10 talented Malaysian students will be competing among 1,557 young aspiring scientists and inventors at the International Science and Engineering Fair 2008 (Intel ISEF) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Set to be held on 11- 16 May 2008, Intel ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition with over 50 participating countries competing for scholarships and awards worth up to US$ 4 million.

This year, Malaysian participants will be showcasing their creative innovations that can potentially address issues that have stumped scientists for years. Among them are creating an online system for universal data regulation and management; inventing a Hybrid Electomagnetic Drum Brake System; developing a two-way communication method for the deaf and mute; finding treatments and prevention of stomach ulcer and gout; and developing an alternative way to produce electrical energy.  

“Intel recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for students to present their innovative ideas and sharing their passion for research on a globally recognized platform. It is our role to continuously mould the next generation of scientists and investors by encouraging them to push the boundaries of science research and eventually lead the world into the next generation of discovery, knowledge and prosperity,” said Ryaz Patel, country manager of Intel Malaysia. “The Intel ISEF is an investment in the next generation of scientists.”  

Read on for more. 

MYNIC held the grand public launch for its Second Level .my Domain Name. The event was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili, Minister of Science Technology & Innovation who registered his very own domain name, mpkotamarudu.my. The launch was also attended by Mr. Amarjit Singh, Senior Director representing Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) who registered a domain name on behalf of MCMC Chairman, Datuk Dr. Halim Shafie as halimshafie.my witnessed by MOSTI Minister.

Puan Shariya, Director of MYNIC in her speech mentioned MYNIC’s efforts throughout the year to increase active online participation from all layers of society. “Our efforts for the entire year of 2007 were based on the immediate needs of the public, the fast broadband growth and an increasing ICT savvy community,” she said.

MYNIC’s main objectives are to bring online identity to the grassroots to allow even rural folks to enjoy the flexibility of technology and to bring Malaysia’s unique identity to the world. The elimination of categorization in the shorter domain name option allows businesses and individuals to cut across industries and still be relevant online. 

Read on for more info. 

ASUS has released the Z7S WS workstation motherboard. This innovative motherboard is equipped with dual socket 771 and utilizes the latest Intel® 5400 chipset for vigorous performance. It also supports fully buffered DDR2 800MHz dual-channel memory, dual PCI Express 2.0 x16 lanes; and comes in the compact CEB form factor. With this innovative motherboard, users will enjoy convenient slot expansion and enjoy fast and efficient work efficiency.

The multiple slot interfaces increase expansion choices and allows users to obtain high data transmission speeds. Supporting dual PCIe 2.0 x 16 for double the normal bus bandwidth from 2.5 Gb/s to 5.0 Gb/s, users will truly be able to accomplish more tasks in a much shorter time; while enjoying backward compatibility with previous PCIe 1.1 standards. The Z7S WS also showcases PCI-X slots for more convenience on slot expansion, and is able to bring about full speeds for Gigabit Ethernet, SCSI RAID and other PCI-X devices. 

Equipped with ASUS' innovative heat-pipe solution, the Z7S dissipates heat efficiently. The Z7S's particular heat-pipe design is made to increase durability, life spans and enhance thermal capacity. It also provides highly efficient operations with less heat than traditional heat sink designs. 

The Z7s WS is available at RM2,350. 

Read on for more. 

While Microsoft was supposed to release Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) on April 29, 2008, the service pack only became unofficially available on the download.windowsupdate.com domain. Today, XP SP3 has officially hit the Release to Web (RTW) milestone. In other words, SP3 is available both on Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center.

The final build of SP3 (5512) reportedly includes 1,073 fixes, including every security update, out-of-band release, and hotfix released since Windows XP SP2 hit Microsoft's servers back in August 2004. The release notes for SP3 have also been updated, as has the MUI pack. Also, make sure you know what to do with your version of Internet Explorer before installing the service pack.

News source: ArsTechnica
View: XP SP3 Release Notes
Download: Network Installation Package | XP SP3 - ISO CD Image | XP SP3 Checked Build | Windows Update
 

MSI has launched its K9A2GM/VM mainboard series which utilises AMD's latest 780G/V chipset which provides full HD, best-in-class 3D graphics performance, enhanced scalability, and "rock-solid stability" for mainstream gaming, multimedia and commercial PC systems. The K9A2GM and K9A2VM mainboard series consists of seven members: K9A2GM/VM-FIH, K9A2GM/VM-FD, K9A2GM/VM-F V2 & K9A2GM-FIH-S (Solid Capacitor Edition).

These mainboards offer AMD AM2/AM2+ socket supporting AMD Phenom Quad Core processor performance and the latest AMD chipsets with graphics core which features full 1080p High-Definition Video in a cost-effective basic mainboard design. It also supports AMD's Athlon series processor, HyperTransport 3.0 technology and DDR2-1066 memory.

 The K9A2GM mainboard series also features the latest PCI-Express 2.0 bus technology and delivers high performance support for AMD's new Hybrid CrossFireX, allowing the combination of features or raw horse power from both the onboard graphics and compatible add in PCI-E graphics boards.

Read on for more info and specs.

Dell today announced its redesigned Vostro laptop line for small businesses, including the new 13.3-inch Vostro 1310 starting at RM3,099 and 15.4-inch Vostro 1510 starting at RM2,599. Products are available for orders today.  The company will also offer a redesigned 17-inch Vostro 1710 laptop in mid May.

“Listening to customers and acting quickly on their feedback to improve our products and services sets Dell apart,” said Pang Yee Beng, general manager, Dell Malaysia. “For example, customers told us in a recent global laptop study that data protection and pre-installed security software are, by far, the most important security features."

Small businesses are increasingly adopting laptops over desktop PCs. Today, half of PC-owning small businesses in the United States own laptops, and the number is expected to grow to almost 57 percent by 2012 , with similar laptop penetration in Western Europe and Japan. To address this shift and provide more choice to customers, Dell plans to expand its laptop product portfolio this year, to deliver the broadest product lineup in the company’s history.  

Read on for more info. 

Kingston today announced it is releasing a family of DDR2-800 fully-buffered dual-inline memory modules (FB-DIMMs) designed for systems using Intel’s Seaburg S5400 chipset. Launching first with its industry-standard ValueRAM modules, Kingston DDR2-800 FB-DIMMs are shipping in capacities ranging from 512MB to 4GB.

Delivering up to 25.6 GB/s bandwidth with four memory channels active, Kingston DDR2-800 FB-DIMMs match the bandwidth needs of the latest XEON processors. The 2GB and 4GB DDR2-800 FB-DIMMs enable a flexible upgrade path while leaving plenty of headroom for future RAM expansion.  

“Today’s dual XEON systems using the new 1600MHz front-side bus quad-core processors demand a robust memory solution to match processor bandwidth with memory bandwidth,” said Ann Bai, Product Manager, DRAM Memory, APAC Region, Kingston. “Our DDR2-800 FB-DIMMs deliver the blazing performance and reliability required by high performance servers and workstations.” 

Read on for specifications. 

Intel has launched three new motherboards – the Intel Desktop Board DX48BT2 Extreme Series (formerly codenamed ‘Bone Trail 2’), the Intel Desktop Board DG35EC Classic Series (formerly codenamed ‘Eva Cove’), and the Intel Desktop Board D945GCLF Essential Series (formerly codenamed ‘Little Falls’).

The boards, individually aimed at the extreme gamer, the mainstream multi-media user, and the entry-level PC users, enable a number of innovative features for today’s PCs such as greater PC performance, clearer definition video and low-powered technologies.

“From ultimate gaming bliss, to crisp high definition, to the most-affordable internet-centric desktop, Intel continues to push the boundaries of world-class desktop offerings,” said Tom Rampone, Intel’s vice president, Sales and Marketing Group, and general manager, Channel Platforms Group. “As the demand for desktops across the board moves from strength to strength, we are also quickly moving towards more feature differentiation and innovation down our product roadmap,” he said.  

Read on for more. 

JVC’s new super-slim LT-42S90 LCD TV features a cabinet that across most of its width measures a mere 39mm in depth, with a maximum thickness of just 74mm at the panel’s centre. This design ensures that from nearly any angle, these models present a super-slim appearance. Complementing the super-slim design is a thin 23mm bezel, which helps to further minimise the presence of the cabinet. It weighs less than 20kg and consumes 183watts one of the lowest figures in the industry today.

The slim design was made possible through the use of a new JVC-developed slim panel backlight unit and power supply substrate, or chassis. The new slim LCD panel backlight unit is 40 percent smaller (with a mere 20mm depth and 13mm bezel width) compared to a conventional LCD backlight. What’s more, the unit weighs only 12kg and consumes just 145W of power.  

JVC's display engineering team succeeded in developing a new, slimmer backlight unit by optimizing the light-diffusing plates and light-reflection sheets, as well as improving their overall composition. This provided uniform light-diffusion at all the corners and edges without the addition of more CCFL tubes, while maintaining adequate luminance to ensure that the screen always remains bright. 

The LT-42S90 LCD TV will be available in 42-inch size, and offers 1920 x 1080p resolution. It retails at RM10,999 and is available now.  

Read on for more info. 

Apacer has introduced their new Handy Steno AH160. The plug and play portable digital storage USB drive combines a designer touch with an ultra-slim and trendy outlook. Its five-gram lightweight striking design fuses plastic with a metallic cable trim to produce an innovative digital storage accessory that is as good to look at as it is easy to use. Thanks to its smartly-designed cap that bends away from the body, yet always remains attached, users will never have to worry about a lost cap again. The drive is available in the range of capacities from 1GB to 4GB. There are also different choices of fashionable colors - metallic Passion Red or Mint Green.

The fast read and write AH160 is built with a speedy 2.0 USB interface and backward compatible with USB 1.1. The bright green LED clearly shows when data is being transferred. The environmentally-friendly RoHS-compliant drive measures 46mm in length, 22.4mm in width and an astonishing 6.6mm in thickness. The Apacer Handy Steno AH160 also comes preloaded with ACE, Apacer Compression Explorer – a software application that provides file compression, decompression and password protection.  

ACE implements an advanced compression management system that shrinks commonly used files up to 5 times compared to the original file size. ACE effectively compresses documents, pictures, presentations, and audio files, giving users the chance to save more files on their trendy Apacer Handy Steno Series flash drives. ACE also provides password-level security to prevent personal or critical data breaches. The file security, implemented via a password prompt, is activated when the Handy Steno flash drive is plugged in.  

Nokia today launched its first Nokia Store in Kuching and the largest in Malaysia, at The Spring, Kuching, Sarawak. Located on the first floor of Kuching’s latest shopping mall, the new 1,200 sq. ft. store will deliver an enhanced retail experience to customers in East Malaysia.

The new Nokia Store at The Spring shares some of the signature features of Nokia’s Flagship Stores in New York and Chicago, such as; product centre-pieces that allow customers to try the full range of Nokia mobile devices for themselves and the wide suite of experiences that they offer, complete showcase of Nokia’s portfolio of Nseries multimedia computers, business-enhanced Eseries devices, mobile phones and accessories under one roof, and dynamic, original and distinctive spatial qualities.  

Andrew Cheong, Managing Director, Nokia Malaysia who launched the store said: “This new Nokia Store underlines our commitment to the East Malaysia market and our customers here. Nokia Stores are now becoming centres where customers can discover new experiences as they become available and through this store, our customers here will enjoy the same privilege. ”

Read on for more info. 

Kingston has announced its HyperX low-latency 1625MHz DDR3 memory has been certified under the Intel Extreme Memory Profile (Intel XMP) validation program to offer PC builders and gaming enthusiasts greater memory advantages and tuning flexibility when constructing high-performance systems using select Intel X38-series chipsets.

When paired with select Intel X38 series-based motherboards, Kingston low-latency HyperX modules (designated with an ‘X’ at the end of the part number) increase overall system performance. Designed for both the novice and experienced overclocker, the XMP profile allows for easy overclocking by selection of the predefined profile in the BIOS while expert overclockers can still manually adjust frequency and timings of Kingston HyperX XMP modules.  

Read on for more info. 

The Malaysian leg of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay reached its climax today when 80 selected torchbearers successfully carried the Olympic Torch through the streets of Kuala Lumpur. The relay, which started from Dataran Merdeka reached its final destination at Suria KLCC, covering a distance of 16.5 kilometers. This was the second time since 1964, for the Olympic torch passed through Malaysia where Malaysians witnessed the most prestigious sporting symbol up-close.

The Samsung Malaysia Electronics (SME) Sdn Bhd torchbearers line up consist of four role models who were meticulously chosen by Samsung for their notable contributions to society and their tenacity to overcome challenges in their lives to achieve success in their respective fields. They are Yang Bahagia Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir, Ras Adiba Radzi, Nicol Ann David and Lee Chong Wei.

 “This is my second time participating in an Olympic Torch Relay, and that feeling and experience is still as overwhelming. Carrying the Olympic Torch again is very special to me and I’m proud that this time it’s in my home country and for all Malaysians,” said Nicol David.

abit has launched their new A-N78HD motherboard which is based on nVIDIA’s GeForce 8200 chipset. This highly integrated multimedia platform motherboard makes high definition multimedia enjoyment more convenient and easier. abit paid special attention to video output flexibility with three connection options already implemented on-board. Users can choose between the standard D-Sub VGA connector or use one of the two digital outputs; DVI or HDMI.

As abit’s first motherboard supporting nVIDIA’s Hybrid SLI technology, this mainstream motherboard offers “GeForce Boost” and “Hybrid Power”. GeForce Boost allows for scalable graphics performance when installing an additional discrete graphics card. Whereas Hybrid Power allows for the shutting off of unused graphics adaptor when it is not needed, effectively resulting in lower power consumption. 

abit has also implemented a 4-phase OC-PWM set around the CPU and one extra one-phase OC-PWM for the memory area. This OC-PWMs also allow for better overclocking capabilities.  Read on for specifications.

Dr. Vinton G. Cerf, Dr. J. Craig Venter, Dr. Craig Lee and Mark Wächter - these represent a mere handful of the many high-profile keynote speakers and panelists scheduled to speak at the upcoming World Information Technology and Services Alliance's (WITSA's) World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2008 and its Related Events from 18 to 22 May 2008.

Also known as the Olympics of ICT, WITSA's WCIT 2008 and its Related Events are expected to bring together more than 40 well-respected and highly-esteemed international personalities from both the government and information and communications technology (ICT) industry to speak on various pressing issues at this biannual global ICT gathering. 

Among the various issues to be addressed at WITSA's WCIT 2008 and its Related Events include socio-economic and business-oriented concerns on the impact and benefits of ICT on outsourcing, education, innovation, environment, technopreneurship, economic viability, cyber-security, the future of the Internet as well as the role of ICT in driving world economic and social development.

These distinguished keynote speakers and panelists represent the luminaries of their industries. Coming from different parts of the world, they bring to the table distinct cultural exchanges and influences whilst sharing their expertise and ideas on issues of mutual concern. 

For further information on WCIT 2008 and its Related Events, please log on to http://www.wcit2008.org.