ARCHIVED NEWS
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September 2007
Foxit Reader 2.2
30 September 2007
The free Foxit PDF Reader has been updated to Version 2.2. The changes include a range of new features and bug fixes.
ATI Catalyst 7.9 Hotfix
30 September 2007
ATI has released a second Catalyst 7.9 Hotfix driver specifically to address issues in ET:QW, BioShock, Call of Juarez, World in Conflict, Team Fortress 2 and Time Shift.
Nvidia Forceware 163.71
30 September 2007
Nvidia has released the WHQL final version of the recent Beta 163.71 Forceware. They can be downloaded from the newly redesigned Nvidia Site, and they're currently only WHQL certified for Windows XP, not Vista. The only change from the Beta version is the certification.
Process Monitor 1.24
29 September 2007
The free Process Monitor utility has been updated again to Version 1.24. The new version has a single bug fix.
Game Patches
29 September 2007
Enemy Territory Quake Wars
29 September 2007
With the official release of Enemy Territory: Quake Wars I've updated the ET:QW Tweak Guide accordingly. Note that the updated guide also takes into account the 1.1. Patch just released for ET:QW.
RivaTuner 2.05
29 September 2007
Unwinder has released RivaTuner 2.05. The changes include updates for new drivers, interface improvements, as well as bug fixes.
CCleaner 2.01.507
29 September 2007
A new Version 2.01.507 of the free CCleaner system cleaning utility has been released. This version contains a range of bug fixes and some improvements.
iTunes 7.4.3
28 September 2007
Apple has released Version 7.4.3 of iTunes. The changes include bug fixes.
Realtek HD Audio 1.78
28 September 2007
Realtek has released Version 1.78 of its HD Audio drivers.
NWN2 1.10 Patch
28 September 2007
A major 1.10 Patch has been released for Neverwinter Nights 2. There are a substantial number of changes, and I have updated the NWN2 Tweak Guide for these; see pages 5 - 9 in particular.
Game Patches
28 September 2007
Game Patches
27 September 2007
Windows Updates
26 September 2007
Microsoft has released several updates for various versions of Windows. You can view and download them from here, or wait for them to be released via Windows Update.
Windows DreamScene
26 September 2007
Microsoft has released the final version of DreamScene, an animated desktop feature which is part of the Ultimate Extras available to Vista Ultimate users. It can be obtained via Windows Update in Vista.
Game Patches
26 September 2007
Process Monitor 1.23
26 September 2007
Microsoft has updated the free Process Monitor utility to Version 1.23. The changes in the latest version are unspecified.
AMD CPU Driver 1.3.2.0053
25 September 2007
AMD has released a new Version 1.3.2.0053 CPU driver for dual and quad core CPUs. The link above provides the correct driver for use on all dual and quad core AMD CPUs, not just the Phenom. Furthermore the driver is for XP only; in Vista it should be available via Windows Update if needed. Note that the installation of this driver is not necessary unless you actually use CPU power management features like Cool & Quiet - for performance purposes I generally recommend disabling such features to prevent any issues.
Game Patches
25 September 2007
VirtualDub 1.7.4
24 September 2007
A new Version 1.7.4 of the free video editing utility VirtualDub has been released. The changes are several bug fixes.
TweakGuides Tweaking Companion
22 September 2007
I have updated both the Vista and XP versions of the TweakGuides Tweaking Companion for some minor changes. The change list is at the bottom of the TGTC download page, and all available editions of the TGTC have been updated.
Crysis Demo Delayed
22 September 2007
Crytek has stated that the Crysis Demo will be delayed. Originally slated for September 25, it will now be out on October 26, with the final version of the game due out on November 16. It seems likely that feedback from the Crysis public beta has resulted in this delay, and while disappointing, it's probably for the best that Crytek takes its time to release a solid demo. Note that the "surprise" which is to be included in the demo is the Sandbox 2 game editor.
Nvidia Beta Forceware 163.71
22 September 2007
Nvidia has released another Beta Forceware 163.71 for both XP and Vista. These drivers improve compatibility with BioShock, Crysis, ET:QW, Hellgate: London, PT Boats: Knights of the Seas and World in Conflict. They also provide improved performance for SLI users and have a range of fixes. Note that the WHQL version of these drivers for Windows XP will be out shortly.
Google Shared Stuff
22 September 2007
Google has started a new Shared Stuff service which allows users to share bookmarks with each other via a special button they can drag onto their browser toolbar.
WinRAR 3.71
22 September 2007
The archival utility WinRAR has been updated to Version 3.71. The changes include a range of bug fixes.
Game Patches
22 September 2007
Game Patches
21 September 2007
RegSupreme 1.7
21 September 2007
Macecraft has updated the RegSupreme registry cleaner to Version 1.7.0.416. The changes include new tools, new interface and an upgraded cleaning engine.
DivX 6.7
21 September 2007
The DivX video codec has been updated to Version 6.7. The changes include new features and speed improvements.
Nvidia Forceware 163.69
20 September 2007
Nvidia has released a WHQL final version of the recent Beta 163.69 Forceware. They can be downloaded from the main Nvidia Site, and at the moment they are only WHQL certified for Vista, not XP. The only change from the Beta version is the certification.
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Tweak Guide
20 September 2007
I've prepared an Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Tweak Guide as a compilation of all the important information players of the game will need to maximize their gameplay advantage. From full coverage of the in-game settings through to all the major advanced tweaking required both to optimize and customize the game, it's well worth checking out whether you're a new or experienced player.
Firefox 2.0.0.7
19 September 2007
Mozilla has released an update to the Firefox browser, bringing it up to Version 2.0.0.7. The latest version contains an important security fix for a recent QuickTime vulnerability.
Office 2003 SP3
19 September 2007
Microsoft has released Service Pack 3 for Office 2003. The pack contains a range of previous updates as well as important new security updates.
iTunes 7.4.2
19 September 2007
Apple has released Version 7.4.2 of iTunes. The changes include bug fixes for improved performance and stability.
Nvidia Beta Forceware 163.69
18 September 2007
Nvidia has released a new Beta 163.69 Forceware for both XP and Vista. These drivers provide improved compatibility with BioShock, Crysis, ET:QW, Hellgate: London and World in Conflict, and have a range of fixes.
RivaTuner 2.04
18 September 2007
Unwinder has released RivaTuner 2.04. The changes include a range of bug fixes and improvements.
Realtek HD Audio 1.76
18 September 2007
Realtek has released Version 1.76 of its HD Audio drivers.
Game Patches
18 September 2007
Game Patches
17 September 2007
Game Patches
15 September 2007
Steam Community
14 September 2007
After the initial beta period, Valve has opened the final version of their Steam Community.
Windows Messenger Security
14 September 2007
Microsoft is recommending that all Windows Messenger users upgrade to Version 8.1, as there is a Security Vulnerability in earlier versions of Messenger.
'Secret' Windows Updates
14 September 2007
Recently there has been some fuss that Windows Update updates your system without your knowledge and permission. Microsoft has posted an explanation of how and why this occurs, and the fact that the files in question are updates to Windows Update itself.
Game Patches
14 September 2007
Game Patches
13 September 2007
FRAPS 2.9.2
13 September 2007
A new Version 2.9.2 of the framerate measurement and screenshot/video capture utility FRAPS has been released. The changes include a range of bug fixes.
Microsoft Security Updates
12 September 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.
ATI Catalyst 7.9
11 September 2007
ATI has released a new Catalyst 7.9 graphics driver. The driver contains some performance improvements, fixes, and a new Color Temperature Control setting.
Crysis Beta
11 September 2007
It appears a Crysis Beta was released recently for Fileplanet subscribers only. The first beta round has closed, but there are three more batches of keys and some of them may be for non-subscribers so stay tuned.
Update: You will also be able to obtain a free beta key via InCrysis.
CCleaner 2.0
11 September 2007
The final Version 2.0 of the free CCleaner system cleaning utility has been released. This version contains several improvements and fixes, so it is recommended to all users.
ET:QW Demo
11 September 2007
The Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Demo has been released, weighing in at 727MB. As promised, I will start working on the ET:QW Tweak Guide based on the demo. Note that the final version of the game is due for release on 28 September in Europe/Australia, and 2 October in North America.
ATI Hotfix for ET:QW
11 September 2007
ATI has released a Hotfix specifically to improve performance for Radeon HD2X00 series cards in the ET:QW Demo.
Nvidia Beta Forceware 163.67
11 September 2007
Nvidia has released a new Beta 163.67 Forceware for both XP and Vista. These drivers provide improved compatibility with BioShock and Crysis, and have a range of fixes.
Site Update
9 September 2007
The next guide I'll be doing will actually be for Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, the demo version of which is due out in the next day or so. After that I start work on the Crysis guide when its demo arrives on 25 September. Then there will be an avalanche of major games coming out in the next couple of months, with titles like HL2: Episode 2, Unreal Tournament 3 and Call of Duty 4 - you can see the release dates here. I'll try my best to do guides for as many of these games as possible.
I need to mention however that unfortunately despite TweakGuides becoming increasingly more popular, site revenue continues to decline. I believe in what I do here, and I've tried my hardest to keep providing quality free material on a fast and clean layout with no commercial bias. However the reality is that without appropriate income I can't continue writing guides. I don't want to cover the site in annoying ads or charge users to read guides, as both measures won't raise much revenue and can easily be circumvented anyway. Instead, if you like this site and would like the guides to continue, I encourage you to donate, or consider purchasing the Deluxe Edition of the TweakGuides Tweaking Companion. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
iTunes 7.4.1
9 September 2007
iTunes has been updated again within days of its previous release, bringing it up to Version 7.4.1. The only change is the disabling of a free ringtone renaming loophole.
Creative Console Launcher for X-Fi
8 September 2007
Creative has released an updated Console Launcher application, intended for X-Fi owners running Windows Vista.
America's Army 2.8.2
7 September 2007
The US Army has released Version 2.8.2 of the free America's Army game. The update contains a range of fixes, some new features, and two new maps. I will update the America's Army Tweak Guide for the changes shortly.
Update: The guide has been updated but the changes are not significant.
Process Explorer 11.0
7 September 2007
Microsoft has released Version 11.0 of the free Process Explorer utility which is a more detailed version of Task Manager.
Windows Live Suite
7 September 2007
Microsoft has released the Windows Live Suite. You can choose which components to install from the selection of Windows Live Mail, Messenger, Photo Gallery, Writer, Toolbar and Onecare.
Game Patches
7 September 2007
iTunes 7.4
6 September 2007
Apple has released iTunes 7.4 with the main changes being some new features for the iPod Touch and iPhone.
NWN 2 1.07 Beta Patch
6 September 2007
A major 1.07 Beta Patch has been released for Neverwinter Nights 2. It contains a large number of feature changes and fixes. I will update the NWN 2 Tweak Guide when the patch is finalized.
Intel Chipset Driver 8.3.0.1013
6 September 2007
Intel has released Version 8.3.0.1013 of their chipset drivers for Intel-based motherboards.
Silverlight 1.0
6 September 2007
Microsoft has released the final Version 1.0 of Silverlight, a cross-platform plugin similar to Flash which allows you to view Silverlight web-based rich media in your browser.
Game Patches
6 September 2007
CPU-Z 1.41
5 September 2007
A new Version 1.41 of the system information utility CPU-Z has been released, adding support for the latest chipsets.
Spybot 1.5.1
5 September 2007
The free adware/spyware scanner Spybot has had a major update to Version 1.5.1, including improved Vista compatibility.
Game Patches
5 September 2007
Realtek AC97 6.2.51 Driver
4 September 2007
Realtek has released Version 6.2.51 of their AC97 audio drivers for Windows Vista.
Game Patches
4 September 2007
Site Update
3 September 2007
Just a quick note that the next guide I will be preparing will be for Crysis, which is set to have its demo released on September 25. I know most PC gamers are extremely excited about Crysis, so hopefully I can do the game justice with a decent guide, first for the demo, then for the full game.
Free Ad-Supported Full Games
1 September 2007
Ubisoft has released three full games for download completely free of charge, supported by ads which appear during loading screens. These games are Far Cry, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time and Rayman Raving Rabbids.
Update: Unfortunately it appears this offer is restricted to US residents only. However if your Ubisoft account location is set to United States you can play them.
Realtek HD Audio 1.75
1 September 2007
Realtek has released Version 1.75 of its HD Audio drivers.
Game Patches
1 September 2007
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