Pauls Blog

Intel Core i7

11/04/2011 16:19:00

Intel Core i7 is an Intel brand name for severalfamilies of desktop and laptop 64-bit x86-64 processors using the Nehalem, Westmere, and Sandy Bridge micro architectures. The Core i7 brand istargeted at the business and high-end consumer markets for both desktop andlaptop computers, and isdistinguished from the Core i3 (entry-level consumer), Core i5 (mainstreamconsumer) and Xeon (server and workstation) brands.

The Core i7 name was introducedwith the Bloomfield Quad-core processor in late 2008. In 2009 new Core i7 models based on the Lynnfielddesktop quad-core processor and the Clarksfield quad-core mobile were added,and models based on the Arrandale dual-core mobile processor wereadded in January 2010. The first six-core processor in the Core lineup is the Gulftown, which was launched on March 16,2010. Both the regular Core i7 and the Extreme Edition are advertised asfive stars in the Intel Processor Rating. In January 2011, Intel released thesecond generation of Core i7 processors. Both the first and second generation ofIntel Core i7 processors are rated as 5 stars in the Intel processor rating.The 2nd generation of Intel core processors are based on the 'Sandy Bridge'core and are set to be updated in January 2012 with 'Ivy Bridge'

In each of the first three micro architecturegenerations of the brand, Core i7 has family members using two distinctsystem-level architectures, and therefore two distinct sockets (for example,LGA 1156 and LGA 1366 with Nehalem). In each generation, the highest-performingCore i7 processors use the same socket and QPI-based architecture as thelow-end Xeon processors of that generation, while lower-performing Core i7processors use the same socket and PCIe/DMI/FDI architecture as the Core i5.

"Core i7" is a successor to the Intel Core 2brand. Intel representatives stated that the moniker Core i7 is meant tohelp consumers decide which processor to purchase as the newer Nehalem-basedproducts are released in the future.

iPad Defined

11/04/2011 16:11:00

The iPad (pronounced /ˈaɪpæd/ eye-pad) is a line of tablet computers designed, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. primarily as a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games, and web content. Its size and weight falls between those of contemporary smartphones and laptop computers. The iPad runs the same operating system as the iPod Touch and iPhone—and can run its own applications as well as iPhone applications. Without modification, the iPad will only run programs approved by Apple and distributed via the Apple App Store (with the exception of programs that run inside the iPad's web browser).

Like iPhone and iPod Touch, the iPad is controlled by a multitouch display—a departure from most previous tablet computers, which used a pressure-triggered stylus—as well as a virtual onscreen keyboard in lieu of a physical keyboard. The iPad uses a wireless local area network ("Wi-Fi") connection to access local area networks and the Internet.

Computers vs. game consoles

04/09/2011 10:10:00

It’s the age old question. But the answer is a bit clouded. I think what it really comes down to is game consoles work really well for their intended purpose. PC’s can work well as a game machine. I use my PC at home daily as a game machine, so do many other people. But which is better? The answer has conditions that must be explored. First a game console is essentially a proprietary PC meaning is a computer much like your home PC except it’s held inside a smaller box made for just one purpose, playing games. Both Microsoft and Sony designed their consoles so that the hardware inside was not swappable which eliminates the option of local repair. So if you XBox DVD drive stops working or the hard drive dies, you’re not going to be able to get that repaired locally. You’ll have to send them to the manufacture for service. In case you haven’t heard, they do fail and often. Most commonly both the XBox 360 and the Playstation3 suffer from thermal issues rendering them unusable. If you have an old PS3 Sony will send you a newer version of the PS3 for around $180.00 if you old one fails in this way. The down side to a console is it takes up the TV and it only works with games designed for itself, so an XBox game doesn’t work in a PS3 and so on.

PC’s on the other hand don’t make a good gaming station unless you’re ready to spend some real money to have a nice system. And it’s a full package that you want. So it’s the right kind of PC, video card, monitor and sound system to get the right effect. While it costs a lot more to buy a PC for high-end gaming, the PC can kick sand in the face of any console because if it’s flexibility to upgrade and build more powerful options into them.

On the whole, I’m not much of a gamer, but I use both types of systems. Essentially, if I want to buy a new game, I’m most likely to buy one for my console than my PC. The controllers and everything work well for most games. If it’s a race car game or simulator I want, it’s going on my PC because the controller is much better and the seated position work better for me there. To each his own.

Hacker Magazine and attack kits

03/09/2011 21:39:00

Launching widespread attacks on networked computers used to be a task reserved for a rare few hackers – those with an extensive knowledge of programming. This is no longer the case. The advent of attack toolkits has lowered the bar significantly, opening the doors for anyone with a basic understanding of networking and computers to produce threats that exploit vulnerabilities.

These toolkits are used to enable the theft of sensitive information or to convert compromised computers into a network of botnets in order to mount additional attacks. They are advertised and sold in the online underground economy. There is even a magazine called Hacker which speaks directly into the weaknesses that allow the exploitation softwares.

Attack kits play a significant role in the continuing evolution of cybercrime into a self-sustaining, profitable, and increasingly organized economic model worth millions of dollars.

Acer Iconia Laptop goes on sale!

02/28/2011 22:12:00

Acer introduces its Windows 7-based Iconia dual-screen laptop today. It's essentially Acer's version of the Toshiba Libretto W105. Naturally, you won't find a keyboard here -- rather, a virtual one will emerge from the secondary panel. There's also a fairly slick media management system that's gesture based. It’s running Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) and is equipped with an Intel Core i5-480M / 560M / 580M CPU, up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, a pair of 14-inch multitouch displays (1366x768 resolution), integrated Intel HD graphics (128MB RAM), VGA / HDMI outputs, an inbuilt microphone and a S/PDIF interface. There's also a 320/500/640/750GB hard drive, Acer's CrystalEye webcam (1280x1024 resolution), 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0+HS, integrated 3G WWAN, gigabit Ethernet, a four-cell battery and a total weight of 6.18 pounds. Closing things out, there are a pair of USB 2.0 ports, a single USB 3.0 jack and a one-year warranty. The price I’m still digging for with our vender out of Ohio, but my guess is the $2500.00 range based on what I’m seeing overseas. To read more check out this link to the press release.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/23/acer-rivals-libretto-w105-with-iconia-dual-screen-laptop-table/

Windows 7 Service Pack 1

02/25/2011 12:07:00

Microsoft released the first official service pack for Windows 7 on February 22, 2011. This is an important update that includes previously released security, performance, and stability updates for Windows 7. SP1 also includes new improvements to features and services in Windows 7, such as improved reliability when connecting to HDMI audio devices, printing using the XPS Viewer, and restoring previous folders in Windows Explorer after restarting.

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 is an update that does the following:

Helps keep PCs supported.
Provides ongoing improvement to the operating system, by including previous updates delivered over Windows Update as well as continuing incremental updates to the Windows 7 platform based on customer and partner feedback.
Makes it easy for organizations to deploy a single set of updates.

The download link is for the Windows 7 32-bit version, while you can download the 64-bit version here (903.2MB) and the ISO image for both version over here (1953.3MB).

Download

537.81MB

NASCAR's RaceView On-Line App

02/20/2011 20:01:00

I took a look at the online NASCAR RaceView subscription using their 14 day free offer. It's a feature rich app that has a lot going for it but they still have a little ways to go. It took over 30 minutes to fully download all the apps including all the Java/Adobe Flash apps to where I could fully use the product. The service is a bit flakey as I had to reboot twice and deal with lockups as I tried different features. They claim you can watch any driver from multiple cameras. That's somewhat true. You're not watching through actual track cameras, you’re watching a virtual representation which is like watching a video game. It is however watching your selected car in traffic in real-time. They have several camera views you can cycle through. Birdseye which is like a blimp shot, Top (which is about half the distance to the car you've selected) Side (which is just a side view) Rear, Front and Automatic which cycles camera views much like a TV broadcast but focuses on your selected car. The team radio feature and car telemetry readouts are probably the coolest thing they have going. I also liked the real-time feel. It accurately signaled a yellow flag condition before my satellite TV broadcast made it to my TV. Watching the actual broadcast on my TV was far more engaging than the graphical on the computer and I didn't really see a benefit to running the app while watching it at the same time on TV. That was disappointing because that's what I was really looking for. I suppose if I was a big fan of one driver I would run the team radio feature so I could hear more info about what was happening to my driver, but I didn’t see $79.00/yr of value. I think if they'd allow us to view real cameras in real time, it’d be worth it.

Virus activity still coming on strong...

02/19/2011 16:50:00

You might think that with the new Windows 7 that we would see less virus activity. You would be right if not for the fact that most computer users are still using XP and Vista. Worse yet, Windows 7 is also not impervious to virus infection. Much like wearing a seatbelt to avoid injury in a car accident, no antivirus product is full-proof. We see infected computers coming in with every protection package available. Even I have picked up a virus now and then. The key to avoidance is found in a combination or product and system usage. Look to our new Documents page for our free info Customers Operating Procedures pamphlet. In it, you’ll find details that go a long way in protecting your system from virus infection.

Munch all you want, we'll make more.

02/19/2011 16:33:00

It’s been a crazy week at the shop. Tax returns are in and new computers are flying off the shelf faster than we can build them. We have several back orders for our custom built $499.00 system which beats the paints off the competition with our Windows 7 64Bit 500Gb Hard drive and 3.2Ghz CPU. Don’t worry though, we’re building more as parts arrive.

Watson

02/15/2011 19:31:00

So here I am just a few minutes away from watching Jeopardy!! for the second night in a row. While I'm not your typical connoisseur of game shows, this one has me intrigued. IBM has entered their own computerized contestant named Watson. It's a fascinating attempt by IBM to bring humanoid intellect and deductive reasoning into a very challenging format. Watson seems to do very well overall, especially with questions that call for simple definition. Other questions that require topical deduction such as a question last evening about the Harry Potter films, Watson was either too late to the button or didn't answer the question accurately or fully. Nevertheless, Watson and another player are tied for the lead as Watson displayed an amazing aptitude for speedy response and verbal accuracy that seemed at times unfair. Tonight it's the double jeopardy round.