Usage of wireless technology in electronics device is no longer such a dream. Intel, a company that we know as a king of computer processor producer already introduced a laptop battery which can be charged without plug it into electricity.
Intel called this WREL (wireless resonant energy link). Before this, this kind of technology is called WiTricity. Combination of wireless and electricty. Intel demostrate this kind of technology in Intel Developer Forum in San Fransisco.
Intel researcher, Alan Sample, demonstrate how 60 watt lamp still on even without electricity. This technology use induction magnetic technique. This kind of technology is firstly demonstrate by Marin Soljacic, a physician from MIT.
This technology work using antena that will flow the energy to make a magnetic field. A receiver that plug in electronic devices will receive the energy from this magnetic field and keep it. Nowadays, efficientcy rate is up to 90 %.
Showing posts with label computer information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label computer information. Show all posts
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Five Essential Browser Add-Ons
1. IE Tab: If you use Firefox as your primary browser, you probably get stymied occasionally by Web sites that don't look right in its windows. Don't fire up Internet Explorer (which maintains a separate history and won't have your bookmarks); instead, use the IE Tab plug-in to instruct Firefox to temporarily use Internet Explorer's rendering engine. IE Tab resides in the bottom right corner of your browser. Click the Firefox icon to switch to IE mode and vice versa.
2. Duplicate Tab: Want a copy of the current window you're visiting, complete with the history of that browsing session? IE users can accomplish this without having to install and use a plug-in: Press Ctrl-N to open a new window with the entire history of the current window. For Firefox users, Duplicate Tab lets you obtain such a history with a single shortcut keystroke; or you can use the tool to merge multiple open windows into a series of tabs.
3. ErrorZilla: The standard "server not found" page is useless if you're looking for a Web site that's gone AWOL. ErrorZilla adds a series of buttons to the bottom of the standard "Firefox can't find the server" message, providing instant access to the Wayback machine, Google Cache, Whois lookup, and more.
4. Inline Search: IE users can obtain search-as-you-type functionality that works the same way it does in Firefox with this free, simple extension.
5. Extended Statusbar: This plug-in supplements the data that Firefox provides about a Web page and your Internet connection, providing such details as the total size (in KB) of the page, the transfer speed, and the load time.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142706-page,4-c,software/article.html
2. Duplicate Tab: Want a copy of the current window you're visiting, complete with the history of that browsing session? IE users can accomplish this without having to install and use a plug-in: Press Ctrl-N to open a new window with the entire history of the current window. For Firefox users, Duplicate Tab lets you obtain such a history with a single shortcut keystroke; or you can use the tool to merge multiple open windows into a series of tabs.
3. ErrorZilla: The standard "server not found" page is useless if you're looking for a Web site that's gone AWOL. ErrorZilla adds a series of buttons to the bottom of the standard "Firefox can't find the server" message, providing instant access to the Wayback machine, Google Cache, Whois lookup, and more.
4. Inline Search: IE users can obtain search-as-you-type functionality that works the same way it does in Firefox with this free, simple extension.
5. Extended Statusbar: This plug-in supplements the data that Firefox provides about a Web page and your Internet connection, providing such details as the total size (in KB) of the page, the transfer speed, and the load time.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142706-page,4-c,software/article.html
Browser Boosters
Web browsers--especially Firefox--are built with plug-ins in mind. Thousands of these code snippets are available, but here we present some of the most useful add-ons, plus a few tips that don't require any extra code.
Nuke Web ads: Though decried by many Webmasters for cutting into a lucrative revenue stream, Adblock Plus is practically a mandatory addition to Firefox, due to an increasingly onerous glut of Web advertising. (IE users can try Ad Muncher free for 30 days and then pay $30) Put simply, Adblock Plus blocks ads--not just pop-ups, but regular banners, towers, rich-media stuff, and Google's ubiquitous advertisements. Adblock Plus doesn't stop everything, but it nabs enough that you'll notice the difference immediately.
Many PCs, one set of bookmarks: If you use numerous computers, you have undoubtedly had to deal with separate browsers on each of those PCs, each with its own set of bookmarks that must be managed separately--unless you have a bookmark synchronizer, that is. Foxmarks is one of a number of tools that can sync Firefox bookmarks among multiple machines. Just install Foxmarks as an add-on to the Firefox installation on each system, and never worry about manual syncing again. As a bonus, you can access your bookmarks on the Foxmarks Web site, too.
FireFTP transforms Firefox into a full-blown, speedy, two-way FTP application. Click here to view full-size image.
Put an FTP app into Firefox: Even the most casual Web developer needs an FTP application, but many of these are cumbersome and unintuitive--and they require installing yet another full-blown program. FireFTP turns Firefox into an impromptu and speedy two-way FTP application. Once installed, FireFTP appears in the Tools menu. Click it and a new FTP tab opens up, offering a simple two-pane system that lets you easily copy files between your desktop and your remote site.
FlashGet tracks all your downloads, regardless of the specific application. Click here to view full-size image.
Get a handle on downloaded files: If you are a download junkie who always has something in the queue to leech off the Web, you need a download manager to help handle everything. FlashGet is a free and extremely popular download manager that can help you organize and queue up HTTP, FTP, BitTorrent, and other types of downloads, working in the background and letting you pause and resume downloads. It can even tell your computer to shut itself down when the downloading is done. Works on any browser.
Restore embedded passwords to IE URLs: Several years ago, Microsoft disallowed Internet Explorer to use an embedded password as part of a URL (of the format https://username:password@server.com) when a user goes to a protected Web site; instead the person must type in the password manually at the pop-up log-in screen. (This restriction was a response to phishers' employing phony password fields to deceive unsuspecting users.) Restoring IE's original ability takes a Registry tweak. Run Regedit and browse to the following Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_HTTP_
USERNAME_PASSWORD_DISABLE
Here, create two new DWORD values: iexplore.exe and explorer.exe. Leave the default DWORD value for each of these at '0'. Restart IE.
Grab a hard copy of any Web page: Did you ever print a hard copy of a Web page only to have it come out garbled, missing images, and otherwise nigh unreadable? One reason that may happen is because the newfangled Web 2.0 standards don't play well with 0.1-era printers. Solution: Grab a screen shot of a Web page, and select Print. But how do you do that, when a single page has enough content to fill up three display screens? Simple: Install Screengrab for Firefox, which lets you save a full page, the visible portion of a page, or just the tidbit you'd like to keep. IE Screenshot performs similar tricks for the Microsoft browser. Save images as digital files or print them out.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142706-page,2-c,software/article.html
Nuke Web ads: Though decried by many Webmasters for cutting into a lucrative revenue stream, Adblock Plus is practically a mandatory addition to Firefox, due to an increasingly onerous glut of Web advertising. (IE users can try Ad Muncher free for 30 days and then pay $30) Put simply, Adblock Plus blocks ads--not just pop-ups, but regular banners, towers, rich-media stuff, and Google's ubiquitous advertisements. Adblock Plus doesn't stop everything, but it nabs enough that you'll notice the difference immediately.
Many PCs, one set of bookmarks: If you use numerous computers, you have undoubtedly had to deal with separate browsers on each of those PCs, each with its own set of bookmarks that must be managed separately--unless you have a bookmark synchronizer, that is. Foxmarks is one of a number of tools that can sync Firefox bookmarks among multiple machines. Just install Foxmarks as an add-on to the Firefox installation on each system, and never worry about manual syncing again. As a bonus, you can access your bookmarks on the Foxmarks Web site, too.
FireFTP transforms Firefox into a full-blown, speedy, two-way FTP application. Click here to view full-size image.
Put an FTP app into Firefox: Even the most casual Web developer needs an FTP application, but many of these are cumbersome and unintuitive--and they require installing yet another full-blown program. FireFTP turns Firefox into an impromptu and speedy two-way FTP application. Once installed, FireFTP appears in the Tools menu. Click it and a new FTP tab opens up, offering a simple two-pane system that lets you easily copy files between your desktop and your remote site.
FlashGet tracks all your downloads, regardless of the specific application. Click here to view full-size image.
Get a handle on downloaded files: If you are a download junkie who always has something in the queue to leech off the Web, you need a download manager to help handle everything. FlashGet is a free and extremely popular download manager that can help you organize and queue up HTTP, FTP, BitTorrent, and other types of downloads, working in the background and letting you pause and resume downloads. It can even tell your computer to shut itself down when the downloading is done. Works on any browser.
Restore embedded passwords to IE URLs: Several years ago, Microsoft disallowed Internet Explorer to use an embedded password as part of a URL (of the format https://username:password@server.com) when a user goes to a protected Web site; instead the person must type in the password manually at the pop-up log-in screen. (This restriction was a response to phishers' employing phony password fields to deceive unsuspecting users.) Restoring IE's original ability takes a Registry tweak. Run Regedit and browse to the following Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_HTTP_
USERNAME_PASSWORD_DISABLE
Here, create two new DWORD values: iexplore.exe and explorer.exe. Leave the default DWORD value for each of these at '0'. Restart IE.
Grab a hard copy of any Web page: Did you ever print a hard copy of a Web page only to have it come out garbled, missing images, and otherwise nigh unreadable? One reason that may happen is because the newfangled Web 2.0 standards don't play well with 0.1-era printers. Solution: Grab a screen shot of a Web page, and select Print. But how do you do that, when a single page has enough content to fill up three display screens? Simple: Install Screengrab for Firefox, which lets you save a full page, the visible portion of a page, or just the tidbit you'd like to keep. IE Screenshot performs similar tricks for the Microsoft browser. Save images as digital files or print them out.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142706-page,2-c,software/article.html
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
How To Install MacOS On Windows Vista
If you still think that you need macintosh computer to try MacOS, that's already in the past. Now you can try MacOS on Windows Vista. How to do it ? Check this out !
First thing that you need to do is you need to have VM Player that can be download from VM Player Free and of course DVD installer MacOS X version 10.4.5 or 10.4.6 or 10.4.7 or 10.4.8.
1. Run VM Player, Start -> All Programs -> VM Ware -> VM Player.
2. Create new virtual machine, by click New Virtual Machine.
3. Then click next
4. Then choose Custom, and click next then next again.
5. Then choose Other and FreeBSD for the version. For Core 2 Duo and Core Duo user
with 945 pm (Calistoga) you need to choose Windows NT. This step is needed to
prevent the processor to failed in boot DVD MacOS. Then click next.
6. Give your new virtual machine with MacOS for easier identification.
7. Then answer one, if there is a question that asked you about how many virtual
processor that will be created. (Still answer one although there are 2 processor
on your computer)
8. Then you need to set how many memory that you will allocated for MacOs, you suggest
to set it to 256 mb ( 512 mb from 1.5 gb is very recommended). Then next.
9. Then choose [Use bridged networking] and next then next again.
10. Then choose create new virtual disk and next.
11. Then you need to set what kind of your virtual disk, IDe or SCSI. Then next.
12. After that you need to set the capacity of your new virtual disk.
13. After you click next, you need to decide where your virtual disk will placed.
Choose place that different with place where your main operation system place,
14. Then click finish, and close VM window.
15. Now you need to open windows explorer, and find VM ware setting. The default
location is on Documents\Virtual Machines\MacOS X. Then open configuration file
( with .vmx) using notepad.
16. Add paevm=”true” on the last row. If with this configuration failde to boot
virtual machine, you can change scsi0.present = “TRUE” with scsi0.present =
“FALSE”.
17. Save the configuration .vmx file.
18. Now insert DVD MaacOS and Power On This Virtual Machine.
19. When booting MacOS take process, press F8 and type -v. This will bring you to
verbose mode, that will make easier to detect if there is something wrong with
the installation.
20. After GUI (graphical user interface) screen appear, follow step by step until you
need to choose hard disk. Click Utilities, then Disk Utility.
21. Choose VM drive on the left panel, and partition on the right panel.
22. Change partition volume to 1 and give it a name. Make sure that format will be
created is Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and make sure that the space is sufficient.
23. Click partition and click partition ones again. After your disk formating is
finish, you can close Disk Utility window and your partition will show up on
set up page. Continue to next instalation step.
24. If you use Intel processor with SS2, make sure you choose customize and put a
check mark on patch.
25. After you only need to click continue and wait until instalation process finish.
And you can enjoy Apple operation system on Vista.
Happy trying !!
First thing that you need to do is you need to have VM Player that can be download from VM Player Free and of course DVD installer MacOS X version 10.4.5 or 10.4.6 or 10.4.7 or 10.4.8.
1. Run VM Player, Start -> All Programs -> VM Ware -> VM Player.
2. Create new virtual machine, by click New Virtual Machine.
3. Then click next
4. Then choose Custom, and click next then next again.
5. Then choose Other and FreeBSD for the version. For Core 2 Duo and Core Duo user
with 945 pm (Calistoga) you need to choose Windows NT. This step is needed to
prevent the processor to failed in boot DVD MacOS. Then click next.
6. Give your new virtual machine with MacOS for easier identification.
7. Then answer one, if there is a question that asked you about how many virtual
processor that will be created. (Still answer one although there are 2 processor
on your computer)
8. Then you need to set how many memory that you will allocated for MacOs, you suggest
to set it to 256 mb ( 512 mb from 1.5 gb is very recommended). Then next.
9. Then choose [Use bridged networking] and next then next again.
10. Then choose create new virtual disk and next.
11. Then you need to set what kind of your virtual disk, IDe or SCSI. Then next.
12. After that you need to set the capacity of your new virtual disk.
13. After you click next, you need to decide where your virtual disk will placed.
Choose place that different with place where your main operation system place,
14. Then click finish, and close VM window.
15. Now you need to open windows explorer, and find VM ware setting. The default
location is on Documents\Virtual Machines\MacOS X. Then open configuration file
( with .vmx) using notepad.
16. Add paevm=”true” on the last row. If with this configuration failde to boot
virtual machine, you can change scsi0.present = “TRUE” with scsi0.present =
“FALSE”.
17. Save the configuration .vmx file.
18. Now insert DVD MaacOS and Power On This Virtual Machine.
19. When booting MacOS take process, press F8 and type -v. This will bring you to
verbose mode, that will make easier to detect if there is something wrong with
the installation.
20. After GUI (graphical user interface) screen appear, follow step by step until you
need to choose hard disk. Click Utilities, then Disk Utility.
21. Choose VM drive on the left panel, and partition on the right panel.
22. Change partition volume to 1 and give it a name. Make sure that format will be
created is Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and make sure that the space is sufficient.
23. Click partition and click partition ones again. After your disk formating is
finish, you can close Disk Utility window and your partition will show up on
set up page. Continue to next instalation step.
24. If you use Intel processor with SS2, make sure you choose customize and put a
check mark on patch.
25. After you only need to click continue and wait until instalation process finish.
And you can enjoy Apple operation system on Vista.
Happy trying !!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Yahoo Reject Microsoft ! Glance At New Corp.
As we know, Microsoft is aggressively try to overtaking Yahoo. They launch 44,6 billion dollar AS bid ! This is the biggest offer that ever made in Internet history. But Yahoo decided to reject it, cause they think contract offered was too small.
After refuse Microsoft's offer, Yahoo was reported doing serious talk with News Corp. (My Space). Such was reported by Wall Street Journal (AWJ), Wednesday (2/13). According to AWJ, Yahoo and News Corp. are discussing possibilities of unite My Space service with another services that under Yahoo.
For many people, Yahoo is already such a symbol on internet world. Firstly emerge on 1994 by some student from Stanford University, and go public at 1996. This site was developed to portal that offered many information. Now, Yahoo was recorded as the sites with the most visitor in the world.
After refuse Microsoft's offer, Yahoo was reported doing serious talk with News Corp. (My Space). Such was reported by Wall Street Journal (AWJ), Wednesday (2/13). According to AWJ, Yahoo and News Corp. are discussing possibilities of unite My Space service with another services that under Yahoo.
For many people, Yahoo is already such a symbol on internet world. Firstly emerge on 1994 by some student from Stanford University, and go public at 1996. This site was developed to portal that offered many information. Now, Yahoo was recorded as the sites with the most visitor in the world.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Microsoft Offers to Buy Yahoo for $44.6 Billion
Microsoft has offered to buy Yahoo for around $44.6 billion in cash and shares, to better compete with Google in the market for online services.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made the offer in a letter to Yahoo's board of directors on Thursday, telling the board that he would release the letter Friday morning.
'Keep Online Ads Competitive'
On a conference call Friday, Kevin Johnson, president of Microsoft's platforms and services division, called a combination of Microsoft and Yahoo a more "credible" alternative to Google in the online advertising and services market.
"By combining the assets of Microsoft and Yahoo we can offer a more competitive choice for consumers, advertisers and publishers," he said.
It was Yahoo's board that first approached Microsoft, in February 2007, Microsoft said.
Jerry Yang, cofounder and CEO of Yahoo
Yahoo, in a statement, said its board will carefully evaluate Microsoft's proposal, which it described as unsolicited.
Microsoft expects the market for online advertising to almost double in size over the next three years, from $40 billion in 2007 to $80 billion by 2010. A merger will allow it to realize economies of scale and reduce capital costs as it addresses this market, it said.
Urging R&D, Innovation
Microsoft expects to cut costs by $1 billion a year by realizing synergies with Yahoo in four areas: obtaining economies of scale as its audience increases; combining its research and development efforts with Yahoo's to innovate faster; eliminating operational redundancy to cut costs, and pooling expertise to innovate in video and mobile.
The companies will work together to develop the merger plan, Microsoft said.
It intends to pay key Yahoo engineers and other staff to stay following the merger.
The offer represents a 62 percent premium over Yahoo's closing price on Thursday. Microsoft expects to receive all necessary approvals in the second half of this year.
Despite the potential for short-term gain, Yahoo, in its statement, said its goal will be to maximize long-term value fori ts shareholders.
At this premium, even if Yahoo's top managers were opposed to the acquisition, Yahoo's board of directors has an obligation to consider the offer on behalf of shareholders, said industry analyst Greg Sterling from Sterling Market Intelligence.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142083-page,1/article.html
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made the offer in a letter to Yahoo's board of directors on Thursday, telling the board that he would release the letter Friday morning.
'Keep Online Ads Competitive'
On a conference call Friday, Kevin Johnson, president of Microsoft's platforms and services division, called a combination of Microsoft and Yahoo a more "credible" alternative to Google in the online advertising and services market.
"By combining the assets of Microsoft and Yahoo we can offer a more competitive choice for consumers, advertisers and publishers," he said.
It was Yahoo's board that first approached Microsoft, in February 2007, Microsoft said.
Jerry Yang, cofounder and CEO of Yahoo
Yahoo, in a statement, said its board will carefully evaluate Microsoft's proposal, which it described as unsolicited.
Microsoft expects the market for online advertising to almost double in size over the next three years, from $40 billion in 2007 to $80 billion by 2010. A merger will allow it to realize economies of scale and reduce capital costs as it addresses this market, it said.
Urging R&D, Innovation
Microsoft expects to cut costs by $1 billion a year by realizing synergies with Yahoo in four areas: obtaining economies of scale as its audience increases; combining its research and development efforts with Yahoo's to innovate faster; eliminating operational redundancy to cut costs, and pooling expertise to innovate in video and mobile.
The companies will work together to develop the merger plan, Microsoft said.
It intends to pay key Yahoo engineers and other staff to stay following the merger.
The offer represents a 62 percent premium over Yahoo's closing price on Thursday. Microsoft expects to receive all necessary approvals in the second half of this year.
Despite the potential for short-term gain, Yahoo, in its statement, said its goal will be to maximize long-term value fori ts shareholders.
At this premium, even if Yahoo's top managers were opposed to the acquisition, Yahoo's board of directors has an obligation to consider the offer on behalf of shareholders, said industry analyst Greg Sterling from Sterling Market Intelligence.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142083-page,1/article.html
If Microsoft Buys Yahoo: What We'd Love--and Hate
It's the year 2010. Microsoft owns Yahoo and has just changed the name of Flickr to Microsoft Flickr Live Photo-Sharing Service for Digital Camera Enthusiasts. The service is still free, but Windows Vista users will have to validate their copy of Vista as "genuine" first to use it. What has Microsoft wrought?
That's just one of the nightmares we can foresee from a Microsoft-Yahoo merger. But some good things could ensue for computer users too. Here's what we'd love - and hate - to see happen.
Love: Sending a Wake-Up Call to Google
Google has been untouchable in many aspects when it comes to search, Web innovations, and free cool services such as Google Maps. But perhaps Google has grown too complacent. While we are waiting to see what becomes of Google's mobile strategy, we're less enthralled by services such as Knol. We want to see the combined force of Microsoft and Yahoo give Google an honest run for its money when it comes to innovative online services.
Hate: Goodbye, Beloved Services
The shuttering of Yahoo or MSN services is something we'd hate to see (actually, we wouldn't shed any tears over Windows Live), but it's inevitable some will get the axe, given the overlapping services owned by Microsoft and Yahoo. The merged company would simply create too many redundant services and the odds are some of our beloved services would be killed. Branded services such as Yahoo Mail and Hotmail would survive, but there is a good chance they'd share one development team. Over time the services would become virtually identical, sharing features, functions, bugs, and limitations. Microsoft's instant messaging system sneezes, for example, and Yahoo Messenger catches a cold.
Love: Yahoo Boosts Microsoft Live
We think both behemoths could learn a lot from the other especially when it comes to the look, feel, and usability of Web pages and services. We'd like to see Windows Live integrated into simpler interfaces. Right now there is Windows Live and Microsoft Office Live Small Business. Both are not tied to directly either to the Windows OS or Microsoft Office. Both Microsoft Live sites seem so disconnected.
Yahoo was best in the early days at keeping the interface simple on services such as Yahoo Travel. Today's Yahoo can't match the minimalism of many Google offerings, but it still has designs that are simpler and easier to use than many counterparts at Microsoft.
Hate: Microsoft Yahoo Chaos
Combining the two giants will create confusion. Could you use your MSN Messenger ID to login to Yahoo Mail? Will your Passport be accepted at Yahoo's border?
From : http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142114/article.html
That's just one of the nightmares we can foresee from a Microsoft-Yahoo merger. But some good things could ensue for computer users too. Here's what we'd love - and hate - to see happen.
Love: Sending a Wake-Up Call to Google
Google has been untouchable in many aspects when it comes to search, Web innovations, and free cool services such as Google Maps. But perhaps Google has grown too complacent. While we are waiting to see what becomes of Google's mobile strategy, we're less enthralled by services such as Knol. We want to see the combined force of Microsoft and Yahoo give Google an honest run for its money when it comes to innovative online services.
Hate: Goodbye, Beloved Services
The shuttering of Yahoo or MSN services is something we'd hate to see (actually, we wouldn't shed any tears over Windows Live), but it's inevitable some will get the axe, given the overlapping services owned by Microsoft and Yahoo. The merged company would simply create too many redundant services and the odds are some of our beloved services would be killed. Branded services such as Yahoo Mail and Hotmail would survive, but there is a good chance they'd share one development team. Over time the services would become virtually identical, sharing features, functions, bugs, and limitations. Microsoft's instant messaging system sneezes, for example, and Yahoo Messenger catches a cold.
Love: Yahoo Boosts Microsoft Live
We think both behemoths could learn a lot from the other especially when it comes to the look, feel, and usability of Web pages and services. We'd like to see Windows Live integrated into simpler interfaces. Right now there is Windows Live and Microsoft Office Live Small Business. Both are not tied to directly either to the Windows OS or Microsoft Office. Both Microsoft Live sites seem so disconnected.
Yahoo was best in the early days at keeping the interface simple on services such as Yahoo Travel. Today's Yahoo can't match the minimalism of many Google offerings, but it still has designs that are simpler and easier to use than many counterparts at Microsoft.
Hate: Microsoft Yahoo Chaos
Combining the two giants will create confusion. Could you use your MSN Messenger ID to login to Yahoo Mail? Will your Passport be accepted at Yahoo's border?
From : http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142114/article.html
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Tips To Buy Perfect Notebook For You (5)
21: What's it made of?
Most laptop cases are still made from molded plastic, but you can find some encased
in metal, which dissipates heat better. Look for models made from light, strong
metal alloys. If you're in the market for a desktop replacement, check that the
case has adequate ventilation for the powerful (and hot-running) components inside.
22: Fixed or swappable
Less-expensive notebooks have fixed drives, meaning the optical and hard drives
can't be removed. Some, though, have a swappable-drive bay, letting you change out
an optical drive for a hard drive or extra battery--or just a spacer module so you
can shed some travel weight.
23: Are you the Tablet type?
Comparable in size and weight to ultraportable notebooks, tablet PCs occupy a
different niche. They're available in two basic designs: Convertibles, which have
displays that swivel and fold flat facing outwards, and slates, which have no
attached keyboards. (Some slates offer optional wired or wireless keyboards.) All
Tablet PCs use a special version of Windows XP that works in tandem with the
display for navigating and entering data using a stylus. Until recently, these
units were primarily used in specialised fields, such as health care, insurance,
and real estate, but sexier models with new software are slowly reaching a broader
audience.
24: Going for the perfect drive
Optical drives of all kinds are available for laptops--from basic DVD/CD-RW combo
drives to double-layer DVD±RWs. We like DVD writer drives for notebooks; they burn
CDs and play both CDs and DVDs. If you want to splurge, a DVD recorder is handy
for backing up as much as 8.5GB of important files at a time.
25: Don't forget to shop for Apples
It's no secret Apple makes some phenomenal notebooks. If you're considering one,
make sure all the specialty software apps you need to run are available for the
Mac platform. Also, factor in what's required to incorporate your new Mac into
your home network.
CNets Asia
Most laptop cases are still made from molded plastic, but you can find some encased
in metal, which dissipates heat better. Look for models made from light, strong
metal alloys. If you're in the market for a desktop replacement, check that the
case has adequate ventilation for the powerful (and hot-running) components inside.
22: Fixed or swappable
Less-expensive notebooks have fixed drives, meaning the optical and hard drives
can't be removed. Some, though, have a swappable-drive bay, letting you change out
an optical drive for a hard drive or extra battery--or just a spacer module so you
can shed some travel weight.
23: Are you the Tablet type?
Comparable in size and weight to ultraportable notebooks, tablet PCs occupy a
different niche. They're available in two basic designs: Convertibles, which have
displays that swivel and fold flat facing outwards, and slates, which have no
attached keyboards. (Some slates offer optional wired or wireless keyboards.) All
Tablet PCs use a special version of Windows XP that works in tandem with the
display for navigating and entering data using a stylus. Until recently, these
units were primarily used in specialised fields, such as health care, insurance,
and real estate, but sexier models with new software are slowly reaching a broader
audience.
24: Going for the perfect drive
Optical drives of all kinds are available for laptops--from basic DVD/CD-RW combo
drives to double-layer DVD±RWs. We like DVD writer drives for notebooks; they burn
CDs and play both CDs and DVDs. If you want to splurge, a DVD recorder is handy
for backing up as much as 8.5GB of important files at a time.
25: Don't forget to shop for Apples
It's no secret Apple makes some phenomenal notebooks. If you're considering one,
make sure all the specialty software apps you need to run are available for the
Mac platform. Also, factor in what's required to incorporate your new Mac into
your home network.
CNets Asia
Tips To Buy Perfect Notebook For You (4)
16: Modern conveniences
Some common desktop features have made their way into notebooks. Quick-launch keys
are a perfect example. You can program these buttons to launch your favourite apps,
turn on your wireless radio, or switch to a power-saving mode. A few of our other
favourite luxuries are built-in TV tuners, and, for photo junkies, multiformat
memory-card readers.
17: Turn on, tune out--instantly
Want to listen to music or watch a DVD without having to wait for your notebook to
power up? An instant-on feature lets you do just that, so you can get right down
to, um, business, without the boot time. Plus, going this route usually helps
extend battery life. Although this isn't a necessary feature, it can come in handy
on long flights.
18: Connect the docks
A docking station quickly turns your notebook into a desktop. You connect your
peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, and serial devices) to the dock, which
stays at your desk. Simply attach the notebook to the dock, and you instantly get
the conveniences of a desktop without having to unplug everything when it's time
to go.
Another advantage of a docking station is its inclusion of legacy ports many newer
notebooks leave out, such as parallel, serial, and PS/2 ports. If you don't need
all the features of a dock, but could still use the extra connectivity, check
whether the notebook maker offers a port replicator, which is basically a
pared-down version of a dock.
19: When good notebooks go bad
Every notebook is susceptible to accidents and system failures. We recommend
paying for a good three-year warranty with express service. If you can afford it,
get coverage for damage caused by spills, drops, electrical surges, or any other
accident.
20: Essential accessories
When pricing a notebook, set aside cash for important extras. These include a
laptop bag, an extra battery, a mouse and keyboard, and software for office work,
Internet security, and system maintenance. You may even want to consider an
external hard drive for backup.
CNets Asia
Some common desktop features have made their way into notebooks. Quick-launch keys
are a perfect example. You can program these buttons to launch your favourite apps,
turn on your wireless radio, or switch to a power-saving mode. A few of our other
favourite luxuries are built-in TV tuners, and, for photo junkies, multiformat
memory-card readers.
17: Turn on, tune out--instantly
Want to listen to music or watch a DVD without having to wait for your notebook to
power up? An instant-on feature lets you do just that, so you can get right down
to, um, business, without the boot time. Plus, going this route usually helps
extend battery life. Although this isn't a necessary feature, it can come in handy
on long flights.
18: Connect the docks
A docking station quickly turns your notebook into a desktop. You connect your
peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, and serial devices) to the dock, which
stays at your desk. Simply attach the notebook to the dock, and you instantly get
the conveniences of a desktop without having to unplug everything when it's time
to go.
Another advantage of a docking station is its inclusion of legacy ports many newer
notebooks leave out, such as parallel, serial, and PS/2 ports. If you don't need
all the features of a dock, but could still use the extra connectivity, check
whether the notebook maker offers a port replicator, which is basically a
pared-down version of a dock.
19: When good notebooks go bad
Every notebook is susceptible to accidents and system failures. We recommend
paying for a good three-year warranty with express service. If you can afford it,
get coverage for damage caused by spills, drops, electrical surges, or any other
accident.
20: Essential accessories
When pricing a notebook, set aside cash for important extras. These include a
laptop bag, an extra battery, a mouse and keyboard, and software for office work,
Internet security, and system maintenance. You may even want to consider an
external hard drive for backup.
CNets Asia
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tips To Buy Perfect Notebook For You (3)
11: Go wireless
Integrated wireless networking (Wi-Fi) has become an indispensable feature. Most
notebooks ship with a choice of 802.11b/g or 802.11a/b/g. Capable of data
throughput of 11Mbps, 802.11b is fine for ordinary use. Public hotspots typically
use 802.11b or 802.11g. (The latter is backward-compatible with 802.11b.) Unless
you're in and out of office environments, don't worry about support for 802.11a.
Santa Rosa-based notebooks have the option of the fastest Wi-Fi standard to date,
the 802.11n radio which is suppose to give ten times more bandwidth than the
previous 802.11g standard.
12: Power without the plug
Lithium-ion batteries have all but replaced nickel-cadmiums because they're
lighter, have a higher energy density, and don't suffer from recharge-inhibiting
memory effect. So-called "smart" lithium-ions give feedback to the laptop about
their remaining power, so the computer can conserve as necessary.
Two more specs to look for in laptop batteries are capacity (measured in milliamp
hours, or mAh), and the number of cells. Typical batteries have a mAh rating
between 2,000mAh and 6,000mAh; higher is better. Cells are the actual compartments
where power is produced and can range from four to 12; the more the better.
13: What's in a name?
Intel loves its code-names. In the mobile arena, the company's Centrino mobile
technology tops the list. The Centrino platform, which arrived in early 2003,
combines Intel's Pentium M or Core Duo/Solo CPU, Intel chipset, and Pro/Wireless
Wi-Fi circuitry. A notebook must have all three parts to be a Centrino notebook.
A newer version of Centrino, the Core platform (previously codenamed Santa Rosa),
arrived this year. It features Intel's 965 chipset and adds support for HDMI and
800MHz dual-channel DDR3 memory to laptops. What does all this mean? Dual-core or
even future quad-core processing, faster graphics and multitasking, plus increased
battery life over older models. The best news: We expect prices on older--but
still excellent--Centrino models to fall a bit.
14: Tiny, tinny sound
Notebooks are notorious for having terrible speakers. Our recommendation: Get a
good set of headphones, or a stereo or three-piece speaker set.
Laptops generally lack the sound-processing abilities to use surround-sound
speakers, but you can add it. Creative's Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook slides
into a PC Card slot, providing support for up to eight-channel surround sound.
15: It's not just size that matters
Notebook hard drives start at 80GB. Form factor may restrict your options, but if
possible, go for at least 120GB or 160GB if you'll be storing lots of image or
music files. Capacity isn't the only issue. If you have a choice, select a drive
with a rotational speed of at least 5,400rpm. The faster it spins, the faster
you'll get your files.
From : CNet Asia
Integrated wireless networking (Wi-Fi) has become an indispensable feature. Most
notebooks ship with a choice of 802.11b/g or 802.11a/b/g. Capable of data
throughput of 11Mbps, 802.11b is fine for ordinary use. Public hotspots typically
use 802.11b or 802.11g. (The latter is backward-compatible with 802.11b.) Unless
you're in and out of office environments, don't worry about support for 802.11a.
Santa Rosa-based notebooks have the option of the fastest Wi-Fi standard to date,
the 802.11n radio which is suppose to give ten times more bandwidth than the
previous 802.11g standard.
12: Power without the plug
Lithium-ion batteries have all but replaced nickel-cadmiums because they're
lighter, have a higher energy density, and don't suffer from recharge-inhibiting
memory effect. So-called "smart" lithium-ions give feedback to the laptop about
their remaining power, so the computer can conserve as necessary.
Two more specs to look for in laptop batteries are capacity (measured in milliamp
hours, or mAh), and the number of cells. Typical batteries have a mAh rating
between 2,000mAh and 6,000mAh; higher is better. Cells are the actual compartments
where power is produced and can range from four to 12; the more the better.
13: What's in a name?
Intel loves its code-names. In the mobile arena, the company's Centrino mobile
technology tops the list. The Centrino platform, which arrived in early 2003,
combines Intel's Pentium M or Core Duo/Solo CPU, Intel chipset, and Pro/Wireless
Wi-Fi circuitry. A notebook must have all three parts to be a Centrino notebook.
A newer version of Centrino, the Core platform (previously codenamed Santa Rosa),
arrived this year. It features Intel's 965 chipset and adds support for HDMI and
800MHz dual-channel DDR3 memory to laptops. What does all this mean? Dual-core or
even future quad-core processing, faster graphics and multitasking, plus increased
battery life over older models. The best news: We expect prices on older--but
still excellent--Centrino models to fall a bit.
14: Tiny, tinny sound
Notebooks are notorious for having terrible speakers. Our recommendation: Get a
good set of headphones, or a stereo or three-piece speaker set.
Laptops generally lack the sound-processing abilities to use surround-sound
speakers, but you can add it. Creative's Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook slides
into a PC Card slot, providing support for up to eight-channel surround sound.
15: It's not just size that matters
Notebook hard drives start at 80GB. Form factor may restrict your options, but if
possible, go for at least 120GB or 160GB if you'll be storing lots of image or
music files. Capacity isn't the only issue. If you have a choice, select a drive
with a rotational speed of at least 5,400rpm. The faster it spins, the faster
you'll get your files.
From : CNet Asia
Tips To Buy Perfect Notebook For You (2)
6. Finger fitting
As notebooks shrink in size, so do their keyboards. If possible, try some simple
typing exercises before you buy. The smaller the keyboard, the more creative the
vendor may have gotten with key size and placement. Pay particular attention to the
spacebar, Shift, Ctrl, and Backspace/Delete keys. Be sure all are in a good
location for your hand size and typing style.
7: Touchy, touchy
Computing today relies a lot on mousing. With a notebook, all you get is a touch
pad or pointing stick. Unless you plan on traveling with a mouse, test the
notebook's input device for comfort and responsiveness. Some touch pads include
extra features, such as a dedicated area for scrolling. We've never been big fans
of those little pointing sticks tucked in the middle of the keyboard, because
precision is tough and the little nubs wear off, requiring replacement.
8: Vying for video RAM
If you're not planning on doing much graphics work or playing 3D games, shared
memory should be fine. But if you have a choice, aim for a graphics chipset that
shares at least 384MB of system memory. You may not find it in an ultraportable,
but other notebook types may offer more robust graphics chipsets. In fact, many
high-end notebooks have discrete graphics subsystems with dedicated high-speed
video memory. If gaming or intensive graphics work is on the agenda, look for 512MB
or 1GB of dedicated memory.
9: A slot for all reasons
Like a PCI slot in a desktop, a PC Card (or PCMCIA) slot in a notebook provides
expansion opportunities. Additional USB and FireWire ports, wired and wireless
modems, and wireless LAN radios are all available in PC Card form. PC Cards and
slots come in three sizes: Type I, II, and III. Type I cards are normally used for
memory, Type II for input/output devices, and Type III for mass storage and
firewalls. The very latest notebooks include the ExpressCard slot which is set to
replace the PCMCIA card format in the long run.
10: Get connected
Ports, especially USB and FireWire, are necessities, but on notebooks they're
usually in short supply. At a minimum, look for two USB ports, and if you have any
legacy devices, such as parallel printers, look for those ports, too. If you'd like
to use a digital camcorder or iPod with your notebook, make sure the notebook has a
FireWire (IEEE 1394) port. Connecting a monitor will require a VGA port. (If you'll
be giving presentations, a VGA port is also where you'll connect a projector.) And
if you want to output video to a television, find a notebook with an S-Video out.
From : CNet Asia
As notebooks shrink in size, so do their keyboards. If possible, try some simple
typing exercises before you buy. The smaller the keyboard, the more creative the
vendor may have gotten with key size and placement. Pay particular attention to the
spacebar, Shift, Ctrl, and Backspace/Delete keys. Be sure all are in a good
location for your hand size and typing style.
7: Touchy, touchy
Computing today relies a lot on mousing. With a notebook, all you get is a touch
pad or pointing stick. Unless you plan on traveling with a mouse, test the
notebook's input device for comfort and responsiveness. Some touch pads include
extra features, such as a dedicated area for scrolling. We've never been big fans
of those little pointing sticks tucked in the middle of the keyboard, because
precision is tough and the little nubs wear off, requiring replacement.
8: Vying for video RAM
If you're not planning on doing much graphics work or playing 3D games, shared
memory should be fine. But if you have a choice, aim for a graphics chipset that
shares at least 384MB of system memory. You may not find it in an ultraportable,
but other notebook types may offer more robust graphics chipsets. In fact, many
high-end notebooks have discrete graphics subsystems with dedicated high-speed
video memory. If gaming or intensive graphics work is on the agenda, look for 512MB
or 1GB of dedicated memory.
9: A slot for all reasons
Like a PCI slot in a desktop, a PC Card (or PCMCIA) slot in a notebook provides
expansion opportunities. Additional USB and FireWire ports, wired and wireless
modems, and wireless LAN radios are all available in PC Card form. PC Cards and
slots come in three sizes: Type I, II, and III. Type I cards are normally used for
memory, Type II for input/output devices, and Type III for mass storage and
firewalls. The very latest notebooks include the ExpressCard slot which is set to
replace the PCMCIA card format in the long run.
10: Get connected
Ports, especially USB and FireWire, are necessities, but on notebooks they're
usually in short supply. At a minimum, look for two USB ports, and if you have any
legacy devices, such as parallel printers, look for those ports, too. If you'd like
to use a digital camcorder or iPod with your notebook, make sure the notebook has a
FireWire (IEEE 1394) port. Connecting a monitor will require a VGA port. (If you'll
be giving presentations, a VGA port is also where you'll connect a projector.) And
if you want to output video to a television, find a notebook with an S-Video out.
From : CNet Asia
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Tips To Buy Perfect Notebook For You (1)
1. Choose Your Form
We divide notebook into 4 form ( thin-light, ultraportable, mainstream, desktop
replacement ). Decide which form is suit for you.
-> Thin-light if you need balance between size, battery and power. This form is
suit with students or bussinessman. Their larger screens (14-15) and it's
roomier keyboard makes it better for longer usage
-> Ultraportable, if you will use your notebook on the road (mobile). This form has
small size, that's make it easy to bring. Finally, tiny tech comes with higher
price.
-> Mainstream, if you need laptops for daily usage. Although they don't have small
size ( 14' screen or larger, big keyboard, and standard ports ), they still
offer portability. So, this form just like budget desktop's : they good for
general tasks but won't win any contests for their performance or features.
-> Desktop Replacement, if you need desktop power. With screen size between 15-17',
travel weights, and longer battery life (Upto 3 hours). They offer wide range
performance, but decreased a little portability.
2. The CPU
For CPU you should choose the fastest you can afford. You have a lot options.
Intel's Centrino is good, but if you prefer one which has affordable price you can
choose AMD. But AMD is still behind Intel's (based on CNet mobilemark test).
3. Screen
Wide screen offers sharper and better image, they are great for watching DVD's or
you can open two documents side by side. A spacious 17-inch wide-screen laptop is a
nice luxury if you're not planning on traveling with it.
4. The (not-so) great outdoors
Sunlight is not ideal for computing -- specifically, for seeing the screen. If you
want to work outdoors, you have options, but most consumer models have what are
known as transmissive screens. These screens are lit from behind, and despite what
you've seen in the commercials, they're virtually invisible on a bright, sunny day.
Reflective LCDs, which light the screen's pixels from the front and reflect
polarised light from the environment, are much better for outdoor work, but their
screens look dim indoors. What's more, they're mostly reserved for vertical-market
notebook models and are pretty tough to come by.
5. Memory
Having enough memory is vital to system performance, and lots of RAM lets you run
more applications simultaneously. Sufficient RAM is also necessary for graphics
work, image editing, and video editing, and crucial for 3D gaming. This is
especially true in notebooks, because notebook graphics processors frequently have
little or no memory of their own and share the main system RAM.
1GB: Good for basic office apps, running one at a time.
1.5GB: Adequate for running several programs at once, photo editing, and basic 3D
gaming.
2GB or more: Recommended for high-performance 3D gaming, demanding graphics work,
and video editing.
From : CNet Asia
We divide notebook into 4 form ( thin-light, ultraportable, mainstream, desktop
replacement ). Decide which form is suit for you.
-> Thin-light if you need balance between size, battery and power. This form is
suit with students or bussinessman. Their larger screens (14-15) and it's
roomier keyboard makes it better for longer usage
-> Ultraportable, if you will use your notebook on the road (mobile). This form has
small size, that's make it easy to bring. Finally, tiny tech comes with higher
price.
-> Mainstream, if you need laptops for daily usage. Although they don't have small
size ( 14' screen or larger, big keyboard, and standard ports ), they still
offer portability. So, this form just like budget desktop's : they good for
general tasks but won't win any contests for their performance or features.
-> Desktop Replacement, if you need desktop power. With screen size between 15-17',
travel weights, and longer battery life (Upto 3 hours). They offer wide range
performance, but decreased a little portability.
2. The CPU
For CPU you should choose the fastest you can afford. You have a lot options.
Intel's Centrino is good, but if you prefer one which has affordable price you can
choose AMD. But AMD is still behind Intel's (based on CNet mobilemark test).
3. Screen
Wide screen offers sharper and better image, they are great for watching DVD's or
you can open two documents side by side. A spacious 17-inch wide-screen laptop is a
nice luxury if you're not planning on traveling with it.
4. The (not-so) great outdoors
Sunlight is not ideal for computing -- specifically, for seeing the screen. If you
want to work outdoors, you have options, but most consumer models have what are
known as transmissive screens. These screens are lit from behind, and despite what
you've seen in the commercials, they're virtually invisible on a bright, sunny day.
Reflective LCDs, which light the screen's pixels from the front and reflect
polarised light from the environment, are much better for outdoor work, but their
screens look dim indoors. What's more, they're mostly reserved for vertical-market
notebook models and are pretty tough to come by.
5. Memory
Having enough memory is vital to system performance, and lots of RAM lets you run
more applications simultaneously. Sufficient RAM is also necessary for graphics
work, image editing, and video editing, and crucial for 3D gaming. This is
especially true in notebooks, because notebook graphics processors frequently have
little or no memory of their own and share the main system RAM.
1GB: Good for basic office apps, running one at a time.
1.5GB: Adequate for running several programs at once, photo editing, and basic 3D
gaming.
2GB or more: Recommended for high-performance 3D gaming, demanding graphics work,
and video editing.
From : CNet Asia
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Is Microsoft Cracking Down on DVD Ripping?
Is Microsoft trying to thwart DVD-ripping on PCs using Windows Vista with the new beta of Vista Service Pack 1?
As I tested the public beta release of Vista SP1, I noticed the update crippled a popular DVD cracking program called DVD43.
DVD43 is a free utility that disables a DVD's Content Scramble System (CSS) copy protection technology. Once a DVD's copy protection is disabled, you can copy its content using one of several third-party programs. You may be using DVD43 and not realize it, because it often is the engine of other ripping programs.
When I updated my Windows Vista operating system with the beta of Vista SP1, DVD43 wouldn't load. Instead, I saw an error message about a missing driver--even after I uninstalled and then reinstalled DVD43. A colleague of mine had a similar experience on a PC that also had been updated with the latest beta release of Vista SP1.
Stripping DVD copy protection (CSS) from a DVD is illegal but many people do it.
I've made formal requests for comment from Microsoft and the company behind DVD43. So far, I've heard nothing back. I'll let you know what either say, if and when they reply.
Intentional?
It's hard to say whether Microsoft is intentionally disabling DVD43. Certainly the software giant doesn't mention anything about DVD copying in its documentation for the beta of Vista SP1. But given Microsoft's interest in making friendly with Hollywood movie studios, it wouldn't surprise me if Microsoft intentionally disabled a popular and free tool that aids in ripping DVDs.
DVD43--and programs like it--have long been a thorn in the side for Hollywood, as DVD-ripping is one of the first steps in cracking and distributing copyright-protected movies online.
Despite the Motion Picture Association of America's efforts to crack down on DVD-ripping and despite U.S. copyright laws that make it illegal, sales of software that bypass DVD copy protection continue online and at retail stores.
Many of these DVD programs have been, and still are, sold by major retailers. However, when purchased, some of the programs can't copy DVDs equipped with copy protection. You must use an Internet search engine to find and download a program, such as DVD43, that empowers your DVD copy program to duplicate the contents of any CSS-protected DVD.
It's my experience in reporting past stories on DVD-ripping that many DVD-ripping programs recommend DVD43 to their customers. DVD43.com, a Web site that lists download sites for DVD43 as well as the DVD-ripping packages it works with, is owned by a company based in Beijing, China, according to Internet domain registration records.
In further tests, I did find that at least one other popular DVD utility, AnyDVD, which promises to "unprotect encrypted movie DVDs," did work with the beta of Vista SP1 installed--as its product description asserts. However, this is not free software: It will cost you 49 Euros, or about $72.
At least for now, it appears that casual DVD rippers will be stymied if they choose to update their Vista PCs with the Vista SP1 beta--and that those who want SP1 and copies of their Hollywood DVDs will have to pay up to keep ripping.
From : PC Wolrd
As I tested the public beta release of Vista SP1, I noticed the update crippled a popular DVD cracking program called DVD43.
DVD43 is a free utility that disables a DVD's Content Scramble System (CSS) copy protection technology. Once a DVD's copy protection is disabled, you can copy its content using one of several third-party programs. You may be using DVD43 and not realize it, because it often is the engine of other ripping programs.
When I updated my Windows Vista operating system with the beta of Vista SP1, DVD43 wouldn't load. Instead, I saw an error message about a missing driver--even after I uninstalled and then reinstalled DVD43. A colleague of mine had a similar experience on a PC that also had been updated with the latest beta release of Vista SP1.
Stripping DVD copy protection (CSS) from a DVD is illegal but many people do it.
I've made formal requests for comment from Microsoft and the company behind DVD43. So far, I've heard nothing back. I'll let you know what either say, if and when they reply.
Intentional?
It's hard to say whether Microsoft is intentionally disabling DVD43. Certainly the software giant doesn't mention anything about DVD copying in its documentation for the beta of Vista SP1. But given Microsoft's interest in making friendly with Hollywood movie studios, it wouldn't surprise me if Microsoft intentionally disabled a popular and free tool that aids in ripping DVDs.
DVD43--and programs like it--have long been a thorn in the side for Hollywood, as DVD-ripping is one of the first steps in cracking and distributing copyright-protected movies online.
Despite the Motion Picture Association of America's efforts to crack down on DVD-ripping and despite U.S. copyright laws that make it illegal, sales of software that bypass DVD copy protection continue online and at retail stores.
Many of these DVD programs have been, and still are, sold by major retailers. However, when purchased, some of the programs can't copy DVDs equipped with copy protection. You must use an Internet search engine to find and download a program, such as DVD43, that empowers your DVD copy program to duplicate the contents of any CSS-protected DVD.
It's my experience in reporting past stories on DVD-ripping that many DVD-ripping programs recommend DVD43 to their customers. DVD43.com, a Web site that lists download sites for DVD43 as well as the DVD-ripping packages it works with, is owned by a company based in Beijing, China, according to Internet domain registration records.
In further tests, I did find that at least one other popular DVD utility, AnyDVD, which promises to "unprotect encrypted movie DVDs," did work with the beta of Vista SP1 installed--as its product description asserts. However, this is not free software: It will cost you 49 Euros, or about $72.
At least for now, it appears that casual DVD rippers will be stymied if they choose to update their Vista PCs with the Vista SP1 beta--and that those who want SP1 and copies of their Hollywood DVDs will have to pay up to keep ripping.
From : PC Wolrd
MacBook Air: How Incomplete Is It?
Steve Jobs is, among many other things, the great denier. Second mouse buttons, floppy drives, 56-kbps modems--for decades, he has been perfectly willing to release products lacking one or more features that are standard equipment on everyone else's computers, if he thinks they're unnecessary or they offend his design principles or aesthetic sense.
Typically, the news that a new Mac is missing a feature is met by yelps of protest. But then, sooner or later, the rest of the industry follows Jobs's lead. (Okay, usually--I haven't seen any one-button mouses on PCs lately.) Jobs, in other words, tends to figure out that we can live without something before the rest of the world does.
I'm not sure if he has ever denied Apple customers as many features as he will with the MacBook Air, the superthin notebook that he unveiled at this morning's Macworld Expo keynote. In introducing the Air, Jobs said that manufacturers of other thin-and-light laptops made too many compromises to make their machines sleek, like using small keyboards and screens and wimpy CPUs. But nobody else in the industry would dream of making some of the compromises that the Air makes.
So what's missing? And how big a deal is it?
An optical drive
Mildly annoying omission
This is the one thing everybody assumed the Air would leave out, although I was holding out hope that Apple would take its cue from Toshiba's optical-drive-bearing featherweight Portege 500. There's a long history of subnotebooks skipping the optical drive to shave off weight and space, so the Air's doing so won't strike anyone as shocking. And Jobs is right in that a lot of things people do with optical drives--such as watch movies and install software--can be done these days without one. (Apple's new Remote Disc feature will help in the latter instance.)
Me, I mostly use my MacBook's Superdrive for two things: ripping CDs into MP3s and making data CDs and DVDs to distribute files to friends and colleagues. I guess I could do the former on another computer and then move the MP3s to an Air--sorry, Steve, I'm not ready to buy all my music from iTunes. And cheap thumb drives can probably do the trick when I want to hand out copies of files. Still, if I were to buy an Air, I suspect I'd spring for the $99 external Superdrive.
Ethernet
Seriously annoying omission
In the old days, no notebook had built-in ethernet; you had to futz with external adapters. Then it became standard equipment. The fact that the Air lacks it makes the machine a throwback.
Jobs spoke of the Air as a machine built to be used wirelessly. But most of the hotels I stay in assume that my computer has ethernet. It's also damn handy at work. I can't imagine there are that many people who can spring for a $1799 Air who won't need ethernet at least from time to time. Apple sells an external adapter, but if I traveled with an Air, I'd probably just toss my Airport Express travel router into my briefcase, giving me a form of ethernet compatibility that doesn't actually make me plug an ethernet cable into the Air.
Multiple USB ports
Mildly annoying omission
I'm not sure when I last owned a computer with only one USB port, but it's been a very, very long time. On the other hand, it's rare that I want to plug two USB devices into my MacBook at once, and at least one of the ones I use (a SanDisk MicroMate card reader) blocks access to both of the MacBooks ports when I use it anyhow. So I wouldn't not buy an Air because of its solo USB.
Typically, the news that a new Mac is missing a feature is met by yelps of protest. But then, sooner or later, the rest of the industry follows Jobs's lead. (Okay, usually--I haven't seen any one-button mouses on PCs lately.) Jobs, in other words, tends to figure out that we can live without something before the rest of the world does.
I'm not sure if he has ever denied Apple customers as many features as he will with the MacBook Air, the superthin notebook that he unveiled at this morning's Macworld Expo keynote. In introducing the Air, Jobs said that manufacturers of other thin-and-light laptops made too many compromises to make their machines sleek, like using small keyboards and screens and wimpy CPUs. But nobody else in the industry would dream of making some of the compromises that the Air makes.
So what's missing? And how big a deal is it?
An optical drive
Mildly annoying omission
This is the one thing everybody assumed the Air would leave out, although I was holding out hope that Apple would take its cue from Toshiba's optical-drive-bearing featherweight Portege 500. There's a long history of subnotebooks skipping the optical drive to shave off weight and space, so the Air's doing so won't strike anyone as shocking. And Jobs is right in that a lot of things people do with optical drives--such as watch movies and install software--can be done these days without one. (Apple's new Remote Disc feature will help in the latter instance.)
Me, I mostly use my MacBook's Superdrive for two things: ripping CDs into MP3s and making data CDs and DVDs to distribute files to friends and colleagues. I guess I could do the former on another computer and then move the MP3s to an Air--sorry, Steve, I'm not ready to buy all my music from iTunes. And cheap thumb drives can probably do the trick when I want to hand out copies of files. Still, if I were to buy an Air, I suspect I'd spring for the $99 external Superdrive.
Ethernet
Seriously annoying omission
In the old days, no notebook had built-in ethernet; you had to futz with external adapters. Then it became standard equipment. The fact that the Air lacks it makes the machine a throwback.
Jobs spoke of the Air as a machine built to be used wirelessly. But most of the hotels I stay in assume that my computer has ethernet. It's also damn handy at work. I can't imagine there are that many people who can spring for a $1799 Air who won't need ethernet at least from time to time. Apple sells an external adapter, but if I traveled with an Air, I'd probably just toss my Airport Express travel router into my briefcase, giving me a form of ethernet compatibility that doesn't actually make me plug an ethernet cable into the Air.
Multiple USB ports
Mildly annoying omission
I'm not sure when I last owned a computer with only one USB port, but it's been a very, very long time. On the other hand, it's rare that I want to plug two USB devices into my MacBook at once, and at least one of the ones I use (a SanDisk MicroMate card reader) blocks access to both of the MacBooks ports when I use it anyhow. So I wouldn't not buy an Air because of its solo USB.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Macworld 2008 Impression
The Macworld 2008 keynote is now behind us and it left a really bad taste for some of us. I think most existing iPod Touch users are a little upset with a couple of the announcements yesterday. The first announcement which I thought was good turned out to be sour. Steve Jobs said they will be adding five “new” apps to the iPod Touch, this includes: Mail, Maps, Stocks, Weather, & Notes. My initial thought was, “About time!”. Then that is when he said existing iPod Touch owners will have to pay $19.99. However, anyone buying a new iPod Touch yesterday and onward will have the five “new” apps already installed at the same price I paid a few months ago. I’m hoping Apple will see all the complaints and do the right thing by offering the five apps for free.
You can watch the keynote here
Here is what Macworld 2008 announced:
-> MacBook Air
-> iPhone Enhancements
-> iPod Touch (Five “new” Apps - Firmware 1.1.3)
You can watch the keynote here
Here is what Macworld 2008 announced:
-> MacBook Air
-> iPhone Enhancements
-> iPod Touch (Five “new” Apps - Firmware 1.1.3)
Latest Vista SP1 Beta Opened Up to Public
Microsoft has reversed field and opened public access to the latest beta build of Vista Service Pack 1. Users can now download
Vista SP1 RC Refresh from Microsoft's Web site.
Users can install the beta via Windows Update, but Microsoft is providing a list of procedures users should follow to avoid problems.
Microsoft originally released the Refresh beta on Jan. 9 to approximately 15,000 beta testers that included corporate customers, consumer enthusiasts, software and hardware vendors, and others, according to a company spokesman.
The spokesman said on Jan. 10 Microsoft decided to make the beta open to everyone with an interest via its TechNet Web site. Microsoft said its intention was to get the widest and deepest feedback it can before releasing the software.
The spokesman said Vista SP1 is still slated for release before the end of March.
More Popular in Businesses?
The beta news comes on the heels of the third phase of a year-long study conducted by Walker Information for IT services and product supplier CDW, which shows Vista gaining popularity in the business market. The study shows that 48% of respondents are using or evaluating Windows Vista -- up from 29% in the previous poll from February 2007 and from 12% in the first poll taken in October 2006.
Microsoft first made Windows Vista SP1 RC Preview available on Nov. 14 to 15,000 testers as part of its private beta program. In December, the company opened the beta to the public.
Microsoft hopes to align SP1's availability with Windows Server 2008, which Microsoft hopes to ship on or before its Feb. 27, 2008 launch event in Los Angeles.
Vista SP1 will include a number of bug fixes and performance enhancements but no new features, Microsoft said. Microsoft also is updating its set of Vista migration tools, including the Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0, Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.1 solution accelerator (formerly called Business Desktop Deployment), and Microsoft User State Migration Tools 3.0.
Microsoft officials said the Vista SP1 RC includes changes that streamline setup and installation. It also includes all previously released updates since RTM, performance and reliability improvements such as file copy, network browsing and improved response time to resume from sleep, and change to administration features, including changes to BitLocker that allow encryption for multiple volumes.
Over the years, SP1 versions of any Microsoft products have become a traditional milestone that some corporate users wait for before they even consider rolling out the software.
Uptake of Vista has been slow by corporate users, many of whom have standardized on XP and are reluctant to undertake another migration.
Vista SP1 RC Refresh from Microsoft's Web site.
Users can install the beta via Windows Update, but Microsoft is providing a list of procedures users should follow to avoid problems.
Microsoft originally released the Refresh beta on Jan. 9 to approximately 15,000 beta testers that included corporate customers, consumer enthusiasts, software and hardware vendors, and others, according to a company spokesman.
The spokesman said on Jan. 10 Microsoft decided to make the beta open to everyone with an interest via its TechNet Web site. Microsoft said its intention was to get the widest and deepest feedback it can before releasing the software.
The spokesman said Vista SP1 is still slated for release before the end of March.
More Popular in Businesses?
The beta news comes on the heels of the third phase of a year-long study conducted by Walker Information for IT services and product supplier CDW, which shows Vista gaining popularity in the business market. The study shows that 48% of respondents are using or evaluating Windows Vista -- up from 29% in the previous poll from February 2007 and from 12% in the first poll taken in October 2006.
Microsoft first made Windows Vista SP1 RC Preview available on Nov. 14 to 15,000 testers as part of its private beta program. In December, the company opened the beta to the public.
Microsoft hopes to align SP1's availability with Windows Server 2008, which Microsoft hopes to ship on or before its Feb. 27, 2008 launch event in Los Angeles.
Vista SP1 will include a number of bug fixes and performance enhancements but no new features, Microsoft said. Microsoft also is updating its set of Vista migration tools, including the Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0, Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.1 solution accelerator (formerly called Business Desktop Deployment), and Microsoft User State Migration Tools 3.0.
Microsoft officials said the Vista SP1 RC includes changes that streamline setup and installation. It also includes all previously released updates since RTM, performance and reliability improvements such as file copy, network browsing and improved response time to resume from sleep, and change to administration features, including changes to BitLocker that allow encryption for multiple volumes.
Over the years, SP1 versions of any Microsoft products have become a traditional milestone that some corporate users wait for before they even consider rolling out the software.
Uptake of Vista has been slow by corporate users, many of whom have standardized on XP and are reluctant to undertake another migration.
CES 2008: Intel Debuts 16 New Processors
We knew they were coming…just not this many. Intel kicked off this year's CES in a big way, introducing 16 new processors all based on the chipmaker's 45 nanometer (nm) process technology. We've been hearing a lot about 45 nm lately and, admittedly, it's kind of hard to get excited about semiconductor fabrication -- especially when there's all manner of shiny new gizmos vying for your attention. (For a layman's overview of 45 nm, see the company's somewhat creepy video,Intel's 45nm Secret 'Revealed' ) But make no mistake, the debut of these new processors is a big deal.
First, it marks Intel's considerable lead over rival AMD. While AMD is expected to move the 45 nm sometime in the second half of 2008, Intel began mass-producing these chips in November 2007. In a general sense, 45 nm fans the flames of Moore's law , allowing Intel to double the number of transistors in the same silicon space. According to the chipmaker, it also allows the company squeeze more performance out of smaller transistors and increases the overall energy efficiency of a given processor. How small are we talking about? Well, there are 1 billion nanometers (nm) in one meter. And while the original Bell Labs transistor could be held in your hand, you can actually fit hundreds of 45nm transistors on the surface of a single red blood cell. So, yeah, small.
One of the other noteworthy aspects about Monday's announcement is the fact that more than a quarter of these new processors are aimed at the mobile arena. Anyone who's been following Intel knows the company is keen on expanding more into this space, both with its continued WiMax push and in the form of its newfound love of the mobile internet device (MID). And with five new 45nm dual core mobile processors slated for release this month that are (in some cases) up to 25 percent smaller, you can not only expect new notebooks equipped with these processors, but also new form factors.
In fact, Intel says it's also planning on using these new teeny tiny transistors and manufacturing advances to spur on this MID category of small form-factor, low-powered devices later in the year.
In the end, Intel's focus on mobility is understandable. With 30 percent annual growth, the laptop market is consistently exceeding expectations. During a pre-CES briefing, the company reiterated that notebooks alone are expected to start outselling desktops for the first time on a worldwide basis in 2009. And with these new processors being absorbed into its Centrino lineup, you'll see better performance and better battery life.
If you're interested in hearing more about Intel's mobile push, CEO Paul Otellini's keynote is scheduled for 4:30 this afternoon. You'll likely get the WiMax spiel again and hear more about these so-called MIDs and "internet in your pocket." Oh, and there will also be some sort of virtual Smash Mouth jam. You won't want to miss that...
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
How To Run Vista Legally Without Activation for a Year
A security expert says Windows Vista can be run for at least a year without being activated, but Microsoft calls the process an antipiracy 'hack'.
Windows Vista can be run for at least a year without being activated, a serious end run around one of Microsoft's key antipiracy measures, Windows expert Brian Livingston said Thursday.
Livingston, who publishes the Windows Secret newsletter, said that a single change to Vista's registry lets users put off the operating system's product activation requirement an additional eight times beyond the three disclosed last month. With more research, said Livingston, it may even be possible to find a way to postpone activation indefinitely.
"The [activation] demands that Vista puts on corporate buyers is much more than on XP," said Livingston. "Vista developers have [apparently] programmed in back doors to get around time restrictions for Vista activation."
Microsoft Calls it a Hack
Microsoft promptly labeled the registry change a "hack," a loaded word that is usually synonymous with "illegal."
"Recently it has been reported that an activation hack for Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system has been identified," said David Lazar, the director of the company's Genuine Windows program, in an e-mail. "Although these reports are purely speculative at the moment, we are actively monitoring attempts to steal Microsoft intellectual property."
"This is not a hack," Livingston shot back when Lazar's e-mail was read to him. "This is a documented feature of the operating system." To back up his view, Livingston pointed out links to online support documents where Microsoft spells out the pertinent registry key. Nor is it speculative; Livingston demonstrated the procedure live via a Web conference session Thursday and claimed "we have run this dozens of times."
Postpone Activation
Livingston last month revealed that a one-line command lets users postpone Vista activation up to three times. Combined with Vista's initial 30-day grace period, that meant users could run Vista for as long as 120 days before they had to activate the OS. At the time, Microsoft seemed unconcerned with the disclosure, and flatly stated that using it would not violate the Vista End User License Agreement (EULA).
"The feature that I'm revealing today shows that Microsoft has built into Vista a function that allows anyone to extend the operating system's activation deadline not just three times, but many times," Livingston said.
Microsoft documented the key on its support site in a description of what it calls "SkipRearm". In it, Microsoft explains that "rearming a computer restores the Windows system to the original licensing state. All licensing and registry data related to activation is either removed or reset. Any grace period timers are reset as well."
By changing the SkipRearm key's value from the default "0" to "1," said Livingston, the earlier-revealed "slmgr -rearm" command can be used over and over.
In tests with several editions of Vista purchased at different times, Livingston found that copies of Vista Ultimate and Vista Home Premium obtained at the end of January would accept the SkipRearm change only eight times. Together with the three postponements made possible with slmgr -rearm and the opening 30-day grace period, that would give users nearly a year (360 days) of activation-free use. A copy of Vista Home Basic bought March 14, however, ignored the SkipRearm registry change.
"Microsoft has slipstreamed something into Home Basic and Home Premium," Livingston said. "But from my reading of the support documents, Microsoft needs to keep this feature in its business editions, Vista Business, Enterprise and Ultimate. It seems that Microsoft is sympathetic to enterprises' difficulty in rolling out Vista within the activation deadlines."
Lazar did not answer several questions e-mailed to him Thursday, including one that asked why Microsoft had included the SkipRearm feature in the first place. However, he indicated that the feature could be blocked if Microsoft desired. "It is important to note that these hacks are, at best, temporary. Microsoft has systems in place to detect and block piracy."
The following describes the Registry key that's involved.
Step 1. While running a copy of Windows Vista that hasn't yet been activated, click the Start button, type regedit into the Search box, then press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
Step 2. Explore down to the following Registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ SL
Step 3. Right-click the Registry key named SkipRearm and click Edit. The default is a Dword (a double word or 4 bytes) with a hex value of 00000000. Change this value to any positive integer, such as 00000001, save the change, and close the Registry Editor.
Step 4. Start a command prompt with administrative rights. The fastest way to do this is to click the Start button, enter cmd in the Search box, then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter. If you're asked for a network username and password, provide the ones that log you into your domain. You may be asked to approve a User Account Control prompt and to provide an administrator password.
Step 5. Type one of the following two commands and press Enter:
slmgr -rearm
or
rundll32 slc.dll,SLReArmWindows
Either command uses Vista's built-in Software Licensing Manager (SLMGR) to push the activation deadline out to 30 days after the command is run. Changing SkipRearm from 0 to 1 allows SLMGR to do this an indefinite number of times. Running either command initializes the value of SkipRearm back to 0.
Step 6. Reboot the PC to make the postponement take effect. (After you log in, if you like, you can open a command prompt and run the command slmgr -xpr to see Vista's new expiration date and time. I explained the slmgr command and its parameters in my Feb. 15 article.)
Step 7. To extend the activation deadline of Vista indefinitely, repeat steps 1 through 6 as necessary.
Any crooked PC seller with even the slightest technical skill could easily install a command file that would carry out steps 1 through 6 automatically. The program could run slmgr -rearm three times, 30 days apart, to postpone Vista's activation deadline to 120 days. It could then run skip -rearm every 30 days, for a period of months if not years, by first resetting the SkipRearm key.
The program could be scheduled to check Vista's activation deadline during every reboot, and to remind the user to reboot once a month if a deadline was nearing. The buyer of such a PC would never even see an activation reminder, much less be required to go through the activation process.
If you happen to buy a Vista PC from a little-known seller, and the price was too good to be true, use Vista's search function to look for the string SkipRearm in files. You may discover that your "bargain" computer will mysteriously start demanding activation in a year or two — but your product key won't be valid.
I asked Microsoft why SkipRearm is included in Vista if it can be used to create machines that appear not to need activation for long periods. A Microsoft spokewoman replied, "I connected with my colleagues and learned, unfortunately, we do not have information to share at this time." (I can't identify the speaker because the policy of Waggener Edstrom, Microsoft's public-relations firm, prohibits the naming of p.r. spokespersons.)
In my testing of Microsoft's back-door loophole, I've found that the technique can be used to postpone the activation deadline one year or longer. It may or may not, however, work forever, as I describe below.
Activation Deadline Extensions
"This is somewhat of a threat to Microsoft," Livingston said. "But the extent to what it can retroactively patch, I don't know. Maybe they will want to change this. But that would only call more attention to activation, and perhaps reveal the mechanism Vista is using to count SkipRearm."
Livingston has not been able to find where Vista stores the SkipRearm count; conceivably, that count is what restricts its use to a maximum of eight. If someone was to find the count location, however, and manage to change that as well as the SkipRearm registry key, users might be able to postpone activation forever, said Livingston.
"The problem I see with this is that unscrupulous system builders will use it [to install counterfeit copies of Vista], but that Vista will start demanding activation a year or more out, when the guy is long gone with your money," said Livingston. "And then the activation key wouldn't work, because he would have used it on hundreds or even thousands of systems and Microsoft would have blocked it."
Background
Microsoft introduced product activation in 2001's Office XP and also used it in that year's Windows XP. Activation was toughened up for Vista, however; After the grace period, nonactivated PCs running Vista drop into what Microsoft calls "reduced functionality" mode. In reduced mode, users can only browse the Web with Internet Explorer, and then only for an hour before being forced to again log on.
Livingston's work-around, however, may do away with activation altogether. "[Activation] has become so convoluted, the way Microsoft has implemented it, that it's more of an irritation to legitimate users than a worthwhile antipiracy measure," Livingston concluded.
Naturally, Microsoft's Lazar sees it differently. "The new anti-piracy technologies in Windows Vista are designed to protect customers and prevent the software from working correctly when it is not genuine and properly licensed," he said. "Systems utilizing these hacks will not provide the benefits of genuine Windows, nor will they work as expected."
Computer Works
Windows Vista can be run for at least a year without being activated, a serious end run around one of Microsoft's key antipiracy measures, Windows expert Brian Livingston said Thursday.
Livingston, who publishes the Windows Secret newsletter, said that a single change to Vista's registry lets users put off the operating system's product activation requirement an additional eight times beyond the three disclosed last month. With more research, said Livingston, it may even be possible to find a way to postpone activation indefinitely.
"The [activation] demands that Vista puts on corporate buyers is much more than on XP," said Livingston. "Vista developers have [apparently] programmed in back doors to get around time restrictions for Vista activation."
Microsoft Calls it a Hack
Microsoft promptly labeled the registry change a "hack," a loaded word that is usually synonymous with "illegal."
"Recently it has been reported that an activation hack for Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system has been identified," said David Lazar, the director of the company's Genuine Windows program, in an e-mail. "Although these reports are purely speculative at the moment, we are actively monitoring attempts to steal Microsoft intellectual property."
"This is not a hack," Livingston shot back when Lazar's e-mail was read to him. "This is a documented feature of the operating system." To back up his view, Livingston pointed out links to online support documents where Microsoft spells out the pertinent registry key. Nor is it speculative; Livingston demonstrated the procedure live via a Web conference session Thursday and claimed "we have run this dozens of times."
Postpone Activation
Livingston last month revealed that a one-line command lets users postpone Vista activation up to three times. Combined with Vista's initial 30-day grace period, that meant users could run Vista for as long as 120 days before they had to activate the OS. At the time, Microsoft seemed unconcerned with the disclosure, and flatly stated that using it would not violate the Vista End User License Agreement (EULA).
"The feature that I'm revealing today shows that Microsoft has built into Vista a function that allows anyone to extend the operating system's activation deadline not just three times, but many times," Livingston said.
Microsoft documented the key on its support site in a description of what it calls "SkipRearm". In it, Microsoft explains that "rearming a computer restores the Windows system to the original licensing state. All licensing and registry data related to activation is either removed or reset. Any grace period timers are reset as well."
By changing the SkipRearm key's value from the default "0" to "1," said Livingston, the earlier-revealed "slmgr -rearm" command can be used over and over.
In tests with several editions of Vista purchased at different times, Livingston found that copies of Vista Ultimate and Vista Home Premium obtained at the end of January would accept the SkipRearm change only eight times. Together with the three postponements made possible with slmgr -rearm and the opening 30-day grace period, that would give users nearly a year (360 days) of activation-free use. A copy of Vista Home Basic bought March 14, however, ignored the SkipRearm registry change.
"Microsoft has slipstreamed something into Home Basic and Home Premium," Livingston said. "But from my reading of the support documents, Microsoft needs to keep this feature in its business editions, Vista Business, Enterprise and Ultimate. It seems that Microsoft is sympathetic to enterprises' difficulty in rolling out Vista within the activation deadlines."
Lazar did not answer several questions e-mailed to him Thursday, including one that asked why Microsoft had included the SkipRearm feature in the first place. However, he indicated that the feature could be blocked if Microsoft desired. "It is important to note that these hacks are, at best, temporary. Microsoft has systems in place to detect and block piracy."
The following describes the Registry key that's involved.
Step 1. While running a copy of Windows Vista that hasn't yet been activated, click the Start button, type regedit into the Search box, then press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
Step 2. Explore down to the following Registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ SL
Step 3. Right-click the Registry key named SkipRearm and click Edit. The default is a Dword (a double word or 4 bytes) with a hex value of 00000000. Change this value to any positive integer, such as 00000001, save the change, and close the Registry Editor.
Step 4. Start a command prompt with administrative rights. The fastest way to do this is to click the Start button, enter cmd in the Search box, then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter. If you're asked for a network username and password, provide the ones that log you into your domain. You may be asked to approve a User Account Control prompt and to provide an administrator password.
Step 5. Type one of the following two commands and press Enter:
slmgr -rearm
or
rundll32 slc.dll,SLReArmWindows
Either command uses Vista's built-in Software Licensing Manager (SLMGR) to push the activation deadline out to 30 days after the command is run. Changing SkipRearm from 0 to 1 allows SLMGR to do this an indefinite number of times. Running either command initializes the value of SkipRearm back to 0.
Step 6. Reboot the PC to make the postponement take effect. (After you log in, if you like, you can open a command prompt and run the command slmgr -xpr to see Vista's new expiration date and time. I explained the slmgr command and its parameters in my Feb. 15 article.)
Step 7. To extend the activation deadline of Vista indefinitely, repeat steps 1 through 6 as necessary.
Any crooked PC seller with even the slightest technical skill could easily install a command file that would carry out steps 1 through 6 automatically. The program could run slmgr -rearm three times, 30 days apart, to postpone Vista's activation deadline to 120 days. It could then run skip -rearm every 30 days, for a period of months if not years, by first resetting the SkipRearm key.
The program could be scheduled to check Vista's activation deadline during every reboot, and to remind the user to reboot once a month if a deadline was nearing. The buyer of such a PC would never even see an activation reminder, much less be required to go through the activation process.
If you happen to buy a Vista PC from a little-known seller, and the price was too good to be true, use Vista's search function to look for the string SkipRearm in files. You may discover that your "bargain" computer will mysteriously start demanding activation in a year or two — but your product key won't be valid.
I asked Microsoft why SkipRearm is included in Vista if it can be used to create machines that appear not to need activation for long periods. A Microsoft spokewoman replied, "I connected with my colleagues and learned, unfortunately, we do not have information to share at this time." (I can't identify the speaker because the policy of Waggener Edstrom, Microsoft's public-relations firm, prohibits the naming of p.r. spokespersons.)
In my testing of Microsoft's back-door loophole, I've found that the technique can be used to postpone the activation deadline one year or longer. It may or may not, however, work forever, as I describe below.
Activation Deadline Extensions
"This is somewhat of a threat to Microsoft," Livingston said. "But the extent to what it can retroactively patch, I don't know. Maybe they will want to change this. But that would only call more attention to activation, and perhaps reveal the mechanism Vista is using to count SkipRearm."
Livingston has not been able to find where Vista stores the SkipRearm count; conceivably, that count is what restricts its use to a maximum of eight. If someone was to find the count location, however, and manage to change that as well as the SkipRearm registry key, users might be able to postpone activation forever, said Livingston.
"The problem I see with this is that unscrupulous system builders will use it [to install counterfeit copies of Vista], but that Vista will start demanding activation a year or more out, when the guy is long gone with your money," said Livingston. "And then the activation key wouldn't work, because he would have used it on hundreds or even thousands of systems and Microsoft would have blocked it."
Background
Microsoft introduced product activation in 2001's Office XP and also used it in that year's Windows XP. Activation was toughened up for Vista, however; After the grace period, nonactivated PCs running Vista drop into what Microsoft calls "reduced functionality" mode. In reduced mode, users can only browse the Web with Internet Explorer, and then only for an hour before being forced to again log on.
Livingston's work-around, however, may do away with activation altogether. "[Activation] has become so convoluted, the way Microsoft has implemented it, that it's more of an irritation to legitimate users than a worthwhile antipiracy measure," Livingston concluded.
Naturally, Microsoft's Lazar sees it differently. "The new anti-piracy technologies in Windows Vista are designed to protect customers and prevent the software from working correctly when it is not genuine and properly licensed," he said. "Systems utilizing these hacks will not provide the benefits of genuine Windows, nor will they work as expected."
Computer Works
Sunday, January 13, 2008
How To Get 4 Desktop In Your Computer
If you want 4 dekstop that you can rotate, check this out !
Open then search "YODM" then choose the first result ( YODM 3D Free Download ). Open the site and download the program.
After you install it, you can customize your computer with 4 rotateable desktop.
Enjoy it !
Open then search "YODM" then choose the first result ( YODM 3D Free Download ). Open the site and download the program.
After you install it, you can customize your computer with 4 rotateable desktop.
Enjoy it !
Friday, January 11, 2008
Basic Short Keys
BASIC SHORTCUT KEYS
Alt + F File menu options in current program.
Alt + E Edit options in current program
F1 Universal Help in 90% of Windows programs.
Ctrl + A* Select all text.
Ctrl + X* Cut selected item.
Shift + Del Cut selected item.
Ctrl + C* Copy selected item.
Ctrl + Ins Copy selected item
Ctrl + V* Paste
Ctrl + F Find (or Find and Replace) dialogue box will pop up. Use
this to search a document or web page for a specific word or
phrase.
Shift + Ins Paste
Home Goes to beginning of current line.
Ctrl + Home Goes to beginning of document.
End Goes to end of current line.
Ctrl + End Goes to end of document.
Shift + Home Highlights from current position to beginning of line.
Shift + End Highlights from current position to end of line.
Ctrl + Left arrow Moves one word to the left at a time.
Ctrl + Right arrow Moves one word to the right at a time.
Ctrl + Backspace Delete word to the left of cursor.
Ctrl + Del Delete word to the right of cursor.
Alt + F File menu options in current program.
Alt + E Edit options in current program
F1 Universal Help in 90% of Windows programs.
Ctrl + A* Select all text.
Ctrl + X* Cut selected item.
Shift + Del Cut selected item.
Ctrl + C* Copy selected item.
Ctrl + Ins Copy selected item
Ctrl + V* Paste
Ctrl + F Find (or Find and Replace) dialogue box will pop up. Use
this to search a document or web page for a specific word or
phrase.
Shift + Ins Paste
Home Goes to beginning of current line.
Ctrl + Home Goes to beginning of document.
End Goes to end of current line.
Ctrl + End Goes to end of document.
Shift + Home Highlights from current position to beginning of line.
Shift + End Highlights from current position to end of line.
Ctrl + Left arrow Moves one word to the left at a time.
Ctrl + Right arrow Moves one word to the right at a time.
Ctrl + Backspace Delete word to the left of cursor.
Ctrl + Del Delete word to the right of cursor.
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