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THE SECURITY ISSUE

WWW.TECHSMART.CO.ZA
ISSUE 97 October 2011 ISSN 17263358

EDITORIAL & HIGHLIGHTS

The Security Issue October 2011

The rise of the smartphone
s I was playing around with a number of new entry-level smartphones that graced our office last month, it struck me how powerful these devices have become. Only a few years ago, you would have being hard pressed to find any phone with everything from Wi-Fi, 3G, aGPS, push email and a decent camera onboard, not to mention even the evergrowing amount of apps. Now they retail for between R2000 and R3000, carrying almost all the functionality of the higher priced device, only with a slower processor and lower resolution screen. I would like to believe that tablets will soon be heading towards better prices too, and if Amazons recent announcement of the 7" Kindle Fire, retailing for a mere $200, is anything to go by, there are some difficult decisions for a number of tablet manufacturers lying ahead.

17 15

13

Features Security anti-virus round-up

A number of internet security packages have recently been released. We check out the important ones here.

Regulars Big Issue: Windows 8

Microsoft last month gave the world a sneak peak at how Windows 8 will look like. This months Big Issue reveals more about what lies ahead for the worlds most important operating system.

13

Hardware
Enjoy the issue, Mike ([email protected])

Lenovo ThinkPad X1
At long last we got our hands on Lenovos thin-and-light ThinkPad X1. It is their thinnest notebook yet, complete with a next-gen Intel processor.

The Data Recovery and Virus Removal Specialists

15

Hard Drive Failure? Data Corruption?

Data Recovery and Virus Removal performed on all PCs, Macs & iPods etc. Including Hard drives, CDs, DVDs, Camera SD cards etc.
RAID failure? (Assessment fee applies)

Smartphones BlackBerry Bold 9900

The ability to use both the touchscreen and a physical keyboard as input methods is pretty hot right now. BlackBerrys Bold 9900 epitomises this in a thin new body.

17

Unbeatable Service & Turn-Around Time

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. No material, text or photo graphs may be reproduced, copied or in any other way transmitted without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or of the editor. We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their respective owners. TechSmart shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon. All prices were correct at time of going to print. Editor TechSmart & TechSmart.co.za Mike Joubert > 083-290-2889 [email protected] Business manager George Grobler [email protected] Print media manager Suzanne Rall [email protected] Sales Manager Chantell Nell-Marais > 082-780-4696 [email protected] Advertising (Agencies) Carmel Ann Singh > 079-515-8708 [email protected] Designers Brett Wilson, Otto Ueckermann Contributors Mike Joubert [MJ], Hanleigh Daniels [HD], Ryan Noik [RN], Linda Pretorius [LP], Quintin van Rooyen (QvR) Accounts & subscriptions Ronel Keet > 012-362-2732 [email protected] Distribution Renier van Vuuren > 082-555-6866 [email protected]

Call Data Gate & Distribution

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NEWS

Top Tech Titbits

Kindle lights the way for Amazons Fire tablet Nikon now also mirrorless iPhone 5 rumours proved true?

18 meter per second. Travelling speed of the worlds fastest elevators, to be built by Mitsubishi Electric for the Shanghai Tower in China

his month, after much speculation, Amazon unveiled its new Kindle tablet, confirming many of the rumours to be true. Amazons Kindle Fire tablet sports a 7" IPS display, similar to that found on the iPad. It is already being hailed as being exceptionally fast, due to its dual-core CPU. The Kindle Fire has 8 GB of storage space, and while Wi-Fi is catered for, 3G is not. The Kindle Fires biggest surprise though, was its announced price a mere $200 (R1600). Oh, it also strangely enough does not have access to Android Market, although it runs on a customised version of Android. With their own online store behind them, Amazon is expected to make a killing.

ikon this month introduced its new digital camera system, the Nikon 1, calling it their biggest announcement since moving to digital. This makes it the latest company to adopt the mirrorless standard, which combine compact form camera bodies with the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. It also introduced new cameras that take advantage of the system, the Nikon J1 aimed at the casual photographer and the flagship Nikon V1. Standout features include Motion Snapshot, which simultaneously records a slow motion movie and a still image, and Smart Photo Selector, which records 20 high resolution images at high speed and automatically selects the five best shots. The big question is, what will Canon do?

y the time you are reading this, Apples latest iPhone announcement event has come and gone. At the time of writing, it was speculated that two phones will be delivered one the long awaited iPhone 5 and another a potentially lower priced model. But if one thing is for certain though, that there would have been a massive media frenzy about what was (and was not), delivered. So how far off are predictions about the new iPhone 5? These includes an edge-to-edge screen, an eight megapixel camera, the ability to accommodate a mini micro SIM card and a voice reminder feature. Read all about the next iPhone in our next issue.

Hot New Products

Nike Air Mag shoes Remember the Back to the Future movie series? Remember Marty McFlys selflacing Nike Air Mag shoes from Back to the Future II? Well Nike has now actually produced the greatest shoe never made, but only a limited edition 1500 pairs. Why? Well they went on sale exclusively on eBay, with all proceeds going to star of the movies Michael J Foxs foundation for Parkinsons Disease Research. Good money was made, seeing that the very first pair sold (to British rapper Tinie Tempah) fetched a walloping $37 500 ( R284 000). Sony HMZ-T1 Personal 3D Viewer Think 3D glasses are too geeky? Well, you havent seen anything yet. Sonys newly unveiled HMZ-T1 Personal 3D Viewer is a head mounted display that

enables users to view 2D and 3D content. Thanks to two newly-developed 0.7" (diagonal) ultra-small high-definition colour OLED panels it delivers 1280 x 720 picture quality, and due to virtual surround signal processing technology, it provides the acoustical equivalent of a 5.1 channel surroundsound system. This device will allow users to create a cinemalike virtual screen and surround sound experience when it arrives Stateside in November for a $799 (just under R5700). HTC Sensation XE HTC and Beats Electronics have revealed the first smartphone offering a Beats Audio experience, the HTC Sensation XE. This device

sports a 4.3" qHD (540 x 960) Super LCD capacitive touch-screen and is powered by an upgraded 1.5 GHz dual-core processor (compared to the standard Sensations 1.2 GHz dual-core chip). Besides the desirable specs, the HTC Sensation Limited Edition will also boast an enhanced audio experience thanks to Beats Audio, as well as an included pair of Beats headphones. Canon PowerShot S100 We are big fans of Canons S-series compact cameras, so the release of the new S100 came as very good news. The S100 seems like a significant step up from the S95, with Canon now including a faster processor, more pixels, better shooting speed and 1080p full HD video recording. Its minute frame also includes a GPS to geotag photos, perfect for globetrotting. We cant wait to actually test it. R4299, coming in November. 3

SCI NEWS

ECO NEWS

Sci News

Photo by Brett Eloff, courtesy of Wits University

The hand that rocked the Cradle

he world of human evolution has been turned upside down, thanks to bones found at the Cradle of Humankind towards the end of 2008. In an early September issue of the journal Science, a team of scientists describe features that suggest Au. sediba may be the oldest ancestor of us modern humans genus Homo. Reconstruction of an almost complete hand shows that Au. sediba had long thumbs and fairly short fingers, and possibly strong hand muscles. This suggests that although able to deftly clamber around in trees, Au. sediba likely also handled tools with skill. Au. sediba lived about 77 000 years earlier than the Handy man, Homo habilis, which was previously thought to be the start of the distinctly human line of hominins. Learn more about Au. sedibas striking features at www.wits.ac.za/sediba.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

ccording to a recent report in the science journal Angewandte Chemie, the surface of flat mirrors can be manipulated to reflect weird images. Conventional physics laws predict the change in the path of a light ray when it hits a new optical medium. Usually the surface of the new medium is only the boundary. But when a team of physicists shone light onto a silicon surface etched with gold nanostructures, they found that the surface itself also acts as a medium in which the light travels. And depending on the specific pattern on the surface, light reflected in unpredictable ways. This led them to adapt the general equations that describe the path of travelling light. And you thought things never change in physics.

Smart foam

Weird Science
The most vital scientific lessons that need to be communicated: bit.ly/mostnbq Scientists on trial for not predicting earthquake: bit.ly/trialshake

magine foam that doesnt fizzle out to soapy strands in the tub after a while. Its possible, say scientists in a recent article in Science. Studying the properties of a molecule derived from castor oil, called 12-hydroxystearic fatty acid, the team found that mixing it with a specific salt and then adding a little water created foam that lasts for almost six months! By changing the temperature of the water they could manipulate the stability of the foam bubbles. Microscopic analysis showed that at temperatures below 60 C, the saltfatty acid mix produces rigid tubelike structures in the soapy film of a foam bubble, which keeps the bubble stable. Above 60 C, though, the tubes merge into tiny spheres, causing the film to collapse. The finding could be very useful for cosmetics and detergents. [LP] Black hole jets gone wild: bit.ly/blackholejets

Eco News
20 December & 22 December. The US and EU release dates for Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Google shines spotlight on its energy footprint

oogle is working hard to reduce the amount of energy that their services employ. The company stated that in order to provide a user with Google products for an entire month, including search, Google+, Gmail, YouTube and every other Google product, their servers use less energy than a light left on for three hours. Additionally, as Google has been a carbon-neutral company since 2007, even that amount of energy is offset completely, so the carbon footprint of a users time spent using Googles products and services is zero. The company also makes extensive use of renewable energy, such as seawater cooling systems at one of their data centres, and solar panels at their Mountain View campus.

Worlds 1st electric, manned helicopter takes flight

MTN scoops coveted GSCA award

TN Business Corporate Transport and Logistics Solution won Best Project in the over R10 million category, at the Annual Green Supply Chain Awards (GSCA). These awards reward companies making a sustained effort to minimise the environmental impact of their supply chain processes. Our cost effective solution is a first for Africa. It enables totally paperless processes by providing an enterprise mobility platform bundled with cellular data contract, providing all businesses requirements in terms of software, hardware, data, support and services. This system will literally save businesses millions in upfront hardware and software costs while increasing efficiency and productivity, creating paperless processes and reducing waste, explains Nomalanga Nkosi, GM of MTN Business Marketing.

Other interesting eco news

Electric car drivers range fear subsides after three months. tiny.cc/rangefearover

renchman Pascal Chretien, an electrical/aerospace engineer and helicopter pilot, last month took to the air in the worlds first untethered, fully electric manned helicopter flight. Chretien did so in a prototype machine that he designed and built almost completely by himself within a year long development period. During his historical two minute and ten seconds long test flight, he only managed a height of one meter. But he did so beating overwhelming odds against adequate power generation, also pipping aviation behemoth Sikorsky to this milestone, as that company has also been working on its own project to become the first to achieve a manned electric helicopter flight.

US military putting solar panels at 160 000 base locations. tiny.cc/USarmygoesgreen

Switch from coal to natural gas no boon to climate. tiny.cc/gasnobetter 5

INTERVIEWS

Interview: Steve Vosloo, Mobile Impact Evangelist,

requiring the services and support to be provided by an mLab.

mLab
ith smartphones everywhere, the market for apps is exploding. mLab SA, a new regional lab for mobile technology entrepreneurs, application developers and innovators, was recently launched at The Innovation Hub, Pretoria. TechSmart talks to Steve Vosloo, mobile impact evangelist at mLab to discuss this excellent new initiative.

TS: Who is providing the funding for this initiative?

SV: mLab SA and the recently opened mLab East Africa, in Nairobi, are the first of a number of mLabs to be launched around the world as part of the Creating Sustainable Businesses in the Knowledge Economy programme. This is supported by infoDev (World Bank), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Finland and Nokia. mLab SA is also generously supported by the South African Department of Science and Technology.

Access to finance: Linkages with funding instruments such as grants and seed capital, angel investors and venture capitalists. Shared services including reception, internet, test laboratories, etc.

TS: I am a developer, how do I sign up to become part of mLab?

SV: Go to www.mlab.co.za/membership. The mLab SA offers three types of membership: Community, which is free and which anyone can join, and Silver and Gold, for which members pay a fee to access the core services of the mLab SA facilities, and receive more structured support from the mLab SA team and its partners.

TS: What are the benets of mLab for companies that form part of the project?
SV: Here are a few major benefits: Subsidised office space with meeting rooms and excellent internet connectivity. Training and accreditation on mobile technologies and entrepreneurship. Business mentoring and coaching, e.g. assistance with a business plan or mobile app monetisation strategy. Business intelligence, such as privileged access to market research information and knowledge repositories. Testing of mobile apps and services in dedicated test bays, which include handsets and virtual emulators, SDKs, training materials, etc. Certification of applications on key app stores. inevitable, as the company had witnessed less resistance from customers towards adopting tablets, particularly as cellular operators were introducing attractive deals that reduced the cost of tablets and smartphones, also accompanying them with competitive data packages. While South Africa is slightly behind the US and UK in terms of tablet purchases, it is certainly accelerating at a pace we didnt expect, so a slow initial uptake has been superseded by a more aggressive, more informed adoption, he added.

TechSmart (TS): Why the need to start an mLab here in SA?

Steve Vosloo (SV): While there exists an enormous mobile opportunity in the Southern Africa region, there are still challenges to creating a sustainable business in mobile and often the business model is not clear, thus

TS: Why the choice of the Innovation Hub in Pretoria? Would Johannesburg not be better suited?
SV: Last year organisations had to go through a bidding process to host the mLab Southern Africa. The successful bidding consortium consists of four organisations CSIR Meraka Institute, the Innovation Hub, InnovationLab and Ungana-Afrika. Being based at the Innovation Hub was favourable for winning the bid as it supports the building of an ICT cluster in that space. Having said that, we know that the mobile community is distributed across South Africa and so we will have satellite offices in major centres, including Johannesburg. approach. Additionally, they aimed to differentiate their tablets from the competition by striving to produce increasingly more innovative products.

Four. Number of fingers Samsung has in various mobile OS pies, with Windows Phone, Android, Tizen and bada.

Interview: Paulo Ferreira, Head of Mobile Product and Business Solutions, Samsung

Samsung lifts lid on tablet strategy

e sat down with Paulo Ferreira, the head of Mobile Product and Business Solutions at Samsung South Africa, to chat about the tablet and smartphone space and what we can expect for the foreseeable future.

In the future
Whether for corporate use or for general users, Ferreira anticipates that in the future we can expect the features on offer in tablets to only improve. Dual-core processors would give way to quad-core processors, and the inclusion of more memory, higher quality screens, improved battery consumption and faster connectivity are a given. However, Ferreira expects tablets to become more widely available to a broader range of income groups.

Many sizes to t all

Ferreira explained that because of the portable nature of tablets, users gravitate towards devices that are as light as possible, which meant that competition was driving greater innovation around reducing a devices weight as well as increasing its feature set. He continued that the company wanted to offer users as much choice as possible. To this end, Samsungs strategy was to create a portfolio of products that addressed a range of needs and preferences rather than a one-size-fits-all

The first question often asked about tablets, is how will it affect notebook and netbook sales? According to Ferreira, the success of tablets had not yet eroded the market for either, but he conceded that it could in future, as tablet adoption continued to accelerate. This seems rather

To the point
While the debate rages on whether we are entering a post PC era, and whether it is the end of the road for netbooks and notebooks, one thing seems abundantly clear: phones will only get smarter, tablet computers will continue to become more powerful (and thinner) and the technology industry seems destined to become a whole lot more exciting. [RN] 7

FEATURE

The best new internet security packages

To protect
and serve online
Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012
R199 for one user, for one year
rend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012 offers an intuitive interface that is aimed at being easy to install, along with setand-forget security which has cut down on alerts and pop-ups. Additional features include data theft protection, which prevents protected data from going into web pages, email messages or instant messaging, spam blocking and customisable parental controls to keep kids safe online. www.sahara.co.za

Internet security software usually includes all the protection of an antivirus package combined with functionality to enable a safer web browsing and web transaction experience. A number of manufacturers have already released their 2012 editions, and we take a look at the best of them.

VIPRE Antivirus Premium lifetime edition

R450 for one user, for a lifetime version

Kaspersky Internet Security 2012

R399 for one user, for one year
asperskys 2012 edition includes their hybrid approach to PC security, which brings together the latest information about malware threats from the cloud with the security capabilities provided by KIS 2012 installed on the PC. Improvements to parental control ensures safe searches and can also restrict the amount of time kids spend online, while File Adviser checks the safety of a file with one click. www.kaspersky.co.za

IPRE distinguishes itself by offering lifetime licenses, meaning you buy it once and it will keep on updating your software under that license. Others include a year long license, which means the software will keep on protecting the PC, but will no longer update its database. The Premium edition combines anti-virus and antispyware features into a single tool, while a web filter blocks annoying online ads and email scanning ensures clean and clear email. A firewall is included, which can be set up in either the Simple or Learning mode, depending on your techsavviness. www.vipreantivirus.com

Read our full review: bit.ly/kasp12

Bitdefender Internet Security 2012

R363 for one user, for one year
he latest Bitdefender version keeps your conversations on Yahoo! and MSN Messenger private, while it also filters social-networking specific e-threats by scanning links you receive from your Facebook and Twitter stream. Also onboard is the new Rescue Mode that re-boots your PC in a trusted environment when e-threats cant be removed in the regular Windows environment. www.bitdefender.co.za

AVG Internet Security 2012

R299 for two users, for one year
VG Internet Security 2012 offers new protection technologies, computer performance enhancements and content download acceleration. It boasts multilayered protection, utilising signature-based antivirus, heuristics and behaviorbased threats detection, while being the lightest, fastest and smallest AVG product to date. An internet security package well worth considering. www.avg.com/za

ESET Smart Security 5

R538 for one user, for one year
SET Smart Security 5 provides real-time protection against internet threats and social media exploits via Live Grid, advanced heuristic detection technology which flags neverbefore-seen malware, an improved firewall and antispam. The software also scans all USB flash drives, memory cards and CDs/DVDs for malware and features a gamer mode, which postpones all pop-up windows, updates or other activities to conserve resources. www.eset.co.za

Norton Internet Security 2012

R520 for three users, for one year
ey features and usability improvements in the new version include Norton Identity Safe in the Cloud, which protects personal and financial information from cybercriminals, a streamlined interface and a simplified login experience. New Norton Management functionality enables users to manage their Norton products from anywhere, and fix issues remotely, while Norton Insight automatically identifies and blocks never before seen malicious software. http://za.norton.com

SOFTWARE

What you need to know:

Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012

The easy to use Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security web security software package enables you to safely and securely connect to the internet.

s with a variety of other popular internet security packages, Titanium Internet Security 2012 offers all the benefits of an anti-virus solution, along with additional functionality. These added extras ensure that your family can navigate the world wide web in a secure fashion, with the help, for example, of parental control functionality to ensure that children cannot access inappropriate websites or spend the entire day online.

New features

Besides the features usually included with this Internet Security suite, such as a top-notch spam blocker, the updated 2012 package also boasts some new functionality. This includes the Fake antivirus cleaner, that acts as a potent defence against malware posing as antivirus software, while at the same time enhancing overall malware detection and clean-up. A feature that will come in very handy for those with lots of sensitive data on their PCs, is Secure Erase. This enables you to overwrite deleted files with random data. What many users may not realise is that merely deleting files on your PC simply results in the removal of

the directory information used to find the file, while the actual data remains. With Secure Erase you can rest assured that these files have truly been permanently erased. For those doing lots of downloading from the net, the Trend Micro behavioural monitoring module provides proactive protection by checking running processes for unauthorised and potentially malicious changes. Also interesting is the fact that Titanium Internet Security features 2 GB worth of SafeSync online storage. This, like Dropbox, allows you to securely store all of your work documents and multimedia files online, or share it with users that have web-enabled devices. Another new feature not found in many internet security packages is the new system tuner. This improves PC performance by helping users to free up disk space and enabling Windows to start faster.

Conclusion

Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012 offers users a comprehensive security solution with a number of extras not found on other internet security packages. A one PC, one year license edition goes for R199 (incl VAT), which also gives you access to free 24/7 local email and telephonic support.

65%. Year-on-year increase in financial transactions made via Absas cellphone banking offerings.

Norton Mobile Security Your Android protected

With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, the value of the data contained on these devices makes a compelling argument for mobile protection. To this end, Symantec recently introduced its Norton Mobile Security software that is aimed at stopping mobile threats in their insidious tracks.
nstallation of the application was a breeze, while downloading the software took a few seconds, after which it prompted us for our license key. Additionally, the software, which is compatible with Android 2.0 and above, worked without any issues on our later version of Android. The clean and uncluttered interface then presented us with several options in a list form, namely Anti-theft, Anti-Malware, Call and SMS blocking, and Web Protection. further give the option to add trusted buddies who could similarly perform the same functions on your behalf, while you can also choose to wipe the device of its data after ten unsuccessful password attempts. Anti-malware does a background scan of your smartphone or tablet for any malicious code, and we found no discernible impact on device performance when running a scan, taking an impressive 17 seconds to scan 197 files. The Call and SMS blocking feature was similarly uncomplicated and Performance Our biggest concern was how installing a security suite on our device would affect its performance, which luckily remained unaffected, with no discernible slowdown in web browsing or general navigation. While 16 MB is not small for a mobile app, we found Norton Mobile Security to be a wise investment in protecting the integrity of ones data. It retails though for a pricey R400. Full review: bit.ly/norsecmob

You can send an SMS to your device to locate, lock or wipe it.
enabled you to create a block list, using your contacts, call logs, SMS logs or personal input, as the basis for whom would be blocked. The final feature on offer, Web Protection, was equally as straightforward, since you can turn it on to block fraudulent sites, or leave it off and browse without the softwares protection. 11

Feature set Anti-theft enables one to send a text message to your device, in the event of it being lost or stolen, with a password of your choosing, to locate your device via its GPS, lock it or wipe it of all its information. Additionally, this feature

BIG

T HE

Windows 8
players to links to RSS feeds. These tiles are able to provide certain information without having to open it, for example a weather app will show the weather forecast for the next three days directly from the desktop. As with Windows Phone, apps dont run in isolation, as they are able to communicate with each other within Windows 8. For instance, whilst composing an email, users can simply select photos that they wish to attach to the email from different places, the likes of Facebook, Flickr or on their PCs own hard drive. In terms of web browsing, Internet Explorer 10 is said to deliver a fast and fluid touchoptimised browsing experience to Windows 8 users, while just as Apple did with their Mac App Store, the OS will also enable users to quench their app-appetites via the Windows Store. One OS to rule all form factors By offering support for ARM-based chipsets, x86 (as well as x32 and x64) devices, touch and sensors, Microsoft has ensured that Windows 8 will operate on a wider range of devices than ever before. These include the usual suspects, but now also welcoming new devices the likes of 10" tablets as well as all-in-one PCs with 27" HD displays. If anything, Windows 8 acknowledges the massive influence of smartphones and tablets in the way people want to interact with computers. For Microsoft, Windows 8 will be more of a giant leap than the usual one small step. [HD]

At Microsofts Build developers conference, held last month in Anaheim, California, the world got its rst glimpse of the next iteration of the planets number one operating system Windows 8.
t gave a good idea of what Windows 8 will look like, but more importantly, it showed that the OS will be more touchfriendly in order to support the increased importance of tablets, a computing category that completely passed Microsoft by.

Metro Style user interface Microsofts Windows 8 operating system (OS) introduces their new Metro style user interface (UI) as found on their Windows Phone smartphone. Sleek, stylish and refreshingly modern, Metro is better suited to touch, but can be just as easily navigated with mouse and keyboard. Live tiles form the epicentre of the user experience, with tiles able to include anything from different apps, files, media

VIPRE Antivirus Premium lifetime edition Antivirus for the lifetime of your PC
10 million sold. Global channel sales milestone for Samsungs Galaxy SII smartphone.

VIPRE anti-virus is one of the newcomers in the field, but this hasnt stopped the tenacious software package from taking on the big boys, and living to tell about it.

ne of the most annoying aspects of modern anti-virus software is the recurring annual licenses, and this is where VIPRE truly stands out from the

crowd. It is one of the only mainstream services offering lifetime licenses, meaning you buy it once and never again. VIPRE describes itself as being a light-weight, highly efficient anti-virus program that supplies users with all the security features they may need, in addition to not hogging system resources. The software optimises overall performance by

combining anti-virus and anti-spyware features into a single tool. A firewall is included, sporting a myriad of different options which can be set up in either the Simple or Learning mode, depending on your techsavviness. A web filter also helps block annoying online ads while email scanning will ensure clean mail at all times. A VIPRE premium lifetime single PC license is available with an RRP of R450. For more info call Africa SD on 012-665-2513.

Looking to buy a smartphone? Go to techsmart.co.za to read our reviews rst!

HTC Desire S bit.ly/desireshtc

Samsung Galaxy Gio bit.ly/giosamsung

Nokia E6 bit.ly/e6nokia

HTC ChaCha bit.ly/chachtc

LG Optimus Black P970 bit.ly/blacklg

Huawei IDEOS X5 bit.ly/x5huawei 13

HARDWARE

Advertorial

Netshield NVIROMON-1U monitoring system

Access control, environmental control and power management at your ngertips

If protection of a specic room is a priority, the versatile NVIROMON-1U monitoring system should be number one on your list. We delve into its access control, re smothering and environmental monitoring features.
y now TechSmart readers must be familiar with the NVIROMON-1U, a device used to monitor and control the conditions inside a room, detecting whether it is too cold, too hot, too wet or if there are any unwanted gasses or fire. What readers might not know is that this versatile product can also provide full access control, with complete command over who enters the room, when and for what reason. There is even an option of a full security alarm system that can capture images of people entering. Users will be able to see and hear if anything is out of the ordinary; but best of all, it will alert you via SMS if you are not close by.

CONTROLLING ACCESS AND SECURITY In order to restrict access to rooms where sensitive, dangerous or expensive equipment is housed, the NVIROMON unit can be enhanced via certain key equipment: The MULIODCBPSU controls access through the main door. It allows the user to enter with WIEGAND-based technology such as fingerprint readers, WIEGAND interface keypads or Normally Open/Normally Close contacts. This product is installed

inside the room above the door, so that it is tamper proof from the outside. The NIPC930 is an Internet Protocol (IP) Camera that can take photos or videos on demand, for instance every time the push button is pressed or the infrared sensor picks up movement. It has the option of being installed as a wired or a wireless device. The NKPPCR1 device can be installed to read an access card, or an access code can be typed in on the keypad, in order to allow access to the room. For more sophisticated technology the SGMOPTO device scans and reads fingerprints in order to allow certain people access to the room. This Sagem device is installed next to the door to also allow access through fingerprint scanning. With its sophisticated software, SGMINT4, it allows personal record management, image capture, finger registration, reports, etc. Door latching mechanisms, such as the NVMAGLOC300KG with its Z-bracket, NMAGLOCZ300, is used to determine if a door is open or not. The break glass switches and firemans switches allow entry into the accesscontrolled area during or after an emergency.

because fluctuations in these may be harmful to equipment/products/people. To this end, Netshield offers the following: In most cases there are a minimum of two air conditioners in such a room. The NACCU can be used on its own or in conjunction with the NVIROMON-1U. Since it monitors the working and cycles of the air conditioners in the room, it allows certain advantages such as controlling fire by being able to cut off the air flow from the air conditioner remotely. The NAM-SW is mounted on the air conditioner to monitor the airflow. It will alert you with an SMS when the air conditioner doesnt operate anymore. The NTEMPRS485 is a sensor that is connected to the NVIROMON-1U that can measure temperature in the room. In some circumstances it is very important to control temperature, for example in medicine storage rooms or abattoirs. By connecting this product to the NVIROMON-1U the user will be able to receive SMSes on a regular basis regarding temperature change. Furthermore there are also the NBARRS485 measuring humidity, the NH20RS485 that notices floods, and the NPWRRELAY sensor that detects when the power is off. For enquiries on any of these products, contact Netshield on 086-111-4428 or 012-841-0320, or visit www.netshieldsa.com.

70 million. Global milestone for BlackBerry subscribers that Research In Motion surpassed last month.

CONTROLLING THE ENVIRONMENT In some rooms it is important to manage and control the conditions inside the room such as detecting gasses, managing temperature and managing humidity,

+27(0) 86-111-4428 [email protected]

www.netshieldsa.com

14

HARDWARE

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 For serious business

Thin and light, but with a definite business edge. Thats a pretty good description of the new Lenovo ThinkPad X1.
he thin-and-light notebook market is currently experiencing a bit of a boom, thanks to machines that do not sacrifice performance despite having a skinnier frame. Joining these is the ThinkPad X1, Chinese computer giant Lenovos thinnest notebook yet, measuring 17 mm and weighing a very manageable 1.72 kg. Although its not the lightest of thin-and-light out there, Lenovo has managed to trim enough of the excess fat that can turn a notebook bag on the shoulder into a medieval torture device. Despite its thin frame the X1 feels like a solid device, featuring roll-cage protection and now also a 13.3" Corning Gorilla Glass protective screen. Although slightly more reflective than we would have liked, this scratch-resistant enhanced glass does make one feel a bit more relaxed about those bumps and bruises that can often lead to a very expensive to replace cracked screen. Core i5 means business In the engine room of our test machine is the Intel Core i5 2520M dual-core processor running at 2.5 GHz. This processor is very suitable for multitasking and a broad range of high performance tasks. That said, its not as sharp on the gaming side, although the machine offers very good sound thanks to Dolby Home Theatre V4 onboard. One of the strong points of any ThinkPad is some of the best keyboards youll ever have the priviledge to type on. Exactly the same is true of the new redesigned chiclet-style keyboard, which is not only a joy to make use of, but is spill-proof and now also backlit. Despite a solid offering of ports, Lenovo opted to include the majority of them on the back of the machine, making it very difficult to quickly access these when needed. The companys decision to go for a built-in battery instead of a removable one also hinders, since in our experience a battery is one of the first things to be replaced on a notebook. Conclusion Despite these shortcomings, we would feel more than comfortable with the ThinkPad X1 in our notebook bag. It might not be the lightest thin-and-light on the market, but with a very solid feel, uncompromising performance, a damage-resistant screen and one of the best keyboards on market, the X1 did much to impress us. Our version with Intel Core i5 processor retails for R14 999. Full review: bit.ly/x1lenovo

1.13 kg. Weight of Toshibas Portege Z830 Series ultrabook, the worlds lightest 13.3" notebook.

Asus K53SC Medium weight all rounder

The aluminium styled K53SC brings a touch of distinction to Asus mid-range offerings.
he first aspect of the K53SC that caught our eye was the solidity of its aluminum frame, which immediately lends the notebook a sense of durable quality. Beyond this, some subtle patterning on the lid and discrete splashes of brown and silver give the notebook a somewhat formal but nonetheless attractive appearance. The K53SC boasts a full chicklet keyboard with a numeric pad that proved a pleasure to type on. Despite not being backlit, which would have been immensely welcome, our fingers nonetheless found the keys easily, to be met by a firm but satisfying press. The company makes a big deal of its IceCool palmrest feature, in which the internal components of the notebook have been positioned to keep heat away from the palmrest. It certainly works well, since even as we engaged high performance mode for hours on end, neither the keyboard, the ideally placed large trackpad, nor the base of the computer showed any sign of heating up. Power suitable Another noteworthy feature on the K53SC is Asus Power4 Gear software, which enables one to readily switch between one of four modes high performance, entertainment, quiet office and battery saving, in which the notebook varies the maximum processor state, screen brightness and camera devices accordingly. Altec Lansing speakers, two USB 2.0, one USB 3.0 and an HDMI port are along for the ride, along with a DVD drive. Conclusion While weighing in at 2.6 kg, the notebook was not unbearably heavy to carry in our notebook backpack, and at R10 499 the K53SC wont break the bank or your back, while proving to offer an all-round enjoyable computing experience. [RN] 15

Specifications Our K53SC review unit sported Intels second generation Core i7, running at 2.0 GHz, 4 GB of memory and a 500 GB hard drive. The notebook offered general all round admirable performance, proving fast and responsive in our use of it. Also worth mentioning is its bright and sharp 15.6" screen, with a resolution of 1366 x 768 as well as a Nvidia Geforce GT 540 M graphics card, which has 1 GB dedicated video memory for moderate gaming. Features However, as the old Cremora ad goes, the notebooks charm is not (just) inside, its (also) on top.

Neither the keyboard, the ideally placed large trackpad, nor the base of the computer showed any sign of heating up.

SMARTPHONES

LG Optimus 3D P920 3D everywhere

It was surely only ever a question of time before 3D made the move towards our smartphones, with LGs Optimus 3D being the first 3D devices to land on SAs shores.
s LGs flagship device, the Android running Optimus 3D boasts a glasses-free 3D display and can capture and display 3D images and video. With a bright and sharp 4.3" 3D LCD capacitive touchscreen (480 x 800), it is one of the bigger smartphones youll come across this year. capturing in 2D, or 720 at 30 fps when recording in 3D. Once a 3D video has been captured, it can be uploaded directly to a dedicated YouTube 3D channel from the phones Share menu. Features It further boasts a dual-core 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor and 512 MB memory, which accounted for a faultless responsiveness when navigating the interface. Internal storage of 8 GB is also included, but this can be expanded by 32 GB with a microSD card. The phone further features a Micro HDMI port (to connect it to an HDTV), Wi-Fi and aGPS. The only weakness of what is yet another solid phone in LGs stable, is the LG 3Ds battery life, which ran down faster than we would have liked. Conclusion The LG Optimus 3D will retail for R5499, which while expensive, is a fair price in our opinion, considering the quality of the phone and the range of features on offer. The fact that it enables users to view, capture and share their own content, all in 3D, makes it an awesome offering.[RN] Full review: bit.ly/lgop3d

Its clear that the 3D functionality is the phones predominant wow factor and also an impressive conversation starter.

On to the 3D Its clear that the 3D functionality is the phones predominant wow factor and also an impressive conversation starter. It certainly made us eager to play around with the phone and see what it could offer, which turned out to be quite a lot. The phone boasts a 2D and 3D mode, enabling one to view images and play games in 2D or 3D, both of which certainly looked compelling. Two five megapixel cameras situated next to each other make it possible to capture both 3D videos and images. And this worked extremely well, especially 3D video recording, which enables video capture at full HD 1080p at 24 fps when

2nd. Vodacom Tanzania is the 2nd largest operation outside South Africa for the local mobile operator, with over nine million customers.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play The Clark Kent of smartphones

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, otherwise known as the PlayStation phone, is the first PlayStation Certified device and looks like the lovechild of a smartphone and PSP Go.
1 GHz CPU and embedded Adreno 205 GPU graphics processor. Together with 512 MB of RAM, this SoC duo delivers 60 frames per second 3D mobile gaming (although not viewable in 3D like the LG 3D), via the Plays excellent 4" (480 x 854 pixels, 245 ppi pixel density) touchscreen. We go gaming The Play will have access to PlayStation game content provided through the PlayStation Suite, which will be launched by Sony Computer Entertainment later this year. Six preloaded games ensure that you keep your gaming fingers occupied until then, including Crash Bandicoot, Bruce Lee: Dragon Warrior and FIFA 10, with more compared to PS One titles, and we found the gaming experience smooth and the controls intuitive, as expected from a devices with a PS pedigree. However, we also found ourselves wishing that Sony squeezed in a mini analogue stick, which wouldve enabled better 360 movement within games such as FIFA 10, instead there are touchpads included. Other features Also onboard is an auto-focus 5.1 MP camera that captures gorgeous looking photos, but strangely doesnt record HDReady videos. It also features aGPS, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, 802.11n Wi-Fi and only about 400 MB of internal storage space, with an 8 GB card included in the box. Conclusion The SE Xperia Play is a really capable smartphone and delivers an improved mobile gaming experience thanks to its dedicated controls. This smartphone will enable you to replace your old smartphone and PSP with just one device, but for a pricey R6000. [HD]

onning a stylish ivory and silver Clark Kent business suit, the Play fits in neatly with the rest of Sony Ericssons (SE) Xperia Android devices. It measures 119 x 62 x 16 mm and weighs a noticeably chubby 175 g, but this bulky exterior hints at the fact that theres more to this device, becoming evident when you slide out its hidden PSP Go-esque gamepad from underneath the display to reveal its

This bulky exterior hints at the fact that theres more to this device, becoming evident when you slide out its hidden PSP Go-esque gamepad.
Superman gaming persona. Keeping the performance Kryptonite (aka lag) at bay and delivering a supersmooth gaming performance, is the Plays optimised Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 system-on-a-chip, sporting a 16 games downloadable via Googles Android Market. The graphics can be

SMARTPHONES

BlackBerry Bold 9900 Best Bold ever

In contrast to the small step from the BlackBerry Bold 9700 to the Bold 9780, RIM took a more dramatic leap forward with the Bold 9900.
s weve come to expect from the Bold series, the 9900 offers one of the best QWERTY keyboards available, but now also offers a responsive 2.8" LCD capacitive touchscreen to go along with it. Much like the BlackBerry Torch, this allows you to use the keyboard, trackpad or touchscreen to easily navigate your way round the menus. 115 x 66 x 10.5 mm and weighing 130 g, the 9900 is extremely comfortable to hold and pocket-friendly seeing that its the thinnest BB model available. This high pixel density (pixel per inch count) of the touchscreen (640 x 480, 287 ppi) still doesnt match that of the Nokia E6 (328 ppi) or the iPhone 4 (326 ppi) though. BlackBerry 7 OS and features Despite foregoing the current dual-core processor trend, this BB is no slowpoke. Its powered by a single-core 1.2 GHz QC 8655 processor and sports 768 MB of RAM, keeping any hint of lag at bay. Also onboard is 8 GB of internal storage space, Wi-Fi 802.11 n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and a 5 MP camera that can record HD-Ready (720p) videos. RIMs new BlackBerry 7 OS debuts on the 9900, with RIM proclaiming a 40% increase in speed to the previous OS due to Liquid Graphics technology. This new OS also enables some additional features including a faster browser, Near Field Communication and a voice-activated search. We found it noticeably quicker to utilise compared to BlackBerry 6operating smartphones, although it looks virtually identical to the previous OS. Conclusion The Bold 9900 sports some excellent specs, while being RIMs thinnest BlackBerry handset and the best looking Bold device to boot. It goes for an RRP of R7694, making it a lot more expensive than the outgoing Bold 9780 and other touch-and-type devices such as Nokias E6 (R4499) and HTCs ChaCha (R2350). [HD] Full review: bit.ly/newBoldreview

Q2s biggest smartphone makers: 1. Apple 2. Samsung 3. Nokia. Q2s largest mobile phone makers: 1. Nokia 2. Samsung 3. LG.

This allows you to use the keyboard, trackpad or touchscreen to easily navigate your way round the menus.
RIMs Bold 9900 sports the familiar iconic BB design, enhanced by a brushed stainless steel frame thats nicely contrasted by the black glossy plastic body. It incorporates a stylish high-gloss glass-weave backplate, covering the battery and slots for the SIM and nonhotswoppable microSD memory card (supports cards up to 32 GB). Measuring

HTC Wildfire S S is for souped-up Wildfire

Smartphone buyers looking for a budget-friendly mobile device no longer have to settle for underpowered devices with unimpressive displays, as this price category is inhabited by some capable performers.
he sturdily constructed and robust HTC Wildfire S is extremely comfortable to hold and almost unnoticeable in your pocket, as it measures in at a 101.3 x 59.4 x 12.4 mm, and weighs a mere 105 g. Its white back-cover is nicely contrasted by a silver plastic finish around the smartphones edges and camera, much like HTCs Flyer tablet. This allows it to come across as a more stylish and upmarket Sensible Skin As a boon to users, Googles latest Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) OS features, as well as HTCs Sense 2.1 skin running atop of it (same as on the Desire S). We are avid fans of the HTC Sense interface that flies between integrated social feeds, the best apps arrangement in the business and intuitive accessibility to numerous functions, all while still retaining Androids familiarity. Our only real gripe with the device is that HTC has opted to power it with a 600 MHz Snapdragon processor, unlike for example the ChaCha or Samsung Gio that includes speedier 800 MHz processors. It unfortunately resulted in the interface becoming noticeably laggy on occasion, detracting from the Navigation, HSDPA connectivity, Bluetooth 3.0 and the ability to include microSD cards (2 GB card included in box). A few years ago this would never have been the case. Final word HTCs Wildfire S features a stylish look and feel and a gorgeous, user-friendly interface, but does unfortunately suffer from some lag. It comes with an RRP of R2888, slightly more than some of the competition. [HD] Full review: bit.ly/htcwilds

Every time we use one of these entry-level devices it amazes us that most of the functionality on higherend devices also features on here.
device than the rather plain black design of the Samsung Galaxy Gio. The Wildfire Ss screen is also much better than the previous Wildfire, now boasting 320 x 480 pixels instead of 240 x 320, while also impressively sporting the more resistant Gorilla Glass, an excellent addition to what is basically an entry-level device. coolness factor that this fantastic skin brings to this budget smartphone. Every time we use one of these entry-level devices it amazes us that most of the functionality on higher-end devices also features here. This includes Wi-Fi, aGPS with voice guided navigation thanks to Google 17

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5 cores. Nvidias Project Kal-El (Tegra 3) system-on-a-chip might be touted as the worlds 1st mobile quad-core processor, but it actually sports a fifth companion core.

Utterly astounding, this beautifully crafted gizmo looks like the kind of thing you might find in Diagon Alley. The difference is you use it to control your telly, DSTV, stereo or any other infra-red device via various abracadabra-ish gestures. There are no buttons, so to change the channel or the volume youll have to wave it around in the air, like a wizard.

NSD Power Balls

Originally designed to improve wrist strength through its gyroscopic forces, the NSD Power Ball is actually a fiendishly addictive, one-more-go competitive device. The increased centrifugal force makes it harder to keep the Powerball spinning at faster speeds

Kandela Candle
Theres always been something rather enchanting and Hogwarts-esque about candles. So its no surprise boffins have finally created one that is activated by a magic wand. Abraca-flickin-dabra!

Handheld Microscope 400x

This 400x 2MP USB Digital Microscope with Hands free Stand is ideal quality to use in different fields, Skin, Hair, Industrial inspection, Education, Print, Textile, Jewellery and Stamp (collections) and more.

i.Fresh NCCO Air Sanitizer

The Air Sanitizer uses NCCO technology that reduces air Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) with 99.6% efficiency in a 200 ft. range, and also reduces the presence of allergens and viruses.

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All Senses Aroma Diffuser a unique product that creates a natural pleasant environment using Aromatherapy , Light Therapy and Sound Therapy.
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DIGITAL CAMERAS

ROUTERS

Canon EOS 1100D A good start

As their low-cost entry-level model, Canons EOS 1100D will do a lot to make amateur shooters love photography.
he Canon EOS 1100D is aimed at those starting out on their photographic journey, or simply the mom-dad looking to capture high quality pictures of the kids. Granted, it does not contain as much functionality as the larger cameras, but depending on where you want to go with your photography, you might never feel the need to step up. camera does not ask you if you want to adjust your aperture; instead it will give you the option to select your background blur from a sharp background, ideal for landscapes, to a blurred background that is most suited for portraits. Also manual If you want to go into more detail, then the Manual setting allows for full

3200. Fake laser print cartridges seized locally by a coordinated strike by local law enforcement officials and HP.

Easy to use When you first look at the back of this 12.2 megapixel camera, the amount of buttons can be confusing. Its not necessary to hit the manual right away (but recommended), since on the top of the camera youll find your mode dial. Many people, even on higher-end cameras, never move away from the simple options provided by this, with the different scene modes (portrait, sport, macro, etc.) almost ensuring you get a good quality picture. Canon has also introduced a Creative Auto mode where some manual adjustments can be made to your picture, explained in an easy to understand fashion. For example, the

Depending on where you want to go with your photography, you might never feel the need to step up.
control over different settings, including ISO (in the 1100Ds case a very good 6400, allowing you to shoot indoors without flash for example), shutter speed (up to a very high 1/4000 of a second), aperture and more. The camera will also, by way of a short description, explain what each of the functions mean a good way to learn about photography. Although the 1100D has a lovely viewfinder, its LCD screen at the back is smaller than the competition, measuring 2.7". You can also record high quality video, in the 1100Ds case the HD-ready 720p and not the higher quality 1080p full HD. If the photography bug has bit you either via your compact camera or your smartphone, the Canon EOS 1100D will provide a massive improvement in picture quality. Its a step in the right direction, thanks to a whole ecosystem of lenses and accessories available, and of course the benefits involved of a larger sensor, interchangeable lenses and faster processor. It retails for R6080 with 18-55 IS II Lens Kit. [MJ]

Wireless networking the Huawei way Different strokes for different folks
In terms of computing peripherals, routers are much like printers in that they arent the most alluring of devices, but they are essential to general connectivity, which means their reliability is crucial.

owever, like with most pieces of technology, a little bit of thought goes a long way, and users are encouraged to identify their personal home networking needs before buying a router.

Huawei E5830 Portable Router in the South African market in areas where fixed line access is limited or impossible. It is here that pairing of wireless technology and 3G coverage come into their own, and can be a boon for those who want connectivity wherever their 3G provider grants coverage. Instead of plugging into an ADSL line, these rely on a SIM card for connectivity. Huaweis stylish white B660 3G wireless gateway is one of the best looking routers available. Unlike 3G dongles one plug into a notebook, the B660 provides internet access to anyone connected via Wi-Fi to this device, thanks to the strong 802.11b/g/n signal. It further features a circular panel on its top, which lights up to indicate power, signal strength and which of the four

Huawei B660 3G Wireless Gateway wired Ethernet ports are in use. With four Ethernet ports available, its also possible to connect via LAN to the device. 3G On the Go For a truly mobile connectivity option though, a 3G mobile Wi-Fi router is ideal. Case in point Huaweis Mobile WiFi E5830, which is not only a pocket friendly portable solution, but also forms a mobile hotspot which anyone with the correct password can use to connect to the internet. At a miniscule weight of 90 g, it is ideally suited for road warriors who want to travel light as much as they need to stay connected. For more information on any of these products, or where to buy them, call Huawei SA on 011-517-9800. 19

Hooked up via ADSL An option always worth considering is an Wi-Fi ADSL router, such as Huawei HG520c ADSL Router router, which plugs into ones ADSL line and offers four LAN ports, a built-in antenna, wireless 802.11b/g/n and a Wi-Fi rate up to 150 Mbit/s. This is valuable for users who tend to do a lot of their internet and online browsing on their wireless devices, such as tablets and smartphones, and require fast wireless speeds that can transfer data efficiently rather than sending them running back to their PC. 3G at home Another option, of course, are 3G modems. These are particularly relevant

Advertorial

SECURITY Web applications are a necessary tool for conducting business in todays connected world common examples include online banking or retail websites. At the same time, these applications can be a signicant liability to enterprise security. Using just one vulnerability in the public facing interface of a web application, an attacker can devastate a business.

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Web App attacks at the mid year

ot only can an attack on a web application affect the back end systems and impact your organisations compliance posture, it can also put your customer data at risk which can in turn cause a public relations nightmare. Newly released mid-year Cyber Security Risks Report 2011 offers insights The HP 2011 mid-year edition of the biannual Top Cyber Security Risks report (bit.ly/hpentersec) features in-depth analysis on web application vulnerabilities and attacks using data from HP DVLabs, Application Security Center and Fortify security units as well as vulnerability disclosure data garnered from the Open Source Vulnerability Database (OSVDB). Key findings from this report include: The numbers of new vulnerabilities being reported is declining. There was a time when zero day attacks exploits that leverage newly discovered vulnerabilities before they can be patched were at an all-time high. However, this report shows an interesting and disturbing trend: the number of new vulnerabilities being discovered in commercial web applications is declining rapidly. OSVDB data reports just over 3000 new vulnerabilities disclosed from January June 2011, which is down about 25% from the same time period last year. The number of vulnerabilities found in actual, production web applications is extremely high. At the same time, data from customer web application scans has shown the number of vulnerabilities found in these applications is still extremely high. For example, the Application Security Center Web Security Research Group (WSRG) conducted scans on 236 static web applications and found that 69% of these contained at least one SQL Injection vulnerability. Whats more, 42% contained persistent cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. But if the numbers of new vulnerabilities disclosed is declining, where are these vulnerabilities coming from? 1. Organisations arent patching preexisting vulnerabilities in commercial web apps leaving low hanging fruit for attackers to exploit; and/or 2. There are a growing number of

Disclosed vunerabilities custom-developed web apps that are rife with vulnerabilities that cant be protected with commercially available security products. The number of attacks on web applications is growing exponentially. HP DVLabs compiled attack data from its network of HP TippingPoint Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) to determine the danger these web applications vulnerabilities pose to information security. For 2011, attacks on web applications have increased by 26% over the same time period in 2010. Looking at all these data points together, its clear that attackers simply do not need to rely on new web app vulnerabilities to launch their exploits. They are able to execute successful and profitable attacks using older information and techniques. This report is intended for IT, network and/or security administrators that are responsible for securing the public facing communication with an organisations customers, partners and employees. In addition to data on vulnerabilities and attacks, the report offers mitigation and risk management strategies for helping organisations address key business objectives including customer privacy concerns, service levels and compliance.

$114 billion. Cost of cyber crime to the global economy annually, plus an another $274 billion due to lost time.

About HP Enterprise Security Solutions

Security is a front-and-centre concern for an Instant-On Enterprise. When you consider the changing workforce, business model evolution and increasing reliance on the cloud, having the right level of visibility and control is more important than ever. Cyber threats are getting more sophisticated and unpredictable than ever before so now is the time to ensure that you have the right security and risk management strategy in place. HP Enterprise Security Solutions combines: an end-to-end approach to governing, operating and optimising security practices the most advanced technology to automate remediation and proactively protect against the onslaught of modern security threats. Working in conjunction with a wide spectrum of technology and service partners, HPs Enterprise Security Solutions are designed to reduce risk associated with financial loss, reputation damage, and audit/compliance requirements. HP Enterprise Security Solutions provide a layered system of defence for the enterprise. HP can help you assess, transform, manage, and optimise across your risk strategy and security operations.

Download the full report here: bit.ly/hpentersec

Whats your next enterprise security move? Now that youve read about all of the most current risks and vulnerabilities, what do you need to do to protect your organisation from them? Get acquainted with HPs Enterprise Security Solutions here: bit.ly/hpesecsol By Jennifer Lake, Security Product Marketing Manager, HP Networking 21

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GADGETS

3D PRINTING NOW FOR EVERYONE

Printing ink on paper is a common enough occurrence in many homes and offices around the world. But how about printing a 3D architectural scale model, or a spare part for a machine, or simply a new-fangled 3D sculpture?
D printing is not a technology destined for the future, in fact you dont need to travel further than Centurion to come across CAD House, a company specialising in 3D printers. Best of all you can actually build one yourself. The company is an authorised importer of UK company Bits From Bytes RapMan 3.1 3D printer (see ad below), and as far as keeping the TechSmart crew enthralled, this printer was up there with any of this years best gadgets. working much like a glue gun. Once the machine has constructed a raft at the base (a flat sheet of plastic filament that can be torn off once done), work on the actual product can start. The machine prints via an adaptive layering process, building the 3D product layer for layer starting from the bottom up. Its an extremely interesting procedure to witness, and for TechSmarts visit, the RapMan was busy with a blowable whistle. It deftly constructed the whistle layer upon layer, taking close to 45 minutes to print the unit.

Print in 3D
The RapMan 3.1 3D printer can print projects 275 x 275 x 210 mm in size, with some of CAD Houses clients using 3D printers to construct concept architectural models, engineering parts, parts for model airplanes and toys. Demonstrating its versatility, a Pretoriabased artist also creates amazing sculptures and jewellery with it. For those looking to build the RapMan 3.1 3D printer from scratch, the device costs R9900, which includes a detailed set of instructions as well as a one year warranty on the product. Call CAD House for more information on the RapMan (or a fully constructed version), on 087-944-2072/3, or visit www.3d-printer.co.za.

8.429 GHz. Guinness World Record for the Highest Frequency of a Computer Processor, set by AMD, surpassing the former record of 8.308 GHz.

Meet the RapMan

The RapMan 3.1 3D printer looks a bit like an oversized Meccano project. With four motors, a controller board and the print head, the RapMan prints whatever CAD (computer-aided design) drawing its provided with via the SD card slot. For the RapMan the actual printing is done via plastic filament that gets fed and melted into malleable strings through the 0.5 mm heater nozzle,

Image courtesy of www.3dsystems.com

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BFB 3000 Plus Single Head

Get ready for the revolution in printing The BFB 3000 has a maximum build area of 275 x 275 x 210mm and a layer resolution of only 0.1mm. Materials include super strong ABS material in a variety of colours, solid and translucent, PLA, HDPE, LDPE, uPVC and PP. The perfect 3D printer for Education, Hobbyists, Enthusiasts and Professionals.

Email: [email protected] Web: www.3d-printer.co.za

23

GADGETS

Efergy Showertime Every drop counts

On average, some 40% of a households water usage stems from the bathroom, with an average five-minute shower using more water than a person from an impoverished community uses in an entire day.
time spent under the shower. Once the device is calibrated after a simple enough process, users can start monitoring their water usage and take controlled showers. Simply press the tick button as you enter the shower to start the timer and once you have reached the set amount of water the alarm on the Showertime will sound. The alarm can be cancelled by pressing the button again if you so wish. The device is powered by a standard Lithium battery and is (quite obviously) water resistant. The Efergy Showertime retails for a recommended R135 from Efergy Technologies. Visit www.efergy.co.za or contact Mark Corry on 011-367-0626.

onitoring your showering times more strictly makes for a useful and easy first step into curbing a much wider problem. The Efergy Showertime is a handy monitor that can curb excessive

P14 LED Lenser flashlight Time to lighten up

Not all flashlights are created equal. Some offer average illumination, others are heavy, bulky and frequently a nuisance to transport. The P14 LED Lenser suffers from none of these deficiencies
he P14 is exceptionally bright, offering a light output of 210 lumens, easily illuminating a large garden at night and even handling complete darkness of Hartbeespoort with aplomb. Additionally, the P14 offers the benefits associated with LED light, namely of a longer life of the bulb as well as improved power consumption, which means having to replace the batteries less frequently. The flashlight also provides a telescopic design and focusing prism, which enables one to open it to its full extent to illuminate a wide area, or narrow the beam down to a small spotlight with one hand. Either way, the beams range encompasses 280 m.

But what about Maglite? While the Maglite flashlights are solid and durable enough to seemingly

withstand any fall, we found our three battery model to have a dark spot in the centre, which only magnified when the telescopic feature was used, which produced a ring of dimmer light. Additionally, the P14 offers two settings, a high and low beam, which is activated by pressing the power button once and twice respectively. Rather than the expensive large A size batteries, the flashlight requires four penlight (AA) batteries, but generously comes with two sets (eight batteries) included. However, the LED Lenser does not have the same heft as a Maglite, nor can it double up as a baton in a pinch in the same way the Maglite can. At 205 mm in length and 383.5 g in weight, the P14 is also pleasingly

transportable, while an included strap further ensures the flashlight wont be accidentally dropped. The P14 also comes with a nifty nylon pouch that can be strapped to ones belt and which keeps the light protected when not in use. To the point The P14 LED Lenser is possibly the best, and the brightest LED flashlight we have used to date. It cleaves it way through darkness, shines with a pleasingly clean white light, and is one gadget that has earned its place in our arsenal of gear. The P14 LED Lenser has an RRP of R600. For more info contact Drew on 082-871-9488 or visit wwwledlenser.co.za. [RN]

Philips ActionFit Sports in ear earphones Sound on the move

Going jogging and need music? Try these on for size.
ere not big fans of in-ear earphones when it comes to exercising, mainly because they have tendency to drop out as soon as we hit the road. The Philips ActionFit Sports in ear earphones actually sticks and no matter the distance, they are still in at the end of the run. There are a number of very nice features to these earphones the most important being that the silicone covers that fit over the earphones are washable and contains an anti-bacterial agent. Sweat associated with exercising has a tendency to creep into the earphones, so its excellent that you can clean these. The earphones also comes with a clip so that the cable does not get in the way, while a handy travel pouch made from breathable material is also included. Three sizes of the silicone caps are include, and while the sound could have done with a little more bass, the Philips ActionFits Sports earphones come highly recommended. It retails for R199.

24

GADGETS

Kymera Wand Remote Control

he Kymera Wand is a TV remote that Harry Potter fans in particular will no doubt appreciate. Shaped like a magical wand, the 355 mm Kymera enables one to control the TV, DStv, stereo system or any other infra-red device via one of 13 gestures. Additionally, various moves can each be assigned a particular function, such as upward and downward flicks to change channels, while pulses confirm gesture recognition. RRP: R799.

Boogie Board Writing Tablet

he Boogie Board 10.5" LCD Writing Tablet is a paperless, electronic alternative to memo pads, sticky notes, sketch books, dry erase boards and other writing or drawing mediums. The board, which is powered by two AAAA batteries, enables users to write and draw on the LCD screen with the included stylus, while varying the thickness of the lines drawn according to the pressure applied. It is also available in 8.5" models. RRP: R599 (10.5") and R399 (8.5").

Both these products are available from The G.A.D.G.E.T. Shop on 012-346-2726.

IR-60M Infrared Camera

16 Channel Embedded DVR

he 16 Channel Embedded DVR (R2844) builds on the eight channel (R1599) DVRs ability to do real time surveillance and record from multiple surveillance cameras. It converts analogue video (NTSC or PAL) received from surveillance cameras and microphones into digital video and records them onto a harddisk drive, with this being done either manually, timed, or via motion detection. There are 16 channels available for input purposes, which should be able to take care of many office surveillance needs. The device can of course be accessed from a PC over the network or the internet.

100 million. Twitter has grown its user base to this number, with half accessing the social networking site on a daily basis.

ooking to enhance your security surveillance in the dark? The Phase 2 IR-60M infrared security camera is capable of capturing video in the dark up to 60 m in light levels of 0 LUX (pitch dark), while its smaller brother, the IR-40Ms infrared range is 40 m. Furthermore the IR-50M can also withstand the elements thanks to being able to operate in temperatures from -10 degrees centigrade up to a blistering 50 degrees centigrade. The IR-40Ms price is R625, while the IR-60M goes for R853.

All these products are available from Phase 2 Direct on 011-444-5956.

Win with TechSmart and Norton Mobile Security for Android!

You can now protect your stuff with Norton Mobile Security. If your mobile device is lost, stolen, or its SIM card removed, you can remotely disable your mobile device to prevent thieves from using it or accessing your private information.

Win! Win! Win! Win! Win!

Sahara and TechSmart are giving away 5 x full copies of Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012!
Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security provides advanced protection for your family so you can connect with confidence. Titanium uses cloud technology to proactively stop viruses and spyware before they reach your computer, so it wont slow you down.

3 x copies of Norton Mobile Security are up for grabs, worth R399 each!
What we said: Norton Mobile Security is one of those apps that we consider a wise investment in protecting the integrity of ones data.
Go to www.techsmart.co.za and click on the Norton competition on the right hand side to enter. The competition runs from 1 to 31 October 2011. Terms and conditions apply.

Not one, not three, but ve copies up for grabs!

To enter go to www.techsmart.co.za and find the competition on the right hand side. The competition runs from 1 to 31 October 2011. Terms and conditions apply.

Titanium protection for a virus-free PC!

25

Advertorial

TRAINING

The CompTIA / Incredible Connection relationship

What are the risks of having no protection? The cost may be far greater than the physical loss of your cherished pictures and all other data, which in most cases cannot be recovered. These days the criminals are after your banking details, even if you have not physically saved those details on your unit. They have means and ways of getting those details by you simply doing a transaction online. Any other advice with regards to computer security? To move forward, you must backup. Backing up your data to an external device should be your number one priority if the data on that unit is of any value to you. If you dont do this, then you only have yourself to blame if the unit crashes and the data is lost. Which CompTIA certifications have been selected to up skill your technical and sales staff? CompTIA certifications such as the CompTIA A+, Network+ and STRATA IT for Sales meet all our needs for our staff employed to provide in-store and on-site technical support and services to our customers. How has CompTIA certification benefited your technical staff? The technical skills in the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications makes our technicians experts in their field. The CompTIA STRATA IT for Sales training and certification has also been extremely valuable, teaching and coaching our techies how to gather information from the customer, enabling them to recommend the best solution for the customers needs. At Incredible Connection, making our customers feel important and special is the real difference.

Behind the CompTIA / Incredible Connection relationship

Incredible Connection started partnering with CompTIA two years ago, and what started off as a partnership to improve the skills of their technical workforce through CompTIA certifications, such as the CompTIA A+ and Network+, soon evolved into a longer-term vision. It includes improving sales and service, but more importantly, enhancing Incredible Connections offering to their customers. Incredible Connection earned the CompTIA A+ Authorized Service Center (ASC) trust mark, the only retailer in Africa to achieve this status. Each applicant to the CompTIA ASC trust mark is required to undergo a meticulous verification process. The CompTIA ASC credential requires a minimum of 50% and up to 80% of the companys technical workforce to be CompTIA certified. A manual credential check is performed to ensure accuracy. Incredible Connection has achieved in excess of 90% CompTIA A+ certification of their technical workforce. For the Incredible Connection customer this means quality technical service.

1280 x 720, 316. The display resolution and pixels per inch of the 4.65" Super AMOLED touchscreen for Samsungs Korea-only Galaxy SII HD LTE.

Computing tips for the laymen

We talk to Basil Arundel, regional technical supervisor (Cape Town region) at Incredible Connection, about computer security and staff training received from CompTIA.
When it comes to computer security, what should the end-user keep in mind? The internet is a vile place full of shady characters that cant wait to penetrate your beloved PC. You cant just sit back and relax thinking that because you have some anti-virus software of sorts loaded on your unit that all will be ok because a buddy or neighbour said that it will work fine. Some anti-virus packages actually provide very little protection. What kind of anti-virus / internet security protection is recommended? If you want to take the protection of your unit seriously, then stick to the tried and tested anti-virus / internet security software out there. These include Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Norton, F-Secure, Panda, McAfee, Trend Micro, CA and Zone Alarm. Which one do you choose? The answer is entirely up to you. These days as far as the removal and protection capability is concerned, there is little to no difference between these and it comes down to which interface you find more pleasing to use.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the worlds information technology (IT) industry. As a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, they focus their programs on four main areas: education, certification, advocacy and philanthropy. For more information on CompTIA or any of their courses, visit www.comptia.co.za or call 011-787-4841. 27

PC MEDIC

INTERNET

PC Medic October issue

Some say he can buy iPhone apps from Android Market, while other believe his Twitter handle contains no @. We call him the PC Medic and hes here to answer your PC related queries.
Hi PC Medic. On Facebook there is one annoying person that keeps sending me spam and posts rude comments. Is it possible to block them as opposed to simply just unfriending them? Lionel on Manage Blocking. Enter the name or email address of the person you wish to block in the appropriate field and click Block. And dont worry, people wont be notified that youve blocked them. Hi PC Medic. Is it possible to download from PC and upload the TechSmart Mag to my iPhone 3GS and read it on the go? I would like to do that, but dont know which app to use to read the Mag on the go. TO Nevhulamba

Hi there. You can indeed block that person on FB, preventing them from viewing your profile or your page from appearing in their search results or friend lists. All you have to do is to go to the Account dropdown menu, and select Privacy Settings and next to Blocked People and Apps click

Hello TO. You can download the free and easy to use PDF Reader Lite app from Apples App Store. It will enable you to download (almost 10 MB) the latest magazine from our site and then read it on the go at your leisure.

Send y info@ our que sti tech sma ons to: rt.co .za

Tips for Windows 7: Reducing eye strain via ClearType

750 million+ & 375 million. Number of active users of Facebook, with 50% of these logging on to the social network daily.

Reading through all your emails, websites and documents can place unwanted stress on your eyes. Other than eating a bunch of carrots, you can also turn on the ClearType tool to improve the readability of the text on

your PCs LCD display. Open the ClearType Text Tuner by clicking on the Start button and then typing cleartype in the search box. Click on Adjust ClearType text and then on Next. On the first page of the tuner, select the

Turn on ClearType check box, click Next and on the next four screens pick the most legible text box and click Next each time until the final page. After clicking Finish, youll get to read text that is a lot more legible.

Web Time Wasters Selected sites to spend some quality time with

bit.ly/interwebnow

www.brainsync.com

www.worldofinspiration.com

www.earthcam.com

The Internet Worldwide

his site can easily be filed under fascinating. It shows a variety of information about the all-pervasive and ubiquitous internet as a whole, and graphically displays facts that you have probably never considered. These include the social networks that are racing against each other for internet domination, the hot spots in the world that are both friendly to and enemies of the web, random facts relating to the net and how many tweets are being published in a day. It is, in short, eye-opening, and gives a staggering view of how much the internet has become part of our lives.

Brainsync
ome to brain wave synchronisation technology, the site explains that it uses sound to guide ones brain into one of a variety of frequencies Gamma (to heighten alertness for studying, for example), Alpha (for stress reduction and increasing creativity), Theta (for meditation) or Delta (for facilitating deep sleep). While the site has several recordings available for purchase, it also has some free recordings on stress reduction and experiencing total relaxation, for example, to download and try out at your leisure.

World of Inspiration

EarthCam

orld of Inspiration is a simple enough site at first glance. But spending some time with it can be thought provoking and dare we say it, inspirational. The site is a collection of quotes from people both famous and less well known, organised by categories, such as Attitude and Outlook, Character, Enthusiasm, Friendship, Happiness, Hopes and Dreams, Leadership, Success, Life and Love. Additionally, its front page highlights the most recent additions. If quotes offer food for thought, then this is one site that could well be likened to a buffet.

f you have ever wondered what life on the other side of the world looks like, or simply dream of faraway places, EarthCam is a fantastic site to visit to answer your curiosity or foster your yearning. The site offers live city views from webcams around the world, and at particular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. It further groups webcams by editors choice, most popular, and the top ten webcams, as well as within categories such as weather, animals and zoos and entertainment.

28

Android Apps of the month

With over 100 000 apps available for Android smartphones at the Android Market, TechSmart would like to help you get to the good ones first. Here are our top Android Apps of the month.

250 & 1000. Daily Twitter limits, with the 1st being for Direct Messages you can send and the latter being for number of updates (including Retweets) you are allowed.

DC Comics
ow about having Batman, Superman, Lobo and a number of other heroes from the DC Comics conveniently on your Android handset? DC Universe is an awesome app allowing for a new comic reading experience on your smartphone or tablet. There are enough comics to download for free, while a number can be purchased for as low as $1. This is a must have for superhero fans.

Wikidroid
ikidroid is the best Wikipedia app available for Android at the moment, allowing for the power of Wikipedia in your pocket. It is cleverly formatted for small devices by making the various headings in an article expandable on demand, allowing you to take in either the summary of a subject or the whole article, without needing to zoom or scroll all over the page. Unfortunately it does not support adding or editing content.

Vlingo Virtual Assistant Robo Defence FREE

he Vlingo voice control app makes it possible to do almost anything on your phone with only your voice. Using the large Speak it button, you can send messages, call people and search the web using only your voice. If you say Reply, for instance, it will reply to a text message with anything you say after the keyword. Also included is an InCar option that helps you manage calls and navigation while driving.

ower defence games have been around since the days of Atari and it was only a matter of time before they made it onto Android. Robo Defence is arguably one of the best examples, and the free version is crammed with enough gameplay to keep casual gamers happy. A mixture of gun, missile and slow-down towers are there to kill the enemy before they manage to reach your base. [QvR]

TechSmart.co.za online poll results

Learn how to instantly boost your business the easy way.

All Business Owners!

It's time that you learn how to advertise your company on: FACEBOOK / LINKEDIN / GOOGLE

Do you think HP pulled their TouchPad too soon?

Yes, webOS has a lot to offer, especially on tablets. No, the future belongs to iOS and Android . It will continue. Look at all the units they shipped with the Fire sales. Well done HP! 38% 38% 24%

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

To advertise in the Business Directory please email [email protected]

Capture your business brilliance

Multi-function Audience Voting Keypads Used for team work, promotional discussions, presentations, conference evaluation, demographically proled data, real time feedback, corporate training, customer surveys, shareholders meetings, risk management workshops. Rental and sales.

2013. Expected date for online game sales to surpass physical retail sales.

By using the MimioPad you are free to move around the meeting room and still able to work interactively with your screen or board. Turn your whiteboard or ipchart into an interactive presenting tool with the Mimio. Capture your ipchart or whiteboard notes to your PC and turn them into text. Used for meetings, conferences, planning and training.

2011 DYMO, a Newell Rubbermaid company

We are currently acquiring new dealers.

Call Business Data Communication Distributor on 082-859-1984, email us [email protected] or visit our website www.businessdatacom.com
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To advertise in the Business Directory please email [email protected]

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

THE INK REFILLING EXPERTS

edible inks R150 per 100g bottle sublimation inks R150 per 100g bottle small & large format inks from R65 cartridge refilling tools/supplies cartridge chips & resetters refillable cartridge sets refill training and business start-ups

[email protected] www.thefillingstation.co.za

March 2012. Shooter fans mark your calendars, as this is when Max Payne 3 will be released.

31

GAMES

Resistance 3 Killing the alien

As one of the most anticipated PS3 titles of the year, Resistance 3 does not disappoint.
esistance 3 begins with a world that is teetering on the brink of its own end. After the events of the first two games (skillfully depicted on the games installation screen), Joseph Capelli is trying to rebuild his life. He wants nothing more than to stay with his wife and child, but instead hes asked to cross the ravaged country to New York to stop the parasitic invading aliens, the Chimera, from opening a wormhole that is freezing the planet and, if left unchecked, will spell humanitys end. be reckoned with, players have more than a few deadly toys to deal with them. The trusty Bullseye features the familiar tagging alternative fire as before, while the Magnums alternative fire consists of explosive rounds that can be detonated at opportune moments to deadly effect. These are quickly supplanted with EMP grenades to handle enemy shields, scrap metal grenades to deal with groups of the enemies and the Chimeran Hedgehog, which we hated running into but loved deploying. All these are but a taste of weapons on offer, as half the fun is progressing through the game and finding the next best way to deal damage. Production Values The game boasts crisp, hyper-real graphics, as well as top-notch sound and smooth gameplay. Resistance 3s storytelling was further enhanced with audio logs of survivors and those fighting against the Chimera, as well as several poignant letters scattered through the games world, which, along with an addictive multiplayer component, kept our hands firmly glued to our controller. Conclusion Resistance 3 is one of those games that begs to be played if you have the slightest interest in sci-fi, action or topnotch entertainment. [RN] Full review: bit.ly/resis3

Always outnumbered, never outgunned Apart from a whispered urgency and building suspense theres always the growing sense of danger just around the next corner. This familiar element of the Resistance franchise quickly erupts into an equally well-known frantic battle for survival, and immediately drew us further into the games bleak but arresting world. Although the Chimera is still a force to

Warhammer 40 000: Space Marine Giant footsteps of a super-soldier

Take two staple ingredients of fantasy and science fiction, namely Orks and space, mix in a three meter super soldier named Titus and some bone-crushing, brutally satisfying combat with both melee weapons and guns, and you have Warhammer 40 000: Space Marine.
he game begins with a rather simple premise the Ultramarines are tasked with quelling an Ork invasion against Graia, an Imperium Forge World, and preventing the Orks from taking control of the worlds weaponry. Bolter, which is a long range sniper rifle and the Vengeance launcher, which shoots fusion charges that stick to walls or enemies. Equally worth mentioning are the melee weapons, most particularly the gory but highly effective Chainsword and the bone-crushing Thunder hammer. Power up! Another nifty addition to combat comes from successfully dispatching your foes, which fills up your Fury meter. Once full, you can activate special abilities or power ups, such as Fury mode, which grants you temporary invincibility, increased strength and has regenerative benefits as well. Theres also the Marksman mode, which slows time down and enables you to more accurately place your shots. This adds a certain amount of finesse to combat, because the Orks can quickly overwhelm you when in vast numbers. Despite being a super-soldier, Titus can die and he does take hits to his health. This can be replenished by stunning and then executing an enemy. The game does have one Achilles heel, and that is the voice acting of the Orks, who so frequently extort Its Space Marines! Kill the Space Marines! that it becomes tiresome. Luckily the environments are often sumptuous and occasionally grandiose, and on the whole, were more than good enough to make us want to continue cleaving our way through them. Conclusion Kudos have to be given to the developers for both marrying a space and fantasy setting, and combining melee weapons and guns together so artfully. It is a large part of what makes Space Marine such a pleasure to play, despite its small flaws. [RN]

Built to blast Space Marine effectively mixes up melee combat with guns, while the games appeal is heightened by the fact that a new weapon or piece of gear always seems to be around the next corner. Although you start the game with the Bolt Pistol, you quickly discover the Bolter, or equivalent of an assault rifle; the Stalker 32

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