Welcome to the second Packet Networks Newsletter.

Windows 7 is closer, Ubuntu 9.10 “Karmic Koala” is 22 days away, we have a referral programme and we’re collecting your old hardware to build into machines to be donated to charity. Read on for full details.

Windows 7

We are a few weeks closer to the release of Windows 7. The official date set by Microsoft is 22/10/09. On this day they are also releasing upgrade vouchers for the various versions of Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit. It is understood that it will not be possible to apply a 64-bit upgrade to a 32-bit version of Vista, unfortunately.

Packet Networks are taking pre-orders for the upgrade. It is expected that the upgrades will cost in the order of $25. To pre-order, please send an email to info@packetnetworks.com.au with your current operating system version and we will send you the upgrade when it becomes available.

Ubuntu 9.10

One of the most popular Linux distributions, Ubuntu, is releasing a new version in 22 days titled Karmic Koala. Karmic Koala promises improved user experience and faster performance. Download the beta now, or wait and get the official release in 22 days: http://www.ubuntu.com/

Referral programme

Packet Networks have recently set up a referral programme. If you found your experience with us positive, please let your friends, family and colleagues know about us.

If the referred person or business becomes a customer of Packet Networks, you will receive your choice of 1 hour of on-site troubleshooting and support or a 10% discount on your next purchase, up to the value of $120.

Get the potential customer to mention your name or business when they contact us and we will take care of the rest.

If you would like a few business cards to hand out, let us know and we will drop some in the mail to you.

Salvage of old hardware

If you have any old and unused hardware, Packet Networks would gratefully accept it. The collected hardware will be used to build computers that will go to people who need a computer but, for whatever reason, cannot afford one. The only cost to the recipient is for the delivery.

Please email info@packetnetworks.com.au if you have any old hardware that could be used, or if you know of anyone who could benefit from a computer.

Donated laptop

Packet Networks were very pleased to send off a laptop to a gentleman in Queensland who was going into hospital. The laptop was purchased with funds raised by members of the ABC forums (SSSF, Techtalk, and ScribblyGum) and Packet Networks supplied the laptop at wholesale cost. It was great to see a web-community get together and raise money to hopefully make an unpleasant experience a little less unpleasant. Thank you to Mandi Whitten of Weensyweb Design for organising everything.

Budget computer special – valid until 02/11/2009

A great little computer for those on a tighter budget. Built using high quality components, but saving money where possible while retaining a clear upgrade path to more powerful Core2 Duo/Quad processors as they come down in price.

It comes loaded with Ubuntu Linux, saving $145-$290 on operating system costs.

Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core E5300
Motherboard: Asus P5KPL-AM-PS (suits up to quad-core LGA775 CPU)
Memory: 2 x 1GB Elixr DDR2
Storage: 320GB Western Digital SATA HDD
DVD: LG 22x SATA DVD-RW
Monitor: 19″ Viewsonic LCD
Keyboard: Logitech NewTouch
Mouse: Microsoft OEM Basic
Case: CoolerMaster Elite 330 with 420W PSU
Operating System: Ubuntu Linux

$715, inc. GST, pick-up.