Computer Stuff

ALOTOFIT BIG CONTEST

2008-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi friend, i have interesting information, that in alotofit blog there is a contest which the prize is so many and interesting. This blog ever make contest like this and paid for the winner, so you should get participated with no doubt anymore.

This is the prize of current contest :

First Prize :
* $100 From Alotofit.com (Paypal Only)
(This Is the Most Special Prize)

Second Prize:
* One Custom Blog mascot worth $149 from (LogoAngel.com)
* One Custom Banner Design from Buy Templates worth $99 from (LogoAngel.com)
* One Custom Logo Design from Logo Angel worth $99 from (LogoAngel.com)
* One WordPress Template Design from Buy Templates worth $30 from (LogoAngel.com)
* Sponsored Review From (Niessuh.com) worth $20
*1 Year Webhosting in WpWebHost.com (WpWebHost.com)
*1000 Entrecard Credits from Skidzopedia.com (Skidzopedia.com)
*1 month 125×125 advertisement on Contestspot.Blogspot.com (Contestspot.Blogspot.com)
*1 month 125×125 Ad space on Smarterwealth.net (SmarterWealth.net) Worth $10
*1 month 125×125 Ad Space on NSpeaks.com (NSpeaks..com) Worth $10
*1 month Text Link on shankerbakshi.com (Shankerbakshi.com)

Third Prize:
* One Custom blog mascot worth $149 from (BuyTemplates.net)
* One Custom Banner Design from Buy Templates worth $99 from (BuyTemplates.net)
* One WordPress Template Design from Buy Templates worth $30 from (BuyTemplates.net)
*1 month 125×125 advertisement on SlightlyMordant.com (SlightlyMordant.com)
*1 month 125×125 advertisement on ContestWhiz.com (ContestWhiz.com)
*1 Year Webhosting in WpWebHost.com (WpWebHost.com)
*1000 EntreCard Credits from Dailysms.in (Dailysms.in)
*500 Entrecard Credits from Affiliatizer.com (Affiliatizer.com)

Fourth Prize:
*1 Year Webhosting in WpWebHost.com (WpWebHost.com)
*2 months 125×125 advertisement on 1.pinoyko.info (1.pinoyko.info)
*2 months 125×125 advertisement on Pinoyko.info (Pinoyko.info)
*500 Entrecard Credits from Scandalsprime.com (Scandalsprime.com)
*500 Entrecard Credits from Indocontest.com

Random Prizes:

125X125 Advertisement Prizes:
1 month 125×125 Ad space on pinkyposh.com (pinkyposh.com)
1 month 125×125 Ad space on namesherry..com (namesherry.com)
1 month 125×125 Ad space on sherryshopping.blogspot.com (sherryshopping.blogspot.com)
1 month 125×125 Ad space on Iluvcontest.BlogSpot.com (http://IluvContest.BlogSpot.com)
1 month 125×125 Ad space on AnotherContest.BlogSpot..com(AnotherContest.BlogSpot.com)
1 month 125×125 Ad space on sherrycontest.blogspot.com (sherrycontest.blogspot.com)
1 month 125×125 advertisement on Contestspot.Blogspot.com (Contestspot.Blogspot.com)
1 month 125×125 advertisement on Bubbblecrush.org (BubbleCrush.org)
1 month 125×125 advertisement on Skidzopedia.com (Skidzopedia.com)
2 months 125×125 advertisement on Mommyko.com (Mommyko.com)

EntreCards Prizes:

500 Entrecard Credits from Princess-Love (Princess-Love.net).
500 Entrecard Credits from sherrygo.blogspot.com (sherrygo.blogspot.com).
500 Entrecard Credits from heartrandom.com (heartrandom.com ).
500 Entrecard Credits from Rapidshoots.com (Rapidshoots.com)
(Indocontest.com)
500 Entrecard Credits from SunsetKitsch.net
(Sunsetkitsch.net)
500 Entrecard Credits from i-heart-contest.com (I-Heart-Contest.com)
500 Entrecard Credits from Maldita.us (Maldita.us)
All The Random Prizes Will be Chosen By Random.org For Each prize.

How to win? Collect entry by do blog post, commenting, subscribing, etc....

DEADLINE : 15th January 2009
What are you waiting for? Let's get participated

Find Deep Discounts on Computers and Software

2008-12-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

When it comes to buy computers or software, the price tags that are attached to these items can be alarming. A new model of computer or a new edition of software comes out every year it seems, and you must keep up with the new technology. When you are looking for computers and software, there are some things to keep in mind to help you find the best deals and discounts available.

Know Exactly What You Want

If you walk into a computer store without knowing what you are looking for, you may walk out with something you don’t need. Many of today’s store personnel are trained to sell the next higher unit or edition than what you are looking for. Speak to a friend or family member who has knowledge in computers and ask what they feel is the best product for you. This way you can ask specifically for this product when you enter the store.

Computer Superstores

You’ll find many of the “computer superstores” online and in regular storefronts. These businesses can offer tremendous savings over other smaller businesses because they buy in bulk. As a result, this savings can be passed onto you. If you are looking for a new item, be sure you don’t purchase something that is reconditioned. However, you may find great savings on reconditioned computers if you feel these products can work for you.

Look for Replacement Parts

Many times, your computer can be upgraded or repaired instead of requiring you to purchase a completely new machine. For the most part, these parts can be found at a fraction of the price of a new unit. When you are looking for replacement parts, check out some of the online computer stores. Many offer replacement parts, reconditioned parts, and other hardware and software that can improve your computer’s performance.

Search for Coupons

If you search the internet, you can find several online coupon sites that offer computers and software coupons and discounts. You’ll find coupons for service as well. These can results in significant savings, as many computer repair services can charge upwards of sixty dollars an hour. You can often find coupons that will offer free software with the purchase of a computer system or parts.

Freeware and Shareware

Many sites offer freeware and shareware. Freeware is computer software or programs that can be downloaded at no charge. Shareware is also offered for many software programs, but can cost a modest fee. When you are searching for these types of programs, make sure you are downloading from a reputable website. If you aren’t, you can end up with viruses, adware, or spyware on your computer. Some of these programs are hidden in the programs, such as a registrar cleaner. Use common sense. If it’s from a suspicious source, chances are you don’t want it.

A Final Thought

If you research the computers and software programs before you go shopping, you’re more likely to end up with exactly what you need. Check out different computer and software review sites to compare models and new editions.
===
Joe Deacon is a tech nerd and more often than not you’ll find him behind his PC typing and surfing away. And for the latest in software coupons and computer coupons, he visits CouponTrunk.com. On this site, the world’s leading PC and software manufacturers post their latest coupons, discounts, and deals so you can get what you want at the fraction of its retail cost.

Alotofit Contest

2008-11-09T06:23:00.000-08:00

Alotofit blog currently holding an interesting contest, here is the detail of the prize :

1st Placer:
$200 Cash Prize! (Payment is only made by PayPal)
2nd Placer:
1 Month 468X60 banner advertising!
3rd Placer:
1 Month 125X125 banner advertising!

So How Do I Enter the Competition?

There are 5 ways to gain entries! the more you do the more chances of winning! Don’t panic! if you want to focus on doing only one of the choices then do it!

1st: Subscribe to Via RSS by clicking Here!
By doing this you will earn 10 entries into the draw to win!

2nd: Subscribe to Via Mail by clicking Here!
“I Promise that I will never spam or show to others your e-mail.. I Just want you to know if there is something new to the blog”
By doing this you will earn 10 entries into the draw to win!

3rd: Blog About this Contest
“Just copy this contest information and post it to your blog and Then leave a comment on this blog post with the link for us to see. 10 Entries
By doing this you will earn 20 entries into the draw to win!

4th: Comment on this blog
“Comment on this blog No Limit (Just Don’t Spam)“
By doing this you will earn 1 entry per every post you make!

5th:Social Bookmarking

5 Entries - Stumble and Review this Contest Then leave a comment on this blog post with the Username you used for us to see.
5 Entries - Digg This Contest Then leave a comment on this blog post with the Username you used for us to see.
5 Entries - Favorite Alotofit Then leave a comment on this blog post with the Username you used for us to see
5 Entries - Vote In Mix Then leave a comment on this blog post with the Username you used for us to see

So that’s it! You Have the full info! So what are you doing now?! Stop lurking and start gaining entries now!
Contest is ended at 10 october, there is still a chance to participate.

Site Talk Zone, The Place for Webmaster

2008-10-04T07:48:00.001-07:00

Sitetalkzone (STL) is forum community which discuss about many thing especially webmaster-related. You can find, posting, or asking about SEO, SE, and many thing, it's very usefull.

Sitetalkzone (STL) also create contest. Since 28September, there is interesting contest running. And i find the prize is so interesting...!!!

Look at this :

1st PLACE
- 250$ cash in Paypal.
- 3 month Ad spot on Sitetalkzone.

2nd Place
- Any available TLD of your choice.
- 1 month Ad spot on Sitetalkzone.
- 6 months of free hosting.

3rd Place
- Any available TLD of your choice.
- 1 month ad spot on Sitetalkzone.
- 3 months of free hosting.

Wow very interesting, right...!!? So, don't waste your time by registering there and join for the contest.

This is highly recommended site for you...!!!

Ups, i forgot about the link. You can register here :
www.sitetalkzone.com

Computer Repair : Computer Repair Services

2008-06-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Online Tech Support is offered through the Internet. The technician will connect to your PC through a remote desktop connection and will fix your computer errors right away while you watch. The process can be availed from any part of the world with just the Internet being the top priority.

Everyone sooner or later has computer troubles. At times, you are looking for a technician to delete the virus, or setting the PC or fixing printer or any other hardware. But why to always opt for expensive options like calling technicians at home and then paying them on the basis of hours they worked? Now, you can choose cost effective methods like online computer repair.

Online computer repair services don’t demand you to trap yourself in hassles of disassembling your PC from your home and hauling it to a repair shop every time it has problems? When any computer problems arise, you can rely on the online computer support technicians to deliver prompt, expert PC services.

A remote computer repairperson can watch everything going on your PC screen while working on your problem. With advancements in technology, you can even assume control anytime, just in case you feel any security violation. In some cases like over the phone support, the instructions are given by the technician over the phone and you follow these instructions to repair your PC.

Generally, the remote computer technicians disconnect the connection program, until and unless you want to reinstall the program for future use.

Although the entire method of remote Computer Support is extremely popular, it is always suggested that you get good references from the remote support resources. Also try to verify their credentials to ensure the safety of your data.
Online computer repair is very helpful for issues like spyware removal, trouble shooting virus errors, software installation or upgradation, disk cleaning, and PC optimization. Needless to say, the success rate is also pretty high when it comes to online computer repair.

Another benefit of buying online computer repair services is that it will save you money in the long run, since the technicians are working from their own location and you don’t have to pay for overhead expenses.

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/iYogi--Online-Computer-Repair-Services/424035

Computer Repair : Pc Computer Repair - Getting Rid Of Spyware

2008-06-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

No matter where you go on the web, someone is trying to infiltrate your system. From web sites placing simple logon cookies, to paid advertising tracking your movements on the web, to malicious software that is designed to record your keystrokes and discover passwords, Spyware and Adware have together become a big problem.

Many of these programs are simply dangerous and seriously threaten your online privacy and identity. Even the simple and supposedly benign Adware programs can cause you serious problems.

Spyware is any program that installs itself onto your computer with the intent to spy on your activity. This can be recording your online searching habits, or whatever you type on your keyboard. Adware is not much better. It is designed to watch what you do online, where you go, which terms you search for and then report this to the ad agency that runs the program.

Many, if not most, advertisers on the internet will try and place a cookie or other small program on your computer. Many will add code that will track that cookie as it hits different pages. The code may be designed simply to gather anonymous data, or it may be trying to send ads to your browser that the advertising company thinks you will be more likely to respond to.

Whatever the case, the Adware or Spyware is using your computer to do its tracking. This means that part of your computer’s power and CPU cycles are being diverted away from the activity you are trying to perform. Your computer is being used by someone else instead to track your movements. These programs can literally slow your computer down to a crawl, or make it crash altogether. They can fill your computer up with trash files, open unwanted popup windows, use up the space in your internet cache and generally just make working on your computer a nightmare.

Luckily there are several easy solutions to the problem. Spyware and Adware are not the same thing as a computer virus or Trojan Horse. Although a computer virus can install spyware on a computer, you will need different tools to remove a computer virus and to keep your system clean from Spyware and Adware. There are several good Spyware/adware programs on the market.
Good programs are Ad-aware from Lavasoft and Spy Sweeper from Webroot Software although there are several others. You can easily find both of these by doing an internet search for Ad-aware and Spy Sweeper or simply do a search for spyware.

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/PC-Computer-Repair---Getting-Rid-of-Spyware/424886

Computer Repair : Is It Important To Spend Your Money On A Good Computer System?

2008-06-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Is it important to spend your money on a good “computer system”, “pc”, “computers”, “laptops”?

Computer systems, pc, computers, and laptops fill our lives. We bank on computer systems, pc, computers, and laptops, we buy with computer systems, pc, computers, and laptops, and we communicate using computer systems, pc, computers, and laptops. Yet these machines still hold an element of mystery that makes some people concerned about how to spend less without getting shortchanged. Computers, computer systems, PCs, laptops like your cars, need proper maintenance to perform at its best. Knowing your way around your computer system”, “pc”, “computers”, “laptops and conducting routine repairs will keep it in good working order. Computer systems, pc, computers, laptops are not only hardware devices, they work on the combination of the hardware and software ,so any damage you do to the software also can make the hardware goes wrong. To save yourself a lot of money and un-needless trips to the computer shop for repairs, it has become a need to keep your new computer running fast and efficient. Hence it is very important that you keep your computer systems, pc, computers, and laptops in good condition. This is possible only when you spend money on a good Computer systems, pc, computers, and laptops.

Spending your money on good computer systems, pc, computers, and laptops can be based on numerous categories and needs.

There are a good number of things to spend on your computer systems, pc, computers, and laptops on a regular basis to keep its innards healthy. Some of the important things where you need to spend on maintaining systems include:

 UPS (Interrupted Power Supply)
 Regular back ups
 Monthly / Yearly maintenance
 Computer repair and maintenance services
 Data recovery services
 Support services
 Regular updates and upgrades
 Data security
 Database management
 Technical Support services
 Hardware support

These are just a few of the easier ways to spend money on your computer. There are more ways to spend less, including building your own PC and choosing quality components at a discount. But spending on cheap computer systems, pc, computers, and laptops will add to your maintenance cost. Hence it is very important that you get the best system from us which also has good value after some years. You need to spend regularly to maintain it so that you don’t counter a crisis situation wherein your critical data is at risk. The importance of spending on good computer systems, pc, computers, and laptops indicates of your sound practice on maintaining IT in your home, office or company. Our products are of world class quality and services are of universal quality.

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Is-it-important-to-spend-your-money-on-a-good-computer-system-/389648

Computer Wallpaper : Desktop Wallpaper

2008-06-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

The terms “wallpaper” and “desktop picture” refer to an image used as a background on a computer screen, usually on the desktop of a graphical user interface. 'Wallpaper' is the term used in Microsoft Windows, while the Mac OS avoid mixing terms by calling it a 'desktop picture'. Earlier, the term “desktop pattern” was used to refer to a small pattern, that was repeated to fill a screen.

Images used as computer wallpaper are usually a data file or structure representing a rectangular grid of pixels. They are points of color on a computer monitor, paper, or other display device, with the same size as the display resolution in order to fill the whole background. Users with widescreen monitors have different requirements, although images designed for standard monitors can often be scaled up or cropped to the correct shape without loss of quality.

Wallpapers are available in double-width versions for displaying on multi-monitor computers, where the image appears to fill two monitors. Smaller images can be tiled or repeated to fill large areas and depending on how skilfully the wallpaper is created, the effect can look good. However, if the joint is too obvious, or the image repeats too many times, it would look very repetitive.

Wallpapers are also appearing on color screen mobile phones scaled to a lower resolution. These are often sold at a high price to telephone users. Some phones have a software which allows images to be uploaded from a computer. Mobile telephones with cameras use images from the camera or from an external source, as the wallpaper.

Wallpaper styles are as varied as people. They can be created using photographs, drawings, 3D renders or abstract pattern with complex gradients. It is useful to have plain areas so that icons can be clearly seen atop the wallpaper.Typical categories of wallpapers include cars, models and celebrities, holiday photos, abstract art, movies, pets and scenery. Wallpapers has a positive effect on the spirits of a computer user as he sees it many times a day. Therefore, selection of an image that appeals to an user’s personal tastes is important.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Desktop-Wallpaper&id=233288

Computer Wallpaper : Guidelines on How to Download Desktop Wallpapers

2008-06-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

Desktop wallpapers are indeed free and purchasing some of it is considered an impractical and unfeasible way of spending money where it can be simply availed through various sites online. There are certainly millions of wallpapers that can be downloaded and provided by free sites and purchasing is definitely not a good option to take. Ways of downloading desktop wallpapers online is an easy task and would not require too much effort on your part yet; the search would take a while.

First and foremost, you have to choose a browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla or Firefox. Although, these kinds of browsers do not really impinge on the entire process however, there may be some images that would require browser compatibility. When you've finally chosen a browser you can go to a site offering free wallpaper downloads. There are millions of wallpapers in different major search engines and the only time consuming process is finding for the right image to fit in your preferred wallpaper. You can also search through keywords or the name of the wallpaper you are searching for. Make sure to key in a specific name for the system to narrow down your search.

Choosing the best desktop wallpapers is quite hard to do and the choices are endless however, reading the summary would allow you to come up with the best and right kind of wallpaper you desire. Searching for the best ones would solely depend on your availability and making random clicks would inevitably lead you to pay sites in due course. For this reason, you need to avoid searching through hit and miss so as not to go back to searching over again.

Once a website has been chosen, you can now log on and find your way to multiplicity of selections available. You can browse through it and search for images of choice and download it. However, you need to be aware that there are websites that only allow one download a day so it would be better to look for alternatives or might as well do the download everyday. This might be quite difficult to grasp yet, the reminder of having it for free would definitely make everyday download worthwhile. Along with the free download offered by various sites is an apposite way of following terms and conditions provided. Lastly, change the wallpaper setting. There are people who would opt for images that they find online like abstract, paintings and the like. Thus, what you need to do is simply save the pictures to your database and select few of those images to be your desktop background.

All these guidelines are user friendly and you can easily navigate with all the sites you wish to visit provided that it is browser compatible. Taxing search are only to those people who have minimal time in generating their search however, you can find all these time consuming search worthwhile when you've finally found and settle for the right kind of desktop wallpaper you find fitting to your computer screen.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Guidelines-on-How-to-Download-Desktop-Wallpapers&id=1277696

Computer Wallpaper : Customizing a Different Kind of Desktop Background

2008-06-28T01:44:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of things you can do with your desktop backgrounds and various applications can be done through different screen savers, images and media files. This kind of setting brings typical desktop wallpaper out of view and make way for applications such as 3 dimensional animations and other media images displayed directly to the background. If a user is searching for a different kind of image set up, the use of these innovative files can be incorporated. This can be achieved by means of a wallpaper changer that will help in the configuration of the images. This is in resemblance to a slideshow wherein the system changes images from time to time and as indicated by the configuration.

These latest and modern desktop wallpapers are considered a quality alternative for customary wallpapers. This simply implies the concept of having a simple yet, attractive images providing life like pictures. There are also desktop wallpapers like animated desktops allowing movements and sounds as well as audio-visual effects. This kind of wallpaper is a good way of getting into a relax mode after a hard days of work.

Desktop backgrounds can also be customized through adding images, media clips and other resources. These types of wallpapers are user friendly and do not strain on the computer's memory and does not even affect proper functioning and performance. Desktop wallpapers are just mere display in the background that does not occupy too much space, memory and other sorts of system resources in running applications.

There are different kinds of desktop backgrounds that a user can choose from. As designs and patterns vary, so as the preferences of users all depending on the kind of mood and style a specific user wants to exude. If you want to brighten up your day, you can make use of funny wallpapers as background on your screen, the use of nature to give a feeling of freshness and a personalized image.

Therefore, in choosing the right kind of desktop wallpaper exclusively for your computer, you need to generate the following rules. First, it should be an image that you want to look at each time you turn on your computer. Of course, it is a given fact that you settle for a pleasant image worth looking at everyday. Next thing is to avoid uploading a sizeable file that will hamper the whole computer process resulting to a slower functioning of your entire system. Lastly, the image should at least be 800x600 pixels high. There are certain types of photos that have low resolution and this might not bring good and quality images. In creating a desktop wallpaper of your own, resolution plays an essential role and low resolution images would only result to poor image and deformation. Cleanup uneven squares and select a color that will match up with the whole image.

Setting up desktop backgrounds offers different image options and you can also get these all free of charge by visiting sites like Google image search and other reputable websites.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Customizing-a-Different-Kind-of-Desktop-Background&id=1274964

Computer Wallpaper : Settling For the Finest Sites to Download Free Desktop Wallpapers

2008-06-28T01:43:00.000-07:00

Desktop wallpapers are the backgrounds placed on computers. Free desktop backgrounds have been around and proliferated on the internet all free of charge setting a lot of online users to go by this kind of set up and one of those varieties of choices is known as 3D wallpapers. These kinds of wallpapers are the newest innovation in desktop wallpapers and are made available to all major search engines.

Acquiring 3D wallpaper is done by paying visits on search engines like Yahoo or Google. Key in "3D computer wallpaper" for the system to narrow down your search and submit your query and all possible lists will be presented. You can then choose and click on the site to search on for your desired wallpaper. If you find one site insufficient then you can go back to the browser and look for another related site. You can also find free timed 3D wallpapers where a user is allowed to make use of many types of wallpaper all at different times. This can be a good option since all images are randomly exhibited and displayed. Another great innovation that you can incorporate in finding for free desktop wallpapers is the active 3D wallpapers that mainly use internet connection and graphic calculation. These programs have the ability to alter real data such as weather and events. If you want to utilize a video playback, you can also set for media players that allow the use of video as wallpaper.

Computers with desktop user interface can benefit from free desktop wallpapers. These are generally located in JPEG or GIF formats and are compatible with Linux, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh and other operating systems. The images used for wallpaper are oftentimes the actual and similar size with that of the computer's display resolution. This served as an advantage since it enables the desktop wallpaper to fit in perfectly to the entire background. However, wide-screen computers vary in terms of wallpaper size requirements weigh against the standard ones.

There are also kinds of desktop wallpapers that are in double-width versions. This kind of wallpaper is specifically designed for those utilizing multi-monitor computers. However, a user should not always go for the conventional set up of wallpapers as the choices vary depending on the user's preference. Wallpapers can be in the form of 3D, abstract patterns, drawings and photographs. Choosing the right kind of desktop wallpaper should also be considerate of the icons placed on the desktop. Therefore, it would be best to settle for wallpapers that will also give a good view of all the necessary icons on the desktop and going for plain desktop wallpapers is recommended.

It is a known fact that desktop wallpapers have been increasingly popular when it comes to downloads. This is precisely the reason why a lot of computer users change the skin of their monitors allowing a sense of calmness and relaxation in the midst of a hectic schedule or beating a deadline. These wallpapers set as a desktop background does not only change the appearance of the screen but also the outlook of the user in general.
Finding a fine site providing nice wallpapers of your choice is a little difficult. Free desktop wallpapers has solved this problem and now you can get high quality computer wallpapers like girls wallpapers and celebrity lovers can also get high quality and unique wallpapers of celebrities wallpapers for free and use them on their computer.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Settling-For-the-Finest-Sites-to-Download-Free-Desktop-Wallpapers&id=1277704

Computer Wallpaper : Technology and Creativity Combined - Ways to Customize Desktop Wallpaper

2008-06-28T01:39:00.000-07:00

Perhaps one of the most appealing to computer users these days is the concept of having their own picture posted in their computer screens. To customize desktop wallpapers is considered an easy task and would only entail few clicks of the mouse to bring out the kind of mood you want to project. Computer users' preference varies from one person to another thus, creating your own desktop interface and image develops your sense of creativity without putting much of an effort.

Imagine a computer without any desktop background and anything that will give you a certain feeling of relief when stress surfaces, lightens up when the day seems tough and sheer happiness each time you look at your screen. Hence, there are a lot of reasons why customizing your desktop wallpaper is gleaned as one of the well-liked hobby that has been a home for millions of photos uploaded everyday. Since photography and a mere shots from your digital camera would provide you with the chance of uploading it in your database, this idea has been embraced by a lot of people benefiting from the modern technology brought by computers.

As the song hymns, a picture is worth a thousand words with many stories to tell, having it in your database makes the web a hub for moving and inspiring photography. Another reason behind the significance of setting up desktop wallpaper is the verity that prior to accessing and using a computer is getting a view of the desktop. Having a good desktop image might not be a big deal to some yet, few people know that a desktop image can set up a person's mood or it can even provide proper mind conditioning. According to research, using wallpapers dominated by one color can affect a person's overall aura and impression on things around him. Desktop wallpaper with a dominating color of blue can give a user good concentration, color red gives out energy; green brightens up the day and a lot of colors that will give out positive influence to a user.

To customize desktop wallpaper entails few easy steps that are easy to follow. First thing to do is have all windows and running programs closed to provide a smooth flow in customizing your wallpaper. Right-click on the desktop and click on properties and display properties then click on the desktop tab. Any uploaded file on your database can be used as a desktop background thus, you need to click on the "browse" button and choose an image of choice. Once done choose the appropriate setting and ensure that the image fits right on the screen and click "Ok".

There are many things that you can do on your computer and customizing your desktop is just one of those. Added to that is the idea of changing even the desktop theme, event sounds, customizing toolbar, display properties, folder options and screensavers which allow images to run when the computer is inactive. All these can be done and organized through the use of modern technology and a user's creativity.

The new free desktop wallpapers can only be found on kewlwallpapers where all wallpapers are arranged in categories making easier for you to find wallpapers, there is also a new collection of girls wallpapers and most importantly celebrities wallpapers which are all of them new and unique which you won't find anywhere else.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Technology-and-Creativity-Combined---Ways-to-Customize-Desktop-Wallpaper&id=1277711

download free computer games : Grand Theft Auto 4

2008-06-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

Usually, everybody is a touch skeptical of the champ. You know him, the top player on the court, or maybe it's the best side that wins the championship every season. Maybe it's the New York Yankees and their pinstripes or the Patriots' perfect season. Whatever! We disliked that kid at school that seemed too perfect: popular, smart, had to be the best at everything. But occasionally, what appears too good to be true is in fact, every bit as good as you hear it is. And that, my friend, is Grand Theft Auto 4.

In case you don't know what's going on or just got back from your year-long-trip to the Australian Outback, Grand Theft Auto 4-or GTA 4-is not only the best game out right now, but also the highest ranked, best-reviewed game of all time. GTA 4 holds the record for most sales in the initial day of availability, $310 million, and most sales in the first week, $500 million. On top of the huge sales, the game's reviews have been out of sight, with perfect, 10-out-10 scores from all the top magazines and reviewers.

So what's all the Grand Theft Auto 4 fuss about? There's almost too much to reckon with. You can have numerous active missions going on at once, and some of them may ensue over a couple of days. One special twist is that there are several "morality choices" at sundry times during the game. The choice you make ultimately determines which of the two dissimilar endings you get. Technically, the wrecks are more detailed than in past versions, so you'll see helmets go flying and characters sliding down the pavement.

GTA 4 makes much more use of mobile phones. Not only can players watch text messages and appointments, but they can also take pictures to upload into the police computer, call 911 for assistance from police, paramedics or the fire station. Oh yeah, and if you are interested in any of the 214 songs you hear on the 18 radio stations, make use of the character's phone to "mark" the songs. If you're registered at the game's Social Club website, you'll get a real email with a link so you can purchase those songs from Amazon.

Yes, there's much more to Grand Theft Auto 4, and while it sounds to good to be true, the shattered records, the great response, and the countless updates are all very real.

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Grand-Theft-Auto-4--Millions-of-Fans-Can-t-Be-Wrong-/426353

download free computer games : Features Of An Xbox 360

2008-06-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Xbox 360 for sale is a futuristic way to play games, movies and music and to encourage competition. An Xbox 360 keeps you at your finger tips and on toes in competition, alertness and excitement and it has led the gaming field to new height never explored. The star features of an Xbox 360 for sale include DVD kits for playback, controllers, adapters, wireless gear, cables and other accessories that are integral to the Xbox 360 magic. These are accurate and controllable and offer comfort to the players. You can even save your favorite movie, get a wireless connection for playing online and set it up easily through cables and adapters. The two gaming consoles are Core and the Elite, the core deals with basics like control grabs, plugs and other components while the Elite deals with capacity, hard drive, control systems and headsets.

The extras that come with an Xbox 360 for sale which include wireless control, headset, wireless racing wheel, guide book, DVD player, charger kit, media remote, live vision and an extendable package will bring you an ultimate experience of gaming. Xbox 360 is one of the most popular consoles of video games coming from the Microsoft house. The console had been launched during December 2005 as a counterpart of Playstation 3 by Sony and revolution games console from Nintendo. It also comes with gamer guide, which allows the players to access games, movies, and music for download. Through this guide, the users can also have fast access to new games and updates for media files.

A customized interface also comes with the console, which allows the players to personalize their systems. The skins and faces are changeable and may be tapped for reflecting the user's personality. In addition to that, the console is available with Ring of Light, which is a collection of four bright quadrants. In simple words, this button takes the users to their desired games. It is also able to handle shutdown as well as the start up system. At the same time, the live Xbox 360 allows the users to play anytime, any place and with any one he or she likes to. By connecting the console with the Internet, the players can simply access the live Xbox so that they can start playing the game online. The users are also able to chat online with one another at no cost. Xbox 360 for sale also comes with good quality games with surround music and graphics like movies.

The console has a memory of 64 MB, which allows the players to save their favorite user profiles and games and also watch DVDs. Other accessories that come with Xbox 360 include live camera and wireless adapter for networking. We cannot take an Xbox 360 for sale lightly because it is a gamer's tool calling to the souls of some serious gamers. The hard drive of Xbox 360 saves us from buying game cartridges. Through this console, you can bring the competition from around the world into your own living or bedroom. This console can take gaming to more levels of difficulties by supplementing all the limitations that are usually carried by the virtual world.

Please visit xbox 360 for sale and cheap xbox 360.for more information.

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Features-Of-An-XBox-360-For-Sale/431034

download free computer games : Gta 4 Is A Wild, Wide Open World!

2008-06-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

In the popular imagination, the number one draw of virtual reality was the shock, the wonderment, and the sheer coolness of being able to plug into a make-believe world and experience it as if you were actually in it. From Pong to Galaga all the way up to the most excellent first person shooters, gamers need game space that functions like the holodeck on Star Trek. With the highly anticipated, audacious and award-wining release of Grand Theft Auto 4, or GTA 4, the wholly open virtual world is much closer than ever.

From its very first version on the Commodore Amiga and its move to the original PlayStation, the top-down, strictly 2D perspective wasn't much to look at. However, the wide-open nature of the game was the best kick. Even then, if you decided you wanted to follow the mission, fine. If you decided to set somebody on fire, that was also a pretty good plan. GTA 4 takes the open game play even further than its earlier versions, letting Niko-the main character-roam around, make connections, or run amok.

Set in Liberty City, which the designers patterned after New York City, players are free to move where they want, do what they want, and even listen to what they want. In fact, the music is a good example of how wide open GTA 4 is. In previous versions, each radio station was basically one loop, so you heard the same songs, commercials and announcements in the same order. GTA 4 separates every of the files so that everything is mixed randomly, and the stations even announce plot developments.

Since Liberty City has 18 radio stations that play over 200 files pieces of music by artists as diverse as Kanye West, Phillip Glass and Thin Lizzy, you may hear something you'd like to have for keeps. Fortuitously, the game's developer, Rockstar Games, has thought of it all. One of the coolest features of GTA 4 is players' ability to purchase real-world copies of the songs they hear in the game. If you hear a song you like, make use of Niko's mobile phone and "mark" a song. You'll acquire a text message with the song's title and artist. If you've registered on Rockstar's "Social Club" website, you'll get an email that links you to an Amazon.com playlist. This list contains all your marked songs, which can then be purchased.

This level of detail, flexibility and interaction is just one of the excellent reasons why GTA 4 is the most popular, highest rated game in history.

If you're ready to experience the wild world of GTA 4, make sure you get all the latest GTA 4 cheats and tips you can!

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/GTA-4-Is-a-Wild--Wide-Open-World-/431127

PC Laptops: The world of computers has a reliable partner

2008-06-25T11:22:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

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

Three Types of Multiplayer Computer Games

2008-06-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

From the very earliest computer games, one of the most popular aspects that helped to make them so popular was that they could support multiple players, meaning that more than one person could play the game at the same time. This meant that people could play against each other in competition, so that it was not wholly a player versus computer environment. Most people enjoy competing against friends and family, and reveling in success. Most of the highly popular computer and video games available today are multiplayer games.

The idea of multiplayer has three different meanings or interpretations, however. The first, and original, multiplayer games were simply those in which you took turns. The first player would attempt a level, or complete a race, or carry out some other task which would be measured in some way - perhaps with a high score or time. Once they had either succeeded, completed the race or failed at whatever task they were challenged with doing, the next player would take over and have a go. In this way, each person was able to have a go at the same task, and try to beat each other by either getting a higher score, a faster time, or by using whatever other measurement of success.

The second type of multiplayer game to come along, and which is still around today, are the split screen games. These work best for races, where the screen can be wide but fairly short - good for racing when you need to see a wide viewpoint to prepare for corner and obstacles, but there is no need for a tall screen as you're racing on the flat.

In this setup, the two players see their own character or vehicle in a portion of the screen at the top, and the other player or vehicle in the portion of the screen at the bottom. Both portions offer the same viewpoint to begin with at the start of the race, but each follows a specific player. It is possible this way for both players to be competing at the same time, and against each other.

The player behind will even be able to see the player in front, and by glancing quickly at the opponent's portion of the screen it is possible to check on where they are and how they're doing. This offers real time action and competition, and is an engrossing way of playing.

Not all split screens are horizontal - some fighting games are vertical so that you can see the full height of the opposing player, but the majority are split horizontally. Obviously for this kind of game, either having a big screen or sitting close to a screen is best in order to see the detail clearly.

The third type of multiplayer game is the type which has players competing against each other, but where the players are not actually physically anywhere near each other. This can mean that they are actually playing against each other whilst on different sides of the planet! These games use the internet to connect players together, and then each player sees the game from their point of view on their own screen, and sees the opponent as a character within the game. In many cases rather than being an opponent, the other player may be an ally, and work together to complete a task or quest.

Whilst solo games will always be popular, multiplayer games have long ruled the popularity stakes.

Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=977684

5 Ways to Speed Up Computer Applications

2008-06-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

All computer users encounter slow performance or a sudden computer breakdown at one time or another. Quite often, registry problems are behind this gradual deterioration in your computer's performance.

When you install or uninstall applications, your system is infected by a virus, the system crashes, or many such activities occur on your system, several unwanted, invalid, and malicious entries get added to the registry that unnecessarily cause it to grow to a very large size. A large registry slows down, and as a result slows down your computer. In more severe conditions, registry problems may also cause various computer-related errors, which can eventually crash your system.

This can be completely avoided if you perform certain actions on regular basis to speed up the performance of your computer.

1) Perform Regular Virus Checks

If you are a regular net surfer, and don't care to systematically scan your system for viruses or malware, you are actually inviting trouble. Do you know that you can unintentionally download viruses and malware in your system just by visiting a website? The chances of infecting your system rise if you continue downloading software programs, music, and video clips on your system. Therefore, you must scan your PC for virus infections by using effective anti-virus software.

2) Use Your System Tools

Before you invest too heavily on various types of Windows repair software, you should use the System Tools, which are offered for free with your operating system. For example, you can use the Windows Disk Defragmenter tool to reorganize your files and check the hard drive for errors. The Disk Cleanup tool, on the other hand, helps you remove unnecessary files from your system.

3) Think Twice About Free Downloads

Though you may find it an attractive option to download 'free stuff' from the Internet, but there exist many websites that actually install spyware onto your computer and trace every activity on your computer and display unwanted popup ads. Many other programs secretly add programs to your browser or registry, which can affect system performance and crash your PC sooner or later. So, practice cautions before you click the 'Free Download' button next time.

4) Troubleshooting Errors When They Appear

Do you know that more than 90 percent of computers contain corrupt and significantly harmful files with more than 200 errors? If you ever witness an error message on your screen, you should immediately take action to resolve it. This is because it may gradually start affecting the performance of your system and causing you to reboot, among other things. For example, if you notice a Regsvr32.exe error on your system, you should log on to the Microsoft technical support page and enter the name of the error. This would display a step-by-step process, which you can follow to resolve your problem.

5) Using A Computer Repair Software

Using effective computer repair software is probably one of the most simple and non-technical methods to tackle the slow performance of your computer. You can opt for an advanced registry scanner or scan your system's registry. This would also allow you to deal with multiple errors at the same time while enhancing the speed of your PC.

Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=977688

Get the best of computer technology with the cheap laptops

2008-06-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Gone are the old days when the traditional and bulky desktop computers used to bag the limelight despite having several shortcomings. The modern day customer is in no mood to pay an unjustified price when he has a perfect and viable substitute to them, the laptops.

A laptop is indeed a superior variant of the desktop computer technology and there is no doubt that it is better than the desktop PCs in several ways. It offers a superior degree of flexibility, reliability and affordability besides coming up with advanced features and functionality to its credit. Being space-conscious and sleek in appearance, it can easily be placed in any home and office setup. Moreover, it can be easily carried to any place as per the discretion of its user.

The growth of laptops was not that easy and comfortable as it seems today; the earlier laptops were heavily priced and out of the reach of the middle-class users. Not only this, they were originally not as advanced as they are today, justifying their price at every stage of usage.

If you are looking for the world class yet cheap laptops then the online and traditional markets have enough options for you. The modern day cheap notebooks are nothing short of perfection at their very best.

Some of the latest laptops in the present day market are the Acer TravelMate 4233WLMi, Acer TM 6292, Acer Ferrari 1005WTMi and Acer Aspire 5583WXMi. These Acer laptops display how perfection can change lives in the best possible ways. The Acer laptops are giving enough to the Microsoft laptops when it comes to customer satisfaction and advanced features. This is the primary reason why these Acer laptops are obvious choice for millions of customer worldwide these days.

So, if you you want to stay high on computer technology usage and want to enjoy portability at its best, you know that these cheap laptops are the best options for you.

The author is a specialist in retail writing. Her writing skills reflect the outcome of years of exposure to the retail industry. Working with retail giants as a consultant has enriched her knowledge base and her passion for writing got fire. She can be read regularly on RetailsDirect.com. For details please visit: www.retailsdirect.com
Cheap LCD TV

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_558763_10.html

What is fast Ethernet?

2008-06-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

What is fast Ethernet?

Ethernet is the term coined by Robert Metcalfe of PARC for the system he developed to power the new laser print in his office building. In the early 1970’s this was new challenge, as the Xerox printer was connected to a large number of computers with the building. These computers formed a local area network or LAN. The system of cabling that Metcalfe developed to send pages to the printers where christened Ethernet. The term was chosen because it was once believed that ether, an unseen material, connected all things in the universe.

Ethernet is now the most common method of connecting a local network of computers. It differs from the internet as the Ethernet tends to connect machines within a predefined network and often within a set location; it is not open to public access. The network will be built around a system of cables and switches and not the public telephone system which powers the internet. If you work in large company then more than likely your intranet will be part of an Ethernet network. Network terminals, normally computers are connected together in order to share information quickly and securely.

Standard Ethernet is able to provide fast and constant connections. A standard Ethernet cable can handle about 10,000,000 bits per second and can be used with almost any kind of computer. The problem is that with the increase in file size and the ever increasing demand for data there is increasing pressure for a system that provides a fast Ethernet network to match the needs of users.

The result of this is that the standard speed limit of 10 megabits per second has rocketed to 100Mbps for fast Ethernet network’s and 1000Mpbs for Gigabit Ethernet networks. This development has resulted in super fast networks that can carry and process massive amount of data. The development from a network for a single printer is one of the wonders of the modern age.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_558875_10.html

10 Benefits of a Computer Enclosure over an Industrial Computer

2008-06-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the industrial computer industry helping to develop industrial computer enclosures and protection for all environments. Please visit us for more information about industrial pc solutions.

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

NTP Server: The World’s Wrist-watch

2008-06-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Knowing the time is an essential part of our daily lives. We all need to know what time to start work, what time to leave and even when to get up in the morning. We have a multitude of different devices for telling us the time; from our mobile phones to our wrist-watches but how accurate are these clocks?

Of course for our day-to-day business it probably doesn’t matter too much if the office wall clock is faster than your wrist-watch, I’m sure your boss won’t fire you for being a minute or two late for work.

However for some time sensitive transactions, perfect accuracy and synchronization is essential. A minute can make all the difference in industries like the stock exchange, airlines and even Internet auction sites.

It certainly wouldn’t be fair if that bid you placed on Ebay was rejected as an earlier bid done on a computer with a faster clock is recognized as being the last. And in environments like the stock exchange where millions of mounds can be won or lost in a second it is even more vital.

That is why it is essential for the world’s computer networks to not only use a reliable and accurate time source but also be synchronized together and that is where NTP servers come in.

NTP (Network Time Protocol) is one of the Internets oldest protocols. It has been designed and developed to keep computer networks synchronized .

NTP servers can receive an absolute timing reference, which is a timing reference from an atomic clock, the world’s most accurate time source, either through a specialist radio transmission, the Internet or the GPS network.

NTP servers use UTC time (Coordinated Universal Time) a world-wide timescale that allows computers across the globe to synchronise to the same time (the local computers simply make adjustments for time zones before displaying the time on the computer).

NTP servers ensure that a computer in Australia can trade with a system in America whilst confident they are both synchronized to the same time.

Without NTP servers, computer networks all over the world would find they were unable to conduct time sensitive transactions and would be vulnerable to fraud.

Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the telecommunications and network time synchronisation industry helping to develop dedicated time server products. Please visit us for more information about a GPS time server or other NTP server products.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_559029_10.html

Tips To Choose the Right Type of CD Publisher for Your Business

2008-06-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

Business organizations need to give presentations during the conferences, seminar and board meetings. For this purpose, they need to create and distribute the copies of presentation to the members attending the meeting. A number of copies of CDs need to be created for the same. A cost effective measure to burn the CDs is always remain in top priority of the company. Therefore, tendering the task to a CD publisher makes sense. It is a convenient option to take the services of a CD publisher to get the number of CDs you need for your objective.

You need to consider some points before finalizing on a CD publisher. You should check whether you are choosing the right kind of machine for the task. When you are looking for the CD publisher, you need to look if he can fulfill all your needs that you want him to do. He should be able to burn the disc well and should provide the print out as well. Secondly, check if the operating system is working seamlessly, that you can give the command with complete settings and can walk away to do other things.

As you are going to give all the projects to your CD publisher, make sure that his system is reliable to do the entire task with good quality standards. An efficient system can produce multiple discs at one time. If you are in need of 100 discs to be burnt, make sure that you should be able to give the command for 100 discs to the CD publisher and do need to check the system at every step. Another aspect of choosing the CD publisher is that the computer system should have the software that can make it communicate with the work files. It should be well versed to handle all types of files such as audio files, video files, text based and html files.

The business of CD publisher is rising day by day as the usage of their services is increasing in every industry. Several business houses use published CDs for their business promotion, distributing marketing material and propagating about the company strategies to the target groups.

All Pro Solutions, Inc. is a manufacture system that is perfect for all types of DVD CD Publishers and data storage needs. Our Blu-Ray Publishers system are well known in the industry.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_560288_10.html

Network Time Protocol - Explaining NTP Servers and Network Time Synchronisation

2008-06-20T01:13:00.000-07:00

NTP is almost as old as the Internet itself. It was devised and developed by Dr David Mills of the University of Delaware and has been in constant use and continually updated since 1985. NTP is an internet protocol designed to synchronise clocks on a computer network.

In a modern global economy time synchronisation is essential for carrying out time sensitive transactions such as booking an airline ticket to bidding on Ebay. If clocks were not synchronised to the same time you may find your airline seat sold after you had bought it and Ebay's administrators would not be able to discover whose bid was the latest.

NTP can synchronise networks across the Internet or a Local/Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN) it synchronises time with reference to a reliable clock source. This source could be relative such as a computer's internal clock or the time on a wrist-watch or absolute such as time from an atomic clock.

Most network administrators prefer to use an external absolute source, mainly because specialist NTP servers are available that can easily receive an atomic clock timing reference either through specialist radio transmissions (usually from national physics laboratories) or the GPS network.

A universal timescale called UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) has been developed allowing networks all around the world to be synchronized to the same timescale and supports such features as leap seconds - added to compensate for the slowing of the Earth's rotation

NTP uses an algorithm (a complex sequence of instructions) to keep time by constantly checking the time source and matching it to the time on its clocks on the network and instructs each device to alter if it becomes out of synchronisation.

NTP uses timestamps to represent the current time of the day each. As time is linear each timestamp is always greater than the previous one. NTP timestamps are in two formats but they relay the seconds from a set point in time (known as the prime epoch, set at 00:00 1 January 1900) The NTP algorithm then uses this timestamp to determine the amount to advance or retreat the system or network clock.

NTP analyses the timestamp values including the frequency of errors and the stability. A NTP server will maintain an estimate of the quality of both it's reference clocks and itself.

The NTP program (daemon on UNIX, service on Windows) runs in the background. NTP receives exchanges time information by packets (a block of data) but refuses to believe the time it is told until several exchanges have taken place, each passing a set of tests or protocol specifications. Only if the replies from a server satisfy these tests does the NTP utilizes this information. It usually takes about five minutes (five good samples) until a NTP server is accepted as a timing source.

Microsoft, who has installed a version of NTP in their operating systems since Windows 2000, strongly recommends that a hardware source is used as a timing reference as Internet sources can't be authenticated.

Authentication verifies that each timestamp has come from the intended time reference by analysing a set of agreed encryption keys that are sent along with the time information. NTP, using Message Digest encryption (MD5) to un-encrypt the key, analyses it and confirms whether it has come from the trusted time source by verifying it against a set of trusted keys.

The best solution is to use a specialist NTP server and receive an authoritative time reference via either the GPS network or radio transmissions (known as MSF in the UK or WWVB in the US).

NTP servers judge the distance of each network device from a timing source and organises them into Strata. These Stratum levels exist to prevent cycles and guarantee accuracy. Stratum 0 are devices such as reference clocks connected directly to a computer. Stratum 1 are computers attached to stratum 0 devices, while Stratum 2 are computers further out.

NTP is free to download via NTP.org and is continually supported and updated. The current version is v 4. A simplified version of NTP (SNTP) exists has less functions and is used in some devices and applications (and also included in older versions of Windows) where high accuracy timing is not as important.

Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/index.php?Network-Time-Protocol---Explaining-NTP-Servers-and-Network-Time-Synchronisation&id=1238145

Registry Cleaners and You

2008-06-20T01:12:00.000-07:00

Diagnosing the Brain: Your Computer's Registry

Many of us use our computers every day, unaware of the daily assaults they endure from adding and deleting files and programs or simply surfing the internet. Every action a computer does requires accessing its registry, and over time, these actions begin to affect the computer's ability to read its internal registry, which is kind of like an inventory of all the information on your computer that tells it how to run files and programs. Your computer constantly modifies that registry to account for any changes you make whether it's saving a one-page word document or doing some major programming. If enough changes are made, you may find that your computer's basic functions have been affected. It may run a little slower, display strange error messages, fail to end programs successfully, or even be unable to run at all. Many people have computer problems that are rooted in the registry, but few know what to do to remedy the problem.

Delete it, or Scrub it Clean? Fixing Computer Registry Errors

Because the registry is such a sensitive and vital part of your computer's operation, it takes a skilled technician to correctly clean it, and it can take such a specialist several hours, or even days, to inventory a whole file directory. For this reason, many people prefer to reformat the hard drive entirely, even going as far as reinstalling the operating system. Although this fix is pretty much always effective, it is very time consuming because it requires backing up all the files and programs on your computer first. Of course, it is easy to forget to back up a file, but almost impossible to get it back once the reformat is complete, so before you set out to completely wipe and reinstall your hard drive, you might want to consider other options.

While it takes the most capable computer technician much time to manually inspect and correct a registry, there are software programs that do this job automatically and in half the time. These programs, called registry cleaners, are widely available, sometimes even for free. Of course, since your registry is important and complicated enough to trust to a specialist, you want to feel secure about any program that will be combing through your computer's most vital codes and folders. Before you rush out and buy the most expensive registry scrubber you can find or download the first free application you see, there is some basic information about these programs that you should know first.

Created Equal? How to Find the Right Computer Registry Scrubber for You

To the untrained eye, there seems to be only two types of registry cleaners: those that are free and those that are not. Some people assume that officially licensed Windows programs work best and automatically purchase a registry scrubber. Others, faced with two seemingly identical programs, one of which is free, will always choose the free program. In reality, there is no correlation between price and quality. There are some equally good programs in both camps, and the only way to tell the difference is to get a sense of what people are saying about the programs and to compare the features of each choice.

Not all registry scrubbers are created equal. Some perform incomplete scans, leaving corrupted files and folders, and a few can actually damage your computer further. One way to get a sense of what a specific registry scrubber actually does is to look at its features and its ability to access and provide technical support. Each registry scrubber uses different cleaning features, including registry optimizers and compactors, AdWare and spyware removers, and deep scans. There are also features that focus on communicating with the user, such as those that offer detailed descriptions of any problems encountered or ignore lists. Comparing registry scrubber program features on a side by side basis can help you pick the application that is best for you and your PC. In general, you want the program with the most complete checklist of features, actions, and support. Keep in mind that just as there are rogue anti spyware programs out there, there are lots of rogue registry cleaners too, and those can be dangerous choices.

There are many internet sites that include side-by-side comparisons of registry cleaners, but be careful about advice from sites that advertise a particular program. More objective advice is best, especially when judging reviews. While reviews are one great way to find effective and safe registry cleaner software, they are sometimes written by representatives from the software companies themselves. Look for websites that offer a lot of different reviews about a program, and consider the overall opinion of the reviewers. Once you find a program that you like, don't be afraid to do more research on it. You can find tons of blogs, forums, and even expert opinions about specific registry cleaner software that might help influence your decision. Overall, the more information you have about a program, the more likely it is that you are making a good decision.

Although it is instinct to want to try and fix the problem as soon as possible when major computer issues occur, haste is one of the worst mistakes one can make with registry cleaners. Instead of downloading or purchasing the first registry scrubber you come across, do a little research and comparative shopping before making your decision. A little time spent finding the right registry scrubber can save you time and heartbreak later.

Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/index.php?Registry-Cleaners-and-You&id=1237591

Questions to Ask Before Computer Recycling

2008-06-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

What devices can you take in for recycling?

Many of the recyclers don't accept computers from individual households, in fact they only accept devices from companies or corporations. Many only accept certain devices, not all of them. Many may just accept laptops but not printers.

What are your policies regarding data destruction?

Many computer recyclers will wipe all data several times, thereby destroying it completely. The storage media can also be physically destroyed by shredding, crushing, breaking, cutting etc.
Computer owners should back-up their data before sending outdated computers for recycling. Ensure that all storage media like hard disks have been wiped cleaned of any sensitive data.

What are the management's practices regarding computer recycling

Ask the recycler about what environmental management certification he has in place. For computer recycling, there are various certification programs such as ISO 14001 Environmental management certification and certification by organizations such as International Association of Electronics Recyclers (IAER) or the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).
If the recycler isn't certified, then it's important to ask whether the company follows any recognized environmental management guideline such as EPA's Plug-in to E-Cycling Guidelines.

Have you had any safety violations or been sued for environmental damages

Check whether the company has been sued for environmental damages. Also check out any violations that it might have received in the past. Companies that have a good track record and standing should obviously be preferred.

What percentage of computer materials do you recycle?

Those companies that recycle nearly 90% of their goods are preferable to companies that recycle a lower percentage. Many things may not be recycled given the current state of technology available in the recycling industry. Look for companies that avoid landfills and safely dispose of toxic items such as mercury lamps, lead batteries etc.

How do you handle hazardous elements such as mercury lamps?

The companies that accept hazardous elements such as mercury and lead for recycling from computer components use various processes to extract these elements. They should also have written practices detailing the extraction processes of that they utilize. Hazardous elements need to be removed from laptops and computers before they are further processed.

Conclusion
Don't always go for price when choosing a recyclers. Instead, look at the environmental damage that can be caused if recycling doesn't take place. A responsible company should be able to leave the environment clean during and after computer recycling, rather than polluting it.

Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/index.php?Questions-to-Ask-Before-Computer-Recycling&id=1238384

The Secrets of Computer Repair

2008-06-20T01:09:00.000-07:00

The secret to computer repair is simple: you have to know and understand how your computer system works before you try to repair a problem. Repairing a computer is like any other type of repair; you must know how each separate part works in order to make the machine run. Once you have that knowledge, many of the problems that can go wrong with computers can be solved by using your compute knowledge in order to isolate and resolve the situation.

If you want to keep your computer from having to be repaired all you have to do is be vigilant about what goes on your computer. Spyware is a big threat to many computers. It tracks your moves and can steal your information. It also reduces the overall operating efficiency of your computer. Make sure you have an anti-spyware program that will find and destroy all the spyware on your system.

Another way to prevent your computer from needing any type of repair is to reduce the number of programs in the startup menu. You do not want to try to repair a slow computer that just has too much stuff on it. Instead, you can find the programs that your never use (ones that are automatically installed by the manufacturer) and getting rid of them. This will make your computer run much faster.

The last secret to keeping your computer running smoothly and not in need of repair is to get an anti virus program and keep it updated. An anti virus program that is never updated is of little use to your computers safety. New viruses are being developed all the time and in order to keep your computer safe and secure you will have to update your anti virus software at least two or three times a week. Make sure that your settings are also correct. This will ensure that your computer is being protected from most of the common viruses.

These are probably the first three areas that a computer repair specialist will check before they begin looking for another type of problem. If you computer is slow or no running as well as it should, the most common problems have to do with the programs that you have on your startup menu, your antivirus software, and your spyware software. If none of these are lacking, and you are still having a problem with your computer, you will need to check other areas of your computer in order to isolate the problem. This is where your knowledge of all the components in your computer will help you out. Most of the time, a problem with you computer is with the software. Something doesn't work right because of a certain setting or lack of space to correct the problem and have the computer function properly. Other problems with your computer can be with the hardware.

If you want to repair the hardware inside of your computer, you will first need to use some basic safety. Do not open up your computer's unit until you have all of the power shut off. That means unplugging it from the wall. Then you can open up the case and look for your problem. There are many components inside the computer, so make sure that you know what you are looking for before you begin working to repair the problems.

Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/index.php?The-Secrets-of-Computer-Repair&id=1245412

3 Reasons Your Computer Loads Slow

2008-06-20T01:08:00.000-07:00

Why your computer loads slow can be attributed to a few reasons within the Windows operating system and because of some types of programs that clog up your memory and CPU usage that slows the computer down when loading to Windows and then when you log into Windows as well. The three main reasons why your computer loads slow are as follows:

Invasive Software
One reason your computer loads slow is that you may have some software that runs on startup that consumers and amazing amount of power leaving nothing for other programs and the user. Most often this culprit is an anti-virus checker that scans your startup and files every time you start your computer causing it to load slow. To combat this you can often disable the startup check or even disable the entire program and only use it manually if you feel secure enough as many virus checkers are overkill.

Fragmented Hard Drive
When data is moved around your computer and programs and files are deleted, installed, changed and manipulated it causes an issue called fragmentation which is when data is all over the hard disk and simply put, Windows has to spend a lot of time following references and links to all parts of the hard drive to collect all the data needed to run itself and other programs. This can cause your computer to load slow and continue to be slow when in operation as well. To fix this you can go to the System Tools in Windows which has a program called 'disk defragmenter' which finds all these fragments and sorts them in order creating a faster running hard drive. Be warned though a badly fragmented drive can take hours to defrag!

Registry Errors
One problem which is harder to fix and is a major reason your computer loads slow is that of registry errors. The registry is where Windows stores all the software and hardware instructions to run your computer, unfortunately over time errors appear often from programs not uninstalling correctly. This is harder to pick and harder to correct that the other reasons but when your computer loads slow even if the other things are fixed this will always be an invisible issue causing performance problems.

Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/index.php?3-Reasons-Your-Computer-Loads-Slow&id=1251863

Speed Tweaks For XP - Get Maximum Windows Performance

2008-06-20T01:07:00.000-07:00

We would surely want to get the best out of the operating system that we have in our own computers. Sometimes, many experience a little slow down with our Windows operating system. We still haven't fully identified some of the things that could speed up our Windows XP operating system. All you need to have are some speed tweaks for XP. Once you are able to know some of these, you will have your Windows XP work to their full advantage without even budging a little. This article will offer some of the hundreds of speed tweaks for XP to give your Windows a little performance boost at every use.

Having the best out of your Windows XP system is not only about making it work faster than you want it to be. It is also being able to see the fonts clearly in your screen so you could input data faster. ClearType is one of the options provided by Microsoft in their systems in order to provide the users with a clearer and more improved appearance of text, especially when they are using LCD flat screen monitors. All you have to do is to visit the Microsoft Typography services and follow the instructions that it says. After installing the software provided in the link, you can now adjust ClearType in your Control Panel.

The Windows Media Player is another tool which we often use in our computer. Sadly, though, there are times that we haven't fully used the capability of this program to its best extent. If you are a movie buff and you would like to watch a flick while enabling the best high quality video and audio in your media player, then all you have to do is to tweak your XP to set it in an above normal priority. Just create a new textfile in your C drive, but give it with a .bat extension. Once that you've saved it, right click the file and choose Edit. Put this line in the textfile: start /AboveNormal C:\"Program Files"\"Windows Media Player"\wmplayer.exe %1 %*. Save the file and close it promptly, making sure that it has a .bat extension. Next step is to register your media files to be included in this batchfile. In Windows Explorer, go to Tools, then choose Folder Options. Go to File Types. Go to the AVI filetype and click Change. Point to the Above Normal file that you have created and click OK.

If you want to speed up the performance of your system, then you have to adjust the graphics. Sure, Windows XP boasts of a lot of state-of-the-art graphics, but this can sometimes make your system run slower. Go to the My Computer icon and click Properties. Go to the Advanced tab, and click the button under Performance, and navigate to the Visual Effects tab. Select Adjust for Best Performance. This will let your windows assume a Windows 2000 look, but nevertheless, this will speed up the performance of your operating system.

Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/index.php?Speed-Tweaks-For-XP---Get-Maximum-Windows-Performance&id=1249631

NTP Servers - Basic NTP Configuration

2008-06-20T00:57:00.000-07:00

Network Time Protocol has been developed to keep computers synchronized. All computers are prone to drift and accurate timing is essential for many time critical applications.

A version of NTP is installed on most versions of Windows (although a stripped down version called SNTP -Simplified NTP- is in older versions) and Linux but is free to download from NTP.org.

When synchronising a a network it is preferable to use a dedicated NTP server that receives a timing source from an atomic clock either via specialist radio transmissions or the GPS network. However, many Internet time references are available, some more reliable than others, although it must be noted Internet based time sources can't be authenticated by NTP, leaving your computer vulnerable to threats.

NTP is hierarchical and arranged into stratum. Stratum 0 is timing reference, while stratum 1 is a server connected to a stratum 0 timing source and a stratum 2 is a computer (or device) attached to a stratum 1 server.

The Basic configuration of NTP is done using the /etc/ntp.conf file you have to edit it and place the IP address of stratum 1 and stratum 2 servers. Here is an example of a basic ntp.conf file:

server xxx.yyy.zzz.aaa prefer (time server address such as time.windows.com)
server 123.123.1.0
server 122.123.1.0 stratum 3
Driftfile /etc/ntp/drift

The most basic ntp.conf file will list 2 servers, one that it wishes to synchronise too and an IP address for itself. It is good housekeeping to have more than one server for reference in case one goes down.

A server with the tag 'prefer' is used for a trusted source ensuring NTP will always use that server when possible. The IP address will be used in case of problems when NTP will synchonise with itself is. The drift file is where NTP builds a record of the system clock's drift rate and automatically adjusts for it.

NTP will adjust your system time but only slowly. NTP will await at least ten packets of information before trusting the time source. To test NTP simply change your system clock by half an hour at the end of the day and the time in the morning should be correct.

Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/index.php?NTP-Servers---Basic-NTP-Configuration&id=1257344

Three ways on how to make your computer run faster

2008-06-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

In this computer how to guide I will you the three most important things to make your computer run faster. If you these 3 really simple instructions your computer will strengthen its performance.

Using MSCONFIG To Toggle Off Start Up Applications

Using MSCONFIG will authorize you to close all applications that are loading up when you start up your pc. Most of applications take it upon themselves to believe that they need to be taking up space in the background even when they are not being taking advantage of. we might need to running such as our anti viruses, but a many of them we don't really need. A great example is MSN Messenger. When you download and use this app, it will automatically use up RAM when you start your computer, you don't have to have that.. I will show you now how to get rid of pesky programs at boot up time to make a computer run faster.

1. Move your mouse to your start button, press it and press "Run". It should be instantly right on "all programs".

2. A box will appear labeled "Open:" MSCONFIG in the area provided and click enter or pressOK.

3. You will now show the System Configuration Utility. Press the "startup" tab all the way to the right.

4. You are going to be be taken to a list of all the "startup"applications.

In Windows XP, all of Windows' must have applications are booted up through titled "Windows Services." This basically means that almost allof the startupapplications you in XP are 100% optional and could beswitched off. However, a good rule of thumb is to stop just those applications that you are familiar with and don't have to have running all day. When in doubt, leave it on.

5. Click the Ok button. You are going to receive a prompt that will request you to reboot your PC before any of the changes take place. Pressrestart and your PC will automatically restart and your options will . You will now have a quicker start up time and your computer will move speedier without all those applications running in the background.

Stopping all the start up programs is a terrific way on how to make your computer run faster.

Every Microsoft Windows operating system contains a registry. Your system registry has a massive amount of info about your PC, and is why we continue to ger feedback frompeople that after utilizing their PC for a short range of time, it won't work the way it started. This is created by lost entries that inhabitt in your system registry, that probably exist because of you don't use or that never got correctly taken off your computer. By getting rid of these entries, you can significantly accelerate the performance of your PC.

Around the web there are tons of alike programs on the internet, but worked the for me. Its consistent and always the correct problem. I have installed a applications claiming to be similar to this one that claims it searches for and errors but really finds nothing, just a scam.

You a 100% free scan so you can try it out to see how many errors your PC has. Now go ahead and click below to use your free scan to search out your system and see how many errors your computer probably has.

To all the errors Registry Fix will cost you a little bit for a complete version of their software. Believe me though if you need a speedy jump in computer performance this is an absolute must. The registry must be fixed to make a computer run faster.

As you use your hard drive, it can create bad sectors. Bad sectors reduce hard disk performance and more often than not make data writing (such as file saving) challenging, or even impossible. The Error Checking program scans the hard drive for damaged sectors, and scans for file system errors to look and see whether specific files or folders are unorganized.

you make us of your PC daily, you need to run this tool every seven days to help neglectdata . also help in your attempt to make a computer run faster!

To use the Error Checking utility:

Important: Make sure to exit out of all files before using the Error-Checking utility. This can also make a computer run faster!

1. Press Start, and then hit My Computer.

2. When you get to the My Computer window, right-click the hard drive you to run a scan for broken sectors, now please press Properties.

3. In the Properties dialog area, hit the Tools tab.

4. hit the Check Now button.

5. In the Check Disk dialog box, select the Scan for and tryrecovery of bad sectors check box, and then tab Start.

In most circumstances, select Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.

6. If broken sectors are detected, choose to fix them.

Only choose the Automatically fix file system errors check box if you think that your disk has bad sectors.

Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=973463

NTP: Accurate Network Time Synchronisation

2008-06-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

All PCs and networking devices use clocks to maintain an internal system time. These clocks, called Real Time Clock chips (RTC) provide time and date information. The chips are battery backed so that even during power outages, they can maintain time. However, personal computers are not designed to be perfect clocks, their design has been optimized for mass production and low-cost rather than maintaining accurate time.

These internal clocks are prone to drift and although for many application this is can be quite adequate, often machines need to work together on a network and if the computers drift at different rates the computers will become out of sync with each other and problems can arise particularly with time sensitive transactions.

A time server uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP) which was developed over 20 years ago. It uses an algorithm (Marzulloâ€™s algorithm) to synchronise time on a network. NTP (version 4) can maintain time over the public Internet to within 10 milliseconds (1/100th of a second) and can perform even better over LANs with accuracies of 200 microseconds (1/5000th of a second) under ideal conditions.

NTP uses a single time reference and synchronises all machines on the network to that time. This time reference can be either relative (a computerâ€™s internal clock or the time on a wrist-watch perhaps) or absolute such as a UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) clock source like an atomic clock that is as accurate as is humanely possible.

Atomic clocks are the most absolute time-keeping devices. They work on the principle that the atom, caesium-133, has an exact number of cycles of radiation every second (9,192,631,770). This has proved so accurate the International System of Units (SI) has now defined the second as the duration of 9,192,631,770 cycles of radiation of the caesium-133 atom.

However, atomic clocks are extremely expensive and are generally only to be found in large-scale physics laboratories. However, NTP can synchronise networks to an atomic clock by using either the Global Positioning system (GPS) network or specialist radio transmission.

The most widely used is the GPS system which consists of a number of satellites providing accurate positioning and location information. Each GPS satellite can only do this by utilising an atomic clock which in turn can be can be used as a timing reference.

A typical GPS time server can provide timing information to within a few nanoseconds of UTC as long as there is an antenna situated with a good view of the sky.

There are also a number of national time and frequency radio transmissions that can be used to synchronise a NTP server. In Britain the signal (called MSF) is broadcast by the National.

Physics Laboratory in Cumbria which serves as the United Kingdom's national time reference, there are also similar systems in Colorado, US (WWVB) and in Frankfurt, Germany (DCF-77). These signals provides UTC time to an accuracy of 100 microseconds, however, the radio signal has a finite range and is vulnerable to interference.

All Microsoft Windows versions since 2000 include the Windows Time Service (w32time.exe) which has the ability to synchronise the computer clock to an NTP server.

Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=973667

Configuring a Windows Based NTP Network Time Server

2008-06-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Computer time synchronisation is highly important in modern computer networks, precision and time synchronization is critical in many applications, particularly time sensitive transactions. Just imagine buying an airline seat only to be told at the airport that the ticket was sold twice because it was purchased afterwards on a computer that had a slower clock!

Modern computers do have internal clocks called Real Time Clock chips (RTC) that provide time and date information. These chips are battery backed so that even during power outages, they can maintain time but personal computers are not designed to be perfect clocks. Their design has been optimized for mass production and low-cost rather than maintaining accurate time.

For many applications, this is can be quite adequate, although, quite often machines need time to be synchronised with other PC's on a network and when computers are out of sync with each other problems can arise such as sharing network files or in some environments even fraud!

Microsoft Windows (2000 and above) has a time synchronisation utility built into the operating system called Windows Time (w32time.exe) which can be configured to operate as a network time server. It can be configured to both synchronise a network using the internal clock or an external time source.

Note: Microsoft strongly recommends that you configure a time server with a hardware source rather than from the internet where there is no authentication.

To configure Windows Time service to use the internal hardware clock, first check that w32time is located in the system services list in the registry, to check: Click Start, Run then type regedit then click ok. Locate and then click the following registry entry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time It is highly recommended that you back up the registry as serious problems may occur if you modify the registry incorrectly, modifications to the registry are done at your own risk.

Note: the following instructions are based on Windows 2000 other versions of Windows may differ.

To begin configuration for an internal clock, click on the following subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters In the right pane, right-click ReliableTimeSource, then click Modify. In Edit DWORD Value, type 1 in the Value Data box, then click OK Exit Registry Editor

To restart the Windows Time Service click Start, Run (or alternatively use the Command Prompt facility). Type: net stop w32time && net start w32time Then press enter.

To reset the local computersâ€™ time, type the following on all computers except for the time server which must not be synchronised with itself: w32tm â€"s

To configure the Windows Time service to use an external time source, click Start, Run and type regedit then click OK.

Locate the following subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters In the right pane, right-click Type then click Modify, in edit Value type NTP in the Value data box then click OK.

Now in the right pane, right click ReliableTimeSource, then click Modify. In the Edit DWORD Value box, under Value Data, type 0, then click OK.

Right-click NtpServer in the right pane then click Modify. In Edit Value, type the Domain Name System (DNS), each DNS must be unique. Now click Ok.

For Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 only, set the time correction settings to do this locate: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters In the right pane, right-click MaxAllowedClockErrInSecs, then Modify in the Edit DWORD Value box, , type a time in seconds max number of seconds difference between the local clock and the time received from the NTP server in order to be considered a valid new time. Click OK.

To set the poll intervals locate: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters In the right pane, right-click Period, then click Modify. In the Edit DWORD Value box, under Value Data, type 24 then OK Exit Registry Editor

Click Start, then Run then type the following and press Enter: Net stop w32time && net start w32time

To reset the local computersâ€™ time, type the following on all computers except for the time server which must not be synchronised with itself:

Network Time Protocol (NTP) is an Internet protocol used for the transfer of accurate time, providing time information along so that a precise time can be obtained

To enable the Network Time Protocol; NTPserver, locate and click: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpServer\ In the right pane, right-click Enabled, then click Modify. In the Edit DWord Value box, type 1 under Value data, then click OK.

Now go back and click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters\NtpServer In the right pane, right-click NtpServer, then Modify, in the Edit DWORD Value under Value Data type In the right pane, right-click NtpServer, then Modify, in the Edit DWORD Value under Value Data type the Domain Name System (DNS), each DNS must be unique and you must append 0x1 to the end of each DNS name otherwise changes will not take effect. Now click Ok.

Locate and click the following HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient\SpecialPollInterval In the right pane, right-click SpecialPollInterval, then click Modify. In the Edit DWORD Value box, under Value Data, type the number of seconds you want for each poll, ie 900 will poll every 15 minutes, then click OK.

To configure the time correction settings, locate: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\config In the right pane, right-click MaxPosPhaseCorrection, then Modify, in the Edit DWORD Value box, under Base, click Decimal, under Value Data, type a time in seconds such as 3600 (an hour) then click OK.

Now go back and click: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\config In the right pane, right-click MaxNegPhaseCorrection, then Modify. In the Edit DWORD box under base, click Decimal, under value data type the time in seconds you want to poll such as 3600 (polls in one hour)

Exit Registry Editor Now to restart windows time service, click Start, Run (or alternatively use the command prompt facility) and type: net stop w32time && net start w32time

And on each computer, other than the time server, type: W32tm/ -s

And that's it your time server should be now up and running.

Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=973696

Casting Iron, Iron Melting, And Iron Casting Basics

2008-06-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

Many believe that iron casting is just simply out of reach for small furnaces but this is not the case. While alloys like aluminum are more prevalent in home foundries. Artists and hobbyists have also used brass, bronze, and even iron to fulfill their casting needs.

Industrial foundries commonly use iron for a variety of items like cookware, like cast iron pans, and even bridges. Casting iron provides an easy and effective method of making such large structural pieces and even smaller pieces for around the home.

The most common furnace type used by home foundries is the cupola furnace. The cupola is a basic furnace type that does not need a crucible as it allows the caster to pour the molten metal directly from the furnace into a ladle which is then poured into the mold. Cupola furnaces resemble smoke stacks and can be home made for those with enough confidence and some mechanical know-how to attempt it. The fuels used to heat the metal in a cupola furnace depend on the caster's resources and preference. Many will use propane and some will use coal. There are a select few that will use waste material such as old scraps of metal and the powder at the bottom of bags of barbecue coal to fuel the cupola. For iron many would recommend the use of propane, but there have been some casters that have succeeded with waste material. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fuel types to find the perfect fit for your furnace and need.

Finding a source of iron can be difficult and a trip to the scrap yard might be in order. This is just one of the exciting ventures that metal casting can provide you. After you locate your iron you will need to prepare your mold. This is assuming you have a pattern in mind that you want to cast. If not, then go ahead and figure something out even if it's a small piece in order to test your iron casting ability. Since sand casting is the most popular casting method you might want to use it for the iron casting especially if you are familiar with the method and not with iron.

After making the sand mold and placing the runner for the molten iron you will melt the metal. The melting point of iron is 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit or about 1538 degree Celsius. Since all metals melt at different temperatures don't be impatient if iron takes longer to melt and don't be surprised if it's quicker.

When the molten iron is ready you are going to pour some into a ladle and the pour that into the sand mold. The sand mold is held in place by the cope and drag, which is the top and bottom part of the mold. The runners are in place in the mold to allow the molten iron a place to enter. When the iron is cool, remove the cast from the sand carefully and there you have a cast of iron.

As with all metal casts, you will need to follow the appropriate safety steps to avoid any accidents. Accidents with molten metal will always be very painful so make sure you wear gloves, jeans, boots, and a long sleeve shirt. You may also want a heavy duty leather apron and a pair of goggles.

Iron casting is a great way to create restoration items or pieces for around the home and even for artistic purposes.

Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=973996

Cell Phone Accessories

2008-06-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Making a fashion statement today means more than just a trendy wardrobe and shoe closet. In the technology driven world we live in, style and chic are extended to cell phone accessories as well. A faceplate or cover isn't just attractive; it can keep your cell phone scratch-free and clean. You can add a touch of your personality to your cell phone when you choose the right case and cover.

Cell phone accessories also extend to the latest rage - the Gear 2 Go bling kit. This pimped out kit comes with 300 crystals, in a variety of colors. The easy peel-N'-stick sheet means creating custom designs that are unique and accentuated with a charm. Once your cell phone has its bling, you can even customize the keypad. Choose laser or crystal keypads that shine through a variety of bright colors.

A carrying pouch or case and holster are an essential on-the-go cell phone accessory. Genuine leather pouches are sophisticated and very stylish, but there are also choices for the fun-loving - a bling pouch, the kids - the Disney series, college students and baseball fans - the MLB pouches. A belt-clip holster lets you be hands-free without needing to stuff your cell phone into your pocket. This cell phone accessory offers convenience when you're on the move.

Cell phone accessories need not be only style and fashion, many offer real utility. Give your cell phone reception a boost with an antenna. These increase the received signal a couple of times, so you'll never worry about a call dropping if you drop off the map. The special Shark-fin antenna is gives your signal a boost and your car that upscale look. It's easy to attach and remove this quality repeater antenna.

A hands free kit is another indispensible on-the-go cell phone accessory. There are two types of hands free kits available - the wired and the wireless. The wireless Bluetooth enabled hands free headset is no longer only for the corporate professional; these next generation headsets are available at unbelievably low prices now, offering their cable-free convenience to anyone with a Bluetooth enabled cell phone.

Genuine replacements for the cell phone accessories that came bundled with your phone are available with full warranty. Battery replacements and chargers for every cell phone model possible can be purchased online.

Many people think that they haven't properly cared for their battery, and that's the reason it will no longer hold a charge. They think that if they had properly discharged their batteries before recharging them, it would've made a difference. While this is true for the old Ni-Cad batteries we used to use, this is not true for the lithium-ion batteries that are used in the cell phones we use today.

What does matter is the age of the battery, the temperature they are stored at, and the amount of power left in them while they are stored. The cooler the environment the battery is kept in, the less of a rate it will lose it's capacity as long as it's not extremely low temperatures. Another thing to note is the rate of charging and discharging the battery also reduces the capacity. With these things in mind, here are some tips to giving your cell phone battery longer life.

Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=974254

Optimizing Memory Card Performances

2008-06-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

A memory card is an extension card, which can be inserted into a multitude of appliances like a computer, a digital camera, a personal digital assistant, a smart phone or an MP3 player. The memory card is used to extend the memory capacity of the host device.

Multiple integrated circuit devices that are interconnected using a circuit board substrate make a memory card. A memory card or a flash memory card is a solid-state electronic flash memory data storage device, which offers high re-record ability, power free storage (memory card is a non-volatile memory device with a compact housing which is in no need of power source to retain its memory contents) and enduring environmental limitations. Non-solid state memory cards that do not use flash memory are also available (also known as Mem-cards).

There are different types of memory cards available such as a Random Access Memory card (RAM), a Read-only Memory Card (ROM) and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) card and a flash memory card.

A flash memory card represents first logic state of the binary state system storing charge on a floating gate and the second logic state of the binary state system is signified by the absence of stored charges.

A memory card can perform a write operation, a read operation and an erase operation. There are four major types of memory cards (based on their storage and specification) like compact flash, secure digital, memory stick and xD. Each one of the memory cards characteristically conforms to a specific form factor of the standard and has a unique connector, which conforms the electrical and mechanical interface of the cards to the respective standards.

In 1990s, a number of memory cards formats smaller than PC card came out (like Compact flash, smart media and miniature card) and also tiny embedded memory. With the invention of ultra small cards for cell phones, PDAs and Compact digital cameras, the previous generation of ‘compact cards’ were looking big. In industrial fields, even the vulnerable PC card memory cards manage to maintain a slot unlike in cell phone and PDA market.

Nowadays personal computers have built in slots for more than one memory card like memory stick, compact flash, SD, etc. to ensure compatibility.

There are two types of software available in memory card namely, memory card Data Recovery Software and Memory card File Recovery Software. Memory Card File recovery software is designed to recover images, movies, sound and other data files from all types of digital media and compatible with major memory card devices. The memory card filed recovery software does a deep scanning of the media at the lowest level to recover and retrieve the deleted photos. Memory Card File Recovery Software is fast and easy and does not require any scientific enterprise for the recovery process and this online recovery is a safe technique. Just insert the memory card into a USB card reader and run the memory card file recovery software to rescue it to a safer location.

Memory card Data Recovery Software recovers lost pictures, images, photos, audio and video files and folders from all memory card storage media – flash drive, multi media memory card, mobile communicator, mobile PC and hand held computers. This memory card data recovery software recovers data even when the media is corrupted or memory card is pulled out from their running device. In addition it recovers data even if Windows displays ‘drive not formatted’ message. It is the easiest and quickest software utility tool for any type of digital file folders to recover, retrieve, rescue, repair or restore the data.

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Optimizing-Memory-Card-Performances/422476

Advantages Of External Hard Drive

2008-06-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

The computer component that holds data is a hard drive and an external hard drive is a hard drive that is outside the computer case in its own enclosure (also called hard drive cage). Every computer needs at least one hard drive to store its operating system, programs and user interpretation. It is usually internal but additional external hard drives have become indispensable.

An external hard drive has become indispensable because there are potential security threats to our computers like virus due to Internet access even after employing anti-virus programs and firewalls.

Apart from this, inadvertent corruption of sensitive documents and additional space required for multimedia storage are some of the problems and one single solution to all such problems is the external hard drive.

The external hard drive is enclosed in an enclosure outside the main computer and is slightly larger than the hard drive itself and sometimes has a cooling fan. The external hard drive is connected to the computer through a high-speed interface cable, which enables the external hard drive to communicate with the computer by means of interfaces like USB and Fire Wire.

An external hard drive is a very constructive piece of equipment in the sense that it allows the user to back up or store important information detached from the main internal hard drive, which could be affected by on-line or off-line activities. An external hard drive can hold sensitive documents, DVD images, disc images, large music files, movies and also a back up of the contents of the main internal hard drive safely and securely. When on line, external hard drive can even be left turned off.

An external hard drive has another advantage – it is portable and operates on plug and play basis. The external hard drive can be used as a storage device for any computer with a USB or Fire Wire capability.

Hard drives are available in two basic formats: SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) and IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics). IDE drives use a 40-pin connection and are cheaper and SATA hard drives are faster and transfer data at six times the speed of IDE external hard drive.

An external hard drive is basically composed of the Platters, the Spindles and Spindle Motor, the Read/Write Head and the Head Actuator.

The Platters are the actual discs inside the external drive that store the magnetized data. Platters made of glass or ceramic are used because they are thinner and are more heat resistant. Generally, the external hard drives have at least two platters and the larger the storage capacity of the hard drive the more the platters. The Spindle Motor is built right into the Spindle and spins the Platter at a constant set rate ranging from 3600 to 7200 rpm. The Read/Write Head reads and writes the data to the Platter. There is necessarily one head per platter side and each head is attached to a single actuator shaft. Only one of the heads is active at a time reading or writing the data. All the heads are attached to a single head actuator, which moves the head around the Platters. The platters spindle, spindle motor, head actuator and the read or write head are all contained in a chamber called the Hard Disc Assembly (HDA)

We can even buy several hard drives and barter them in and out of the same enclosures, using one for work, one for back up, and one for multi media and song and so on and thus there are boundless reasons to use an external hard drive.

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Advantages-of-External-Hard-Drive/422477

Physical Security Of Your Computer System

2008-06-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

You’ve paid a lot of money for your computer system and the majority of your business documents and information is kept on your computer. Wouldn’t it be wise to take physical security measures to protect your system and the data that is on it?

If you are a SOHO business owner that has a system in the home with critical information on it, care should be taken to make sure that the system is password protected. If the computer is used for other than business, then you may want to consider getting a separate system so that you’ll have a system for business and a system for the family so data won’t be destroyed.

However, if you cannot afford a new system at this time then make sure that files are password protected for certain documents so that information cannot be changed or compromised. It’s good to constantly back up your system weekly based on the volume of business that you conduct.

Laptops have become the rage of all computer users. They are small, portable and convenient to use. You can take laptops anywhere (coffee shop, library, and restaurant) and do business while accessing the local Wi-Fi spot to get on the Internet.

Extra care should be taken when you are carrying your laptop. Before you leave home, put your laptop in the trunk, away from the trunk latch so that it isn’t visible. That way, if you have your window down, no one can reach in and steal it when you make a stop.

When you are in a public place, you should always be in close proximity of your laptop. Not unless you really know people in the place that you are in, take your laptop to the restroom with you. It’s better to be safe than sorry and have all of your hard work and information disappear!

If you make a stop to the grocery store, DON’T leave your laptop on the front seat! People have been known to smash windows and steal laptops. Put your laptop in the trunk! Most cars come with alarm systems so if someone tries to break in, the alarm will alert the owner.

Use common sense in physically protecting your computer systems.

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Physical-Security-of-Your-Computer-System/422615

What To Do With Free Reverse Cell Phone Number Search Directories

2008-06-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

It's really a bother when you pick up the phone only to have the other end of the line hang up on you. It actually happens once in a while, and it's something that you can easily forget about in seconds. But to be subjected to it frequently is another story. This is where free reverse cell phone number search directories come in.

The pain that "hangers-up" do is such that people become more than willing to exert effort in hunting them down. The hunt begins with sorting through a free reverse phone number lookup, which allows you to learn a number of basic information. It can help you learn where the phone number is located, determine if it is a cell phone or a landline phone number, and find out what carrier operates the number in question. Following after reverse phone number lookup services for landline owners, the reverse cell number lookup services also permits users to look up a person's cell phone number by simply keying in their name.

You can find people by entering their numbers into a search engine. However, the problem with this method is that not all people have numbers that are publicly obtainable. Should you have access to private, unlisted or cell phone numbers, you must need a more powerful tool. And even when you get access to data that's not available to the public, the only information you're bound to get is only the person's name.

If you find out that the number is a landline phone number, all you have to do is to load a free reverse phone directory that is available for free on the Internet. The most leading choices are YellowPages.com search directory, the White Pages.com free phone lookup directories and Anywho.com telephone lookup directory & PhoneNumber.com free phone search directory.

However, if the number belongs to a cell phone unit, don't fret. While it used to be difficult to search a person through his or her cell phone number alone, the recent emergence of reverse phone number lookup services offers easy ways of obtaining an address with only a phone number to go by. It is making the once-complicated task of finding cell phone owners easier.

Then again, there are no free reverse cell phone search services available. Although they may require you to pay them, the few reliable, reverse phone number lookup directories are the ones that people can trust. They are able to deliver without fault, can provide accurate information, and offer services that are guaranteed. They are those people who give you your money back should you be dissatisfied with their services.

So if you are more than willing to further your search by using these paid services, be sure to go for the accurate and dependable reverse cell phone tracking providers so you wouldn't be wasting time and money. By going for the reliable ones, you will be sure of getting authentic information other than the sum of a cell phone number.

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/What-To-Do-With-Free-Reverse-Cell-Phone-Number-Search-Directories/422722

Difference Between The Internet And The World Wide Web

2008-06-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Many people get confused by the difference between the internet and the World Wide Web. The early internet development was carried out largely by the Department of Defence in the USA, while the World Wide Web (WWW) was invented by Englishman Tim Berners-Lee some 20 years later.

They are different entities, and the way to explain the difference is to take the telephone as an analogy. If your computer is the analogue of your telephone set, then your IP address is your telephone number, specific to your telephone, the World Wide Web consists of all file addresses that can publicly be connected to each other (e.g. equiv. to conversations that you have by telephone) and the internet is the means by which they are connected – the telephone cables and wireless connections.

Thus, the web consists of all the files, that can be text, images, videos and so on that can be accessed by means of hyperlinks from one IP address to the specific file location on another IP address, and passed between IP addresses using the internet.

Although the World Wide Web started in 1990, we can trace the roots of the Internet to as early as the 1950s to 1960s. It was actually started after the Russians launched Sputnik 1 in 1957, and the American military became afraid of the conquest of space by the Russians. They became conscious of the need for swift computer communication round the world in the interest of defence.

It was in 1962 that the DARPA or Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency was formed, and in 1969 the first internet officially went live, referred to as the ARPANET. It was the idea of a man who is aptly called the father of the internet, J.C.R. Licklider. His idea, that he called the Galactic Network, is considered to be the seed of the Internet.

Who knew back then that internet business would flourish as it did? Aside from Licklider, Vinton Gray Cerf is considered to be one of the forefathers of the Internet. Cerf developed the TCP/IP protocols needed for the transfer of packetized files, and in doing that, he played a key role in the development of the internet.

The first long distance connection was also developed in the 1960s, by MIT researcher Lawrence G. Roberts and Thomas Merrill in 1965. They connected the TX-2 computer from Massachusetts to a Q-32 computer in California. However, the phone lines during that time could not handle internet technology and it was some time before such technology was commonplace.

Many familiar names can be thrown into the pot, one of which is Al Gore. Many people mistake him as the inventor of the Internet. While it is not true, he actively promoted it, making him a key player in its growth. Al Gore popularized the term "information superhighway" which was coined back in 1974 by Nam June Paik.

While the Internet grew over the decades, it was only in the 1990s that the World Wide Web provided the resource by which ordinary people could have easy access to the internet. Home computers were common by then, but internet access was still in its infancy.

It was in 1993 that the first known web browser, Mosaic, was released. The radio media took 38 years for them to have 50 million users or listeners. The television took 13 years while the Internet only needed 5 years to achieve the same volume of usage. Much of that had to do with reduced costs, of course, but it was a significant achievement nevertheless.

A little known fact is that only about a third of internet communication is in English, the most common of the other two thirds being in Chinese and Spanish. North America has the largest continental concentration at 70%. On the other hand, the country with highest percentage of Internet users is Sweden at 75%. Another interesting fact about the Internet business is the number of pages or indices there are today. According to Google, their index now contains over 8 billion pages and it is still growing rapidly each day.

Source : http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Difference-between-the-Internet-and-the-World-Wide-Web/423017

Life Is Great With Modern Day Cheap Laptops

2008-06-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

The modern day computer market is a completely different place to shop than what it was some decades ago. In the current market, the bulky and traditional computers find no place and are effectively replaced by smart, sleek and performance-oriented laptops.

A laptop is an integral part for many of us for some reason or the other. While the office executives make use of it for performing their duties even while on the move, the housewives and students make use of it to search the Internet or valuable information for miscellaneous purposes.

Let us study some of the numerous benefits of a laptop over the traditional desktop computers. A laptop offers higher levels of portability, flexibility, reliability and is space-conscious. The emergence of new market players, intense competition, falling price, higher levels of customer satisfaction and favourable market trends have all contributed to the growth of the laptop market in the recent years.

The modern day cheap laptops offer exceptional solutions when it comes to complex needs, high-quality image resolution, viewing angle and contrast ratio. Most of the latest laptops score heavily when it comes to satisfying the ever-growing needs of their users.

If you are planning to buy a fresh or second-hand laptop, you must consider some critical factors such as performance, price, substitute products, prevailing market trends, customer service and brand awareness. You must demand the original bill and warranty documents from the vendor and stay away from the grey market. It is of no use to buy the cheap laptops and regret at a later stage. Do not get lured by false promises and tall claims of profit-motivated vendors who leave no stone unturned to get easy and innocent customers.

Some of the leading names in the world of cheap laptops are Acer, HCL and Compaq. The advanced and stylish Acer laptops such as the Acer Aspire 5583WXMi, Acer TravelMate 4233WLMi, Acer TM 6292 and Acer Ferrari 1005WTMi offer complete value for your money. These highly elegant and power-packed Acer laptops will never let you down with sub-standard performance and will reduce your burden with some exceptional quality and performance on a consistent basis.

Thus, it can be easily concluded that the present day cheap laptops are great assets for each one of us. The only thing we need to remember is that it' s better to wait for a purchase than to buy a low quality laptop.

Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_555590_10.html

How to Design A Powerful Inventory Software?

2008-06-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

I have been design and developing inventory tracking software for the pass 7 years, and from my experience, the most difficult part of Inventory software is the month end calculation. Any programmer can do that, but if the data grow from 4 GB per month, improper design will just kill the database in less than a year!

Let me share some ideas I use to counter such a problem:

Idea #1 - Design the system to batch processing.
You must admit you can't have all eggs in a basket! While the market is screaming for Realtime software, it is just not practical to invoke the business rules every-time someone entered a transaction. Any inventory system design in this way will require 10 times processing power, so unless it is a must have feature, I won't recommend to design the system to cater for Realtime processing at all.

Idea #2 - Consolidate the processing into daily, weekly and monthly.
You need only to store the monthly summary for a large inventory system, but you must process and store weekly and even daily data temporarily. Every day summary will be consolidated into the weekly summary, then clear daily data for next week daily process. Perform the same with the weekly data after consolidated into the monthly table. If you are using Microsoft SQL server, extra care must be taken when clearing the temporary data. There are some special way other than SQL "delete from" command to speed up the process!

Idea #3 - Report processing.
Do not store all report summaries into tables, use the tables as summary cache. Trust me on this, there will be many report to come, and every time you need a report, a summary table will be created, then the database will grow into a monster very fast! Instead, combine daily, weekly and monthly data in the process and use SQL statement to join the different table into logical dataset, and you report from there! Unless there are many people requesting the same report all the time, you might want to consider create data warehouse for the reporting purposes.

Idea #4 - Use multi-tier technology.
Multi-tier technology allows you to separate the system business rules from processing, may be even taking some of the processing, such as reporting processing from the database server into the application server, load balance the machine processing power and provide better user experience.

There are still many things to consider, but these 4 major ideas should outline the critical requirement of the heavy duty Inventory software. Just keep in mind the design process must always align with the business environment of your client, the volume of data and the business nature will decide how the system should handle the processing, so keep study, study and study until you understand what is your client requirements...

Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_555674_10.html

What Makes VS2008 500% Faster in Coding?

2008-06-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

Do you know you can do programming 5X faster than before? In Visual Studio 2008 there are some tools many developers ignore since Visual Studio 2005, but I must stress these tools has been improved dramatically to better support database programming, and I won't be surprise to write database application few times faster than conventional programmer!

OK, you might hear something called RAD long time ago, but I don't think many of you take it seriously. I use RAD since Borland Delphi, and I am impressed that VS2008 bring this even further! If you have no idea what is RAD, you must continue to read on, I guarantee this will open your eye to the new programming era.

So what is RAD? RAD stands for Rapid Application Development, is a set of tools or code generator to map database layer into logical object, without a single code! You can even override the event and create your own insert, update and delete business rules.

The dataset designer has been introduced since VS2003, but at that time the technology still not mature. Since VS2005, dataset designer has been evolved into powerful object mapping tools. You can define all business rules in the dataset designer, logically separate all interfaces with data. There are still some limitation, in theory the dataset should be portable to ASP.Net, if this can be achieved, imagine how easy to port existing windows base clients into Web base clients!

VS2008 introduce a new component for ADO.NET, called TableAdapterManager. This powerful component allows developer to easily perform Master and Details Hierarchical updates in few clicks! These are not possible few years back without lots of codings.

The framework does not stop here, new VS2008 extend n-tier support further by separating data access object from dataset designer, now the client can easily share data access interface with the server, developer no longer needs to separate the interface manually!

The enhancement still continues, many exciting features will be included into VS2008, currently available as beta, such as Silverlight and Microsoft Sync framework for ADO.Net, and many more...

Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_555749_10.html

What is WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) for Fiber Optic Communication? Fiber Optic Tutorial

2008-06-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

What is WDM?

WDM is the abbreviation for Wavelength Division Multiplexing. What it does is to split the the light in an optic fiber into a number of discrete wavelengths (colors). Each wavelength (color) is a independent channel running at data rate at 2.5Gbit/s, 10Gbit/s, 40Gbit/s or even 100Gbit/s (still under development). So if the light in the fiber is split into 16 wavelengths (colors or channels), and each wavelength is running at 40Gbit/s data rate, we get a total of 40Gbit/s x 16 = 640Gbit/s rate. This is especially true in long haul and ultra long haul fiber optic communication links.

In addition, fibers carrying 64 and more channels (wavelengths) are already available on the market now. Which means we can run 2,560Gbit/s data rate on a single fiber. How about 48 fibers in a single fiber optic cable? That gives us an amazing 2,560Gbit/s x 48 = 122,880Gbit/s link. Of course, this kind of high speed and high fiber count links are usually only deployed for Internet backbones.

From aforementioned samples, you can see the shocking truth about WDM. It dramatically increases capacity of a fiber optic link while minimizes equipment and fiber optic cable cost.

What is DWDM?

DWDM stands for Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing. Here "dense" means the wavelength channels are very narrow and close to each other. For 100 GHz dense WDM, the interval between adjacent channels are only 100 GHz, (or 0.8nm). For example, the adjacent channels could be 1530.33nm, 1531.12nm and 1531.90nm.

DWDM are widely used for the 1550nm band so as to leverage the capabilities of EDFA (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers). EDFAs are commonly used for the 1525nm ~ 1565nm (C band) and 1570nm ~ 1610nm (L Band).

Why is DWM so important?

The exploitation of DWDM has fueled an explosion in transmission capacity. The amount of information that can be sent over the fiber cables that span the world has increased so much that there is now a glut of available capacity.

In practice, more can be wrung out of DWD systems by extending the upper or lower bounds of the available transmission window or by spacing wavelengths more closely, typically at 50GHz, or even 25 GHz. In doing this, suppliers can double or triple the number of channels. Each optical channel can currently be routinely used for transmission of light pules at 10Gbit/s, or even higher data rates at 100 GHz spacing. With the help of WDM, a pair of fibers can provide data capacity of several hundred gigabits per second.

WDM technology does not require any upgrade or replacement of the fiber infrastructure that has been put in the ground. Hence, we can upgrade links from one capacity level to the next simply by reconfiguring or upgrading terminal equipment and repeaters.

WDM technologies provide the raw transmission capacity. This has to be structured in some way so that it can carry useful traffic and be routed where it needs to go. This is where the next layer of network protocol comes to play. SDH and SONET (They are equivalent. SONET is used in the United States while SDH is used in the rest of the world). We will touch on SDH and SONET in some other tutorials.

Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_555851_10.html

Some Basic Concepts of Fiber Optic Loss Testing

2008-06-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

When testing loss in a fiber optic link, some basic principles must be kept in mind all the time.

1.The testing wavelength should always be the same as the working wavelength. Because optical fiber loss varies with light wavelength, you will get incorrect result if your measuring wavelength is different from the actual working wavelength. For example, if a system is designed for 1550nm but you test it with 1310nm light source and power meter, the result will not be correct.
2.The testing light source should be the same as the intended working lightwave equipment light source. If the system is designed for a LED source, you should test it with a LED source. If the system is designed for multimode laser light, you should use a multimode laser light source for testing. This is also true for single mode laser light source.

Fiber optic equipment used in a loss testing

In a basic loss testing setup, four types of test equipment are needed. They are the light source, the power meter, the reference patch cables and the adapter (mating sleeve).

Here are some considerations when choosing your equipment.

The light source should have the same wavelength as the operating equipment, proper mode (multimode or single mode, should be same as the operating equipment), type (LED or laser, same as the operating equipment) and proper connector.

The power meter should have the same wavelength as the light source, proper connector and calibrated.

The reference patch cables should be high quality with know loss, proper connectors and be the same type as the fiber plant being tested.

The adapter (mating sleeve) should be with high quality ceramic sleeves and be proper type (FC, SC, LC, etc).

Understanding dB (decibel) in fiber optic loss testing

As in any power measurement, fiber optic light power measurement unit can be expressed in milliwatt (mW), but a more convenient unit is dB(decibel).

Decibel (dB) is most often used in electronics testing. It is the ratio between two levels. One level is the input and the other level is the output. The ratio is calculated in logarithmic as explained below.

For power measurement, dB is defined as: dB = 10 x log(output power/input power)

So for example, after a fiber link, the output light power level becomes 50% of its input, the loss of the link will be 10log(0.5)= -3 dB.

Since dB is actually a ratio, it has no absolute units. So from above measurement sample, we have no idea of the actual power, may it be 0.1 mW or 1 mW.

That is why we have another unit dBm. It is the ratio of the measured power to 1mW of reference power. It is defined as: dBm = 10xlog(measured power/1mW)

So for example, a 0.1mW light power expressed in dBm will be 10xlog(0.1mW/1mW)=-10 dBm.

From above we know that dBm is a absolute unit, we know exactly how many mW it is.

For fiber optic loss testing, decibel is the most often used unit since it is much easier to work with. Why? Because two dB values can be simply added or subtracted. For example, a total fiber link may have three sections, each has loss of 0.5dB, 5dB and 0.5dB. The total loss can then be easily concluded as 0.5dB + 5dB + 0.5dB = 6 dB. You can try to convert it to actual milliwatt and you will see that I am right!

Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_555859_10.html

How Computer Enclosures Can Help Improve Production

2008-06-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

We have noticed computer enclosures are being used more and more by large multi-national businesses, in the demand for improved production and reduced waste costs. Computer enclosures are manufactured from steel and epoxy powder coated to protect them in shop floor environments. This means that standard computers and printers can be used in areas we thought unsuitable previously, especially were water and industrial dust is present.

Major manufacturers such as Ford Motors, SCA, Pilkington Glass and the like are implementing data capture solutions on the shop floor, this means at any one time, management can see how productive a certain employee is and how much waste they create per shift. (Big brother watching us…) Therefore improving the company’s productivity and profit. Software such as ERP, CMS and SAP are the leaders in their field, giving total control of the business to the management.

The benefits of using a standard computer and computer enclosures over an Industrial PC are: if an Industrial PC has a technical problem the user has to wait a number of days before an engineer can service the unit and they normally charge a high hourly rate. Using a standard PC and computer enclosure, if there is a technical issue, the user can quickly replace the computer with a unit from an office, minimising the production downtime and with limited costs.

A cost comparison was carried out against Industrial PC’s and the standard computer and enclosure is the most cost effective way to collect shop floor data. Resulting in a saving of around 75% on an Industrial PC.

Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_555891_10.html