A wire from the Associated Press with the title "Microsoft to stop selling Windows XP on Monday" (June 30, 2008) carried a story saying that the six-year-old Windows XP meets its eventual end.
Microsoft will cease the sale of its Windows XP operating system. My previous post on the subject in December 2007 materialized as retailers and hardware vendors stop the distribution of the most popular and most bootlegged operating system. Will this mean that PC users who don't want to use the beefy Vista will be forced to drink the juice?
This may be Microsoft's way of clamping down on Windows piracy. Users who want to use XP should buy the higher Vista categories, then "legally downgrade to XP." The software giant is paving the way for the anticipated and more advanced Windows 7 by killing XP.
XP's legacy will still cast a long shadow with the sprouting affordable UMPCs which opt to use XP instead of Vista.
Passion for Technology
Jun 30, 2008
Jun 26, 2008
Genius introduces a bluetooth headset with touch panel design
Genius recently introduced the BT-03i, a Bluetooth headset with a touch panel design that allows users to make calls with a touch panel "phone" icon.A wireless headset that delivers fashion as well as convenience and comfort, the BT-03i features an advanced CVC (Clear Voice Capture) and a 30mm driver unit that produces powerful audio.
With a Bluetooth working distance of up to 30 feet, the BT-03i supports A2DP Protocol powered by a rechargeable Hi-Polymer Li-ion battery with a USB charger and adaptor.
Priced at P3,790 SRP, the Genius BT-03i is distributed in the Philippines by MSI-ECS.
Jun 23, 2008
An Integrated approach to Secure and Manage Endpoints
This article written by Richard Velasco, Symantec's Senior Technical Consultant for Philippines, was sent to me by Ardent Communications. Richard is responsible for strategic engagements with Symantec customers on their security infrastructure requirements.
Managing the dynamics of endpoint infrastructure is a challenging task. Organizations today need proactive endpoint security measures that can protect against zero-day attacks and unknown threats. With the current threat landscape which is full of stealthy, targeted, and financially motivated attacks, organizations are facing an increasingly complex security environment. Many sophisticated threats can evade traditional security solutions, leaving organizations open to data theft and manipulation, disruption of business, and damage to corporate brand and reputation.
Deploying security solutions individually on each endpoint is not only time-consuming, it also increases IT complexity and costs. Organizations then need to provide management, training, and support for a variety of different endpoint security solutions.
This article outlines a new approach to securing and managing the enterprise endpoint computing environment.
Business problems at the endpoint
The IT department at a typical enterprise these days finds itself fighting some pretty fierce fires:
* Endpoint management costs are increasing The cost of downtime impacts both productivity and revenue. According to a recent study by Infonetics Research, network downtime caused by security attacks is costing large enterprises upwards of US$30 million a year. In addition, the costs to acquire, manage, and administer point products are increasing, as is demand on system resources.
* Complexity is increasing as well The manpower required to manage disparate endpoint protection technologies is inefficient and time-consuming. Also, differing technologies can often work against one another or impede system performance due to high resource consumption.
* Growing number of new known and unknown threats Stealth-based and silent attacks are increasing, so there is a need for antivirus to do much more. The current threat environment is characterized by an increase in data theft and data leakage, and the creation of malicious code that targets specific organizations for information that can be used for financial gain. One gauge of the growing sophistication of attacks is the appearance of blended threats, which integrate multiple attack methods such as worms, Trojan horses, and zero-day threats.
An integrated approach
Antivirus, antispyware, and other signature-based protection measures, which are primarily reactive, may have been sufficient to protect an organization’s vital resources a few years ago, but not today. Organizations now need proactive endpoint security measures that can protect against zero-day attacks and unknown threats. They need to take a structured approach to endpoint security, implementing a solution that not only protects them from threats on all levels, but also provides interoperability, seamless implementation, and centralized management.
Symantec’s approach to endpoint protection provides advanced threat prevention that protects endpoints from targeted attacks as well as attacks not seen before. It includes proactive technologies that automatically analyze application behaviors and network communications to detect and block suspicious activities, as well as administrative control features that allow administrators to deny specific device and application activities deemed as high risk for the organization. They can even block specific actions based on the location of the user. In the case of an infected endpoint, security products repair the damage by disinfecting or quarantining the system. The remediation process is then completed by deploying the necessary patch.
This approach calls for consolidating endpoint protection technologies in a single, integrated agent that can be administered from a central management console. The goal is to increase endpoint protection while eliminating the administrative overhead and costs associated with multiple security products.
Comprehensive protection
Organizations need a holistic approach to endpoint security that protects from threats at all levels. Traditional antivirus and antispyware solutions are no longer enough.
Symantec’s approach boosts protection and lessens overhead and costs of managing endpoint security by providing a single agent administered via a single console. It is an approach that can save organizations time and money while protecting their assets and business.
Managing the dynamics of endpoint infrastructure is a challenging task. Organizations today need proactive endpoint security measures that can protect against zero-day attacks and unknown threats. With the current threat landscape which is full of stealthy, targeted, and financially motivated attacks, organizations are facing an increasingly complex security environment. Many sophisticated threats can evade traditional security solutions, leaving organizations open to data theft and manipulation, disruption of business, and damage to corporate brand and reputation.Deploying security solutions individually on each endpoint is not only time-consuming, it also increases IT complexity and costs. Organizations then need to provide management, training, and support for a variety of different endpoint security solutions.
This article outlines a new approach to securing and managing the enterprise endpoint computing environment.
Business problems at the endpoint
The IT department at a typical enterprise these days finds itself fighting some pretty fierce fires:
* Endpoint management costs are increasing The cost of downtime impacts both productivity and revenue. According to a recent study by Infonetics Research, network downtime caused by security attacks is costing large enterprises upwards of US$30 million a year. In addition, the costs to acquire, manage, and administer point products are increasing, as is demand on system resources.
* Complexity is increasing as well The manpower required to manage disparate endpoint protection technologies is inefficient and time-consuming. Also, differing technologies can often work against one another or impede system performance due to high resource consumption.
* Growing number of new known and unknown threats Stealth-based and silent attacks are increasing, so there is a need for antivirus to do much more. The current threat environment is characterized by an increase in data theft and data leakage, and the creation of malicious code that targets specific organizations for information that can be used for financial gain. One gauge of the growing sophistication of attacks is the appearance of blended threats, which integrate multiple attack methods such as worms, Trojan horses, and zero-day threats.
An integrated approach
Antivirus, antispyware, and other signature-based protection measures, which are primarily reactive, may have been sufficient to protect an organization’s vital resources a few years ago, but not today. Organizations now need proactive endpoint security measures that can protect against zero-day attacks and unknown threats. They need to take a structured approach to endpoint security, implementing a solution that not only protects them from threats on all levels, but also provides interoperability, seamless implementation, and centralized management.
Symantec’s approach to endpoint protection provides advanced threat prevention that protects endpoints from targeted attacks as well as attacks not seen before. It includes proactive technologies that automatically analyze application behaviors and network communications to detect and block suspicious activities, as well as administrative control features that allow administrators to deny specific device and application activities deemed as high risk for the organization. They can even block specific actions based on the location of the user. In the case of an infected endpoint, security products repair the damage by disinfecting or quarantining the system. The remediation process is then completed by deploying the necessary patch.
This approach calls for consolidating endpoint protection technologies in a single, integrated agent that can be administered from a central management console. The goal is to increase endpoint protection while eliminating the administrative overhead and costs associated with multiple security products.
Comprehensive protection
Organizations need a holistic approach to endpoint security that protects from threats at all levels. Traditional antivirus and antispyware solutions are no longer enough.
Symantec’s approach boosts protection and lessens overhead and costs of managing endpoint security by providing a single agent administered via a single console. It is an approach that can save organizations time and money while protecting their assets and business.
Jun 22, 2008
Canon goes for green technology with environment-friendly products
Canon Marketing Philippines recently announced its initiative to encourage awareness on current environmental issues by promoting the use of energy-efficient products.
“The company recognizes the critical global issue of environmental concerns. In line with this belief, Canon reiterates its commitment to provide products that lessen energy consumption and are increasingly earth-friendly,” Ramon G. Arteficio, Canon Marketing Philippines President and CEO said
Canon also announced that it has accomplished new product modifications and enhancements that are designed to lower energy consumption and increase recyclable materials including new automatic shut-off functions, decreasing warm-up period features, enhancing reusable plastic, and implementing an environmental information system in stages of product development.
“Complying with international standards of environmental preservation, Canon’s latest line of scanners, fax machines, copiers, and inkjet printers have gained the seal of Japan’s Eco Mark and USA’s Energy Star,” Arteficio said.
Arteficio also said that the company maintains close relationships with various organizations that promote environmental conservation.
“The company recognizes the critical global issue of environmental concerns. In line with this belief, Canon reiterates its commitment to provide products that lessen energy consumption and are increasingly earth-friendly,” Ramon G. Arteficio, Canon Marketing Philippines President and CEO said
Canon also announced that it has accomplished new product modifications and enhancements that are designed to lower energy consumption and increase recyclable materials including new automatic shut-off functions, decreasing warm-up period features, enhancing reusable plastic, and implementing an environmental information system in stages of product development.
“Complying with international standards of environmental preservation, Canon’s latest line of scanners, fax machines, copiers, and inkjet printers have gained the seal of Japan’s Eco Mark and USA’s Energy Star,” Arteficio said.
Arteficio also said that the company maintains close relationships with various organizations that promote environmental conservation.
Jun 19, 2008
Epson unveils new line of low-priced printers designed for back-to-school season
To address the need of students for affordable yet high quality digital imaging tools, Epson Philippines recently introduced its latest line of printers priced and designed for the entry-level users and first-time buyers.
The new line of low-cost Epson printers include the Stylus T10 (PhP2,195 SRP) and TX200 and TX400 stand-alone All-in-One models. All printers are equipped with Epson's innovative four-color individual ink cartridge system that significantly cuts ink costs because users will replace depleted ink cartridges separately.
Ed Bonoan, Epson Philippines Senior General Manager and Division Head for Sales and Marketing said, “we wanted to dispel the notion that only great artists using expensive printers and scanners can produce quality pictures and prints. With our new line of printers, students and other entry-level users can now afford professional-quality digital imaging tools for their school and recreation needs."
The new line of low-cost Epson printers include the Stylus T10 (PhP2,195 SRP) and TX200 and TX400 stand-alone All-in-One models. All printers are equipped with Epson's innovative four-color individual ink cartridge system that significantly cuts ink costs because users will replace depleted ink cartridges separately.
Ed Bonoan, Epson Philippines Senior General Manager and Division Head for Sales and Marketing said, “we wanted to dispel the notion that only great artists using expensive printers and scanners can produce quality pictures and prints. With our new line of printers, students and other entry-level users can now afford professional-quality digital imaging tools for their school and recreation needs."
Jun 18, 2008
Multiply.com ventures on Philippine market with ABS-CBN
Multiply.com founder and president Peter Pezaris, ABS-CBN Interactive managing director Paolo Pineda, and Multiply.com vice president for business development David Hersh brief the press before the announcement of Multiply.com and ABS-CBN's partnership at the Rockwell Tent, Makati City on June 18, 2008. (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN Interactive)Leading U.S.-based social networking web site Multiply.com recently announced its partnership with ABS-CBN Interactive in a bid to seize new business opportunities and create more online advertising revenue from the Philippines.
In a press briefing held at the Rockwell Tent in Makati City last June 18, Multiply.com founder and president Peter Pezaris confirmed that his company has signed up an exclusive marketing deal with ABS-CBN Interactive to sell Multiply.com online ad in the country.
Pezaris said that Multiply.com is currently one of the world’s largest multimedia sharing web sites with more than 9 million users worldwide who post about two million photos, 19,000 videos and 55,000 blog entries everyday.
Paolo Pineda, ABS-CBN Interactive managing director said “with currently more than 2.2 million members that has signed up from the country, Multiply.com is the fastest-growing and one of the most popular social networks in the Philippines."
According to web traffic analyzer Alexa.com, Multiply.com is currently the top 5 most visited web site in the Philippines generating more than a million page views everyday.
Pineda said that advertisement from the Philippines will only serve users from the country. He added that ABS-CBN’s extensive advertisement network will provide the revenue for Multiply.com.
David Hersh, Multiply.com vice president for business development said that a large number of members in the Philippines are engaging in online retail business through Multiply.com. “This is something that is unique about Philippine members that we can explore with ABS-CBN,” Hersh said.
Launched in 2004, Multiply.com’s online services provide free personal web site that allows peer-based sharing of photos, blogs, videos, and other digital content.
ABS-CBN Interactive manages the Internet operations of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, the largest media and entertainment company in the Philippines.
Jun 17, 2008
Blu-Ray gears up to conquer optical disc domain
The second half of 2008 should be a challenge as well as a blissful ground for Sony’s Blu-Ray as major studios that previously released HD-DVDs zero in on Blu-Ray Disc format.Sony’s strategy leveled up Blu-Ray’s position in seeding on PlayStation3 with Blu-Ray discs and controlling major TV and movie content-distribution channels. The announcement of motion picture giant Warner Brothers early this year that it will exclusively release its productions in Blu-Ray has stirred excitement in the industry, bringing the whole pack of Hollywood studios to throw their weight behind Blu-ray and also announce the dumping of HD-DVD. It’s a big blow for Toshiba to step down and finally end the manufacture of HD-DVD gears. As a result, Blu-Ray eventually sets up to become the industry’s standard for high-density optical discs.
Blu-Ray is now up for the challenge to push for market acceptance and ignite the home entertainment industry that shows a slowing down due to piracy. We now expect to see Blu-Ray devices to pop-up to enhance our movie viewing and burning delights.
What is Blu-Ray?Blu-ray, also called “Blu-Ray Disc” or simply BD, is the more contemporary optical disc media designed for high-definition video and data storage following on the path of legacy CD and DVD formats. The term “Blu-ray” comes from the innovative blue laser used to read and write a new type of disc that can store 25-50 GB of data as compared to about 5-9 GB of DVDs. Bigger capacity will mean more stored data and generally higher quality images and sound for high-definition movies. Hitachi, TDK and Panasonic recently announced a 100GB four-layered Blu-ray Disc for movie content and data archives. This will mean that the whole 100 GB of data stored on a PC can be backed up in just one of those discs.
Developed by a group of consumer electronics and motion picture companies led by Sony, Blu-Ray drives are designed to be backward compatible to play DVD and CD formats.
Jun 15, 2008
NVIDIA unleashes GeForce GTX 200 Series
Geared up to accelerate heavy graphics tasks while delivering exciting visual experience, NVIDIA recently unleashed its latest GeForce GTX 200 graphics cards series with the company’s new flagship GeForce G200 GPU (graphics processing unit). Manufactured using 65nm process technology featuring an unprecedented amount of transistors for higher performance and enhanced PC gaming performance, the G200 GPU holds 1.4 billion transistors on its 240 unified shader/stream processors (on GTX 280) with re-designed thread dispatch processor, 80 texture units (80 texture address, 80 texture filtering units), 32 render back ends as well as 512-bit memory controller supporting PCI Express 2.0 platform.
The new family of GTX 200 graphics cards include the GTX 280 and GTX 260, all equipped with a new version of the NV IO controller that supports D-Sub, dual-link DVI, DisplayPort, and TV-Out. Other feature highlights of the GTX 280 include 1296MHz processor clock, 1GB GDDR3 standard memory configuration with 1107MHz memory clock, 512-bit memory interface width, and 141.7GB/sec memory bandwidth. The GTX 260 clutches 192 processor cores, 576MHz graphics clock, 1242MHz processor clock, 999MHz memory clock, 896MB GDDR3 standard memory configuration, 448-bit memory interface width, and 111.9GB/sec memory bandwidth.
The GTX 280 and GTX 260 include the second generation NVIDIA Unified Architecture, which delivers more gaming performance over previous NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra through improved 240 processor cores for an enhanced shading horsepower at resolutions as high as 2560 x 1600 dpi.
NVIDIA’s new 3-way SLI and PureVideo HD technologies are built in the GTX 280 and GTX 260 for implementing 3-way alternate frame rendering dubbed “the world’s fastest gaming solution under Windows Vista.” The new GTX 200 series is also set to support the groundbreaking NVIDIA CUDA technology, which now allows programmers to write applications and tinker on the GPU.
The new family of GTX 200 graphics cards include the GTX 280 and GTX 260, all equipped with a new version of the NV IO controller that supports D-Sub, dual-link DVI, DisplayPort, and TV-Out. Other feature highlights of the GTX 280 include 1296MHz processor clock, 1GB GDDR3 standard memory configuration with 1107MHz memory clock, 512-bit memory interface width, and 141.7GB/sec memory bandwidth. The GTX 260 clutches 192 processor cores, 576MHz graphics clock, 1242MHz processor clock, 999MHz memory clock, 896MB GDDR3 standard memory configuration, 448-bit memory interface width, and 111.9GB/sec memory bandwidth.
The GTX 280 and GTX 260 include the second generation NVIDIA Unified Architecture, which delivers more gaming performance over previous NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra through improved 240 processor cores for an enhanced shading horsepower at resolutions as high as 2560 x 1600 dpi.
NVIDIA’s new 3-way SLI and PureVideo HD technologies are built in the GTX 280 and GTX 260 for implementing 3-way alternate frame rendering dubbed “the world’s fastest gaming solution under Windows Vista.” The new GTX 200 series is also set to support the groundbreaking NVIDIA CUDA technology, which now allows programmers to write applications and tinker on the GPU.
Jun 13, 2008
Motorola launches ‘MOTO MashUP’ campaign for new music mobile phones
Motorola recently introduced its latest marketing theme dubbed “MOTO MASHUP” to promote the company's latest mobile phones that are designed with advanced multimedia capabilities.The MASHUP campaign features collaborations of popular international and local artists including Cars, DJ Fun Avy, Top Suzara and Radha to form a new blending of unique music from electropop, techno, cool rock and R&B genres.
The W230 and MotoROKR E8 are the new models that are highlighted in the theme. Designed with a dedicated MP3 player key, the W230 features 2GB memory capacity and an FM radio tuner. The ROKR E8 includes Windows Media Player 11, FM tuner, and ModeShift technology that allows a quick transition from phone to MP3 player to imaging device.
Other Motorola mobile phones included in the MOTO MASHUP campaign are E8, E6, V8, V9, Q8, Q9, Z6, K1, W360, W510 and W375. Track downloads for MASHUP phones are available at www.motomashup.com.ph.
Everex Cloudbook
SRP:Php20,000Everex lives up to its commitment to provide customers with high-performance, highly-affordable technology, simple and durable enough to be used in everyday life with the Everex CloudBook, a new Ultra Mobile Portable Computer designed to run Linux or Windows OS that will try to compete with other UMPCs on the market such as the Asus Eee PC, the OLPC and the Intel ClassMate. Just under 1Kg, the CloudBook's dimensions (WxDxH) are only 9.06" x 6.73 x 1.16" .Powered by a VIA C7 ULV 1.2GHz CPU and 512MB of RAM30GB hard drive, the CloudBook is featured with a built-in WiFi, 1.3MP webcam, speakers and 4-in-1 card reader, and Ethernet,DVI and two USB ports.
Display: 7" WVGA 800 x 480
Casing Color: Silver, Black
CPU: VIA C7-M ULV 1.2 GHz
Memory: 512MB DDR2
Display Card: VIA UniChrome Pro IGP
Storage: 30GB
Card Reader: 4-in1SD, MMC, MSPRO
Audio: Built-in mic/speakers
Wireless: 802.11b/g
Camera: Built-in 0.3MP
Input/Output: 2 USB, RJ45 Ethernet, DVI-I, earphone/mic
OS: Ubuntu, gOS Rocket
Dimensions: 23 × 17 × 3 cm (WHD)
Weight: 0.91 Kg
Jun 11, 2008
UltraMobile Dell XPS M1330
Weighing just under 1.8kg and featuring an ultra thin 0.9-inch profile, the premium ultra-portable world's thinnest 13.3" notebook Dell XPS M1330 doesn't minimize power or connectivity.
Priced at PhP84,995 (SRP), standard features include a high definition 13.3-inch display, slot-load optical drive, full-sized keyboard, sophisticated touch sensitive media buttons, and HDMI support.
Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the nVidia discrete graphics, integrated fingerprint reader and webcam and dual digital microphones.
The XPS M1330 is powered by high-performance Intel Core 2 Duo processors and comes with Microsoft Windows Vista Premium or Ultimate.
Additional features include: Choice of colors, including Tuxedo Black, Crimson Red and Midnight Blue; 13.3" widescreen high definition display with TrueLife for crisp and vivid images (WXGA1280×800); High performance NVIDIA® GeForce Go 8400M graphics with 128MB dedicated memory; Dell Media Direct and Instant Office technology for fast, one-button access to videos, music or photos, calendar and contacts; Standard 802.11g Wi-fi networking a/g/n; Standard slot-load DVD+/- RW with dual layer capability; Standard integrated 8-in-1 media card reader to enable easy transfer of content from digital devices. Other ports include HDMI, two USB ports, IEEE 1394a, dual headphone jacks; Standard integrated webcam with dual digital microphones and noise-isolation ear buds; Standard consumer travel remote that stores in system Express Card slot; Standard 6-cell lithium-ion battery; Fingerprint reader for security and convenience.
Display: 13.3" WXGA 1280 x 800
Casing Color: Red, Silver Black
CPU: Intel Core2Duo 1.6-2.6GHz
Memory: 1-4GB DDR2
Display Card: nVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
Storage: Up to 200GB3, Up to 160GB3 SATA, Up to 64GB SSD, DVD Burner
Card Reader: 8-in-1
Audio: Built-in mic/speakers
Wireless: Atheros 802.11a/b/g with dual antenna, Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG, Bluetoot
Camera: Built-in 0.3Mp
Input/Output: 2 USB ports, Firewire, RJ45 Ethernet, (x2) dual digital array mics
OS: Windows Vista Ultimate
Dimensions: 12.5” x 9.4” x 1.33” (WHD)
Weight: 1.8 Kg
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