T H E B E S T S E C U R I T Y - R E L A T E D S I T E
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| Date |
Hardware & Software Department Updates |
| 19th, June | Hardware updates available, finally. By the way, in case you still haven't noticed, PC HELPER LAB was UPDATED !!! ReGet Deluxe latest version has been reviewed here. |
| 14th, June | Software news available ! By way, I'm planning to update my site more often in the nearest future. You may expect some PC HELPER LAB and HARDWARE & SOFTWARE updates !!! |
| 13th, June | Although nothing really important is happening in the Hard&Soft world now, I've found an IMPORTANT software update for you ! |
| 5th, June | Rich software update today ! |
| 3rd, June | Software updates available ! Don't miss the note in the respective article before downloading !!! First update in June, by the way ! |
| 30th, May | I've started the new page. All the previous news (30 April - 27 May) can be found here. Software updates available today ! |
VIA Technologies announced the beginning of VIA Apollo KT600 mass distribution. VIA Apollo KT600 is intended for the support of AMD Athlon XP processors with 400 MHz FSB speed. Memory controller is held using the FastStream4 technology, i.e. the use of preselection buffers block for decreasing memory controller delays). Let's see the comparison table:
| VIA Apollo KT600 | VIA Apollo KT400A | |
| North Bridge |
VIA Apollo KT600 |
VIA Apollo KT400A |
| Supported Processor | AMD Athlon XP | AMD Athlon XP |
| System Bus Speed | 266/333/400 MHz | 266/333 MHz |
| Memory Bus Speed | 266/333/400 MHz | 266/333/400 MHz |
| AGP Support | AGP4X/8X | AGP4X/8X |
| Memory Type | DDR266/333/400 | DDR266/333/400 |
| Maximum memory capacity allowed | 4.0 GB | 4.0 GB |
| South Bridge | VT8237 | VT8235CE |
| North-South Bridge Connecting Bus | 8X V-Link (533 Mb/sec) | 8X V-Link (533 MB/sec) |
| Integrated Audio | VIA Vinyl Six-TRAC AC'97 codec | VIA Vinyl Six-TRAC AC'97 |
| Integrated Modem | MC'97 | MC'97 |
| Integrated Network Controller | VIA MAC 10/100 Ethernet | VIA MAC 10/100 Ethernet |
| PCI Support | 6 slots | 6 slots |
| IDE | Dual Channel Serial ATA supports 2 SATA devices, SATAlite interface supports 2 more SATA devices (up 4 devices) | Parallel ATA (up to 4 devices) |
| VIA RAID | RAID 0, RAID 1; RAID 0+1 supports SATA and ATA-133 | |
| USB | 8 ports | 6 ports |
| Super I/O | LPC Super I/O | LPC Super I/O |
| IO APIC | Present | Present |
| Power Management | ACPI/APM/PCI/PM | ACPI/APM/PCI/PM |
About 20 mainboard manufacturers, including ABIT, Acorp, Albatron, Aopen, Asus, Azza, Biostar, Chaintech, DFI, ECS, Epox, FIC, Gigabyte, Jetway, MSI, Shuttle, Soltek, Soyo and QDI have already confirmed their readiness for producing mainboards on VIA KT600 chipset.
| Chipsets for AMD K8 Platform | |||||
| Type | Chipset | South Bridge | Release Date | NOTE | |
| VIA | Discrete | K8T800 |
VT8235 series VT8237 series |
22, April, 2003 | Formerly K8T400M |
| Integrated | K8M800 |
VT8235 series VT8237 series |
3rd Quarter, 2003 | Formerly K8M400 | |
| UniChrome2 GFX Graphics Core | |||||
| - | K8T890 | - | 4rh Quarter, 2003 | Formerly K8 PCIE | |
| PCI Express Support | |||||
| SiS | Discrete | SiS755 | SiS963 | 18, November, 2002 | - |
| Integrated | SiS760 | - | - | - | |
| ALi | Discrete | M1687 | M1563 | 3rd, June, 2002 | - |
| Integrated | M1688 | - | - | - | |
| Nvidia | Discrete | nForce3 Pro | - | 22nd, April, 2003 | - |
| Single-chip | Crush K8 | - | - | - | |
| Crush K8S | - | - | Serial ATA Support | ||
| Crush K8 Pro | - | - | PCI Express Support | ||
According to the DigiTimes, AMD Company has presented their plans for AMD K8 family release. AMD K8 processors will first officially appear in August (and not in September as it was been expected before). This information has also been provided by heavy mainboard manufacturers, ASUSTek and GigaByte Technology, that announced that they will start receiving AMD Athlon XP 3100+ and 3400+ processors in August. But in consideration of mass distribution (200,000-300,000 chips per month planned), that will surely begin only in the end of the year, Intel Pentium 4 platform will not be pressed.
While expecting new AMD processors, VIA Technologies recently renamed their K8T400M, K8M400 and K8PCIE chipsets to K8T800, K8M800 and K8T890 respectively. NVIDIA is planning to present K8-platform chipsets - Crush K8, Crush K8S and Crush K8 Pro.
AMD Company has updated its price-cutting lists for
most of their desktop processors. At all, prices of almost all of the processors
were reduced by 20-30%. Of course, it's all about wholesale deliveries
(supplies).
| Athlon XP | Old price | New price | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3200+ | $464 | $464 | - |
| 3000+ | $325 | $265 | -18% |
| 2800+ | $225 | $180 | -20% |
| 2700+ | $180 | $137 | -24% |
| 2600+ | $151 | $103 | -31% |
| 2500+ | $124 | $89 | -28% |
| 2400+ | $103 | $84 | -18% |
| 2200+ | $81 | $74 | -8% |
| 2100+ | $79 | $74 | -6% |
| 2000+ | $66 | $66 | - |
As
expected, AMD has officially announced the release of Athlon XP 3200+ processor
on the Barton core this morning.
The new CPU, as well as its predecessors with
ratings 3000+/2800+, is designed on the Barton core, but its main advantage is
that it supports the new system bus frequency - 400 MHz. The real frequency rate
of the new processor is 2,2 GHz (Just to compare, Athlon XP 3000+ for 300 MHz
system bus had 2,167 GHz). The main features of the processor are 0,13 micron
process technology, 128 Kb of L1 Cache and 512 Kb of L2 Cache.
The wholesale price on the product is currently $464 (min. - 1000 copies).
According to AMD, the processor's supply has already started. Some North American and European companies already provide ready Athlon XP 3200+ based desktop computers.
The testing of this processor has recently been posted. Click here, to see it !!!
NVIDIA releases GeForce FX 5900 officially ! (12.05.2003)
NVIDIA has officially released their new video adapters of GeForce FX Series, GeForce FX 5900 and GeForce FX 5900 Ultra (both also known as NV35) through their press-release. I've highlighted the most important and interesting parts of it.
The cinematic computing revolution continues with the introduction of the most powerful members of the NVIDIA GeForce FX family-the GeForce FX 5900 graphics processing units (GPUs). Architected for blazing speeds and delivering unmatched visual quality, the GeForce FX 5900 GPUs ignite PC gaming. The second-generation Intellisample high-resolution compression technology (HCT) delivers the highest-quality antialiasing for ultra-realistic visuals with no jagged edges. And, powered by the second-generation NVIDIA CineFX 2.0 engine with the industry's only true 128-bit precision processing--the GeForce FX 5900 GPUs take cinematic-quality special effects to new levels while providing the industry's most compatible and reliable gaming platform.
|
Graphics Core: Memory Interface: Memory Bandwidth: Fill Rate: Vertices/sec. Memory Data Rate: Pixels per Clock (peak): Textures per Pixel: RAMDACs |
256-bit 256-bit 27.2GB/sec 3.6 billion texels/sec. 338 million 850MHz 8 16* 400MHz |
*Maximum in a single rendering pass with 8 textures applied per clock.
I've grouped the main features of the new graphics chip for you:
CineFX Engine
Powers cinematic effects beyond imagination. With advanced vertex and pixel
shader capabilities, stunning and complex special effects are possible.
In
addition, increased horsepower delivers faster and smoother gameplay. The
2nd-generation CineFX 2.0 engine of the GeForce FX 5900 GPUs powers more
advanced pixel shaders.
Intellisample Technology
The industrys fastest and highest quality antialiasing delivers ultra-realistic
visuals, with no jagged edges, at lightning-fast speeds. The 2nd-generation
Intellisample HCT, supported in GeForce FX 5900 GPUs, extends performance and
quality gains to higher resolutions and antialiasing levels.
UltraShadow Technology
Advanced technology designed to enhance the performance of bleeding-edge games
that use complex shadows.
more information
Digital Vibrance
Control (DVC)
Allows the user to adjust color controls digitally to compensate for the
lighting conditions of their workspace, in order to achieve accurate, bright
colors in all conditions.
Currently this feature is not available on Mac systems.
more information
400MHz RAMDACs
Industrys fastest RAMDACs support QXGA displays with ultra-high, ergonomic
refresh rates.
New 64-phase Video
Scaler
Highest quality for scaling DVD and other video to full-screen HDTV resolutions.
0.13 Micron Process
Technology
Delivers high performance through faster clock rates.
The full review and testing of this video chip has recently been posted. Click here, to see it !!!
Testing of AMD Athlon XP 3000+ (Barton) and P4 3,06 GHz - HERE !!!
Testing of 10 Main boards on the chipset VIA KT400 - HERE !!!
Testing of 5 Low-End processors on different hardware systems - HERE !!!
Testing of Athlon XP 2200+ Thoroughbred and Intel Pentium 4 - HERE !!!
LogiTech MX700 Cordless Optical Mouse (13.02.2003) - HERE !!!
If want to get a closer look at the program, you may see it reviewed in the PC HELPER LAB here.
As usually, the list of changes in the new version is not provided by the developer.
BadCopy Pro v3.70 (857 Kb, Shareware, Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP)
The software solution is still the same. Visit www.software-pc1.narod.ru.
ZoneAlarm Pro prevents email-borne viruses from opening and spreading to other computers. Advanced MailSafe-email attachment protection provides ironclad email defenses; pinpoints the origin of a would-be intrusion with enhanced Hacker Tracking; detects new networks automatically, including wireless networks, for complete mobile PC protection.
You can get a closer look at this product by seeing it reviewed in the PC HELPER LAB here.
You get the following NEW priorities using ZoneAlarm Pro v4.0:
Stop "mass
emailing" worms and trojans
Map and report the source of hacker
attempts
Clean out your internet tracks and
temporary files
Stop spam email from clogging your inbox
ZoneAlarm Pro v4.0.123.012 Final (4,0 MB, Shareware, Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP)
The software solution for the product is available. Visit www.software-pc1.narod.ru .
Microsoft has released a cumulative patch Q818529 (June 2003) for their browser - Internet Explorer.
This is a cumulative patch that includes the functionality of all previously released patches for Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5 and 6.0. In addition, it eliminates two newly discovered vulnerabilities:
A buffer overrun vulnerability that occurs
because Internet Explorer does not properly determine an object type returned
from a web server. It could be possible for an attacker who exploited this
vulnerability to run arbitrary code on a user's system. If a user visited an
attackers website, it would be possible for the attacker to exploit this
vulnerability without any other user action. An attacker could also craft an
HTML email that attempted to exploit this vulnerability.
A flaw that results because Internet
Explorer does not implement an appropriate block on a file download dialog box.
It could be possible for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability to run
arbitrary code on a user's system. If a user simply visited an attackers
website, it would be possible for the attacker to exploit this vulnerability
without any other user action. An attacker could also craft an HTML email that
attempted to exploit this vulnerability.
In order to exploit these flaws, the attacker would have to create a specially formed HTML email and send it to the user. Alternatively an attacker would have to host a malicious web site that contained a web page designed to exploit these vulnerabilities. The attacker would then have to persuade a user to visit that site.
As with the previous Internet Explorer cumulative patches released with bulletins MS03-004 and MS03-015, this cumulative patch will cause window.showHelp( ) to cease to function if you have not applied the HTML Help update. If you have installed the updated HTML Help control from Knowledge Base article 811630, you will still be able to use HTML Help functionality after applying this patch.
(Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-020)
All version except Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 for Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 for Windows Server 2003
Windows Media Player 9 Update (05.06.2003)
As you may know, officially the most recent is Windows Media Player 9 build 2880 (although I wrote about a release of build 2991, which is actually the latest and could be downloaded). However, Tech Critic site announced that Windows Center Media Edition includes Windows Media Player 9 build 3005. Changes of the new version are not noticeable really and don't significantly influence on the performance of the player. But you may update your Windows Media Player 9 to the latest available version (build 3005 - note that this is a beta release!).
Windows Media Player 9 update to build 3005 (1,9 MB, Windows XP)
Tweak-XP Pro v2.0.11 (05.06.2003)
The new version of Tweak-XP Pro appeared in the Internet.
Tweak XP Pro is powerful system tweaker and optimizer (more than 42 different utilities) destined to tweak hundreds of hidden options, features etc. of Windows XP Operating System. Using it's functional textured interface and well-organized help and support system of hints and tips you can easily set up your operating system in any way you want.
Tweak-XP Pro v2.0.11 Full Setup (2,9 MB, Shareware, Windows XP)
Tweak-XP Pro v2.0 to v2.0.11 Update (1,9 MB)
The software solution for the product is available. Visit www.software-pc1.narod.ru .
QuickTime v6.3 (03.06.2003)
The new version of Apple QuickTime for Windows appeared in the Internet.
QuickTime is one of the most powerful multimedia players in the Internet that can be used to view MPEG-4, AAC and Instant-On formatted files. The player supports many more additional formats including QuickTime format, MPEG-4, various popular audio formats, different Internet Animations and images, including Flash, digital graphics, streaming media, bass and treble controls, balance control, enhanced interface. The full list of QuickTime features can be viewed here.
Whats
New in QuickTime 6.3?
3GPP Support
QuickTime 6.3 delivers extensive support for 3GPP, including video, audio,
text, and native .3gp file format support. Because 3GPP is now a part of the
core architecture of QuickTime, you can import, export, and play back .3gp files
just as you do .mp4 and .mov files. The technologies in QuickTime 6.3 that
provide these capabilities are newly enhanced MPEG-4 and H.263 video codecs, a
newly enhanced AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) audio codec, a new AMR (Adaptive
Multi-Rate) audio codec, a new 3G Text importer and exporter, and a new
user-friendly 3GPP export dialog to aid in the creation of 3GPP-compliant files.
Learn more about
3GPP. To activate a
support of 3GPP you need to install a special 3GPP Component that is available
for download in the download links below)
Additional Technologies
QuickTime 6.3 also delivers playback of .amr and .sdv files, automatic detection
of streaming transport, significant enhancements to DV audio and video
synchronization, and improved support for Keynote, iMovie, and iDVD.
QuickTime v6.3 (11 MB,
Shareware, Windows 98/Me/2000/XP)
3GPP Component (400 Kb,
Windows 98/Me/2000/XP)
NOTE: When I started
downloading 3GPP Component and then stopped the download, my antivirus (Kaspersky
AntiVirus Personal Pro version 4.0.8.0 fully registered - the most powerful and
award-winning antivirus so far !) displayed the following:
However, the full file is NOT INFECTED ! So if you see this message (if you've
got KAV), just don't worry and go on downloading !
The software solution for QuickTime remains the same. Visit www.software-pc1.narod.ru .
Security Updates for Microsoft Windows XP (29.05.2003)
An identified security vulnerability in Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP could allow an attacker to take control of the computer. This issue is most likely to affect computers used as web servers. You can help protect your computer from this and other identified issues by installing this update from Microsoft. (Download using WindowsUpdate Service - Size: 525 Kb)
MagicTweak is a special program designed to optimize and personalize Microsoft Windows. It provides one-stop, instant access to a variety of Windows settings that can be altered for a friendlier Windows environment. This unique software makes it easy to tweak hundreds of hidden settings in Windows XP/2000/Me/98. If you want to get a closer look at the program, see it fully reviewed in the PC HELPER LAB here.
Version 2.40 includes new options of saving and recovering of the system state, new functions for setting up Outlook Express, some bugs fixed.
MagicTweak v2.40 (858 Kb,
Shareware, Windows 9x/ME/2000/XP)
All the localizations and localized help files can be found on the download page here.
The software solution is new but is already available. Visit www.software-pc1.narod.ru .
The new build of ReGet Deluxe v3.3 Final appeared in the Internet.
ReGet Deluxe - is one of the most powerful download managers, utilities destined to optimize and accelerate the speed of downloading, setting advanced options for downloading to make it easier and more comfortable to download. Anyway, the full review of the program is available in the PC HELPER LAB here.
Changes in the new version were not reported.
ReGet
Deluxe v3.3 build 182 (1,5 MB, Shareware, Windows 98/ME/2000/XP)
The software solution is available !!!. Visit www.software-pc1.narod.ru.
Need For Speed IV: Hot Pursuit 2 Trailer (3,89 MB) - HERE !!!
3D FISH v2.10 Screensaver (The best graphics I've ever seen) - HERE !!!
Sea Dogs I (The best 3D pirate adventuring game !!!) - HERE !!!
Reviewed in the Laboratory last time:
ReGet Deluxe v3.3
build 182 Final (15.06.2003)
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...<< -- 27th, May, 2003 ... HERE ! ! !
If you missed some earlier news, get to the full News Archive !!!
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