Choto Cheeta Online

Here is an opportunity given by Microsoft for first hand interaction with the experts. Join the Microsoft India webcats focusing on various issues and features of Microsoft Windows Vista.

Over the next few weeks Microsoft India would be hosting regular web casts on the following topic related to Windows Vista. You may join and interact with Microsoft MVPs, who be conducting the sessions.

So join Mr. Shantanu Kaushik (Microsoft MVP) on August 04, 2008 for the 1st web cast on following topic,

Windows Vista: Installation and Getting Started

The possible problems while setup and solutions
What to check before setup
Checklist of what to do after setup
What benefits does SP1 gives

You may register your self here.

Pay attention if you are a Nvidia 630i chipset based motherboard user.

If you are using an installation source containing Windows XP SP3, then nvidia WHQL drivers for 630i would fail to load the integrated network card under Windows XP SP3.

This is what nvidia supports writes back to me,

Hi, thanks for your message and for letting us know. We have heard rumours that XP service pack 3 is related to a similar issue, in which case we would ask that you try without SP3, but also we do have a BIOS update on our website, always best to have the latest to ensure minor bugs do not cause further issues. Hope all goes well, however if any queries or problems please keep us posted.

No solution is available as of now at-least, however as per motherboard manufacturer XFX, Microsoft is working with nvidia to issue a patch for XP3 to make it accept the present WHQL drivers for its integrated LAN !!

A .com domain for USD 35 ??

I can’t believe my eyes as what I am reading. In a time where Microsoft Live Office Apps are offering free domain to US business users, there, Yahoo small busiess service is charging USD 35 (34.95) for a single .com domain renewal.

ChotoCheeta.com is registered with Yahoo back in 2006, and I have opted for the yahoo option which allows yahoo to autometically bill me every year and today I see in my Credit Card bill, USD 35 (34.95) is been charged by Yahoo Inc for renewal of ChotoCheeta.com for one year..

Damm the Yahoo..

As you walk in to any computer store or IT shop, you see they are displaying PCs with capability to watch and Record TV running Windows Media Center. You may wonder, do you need to pay for the full PC to obtain the Media Center functionality of the PC.

Infact no, all these Media Center PCs have in extra is a Tv Tuner Kit (PCI based TV Tuner Card and a Remote control) along with the Media Center Edition of Windows XP or Windows Vista.

How much would a TV tuner Kit cost ?

Any good Windows Vista compatible TV Tuner Kit from brands like WinFast / LeadTek or Pinnacle may cost you around Rs. 2000 (USD 50 / EURO 35).

Where to get the Media Center Software ?

What is that software you see with Media Center PCs ?? Usually its the Windows Media Center, which may come with Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 or as an integrated part of any installation of Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions.

Where as similar softwares, which allows you to view / record / pause live TV would come with your TV tuner kit from the hardware vendor it self, an example would be Pinnacle TV Center Edition. So any one or both of them can be used for your TV viewing needs.

So let us view few tricks on how exactly you can transform your regular PC to a Media Center Edition without burning a hole in your pocket ?

Read the rest of this entry »

Newly launched Windows Vista community, the WinVistaClub.com forums are offering A-Squared Anti Malware 12 months paid license for free to all its forum member on 1st / 2nd August.

The rule is simple, one needs to be member of WinVistaClub forum and visit the web site on 1st of 2nd August. So those who wants can get a free copy of a paid product !