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Beta testing Windows 7 - Part3

Well, I went shopping, and here is what I came up with. I like to utilize local vendors whenever possible, but this system had a processor requirement that I could not find cheaply from my favorite vendor. I wanted a Quad-core processor that has Virtual Technology (VT). I also want to be able to assign programs to cores (very cool!). I did a little research and found the Intel Q8400 processor a good match. It has Quad cores, Virtual Technology, and was the cheapest I could find in-stock locally. My first stop was at Fry's Electronics, where I picked up a ...

Intel Q8400
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400

I then went over to my friends at Technology Partners Inc, where I picked up the rest of the components (less the case, that's coming). Here's the list of parts:

Intel DG41RQ Motherboard
Intel DG41RQ Motherboard
Buffalo DDR2 PC6400
Buffalo DDR2 PC6400 Memory (2gb x 2)
Microstar NX8400GS
Microstar NX8400GS Video Card
Western Digital 3200AAKS
Western Digital 320 GB Hard Drive
Liteon 24x DVD-RW
Liteon 24x DVD-RW
iMicro 500 watt Power Supply
iMicro 500 watt Power Supply

All these components have standard specifications, except for the motherboard. Considering that I am going to use a 64-bit operating system, I need to have a larger amount of memory. Using a 64-bit operating system, I am also getting past the 4 gigabyte memory limit that plaques 32-bit. The Intel DG41RQ has a maximum memory capacity of 8 GB (2 x 4GB). Since 2GB modules are relatively inexpensive, I decided to go with 4GB of memory (2 x 2GB) for right now.

Since Windows 7 is built on Windows Vista, finding drivers was simple. Intel and NVidia, both have Windows 7 32 and 64-bit drivers on their web sites.

I guess it's time to build this system. But I still need a case. I think I'll see what Antec has been up to.

Beta testing Windows 7 - Part 2

Since my last post, Windows 7 RC1 has been released. I am now assembling a production system to use for the installation of RC1. I have changed my mind on how I wanted to test this new OS from Microsoft. My original idea was to use a typical system with widely available components.

I then thought back on all of the new technology that has come out since Windows XP was released. I think everyone will agree that Windows Vista was somewhat of a stepping stone. Just like Windows Millennium was to Windows 98SE.

We now have hard drives over one terabyte, Quad-core processors, and 64-bit computers. And quite a bit of these are now out in production systems, like yours. 64-bit enabled motherboards have been out for years now. If your computer’s motherboard was manufactured within the last few years, your computer is probably 64-bit compatible.

With that said, I started to look at some of the features of Windows 7 and what hardware I would need to run them. As I stated before, 64-bit enabled computers are pretty much mainstream now, and with the memory limit of 128 gigabytes, opposed to 4 gigabyte memory limit on 32-bit, I think this is the way to go.

Note:
You cannot do an in-place upgrade of a 32-bit operating system to a 64-bit operating system. To do this, you have to backup your files and settings and then restore them to the new installation.

Microsoft has had two different versions (32-bit & 64-bit) of their Windows operating systems (XP & Vista) that support x86-64 architecture since 2005. So I will use the 64-bit for this installation. I also want to use the Windows XP mode for Windows 7. This requires a processor that has Virtualization Technology (VT). The Intel E6600 processor in my system has VT. So the VT processors are out there, you have to check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible.

So with all of that information, I will put together a production system in the next few days from standard parts from my favorite vendors. I already have a parts list, and it’s time to see how cheaply I can put this together (I have a big surprise for what I use as a monitor).

Surge Protectors

Updated July 8, 2024

In today's modern world, our lives are powered by electronic devices. Our homes are filled with valuable tools, from smartphones and laptops to entertainment systems and kitchen appliances. However, these devices are more vulnerable than we realize, at risk of being damaged by power surges, a threat we often overlook. This is where surge protectors come into play, serving as a crucial line of defense against electrical spikes that could wreak havoc on our beloved devices. In this article, we will explore the importance of surge protectors, how they work, and why you should consider integrating them into your home and office setups.

First and foremost, it's essential to understand a power surge and how it can impact your electronics. A power surge, also known as a transient voltage, is a short burst of electrical energy that can significantly exceed the standard voltage levels in a circuit. Various factors, including lightning strikes, utility company switching, and electrical faults within the home, can cause these surges. A power surge can overwhelm the delicate circuitry in your electronics, leading to irreversible damage or a shortened lifespan.

Surge protectors are not just devices. They are the guardians of your electronic devices. They are designed to detect an overvoltage condition and safely divert excess electricity to the ground, ensuring that it never reaches your valuable equipment. Surge protectors provide a sense of security by acting as a barrier between your devices and the electrical supply, knowing that your electronics are shielded from potential harm.

Now, you might wonder if surge protectors are necessary or just an optional add-on. Investing in surge protectors is wise for anyone looking to safeguard their electronic investments. While many modern devices have built-in protection circuits, these internal safeguards are not always sufficient to ward off the full force of a power surge. A quality surge protector adds an extra layer of defense that can make all the difference when a surge occurs.

Not all surge protectors are created equal. It's essential to choose one that can handle the power demands of your electronics while providing a sufficient level of surge protection. Look for surge protectors with a high joule rating, indicating the energy they can absorb before needing replacement. Additionally, consider features such as USB ports, coaxial cable protection, and the number of outlets to ensure that the surge protector meets your needs.

A typical surge protector/power strip uses Metal Oxide Varistor(s) (MOV). The cheapest kind may use just one varistor, from hot (live, active) to neutral. A better protector would contain at least three varistors, one across each of the three pairs of conductors (hot-neutral, hot-ground, neutral-ground).

While a MOV is designed to conduct significant power for very short durations (~8/20 microseconds), such as caused by lightning strikes, it typically does not have the capacity to conduct sustained energy. Under normal utility voltage conditions, this is not a problem. However, certain types of faults on the utility power grid can result in sustained over-voltage conditions. Examples include a loss of a neutral conductor or shorted lines on the high voltage system. Applying sustained over-voltage to a MOV can cause high dissipation, potentially resulting in the MOV device catching fire.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has documented many cases of catastrophic fires caused by MOV devices in surge suppressors and issued bulletins on the issue. Now, when it comes to critical computer hardware (servers, switches, etc.), I recommend enterprise-grade Brickwall Non-Fail Surge Protectors by Price Wheeler LLC. They do not contain any MOVs and can take surges up to 6000V and 3000A.

In conclusion, surge protectors are not just a necessity but a proactive step towards securing the integrity of our electronic devices in the face of power surges. By understanding the potential risks associated with power spikes and the protective capabilities of surge protectors, we can make informed decisions to secure our valuable electronics. Whether at home or in the workplace, integrating surge protectors into our setups is a proactive step towards ensuring the longevity and reliability of our electronic investments. So, the next time you ponder the necessity of surge protectors, remember that they serve as invaluable guardians, standing between your devices and the unpredictable nature of electrical disturbances.

Beta testing Windows 7 - Part 1

I finally got around to installing the Beta release of Windows 7. Did the first install into a VM (virtual machine) to get a feel for the new OS. I installed a copy of Sun xVM VirtualBox, version 2.2.2, which has predefined settings for a Windows 7 environment. I then loaded the Windows 7 image file as a DVD drive and got the install going. The install went smoothly, and the interface looked quite a bit like Windows Vista.

I will work with the VM installation while I assemble a non-production test system. I'll keep you updated on my adventures.

Custom cases: Back in Black

Here are the before and after pictures of the finished case for the upgrading your computer cheaply article.

Back in Black 1Back in Black 2

The face and body are RUST-OLEUM's 'Satin Black' Universal All-Surface Paint. I then applied a couple of coats of RUST-OLEUM's Crystal Clear Enamel.

Side note: I contacted RUST-OLEUM to let them know about my daughter's faux stone and chalkboard case. They thought it was cool and hoped they might be able to add it to their web site. Here's the image we sent them.

Faux stone and chalkboard with RUST-OLEUM on side

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