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28 February 2010
Reducing your ICT footprint just got a whole lot easier
Three new energy super-star desktops for your business
Now it's even easier to choose an energy-efficient desktop for your business, with our new fit-PC2 bundles:
We've chosen the best available components to save you the effort and time.
These packages include everything you need to get going quickly and easily:
- fit-PC2 desktop computer, with Windows 7, Windows XP or Linux
- energy-efficient LED monitor from BenQ, using a tiny 18W
- keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless)
- speakers
- external USB DVD drive
- cables and accessories (adapters, mounting bracket, security enclosure)
The whole bundle uses 70% less electricity than a typical set up with a regular PC.
It's convenient, guaranteed to work together and super sleek.
Isn't it time you made the switch?
Visit our catalogue now or call us on 1300 859 799.
Getting impatient for the fit-PC2i to arrive?
So are we!
Full production is now estimated for June.
We expect to have stock sometime in April.
If you're desperate for a sample in the meantime, we can organise one for you.
Tired of your ALIX 2-3's forgetting the time?
All of our ALIX 2-3's now have real-time clock batteries (RTC).
So if you need your firewall or server to be time and date aware, pick one up today.
Annoyed by credit card surcharges?
Well, we don't charge one. Not even for American Express!
Why should you pay more for paying by credit card? There's no hidden extras in our checkout.
Shop with confidence with your Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Diners Club card today.
How to get your net5501 to play nicely with your CF card and SATA hard drive
Some CF cards stop the net5501 recognising the SATA disk.
SanDisk Ultra CF cards made between July and mid December 2009 are affected by this.
To work around this problem:
- Set the CF card as the secondary drive
- Boot from the CF card
Step 1 - Set the CF card as the secondary drive
- Connect to the serial console on your net5501 with a null modem cable
- During the POST (power on self test), press Ctrl-P to enter the BIOS
- Type:
set FLASH Secondary
set BootDrive 81 80 F0 FF
reboot
Step 2 - Boot from the CF card
To automatically boot from the CF card, in Linux using grub as a bootloader, edit your /boot/grub/menu.lst file to look like this:
serial --speed=19200
terminal serial
timeout 5
default 0
title Linux with CF and SATA
root (hd0,1)
kernel /vmlinuz root=LABEL=ROOT_FS console=ttyS0,19200n8
initrd /initrd.img
Or make the matching changes to your bootloader in other operating systems.
For added flexibility, you can add a second boot menu option with hd0,0 as the boot drive, which will allow you to boot if there is no SATA drive present.
If that's all too hard, or it doesn't work for your set up, you can return your affected SanDisk Ultra or Ultra2 card for a replacement. Please contact us first.
31 January 2010
How to save thousands by changing your PC's
Improve your green credentials and your bottom line
Replacing your regular PCs with fit-PC2s will save you thousands, through:
- Reduced electricity usage
- Less air-conditioning required
- Buying new PCs less often
To learn more:
A two-year warranty is now standard - these boxes are built to last.
Also now in stock:
Make a small change, make a big difference.
Are you waiting on the fit-PC2i?
Designed for server and routing applications, the fit-PC2i has the same energy-efficiency, size and durability as the fit-PC2.
It has:
- 2 GigE ports (with 4 USB ports instead of 6)
- a serial port (instead of the IR receiver)
- 2GB RAM
- optional 4GB onboard flash
- auto-on as standard
Although release was promised for January, manufacturing delays mean that it will now be ready in March.
 How to keep your fit-PC2s safe
Prevent theft of your fit-PC2 by attaching it to a monitor, desk or wall with our security enclosure.
Use a Kensington-style lock and cable to secure your fit-PC2, while allowing access to the front and rear.
Now available in black and stainless steel.
Looking for 802.11n wireless cards?
Good news: This new wireless standard was ratified in October 2009.
Bad news: We won't be stocking any products until they are more widely supported under Linux and Windows.
Struggling with your SanDisk CF cards?
The architecture of the 'Ultra II' range has changed (and they've been rebranded 'Ultra').
So you might have to rebuild your Compact Flash card images to get them working again.
Alternatively, you can download one of our prebuilt O/S images for free, or add one for free to your next order.
And our 4GB and 8GB cards are cheaper this month.
Plus we have a new 16GB Ultra CF card as well.
Want more out of your pfSense installs?
Version 1.2.3 is now available.
Its great new features include:
- package support, so you can add extra features bundled for you by the pfSense team
- dual boot capabilities, so if you mess up your image, you have a spare
Add it to your next order for free or download a free ready-made image and install it yourself.
And learn how to become a pfSense master with:
Three great reasons to buy from Yawarra
- Brilliant service
"You should be very proud of your service. Makes some larger organizations look shabby indeed. Keep up the great work. Thanks."
- Fast delivery
"The most responsive online supplier I use. Keep up the good work!"
- Quality products
"Trouble-free setup and solid reliable hardware. I'll be recommending your products to any of my customers that are looking for routing solutions that are beyond that of basic consumer products."
Visit our catalogue now or call us on 1300 859 799.
25 November 2009
fit-PC2: It IS easy being green
 If our website looks a bit different, it's because we've gone "green" to celebrate the arrival of the energy-efficient fit-PC2 desktop computers.
These new, ultra small, ultra lower power fit-PC2's are now in stock, so you can order one now.
We've also added the fit-PC2, network (diskless) to our range. This one doesn't include a hard drive, leaving you free to boot it over the network and operate it as a thin client, or add your own 2.5" SATA hard drive and your operating system of choice.
Ideal for office desktops, point-of-sale (POS) systems, information kiosks, internet cafes, classroom computers and home entertainment, the fit-PC2 has full high definition (HD) capabilities and can run Windows and Linux.
And if your organisation is looking into "Green ICT", the fit-PC2 is an easy and effective solution for reducing your computing energy requirements, without sacrificing performance or functionality. Replace your old energy-hungry boxes with these mini PCs in every classroom, office and shop, and watch your electricity usage plummet.
Check out our size comparison photo to see just how small the fit-PC2 really is. And if you're in Melbourne, give us a call to arrange a time to see one of these tiny computers in person.
Visit our fit-PC2 information page for more details on these ultra tiny, very shiny, super cool PCs.
Exclusive: fit-PC2 security enclosure
We've added a whole pile of accessories to make your new fit-PC2 even easier to set up and use.
  Firstly, we have designed and manufactured an innovative, extremely useful security enclosure for the fit-PC2.
This is a simple, easy to use, enclosure for the fit-PC2, made from steel for strength and durability, designed to reduce theft of these impressively small computers.
The enclosure comes in two parts, and is fast and easy to assemble and install.
The enclosure uses the standard fit-PC2 VESA bracket to attach the fit-PC2, but then completely covers the whole computer for security, and its connections if required.
It can attach to the back of a VESA monitor, or if you prefer, it can be screwed to a bench, wall or something else equally solid.
It has capacity for a Kensington style locking cable, as well as a hole for a standard padlock.
Heaps of fit-PC2 accessories
Also available is a VESA compliant bracket for mounting a fit-PC2 onto the back of a monitor.
We've managed to source a very handy miniSD to microSD adapter pack, which also includes a microSD to SD adapter, perfect for use with the fit-PC2.
There's also a miniUSB to USB A adapter, which you can use to convert a miniUSB port to a standard USB A port. This is very handy for plugging in standard USB devices to the front ports of the fit-PC2.
And finally we have some HDMI cables, so you can connect your fit-PC2 to the HDMI input on your screen.
A veritable cornucopia of fit-PC2 accessories!
Mikrotik E44 discontinued!
In breaking news, we've just heard that Mikrotik have discontinued their IN/E44 4-port ethernet card.
Bummer!
We're pretty much out of stock ourselves, but we will try and get hold of any leftovers if we can.
If it suits your particular application, we do still have plenty of LAN1641 4-port ethernet cards.
net4801's on sale - 30% off!
We've decided to clear our range of net4801's, so everything is now 30% off!
Jump in now and grab yourself a bargain, because these prices will only be available while our stocks last.
Once we're sold out of net4801 products, we won't be getting any more, because the net4801 is end-of-life.
Check out these super bargains in the catalogue.
Please note that no further discounts apply on these items.
FAQ: What is C-Tick compliance?
 Anyone who imports equipment into Australia is considered to be the manufacturer by the ACMA and is therefore responsible for ensuring that the equipment complies with the relevant Australian standards for electromagnetic interference (EMI).
We are registered with the ACMA as an importer/manufacturer of equipment and all our ALIX, net, fit-PC2 and miniPCI products come with the required C-Tick labelling to indicate compliance with Australian regulations. Our ACMA supplier code, as listed beside the C-Tick logo on our products, is N14401.
It is illegal for us to sell equipment that does not bear a C-Tick label, and it is also illegal for us to C-Tick label equipment that has not been tested against the applicable standards.
For useful answers to other questions you might have, please visit our FAQs page.
Tips & tricks: Changing the root password on the Linux fit-PC2
In order to add extensions or plugins to the default browser (Firefox), or install any other software on the fit-PC2 with Linux, you'll need to reset the root password.
This is generally a good idea anyway for security purposes. You may also want to change the password for the 'fit' user for the same reasons.
To change the root password on the Linux fit-PC2, open up a terminal window as the 'fit' user and type:
sudo passwd root
and you'll be prompted to enter a new password.
To test that you have the password right, type:
su root
and enter your newly created password.
If you can su, then the password has been successfully changed.
Need we remind you not to choose an easily guessed password? No? Excellent!
Fantastic feedback: Apparently, we rock!
We'd like to share with you some of the fantastic feedback we've received from our customers:
"You sell products that rock, your communication rocks, you guys rock. Thanks!"
It's great to hear we're doing things right. To read more fantastic feedback, visit our customer comments page.
Christmas & New Years hours
 To help you plan ahead, here are the important dates for our end-of-year period again:
Tuesday, 22 Dec, 1:00PM - The absolute latest you'll need to place (and pay for) your order by, if you want it to arrive before Christmas.
You'll need to order even earlier if you're outside of the Express Post area (ask us if you're not sure), or if it's a large order. Of course we'll happily process your last minute order, but we just can't guarantee it'll arrive in time. So get in early, OK?
Wednesday, 23 Dec, 1:00PM - When we close for our Christmas break.
Wednesday, 13 Jan, 9:00AM - When we reopen after our Christmas break.
You're more than welcome to place orders via the website during this period, but we won't be answering the phones, shipping orders, or responding to emails until we reopen.
We won't be sending another newsletter until January, so have a great holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you again in 2010.
Happy Holiday Season!
29 October 2009
fit-PC2: The personal computer has evolved...
 With a tiny carbon footprint to match its size, the powerful 1.6GHz fit-PC2 uses only a tiny fraction of the power of a standard desktop. The world's smallest desktop PC is built to last, ultra-reliable and super-quiet.
Ideal for watching movies, music streaming, IP telephony, file serving and virtual workstations, the new generation fit-PC2 is flat-screen TV friendly with full high definition (HD) capabilities, 1920x1080 video playback and an infra-red receiver.
The fit-PC2 is ready-to-go straight out of the box, pre-installed with your choice of Windows XP, Windows 7 or Ubuntu Linux, so you don't have to hassle with installing operating systems.
This mini computer also has remarkable connectivity, with Gigabit networking and six USB 2.0 ports so you can connect your existing peripherals with a minimum of fuss.
The fit-PC2 is an easy and rewarding way to demonstrate your commitment to "going green".
You have to see it to believe just how small the fit-PC2 really is. So if you're in Melbourne, call us to arrange a time to see one of these tiny computers in person.
We fully expect strong demand for these devices, so if you want to get your hands on one of our first units, pre-order yours today!
Visit our fit-PC2 information page for more details on these ultra tiny, very shiny, super cool PCs.
SanDisk CF architecture has changed
It seems that SanDisk have recently changed the architecture on their range of Ultra II Compact Flash cards, and as a result we've had reports from some customers of unusual CF behaviour. Specifically, the new architecture means that the CF cards are now fractionally smaller than before, so if you've been using an image that was created on one of the old CF cards, you may now find that it doesn't fit. Also, we have had a report of SATA hard drives not playing well with the new CF cards in the net5501.
We are currently in discussions with our CF card supplier about what to do about the issue, so if you think you have been affected by it and have been scratching your head wondering what is wrong, please feel free to contact us.
FAQ: Can I get a discount for buying in bulk?
Yes, you can. Our quantity pricing starts at 5, and we're also happy to discuss your particular needs. Please contact us for more information or a quote.
We also offer reseller and OEM pricing, so if you'd like to offer our products to your customers, or use our products in yours, please let us know and we'll see what we can arrange for you.
For useful answers to other questions you might have, please visit our FAQs page.
Tips & tricks: A multitude of payment options
In case you didn't realise, you don't have to use a credit card to buy from us.
You can pay for your order by direct deposit, cheque, money order or credit card, and we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards.
We're also happy to email you a proforma invoice to pay on if you prefer. A proforma invoice is basically a draft invoice (like a quote, but for an actual order), which gives you a chance to check the invoice details, such as delivery address, freight charges and product options, quantities and pricing. When you're happy with the invoice, you make payment, and we then send you an official tax invoice (or a commercial invoice) when we ship the goods.
To read more, please visit our payment methods page.
Fantastic feedback: "You can't feel the quality in a photo"
We'd like to share with you some of the fantastic feedback we've received from our customers.
"I've been using a pfSense firewall for years and recently required an alternative solution to running a computer 24hrs a day to both electricity, space & reliability requirements. I was a little unsure at first as the price is quite expensive but after receiving the ALIX 2-3 it was very evident why. Whilst the pictures you have on the website are very good you cannot hold or "feel" the quality of a photo. These units are exceptionally built and look great. As an IT Solutions provider now I have seen the quality and professional service provided by Yawarra I will be recommending all new & existing clients install Yawarra (pfSense) firewalls. When I placed my order it was originally for a blue unit. Within hours of placing the order I received a phone call stating that they were out of blue units but had all other colours available. As the colour of the unit is completely secondary I was very pleased to get the option to change the colour instead of having to wait. Thank you again."
It's great to hear we're doing things right. To read more fantastic feedback, visit our customer comments page.
Christmas & New Years hours
Is it that time of year again already? I'm sure we just had Christmas. But with less than two months to go, it's time to start thinking about it again.
To help you plan ahead, here are the important dates for our end-of-year period:
Tuesday, 22 Dec, 1:00PM - The absolute latest you'll need to place (and pay for) your order by, if you want it to arrive before Christmas.
You'll need to order even earlier if you're outside of the Express Post area (ask us if you're not sure), or if it's a large order. Of course we'll happily process your last minute order, but we just can't guarantee it'll arrive in time. So get in early, OK?
Wednesday, 23 Dec, 1:00PM - When we close for our Christmas break.
Wednesday, 13 Jan, 9:00AM - When we reopen after our Christmas break.
You're more than welcome to place orders via the website during this period, but we won't be answering the phones, shipping orders, or responding to emails until we reopen.
Thank you, and please come again.
27 September 2009
Rackmount ALIX 1
 This month we bring you the fabulous, the amazing, the incredibly useful rackmount ALIX 1.
With a unique modular design, the rack mount ALIX 1 allows you to add your choice of PCI cards while maintaining a highly polished appliance like feel, so your clients know they're getting a purpose built solution, not just another beige box.
The combination of small size, add-on flexibility, super low power consumption, polished look and feel, and extra reliable design make the rackmount ALIX 1 the perfect platform to base your solution on. Make an ADSL gateway, a multiport router, load balancer, firewall, or VOIP telephony system.
Run the rackmount ALIX 1 from solid state compact flash or add a 2.5" hard drive in less than a minute using our cleverly designed mounting board, for storage of voicemail, logs or whatever you need to store! An internal power supply is included, with a standard IEC power connector ideal for hosting environments.
New pictures of net5501 "XL" case
We've added some new pictures of our great looking net5501 "XL" case.
Here's what great about our net5501 "XL" case:
- powdercoated in a stylish gloss black, with matching hex screws
- designed specifically for the net5501 board, with no modifications required
- access to the second serial port via a serial extension cable to a DB9 connection mounted in the rear of the case
- space for a full-height PCI card, mounted above the board, and includes a flexible riser and mounting hardware
- captive nuts for the case screws prevent stripped threads
- an SMA punchout to suit a pigtail and antenna for wireless use
- mounting holes on the underside of the case for attaching DIN rail clips (sold separately)
- made from aluminium so it's light yet durable, with excellent heat dissipation qualities
- manufactured right here in Australia
Look at it in more detail on our net cases page.
LPT port available on ALIX 1 "XL"
Our fabulous ALIX 1 "XL" now has the option of adding an LPT port (a parallel port) in lieu of a PCI card.
This means that you can now attach a printer to your ALIX 1 "XL", or connect it to your cash register for use in a POS system.
OpenBSD 4.5 image now available
We're now offering OpenBSD 4.5 on our computers, so you can add it to your next order.
We've also created some ready-made OS images that you can download and install yourself. Knock yourself out!
m0n0wall 1.3b18 released
After more than two years of beta versions of monowall 1.3, we've decided to offer it officially.
You can add it your next order, or download a ready-made image for the ALIX 2 and net5501 from our OS images page.
Catalogue reorganised a bit
You may or may not notice that we've done a bit of housekeeping in our catalogue.
If you haven't noticed, pretend we didn't say anything. What? Nothing... what in the world can that be?
But just in case you're trying to figure out what's different, we've changed the order of some things, and changed some default options.
So even if it looks like our prices have changed, they haven't! And if you can't find what you're after, please don't hesitate to contact us.
8GB CF card down by $5
And in fact, our 8GB Compact Flash cards have come down by another $5 this month.
ALIX 433MHz boards discontinued
PC Engines have decided to discontinue the 433MHz versions of their ALIX boards.
We do have stock of the ALIX 2-2, ALIX 2-3 and ALIX 3 433MHz boards, for now. As we run out, those options will slowly disappear from our catalogue, but we still have supplies to last us a little while yet.
Feel free to panic buy.
Ebers discontinued, working on a replacement
Our range of Ebers has gone the way of the dodo. Our remaining Eber 210s are now in the bargain box, so jump in and grab one while they last.
We're currently working on a 1.2GHz GigE replacement. We'll let you know when we have more to share about this one.
No more unregulated power supplies
We're no longer stocking the 12V 1A unregulated power supply, due to their rising cost and decreasing appeal.
Our 12V 1.5A regulated power supply is a smaller, lighter, cleaner and affordable alternative.
And that's your bloomin' lot!
| 
, available from Amazon