.NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2 / 2.0 / 1.1

Microsoft .NET Framework is the programming model of the .NET environment for building, deploying, and running Web-based applications, smart client applications, and XML Web services.

It manages much of the plumbing, enabling developers to focus on writing the business logic code for their applications.

The .NET Framework includes the common language runtime and class libraries.

The Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 redistributable package installs the .NET Framework runtime and associated files required to run applications developed to target the .NET Framework 2.0.

The .NET Framework version 2.0 improves scalability and performance of applications with improved caching, application deployment and updating with ClickOnce, support for the broadest array of browsers and devices with ASP.NET 2.0 controls and services.

Important: You cannot install two different language versions of the .NET Framework on the same machine. Attempting to install a second language version of the .NET Framework will cause the following error to appear: "Setup cannot install Microsoft .NET Framework because another version of the product is already installed." If you are targeting a non-English platform or if you wish to view .NET Framework resources in a different language, you must download the appropriate language version of the .NET Framework language pack

Requirements:

· Windows Installer 3.0 (except for Windows 98/ME, which require Windows Installer 2.0 or later). Windows Installer 3.1 or later is recommended.
· IE 5.01 or later: You must also be running Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or later for all installations of the .NET Framework.
· Disk Space Requirements: 280 MB (x86), 610 MB (x64)


Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 Language Packs contain translated text, such as error messages, for languages other than English. Without the installation of a Language Pack, these messages are displayed in English by default.

Multiple language packs, each for a different language, can be installed on a single computer. Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 SP1 Language Packs contain translated text, such as error messages, for each language.

The following Language Packs are designed for NET Framework 2.0 SP1 x86 ONLY : French , Greek , Spanish , Italian , German , Japanese.


DOWNLOAD NOW

AVG Server Edition for Linux/FreeBSD 8.5.0812

AVG Server Edition for Linux/FreeBSD provides security protection against viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and adware for even the most demanding e-mail servers

High-efficiency anti-virus and anti-spyware protection for Linux and FreeBSD servers prevents malware from using your email system to spread across your network.
* Easy to use and manage
* Protection against viruses, spyware, spam, and other malware
* Powerful administration tools included
* Free support and service around the clock and across the globe
* Compatible with all major Linux and FreeBSD email server applications
Licensing and pricing is by the number of client access licenses required. Select the number of access licenses from the picklist to get a price quote for your site.

Key technologies
* Anti-virus: protection against viruses, worms, and Trojans
* Anti-spyware: protection against spyware, adware and identity-theft
* Anti-spam: filters out unwanted and fraudulent e-mails (anti-phishing)
Focus on your business and let AVG focus on security
The combination of our new intelligent real-time scanner and high-speed automatic updates ensures your email system is protected around the clock
Full mail and server protection
AVG Server Edition for Linux/FreeBSD checks all e-mails sent and received, as well as their attachments, protecting against email-borne threats and the ever-increasing number of spam attacks. The software also prevents infected files on the server from being opened, ensuring that the mail server itself is fully protected against malware.
AVG supports all leading Linux and FreeBSD mail server applications, including PostFix, QMail, Sendmail and Exim.

Minimize IT resource requirements
Anti-Virus Server Edition for Linux/FreeBSD can be deployed in minutes. Central management and monitoring ensures that ongoing maintenance requires minimal resources;
* Centralized configuration, reporting and updating
* One-stop license management
* Remote installation and repair

No hidden costs
When you purchase an AVG product, everything you need is included in the price for the full license duration - technical support, virus updates, and new program versions. All users of paid AVG products also qualify for generous discounts on subscription renewals and product upgrades.

Flexible licensing
AVG Server Edition for Linux/FreeBSD can be purchased online in multi-license packs for 10-75 client access licenses. Configurations of 1, 2, 3, or 5 servers for larger configurations are also available online. Contact us or your local reseller for larger installations. One or two year subscriptions are available.
Special pricing is available for educational, government, and non-profit institutions. Contact Customer Service for more information.

Requirements:
• 800 MHz or faster processor
• 500 MB free hard drive space (for installation)
• 512 MB RAM available

Limitations:
• 30-day trial

Download now

FreeNAS

FreeNAS is a free NAS (Network-Attached Storage) server, supporting: CIFS (samba), FTP, NFS protocols, Software RAID (0,1,5) with a Full WEB configuration interface.


FreeNAS is a NAS server that supports FTP, NFS protocols, Software RAID.

FreeNAS takes less than 16MB once installed on Compact Flash, hard drive or USB key.

Download now

Asus P7F7-E WS Supercomputer Intel Chipset Driver 9.1.1.1025

CPU

Intel Socket 1156 Core i7 Processor/Core i5 Processor/Core i3 Processor/ Pentium desktop Processors
LGA 1156 socket for Intel XEON 3400 series server processor

Chipset
Intel Ibex Peak 3450 Chipset
Nvidia NF200*1

Memory
6 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR3 2000(O.C.)*/1333/1066/800 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture

NOTES:
- Support Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
- Due to Intel spec definition, DIMMs of DDR3-1333 or above are supported by specific CPU models only.
- Please load X.M.P in BIOS for hyper DIMM (DDR3 1333MHz or above) support.
- ECC Un-buffered memory support requires Intel Xeon X3400 series or L3400 series processors

Expansion Slots
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (@ x16 or x8)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (@ x8)
3 x PCIe x1 (@ x1)

VGA
Multi-VGA output support:DVI-I port
Supports DVI with max. resolution 1920x 1200 @ 60Hz
Supports RGB with max. resolution 2048x 1536 @ 75 Hz
Maximum shared memory of 1748 MB
CUDA support
Up to 3 NVIDIA Tesla cards + 1 NVIDIA Quadro card
Up to 4 NVIDIA Tesla cards (only for Clarkdale processor)

Multi-GPU Support
Supports NVIDIA Geforce 3 way/2 way SLI techonology
Supports ATI CrossFireX technology, up to Quad CrossFireX

Storage
Intel Ibex Peak 3450 Chipset
6 xSATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
Intel Matrix Storage Support RAID 0,1,5,10
Marvell 9128 PCIe SATA6Gb/s controller
2 xSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports, supporting RAID 0 and 1

LAN
2 x Realtek 81112L Dual Gb LAN Support Teaming Technology

Audio
VIA VT2020 10-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Multi-Streaming
Jack-Sensing
Front Panel Jack-Retasking
Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O
ASUS Noise-Filer

IEEE 1394
LSI FW643E-02 controller supports 1 x 1394a port(s) and 2 x 1394b port(s)

USB
NEC USB 3.0 controller
- 2 x USB 3.0 ports (Blue, at back panel)
Intel Ibex Peak 3450 Express Chipset
- 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)

ASUS Unique Features
ASUS Xtreme Design
ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features
- GPU Boost
- TurboV EVO and Turbo Key

ASUS Xtreme Phase
- 16+3 Phase Power Design

ASUS Exclusive Features
- Express Gate
- MemOK!
- ASUS EPU

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 3+
- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2
- Multi-language BIOS

ASUS Workstation Special Features
- 4 PCIe x 16 slots
- DDR3 ECC memory and embedded 6 memory slots support
- G.P. Diagnosis Card bundled
- Quick Gate:2 vertical USB 2.0 on board
- ASUS SASsaby series Cards support
- ASUS WS Diag. LED
- ASUS WS Heartbeat

Back Panel I/O Ports
1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port
1 x DVI
1 x S/PDIF Out (Optical)
2 x LAN(RJ45) port
10 -Channel Audio I/O
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
1 x IEEE1394a
2 x IEEE1394b

Internal I/O Connectors
24-pin EATX Power connector
8-pin EATX +12V Power connector
4pin EZ_PLUG Power connector
CPU fan with PWM control
Chassis fan1 with Q-fan control
Chassis fan2 with Q-fan control
Chassis fan3 with Q-fan control
PWR fan
CD audio in
1 x COM port connector
3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
TPM header
S/PDIF Out header
1 x MemOK! Button
20-pinfront panel connector

BIOS
64 Mb Flash ROM , AMI BIOS, Green, PnP, DMI v2.0, ACPI v2.0a, SMBIOS v 2.6

Manageability
WOL/WOR by PME, WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE

Form Factor
ATX Form Factor
12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )


Download now

Gigabyte GA-H55-USB3 (rev. 2.0) Intel INF Driver 9.1.2.1007

CPU
1. Support for an Intel Core i7 series processor/Intel Core i5 series processor/ Intel Core i3 series processor in the LGA1156 package
2. L3 cache varies with CPU

Chipset
1. Intel H55 Express Chipset

Memory
1. 4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory
2. Dual channel memory architecture
3. Support for DDR3 1666+/1333/1066/800 MHz memory modules
4. Support for non-ECC memory modules
5. Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules

Onboard Graphics
Integrated in the Chipset:
1. 1 x D-Sub port
2. 1 x DVI-D port
3. 1 x HDMI port
4. 1 x DisplayPort

Audio
1. Realtek ALC889 codec
2. High Definition Audio
3. 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
4. Support for Dolby Home Theater
5. Support for S/PDIF In/Out
6. Support for CD In

LAN
1. 1 x RTL8111D chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)

Expansion Slots
1. 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
(The PCIEX16 slot conforms to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
2. 3 x PCI Express x1 slots
3. 3 x PCI slots

Storage Interface Chipset:
1. 5 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATA2_0, SATA2_1, SATA2_2, SATA2_3, SATA2_4) supporting up to 5 SATA 3Gb/s devices
2. 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s connector on the back panel supporting up to 1 SATA 3Gb/s device

GIGABYTE SATA2 chip:
1. 1 x IDE connector supporting ATA-133/100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
2. 2 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (GSATA2_5, GSATA2_6) supporting up to 2 SATA 3Gb/s devices
3. Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD

iTE IT8720 chip:
1. 1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive

USB Chipset:
1. Up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 on the back panel (Note 5), 6 via the USB brackets connected to the internal USB headers)

NEC D720200F1 chip:
1. Up to 2 USB 3.0 ports on the back panel

IEEE 1394 T.I. TSB43AB23 chip:
1. Up to 2 IEEE 1394a ports (1 on the back panel, 1 via the IEEE 1394a bracket connected to the internal IEEE 1394a header)

Internal I/O Connectors
1. 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
2. 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
3. 1 x floppy disk drive connector
4. 1 x IDE connector
5. 7 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
6. 1 x CPU fan header
7. 2 x system fan headers
8. 1 x front panel header
9. 1 x front panel audio header
10. 1 x CD In connector
11. 1 x S/PDIF In header
12. 1 x S/PDIF Out header
13. 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
14. 1 x IEEE 1394a header
15. 1 x serial port header
16. 1 x clearing CMOS jumper

Back Panel Connectors
1. 1 x PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse port
2. 1 x D-Sub port
3. 1 x DVI-D port
4. 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
5. 1 x HDMI port
6. 1 x DisplayPort
7. 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8. 2 x USB 3.0 ports
9. 1 x IEEE 1394a port
10. 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s connector
11. 1 x RJ-45 port
12. 6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Rear Speaker Out/ Side Speaker Out/Line In/Line Out/Microphone)

I/O Controller
1. iTE IT8720 chip

H/W Monitoring
1. System voltage detection
2. CPU/System temperature detection
3. CPU/System/Power fan speed detection
4. CPU overheating warning
5. CPU/System/Power fan fail warning
6. CPU/System fan speed control

BIOS
1. 2 x 64 Mbit flash
2. Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
3. Support for DualBIOS
4. PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b

Unique Features
1. Support for @BIOS
2. Support for Q-Flash
3. Support for Xpress BIOS Rescue
4. Support for Download Center
5. Support for Xpress Install
6. Support for Xpress Recovery2
7. Support for EasyTune
8. Support for Dynamic Energy Saver 2
9. Support for Smart 6
10. Support for Auto Green
11. Support for Q-Share


Download now

Cafe English 1.1.0.0

World's biggest spoken English learning software With 40 chapters. This huge spoken English learning course is guaranteed to help you speak more fluently.

Cafe English features interesting topics and it's focused on both accuracy and fluency with a multi-skill syllabus integrating functions, themes, vocabulary, structures, listening and pronunciation practice. The underlying philosophy of the course is that language is best learnt when used for meaningful communication. Cafe English is based on international English and is not limited to any region or culture. An integrated multi-skill syllabus.

Here are some key features of "Cafe English":

· Talk to live virtual characters
· Talk to live virtual characters who will reply to you, and help you improve your pronunciation.
· Practice Speaking· A language can be learnt only by speaking it. That is why Cafe English helps you master the flow and pronunciation by giving you a lot of speaking practice.
· Easy to use Interface
· Even new computer users can master the Caf? English user interface. All exercises are done either by the mouse or speaking into the microphone.
· No Workbook Required
· Our main focus is on Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Reading and Grammar. You do everything on-screen either by clicking the mouse button, or by speaking
· Contemporary, Indian real-world topics.
· Conversational language.
· Grammar in communicative contexts.
· Natural recording with a variety of accents.
· Task-based listening activities.
· Opportunities to share opinions and ideas.
· Student-centered fluency activities.
· Thorough practice of pronunciation.
· Vocabulary building exercises

Limitations:

· 45 days trial
· Nag screen
· Not available the full speech recognition so that you can talk to virtual characters on the PC
· 40 times less material.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 – the backbone of your PC’s security system, offering real-time automated protection from a range of IT threats:

Real-time protection against viruses and spyware Improved. Scanning of websites and emails for malicious code Improved. Protection for your digital identity at all times Improved. Vulnerability scan and treatment advice. Easy-access Desktop gadget New.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 offers a number of new and improved features together with unique protection technologies to address the latest online threats, keeping your PC running smoothly and customize protection according to your activities:
Improved: Rescue CD disinfects the system after malware attacks. Improved: Advanced antimalware technologies even allows installation on infected PCs. Heuristics-based analysis monitors, restricts and blocks suspicious program behavior. New: Easy-access Desktop gadget for quick access to program features and settings whenever you need them.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 has a range of unique technologies which heighten security and keep your computer protected and running smoothly:
Real-time proactive protection against viruses and other malware Improved. Scanning of OS and apps for vulnerabilities. Computer tune-up for better performance and protection. Rescue CD for system restoration after malware attacks Improved. Automatic scheduled scans and updates.

Award-winning technologies in Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 protect you from a wide range of IT threats:
Viruses, Trojans, worms and other malware, spyware and adware. Rootkits, bootkits and other complex threats. Identity theft by key loggers. Botnets and various illegal methods of hijacking your PC. Zero-day attacks and unknown threats. Drive-by download infections.

Download now

PROCESS MONITOR

Process Monitor includes powerful monitoring and filtering capabilities including:

* More data captured for operation input and output parameters
* Non-destructive filters allow you to set filters without losing data
* Capture of thread stacks for each operation make it possible in many cases to identify the root cause of an operation
* Reliable capture of process details, including image path, command line, user and session ID
* Configurable and moveable columns for any event property
* Filters can be set for any data field, including fields not configured as columns
* Advanced logging architecture scales to tens of millions of captured events and gigabytes of log data
* Process tree tool shows relationship of all processes referenced in a trace
* Native log format preserves all data for loading in a different Process Monitor instance
* Process tooltip for easy viewing of process image information
* Detail tooltip allows convenient access to formatted data that doesn't fit in the column
* Cancellable search
* Boot time logging of all operations

The best way to become familiar with Process Monitor's features is to read through the help file and then visit each of its menu items and options on a live system.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Wine 1.0.1 / 1.2 RC5

Wine is an Open Source implementation of the Windows API on top of X and Unix.

Think of Wine as a compatibility layer for running Windows programs. Wine does not require Microsoft Windows, as it is a completely free alternative implementation of the Windows API consisting of 100% non-Microsoft code, however Wine can optionally use native Windows DLLs if they are available. Wine provides both a development toolkit for porting Windows source code to Unix as well as a program loader, allowing many unmodified Windows programs to run on x86-based Unixes, including Linux, FreeBSD, and Solaris.

Here are some key features of "Wine":

Binary Compatibility:

· Loads Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP, Windows 3.x and DOS programs and libraries
· Win32 compatible memory layout, exception handling, threads and processes
· Designed for POSIX compatible operatings systems (eg. Linux and FreeBSD)
· ``bug-for-bug'' compatibility with Windows

Graphics:

· X11-based graphics allows remote display to any X terminal
· X11, TrueType (.ttf/.ttc) and Windows Bitmap (.fon) Fonts
· DirectX support for games (limited Direct3D support)
· Printing via PostScript driver or legacy native Win16 printer drivers
· Enhanced Metafile (EMF) and Windows Metafile (WMF) driver
· Desktop-in-a-box or mixable windows
· Windows MultiMedia (WinMM) layer support with builtin codecs

Allows Windows program to interface with:

· Sound devices via ALSA, OSS, ARTS, JACK, and libaudio etc
· Multi-lingual keyboards and CJK input method support via XIM
· Modems, serial devices
· Networks (TCP/IP and IPX)
· ASPI Scanners
· Windows Tablets via XInput (eg. Wacom)

Wine API:

· Designed for source and binary compatibility with Win32 code
· Win32 API test suite to ensure compatibility
· Compilable on a wide range of C compilers
· Permits mixing of Win32 and POSIX code
· Permits mixing of ELF (.so) and PE (.dll/.exe) binaries in one address space
· Win32 compatible header files
· Automatically generated API documentation
· Resource compiler
· Message compiler
· IDL compiler
· extensive Unicode support
· Internationalization -- Wine supports 16 languages
· Built-in debugger and configurable trace messages
· External memory checker support using Valgrind
· Sample programs

DOWNLOAD NOW

Kaspersky Internet Security 2011

Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 stops your PC or Netbook being slowed down by cybercriminals and delivers unsurpassed on-line safety whilst protecting your files, music and photos from hackers:



Real-time proactive protection against all Internet threats Improved!


Prevents all types of known and unknown malware from infecting your computer.


New Safe Surf feature for unparalleled online security New!


With Safe Surf you’ll never be exposed to harmful or offensive websites. Regular database updates from Kaspersky Lab means that Safe Surf will automatically block undesirable websites as they appear. Just switch it on.


Protection for your digital identity at all times Improved!


Smart anti-phishing protection and Virtual Keyboard keep your digital identity absolutely secure when you are shopping, banking or social networking online.


Feature-rich and effective Parental Control Improved!


The product’s advanced Parental Control features can block, limit and log applications and web access, so your children stay safe online.


Application Control prevents dangerous software from harming your system Improved!


Each program is granted rights and access to system resources based on an automated risk-assessment using Kaspersky Lab’s in-the-cloud security database.


System Watcher technology New!


Cutting-edge System Watcher technology monitors and analyzes every system event to accurately detect any dangerous behavior. If a threat occurs, the user will be prompted to roll back any malicious program activity.


Unique Safe Run mode for apps & websites Improved!


Safe Run mode lets you run suspicious applications and websites in a specially isolated environment where they cannot damage your system.


Special tools to treat even the most complex infections Improved!


The installation CD can also be used as a bootable rescue disk to help you to restore your system should you ever need to. If you’ve downloaded your Kaspersky Lab product you can create your own Rescue CD using the program.


Easy-Access Desktop gadget New!


Checking your PC’s protection status and quickly accessing your preferred security features and settings has never been easier!

Download now

Onward to SP1, Windows 7 RC Dies Next Week Come June 1st, 2010

As Microsoft’s latest Windows client is evolving toward the first major upgrade, the last pre-release Build of the operating system will expire next week. Come June 1st, 2010, Windows 7 Release Candidate Build 7100 will be completely killed off. Early adopters that followed the development process of Windows Vista’s successor already know that May marked one year since Windows 7 RC was released to the public for testing. Build 7100 ended up taking the number of downloads of pre-release Windows 7 copies to over eight million.

Just a few months ahead of the May 2009 RC milestone, Microsoft had released the Beta of Windows 7. Build 7000 became available for download to testers in January 2009, and although it was initially planned as a limited testing program, Microsoft ended up delivering the bits to all interested in testing Vista’s successor.

There are a total of three stages to the expiration of Windows 7 RC, two of which have already passed. According to Microsoft, “Effective February 15, 2010, the expiration notification process begins: Windows 7 RC users receive an expiration notification in the task bar one time per day. Windows 7 RC users are presented with the Notification Wizard one time every four hours and then one time every hour. Effective March 1, 2010, Windows 7 RC enters the next phase of expiration: Expiration notifications in the task bar continue. Computers that are running Windows 7 RC restart every two hours. When the computer restarts, your work will not be saved.”

The third and final stage of Windows 7 RC’s expiration starts on June 1st. “Effective June 1, 2010, Windows 7 RC expires: Windows starts to a black desktop. Windows 7 RC users are presented with a Windows Activation screen. The screen states that the Windows that you are running is not genuine. Computers that are running Windows 7 RC restart every two hours.”

This is the most important change for Windows 7 RC as well as the fact that Build 7100 of the operating system will begin to be considered as pirated.

Service Pack 1

Windows 7 Build 7601.16556 v.172 is the latest leaked milestone of Service Pack 1. Of course, Microsoft is not confirming any details related to the development of SP1 for Windows 7, at this point in time, let alone, discussing actual Build numbers. The company did indicate that SP1 would be only a minor evolution to Windows 7, with features such as RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory representing the most consistent parts of the upgrade, both reserved for Windows Server 2008 R2. According to third-party sources Windows 7 SP1 Build 6.1.7601.16560.win7sp1_beta.100524-1800 wrapped up this week could be selected to be the official Beta. No word from Microsoft on this, though.

RTM still going strong

But the truth is that Windows 7 doesn’t need SP1 to be ready for adoption, be it by home users or business customers. The level of adoption that the platform has enjoyed so far is testimony to this fact. And remember, Windows 7 is, after all, the fastest selling operating system in history.

According to data from Internet metrics company Net Applications, Windows 7 accounted for a market share of 11.68% at the end of April 2010. Next week, Net Applications will provide statistics for May 2010, and Windows 7 is poised to jump at least 1%, to approximately 13% of the market, a figure that is roughly equivalent to over 130 million sold licenses worldwide. Meanwhile Vista will drop even further from 15.60%, while Windows XP will also continue to lose market share, down from 63.41%. By contrast, Windows Vista only hit the 13% market-share mark in October 2008, almost two years after the operating system’s general availability deadline.

This week, Forrester Research published a new report in which it indicated that Windows 7 uptake was particularly strong with business customers. According to Forrester, Windows 7 is already running on 7% of business PCs, at only half a year after launch.

“After years of stagnation due to lack of budget, IT managers are gearing up for a major desktop transformation project over the next 12 to 18 months that will introduce a new desktop operating system, productivity suite, browser, and applications on new PCs. Inevitably, Windows 7 is very much top of mind as firms start to refresh their legacy systems, but the browser wars are only starting to heat up. Forrester's analysis of more than 90,000 client PCs found that Windows 7 has quickly become the default desktop operating system for new machines and that Internet Explorer (IE) dominance is slowly eroding in favor of Firefox and Chrome,” Forrester analyst Benjamin Gray revealed.

75% of businesses continue to rely on XP, a nine-year-old operating system, while 13% are still running Windows Vista. Corporations are traditionally slow when it comes down to migrating to a new operating system, and generally attempt to tie hardware and software upgrades together. What is interesting is that Windows 7 Microsoft managed to break the mold of enterprise adoption of a new Windows OS. It still has a lot to do, but companies such as Intel were convinced to upgrade to Windows 7 well ahead of the delivery of SP1.

Introducing the Windows 3D PC

While 3D PCs are already possible, they need to be constructed by Do-It-Yourself (DIY) enthusiasts. However, Following Computex, various original equipment manufacturers and hardware manufacturers will provide customers with a new three-dimensional computing experience right out of the box. According to Brandon LeBlanc, windows communications manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, NVIDIA has partnered with Microsoft, Alienware, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Acer, Dell, LG, ViewSonic and additional system builders in order to introduce the 3D PC, a new category of personal computers.

“So what makes a 3D PC? A 3D PC must have, by definition, the following minimum requirements: a pair of 3D active-shutter glasses. A 120Hz 3D-capable display which can be a desktop LCD monitor, a 3D projector, a 3D TV, or a laptop with an integrated 3D-capable LCD. A discrete GPU such as the latest GeForce GPU’s from NVIDIA that are designed to deliver HD content to a 3D display,” LeBlanc revealed.

Customers will be able to buy 3D PCs for prices starting approximately at $1,500 and enjoy 3D content such as games and movies as soon as they boot the machine. The 3D PC is obviously designed to keep up with the increasing trend in 3D entertainment, associated with unique experiences such as Avatar and Alice in Wonderland.

“NVIDIA has invested a lot of time working closely with game developers so that more than 425 PC games work great with NVIDIA’s 3D Vision technology. Sony and Fujifilm will be bringing 3D digital cameras to market where consumers can take 3D photos and view them in 3D on their 3D PC. A 3D PC can view the Web in 3D including live streaming of 3D video. And you can watch Blu-ray 3D movies thanks to folks like Cyberlink who will be releasing a version of their software player that will support playback of Blu-ray movies in 3D,” LeBlanc added.

As far as Microsoft is concerned, the Redmond company has labored to make Silverlight 3D-ready. The latest iteration of the technology, Silverlight 4, supports scenarios in which 3D content is streamed to NVIDIA 3D Vision-equipped PCs over the Internet.