Microsoft reserves 20% of your available bandwidth for its own purposes (suspect for updates and interrogating your machine etc..) Here’s how to get it back:

Click Start–>Run–>type “gpedit.msc” without the “

This opens the group policy editor. Then go to:

Local Computer Policy–>Computer Configuration–>Administrative Templates–>Network–>QOS Packet Scheduler–>Limit Reservable Bandwidth

Double click on Limit Reservable bandwidth. It will say it is not configured, but the truth is under the ‘Explain’ tab :

“By default, the Packet Scheduler limits the system to 20 percent of the bandwidth of a connection, but you can use this setting to override the default.”

Source: Google Community

By Alice Hill
RealTechNews

I have always felt that playing Age of Empires (I, II and III) every day taught me more about business strategy than the combined amount of time training, reading, and on the job learning ever did. But it’s hard to block out a few hours to whip the computer at Age when you’re busy. This is why I was thrilled to find some quick online “business” games that are fun and fast to play.

Hone your skills with these:

–McDonalds
In this Flash game, you are trying to manage the McDonalds corporation. Control the agricultural section, feeding lot, restaurant, and headquarters. Does not contain French protesters or fast food haters.

–Lemonade Stand
One month to prove yourself, a daily weather report, and you set the price and marketing costs. I went broke so fast the first time I played, it was beyond embarassing. Free download version if you can’t stand Flash.

–Hot Shot
This one had me running a comic book store, offering everything from T-shirts and video games, to an outdoor UFO display to bring in the crowds. Lesson learned: running a comic book store is a thankless job.

Source: Inspiration For Internet Entrepreneurs

By Alice Hill
RealTechNews

For as long as I can remember, Dell was the champ. It took the concept of “Build it, Sell it” and turned it neatly around - finding that “Sell it, Build it” worked a whole lot better. Since then Dell has created a super-streamlined supply chain and manufacturing operation that companies from around the world study and marvel over, it made buying direct a legitimate and smart way to shop, and it made Michael Dell a wealthy man. Which is why we are all shaking our heads in disbelief over the news that Dell is envious of Apple’s gleaming retail stores, and has announced that it is going to open up a few stores of its own (in Dallas and New York), at a loss, to get the public awareness up and improve its image.

Here are 5 reasons why we think that is a very bad idea.

1. People Like to Bring Home Their Purchases
If it isn’t a 60 inch TV that requires home delivery, people who take the time to physically go to a store and wade through check out lines and doltish clerks, also like to have something to show for it. A tangible product they can enjoy. A new gaming console, a blender, a new DVD. Dell has announced that its stores won’t carry any merchandise. In my book that isn’t really a store, it’s a super sized kiosk.
More

By Michael Santo
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

According to Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Google has no plans to build a web browser to compete with Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera or any of the other browsers available. Schmidt made this statement during a conference call with Wall Street analysts.

It looks like people have some good browsers choices already,” Schmidt said. “We would not build a browser for the fun of building a browser,” he said.

Google encourages its customers to use a variety of alternatives to Internet Explorer, particularly the open-source Firefox browser. Source: Reuters

We Say: The browser space is pretty crowded. Plus I definitely don’t need more Google software to try out (and to watch stay in Beta for two years or so).

By Alice Hill
RealTechNews

The only business meaner and uglier than the semiconductor business is the world of graphics. Graphics companies fight each other like dogs, and have a tendency to go down in flames even after years of success. Anyone remember #9? For sheer survival alone, ATI should be given props. But now it looks like AMD is licking its chops and is considering purchasing the company in a potential merger that has Wall Street all revved up.

Advanced Micro Devices may be looking to buy graphics company ATI Technologies, a move that would benefit the overall graphics industry, according to RBC Capital Markets. “The synergies of this seem consistent with the recent announcements by AMD to significantly increase capacity over the next few-years,” wrote analyst Apjit Walia in a note to investors Wednesday. “We believe ATI is a rare-buy in the semiconductor space right now given the near-term tie-up dynamics.”

It has long been discussed that the graphics-companies are likely to be bought by one of the microprocessor companies, according to Walia. However, for AMD-rival Intel, a partnership with a graphics company may not be the best idea. “This tie-up might make sense for AMD at this juncture but we don’t think Intel should pursue tying-up with graphics companies and should instead look at the communications-space,” said the analyst. Source: Forbes

We Say: This says more about the PC business than it does about graphics, or mergers. ATI is a smart buy because it gives AMD more to offer as the demand for desktops continues to cool down. With consoles and handhelds requiring an array of graphical capabilities, owing the chips is not a bad place to be, but we can’t help but sigh over ATI’s possible acquisition. Those things never go well. Let’s hope Intel leaves nVidia alone.

By Michael Santo
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

Yes, we’re talking about that Three Mile Island. A security guard was so engrossed while playing a handheld video game that he failed to notice repeated approaches by an inspector during a surprise inspection. Apparently, the game itself was not an issue as employees are allowed to participate in mind-stimulating activities during breaks.

“The issue is not the guard’s use of the video game,” Kathleen McGinty, secretary of the environmental agency, said in a statement.

“The real issue is that his complete absorption in the game distracted him from noticing the repeated approach of our inspector. And that shows why this procedure needs to be changed and these video games disallowed,” she said. Source: AP via USA Today

We Say: This fits into the category of “Duh!”. Yes, his complete absorption in the game, I would tend to agree, is a real problem. No information on if it was a Nintendo DS, a GameBoy, or even a PSP.

By Michael Santo
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

I’m debating whether to tell my wife about this. She is such a Mario fan that this might actually force her to overcome her fear of flying to visit the park.

The Nintendo Amusement Park is a project by three New York University students who want to create a life-size obstacle course based on Super Mario Bros. that lets players strap into a bungee system to jump 12 feet in the air, smash Goombas, collect coins and snag magic mushrooms, just like in the classic video game.

In this first, homemade step, the project consists of a 40-foot-high motorized truss, bungee cords and a military harness to enhance players’ jumping power. Once outfitted with a Mario or Luigi costume, players can pop yellow balloon “coins,” punch a power-up box 15 feet above their head or avoid a Bob-omb that is chasing them. Meanwhile, sound effects sync up with their movements to add to the Super Mario Bros. feel. Source: Wired News

Photo Gallery here.

We Say: These are the same people who created Pacmanhattan, so I’m not surprised. Reading the whole article, it sounds like a real workout. And it would a) require some buy-in by Nintendo, and b) a waiver for injury reasons. But it sounds like it might be a blast!

By: Chief Gizmateer, Gizmos for Geeks
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

If you’re a pasty white geek afraid of facing the sun without SPF 1001 sunscreen, the Geeks have found a gizmo for you (and me!)… the UV Hawk. The device has four skin tone options that help eliminate sunburns dependant on your skin type. The portable device shows accurate UV index and the safe amount of time to spend in the sun. Even on overcast days I bet I should not stay outdoors for more than 1 minute!

The UV Hawk is easy to use. Expose this UV index device to direct sunlight. The display will show the current UV index, your indicated SPF blockage, your designated skin tone, and the current temperature, as well as a countdown timer. When the displayed amount of time elapses, an alarm will sound to remind you to take action to decrease your risk of sunburn. The countdown timer alternates with a percentage display of maximum suggested sun exposure to avoid sunburns.

Source: Gizmos for Geeks