AMD’s award-winning ATI Catalyst graphics and HDvideo configuration software delivers unprecedented control of performance and visual quality with ATI Radeon™ graphics processors. Certified by Microsoft® Windows® Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL), ATI Catalyst drivers for Windows 7®, Vista® and Windows® XP operating systems deliver stable performance and push the limits of innovation with advanced user-oriented features.
This is the latest AMD’s industry leading software suite, Catalyst™. This particular software suite updates both the AMD Display Driver, and the Catalyst™ Control Center. This unified driver has been further enhanced to provide the highest level of power, performance, and reliability. The AMD Catalyst™ software suite is the ultimate in performance and stability.
Precision controls for power users. Tweaks for gamers and video enthusiasts. Simple wizard-assisted setup, easy multi-monitor configuration, and ultra reliable operation for working
professionals. New user or seasoned expert, ATI Catalyst puts you in charge of The Ultimate Visual Experience™.
• Industry-leading performance. ATI Catalyst boosts graphics performance with every new monthly release, including enhancements for popular Direct3D and OpenGL game titles. • Innovative and exciting features. ATI Catalyst includes the ATI Catalyst Control Center™, delivering innovative features and unprecedented control of performance and visual quality with ATI Radeon graphics. • Robust stability. ATI Catalyst drivers for Windows Vista and Windows XP are Microsoft WHQL-certified, and include rigorously tested Linux drivers to deliver the industry’s most stable and reliable graphics performance.
The Catalyst™ Software Suite 9.8 contains the following: • Radeon™ display driver 8.64 • HydraVision™ for both Windows XP and Vista • HydraVision™ Basic Edition (Windows XP only) • WDM Driver Install Bundle • Southbridge/IXP Driver • Catalyst™ Control Center Version 8.64
Caution: The Catalyst™ software driver and the Catalyst™ Control Center can be downloaded independently of each other. However, for maximum stability and performance AMD recommends that both components be updated from the same Catalyst™ release
Caution: The Catalyst™ Control Center requires that the Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 be installed. Without .NET version 2.0 installed, the Catalyst™ Control Center will not launch properly and the user will see an error message.
The latest version of the Catalyst™ software suite is designed to support the following Microsoft Windows platforms: • Windows 7 32-bit version • Windows 7 64-bit version • Windows Vista 32-bit version • Windows Vista 64-bit version • Windows XP Professional • Windows XP Home Edition • Windows XP Media Center Edition • Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
AMD award-winning ATI Catalyst graphics and HD video configuration software delivers unprecedented control of performance and visual quality with ATI Radeon?graphics processors. Certified by Microsoft?Windows?Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL), ATI Catalyst drivers for Windows Vista?and Windows?XP operating systems deliver stable performance and push the limits of innovation with advanced user-oriented features.
Steve Langasek has announced the availability of the fourth alpha release of Ubuntu 9.10, now including the first CD images for Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud: "Welcome to Karmic Koala Alpha 4, which will in time become Ubuntu 9.10. New features: GNOME 2.27.4 development release; Kubuntu includes its first Netbook release, Social from the Start, and the latest KDE packages; the first Karmic alpha images for the Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud (UEC) and Amazon's EC2; Ubuntu One file sharing service provides tightly integrated file synchronization with other computers and the Ubuntu One network storage service; includes the 2.6.31-5.24 kernel based on 2.6.31-rc5, ships with Kernel Mode Setting enabled for Intel graphics...." Read the release announcement and release notes to learn more. Download (MD5): karmic-desktop-i386.iso (696MB, torrent), karmic-desktop-amd64.iso (698MB, torrent). Also available are alpha 4 CD images for Kubuntu (download, release notes), Xubuntu (download), Ubuntu Studio (download), Mythbuntu (download).
This is the official driver package for Realtek HD Audio Solutions. It includes all driver files, and the control center for Realtek HD-Audio devices for Windows 2000, XP and Vista . The package includes the 32 and the 64 Bit binaries. Realtek HD Audio Driver is supporting all of Realtek HD Audio Codec in Vista/WinXP/Win2000/Win2003 : ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262,ALC267, ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887.
RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS Optimized for best performance in the PhysX title: Terminator Salvation. Optimized for best performance in the PhysX title: Batman Arkham Asylum. Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series, 100-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory and 32 processor cores (stream processors). Experience GPU PhysX acceleration in many games and demos, some of which are highlighted in PowerPack downloads on www.geforce.com. Runtime upgrade ONLY for AGEIA PhysX processors users. (New AGEIA PhysX processors installations should install older PhysX system software such as version 8.09.04 – prior to installing this update). Note – AGEIA PPU acceleration support for 2.8.1 SDK or earlier, and Windows Vista and Windows XP only. Includes runtimes for the PhysX SDK 2.8.3 Includes the latest PhysX runtime builds to support all released PhysX content. Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on GeForce via CUDA 2.0 for SDK versions 2.7.3, 2.7.2, 2.7.5, 2.8.0, 2.8.1 and 2.8.3 (requires graphics driver v177.81 or later). Supports control of your GPU PhysX configuration from the NVIDIA display driver control panel. (requires graphics driver v180.00 or later)
Mozilla announced on Friday the availability of Firefox 3.6 Alpha 1. This alpha comes just two months after the release of Firefox 3.5 and is the first of several developer previews. Codenamed Namoroka, after a national park in Madagascar, Firefox 3.6 is expected to be finalized and released later this year.
Namoroka uses the new Gecko 1.9.2 rendering engine which is also still in testing. The alpha includes several speed improvements to the javascript engine, and potential speed and responsiveness upgrades to the entire browser. Also Lifehacker is reporting that Tab Previews, a feature that was removed in the final beta of Firefox 3.5 has been added and includes a simple guide to activate this functionality. The latest alpha also includes some tweaks to CSS and supports multiple background images.
As always with an alpha, this release is recommended only for those truly on the bleeding edge. Mozilla is warning that only developers and testers download this latest alpha. If you haven't been scared away yet, check out the Mozilla Developer Blog for links to Alpha 1 in Mac OS, Linux or Windows flavors. Mozilla also welcomes any feedback, especially bug reports, and more information on submitting reports can be found at the Developer Blog as well.
Mozilla Firefox - faster, more secure, easier to use and sporting a new look, this latest Firefox release sets a new standard for web browser innovation. Mozilla Firefox project (formerly Firebird, which was formerly Phoenix) is a redesign of Mozilla's browser component, written using the XUL user interface language and designed to be cross-platform. It is small, fast and easy to use, and offers many advantages over other web browsers, such as the tabbed browsing and the ability to block pop-up windows. Mozilla Firefox 3 is focused on improved memory handling, performance, and stability, improved XUL, and new core components such as application data stored in SQLite. Firefox 3 is based on the Gecko 1.9 Web rendering platform, which has been under development for the past 34 months. This new platform includes more than 15,000 changes to improve performance, stability, rendering correctness, and code simplification and sustainability. Firefox 3 is been built on top of this new platform resulting in a more secure, easier to use, more personal product with a lot more under the hood to offer website and Firefox add-on developers.
Windows 7 has yet to even be released officially to the general public, and already the dodgy folk on the Internet have fully cracked and activated the Ultimate version, with help from a leaked Lenovo OEM DVD .ISO file.
The news comes from various Chinese forums who state that you can already pass Windows Genuine Advantage validation offline, OEM style.
The leaked .ISO was originally posted on a Chinese forum, which was then downloaded in order for people to get hold of the boot.wim, and in turn retrieving the OEM-SLP key, plus the OEM activation certificate. Microsoft uses the same digitally signed OEM certificate, which has an .xrm-ms extension, as that in Windows Vista. Another point to note is that the key is a master one, which can be used to activate other OEM branded installations, like ones from Dell, HP or indeed Lenovo.
This is quite concerning; as mentioned, Windows 7 has yet to even be released, and it can be fully activated. This demonstrates the risk such a huge company as Microsoft takes when distributing a product as significant as an operating system, but this was essentially inevitable, regardless. It's interesting that a product can be pirated and activated before it's properly released to customers.
Microsoft was not available for comment at the time of writing.
Updated: A Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed to Neowin: "we are aware of reports of activation exploits that attempt to circumvent activation & validation in Windows 7, and we can assure customers that Microsoft is committed to protecting them from counterfeit and pirated software. Microsoft strongly advises customers not to download Windows 7 from unauthorized sources. Downloading Windows 7 from peer-to-peer Web sites is piracy, and exposes users to increased risks – such as viruses, Trojans and other malware and malicious code—that usually accompany counterfeit software."
Microsoft has just sent word that MSDN and TechNet customers will be able to get hold of Windows 7 RTM on August 6.
Windows 7 RTM will initially be available in English on August 6th and remaining languages by October 1st for both MSDN and TechNet customers.
Microsoft has released a time-line for RTM availability, English will be first followed by other languages:
ISV/IHV - ISV (Independent software vendor) and IHV (Independent hardware vendor) Partners will be able to download Windows 7 RTM from Microsoft Connect or MSDN on August 6th.
Partner Program Gold/Certified Members - August 16th. By October 1st, the remaining languages will become available to download.
Action Pack Subscribers - August 23rd. By October 1st, the remaining languages will become available to download.
OEMs - Approximately 2 days after Microsoft officially RTM
Volume License with Software Assurance - August 7th via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). The rest of the languages for Windows 7 RTM should be available within a couple of weeks after that.
Volume License without Software Assurance - September 1 (downloadable from the Volume License Service Center)
MSDN/TechNet - August 6th and remaining languages by October 1st.
Everyone else - October 22nd, general availability date.
Microsoft also confirmed there is no special deal or "thank you" for Windows 7 testers. The special pre-order pricing was "done with our beta testers in mind" according to Brandon LeBlanc.
Microsoft have not confirmed the RTM build number or when exactly they plan to announce the official RTM so the wait continues.
nVIDIA ForceWare software unleashes the full power and features in nVIDIA's desktop, gaming, platform, workstation, laptop, multimedia, and mobile products. Delivering a proven record of compatibility, reliability, and stability with the widest range of games and applications, ForceWare software ensures the best experience with your nVIDIA hardware.
• Incredible 3D and video performance for all of your applications. • Rock-solid system stability, greater compatibility, and reliability with nVIDIA® Unified Driver Architecture (UDA). • Industry-leading features for graphics, audio, video, communications, storage, and security. • Robust product support for over ten unique operating systems.
• Continual product performance and feature updates for the life of your nVIDIA hardware.
Official, WHQL Certified Drivers for nVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, for Windows XP/ 2000/ Windows XP Media Center Edition and Windows XP x64/ Server 2003 x64 OS. nVIDIA ForceWare Drivers has the following other editions available: nVIDIA ForceWare Drivers for Windows 9x/Me, nVIDIA ForceWare Drivers for Windows NT, nVIDIA ForceWare Drivers for Windows Vista (32-bit), nVIDIA ForceWare Drivers for Windows XP/2003 (64-bit), nVIDIA ForceWare Drivers for Windows XP Media Center and nVIDIA ForceWare Drivers for Windows Vista (64-bit).
This is a WHQL-Certified driver supporting GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, and 200-series desktop GPUs and ION.
New in Release 190.38: * Adds support for OpenGL 3.1 * Adds support for CUDA 2.3 for improved performance in GPU Computing applications. See CUDA Zone for more details. * Includes several new control panel features and numerous bug fixes. More information can be found in the release documentation. * Users without US English operating systems can select their language and download the International driver here.
Existing Support: * Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology* on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL. * Installs PhysX System Software version 9.09.0428. * Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. Use one card for graphics and dedicate a different card for PhysX processing for game-changing physical effects. Learn more here. * Supports GeForce Plus Power Pack #3. Download these FREE PhysX and CUDA applications now! * Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.
* Note: The following SLI features are only supported on Windows Vista and Windows 7: Quad SLI technology using GeForce 9800 GX2 or GeForce GTX 295, 3-way SLI technology, Hybrid SLI, and SLI multi-monitor support.
nVIDIA ForceWare software unleashes the full power and features in nVIDIA's desktop, gaming, platform, workstation, laptop, multimedia, and mobile products. Delivering a proven record of compatibility, reliability, and stability with the widest range of games and applications, ForceWare software ensures the best experience with your nVIDIA hardware.
• Incredible 3D and video performance for all of your applications. • Rock-solid system stability, greater compatibility, and reliability with nVIDIA® Unified Driver Architecture (UDA). • Industry-leading features for graphics, audio, video, communications, storage, and security. • Robust product support for over ten unique operating systems.
• Continual product performance and feature updates for the life of your nVIDIA hardware.
NVIDIA has released the following WHQL certified drivers for use with Windows Vista RTM that will enable you to test the basic features and capabilities of the new operating system. NVIDIA is committed to supporting Microsoft Windows Vista on current and previous GPU generations. It's important to us that you have an excellent experience through the Vista transition, and driver development is the highest priority in our company.
This is a WHQL-Certified driver supporting GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, and 200-series desktop GPUs and ION.
New in Release 190.38 * Adds support for OpenGL 3.1 * Adds support for CUDA 2.3 for improved performance in GPU Computing applications. See CUDA Zone for more details. * Adds a new user-controlled power management setting for select GeForce 9-series and later graphics cards (cards must already support more than one power state). This option allows users to set a performance level for each DirectX or OpenGL application. * Includes several new control panel features and numerous bug fixes. More information can be found in the release documentation. * Users without US English operating systems can select their language and download the International driver here.
Existing Support: * Supports Microsoft’s new DirectX Compute API on Windows 7. * Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology* on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL,including 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards. * Installs PhysX System Software version 9.09.0428. * Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. Use one card for graphics and dedicate a different card for PhysX processing for game-changing physical effects. Learn more here. * Supports GeForce Plus Power Pack #3. Download these FREE PhysX and CUDA applications now! * Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.
The ALC882 series 7.1+2 Channel High Definition Audio codecs with UAA (Universal Audio Architecture), featuring five 24-bit stereo DACs and three 20-bit stereo ADCs, are designed for high performance multimedia PC systems. The ALC882 series incorporates proprietary converter technology to achieve over 100dB Signal-to-Noise ratio playback quality; easily meeting PC2001 requirements and also bringing PC sound quality closer to consumer electronic devices.
The ALC882 series provide 10 channels of DAC that simultaneously support 7.1 sound playback, plus 2 channels of independent stereo sound output (multiple streaming) through the Front-Out-Left and Front-Out-Right channels. Flexible mixing, mute, and fine gain control functions provide a complete integrated audio solution for next generation multimedia PCs.
Features of Realtek High Definition Audio Driver : - High-performance DACs with 103dB SNR are ideal for Dolby Master Studio - ADCs with 90dBA SNR - Meets performance requirements for audio on PC2001 systems - 10 DAC channels support 16/20/24-bit PCM format for 7.1 sound playback, plus 2 channels of independent stereo sound output (multiple streaming) through the - Front-Out-Left and Front-Out-Right channels - 3 stereo ADCs support 16/20-bit PCM format, two for microphone array, one for legacy mixer recording - All DACs support 44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz sample rate - All ADCs support 44.1k/48k/96kHz sample rate - Applicable for DVD-Audio solutions - 16/20/24-bit S/PDIF-OUT supports 44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz sample rate - 16/20/24-bit S/PDIF-IN supports 44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz sample rate - Up to four channels of microphone input are supported for AEC/BF application - High-quality analog differential CD input - Supports external PCBEEP input and built-in digital BEEP generator - Software selectable 2.5V/3.75V VREFOUT - Six VREFOUTs are supported by default, with additional four VREFOUTs available by sharing unused analog I/O pins - Two jack detection pins each designed to detect up to 4 jacks - Reserve analog mixer architecture for backward compatibility with AC'97 - Wide range (–80dB ~ +42dB) volume control with 1.5dB resolution of analog to analog mixer gain - All analog jacks are stereo input and output re-tasking for analog plug & play - Built-in headphone amplifiers for each re-tasking jack - Supports both analog DC volume control and GPI digital volume control - 2 GPIOs (General Purpose Input/Output) for customized applications - Optional EAPD (External Amplifier Power Down) is supported - Power support: Digital: 3.3V; Analog: 5.0V (Minimum AVDD is 3.6V) - Power management and enhanced power saving features - 48-pin LQFP lead (Pb)-free package - Meets Microsoft WHQL/WLP 2.0 audio requirements - EAX 1.0 & 2.0 compatible - Direct Sound 3D compatible - A3D compatible - I3DL2 compatible - HRTF 3D Positional Audio - Emulation of 26 sound environments to enhance gaming experience - 10 Software EqualizerBands - Voice Cancellation and Key Shifting in Karaoke mode - Realtek Media Player - Enhanced Configuration Panel and device sensing wizard to improve user experience - Microphone Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), Noise Suppression (NS) and Beam Forming (BF) technology for voice application - ALC882D features Dolby Digital Live output for consumer equipment - ALC882H features Dolby Home Theater software - ALC882M features Dolby Master Studio software
Changes in Driver Package R2.28: Realtek HD Audio Driver support all of Realtek HD Audio Codec . 1. Vista/Windows 7 WHQL Supporting: ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262,ALC267, ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887,ALC670 2. Windows 2000/XP WHQL Supporting: ALC880, ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VC, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262, ALC267,ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887,ALC670 3. HDMI Device WHQL Support: ATI HDMI Devices 4. OS Supporting: Microsoft WindowsXP, Widnows2000, Windows Server 2003, Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows7 - x86/x64 5. Pack with Microsoft High Definition Audio UAAV1.0a(5013) 6. Add/Fix 1.) Driver : 1. Customizations.
AMD’s award-winning ATI Catalyst 
