Devoted to hardware, servers, networks, connectivity, fiber, routers, switches, etc.

The recently released Service Pack 3 has created problems on AMD machines according to Jesper Johansson, former program manager for security policy at Microsoft. The problems occurred on HP machines after their users had installed the patch. Johansson thinks the issue appeared because HP puts images of Windows onto its machines using the same copy for both Intel and AMD.

"Because the image for both Intel and AMD is the same all have the intelppm.sys driver installed and running. That driver provides power management on Intel-based computers. On an AMD-based computer, amdk8.sys provides the same functionality," explained Johansson.

Some other OEMs reported to use the same practice as HP, and they could encounter the same problems. This is not the first time when AMD had problems with Windows patches. Back in 2000 AMD computers running over 350 MHz crashed and burned after a new service pack was released. Anyway, it seems that SP3 wasn't tested in every detail.

via Tom's Hardware 

Cooler Master has presented a new passive CPU cooler called Hyper Z600. The new cooler works with different platforms such as Intel Socket LGA775, AMD Socket 940, AM2, and AM2+. The Cooler Master Hyper Z600 features an aerodynamic design with allows quick heat dissipation.

Here is the specs list:

• Dimension - 127.28×127.28×160mm
• Material - Aluminum fins with copper-base
• Heat Pipe Dimensions - φ6mm×6
• Weight - 1045g

I know what you think. This cooler is huge, but also you should know it is a noiseless CPU cooler. It has six heatpipes which are all connected with the copper base. The fins design was optimized to obtain an excellent temperature even at high workloads.

The Hyper Z600 CPU cooler can be a good addition for any overclocker who has a large case.

 via Overclockers Club

Yesterday, Microsoft has officially presented Windows Service Pack 3. As you may remember from a previous article, the Windows SP3 was available unofficially because Microsoft encountered a problem with the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS). They solved the issue and SP3 is ready for download.

The Service Pack 3 should be a seamless install for most users. The new patch brings a ten percent performance boost on average, along with various security updates and bug fixes.

However the Windows XP fans won't get any further upgrade as Microsoft intends to stop selling the operating software. Although Vista has not been too popular among PC users, Microsoft encourage home users and businesses to switch from Windows XP. 

Microsoft Download Center 

That's a good news for Asus fans. Asus has announced the official date for the release of its new Eee PC sub-notebook. The Eee PC 900 will hit the stores on May 12. U.S. customers will get the new shiny mini-laptop after folks from Hong Kong and United Kingdom.

According to the news, the EeePC 900 comes with enhanced performances and new features. For instance, its display is bigger (8.9") with 1024 x 600 resolution. The storage capacity was also increased up to 20 GB. It also packs 1GB of DDR2 memory. Asus equipped the Eee PC with pre-installed Windows XP and 12GB SSD storage. Also a Linux version will be available with a 20GB capacity.

Other features are: 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, a 1.3-megapixel web camera, an MMC/SD card reader, and a four-cell battery. The Eee PC 900 was priced at $549.99 regardless of the operating system.

via TechReport 

Apple's back-end platform for Mac users have become the perfect server solution for  enterprise use. Mac OS X Leopard Server is not a competitor of Windows Server 2008, but aims to be the first choice for small-business.

The server installation doesn't require too many technical skills. The simple process is guided by the installation wizard which ask a few questions about the network configuration. There might be needed some command line knowledge for long time administration, but that shouldn't be an issue for medium-experienced users.

Unlike the previous server versions, Leopard Server features two administration interfaces: Server Admin and Server Preferences. The first one has many tools that offer functionality and allow to create category groups for servers, "a set of servers as storage, production, or even sales, and then build widget-style dashboards that show the state and behavior of each group". Furthermore it permits to manage the file-administration tasks. The Workgroup Manager tools allows admins to set user accounts and manage machine permissions. Another great tool would be the System Image Utility which lets you build both server and client disk images for later deployment in case of trouble. The latter interface - Server Preferences - is much simpler for unexperienced users.

The Leopard Server features services for wikis, blogs, a user directory, and a new calendar server. The collaboration tools install almost automatically. Comparing with Windows, Apple's server doesn't have same third party support regarding the plug-ins and applications. However, Apple Leopard Server remains a good competitor for the future to be released Windows Small Business Server. 

The article was based on the review of Apple Leopard Server done by PC Magazine. 

Obviously people would say this Wi-Fi gadget is just for geeks. But let's judge a little the opportunities offered by such a device. Our daily affairs require at any time an Internet connection. Whether you like it or not, a Wi-Fi detecting device should be in your pocket or on your wrist. Phone connections can be always expensive or not powerful enough to handle your needs.

The Wi-Fi detecting watch can be a great discreet alternative to find a good local network. Besides detecting the hotspots, the watch brings functionality and style.

Here are the specs for the Wi-Fi watch:
• Watch Features: Chronograph. Countdown. Alarm. Hourly Chime. Dual Time. Lap Memory.
• Wi-Fi Detection
• Detects interference intensity of 2.4GHz signal
• Detects AP stations over 100 meters outdoors
• Anti-static and Shock Proof
• 100 meters Water-Resistant

Price: £19.9

 Microsoft has delayed the launch of the Windows XP Service Pack 3. The measure was taken due to a "compatibility issue". The software giant said the fix is in testing and will be released as soon as it will be ready.

"In the last few days, we have uncovered a compatibility issue between Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) and Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)," a Microsoft spokesperson said in an e-mail.

However, the guys from Neowin have found the download links of the SP3 update. I do not recommend to use any of the upgrade because they were not launched officially. Nevertheless, if you consider to use them you should know that your system could be exposed to risks. Check the download links below:

• Stand-alone installer for Windows XP SP3 English, 32 Bit (316 MB)
• Windows XP SP3 for Chinese Traditional, 32 Bit Systems
• Windows XP SP3 for Spanish, 32 Bit Systems (308 MB)
• Windows XP SP3 for German, 32 Bit Systems (313 MB)
• Windows XP SP3 for Polish, 32 Bit Systems
• Windows XP SP3 for French, 32 Bit Systems

Apple has just launched its new improved 24-inch iMac. It features a new powerful Intel CPU which hits speeds og 3.06GHz. The new iMac is faster than any other Apple computer. The ultimate all-in-one desktop computer includes faster processors with 6MB L2 cache and a faster 1066 MHz front-side bus across the entire line.

Also the new iMac comes with more memory standard. iMac has up to 2GB of 800MHz DDR2 memory standard. A SATA hard drive up to 500GB, offers a lot of memory for your photos, videos, music or documents. The 24-inch model has a remarkable hard drive option — up to 1TB. Furthermore the package contains the iLife '08 utility that allows users to create a photo book, make a movie, build a blog, compose a song, and much more.

The pricing starts at $1,199 up to $2,199 for the high-end model.

Apple store 

After an unsuccessful year competing with Intel, AMD has announced its plans to launch a desktop computer. The company tries to regain its share market with new products. The Business Class desktop PC is aimed to serve the small and medium-seized businesses.

AMD also acknowledged to launch a line of notebook PCs in the second half of 2008. Dell, which is a major partner will help AMD with design and sale. Besides, other customers including Acer, Fujitsu-Siemens, HP and Lenovo plan to sell the Business Class computers.

There were few details about the specs, but I can tell you the computers will be equipped with Athlon X2 dual-core, Phenom X3 triple-core and Phenom X4 quad-core CPUs. More news will follow soon.

via Switched
 

Intel wants to demolish its competitors with performance and low retail prices. The company has reduced the prices for 14 CPU models with no official reasons. Check the chart below to see the price cuts:

It seems that Intel could reduce its pricelist because the new 45nm technology allows the company to produce its processors more cheaply than rival AMD.

Chart via Extreme PC