Acer Aspire 4740G EFI and Memory Bug

SOLVED:

Acer sent me a EFI/BIOS Version 1.07 which fixed the DEP issue however no ability to activate switch able graphics was provided and 256MB is still being mysteriously eaten up by Intel HD Graphics.
It is officially out now in Acer Support Site so download from there directly.
Found a bug in Acer Aspire 4740G EFI Bug
From Intel Spec Site
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=47663
The i3 330M Processor supports

Execute Disable Bit Yes

To verify this on your own Acer Aspire 4740/4740G
Download Securable here.
To access the Windows Advance Menu, Go to Control Panel >> System >> Advance System Settings >> Advance >> Performance Settings >> Data Execution Prevention.
Why is this vital?
Data Execution Prevention improves system security by flagging non executable code as non executable so malicious code cannot buffer overrun into execution hence if Acer really screwed this up Acer Aspire 4740G security could be potentially at risk.


I took a look into the EFI Firmware this is the feature which is not enabled:

Use XD Capability [Enable/Disable Processor XD Capability]

XD refers to Intel eXecute bit Disable Bit.

Add 1 more bug to the mix:

Acer if you are reading this and is sorry about the surprises you sprang please enable the Intel HD Switchable Graphics in the BIOS as an Apology to all AS4740 owners. I know it is there.
Either you remove Intel HD Graphics Memory reserve or you enable Switchable.
The Switchable Graphics Capability is as shown in the EFI firmware:

Set Display Mode Configure Type Integrated Graphics Discrete Graphcis Switchable Graphics

Computer Repair Firm Warns of PC Hacker Scam

The customer concerned had been called the night before by a "Microsoft Engineer" with a heavy Indian accent. The "engineer" told her that she had a problem with her computer that they had detected and they were calling up to help her. She was a little sceptical but followed their instructions.

They directed her to the System Log in Event Viewer and asked her if there were any errors. Indeed there were errors in the system log (as there almost always are). She was then directed to the Teamviewer website and asked to "Join a Session". At this point she became suspicious when they asked her for the username and password that Teamviewer had just presented her.

Had she given this username and password the "engineer" on the other end would have had full remote control of her PC and could have done almost anything such as installing a virus, removing her anti-virus or stealing all of the information on the PC. Potentially they could have installed a small piece of software called a key logger and monitored everything she did on her PC such as online banking.

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Acer Aspire 4740G Optimal Drivers

If your EFI/BIOS version < 1.05 please update the firmware to enable DEP.
Because I am using AS4740G therefore I will be sharing my Driver Findings here.

1. Intel Chipset Driver (Acer)
2. Intel Rapid Storage Driver http://www.station-drivers.com/page/intel%20raid.htm
3. Intel Management Engine http://www.station-drivers.com/page/intel%20chipset.htm
4. Nvidia Graphics Driver http://www.nvidia.com/page/drivers.html
5. Nvidia High Definition Audio Driver (Included in the Display Driver)
6. Realtek High Definition Audio Driver http://aspiregemstone.blogspot.com/2010/08/audio-driver-matching.html (Why this driver is the best? The MSI Gaming Notebook using this driver uses the same AL888 Realtek High Def chip, it has excellent driver customisation better than Acer Drivers)
7. Acer Launch Manager (Get it from Acer Site Don't use the 4740G Launch Manager use the 4540G if you want to customise the Backup Manager Shortcut Key)
8. BroadCom Bluetooth Driver (Get it from Acer Site driver updatedness doesn't matter too much)
9. Finger Print Driver (Available from Windows Updates Optional Driver updates)
10. SuYin/Chicony WebCam Software
11. Conexant Modem Driver (Get it from Acer Site driver updatedness doesn't matter too much who the h*ll uses Modem nowadays anyway??)
12. Synaptics/ALP Touchpad Driver http://aspiregemstone.blogspot.com/2010/03/must-see.html
13. Intel Management Engine Controller (Acer)
14. BroadCom NetLink LAN Driver (Get it from Acer Site driver updatedness doesn't matter too much)
15. Atheros/Intel Wireless Driver http://www.station-drivers.com/page/atheros.htm http://www.station-drivers.com/page/intel%20lan-wan.htm
16. Realtek Card Reader Driver (Get it from Acer Site driver updatedness doesn't matter too much)
17. Acer Smart Power Manager & Optical Driver Power Manager (Get it from Acer Site)
18. Turbo Boost (Only for Core i5/7) (Acer)

Tega Tablet To Debut at CeBIT Australia

Hugo Ortega is all set to launch a new tablet and it comes in the form of the Tega. The Tega tablet is all set to come out at CeBIT Australia on May 24. Among the variable specs it carries apart from the default features you would find from common tablets include a built-in HSDPA modem with the option of purchasing a Windows 7 OS. The Tega Tablet will be priced starting at $757. Here are the specs:

• 1.6GHz Intel N270 processor
• 3500mAh battery
• 1GB of RAM which is upgradable to 4GB
• 160GB hard drive upgradable to 16GB to 128GB SSD

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Modified RAM Timing using Thaiphoon Burner

 used Thaiphoon Burner 6.6 to do this the new 6.8 feature locked full SPD Rewrite.
Original:

Final
(I reverted to this SPD after someone reminded me that Core i3 only has a 1066MHZ Memory Controller):

iPhone 4G Coming Out This July

At this point, a lot of people are eagerly awaiting the coming of the iPhone 4G. And for now, all we can rely on is the CDMA version of the iPhone 4G which is being tested by Verizon Wireless. But you don’t have to fret since by June, official specs of the much anticipated iPhone 4G will most likely be released at the WWDC conference.

And so for now, we can just imagine what the new iPhone 4G would come out with. Rumors have it that it will have awesome features that include video chat, multi-tasking and extreme downloading. This iPhone 4g could also have dual core processors and higher and powerful graphic chips that can deliver higher video resolutions and better "still" images when taking pictures.

Well these are all speculations and while we don’t want to ruin the party, just wait and see. The iPhone 4G looks promising in terms of being sleek, packed with new hardware and multi-tasking software.

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Verizon Unveils LG Fathom Windows Phone

Though unofficial, rumors are getting warm that Verizon Wireless will be releasing the LG Fathom Windows Phone. The LG Fathom will run on Windows Mobile 6.5 and will come with a touch sceen and a keyboard.

Other features of the LG Fathom include a 3.2” WVGA resistive touchscreen, support for Verizon’s voice and 3G network, and capability to connect to both GSM and HSDPA high speed data networks when roaming outside of the United States. The Fathom will also include a 3.2 megapixel camera and a microSD memory card slot.

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