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Archive for the ‘Computers’ Category

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Whether you’re getting a computer for the first time, or you’re getting one as an upgrade for your existing machine, new electronics are generally exciting. You get to choose the hardware and software that you like the best, and there are all kinds of options to pick from, budget permitting. If you’re going to be using the Internet a lot to interact with others, don’t forget to check into e-mail hosting. You may even want to have a blog or Website just to get your thoughts and ideas out there to the world – or maybe you’ll start up a business and sell something online.

No matter what you’re going to be doing online, be sure that the computer you’re getting is the right one for you. If you don’t pay close attention to the hardware and software configuration that you’re getting, you might find that the computer really isn’t adequate for your needs. That can be very unfortunate, and can stop you from fully enjoying your new electronics. Before you buy, have a good idea of the kinds of things that you like to do. Talk to the salesperson and make sure that the computer will meet your needs.

If you’re not sure if the computer you’re looking at is right for you, don’t hesitate to re-consider and get a second opinion. You might want to bring a knowledgeable friend or family member to look at the computer. You can also go to a different store and see what it has to offer. Both are great ways to take your time and be sure that you’re buying the right computer at the right price – and one that you’ll be able to get a lot of use out of for a long period of time. It’s a big purchase, so make it wisely.

If computer science is your field, you will usually need a college degree in the field to obtain a job. You can either get one at an online or on-campus.

An associates degree in computer science program may be a good way to start. After you complete the core curriculum of math, English and the humanities, you can take the computer science casses. These will include an introduction to computer science, database management, computer networking, network security and programming. The program is designed to give you a broad look at the field.

With a bachelor’s degree, you will also take classes in database management and systems security. The expanded program might allow you to take classes in statistics, electronic business and advanced computer programming.

If you become interested in programming, you might want to take a master’s in software engineering program. At this level, you will be taking courses like enterprise architecture, graphics programming, java software development, tools and methods for software design and software quality testing.

As you progress in a career in computer science (or IT), you may want to get ahead of the competition by considering an online or on-campus program that could lead you to obtain a Doctorate of Computer Science (otherwise known as a D.C.S. degree). You will take advanced coursework in software engineering, network security, computer networking, database systems, artificial intelligence and the interaction between humans and computers.

Whichever level you end up at, you will probably have a focus in something like database management, software development or IT management.

Whatever degree you pursue, if you do it online it may be less expensive, you will be able to establish your own schedule and work it at your own pace. On-campus may be more fulfilling for you if you like the personal interaction in that setting.

Online research will provide you with all the information you need to decide which route to take for your computer science education.

Simply stated, a computer is anything that receives input then provides some type of output in a useful format. With this broad of a definition, mechanical computer examples have existed since the man first began recording his history. The first computers that were powered by electricity were developed around the 1940 to 1945 time span.

They were gigantic (the size of a large room) compared to what we know today. In fact, they consumed as much power as hundreds of current personal computers.

Modern computers run with integrated circuits. Integrated circuits are electronic circuits manufactured into a semiconductor like silicon. Especially as they have gotten smaller, they have revolutionized all of the electronic equipment used in the world today.

The circuits execute the computer’s instructions. The instructions are called a computer program. A computer program is a series of instructions written in source code (or a programming language) developed to perform a computer task. The tasks are executed from a central processor in the computer.

Source code is a gathering of statements written in a human-readable computer programming language. The source code is held in text files and stored in databases. The result is a collection of files that are necessary to convert the code from human-readable to a designated type of computer-executable form.

In the past, computer programs were manually input into the central processor using switches, paper tape or punched cards. After being loaded, the starting address was set and the execute button was pressed to begin processing.

In current situations, the computer programs are embedded right into the hardware. To begin working, primary computer programs stored in read-only memory need to boot-up. When your computer is booting, it is identifying and initializing all facets of the computer system including memory, controllers and CPU registers.

After that, the operating system is loaded and the computer starts its normal operations.

The Internet has certainly changed the way we distribute and access information. With all of the world’s greatest libraries, periodicals, museums and other sources of information available online, it’s hard to imagine a world where information isn’t just a click away. And while the way we transmit and receive information has changed in the last two decades, thanks to the Internet, perhaps what is equally significant is the way we interact socially.

Like all technology, the Internet has evolved over the years, and while its primary function remains as a means of finding information, the prevalence of online social networking, how it’s changed our society and the way we communicate has left an indelible imprint on who we are and the role the Internet has played in our lives.

Thanks to the Internet, we are now able to interact virtually with people from all over the globe. We can chat socially via instant message, send e-mails and make posts on blogs and websites. We can share photographs, videos and sound clips and truly open our lives up to the virtual world in ways that would have never been possible. Wherever you are, whatever your time zone, you can always reach out to a new friend online, or reconnect with an old friend.

Since the early 2000’s we have enjoyed all of the benefits of establishing online relationships and sharing our lives via social networking sites. Similar to getting information, adding a new friend to your roster is as simple as clicking a mouse. From there you can learn through words and pictures about the person’s family, their educational background, their hobbies, where they’ve been on vacation and so much more. Beyond establishing friendships, there are sites devoted to meeting significant others in order to spark romantic relationships and sites devoted to linking professionals to one another for purposes of business networking.

We can meet informally or formally online, conduct Web conferences and even draw up major business deals without ever leaving our computers. And as technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that the Internet will adapt to support future communication needs.

The days of waking up early on Saturday to hit yard sales are over. Thanks to the Internet and the virtual marketplace, more people are turning to Websites when it comes to selling those old skis, doilies and the loads of unwanted baby clothes that have amassed, among all of the other unused items taking up space in your closets, attic, basement and garage.

Let’s face it, we all have items that we want to purge, and while regularly donating items is a great and charitable way of de-cluttering while giving, there are just some items that you would prefer to sell than donate. Consider that camera that’s in great condition, but was set aside because you received an upgrade, or that expensive dress that your daughter only wore once, then grew out of. Sure, you could try taking them to a consignment shop, but why not try your luck at being an online merchant and peddling them on the Web?

Sure, there are a few steps involved, but selling items online is a fairly painless process. If you’re heading in that direction, be prepared to provide a description, price and a photo for each item that you’re planning to sell. Also, you need to consider whether you want to sell your items outright, or whether you would rather sell them via an online auction. Oh, and of course you’ll have to establish how items will be shipped and paid for, but adding those features to an online marketplace is simple and requires just a few steps.

All things considered, it sure beats setting up loads of tables, tagging each item and parking yourself in the sun all day while you wait for shoppers to drive by. Plus, you get to expand your customer base by allowing people from all over the world to peruse the merchandise. According to a recent poll, the Internet attracts more than 132 million shoppers a year, and that’s just in the U.S. That’s a lot more exposure than a few homemade signs on a telephone post and an ad in the local paper could do.

Although it’s sort of a cliche, many people envisioned the twenty-first century as something from a Ray Bradbury novel where people were half robot, cars were spaceships and our cities looked more or less like something from the Jetson’s cartoon. And while we’re not quite there yet, the last two decades have brought some amazing technology.

Take for instance, the Internet. Who would have thought 30 years ago that a global system of interconnected computer networks would come together to form a system that is now dubbed the “information super highway,” a virtual encyclopedia that could be accessible from any computer with a connection?

And although it’s been around for a few decades, can you ever imagine a world where information wasn’t instantly accessible via the Web? Where answers to just about every question weren’t just a click away?

The Internet has truly revolutionized the way we do everything. Want to find a great recipe for eggplant Parmesan or learn how to refinish your kitchen cabinets? Perhaps you’re driving cross-country and you need directions or want to book a hotel. Rest assured, somewhere on the Internet is the answer. Beyond quick bits of information, the Internet houses loads of educational information, including reference materials from many of the world’s best libraries, along with media and artwork from some of the most renowned museums. Add a warehouse of video and audio files and the Internet is a one-stop source for education and entertainment. Oh, and there’s also endless shopping possibilities, as most retailers know the one way to stay financially viable is to have a store online.

And not only does the Internet serve as an educational tool, entertainment source, shopping mecca and general all around solutions giver, it’s a social connector, a sort of a human relations tool that facilitates relationships and allows us to electronically expand our network of friends in ways we could never imagine. We can chat via social networking sites, e-mail, video conferencing, forums and blogs. Whatever our preferred method, the Internet makes it possible for people from all over the world to chat, connect and do business.

A lot of questions and concerns that arise regarding Linux and open source software center around its ability to run the things that users are familiar with. This is very true for gaming as over 200 million people worldwide play games online. Gamers have nothing to fear though as programs abound for open source gaming. For example, the WINE project and Cedega support Windows games on Linux.

But consider the Linux Gamers project that operates as a live distribution. It is comprised of 34 diverse free, open source games which run natively in Linux and put the player anywhere from behind the wheel of a race car to a billiards table. And it comes in four versions: Big ISO, Lite ISO, Big USB and Lite USB. The Big ISO burns to a live DVD that can just be inserted into your drive and get you playing. The distribution works very well with premier video cards and will set up open source drivers featuring 3D acceleration for others. Best yet, it doesn’t require any installation or reconfiguring of files.

On top of the assortment of fun games is a great selection of included tools; but keep in mind they come with the DVD format. From the makers of Firefox is the web browser Gran Paradiso. The network configuration tool Wicd is available for any need to alter your network settings. A handy sound volume tool, AlsaMixer, comes included as well. However, the most useful tool is the XChat IRC client. With many multi-player games, this tool becomes essential to arrange bouts with friends and to engage in the customary trash talk.

Lastly, the Linux Gamers project has the semblance of the desktop of an operating system with icons placed on menu bars represent the library of games. The native gaming experience in Linux can surely rival anything you’ve played before.

It’s no secret that people spend big bucks on software. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, consumers aren’t shy about popping open their wallets for something they want. So, why would a software developer spend months creating a piece of important software, only to give it away for free?

It takes time to develop quality software. A program like Filezilla, for example, is a useful tool. It is extremely sophisticated, and can perform most activities that a paid peer software can do. Yet Filezilla is completely free. The person who developed this software is no ordinary programmer. If he or she had used the time spent developing Filezilla to make money, that would translate into a lot of money. Also, frankly speaking, Filezilla is so good that regular users would not balk at having to pay a few dollars for it. Yet, it is completely free.

What might be the reason for this bounty?

Conspiracy theories abound. Some say that these developers insert trojans and viruses meant to steal data from your system. They argue that these free computer programs are developed by companies that are out to destroy their competition. These conjectures are untrue.

Some talented programmers actually develop software to help people. These programmers are so good that they can make a great product in very little time. Often, they develop a product for their own use, and then let people share it for free, thus creating freeware.

Sometimes this software is developed with a marketing concept in mind; usually, there will be an upgraded version of the free package available for a fee. If people find the free version useful, the hope is that they will gladly pay for more features.

Sometimes, free software is made to advertise a website and get some paid advertisements. This is a good way to make money for someone who is a smart programmer.

Individuals have moved on to smart-phones and texting, but talking is always a primary communication tool for businesses. Such is the reason most companies manage an office phone system. And while open source software has carved out a market in the computing industry, it also making a push as a major player in telephony. These phone systems can run on OSS and there are plenty of reasons to make the switch.

Based on the many advancements of open source software, from its operating systems to the popular web browsers like Firefox, it’s not hard to see why it has become a competitor in telephony. A 2008 survey from Gartner showed an increased rate of OSS items used for infrastructure, as well as for replacing proprietary products. The underlying theme is businesses, and their IT personnel, are not only more comfortable using OSS, but are actively implementing it.

Reasons to incorporate OSS to a company’s telephony are not hard to visualize. By placing the IP-based voice system on its LAN and/or WAN network, calls can be sent anywhere in the world to traveling employees because of the IP protocol. It also eliminates the need of two separate systems for voice and data. The savings are immense as maintenance and hardware upgrades are no longer required, nor the requirement of proprietary phone equipment. Additionally, the calls themselves, especially between divisions in separate geographical locations, are much lower. And don’t forget the dissolution of vendor lock-in practices.

The only basic requirements are finding a suitable OSS telephony provider and configuring the company’s infrastructure to the system. Supervision of the IP solution will eventually be handed over from provider to company giving it valuable control. Because the open system model of the Internet is always churning out new applications and OSS supports superior integration to future telephony technologies, it makes for an opportune switch for any business.