Proxy Server

Introduction

A proxy server is a computer that offers network and internet access services to the client computers in a network. A proxy is a stand-in for you - someone who does something on your behalf. A proxy server is a kind of stand in for your computer. In an enterprise that uses the Internet, a proxy server is a server that acts as an intermediary between a workstation user and the Internet so that the enterprise can ensure security, administrative control, and caching service.
By using the proxy server you can hide, conceal and make your network id anonymous by hiding your IP address. A proxy server is associated with or part of a gateway server that separates the enterprise network from the outside network and a firewall server that protects the enterprise network from outside intrusion. In short, a Proxy Server can be described as 'A server that sits between a client application, such as a Web browser, and a real server.' To get the anonymous status on the network or Internet, strong intermediate methods are employed like cryptography etc.


How does Proxy Server works?

A proxy server receives a request for an Internet service (such as a Web page request) from a user. If it passes filtering requirements, the proxy server, assuming it is also a cache server , looks in its local cache of previously downloaded Web pages. If it finds the page, it returns it to the user without needing to forward the request to the Internet. If the page is not in the cache, the proxy server, acting as a client on behalf of the user, uses one of its own IP addresses to request the page from the server out on the Internet. When the page is returned, the proxy server relates it to the original request and forwards it on to the user. A good example, and the one you probably see the most, is a web proxy. When configured to use a proxy, your web browser contacts the proxy server for each web access instead of going directly to the target server on the internet. The proxy server then turns around and makes the "real" request of the web server. The proxy server gets the response, and then passes it back to you.
There is a large number of the software available that allows you to hide your IP address with the help of the proxy servers. The well known software for this purpose is Hide IP, Stealth surf, Netconceal, Anonymous surfing, Proxify and Ghost surf. To the user, the proxy server is invisible; all Internet requests and returned responses appear to be directly with the addressed Internet server. (The proxy is not quite invisible; its IP address has to be specified as a configuration option to the browser or other protocol program.)


Types of Proxy Servers

Many different types of Proxy Servers are available. Some common types are-

1. FTP
2. HTTP
3. Gopher
4. IRC
5. MSN
6. AIM
7. ICQ
8. VOIP
9. SSL

Depending on the purpose you can get Proxy Servers to route any of these common protocols, and many more. So out of the common types of Proxy Servers, you end up with the following:

FTP Proxy Server:
Relays and caches FTP Traffic.

HTTP Proxy Server:
A one way request to retrieve Web Pages.

Socks Proxy Server:
A newer protocol to allow relaying of far more different types of data, whether TCP or UDP.

NAT Proxy Server:
This one works a little different, it allows the redirection of all packets without a Program having to support a Proxy Server.

SSL Proxy Server:
An extension was created to the HTTP Proxy Server which allows relaying of TCP data similar to a Socks Proxy Server. This one done mainly to allow encryption of Web Page requests.


Furthermore, a Proxy Server can be split into another two Categories:

Anonymous:
An Anonymous Proxy Server blocks the remote Computer from knowing the identity of the Computer using the Proxy Server to make requests.

Transparent:
A Transparent Proxy Server tells the remote Computer the IP Address of your Computer. This provides no privacy.

Anonymous Proxy Servers can further be broken down into two more categories, Elite and Disguised. An Elite Proxy Server is not identifiable to the remote computer as a Proxy in any way. A Disguised Proxy Server gives the remote computer enough information to let it know that it is a Proxy, however it still does not give away the IP of the Computer it is relaying information for.


Advantages of Proxy Server

Improve Performance
Proxy servers can dramatically improve performance for groups of users. This is because it saves the results of all requests for a certain amount of time. Consider the case where both user X and user Y access the World Wide Web through a proxy server. First user X requests a certain Web page, which we'll call Page 1. Sometime later, user Y requests the same page. Instead of forwarding the request to the Web server where Page 1 resides, which can be a time-consuming operation, the proxy server simply returns the Page 1 that it already fetched for user X. Since the proxy server is often on the same network as the user, this is a much faster operation. Real proxy servers support hundreds or thousands of users. The major online services such as America Online, MSN and Yahoo, for example, employ an array of proxy servers.

Security Schemes
Proxy servers can also implement security schemes. For example, an FTP proxy server could be set up to allow files to be sent from the Internet to a computer on the intranet,but to block files from being sent from the corporate network out to the Internet-or vice versa. In this way, intranet administrators can block anyone outside the corporation from downloading vital corporate data. Or they can stop intranet users from downloading files which may contain viruses.

Logging
A proxy can also do logging.

Filter Requests
Proxy servers can also be used to filter requests. For example, a company might use a proxy server to prevent its employees from accessing a specific set of Web sites.
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Worlds Slimmest 24" LCD Monitor - BenQ V2400W

BenQ, world’s leading digital network devices brand, today unveiled its latest offering for the Indian market, the BenQ V2400W LCD monitor. The 24” widescreen BenQ V2400W has the distinction of being the world’s slimmest LCD monitor in its category with its thickest point measuring just 24 mm. The newly launched monitor is also the winner of the coveted 2007 iF Design Award, recognition of outstanding design and style.

BenQ V2400W is only 2.44-inches at its thickest point, which is over 21 percent slimmer than the next thinnest LCD monitor. The monitor combines asymmetry and the aerodynamic curves of the B-2 stealth bomber, and features a subtle blue LED and slick-touch controls. Sporting an overall mirror-black finish, this premium LCD has a 4000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, new RHCM injection process, and full 1080p HD support.

A unique blend of dynamic energy, kinetic beauty and unconventional art, BenQ V2400W is the world’s first glimpse into BenQ’s newly evolved ‘Kinergy’ and expresses personal taste, social identity, lifestyle and enjoyment. The monitor is also equipped with a host of high-end technological features, but its visually arresting looks completely overshadow any other function.

Positioned as a premium luxury-lifestyle product, the V2400W incorporates HDMI with HDCP, DVI-D, and VGA inputs for future-proof high-definition connectivity as well as compatibility, according to BenQ.

BenQ's proprietary Senseye+photo™ Human Vision Technology provides vividly realistic, true-to-life colors. The V2400W has five preset modes including Dynamic, Photo, Standard, Movie, and sRGB -- to simplify optimized viewing at the touch of a button. It is NSTL-compliant for superior color precision consistent from monitor to printer to digital camera to any visual device. Moreover, it incorporates BenQ's Advanced Motion Accelerator technology (AMA) for super-fast 2ms GTG response time.

Specifications:

• Pixel Pitch - 0.27 mm

• Dimension WDH mm - 563.8x369.4x191.7 (HxWxD mm)

• Screen Size - 24.0" Wide

• Resolution - Glossy

• Color Temperature Selection - Reddish / sRGB / Bluish / User mode

• Display Colors - 16.7 million

• Brightness - 250 cd/㎡

• Weight (Kgs) - 6.7 KG

• Input Signals - D-sub / DVI-D/ HDMI/ Earphone

• Included Accessories - VGA signal cable

• Display Area - 518.5x324 (mm)

• Adjustments - Tilt (down/ up) -5 / 20

• Viewing angle - 160 / 160

• Contrast Ratio - 1000:1 (Typ.) / 4000:1 (DCR)

• Frequency - Vertical Frequency(Hz) 25~135 (MHz)

• Frequency - Horizontal Frequency(kHz) 31~83 (KHz)

• Response Time - 5ms / 2ms(GTG)

• Power consumption - 55W (max)

• Power Supply - Built-in
  

BenQ V2400W LCD monitor is available at BenQ IT Zones and through BenQ dealers for Rs. 25,000 /-.

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Asus introduces Netbook in India - Eee PC 1000H & 904H

Asus joins force with Intel to launch Eee PC™ 1000H Netbook which features New Intel(R) ATOMTM Processor Targeting New Generation Segment in India. Also announces the launch of the new Eee PC™ 904H.

ASUS in association with Intel and Microsoft announced yesterday the launch of India's first netbook - Eee PC™ 1000H powered by Intel(R) AtomTM processor. This innovative offering from ASUS aims at changing the way computing is perceived by user segments like housewives, senior citizens, travelers, social networking enthusiasts, teenagers and for people who desire an extra PC for basic computing applications, listening to music, e-mailing and surfing the Internet.

Conceived to meet the needs of users who covet the inimitable portability, this revolutionary ultra portable computing device features large 10" display, ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine for longer battery lifespan of upto five hours, Dolby Sound Room, built-in Bluetooth and a keyboard that's 95% size of generic notebooks facilitating easier typing and relaxed usage. Furthermore, the netbook pairs a 1.3M Pixel webcam with its wireless Internet connection capabilities for web conferences anywhere, anytime for easier web communications and increased work efficiency.

Along with the Eee PC™ 1000H, ASUS has also announced the launch of the new Eee PC™ 904H featuring an 8.9" screen, 1024x600 resolution display and ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine for longer battery lifespan upto 4.5 hours.


ASUS 1000H & 904H Specifications:

















Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Benson Lin, General Manager, APAC, Middle East & Africa, ASUS, said, "With the introduction of Eee PC 904H and 1000H, ASUS brings to India a new segment of netbooks for today's new age customers who have an innate desire to be connected all the time and see personalized, mobile technology as the way to meet that need."

Mr. Stanley Wu, Product Manager, Notebooks and Eee PC, ASUS (India), said, "ASUS for the first time introduced the Eee PC segment to the world. The worldwide acceptance of the Eee PC™ range of netbooks is symbolic of its simplicity, robust build quality and user-friendliness. Taking a leaf out from the book of innovations, we are proud to introduce ASUS Eee PC™ 904H and 1000H, offering complete mobility and accessibility to the generation of highly mobile customers."

"The Eee PC™ has been received very positively from all over the world as an affordable Internet-centric device", said Gopal Swaminathan, General Manager - OEM Business, Intel South Asia. "The Eee PC™ uses the Intel(r) Atom(tm) processor, based on an entirely new microarchitecture specifically for small devices and low power, while maintaining the Intel(r) Core(tm) 2 Duo instruction set compatibility. This is our smallest processor built with the world's smallest transistors and a fundamental shift in design, small yet powerful enough to enable a big Internet experience on devices such as the Eee PC™."

Both the revolutionary products are pre-installed with Windows XP, Microsoft Works, ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine for longer battery lifespan, fast and complete connectivity (Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, Wi-Fi 802.11n), Eee Connect for an easy way to connect two or more users through a remote desktop feature for easy troubleshooting, and generous storage capacity in the form of 80GB SATA hard disk drive. The use of a SATA drive provides fast data transfers, and enables users to carry more data along with them than previously possible – making it the most convenient computing device for everyone.

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Google launches Knol - a Wiki with bylines

Google has just launched Knol (which was announced in December), their new author driven knowledge project that appears to be a direct response to services like Wikipedia and Mahalo. Its an exciting new project which they call a “Knowledge Portal,” hence the codename Knol. Its a place where people can share and collaborate on authoritative articles focusing on their areas of expertise. Knol allows people to write about their areas of expertise under their bylines in a twist on encyclopaedia Wikipedia, which allows anonymity.

Its like an alternative to Wikipedia. Each article is created by a team of authors who receive attribution. The big news here is that by assigning ownership and allowing authors to include AdSense ads on their articles, Google is effectively offering a monetary incentive to create good content. In theory, the best articles will get the most attention, and in turn the most revenue.

Knols include strong community tools which allow for many modes of interaction between readers and authors. Other users can submit changes in the article, but they are not displayed until they are moderated by article’s original authors. This allows authors to accept suggestions from everyone in the world while remaining in control of their content. So it’s more like a moderated Wikipedia.
What Google says about Knol :-

We are deeply convinced that authorship, knowing who wrote what, helps readers trust the content. The name of the service is a play on an individual unit of knowledge and entries on the public website, knol.google.com, are called "knols", said Cedric DuPont, product manager for Knol.

The key principle behind Knol is authorship. Every knol will have an author (or group of authors) who put their name behind their content. It’s their knol, their voice, their opinion. We expect that there will be multiple knols on the same subject, and we think that is good. The key idea behind the knol project is to highlight authors. Books have authors’ names right on the cover, news articles have bylines, scientific articles always have authors — but somehow the web evolved without a strong standard to keep authors names highlighted. We believe that knowing who wrote what will significantly help users make better use of web content. At the heart, a knol is just a web page; we use the word “knol” as the name of the project and as an instance of an article interchangeably. It is well-organized, nicely presented, and has a distinct look and feel, but it is still just a web page. Google will provide easy-to-use tools for writing, editing, and so on, and it will provide free hosting of the content. Writers only need to write; we’ll do the rest.


As explained by Google in their official Knol site :-

• The Knol site has one goal: to help you share what you know.
  
  The Knol project is a site that hosts many knols — units of knowledge — written about various subjects. The authors of the knols can take credit for their writing, provide credentials, and elicit peer reviews and comments. Users can provide feedback, comments, related information. So the Knol project is a platform for sharing information, with multiple cues that help you evaluate the quality and veracity of information.
  
  Knols are indexed by the big search engines, of course. And well-written knols become popular the same as regular web pages. The Knol site allows anyone to write and manage knols through a browser on any computer.
  
  
  
• What subjects can users write on?
  
  (Almost) anything you like. You pick the subject and write it the way you see fit. We don't edit knols nor do we try to enforce any particular viewpoint – your knol should be written as you want it to be written. Of course, Knols are
  subject to Terms of Service and Content Policy to ensure a good experience for all users and compliance with applicable laws.
  
  
  
• What if someone else has already written an article on that subject?
  
  No problem, you can still write your own article. In fact, the Knol project is a forum for encouraging individual voices and perspectives on topics. As mentioned, no one else can edit your knol (unless you permit it) or mandate how you write about a topic. If you do a search on a topic, you may very well see more than one knol in the search results. Of course, people are free to disagree with you, to write their own knols, to post comments and ratings.
  
  
  
• Can users collaborate with other authors?
  
  Of course. For each knol you can choose to write on your own or collaborate with other authors.
  
  
  
• Can users search for knols on a specific subject?
  
  Yes, you can search on Google or other search engines to find knols, like any other web pages. You can also use the Search button found on the Knol homepage and each knols to search.

The interface of Knol is based on the increasingly ubiquitous Google Docs rich text editor and it’s pretty spiffy. Knol also creates a page for each author and it makes it part of the Knol universe, thus giving people more recognition.

Knol is playing catch-up against a more established brand - Wikipiedia. It has been rumored that Google is upset about Wikipedia dominating it’s search results and therefore released this open-author information sharing website to compete for some top results. Though Wikipedia has a fore over Knol, it can still be bypassed. Google can use its power as the leading traffic supplier on the Internet and to promote Knol by placing its articles in front of others in the search results. Though, as of now Knol is mostly about medical and health articles. Let’s see if this will sustain its momentum.

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Danamics liquid metal-based LM10 CPU cooler

Denmark-based Danamics has developed its first product, and it looks pretty special. The LM10 is a liquid metal based CPU cooler that combines liquid metal with an electromagnetic pump. It is claimed to be the world’s best performing air-cooler and have cooling capabilities that exceed those of most water-cooling systems.

Cooling of semiconductor hot-spots has developed into a demanding task. In recent years the high power density of microchips has increased rapidly, thereby increasing temperature and temperature non -uniformity on die and across chips. The drive for extremely low thermal resistance if further accelerated by the trend towards smaller system enclosures which has made the cooling task even more difficult. This gives the cooling companies a new challenge. To create cooling devices that is reliable, efficient and compact. Danamics does all of those.

Danamics got a lot of attention a while back when stories started to go around that it had a new kind of CPU cooling in development. It was said that Danamics had been able to harvest the power of liquid metal. Not much information could be found on the website, until now. Danamics has updated it with what it calls the worlds first commercially available liquid metal based CPU cooler - Danamics LM10. Danamics mentions two key characteristics when describing the pump: the unique electromagnetic pump with its patent pending multi-string design and the liquid metal with its superior thermo physical characteristics.

An electromagnetic pump has the advantage that it has no moving parts and emits no noise or even the slightest vibration. Danamics says that it's new multi-string electromagnetic pump eliminates the need for a high current requirement and delivers a high flow with minimal current input. The mere size of the pump also makes it very flexible and it could be used even for laptops.

The liquid metal is a key component in Danamics cooling systems. Liquid metal has two major advantages when cooling high power density heat sources:

• Firstly it has superior thermo physical properties that decrease temperature - and temperature non–uniformity - on die and across chips.

• Secondly the electrical properties of the liquid metal enables efficient, reliable and ultra compact electromagnetic pumping without the use of moving parts, shafts, seals, etc.Liquid Metal has numerous key advantages compared to competing technologies, such as water-cooling or traditional air cooling. The most important ones are:

Ultimate performance

Danamics LM10 is the world’s best performing air-cooler. By utilizing the unique properties of liquid metal, the cooler has the lowest thermal resistance of any air-cooler in the market. The cooling capabilities exceeds most watercoolers in a single device.


Easy mounting

Compared to competing solutions, the Danamics LM10 is a true all-in-one product. There are no external housings, large reservoirs or bulky radiators. With liquid metal cooling you have true performance in a compact, self-contained unit. This makes mounting a breeze and the Danamics LM10 cooler can be mounted in minutes.


No moving parts

The superior liquid metal brings another advantage besides its efficiency. The properties of liquid metal make the use of an electromagnetic pump possible. Danamics’ patent pending multi-string pump delivers high flow combined with a very low power-draw of less than 1W.


No noise and no vibration

Compared to watercooling pumps, the electromagnetic pump used in Danamics LM10 cooler has numerous benefits. It is hermetically sealed and has no moving parts, which means that no noise or vibration is added to the system from the electromagnetic pump. Also the pump is orientation independent, which ensures maximum flexibility for users and system integrators.


Innovative technology

Danamics LM10 is built from the ground up using innovative technology. The combination of liquid metal and an electromagnetic pump is all new in commercial cooling devices, bringing true high-tech to your desktop.

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Download with BearFlix

Downloading videos is something of an obsession with many netizens. However, slow download times can be daunting. BearFlix is the fastest video download application on the Web offering access to millions of video titles, all free. BearFlix is powered by the same engine as BearShare, but optimized from the ground up for video download. BearFlix is 100% clean, with no adware, no spyware, no viruses, no trojans. Just pure video downloads.

BearFlix roars out of the cave with swarming, hashing, fast downloads and a video player, but hibernates when confronted with proxies. Sometimes there are issues with proxies. The configuration process is very easy and the toolbar and icon interface is simple and easy to use. If you are an advanced user then you can take advantage of the configuration options. BearFlix almost configures itself, and its toolbar and icon interface is geared toward novices. (Configuration options help advanced users suit the program to taste.)

Based on the popular BearShare, and connected to the Gnutella network, this utility is optimized for video files. Simply enter a search term, and find files immediately. As with all P2P networks, there's no guarantee the files are available, accurately named, or virus-free. However, BearFlix's file-rating option helps users self-police spam off the network. It is safe to use and will not affect your computer with adware, spyware, viruses or trojans. All you get is great videos.

Although downloads were fast, system memory used was considerable. In the freeware version there is a banner ad and slightly slower download speeds. Advanced users will note configuring BearFlix is easy but will be disappointed the program lacks proxy server support. Novice peer-to-peer users will find BearFlix a great entry-level P2P program, but most users will prefer an application geared to files of all types.

Key features:

• BearFlix is optimized client for fast download of video files
• Connect to more sources and download video faster
• Find more free video files with a 'deep search' mechanism
• Reliable free downloads - automatic resume mechanism
• Improved user interface, designed for Video downloads
• Video specific media player
• Automatic Virus protection
• Configurable Parental controls
• Easy to use, just install, and GO!
• Download videos online for free!

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XFX 9800 GTX+ Gives Gamers The Ultimate Bang for Very Good Price

XFX’s newest release, the GeForce 9800 GTX+ graphics card disproves a common theory in the gaming world—that a modestly priced card delivers only modest performance. In fact, XFX’s 9800 GTX+ turns that notion on its ear, and then some.

With 128 screaming fast cores that each run a new record high 1836 MHz, the GeForce 9800 GTX+ graphics card is truly the Tasmanian Devil of the category. Faster than any graphics card in attractive price range, the XFX 9800 GTX+ simultaneously delivers the most exceptional gaming experience possible—even at extreme HD resolutions.

The XFX 9800 GTX+ is loaded with all of the features hardcore gamers have come to expect, such as PhysX™ technology that transforms the overall gaming experience with realistic facial movements, weather effects and explosions. NVIDIA CUDA technology and new CUDA runtime for Windows Vista enables users to offload intensive processing tasks from their CPUs to their graphics card. It has 128 processor cores for maximum performance across an endless array of computing tasks. HybridPower technology allows users to save power by shifting to their motherboard’s onboard graphics (HybridSLI capable motherboard required) when running less graphically intense applications.

Fully optimized gaming can be achieved by running three XFX GeForce 9800 GTX+ graphics cards in three-way NVIDIA SLI mode on one of XFX’s nForce 780i SLI or 790i SLI motherboards. The three-way SLI systems generate up to a 2.8X performance increase over a single graphics card. And, the XFX GeForce 9800 GTX+ is designed for the PCI Express 2.0 bus architecture featured in nForce 7 series and GeForce 8 series motherboards, ensuring the highest data transfer speeds for today’s bandwidth-hungry games and 3D applications. Users can even fine-tune their performance with the 9800 GTX+’s ESA-enabled control panel.

The XFX 9800 GTX+ features a second generation NVIDIA PureVideo HD technology engine which ensures unsurpassed High Def movie picture quality thanks to features such as dynamic contrast enhancement, colour stretch video processing and dual-stream picture-in-picture content.

The 9800GTX+ graphics card will be available with Rashi Peripherals and its nationwide branches across India at an estimated street price of Rs 16,000 along with 3 years warranty.

To learn more about the XFX log on to XFX Force.

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Corel Unveils Corel DESIGNER® Technical Suite X4

Corel Corporation, a leading developer of graphics, productivity and digital media software, unveiled Corel DESIGNER® Technical Suite X4, the latest version of the company s technical graphics software. Created specifically to address the technical illustration workflow, the suite enables users to create technical documentation, instructional manuals, maintenance references and technical diagrams with exceptional precision and speed. Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X4 is now available in English, French, and German.

Unmatched by any other technical graphics package, Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X4 provides industry-leading file compatibility, including 3D design formats and AutoCAD® DWG and DXF , while delivering award-winning precision tools for illustration, bitmap-to-vector tracing, and professional photo editing. This comprehensive suite also offers an optimized workflow, multi-language support, and easy network deployment, making it the trusted choice of companies known worldwide for technical design excellence.

Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X4 was developed with the needs of technical illustrators in mind. The integration of professional illustration, photo editing, and bitmap-to-vector conversion tools in one package provides technical illustrators with the most comprehensive solution for completing complex projects with greater precision and efficiency, said Klaus Vossen, Product Manager for Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite.

Customers Benefit from Intuitive Tools and Precision Controls

Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X4 continues to offer the industry s most complete and affordable technical graphics package. The latest version of the suite includes Corel DESIGNER X4 for precise technical illustration and layout; CorelPHOTO-PAINT® X4 for professional image editing; Corel® PowerTRACE X4 to convert bitmaps and legacy paper documents into vector graphics; Right Hemisphere® Deep Exploration 5.5 CSE to convert 3D CAD models into accurate 2D graphics; and Corel CAPTURE X4 to create screen captures, an integral component of many technical documents.

In addition to these core applications, Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X4 offers more than 80 new and enhanced features designed to streamline the creation of technical illustrations. With intuitive diagramming tools, and professional photo-editing, Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X4 offers features unmatched by those in any other technical graphics package.

Access Technical Design Assets

• Access 3D CAD data directly with the new, integrated 3D CAD import application
• Quickly unlock data in legacy blueprints by using centerline tracing in the new Corel PowerTRACE
• Leverage RAW camera files from more than 300 camera models with interactive controls to preview adjustments in real time
• Enjoy seamless compatibility with commonly-used and industry-standard file formats, including new and enhanced support for AutoCAD® DWG and DXF, PDF 1.7, PDF/A, as well as Microsoft® Office Publisher and JPEG 2000
• Take advantage of the enhanced Windows Vista® integration to easily organize projects and search for files

Create Better Technical Diagrams

• Communicate more effectively with clearer visual pieces created with new and enhanced diagramming tools
• Import the latest Microsoft® Visio® formats to ease collaboration with colleagues and clients

Streamline the Technical Illustration Workflow

• New technical drawing tools make it easier to identify curves and connector lines and add precision and clarity to illustrations
• Create custom dimensions and dimension styles with advanced control for clearly readable illustrations
• Draw, size, and rotate shapes and lines with precision using the Object Coordinates docker

Discover Advanced Image-Editing Features

• Achieve professional-quality color and tone correction with the new Image Adjustment Lab
• Gain control, improve accuracy, and simplify the process when cutting out image areas with the enhanced Cutout Lab
• Preview image-editing changes in real-time by using histogram feedback available with more features than ever before

Whats Included?

In addition to the key applications, Corel DESIGNER X4, Corel PHOTO-PAINT X4, Corel PowerTRACE X4, Right Hemisphere Deep Exploration 5.5 CSE, and Corel CAPTURE X4, Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X4 includes: Microsoft® Visual Basic® for Applications 6.4; barcode and duplexing wizards, ANSI, DIN, ISO, engineering and architectural templates; and comprehensive symbol libraries containing over 4000 manufacturing, electrical, and architectural symbols.

Pricing and Availability

Suggested retail pricing for Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X4 is $999 USD for full product and $499 USD for the upgrade. Starting today, customers can download the free multi-lingual (English, German and French) trial version from Corel.

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Hackers from Brazil unlocked iPhone 3G

The iPhone hacking community seem to be working overtime cracking Apple's new iPhone 3G. We thought the iPhone 3G will never be unlocked, but within a week of its release and in Brazil, where it isn’t even available yet, that’s something we didn’t expect. Seems like Brazilian company, DesbloqueioBr, has managed to do away with the chains giving users a chance to have a go on other carriers and it has a video to prove it. Despite the best efforts of AT&T and Apple, the iPhone 3G has been unlocked.

A group from Brazil has managed to unlock Apple's iPhone 3G handset just days after its release. The unlocked iPhone is also displayed and demonstrated in an online video on a Portuguese-language news blog. An unlocked iPhone can be used with any Sim card and almost any GSM carrier.

IPhone user Bruno MacMasi said in an interview with Gizmodo that the unlocking process involved modifying the Sim hardware so that the International Mobile Subscriber Identity can be overwritten and removed from the original network. The procedure allows iPhone 3G users to makes calls with any compatible GSM carrier, not just ones with which Apple has an exclusive agreement. But users of an unlocked phone wouldn't be guaranteed to have 3G-network access, and Apple could potentially wipe out the hack with a software update.

Paulo and Breno of DesbloqueioBr explain that they have been able to achieve this by programming the SIM adapter in such a way that it tricks the iPhone into believing that a test SIM card has been inserted. Since iPhone 3G thinks that it is a test SIM card, it allows service and hands the functionality back to the SIM thus unlocking it.

Folks at Engadget have been able to test this hardware unlocking method with their FIDO locked iPhone 3G with a local TIM SIM card and then in their AT&T iPhone 3G, and have confirmed that it worked perfectly in both.

Just a simple firmware alteration and a special SIM card add-on should do the trick, according to the company, albeit with a drop in connection quality. But don’t expect it to come cheap as DesbloqueioBr is thinking of snatching up to 375 of your greens before you go scotfree with your second-gen iPhone. The company plans to charge between $250 and $375 to unlock a phone.

Time to rev up your engines and push that firmware update out soon Apple!

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New ASUS R2E Notebook for Enhanced Mobile Computing

Targeting the Indian consumers, Asus has again marked its prestige with its latest innovative ultra mobile PC, dubbed R2E. The uniquely designed notebook that promises to offer on-the-go computing and mobility.

Offering all the advantages with a highly versatile platform based on the functionality of a conventional laptop and the user-friendliness of touch panel input on an intelligent digital writing pad. With its 7-inch LCD screen, the R2E packs all these features in the size of a paperback novel! With the ASUS SunRead glare-proof panel, users can use the R2E to lead the way even when navigating the great outdoors in the sun!

About the launch of this new product, Mr. Stanley Wu - Product Manager, Notebooks, ASUS (India) said, "The ASUS R2E is our latest product offering in the UMPC segment. It is a very innovative notebook that achieves a fine balance between being feature rich and compact at the same time. We believe that an innovation such as the ASUS R2E will provide notebook users in India with a unique solution to their ever increasing on-the-go computing needs.”


Global Positioning System (GPS) for Anywhere Connection

Navigate and explore with built-in GPS. The retractable mechanism stores the antenna away when not in use. Together with Internet access, positioning is possible even off road! Multiple programs can run simultaneously for accurate turn-by-turn directions for the driver while passengers get to enjoy live TV or movie and music playback!


Digital Entertainment On-the-Go

The R2E packs in a great number of multimedia features for personal entertainment anywhere. There's easy media access anytime with live TV enjoyment with an external antenna and a remote controller. For a comfortable viewing experience, the ASUS SunRead glare-proof panel displays images and words sharply for a clear view in bright light.


Solid Security Management for Protected Computing and Solid Privacy Protection

In order to provide business travelers with peace of mind, the R2E offers total data protection that meets the evolving security needs with both software and hardware solutions. This notebook offers a smart balance of mobility and performance with a comprehensive security feature that protects the notebook and its stored information. Data security is uncompromised with a built-in AuthenTec fingerprint scanner with TruePrint® technology that reads from the live layer of skin, preventing common skin surface conditions from impairing scanner accuracy. Embedded TPM is a hardware solution that helps to avoid attacks by hackers looking to capture passwords and encryption keys to sensitive data.


Freedom to navigate with confidence by just the touch of a finger

ASUS R2E with satellite GPS provides a comprehensive travel guide owing to which users no longer need to deal with paper maps or ask for directions! The incorporated GPS antenna with a foldable mechanism allows convenient storage when not in use. Ultimately, the R2E empowers users to go further, do more!


Do more with a Smaller and Lighter Design

The feature-rich R2E is packed with computing, multimedia and connectivity functions. Built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), Wireless LAN 802.11 a/b/g and a high-resolution webcam, offer extensive high-speed connections and wire-free video communication.


Intuitive User Experience

The R2E runs on Genuine Windows® Vista™ Edition with Microsoft® Origami Experience Pack software and ergonomic hardware interface designs. With complete function keys laid out on both sides of the front panel, users enjoy comfortable operation to a full set of control keys, including mouse, scroll buttons, hot keys as well as an on-screen keypad, all at the finger tips.


Handwritten Input with ASUS InfoPen

Increase productivity and efficiency with handwritten input capability! Together with ASUS InfoPen software, users can record and edit images or documents as easy as on a piece of paper with color and highlighter options. The DigiPen stylus also has an eraser end and mouse control buttons so that users can now navigate a wide range of applications with single-handed ease!


Easier and Safer Digital Data Transmission

Secure digital media slot is also integrated into the new R2E notebook PC. It gives users the immediate benefit of easy file sharing with different devices and users, while opening the door for future technologies like secure digital I/O. Secure digital helps ASUS products work better together.

The ASUS R2E notebook comes bundled with a USB keyboard and will be distributed nationwide through Rashi Peripherals Pvt. Ltd. and Net Place Technologies Pvt. Ltd. for an approximate end user price of Rs. 64900/-.

R2E Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Stealey™ A110 (800MHz)
  
  
• LCD: 7" WVGA (Touch Panel) (Sun Readable)
  
  
• VGA: Intel 945GU
  
  
• Web Cam: 1.3 M Camera
  
  
• Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Premium
  
  
• Memory: 1 GB DDR II (1GBx1)
  
  
• HDD: 100G PATA
  
  
• Card Reader & Other features: FP Reader + GPS (WO/Map)
  
  
• Free Accessories: USB Keyboard + Car Charger + Link Cable + Car Bag

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PowerMonkey eXplorer

We’re all so tooled up with gadgets these days that we could do with a small nuclear power station in the airing cupboard to keep all the batteries charged up. Power is a problem – especially if you care about the environment, but also if you’ve ever sat down on a train with a six hour journey ahead of you and realised to your horror that you forgot to plug the iPod in over night. No power equals no tunes. Portable charging solutions may not be the most riveting gadgets, but at outdoorsy times of year, they sure are useful ones. The Powermonkey eXplorer is about as extravagant as they get.

You know what its like. You're away from home, you really need to make that one call and your mobile phone has just run out of battery power, or your iPod has just played its last tune or your camera battery is dead. The Powermonkey eXplorer ensures that never again will this happen to you.

The powermonkey-explorer is a small rocket-shaped device that stores up power for when you’re next on the road and need to charge something. And it has a solar charger.

Simply use the included mains adaptor or solar-slave to fully charge the Powermonkey-eXplorer and you will get up to 96 hours standby on your mobile phone, 40 hours on your iPod, 2 full charges on your PDA plus it's original charge and up to 1600 pictures on your digital camera. The Powermonkey-eXplorer will hold its charge without leakage for up to a year.

The Powermonkey bit is basically a ruggedised, high-capacity rechargeable battery with a selection of tips to attach it to almost any portable gadget. It’s small – about the size of two 'D' cell batteries – but weighty and tough-feeling. A blue backlit LCD provides information on remaining power.

Despite its comic name, the PowerMonkey-eXplorer feels like the most serious and solidly-built charger. It's a two-part device, which can be used separately or together. The PowerMonkey is a fat, water-resistant, tubular unit that holds a rechargeable battery (at 2200mAh, the best as tested) and its solar component is the 'solar slave', a small, fold-up solar unit.

Not only is this great news for your carbon footprint, it’s also a life-saver if you forget to plug things in before you go out – if you’ve got your powermonkey and solar-slave combo with you, you really can charge on the go, with the sunshine as your power source.

The set comes with a black carry case, that features adaptors for loads of different devices – the default is a Nokia socket, but there’s gizmos for iPod, PSP, and loads of phones. There’s also adaptors for charging the powermonkey itself via the mains or USB. If it’s missing an adaptor for your phone or other device, you can visit www.powermonkey-explorer.com and see if the company is selling it separately.

The design of the units is robust and understated, and it works really well – the carrying case is about the size of a stack of five or six CDs, and you could fit your iPod and all the powermonkey-explorer bits and bobs in there as well, so it’s a really good buy for travelling if you hate to be without your tunes or phone.

Pros

• Charges just about anything.
• Massive power storage.
• Inexhaustible energy.
• Solar powered.
• Rugged

Cons

• Not cheap.
• Can't re-juice a laptop.

Features:

• Compatible with the majority of mobile phones including Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericssion, etc.
• 2 USB connectors, one mini, one standard, which can charge iPods, Bluetooth headsets and PDAs. Connector cable for digital cameras.
• Reusable power pack.
• Includes a mains travel charger for use in 150 countries, from 110V to 240V.
• Output voltage of 4.5V to 5.5V.
• Compact size and stylish silver casing.

Compatibility with iPods:

This accessory is compatible with the following:

• 

  iPod 4th generation

• 

  iPod 5th generation (video)

• 

  iPod mini

• 

  iPod nano 2nd generation (aluminum)

• 

  iPod shuffle 2nd generation

Pack contents:

• Powermonkey-eXplorer
• Solar-slave
• Universal mains charger
• Mini USB for mobiles and Bluetooth headsets
• USB for smart phones, PDAs and other devices
• iPod connector
• Sony PSP and most digital camera connector
• Black travel pouch
• Black storage case

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Pioneer's 400GB Blu-ray disc

Pioneer’s scientists have reportedly upped the Blue-ray ante with a 400GB optical disc.

The capacity is stretched by manufacturing discs that are 16 layers deep, to be played with a player advanced enough optically to pick up the light scattered by all 16 layers. Conveniently, the player is also compatible with standard Blu-ray, but for now it’s limited to playback only, designed to demonstrate the new disc advancements. The prototype is read-only for the moment but R&D’s on it so let’s give them some time to work it out.

It goes without saying, then, that the future holds the ability to burn a 400GB Blu-ray disc. You know, if people even burn discs anymore in the age of flash media. The new discs require a special "wide-range spherical aberration compensator and light-receiving element" to detect the weaker laser signal, so don't plan on sticking one of these data-bloated monstrosities into your existing PS3. That said, the next generation of game consoles could support this new disc system, which is fully backward-compatible with existing Blu-ray discs. Of course, by the next generation, game systems might not be using optical discs at all, so who knows what the future will hold.

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IDLDPL Digital photo frame ‘YES DPF900’

Do you have thousands or even moredigital pictures stored in the computer? Now all your happy snaps can be constantly on display, shared and organized with YES digital photo frame, DPF900. Featuring 9 inches LCD display of 640 x 228 resolutions, DPF900 allows you to cherish your memories in true color and life-like features. Other than JPEG, you can also enjoy the video and audio entertainments with the multimedia and the stereo functions as MP3, MPEG4 are supported. Come and enjoy the easiest way to display your digital photos -without a computer.

In a marked shift from the analogue to digital, many users utilize digital photo frames to showcase their loved ones or memorable events as compared to storing them in Albums which are vulnerable to time & nature. IDLDPL (India Digital Life Style Distributors Pvt. Ltd.), one of the leading distributors of IT and Lifestyle Products, launched an enhanced YES DPF900 Digital Photo Frame that will bring consumers a more personalized and intuitive picture viewing experience.

The YES DPF900 9-inch Digital Photo Frame is the perfect way to view and share your memories in brilliant, high-contrast colour on a 9-inch LCD screen and you can give your memories a permanent place on your active life. You will enjoy fast response, direct input from most digital cameras and memory cards, and special features to enhance photo quality.

Users can place their favourite digital photos and music into the DPF900 via memory cards, USB flash or syncing with the computer. They can also combine them seamlessly into a photo slideshow together with abundant transition effects for the perfect "storybook" feeling. YES DPF900 comes with a lot of features including displaying a number of still photos, playing MP3 songs or MPEG4 files.

Additionally, there are more innovations that can be found in this digital photo frame. One such innovation is the reminiscence function – which allows users to search photos easily in the DPF900 to a specific date. All these features come together to provide users with the most comfortable viewing experience. It can hold a few pictures in its 8MB memory, but the easiest way to load photos is with a memory card.

One can also adjust the brightness and colour of their photos displayed, according to viewer suitability. With its high resolution the picture quality and its effect is nothing less but closerto reality.

Now, YES very affordable Digital Photo Frame-DPF900 can help you refresh your mood all the time you are at home or your workplace.

With DPF900, besides digital photographs, you can also enjoy the video and audio entertainments with the multimedia and stereo functions as MP3, MPEG4 (AVI) are all compatible with this display device. With so many options at your fingertips, the YES DPF900 is the perfect frame for reliving all of your special moments. It has inbuilt calendar and alarm function, which can be your utility if you opt for. The in-built stereo speakers are good enough to make your days joyful. DPF900also comes with two different looks to suit your interiors.

Features:

• High Quality TFT display (16:9)
• High Resolution
• Full Multimedia Function
• SD/MMC/XD/MS Card Slot
• USB 2.0 High Speed
• Calender & Alarm Function
• Thumbnail Preview/Rotate & Slide Show
• Built-in Stereo Speaker
  

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Corel WinDVD Supports AMD's New ATI Radeon GPUs

Corel Corporation, a leading developer of graphics, productivity and digital media software, today announced that Corel® WinDVD® supports the latest graphics cards based on AMD’s (NYSE: AMD) new ATI Radeon™ HD 4870 and ATI Radeon™ HD 4850 graphics processors.

Corel WinDVD with support for the latest ATI Radeon graphic processors utilizes the GDDR3 or GDDR5 graphics card memory with approximately 4 GHz DDR, a 256-bit memory controller, second generation Unified Video Decoder support, advanced image enhancement and dual-stream hardware acceleration for enhanced video performance, faster frame rates and reduced CPU usage.

“We are pleased Corel WinDVD is among the first video, DVD and Blu-ray Disc playback software products to support the latest ATI Radeon HD 4800 series graphics processors,” said Denise MacDonell, Senior Director of Product Management, Digital Media at Corel. “Corel WinDVD with the ATI Radeon HD 4800 series graphics processors decodes two video streams simultaneously providing effortless playback of full HD content, even when viewing picture-in-picture content from Blu-ray Discs on a HD-enabled monitor. Corel WinDVD users will experience judder-free HD video playback providing a superior viewing experience.”

“AMD is committed to deliver The Ultimate Visual Experience™ for customers and, with support from Corel WinDVD, we’re able to make good on that promise,” said Matt Skynner, Vice President of Marketing, Graphics Products Group, AMD. “With the assistance of Corel WinDVD, we’re enabling ATI Avivo™ HD and its second generation Unified Video Decoder (UVD 2) on ATI Radeon HD 4800 series graphics processors to accelerate video playback and free the CPU for other tasks. We look forward to working with Corel to enable great PC entertainment viewing.”

Corel WinDVD with support for graphics cards based on ATI Radeon HD 4870 and ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics processors is available to OEMs immediately and will be available to retail customers beginning in late summer 2008.
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BHV Homepage Maker 6 Express

Introduction

Website design software is useful for many people from massive websites like Google and eBay to the smaller one-man band sites. If you do happen to be a bored housewife breaking out into the wide world of the internet then you probably don’t have much programming knowledge. BHV’s Homepage Maker 6 Express states that you need no programming knowledge to be able to use this software. So let’s put this software to the test and see just how easy it is to use.

Features:

• Unaltered representation: What you see in the editor is what you get on the internet
• State-of-the-art technology: Easy implementing and customising Flash
• Smart management: Files no longer needed can be located and deleted
• Clear arrangement: Each page or sub-page is accessible at any time, simply change by mouse click
• Really easy: Page wizard with step-by-step instructions
• Wide choice: Professional website templates are included

System requirements:

• Pentium 266 MHz (Celeron or AMD Athlon accordingly)
• Windows 2000/XP/Vista
• 64 MB RAM
• Mouse
• Optional: Internet connection as well as internet browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Mozilla, Netscape, etc.).

The Package

The software comes in a large box for just a disc and an instruction manual. However the box is eye-catching in typical bhv white and red styling. The front shows a picture of a woman with a paint pallet and brushes looking cheekily at the camera - a nice touch. At the bottom of the front of the box are the 4 key things that this software offers: creates personalised websites, 50 professional templates, can be used without any programming skills and is easy to use. If you were to see this packet on the shelf in a computer shop it would make you look twice.

The back of the packet shows a central picture of a webpage created using the software with 5 pictures coming off it all with descriptions of various features within the software. This is a nice feature and gives an informative yet not boring idea of the programs capabilities. The information on the back combined with the results that can be seen in the pictures is enough to encourage a buy.

Inside the outer box is a simple brown cardboard box which opens up to show a 64 page instruction manual and a disc in a paper sleeve. The packaging is a bit excessive for a disc and an instruction manual - not very environmentally friendly at all… shame on you bhv. With the excessive amount of space inside the box, the disc can move around freely, so could easily fall out of its pouch and perhaps break. Fortunately though, there were no defects with my copy so I can only assume that the packaging is suitable.

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