In The Computer News

Symantec Goes Weekly

Symantec said it plans to offer weekly virus updates for users of its Norton AntiVirus software. The company said users will be able to access new virus definitions every Thursday evening by downloading an Intelligent Updater from the company's Web site or by using Symantec's automatic LiveUpdate feature.

AMD CPU’s go “3D”

AMD revealed that its upcoming 3D-enhancement technology, to be used in chips from Cyrix, IDT, and AMD, will be called 3DNow. 3DNow is a set of 21 new instructions within the processor architecture that boosts graphics performance. AMD's K6-3D, which comes out May 28, will be the first chip to adopt the technology.

Windows 98 Almost Free

IBM will offer free upgrades to Microsoft's Windows 98 operating system for Aptiva consumer models as well as certain ThinkPad notebook models purchased before the software's scheduled June 25 release. The promotion is retroactive to May 1 and runs through June 30, according to the company. Big Blue joins Gateway in making free upgrades available to new PC customers. The upgrade's retail price will be $109 for users with previous versions of Windows installed, and $209 for users with DOS or no operating system at all. Other major PC vendors have announced steep discounts. Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell are running a coupon program that will allow PC buyers to order Windows 98 upgrades for about $30. In Japan, IBM Japan, Compaq, Fujitsu, and NEC will all offer free upgrades, according to the online version of Nikkei Business Publications. All of the upgrade promotions are part of an effort by PC makers to address customers' reluctance to purchase systems before the widespread availability of Windows 98. However, it's unclear how government action to delay the software's release would affect the promotional efforts.

WinModem The Next Modem To Have

WinModem had a bad name when it first came out, everybody knows about that. However, it will be the next modem you must use. We know WinModem is cheaper than conventional modems as they eliminate some chips on board and give the tasks to CPU. It was a pain for 486 but not for the Pentium. Only 14% of the computing power of a Pentium chip will be needed for the WinModem operation, even less for Pentium Iis. Another reason, WinModem is getting trouble free as there isn't any DOS based communication application that we need. Every application is for Windows now and virtually people wasting money on regular modem while they buy something extra they never need. Don't mention nowadays WinModem are compatible with DOS programs also. Then why is that we must use them? You must heard about PCI modems by today. They are ALL WinModems and no conventional modem anymore for PCI They are using Pentium computing power instead of the chip manufacturers used to put on modem which won't be as sophisticated as Pentium. In fact, you get faster access when use WinModem. Here comes the "Must". Microsoft and Intel's PC98 standard is position at non-ISA computer. That is, no more ISA slots in the computer for the PC98. Then we must use PCI based WinModems and they are good and better now! Still not convinced? Check out the big guys ads, DELL, NEC, Gateway 2000 and IBM etc. They don't use high cost regular controller based modems anymore, to reduce their cost, they use brandname no voice WinModem.

New Video Boards

Hauppauge's line of PC circuit boards for receiving TV and WaveTop and Intercast data broadcasts will be available at OfficeMax office stores. Hauppauge's add-in WinTV circuit boards have been on the market for some time, but few PC vendors incorporate them at the factory. Hauppauge is trying to take advantage of one of the forthcoming Windows 98's flashiest features, by offering its boards at some 700 retail locations and as part of Windows 98 promotions.