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The Need For Speed: Alienware Releases a P4 4GHz
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Want the hottest computer on the block? Have a ramped up Pentium IV 3.6 GHz, but it just ain’t good enough? Well, games system specialist Alienware has hot-rodded one of its desktop PCs with a homegrown version of Intel’s Pentium 4 processor that runs at 4GHz. Because overclocking a processor can cause it to overheat, the desktop also includes a special liquid-cooling system devised by Alienware.
The launch lets fans get a jump on getting a machine with a 4GHz chip. Intel recently pushed back introduction of a 4GHz Pentium 4 to the first quarter of 2005, having earlier announced plans to introduce it this year. The fastest current Pentium 4 runs at 3.6GHz.
In addition to the 4GHz Pentium 4 and a liquid-cooling system, the most basic Area-51 ALX desktop comes with 1GB of RAM, a CD-burner, ATI Technology’s Radeon X800 graphics card, a 74GB Western Digital Raptor 10,000 rpm hard drive and a Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS High Definition sound card.
Pumping up the machine with 4GB of RAM, nvidia’s GeForce 6800 Ultra graphics card, twin 74GB Raptor hard drives and a DVD-burner increases the price to about $5,700 U.S.
Microsoft Faces The Music
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In one fell swoop last week, Microsoft announced a new service, new software, and new hardware — a trio that aims to change the way you buy, manage, and transport music. MSN Music is a direct competitor to online music services such as Apple’s iTunes Music Store. Windows Media Player 10, a major update, is the jukebox for MSN Music and other audio and video services. It also syncs with more than 75 portable devices, including the new Zen Portable Music Player (pictured).
Question of the Week
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How can I totally remove Norton SystemWorks? I have tried most of the recommended methods, but when I try to reinstall it, the PC says that it is already installed and takes the process a bit further, but none of the tools work. It is worse than a virus!? — Submitted by: Mike Ricci, Burnaby, B.C.
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Unfortunately, Symantec Norton products have various hooks in the Windows system registry and elsewhere that are not removed even if the Windows Add / Remove feature is used. Instead, you’ll need to download special removal tools from Symantec in order to completely remove Norton SystemWorks from your PC.
