Samsung SH-B022 Blu-ray Disc writer

Product

Samsung SH-B022

Verdict

It's early days for Blu-ray, but Samsung's drive shows plenty of potential...

Suggested Price

TBC

Preview 2006: the year of High Definition video, Blu-ray and HD DVD. Well, that's the way things are looking at the moment, with just about every consumer electronics manufacturer in the world jumping on the bandwagon. These technologies aren't exclusively reserved for the consumer-electronics market - they're coming to the PC as well, and Samsung is the first manufacturer with a PC Blu-ray drive ready to go...

The SH-B022 - once again a name that doesn't speak volumes about the product behind it - looks just like your average DVD writer, with one small difference: the big Blu-ray Disc logo on the left-hand side of the face-plate. This is the only dead giveaway, but the metallic eject button with a blue LED on each side of it also suggests there is something different going on here. The piano black fascia makes it look a lot more expensive than a typical DVD writer, but new technology always tends to get the bling treatment to make it stand out from the previous generation.

I was rather disappointed to find an IDE interface around the back of the drive, especially as Samsung has recently launched a SATA DVD writer. Considering that the next generation of South Bridge chip from Intel will drop IDE support all together, this seems like a bad move by Samsung. However, most current PCs still have at least one IDE connector, so unless it's another six months before the drive is out, this shouldn't prove to be a major problem.

Installing the SH-B022 is just as easy as fitting any other optical drive in a PC. Windows XP recognises the drive, although even with Service Pack 2 installed Windows XP wasn't interested in seeing a blank Blu-ray disc in the drive. Samsung provided a copy of Nero 7 with a special patch for the drive to make it possible to write to Blu-ray media.

The tests I could perform were limited due to the fact that I only had access to a just one BD-RE (RE for rewriteable) disc and no BD-R media. Samsung said media prices will initially be around £15 for a 25GB BD-RE disc, so we're back to the early days of expensive DVD media. The SH-B022 supports 2x writing speed, around 9MBps which equates to about 7x in DVD writing speeds. Considering that you have the ability to write 25GB to a single-layer disc, this isn't that fast and as you'll see from the tests.

I fired up Nero 7 and did a couple of write tests to get an idea on how fast the drive is. I used WinRAR to create a store archive of 12.7GB worth of files. By using the store setting in WinRAR no compression is used and this was done to maximise the file size. To write this single file to a BD-RE disc you have to use UDF (Universal Data Format) rather than ISO which is normally used when writing discs. However, anyone that is using dual-layer DVDs will be familiar with UDF.

The single 12.7GB file took 25m 31s to write, so it'll take roughly twice that to fill up the whole disc. Doing the same test, but with the separate files - 4,486 of them - took slightly longer, 26m 29s. So we're back to the having to wait an hour or so to burn a full disc.

I was rather disappointed when I found out that the review sample didn't offer DVD or CD writing abilities. Now, I could've lived with the fact that it couldn't write to CD, as this is a rather old technology in comparison, but the lack of DVD support seems just plain odd. Still, this was an early prototype and things may very well change by the time the product is launched. Samsung was showing off the same drive at CeBIT, but this one was clearly labelled as having DVD writing capabilities, which is promising.

So what about the BD media? Well, the BD-RE disc looked very much like a CD, but it had a dark grey surface which didn't look very reflective. Smudging it with finger prints didn't result in any problems reading the data, so there doesn't seem to be any need to worry about minor marks corrupting the densely packed data.

Samsung hasn't even set a price on the drive, although I was told it was likely to end up in the $800-900 category - ouch. It's claimed that HD DVD will be cheaper, but for now we'll just have to bide our time and wait until retail products hit the shelves. It's also worth taking into account that dual-layer media will be available later this year with 50GB of storage capacity, so unless you have the cash to spare and you don't mind being an early adopter, you might just want to wait until then.

Finally, there's the issue of what you can use a Blu-ray drive for. Sure you can store 25GB of files on it, but you can't play it back in anything else than your own drive, unless your mates are as wealthy as you. Living-room BD players should be able to handled video discs you've authored, but HD DVD players won't, at least not for the time being. There are far too many question marks about Blu-ray as a consumer technology, but the good news is that it's as easy to use as a DVD writer as long as you're only after a high-capacity storage medium.

Verdict

It's early days of Blu-ray, and the Samsung SH-B022 is the first drive to make an appearance outside company labs and beyond the exhibition stands. Hopefully Samsung will make some improvements before retail products become available - in particular, ensuring it will at least support DVD writing.

Sony's 50GB Blu-Ray Writer now in India

Sony has just introduced its first internal Blu-ray Disc rewritable drive for sale in India. The new drive (model BWU-100A) supports up to 50 GB of data on BD-R (write once) or BD-RE (rewritable) discs. The drive is capable of burning a full 25 GB disc in about 50 minutes. It also supports recording of standard single layer 4.7 GB DVDR/CDRW/RAM discs, 8.5 GB DVD-R Double/Dual Layer Discs, and CDs, making it a multi-format burner.

“Sony continues to entice with its technology by introducing the much awaited Blu-ray drive which converges the requirement of higher storing capacity and superior quality. Sony's success and leading position for DVD writers in India attributes to our abilities to deliver first to market products. Enthusiasts can now store high definition videos and also read/write on normal DVDs & CDs and all this with just one drive” said Vincent Chng, Head and Regional Sales Sony.

The software bundled with the BWU-100A drive is the Cyber Link BD Solution from Cyber link Corporation, which provides a complete software application for capturing, authoring, editing and burning high-definition personal content captured by a HDV 1080i format camcorder onto BD discs. Video can also be “down-converted” to standard-definition resolution for burning onto DVDs. The drive will be available in September through Rashi Peripherals at an expected cost of Rs XXXXX

Locking Folder without any Software

Many people have been looking for an alternative way to lock folders without the use of any alternative software. So, here you go.

Open Notepad and copy the below code and save as locker.bat. Please don't forget to change your password in the code it's shown the place where to type your password. Now double click on locker .bat First time start, it will create folder with Locker automatically for u. After creation of the Locker folder, place the contents u want to lock inside the Locker Folder and run locker.bat again.

**********************************************************

cls
@ECHO OFF
title Folder Locker
if EXIST "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" goto UNLOCK
if NOT EXIST Locker goto MDLOCKER
:CONFIRM
echo Are you sure u want to Lock the folder(Y/N)
set/p "cho=>"
if %cho%==Y goto LOCK
if %cho%==y goto LOCK
if %cho%==n goto END
if %cho%==N goto END
echo Invalid choice.
goto CONFIRM
:LOCK
ren Locker "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
attrib +h +s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
echo Folder locked
goto End
:UNLOCK
echo Enter password to Unlock folder
set/p "pass=>"
if NOT %pass%== type your password here goto FAIL
attrib -h -s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
ren "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" Locker
echo Folder Unlocked successfully
goto End
:FAIL
echo Invalid password
goto end
:MDLOCKER
md Locker
echo Locker created successfully
goto End
:End

worlds thinest laptop

MacBook Air: World's Thinnest NoteBook arrives!

Apple introduced the thinnest notebook of the world yesterday. It is so sleek that it can easily slip into a normal inter-office envelope. You can make it yours after a fortnight after shedding $1,799.

Physical Stats:
* Silver finish
* 13.3" widescreen
* 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
* Weight: 3 pounds
* Thickness: 0.16-0.76 inches!

Technical Stats:
* built-in iSight webcam
* MacBook style black keyboard
* Intel Core 2 Duo chip running at 1.6GHz
* 800 MHz FSB
* 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
* WLan + Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

Keeping your Macintosh well maintained

All computer systems rely on its files to perform most of their functions. To ensure a healthy system, make sure the components on the computer that manages your files are in good order. There are typical problems found on Macintoshes, namely Desktop Files and Parameter RAM corruption. This article describes tools and procedures to deal with each of these problems, and describes disk repair and preventive measures.

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for damage to your computer and loss of data, arising from the use and/or misuse of these instructions.

Many of the Macintosh maintenance procedures described here, can be carried out easily by using a free software utility called "TechTools", which is available from MicroMat.

Desktop files

On a Macintosh equipped with System 7.x, there are two index files that are used to speed up file retrieval; these are known as "desktop files". Throughout the time a computer is operational, files will be deleted, overwritten, and added to the hard disk. When desktop files go out of sync with the true contents on the hard disk, system performance slows down; in the extreme, corrupted desktop files can lead to bizzare system behaviors, such as an unusable Trash icon, and inaccessible files.

There are two ways to rebuild desktop files: a) Hold the Option and Command (the open Apple) keys down when the computer is booting up; b) Delete the Desktop DB and Desktop DF files. The first approach is easiest to do if you only need to rebuild one computer's desktop files at a time; the second approach works only if you have special software to delete these two invisible files, and is recommended for administrators of public computer labs.

Floppy disks also have desktop files that are prone to corruption. These can be rebuilt by holding the Option and Command keys down while inserting the floppy disk into the computer.

Parameter RAM

This computer memory is used to store information about the computer's startup disk, monitor resolution, and network type. When information in the Parameter RAM becomes corrupted, the computer may refuse to boot properly, and the monitor may refuse to display a picture. To fix this, you can "zap" the Parameter RAM by holding Command, Option, "p" and "r" keys when the computer is booting up. If your computer's monitor does not display a picture, and you are certain the monitor is OK, the battery that keeps your Parameter RAM alive may need replacement.

After zapping the Parameter RAM, your network settings may need to be reconfigured. If you are connected to your network through an Ethernet port, you need to run the Network, or AppleTalk Control Panel to set the appropriate port. Do nothing if you normally connect to the network through the LocalTalk port.

Disk repair

Hard disks and floppy disks are prone to storage errors and physical defects. Because a hard disk is hermetically sealed, one finds fewer physical defects on hard disks than floppy disks. Most serious problems on floppy disks are due to poor disk handling.

Apple Inc. has a utility called Disk First Aid, which can be used to perform basic repairs on disks. Disk First Aid CANNOT repair the disk you used to start the computer, but can Verify if the disk needs repair.

To repair your hard disk, boot the computer with a CD-ROM, or a floppy disk that has the appropriate system files (Finder, System, and Enablers), and run Disk First Aid from the CD-ROM or floppy disk. Select the hard disk icon, and click Repair. To repair your floppy disk, run Disk First Aid from your hard disk, select the floppy disk icon, and click Repair.

More powerful disk repair

Norton Disk Doctor is capable of performing minor file problems Disk First Aid is not able to detect or repair. In many cases, it can repair the startup hard disk; you may need to run several scans to make sure the problem is resolved; I would however recommend booting your computer with a CD-ROM, and running Norton Disk Doctor from a floppy disk.

Preventive measures

About half of all floppy disk repairs performed at MICOL fail because these disks contain media damaged by dust particles or physical scratches. Usually, physical damage occurs on the file(s) people need most. The best prevention is to keep several copies of important files in different disks, and keep disks in different locations.

Floppy disk drive heads should be cleaned once a month with a floppy drive cleaning kit. These kits are sold in mosts electronics appliance stores. Simply put a few drops of Isopropyl Alcohol (which is what the "cleaning solution" is) on the cleaning disk's felt surface; insert the cleaning floppy disk into the drive, and ignore your computer's complaints that the disk is not readable. If you're using TechTools, there is a Clean button you can click on to treat the floppy drive heads with your cleaning disk.

Run Disk First Aid once a week to verify the health of your hard disk. Run Norton Utility's Speed Disk once a month to defragment your hard drive.

Clean the rollers and the tracking ball in your mice once every month. Shutdown the computer BEFORE unplugging the keyboard or mouse; failure to do so may result in serious damage to the Apple Desktop Bus circuitry found on the motherboard.

General cleaning Tips

Below is a listing of general tips that should be taken when cleaning any of the components or peripherals of a computer as well as tips to help keep a computer clean.

1. Never spray or squirt any type of liquid onto any computer component. If a spray is needed, spray the liquid onto a cloth and then use that cloth to rub down the component.
2. Users can use a vacuum to suck up dirt, dust, or hair around their computer on the outside case and on their keyboards. However, do not use a vacuum for the inside of your computer as it generates a lot of static electricity that can damage the internal components of your computer. If you need to use a vacuum to clean the inside of your computer, use a portable battery powered vacuum designed to do this job.
3. When cleaning a component and/or the computer, turn it off before cleaning.
4. Never get any component inside the computer or any other circuit board damp or wet.
5. Be cautious when using any type of cleaning solvents; some individuals may have allergic reactions to chemicals in cleaning solvents and some solvents can even damage the case. Try to always use water or a highly diluted solvent.
6. When cleaning, be careful not to accidentally adjust any knobs or controls. In addition, when cleaning the back of the computer, if anything is plugged in, make sure not to disconnect any of the plugs.
7. When cleaning fans, especially the smaller fans within a portable computer or laptop it's suggested that you either hold the fan or place something in-between the fan blades to prevent it from spinning. Spraying compressed air into a fan or cleaning a fan with a vacuum may cause damage to some fans or in some cases cause back voltage.
8. Never eat or drink around the computer.
9. Limit smoking around the computer.

Cleaning tools

Although many companies have created products to help improve the process of cleaning your computer and peripherals, users can also use household items to clean their computers and peripherals. Below is a listing of items you may need or want to use while cleaning your computer or computer peripherals.

Keep in mind that some components in your computer may only be able to be cleaned using a product designed for cleaning that component; if this is the case, it will be mentioned in the cleaning tips.

• Cloth - A cloth is the best tool used when rubbing down a component; although paper towels can be used with most hardware, we recommend using a cloth when ever possible. Caution: We only suggest you use a cloth when cleaning components such as the outside of the case, a drive, mouse, etc. You should not use a cloth to clean any circuitry such as the RAM or motherboard.
• Water or rubbing alcohol - When moistening a cloth, it is best to use water or rubbing alcohol. Other solvents may be bad for the plastics used with your computer.
• Portable Vacuum - Sucking the dust, dirt, hair, cigarette particles, and other particles out of a computer can be one of the best methods of cleaning a computer. Over time, these items can restrict the airflow in a computer and cause circuitry to corrode. Do not use a standard vacuum as it can generate a lot of static electricity that can damage your computer.
• Cotton swabs - Cotton swaps moistened with rubbing alcohol or water are excellent tools for wiping hard to reach areas in your keyboard, mouse, and other locations.
• Foam swabs - Whenever possible, it is better to use lint-free swabs such as foam swabs.

Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit [Full iSO]

Download :

http://rapidshare.com/files/114597083/nfs3.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/114597146/nfs3.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/114597133/nfs3.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/114597092/nfs3.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/114595558/nfs3.part5.rar

Download and Enjoy !

Damn Small Linux 4.4.4

Damn Small is a very versatile 50MB mini desktop oriented Linux distribution. DSL was originally developed as an experiment to see how many usable desktop applications can fit inside a 50MB live CD. It was at first just a personal tool/toy. But over time Damn Small Linux grew into a community project with hundreds of development hours put into refinements including a fully automated remote and local application installation system and a very versatile backup and restore system which may be used with any writable media including a hard drive, a floppy drive, or a USB device.

DSL has a nearly complete desktop, and many command line tools. All applications are chosen with the best balance of functionality, size and speed. Damn Small also has the ability to act as an SSH/FTP/HTTPD server right off of a live CD. In our quest to save space and have a fully functional desktop we've made many GUI administration tools which are fast yet still easy to use. What does DSL have?

XMMS (MP3, CD Music, and MPEG), FTP client, Dillo web browser, Netrik web browser, FireFox, spreadsheet, Sylpheed email, spellcheck (US English), a word-processor (Ted), three editors (Beaver, Vim, and Nano [Pico clone]), graphics editing and viewing (Xpaint, and xzgv), Xpdf (PDF Viewer), emelFM (file manager), Naim (AIM, ICQ, IRC), VNCviwer, Rdesktop, SSH/SCP server and client, DHCP client, PPP, PPPoE (ADSL), a web server, calculator, generic and GhostScript printer support, NFS, Fluxbox and JWM window managers, games, system monitoring apps, a host of command line tools, USB support, and pcmcia support, some wireless support.

Damn Small is small enough and smart enough to do the following things:

• Boot from a business card CD as a live linux distribution (LiveCD)
• Boot from a USB pen drive
• Boot from within a host operating system (that's right, it can run *inside* Windows)
• Run very nicely from an IDE Compact Flash drive via a method we call "frugal install"
• Transform into a Debian OS with a traditional hard drive install
• Run light enough to power a 486DX with 16MB of Ram
• Run fully in RAM with as little as 128MB (you will be amazed at how fast your computer can be!)
• Modularly grow -- DSL is highly extendable without the need to customize

Change in DSL v4.4:

* New Lua/Fltk refactored for enhanced performance.
* New Fltk library now available for C/C++ programs.
* New fldiff - File Diff GUI Viewer.
* Update to rsync to v3.0.2
* Updated mydslBrowser - new feature "Download Only"
* Modified "X Window Snapshot" to save image file with date.
* Added dfm association for easy display of "X Window Snapshot" images.
* Updated .torsmorc for more consistent "used/free/total"
* Restored Firefox default search engines.
* New low resource background & theme.
* New font added smoothansi - used in jwm menu.
* New .luafltkrc for Lua/Fltk theme and defaults.
* Updated dmix.
* Updated man script, new -o -b options and site.
* Fixed permissions on fusermount.
* Fixed cpanel bug to turn off ssh daemon.
* Modified nfs-common to also start portmap when needed.
* Patched kbdconfig to properly select keymaps.
* Modified .bash_profile to eliminate an extra login shell.
* Updated cgi example test.lua to call proper cgi.lua
* Removed stray line in Fluxbox menu.
* Updated "Getting Started" document with Wiki link and wireless info link.

download :

http://w16.easy-share.com/1701193291.html

or

http://rapidshare.com/files/136538205/Damn_Small_Linux_4.4.4.rar

Hear your Pdf files speak !

You can listen to any PDF instead of reading, yes it is possible with
Adobe Reader 7 .0 or 6.0 and the short cut is

Ctrl+shift+b -to hear the entire Document
(View -> Read out Loud -> Read to the End of Document)

Ctrl+shift+v -to hear the page
(View -> Read out Loud -> Read This Page)

If it is not convenient to hear, because the voice is very fast, u can adjust that using the Voice Speed -> slow adjustment in the Control Panel->SPEECH.

Caricature Photo To Cartoon software

Caricature Photo To Cartoon v2.0.3143.35129

Photo to Cartoon converts photographs into cartoons with a few clicks. No drawing required! Use the result cartoons as avatars, to sign emails and letters, make greeting cards and party announcements, or create a unique art gift. A cartoon makes an original and amusing present that even that person who has everything would be happy to get.

Download: (3391 kB)
Code:

http://rapidshare.com/files/136803548/Caricature.Photo.To.Cartoon.v2.0.3143.35129-SXForum.org.rar

1000 Cool Wallpapers for Mobile

1000 Cool Wallpapers for Mobile [176x220] [16MB]

Download :

http://rapidshare.com/files/126997588/1000ColallppersforMbile.rar