Technology Vault - NewsBytes

Friday 28 March, 2003

AquaMark3 latest - Mirror sites wanted by @ 12:26 pm

I've just had an email from Verena Schmidt, Massive Development's Management Assistant who has given us some more details about AquaMark 3. AquaMark3 will allow PC users to easily measure and compare the performance of their systems.

Not a lot of new information than we reported on earlier this week but Verena email says:
AquaMark3 allows PC users to easily measure and compare the performance of their systems. It provides a reliable benchmark to help PC users to configure their systems for the best gaming performance, through the use of a real-life game simulation.

“AquaMark3 will allow home users to accurately gauge the performance of their PC’s,” commented Massive’s Technical Director Ingo Frick, “It’s easy to use and provides accurate information to help users get the best out of 3D games.”

The AquaMark3 program is available for all PC users to download from the official website. When run, AquaMark3 executes a complete state of-the-art game engine and generates 3D scenes which, unlike other benchmarks, are designed to make the same demands of users’ hardware as a modern game. It then outputs a set of scores giving a breakdown of the performance of different parts of the user’s PC, calculated from how effectively the system managed to run the test. This score can then be compared to the scores of other PC users to see whether their hardware is configured for optimal performance.

AquaMark 3 will be released shortly and will be available to download from www.aquamark3.com

Massive Development is in search of parties who are interested in having mirrorsites for the Aquamark3 Download (70 MB). If you are interested, please contact: webmaster@aquamark3.com

Thursday 27 March, 2003

OpenOffice 1.1 BETA released by @ 8:46 pm

OpenOffice.org has made available OpenOffice 1.1 beta for download. You will find lots of new features and many new import/export formats. OpenOffice can now handle PDF, Macromedia Flash, DocBook, several PDA Office file formats, flat XML and XHTML. Other features include support for Complex Text Layout (CTL) and languages such as Thai, Hindi, Arabic, Hebrew.

OpenOffice says: This release represents a significant advance of the application and incorporates the features and changes introduced with the developer builds of the last year.

You can visit the OpenOffice homepage HERE

You can download Beta version 1.1 of the OpenOffice suite for Windows from any of these sites

OpenOffice is free!

Nvidia release first official DirextX9 drivers by @ 6:40 pm

Nvidia today release thier first official DirextX9 drivers 43.45 for all Nvidia graphics cards. Four versions are available, an English version and an International version for both Windows 98/ME and 2000/XP

Nvidia says:
- The industry’s best Microsoft® DirectX® 9 support
- GeForce FX and Quadro FX support for cinematic computing
- Ultimate “The Way It’s Meant to be Played” experience
- NVIDIA’s patented Unified Driver Architecture (UDA) – supports all products in a single driver binary
- nView™ 2.0 multi-display technology increases productivity and provides the necessary tools to control the way users access and view applications.
- NVKeystone™ allows for real-time image correction on portable projectors and heads-up displays.
- Digital Vibrance Control™ allows users to adjust color controls to achieve accurate, bright colors under all conditions.

Head on over to the Nvidia drivers page HERE and pick your flavour.

The GeForceFAQ has been updated with the detail.

Official Statement Refering To Beta Drivers at FutureMark by @ 6:46 am

FutureMark has released an official statement regarding the use of beta drivers on it's results database. Earlier this week, FutureMark disable the use of non-WHQL nVidia drivers.

Futuremark supports Microsoft WHQL

Since the release of 3DMark03, there has been some uncertainty about which drivers to use for impartial and useful benchmarking.

Based on the feedback we have received from users worldwide, all official performance listings at www.futuremark.com will be derived entirely from results obtained with WHQL’d drivers.

Microsoft’s WHQL is an important program that guarantees reliability and consistent performance in users’ daily computing needs. Futuremark endorses WHQL as a positive aspect of consumers’ computing experiences and we officially support the use of Microsoft WHQL drivers.

To accommodate an enthusiastic community of users who wish to experiment and learn more about maximum performance of their hardware, Futuremark will also enable comparisons of results obtained by non-WHQL’d drivers. To ensure objectivity, benchmark results will be clearly separated between both categories.

Ok, so what this means is that we will continue to allow the use of any driver-type (beta, unofficial, WHQL, modded etc etc), but we will distinguish the WHQL drivers in the ORB by marking them. They will have a column that clearly displays that they are WHQL.

And FYI, in the non-WHQL category, we will also re-enable the Detonator 42.67, 42.68 42.69 drivers.

Please note that this task will require some time. Please be patient. We will set this as our ORB priority #1, but it will still require a lot of work and time.

To see the official statement CLICK HERE

Windows Media Player 9 patch by @ 6:28 am

Microsoft has released a patch for Windows Media Player 9 Series. When you try to play back certain ASF files created by hardware devices, you may receive an error message.

Microsoft says:

SYMPTOMS
When you try to play back certain ASF files created by hardware devices, you may receive the following error message approximately three or four minutes after playback has started:

0xC00D1199 -- Windows Media Player cannot play the file. The file is either corrupt or the Player does not support the format you are trying to play.

You may also receive this error message when you seek past the three- or four-minute mark by using the track bar.

CAUSE
When applications built on the Windows Media Format play back files, the applications make certain checks to determine if a packet is valid. The Windows Media Format incorrectly handles a case where the time wraps around because of the maximum value possible for numeric data types.

RESOLUTION
A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This fix may receive additional testing to further ensure product quality. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Windows Media Update that contains this fix.

You can now download the patch from HERE

For further details visit this page at Microsoft.

Microsoft release another Critical Update by @ 6:14 am

Tuesday 25 March, 2003

AVG Update by @ 7:29 pm

ATI speaks out after FutureMark's ban on non-WHQL certified drivers by @ 11:55 am

After yesterdays decision by FutureMark to disable hooky Nvidia driver versions from their results database, ATI's Software Product Manager, Terry Makedon has stated We don't post "WHQL candidate" or "WHQL certification pending" drivers. All CATALYST drivers will be Microsoft WHQL certified. At this point in time it is clear which company provides their end users with more robust and quality-driven driver support.

Now there's yet another punch in the eye for Nvidia. It seems that Nvidia made a number of 'optimized' drivers, these drivers were optimized to give higher scores in FutureMarks 3DMark 03 benchmarking program. This was despite Nvidia's comments that 3DMark 03 wasn't a realistic real life benchmark and alegidly pulled out of the project. These optimized drivers had been given to key companies to try out. It seems (as with many Nvidia drivers) they got leaked to the web. 3DMark users were using these drivers to give themselves high 3D Mark scores.

By removing these drivers from the results database at FutureMark, users can get a more realistic and truthful comparison between drivers. It's also clear that ATI hold the number one slot with the Radeon 9500/9700 graphics card at FutureMark.

The comments by Terry Makedon on the Rage3D Website
must be yet another blow to the one time leaders in graphics card technology, Nvidia. Terry also pointed outs:

Looking at NVIDIA we notice they have not posted a WHQL certified driver on their web site since August for Windows ME and November for Windows XP. ATI has already committed during the CATALYST launch that our driver postings will be for all supported Windows operating systems, for all our RADEON desktop cards and always Microsoft WHQL certified drivers.

At this point in time it is clear which company provides their end users with more robust and quality-driven driver support.

Please head on over to the Rage3D Website for this and other ATI news.

I wonder if Nvidia will respond to Terry's comments. I do hope so!!

New NVIDIA or ATI driver? by bluetracker @ 11:28 am

Thanks go to forum member Tony for providing details of this release to us.

Microsoft update DirectX to version 9.0(a) by @ 7:22 am

Microsoft has updated DirectX9 to version 9.0a. This update fixes a number of minor bugs and also resolves an issue where some multiplayer games or MSN Messenger may not work correctly.

This changes the long version number from 4.09.00.0900 to 4.09.00.0901

Microsoft says: Microsoft DirectX is a group of technologies designed to make Windows-based computers an ideal platform for running and displaying applications rich in multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, 3D animation, and rich audio. DirectX 9.0 includes security and performance updates, along with many new features across all technologies, which can be accessed by applications using the DirectX 9.0 APIs. This release also resolves an issue with DirectX 9.0 where some multiplayer games or MSN Messenger may not work correctly. A number of minor bugs were also resolved.

You can download the official Microsoft DirectX 9.0a webupdate utility HERE. Please note that this installer just refers to DirectX9 and not the version number when it installs. It does in fact update you to version 9.0a.

To visit the Microsoft DirectX page CLICK HERE

Monday 24 March, 2003

FutureMark disable results that use hooky Nvidia Drivers by @ 6:33 pm

FutureMark have said they will not include Detonator 42.67, 42.68 & 42.69 drivers from their 3DMark 03 database of results. Is this a touch of sour grapes after Nvidia's remarks about 3DMark 03?

FutureMark has posted the following message: We have decided to disable (at least for the time being) all current submitted results using the questionable drivers, Detonator 42.67, 42.68 and 42.69. This means that the current results are not deleted, but disbaled from being published. We encourage you to use only officially released, and/or WHQL'ed drivers, as results run with the above-mentioned driver versions will be disabled.

The reason for this is that the drivers have been officially stated as optimized for 3DMark03, and we can not verify the purity and integrity of the drivers. We are investigating the drivers and their effect on 3DMark03 - both performance and the rendering quality (ie. image quality).

Originally the drivers were supposedly released to a group of websites (and/or other media) as an example, but unfortunately got leaked for public use.

We are striving for allowing only officially released & WHQL'ed drivers in the future.

You'll find the message HERE

New Aquamark3 Trailer and Website Launched Today by @ 6:00 pm

Massive Development, has today launched an official website and trailer to show off their upcoming PC tool AquaMark3. AquaMark3 allows PC users to easily measure and compare the performance of their systems.

In a press release today, Massive Developments tell us: Monday 24th March 2003…/ JoWooD Productions is proud to announce that their subsidiary, Massive Development, has today launched an official website and trailer to show off their upcoming PC tool AquaMark3. New details on AquaMark3 and the official trailer can now be seen at www.aquamark3.com.

AquaMark3 allows PC users to easily measure and compare the performance of their systems. It provides a reliable benchmark to help PC users to configure their systems for the best gaming performance, through the use of a real-life game simulation.

"AquaMark3 will allow home users to accurately gauge the performance of their PC's," commented Massive's Technical Director Ingo Frick, "It's easy to use and provides accurate information to help users get the best out of 3D games."

The AquaMark3 program is available for all PC users to download from the official website. When run, AquaMark3 executes a complete state-of-the-art game engine and generates 3D scenes which, unlike other benchmarks, are designed to make the same demands of users' hardware as a modern game. It then outputs a set of scores giving a breakdown of the performance of different parts of the user's PC, calculated from how effectively the system managed to run the test. This score can then be compared to the scores of other PC users to see whether their hardware is configured for optimal performance.

You can download the trailer HERE. Other quality file options are available from the website.

The new version will support DirectX 9 with advanced pixel shaders but will also be backwardly compatible with older versions of DirectX.

Saturday 22 March, 2003

Gargoyle Clock - ATI 9800 technology demo by @ 7:42 pm

ATI have just added a new technology demo to their developer website. The Gargoyle Clock uses DirectX9 and shows a brushed metal clock which takes the time from your Windows system clock. It makes a great screensaver for ATI users.

Screenshot of Gargoyle Clock ATI's latest technology demo

MusicMatch Update by @ 7:22 pm

The popular media player, MusicMatch has been updated. Lifetime registered owners can update their player to version 7.50.3101. Some of the new features in 7.5 include Portable Device Manager, Enhanced CD Printing, Super Tagging, Volume levelling, mp3pro support and a new interface.

For lifetime registered users, just click the 'Options' tab and pick 'Update software'. New users can learn more about MusicMatch HERE

Programs Run Slower After You Install Windows XP SP-1 by @ 6:56 pm

Microsoft have issued a replacement beta patch file (hotfix) for a problem some XP SP1 users have whereby Windows XP runs slow after you install SP1. This update is applicable to Windows XP Home Edition or Professional, both with Service Pack 1 installed. Thanks to our friends at Warp2Search, you can now download the patch.

Microsoft says in Q815411:

SYMPTOMS
After you install Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1), your programs may take as much as ten times as long to start.

CAUSE
This problem may occur if the programs you run frequently allocate and deallocate large blocks of memory. Changes in Windows XP SP1 in the memory management system have caused this operation to take significantly longer than with pre-SP1 Windows XP.

RESOLUTION
A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem. This fix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Windows XP service pack that contains this fix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix.

However, thanks to our friends at Warp2Search , they are hosting the file for you to try. Just follow the link at the bottom of their news item HERE

Warp2Search says: The hotfix will update a core system file ntdll.dll from SP1 version 5.1.2600.1106 to 5.1.2600.1177. We will not include this into our Post SP1 hotfix chart until it is officially available by Microsoft.

Getright version 5 released by @ 6:30 pm

OK, a touch late with this story. A new updated version of Getright has been released. Version 5 sees many small changes over version 4.5. Getright is a download manager which helps users with download error recovery, resuming, acceleration, scheduling and more.

Getright is a shareware program. Previous users can use the 'check for updates' tab and update their exisiting version. However, version 5 uses a new registration system. You will need to get a new registration number sent to you. You will need the email address you first registered Getright 4.5 with or the code number you used.

Whats NEW in Version 5

Getright tells us:
- "QuickSync" and "Server Synchronizer". Two features for quickly and easily gathering many files off a website. QuickSync for sites you want to process once; Server Synchronizer for sites you want to keep matched with your computer (can just download changed files!) Plus the GetRight Browser now does subdirectories too.

- "Direct Cookies" and "Web Site Login". These let you have GetRight log into web sites that use cookies to tell if you're logged in or not (such as groups.yahoo.com). Now can download from those sites!

- Improvements to Automatic Downloading. Can use classic "Priority" order for downloads, or new "Exact Ordering" to drag-and-drop files into the exact order you want. Separated limits for Files and Segments for better control of connections.

- Added a simpler option for Automatic Segmenting/Accelerating; just do X segments per file if it meets a minimum size.

- Much more customization and details can be shown. For the Download Status--can show or hide columns (and added a few new columns you can show--date added, etc.) and a few choices for the Speed Graph. For download windows, can show a Speed Graph or report with mirror/acceleration details.

- "Advanced" buttons to easily view and change exceptions in the registry for your Click Monitoring and "Referer" settings.

- Added a delay on the Internet dialing so can pause before redialing a broken connection.

- Updated the old "Drag-Drop" window to look cooler.

- The optional Gator software has been completely removed from the installer. (Thanks for that).

Getright is suitable for all connection types but is most use for users with slow dial-up modems. Getright will redial after disconnection and carry on with your download. You can tell Getright to hang-up after the download is finished and even close down your computer.

A few customers have noticed occasional blank web pages with WindowsXP and Service Pack 1. I have noticed that if an image is used several times on a webpage it sometimes shows as a little empty box instead of showing the image. Getright offer a replacement 'click monitoring' fix, but unfortunatly doesn't fix it for everyone. For more details on ways to fix this, Getright have set up a webpage CLICK HERE

If you wish to try Getright CLICK HERE

With the size of some of todays games and files that you can download, even if you have Broadband, Getright is a great help. I find it very useful.

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Friday 21 March, 2003

2 New Critical Windows Updates by @ 6:05 am

Microsoft has added 2 new updates to the Windows Update site for Windows 2000/XP users. First fixes a problem where you may not be able to update from Windows Update and a fix a flaw in the way by which the Windows Script Engine for JScript processes information.

Microsoft says:

SYMPTOMS
You may be unable to install driver updates from the Microsoft Windows Update Web site. When you try to do so, the installation is unsuccessful.

CAUSE
This problem may occur if you have a large number of INF files in your %windir%\Inf folder. In this case, Windows incorrectly searches the whole INF folder for information about which drivers to update instead of searching only for currently installed drivers.

RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, install the 814033 update.



Microsoft also tells us about a flaw in the way by which the Windows Script Engine for JScript processes information:

A flaw exists in the way by which the Windows Script Engine for JScript processes information. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by constructing a web page that, when visited by the user, would execute code of the attacker’s choice with the user’s privileges. The web page could be hosted on a web site, or sent directly to the user in email.

Visit Windows Update to download both of these critical updates.

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Thursday 20 March, 2003

43.03 Detonator Driver Leaked by @ 12:01 am

Another leaked version of Nvidia's Detonator drivers, this time it's version 43.03. These drivers are for all Nvidia graphics cards and 2 versions are available for Windows 98/ME and 2000/XP.

Thanks to Warp2Search for posting the information about these new drivers.

These are multi-language drivers for all Nvidia graphics cards.

The Windows98/ME version is 13.04 MB in size while the Windows 2000/XP drivers are 19.04 MB.

The GeForce FAQ has been updated with the information.

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Wednesday 19 March, 2003

Detonator Drivers Version 42.52 leaked by @ 11:10 am

Version 42.52 of Nvidia's Detonator series of unified drivers has been leaked to the web. This version is dated 25 February 2003 and is for all Nvidia graphics cards.

The drivers are 17 MB in size. Thanks to Warp2Search who have posted the news on their website.

You can download them FROM HERE

The GeForce FAQ has been updated with the information.

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Tuesday 18 March, 2003

PaintShop Pro8 beta update by bluetracker @ 1:11 am

Jasc Software have release PSP8 beta3b

As with the original Beta1 release, this is a time limited trial. Jasc inform us that each beta version will be operational for slightly longer than it's predecessor.(Beta 3 will expire on April 7 th 2003.)


To download this latest version surf along to Jasc.com and fill out your details (a requirement before you are allowed to download).

If you ticked the box for 'information' on installing the original release you *should* have recieved an e-mail advising you of the release but as happened in my case ...no e-mail and I found this release available on my 'rounds'.

Menu and UI Changes

Though there have been some menu changes since the last beta build, they are extremely minor and Jasc say you may
continue to use workspace files created with Beta 1 or Beta 2.

Multitude of other fixes

As with all beta software the manufacturer relies on feedback from users to enable them to release the final version comparitively 'bug free'.

Many issues have been reported since the issue of Beta 1, this release is a result of all these reports and is the most stable version to date.
There is a PDF file available to download 18 pages long that chronicles all the fixes. You can get it HERE

********

Monday 17 March, 2003

New Omega drivers available by @ 8:00 pm

Omegadrive has posted his latest tweaked drivers for all ATI Radeon cards. These drivers include the 9500/9700 to 9800 hack and many other tweaks to make your games look better.

Omegadrive says:

* Omega 2.4.07a has fixed a major problem with cards lower than 9500

* 2.4.07 are based on the official 6307 ATI drivers (Catalyst 3.2)

* Added support for the following chipsets:
Radeon 9500 non Pro
Radeon 9800 Pro

* The SMARTGART control panel has been RE-ENABLED, ATI asked me to re-enable it as a favor, so I did it.

* Fixed the FPD not showing in the Display CP.

* Removed various tweaks as they where no longer necessary.

* Added the 9500/9700 to 9800 hack, now the 9800 pipeline is enabled by default in the drivers, there is going to be a BIG speed increase in D3D for these cards.

* Changed a some stuff in the drivers setup, please read the installer options more carefully now, they include some important info and it's now better explained for newbies.

This are my "optimized" drivers for the ATI Radeon family of video cards, this version (Omega 2.4.07a) is for Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

You can download them from DriverHeaven (primary download site) or direct from OmegaCorner (secondary download link).

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AVG Update by @ 7:33 pm

Grisoft, the provider of AVG, the free antivirus software for the home user has just updated the reference file to Version: 6.0.463 / Virus Database: 262.

Grisoft says that this update adds detection of new virus I-Worm/Ganda.

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Friday 14 March, 2003

Version 3.2 ATI Catalyst drivers available by @ 5:04 pm

ATI have released a new set of unified drivers for all ATI based graphics cards. Version 3.2 is now available for download.

The drivers are numbered as version 7.84 and are part of the Catalyst suite of programs 3.2.

Just some of the claims for these new drivers:
Framebuffer read-back performance has improved dramatically (500% or more), Dungeon Siege framerates are improved as much as 24% and Battle of Proxycon and the Troll's Lair in 3DMark 03 (both up 15-25% on RADEON™ 9000 PRO)

Here are the download links:

ATI Control Panel

Windows 2000/XP Drivers

Windows 98/ME Drivers

These new drivers fix many problems found in the previous version.

WindowsXP fixes
- Playing a video using the RealOne Player no longer results in display corruption and an error message being displayed by the RealOne Player.

- Running the game Combat Flight Simulator 3 with 4x Anti-Aliasing enable no longer results in texture corruption being displayed.

- Running the demo ATI-9700-NPRHatching with Anti-Aliasing enabled at 2x and the display set to 1024x768 32bpp no longer results in corruption being displayed on screen.

- Selecting D3D 8.1 renderer in Nascar 2003 followed by selecting Replay Studio in the main menu no longer results in the car having missing textures.

- Setting the display to 1024x768 32bpp followed by changing the AGP speed from 8x to 4x no longer results in the AGP speed not retaining its setting.

- Setting the Hardware Acceleration slider to None no longer results in a reboot of the system and the settings not being retained.

- A reboot is no longer required when making changes to the Wait for Vertical Sync under the ATI Direct3D Tab.

- Running the game Myth 3 with the display set to 1600x1200 and Full Screen Anti-Aliasing set to 2x no longer results in corruption being displayed when entering the Save game screen window.

- Running the application There no longer results in segmentation violation occurring when Pbuffer is enabled in the application.

- Selecting a Daytona single race in the game Nascar 2003 beta with OpenGL enabled no longer results in the system not responding.

- Running the OpenGl test found in Nascar 2003 Beta no longer results in the system not responding.

Windows 2000 fixes
- Running the 3D Winbench 2000 v1.1 Quality test for Anisotropic and Linear Mipmap Anisotropic no longer reports the tests as Not Capable.

- The Windows 2000 display driver no longer requires two reboots of the system to load.

- Connecting a TV and enabling the TV as a secondary CRT with the display set to 1024x768 16bpp no longer results in the DVD overlay not being displayed on either the CRT or the LCD.

- The 3D Pipes (OpenGL) screen saver no longer renders incorrectly in preview mode when the display is set to 16bpp and FSAA is enabled.

- Setting the display to 1024x768 32bpp and setting the TRUFORM option to Application Preference in the ATI OpenGL tab no longer results in the game Myth III not responding.

Windows 98 fixes
- Switching between OTM Theatre Mode Settings in Clone Mode Options no longer results in the apply button not becoming active.

- Setting the display to 1024x768 32bpp and enabling Anti-aliasing to 4x and running the game Harry Potter II no longer results in the system not responding.

For full details of these new drivers CLICK HERE

The main factors with these drivers is that they aim to get stability. The next version, ATI says they will deal with increasing the performance.

These drivers really rock!

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Another AVG Update by @ 4:45 pm

Grisoft, the provider of AVG, the free antivirus software for the home user has just updated the reference file again to Version: 6.0.462 / Virus Database: 261.

Grisoft says that this update adds detection of new viruses I-Worm/NiceHello, I-Worm/Daboom, Worm/Gizmo, Worm/Sddrop, Worm/Compatex and new variants of I-Worm/Yaha, Worm/Kwbot, Worm/Shower.

If you use the Outlook Express plug-in you should see the following details at the bottom of your emails: Version: 6.0.462 / Virus Database: 261 - Release Date: 13/03/2003

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Thursday 13 March, 2003

Codered.F Virus Alert by @ 5:43 am

Trend Micro have issued a virus warning about a new variant of the Codered virus. This worm, similar to the other variants of CodeRed, makes use of a remote buffer overflow vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Information Server(IIS) that can give system level privileges to an attacker. It drops a backdoor program on an infected Web server, giving an attacker full access to this Web server thereby compromising network security.

Trend Micros say: TrendLabs has received a significant number of infection reports on this worm from Japan and Italy. As of 4:59 AM March 12, 2003 (US Pacific Time), Trend has declared a Yellow Alert to control the spread of this malware.

This worm, similar to the other variants of CodeRed, makes use of a remote buffer overflow vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Information Server(IIS) that can give system level privileges to an attacker. It drops a backdoor program on an infected Web server, giving an attacker full access to this Web server thereby compromising network security.

This worm poses no risk to Windows 95, 98, and ME users. Windows NT and 2000 users who do not have Microsoft's IIS Web Server installed are also at no risk. This worm only affects computers running Microsoft IIS that have not been patched with the Microsoft MS01-033 patch.

The only difference between this variant and the .C variant is that the older variant executes its reboot payload if the year is greater than 2002. This .F variant executes its payload if the year is greater than 34952.

This worm code only resides in memory, and there are no file counterparts. Because of this, antivirus scanners that do not support memory scanning will not be able to detect the code.

Further analysis is currently being done on this malware.

For more information on CODERED.F please visit our Web site: CLICK HERE

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Wednesday 12 March, 2003

They're coming to take you away! by bluetracker @ 12:31 am

Thanks to forum member Tone for the source of this story

They are After You: Music 'Men in Black' Target P2P Users

P2P networks and virtually everyone that swaps music files or video's or software on the internet could soon be watching through their curtains for that 'black sedan' pulling up outside their driveway.

As the Recording industry expands focus and guns for file traders, it has been speculated that the Recording Industry Association of America are pressing on with their bid to seek wide ranging powers under law to curb their falling revenues due to so-called file sharing portals.

Last year a US based ISP portal Verizon was indicted in the US courts to provide details of person or persons who uploaded over 600 songs via their network, Verizon has sought a stay of execution but it is doubtful that any such will be allowed and it will have to reveal the name of those involved in the file transfer.
Speculation abounds as to the consequences involved in the court ruling and indeed the global impact upon the millions of file sharing participants who download copyrighted material.

It has long been a concern to the Music and indeed software industries about their lost revenue due to pirated copies of their wares. In many places file sharing is big business among those that partake of files freely available on the Internet. The 'real world' counterparts that pay the wages of artists/ recording companies and the like gather dust on High Street store shelves.

From the April 2003 issue of PC World magazine... Lawrence Hertz, a partner at New York law firm Hall Dickler Kent Goldstein and Wood, and a specialist in online law has been quoted as saying...

"[The music industry is] starting to move down the food chain,"

His prediction...
that music publishers and other content owners will soon use 1998's Digital Millennium Copyright Act much more aggressively--prosecuting not only companies like Napster but also individuals who download copyrighted content--and that they will start with the biggest users of peer-to-peer networks.
...Looks likely to become a reality.

Two successive years of declining CD sales, attributed to CD piracy has spurred them on in this latest 'get tough' campaign, the consensus of opinion is that the 'death knell' for the P2P sector is about to be heard.

Not wishing to seem to be condoning piracy of any kind... I can remember when I used to buy vinyl record singles...the cost? 45 pence (worked out at 1p per rpm). Being born in the Rock and Roll era of the 50's much of my money was spent on these fragile circular disks. Many are now ‘Collectors items’. They came in all sorts of colours too, the record company label often dictated the value of the disk to the collector. I seem to recall that there was at least one SQUARE vinyl record produced by some company or other (or was it that one I left too close to the fire once?)

Nowadays a typical chart single CD costs in the region of £4. The only similarity it bears to the vinyl record is that it has a hole in the middle…no character at all L

In this writers’ view there are many ways the Music industry could follow in order to recoup some of their ‘lost revenue’. Several although not all have opted to use ‘copyright protection’ measures on their CD’s with varying degrees of success or failure as Mac owners will remember. There is always an argument that the Recording industry (a.k.a. the manufacturer of the media) is being greedy by translating downloaded music into a CD’s unsold scenario, or put another way…fat cats wanting to be obese. Some recording artists have even gone on record saying that they welcomed the downloading of their work…none of whom seemed on the point of collapse through malnutrition in my view either.

I have my own tongue in cheek view to a ‘solution’ to the problem….
What follows are speculative figures used as example only.

A 'typical' ISP charge in the UK for 1-month (or approx 240 hrs) INTERNET access is... shall we say £14.99 per month? Break that down to .001040972r pence per minute online.

I have a suspicion that I am overly simplifying matters somewhat but Stay with me here.

A typical single record downloads in - shall we say 5 minutes? (I know it may be more or less, download speeds yada yada yada)

That means a P2P user gets the song for .005204861r pence.
The industry loses the revenue.
The musicians miss a meal.

The downloader can get 768.512 (blah) songs for his/her £4.
The industry loses out again.
The artist is crying out to be fed.

Still with me on this? Now consider yourself ...what if...

The Music industry supported by legislation, issues a licence to these download portals who in turn are required to charge their users shall we say 50pence per song downloaded? 50% of which is returned to the music industry the rest kept by the licence holder for his profit/operating costs etc.....
The industry gets a ticket to ride.
The artist a morsel.
The downloader a song at far less than High St prices.

.... If, of the 2 million or so users online every day on these P2P networks download just 1 song each the industry would stand to receive £500,000 per day. Increase the download charge to £1 and you double the ‘take’; at £2 this still represents a saving for the downloader and more in the coffers for the industry…no long drawn out lawsuits etc….
The industry gets a banquet
The musicians get food glorious food.
The downloader is still happy.

Add to this low outlay revenue the tens of thousands or even millions of 'hardcopy' bona-fide CD's sold in High Street outlets worldwide every day...everyone's a winner baby.

A VERY simplistic view on matters I agree...far better to ban P2P file transfers altogether; pursue transgressors to the fullest extent of the law and make the only outlet for music/video/software a High Street /online retail store.

Your £4, after Recording costs, Artist royalties, Cost of CD blank, pressing, marketing, distribution, store overhead costs, VAT (Sales Tax...whatever), begs the question of just how much DOES the industry/artist really get from a CD sale? Half a sixpence perhaps?

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Tuesday 11 March, 2003

AVG Update by @ 5:47 am

Grisoft, the provider of AVG, the free antivirus software for the home user has just updated the reference file to Version: 6.0.461 / Virus Database: 260.

The file size is 1406.1kb and a restart of your system is not required. Grisoft have not given details yet regarding this update on their website, so I cannot tell you what new viruses this update covers.

If you use the Outlook Express plug-in, you should see the following message at the bottom of your emails:
Version: 6.0.461 / Virus Database: 260 - Release Date: 10/03/2003

You can visit the Grisoft website HERE

Always keep your antivirus software up to date.

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Monday 10 March, 2003

New ATI technology demos by @ 8:08 pm

To mark the launch of the new ATI Radeon 9800, ATI have released two new technology demos. Extensive use of DirectX 9 pixel and vertex shaders are used throughout the demos to render fur, water, shadows and iridescent lighting effects.

A chimp demo which takes you on a close up tour of the jungle, following a beautifully rendered butterfly which toys with a life like chimp. The water effects are very good with true movement of the water and reflections of leaves, trees and the butterfly. A suitable jungle like sound track is included.

ATI Chimp demo screen shot 1
CLICK HERE for a full size image


ATI Chimp demo screen shot 2
CLICK HERE for a full size image

The other demo from ATI is called Lava Cave. ATI says: This screensaver simulates an imaginary journey through underground lava caves. DirectX 9.0 pixel shaders are used to provide a realistic heat haze effect.


ATI Lava Cave demo screen shot
CLICK HERE for a full size image

I can confirm that these demos also work on the Radeon 9700 Pro card.

You can download the chimp demo from HERE and the Lava Cave demo from HERE

If you don't have an ATI Radeon to run these demos with, you can catch a couple of mpeg videos of the demos from the ATI Developer website

Enjoy!

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SONY'S LATEST CYBER-SHOT DIGITAL STILL CAMERA by bluetracker @ 5:23 pm

When size doesn't matter

We've all seen them...those professional photographers and the masses of equipment they need in order to produce the perfect picture; all those lenses, filters and other 'gubbins' plus the gigantic bag needed to carry all that stuff; it's a wonder that many aren't in hospital recovering from hernias!
Whilst this latest addition to the photographic equipment world won't replace all the Pro's stuff, it may help lighten their load somewhat and ease the strain on their medicare insurance if nothing else.

For all of you obsessed with digital photography who spend time on web sites or with magazines and are worried about the trade off between incorporated features and the physical size of the camera itself, Sony is introducing the Cyber-shot® DSC-V1 digital still camera.

"A signature of Sony design is an ergonomically comfortable device small enough to become part of everyday personal gear, but powerful enough to satisfy sophisticated needs. The Cyber-shot V1 camera is just this combination." said Steve Haber, senior vice president for Sony Electronic's Digital Imaging Products Division.


Due to be unleashed in May in the USA for about £440.00 (or $700), and "barely larger than a deck and a half of cards", the camera boasts a 5-megapixel imager and a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® lens with 4x optical zoom for sharpness and colour accuracy.

It also features a "hot shoe and accessory terminal". Plus, there are several Sony-only features, including a rechargeable Infolithium® battery system, with to-the-minute awareness of remaining battery life, along with Nightshot® and NightFraming features for taking crisp pictures in nil or low-light conditions.




This model we are told was specifically built for a special class of photographer who wants ultimate control over the picture-taking process, but who also wants the option to call upon automatic features to help balance light and exposure. Among these features Sony tell us, are:


Manual Exposure Controls: Flexible exposure control is provided with aperture priority, shutter priority and manual exposure modes for better command over motion and depth of field.

Program-Shift Dial: Situated next to the LCD for easy access, this dial allows the user to select from a range of available combinations of aperture and shutter settings for control over motion and depth of field while remaining in an automatic exposure mode.

Five-area Multi-Point Auto Focus: The camera evaluates five separate areas of the frame and intelligently focuses on the subject, displaying the selected focus point, or the user can choose any of the five points for manual control.

Hologram AF Illuminator: Projects a laser pattern on the subject to create contrast for precise focus, even in low or no light.

Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently meters the light in 49 points of the frame to establish the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow aren't centered in the frame.

Auto Fill Flash: When the subject is backlit or in shadow, the fill flash automatically fires to provide optimum exposure.

NightShot Infrared System: Captures infrared images in total darkness at a distance of up to 15 feet.

NightFraming System: To capture crisp images in low or no light, this feature illuminates the subject with the NightShot system for proper framing, focuses with Hologram AF illuminator and lights the scene with the appropriate amount of flash.

Sounds pretty impressive, but don't be fooled into believing I know what I'm 'on about' in the digi photo world, I don't pretend to know what all these so called 'functions' are capable of, nor do I suspect I ever will. What I am sure of however is that several of you 'Photographic geeks' reading this will be in raptures and salivating freely at the thought of yet another toy for you all to play with.

As for me, I'm still trying to come to terms with my recently acquired Polaroid PDC 2070....now where do them blimmin batteries go....?

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VIA release new 4in1 drivers and a new chipset today! by @ 1:12 pm

ViaArena have posted an updated 4in1 Hyperion driver for all motherboards with Via chipsets dated 10th March 2003, version 4.46. This is the second driver from Via under their new name of Hyperion. Via have also given details of their new VIA Apollo KT400A chipset today.

New 4in1 Hyperion driver
Via says: VIA have led the way in pioneering the unified driver set. The VIA 4in1 drivers, often known as a VIA 4in1 service pack have been the mainstay of VIA systems for years - optimizing stability and comparability. 10 December 2002 was an historic occasion, as VIA changed the name to VIA Hyperion 4in1 drivers and launches the driver set, optimized for performance for VIA's latest chipsets. The name Hyperion will most certainly supercede the name 4in1 all together in the future, but "4in1" has been kept in the name for identification sake. The version numbers also continue on from the 4in1 driver series so as not to confuse our customers.

To download the new drivers and to get further details about them, visit the Viaarena downloads page.

New Via chipset released today
Via have also launched a new chipset today. The VIA Apollo KT400A Chipset. Via says: VIA has announced the launch of the VIA Apollo KT400A Chipset, the fastest single channel DDR chipset for the new AMD Athlon™ XP 3000+ processor. Optimized for the needs of gamers, enthusiasts and professionals requiring the fastest system performance and a complete suite of the latest I/O and connectivity features, the VIA Apollo KT400A is the ultimate chipset solution for AMD Athlon™ XP processor based systems.
At the heart of the VIA Apollo KT400A is FastStream64™ Memory Controller technology which uses an expanded array of prefetch buffers to reduce latency in the memory controller, extending performance without the extra cost of the twin memory modules that are required by dual channel DDR chipsets. The VIA Apollo KT400A is over 10% faster than the previous generation VIA Apollo KT400 in 3D applications, and boasts an enhanced feature set including native Serial ATA support and onboard VIA Vinyl Audio 6-channel surround sound.

To read this and other news from via, pop over to the Viaarena website.

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Ad-Aware Reference File Update by @ 5:56 am

Ad-Aware Update
Lavasoft have updated the reference file for their spyware and adware removal tool Ad-Aware. Update OR-125 dated 09/03/2002 is now available to download.

You can learn more about Ad-Aware and Lavasofts other products on their website CLICK HERE

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Sunday 9 March, 2003

Virus Alert: Worm_Deloder.A by @ 9:45 pm

Trend Micros have issued the following warning about a new virus doing the rounds called Worm_Deloder.A. Trend says a significant number of infection reports have reached thier labs.

Trend tells us: As of March 9, 2:49 AM (US Pacific Time), a significant number of infection reports have reached TrendLabs about this new Internet worm, which has been found to be rapidly spreading in China.
This worm usually arrives bearing the file name, Dvldr32.exe. It uses the valid network utility, psexec.exe, to connect to remote machines via port 445. To gain full access, it tries to log on as administrator by trying passwords from a fixed list.

If the logon attempt is successful, it drops a copy of itself on target machines with a read-only attribute. On remote machines, it drops a backdoor program with the file name, inst.exe, on the following startup folders:

\%s\C$\WINNT\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
\%s\C\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
\%s\C$\Documents
Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\

(Note: %s is the network name of the remote machine.)

To enable its automatic execution, this worm creates the following autorun registry entry so that its copy executes at every Windows startup:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run messnger = Dvldr32.exe

This worm, which runs on Windows 2000 and XP, also disables remote shares. WORM_DELODER.A is detected by pattern file 480.

For more information on WORM_DELODER.A please visit our Website

Newsbytes reminds all users to keep their antivirus software up to date.

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Grand Theft Auto free to download by @ 2:55 am

Rockstar, the makers of the classic game 'Grand Theft Auto' have offered the original 1997 version of the game as a free download on their website under the heading of Rockstar Classics.

Rockstar says: In 1997, a band of developers that would come to be known as Rockstar North and Rockstar Games released the original Grand Theft Auto on an unsuspecting public. The groundbreaking non-linear urban crime game shook up a complacent game industry with its irreverent gameplay, humor and style- and a phenomenon was born.

We are now offering this classic progenitor of the Rockstar Games lineage as the first in a recurring series of Rockstar PC game downloads, absolutely free of charge. It's a chance for new fans to experience the roots of Rockstar as well as our way of saying thank you to our long-time supporters feeling that pang of nostalgia.

You will find it very hard to get on their website as demand for the game is high, but once you start to download the 300mb file, you will find the download link much faster. Yes, I did say 300mb! So modem users will need a download manager and a very understanding isp.

You can visit the Rockstar site HERE

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Detonator 43.00 drivers released by Nvidia by @ 2:21 am

Version 43.00 of the unified Detonator drivers for all Nvidia graphics cards have been posted by Nvidia on their webspace although there is no official word from Nvidia that they have uploaded the version.

The drivers have been found in a Quatro-Certified folder and can be downloaded from HERE

The file size is 21.3mb.

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Thursday 6 March, 2003

Goodbye GeForce FX, Hello ATi Radeon by @ 11:37 am

Well I said I would and I have. Call me a traitor or call me a rebel, but I can't wait for Nvidia's GeForce FX anymore. I've done what I said I would do, I've popped down to my local computer store and purchased an Ati Radeon 9700 pro graphics card. This is my story.

You may have read my previous story about the dilemma I (and I'm sure many other cutting edge graphics card fans) had regarding the Nvidia GeForce FX. Launched by Nvidia in November we were all asked "Are you ready?", we all thought it might hit the stores by Christmas, but it didn't. Then we were told possibly February, but it wasn't. After reading the many negative reports about the card and the failure of any kind person slipping one into a respected news editors grubby little hands for review purposes;-), I have finally decided to desert Nvidia. I've gone and purchased a Hercules 3D Prophet 9700 Pro graphics card.

Now, I'm not going to bore you with a normal run of the mill review (although some elements of this story may give that impression) instead, I'm going to tell it as it is. It's just going to be my experience with the Radeon 9700 Pro, the problems I've encountered, what I think of it and whether I think I've made the right decision.

First off, what did I get for my money? Well, I got a card that looked like this.

Hercules 3D Prophet 9700 Pro

As you can see, It's not the bog standard ATi Radeon. It has lots of extra heat sinks and a copper fan. You also get bundled with the card a full version of PowerDVD and 2 CD-ROMs containing MorroWind - The full game. The disks come with DirectX 8.1 (blah) and 4 demos which only used DirectX 8.1 and were originally designed for earlier 9000 series cards (blah again!)

So, I got it home and installed the card. The card came with an extra lead which takes power from one of your hard drives for the card. The card is very power hungry and needs a 350w power supply at least. I was pleased to find that my Enermax power supply already has the correct lead attached to the hard drive supply, so I didn't need to mess about with the supplied adapter cable.

After installing the drivers from the disk (and the control panel) I went to run the latest benchmarking program 3D Mark 03. Shock horror, it wouldn't run. The graphics were all corupted, frankly it was a mess. After a visit to the FutureMark website and spending half an hour on their forums, I found out that there was a problem with 3D Mark 03 and the original Radeon 9700 drivers. A newer version was available from their site, so downloaded the new drivers (and control panel) and installed them.

Way hay, it was amazing. Flew through demo 1 and just started demo 2 when, CRASH!! the computer locked-up. In fact, after rebooting and running anything for more than two minutes, CRASH!!, the computer was locking up everytime.

To cut a long story short, I've had to use a 3D Tweaker (Downloadable from the Hercules US site, the version on the installation disk doesn't work. It's been updated to build 23) to underclock the card to 297mhz (both core and DDR) to get it to run rock solidly. But the Radeon is such a fast card anyway, 25mhz doesn't really notice. I have contacted Hercules about it and I'm awaiting their reply.

So, I finally got the card running and stable. What follows is a list of things I have been stunned with by this card. Not just it's speed but they quality of graphics is astounding. In 3D Mark 03 I see flying bullets and explosions (with full smoke) like nothing I ever saw on my Nvidia GeForce 3.

Hay, I wanted to test this card out and see what it could do. After a visit to the ATI Developer website I found what I was looking for. Some stunning demos (which really should have been on the original installation disk) that need and use DirectX 9 (which also really should have been on the original installation disk).

There are 4 main demos. Bear, Car Paint, Animusic and DebevecRNL. My favourite is DebevecRNL. With the sounds of classical music and forest bird song I was taken on a stunning tour of crystal balls set out on a marble plinth. Here are some small screen shots of the 4 main demos.


DebevecRNL Demo
CLICK HERE for a full size image.


Car Paint Demo


Bear (fur) Demo


Animusic Demo

These 4 demos really show off some of the capabilities of the card. Too many new features to go into any great detail here, but from fur rendering to gloss and real light reflections/refractions, it's just glorious to watch.

Generally, although I was a bit worried about the stories I had read about the poor driver support for the Radeon 9700, I have found that almost all my demoscene demos (300+) run perfectly with the latest drivers. In fact, many demos run better than they ever did with my GeForce 3. Now I'm not talking about speed here, but I get details and images I never saw before on my GeForce 3. I am still amazed at the quality of rendering and the little suprises I keep getting. Suprises like this little gem. In the demo Epilog by Houjobb when the priest sits at the alter to pray an angel appears to his right. I never saw this angel with my GeForce 3.


Epilog Demo by Houjobb

In my favourite simulator, Microsoft Train Sim (OK, call me sad) the steam that came out of the cocks was very weak and willing on my GeForce 3. With the Radeon, I have copious amounts of steam.


Steam from Microsoft Train Sim (cocks open)

All in all, I'm more than happy with my new card. I can run every game, sim and demo at full graphics settings with the highest screen sizes with all bells and whistles turned on and the Radeon sails through everything. My 3D Mark 03 score is now a healthy 4570. I get to see scenes in 3D Mark 03 that I never saw with my GeForce 3. You get the added bonus of the Mother Nature demo and it tests point sprites out in the benchmark with a couple of elephants too.

I'm getting suprises everytime I run the new card. I'm am in no way disapointed that I could nolonger wait for a GeForce FX. I've found a card that will do the job well for a few years to come yet. The card even comes with a 3 year guarantee. It's fast, it's now stable and I'm extremely happy with it. So goodbye GeForce FX, Hello Radeon 9700 Pro.

If you are in the same situation as myself and you want a fast DirectX 9 compliant card that will last a few years before you need to run out and buy another, you won't go far wrong by buying the Radeon. It wasn't a smooth transition, but it wasn't as scary as I thought it might be either. In fact, I think I'm pleased to leave Nvidia's ever changing driver releases behind. I can now spend more time playing than updating...

Anyway, Nvidia might have a pixie called Dawn, but ATI have a virtual person too called Rachel. She's just as pretty and she doesn't have pointy ears (can't see the rest of her body though!).


Rachel

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Tuesday 4 March, 2003

Ad-Aware Reference File Update by @ 7:18 pm

Ad-Aware Update
Lavasoft have updated the reference file for their spyware and adware removal tool Ad-Aware. Update OR-124 dated 04/03/2002 is now available to download.

You can learn more about Ad-Aware and Lavasofts other products on their website CLICK HERE

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Saturday 1 March, 2003

Year 2003 Bug is a hoax by @ 10:00 am

Be on the lookout for a chain letter which says the internet will grind to a stand still on Monday after being hit by a massive virus. It's a hoax and it should be ignored. Do not pass it on.

This warning comes from Sophos who says the chain letter email looks like this:

Year 2003 Bug creates new panic as vulnerabilities exposed.

One of the largest manufacturers of networking equipment announced on Saturday 23rd February, that it has discovered a software bug that will cause internetworking equipment to shutdown or malfunction early next month. The event is triggered by the date 030303, and effects most switches and routers purchased between April 2000 and October 2002. The company denies that this problem was deliberately introduced as a result of sharp revenue decreases and profit warnings in early 2000.

At this early stage, experts warn that known date problems are likely to affect software applications over the next 50 years, with at least 25,000 known software applications needing modification at a total cost of over US$80 million dollars.

The real main concern right at the moment is however, just how much of the internet will be stopped on Monday 3rd, March. No one can predict how much and how long the outage could be for. Even the experts have disagreed on the time length, some saying 24 hours, others suggesting it could be until network administrators patch the firmware.

The companies lawyers issued a statement on their web site asking all users and administrators worldwide to backup their data prior to the 3rd March 2003. Since this date is only a few days away, what better way to spread this potential disaster than via email.

As one lawyer said in a media conference "If you receive the warning email, backup your data and then, go on, forward the email. It may be the last email. It may be the last email you send for quite a while."


Sophos says:If you receive this or a similar message, please do not forward it to your friends and colleagues. Forwarding unsolicited chain letters wastes time and bandwidth.

You have been told!

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New Detonator 43.00 Drivers Released Today by @ 7:11 am

PNY have added some new Nvidia Detonator Drivers to their website today. Version 43.00 is a new reference drivers which includes all New PNY GeForce FX cards (apart from Ultra). They are available for Windows 98/ME, 2000/XP and NT.

You can download them from:

Windows 98/ME
Windows 2000/XP
Windows NT

Reports say that due to the numbers of people trying to download from the PNY site, download times are very slow. If you are able to run a mirror, let us know and I'll put the address below.

At this time, I only know the file size of the Windows 2000/XP driver, which is a massive 21.5MB, I can't get a fix on the other 2 versions yet.

The GeForceFAQ has been updated.

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