Bing Desktop: the integrated Windows search bar

The firm of Redmond yesterday launched the beta version of Bing Desktop, its autonomous search bar into Windows 7.

Yesterday Microsoft has made available for download the beta version of its utility called Bing Desktop. It allows, directly from the Windows desktop, to search via the search engine Bing of the firm without having to open a Web browser.

1.4 MB file installs a search bar that is place by default to the center of the screen (an option allows the Center at the top of the Office). This area of research is from left to right: the Bing logo, by clicking on it, allowing direct access to the site, Bing.com, of the input field the terms to search for, then the button giving access to the options finally.

Thus, it will be possible to launch Bing Desktop at every startup of Windows, to allow the update of the wallpaper of the Office with the image displayed on the web page Bing.com or still activate the hotkey "Winkey + H" to appear the bar research at any time.

Bing Desktop Beta is available in English for all versions of Windows 7.

> Download the Bing Desktop beta

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AMD Llano: and desktop version?

We've already covered in detail the launch of the new Llano of AMD architecture. If you have not yet read dedicated article in the new APU of the caster, and specifically to their declination for laptops, the Sabine platform, we cannot advise too you to take a glance before continuing.Two weeks after products for laptops, AMD now launches its Llano APU for desktop, i.e. platform Lynx. View our previous article, we will primarily devote today record benchmarks and analysis of performance: but wait for Dual Graphics? What is the comparison to the Intel Sandy Bridge with separate graphics card? What are the effects of the performance of the memory on the games? USB 3.0 makes better or worse than the controllers cards we tested previously?Before answering these questions, do any of even a quick overview of the first APU Llano for desktop computers.

Llano: APU on a small budget

Audi must be proud (Finally, perhaps not, seen the character "entry" of these processors): AMD uses the A6 and A8 prefixes to distinguish the felt performance four first models launched today.Among these four processors, there are no surprise two A6 and A8 two. The most powerful is theA8-3850, an APU with a TDP of 100 watts, a Radeon HD 6550D graphics engine, four cores of execution (still based on the Stars architecture) each with a frequency of 2.9 GHz and 1 MB L2 cache. The Turbo Core function is not available: the only way to overcome this frequency is overclocking. Side price, AMD refers to a rate of about $135.

A6-3650 is also equipped with a TDP of 100 watts, four cores, a total of 4 MB of L2 cache and a controller taking memory supports DDR3-1866, like its big brother, but it contains a graphics engine Radeon HD 3650D and displays an a no more low frequency, namely 2.6 GHz (and again)(, the Turbo Core is not accessible). It should cost around $115; remains to be seen that this will once the conversion into euros carried out.

Model
GPU
TDP
Cores
Freq. Base CPU
Freq. Max
L2 cache
Shaders
Freq. GPU
Turbo Core

The other two models are 65 watts from the first two declensions. We note with interest that this less generous thermal envelope seems hardly handicap them:A8-3800 contains the same graphics engine, the same number of cores and the same amount of L2 cache as the A8-3850; only the frequency of the CPU portion fell to 2.4 GHz, and yet, it is offset by the Turbo Core, present this time, which allows in theory up to 2.7 GHz when the processor heats not too. AMD does unfortunately sent us any copy of this function of acceleration.Finally comes theA6-3600, also a 65 Watt model, which is different of the A6-3650 by its reduced to 2.1 GHz CPU frequency (but 2.4 GHz when the Turbo Core is active).

With the graphic part, the difference between the Radeon HD 6550D and Radeon HD 6530D is, broadly, a SIMD engine (and a reduced frequency).

Graphics processor
Radeon HD 6550D (APU A8)
Radeon HD 6530D (APU A6)

Just look at the schema of the Llano GPU portion to understand how AMD differentiates two products. Each SIMD engine contains 80 ALU and is associated with 4 texture units. by disabling a firm transforms the Radeon HD 6550D a Radeon HD 6530D.

A small loads and already a delay

While the initial launch of the Lynx (Llano to desktop) platform contained already four models, AMD has just announce that models 65 watts, i.e. the A8-3800 and the A6-3600, would be available only later, at an indefinite date. We have therefore more than two processors to test, the A8-3850 and the A6-3650, two 100-Watt models and without Turbo Core.

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Iomega Prestige 1 TB USB 3.0/USB 2.0 Desktop Hard Drive 35180

The Iomega Prestige Desktop Hard Drive USB 3.0 is a fast and affordable solution for all your storage needs. Ideal for adding capacity to your system, this stylish drive offers a sturdy metal construction and included stand. It's the easiest way to save photos, music, videos and more! Iomega USB 3.0 drives are backward compatible to USB 2.0 using the same cable, so enjoy fast speeds now if you have a USB 3.0 computer, or use USB 2.0 and be confident you can upgrade later! AES 256-bit hardware encryption is built-in to secure your data at home, in the office or at school. Iomega Protection Suite is included with solutions to easily backup your data and protect your computer and online experience. Software available via download. A 3-year limited warranty is included with product registration.

Price: $102.39

Click here to buy from Amazon

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Western Digital My Book Essential 3 TB USB 3.0/2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive

Put your digital life on the sleek, high capacity My Book Essential external hard drive. With WD quality and USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity, this drive is designed for today with tomorrow in mind. Visual backup software and password protection with hardware encryption ensure your data is protected. Lightweight and easy to carry, this drive is ideal for fast storage to go.

Price: $249.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

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