ARCHIVED NEWS
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October 2009
Nvidia Beta Forceware 195.39
31 October 2009
Nvidia has released the Beta Forceware 195.39 driver for Windows XP, Vista and 7. These drivers are for GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, 200 and ION series cards. This version adds support for OpenCL 1.0, CUDA Toolkit 3.0 features and enhancements, and SLI/multi-GPU support for a range of games including Borderlands, as well as over 200 bug fixes. The package also contains the 9.09.0814 PhysX drivers. Note that Nvidia issued these drivers yesterday and removed them from their site, reissuing them again today, so make sure you have this newer version.
Game Patches
31 October 2009
iTunes 9.0.2
30 October 2009
Apple has released a new Version 9.0.2 of the iTunes software. This version adds support for Apple TV 3.0, adds an option for a dark background in Grid View, and includes a range of accessibility, interface and feature improvements.
Game Patches
30 October 2009
Game Patches
29 October 2009
Opera 10.01
28 October 2009
The free Opera browser has been updated to Version 10.01. This version contains a range of fixes, including security, stability and bug-related fixes.
Intel SSD Toolbox
28 October 2009
Intel has released the SSD Toolbox, which includes a range of applications for managing the health and optimal performance of 34nm Intel Solid State Drives.
Firefox 3.5.4
28 October 2009
Mozilla has released Version 3.5.4 of the Firefox browser. This version fixes several security and stability issues as well as containing bug fixes.
Windows Updates
28 October 2009
Microsoft has released non-critical updates for Windows which you can get through Windows Update. Alternatively you can view and download them individually from here - click the 'Released' column header once to sort by date. Note that these updates include the Platform Update which backports a range of Windows 7 features such as DirectX 11 to Windows Vista.
Game Patches
28 October 2009
Site Update
27 October 2009
Unfortunately there's been a site outage of several hours due to a Failed AC Unit at the datacenter, however things should be back to normal now. Also an update that I'm still working non-stop on the TweakGuides Tweaking Companion for Windows 7. It should be released in just over two weeks from now, and I'm currently very pleased with the way it's looking. I've tried to improve it in a range of ways over previous TGTCs, so hopefully you will like the results.
CCleaner 2.25.1025
27 October 2009
A new Version 2.25.1025 of the free CCleaner system cleaning utility has been released. This version improves Windows 7 cleaning, improves 64-bit support, adds support for Windows Server 2008 R2, adds support for AVG 9.0, and has a range of fixes.
Game Patches
27 October 2009
Game Patches
25 October 2009
Unigine Heaven
24 October 2009
Unigine has released the first DirectX 11 benchmark Heaven. The benchmark provides native support for OpenGL, DirectX 9, 10 and 11, and is available for free download.
PCMark Vantage 1.01
23 October 2009
Futuremark has released a 1.01 Patch for the PCMark Vantage benchmark. The patch fixes a compatibility issue with Windows 7 Professional and updates the SystemInfo component.
ATI Catalyst 9.10
23 October 2009
ATI has released the Catalyst 9.10 graphics drivers for the HD2000 series and newer. This version includes GPU acceleration for the Windows 7 Drag & Drop video converting application, Super Sample Antialiasing for the 5800 series cards, and a range of fixes.
Game Patches
23 October 2009
Windows XP Mode
22 October 2009
Microsoft has released the final version of Windows XP Mode. Windows XP Mode is a virtual Windows XP environment which can only be run under Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise editions, allowing older applications designed for XP to be used in Windows 7 without any compatibility issues.
Windows 7 Released
22 October 2009
Microsoft has begun releasing the final retail version of Windows 7 to the general public. It will become available in all parts of the world through normal retail channels within the next 24 hours. In advance of my releasing the TweakGuides Tweaking Companion for Windows 7, below is a summary of important information you should consider before purchasing and installing Windows 7:
Which Edition: See this Feature Comparison Chart. If you need file or folder encryption, Windows XP Mode, or basic network-related features, Professional is required. For BitLocker drive encryption and full networking and user management features, Ultimate or Enterprise is required. However there is no compelling reason a single standalone home PC requires anything more than Home Premium.
RAM Limits: Windows 7 Home Basic is limited to a maximum of 8GB RAM; Home Premium has a 16GB limit; higher editions have a 192GB limit. All 32-bit editions are restricted to 4GB of RAM.
32-bit vs. 64-bit: All Windows 7 retail boxes come with both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs. I strongly recommend installing the 64-bit version if you currently use, or are planning to use, 4GB of RAM or more. Windows 7 64-bit is identical to the 32-bit version for most intents and purposes, but is future-proof and also has enhanced security features. However first check the availability of 64-bit Windows 7 or Vista drivers for all your major hardware.
Upgrade vs. Custom (Clean) Install: All Upgrade Editions of Windows 7 can be used to perform a clean install as long as you launch Windows Setup from within an existing full valid version of Windows 2000, XP or Vista. As always a clean install is the recommended method. However to do an in-place upgrade such that your files and settings are carried over, you must meet certain requirements as covered in this chart. To upgrade from the Beta or RC versions of Windows 7, see here for details.
System Partition: During Windows 7 installation you may be prompted to create an additional partition for system files. This small 100MB System Partition is a requirement for BitLocker drive encryption, and also holds boot configuration and system recovery environment files. It is not allocated a drive letter, is marked System Reserved and hidden by default, and cannot be safely deleted after you install Windows. If you don't use BitLocker then you don't really need this additional partition, especially as it can be problematic to remove. Cancel out of Windows Setup, partition and format your drive by other means, then relaunch Windows Setup as normal. Windows 7 will not create a System Partition on drives with existing partitions defined before entering Windows Setup - instead your boot files and system recovery environment data will all be stored in a hidden folder on your OS partition.
For detailed information and guidance on all aspects of Windows 7 please stay tuned for the comprehensive TweakGuides Tweaking Companion for Windows 7 due out soon.
Office 2010
21 October 2009
Microsoft has announced that the next version of the Office suite, Office 2010, will have a public beta release in November 2009.
Game Patches
21 October 2009
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
20 October 2009
Microsoft has released a revised and likely non-beta build of the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor utility. This tool scans a PC and informs the user of any hardware or software compatibility issues with Windows 7.
VirtualDub 1.9.7
19 October 2009
A new Version 1.9.7 of the free video editing utility VirtualDub has been released, fixing several bugs.
Site Update
18 October 2009
As regular readers would know, I am currently preparing a TweakGuides Tweaking Companion for Windows 7. Unfortunately it will not be ready in time for Windows 7's public release late next week. I am working non-stop on the book, but it will take at least another 2-3 weeks for me to complete it. I am trying to make this the best TGTC yet in all respects, and that's taking a lot of time and effort on my part. What I can promise to those waiting for the TGTC for Windows 7 is that you can look forward to reading an objective book which collects all the information you would ever need to know about Windows 7 in one handy reference source.
FRAPS 2.9.99
17 October 2009
A new Version 2.9.99 of the FPS measurement, benchmarking and video capture utility FRAPS has been released. The changes include a range of fixes.
Game Patches
17 October 2009
AVG Anti-Virus Free 9.0
16 October 2009
AVG has released Version 9.0 of its free Anti-Virus package.
Game Patches
16 October 2009
GPU-Z 0.3.6
15 October 2009
GPU-Z, a free graphics card information utility, has reached Version 0.3.6. The changes include a range of fixes, and support for new drivers and chipsets as well as a Help tooltips feature.
WinZip 14.0
15 October 2009
The archival utility WinZip has been upgraded to Version 14.0. This version adds support for a range of Windows 7 features including Libraries and Jumplists.
Game Patches
15 October 2009
Foxit Reader 3.1
14 October 2009
The free Foxit PDF Reader has been updated to Version 3.1.2.1013. This version fixes a memory leak issue.
AutoRuns 9.56
14 October 2009
Microsoft has released AutoRuns 9.56, updating this free startup software identification utility. This version allows the viewing of registry entries that have permissions only allowing the System account access and fixes a rundll32-based bug.
ATI Beta Catalyst 9.10
14 October 2009
ATI has released what appears to be an updated Beta Catalyst 9.10 graphics driver specifically for the recently released HD 5800 series under Windows Vista and 7.
Adobe Reader 9.2
14 October 2009
Adobe has released Version 9.2 of the Adobe Reader software for viewing PDF documents. The changes include addressing security vulnerabilities and providing several fixes.
Update: Aside from the normal Adobe Reader Speed Launcher Reader_sl.exe startup entry, Version 9.2 of Reader now also adds an Adobe ARM AdobeARM.exe startup entry. Both are unnecessary and can be safely disabled.
PerfectDisk 10
14 October 2009
Raxco has released a new Build 124 of the PerfectDisk 10 defragmentation utility.
Ad-Aware 8.1.0
14 October 2009
Lavasoft has released a new Version 8.1.0 of Ad-Aware anti-spyware, including a free version.
Game Patches
14 October 2009
Microsoft Security Updates
14 October 2009
Microsoft has released its monthly set of Windows security updates which you can get through Windows Update. Alternatively you can view and download them individually from here - click the 'Released' column header once to sort by date.
Chrome 3.0.195.27
14 October 2009
Google has released Version 3.0.195.27 of the Chrome browser. This version fixes several issues and adds NTLMv2 support in Windows.
Asus Xonar Beta 7.12.8.1775
13 October 2009
Asus has released a Beta 7.12.8.1775 driver for the Xonar series of sound cards under Windows 7.
Game Patches
13 October 2009
Realtek HD Audio 2.35
12 October 2009
Realtek has released Version 2.35 of its HD Audio drivers. Note if you have problems with the link, click the 'High Definition Audio Codecs' link at the top of the page and then select 'Software'.
Game Patches
10 October 2009
Windows Update
10 October 2009
Microsoft has released an Update which allows the 64-bit versions of Windows Vista SP2 and Windows 7 to take advantage of the enhanced C1E state on AMD multicore processors to lower power consumption by an additional 10%. Note that this hotfix update can only be provided upon request using this form.
Game Patches
9 October 2009
Game Patches
8 October 2009
nForce 15.51
7 October 2009
Nvidia has released new nForce 15.51 drivers for nForce-based motherboards. These drivers are for some of the 5, 6, and 7 series nForce motherboards under Windows Vista and 7.
Chrome 3.0.195.25
7 October 2009
Google has released Version 3.0.195.25 of the Chrome browser. This version adds an image link to the new tab page which directs new users to the themes gallery.
SoundBlaster USB Beta 1.01.0097
7 October 2009
Creative has released a Beta 1.01.0097 driver specifically designed for USB-based SoundBlaster audio cards under Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. This version fixes support for Host OpenAL.
Nvidia Forceware 191.07
6 October 2009
Nvidia has released the Official Forceware 191.07 driver for Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. These WHQL certified drivers are for GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, 200 and ION series cards. This version adds OpenGL 3.2 support, improves performance in several games including ArmA 2, CoJ: Bound in Blood, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Fallout 3, Far Cry 2 and Prototype, adds SLI support for various games, and resolves a range of bugs, including 3D to 2D downclocking issues. The package also contains the 9.09.0814 PhysX drivers.
Game Patches
6 October 2009
SoundBlaster Audigy Beta 2.18.0011
3 October 2009
Creative has released a Beta 2.18.0011 driver for the majority of the Audigy series under Windows XP, Vista and 7. The driver fixes a device error caused by enabling audio enhancements, as well as resolving an incorrect speaker configuration being shown in Audio Control Panel.
nForce 15.45 & 15.49
3 October 2009
Nvidia has released new nForce 15.45 & 15.49 drivers for nForce-based motherboards. The 15.45 nForce drivers are for some of the 4, 6, 7, and 9 series motherboards under Windows XP, while the 15.49 nForce drivers are for selected nForce 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 chipsets under Windows Vista and 7.
Game Patches
3 October 2009
AutoRuns 9.55
2 October 2009
Microsoft has released AutoRuns 9.55, updating this free startup software identification utility. This version fixes a bug which prevented some 64-bit entries from being disabled.
Chrome 3.0.195.24
2 October 2009
Google has released Version 3.0.195.24 of the Chrome browser. This version contains security fixes.
Game Patches
2 October 2009
Game Patches
1 October 2009
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