HWMonitor

This is what HWMonitor looks like
It shows the temperature taken by the thermal sensors inside your computer
Usually you will have no use for however it can act as a diagnostic tool such as computer slow downs especally graphic cards during intense gaming.Above all else isn't it interesting to know how hot is your internal component running?
The software is from CPUID team at http://www.cpuid.com/
Things to note about this applet
1)Small in size
2)No install required to uninstall just delete it
The software is obtained from their website in 2 versions 32bit and 64 bit
32bit is for all standard Windows XP 32bit and Vista 32bit
64bit is for those 64bit Vista Edition there is also Windows XP 64 bit edition but you rarely come across it.
To know what operating system you are running simply right click "My Computer" and select "Properties"
http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php
Glossary
ACPI a power management technology implementation built into recent systems
AMD Turion X2 refer to the dual core AMD Processor core#0 and core#1
GPU refer to the graphic card temperature
While HDD refer to the Harddisk temperature obtained from SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology)

Free Windows Themes and TuneXP

Besides LINUX and UNIX system i also happen to know some good Windows Tools that everyone should have in their PCs
Note the following tools only works in Windows XP
1)TuneXP From Driver Heaven Final Version no other updates 3 Mirrors list below
http://www.driverheaven.net/dforce/
http://www.download.com/TuneXP/3000-2086_4-10290929.html
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/TuneXP.shtml
This nifty little tool provides a simple and non intimidating GUI to activate some functions in Xp to speed it up. Although it is possible to activate the tweak from Windows Registry often i find it too tedious to do it manually not mentioning the possibilty of messing up your Registry.
It is small in size, freeware and most tweaks works especially the faster shutdown function. However the usefulness of the ultrafast booting really leave much to be desired. Anyway it is really a useful tool even for non tech savy users.
2)Themes for Windows XP
I know some really good free themes on the net. They are 1)FREE 2)NO SPYWARE/ADWARE/MALWARE I SCANNED them myself 3)LOW ON SYSTEM RESOURCES USAGE 4)UNINSTALLS WITHOUT SCREWING UP YOUR SYSTEM
1) BricoPacks from CrystalXP contains Light Vista looks KDE looks Longhorn Looks
http://www.crystalxp.net/bricopack/
2) FlyKiteOSX from http://osx.portraitofakite.com contains Mac OS X for PC users
http://www.flyakiteosx.com/download/
3) Alienware theme from Alienware (a high performance PC vendor) It is not exactly freeware because it contains WindowsBlind Software which is not free BUT this edition is free intended for Alienware customers. I am not their customers but oh well it is free anyway...
Click on the picture "Click here to download AlienGUIse"
http://www.alienware.com/community/alienguise/theme-manager.aspx
4)Nvidia theme from NVIDIA (a video card maker) Same as above it is a it also contains WindowsBlind Software which is not free BUT this edition is free intended for NVIDIA customers but this time I am their customer both my laptop and PC uses NVIDIA Cards
http://www.nvidia.com/content/areyouready/downloads.html
1)ComCast XP website
Last but not least for this post I know a particular website containing lots of information and freeware pertaining to Windows XP.
It debunks a lot of XP myths and has a Large collection of useful software that are free license
Must check it out
http://home.comcast.net/~SupportCD/OptimizeXP.html
Know any other good website that have great Windows software that are free?
Feel free to put them up here
Next Posting will be PowerTools for Power Users

Dell Launches Small Form Factor PC

For the people who are looking for something new like a branded desktop computer, check out this new offering from Dell. The Small Form Factor PC is scheduled to be launched on July 29 and for sure a lot of the people looking for a new PC that adheres as well to the eco-friendly standards set forth today will have a great time in possibly buying this device.

Source

iPhone: New Phone, New Problems

If you think the iPhone is the hit gadget of the year, look a little bit further. It is true that the advertising and marketing that his gadget has is surely something that can be commended but seriously, look at the long term use.

There are still a lot of bugs surrounding this gadget and if you are wise, you would want to do some research on potential issues so that your expectations will not fall short.



(Source) Yahoo Tech

Budget Servers Introduced by Dell Computers

Dell Computers is a known brand in the computer industry and just recently, they announced the unveiling of an entry-level server suitable for new businesses that are planning to implement technology in their everyday operations.

This will surely be welcome news to companies that are looking for budget-friendly solutions in the area of advanced systems and software solutions.

Dell on Monday launched single-socket servers for small and medium-size businesses, replenishing its overhauled PowerEdge line of servers.

The PowerEdge T300, with a tower chassis, and PowerEdge R300, a rack server, are designed to consume less power and include system management tools to better manage IT tasks, Dell said. The servers have quad-core Xeon processors and provide memory expandability and redundancy features, the company said.

Source

Dual Core Processors and CPU Upgrade

photo taken from Custom PC

They say they are the new kids on the block as far as new Pentium chip technology is concerned but my real question is up to when? I have been using my Pentium IV 2.0 for almost 5 years now and am pretty much satisfied. Aside from speed, can it handle my video editing software this time around?

These are questions in mind. I have been thinking of upgrading my computer and giving this PC to my wife’s cousin since he is taking up computer science today. While that would all depend on me, I guess I will pretty much buy the package I had made.

All I need are central processing unit (CPU) parts such as the processor, memory and motherboard if you think about it. Although being the computer geek I am, I put in a higher video card (1 gig I think!) and a 160 gigabyte hard drive as well as a brand new DVD writer to go. It is going to cost somewhere around the price of $300.00 just for those specs. I don't need a monitor since I still have my ACER AL1706 LCD monitor to use.

I think it is a wise investment considering online and telecommute work is now my main cup of tea. So if you want to get better results, chances are you have to be equipped with good equipment to support your work.

What I hate really is having to re-install everything. From the operating system to the other applications I need, its going to be a long day for me to get everything back together. This also includes transferring my thousands of files to it.

The OS? I think I will stick it out with Windows XP for now. While it can support the new Windows Vista operating system, I will cross the bridge when I get there.

Beware of Identity Thieves Online!

photo taken from Earthlink Protection Control Center Blog

Have you ever received any email telling you that you won $1Million or Pounds? How about a certain email saying that he or she inherited some money from a deceased military relative to which he will need to divert the money through you just to be able to get the funds of which he would give you a certain percentage like 20%?

We get this a lot and they do sound too good to be true. Apparently they ask for your personal information such as your name, address, phone number and bank account number. If you want some clean advice on this, it is quite simple…DON’T!

Your information is valuable and perhaps just a means to be used for mischief and no good. Based on what I have read on these emails, here are some things to consider to which you can just delete that message or trash it. Don’t waste your time!

1. Check for Grammar. Normally they are poor at this. Don’t know though if they are really from where they are but it seems like it.
2. You don’t win anything if you don’t enter any contest
3. There is no such thing as Instant Millionaires
4. Be wary of questionable origins of email
5. Be wary of links. Do not click on it.
6. People asking for your personal information
7. Check out the Subject. Normally it is something too good to be true

(Source) Yahoo Finance