Nexenta Core Platform 1.0

Alex Ross has announced the release of Nexenta Core Platform 1.0, a free and open source operating system combining the OpenSolaris kernel with GNU application userland: "The Nexenta team is pleased to announce Nexenta Core Platform 1.0 release - the 1.0 release. List of the changes and highlights: OpenSolaris b82-based (x86, 32bit and 64bit, non-debug); Ubuntu Dapper-based; project integration: NWS, AVS, COMSTAR, in-kernel CIFS client; apt-clone - ZFS-integrated safe upgrade via remote APT repository; support for in-place (live) and safe upgrades; installer - multiple improvements, installs from USB; small memory requirement - 256 MB; Nexenta Zones - multiple improvements, integrated automatic Zone upgrades; CIFS client included in the default installation; Xen DomU and Xen Dom0 (32bit); GRUB-integrated memory test; Nexenta ISO Builder; APT repository - status complete, stable repository (elate-stable) ready for usage." Here is the complete release announcement. Download (MD5): nexenta-core-platform_1.0-b82_x86.iso.zip (320MB).

AMD Plans to Introduce New AMD Phenom Chips in April

Advanced Micro Devices has once again changed its plans regarding the launch of higher-performance AMD Phenom microprocessors. Apparently, the higher speed microprocessors will be released commercially in April, 2008, a little earlier than it was generally expected.

AMD Phenom processor models 9550 (2.20GHz), 9650 (2.30GHz) and 9750 (2.40GHz) will be released commercially about eight weeks from now, sometime in April, a source familiar with the world’s second largest x86 chipmaker’s plans said. The new chips will be based on the B3 revision of the processor and will not have any issues with Translation Lookaside Buffer. The destiny of the high-speed AMD Phenom 9950 is unclear at the moment.

After a Translation Lookaside Buffer (TLB)-related erratum was discovered in AMD Phenom microprocessors and AMD had to impose a fix that reduced performance of the CPUs, Advanced Micro Devices announced a new B3 stepping of the chip with bug corrected without performance degradation. Originally the higher-performance AMD Phenom 9700 and 9900 at 2.40GHz and 2.60GHz, respectively, were scheduled to arrive in Q1, but after a series of delays many suspected that the products slipped into late Q2 or even Q3.

Earlier this week it was reported that virtually all AMD Phenom processors based on the B3 stepping are due in May or June with AMD Phenom 9950 at 2.60GHz scheduled to arrive sometime in the third quarter.

AMD crucially needs new microprocessors with decent performance in its lineup since its aging AMD Athlon 64 X2 family of chips cannot demonstrate performance on par with Intel Corp.’s Core 2 microprocessors. Moreover, with the list of Intel Core 2 Quad central processing units with four processing engines getting longer, AMD’s ability to compete decreases since the company’s lineup of microprocessors contains only two quad-core CPUs.

Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.12

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.

Features in Firefox include:
- Easy migration: Switching to Firefox has never been easier now that Firefox imports data like Favorites, history, settings, cookies and passwords from Internet Explorer. Firefox can also import settings from Mozilla 1.x, Netscape and Opera.
- Smaller Download: Continuing efforts to make this the most efficient browser, the Windows version of Firefox is now only a 5.7 MB download, making downloading Firefox a breeze for dial-up and broadband users alike.
- New Default Theme: A new default theme provides a bright new look for Windows and Linux users.
- SmartUpdate: A new SmartUpdate feature notifies users of new versions of Firefox to ensure that the browser is always up to date.
- Help: A new online help system makes this one powerful, friendly browser.
- Extension/Theme Manager: New Extension and Theme Managers provide a convenient and secure way to manage and update the hundreds of add-ons that set Firefox apart from other browsers.
Mozilla Firefox also includes numerous bug fixes and incremental improvements, including faster page load speed.
- Popup Blocking: Stop annoying popup ads in their tracks with Firefox's built in popup blocker.
- Tabbed Browsing: View more than one web page in a single window with this time saving feature. Open links in the background so that they're ready for viewing when you're ready to read them.
- Smarter Search: Google Search is built right into the toolbar, and there are a plethora of other search tools including Keywords (type "dict " in the Location Bar), and FastFind (start typing the first few letters of some text in the page and Firefox takes you there).
- Privacy and Security: Built with your Security in mind, Firefox keeps your computer safe from malicious spyware by not loading harmful ActiveX controls. A comprehensive set of privacy tools keep your online activity your business.
- Hassle-Free Downloading: Files you download are automatically saved to your Desktop so they're easy to find. Fewer prompts mean files download quicker.
- Fits Like a Glove: Simple and intuitive, yet fully featured, Firefox has all the functions you're used to - Bookmarks, History, Full Screen, Text Zooming to make pages with small text easier to read, etc.
- S M L XL XXL XXXL: Firefox is the most customizable browser on the planet. Customize your toolbars to add additional buttons, install new Extensions that add new features, add new Themes to browse with style, and use the adaptive search system to allow you to search an infinite number of engines. Firefox is as big or small as you want.
- Setup's a Snap: At only 4.7MB (Windows), Firefox only takes minutes to download over a fast connection. The installer gets you set up quickly, and the new Easy Transition system imports all of your settings - Favorites, passwords and other data from Internet Explorer and other browsers - so you can start surfing right away.
- A Developer's Best Friend: Firefox comes with a standard set of developer tools including a powerful JavaScript and CSS error/warning console, and an optional Document Inspector that gives unheard of insight into how your pages work.
- Read Mail—Not Spam

What's New in Firefox 2:
* Visual Refresh: Firefox 2's theme and user interface have been updated to improve usability without altering the familiarity of the browsing experience.
* Built-in phishing protection: Phishing Protection warns users when they encounter suspected Web forgeries, and offers to return the user to their home page. Phishing Protection is turned on by default, and works by checking sites against either a local or online list of known phishing sites. This list is automatically downloaded and regularly updated when the Phishing Protection feature is enabled.
* Enhanced search capabilities: Search term suggestions will now appear as users type in the integrated search box when using the Google, Yahoo! or Answers.com search engines. A new search engine manager makes it easier to add, remove and re-order search engines, and users will be alerted when Firefox encounters a website that offers new search engines that the user may wish to install.
* Improved tabbed browsing: By default, Firefox will open links in new tabs instead of new windows, and each tab will now have a close tab button. Power users who open more tabs than can fit in a single window will see arrows on the left and right side of the tab strip that let them scroll back and forth between their tabs. The History menu will keep a list of recently closed tabs, and a shortcut lets users quickly re-open an accidentally closed tab.
* Resuming your browsing session: The Session Restore feature restores windows, tabs, text typed in forms, and in-progress downloads from the last user session. It will be activated automatically when installing an application update or extension, and users will be asked if they want to resume their previous session after a system crash.
* Previewing and subscribing to Web feeds: Users can decide how to handle Web feeds (like this one), either subscribing to them via a Web service or in a standalone RSS reader, or adding them as Live Bookmarks. My Yahoo!, Bloglines and Google Reader come pre-loaded as Web service options, but users can add any Web service that handles RSS feeds.
* Inline spell checking: A new built-in spell checker enables users to quickly check the spelling of text entered into Web forms (like this one) without having to use a separate application.
* Live Titles: When a website offers a microsummary (a regularly updated summary of the most important information on a Web page), users can create a bookmark with a "Live Title". Compact enough to fit in the space available to a bookmark label, they provide more useful information about pages than static page titles, and are regularly updated with the latest
* Improved Add-ons manager: The new Add-ons manager improves the user interface for managing extensions and themes, combining them both in a single tool.
* JavaScript 1.7: JavaScript 1.7 is a language update introducing several new features such as generators, iterators, array comprehensions, let expressions, and destructuring assignments. It also includes all the features of JavaScript 1.6.
* Extended search plugin format: The Firefox search engine format now supports search engine plugins written in Sherlock and OpenSearch formats and allows search engines to provide search term suggestions.
* Updates to the extension system: The extension system has been updated to provide enhanced security and to allow for easier localization of extensions.
* Client-side session and persistent storage: New support for storing structured data on the client side, to enable better handling of online transactions and improved performance when dealing with large amounts of data, such as documents and mailboxes. This is based on the WHATWG specification for client-side session and persistent storage.
* SVG text: Support for the svg:textpath specification enables SVG text to follow a curve or shape.
* New Windows installer: Based on Nullsoft Scriptable Install System, the new Windows installer resolves many long-standing issues. information. There are several websites that can be bookmarked with Live Titles, and even more add-ons to generate Live Titles for other popular websites.

Release Notes

Homepage - http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

Download Firefox 2.0.0.12 for Windows - 5.73 MB

Download Firefox 2.0.0.12 for Linux - 9.22 MB

Download Firefox 2.0.0.12 for MacOS - 17.0 MB

All Downloads

Download Firefox Portable 2.0.0.12

Windows Vista Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008

Helps you to install, customize, and deploy the Microsoft Windows Vista family
Windows AIK (Windows Automated Installation Kit) will help you customize, install and deploy the Microsoft Windows Vista family of operating systems.
The Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) is designed to help corporate IT professionals customize and deploy the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 family of operation systems. By using Windows AIK, you can perform unattended Windows installations, capture Windows images with ImageX, and create Windows PE images.

Windows AIK will help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), system builders, and corporate IT professionals deploy Windows onto new hardware. The Windows AIK is a set of deployment tools supporting the latest release of Windows. This guide describes the methods, tools, and requirements for deploying Windows.

Homepage - http://www.microsoft.com

Size: 1196 MB

Download

openSUSE 11.0 Alpha 2

The openSUSE development team has announced the second alpha release of openSUSE 11.0: "Only three weeks after Alpha 1, we are glad to announce the release of openSUSE 11.0 Alpha 2. There are various exciting changes in there that we would like to have feedback on. Changes since openSUSE 11.0 Alpha 1: KDE 4.0.1 replaced KDE 3.5.8 as the default KDE; GNOME 2.21.90 was integrated; continued work on the installation workflow; live CDs for both GNOME and KDE; CDs support German as an additional language; DVDs have only open source software; Linux 2.6.24; OpenOffice.org 2.4 Beta; ALSA 1.0.16rc2; D-Bus 1.2rc2." Here is the full release announcement. Download the installation DVD images via BitTorrent: openSUSE-11.0-Alpha2-DVD-i386.iso (3,576MB), openSUSE-11.0-Alpha2-DVD-x86_64.iso (3,592MB). Single-CD installation images as well as live CDs with KDE and GNOME are also available.

Fedora 9 Alpha

Jesse Keating has announced the availability of Fedora 9 Alpha, the first development release of Fedora 9: "A funny thing happened on the way into the office today, an Alpha release of Fedora 9 happened!" The new release features Linux kernel 2.6.24, support for resizing ext2, ext3 and NTFS partitions in the Anaconda installer, faster X window system; GNOME 2.21 with GVFS and GIO as a replacement for GNOME VFS, KDE 4.0 as the default KDE with compatibility packages to ensure applications not yet ported to KDE 4 will continue to work, Firefox 3 Beta 2 with desktop integration, the new Places replacement for bookmarks and a re-worked address bar, PackageKit - a cross-distribution package management solution with a complete yum backend, and a number of other improvements. See the release announcement and release notes for a detailed list of new features. Download: Fedora-9-Alpha-Live-i686.iso (698MB, SHA1, torrent), Fedora-9-Alpha-Live-x86_64.iso (745MB, SHA1, torrent). KDE live CD/DVD images, as well as the traditional installation media are also available.

Realtek AC'97 ALC650 Audio Driver 4.04 WHQL

Realtek AC'97 Audio Driver for Windows 98Gold/98se/Me/2000/XP/2003(32/64 bits) supports all ALC series audio chipsets from ALC101 up to ALC861. It is used as onboard sound on many motherboards. Chips covered include ALC101/201/202/203/250/650/653/655/658/861. It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available.

The ALC650 is an 18-bit, full duplex AC'97 2.2 compatible stereo audio CODEC designed for PC multimedia systems, including host/soft audio and AMR/CNR based designs. The ALC650 incorporates proprietary converter technology to achieve a high SNR, greater than 90 dB. The ALC650 AC'97 CODEC supports multiple CODEC extensions with independent variable sampling rates and built-in 3D effects.

The ALC650 CODEC provides two pairs of stereo outputs with independent volume controls, a mono output, and multiple stereo and mono inputs, along with flexible mixing, gain and mute functions to provide a complete integrated audio solution for PCs. The digital interface circuitry of the ALC650 CODEC operates from a 5V/3.3V power supply with EAPD (External Amplifier Power Down) control for use in notebook and PC applications.

The ALC650 integrates a 50mW/20ohm headset audio amplifier into the CODEC, which can save BOM costs. The ALC650 also supports an AC'97 2.2 compliant SPDIF out function which allows easy connection from the PC to consumer electronic products, such as AC3 decoder/speaker and mini disk.

The ALC650 CODEC supports host/soft audio from Intel 810/815/820/845 chipsets as well as audio controller based VIA/SIS/ALI chipsets. Bundled Windows series drivers (Win95/98/ME/2000/XP/NT) and sound effect utilities (supporting Karaoke, emulation of 26 sound environments, and 5-band equalizer) provide a more comprehensive entertainment package for PC users. Finally, internal PLL circuits generate required timing signals, eliminating the need for external clocking devices.

Applications :
- Multimedia PCs
- 3D PC games
- Information appliances (IA)
- Voice recognition
- Audio conferencing

Features of Realtek AC97 ALC650 Audio Codecs :
- High-performance CODEC with high S/N ratio (>90 dB)
- 18-bit ADC and 20-bit DAC resolution
- Compliant with AC'97 2.2 specifications
- 18-bit stereo full-duplex CODEC with independent and variable sampling rate
- 4 analog line-level stereo inputs with 5-bit volume control: LINE_IN, CD, VIDEO, AUX
- 2 analog line-level mono inputs: PC_BEEP, PHONE_IN
- Mono output with 5-bit volume control
- Stereo output with 5-bit volume control
- 6 channel slot selectable DAC output for multi-channel applications
- 2 MIC inputs, which are software selectable
- Power management capabilities
- 3D Stereo enhancement
- Embedded 50mW/20ohm OP at front LINE output
- External amplifier power down capability
- Digital S/PDIF output
- Digital S/PDIF input (ALC650 Rev. E or later)
- No external crystal/clock required
- Supports 1 general purpose I/O pin
- Power supply: digital: 3.3V; analog: 5V/3.3V
- Standard 48-pin LQFP package

This download contains the latest audio drivers, software and utilities for the Realtek AC97 audio controllers:
- WDM driver for Win98/WinMe/Win2000/WinXP : 5.10.0.6280
- WDM driver for Windows x64 : 5.10.0.6280
- VXD driver for Win95 : 4.5.0.3019
- VXD Software wavetable driver : 3.1.0.0
- NT4 driver for Windows NT4 : 4.3.0.3040
- NT4 software wavetable driver : 4.3.0.2002
- RtlRack for Win98/Me/2000/XP : 1.15.0.0
- AvRack for Win95/NT4 : 2003.4.4.1
- Realtek Soundman : 5.1.0.59
- Realtek Sound Effect Manager(CPL) : 2.2.0.73
- Realtek Sound Effect Manager(RtlCpl) : 1.0.1.66
- Realtek Sound Effect Manager for NT4 : 2.3.0.3
- Driver/Application Setup Program : 5.35

Changes in version A4.04:
1. Update Realtek 3D engine.
2. For special customize settings.
3. Fix blue screen issue.

Homepage - http://www.realtek.com.tw

Size: 17.6 MB

Download

Mirror

Ubuntu 8.04 Alpha 4

Steve Langasek has announced the availability of a new development build of Ubuntu 8.04, code name "Hardy Heron": "Welcome to Hardy Heron Alpha-4, which will in time become Ubuntu 8.04." What's new? "X.Org 7.3, with an emphasis on better autoconfiguration with a minimal configuration file; Linux kernel 2.6.24 brings in significant enhancements and fixes that have been merged in the last few months into the mainline kernel; PulseAudio enabled by default; PolicyKit integration is visible in the administrative user interfaces; Firefox 3 beta 2 bringing much better system integration including icon and colour theming; the GTK+ version of the popular Transmission BitTorrent client; the new Vinagre VNC client; the Brasero CD/DVD burning application; World Clock Applet..." See the release announcement and release notes for further details and screenshots. Download (MD5): hardy-desktop-i386.iso (684MB, torrent), hardy-desktop-amd64.iso (688MB, torrent). Also released - Alpha 4 CD images for Kubuntu (release notes, download), Edubuntu (download) and Ubuntu Studio (download).

DX10 effects with DX9 for patched Crysis 1.1 - Crysis AddOn

This minimod unlocks all DX10 graphics features in Crysis 1.1, even if you have DX9 hardware and a DX9 OS like Windows XP. You heard right, this mini-mod unlocks all dx10 graphical features even if you have DX9 Hardware (ati 1950, nvidia 7900...) and an DX9 OS (windows xp...). All you have to do is switch every option in teh advanced graphics menu to high! Thats all!

Installation:

Copy the extracted folder named " CVarGroups " and ovewrite all original files that should be in: c: Program Files, Electronic Arts, Crytek, Crysis, Game, Config, CVarGroups

With the new files from the download. Then Start the Game and make sure that all advanced graphic settings are on HIGH!!

Download from: Filefront
Screenshot: >> Click here <<
View: Full DX10 effect in Crysis using DX9 rendering path
Link: ModDb

Crysis New Suit Power - Slow Motion

Crytek let the community know about a pretty neat mod that will be coming soon enough that adds a Slow-Down element to the Nanosuit. Have a listen...

"Our community member Shajbot is currently developing a flowgraph for a new Slow-Motion Nanosuit Power that will be usable ingame. Imagine Crysis' nanosuit technology mixing with Max Payne's "bullet time" feature. This new power, obviously, will slow down the world around you, much like other similar powers the community has created. However, this one will drain your suit power a lot slower - like Cloak Mode."

The current status on the project is following:

• Button triggered slow down time scale
• Drain energy and stop ability when energy exhausted
• Global sounds fade a little while in slowmo
• Sound as when slowmo activated
• Glow player body as he travel throughs time, when slowmo activated

Even though there is a bit left to be done, the new feature (developed in Flowgraph) already looks pretty neat and play nice according to his feedback. In addition he also released two trailers showcasing his new flowgraph. You can find them here and here.

[Via Crymod]

News source: Planet Crysis

Linux Mint 4.0 RC2 "KDE"

Clement Lefebvre has announced the second release candidate for Linux Mint 4.0 "KDE" edition: "The second release candidate for Linux Mint 4.0 Daryna KDE Community Edition is out and available for download. Daryna KDE is nearly as 'minty' as the main edition now. The packages are (safely) up-to-date and the kernel is the Gutsy Gibbon kernel 2.6.22. Mint applications: mintInstall, mintwifi, mintUpdate, mintAssistant, mintUpload. 'Minted' versions of Firefox, Sunbird. Known issues: When shutting down or restarting the live CD it will freeze about 25% of the time at the last step. I had this problem with Gutsy too and have not found a fix for it. This happens more in virtual machines than on real ones. After adding new users log in and check their KMix settings because they will have no sound. Check the output and PCM levels." See the full release notes for more information. Download (MD5): LinuxMint-4.0-KDE-BETA-044.iso (1,002MB, torrent).

Ubuntu 6.06.2

Canonical has announced the release of Ubuntu 6.06.2 LTS, the second update to its "Long Term Support" release from June 2006: "Canonical, the commercial sponsors of the Ubuntu project, announced today the second maintenance release of Ubuntu 6.06 LTS, which continues to be supported with maintenance updates and security fixes until June 2009 on desktops and June 2011 on servers. Over 600 post-release updates have been integrated, so that fewer updates will need to be downloaded after installation, and the installation system has been improved. These include security updates and corrections, with a focus on maintaining stability and compatibility with Ubuntu 6.06 LTS. Some particularly notable updates in Ubuntu 6.06.2 LTS include: Users can configure LVM using RAID partitions as physical volumes; detection of the DAC960 RAID controller...." Read the rest of the press release for further details. Download the updated Ubuntu Server CD images from here (MD5): ubuntu-6.06.2-server-i386.iso (434MB), ubuntu-6.06.2-server-amd64.iso (431MB).