Hi everybody, the first item is a link to the first pictures of AMD's upcoming (A)M2 socket on a MSI mainboard. For those who don't know, this socket is on AMD's first DDR2 consumer platform and is due either Q2 or Q3: http://gathering.tweakers.net/forum/list_messages/1108517Although 'ancient news' already, the next link contains pictures of AMD's new Opteron socket (with socket 775-like pads): http://balusc.xs4all.nl/frm/list_messages/296Today's 'highlight' the 'Wired Vaporware Top Ten 2005' Motto(s): 'Duke Nukem Forever' forever! & Windows 'Hasta La Vista' http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,701...?tw=wn_index_11Finally, case you missed it in the vaporware link, residents of the EMEA are invited to participate in the 'Guess the (Windows Vista) Launch Date Contest'. http://www.microsoft.com/emea/msdn/betaexp...st/default.aspxBecause Microsoft is short on funds, the first prize is a trip to the Vista launch party for a SINGLE person (economy class flight) and 3 nights in a 4-star hotel (breakfast incl). That's right, computer enthusiasts don't have partners and live in a funny country called the 'EMEA.' :-) Anyway, hope an Avsim member runs away with the grand prix! :-) Good luck and kind regards Jaap

For those interested, here are a couple of links regarding Windows Vista and some of the details and requirements behind it. The general Windows Vista homepage - looks like FSX if you ask me! :-) http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/default.aspxThe 'Designed For Windows' program: http://www.microsoft.com/winlogo/default.mspxThe 'Windows Vista Logo Program' (v.3.0, draft rev. 0.7): http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/winlogo/hwrequirements.mspxAero Glass - the new 3D desktop GUI (in a very brief overview): http://www.microsoft.com/technet/abouttn/s...s_092805_2.mspxUAA - Universal Audio Architecture white paper download: http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/audio/uaa.mspxThe 'Output Content Protection Program' white paper - so you can't tell you didn't know you require a 'decent FlyTendo'! :-) http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/strea...ut_protect.mspxThe 2005 WinHEC List of Tracks and sessions: http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/winhec/track...racks.mspx#EUAAFinally, Register Now! for the 2006 WinHEC in March: http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/winhec/reg06.mspxKind regards Jaap