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Sysinternals Process Explorer v11.12, Process Monitor v1.30 Released

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Process Explorer v11.12, Process Monitor v1.30, Handle v3.31, and a new blog post from Mark

Process Explorer v11.12: This update includes a number of minor enhancements and bug fixes, including support for tracking commit and non-paged pool limits.

Process Monitor v1.30: This major update adds support for importing and exporting filters, records system information in log files, presents more information about specific operations, includes translation of additional operation error codes, and tracks CPU and memory activity that it displays in a revamped process summary dialog.

Handle v3.31: This update unifies the drivers used by Handle and Process Explorer.

Marks Blog: “The Case of the System Process CPU Spikes” – See Mark’s latest blog entry where he demonstrates how he used Process Explorer to track down a device driver causing CPU usage spikes.

New System Specs. Final request for input.

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I’ve got my system narrowed down (thanks to you guys) and would like to make one last request for input.
I’ve ordered a Q9450 for $300 thanks too Taylor.
***edit – holy cow, this thing has already shipped! Talk about wicked fast service!

Just a quick email to let you know your package has shipped and will be delivered to the address listed below.

I’m trying to jump on this deal for a video card and PSU (having some issues that they are working on).
Here is the rest at Newegg.
Not sure if I’m gonna get a case or not. I don’t really ‘need’ one but I’m open to suggestions. Must be a full tower (or large mid) and no freakin’ door.
Sound card, well since I will not ever buy a Creative product again (due to the latest BS with daniel_k and no Linux support for X-fi), I’ll go with onboard sound unless someone can suggest a better sound card (no Voyetra and must have full Linux and Vista support).
Any comments or suggestions? Am I missing something?
**edit 08APR2008** I’ve ordered the system (see comments) THANK YOU to everyone who commented along the way.
*edit 09APR2008 – I’ve added the Noctua NH-U12P from Xoxide based on the review at [H]ardOCP and from Wesley Fink at Anandtech.

The Vista license “loophole” that isn’t

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Ed Bott discusses the issue of using a Vista upgrade disk when doing a non-upgrade install.

Look, you can argue that Microsoft’s prices are inconsistent and illogical, but that has nothing to do with the issue at hand here. An upgrade license is intended to replace a previous license, period. Advising readers to violate the terms of a license agreement is pure sensationalism, and it’s wrong.

I know it isn’t a popular stance but I agree with him 100%. I pretty much said the same thing February of last year in my Installing Windows Vista guide.

3 – Do I need an Upgrade or Full version?
If you intend on installing Vista on a machine that already has a Windows operating system, and you intend to upgrade (install over it) then get an upgrade version. Otherwise the license requirement says you need a full version. Yes you can do a clean install using an upgrade disk (instructions below). Please note, the Vista license agreement states that if you use an upgrade version then the OS you installed Vista over is no longer valid. This may or may not be a technicality based on your own set of morals. Example, I recently got a new laptop from Dell which came with XP installed and a free upgrade to Vista when available. Since I wanted to dual-boot (run both OS’s) XP and Vista I could not legally use the upgrade disk so I had to buy the full version.
(please do not write to me and whine about how expensive Vista is to justify your using an upgrade disk. Vista is not a “must have”. Stick with XP or try Linux, it’s free.)

iTunes 7.6.2 Is Out

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This includes an updated Quicktime.

iTunes 7.6.2 provides bug fixes to improve stability and performance…QuickTime 7.4.5 includes fixes that enhance reliability, improve compatibility with third-party applications, and address security issues.

Download

Microsoft's Vista Blogger Quits…

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Nick White, Microsoft’s in-house blogger who wrote about all things related to the Windows Vista operating system, has resigned. It’s the latest in a series of key departures from the software maker.

Geeze, whatever the reason he left it doesn’t look good image wise for Microsoft and Vista. I don’t care what you think about Vista as an OS, it’s karma just seems awful.
Microsoft’s Vista Blogger Quits As Redmond Exodus Builds

KDE 4.0.3 Release Announcement

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April 2, 2008 (The INTERNET). The KDE Community today announced the immediate availability of KDE 4.0.3, the third bugfix and maintenance release for the latest generation of the most advanced and powerful free desktop.

I haven’t even had time to try KDE 4. Most of what I’ve heard is “not ready for prime time”. Anyone out there using it? You like, or no?
I believe Ubuntu(April 24) and Fedora 9(April 29) will be the first big distros with an official release of KDE 4 with openSUSE 11 coming in June (someone school me if I’m wrong).
KDE 4.0.3 Release Announcement