Sunday, June 5, 2005

No Internet Explorer 7 for Microsoft Windows 2000 Users. Microsoft Cease Adding Functions to Windows 2000

11:58 pm | Yaroslav Lyssenko

The lifecycle of modern computers is not really long: in three to four years PC components as well as software become completely outdated, which catalyzes users and enterprises to migrate to newer PCs. It seems like those, who were planning to continue using Microsoft Windows 2000 for another year or two may have to reconsider their intentions, as it seems that Microsoft is unlikely to add anything new to the operating system.

Although Windows 2000 will be supported until 2010, at the end of June of this year Microsoft will no longer accept requests for design changes or new features for the operating system. In addition to this, Microsoft doesn’t have any plans on releasing the newest version of Internet Explorer for Windows 2000, it is reported.

“In a blog posting at the end of last week, a Microsoft employee confirmed that the company would not be releasing IE 7 for Windows 2000, as this would involve a lot of work for an operating system that is in the later stages of its lifecycle,” writes CNET News.com.

“It should be no surprise that we do not plan on releasing IE 7 for Windows 2000. One reason is where we are in the Windows 2000 lifecycle. Another is that some of the security work in IE 7 relies on operating system functionality in XP SP2 that is non-trivial to port back to Windows 2000,” says the blog posting.

• CNET News.com: Windows 2000 Users to Miss Out on IE 7.

Intel i945G Chipset Under Close Investigation. Intel’s Mainstream Platform for Dual-Core Chips Overviewed

11:47 pm | Yaroslav Lyssenko

Hexus.net has reviewed Intel’s latest core-logic earlier code-named Lakeport. The Intel i945G chipset features up to 1066MHz processor system bus and supports all Intel processors, including the dual-core Intel Pentium D and Intel Pentium Extreme Edition chips. Two main features of this chipset is support for PC2-5300 (DDR2 667MHz) memory as well as built-in Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which has 4 pixel pipelines clocked at 400MHz and sports DirectX 9.0 and HDTV capabilities.

“Intel’s given the i945’s onboard graphics a new name. The GMA 950, though, is just a faster version of the present GMA 900. Benchmarks have shown it to struggle, as expected, with modern games, and it’s generally on a par with ATI’s XPRESS 200. In short, the i945G (or i945P) is a reasonable proposition for all but the die-hard enthusiast who needs the ability to run two graphics cards in tandem. I hope that motherboard manufacturers quickly release versions equipped with the ICH7R southbridge. You’ll then be able to purchase it with, say, a Pentium D 820. Perfect for huge and varied storage potential, decent sound, and the loveliness that a dual-core CPU brings. Expect Dell to offer you something like this in the coming months,” concludes Hexus.net.

• Hexus.net: Intel i945G Chipset Review.

Samsung SyncMaster 915N Reviewed. Web-Site Reviews “Universal” LCD

11:25 pm | Yaroslav Lyssenko

Futurelooks has reviewed Samsung SyncMaster 915N display. This 19” TFT LCD monitor provides 700:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m² brightness, 1280x1024 resolution, 160°/160° viewing angles and scanning frequency of 30-81kHz horizontal and 56-75Hz vertical. It features Samsung’s MagicSpeed technology to sport 8ms response time.

“After using the LCD for several weeks, I have yet to discover one dead pixel.  I have used this screen for gaming, online surfing, and editing photos and have to say I am really been pleased with the results.  The only drawback that could be found about this monitor is that it doesn’t have a DVI input, but then again, neither does my video card. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to get a new LCD screen but has been waiting for the performance and size to increase.  Now is the time.  It’s the perfect upgrade for any tired looking system,” concludes the author.

• Futurelooks: Samsung SyncMaster 915N 19" LCD Monitor Review.

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