About Hardward Articles

Accident in Kabul September 29th 2006

2010-11-14T04:55:00.000-08:00

Same Plane with Nosegear failure - Same Video better quality just found it on my harddrive www.youtube.com

Video Rating: 3 / 5

Slipstreamer Hardward Kit A3 78 A3 78

2010-11-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Distributor Part # TR 55-9196
Manufacturer Part # A-3 7/8"

Rating: (out of reviews)

List Price: $ 30.95 Price: $ 22.09

Original :: Slipstreamer Hardward Kit A-3 7/8" A-3 7/8"

CiscoLinksys WRT160NRM Refurbished WirelessN Router

2010-11-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

ROUTER 11BGN

Rating: (out of 516 reviews)

List Price: $ 99.99 Price: $ 32.99

Original :: Cisco-Linksys WRT160N-RM Refurbished Wireless-N Router

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 Download Demo PES 11

2010-11-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

New 100% Working PES 11 !!! Only available with this link! : fileml.com Or filesmy.com Torrent has good trackers with al ot of SEEDERS, so You Download it in NO TIME!! Copyright ยฉ 2010. All rights reserved MPORTANT FOR DOWNLOAD MUST complete the survey before download in order to prevent CORRUPTED downloads. IF u download without completing the survey, U will find out that the hack/generator/cheat is not working/different. SO, please REDOWNLOAD :) Extra Tags Extra Tags] Experience Walkthrough Gametrailers posted a Xbox 360 Dashboard Walkthrough Hacking GamerTag Suspened PayPal Free Xbox Live Generator HALO 3 General Instantly Easy 50 boosting Service free money Recon Armor PS3 Microsoft ELITE Master Chief machinima THE NEW XBOX DASHBOARD COMING END OF SEPTEMBER. DEMO BY MAJOR NELSON. Call Xbox LIVE sims 2 Dash Board came early beta version cheatsboring program software demo major nelson blog free xbox live codes everydat prizerebel rewards1 hack generated generate online google virus unblock WII E3 2008 New Xbox 360 Dashboard Walkthrough Gametrailers posted penguin a Xbox 360 points coins change Dashboard armor halo 3 skulls Walkthrough Extra Tags] IGNORE [Extra Tags] E3 2008 New Xbox 360 Dashboard Hacking Club GamerTag Suspened PayPal reconFree Xbox Live Generator HALO 3 General mrwaterfalls Instantly Easy 50 boosting Service GWA Gator360 Supposed cp 1 Wwe Adam free money Recon Armor Master Chief PS3 Microsoft ELITE Master Chief machinima As Xbox 360ร�ยฎ readies What is ...

Video Rating: 0 / 5

Oregon Replacement Part WHEEL KIT WITH WHEEL AND HARDWARD 72050

2010-10-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

Rating: (out of reviews)

List Price: $ 17.49 Price: $ 11.99

Original :: Oregon Replacement Part WHEEL KIT, WITH WHEEL AND HARDWARD # 72-050

XBOX 360 Unplayable Disk Problem Fix NEW HARDWARD INSTALL

2010-10-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

XBOX 360 Unplayable Disk Problem Fix **NEW HARDWARD INSTALL The correct way to fix an XBOX that has a unplayable disc error. Replaces Mag. and Spin method.

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Lawnboy Replacement 242263 63687A88B HARDWARD

2010-10-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

Rating: (out of reviews)

List Price: Price: $ 2.99

Original :: Lawnboy Replacement # 242263 63687A/88B HARDWARD

DLink Wireless Router unboxing

2010-10-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

I am unboxing a D-Link Wireless router, free from Virgin Media.

Video Rating: 0 / 5

Britney Spears Womanizer Parody

2010-10-18T02:56:00.000-07:00

This song is now available on itunes! Check out my parody album here: bit.ly Please comment, rate, and subscribe :-) www.vprincess.com http I am getting FLOODS of messages and comments complaining about how the song is not the same tune as the original. YouTube said I can't do exact song parodies anymore, unless I get written consent from the writers which is pretty much impossible. So I had to write an original generic song. I'm sorry if it disappoints you, but I have lots of funny original parodies planned like my "Tinseltown Nanny" video. So stay tuned! Aragorn Drawing: www.youtube.com Anime Drawings: www.youtube.com Action Figures Photos submitted by: www.youtube.com LYRICS Ive always had A thing for Star Trek Conventions I need a man with a comic book collection Lord of The Rings is my favorite type of Role Play Dont want an Aragorn, I want a young Gandalf The Gray I fantasize About the Michael Phelps of Ping Pong Someone who memorized all of The Pokemon Theme song Hes in the elite As one of the Star Trek Fanclub chiefs. But secretly he has a stash of star wars boxer briefs. CHORUS: Hes a Womanizer womanizer womanizer womanizer Ooo Ooo A womanizer womanizer womanizer womanizer Together well discuss HTML And C++ Uh Huh A womanizer womanizer womanizer womanizer Hes got me rocking Like Stephen Hawking Check out his hard drive Sets me to warp five. Verse: Hes highly skilled In the art of drawing anime And he has an extensive selection of action figures on display. Hes ...

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Serial Just Cause 2 Keygen WORKING Update 7 Oct13 2010

2010-10-15T02:56:00.000-07:00

download link below: fileme.us Inside you will find step by step instrucions on how to use it. Don't forget to comment subscribe & rate my video ! Copyright ยฉ 2010. All rights reserved Extra Tags Extra Tags [IGNORE] Experience Walkthrough Gametrailers posted a Xbox 360 Dashboard Walkthrough Hacking GamerTag Suspened PayPal Free Xbox Live Generator HALO 3 General Instantly Easy 50 boosting Service free money Recon Armor PS3 Microsoft ELITE Master Chief machinima THE NEW XBOX DASHBOARD COMING END OF SEPTEMBER. DEMO BY MAJOR NELSON. Call Xbox LIVE sims 2 Dash Board came early beta version cheatsboring program software demo major nelson blog free xbox live codes everydat prizerebel rewards1 hack generated generate online google virus unblock WII E3 2008 New Xbox 360 Dashboard Walkthrough Gametrailers posted penguin a Xbox 360 points coins change Dashboard armor halo 3 skulls Walkthrough Extra Tags] IGNORE [Extra Tags] E3 2008 New Xbox 360 Dashboard Hacking Club GamerTag Suspened PayPal reconFree Xbox Live Generator HALO 3 General mrwaterfalls Instantly Easy 50 boosting Service GWA Gator360 Supposed cp 1 Wwe Adam free money Recon Armor Master Chief PS3 Microsoft ELITE Master Chief machinima As Xbox 360ร�ยฎ readies What is machinima for the next wave of audience gamertag change expansion, Microsoft today announced usa a new Xbox free habbo credits experience that will canada reinvent home entertainment from the inside out, changing the way we play games, watch movies and TV shows ...

Video Rating: 0 / 5

DLink Wireless Router G Vs N

2010-10-12T02:56:00.000-07:00

Albert explains the difference between wireless G and N by showcasing the amount of time transferred and even goes as far as the outskirts of town to test just how far these routers can go. Special guest appearance by Sam and Erik.

Video Rating: 4 / 5

CiscoLinksys WRT54G2 WirelessG Broadband Router

2010-10-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

All-in-one Internet-sharing router, 4-port switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) access point
Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G and -B devices
Push button setup feature makes wireless configuration secure and simple
High security: Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

Rating: (out of 877 reviews)

List Price: $ 66.99 Price: $ 33.89

Original :: Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router

Western Digital 1 TB Caviar Green SATA Intellipower 64 MB Cache BulkOEM Desktop

2010-10-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

WD Caviar Green hard drives reduce power consumption by up to 40% and offer best-in-class acoustics and operating temperature.
IntelliPower - A fine-tuned balance of spin speed, transfer rate and caching algorithms designed to deliver.
IntelliSeek - Calculates optimum seek speeds to lower power consumption, noise, and vibration.
1 TB capacity holds up to 200,000 digital photos, 250,000 MP3 files, and 120 hours of HD video.
3 year limited warranty.

Rating: (out of 369 reviews)

List Price: $ 90.99 Price: $ 57.79

Original :: Western Digital 1 TB Caviar Green SATA Intellipower 64 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive WD10EARS

Western Digital WD Elements 2 TB USB 20 Desktop External Hard Drive

2010-10-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

Simply affordable
Easy to use USB 2.0

Rating: (out of 545 reviews)

List Price: $ 152.99 Price: $ 119.00

Original :: Western Digital WD Elements 2 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive WDBAAU0020HBK-NESN

7206 F Little Rock AR Real Estate For Sale 10268956

2010-09-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Real estate for sale at Little Rock AR - 10268956 - UNBELIEVABLE transformation in this wonderful home . TWO lots! This one has been redone floor to ceiling. Some updates: flooring-paint-lighting-fixtures-kitchen counters sink faucets hardware lightingtravertine backsplash outlets-bath lighting hardward fixturesoutlets cabinets-completely redone lower level including removal of all ceiling tiles & newly sheetrocked ceilingBlt-ins-replaced picture window-custom blinds-R40 Insulation in attic-Crown Molding added thru out. MUCH MORE. SEE REMARKS. - for more info visit susanricerealestate.crye-leike.com

Video Rating: 0 / 5

POS Cash Registers A Huge Piece Of The POS Software Puzzle

2010-09-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered if there was one way to take your business to the level? Whether your have a business is a clothing, grocery or furniture store, you should consider a solid point of sale (POS) register for your POS system. POS cash registers can help morph a disorganized business into a flourishing and successful machine.There are many different systems you could choose from, but it is imperative to choose the correct POS Cash Register for your particular situation. Some POS systems may be purchased piece by piece, but in most cases you simply purchase the complete system. A complete system consists of a computer screen (or terminal), cash drawer, barcode scanner, keyboard, creditard system, and receipt printer. The POS cash register usually comes with customized software that interacts with computer you are using for your global POS system. Systems can have a wide variety of operations such as inventory management, purchases, credit card verification, even age verification. POS cash registers can also be used to keep track of employee schedules.There are many benefits when a register is added to your business, especially small businesses. One of the biggest benefits to a solid A POS register system is the ability to automatically deduct units from your database inventory. That is a key factor in helping you keep track of which products are still available for consumers, but more importantly, what products you have flying off the shelves. POS cash registers are key assets to your establishment, and they can make the overall business process smoother and more manageable.With more products available to consumers in the POS industry, systems are now installed with top of the line software. Most of this software is called "universal". Meaning, the software will work with a large number of POS cash register units. But it is highly important to make sure the register you are purchasing is compatible with a universal POS system.

Original :: POS Cash Registers A Huge Piece Of The POS Software Puzzle

Staying Up to Date on Your IT Systems Maximizes Efficiencies

2010-09-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

It seems like technology vendors release updates so often that it could easily become a full-time job to keep the system current. But paying a full time salary to an IT professional just to install system updates is not in the budget for most of today's businesses.It seems just as easy, and definitely less expensive, to let some of it slide if it's not a critical update. After all, if things are running smoothly and nothing is broken, why fix it?Actually, there are several important reasons to keep your system running efficiently that will save your business time, money and a lot of potential headaches. Here are the top three.1. Software updates maintain operating efficiency. Software venors test, revise and publish updates and upgrades on a continuous basis. Products are released, feedback is gathered, refinements are made, updates are released. It's a natural and ongoing process in the world of IT.Ideally, this cycle will identify and correct any problems that arise which cause the software to operate in a less than optimal fashion, like sluggish processing time or using more system resources than necessary. These periodic vendor updates will not only improve the updated software's performance, but often positively impact the system's overall performance.2. Software updates maintain security. The increasing number of hackers, viruses, worms and other malware on the internet is an ongoing threat to any system with online access. It is critical for any business to keep its computer system's security software up to date.But security breeches frequently occur in other kinds of software as well. It is just as important to overall system security to be aware of and install vendor security patches as soon as they become available. Aside from protecting valuable and confidential data, timely security updates will protect against significant processing slowdowns or complete system shut downs.3. Routine maintenance keeps systems running efficiently. A simple task like defragging hard drives can greatly improve processing times, but it can be time consuming to implement on a regular basis. And if it's not properly performed and monitored, defragmenting can cause catastrophic damage to your database and overall system.Also, adding disk storage space is a simple but extremely effective method to speed up processing times. Managing routine maintenance isn't complicated, but even so, it does require technical precision and expertise.Though these procedures are relatively easy for an IT professional to implement, they should definitely not be undertaken by anyone without the proper technical training.Although the benefits of performing the tasks listed above on a regular basis appear obvious, and scheduling them seems to be simple common sense, it's surprising how many businesses never get around to them. Often, the neglect is due to cutbacks to administrative staff.But using an outside IT contractor like AccuTech International for regular system maintenance and updating is becoming a viable option for many businesses which are tightening expenses these days. On the one hand, the business benefits from maximizing it's system's efficiencies. On the other hand, system maintenance expenses can be kept to a minimum.

Original :: Staying Up to Date on Your IT Systems Maximizes Efficiencies

Internet Computer Help How to Connect a Wireless Router

2010-09-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

When connecting a wireless router, it's important to have access to the instructions that came with the router. Connect an Ethernet cable to a modem with help from a Web designer in this free video on computer and Internet tips. Expert: Noah Blumenthal Bio: Noah Blumenthal is a computer expert who worked as a Web designer at Netbuzz, an online Web design and advertising company in Paris, France. Filmmaker: Paul Volniansky

Video Rating: 4 / 5

How to Install Your Linksys Wireless Router

2010-09-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

Learn how to setup your linksys wireless router or any wireless router if you live in Charlotte or anywhere else. If you need a pro call us at 704-248-6227 or visit www.ccnsteam.com

Video Rating: 3 / 5

Video Game Industry to Undergo Serious Change

2010-09-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

The video game industry is soon to undergo a serious change. A change that many feel is for for the better.
Currently video game manufacturers and publishers usually sign what is called an exclusive agreement. What this means is the video game hardward manufacturer, such as XBox, PS3, WII, etc. has the sole rights for that publisher`s particular game.
However this trend of exclusive deals may be coming to an end. In the November issue if Electronic Gaming Monthly, Evan Van Zelfden says, "that the agreements between game publishers and hardware makers called as third-party exclusives may be ceased in the future." Van Zelfden explains further, "that more publishers and dvelopers were willing to create computer games that can be used for different gaming platforms such as Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation, and Xbox 360 than giving an exclusive license to only one platform."
Not having an exclusive license allows publishers to develop a video game for multiple platforms. Van Zelfden agrees, "their games would have a wider market if it will be available in multiplatform versions."
It may be a while before the entire industry jumps on this "bandwagon" however there are a couple of games on the way. The games that would soon launch in multiplatform versions include "Devil May Cry 4" and "Grand Theft Auto IV".
Keep an eye out on this trend and the games that will be hitting the market soon. Soon you will no longer have to buy just the XBox to get a certain game and so on.
By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:
Michael C. Podlesny is the Managing Director of Indocquent.com. Indocquent.com is an online resource that allows video game manufacturers and suppliers to list and sell their products in 20,000 cities throughout 200 countries around the world free of charge.

Original :: Video Game Industry to Undergo Serious Change

Texas Ghetto Brawl

2010-09-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Two street dudes from southwest H-Town get into a street fight in Cornbreads parking lot 5 in the morning. RIP Big Moe and Hard Ward.

Video Rating: 3 / 5

Lawnboy Replacement 242263 63687A88B HARDWARD

2010-09-12T05:34:00.001-07:00

Rating: (out of reviews)

List Price: Price: $ 2.99

Original :: Lawnboy Replacement # 242263 63687A/88B HARDWARD

HIPPA Goes Mobile and Wireless for Hospitals and First Responders

2008-07-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

It appears we need to further streamline health care and HIPPA now in effect is quite a nightmare trying to comply with and implement without making a mistake and possibly being sued as the trial lawyers testing the law. The Malpractice insurance rates may go up again. On one hand you have the รขโ�ฌห�know your customer" laws and on the other you have "privacy rules."

Usually when new laws and regulations come along they are never welcomed, they cause costs to go up, cause chaos and some smart entrepreneur comes along and solves the problems, we have seen this in Aviation, Communication, Trucking, Auto Industry, Mining, Marine, Construction, Education and letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs face it, we have seen it in all sectors. The new regulation is no matter how well intended always a problem. These rules when enforced by mandate rather than implementation by free market pressures and desires of patrons tend to cause the worst problems as, they inevitably are prostituted by greed, back door deals and controlled whiners of a system. The whiners think they are to attain justice, but usually end up causing a worse problem upon themselves and the whole of the users of the system.

Today we have a chance to computerize the HIPPA issue and recently I had discussed this at length with the IT Think Tank President in Omaha, NE. They had a plan, which would take the PDA Wireless Device and put all the information, which would be available in the ambulance and to first responders.

It appears that there are several entrepreneurs and larger Software and IT people who specialize Medical issues. One project with a major player in the legal field is PocketMD (.com). The World Think Tank had asked about a mobile HIPPA solution for first responders and they have built in accommodations for privacy, particularly with the triple DES encryption. So the data is secured. This mobile application can also work in the battle space arena for quick response to personal and the data set will be two-way so it can give data on the patient and run the data and send back an answer. So this could be used for casualties or those nearby who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Nebraska IT Think Tank is looking into the "huge data base" application for the PDA. This would be a relational database (similar to a rubics cube) in which the PDA could make queries for medical information. Access to this information would be "compartmentalized" based on the hospital, physician, or other source of inquiry. This information would be well secured and protected. The whole project would run on an "ASP Model" - application service provider - that charges based on the type of access, amount of data transferred, etc. - a type of subscription model. They are also looking into "medical smart cards" with the PDA - one of the companies in Omaha has made some great products in that area. Privacy, insurance companies and ethics are all worked out by defining the "business rules" for access to the database.

There are several other areas of potential affiliation; dictation, charge capture, and medical reference database content. The wireless system is working on 802.11 - which does not have a very long range. There are specialized PDAs that come with different radio freq and capabilities. They had mentioned to me "I am like you - intrigued by the possible military apps - especially field services - procurement, targeting, etc." So far, the VA Hospitals have been the best opportunity for this test market so this will happen. They hope to have a private hospital pay for implementation soon. They are even working on one "user group" as a conduit for development - if the user group provides access to their members, we would provide a subscription plan for the software and equipment customized to their requirements - saving PocketMD marketing costs and saving the user group members a lot of money in the process.

President George W. Bush had made an interesting and unusual comment about this, unusual because no one realized he was so up on all this stuff. He said that streamlining these things, issues with HIPPA and Healthcare could be done through IT. Absolutely in our opinion, as long as everyone can agree on a standardized system like we discussed above, where everyone is on the same page. In our opinion PocketMD has developed the most robust software for use by physicians in a hospital. They have more features and better security than any on the market, yet there is a risk of becoming the "Betamax" in the "VCR" race. Companies such as MercuryMD and PatientKeeper simply have more marketing dollars. But either way I bet we find a way to take care of this HIPPA issue that everyone is on edge about sense the lawyers are lining up to sue and the HMOs and Private Hospitals are re-doing their entire method of doing business. The investors of PocketMD(PMD) are looking to take MD Tracker public, which for the medical industry looks like an interesting prospect.

PocketMD:

http://www.itsecurity.com/tecsnews/nov2003/nov108.htm

MercuryMD;

http://www.mercurymd.com/

PatientKeeper;

http://www.patientkeeper.com/

MD Tracker;

http://www.mdtracker.com/hard_soft_technology.html

There are many start-ups out there and now the investment bankers have stepped in and the free market system should fix it. VC is lining up to spend on these to fix the problem. There will be ROI expected from those who solve this problem and that will still slightly raise prices for health care and there will be some systems with issues, feature creep during programming and implementation costs and some failures. Some lawsuits, but in the end although the problems will be quite burdensome and much will be fought by the employees who do not like it as with any new system, innovation or change due to resistance of the status quo.

In the trucking industry they have mobile technologies we have been studying are mobile and work off data bases in the dispatch office. These similar systems with real time data, Video Cell Phones could save lives, monitor school buses, Rapid Transit Districts, Bus Stops, Airliners when used in connection with WiFi in the sky and passenger trains, trolley cars and trams.

The systems are so powerful and robust that it appears with such a system it could be placed on telephone poles and catch bad guys, which drove down a street in a Ryder rental truck with bomb material odors. They could be set up with sensors which could be triggered by infrared and could detect illegal migration, troop movement into areas, stick it on top of a Socorro cactus. Great for plant security, hook it to a sound non-lethal fire mechanism up the road 500 yards, and take out bad guys with remote button and/or force them to run back where they came from or risk burst ear drums and brain damage? These units could be put them on Sarge units from Sandia to patrol borders, infrastructures, military bases, important buildings and plants. Put them on UAVs, ATVs, UUVs and all kinds of stuff, even organic birds to track migration and give real time data.

But back to the IT solutions for HIPPA, yes in fact this is absolutely the way to fix this potentially disastrous problem caused by more regulations in the health care industry when they probably just need tort reform and less law suits and reality based systems with ethical people working in them. The problem is that the over all issues with ethics in America has permeated every part of civilization, so it should not be too surprising that up until now your medical records may have been available to more people than you might have wanted.

In the end HIPPA is here to stay and is a noble calling for privacy, even if there may have been other free market solutions to stop the data leak for privacy issues. This implementation is occurring and the entrepreneurs are solving the problem with their belief that anything worth doing is worth doing for a profit.

HIPPA is no doubt the greatest controversy other than the need for tort reform in Health Care Industry since the turn of the millennium. IT will assist in streamlining the internal systems, which are now dealing with the new HIPPA regulations, but it will take time to implement and ramp up. In the end patients will be happy to know their privacy is protected, even when it travels thru the wireless airwaves to mobile hand held devices.

Lance Winslow

CD Rom Copiers

2008-07-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

CD-Rom means CD-Read Only Memory. No additional data can be written on these CDs once they are recorded. The recording of CD-Roms is done by the vendor and is called as stamping. However, the data from these CDs can be written onto other blank CDs using a CD-Rom copier with the necessary software.

CD-Rom copiers work on the pits and hills technology. CD-Roms are coated with an organic dye layer. When the CD-Roms are written, the data is encoded onto them by burning specific parts of the organic dye coating. These parts are called as the pits and the remaining parts are called as the hills. While copying, a laser head reads the pits and hills and then burns the corresponding regions on the blank CDs. Thus, the same data is transferred onto the blank CDs.

CD-Rom copiers may be PC attached or standalone. PC attached CD-Rom copiers connect to the SCSI port of any computer. They use the copying software that is installed on the host computer. PC attached CD-ROM copiers can have speeds up to 40 times.

Standalone CD-Rom copiers do not need a PC attachment. They have a hard disc of their own. Such CD-Rom copiers are designed in a tower format. Standalone CD-Rom copiers actually contain several single CD-Rom copiers. Thus, several CDs can be burned at once on a standalone. They may contain as many as 2 to 16 unitary drives. They can have speeds as high as 52 times.

Automated CD-Rom copiers make work much faster and efficient. They have a robotic arm, which lifts and removes CD-Roms as they are copied into another spindle. Automated CD-Rom copiers can copy hundreds of CDs without the user having to interfere with the process at all.

CD-Rom copiers make it easy to make copies of game CDs, which are all CD-Roms. Necessary software can be used to crack the file and include that too in the copied CDs. CD-Roms having video, sound and extreme graphics can also be copied.

CD Copiers provides detailed information about CD copiers, CD DVD copiers, CD copier software, CD copier downloads and more. CD Copiers is the sister site of DVR Cards.

Office Equipment

2008-07-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

Whether you are setting up a new office or planning to expand your workplace, purchasing the office equipment is an important priority. Setting up an office is as arduous a task as setting up a home. Whether you are maintaining a home office or a workplace office, the office equipment that you will need remains more or less the same. Stationary Items like pens and papers, furniture, computers, scanners, fax machines, printers -- the list is endless.

With technology advancing at such a rapid pace, it is difficult and expensive to maintain an office. However, there are many office supply companies that are competing with each other for your business, and you should be able strike some great deals on all of the furniture and supplies that you need. If your work is related to technology, then compromises on the technical equipment such as computers may not be possible. If you are not financially to sustain a loan payment, then you might consider leasing computers and other office equipment. There are many leasing companies locally and online that will give you great deals on leasing. You can even hire a purchasing company to set up your office for you. Whether you buy your office equipment or lease it, the fact remains that a fine setting and superior equipment boosts the morale and raises the level of optimism of the employer and the employees, so donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt be to conservative.

Office equipment should be carefully selected because it ensures the smooth functioning of your workplace. One should pay attention to the quality and durability of the products before making any purchases. Take advantage of the recommendations and advice from relevant sources before taking any decisions.

Office Equipment provides detailed information on Office Equipment, Office Equipment Supplies, Home Office Equipment, Used Office Equipment and more. Office Equipment is affiliated with Round Conference Tables.

How to Add or Remove an IDE ROM drive

2008-07-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

CD ROMS - If you're adding or removing an internal cd-rom, dvd-rom, or just about any internal ROM that has an opening CD door, read on. Almost all IDE devices such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc. including burners and dvd burners are all installed or removed in the same fashion. If you're removing your rom, first remove the scrues from both sides of the rom. Make sure both sides are removed or you won't be able to get the device out. Once the scrues are off, unplug the drive; both the IDE ribbon cable that goes to your mainboard and your power cable. You may also have another wire running from your cd-rom to your sound card. This wire enables sound to play from your rom drive to your sound card, so when you play a cd on your drive you can hear it. Yank all cables running to the drive, then remove it. Simple.

To add a drive, first you must mount the drive in the correct position and remove the IDE bracket on the front of the case. An IDE bracket is just a simple piece of plastic on the front of your case. When removed, your drive can then be accesible from your case's front. Remove one such plastic bracket by simply pulling at it and it will come loose, then mount your drive inside the case with the door facing frontwards. Now, your drive will not stay in that position unless you mount it with some scrues, so do so to both sides of the drive. Then, connect an IDE ribbon cable to one side of the ROM. The other side of the cable should run to the secondary IDE slot on your motherboard. If you're not sure which is which, the primary is the one that runs to your master (primary) hard drive, and the secondary runs to your rom drives. You can connect up to two rom drives on one cable, as it will have one end that connects to your board, one end that connects to a drive, and a middle connector for another drive. Run a power cable to the drive as well. As for connecting a sound cable - it can be done, but it really is not required. Should you need to listen to music from your cd player, you're better off just copying the music to your hard drive, then listening to it. This will cut down on your used system resources, and for slower PCs skipping will be eliminated.

I am a young, aspiring computer engineer into Internet Marketing, hardware, software, web design, SEO and just about anything related to computers. Please come check out my growing PC forum at http://www.markspcforum.com

Discount Ink Cartridges

2008-07-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

What to do with those empty ink cartridges after they run out of Ink? Well, there are several computer shops willing to buy those cartridges for a good price while there are also some that are more than willing to take them off your hands.

These stores offer a highly much discounted price on the ink cartridges. They are very affordable and offer an alternative solution to those expensive ink cartridges.

On the market today, we have four known discount ink cartridges available: the compatible cartridge, the original equipment manufacture, or OEM cartridge, the remanufactured ink cartridge, and the refilled ink cartridge.

The compatible ink cartridge, as the name suggests, is the one most likely to be compatible with a certain printer. They may not be of the same quality, but the manufacturers of the compatible ink cartridge do attempt to reach the standard set by the makers of the original printer/ink cartridges. They are manufactured mostly by stationers, retail chain stores and companies that specialize in office and school supplies.

The original equipment manufacturer cartridges, or OEM ink cartridges, are produced by the companies who usually make the ink and cartridges of the big printer manufacturer's brand names. They are costly, but the performance is guaranteed to be top of the line and obviously is of high quality. It is a good option also to purchase OEM ink cartridges, as they are referred by the printer manufacturers because they often cancel warranties once they find out you have been using other ink cartridges.

The remanufactured ink cartridges, or refurbished ink cartridges, are recycled cartridges. The empty ink cartridges are cleaned and checked for spoiled parts. The spoiled parts are then replaced, rebuilt and filled up with a toner. It is then tested, sealed, and delivered to specialty stores. Since some parts are changed and are replaced by new ones, the performance of the remanufactured ink cartridges is just like the original.

And lastly, there are refilled ink cartridges. These are relatively cheaper, but there is no guarantee about their performance. It is even risky to try using these, as they can be harmful to your printer. You should only have your Ink Cartridges refilled by a professional and, if possible, the one endorsed by your printer company.

Ink Cartridges provides detailed information on Ink Cartridges, Discount Ink Cartridges, Printer Ink Cartridges, Cheap Ink Cartridges and more. Ink Cartridges is affiliated with Printer Ink.

Depending On Email Servers?

2008-07-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

How many times has your email server left you out in the cold. It seems so simple, doesn't it? Someone sends you mail, you get it and read it. Then, you file it. Just like the standard postal mail that comes to your home each day. But, with email, things just get so jumbled up. Lost emails are a real pain because the email server always seems to eat the important emails that you send out. But, then again, maybe you just notice those and it's not sending out a ton of your other emails as wellรขโ�ฌยฆ.Before you begin to worry, think about the large task that email servers have and you'll better understand just how important and difficult their jobs are.

Okay, so we are not talking about an important position in a company, but the fact is that you need your email servers to function in this world. For that reason, many email servers are continuously updated to have the right set of information on them to keep them moving smoothly ,which in turn keeps you happy. But then there are those missing emails. If you have quite a bit of trouble with your email server, then you perhaps should consider switching. The fact is that there are many of them out there and they all seem to be excellent quality from the start, although that doesn't last.

One of the largest problems with email servers is their control of or lack of control of spam. Yes, we all get it and we all hate it. It just clogs are in boxes and leaves us with nasty old viruses that slow us down. Hopefully we donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt get any spy ware with it as well. Nonetheless, many email servers have added in some great spam protection for their email services. This is great news that all of us email users should appreciate hearing about!

for more information please see http://www.email-server-deals.co.uk

Why We Should Have Never Given Government Computers

2008-07-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

The reason we have computers is because they are suppose to make us more efficient and indeed they do. However you would have thought that when we gave computers to government they would have become more efficient right?

Well, that is silly of us, of course not, have you ever known them to be more efficient. You would think that they would be able to downsize some of those worthless bureaucrats right? Try again, they have expanded and used the computers as a reason. You see now they need more staff, IT department, computer maintenance division, computer programmers and data entry people? But shouldnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt there be less paper work and fewer typewriters and well less people there? You would think so, but what has been efficient for the rest of our civilization has actually increased the inefficiencies of government you see?

Now they cut down more trees and make more forms to fill out and harass more people with their petty crap and bureaucratic non-sense? They now have found more people to charge more fees too and more companies to write citations and fines too. And guess what we are all paying for all that inefficiency too. We are paying twice.

What on Earth is with these people? You give them the most efficient tool ever created in the history of mankind and modern civilization and they figure out a way to expand the blob of bureaucracy; Go figure? Think on this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Refurbished Laptop FAQs

2008-07-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Refurbished laptops are the repaired versions of faulty laptops. They are renovated by the manufacturer and the error free versions are sold in the market at a lower price through remarketing services. These are available even in the most sophisticated models.

How are the laptops refurbished?

The refurbishment of laptops is a systematic process, which differ according to the manufacturer. A thorough evaluation of the technical proficiency is done after the clean up. Damages such as scratches are also repaired. The renovated system is tested vigorously to avoid future errors.

What about the warranty of a refurbished laptop?

Most companies offer a minimum warranty of six months. It varies with the policy of the manufacturer. Extended warranty up to two years can be availed from some retailers.

What are the selection criteria for a refurbished laptop?

Refurbished laptops must be selected according to the purpose of the laptop. The reputation of the manufacturer is a major factor. The cost and warranty also has to be evaluated while selecting.

Which are the leading companies in the refurbished laptop market?

IBM, Dell, Compaq Armada, Toshiba, Panasonic, and Fujitsu are some of the leading manufacturers. Some resellers such as UsedLaptops.Com, USAnotebook.com etc are also focused in the refurbished laptop market.

What is the difference between refurbished laptops and used laptops?

Refurbished laptops are renovated faulty laptops whereas used laptops are the resale laptops. Refurbished laptops are usually rebuilt by the manufacturer. They upgrade the facilities of the laptop to the present market conditions. Used laptops are often just polished by the reseller before resale. They cannot provide the technical excellence of the refurbished laptop.

Are there any other price advantages associated with refurbished laptops?

The price of the refurbished laptops will be reasonable because of the increased competition. Apart from the attractive pricing, most of them offer discounts and promotional offers. Discounts of 5% are available for students, senior citizens and military people. Bulk purchases enjoy special discounts.

Refurbished Laptops provides detailed information on Refurbished Laptops, Cheap Refurbished Laptops, Dell Refurbished Laptops, IBM Refurbished Laptops and more. Refurbished Laptops is affiliated with Used Cheap Laptops.

Free Web Mail Servers

2008-07-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

Web mail is an Internet application that allows you to read and compose e-mail using a web browser. Prior to web mail, it was necessary to install an e-mail client such as Eudora or Microsoft Outlook to send and received e-mail. This restricted a person from accessing e-mail if he was traveling or was away from the computer on which the e-mail client was installed. Web mail made it easy for anyone to open an e-mail account and access it from any computer, from any part of the world.

The first web mail service was Hotmail. It was created in 1995 by Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith. Hotmail quickly became popular and was later acquired by Microsoft, who re-branded it as MSN Hotmail. Today web mail is offered for free by several Internet companies including Yahoo and Google. Most of these companies recover the cost through some sort of advertising. It is also offered by most ISPs to help their customers access their e-mails remotely.

To provide web mail access, a special software application known as web mail server is required. A web mail server acts as an interface between the web browser and e-mail server. Web mail software allows you to create your own web mail server, and is easily available. Some examples include open source software such as Squirrelmail and Horde IMP.

These web mail servers provide all the regular e-mail features such as ability to access e-mails using a web browser from any computer, composition of e-mails, deleting e-mails, creation of folders, trash folder, address book, spell check and anti-spam filtering.

Some commercial mail servers, including Microsoft Exchange, Kerio MailServer and Atmail, contain built-in webmail interfaces.

The disadvantages of web mail are that the e-mails are not stored on your local hard drive and you cannot access them if you are not connected to the Internet. It is also difficult to edit the e-mails offline unless you copy and paste the e-mails to a word processing application.

However, considering that the advantages clearly outnumber the disadvantages, free web mail servers can be of great help.

Mail Servers provides detailed information on Mail Servers, Free Web Mail Servers, Linux Mail Servers, Email Servers and more. Mail Servers is affiliated with DVD RAM.

How to Install a Primary Hard Drive

2008-07-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

In this tutorial we learn how to install a primary hard drive. The primary drive is your main drive, not a secondary drive. Installing a secondary drive is similar but you will have to configure your drive differently. Be sure to have your documentation handy at all times.

Learning how to install computer components like a hard drive is not hard, but proper preparation is the key to making it a smooth experience.

Before beginning you should completely shut down your computer. Also be sure to switch the power supply switch into the off position and pull the AC cord from the wall outlet.

1. Remove the Case and Set Your Drive Jumper

The first order of business is to open your computer case so that you can install the hard drive. The method of doing this varies, but most modern cases use a mini-tower design and have side panels that are screwed onto the chassis.

You will need to find the panel that sits above the motherboard and remove the screws in the back to slide the panel out. If you have an older computer design, you may have to remove all of the screws in the back and then slide the chassis out.

Next you must configure your hard drive. To install hard drive components properly you will need to set your drive jumpers. On the back of your drive you will notice pairs of metal pins pointing to various positions. There will be a jumper over the pins in one of these settings.

Consult your documentation. Basically, if you are installing the first and only drive you will set the jumper to "Cable Select." (If you were installing more than one drive, you would choose "Master" for the main drive.)

2. Insert the Drive into Case

Once the drive is configured you are ready to insert it into the case. Examine the design of your case to see what your options are here.

Inside your case there is what is known as a drive bay. Some of the new-fangled case designs offer a removable version of this drive bay or cage. If you have that, consider yourself lucky. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs much easier to know how to install computer components when you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have to poke around in the case the whole time.

If you have a removable bay, then remove it now. Align the mounting holes on the drive bay with the mounting holes on your hard drive, and then screw them together. When you are done, insert the drive bay back into the case and screw it back on.

If, however, you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have a removable bay, then all is not lost. Just insert the hard drive into the drive bay, align the mounting holes together, and screw it on. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs not that difficult; itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs just a bit of hand and eye coordination.

3. Attach All Cables

Of course to install hard drive components, or any other components for that matter, you will need to attach cables somewhere. In the case of the hard drive you will need to attach an IDE cable from the motherboard to the motherboard, and then attach the power cable.

First, install the IDE cable to the motherboard. For your added convenience the IDE cable is color-coded for you. It is usually blue at the bottom and also has a red stripe on the side. This cable is to be inserted into the motherboard at the IDE0 (Primary) or IDE1 (Secondary) connector.

As an added check, make sure that the side of the cable with the red stripe lines up with the back of the motherboard labeled "Pin 1." Once youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre done, connect the other end of this IDE cable to the hard drive. Connect the black controller and be sure that the red stripe is aligned with "Pin 1" on your hard drive.

Finally, plug the four-pin connector from your power supply into the back of your hard drive, and youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre done!

4. Close Up and Power Up

Now itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs time to close up and power up. Restore the case panel you removed earlier or slide the computer chassis back into the computer case.

Screw it back on, flip the power switch to the on position and attach the AC cord. Turn the computer back on. At this point your system BIOS is going to detect that a new hard drive has been attached.

You may have to configure the BIOS to properly detect the hard drive or at least supply some specific settings. As we always say, consult your documentation and follow their instructions. Much of our tutorials on how to install computer components apply across the board, but you still need to tweak some settings depending on your manufacturer.

Conclusion

Learning to install hard drive units is not hard from a mechanical standpoint. It can be done very easily.

However, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs more than an installation. The drive unit needs to be properly configured. Jumper settings need to be set properly, and then afterwards the BIOS must detect your new drive. Afterwards, you will then need to format your drive and install your operating system.

As you can see, beyond the basic installation there are a number of additional details. Thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs why we encourage you to have patience and follow these tutorials step by stepรขโ�ฌโ��and as always, read the instructions!

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visit his website at Build-Your-Own-Computers.com for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computer components.

Ceramic Disc Capacitor-How to Accurately Test It

2008-07-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

The last article I mentioned about electrolytic capacitor breakdown when under load. In this article I will talk about the high voltage resin coated ceramic disc capacitor. In computer monitor, it is frequent used in the screen voltage (G2) line at the crt board. When it fails, it can cause erratic or intermittently raster bright and dim and sometimes no display.

Adjusting the flyback transformer screen control will not solve this problem. You can isolate the problem as whether if it cause by a defective fly back or G2 line at crt board. Remove the G2 wire from circuit and measure the screen voltage with a digital multimeter- it should have a constant voltage (will not vary). If the voltage is not stable suspect the fly back. If it ok then trace the screen voltage circuit. Usually this circuit consist of only resistors and capacitors. Sometimes a defective crt socket might cause this type of problem also!

Many times a tech can't solve this intermittent or no display problem is because their digital capacitance and ohmmeter measured ok on the capacitors. The capacitors in the screen voltage line are usually rated of 102,103, and 472 1kv to 2kv. A 'missed' in checking this capacitors will caused the technician can't solve the problem, unless he direct replace the capacitor. An intermittent capacitor can pull down the screen voltage causing the display problem.

As mentioned earlier, an ohmmeter with 12v output and a digital capacitance with 3v output are unable to accurately check the capacitor that have the rating of 1-2 kilovolt!

If you have the analog insulation tester or meter, the panel will show a short circuit when certain voltage are pump in to check the high voltage capacitor. The voltages that you can select is depends on the brand or model you buy. Some have the range of 50v to 1000v and some have the range from 100v to 500v. It is optional whether you should have one. If you have one then it would be an added advantage for you. The other option that you have is to direct replace the suspected capacitor. In my country, you can get a new one in less than US150.00 or you may bid a used unit from eBay.

As for me, checking the small blue resin coated ceramic disc capacitor that have the capacitor code of 104 50v, besides using digital capacitance meter to check for the value, i also use an analog meter set to times 10Kohm that have the output of 12v to check this type of capacitor. Many times it will revealed the bad intermittent capacitor. You will be shocked to see the capacitance meter checked ok but show a shorted reading when check with analog multimeter.

In the market there is certain brand of analog multimeter that have the range of 100kohm. If you open up the cover, you can't see the 9v battery in it, what you see only the 2 pieces of 1.5v battery. This type of meter can't accurately detect the short in the capacitor because the output voltage is only 3volt!

For those of you who involved in repairing monitor, you will agree with me that checking the flyback internal capacitance- quite often you get the right value 2.7nf with digital capacitance meter but when you switch on the monitor, you will hear a 'tick-tick' sound from the flyback. This is because the capacitor is breaking down when under load. If you did not do anything with the flyback, gradually the internal capacitance will become shorted and you will need to refurbish the flyback.

Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more electronic repair information please visit his website at http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm

Four Power System Problems Common in Colocation Facilities

2008-07-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

The primary factor that determines uptime for servers in a colocation facility is power. Power outages will knock a network offline and even damage hardware such as motherboards, memory, and hard drives. Despite how intrinsic power is to keeping businesses connected to their networks, only 2% to 3% of colocation facilities have the right power systems in place. The other 97% of facilities most commonly lack redundancy, multiple units carry the energy load even if one unit fails, or have units that are running above capacity, so a unit failure will cause the other units to overload and fail. Every part of the power system รขโ�ฌโ�� uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), transfer switches or circuit breakers, generators, and power distribution units (PDU) รขโ�ฌโ�� should be redundant and running below capacity.

Problem 1: Non-redundant Power Grids
Multiple PDUs connected to separate power grids and multiple UPSs should be designed into the colocation facility to offset a power grid failure. Colocation facilities with redundant power grids can connect customer servers to different grids at the same time, so that even if one goes offline, the other will work, keeping the network running without interruption.

Problem 2: Non-redundant UPSs
The UPSs supply power during an outage until the generator can come online; if the UPSs do not turn on immediately at the time of failure, then the network will go down. Even with high quality UPSs, failures are common, so it is critical for there to be multiple redundant UPS units in an "n+1" configuration รขโ�ฌโ�� all of the necessary UPSs, plus an extra. Functionally, this means that each UPS runs sufficiently below capacity to handle a unit failure without the other units overloading. If there are two UPSs, then each unit must run below 50%, so that if one fails, the other can continue without overloading. If there are three units, each must run below 66%; four units, below 75%. The current load is shown on the display on the front of the UPS.

Problem 3: Transfer Switch Failures
Most colocation facilities use mechanical transfer switches, which are not as dependable as circuit breakers, to switch power from the electric utility to the generator. These switches are one of the most common places the power system fails. Without redundant switches to transfer power at the same point, a transfer switch failure will mean that a network goes down.

Problem 4: Insufficient Generator Capacity
Generators supply power during an outage. To run without overloading, the generator must have capacity to run 1.5 times the total building load. Ideally, a colocation facility should have a redundant backup generator in case the primary generator fails, and the facility should have a process in place for switching power between generators. Having multiple generators is not the same as having redundant generators. One of the most common generator problems with colocation facilities is that the facility started out with a small generator and added generators as it grew. This creates multiple points where power has to be transferred during an outage, increasing the likelihood that a network will go down. As a practical consideration, the generators must be well-maintained, tested monthly, and fully supplied with fuel.

Points to Consider
Fewer than one in twenty colocation facilities have the best power systems in place despite the fact that power systems have the most impact on network uptime. Without well-maintained and redundant components running below capacity at every part of the system, network performance as well as server performance and equipment lifetime will suffer. To make sure that the power system at a colocation facility is robust enough to handle power and equipment failures, two words should be remembered: capacity and redundancy.

American Internet Services is the premier San Diego colocation service provider with state-of-the-art Internet data center technology. http://www.colocation.ccccom.com

Installing Linux on WRT54g Wireless Router

2008-07-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

The WRT54G is a wireless router made by linksys. A few years ago linksys released its WRT54G firmware source code giving the open source community the ability to make its own versions.

Installing Linux on your wireless router has many benefits and in my opinion few risks. The one risk you do face is turning your router into a "Brick". Now, this does seem like a big chance to take but there are many options if upgrade fails. Also, if you follow the installation instructions for each wrt54g firmware distribution you wonรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have a problem.

Typical ways to "Brick" your wrt54g router are: trying to install your firmware upgrade over a wireless connection, interrupting the upgrade, and finally powering cycling during or five minutes after the upgrade.

General rules to follow are:
1. Always perform an upgrade from the original wrt54g linksys firmware not other firmware distributions.
2. Set your firmware back to factory defaults.
3. Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt upgrade from a wireless connection.
4. Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt turn off your router for about five minutes after the upgrade.
5. Insure your firmware is meant for your router, some firmware versions are meant for the WRT54GS (WRT54G with speed booster), and the regular wrt54g.
6. Follow the given instructions for each given firmware distribution.
7. Enable the Boot_wait function on your router. This option will give you the ability recover from a failed upgrade by using tftp to upload new firmware.

Linksys does have tools to that will let you recover from failed distributions. There are many different wrt54g firmware distrobutions to pick from. Some have specific purposes: like being used for a wireless hotspot or a radius server. Do your research before installing and always follow the exact installation instructions.

Sign up for the most popular wireless networking news letter on the internet. Receive the inside scoop on wireless technology for the home and work place at http://www.wirelessninja.com.

What is Computer Memory? How is it Used?

2008-07-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

A computer requires memory in order to run applications (RAM/DRAM), handle basic functions (ROM), as well as process all video functions (VRAM). It is vital to a computer to have memory in order to process all of the commands that are entered either physically or programmatically.

Firmware is ROM (Read-Only Memory) that resides on the motherboard (the main board in the computer that contains the CPU, bus, and slots for the cards to be plugged in to). Firmware stores basic command information in order for the motherboard to communicate with the CPU. It is called firmware because it resides on the motherboard and is never (practically) removed or replaced. It is ROM, because it cannot be rewritten. This is important as it is what allows the electronics of the motherboard (i.e. +/- 5V) to be translated into 0s and 1s for the CPU.

RAM/DRAM (Random Access Memory/Dynamic RAM) is used to store programs while they are running. Programs (applications) are stored in RAM and presented to the user based on the user's requests. The firmware/CPU will "page" the application into RAM/DRAM as needed, so the more RAM/DRAM that you have the better off you are. "Paging" is a feature that allows large programs that don't fit into the RAM/DRAM available on the motherboard to "page" in the necessary piece of the application when it is needed. For example, if you have 512MB of RAM/DRAM and the program that you are running is 1GB in size, only 1/2 of the program can be stored at any given time, thus it will be paged into memory (RAM/DRAM) as needed (this a very general way of looking at RAM/DRAM, not to be taken literally). RAM/DRAM is also used by the CPU to handle internal O/S (Operating System) issues. RAM/DRAM is critical to the motherboard and the operation of a computer. RAM/DRAM therefore is not ROM, as it can be (and is) rewritten over and over again during the course of a user's session on the computer.

The last form of memory that I want to discuss in this article is VRAM (Video RAM). This generally is stored on a video card that is plugged in to the motherboard (NOTE: more and more motherboards are coming with VRAM installed on them so that you don't need a special card for it). Basically VRAM is RAM specifically for rendering graphics on a screen of some sort (monitor, TV). VRAM is very important for you gamers out there. The more VRAM that you have the faster the computer tends to be able to render your graphics. If you are not using your computer for gaming then VRAM is nominally necessary.

As we have seen from this article, ROM, RAM/DRAM, and VRAM all have important roles to play in your computer's operation. Without any one of these pieces, you will be hard pressed to have a running computer.

Author BIO Mike Kolar has been working with computers since 1977 and is currently a computer programmer with a large firm in California.

His other love is bowling and in this vain he has created a website which can be found at Free Bowling Information.

Aluminum Laptop Cases

2008-07-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

A laptop is a very delicate instrument that has to be taken care of when traveling, and this is the reason people use laptop cases. One of the sturdier laptop cases is the aluminum laptop case. In fact, it is often considered a Fort Knox for your portable computer. Actually, a few years ago, owning an aluminum laptop case was quite difficult, as there were not many cases in production. However, nowadays the cost has shrunk drastically, while its availability has increased tenfold. So many people are opting for aluminum laptop cases.

An aluminum case is of course made of aluminum, sometimes with extruded aluminum frames. Most of the aluminum laptop cases come with grey ABS plastic pads on their bottoms to keep them from scratching desks. The handle of an aluminum laptop case is sturdy, with a comfortable molded plastic grip and a removable shoulder strap. For the safety of the laptop, the aluminum laptop cases usually have one or two combination locks. The inside of an aluminum laptop case has a lining with mesh and vinyl leather-look trim, some padded divider panels to separate the laptop from accessories, and also lots of pockets to hold necessary cables and discs. To keep the laptop fitted snugly into the aluminum laptop case, the bottom of the case has totally customizable Velcro-adjustable dividers.

The advantage of using an aluminum laptop case is that it gets reduced shipping costs in the event of shipping of the laptop. It is easy to handle in all weather, as it is both water- and dust-resistant. There is little risk of the laptop getting damaged if the aluminum laptop case falls. Aluminum laptop cases are recyclable, and are thus beneficial to the environment.

Laptop Cases provides detailed information on Laptop Cases, Aluminum Laptop Cases, Womens Laptop Cases, Leather Laptop Cases and more. Laptop Cases is affiliated with Mobile Computing Solutions.

Single Board Computers

2008-07-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

When we talk of computers, topics usually range from desktops, laptops and notebooks. Sometimes, our ideas and discussions about computers seem to go on forever. However, we seldom hear talk about single board computers. We may not be familiar with the term, though many of us have used single board computer at one time or another.

A single board computer is a complete computer that stands on a single circuit board. It is a circuit board that contains all the components to make a complete computer, such as the processor, memory (RAM), I/O, processor clock and audio and video interfaces. Single board computers may be used as stand-alone units, embedded units or backplane units.

Today, single board computers have found wide use in industrial processes. These small-form factor computers are often used in industrial machines in a rack-mount format that performs complex processes.

Single board computers can also be found in other applications. Cell phones, fax machines, scanners and other electronic products that make use of computer technology are equipped with embedded single board computers. Notebook computers, especially the older ones, are basically single board computers.

Many new home electronic products, especially those that are designed to communicate with a computer or other electronic products, make use of embedded single board computers. Despite this emerging trend in home electronics, single board computers fail to fully dominate the computer world because of some disadvantages.

However, single board computers do have advantages over other types of computers. With all the components built on a single board, the manufacturing cost of single board computers is less compared to multiboard computers. The single board design makes it more reliable because the need for problematic connectors is eliminated. With new technologies, the capabilities of single board computers can further be improved, while its size is further reduced.

On the downside, single board computers are less flexible than other types of computers. With all the components soldered in a single board, there is no way the computer can be upgraded whenever new developments appear on the market. Simply said, the technological capabilities of single board computers are fixed, and they have no ability to take advantage of new technological developments.

Single Board Computers provides detailed information on Single Board Computers, Embedded Single Board Computers, Industrial Single Board Computers, High Performance Single Board Computers and more. Single Board Computers is affiliated with Office Workstations.

Looking for Information on CD Duplication and Replication?

2008-07-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

Time is one of the most important things we have that we are always short on. One way to maximize your time is to have the most up to date technology available. But, this can be costly. If you are in the market to purchase CD duplication or replication products, you wonรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have to spend a lot of money to get quality products to help you with this. Depending on what type of CD duplication you are interested in, you will more then likely find just what you need online and do so quickly.

But, what is it that you need your CD duplication to accomplish? For many, simple CD duplication equipment is needed to download music, movies, or files from the Internet. Other things you may need CD duplication for include producing your own music or coping that of anotherรขโ�ฌโ�ขs. What will you use your CD duplication equipment for? What are your needs on a broad scale and then on a specific level as well? By defining what your needs in CD duplication are, you will effectively be able to get the right product for you.

Once you know what you need in your CD duplication equipment, you can begin your search. First, you will find that most of all the products you can imagine in CD duplication are available for you to purchase online. While in most cases, we are talking about components to add to your own personal computer, there are many other products for more sophisticated needs as well. First, let us speak of the more sophisticated of CD duplications. If you are looking to have CDรขโ�ฌโ�ขs duplicated on a large scale, you may wish to consider looking for a company to manufacture them for you. Unless you plan to do this often, having someone else handle your CD replication can be a great time saver and money saver as well.

Now, if you are looking for CD duplication for your computer, you face a completely different situation. First of all, most new models of computers actually come with CD burning features that can allow you to download off the internet a wide variety of things including music, movies, software and more. You can also copy CDรขโ�ฌโ�ขs from one drive to the next. So, for personal use, CD duplication software may already be on your computer.

Regardless of what type of CD duplication you are planning to do, you can find all the necessary equipment and materials available to you online. What you need to do, though, is determine if you need to purchase CD duplication equipment or possibly enable a company to service your CD duplication needs. Or, you may simply want or need to own your own CD duplication equipment. In that case, youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll be surprised at all that is available to help you. You may even be able to purchase an add-on to your current computer that will allow you to do your own CD duplication. Whatever you need, there is something out there to provide it to you!

Gonzalo Roca
http://www.cd-duplication-directory.com

Guide to Buying Hard Drives

2008-07-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Apart from being one of the most essential parts of your computer, hard drive storage is constantly updating, in terms of both capacity of disk space and in physical size. When it comes time to upgrade your disk storage, there are a number of factors for you to take into account. Once you've made basic decisions about size, connectivity, speed and data transfer rate, and whether you want an internal drive or external, you can search through Myshopping.com.au to find the most suitable brand, and model, and compare the prices of different vendors.

Hard Drives

How A Hard Drive Works

Your hard drive has a number of magnetized platters connected to a spindle. The spindle spins the platters at a very fast speed while a series of read/write heads scan over them both looking for and writing information. This information is transferred via a cable system, or through a wireless connection to a hard disk controller, which in most systems is built into the motherboard, or in some systems installed as an add-in card. The information that comes from your hard drive through its controller is then made available to the components of your computer. The effectiveness of your hard drive (its performance) depends on how much of its capacity remains unused, how well organised the data is (known as fragmentation) and its data transfer rate, which in turn is dependent on its connection type and the drive's spin rate.

Internal Hard Drives

Most computers from, the most basic home models up to the most powerful servers, have an internally installed hard drive. Technology today ensures that they are all generally fast, reliable, and offer dependable storage ability. Most modern computers have installation slots and cabling to enable you to install additional hard drive. This allows you to increase your storage capacity without giving up your existing hard drive.

Internal Hard Drives

External Hard Drives

These drives are essentially the same drives as ones installed inside computers, but cased inside a protective, portable case. This is a good solution for people who work remotely and need to transport large amounts of data. If an external hard drive is your choice, make sure your computer is compatible with the interface that the hard drive uses. An add-in card, such as a FireWire card can help to increase your computer's capabilities. You can compare different brands of external hard drives simply at Myshopping.com.au and search on the connection type, or other specifications.

External Hard drives

Laptop Hard Drives

There have been many advances in miniaturization of hardware components for laptop computing, and hard drive technology is not left out of this loop. Laptop hard drives function in exactly the same way as internal hard drives on other computers, only they are designed to provide maximum storage and efficiency in the smallest possible package. For added flexibility, some laptop computers come with removable hard drives that can be easily installed and removed. However, before you buy a hard drive for your portable computer, check that the hard drive's specifications will meet the standards of your computer, as many laptop hard drives are proprietary, and are not compatible with other brands and models.

Laptop Hard Drives

Size

Your hard drive stores your operating system, its programs (games and applications), your working data, and your digital music and movies. Most new computer purchases have a minimum of 80 GB of hard disk space; many have considerably more. Hard drive space is one of those things, once you have it, you'll find ways to fill it soon enough. There is no real rule of thumb, but consider the cost per gigabyte of storage as a way to guide your purchase. If you work with large files, such as music, video and graphics, it pays to have a big storage space for your work. It may pay you to have two hard drives, one that houses all your programs and applications, and another for storing your work and projects.

You may want to compare the price of say a 160GB drive against two separate 80 GB drives. If one drive fails all is not lost. Today's hard drives however, are fairly robust pieces of equipment and providing they are not abuse, will serve you well for a long period of time.

up to 32 GB Hard Drives

32-64 GB Hard Drives

64-100 GB Hard Drives

100 GB and more Hard Drives

Interface

One key distinguishing factor between hard drives is the way in which they connect to your computer. There are a number of basic types of connection schemes used with hard drives. Each connection type has a range of differences in performance.

IDE (INTEGRATED DRIVE ELECTRONICS)

This is by the most common connection methods. Because the hard drive controller is on the drive itself rather than on the motherboard, it helps to keep costs down. There different IDE standards available. Mostly, you will want to purchase the fastest possible standard that your computer can support. Most computers will support a standard that is faster than what the computer currently supports, so you can buy a faster drive, and update your computer at a later time. The different IDE standards, in order from most basic to fastest, are:

ATA (Basic). Supports up to two hard drives and features a 16-bit interface, handling transfer speeds up to 8.3 MB per second.

ATA-2 or EIDE (Enhanced IDE). Supports transfer speeds up to 13.3 MB per second.

ATA-3. A minor upgrade to ATA-2 and offers transfer speeds up to 16.6 MB per second.

Ultra-ATA (Ultra-DMA, ATA-33 or DMA-33). Dramatic speed improvements, with transfer rates up to 33 MB per second.

ATA-66. A version of ATA that doubles transfer rates up to 66 MB per second.

ATA-100. An upgrade to the ATA standard supporting transfer rates up to 100 MB per second.

ATA-133. Found mostly in AMD-based systems (not supported by Intel), with transfer rates up to 133 MB per second.

IDE / EIDE Hard Drives

Serial ATA Hard Drives

Ultra DMA 100 Hard Drives

SCSI (SMALL COMPUTER SYSTEM INTERFACE)

This is the hard drive interface standard used by many high-end PCs, networks and servers, and Apple Macintosh computers, except for the earliest Macs and the newer iMacs. While some systems support SCSI controllers on their motherboards, most feature a SCSI controller add-in card. SCSI drives are usually faster and more reliable, and the SCSI interface supports the connection of many more drives than IDE. While SCSI drives come in many different standards, many of them are not compatible with one another. So it's important be know that your computer supports the drive you plan to install. The different SCSI connections are:

SCSI-1. A basic connection using a 25-pin connector, supporting transfer rates up to 4 MB per second.

SCSI-2. Uses a 50-pin connector and supports multiple devices with a transfer rate of 4MB per second.

Wide SCSI. These drives have a wider cable and a 68-pin connection that supports 16-bit data transfers.

Fast SCSI. Uses an 8-bit bus but transfers data at 10 MB Per second.

Fast Wide SCSI. Doubles both the bus (16-bit) and the data transfer rate (20 MB per second).

Ultra SCSI or Ultra Wide SCSI. Uses an 8-bit bus and transfers data at 20 MB per second.

SCSI-3. Features a 16-bit bus and transfers data at 40 MB per second.

Ultra2 SCSI. Uses an 8-bit bus and transfer data at a rate of 40 MB per second.

Wide Ultra2 SCSI. Uses a 16-bit bus and supports data transfer rates of 80 MB per second.

SCSI Hard Drives

Ultra320 SCSI Hard Drives

FIREWIRE (IEEE 1394)

The FireWire standard is becoming popular in portable hard drives because it can be connected and removed without having to reboot the computer. It supports data transfer rates of 50 MB per second, which means it is ideal for video, audio and multimedia applications. FireWire requires a dedicated add-in card and the hard drives in use require an external power source, but the interface can support up to 63 devices simultaneously.

FireWire Hard Drives

USB 1.1 (UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS)

Pretty much all computers today include USB ports on their motherboards. (On older model, you can install an add-in card.) USB controllers can be used to connect external hard drives, and can support as many as 127 devices simultaneously either through USB port hubs or linked in a daisy chain fashion. USB controllers do delivery power to devices connected to them, but many hard drives still use an external power source. USB is limited by its data transfer speed, the maximum rate being about at 1.5 MB per second.

USB Hard Drives

USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED USB)

A more recently introduced and far better connection standard that offers backward compatibility and data transfer rates of up to 60 MB per second. USB 1.1 system can use a USB 2.0 device; it will need a USB 2.0 controller card to achieve the higher transfer rates.

USB 2.0 Hard Drives

FIBRE CHANNEL

Fibre Cabling is mainly used for high-bandwidth network servers and workstations, providing very fast data transfer rates (up to 106MB per second), and connection at long cabled distances, although it is expensive and you need to install a special interface card.

Spin rate

Data transfer rate is crucial to how well your computer performs for you. Apart from the connection types above, the performance of your hard drive depends on its spin rate, measured in RPM. Higher RPM generally means faster data transfer rate. The lowest spin speed that is acceptable in computing today is 5400 RPM. The common standard at present is 7200 RPM. But higher speeds are available in SCSI drives, and it is one area of computer system technology that is constantly being developed.

3600 RPM Hard Drives

4200 RPM Hard Drives

5400 RPM Hard Drives

7200 RPM Hard Drives

10000 RPM Hard Drives

15000 RPM Hard Drives

A larger capacity hard drive will not necessarily make your system function any faster unless you are low on available disk space with your existing drive. But a drive with Ultra ATA/100 or ATA/133 and a 7200 RPM spin rate will pretty much guarantee an improved hard drive performance.

Other considerations

CACHE

Cache (pronounces 'cash') is additional temporary memory that acts as a buffer between the system and the drive. Frequently accessed data is stored in the cache for quick access. Cache sizes vary from 512 KB up to 16 MB on some SCSI drives. The larger cache you have on your drive, the faster your drive will transfer data. If you are working with large files, such as video, images and audio files, it pays to have the largest cache you can get (8MB or more).

SEEK TIME

The data on your disk is stored in tracks and sectors and when you instruct your hard drive controller to retrieve some data, it goes looking. The seek time is a measure of how long it takes the hard drive to find a specific track on a disk. Seek times can vary slightly from disk to disk and a drive with a faster seek time will always perform better.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TRANSFER RATES

These two rates tell how fast a drive actually reads the data and passes it along to the system. Internal Transfer Rate refers to the time it takes for a drives heads to read data from the platter and pass it to the drive's cache. The External Transfer Rate (sometimes called the Transfer Rate or the Burst Transfer Rate) is a measure of the time it takes to send the data from the cache all the way to the computer's memory. Naturally faster transfer rates provide better performance.

S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology)

This is a nice built-in feature in some hard drives that can help alert you to a potential hardware problem. Your computer's BIOS must support this in order for the SMART function it to work, however the drive itself will still work in a system without it.

Buying and installing a hard drive has some technical aspects that you need to take into account. Use Myshopping.com.au to compare different hard drive makes and specifications to find the drive that will work best for your needs and computer. You can compare prices and service offers from different vendors.

Andrew Gates is a writer for comparison online shopping service MyShopping.com.au. MyShopping.com.au helps you compare hard drives and buy online from top-rated online stores. You can also read hard drive reviews and specifications.

Best DVDs for Your Personal DVD Player

2008-06-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

When bought personal DVD player, the very next thing to do is purchasing an important DVDs collection with your favourite movies, documentaries, shows, cartoons. Here are few hints before buying.

Have you just bought a portable personal DVD player and no clues about what DVD shows can you enjoy? Well, net is abounding in all kind of tops. In order to pick up what you wish before your escape into vacation, take a glance on these ones. These following pass for significant classifications. According to bestdvd.co.uk:

Top 20 DVD's

Title Total %

1. American Beauty 6%

2. Fight Club 96%

3. Se7en 95%

4. Halloween (Ltd Edition) 94%

5. American History X 93%

6. The Matrix 93%

7. Terminator 2 93%

8. Shrek 93%

9. The Abyss 93%

10. Fellowship of the Ring 92%

11. Gladiator 92%

12. The Holy Grail 92%

13. Jurassic Park 92%

14. Tarzan 92%

15. The Sixth Sense 91%

16. Independance Day 91%

17. Three Kings 91%

18. Blade II 90%

19. Silence Of the Lambs SE 90%

20. The Green Mile 90%

Best DVD's of 2003

According to amazon.com, these are:

The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King (Widescreen Edition) DVD
Finding Nemo (Collector's Edition) DVD
City of God DVD
Seabiscuit (Widescreen Edition) DVD
Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World (Widescreen Special Two-Disc Set) DVD
The Last Samurai (Widescreen Edition) DVD
Kill Bill, Volume 1 DVD
Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl DVD
X2 - X-Men United (Widescreen Edition) DVD
Mystic River (3 Disc Deluxe Edition) DVD

Top 10 Films of 2004, So Far - Independent Film

This top is realized by worldfilmabout.com:

The Trilogy, together, Lucas Belvaux' "On the Run," "An Amazing Couple," and "After the Life"
Before Sunset
Dogville
Festival Express
Maria Full of Grace
The Five Obstructions
The Dreamers
Bon Voyage
Control Room
Coffee and Cigarettes For the RZA

DMC Awards

According to dvdmoviecentral.com, DMC Awards let us know which are:

the best overall DVD
1. THE TWO TOWERS: SE
2. Finding Nemo
3. Black Hawk Down: Deluxe Ed.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Best children and family DVD
1. THE LION KING
2. Finding Nemo
3. Sleeping Beauty
4. Harry Potter/Chamber
5. The Love Bug
best documentary feature
1. CASABLANCA (Bacall on Bogart)
2. The Great Dictator (The Tramp and the Dictator)
3. The Two Towers: SE (Gollum)
4. Black Hawk Down: Deluxe Ed.
5. Tokyo Story
best video quality (color)
1. STAR TREK: NEMESIS
2. Finding Nemo
3. Identity
4. Blue Crush
5. Sleeping Beauty
best video quality (black&white)
1. THE GREAT DICTATOR
2. Coup de Grace
3. Umberto D
4. Wings of Desire
5. In Cold Blood
best restoration (pre-1970):
1. ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST
2. The Great Dictator
3. Metropolis
4. The Love Bug
5. Sleeping Beauty

Even those who are in love with classic movies should be satisfied. Movies such as "Sunset Boulevard" (1950) Special

Collector's Edition DVD or "Roman Holiday" (1953) Special Collector's Edition DVD have been released recently. The picture and sound are as good as on any contemporary film.

About The Author

Dana Scripca writes for http://www.allportabledvdplayers.com where you can find more information about portable DVD players

Please feel free to use this article in your Newsletter or on your website. If you use this article, please include the resource box and send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: mailto: danascri@gmail.com

Wireless Classrooms: Mobile Laptop Labs for Schools

2008-06-29T02:59:00.000-07:00

Wireless networks in schools is not a new thing but itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs rare to see the wireless network used to itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs full potential.

Technology with out wires gives the teacher the ability to bring the technology to the student instead of the whole class going to a computer lab.

Wireless mobile laptop labs can be used for many purposes:

รขโ�ฌยข	Wireless Streaming Video  รขโ�ฌยข	Research  รขโ�ฌยข	Report Writing  รขโ�ฌยข	Teacher Guided Instruction  รขโ�ฌยข	Report writing  รขโ�ฌยข	Typing

What ever a student can do in a wired lab they can do with a wireless laptop mobile lab.

What are the features of a wireless mobile laptop lab:

1. Wireless Laptops - Laptops for schools should meet the following specs. First they need to have at least 512 mb of memory. Anything less will cause educational software to crawl. The laptop should weight about six pounds, a heavy laptop is about eight pounds plus and a light laptop is about 4lbs. The ultra light laptops are over $2,000 each and too expensive for schools. So six pound laptops are easy enough for schools to carry around. Now some people will tell me Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm wrong but school laptops donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt need cd-roms or DVD -roms. Why you ask? Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs because they will be the first thing to break and all software will run off the hard drive. The case needs to be a slim case so students can have proper hand placement when typing. Bluetooth devices are becoming all the rage so built in Bluetooth will be something to think about also. Hard drive size should only be about 30gig because nobody is going to download music or large media files.

2. Mobile Laptop Carts - They need to be easily moved, easy enough to take out and put in the laptops, and have a built in power strip for charging. Laptop carts can hold any where from 6 to 30 laptops at once. I recommend using laptop carts of 15 or smaller and spreading them through out the school.

3. Access points and printers - If you school can not afford permanent wireless access points have a wireless access point mounted on the card and plug it into a network port when needed. Also the cart can have a printer on it if needed, but I recommend network printers not desktops.

Studies have shown that students who use laptops in classrooms are more focused and have an easier time typing. Wireless networks free students from their desktops and frees them from having to go a computer lab to work with technology.

Come find the answers to your wireless networking problems. Join the most popular wireless networking newsletter on the internet at http://www.wirelessninja.com The Wireless Ninja makes the difficult easy, check out the Ninja certified wireless cameras http://www.wirelessninja.com/wireless_hidden_cameras.htm

The Apple Mac mini - It Fits Anywhere And It is The Most Affordable Mac Ever!

2008-06-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Mac OS X, the worlds most advanced operating system! Just connect, plug, and your playing. The Apple Mac mini will work with either Mac or PC-compatible peripherals, this makes it easier than ever to upgrade from and older Mac or PC system. All you have to do is connect your USB mouse and keyboard, then hook up your DVI or VGA display (our adapter is included). Then just plug it in, turn it on and your ready to go.

Now this is power packed into a small package - Apple has outdone themselves! Under the sleek anodized aluminum styling of the Mac mini is a G4 processor, room for up to 1GB PC2700 main memory, a Radeon 9200 graphics chip, and a large enough hard drive, up to 80 GB, to store todays digital media.

With the mini connections you can hook-up your digital devices like cameras, iPod, printer, camcorder, and your keyboard. There is even a audio/headphone jack. You can customize this Mac with some great extra options after you select your Mac mini.

You have the choice to use your own keyboard and mouse or choose the Apple Wireless keyboard and mouse and free yourself from the clutter of cables. You will need the Bluetooth module and with it you will also be able to have wireless access to printers, cell phones, PDAs, input devices and other peripherals. Or add a AirPort Extreme Card and have the freedom of wireless networking from anywhere in your home. Although you must have these features added when ordering your Mac or they will have to be added by an authorized service provider because they are not user-installable.

A slot-loading SuperDrive added will let you play and burn both CDs and DVDs. So be sure to check out the most advanced, convenient, and affordable Mac in history!

Check It Out!!

http://www.a1-computers.net/apple_mac_mini.html

About The Author
Bonnie Archer is a successful author and publisher of http://www.A1-computers.net. A great source of information about computers and computer accessories.

CD Jewel Cases Prices

2008-06-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

Finding compact disk jewel cases is quite easy as they are available in most stores that cater to computer and office needs. Having a standard measurement of 142 millimeters by 125 millimeters by 10 millimeters, compact disk jewel cases are the usual casings found when buying compact disks. Jewel cases have two opposing halves that are hinged together to form the enclosure. Its back half has a tray that holds the disk through a hole in the center. Jewel cases are made of plastic and are not very durable. They easily break upon stress or shock and the hinges easily snap. This is why people who prefer to keep their compact disks in jewel cases for protection and storage often resort to buying them in bulk.

Compact disk jewel cases are made in a variety of colors and can be purchased in any music store or online. Buying compact disk jewel cases online may offer buyers greater discounts and a variety of choices. Although CD jewel cases are all pretty much the same, there are companies who take these cases a notch further by enhancing the hinges, making them more durable and making the cases more attractive by offering different colors. Instead of using the usual polystyrene, a lot of manufacturers prefer using semi-opaque and semi-flexible polypropylene.

Compact disk jewel cases are priced affordably and may be bought individually or in bulk. Buying them in bulk offers greater discounts since they come as part of a package. The differences in prices vary insignificantly, ranging from $5.00 to $8.00 for a pack of fifty to ninety cases. Comparing prices of compact disk jewel cases before buying them is wise, as there are many good deals to be had. Also, expect to pay a slightly higher price for cases that are made by known computer media companies. These products may have a brand name, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they are better and more durable than the generic cases that are available at a lower price.

CD Jewel Cases provides detailed information on CD Jewel Cases, Double CD Jewel Cases, Slim CD Jewel Cases, CD Jewel Case Covers and more. CD Jewel Cases is affiliated with Printable CD Covers.

Flat Panel Monitors: Are They All Created Equal

2008-06-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

The intuitive answer is no, and yes you'd be right for thinking that. If you see a cheap flat panel monitor for sale, you need to remember that you get what you pay for.

In general the "budget" flat panel displays will lack color balance as well as sharpness compared with the entry-level and higher end flat panel displays. Also one other consideration is whether the machine is refurbished or used. If it's used or refurbished there is probably a higher chance that some of the pixels may be "inactive".

What this translates to is that even if a small fraction of the pixels on your monitor or inactive, there may be parts of your monitors that will stand out more and not be consistent with the rest of the colors on your screen. Sometimes this happens with new monitors too so you need to be careful on this issue.

Though there have been discussions of ways to resolve these broken pixels, such as through special "massage" methods, its clearly preferable to get a monitor that works 100 percent out of the box.

Another thing you might want to consider is the lag time in the video output. For cheaper monitors it may lag a bit more. In general, cathode ray tubes will have the highest available performance in this regard for high end applications.

If possible test out the monitor at the store prior to buying it to see if you notice any glaring shortcomings. Otherwise you may have truly found a good deal.

Top notch flat-panel tv products can be downloaded from our site.

http://www.flatpanelmonitorzone.com

Widescreen 16:9 High-Def: Oh My! Here's the Skinny on Going Wide

2008-06-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

That's ironic, considering the whole purpose of HD is to provide a clearer picture! Let's see if we can un-muddy the waters a little bit. The first thing to understand in the world of widescreen is that it involves two concepts that don't always come together: aspect ratio and resolution.

Aspect ratio refers to the width and height of the image, expressed as a ratio. That's all there is to it. The TV and computer screens you've seen all your life have a 4:3 aspect ratio. That means for every 4 units of width, you have 3 units of height. We don't generally talk about 4:3 aspect ratio in daily life because we've always differentiated these screens by their diagonal measurement: 27" TVs, 52" bigscreens, 19" monitors. When there was only one commercially-used aspect ratio, the diagonal was the only way to distinguish size.

While there have always been other aspect ratios floating around in various applications, no one cared until wider screens started showing up on laptops, monitors, TVs and as a label on DVD boxes. The most common widescreen aspect ratio is 16:9, which is (as you might have guessed) 16 units of width for every 9 units of height. In and of itself, a picture with a 16:9 aspect ratio isn't any better (quality-wise), it's simply wider.

Resolution, on the other hand, is all about the quality. It refers to the number of dots or lines that compose an image, and how it is expressed depends on whether you are talking about computers or TV. Computer resolution is expressed in number phrases or letters. For example, 1024x768 (also called XGA resolution) means that there are 1,024 pixels on every row and there are 768 rows, for a total of 786,432 pixels. TV resolution is expressed in the number of lines counted vertically followed by either an "i" or a "p". "I" stands for "interlaced", and it means that the screen draws the odd lines top to bottom and then goes back and fills in the even lines top to bottom. "P" stands for "progressive", and that means all lines are drawn in sequence. Standard definition TV is 480i, so it has 480 interlaced vertical lines. There are a number of HD resolutions on the market, such as 720p and 1080i.

It gets a little confusing when your start mixing aspect ratio and resolution. To keep it simple, remember that High Definition is always recorded in 16:9 but it can be displayed in 4:3. However, 16:9 aspect ratios are not always in a High Definition resolution.

Now we're ready to look at whether 16:9 is the right choice for your church. Here are some reasons to considers:

First, because they are wider compared to their 4:3 counterparts, they work great when you're dealing with low ceilings.

Secondly, 16:9 screens are a better match for our field of view, which is more left to right than top to bottom. This is more in line with our eye-flow and the way we read onscreen content. Third, everything is moving in the direction of 16:9. Eventually everything we want to display will be in a native 16:9 format. We're not there yet, but HD and/or 16:9 models of many of your primary system pieces are available now รขโ�ฌโ�� such as your screen, projectors, and cameras. Your investment will not only meet your immediate goals, but also work for you in the future. If you're considering purchasing or upgrading to a system with this look, there is good, better and best way, and then, of course, there is the wrong way.

The "good" way would be to select one of our Widescreen systems. These use native 4:3 projectors with a 16:9 mode. Even though there are some drawbacks, this option allows churches who in the past could not afford to go this direction to take advantage of this cool new technology. This is good (but not great) because it works and because it is the most affordable solution we have found. The most important drawback is that most install projectors will say that they have a 16:9 mode, but it can be deceiving. You always lose some brightness and resolution when you do this, and not everyone will take that into account. Check with your Fowler representative before choosing this option to make sure you don't lose more than you gain.

The "better" way would be to invest in a Native 16:9 (WXGA resolution) projector.

This choice allows you to take advantage of the full resolution and brightness of the projector. Also native 16:9 projectors are much more user-friendly and require less setup.

The "best" way is to use a native High Definition projector with your 16:9 screen. There are a few large venue projectors on the market today with a native resolution of 720 vertical pixels. You need to be prepared to spend over twice the amount for a WXGA (1366x768) equivalent, and without a true digital HD system from front to back, you won't gain much from this investment in the short run.

Remember, there is much more to your projection system than just the projector and screen. Your mixing/switching options have to be compatible with the new 16:9 aspect ratios and you have to be sure that your cabling is of a high enough quality to handle the higher bandwidth of HD signals. Much of the content that we use is still formatted for a 4:3 screen. Some worship presentation software applications allow you to set your aspect ratio to either 4:3 or 16:9.

So you're ready to move towards a 16:9 screenรขโ�ฌยฆ What now? Call Fowler and we can walk you through the options with you to determine the best solution for your ministry and your budget. Anything elseรขโ�ฌยฆ would be the wrong way!

To request more information about Fowler's Widescreen / Native 16:9 / High Definition Systems call Fowler at 800-729-0163 or visit email us at info@fowlerinc.com.

Fowler Productions has been helping churches with multimedia since 1992, about the time LCD projectors were being recognized as a new tool for presentations. From then until now, we have made a commitment to assist churches and ministries in presenting multimedia better. Fowler also assists corporate clients with projection. The company offers complete design and installation options along with audio and intelligent lighting. Fowler is a full service A-V dealer and authorized service center. Fowler was the first company to offer a worship presentation software as an alternative to Powerpoint. http://www.fowlerinc.com

CD Label Printers

2008-06-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

A CD label printer allows you to produce good-looking discs. High-quality CD label printers offer vibrant colors and high resolution. To produce a large number of good-looking discs, automated CD label printers can be used. Many models are available on the market. You can choose one according to your requirements. They are not very expensive and the maintenance costs are not high. Some manufacturers or sellers not only provide a warranty on their product, but also give customers an option to return it within 30 days if they don't like it.

Generally, these printers are used by disc-makers. The quality of a CD label printer depends on the technology it uses to print. There are two types of technologies used by CD label printers: inkjet and thermal. Both of them have seen a marked improvement in terms of allowing better disc alignment, better resolution and less drying time.

Though there are a number of affordable models available on the market, some of the best CD label printers could cost you more than a thousand dollars. If you have to produce a large number of discs then an expensive model would be a good choice. A small business firm or a household could go for a less expensive model. There are secondhand CD label printers available on the market, online as well as offline. Sometimes one can find a good bargain on an auction site.

Most of the big companies produce CD label printers. There are a number of small players in the market also. Before choosing a CD label printer, one should be sure about one's requirements, the performance of the model one is planning to buy, and the track record of the company regarding after-sale service.

CD Printers provides detailed information on CD Printers, CD Label Printers, CD Cover Printers, CD Ink Jet Printers and more. CD Printers is affiliated with CD Replication Companies.

Printers - A Practical Buyers Guide

2008-06-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

Buying a printer can be a complicated business, there are more shapes, sizes and types of printers available to the home and small business user than ever before. Printers have also become specialised for their intended purpose.

It is no longer a case of "a printer is a printer". Printers are now designed to be good in a particular area rather than a "Jack-of-all trades", which will do everything.

An often overlooked issue, is the very serious consideration of cost of ownership, which is all about of how much it will cost to keep your printer running (see below). So making that decision on which printer to go for can be a seriously arduous task, especially if you are keen to buy a printer that is not only affordable to buy but also cheap to run.

So here is the information that you need to know and consider, but no one tells you! We have not expanded on which printer is the best at any given time because models constantly change and you can find that information in any current glossy PC magazine off the shelf. Instead, here you will find the good, bad and ugly bits from the different types of printers available so you can make an informed decision yourself.

Inkjet Technology

Inkjet printers form images by spraying tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper. The size and precision of the dots of ink and the type and quality of the ink itself govern how good the print quality is. A quality inkjet printer can produce very near photo-quality images using specialist photo coated paper. In general there are two types of inkjet printers, those with the printhead built into the printer like Epson, Brother etc and those where the printhead is actually on the ink cartridge like HP and Lexmark. There are many arguments for and against both technologies, but in our experience we have found both to be very good, the major difference seems to be that the cost of running a printer using the "printhead" type ink cartridge is usually higher.

Inkjet ink is specially formulated for specific printer models and their purpose, much technology is involved in the development of these inks to improve print quality, longevity, drying speeds and printing speeds etc. Most inkjet ink is produced using dye based ink which can flow easily through the tiny nozzles of the printhead, this type of ink is good for photos and colour shades but not so good for longevity or solid vibrant colour, think of it like a water colour painting. In recent years pigment ink technology has advanced considerably to enable use in inkjet printing. Previously ink pigments were too large and would block up the nozzles. This type of ink is good for solid colours and longevity, think of it like an oil painting.

Manufacturers like Epson, HP and Jet Tec are now increasingly using a fusion of dye based and pigmented inks to create superb quality photo printing with vibrant colours and longevity too.

Inkjet printers use anything between two and eight ink cartridges to do their job. Generally speaking the entry-level machines use two cartridges, good all round machines use four and specialist photo printers use six or more. The two cartridge system works fine though can be a bit wasteful on the colour ink, so go for a four-cartridge system where possible especially if you do colour printing. The six or more cartridge systems produce outstanding photos, but can be costly and a pain to keep changing cartridges (printer does not work if any one cartridge is empty).

Inkjet printers are the best solution for most people and are usually the most cost effective way to print - unless you are printing large volumes.

Portable Inkjet Printers These printers are small, lightweight and ideal for people on the move. Although the printing of high quality photographs is usually beyond this type of printer, basic colour printing is of good quality and the quality of text print is mostly outstanding considering the size of these tiny portable A4 printers. These printers are not suitable for high volume printing.

Inkjet Printers

The Inkjet Printer is the most commonly used type of printer among home and small business users. With excellent all round printing capabilities, from black & white text print and good colour prints through to very hi-resolution, high quality photographs using Inkjet Photo Printers. Inkjet printers are available from cheap entry level to high-end business use machines and can print from photo size prints to massive A2 and bigger sizes, there are models for occasional use and others for high volume print jobs too. One of the many great things about Inkjet printers is that you can use a wide variety of media to print on, including standard paper, photo paper, card, t-shirt transfers, canvas, projector film etc, achieving different looks and textures for your prints and print for different purposes. Most Inkjet printers are USB connections and not suitable for networks, although models are also available for networks and with parallel connections.

Multi-Function Inkjet Printers

Multi-Function Inkjet Printers have been built to meet the needs of home offices and small businesses. These excellent value machines provide multiple solutions in one compact and easy to use machine i.e. printing, scanning, copying and some also have built in fax machines too. Not only are these machines great for saving space on your desk, but they are also very good for printing too using the same technology as standard inkjet printers. The only thing you should be aware of is that you can only use one function at a time and if anything goes wrong with an "All-in-one" machine, you may lose the all the functions at once!

Laser Printers

Laser printers work in a similar way to photocopiers, except they use a laser instead of a bright light to scan with. They work by creating an electrostatic image of the page onto a charged photoreceptor, which in turn attracts toner in the shape of an electrostatic charge. Toner is the material used to make the image (as ink is in an inkjet printer) and is a very fine powder, so laser printers use toner cartridges instead of ink cartridges.

Laser Printers have traditionally been the best printing solution for heavy office users as they produce a very high quality black text finish and offer relatively low running costs. However, laser printers have advanced a great deal recently and their prices have steadily dropped, as a result there are now compact laser printers, multi-function and colour laser printers all at very affordable prices. Laser printers make sense if you need to do a lot of high quality black or colour prints, not photos. The great thing about a colour laser printer is that they can print a very good quality colour image on standard copier paper, so you do not need to use expensive photo paper for large jobs. Do check the prices of the consumables before you buy the printer as these can be very expensive for colour laser printers.

Laser printers are the best solution for people who are printing in large volumes, that is, in 100's of pages at a time or 1000's of pages per month. Colour lasers also take quite a while to warm up, so are not ideal for printing single pages.

Solid Ink Printers

Solid ink printers use solid wax ink sticks in a "phase-change" process, they work by liquefying wax ink sticks into reservoirs and then squirting the ink onto a transfer drum from where it is cold-fused onto the paper in a single pass. Solid ink printers are marketed almost exclusively by Tektronix / Xerox and are aimed at larger businesses and high volume colour printing.

Solid ink printers used to be cheaper to purchase than similarly specified colour lasers and fairly economical to run owing to a low component usage, today it is not necessarily any cheaper than a colour laser printer. Output quality is good but generally not as good as the best colour lasers for text and graphics or the best inkjets for photographs. Print speeds are not as fast as most colour lasers.

Dye-Sublimation Printers

Dye-Sublimation printers use heat and solid colour dyes to produce lab-quality photographic images. Dye-Sub printers contain a roll of transparent film made up of page-sized panels of colour, with cyan, magenta, yellow, and black dye embedded in the film. Print head heating elements vaporize the inks, which adhere to a specially coated paper, as the ink cools it re-solidifies on the paper. Colour intensity is controlled by precise variations in temperature.

Dye-sublimation printers lay down color in continuous tones one color at a time instead of dots of ink like an inkjet, because the colour is absorbed into the paper rather than sitting on the surface, the output is more photo-realistic, more durable and less vulnerable to fading than other ink technologies.

The downside of Dye-Sub printers is that they are generally more expensive to buy and run, usually limited to photo sized prints only and can only print onto one type of specialised paper as well as being quite slow to print.

Dye-Sublimation printers are best for those who want to link up their digital camera to a purpose built printer and print out the finest quality photos at home without fuss.

Dot Matrix Printers

Dot matrix printers are relatively old fashioned technology today with poor quality print, slow and very noisy output. This type of printer is no longer used unless you wish to create invoices using the continuous paper with holes on both sides. The good thing is that they are very cheap to run!

Cost of Ownership

Many printers today are very cheap to buy, but people are sometimes shocked to discover the cost of replacing the consumables (ink or laser cartridges, imaging drums, fuser, oils, specialist papers etc). The cost of replacing the ink can sometimes cost more than the printer itself! This is one of the most commonly overlooked factors when printers are reviewed and yet one of the most important things to consider before handing over your hard earned cash. Tests run in 2003 by Which? magazine famously compared the cost of HP's ink with vintage 1985 Dom Perignon.

A Sheffield City Council report aimed at helping schools decide on the best-value printers to buy, calculated total cost of ownership over the lifetime of a printer (not sure how long that is!). Adding up all the running costs, ink or toner, paper, maintenance and even electricity, SCC worked out that a colour inkjet costs approx 38p per page to run compared to a colour laser which costs approx 7p per page. Sheffield City Council advised its schools that if they printed more than three colour pages a day (assuming a 40-week academic year) they should buy a laser.

These figures cannot be taken hard and fast due to the many variables involved, but it is generally accepted that the cost per print of a laser printer is cheaper than that of an inkjet, which is in turn cheaper than that of a sub-dye printer. However, you would have to do a fair amount of colour printing to take advantage of the economy offered by a laser printer.

Summary

When buying a printer, firstly carefully consider its use, is it mostly general printing or for photographs, is it for occasional use or high volumes, will it be a stand alone device or connected to a network? Then using the guideline information above you will be able to decide on which type of printer is most suitable for you at the time.

Article by Iggy Quazi director of Ecommerce business Mouse2House based in Essex, England stocking a wide range of digital imaging devices. ...For more information visit http://www.mouse2house.co.uk for the latest digital media products. For a wide range of Canon ink cartridges see http://www.mouse2house.co.uk/index.php?CatURN=51

An Introduction to HD-DVD

2008-06-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

High density digital versatile disc is a digital optical media format which is being developed. HD DVD is similar to the competing Blu-ray Disc. It is currently in a format war with the Blu ray disc proposed by the Blu ray disc association.

HD DVD has a single layer capacity of 15GB and a double layer capacity of 30GB. The surface layer is 0.6mm thick which is the same thickness of surface layer as standard DVDs.

HD DVD media is less expensive to manufacture than Blu ray discs which require re-tooling of DVD production lines. Another advantage over Blu ray is the common disc structure with DVDs which therefore allows for full backwards compatibility of HD DVD drives which will be able to play both DVDs and CDs. However it is now likely that Blu ray drives will be backwards compatible with DVDs.

HD DVD provides the large capacity storage needed for all sorts of recorded content, including high definition movies and music as well as computer data and files.

There are two kinds of of HD DVD discs for content, the 15GB single layer disc and the dual-layer disc with double capacity, a full 30GB. Using the latest compression technologies, the 30Bg disc can store up to 7 hours of images. Today' DVD has a capacity of 4.7GB and store only 2 hours of standard definition content.

HD DVD discs have a data transfer rate of 36.55Mbps which allows the 24Mbps data stream of digital television broadcasts to be seamlessly recorded.

Using HD DVD in the every day world will have numerous advantage over other optical media technologies. The resilient HD DVD disc has a protective layer which removes the need for a protective cartridge, allowing the development of slim computer drives. The added bulk of a disc cartridge would have also caused any laptops using a cartridge based optical media disc to increase substantially in size to allow for the extra room the drive would need.

Chuck Red runs website on both Blu ray http://www.blueray-media.co.uk and HD DVD formats http://www.hddvd-media.co.uk/

Using SANRAD V-Switch as the VSS Hardware Provider for Windows Backups

2008-06-19T02:59:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Many Microsoft Window applications (like Exchange, MS-SQL, etc) are critical to the daily core functionality for many companies and organizations. Managing the data backup for these applications presents new challenges for system administrators. While there is an ever increasing need for more and more data to be backed up, at the same time the system administrator must cope with the issue of shrinking backup windows in which the application can be taken offline in order to backup the application data. Another issue to contend with is the performance hit the production server takes when backup is running.
Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) and SANRAD iSCSI V-Switch acting as VSS storage provider can help the system administrator resolve these issues by:
รขโ�ฌยข Eliminating the need to take the application offline.
รขโ�ฌยข Quickly responding to the increasing need for storage.
รขโ�ฌยข Enabling fast backup and restore by backing up to disks and offloading the backup performance hit from the production volumes and servers.

This application note describes VSS, how it works, the required basic configuration in order for VSS to work with the SANRAD V-Switch to create snapshots as well as the backup design options using VSS and SANRAD V-Switch. We use Veritasรขโ�ฌโ�ข BackupExec (V10.0) to help us demonstrate taking backups with VSS using SANRAD V-Switch.
This application note assumes that the user has basic knowledge of how to use SANRAD V-Switch to configure volumes and expose them to the servers as disks. The user should also be familiar with Microsoft Iscsi initiator for connecting Windows 2003 server to the exposed iSCSI volumes by the SANRAD V-Switch.

What is VSS? Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) provides the backup infrastructure for the Windows Server 2003 operating systems, as well as a mechanism for creating consistent point-in-time copies of data known as shadow copies or snapshots.
VSS can produce consistent snapshots by coordinating between different applications (business, file-system services, backup) and storage hardware.

The following steps describe VSS Architecture:
STEP 1. Path 1: The Requestor (usually a backup application) make a request to VSS (running on the application server) to create snapshots of production volumes so that backups can be made from the snapshots and not from the production volumes.
STEP 2. Path 2: If the volumes "belong" to an application that has a VSS Writer (VSS aware application like Exchange), the VSS requests the Writer to prepare the volumes. The Writer will usually flash the data to the disk and freeze IO writes from the application during the time the VSS takes the snapshots (usually few seconds). This ensures application data consistency when recovery is needed. If there is no VSS writer then VSS will go directly to the next step but there is no guarantee that the data is in a consistent state.
STEP 3. Path 3: VSS requests a provider to create a snapshot. There are three kinds of VSS providers: Hardware, Software and System. A system provider is part of the Windows 2003 OS and it will take snapshots and keep them but only at the OS level. A hardware provider is usually a storage provider, like SANRAD Iscsi V-Switch, which creates and maintains snapshots at the storage hardware level. VSS chooses the provider from a list (first on the list with priority given to hardware provider if one exists).
STEP 4. Path 4: VSS goes back to the VSS Writer (if it exists) and allows it to unfreeze the application I/O activity and resume normal activity.
STEP 5. Path 5: VSS goes back to the requestor (backup application) and gives it the location of the snapshots so it can start the backup from the snapshots.
STEP 6. Path 6: Once backup is complete, the requestor informs VSS which in turn informs the VSS provider to delete the snapshots.

Summary
The combined solution of Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), SANRAD V-Switch as the VSS storage provider and backup VSS aware applications (like Veritas BackupExec V10) allow companies to offload backup jobs from the production environment, leave applications up for user access while backing up the data and have a data life cycle for regulations compliance.

SANRAD is a leader in IP Storage Networks enabling organizations to effectively Access, Share & Manage Stored Data across Standard Ethernet Environments.

SANRAD delivers simplified networked storage with excellent price/performance by coupling open IP storage connectivity with comprehensive network-based data management using IP Storage Area Networks (IP-SANs).

With SANRAD, organizations of all sizes can leverage the benefits of networked storage to link employees and clients with stored data for full storage availability, flexible and scalable storage using an economical Ethernet (IP/SCSI) network.

for further reading:

http://www.sanrad.com/objects/support/Library

http://www.sanrad.com/iscsi.asp?IP-SAN=231

Computer Speakers - Which Ones?

2008-06-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Few people think too long and hard about their computer speakers, instead preferring to just use the ones that came with their computers. These speakers are often built-in and poor quality, especially on laptop systems, and do not do justice to the very good sound quality that most computers are capable of producing.

The price range in computer speakers is even greater than that in other electronic products รขโ�ฌโ�� you can pay anywhere from the price of a pair of headphones to as much as the computer itself cost you. It is natural, therefore, to be unsure of exactly what your money is getting you, which is where this article can hopefully be of some help.

Perhaps the most important thing you should look for when choosing your speakers is their maximum output power, which is measured in watts. This number tells you how good the speakers will sound at different volumes รขโ�ฌโ�� while almost all speakers can sound good at low volumes, only ones with very high maximum output power will sound good at higher volumes. The higher the volume you plan to use, the more power you need.

Another important consideration is whether the speakers can produce either 5-speaker or 7-speaker surround sound, which makes a big difference over traditional 2-speaker systems. You should also check whether the speakers come with a subwoofer, which is a special loudspeaker for bass, allowing you to better hear the beat of your music. However, many people actually consider subwoofers undesirable, as they are so large and donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt always fit in well with a computer setup.

It is only really worth splashing out on speakers if you often use your computer for gaming or for playing music. If you do, then you might consider that thereรขโ�ฌโ�ขs nothing to say so-called รขโ�ฌห�computerรขโ�ฌโ�ข speakers are only for computers รขโ�ฌโ�� with a little imaginative wiring, you can also hook them up to televisions, games consoles, mp3 players, and all sorts of other things besides. This works in reverse, too, so if you already have a good pair of speakers, it should be relatively simple to connect them up to your computer and get some very good sound that way.

John Gibb is the owner of computer speakers sources, For more information on computer-speakers please check out http://www.computer-speakers-sources.info

Using System Restore to Save Yourself from Formatting Your Hard Drive

2008-06-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

It is the most annoying thing when one day you use your computer and nothing seems to work fine. Program freezes, files get corrupted or internet doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt work. You called the customer support or some friends you know whoรขโ�ฌโ�ขs very much familiar with computer and still didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt solve the problem.

There could be one to many things why this happens, you probably came across with spy- wares or dangerous ad-wares or even virus when you were working on that computer last time, but whatever the reason is, your only main concern is to get it up and running so you can go on with your work.

You tried everything and the only hope you can think of now is to format your computer. Formatting is the last and ultimate solution you should resort into. You just donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt format a computer like your deleting a file. You need to back up all your software data, personal documents, pictures, other folders you may feel important, and of course you got to look for those original installation disk for your devices such as printers, scanners or any other device hooked up in your computer, these are called drivers. If your computer came with original recovery disks then you need that too, recovery disks are usually bundled with your branded computer system, such as HP, Dell, Gateway or any other leading computer manufacturer and if you have them, its as easy as putting the CD recovery disks and running it, it will do the rest of the process for you.

If your recovery disk is gone or you didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have one then this is what this article is for. Your only savior is to go back to the most recent settings that worked, in other words yesterdayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs settings. Microsoft provides an effective way to somehow backup your computer settings and configuration, this is called System Restore. System Restore has the ability to create a restore point wherein every once a week or two depending on how often you install or uninstall updates and programs. The following steps will walk you through the process of setting up your restore point and how to go back if you need it.

Start by going to Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools, and then open System Restore.

On the right side panel it will give you an option to Create Restore point or Restore my computer to an earlier time.

Choose Create Restore Point, and then put your description, hit next then put in the date you want to go back to, then hit "Create" and thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs it. You just save yourself on formatting your computer in the future.

Guil Tabasa is a consultant for Altertek Solutions; he has been in the consulting business for more than 7 years now. He has helped small and medium businesses add value to their business that directly contributes to their revenue. You can email Guil

Review of Logitech Computer Speakers

2008-06-17T05:59:00.000-07:00

When it comes to computer speaker systems, you have a lot of choice. However, there are simply some brands that stand way out in terms of sound quality and dependability, and one of those brands is certainly Logitech. Logitech computer speakers are some of the best on the market, and provide a great deal of clean, powerful sound for a very reasonable price. Logitech offers a variety of computer speaker systems, for relatively inexpensive 2.1 2-speaker systems to the power 5.1 and 6.1 gaming computer systems with multiple surround-sound speakers. Whatever you are looking for in computer speakers, it is likely that Logitech has it.

Logitech x-230 2.1 2-Piece Dual Drive Computer Speakers

Manufacturers Description: Crank up the audio on your PC with this 2.1-channel computer speaker system and enjoy clean, crisp, consistent sound from your games, music, and more. The Logitech X-230's high-tech subwoofer adjusts itself dynamically to deliver distortion-free bass, while the two wall-mountable satellite speakers use Logitech's patented FDD2 technology to eliminate the uneven sound response created by conventional dual-driver designs. The result: a clear, uniform sound field without the "hot spots" and inconsistency of other dual-driver satellites.

Features:

-32 watts total power (6 watts x 2, plus 20-watt subwoofer)

-Frequency Directed Dual Driver (FDD2) satellite technology produces a uniform sound field for full, rich sound

-Dynamic, real-time bass equalization maximizes bass response while minimizing distortion

-Ported subwoofer design displaces more air for deeper bass

-Headphone jack enables private listening

-Master volume and subwoofer level controls placed for quick, convenient access

-Satellite speaker stands rotate for easy wall-mounting

Price: $50

Value Rating: 9.5 / 10 - This computer speaker system sounds better than some speakers that are $100+ with at least 50 watts of power. It has great crisp sound at nearly all volumes and the bass is surprisingly powerful. Be aware that the subwoofer is not magnetically shielded, and should be kept away from your monitor.

Logitech X-530 5.1 5-Piece Computer Speaker System

Manufacturers Description: Plug the Logitech X-530 into your computer, music player, DVD player, or even PlayStation2 or Xbox game console and immerse yourself in clean, crisp, consistent surround sound from your games, movies, and more. The high-tech subwoofer adjusts itself dynamically to deliver distortion-free bass, while the five wall-mountable satellite speakers use Logitech's patented FDD2 technology to eliminate the uneven sound response created by conventional dual-driver designs. The result: a clear, uniform sound field without the "hot spots" and inconsistency of other dual-driver satellites.

Features:

-70 watts total system power (7.4 watts x 4, plus 15.5-watt center speaker and 25-watt subwoofer)

-Frequency Directed Dual Driver (FDD2) satellite technology produces a uniform sound field for full, rich sound

-Matching front and rear satellites deliver balanced surround sound

-Dedicated center channel makes dialogue clear and intelligible.

-Dynamic, real-time bass equalization maximizes bass response while minimizing distortion

-Ported subwoofer design displaces more air for deeper bass

-Headphone jack enables private listening

-Master volume and subwoofer level controls placed for quick, convenient access

-Satellite speaker stands rotate for easy wall mounting

Price: $60

Value Rating: 9.0 / 10 - A great step up from the X-230. It has the same great sound, with extra bass and a little more all-around power. The extra speakers are great for a surround sound setting. Only downside is that some games are not compatible with the this 5.1 system. Worth the extra $10 for most people.

Logitech X620 6.1 Computer Speakers

Manufacturers Description: More speakers means more sound, more detail, and more intensity. That's what the Logitech X-620 6.1-channel speaker system is all about. Thanks to its 6 satellites, including a dedicated rear center speaker, you can hook it up to your PC or video game console and enjoy your games, music, and movies with sound that truly surrounds you.

Are you looking for powerful bass? Crisp highs and mid-range? The X-620 delivers. Its patented, powerful pressure-driver subwoofer provides twice the bass of conventional designs for smooth, powerful lows, and the satellite speakers provide rich midrange and crisp high-end tones. Even if you don't have a 6.1 sound card, you can still enjoy the benefits of all seven speakers by using the source selector switch.

Got a Sony PlayStation2, Microsoft Xbox, or Nintendo GameCube? Just plug in the X-620 using the convenient video game console adapter and immerse yourself in the explosions, music, and dialogue of your favorite games.

Comes with 6 satellite speakers and a powered 8-inch subwoofer; 70 watts total system power (140 watts peak).

Price: $85

Value Rating: 9.0 / 10 - Another hit from Logitech. This one is much like more expensive home theater systems. Truely one of the best speaker systems in the growing 6.1 class. An important note: prepare to buy a pricey Sound Blaster 6.1 Audigy sound card in order to take full advantage of this speaker system.

Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 2-Piece Surround Sound PC and Gaming Speaker System

Manufacturers Description: Demanding gamers require high power, THX performance, and true surround sound. The Logitech Z-5300e delivers on all counts, with a sleek appearance featuring silver speaker accents and removable black cloth grilles. The system includes a patented dual chamber subwoofer that pounds out twice the bass of conventional designs to deliver deep, loud, and powerful bass. The Z-5300e also features polished aluminum phase-plug satellite drivers that project superb high-end and rich mid-range tones for balanced sound, along with a full-featured SoundTouch wired remote that provides convenient controls for quick adjustments. The satellite speakers' rotating pedestals allow for easy installation on the wall or desktop.

Features:

-280 watts system power (35.25 watts x 4, plus 39-watt center and 100-watt subwoofer)

-PlayStation2, Xbox, and GameCube owners can plug in the Z-5300e using a console adapter

-Silver speaker accents and removable black cloth grilles

-Conveniently control volume and power with the wired remote, which also features a headphone jack

-Enjoy twice the bass of conventional designs with patented subwoofer design

-Satellites fit on a shelf or mounted on the wall

-Use Matrix mode and source selector switch to create breathtaking 5.1 surround sound from stereo, 4-channel, or 5.1 sound sources

Price: $150

Value Rating: 8.0 / 10 - This system is almost too much for your average computer user - but it's great for gamers who demand perfection in their sound system. Even though it will work with game consoles, remember that it is a computer speaker system, and works best with a pc.

Bradley James is a senior editor at SciNet.cc, a website containing many helpful consumer electronics review articles. For more information on Logitech computer products, please visit our Logitech speakers webpage.

Wireless Access Points: 3 Modes for Wireless Access Points

2008-06-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Wireless access points can function in three different types of modes: root, repeater and bridge.

Root Mode - This is the most common type of mode where multiple users access the access point at once like a hotspot. In root mode users with laptops or PDAรขโ�ฌโ�ขs can access the internet to watch videos of the Torino games or just to check email. On a side note, there is a difference between being a mobile user and a roaming user. A mobile user stays connected to one wireless access point. A roaming user moves from access point cell to another access point cell. I point this out because of the extra load on the access point.

Repeater - Repeater mode is used when you want to extend your signal beyond itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs current limits. You need to place the repeater access point with in the range of your current root access point. It must be close enough to the root access point so that the repeater is repeating a strong signal not a weak signal. If you end up repeating the weak signal you will not be able to watch the olympic Torino games.

Bridge - Bridging acts as a wireless wire. Two access points in bridge mode will only talk to each other, No other clients will be able to access them. Bridging is useful when connecting two buildings or large temporary locations when laying laying wire isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt cost effective.

To set up a wireless bridge you will have two access points and two directional antennas. Depending on the distance, you will use volt meters or manufactureรขโ�ฌโ�ขs software to aim the access points. Prior to doing this you will have to enter the MAC address of each access point so they know who to line up with.

Mounting your antennas properly is one one of the most important things. If you mount your antenna on your roof make sure it is connected to a stud. Take into account that wind is a factor when aligning antennas. You could gave a great signal on a non windy day and no signal on a windy / snowy day. Picking the proper wind rated antenna and proper tower or mounting brackets are the key to bridging.

So when you purchase a wireless access point you are actually purchasing three types of wireless connectivity: Root / Hot spot used to connect multiple mobile clients at once, Repeater which is used to extend the signal of another access point. The last mode we talked about was wireless bridging which is another way saying wirleless wire.

One of the cheapest but most reliable wireless access points I have used is the linksys WAP54g. I have installed this in homes , small offices and schools. 15-20 people can access them at a time and they hardly ever break down. The WAP54g comes with all the latest security features including WPA2 with AES encryption. If you are new to installing wireless access points then you also can take advantage of linksys kickass tech support.

Join the most popular wireless networking news letter on the internet http://www.wirelessninja.com Check out the Wireless Ninja certified access points like the WAP54g http://wirelessninja.com/?page_id=8

Video Cards and Related Technologies

2008-06-14T02:59:00.000-07:00

How does a video card work?

A video card basically converts the computerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs digital signals coming from the processor into a signal that the monitor is able to interpret. Hence, its basic function is to convert data. The main point of difference between an entry level video card and a state-of-the art one is that the latterรขโ�ฌโ�ขs conversion speed is much better.

The Chips

The chip is the heart of the video card. It is where all the processing is done. It also makes 3D acceleration possible. The chip is to the video card, what the processor is to the computer. Of the two major chip manufacturers, ATI and NVIDIA, the former is well known for high quality and great technology.

Pipes

The information must travel through tunnels called รขโ�ฌห�pipesรขโ�ฌโ�ข, before it can be converted. On one end it starts as raw data and ends up at the opposite end in a format that is compatible with the monitor. On its way, the data undergoes the conversion process. The greater the number of pipes, the more data that can be converted simultaneously.

The amount of data that a pipe can hold is called its Memory Interface. A pipe with a 128 bit interface can process more data than one with a 64 bit interface.

Memory

The memory is used to store temporary or transient information. Video information, being very data heavy, needs more memory. The two main types of memory are SDRAM and DDR RAM. DDR is superior as it can transmit information faster.

ATI Technology

An ATI card will offer many technologies that will significantly enhance your video experience. ATIรขโ�ฌโ�ขs cards are fully compatible with all the latest 3D technologies and do not rely on your computerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs CPU to process information, as do some of the entry-level cards.

SmartShaderรขโ��ยข

This technology will unleash a new generation of visual effects on your computer. Realistic graphics with breathtaking 3D effects are possible with SmartShaderรขโ��ยข. DVD movies can be viewed to better effect with it too.

SmartVisionร�ยฎ

SmartVisionร�ยฎ has the effect of removing jagged edges, improving the image, bringing its finer details to light.

Fullstreamรขโ��ยข

This is the latest technology in video processing, which is particularly for the Internet and video playback processing. It greatly improves the quality and performance of streaming video.

Logan writes about various topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, the bio remains, all hyper links remain intacked and the rel="nofollow" tag isnt added to any links. Thank-You

A Look At Dell Laptops

2008-06-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

All of Dellรขโ�ฌโ�ขs laptops feature Windows XP. Windows XP has standard for all operating systems to follow. All of Dellรขโ�ฌโ�ขs basic models features a slimmed down version of Windows XP Home, which provides excellent performance without the fluff. For mid-range and business oriented laptops, Dell provides Windows XP Home with Office software or Windows XP Professional. This provides you with the tools to achieve maximum productivity. Finally, all of Dellรขโ�ฌโ�ขs gaming and media oriented laptops features Windows XP Media Center. Media Center gives you complete control over you digital media, including pictures, movies, and music.

Dellรขโ�ฌโ�ขs laptops also provide plenty of room for all your plug and play devices. Each laptop comes standard with at least two USB 2.0 ports, but many of the laptops feature four ports. USB 2.0 allows peripherals such as printers, digital cameras, scanners, and MP3 players to be easily connected to the laptop. Most laptops also feature a IEEE 1394 (Firewire) port. This port can be used to connect a video camera or similar devices, and perform functions such as importing video. Audio jacks can be found in every Dell laptop also, which lets you plug in headphones or a pair of external speakers.

All Dell laptops are created and designed to provide the optimal computing experience. The cases are made to be attractive, but durable enough to protect your laptop against the bumps along the way. The Dell laptop keypads are easy to operate input devices that are made to be portable but large enough to still type with ease. Finally, whether the size of the screen is twelve inches or seventeen inches, each screen is designed to provide a cutting-edge picture with rich color and detail in any lighting environment.

Stopping Case Fan Vibration For Computers

2008-06-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

I will be discussing the three best solutions which I always use myself to lower excessive vibrations of case fans, and the ways anybody can lower their decibel levels.

Most reports will tell you how vibrations work, and how the noise is caused. This article is different, there isn't any computer language here that isn't easily understood.

Case fans mounted to your case will make the metal material of your computer vibrate. If you've ever tried holding a powered case fan, you'll know that it's almost silent.

If you've seen any of my previous articles, you should know that I like keeping my noise levels in my computer as low as possible. A huge factor for unneeded noise are the case fans. There are a few ways I will share which I use to solve this problem.

I have put together three of the most important techniques which I use to cut down on my case fan noise.

1.) Case Fan Silica Gel - Using Ultra-light silica gel will create a slight barrier between your case fan and your computers case. Doing this will cut down on some vibrations.

2.) Fan Speed - Reducing the speed of your case fan will significantly decrease the amount of vibration. To do this, you will need to purchase a fan controller. A fan controller can be found in a computer store or an online store for about $15 dollars.

3.) Case metal thickening - You can reduce vibrations by thickening your cases metal that your fans are mounted to. The metal will be less flexible after doing this, and will become more sturdy. This will stop noise from reverberating throughout the case.

By following all three of these solutions, a significant drop in noise level for your case fans should be noticed. There are however more strategies for making your fans quieter if vibrations aren't your problem.

Other techniques involve decreasing the amount of turbulence made by the case fans. You can produce steady airflow with the replacement of certain cables, moving your fans, and taking off the grills of fans.

Aaron Brandon is a contributing author. He is considered an expert in the field of building quiet computers. For more information, you can visit http://www.build-quiet-pc.com

Small Wonders: Single Board Computers

2008-06-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

What are Single Board Computers

When most people think of computers, the image of a PC or laptop comes to mind. Some may even recall the football field size computers of the 1960's and 70's before the emergence of the PC. Very few people would picture single board computers , even if there was one sitting right in front of them! A single board computer is the terminology used for a printed circuit board that contains a processor, memory, I/O (input/output) and a clock. Single board computers (aka SBC's) resemble the motherboard contained in a typical PC, but include all the elements of a basic computer within it's small design. Since the early 1980's, the technology behind this type of computers has been used in industrial manufacturing and computerized product design to apply basic processing functions for high-tech product features.

Usage of Single Board Computers

Also commonly referred to as embedded computers, single board computers are used in products from airplanes and rocket ships, to toys and high performance athletic shoes. Almost everyone uses single board computers without being aware of their existence. Most products that utilize computer technology (such as fax machines, cameras, cell phones, etc) contain embedded single board computers. While these tiny computers can host a full size operating system such as Windows XP, most SBC's have internal operating systems that take up much less space. Simpler operating systems equal a lower cost per computer. Software for single board computers is generally contained on a flash memory system or ROM chip. Quality indictors for single board systems include processor performance, I/O compatibility, SSD storage and wireless capabilities.

Pros and Cons of Single Board Computers

There are both advantages and disadvantages to using SBC's for industrial and product enhancement. Deciding whether or not to implement single board computer technology is largely a matter of application necessity and cost. Some of the deciding factors on using them include:

+ Pro : Current technologies have increased the capability of the single board computer, while reducing its size and cost.

+ Pro : Wireless technology has made it possible for easy internet access via SBC.

+ Pro : The competitive market has greatly expanding the options and functionalities available for SBC's.

+ Pro : Advanced computer technology offers reliability for industrial manufacturers and quality products for vendors using SBC's.

- Con : Incorporation can be costly for high volume products and applications.

- Con : Some applications require customized sizes or I/O functions that are not compatible with standard SBC's.

Single Board Computer Technologies

While all SBC's are built using similar standards, different technologies can be included with individual SBC's. Video capability, Ethernet access functionality and digital computer technologies are just some of the features that can be incorporated into a single board computer. In general, SBC's can be as simple or as complex as an application demands. Additionally, supplemental hardware such as backplanes and mezzanine structures can significantly increase the functionality of a single board computer.

About The Author
Paolo Basauri is an expert author who writes for Single Board Computers http://www.single-board-computers.org.

Get an Uninterruptible Power Supply

2008-06-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

Using an Uninterruptible Power Supply

You may have your computer, monitor, printer and other peripherals plugged into a power strip with surge suppression, but that won't help if the power actually goes out. In the event of a power sag or blackout, whether it's for a half-second or half an hour, your computer is about as useful as a boat anchor -- unless you have an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) device.

A UPS is a device that protects your electronic devices from power outages, sags, and surges, and also acts as a battery backup in the event of a blackout. Like a power strip, the UPS plugs into the wall outlet and the devices you want to protect are plugged into the UPS. Typically the battery power of the UPS will allow you to operate your computer for 15-30 minutes during a power outage. If the outage lasts longer than that, at least you will have the opportunity to do an orderly shutdown with no data loss.

Look for a UPS that offers at least 600VA power handling capacity and the special cable and software that will automatically shut down your computer before the UPS batteries die, just in case you're not at home when the power outage occurs. If it has phone and network ports to protect those devices from surges, that a plus.

My UPS Configuration

I personally use a Tripp Lite TE600 (approximate retail US$299) and it provides power to five things in the event of an outage: My PC, monitor, router, cable modem and desk phone. I included the router, cable modem and phone because sometimes the power fails but the cable and telephone services are unaffected. If you have a laser printer, I recommend that you DO NOT connect it to an outlet on the UPS that provides battery power, because laser printers suck down LOTS of power and will drain your battery very quickly.

I had an opportunity to test my UPS setup recently... during a storm, there was a power outage for about 15 minutes. The lights went out, but my computer and internet connection stayed on without missing a beat. I was able to make phone calls, send & receive emails, and browse the web while my neighbors were all cursing the darkness. Since then, the lights have flickered a few times, causing the other computer in my office (not connected to the UPS) to reboot. But my primary UPS-connected machine has been happily unaffected.

Reprinted from: http://www.askbobrankin.com/get_an_uninterruptible_power_supply.html

BOB RANKIN... is a tech writer and computer programmer who enjoys exploring the Internet and sharing the fruit of his experience with others. His work has appeared in ComputerWorld, NetGuide, and NY Newsday. Bob is publisher of the Internet TOURBUS newsletter, author of several computer books, and creator of the http://LowfatLinux.com website. Visit Bob Rankin's website for more helpful articles and free tech support.

Printer Supplies

2008-06-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

The essential function of a computer will not be complete unless a printer is attached to it. With every input you make, there must be a corresponding output. After typing on your computer, the final outcome can be printed out.

There are a lot of printer companies competing in the computer industry today. Each company promotes its own brand or labels of personal computers including the software programs available for use. These companies offer products ranging from personal computers' parts and accessories like monitors, keyboards, CPUs, speakers, among others. To complete the package, these companies likewise bundle their proposals with printers that are compatible with the computers together with printer supplies.

For a pen to be useful, there must be ink in it. Analogously, for a printer to function, it must be loaded with a toner or cartridge. There are specific cartridges for certain types of printers such as laser or inkjet printers. Before changing your printer cartridge, make sure that you have the appropriate cartridge and the right size that fits the printer. In replacing your used cartridge, you have the choice of buying a new one or simply refilling your old cartridge. In using a refilled cartridge, there are advantages and disadvantages attached to it such as lower cost and possible inferior quality, respectively. It is up to you to decide whether to go for a new one or a refilled one. Since there are a lot of suppliers of printer cartridges, purchasing a new one might not prove to be that costly as prices are bound to be competitive to the benefit of the end-user. The best way to decide is to compare and weigh the pros and cons of using a new cartridge versus a refilled cartridge, as the latter's lower cost might prove to be negligible.

Printer supplies such as cartridges or toners are not difficult to find. As a buyer, you need to take advantage of the price competition in the market in order to get the best price.

Printer Supplies provides detailed information on Printer Supplies, Laser Printer Supplies, Inkjet Printer Supplies, Printer Ink Supplies and more. Printer Supplies is affiliated with Printer Cartridges.

Your Business versus Mother Nature

2008-06-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

Business Consultants earn hundreds of thousands of dollars every year showing businesses how to improve their productivity. All business consultants in the Information Technology area agree that the biggest threat to business survival is data loss.

There are many different data backup solutions available on the Internet today. Unlike years past there are not only different providers but also many different methods of data backup. Some solutions are "on-site" based methods. These include tape drives or other magnetic storage media, DVD-R and CD-R based methods and NAS (network attached storage) methods of creating local (within the LAN) backups of critical data. These methods of data backup are definitely better than nothing, and can provide protection against user error, data corruption, and in some cases even computer theft (that is if the data backup equipment itself isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt also stolen) and many of the other pitfalls associated with digital media.

But what about protection against the most powerful of all forces, Mother Nature?

Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and other natural disasters are a serious potential threat to the crucial data you have stored within your computer network. Add into the equation the collateral damage of flooding and fire that often comes along with Mother Natureรขโ�ฌโ�ขs wrath and you have a recipe for some serious data loss in the unfortunate event that one of these uncommon, but critically devastating, events occur. In most cases your existing backup solution would be useless and would suffer the same peril as your original data.

The answer is simple: Have a complete, up-to-date copy of your data stored at a different location. You should back up your data using an offsite data backup service. Offsite data backups allow you to store mission critical digital files in a secure, remote location. When you store data in an offsite location you are doubling the protection of your most import data files and enabling a level of security that even the best on-premises data backup solutions canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt provide.

Your data is encrypted and backed up over your existing internet connection to a secure server. You can set it up to perform backups at any frequency you wish. You can even set up the system to schedule backups while the office is empty on weekends and evenings, or when the computers are idle for a certain period of time (great for those systems that need to be accessed 24/7 and cannot afford the potential downtime that may be incurred due to backup procedures being run at the time).

Mother Nature is a concern for the integrity of your critical data. All smart businesses understand this.

Your DATA is your LIFE. Protect it!

Harald Anderson is a freelance writer and webmaster for http://www.online-remote-data-backup.com an online backup service. Experience the Digital Peace of Mind that safe, secure, encrypted online data backups can offer. Online Backups

Getting Started With Your New Printer

2008-06-04T02:59:00.000-07:00

If you have recently bought yourself a new printer, follow the directions in the manual for setting up cables. Put the installation CD into the CD drive and follow the set up instructions.

If you are using Windows 95/98, select Start Menu, then select Printers. Now select Add Printer, select Local Printer. Choose your printer (If your printer is not listed, choose the one closest to yours and select OK).

For the Mac, select go to server, (or chooser) and then select printer. Then choose your printer. (If your printer is not listed, then select the closest one.) Then select install. If you are using Windows XP, then the PC will prompt you for the drivers and install the relevant one from the CD itself (if the appropriate driver is not in the database already).

If you have any problems printing, first check your cable connections. If you get repeated error messages, then reboot your computer and redo the steps above. If you would like to upgrade the driver of your currently installed printed, then follow the steps given in the next sub-topic.

Installing Printer Drivers
A printer driver is a piece of software that allows the computer to communicate with the printer. Without this software, the printer would be hopelessly lost since it does not speak the same language! Printer manufacturers often update the drivers and these they can be easily downloaded form the companyรขโ�ฌโ�ขs website for free. It is a good idea to keep a check on your printer driver version and upgrade if it is too far out of date. Here is how you can check your print driver version number: Windows XP

1. Click the Windows Start button, choose Control Panel, and then choose รขโ�ฌห�Printers and Faxes.รขโ�ฌโ�ข
2. Right-click your default printer and choose Properties. (Your default printer will have a checkmark within a black circle above the printer icon.)
3. Click the General tab, click the รขโ�ฌห�Print Test Pageรขโ�ฌโ�ข button, and then click OK to print the test page. Windows 95/98

1. Click the Windows Start button, choose Settings, and then Printers.
2. Right-click your default printer and choose Properties. (Your default printer will have a checkmark within a black circle above the printer icon.)
3. Click the General tab, click the รขโ�ฌห�Print Test Pageรขโ�ฌโ�ข button, and then click OK to print the test page.

Look on the test page for Driver Version.
All major printer manufactures have web sites that allow you to freely download their printer drivers. To do so, you will need your printerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs manufacturer and model number. When you go to the web site, look for words such as รขโ�ฌห�Downloadsรขโ�ฌโ�ข, รขโ�ฌห�Driversรขโ�ฌโ�ข, รขโ�ฌห�Softwareรขโ�ฌโ�ข, or รขโ�ฌห�Supportรขโ�ฌโ�ข and shortlist your model.
Given below are the website URLs for the popular brands:
Hewlett Packard รขโ�ฌโ�� http://welcome.hp.com/country/uk/en/support.html?pageDisplay=drivers
Canon รขโ�ฌโ�� http://software.canon-europe.com/
Epson รขโ�ฌโ�� http://emeasupport.epson-europe.com/downloads.aspx?LNG=en-EU
Lexmark รขโ�ฌโ�� http://support.lexmark.com/cgi-perl/selections.cgi?ccs=227:5:0:0:0:0&target=http://downloads.lexmark.com/cgi-perl/downloads.cgi&&req=:::::
Xerox รขโ�ฌโ�� http://www.support.xerox.com/go/prodselect.asp?Xlang=en_GB&metrics=HDR
Brother รขโ�ฌโ�� http://www.brother.com/E-ftp/info/index_eu.html

Troubleshooting Printer Problems
In this section, youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll find some of the more common problems that cause 45 percent of the help centre phone calls.

If nothing has occurred since the last time you used your printer, chances are the problem is quite straightforward. As obvious as it sounds, check to ensure that the printer is turned on. It is quite possible that somebody might have turned it off while you were away from your desk or computer. Make sure the printed is connected properly and there is power to the printer. All printers have some kind of LED that lets you know if it is powered up.

If the printer is turned on but has some flashing lights, then check with your ownerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs manual to see what the lights mean. Most of these indicators will be related either to paper, ink, or toner.

Make sure there is enough paper in the printer. Refill the paper tray if itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs empty. Make sure you รขโ�ฌห�fanรขโ�ฌโ�ข the paper stack before putting it in the printer. When the paper stack is cut and packed at the factory, it sometimes causes the pages to stick together. Fanning the paper simply involves flipping through the paper stack with your thumb. This ruffling separates the paper, thereby reducing paper jams.

If the paper is stacked well, then check for a mis-feed or paper jam. Remove the paper stack and check the feed area for jammed paper. You may have to open several panels to make a thorough examination. Even a small piece of paper stuck inside the printer can cause problems. You might have to use tweezers to remove small pieces. Be careful of any contact of the tweezers with printer parts to avoid any damage.

If everything listed above is in place, then check the wire that connects the printer to the computer. You may be using a parallel or a USB connection. Make sure the cable is connected properly. Turn the equipment off and remove and re-insert the connection on both the printer and the computer to ensure a solid connection. If you are at work and your printer is connected to what appears to be a telephone wire, then you should call your resident network expert.

If the printer is functioning but only seems to print illegible garbage, then that is a good indication of a printer driver problem. Try re-booting the computer and turning the printer off and on before making any changes to the driver. If after re-booting you still have the problem, it's probably time to replace the printer driver. You can download the driver from the website URLs listed earlier in this articles. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer to install your driver. Scanner can also sometimes interfere with printers. Try re-installing the software for both but install the printer driver first, and the scanner driver afterwards.

If nothing listed above results in a solution, then perhaps it might be time to call the printer manufacturer. Make sure that you are near the printer when you call and have all your warranty information available at hand.

John Sollars is the director of Solar Electronics, an ink and pc peripheral suppliers based in the UK. To get access to a comprehensive online store of original and re-manufactured printer inks plus paper and other computer consumables please visit http://www.mega-office.co.uk.

Testing a Transformer- How To Accurately Test A Transformer

2008-06-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

There is two types of transformers in the market- linear transformer and switch mode power transformer. The transformers design is different. Sometimes it is just referred as ac transformer. Linear transformer mostly used in radio, project kits, VCD and etc while switch mode transformer can be found in Monitor, Tv, Fax and so on.

A transformer consists of two or more coils wound on the same core. For power transformers, the core material is usually iron. For a radio-frequency transformer, the core material is usually ferrite or air. The basic property of a transformer is to change AC voltage. A transformer cannot change direct current voltage. A step down transformer has a lower AC output voltage at its secondary winding than the AC input voltage to its primary winding. Conversely, a step up transformer has a higher secondary than primary voltage. The transformer laminations or coating of shellac, enamel or varnish is to insulate adjacent turns from shorts between winding. I will not go too details about how transformer work and transformer calculation as you can read more details from most electrical and electronic transformers books.

How to test transformers: Transformer failures are relatively rare in most electronic equipment, compared with other components. If too much current goes through a coil or winding, the winding heats up and can either open up completely, or the insulation between turns of wire can break down, causing the coil to be partly or completely shorted.

Just like a coil, you can check continuity of any primary or secondary transformer winding. The actual value of DC resistance you read is rather meaningless, but at least you will know whether a winding is open. Checking linear transformer is quite straight forward. Apply the ac voltage to the primary winding and expect output voltage at the secondary side. No or low output voltage means the transformer winding has open or shorted winding. Look for any evidence of overheating, such as darkened or blackened areas or a burnt smell.

About how to test a power transformer-it is a little bit complicated. You cannot apply ac voltage to the equipment and expect the desire output at the secondary side without connect to load otherwise over voltage will happen (because you have removed all the secondary load) and will blow the power section which consist of power fet, pwm ic and etc. Swith mode power supply are designed to run with load while linear transformer can be test without load.

The best way to test a switch mode power transformer is first remove it from the board. Check only the primary winding as secondary winding failures are exceedingly rare. How do we know which one is the primary winding? Trace from the big filter cap the positive pin to see where the circuit goes. It will go to one of the pin of the transformer. Then look for the power fet middle pin which is the Drain and it will lead to another pin of the transformer. This two pins is the primary winding of the transformer. Checking the resistance of the primary winding only can reveal whether it is open but it cannot check if it has developed a shorted winding. Only by using a ringer test you will know if it shorted or not. A shorted turn in the primary winding can cause the power section to blow.

The cheapest ringer tester that i came across is Dick Smith LOPT METER or flyback tester. Just connect the probes to the primary winding and the result are instantly seen from the Led bar graph. 4-8 bar represent a good winding, 1-2 bar represent partial short and if the led goes off means there is a heavy short in the winding. Besides checking the transformer it can be use to check B+ COIL, horizontal yoke coil and flyback primary winding and ballast (choke).

The expensive ringer tester is from sencore equipment. Sencore LC102 and LC103C besides checking capacitor it also have the capability to check all kind of winding. Whether it is a low voltage transformer, high voltage transformer, current transformer, pulse transformer, electric transformer, custom transformer this equipment will be able to check and test it.

If you do not wish to invest on this tester you may use a light bulb to check it. Remove one of the primary winding pin and connect a 60 watt light bulb. One end to the circuit while the other to the transformer pin. If the bulb light and didn't goes off suspect a shorted winding and if the light goes off, the winding is ok.

Transformer repair is not easy and it require a good skill to do it. Most of the transformer repairer preferred to rewind bigger winding such as fan, car alternator and starter. Swith mode power transformer is a little bit difficult to rewind because of the small size and low price.

Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more information about electronic repair please visit his website at http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm

A Guide To Ink

2008-06-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

Printing, writing, drawing, and dyeing are a few activities that have one thing in common - ink. Ink is a dense liquid that is a combination of various ingredients. Ink enables us to show an image or text on a surface.

The invention of ink was a natural outcome of the invention of writing. Humans first used ink more than 40 centuries ago, and still use it today in a variety of applications. The first inks made were composed mainly of carbon. Soot from pine smoke or lampblack was suspended in vegetable oils, gum or honey. These combinations were popular with the Hebrew and Arabians. Reeds and brushes were the writing vehicles for this ink to parchment and other tablets. During medieval times, black ink made from carbon or iron gall became common. The year 2000 BC saw the Chinese and the Egyptians make solid ink in the form of sticks. These sticks were mixed with water when needed. In the seventeenth century, Europeans started making ink from a mixture of tannic acid with an iron salt (commonly known as ferrous sulfate). A slow chemical reaction between the acid and salt left permanent markings on paper. The need for an ink suitable for the printing press caused an oily, varnish-like ink to be invented. The mid-nineteenth century brought ammonia-based aniline dye technology, the precursor of modern ink. This ink came to be used on plastic, fabric and other substances. The mid-eighties saw the advent of environmentally friendly soy ink made from soy beans.

Writing by hand will exist as long as people do. Yet today, people use ink even beyond hand writing. With a computer in nearly every home and business, and a printer attached to each computer, special inks are used to generate computer output in various forms. Printing presses have also made great advances in the type of ink used to create brochures, magazines, and books.

Ink provides detailed information on Ink, Ink Cartridges, Printer Ink, Inkjet Ink and more. Ink is affiliated with Printer Ink Cartridges.

How To Use A USB Flash Drive

2008-06-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

The popularity of USB flash drives does not solely come from its convenient size and the amount of data it can store but also in its easy use. It is very simple to operate and use a USB flash drive provided that the computer you connect it to has all the installed drivers that support the device. However, if the computer does not have an existing driver, USB flash drive installer software is also very easy to install and operate.

The protruded "connector" of the USB flash drives is simply plug directly into the computer or to a plug which is directed to the USB port. The computer then detects the device and upon detection, a folder containing all the files in your USB flash drive would appear on the computer screen. Files can then be easily accessed and transferred to the USB flash drive simply by dragging these files or by copying them into the USB flash drive folder. After using the device, the user can simply detach the flash drive from the port and use it again similarly with other computers.

USB flash drives can be used with most computers as long as they have a USB port and the software compatible with the drive to make it run. A lot of the newer operating systems have pre-installed USB drive drivers, but for those with operating systems that are quite dated, USB flash drive makers also offer drivers which may be used with these systems. These are easy to install and to use, as well. The compatibility of the USB flash drives and the availability of drivers in order for it to run must be checked with the manufacturer before even purchasing your flash drive. However, almost all USB flash drives work well with most computers.

Using USB flash drives are even simpler and more accessible than CD-R or DVD-R, besides USB ports are more common than CD or DVD equipped computers. Also, files stored in the USB flash drives may be erased as often as the user wants it to and may be changed as well.

The novelty of USB flash drives have long gone, yet despite this, users still enjoy its power and portability.

USB Flash Drives provides detailed information on USB Flash Drives, How To Use A USB Flash Drive, USB Flash Drive Reviews, USB Flash Pen Drives and more. USB Flash Drives is affiliated with Promotional Mouse Pads.

How To Properly Install A New DVD Drive With Ease

2008-05-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

When you are ready to begin installing your new DVD Drive,have plenty of room on your desk or table to work.Allow enough space to move around and to be able to move the system unit as well.

Check to see if you have ample light.You may want to have a container to place small screws in.The system unit cover may have small screws and you don't want to lose them.

After you have plenty of work space and ample lighting, prepare your mind as well.Make this and every other adventure of working on your computer educational and fun.

Now go over to www.ultimatepcrepair.com/photos.html to familarize yourself with all components inside the PC. Take the time to study the actual components inside your computer.You'll be glad you did should something go wrong.Follow these steps to install your drive.

REMOVE THE COMPUTER COVER

First

Turn off your computer and unplug all peripherals. Take notice of how you unplug or disconnect any devices.

Second

Remove the side panel of the tower system or the cover if you have a desktop.Place the panel in a safe place well out of the way.

Third

Before touching anything inside the system unit, remove electrical static charge from your body by touching a door knob or any unpainted metal surface.

Fourth

Remove the new drive from its protective wrapping and take the time to read through the manual. Be sure you have all components and save the box just in case it need to be returned.

Fifth

Check the jumper settings on the drive to be sure it is set to master.If you are adding this drive as a second drive,you will have to set one as master and one as the slave drive.

Your manual should make this procedure quick and fast. A small pair of tweezers can be used to remove the small jumper to the correct position.Most drives are set to master by default.

SLIDE NEW DRIVE IN COMPUTER

Sixth

Locate the drive bay for the cdrom drive.In most cases,its at the top of the case.If you are removing another drive,slide it out partially,disconnect cables, and slide the drive out completely.Take note of the location of all connections.

If you are installing a new drive the first time,use a small screwdriver to pop off the 5.25 inch drive bay cover and bezel on the system unit case.

Seventh

Slide the new drive in partially and connect the data,sound,and power cables to the rear of the drive.Slide the drive in completely and use small screws to secure the drive to the case.

In some cases,the drive is secured to the case with the use of Drive rails.These rails should be mounted on the old drive if you had to remove one.Check the drive's manual if your new drive came with side rails.

When connecting the cable,carefully graps the cables by the ends and not the wires themselves.Carefully but firmly push the connectors into their sockets until you are certain of a good connection.

If you are installing this drive as a second drive and have made this drive the secondary or slave drive, connect the drive to the center connector on the Ribbon cable.The master drive must be at the end.

Eighth

After all cables are re-connected to the drive and the drive is secured to the case,replace the system unit cover,reconnect all peripherals.Be sure the faceplate of the drive is flush with the front of the computer.

SETUP YOUR NEW DVD DRIVE

Ninth

Boot up the computer and in nearly all cases,the operating system should detect the new drive and install the device driver if necessary.

In most cases,new cdroms and dvd drives will not come with a cdrom or diskette with a device driver. Windows should install the drive with ease.

Some new drives will come with a cdrom full of software,such as games,music,or movies.Check this cdrom for software utilities that you may need to help run and operate your drive.

Tenth

heck your new drive to see if Windows has recognized it.Click on My Computer and you should see the drives installed.Check for both drives if you installed the drive as a second drive.

And that's it.You can now use the drive as a huge data backup.Or you may want to make movies. Whatever the case,check the drive for compatbility with other drives.

Take the time to learn absolutely everything about that computer you're reading this with.Quickly master the art of installing not just the dvd drive, but all drives and other components.

Otis F. Cooper is solely dedicated to boosting the knowledge and confidence of every computer user. Use his informative articles and videos to understand all about the drives in your computer.Learn and see more at http://www.dvdcrank.com

Wireless Headsets

2008-05-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

Wireless headsets are headphones that are not physically connected to the main device with a wire. These headsets use radio or infrared waves to receive signals from the main source. They provide extremely flexibility to do anything while wearing them-walk, jog, skate or even ski.

Wireless headsets are becoming fairly common even for household use like watching TV or listening to music. Since they are not connected by cords to the main equipment, they allow flexibility to move around and do things like cooking, exercising or any other household chores.

Some wireless headsets use infrared rays for receiving signals, like a remote control. These have a limited range of receiving of a maximum of 30 feet. Cordless headphones, on the other hand, use radio waves. The headset should be adjusted in frequency with the base station so as not to interfere with other devices. These headsets have a greater frequency of up to 2.4 GHz and can reach up to 300 feet.

When buying a wireless headset consider the following: is it comfortable? Does it stay securely in place for long hours? Is the microphone flexible and unobtrusive? Are the volume and other controls easily accessible? Is the sound quality on both the lines clear?

Most wireless headsets these days come with advanced features like standard/voice tube/ noise canceling, the solution type (telephone use/ mobile use/ headset adapter/headset accessory), the kind of ear piece (monaural/binaural), the kind of phone or computer connection to be used with the headset (Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm/ Analog), the compatibility (to music), the kind of computer usage (VoIP, Computer Gaming), the range of bass/treble, the speaker power, etc. The kind of battery should also be considered since the length of use is dependent on the strength of the battery. Some wireless headsets use rechargeable batteries.

The leading manufacturers of wireless headsets are Plantronics, GN Netcom, Headsets.com, Sennheiser, Jabra, and Sony. The Internet is a good source for locating the ideal wireless headset. There are several web sites that provide comprehensive information about the wide range of wireless headsets available in the market today. Manufacturers also provide the support of online specialists to help you select the best headset, including discounts and warranties.

Headsets provides detailed information about headsets, wireless headsets, phone headsets, aviation headsets and more. Headsets is the sister site of Free Phone Conferencing.

Dual-Core Processor Wars: AMD X2 vs Intel Pentium D

2008-05-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

There's a war going on and the latest battle continues to offer the promise of good prices to consumers looking for the best stuff for their computer.

Since the inception of dual-core processors a little while back the race has been on to see who can get the better chip with this dual-core processor technology.

During the final days of the single-core battles, there was a stalemate between AMD and Intel. Intel's clocked higher but were unable to match the speeds that the AMD managed at lower clock speeds.

The oldest difference between them has been their suitability for specific tasks. AMD have had the gaming sector in the bag, especially in terms of the value for money possible with their lower clocked chips, which could be overclocked to the same speeds as their top models. Intel has the crown for general performance. When it comes to office related tasks, Intel processors are able to outperform AMD chips in these areas.

As the ability to clock the chips any higher became more and more difficult technically, the next step was to just add another core, theoretically allowing twice as much number crunching in a dual-core processor. This is not exactly how it works however.

Modern operating systems and programs have not been designed with multiple-core or dual-core processors in mind. They were designed to make use of one core on one processor. The major expense that went with multiple processor computers was the circuitry needed to split tasks up amongst the processors and sharing cache.

Dual-core processors simply act like two places for tasks to go. Instead of single tasks getting split up and performed in two different places, as is the case with traditional single core processors, single threads get split up amongst the cores. This essentially means that each program gets assigned to a core.

Because of this there is absolutely no increase in speed for gaming from dual-core processor chips. Only once the games themselves have been programmed to take advantage of dual-core processors will there be a difference. This is due to the intensive nature of games and the number crunching needed for intense graphics, which for now cannot be split over multiple cores in dual-core processors.

So back to the battlefield.

AMD were the first to introduce their dual-core processor solution to a desktop computer. This gave them a slight lead over Intel. Despite this, AMD gave people a bit of a surprise with their new offering.

Always having been renowned for giving far more than expected for the price, these new dual-core processors were very expensive. Part of what managed to give AMD a hold in a market previously dominated by Intel was their good pricing. This shock did not go down well with consumers.

To add insult to injury, Intel's dual-core processor offerings came in at remarkably good value. Both of their initial dual-core processors cost less than AMD's lowest priced model. That's right, AMD's cheapest dual-core processor cost more than Intel's most expensive. This definitely put the ball in Intel's court and was downright disappointing for AMD fans.

AMD did manage to introduce a cheaper model to compete better with the Intel offerings. Despite this, Intel was still the forerunner in this area.

Performance remains an area that is sketchy.

With the relatively new technology involved it is hard to draw a clear conclusion on who is faster. With operating systems only recently oriented towards fully utilizing dual-core processor technology, it is still new territory. Both offer increased performance, but as to who will rule the roost, we'll have to see.

For the meantime it would probably be advisable to just watch. Being a cautious buyer I prefer to buy into a sure thing, once things have settled down, prices will balance out and all the related technology will be in place. Then we will be able to get a true opinion on where to put your hard earned cash.

Get the most honest and useful reviews and Dual-core processor reviews at our Desktop Computer Hardware Reviews site or get practical computer buying tips at our Computer Buying Guide site

A Rugged Computer Guide: Selecting the Right Rugged PC

2008-05-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

When it comes to a rugged PC, one size does not fit all. You need to figure out what the device needs to be protected against and then seek one that provides that protection. Keep in mind that a rugged PC means extra cost and extra weight. It makes no sense to go for maximum protection with the corresponding high cost when a less extreme design will do.

Having said that, here are some factors to consider:

Indoor/outdoor: Will the rugged PC be used outdoors or mainly indoors? Ruggedness requirements for computers used indoors are almost always less than those used outdoors.

Temperature: What temperature ranges will the device encounter? A handheld like the Symbol PPT2700 has an operating range of -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers just about everything from a cold winter night in North Dakota to high noon in Death Valley. A Hitachi ePlate 630ETR, on the other hand, has a narrower 41 to 104 degree operating range. Only you know if that is enough or not.

Impact: What's the likelihood that the device will be dropped? From what height? And onto what kind of surface? And will those be freak occurrences or something that might happen on a daily basis?

Vibration: We don't usually think of vibration as a problem for electronic equipment, but constant exposure can damage circuits and severe connections.

Water resistance: If you use your device outdoors, will it encounter just a few drops every now and then? Will it be operated in rainstorms? Could it be totally submerged in water?

Humidity: Again, not something we usually give much thought to. But constant high humidity may wreak havoc with sensitive circuits unless they are properly protected.

Altitude: Will the device be operated in an airplane? A submarine? In high altitudes?

Sand and dust: Remember the last trip to the beach? Sand accumulates everywhere. If your computer will be exposed to sand and dust it better be protected against them.

These are just some environmental variables a rugged PC computer may need protection against. Others include temperature shock, fungus, safe operation in explosive atmospheres, sudden acceleration, salt fog, gunfire, icing, and more.

Many of the answers are obvious once you think through the potential scenarios and apply some common sense. Now you're ready to look for the proper equipment for the job. And that means you have to familiarize yourself with some of the ruggedness lingo. In the United States, you will most often encounter references to MIL-STD-810, IP ratings, and NEMA protection ratings.

MIL-STD-810 goes back to December of 1961 and described "Environmental Test Methods for Aerospace and Ground Equipment." It was initially published as a svelte 66-page U.S. Air Force document. Over the past 40 years, six revisions were written and the latest, 810F, has grown into a 540 page document. The MIL-STD, as is, provides a large number of tests and testing methods to determine the effect of natural and artificial impact on equipment. Interpreting what it all means may require a good deal of research. Product spec sheets often state something like "designed using MIL-STD-810 test procedures." Since there are hundreds of them and they test different degrees of protection, the mere reference to MIL-STD-810 provides very little information. Find out which tests were performed, whether test reports are available, and whether the tests were done inhouse or by an independent testing lab. This is not to say that inhouse testing is suspect. I've seen the "torture chambers" of several of the major vertical market hardware manufacturers and came away impressed. Most of them perform tests inhouse, then, when satisfied that a product will pass independent muster, it is sent away to an outside lab.

In an effort to avoid the complexity and vagueness of MIL-STD references, some manufacturers provide IP (Ingress Protection) ratings for their equipment. IP ratings consist of a single number, such as IP44, and classify the degree of protection provided for electrical equipment by enclosures. The first number indicates, on a scale from 0 to 6, the protection against solid objects penetrating the housing. The second number gives, on a scale from 0 to 8, protection against penetration by liquids. For both numbers, a 0 means no protection and the highest number maximum protection. A rugged PC may, for example, have an IP54 rating. The "5" means that the device offers complete protection against contact with live and moving parts and also offers protection from dust deposits. The "4" indicates protection against splashing from any direction.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) provides yet another classification system. NEMA 250 describes a variety of different enclosures and how they hold up against different environmental impact.

I hope this will get you started in determining the ruggedness requirements for your rugged PC. It probably also gives you an idea of how difficult it is to weigh ruggedness against other important factors, such as size, weight, performance and price. Even the laws of physics come into play: it is easier to protect a small, light device than a large, heavy one. Smaller screens are less likely to break, and solid state storage is inherently less prone to failure than rotating media. A display with a thick protection shield in front of it may be difficult to read, and a completely sealed keyboard hard to type on. Finally, use your judgment. I've seen supposedly rugged machinery that didn't look like it would live up to the task and some plain vanilla consumer products that felt bulletproof.

Rugged computers are a bit like off-road vehicles where the spectrum ranges from fun "lifestyle" models such as the Honda CR-V all the way to the mighty Hummer. Only you can decide which rugged PC is right for you.

About the Author:

Conrad Blickenstorfer, Ph.D. is the editor-in-chief of Rugged PC Review and Pen Computing Magazine. He is also Publications Director of Digital Camera Magazine. For more information about Rugged PCs, please visit RuggedPCReview.com

(NOTE: Content article shown above may be linked and circulated freely on websites, as long as ALL article content, links, author and copyright information remain UNCHANGED in any way whatsoever.)

Computer Components for Idiots

2008-05-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

There are many fancy add-ons for computers, but the basic components of the computer are simple and universal. If 1 of these main components is missing, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs not a computer.

The 4 essentials of every computer system are: a motherboard, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, and a hard drive. These components are installed in a case to which are attached a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. Thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs your basic computer.

Mother WHAT?

The motherboard ("mobo" for short) is the foundation. Everything attaches to the mobo -- the CPU, memory, hard drive, monitor, mouse, keyboard, add-on cards, even additional peripherals like printers, scanners, and speakers. The motherboard is like the nervous system and skeleton of the human body -- it provides support for the internal components and also passes information between the computer parts.

CPU

If the motherboard is the nervous system, then the CPU is the brain. Most of the mathematical manipulations that make computers operate are done by the CPU. Other components may also have their own processors, but their results still have to be passed through the CPU.

The speed of the computer is usually measured by the speed of the CPU. Even though other factors also affect overall speed, the CPU rating is generally seen as the single most important measure of performance.

Modern CPUs are usually rated between 2.0 GHz and 3.0 GHz, although each passing month will see increasing performance. This measurement refer to the number of calculations the processor can make in 1 second. The higher the number, the faster (better) the computer.

CPUs generate a lot of heat doing this work, so they need a heat sink and fan to keep them from overheating. Heat is a major enemy of the computer and directly affects its life span.

Computer Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the part of the computer that stores information the computer needs while it is operating. It is Random Access because the computer can get the data in any order, not necessarily the order in which it is stored. Generally speaking, the more RAM the better. 512 to 1024 megabytes is common for memory.

The most common type of RAM these days is DDR-SDRAM, which stands for double-data-rate synchronous dynamic random access memory. We already know what the RAM part means. DDR means that the data is accessed twice as fast as ordinary RAM.

The latest type of RAM is DDR2. It offers even faster access rates and is quickly becoming the standard for computer memory.

Hard Drive

All the data contained in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off, so there has to be a place to store it permanently. This is what the hard disk is for.

It holds the computerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs operating system. An operating system like Windows uses around 4 gigabytes of hard drive space. The extra space is used to install computer programs and to store your personal data.

80 gigabyte hard drives are common, but 400 GB units are available. Furthermore, you can install more than 1 in a computer case for added security and convenience.

Peripherals

All you need to complete the basic computer system is a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Accessories like a printer or scanner are useful for office work, and gamers will probably want to add speakers and joystick controls.

So there you have it. The basic computer needs just 7 major components. For the best performance, these components must integrate well. The motherboard is the most important component for determining the type and specification of the other parts. Choosing an appropriate mobo for your computer needs is the first step and may require a quick call to your local geek.

Soon YOU will be considered the local geek!

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit Build-Computer-Now to learn more about this fascinating subject.

Inkjet Jargon Explained

2008-05-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

With all the technical terms out there, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with inkjet jargon. Unfortunately, understanding the differences between the various terminologies is a must in todays advanced technological age. Below are a few of the more commonly used inkjet jargon terms you might come across and some information that will help you keep it all straight in your head.

Sometimes you might see the term CMYK. This strange looking word is simply an acronym to identify the colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (blac*K*). These are the standard colors used by printer industries. For example magazines and brochures use these colors frequently to produce glossy photography prints. CMYK allows printers to use all four colors combined in a mixture to create multiple hues and tones.

The next commonly used word you might run across in inkjet jargon is DPI. Again, this is simply an acronym that is short for Dots per Inch. This is a measurement term defining the resolution on the printer. A printerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs resolution will have values ranging from high to low. High resolution is defined as a DPI of 1200 and above. A lower resolution would be anywhere from 300 DPI and below and would generally produce a printed picture with noticeable pixel dots. Low resolution is not usually recommended for high quality graphical or photographical output. The best possible photo output comes from using the highest DPI values.

What about Duplexing? The word Duplexing refers to the capability of the prtiner to print on both sides of the paper. This ability is beneficial in a number of ways. Not only does Duplexing conserve on paper, but it is better for the environment as well. While duplexing is not an inexpensive option, it is used infrequently in todayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs business world. In most situations, duplexing can be achieved manually by placing even and odd numbers first and then flipping the pages over. This will allow the user to print on the other side regardless of whether a printer can duplex or not.

The term inkjet printer has been around for awhile, but if youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre not computer savvy you might not know the difference between an inkjet printer and dot matrix printer. An inkjet printer produces printed characters by spraying ink in a line of dots to form characters. Early inkjets were somewhat inefficient due to the fact that they had a reputation for clogging. The newer models, however; are designed to deliver high print seeds, superb graphics and crisp text. The technology present in modern inkjet printers has become so advanced that photographic inkjet output is on a par with that of photolabs.

Finally, another common term used is interface. This term refers to the type of connection the printer is able to obtain from the computer. Much older computers use a parallel interface. Today, this type of interface has become a thing of the past as new interface technologies such as USB and Firewire have taken centre stage purely due to their speed and reliability.

Taking the time to better understand inkjet jargon can prove to be particularly beneficial when you are considering purchasing a new printer. Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt let yourself fall for salesman jargon and buy the wrong product simply because you didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt understand the terminology used. Knowledge is power.

This article was provided courtesy of Inkjet Printables.com. On the website you'll find tons of useful information on cheap inkjet cartridges

Notebook Computer Memory - Upgrading Your Laptop

2008-05-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

With the proliferation of laptop computers, choosing to upgrade or implement notebook computer memory is not as straight forward as it may seem at first.

There is a variety of different types of memory, and it is important that you choose memory that is compatible with your notebook computer. Memory is also a little delicate, so you need to be very careful when handling it.

Adding Computer Memory - Some Tips

You should ensure that the Notebook is turned of and disconnected from any exterior power supply. No lights should be visible, and if they are, stop and double check for any live power sources.

Notebook computers are a little different to desktop PCรขโ�ฌโ�ขs in that there is no need to take them apart in order to add memory. Access to the memory slots is via a panel located (usually) in the bottom of the laptop. Once you have found this panel, it should be a small matter of using a screwdriver to open up the panel and view the existing memory. In fact, you can do this to check the exact type of memory that your Notebook currently uses, because it is usually shown on the front of the memory strips and should be visible when you open up the memory panel.

The memory strips are usually locked in with small clips on the ends of the strips. To remove existing memory, simply flip the clips and then pull the memory strips gently from their holding place. If you are simply adding memory of course, and there is space available, just add the new memory, gently pushing it in to ensure it is fully seated in the slots, and then close the clips to hold the new memory in place.

Once you have replaced or added your Notebook computer memory, it is simply a case of replacing the access panel, and then screwing the panel back in place.

Finally, power up the Notebook, and ensure that the memory has been read by the Notebook. When the PC starts up, it should count the memory and tell you how much it thinks it has access to.

If any problems occur, repeat the whole procedure, checking very carefully that the memory is properly seated in the notebook.

Get the scoop on notebook computer memory. Tips on choosing the right memory and on how to install it into your notebook.

Got The Message that You Need New Ink Cartridges?

2008-05-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

We all know what it is like when that message flashes on the computer screen as you are printing off an important document. Your ink cartridge is low, replace soon! But, do you know what type of ink cartridges your printer needs? Do you know where to find ink cartridges to replace those? Is this going to be a long, difficult search that will cost you dearly? You donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have to dread that message at all. In fact, finding the information you need for the replacement of ink cartridges is simple.

First, you need to know what type of ink cartridges you need. To know this, you will need to consult your handbook. Often times this information is listed right on the inside cover of the printer as well. Got that information? Okay, great, you are half way there. Now, you need to find the ink cartridges themselves. You can get in your car, drive across town, and wait in the endless lines at your local office supply store. Perhaps you are feeling lucky? You can then check your local department store to see if they may carry the ink cartridges you need. Or, you can simply sit where you are and find your ink cartridges online. There are many quality websites and web merchants who can supply you with those ink cartridges.

Probably one factor in your search is finding the best price on the ink cartridges. If this is the case, then you definitely should utilize the internet to fill your needs. Finding quality and lower prices are just one benefit to finding ink cartridges online. So, the next time you see that message flashing on the computer donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt worry! Finding your ink cartridge is going to be a snap!

The Ink Cartridge Resource Site is an all-in-one Resource for Ink Cartridges.

ESR Meter - The Capabilities To Check Beyond Electrolytic Capacitor

2008-05-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

There is something good about esr meter because besides electrolytic capacitor it can be use to measure other type of capacitors such as the non polarity capacitor. From esr meter specification, it is usually mentioned only checking the electrolytic type. When i began to experiment with the Dick Smith ESR Meter i found that it have the capabilities to check other type of capacitors as well.

However it is limited to checking capacitor in the higher value only such as .1uf(104), .22uf(224), 1uf(105) and etc. Lower capacitance value don't get any reading from the esr meter due to it can only read until 99 ohms. Perhaps other esr meter such as the B & K esr meter have the range to check it.

You will even be surprised to see that the dick smith esr meter can check the non-polarity capacitor in-circuit (without removing the cap).

True case example-Monitor came in with display jumping horizontally. You can see a bunch of horizontal black lines across the top display (picture). From experienced it will tell you that vertical section have problem. I begin to troubleshoot the vertical section. Supply voltage checked ok, vertical driver and oscillator IC replaced, all components connected or nearby vertical driver and oscillator ic have been checked ok. By the way I used digital capacitance meter to check the non-polarity cap and esr meter to check the electrolytic cap. The problem is still there and can't be solve!

When i use Dick Smith ESR Meter to compare the esr value of a non-polarity capacitor located near the vertical driver ic, i noticed that there is a big different in the esr value. The good esr value for a .22uf non-polarity cap is between 6.5 to 7 ohm but the spoilt one have a value of 14 ohm! Almost double the value, that's why the display jump. The good thing is i discovered the culprit while the capacitor still in the circuit which mean this esr meter can check non-polarity cap in-circuit. However my recommendation for you is to solder out one leg and check unless you already have the experienced in checking components on board. Replacing the cap solved the display problem.

Conclusion-In order to accurately test a non-polarity capacitor, besides checking the capacitance value and using analog meter to check the charge and discharge to see if it has develop any short circuit when under load, you are also required to check the esr value as well.

Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more information about electronic repair please visit his website at http://www.noahtec.com/electronic-repair-articles.htm

Computer Parts Online

2008-05-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

In todayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs age, building computers on yourself is often chosen as the safest and choicest option by a sizeable part of the market for computers. There are various advantages and disadvantages for doing so.

When personal computers first entered the mass market, building a computer was an arduous and risky task. Getting the right computer parts was also difficult and without a guarantee. Putting the whole thing together was a risk because of the newness of the product as well as the absence of expert knowledge. But over the years, the market has understood the process of computer assembly and the heavy savings involved in making your own computer (you basically save on the branded companyรขโ�ฌโ�ขs professional service charge for putting the computer together for you).

Customers are able to find everything needed to build a computer on the Internet. If you want to assemble the whole system at one go, you can get a barebone computer system and keep adding on later. Using quality but cheap computer parts is the key trick behind assembling computers.

There are thousands of cheap computer parts on the web today. A quick check list of the main components you need to build your computer is รขโ�ฌโ��

รขโ�ฌยข CPUs (Processors)
รขโ�ฌยข Hard Drives
รขโ�ฌยข Graphics Card
รขโ�ฌยข Monitors
รขโ�ฌยข CD / CD-RW / DVD ROMs
รขโ�ฌยข Mouse and Keyboards (other Input Devices)
รขโ�ฌยข Batteries
รขโ�ฌยข Cables & Adapters
รขโ�ฌยข Communications and Connectivity tools
รขโ�ฌยข Cooling Products
รขโ�ฌยข Computer Bags & Cases
รขโ�ฌยข Firewire Products

Accessories
o Digital Cameras
o Flash Memory
o Gaming Hardware
o Ink & Toner
o Cellular Accessories
o Cleaning Kits & Supplies
o Notebook Accessories
o Headsets
o Media Storage

You can find any of almost all of these computer parts in Internet individually. Cheap computer parts are easy to find and pay for securely over Internet. There are also many sites and services that help you build these types of computers on a professional basis and get you started. These sites help you step-by-step through the process of building a good quality computer using cheap and high quality computer parts รขโ�ฌโ�� often with illustrated instruction guides to show you how to put your new computer together.

Building your own high-quality but cheap computer with computer parts that are genuine and cheap are often considered a safe bet.

Adrian Griffiths - Computer Hardware UK, Cheap Computer Parts

Touch Screen Monitors

2008-05-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

With a touch screen, users can do away with the multiple hardware systems that were required to make use of a computer system. 1971 saw the development of the first touch screens and since then they have become extremely popular.

Touch screens are very popular in commercial set-ups like restaurants, airports, ATMs, industrial automation, and in computer-based training. In restaurants, customers use touch screens as ordering points where they can place their order on their own without dealing with a retail clerk. In computer-based learning, a touch screen is very helpful especially since it keeps the learner focused on the display and learners do not need any technical know-how to operate the keyboard or hardware.

Touch screen systems are either in the form of touch screen add-ons or touch screen monitors. The touch screen add-on technology is most useful when the touch screen is an upgrade to an existing display system. Commonly, an add-on touch sensitive peripheral is placed in front of an ordinary computer display unit. A controller is connected to the overlay and the PC. This controller communicates between the PC, the display, and the monitor. The other kind of touch screen display is the touch screen monitor.

A touch screen monitor is a complete piece of hardware, which has a screen with an built-in touch sensitive overlay. The two most popular technology used in touch screen monitors are the CRT and the LCD display. CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube and LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. An LCD is more advanced technology and therefore it is more expensive.

Conclusively, a touch screen monitor is only an integrated system. There is no difference in using a touch screen monitor or a touch screen add-on since both perform the same function. Most companies that manufacture touch screen equipment manufacture both types of screens.

Touch Screens provides detailed information on Touch Screens, Touch Screen Monitors, Touch Screen Displays, Touch Screen LCD and more. Touch Screens is affiliated with Internet Kiosks.

Inexpensive Radius Server Gives Wireless Networks The Security They Need

2008-05-20T02:59:00.000-07:00

Many small businesses have considered connecting computers and other devices to their corporate network via wireless (WiFi) connections, and a brave few have actually done so. Many of these early networks required that wireless devices be carefully placed within the building so that the wireless signal reached all intended recipients. Typically, these networks lacked adequate security features, which left them vulnerable to information and resource theft by unauthorized persons. These two problems have now been largely solved, meaning that it may be time for more small businesses to look into the potential advantages a wireless network can offer.

Wireless Networking Basics

Building a wireless network requires two distinct types of hardware components, wireless access points, and wireless access cards. The wireless access point is a device, which is attached to an existing computer network via a standard Ethernet cable. It has an antenna on it, which allows it to broadcast and receive signals from PCs and other devices. Each device wishing to communicate with the access point needs a wireless access card, which also contains an antenna. The current wireless standard, called 802.11g, allows for up to 54 megabits of data per second to be transmitted between the desired access point and the access card. While not quite as fast as wired networks, which typically run at 100 megabits to 1000 megabits per second, wireless networks offer more flexibility, and can be less expensive to install. This is especially true for older buildings where installing cable can become cost prohibitive.

Cutting Corners

Wireless networks use radio frequency waves to transmit information, and thus they are susceptible to being blocked by walls and other obstructions in a building. These obstructions can cause "dead zones" where the radio waves are unable to reach their intended recipients. Microwave ovens and other radio frequency emitting devices can also wreak havoc on wireless signals. The solution is to place your wireless access points strategically around your building so that interference is minimized. When the distance from a wireless access point to the wireless device is more than a few dozen meters, wireless repeaters can be installed to boost the signal. These repeaters can also be placed so that the wireless signals can be accessible from all corners of the building.

Wireless Network Security Solved

Installing a simple wireless network is pretty straightforward, but installing a secure wireless network can be substantially more difficult. However, an Ann Arbor company called Interlink Networks now offers their LucidLink products, which make installing comprehensive wireless network security a snap. Before LucidLink became available, an organization wishing to lock down their wireless network would need to hire expensive network security consultants to install and manage the wireless portion of the network. LucidLink packages all of this expertise into a software add-on that is so easy to use that even a small company's office manager can easily take control over who is accessing the company network via wireless. It goes above and beyond simple address authentication (standard with most wireless routers), and implements what is called a RADIUS server. RADIUS servers are what large organizations spend thousands of dollars installing and maintaining in order to secure their large (1000+ node) wireless networks. Until now, installing a RADIUS server was out of the price range for all but the largest companies. In contrast, LucidLink's product can be purchased for as little as $99 for a 3 user Home Office Edition, $449 for a 10 user version, and goes up to $3995 for a 250 user version.

Summary

While there are still issues with making sure that all areas of a building are covered, the current WiFi standard (802.11g) has a more powerful signal, meaning less emphasis needs to be placed on the locations of attached devices. However, it is still recommended that a professional site survey be done to verify that all required areas of the building can be reached by the wireless signal. Meanwhile, Interlink Networks has finally solved the security problem at a price that is affordable for small and medium sized business.

Terrence A. Weadock is the President and Founder of Dominant Systems Corporation, an Ann Arbor-based computer network solutions provider.
http://www.domsys.com

Wireless Network Trouble Shooting

2008-05-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Wireless Network Trouble Shooting

1. Wireless Adapter รขโ�ฌโ�� First check to see if your wireless adapter is on and working properly. If you are using a PCMICA wireless adapter ensure that the card is pressed completely in. If the wireless adapter card was not plugged in when you started your laptop you may want to restart your computer for a fresh start. If you are using a laptop with a built in wireless adapter. What Wireless Network รขโ�ฌโ�� Check the bottom right hand task bar to see if you are connected to a wireless network. Many people are connected to the wrong wireless network with a weak signal or hardly any connectivity. You want to change your wireless adapter setting to choose Infrastructure access points only so youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre not connecting to rogue wireless access points.

3. SSID and ME รขโ�ฌโ�� Next check your wireless settings for the following: DO you have the correct SSID typed in, is your encryption key typed in correctly, does your wireless router and wireless adapter have the same security settings.

4. DHCP ME รขโ�ฌโ�� If you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have a manual TCP/IP address then your wireless router needs to have itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs DHCP server turned on. Connected to your web interface and turn on your DHCP server. Next go to your wireless network icon in the bottom right hand corner and disable your wireless adapter and then enable it. This will renew your DHCP request to the routers DHCP server.

5. PING!- Next we will use a command line function called PING. Type "cmd" in the run box, this will bring up your DOS window. Now type in ping and then type in the TCP/IP addressof your default gateway. If you have not changed it your default gatewayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs ip address should be 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If you receive a reply then you know that you are connected properly to your router.

6. WWWรขโ�ฌยฆWHAT รขโ�ฌโ�� Now try and surf the web. Go to google.com or another simple page. If nothing comes up then you might have a manually configured IP address with the correct DNS servers entered. Connect to your wireless routers web interface and check the status. You are looking for the multiple DNS server IP address. Copy these IP addresses into you adapters TCP/IP settings and hit ok.

7. Google ME รขโ�ฌโ�� Once your DNS servers are entered you should be able to surf the net. If you still canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt surf the net try restarting your computer and check you cables again to make sure you havenรขโ�ฌโ�ขt missed something.

Sign up now for the most popular wireless networking news letter on the internet. Receive the inside scoop on wireless technology for the home and work place at http://www.wirelessninja.com

Preventing Tape Drive Failure

2008-05-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, tape drives are generally robust and reliable. However, there are three common mistakes that people make that dramatically increase the probability of tape drive failure.

Firstly, it is not well known that tape drives is differ considerably in terms of how long they are designed to operate each day. Each tape drive range has a specified duty cycle, which is the maximum percentage of time that the drive should be operational. For example, a drive with a duty cycle of 50% should be operational for no more than 12 hours a day, while a drive with a duty cycle of 100% may run continuously.

Secondly, it is not well known that data must be supplied to tape drives at a sufficient rate in order to keep them streaming, or else the tape suffers from start-stop motion. It's easy to imagine the wear-and-tear this places on the tape, and how the integrity of the data stored on the tape can be severely degraded.

Thirdly, poor handling and storage commonly causes damage to tapes and the drive. It's not a good idea to drop tapes or stack them in a pyramid on the floor; the tapes should be handled and stored carefully. Tape drives should be kept as far away from contaminants as possible; for example, they shouldn't be placed directly on the carpet or kept in dusty environments.

Tapes should always be stored in a different location to the server, in order to prevent a disaster that damages the server from also damaging the backups on tape. At the very least, weekly tapes should be stored offsite. To reduce the chance of fire damage or theft, tapes should be stored in a fireproof safe.

By following these simple tips, your tape backups should run reliably, and you'll avoid the costly exercise of replacing your tape drive.

Linus Chang is a backup expert and the lead developer of BackupAssist -- tape backup software that is simple and affordable, and perfect for small and medium businesses. Protect your Windows servers, including SQL Server and Exchange Server, to tape, REV drive, hard drive, NAS and more, at a fraction of the cost of other backup software.

CD Printers

2008-05-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

A CD printer lets you print anything you want directly on a CD. It gives a professional look to the whole process. A CD printer also prints on DVDs. A CD printer can print graphics, logos, text and photographs.

There are various type of CD printers available in the market--manual, automated and integrated CD printers. There are thermal printers and ink-jet printers in this category of products. If you want to produce a large number of discs, automated printers can be less time-consuming.

Your choice of a CD printer could depend on the type of printing you are looking for. The prices of CD printers also vary accordingly.

Before buying a CD printer, there are certain factors to consider. These factors include the warranty on the product, the possibility of extending this warranty, the cost of ink cartridges and the availability of technical support after purchasing the printer.

The list of companies producing CD printers is long and grows longer all the time, so there is a lot to choose from.

The technology of CD printers is continuously being upgraded. New products with additional features are launched regularly. One can also get a secondhand CD printer at a much lower price than a new one. You can get one on most auction sites. Some CD printers have waterproof printing as a feature. A CD printer is a must-have item if one wants to duplicate discs for data, video, audio or software. A CD printer can be integrated with a duplicator, providing complete publishing experience.

CD printers do not require much space. They can be easily moved from one place to another. Little maintenance is required to keep them working, and they are easily affordable, too.

CD Printers provides detailed information on CD Printers, CD Label Printers, CD Cover Printers, CD Ink Jet Printers and more. CD Printers is affiliated with CD Replication Companies.

How to Install a Motherboard

2008-05-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

In this article we learn how to install a motherboard. This is your first stop in learning how to install computer components. The motherboard is attached one way or another to every device in your computer.

You will notice that the motherboard comes pre-configured with numerous slots where you can plug devices in. Additionally, there are connectors and jumpers that you will need to set to make it work properly.

Be sure to have your documentation handy at all times. For the purposes of this tutorial we will be working with the standard ATX motherboard common to most mid-tower computers.

1. Open the Case and Remove Motherboard Tray

The first step will be to open the case. The method for doing this will vary depending upon the case you have. For mid-towers, you will most likely have to remove a side panel that sits above where the motherboard will be.

Unscrew the two screws holding this panel onto your computer and slide it out. Set the screws in a safe place. If you have an older style case you may have to remove all of the screws from the back of the chassis, and slide that out.

If your case has a motherboard tray you will need to remove that as well. Some cases have removable motherboard trays meant to help you better install motherboard units correctly. These trays are quite useful and can make installing your motherboard much easier. If your case has such a tray, be sure to remove it as well.

2. Replace the ATX Connector Plate and Align Motherboard with Case

If you check all the parts that came bundled with your motherboard, you will notice that it came with its own face plate. This might seem unusual, as your computer case will have an ATX face plate already installed. The problem here has to do with potential incompatibility. Your ATX face place may have connectors arranged in a different pattern than the one that came with your case.

Therefore, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs best to use the custom face plate that came with your motherboard. To swap out the computer case face plate, press both corners until it pops out. Snap the new plate in place, aligning the keyboard and mouse connectors to the side of the case where your power supply is installed.

3. Install Standoffs and Secure the Motherboard

The next step in knowing how to install a motherboard involves alignment. You want holes from the case to match the holes from the motherboard--however thereรขโ�ฌโ�ขs more to it than that. First, locate the mounting holes in the case or tray that will match up with those of the motherboard.

Now that youรขโ�ฌโ�ขve found the holes, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs time to install the standoffs. Standoffs are basically brass or plastic pegs that will support the motherboard as it installed. These pegs or spacers come in different varieties; some will be brass while others will be plastic. Check which ones you have. If the standoffs are of the brass variety, you may need a hex tool of some sort in order to properly install them. Install the standoffs into the holes that you identified earlier.

With the standoffs securely installed, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs time to secure the motherboard. Align the motherboard over your case or tray so that you can see the standoffs clearly through their matching holes on the motherboard. Then begin from the center of the motherboard to screw the motherboard to your tray or case.

After you complete that, continue clockwise, affixing the screws into the mounting holes in all of the corners of the board. As you can see, knowing how to properly install motherboard units to your PC involves more than just a few turns of the screws!

4. Installing Critical Wires and Connectors

The next step in knowing how to install computer components like your motherboard is to install critical wires and connects. Just because your motherboard is physically installed doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt mean it can communicate with the rest of your system.

Youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll have to connect some important wires and cables to complete the process. The first wires are the ones that hang loose from your case, like hard drive, power, reset and speaker leads. Consult your documentation to know how to plug these wires into their appropriate slots in the case.

The next cable is the one that feeds juice to your motherboard, the 20 pin ATX power lead from your power supply. Plug that in the appropriate slot in the motherboard. Some newer computers like the Pentium 4 may also include an additional 4 pin 12v connector from the power supply, which you must plug into the motherboard as well. Check that all of the critical wires are secured. If you used a removable tray you can reinsert that into the case at this time.

Conclusion

You have learned how to install a motherboard, the basic core of your computer system. As you can see, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs not a hard processรขโ�ฌโ��certainly not brain surgeryรขโ�ฌโ��but itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs important that you follow the steps in order.

Also, consult your documentation first before you begin the process. It will let you know if there are any jumpers that you need to set before attempting your install. These settings may vary depending on the type of motherboard that you purchased.

Learning to build your own computer is a thrilling experience. Knowing how to install computer components like a motherboard is all about laying the foundation.

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visit his website at Build-Your-Own-Computers.com for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computer components.

Power and Your PC

2008-05-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

The power coming into a computer is the most critical component, and it may be one of the most overlooked. It is just taken for granted that it will always be there and working properly. A top of the line processor and ultra powerful video card do nothing if a system does not receive the ample, stable power it demands. Having quality components providing and regulating the power supplied to a computer is critical, and this brief overview looks at a few areas worth consideration.

Power Supplies

Computer power supplies take the high (110V or 220V) DC voltages from an electrical outlet and convert it to the various lower AC voltages required for a system to operate. The typical voltages required inside a computer are 3.3V, 5V, and 12V, where the 3.3V and 5V lines are generally used to power circuitry, and the 12V line provides power to run items such as hard drives, optical drives, and cooling fans.

Power supplies are sold in terms of their total power output, in terms of wattage. Choosing the correct power supply means not only finding one that will provide enough power for all of the components connected to the system, but also one that is the correct size physically, has enough connections for typical drives and fans, and if necessary, that also has special connections for things such as Serial ATA drives and modern video cards.

Choosing a power supply with enough power shouldnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt be much of a problem, as having more power than you need is never a bad thing. Just because a power supply is rated for 400W, or perhaps 600W, does not imply that it is drawing that at any given time. It just indicates the total power available to the various lines inside the computer. For those interested in getting a good idea of their minimum power requirements, this Power Wattage Calculator is a convenient reference. In addition to checking out the total wattage of a power supply, looking for strong amperage ratings on the 3.3V, 5V, and 12V lines is also recommended, as power supplies with identical total power ratings may distribute the power to the various lines in different quantities.

Power supplies come in a few different physical sizes, but the most common are designed to fit the standard ATX and micro ATX (mATX) form factor cases. A typical ATX power supply, such as this Echo-Star 680W unit, measures 3.25" x 6" x 5.5" and features two cooling fans to not only cool the power supply, but to also help draw hot air out of the computer. A typical mATX power supply, such as this A-Power 320W unit, measures 2.5" x 5" x 4" and due to the smaller size features just one cooling fan. mATX cases are generally much smaller than ATX cases, and therefore have smaller power supplies, with generally lower power ratings, and fewer connectors.

The connectors on a power supply also deserve consideration. Most power supplies come with what looks to be an electric octopus of wires hanging off the back surface, and you need to make sure that somewhere in that tangled bundle are all of the connectors you need. The power supply should at least have as many connections as the number of drives, cooling fans, and other items found in the case. Up until recently power supplies had a fixed number of connections, and if you needed more, you needed to use splitters to distribute the power to all the components. Modular power supplies, such as the Ultra X-Connect 500W unit, are now available that eliminate that "electric octopus" all together, and allow the end user to connect just the cables they need. The flexibility of a modular power supply design not only lets you customize the connections to your needs, it also makes for a simple and tidy installation, since there are no extra wires dangling inside the case.

The selection of a high quality power supply may cost more money up front, but down the road it could wind up saving money. Many manufacturers now offer power supplies that consume less energy thanks to high quality internal components, advanced designs, and active power factor correction. These units are now able to provide the same power to the components in a computer, but due to increased efficiency, draw less power from the electrical outlet.

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are intended to protect your electronics from a brief increase in voltage caused by such things as lightning, rolling blackouts, and heavy drawing electrical equipment. A surge protector reacts to divert the extra electricity to ground, and thus protects your expensive computer equipment from damage. A surge is any increase lasting three nanoseconds or longer, so a surge protector needs to react quickly. Most surge protectors also include a fuse (or breaker), and if the surge is too great to be handled without interruption, the fuse will blow. Although the fuse may be destroyed, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a small loss compared to what it may have saved.

Surge protectors come in all shapes and styles. Some basic models can even be found at your local dollar store, but offer no more than a few outlets connected to a breaker. No serious protection is obtained, but many people just want more outlets, not protection.

More serious surge protectors will probably cost a bit more than a dollar, but will offer some peace of mind that your equipment is actually being protected. In addition to protecting from electrical surges, some devices include extra features such as conditioning to filter out line noise and ports to protect other lines such as cable television, telephone, and networking.

The Fellowes Smart Surge Power Strip protects up to 10 devices from surges, as well as offering line conditioning and ports to protect your phone line. A highly appealing feature of such a surge protector is that 4 of the ports are designed to accept bulky AC adaptors. For those with surge protectors that werenรขโ�ฌโ�ขt designed to be this user friendly, there is still hope in the form of Power Strip Saver Cables. Basically just 7 inch long extension cords, these items can come in very handy when trying to connect multiple AC adaptors to a more traditional surge protector.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Many people familiar with Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) know that they can keep a computer up and running during a total power failure, but donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt know what else they do. Most UPSes will also provide protection from voltage surges and sags (when the voltage drops below normal), as well as protection from the possibility of a shift in the electricityรขโ�ฌโ�ขs frequency.

UPSes come in two varieties, standby and continuous, although standby versions are far more common and less expensive. A standby UPS allows the devices connected to it to run from the normal electrical connection until a loss of power is detected, at which point it quickly (in a matter of milliseconds) switches to the battery backup of the UPS. A continuous UPS always has the devices connected to it running off of battery power, while the batteries are recharged by the normal electrical connection.

UPSes are sold in terms of their capacity, in terms of VA (voltage multiplied by amperage). This implies that devices connected to the UPS can draw a maximum of so much amperage at a specific voltage. A run time after a power failure is also generally specified for a UPS based on a full load being placed on the device.

Selecting a UPS needs to be based on the intended useรขโ�ฌยฆ A smaller unit, such as the Fenton 600VA, would be adequate for powering a typical desktop computer, monitor, and smaller peripherals such as a printer and lighting for what they rate as 15-23 minutes at full load. If multiple systems need to be powered, or perhaps there are plans for future expansion that will add to the power demands, a larger unit such as the Tripp Lite 1500VA may be more appropriate. The first two units are intended to be set in close proximity to the devices to be powered, perhaps on the floor behind a desk, but if you are seeking to add a UPS to a server, there are also rackmount solutions such as the Opti-UPS 1100VA.

No matter the application, sizing a UPS may seem overwhelming. One manufacturer, APC, has created a handy UPS Selector Application which will take some of the guess work out of choosing the right UPS for any particular application.

Final Words

A computer system is only as strong as its weakest feature, and many times that distinction falls on the power supply and related components. By choosing a quality power supply, surge protector, and perhaps a UPS, one can make sure that they have adequately strong and stable power to keep their system running now, as well as down the road when upgrades may increase the demand on their system.

Jason Kohrs
Computer Geeks tech tips and computer advice

Computer Printers Offer Infinite Variety, But Toner Can Put a Strain on Your Budget

2008-05-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

If you're old enough to remember daisy wheel printers, you know just how far technology has advanced when it comes to computer printers. We've come a long way from the days when a daisy wheel would strike an ink ribbon and produce a letter on a page, and even from the days when a dot matrix printer would use its 24 pins to, line by line, produce a sheet of text.

Types of Printers

These days, of course, there are many different options when it comes to printers. For home use, many people continue to rely on inkjet printers, which are a relatively cost-effective way to print in both color and black and white. Other people opt for laser printers, which offer better speed and quality than inkjet printers. While they have dropped in price, color laser printers are often cost-prohibitive for home use, which is why many people choose inkjet printers for color.

Toner-based laser printers are the printers of choice for most office applications. With the increase in in-house graphic design and desktop publishing, small printing jobs can be performed more cost-effectively with a color laser printer than sending them out to be printed on an offset press.

Some offices - particularly those that wish to produce high-quality printed material - have turned to solid ink printers that use wax-based four color thermal transfer printing. Using solid ink CMYK colors mimics the effect of color separation on a printing press, which produces richer, deeper colors. Likewise, dye sublimation printers are often used for photo-quality reproductions, and are often marketed as photo printers.

Printer Manufacturers and Pricing

There are a number of first-rate printer manufacturers. Hewlett-Packard (HP), Epson, Canon, Brother, Apple, and Xerox all manufacture laser and/or inkjet printer. It's been interesting to watch the pricing strategy of printer manufacturers, which is generally to charge a minimum for computer printers, while charging an exorbitant amount for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or brand name toner. This phenomenon is similar to the strategy employed by video game console manufacturers, where they barely recover the cost of manufacturing the console in the purchase price, but then charge dearly for the actual video games.

Avoiding Getting Gouged with OEM Toner

Although printer manufacturers would lead you to believe that brand name toner is the only toner that works in their printers, the truth is that high quality remanufactured toner or Reflexion toner works just as well. You can buy toner that is compatible with Hewlett-Packard (HP), Epson, Canon, Brother, Apple, and Xerox printers at a fraction of the price.

So, enjoy the low prices and high quality of brand name printers, but don't get gouged by the high price of toner. Always remember that there are alternatives that work just as well!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Computer Printers and Toner or Majon's Computers directory.

Uncapping Cable Modems

2008-05-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

Cable modem technology has the ability to achieve speeds in excess of 1 Mbit per second, but modem cables are set to run at a lesser value. It is typically reduced to half of this number for downloads and around an eight of this number for upload. ISPs cap modems to ensure that the bandwidth is equally distributed among users and the upload cap in particular is designed to discouraged users in creating large servers.

Uncapping is defined as the concept of somehow eliminating the bandwidth limit many cable modem service providers impose. Some customers want to do this in order to improve the speed of their cable modem. This is obviously theft of service and may have seriously unpleasant consequences like imprisonment.

One way to do this is to set up a modified DOCSIS config file on a TFTP server hooked to the Ethernet side of the Cable Modem and tricking it to read the config file from the Ethernet side instead of the cable side. There are other ways but it involves highly technical skills in server technology and is too risky.

Cable modems service providers are fighting back with MIC, MAC/IP Checking and DOCSIS 1.1. MIC. Message Integrity Checking is run by authenticating the config file in the modem through robust encryption techniques using a shared secret. MAC/IP Checking is run through the service aggregation device (router) that checks the matching IP addresses with MAC addresses that were assigned to the end user PC during DHCP or statically. This would prevent the IP Accumulation attack way of uncapping. If the BPI+ of DOCSIS 1.1 is enabled, the Fake MAC way of uncapping would be consequently prevented. Most MSOs have not yet upgraded to v1.1, but that is expected to happen over time. Problems with theft of service may influence the decision to upgrade.

Cable Modems provides detailed information on Cable Modems, Installilng Cable Modems, Cable Modem Reviews, Uncapping Cable Modems and more. Cable Modems is affiliated with Computer Cables.

Is A Laser Printer Right For Me?

2008-05-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

The average home computer user definitely does not need a laser printer. Sure laser printer prices have fallen considerably in the last couple of years. But have you look at the cost of laser toner? The average laser toner cartridge sells for over $100. The cost of replacement ink can really ad up on you. Cost of ink should not be the only factor that deters you from buying this kind of printer though.

Unless you are printing hundreds of pages each day you really donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt need a laser printer. Todayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs inkjet printers have incredible print resolution, are very affordable, and replacement ink cartridges do not cost a lot. If itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs print quality that youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre concerned about, consider that you canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt even tell the difference between a laser printout and an inkjet printout.

Another thing to consider is the size of the printer. Generally laser printers dwarf the smaller inkjet printer. So if youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre looking for something compact, then a laser printer is definitely not right for you. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs not going to fit on your desk at home.

If print speed is one of your main concerns, than a laser printer might be right for you. Most laser printers can print many more pages per minute than the average inkjet printer. The last consideration should be maintenance and or replacement costs. The parts used in laser printers are more expensive than those used in inkjet printers. So if something breaks, it going to cost a bundle to fix. I generally look at inkjet printers as easily replaced. Because they are so inexpensive to begin with, if something breaks, you can just start all over with a new printer.

Bill Smith is an expert on printers and ink cartridges. Visit his site, http://www.buythebestbuy.com, for additional information about printers.

Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt Compromise When Buying Computer Printer Ink

2008-05-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

You should not compromise when you have to replace computer printer ink. You have to get the ink that your printer requires. As you know the computer printer ink is expensive, but you will get what you pay for definitely. In fact you are going to damage or ruin your printer by using or trying to use an inferior ink.

Even you can use generic printer cartridges that are much cheaper than their brand name. You have to use at the end of your printer. In fact, some printers wonรขโ�ฌโ�ขt accept generic cartridges at all, and for some of those who do, the quality is inferior. Beside to that you can void the manufacturerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs warranty for your printer if you are going to use a generic printer ink cartridge. In fact for further information you have to read the terms of your warranty.

You should not rely on the cost of the ink cartridges before you purchase a printer that you need to ensure and you should not donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt compromise on computer printer ink without investigate. In this way, you will be prepared for the cost when itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs time to replace the ink cartridges. You should not purchase a printer whose cartridges are more expensive than the printer itself. No doubt you will save money in the long run by doing your homework.

There are some printers which are intentionally sold at very cheap in order to ensure repeated ink cartridge sales. In fact it will make more sense to spend more on a quality printer. You should replace ink cartridges which are not expensive.

You need to ensure that the ink quality is acceptable to you if you are considered to purchase ink. If possible, try to see a sample from the printer. However this is a major purchase to get a quality printer. Then you will be happy to replace the ink cartridges as the need arises.

You can usually get the quality ink for less if you can buy them in bulk. If your printer uses both a color cartridges and a black, you likely use more of one cartridge than the other. If you are going to shop in bulk, just buy the one you will use most.

The original cartridge manufacturers will generally give you the better quality prints out of any others alternatives. They are the most costly, however.

If you buy cartridges in bulk do not forget that they do dry out. All ink cartridges have a best before date on the box. If they sit very long before you use them, the ink will dry out which means your bulk savings will disappear out the window.

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How to Install RAM

2008-05-05T03:59:00.000-07:00

Installing a new RAM chip is a relatively easy procedure. The first step is to determine the type of RAM that a person needs, and whether the computer has sufficient slots to hold it. The new RAM should match the existing RAM's conditions and arrangements. The next step is to turn off the computer and leave it plugged into the surge suppressor, or spike guard, and disconnect all secondary devices from the computer. This is followed by removing the computer cover and grounding the user to the computer with professional grounding equipment like an anti-static wristband or holding a metal part of the chassis.

SIMM (single in-line memory module) or DIMM (dual in-line memory module) should be handled by the ends without moving the pins or chips. When adding SIMM, find the notched end and turn the SIMM so that it is parallel to the existing RAM card. The SIMM should be directly installed into the socket at a 30 degree angle. The DIMM should also be installed directly so that it is at a right angle to the motherboard. Slight force should be used in order to keep a SIMM from backing out while turning the module to a vertical position that is at right angles to the motherboard.

Feeling or hearing the retaining clips locks a SIMM into the socket will ensure safety and save time. Gently try to pull the module out to make sure it is fixed securely. Put back all inner apparatus and leave the cover open before reconnecting the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Verify the amount of RAM by right clicking the My Computer icon in Windows and choosing Properties.

If the user is not satisfied with the resulting RAM, then turning off the computer and refitting the SIMM or DIMM would be a good idea. A computer will accept either SIMMs or DIMMs. If it is an older machine, it may need alterations in the DIP switches or jumpers. Labeling any cards or internal components before or after removing will ensure proper replacement.

RAM provides detailed information on RAM, RAM Memory, DVD RAM, DDR RAM and more. RAM is affiliated with Linux Mail Servers.

Simple Ways to Keep Fax Machine Clean and Your Documents Clear

2008-05-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

Maintaining your fax machine is easier than you think. Keeping your office equipment maintained will help your organization keep costs down by extending the time between repairs and eventual replacement.

Fax machines use a scanner assembly to create an image of the document you want to send. Over time the scanner glass component will accumulate ink from the documents that are being scanned and this will cause the facsimile on the receiving end to have spots and other marks that were not a part of the original document. When printing a document your fax machine utilizes a print head, which through general use, will gain spots that will affect the quality of the prints of the documents you receive. Cleaning the scanner glass and print head is an easy process that will both save your organization money and improve the quality of the documents you send and receive.

Cleaning your fax machine really is an easy process. First, unplug the telephone line, then the power cord. Then wipe any dirt off of the exterior of the unit using a slightly damp cloth. Next, to clean the scanner, moisten a piece of lint-free cloth with Isopropyl alcohol and use it to remove any dirt from the glass cover of the scanner. Next, to clean the print head, moisten another lint-free cloth with Windex then wipe the edge of the print head until the dirt is removed. Finally, reconnect the power cord, then the telephone line cord. The simple maintenance of your fax machine is now complete.

At some point in your fax machineรขโ�ฌโ�ขs life the quality of the documents that are transmitted will begin to degrade. Unless there has been physical damage to the scanner glass or print head a simple cleaning will restore much of the quality that has been lost.

Gilbert Rawlings writes on a number of technology subjects. For more information about fax repair visit Equipfix.com.

How to Read Zener Diode Code

2008-05-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

Many technicians are confused on how to really read a zener diode code. There are many types of code number indicated on it's body. The look and shape of a zener diode sometimescan be mistaken to be a normal signal diode. To differentiate it, is by looking at the codenumber on it's body- whether it is a normal diode or zener diode. Thanks to the manufacturers where their main boards are printed with the word 'ZD' which referred to zener diode and 'D' means a diode.

However, from my experienced some printed circuit board the marking of 'D' also can represent zener diode. This will misled a technician into believing a zener diode is actually a diode. We as a technician or engineer must know or be sensitive about the marking. The only way to find out is by referring the code number printed on the component's body from a semiconductor data book. Without data book it is quite difficult to know the actual zener diode voltage. If you do not have the data book you may go to google search engine and type the following code and hope you can find the answer there! A wrong substitution of zener diode may caused your equipment to malfunction and sometimes will even blow your equipment. Time and money are loss due to that we lack of knowledge of identify the right zener diode voltage. If you are unable to identify the code, do not worry as this newsletter are here to guide you to successfully on how to read the zener diode code.

5.1=5.1Volt zener diode

5V1=5.1Volt zener diode

12= 12 Volt zener diode

12V= 12 Volt zener diode

BZX85C22=22Volt 1 watt zener diode (refer to ECG PHILIPS SEMICONDUCTORS MASTER REPLACEMENT GUIDE)

BZY85C22=22Volt 1/2 watt zener diode (refer to ECG PHILIPS SEMICONDUCTORS MASTER REPLACEMENT GUIDE)

Note: There is also part number such as BZVXXXXX where you have to find it from ECG SEMICONDUCTOR BOOK.

1N4746= 18 Volt 1 watt zener diode (refer to ECG PHILIPS SEMICONDUCTORS MASTER REPLACEMENT GUIDE)

6C2=6.2 Volt zener diode. (If you look at the zener diode code it is written as 6C2 READING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM) Don't read from bottom to top otherwise the value you get is 2C6 which you cannot find from data book!

I believe many will ask how do I get the voltage for the code of 6C2. Still refer to ECG book, you have to search for HZ part number. That's mean instead of finding 6C2, search for HZ6C2 and you will get the answer! The lowest zener voltage that I came across was 2.4 volt and the highest was 200 Volt 5 watt.

Conclusion- Be alert when checking the part number of a zener diode. Don't always assume that a small signal diode is always a zener diode. Carefully observe the marking on the main board and read the zener diode part number refer to the semiconductor book, preferably ECG SEMICONDUCTOR DATA BOOK which you can get from your local electronic distributor. With this knowledge in mind, you will be successfully find the right voltage of a zener diode.

Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and writer. For more information on electronic repair please visit his website at http://www.noahtec.com

Hard Drive Selection

2008-05-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the biggest mistake people make when building their computer(s) is to underestimate the importance of the hard disk drive (HDD). In our modern society, bigger is synonymous with better, so when you go to buy a hard drive you look at how "big" it is, its data capacity. But is that all you should be considering when buying your hard drive?

Like every other component of your computer, the HDD is far too complex a system to describe in any sort of detail here, but hopefully by the end of this article you will know what to look for when you go to buy your new hard drive.

There are 4 primary aspects to look at in a hard drive (in order of importance):

Rotational frequency and average seek time
Buffer size
Internal/external transfer rates
Capacity

Rotational frequency has become a large selling point (5400/7200/10000/15000RPM) recently, so you shouldn't have too much difficulty finding out what the rotational frequency of your HDD is when you go to buy it. Now of course the faster it spins, the faster it can read from the disk (there are other advantages also), but be aware that the faster it spins, the more wear is put on the drive, and the more likely it is to encounter errors and malfunctions later in life. Hard drives are pretty much the only systems within your computer that have moving parts (CD-ROM, floppy disk drives, and fans also have moving parts, but they're all cheap and if they break you won't lose all the data you've accumulated over the course of owning your computer, be sure to back up your data regularly!).

If you know anything about physics or engineering, then you know that moving parts produce friction and wear, and a faster spinning platter (the part that holds the data and spins) means more friction, and therefore more wear on your drive. Of course the faster it spins the faster it can read data from the platter. So what can you do? well again you backup your data as much as possible and you get the fastest spinning drive money can buy (which is 7200RPM for ATA devices (the sort you are buying) and 15000RPM for SCSI and some Serial ATA devices (you might get Serial ATA, that depends on your motherboard)). So look for a "7200RPM" label on the drive you're thinking of getting, it's important!

The "buffer" I'm referring to is the transfer buffer that temporarily stores data to read from or write to the hard drive. The reason for this is that the bus (data channel between the hard drive and the motherboard) can only handle so much information at a time, and it takes a long time for the data to be found and retrieved from a platter (random seek time), so it takes a big chunk of the requested data and stores it in a very fast data buffer to be sent at the bus's convenience. So with a larger buffer you can queue more data for transfer over the bus without having to keep sending requests to slowly find more data from the platters. Some newer drives come with as much as 8MB of buffer capacity, but it is more common to see 2 or 4MB. Usually a drive with a large amount will use that as a selling point and print it on the box/website, otherwise you can assume it has a 2/4MB buffer. My advice is to find one with as much as you can afford.

Now for the transfer rates you're going to need to do some searching, the best way to find these numbers is to go to the manufacturer's website and look at specification sheet for the model you're looking to buy (actually this is the best way to get all the information I've talked about so far). One thing to look out for is that you may read something that says 133MB/s or ATA/133 or SATA150 or 150MB/s, and these are not the numbers you are looking for, those numbers describe the bus connecting the hard drive to the motherboard, and are theoretical peak numbers, which tell us virtually nothing. Also, if you are buying a Maxtor, don't bother looking up actual transfer rates, as Maxtor is apparently afraid to release such information. Not to say Maxtor's are bad drives, actually Maxtor has risen to the top in terms of technical support and they are much more willing to replace broken drives than some other companies, which is important since some ridiculously large amount (something like 10 or 15%) of hard drives are either dead on arrival or die within the first few weeks of use. As with the last two points, when looking at transfer speeds (if you can find them) always try to pick the one with the highest numbers you can afford.

Notice that the first three of the 4 major aspects were all speed related? That was done intentionally to give you a sense of the importance of speed in the hard drive, because they are very very slow creatures, and for your gaming experience you don't need an enormous hard drive so much as a fast one. To increase speed substantially more you can set up a RAID, which is a network of hard drives which (in RAID0 mode) share portions of the same data, such that accessing data takes 1/n time (n = number of hard drives attached) compared to 1 hard drive. To do this you really need a hardware RAID chipset, which are commonly included on higher-end mainboards.

Finally, capacity is an unnecessary nicety. The smallest hard drives you can buy today that are still within those higher speed classes are all about 30GB, which is more than enough for your games. But since games are not everything, and if you happen to be an iTunes member or like to download anime then you will really want some extra space. So I would recommend getting something between 60 and 120GB, any more and you're going to be paying through your teeth, any less and you might be looking to buy a supplementary hard drive in a couple years. And, oh yeah, 300GB hard drives from Maxtor are out, but they are comparatively slow, so I wouldn't recommend getting one for gaming, I like to stick to single platter drives (40-100GB usually), as they produce less heat and are less likely to break down on me.

That is really all you need to know in order to make a good choice when upgrading your hard drive or buying one for a new computer. Of course there are many other resources on the web if you would like more detail on the inner working of hard drives.

About The Author

J A Carpunky http://www.computer-gaming-system.com - visit our website for further information.

Tips For Finding The Right Hard Drive Data Recovery

2008-04-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hard drive data recovery is often a difficult, time consuming and arduous process, but when a hard drive fails these services can be a lifesaver. After all, think for a moment about all the items of data that are contained on the average hard drive these days. From important but mundane information like credit card numbers and web surfing history to vital personal files like pictures of the children and family, years worth of saved emails and valuable documents for home and work, it is easy to see why the loss of a hard drive can be so very devastating.

It is important for every computer user to understand that hard drives can and do fail every single day, and while there sometimes are warning signs often there are no signs that a hard drive failure is imminent. All hard drives come rated with a MTBF, which stands for mean time between failure. This is the average time the hard drive can be expected to last, but it is important to remember that this is only an average, not an accurate prediction.

Perhaps the best way to institute a hard drive data recovery program is to always keep a good backup of your most important data. In most cases it will not be necessary to backup the operating system files, since you should already have a CD containing the operating system. If such a restore and data recovery CD package did not come with your PC, be sure to request one from the manufacturer. This restore CD, along with a good backup of your data, can get you back up and running in no time.

Of course not every computer user will have a good backup at the time the hard drive fails, and in many cases computer users do not start a backup program until they have suffered a loss of valuable data. It is with these people in mind that hard drive data recovery services were born, and many of these services are remarkably effective at recovering data from even the most seriously damaged drive.

When choosing a hard drive data recovery service, it is important to make your choice carefully, since the data on the drive may be completely unrecoverable after a first attempt at data recovery has been made. In most cases the data recovery service will evaluate the drive when they receive it, and provide an estimate of how much it will cost to recover your most important data. It is a good idea to prepare a list of which files are most important, and ask the hard drive data recovery service to focus on recovering these files.

Recovering data from a failed hard drive is never easy, and it can often be quite costly to use the services of a data recovery service. If the data is valuable enough, however, hiring a qualified data recovery service can be a real lifesaver.

Cedric has been a technical writer of a computer magazine for over 6 years. He also has a website that helps people with their technical computer problems as well external hard drive reviews. Visit http://www.altsyssoft.com for a technical priority list on what items to look for when choosing a hard drive for your new computer.

Overclocking: The Best Way To Get Free Speed

2008-04-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

Overclocking has been found to be the best way to get significant boost in the speed of your system at no cost at all.

But what really is this thing known as 'overclocking'?

It is the process of forcing the processor to run at a higher clock rate than its specification. Processor is made to run at certain frequencies (clock rates). The higher this frequency, the more calculations it can compute. Instead of buying a 3GHz processor, you can now make a 2GHz processor runs at 3GHz. In this case, you can save the time, effort and money to upgrade your system.

PC enthusiasts usually overclock their computer to increase the performance. Some of these enthusiasts purchase low-end computer components so they can overclock to achieve performance of a high-end system. However, if all you do on your computer is only word processing, email and simple tasks, overclocking will not give you noticeable performance boost. For gamers and those who are doing computationally heavy tasks, overclocking is the best way to transform your system from Daihatsu to Ferrari.

There are some risks involved in overclocking. Firstly, you will be voiding your warranty. This is logical as you are making the chips to run at a higher speed than its specification and there is this possibility that it could break. Though the risk of the chip breaking is small, the manufacturer will not want to bear this risk. In addition, the manufacturer disapprove of any overclocking act as it means there is a lesser demand for the higher speed processor which could earn them much more profit. Just in case the processor breaks, the whole system might be destroyed. Therefore, overclock at your own risk.

The main components used for overclocking are the processor and video card. The two things to consider when overclocking a component are the power supplied to the component and its cooling ability.

Overclocking is to ensure that it is supplied with the proper amount of power for its new speed. Providing too much power could permanently damage a component. You have to find a balance.

It is necessary to supply the proper amount of power to the component for its new speed. However, providing too much power could permanently damage the component. You have to find the balance.

With the increase in speed, the heat generated will surely increase. If too much heat is introduced to the system, it might destroy the functionality of the components, and in extreme cases, even causing them to catch fire. Therefore, sufficient cooling is paramount to a successful overclock. Some of the cooling agents used are forced convection (a fan blowing across a surface), Liquid Cooling (liquid coolant carrying waste heat to a radiator, similar to an automobile engine), liquid nitrogen, dry ice, phase change cooling (as used in refrigerators), and submersion (placing the entire computer in an inert fluid).

To overclock the processor, there are two settings that you must be aware of: the multiplier and the Front Side Bus (FSB). These two settings, when multiplied together, produce the frequency at which the CPU operates - for example, with a multiplier of 11 and a FSB of 200MHz, the CPU is running at 2.2GHz. By adjusting the multiplier value (usually an integer), higher speed can be achieved. It is advisable to do this with small increment at a time. Sudden huge increment will cause the system to be unstable and might lead to its destruction. Bit by bit, you can push the system to its extreme. Remember to increase its voltage as you do this. To test the performance of the overclocked processor, you can use free software such as Super-PI, Prime95, SiSoftware Sandra and Memtest86

For gaming purpose, overclocking the video card usually shows a better result than overclocking a processor. The largest performance boost usually came from overclocking the video card memory chips, so if you're trying to keep the heat down and only want to overclock the essentials, this is what you'll want to look at.

One application you can used to overclock the video card is PowerStrip (available from http://www.entechtaiwan.net/util/ps.stm). After installation, you can select 'Performance Profiles' and then 'Configure' from the menu. This is where you can see the Engine clock and Memory clock. Slowly increase the Engine clock in 5MHz increments and run the benchmark application. When you start to see peculiar shape, this is its fastest possible speed. Move the slider back to its previous successful overclock and that is the core frequency. Repeat the same step with the memory clock. When this is done, your video card will be overclocked to its maximum. Before you run the application, remember to provide enough cooling agent to the video card as the overclocking process will bring up its temperature a few notches.

With the extra speed boosts, surely you can do much more things with your system. Hopefully this article has provided you with an insight to the overclocking world. Welcome to the overclocking community and all the best to your overclocking endeavor.

Damien Oh -- http://www.build-gaming-computer-guide.com

Industrial Monitor Prices

2008-04-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Buying an LCD monitor is a major investment and calls for analysis of your business needs and industrial environment as well as a thorough study of leading manufacturers. Based on your analysis, you also need to decide whether you want to opt for the flat panel display monitor or the touch screen technology.

Once all your priorities are in order, you can proceed to an online search to find manufacturers, models and pricing.

To compare prices, you first need to decide on a model. For this, you should keep in mind viewing angle, resolution, diagonal size, mounts and indoor or outdoor industrial environments.

Compact LCD monitors have revolutionized computer technology and their sleek styles and image quality have captured the imagination of those who demand value and expect optimum returns for money.

The price of LCD monitors depends on the technology you opt for. A touch screen monitor will be more expensive than a flat panel display. And, LCD comes in two technologies-the passive-matrix technology and the active-matrix technology. Active matrix technology is more expensive, so of course, LCD monitors based on this technology will be more expensive.

If you're on a budget, opting for a high quality 15-inch LCD monitor is a good economic decision. Compare prices and you'll find that the difference between a 15-inch and 17-inch monitor is minimal. Then you can decide on the resolution. Both 17-inch monitors and 19 inches monitors offer 1280x1024 resolutions.

Most companies offer online catalogues. Search for all comparative factors such as diagonal size, viewing angle and resolution and then compare prices to get the best possible bargain.

Industrial Monitors provides detailed information about industrial monitors, flat panel industrial monitors, industrial LCD monitors, industrial monitor manufacturers and more. Industrial Monitors is the sister site of Cheap LCD TVs.

New Desktop Computers

2008-04-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

New desktop computers come in innovative designs and space saving models. It makes use of the latest technologies, which include high speed microprocessors and memory devices. It can support dual monitors without using any hardware. The systems that support dual monitors have two Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connectors or two Video Graphics Array (VGA) connectors at the back. Some other systems have both the connectors. New systems are easier to manage than the traditional personal computers. It has an average capacity of about 20GB.

New desktop computers are obtained with Windows installed, in most cases. This is because of the fact that the operating system Windows is considered a standard for desktop computers. Even though the computers are obtained with windows installed, certain simple tasks are performed at the beginning to start the machine. Initially, all the required hardware is connected. Then, the Windows set up is allowed to run. A number of questions appear on screen and the installer has to answer the questions accordingly.

New desktop computers come with software programs such as word processing, databases, and spreadsheets. Educational applications such as encyclopedias are included in new computers. Almost all new computers have CD-ROM drives and zip disk drives. This benefits users to run CDs. However, these computers do not have drives for inserting a floppy.

New desktop computers of recent years have additional features such as on board network card and high speed modems. It has video capture software along with browser facility. With these features, it is easy to access World Wide Web with new computers. The cost associated with accessing is relatively low in new systems.

New desktop computers with basic operations such as typing letters, Internet facility, and desktop publishing are available at cheaper rates, at about 450 dollars. These computers with upgrade capabilities are easily bought for 1000 dollars. Printer and other peripheral charges are not included along with this cost. New computers are also available from discount stores such as Wal-Mart, at around 800 dollars.

Desktop Computers provides detailed information on Desktop Computers, Cheap Desktop Computers, Custom Desktop Computers, Used Desktop Computers and more. Desktop Computers is affiliated with Flat Screen Computer Monitors.

PC Microphones

2008-04-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Personal computer (PC) microphones are one of the computer accessories, which enable video conferencing, Internet chat, etc. They are plug-in-components and can be easily attached to computers. PC microphones make use of sound cards, which amplifies the signals from microphone. PC microphones are reasonably priced and ranges from $10 to $60. These microphones are connected to the computers using cords with various lengths and one has to purchase considering the length of the wire keeping in mind the purpose. Powered mics are used in PCs as they generate strong signals.

Unidirectional mics or omni directional mics may be used in PCs. Unidirectional mics pick up sound waves from a single direction and omni directional mics pick up sound waves from varied directions. The features to be noted before going in for a purchase are accuracy of these sound cards, noise filter options, comfort of the headsets, the length of the cords, and the mountability of the mic on the monitor.

There are two types of PC microphones based on the way they are connected to the computers. They may be connected to sound cards or to Universal Serial Bus (USB). The quality of recording and audio output varies depending on the type of mic selected. When sound cards are used, the recording process is done within the computer itself. The quality of recording is not good in this method, because of the internal noise caused by the computers. When the mics are connected to PCรขโ�ฌโ�ขs by USB, the recording is done externally and this serves as an advantage regarding the quality of the recording. The process of recording is free from the internal noise of computers and so high quality recording is made possible. Before purchasing and installing a particular type of mics, many things have to be taken into consideration. They must support any future technological improvements.

Microphones provides detailed information on Computer Microphones, Karaoke Microphones, Microphone Stands, Microphones and more. Microphones is affiliated with Discount Computer Accessories.

Using a Mac Mighty Mouse on a PC

2008-04-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the Might Mouse? No, I do not mean the super hero. I mean the latest innovation by Apple computers-- the Mighty Mouse. The mighty mouse is unlike any mouse youรขโ�ฌโ�ขve ever seen before.

The Mighty Mouse works directly with the latest version of the Macintosh operating system to provide many advanced features. However, using the Mighty Mouse with a Macintosh is not the subject of this article. This article focuses on exactly what you can expect when using the Mighty Mouse with a Windows based PC

Introducing the Mighty Mouse

The mighty mouse is a smoothly designed white oval. To me it looks like 1/2 of a tic-tac(tm) candy. It fits nicely in your hand and is very easy to maneuver. It is an optical mouse, and thus has no roller-ball. This allows the mouse to be operated on a variety of surfaces. There are no visible buttons. However, if you click near the front left or right of the mouse, you will produce a left or right click.

There are also two buttons on the sides of the mouse. These buttons operate together. If you press both buttons-- effectively squeezing the mouse, it allows you to select text, of perform some other custom operation. These two buttons are not functional when using Windows. I rarely use the "squeeze buttons" on the Macintosh, so I donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt miss them too much on Windows.

Perhaps the best feature on the Mighty Mouse is the scroll ball. This looks like a single Cyclops eye at the top of the mouse. The scroll ball is small, about the size of a pea. Because it is so small you can roll it with very little pressure on your figure. The scroll bar allows you to scroll the current window in all four directions. Unfortunately, when used with a PC, the scroll ball allows no movement of the horizontal scroll bar.

The Mighty Mouse uses a USB interface. There is currently not a wireless version of the Mighty Mouse available. Additionally, no PS/2 converter is provided. To connect the Mighty Mouse to a PS/2 port will require you to purchase a PS/2 converter.

Windows Drivers

Installing the drivers is a snap. There are no drivers for Windows. The Mighty Mouse works like any other USB mouse. Simply plug it into your Windows computer and it is ready to go. A reboot is not even required.

Unsupported Features in Windows

The Mighty Mouse was designed with the Macintosh in mind. As a result, some of its features do not work on Windows. For me, the most missed feature is horizontal scrolling. On a Macintosh you can scroll in all four directions using the scroll-ball. On Windows you can only scroll vertically.

There are other features that are not available on Windows. However, I do not miss these as much as the four-way scrolling. The two side buttons do not function on Windows. On the Macintosh these can select text or be assigned to other functions. Additionally, the left mouse button can be reassigned to other functions on the Macintosh.

Conclusions

At home I work primarily with a Macintosh, and would not be without my Mighty Mouse. Being able to scroll in all four directions without moving the mouse is very handy. I was so fond of this device that I bought a second Mighty Mouse to use at work. At work I use a Windows XP based PC.

The same feel of the ergonomically designed mouse is obviously still present, and much appreciated. But not being able to scroll horizontally is unfortunate. On the Macintosh the four-way scrolling is one of the key features of the Mighty mouse. For this feature to be missing on the Windows side is disappointing.

However, despite this limitation I believe that the Mighty Mouse is still one of the best mouse choices, even in the PC world.

Jeff Heaton is author, consultant and college instructor. Jeff maintains the "Heaton Research" website that contains many Java tutorials and other computer programming information.

Setting up a Tape Backup Strategy for your Business

2008-04-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

So you know a little bit about tape backup, but you're wondering how to set up a tape backup strategy for your business. Well, let's take a look at 3 simple steps to setting up a complete backup solution.

Step 1: Purchase your tape backup hardware

Firstly, purchase the tape backup hardware. If you need to perform file server backup (or Exchange Server backup or SQL Server backup) for small business, then one of the following tape drives should suffice:

* Travan cartridge drive (up to 10 Gb)
* DDS tape backup drive (up to 20 Gb)
* DDS tape backup drive with hardware data compression (up to 40 Gb)

Then purchase the necessary tapes for your backup rotation strategy. A good Grandfather-Father-Child variation will require 10 tapes or 14 tapes.

Step 2: Purchase your tape backup software

When it comes to tape backup software, one option is to use NTBackup -- the standard Windows backup program. The problem with NTBackup is that it is too hard to use. While an expert should be able to schedule backup jobs using NTBackup, what you really want is something a novice can setup in minutes.

What you really want to do is invest in some quality backup software for your business? Well, if you run a small business, you'll want to avoid those expensive brands! They're designed for large corporations. You should really be looking for software for tape backup that does everything you need, but is affordable at the same.

Look for a backup program that's designed specially for small business instead. Look for a product that is advertised as being simple to use. Remember, you don't want software that requires an expert to run it. Download a trial version of the backup software and try it out for a month or so. If everything works smoothly and you're happy with the product, go ahead and make a purchase!

Step 3: Continually perform your backups

So you've attached the tape drive to your server and installed the software. You've configured the software to run your tape rotation scheme and everything's raring to go. So how do you go about performing backups?

Well, at the end of each working day, put the tape into the drive. And as obvious as this sounds, the correct tape should be placed in the drive. For example, placing the "Week 2" tape instead of the "Week 3" tape in the tape drive will reduce the effectiveness of your tape rotation strategy! Your tape backup software should take care of the rest.

In addition, you should monitor the results of each backup to check for errors. For example, if a tape wears out and data cannot be verified, you need to take action and replace that tape. If some problem prevented a backup from completing, you need to know about it so that you can re-run the backup the next morning.

Be sure to also follow your manufacturer's guidelines for drive cleaning and maintenance.

Final notes

As strange as this seems, you should be at the mercy of your tape backup software. And the more control it exerts over you, the better! Let me explain...

NTBackup assumes that you insert the correct tape and it doesn't inform you of any errors. You are responsible for selecting the tape according to your tape rotation scheme, and the onus is on you to read result logs and discover if any errors occurred.

This means that the file backup process is tedious and prone to human error. A complete solution for tape backup should take charge of your backup strategy for you.

A tape backup software should email tape rotation instructions and the results of backups to you or your secretary, making your task far simpler and minimizing the chance of human error. Select the right server backup software and you're already most of the way to implementing a complete tape backup strategy for your business.

Linus Chang is a backup expert and the lead developer of BackupAssist -- backup software that is simple and affordable, and perfect for small and medium businesses. Protect your Windows servers, including SQL Server and Exchange Server, to tape, REV drive, hard drive, NAS and more, at a fraction of the cost of other backup programs. Transforms NTBackup into a script-free and simple-to-use tool.

Guide to Choose Cheap Computer Monitors

2008-04-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Your monitor is the single most expensive component in your pc system. This means that a lot of money can be saved if you make the right decision and choose the right cheap computer monitor. There's a lot more to computer monitors than just the size of the screen. Read on to find out what to look for when choosing cheap computer monitors.

The features of a computer monitor: A computer monitor is like a high quality TV set. The difference is that with a computer monitor you sit very close and try to make out fine details such as words.

This means that a computer monitor must have very fine definition and an image that is nice and stable on the screen so you do not get eye-strain. You will spend a great deal of time staring at a computer monitor so it is important that you get one that suits you perfectly.

When you are looking for cheap computer monitors you will be given different specifications. These numbers can be confusing so let us look at what the specifications mean when you are sitting in front of your monitor.

Resolution: This is the number of pixels on the screen. Say your screen is set to 1024 by 768 it means that there are 1024 along the top of the screen. This means that if you had a picture that was 1000 pixels wide you could see the whole picture without zooming out and losing details.

Monitors will be described as having a maximum resolution. This will be the highest setting possible. Usually the monitor will have an optimum setting slightly below this resolution.

High resolutions are great if you want to look at graphics because more of the picture will fit on the screen at once. However if you are looking at text a letter 5 pixels high will get smaller and smaller as the resolution increases. This means that if you are only going to surf the net and do email then you will be wasting money and straining your eyes with a high resolution monitor.

All new 15 inch monitors will do 1024 by 768. If you are looking for a cheap computer monitor then get one capable of this resolution.

If things are too small then you can always lower the resolution to 800 by 600. You may also be able to raise the resolution but doing this will lower the vertical refresh rate. Read on to find out why you must spend more to get a monitor to run high resolutions.

Vertical Refresh Rate: This is a very important specification. The speed that a monitor draws an entire screen, called the "vertical refresh rate" or "frequency," is measured in hertz (Hz).

To prevent eye-strain you want your monitor to be running the current resolution at around 85Hz. This will make the image stable. At lower refresh rates the screen will flicker and you may not notice it at first but you will notice the splitting headache you get after about an hour of use at a low refresh rate.

The vertical refresh rate dcreases as the resolution increases. In the monitor manual look for the resolution that has 85 vHz next to it. This will be the optimum resolution for the monitor. Setting the monitor any higher will damage both your eyes and your monitor over time.

Monitor size: This is easy to understand. Bigger monitors make the picture bigger so that you can have higher resolutions without text getting too small. This makes less work for your eyes. Buy as big as you can afford. Currently 17 inch monitors are great value. If your interested in having a look at some great prices for computer monitors then click the ad on both the right and left sidebar to find out the monitors that match your need.

Dot Pitch: In trying to evaluate a monitor's quality, most people will usually talk about dot pitch. In general, the lower the dot pitch (measured in millimeters), the better the monitor. The problem is that dot pitch can be measured in many different ways, and therefore doesn't necessarily mean much.

A low dot pitch will make text crisp but as I said there is no standard measurement to compare. Usually spending more money will increase the monitor quality.

I found the best way to ensure that a monitor has a nice crisp image is to buy a good brand. I found an excellent deal on Viewsonic 17" monitors. Viewsonic is a trustworthy brand.

Choosing cheap computer monitors should take time. There are some excellent bargains out there at the moment. Remember if you don't have a huge demand for a high resolution monitor then get a 15 inch. It will still display sharp graphics at low resolutions and at these low resolutions things will be nice and big for your eyes.

I am David Au working part-time with my online business selling other people's stuff ... Selling * Computer Notebooks.... * Software and the *Ad Space for Google AdSense in my own websites http://www.clicksbucks.com/index.html and http://www.bestbuyguide.net/index.html

Do You Feel Used by Computers?

2008-04-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

Do You Feel Used by Computers?

A look at second-user computer equipment.

Let's dispense with the myths first. I'm NOT talking about the sort of second-hand computers you get from some high street junk shops, or the sort you can buy from free ads newspapers. These are the types that get used computers a bad reputation since there are many dodgy deals to be had!

I'm talking about a different breed altogether, the sort of used computers you'd be proud to own and feel safe buying because they have proper and lengthy warranties on each and every one of them and have been extensively tested and approved.

The criterion is quite strict. Sure, there are any number of companies out there who offer used computers at low prices. Very few offer 12-month warranties however and many of them disappear just as quickly as they arrived leaving you with a problem. All computers, no matter which category they fit in, or what you call them, should be high quality, guaranteed, fully working computers from a reputable supplier.

So, let's put all the computers into two categories, I'm going to call them 'used' and 'unused' computers.

1. Used Computers

Second-hand, second user and used computers are what you would expect in that they have had a previous owner. Many of the computers have been returned to the company from which they were bought in the first place. This is ideal as the company has the appropriate expertise and spares already in place to correct any faults they find.

There are a number of reasons why computers are returned:

- businesses, colleges, individuals etc upgrade their computer equipment for the latest model

- the equipment was leased over a set period and the lease expires (so the equipment is returned)

- the computer gets a fault that can't be fixed quickly so it is swapped permanently out for a new one

- the customer changes their mind just after purchasing

As you can appreciate, 'used computer' can mean anything from 'barely used' to 'a couple of years old'. However, once returned the computers go through a rigorous check procedure, have their hard disks cleared or changed, have new keyboards, mice and cables if worn and new cases if they have noticeable damage. If there are any faulty components, such as sound card, video card, floppy drive etc, these are always replaced. These computers are often referred to as ex-lease, open-box, returns, refurbished, reclaimed, remanufactured, rebuilt, recycled, recertified or reconditioned computers. Phew!

At worst, the used computers, as sold on to you, have minor blemishes, scratches, dents or wear. This is always just cosmetic and does not affect either the performance or value of the computers in any way. What you receive is a fully-working computer, the same working condition as new, but at a price well below that of new. You can often pick up recent high-specification models second-hand and save hundreds of pounds. Of course there are lots of bargains to be had whatever model or type you decide to purchase but note you will sometimes find it difficult to get anything as stock can go very quickly some weeks.

2. Unused Computers

The other main categories of computers are the overstock, surplus, liquidated, superceded, discontinued, open box or end-of-line stock. These are all basically the same in that they are all UNUSED computers. So these are not what you would really classify as second-hand, ie they have not personally been owned and used by any business, college, individual etc. They will often be in their original packaging.

The reasons why these computers come on to the market are because:

- a manufacturer has brought out new models and wants to get rid of the 'old' superceded stock in his warehouse

- a store wants to raise some urgently needed cash and sell his unsold stock

- a factory or store becomes bankrupt and the computer stock is sold

In most of these cases, the stock gets sold to specialist dealers who buy in bulk and who then sell it on to the public, businesses etc. They then either provide a new warranty themselves for the equipment, or ensure there is a full warranty from the original manufacturer. You'll often find Toshiba, HP, Compaq and other brand name computers offered with a 12-month warranty from the original manufacturer. Note that sometimes suppliers refer to open box as meaning refurbished - they will usually state in the description what they mean.

So that's it. Two main categories of computers, quite different from each other but both offering great deals on branded equipment. Either way you will save money and still get a peace-of-mind guarantee on your computer purchase.

One last point. Make sure you check what you are getting for your money. Sometimes the computer may come without Windows installed or without a monitor. Don't assume - check. This will ensure you are happy with your savings AND your purchase.

The author is an experienced computer user, having worked in IT management for a number of years. Now heavily involved in the purchase, use and distribution of thousands of computers at http://www.1st-4-used-computers.com