Agenda
4:00pm Outside the Square in Nanotechnology (L2 for generic level), TN
4:30pm Desktop System Performance Appraisal (L3 for generic technical to L4 for specific), Edmond
5:00pm Windows Diagnosis (L4 for specific technical issues), Daryl
6:00pm Wine and Cheese

What is Nanotechnology?  How and why is it special?  This is the theme for Outside the Square session and it will provide answers that are extremely easy to understand.  We will relate nanotechnology to semiconductor developments such as the latest Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge processors (see below) from Intel.  We will relate nanotechnology to rare Earth elements such as used in the Toyota hybrid car battery.  We will introduce a new level of network of a smaller scale than LAN and PAN thanks to nanotechnology, and how we command submarines in our blood vessels.   All will happen in 15 minutes. 

Ivy Bridge Processors for Superhawk

Intel has recently introduced Ivy Bridge processors and Compucon Superhawk has just started using Ivy Bridge alongside Sandy Bridge.  What are these 2 bridges about?  For sure, the later model is faster and more expensive.  Can we use Ivy Bridge in Diamond and Diamond Plus?  The simple answer is yes but we shall wait.  Can we use Ivy Bridge in Superhawk Plus?  Yes, but not really.  Does Ivy Bridge relate to server level processors?  Not for the next 12 months.  Something is definitely happening and a mist covers the bridges.  This session is aimed to see through the mist so that we understand how the various system platforms are positioned. This update is necessary for us to continue supplying computers along the FFP and TCO guidelines.

Windows Diagnostic Tools (click here for slides)
Microsoft Windows operating systems typically suffer from file system, registry & start-up bloat as well as disk fragmentation issues- true or false?  These issues are compounded when applications are installed & uninstalled throughout the life of the PC. Uninstalls are typically never cleaned leaving clutters behind.  What about malware in the system?  How to diagnose BSOD?  This session will discuss cleaning, defragmentation, analyze Windows dump files, malware and removal and subsequent clean up, and virtually the whole lot for maintaining a Windows PC throughout its life.  Diagnosis of any problem is inherently driven by visual cues which lead you down a path to a resolution.  It is very difficult to put the procedure on paper, especially when procedures get changed over time.  A seminar session for sharing experiences among a limited number of peers like this occasion will be valuable.