Unlocking an AMD Sempron 140.

It's about 4PM at our offices. I was deploying a customized PC. While I was accessing the BIOS, I ran across the "Unlock CPU" option, which then I Enabled just to try. Upon saving and restarting, the single-core AMD Sempron 140 (Sargas) is now a dual-core AMD Athlon II X2 440 (Regor). Here is the CPU-Z Validation and the image below:

Windows 7 booted perfectly. I ran the usual office applications for about 30 minutes and the PC didn't freeze. Afterwards I re-disabled the 2nd core because it could actually be a defective core (it was disabled in the first place), also the stock fan was designed for a single-core Sempron. Besides, the user doesn't need a dual-core CPU and the additional power consumption from unlocking the 2nd core.

I jumped on another machine and did the same. Unfortunately the PC went through an infinite POST-and-Restart loop. I have to remove the CMOS battery and restore the BIOS defaults to fix the problem. The unlocking this time didn't work.

By the way, the PC specs were:

• AMD Sempron 140 Processor (Sargas) 2.7GHz
• Gigabyte M68M-S2P Motherboard 
• The rest here.

XnView and NConvert

Today I stumbled upon two free-for-private-use and Multiplatform Graphics Tools which you may want to add to your Graphics Arsenal. XnView is a utility for viewing and  converting graphic files, and NConvert is a batch utility for converting graphic files. 

If interested, go to the official website: http://www.xnview.com

Google's new search index - Caffeine

 

QUOTE=googleblog.blogspot.com

Caffeine provides 50 percent fresher results for web searches than our last index, and it's the largest collection of web content we've offered. Whether it's a news story, a blog or a forum post, you can now find links to relevant content much sooner after it is published than was possible ever before.

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/our...x-caffeine.html

BitDefender Total Security 2011 Public Beta

If you are interested, you may try the public beta of the upcoming BitDefender Total Security 2011:

http://beta.bitdefender.com/

AMD demonstrates Fusion APUs

AMD gave its first public demonstration of a working Fusion Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) at Computex 2010:
 

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/computers/comput...usion-apus/2701

Another article:

http://www.hardwarezone.com/tech-news/view/41821

Video:

Pacman 30th Anniversary and the Google PLAYABLE Logo

http://www.google.com

Today is PACMAN's 30th anniversary. Google has made a logo... a PLAYABLE one! So go insert a coin while it's still there.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWqFokN1s4o&hd=1

Intel’s Single-chip Cluster Computer (SSC), 48-core experimental processor.

Intel recently released an experimental processor that resembles a cluster on a chip.

http://www.linux-mag.com/id/7762



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_cXi7uyJU4...player_embedded

Cray and the New Opteron 6100 Series

This morning at around 1:00AM Manila Time, I was able to join a webinar entitled Cray Boosts Performance with New 12-core AMD Opteron 6100 Series Processor", which was hosted by Linux Magazine.

Presented by David Wallace of Cray Inc. and Travis Justilian of AMD (should have been Joshua Mora). The presentation is about Cray (XT6 Production Supercomputers) utilizing the new AMD Opterons for more performance/MFLOPS, as well as efficiency for a greener computing, and more.

Indeed the AMD features now more cores (up to 12), more cache (12MB), more bandwidth (via DDR3-1333), and more efficient (45nm). Live polls were carried out during the webinar, and about 53% of the audience uses Opteron-based solutions.

Before the webinar, I first browsed for info on the new Opteron 6100 Series. I quickly saw the "Enhanced integrated memory controller supporting four channels of DDR3 memory". Initially I was thinking about quad-channel memory, but then I as I further dig through, Magny-Cours (the codename of the new opteron processors) are actually two 6-core istanbuls in one package. So applying AMD's medicine against intel years back, this is "not a true and native 12-core CPU" but two 6-core CPUs (12 cores, two dies). Thus the integrated memory controller is not quad-channel but two dual-channel IMCs. Nevertheless, it provided the new Opteron 6100 series more than double the memory bandwith of its predecessors.

Going back to the presentation, the Cray is able to utilize the 12 cores with the use of Core Specialization, which allows the user to pin a single core on the node to the OS and devote the remainder to application code. Plus now with whopping 12MB L3 cache, it improves performance by reducing the amount of time spent accessing data in higher-latency system memory. In addition to this, Cray has the new Gemini Interconnect that directly leverages the HT connection, thus ensuring full bandwidth. Cray also has CLE3 (Cray Linux Environment generation 3), which is an adaptive Linux OS that can scale up to 500,000 and more cores, and the Cray Programming Environment.

Some additional info, the Cray Inc. holds the number 1 and 3 spots of the top 500 Supercomputers for November 2009, as well as 19 systems included in the Green 500 of November 2009.

I will share to you the slides in PDF as soon as Linux Magazine sends it to the webinar attendees.  Cheers!

Check out Firefox 4, slated for Nov. 2010

On May 10, Mike Beltzner presented the vision for Firefox 4 (the next major release of Firefox) to the Mozilla community.

ZDNet Article: Firefox 4: Can it become 'super-duper' fast?
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/firefox-4-ca...295?tag=nl.e539

The Mozilla Blog:
http://blog.mozilla.com/blog/2010/05/10/fi...and-empowering/

New attack bypasses EVERY Windows security product, KHOBE and SSDT

QUOTE (Adrian Kingsley-Hughes)

The attack is a clever “bait-and-switch” style move. Harmless code is passed to the security software for scanning, but as soon as it’s given the green light, it’s swapped for the malicious code. The attack works even more reliably on multi-core systems because one thread doesn’t keep an eye on other threads that are running simultaneously, making the switch easier.

The attack, called KHOBE (Kernel HOok Bypassing Engine), leverages a Windows module called the System Service Descriptor Table, or SSDT, which is hooked up to the Windows kernel. Unfortunately, SSDT is utilized by antivirus software.

Oh, and don’t think that just because you are running as a standard user that you’re safe, you’re not. This attack doesn’t need admin rights

The ZDNet article:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/update-new-attack-bypasses-every-windows-security-product/8268

The Research:
http://www.matousec.com/info/articles/khobe-8.0-earthquake-for-windows-desktop-security-software.php

Mechwarrior 4 + MekPak3.1 now FREE!

Thank you Bartgoblin for the heads up.  8)

Studio MekTek, in association with Smith and Tinker, INC., Virtual World Entertainment, LLC, Catalyst Game Labs, and Microsoft Games, is happy to announce the release of Mechwarrior4 Free.

Getting started is easy. Just download and install MTX, MekTek's free content delivery and updating system. Once installed, simply click the Games Available tab, select Mechwarrior4: Mercenaries and click install. The game will download and install, all within MTX, and as updates become available, MTX will help you keep your game up to date.

Download Mechwarrior4: Mercenaries Free Release (1.7 GB) via MTX today!

Links:

• Technical Reference Manual
• Corrine's Strategy, Map and Variant Guides
• MekMatch

Intel demos new Light Peak cable

USB 3.0 is just making a dent in the marketplace, and Intel is already talking about a new cable that may signal the end for USB altogether. Light Peak is the code-name for a new high-speed optical cable technology designed to connect your electronic devices to each other. Light Peak delivers high bandwidth starting at 10Gb/s with the potential ability to scale to 100Gb/s over the next decade. At 10Gb/s, you could transfer a full-length Blu-Ray movie in less than 30 seconds. Optical technology also allows for smaller connectors and longer, thinner, and more flexible cables than currently possible. Light Peak also has the ability to run multiple protocols simultaneously over a single cable, enabling the technology to connect devices such as peripherals, displays, disk drives, docking stations, and more. http://blogs.zdnet.com/computers/?p=2130&tag=nl.e539 http://techresearch.intel.com/articles/None/1813.htm

AMD Opteron™ 6000 Series platform

AMD Sets the New Standard for Price, Performance, and Power for the Datacenter

AMD Opteron™ 6000 Series platform with Direct Connect Architecture 2.0 delivers more cores, more memory for less money.

Up to 119 percent improved performance while maintaining low price and power.

QUOTE (SUNNYVALE @ Calif. —3/29/2010)

AMD (NYSE: AMD) announces availability of a new server platform featuring the world’s first 8- and 12-core x86 processor for the high-volume 2P and value 4P server market. The AMD Opteron™ 6000 Series platform addresses the unmistakable needs of server customers today - workload-specific performance, power efficiency, and overall value - while delivering more cores and more memory for less money.  Leading OEMs including HP, Dell, Acer Group, Cray, and SGI are introducing new systems based on this highly scalable and reliable platform.

http://www.amd.com/us/press-releases/Pages...-29mar2010.aspx

http://www.amd.com/us/products/server/proc...s-platform.aspx

A closer look at ReadyBoost features in Win7.

ReadyBoost is a still a part of the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system, so Greg Shultz examines its features in more detail:

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window-o...225&tag=nl.e132

Four Things Firefox Could Learn from IE, ... and Chrome too.

QUOTE (Joe Brockmeier)

It’s popular to hate on IE8, and easy to do! But the truth is, Firefox could take a few cues from stodgy old Internet Explorer. From user-friendly features to deployment tools, there are still a few things that IE does better.

http://www.linux-mag.com/cache/7709/1.html

Get your own jet pack!

QUOTE (SmartPlanet)

SmartPlanet: For $75,000, you can own a jet pack. It's light weight, so you don't need a pilot's license. After 40 solid minutes of training, you could be flying in no time...

http://www.smartplanet.com/technology/blog...n-jet-pack/341/

Ethernet over power lines, Netgear makes major improvements.

QUOTE (TR)

Using in-house electrical wiring for networking computers usually only happens if wires can’t be run or Wi-Fi connections are less than adequate. Netgear’s new Ethernet over power-line devices may change that...

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/networki...704&tag=nl.e102

The Cisco CRS-3 Carrier Routing System

QUOTE (Cisco)

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 9, 2010 – Cisco today announced a major advancement in Internet networking - the Cisco® CRS-3 Carrier Routing System (CRS) - designed to serve as the foundation of the next-generation Internet and set the pace for the astonishing growth of video transmission, mobile devices and new online services through this decade and beyond. With more than 12 times the traffic capacity of the nearest competing system, the Cisco CRS-3 is designed to transform the broadband communication and entertainment industry by accelerating the delivery of compelling new experiences for consumers, new revenue opportunities for service providers, and new ways to collaborate in the workplace...

http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2010/prod_030910.html

Preview: Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini and X10 mini pro

QUOTE (HWG.sg)

Probably laying claim to the world's smallest Android phone to date, we offer our initial thoughts of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini and X10 mini pro in this preview...

http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news/view/7411

Newegg sold counterfeit Intel Core i7 CPUs

Kindly take note, it says "sold" and not "sells". Though we are really not sure how many of these got out.

QUOTE (ZDnet)

It’s not often that a reputable retailer is duped into passing on dodgy goods to customers, but it seems that Newegg managed to end up with counterfeit Intel Core i7 920 CPUs in its supply chain...

http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=7596&tag=nl.e019

How nanotechnology helps Bluetooth and Wi-Fi work together

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi share frequencies in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, causing signal degradation when both are enabled in the same device. That’s no longer an issue, thanks to antenna systems based on nanotechnology.

-- More Here --

Opera 10.50 now live DL.

Opera Software today released Opera 10.50, the fastest Web browser thus-far produced for Windows computers. Opera 10.50 also includes a sleek and refined new design, as well as private browsing, where Opera hides all traces of sites you visit. Opera 10.50 is available completely free from www.opera.com..

NVIDIA next-gen ION netbook graphics processor

NVIDIA introduces the next-generation ION netbook graphics processor:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=7515&tag=nl.e589#

Change and customize Windows 7's Logon screen wallpaper

Don't you think the windows 7 logon screen background is kinda girlish?

Anyways, you can change the default windows 7 logon screen wallpaper, without using 3rd-party applications. It just involves slight registry editing and folder/file creation.

Go here for the complete walkthrough:
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window-o...135&tag=nl.e132

MSI has officially launched a new generation of the Lightning series, the R5870 Lightning. Not only are top-quality components used in the design, but the following features are also included: exclusive all Hi-c CAP for GPU power, 15-phase power design, two 8-pin external power connectors, special PCB design called LPL (Lightning Power Layer), Twin Frozr II Thermal design with 8mm SuperPipe technology…etc.

http://event.msi.com/vga/lightning/

Awesome tricks for 3D Pinball in Windows XP, by TechRepublic

Sample Trick:

Get an extra ball while the Awaiting Deployment message displays by typing 1max.

Go here for more: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window-o...551&tag=nl.e064

MSI 890GXM-G65 Mainboard, New Option for HTPC

MSI, launches their brand new 890GXM-G65 mainboard using the AMD 890GX chipset to fulfill the increasing demand for perfect Home Theatre Personal Computers (HTPC). In addition to tailoring the latest AMD Phenom II processors, the 890GXM-G65 provides full support for the DirectX 10.1 and UVD 2.0 multimedia standards to significantly enhance high-definition audio and video effects. Along with a wide variety of output interfaces, exclusive MSI technology, and native SATA 6Gb/s and USB3.0 interfaces, the AMD 890GXM-G65 allows users to build a quality HTPC combining high performance and high stability.

MSI R5830 Twin Frozr II graphics card

MSI R5830 Twin Frozr II uses ATI Radeon HD 5830 GPU with 1120 units of stream processors and 1GB GDDR5 high speed memory to provide the latest DirectX 11 games with stunning visual effects to gamers. Equipped with excusive Twin Frozr II Thermal design, R5830 Twin Frozr II is 12℃ cooler thanks to dual 8CM PWM fans and quad Heatpipes. The most powerful Afterburner overclocking software supports over voltage function of GPU on R5830 Twin Frozr, tweaking the GPU's voltage to have better overclocking performance. In addition, to have better stability and lifespan, R5830 Twin Frozr II chooses the high quality Military class components to build the best HD 5830 card!

http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=proddesc...&maincat_no=130

Superman Debut Comic Book Sells for $1M

The June 1938 cover of "Action Comics," the first featuring the character Superman, is shown. A rare copy of the issue has sold for $1 million, smashing a record set just last year. (CBS/AP/Comic Connect Corp.)

http://www.comicconnect.com/index_live.php

Aliens vs. Predator™, Hunter. Survivor. Prey.

http://www.sega.com/avp/us/home.php

http://store.steampowered.com/app/10680/

http://game.amd.com/us-en/play_info.aspx?p=0&id=68


For the demo:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/34200/
You will need Steam:

http://store.steampowered.com/about/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

System Requirements

o OS: Windows XP/Vista
o Processor: 3.4 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
o Memory: 1 GB System RAM (XP)/ 2 GB System RAM (Vista)
o Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compliant video card with 128 MB RAM (NVIDIA 7900 or better, ATI X1800 or better)
o Hard Drive: 16 GB free hard drive space
o DirectX®: DirectX 9.0c

Earth Hour 2010

As time passes the Earth as we know it won't be getting better. It's something that cannot be denied. Nevertheless...

QUOTE (EarthHour.org)

At 8.30pm (local time) on Saturday 27 March, the greatest show on Earth for action on climate change will take place in homes, office buildings, town halls and public places around the globe as lights go out for Earth Hour 2010.

Motherboard Voltage Regulator Circuit, Everything You Need to Know About

Voltage Regulator Circuit/Module/Section, 5-phase, solid capacitors, "japanese" capacitors, ferrite cores... does any of these ring bells to you?

Follow this Hardware Secrets article by Gabriel Torres:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/616

Microsoft Windows 7 RC Upgrade Info

It’s time to upgrade "from" the Win 7RC!

This article describes the Windows 7 Beta and Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) expiration dates and their expiration functionality.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971767

Windows 7 Team wrote...

While most people who tested Windows 7 have now moved to the final version, some are still running the Release Candidate. If you haven’t moved yet, it’s time to replace the RC.

Starting on March 1, 2010 your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Your work will not be saved during the shutdown.

The Windows 7 RC will fully expire on June 1, 2010. Your PC running the Windows 7 RC will continue shutting down every two hours and your files won’t be saved during shutdown. In addition, your wallpaper will change to a solid black background with a persistent message on your desktop. You’ll also get periodic notifications that Windows isn’t genuine. That means your PC may no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads requiring genuine Windows validation.

To avoid interruption, please reinstall a prior version of Windows or move to Windows 7. In either case, you’ll need to do a custom (clean) install to replace the RC. As with any clean installation, you’ll need to back up your data then reinstall your applications and restore the data.

Time to upgrade "from" the Win 7RC.

This article describes the Windows 7 Beta and Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) expiration dates and their expiration functionality.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971767

Windows 7 Team wrote...

While most people who tested Windows 7 have now moved to the final version, some are still running the Release Candidate. If you haven’t moved yet, it’s time to replace the RC.

Starting on March 1, 2010 your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Your work will not be saved during the shutdown.

The Windows 7 RC will fully expire on June 1, 2010. Your PC running the Windows 7 RC will continue shutting down every two hours and your files won’t be saved during shutdown. In addition, your wallpaper will change to a solid black background with a persistent message on your desktop. You’ll also get periodic notifications that Windows isn’t genuine. That means your PC may no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads requiring genuine Windows validation.

To avoid interruption, please reinstall a prior version of Windows or move to Windows 7. In either case, you’ll need to do a custom (clean) install to replace the RC. As with any clean installation, you’ll need to back up your data then reinstall your applications and restore the data.

Windows Activation Technologies Update for Windows 7

Source: http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/genuinewi...-windows-7.aspx

In the coming days, we’ll be deploying a new update for Windows Activation Technologies, the set of built-in activation and validation components built into Windows 7. Called Windows Activation Technologies Update for Windows 7, this update will detect more than 70 known and potentially dangerous activation exploits. Activation exploits are sometimes called “hacks”, and attempt to bypass or compromise Windows’ activation technologies. This new update is further evidence of Microsoft’s commitment to keeping customers and partners secure. The update will determine whether Windows 7 installed on a PC is genuine and will better protect customers’ PCs by making sure that the integrity of key licensing components remains intact.

So, what are the risks of activation exploits? Searching for, downloading, or installing activation exploits or counterfeit software on the Internet is risky, because sites that advertise these pirated products often contain malware, viruses, and Trojans, which are found bundled with or directly built into the activation exploit or counterfeit software. A study by research firm IDC, The Risks of Obtaining and Using Pirated Software, shows that one in four Web sites offering counterfeit software attempted to install unwanted or malicious code upon downloading. And this rate is rising. Media Surveillance, an anti-piracy solutions company based in Germany, recently downloaded more than five hundred pirated copies of Windows 7 (and Windows activation exploits) and found that 32% contained malicious code. These are very disturbing figures – especially when considering that resellers may be using these downloads to claim that the PCs they sell include genuine Windows. Buyers of new PCs should always check for the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) to verify that the PC they are purchasing contains only genuine Windows. A quick visit to our How to Tell website tells buyers what a genuine COA should look like.

The Update is designed to run on all editions of Windows 7, although we will distribute first to the Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise editions. It will be available online at www.microsoft.com/genuine beginning February 16 and on the Microsoft Download Center beginning February 17. Later this month, the update will also be offered through Windows Update as an ‘Important’ update.

Although the Update will not be directly offered through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which is used by enterprise customers to manage the distribution of software updates in their IT environment, a WSUS administrator can import this update into WSUS through the Microsoft Update catalog. I’d like to stress that the Update is voluntary, which means that you can choose not to install it when you see it appear on Windows Update. I also want to stress that installing this update will not jeopardize your privacy; although the update contacts Microsoft’s servers to check for new threats as I outline below, the information we receive from PCs during these checks does not include any personally identifiable information or any other information that Microsoft can use to identify or contact you. This update follows the same stringent and secure set of privacy principles and policies as other downloads. The update can also be uninstalled at any time.

How does it work? Once installed, the Update protects customers by identifying known activation exploits that may affect their PC experience. If any activation exploits are found, Windows will alert the customer and offer options for resolving the issue – in many cases, with just a few clicks. Machines running genuine Windows 7 software with no activation exploits will see nothing – the update runs quietly in the background protecting your system. If Windows 7 is non-genuine, the notifications built into Windows 7 will inform the customer that Windows is not genuine by displaying informational dialog boxes with options for the customer to either get more information, or acquire genuine Windows. The desktop wallpaper will be switched to a plain desktop (all of the customer’s desktop icons, gadgets, or pinned applications stay in place). Periodic reminders and a persistent desktop watermark act as further alerts to the customer.

It is important to know that the customer will see no reduced functionality in their copy of Windows – a customer’s applications work as expected, and access to personal information is unchanged. The Update will run periodic validations (initially every 90 days). During validation, Windows will download the latest ‘signatures’ that are used to identify new activation exploits – much like an anti-virus service. When tampering, disabling, or missing licensing files are discovered, the WAT Update runs a check and repair weekly to ensure that the licensing files are properly repaired.

Joe Williams
General Manager, Genuine Windows 

--

Update Feb 25 2010, 10:32 PM:

I saw W.A.T. today, included in the "important" updates. Just as mentioned in the Windows 7 Blog, it is voluntary (not mandatory), thus by default the said update (KB971033) is unchecked.  

 

Good and Strong Passwords..., What's the name of your pet?

Wikipedia’s definition: A password is a secret word or string of characters that is used for authentication, to prove identity or gain access to a resource (example: an access code is a type of password). The password must be kept secret from those not allowed access.

Scanning through the early pages of the Unix Visual Quickstart Guide 2nd Ed. by Deborah and Eric Ray, it says choose a password that is:

1. At least 6 characters long (I consider 10 as minimum).

2. Easy for you to remember.

3. Not a word or name in any dictionary in any language.

4. Any combination of capital and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.

5. Not similar to your username.

6. Not identical or similar to one you’ve used recently.

7. Not your telephone number, birth date, kid’s birth date, anniversary, mother’s maiden name, or anything else that anyone might associate with you (uhmm… pet’s name Bill?).

Cheers!

Update: By the way, there is already the Unix and Linux: Visual QuickStart Guide (4th Edition – Paperback – July 8, 2009). 

---

Update: Feb 8 2010, 11:16 PM

Just to add, this page can help... Strong Password Generator (w/ crazy mnemonics)

http://strongpasswordgenerator.com/ 

What’s new in Firefox 3.6?

 http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/3.6/releasenotes/

Mozila Labs: Test Pilot

Become a Test Pilot!

Test Pilot is an open research platform that collecting structured user feedback from Firefox and other Mozilla Labs experiments.

https://mozillalabs.com/testpilot/

LinuxMag wrote …
…After installing the extension, you’ll see the “Thank You” page for Test Pilot, and have a Test Pilot icon in the bottom right-hand corner. Click on this, and you’ll see the context menu with the current surveys and current tests.

That’s just what it sounds like. The first survey is to gather data about the test pilots. Very basic, you’ll be asked questions about how much you use Firefox and your skill level with computers. Once you’ve completed the survey it will disappear from the context menu until the next one starts….