technology for dummies

LG Chocolate BL40

2012-02-13T18:14:00.000+08:00

One of my favorite cellphone before, the LG Chocolate BL40 is sure to make heads turn. Not because of its very sexy style, but because of its very unique form factor. Read more if this phone can live up to its beauty in terms of performance.

Read more!

Here's a quick look of the specs:
Network               GSM 850/900/1800/1900 HSDPA900/2100

Dimensions          128 x 51 x 10.9 mmWeight 129 g
Display Type        TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors, 345 x 800 pixels, 4.01 inches (~217 ppi pixel density), Multitouch, Corning Gorilla Glass
OS                        S-Class Touch UI
Sound                 Dolby Mobile sound enhancement
Memory               slot microSD, up to 32GB, 1.1 GB storage
Connectivity        Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNABluetooth, microUSB
Camera Primary 5 MP, 2560 x 1920 pixels, Schneider-Kreuznach optics, autofocus, LED flashFeatures Geo-tagging, face, smile and blink detection, image stabilization, manual focusVideo
Secondary YesFeatures Sensors Accelerometer, proximity
Radio    Stereo FM radio with RDS; FM transmitter
Battery    Standard battery, Li-Ion 1000 mAhStand-by Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 370 h (3G)Talk time Up to 6 h (2G) / Up to 5 h (3G)

The Good:

Design: While it may be subjective, the red top and bottom very much complements the overall black color of the unit. The form factor may not be for everyone, but it is indeed one of a kind.

Screen: The screen is colorful and has a fairly high pixel density. Perfect for videos, especially the panoramic format of the screen.

Camera: Camera takes decent photos thanks to the 5MP Schneider-Kreuznach lens, zoom is not optical, but fair enough. It can take videos of up to 120Hz framerate for slow-motion playback.

The Bad:

Interface: While the S-Class interface is neat, its responsiveness is not so good. There are times that it is rather slow to respond, typing takes some learning to master out.

Battery: We can't blame the phone to loose juice quick enough due to the screen's size. Pity though because it's fun to watch movies on this.

Overall:

Minus the quirks of the interface, the phone is very beautiful. To some, they may feel awkward of the uniqueness of the phones' definitely chocolate bar form factor, the LG BL40 Chocolate still never fails to impress nonetheless.

LG Viewty KU990

2012-02-12T22:28:00.004+08:00

The LG KU990(R) or "Viewty" is a camera smartphone from Korean Electronics giant LG. Having used one before, let me give you a quick review.

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Here are the quick specs:
General    2G Network-GSM900/1800/1900 ; 3G Network-HSDPA 2100
Dimensions    103.5 x 54.4 x 14.8 mm
Weight 112 g
Display    TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors, 240 x 400 pixels, 3.0 inches (~155 ppi pixel density)
Memory slot microSD, up to 2GB, buy memory
Phonebook   500 entries, Photocall
Internal 100 MB
Camera
Primary    5 MP, 2592х1944 pixels, Schneider-Kreuznach optics, auto/manual focus, strobe flash
Features Image stabilization
Video VGA 30fps, QVGA up to 120fps
Secondary      VGA videocall camera
Features Messaging SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Browser          WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Radio             Stereo FM radio with RDS
Battery    Standard battery, Li-Ion 1000 mAh
Stand-by    Up to 430 h
Talk time       Up to 4 h

The Good:

Camera: The 5MP camera lives up to expectations, little below point-and-shoot cameras by standards, but above your average cameraphones. No optical zoom though, although it may seem to have one. The slider at the lens doubles as zoom when on camera mode, or volume and or menu up-down switch.

The Bad

Touchscreen: Touchscreen is resistive so it needs some learning to use. It has touch feedback if you want an added indicator that you've touched something. Screen is prone to scratches unlike glass, so install some screen protectors.

No WiFi: Means you have to deal with your operator's Internet connection (and fees).

Chrome fades: The faux-metal on the side of the phone can be scratched and removed on constant use.

Supports only 2GB: Your phone can easily fill this storage specially if you're shooting 5MP images. You will notice that your phone hangs when it is full.

Overall
A decent camera phone with not so much features. If you want to call/text and take photos on the go, this may very well serve that purpose.

Steve Jobs is Dead

2011-10-06T12:02:00.003+08:00

Steve Jobs, the genius behind Apple who recently just resigned as CEO due to health reasons, is dead (February 24, 1955 - October 5, 2011). Incidentally, his company just released the new iPhone 4S, the successor to the very popular iPhone 4 of the iPhone series.

Steve founded Apple in 1976, which is now one of the largest electronics and IT company.

Steve Jobs resigns from Apple, Inc.

2011-08-25T11:24:00.002+08:00

Steve Jobs, the iconic man behind the global consumer brand Apple Company, resigns as CEO.

Steve recently had applied for a leave to focus on his health, and now he's leaving his post as CEO, giving the position to Tim Cook, Apple's COO and Steve's co-founder. Steve will still be chairman, and will continue to guide the company giving his "unique insights, creativity and inspiration.

In a letter addressed to Apple's board and the "Apple community," Jobs said he "always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come."

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T06:05:00.001+08:00

Rejoice! The Lord has risen! A Blessed Easter to everyone!

"Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. And remember that I am always with you until the end of time." - Matthew 28:20

Earth Hour 2009 - Vote Earth!

2009-03-28T18:19:00.001+08:00

Last year, 29 March 2008, the Philippines joined countries around the world in participation of Earth Hour. Now, 28th of March 2009, marks the third year of Earth Hour- an event that will fuel awareness on climate change and prove that when the people of the world work together, they can make a difference in the fight against global warming. Last year, Earth Hour took place from 8 to 9 in the evening on a Saturday night. A total of almost 80MW(MegaWatts) was saves all around the world, approximately equivalent to shutting down one fuel power plant. Now, Earth Hour will happen at 8:30 - 9:30 PM.

This year has seen the growth of supporters and over 70 countries will be joining in this spectacular display of love for Mother Earth. Cast your vote now by switching your lights off at 8:30-9:30PM! Vote Yes to Mother Earth!

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-01T01:06:00.000+08:00

Happy new year! May this year be a good year for all of us.

Scented Laptops from ASUS

2008-10-23T23:14:00.004+08:00

Fancy a laptop such as this one? If there's one word to describe this laptop, then it would be - "sensual". Visually attractive this laptop is, it is also pleasant to smell. Yes, this (these actually) are scented laptops from Asus, an innovative Taiwanese laptop manufacturer. They started the trend with their attractive UMPCs, and now they are creating smelly laptops. How will they enhance your computing experience?

I don't know, I haven't seen one yet. But if you're the type of person who is stimulated by smell, then these laptops may increase your productivity. I'm just not quite sure if you'll love the smell - I haven't smelled one yet.

These laptops are not just for the ladies, they are also for the hunks. The black one is very appealing, and its scent is labeled as "Perfume" - maybe some sort of cologne fragrance or your favorite designer scents. The Pink obviously is Floral, blue is Ocean (smells like soap to me), and the green one smells "Grass" - I don't think it'll be those prohibited leaves, if you know what I mean.

They may look sweet, but they are no lame laptops. Powered by Intel's Core 2 Duo processors, they sure can deliver your power-hungry applications or multi-tasked jobs. Computer nowadays are a necessity, and they can also be a great accessory for the metro-tech personality in you.

Touch Screen Technology - the face of the future

2008-07-31T16:25:00.002+08:00

Touch screen technology is fast replacing tactile keyboards, numeric pads, even buttons and pointing devices. With the technology's rapid development, intensive research and advancement in manufacturing, they become cheaper and more affordable to incorporate in the most portable devices such as cellphones and PDAs.

It is now nearly 40 years old but one of the most familiar office tools is about to become obsolete, according to analysts.

Invented nearly 40 years ago by Dr Douglas Engelbart while working for the Stanford Research Institute; billions of computer mice are now in operation all over the world.

However, thanks to new technologies such as touch screens and facial recognition software, it seems compute mouse’s days are numbered with analysts predicting that they could be completely obsolete within five years.

Recent years has seen an explosion of new input devices particularly with the expanding PDA and mobile phone markets where touch screen is now becoming the number one input method.

Touch Screen technology has actually been with us since the 1970’s although traditionally they were expensive and normally only used in industrial applications.

However, recent advances in technology now mean touch screen is relatively cheap and they can be found in everything from mobile phones, ATM machines, information points and even microwave ovens.

It is predicted that touch screens along with other technologies such as gestural systems like facial recognition are soon-to-become the replacement for the mouse.

The main advantage of a touch screen over the conventional mouse, keyboard and monitor layout is that the screen itself acts as both input and output devices. Not only does this save space but also it means that a computer can be placed in locations where a keyboard and mouse layout would be impractical such as outside or left unattended.

Touch screen technology is also widely used in industrial applications as not having a keyboard and mouse means that contaminants such as grease, dirt and dust cannot enter and clog up the input devices. Touch screens can also be enclosed in an industrial computer enclosure protecting it from water, dust and even explosive atmospheres allowing a computer to be placed even in the most inhospitable environments.

Touch screen technology is changing the way we interact with computers and allowing technology to be placed in areas where traditional computers would not have been placed.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_592059_10.html

AVG - Your Free Anti-Virus Program

2008-06-26T23:04:00.001+08:00

If you looking for a best free Antivirus Software then you will want to check the antivirus of AVG. Here we will review the product and show how it can help you to protect your PC against the viruses and very other malware.

Background:

The AVG antivirus is launched on the market by a company called technologies of AVG (formerly known under the name of Grisoft). This Czech company was in activity in the field of computer security field for more than 10 years and has the good reputation among users of professional and micro-computer. Name AVG comes from the original name of the product, which was anti guard of virus. But one now simply knows it like AVG.

License types

There is a free version and a 'pro' version which is paid one. The free edition of AVG antivirus is available for the users to install on their computers. For the regular commercial practice, a pro allowed is required.

Features

The software comes complete with a database of the definitions of virus which is updated in a regular way for free. This update occurs in the content automatically so that there is no chance of you forgetting to do this. There is also grace in real time protection to the shield resident of 'AVG '. This detects viruses as soon as they try to infect your machine.

The software will be protected from the viruses which are attached to the email (one of the most common routes of the entry), as well as to enable you to sweep all the documents which are imported towards your machine before you open them. For example if a colleague gives you a CD disc of the data, you can on top run a control of virus before the opening it.

Upgrade

If you upgrade with the 'Pro ' version you will obtain the access to the technical support. If you are tested you will be probably happy with continuing to employ the free version.

Verdict

It is a complete piece of software which appreciated many good reviews. It is worthy to be considered the best free Antivirus Software.

Internet Security - A Necessity

2008-06-26T22:58:00.004+08:00

With Broadband Internet becoming cheaper, it is but necessary to protect your computer from hackers, viruses and malware. While DSL providers will have security systems in place it is best you take steps to protect yourself.

Here are the simple tips of security:

1. The first requirement is to install firewall. Firewall is one of the important guards to protect your blocking the unauthorized access. It protects the computer files and folders and provides security. In DSL your PC is always connected with Internet. Firewall is must to protect from the hackers and hijacker.

2. It is also necessary to install the antivirus software in your system to protect your computer system from the malicious virus, spyware and malware. It protects your PC from various treats. Make sure that your PC is protected from the latest virus threats.

3. Configure your computer properly. If you don’t know how to do this seek the help of a trustworthy family member or friend.

4. You must installed equipments, which encrypt the data and voice packets to protect against hackers. Especially if you use wireless routers to share your internet connection, be sure to put some passwords and use encryption so that you don't share your Internet connection to your neighbors.

Sony Ericsson w910i - Walkman Phone

2008-05-20T19:32:00.001+08:00

For many people, music brings zephyr and cool air into the dull and boring moments of life. The spirit and energy of good songs can overcome many a tiresome moment and cannot be compared to anything else. As a matter of fact, considering the importance of music in a person's life, the Sony Ericsson has come with an exclusive W-series to provide alluring experience to all people passionate about melody and sound. Most of the phones from the W-series are backed with advanced and easy to operate multimedia features. Among a wide range of handsets from the walkman series, the Sony Ericsson W910i - with its engaging looks and enticing features - has easily become one of the most popular.

The Sony Ericsson W910i is a walkman phone with high-end 3G HSDPA capabilities. The slim and sleek slider phone measures 12.5mm in thickness, 99.5mm in height and 50mm in width with only 86 grams in weight. The W910i walkman handset is available in black and silver coloured casing with stainless steel details and edging. On a 2.4 inch screen, the users can enjoy viewing the radio information as well as vibrant images.

Like all the models from this series, the W910i also carries a music player and FM radio that is quite amazing in terms of the functionalities that can be achieved. The users can manage their favourite sound with ease, as it is backed with special software for easy management of the same. This software is considered as an ideal for managing the play lists, as well as for efficient video and photo transfers. With the help of SenseMe shake control, the owners of this very high-end gadget can select music in a random manner. Other features of the W910i include PlayNow, TrackID and MegaBass. The integrated FM radio with RDS provides the users with the facility of seeing the information provided by their favourite radio stations.

In addition to all these, the Sony Ericsson W910i is backed with a 2 megapixel camera for capturing the still and video images. The integrated multimedia messaging options and Java embedded games make the W910i all the more fun to acquire and use. The phone supports 3G HSDPA technologies such as EDGE, Bluetooth, USB and synchronization PC. Moreover, with the help of access NetFront Web Browser and RSS Feeds, the users can surf the Internet with ease.

2008-05-19T07:21:00.001+08:00

Amid the buzz of reaching a new milestone of 1 million Eee PCs sold in just 5 months after its launch, ASUS has provided yet another round of excitement with its release of the new Eee PC 900. This new generation of the ever popular PC packs in a whole range of hardware that includes a 8.9 inch widescreen, a 1.3M pixels webcam and 12GB and 20GB storage capacities for Windows and Linux platforms respectively – catering to wider consumer needs while still maintaining the “Easy to learn, work and play” concept by keeping the overall weight under 1kg.

Mobility is one of the major factors attributed to the Eee PC’s success; and this is in part due to the use of the built-in Solid State Disk (SSD) technology – which offers a quiet, energy saving and shock proof design for stable computing on-the-go. Traditional hard disks spin at 5400 RPM (Revolutions per Minute) – making them more prone to data loss or damage if shocks or bumps are received. Conversely, the Eee PC is able to protect against such incidents, and is the perfect tool for outdoor computing – suitable as an ideal companion for reporters, wildlife photographers and other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

“Vital feedback from a wide variety of users have been received, which has spurred us on to create more options to cater to different user requirements.” said Jerry Shen, CEO of ASUS.

“Microsoft is excited to be partnering closely with ASUS on the Eee PC development globally,” said Haresh Khoobchandani, Business Marketing Officer, Microsoft Singapore Pte Ltd. “With the ASUS Eee PC 900 providing Windows and Windows-based applications and services, millions of people can benefit from an affordable solution for education, work, communication and entertainment, while providing optimal experience for consumers that seek innovation to its fullest potential.”

Take a New Look with the 8.9 inch Display
Through extensive R&D, the inclusion of the 8.9” display screen does not affect the overall weight of the Eee PC 900, which remains below 1kg – making it easy for children and women to carry it around; and maintains the ultra portable theme that has become synonymous with the Eee PC. With this large screen size of 8.9”, a resolution of 1024 x 600 is achieved – allowing users to view a single A4 page without the need to scroll left or right and making it much easier and more effective when reading or working on documents.

“Due to its lightweight stature, most users will place the Eee PC on their laps or hold them in their hands during use. With the addition of new user-friendly features, users will find it even more convenient to use the Eee PC.” commented Jerry Shen.

Furthermore, the Eee PC 900 pairs a 1.3M Pixel webcam with its wireless Internet connection capabilities for web conferences anywhere, anytime for easier web communications and increased work efficiency.

Providing Suitable Environments for Different Needs
To suit differing user requirements, the Eee PC 900 comes in both Microsoft Windows and Linux versions.

The Microsoft Windows version offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on the user´s desktop. Complementing this is Microsoft Works, which equips the user with numerous office applications to work efficiently.

The Linux version is useful for users who desire task-based icons and an easy point-and-click interface. Well suited for children or users without any computer experience, it provides a fast boot-up time– ideal for fast Internet access while waiting for public transport, or taking notes on-the-go.

Home Networking Essentials

2008-03-24T10:40:00.005+08:00

Home networks are becoming more common. People want to be able to share a single broadband Internet connection to several computers in the house. There are many different devices that you can use to make up your home network. If you have never heard network terminology device names like router, hub, etc may seem confusing.

The purpose of most of these devices is to control how the network passes around information. This information is sent in the form of "packets". I will refer to the term packet several times in this article. It simply means the data that the network is transporting. I will now explain the purpose of the major components of a home network.

What is a Hub

A hub is a device that has several Ethernet ports on the back of the device. One of these ports will likely be labeled “Uplink”. This port allows you to connect multiple hubs together, if you run out of ports on your hub. If you do not have an uplink port on your hub, the hub cannot be easily extended if you run out of ports.

A hub is a device that attaches multiple computers on an Ethernet network. If you have a number different computers that you want to connect together, you could connect each to the hub. Any packet that is sent out by any computer on the network will immediately be transmitted to the other computers. Each computer will determine if the packet was really intended for it, and filter out packets that were intended for other computers.

You really should not use a hub in a modern home network. You should always use a switch in place of a hub. Switches will be discussed in the next section.

What is a Switch

A switch is a device that has several Ethernet ports on the back of the device. One of these ports will likely be labeled “Uplink”. This port allows you to connect multiple switches together, if you run out of ports on your switch. If you do not have an uplink port on your switch, the switch cannot be easily extended if you run out of ports.

A switch serves the same function as a hub. It allows you to connect multiple computers together, so that they can exchange packets. However, a switch is much more efficient than a hub. A switch will only send Ethernet packets to the computer that the packet was intended for. Because of this you should always use a switch in place of a hub.

What is a Router

A router is a device that has several Ethernet ports on the back of the device. One of the connectors will be labeled WAN. You should connect the WAN port to the Ethernet connection on a broadband source, such as a cable or DSL modem. The other ports on the router can be connected other computers or switches/hubs that will share the WAN connection.

Routers allow you to share your broadband connection with multiple computers in your house. Rather than connecting your computer directly into your cable or DSL modem you connect the router to the cable or DSL modem. Now any computer that you connect to the router will have access to the Internet.

If you run out of ports on your router you can always connect an additional switch to the router. To connect a switch to a router simply connects the switch’s "uplink" port to one of the routers Ethernet ports. Of course, don’t connect to the router’s WAN port. The WAN port should only be connected to something such as a cable or DSL router.

Some routers come with additional features installed. Most routers also include a firewall. Firewalls are discussed in the next section. Some routers will also include a wireless access point (WAP). The WAP allows you to use wireless devices, such as wireless laptops, with the Internet.

What is a Firewall

A firewall controls traffic flow between your network and the Internet. A firewall can be either hardware or software. Windows XP SP2 or higher includes a software firewall. A hardware firewall is included with most routers.

A firewall is a very good idea. It can protect you from inbound virus attempts. By inbound virus attempt I mean other computers that will connect to your computer and attempt to infect your computer. You do not want to run a computer directly connected to the Internet, without a firewall. There are just too many other computers out there that can connect and infect you without you even noticing.

What is a Network Attached Storage (NAS)

A network attached storage device is a device that allows a hard drive to be shared across the network. This hard drive is NOT attached to any of your computers. It is simply made available by the NAS. This can be a convent way to add a hard drive that can be accessed by several computers on your network. The other common way to add a network hard drive is to simply share a folder on one of your computers. However, with the NAS, you do not need to keep one of your computers on at all times.

There are two types of NAS commonly available. The first type comes with a build in hard drive. The second accepts a USB or Fire wire external hard drive. The advantage to using a USB or Fire wire hard drive is that you can upgrade the hard drive if it ever were to become too small.

What is a Print Server

Just like you can buy a device to allow you to share a hard drive, you can do the same with a printer. A print server connects directly to your printer. Your printer is then shared to all of your computers on the network. This is convent because you do not need to leave the printer hooked to a computer, which must be turned on to print.

Conclusions

As you can see there are many different components. Perhaps the final component that I have yet to mention is the cable. These components are connected together with CAT5 Ethernet cable.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_491625_10.html

Nintendo Wii - Weee!!!

2008-01-20T10:07:00.001+08:00

This article might come out late, but Nintendo Wii's (pronounced: Wee) new approach to gaming is stunningly interesting and new to gaming consoles. Wii uses a three-axis motion signal-processing technology, where controller movements simulate actions on the screen. Truly interactive. Read this out.

The Wii, the fifth home video game console from Nintendo, is the direct successor to the Nintendo Game Cube. The console was launched targeting a broader demographic than that of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3, its competitors. The distinguishing features of the console are the wireless controller, and the Wii that can be used as a handheld pointing device and could detect acceleration in three dimensions. It was in the 2004 E3 press conference, that Nintendo first spoke of the gaming console model and later unveiled the system at the 2005 E3. The gaming console was known by the name of "Revolution" until April 27, 2006, immediately prior to E3. It is the first home console has marketed outside Japan without the company name featured in the trademark. Despite the justifications from Nintendo for the name, there were a wide preference among some game developers for the name Revolution and members of the press initially reacted negatively towards the change.

It was in September 14, 2006 that the company announced the release of the Nintendo Wii gaming console for Japan, North and South America, Australasia, Asia and Europe including dates, prices, and projected unit distribution numbers. It was announced that the majority of the 2006 shipments would be allotted to the Americas and that 33 titles would be available in the 2006 launch window. Nintendo announced that it would release its console in South Korea at the beginning of 2008.

The launch of the console showed remarkable results in the sales. The monthly sales numbers of the console crossed its competitors across the globe. As per the NPD Group, the Wii sold more units than the Xbox 360 and Play Station 3 in the North America combined in the first half of 2007. In Australia, the Nintendo Wii exceeded the record set by the Xbox 360 by Microsoft, becoming the fastest selling gaming console in Australian history. This is the first time this console has led its generation in sales since the Super Nintendo Entertainment system. The Company warned that the it would remain in short supply throughout 2007, while the company produces approximately 1.8 million Wii consoles each month. At a time when Microsoft and Sony experienced losses producing their consoles in the hopes of making a long-term profit on software sales, Nintendo reportedly has optimized production costs to obtain a significant profit margin with each Wii unit sold. As per the Financial Times, this direct profit per Wii sold may vary from $13 in Japan to $49 in the United States and $79 in Europe.

USB Flash Drives - Protect your data!

2008-01-05T20:03:00.001+08:00

People are buying various forms of storage these days. Most of the devices people use to store data today come in the form of flash memory devices such as USB thumb drives, or USB flash memory. These devices use NAND flash to store data. These devices are small and compact and very easy for consumers to move around. Preventing the need for USB data recovery is what consumers really need to focus on.

People fail to back up these storage devices. Consumers need to be cautious when storing data as the devices that the data is stored on tend to fail with no warning. Many of the flash memory devices also known as thumb drives or USB sticks fail with zero warning. These devices fail for many reasons. Some devices fail due to bad workmanship and others fail due to improper use. The most common failures are from obvious damage such as plugging a USB flash memory device into a laptop of desktop computer and banging it by accident causing the port of the device to become broken, bent or damaged.

Bad workmanship issues can cause USB flash memory storage devices to stop working at any moment. Manufacturers are constantly using cutting edge parts combined with outdated parts. When a manufacturer can save a few cents using say one type of circuit as opposed to the next more durable circuit on a USB memory device they will. For consumers this causes devices to fail faster and more easily.

When end users of USB thumb drives unplug devices during a read or write function the device can fail almost permanently. Devices that are made with proven parts will tend to function normally if the device is unplugged during a read or write functions. Some of the error messages some might encounter follow.

Common Windows USB Error Messages - USB Device Not Recognized by Windows - USB Error Messages

* Status: Unreadable, Unknown Device

* USB Device Not Recognized Window

* Unknown Device

* USB Unknown Device

* USB Device Problem

* USB Device Not Recognized in Windows

* USB Device Not Recognized by Windows

* USB Device Not Recognized

* USB Device Not Recognized Windows XP

* One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it. For assistance in solving this problem, click this message.

Many students and teachers use USB data storage devices at school or when on the road. Many of the people that loose data are students, professors or teachers. The best method is simple, back up your device onto another medium such as your home laptop or desktop. Western Digital sells an external 750 GB hard drive. The Western Digital My Book Essential 750GB External USB 2.0 Hard Drive that plugs in either by USB or fire wire. The lowest cost as of 8-13-07 was $199.99 at Bestbuy.com. We at eProvided.com use this company’s storage product as a backup device for our own clients.

We have also tested the My Book™ World Edition™ II but advise all consumers to stay away from this unless you know exactly what you want to use it for. As this device only connects via your Ethernet port the data transfer time is terribly slow. The faster the backup device you use the faster and more effective your backups will be. We also tested many free data backup software programs. Many we would never use. The one that comes free with the Western Digital My Book did not fail once. This actually shocked us as so many of them work 50% of the time. Take it from a company that performs many USB data recovery issues daily, this one is huge on brownie points.

So to wrap this up; properly back up your important data. Use the proper software to make appropriate backups and always buy brand name USB storage devices. Non brand name devices tend to lead to faulty circuits and expensive USB data recovery. Be sure that your friends, colleagues and relatives read this story to prevent them from becoming a part of permanent data loss.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_242970_10.html

Asus Eee PC - Cute and useful

2008-01-04T12:16:00.000+08:00

Look at this one! A very cute laptop from Asus. The Asus Eee PC. With such a small space, obviously there are some features you see on a regular laptop that you shouldn't expect to be included in this ultraportable device.

Let's look at the good points. The size is about that of a paperback book, measuring 8.8 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep by a little less than an inch thick. Very small and handy indeed, you can place it in your cargo pants. Available in two colors, white and black (I've seen the black model at a store in Market! Market!, but the white one in the picture looks more attractive). Connectivity is not a problem as it has a Wi-Fi module built-in. A webcam is also installed, with speakers and a mic around its 7 inch screen. It also utilizes a solid-state hard drive, so expect a very fast start-up (typically 2 to 5 seconds only). Power on, and you're up and running in no time.

Now let's discuss the things that you might have a problem with upon using this laptop. With its 7 inch screen, and a resolution of only 800x600, viewing web pages could pose some horizontal scrolling. The keys are also small and you can accidentally click an unwanted letter. It has no Bluetooth, so buy yourself a dongle. You can't play your DVD disks here as it has no optical drive. It also lacks a PCMCIA slot. With a solid-state drive of having a 4GB capacity (8GB coming soon) only, don't bother copying your favorite movies and music -buy yourself an iPod.

All in all, if your only concern is to browse the Internet while having coffee or while having a break at the malls, or if you want to have a personal computer for your PowerPoint presentations at work, this is well worth the price at $400 (P19,700 on some shops here at the Philippines). I find this gadget so cute I would want to buy one, albeit I would be needing an optical drive. But if you need a full-featured laptop, there are some available at P23,000 and up, but don't expect them to be as small and as cute as the Asus Eee PC.

High-end computers: Low power consumers?

2007-11-10T09:43:00.001+08:00

When it comes to electronics, the faster it gets, the more output it provides, the greater it consumes electricity. And it will reflect on your electricity bills big time. But now that computers are on a steady move towards faster performance, does it also mean it craves for electricity all the more?

AMD and Intel now offers dual-core processors. Imagine having two processors working in parallel together. Since the limit for speed has been exhausted, these companies decided to tie-up processors in a way that goes with the saying "two heads are better than one". And the performance is true to its word. But just so having two processors can make your work faster, then will it goes to say that they also consume twice the power than that of a single core?

No. These companies have designed their processors to throttle their speeds when working idle, or when applications doesn't require it. In turn, their consumtion of energy is decreased, all the while keeping your CPU box cool (the faster an IC performs, the hotter it gets).

So if you are stll using that Pentium 4 or Athlon processors, chances are you are rocketing your electricity bills by the minute. With the recent price drops in processor (P3,300 for an Intel Dual Core 1.6Ghz) and computer components, its not that hard to decide really. Believe me, i have saved P200 on my monthly bills, even though I leave my computer open at most times. That's a P2,400 saving per year!

For an in-depth analysis, visit Tomshardware.

Securing your Wireless Network

2007-11-09T22:28:00.000+08:00

With the advent of broadband Internet connections, and the continuous drop of market prices of desktop computers and laptops, more and more homes are creating their own small network. And with wireless networking, communications between two or more computers has neven been so easy to configure. But is it secure? Here is a tip from the Internet:

Network security is an important aspect in this information world. The significance of security is much more in growing concern of hacking of data from the computer. As most individuals and business sectors are connected with Internet using wireless devices, you simply don’t know when and where all your personal information being theft. With the increasing number of cases regarding security breaches there is need for improvement in awareness regarding security measures. Wireless users simply need to know certain rules in order to control system penetration and bandwidth theft.

Always change the password of your router as these are come with preset service identifiers. The protocols of such service identifiers are known to hackers. That’s why you have to change the password something which is difficult to guess. Simple and general terms such as my router will be easy to guess. You may also rotate your password frequently as precaution.

If possible enable encryption. Follow the encryption procedure which is provided by your routing device. Two most preferable encryption measures are WEP and WPA2; out of which the later is used most and most up to date option. The function of such technology is to encrypt traffic and scrambling it so that any unauthorized third party could not use it by throwing a spanner in order to procure sensitive details.

Remote access points should be monitored closely. Security protocols must be established in companies which run web interfaces or remote system access points. It would be wise to change password frequently.

You should avoid the use of unsecured wireless hotspots in public locations. In these places traps are set up frequently by malicious third parties. These are designed to route that creates screen traffic in order to secure sensitive details.

If you are going to sold or dispose any hardware scrub it. This will eliminate all the chances of any third party to discover any sensitive data or passwords for using identity theft, to gain access to corporate systems or any type of financial crime.

Use wireless security software no matter whether you are a corporation or an individual. This software uses automatic security key rotation for every three hours of encryption purposes. It also provides security to the router apart from providing event logging. It also monitors to scrutinize for terminals that try to gain access. For institutions advanced software systems such as Wi-Fi manager are more useful. You have to take your own time before implementing any such security measures.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_241666_10.html

How to add a favicon to Blogger

2007-10-14T18:02:00.000+08:00

After uploading a favicon for my PHP site, I've tried placing a favicon here on Blogger. The procedure is very easy. After creating an icon or animated GIF image, upload it into a photo webhost or server, like Photobucket.

On the Template tab, click Edit HTML.

Now you have to add this code into your Blogger HTML template, just below the <head> tag:

<link href='http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i134/xxxxxx/xxx.jpg' rel='shortcut icon' type='image/ico'/>

The text with a blue color should be replaced by the Direct Link code of your image uploaded on Photobucket. You may upload your image into any photo webhosts, as long as the URL format above is followed.

Save your HTML, and you're done!

How to add a favicon to your PHP site

2007-10-14T15:22:00.000+08:00

After hours of trial and error, i finally managed to put a favicon for a PHP site of mine (Blogwerx). It’s an animated one, created using a trial version of Easy GIF Animator. A simple favicon would be a 16×16pixel icon image (.ico), but as long as your icon is a sqaure the size really doesn’t matter (Blogwerx icon is a 160×160 image). GIF images should also be a square. Haven’t tried uploading a rectangular image though, so I don’t know the consequence of uploading such a picture.

By default, and just to make sure everything will work our correctly, your icon should be named favicon.ico, and if you want to upload an animated image, it should be named animated_favicon1.gif. I think you can name them anyway you like, as long as the filename is indicated in the code. But then again, let’s just be on the safe side.

Loading a favicon is pretty easy once you know where to look and edit the code at. The code will be inserted at the header.php file. If you use a template for your Wordpress site, the header.php file is located inside the themes folder, which is inside the wp-content folder, which is inside the public_html folder.*

/public_html/wp-content/themes

*This directory works for the Blogwerx site. Depending on your installation, this directory may be different from yours.

Choose the folder of the theme or template that you are using. (Blogwerx uses the Fresh (Compact) design). Inside your theme directory is a folder named images. Transfer your created icon or GIF image inside the images folder (using your favorite FTP program).

If you have uploaded an icon image (.ico), the change will take effect immediately, as the code is already included in the header.php by default. By default, your favicon code inside the head and head tags looks like this:

<link rel="shortcut icon" href="/images/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon" >
<link rel="icon" href="/images/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon">>

The first line is for an Icon favicon (.ico), while the second line is for an animated icon (.gif).

If your header.php doesn’t have these codes, or is different from the ones listed above, or you uploaded an animated favicon, manually type or edit it inside the head and head tags. Make sure the filename of the images you uploaded, and the folder where you placed them, are specified in the tags. For an animated icon, change the second code above to the code below:

<link rel="icon" href="/images/animated_favicon1.gif" type="image/x-icon" />

The New iPod Touch

2007-09-12T20:52:00.000+08:00

Hmm... Looks like an iPhone. The new flagship iPod has the same size screen as the iPhone, but it's thinner at eight-millimeters. The interface is very much like the iPhone (told you, kamukha e(looks like it)). Some of the nice features are 3.5-inch widescreen display and WiFi. As for battery life, the touch is said to last 22-hours when playing back audio and 5-hours when watching video, web surfing will be a different story. The iPod touch is available in 8GB and 16GB flavors and will be priced at $299 and $399, respectively.

HDMI and Component video - Which is superior in quality?

2007-09-12T20:21:00.000+08:00

Here's a nice article regarding video formats. HDMI is the new and current technology for video connections especially for the emerging High Definition video format. DVI is common to PC and LCD monitors even before HDMI. Component Video has been with us ever since the DVD days (and professional VCDs and VCRs). What's the difference? Let's find out.

Introduction

Amid a global spectrum of high definition format battles, none is so misunderstood as the debate between HDMI and component video. Some videophiles expect HDMI to completely outpace the "vintage" analog format, while true experts in the field know there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to each format. This article will give you a better idea of the technologies that make up these video formats, and prove that the differences are not as lopsided as you may think.

Assumptions That Mask The Facts

If you talk to any half-witted video enthusiast or ask an associate at your local big box retailer - bearing in mind that the two groups are pretty much the same - they'll unmistakably tell you that HDMI is better than component, case closed, end of story. This is just based on tired assumptions of the entire audio/visual industry. HDMI is based on a digital technology while component is analog, HDMI is a more recent development and HDMI costs more. Conventional wisdom says that newer formats are better, digital is always the best and a higher price tag equals higher quality.

Living under the guise of these kinds of stereotypes will eventually tear your brain to shreds. They're just not true. Component video cables can deliver really high quality pictures, just like HDMI. They also tend to be a bit more robust, especially if you need a really long cable.

Another issue is that digital is rarely all that it's cracked up to be. On one side, digital technologies have vastly improved mechanisms to weed out imperfections caused by their analog counterparts. Unfortunately, on the flip side, it's also an excuse to employ cuts to make the new technology as cheap as possible. Specifically, when the HDMI standard was developed, a very robust system of checks and balances was tossed out, in favor of a cheap alternative that can lead to degradation of the cable signal over time. The analog component cable has no such built-in flaw, and in most cases should be able to last a lifetime without problems.

Taking An In-depth Look At The Formats

While both cable formats present a picture as essentially a mosaic of red, green and blue color components, the way they do this is based on two completely different processes. For component, three individual inputs are needed; the signal is usually referred to as YPbPr. The "Y" component focuses on the brightness of the image as the "green" channel, the "Pb" component is the blue channel, and the "Pr" component presents the red part of the picture. All three signals are then put together to create the final picture.

HDMI, on the other hand, uses a standard called Transmission Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS). What this basically does is incorporate three different channels for each color set, allowing one cable to sync all the channels together in a straight-to-digital format. Component cables typically take a digital signal, convert it to analog for internal conversion processes, and then convert it back to digital for output to the TV.

The resting assumption is that, because of the digital-to-analog-to-digital mechanism involved with component cables, there's always a bigger loss of picture quality. That sentiment is ridden with naivety, though, because HDMI suffers similar issues. Even though it's a digital format, it's hardly a universal conversion from every single output source. HDMI cables also need to convert signals to their own format. The only difference is that it's just messing around with conversions between different digital signals instead of digital and analog.

In other words, the stuff that's going on inside these crazy cables is whacked, no matter what kind of cable you're using. While it's an easy cop out to just assume a more antiquated analog format will have more trouble reproducing a purely HD image, that statement lacks thorough consideration.

HDMI has also been panned because it's much easier for the signal to degrade over time. Long-range HDMI cables are also known to lose quality because of a less-than-perfect set of standards for the format. Analog cables, on the other hand, can last decades and stretch for dozens of feet without any sort of automatic degradation.

Because of its universality with one single input for audio and sound, HDMI has become the much preferred standard for HDTV hook-ups. That doesn't mean it necessarily has a huge leaps-and-bounds advantage over component, though. Component video provides a more reliable picture, carries a more robust set of standards and generally works better for long-range professional-type set-ups.

It should be noted that the other major high definition video standard, DVI, runs with the exact same technology as HDMI, except it does not carry audio. Your HDTV may have DVI inputs instead of HDMI, and everything written here about HDMI video is the same for your video signal.

Conclusion

The real point is that there's not really a winner: the argument to be made is that both formats function just fine. HDMI is nice because it incorporates both audio and video, and that's a very nice extra feature. However, if your cable company's HD converter box only supports component output, that's not a reason to jump to another service provider. Analog technologies date back decades upon decades and are built on a long-standing tradition. And while digital formats are supposed to deliver more fulfilling standards, they're often under-utilized in favor of making cheaper products.

Author: Mark Raby

Taken from Tom's Hardware Guide.

Clone iPhone - Close to the real thing?

2007-08-23T23:45:00.000+08:00

Tired of waiting for the iPhone to be released here in the Philippines? Or you already have one thanks to your relatives at the US, but can't use it as a phone because it's sim-locked? Well, wait no more. Here's a phone that looks and functions like an iPhone (almost), works on most networks on different countries, and is cheaper than the real thing.

Growing Beyond Fakes

The end of Chinese cloning will come when Chinese products become good enough to stand on their own, just as Japan's did in the 1970s and Korea's did in the 1980s. The difference is that China is moving much faster toward this goal than Korea or Japan ever did. Less than a year ago, the Chery QQ was junk. On July 3, Chery and Chrysler announced an agreement to build Chery vehicles that will wear the Dodge badge. Chrysler will sell the cars in Eastern Europe and Latin America beginning next year, and in 2009 will bring them to Western Europe and North America. The deal grew from Chery's plan to improve quality by outsourcing engineering and design to Western companies. There's little doubt that Chery will learn from its new partners.

An important factor in this transformation is China's improving consumer economy. Just as the Chery deal made the news, the Beijing government instituted a nationwide minimum wage. Although the move was made as a response to rising food prices, it increases production costs for
Chinese manufacturers, forcing them to move away from rock-bottom products. In cities, Chinese paychecks have already risen fast enough to create a thriving consumer class. As those consumers demand better products, China's manufacturers will begin to develop items that meet export standards.

Take, for example, the iPhone. The key to its simple interface is a screen that responds to several touches at once. It makes rapid text entry possible and allows keyboard-and-mouse-type navigation through Web pages and the phone's built-in applications. The screen is built by a German company called Balda, but the technology itself, licensed to Apple's supplier, is neither American nor European. It was originally developed to aid in the rapid input of Asia's huge, character-based alphabets. It comes from China.

The Next iClones

Copies of the iPhone are now dividing into two categories: the inspired-bys and the wholesale duplicates. The first category includes work-alikes manufactured by well-known cellphone makers, like HTC—one of the largest manufacturers of smartphones—and Sun Microsystems. HTC announced that it will be bringing its "Touch" model to the U.S. this fall. In May, Sun CEO Jonathan Schwartz followed in the footsteps of Steve Jobs (and Meizu's Jack Wong) by displaying his own one-off version of a touchscreen prototype at a software-developers convention. Sun's chairman, Scott McNealy, had no qualms about making the iPhone comparison: "We have our own shirtsleeve version of Steve Jobs announcing a phone," he told the audience.

The number of duplicates is also growing. Although Meizu may have gone silent because of fears of an Apple lawsuit—after my visit in Hong Kong, they stopped responding to my e-mails and phone calls—other companies are moving ahead. A few days before Apple's launch, an online video surfaced depicting a sleek new product called the P168 [watch the video below]. The phone came in a black box, marked with both the iPhone and the Apple logos. The video showed the phone being unpacked and operated (the start-up screen also featured the Apple branding). There were features that the iPhone didn't have, such as the ability to operate on two different networks at once; six speakers; and, addressing a major prerelease complaint about the iPhone, a removable battery. I asked my translator if she could find one on the street. They weren't available in Beijing—yet—but a few weeks later, a friend discovered one in Guangzhou. The manufacturer of the P168 wouldn't comment for this story, but the hardware was real, and it worked.

Neither the miniOne, the P168 nor even HTC's model are likely to carry the mystique or quality of the iPhone. But that's not really the point. Those phones will be available to millions more consumers than Apple's product, at a lower price. The rest of the world will accept the clones as if they were the original. That will make them no different than a flood of Chinese products—cars, pharmaceuticals, food, appliances—that are emerging from the shadows and climbing the learning curve to the point that they will no longer be clones at all. They'll be the real thing.

Article by Dan Koeppel
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/technology/e7e48a137b144110vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd/5.html

Videos of the Clone iPhone -

Curious gadget fans dissects iPhones

2007-07-02T22:33:00.000+08:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - It took Apple Inc. more than six months to build the iPhone but curious gadget fanatics needed only minutes to tear one apart.

Within hours of the first iPhones going on sale on Friday, enthusiasts scrambled to be the first to discover what makes the devices tick, posting photos and videos of disassembled phones on the Internet.

The information is more than just academic. Apple keeps a tight grip on information about parts suppliers so "tear downs" of its products are closely watched by investors keen to figure out how to place their bets.

In the past, word that a particular part was being used in Apple's popular iPod music players has sent that company's shares higher.

"With every new release of an Apple product, the hype and interest ratchets up a notch," said Andrew Rassweiler, an analyst with market research firm iSuppli.

Rassweiler and his team at iSuppli were working through the weekend to catalog the phone's guts for a report estimating the cost of every component, crucial for figuring how much it cost Apple to make each iPhone.

"We have had more people thrown at it this week than any other previous product," Rassweiler said.

Apple is offering the phone in two versions costing $500 and $600 depending on memory capacity, but the high price and limited availability wasn't enough to stop some people from giving into curiosity.

Some dissected the phones with the clinical skill of a surgeon while others resorted to brute force, enraging those swept up in the hype and winning praise from those gleefully resisting it.

By Sunday afternoon, a video on YouTube showing two guys banging away at an iPhone with a hammer and nail had garnered 56,000 views and was the 13th most-watched clip on the site, prompting some extremely angry comments. Watching the clip, it is difficult to see what was learned from the destruction.

The creator, whose user page identified him only as Rob in Miami, Florida, posted a second clip defending his unorthodox methods.

"We didn't smash it just to smash it. We smashed it to see what was inside. We were under a time limit," Rob said. "We resorted to extreme measures."

Ifixit.com, an Apple parts and repair guide site, conducted one of the most sophisticated dismantlings, posting dozens of high-quality photos alongside technical commentary.

"They've done some things that are above and beyond. They did some very innovative things," site cofounder Kyle Wiens said of the iPhone's manufacture.

Their efforts yielded a few nuggets of information. The iPhone boasts a main processor and memory chips from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., an audio-processing chip from Britain's Wolfson Microelectronics Plc and a Wi-fi wireless chip from Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

Opening the iPhone was the easy part. For many, the real prize is hacking the phone to get it to do things Apple never intended, such as run on networks other than that of AT&T Inc., the exclusive U.S. service provider.

Some programmers also want to find a way to run their own programs directly on the phone's operating system rather than being limited to programs run through the Web browser.

By Scott Hills, Reuters

News from Yahoo!

5 steps to keep your computer running smooth and fast

2007-07-02T18:33:00.000+08:00

Most people who use computers today use them for work, games, research or socialization. With more and more people trying to begin home businesses, the computer has become the essential tool for their business startup and operation. People want to optimize their computers so that they will be as efficient as possible; however, there are many factors associated with the performance output of a personal computer.

In order for a computer to reach and maintain maximum performance, many factors must be considered. On the hardware side of the equation, one must consider their processor speed and

system memory. With regards to the software side of your computer, you must be aware of your computer's privacy protection, system security, and anti-virus software. Additionally, you should do your best to take care of your Windows operating system - such as Windows XP or Windows Vista - including its registry and the files cleanup process.

To keep a PC running smoothly and error-free, there are some basic steps that anyone can follow. Fortunately, none of these steps are really at all difficult. Anyone can do these tasks, with a little bit of basic education. Keep this article around for future reference, just in case you need it again.

Shut-Down Processes

First off, it is important to understand that programs need to be given the proper signals to shut down. It is strongly recommended that you never simply unplug your machine to turn it off. Please go through the normal shut down procedures, no matter how long those processes might take.

If you lose power, it really is an unavoidable event. Microsoft has done a good job at helping Windows know when it was shut down improperly, so the next time you start up your computer, your operating system might repair itself. Typically, when you restart your computer after an improper shut down, it might take a few minutes longer to boot up than usual. Let Windows do its long boot up after it has unexpectedly shut down. The longer boot up process is Windows attempt to repair any corruptions caused by the unexpected shut down of your computer's operating system.

If you need to shut down your system more quickly than usual, we strongly recommend that you utilize the Control-Alt-Delete key combination, and then select Shut Down from your Windows Task Manager window. By utilizing this shut down method, Windows will make appropriate notes to itself that it will need to do some cleanup on its next boot up sequence.

If Windows is not allowed to clean up after itself, you run the risk of corrupting the operating system or different programs you have loaded on your computer. Corruption of programs may force you to reinstall those programs. Corruption of your data files is the worst-case scenario ? you could lose hours or years of work in a single moment, as a result of your impatience. Don't be impatient; let your computer do what it needs to do to repair and protect your system files.

Unnecessary Applications Running In The Background

The "background" is not the image on your desktop. "Running in the Background" is a reference to programs that are running on your system in invisible mode. In some cases, they are completely invisible, and in other cases, the only indication that they are operating is their icon in your System Tray, next to your clock. Certain programs think that they need to be operating in your System Tray at all times. QuickTime, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger are three of these types of programs. Microsoft Office even thinks it should be loaded and running in your background. If you use these applications frequently and need access to them almost instantaneously on a frequent basis, then yes, you probably should let them run in the background. But, most of us only use those applications on an infrequent basis.

The theory of having those applications running in the background is that it prevents you needing to wait thirty seconds while the software loads, when you need access to those applications. But, there is a significant amount of trade-off for thirty seconds of reduced wait time. That trade-off is a less-responsive computer. In worst-case scenarios, the thirty seconds saved at program start-up could trim minutes of productivity from your full workday.

While your system is operating, you can right-click on any icon next to your clock and most programs will allow you the option to select Close Application. By closing unnecessary applications, you can literally speed up the Windows operating system.

With most versions of Windows, you can also go to Start - Run and then type in "msconfig" and click OK. Once the Windows System Configuration Utility opens, click the tab that reads Startup. You can review the list and deselect items that you will not want to open when your computer boots up. It is important to note here that you should only close applications that you recognize and know that you can live without. Don't turn off an item in the Startup window, unless and until you know what that file really does. A quick search for that file name on the Internet will generally turn up lots of pages explaining what those files do in your Windows operating system environment.

Mean Kids On The Internet

Mean kids, who are also computer nerds, frequently grow up to be computer programmers who create Viruses and Spyware applications.

The mean teenagers of the programming world get their kicks from turning our lives upside-down, with viruses that create a multitude of problems on whatever machines they can get their software installed. Virus writers with a criminal history frequently grow up to be people who write Trojans and Spyware applications that seek to steal our private information

A Trojan is a malicious program that pretends to be a screensaver or some other non-threatening and fun kind of thing. When you execute it on your computer, it installs malicious software and then it does its dastardly deeds.

Trojans and Spyware typically try to harvest private information from your computer for the financial benefit of its creator. Most of these kinds of computer programs only want to shove their advertising in your face (Adware) or track your Internet usage habits, so they can sell that information to other businesses; but the really ugly versions try to steal your credit card data and other financial data from your computer.

For some people, Trojans and Spyware computer programs are responsible for as much as a 60% deterioration of a computer's performance capability.

Forgotten Programs On Your Computer

Do you remember some of those 30-day free trial software applications that you tried once or twice, but never used again? Some of these applications may be running in the background of your computer. All of these programs are also still taking up space on your hard drive.

Never go into your Windows Explorer and simply delete folders that contain the software programs you will never use again.

Instead, every two or three months, you should utilize your Add / Remove Programs procedure, which can be accessed by going to Start ? Settings ? Control Panel - Add or Remove Programs, and remove old computer programs that you no longer use. This can frequently free up a lot of extra space on your hard drive. It can also free up some extra memory in your computer, if the program had been running in the background of your operating system at startup.

Final Closing Thoughts

If you still encounter problems after following the above suggestions, you may wish to try out "Advanced Windows Care v2 Personal". It has been designed to help you perform all of these essential protection and maintenance processes for your computer, enabling you to get on with more important tasks like making more money. This software can remove Adware and Spyware programs from your computer system, protect your privacy, prevent security threats, fix registry errors, and much more.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_179748_10.html

2007-06-30T10:33:00.000+08:00

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hundreds of gadget fans, or their paid stand-ins, lined up on Friday to be the first buyers of Apple Inc.'s iPhone, a music and video playing phone expected to reshape the mobile industry.Apple stores became magnets for technology enthusiasts who waited for the phones to go on sale at 6 p.m. local time in each U.S. time zone.

More than 600 people were lined up at two Apple stores in New York, and the crowd cheered at one of them as the doors opened. Smaller groups of several dozen customers waited outside AT&T stores. AT&T Inc. is the phone's exclusive wireless carrier for the next two years.

About 200 people stood outside a San Francisco outlet for a device that has whipped technology lovers into a frenzy usually associated with the launch of a new video game console.

"The phones out there are just garbage. I've gone through several phones, even the expensive ones. This is different," said Albert Livingstone, 62, in Chicago. "It's the newest toy. I'm 62 -- I don't have much time left to buy toys."

The iPhone melds a phone, Web browser and media player. Technology gurus praised it as a "breakthrough" device, but questioned whether users would have a hard time with its smooth touch-screen, instead of a keyboard, and pokey Internet link.

The svelte gadget is a gamble by Apple co-founder and Chief Executive Steve Jobs to build upon the company's best-selling iPod music player and expand the market for its software and media services.

Apple aims to sell 10 million iPhones in 2008, which would amount to a 1 percent share of the global market. It has not given a goal for the device's launch, but some analysts said it could sell up to 400,000 units in the first few days.

"They want to extend the dominance they have in terms of their ability to create really elegant hardware and software integration," said Mark McGuire, analyst with research firm Gartner. "This is the next big business unit for them."

Shares in Apple rose 1.2 percent to $122.04 and have gained more than 30 percent since Jobs unveiled the phone in January. AT&T shares rose 1.9 percent to $41.50.

Many analysts say Apple stock could climb as much as 30 percent again in the coming year if the phone catches on, but some cautioned that the shares are already richly valued because of the high expectations.

"Apple shares have already benefited from a powerful hype cycle," Cowen & Co. analyst Arnie Berman wrote in a report.

by Scott Hillis and Franklin Paul, Reuters.

What is Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP)?

2007-06-22T11:21:00.000+08:00

So what is VoIP? Internet telephony is a rapidly-growing phenomenon that shows no sign of slowing down. Keep reading and you will find out all you need to know about VoIP. Look at how this innovative technology has led to a revolution in the way that many businesses and home users are choosing to make telephone calls.

A VoIP phone allows real-time communication through the Internet. It can digitise the sound of a human voice so that it can be routed through the net. The development of this technology began way back in the early 1980’s when developers were looking for ways to communicate with each other via their machines. The technology was then adapted by the some technologically savvy sections of the business community who used data networks to route voice traffic.

However it is the growth of low-cost broadband Internet access that has really fuelled the spread of Internet telephony and brought it into the mainstream. Anyone with a high-speed Internet connection can now use VoIP technology to make what seem to be very cheap calls .

In addition to these cost savings that a VoIP connection offers, there are other factors that make this technology so attractive to users. The versatility and flexibility of VoIP are examples of this. The software is location independent. So it is possible to relocate your home or business without having to change your phone number. With a USB VoIP phone you are able to make and receive calls on a laptop whilst away from your desk or use a wireless VoIP handset for calls in a public hotspot.

Ease of use is another reason that people have been attracted to VoIP. Users can often be put off from using new technology if they find that it looks difficult to use. This issue has been addressed by the developers and the era when Internet telephony was the domain of the geek is long past. Nowadays all anyone who wants to make a call has to do is pick up and dial. It really is as simple as that.

There are now a wide range of VoIP services available that would suit both business and home users. New services are being made available by service providers as the market continues to grow. As things stand VoIP stands alongside the traditional telephone network for reach and in many ways outshines it for versatility. Internet telephony looks set to continue to be one of the fastest-growing applications on the Net.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_176946_45.html

2007-06-20T17:12:00.000+08:00

According to TheRawFeed, NTT DoCoMo has developed the world’s first solar-powered cell phone, complete with a GameBoy Advance-inspired design. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.

HiTech Wealth telecommunications has just begun selling the S116 and the specs are pretty impressive. However, the $510 pricetag will have you wondering why you don't just get an iPhone. A 1.3 mpx camera, and an MP3 player are fairly standard additions to cell phones these days, but the solar panels do make this guy stand out.

The panels trickle-charge the battery in any amount of light, including indoors (or even by candlelight), and the battery life is 2.5 times longer than it would be without the panels. An hour of direct sunlight will give users 40 extra minutes of talk time.

While this first model is pretty exciting, HiTech Wealth will be releasing six more solar phones within the year and has promised 30 solar models before 2009.

Taken from TechEBlog, Yahoo, Inhabitat and XinHua News.

Dell - A History

2007-06-18T14:19:00.000+08:00

While still a student at the University of Texas at Austin in 1984, Michael Dell founded the company as PC's Limited with just $1000. Operating from Michael Dell's off-campus dorm room at Dobie Center [2], the startup aimed to sell IBM-compatible computers built from stock components. Michael Dell started trading in the belief that by selling personal computer systems directly to customers, PC's Limited could better understand customers' needs and provide the most effective computing solutions to meet those needs. Michael Dell dropped out of school in order to focus full-time on his fledgling business.

In 1985, the company produced the first computer of its own design (the "Turbo PC"), which contained an Intel 8088-compatible processor running at a speed of 8 MHz. PC's Limited advertised the systems in national computer magazines for sale directly to consumers, and custom-assembled each ordered unit according to a selection of options. This offered buyers prices lower than those of retail brands, but with greater convenience than assembling the components themselves. Although not the first company to use this model, PC's Limited became one of the first to succeed with it. The company grossed more than $73 million in its first year.

In 1989, PC's Limited set up its first on-site-service programs in order to compensate for the lack of local retailers prepared to act as service centers. Also in 1987, the company set up its first operations in the United Kingdom; eleven more international operations followed within the next four years. In June 1988, Dell's market capitalization grew by $30 million to $80 million from its initial public offering of 3.5 million shares at $8.50 a share. The company changed its name to "Dell Computer Corporation" in 1988.

In 1990, Dell Computer Corporation tried selling its products indirectly through warehouse-clubs and computer-superstores, but met with little success, and the company re-focused on its more successful direct-to-consumer sales model. In 1992, Fortune magazine included Dell Computer Corporation in its list of the world's 500 largest companies.

In 1996, Dell began selling computers via its web site.

In 1999, Dell overtook Compaq to become the largest seller of personal computers in the United States of America with $25 billion in revenue reported in January 2000. To recognize the company's expansion beyond computers, the stockholders approved changing the company name to "Dell Inc." at the annual company meeting in 2003.

In March 2002, Dell attempted to expand by tapping into the multimedia and home-entertainment markets with the introduction of televisions, handhelds, and digital audio players. Dell has also produced Dell-brand printers for home and small-office use. Michael Dell stepped aside as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on July 16, 2004, but retained his position as Chairman of the Board. Kevin B. Rollins, who had held a number of executive posts at Dell, became the new CEO.

On December 22, 2004, the company announced that it would build a new assembly-plant near Winston-Salem, North Carolina; the city and county provided Dell with $37.2 million in incentive packages; the state provided approximately $250 million in incentives and tax breaks.

In January 2005, the share of sales coming from international markets increased, as revealed in the company's press releases for the first two quarters of its fiscal 2005 year.

In February 2005, Dell appeared in first place in a ranking of the "Most Admired Companies" published by Fortune magazine.

In November 2005, BusinessWeek magazine published an article titled "It's Bad to Worse at Dell" about shortfalls in projected earnings and sales, with a worse-than-predicted third-quarter financial performance — a bad omen for a company that had routinely underestimated its earnings. Dell acknowledged that faulty capacitors on the motherboards of the Optiplex GX270 and GX280 had already cost the company $300 million. The CEO, Kevin Rollins, attributed the bad performance partially to Dell's focus on low-end PCs.

On March 23, 2006, Dell purchased the computer hardware manufacturer Alienware. The plan anticipated Alienware continuing to operate independently under its existing management. Alienware expected to benefit from Dell's efficient manufacturing system.

On January 31, 2007, Kevin Rollins, CEO of the company since 2004, resigned abruptly as both CEO and as a director, and Michael Dell returned to the CEO role. Investors and many shareholders had called for Rollins' resignation because of poor company performance. At the same time, the company announced that, for the fourth time in five quarters, earnings would fail to reach consensus analyst-estimates.

In February 2007, Dell became the subject of formal investigations by the US SEC and the US Attorney General for the Southern District of New York. The company has not formally filed financial reports for either the third or fourth fiscal quarter of 2006, and several class action lawsuits ^[5] in the wake of its recent financial performance. The company's lack of formal financial disclosure would normally subject the company to de-listing from the NASDAQ, but the exchange has granted Dell a waiver, allowing the stock to trade normally.

On March 1, 2007, the company issued a preliminary quarterly earnings report which showed gross sales of $14.4 billion, down 5% year-over-year, and net income of $687 million (30 cents per share), down 33%. Net earnings would have declined even more if not for the effects of eliminated employee bonuses, which accounted for six cents per share. NASDAQ has extended the company's deadline for filing financials to May 4.

Information taken from Wikipedia.

Do you have Spyware?

2007-06-15T10:06:00.000+08:00

There are spyware symptoms that tell you when your computer is infected. From a slow PC or network, to new toolbars, to erratic search results and a brand new default homepage that you didn't ask for, beware of these symptoms hinting at your pc being infected.

When we talk about spyware symptoms, we talk about both how you get spyware and what the symptoms of having spyware in your system are. Knowing this can help you in choosing an effective antispyware and adware removal tool.

Spyware is a major threat to security and privacy since it monitors your computer activity without you being aware of it and relays that information to someone who wants to use this information for commercial purposes.

How Spyware Comes Into Your Computer

Usually spyware shows up as irritating pop ups or spam that you obviously don't want. The Trojans behave like viruses. You unwittingly allow spyware into your computer when you browse the web or through Peer to peer file-sharing programs where spyware gets bundled within the programs you download. More surprisingly, though you could be installing legitimate software, and the spyware and adware would be incorporated in it, especially with free downloads like screen savers. You agree to an end user agreement that runs to several pages and when you consent to the download, you have already given permission to let all the spyware in!

The Effects Of Spyware

How do you suspect you have spyware in your system? Here's how:

Slow, Slower, Slowest: Your PC or network is slow, and it takes longer to shut down or boot. It takes longer to connect to the Internet and the connection speeds are significantly slower. Just a couple of adware programs can affect your pc drastically. Bandwidth is wasted since spyware is using it to send its own info.

What's that new toolbar: Some spyware hijacker programs just present you with toolbars you never asked for, that quietly spy on you.

A new desktop shortcut? Another irritating freebie from your spyware.

A brand new default homepage that's up to no good: You certainly didn't ask for it. And worse still, your spyware wont let you change it. Or visit websites of your choice.

You didn't look for it: When you browse and search, your spyware comes up with search results quite different from what you ought to have got, and then they direct you to websites of their own choice.

Error pages: When a particular URL you looked for can't be found, error hijackers just show strange new error pages. Sometimes they show pages loaded with full page ads you just cant seem to close. Adware can really mess up your computer and make it barely functional.

Removing Spyware

Spyware removal is not easy and quite risky. Spyware uninstallers do not completely uninstall and sometimes reinstall themselves. They rewrite your registry. So just install an antispyware solution that finds and removes all spyware and adware cleanly. Protect your pc.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_166351_11.html

Windows XP Tips

2007-06-13T16:55:00.000+08:00

By - B. Bashir

This guide provides the basic tips on computer networking, hardware, security, troubleshooting and configurations in the Windows XP Professional. These tips can also be applied to Windows 2000/2003 and Windows Vista.

How to Determine the IP address of the Computer

You can determine the IP address of the computer by the following method.

Start Run > Type CMD > Type Ipconfig at the command prompt.

In this way you will get the IP address your computer.

How to Determine the Computer name ?

Start Run > Type CMD > Type Hostname at the command prompt.

You will get the computer name by this command.

How to convert FAT32 to NTFS?

If you want to convert your system’s drive to NTFS use the following command

Covert [drivename]: /FS:NTFS

This command will convert the file system of any specified drive to NTFS. NTFS provides more advanced features as compared to FAT32 such as security, disk quota, encryption and other features.

How to Enable/Disable Firewall in Widows XP?

Firewall is useful for blocking unauthorized access to your computer network as well as blocking the certain applications, URLs and IP addresses on the internet. Windows XP Professional has built-in firewall in it and if you want to enable it, do the following steps.

Start > Control Panel > Double click Windows Firewall icon

Turn on or off Windows firewall according to your choice.

How to Add/Remove Programs from the Start menu?

Click Start > Right click on the empty space > Properties > Click start menu > customize

Here you can increase or decrease the number of programs that appear on the start menu.

Click advance for more options on the start menu.

Removing the programs from Start up?

If can limit the number of programs that loads when Windows starts up.

Click Start > Run > type Msconfig > go to start up and uncheck the programs that you don’t want to load when Windows starts up. You can increase the Windows loading time by decreasing the number of programs at the time of startup.

How to install Net Meeting in Windows XP?

Netmeeting is installed by default in the Windows XP and you can load it by the following method.

Start > Run > type Conf

Netmeeting Window will appear and now you can get connected with your friends family and colleagues.

B. Bashir manages this website http://www.networktutorials.info and regularly writes articles on various topics such as Computer Networking, Network Troubleshooting Tips Wireless Networking, Computer Hardware, Certifications, How Tos, Network Security Guide and computer tips.

http://www.networktutorials.info

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_172144_10.html

Ink Cartridges - Is it OK to use refills?

2007-06-12T19:38:00.000+08:00

Printer ink cartridges have more than one role, than to just supply the fuel to your printer for printing. It also acts as its preserver and caretaker. It is a fact that a printer is run by the kind of cartridges it has. It is directly related to the end-result of the process. Since the kind of ink cartridges used is so influential on the health of the computer, it is essential that they be chosen carefully. By this, one may understand 'original'. Anybody can vouch for the original items being more reliable but may also skirt the issue when it comes to pricing. Yes, it can be pricey. However, what most laymen forget, is that the duplicate, unoriginal and refilled cartridges can potentially turn out to be costlier in the end. This is so because of the harm they can cause to the printer, apart from the printing troubles they can give to you. After all, the unoriginal cartridges can surely be no match for the ink cartridges from reputed companies like HP (Hewlett Packard), Epson and Canon, which are devised after years of lab research.

The premium quality ink cartridges allow the printer to 'bleed' easy and only as much as to stay in perfect shape and to work on smoothly.

Feeding a printer with cartridges that are a make-shift option may cost your printer dearly. Is it not better then to save yourself the hidden costs incurred due to frequent malfunctions with unoriginal items, not to speak of the headaches such things cause. Furthermore, the printer ink cartridges of reputed brands are now available in customized packages, which give the customers greater choice, while suiting their budget. As per reports and research, the cost-per-page printing costs involved in original ink cartridges is much less than what could be imposed upon you by unreliable products.

So when it comes to printer ink cartridges , do choose carefully.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_170237_10.html

The Nokia N95 - HSDPA

2007-06-08T14:25:00.000+08:00

In this era of hi-tech devices, few handsets are available which strikes balance between form and functionalities. Nokia N95 is one such device that has scored high both on looks and ergonomics. The handset is so competent that when it comes to a wholesome mobile experience, it offers nothing but the best. With Nokia N95, the manufacturer yet again asserts it endeavour to offer handsets that have all- communication needs, business, and loads of entertainment.

Nokia N95 has dual slider mechanism. On one side it reveals alphanumeric keypads, and the other it reveals media player controls. The keys have a good tactile feedback and it is very user-friendly. On the front fascia, a high resolution screen dominates. The screen is gorgeous and one can also change the theme of the home screen, backlight time, and size of the font in the display. The contours of the handset is comfortable and so is the colour scheme.

Being a 3G smartphone, the Nokia N95 effectively accommodates all the personal and professional requirements. It has USB, Bluetooth, Infrared, Wi-Fi, UPnP, GSM, WCDMA, HSDPA , WLAN and many other useful features. One of the most appreciated feature in Nokia N95 is the GPS. This feature is highly effective for the professionals who are always roaming in different parts of the world. In this GPS feature, the users get the benefit of turn by turn voice instructions to find the correct route and location.

In terms of entertainment, the Nokia N95 is enabled with many contemporary features. It has 5 MP of camera, with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens. The camera clicks good photo and has seven shooting modes and five quality setting. Further, there are options for adjusting the brightness, contrast, white balance, color tone, ISO light sensitivity etc of the image. These feature surely make the Nokia N95 versatile and also more impressive.

Nokia N95 measures 99 x 53 x 21 mm and weighs 120 g only.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_171196_45.html

Cool Site - Gadget Reviews

2007-06-07T13:46:00.000+08:00

Here's a site where you can feed your mind on some cool reviews on new and upcoming technology. Gadget Reviews!

Visit their site at www.gadgets-reviews.com

What to know about a DVD - Recorder

2007-06-03T11:20:00.000+08:00

A DVD burner is an optical storage device that writes to 5.25" optical media called DVD-ROMs, which can store up to 4.7 gigabytes on one disk.

There are also stand-alone DVD burners that can connect to Digital Video Recorders, like the TiVo (not available here in the Philippines, but there are lots of new DVD players that can burn DVD like Pioneer), but for the purposes of this article, we're going to assume that your DVD-Burner is hooked up to your computer.

Most modern DVD burners connect to their computer's motherboard through an E-IDE interface, or rarely, Serial ATA (or SATA) cable, allowing 160 Megabits per second (MBps) of data transfer rate; earlier connection protocols, such as SCSI and ATAPI, aren't fast enough to handle full read/write operations at DVD data rates.

While DVD-Burners used to be high end computer hardware peripherals, like all computer hardware, they've been relegated to commodity pricing. Internal DVD-Rs cost around P5,000 - P7,000.

DVD burners come in a variety of formats - the big choice is whether or not you want one that can only burn to DVDs, or one that can perform read-write operations, allowing you to cumulatively add video (or other files) to the media over time. Read-write burners are called DVD-RW or DVD+RW, while those that are write only, are called DVD+R. You can blame the confusing alphabet soup of acronyms on the consortium that specified the read and write formats - as has become more and more common, the standards body split over whose proprietary hardware would get the sanction and license, and two mildly incompatible standards were proposed. Most DVD-RW burners can now handle both formats, but it does make a difference in buying the blank disks, as the +RW ones are higher quality, last longer, and cost more. This process is repeating itself with HD-DVD and Blu-Ray.

The most common use for DVD burners is backing up important (or not so important) data files. Like all backup media, it only works if you're religious about doing it. It does make it possible to duplicate your children's favorite DVDs, hand them copies and keep the originals safe, so that when the inevitable oops happens, they haven't lost their favorite movie.

All in all, DVD burners have metamorphosed into standard items of hardware for most computers, and justifiably so. The next computer you buy should have one; whether or not it's worth it to buy one for your existing machine is more a question of how quickly you'll be replacing your current computer. After factoring in your time and the cost of the hardware, it may be worth it to buy a new machine!

This article is free for republishing
(Posted article has few modifications)
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_168391_10.html

Keep your computer healthy

2007-05-30T09:57:00.000+08:00

Everybody just has to have a computer these days. Life without a computer is unimaginable. I am sure that there are those who feel that life without a computer is impossible. There was a time when food, clothing and shelter were the only necessities that man had. Fast forward to today, and we have yet another necessity to add to that list -- Say hello to the friendly neighborhood computer.

Of course, now that you have a computer, you have to work on it. Certainly, there must be people who keep their PCs covered throughout the year, removing the covers once a month only to check if it is still working. But you don't need me to tell you that such people are exceptions, not the rule. So for all those of us that have to be on our computers everyday, how do we make sure that our computers are working perfectly? This is where computer tips & tricks come in.

One important aspect that requires you to use computer tips & tricks is in ensuring that your computer does not become unnecessarily slow. We all want our computers to work at the speed of light. You can ensure that your computer remains quick by carrying out Scandisk and Defrag -- two methods that are used to make your computer faster.

The function of Scandisk is to find and correct errors on the hard disk of a computer. Defrag performs the task of making sure that data files that have been stored across the disk are now reorganized in a continuous order. Defrag helps free space in which new data can now be stored. Both Scandisk and Defrag should be carried out regularly to make sure that your computer's hard disk is both error-free and not overloaded.

These two operations are among the most important of the many gazillion computer tips & tricks that computer experts recommend you to make use of. If you have embarked on a journey to find some of the best computer tips & tricks, you are not going to return empty-handed. With a large percent of the population of the world having become dependent on computers technical snags become inevitable. And the consequence of these snags is that one finds cures and way of preventing them.

So don't lose heart if your computer is threatening to crash. Consult a computer expert or a reliable online website and find some great computer tips & tricks to take care of your PC problems.

Ajeet Khurana is a web enthusiast and an author. He recommends: Computer Tips & Tricks, Internet Technologies and Technology Bites.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_163007_10.html

Slim and sleek Nokia 6300

2007-05-26T18:31:00.000+08:00

Nokia devices are well known for their innovative and performance rich features. Additionally, these devices are very intuitive and are available at affordable price range. That's one of the reasons why Nokia devices are leading in the global mobile phone market. Continuing with the same trend, the new launch of the Nokia 6300 is again an effort from Nokia to offer a slim yet powerful device as an affordable commodity.

The candy-bar designed handset looks great in its steel casing. A tall, slim and powerful device, featuring a wide bright screen – it provides an excellent interface for browsing and watching videos and images. Browse phone features through an ergonomically designed keypad, capture images and play your favourite songs on the move – the device is all set to change your mobile lifestyle.

The slim and lightweight mobile phone weighs only 91g and has a thickness of less than 13.1mm. Though boasting a slim profile, the device does not compromise on phone features. The Nokia 6300 comes with a 2.0 mega-pixel camera, MP3 player with FM radio and lots more – just click and capture quality pictures or play music on the go.

Nokia's successful journey in the mobile communications world is complemented by its performance and the consummate products that the company delivers. The Nokia 6300 is one of the best examples of Nokia's products. In addition to digital and multimedia applications, the device also offers messaging options such as SMS, MMS, EMS and Nokia Xpress Audio messaging – keep in touch with friends and family.

In the wireless mobile world, Nokia offers Bluetooth equipped handset, the Nokia 6300. Connect and share data through Bluetooth enabled devices. Supported with WAP, GPRS and EDGE technologies – enjoy browsing high speed mobile internet or transfer files swiftly in no time. The Nokia 6300 has everything that can change your mobile lifestyle.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_165145_45.html

Taking care of your printer

2007-05-26T18:25:00.000+08:00

Of all the peripherals and devices on the typical desk, the one usually taken for granted is the printer. Most of us don't pay much attention to the printer unless something isn't printing the way we want it or it won't print at all!

The bad news is that because of the heavy usage placed on printers, they tend to "mess up" pretty frequently if you don't take care of them. The good thing is that maintaining printers in top condition is for the most part, fairly painless. Most common malfunctions are easily prevented.

Obviously, the easiest way to avoid printing problems is to keep your printer in good shape. The good news is that doing so is pretty quick and easy. Just a couple of minutes devoted to a few maintenance steps will keep your printer almost entirely free of most common problems.

1) Use Your Printer: The number one problem (as reported to us) is poor print output... missing colors, lines in the print, etc. Using your printer on a regular basis, at least 2-3 times per week, will keep the ink flowing through the nozzles. Each ink nozzle opening is about half the size of a human hair and there are hundreds of them on the average print head! If you don't print often, you can keep your printer nozzles open and reduce the incidence of clogging. Here's how:
Simply place a "sticky note" on your computer monitor to remind you to print something in both black and color at least TWO TIMES a week. For example, use a colorful web page to print. This will use MUCH LESS ink than having to run multiple print head cleaning cycles through the printer utility. What a waste that is!

2) Power Down Properly: Don't forget to turn your printer off when not in use (end of day). This will help prevent clogging of the nozzles in the print head. ALWAYS use the printer's on/off switch, not a 'power strip'. Using the on/off switch will fully activate the print head capping mechanism and help prevent drying/clogging of the print nozzles.

3) Remove Paper Dust and Other Debris: As you might imagine, all that paper feeding through various rollers and guides tends to leave dust behind. Depending on how many pages you usually print per week and the weight of the paper (heavier bonds leave more dust), cleaning out the interior of your printer with a can of compressed air every one to two weeks improves the ability of your printer to feed pages. Also, visually inspect for the larger stuff like paper clips, etc.

Note: NEVER use an electrical powered vacuum as it can cause a short in your printer and quite possibly "fry" the electronics in it (battery powered is O.K.)

If you live in a dusty area and/or have pets inside, simply put a cover over the printer (plastic or cloth) to reduce the amount of dust or hair into the printer. Make sure your printer is off before doing so.

4) Handle Ink Cartridges Properly When Replacing: This one might not seem that important but ink cartridges are quite delicate, specifically, the electrical contacts and chips. They may become damaged or impeded by fingerprint oil. This can cause the printer to signal the dreaded "cartridge not recognized" error and/or cause poor print quality. Wiping the contacts using a q-tip slightly moistened with alcohol will clean them up nicely.

5) Make Use of Diagnostic Tools: All printers have built-in self test programs and other software diagnostic utilities. Take the time to learn how to access and use them. The information they provide can help correct a problem well before it even occurs. Here's How:
For WinXP go to Start>Control Panel. Doulble-click on Printers and Faxes. Place your cursor on your default printer (the one with the "check mark" on it) and double-click to bring up the printer status dialog and choose the "Help" button for diagnostic and troubleshooting access.

6) Often-times non-print issues or printer error messages can be EASILY corrected by simply turning the printer off (using it's on/off switch) and then, UNPLUGGING it from the power outlet for at least ten minutes. Re-plug the printer, turn it on and try printing.
You’ll be amazed at how many times this solves the problem!

About the author

This article is written by Phil McKinney owner of Max Patch Ink Supplies. Max Patch Ink is a highly trusted supplier of compatible and remanufactured printer ink cartridges. Check out the many other free printer tips.

This article is copyright
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_164779_10.html

The Future of Mobile Data Communications - HSDPA

2007-05-24T14:56:00.000+08:00

HSDPA, High Speed Downlink Packet Access, offers breakthrough mobile data speed – up to 14Mbps which is higher than most advanced 3G network in existence – as well as three-to five-fold sector throughput increase, which translates into significantly more data users on a single 3G carrier spectrum. This substantial increase in data rate and throughput is achieved through implementing a fast and complex channel control mechanism based on short physical layer frames. By delivering low cost and rich content applications, operators will be able to differentiate their services, create brand loyalty, grow data revenue and margins. Another important characteristic of HSDPA is the reduced variance in downlink transmission delay. A guaranteed short delay time is important for many applications such as interactive games and instant chatting. In general, HSDPA’s enhancements can be used to implement efficiently, the ‘interactive’ and ‘background’ Quality of Service classes standardized by 3GPP. HSDPA’s high data rates also improve streaming applications on shared packet channel, while the shortened roundtrip time will benefit web-browsing applications. As a result of these enhancements, operators using HSDPA will be able to support considerably higher numbers of high data users on a single radio carrier than is possible with any existing 3G technology.

PLDT (Smart) and Globe both offer Internet connectivity via this technology. PLDT's WeRoam offers connection via HSPDA/3G/EDGE and GPRS of the SMART network whichever is available. While WeRoam is cheaper than Globe's Visibility, Globe promises a fast connection of up to 3.6Mbps. You can also experience HSDPA on some cellular phones, like the Samsung SGH-Z560. But be sure to have a deep pocket, this is not your ordinary phone though.

Apple's iPhone

2007-05-20T16:21:00.000+08:00

Get a glimpse of the very hip and innovative phone from the makers of iPod, the Apple iPhone!

Photo courtesy and copyright of Apple, Inc.

Teletubbies Kill!

2007-05-01T18:29:00.000+08:00

Teletubbies kill - Flash Game

Balls!

2007-05-01T00:26:00.000+08:00

Our featured game for today is Balls!

2007-04-30T01:42:00.000+08:00

Our featured game for today is Private PWN.

Featured Online Game for the Day

2007-04-28T18:27:00.000+08:00

Our featured game for today is AG Mini Golf

Featured Online Game for the Day

2007-04-26T17:18:00.000+08:00

Yehey! For those of you who want to kill time, this is for you. Free games! And our featured game for today is Meal or No Meal.

Thanks to heavygames.com and addictinggames.com

Preventing Virus Attacks

2007-04-25T13:36:00.000+08:00

With the advent of the Internet, computer networking, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB Flash disks, the computer virus is now fast spreading. Learn some basic tips on how to avoid virus infection and preventing their attacks.

- What is a Computer Virus? It is a program that attaches itself onto legal programs that we normally use everyday. When you run the infected application, the "virus" is also executed. A virus is also called "malicious software" or malware. There are other types of malware - trojan horse programs, keystroke grabbers, adwares and the likes. These are programs that makes your computer run slower, and makes your application malfunction, worse they corrupt your files and render them useless.

- How do we get infected? You get infected when you run a program from a diskette or a USB flash disk that is infected with a virus. You get infected when you open files from your e-mail that is infected with a virus. You get infected when you visit non-trusted web-sites (porno sites mostly). You get infected even by just simply opening Internet Explorer, or some programs known to have security holes. These security holes are backdoors for hackers to install their programs onto your PC. These programs may record your keystrokes and may get important information like passwords and account numbers. They may also install programs that will let them gain access to your computer as long as you are connected to the Internet.

- How can we be protected? Have an anti-virus program installed, and have them updated via the internet from time to time. They prevent the execution of viruses and malwares, they also prevent hackers and trojan horse programs from gaining access to your computer. There are many anti-virus programs out there, examples are AVG, Norton Internet Security, McAfee, and Trend Micro Internet Security. Always remember to scan your diskette or USB Flash disk first before opening any documents or programs. Surf the Internet safely. Always visit trusted sites. Refrain from opening e-mails from senders that you don't know. Avoid downloading suspicious files. Don't surf for porn! Also, when you search the Internet using Google and the likes, always check the URL (web address). If you see symbols like % and = then most likely you will be redirected to another search engine, which most of the time are infected with malware. Don't click that link! Choose another search result.

- What do we do if we are infected? If possible, avoid using the computer if you are infected with a virus. Continuous use of the computer will help further propagate the virus. Have your hard disk scanned for virus and malware. The most effective way of scanning it is removing your infected hard disk and connect it to a known clean computer. Be sure that the anti-virus has the latest virus definition patterns. Have a thorough scan of the infected hard disk, quarantine infected files that can not be cleaned. Most of the time, the anti-virus deletes known malware. But if you happen to have a back-up copy of your important documents, then have your hard disk formatted and re-install a fresh copy of your operating system, be it Linux or Windows. That is the best way to erase the virus and malware.

Remember: Always have a back-up copy of your important documents. Copy your documents onto a CD or a clean (non-infected) USB Flash disk for safe-keeping.

Desktop or Laptop

2007-04-19T13:10:00.000+08:00

The choice between a desktop or a laptop depends on the buyer's use of the computer and budget. Although there has been major price drops in both desktops and laptops, the price difference between the two still ranges from P5,000 upwards depending on the specifications.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a desktop:

Advantages
1. Upgradable - although laptops too are upgradeable, desktops are more easy to upgrade.
2. Cheap - the components for assembling a desktop are much cheaper than their laptop counterparts.
3. Faster - for the same specification, the desktop is faster than their laptop counterpart.

Disadvantages
1. Bulky - they are difficult to transport.
2. Consumes more power
3. Space consuming

For the laptop computer:

Advantages
1. Portable - you can bring your laptop anywhere
2. Consumes less power - even on AC, an average laptop consumes about 90-110W, while the desktop is double that figure

Disadvatages
1. Expensive - higher-end laptops cost thrice that of a desktop
2. Less options for upgrade - only the hard disk, memory and the processor can be upgraded. The others are built-in

You can base your decision on which to buy from the above list. But I still recommend a desktop, especially if you will use it for playing games. A desktop is still more powerful that a laptop. Laptops offer portability, and they are for the executives and business people.

Putting Up Your Own Internet Cafe

2007-04-18T00:13:00.000+08:00

Planning to put up your own internet cafe? Here's a few practical tips.

1. Location - Do you have your market? As in any business, you should need to know if you'll have the clients to support you. You should know if there's a market for your business. Otherwise, you'll end up with flies. Perfect locations for an internet cafe are near schools, malls, palengke - i.e., places where people always converge.

2. Capital - Do you have the money? As this is a technical business, you will have to purchase hardware and equipment. Lucky you, prices of computers nowadays are going down. An air conditioning unit to protect your investments, and will also make your customers come back, as well. Networking accessories, tables, a printer and scanner. DON'T FORGET: Buy ORIGINAL Softwares, including games. You don't want to be included in some raids, do you? And don't forget also your operational expenses: electricity, consumables (ink, bond paper) etc...

3. Environment - Do you have a competitor? Always offer competitive services, or as they say, If you can't beat them, join them. Know how the competitor operates, then manupilate your own pricing schemes or extra services to be competitive.

4. Broadband - Do you have the connection? Some remote places have no access to broadband. Fortunately there are some that offer wireless connections, so even without a phone line you can have an Internet connection. Feel free to ask some broadband providers regarding the availability of service and their packaging. Take note of the bandwidth and price. The higher the bandwidth, the faster the connection, also the higher the monthly bill. Feel free to check those broadband companies that can offer their service in the area of your planned business.

5. Manpower - Do you have the people to run your business? A must for every Internet Cafe business is a dedicated technician. You may never know when a computer will break-down, or when your network will malfunction, and that will translate to a decrease in income. It is most advisable that the owner has a know-how of computers. Most technicians demand a high fee, so it can be a big savings if you know how to repair computers. A 24-hour-open Internet cafe will require a shifting staff.

These are simple, practical tips. They may be more, but these will give you the idea if an Internet Cafe will be a good business for you. If you can accomplish all the above tips, chances are you can put up your own Internet cafe and run it smoothly.

What is a computer?

2007-04-13T10:25:00.000+08:00

Computer - is an electronic device capable of performing mathematical calculations and logical operations based on a set of instructions to produce a meaningful and / or useful information.

As you can notice above, to produce a meaningful and / or useful information simply means that not all outputs may be meaningful, but it may be useful to the programmer or the computer user.

But the above definition is not that applicable nowadays, as the use of computers is so broad that it goes beyond calculations. Now we can do image editing, documentations, even playing games and watching movies. But basically, the computer still does the mathematical operations, but it is not obvious to the user. Like in playing games, one may not notice, but the computer is continuously calculating millions of geometrical operations just to produce the stunning graphics that you see in your monitor.

The Computer, therefore, is a device that accepts input, process it using a set of instructions, to produce an output that the user needs.

To Vista or Not To Vista?

2007-04-12T17:34:00.000+08:00

To Vista or Not To Vista? What is Vista by the way? Vista is Microsoft's new operating system (Layman's term - Windows, gets?). An operating system is a program that prepares your computer for use. It serves as a platform for your programs to run (like your Internet Explorer for example, it runs on Windows XP, an Operating System). Nowadays especially here in the Philippines, it has become a "computer specification", i.e., whenever someone is scouting for a computer, one of the common question is "naka XP na ba yan?" (Is it running on XP?). Well, on some point, it can be a good question, because in able for Windows XP to run smoothly, it should have a decent hardware (at least a Pentium III or 4, with 256MB of memory). But if you have read my previous post below on Purchasing your own computer there's more to just memory and processor. And it becomes more complicated when you plan on upgrading to the very appealing Windows Vista.

As you can see from the orb at the right, this is the new logo for the new operating system of Microsoft. Codenamed Longhorn, Vista offers a very beautiful (to the eyes specifically) operating system that will surely promise a more pleasurable computing experience. Enhanced 3D effects and stunning graphics will feast your eyes once you have it installed on your machine. But not all machines can handle Vista, no sir. Beautiful graphics means powerful graphic cards that can handle the demanding artistry that is Windows Vista. But Microsoft (being a "know-all" software company that she is) knows that majority of the computers in use all over the world are not high-end, so Microsoft came out with 6 versions of this new software to match your needs (hardware and "pocket-wear" speaking) classified in three categories, Basic, Premium and Ultimate.

Here you can see a typical Windows Vista desktop. Neat, huh? Notice any differences with your current operating system? Yeah, the Start menu and the control panel window are translucent. This improved 3D effect is what Microsoft calls Aero - Authentic, Reflective, Energetic and Open. Nice. But this feature will be disabled once your graphic card does not support DirectX 9 with Pixel Shader v2.0. As you can see on the right part of the wallpaper, there are Desktop Gadgets (or applets), the Windows Sidebar. Icons are also different and more...should I say cute? One will surely notice the change in 3D style.

There are so many new features beyond what the eye can see. Improved security features, an improved Internet Explorer (now on version 7) with tabbed browsing (similar to Firefox, but don't get me wrong, I love Firefox more), Windows Media Player in version 11, better and more functional Windows Movie Maker that can create DVD movies, a Games folder wherein all installed (whenever supported and identified) games will be installed in one folder, complete with game properties, for easy location. Vista also includes a partition manager, handy for creating and modifying partitions in your computer.

So many new features and less space in my blog, but the thing is, do we need to install it? As for me, I will still stick to my trusty Windows XP. First and foremost my computer can't handle the computing need of Vista. Vista requires a minimum of 800MHz processor and 512MB of ram for its Basic versions, while for the Ultimate versions a Gigahertz processor preferably dual-cores with 1GB of memory and 128MB of videocard memory that can support DirectX 9 and Pixel Shader 2.0. Whew. Besides, there are still more security issues that will surface within this months as Vista is still very new (there is a Service Pack waiting for these Vista users, meaning there are known and serious vulnerabilities). Noteworthy also is that there are still few hardware drivers for this new operating system.

Bottomline, if your hardware can support it, and if you have the budget to spend, then you can go for Vista. But if not, well Windows XP still does the trick, especially if you just surf the Internet or use Word or Excel. You don't need Vista just to type documents or check your e-mail, and for the budget conscious, I'm sure you don't want to spend thousands of pesos just to make your PC Vista capable, do you? If you want to experience Vista, there are a lot of Windows themes to make it look like Vista. I have one, and look at my desktop. Pretty much like the same thing, don't you think?

Vista images and some information taken from Wikipedia.

Purchasing your own computer

2007-04-12T17:32:00.000+08:00

Personal computers are not a leisure nowadays. It is an essential tool, a necessary home appliance. With the continuous drop in market price, the computer become so affordable that even those with limited income can purchase one. But with so many jargon terminologies and so many computer stores, buying one can be sooooo confusing. Here is what you need to know when buying your very own personal computer.

1. Research/Internet/Office Applications or Games? - We can classify the home computer into two usage - Internet/Office Apps and Gaming. What's the difference between the two? Price. The gaming computer will cost a little more that it will be when used only for surfing the net. Here's some things you need to know:

Processor - your computer dealer might ask you "What processor do you need?". For most people, they will undoubtedly say "Yung Pentium 4". Well, not a bad choice, but remember the Coca-Cola vs Pepsi thing, Colgate vs Close-up? Hope you got what I mean. In the processor world, there are two major players, INTEL and AMD. The former being the Colgate and the latter being the Close-Up (or Hapee if you want). If you are going to buy a computer for Internet/Typing use only, you can choose from Intel Celeron, or AMD Sempron. The speed (the Gigahertz thingie that they will ask you, example 2.8GHz) is not an issue anymore for home use, as all of the new processors nowadays are too fast for that kind of application (call it overkill if you want, yes they are too fast if only to open Word documents). If money is not an issue for you, and if you are going to use your computer to play games, then you can opt for an Intel Pentium D, Core Duo, or for the Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition. Another great choice for gaming is the AMD Athlon 64 series of processors and their new AMD AM2 dual-core processors. Again the speed is not an issue here, even for gaming, as games depend on the video card's speed and memory, so feel free to choose the Gigahertz according to your budget.

Memory - Gaming requires a minimum requirement of 512 MB of memory, while for Internet/Office apps, 256MB of memory is sufficient. If money is not an issue, feel free to add more memory. More memory translates to faster opening of applications.

Video card - For the Internet user, you may not purchase a separate video card, a built-in videocard in your motherboard will suffice, but you can also purchase a video card if you want, and a low-end card (Layman's term - yung pinakamura) would do the trick. As a word of caution, a built-in videocard in your motherboard uses from 32MB to 128MB of your system memory, which can cause a slow-down. For the gamers, a separate video card is a must, with 128MB of videocard memory as a recommended minimum. Faster video cards translate to better game graphics, but also translates to a higher price tag. Choose according to your budget.

Motherboard - well, this may take a longer post to discuss, but to cut it short, you may opt for the branded types for gaming use, like Asus and MSI, but ECS, Epox and Asustek are good choices also, and cheaper too. Internet users may choose one with a built-in videocard. There is one thing to note - the chipset. SiS chipset proved to be a little slower than VIA, and VIA slower or the same as nVidia and Intel, the latter being a little expensive than previously mentioned. You may go for motherboards with VIA chipsets for Internet users, and nVidia or Intel for gamers.

Hard disk - Gamers will have to buy hard disks with larger capacity for installing their games, while Internet/Office users can do with the lowest available capacity in the market. 80GB is the lowest nowadays, and that is big enough even for games. You can opt for the serial version, which cost a little more than the regular IDE version, but future-proof. (Layman's term - pwede pang gamitin kapag nagpalit ng bagong labas na motherboard).

Casing - the casing depends on your taste and budget so feel free to browse through various computer shops. Noteworthy to mention is the choice of powersupply. A 500W powersupply is recommended, para future-proof din. But for Internet users, 400W can do.

Monitor - depends on your budget. Now, a good question would be LCD or Boob-tube monitor? The regular CRT monitor (Layman's term - yung parang TV) is cheaper than the LCD version, but is not space-saving, consumes more electricity, and is heavy to transport. LCD's are otherwise - they save space, consumes less electricity, light-weight, BUT expensive. Although there's a dramatic drop in market price, it's still expensive (you can buy 2 CRT monitors for the price of 1 LCD monitor). Also, LCD monitors are not that good for games, they cause a somewhat ghost image or a slow-motion effect, but they are perfect for the typist and for those who frequently use Excel. It will all depend on your budget.

Optical Drives (CD, DVD, CD-RW) - depends on your budget too. You can buy a regular CD-Drive if all you want is to listen to music CDs (even MP3) or watch VCDs. DVD drives are common nowadays, as most software (or programs) are available in DVD format. You can not read DVD discs on regular CD drives, but you can play your favorite VCDs and audio CDs on a DVD drive. If you want to burn CD's or copy your files, audio, whatever on a CD, then purchase a CD-RW (CD-rewritable) drive. Available also is the combo model, a DVD drive that can burn CDs too. There is also a DVD-RW drive that can burn DVD discs. Feel free to add whatever you like that depends on your budget.

2. Brand-new, assemble or second-hand? - This one will depend on your use and budget. What I have discussed above will help you decide on buying a branded unit (Dell, IBM/Lenovo etc.) or assembling your own. Second-hand computers are perfect for Internet users or those who will type their projects, and the budget-conscious. Always remember to consider the Processor speed, amount of memory, and the capacity of the hard disk when purchasing second-hand computers. The higher the specifications, the better (of course the higher the price). One thing to note though, second-hand computers have limited warranty. It can cause a headache when something gets wrong. Just like an automotive, the computer can be a pain in the pocket when it malfunctions, so see to it that what you purchase has an extensive warranty.

Hey, I hope this will help you in purchasing your very own personal computer. If you have further questions, feel free to e-mail or leave a comment.

Watch out: To Vista or Not To Vista?

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