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Thread ID: 25205	2002-09-28 09:57:00	saturday news	tweak'e (174)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
84153	2002-09-28 09:57:00	6 Hard Drives, 37 OS's in one PC An ambitious you man in the US has built a PC that houses 37 Operating systems across 6 hard drives and 5 boot menus. Why do this you ask, because he want ed to see if it could be. Maximum PC has all the details on this project. Here's a slice: The rig’s audacious architect is 18-year-old Richard Robbins-an Eagle Scout, all-state jazz drummer, and tireless OS enthusiast who drove with parental units and PC all the way from Southern Utah to our offices in Brisbane, CA just so we could verify the authenticity of his creation. Is this guy nuts? No. But he does confess that he launched the Menagerie project specifically because an online computer expert said it couldn’t be done. All the OSes are loaded onto six hard drives, and divvied across five separate boot menus with the help of a freely distributed bootloader called XOSL ( The Menagerie features four 5400rpm Maxtors, one 7200rpm Maxtor, and one 7200rpm Western Digital. The rig’s Gigabite GA6VXE7+ motherboard, 1GHz P-III, Promise PCI IDE ATA/100" target="_blank">www.xosl.org). The Menagerie features four 5400rpm Maxtors, one 7200rpm Maxtor, and one 7200rpm Western Digital. The rig’s Gigabite GA6VXE7+ motherboard, 1GHz P-III, Promise PCI IDE ATA controller, and ATI Rage 128 graphics were surprisingly OS-friendly. A 350-watt PSU powers everything Check out the full report here (www.maximumpc.com). New UT2003 Demo patch out A small patch has been released for the UT2003 demo. The patch is 3MB and it has the following changes: - Fixed support for Voodoo3 / Matrox G400. - Fixed initial framerate hitches in network play. - Fixed the jittery screen updates in the server browser when sorting by ping. - Fixed a possible DoS attack in the server code. - Fixed a few other minor potential crashes. New UT2003 Demo patch (www.unrealtournament2003.com) Actual Windows Guard version 1.1 released Actual Windows Guard, the program that will help you automatically minimize certain programs upon startup or open them full screen, version 1.1 has been released. Actual Windows Guard can also be set to close pop-ups automatically, or other windows you don't want to see. If the windows of the programs you run are always appearing somewhere you don't want, or in some size that you don't want, or not as visible as you want then Actual Windows Guard will delight you. It will allow you to discipline unruly windows and put your desktop in order. This small utility is the final step to optimize your use of program windows and make them more comfortable to use. You can read more on the program here (www.ActualTools.com). Actual Windows Guard version 1.1 (www.actualtools.com) Fresh UI version 4.30 released Fresh UI (www.freshdevices.com), the configuring and optimising Windows program, version 4.30 has been released with the following changes: hidden settings added in these sections: File System, Windows Shell, Control Panel, and Start Menu Fresh UI is loaded with useful hidden settings in Windows XP/2000/98/95/Me, this software covers the customizing and optimizing technique that you'll be glad to know, such as: customizing Windows User Interface (UI), optimizing system settings, optimizing hardware settings, customizing Windows application settings, control user environment with policies. Fresh UI is a free program but to receive a registration key you must register online. Fresh UI version 4.30 released (www.freshdevices.com) Intel and SiS to launch B-version chipsets Intel and SIS are to release B-version of some of their chipsets in the last quarter of the year to support the Hyper-Threading technology that will be introduced with the upcoming 3.06GHz Pentium 4. Hyper-threading allows one processor to work as a dual-processor set and requires specifically-supporting chipsets and operating systems (usually Windows NT and above) to achieve full performance. Currently, Intel’s DDR333-based 845GE and 845PE chipsets are the only two products that can immediately support the technology and to solve the problem, that is why Intel and SiS are planning to either update or launch new versions to enable necessary support for the technology. Read the full story over at Digitimes (www.digitimes.com). Blubster 2.0 Beta 2 out Blubster (http://www.blubster.com/), the music-sharing peer-to-peer network that works without a central server, version 2.0 beta 2 has been released with the following changes: * Many Bugfix * .OGG support (new open source music file format) * File Queuing Blubster offers an easy-to-use interface enabling fast searches, resumable downloads, multi-source downloads, chat and voice chat, an internal MP3 player, and more. It facilitates an anonymous community and does not compile, store, or otherwise retain data about users, searches, or files. Blubster 2.0 Beta 2 (www.blubster.com) When to re-install Windows XP SP1 Microsoft has released a guide that tells you when you need to re-install the XP service pack. With some Microsoft operating systems such as NT you must re-apply the latest service pack after you make a change to your computer. Windows XP gets around this to an extent, but there are a few situations in which you must reinstall SP1 for Windows XP. A reinstall of SP1 occurs in the following situations: After you perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP. After you perform a repair of Windows XP. After you use System Restore to restore your computer to a restore point that was created before you installed Windows XP SP1. After you upgrade from Windows XP Home Edition to Windows XP Professional Edition. This guide goes into more detail on these situations and others. Check it out over at Microsoft (support.microsoft.com). Kazaa redirecting ad commissions The latest versions of Kazaa, Morpheus and LimeWire have introduced a new form of backdoor software. The software without you knowing it, redirects commissions for online purchases you make from other vendors back to them. Here's an example of how the software works: If you buy a CD from an affiliate of Amazon, say some charity, the software fools Amazon into crediting the commission to Morpheus, not the charity! The story quotes a LimeWire Developer who admits 'While I agree that this is really a bit of a scam, it is a way for us to pay salaries while not adversely affecting our users.' The insidious part is the stealware program remains even if you delete the original P2P software. And you supposedly gave your permission when you clicked through the EULA. Read the whole sordid story over at Slashdot (slashdot.org). FreeRAM XP Pro version 1.22 released FreeRAM XP Pro, the freeware program that defragments and frees up system RAM, version 1.22 has been released with no word on changes. FreeRAM XP speeds up system performance, response time, and gives you a stability increase while using a minimal amount of memory, system resources, and CPU time. FreeRAM XP Pro offers many options and much customizability. Some of the features include the option to automatically monitor and free up memory; tray support; fast, threaded freeing with Stop option; CPU, memory load, system resources, and virtual memory monitors; easy-to-use, attractive GUI; memory reporting and diagnostic logging; an AutoFree option for optimum performance and ease of use; and real-time memory information. FreeRAM XP Pro version 1.22 (www.yourwaresolutions.com) NV 30 to be launched in Vegas nVidia is to introduce a bit of showmanship in the launch of its NV30 graphics GPU by staging the launch in the city of lights and glitter, Las Vegas. The launch will occur sometime between 18 and 22 of November in conjuction with the yearly Comdex event. nVidia will be the first company to introduce 0.13 micron graphics chips into the market with frequencies from the NV30 chips in the 350 to 400MHz range. Check out the whole new story at The Inquirer (www.theinquirer.net). Kazaa 2.0 Plus released The guys over at KaZaA have introduced KaZaA Plus a version you must purchase and for the serious peer-to-peer user. KaZaA Plus is advertisement free, which means that the banners, pop-ups and promotional software which support the free version are gone when you purchase the program.KaZaAo gives you a 15x Search, which means that when you do an initial search you can get more results. With the regular version you can do 'Search More' twice. With Kazaa Plus, you can 'Search More' up to 15 times. This maximizes your chances of finding the file that you are after on the best connection possible. The plus version is included with version 2.0 of KaZaA and is activated after you purchase KaZaA Plus. Grab KaZaA from the link below and buy Plus here (plus.kazaa.com). Kazaa 2.0 Plus (download.com.com) New Version of UT2003 Demo benchmarking utility out HardOCP (http://www.hardocp.com/)have released version 1.001 of their UT2003 benchmarking utility to help you to benchmark the UT2003 Demo. The benchmarking utility does the following: All of the utilities needed to benchmark with the UT2K3 Demo were already in the demo, all we did was create some files that will ease the process of benchmarking to make it easier for the reviewer and end user. Most importantly this scripting utility will allow for people with DX8 compliant VidCards to compare results on a "fair" basis. The creators of UT2K3 explain that vertex and pixel shaders use in the game minimal at best. So comparing cards that are pre-GF3 and pre-8500 might be considered, but we are not going to argue that here and now. By using the same ut2003.ini file in each quality test ensures that the game is setup the same for each test making comparative reviews a reality. Of course writing the batch files was not an issue but a certain amount of subjectiveness creeps in when we start defining the quality levels utilized. I had to figuring out what D3D settings needed to be adjusted and to what values. I looked at how they effected the game on an IQ and performance level to judge what needed to be set for a High Quality setting, a Medium Quality setting and a Low Quality setting. Then I edited the appropriate lines in the ut2003.ini file for each quality setting. The last step was to make batch files that made it all work. Mirror 1 (hardocp.com) Mirror 2 (www.majorgeeks.com) Unreal Tournament 2003 Tools updated Epic have released a small UnrealED editor for download with the following changes: If you are using the Unreal Editor, unzip this file into your UT2003system directory, to fix a crash when rebuilding AI paths: Editor Update (1.26 MB). There is also a problem running the editor on Windows 98. We should have a fix for this problem posted shortly. We are also going to be making the Unreal Development Environment, a powerful script programming IDE, available very soon. You can download the tool below and save it for when the game is released. Unreal Tournament 2003 Tools (unreal.epicgames.com) IE Opera 6.5.2 released Version 6.5.2 of the Opera/Internet Explorer hybris browser IE Opera has been released with these changes: Fixed some shortcuts Fixed a bug in Favorites IE Opera is a fast, stable, user-friendly, versatile multi-window browser that allows users to browse multiple Web sites simultaneously and block all unwanted pop-up pages. All opened pages can be easily stopped, refreshed, closed or arranged with one click. The integrated cleaner helps user to clear all traces and keep privacy. Built-in Google search engine enables user to search for web pages and images in Internet. IE Opera 6.5.2 (www.ieopera.com) DVD Region-Free 1.1 released DVD Region-Free version 1.1 has been released for download with the following changes: 1. New feature "Direct-Play main title" added. 2. Several small bugs fixed. DVD Region-Free allows you to watch all region DVDs on any DVD drive (especially RPC2) even if it has been locked, without the need for firmware flashing. DVD Region-Free 1.1 (www.dvdidle.com) New Hercules Game Theater XP/Gamesurround Fortissimo III 7.1/Digifire 7.1 Drivers Hercules have released a new unified driver for the Game Theater XP/ Gamesurround Fortissimo III 7.1/ Digifire 7.1. The drivers are version 5.011 and 5.021 for Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP and include the following features and changes: Improved performance & stability (notably with Win XP) Memory management, stream-lined registry handling DSP resource usage improved 8 channel WAVEFORMATEXTENSIBLE implemented. Compatible with Power DVD PRO EX in 6.1 and 7.1 DD EX modes.(if available in your hardware) 8 channel analog output using the headphone jack. (if available in your hardware) MiniDisc® mode added. Help to resolve the tracking problems & improves compatibility with MiniDiscs® recorders. Fixes: Various mixer bugs addressed. Disappearing center & sub Better handling of gameport resources with Nvidia nForce chipset equipped motherboard. Version 5.011 (14.1MB) GTXPv5011.exe (ftp://ftp.hercules.com/sound/exe/GTXP/GTXPv5011.exe) Version 5.021 (5.53MB) GTXPv5021.exe (ftp://ftp.hercules.com/sound/exe/GTXP/GTXPv5021.exe) Asus BIOS Updates Asus have released some new beta BIOS files for the following motherboards: Asus Bios P4B533-M 1010 Final (=1010 - 01 Beta) Asus Bios P4B533 - Serie 1011 - 01 Beta Asus Bios P4T533-C 1008 - 02 Beta Asus Bios A7V8X 1007 - 02 Beta Asus BIOS Updates (www.asuscom.de) BeFaster Lite 1.0 Beta released BeFaster Lite, the multi-featured connection optimisation tool, version 1.0 beta has been released. BeFaster supports AOL, Symantec PcAnyWhere, IE, Opera, Dial-up modem, Lan, Cable Modem, xDSL, ISDN, T1, DirectPc and Broadband, Cable/DSL running PPPoE. You can optimise your connection automatically, awake suspended modems with built-in Ping Now function and prevent connection drops with the Super-ping tool. You can also optimise your connection for online/network gaming and reduce ping times in games. BeFaster Lite 1.0 Beta released (pub.ekremdeniz.com)	tweak'e (174)
84154	2002-09-28 10:11:00	mmmmm 37OS's on one PC. I've always wanted to do that :D	-=JM=- (16)
84155	2002-09-28 10:56:00	To Tweak'e. Any chance of changing your subject line to reflect the date? Like "Saturday News 28/9/02" I love the news you come up with and read it most always. Thanks!	Elephant (599)
84156	2002-09-28 11:30:00	makes my 4 os's look pathetic.... I'm going to go have a cry.... I couldn't even NAME 37 os's, let alone install them.	loser (538)
84157	2002-09-28 11:52:00	have a look at http://www.theosfiles.com/ for a few os's :) as far as adding dates to the title....mmmmm mayby ;-)	tweak'e (174)
84158	2002-09-28 12:07:00	what 4 do you have installed loser	-=JM=- (16)
84159	2002-09-28 12:10:00	The www.****microsoft.com site has a big list a free OS's on the left hand side of the screen if any of you are interested. Cheers Sam H	Sam H (525)
84160	2002-09-28 12:54:00	Did you know that you can get and read these news items first hand from the originating site at www.ozquake.com rather than read a copied and pasted version on this forum. there are also other interesting links and stuff at the site. HH	herohead (2062)
84161	2002-09-28 13:31:00	yep exactly HH. hence the usual "thy god monty" tag on the posts(well most of em). for those who don't know the news is posted here for the regulars and seeing as i hate people who post "there is new news at....." without saying anything about the news itself. please give monty a vist and all you fps gamers drop a line at the ozquake forum (www.ozquake.com).	tweak'e (174)
84162	2002-09-28 22:18:00	yeah I've got freeDos, win98se (98lite installed) for games, win98se for office apps etc, and mandrake linux 8.2. i still need a good gui and some apps to make freeDos useful though...	loser (538)
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