Expect More with the Fujitsu LifeBook LH700 and LifeBook LH530

Usher in the cooler months with two new Fujitsu LifeBook notebooks – the LifeBook LH700 and LifeBook LH530. Reach out to the LifeBook LH700 to up your style quotient and stay effortlessly connected to your friends.  If you are seeking a trustworthy solution that caters to your daily essential usage without being hard on your pockets, the LifeBook LH530 makes the perfect choice.

Sydney, Australia: 12 April, 2010 – Fujitsu announces the release of the Fujitsu LifeBook LH700, a stylish companion ideally suited to make any Generation Y-er outclass and outperform his or her peers and the Fujitsu LifeBook LH530, a good-looking notebook that any casual or newly-initiated user can depend on for various work and personal tasks. Both of these notebooks are also equipped with the latest, newly-refreshed, Intel® processor technology.

“Fujitsu builds notebooks that cater specifically to the needs of our target users.  Young adults who are new media aficionados will have their desires exceedingly fulfilled with the LifeBook LH700 whilst any casual or new PC user will have their needs adequately matched by the LifeBook LH530,” commented Mr. Ivan Chan, Country Director, Fujitsu PC Australia.

FUJITSU LIFEBOOK LH700

Every inch of the Fujitsu LifeBook LH700 screams premium style.  The exterior is beautifully custom-finished with high-gloss in either pink or white.  What’s more, it comes with the latest colour-themed keyboards – a pearl white keyboard for the white LH700 and pink keyboard for the pink version. The premium look is further accentuated by an elegant chrome themed infinity logo, chrome-ringed touch panel and a chrome-hinge design.

This chic beauty is big on functions as well, being equipped to entertain with its superior graphic and video performance. The LifeBook LH700 comes with the NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics with 512MB VRAM and a SuperFine 14.1-inch Back-Light LED wide screen which allows for optimum brightness and clarity that translates simply to excellent picture quality for movie enjoyment. The built-in NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology has the ability to accelerate applications up to 10 times faster than the CPU. What’s more, you can expect easy editing of HD movies and the new drag-and-drop transcode feature built into Windows 7 will allow for automatic transfers of the videos for viewing on portable players for your ultimate convenience. In addition, users will benefit from reduced power consumption when surfing the web, writing emails or using word processor applications with this new generation notebook graphics.

Noting its target users, the LifeBook LH700 is also equipped with a veritable set of communication tools that allows for one to easily keep in touch with friends in any region or time zone. The LH700 features Bluetooth® v2.1+EDR, a 1.3 Mega Pixel camera and built-in microphone for Skype and Messenger applications. The one-touch button on its application panel also allows direct access to the webcam, making it extremely convenient to use.

FUJITSU LIFEBOOK LH530

Newly initiated or casual PC users will have an easy time with the LifeBook LH530 as it fulfills basic operation tasks while being easy on the pockets. Equipped with Windows 7 operating system, the latest refreshed processor technology from Intel®, the LH530 gives even a novice user a huge uplift in personal productivity and competency.
Like the LifeBook LH700, the LH530 endows its users with great communication capabilities with its Bluetooth® v2.1+EDR, built-in 1.3 Mega Pixel camera and built-in microphones for Skype and Messenger applications.

Apart from its user-friendliness and ultimate convenience, the LifeBook LH530 has a glossy surface in Glossy Black that gives it that stylistically winning edge. This slim-designed LH530 has a specially designed keyboard made for ease of use and perfection.

Fujitsu remains firmly committed to the promotion of a cleaner environment and complies with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive (RoHS) across its entire range of products. In addition, Fujitsu has established a set of commitments that goes beyond RoHS requirements, thus allowing it to stay keenly focused on its customers’ health and well-being as well as to embrace a healthier environment for all. By adopting a green factory concept and being committed to the cause of energy-efficient computing, Fujitsu also fights to sustain the Earth as a sponsor and a member of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative.

Pricing and availability – Fujitsu LifeBook LH700
Vendor: Fujitsu PC Australia
Model:  LifeBook LH700
RRP: from A$1,349
Website: http://au.fujitsu.com/pc
Customer Care Hotline: 1800 288 283
Distributors:  Bluechip Infotech and Multimedia Technology
Availability: Now

 
LH700 Specifications

    
The above information shows the general technical specifications of the product and does not represent actual configuration. For specific configurations and their availability, please check with your local distributors.
1 Results obtained from BAPCo? MobileMark?2007(Productivity Workload) performed on systems with maximum  battery life settings under laboratory testing environment.  Actual battery life will vary based on screen brightness, sound volume settings, running applications, connected peripherals, power management settings, battery conditioning, and other customer preferences in the real life situation. Built-in bay device or hard drive usage may also have a significant impact on battery life. Note: Battery life is based on Intel® Core i5-520M  processor.
2 Please check actual bundling with country local distributor. i7-620M refers to (2.66GHz, 4MB L2 cache, 1066MHz), i5-540M refers to (2.53GHz, 3MB L2 cache, 1066MHz), i5-520M refers to (2.40GHz, 3MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB) and i3-330M refers to (2.13GHz, 3MB L2 cache, 1066MHz FSB).
3 8GB DDR3 1066MHz maximum memory is supported when Fujitsu recommended 4GB DDR3 1066MHz memory module is made available.
4 This term does not represent actual data rate of 1000/100/10Mbps and simply indicates compliance with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3ab standards. Actual maximum data rate depends on network configurations, cable conditions as well as connected devices.
5 Maximum shared memory depends on system memory capacity and system configuration. Under Windows 7 64-bits environment, maximum 1695MB shared memory on 8GB/4GB system, and maximum 729MB shared memory on 2GB system.
6 Spill-resistant keyboard does not imply the system is water-proof.  If liquid is spilt onto the keyboard, power off the system immediately and turn the notebook upside down to drain off the liquid.
7 This refers to Window 7 hard disk drives C:\ and D:\. 50/50 refer to approximate 50% allocation of user accessible hard disk storage to C:\ and D:\ drives. For Windows 7 hard disk drives, 16GB will be reserved for internal recovery usage which is not shown.
8 UpdateNavi is a Fujitsu Proprietary application that updates LifeBook drivers by connecting automatically to Fujitsu’s server. This will help update your LifeBook with the latest software drivers and utilities to ensure compatibility between hardware and software, maintaining smooth operation anytime, anywhere.
9 Supports DVD multi formats such as DVD-RAM, DL DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, CD-R and CD-ROM.
10 RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances) compliance means the system and its internal components comply with the EU RoHS directive (2002/95/EC) on the restricted use of six hazardous substances in the manufacture of the system and its internal components
11 Microsoft Office Professional 2007 60-day Convertible Trial needs online activation to begin. 60-day starts from day of activation.
12 It is natural for all thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal displays (LCD) to show a small number of missing or discolored dots.  These are commonly known as non-conforming pixels. This is a technology limitation of TFT LCD and does not represent a defect. Fujitsu warranty does not cover limitations in technology such as non-conforming pixels.
13 BIOS Lock needs a supervisor/user password to access BIOS setup. BIOS settings can be configured to prompt for password at every first bootup or all bootup sequences. Access to BIOS setupis needed to configure Hard Disk Lock. Hard Disk Lock requires an access key to retrieve data on the hard disk. This is a Data Confidentiality security feature. LifeBook Lock  requires a supervisor/user password to bootup the LifeBook when it powers up or resumes last session from suspend/hibernate mode. Anti-theft Lock Slot allows the use of a lock to physically secure the LifeBook. Full security unlock  sequence – Bootup Lock (BIOS Lock), Hard Disk Lock.
Note: Loss of password requires the LifeBook to be returned to Japan factory for system refresh. Cost of shipment and lost data will be borne by the customer. Backup your user’s profile before changing HDD.
14 Please check actual bundling with country local distributor

Specifications reflected above are engineering and hardware specifications. They do not represent actual usage or operating dimensions, sizes, performances and weights as these are dependent on factors such as operating temperature, type of operating system and application used, connected devices and accessories as well as hardware configurations of the notebook. Please check the compatibility of 3rd party accessories before purchase. Ambient temperature: 5° to 35°C / 41 to 95°F (operating), -15° to 60°C / 5 to 140°F (non-operating). Relative humidity: 20% to 85% RH (operating), 8% to 85% RH (non-operating). Please note that 1GB is equivalent to 1,073, 741, 824 bytes.
Pricing and availability – Fujitsu LifeBook LH530

Vendor: Fujitsu PC Australia
Model:  LifeBook LH530
RRP: from A$1,019
Website: http://au.fujitsu.com/pc
Customer Care Hotline: 1800 288 283
Distributors:  Bluechip Infotech and Multimedia Technology
Availability: Now
LH530 Specifications

    
The above information shows the general technical specifications of the product and does not represent actual configuration. For specific configurations and their availability, please check with your local distributors.
1 Results obtained from BAPCoÒ MobileMarkÒ2007(Productivity Workload) performed on systems with maximum battery life settings under laboratory testing environment.  Actual battery life will vary based on screen brightness, sound volume settings, running applications, connected peripherals, power management settings, battery conditioning, and other customer preferences in the real life situation. Built-in bay device or hard drive usage may also have a significant impact on battery life. Note: Battery life is based on Intel® Core Processor i3-330M processor.
2 Please check actual bundling with country local distributor. i3-330M refers to (2.13GHz, 3MB L2 cache, 1066MHz FSB).
3 This term does not represent actual data rate of 1000/100/10Mbps and simply indicates compliance with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3ab standards. Actual maximum data rate depends on network configurations, cable conditions as well as connected devices.
4  Maximum shared memory depends on system memory capacity and system configuration. Under Windows 7 64-bits environment, maximum 1695MB shared memory on 8GB/4GB system, and maximum 729MB shared memory on 2GB system.
5 Spill-resistant keyboard does not imply the system is water-proof.  If liquid is spilt onto the keyboard, power off the system immediately and turn the notebook upside down to drain off the liquid.
6 This refers to Window 7  hard disk drives C:\ and D:\. 50/50 refer to approximate 50% allocation of user accessible hard disk storage to C:\ and D:\ drives. For Windows 7 hard disk drives, 16GB will be reserved for internal recovery usage which is not shown.
7 Microsoft Office Professional 2007 60-day Convertible Trial needs online activation to begin. 60-day starts from day of activation.
8 Supports DVD multi formats such as DVD-RAM, DL DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, CD-R and CD-ROM.
9 RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances) compliance means the system and its internal components comply with the EU RoHS directive (2002/95/EC) on the restricted use of six hazardous substances in the manufacture of the system and its internal components
10 UpdateNavi is a Fujitsu Proprietary application that updates LifeBook drivers by connecting automatically to Fujitsu’s server. This will help update your LifeBook with the latest software drivers and utilities to ensure compatibility between hardware and software, maintaining smooth operation anytime, anywhere.
11 It is natural for all thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal displays (LCD) to show a small number of missing or discolored dots.  These are commonly known as non-conforming pixels. This is a technology limitation of TFT LCD and does not represent a defect. Fujitsu warranty does not cover limitations in technology such as non-conforming pixels.
12 BIOS Lock needs a supervisor/user password to access BIOS setup. BIOS settings can be configured to prompt for password at every first bootup or all bootup sequences. Access to BIOS setupis needed to configure Hard Disk Lock. Hard Disk Lock requires an access key to retrieve data on the hard disk. This is a Data Confidentiality security feature. LifeBook Lock  requires a supervisor/user password to bootup the LifeBook when it powers up or resumes last session from suspend/hibernate mode. Anti-theft Lock Slot allows the use of a lock to physically secure the LifeBook. Full security unlock  sequence – Bootup Lock (BIOS Lock), Hard Disk Lock.
Note: Loss of password requires the LifeBook to be returned to Japan factory for system refresh. Cost of shipment and lost data will be borne by the customer. Backup your user’s profile before changing HDD.

Specifications reflected above are engineering and hardware specifications. They do not represent actual usage or operating dimensions, sizes, performances and weights as these are dependent on factors such as operating temperature, type of operating system and application used, connected devices and accessories as well as hardware configurations of the notebook. Please check the compatibility of 3rd party accessories before purchase. Ambient temperature: 5° to 35°C / 41 to 95°F (operating), -15° to 60°C / 5 to 140°F (non-operating). Relative humidity: 20% to 85% RH (operating), 8% to 85% RH (non-operating). Please note that 1GB is equivalent to 1,073, 741, 824 bytes.

About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is a leading provider of IT-based business solutions for the global marketplace. With approximately 175,000 employees supporting customers in 70 countries, Fujitsu combines a worldwide corps of systems and services experts with highly reliable computing and communications products and advanced microelectronics to deliver added value to customers. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited reported consolidated revenues of 4.6 trillion yen (US$47 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. For more information, please see: www.fujitsu.com.

Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment unleashes the announcement trailer for this spring’s highly anticipated title, F.E.A.R. 3. Officially announced on Friday, F.E.A.R. 3 marks the return of the blood-curdling, paranormal first person shooter franchise to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows PC in spring 2010.

The third instalment of F.E.A.R. delivers a heart-pounding paranormal horror experience, showcasing intense combat, compelling narrative and divergent co-op play that evolves the franchise. Alma returns for F.E.A.R. 3 but this time her sons Point Man and Paxton Fettel will be playable as two distinctly unique experiences in co-operative play. To further ensure extreme terror in F.E.A.R. 3, legendary horror mastermind John Carpenter (Halloween) and critically acclaimed horror comic and script writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) provided consultation.

http://www.whatisfear.com/

Salt Lake City, UT: April 9^th, 2010

Archon:Classic, which is a faithful remake of the 1983 classic game, “Archon” has finally made its way to the PC again thanks to React! Games. This remake first appeared on the iPhone in June 2010 to great success, climbing to number 3 in Strategy Games on the App Store within 10 days of release.

“We’ve learned a lot from the success of the iPhone version, which has helped us optimize the PC design to be even better.” says Chad Lee, owner of React! Games.

Archon combines the strategy of chess with the action of a shooter. Players take turns moving pieces on a checkered board then when pieces are challenged, they are teleported to a combat arena where they must fight in real-time battle. The winner of that battle claims the square.

“The allure of Archon is that even a lowly Pawn, in the right hands, can take out a Queen. It perfectly combines Strategy and heart-pumping action. It is the original Battle Chess, only you control the pieces doing the fighting.” says Lee.

Archon:Classic for the PC supports 4 players, Team or Free-For-All modes, Various different boards, Pieces that level-up, Power-Ups, Secondary Abilities and is optimized to even play on older machines and netbooks. One of the major additions is what is called “Conquest” mode, which is a one player campaign that features over 60 quests and many puzzle elements.

“Our Pre-Sale community has been really enthusiastic about the addition of Conquest. Some players reported spending over 16 hours before finishing all the quests, then found themselves going back again to beat old hi-scores. It adds a great value to the franchise.” reports Brad Moss, Lead Designer, when asked about the reception of this new addition.

Archon:Classic is available now for $14.99 on the company’s website and various portals around the world such as Impulse, Gamer’s Gate, Xgames and others.

React Games is a privately owned company.

For more information, visit React! Games at www.reactgames.com and the official Archon:Classic website at www.archonclassic.com

Includes Multitasking, Folders, iBooks, Unified Inbox & More

Sydney, Australia – 9 April 2010 – Apple today previewed its iPhone OS 4 software and released a beta version of the software to iPhone Developer Program members. The iPhone OS 4 beta release includes an updated Software Development Kit (SDK) with over 1,500 new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and over 100 new features that will be available to iPhone and iPod touch users this winter (Aus season). New features include Multitasking for third party apps; Folders to better organise and access apps; improved Mail with a unified inbox, fast inbox switching and threaded messages; enhanced Enterprise support with even better data protection, mobile device management, wireless app distribution and more; Apple’s new iAd mobile advertising platform; and iBooks, the delightful new ebook reader and online bookstore recently debuted on the iPad.**

“iPhone OS 4 is the fourth major release of the world’s most advanced mobile operating system,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’re delivering over 100 new features, including multitasking, folders, a unified inbox, deeper Enterprise support, and an iPhone version of our iBooks reader and online iBookstore.”

iPhone OS 4’s new multitasking offers users a new way to quickly move between apps, and provides developers seven new multitasking services to easily add multitasking features to their apps. These services include background audio, so apps like Pandora can play music in the background, and VoIP, so VoIP apps can receive a VoIP call even when the iPhone is asleep or the user is running other apps. iPhone OS 4 provides multitasking to third party apps while preserving battery life and foreground app performance, which has until now proved elusive on mobile devices.

Folders help users better organise and quickly access their apps. Simply drag one app icon onto another, and a new folder is automatically created. The folder is automatically given a name based on the App Store category of that app, such as “Games,” which the user can easily rename. Using folders, users can now organise and access over 2,000 apps on their iPhone. Users can also create and manage iPhone folders on their Mac or PC using iTunes 9.2.

iPhone OS 4 delivers the best mail experience on a mobile phone with its new Unified Inbox, allowing users to see messages from all their email accounts displayed together in a single inbox. With just a few taps, users can quickly switch between inboxes to see messages from any single account. In addition, users can now thread their messages by conversation, making it easier to stay on top of email discussions, as well as open email attachments with compatible apps from the App Store. 

iAd, Apple’s new mobile advertising platform, combines the emotion of TV ads with the interactivity of web ads. Today, when users click on mobile ads they are almost always taken out of their app to a web browser, which loads the advertiser’s webpage. Users must then navigate back to their app, and it is often difficult or impossible to return to exactly where they left. iAd solves this problem by displaying full-screen video and interactive ad content without ever leaving the app, and letting users return to their app anytime they choose. iPhone OS 4 lets developers easily embed iAd opportunities within their apps, and the ads are dynamically and wirelessly delivered to the device. Apple will sell and serve the ads, and developers will receive an industry-standard 60 percent of iAd revenue.

The iPhone OS 4 beta release includes a developer preview of Game Center, which contains a set of APIs that allows developers to create apps with the ability to invite friends to play a game, start a multiplayer game through matchmaking and track achievements and compare high scores on a leader board. Apps created with GameKit APIs will work with Game Center, Apple’s new social gaming network available to iPhone and iPod touch users later this year.

New enterprise features in iPhone OS 4 include improvements in security, scalability and compatibility. The new Mobile Device Management service can be integrated with third party servers to wirelessly configure, query and even wipe or lock managed iPhones, and iPhone OS 4 enables enterprises to securely host and wirelessly distribute their own in-house developed apps to employees. The new Data Protection feature uses a user’s passcode as an encryption key to protect mail messages and attachments stored on the iPhone. iPhone OS 4 now provides the option to set a longer, more complex passcode, making iPhone and its data even more secure. iPhone OS 4 allows IT managers to set up multiple Exchange ActiveSync accounts, is compatible with Exchange Server 2010 and includes support for forthcoming SSL VPN applications from Juniper Networks and Cisco.

Today, more than four billion apps have been downloaded from the revolutionary App Store and more than 185,000 apps are available to consumers in 90 countries. Over 85 million iPhone and iPod touch users around the world can choose from an incredible range of apps in 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel.

Availability
The iPhone OS 4 beta software and SDK are available immediately for iPhone Developer Program members at developer.apple.com. iPhone OS 4 will be available as a software update to iPhone and iPod touch users this winter (Aus season).* A version of iPhone OS 4 will be coming to iPad later this year.

*Some features may not be available on all products. For example, Multitasking requires iPhone 3GS or third generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB).
** iPad will be available in Australia late April. iBookstore is available in the US.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

FOR MICROSOFT XBOX 360, PLAYSTATION®3 SYSTEM AND WINDOWS PC
 DIVERGENT CO-OP EVOLVES THE HORROR FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER FRANCHISE WITH CONSULTATION FROM HORROR MASTERMINDS JOHN CARPENTER AND STEVE NILES

Sydney, Australia – April 9, 2010 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces F.E.A.R. 3, a heart-pounding paranormal horror first person shooter unleashing intense combat, compelling narrative and co-op play that evolves the franchise. F.E.A.R. 3 is set to release on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC in spring 2010.

Alma returns in F.E.A.R. 3 but this time her sons Point Man and Paxton Fettel introduce divergent co-op, giving players distinctly different abilities affecting their own play as well as the experience of their co-op partner. Gamers participate in single player or co-op modes as Point Man, a genetically enhanced super soldier originally introduced in F.E.A.R., or they can play cooperatively as his conniving brother Paxton Fettel, whose incredible telekinetic power has given him life beyond the grave. The game is developed by Day 1 Studios, developer of the original F.E.A.R. console games in collaboration with Monolith Studios.

 
“Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is evolving the F.E.A.R. brand with top horror, co-op and first person shooter combat in F.E.A.R. 3,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “Monolith Productions has passed the torch to Day 1 Studios to create a quality, powerful game that stays true to the roots of the F.E.A.R. franchise but takes players to a heightened level of gameplay.”

To further ensure extreme terror in F.E.A.R. 3, legendary horror director John Carpenter  (Halloween, Village of the Damned) and critically acclaimed horror comic and script writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) have provided consultation to enhance several of the game’s frightening aspects. Steve Niles co-wrote the game script with the development team and John Carpenter provided his expertise in crafting the in-game cinematics.

“After working closely with Monolith, Day 1 is honoured to bring the next iteration of the F.E.A.R. franchise to gamers with key elements of the past games yet providing fresh combat and horror experiences in F.E.A.R. 3,” said Denny Thorley, Founder and President, Day 1 Studios. “Players can look forward to new features such as divergent co-op, an evolved cover system, and more scares in F.E.A.R. 3.”

For more information about F.E.A.R. 3, please visit www.whatisfear.com.

# # #

About Day 1 Studios

Day 1 Studios is a premier independent developer whose vision is to create revolutionary, interactive entertainment through the application of superior design, artistic, and technical processes. Day 1 Studios created and developed the award winning MechAssault series for Microsoft and Xbox LIVE. Day 1 is currently developing products for Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Microsoft platforms at their studios in Chicago, IL and Hunt Valley, MD. Additional information about Day 1 Studios can be obtained at www.day1studios.com.

Melbourne, 9 April 2010 – More and more of us would like to use our personal computer at work, but how can companies allow that while keeping their internal networks secure? AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd, the distributor for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific of the award-winning AVG Anti-Virus and Internet Security software, shares its thoughts on this.

Did You Know?

• End users, not the IT department, will be responsible for 50 percent of business IT procurement in 2010
• Virtualisation specialist Citrix has a “Bring Your Own Computer” program which saves the company money
• One-third of the new generation of workers want to choose their hardware and applications

Why Traditional Anti-Malware Solutions Are No Longer Enough

Given the P in PC stands for ‘Personal’, it’s not surprising that many consumers have a close relationship with their computer in a way that isn’t traditionally associated with other appliances. Very few heated conversations over coffee centre around one brand of one washing machine being cooler than another. Conversely, put a Mac and PC fan in close proximity, and things will eventually get ugly.
This emotional bond to personal technology – which also extends to mobile phones, MP3 players and notebook computers – means businesses have increasingly had to adjust to requests from staff to use their own technology at work.

According to research by technology analyst group Gartner, by 2010, end users, not the IT department, will be responsible for 50 percent of business IT procurement decisions. Management consultants Accenture focused their research on a group of young workers it calls “Millennials” and found around one-third of this new generation of workers not only wanted to use the computer of their choice at work, but also wanted control of the applications they use too.

“The message from Millennials is clear: to lure them into the workplace prospective employers must provide state-of-the-art technologies,” said Gary Curtis, managing director of Accenture Technology Consulting. “And if their employers don’t support their preferred technologies, Millennials will acquire and use them anyway.”
Businesses are reacting to the trend towards personal technology at work in a variety of ways. For the more traditional firms, the idea of giving staff carte blanche to bring their own technology to work is totally unacceptable. Allowing an employee to bring his or her sticker-festooned game-spec laptop to work is tantamount to a written invitation to stop working and indulge in personal surfing during business hours. More progressive companies realise that allowing personal computers in the office is just another step in the blurring lines between work and home.

However, while some companies might want to reduce the restrictions on consumer technology at work, there are issues that go beyond cultural concerns – namely IT security. The requirement to standardise technology across a company has some financial benefits in terms of volume buying, but studies by some companies have shown that giving staff a stipend to buy their own device and effectively support it, can result in a lower cost than realising the savings from large scale procurement and paying IT support staff to maintain the devices.

Instead of focusing on saving cash, some companies insist on a homogeneous approach to PC procurement across the business, as it is perceived to be the easiest way to ensure that PCs and mobile phones can be secured effectively. The more standard the hardware, the more easily it can be monitored, patched and updated centrally.

The emergence of so-called virtualisation technology however, offers a potential solution to the problem of allowing staff to use their own technology without compromising the security of the company’s network and data. Traditionally, desktop computers have only been capable of running one operating system at a time, but with virtualisation, they can run multiple instances (virtual machines) of the operating system on the same piece of hardware.

Analysts like Gartner advise companies to use this virtual machine (VM) approach to effectively create a safe compartment within an employee’s personal computer, or even mobile phone, so that any interaction with the company’s network is limited to that safe-zone. Instead of loading company applications onto their home machine – and creating licensing issues – staff can access a secure and virtualised set of applications held on the company’s servers. This also prevents users from infecting the company network with any malware that might be on their machine, and from copying and storing sensitive data outside the firewall.

Gartner believes that there are other strong motivations for organisations to consider employee-owned notebook programs based on a locked and well-managed VM approach: “They provide a mechanism for ‘containing’ the operational environment of existing rogue users. This category usually consists of executives and key knowledge workers, whose personal influence is sufficient to be able to flout corporate policy (with exceptions permitted on the basis of trust).”

Businesses that are already using a virtualised approach to managing employee-owned devices include Citrix, which launched a “Bring Your Own Computer” program in 2007. This plan makes use of the company’s own virtualisation technology to allow staff to use their own hardware at work. Employees install software called the Citrix Receiver onto their computer, and are then able to access corporate applications and data securely.

The increasing adoption of virtualisation for desktop machines means that more and more companies may be able to cut the ties between hardware and software and allow users to bring their own technology to work. However, as technology becomes more prevalent, it unfortunately becomes a greater target for hackers and cyber criminals. As you can imagine, the personal connection between computers and their users is unlikely to diminish anytime soon, so as the bad guys find the chinks on the virtualisation approach, the security community will strive to evolve fresh ways to protect the devices we need and love.

Lloyd Borrett, Marketing Manager of AVG (AU/NZ), said, “This kind of thing was seen as sheer madness by IT departments a few years ago as they focused on standardising everything. But now more applications used by staff at work and home are available in a web form, such as e-mail. The trend toward cloud computing means it will be quite difficult to stop the blurring between work and home life from happening.

“Companies need to embrace this change and begin to address the governance challenges so as to minimise security risks,” Borrett continued. “They should encourage their staff to use a comprehensive security solution on their computer, like AVG Internet Security, and include it as part of their remuneration package.”

About AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd — www.avg.com.au 

Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd distributes the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security products in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. AVG software solutions provide complete real-time protection against the malware, viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits used by cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG protects everything important and personal inside computers — documents, account details and passwords, music, photos and more — all while allowing users to work, bank, shop and play games online in safety. AVG provides outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for consumers, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG delivers always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktop, and notebook PCs, plus file and e-mail servers in the home and at work in SMBs, corporations, government agencies and educational institutions.

AVG products actively protect over 110 million users worldwide, including more than 4.6 million users in Australia and New Zealand.

AVG (AU/NZ) has more than 3000 resellers across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Presenting the next step forward in open-world multiplayer.  Watch the all-new Gameplay Series video devoted entirely to Multiplayer Free Roam mode in Red Dead Redemption – where the enormous single player world is your game lobby.   Ride across the plains, team up with other players to assault gang hideouts, join organized games, challenges… Form posses to ride, hunt and deathmatch together… and much more. 

See the proper first unveiling of Red Dead Redemption multiplayer in high definition at the official Red Dead Redemption website and at the Rockstar Games site Videos section.  Stay tuned for the next part revealing the game’s Competitive Modes – coming soon.

Q: What do transvestite dragons, Dodge Omnis and 32 ounce steaks have to do with Obsidian Entertainment?

A: They are all things closely related to esteemed Creative Director Chris Avellone.

Intrigued? Pull up a beanbag chair and prepare yourself — and your beef — for an Avellone assault in our latest Inside the Vault Q&A session.

What’s your job at Obsidian?

I’m Creative Director. I direct creativity, sometimes in a positive direction. I also ask “why should the player give a crap?” a lot.

What games have you worked on?

I worked as a level designer/senior designer on Fallout 2, the Icewind Dale series (all of them), Dark Alliance, Champions of Norrath, Neverwinter Nights 2 and Mask of the Betrayer, and as a Lead Designer on Planescape Torment, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (man, that’s a long title), and Alpha Protocol. Currently working as a senior designer on Fallout: New Vegas.

I also did a lot of writing for Hero Games’ Champions back in the day, which was good times.

What is the best part about your job? The worst part?

Best part of the job is knowing I can run down the hall and jump into my bean bag couch. The worst part is that I can’t sleep on it because it gets too hot in the office at night.

Any fun facts you’d like to share about Obsidian?

All of our desk drawers are designed to be rolled out and used as extra seats. The rollers also mean that if we wanted to, we could have a demolition derby in the halls, although I can’t confirm that in a public forum.

How did you get into the industry? Do you have any tips for breaking in?

I was traded for $300 worth of software. My advice? Be persistent and work hard. Eventually some editor, developer, or someone with more money than you will get into trouble and need your help to fill a gap in their pipeline or product line for a ridiculously low price. This ridiculous price will still end up being more than what you’re making at a job you may love a lot, however, as happened to me. After that, all you need to do is drive across the United States to the opposite coast in a failing Dodge Omni. True story.

Thus far, what’s been the highlight of your career?

Threatened by Ron Perlman. He was just tired. In the next game we had him in, I had the privilege of telling him he was playing a transvestite dragon. Great times. Fearful times.`

Actually, I take that back. Being in the studio with Sheena Easton was great, she’s funny and tells great stories.

What would you say is your personal favorite game of all time?

Tough, some old school choices: Chrono Trigger, System Shock 2, Wasteland, or Ultima Underworld 1.

What games are you looking forward to?

Fallout: New Vegas… and Heavy Rain.

What makes you get out of bed in the morning?

My alarm clock and the shakes I get if I don’t get my endorphin fix from early morning aerobics.

Worst job you’ve ever had?

Campus center supervisor. Which still wasn’t bad. Greatest job aside from game design? Role-playing a criminal in Hogan’s Alley at the FBI training facility in Quantico, VA. Nothing beats an instructor coming by and saying, “today, you are going to be a kidnapper – take this gun and meet with your gang at the pool hall.”

Any other hobbies and interests? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy defying gravity with heavy weights, runs in April through mud with a Viking Helmet on, doing cartoons for the back pages of Knights of the Dinner Table, writing the occasional Star Wars comic, and concocting various horrible mixed drinks.

We’ve heard you can put away a 32 oz steak and have plenty of room for desert. Is competitive eating an ambition for you?

While you’re asking the question, I’m halfway through the next steak, my friend.