Archive for July, 2009
July 30th, 2009 at 06:56pm
Under Computers
Automatizing optimization tasks
The scheduler built into PerfectSpeed is one of the best of the kind. It practically allows you to program any PC optimization task to be run with a user-defined frequency and at specific times. Configuring it is as easy as pie because you get to enable the schedule for each of the modules and customize them separately. There is also the AutoPilot Wizard that pops up the first time PerfectSpeed is launched and which takes you through the settings of each optimization module.
You can define a certain period to elapse in between optimization runs (in days) as well as configure the application to wait for a specific period of time for low operating system activity. More than this, there is the possibility to delay the operation if specific programs are running (add their process name and if detected before optimization, the procedure will be delayed).
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Windows tweaking
Apart from optimizing the entire system to move faster, PerfectSpeed also brings to you options for configuring Windows to move lighter, improving its security and disabling buttons you are less likely to use. There is no setting for the power user, and average users are more likely to enjoy thi… (read more)
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By Moris
July 30th, 2009 at 06:56pm
Under Computers
Have you ever had a bad hair day caused by a “kind” request from your boss to urgently deliver a specific file or folder that you simply don’t remember where you have saved? I bet you did, because, nowadays, the speed with which you deliver your work and the capacity of managing large amounts of data seem to be crucial, both for a better-paid job and for the tranquility of your domestic life.
But, do not panic! The good news is that, just because everyone has the same problem regarding the optimization of their daily work, a lot of automatic or semi-automatic tiny smart file management tools have been created. File Buddy is an example of such a tool that, when used wisely and at the right time, might easily optimize your working habits.
The Looks
Being designed with a focus on functionality, File Buddy is configured by default to display no window at launch. In case you find this setting a bit confusing you can always use the Preferences options to make the app open a specific window at launch. Some other methods to open a dialog with File Buddy are dragging and dropping one or more icons to File Buddy’s dock window or double-clicking on its main icon in the Dock. If the application’s contextual menu has already been installed you can also select a Finder item and choose one of the actions the softwar… (read more)
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By Moris
July 30th, 2009 at 06:56pm
Under Computers
Kingsoft, one of the most prominent software companies in China, has prepared an anti-virus software specially for notebooks and netbooks.
Packed by a USB flash drive, the software makes it easy for consumers to add another layer of powerful protection against Internet threats and viruses that could harm their data and files.
The new USB flash [...]
By Mikel
July 30th, 2009 at 06:56pm
Under Computers
Rumors have been circulating around the internet that AMD is preparing another RV790-based graphics card, Radeon HD 4860, and we’ve managed to take some early pictures of UNIKA’s HD 4860, proving the rumors are quite true.
Powered by RV790 chip, the card features 640 stream processors, 512MB GDDR5 memory, 256-bit memory interface, and core/memory clock of 700/750MHz. According [...]
By Mikel
July 30th, 2009 at 06:56pm
Under Motorbikes
Did this guy put a cover over his motorcycle to protect it from the rain????
…
By admin
July 30th, 2009 at 06:56pm
Under Cars
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Porsche
RUF Rt 12 S - Click above for a high-res image galleryIt’s been quite a few years since RUF launched its 911 Turbo-based Rt 12, and the German uber-tuner has decided its time for a refresh. Designated the Rt 12 S, the new model gets a bump in output from 650 to 685 horsepower, good for a new maximum velocity of 224 mph. Along with the distinctive front and rear fascias, the exterior is differentiated with widened rear fenders that house air ducts, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, LED lighting, CTR 3 mirrors, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Additional upgrades include carbon ceramic brakes, a hydraulically-adjustable suspension system, a variety of custom seats, a new steering wheel and more. Customers can also opt to convert the car to RWD and choose from a variety of interior trim options. All of this comes at a cost, though. At the current exchange rate, RUF will take a cool $359,000 out of your bank account. The brief press release gives all the details after the jump, and RUF was kind enough to provide high-res photographs for us to enjoy in the gallery below.
[Source: RUF Automobile]
Continue reading Ruf updates lineup with 685 horsepower Rt 12 S
Ruf updates lineup with 685 horsepower Rt 12 S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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By Mikel
July 30th, 2009 at 06:56pm
Under Racing
BMW’s disastrous 2009 season will be their last for now
The announcement yesterday that BMW is to quit F1 was a shock - at least, until Michael Schumacher announced he was making a comeback.
BMW’s statement had much to say about their corporate strategy and implied reasons to do with environmentally-friendly technology were at the heart of their decision.
Is that really all there is to it? Or, as the FIA claims, is it all to do with costs?
BMW’s explanation
Norbert Reithofer’s explanation for BMW’s decision to leave F1 is predictably smothered in corporate jargon:
Everyone knows that the BMW brand embodies sportiness with sheer driving pleasure. Sportiness and fair competition are firmly encoded in our DNA. This is why we will remain loyal to motor sports. But we will do this in series that enable us to transfer technology more directly and to realise additional synergies, while strengthening our brand values. This is in our customers’ best interest.
Norbert Reithofer
One clear message is that despite leaving F1 they are not leaving motor racing:
BMW will continue to be actively involved in other motor sports series.
BMW statement
Which other sports might these be?
BMW will appear on the starting grid in the touring car series and young driver promotion program in Formula BMW. This will be supplemented by BMW’s participation in ALMS, the American Le Mans Series, endurance races and close-to-production customer sports. Furthermore, BMW Motorrad Motorsport will continue its campaigns, with the super bike world championship leading the way.
BMW statement
Which sounds like pretty much everything besides Formula 1, including the World Touring Car Championship where it races its 3 Series, despite BMW’s many (legitimate) grievances with how badly the FIA has run the championship.
So why single out Formula 1?:
Premium [brands] will increasingly be defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility. This is an area in which we want to remain in the lead. In line with our Strategy Number ONE, we are continually reviewing all projects and initiatives to check them for future viability and sustainability. Our Formula One campaign is thus less a key promoter for us.
Norbert Reithofer
The statement adds:
Resources freed up as a result are to be dedicated to the development of new drive technologies and projects in the field of sustainability.
BMW statement
In other words, F1 isn’t green enough. We shouldn’t be too quick to cynically dismiss the suggestion: BMW produces among the most efficient road cars in their classes and at the beginning of 2009 was the only remaining defender of KERS. Had the FIA’s scale of ambition for the system this year been greater, and had the other teams not decided to drop it for 2010, might things have been different?
Motorsport director Mario Theissen hints that dissatisfaction with the team’s performance in 2009 may also have played a role in the decision:
Of course, we, the employees in Hinwil and Munich, would all have liked to continue this ambitious campaign and show that this season was just a hiccup following three successful years. But I can understand why this decision was made from a corporate perspective.
Mario Theissen
Nowhere in BMW’s statement do they mention the question of costs, which has dogged F1 years, particularly in the months since Honda’s departure. But would they admit to being driven out of the sport by the expense even if that was the case?
Costs
The FIA clearly believes the reason is costs. In a statement today (with a distinctively Mosleyian air of self-satisfaction) it said:
This is why the FIA prepared regulations to reduce costs drastically. These measures were needed to alleviate the pressure on manufacturers following Honda’s withdrawal but also to make it possible for new teams to enter.
Had these regulations not been so strongly opposed by a number of team principals, the withdrawal of BMW and further such announcements in the future might have been avoided.
The statement judiciously avoids pointing out that one of the teas allied to FOTA in oppossing the budget cap rules was BMW itself. Therein lies the rub: the Max Mosley’s attempt to impose a budget cap F1 was a political failure which alienated the very people it was supposed to save.
Nor can we rule out the possibility that, following the Mosley ‘Nazi sadomasochism’ scandal last year and Bernie Ecclestone’s words in praise of Hitler this year, BMW didn’t want to be tainted by association.
Mosley at least had one thing dead right: the decision to axe the F1 team is not taken by the motorsport men - the Mario Theissens. It comes from the board and, just as it was with Honda, the decision is is taken as quickly as the flicking of a light switch.
Why do you believe BMW is leaving F1?
By Mikel
July 30th, 2009 at 06:56pm
Under Racing
Only one person - Haas - predicted Alonso’s pole position
The ever-close F1 Fanatic Predictions Championship has seen another change of lead with Saloolas nicking the top spot from Dougie once more.
And with Benno, brouard21, Chua, Dank, ianhaycox, Pete Walker and Sush Meerkat locked in a seven-way tie for third, this one’s going down to the wire.
The prizes
First place prize
- An original F1 painting by Rob Ijbema
- Five F1 DVDs from Duke Video: “Formula One 1970: The uncrowned champion”, “Formula Villeneuve: A tribute to Gilles Villeneuve”, “The World’s Greatest F1 Cars”, “Champion: Hill” and “Nine Days in Summer”
- £60 to spend on F1 merchandise at Onpole.com
3x Runners-up prizes
This was one of our lowest-scoring rounds so far, with no-one predicting the Hamilton-Raikkonen-Webber podium exactly and only Haas correctly naming Fernando Alonso as the pole sitter.
Saloolas now has a ten-point lead over Dougie, with the chasing pack another 20 points further back. But with seven rouns left to play and 60 points on offer at each round, there’s still a lot of fight left in this title battle.
Here’s the championship standings in full:
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By Mikel
July 30th, 2009 at 06:55pm
Under Racing
F1B’s Executive Editor-Europe, Mark Hallam, has just filed his famed
F1B Fringe Report on the biggest news day in Formula 1 in quite some time. BMW have decided to leave F1 and Michael Schumacher has decided to return. As you can imagine, that’s a large news day in Germany and Mark…
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By Mikel
July 30th, 2009 at 03:30pm
Under Motorbikes
If you want to race in the 2010 Dakar, and are afraid for the logistics that goes with the race (motorcycle preparation, spares, mechanics), French HFP Off-road offer a Yamaha WRF450, specially prepared for the Dakar, and a full support package.
Three different options are available.
…
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