Seagate launches world's thinnest HDD

Seagate has revealed a hard disk drive for laptops and netbooks that it reckons is the thinnest in the world. Called the Momentus Thin, the drive measures just 7mm in height, about 25% smaller than the porky 9.5mm of traditional 2.5-inch drives.

The skinny HDDs are available in 160GB and 250GB capacities, and feature an 8MB cache, SATA 3GBps interface and 5400rpm spin speed. They could allow the next generation of laptops and netbooks to be even thinner than existing ones.

The drive will be shipping in January to customers, and will no doubt be followed by similarly skinny copycat drives from Seagate's competitors. We'll keep you posted of further developments in the ultra-thin drive market.

Intel Launched New Mini-ITX Atom Based Motherboard for Netbook and Nettop Market

As an effort to promote Intel Atom processor for broader market, the giant chipmaker has just unveiled a new motherboard targeted for both nettop and netbook market. Named as D945GSEJT, it is a Mini-ITX form factor platform powered by Intel Atom processor clocking at 1.6GHz.

As expected, the Atom processor is coupled with Mobile Intel 945GSE Express chipset, which make it a suitable platform for both home and office usages. Some of the useful features include SATA (Serial ATA) ports, PCI Express slots, Gigabit Ethernet port, USB 2.0 host ports and other legacy interfaces. In terms of graphics interface, it supports both VGA and DVI dual independent display utilizing built in graphics core in the chipset. These are all fitted into a Mini-ITX form factor measured at only 170mm X 170mm dimension. Without the need of additional fan or heatsink that consumes space, the whole solution can be designed into a slim casing concealing a merely 20mm height platform.

Top 10 Features that make IPv6 greater than IPv4

1. IPv6 Provides a substantially larger IP address space than IPv4
2. IPv6 Provides better end-to-end connectivity than IPv4
3. IPv6 has better ability for autoconfiguring devices than IPv4
4. IPv6 contains simplified Header Structures leading to faster routing as compared to IPv4
5. IPv6 provides better security than IPv4 for applications and networks
6. IPv6 gives better Quality of Service (QoS) than IPv4
7. IPv6 provides better Multicast and Anycast
abilities compared to IPv4
8. IPv6 offers better mobility features than IPv4
9. IPv6 offers ease of administration over IPv4
10. IPv6 follows the key design principles of IPv4, thereby permitting a smooth transition from IPv4.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Cisco delivers a comprehensive portfolio of Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN technologies for both IP and MPLS infrastructures.

At Layer 2, Cisco VPN addresses the needs of differing packet-based Service Provider infrastructures with two distinct Layer 2 tunneling protocols: Cisco AToM for MPLS-based core networks, and Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol version 3 (L2TPv3) for "Native IP"-based core networks. Both protocols provide high-speed any site to-any site Layer 2 connectivity, and support Layer 2 attachment technologies (ie: Frame Relay, Ethernet, HDLC, and ATM). Layer 2 VPNs also support emerging multipoint technologies, such as Virtual Private LAN Services.

For Layer 3, Cisco delivers VPN technologies such as Cisco IPsec, GRE, and MPLS/BGP VPNs. These technologies support the transport of IP packets as part of a VPN over IP/MPLS core. They operate at the IP layer, providing an intelligent control plane to manage customer traffic and complex routing.

Cisco VPN technologies offer customers the following benefits:

One network, any access
Complete set of protocols, platforms, and provisioning capabilities
Reduced cost of ownership
Flexibility, scale, and services required by service providers and large enterprises

Intel Introduces Core™ i7, Xeon® 3400 and First Core™ i5 Processors

Intel Corporation introduced several high-performance desktop and server processors, bringing the next level of integration and intelligence to computers. The new Intel Core™ i5 processor family, two new Intel Core™ i7 processors and the Intel® Xeon processor 3400 series bring Intel's latest Nehalem microarchitecture to mainstream desktop and entry server markets.

New Intel® Core™ Processors for Consumers
Formerly codenamed "Lynnfield," these new chips are based on Intel's award-winning Nehalem microarchitecture and are designed for consumers who need top-notch performance for digital media, productivity, gaming and other demanding applications.

All processors are lead- and halogen-free1 and feature Intel® exclusive Turbo Boost Technology. The top-of-the-line Core i7 processors also support Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology. Combined, these features give computer users absolute "intelligent" performance when necessary and optimum power-efficiency when the computer is lightly loaded.

Computers Just Got Smaller
The new chipset brings the most revolutionary design changes since the invention of the PCI bus in the early 1990s and sets the stage for Intel's forthcoming 2010 compute platform. The Intel® P55 Express Chipset will be the baseline building block component for motherboards worldwide, delivering great new levels of performance and scalability for everyone from the retail buyer to the technically savvy do-it-yourselfer.

The new Core i7 and i5 processors are the first Intel processors to integrate both a 16-lane PCI Express 2 graphics port and two-channel memory controller, enabling all input/output and manageability functions to be handled by the single-chip Intel P55 Express Chipset. Previous Intel chipsets required two separate chips. A new Direct Media Interface (DMI) connects between the processor and chipset. The chipset supports 8 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Ports (2.5GT/s) for flexible device support. Dual graphics cards are supported in a "2x8" configuration. The chipset also supports 6 SATA 3 Gb/s Ports with Intel® Matrix Storage Technology providing RAID levels 0/1/5/10. Up to 14 USB 2.0 Ports can be supported with the chipset's integrated USB 2.0 Rate Matching Hub, along with Intel® High Definition Audio for premium digital sound. The new processors are the first to be supported by the new Land Grid Array (LGA) 1156 package and socket technology.

Better Entry Servers
Small businesses requiring 24/7 operation and educators now have more reasons than ever to buy a purpose-built server with Intel's new Xeon processors and Intel® 3400 and 3420 chipsets. These new products improve small business productivity by running email, file, print and dynamic Web serving tasks more efficiently. They also improve education by enabling dependable classroom collaboration and making school administrative services more productive. Servers based on Xeon 3400 processors provide more dependability over desktop systems through differentiated features such as Error Correcting Code memory and RAID 0/1/5/10 for server operating systems. They are designed to help small businesses grow by enabling up to 64 percent2 more sale transactions and up to 56 percent faster business response time. This improvement is enabled with Intel's Nehalem microarchitecture and a 4x improvement in memory capacity (32 GB). Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology enable these servers to automatically adapt their performance to unique business needs. The processors launched today also include the Intel® Xeon® L3426, a low-power variant that delivers up to 188 percent improvement in energy efficiency per dollar than the previous-generation Intel® Xeon® X3380, and enables innovative server form factors for space and thermally constrained environments.

5 good computing habits

1. Organize your folders
We all know how easy it is to dump files into the wrong folder when we're in a hurry. But one way to make sure you'll keep your files organized is to remove the clutter with a filing system that makes sense for the way you use your computer. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Start clean
Begin by deciding which files you no longer need on your hard drive.

Think it through
Take the time to plan the best way to organize your files. How do you spend your time on the computer and what do you create? Do you work with photos and image editing software, surf the Web, write short stories, research school projects, or play games? The folders you create in Documents (called My Documents in Windows XP) can be easily tailored to show you just the kind of data about your files that you need to track.

Use subfolders
After you have an idea of the kinds of items you produce and want to save, create folders and subfolders to store your files. Be sure to use logical, easy-to-understand names. For example, within Documents, you might create additional folders called Projects, HR Benefits, and Career. Then, within the Projects folder, you could create subfolders for each different project.

2. Clean up your hard disk
Now that you've organized your files and folders, and cleaned up your desktop, you can organize the data itself. Windows includes two utilities—Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter—that help you free up more space on your hard drive and help your computer work more efficiently.

Disk Cleanup compresses your old files so you can free up storage space.

Disk Defragmenter scans your hard drive and consolidates files that may be scattered across the disk

Not sure how often to run these utilities? It's really up to you—some people like to run both weekly, others prefer monthly, and a few only run them every few months. It's not a bad idea to do both at least once a month. Windows Vista users take note: Disk Defragmenter is automatically scheduled to run once a week (Sunday at 4 a.m.). You can change the scheduled time for this feature or turn it off, if you prefer.

To find both programs, click Start, point to All Programs, then point to Accessories, and then choose System Tools.

3. Use System Restore
System Restore is one of those programs that can be a life-saver when you've been the unfortunate recipient of unstable software, a badly timed power outage, or a damaging thunderstorm. System Restore records important documents, settings, and preferences on your computer. If the unthinkable happens and your computer files are damaged or inaccessible, you can use System Restore to restore your computer back the same state it was in before the data was lost.

System Restore creates restore points daily, and whenever you install device drivers, automatic updates, and some applications. Still, it's a good idea to get into the habit of creating a system checkpoint (called a restore point) whether you're about to install new software, or take any action you suspect might make your computer unstable. That way, if there's any conflict at all, you can restore your computer to the point just before you began the installation.

4. Keep Windows and Office up-to-date
Computer programs are continually improved based on customer feedback and continuing product testing. As problems are resolved, you should benefit from those improvements. By checking Microsoft Update regularly, you can make sure you've got the most recent Windows and Office improvements available to you.

If you're using Windows XP, visit Microsoft Update to start the update process. If it's your first time to visit Microsoft Update, you might need to sign up to the service. Windows Vista users don't need to sign up for Microsoft Update: an account is automatically created for you during the registration process.

5. Run antivirus software AND a spyware detection and removal tool
Updating your Windows software is just the first step in keeping your computer safe. Next, you'll want to download and install antivirus software and keep it up to date. Your computer may have come with a free trial of antivirus software, but if you don't renew your subscription, you won't be protected from all the latest threats.

5 ways to speed up your PC

1.Free up disk space
The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk to improve the performance of your computer. The tool identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Use Disk Cleanup to:
Remove temporary Internet files.
Remove downloaded program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets).
Empty the Recycle Bin.
Remove Windows temporary files such as error reports.
Remove optional Windows components that you don't use.
Remove installed programs that you no longer use.
Remove unused restore points and shadow copies from System Restore.

2.Speed up access to data
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. The response time can be significantly longer.
Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your files stored neatly end-to-end, without fragmentation, reading and writing to the disk speeds up.
When to run Disk Defragmenter
In addition to running Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals—monthly is optimal—there are other times you should run it too, such as when:
You add a large number of files.
Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.
You install new programs or a new version of Windows.

3. Detect and repair disk errors
In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility.
As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see whether certain files or folders are misplaced.
If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility once a week to help prevent data loss.

4. Protect your computer against spyware
Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. From the Web sites you visit to usernames and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance. To combat spyware, you might want to consider using one of the many free anti-spyware software programs available.

5. Learn all about ReadyBoost
If you're using Windows 7 or Vista, you can use ReadyBoost to speed up your system. A new concept in adding memory to a system, it allows you to use non-volatile flash memory—like a USB flash drive or a memory card—to improve performance without having to add additional memory

AMD's new six-core Opteron EE processor

AMD has announced the immediate availability of the new six-core AMD Opteron EE processor at 40W ACP.

Delivering up to 31% higher performance-per-watt over standard quad-core AMD Opteron processors, the six-core AMD Opteron EE processor is tailored to meet the demands of customers who need strong performance, but must trim out every watt possible in a server system and reduce the data center's power draw, said AMD.

Customers now have 15 low and very low power server processor choices from AMD, while all the CPUs feature AMD's Virtualization (AMD-V) technology and AMD-P features for advanced virtualization and power savings capability as standard power versions.

This 40W ACP processor is currently being integrated in custom solutions programs and will be available from system builders for cloud and Web 2.0 customers where density and low power are key considerations.

Synchronize Your Windows7 Files and Folders Using SyncToy

Microsoft has provided a new PowerToy application SyncToy 2.1. It is a free application that will synchronize your files and folders among several locations. What kind of synchronization? Typically this will include sharing operations, such as photos or documents, with other computers and creating backup copies of files and folders.
The engine that runs the synchronization operations is available from the Microsoft Sync Framework 2.0.

What is synchronization? Simply put, if you have stored files in one folder, say in you local hard drive, and you have also stored files in a folder on a remote server, you may want to keep the files in those folders the same, especially the same version. You can do it by hand with copy and replace or you can let the synchronization software do it for you.
SyncToy is a highly customizable program that helps users to avoid the heavy lifting involved with the copying, moving, and synchronization of different directories.

Features:

SyncToy can manage multiple sets of folders at the same time
It can combine files from two folders in one case
It can mimic renames and deletes in another case
It can keeps track of renames to files and will make sure those changes get carried over to the synchronized folder
It can run on 32 bit and 64 bit systems

Intel launches next-generation Atom netbook processor

Intel launched its next-generation Atom netbook processor, saying it will bring longer battery life and improved system performance to low-cost laptops.
The single-core Atom N450 chip is 60 percent smaller than existing Atom processors, and consumes close to 20 percent less power, said Anil Nanduri, director of netbook marketing at Intel. The chip draws about 5.5 watts of power, according to an Intel specification sheet.
The small footprint of the chip could also lead to new device designs, like thinner netbooks and tablets, Nanduri said. Netbooks with N450 chips will be shown by major vendors at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show to be held in Las Vegas Jan. 7-10.

The company has about 80 netbook design wins based on the latest processor, Nanduri said. The company did not immediately release pricing for the chip, but said new PCs will be available at existing netbook price points
Netbooks are low-cost PCs characterized by small screens and keyboards, and are designed to surf the Internet and run basic applications like word processing. The category took off when Asus introduced the Eee PC in 2007, and today top vendors including Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Acer and Lenovo offer netbooks.

The Atom N450 will run at a clock speed of 1.66GHz, which is the same as an existing Atom N280 netbook chip. However, the improvements in the N450 come from the smaller chip size, achieved by integrating the graphics and memory controller into the CPU. The N450 will process multimedia faster and free up bandwidth for the processor to communicate with other components. Previously, the graphics and memory controller resided outside the CPU.

The graphics improvement will come as relief to netbook users who have criticized the chipset in current Atom netbooks for its limited graphics compared to Nvidia's Ion platform, which plugs a GeForce graphics core into an Atom chip to deliver full 1080p graphics.

The integrated graphics processor in N450 is capable of 720p high-definition graphics natively, but Nanduri insisted the N450 processor is meant to consume Internet content, not to play graphics-intensive games or view high-definition movies.

Netbooks powered by Atom N450 will run Windows 7, Windows XP or the Linux operating systems.

Next-gen Flip camcorder to boast Wi-Fi

Cisco will launch a new Wi-Fi-enabled Flip digital camcorder to go on sale in the early half of 2010, Pocket-lint has learnt.
The new model will be the first to leverage Cisco's networking technology since it bought Pure Digital in a multi-million dollar deal in early 2009.
Details are thin on the ground at the moment, but we've been informed by a Cisco spokesperson that the new model will feature "a large screen that slides to reveal the record and menu buttons underneath" allowing users to see what is going on when they are recording video. The screen itself won't be touchscreen however, presumably in an attempt to keep costs down.
Owners of the new pocket video camcorder will be able to record video footage and then upload it straight from the camcorder over Wi-Fi networks both private and public, a feature currently being offered in some DSLRs.

Windows7 Vs Windows XP

Simplifies everyday tasks	Windows XP	Windows Vista	Windows 7 ( =improved)	Feature
Multitask more easily.				Windows Taskbar
Chat and share with free photo, e-mail, and IM programs.				Windows Live Essentials
Browse the web easily and more safely.				Internet Explorer 8
Find files and programs instantly.				Windows Search
Open programs and files you use most in a click or two.				Jump Lists
Connect to any available wireless network in just three clicks.				View Available Networks
Navigate lots of open windows more quickly.				Aero Peek
Easily share files, photos, and music on your home network.				HomeGroup
Print to a single printer from any PC in the house.				HomeGroup
Manage printers, cameras, and other devices better.				Device Stage
Organize lots of files, documents, and photos effortlessly.				Windows Libraries

Works the way you want
Personalize your desktop with themes and photos.				Desktop
Connect to company networks securely.				Domain Join
Fully compatible with 64-bit PCs.				64-bit support
Run Windows XP productivity programs.				Windows XP Mode
Built-in defense against spyware and other malware.				Windows Defender
Help keep your data private and secure.				BitLocker
Manage and monitor your children’s PC use.				Parental Controls
Designed for faster sleep and resume.				Performance improvements
Improved power management for longer battery life.				Power management

Makes new things possible
Watch and record TV on your PC.				Windows Media Center
Create and share movies and slide shows in minutes.				Windows Live Movie Maker
Stream music, photos, and videos around your house.				Play To
Connect to your home PC media library while you're away.				Remote Media Streaming
Get the most realistic game graphics and vivid multimedia.				DirectX 11
Touch and tap instead of point and click.				Windows Touch