AMD Display Driver 8.12 and ATI Avivo Video Converter

AMD has released the new display driver for this month (8.12). The driver enables owners of 4800 and 4600 series Radeon graphics cards to have the privilege of able to utilise the stream processors in these graphics cards for more general computing tasks that are handled by CPU nowadays. 

Simply said, the graphics cards will help CPU in processing, IF the software supports ATI Stream.

With the ability to harness the power of stream processors in 4800 and 4600 series Radeon graphics cards, AMD has released ATI Avivo Video Converter for free. This converter uses the ATI Stream to speed up the video conversion, up to 17x the speed of CPU conversion speed.

The converter is included inside the Catalyst 8.12 suite.

You can download the driver suite here and read more about the Avivo converter here.

Successful with the conversion? Then leave your comments here.

6 reasons why you should not choose LabelFlash or LightScribe

Label Flash and Light Scribe are both disc labeling technologies that lets you imprint some graphics on a disc. While it may sound cool that you can "burn" images on your disc with your computer, there are drawbacks that certainly make that thought vanish with a blink.

First and foremost, these technologies doesn't come cheap. It's the exact opposite, they are very expensive. You have to purchase a Light Scribe or Label Flash compatible blank disc which is 75% more expensive than normal blank disc. Imagine, for buying every 100 Light Scribe or Label Flash compatible blank disc, you can get 175 normal blank disc.

Secondly, you have to buy the Light Scribe or Label Flash compatible optical drive(CD/DVD-ROM) too. Though I don't know how much they cost now, but it is surely more expensive than normal optical drive. Combined the cost of blank disc and optical drive together, they are really really expensive.

Third, not all software supports these technologies, that's another reason you have to fork out money to buy the software too. Freeware such as CD BurnerXP does not support both the Label Flash and Light Scribe, but shareware such as Nero supports them both.

Fourth, you have to wait for the images to be "imprint" on the discs. The drive don't burn and imprint the images at the same time. You have to do one at a time and well, the "imprint" time is not as fast at burning. Light Scribe and Label Flash have to use at least 20 minutes and 7 minutes respectively to finish their imprint.

Fifth, the images that imprinted on the disc are not colorful as rainbow. Heck, they can't even print out more than 1 color. You can only look at the disc to admire the design rather then the color. And when you put the disc into your computer, I highly doubtful you can look at the design.

Finally, you have to store the disc away from extreme heat, humidity and direct sunlight. As if that is not enough, you have make sure your hand is very clean and free of grease to prevent the smearing of your image. This only applies for Light Scribe disc.

Below summarizes drawbacks of using Label Flash and Light Scribe :

1. More expensive blank disc as they need to be Light Scribe or Label Flash compatible (roughly 75% more expensive compared to normal blank disc)
2. More expensive Light Scribe or Label Flash optical drive
3. Have to buy specific software that supports Light Scribe or Label Flash
4. Long image "imprint" time (7 minutes for Label Flash and 20 Minutes for Light Scribe)
5. Mono colored images
6. Exercise precaution when storing the disc (for Light Scribe)
   

My conclusion is, if you have money to burn, time to wait and have an artistic taste, why not use the Label Flash and Light Scribe. For other who have better things to do with their money and time, a normal blank disc is overall a better choice. In my opinion, disc are only used for storing data files, not a decoration.

PC Guide : Buying a Pre-Configured PC from dealers or DIY

OK, you are getting your first pc, but you have no idea as to buy a pre-configured pc from dealers such as acer, asus and lenovo or make a pc from your own hands. But let's compare the pros and cons 1st.
Pros of Buying a Pre-Configured PC from dealers :

• You don't have to give a damn about what components to choose as long the PC suits your budget.
• You don't have to mess up your hands to assemble your pc
• You don't need to have knowledge on how to assemble pc

Cons :

• The price are typically more expensive than same specifications DIY pc.
• Too many unnecessary software inside your pc.
• You don't get to choose your components (except for dell, alienware and hp)

As for DIY, the pros are :

• You get to choose your components, such as cheaper brand graphic card or casings.
• You can assemble pc ( if you like it).
• No unnessary software inside when you powered it up for the 1st time.

Cons :

• Have to assemble your pc (most shop can help you free assemble the pc if you buy all parts from their shop)

Personally, I prefer DIY as I can have more control over the hardware I want. In the end, it's up to you.
If you decided to DIY, you can check my Hardware Rig: November PC Configuration for ideas or guides.

Things to do when your hard disk crashed

2 days ago, my sis' computer crashed and wouldn't boot into windows no matter what. I tried using safe mode to get inside and it failed too. I thought maybe some virus got inside so I get my windows xp installation disc to reinstall the OS (mind you, not reformat the whole drive).
After a while, the setup stopped and inform me that the hard drive had errors. Guess it's about time the hard drive died anyway, since it has been in our service for 10 years. But what about the precious files inside? photos, songs, videos? can't i retrieve them? Yes, you can, provided that the files are not located in your damaged sector.
Here are the steps to get back your files:

1. Get a external hard disk drive or pendrive to store your files
2. Go to ubuntu, download the latest image file and burn it (using your families' or friends' computer)
3. Once finished, insert it to your crashed hard disk computer's dvd/cd-drive.
4. Set the boot priority to cd-rom in BIOS.
5. When you are inside ubuntu, copy all your important files to your other drive.
6. Reboot and you are done!

This is how I get back my sis files the cheap way. If you have any other ideas or recommendation, please leave your comments.
If your computer is really really old, you can check out my Hardware Rig: November PC Configuration for making your own new computer.

Dual-Core vs Quad-Core : The More The Better?

With the advancement of computer hardware, quad-core prices has dropped down to a level that can compete with dual-core cpu (central processing unit). The quad-core cpu that are commonly known are AMD Phenom X4, Intel Core 2 Quad and the newer Intel Core i7, while dual-core cpuhave AMD Athlon X2, Intel Core 2 Duo and Intel Pentium Dual-core. There are also tri-core cpu that manufactured by AMD call AMD Phenom X3.

When dual-core cpu was released, the hardware advertisers claimed that you can do more things in one time without bogging youe whole system down. That is true, as you can open a anti-virus scanner while surfing the web or playing games while converting movies. Now, software programmers have devised a way to make program multithreaded for dual-core or more, that is, make the program to utilize 2 cores instead of 1. This causes the software to compete for the cores, which also causes the system to bog down.

The arrival of quad-core saves the day, making software that utilizes 2-cores to run smoothly. However, at the same price point, quad-core cpu have lower GHz count compared to their dual-core siblings. Thus, it may seem that quad-core cpu sometimes outmatched by dual-core cpu when using dual-core multithread software. In software that optimizes quad-core cpu, they can beat the dual-core cpu by 50% or more.

Benchmark software such as PCmark or 3Dmark always shows that quad-core cpu obtains higher score than dual-core cpu. Thus we can safely conclude that in the same price point, quad-core should always be your choice.

Power consumption, on the other hand, is in dual-core favor. Those wishing to make a silent home-theater pc are better off with dual-core as they are more silent and less power hungry. Those wishing for performance are wise to choose quad-core cpu to make use of all it's cores.

In the end, if you wish to assemble a computer now, you are better off with quad-core as they are the future. The more is better afterall and you can do more in less time.

Notebook vs Netbook : performance or portability?

Notebook or netbook ? what's the difference between them? which is more suitable for my daily life?

Notebook, or laptop, is a portable computer that normally have :

• Screen size : 12 Inch and up
• Processor : Intel Pentium Dual-Core,Core 2 Duo or AMD Turion X2
• Graphics : Integrated or External Graphic Card, from Intel GMA x3100 to AMD Mobility HD 3870X2
• Weight : 1.9kg and up

Netbook, a smaller variant of notebook, 1st poineered by Asus with their release of Asus Eee PC 700,and now laptop companies such as Acer and MSI released their own netbooks (Acer aspire one and MSI wind respectively), have :

• Screen size : 12 Inch max
  
• Processor : VIA C7 1.2GHz, Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz or AMD Geode 800MHz
• Graphics : Integrated Graphic Card, mostly Intel GMA 900 or 950
  
• Weight : 1.1kg and below

1st, let's compare the screen size. With notebook screen size normally hovers around 14.1 to 15.4 inch, you can have a good movie viewing pleasure and don't have to squint your eyes just to see some text. With screen size 12 inch and lower, you might have a hard time typing documents in your netbook.

2nd, the processor. It is a very important part or consideration because it process the website content. The faster the processor, the faster the page loads. If you normally surf around the YouTube (which is heavy in javascript and flash) then you will know that loading that website takes longer than sites such as wikipedia or forums. With a slow processor, you browser might suddenly hangs if you opened too much tabs. The netbook cpu can't even handle 1080p movie and it will shutter all the way till the end. You can read more about the Intel Atom cpu here.

 

3rd, the graphic card. If your primary concern is playing games, you can skip the netbook altogether as their graphic are really really lame. Some claim that they install World of Warcraft inside their netbook, but with lame graphic card and small screen, how are you ever gonna enjoy playing that game. On the other hand, notebook have better graphic card than netbook even in the low-end section. They can handle World of Warcraft and other older games easily without breaking a sweat literally.

4th, the weight. This is where the netbook really shines. With their low weight (and small screen), they are truly fit the definition of portability. Thier weight are almost half of the notebook weight, which is a good thing if you're not into bodybuilding. Coupled with their power adapter, the max weight might be only 1.5kg. 

In the end, it all boils down to you. Which one you prefer the most. If you like to play games or watch movies, notebook is the way to go. If you surf the web more often and type short documents, netbook is you choice. Be warned that netbook keyboard is really small and not suitable for long-term typing.

Intel vs AMD : Clearing Up The Myth

Let's say you are given 2 options :

A. Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2180 (2.0 GHz) + Biostar P35D2-A7 (total price: RM525)

B. AMD Athlon X2 5200+ (2.7 GHz) + Biostar TA780G M2+ (total price: RM495)

If you choose option A because you heard people say that Intel rules and AMD sucks, then you are half right. The reason is that Intel really rules......IN THE HIGH-END(RM 600++) section, while AMD sucks because they can't compete in the high-end. But that does not mean that in the low-end(RM200~350), AMD still sucks.

Option A and B, both their performance are almost equivalent (see this, the 5200+ and E6420 you see are 2.6GHz and 2.13GHz respectively, try to gauge the performance yourself). But the difference is the motherboard. While both MB(motherboard) are almost the same price, the AMD MB sports extra features, like an integrated graphics card and smaller chipset die (55nm - means less power consumption).

Not to mention that AMD MB can support next-gen cpu while Intel cannot. Intel likes to change their chipset cpu support every year, so the Intel MB you bought this year might not be compatible with the cpu that released next year.

So it all boils down to choices, whether you prefer AMD or Intel.

Remember, this post is for the non-overclock, average guy. If you are an overclocker, stop telling people to buy Intel cpu because they overclock better, NOT all people understand or want to take the risk of overclocking.

Cheap Digital Cameras- What Do You Really Need?

A cheap digital camera is what everyone is looking for, but what is really important is that you know what your needs are before you buy anything. Imagine spending $150 and feeling great about the deal you got, but you then realize that this camera is not enough for which you need! Basically, we need to take a look and match the price to what your usage is going to be. Here are some of the things you need to know about in order to choose the right cheap digital camera.

Camera manufacturers all talk about the megapixel (MP) as a rating of the quality of the picture, and how good a camera is, but the mega pixel as a measurement of the quality of the camera is actually not a good point of measure.

The megapixel tells you only how many megapixels the camera has. The reason camera salesman talk about the megapixel is because it's an easy point of reference to try to upsell you. The reality is that the lens quality and the light sensors make a more significant impact than the megapixels. The thing is, it's hard for a consumer to understand all of the differences between lens quality and light sensors. That's why they all push the mega pixel. With technology improvements, the mega pixels keep getting higher, but that may not be what you really need. And is that all you are measuring your camera purchase with?

For most general users, you will never print a picture larger than 8x10. The 3.1 mega pixel prints a perfect 8x10, but the new standard is 7-8 mega pixels. Unless you are a pro photographer, then anything over 3.1 is great. So, instead of spending bucks on a seven or eight mega pixel camera, you can get anything from 3.1 on up.

The next thing you wanted to is pick the right physical configuration of the camera. You may be spending more than you need if you buy more camera than you can handle. The pro models are very cool, but be realistic about what you are going to do with the camera! How many times have you purchase something with all kinds of bells and whistles, but never learn how to use them, or had a difficult time using them? Be honest with yourself. If you're just a point and shoot kind of person, and keep with the simple camera.

A DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) typically has a larger body and a detachable lens. The DSLR is usually a higher end camera, and has more features and better components. Pro's typically buy a DSLR. For many of you reading this article, the DSLR camera is more camera than you'll ever need.
Here are the pros, the DSLR will take better pictures, but you will have to learn more. They are not point and click.

Compact cameras ("Point-and-shoot" cameras) are smaller, the lens is usually attached, and the lens actually retracts back into the camera base. This is the camera that is directly marketed to the consumer market. The cameras are made with less expensive ingredients and then a DSLR, but these point and shoot cameras are much more affordable. Many of the cameras you see advertised and in electronic stores in the few hundred dollar range are compact cameras.

The pros: The prices are much better, and affordable. Cons-the camera may not be repairable and goes out of date quickly. However, in many cases by the time the camera breaks it is out of date and the costs of purchasing a new one is actually cheaper.

Prosumer is a camera that occupies the middleground. These cameras have the benefits of both styles. They come with the better prices than the Pro camera, but have marginally better components than the point and shoot cameras. Basically it is a pro camera for the mass market consumer.

Take a few minutes and think about what your needs are before you buy your cheap digital camera. If you are taking quick pictures for a photo album, then anything on the market from a mega pixel standpoint is fine. If you are taking quick pictures, then a point and shoot should work for you. The other benefit of the point-and-shoot camera is that they are smaller, and can fit easily in your pocket or purse. Knowing that the mega pixel range these days is more than the average person needs, you can find gread prices and cheap digital camera deals with lower mega pixel cameras.

Advantages of Compact Digital Cameras

Compact Digital Cameras are simple to use with no complications in their operation. Today, the compact digital cameras are available in different versions. Features are similar to mobile phones with many options and you can quickly filter the features not used by you. Compact digital Cameras are offered by leading brands like Nikon, Canon, Panasonic and Fuji and so your choice is wide for selection. Compact digital cameras are portable and small camera devices and the smallest are referred to as subcompacts. They are designed for easy use and with features of high picture quality.

The images can be stored using only JPEG compression. They have in-built flash with low power and motion picture feature. They can take pictures of long range with sharp focus. Compact digital cameras are ideally suitable for snapshot and casual use.

The compact digital cameras can transfer data when connected directly to your computer. Traditional cameras have been using serial port but today the USB is widely used. Some companies offer FireWire port or the Bluetooth in their devices. Bluetooth is a wireless network that can be used by digital camera and also by other devices for exchanging information with a computer.
Subcompact Cameras are tinier than the Digital cameras. You can easily fit the same in your pockets and purses. It gives you the advantage of carrying almost everywhere and is the handiest one. The only disadvantage is its price, which is more expensive than the digital cameras and you will have a few manual controls. This also leads to over-exposing pictures.

For photographers, while traveling, their choice is the ultra compact digital camera. Though it is smaller in size, its performance is amazing. Some cameras have fantastic in-built zoom packed and give you extraordinary picture results. The mega pixels number varies from three to eight within the various brands of cameras available. Some cameras have digital zoom but for unbelievable picture quality and clarity you should go for cameras with both digital and optical zoom.

The battery life of these cameras varies and the quantity of pictures taken will depend on exposure type. Many Compact digital cameras have inbuilt movie mode along with sound. If you plan to capture action in your camera, then you should be sure of extra battery available with you. Before purchase, you have to compare prices and performance of all the models available. If you are planning to buy a particular model, select the model number. Otherwise compare technical opinions of the compact digital cameras available in the market. Size of the device is very important and the digital technology advancement has definitely increased the sales of compact digital cameras. Though they are dimensionally convenient, the way of use is a little difficult because of its smaller controls.

Features in these cameras keep on changing and improving. They are presented with speed activation and self –adjusting zoom by which the lenses capture fast motion shots. If the compact digital camera does not have the speed-setting feature, it cannot be used in a light-changing environment.

The compact digital cameras are getting smaller day-by-day that it has reached the size of credit card and can produce decent shots. Traditional cameras had heftier counterparts, but the camera size is not a matter since the compact digital cameras deliver superb pictures and never let you down with regard to quality and clarity.

How to Find the Best Computer Speakers

With the advancement in technology computer speakers have become an essential component of the computer. With these, people can listen to music, receive instant voice messages or make calls via the computer. Microphones can also be connected to the computer and the computer then connected to public address systems in conferences and other public gatherings. You can also connect headphones and earphones to act as speakers when you don't not need loud noises. This can be applicable in open plan office settings.

When looking for the best computer speakers, you should consider factors like clear audibility, compatibility to the computer, whether wireless or not, size, appearance, availability and strength of the speaker. You may also consider the power consumption of the speakers.

Wireless speakers have more advantages than those with wires. This is because no wiring is necessary. Wireless speakers use blue tooth technology to receive sound signals. You only have to consider where to put the speakers. However, the speakers with wires are more convenient as they are not affected by walls or the furniture that may be in the room.

There are inbuilt computer speakers which are not detachable and outer computer speakers which you can detach from the computer anytime you wish.

The inbuilt speakers are controlled by the computer through special software created for that purpose, whereas the outer speakers are controlled on the face of the speaker.

Watching a DVD movie or television broadcast, or listening to music are all made possible by use of computer speakers.

Speakers with in built sound adjustment systems are an advantage, since one can adjust the sound and tone to the desired taste and preference. Some speakers even have amplifiers which help in sound upgrading and sound production.

Speakers with amplifiers produce good quality sound though they consume more electric energy, as they need to be plugged in separately.

If the computer is used mainly for entertainment purposes then the kind of speakers will have to support this. The best options for this are small woofers and subwoofers. These are upgraded forms of speakers that use modern technology to produce sound of as much quality as that of two old model speakers.

When choosing a computer speaker, it is important to know what kind of rings it has. It may either have rubber or chrome rings for vibrations. Rubber rings are flexible and are not affected by loud vibrations, unlike chrome rings which wear out each day with the number of vibrations they experience.

The shape of the speaker's housing is important depending on whether one is placing the speakers on top of a desk or on the ground. Desktop speakers should have a small housing which should not compromise on the quality of sound projections. Speakers to be placed on the ground can have a big housing so as to give louder and amplified sounds.

It is advisable to choose a computer speaker with a combination of all these features to avoid upgrading many times.

How to Buy Discount Digital Cameras

Many brands of discount digital cameras are available from manufacturers such as Kodak, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus and Canon amongst others.

Why these cameras are discounted?  The reasons could be like they have been over purchased with a lot of stocks left or it could be a means of making you enter their store. Websites use discounted items to grab your attention to their website many times. Online purchasing has emerged as a large market and it can save some money to the company when you purchase online. As expenses such as opening a store, paying out salaries for employees, purchasing shelves and other fixtures are not incurred, these savings can be passed on to you to some extent.

By saving money on the purchase of discount digital camera, you will feel great as by not paying the full price, you still have the same quality. The digital cameras are exactly the same as the difference here exists only on the price. Hence, why should you pay an expensive price as you can get the same camera when you purchase it on a discount?  With the money thus saved, you can buy other great add-ons for your digital camera.

Finding discount digital cameras is easier over websites. The question is which digital camera to choose. You can find discount digital cameras from most major digital camera manufacturers. You should have a basic idea of the options, features and brand name of the digital camera you want to buy. You can also find from sale bills and newspapers about different types and brands of digital cameras along with the prices offered at many stores. Some times, though the deals are advertised over the web, they may not have them in their stores. Earlier the digital cameras had one thing in common when compared with non-digital cameras, (i.e.) an expensive price tag. However the cost of digital cameras has dropped so much recently that you can purchase a digital camera for less than $250.

When buying a discount camera, you have to be aware of at least the buzzword ‘Megapixel’ related with digital cameras. Megapixel refers to the number of pixels available per million or the resolution of the image. This is important to be considered because Megapixel directly relates to the image quality obtained. The factors such as budget, mega pixels, exposure control, battery life, user controls and Zoom lens are all important while making a choice of a camera and to get the best out of it. Knowing these features will save you time when you start looking for a discounted digital camera.

You have to understand also the type of software that is needed for the discount camera you have planned to buy. Because all digital cameras do not use the same software for storing or to transfer the photos from the camera to the computer. Make sure that the software supplied will be compatible with your computer, without the need for upgrading your older computer for the sake of having the photos on your computers.

If you don’t have an idea of the features you need, you can also then search by brand name of the digital camera and read all about the various models offered. Still, Price should not be the only factor when you shop for discount cameras, but also certain basic features.