ARCHIVED NEWS
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March 2008
Realtek HD Audio 1.90
31 March 2008
Realtek has released Version 1.90 of its HD Audio drivers.
CPU-Z 1.44.2
30 March 2008
A new Version 1.44.2 of the CPU-Z information utility has been released. This version includes support for new chipsets.
VIA Hyperion Pro 5.16A
29 March 2008
VIA has released the Hyperion Pro 5.16A chipset drivers for VIA-based motherboards.
Game Patches
29 March 2008
Windows Search 4.0 Preview
28 March 2008
Microsoft has released a Preview (beta) version of the Windows Search 4.0 software. This is an enhanced desktop search engine for both Windows XP and Vista, with performance improvements and additional features.
Nvidia Beta Forceware 174.74
28 March 2008
Nvidia has released a new Beta Forceware 174.74 driver for Windows XP and Vista. These drivers are for all GeForce 6, 7, 8 and 9 series graphics cards. They contain a range of fixes, performance improvements in both DX9 and DX10, as well as new PureVideo HD, display resolution and positioning features.
Winamp 5.53
28 March 2008
The free Winamp media player has been updated to Version 5.53. Changes include a range of fixes and improvements.
Game Patches
28 March 2008
UT3 Bonus Pack
28 March 2008
Epic has released the first Bonus Pack for Unreal Tournament 3. The free pack contains three new maps, including the classic Morbias and Facing Worlds.
Game Patches
27 March 2008
ATI Catalyst 8.3 Hotfix
26 March 2008
ATI has released a Hotfix which can help resolve intermittent stuttering on HD2000 and HD3000 series graphics cards. Note that this hotfix was released yesterday but withdrawn, and re-released today, so make sure to use the latest version, and only if you are experiencing additional stuttering.
Shockwave 11
26 March 2008
Adobe has released a new Version 11.0.0.0 of the Shockwave player plugin for browsers.
Firefox 2.0.0.13
26 March 2008
Mozilla has released an update to the Firefox browser, bringing it up to Version 2.0.0.13. The latest version has security fixes.
America's Army 2.8.3.1 Patch
26 March 2008
A new 2.8.3.1 Patch has been released for the free America's Army online game. I've updated the America's Army Tweak Guide for the changes, though they are not significant.
CCleaner 2.06.567
26 March 2008
A new Version 2.06.567 of the free CCleaner system cleaning utility has been released. This version has a range of improvements, including minor GUI changes and customization via .ini files.
Windows Updates
26 March 2008
Microsoft has released two non-critical updates for Windows Vista and one for XP. You can view and download them individually from here, or via Windows Update.
Game Patches
26 March 2008
Vista SP1 Support
25 March 2008
Microsoft is offering Unlimited Free Tech Support to Windows Vista users who are having problems installing SP1, or experiencing compatibility issues after installation.
Site Update
24 March 2008
Recently I did a comparison of bootup times for Windows XP vs. Vista SP1. I'm running a dual boot, so the hardware is identical for both OSes, and I'm using full functionality including wallpapers, themes, Aero, Sidebar, etc. - this is my everday configuration and is not stripped down. Importantly, both XP and Vista have been optimized as per the TweakGuides Tweaking Companion, and the results speak for themselves: XP boots up in 32 seconds from start to fully responsive desktop, Vista takes 40 seconds to do the same. From the dual boot OS menu the times are 16 and 24 seconds respectively. I've posted blurry video proof on YouTube: XP Bootup vs. Vista Bootup.
These results clearly demonstrate three things:
So if you've been putting off reading the TweakGuides Tweaking Companion or any of the other guides, I suggest you give them a try. Oh, and don't believe everything you read about Vista ;)
ZoneAlarm 7.0.470.000
22 March 2008
The ZoneAlarm firewall has been updated to Version 7.0.470.000. The changes include usability, compatibility, stability and performance improvements.
Game Patches
22 March 2008
Game Patches
21 March 2008
Realtek HD Audio 1.89
20 March 2008
Realtek has released Version 1.89 of its HD Audio drivers.
Crysis 1.2.1 Patch
20 March 2008
Crytek has released a 1.2.1 Patch for Crysis. This hotfix only fixes a security hole which can cause both client and server crashes when playing online, and requires that the full 1.2 Patch be installed first.
Game Patches
20 March 2008
Nvidia Beta Forceware 174.53
19 March 2008
Nvidia has released a new Beta Forceware 174.53 driver for Windows XP and Vista. These drivers are a WHQL candidate specifically designed for the new GeForce 9800 X2 graphics card, and will only install on GeForce 9 cards.
TweakGuides Tweaking Companion for Vista
19 March 2008
The TweakGuides Tweaking Companion for Windows Vista has undergone a major revision, bringing it up to Version 2.0. The guide has not only been updated for all the changes resulting from Vista SP1, it has also had a significant number of additions and changes to ensure that it remains the most comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date Vista guide available. Both the Regular and Deluxe Editions have been updated, and the full change list is provided at the bottom of the TGTC download page.
Windows Vista SP1
19 March 2008
Microsoft has released the final version of Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows Vista. The initial release is available as a standalone installer for Vista 32-bit or Vista 64-bit, or can be downloaded via Windows Update. I recommend the installer version as although it's larger, it automatically installs the correct pre-requisite updates and should result in less issues. Note that within the next few hours I will be releasing a significantly revised TweakGuides Tweaking Companion for Vista which among its many updates also incorporates all the changes from SP1.
Windows Updates
19 March 2008
Microsoft has released two small updates for Vista. The first is an Update to ensure that future Windows Updates install correctly. The second is an Update which creates a local copy of online help information.
Safari 3.1
19 March 2008
Apple has updated the free Safari browser to Version 3.1 for Windows. The latest version brings Safari out of beta, and includes speed improvements and fixes, as well as support for new web standards like CSS Animations.
Game Patches
19 March 2008
Game Patches
18 March 2008
SoundBlaster X-Fi 2.15.0006 Driver
15 March 2008
Creative has released the 2.15.0006 audio driver for the X-Fi series under Windows XP and Vista. These drivers resolve issues on systems with 4GB of RAM as well as fixing I/O detection issues.
Game Patches
15 March 2008
Diskeeper 2008 Build 770
14 March 2008
Diskeeper Corp. has released an updated Build 770 of the Diskeeper 2008 defragmentation utility for Windows XP and Vista. The new version includes bug fixes, improvements to Smart Defrag and support for Windows Server 2008. To obtain this update open Diskeeper, go to Configure Diskeeper>Updates and Upgrades and click 'Check Now'.
Game Patches
14 March 2008
STALKER 1.0006 Patch
13 March 2008
GSC has released the 1.0006 Patch for STALKER. The patch has only multiplayer-related fixes as well as the addition of a new anti-cheat engine. I've updated the STALKER Tweak Guide for the changes, see page 4 for details.
Game Patches
13 March 2008
Microsoft Security Updates
12 March 2008
Microsoft has released its monthly set of Windows security updates which you can obtain through Windows Update. Aside from the updates listed here, this month there are also several security updates for Microsoft Office which you can download here.
Game Patches
12 March 2008
Windows Updates
11 March 2008
Microsoft has released an Update for the Windows Mail Junk Email Filter in Windows Vista.
RivaTuner 2.08
11 March 2008
Unwinder has released RivaTuner 2.08. The latest version has some bug fixes and further improvements for the latest graphics cards and drivers.
Game Patches
11 March 2008
Steam Beta Client
9 March 2008
Valve has released a new Steam Beta Client to address issues with launching some games, such as Frontlines: Fuel of War.
DirectX March Update
8 March 2008
Microsoft has released the DirectX March Update. It is generally recommended that all Windows users update their DirectX for optimal performance and compatibility.
Game Patches
8 March 2008
Nvidia Beta Forceware 169.44
7 March 2008
Nvidia has released a new Beta Forceware 169.44 driver for Windows XP and Vista. These drivers are specifically designed to be used in conjunction with the recently released Crysis 1.2 Patch.
Crysis 1.2 Patch
7 March 2008
Crytek has released a major 1.2 Patch for Crysis. The patch contains a long list of changes, including gameplay balance tweaks and a large number of fixes. I will update the Crysis Tweak Guide shortly for all the changes.
Update: The guide has now been updated, and in particular see pages 4 and 12 for the changes.
Game Patches
7 March 2008
ATI Catalyst 8.3
6 March 2008
ATI has released the Catalyst 8.3 graphics drivers. The changes include support for 3-4 cards in CrossfireX mode, official DX10.1 support, HydraVision support in Vista, Digital Panel scaling, Advanced Video Quality controls and Tessellation support, as well as performance improvements and fixes.
Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1
6 March 2008
Microsoft has released Beta 1 of the Internet Explorer 8 browser. The beta is meant for those who wish to experiment, and you can also view the Release Notes for more details.
New Vista Ultimate Site
6 March 2008
Microsoft has launched a new UltimatePC site for Vista Ultimate owners. The site lists the current Ultimate Extras such as DreamScene and Hold 'Em Poker, but now also provides Ultimate Exclusives, which are simply discounts off particular software and hardware bundles. Microsoft has indicated that more Ultimate Extras will be coming this year.
Realtek HD Audio 1.88
6 March 2008
Realtek has released Version 1.88 of its HD Audio drivers.
Game Patches
6 March 2008
Java Runtime Environment 6.5
5 March 2008
Sun has released an Update 5 to the Java Runtime Environment 6. This is not an essential update but if you run Java-based applications it is recommended.
PerfectDisk 2008 SP1
5 March 2008
Raxco has released an SP1 update for the PerfectDisk 2008 defragmentation utility. The changes include improved speed and a range of bug fixes.
Game Patches
5 March 2008
3DMark & PCMark Hotfix
4 March 2008
Futuremark has released a new Hotfix for the 3DMark 06, 05, 03 and PCMark 05 benchmarks. This 'February 08 Hotfix' updates these programs for enhanced compatibility with the latest hardware, however it does not affect existing benchmark scores. Note that to install the hotfix correctly in Vista you may need to manually run it with Administrator privileges.
Game Patches
4 March 2008
RivaTuner 2.07
4 March 2008
Unwinder has released RivaTuner 2.07. There are a wide range of fixes and improvements including support for the latest Nvidia and ATI graphics cards and drivers, as well as a new task scheduler module and improved compatibility with Vista.
Game Patches
1 March 2008
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