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October 2014
Opera 25.0
31 October 2014
The Opera browser has been updated to Version 25.0.1614.68. This version contains security and bug fixes.
Skype 6.22
30 October 2014
A new Version 6.22.81.104 of the communications utility Skype has been released. This version provides the finalized new interface.
Firefox 33.0.2
29 October 2014
Mozilla has released Version 33.0.2 of the Firefox browser. This update fixes a startup crash which can occur on some systems.
Start8 1.47
29 October 2014
Stardock has released Version 1.47 of the Start8 Start Menu replacement utility for Windows 8. This version adds Windows 10 compatibility and updates the activation mechanism.
Chrome 38.0
28 October 2014
Google has released Version 38.0.2125.111 of the Chrome browser. This version provides security and bug fixes.
Opera 25.0
28 October 2014
The Opera browser has been updated to Version 25.0.1614.63. This version contains bug fixes.
AMD Catalyst 14.9.2 Beta
25 October 2014
AMD has released the Catalyst 14.9.2 Beta graphics driver for the HD 7000 series and above on Windows 7 and 8.1. This beta enables Mantle support on GCN GPUs for Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth, has dual graphics optimization for KritiKa and SheDiaoZero, updates the profile for Project Cars, and has bug fixes.
Firefox 33.0.1
25 October 2014
Mozilla has released Version 33.0.1 of the Firefox browser. This update fixes a black screen at startup with certain display drivers.
CCleaner 4.19
25 October 2014
A new Version 4.19.4867 of the free CCleaner system cleaning utility has been released. Changes include Windows 10 Preview compatibility, improved Opera cleaning, improved auto-update checking, along with minor improvements and bug fixes.
3DMark 1.4
24 October 2014
Futuremark has released a 1.4.780 Patch for the latest version of the 3DMark benchmark. This version contains bug fixes.
GPU-Z 0.8.0
23 October 2014
GPU-Z, a free graphics card information utility, has reached Version 0.8.0. Changes include support for new chipsets as well as bug fixes.
QuickTime 7.7.6
23 October 2014
Apple has released a new Version 7.7.6 of the QuickTime media player. This version has security fixes.
Nvidia GeForce 344.48 WHQL
23 October 2014
Nvidia has released the 344.48 WHQL certified graphics driver. This driver is for GeForce 400 and higher graphics cards under Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8. This is the recommended driver for Lords of the Fallen, Civilization: Beyond Earth, and Elite: Dangerous. It also adds support for Dynamic Super Resolution on Kepler and Fermi based GPUs. The driver package contains PhysX version 9.14.0702 and updates GeForce Experience to version 2.1.3.
Windows Updates
20 October 2014
Microsoft has withdrawn a recent security patch for Windows 7 because it may cause problems. As noted at the very bottom of this MS Security Advisory, Microsoft recommends that anyone experiencing any issues uninstall the update.
iTunes 12.0.1
17 October 2014
Apple has released a new Version 12.0.1 of the iTunes software. This version provides performance improvements, as well as a range of design changes, and adds Family Sharing.
Opera 25.0
16 October 2014
The Opera browser has been updated to Version 25.0.1614.50. This version adds visual bookmarks, an integrated PDF viewer, H264 and MP3 support, and bug fixes.
Java Runtime Environment 8.25
15 October 2014
Oracle has released an Update 25 to the Java Runtime Environment 8.
Java Runtime Environment 7.72
15 October 2014
Oracle has released an Update 72 to the Java Runtime Environment 7.
Chrome 38.0
15 October 2014
Google has released Version 38.0.2125.104 of the Chrome browser. This version updates the Flash Player, as well as providing security and bug fixes.
Firefox 33.0
15 October 2014
Mozilla has released Version 33.0 of the Firefox browser. The most significant changes include improved general performance, particularly for JavaScript, improved reliability for the session restore feature, faster searching when using the Address Bar, and OpenH264 support.
Microsoft Security Updates
15 October 2014
Microsoft has released its monthly set of Windows security updates which you can download individually from here or get through Windows Update.
Flash Player 15.0
14 October 2014
Adobe has released Version 15.0.0.189 of the Flash Player plugin for browsers. Use Windows Update to update the built-in Flash Player in IE11 under Windows 8.
3DMark 1.4
14 October 2014
Futuremark has released a 1.4.775 Patch for the latest version of the 3DMark benchmark. The major patch adds a new 4K Ultra HD Fire Strike Ultra benchmark test for Advanced and Professional users. It also redesigns the benchmark selection screen, improves benchmark logging, and contains bug fixes.
AMD Catalyst 14.9.1 Beta
12 October 2014
AMD has released the Catalyst 14.9.1 Beta graphics driver for the HD 5000 series and above on Windows 7 and 8.1. This beta addresses usability issues found in the latest 14.9 WHQL driver.
CPU-Z 1.71
10 October 2014
A new Version 1.71 of the CPU-Z information utility has been released. This version adds support for new chipsets, improves support for the Intel X99 chipset, and also supports Windows 10.
Alien: Isolation
9 October 2014
Alien: Isolation is a recently-released game that has caught my attention with its atmospheric visuals and difficult stealth-based gameplay. I've prepared a YouTube Video at maximum settings and hard difficulty which provides brief commentary, then a sample of the storyline and some general gameplay. If you're a fan of the first Alien movie, and you have a fair bit of patience, the game is highly recommended.
Update: More comprehensive general gameplay footage here, highlighting the alien AI at maximum difficulty.
Chrome 38.0
8 October 2014
Google has released Version 38.0.2125.101 of the Chrome browser. This version adds a range of new extensions and APIs, provides stability and performance improvements, as well as security and bug fixes.
Skype 6.21
6 October 2014
A new Version 6.21.0.104 of the communications utility Skype has been released. A full changelog is not yet available.
Media Player Classic Home Cinema 1.7.7
6 October 2014
A new Version 1.7.7 of the free Media Player Classic Home Cinema player has been released. This update contains bug fixes.
Windows Updates
4 October 2014
Microsoft has released a security update for Windows Vista. It can be downloaded directly for 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Vista, or via Windows Update.
Windows 10 Technical Preview
2 October 2014
Microsoft has released a Technical Preview of Windows 10, an early pre-release build of the operating system aimed at advanced users.
Windows 10
1 October 2014
Microsoft has announced that the next version of Windows is to be called Windows 10, not Windows 9 as widely expected. A Technical Preview of Windows 10 will be released tomorrow, and the final version of Windows 10 is expected to be available to consumers around mid-2015.
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