Triple-core and quad-core CPUs from AMD are out

These days, we don’t pick out just a fast computer CPU; we have to pick among dual-core, triple-core and quad-core. And between Intel and AMD, too.

Intel was first with double-core and quad-core, and AMD is trying to catch up. What I am reading suggests they have done a good job with the newer chips. The triple-core processor is going to be priced a bit more aggressively than the others, so it may be a good choice to investigate when you’re looking for good horsepower in a desktop computer.

The point of these muti-core chips, by the way, is to run multi-threaded applications better. The extra cores allow processes to function without interruption.

meant to offer a more affordable option to customers seeking a middle ground of pricing between the dual-core Athlon and quad-core Phenom. AMD (NYSE: AMD) claims that the dual core processors offer a 30 percent improvement in multithreaded applications over the dual core chip.

The triple-core family will carry the X3 8×00 product name, and the first two are the 8400 (2.1Ghz) and 8600 (2.3Ghz). Triple-core based systems are expected from computer makers by the end of the month. AMD expects the triple-core chips to run from $150 and up, while quad core chips are $209 and up.

Google’s change to search results presents another marketing challenge

Marketers who work on their search engine rankings know it is a constant challenge to monitor Google. After you work hard to get a good position for your company’s pages, something mysterious can happen and you have to start all over.

Some changes are happening in recent weeks that you may need to investigate if your strategy involves a local marketing strategy. Google is starting to slip maps and other location information into results, and it is affecting everyone. This article explains well what is going on.

PHP 4 development over in favor of PHP 5

Open source development platform PHP is going through a change worth noting. PHP 5 has been out for quite a while now, and if you were starting a project, you would certainly be choosing PHP 5.

But it is now more crucial to avoid PHP 4, because development is ending in that flavor of the application development platform. There are many PHP 4 applications running, and many developers can work with that code. You don’t need to port old apps right away, just be careful to focus on PHP 5 from this point forward.

The social networks top five

One of the bigger trends in recent months is the growth of social networks. If you do marketing on the Internet, it is worth paying attention to these communities because it is becoming a cost-effective way to reach consumers.

It was interesting to see a recent ranking of the top networks on TechCrunch. The others (in order) are Hi5, Freindster, Orkut, Bebo and Imeem.

Friendster is the largest network in Asia with 34 million unique visitors; it is most popular in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United States and Singapore.

These networks are becoming very big business. Bebo sold US$1 billion.