Ah - something to recommend to all A2Z Customers from next year..
"OneCare subscribers currently enjoy the benefits of always-on virus, spyware and malware protection, centralized backup to keep personal information safe, and management features to keep PC’s optimized and running smoothly. But a majority of consumers around the world do not have up-to-date antivirus, antispyware and antimalware protection.
In hopes of getting more consumers protected, this week, Microsoft announced that it will offer a new security solution to consumers at no cost beginning in the second half of calendar year 2009. This new offering will focus on getting the majority of consumers the essential protection they need by providing comprehensive, real-time anti-malware protection, covering such threats as viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, and other emerging threats, in a single, focused solution.
In order for us to focus on delivering this new security solution to millions of customers around the world, we have decided to phase out Windows Live OneCare and will discontinue retail sales of Windows Live OneCare subscription service beginning June 30, 2009. "
Straight from MS. http://windowsonecare.spaces.live.com/
get it from: http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-gb/default.htm?mkt=en-gb&s_cid=WL2Hdr
(you currently pay for it, so wait..) Use the Safety scanner http://onecare.live.com/site/en-gb/default.htm
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Vista / Windows 7
Oh here is something interesting..
from The Register
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/11/14/intel_microsoft_vista_capable/
High-ranking Microsoft and Intel executives were involved in a plan to re-write the Windows Vista Capable program to save both companies - and OEMs - millions of dollars, according to unsealed court documents.
Microsoft removed a key requirement from the Vista Capable program so PCs running old Intel chips suited to Windows XP but unable to run the Windows Vista Aero interface could still qualify as Visa-Capable machines, according to the documents here (warning: PDF).
..... Rest of the news is at the Register link..
If the Link or PDF disappears, I've also taken a copy in case the get removed.. :-)
JUST to add more interesting facts :
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/11/20/windows_vista_overtime/
basically : VISTA is slow booting up and slow closing down, so this the company has taken MS to court to get overtime paid for their staff.. its estimated it going to Millions..
The Best news is this bunk os is being replaced we should see it Christmas 2009
http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2008/10/28/windows_seven_review/
Beta are out See my news on 11th November 2008
from The Register
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/11/14/intel_microsoft_vista_capable/
High-ranking Microsoft and Intel executives were involved in a plan to re-write the Windows Vista Capable program to save both companies - and OEMs - millions of dollars, according to unsealed court documents.
Microsoft removed a key requirement from the Vista Capable program so PCs running old Intel chips suited to Windows XP but unable to run the Windows Vista Aero interface could still qualify as Visa-Capable machines, according to the documents here (warning: PDF).
..... Rest of the news is at the Register link..
If the Link or PDF disappears, I've also taken a copy in case the get removed.. :-)
JUST to add more interesting facts :
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/11/20/windows_vista_overtime/
basically : VISTA is slow booting up and slow closing down, so this the company has taken MS to court to get overtime paid for their staff.. its estimated it going to Millions..
The Best news is this bunk os is being replaced we should see it Christmas 2009
http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2008/10/28/windows_seven_review/
Beta are out See my news on 11th November 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Nice Cheap Media PC
Specification
- Processor: Intel Atom N270 at 1.6GHz
- Ram: 1GB DDR2 memory
- Hard disk: 80GB or 160GB 2.5″ SATA, at 5400rpm
- Connectivity: Ethernet, Wifi 802.11n, Bluetooth
- Graphic chipset: Intel GMA 950 DVI connector, to transfer signal to an LCD or plasma TV
- An MS/MS pro/MMC/SD/SDHC memory card reader
- Two USB ports at the front and two at the back
- External Wifi antenna connector
- A Line connector (S/PDIF)
- Dimensions: 8.5″x1″x7″
- Price tag: From £199.
The eeebox will be a great affordable device you can connect to your LCD television via DVI and reproduce multimedia material, record your favourite TV shows.
The Intel Atom processor, and the hardware backing it, is powerful enough to reproduce HD-Ready movies at 720p, but full HD requires more strength. That said, Asus has more powerful and more expensive similar devices in its portfolio, such as the EEE Station (blog coming soon).
With the wifi connectivity, you can use the vast capacity of the hard disk as a network drive, accessing your files with your eee pc, or over the internet.
Off course, all your favourite internet applications for browsing or email purpose will be available. Other interesting uses can be mentioned, like webradio, p2p tv, browsing video streaming websites such as Youtube…
You can even use the eeebox as a security surveillance device, recording pictures and video feeds from wireless cameras, and sharing them over the internet.
The eeebox is available in Linux and windows xp versions. (No Vista, No XP Pro)
If bought from anywhere else you could get a virus, here at A2Z Computing Ltd we will check the OS and remove any virus that has been shipped and supply you a free Anti-Virus.
This is not only in Japan, I have had news its in europe and also random machines in the UK.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Microsoft (some hidden, hard to find) System tools
1468 - System Tools
Download tools, utilities, updates, and more to help you manage your IT systems :
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Browse.aspx?displaylang=en&categoryid=12
Access to All Microsofts Downloads:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb403698.aspx
Download tools, utilities, updates, and more to help you manage your IT systems :
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Browse.aspx?displaylang=en&categoryid=12
Access to All Microsofts Downloads:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb403698.aspx
IP Camera Recording software - FREE
Before getting the software you need to check the capabilities and limitations of IP camera recording software, it will beneficial first to discuss what IP camera technology is and why it is now replacing traditional close circuit TV (CCTV) systems world wide. In fact it is believed that by 2012, most surveillance cameras will be of the IP type.
The term IP simply stands for internet protocol, indicating that the signals are sent over the internet using the internet protocol packetized system, whereby the signal is broken into small digital packets for transmission and reconstituted to the streaming signal by the receiver. In this way a signal can be viewed in real time at a remote location without the need for the connecting cables of closed circuit systems.
The obvious benefit is that the signal from the IP camera can be viewed anywhere in the world, and so large corporations could have a centralized security unit viewing the camera signals from every camera in the worldwide network. All that is needed is an internet connection at the transmitting and receiving ends, and even a wireless signal can be used. This has potential benefits , not only for corporations with a multitude of offices and sites such as oilfields, but also for the armed forces and national security. Wi-fi IP surveillance has great potential.
There are many other benefits, including cash benefits, in using IP surveillance systems, and a battery camera using wireless technology can save completely on cabling costs, and also be sited in remote locations. There are also no cables that can be cut! This again offers massive potential for security forces such as the police and the army. Airport security surveillance could also be centralized with significant cost savings.
So far so good, but the benefits over CCTV are still not sufficient to warrant the phase shift towards IP camera surveillance systems. The main benefits come from the software that provides a wide range of possibilities to the user. The older closed circuit system basically had no software, and was simply a system that could be viewed live, or recorded. However, everything had to be recorded because there was no event selection, and there was an awful lot to look through when nothing was happening.
Modern IP camera recording software can be used to activate the camera on certain events, such as when movement is detected. This saves a lot of recording space. It can also be programmed to activate illumination or send an alarm. The alarm can be sounded in the area of surveillance, or only to security services so that any intruder can be apprehended without being warned.
It can also control camera movement, such as tilt and pan, and also the zoom level. IP software analytics have been and still are being developed to allow more sophisticated use of IP camera systems, and while it cannot yet pick out a terrorist’s face in a crowd, it can detect unattended baggage in airports, and illegally parked cars. It is useful in perimeter surveillance where it will detect vehicles or people when they should not be there.
Simple motion detection has been evolved to congestion detection, and the software can trigger an event when the volume of traffic reaches a specified density. The software can be programmed to recognize counter flow, when an object is moving against the general traffic, or in a direction counter to what is permitted, and can also trigger an alarm when an object moves across a virtual tripwire: basically a line than can be drawn across the screen.
At least one supplier has added VoIP capability to their IP camera software so that networked cameras can issue an alarm by means of a VoIP call to predetermined telephone numbers. The IP camera software will continue to send the VoIP call until it is answered by means of a PIN number. DTMF tones can be used to trigger events in security devices connected to the software.
The software can also be used to manage the actual recording of live feeds from the IP camera network, since not all feeds might have to be recorded. Feeds can be recorded to network video recorders and specific feeds can be taken from the software if required as evidence.
The beauty of IP systems is that they operate to standardized systems. Unlike stand-alone CCTV systems whereby once you had your system you were forced to purchase spares and accessories from the original vendor, with IP camera systems you can source the individual components from any manufacturer or vendor. Thus you can purchase the video camera software that best meets your needs, and in fact buy any of your individual components from the least expensive source.
IP camera recording software is developing at a great rate, and while license plate detection is a classic example of how software can be used to detect predefined input, it should not be too long before facial recognition can be introduced. In the meantime, IP camera surveillance will continue to grow at the current very high rate.
Milestone XProtect One-Camera License :
http://www.milestonesys.com/Downloads/Free_XProtect_License/Free_License_Form
Axis Camera Station One Licence :
http://www.axis.com/products/cam_station_software/one.htm
The term IP simply stands for internet protocol, indicating that the signals are sent over the internet using the internet protocol packetized system, whereby the signal is broken into small digital packets for transmission and reconstituted to the streaming signal by the receiver. In this way a signal can be viewed in real time at a remote location without the need for the connecting cables of closed circuit systems.
The obvious benefit is that the signal from the IP camera can be viewed anywhere in the world, and so large corporations could have a centralized security unit viewing the camera signals from every camera in the worldwide network. All that is needed is an internet connection at the transmitting and receiving ends, and even a wireless signal can be used. This has potential benefits , not only for corporations with a multitude of offices and sites such as oilfields, but also for the armed forces and national security. Wi-fi IP surveillance has great potential.
There are many other benefits, including cash benefits, in using IP surveillance systems, and a battery camera using wireless technology can save completely on cabling costs, and also be sited in remote locations. There are also no cables that can be cut! This again offers massive potential for security forces such as the police and the army. Airport security surveillance could also be centralized with significant cost savings.
So far so good, but the benefits over CCTV are still not sufficient to warrant the phase shift towards IP camera surveillance systems. The main benefits come from the software that provides a wide range of possibilities to the user. The older closed circuit system basically had no software, and was simply a system that could be viewed live, or recorded. However, everything had to be recorded because there was no event selection, and there was an awful lot to look through when nothing was happening.
Modern IP camera recording software can be used to activate the camera on certain events, such as when movement is detected. This saves a lot of recording space. It can also be programmed to activate illumination or send an alarm. The alarm can be sounded in the area of surveillance, or only to security services so that any intruder can be apprehended without being warned.
It can also control camera movement, such as tilt and pan, and also the zoom level. IP software analytics have been and still are being developed to allow more sophisticated use of IP camera systems, and while it cannot yet pick out a terrorist’s face in a crowd, it can detect unattended baggage in airports, and illegally parked cars. It is useful in perimeter surveillance where it will detect vehicles or people when they should not be there.
Simple motion detection has been evolved to congestion detection, and the software can trigger an event when the volume of traffic reaches a specified density. The software can be programmed to recognize counter flow, when an object is moving against the general traffic, or in a direction counter to what is permitted, and can also trigger an alarm when an object moves across a virtual tripwire: basically a line than can be drawn across the screen.
At least one supplier has added VoIP capability to their IP camera software so that networked cameras can issue an alarm by means of a VoIP call to predetermined telephone numbers. The IP camera software will continue to send the VoIP call until it is answered by means of a PIN number. DTMF tones can be used to trigger events in security devices connected to the software.
The software can also be used to manage the actual recording of live feeds from the IP camera network, since not all feeds might have to be recorded. Feeds can be recorded to network video recorders and specific feeds can be taken from the software if required as evidence.
The beauty of IP systems is that they operate to standardized systems. Unlike stand-alone CCTV systems whereby once you had your system you were forced to purchase spares and accessories from the original vendor, with IP camera systems you can source the individual components from any manufacturer or vendor. Thus you can purchase the video camera software that best meets your needs, and in fact buy any of your individual components from the least expensive source.
IP camera recording software is developing at a great rate, and while license plate detection is a classic example of how software can be used to detect predefined input, it should not be too long before facial recognition can be introduced. In the meantime, IP camera surveillance will continue to grow at the current very high rate.
Milestone XProtect One-Camera License :
http://www.milestonesys.com/Downloads/Free_XProtect_License/Free_License_Form
Axis Camera Station One Licence :
http://www.axis.com/products/cam_station_software/one.htm
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Windows 7 (Blackcomb and Vienna)
Microsoft has released an early preview copy of its new operating system, Windows 7.
The release follows in the wake of Vista, which has been subject to fierce criticism from a number of users.
When Vista launched in January 2007, many complained that it ran slowly and failed to work at all with some programs and devices.
Corporate customers have been slow to switch from Windows XP to Vista, although Microsoft said that the operating system had an unfair press, and that it enjoyed record sales.
Despite this Microsoft has extended the life of Windows XP so PC makers can continue selling it to those that do not want to upgrade.
Windows Vista took more than five years to develop but Windows 7 is likely to arrive within a couple of years.
Microsoft's VP, Steven Sinofsky, described Windows 7 as an "exciting new version" and claimed it would deliver a more personalised experience.
With Windows 7, Microsoft has added a range of new functions including:
(from Register and BBC, MS)
http://connect.microsoft.com/
Well it did not take long, We will still sell you Windows VISTA ( or have linux ), So why not just purchase an os with Software Assurance (windows 7 will be free then)
The release follows in the wake of Vista, which has been subject to fierce criticism from a number of users.
When Vista launched in January 2007, many complained that it ran slowly and failed to work at all with some programs and devices.
Corporate customers have been slow to switch from Windows XP to Vista, although Microsoft said that the operating system had an unfair press, and that it enjoyed record sales.
Despite this Microsoft has extended the life of Windows XP so PC makers can continue selling it to those that do not want to upgrade.
Windows Vista took more than five years to develop but Windows 7 is likely to arrive within a couple of years.
Microsoft's VP, Steven Sinofsky, described Windows 7 as an "exciting new version" and claimed it would deliver a more personalised experience.
With Windows 7, Microsoft has added a range of new functions including:
- A new taskbar to give more rapid access to files and programs.
- A feature called HomeGroup, allowing users easy sharing of data across PCs and other devices in the home.
- Support for devices such as cameras, printers, and mobile phones with a product called Device Stage offering a single window to manage tasks for each device.
- Windows Touch - software for touch screen devices that enables users to use different gestures to perform tasks.
- Improvements to some applications, such as MS Paint, and Calculator.
(from Register and BBC, MS)
http://connect.microsoft.com/
Well it did not take long, We will still sell you Windows VISTA ( or have linux ), So why not just purchase an os with Software Assurance (windows 7 will be free then)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Head TrackIR Pro 4
The TrackIR device, and the head-tracking concept, aren’t new to the gaming community – but many don’t see it’s potential for use in flight or combat simulations. As I haven’t tested a TrackIR product before, we had a customer who was willing to purchase it with their flight sim, the best this was we were also able to build a decent computer for him.
It was not easy to get used to it, I assume I should have done more training, but hangon, add a 50" 3d Glasses and wow.. now your talking..
The TrackIR package contains a small, wide-angle, infra-red camera (45ยบ) and a reflector clip (to clip onto the brim of a cap) – the camera detects light reflected from the clip and tracks the movement of the reflections in order to provide input to programs that support axis-based controls. In short: TrackIR turns your head movements into in-game movements.The TrackIR 4 provides 6DOF (Degrees-of-Freedom), which allows for yaw, pitch, roll movements, as well as movement along the X, Y and Z axes. Not all games/sims support 6DOF, but most support at least two (which are required for simple free-look movements).
For a full list of supported simulations (and the DOF they support), see the TrackIR website.The device itself is tiny, measuring only a few centimetres in all directions – and with it’s flexible feet, is easily mountable on the top of a CRT or TFT screen and is connected via USB 2.0. Installing the software is a breeze and you’ll be up and running in no time at all. To install the TrackClip, you simply plug the TrackIR into the TrackClip’s cable and plug that into your PC. The TrackClip ‘add-on device’ provides IR lights instead of reflectors and can be clipped onto a headset instead of a hat.
The TrackIR was designed to meet the need for a smooth, simple free-look function – one that didn’t constrain it’s user to looking only in prescribed directions. Prior to a few hours ago, when the TrackIR 4 arrived on my desk, I had always thought that the idea of head-tracking was a bit pointless – I was perfectly happy with the ‘look left’, ‘look right’ buttons on my wheel. However, 1 day on. The TrackIR camera has a 45-degree field of view, which allows for a diverse range of head movements, with only the most extreme of movements going out of range, causing some strange movement glitches. Re-centring the TrackIR’s ‘virtual head’ is a simple matter of hitting a user-defined keyboard bind, which allows for the quick fixing of most head movement glitches that are inherent with the limitations of the software and hardware. The software for the device is easy to configure and use. It also allows for various settings (such as magnification of movement) that will enable the user to adjust how real head movements translate to in-game movements. The profiling settings allow for different setups to be stored for various types of game – you can decide how many DOF to enable for each profile, the sensitivity of your movements, sensitivity curves, deadzones and a bunch of other useful features. As far as in-game use goes.
As long as a game supports binding ‘free look’ to an axis, TrackIR will work – even if the product doesn’t explicitly support the device.
The mapping between the real-world and the TrackIR world isn't entirely exact, however, and there are certain movements and behaviours you will have to adapt to in order to fully gain the benefit of TrackIR. When flying, it can be hard to gauge the severity of correction required if you turn your head too far into the slide - but this is one of those minor problems that is overcome with time. As a whole, TrackIR will have a negative impact on your flight to begin with (as with all new hardware experiences, from a new yokie peddel) - but you'll soon regain your 'feel', the fight will return to normal, but you'll find yourself immersed in a new experience, where looking around by moving your head is normal. I would make a comparison with a multi-screen setup, but they're really entirely different monsters. I find that multi-monitor setups help significantly with peripheral vision, but have limited use for providing a smooth 'look-around' experience, especially if the monitor frames can be clearly seen. Maybe the best set-up is a frame-less multi-screen setup with TrackIR? Fancy one? We build it you buy it..
TrackIR 4 Pro+ TrackClip + Flight Simulator X and flight Simulator Accelerator we supply for £160 +vat.
Watch the video how it works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AO0F5sLdVM
TrackIR Dogflight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PGJVvUqnpc
It was not easy to get used to it, I assume I should have done more training, but hangon, add a 50" 3d Glasses and wow.. now your talking..
The TrackIR package contains a small, wide-angle, infra-red camera (45ยบ) and a reflector clip (to clip onto the brim of a cap) – the camera detects light reflected from the clip and tracks the movement of the reflections in order to provide input to programs that support axis-based controls. In short: TrackIR turns your head movements into in-game movements.The TrackIR 4 provides 6DOF (Degrees-of-Freedom), which allows for yaw, pitch, roll movements, as well as movement along the X, Y and Z axes. Not all games/sims support 6DOF, but most support at least two (which are required for simple free-look movements).
For a full list of supported simulations (and the DOF they support), see the TrackIR website.The device itself is tiny, measuring only a few centimetres in all directions – and with it’s flexible feet, is easily mountable on the top of a CRT or TFT screen and is connected via USB 2.0. Installing the software is a breeze and you’ll be up and running in no time at all. To install the TrackClip, you simply plug the TrackIR into the TrackClip’s cable and plug that into your PC. The TrackClip ‘add-on device’ provides IR lights instead of reflectors and can be clipped onto a headset instead of a hat.
The TrackIR was designed to meet the need for a smooth, simple free-look function – one that didn’t constrain it’s user to looking only in prescribed directions. Prior to a few hours ago, when the TrackIR 4 arrived on my desk, I had always thought that the idea of head-tracking was a bit pointless – I was perfectly happy with the ‘look left’, ‘look right’ buttons on my wheel. However, 1 day on. The TrackIR camera has a 45-degree field of view, which allows for a diverse range of head movements, with only the most extreme of movements going out of range, causing some strange movement glitches. Re-centring the TrackIR’s ‘virtual head’ is a simple matter of hitting a user-defined keyboard bind, which allows for the quick fixing of most head movement glitches that are inherent with the limitations of the software and hardware. The software for the device is easy to configure and use. It also allows for various settings (such as magnification of movement) that will enable the user to adjust how real head movements translate to in-game movements. The profiling settings allow for different setups to be stored for various types of game – you can decide how many DOF to enable for each profile, the sensitivity of your movements, sensitivity curves, deadzones and a bunch of other useful features. As far as in-game use goes.
As long as a game supports binding ‘free look’ to an axis, TrackIR will work – even if the product doesn’t explicitly support the device.
The mapping between the real-world and the TrackIR world isn't entirely exact, however, and there are certain movements and behaviours you will have to adapt to in order to fully gain the benefit of TrackIR. When flying, it can be hard to gauge the severity of correction required if you turn your head too far into the slide - but this is one of those minor problems that is overcome with time. As a whole, TrackIR will have a negative impact on your flight to begin with (as with all new hardware experiences, from a new yokie peddel) - but you'll soon regain your 'feel', the fight will return to normal, but you'll find yourself immersed in a new experience, where looking around by moving your head is normal. I would make a comparison with a multi-screen setup, but they're really entirely different monsters. I find that multi-monitor setups help significantly with peripheral vision, but have limited use for providing a smooth 'look-around' experience, especially if the monitor frames can be clearly seen. Maybe the best set-up is a frame-less multi-screen setup with TrackIR? Fancy one? We build it you buy it..
TrackIR 4 Pro+ TrackClip + Flight Simulator X and flight Simulator Accelerator we supply for £160 +vat.
Watch the video how it works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AO0F5sLdVM
TrackIR Dogflight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PGJVvUqnpc
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