ReadyBoost of Microsoft Windows 7

So, I found a spare 512MB SD card in one of my bag’s side pockets this morning and thought of using it to try ReadyBoost in my Windows 7 lappy. So what is ReadyBoost? Wikipedia defines it as:

ReadyBoost is a component of Microsoft Windows, first introduced with Windows Vista in 2006 and also included with Windows 7. It works by using flash memory, USB 2.0 drive, SD card, CompactFlash or any kind of portable flash mass storage system as a drive for disk cache.

ReadyBoost is also used to facilitate SuperFetch, an updated version of Windows XP’s prefetcher which performs analysis of boot-time disk usage patterns and creates a cache which is used in subsequent system boots.

So, I reformatted the PQI SD card and activated ReadyBoost:

readyboost

Then, I did a simply test to check if ReadyBoost really works or not. With ReadyBoost activated, I fired up Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended and it just took me 40.1 seconds to see it’s GUI.

Now, I ejected the PQI SD card (ReadyBoost), made a reboot, then fired Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended again, and it took me some 77.0 seconds just to see the GUI. That’s around 30 seconds difference, and indeed it’s a big thing. Indeed, ReadyBoost works!

If you’re wondering the specs of my Windows 7 laptop, it’s an eMachines by Acer D725 running Intel Pentium Dual-core T4200 with 2GB of RAM. Now, I am thinking of getting a 2GB SD Card to be dedicated for ReadyBoost on my lappy.

Get the Dell Vostro A840 with Free LG KP105

dell-vostro-a840-side THE LAPTOP JUST RIGHT FOR YOUR GROWING BUSINESS.. And more!

Dell is leading the way in designing solutions to meet your needs at every stage of growth. Their latest Vostro model delivers affordable solutions to address basic computing tasks on any budget.

You can stay productive and focused on your business in the office, on the road, or at home. The Vostro A840 laptop delivers the technology you need to execute everyday business tasks no matter where you are. It’s compact and easy to take anywhere. Integrated Wi-Fi, modem, and Bluetooth options keep you connected and in sync for on-the-go collaboration. It is easy to deploy and manage for out-of-the-box productivity. And it is pre-configured with core office productivity applications and no annoying trialware.

Dell helps you avoid hardware failures with high quality industry-standard components and proven Intel technology. Designed for everyday mobile office computing, the Vostro A840 laptop is ready to take on the rigors of your business day and keep you looking professional. Dell will also provide you with services and support you need to help you remain on your business – not on your technology.

Dell Vostro A840 is just right for your growing businesses. It’s affordable, reliable and worry-free.

Through its Philippine subsidiary DELL Philippines, it is set to be accessible and be able to provide services to all Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs). And at this start of the year, DELL Philippines brings in good news with Dell Vostro A840 Bundling Promo. For every purchase of Dell Vostro A840, customer is entitled to (1) unit LG KP105.

LG KP105 is a bar phone with a colored monitor, FM radio capable, dual band and has a mobile tracker. Its suggested retail price is 1,999.00 pesos, but LG KP105 can be yours free when you buy Dell Vostro A840.

See flyers and posters for details.

You might want to know how to avail..

Promo Mechanics / Claiming Directions:

This promo is open to all buyers of Dell Vostro A840 laptops from January 15 – February 15, 2009 nationwide.

For every purchase of Dell Vostro A840, customer is entitled to one (1) unit of LG KP105 mobile phone.

To claim your free LG KP105 mobile phone, fax or email the following documents to First Tier Branding Solutions Inc.

Sales Invoice and Official Receipt

Cut out of the laptop’s serial number sticker found in the box

Valid ID (SSS, PRC, Driver’s license, Passport, etc.) and Contact Information

First Tier Brands contact information are as follows:

Tel Nos: (02) 856.2375 / (02) 383.1651

Mobile Phone: (0922) 836.5191

Fax No: (02) 856.2375

Email Address: [email protected]

Address: Unit 1610 BSA Suites Carlos Palanca Street

Legaspi Village, Makati City

Note: A customer representative will contact the claimant/s on claiming instructions.

For Metro Manila customers, please claim your mobile phones at First Tier Brands office. For provincial claimants, First Tier Brands will send the item via courier service. Delivery charges will apply and will be shouldered by the claimant.

All claims must be received on or before April15, 2009. Redemption period is until May 15, 2009 only.

Unclaimed mobile phones will be forfeited in favor of Dell Asia Pacific – Philippine Representative Office SMB Group with prior approval from DTI.

In case of disputes, Dell Asia Pacific’s decision in concurrence with DTI shall be final and non-negotiable.

All employees of Dell Asia Pacific, participating dealers and other promo partners/third parties, including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity, are automatically disqualified from joining the promo.

Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 0067 Series OF 2009

Teaching SmartBro Techs How to Troubleshoot

Last week, we began experiencing an odd on and off connection of our Smart Broadband (SmartBro). Thursday, they advised us that their technical crew will visit us on Friday morning. Came Friday morning, the technical crew arrived, but there was a power interruption in our area, so I asked them to comeback the next day at around 1500H (since I have a class in the morning).

Saturday came, and at around 1300H, my wife sent me an SMS advising that the SmartBro technical crew are already there — too early for the 1500H schedule. So I sent instructions to my wife, based on what the CSR and I had agreed upon — to replace the LAN cable and AC adaptor of the Motorola Canopy antenna. To my surprised, my wife sent me an SMS again saying that the SmartBro technical team advised her that the LAN cards (01 onboard the mother board, 01 PCI, and 01 USB) are all NOT WORKING. What?! I immediately called home, and advised the technical crew to wait for me til 1400H (that was 1335H already).

When I arrived home, some 15 minutes later, the SmartBro technical crew were nowhere to be found. Apparently, they had lunch while waiting for me — that’s OK! So, when their team leader finally came face-to-face with me, I asked him what is their findings, and he said that my LAN cards are all defective. WTF?! Is that a coincidence or what?! I told him that it is impossible, since the PCI LAN card came from a workstation, that is in tip-top condition, plus the USB LAN card is working 100%. As I see it, it’s the Motorola Canopy antenna or the LAN cable from the Canopy to my LAN cards which is defective.

So, he brought a new (still sealed) Motorola Canopy antenna, attached a new LAN cable to it and the other end to my LAN cards (testing each of the network adapters), and still the error is “A network cable is disconnected.” He then insisted that my LAN cards are all defective. But, I told him, during the installation of the service two years ago, the technical crew had to change the Motorola Canopy antenna four (04) times, before we were able to connect to their base station. So, with a grin in his face, he went back outside and returned with another set of sealed Motorola Canopy antenna. He said, if this one will not work, it is really my LAN cards which are damned. But, before I let him attach the new antenna to my PC, I showed him that the onboard LAN card (Intel) is indeed working, as reported by the diagnostic tools software.

So, the cables were all changed, the new Motorola Canopy antenna attached, and wallah! SmartBro is back online in my PC. Now I firmly believe that their technical crew are NOT that technical at all. You see, troubleshooting needs some analytical thinking, and I do not know if they have it.

Attended the Intel Machinima Workshop

Got this invite from an email of Sir Ram posted in the MMA mailing list. I emailed Jill 2 days ago, as instructed, and got a reply from her confirming my seat to the FREE workshop this afternoon at the Ascott Makati (formerly known as Oakwood Premiere).

I must admit, I am NOT a gamer-type of person, proof is that I spent around half-a-day just to finish the first stage of Halo and another 3 hours trying to figure out how can I mount Chief to his vehicle on the next stage. A little bit faster the first time I played Command & Conquer Red Alert. But I know how to make (program) a game.

I wanted to be in this workshop to know what is “machinima“. Apprently, “machinima” refers to “machine cinema” — a new movement in filmmaking (click here to know more about machinima).

I got a little bit frustrated when the speaker from Intel told us what we are going to do in the one-and–half workshop: to create a “machinima” clip using Microsoft Windows Movie Maker and Fraps — welcome to BASICOM!! hehehe – using the Granada Espada game engine. Before the speaker started with his slides, all participants were asked to create their own Granada Espada accounts, if they still doesn’t have one (which I guess 75% of the attendees were not aware that such game, that includes me) — in short, advertising Intel’s Core 2 Quad processor (all of the Acer PCs were running with this type of processors plus a Mag cinema display LCD monitor) and the Granada Espada game.

So, after 10 minutes of “lecture” and “demo”, we were asked to create our own “machinima” clips, which will automatically be included in the contest that runs until tomorrow (you still have time to attend the workshop tomorrow). Took me around 15 minutes to tinker on the controls and flow of the game.
They had also allowed us to have copies of our Movie Maker files, thanks to the 1GB Apacer flash disks that they had provided. And before the workshop sessions ended, all attendees were given their “loot bags” that contains a literature on the current Intel microprocessors and a battery-powered mini-fan.

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Tag Archives: intel

ReadyBoost of Microsoft Windows 7

Get the Dell Vostro A840 with Free LG KP105

Teaching SmartBro Techs How to Troubleshoot

Attended the Intel Machinima Workshop