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Free UltraMap 2.0 Photogrammetric Software for Microsoft’s Aerial Cameras

2010-01-06T10:26:00.002+05:30

By the end of this month, owners of Microsoft large and medium format aerial cameras will be able to grab a free upgrade of the second version of the UltraMap workflow software system. The upgrade will be offered by Vexcel Imaging GmbH, a Microsoft company, which produces the Redmond company’s digital aerial camera. According to a December 14th announcement from Vexcel, customers will be able to upgrade to the new UltraMap photogrammetric software version 2.0 release in 20 days, as roll-out is planned for debut on January 25th, 2010.
With UltraMap 2.0 customers running such cameras as UltraCamXp, UltraCamL, and UltraCamXp WA will be able to take advantage of a system designed to streamline the management and processing of vast amounts of data. UltraMap 2.0’s features come implemented in five modules: Framework, Raw Data Center, Radiometry, Viewer and Aerial Triangulation, according to the software giant. At the core of UltraMap is Microsoft’s Dragonfly technology, Vexcel stated. It is by leveraging Dragonfly that Microsoft can offer support for multi-channel 16-bit UltraCam imagery.

Seagate Launches the Pulsar SSD for Enterprise Servers

2010-01-06T10:20:00.000+05:30

Building on its experience with Blade and other enterprise server types, Seagate worked long and hard to put together a powerful and reliable solid state drive, which would offer unparalelled data reliability and security. The Pulsar single level cell NAND solid state drive does not have storage capabilities any higher than those of other enterprise SSDs or hard drives, but its unique feature, which also makes it far superior, is its ability to retain the data stored in the DRAM cache in case of power loss.

Despite the superior speeds that the drive may have been capable of had it been designed for use with the 6 Gbit/s SAS or PCIe, the Pulsar SSD works on the SATA II 3Gb/s interface. This was done in order for the drive to work on Seagate's OEMs' existing motherboard chipsets, otherwise said OEMs would have had to switch to different, more expensive server motherboards in order to support additional interfaces. Enterprises shouldn't worry, though, since the Pulsar is fully capable of 30,000 and 25,000 IOPS peak read/write speeds with 4KB blocks. This is the equivalent of 240 MB/s sequential read speeds and 200 MB/s sequential write speeds.

The company has been working on this product for quite a while and select OEMs have been receiving shipments of the product since September, which means that some may have already begun to make use of the storage unit. The Pulsar comes with storage capabilities of 50GB, 100GB and 200GB and its most important feature, which ensures total data reliability, is the DRAM's aforementioned ability to retain stored data even in the case of power failures. This means that enterprises will no longer be in danger of losing valuable research data.

Lenovo Intros ARM-Based Skylight Smartbook

2010-01-06T10:15:00.000+05:30

Smartbooks have been gaining attention on the IT market thanks to their being a sort of hybrid between smartphones and netbooks. Basically, they are designed with a netbook form factor while boasting certain smarphone capabilities such as an always-on and all-day battery life. Lenovo just finished launching its own product, named Skylight, and, naturally, plans to showcase it during the Consumer Electronics Show.

The smartbook has a 10.1-inch screen, but is much thinner than any netbook model to date. Unlike netbooks, however, it does not use x86 processors, leveraging, instead, the capabilities of the ARM architecture. The Snapdragon chipset used in the device's construction runs at 1GHz. The device itself has 20GB of flash storage, an 8GB miniSD card and 2GB of Lenovo cloud storage space. In addition, the Skylight is designed with two USB ports (one in a flip-jack form), a mini-HDMI and will be able to connect to the Internet through the built-in WiFi and the AT&T WWAN module.

The Skylight will supposedly be able to run on battery power for up to ten hours while offering the possibility for a seamless web browsing and accessing “web gadgets” such as Facebook and Gmail. The smartbook even has various multimedia features thanks to its custom OS based on Linux. Among the built-in special elements are Amazon MP3 and Roxio CinemaNow for music and movie purchasing. Coupled with the screen capable of a 1280x720 resolution, it may be that even movie viewing will be possible.

Next-Generation WirelessHD Standard Reaches 28 Gbps

2010-01-06T10:12:00.002+05:30

The WirelessHD Consortium finished defining the new WirelessHD standard that will enable unprecedented wireless data transfer for a variety of electronics, allowing for vivid and accurate content sharing and display. The specification is the standard wireless digital interface for HD consumer electronics and is supported by 50 global technology corporations. The updated technology is the only 60GHz specification included in the Institute of Electrical Engineering (IEEE) 802.15.3c global standard and provides wireless lossless A/V support.

When based on the new standard, PCs, Blu-ray players and HDTVs, among others, will be capable of a fast and accurate data transfer, even in case of multi-gigabyte files. This will be achievable thanks to the high data rates of 10 to 28 Gbps, which will support next-generation, high-definition display demands (DeepColor, high frame rates and high-speed data applications). The 4K resolution support will allow devices to display content in HD four times better than 1080p. This means that the supported resolution may reach that used in digital theaters.

Another feature of the new specification is the data support. Both portable and fixed devices will be capable of a 1Gbps sync'n go file transfer, as well as of IP connectivity for Internet and networking. Among the compatible portable devices are even low-power products such as netbooks, smartphones and media players. In addition, both the current and future WirelessHD versions will support HDCP 2.0 content protection, besides DTCP, even while being the only specification to support both media streaming and copying operations.

Finally, the new standard will be capable of transmitting 3D content over WirelessHD by defining common 3D formats and resolutions for supported devices. The specification will be backwards-compatible with previous technology.

Besides this major enhancement to the WirelessHD 1.0 specification, the group has also announced its new, Panasonic-developed Authorized Self Test House (ASTH). This new ASTH will become the consortium's internal facility where the protocol compliance and interoperability of WirelessHD products will be tested during the early part of 2010.

7 tips for working securely from wireless hotspots

2010-01-02T14:01:00.005+05:30

1. Try to choose more secure connections
It's not always possible to choose your connection type—but when you can, opt for wireless networks that require a network security key or have some other form of security, such as a certificate. The information sent over these networks is encrypted, which can help protect your computer from unauthorized access. The security features of different networks appear along with the network name as your PC discovers them.

2. Make sure your firewall is activated
A firewall helps protect your mobile PC by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network. It acts as a barrier that checks all incoming information, and then either blocks the information or allows it to come through. All Microsoft Windows operating systems come with a firewall, and you can make sure it's turned on.

3. Monitor your access points
Chances are that there are multiple wireless networks anywhere you're trying to connect. These connections are all access points, because they link into the wired system that gives you Internet access. So how do you make sure you're connecting to the right one? Simple—by configuring your PC to let you approve access points before you connect.

4. Disable file and printer sharing
File and printer sharing is a feature that enables other computers on a network to access resources on your computer. When you are using your mobile PC in a hotspot, it's best to disable file and printer sharing—when it's enabled, it leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers. Remember, though, to turn this feature back on when you return to the office.

5. Make your folders private
When the folders on your mobile PC are private, it's more difficult for hackers to access your files.

6. Encrypt your files
You can protect your files further by encrypting them, which requires a password to open or modify them. Because you must perform this procedure on one file at a time, consider password-protecting only the files that you plan to use while working in a public place.

7. Consider completely removing sensitive data from your notebook PC
If you're working with extremely sensitive data, it might be worth taking it off your notebook PC altogether. Instead, save it on a corporate network share and access it only when necessary. This way, you have multiple safeguards in place.

A few simple precautions can help make working in public places more secure. And by selecting the best connections and adjusting settings, you can enjoy productive and safe work sessions no matter where you are.

Microsoft Launches Office 2010 Beta

2010-01-02T13:27:00.002+05:30

Microsoft has launched Office 2010 public beta. The five versions of Office 2010 are Office Home & Student 2010, Office Home & Business 2010, Office Professional 2010, Office Standard 2010 and Office Professional Plus 2010, the latter two are the versions which require volume licensing.

New features are lightweight online versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote, new e-mail management and viewing capabilities in Outlook. The ribbon feature introduced in Office 2008 will be extended to Outlook, Publisher and OneNote in Office 2010.

Windows 7 system requirements

2010-01-02T13:25:00.002+05:30

If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:

1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Additional requirements to use certain features:

Internet access (fees may apply)
Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
Some games and programs might require a graphics card compatible with DirectX 10 or higher for optimal performance
For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware
HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7
DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2
BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive
Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on
Music and sound require audio output

2010 the year of cloud-computing...M&A

2010-01-02T10:53:00.000+05:30

Cloud computing is still more attractive to venture capitalists than it is to enterprise IT buyers, and that's unlikely to change in 2010. As IT buyers warm to the idea and implementation of cloud computing, 2010 is going to prove to be a very big year for cloud-computing M&A as big-fish vendors like VMWare, Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle round out their cloud product portfolios with little-fish innovators.

Cloud computing is more than just buzz. It is here to stay and is expected to take increasing shares of total IT spending worldwide. From a VC perspective, the even better news is that cloud computing is still far from maturity. There are many technology gaps that are not yet filled, especially in the areas of cloud enablement, management, monitoring, and security. In particular, VCs can find investment opportunities in start-up companies that develop solutions for hybrid cloud, which is expected to experience increased demand over the coming years.

Cloud computing offers real advantages, and has attracted a significant array of pent-up demand. Start-up vendors like Cloudera, VMOps, Rightscale, and others are inundated with requests for pilot projects as enterprise IT dips some very big toes into the cloud-computing water.

Indeed, it is start-ups like these that will help bridge the gulf between cloud hype and cloud practice in 2010, as the big vendors round out their offerings with the start-ups' technology.

Who will be bought? Those that solve real-world IT problems, not simply those that offer enterprises the ability to build private clouds or give them an on-ramp to public clouds.

CCNP Wireless

2010-01-01T17:04:00.001+05:30

The CCNP Wireless certification was developed to support the growing need for trained professionals who can effectively design, implement, secure, and operate wireless networks and mobility infrastructures. This certification recognizes the critical importance of preparing professionals to support and manage Cisco wireless LANs and networks. It reinforces the ability to assess and translate network business requirements into technical specifications that can then be installed and maintained successfully. Achieving CCNP Wireless demonstrates significant knowledge in designing, deploying and maintaining end-to-end Cisco Wireless LAN solutions.

Signet Launches Solid State Drives In India

2010-01-01T16:01:00.001+05:30

Signet Computers, a leader in memory upgrades and storage solution, announced the launch of Solid State drives (SSD) in the Indian market geared for applications that require high speed, high concurrent access and high robustness. SSD is a data storage technology utilizing solid state memory. Without motors or moving parts, SSDs deliver distinct advantages over hard disk drives: they are faster, more robust and more reliable, reduce heat and noise generation, and have greater durability and shock resistance. The greater efficiency of SSDs offers users a quick start-up, instant opening of applications and finding files in a fraction of the usual time taken by traditional HDDs.
With the fast-growing demand for SSDs across the board in the storage industry, commercially-available SSDs have generated a revolution in the storage industry. SSDs have stunning advantages compared with traditional mechanical Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), including 5 - 10 times higher read/write speed, less than 10% power consumption, 8 - 10 times stronger in anti-shock and anti-vibration robustness, 10 times longer life endurance and 10 times or more in concurrent access.

Gigabyte Launches Latest 333 Onboard Acceleration technology

2010-01-01T15:59:00.000+05:30

GIGABYTE Technology CO., LTD., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards is pleased to introduce their latest 333 Onboard Acceleration technology featuring support for USB 3.0, Serial-ATA Revision 3.0 (6Gbps) and a 3x USB Power Boost, as well as 8+2 power phases, Ultra Durable 3 (UD3) and Easy Energy Saver (EES) on AMD 700 series chipset motherboards including the GA-790FXTA-UD5, GA-790XTA-UD4 and GA-770TA-UD3.
Equipped with the AMD AM3 socket, the GIGABYTE GA-790FXTA-UD5, GA-790XTA-UD4 and GA-770TA-UD3 motherboards allow users to elevate their rig beyond the standard limits with support for the latest 45nm AMD Phenom™II/ Athlon™II processors featuring HyperTransport 3.0 and integrated DDR3 memory controller. Built with the highest level of top notch engineering, these 3 new models feature an extremely durable 8+2 CPU VRM power phase design, able to handle the power demands from 140W CPUs with ease. GIGABYTE also makes it easy for users to take advantage of extended power savings with the GIGABYTE Easy Energy Saver™. Featuring an advanced proprietary software design, GIGABYTE Easy Energy Saver™ is able to dynamically adjust CPU power depending on workload, delivering just the right amount of power needed for the task.

USB 3.0 Support
The GIGABYTE GA-790FXTA-UD5, GA-790XTA-UD4 and GA-770TA-UD3 motherboards support the latest generation SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology made possible through an onboard NEC uPD720200 host controller. With superfast transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps, users are able to experience an almost a 10x improvement over USB 2.0. Additionally, backwards compatibility with USB 2.0 assures users of long term use of their legacy USB 2.0 devices. The onboard NEC SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology also provides new power management features that include increased maximum bus power and device current draw to better accommodate power-hungry devices.

SATA 6 Gbps Support
Yet another onboard feature of the GIGABYTE GA-790FXTA-UD5, GA-790XTA-UD4 and GA-770TA-UD3 motherboards is Marvell’s new 88SE9128 chips for high-speed SATA Revision 3.0 compatibility, delivering superfast 6Gbps link speeds for twice the data transfer rates of SATA Revision 2.0 (3 Gbps). When used in RAID 0 (Stripe) mode, the GIGABYTE AMD 700A series motherboards offer even faster data transfer rates of up to 4x the speed of current SATA interfaces. Another advantage of the Marvell SE9128 is its onboard RAID processor, which enables hardware based data balancing for ultra low CPU utilization, providing a much more powerful RAID solution compared to traditional software based RAID.

3x USB Power Boost
The GIGABYTE GA-790FXTA-UD5, GA-790XTA-UD4 and GA-770TA-UD3 motherboards feature a 3x USB power boost, delivering greater compatibility and extra power for USB devices. GIGABYTE’s unique USB power design is also able to efficiently regulate output over the full voltage range, which greatly enhances USB device compatibility. In addition, dedicated lower resistance fuses ensure lower voltage drops, and provide a more stable and plentiful power delivery.

Seagate launches world's thinnest HDD

2009-12-23T17:49:00.000+05:30

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

2009-12-23T17:41:00.000+05:30

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

2009-12-23T17:04:00.001+05:30

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)

2009-12-23T16:55:00.002+05:30

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

2009-12-23T16:44:00.000+05:30

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

2009-12-23T16:31:00.000+05:30

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

2009-12-23T16:27:00.000+05:30

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

2009-12-22T21:37:00.000+05:30

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

2009-12-22T15:51:00.000+05:30

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

2009-12-22T14:08:00.000+05:30

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

2009-12-22T14:00:00.000+05:30

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

2009-12-22T08:42:00.002+05:30

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

Loop back address in IPv6

2009-12-22T08:13:00.001+05:30

All network administrators are familiar with IPv4, but as IPv6 migrations pick up in different parts of the world, the need for administrators to become familiar with IPv6 becomes important. One familiar address in IPv4 is the loopback address, which is typically used for testing whether your network interface is working by typing ping loopback or ping 127.0.0.1 at a command prompt. The loopback address on an IPv6 network however is 0:0:0:0:0:0:0:1 which is abbreviated as ::1, so if you want to test your network interface in Windows Vista where IPv6 is enabled by default, you can type ping ::1 instead.

Windows7 Short Keys

2009-12-19T09:58:00.000+05:30

Windows Key + Tab = Aero [press Tab to cycle between Windows]
Windows Key + E = Windows Explorer is launched.
Windows Key + R = Run Command is launched.
Windows Key + F = Search (which is there in previous Windows versions too)
Windows Key + X = Mobility Center
Windows Key + L = Lock Computer (It is there from the earlier versions as well)
Windows Key + U = Ease of Access
Windows Key + P = Projector
Windows Key + T = Cycle Super Taskbar Items
Windows Key + S = OneNote Screen Clipping Tool [requires OneNote]
Windows Key + M = Minimize All Windows
Windows Key + D = Show/Hide Desktop
Windows Key + Up = Maximize Current Window
Windows Key + Down = Restore Down / Minimize Current Windows
Windows Key + Left = Tile Current Window to the Left
Windows Key + Right = Tile Current Windows to the Right
[Continue pressing the Left and Right keys to rotate the window as well]
Windows Key + # = Quicklaunch
Windows Key + = = Magnifier

From Windows Explorer

19. Alt + Up = Go up one level
20. Alt + Left/ Right = Back/ Forward

Windows7 Short Keys

2009-12-19T09:50:00.000+05:30

Grid Networks- Exploring resources without limits..

2009-12-18T21:44:00.003+05:30

A grid network is a kind of computer network consisting of a number of (computer) systems connected in a grid topology.

A grid system is a collection of distributed resources connected by a network. A grid system, also called a grid, gathers resources – desktop and hand-held hosts, devices with embedded processing resources such as digital cameras and phones or tera-scale supercomputers – and makes them accessible to users and applications in order to reduce overhead and accelerate projects. A grid application can be defined as an application that operates in a grid environment or is "on" a grid system. Grid system software (or middleware), is software that facilitates writing grid applications and manages the underlying grid infrastructure.

In a regular grid topology, each node in the network is connected with two neighbors along one or more dimensions. If the network is one-dimensional, and the chain of nodes is connected to form a circular loop, the resulting topology is known as a ring. Network systems such as FDDI use two counter-rotating token-passing rings to achieve high reliability and performance. In general, when an n-dimensional grid network is connected circularly in more than one dimension, the resulting network topology is a torus, and the network is called "toroidal". When the number of nodes along each dimension of a toroidal network is 2, the resulting network is called a hypercube

Configuring Cisco Router in Linux Platform

2009-12-16T21:12:00.002+05:30

It is very common to use ‘Hyper terminal’ in Windows to configure Cisco routers.. Then, How will you configure a router in Linux?

If you would like to configure Cisco router using Linux or FreeBSD (connected to a local COM port). Use the following instruction to configure device:

1) Connect cisco router to com port using serial cable

2) Use program like minicom (type minicom at a shell prompt)
$ minicom

3) Select the port, speed and /dev/ttyS0 as com1 port and save configuration as dfl. Next select Exit

4) Continue with your router configuration…

Microsoft Ultimate Bundle Offer!!!

2009-12-16T20:41:00.001+05:30

Windows 7: System Requirements

2009-12-14T21:05:00.000+05:30

If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:
 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
 DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Additional requirements to use certain features:
 Internet access (fees may apply)
 Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
 For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
 Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware
 HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7
 DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
 BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2
 BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive
 Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on
 Music and sound require audio output

Posted By
aji.ajinair@gmail.com.

Network Systems- Enabling Green Practices

2009-12-14T08:49:00.001+05:30

Using the Network to Achieve Sustainability Goals...

Rising energy costs, environmental concerns, government and industry directives, and heightened public scrutiny are all forcing "green" issues and practices to the forefront of business and IT plans. As a resource that touches everything, the network is ideally suited to bolster these efforts and provide much-needed relief from increasing environmental pressures.

As the centerpiece of many of the world's networks, Cisco's routing and switching systems are uniquely positioned to have a positive, broad-based impact along four primary fronts.

Enabling Green practices include:

• Control energy costs and consumption
• Meet regulatory requirements and business directives
• Improve operational efficiency and effectiveness of IT
• Drive "green" business practices, such as remote collaboration and telecommuting
• Optimize resource utilization and minimize e-waste
(jobishkj@gmail.com)

Virtual Techdays are back

2009-12-03T15:11:00.001+05:30

Click on the image to register......

Hurrrrryyyyyy......

MCTS SharePoint Server 2007 Training

2009-12-03T11:14:00.002+05:30

Training for SharePoint Server 2007 is starting next year.

Post your enquiries now...

Exam Code Changed

2009-12-03T11:10:00.002+05:30

MCITP 70-640 Active Directory has been now changed to 83-640.

2009-11-11T14:47:00.001+05:30

As a system administrator, you perform an extended ping at the privileged EXEC prompt. As part of the display, you see "Set DF bit in IP header? [yes] :" What would happen if you answered no at the prompt.

A. This lets the router fragment the packet.

B. It tells the router not to fragment the packet.

C. This lets the router direct the packet to the destination it finds in its routing table.

D. It tell the router to send the packet to the next hop router

Ans A

MCTIP: MICROSOFT CERTIFIED IT PROFESSIONAL SERVER CONFIGURATION (Duration 2 months)

2009-11-03T15:19:00.002+05:30

Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration (70-642)
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration (70-640)
Windows Server 2008 Administrator (70-646)

MCITP: ENTERPRISE ADMINISTRATOR (Duration: 3 months)
Configuration Microsoft Windows Vista Clients (70-620)
Or
Deploying and maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft office System Desktops (7 0-624)
Windows server 2008 Application Platform Configuration (70-643)
Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration (70-642)
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration (70-640)
Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator (70-646)

MCTS: MICROSOFT CERTIFIED TECHNOLOGY SPECILALIST (Duration: 1 month)

2009-11-03T15:18:00.001+05:30

Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration (70-642)
Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration (70-642)
Windows Server 2008 Application Platform Configuration (70-643)

MCSE: MICROSOFT CERTIFIED SYSTEM ENGINEER (Duration: 3 months)

2009-11-03T15:17:00.002+05:30

Microsoft Windows XP Professional (70-270)
Managing and maintaining a Microsoft Windows server 2003
Environment (70-290)
Implementing managing and maintaining a Microsoft Windows
Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (70-291)
Implementing and managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003(70-284)
Planning implementing and maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Network Infrastructure (70-293)
Planning implementing and maintaining a Microsoft windows server Active Directory Infrastructure (70-294).
Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (70-297)

MCSA: MICROSOFT CERTIFIED SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR (Duration: 2 months)

2009-11-03T15:16:00.002+05:30

Microsoft Windows XP Professional (70-270)
Managing and maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Environment (70-290)
Implementing managing and maintaining a Microsoft Windows
Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (70-291)
Implementing and managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003(70-284)

MCP: MICROSOFT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (Duration: 1 month)

2009-11-03T15:15:00.002+05:30

Microsoft Windows XP Professional (70-270)
Managing and maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (70-290)

CCNP: Cisco Certified Network Professional (Duration: 3months)

2009-11-02T15:55:00.000+05:30

The CCNP is considered proof of having ability to work with medium –sized networks with technology such as QoS, broadband, VPNs and security –minded features. In addition to CCNA exams Professional must pass either four separate exams, or composite exam along with two separate exams.

Exams Papers
642-901BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco internet works
642-821 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks
642-825ISCW: Implementing secure Converged wide area network
642-845ONT: Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks

The BSCI and BCMSN testes can be taken as one single composite test known as the 642-892 composite.

CCSP: Cisco Certified Security Professional (Duration: 3 Months)

2009-11-02T15:53:00.003+05:30

The CCSP certification is an advanced network Security certification .Candidates for the certification are tested for advanced Knowledge of various Cisco security products.
To Certification can be earned by passing of VPN, IDS, PIX firewall, Secure IOS, the Cisco SAFE, as well as having a CCNA or higher level certification (eg.CCNP or CCIP).
The Common practice is to take four exams, one of which is selected from a list of electives

Required Exams:
642-504 SNRS: Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches
642-545 SNAF: Securing Networks with ASA Foundation
642-533 IPS: Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System

And one of the following:
642-591 CANAC: Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance
642-545MARS: Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response system
642-515 SNAA: Securing Networks with ASA Advanced

CCVP-Cisco Certified Voice Professional (Duration: 3months)

2009-11-02T15:52:00.000+05:30

The CCVP Certification covering all aspects of IP Telephony /VOIP networks and applications.
To attain this certification, five tests must be passed in the areas of Quality of Service, Cisco VoIP, and IP telephony Troubleshooting, Cisco IP telephony, and Gateway Gatekeeper.

For individuals using Cisco Unified Communication Manager:
642-642QoS: Quality of service (QoS)
642-436 CVOICE: Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0)
Cisco Voice Over IP (CVOICEv6.0) AND
Cisco Voice over IP fundamentals (CVF v1.0)
642-426 TUC: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communication Systems (TUCv1.0)
642-446CIPT1: Implementing Cisco Unified Communication Manager Part1 (CIPT1 v6.0)
642-456 CIPT2: Implementing Cisco Unified Communication Manager Part2 (CIPT2v6.0)

For individuals using Cisco Unified Call Manager
642-642 QoS: Quality of Service
642-436 CVOICE: Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICEv6.0)
OR
Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v5.0)
Cisco Voice over IP fundamentals (CVFv1.0)
642-426TUC: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communication systems (TUCv1.0)
642-444 CIPT 4.1: Cisco IP Telephony Release (CIPT4.1)
OR
Cisco IP Telephony Release (CIPT2 5.0)
642-453 GWGK Implementing Cisco Voice Gateway and Gatekeepers (GWGKv2.0)

CCNA-Cisco Certified Network Associate (Duration: 1month)

2009-11-02T15:49:00.000+05:30

The CCNA validates the ability to install ,configure ,operate, and troubleshoot enterprise level router and switched networks .This includes designed implementation and verification of connection in remote sites in a WAN .New CCNA training includes mitigation of security threats ,introduction to wireless network and voice.

CCNA Concentrations
CCNA Routing & Switching
CCNA Security (Duration: 15 days)
CCNA Voice (Duration: 15days)

CCNA Security:
CCNA Security validates Knowledge of security infrastructure, threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and threat mitigation .Skills include installation, troubleshooting monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity and confidentiality and availability of data and devices and develops competency in Cisco IOS Network Security.
This certification is earned by passing IINS 640-553(Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security or IINS) exam.

CCNA Voice:
The Cisco CCNA Voice certification validates a skill set for specialized job in voice technologies such as voice technologies administrator, voice engineer, and voice manager. The CCNA Voice certification involves implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications.
The certificate can be earned by passing the 640-460IIUC (Implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications) or 642-436 (Cisco Voice over IP) exams.

CEH- Certified Ethical Hacker (Duration: 5days)

2009-11-02T15:45:00.002+05:30

This class will be immersing the student into an interactive environment where they will be shown how to scan, test, hack and secure their own systems. The lab intensive environment gives each student in –depth Knowledge and practical experience with the current essential security systems.

CCIE Routing &Switching

2009-11-02T15:43:00.002+05:30

CISCO CERTIFIED INTERNETWORK EXPERT (CCIE) is the highest level of technical networking certification offered by Cisco. This course will lead the students to get ready thoroughly for the CCIE Routing & Switching Lab Exam that certifies expert level knowledge of networking /internetworking across various LAN and WAN interfaces, solve complex connectivity problems to increase bandwiprovdth, maximize performance support global operation. As of June 26, 2009 there are 20,003 people with active CCIE certification in the world and it is generally reported as the highest salaried certification in IT salary surveys. The CCIE is comprised of a written exam and a “lab”.

TimeNet offers World’s Most Comprehensive, Elaboration and effective Boot camp Program ever …..

Phase 1: Startup Boot Camp -5 days
Phase 2: Advanced Technology Lab -20 days
Phase 3: Evaluation Session-1day
Phase4: Instructor –Led Foundation Lab Boot Camp -2 days
Phase5: Instructor –Supported Mock Lab Practice Labs -10 days
Phase 6: Instructor – Supported Advanced Lab -16 days

Cisco router Text to flash

2009-11-02T07:46:00.002+05:30

Here is a way through which you can enter some text files into cisco router

Router#tclsh
Router(tclsh)#puts [ open "new_text" w+ ] {

Owner :Timenet Learning
Date: 01 Jan 2001

}

End tcl sesssion with tclquit

Note: you will need a cisco router with support for tclshell scripting