, fill in the device in the appropriate InputDevice section. In the next example you'll see we also set two other options: Protocol (which lists the mouse protocol to be used -- most users will use PS/2 or IMPS/2) and ZAxisMapping (which allows for the mousewheel (if applicable) to be used).
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "TouchPad Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "CorePointer"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/mouse0"
Option "Protocol" "IMPS/2"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
EndSection
Run startx and be happy about the result. :) Congratulations, you now (hopefully) have a working Xorg on your system. The next step is to remove this ugly lightweight window manager and use a high-feature one (or even a desktop environment) such as KDE or GNOME, but that's not part of this guide. :)
5. Resources
Creating and Tweaking xorg.conf
First of all, man xorg.conf provides a quick yet complete reference about the syntax used by the configuration file. Be sure to have it open on a terminal near you when you edit your configuration file!
Also, be sure to look at /etc/X11/xorg.conf.example; you may wish to copy this and use it as a foundation for writing your own xorg.conf.
You may find the X.org FAQ provided on their website, in addition to their other documentation.
There are also many online resources on editing xorg.conf. We only list few of them here, be sure to Google for more. :) As xorg.conf and XF86Config (the configuration file for the XFree86 project) use the same syntax for most configuration options and more information about XF86Config is available, we'll list those resources as well.
Source : http://www.gentoo.org/do

httpd, the Apache HTTP server

2009-06-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

The Apache HTTP Server is a “heavy duty” network server that Subversion can leverage. Via a custom module, httpd makes Subversion repositories available to clients via the WebDAV/DeltaV protocol, which is an extension to HTTP 1.1 (see http://www.webdav.org/ for more information.) This protocol takes the ubiquitous HTTP protocol that is the core of the World Wide Web, and adds writing—specifically, versioned writing—capabilities. The result is a standardized, robust system that is conveniently packaged as part of the Apache 2.0 software, is supported by numerous operating systems and third-party products, and doesn't require network administrators to open up yet another custom port. [22] While an Apache-Subversion server has more features than svnserve, it's also a bit more difficult to set up. With flexibility often comes more complexity.
Much of the following discussion includes references to Apache configuration directives. While some examples are given of the use of these directives, describing them in full is outside the scope of this chapter. The Apache team maintains excellent documentation, publicly available on their website at http://httpd.apache.org. For example, a general reference for the configuration directives is located at http://httpd.apache.org/docs-2.0/mod/directives.html.
Also, as you make changes to your Apache setup, it is likely that somewhere along the way a mistake will be made. If you are not already familiar with Apache's logging subsystem, you should become aware of it. In your httpd.conf file are directives that specify the on-disk locations of the access and error logs generated by Apache (the CustomLog and ErrorLog directives, respectively). Subversion's mod_dav_svn uses Apache's error logging interface as well. You can always browse the contents of those files for information that might reveal the source of a problem that is not clearly noticeable otherwise.
Why Apache 2?
If you're a system administrator, it's very likely that you're already running the Apache web server and have some prior experience with it. At the time of writing, Apache 1.3 is by far the most popular version of Apache. The world has been somewhat slow to upgrade to the Apache 2.X series for various reasons: some people fear change, especially changing something as critical as a web server. Other people depend on plug-in modules that only work against the Apache 1.3 API, and are waiting for a 2.X port. Whatever the reason, many people begin to worry when they first discover that Subversion's Apache module is written specifically for the Apache 2 API.
The proper response to this problem is: don't worry about it. It's easy to run Apache 1.3 and Apache 2 side-by-side; simply install them to separate places, and use Apache 2 as a dedicated Subversion server that runs on a port other than 80. Clients can access the repository by placing the port number into the URL:$ svn checkout http://host.example.com:7382/repos/project
…
Prerequisites
To network your repository over HTTP, you basically need four components, available in two packages. You'll need Apache httpd 2.0, the mod_dav DAV module that comes with it, Subversion, and the mod_dav_svn filesystem provider module distributed with Subversion. Once you have all of those components, the process of networking your repository is as simple as:
getting httpd 2.0 up and running with the mod_dav module,
installing the mod_dav_svn plugin to mod_dav, which uses Subversion's libraries to access the repository, and
configuring your httpd.conf file to export (or expose) the repository.
You can accomplish the first two items either by compiling httpd and Subversion from source code, or by installing pre-built binary packages of them on your system. For the most up-to-date information on how to compile Subversion for use with the Apache HTTP Server, as well as how to compile and configure Apache itself for this purpose, see the INSTALL file in the top level of the Subversion source code tree.
Basic Apache Configuration
Once you have all the necessary components installed on your system, all that remains is the configuration of Apache via its httpd.conf file. Instruct Apache to load the mod_dav_svn module using the LoadModule directive. This directive must precede any other Subversion-related configuration items. If your Apache was installed using the default layout, your mod_dav_svn module should have been installed in the modules subdirectory of the Apache install location (often /usr/local/apache2). The LoadModule directive has a simple syntax, mapping a named module to the location of a shared library on disk:LoadModule dav_svn_module modules/mod_dav_svn.so
Note that if mod_dav was compiled as a shared object (instead of statically linked directly to the httpd binary), you'll need a similar LoadModule statement for it, too. Be sure that it comes before the mod_dav_svn line:LoadModule dav_module modules/mod_dav.so
LoadModule dav_svn_module modules/mod_dav_svn.so
At a later location in your configuration file, you now need to tell Apache where you keep your Subversion repository (or repositories). The Location directive has an XML-like notation, starting with an opening tag, and ending with a closing tag, with various other configuration directives in the middle. The purpose of the Location directive is to instruct Apache to do something special when handling requests that are directed at a given URL or one of its children. In the case of Subversion, you want Apache to simply hand off support for URLs that point at versioned resources to the DAV layer. You can instruct Apache to delegate the handling of all URLs whose path portions (the part of the URL that follows the server's name and the optional port number) begin with /repos/ to a DAV provider whose repository is located at /absolute/path/to/repository using the following httpd.conf syntax:
DAV svn
SVNPath /absolute/path/to/repository

If you plan to support multiple Subversion repositories that will reside in the same parent directory on your local disk, you can use an alternative directive, the SVNParentPath directive, to indicate that common parent directory. For example, if you know you will be creating multiple Subversion repositories in a directory /usr/local/svn that would be accessed via URLs like http://my.server.com/svn/repos1, http://my.server.com/svn/repos2, and so on, you could use the httpd.conf configuration syntax in the following example:
DAV svn
# any "/svn/foo" URL will map to a repository /usr/local/svn/foo
SVNParentPath /usr/local/svn

Using the previous syntax, Apache will delegate the handling of all URLs whose path portions begin with /svn/ to the Subversion DAV provider, which will then assume that any items in the directory specified by the SVNParentPath directive are actually Subversion repositories. This is a particularly convenient syntax in that, unlike the use of the SVNPath directive, you don't have to restart Apache in order to create and network new repositories.
Be sure that when you define your new Location, it doesn't overlap with other exported Locations. For example, if your main DocumentRoot is /www, do not export a Subversion repository in . If a request comes in for the URI /www/repos/foo.c, Apache won't know whether to look for a file repos/foo.c in the DocumentRoot, or whether to delegate mod_dav_svn to return foo.c from the Subversion repository.
Server Names and the COPY Request
Subversion makes use of the COPY request type to perform server-side copies of files and directories. As part of the sanity checking done by the Apache modules, the source of the copy is expected to be located on the same machine as the destination of the copy. To satisfy this requirement, you might need to tell mod_dav the name you use as the hostname of your server. Generally, you can use the ServerName directive in httpd.conf to accomplish this.ServerName svn.example.com
If you are using Apache's virtual hosting support via the NameVirtualHost directive, you may need to use the ServerAlias directive to specify additional names that your server is known by. Again, refer to the Apache documentation for full details.
At this stage, you should strongly consider the question of permissions. If you've been running Apache for some time now as your regular web server, you probably already have a collection of content—web pages, scripts and such. These items have already been configured with a set of permissions that allows them to work with Apache, or more appropriately, that allows Apache to work with those files. Apache, when used as a Subversion server, will also need the correct permissions to read and write to your Subversion repository. (See Servers and Permissions: A Word of Warning.)
You will need to determine a permission system setup that satisfies Subversion's requirements without messing up any previously existing web page or script installations. This might mean changing the permissions on your Subversion repository to match those in use by other things that Apache serves for you, or it could mean using the User and Group directives in httpd.conf to specify that Apache should run as the user and group that owns your Subversion repository. There is no single correct way to set up your permissions, and each administrator will have different reasons for doing things a certain way. Just be aware that permission-related problems are perhaps the most common oversight when configuring a Subversion repository for use with Apache.
Authentication Options
At this point, if you configured httpd.conf to contain something like
DAV svn
SVNParentPath /usr/local/svn

...then your repository is “anonymously” accessible to the world. Until you configure some authentication and authorization policies, the Subversion repositories you make available via the Location directive will be generally accessible to everyone. In other words,
anyone can use their Subversion client to checkout a working copy of a repository URL (or any of its subdirectories),
anyone can interactively browse the repository's latest revision simply by pointing their web browser to the repository URL, and
anyone can commit to the repository.
Basic HTTP Authentication
The easiest way to authenticate a client is via the HTTP Basic authentication mechanism, which simply uses a username and password to verify that a user is who she says she is. Apache provides an htpasswd utility for managing the list of acceptable usernames and passwords, those to whom you wish to grant special access to your Subversion repository. Let's grant commit access to Sally and Harry. First, we need to add them to the password file.$ ### First time: use -c to create the file
$ ### Use -m to use MD5 encryption of the password, which is more secure
$ htpasswd -cm /etc/svn-auth-file harry
New password: *****
Re-type new password: *****
Adding password for user harry
$ htpasswd /etc/svn-auth-file -m sally
New password: *******
Re-type new password: *******
Adding password for user sally
$
Next, you need to add some more httpd.conf directives inside your Location block to tell Apache what to do with your new password file. The AuthType directive specifies the type of authentication system to use. In this case, we want to specify the Basic authentication system. AuthName is an arbitrary name that you give for the authentication domain. Most browsers will display this name in the pop-up dialog box when the browser is querying the user for his name and password. Finally, use the AuthUserFile directive to specify the location of the password file you created using htpasswd.
After adding these three directives, your block should look something like this:
DAV svn
SVNParentPath /usr/local/svn
AuthType Basic
AuthName "Subversion repository"
AuthUserFile /etc/svn-auth-file

This block is not yet complete, and will not do anything useful. It's merely telling Apache that whenever authorization is required, Apache should harvest a username and password from the Subversion client. What's missing here, however, are directives that tell Apache which sorts of client requests require authorization. Wherever authorization is required, Apache will demand authentication as well. The simplest thing to do is protect all requests. Adding Require valid-user tells Apache that all requests require an authenticated user:
DAV svn
SVNParentPath /usr/local/svn
AuthType Basic
AuthName "Subversion repository"
AuthUserFile /etc/svn-auth-file
Require valid-user

Be sure to read the next section (the section called “Authorization Options”) for more detail on the Require directive and other ways to set authorization policies.
One word of warning: HTTP Basic Auth passwords pass in very nearly plain-text over the network, and thus are extremely insecure. If you're worried about password snooping, it may be best to use some sort of SSL encryption, so that clients authenticate via https:// instead of http://; at a bare minimum, you can configure Apache to use a self-signed server certificate. [23] Consult Apache's documentation (and OpenSSL documentation) about how to do that.
SSL Certificate Management
Businesses that need to expose their repositories for access outside the company firewall should be conscious of the possibility that unauthorized parties could be “sniffing” their network traffic. SSL makes that kind of unwanted attention less likely to result in sensitive data leaks.
If a Subversion client is compiled to use OpenSSL, then it gains the ability to speak to an Apache server via https:// URLs. The Neon library used by the Subversion client is not only able to verify server certificates, but can also supply client certificates when challenged. When the client and server have exchanged SSL certificates and successfully authenticated one another, all further communication is encrypted via a session key.
It's beyond the scope of this book to describe how to generate client and server certificates, and how to configure Apache to use them. Many other books, including Apache's own documentation, describe this task. But what can be covered here is how to manage server and client certificates from an ordinary Subversion client.
When speaking to Apache via https://, a Subversion client can receive two different types of information:
a server certificate
a demand for a client certificate
If the client receives a server certificate, it needs to verify that it trusts the certificate: is the server really who it claims to be? The OpenSSL library does this by examining the signer of the server certificate, or certifying authority (CA). If OpenSSL is unable to automatically trust the CA, or if some other problem occurs (such as an expired certificate or hostname mismatch), the Subversion commandline client will ask you whether you want to trust the server certificate anyway:$ svn list https://host.example.com/repos/project
Error validating server certificate for 'https://home.example.com:443':
- The certificate is not issued by a trusted authority. Use the
fingerprint to validate the certificate manually!
Certificate information:
- Hostname: host.example.com
- Valid: from Jan 30 19:23:56 2004 GMT until Jan 30 19:23:56 2006 GMT
- Issuer: CA, example.com, Sometown, California, US
- Fingerprint: 7d:e1:a9:34:33:39:ba:6a:e9:a5:c4:22:98:7b:76:5c:92:a0:9c:7b
(R)eject, accept (t)emporarily or accept (p)ermanently?
This dialogue should look familiar; it's essentially the same question you've probably seen coming from your web browser (which is just another HTTP client like Subversion!). If you choose the (p)ermanent option, the server certificate will be cached in your private run-time auth/ area in just the same way your username and password are cached (see the section called “Client Credentials Caching”.) If cached, Subversion will automatically remember to trust this certificate in future negotiations.
Your run-time servers file also gives you the ability to make your Subversion client automatically trust specific CAs, either globally or on a per-host basis. Simply set the ssl-authority-files variable to a semicolon-separated list of PEM-encoded CA certificates:[global]
ssl-authority-files = /path/to/CAcert1.pem;/path/to/CAcert2.pem
Many OpenSSL installations also have a pre-defined set of “default” CAs that are nearly universally trusted. To make the Subversion client automatically trust these standard authorities, set the ssl-trust-default-ca variable to true.
When talking to Apache, a Subversion client might also receive a challenge for a client certificate. Apache is asking the client to identify itself: is the client really who it says it is? If all goes correctly, the Subversion client sends back a private certificate signed by a CA that Apache trusts. A client certificate is usually stored on disk in encrypted format, protected by a local password. When Subversion receives this challenge, it will ask you for both a path to the certificate and the password which protects it:$ svn list https://host.example.com/repos/project
Authentication realm: https://host.example.com:443
Client certificate filename: /path/to/my/cert.p12
Passphrase for '/path/to/my/cert.p12': ********
…
Notice that the client certificate is a “p12” file. To use a client certificate with Subversion, it must be in PKCS#12 format, which is a portable standard. Most web browsers are already able to import and export certificates in that format. Another option is to use the OpenSSL commandline tools to convert existing certificates into PKCS#12.
Again, the runtime servers file allows you to automate this challenge on a per-host basis. Either or both pieces of information can be described in runtime variables:[groups]
examplehost = host.example.com
[examplehost]
ssl-client-cert-file = /path/to/my/cert.p12
ssl-client-cert-password = somepassword
Once you've set the ssl-client-cert-file and ssl-client-cert-password variables, the Subversion client can automatically respond to a client certificate challenge without prompting you. [24]
Authorization Options
At this point, you've configured authentication, but not authorization. Apache is able to challenge clients and confirm identities, but it has not been told how to allow or restrict access to the clients bearing those identities. This section describes two strategies for controlling access to your repositories.
Blanket Access Control
The simplest form of access control is to authorize certain users for either read-only access to a repository, or read/write access to a repository.
You can restrict access on all repository operations by adding the Require valid-user directive to your block. Using our previous example, this would mean that only clients that claimed to be either harry or sally, and provided the correct password for their respective username, would be allowed to do anything with the Subversion repository:
DAV svn
SVNParentPath /usr/local/svn
# how to authenticate a user
AuthType Basic
AuthName "Subversion repository"
AuthUserFile /path/to/users/file

# only authenticated users may access the repository
Require valid-user

Sometimes you don't need to run such a tight ship. For example, Subversion's own source code repository at http://svn.collab.net/repos/svn allows anyone in the world to perform read-only repository tasks (like checking out working copies and browsing the repository with a web browser), but restricts all write operations to authenticated users. To do this type of selective restriction, you can use the Limit and LimitExcept configuration directives. Like the Location directive, these blocks have starting and ending tags, and you would nest them inside your block.
The parameters present on the Limit and LimitExcept directives are HTTP request types that are affected by that block. For example, if you wanted to disallow all access to your repository except the currently supported read-only operations, you would use the LimitExcept directive, passing the GET, PROPFIND, OPTIONS, and REPORT request type parameters. Then the previously mentioned Require valid-user directive would be placed inside the block instead of just inside the block.
DAV svn
SVNParentPath /usr/local/svn
# how to authenticate a user
AuthType Basic
AuthName "Subversion repository"
AuthUserFile /path/to/users/file
# For any operations other than these, require an authenticated user.

Require valid-user

These are only a few simple examples. For more in-depth information about Apache access control and the Require directive, take a look at the Security section of the Apache documentation's tutorials collection at http://httpd.apache.org/docs-2.0/misc/tutorials.html.
Per-Directory Access Control
It's possible to set up finer-grained permissions using a second Apache httpd module, mod_authz_svn. This module grabs the various opaque URLs passing from client to server, asks mod_dav_svn to decode them, and then possibly vetoes requests based on access policies defined in a configuration file.
If you've built Subversion from source code, mod_authz_svn is automatically built and installed alongside mod_dav_svn. Many binary distributions install it automatically as well. To verify that it's installed correctly, make sure it comes right after mod_dav_svn's LoadModule directive in httpd.conf:LoadModule dav_module modules/mod_dav.so
LoadModule dav_svn_module modules/mod_dav_svn.so
LoadModule authz_svn_module modules/mod_authz_svn.so
To activate this module, you need to configure your Location block to use the AuthzSVNAccessFile directive, which specifies a file containing the permissions policy for paths within your repositories. (In a moment, we'll discuss the format of that file.)
Apache is flexible, so you have the option to configure your block in one of three general patterns. To begin, choose one of these basic configuration patterns. (The examples below are very simple; look at Apache's own documentation for much more detail on Apache authentication and authorization options.)
The simplest block is to allow open access to everyone. In this scenario, Apache never sends authentication challenges, so all users are treated as “anonymous”.

Example 6.1. A sample configuration for anonymous access.
DAV svn
SVNParentPath /usr/local/svn
# our access control policy
AuthzSVNAccessFile /path/to/access/file

On the opposite end of the paranoia scale, you can configure your block to demand authentication from everyone. All clients must supply credentials to identify themselves. Your block unconditionally requires authentication via the Require valid-user directive, and defines a means to authenticate.

Example 6.2. A sample configuration for authenticated access.
DAV svn
SVNParentPath /usr/local/svn

# our access control policy
AuthzSVNAccessFile /path/to/access/file

# only authenticated users may access the repository
Require valid-user

# how to authenticate a user
AuthType Basic
AuthName "Subversion repository"
AuthUserFile /path/to/users/file

A third very popular pattern is to allow a combination of authenticated and anonymous access. For example, many administrators want to allow anonymous users to read certain repository directories, but want only authenticated users to read (or write) more sensitive areas. In this setup, all users start out accessing the repository anonymously. If your access control policy demands a real username at any point, Apache will demand authentication from the client. To do this, you use both the Satisfy Any and Require valid-user directives together.

Example 6.3. A sample configuration for mixed authenticated/anonymous access.
DAV svn
SVNParentPath /usr/local/svn

# our access control policy
AuthzSVNAccessFile /path/to/access/file

# try anonymous access first, resort to real
# authentication if necessary.
Satisfy Any
Require valid-user

# how to authenticate a user
AuthType Basic
AuthName "Subversion repository"
AuthUserFile /path/to/users/file

Once your basic Location block is configured, you can create an access file and define some authorization rules in it.
The syntax of the access file is the same familiar one used by svnserve.conf and the runtime configuration files. Lines that start with a hash (#) are ignored. In its simplest form, each section names a repository and path within it, and the authenticated usernames are the option names within each section. The value of each option describes the user's level of access to the repository path: either r (read-only) or rw (read-write). If the user is not mentioned at all, no access is allowed.
To be more specific: the value of the section-names are either of the form [repos-name:path] or the form [path]. If you're using the SVNParentPath directive, then it's important to specify the repository names in your sections. If you omit them, then a section like [/some/dir] will match the path /some/dir in every repository. If you're using the SVNPath directive, however, then it's fine to only define paths in your sections—after all, there's only one repository.[calc:/branches/calc/bug-142]
harry = rw
sally = r
In this first example, the user harry has full read and write access on the /branches/calc/bug-142 directory in the calc repository, but the user sally has read-only access. Any other users are blocked from accessing this directory.
Of course, permissions are inherited from parent to child directory. That means that we can specify a subdirectory with a different access policy for Sally:[calc:/branches/calc/bug-142]
harry = rw
sally = r
# give sally write access only to the 'testing' subdir
[calc:/branches/calc/bug-142/testing]
sally = rw
Now Sally can write to the testing subdirectory of the branch, but can still only read other parts. Harry, meanwhile, continues to have complete read-write access to the whole branch.
It's also possible to explicitly deny permission to someone via inheritance rules, by setting the username variable to nothing:[calc:/branches/calc/bug-142]
harry = rw
sally = r
[calc:/branches/calc/bug-142/secret]
harry =
In this example, Harry has read-write access to the entire bug-142 tree, but has absolutely no access at all to the secret subdirectory within it.
The thing to remember is that the most specific path always matches first. The mod_authz_svn module tries to match the path itself, and then the parent of the path, then the parent of that, and so on. The net effect is that mentioning a specific path in the accessfile will always override any permissions inherited from parent directories.
By default, nobody has any access to the repository at all. That means that if you're starting with an empty file, you'll probably want to give at least read permission to all users at the root of the repository. You can do this by using the asterisk variable (*), which means “all users”:[/]
* = r
This is a common setup; notice that there's no repository name mentioned in the section name. This makes all repositories world readable to all users, whether you're using SVNPath or SVNParentPath. Once all users have read-access to the repositories, you can give explicit rw permission to certain users on specific subdirectories within specific repositories.
The asterisk variable (*) is also worth special mention here: it's the only pattern which matches an anonymous user. If you've configured your Location block to allow a mixture of anonymous and authenticated access, all users start out accessing Apache anonymously. mod_authz_svn looks for a * value defined for the path being accessed; if it can't find one, then Apache demands real authentication from the client.
The access file also allows you to define whole groups of users, much like the Unix /etc/group file:[groups]
calc-developers = harry, sally, joe
paint-developers = frank, sally, jane
everyone = harry, sally, joe, frank, sally, jane
Groups can be granted access control just like users. Distinguish them with an “at” (@) prefix:[calc:/projects/calc]
@calc-developers = rw
[paint:/projects/paint]
@paint-developers = rw
jane = r
Source : http://svnbook.red-bean.com
...and that's pretty much all there is to it.

Local Authentication for HTTP Server

2009-06-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sample Configuration: Local Authentication for HTTP Server Users

Local Authentication with Cisco IOS Software Release 11.2
!--- This is the part of the configuration related to local authentication.
!
aaa new-model
aaa authentication login default local
aaa authorization exec local
username one privilege 15 password one
username three password three
username four privilege 7 password four
ip http server
ip http authentication aaa
!
!--- Example of command moved from level 15 (enable) to level 7
!
privilege exec level 7 clear line
Local Authentication with Cisco IOS Software Releases 11.3.3.T or later
!--- This is the part of the configuration related to local authentication.
!
aaa new-model
aaa authentication login default local
aaa authorization exec default local
username one privilege 15 password one
username three password three
username four privilege 7 password four
ip http server
ip http authentication local
!
!--- Example of command moved from level 15 (enable) to level 7
!
privilege exec level 7 clear line.
Configuring TACACS+ Authentication for HTTP Server Users

Authentication with Cisco IOS Software Release 11.2
aaa new-model
aaa authentication login default tacacs+
aaa authorization exec tacacs+
ip http server
ip http authentication aaa
tacacs-server host 171.68.118.101
tacacs-server key cisco
!--- Example of command moved from level 15 (enable) to level 7
privilege exec level 7 clear line
Authentication with Cisco IOS Software Releases 11.3.3.T to 12.0.5.T
aaa new-model
aaa authentication login default tacacs+
aaa authorization exec default tacacs
ip http server
ip http authentication aaatacacs
tacacs-server host 171.68.118.101
tacacs-server key cisco
!--- Example of command moved from level 15 (enable) to level 7
privilege exec level 7 clear line
Authentication with Cisco IOS Software Releases 12.0.5.T and Later
aaa new-model
aaa authentication login default group tacacs+
aaa authorization exec default group tacacs+
ip http server
ip http authentication aaa
tacacs-server host 171.68.118.101
tacacs-server key cisco
!--- Example of command moved from level 15 (enable) to level 7
privilege exec level 7 clear line
Source : http://www.cisco.com

SQL Server 2005

2009-06-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

How to configure SQL Server 2005 to allow remote connections
To enable remote connections on the instance of SQL Server 2005 and to turn on the SQL Server Browser service, use the SQL Server 2005 Surface Area Configuration tool. The Surface Area Configuration tool is installed when you install SQL Server 2005.
Enable remote connections for SQL Server 2005 Express or SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition
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You must enable remote connections for each instance of SQL Server 2005 that you want to connect to from a remote computer. To do this, follow these steps:
Click Start, point to Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server 2005, point to Configuration Tools, and then click SQL Server Surface Area Configuration.
On the SQL Server 2005 Surface Area Configuration page, click Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections.
On the Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections page, expand Database Engine, click Remote Connections, click Local and remote connections, click the appropriate protocol to enable for your environment, and then click Apply. Note Click OK when you receive the following message:
Changes to Connection Settings will not take effect until you restart the Database Engine service.
On the Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections page, expand Database Engine, click Service, click Stop, wait until the MSSQLSERVER service stops, and then click Start to restart the MSSQLSERVER service.
Enable the SQL Server Browser service
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If you are running SQL Server 2005 by using an instance name and you are not using a specific TCP/IP port number in your connection string, you must enable the SQL Server Browser service to allow for remote connections. For example, SQL Server 2005 Express is installed with a default instance name of Computer Name\SQLEXPRESS. You are only required to enable the SQL Server Browser service one time, regardless of how many instances of SQL Server 2005 you are running. To enable the SQL Server Browser service, follow these steps.Important These steps may increase your security risk. These steps may also make your computer or your network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We recommend the process that this article describes to enable programs to operate as they are designed to, or to implement specific program capabilities. Before you make these changes, we recommend that you evaluate the risks that are associated with implementing this process in your particular environment. If you choose to implement this process, take any appropriate additional steps to help protect your system. We recommend that you use this process only if you really require this process.
Click Start, point to Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server 2005, point to Configuration Tools, and then click SQL Server Surface Area Configuration.
On the SQL Server 2005 Surface Area Configuration page, click Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections.
On the Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections page, click SQL Server Browser, click Automatic for Startup type, and then click Apply. Note When you click the Automatic option, the SQL Server Browser service starts automatically every time that you start Microsoft Windows.
Click Start, and then click OK.Note When you run the SQL Server Browser service on a computer, the computer displays the instance names and the connection information for each instance of SQL Server that is running on the computer. This risk can be reduced by not enabling the SQL Server Browser service and by connecting to the instance of SQL Server directly through an assigned TCP port. Connecting directly to an instance of SQL Server through a TCP port is beyond the scope of this article. For more information about the SQL Server Browser server and connecting to an instance of SQL Server, see the following topics in SQL Server Books Online:
SQL Server Browser Service
Connecting to the SQL Server Database Engine
Client Network Configuration
Create exceptions in Windows Firewall
loadTOCNode(2, 'moreinformation');

These steps apply to the version of Windows Firewall that is included in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and in Windows Server 2003. If you are using a different firewall system, see your firewall documentation for more information. If you are running a firewall on the computer that is running SQL Server 2005, external connections to SQL Server 2005 will be blocked unless SQL Server 2005 and the SQL Server Browser service can communicate through the firewall. You must create an exception for each instance of SQL Server 2005 that you want to accept remote connections and an exception for the SQL Server Browser service.SQL Server 2005 uses an instance ID as part of the path when you install its program files. To create an exception for each instance of SQL Server, you must identify the correct instance ID. To obtain an instance ID, follow these steps:
Click Start, point to Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server 2005, point to Configuration Tools, and then click SQL Server Configuration Manager.
In SQL Server Configuration Manager, click the SQL Server Browser service in the right pane, right-click the instance name in the main window, and then click Properties.
On the SQL Server Browser Properties page, click the Advanced tab, locate the instance ID in the property list, and then click OK. To open Windows Firewall, click Start, click Run, type firewall.cpl, and then click OK.
Create an exception for SQL Server 2005 in Windows Firewall
loadTOCNode(3, 'moreinformation');

To create an exception for SQL Server 2005 in Windows Firewall, follow these steps:
In Windows Firewall, click the Exceptions tab, and then click Add Program.
In the Add a Program window, click Browse.
Click the C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Binn\sqlservr.exe executable program, click Open, and then click OK. Note The path may be different depending on where SQL Server 2005 is installed. MSSQL.1 is a placeholder for the instance ID that you obtained in step 3 of the previous procedure.
Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each instance of SQL Server 2005 that needs an exception.
Create an exception for the SQL Server Browser service in Windows Firewall
loadTOCNode(3, 'moreinformation');

To create an exception for the SQL Server Browser service in Windows Firewall, follow these steps:
In Windows Firewall, click the Exceptions tab, and then click Add Program.
In the Add a Program window, click Browse.
Click the C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Shared\sqlbrowser.exe executable program, click Open, and then click OK. Note The path may be different depending on where SQL Server 2005 is installed.
Source :http://www.support.microsoft.com

Windows Small Business Server 2003

2009-06-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Windows Small Business Server 2003 Solution Center
Download details - Windows Small Business Server 2003
MS05-051: Vulnerabilities in MS DTC and COM+ could allow remote code executionDiscusses security bulletin MS05-051. The security update that this bulletin discusses resolves a vulnerability where an attacker who successfully exploited the most severe of these vulnerabilities could take complete control of an affected system.
Heap Algorithm Update for Atypically Large Heap RequestsThis fix in the Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Windows Server 2003 heap algorithm was released to better handle a particular atypical and uncommon sequence of heap requests by a private, internally developed program that is not commercially...
Computer Does Not Shut Down and You Receive a "System Could Not Find the Environment Option That Was Entered" Error Message When You Schedule a Shutdown Task by Using the AT CommandWhen you schedule your computer to shut down by using the Shutdown.exe command-line utility with the at command, the computer does not shut down. When the scheduled shutdown task starts, you may receive the following error message:
Troubleshooting - Windows Small Business Server 2003
"16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem" error message when you run an MS-DOS or 16-Bit Windows program in Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 ServerExplains that you may receive a "16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem" error message when you run an MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows program in Windows Server 2003 or in Windows 2000 Server if the Autoexec.nt, Config.nt, or Command.com files are corrupted.
BUG: "Com.ms.wfc.core.WFCException" Error Message When You Load a Data Form That You Generated By Using Data Form WizardThe error occurs after you add a data form to a Visual J++ application on a computer running Windows Server 2003.
In Windows Explorer, you cannot copy a file that contains extended attributes from an NTFS volume to a FAT volume on a Windows Vista-based computerFixes an issue that occurs on a Windows Vista-based computer. Specifically, you cannot copy a file that has extended attributes from an NTFS volume to a FAT volume in Windows Explorer.
Source : www.support.cmicrosoft.com

Exchange Server 2003

2009-06-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

How to configure Exchange Server 2003 so that users can log on to OWA without entering a domain name
This article describes how to configure Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 so that users can log on to Microsoft Outlook Web Access without entering a domain name.
When users try to log on to Outlook Web Access, they receive a logon dialog box that requires them to enter a user name and a password. By default, the user name should be entered in the following format in the Exchange Server 2003 logon dialog box:
Domain Name\User NameHowever, if you have users who are from different domains and who access Outlook Web Access, you may want to configure Exchange Server 2003 so that users can access Outlook Web Access without entering the domain name.Important
If you configure Exchange Server 2003 to accept a logon to Outlook Web Access without the domain name, this behavior is implemented by similar entries that are automatically made in Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) for the Microsoft Exchange Web site. If you configure Exchange Server 2003 to accept logons to Outlook Web Access without the domain name, the LookupAccountName function in IIS will first verify the local domain for the user account name. Then, the other domains in the forest are verified until the LookupAccountName function finds a matching account name. When a matching account name is found for the user, the password is verified. If the password that the user entered in the logon dialog box does not match the password in Active Directory directory services, the logon is rejected. Therefore, you must make sure that you have unique user names across all domains if the following conditions are true:
You have users from multiple domains who access Outlook Web Access.
You configure Exchange Server 2003 so that users do not have to enter a domain name when they log on to Outlook Web Access.
Basic Authentication is less secure than Integrated Windows authentication. If you configure Exchange 2003 to accept logons to Outlook Web Access without the domain name, we recommend that you use Basic Authentication with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to help make your environment more secure. For more information about how to configure SSL, visit the "Reference" section.To configure Exchange Server 2003 so that users can log on to Outlook Web Access without a domain name, the following conditions must be true:
The Microsoft Exchange server must be running Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1).
If Windows Server 2003 SP1 is not installed, you must have the hotfix that is in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article installed on the Exchange server.
827991 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827991/ ) "HTTP error 401.1 - Unauthorized: Access is denied due to invalid credentials" error message if the Basic
The Exchange virtual directory must be configured to accept only Basic Authentication.To enable Outlook Web Access to accept user logons without the domain name, follow these steps on all Microsoft Exchange servers including front-end and back-end servers:
Start Exchange System Manager.
Expand Administrative Groups, expand Administrative_Group_Name, and then expand Servers.
Expand Your_Server_Name, expand Protocols, and then expand HTTP.
Expand Exchange Virtual Server, right-click Exchange, and then click Properties.
Click the Access tab, and then click Authentication.
Click to select the Basic authentication (password is sent in clear text) check box.
Click to clear all other check boxes.
In the Default domain box, type a backslash to replace the domain name that is already entered in the box.
Click OK two times.
Right-click Public, and then click Properties.
Click the Access tab, and then click Authentication.
Click to select the Basic authentication (password is sent in clear text) check box.
Click to clear all other check boxes.
In the Default domain box, type a backslash to replace the domain name that is already entered in the box.
Click OK two times.
Quit Exchange System Manager. Note If this Exchange Server 2003 server is a single server (there is no front-end server), and if you are using Exchange ActiveSync, configure the Exchange ActiveSync clients to synchronize with the Exchange Server 2003 server after you make these changes. To do this, follow Method 2 in the “Resolution” section in the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
817379 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/817379/ ) Exchange ActiveSync and Outlook Mobile Access errors occur when SSL or forms-based authentication is required for Exchange Server 2003
Source : www.support.microsoft.com

Configuration of ISA Server 2004,2006

2009-06-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

How to configure ISA Server 2006, ISA Server 2004, or Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway, Medium Business Edition, to allow for RPC over HTTP client connections from Outlook 2003 to Exchange Server 2003
This step-by-step article describes how to configure Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006, ISA Server 2004, or Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway, Medium Business Edition, so that Remote Procedure Call (RPC) over HTTP client connections can pass from Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. The RPC over HTTP feature makes it possible for remote client computers that are running Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1, or later versions of Microsoft Windows, to connect to an Exchange server without the need for a virtual private network (VPN) connection. You can configure the RPC over HTTP traffic to be sent through an ISA Server-based or Forefront Threat Management Gateway-based computer on your network by creating a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Web Publishing rule on the ISA Server-based computer.Note You must confirm that RPC over HTTP traffic is functioning correctly on the Exchange server before you configure RPC over HTTP traffic to pass through the ISA Server-based computer. For more information about how to deploy Exchange Server 2003 RPC over HTTP, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
840255 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/840255/ ) The "Exchange Server 2003 RPC over HTTP deployment scenarios" guide is available
833401 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/833401/ ) How to configure RPC over HTTP in Exchange Server 2003
827330 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827330/ ) How to troubleshoot client RPC over HTTP connection issues in Office Outlook 2003 For more information about Exchange Server 2003 RPC over HTTP, visit the following Microsoft Web sites:
Exchange Server 2003 RPC over HTTP Deployment Scenarios
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=f7d2d6e5-579f-4779-a6b8-7ef931ec02a5&DisplayLang=en (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=f7d2d6e5-579f-4779-a6b8-7ef931ec02a5&DisplayLang=en)
Remote Procedure Calls Using RPC over HTTP
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa375384.aspx (http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa375384.aspx)
Configuring Outlook 2003 for RPC Over HTTP
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ork2003/HA011402731033.aspx
Source : http://support.microsoft.com

M Series features

2009-06-16T23:50:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www..ibm.com

AMD Phenom™ X3 8450 Processor

2009-06-16T23:43:00.000-07:00

Sourcr : http://selection.lenovo.co.uk/

ThinkCentre A62 Tower with AMD Athlon™ X2 SCA71UK AMD Athlon™ X2 Dual-Core 5400B AM2 Processor

2009-06-16T23:38:00.000-07:00

Source : http:///selection.lenovo.co.uk

Acer Aspire SA90 Desktop PC, Intel Celeron E2160 Dual Core, 1GB RAM, 250GB HDD

2009-06-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

Source :http://www.amazon.co.uk

HP Pavilion p6011uk Desktop with Intel Pentium Processor E2220, 3 GB RAM, 320 GB 3G HDD, Ethernet, DVD writer, ATI Radeon HD 4350, Lightscribe

2009-06-16T23:22:00.000-07:00

Source :http://www.azmaon.co.uk

Compaq CQ2100UK Desktop with Intel Atom 230 processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB HDD, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950

2009-06-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.amazon.co.uk/

Mac mini Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz/1GB/120GB/GeForce 9400M/SD

2009-06-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

Source : www.amazon.com

Zoostorm Core 2 Quad Q8300 2.5ghz Quad Core Vista Premium Pc,640gb Hdd,4gb Ram,512mb 9800GT Graphics Card,dvdrw

2009-06-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.amazon.com

Acer Aspire Revo R3600 Desktop PC (Intel Atom N230 1.6 Ghz, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB HDD, Vista Home Premium)

2009-06-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

Sourc : http://www.amazon.co.uk

Microsoft and Yahoo re-enter talks

2009-06-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

The announcement comes just days after billionaire investor Carl Icahn launched a proxy fight to unseat Yahoo's current board at the Internet search pioneer's upcoming July 3 annual shareholders meeting.
Icahn, a large Yahoo stakeholder, aimed to pressure the search company to restart talks with Microsoft, after the software giant withdrew its unsolicited buyout bid of $33 a share on May 3.
While Microsoft has repeatedly said it has "moved on" after withdrawing its Yahoo bid, the software giant still faced the issue of how it would bolster its Internet business to compete against its archrival Google. And Yahoo--which, sources told News.com, considered the ball to be in Microsoft's court since it was the one to walk away from the deal--faced the ire of its major shareholders after those deal talks failed.
"Microsoft is considering and has raised with Yahoo an alternative that would involve a transaction with Yahoo but not an acquisition of all of Yahoo," Microsoft said in a statement.
"Microsoft is not proposing to make a new bid to acquire all of Yahoo at this time, but reserves the right to reconsider that alternative depending on future developments and discussions that may take place with Yahoo or discussions with shareholders of Yahoo or Microsoft or with other third parties," the software giant stated.
There is no guarantee, Microsoft was careful to say, that anything may come from these discussions. The company declined to comment beyond what it issued in its statement, a Microsoft spokesman said.
The Google factorBut according to reports in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, Microsoft proposed an arrangement in which Microsoft would sell advertisements that would be displayed next to Yahoo search results, in an effort to fight back competition from Google.
Yahoo, meanwhile, kept a poker face in issuing its response to Microsoft's Sunday announcement.
"Yahoo has confirmed with Microsoft that it is not interested in pursuing an acquisition of all of Yahoo at this time. Yahoo and its Board of Directors continue to consider a number of value maximizing strategic alternatives for Yahoo, and we remain open to pursuing any transaction which is in the best interest of our stockholders," Yahoo said in a statement.
The Internet search pioneer added: "Yahoo's Board of Directors will evaluate each of our alternatives, including any Microsoft proposal, consistent with its fiduciary duties, with a focus on maximizing stockholder value."
The timing of Microsoft's proposal comes as Yahoo is gearing up to announce a transaction with Google, as early as next week, which calls for Yahoo to use Google search ads.
Such a deal has weighed heavily on Microsoft, which stated it when it withdrew its buyout bid that it would forgo a hostile bid for Yahoo in hopes it would not prompt the Internet search pioneer to go running into the arms of Google.
One scenario worth keeping an eye on is whether Yahoo moves forward with its Google partnership. If Yahoo hooks up with Google, Microsoft at that point may consider it has nothing to lose by bolstering Icahn's proxy fight by making a new bid and taking it directly to Yahoo shareholders. That move would give Icahn's proxy fight real teeth, in that investors know that if they vote for Icahn's slate, they would in essence be voting for a merger of the companies.
To reiterate Microsoft's statement Sunday: "Microsoft is not proposing to make a new bid to acquire all of Yahoo at this time, but reserves the right to reconsider that alternative depending on future developments and discussions that may take place with Yahoo! or discussions with shareholders of Yahoo."
Eye on IcahnDespite these recent developments in resuming talks between the companies, Icahn and Microsoft have had no contact, according to people familiar with the talks.
Icahn, according to a Reuters report, may find anything less than an outright buyout not acceptable.
"He does not want to see Yahoo pushed into some joint venture with Microsoft and is not going to be used to push Yahoo into it," according to Reuters, which cited a source familiar with Icahn's thinking. "The best thing for Yahoo shareholders is for Microsoft to buy Yahoo...If not, Icahn would ally with Yahoo in doing a deal with Google over Microsoft."
If Microsoft and Yahoo strike a deal, Microsoft would most likely be interested in Yahoo's search and advertising offerings, given that is where the Redmond giant has struggled to take the lead.
In addressing the software giant's statement regarding Yahoo and its future plans, Kevin Johnson, Windows and Windows Live chief, said Sunday in a letter to employees:
Regardless of the outcome of any new discussions, it is important that we continue to move forward to strengthen our online services business. The fact is that we are not where we want to be in this business yet and we've been in this position longer than we'd all like. To that end, we will be accelerating elements of our core strategy, and breaking ground in new areas."
Microsoft's search strategy, as previously reported by News.com's Ina Fried, will be unveiled Wednesday during its annual advertising conference, advance 08. That strategy includes expanding its capabilities in new types of vertical search and improvements in overall relevance of search queries. For example, Microsoft will beef up its shopping-specific search tools and is making improvements to its algorithmic search.
Source : http://news.cnet.com

Icahn launches Yahoo proxy fight, may boost stake by $2.5 billion

2009-06-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

Billionaire shareholder activist Carl Icahn on Thursday formally announced that he is launching a proxy fight and has formed a 10-member slate in an effort to unseat Yahoo's current board at the company's annual shareholders meeting on July 3.
Icahn, who stated he has acquired roughly 59 million shares of Yahoo, has also sought antitrust clearance from the Federal Trade Commission to acquire up to another $2.5 billion in Yahoo shares.

Carl Icahn: Yahoo's board 'acted irrationally' in rejected Microsoft's offer of $33 per share.(Credit: CNET Networks)

Microsoft earlier this month walked away from its multibillion-dollar bid to buy Yahoo when the two companies failed to come to agreement over the purchase price.
Icahn has been making his mark in the tech industry of late, most notably in the last year or so with his actions regarding Motorola and BEA Systems. Over the past 13 years, he's logged more wins than losses in his proxy fights, according to FactSet SharkWatch.Here is a copy of Icahn's letter to Yahoo Chairman Roy Bostock:

Roy BostockChairmanYahoo! Inc.701 First AvenueSunnyvale, CA 94089
Dear Mr. Bostock:
It is clear to me that the board of directors of Yahoo has acted irrationally and lost the faith of shareholders and Microsoft. It is quite obvious that Microsoft's bid of $33 per share is a superior alternative to Yahoo's prospects on a standalone basis. I am perplexed by the board's actions. It is irresponsible to hide behind management's more than overly optimistic financial forecasts. It is unconscionable that you have not allowed your shareholders to choose to accept an offer that represented a 72% premium over Yahoo's closing price of $19.18 on the day before the initial Microsoft offer. I and many of your shareholders strongly believe that a combination between Yahoo and Microsoft would form a dynamic company and more importantly would be a force strong enough to compete with Google on the Internet.
During the past week, a number of shareholders have asked me to lead a proxy fight to attempt to remove the current board and to establish a new board which would attempt to negotiate a successful merger with Microsoft, something that in my opinion the current board has completely botched. I believe that a combination between Microsoft and Yahoo is by far the most sensible path for both companies. I have therefore taken the following actions: (1) during the last 10 days, I have purchased approximately 59 million shares and share-equivalents of Yahoo; (2) I have formed a 10-person slate which will stand for election against the current board; and (3) I have sought antitrust clearance from the Federal Trade Commission to acquire up to approximately $2.5 billion worth of Yahoo stock. The biographies of the members of our slate are attached to this letter. A more formal notification is being delivered today to Yahoo under separate cover.
While it is my understanding that you do not intend to enter into any transaction that would impede a Microsoft-Yahoo merger, I am concerned that in several recent press releases you stated that you intend to pursue certain "strategic alternatives". I therefore hope and trust that if there is any question that these "strategic alternatives" might in any way impede a future Microsoft merger you will at the very least allow shareholders to opine on them before embarking on such a transaction.
I sincerely hope you heed the wishes of your shareholders and move expeditiously to negotiate a merger with Microsoft, thereby making a proxy fight unnecessary.
Sincerely yours,
CARL C. ICAHN
Source :http://news.cnet.com

Microsoft pulls its Yahoo offer

2009-06-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

Update 5 p.m. PDT: Microsoft has made its move official. Click here for the story and here for the text of a letter Ballmer sent to Yang.
Microsoft is withdrawing its offer for Yahoo after talks between the two companies broke down on Saturday, a source told CNET News.com.
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Microsoft hiked its offer to $33 a share, but Yahoo was holding out for $37 a share, the source said. The two sides met face to face again Saturday, but remained far apart.
Although price was a key issue, Microsoft also had strategic concerns and saw it as unlikely to achieve a friendly integration process. According to a source close to Microsoft, Yahoo founder and CEO Jerry Yang had "unrealistic expectations."
Microsoft made its $31 a share cash and stock offer on February 1. Yahoo rejected the bid as undervaluing the company, and the two sides had only the most basic of negotiations until Microsoft set a three-week deadline last month. Negotiations heated up on Friday, but the two sides remained far apart.
The move leaves both companies in a tenuous spot. Although Microsoft has said it has a strategy to take on Google without Yahoo, Yahoo represented the biggest opportunity for Microsoft to gain scale against its rival, which has a much larger Internet advertising business.
Yahoo, meanwhile, has had talks with AOL and Google, but it is unclear whether deals with either would produce the kind of immediate return for shareholders that a Microsoft deal would offer.
Microsoft is expected to announce its move publicly shortly, according to the source.
Source : http://news.cnet.com

Ballmer's letter to Yahoo board: 'Now is the time'

2009-06-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer offers a power stare.(Credit: Dan Farber/CNET News.com)

April 5, 2008Board of DirectorsYahoo! Inc. 701 First AvenueSunnyvale, CA 94089
Dear Members of the Board:
It has now been more than two months since we made our proposal to acquire Yahoo! at a 62 percent premium to its closing price on January 31, 2008, the day prior to our announcement. Our goal in making such a generous offer was to create the basis for a speedy and ultimately friendly transaction. Despite this, the pace of the last two months has been anything but speedy.
While there has been some limited interaction between management of our two companies, there has been no meaningful negotiation to conclude an agreement. We understand that you have been meeting to consider and assess your alternatives, including alternative transactions with others in the industry, but we've seen no indication that you have authorized Yahoo! management to negotiate with Microsoft. This is despite the fact that our proposal is the only alternative put forward that offers your shareholders full and fair value for their shares, gives every shareholder a vote on the future of the company, and enhances choice for content creators, advertisers, and consumers.
During these two months of inactivity, the Internet has continued to march on, while the public equity markets and overall economic conditions have weakened considerably, both in general and for other Internet-focused companies in particular. At the same time, public indicators suggest that Yahoo!'s search and page view shares have declined. Finally, you have adopted new plans at the company that have made any change of control more costly.

Full coverageMicrosoft's big bid for Yahoo :

By any fair measure, the large premium we offered in January is even more significant today. We believe that the majority of your shareholders share this assessment, even after reviewing your public disclosures relating to your future prospects.
Given these developments, we believe now is the time for our respective companies to authorize teams to sit down and negotiate a definitive agreement on a combination of our companies that will deliver superior value to our respective shareholders, creating a more efficient and competitive company that will provide greater value and service to our customers. If we have not concluded an agreement within the next three weeks, we will be compelled to take our case directly to your shareholders, including the initiation of a proxy contest to elect an alternative slate of directors for the Yahoo! board. The substantial premium reflected in our initial proposal anticipated a friendly transaction with you. If we are forced to take an offer directly to your shareholders, that action will have an undesirable impact on the value of your company from our perspective which will be reflected in the terms of our proposal.
It is unfortunate that by choosing not to enter into substantive negotiations with us, you have failed to give due consideration to a transaction that has tremendous benefits for Yahoo!'s shareholders and employees. We think it is critically important not to let this window of opportunity pass.
Sincerely,
Steven A. BallmerChief Executive OfficeMicrosoft Corp.

Source : http://news.cnet.com/newsblog

Yahoo slams door on '08, throws away key

2009-06-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

By all accounts, it's been a hellish year for Yahoo and its CEO Jerry Yang.
A battle over the Microsoft buyout bid, a proxy fight with billionaire investor Carl Icahn, a game of chicken with antitrust regulators, and finally, a search for a new CEO, have all left Yahoo and Yang ready to tell Father Time goodnight.
What a year it's been for Yahoo. The company took center stage in the technology sector, grabbing headlines left and right with each twist and turn in its various battles.
The drama began in February when Microsoft announced its unsolicited buyout bid valued at $31 a share, or $44.6 billion. That quickly drove Yahoo's share price from its slumbering $19 range to as high as $30.25, as investors began frothing at the mouth.
But Yahoo issued a public rejection two weeks later, saying the deal undervalued the company. For the next six weeks, various members of Yahoo's management team talked with Microsoft execs, but never in a formalized fashion.
Frustrated by the lack of progress with the talks, and aware Yahoo was out seeking a white knight, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer sent a letter to Yahoo's board with an ultimatum--do the deal within a three-week deadline, or face a proxy fight, a possible lowering of the offer, or an abandonment of the deal.
That deadline came and went with no response from Yahoo. In the following days, the parties set up their now infamous meeting, where Yang and co-founder David Filo met with Ballmer and crew.

Photo collage credit: Dan F arber/CNET News

The Microhoo drama played out in real life and in our imagination.
There at the meeting, Ballmer upped the buyout price to $33 a share, to which Yang countered with $37 a share and also a threat that Yahoo would initiate a search advertising deal with Google if Microsoft waged a proxy fight. That negotiation session was the last between the companies for a full buyout of Yahoo.
With that deal kaput, Yahoo shareholder activist Carl Icahn entered the picture less than two weeks later, announcing his proxy fight to unseat Yahoo's current board. Icahn, as well as a number of other large Yahoo investors, were fuming that the deal had been lost and were ready to charge like raging bulls.
Several days later, Microsoft re-emerged on the scene with an offer to acquire just Yahoo's search business. That deal, however, was rejected.
By mid-June, Yahoo announced that Microsoft was no longer interested in acquiring the company and that it would, instead, partner with rival Google on search advertising. Yahoo's stock took a hit on the news.
A month later, Microsoft teamed up with Icahn to again make a partial bid for just Yahoo's search business. That deal, too, was shot down.
In the backdrop of the drama, Yahoo's shareholder meeting date was fast approaching and would give Icahn a chance to try to unseat Yahoo's existing board and convince shareholders to elect his slate. But before it got to that point, Icahn and Yahoo reached a settlement that called for Icahn and two of the members from his dissident slate to join Yahoo's board of directors.
Yahoo was able to avert the Icahn crisis. But as that wound down, another fight was brewing on the antitrust front. The U.S. Department of Justice decided to investigate Yahoo's search advertising deal with Google, which had been put on hold until regulators could determine whether it would violate antitrust laws. Yahoo's ad customers, via the Association of National Advertisers, had also weighed in with the DOJ to oppose the deal.
After numerous meetings and various proposals to change the agreement, Yahoo and Google ultimately walked away from the deal when the DOJ informed the companies in early November it would file a lawsuit to block the partnership from going forward.
Yahoo's plans to generate as much as $800 million in revenues from Google in the first year of the partnership disappeared with the deal.
Less than two weeks later--in mid-November--Yahoo announced that Yang will step down as CEO as soon a replacement is found. The co-founder of the Internet search pioneer, however, will remain on the company's board and resume his title as "Chief Yahoo."
And so 2008 ends on a "no" note: no Microsoft deal, no Google deal, and soon, no CEO with the last name of Yang.

XP Professional SP2

2009-06-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

XP Professional SP2
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Our Reviews :
This version of Windows XP is designed for business use and has the tools needed to be installed on a network. Vista includes several business versions previously unavailable in XP Pro. Vista includes an Enterprise edition for large operations with international business and a Business version for small companies on smaller networks. The Vista Ultimate version includes the Media Center and all versions include tablet and sideshow abilities as well as enhanced networking ability and a high level of security.
Windows XP Pro supports remote access, roaming user profiles and remote desktops, so it is well suited to laptops and business travel. Since this is one of Microsoft’s most popular products they provide online and live training, webcasts, podcasts, certification and much more.
XP Professional can also perform basic functions like play DVDs, manage images, run popular software and sync to portable devices easily. It basically does everything XP Home does with additional networking, security and administration tools.
Home and Office Use:Since this OS does everything XP Home does, it will perform all basic home use functions; however, it costs more than the Home version.
This program is intended for office/business use. It can be installed on a network and supports centralized administration. It can run all popular office programs like Microsoft Office, Quickbooks, PeachTree, Outlook, FrontPage, Dreamweaver, Adobe programs and any other software intended for PCs. XP Pro can also support older programs that you may still like to use that were designed for previously released operating systems.
XP Pro is available in 25 localized versions and can display and edit hundreds of languages including those that employ Unicode fonts. They also offer a Windows XP Multilingual User Interface Pack, which is an add–on to the English version that allows users to switch the language of the interface.
Multimedia:
This OS is not intended for entertainment; however, it can perform basic functions like play Internet radio, play/burn DVDs and CDs and can manage images.
Security:
Besides Vista, this OS provides more security options than any other Microsoft OS. It has the basics like a firewall, pop–up blockers, antispyware, cookie management and antivirus software. You can also create safe lists so the pages you want to access are not blocked or you can block downloads from specific sites. Additionally, updates are available frequently to combat newly created viruses, phishing endeavors, spyware, scripts and adware.
For Internet exchanges they employ protocols they call Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) and Kerberos V5 Authentication. IPSec checks for appropriate security levels before computers communicate and Kerberos V5 Authentication provides a way for mutual authentication by a password, Kerberos ticket or a smart card.
Since many businesses use wireless Internet, Microsoft has equipped this OS with the ability to search for and connect to wireless connections automatically. This OS also aims to ensure a secure connection to IEEE 802.1X, wired/wireless LANs, 802.11 LANs, remote NDIS, NDIS over USB, IEEE 1394, IrDA and Ethernet.
XP Pro can also encrypt (NTFS file system) files, folders or data stored on disc for added security. If you want to update, but are worried about your previously encrypted files, XP Pro can work with NTFS, FAT16 and FAT32 files systems and run both OSs so you don’t have to worry about file loss.
Networking: Windows XP Professional is equipped to network. It can do everything from simple networking to server based networks. Microsoft offers single licenses, volume licensing for upgrades and non transferable OEM operating system licenses.
For small businesses or those new to networking, they include a networking wizard to help you set up a network and also offer network diagnostic tools to help troubleshoot possible network problems.
XP Pro excels in providing remote access. From any PC running an XP OS you can access a remote desktop host with XP Pro and work with all files, applications and settings of the host desktop. This means that you can essentially ‘use’ your office computer from any computer running XP, so you can work from anywhere. Of course they provide the security tools needed to make this arrangement secure. XP Pro also supports this type of arrangement within a network. So an administrator can access a computer from another computer in the network, provided they have the right security profile.
This OS can support multiple users and access profiles. So the administrator can create profiles for every employee or per department to regulate which files, applications or computers they can access. These profiles can also be set up as roaming profiles so the settings go with the user regardless of which computer they log on to. XP Pro also supports group and user policies. So an administrator can apply setting to a whole group or department all at once or to just one individual at a time.
To make large transfers easier they have a feature called User State Migration. With this tool administrators can transfer multiple users at once while maintaining all desired settings and policies.
Ease of Use:This OS is easy to use, yet for large networking projects you may benefit from working with one of Microsoft’s consultants. Individual users will find the program easy to use.
This version of XP is well designed for laptop use as well. It has battery saving features, standby, hibernation and can adjust to static or dynamic IP addresses automatically. For security it encrypts files so if a laptop is stolen confidential files are protected. Unfortunately, this version is not yet ready to work with flash drives, but Vista is.
Technical Help/Support:
This is one of Microsoft’s most popular products and they offer extensive training and online information as well as support packages and consulting. You can also contact them by telephone, email, chat or you can attend a live training session.
Microsoft offers remote assistance so they can access your system remotely and help you with specific problems. They also provide device rollbacks, driver downloads and updates, system restores, forums and much more. In addition, they offer international support.
Summary:
This is the best OS for businesses available at this time from Microsoft. When upgrading to Vista be sure to pick the version that best suites how you do business.
Source : http:///windows-operating-system-reviews.toptenreviews.com

XP Media Center Update Rollup 2

2009-06-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

XP Media Center Update Rollup 2
Manufacturer: Microsoft

Windows XP Media Center Edition was designed for home entertainment. The entertainment functions of the Media Center are available in Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate.
The Media Center, in edition to its media uses it retains most of the same functions as the XP Home version such as the ability to run other Microsoft programs, play games, check email and explore the Internet.
This OS is extremely easy to use and you can operate many of its functions from a remote control. It is intended to be connected to a home entertainment system and displayed through your television, although you can purchase a media center PC, laptop or portable that also comes with Windows XP Media Center.
With this operating system, you can easily edit and organize video, audio and photos, as well as access online content such as movies, Internet radio stations and podcasts. It can display album art plus thumbnail images of your personal video clips. With a wireless keyboard you can even IM from your couch while you are watching a TV show.
In order to use this OS to its fullest potential you need compatible hardware such as a television and stereo that can connect to a PC, remote control, wireless keyboard and mouse as well as high–speed Internet.

Home and Office Use: This is a good OS for home use if you intend to use your PC for entertainment. However, if you only need a computer for basic home computing, then an economy computer with the XP Home version would be a more inexpensive choice.
Unless you plan on watching movies at work all day, this is not the operating system for you. This OS is intended for entertainment and doesn’t offer the high level of security and networking that businesses require. On the other hand, it can run office applications and is compatible with 12 languages and Unicode.

Multimedia:This OS installed in a powerful media PC and connected to your entertainment system is the best you can get for home entertainment. With this combination you can share personal video or funny clips with your friends and family on a big screen TV. It can play music, games and music videos and you can display and edit album information. It can also download movies from the Internet and can be used to chat or share images.
XP Media Center can also perform basic computing functions such as run Microsoft office programs and popular media programs like audio, video and photo editing software. This OS is compatible with portable devices as well as digital cameras.
Keep in mind that media use requires a top of the line computer, you will likely not be happy with the performance of a low end model. When shopping for a media center PC look for a fast processor (2.8+ and preferably a dual), a big hard drive (250GB+), a GB or more of RAM and a good graphics and sound card. You can also find media server models that offer memory capacities in the multiple terabyte range. Additionally, if you have dial up it could take an exceptionally long time to download a movie from a movie service. If you plan on using your media PC for this purpose you will want to get high–speed Internet.

Security:This OS offers basic security functions like a firewall, pop–up blockers, antispyware and antivirus elements needed for basic computing. However, it does not offer the high level of security needed for networking business computers.

Networking:

This OS offers basic security functions like a firewall, pop–up blockers, antispyware and antivirus elements needed for basic computing. However, it does not offer the high level of security needed for networking business computers.

Ease of Use:

This OS is remarkably easy to use and can be operated with a media center remote control or from a wireless keyboard and mouse. It provides large, easily identifiable visuals to make navigation effortless.
Windows Media Center XP is ideal for its intended use, it comes preinstalled and updates are free. The only impractical aspect of this OS is that it requires an above average PC to run it to its fullest potential, which can get costly. Additionally, Vista Ultimate and Home Premium will include all of the media center functions and much more if you are not in a hurry.
This OS will work with a media center laptop. If you want a laptop for media use, keep in mind that few laptops will run your media as well as a high–end media PC. However, laptops are beginning to emerge with dual processors, graphics accelerators and TV tuners.

Technical Help/Support:

Although this program is easy to use and you should not encounter many problems, Microsoft does not offer as many help topics for this OS as it does for XP Professional.
Summary:
For media this is the best operating system previously available. If you enjoy the elements of the Media Center select Vista Home Premium when you upgrade or Vista Ultimate if you want to use your computer for business and entertainment.

Source : http://windows-operating-system-reviews.toptenreviews.com

XP Media Center Update Rollup 2

2009-06-16T04:41:00.000-07:00

Review : Windows XP Media Center Edition was designed for home entertainment. The entertainment functions of the Media Center are available in Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate.
The Media Center, in edition to its media uses it retains most of the same functions as the XP Home version such as the ability to run other Microsoft programs, play games, check email and explore the Internet.
This OS is extremely easy to use and you can operate many of its functions from a remote control. It is intended to be connected to a home entertainment system and displayed through your television, although you can purchase a media center PC, laptop or portable that also comes with Windows XP Media Center.
With this operating system, you can easily edit and organize video, audio and photos, as well as access online content such as movies, Internet radio stations and podcasts. It can display album art plus thumbnail images of your personal video clips. With a wireless keyboard you can even IM from your couch while you are watching a TV show.
In order to use this OS to its fullest potential you need compatible hardware such as a television and stereo that can connect to a PC, remote control, wireless keyboard and mouse as well as high–speed Internet.

Home and Office Use:This is a good OS for home use if you intend to use your PC for entertainment. However, if you only need a computer for basic home computing, then an economy computer with the XP Home version would be a more inexpensive choice.
Unless you plan on watching movies at work all day, this is not the operating system for you. This OS is intended for entertainment and doesn’t offer the high level of security and networking that businesses require. On the other hand, it can run office applications and is compatible with 12 languages and Unicode.

Multimedia:

This OS installed in a powerful media PC and connected to your entertainment system is the best you can get for home entertainment. With this combination you can share personal video or funny clips with your friends and family on a big screen TV. It can play music, games and music videos and you can display and edit album information. It can also download movies from the Internet and can be used to chat or share images.
XP Media Center can also perform basic computing functions such as run Microsoft office programs and popular media programs like audio, video and photo editing software. This OS is compatible with portable devices as well as digital cameras.
Keep in mind that media use requires a top of the line computer, you will likely not be happy with the performance of a low end model. When shopping for a media center PC look for a fast processor (2.8+ and preferably a dual), a big hard drive (250GB+), a GB or more of RAM and a good graphics and sound card. You can also find media server models that offer memory capacities in the multiple terabyte range. Additionally, if you have dial up it could take an exceptionally long time to download a movie from a movie service. If you plan on using your media PC for this purpose you will want to get high–speed Internet

Security: This OS offers basic security functions like a firewall, pop–up blockers, antispyware and antivirus elements needed for basic computing. However, it does not offer the high level of security needed for networking business computers.

Networking:

This OS is not designed for office use, so offers few networking features. But it can communicate with an Xbox 360 so you can in a sense “broadcast” your media from your media center PC to an Xbox connected to another television. This requires the additional purchase of a Media Center Extender set–up box or Media Center Extender for Xbox.

Ease of Use:

Technical Help/Support:

Although this program is easy to use and you should not encounter many problems, Microsoft does not offer as many help topics for this OS as it does for XP Professional.

Summary:
For media this is the best operating system previously available. If you enjoy the elements of the Media Center select Vista Home Premium when you upgrade or Vista Ultimate if you want to use your computer for business and entertainment.

Source : http:///windows-operating-system-reviews.toptenreviews.com

XP Home SP2 Manufacturer: Microsoft Version: SP2

2009-06-16T04:24:00.000-07:00

This OS was designed for home use and has been replaced with Vista Home.
XP Home can run all basic applications such as Microsoft’s Word and Excel and it can be used to access the Internet, check email and performs other common tasks.
This version is less expensive than the XP Professional version and is a good choice if you do not need the extra features that XP Pro offers like their policy and profile settings.

Home and Office Use:

This is the best version for home use, unless you want to use your PC with your entertainment center, then the Media Center version would be more applicable. This OS has good basic abilities such as the capacity to play DVDs, create playlists, play games, organize photos, run multiple programs and it is backwards compatible.
This OS does not offer as many administration tools as XP Pro. It can run typical office programs but doesn’t have the level of security that administrators might want like roaming user profiles, group policy settings and more.
Windows XP is light enough to run well on laptops too. Windows XP Home has a good set of laptop features, like battery saving elements, standby and hibernation and it has the ability to automatically connect to a wireless Internet connection.

Multimedia:

XP Home can do basic things like play Internet radio, rotate images, organize videos and sync to portable devices. However, it can not do as much as the Media Center version without additional software.

Security:

For home use, the security is adequate, it has a firewall, pop–up blockers and antisypware and antivirus protection. It also supports the ability for the user to set the level of security they want. It would be nice if it had parental controls like Vista, but you can purchase a parental control program, like KidsWatch Time Control, separately.

Networking:Computers with XP Home can be networked into a simple network. So if you have several home computers and a laptop you can easily network them. But if you want to network computers for business use, XP Pro offers more networking tools and security.

Ease of Use:

This is one of the easiest Windows OSs to use; however, Vista is even easier for inexperienced users. But, in contrast to Vista, XP is reasonably priced, can run on entry level computers and doesn’t require a lot of expertise to install.

Technical Help/Support : Since this OS is widely available and has been out for a while, Microsoft has numerous help topics posted for this program on their homepage. Subscribers can contact Microsoft by telephone, email or chat or search the knowledgebase. However, some services are fee–based.
Summary:
This is a good OS for home use on a basic computer. When upgrading select Vista Home Basic or Vista Home Premium if you want the media center.

Source : http://windows-operating-system-reviews.toptenreviews.com

Windows Operating Systems in a Micro–Nut Shell

2009-06-16T03:50:00.000-07:00

Depending on what type of computer you're using, you're probably considering making the leap to Windows 7, continuing with Vista or sticking with Windows XP. So which version of Windows is right for you?

Vista
Manufacturer: Microsoft

Reviews : Vista, Microsoft's latest major release is intended to replace all XP operating systems. It is designed to do everything and includes complex, dynamic visuals. Therefore, it requires a lot of RAM to run to its fullest ability.
This OS offers more security options than any other preceding release, includes the entire Media Center OS, is ready for flash drives, has parental controls, supports tablet PC functions and has many new features never available before.
It has been circulating around in its beta version for some time, but now is available in new computers or as an upgrade for computers purchased after October 2007 and before March 2007.
The biggest difference you will notice with Vista is how it looks. It incorporates high–end visuals, which makes it easy to find files, video, images or specific help topics. The visuals also support those who want to run multiple applications at once or open numerous webpages. For example, if you have several webpages open you can simply mouse over the tabs and a mini image of that page will pop up or you can alt–tab through 3D mini images of the open pages to find the one you are looking for.
It also supports inexperienced users with wizards, a backup and restore center, as well as Security Control Guidance. In addition, it has a super powerful search that can help people find folders or files, even if they don’t know where or by what name they originally stored them. You can also search for help topics from the same search bar.
Vista is the first operating system that can evaluate the hardware components of a computer and run according to its ability. For example, if the computer only has 512KB of RAM accessible it will run in its basic mode but if a GB or more is available it can run it its Aero mode. In addition to home use versions, there are Business, Enterprise and Ultimate versions available.
When is the right time to upgrade to Vista?

Home and Office Use:
The Home Basic version is designed for basic computing, such as accessing online content, checking email and running popular applications.
Its parental control tool lets parents regulate how their children use the computer in relation to their access to games, Internet content, instant messaging and more. For example, you can limit one child to only rated E:Everyone games and an older child to E:Everyone and T:Teen.
This is a good version for basic home use but the Vista Home Premium version has the new elegant looking Windows Aero user interface and the Media Center (see the Media Center review for more information). Windows Aero has three dimensional tool bars and buttons but requires a nice system to run, we would recommend more than a GB of RAM, but since the running demands of applications are growing quickly, you may want to boost your next system up to 2GB of RAM or more. It may seem excessive, but in the near future home computers may need dual processors, 2–4GB of RAM and 250GB or more of hard drive space to satisfy home computing and entertainment needs.
The Home Premium version is also compatible with tablet PCs, can support Windows Sideshow displays and can utilize the media center extender for Xbox 360.
There are two office versions available: Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Enterprise. In addition, the Ultimate Version includes all business and entertainment aspects.
Windows Vista Business is designed for both small and large businesses. Some new features include warnings before potential hardware failures, protection from malware and protection from hardware failure. This version has the Windows Aero interface that makes multitasking easy and helps organize files.
Vista Enterprise is intended for large, global organizations and includes all the features included in the business version. To increase compatibility, it can work with older operating systems as well as UNIX operating systems. Unlike previous versions, Vista Enterprise comes with multiple language interfaces for 35 common languages, so users can switch languages without additional add–ons.
The Vista editions offer more laptop and tablet PC features than any previously released operating system. It offers the basics like battery saving elements but also has a sleep mode and is ready for flash drives and SideShow functions.
Its tablet functions include Windows Tablet and Touch Technology, which supports digital pen and touch screen aspects combined.
Multimedia:
The Home Premium and the Ultimate version have the complete Media Center. So these versions are great for home entertainment and personal media editing.
Security:
Microsoft includes extensive security devices in all Vista versions. This includes frequent updates and protection during wireless or even cell phone to computer connections. It also has all of the basics such as the ability to block scripts, pop–ups and questionable downloads. For added security, it can encrypt folders and files and limit device installation.
For inexperienced users, Vista has Security Control Guidance to help you decide what kind of security settings you want. There is also a Malicious Software Removal Tool to quickly get rid of malware. It also has user level controls and parental controls so each user can have their own unique profile.
They provide automatic updates to handle new threats or you could purchase Windows OneCare, which is Microsoft’s antivirus package. BitLocker Drive Encryption is available in the Ultimate and Enterprise versions, this protects data in the event of a PC or laptop theft.
For business use, Vista has Windows Service Hardening which enables administrators to set restrictions on changes to the registry, file systems, network and the use of malware. They also have tools that restrict things like peer–to–peer file sharing. Vista has outbound/inbound filters, a firewall and the ability to run Internet Explorer 7 in a protected mode.
Networking:
Vista’s Enterprise version is intended for large, global companies and includes extensive networking abilities. It offers the features of the Business version plus data protection and hardware–based encryption. This version is not intended for small organizations and requires all computers to be covered by Microsoft Software Assurance or a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement.
The Business version has many tools for mobile commuting including remote access and roaming user profiles. For collaboration it has Windows Meeting Space, where members can exchange files, ‘meet’ in a common area and share edits in a secure environment.
However, since Vista has just been released in its final version, it may take some time to see how Vista's new networking features perform.
Ease of Use:
Vista is designed to be as easy to use as possible. It can even help you find a file, when you do not know who authored it, what it’s’ named is or where it was originally stored. Through Instant Search you can also search for help topics. For example, you could type in “how do I find a file I accidentally deleted?” and Vista will take you right to the help page that can help you with that problem.
This OS is extremely visual, all files can be displayed with images on the folder and you can quickly look through all of your open pages by skipping through mini images of the open pages.
In terms of hardware and system requirements, Vista is not practical for most uses at this time. First of all, to run the Aero aspects, you need a GB of RAM. You can purchase it and install in on a computer you already own, but if you have less than a GB of RAM we would recommend that you wait till you purchase your next computer. If you do choose to install Vista on to a computer you already own we would recommend that you back-up your data first as a precaution.
We also think it may take some time for Microsoft to work out the bugs, hopefully by the time you purchase your next computer the major kinks will be worked out. If you are currently considering a new computer you will likely not have a choice, for example, Dell no longer offers XP versions as an option.
Technical Help/Support:
Since Vista has been tested and anticipated for some time, users have inundated Microsoft with questions. So a large support base is developing to not only address Vista glitches, but user questions as well. For example, if you visit their support knowledgebase for the Home Basic version there is already over 200 entries, this is also true for its other versions. As you may expect, most entries relate problems users have had with Vista.
Summary:
Ready or not Vista is released. Soon you will have to evolve to a new operating system and will be required to have a more powerful system to run it. If Microsoft's claims regarding Vista's abilities become fully realized, it will be the most multitalented, safe and good looking operating system ever imagined.

Source : http://windows-operating-system-reviews.toptenreviews.com

DELL

2009-06-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

When you buy a Dell PC system configured with the Windows Vista® BONUS program, your PC will come loaded with Windows® XP Professional pre-installed. With the BONUS option, you can transition to Windows Vista® when you’re ready. Your BONUS Kit will include a Windows® XP Professional back-up CD which will allow you to re-install or transition back to XP from Vista if necessary plus a Windows Vista® Business or Ultimate installation DVD. Transitioning to Vista is entirely your choice. Windows Vista® BONUS gives you the opportunity to run the XP OS for as long as you like. Dell will provide support for both operating systems on your PC throughout the limited warranty period. By selecting this offering, you accept the terms and conditions of the Windows Vista® Ultimate License (available here) or the Windows Vista® Business License (available here) and grant Dell permission to install Windows® XP Professional on your behalf.

Source : http://www.dell.com

Careers in Information Technology

2009-06-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

Information Technology in Wal-Mart

2009-06-15T01:14:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

Information Technology

2009-06-15T01:12:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtbe.com

Information Technology

2009-06-15T01:10:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

What is IT (University of Technology, Sydney

2009-06-15T01:06:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

Best Information Technology

2009-06-15T01:04:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

Information Technology

2009-06-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

Technology Career Advice

2009-06-15T00:55:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

Information Technology Video Clip

2009-06-15T00:52:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

Information Technology -15 Global Challenges

2009-06-15T00:16:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

ASUS EN GTX295 review

2009-06-15T00:07:00.000-07:00

ASUS EN GTX295 reviewAuthor: Luka RakamaricDate: 06 Apr 2009
When ATI released its Radeon HD 4870X2, it temporarily took the flagship position from NVIDIA’s GTX 280. Dual chip cards have been present on the market for quite some time now, like ATI’s Rage Fury MAXX in 1999 or Gigabyte’s dual 6600GT card. However, it was NVIDIA who first launched 7900GX2 and 7950GX2 cards with a feature that they have kept since then, the dual PCB. And while 7950GX2 was hampered with not so great driver support and inadequate cooling, the 9800GX2 rectified the cooling problem with an innovative positioning of the second PCB. The chips now faced each other, so only one double sided cooler was necessary. The GTX 295 is only an evolution of that design, with the only practical difference being the next generation of GPUs. The GPU(s)The GeForce GTX 295 is based on a weird combination of GTX 260 and 285 cards. The GPUs have the shader count (240) and production process (55nm) of a GTX 285, but they use the frame buffer size (896 MB) and clocks (576/1242 MHz) of the GTX 260. The GPU has seven ROP partitions, totaling up to 28 ROP units, and each partition is connected to 128 MB of 999 MHz GDDR3 memory, totaling to 896 MB. Now take all of these numbers, and multiply it by two, as there are two PCBs with those elements on board. They are connected via a form of internal SLI. In times where ATI’s products use GDDR5, the choice of GDDR3 might seem weird, but NVIDIA’s GTX 200 series of chips has a 512 bit memory bus, versus the 256 bit on ATI’s side. It is more expensive, but there isn’t the need for GDDR5 memory as equal performance can be achieved. But in case you are wondering, the GTX 200 does not even support it so memory choice is a no brainer.The cooling solution of such a card is always a big part of the card’s success of failure. NVIDIA did an excellent job on the 9800GX2, probably still under the impression of the 7950GX2 failure. The cooling on the GTX 295 is just an evolution of that design, with a bit more efficiency. The one thing we didn’t like is that the card now seems to pump more hot air into the chassis than before. But with a combined load power consumption of 290 watts, the heat has to go somewhere. The black finish of the card has a rubbery feeling to it, much nicer than the previous polishy one which tended to get greased and dirty.Since the GTX 200 technology has been on the market for some time now, we won’t go into the details of the design, for that you can check our original article and GTX285 review.We used our usual test setup:- Intel Core 2 Quad QX9650- ASUS Striker II Extreme 790i SLI- OCZ PC3-16000 2x2 GB- Western Digital RaptorX 150GB- PC Power & Cooling Turbo Cool 1KW-SR- HP LP3065 LCD
Source : http://it-review.net/

Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 Vapor X review

2009-06-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 Vapor X reviewAuthor: Luka RakamaricDate: 27 Apr 2009
Sapphire has been experimenting with different coolers for quite some time now. During the last year’s CeBIT, we spent some time playing with their Toxic cards that use the same cooling method as the card we have before us today. However, the new model is based on the next generation GPU, the RV770. Usually we start the review with the overview of the GPU, but since the RV770 is a chip present on the market for quite some time, we will first concentrate on the cooling solution of the card.The cooler is pretty much a standard size dual slot cooler, with an 8 cm axial fan that is blowing air on the aluminum fins connected to the base of the cooler. The base is what separates this cooler from all others. Instead of a standard mono block of aluminum or copper, this base is hollow and partially filled with water. The idea is to use the vaporization energy of water to transfer heat from the GPU to the fins. Because water evaporates at 100 degrees Celsius at standard atmospheric pressure, and the GPU’s desired operating temperature is somewhat lower than that, the pressure inside the base is lowered so water evaporates more quickly. The liquid water on the side in contact of the GPU takes on energy in form of heat and becomes vapor. It then travels to the other side where it condenses, and releases heat to the fins in the process. It functions in much the same way as a heatpipe does, but with a lot more surface area to transfer the heat and direct contact with the heat source.The 8 cm fan is responsible for the very low noise of the card, which even under full load doesn’t overcome the noise of the average PC. However, our watercooled test platform is extremely quiet, so the noise of the card is noticeable, which makes it not that great for silent PCs. The rear bracket has a mesh through which hot air can travel outside the system case, but the cooler itself is not forcing all the air through the mesh. This design approach raises the system case temperature and makes cooling even more inefficient, not only for the graphics card but all other system components.
Source : http://it-review.net

2009-06-14T23:50:00.000-07:00

Gigabyte GTS 250 (GV-N250OC-1GI) reviewAuthor: Luka RakamaricDate: 28 Apr 2009
After NVIDIA rereleased its 9800GTX+ under the name GTS 250, the card was received with a lot of criticism towards that practice. Users felt they were being cheated because the GPU actually belongs to the old G92 generation, rather than the GT200 used in other products that use the new NVIDIA naming system. Nevertheless, manufacturers were quick to adopt GTS 250 and make a lot of custom versions, trying to compete with price, or additional features like coolers or extra frame buffer memory. Gigabyte’s card brings us a new custom cooler, but comes with stock frequencies.The cardGigabyte’s GTS 250 comes on a characteristic blue PCB that is holding a 55 nm G92 GPU and 1 GB of frame buffer memory. It is part of an Ultra Durable series of product, which means that high quality materials are being used. The PCB has double the amount of copper than competitors PCBs, and the Japanese made solid capacitors should add to the overclocking potential. The core clock is 738 MHz, and the 0.8 ns Hynix GDDR3 memory is clocked at 1100 MHz, while shaders are operating at 1836 MHz. The Zalman VF 1050 cooler is doing a good job cooling the GPU, so in idle with a 60% downclock the temperature was just over 40 degrees Celsius. During a stress test, the temperature rose to 61 degrees in one moment, but over 90% of the time it was under 58. It is not surprising because the 55 nm GPU has very low power consumption. What we do not like is the sound level of the card. The fan is spinning at a constant speed because it doesn’t have PWM. It is not as loud as some cards that have it while working in full load mode, but when idling it is really disturbing, especially if you need to work on a PC equipped with such a cooler.Another interesting thing is that Gigabyte opted to exclude the second SLI connector, which means no 3-Way SLI. As this technology has not caught on all that well on the market, especially with lower end cards, we can’t take this as a bad thing, especially considering that fact that GTS 250 is supposed to be very price competitive.The bracket contains DVI, HDMI and VGA connectors, which is a strange combination, as there are usually two DVI ports. But, with a supplied adapter, the HDMI connector can be turned into a second DVI. Still, with DVI-I -> D-SUB15 adapters being a standard package for a few years now, we would rather like to see a second DVI-I physically present on the device, as not many screens use D-SUB15 these days, especially those that have a sufficient resolution to make use of a card like GTS 250.One of the "features" that Gigabyte markets as unique is UDV (Ultra Durable VGA), a system with five components - 2oz copper PCB, 1st tier Samsung and Hynix memory, japanese solid capacitors, ferrite core chokes and low RDS on used MOSFET chips. The whole idea is to provide users with a higher quality product, while consuming less power and producing less heat and increased durability. This is actually pretty hard to test hands-on, but from our past experiences we gotta say that we do like the effort that Gigabyte is making with these "added value" bits. We'd surely like to see them to continue the work they've already done...Let's take a look at the picture of the card:

Sokurce : http://it-review.net

Gainward GTS 250 2048 MB

2009-06-14T23:41:00.000-07:00

Gainward GTS 250 2048 MBAuthor: Luka RakamaricDate: 29 Apr 2009
There was a lot of fuss over the ‘release’ of GTS 250 cards, as it is nothing more than a relaunched 9800GTX+. Granted, reference 9800GTS+ was a little bit different than the reference GTS 250 (the latter one is cheaper to make), but many manufacturers were already producing new, cheaper 9800GTX+ versions that the GTS 250 is a direct copy of. It has not been well received with the press, but the fact is that the card offers great value for money, a ‘feature’ that ATI has been dominating in for quite some time now. Today we will see how a different variation on the theme by Gainward will perform.Unlike the extreme Gainward cards that we have had experience during the last few years, with a tag Golden Sample or even Goes Like Hell, this card is extreme in a different way. It is equipped with 2 gigabytes of GDDR3 memory, more than GTX 295 and equal to 4870x2 card. We have been against putting too much memory on chips that cannot make use of it, which has been a practice of many manufacturers over the years, especially in the periods the chip prices were low. Since now is one such period, we were skeptical if this move is justified by performance gains. But we will see that when we come to the test results.As we said before, the GTS 250 is nothing more than a renamed 9800GTX+. The + in name was added to distinguish it from the older 9800GTX, which, while using the same G92 GPU, used its older, 65 nm version. The die shrink then made the GPU 55 nm, and with higher clocks it was put in the new, GTX+ model. Since the GTX200 GPU is quite complicated, but not revolutionary in terms of design, NVIDIA decided it is better to rebrand the product so it seems it is a part of the newest series, rather than to spend energy making a cheaper, cut down version of the GTX 200 chip, with the end result probably being in the same performance range. It is important to notice that users are not being cheated, since the new product brought the new, lower prices as well.The G92 GPU has 128 shader processors, 16 ROP units and around 750 million transistors. It is a successor to the G80, a 90 nm part that had more ROPs and a wider bus, but was much more expensive to make. The G92 was first manufactured in 65 nm, and the new version is built in 55 nm TSMC production process.Gainward’s card uses 2 GB of 1000 MHz GDDR3 memory, making the effective clock 2000 MHz. With a 256 bit wide memory bus, it has a memory throughput in the range of 4850 cards, but a lot less than the GDDR5 4870 and 512 bit GTX 280 cards.The fan of the Gainward’s card is massive, but we must notice that while it does cool better than the stock cooler, it is not all that quiet. That can advert possible buyers as silent PCs are becoming a lot more popular. In general, a graphics card will be quieter than your stock CPU cooler, but if you invest in a custom one with a 12 cm fan, it won’t be nice that suddenly your graphics card becomes your biggest noise problem.

Here's a picture of the card:

Source :http://it-review.net

Overclocking workstation motherboard: ASUS P6T6 WS Revolution

2009-06-14T23:31:00.000-07:00

Overclocking workstation motherboard: ASUS P6T6 WS RevolutionAuthor: Vedran DakicDate: 30 Apr 2009
It's been awhile since we tested some workstation boards and although this one isn't strictly that - here we go. By some strange chance, we got our hands on ASU P6T6 WS Revolution board, a product that's really packed with features for the workstation market. No matter if we're talking about its four PCI-Express slots or other available options, from the looks of it, this is set to be a high-class product from the very start. Let's see how it does.Although this might be a bit strange, we decided to make this one a bit different. Most of the workstation motherboards that played with so far (Tyan, Supermicro) were boards for AMD's Opterons, and they aren't really some overclocking products so we thought we'd give this one a spin. It's a bit shorter in terms of test numbers, but fun to read nevertheless. We did rounds and rounds of testing in quest for ultimate single and multithreaded performance. Let's take you through that, with a lot of pictures. We've used a retail Core i7 920 CPU, coupled with 3x2GB Corsair DDR3-1333 memory, CoolIt Domino ALC cooler, PCP&C Turbocool 1kW power supply, WD Raptor 150GB and NVIDIA's GTX280 VGA.

Source : http://it-review.net

Pussycat Dolls - Painted Windows NEW SONG 2009

2009-06-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

Microsoft Windows Song

2009-06-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtbe.com

Windows Remix

2009-06-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtbe.com

Windows music Remix

2009-06-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.youtube.com

Polywell Poly X5800I

2009-06-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Though the X5800i comes close to being a top performer, some rival desktops match its speed, and beat its cost.
Oof! Polywell's Poly X5800i comes very close to being our top power desktops performer. It's mainly a few internal design issues that hold this system back from superstardom. It almost feels like a waste of the X5800i's powerful Nehalem-based Intel Core i7 965 Extreme processor, the exact same 3.2-GHz used in the fastest (albeit overclocked) PC we've ever tested, Falcon Northwest's Mach V gaming PC.

A whopping 6GB of DDR3-1066 memory fills this machine, and it's used to its fullest capacity thanks to the X5800i's 64-bit Vista Ultimate OS. The system's storage isn't quite as extensive, though, with only 792GB total. Two blazing-fast (15,000-rpm) 146GB Seagate Cheetah SAS drives are paired in RAID configuration, while a single 500GB, 7200-rpm Seagate Barracuda drive rounds things out.
The Achilles' Heel of the Poly X5800i is its single 2GB ATI Radeon HD 4870x2 graphics board. In its own right, the 4870X2 is a powerful card, rendering 161 frames per second in our Doom 3 benchmarks (1280-by-1024 resolution with antialiasing) and 251 frames per second in our Far Cry benchmarks (same). But this only places it in the middle of the pack against competing systems using a more system-taxing game like Doom 3. And because the Poly X5800i has a RAID card setup, you don't have any room for CrossFire (multiple graphics boards) future-proofing. You could always rejigger some internal components, we suppose, but that's a taxing situation in itself, given this system's rat's nest of cables.
There's room for only two additional 5.25-inch devices in the Poly X5800i. That's because one slot is taken up by a proprietary hard drive bay that you can eject and lock from the outside of the chassis. We suppose this is to prevent anyone from stealing your secondary drive, but to us, it feels like a gimmicky, unnecessary addition to the case. What's more, there's no room for this drive elsewhere. Space is tight, but you can cram one more hard drive into the case's rail-based drive bays. That's it.
We do love the X5800i's connectivity options. Eight USB ports on the motherboard sit alongside a single FireWire 400 port and two eSATA ports. You also get the (seemingly standard) 5.1-channel onboard audio, one gigabit ethernet port, and an optical S/PDIF connection. The case's bare-bones front has a scant two USB ports, but the X5800i swaps out the typical front-panel Firewire 400 port for an eSATA port instead. And the included media card reader is enough to quell our distempers.
the X5800i's $3399 price isn't very low (as of December 3, 2008; $400 extra to have a 24-inch Acer AL2416WB wide-screen display included), making us all the more upset that Polywell cut corners on its keyboard-and-mouse combo. The crummy, generic Logitech mouse is as standard as a two-button mouse comes. Boring. The included Logitech Y-SV39 keyboard at least comes with function buttons for launching your e-mail, Web browser, and the like, but it's pretty drab--and ugly.
Polywell's X5800i is a sporting rig, but the internal design issues we've mentioned really do hold it back.
--David Murphy

Source : http://www.pcworld.com

Xi Mtower Pcie Centurion

2009-06-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Nicely expandable system has blue-LED bling, gaming muscle, and bundled Logitech peripherals.
This excellent WorldBench performer (it scored 132) turned me blue--literally. There was so much reflected blue LED light inside the roomy midtower case that I felt Smurf-like as I perused the Centurion's top-notch set of components. These include a 3.16-GHz Core 2 Duo E8500 CPU and a pair of 2.5-inch striped RAID 0 Western Digital VelociRaptor drives, which are embedded in 3.5-inch heat sinks.

optical drives and four by a 3.5-inch drive subchassis with the VelociRaptors inside. Unusually, all nine are externally accessible. The interior's look is enhanced by an elegantly rendered XFX nForce 790i Ultra SLI motherboard (which reflects the blue light nicely) and the 80-Plus-certified, 850-watt Cooler Master power supply is bottom-mounted, giving the whole deal more lateral stability. All in all, it's a very nice case and setup.
I loved the included Logitech Laser mouse, but not the Logitech MX3200 keyboard. The nonstandard size and arrangement of the Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys drove me nuts when I typed my notes. Some may not mind this setup, but touch typists are likely to have issues with the layout.
I found no faults with the 24-inch Samsung 245bw display. With its 5-millisecond response time, pictures just don't get much crisper or faster. That fast pixel response is a good thing, because the EVGA e-GeForce 9800 GTX graphics card racked up some of the fastest gaming frame rates we've seen in recent tests of power desktops: 200 to 250 frames per second.
The MTower PCIe offers a combination of outstanding workstation performance and high gaming frame rates that comes close to matching the Poly X4800-Extreme--for roughly $1400 less. For that kind of discount, I don't mind looking like a member of the Blue Man Group when I pop the lid.
--Jon L. Jacobi

Source : http://www.pcworld.com

Asus EEE TOP 1602

2009-06-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Asus's new all-in-one desktop is no powerhouse, but it combines aesthetic form and practical function in a fun package.
With its Eee Top 1602 all-in-one desktop ($600 as of February 12, 2009; available in early March), Asus carries the Eee name over from its popular netbook line to the desktop. And though you won’t want to run Adobe Photoshop on an Eee Top (the machine is based on netbook components, after all), the all-in-one's sleek design and user-friendly touch interface make it a great choice for users seeking a basic but fun desktop systemWith its glossy white chassis and transparent plastics, the Eee Top looks like something Apple would design. Its 15-inch, 1366-by-768-resolution LCD touch screen is small by desktop standards, but it is adequate for most basic tasks (Internet, word processing, light gaming, and the like), and it helps the Eee Top fit into a range of living environments. One of the machine's best design touches is a carrying handle integrated into the Eee Top's angle-adjustable foot, so you can carry it around. Of course, it helps that the Eee Top is light enough and compact enough that toting it around with one hand doesn't require you to have the arm strength of Alex Rodriguez.
Asus includes six USB 2.0 ports on the Eee Top, two of which occupy the left side (along with an SD Card slot) for easy access. One nagging design flaw, however, is the location of the Eee Top's headphone and microphone jacks on the unit's rear. The Eee Top is small enough that you can easily rotate it to get to the jacks, but I wish that Asus had included jacks on the front for easy access.
Another drawback: What you buy is what you get. The Eee Top is a completely closed system, and you can't upgrade the components inside--which you may find frustrating if you want more memory than the unit's included 1GB (plus a 160GB hard drive). In addition, Asus took a page out of Apple's book and omitted any optical drive.
Users who value expandability are clearly not the Eee Top's target audience. Instead, this computer and its components are most suitable for users who want a no-fuss PC to cover the basics, plus a touch screen to simplify performing certain activities.
The Eee Top's signature feature is its display, with touch-screen capabilities. Colors are bright and vibrant, and the screen accepts both finger input and touch input--though not multitouch as the Apple iPhone and Microsoft's Surface do. The Eee Top has a resistive touch screen, whereas multitouch displays use capacitive touch.
To make touch input more practical, Asus bundles the Eee Top with Easy Mode, a software interface/program launcher with large finger-friendly buttons that just ache to be tapped. Asus also throws in a handful of touch-friendly programs, including some games, the bundled Eee Cinema media viewer, and Eee Memo (a sticky notes app). SoftStylus, another piece of software, lets you draw letters directly on the screen or use an on-screen keyboard. I didn't find SoftStylus to be particularly practical, however; using the included keyboard was much easier for me, but SoftStylus is there if you want it.

Asus gives you plenty of apps to get started with, including Opera, Skype, StarSuite 8, and a handful of simple games In general, the Eee Top's touch interface is user-friendly and fun, but some of the bundled utilities are less so. For example, the user interface on the included Touch Tool (a utility containing various touch-screen controls) is so cumbersome that the utility is completely unusable. Luckily, such apps are the exception, not the rule on the Eee Top.
Powered by a 1.6GHz Atom processor and running Windows XP Home, the Eee Top is no world beater. In our PC World Test Center tests, the Eee Top achieved a WorldBench 6 score of 41, which is slow by desktop standards, though better than the average score of 38 that similarly configured netbooks achieve. The ambling pace is no surprise, of course, since the Eee Top uses netbook components. You won't want to run any high-end graphics programs or games on this machine; but for the basics, the Eee Top will get the job done.
The Eee Top also sports some healthy networking features: Gigabit ethernet and

802.11b/g/n wireless. The bundled keyboard and mouse lack certain features (the keyboard has no numerical keypad, for example), but I found them to be usable--and I liked the keyboard's feel and tactile response.
Though you can get more power for your money if you go with a typical desktop PC, the Eee Top's $600 price tag is reasonable in view of the PC's sleek, eye-catching design and friendly interface.
If you're looking for a computer for the kitchen, for your kids, or perhaps for the technophobe in your life, the Eee Top may be just the ticket.

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/

Gateway FX6800-05

2009-06-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

This Gateway is one of the better power PCs available, if the price and limited upgradability don’t scare you away.
Unless you glanced at a specification chart or popped their tops, you'd have no way of distinguishing between the Gateway FX6800-05 and its less expensive cousin, the FX6800-01E . The two systems use an identical chassis with carbon-copy labeling and colors, and they ship with the same input devices. But the beefier FX6800-05 delivers great performance that the FX6800-01E can't touch.The core of the FX6800-05 consists of a 2.93-GHz Intel Core i7 940 processor and 6GB of DDR3-1066 memory. The second-tier CPU helps rein in the FX6800-05's price at $3000 (as of April 16, 2009)--a high price for a power PC on our chart , but reasonable in view of the included 80GB Intel X-25M solid-state drive --a unique, speedy storage addition that amply justifies its added cost. This SSD serves as the system's primary boot drive, complemented by a 1TB Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 drive.
The system's ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 graphics board bests all nVidia-based Power PCs on our graphical benchmark tests. Its mark of 87 frames per second on Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (at 2560 by 2100 resolution and high quality) is among the frame rates we've recorded for a power PC--and only 4 fps lower than the best-performing power PC on this benchmark, the CyberPower Gamer Xtreme XT-K . Both machines use identical video cards.
The FX6800-05's solid-state drive helps the system achieve a WorldBench 6 score of 141--tied for second place with the Polywell Poly X4800-Extreme among power PCs--despite its unexceptional CPU. If Gateway were to swap in the fastest Core i7 processor, we'd expect this machine to outperform all other current power systems on this benchmark.
Counting the two 3.5-inch hot-swap bays in the front of the chassis, our test system came with three of four the hard drive bays free to accept new storage offerings. But there's room for only one extra 5.25-inch device because the system's Hitachi-LG DVD burner occupies one bay, and the case's front-panel media controls fill a second. The system's Gateway TBGM01 motherboard contains a single free PCI Express x16 and PCI Express x4 slot. You can install a second graphics card in CrossFire configuration if you wish, but there are minimal opportunities for upgrading overall.
We liked the FX6800-05's extensive connectivity options. The rear of the system contains two eSATA connections, six USB 2.0 slots, a single FireWire 400 port, one gigabit ethernet port, and integrated 5.1 surround sound. The case's front features two USB ports and a single FireWire 400 connection, both located on the same, stealthy pop-up mechanism as the system's multiformat media card reader. The entire front of the case aims to hide devices and connections when they aren't in use--a neat touch that the case's included media controls manage to dwarf. You can modify your system's volume, change songs, or pause your music by tapping on a panel on the front of the chassis. Talk about ease of use!
Our test system came with a generic two-button mouse decked out with the same glossy black (and orange trim) as the rest of the PC. The keyboard similarly matches the prevailing color scheme but offers few extras beyond mute, volume, and ejects buttons.
No power PC beats the Gateway FX6800-05 on both price and performance. In fact, the only power PC that outperforms the FX6800-05 is 10 percent better but costs $800 more. And even then, the FX6800-05's graphics offer nearly double the frame rate of the stronger PC. For its price, the FX6800-05 is an excellent machine; just don't expect to do much upgrading later.

Source : www:pcworld.com

Source :http://www.pcworld.com/

Polywell Poly X4800-EXTREME

2009-06-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Expensive desktop provides knock-your-socks-off performance and lots of rear-port connectivity.
Polywell certainly named this power desktop computer correctly. Its 3.2-GHz Core 2 X9770 CPU is Intel's current state-of-the-art Extreme (overclockable) chip, which means that this is an extremely fast desktop. At $4799 (as of August 8, 2008), it's also extremely expensive. Then again, no one ever said state-of-the-art would be cheap; the X9770 CPU alone costs nearly $1500; the equally fresh-from-the-mint MSI nVidia GeForce GTX280 graphics card, about $500; and the 4GB of DDR3 1600 memory goes for nearly as much. But the steep cash outlay that's called for buys you a knock-your-socks-off WorldBench 6 score of 141, as well as a gaming experience of 207 to 266 frames per second. Extremely fast indeed.
Part of the X4800-Extreme's excellent performance is due to a hard-drive setup we're beginning to see often on the power chart--pairs of 10,000-rpm, 300GB Western Digital WD3000GLFS VelociRaptor hard drives in a RAID 0 configuration. Not only are these 2.5-inch models mounted on 3.5-inch adapter sleds (as Western Digital calls them), they're energy-efficient. The sleds function as giant heat sinks that work so well that the drives are nearly cool to the touch even when in heavy use.
The X4800-Extreme is built around an extremely capable Gigabyte X48T-DQ6 motherboard with the most comprehensive array of rear-panel connections that I've ever seen in a PC. Besides a whopping eight USB 2.0 ports, the machine has both normal and 4-pin (mini) FireWire ports, optical and coaxial S/PDIF audio-out, six analog audio (7.1), and two gigabit ethernet ports. It also has motherboard headers for a pair of 2-port eSATA rear-slot breakout panels.
The X4800-Extreme's midtower case is sturdy and roomy, with flip and slide levers that let you swap in expansion cards and drive bays easily. Even so, the case setup is not as impressive as recently reviewed desktops from Xi Computers and Cerise Computers; both of those models mount power supplies at the bottom of the case for better stability, while the Poly X4800-Extreme mounts its 1000-watt Sparkle Power Magna 1000 power supply at the top.
The bundled Logitech 650 wireless mouse and keyboard were both comfortable to use. The Polywell-labeled Acer 2416 24-inch wide-screen LCD's picture was also easy on the eyes, but I found the silverish bezel a little distracting. Personally, I wish they'd matched the case with a black bezel.
That said, the X4800-Extreme is about power, not style. For sheer performance, it has no equal on the chart.
--Jon L. Jacobi
Source : http://www.pcworld.com

Micro Express Microflex 92B

2009-06-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

The MicroFlex 92B is one of the fastest power PCs we've tested to date; its speed, price and upgradability make it a winner

Micro Express' MicroFlex 92B offers a tantalizing mixture of performance and price. The modest $1599 investment (as of December 3, 2008; $200 extra with an LG Electronics W1942 display) provides plenty of room to transform this power desktop into a full-fledged gaming monster, should you so choose later in its life.

Don't get us wrong; the system's included 2.93-GHz Intel Core i7 940 processor isn't a slowpoke by any means. It sits alongside 3GB of DDR3 (1333 MHz) memory and a speedy (10,000 rpm) Western Digital Velociraptor drive with Vista Business installed. The PC's WorldBench 6 score of 138 places it among the top-performing power desktops we've tested, period. But you'll probably want to upgrade that hard disk: The Velociraptor's 300GB of primary storage isn't a lot to work with if you're the kind of power user this system is designed for.
The MicroFlex 92B sports an ATI Radeon HD 4870x2 graphics card for your gaming pursuits. That's one of the fastest cards on the market, and a great deal of graphical firepower for a machine this inexpensively configured. As a result, the MicroFlex 92B delivered impressive results on our gaming benchmarks, averaging 201 and 233 frames per second on our 1280-by-1024-resolution Doom 3 and Far Cry tests, respectively.
The inside of the MicroFlex 92B's Gigabyte Triton chassis has plenty of room for upgrading, even given the not-so-pretty internal wiring job. You can install two additional hard drives using the case's handy, screwless drive rails, plus an additional PCI Express x16 video card. The slot for the latter uses a strange screw/tab locking mixture to affix cards to the motherboard. We'd much prefer straight-up tabs, with no screws to fiddle with whatsoever. Four 5.25-inch bays are free for adding more devices if you wish, and the included 20X Sony AD-7201S DVD writer/reader is competent enough to handle your non-HD media.
We hope you have plenty of USB devices on hand, as the MicroFlex 92B supports up to eight USB connections on its rear panel. A single FireWire 400 port and two eSATA ports are also tossed into the mix, alongside one ethernet port, built-in 5.1 surround sound, and an optical S/PDIF connection. The case's front isn't quite as port-heavy, with three ports: two USB and one Firewire 400. But you also get a media card reader. Microsoft's bundled wireless media keyboard offers a number of useful features, including assignable function buttons, media controls, and application-launching buttons. This keyboard feels great to the touch, as does the generic (and equally wireless) mouse.
Micro Express has a winner on its hands. The MicroFlex 92B isn't the fastest all-around Power PC we've tested, but it's close enough (at a perfect price point)--oh, and it comes with a honkin' Big and Simple Windows Vista guidebook.
--David Murphy Source :www.pcworld.co.uk

source: http://www.pcworld.com//

Dell Studio XPS

2009-06-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

Dell Studio XPS Power Desktop Review
by David Murphy, PC World
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Dec 22, 2008 - This Studio XPS (model 435mt) includes a 2.93-GHz Intel Core i7 940 processor, an excellent CPU that delivers powerful speeds in conjunction with the system's 6GB of DDR3 (1066 MHz) memory. As you might expect, a 64-bit Windows Vista version--Home Premium--is this system's operating system of choice. It rests on a single 500GB, 7200-rpm Western Digital Caviar Blue hard drive; a good level of storage, but nothing that hits top-of-the-chart speeds. The PC is priced at $1999 (as of December 3, 2008), and $349 extra gets you a 23-inch Dell SP2309W display.

Sourcr : http://www.pcworld.com/

I Phones 3G:

2009-06-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

Now you can shoot video, edit it, and share it — all on your iPhone 3G S. Shoot high-quality VGA video in portrait or landscape. Trim your footage by adjusting start and end points. Then share your video in an email, post it to your MobileMe gallery, publish it on YouTube, or sync it back to your Mac or PC using iTunes

I Phones

2009-06-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Meet the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet. iPhone 3G S features video recording, Voice Control, up to 32GB of storage, and more.

The Fastest iPhone Ever
The first thing you’ll notice about iPhone 3G S is how quickly you can launch applications. Web pages render in a fraction of the time, and you can view email attachments faster. Improved performance and updated 3D graphics deliver an incredible gaming experience, too. In fact, everything you do on iPhone 3G S is up to 2x faster and more responsive than iPhone 3G
source :www.apple.com

http://www.apple.com/

Mac Book Pro family

2009-06-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

The New MacBook Pro Family

iMac Range

2009-06-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

The new for March 2009 all-in-one iMac comes in a beautifully thin, anodise aluminium and glass design with even faster operating system. Featuring glossy widescreen displays in two sizes 20" and 24-inches, the new iMac range makes photos and movies come alive with rich, vivid colours. With iLife ’09, Mac OS X, built-in wireless, iSight camera, microphone and more, you’ll be creating, sharing, skyiping, surfing and playing within minutes of opening the box. iMac brings you all-in-one creative studio.You will be amazed to what you can do.

Source : www.pcworld.co.uk

Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV660

2009-06-08T00:52:00.001-07:00

I still remember all the hype that surrounded the release of the first HD DVD-ROM-equipped Toshiba Qosmio (the Qosmio G35-AV650), but like many early-adopter units, it wasn't ready for prime time. The issue wasn't the HD DVD drive itself, but the shaky software that came bundled with the system. With the Qosmio G35-AV660 ($2,999.99) Toshiba is ready to take another stab at enhancing your HD experience. The improved HD-playback software and upgraded components such as the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of RAM will make you forget about the previous dud.

Like previous Qosmios, the Qosmio G35-AV660 is an entertainment laptop, so one of the first things you have to appreciate is its high-resolution screen. It's currently one of only two HD laptops on the market to have 1,920-by-1,200 (both 1080i and 1080p)—or true HD—resolution (the other is the Blu-ray-equipped Sony VAIO VGN-AR190G). You can enjoy the great HD experience on the gorgeous 17-inch widescreen; better yet, use the HDMI-Out port and take that experience to a larger screen. That's what I did, using a 58-inch rear-projection HP Pavilion md5880n, an HDMI cable (not included with the notebook), and an HD DVD copy of The Chronicles of Riddick. How did it look? Let's put it this way: There are things on Vin Diesel's face I didn't care to see on a big screen. The details are less obvious on a 17-inch screen, but either way, the image quality is exquisite, and action scenes have never looked better.

HD playback on the G35-AV660 is a lot smoother than it was on the G35-AV650. This time around, Toshiba decided to ditch InterVideo's WinDVD HD software player and go with something developed internally—the Toshiba HD DVD Player. Unlike the InterVideo software, which had severe problems with intermittent playback and menu navigation—certain HD DVD titles wouldn't even play—the Toshiba player makes the movie experience much more enjoyable. I didn't see the stuttering effects associated with skipping through chapters and during playback, and there wasn't any distortion while fast-forwarding and rewinding through scenes. I did notice, however, that the discs took a while to load in the beginning. HP's QuickPlay 2.3, which comes loaded on the HP Pavilion dv9000t, did a better job in tests doing the initial disc read. The dv9000t also managed to implement HD-playback capability into its preboot software, making it unnecessary to boot Microsoft Windows. Though the G35-AV660 lacks this ability, it does have a preboot function, the QosmioPlayer, which supports standard DVDs only.

The G35-AV660 comes with a Media Center remote—not the sleekest-looking thing, but it does the job. And Toshiba finally integrated the laptop's infrared receiver into the chassis, a move that was long overdue. I wish more Media Centers would do that instead of shipping with receivers that connect via USB.

The AV660 has a built-in 1-bit digital amplifier that's supposed to produce higher-quality sound and reduce the amount of signal deterioration. Unfortunately, Toshiba's HD DVD player doesn't make full use of it. Playing music and running videos with other applications sounded great, but I had to crank the volume all the way up to get a good audio experience while watching an HD DVD on the laptop. This means the software player might still need some tweaking, but it's nothing an update patch can't fix. In the meantime, I suggest attaching external speakers (via the line-out port).

The Qosmio's A/V features are still the best in the industry. The AV660 has a built-in TV tuner, and the HDMI, S-Video, and VGA ports cover video output to another display. For video inputs, you can choose between the S-Video-in and A/V-in (red, yellow, and white) ports. Like other laptops, the AV660 lacks a digital video-in port, but it does have a FireWire port for capturing digital video. You also get an increase in hard drive space, to 240GB from the AV650's 200GB, so there's plenty more room to store recorded video. Other extras include built-in Bluetooth 2.0 EDR (enhanced data rate) and a fingerprint reader on the palm rest.

A 2-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 processor and 2GB of RAM complete the AV660's upgrades, giving it a significant speed boost over the AV650's 2-GHz Intel Core Duo T2500 CPU and 1GB of RAM. Consequently, the AV660's scores improved over those of the AV650 by 19 percent on SYSmark 2004 SE Overall tests and by 15 percent on video-encoding tests. I didn't see much change in the system's Adobe Photoshop test scores, despite the AV660 having double the RAM. One reason might be that Toshiba loads a plethora of proprietary utilities that eat up virtual memory. And with the faster components, you lose about 21 minutes of battery life; the AV660 lasted 2 hours 38 minutes on our MobileMark 2005 tests.

At $3,499.99 (direct), I'm not sure if the AV660's upgrades are enough to justify its $500 price increase, given that it still doesn't burn HD DVDs (though Toshiba did recently announce its first HD DVD writers for laptops). Even so, the Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV660 has the necessary components to make it a force in the HD laptop space.

Source : http://www.pcmag.com

Lenovo ThinkPad X200 Tablet

2009-06-08T00:51:00.001-07:00

Lenovo's last remaining nearly square screen (with a 4:3 aspect ratio) is finally being replaced by the ubiquitous widescreen format. It had been almost a year since the company updated its beloved convertible tablet—the ThinkPad X61 Tablet. The ThinkPad X200 Tablet ($2,323 direct) packs in many more refinements, such as a lighter chassis, a better speaker system, Intel Centrino 2 parts, and three choices of display panels offered in the widescreen format. It easily retains the Editor's Choice, held previously by the X61 Tablet.

Although you couldn't tell at first glance, the X200 Tablet is significantly lighter than its predecessor. At 4 pounds, with a similar 66-Wh battery, it's about half a pound lighter than the X61 Tablet. It's a featherweight compared with the Fujitsu LifeBook T5010 (4.8 pounds) and the Toshiba Portégé M700-S7002 (4.5 pounds), but you have to remember that the latter two include internal optical drives. If you need an optical drive, the ThinkPad X200 relies on add-ons like an Ultrabase dock or a USB optical drive. Of course, the X200 Tablet could've been made lighter had Lenovo used carbon fiber in its lid as it did with the ThinkPad X301, but a magnesium-clad frame is sturdier and less expensive.

All three screen choices that Lenovo offers are Wacom display panels, meaning you'll need the included digitized pen in order to use the tablet functions. The review unit I have came with the brightest (285 cd/m2) display available. This LED screen is both thin and energy efficient. Your second option is an LED screen with both touch sensitivity and Wacom technology. That means you can use your fingers to navigate the screen, although adding an extra layer of touch decreases its brightness level to 235 cd/m2. With a touch panel, once the digitizer pen is within 2cm of the screen, Wacom kicks in and touch is automatically disabled. In my experience, touch sensitivity is valuable in vertical markets like the health-care industry but is not essential to the average tablet user. The third and least expensive option is the CCFL (fluorescent) screen, which has a brightness rating of 190 cd/m2. All three displays are available only with a 1,280-by-800 resolution. (The brightest screen is available for $75 more, and you can get the screen that adds touch sensitivity at a $275 premium over the CCFL screen.)

Not only is the 12-inch widescreen display bright, but using it in tablet mode is as effortless as with its X61 Tablet predecessor. The included pen wrote smoothly on the screen, and it recognized all my scribbles and scratches when I wrote at varying speeds. The digitized pen is as thick as a standard pen, with a rubbery material lining the outside for a firm grip. Motion Computing boasts a Montblanc-like experience on its Motion Computing LE1700 Tablet PC, as its pen is thicker. Still, the X200 Tablet's writing experience is as smooth, if not smoother, than that offered by both the LifeBook T5010 and the Portégé M700-S7002.

As with all convertible tablets, you get the benefits of both pen and keyboard. Since the dawn of ThinkPads, Lenovo has had what is arguably the best keyboard in the laptop industry. (Dell is a close second.) Moving to a widescreen format lets the X200 Tablet accommodate a full-size keyboard, while the TrackPoint pointing stick is unquestionably the best of its breed. Touchpad lovers, unfortunately, won't find one here. Alternatively, both the LifeBook T5010 and the Portégé M700-S7002 are touchpad-equipped tablets. One of the biggest improvements that I noticed with the X200 Tablet is the speaker quality. Video chatting, with the combination of Skype and the built-in webcam, sounded spectacular, as did music and YouTube videos. The dual-array microphones, with the rotating hinge situated in between, registered my voice as well as that of a person on the other side of the table, loudly and clearly.

The X200 Tablet's only disadvantage is the lack of an integrated DVD burner. The LifeBook T5010, on the other hand, offers one in a modular bay so that you can swap the optical drive out in favor of an extra battery or hard drive. Lenovo went without an optical drive to minimize the frame's weight and its burden on tablet users' forearms.

Every other feature satisfies both business and consumer needs. There are three USB ports, an SD slot, and an ExpressCard slot. A great thing about Lenovo laptops is that generally, every wireless technology available is built in, and the X200 Tablet is no exception. The little jut on top of the screen covers WWAN, Centrino 2 Wi-Fi, WiMAX, UWB (wireless USB, which has a range of about 10 meters), Bluetooth, and GPS functions. Not many tablets, let alone business ultraportables, can claim to have this broad range. As for storage options, both spinning and non-spinning drives (64GB and 128GB solid-state drives, or SSDs) are available.

The processor structure of Lenovo's ultraportables hasn't changed much. The ThinkPad X200 (non-tablet) supports standard-voltage parts, whereas the X200s (review coming shortly) and the X200 Tablet run ultra-low-voltage (ULV) and low-voltage processors. My configuration comes with a 1.86-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo L9400, with the "L" denoting low voltage. Technically, it's not as fast as the "P" series processor in the LifeBook T5010 or the "T" series one in the Portégé M700-S7002. The X200 Tablet and the LifeBook T5010 are the only tablets right now that have transitioned to DDR3 memory: Each has a Centrino 2 specification and 2GB of RAM.

The tablet's SYSmark 2007 Preview Overall score wasn't stellar, but it surpassed that of the LifeBook T5010 by 13 percent and came within 2 percent of the Portégé M700-S7002. That's because SYSmark encompasses a wide range of applications, which favored the X200 Tablet, with its fast (7,200-rpm) hard drive. (Both the LifeBook T5010 and the Portégé M700-S7002 have slower, 5,400-rpm drives.) Lenovo also offers 64GB and 128GB SSDs, which theoretically should fare even better than the spinning ones in this particular test. Video encoding, a processor-intensive test, was not a high point on the X200 Tablet. Its 1 minute 28 second score trailed that of the LifeBook T5010 by 24 percent.

The X200 Tablet's battery life is superior, however. The combination of lower-voltage processor and 66-Wh battery yielded a score of 5 hours 29 minutes—about 2 hours better that either the LifeBook T5010 or the Portégé M700-S7002. A four-cell battery option brings the weight down to 3.5 pounds, but I can't recommend it if battery life is near the top of your priority list.

Thanks to its low-voltage processor, the X200 Tablet easily met PC Magazine's requirements for low power consumption. Using a P3 International Kill A Watt meter, the system consumed 13W in idle state, a watt below Energy Star's maximum allowance. The Portégé M700-S7002 had a more impressive showing, as it has a standard-voltage processor and is still able to meet our energy requirements. The X200 Tablet runs the gamut of environmental certifications, including EPEAT Gold, Energy Star 4.0, and RoHS. (If you opt for a CCFL instead of an LED screen, it receives only an EPEAT Silver rating.) Either way, the X200 Tablet is worthy of the PC Magazine GreenTech award.

Tablets in general haven't had a big presence in the mainstream market, as they tend to cost more than a comparable non-tablet laptop. They've enjoyed their biggest success in vertical markets like the health-care and education sectors. But if there's a tablet that can take the category mainstream, the Lenovo ThinkPad X200 Tablet is it.

Source : http://www.pcmag.com

HP Digital Entertainment Center z565

2009-06-08T00:49:00.000-07:00

HP's Digital Entertainment Center series has been a familiar sight around the PC Magazine Labs since 2001. The latest iteration, the HP Digital Entertainment Center z565 ($2,999 direct) is a good, steady evolution of the product. It shares the black case of recent versions, as well as its A/V-style look. The z565 is perfect for the TV "completist"—the obsessive who wants to record and archive every episode of the shows he watches. A secondary group of photo and video-based entertainment enthusiasts also will be interested in the z565. These people can use the z565 to share their digital life around the house using extenders such as the Microsoft Xbox 360.

The z565 comes with a dual-core, 3.4-GHz Intel Pentium D 945 processor. The D945 is now an older processor in a world full of Core 2 Duos, but it can still perform the duties of a digital entertainment system admirably—recording TV and storing and displaying your digital photos, artwork, music, and home videos. The z565's 2GB of system memory are plenty for running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, and its twin NTSC tuners mean you can record at least two regular cable programs at once. The ATSC/HDTV tuner can concurrently record HDTV off the airwaves, provided you have an antenna and a clear signal from the broadcast networks.

After the HD tuner, the z565's 500GB internal hard drive and cartridge-style 300GB HP Personal Media Bay drive are the stars of the show. Not only do their combined 800GB offer ample storage space, but you can also buy extra Personal Media Bay drives in 80-, 120-, and 300GB capacities, making the hard drive capacity potentially even more vast. You'll have plenty of room for your digital life, and therein lies much of the z565's appeal.

That's not to say that style doesn't count for much, since the z656 has it in spades. Its form factor is that of a quintessential living room PC. The system exemplifies what a Digital Entertainment System should look like, with a front-mounted information screen that displays details from MP3s, digital photos, and the TV guide that's built into the MCE OS. The controls for DVD playback are also mounted on the front, making the z565 feel like a piece of consumer electronics equipment. You can also control the z565 from the comfort of your couch. Its wireless keyboard, for instance, features many shortcut switches, not to mention a useful trackball for controlling the mouse—a welcome alternative to the barely usable pointing stick on Microsoft's wireless MCE keyboard. HP's MCE infrared remote is nicer, too; it looks more customized than the standard Microsoft IR remote you get from everyone else. Last but not least, the z565's IR receiver is built into its chassis, so you'll have one less piece of equipment cluttering things up (it does come with the usual external IR receiver in case you have to hide your z565 away).

About the only thing missing from the z565's repertoire is an HD-class optical drive. HP is a proponent of the HD DVD video format, so it's a surprise to see that glaring omission on the company's top-of-the-line, living-room-friendly media center. Still, with the format wars still raging and no combo HD DVD/Blu-ray drive in sight, it might be better to wait. My only other significant nitpick is the system's top-mounted cooling fan for the processor: In my eyes, a side or back-exhausting design would make more sense. Even with this top mounted fan, though, the system is quiet from regular viewing distances (10 feet away).

Performance-wise, the z565 improves on its predecessors, particularly in areas such as video encoding, where the dual-core Pentium D processor helps, and 3D gaming, where the addition of a beefy nVidia GeForce 7600GS graphics card is a boon. The z565 can run 3D games smoothly at HD resolutions and scored an excellent 89 frames per second at Doom 3 at a 1,024-by-768 resolution. Likewise, the z565's time of 7 minutes 56 seconds on our Windows Media Encoder test means the z565 is adequate for occasional video re-encoding duties—the sort of thing you might do if you wanted to load your recorded TV onto your smartphone or portable media player. Core 2-powered systems perform a bit faster at video encoding, but not by enough to make Pentium D obsolete (yet).

Compared with similar digital entertainment systems such as the Niveus Media Center Rainier Edition, the z565 is (a lot) less expensive. However, the Rainier does have a newer Core 2 Duo processor, silent cooling for the processor and graphics, and an HD DVD drive. The Sony VAIO XL2 is similarly priced, but uses an older, slower Pentium D processor. Still, the XL2 includes a 200-disc CD/DVD changer, its defining feature.

All in all, I really like what I see from the HP Digital Entertainment Center z565. Its scads of hard drive space, dual-core processing, higher-end graphics, great wireless keyboard, and, above all, a intuitive and cool design earn it our Editors' Choice nod. If you want a high-end system with an HD DVD drive today, go with the Niveus Rainier. But if you want to give the HD DVD versus Blu-ray format wars a little time to settle down and still get to unwrap a digital entertainment system during the holiday season, then the z565 is a great choice with unlimited storage (and $2G less expensive to boot!)

Source : http://www.pcmag.com

Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1

2009-06-08T00:45:00.000-07:00

If you're considering a Panasonic Toughbook, it's likely that your priorities are relatively different from that of the average consumer. Rugged laptops are designed to meet the adverse conditions that people in the military, construction, and various outdoor professions may face—and come through unscathed. That said, a laptop still needs to have some basic elements in order to ensure a decent user experience. Although the Panasonic CF-U1 ($2,500 street) has some neat features—like hot-swappable twin batteries and options for GPS, 3G mobile broadband, and extensions like fingerprint readers and bar code scanners—its basic usability is lacking. The CF-U1's screen is tiny, its keyboard is nearly impossible to type on, and the labsence of any sort of navigational aid (like a touchpad or pointing stick) for its otherwise finicky screen make this pricey tablet extremely difficult to use, let alone recommend.

The CF-U1 is nothing if not compact. It's a slate tablet, and it measures only 2.2 by 7.2 by 5.9 inches (HWD). It comes with an attached strap and can easily be supported in the palm of your hand. It also weighs a mere 2.3 pounds, less than all but the tiniest systems we've looked at. Although it's a slate tablet, it's better compared with systems in the netbook category, with which it shares a similar form factor and the Atom platform. The CF-U1 doesn't get any points for aesthetics, but that's not its goal. Being a Toughbook, it's all about the rugged features, like its magnesium-alloy cage chassis, sealed all-weather design, and port covers that snap into place. Though we didn't put it through ruggedness testing, we know that the CF-U1 is tough enough to be considered fully ruggedized since it passed the complete MIL-SPEC testing regimen (developed by the U.S. Military to test the durability of electronic gear under adverse conditions). According to Panasonic, it's resistant to rain, spills, dust, and vibration, and should be able to withstand a 4-foot drop.

The CF-U1 screen's 1,024-by-600 resolution is what you'll find on most netbooks nowadays, though the 5.6-inch screen is tiny by netbook standards. If the resolution were any higher, text would be virtually unreadable. Case in point: the Fujitsu LifeBook U820, which has a 1,280-by-800 resolution on the same-size screen. Though photos, videos, and movies look better on the Fujitsu, text readability suffered. Moreover, the CF-U1's small text presents a unique challenge: The tablet is a touch screen, meaning that when you are clicking links or selecting text, you have a much smaller target to aim for. You have the option to zoom in with a handy toggle switch to the left of the screen, but even then, it's difficult to navigate. And although Panasonic claims that the widescreen has received an anti-reflective treatment, I noticed some glare under direct light. On the bright side, the CF-U1 does boast an efficient LED backlight, which likely contributes to its impressive claimed battery life. (More on that later.)

A tiny keypad is situated beneath the screen. Panasonic made some interesting choices, like including a dedicated Windows key and placing the numeric keypad in the center (between QWERT and Y). The keys are raised, glossy buttons, and you have to press each deliberately before it registers. Forget typing with any sort of speed. Touch typing is out of the question—typing on this is more like thumb-typing on a cell phone. You'll often have to go back and fill in any missing letters if you don't press a key hard enough.

The feature set is par for the course when it comes to handheld PCs. Like the U820, the CF-U1 has only one USB port, which led to an interesting conundrum. For most of my review process, I used an external mouse to navigate. This meant that if I wanted to use any other USB device, like a thumb drive, I was limited to navigating with the touch-screen interface. Dragging and dropping files using the touch-screen interface proved to be far more of a challenge than it should have been. The CF-U1 also offers an SD slot, though it's missing the multicard reader that many of its competitors, like the MSI Wind and the Lenovo IdeaPad S10, feature. Storage space is pretty minimal. The CF-U1's solid-state drive makes sense (it's more likely to withstand impacts), but our review unit had only 16GB of storage space. Panasonic also offers a slightly roomier 32GB option, but even that seems paltry compared with the IdeaPad S10's 160GB, 5,400-rpm spinning hard drive.

The small hard drive was one of the reasons we weren't able to report most of our usual benchmark test results. SYSmark and MobileMark couldn't run because of space constraints, while CineBench R10 was limited by the CF-U1's single-core processor. Our Photoshop test wouldn't work, either, because the screen's resolution was too low. The one score I can report is the U1's Windows Media Encoder time of 6 minutes 25 seconds, nearly 2 minutes behind that of the IdeaPad S10. The lag is attributable mostly to the CF-U1's slower processor. While the other two netbooks we compared it with, the S10 and the MSI Wind, have 1.6-GHz Atom processors, the U1's is only 1.3 GHz.

Though we couldn't run MobileMark on the CF-U1, under anecdotal testing it lasted 4 hours 31 minutes on a DVD rundown test using both of its 21-Wh batteries. The hot-swappable batteries are a plus: You can leave both in the U1 and let it the U1 run on full battery power, or remove one to charge while the system continues to run on juice from the remaining battery. The batteries are easy enough to access, residing behind panels that pop out on the back of the system.

Our review unit ran Windows XP, but you can also opt for Vista when you're configuring the system. I wouldn't recommend this, however, unless you opt for more than the 1GB of RAM our review unit came with.You would need a minimum of 2GB to run Vista properly. The U1's integrated graphics are nothing to brag about, but Toughbook users aren't likely to be too concerned about graphics performance, as that isn't the point of the system.

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 is certainly rugged enough for you to take into any extreme conditions. Still, this slate is frustrating to use at best. The Editors' Choice MSI Wind weighs only slightly more and offers a far better user experience for roughly one-fifth of the CF-U1's price. Then again, aggressively priced systems like the Wind and the Lenovo IdeaPad S10 just don't offer the same rugged features or battery stamina. The question to consider is if it's worth the CF-U1's expense—and its frustrating user experience—to get a tablet PC as tough as it is tiny.

Source : http://www.pcmag.com