So the “i” series processors (i3, i5, i7 & i9) have been around a while  now, meaning we all know what the options are, right? No. Well at least we know that, say i5s are slower than i7s, right? Erm, no, don’t be hasty now!

Before we start we should be clear that the “i” moniker, followed by it’s relevant number should be understood as a “category” of processor, rather than necessarily indicating performace level.

To try and quantify all this naughtiness I’ve taken all Intel’s public data and done some VERY simple analysis on it (Only because I couldn’t find it anywhere else!)

My (highly subjective) results can be viewed in: PDF, XLS, XLSX or ODS format.

And are summarised in the image below (Click on it for the full size copy);

Intel i Series CPUs Table, Inc. Performance

Also see the following useful links / resources;

Intel’s own tool to help you choose which processor to buy / specify!

Windows Virtual PC Homepage

Setup Virtual PC / Machine & XP Mode in Windows 7

Copying Windows 7 Virtual Machines

Disk Differencing in Virtual PC

Networking Summary for Virtual PC;
You only have a couple of options for giving your Virtual Machine access to networks, to configure these, fully shut down your Virtual Machine and then right click on it from the Virtual PC window, select “Settings”, and then click on “Networking” and select as required;
1. Not connected: No connection to any network allowed.
2. Internal network: Can only network with other Virtual Machines on the same host.
3. Shared networking:  Will NAT behind your own machine (i.e. will be on it’s own subnet)
4. Adapter List: Select the adapter you would like to piggy back. (i.e. it will access networks in exactly the same way \ at the same level as the host does with that networking device / driver).

Running other OSes in Windows 7
Virtual PC is excellent for running any flavour of Microsoft OS, desktop or server, however it is not as good for running non-Microsoft OSes. One of the best ways of doing this is to grab VirtualBox. It’s Open Source, so no cost regardless of role or level, and it’s got a solid community supporting it.

Below is my very simple, clean & clear summary table of the major Greek & Roman gods, something I had suprising difficulty in finding online elsewhere!

For more details of mythological gods see:

- http://www.pantheon.org
- http://www.purplehell.com/riddletools/g-list.htm
- http://messagenetcommresearch.com/myths/names.html

For some excellent diagrams see;

- Greek Gods “Family Tree”
- Greek Gods “Family Tree” (Alternative)
- Roman Gods “Family Tree”

Other Resources;

- Animated World Myths

Just been using “Quick Config” an excellent tool for managing different system profiles in any version of Windows (inc Windows 7). It allows you to quickly & easily change; System, Network, Browser, Application & Desktop settings by swapping between profiles. You can create any number of said profiles, changing anything from a single setting to large parts of your system’s configuration, for use in different offices / client sites / home.

http://intelloware.com

NOTE: If you do want to use it in Windows 7, make sure you run the application as administrator!

I do love a beautiful, useful & informative diagram, and I recently found this one detailing how many years worth of raw resource use we have left on earth… fascinating… worring…

Some useful ITIL resources;

Developers & Maintainers (OGC)

Official Site

Official Certification Body (APMG)

Summary Process Map (Best Printed on A3) (Requires Personal Information)

Best UK Residential Course!

VOTES:
Cons : 36% of the vote
Labo : 29% of the vote
LibD : 23% of the vote

REPRESENTATION:
Cons : 47% of the seats
Labo : 40% of the seats
LibD : 9% of the seats

DISPARITY:
Cons : 47% of the seats : +11% MORE seats than votes
Labo : 40% of the seats :+11% MORE seats than votes
LibD : 9% of the seats : -14% LESS seats than votes!!

Nuff said!

Proportional Representation is the ONLY way forward. Or are we really saying that, in this election, Conservative & Labour voters are 25% more important than Liberal Democrat voters??

Click below to find out more and sign one of the official petitions!

http://www.avaaz.org/en/fair_votes_now/?vl

The sites below will help you find the free / open source replacement for that piece of paid for software you think you can’t do without; (Sites roughly in order of usefulness)

1. http://alternativeto.net
2. http://www.osalt.com
3. http://www.opensitesolutions.com