February 2008 Inside Why Update Your Computer .. 2 Review of RegistryBooster 2 . 3 CES Overview - Computers ... 4 Tweak Your PC ...................... 10 CES 2008 Utilities ................. 14 CES 2008 Accessories ........... 21 Laptop Bags ...................... 34 Printers ............................... 36 LCD Monitors .................... 38 TV Cards ............................ 40 Need a sticky note? ................ 43 St. Valentine’s Day .................
Board of Directors President Steve Dela stevede@aol.com Vice-President Terry Currier winnersug@aol.com Secretary Gerry Bretts gbretts@juno.com Treasurer Max Lockie mlockie@pobox.com Why Update your Computer? By Kathy Jacobs, President, Phoenix PCUG, AZ president@phoenixpcug.org www.phoenixpcug.org/ even if I am patched. Also when I send you an email the programs can harvest my email address and add it to lists so that I get more spam. The second line of defense is a good anti-virus program.
RegistryBooster 2 By Terry Currier I’ve tested a number of programs on my secondary test computer over the years. I’ve also installed and uninstalled a number of programs. At start up the computer loads up my anti-virus, antispyware, firewall, UPS monitor, motherboard monitor, QuickTime, Intel graphics monitor, Maxtor storage monitor, printer software, TV software, and others. It takes a while for it to boot up. I turn it on when I need it, go away to do other things, and come back after it’s ready.
CES 2008 Computers By Terry Currier Amiga www.amiga.com Amiga (remember them) launched the availability of AmigaAnywhere™ version 2, the first phase of the Amiga OS. The new platform offers more features and flexibility to safely move content from a physical to a digital environment and instantly run all types of content on a variety of devices, including mobile phones, cameras, audio and video players, STBs, laptops, PCs and servers.
• • Intel® Mobile PM965 Express Chipset with ICH8M South Bridge 1GB Turbo Memory Dell www.dell.com Dell had on the floor what they called the Dell Lounge, to showcase their latest products and sneak peeks of future developments. Among them was a concept laptop with a 16-inch display. The concept laptop had a picture-perfect full HD 16:9 aspect ratio and a preview of a mainstream XPS™ gaming desktop that will offer performance approaching purpose-built gaming systems.
As an SLI-Ready PC it can be upgraded with a second graphics card. Last but not least, the Gateway FX540 Series includes a 700 watt power supply, ensuring it can support any additional high-performance hardware or future expansion requirements. Prices range from $1,000 to $3,800 depending on model and configuration. gOS 2.0 www.thinkgos.
Intel www.intel.com Intel Corporation unveiled 16 products including the company’s first 45 nanometer (nm) processors for Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology based laptops. All of these new chips include the company’s new transistor formula and 45nm manufacturing process that boost a PC’s speed, reduces power requirements, saves on battery life, helps the environment and comes in smaller packages for more fashionable and compact computer designs.
Samsung www.samsung.com Samsung Electronics America, unveiled the Q1 Ultra Premium UMPC, the newest ultra mobile personal computer. It is aimed at the commercial market, as well as to those individuals that travel frequently and thereby looking for the smallest PCcompatible form factor. Fueled by a 1.33GHz ULV Intel Core Solo U1500 Pentium CPU running at a clock speed of 1.33 GHz, along with 1 GB of high-speed DDR2 system memory, and weighs less than 2 pounds. Powered by a 57.
Toshiba www.toshiba.com The Qosmio integrates the new “SpursEngine,” a coprocessor derived from the high-performance Cell Broadband Engine™ 1,2 (Cell/B.E.) processor and Toshiba’s advanced image processing technology, and bring awesome levels of processing power to consumer electronics.
HDD head from between the HDD platters. Toshiba also put a spill resistant keyboard to help protect against accidental spills of liquids. All new Toshiba notebooks are RoHS-compatible2, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. They also offer a computer trade-in and recycling program.
If you can copy or move things to a folder, keeping information on your computer more organized is easier. Here is how to add copy or move to a folder to Windows Explorer. Open Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer) by clicking on Start and then on My Documents. Next, click on an empty area of the standard button bar, the one that starts with the Back button. Last, click on customize.
hide inactive icons box to gain a bit more space. When you click on Start and open My Computer, you have to right-click on a drive and then click Explore to get the “Explore” view of that drive. If you simply double-click on that drive, you get the drive’s contents. The Explore view is better because you can work with folders in the left pane and folder contents in the right pane.
Here’s a way to make XP even faster, by making sure that Operating System functions stay in memory (RAM), because memory is much faster than your hard disk. Try this: Click on Start, on Run, and then type REGEDIT and click OK or press the Enter. The word REGEDIT is not case-sensitive. Now doubleclick on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. Drill down by opening System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management.
CES 2008 Utilities By Terry Currier ArcSoft www.arcsoft.com BD Magic is an optional Blu-ray player feature that adds both a network content delivery channel and a powerful on-screen personal media library. Featured players receive updated Blu-ray trailers, Blu-ray sample scenes, and exclusive high-definition content direct to the Blu-ray player. Works with both Blu-ray discs and consumers’ existing DVD and CD libraries. It accesses a Gracenote™-powered database of 50,000 DVDs and 3.
choose to restore their system, applications and data using the CMS Products BounceBack Rescue Disk. CyberDefender www.cyberdefender.com CyberDefender’s safeSEARCH Toolbar v2.0 BETA is a free browser plug-in that offers an improved search experience while protecting personal information and ensuring privacy. This latest version gives users the ability to preview website security rating and user ratings before entering a selected website. Available for download at http://beta. cyberdefender.com.
clean files from Windows based PC computers to US Government Department of Defense standards allowing consumers to dispose of or donate their old computer free of the fear of their personal files falling into the hands of identity thieves. Data Drive Thru also introduced PC Armor, a suite of intelligent security software. It does what AntiVirus programs can’t, it stops malware and viruses from infecting your PC without having to know about the problem executable in advance.
more intuitive, ergonomic layout; as well as more robust system tune-up, repair, and maintenance options. In addition, this new version offers key upgrades, including a disk defragmentation tool which can defrag drives up to 70% faster than before, and up to thirty times faster than the standard Windows defragmenter. Laplink www.laplink.com PCmover helps you choose which applications and folders you’d like moved over to your new PC. It can move all programs, files and settings in one easy step.
iPods. Users are able to select a video from their video folder and simply highlight a 15 second clip from the frame selector. Each frame from this clip is printed in high-quality images and exported into a 3.5” x 2” Motionbook with four-color cover art and personalized titles, for a cost of only $9 each. Nero www.nero.com Nero 8 allows users to author and playback HD-DVD content; play and stream digital media through their digital home; rip, burn and back-up discs faster and easier, and more.
for copying your data files to CD/RW or DVD/RW discs for transfer or archival purposes. The familiar Windows interface makes copying your data files as easy as pointing and clicking a mouse. Simply drag and drop any file/folder from your source hard disk to the FileCD window or simply right mouse click the file/folder and use the “Send To” option to select FileCD and in minutes you will have a disc containing your important data files.
Smith Micro www.smithmicro.com Revue Media management for your Windows Mobile® Smartphone or PDA. • Lets you edit, enhance and store just about any photo format, including JPEG, GIF, BMP and TIF, just to name a few.
CES 2008 Accessories By Terry Currier Actiontec www.actiontec.com With the Actiontec zControl™ users can take “total home control” from a jumble of mismatched and often incompatible devices and systems to a consistent, unified experience unmatched in set up and usability. Housed in a small, unobstructive plastic case it can auto-discover compatible devices and pre-configure them, while also using configuration wizards to set up other new devices, appliances and services.
It has ten outlets, all of which provide surge protection with five of the ten also providing battery backup. Battery power provides up to 70 minutes of run time, depending on the load. Carries an estimated retail price of $100. ASUS www.asus.
Attention (Yellow) – Repair within five days; not dangerous to vehicle. • Okay (Green) – No trouble codes present. Compatible with all 1996 and newer vehicles, Drive Assure is easy to use, comes in a soft pouch and is small enough to store in a vehicle’s glove compartment. 2-Port (F1DS102J) - US: $159 4-Port (F1DS104J) - US: $189 VGA & USB 2-Port (F1DS102L) - US: $159 4-Port (F1DS104L) - US: $189 DVI & USB 2-Port (F1DD102L) - US: $219 4-Port (F1DD104L) - US: $269 Big Stage www.bigstage.
• • • • • • • • • • • Phoenix Wi-Fi Radio - Listen to streaming audio from an endless variety of Internet sources without the need of a computer peripheral; portable, lightweight and pricecompetitive.
firmware is embedded in the D-Link DNS-323 NAS storage unit and certification has been granted for the D-Link DIR-655 draft 802.11n routers. Network Video Recorder Technology Debuts is designed specifically to meet the high demand for security surveillance by consumers and small-tomedium-sized businesses (SMBs). The new device, which acts like a digital video recorder used in closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, provides standalone recording management for up to four IP cameras per installation.
ezGear™ Wireless 6 Axis Controller for PS3 – It’s a top of the line 6-Axis wireless controller, supporting six axis tilting. The suggested retail price is $49. ezPak™ Extreme – The only case anyone will ever need for the PS3. ezPak has space for everything, including controllers, software, console, cables, and more. The bottom and sides open so users don’t have to take their console out of the bag to use it. The suggested retail price is $40. Gefen www.gefen.
accessories, and video snapshots from HomeRemote Pro cameras (local live video is available). The UpLevel service includes, cell phone access with the HomeRemote Cell Link service, live video on the web browser interface as well as the cell phone, the ability to send alerts and notifications to cell phones and email addresses and full remote monitoring and control features of the entire system. The Up-Level pricing is a subscription based at $9.99 per month. Icerage www.icerage.
redhead mosaic, retro, sunflower and tangerine dream. Kingston created a special Web page where users can upload their own photo, graphic design or artwork as well as view and download more designs and insert text. Once printed, the personalized label slides easily into the clear cover. An easy-to-use ‛thumb-action slider’ extends and retracts the USB connector. The DataTraveler Style comes with a five-year warranty and Kingston’s 24/7 technical support. Windows Vista ReadyBoost is not supported. MSRP (U.S.
home, an instant ALL OFF feature saves the time and hassle of having to switch everything off manually. Available online from April 1st, 2008. The Portus Home Advanced Starter Kit, including Portus Home Gateway, Portus Home Wireless Video Camera, Occupancy Sensor, Door Sensor, and Appliance Module will be available for purchase at a price of $249.95. A service fee of $14.95 per month applies.
a time. DYMO File’s technology reads each barcode and automatically files each document on the user’s PC or network. Ideal for paper-heavy small- to midsized businesses (SMB). DYMO® DiscPainter™ DYMO DiscPainter offers the first dedicated CD/DVD printer under $300 to print full-color, 600 DPI graphics in about a minute. At it’s heart is RadialPrint™ – or “spin” – technology. This allows it to print directly onto the disc as it spins, creating professional quality images quickly.
solutions for some of the most pressing challenges faced in home- and small-office computing. Sandio www.sandiotech.com A 3D mouse? Yes, the Sandio 3D mouse enhances PC users’ total experiences on 3D applications. Users of Google Earth and Virtual Earth, for example, can now use the Sandio 3D mouse to “fly through” the 3D Internet without dealing with keyboard or on-screen navigation tabs.
features innovative HeatShift™ Technology, which uses a crystalline compound to absorb heat emitted from laptops. As your laptop heats up the pad, the crystalline compound melts into a gel-like substance, which absorbs the laptop heat and protects your lap or workstation from heat damage. Available in April 2008 at an estimated street price of $30.
x 1200 VGA, video playback, widescreen format; add up to six (6) units to one (1) PC • SEE2 Xpress - patented technology supports resolutions up to 1280x1024 VGA; designed for business applications Mobile Bluetooth devices: • AX Visor - OLED Display, omnidirectional and unidirectional microphone modes; 15 hours of talk and 400 hours of standby on a three (3) hour charge • AX Micro - Innovative comfort ear attachment; over five (5) hours of talk time with 150 hours of standby; high performance speaker and mi
to a modem via Powerline. This firstof-its-kind feature gives users complete control by allowing them to position the router at the most ideal location in the home and change the operation mode to use the router as a broadband extension gateway with a simple mouse click. It can also stream HD video throughout the home, overcoming most dead spots and interference. Comes standard with ZyXEL’s DOS/DDOS SPI Firewall for advanced encryption and data protection. (MSRP $135.
• • • • compartment organizes your files and loose papers Includes matching, removable cosmetic bag and key fob Fabric: Smooth PVC Weight: 2 lbs, 14 oz Warranty: 2 Years Golla www.golla.com A Finnish company that specialized in fashionable bags for portable electronics. Coming into the U.S. market the collection includes a total of 6 categories: mobile bags, music bags, digi bags, laptop bags, laptop sleeves and laptop backpacks.
removable front panel speakers, which are protected from the Earth’s elements by a shock resistant EVA panel and water resistant zippers, consumers can listen to their favorite music anywhere. Comes in stylish silver tones and features a padded compartment for protection of laptop of up to 15.4”. Bring your favorite music along by sliding your iPod, MP3 Player or any other digital device with headset capability into the secure, custom-made back pocket.
scan and copy capabilities it delivers high-quality documents and photos for users who enjoy printing without limitations. The 5300 can print and copy up to 32 pages per minute in black and 30 pages per minute in color, and print photos from PICTBRIDGE enabled cameras without involving a PC. PlanOn www.planon.com For those that travel and always looking to borrow a printer, here is the answer. The PRINTSTIK.
Two new laser printers monochrome single function (the ML – 1630) and multifunction laser printer (the SCX – 4500) are designed for high performance, with fast print speeds of up to 17 pages per minute. , 5K monthly duty cycle and industryrecognized printer reliability.
equivalent in size to an A4 sheet of paper, represents a significant improvement over its predecessors with a never before seen resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels, and the ability to display 16.7 million colors, making it perfect for use in high end multimedia applications. These displays are extremely energy efficient, only using power when the image changes. Additionally, the displays are extremely thin, at less than 300 micrometers.
Samsung Electronics www.samsung.com Unveiled the new SyncMaster 220TN monitor, the company’s first VoIP-enabled network monitor. Featuring a built-in camera, microphone and speaker the monitor facilitates true-to-life web conferencing, which can reduce long-distance phone costs and the need for frequent business travel. With a 22” wide screen and a 2.0M pixel webcam, the 220TN monitor is enabled to support multiple work applications, therefore enhancing productivity in a range of professional settings.
video to an iPod video. MSRP is $130. AVerTV Hybrid ExpressCard is a Hybrid Analog Worldwide standard TV and ATSC receiver card certified with Express Card 54mm Interface solution. It is Windows Vista (32/64 bit) Premium Certified and Windows XP Certified Solution. With it and the supplied antenna laptop users can watch Over-the-Air Digital TV (ATSC) shows or Analog TV programs anywhere.
• • • • format. Pocket size, easy to install on USB2. The perfect traveling companion for desktop or laptops. Media Center compatible. Watch and recording TV with Microsoft’s Windows Media Center. Includes Hauppauge’s WinTV application to watch and record TV in a window or full screen. With WinTV-Scheduler, so you can record your favorite TV programs daily, weekly or once only. Analog cable TV receiver built-in. Will also work with TV antenna. Pinnacle www.pinnaclesys.
Need a sticky note? Put it on your computer! by Linda Gonse, Editor & Webmaster, Orange County IBM PC Users’ Group, CA www.orcopug.org editor(at)orcopug.org Obtained from APCUG with the author’s permission for publication by APCUG member groups. Sticky note programs for your pc, as you might imagine, are a utility that takes the place of paper PostIt notes that we all stick to our monitors! But, sticky note programs I’ve researched this year discouraged me from even trying them out.
The History of St. Valentine’s Day Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine‘s Day - and its patron saint - is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine‘s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.
WINNERS - WINdows usERS meets at The Fountain Valley Branch Library 17635 Los Alamos Fountain Valley meetings on 3rd Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Website http://www.windowsusers.org/ Be sure to check out our three most popular pages Clip Art - A listing of web sites that have free clip art http://www.windowsusers.org/clipart.htm Medical Websites - Here is a list of suggested sites to get health news and information http://www.windowsusers.org/medical-websites.
