Events

UWHS Giveaway – Last Chance to Win PerfectUpdater from Raxco

Andrew Edney

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Aug 8, 2011

We recently reviewed PerfectUpdater from Raxco. Last week we started another one of our UWHS giveaways, and this is the last chance to enter and win 1 of 5 copies of PerfectUpdater.

What is PerfectUpdater?

Enhance your PC’s performance with a simple scan, download and installation of the latest drivers for your system. PerfectUpdater detects and installs the appropriate drivers for unknown devices, minimizing hardware conflicts and improving system stability.

PerfectUpdater helps you avoid errors such as the BSOD (blue screen of death) by installing the latest device drivers. Are you a gamer? Optimize the functionality of your graphics card with PerfectUpdater for the best gaming experience.

● Scans system for out-of-date drivers
● Provides out-of-date driver summary
● Checks extensive database for driver updates
● Backs up existing drivers before updating
● Installs updated drivers in a click
● Automatically checks for updates on a regular basis

PerfectUpdater is fully compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.

Want to Win?

Ok, so what do you have to do to win one of these licences, worth $29.99 each?

Make sure that you follow us on Twitter (@aedney) and then tweet the following:

I want to win PerfectUpdater with @aedney and UWHS. Visit http://bit.ly/Ct7vB and RT for your chance to win.

Or just click the Tweet button below to do it automatically.

[twitter style=”horizontal” text=”I want to win PerfectUpdater with @aedney and UWHS. Visit http://bit.ly/Ct7vB and RT for your chance to win.” float=”left”]

The giveaway will run until Monday 8th August, and which point we will pick 5 winners at random who tweeted and post them on the site.

Good luck! And thank you to our friends at Raxco for the licences.

BBC Launch Redesigned iPlayer for Your TV

Digital Home

Andrew Edney

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Aug 8, 2011

0

BBC Launch Redesigned iPlayer for Your TV

Today the BBC have launched a redesigned version of their iPlayer, and it’s been specially redesigned for your TV!

It is available from today on the PlayStation 3 games console, and will be adapted for an array of set-top boxes and internet-capable televisions. This is great new as even though you could access iPlayer on different devices and platforms, the presentation was inconsistent and it could be difficult to navigate and use.

The new version features menus that are easier to use with a normal remote control and better personalisation features that remember viewers’ searches and them to quickly access their favourite programmes.

Step By Step Bare Metal Install of A Windows Home Server 2011

John Keller

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Aug 8, 2011

10

Introduction

As much as we would like to get it right the first time or even the second or third time this rarely happens even more so when you are working with a new technology. So from all my initial forays into installing Windows Home Server 2011 I have decided pass on what ultimately worked for me in this Step by Step Tutorial of a Bare Metal Install or even a Re-Install of A Windows Home Server 2011 Server. Hopefully this will elevate some of the pain I went through.

Prerequisites Needed…
– Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitor
– PC/Server that meets the Windows Home Server 2011 Minimum requirements
– Windows Home Server 2011 Install DVD & License Key

Disclaimer

The How to information is intended as a guide or helping resource to those who are to do a Bare Metal Install of A Windows Home Server 2011 . There is no 100% guarantee that this will install correctly the 1^st time installing your home server Operating System. I assume no responsibility for any consequences of the install and the user will assume the full risk of any adverse effects of a bad installation.

Before Getting Started…

Before going any further please move any important Data off your System Hard Disk onto either another Internal Drive of your home server or another form of Media altogether (External Drive, ROM, etc.…)

(This Next Step is Optional)

Unplug all your internal drives (Along with any external drives) from your Mother Board with the exception of your designated Primary System Drive. If this is a re-install or you just want to insure that the primary drive you have chosen by the WHS 2011 Installer, This will give those of us who are paranoid the feeling of security that the drives with your valuable Data is not accidentally chosen as the primary drive by the WHS 2011 Installer. The likely of this happening is small but just an added step just in case.

Once your Windows Home Server 2011 DVD has been inserted into the DVD ROM and booted into the Setup Screen please do the following…
1) Click on “New Installation”

2) Look over all the Hard Disks on your server and insure that the Primary System Hard Disk you want is the one chosen (If all the hard disk have been disconnected it should be your only choice).

3) Check the “I understand that if I click install, all files and folders on my primary hard drive will be deleted” (Even if you still have your other drives still plugged in they should not be effected by the re-install).

4) Click “Install”

5) Now sit back, relax and grab a book and wait approximately the next 30 to 45 minutes while the 1^st half of the installation continues. Your Server will automatically reboot itself when ready.

StableBit DrivePool for Windows Home Server Build 3292 Now Available

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

-

Aug 8, 2011

0

StableBit DrivePool for Windows Home Server Build 3292 Now Available

And another new beta version of the Windows Home Server Drive Extender replacement StableBit DrivePool released – this time its build 3292.

Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

The changes in this version are:

1.0.0.3292 ———-

* Made the Dashboard details presenters display a reboot required message when the server needs rebooting instead of “Error starting service”.

* Fixed anti-flicker code in the Dashboard.

* Fixed device not ready errors when moving / renaming files on the pool.

* Fixed rare file not found errors that were being thrown when creating new files / moving existing files.

Download Stablebit Drivepool build 3292 here Learn more about StableBit DrivePool here

Have you tried it? What do you think?

GIGABYTE Releases G1.Sniper 2 Gaming Motherboard

Tech

Andrew Edney

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Aug 7, 2011

0

GIGABYTE Releases G1.Sniper 2 Gaming Motherboard

If you are in the market for one serious looking motherboard, then take a look at GIGABYTEs brand new G1.Sniper 2 Gaming Motherboard. It’s a killer!

Featuring several state-of-the-art onboard solutions from industry leaders including Creative and Bigfoot Networks, as well as several unique GIGABYTE features, the G1.Sniper 2 motherboard is unlike any current gaming motherboard on the market. With the ultimate in multi-GPU support, dedicated on-board audio and advanced networking, GIGABYTE has brought out some incredibly big guns to the party, so lock & load soldiers, and get ready to unleash some mass gaming destruction.

Being able to hear where your enemy is located before you see them can put you at a distinct advantage in most gaming situations. That is why GIGABYTE has rigged the G1.Sniper 2 motherboard with the industry’s most advanced audio solutions all onboard; giving you the highest caliber audio experience. GIGABYTE G1.Sniper 2 is the world’s only gaming motherboard to feature Creative’s top-of-the-line Soundblaster Digital Audio Processor (20K2) onboard with X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity^® and EAX^® Advanced HD™ 5.0 technologies, allowing you to experience sound in your gaming world exactly as you would in real life.

Built-in Visuals GIGABYTE Z68 motherboards offer support for several 2nd generation Intel^® Core™ Built-in Visual Features.

Intel^® Quick Sync Video
Up to 2X faster media processing than any other solution for incredibly fast conversion of video files for portable media players or online sharing.

Intel^® InTru™ 3D
Users can enjoy the ultimate 3D visual experiences–seamlessly–from their PC. Now they can watch their favorite 3D movies with Blu-ray Stereo 3D playback using active shutter 3D glasses. It delivers it all in 1080p full, high-definition resolution on the TV over HDMI 1.4.

Intel^® Insider
Allows users to view premium 1080p HD content on their GIGABYTE Z68 series system.

Switchable Graphics with LucidLogix Virtu GPU Virtualization
GIGABYTE Z68 motherboards are enabled with LucidLogix Virtu GPU Virtualization technology which allows users to dynamically switch between their built-in graphics and their high-end, 3D discrete graphics cards. This is ideal for gamers who require high-resolution gaming and still want to enjoy the built-in media features of 2nd generation Intel^® Core™ processors. In so doing, switchable graphics helps to dramatically reduce PC graphics power consumption.

And so much more!

Here are the complete specs:

Learn more from the GIGABYTE website

StableBit DrivePool for Windows Home Server Build 3267 Now Available

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

-

Aug 7, 2011

0

StableBit DrivePool for Windows Home Server Build 3267 Now Available

And another new beta version of the Windows Home Server Drive Extender replacement StableBit DrivePool released – this time its build 3267.

Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

The changes in this version are:

1.0.0.3267 ———-

* Renaming a folder to the same name would make it disappear from Dashboard.

* Regenerating files would sometimes throw a null exception.

* Access denied on folder duplication change could un-share the folder.

Download Stablebit Drivepool build 3267 here Learn more about StableBit DrivePool here

Have you tried it? What do you think?

HP Offer Existing TouchPad Owners a $50 App Catalog Credit

Tablets & Slates

Andrew Edney

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Aug 6, 2011

0

HP Offer Existing TouchPad Owners a $50 App Catalog Credit

Over the last two days we told you about HP slashing $100 off the price of the HP TouchPad then Staples slashing an additional $100 off. Now HP have offered existing US owners a $50 credit in the App Catalog.

Here is what HP said:

If you’ve previously purchased a TouchPad in the U.S. between July 1 and August 4 (at HP.com or participating resellers), we’ve got something extra headed your way, too: a credit for $50 in the App Catalog to help you get even more out of your new TouchPad. Look for an email with the details next week. You’ll want to make sure the email address associated with your TouchPad is an address you currently use so that you’ll receive the email we’ll be sending with the details. You can check it in the Device Info app, and update it (if necessary) here . You’ll have until December 31, 2011 to use the $50 App Catalog credit. If you qualified for our mail-in rebate program for customers who’d previously purchased certain webOS phones, the app credit is on top of that rebate.

StableBit DrivePool for Windows Home Server Build 3262 Now Available

Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

-

Aug 6, 2011

0

StableBit DrivePool for Windows Home Server Build 3262 Now Available

Another day, another new beta version of the Windows Home Server Drive Extender replacement StableBit DrivePool released – this time its build 3262.

Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

The changes in this version are:

1.0.0.3262 ———-

* Fixed the annoying issue of folder names being upper cased. This fix should stop it from happening in the future.

* Fixed bug in code that takes a file out of service.

* Incomplete file repair task now correctly detects files that were out of service and were brought back into service. It now correctly removes the out of service tag.

* Out of service files are not repaired.

* Incomplete file repair task now correctly repairs incomplete directories as well (they were being detected but not repaired). Security / attributes / access times / alternate streams are of course preserved across repairs.

* Fixed unduplicated file detection to not throw up an error if the file part being opened is taken out of service.

Download Stablebit Drivepool build 3262 here Learn more about StableBit DrivePool here

Have you tried it? What do you think?

SteelSeries 7H and Siberia v2 Headsets Released for Apple Devices

Apple
Tech

Andrew Edney

-

Aug 6, 2011

0

SteelSeries 7H and Siberia v2 Headsets Released for Apple Devices

This week also saw the release of two new headsets from SteelSeries – the 7H and the Siberia v2, both designed for Apple devices.

This week, SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of gaming and entertainment peripherals, announced that Siberia v2 and 7H Headsets for iPod, iPhone and iPad are available online and in select retail locations around the globe. The updated headset designs have been collaborated to meet Apple’s performance standards; each featuring a single 3.5mm jack for combined audio and voice, and an inline remote that controls volume, entertainment tracks, and call controls. Each headset includes SteelSeries’ signature features including original designs for long lasting comfort and a retractable microphone system to be used while answering calls or stored in the left earcup when just listening to music, movie, and game entertainment.

SteelSeries 7H Headset

The rich and detailed sound that the SteelSeries 7H delivers is powered by 50 mm drivers for a superior soundscape. Its interchangeable earcups allow the user to choose between hear-through cloth and noise cancelling leather. The feature to disassemble the 7H into 4 pieces including at each earcup, headband, and the cord, makes it an ideal set of cans to travel with. The SteelSeries 7H Headset is $129.99 / €114.99 MSRP.

SteelSeries Siberia v2 Headset

Featuring noise dampening leather earcups, the Siberia v2 is lightweight thanks to its trademark headband suspension. One of SteelSeries most award-winning headsets, the Siberia v2, also features 50mm driver units with an optimized soundscape for entertainment including music, movies and gaming. For iPod, iPhone and iPad users, the Siberia v2 will be available in white for $99.99 / €94.99 MSRP.

SteelSeries Spectrum 7XB Wireless Headset for Xbox 360 Launched

Andrew Edney

-

Aug 6, 2011

0

SteelSeries Spectrum 7XB Wireless Headset for Xbox 360 Launched

This week saw the release of the SteelSeries Spectrum 7XB Wireless Headset for Xbox 360.

Wireless Features

The headset will operate up to 32 feet away from its transmitter and features a smart LED to notify its user when the headset is connected.
Designed for low power consumption, the headset includes an automatic shut down feature after the transmitter is shut off or prolonged inactivity. The 20+ hours of non-stop gaming is powered by two, included AAA batteries; the option to use rechargeable batteries is left up to the user.
The SteelSeries Spectrum 7xb’s wireless transmitter connects directly into the Xbox 360 console and is equipped with USB (for power), 3.5mm and RCA connections. Hook up the 7xb to your Xbox 360 for full headset functionality (audio and voice) or to any device with a USB, 3.5mm and/or RCA jack to use as a wireless headphone (audio only) to simply listen to your choice of entertainment.

Exclusive Sound Options

Regardless of the environment, SteelSeries designed the Spectrum 7xb so that the user would be in complete control of how the headset feels, delivers and reproduces their audio and voice communication. Users can choose:

LiveMix: Found on the left earcup, the quick-button option improves the balance and mixing of Xbox LIVE™ chat with in-game audio so that voice communication will be mixed perfectly over the sounds of gunfire and explosions, without having to increase the volume of the headset and risk hearing damage.
ExactSND: Pre-set sound settings activated by a button on the left earcup, allowing the user to quickly switch between .EQ settings. The options of ExactSND includes performance for directional sounds like footsteps and gunfire, immersion for optimized environmental sound and game music, and entertainment for increased bass levels and sound when watching TV/movies.

The Spectrum 7xb is available now for $179.99 / €$179.99 MSRP on the SteelSeries Web Shop and online at www.limexb360.co.uk.