ARCHIVED NEWS
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July 2007
Firefox 2.0.0.6
31 July 2007
Mozilla has released an update to the Firefox browser, bringing it up to Version 2.0.0.6. The latest version contains an important security fix, so it is recommended for all Firefox users.
Beta Vista Compatibility, Performance and Reliability Packs
30 July 2007
It appears that Microsoft has released Betas of two Major Updates for Windows Vista. These packs contain a range of important fixes and improvements, many of which were hoped for in Vista SP1. The final version of these packs should be released officially shortly, but for now I would recommend against installing the betas on a home PC.
DirectX August Update
28 July 2007
Microsoft has released the August Update for DirectX. Currently there is only the full redistributable, however the web installer will be available shortly. It's not critical, but it is generally recommended that all Windows gamers upgrade to the latest version.
Game Patches
28 July 2007
Beta SoundBlaster Audigy, X-Fi Driver
27 July 2007
Creative has released a new Beta Driver for the SoundBlaster Audigy and X-Fi series cards, apparently addressing an OpenAL problem. This beta is only recommended for those who are experiencing major problems with their current audio drivers.
Nvidia Forceware 162.18 and 162.22
27 July 2007
Nvidia has released final WHQL versions of the latest Forceware graphics drivers. The 162.18 Forceware is for Windows XP and supports all GeForce FX,6,7 and 8 series cards. The 162.22 Forceware for Windows Vista supports all GeForce 6,7 and 8 series cards. The drivers contain a range of fixes, and are recommended to all Nvidia users.
Rootkit Detective
27 July 2007
McAfee has decided to release its Rootkit Detective anti-malware software for free. Make sure to read the instructions on the download page above before using the software, and note that it doesn't support Windows Vista at the moment.
Game Patches
26 July 2007
Windows Patches
25 July 2007
Microsoft has released two new Windows patches which I recommend installing: one to improve reliability in Windows XP, and one for resolving Stop errors when waking from Sleep mode in Windows Vista.
Game Patches
25 July 2007
Game Patches
24 July 2007
SLI and Crossfire Hotfix for Vista
23 July 2007
If you run a pair of graphics cards in SLI or Crossfire mode in Windows Vista, and have found that both your graphics cards aren't being used, Microsoft has released a Hotfix to rectify the problem. You can contact MS to obtain it, or download it directly from here.
NForce 15.01 Drivers
22 July 2007
Nvidia has released a new nForce 15.01 Vista driver for all nForce 4 and newer motherboards.
Next Version of Windows In Three Years
21 July 2007
Microsoft is planning to release the next version of Windows in around three years. 'Windows 7' as it is dubbed internally at MS is planned for release in 2010, but this depends on whether it meets quality targets.
Game Patches
21 July 2007
ATI Catalyst 7.7
20 July 2007
ATI has released the Catalyst 7.7 graphics drivers. Aside from general fixes, these drivers contain new Avivo options, as well as higher performance and new antialiasing options for HD2000 series cards.
Opera 9.22
20 July 2007
The free Opera browser has been updated to Version 9.22. This is a security update, and hence recommended for all Opera users.
Vista SP1 - No Public Beta
20 July 2007
Microsoft has finally clarified that while a Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) beta may be released soon, it is only for a select group of people, and not a public beta. It also bears noting that Microsoft has previously stated it will release fixes for Vista incrementally via Windows Update, so by the time SP1 is released all the individual changes may well have already been installed on your system.
Game Patches
20 July 2007
Game Patches
19 July 2007
Firefox 2.0.0.5
18 July 2007
Mozilla has released an update to the Firefox browser, bringing it up to Version 2.0.0.5. The latest version contains a range of security fixes, so it is recommended for all Firefox users.
Vista SP1 - More Details
18 July 2007
You may recall in an earlier news post that a reputable blog had posted unconfirmed reports of a beta of Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) supposedly due out this week. It seems the story is not dead, and there has been further confirmation on WinBeta that a beta of Vista SP1 is still due out soon. However it may well be a closed beta, not a public one, and Microsoft still hasn't confirmed any details.
GRAW 2 1.02 Patch
17 July 2007
Ubisoft has quickly released a 1.02 Patch for Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2. The changes only include a server list fix, but it is recommended to all GRAW 2 users. The GRAW 2 Tweak Guide has been updated but there are no significant changes.
vLite 1.0
17 July 2007
The final Version 1.0 of the Windows Vista installation customization utility vLite has been released.
Game Patches
17 July 2007
Java 6.2
15 July 2007
Sun has released an updated Java 6.2. It is recommended all users upgrade all their Internet browsers to this version as it addresses important security flaws.
OpenAL 2.0.3
15 July 2007
The OpenAL sound API installer has been updated to Version 2.0.3. Since many games use OpenAL for sound, it is recommended that you update your system to this latest version of the OpenAL libraries.
Realtek HD Audio 1.71
14 July 2007
Realtek has released Version 1.71 of its HD Audio drivers.
CCleaner 1.41.544
14 July 2007
A new Version 1.41.544 of the free system cleaning utility CCleaner has been released. The changes include stability and bug fixes, as well as adding support for the Safari browser.
Game Patches
14 July 2007
FRAPS 2.9.1
13 July 2007
An update has been released for FRAPS, bringing it up to Version 2.9.1. The latest version fixes an issue with some configurations resulting in blank video captures.
Nvidia nTune 5.05.47.00
13 July 2007
Nvidia has released a new Version 5.05.47.00 of the nTune system monitoring and overclocking utility. You can monitor and overclock your Nvidia graphics card on any system using nTune, however nTune's motherboard-specific functionality requires an NForce motherboard.
GRAW 2 Tweak Guide and GRAW 2 1.01 Patch
13 July 2007
A 1.01 Patch has been released for the retail version of Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2. It is recommended that you let the in-game updater detect and install this patch. Note that GRAW 2 has been officially released a week early in some parts of the world - I bought GRAW 2 a couple of days ago here in Australia, and I've now fully updated the GRAW 2 Tweak Guide for the retail version of the game.
Neverwinter Nights 2 1.06 Hotfix
13 July 2007
A 1.06 Hotfix update has been released for NWN2, addressing a startup crash introduced with the earlier 1.06 patch. Anyone experiencing this problem, and those who play NWN2 multiplayer, should use the built-in updater to apply the hotfix.
Game Patches
13 July 2007
Ageia 7.06.25 PhysX Drivers
13 July 2007
Ageia has released a new 7.06.25 PhysX Driver for systems running PhysX cards under Windows Vista. Note that some games such as GRAW 2 require PhysX drivers even if you don't have a PhysX card installed. If you have an Ageia folder under your \Program Files directory then this means one of your games uses these drivers, so if you're having problems then install the latest PhysX driver to see if it fixes them.
iTunes 7.3.1 and QuickTime 7.2
12 July 2007
Apple has released updates for iTunes and QuickTime. iTunes 7.3.1 fixes a minor issue, while QuickTime 7.2 has some bug fixes, includes the H.264 codec, and allows fullscreen viewing in the free version.
Nvidia Beta Forceware 162.22 and 163.11
12 July 2007
Nvidia has simultaneously released new Official 162.22 and 163.11 Beta Forceware drivers for Windows Vista. The 162.22 drivers are for the GeForce 6,7,8 series and improvements include better DX10 SLI support and increased total graphics memory. The 163.11 Forceware are only for the GeForce 8 series and are specifically for improved DX10 performance in World in Conflict. I recommend GeForce 8 series users select the 163.11 Forceware, while other users can try the 162.22 Forceware.
World in Conflict Open Beta
12 July 2007
An Open Beta of the much-anticipated RTS game World in Conflict is now available for download. You will need a beta key to play the game, and these are being distributed by various sites, and also via email to those who have already pre-ordered the game. I will look into doing a guide for the game, though once again because this is a beta, and not a demo or final version, it is very much in a state of flux.
Update: You can read my initial thoughts, performance information for both DX9 and DX10 mode, see screenshots and a basic gameplay video here.
Autoruns 8.7.0
11 July 2007
Microsoft has released Autoruns 8.7.0, an updated version of this free startup software identification utility. The latest version includes additional locations where auto-start software can be found, and now provides an option to elevate the program to Administrative privileges under Windows Vista.
FRAPS 2.9.0
11 July 2007
A new Version 2.9.0 of the FRAPS benchmarking, screenshot and video recording utility has been released. The latest version now provides full support for Vista and DirectX 10, and includes a range of fixes.
Microsoft Malware Protection Center
11 July 2007
Microsoft has opened its Malware Protection Center, a site which lists the top malware threats under various categories, such as 'Most Active Email Threats' and 'Top Adware/Spyware'. The site also allows you to search for malware by name and find out more about what they do.
Critical Firefox Security Flaw
11 July 2007
This Secunia Advisory warns of a critical security flaw which allows an attacker to launch Firefox with any command line argument when a user is browsing a malicious website in Internet Explorer. Until a patch is released, it is best to avoid any sites you don't trust.
Flash Player 9.0.47.0
11 July 2007
Adobe has released an updated Version 9.0.47.0 of Flash Player.
Microsoft Security Updates
11 July 2007
Microsoft has released its monthly set of Windows security updates which you can get through Windows Update, or if not there by viewing and downloading them from here.
Game Patches
11 July 2007
SoundBlaster Audigy LS, SE, Value and Live! 24-Bit 1.04.0077 Drivers
10 July 2007
After releasing the 1.04.0076 Drivers for SoundBlaster Audigy LS, Audigy SE, Audigy Value and SoundBlaster Live! 24-Bit sound cards two weeks ago, Creative has released a newer 1.04.0077 set for both XP and Vista. It's not clear what, if anything, has been changed.
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Beta in July?
9 July 2007
Mary Jo Foley's Blog is reporting that Microsoft will likely release a Vista SP1 Beta in Mid-July, with the final version due out by November 2007. This is contrary to previous statements by Microsoft that the beta would be out by November. Furthermore Foley says that SP1 will contain performance improvements including reduced shutdown and file copying times, and reduced CPU utilization. I normally don't report unsubstantiated rumors, but Foley is more reputable than other bloggers, and we should know within a week whether this story really is correct.
Symantec Security Products Mis-Detecting Steam Games as Malware
9 July 2007
Users of Symantec's security products have recently been finding that they cannot launch Steam-based games. It appears the reason for this, as discussed on the Steam Forums, is that a new update from Symantec is inadvertantly flagging Steam games as trojans. Symantec are aware of the problem and are working on a patch, the only solution at the moment is to disable any background or automatic protection. Note that in general I always recommend (and so do game developers) that users disable all background programs - including security software - when gaming, as they are known to potentially cause conflicts and performance issues.
HijackThis 2.0.2
7 July 2007
Trend Micro has released Version 2.0.2 of the free HijackThis anti-malware utility. Note that HijackThis is recommended for more advanced users - usage instructions are provided in the TweakGuides Tweaking Companion.
CPU-Z 1.40.5
7 July 2007
A new Version 1.40.5 of the free system information utility CPU-Z has been released, adding support for the latest chipsets.
Game Patches
7 July 2007
Nvidia Beta Forceware 162.18
7 July 2007
Having recently pulled the 162.15 beta drivers due to unspecified issues, Nvidia has released a newer Beta 162.18 Forceware driver set for Windows XP/2K. These drivers suit all GeForce FX,6,7,8 graphics cards, and the changes appear to be a range of fixes. I would recommend that anyone using the 162.15s update to this version just to be safe.
TweakGuides Tweaking Companion
6 July 2007
The TweakGuides Tweaking Companion for Windows XP and Vista have been updated to Version 3.5 and 1.1 respectively. The Regular, Deluxe and Book editions have all been updated, and the change list is provided at the bottom of the TGTC download page. While the changes are not major, I recommend that all TGTC users update to the latest version.
Game Patches
6 July 2007
Sandra Lite 2007 SP4a
5 July 2007
SiSoftware has released an updated Build 11.80 SP4a of the free system information utility Sandra Lite 2007 XI.
Game Patches
5 July 2007
RivaTuner 2.02
4 July 2007
Unwinder has released RivaTuner 2.02. The changes include support for the latest Nvidia and ATI graphics cards and drivers, a range of improvements, and some minor fixes.
ALchemy for Audigy
3 July 2007
Creative has released the ALchemy for Audigy patch which finally allows SoundBlaster Audigy (non-X-Fi) users to restore full support for their card's hardware-accelerated functionality in Windows Vista. Unfortunately, unlike the X-Fi version of the ALchemy patch which is completely free, Creative has decided to charge Audigy users $9.99 to purchase this patch, and it is protected by activation measures. Fortunately an enterprising user has simply ported the free X-Fi version over for the SoundBlaster Live!/Audigy range, and surprisingly enough you can find this free version on the Creative Forums.
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Public Beta 1.1 Patch
3 July 2007
A 1.1 Patch has been released for the ET:QW Public Beta. The patch is 13MB in size, and you can get it by launching ET:QW and updating from within the game. The update adds Bots to the game, and fixes several issues.
Microsoft Responds to Ultimate Add-Ons Criticism
3 July 2007
Due to recent criticism of the lack of Add-Ons for Windows Vista Ultimate, Microsoft has posted a Response which promises to release the final versions of DreamScene and Language Packs within the next few months, but only vaguely promises more Ultimate Extras in the future.
vLite 1.0 RC
3 July 2007
A Version 1.0 Release Candidate of the Windows Vista installation customization utility vLite has been released. This version includes new options and fixes.
Game Patches
3 July 2007
Site Update
1 July 2007
Having reconfigured and reopened the TweakGuides Forums this week, I can now move my attention back onto writing guides. In particular, I've started investigating the Enemy Territory: Quake Wars public beta with a view to getting a guide up for it. However one thing which makes it difficult is that ET:QW is in a state of flux. For example the public beta will be getting an Update next week, and more will follow, changing key aspects of the game. Regardless, I will endeavor to put together a guide and get it out as soon as possible. In the meanwhile, please keep in mind that the game is based on the Quake 4 engine, so until my ET:QW-specific guide comes out, refer to the Quake 4 Tweak Guide for tweaks and tips.
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