Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Intel launches Core i5, Core i7 Processors

"First Lynnfield chip Core i5 750 launched along with two new Core i7 860, 870 chips"

Intel was rumored to launch its 45nm processor codenamed Lynnfield Core i5 750 along with Nehalem architecture based Core i7 860 and 870 processors. Finally, Intel has officially launched first Core i5 processor that would be available today along with two new Core i7 processors. The new Intel Core i5 750 processor's retail packaging was spotted last month making it obvious that the chips were en route.

The new quad-core Intel Core i5 750 CPU is clocked at 2.66GHz with 8MB Intel Smart Cache and 1333MHz Front Side Bus. Intel Core i5 750 chip is overclockable up to 3.2GHz and comes with new Socket LGA 1156 that is compatible with the new Intel P55 Express chipset. Apart from that, the Core i5 also has 64-bit processing support and Thermal Design Power rating of 95Watts.

Essentially, Core i5 750 is a stripped down version of Core i7 900-series chips. Intel has removed the third memory channel from Nehalem Core i7 architecture and thereby stripped the HyperThreading capabilities. With HyperThreading, the number of processing threads can be increased depending on the workload and thus, threads could be added to the four cores. Also, Direct Media Interface would be replacing the QuickPath Interconnect.

The new 2.80GHz Core i7 860 and 2.93GHz Core i7 870 have four cores each and can support up to eight processing threads simultaneously. Just like Core i5 750 chip, both new Core i7 processors have TDP rating of 95watts.

Both new Core i7 chips also have third memory channel disabled. So, both new Core i7 and Core i5 chips integrate two memory controllers along with 16-lane PCI-Express 2.0 graphics port. The P55 Express chipset supports 8 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Ports and dual graphics are supported in "2x8" configuration.

The new P55 Express Chipset certainly has some limitations over the existing X58 Express chipset. However, the motherboards based on P55 chipset would get only half graphics data bandwidth as compared to X58 chipset based motherboard. Like adding two 16x PCI express graphics cards on P55 chipset motherboard becomes two 8x slots but the full 16x PCI express performance can be obtained in case of single card.

Intel is offering Core i5 750 CPU at $196 (Rs. 9,400 approx.) per 1000 units, which is as much as AMD's 3.2GHz Phenom II X4 955 chip. Paired along with Intel P55 Express chipset based motherboard, consumers can expect highly overclockable and value combination of processor and motherboard. The Intel Core i7 860 is priced for $284 (Rs. 13,600 approx.) per 1000 units, while Core i7 870 is priced at $562 (Rs. 26,900 approx.).

Yuvraj, Aishwariya Dangerous for your PC

Searching for them in cyberspace may lead you to websites tested positive for online threats
Cricketer Yuvraj Singh and Bollywood beauty Aishwariya Rai have overtaken Katrina Kaif as the most dangerous Indian celebrity to search in cyberspace, according to Internet security company McAfee, Inc.

Fans searching for "Yuvraj Singh downloads" or "Yuvaraj Singh wallpapers," "Yuvraj Singh photos," "Aishwariya Rai wallpapers", "Aishwariya Rai screen savers" and "Aishwariya Rai videos" have a one in five chance of landing at a website that's tested positive for online threats, such as spyware, adware, spam, phishing, viruses and other malware. Searching for the latest celebrity news and downloads can cause serious damage to one's personal computer, the security solutions provider has said.

Following Yuvraj and Aishwariya on the list are M. S. Dhoni, Namitha, Shriya Saran, Harbhajan Singh, Sania Mirza, Asin, Bipasha Basu and Shahid Kapoor.

Kartik Shahani, McAfee regional director - India, said, "It's very common for malware authors to take advantage of current hot topics luring consumers to malicious websites they have created. Users need to be cautious and should keep their antivirus/ security software updated with the latest versions."

Monday, September 7, 2009

Dell Teams with MTNL to Offer 3G Netbooks

In order to offer 'Computing on the Go' solution to customers, Dell and MTNL have announced a partnership to offer 3G wireless mobility solution on Dell's select range of laptops
and netbooks.
These connected-by-MTNL products would be available through Dell's distribution channels in Mumbai and Delhi; when exactly - they don't say.
The solution includes an embedded 3G Ericsson module with GPS, and MTNL SIM on Dell's select range of laptops and netbooks, plus a 3G pre-paid mobile broadband data package with national roaming facility from MTNL.
This solution eliminates the need to use an additional USB modem
(or dongle) to connect to the web, and by having an embedded modem, customers will experience a seamless 'always-on' experience with greater stability and data speeds on the network.
This bundle starts from an estimated price point of Rs. 30,000 and will be offered on Dell's Inspiron Mini 10 netbook, with other models available soon.

Helvetical Turns Google Calendar Into a Thing of Beauty [Downloads]

Firefox/Chrome/Opera/IE: I've never found Google Calendar to be particularly unattractive—until I compared it to the sleek, clean look of Google Calendar with the Helvetical user script, that is.

Helvetical has a very similar design aesthetic to previously mentioned Helvetireader, a Helvetica-themed Google Reader customization. It's easy on the eyes and drops out a lot of the clutter of Google Calendar while keeping all of its functionality in tact.

Helvetical works with any browser that supports custom user scripts, which—in theory, at least—includes Firefox with Greasemonkey, Chrome with user scripts enabled, Opera, and IE with previously mentioned IE7Pro. (We've only tested it in Firefox.) If you give it a go, let's hear how you like it in the comments.

Lessons Can Be Learnt From YSR's Life

When it comes to the life and story of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, it is no less than a memoir of rich experiences and learning points for others. So here is a gist of what lessons one can take in a point sequence.

* Try to smile as long as you can
* Talk with human touch
* Believe in hard work
* Be a strength to those who trust and rely on you
* Determination to achieve what one wants without rest
* Be fearless and take challenges head on
* Keep up the commitments made to others at any cost
* Learn to help others and bring a difference in lives around you
* Have a vision for the future and the society
* Treat one and all with equality and humanity
* Be a pillar of strength for near and dear
* Self discipline and honesty
* Follow the rules and set example for others around
* Believe in serving for the land that you come from
* Kindness, respect and a helping hand always

Given the qualities that YS possesses, it would take a book but then if one is able to implement at least five out of these then they can bring about a huge difference to this world. That’s what YS did and that’s what he expected others to do.