AMD features hardware acceleration of Flash

Heard that Nvidia is going to put hardware acceleration onto rendering flash videos the previous time? Now, AMD is doing the same thing. What you'll get is a better quality flash video compared to a normal CPU accelerated flash video. Because GPUs are more efficient in doing graphics stuffs(obviously), this will tremendously improve your battery life if you're using a laptop.

Together with ATI's avivo technology that ensures that your picture you get will be crystal clear
Not forgetting Nvidia's PureVideoHD technology as well.

99% of the videos on the web is flash based. So the improvement will certainly be significant.

Do look forward to the availability of GPU accelerated flash videos on the new version of flash! Flash 10.1

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Nvidia Fermi Cards -Power Hungry

What I mean by power hungry? The specifications and pricing of the fermi cards gtx480 and gtx 470 are finally out.

Performance wise, GTX480 gains back the title for being the faster single die GPU in the world, "crushing" ATI's 5870 in some of the benchmark. Good job for Nvidia! I really like Nvidia's innovations like Physx and 3Dvision and with this new card, I'm sure that many hearts out there will be back supporting Nvidia again.

Whats the problem?
There is one major problem with the GTX480 and GTX470. They simply consume too much power! And they really run hot hot hot. GTX480 can come up to 90 degrees Celsius when on load and even reaching 100 degree Celsius when in overclocking situations. Even though it already has a beefy heatsink on the reference card. Make sure that you have proper case ventilation if you are considering this card!
Fermi just comsumes too much power(electricity). GTX480 even uses more power than 5970-the dual gpu card by ATI. Imagine that!

I'm still sticking on with ATI's 5000 series. Nvidia's cards are good, but I don't want to see my electricity bills go so high up! Besides, ATI's new gfx card refresh is coming soon, so do look out for that.

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Update: Wikipedia is down!

Yes! I'm right! Wikipedia is really down. Server not found error. Something happened to their servers?

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Memories:Tech You On

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Tech You On's got a new logo!

Tech You On is constantly expanding and a revamp to the website is necessary. Therefore, we have just got one artist from my class to design the new Tech You On logo.(maybe we didnt have a logo at all in the first place)

Here it is














A change to the webpage will most likely be done during the september holidays, but it all depends on workload and other projects.

by eunice

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Mac on PC? Who says its impossible?

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Mac on PC? Who says its impossible?


Here, Mac OS 10 leopard was installed on a Lenovo R60. It failed on the Fujitsu T4020. I supposed a dual-core processor is needed for it to work.


Who says it's impossible? But I think you don't want to do it.

















Why?

Firstly, Mac OS are not meant for PCs. It is illegal to install Mac on a PC.
Secondly, Mac are just not meant for PCs! Many hardwares won't work. For this instance of the lenovo R60, the wireless won't work. The rest works perfectly.



I would not encourage people to install it, but if you are daring enough and want to give it a try, you can try iatkos and kalyway distributions.

I had mine uninstalled immediately after realising that wireless can't work.

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Gadget Review: Creative Zen Stone Plus

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Creative Zen Stone Plus! with build in speaker

Creative Zen Stone Plus is simply great. Its got everything in it. 2nd Generation of the Zen Stone Plus includes this uber cool built in speaker.

As small as a matchbox, it contains your favourite music files and plays them back not only through earphones, but a built in speaker.

The speaker is quite powerful, and it can be as loud as a normal cellphone.

Availability of the OLED screen allows you to know what you are playing, and find what you want to play.

Supports FM radio and allows you to preset 32 of your favourite channels.

Voice Recording is made easy with Creative Zen Stone Plus with its built in microphone.

Stopwatch function with the OLED Screen.

Power comes from a built in rechargeable battery in the player itself, and you recharge it as you plug it into you computer's USB port.

Listen up to 20hours of songs with the Creative Zen Stone Plus.

Why buy it?
Everything's built in to the mp3 player. There isn't much more you can expect from this reasonable price of

S$99-2gB
S$149-4GB

Earphones included in the package.

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Question: How to get HD5?

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

How to get HD5?


The Beijing Olympics' just around the corner. With 2 more days to go, wouldn't you want to catch all the action in full HD? Mediacorp's HD 5's airing the olympic games in FULL HD! Don't miss out the action. Get HD 5 today!

How to get HD5?
HD5 is broadcasted over the air, however, you need a
  • TV antenna to pick up the signal
  • HD DVB-T MPEG-4 AVC set-top box (STB) to decode the HD signals and
  • HD-ready TV or integrated HDTV set, i.e DVB-T MPEG-4 AVC STB is built-in the HDTV set) to display HD5
Also, you can get Singtel's Mio TV plan and watch HD5 for free. I had my Mio TV trial the previous time. HD5 just worked better with clearer pictures and audio quality even on a normal non-hd tv set.(With Mio Set-top box connected by component video cables)Of course, it will work even better with a HD-enabled TV.

Just like Singtel's Mio TV, the Starhub cable TV includes HD5 too. Starhub started providing HD services just recently on 28th July just ready for the Olympic games. Sign up for Starhub cable TV and you will get HD5 right on your TV.

MediaCorp’s HD5 is provided free to all who owns an HD DVB-T MPEG-4 AVC digital receiver. No fee is required.

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Software review: AVG Free

Wednesday, August 27, 2008


A free anti-virus protection for casual users or surfers of the internet is avg free. According to its website, it is used and trusted by over 70 million people. This programe provides a comprehensive basic security with features such as safe download or safe search. The layout is also simple, easy to download and easy to use.

Download this program free at http://free.avg.com/ww.download













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Question: How does google work?

Thursday, July 31, 2008

How does google work?

A quick type of letters and voila! The web page you want is right there. However , how exactly does Google works? How does the find the web page you are visiting now? Everyday Thousands of new websites are created so how does Google put them into their database?


Firstly, it has the evil Googlebot, Google’s Web Crawler!
















Googlebot is well, a bot which searches the web pages. It downloads them and sends them to google's huge database index. Googlebot consists of many computers requesting and fetching pages much more quickly than you can with your web browser. In fact, Googlebot can request thousands of different pages simultaneously. To avoid overwhelming web servers, or crowding out requests from human users, Googlebot deliberately makes requests of each individual web server more slowly than it’s capable of doing.


Google also learns of new web pages through their add page site www.google.com/addurl.html , by typing your website in here Google will be notified off your new web page and it will be linked on Google.


Also the Google indexer database doesn’t index common words such as the, is, on, or, of, how, why, as well as certain single digits and single letters. These words are so common that they do little to narrow a search, and therefore they can safely be discarded. The indexer also ignores some punctuation and multiple spaces, as well as converting all letters to lowercase, to improve Google’s performance.

Google also claims in their website that they have two types of technology to make searches faster, PageRank and Hypertext - Matching Analysis.

From google website :

PageRank Technology: PageRank reflects our view of the importance of web pages by considering more than 500 million variables and 2 billion terms. Pages that we believe are important pages receive a higher PageRank and are more likely to appear at the top of the search results.

PageRank also considers the importance of each page that casts a vote, as votes from some pages are considered to have greater value, thus giving the linked page greater value. We have always taken a pragmatic approach to help improve search quality and create useful products, and our technology uses the collective intelligence of the web to determine a page's importance.



Hypertext-Matching Analysis: Our search engine also analyzes page content. However, instead of simply scanning for page-based text (which can be manipulated by site publishers through meta-tags), our technology analyzes the full content of a page and factors in fonts, subdivisions and the precise location of each word. We also analyze the content of neighboring web pages to ensure the results returned are the most relevant to a user's query.

Credits: www.google.com


This is a picture showing what exactly happens during a search :





Thanks For Your Kind Attention.

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Difference between bits and btyes

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Bits and Bytes

The two terms of "bits" and bytes" are commonly used computer terms.
Many people tend to mistake these two terms. They do not mean the same thing.
This is a scenario of a way how these two terms are mistaken.

SCENARIO

Tom has an enquiry about his internet connection speed and decided to call up his Internet Service Provider(ISP)

Tom: Hello there. I am not sure why I can't reach the maximum speed for my broadband internet service when I download. What is the problem with you guys?
ISP: I am sorry, but what is the issue?
Tom: I had just signed up for the 10Megabyte per second broadband service. Why is it that the maximum speed when I download is only about 1.25 Megabyte per second?
ISP: I am sorry sir, but I think you have been mistaken. We do not provide internet service at a speed of 10megabyte per second, but we do provide a 10megabit per second one.
Tom: ??? Whats the difference? Don't try to scam me!
ISP: Bytes are denoted as a capital letter B, but bits are denoted as the small b.
Tom: !@$# Stop B 'ing around. I'll find out myself! You dumbass! Don't try to scam me of my money! I am going to complain you to the ministry!

Tom slams the phone down.

This is the common confusion people space.

For now, let me clarify your doubts.
Bits usually refer to the data transfer rate, while bytes mainly refer to the storage capacity of a certain media.

Conversion between bits and bytes are as follows.

1byte(B)=8bits(b)
1megabyte(mB)=8megabits(mb)
1gigabyte(gB)=8gigabits(gb)

So therefore, if you have signed up with your ISP for an 8mbps broadband plan, you would only expect a download speed of 1mBps.

For example, this is showing downloading rate in bytes. -windows downloader.
Note that the byte is denoted as capital letter "B".














While here, the transfer rate is in bits, denoted by the small letter "b".














There,we had bits and bytes explained.

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Software Review: Audacity

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Software Review: Audacity








Audacity

The Free, Cross-Platform Sound Editor

Audacity is a audio editing software, which at the same time allows you to record audio in 1 or even more channels. Its simple, and all you need is just a microphone to record audio, and speakers for playback!

It is supported to open .mp3 files format, together with wav, ogg vorbis and also AIFF.
I would recommend anyone who wants to cut songs to set as ringtones to use this software as it allows you to export in .mp3 format too. However, for that you need an additional free download of the Lame MP3 encoder.
Audio editing and audio format converting is made easy. Download your copy of Audacity free now!

Click here to download.

It supports all platforms from windows to linux and mac.

Best of all , its free!

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Software review : CC CLeaner

Monday, July 28, 2008

Software review : CC CLeaner.

As quote from www.ccleaner.com "CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware! :) "

This software is great for removing unwanted or extra files and to clear up your system. It is far superior then windows disk cleanup. As it does not create fragments and also searches far more quicker and faster. It is a very very good programe also to remove traces of internet site you visited and cookies and such. However this programe does not have a 'Unwanted files compressing system' like windows disk cleanup. It also help you to due with issues such as fragmented links and files.

The layout of this software is also easy to use and it has a simple plain layout. A checklist is also present for what you want and do not want to be removed.

This programe also has the 'Analyse' function which tells you what you would removed and the amout of space which will be freed. It evens give you a case-by-case analysis of the different types of files.

Download CC Cleaner free at http://www.ccleaner.com/download

On the whole i would give it a 8.5/10
Style 6.5/10
Ease of use 9.5/10
Funtionality 8/10
Speed 9/10

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Connecting any audio output to a radio set

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Connecting any audio output to a radio set

Have you ever wanted to play your mp3 songs from your mp3 player to your car stereo system? How about amplifying your mp3 player to a radio speaker?
You need not think more. Technology never fails as I always say.
It is possible for you to do it.


All you need is a simple FM audio transmitter to do the work.
This device allows you to create your own electromagnetic waves embedded with audio information into a certain radio frequency. This way, as you switch your radio receiver into that frequency, you will be able to hear audio you transmitted. Easy and inexpensive.
I got mine at Cyberactive computers at WestMall some time ago, which cost me S$9.90. Although audio quality goes down a little, but its better than nothing. For better quality, perhaps some other better brands like Belkin can do it better.

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Windows Vista VS Ubuntu Studio (Boot Time)

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Windows Vista VS Ubuntu Studio (Boot Time)

This is our very first video review.


Using two almost identical devices to test out the boot time for the two different operating system makes the results even more accurate.

Note that both Ubuntu Studio and Windows Vista are not modified to make them boot any faster. They are original versions of each OS.

Windows Vista boots up a few seconds faster than Ubuntu Studio, even though the typing in of username and passeword for ubuntu studio is just 2 seconds.

Windows Vista may had booted up faster than Ubuntu, but I think a few more seconds would not cost users much. Also, Ubuntu has many other privileges over Windows Vista as well.(Other reviews will be posted on that)

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CCCP- The Combined Communtity Codec Pack

Friday, July 25, 2008

CCCP- The Combined Communtity Codec Pack















Simple, easy to use, freeware codecs which allow you to play all media files. Created by Anime lovers for anime lovers.

I would say this is the best media player ever! Its just simple to use with windows media classic and zoom player. Really plays everything! Supports subtitles too!

Visit their website here.

It is recommended for you to uninstall all other codecs before installing CCCP.

Download CCCP here!

Visit us regularly for an exclusive comparison of the Ubuntu and Vista Boot time and also an Ubuntu review!

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SRS Audio Sandbox

Friday, July 25, 2008

Review: SRS Audio SandBox

This is the SandBox Interface:
It is a very nice software suitable for all.
The interface is simple, and easy to use.










    SRS Audio Sandbox™
    will provide amazing audio immersion and maximum thump for a personalized audio experience!

  • Realistic & enjoyable surround sound
  • Enjoy deep, rich bass
  • Choose from many cool presets for all your music, videos and games
  • Custom settings for headphones & desktop or surround speakers
  • Compatible with all music, videos & games on the PC
  • Compact mini mode display option
HEAR THE DIFFERENCE HERE!

This software is priced at $25.
It is a little costly but is indeed an audio enhancement software worthy of your money!

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Pointui, the definitive user interface for mobile devices

Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Pointui, the definitive user interface for mobile devices
Pointui. User Interface for Windows Mobile PDA and smartphones.



As you can see from the video, after loading up the pointui interface(which just takes a few seconds,thats fast) I reach the PointUI home page.
Point UI's Home
The different main functions can be accessed here. Firstly, on the most left of the screen is the call register(phone). Next to it is email(envelope), then sms(speech bubble), and favourite application(star).
At the bottom of the page, is where i can access my contacts, and view running or open up applications.
Browsing through all the different functions of the PointUI is a breeze as it enables touch screen on my HTC touch, together with finger gestures, I can browse through my contacts just by sliding my finger vertically across the screen. It is something common with the iphone. If I want to view my contacts alphabetically, I can move my finger to the right side of the screen and directly slide my finger on the screen again to move to the letter of contact I want.
Applet Ribbon
Sliding with my finger on the home page, I can browse from the clock option to the calendar,tasks, appointments and weather.

Volume Settings
Adjusting the volume settings is rather easy. Touching the screen, you can customize the volume settings according to the different occasions. There are also default settings like vibration mode and slient mode.

My views
From my point of view, I personally like PointUI as I can easily customize the phone settings well for the ease of use. Its design provides an alternative user interface to the normal windows mobile home. And also, its free!
There is a commercial version out there which allows full features of the pointUI.

For more information and download, visit the pointui webpage here.

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Ubuntu:Linux for Human Beings

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The spirit of Ubuntu
Ubuntu is an african word which means"humanity to others.

Browsing the main folders of my Ubuntu, I found this video, which particularly inspires me about the art of giving and humanity. I hope this video would inspire people to carry on the spirit of Ubuntu.

Respect, help, sharing, community, caring, trust, unselfishness.

These words make up the spirit of ubuntu, which now the linux operating system still insist on it being a freeware for us to share around. I respect Canonical Ltd. and will pass down the message of Ubuntu to everyone.

Its more than just an operating system. Its about the meanings of life.
USE UBUNTU!



Feeling: Inspired

Yzuke

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Software Review: CamStudio

Monday, July 21, 2008
CamStudio
TYO is currently using
CamStudio - Desktop Screen Recorder






for all our Desktop screen captures and support. It is a simple, user-friendly software that enables you to record your own screen. That makes life easier for us as we can show what we are doing on our own computer screens to people who need help out there.
Best of all, its open source! Means, its freeware!

CamStudio 1.0 Download Link

Loseless Codec Download Link

For more information, you can visit their webpage here or the sourceforge website.


Yzuke

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iBook G4 repair

Posted by Yzuke Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I would like to thank amanda woo and her dad for donating the ibook g4 for our research.

Problem, unbootable OS with a failing power cord.

I fixed the power cord(somehow actually mummified it. LOL), now, left with booting up.

Not much advancements yet. Just this.





I tore the whole iBook G4 out. Changed the hard drive. and its all done!

But i also realised I missed out quite a lot of screws. haha. Who cares? As long as it works, it doesn't matter!

I want to make a comment that although apple products looks sleek on the outside, but in the inside, its "wow". They complicated stuffs. Just changing a hard drive, you need to basically tear everything down and put them back together again. Unlike T4020, changing HDD is a breeze.

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TechYouOn-Still remember?

TechYouOn if you can remember, is an initiative by me and a few other friends. It's dead but I'm going to revive it! I'll be bringing all the post over here to Zhng My Com. Get ready!

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How apple pwns you.


Tablet fever? I believe you would have heard of the iPad. Unbelievably, it shows how apple pwns you when the battery of the iPad goes dead, or is unable to hold any electrical charge. Based on apple's term and conditions, dead batteries are due to accidents, liquid contact and do not qualify for replacement policy.

So how much do you need to pay?

If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.

How much does it cost? The service costs $99, plus $6.95 shipping. The total cost is $105.95 per unit.

IN US DOLLARS

Will the data on my iPad be preserved? No. You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data. Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad.


iPad ftw


References from: http://vr-zone.com/articles/dead-ipad-battery--apple-tells-you-how/8591.html

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HOOT HOOT PARTY@ ITSHOW 2010


Guess what I bought at ITSHOW this year?
1)Creative Inspire T6160 5.1 channel speaker system
(Had to carry it all the way from suntec back to cck. heavy sia)
2)4GB Kingston SD card
3)Logitech Internet Pro Keyboard
4)Logitech Optical Mouse
5)10 DVD-R Lightscribe Media

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Computer Repair at NRICH Learning Centre

NRICH Learning Centre

Computer Repair

Anothony Tang:*********

Motherboard: ASUS P5PE-VM,

RAM: 1GB Kingston DDR1 RAM, 256MB DDR1 RAM

Graphics card: Ati Radeon 9200LE

HDD: Samsung Spinpoint 2.5” 120GB HDD

Optical Drive: Creative DVDRW 16X

PSU:20 Pin,P4 4 Pin

Fault:

Once boot, error from both partition of windows XP, indicating possible missing system files due to accidental delete or hard drive failure.

Took out the Hard Drive from current system and tested it for bad sectors. Bad sectors found at various locations of the hard drive. Hard Drive in current system failure

Replaced hard drive with new hard drive(HITACHI 7200RPM SATA 320GB 3.5”)

Installed Windows XP

Installed Office 2003

Installed Drivers


FIXED!

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Zhen Guo's 2nd build


Here are the specifications:

AMD Athlon II x2 240 Processor
Biostar Mcp6p-M2+ Motherboard
Crucial 2GB 800MHz RAM
LG 22x DVD Writer
Western Digital 320GB HDD
Powerlogic Case
Acer 19" LCD Monitor
Edifier M1350 2.1 Speakers

Some little benchmark, using windows experience index aka WEI

More details about my computer


Component

Details

Subscore

Base score

Processor

AMD Athlon(tm) II X2 240 Processor

6.2

3.2

Determined by lowest subscore

Memory (RAM)

2.00 GB

5.5

Graphics

NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM)

3.6

Gaming graphics

831 MB Total available graphics memory

3.2

Primary hard disk

286GB Free (298GB Total)

5.9

Windows 7 Ultimate

System



Manufacturer

BIOSTAR Group


Model

N61PB-M2S


Total amount of system memory

2.00 GB RAM


System type

32-bit operating system


Number of processor cores

2


64-bit capable

Yes

Storage



Total size of hard disk(s)

298 GB


Disk partition (C:)

286 GB Free (298 GB Total)


Media drive (D:)

CD/DVD

Graphics



Display adapter type

NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM)


Total available graphics memory

831 MB


Dedicated graphics memory

128 MB


Dedicated system memory

0 MB


Shared system memory

703 MB


Display adapter driver version

8.15.11.8593


Primary monitor resolution

1366x768


DirectX version

DirectX 9.0 or better

Network



Network Adapter

D-Link Wireless G DWA-110 USB Adapter

Notes



The gaming graphics score is based on the primary graphics adapter. If this system has linked or multiple graphics adapters, some software applications may see additional performance benefits.



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