i7's SIXPACK

INTEL'S LATEST Extreme Edition processor, the Core
i7-980X, brings hyperthreading as well as turbo

boost technology to the 32nm process. It is also

Intel's first processor with six cores, for enhanced

system performance in suitably optimized applications.

The Core i7-980X will supplant the four-core, 45nm
Core i7-975 Extreme Edition as Intel's strongest CPU,
at the same price. But how much better is it?

The Core i7-975 and the Core i7-980X look identical;

both have a base clock speed of 3.33GHz, TDP cooling

rated at 130 watts, and three channels of DDR3-1066
RAM. But the i7-980X's six cores give apps 12 threads
to work with, versus the i7-975's 8 threads. Also,
where the i7-975 shares an 8MB L3 cache across its
cores, the new CPU has a 12MB cache.

We tested each processor in a PC running Windows 7
Ultimate Edition (64-bit), with 6GB of RAM, a 1TB
hard drive, and an ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphics card.
Though Intel aims the Core i7-980X at gamers, the new
CPU outperformed the Core i7-975 only marginally in our

test. In Unreal Tournament 3 (at 1920 by 1200 resolution

and high settings), the Core i7-980X cranked out 159.9

frames per second versus the Core i7-975's 155.5 fps.

In Dirt 2, the Core i7-980X managed 73.3 fps, as against

the Core i7-975's 71.7 fps.

Those result aren't surprising, since many modern video

games don't take full advantage of multithreading. But

if you work with multitreaded apps such as Adobe Photoshop, Blender, and Sony Vegas Pro, spending $$$$ for a Core i7-980X processor may make sense. The clearest improvement will be in apps that sprawl across as many cores as possible, like Maxon's Cinema 4D animation software.

Though the i7-980X may not blow the i7-975 out of the water

now, the performance bottleneck for gamers lies in the pausity

of multithreaded offerings and that situation is changing. If

you can afford this $$$$ chip, it may be worth the cost of

entry. As multicore CPUs and multicore optimized application

grow more and more common, you'll be able to put all six of

its core to good use.

BUYING YOUR DESKTOP

Remember when buying a desktop computer was simple?
You'd stroll into your local electronics boutique, pick
out the homely beige box with a logical moniker that
perfectly complemented your needs (and a copy of
Windows XP), and then head home, eager to begin what
was sure to be an effortless setup and installation process. No?
We don't either. The PC market has always been inundated with more
option than the average shopper could hope to puzzle through, and
the march of time has been muddled, as towers of varying
size have been joined by computers of entirely new designs.

Fortunately, the most important choice you can make is also the
easiest: Whatever shape, size, and price range you settle for,
you'll want your new PC to run Windows 7. The disappointment
of Vista is still fresh on many minds, but Microsoft's latest operating
system offers improved peformance, surpassing even the venerable
Windows XP. And while each class of desktop offers divergent capabilities,
strenght, and weakness, they also take advantage of windows 7's
features in thier own ways.

We tested a number of Windows 7 based desktop computers
spanning the three major categories: compact PCs, all-in-ones,
and the traditional tower. The six system that we discuss here represent
new and notable entries in each of those categories.

The first step in buying a PC is identifying a need: Who is going to use
the machine, and why? You might be tempted to buy Grandma an
inexpensive e-mail appliance, to help keep in touch. But what if she wants
to stream Matlock in high definition to her living-room TV, edit and store
terabytes of family photos, or video-blog her cooking show? A pricey
high-end desktop computer could handle those tasks with aplomb.
The trick is to know what you want and, as a smart shopper, to find a
machine that delivers exactly what you need in a convenient, cost-effective
manner.

Which Kind of DESKTOP Is Right for You?

Compact PC
If you're on a shoestring budget and you just want to send a few
e-mail messages, a compact PC can get you on your way
for as little as $200 (sans monitor). If high def video strikes your
fancy, you'll want a machine equipped with an nVidia de-coding,
and an HDMI output, for HDTVs. Such PCs start at just over $300.

All-in-One
All-in-one PCs are self-contained-the innards are mounted behind
displays typically ranging between 18 and 27 inches. Many models
tout thier wireless fuctionality (wireless keyboards and mice,
Bluetooth support, and wireless Internet connectivity). This keeps
cord clutter at a minimum, an important consideration in space
where a rat's nest of cables may clash with a neat, spare decor. You
are also likely to end up with a single-touch display-but even
multitouch support is becoming more common on budget
all-in-ones now.

Tower
A system that is built with the right components will play the latest
video games, steam movies and music to every media outlet in your
home, store a lifetime's worth of memories, and give you the
computing power you need to create rich media content. The right
tower is also readily upgradable--an important consideration, as that
will let you keep your machine in top shape for years to come.

SOLID-STATE DRIVE

There's no doubt that Intel provides a

performance egde when it comes to PC processors. Its latest

Core i3, i5, and i7 CPUs represent the cutting-edge choice

in today's laptops and desktops.

However, a fast processor is only part of the equation. When

you're booting your computer, launching programs, or loading

personal files, your CPU spends a good deal of time waiting for

your hard drive to send it the data it needs. Add in the cumulative delays from a traditional hard drive's file fragmentation, and your highly capable system soon starts to feel as sluggish as your last one.

Fortunately, Intel has the storage performance angle covered, too.

The company's silicon wizardry has resulted in a remarkable line

of mainstream SSDs (solid-state drives). The X25-M or X25-V SSDs

are reliable, high-performance replacement for traditional hard drives

as the computer's main storage component, and in comparison, they

provide fast bootups, application launches, and overall system

responsiveness. In fact, Intel SSDs deliver 56% faster performance than

traditional hard drives.

BENEFITS:

• Unlike a hard drives, SSDs don't spin and have no moving parts. This not only helps them to be more impact-tolerant and reliable than a traditional hard drive but also makes them cooler, quieter, and easier on notebook battery life.
• Speaking technically, Intel's SSDs are acclaimed for having some of the fastest random read and writes. This speeds up most of your operating a noticeably more agile feel.
• In a Windows 7 PC, Intel SSDs' support for new TRIM command ensures that over time, they continue to save data as fast as they did when new.
• Even though SSDs cost more per gigabyte than hard drives, the dramatic performance boost you'll realize by installing an SSD more than justifies the price premium.

The Best AntiVirus

What is your AntiVirus?
Are you sure of the protection your AntiVirus have?
Are you just using your AntiVirus because many people use it?
Why use the best AntiVirus?

As Internet and e-mail become an ever-increasing part of our 21st-century lives, the myriad dangers and risks that come with them are increasing too. Make sure you know how to deal with the threats that face us.

In the past, PCs were mainly under threat from viruses and worms. The main purpose of these programs was to spread; however, some programs were also designed to cause damage to files and PCs. Such malicious software, or “malware”, could be described as ‘cyber vandalism’. In the majority of cases, the goal of viruses and worms was to spread as much as possible, with a high infection rate leading to fame for that program.

But in recent years, the situation has changed drastically.
Today, the biggest threat faced by computers is crimeware. This malicious software is written by cybercriminals with the purpose of making money illegally. Crimeware may take the form of viruses, worms, Trojans or other malicious programs.

Things to consider while picking your AntiVirus:

Very user friendly system that covers all security and backup needs for the everyday user. Easy to access and find what you need to get the Job done. This product is great that it works even when you are not, sysyem scans and backups do not slow the preformance or speed of your PC.

Identifies fraudulent websites and validates authentic ones so you can surf, shop and bank online with confidence without exposing yourself to dangerous websites. Helps guard your PC against all kinds of cyberthreats with comprehensive, award-winning protection. Quickly and accurately scans your PC for threats using an industry leading online intelligence system. Proactively alerts you to potential dangers in newly downloaded files and applications before you install or run them on your PC. Helps keep your PC performing at its best by removing unnecessary clutter and optimizing the hard drive.Continuous protection against viruses and spyware. Ensures all mails sent and received are clean. Keeps you protected from "chat" infections. Stops attacks from hijacked websites. Blocks hacker attacks to protect your identity. Keeps your mailbox free from spam. Allows safe and uninterrupted gaming.

Commonly AntiVirus:

Norton
Shield Deluxe
Trend Micro Antivirus
Panda Antivirus
ESET NOD32
Kaspersky