Laptop freedom starts here. Unplug and multitask in more places.
When you power your laptop with an Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor, you'll get the performance you need for today's mobile multitasking. Built on the breakthrough 45nm hafnium-based technology, the Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor gives you plenty of power to run many demanding applications simultaneously, whether at home, in the office, or on on-the-go.
Features and benefits
More multitasking power. Less power consumption. Ready for technology that increases your productivity? You'll get it with Intel® Core™2 Duo. Intel Advanced Smart Cache, up to 1066Mhz Front Side Bus, and Intel HD Boost ensure solid mobile performance for the latest applications. With Intel® Core™2 Duo, you'll do more and wait less.
* Intel® Intelligent Power Capability, designed to deliver more energy-efficient performance and smarter battery performance in your laptop
* Intel® Smart Memory Access, improving system performance by optimizing the use of the available data bandwidth
* Intel® Advanced Smart Cache, providing a higher-performance, more efficient cache subsystem. Optimized for multi-core and dual-core processors
* Intel® HD Boost, accelerating a broad range of applications, including HD and standard definition video, speech and image, photo processing, encryption, financial, engineering and scientific applications
* 25W Thermal Design Power (TDP), allows for thinner, lighter mainstream laptops
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Intel® Core™2 Solo Processor
The Intel® Core™2 Solo processor is the next-generation single-core mobile processor that provides freedom and flexibility to live, work, and play on-the-go.
Features and benefits
Power efficiency
The Intel Core 2 Solo processor has new power-saving features designed to extend the life of your battery. +
Enhanced performance
The Intel Core 2 Solo processor is the next generation single-core processor for power-optimized mobile processing. It is enhanced to handle today's demanding software applications-such as CAD tools, 3D and 2D modeling or serious number-crunching programs.
Smarter, more efficient designs
Intel® Smart Cache enables smarter, more efficient cache and bus design for enhanced performance, responsiveness and power savings.
Intel® Centrino® processor technology
The Intel Core 2 Solo processor is one of many outstanding processor options for the Intel Centrino processor technology platform.
Features and benefits
Power efficiency
The Intel Core 2 Solo processor has new power-saving features designed to extend the life of your battery. +
Enhanced performance
The Intel Core 2 Solo processor is the next generation single-core processor for power-optimized mobile processing. It is enhanced to handle today's demanding software applications-such as CAD tools, 3D and 2D modeling or serious number-crunching programs.
Smarter, more efficient designs
Intel® Smart Cache enables smarter, more efficient cache and bus design for enhanced performance, responsiveness and power savings.
Intel® Centrino® processor technology
The Intel Core 2 Solo processor is one of many outstanding processor options for the Intel Centrino processor technology platform.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Intel Study Reveals Importance of Keeping Tech Tasteful During the Holidays
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 19, 2009 – According to the recent "Intel Holiday Mobile Etiquette" study conducted by Harris Interactive* and sponsored by Intel Corporation, most online U.S. adults (80 percent) feel there are unspoken rules about mobile technology usage, and approximately 7 in 10 (69 percent) agreed that violations of these unspoken mobile etiquette guidelines, such as checking e-mails, sending text messages and making phone calls while in the company of others, are unacceptable.
Mobile etiquette breeches have particular relevance during the upcoming holiday season, as the survey found that more than half (52 percent) would be offended if they were at a holiday party and someone attempted to secretly use an Internet-enabled device, such as a laptop, netbook or cell phone, at the table. The restroom, however, doesn't seem to command the same reverence when it comes to mobile technology. Despite hygiene considerations and potentially awkward explanations, 75 percent feel it is perfectly appropriate to use Internet-enabled devices, including laptops, netbooks and cell phones, in the bathroom, with only 25 percent agreeing that it was inappropriate behavior.
Technology All the Time
The survey also found that 62 percent agree that mobile devices, such as laptops, netbooks and cell phones, are part of our daily lives and society needs to adapt to the fact that people use them at all times.
"The social rules for new technologies are continuing to be established across cultures and geographies around the world, and etiquette will continue to change and adapt over time along with it," said Dr. Genevieve Bell, renowned ethnographer and director of Intel's User Experience Group. "As technology becomes increasingly engrained in our daily lives and we attempt to strike the right balance between constant connectivity and setting boundaries on accessibility, the social and cultural guidelines for appropriate behavior surrounding mobile technology will continue to develop and change."
According to the study, many online adults view the need for constant connectivity as a function of expectations set by the current business culture, with 55 percent agreeing that the nature of business today demands people always be connected via mobile devices, even if it means taking a laptop on vacation or answering a call during a meal.
"Etiquette surrounding mobile technology is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly in social situations such as holiday gatherings and events," said Anna Post, author and etiquette expert for the Emily Post Institute. "As technology continues to become more prevalent and play an integral role in our everyday lives, it becomes more challenging to discern appropriate behavior from potentially offensive behavior."
Key Survey Findings
Clicking Send on Holiday Greetings: According to the survey, the holiday dinner table isn't the only place where technology is playing a role in traditional etiquette conversations; social guidelines and traditions surrounding holiday greetings and general communications are also being affected by Internet connectivity. In fact, more than half of online adults (62 percent) would send an electronic greeting card or e-mail in lieu of a traditional card, and despite what manner-minded parents have always taught their children about the value of a handwritten "thank you" note, almost 9 out of 10 (88 percent) online adults would not be offended if they received an e-mail or electronic thank you card in lieu of handwritten notes of gratitude.
Mobile Manners and Holiday Activities: Despite the growing acceptance of technology as it applies to holiday communications and greetings, it seems that certain lines of traditional etiquette are drawn when it comes to sending holiday gift lists, using technology at religious services and technology usage during travel and certain social situations. For example:
- One in three online adults (30 percent) would be offended to receive an online gift wish list from a friend and/or an immediate/extended family member.
- An overwhelming majority of online adults have no tolerance for mobile technology etiquette violations at holiday services, with 87 percent agreeing that it is inappropriate to use a mobile device at religious venues.
- Travel can be a little bit tense around the holidays, and some feel that it is no time for multitasking – 36 percent of online adults agree that it is inappropriate to use a mobile device in an airport security line.
- A majority (60 percent) of online adults consider using a mobile device while on a date as inappropriate.
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Intel from Oct. 1 - 5, 2009 among 2,625 adults ages 18 and older. The survey data are weighted to represent the online adult population. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Becky Emmett.
Intel to Publish CFO Commentary Prior to Quarterly Earnings Conference Call
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 12, 2009 – As a supplement to its earnings report, Intel Corporation will publish a commentary about its quarterly results by Stacy J. Smith, vice president and chief financial officer.
The commentary will provide detail that has previously been disclosed during the conference call, reducing the time spent on prepared remarks and allowing for more interactive questions and answers with senior management.
The commentary will be posted at 1:30 p.m. PDT on Oct. 13, after the earnings press release, and will be available at www.intc.com. Intel’s earnings conference call will be publicly webcast at 2:30 p.m. PDT on Oct. 13 and can be viewed at www.intc.com.
The commentary will provide detail that has previously been disclosed during the conference call, reducing the time spent on prepared remarks and allowing for more interactive questions and answers with senior management.
The commentary will be posted at 1:30 p.m. PDT on Oct. 13, after the earnings press release, and will be available at www.intc.com. Intel’s earnings conference call will be publicly webcast at 2:30 p.m. PDT on Oct. 13 and can be viewed at www.intc.com.
Intel and Government of Macedonia Announce Joint Plans to Improve Quality of Education by Accelerating 1:1 e-Learning in Macedonian Schools
SKOPJE, Republic of Macedonia, Oct. 6, 2009 – Intel Corporation and the government of Macedonia have signed two new documents to help advance the 1:1 e-learning model in the country's schools, raising the bar for educational technology in the Balkan region.
The joint initiative was unveiled today by John E. Davies, Intel vice president and general manager of the Intel World Ahead Program; Nikola Todorov, minister of Education and Science; and Ivo Ivanovski, minister of Information Society. Intel's contribution will include training 1,000 teachers to integrate technology into the curriculum, localizing and licensing teacher training materials, providing teacher guides, and qualifying master trainers for scaling the program throughout Macedonia. Intel will also donate licensing that lets schools use content and software available through Intel® skoool™ Learning and Teaching Technology, an interactive Web-based resource for learning math and science.
The teacher training and content commitments build on the government's earlier announcement of its plans to deploy classroom computers on a broad scale. Now under way, the deployment is anchored by 53,000 Intel-powered classmate PCs that will provide all primary school students in grades 1-3 with computer access. The classmate PC is an affordable, full-featured, compact and rugged student laptop designed to promote interactive and collaborative learning among students and teachers. The deployment also includes 22,000 ASUS Eee PCs* — a netbook powered by the Intel® Atom™ processor — to be used by primary school teachers in grades 1-8.
"We strongly support Macedonia's far-reaching technological plan for education," said Davies, who is visiting the country on behalf of the Intel World Ahead program. "The government's commitment to a 1:1 e-learning environment for young people should serve as a model to the region. This investment in 21st-century skills will help increase global competitiveness for the next generation."
"We are proud to be the first Balkan country to adopt a technology initiative of this scope for education," Todorov said. "The continued cooperation between Intel and Macedonia is helping us empower our educational system with well-trained teachers, a strong curriculum and state-of-the-art computing technology."
Ivanovski added, "These improvements will have immediate rewards for our students and long-term benefits for our country as we advance toward a knowledge-based economy."
The documents signed today expand on an existing relationship between Intel and Macedonia and reflect a common interest in advancing education. Macedonia's government recognizes the importance of information and communications technology (ICT) in education and considers it a priority for the country's 2 million people. Earlier efforts to improve the quality of education in Macedonia include a successful pilot program in 2007 involving the use of the classmate PC in schools. The pilot program was initiated by Intel in cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development and the Academy for Educational Development.
The 1:1 e-learning solutions are being deployed by IT companies in the Balkans, providing an economic boost to the region. Intel is also supporting the Balkan economy by providing locally relevant reference designs for education through the Intel® Learning Series, a collection of hardware, software and services purpose-built for education.
The deployment of classroom computers is expected to be completed by January, after which they will become an integral part of the everyday curriculum. The government is also moving to begin training teachers to make effective use of hardware and software within the 1:1 e-learning model.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Intel Atom Processor Developer Program for Mobile Devices to Spur New Wave of Applications
INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, San Francisco, Sept. 22, 2009 – To encourage the creation of innovative applications for Intel® Atom™ processor-based products, Intel Corporation today launched the Intel® Atom™ Developer Program for independent software vendors (ISVs) and developers.
The program provides a framework for developers to create and sell software applications for netbooks with support for handhelds and smart phones available in the future. Through the program, developers seeking to reduce overhead and streamline the creation of new applications may also license development tools and application modules directly from other independent developers and ISVs.
"We want to fuel the growth of Intel Atom-based products designed for the mobile lifestyle," said Renee James, corporate vice president and general manager, Intel Software and Services Group. "The netbook has become one of the most popular consumer devices in the market today, but its true potential has been limited by applications that are not optimized for its mobility and smaller screen size. The Intel Atom Developer Program provides a great opportunity for developers to create useful and inventive applications that will unlock a netbook's potential while opening a new sales and distribution channel."
To provide the broadest choice of applications across platforms, the Intel Atom Developer Program will support multiple operating systems and run-time environments. Run-times enable developers to use a single code base to support multiple device platforms and avoid extensive reprogramming, thereby reducing development costs and time-to-market. Run-times such as Microsoft Silverlight allow developers to access multiple classes of customers and deliver rich applications for Windows and Moblin-based environments using a single toolset, Visual Studio and the .NET Framework.
"Using Silverlight's cross-device, cross-browser, cross-platform technology, developers will be able to write applications once and have them run on Windows and Moblin devices – expanding the reach of Silverlight applications to more consumers, regardless of whether the device they're using is a PC, TV or phone," said Ian Ellison Taylor, general manager, Microsoft Client Platforms and Tools.
"The Adobe Flash Platform enables developers to create and deliver the most compelling applications, content and video to the widest possible audience," said David Wadhwani, general manager and vice president, Adobe Platform Business Unit. "We expect the Intel Atom Developer Program will be a great way for the flash platform community developing on Adobe AIR to monetize their AIR applications and we are working closely with Intel to deliver the necessary technology to enable this opportunity on the Atom platform in the future."
The program offers a streamlined and transparent process that will take the developer from application creation through testing and, finally, to the go-to-market stage. Intel is working with netbook original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other partners to create application storefronts through which validated applications will be sold.
"Customer adoption of our Intel Atom-based netbooks is exceeding our expectations," said Jim Wong, president, Acer IT Products Global Operations. "Acer is excited to see Intel's effort in bringing new and innovative applications to netbooks and will use the Intel Atom Developer Program framework to open an application storefront."
"The Intel Atom Developer Program is an integral element of providing a holistic netbook experience for our customers," said S.Y. Shian, vice president and general manager, Asus System Business Group. "Asus sees this new development model as an opportunity to encourage developers and ISVs. Asus plans to offer an application store based on this framework in order to make exciting applications available to our customers."
"Dell is passionate about providing value for developers," said John Thode, vice president, Dell Small Devices. "The Intel Atom Developer Program will open a new world of innovation and business opportunity for developers and we look forward to working with Intel to foster the creation of exciting new Windows and Moblin-based netbook applications."
Developers can learn more about the program, APIs, validation process and application store framework through appdeveloper.intel.com. Applications for ISV and software developer memberships are currently being accepted. Members will be given access to tools and resources that will aid the pre-development process. The Intel Atom Developer Program software development kits will be available to members in late fall.
The program provides a framework for developers to create and sell software applications for netbooks with support for handhelds and smart phones available in the future. Through the program, developers seeking to reduce overhead and streamline the creation of new applications may also license development tools and application modules directly from other independent developers and ISVs.
"We want to fuel the growth of Intel Atom-based products designed for the mobile lifestyle," said Renee James, corporate vice president and general manager, Intel Software and Services Group. "The netbook has become one of the most popular consumer devices in the market today, but its true potential has been limited by applications that are not optimized for its mobility and smaller screen size. The Intel Atom Developer Program provides a great opportunity for developers to create useful and inventive applications that will unlock a netbook's potential while opening a new sales and distribution channel."
To provide the broadest choice of applications across platforms, the Intel Atom Developer Program will support multiple operating systems and run-time environments. Run-times enable developers to use a single code base to support multiple device platforms and avoid extensive reprogramming, thereby reducing development costs and time-to-market. Run-times such as Microsoft Silverlight allow developers to access multiple classes of customers and deliver rich applications for Windows and Moblin-based environments using a single toolset, Visual Studio and the .NET Framework.
"Using Silverlight's cross-device, cross-browser, cross-platform technology, developers will be able to write applications once and have them run on Windows and Moblin devices – expanding the reach of Silverlight applications to more consumers, regardless of whether the device they're using is a PC, TV or phone," said Ian Ellison Taylor, general manager, Microsoft Client Platforms and Tools.
"The Adobe Flash Platform enables developers to create and deliver the most compelling applications, content and video to the widest possible audience," said David Wadhwani, general manager and vice president, Adobe Platform Business Unit. "We expect the Intel Atom Developer Program will be a great way for the flash platform community developing on Adobe AIR to monetize their AIR applications and we are working closely with Intel to deliver the necessary technology to enable this opportunity on the Atom platform in the future."
The program offers a streamlined and transparent process that will take the developer from application creation through testing and, finally, to the go-to-market stage. Intel is working with netbook original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other partners to create application storefronts through which validated applications will be sold.
"Customer adoption of our Intel Atom-based netbooks is exceeding our expectations," said Jim Wong, president, Acer IT Products Global Operations. "Acer is excited to see Intel's effort in bringing new and innovative applications to netbooks and will use the Intel Atom Developer Program framework to open an application storefront."
"The Intel Atom Developer Program is an integral element of providing a holistic netbook experience for our customers," said S.Y. Shian, vice president and general manager, Asus System Business Group. "Asus sees this new development model as an opportunity to encourage developers and ISVs. Asus plans to offer an application store based on this framework in order to make exciting applications available to our customers."
"Dell is passionate about providing value for developers," said John Thode, vice president, Dell Small Devices. "The Intel Atom Developer Program will open a new world of innovation and business opportunity for developers and we look forward to working with Intel to foster the creation of exciting new Windows and Moblin-based netbook applications."
Developers can learn more about the program, APIs, validation process and application store framework through appdeveloper.intel.com. Applications for ISV and software developer memberships are currently being accepted. Members will be given access to tools and resources that will aid the pre-development process. The Intel Atom Developer Program software development kits will be available to members in late fall.
Student Designers Help Intel Create Mobile Future
The news -- Intel Corporation is asking young designers to explore out-of-the-box ideas on mobile computing as part of the University Design Expo held in conjunction with the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco. Intel sponsored students from several colleges and universities from around the world to explore creative new ways to bridge technology and design across the areas of user interaction, industrial design, and mobile applications and solutions. The projects have the potential to impact the broad spectrum of mobility – from next-generation laptops to compact, pocketable handheld devices.
The Design Expo is located in the Golden Gate Hall at the San Francisco Marriott, and will be open for viewing from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 21 and from 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 22. For additional information on the Design Expo, specific displays and the Intel Developer Forum
# The context -- Design students are a valuable resource for re-thinking today's usage of technology and discovering the possibilities for the future. The Design Expo explores the perspectives of these talented young designers who have an exciting vision for how technology can affect how we live, work and play.
# Why it matters -- By engaging with student designers, Intel is exploring new perspectives and seeing firsthand how design is increasingly essential to differentiating products and encouraging new applications of technology and user interaction. These young designer have a vision of how technology can complement and enhance people's lives. The concepts featured at the Design Expo have the potential to impact a broad spectrum of mobile computing - from next generation laptops to pocketable, handheld devices and beyond.
The Design Expo is located in the Golden Gate Hall at the San Francisco Marriott, and will be open for viewing from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 21 and from 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 22. For additional information on the Design Expo, specific displays and the Intel Developer Forum
# The context -- Design students are a valuable resource for re-thinking today's usage of technology and discovering the possibilities for the future. The Design Expo explores the perspectives of these talented young designers who have an exciting vision for how technology can affect how we live, work and play.
# Why it matters -- By engaging with student designers, Intel is exploring new perspectives and seeing firsthand how design is increasingly essential to differentiating products and encouraging new applications of technology and user interaction. These young designer have a vision of how technology can complement and enhance people's lives. The concepts featured at the Design Expo have the potential to impact a broad spectrum of mobile computing - from next generation laptops to pocketable, handheld devices and beyond.
AT&T, Intel Collaborate to Strengthen Remote PC Support for Small and Midsize Businesses
Business Customers to Gain Better Virtual Helpdesk Support from AT&T Tech Support 360SM with Intel® vPro™ Technology
DALLAS and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 17, 2009 — Industry leaders AT&T Inc.* and Intel Corporation today announced plans to bring the power and cost savings of enhanced remote PC tech support to small and midsize businesses, offering them helpdesk capabilities more typically found in much larger enterprises.
AT&T Tech Support 360SM, an affordable IT virtual helpdesk that provides live, permission-based remote technical service for businesses, is expected to support Intel® vPro™ technology starting in the first half of 2010.
More than 100,000 small businesses have purchased Tech Support 360 service since its launch last fall in the United States. AT&T will be the first U.S. service provider in the telecom industry to offer remote access support services built on Intel® vPro™ technology.
Tech Support 360 provides remote 24/7 support by U.S.-based technicians and includes setup, configuration, troubleshooting and performance optimization for PCs, laptops, Wi-Fi networks and peripheral network devices, as well as smartphone setup and configuration. Technicians troubleshoot computer hardware and software problems by remotely connecting to and accessing customer computers, diagnosing the problem and taking corrective action. Customers can get service by simply booking appointments by phone or online.
When compared to smaller businesses paying for outside IT experts to come on-site or dropping off a PC for off-site service, remote online tech support services, such as AT&T's, offer a more economical and convenient way for them to troubleshoot their desktop and laptop PCs.
Under this collaboration, Intel® Remote PC Assist Technology (Intel® RPAT), a feature of Intel® vPro™ technology announced last year, would enable small businesses experiencing PC problems to enter a keystroke sequence on a failed computer – even if its operating system is down – to directly connect the failed PC with technicians over the Internet via an encrypted connection. The Tech Support 360 technicians can then address the PC remotely, even when it has become inoperable due to problems such as hardware or operating system failure, or corruption by a virus or malware.
"We expect that our new preferred relationship with Intel will enable better, real-time technical support for small businesses," said Ebrahim Keshavarz, vice president of Business Development for AT&T. "We look forward to working with Intel and its Intel® vPro™ technology to provide our Tech Support 360 technicians with new capabilities to conveniently solve problems via an Internet connection, even if the customer's computer, operating system or network have problems that don't allow for normal servicing. And it is less expensive than on-site technical support services."
"As a result of the current economic conditions, small businesses are even more focused on controlling costs," said David Tuhy, a general manager in the Intel Business Client Group. "AT&T's Tech Support 360 in conjunction with Intel® vPro™ technology opens the door for new managed services to address these concerns. By adding support for Intel® Remote PC Assist Technology, AT&T will be able to deliver a higher level of service to customers by improving PC troubleshooting and reducing support costs using an encrypted connection over the Internet."
Interested small and midsize businesses can order Tech Support 360 services by visiting tech360.att.com or by calling 866-644-8031. Midsize businesses can also contact their designated AT&T account manager with any questions or to order the service.
DALLAS and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 17, 2009 — Industry leaders AT&T Inc.* and Intel Corporation today announced plans to bring the power and cost savings of enhanced remote PC tech support to small and midsize businesses, offering them helpdesk capabilities more typically found in much larger enterprises.
AT&T Tech Support 360SM, an affordable IT virtual helpdesk that provides live, permission-based remote technical service for businesses, is expected to support Intel® vPro™ technology starting in the first half of 2010.
More than 100,000 small businesses have purchased Tech Support 360 service since its launch last fall in the United States. AT&T will be the first U.S. service provider in the telecom industry to offer remote access support services built on Intel® vPro™ technology.
Tech Support 360 provides remote 24/7 support by U.S.-based technicians and includes setup, configuration, troubleshooting and performance optimization for PCs, laptops, Wi-Fi networks and peripheral network devices, as well as smartphone setup and configuration. Technicians troubleshoot computer hardware and software problems by remotely connecting to and accessing customer computers, diagnosing the problem and taking corrective action. Customers can get service by simply booking appointments by phone or online.
When compared to smaller businesses paying for outside IT experts to come on-site or dropping off a PC for off-site service, remote online tech support services, such as AT&T's, offer a more economical and convenient way for them to troubleshoot their desktop and laptop PCs.
Under this collaboration, Intel® Remote PC Assist Technology (Intel® RPAT), a feature of Intel® vPro™ technology announced last year, would enable small businesses experiencing PC problems to enter a keystroke sequence on a failed computer – even if its operating system is down – to directly connect the failed PC with technicians over the Internet via an encrypted connection. The Tech Support 360 technicians can then address the PC remotely, even when it has become inoperable due to problems such as hardware or operating system failure, or corruption by a virus or malware.
"We expect that our new preferred relationship with Intel will enable better, real-time technical support for small businesses," said Ebrahim Keshavarz, vice president of Business Development for AT&T. "We look forward to working with Intel and its Intel® vPro™ technology to provide our Tech Support 360 technicians with new capabilities to conveniently solve problems via an Internet connection, even if the customer's computer, operating system or network have problems that don't allow for normal servicing. And it is less expensive than on-site technical support services."
"As a result of the current economic conditions, small businesses are even more focused on controlling costs," said David Tuhy, a general manager in the Intel Business Client Group. "AT&T's Tech Support 360 in conjunction with Intel® vPro™ technology opens the door for new managed services to address these concerns. By adding support for Intel® Remote PC Assist Technology, AT&T will be able to deliver a higher level of service to customers by improving PC troubleshooting and reducing support costs using an encrypted connection over the Internet."
Interested small and midsize businesses can order Tech Support 360 services by visiting tech360.att.com or by calling 866-644-8031. Midsize businesses can also contact their designated AT&T account manager with any questions or to order the service.
Intel Introduces Core™ i7, Xeon® 3400 and First Core™ i5 Processors
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 8, 2009 – Intel Corporation introduced several high-performance desktop and server processors today, bringing the next level of integration and intelligence to computers. The new Intel Core™ i5 processor family, two new Intel Core™ i7 processors and the Intel® Xeon processor 3400 series bring Intel's latest Nehalem microarchitecture to mainstream desktop and entry server markets.
New Intel® Core™ Processors for Consumers
Formerly codenamed "Lynnfield," these new chips are based on Intel's award-winning Nehalem microarchitecture and are designed for consumers who need top-notch performance for digital media, productivity, gaming and other demanding applications. These processors, along with the new Intel P55 express chipset, are available today.
All processors are lead- and halogen-free1 and feature Intel® exclusive Turbo Boost Technology. The top-of-the-line Core i7 processors also support Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology. Combined, these features give computer users absolute "intelligent" performance when necessary and optimum power-efficiency when the computer is lightly loaded.
Computers Just Got Smaller
The new chipset brings the most revolutionary design changes since the invention of the PCI bus in the early 1990s and sets the stage for Intel's forthcoming 2010 compute platform. The Intel® P55 Express Chipset will be the baseline building block component for motherboards worldwide, delivering great new levels of performance and scalability for everyone from the retail buyer to the technically savvy do-it-yourselfer.
The new Core i7 and i5 processors are the first Intel processors to integrate both a 16-lane PCI Express 2 graphics port and two-channel memory controller, enabling all input/output and manageability functions to be handled by the single-chip Intel P55 Express Chipset. Previous Intel chipsets required two separate chips. A new Direct Media Interface (DMI) connects between the processor and chipset. The chipset supports 8 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Ports (2.5GT/s) for flexible device support. Dual graphics cards are supported in a "2x8" configuration. The chipset also supports 6 SATA 3 Gb/s Ports with Intel® Matrix Storage Technology providing RAID levels 0/1/5/10. Up to 14 USB 2.0 Ports can be supported with the chipset's integrated USB 2.0 Rate Matching Hub, along with Intel® High Definition Audio for premium digital sound. The new processors are the first to be supported by the new Land Grid Array (LGA) 1156 package and socket technology.
Better Entry Servers
Small businesses requiring 24/7 operation and educators now have more reasons than ever to buy a purpose-built server with Intel's new Xeon processors and Intel® 3400 and 3420 chipsets. These new products improve small business productivity by running email, file, print and dynamic Web serving tasks more efficiently. They also improve education by enabling dependable classroom collaboration and making school administrative services more productive. Servers based on Xeon 3400 processors provide more dependability over desktop systems through differentiated features such as Error Correcting Code memory and RAID 0/1/5/10 for server operating systems. They are designed to help small businesses grow by enabling up to 64 percent2 more sale transactions and up to 56 percent faster business response time. This improvement is enabled with Intel's Nehalem microarchitecture and a 4x improvement in memory capacity (32 GB). Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology enable these servers to automatically adapt their performance to unique business needs. The processors launched today also include the Intel® Xeon® L3426, a low-power variant that delivers up to 188 percent improvement in energy efficiency per dollar than the previous-generation Intel® Xeon® X3380, and enables innovative server form factors for space and thermally constrained environments.
New Intel® Core™ Processors for Consumers
Formerly codenamed "Lynnfield," these new chips are based on Intel's award-winning Nehalem microarchitecture and are designed for consumers who need top-notch performance for digital media, productivity, gaming and other demanding applications. These processors, along with the new Intel P55 express chipset, are available today.
All processors are lead- and halogen-free1 and feature Intel® exclusive Turbo Boost Technology. The top-of-the-line Core i7 processors also support Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology. Combined, these features give computer users absolute "intelligent" performance when necessary and optimum power-efficiency when the computer is lightly loaded.
Computers Just Got Smaller
The new chipset brings the most revolutionary design changes since the invention of the PCI bus in the early 1990s and sets the stage for Intel's forthcoming 2010 compute platform. The Intel® P55 Express Chipset will be the baseline building block component for motherboards worldwide, delivering great new levels of performance and scalability for everyone from the retail buyer to the technically savvy do-it-yourselfer.
The new Core i7 and i5 processors are the first Intel processors to integrate both a 16-lane PCI Express 2 graphics port and two-channel memory controller, enabling all input/output and manageability functions to be handled by the single-chip Intel P55 Express Chipset. Previous Intel chipsets required two separate chips. A new Direct Media Interface (DMI) connects between the processor and chipset. The chipset supports 8 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Ports (2.5GT/s) for flexible device support. Dual graphics cards are supported in a "2x8" configuration. The chipset also supports 6 SATA 3 Gb/s Ports with Intel® Matrix Storage Technology providing RAID levels 0/1/5/10. Up to 14 USB 2.0 Ports can be supported with the chipset's integrated USB 2.0 Rate Matching Hub, along with Intel® High Definition Audio for premium digital sound. The new processors are the first to be supported by the new Land Grid Array (LGA) 1156 package and socket technology.
Better Entry Servers
Small businesses requiring 24/7 operation and educators now have more reasons than ever to buy a purpose-built server with Intel's new Xeon processors and Intel® 3400 and 3420 chipsets. These new products improve small business productivity by running email, file, print and dynamic Web serving tasks more efficiently. They also improve education by enabling dependable classroom collaboration and making school administrative services more productive. Servers based on Xeon 3400 processors provide more dependability over desktop systems through differentiated features such as Error Correcting Code memory and RAID 0/1/5/10 for server operating systems. They are designed to help small businesses grow by enabling up to 64 percent2 more sale transactions and up to 56 percent faster business response time. This improvement is enabled with Intel's Nehalem microarchitecture and a 4x improvement in memory capacity (32 GB). Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology enable these servers to automatically adapt their performance to unique business needs. The processors launched today also include the Intel® Xeon® L3426, a low-power variant that delivers up to 188 percent improvement in energy efficiency per dollar than the previous-generation Intel® Xeon® X3380, and enables innovative server form factors for space and thermally constrained environments.
Intel Technology, Processing Power Key to TV Revolution
INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, San Francisco, Sept. 24 – The television, both the device and the experience, has arrived at an inflection point. In keynote addresses today at the Intel Developer Forum, Intel Corporation executives Eric Kim and Justin Rattner discussed what happens and what's needed when the full Internet converges with broadcast networks. The executives laid out the opportunities, both short- and long-term, to make the TV experience more visual, more personal and more interactive.
Kim, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Home Group, took the wraps off the Intel® Atom™ processor CE4100, the newest system-on-chip (SoC) in a family of consumer electronics (CE) media processors, and announced efforts with several key industry players including Adobe, CBS, Cisco and TransGaming which are helping to make the vision of interactive TV a reality in the short-term.
"At the center of the TV evolution is more processing power, which we deliver with the CE4100 media processor, built on the Intel® Atom™ core and optimized for IPTV digital set-tops, connected media players and digital TVs," said Kim. "With its performance and high-resolution graphics capabilities, CE manufacturers and software developers now have a platform for real innovation."
According to Rattner, Intel's chief technology officer and Senior Fellow, that innovation will accelerate in the next few years.
"By the year 2015, you can expect 15 billion consumer devices capable of delivering TV content with billions of hours of video available," said Rattner. "We'll need much more sophisticated ways to organize content and provide it on demand. Intel Labs researchers are working on evolving technology so people can get the TV content they want, when they want it and wherever they want it."
3-D, Advanced Graphics and More
As consumer devices deliver more and more TV content, developers will need to blend together video, 3-D animation and rich graphics. And in turn, the importance of graphics and audio/video decoding in CE platforms becomes increasingly critical. Kim disclosed that Intel and Adobe Systems are working together to port Adobe® Flash® Player 10, a key tool for content developers, to the new family of SoC media processors. This will result in future CE devices that are optimized for playback of graphics and H.264 video to enable for the first time a wide array of Flash Player 10-based applications on the television.
Rattner predicted that high-quality 3-D video will someday soon be consumed in the privacy of your own living room. Onstage, he spoke to a life-size 3-D version of 3ality Digital CTO Howard Postley about the intense computation and bandwidth required for capturing and managing 3-D TV in real time. Both executives discussed how a new high-speed optical I/O technology from Intel, codenamed "Light Peak," will improve bandwidth and flexibility while greatly reducing complexity and cost for PC users downloading videos and other digital media. Postley said 50 copper-based cables on the set of a 3-D shoot today could be replaced with a single optical cable with Light Peak technology. In addition to its extreme speed, Light Peak technology has the unique ability to simultaneously transport multiple existing I/O protocols.
Personal TV, Intelligent Networks
With the massive amount of TV content delivered digitally today and in the future, personalization is critical. TV Network CBS developed a TV Widget, or small Internet application, to help viewers find and connect to premium content in a more customized manner. TV Widgets are made possible by the performance of Intel CE media processors and Widget Channel, a software development framework.
Delivering interactive product placements, games and on-demand video on non-traditional TVs, such as digital connected CE devices, will require innovation in how that content is actually distributed from TV service providers.
Joining Kim on stage was Malachy Moynihan, Cisco's vice president of video product strategy, Service Provider Video Technology Group, to discuss how the company is helping service providers evolve their current networks to a medianet, which integrates the best elements of the existing broadcast infrastructure with carrier-grade IP networks to provide such new services as unified video experience.
About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.
Intel, Intel Atom and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Kim, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Home Group, took the wraps off the Intel® Atom™ processor CE4100, the newest system-on-chip (SoC) in a family of consumer electronics (CE) media processors, and announced efforts with several key industry players including Adobe, CBS, Cisco and TransGaming which are helping to make the vision of interactive TV a reality in the short-term.
"At the center of the TV evolution is more processing power, which we deliver with the CE4100 media processor, built on the Intel® Atom™ core and optimized for IPTV digital set-tops, connected media players and digital TVs," said Kim. "With its performance and high-resolution graphics capabilities, CE manufacturers and software developers now have a platform for real innovation."
According to Rattner, Intel's chief technology officer and Senior Fellow, that innovation will accelerate in the next few years.
"By the year 2015, you can expect 15 billion consumer devices capable of delivering TV content with billions of hours of video available," said Rattner. "We'll need much more sophisticated ways to organize content and provide it on demand. Intel Labs researchers are working on evolving technology so people can get the TV content they want, when they want it and wherever they want it."
3-D, Advanced Graphics and More
As consumer devices deliver more and more TV content, developers will need to blend together video, 3-D animation and rich graphics. And in turn, the importance of graphics and audio/video decoding in CE platforms becomes increasingly critical. Kim disclosed that Intel and Adobe Systems are working together to port Adobe® Flash® Player 10, a key tool for content developers, to the new family of SoC media processors. This will result in future CE devices that are optimized for playback of graphics and H.264 video to enable for the first time a wide array of Flash Player 10-based applications on the television.
Rattner predicted that high-quality 3-D video will someday soon be consumed in the privacy of your own living room. Onstage, he spoke to a life-size 3-D version of 3ality Digital CTO Howard Postley about the intense computation and bandwidth required for capturing and managing 3-D TV in real time. Both executives discussed how a new high-speed optical I/O technology from Intel, codenamed "Light Peak," will improve bandwidth and flexibility while greatly reducing complexity and cost for PC users downloading videos and other digital media. Postley said 50 copper-based cables on the set of a 3-D shoot today could be replaced with a single optical cable with Light Peak technology. In addition to its extreme speed, Light Peak technology has the unique ability to simultaneously transport multiple existing I/O protocols.
Personal TV, Intelligent Networks
With the massive amount of TV content delivered digitally today and in the future, personalization is critical. TV Network CBS developed a TV Widget, or small Internet application, to help viewers find and connect to premium content in a more customized manner. TV Widgets are made possible by the performance of Intel CE media processors and Widget Channel, a software development framework.
Delivering interactive product placements, games and on-demand video on non-traditional TVs, such as digital connected CE devices, will require innovation in how that content is actually distributed from TV service providers.
Joining Kim on stage was Malachy Moynihan, Cisco's vice president of video product strategy, Service Provider Video Technology Group, to discuss how the company is helping service providers evolve their current networks to a medianet, which integrates the best elements of the existing broadcast infrastructure with carrier-grade IP networks to provide such new services as unified video experience.
About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.
Intel, Intel Atom and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Intel Braidwood to speed up boot times
People expecting Solid State Drives (SSDs) to become more popular may have longer to wait, according to a new report from Objective Analysis.
The researcher, which specialises in chips, says a new technology coming from Intel called Braidwood, will likely stifle demand for SSDs next year.
Intel showed the technology off at Computex Taipei in June. Braidwood is a NAND flash memory technology built onto a module made to fit onto computer motherboards. The technology speeds boot-up times, makes applications launch more quickly and improves overall speed on a system. It's essentially the next generation of Intel's Robson technology, which was designed to provide similar speed improvements.
"NAND has a role in the PC platform and Braidwood promises to be the right implementation at the right time," said Jim Handy, analyst at Objective Analysis.
Braidwood accelerates input/output in computers by saving some data on the NAND flash memory chips, including oft-used programs, for quick launches. Braidwood will work with Intel 5-series chipsets, which are due out soon, and Intel's Clarkdale line of microprocessors.
Objective Analysis said Braidwood has the potential to be a game changer.
"The move to NAND in PCs will boost the NAND market, soften the SSD and DRAM markets, and pose problems for those NAND makers who are not poised to produce ONFi (open NAND flash interface) NAND flash," wrote memory analyst Jim Handy, in a statement.
SSDs, which are also made of NAND flash memory chips, have battled for years to replace hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs transfer data at speedier rates than HDDs, and are more power efficient and durable. HDDs remain the most widely used storage because they are far cheaper than SSDs and offer far greater storage capacity. Braidwood would be paired with storage such as HDDs or SSDs in a computer, and more likely HDDs due to the cost savings and because Braidwood already offers some of the benefits of SSDs.
Samsung Electronics is the world's largest maker of NAND flash memory chips and a champion of SSDs. Intel also sells SSDs.
The researcher, which specialises in chips, says a new technology coming from Intel called Braidwood, will likely stifle demand for SSDs next year.
Intel showed the technology off at Computex Taipei in June. Braidwood is a NAND flash memory technology built onto a module made to fit onto computer motherboards. The technology speeds boot-up times, makes applications launch more quickly and improves overall speed on a system. It's essentially the next generation of Intel's Robson technology, which was designed to provide similar speed improvements.
"NAND has a role in the PC platform and Braidwood promises to be the right implementation at the right time," said Jim Handy, analyst at Objective Analysis.
Braidwood accelerates input/output in computers by saving some data on the NAND flash memory chips, including oft-used programs, for quick launches. Braidwood will work with Intel 5-series chipsets, which are due out soon, and Intel's Clarkdale line of microprocessors.
Objective Analysis said Braidwood has the potential to be a game changer.
"The move to NAND in PCs will boost the NAND market, soften the SSD and DRAM markets, and pose problems for those NAND makers who are not poised to produce ONFi (open NAND flash interface) NAND flash," wrote memory analyst Jim Handy, in a statement.
SSDs, which are also made of NAND flash memory chips, have battled for years to replace hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs transfer data at speedier rates than HDDs, and are more power efficient and durable. HDDs remain the most widely used storage because they are far cheaper than SSDs and offer far greater storage capacity. Braidwood would be paired with storage such as HDDs or SSDs in a computer, and more likely HDDs due to the cost savings and because Braidwood already offers some of the benefits of SSDs.
Samsung Electronics is the world's largest maker of NAND flash memory chips and a champion of SSDs. Intel also sells SSDs.
Opera 10 adds three 'major' features
Opera Software has released the final version of Opera 10, adding three "major" features to the web browser.
First up is Opera Turbo, a new compression technology designed to solve the pain of slow connections. Opera says the feature can be turned on when network connections are slow to allow you to browse the web at "broadband-like speeds". It works by compressing pages and can speed up web surfing by up to eight times, the company said.
"We think everyone should try, because we all will face a slow connection at some point. Now, there is a solution, and it is absolutely free," said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera.
Opera is also highlighting a "pioneering" new way to use tabs. In Opera 10, you resize your tab bar by pulling down on it or double-clicking the handle, revealing a surprise: Opera now shows you full thumbnails of all your open tabs. The company says Opera 10's Visual Tabs are placed at the top, but you can put them on either sides or the bottom.
Opera says the third major innovation is a streamlined interface, although other additions include a super-sized Speed Dial, a new automatic update policy and a spell checker supporting 51 languages.
First up is Opera Turbo, a new compression technology designed to solve the pain of slow connections. Opera says the feature can be turned on when network connections are slow to allow you to browse the web at "broadband-like speeds". It works by compressing pages and can speed up web surfing by up to eight times, the company said.
"We think everyone should try, because we all will face a slow connection at some point. Now, there is a solution, and it is absolutely free," said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera.
Opera is also highlighting a "pioneering" new way to use tabs. In Opera 10, you resize your tab bar by pulling down on it or double-clicking the handle, revealing a surprise: Opera now shows you full thumbnails of all your open tabs. The company says Opera 10's Visual Tabs are placed at the top, but you can put them on either sides or the bottom.
Opera says the third major innovation is a streamlined interface, although other additions include a super-sized Speed Dial, a new automatic update policy and a spell checker supporting 51 languages.
Unpatched Flaw Could Take Down Microsoft's IIS Server
A hacker has posted code that could be used to take over a system running Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Services) server.
The software, which was posted to the Milw0rm Web site on Monday, could be a big problem for some webmasters, however the attack appears to work only on older versions of Microsoft's products. It was not immediately clear how many versions of Microsoft's products are vulnerable to the attack, and Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for more information on the issue.
The flaw lies in the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) software used by IIS to move large files around the Internet, so the victim would have to have FTP enabled in order to be vulnerable to the attack. According to the Milw0rm post, an attacker could use this code to install unauthorized software on the server.
According to the Milw0rm poster, the code works on Microsoft's decade-old Windows 2000 operating system, while running the older IIS 5.0 server. For the attack to work, the hacker would also need to be able to create a directory on the server, security experts say.
Other versions of IIS are also at risk, according to Thierry Zoller, an independent researcher who has studied the issue. However, newer versions of Microsoft's operating systems have features that make it less serious, he added via instant message.
The software, which was posted to the Milw0rm Web site on Monday, could be a big problem for some webmasters, however the attack appears to work only on older versions of Microsoft's products. It was not immediately clear how many versions of Microsoft's products are vulnerable to the attack, and Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for more information on the issue.
The flaw lies in the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) software used by IIS to move large files around the Internet, so the victim would have to have FTP enabled in order to be vulnerable to the attack. According to the Milw0rm post, an attacker could use this code to install unauthorized software on the server.
According to the Milw0rm poster, the code works on Microsoft's decade-old Windows 2000 operating system, while running the older IIS 5.0 server. For the attack to work, the hacker would also need to be able to create a directory on the server, security experts say.
Other versions of IIS are also at risk, according to Thierry Zoller, an independent researcher who has studied the issue. However, newer versions of Microsoft's operating systems have features that make it less serious, he added via instant message.
Study: Google Pulls Away in Global Search Usage
The latest worldwide statistics for search engine queries don't paint a pretty picture for Google competitors.
In July, Google not only retained its spot as the world's most popular search engine but also grew faster than all but one of those in the top 10 list, according to comScore.
Google's growth in search queries, which clobbered the industry average, allowed the company to put even more distance between itself and the other search engines.
Internet users worldwide ran 76.7 billion search queries on Google's search engine in July, up 58 percent compared with the same month last year. This gave Google nearly 68 percent share of all search engine queries last month.
Yahoo came in a very distant second place with 8.9 billion queries, up only 2 percent year-on-year and good for a 7.8 percent share.
China's Baidu ranked third with almost 8 billion queries, up 8 percent and good for a 7 percent share.
Microsoft took fourth place with 3.3 billion queries, up 41 percent, while eBay came in fifth place with 1.7 billion, also up 41 percent.
The only search engine that grew its queries more than Google in July was Russia's Yandex, which ended the month with 1.3 billion queries, up 94 percent year-on-year.
Overall, queries worldwide grew 41 percent to 113.7 billion.
Europeans conducted the most searches in July, 36.5 billion, or 32 percent share. Asia Pacific came second with 35 billion queries, or 31 percent. People in North America ran 25.1 billion queries, or 22.1 percent. Latin America and the Middle East/Africa came in fourth and fifth with 9.3 percent and 5.8 percent of queries, respectively.
Interestingly, Latin Americans conducted the most searches per capita with 130.4, followed by Europeans with almost 117 queries per person.
In July, Google not only retained its spot as the world's most popular search engine but also grew faster than all but one of those in the top 10 list, according to comScore.
Google's growth in search queries, which clobbered the industry average, allowed the company to put even more distance between itself and the other search engines.
Internet users worldwide ran 76.7 billion search queries on Google's search engine in July, up 58 percent compared with the same month last year. This gave Google nearly 68 percent share of all search engine queries last month.
Yahoo came in a very distant second place with 8.9 billion queries, up only 2 percent year-on-year and good for a 7.8 percent share.
China's Baidu ranked third with almost 8 billion queries, up 8 percent and good for a 7 percent share.
Microsoft took fourth place with 3.3 billion queries, up 41 percent, while eBay came in fifth place with 1.7 billion, also up 41 percent.
The only search engine that grew its queries more than Google in July was Russia's Yandex, which ended the month with 1.3 billion queries, up 94 percent year-on-year.
Overall, queries worldwide grew 41 percent to 113.7 billion.
Europeans conducted the most searches in July, 36.5 billion, or 32 percent share. Asia Pacific came second with 35 billion queries, or 31 percent. People in North America ran 25.1 billion queries, or 22.1 percent. Latin America and the Middle East/Africa came in fourth and fifth with 9.3 percent and 5.8 percent of queries, respectively.
Interestingly, Latin Americans conducted the most searches per capita with 130.4, followed by Europeans with almost 117 queries per person.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Spyware Sneaks Past Facebook Safeguard
Hackers have found a way to create automated Facebook pages and are using them to spread spyware to unsuspecting users, says antivirus and Internet security firm AVG Technologies.
facebook malware
In a blog entry posted last week, Research Chief Roger Thompson said that AVG's LinkScanner users had started detecting some "rogue spyware attacks" that were coming from Facebook pages. When AVG started looking at the pages, it noticed that the Facebook profiles featured pictures of the same woman and merely had different names to differentiate them. Each page had a link to a supposed video that would infect user computers with spyware if clicked.
Thompson says that there are likely untold numbers of such rogue Facebook profiles on the Web right now, meaning that the hackers have somehow found a way to bypass Facebook's CAPTCHA system that requires users to retype a series of letters to activate an account. Thompson said that while Facebook will certainly delete any rogue accounts it finds, the accounts "can't be an easy thing for them to find" and will thus be difficult to eliminate.
Slideshow: Facebook Light gallery: Check out the new look
facebook malwareThe Facebook spyware attack coincides with an FBI warning released today saying that cybercriminals are increasingly using social networking websites such as Facebook to launch attacks. Among the popular techniques used by hackers are hijacking a user's account and sending spam to their friends that leads to a phishing site; creating applications on the site that include malware or rougue antivirus software; and using malware to gain access to users' personal information on their profiles.
facebook malware
In a blog entry posted last week, Research Chief Roger Thompson said that AVG's LinkScanner users had started detecting some "rogue spyware attacks" that were coming from Facebook pages. When AVG started looking at the pages, it noticed that the Facebook profiles featured pictures of the same woman and merely had different names to differentiate them. Each page had a link to a supposed video that would infect user computers with spyware if clicked.
Thompson says that there are likely untold numbers of such rogue Facebook profiles on the Web right now, meaning that the hackers have somehow found a way to bypass Facebook's CAPTCHA system that requires users to retype a series of letters to activate an account. Thompson said that while Facebook will certainly delete any rogue accounts it finds, the accounts "can't be an easy thing for them to find" and will thus be difficult to eliminate.
Slideshow: Facebook Light gallery: Check out the new look
facebook malwareThe Facebook spyware attack coincides with an FBI warning released today saying that cybercriminals are increasingly using social networking websites such as Facebook to launch attacks. Among the popular techniques used by hackers are hijacking a user's account and sending spam to their friends that leads to a phishing site; creating applications on the site that include malware or rougue antivirus software; and using malware to gain access to users' personal information on their profiles.
Windows 7 Already Edges Vista
Microsoft's Windows Vista lost market share last month for the first time in almost two years, a sign that users are already abandoning the oft-ridiculed operating system in favor of the new Windows 7.
windows 7According to Web metrics firm Net Applications, Vista dropped 0.2 percentage points during September to end the month at an 18.6% slice of the operating system pie. It was the first decline for Vista since a 0.3 percentage-point slip in January 2008.
Windows 7, meanwhile, gained 0.3 percentage points, its biggest one-month gain since Microsoft began handing out the new OS to the public in January 2009. Windows 7 powered an estimated 1.5% of all computers that connected to the Internet last month, also a record. Its share means that about one in every 67 personal computers is already running Microsoft's new operating system.
The surge in Windows 7 was no accident. Although Microsoft distributed the final code to a limited number of users, primarily developers and IT professionals, in early August, and to some business customers later that month, it wasn't until the beginning of September that it started offering all volume license customers the new operating system.
Microsoft also kick-started Windows 7 use by giving away millions of copies of the beta in January, and the release candidate starting in May. The company pulled the plug on the latter only five weeks ago.
It's certain that Windows 7's share will increase this month, as Microsoft will launch the OS at retail stores in less than three weeks. Other factors, including a promotional campaign that provides free or low-cost upgrades to customers who purchased Vista systems since June 26, will also come into play.
If the drop in Vista's market share is the beginning of a trend, and not simply a blip in Net Applications' data, it means that the two-year-old OS will have peaked at less than a 19% market share, and at its most popular, accounted for only one-in-five Windows machines. In comparison, Windows XP, Microsoft's eight-year-old operating system, accounted for 71.5% of all operating systems powering computers that connected to the Web last month, and ran more than three-fourths of all Windows PCs.
What was far less of a surprise than Vista's fall-off was Net Applications' finding that Windows XP's share dropped again in September: The OS has lost share for 23 consecutive months. Last month, Windows XP fell 0.3 percentage points, a much less drastic decline than in August, when it plummeted nearly four times as far to set a record decline. XP's loss was also about half the monthly average over the last two years.
No one need cry for Microsoft, however: Net Applications puts Windows' total share at a whopping 92.8%, an insurmountable lead over its closest rival, Apple's Mac OS X.
Mac OS X climbed nearly the same amount that Windows fell -- 0.25 percentage points -- to finish above 5% for the first time under Net Applications revised its methodology. Starting with July's data, the Web measurement company changed how it tallies usage share, and for the first time weighted data by the estimated size of each country's Internet population. That nearly halved Mac OS X's share, as well as reducing Vista's, but pumped up XP's considerably.
Net Applications measures OS usage by tracking the machines that surf to the 40,000 sites it monitors for clients, which results in a data pool of about 160 million unique visitors per month. September's operating data can be found on Net Applications' site.
windows 7According to Web metrics firm Net Applications, Vista dropped 0.2 percentage points during September to end the month at an 18.6% slice of the operating system pie. It was the first decline for Vista since a 0.3 percentage-point slip in January 2008.
Windows 7, meanwhile, gained 0.3 percentage points, its biggest one-month gain since Microsoft began handing out the new OS to the public in January 2009. Windows 7 powered an estimated 1.5% of all computers that connected to the Internet last month, also a record. Its share means that about one in every 67 personal computers is already running Microsoft's new operating system.
The surge in Windows 7 was no accident. Although Microsoft distributed the final code to a limited number of users, primarily developers and IT professionals, in early August, and to some business customers later that month, it wasn't until the beginning of September that it started offering all volume license customers the new operating system.
Microsoft also kick-started Windows 7 use by giving away millions of copies of the beta in January, and the release candidate starting in May. The company pulled the plug on the latter only five weeks ago.
It's certain that Windows 7's share will increase this month, as Microsoft will launch the OS at retail stores in less than three weeks. Other factors, including a promotional campaign that provides free or low-cost upgrades to customers who purchased Vista systems since June 26, will also come into play.
If the drop in Vista's market share is the beginning of a trend, and not simply a blip in Net Applications' data, it means that the two-year-old OS will have peaked at less than a 19% market share, and at its most popular, accounted for only one-in-five Windows machines. In comparison, Windows XP, Microsoft's eight-year-old operating system, accounted for 71.5% of all operating systems powering computers that connected to the Web last month, and ran more than three-fourths of all Windows PCs.
What was far less of a surprise than Vista's fall-off was Net Applications' finding that Windows XP's share dropped again in September: The OS has lost share for 23 consecutive months. Last month, Windows XP fell 0.3 percentage points, a much less drastic decline than in August, when it plummeted nearly four times as far to set a record decline. XP's loss was also about half the monthly average over the last two years.
No one need cry for Microsoft, however: Net Applications puts Windows' total share at a whopping 92.8%, an insurmountable lead over its closest rival, Apple's Mac OS X.
Mac OS X climbed nearly the same amount that Windows fell -- 0.25 percentage points -- to finish above 5% for the first time under Net Applications revised its methodology. Starting with July's data, the Web measurement company changed how it tallies usage share, and for the first time weighted data by the estimated size of each country's Internet population. That nearly halved Mac OS X's share, as well as reducing Vista's, but pumped up XP's considerably.
Net Applications measures OS usage by tracking the machines that surf to the 40,000 sites it monitors for clients, which results in a data pool of about 160 million unique visitors per month. September's operating data can be found on Net Applications' site.
Windows XP Runs inside Windows 7
Microsoft announced on Thursday that the final version of the Windows XP virtual environment will be available on October 22, the day Windows 7 launches. Known as XP Mode, Microsoft's new virtualization software makes it easier for businesses to migrate to Windows 7 since they can take their XP-specific programs with them. But using XP Mode is not for everyone. Here's what you need to know:
What is XP Mode?
XP Mode runs Windows XP with Service Pack 3 as a virtual environment inside Windows 7. This allows you to run XP-specific programs on a Windows 7 machine.
I Also See Something Called Windows Virtual PC -- What's That?
The Windows Virtual PC is the underlying software engine that makes virtualization like XP Mode possible. You need Virtual PC to run XP Mode.
Who is XP Mode For?
Microsoft decided to launch the new feature as a way to convince reluctant small and medium-sized businesses to give up XP for Windows 7. Some businesses run custom software that may have compatibility issues with the newest version of Windows. Concern over conflicts with custom software is one reason some business users opted not to migrate to Windows Vista. By offering XP mode, Microsoft hopes to finally close the door on Windows XP and pull its customer base away from the aging OS.
What Do I Need to Run XP Mode?
You can run Windows Virtual PC on any version of Windows 7, but XP Mode runs only on Windows 7 Enterprise, Professional, or Ultimate.
You will also need to make sure that your computer's processor can handle virtualization. PC World has a partial list of processors that can't support XP Mode virtualization, and Microsoft has configuration utilities for Intel and AMD processors that can tell you if your computer is ready for XP Mode.
Where Can I Get XP Mode and What Does it Cost?
You can download the XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC release candidates right now from Microsoft's Website. The finalized versions will be available for download on October 22. Windows XP Mode and Virtual PC are free downloads.
What is XP Mode?
XP Mode runs Windows XP with Service Pack 3 as a virtual environment inside Windows 7. This allows you to run XP-specific programs on a Windows 7 machine.
I Also See Something Called Windows Virtual PC -- What's That?
The Windows Virtual PC is the underlying software engine that makes virtualization like XP Mode possible. You need Virtual PC to run XP Mode.
Who is XP Mode For?
Microsoft decided to launch the new feature as a way to convince reluctant small and medium-sized businesses to give up XP for Windows 7. Some businesses run custom software that may have compatibility issues with the newest version of Windows. Concern over conflicts with custom software is one reason some business users opted not to migrate to Windows Vista. By offering XP mode, Microsoft hopes to finally close the door on Windows XP and pull its customer base away from the aging OS.
What Do I Need to Run XP Mode?
You can run Windows Virtual PC on any version of Windows 7, but XP Mode runs only on Windows 7 Enterprise, Professional, or Ultimate.
You will also need to make sure that your computer's processor can handle virtualization. PC World has a partial list of processors that can't support XP Mode virtualization, and Microsoft has configuration utilities for Intel and AMD processors that can tell you if your computer is ready for XP Mode.
Where Can I Get XP Mode and What Does it Cost?
You can download the XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC release candidates right now from Microsoft's Website. The finalized versions will be available for download on October 22. Windows XP Mode and Virtual PC are free downloads.
Microsoft Planning 128-Bit Version Of Windows 8?
Windows 7 is not even out the door yet and rumors are already circulating about the next version of Microsoft's OS, Windows 8.
According to Microsoft employee Robert Morgan, future iterations of Windows, including Windows 8, could support a 128-bit architecture. Two weeks ago his now defunct LinkedIn profile disclosed that he had been working on "research and development projects including 128-bit architecture compatibility with the Windows 8 kernel and Windows 9 project plan".
Further to this, Morgan's profile also let slip that Microsoft are hoping to form a number of future relationships with major players such as IBM, Intel, AMD and others in the run up to 128-bit support. (Keep in mind that 64-bit computing is just now going mainstream.)
An interview with Robert Morgan, who has been with the company since 2002, is expected to appear on Windows 8 News within the coming days, hopefully shedding more light on what to expect from the next version of Windows, codenamed Chirdori.
So while we wait to learn more on the future of Windows, be sure to check our our coverage on Microsoft's latest effort, Windows 7.
According to Microsoft employee Robert Morgan, future iterations of Windows, including Windows 8, could support a 128-bit architecture. Two weeks ago his now defunct LinkedIn profile disclosed that he had been working on "research and development projects including 128-bit architecture compatibility with the Windows 8 kernel and Windows 9 project plan".
Further to this, Morgan's profile also let slip that Microsoft are hoping to form a number of future relationships with major players such as IBM, Intel, AMD and others in the run up to 128-bit support. (Keep in mind that 64-bit computing is just now going mainstream.)
An interview with Robert Morgan, who has been with the company since 2002, is expected to appear on Windows 8 News within the coming days, hopefully shedding more light on what to expect from the next version of Windows, codenamed Chirdori.
So while we wait to learn more on the future of Windows, be sure to check our our coverage on Microsoft's latest effort, Windows 7.
'Free' Win 7 Upgrades Have Fee
The free Windows 7 upgrades that Microsoft has promised buyers of new PCs powered by Vista are not always free, a consumer watchdog Web site says.
"To me, whether it's $12.99 or $17.03, the charges are all outrageous," said Edgar Dworsky, the editor of Consumerworld.org and Mouseprint.org. "It's just a single disc they're sending, and with media mail rates, it costs just over a dollar to mail."
Last June, Microsoft kicked off a marketing campaign dubbed "Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program" to keep PCs sales ticking. The program, a rerun of a similar deal in 2006 before Windows Vista's launch, gives people who buy a PC equipped with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate a free or nearly-free upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate once the new operating system ships Oct. 22.
Consumers who purchase an eligible PC between June 26, 2009 and Jan. 31, 2010 qualify for the upgrade.
Dworsky, however, found that while some computer makers are giving away Windows 7 upgrades, others are charging fees as high as $17 for what's characterized as "shipping, handling, and fulfillment fees."
"The problem is that a lot of this information is hidden, or impossible to find," said Dworsky today. "Disclose it, let the consumer know."
Only one major computer maker, Acer, charges nothing for the upgrade, Dworsky determined after spending hours tracking down information on vendors' Web sites and nagging public relations people to cough up numbers. Other brands -- Dell, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Sony and Toshiba -- waive the fee for some users, but not others, with total charges for the latter running from $11.25 to $14.99.
Lenovo, on the other hand, nails every buyer with a $17.03 fee for the Windows 7 upgrade.
The mystery over who pays what is frustrating, said Dworsky. "Both HP and Sony ... [said] that they negotiated with big retail chains offering them the opportunity to allow their customers to receive completely free upgrades," he said. "[But] neither would provide a list of which retailers signed up, nor what retailers had to pay or agree to. And retailers say the manufacturers decided pricing. So they are each pointing fingers at the other. Who's caught in the middle? The consumer."
Dell, which notes on its Web site that "select countries will be offering the upgrade for free," told Dworsky that it would not, in fact, charge U.S. customers.
"Someone seems to be profiting," Dworsky charged. "The fees are way beyond the actual cost to fulfill. It would be different if it's a boxed copy with a manual, but it's not."
Most computer makers have been vague about when customers will receive the Windows 7 upgrade. If history is any hint, it could be months before buyers see it. During a similar promotion in 2007 that provided Vista upgrades to people who purchased an XP PC, users grew increasingly frustrated by delays. A month after Vista's January 2007 launch, for example, Dell and HP customers slammed those vendors for failing to deliver timely upgrades.
"You would think that they'd all do this free," said Dworsky. "Consumers are really doing the computer manufacturers and retailers a favor, helping them get rid of inventory. You'd think they would bend over backwards."
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