Wednesday, April 6, 2011

All About PHP



PHP stands for a recursive acronym 'PHP Hypertext PreProcessor'. Created in 1995 by Rasmus Lerdorf, it soon caught up with mainstream scripting languages. While initially it was written to build Dynamic Webpages, it is now used in 75% of web servers for server side programming.

With leading web content management systems using PHP - including Drupal, Joomla, WordPress, PHP has become one of the most popular and reliable languages to build web applications. There are several reasons for this, some of the more important one's are as follows:

1. PHP is an open source language, there is a huge pool of PHP programmers who work on improving it, and has a wide support base for new and old developers alike. It is also much cheaper to code in PHP.

2. Like C++, SmallTalk, it is object oriented with several libraries for various functions.

3. You can build large applications with much less code compared to other languages. PHP is also simpler and easier to learn.

4. It is not browser specific, thus developers need not work around any hardcoded browser specific coding. Same with different platforms and Operating Systems (OS). Code written in PHP can be very easily ported from one platform or OS to the other.

5. PHP has built-in Zend scripting engine that enables it to run scripts faster in comparison to other languages.

6. It is designed to build dynamic web applications.

7. Easy integration to back end Database like MySQL, PostgreSQL etc.

8. Easy embedding of HTML code in PHP pages, to make them more user friendly, with better formatting.

Apart from full-fledged applications written in PHP, there are also hugely popular websites like Facebook, Wikipedia, and Digg that use PHP for coding the user interface.

Ultimately, the decision to build web applications in PHP is more or less driven by the cost incurred and the ease of development and maintenance.

It is always safer to look at other choices and issues involved to make an informed decision, especially if something goes awry after the PHP web development process, and you are answerable to the management about choosing PHP.

For example, if security is very important to you, there are well known holes in PHP. If a user passes unexpected content to a PHP script intentionally or unintentionally, it can cause havoc to your system. Thus, user input validation is very important in the development stage. As long as you ensure your developers are aware of loopholes and workarounds using PHP, you can be sure of a smooth sailing.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

All About Search Engines



Do you really know how these search companies like Google and Yahoo really operate? If you are like millions of people you probably type in into the search box of Google and Yahoo what you are looking for and take what it gives you. Most people will click on the one of the links in the top 10 searches and let the other thousand search suggestions fall to the wayside. Let's explore at how things pop into the top 10 of search results and let's look at why the large search engines pick these items to be in the top 10.

Before we go any farther lets put the myth that search engines are bias. All web based search companies even the giants like Google, Bing, and Yahoo are not biased; they keep a very competitive edge and for the most part offer high quality search results for the customers. If they were bias then they would lose in ranking because the public would look elsewhere for their searches.

Search engines come in three different forms. The first is powered by web crawlers, spiders, robots.This is one form of searches are done. The websites are crawled over like a spider weaving a web and search for special key words and Meta tags and links. The information is gathered and brought back to the web site file for indexing the information. Periodically the robot crawlers go back to the site looking for new information to put in the file for the web site. By updating the site helps keep the crawlers active and finding information to help rank your web site.

Human based search engines operate by humans when information is submitted manually and then the information is catalogued and indexed for all the search providers that the individual submitted them too. No web based crawlers are used in this case.

The third is a combination of both worlds. These are human based and robot/spider based.

The base idea of a search engine is to emulate the user (you). Just keep in mind that all search engines are different and it depends on what the person has submitted to what search engine and what the spiders have found depends on what your search turns up.

One key aspect to search engine searches is what is called search engine Algorithms. You ask what the heck an Algorithm is. "The algorithm is what the search engines use to determine the relevance of the information in the index to what the user is searching for". Here is a list of types of search algorithms;

   1. Uniformed search
   2. Informed search
   3. SQL search
   4. Tree search
   5. Graph search
   6. List search

Spam-dexing has been hitting the larger search engines for the past few years so these search engines have been updating their technology in an attempt to discourage this type of practice. What happens in spam-dexing is that the developer stuffs the web site with keywords in order to drive up the ranking of the site. Meta tags and key words drive up the traffic to a site because they drive the site up the scale for ranking but now with this technology these search companies are now looking at other forms to such as link indexing to increase the ranking of the site.

Algorithms are one of the most highly kept secrets in the world of web design and social networking. No one really knows the ins and outs of this tool that the search engines uses. In order to rank your web site it is best for you to find someone that understand and know Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is a whole language in its own and it takes someone with years of experience to truly understand this information.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Find a Quality Cannon Printer



When you go out to seek Canon printers, remember that they must suit your specifications and the magnitude of your work. Make sure you scout on your own; ask around for opinions and gather information from professional experts available to you or through the internet. Gather enough information before the purchase striving to ensure that you do not rely on secondary information but your own opinion.

Canon Printers right now are the most common type in the market. They are used on a world wide scale, their efficiency and reliability well documented. They are manufactured by a company called Canon, a leading manufacturer of cameras as well. Their accessories are also easily available and easy to use. Therefore, it would be a good decision to consider this brand because should they need any kind of repair, it will not be too difficult to get it.

Depending on the type of work you intend to do, there are different arrays of such machines on offer. They serve to satisfy customers at all possible levels so whether you are engaging in printing for your business or for leisure, there are Canon printers that will suit your specifications. With their level of technological advancements, finding the most appropriate machine will not be a back-breaking task.

They offer multi-function types that are suitable for use in the office as well as home. They are compact and easy to understand. It includes a copier and a scanner for efficient printing through modern computers. They offer a sharper resolution and have an impressive print speed. They also have slots for media support to ensure flexibility in using it. This is a suitable first-time choice.

They have laser printers which are reputable for being user friendly. These easy to use machines offer high printing speeds with excellent clarity and crisp imaging. They are unique to most others because they require far less maintenance hence can be very convenient at home or in an office. There are also the color-lasers which are suitable for work-group printing and colored documents. They use separate single-color cartridges to ensure maximum efficiency in bringing out the color.

Then they have the impressive portable ones which can print from virtually anywhere. You can carry them on business trips to ensure that you get what you need without having to rely on time-consuming and expensive faxes. These are particularly convenient because they have USB slots as well as in-built wireless connectivity. This enables a user to do his work from anywhere he is and it can save lots of time for you.

Lastly, they produce state of the art inkjet printers which are user friendly with a variety of features. They provide clear, quality work and can be used for photos as well. Some of them come with wireless connectivity hence enabling you to print conveniently and hassle free.

Therefore, when you find the best Canon printers, it is important to give them frequent maintenance. Clean them on a regular basis and use quality printing paper to ensure the job you do is perfect.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Some Useful Google Searching Tricks



Find some useful Google Searching tips:

Search using tilde symbol:

Google search box allows you to search a phrase to obtain relevant results. An example would be "Las Vegas hotels". Let's say though that you are on a budget. Well you could add the word "affordable" to the search but Google may have better choices with another word such as "budget" or "cheap". Rather than to enter all the possibilities, take advantage of the "~" symbol located on your keyboard. This is called the tilde symbol and instructs Google to search for similar words and to expand the search results. To see it in use in this case, enter "Las Vegas hotels"~affordable.

Search using minus sign:

Google also allows you to exclude search results by adding the minus sign. Using the same example above, let's say that you want to exclude affordable hotels (you're in Vegas to spend mega bucks!), just enter "Las Vegas hotels"-affordable.

Search using number ranges:

You're looking to buy a laptop online but you have a budget. Search using number ranges. For example, enter "laptop"$500...$999. This will narrow the selection to your budget!

Search a particular site:

Oftentimes I find myself on a website that has its own search box but that website probably doesn't have a search capability as sophisticated as Google. Google has its own proprietary algorithms that produce the most relevant results to the users. However, we can still use Google to search that website. Let's say that the website is azcentral.com and we want to search things to do this weekend. We can enter in the Google search: "things to do"site:azcentral.

Search for a typical file type:

This is a cool trick that very few people know about but could be very useful. I find myself looking for a template online that I can use for my business. Let's say that I want to track my business expenses. Surely there must be a nice template out there that I can use? And there is, just enter for example, "business expense spreadsheet"filetype:xls. This will find an excel spreadsheet that I can use right away.

Search your desktop:

Google can also search the entire contents of your computer using the free Google Desktop utility (desktop.google.com)

Gmail features that you may not use but might want to:

Google e-mail is probably one of the better e-mail services as it operates on a "cloud" which means that it's a one stop shop for all of your information. It provides instant messaging, text messaging and video chat in addition to your e-mail. You can even consolidate multiple e-mail accounts into one Gmail account.

Some people argue that you do not need folders anymore to organize your data. Use the "labels" feature which attached keywords to your e-mail. The neat thing is that you can use multiple keywords. Let's say that an e-mail relates to your real estate business and it is known to you as Property #1. Then associate the label "real estate" and "property 1" to the e-mail. In the future when you search for this e-mail, you can use either label. The "real estate" label will probably bring up all of your properties whereas the "property 1" label will bring up all the e-mails relating to that one property.

Filters apply rules as e-mails come in such as all e-mails from your broker will have the "real estate" label attached to it.

Adding relevant keywords can be really useful for organizing your e-mails by taking advantage of the search feature which I'm sure you'll agree is more versatile than the folders feature of most e-mail applications.

Try these cool features of Google and see how they can make your work and life more manageable. Google has a lot of other applications not covered here including Google Reader, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and more.

How to Enjoy Secure Net Browsing



You might have heard about Aladdin’s Magic Lamp. Internet could be termed as the magic lamp of 21st century. Whatever you want, be it air ticket booking or accessing your bank account, you can do it by sitting on your favorite couch with just a few click. But there are disadvantages too. Criminals are now exploiting the advantages of technology and they lurk on the Internet in search of easy victims. These cyber criminals are known as hackers, spammers, etc. To enjoy safe browsing, you need to stop them. And due to this reason internet safety is important.

Let's take a closer look at what these cyber criminals could do. First of all, they access your computer without your permission. Known as unauthorized access this is one of the major threats in terms of Internet safety. If the hacker could access to your computer then they may get complete control over all your transactions. Even they can also misuse your personal details for illegal or objectionable purposes.
How to ensure Internet safety? Firstly, there should be a strong firewall protection for your network. There are some important things like anti-virus software, anti-spyware software installed on your PC. This is a must for the home computer users. You can consult an expert for PC security support.

If you are having a medium sized business, you would need a strong firewall. For large businesses, apart from a strong firewall, stronger Internet security software as well as security fencing is required. It is also recommended not to upload your pictures and videos on unreliable social networking sites.

Social networking is very popular these days. While exploring these sites, you should refrain from giving out your address, telephone number as well as credit card number, social security number, passwords or even your complete name. It is also recommended not to allow strangers to access to your web camera at the time of chatting with strangers via instant messenger, or such services.

Shopping on the Internet has now become widely popular. You should make sure that you select a reliable website. Refrain from shopping on websites that are not popular. These websites can have spyware and other malware which may result identity theft. You should avoid using the Internet café for performing important transactions over the Internet. Even if you are compelled to do that, you should check whether any spy software is installed on the computer or not.

Remember, to enjoy a safe Internet browsing experience, it is a must to be equipped with filtering software, anti-virus and anti-spyware software as well as firewall detector and a pop-up blocker. If all these are installed on your computer then only you can enjoy safe internet browsing.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Keep Your PC Malware Free



Having to deal with pop up messages is just something we have to do every day when we are online. Normally, these messages are annoying at best, but if the site you are visiting has been compromised then that pop up could be something more. But you won't know it until you run into it and even then they are designed to be very deceptive, pretending to be other things in an attempt to get on your computer. MS removal tool is malware that is a perfect example of what I am talking about.

When you visit the web site that has been compromised by the MS removal tool you will be told via pop up that looks just like it comes from your operating system that there has been an unknown Trojan detected on your computer and a full scan should be run.

Even the scan itself, while it looks convincing enough is just another part of the trap. Once the scan finishes you will be told that there is malware on your computer and that the only way for you to clean it up before it causes any permanent damage to your PC is to download and install the full version of this malware. To stop all this you need to get rid of the MS removal tool. Once downloaded and installed your system will automatically reboot to finish installing the malware on your computer.


You will see following warnings:

MS removal tool warning.

Your PC is infected with viruses. Activate your antivirus now to prevent data loss theft of your credit card details.

Security monitor.

Your system detected a TrojanSPM/LX on your computer. Your private information and PC safety are at risk.

Your computer is infected

Windows has detected spyware

MS removal tool. Malware that compromise your system have been detected on your PC.

Worst of all, normal operation of your computer will not be allowed. Every time you try and open a program you will be given a warning message saying that the "current action cannot be completed due to an infected file.

At this point you will be prompted to purchase a copy of the software when really you need to get rid of the MS removal tool.


Here is how to remove it:

1. Start task manager by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL AND stop the following process. oGcMaMjAlJj07003.exe The name may be slightly different. If it will not stop you need to start your computer in safe mode to stop it.

2. To start your computer in safe mode restart your computer and then press F8 before windows starts. You might have to do this several times. When you see a menu appear select safe mode with networking.

3. Find and delete the following files.
AC555.exe
oGcMaMjAlJj07003.exe

4. Start the registry editor and delete the following entries.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\oGcMaMjAlJj07003
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run " junk file name.exe"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\junk file name.
Where junk file name is a name made up of random characters.

5. Once you have done this restart your computer and you should be rid of the MS removal tool. If it is still there or you are unsure of how to remove it follow the easier automated method.


Automated method to get rid of the MS removal tool:

1. Start your computer in safe mode using the steps outlined above.
 
2. Download a system scanner that will scan for malware and get rid of it quickly running the same steps as above but done for you automatically. If your computer is infected with malware and the manual removal method fails run a system scan and get rid of it fast.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Simple Email Tips for Beginners


Be it business email or a personal email, there are some etiquette that everyone should follow. The number of internet users is growing and it's quite clear from the statistics too. It has been noticed that ninety two percent of Internet users in the United States use email. A lager portion of these people use email for business communication while everyone writes personal mails. In this article we have discussed about some of the top tips for email etiquette that every internet and email user needs to be aware of and follow.

Whether you are writing a business or a personal letter, a meaningful subject line is very important. These days everyone gets a lot of emails and it is subject like that help the recipient to whether to open, forward, file, or trash a message. So, if you make mistake in giving a subject line, then the receiver might not even open the email. Remember, if your subject line is vague or if it's blank, you may fail to inform or persuade your reader. So before hitting the send button, check whether the subject of the mail is appropriate or not.

When it comes to formatting emails, you need to keep certain things in mind. You should not type in all caps. Using patterned backgrounds is not suggested because it makes your email harder to read. It is always better to use standard fonts. If you are using emoticons, be sure that your tone and intent are clear. Multiple font colors in one email should not be used.

Your e-mail should include a courteous greeting and closing. Address the recipient with the appropriate level of formality and spell the name correctly. Include all relevant details or information necessary for understanding your request or point of view. If you need email help, you can consult a remote computer support provider.

If you are sending large attachments, it is a must to "zip" or compress it before sending. Never open an attachment from unknown sender. Many times, viruses and other malware are sent in the form of email attachment. So, whenever you download the attachment, your computer might get infected. Make sure, that anti-virus, anti-spyware programs on your computer are up to date and they scan your emails and attachments both incoming and outgoing.

The recipients address always should be in the field. You should think twice about your motives when adding addresses to: cc, bcc. If you are using Bcc option, make sure your intentions are clear. These are some useful email tips that you should remember at the time of sending personal or business emails.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Tips to Choose Linux Flash Drive



Linux is a multi-tasking operating system which is considered to be far more sophisticated & secured than any other operating system available in the market. It can be loaded into a USB drive in order to explore its advanced features. All you need is a bootable USB drive to pack the Linux OS and then install it in your computer to be used for multi-tasking, maintenances & other data recovering purposes. You can also load only the required kernel embedded operations into the flash drive and install it across a network.

It is impossible to modify & recover the data from a live CD which has been permanently written. But by using Linux Flash Drive, this impossible task is made possible like modifying permanently written files and recovering the data as well. So, it increases the flexibility & becomes easier for the Linux users to have their required applications, configuration etc. to get stored & securely saved in a live USB as an extended storage device.

There are two major different ways to run Linux in an USB flash drive. The first is to use Linux flash disk and the second is to use a drive as a full Linux install. The first method is considered to be the better way & is widely used by the users. In order to get executed all the operations, a Linux flash drive has to maintain a minimum requirement of 1 GB flash USB such as the latest Linux based operating systems: Ubuntu, Fedora need 1 GB of free storage so that it can be run and made changes in a live USB.

The following are the advantages and disadvantages for Linux Flash Drive:

Advantages:
1. It is portable & flexible as you can get all your required applications, files with you wherever & whenever you move as it is host independent as well as cross platform.
2. Almost all the computer systems in the World can maintain booting right from a live USB flash drive no matter it is a desktop, server or any small computer system. All you need is to hook up your Linux flash drive into your host controller and start enjoying its high end advanced features.
3. A Linux flash drives maintains security with hardware authentications and it also supports to share a single system among multiple users.
4. For the users who perform data back-ups regularly, Linux flash drive can back up your important files easily & securely. It can save you from accidental file damage without painful efforts.
5. It offers faster data copying than any optical devices and you can transfer your important data between remote computers without FTP utilities.


Disadvantages:

1. A Linux live USB can support a limited number of storage space & written data which is comparatively much lower than local hard drives.
2. It is typically not a good idea to store an operating system temporally in a flash drive rather than storing the system files in the main RAM of your computer.
3. Linux flash drive is generally for advanced users & experts as it is a little harder to install and more difficult to handle than other operating systems like Windows, Macs etc. So, it is not suited for common users.
4. Linux is a free and open source operating system. So most of the time Linux flash drives are illegally pirated.
5. As the device is small, most of the time it is reported to be misplaced and stolen. Therefore, reliability is comparatively lower and sensitive OS files are not recommended to store.

Monday, March 28, 2011

What Do You Want in Your Printer?



There are no offices that can keep up good work without having all in 1 printers. This is mainly because of the multitasking job these machines provide its users. Printer manufacturers did a great job of coming up with this kind of product for it certainly added flexibility to computer users. There is no need for anyone to purchase lots of devices for they are already packed in one device.

All in 1 printers give you an access to printer, a scanner, a copier and even a fax machine. Because of this, there are lots of computer makers these days that offer a great discount if you avail this type of printer with a computer. This is also the reason why all in one printer are becoming more and more popular. They give you an avenue to save lots of money. On the other hand, these machines help you accomplish a lot of things.
Common office scenarios like having no much time to take a look and supervise any papers you are printing will never be experienced again. You do not have to walk outside anymore and look for scanner or go to the other side of the office to reproduce copies. The typical office has a separate machine for copying, printing, and scanning. However, those days are gone.

The present is all about multitasking printers offering a variety of enhanced features, consolidating all those devices into one in which you are really saving time and space. There are a lot of all in one printer which go beyond the typical printer, scanner, copier, fax combo. Some even have memory card slots letting you to print images as well as there as wireless features too.

Due to the fact that all in 1 printer have everything you need for all the paperwork, they are indeed your office multi-tasking partner. If you want to avail one, be careful in identifying the features of the particular brand you want to buy. This is one of the most important things that you need to consider along with the durability of the printer. Every brand of a specific all in one printer has different features. Some are faster when it comes to doing fax. Others are faster in printing documents and high resolution image copies.

Choosing the capability of the resolution and color depth of an all in one printer are another very important factors. With this set of information you have now, it would be easier for you to choose the most ideal item. You just have to be very careful not to get yourself compromise with a low quality product.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

All About Printer Cartridges



If you are looking for ink cartridges, there are a lot of ways that you can save money and get great deals. Depending on what style of ink you are purchasing, color or black and white, the cost can be high. It can also cost a lot to keep replacing the cartridges you need. Look at the different options for getting the cartridges you require for being able to print either at your home or office. Don't pay any more for ink cartridges than you should. Search for the deals that are out there.

Refill your Ink Cartridge
One of the best ways to save money on ink is to refill your cartridges. This is easy to do and it will not only save you money, it will also help you do some good for the environment. It is a great idea to refill the cartridges so that you don't have to buy a new one and so that you don't have to throw out the old ones. You can save a lot of money doing this and you'll be amazed at the price difference between refilling and buying new ones.

Shop Online for Ink Cartridge Options
One way to save a lot of money on ink cartridges is to shop for them online. You can find all sorts of options when you use the Internet to find options for cartridges. When you are able to shop through all the options out there, you will be able to look for the cheapest rates and find the best deals. The Internet is great because with one quick search you are able to take advantage of all sorts of deals. Another great way to save money is looking for Internet coupons and codes, which will also reduce the bill by a few more dollars.

Shop in Bulk for Cartridges
There are many ways to save money, but bulk is often one of the cheapest ways to buy. People that buy in bulk can get their ink that way too. Head out to a major warehouse store, you will be able to save a lot of money there. Sure, it may cost you a few more bucks to buy a large package of ink, but you will be saving a lot of money per cartridge. This is something you should do; you should always look for bulk options to save the most money.
 
If you are purchasing ink cartridges, you don't want to pay too much for them. Make sure that you are taking the time to shop the different options and make sure you are getting the best deals. Between refilling your cartridges, shopping online, and buying in bulk, you should be able to save a lot of money and get the best deals available. Pay the least that you can for your cartridges and keep as much money in your pocket as possible.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Fix Up Your Faulty Printer



Is your printer broken or faulty? Looking for help to fix printer problems? If the answer is yes, you have landed at the right place. Like any other piece of technological equipments, printers also break down. There are different reasons behind this. It might be a paper jam or leaking ink. How to fix these issues? Go through this article and get the tips.

Printer paper jam is a very common problem. This problem occurs when paper is either loading or being printed upon. The paper gets wrapped around the printer's paper spools and it gets caught between various moving parts of the printer and stops printing.

How to fix printer paper jam problem? Unplug the printer from its power source, and unload all jammed paper. Next, gently remove the print head and open the door to expose the paper spools. Then gently grab the paper by a corner and then pull it, following the angle of the machine. At the time of pulling the paper if the paper gets torn, don't panic! Just pull it out in the same manner as mentioned. You can use some tweezers to free the printer from a tiny piece of paper.

Are you trying to install a printer? Check the Device Manager in the Control Panel for any Unknown Devices. The printer will be shown as an Unknown Device if you plug the cable in prior to installing the driver software. You need to remove the Unknown Device and then unplug the USB cable and then install the software that has been supplied with the printer. Once the installation is over, put the USB cable back in.

Are you trying to print something and find that the printer is not responding? If yes, then the problem might be with your computer. To fix this issue, free up some virtual memory. Abort your current print jobs and close all programs including your security software and media players. Once all of the programs are closed, again try the print option.

Ink leaking and smearing are some other common printer problems. Sometimes, you may find that the printed documents are coming out with a little bit more ink than they should. This happens due to an issue with the ink cartridge. To resolve the issue, you need to open the printer to the ink bar, and then press the ink cartridge eject button. After accessing the faulty ink cartridges, check the bottom. If you find that the plastic film on the bottom of the cartridge is cloudy, probably the cartridge is blocked, and you need to clean it. These are some useful tips that you can remember to fix your faulty printer.

Friday, March 25, 2011

All About Backlit Keyboard



The backlit keyboard, as is evident from the name is a computer keyboard that has illuminated keys to enable typing even in a variety of lighting conditions. It is ideal for use in various sectors that need to use the computer in locations that are poorly lit or is dark. This type of backlit or illuminated keyboards are mostly used in military, security, commercial fleet vehicles, marine vessels and medical equipment carts, where their work demands maximum mobility.

Nowadays, you can also get specially designed industrial illuminated keyboards, which are extensively used for their high functionality. Most of the backlit keyboard varieties are available with red or green backlighting with 10 levels of illumination with our line of backlit keyboards. And the best thing about them is that they do not need external power for illumination. While some models have keyboard functionality, others come with mouse functionality to offer you the best in technology.

In order to get the best from the backlit keyboard, it is recommended that you should get one that is compatible with all computers without requiring any special software drivers. Also, as it does not have any moving parts attached to it, you do not have to worry about incurring any maintenance cost ever. Highly reliable and user friendly, the illuminated keyboards are indeed perfect for work areas where there is low level lighting.

Backlit Keyboard Edge over Other Varieties There are many advantages of using the illuminated keyboards. Apart from facilitating easy typing in the dark, it offers many advantages over other non-illuminated or conventional varieties like; Highlights the format of the actual keyboard. Lights individual keys to show the user the actual symbol.

Some illuminated keyboards come with different hues for specific task which is hugely beneficial from user point of view. This also helps to do away with hitting tedious menu buttons for executing a task. With these keyboards you can carry out many other additional functions with just the press of a key.
Indeed with the backlit keyboard any tasks can be accomplished at a faster rate, even when you are working in pitch dark conditions.

Last but not the least, industrial keyboard is generally very strong and has greater durability, which can withstand even harsh work environments. So, if you are planning to get a backlit keyboard for your important applications, do not think twice because your investment on it is worth the buy.

All About USB Flash Drive



USB Boot Drive or a flash drive is an external hardware device which can boot operating systems like Windows to a host controller which is generally a personal computer (PC). Earlier people are not aware of the possibility that there is an embedded service pack called USB Boot that allows booting Windows from a USB flash drive. These USB drives are generally known as Live USBs. Usually USB drives are used to boot Linux operating system but now the operating systems like Windows & Mac can also be booted from USB drives. Windows Bitlocker Drive Encryption is also another method to boot from a USB drive by using a USB key mode in order to read a BitLocker encryption while undergoing the boot sequence.

There are two major types of live USB as follows:
Live CD derived: It is created by using ISO or disc image which is an archive file from a live CD and store it in the USB device and it ultimately becomes bootable.
Full install: It is more or less like installing operating system in the hard drive with some alteration like avoiding file & partitions swapping.

Advantages:
1.Highly secured operating systems like Mac OS, Linux, and BSD which is one of the derivatives of UNIX are all bootable from a USB drive.
2.Live USBs are more suitable for multiple users as they can share applications, personal files, preferred OS etc. Data stored in the bootable device can be altered and re-stored all over again and again.
3.The small programs in the USB devices run comparatively faster than data stored in the hard drive or optical devices as there are no moving parts in the live USBs.
4.Live USBs are flexible and can be carried wherever the user moves.
5.It is comparatively more secure and there is no dependency on the PC's operating system.

Disadvantages:
1.There are problems involved like some of the old computers do not have the prime configuration requirements that support USB booting. In such cases bootable optical devices live CDs, or floppy disk etc. has to be used.
2.Live USBs are dependent on BIOS as there are legitimate limitations on Intel-based Mac PCs as they are bootable in BIOS mode.
3.The life of the USB drive shrinks as a full-blown installation needs additional write cycles.
4.USB flash drives can easily be stolen or lost; therefore there are dire needs of back and data encryption.
5.Sometimes there is pulling off lower data transfer speed with USB devices due to the lack of USB support during booting process.

In order to set up a USB Boot Drive system, the steps mentioned below have to be followed:
1.First of all the host controller usually your PC has to detect whether a USB drive is hooked up to the system or not.
2.You can make partitions on the live USB & the partition has to be formatted.
3.You have to write a MBR to the partition made in the USB drive.
4.In the partition you have to set up a bootable flag.
5.You should install a boot loader in the partition for Linux system installation.
6.All the default files and applications are to be copied in the USB drive.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Keep Your Laptop Safe and Sound



Laptops are a convenient way for us to get the needs of a computer in a portable machine. Laptops are becoming the replacements for desktops. It is not uncommon for a household to have more than one laptop instead of a desktop. However, they can become very expensive when they need to be repaired.

The best way to find the right value for a service is to do it yourself. But not everyone can do everything. Repairing a computer of any kind can be a difficult task for someone who does not have a technical background. But where there's a will there's a way...

The biggest fear for people who work on their laptops is that they may break it. They are very fragile machines and require the right knowledge and guidance to be successful. But if you have the patience and can learn how to do this, you can save yourself money and even make some money using your new skill!
How can you save money? Simple, you spend less money to buy a part than you do to buy a whole new laptop.

Let's face it, with all the new programs and games coming out for computers the hardware needs to be upgraded to keep up with everything. This is where computer companies get you because they make a new product and tells you that it will allow the new programs or games to operate faster and better than before.

What they don't tell you is that all they did was probably change the processor, add some memory and put in a hard drive with more storage. If you knew how to open up your own laptop and work with the parts inside all you would need to do is buy the new parts. The other side of this is taking your laptop to a repair shop to get fixed. They treat you just like a mechanic would if you took your car to the shop. They will tell you about all the other problems that they "found." Why go through the hassle?

Podnutz is the name of a series of videos that teaches you how to repair your laptop. If you do have some sort of technical background or experiences with desktops then using these videos will help you expand your skills. If you like making money then expanding your skills to learn about laptops can be a very prosperous venture.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Tips on Choosing iPads



Of the many consumer electronic products that have been produced by Apple Inc, none has been able to eclipse iPad. Many have referred to it as the best creation of the present century. Each iPad that is available for sale in the market differs from the other in respect to features. Given that it is still a new technology to many, the article offers a helping hand by discussing some of the features you need to look out for when purchasing your iPad.

Tips and guidelines

When selecting an iPad to meet your specific needs, you need to take into account the storage space that you will require in your iPad. The iPad just as a normal PC can be used to download and store files, i.e. graphics, spreadsheets, word processors and music files. This makes it easy for you to carry your files no matter where you are going with your iPad. In addition, you can use the iPad as a tool for carrying eBooks in case you are doing a lot of research work. Moreover, if you are a gaming addict, then you will require more space to store all your apps. As such, the storage space that your iPad has is of significance.

Secondly, you need to take into account where it is you will be utilizing your iPad. For example, in case you will need to use in a hotspot zone, i.e. an area with Wi-Fi connection select an iPad that has inbuilt Wi-Fi. Alternatively, if you will need to have internet access but do not have access to Wi-Fi connection at your office or home, then look for an iPad that has 3G internet connectivity. This will ensure that you experience high internet access no matter where you are. Basically, you will be using telephony 3G networks in order to access the web for which you will be required to pay a certain amount of money. iPads with 3G capabilities are known to have cost slightly more than the average iPad by about $130.00. As a business executive who will require utilizing the iPad in an area that lacks Wi-Fi capabilities, then it is vital that you go for the upgraded version of iPad.

Thirdly, the type of iPad that you will purchase will be determined by how much you are willing to spend. Not all iPads have the same capabilities and therefore costs differently. For instance;

- A 16 GB iPad with Wi-Fi is likely to cost $499
- A 32 GB iPad with Wi-Fi is likely to cost $599
- A 64 GB iPad with Wi-Fi is likely to cost $699

While you are looking for different devices and gadgets you can browse through iPads on the other hand, you can browse through this link Apple iPads while you are looking for computing devices.

Monday, March 21, 2011

How to Speed Up PC Performance



Making your computer run faster involves a series of steps and tweaks that would require patience and a bit of computer know-how. The first things you have to do are the basic maintenance requirements of your system. This step comprises of a through disk cleanup and a scan of an updated antivirus. To activate disk clean up, right-click your hard drive, choose Properties and push the Disk Cleanup button.

Start Up
Once you're done with the basic necessities, pay attention to your PC's start up. It's possible that you have dozens of programs activated at start-up, making it slower for the PC to get ready. It will be infinitely better if you just disable these programs at start-up and open them only when necessary. This will save your computer time readying the program before you can use the system. This can be done by typing "msconfig" in the box after clicking Start and choosing Run. A new window will appear, click the start up tab and uncheck all the boxes that you do not require at start up. However, don't unchecked the antivirus icon since this should always be running in your system.

Uninstall Unused Software
One of the reasons why your computer is slowing down could be the amount of programs installed in the system that you don't really use. If you have idle software in your system, you might uninstall them and free important space from your hard drive. You can find this function through Start, Settings, Control Panel and Add or Remove Programs.

Disk Defragmentation
This step could take hours to complete, but it's worth it. Defragmentation will rearrange your files so that you will be able to access your computer faster. You can do this by right-clicking a hard drive, selecting Properties, clicking tool and choosing the Defragment Now button. It is advisable that you do not use your computer while the system is defragmenting.

You can also choose a registry scan to restore your registry. There are also various tweaks and programs on the internet designed to speed up the booting process of your computer. However, be very weary when downloading such programs because these could seriously affect your system or may even carry viruses in your drive.

Prepare for any contingency and make it a point to have a backup of your files. Hopefully, if you stick with the basic steps, then you won't be facing that problem anytime soon. Luckily, most systems are automatically equipped with these performance-improving functions.

Tweaks and Tricks to Improve your Windows XP's Performance
Windows XP's release in the market has started various criticisms regarding the system's condition. The good news is that, there are different tweaks designed to answer some of the problems users find in the system. To improve your computer's performance, here are a few system patches you can easily apply.

Freezing at Start Up
Windows XP's first few releases have been commonly known to sport this problem. Basically, what happens is that the computer freezes at a blue screen for more than 2 to 3 minutes after the computer has loaded. During this time, not even punching a few keys or clicking the mouse works. To fix this, go to Start, choose Run and type MSCONFIG. When the window shows up, disable the Background Intelligent Transfer, reboot and you'll find that the problem has been fixed.

Shutting Down Tweak
If your computer takes a long time to shut down, then you may be able to fix this problem through the Windows Registry. Go to Start, choose Run and type "regedit" on the box. Hit enter and look for the HKEY CURRENT USER folder. Open it up and go to Control Panel and Desktop. Look for the "Autoend Tasks", double-click it and change the value from 0 to 1. When you reboot your PC, you'll find that shutting down has become a breeze with this particular tweak.

Disabling Unnecessary Programs at Start Up
Perhaps one reason why your computer is starting to lag is because of the amount of programs that it launches at start up. Basically, you don't really use all these software’s when logging on to your computer. To change this, go to Start, Run and type the "msconfig" command on the space. Choose start-up and uncheck the boxes that you don't really use often. Bear in mind that you must not disable your PC's antivirus since you will need this all throughout any process in the system.

Turn off Themes
If you go for performance quality rather than visual quality, then you should probably turn off the themes and visual effects. To do this, right-click the desktop, choose Properties and click the Appearance tab.

Disk Cleanup
The large volume of accumulated data may also be the reason for a computer's slow performance. You can fix this by right-clicking your hard drive, selecting Properties and choosing the Disk Cleanup option. This will basically calculate the amount of disk space that you can safely empty of unnecessary files that lags the system.

Disk Defragmentation
Basically, defragmentation reorganizes system files to stimulate faster access. To do this, right-click you hard drive, select Properties, Tools and choosing the "Defragment Now" option.


How to Buy Computer Parts Online


If you thinking about buying computer parts online, be ready to look at a multitude of choices, providers, different quality products and prices. Your personal requirements will decide where you should go.

Are you more technically minded? Then you most likely have particular needs and you will attempt to find the correct computer part that matches your specs. You have in all likelihood built up your own computer or at least opened it to set up a new video card, internal hard drive, motherboard, ram chips or network card. For those, there is a special section where you can search for difficult to obtain computer parts.

If you are not a technically directed type then you are in all probability searching for regular computer parts which are the best quality wise at the smallest price. So I have scrubbed the World Wide Web in search of this and of all the companies I have researched I strongly urge you to buy from Amazon.

Why so? Well there are multiple grounds for that and the first one is the level of security and reliability. It's easy to figure out since they have a remarkable reputation and were around since the origin of commercial internet. Because of that they have a vast purchasing power and are able to buy computer parts at the lowest costs. Since they also have to deal with numerous various suppliers they can provide a massive diversity of choices. Computer Parts - How to Buy

Purchasing from local store choice
There are many means of buying computer parts and the most self-evident seems to buy at your local retail store. You have your parts on the spot if they have it in stock, you economize on shipping costs and you can also speak directly to a representative if you have inquiries. These are the good parts.
Nevertheless, you might be paying up full retail cost for those computer components because the retail depot has many expenses to address before they could deliver your parts. Besides that, you might be voiding the transportation savings by getting to drive your car to the shop looking at the price of gas and parking. And finally, the shop can't stock as many parts as a online store.

Purchasing from online shop option
While you would have to pay up for transport and could not be getting your parts the same day you need them, there are many good things from buying computer parts online. You ought to economize some cash on computer parts price since web stores spend a lot less on operating cost than a local retail store and having a lot more massive market they can obtain much lower prices while buying wholesale. You also have a lot better part selection than retail shop might hold. One thing you should be be mindful about is less reputable online businesses.

This could be for you if you're the type who doesn't enjoy going to shops with all the hassles it implies like finding a parking space, determining the right shop, the best product, dealing with salespersons, spending to much gas. Just a couple of mouse clicks and it's all set if you buy your computer parts online. You can buy your parts directly at house rather than wasting all of your time going to each store and expending your hard earned money on gas and parking.

I have never had any problems with payment processing, product quality or shipping matters purchasing on the web applying my PayPal account or credit card for the past 10 years. That doesn't imply that you will never bump into any troubles but judging from my own buying experiences and from those of numerous people I know, it is rare.

Picking out the best provider of computer components is what you ought to be most conscientious about. They're many means of filtering them out. First of, you need to verify the page-rank or PR of the internet site by going to Google and writing "online pr checking". This will show you the websites popularity as stated by Google. A PR of 10 is the greatest you could obtain and a PR of 0 the worst. Amazon.com gets a PR9 so you should realize that they are a genuinely reliable supplier.

After that, you should find out what real buyers have to say. If you went straight off to Amazon.com computer parts pages you could see from each product at the bottom of the page the client reviews and that is going to help you in determining the positive and negative aspects of this specific one. If you are considering working with different providers you could type in in your search engine: "provider name forum reviews" and ramble in forums studying what other people have to say about their buying experience from this website.

Purchasing from online auctions
There are numerous auction web sites on the internet and the most well-known is surely Ebay but do not let it stop you from buying from others. You should check the sellers’ reputation before you purchase computer components online and could run into some availability issues on some parts.

Purchasing used or refurbished parts
Although you could possibly economize some money on these parts, you have to be mindful that used parts and particularly used computer parts could not work as good as new ones. Some vendors could sell less expensive parts that look like they are working well at the start, but are troublesome when they warm up or after some use. It's taking a chance. Many times you win and and sometimes you don't. The wisest choice is probably to buy new components because of the warranty and the kind of investment you are dealing with.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Buy a Best PC Desktop for You

Owning a computer is simply not an option for many people in today's world. Internet access, word processing, and more are all needs that only a personal computer can meet, and whether you are emailing family and friends, buying gifts online, or typing a paper for school or work, all of us will need to make use of these applications at some point in our lives. A personal computer also enables the user to work with digital photos and video and keep an electronic checkbook, among the many other practical tasks that can be performed with this important tool.

Laptop computers are becoming increasingly widespread, but most people will still want to own a desktop personal computer or desktop PC. Relatively speaking, they are still less expensive than most laptops, and they meet the needs of a home office very well. Yet there are a wide variety of PC desktops available at a wide variety of costs, and not every person needs the same desktop computer. It is therefore important that all of us know how to find the best pc desktop for our needs.

Finding the best PC desktop begins with an accurate assessment of what your specific computer needs happen to be. If you are a writer or student and need the personal computer primarily for word processing, then you are not going to need the most advanced model because most word-processing software works well with a relatively low amount of RAM and does not need the video capabilities that come with higher-end models. On the other hand, those of us who are going to be playing graphic-intensive games or doing a lot with digital video and photos are going to want a PC desktop equipped with the latest in video hardware and software as well as a high amount of RAM that can handle the games without slowing the machine down.

In this digital age, it is not very hard to find the best PC desktop computer for your needs. Review sites abound that offering perspectives on different computer models from both professionals as well as those who simply have a PC desktop for their home offices. These reviews should always be taken into account when you are looking for a PC desktop because they can help outline the best features of each model, and they list any significant problems that commonly arise when the particular desktop is used. Buyers can also consult the computer specialists and technicians that will sell you the actual computer at any of the traditional home electronic stores. These men and women are trained to answer questions about PC desktop computers and to help the buyer acquire the tool that is best for his or her individual needs.

Computer manufacturers are regularly offering special rebates, discounts and other incentives that are geared toward encouraging shoppers to purchase their product, so the smart buyer will always be on the lookout for discounts on PC desktop computers. With a little effort, such discounts are easily found and can save the purchaser hundreds of dollars on a PC desktop.


Find the best Speaker for you


The very best pc speakers are those that supply the sound high quality and amplification you require at a price you are able to afford. Probably the most typical kinds of pc speakers are 2.1 and 5.1. Speakers with 2.1 sound have two audio channels via a left and correct speaker on both sides of the monitor also as a subwoofer. Those with 5.1 sound come with five audio channels along with a subwoofer. For standard pc use 2.1 speakers are adequate with costs ranging from $20 to $90. Nevertheless, in the event you intend to use your speakers to watch movies or play games, 5.1 speakers are recommended with costs ranging from $40 to $200.
2.1 speakers are much more than adequate for most individuals. If you're on a spending budget, Altec Lansing's VS2321 is 1 of the very best pc speakers at an average price of $40. For those that want the very best high quality sound a 2.1 can provide, the Logitech Z-2300 is recommended by CNET. It sells for around $90 and its sound has been described as loud, clear and crisp.
Logitech has a range of pc speakers which are perfect for serious gamers. For instance, the Logitech X-540 is inexpensive and has fantastic sound. It's a versatile 5.1 surround speaker system which you are able to connect to your pc, gaming consoles, television, ipods, or mp3 players. It's well-liked with gamers and also with individuals who listen to music on their P.C. It comes with five speakers along with a subwoofer and costs commonly range from $67 to $116.
The Logitech G51 5.1 surround sound speakers also have five speakers along with a subwoofer but they pack a bit much more punch when it comes to sound. It has received great reviews for gaming and movies but some users discover the sound high quality insufficient for music. Costs range from $132 to $210.
In PC World, Labriola reviews the Logitech Z-5500 and describes it as the "ultimate 5.1-channel speaker system," giving it four out of five stars. His only criticism is of its default bass settings. These speakers sell for around $220 which some reviewers criticize as being too high. Nevertheless, Labriola isn't alone in thinking about the Z-5500 1 of the very best pc speakers in the marketplace, so the price might be well worth it.
Bose Companion III has two speakers along with a sub-woofer. For gaming and to watch movies the price is on the high side, nevertheless in the event you also wish to play music on your pc, the sound high quality of this product is superior. The average price is $250.
For decent 5.1 sound on a spending budget the Altec Lansing VS3251 at $40 on average, is 1 of the very best pc speakers obtainable.
Prior to selecting your pc speakers, take the time to believe via the methods in which you intend to use them. Are you going to require a great all round speaker with which to appreciate listening to music? Do you intend to watch DVDs on your pc or watch on-line videos? What about gaming? Or do you would like to just have great audio for conversations over the web? Your spending budget and also the methods in which you would like to use your speakers ought to govern your buying choice. Otherwise, you'll rapidly have to upgrade to get the very best pc speakers for your requirements.