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Microsoft shuts down AutoPatcher.com

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AutoPatcher.com, creator of a popular update utility called AutoPatcher, was ordered by Microsoft Corporation to end distribution of the software and update patches for Microsoft Windows from its web site early today.

Autopatcher is a utility designed to automate the installation process of Microsoft Windows updates for ease of deployment. It is also portable, which allows administrators of multiple desktops to update PCs unattended using a CD.  The utility is popular among computer technicians who work in a mobile environment. Autopatcher.com is based in Greece. The project was started in 2003.

In an E-mail sent to AutoPatcher.com, Microsoft said the software, which included a compilation of updates for Microsoft Windows, was unlicensed and unauthorized for distribution by Microsoft. "We hereby give notice of these activities to you and request that you take expeditious action to remove or disable access to the material described above, and thereby prevent the illegal reproduction and distribution of this software via your company's network.", the E-mail stated. The owners immediately complied with the request and the contents of the E-mail were made public on the web site.

Antonis Kaladis, Project Manager and Lead Developer of the program, broke the news to users this morning and removed the downloads, consisting primarily of a collection of mirrors. He admitted they had no other choice. "For the past 4 years, it has been a blast", Kaladis posted. "Unfortunately, it seems like it's the end of AutoPatcher as we know it."

Reaction to the news from users was swift and ranged from sad resignation to vehement anger toward Microsoft.

 "As a support tech I found the AutoPacher essential for saving time and valuable download limits on my broadband account", wrote Bruce Roberts. "I’ll miss you greatly AutoPatcher!" Another user with the handle Zooz said  "Autopatcher was a great help and I can’t understand how am I (and others like me) to manage without it".

Many users touted the benefits of Autopatcher. Noted one user, whose moniker was Xan, "Autopatcher has been fantastic for me over the years, as with 4 computers on my home network, and only a limited amount of bandwidth, Autopatcher has not only saved me time, but also money that would otherwise be spent on increasing my download allocation!" Another user called JRM said "As a self-employed computer repair technician, you have saved me HOURS patching each machine I have to rebuild, 2 to 5 machines a week". He added, "Using AP I don’t have to physically sit at the machine, use WUS, download and apply the patch(es), reboot, and do the entire thing again".

Some users were simply stunned. "I cannot believe that Microsoft did this", wrote Andrew Lucas. "If their software patches are freely available then what is their problem? You are providing a service Microsoft refuses to do". 

Many, users, however, were infuriated with the Redmond company. "They`re so stupid. How can you take down a nice project like this?", said someone who called himself Psykid.  Dean Sanders wrote, "If Microsoft wants to take every tool away from the end user and leave us with just drm and wga (lawsuits too) then they can keep their software." Another one called Mat said "How can Microsoft have a problem with this? You can freely download any patch from microsoft so what’s the harm in packaging them together?" He added, "The biggest bully in the yard has his way again…".

A Microsoft representative was not available for comment. 

 

Government to Auction Off $15M Worth of New Data Center Hardware

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A decision by the Department of the Interior not to renew a 2005 IT lease with a minority contractor resulted in a warehouse full of new servers and data storage assets going to the auction block, according to Chris Rasmus of Rasmus Auctioneers, an online liquidator.

Dulles, VA (PRWEB) August 30, 2007 — A decision by the Department of the Interior not to renew a 2005 IT lease with a minority contractor resulted in a warehouse full of new servers and data storage assets going to the auction block, according to Chris Rasmus of Rasmus Auctioneers, an online liquidator.

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"It seems like a terrible waste of money," noted Rasmus. "Besides the $15 million in equipment, an additional $5 million in tech-support, user licenses, and support agreements have gone up in smoke."

The entire lot, which includes hundreds of Egenera blade servers, EMS data storage arrays, switchgear, and hardware is online to be sold to the highest bidder regardless of price.

The inventory will be sold by internet-only auction at 2 pm eastern on Wednesday, September 12, 2007. "The liquidation will be like an eBay sale on steroids," Rasmus said, "instead of selling one item to one buyer, we will sell many to many."

For more information on this auction, visit www.rasmus.com.

Axxon Releases PCIe 16 Port RS232 I/O Card Compatible with IBM and Apple Platforms

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The Canadian company introduced the industry's first 16 port high speed RS232 PCI Express (PCIe) compatible I/O card with a Plug & Play installation in either IBM or Apple compatible chassis.

 

Windsor, ON (PRWEB) August 29, 2007 — Axxon Computer Corporation introduced the industry's first 16 port PCI Express (PCIe) compatible I/O card suitable for a Plug & Play installation in either IBM or Apple compatible chassis.

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Select OEM accounts have been beta testing the latest PCIe model # LF729KB for over a month. The LF729KB is a 4th generation design foundation to support both Linux and the Apple MAC OS without add-on drivers, without add-on modules and without kernel rebuilds. This support is in addition to the OS/2, QNX and Windows 32/64 bit driver suites. This adapter contains the enhanced Oxford 16C950 UART with 128 byte buffers (8 times competing UART technologies), hardware flow control and 921k communication speeds.

"Axxon is clearly the first and leading choice for PCI Express adapter cards. Model # LF729KB is another industry first model to offer support on both the IBM and Apple platforms," stated Kumar Bhatia, Senior Design Engineer for Axxon.

"OEMs like Intel, Dell, Motorola, Medtronic and HP/Compaq have been deploying Axxon PCIe cards for years. These ongoing business relationships further validate the compatibility and stability of our products," commented Bhatia.

Model # LF729KB is available worldwide with included VHDCI complex cables at a price of $ 599.95 USD (North America).

 

50,000 Music Fans to Launch Their Own Record Label

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New Web site LaunchALabel.com will bring together 50,000 music fans to start their own record label.

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) August 30, 2007 — In the age of file-sharing can 50,000 music fans compete with major labels in an uncertain music industry? 26 year old Florida resident Karol Gajda thinks so.

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Mr. Gajda has started a new Web site, LaunchALabel.com, that will bring together 50,000 music fans to launch and run their own record label. These 50,000 fans will choose the label's name and the first 5 bands to sign to record contracts worth $200,000 each. From there they will have input into every aspect of how to market and promote the label and its artists.

Joining LaunchALabel.com is free until 50,000 members have joined and expressed interest in being a part of music history. Once that threshold is reached, each of those members will be required to pay $25 for access to the nomination and voting area. In sum, this will raise $1.25 million to sign bands and to pay for expenses including office space and staff.

When asked about LaunchALabel.com Karol Gajda said,

"Music is for fans, not corporations. The future of the music industry will be based on transparency. That is, fans should be a major part of the music selection and marketing processes from the very beginning."

For more information visit http://www.LaunchALabel.com or contact Karol Gajda directly at (407) 745-1809.

 

Company drops $1.4M Server, sues IBM

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James Dickerson dropped a server on the curb. According to his employer, it's all IBM's fault.

T.R. Systems, Inc, a federal contractor located in Virginia, filed a lawsuit against IBM for improperly packing an item after a server worth $1.4 million fell off a forklift during transport from a delivery truck in October 2006. The server, one of two purchased from IBM by T.R. Systems, was being removed from a delivery truck at their warehouse in Alexandria when the accident happened.

According to the company, forklift operator James Dickenson was transporting the server when the rear wheels of the forklift hit a bump and rocked the server.   "As a result of the rocking motion, the base of the pallet and the crate broke and the crate fell onto the curb, damaging the server packed inside," stated the company in the lawsuit filed in July.

The contractor placed the blame on IBM for not properly packaging the server for protection in shipping and would not replace it, requiring T.R. Systems to purchase a replacement. The company contends IBM should reimburse them for the cost of another server.

IBM stated it was not responsible for the damage and Dickerson was to blame, saying the driver was not careful in transporting the server across the property. According to the court papers, IBM said Dickerson unloaded the crate and transported it across the parking lot to the warehouse door with the server suspended eight feet in the air. The damage was caused when the server fell off the forklift on its right side and hit the curb, according to IBM.

IBM intends to refute the charges.

Electricity Generating Thermal Insulation Under Development

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Industrial Nanotech, Inc., an emerging global leader in nanotechnology, announced today that the Company is now in the development stage of a thermal insulation material that will generate electricity.

Naples, Fla. (PRWEB) August 24, 2007 — Industrial Nanotech, Inc. (Pink Sheets:INTK), an emerging global leader in nanotechnology, announced today that the Company is now in the development stage of a thermal insulation material that will generate electricity.

"After almost three years of research on producing thin sheets of thermal insulation which use the temperature differential that insulation inherently creates as a source for generating electricity, we are moving to the development stage and designing the first prototype material and filing the patents necessary to protect this valuable intellectual property," states Stuart Burchill, CEO of Industrial Nanotech, Inc. "The benefit of a thin sheet of thermal insulation that could be used in the walls or attics of homes or in the walls of commercial buildings and, instead of just helping conserve energy could create energy, is incalculable. The fact that there is almost always, day or night and anywhere in the world, a difference between the temperature inside a building and outside a building gives us an almost constant source of energy generation to tap into," continues Mr. Burchill."

Current alternative energy sources under commercialization around the world to reduce dependence on fossil fuels include harnessing solar power, wind power, and ocean wave power. All of these sources have the inherent drawback of intermittent power generation due to the fact that there is not always sunshine, wind, or waves available. 

"This is an excellent example of Industrial Nanotech's core competency; envisioning ways for nanotechnology to solve important problems for the consumer and use our planet's resources more effectively, executing the scientific research to overcome the technical challenges involved in converting theory into reality, and implementing the commercialization of these products worldwide," explains Francesca Crolley, VP of Operations and Marketing for Industrial Nanotech. "Green Nanotech has always been a focus of our research and development and can provide a means for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on oil. The growing global success of the Company's first invention, the patented Nansulate line of energy saving protective coatings, and the resulting reduction of energy use and carbon emissions in both the residential and industrial sectors, is a testimony to our commitment to successful innovation and commercialization."

CompUSA Launches Free Technology Seminars

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Nationwide Educational Events Provide Businesses with Important Technology Information, Enabling Smaller Companies to be more Efficient, Effective and Competitive

DALLAS (BusinessWire EON) August 28, 2007 — Giving small and medium businesses the technology and services they need to more efficient and stay one step ahead of the competition is a top priority for CompUSA. As part of its goal to become the leading technology source for small and medium businesses, CompUSA today announced the launch of free monthly “Put Technology to Work” seminars to help educate business customers.

CompUSA’s business services team has designed customized seminars for small businesses with 1-19 employees and events for medium-sized businesses with 20-100 employees. The seminars will educate businesses on important technology topics such as Mobility, Licensing, Disaster Preparedness and other issues that can impact success and profitability.

News Image “We are constantly looking at new ways to bring greater resources and innovative technology into the small and medium business marketplace and believe the technology seminars at our CompUSA stores will provide great value to our customers,” said Bob Sayewitz, senior director of commercial and business services of CompUSA. “Our goal is to provide complete solutions and we have a great deal of information we want to share free of charge to help these business succeed.”

The upcoming free events will be held at the training centers located in the CompUSA stores nationwide. Businesses can make a reservation to attend an upcoming event or obtain more information by visiting www.compusabusiness.com or by visiting a local store.

Wednesday, August 29: Mobility

Small Businesses: “Going Mobile” will provide an introduction to Microsoft mobility software to help businesses stay connected while out of the office. The seminar will discuss the use of MS Windows, Small Business Server 2003, Microsoft Outlook, mobile devices and Blackberry Express Server for Small Business.

Medium-sized Businesses: “Advanced Business Mobility” will be an expanded version of “Going Mobile” and provide a thorough explanation of advanced systems for mobile productivity, like Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Blackberry Enterprise Server and Windows Mobile 6.0. Businesses will be able to gain insight into VPN connectivity, enterprise wireless solutions and other mobility issues.

Thursday, September 20: Licensing

Small Businesses: “How to Save Money with Licensing” will cover desktop and licensing solutions and will educate businesses on commercial-grade products, such as the benefits of a commercial-grade desktop.

Medium-sized Businesses: “Minimizing Technology Costs” will be an in-depth look at licensing and will cover imaging, asset-tagging, and configuration. More information about these events will be posted on www.compusabusiness.com.

CompUSA’s History in Serving Small Businesses

CompUSA has served small business customers since 2001 when it launched its in-store business centers to provide support for business customers. In 2006, CompUSA continued its leadership in serving small businesses when it became the first retailer to offer volume licensing to be transacted at retail, with the early availability of Microsoft Windows Vista Business for business customers. In April, through its partnership with Microsoft, CompUSA launched a first-of-its-kind program, CompUSA TechPro Business Providers, which connects CompUSA customers with local technology providers who are Microsoft Small Business Specialists and can provide reliable technical service and support.

Great News For Apple, Ominous News For Dell in New Consumer PC Survey

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ChangeWave's latest consumer PC survey – conducted August 1-8, 2007 – shows the transformational impact the iPhone is having on Mac sales, translating into great news for Apple (AAPL) and ominous news for Dell (DELL).

These results are great news for Apple, and they serve as powerful evidence that the 'halo effect' is indeed translating into real world Mac computer sales for Steve Jobs and company

Rockville, MD (PRWEB) August 20, 2007 — Back in June, a ChangeWave consumer survey saw an Apple "halo effect" on the way for Mac computer sales, due in part to all of the advance publicity and hype surrounding the release of the iPhone. At that time it appeared as though there was a transformational shift taking place in the consumer PC marketplace.

According to ChangeWave's latest consumer PC survey – conducted August 1-8, 2007 – the enormous impact of that transformational shift is now clear, and the news is great for Apple (AAPL) and ominous for Dell (DELL).

The survey of 3,665 ChangeWave Alliance members began by asking those who bought a computer in the past 90 days which manufacturer they had bought it from. The survey then asked those planning to buy a computer in the next 90 days which manufacturer they'd be buying from.

In an ongoing alteration of the consumer PC landscape, Apple laptop sales have surged to a new all-time high over the past 90 days – up from 12% in June to 17% currently – an unprecedented 5-point move. Apple desktop sales (7%; down 1-pt) have been solid but unspectacular during that same time period.

Going forward, planned Apple Mac purchases over the next 90 days reveal more of the same ahead for Apple. A total of 28% of respondents who plan to purchase a laptop say they'll get a Mac – mirroring the brisk momentum originally seen back in June. Another 23% say they'll buy an Apple desktop – up 1 point from the previous survey.

"These results are great news for Apple, and they serve as powerful evidence that the 'halo effect' is indeed translating into real world Mac computer sales for Steve Jobs and company," said Tobin Smith, founder of ChangeWave Research and editor of ChangeWave Investing.

If the news for Apple can be described as great, then the news for Dell would certainly be described as ominous. After a surprising uptick for the box maker in ChangeWave's June survey, Dell's market share is once again taking a huge hit.

Only 30% of purchasers say they bought a Dell desktop in the past 90 days. This represents a 7-pt drop for Dell since June – down to the second-lowest percentage it's recorded for desktops in a ChangeWave survey. Similarly, Dell laptop purchases (24%) have fallen 4-pts to a new all time low.

What about Dell's outlook for the next 90 days? That too appears troubled. The survey results show planned desktop purchases (31%) falling 5-pts to a new all-time low. The only potential bright spot for Dell is in its planned laptop purchases (29%), which have inched up 1-pt since June – although they too are near a record low.

It is important to note that most of Dell's revenue comes from corporate PC sales. The next ChangeWave corporate IT purchasing survey–currently in the field–will shed light on whether Dell is gaining or losing in the all-important corporate marketplace.

Another prominent PC maker worthy of mention here is Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), whose desktop share appears quite stable among consumers. A total of 26% who purchased a desktop over the last 90 days say they bought an H-P – up 1-pt from June. After peaking in ChangeWave's June survey, however, H-P laptop purchases (25%; down 2-pts) have edged back slightly.

In a positive sign for H-P going forward, the findings show a big 5-pt jump in planned H-P desktop purchases for the next 90 days (28%). In a more mixed result, H-P laptop purchases going forward (25%; down 3-pts) have pulled back somewhat from their previous all-time highs.

Overall these are positive consumer results for Hewlett-Packard. H-P desktop sales are up going forward, and while laptops have come back slightly off their June highs – most likely due, in part, to increasing competition from Apple – they nonetheless appear relatively healthy.

Perhaps the most impressive finding for Apple in this survey is its outstanding customer satisfaction rating. A whopping 86% of those who bought an Apple computer over past 90 days report being "Very Satisfied" with their purchase, by far the highest of any manufacturer.

On the flipside, Dell is dead last among PC makers when it comes to customer satisfaction. In fact, only 44% of those who bought a Dell over the past 90 days report being "Very Satisfied" with their purchase, down 9-pts since June.

Once again – more great news for Apple; more ominous news for Dell.

Further information on the ChangeWave consumer PC survey will be released Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at http://www.changewave.com

The ChangeWave Alliance is a network of over 10,000 highly qualified business, technology, and medical professionals in leading companies of select industries–credentialed experts who spend their everyday lives working on the front line of technological change. ChangeWave surveys its Alliance members on a range of business and investment research and intelligence topics, collects feedback from them electronically, and converts the information into proprietary quantitative and qualitative reports.

http://www.changewave.com

New PC Software Restores Audio Recording Capabilities to Windows Vista for Free

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Applian Technologies has just released a free, audio recorder that works incredibly well with Windows Vista and XP. This recorder uses revolutionary new recording technology which is sound card independent. It can capture audio as MP3 files from virtually any application or internet stream.

San Anselmo, CA (PRWEB) August 21, 2007 — Applian Technologies has just released the Freecorder Toolbar Sound Recorder, a free audio capture program for Windows Vista which restores the audio recording functionality previously available in prior versions of Windows. Using a new driverless recording process developed by Applian, the software allows customers to capture audio as MP3 files from virtually any application or internet stream. Freecorder Toolbar is free, and available today from www.freecorder.com.

HNews Imageistorically, all PC's had sound card drivers with an easily accessible recording line, and also allowed recording applications to install custom sound card drivers. Today, the sound card drivers that ship with Windows Vista rarely make a recording line available, or if a sound card does have a recording line, that capability is buried. And the new driver signing requirement of Windows Vista has permanently disabled sound capture technologies that relied on custom drivers. Before Freecorder Toolbar, it has been difficult or impossible to capture audio in Windows Vista.

Internet audio or application-generated sound can now be saved by everyone. And our convenient browser-based interface offers enhanced search capabilities and other cool tools, all for free. Everyone should have this great little recorder on their browser.

Freecorder Toolbar works inside both Internet Explorer and Firefox, and offers simple one-button recording that saves everything you hear from your PC speakers as either an MP3 or WAV file. It will also record from the microphone or line-in inputs on your PC. Additionally, Freecorder Toolbar includes a powerful Google-based search, and optional browser enhancements like a radio tuner, weather bug, pop-up blocker, search highlighter and more.

"We are thrilled to be able to give consumers an easy-to-use universal audio recorder that works great with Windows Vista and XP" said Applian CEO Bill Dettering, "Internet audio or application-generated sound can now be saved by everyone. And our convenient browser-based interface offers enhanced search capabilities and other cool tools, all for free. Everyone should have this great little recorder on their browser."

Freecorder Toolbar was developed in partnership with Conduit, the leading platform for building online communities via community toolbars. "Our vision at Conduit is to provide website publishers with the most powerful components and content for their community toolbar, and ultimately to deliver a superior end-user experience," said Ronen Shilo, CEO of Conduit. "Applian is a clear leader managing streaming media and we are delighted to provide their highly useful tools via our platform." Freecorder Toolbar contains no advertising, and is available for free from Freecorder.com. It requires a PC running Windows 2000 or later.

Acer to buy Gateway for $710M

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Acer announced today that it plans to purchase Gateway, Inc. in a move that could make it the third largest PC maker in the world. According to a press release on Acer's web site both companies have agreed to the acquisition in which Acer will pay $1.90 per outstanding share. Gateway is the fourth largest US PC builder and a major computer retailer. According to Acer, the agreement will create a multi-branded computer company with annual revenue of more then $15 billion.

 “The acquisition of Gateway and its strong brand immediately completes Acer’s global footprint, by strengthening our US presence" said J.T. Wang, Chairman of Acer. "This will be an excellent addition to Acer’s already strong positions in Europe and Asia. Upon acquiring Gateway, we will further solidify our position as number three PC vendor globally.”

Ed Coleman, CEO of Gateway said  “Joining with Acer will enable us to bring even more value to the consumer segments we serve and capitalize on Acer’s highly regarded supply chain operations and global reach to expand the scope of the Gateway and eMachines brands around the world.  Acer has made impressive strides in the global PC market and the board and I welcome this merger.”

If approved outside the US, the acquisiton by Acer of Gateway should be completed by December of 2007.