Wednesday, June 25, 2008

PC Laptops: The world of computers has a reliable partner

In the present day world, the computer users do not show any kind of tendency to purchase low-quality products and services even if the same comes to them at low price. The modern-day customers are ready to pay a price and this is the motivational factor for the product manufacturers to introduce new products and services.

The world of PC laptops has seen quite a few drastic changes; all these positive changes have contributed to the growth of the computer market of today. Important factors such as the emergence of market players, growing competition and the introduction of innovative technologies have contributed to the growth and popularity of the laptops in a significant manner.

A prospective customer of the PC laptops must consider several factors before finalising a deal. Important factors such as quality, performance, warranty and customer service must be considered with a keen eye. A complete and comprehensive market survey, involving the traditional and the online market, helps to get a reasonable deal besides ensuring the “best bargains”. These factors hold as good as for a second-hand PC laptop as they apply to a brand new PC laptop.

The PC laptops offer several advantages to their users such as enhanced levels of flexibility, affordability and reliability, In addition to all these factors, the prices at which the modern day PC laptops are offered to the customers is competitive to that of the traditional and even high-end computing devices. The laptops are also space-conscious, making them a perfect companion for every computer user. In addition to all these benefits, a PC laptop can easily be carried to any place without any hiccups and thus offers a superior degree of flexibility than any other computing device. This means that now you can stay connected to important mails and applications, even while remaining on the move.

So, if you thinking on the lines of purchasing a PC laptop the market have enough prospects for you. You just need to prioritise your actual needs and consider your budget and then make a search. If you, as a prospective customer, can do that there is no doubt that you can derive the “smart benefits” of the PC laptop technology. After all, what is the use of a technology if it cannot bring the expected benefits out of it to its audience.



Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_558848_10.html

Computer : 10 Benefits of a Computer Enclosure over an Industrial Computer

Demands are high for computing in industry. Industrial machines have to cope with many hostile elements whilst also providing reliable computing. Traditionally industrial computers have been specific, bespoke machines. These industrial computers tend to run old hardware and versions of software. Whilst this has the advantage of making the machines stable and reliable, the out-dated technology may mean the processes controlled by the machine are not done as efficiently.
These machines are also very expensive, not just to buy but also the maintenance. Industrial computers have to be maintained by service engineer, often forcing shutdown of production lines they also have to be replaced periodically as the hardware and software will eventually become obsolete. All computers eventually fail but an industrial computer enclosure means that over three generations of computers can use the same enclosure.
Industrial PC enclosures are a more efficient, affordable and reliable alternative to these expensive machines. The main benefits of an industrial computer enclosure are:
1. Withstand the same environments as an industrial computer, whether that is dust (including explosive atmospheres), dirt, grime, oil, grease and water (even completely doused). Enclosures are rated using European IP ratings that give a clear indication to the types of environments the enclosure can operate in, for example IP 65 totally protects dust whilst protecting against strong jets of water, (the first digit, 6, represents the dust protection the second digit, 5, the water) while IP 66 offers the same dust protection but the enclosure can be completely immersed in water.

2. Enclosures can also withstand the same shocks, vibrations and tampering as the enclosure can be built from robust materials and the enclosed PC can be fitted snugly and secured with shock absorbing bolts. Enclosures can also be securely locked and bolted to floors or walls to protect against theft.

3. For computing in extreme temperatures, computer enclosures can in fact work to a better standard than industrial machines as the extra cooling and heating units can be replaced if they are not working as efficiently as they should (a sealed industrial computer that is running too hot or cold would need to be replaced or returned for an upgrade).

4. Computer enclosures can enable a PC to run equally as reliable as an industrial computer as the desktop PC housed in the enclosure can be any conventional machine, from a trusted office workhorse to the latest all singing, all dancing off-the shelf PC.

5. A computer housed in an enclosure is also far cheaper than an industrial computer. Apart from the initial outlay for the expensive bespoke industrial computer, enclosures can out live an industrial machine by over a decade as an industrial computer will eventually have an internal failure (as all computers do) or become completely obsolete and will need replacing. However, an enclosure can be reused to house another machine and will in general house three generations of machines.

6. A computer enclosure can house monitors, printers, touch-screens and all manner of computing equipment (including the peripherals such as mouse and keyboard ) or they can be combined with water/dust proof sealed keyboards and mouse.

7. As an enclosure houses a conventional PC, any repairs or upgrades can be carried out in-house in minutes rather than have to wait for an engineer and have to shutdown the production.

8. Enclosures can be manufactured from a range of material including food grade stainless steel.

9. Enclosures can be lockable and secured to walls or floors to prevent theft or tampering.

10. Enclosures allow you to choose which software or hardware to run inside the enclosure rather than suffer out-dated technology.
With the demands of industrial computing so variable and extreme, industrial PC enclosures offer a flexibility that even conventional industrial computers fail to match whilst also offering the same protection and reliability for a fraction of the cost. PC enclosures are ideal for even the most hostile industrial environment and while specialist PCs will always be required for certain tasks the majority of uses for an industrial computer can be achieved using a conventional PC housed in an industrial PC enclosure.



Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_558917_10.html

Computer : Computer motherboards and Industrial Motherboards

A motherboard can be defined as a central circuit board creating a complex electronic system from within a computer for example.

A motherboard is vitally important as it provides the electrical links by which the other components of the system talk to each other and also contains the central processing unit, most commonly called CPU and other subsystems such as real time clock for example, and some other secondary interfaces.
They are produced in different sizes and shapes which can be specific to each computer maker. Actually, most computer motherboards are now using a standard form since 2007.

Motherboards are most of the time air cooled with heat sinks often installed on larger chips. Most motherboards also have connectors for additional case fans as well just in case. More recent motherboards now have integrated temperature sensors to detect motherboard and CPU temperatures in order to regulate the fan speed and lower the temperature faster and better. This being mainly due to the appearance of thermal management systems that can now cool down the motherboard and reduce the noise more efficiently for better performances.
A recent study found that some computer crashes and other general issues like screen image distortions or other errors can actually be attributed not to software or peripheral hardware but to the motherboards. So a better performing motherboard is really essential if you want your computer to work properly and longer.

Laptops would usually use a much different kind of motherboard. They usually are miniaturized and highly integrated motherboards specifically designed for laptops. The fact that they are almost unique is actually one of the reasons why laptops are so difficult to upgrade and repair.

As a matter of fact, Industrial motherboards need to be tougher than normal motherboards found in personal computers or laptops. Being used in tougher conditions than standard computer motherboards, industrial motherboards, like industrial LCD displays or Industrial LCD touch screens need to be able to cope with higher temperatures, need to be tougher in case of a shock or a hit, and need to last much longer, simply because they are intended to provide stable motherboard platforms for industrial users who demand long production lifetimes in extreme conditions.
But obviously, a motherboard is not the only component of an industrial computer or other electronic equipment and if the case and the other components are not resistant enough or can not really cope with extreme conditions, everything will break down quickly.



Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_560338_10.html

iPod Accessories

With the Apple iPod continuing to turn heads and win the hearts of its consumers, there is an ever growing market in new accessories for the most popular MP3 player in the world.

With these new accessories coming into the market you are now looking at possible ways to transform your iPod into a fully functional stereo or possible ways to further enhance it with such things as scratch resistant cases, and other such products. Some of these accessories mentioned below, can only be used with specific models, although with the speed of the current development of iPod accessories available to customers, we should be seeing these products for all models, very soon.

One iPod accessory that everybody should have is the latest firmware, which adds features and potentially fixes bugs. It's free and easy to upgrade your player. You can get the latest firmware for your model at the Apple iPod site or by using a search engine to search for the term "Apple iPod firmware downloads" or similar.

The following are a brief list of the accessories available to iPod users as well as at the end of the listing can be found a reference to the authors blog and the best place to get these products from:

ISkin
The iPod's new case, named the iSkin, is a case made of thick durable rubber, available in 9 different colors. Four of thos colors are actually glow in the dark colors. A little effort is required to fit your iPod into the protective case as you are required to squeeze it in through the display window, and then once your iPod is fitted inside, then you slide in a separate plastic window at the end to protects the screen. The iSkin also features pores in the back of the case to aid in keeping your iPod cool.

Speck Flipstand
If you seriously value the integrity and brand new condition of your iPod, you might like to consider the Flipstand from Speck. These cases are slightly larger and are made of hard, durable plastic. The case completely covers the iPod's screen and scroll wheel. They are also used to stand your iPod upright on your desktop. The newer version of the iPod with docking capabilities also comes with a cradle specially designed to connect via the included Fire Wire cable on your iPod.

Speck Skin
The Speck Skin for your iPod is a rubber case that allows full access to the controls while still giving as much protection to your iPod as possible. When an iPod protected in a Speck Skin is dropped, it will not even make a sound on impact. The original iPod's version of the Speck Skin will keep dust from getting under the controls. The newer docking version of the iPod flips open at the base so that you can insert your iPod into the cradle without having to take the case off. The Speck Skins are available in 3 different colors, which at present are blue, gray and white, or you can buy all three together in a combo pack.

Apple iPod Camera Connector
Costing just a measly 48 Australian dollars, the iPod Camera Connector accessory is a must have bargain for any iPod enthusiast wishing to allow their iPod to connect directly to their digital cameras. The iPod Camera Connector is a USB to Dock connector that powers itself from the iPod it is connected to. The iPod Camera Connector is made of the same white plastic material as the iPod Shuffle. This valuable accessory facilitates the transfer of "rolls" of digital photos to the iPod Photo.

Belkin iPod Media Reader
The Belkin Media Reader provides a convenient way for you to connect and transfer media files between a digital camera and your iPod. After connecting the media reader to your iPod it will copy any digital photos it can find, from any storage card, be it a Compact Flash, a Secure Digital, a Smart Media, a Multi Media Card, or a Memory Stick. Your iPod stores the photos until you next synch it to a PC, though Mac users will find that the photos will automatically be imported into iPhoto. This accessory is a great way to avoid having to carry around a laptop to dump photos from your camera on to. The media reader runs on four AAA batteries and is compatible with docking iPods only at present.

Belkin iPod Voice Recorder
At last Apple have included a voice-recording feature in it's iPod designs, allowing users to record lectures, meetings, or any other oral information they require. Plugging the Belkin iPod Voice Recorder into the top of a docking iPod with the latest firmware will allow you to record voice then upload your recordings to PC. There is a miniature speaker built into this accessory to allow you to play back recordings while on the move. Recordings will automatically sync with iTunes allowing you to listen to them at your PC, as well as e-mail or upload them to a web address.

Belkin Universal Microphone Adapter
Using this accessory you are able to turn your iPod into a microphone ready voice recorder. Using the ports on top of the adapter you are able to connect a microphone as well as headphones or speakers into your iPod. It also features a LED indicator at the front, alerting you of the loudness level of your input. However, if you don't use an external microphone, but instead, prefer to use a built-in microphone/speaker combination, you should consider the Belkin iPod Voice Recorder or the Griffin iTalk as viable alternatives.

Ten Technology NaviPod
Turning your iPod into a home-stereo external device has never been as effective as it is with Ten Technology's NaviPod adapter. This accessory is a wireless remote that controls the basic playback functions of your iPod from a distance. It allows you to use your iPod as part of an existing entertainment system that has inputs. You can also use your ipod and NaviPod with a set of powered speakers, like JBL's Creature speakers, to make a home stereo system of your own without an existing set up. The NaviPod follows the design of Apple's other successful remote device, the in-line remote, continuing the use of a saucer shape and using five buttons to control volume, forward, reverse, play, and pause functions.

Creative TravelSound Speakers
This portable speaker system is compact and versatile in design, kept small enough not to take up much room when being packed into a backpack. The design allows for it to be deployed quickly and transform your iPod into a mini-boom box. The compact design is appealing as is the included carrying case. Most impressive of all, however was how loud these things could get on only four AA batteries and yet still sounding good.

Griffin iTrip
The Griffin's iTrip FM transmitter allows you the ability to transmit music from your iPod directly to any car's FM tuner. The iTrip is the best performing device in its category, allowing you to choose the broadcasting frequency from the iPod's main interface. Other variations offer a smaller selection of frequencies that must be selected via a tiny switch, giving the Griffin iTrip a clear cut advantage above its competition.

JBL Creature Speakers
The JBL Creature Speakers will not only appeal to you with its sleek design but will also impress you with the superior sound quality. The JBL Creature 2.1 powered speaker system plugs directly into the headphone jack or the line-out jack on the iPod cradle and outputs to three speakers. A powerful subwoofer and two high-quality satellites comprise the speakers, that create sounds above 180Hz. The JBL Creature Speakers deliver the best sound in every register. They are available in 3 separate colors, being white, silver, and blue.

PodFreq Premium FM Transmitter
Finally, an FM transmitter that really delivers, the PodFreq Premium FM Transmitter delivers a clear, strong signal with a great range to your stereo. Your iPod will fit snugly inside the PodFreq, which then transmits to any FM setting from 88.3 through to 107.7. The PodFreq uses no batteries, but rather, it draws it's power requirement directly from the iPod itself. The PodFreq does have Fire Wire and mini USB ports to make up for the covered connection port, and it comes with a soft carrying bag as well.

Belkin Battery Pack
The Belkin Battery Pack uses just 4 (AA) batteries and connects to the docking port of Apple's newer iPods to be able to allow you to keep your music playing continuously for up to 20 more hours above normal running times. Four helpful LEDs indicate how much power remains in the pack. This device is a must have for anybody able to carry a small quantity of batteries with them as an alternative to needing wall plug capabilities for power. If you are planning a camping trip, hike, or other outdoors and off the beaten path type activity, then this is the accessory for you.



Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/?iPod-Accessories&id=1267619

Online Games Offer A Positive Side

Online gaming is not only about generating revenue or passing the time but it has a lot more to offer. In fact, a game represents the finest face of technology, incorporating cultural ties, and a global phenomenon that has wide boundaries, making it a relevant source of study. Free online games are not only entertainment tools but they also promote so many things such as:

Information Literacy

Usually, in online games players download text files, make notes; sometimes they also take "screen shots" of the game and upload it. They also add their comments with it. A group of gaming developers then examines the provided suggestions and carries on the discussions. They also talk about relevant strategies just to bring improvements or changes. They also act as a necessary tool for knowledge creation to digital spaces. An online game acts as a platform for people from all ages and beliefs. Different people from different parts of the world collaborate in online gaming and share their experiences to get the best entertainment.

Online games develop a sense of curiosity among gamers and encourage them to find the best source to solve the gaming logics. Hence, gaming leads to real learning. Individual skills are sharpened using pooled resources.

Games initiate human mind boggling for a variety of resources, making it sensible and logical. Gaming is the most fulfilling way of social interaction and exchange of ideas and thoughts especially in multiplayer online games.

There are games that are primarily based on history. Through these games, a person can be able to understand the intricacies of civilizations. They help gamers to learn through different developments stages of the world. Many games are map based and re-enact actual events that have taken place in the world. Online games help in cultivating lateral thinking and interpretation of data in various means. Games based on team efforts help in developing togetherness and team spirits among gamers.



Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Online-Games-offer-a-Positive-Side/415742

Online Video Game Reviews

Many gaming websites that are on the internet are all pretty much the same. On every front page they have the newest and more anticipated games that are going to be released as well as the latest news in the gaming world. They all pretty much score their games out of 10, they all have cheats and walkthroughs. Plus they all have reviews. I'm sure many of us are all familiar with gaming reviews, and many of us have been to some form of gaming website in the last little bit. Now here's my question, is it just me or do many of the video games reviews on every gaming site seem. . . the same?

Actually I think I like the idea of that, a video games reviews website that has actual game reviews written by actual gamers. You know, the gamers who know these games completely inside and out and can tell you everything that is totally wrong or right with the game, easily at the drop of a hat. These gamers love these games and play them all of the time, what better way to find out a certain game, then through these people? They are the ones who spend their hard earned cash on the games and use their free time to play them.

As was mentioned before, many of the reviews from all of the well known gaming sites, all seem the same and it seems to me anyway, that they are all written by the exact same people. I'm not sure about many gamers, I can only talk about myself. However when I'm intereted in a video game i'm the type of person that I will go to a video gaming website and just check out the score out of 10. However once I've done that, I'll go read all of the gamers reviews about the game to find out how they feel about it, and i'll talk to my gaming friends about the game as well.

Personally I think it would be cool to have a website that has video games reviews written by the actual gamers who love the game. To me, there's no other way to find out about a game then by somebody who loves to play it in their spare time for hours. I'm not the type of person who is really interested in reading a review by somebody who may or may not be a gamer, or by somebody who has only played the game through maybe once or twice. I'd rather read it from the true gamers, who are playing each and every day. Who knows better about the games then them?



Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Online-video-Game-Reviews/418223

How To Copy Ps3 Games With Ease

With Sony releasing its Ps3 gaming console, the world of gaming has risen to another level. Never before has such vivid sound, game play and graphics been bundled into one console and delivered to the consumer. With the advent of technology the processors in these consoles are far superior to that which delivered man to the moon. Now while all these technology is fantastic there does seem to be one drawback that hasn't seemed to advance in step with the console itself. That is the way the media is delivered.

Sony has once again chosen to deliver their games in a disk format. While it does have a lot of positives there are also a number of disadvantages of the disk format, that being that they are quite fragile. It doesn't take much to scratch a disk and in doing so this can often make the game inoperable which means you have just flushed anywhere from $70-$130 down the toilet.

Luckily all is not lost. You see thanks to some software geniuses you can in fact learn how to copy ps3 games at the push of a button. The advantages of this are numerous but the most important advantage is that you can copy ps3 games and then put the original copy away in a safe location. No longer will you have to worry about scratching your expensive Ps3 disk, you can just use your back up and if you ever end up scratching the backup copy seeing as you know how to copy ps3 games, you can just make yourself another copy before placing the original back into its safe location.

Now you would think that learning how to copy ps3 games would be quite hard but in fact it isn't. I will even give you a brief rundown of what you need to do. Firstly you need to put the original game into your PC and make an 'image' of the data that is on the disk. Next you need to load the special software which will copy ps3 games to your backup disk. All up it should take you less than an hour for the whole operation which when you think about it is very impressive.

To find out about this impressive software that shows you how to copy ps3 games visit the site below. By the way did I forget to mention that it will let you backup Xbox 360, Wii, PS2, Xbox, Dreamcast and even GameCube games as well, it is a very versatile and efficient piece of software.



Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/How-to-Copy-PS3-Games-With-Ease/420503

Free On Line Games

Free online games are the latest craze offered by many of the largest portals like Yahoo or AOL. These games are great fun as it allows you to meet people who are most of the time strangers and can form friendships. Online games are available for any age and taste. Free online games are the best way to kill your boredom and develop some new skills.

The wide variety and ready availability of the games have made them a popular form of entertainment and they are enjoyed by people of all ages. In addition to being fun, online games can be a great way to stay mentally active. At the same time, online games can help you relax and distract you from worries and concerns. There are free games online to fit any interest you have, whether you want to play alone or with other people.

Online games have been becoming more and more advanced over the past few years. Online poker has become one of the most popular games and free poker has given a different meaning to this game especially to people who do not want to put money into the game. These games may range from simple text based games to games that have amazing graphics.

Free internet games have become so popular that some social gatherings such as competitions are held all over the world. Usually these games are free, no strings attached. Online games are fun and many are safe for children. Free games do not usually allow for players to save their progress, but they do occasionally allow for players to easily interact with one another.

Most free online games are intended to be played for fun and the prestige of becoming a featured player. However, there may be a perception in some circles that free online games are inferior to console games.Of the adults who are 18 years old or older:37 percent of those who play online games are between 18 and 24 years old,33 percent of those who online games are between 25 and 34 years old,23 percent of those who play these games are between 35 and 44 years old. Today with many families opting for a single child, free online games are a boon for that child and the parents.



Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Free-On-Line-Games/421135