Asus Announces Posse of Products




ASUSTeK Computer (Asus) has introduced three new products across various categories including motherboards, notebook computers and wireless solutions.

Asus has launched its A8R32-MVP Deluxe Motherboard, which is based on the ATI CrossFire Xpress 3200 chipset to support AMD's Socket 939 Opteron and Athlon 64 X2 processors. This new motherboard adopts intelligent overclocking features that enable 60 percent and 35 percent overclocking of Hyper Transport and PCI Express respectively.

The A8R32-MVP Deluxe is created with enthusiasts and tweakers in mind. Asus says it offers ways to raise system performance step-by-step so as to achieve maximum performance in terms of voltage adjustments in DIMM, core, Northbridge, and Stepless Frequency Selection.

Apart from precision tweaking, the A8R32-MVP Deluxe also supports the new memory-tuning technology, AI Clock Skew, which considerably improves the memory overclocking capability.

A8R32-MVP incorporates the PEG (PCI Express Graphics) Link, which is the latest technology that enables users to boost graphics card performance for superior video quality. The motherboard features ATI's CrossFire Technology, which boosts image quality along with rendering speed and doing-away with the need to crank down screen resolutions.

The A8R32-MVP Deluxe supports dual PCI Express x 16 slots running at full speed to liberate graphics cards through ATI's CrossFire Xpress 3200. For easy overclocking, the board also comes with Q-Fan2 and Stack Cool2 to ensure efficient cooling.

Will Fu, product manager - component business, Asus India, said, "Techno savvy hardcore gamers need a reliable solution to play with, this is the board designed for them."

Moving on to wireless solutions, Asus has unveiled the 240 MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output technology) series total solution that includes the WL-566gM router, WL-106gM cardbus adapter, and WL-126gM mini PCI card. The Asus 240 MIMO total solution really improves WLAN s data transfer rate and coverage range, while maintaining signal integrity and Wi-Fi interoperability.

With high-speed 240 Mbps data transfer rate, the multi-transmitting 240 MIMO excels with an actual throughput of up to 100Mbps, and covers eight times the range than that of standard 802.11g WLAN devices.

Altaf Ansari, product manager - networking and corporate solutions, Asus India, said, "The MIMO Technology has broken the speed barrier which was the biggest challenge in wireless connectivity. Users can now experience wire-speed connectivity wirelessly."

In the category of notebook computers, Asus has introduced the W3V notebook series which offers a 14-inch widescreen, PCI Express interconnect and discrete graphics for beautiful 3D image presentations. The notebook also includes advanced DDR II memory, Asus power saving technology Power4 Gear+, and built-in Bluetooth wireless connection.

The 14-inch widescreen adopts Asus' Color Shine glare-type and Crystal Shine high-brightness LCD technologies, presenting clear and sharp images.

Built-in Bluetooth allows omnidirectional wireless connection and data transfers between the W3V and other digital devices without obstruction medium constraints.

The W3V comes with an extra drive bay that accommodates a second set of hard drive, combo drive, DVD-Dual drive or battery pack.

High quality 7.1 channel stereo sound and the built-in SP/DIF connection deliver realistic audio performance that completes the total gaming experience. In addition the W3V offers the unique Audio DJ feature that enables instant music playing.

Richard Chen, product manager - notebook business, Asus India, said, "The 14-inch widescreen notebook trend is becoming more and more popular worldwide. This notebook is especially designed for those who prefer having good graphics along with portability."

Fujitsu Announces the PalmSecure

Fujitsu Asia has announced the launch of the PalmSecure palm vein biometric authentication device, which according to the company is an improvement over its pre-decessor the Palm Vein.

The PalmSecure is engineered using Fujitsu's palm vein authentication technology, and works by emiting near-infrared rays then absorbed by deoxidized haemoglobin present in the blood flowing through the veins of a user's palm. In effect an image of the user's palm is captured as a vein pattern which is verified against the user's pre-registered pattern in order to check for authenticity, so as to grant or deny access to a physical location or a computer network.

Fujitsu's research claims that the PalmSecure exhibits a very small FAR (false acceptance rate) which is the rate at which an unauthorized person is granted access, plus a reduced FRR or the rate at which an authorized person is not given credibility for being so.

Fujitsu says that its PalmSecure captures a vein pattern only if haemoglobin is actively flowing through the user's veins, and that no two individuals have identical vein patterns. Besides - a user needs to only place his/her palm above the PalmSecure for it to capture the palm vein pattern. Fujitsu also says that PalmSecure's functioning is not compromised by external factors such as bodily scars, skin abrasions and wounds.

With dimensions of 35 x 35 x 27mm the PalmSecure is smaller than a matchbox and features fast authentication; maximum operable temperature of 60 degrees celsius; and direct connectivity to the USB port of a notebook PC, etc.

Chandran Sashi Kanth, business manager, Fujitsu India, said, "Fujitsu's palm vein authentication technology was commercialised in 2004, and has since been deployed by financial institutions, universities, libraries, government offices and private enterprises. We are extremely proud to use this award-winning technology to develop the PalmSecure and position ourselves as a dominant player in the dynamic biometrics market."

The PalmSecure will be available in India as well as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam beginning end-June 2006; and will retail for a suggested price of Rs 15,750 per sensor.

Fujitsu is offering support through a dedicated PalmSecure website, which will provide technical data, enhanced services for related software, software development kits (SDKs), etc.

McAfee Anti-virus Software Flawed














Late last week, anti-virus vendor McAfee acknowledged that its anti-virus software had mistakenly flagged hundreds of legitimate third-party programs as malware, prompting some customers to delete or quarantine these programs.

The error lay in McAfee's daily virus definition file called DAT, causing genuine files to be identified as W95/CTX - a virus first discovered in 2004.

Affected McAfee software included all editions of its on-demand scanning products such as VirusScan - both consumer and enterprise versions of it.

The files that were dubbed malicious were Microsoft's Excel spreadsheet, Adobe's Flash, Google's Toolbar installer, parts of Sun Microsystems' Java Runtime Environment and several Adaptec drivers.

McAfee posted a list of over 330 affected files, however the SANS Institute's Internet Storm Center found even this list incomplete.

Basis how VirusScan was configured by users, the legitimate files were either deleted or quarantined to a special folder. In both cases, applications were rendered inoperative.

Although McAfee pushed out a corrected DAT post discovering the problem, a large part of the damage had already been done.

Also downloading and installing the corrected DAT helped restore only quarantined files, not the deleted files.

McAfee even posted recommendations on its Web site, asking users to go to a backup or to use Windows XP's System Restore feature to roll back their machines to a point before the flawed DAT.

All said and done, analysts say that batches of so-called "false postives" like the latest McAfee round are quite common among anti-virus vendors.

Windows Live Search Launched


Microsoft Corp has announced the availability of its Windows Live Search Beta, which promises to help people find information on the Web which matters most to them. Microsoft has also released an updated version of Live.com and a Windows Live Toolbar beta - both complementing Windows Live Search.

Windows Live Search incorporates rich viewing and organizational tools, extensive search categories such as image and local search, and services which will help users customize results.

Windows Live Search promises to provide better control over search by incorporating new features such as search preview, scoping tools, search slider bar to increase level of information on the results page, and smart scrolling to enable people view search results without having to move from page to page.

Windows Live Search also offers specific search categories including the new image search, news search, RSS feeds, email search, local search, and searching of MSN Shopping and MSN Spaces.

Windows Live Search is geared to deliver a singular search experience across all upcoming Windows Live services such as Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Mail.

As part of the Windows Live Search experience, Microsoft has launched the Windows Live Search Macros beta which enables users to save and share specific queries plus search scopes, and to customize their search results.

The other service launched by the company - Windows Live Toolbar, allows people to search from any Web page using Windows Live Search; and to easily save, organize and share the information they find online. The beta offers advanced protection against phishing and pop-up blocking, so that people can browse more safely while they search.

The Windows Live Toolbar incorporates features such as Onfolio technology, RSS detection, automatic aggregation to the user's personalized Live.com home page, effortless customization, and tabbed browsing for quicker Web surfing.

The latest version of Live.com released by Microsoft sports a new design plus features that help users quickly customize their home page, preview content, create multiple pages based on their interests, and add their favorite content from various information sources and RSS feeds.

Microsoft will for the first time make Windows Live Search available on Live.com. Live.com will feature advanced search services; and new gadgets including image search, a clock, Windows Live Favorites, stock quotes, MSN video and MSN Infopane. Microsoft plans to constantly update Live.com with new services, based on customer feedback.

Christopher Payne, corporate vice president - Windows Live Search, Microsoft, said, "We're unveiling a range of innovations that deliver an outstanding level of power and simplicity to search. Combined with the rich browsing and integrated searching services delivered by Windows Live Toolbar and Live.com, the new search service offers customers the next generation of unified services today."

Microsoft's new services will be available in the US, and in select international markets wherein feature availability will vary.

Fujitsu Launches LifeBook P7120



Fujitsu India has launched its LifeBook P7120 notebook computer, which sports a slim silhouette with an extensive battery life while retaining the multimedia features of its pre-decessor, the LifeBook P7010.

The company says its LifeBook P7120 is designed for well-traveled, cosmopolitan professionals who appreciate the latest in technology and lifestyle trends.

Weighing only 1.38kg, Fujitsu's LifeBook P7120 incorporates Intel Centrino Mobile Technology; Intel Pentium M Processor ULV 753 (1.20GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 400MHz FSB); Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection; Intel 915GMS Express Chipset; 10.6-inch SuperFine Wide XGA LCD display; Dual Layer DVD Super Multi Writer (Lightweight)/ DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive; and 1GB/ 512MB DDR2 400MHz.

The RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances) compliant LifeBook P7120 comes with an optional port replicator, and an optional second battery which extends total battery life to approximately 11 hours. The battery life can be further prolonged with the Fujitsu propriety power saving utility, the "ECO" button.

Another feature of Fujitsu's new LifeBook is the advanced fingerprint login which encrypts the user's fingerprint to his/her files, folders and confidential documents. The fingerprint sensor can also be programmed as a scroll button.

Fujitsu's LifeBook P7120 features connectivity options including three USB 2.0 ports, an IEEE 1394 port, S-Video port, High Definition (HD) audio in and out jacks, modem access and network connections.

Mok Wai Tong, vice president - sales, said, "We are happy to offer the Lifebook P7120 for the discerning Indian corporate traveler. This is a sequel to the LifeBook P7010 for which we had received wide acclaim and recognition earlier. Anytime, anywhere computing is truly enabled with an impressive battery life, biometric security and a lightweight form factor, making the P7120 a perfect accessory for the cosmopolitan professional."

LifeBook P7120 is available through Fujitsu resellers across the country, at a price of Rs 1,56,000. The LifeBook comes along with Fujitsu's standard three-year warranty.

Microsoft Origami Project Unplugged












Amidst a rising wave of speculation Microsoft has finally lifted the veil from its mysterious Origami Project, at the ongoing CeBit Trade Show at Frankfurt in Germany.

Turns out - Microsoft's Origami Project is about a new category of handheld computers. Interestingly - after all the hype - the devices will not be marketed as "Origamis," but as Ultra Mobile PCs or UMPCs.

The company says its portable miniature devices will come from three manufacturers; Samsung, Asus and Chinese manufacturer - Founder. The devices are expected to weigh less than 2.5 pounds, and to offer a battery life of atleast 2.5 hours.

Microsoft says that the touch screens on the small PCs will be about 7 inches in diameter, and that the devices will run standard Windows programs including software for playing digital music. However Microsoft has ruled out concerns that its new devices are geared to compete with Apple Computer's iPod.

The first wave of devices will run on Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC edition, but they will also be equipped with Microsoft software called "Touch Pak," designed to make on-screen icons appear larger, and to offer other features that adapt the operating system to the small size of the devices. The initial devices will include a feature called DialKeys from a company - Fortune Fountain, which will create an overlay of keys for typing using the screen's touch sensitivity.

Michael Gartenberg, research analyst, Jupiter Research, said that the adaptation for the small screen seems to differentiate these devices from other miniature PCs. He said he expects the devices to improve further.

Microsoft's first Origami Project devices will likely ship beginning next month, at prices ranging from $600 to $1,000. However it is possible that the first cache might fall short of expectations - considering the amount of buzz that has been generated around them.

Intel Details Gen-X Chips
Intel Corp has released details of its latest - powerful and energy efficient microprocessors, based on the company's Gen-Next design, dubbed the Intel Core Microarchitecture.

Paul Otellini, chief executive, Intel, is hopeful that the new chip design will give Intel the much needed boost to regain lost market share from rival Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).

Intel said that its new chip for server computers called Woodcrest will offer an 80 percent performance improvement and require 35 percent less power. Intel's Conroe chip for desktop computers slated to be released later this year, will offer 40 percent performance improvement and require 40 percent less power. Chips for laptop PCs will provide over 20 percent performance improvement, while requiring more or less the same energy levels.

The foundation of Intel's new chips is said to be derived from the company's popular Pentium M chip for notebook computers.

Intel lost out to AMD ever since the latter began offering its dual-core server processors called Opteron. This week, AMD announced three new server processors in the Opteron line - touted to offer 4 to 15 percent faster performance than current Opteron chips without requiring more power consumption.

According to sources Intel is working with computer manufacturers to spur demand for its new chips; a small tablet computer using Intel chips and based on Microsoft's Origami design will reportedly be unveiled at this year's Cebit Show.

Justin Rattner, chief technology officer, Intel, said that chips based on the Intel Core Microarchitecture will start shipping in the second half of 2006. So far, pricing has not been announced.

New Cookie Shields Web Users



A new technique developed by an Indiana University School of Informatics scientist provides a strong shield against identity theft and cyber attacks.

Cybersecurity expert Markus Jakobsson and the start-up RavenWhite, of which Jakobsson is a co-founder, have developed an "active cookie," a countermeasure designed to protect against online scams such as pharming and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Pharming is obtaining personal or private (usually financial) information through domain spoofing. Rather than spamming with malicious and mischievous e-mail requests for users to visit fake Web sites which appear legitimate, pharming "poisons" a domain name server by planting false information in the server, resulting in a user's request being redirected elsewhere. The browser, however, tells users they are at the correct Web site.

"There are no reliable commercial tools currently available to protect users from such attacks," said Jakobsson, associate professor of informatics and associate director of the IU Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research. "We believe that active cookies can provide such protection."

RavenWhite provides a new use of cookies, which are coded pieces of information stored on a person's computer that identify that computer during the current and subsequent visits to a Web site. Active cookies can be used in some situations where traditional cookies are not practical. Jakobsson's invention helps protect against known types of pharming attacks and man-in-the-middle attacks, but also against new and threatening versions such as two new attacks discovered by Mark Meiss and Alex Tsow, both computer science doctoral students at IU.

Meiss discovered a technique that allows an attacker to hijack almost any Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) connection with the purpose of redirecting users to incorrect sites. He recently verified that the technique works in a local hotspot, a location where Wi-Fi users pick up an active signal.

"There is no way a user can determine that this attack takes place," explained Meiss, a researcher at IU's Advanced Network Management Lab. "You can't be sure you are actually visiting your banking site, for example, even though it looks like you are. There is simply no way of telling."

Tsow discovered that consumer routers can be trivially modified to stealthily redirect users to fake sites. He showed a browser window where he typed eBay into the address bar, but where the loaded content showed the Web page of the Anti-Phishing Working Group.

"In a real attack, the user would be taken to a site that is a true clone of the place they intended to go, but the cloned site would be operated by the attacker and would steal the user's password," said Tsow, a visiting research associate who works with Jakobsson.

Jakobsson believes these kinds of attacks pose threats that few have considered. "How can I dare to connect in a hotspot when the guy next to me may be hijacking my connection and taking me to the wrong site to steal my password?" Jakobsson asked. "And how can anybody buy hardware from sellers they don't trust? These attacks are not detectable by the ordinary Internet user."

Jakobsson cautions that consumers should not buy a router from online services if they fear the seller might really be a phisher in disguise. Apart from being a problem for online auction sites such as eBay, it is also a problem for financial service providers, whose customers are the potential victims of attacks of this type.

"Those are the organizations that would benefit most from using active cookies," Jakobsson added.

Symantec Develops Gen-X Security



In an announcement Symantec Corp said it is developing a Gen-Next consumer security service for Windows Vista and Windows XP platforms.

Dubbed "Genesis" and slated to release in the fall, Symantec's new service is touted as a comprehensive security solution designed to provide continuous, up-to-date protection.

Genesis will incorporate Norton's market leading security and PC tuneup technologies, and will utilise innovative patent-pending technology for protection against emerging Internet threats such as crimeware, phishing scams and fraudulent websites.

Using zero-hour threat technology acquired from Whole Security, Genesis will provide security for online shopping and banking. The product will provide continuous system protection for Web browsing, email and instant messaging through Norton's antivirus, firewall and intrusion prevention technology. Symantec's new service will protect against loss of personal data by automatically backing up valued digital content. Genesis will also keep computer systems fine-tuned for optimum performance.

Enrique Salem, senior vice president - products and solutions, Symantec Corp, said, "Online threats to consumers have expanded from wide-spread nuisance viruses to targeted attacks designed to steal personal confidential information. Not only is the nature of threats changing, but so are consumers. They want a single easy solution that will run in the background, and give them the confidence that their favorite data is safely stored, their online transactions are confidential and their PC is tuned for performance. Genesis is the only product a consumer needs."

Genesis is scheduled to ship this fall, under the Norton brand for both Windows XP and Windows Vista platforms. The price of the service will be available at the time of delivery.

Genius Launches Ergo 525



Taiwan-based Genius has launched the "Ergo 525," which is the first mouse from the company, featuring laser gaming functions.


According to company sources, the Laser technology provides 100 times more tracking power than LED optical mice. The key features of the product are one button sensitivity adjustment to 2000, 1600, 800 and 400 dpi resolution; ability to work reliably on glossy or uneven surfaces; 6.4 mega pixels/sec image processing that provides precise tracking; programmable multimedia one-touch buttons for superior performance; ergonomic design; and comfortable control plus 4D Scrolling function.

With the 100x more sensitivity to surface detail or tracking power than an optical device, the laser engine providing 6.4 Megapixels per second (30-pixel by 30-pixel by 7080 frame rate equals 6.4 mega pixels/sec) can track reliably even on tricky polished or wood-grain surfaces. The mouse is available in Silver, Green and Blue and weighs 137.5 (g).

While playing games, one can switch the resolution of Ergo 525 to 2000 or 1600 dpi. "Just press one button on Ergo 525, and you can get the highest speed (7080 frame rate) with the smoothest motion in your virtual world - shooting, fighting, flying or racing. When you come back to real life, you can adjust the resolution to 800 or 400 dpi to deal with your general paper work," said Narendra Dubey, director, Transtek Infoways (National distributors of Genius in the country).

Dubey said, "One of the most famous gaming point in Bangalore, 'E-Sports' has purchased around 20 pieces of 'Ergo 525' from us for one of their newly opened space. We are getting a lot of enquires already and we are expecting this product to do very well in the coming year".

Avinash Kukreja, director, "E-Sports," said, "It's an awesome product and my young gamers just love the product. The button that helps you get the speed you require is a great add-on. The grip is amazing, and the gamers are very satisfied with the new product. I'm planning to replace all the usual one's I have in my other centers with Ergo 525".

The recommended system requirement is IBM PC Pentium 233 compatible or higher, Windows 2003/XP/Me/2000/98SE, available USB or PS/2 port, and CD/DVD-ROM drive for software installation. "Ergo 525" packages with it a
USB to PS/2 adapter, Ergo series CD driver, and a user's guide.

The "Ergo 525" is priced at Rs 2,200, and is available at all retail outlets.