Well at least their honest then 🙂
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Monthly Archives: May 2009
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UK broadband ‘notspots’ revealed
About three million homes in the UK have broadband speeds of less than two megabits per second (2Mbps) according to research commissioned by the BBC.
The government has promised to provide all homes in the UK with speeds of at least 2Mbps by 2012.
The research revealed that so-called notspots are not limited to rural communities, with many in suburban areas and even streets in major towns.
The government has pledged a range of technologies to fill the gaps.
"We had assumed that these notspots were in remote parts of the countryside. That may be where the most vocal campaigners are but there is a high incidence of them in commuter belts," said Alex Salter, co-founder of broadband website SamKnows.
The SamKnows map offers an insight into where the homes are that the government needs to reach out to and connect to faster broadband.
It was created by comparing a sample of UK postcodes with a database of information about which providers offered services in the 5,500 telephone exchanges around the UK.
By working out how far properties were from a particular exchange, a picture of the speed of services can be determined as line length is a crucial factor in determining how fast broadband services will operate.
To get speeds of 2Mbps or more homes need to be 4km or less from an exchange.
Article continues on the BBC News website
Microsoft releases Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 SP2
Microsoft has now released the standalone installer for Service Pack 2 on the Microsoft Download Centre.
There are some things to know and one of the warnings is of you have used “vLite” to customise the installation, you may have removed required system components which prevent Service Pack 2 from installing. Microsoft has a workaround for this issue.
Service Pack 2 is due to hit Windows Update in the next few weeks but if you want to install it today here are the download links below.
Get ready for Vista and Win2008 SP2
Just a heads up to prepare for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2. It will be available in the coming weeks on the Download Center (DLC) and also through Windows Update and WSUS. On April 28th, we announced the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. SP2 includes all updates that were released since SP1. It also includes support for new types of hardware and other technology improvements. For more information on the changes with SP2, see the notable changes document on TechNet.
Here’s a short list of the tools and guidance that’s available for SP2:
- If you’re managing systems that connect directly to WU, you can use the updated Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit to prevent WU from offering SP2 to your client computers.
- For more information about SP2, refer to the SP2 Frequently Asked Questions on TechNet.
- For help with deployment related questions, you should read this blog post on the Windows team blog.
Source: Microsoft Update blog
Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview screenshots
Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview has officially been leaked onto the internet. Showing the first look at the technical preview of the next big version of Microsoft Office.
Available in both 32-bit and 64-bit, possibly available on the same disc on launch, the newest Office release fits smoothly into Microsoft next big operating system, Windows 7. The ribbon is commonly used across all the Office applications to give users a better and easier navigation.
Source and screenshots: Neowin.net
Windows 7 Release Candidate
Microsoft has now publically made the Windows 7 Release Candidate available. Below straight from the download page is some information that you will need to know before you try it out.
- You don’t need to rush to get the RC. The RC will be available at least through July 2009 and we’re not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.
- Watch the calendar. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You’ll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use. (Learn more about installing Windows.)
- Protect your PC and data. Be sure to back up your data and please don’t test the RC on your primary home or business PC.
- Tech details/updates: Before installing the RC, please read the Release Notes and Things to Know for important information about the release.
- Keep up with the news. You can keep up with general technical information and news by following the team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers by subscribing to the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.
- Keep your PC updated: Be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.
- Installation: You can install the Windows 7 RC on a PC running Windows Vista without backing up the PC—but we encourage you to make a backup for safe keeping. If you’re running Windows XP or the Windows 7 Beta, you’ll need to backup your data, then do a clean installation of the RC, then reinstall your applications and restore your data. If you need to do a backup, please see How to back up your PC for more details and a suggestion for how to backup a PC running Windows 7 Beta or Windows Vista.
To start obtain your copy click here to go to the download page. TechNet users can find their download here.
Top Gear: Jeremy Clarkson uses Boudicca on the Stig
That could have got nasty when the Boudicca fell off :-/
Facebook Purity – Removes annoying quiz and application messages from your facebook homepage
This greasemonkey script removes all messages posted by applications to your homepage. It gets rid of messages about quizes etc, basically all messages from any applications created by external developers. Just leaving messages from the original facebook apps such as status updates, wall posts, links, notes, photos, etc behind.
To install this script you need to be using Firefox, then you need to install the GreaseMonkey add on.
To install the Facebook Purity script visit the following site and click on the “install” button on the top tight. http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/44459
BlackBerry Curve 8520 ‘Gemini’ discovered
Images of the new BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone have just been leaked for our viewing pleasure. The updated device boasts some interesting new features from its designers at Research in Motion, which come as an addition to that available on the high street at the moment.
Perhaps the most impressive change is the sudden loss of the trackball which is to be replaced with a touch sensitive ‘optical trackball.’
Upon a closer inspection at the pictures, a good portion of the design has also been changed. The LCD protector now extends downwards to incorporate the bar which contains the selection keys. This streamlining being well received by fans. Another new feature is represented by the gaps which separate the hang up and accept call buttons, now replaced with blue LED strips.
Other cosmetic changes include a rubberized perimeter and a ‘Curve’ logo on the back situated next to the camera lens. Just above, BlackBerry have placed dedicated media buttons along the top ridge of the device, which users seem to be excited about. The designers also have removed the flash for the camera.
There is not a great deal of news on the ‘under the hood’ modifications. Still no 3G support which is a real disappointment for BlackBerry users but there is retained support for the slightly quicker EDGE should your network provider support it. Wifi connectivity is also staying, along with the same layout on the Home Screen.
Overall the updated design features have been well received by BlackBerry fans and they seem excited about its release. You can check it out on ‘Crackberry or Engadget. Take a look at the fourth image down, am I the only one who thinks the reverse looks remarkably like an iPhone?
News source: Neowin.net, Crackberry.com