An Easy Explanation of Two Commonly Confused Computer Terms – Memory and Hard Drive
When it comes to a computer, there are so many basic computer terms like RAM, megahertz, gigabytes, etc. that people can find confusingthat leave people confused and asking questions like “What is RAM?”, “What’s hard drive?”.
Having a better understanding of some of computer terminology like this can can make the computer less intimidating, and ultimately get more out of them.
A lot of people I talk to seem to be apologetic about their lack of knowledge. It’s too bad people feel that way; they really shouldn’t.
What I tell them is that while they may not know as much as I do about computers, it’s really not their fault, and they probably are knowledgeable about things I know very little about. All you need is someone who takes the time to explain things to you in a way that makes sense.
One term many people confuse is memory (also known as RAM), and hard drive storage space.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory (relax — you don’t have to memorize that). It is a temporary working space the computer uses to get work done, which gets emptied when the computer is turned off.
Think of it like a work bench or table. You have a project you’re working on and you do your project on the bench and when you’re done, you put everything away.
The hard drive is the main place your computer uses to store information. It looks like a rectangular metal box about 3.5″ wide (or 2.5″ on a laptop), which contains a non-removable disk. It is the disk inside the drive which stores everything.
Think of it as a set of shelves where you store the tools or materials for your project — when you want to work on something you choose the things you need from the set of shelves, put them on the bench and work on the project.
This is like when you run a program; the computer loads the program from the hard drive into memory.
So the larger the space, the more you can store — so to put it another way the more programs you can have installed, the more songs or pictures or videos you can save on your computer.
Many people accidentally call their computer (the big box-like thing hooked up to the screen) a hard drive, but this is based on a misunderstanding. Both RAM and the hard drive are parts located inside of the computer, and most people never actually see these parts.
Most people with a computer made in the last few years have far bigger hard drives than they’ll ever have any hope of filling. Few people ever fill them up, unless they are keeping a lot of larger files such as music or pictures, or especially video files. Saving entire movies on your computer can really eat up space very quickly.
If someone tells you need more memory, or or you get you a message about being low on memory, this usually means you don’t have enough RAM. This can slow your computer down drastically.
Think of the table idea again: if your bench is very small, you can’t fit everything you need on it to get your work done, so you’re constantly wasting time moving stuff off and back onto the table to get your work done, if you can do any work at all.
Both RAM and hard drive space are measured with the same terms: kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), and gigabytes (GB). This may be one reason people confuse the two terms.
So why is it that you buy a computer one year that has a lot of RAM, and two or three years go by, why do people tell you it doesn’t have enough memory? This is because each year the average size of software, and the amount of memory it needs, gets larger.
It’s as if the tools you use on your workbench keep growing every year so you eventually have to get a larger bench.
If your computer seems to be running more slowly recently, or you’ve been having odd errors, it could be that you need to get more memory, which doesn’t cost much to do and can add life to your computer. It’s not a cure-all for a slow computer, but it can make a real difference.
Remember, basic computer jargon doesn’t have to be confusing, just as long as it’s explained in a way that actually makes sense!
Shared Web Hosting
The most common type of web hosting today is shared web hosting.Your server space, including your CPU time, bandwidth, applications and OS have to be shared with other web hosting clients in shared web hosting.
Server management, including assurance of uptime and upgrading of hardware, is managed by the web host. A control panel helps you control your website, although you have no control over the actual server itself.
The costs of these shared cheap web hosting companies depend on the number of clients the server services.It is with the help of their server that these shared web hosting companies try to maximise their server profits.
Make sure that there are no scripts or software that are not allowed by the host by checking up on the terms and conditions of the web hosting company.In shared web hosting, it is important that no one user hogs up the resources as the server and its resources are to be shared.
Software such as Apache and IIS are used by administrators of shared web hosting to localise errors and note any form of unusual CPU utilisation.This is to ensure that other users are not affected when a user uses the server . There is, however, the possibility of problems arising when all the websites of a server go down.
It is the fact that shared web hosting is so cheap that there are advantages for using it.The cheap hardware and software of shared web hosting camouflages its imperfect performance.With the help of the many available management tools, virtual shared web hosting clients have a better functionality level than their counterparts .
If you have a website that uses lots of CPU, RAM and other resources, or if your website requires the use of special software plugins, then shared web hosting is not meant for your situation.If your website requires optimum uptime, you should not even consider using shared web hosting.
Outstanding Domain Names and Reseller Hosting
How to use twitter in online learning
Twitter came to the attention of the wider world with the recent New York plane crash/rescue where a participant took a photograph on his camera phone. Through Twitter, it was flashed around the phone before the “traditional” news agencies were on the scene.
President Obama used twitter successfully to rally support on his presidential campaign.
So what is twitter?
Twitter is an online microblogging service.
What?
OK, in real language, its a cross between a blog, a text message and a conversation that the rest of the world can hear.
Anyone can signup and it is totally free.
“Twitterers” can post short messages (up to 140 characters in length) which can be read by their “followers” (people who chose to receive updates from this person or organisation).
Think for a second of the power of this – and bear in mind that a message can contain a link to a webpage, a photograph, video clip etc etc. It’s like being able to send a message to the world…
So why should use twitter to create a learning environment?
Well, one of the advantages of online training is that both participants don’t have to be present at the same time for an event to take place. That’s the same in twitter.
It’s tricky to rely on email, people may use more than one computers, spam filters can kill genuine message – in short, don’t rely on email…
With twitter though, everything is displayed on a webpage and (subject to user remembering user name & password) can be displayed anywhere in the world.
So, a class tutor can send a reading list to delegates a few days before an event through twitter.
How can I do this?, I don’t want the whole world hearing my conversation
When you go into twitter to set up your account, you can specify that your updates are protected (made private)
This is how to do it
When you have registered at twitter.com – go to the top right hand corner of the account screen & tick the “settings” option.
Then, check the “protect my updates” box. This means that your updates, (posts) will not be published in the “public timeline” – messages that are entered by twitterers all over the world.
protected
When someone you haven’t approved, visits your profile, they will see this message.
Just click on the “send request” button” to email a request.
If you co-ordinate users to protect updates – you can use twitter to create a free VLE (virtual learning environment).
Reasons Why Graphic Design Is A Great Career Choice
Graphic design is quite an old art form. When man first started using designs and styling on items, graphic design was born, probably even before language itself. Today it has evolved into a lucrative career option and modern technology has taken the field to an entirely new level. A graphic design artist today is guaranteed of a lucrative job in many major industries like technology, entertainment and fashion.
Graphics can be seen on packaging of products, advertisements, clothes and almost every other man made object. Research has shown how certain changes in graphic design can influence the consumer’s perception of a product, thus making design considerations critical to a product’s success. Professional designers such as the ones at corporate identity london are aware of how certain lettering and color combinations affect consumer perceptions. After all, no one wants to buy a product that looks plain and boring.
Graphic design is extremely important for the fashion industry as well. The graphic designs can found on all kinds of apparel, ranging from t-shirts to evening gowns. The growth of the internet industry has also ensured a steady and increasing demand for graphic design artists. Any website, in order to be presentable has to use nice looking graphical components. The use of delightful graphics and other visuals, created through graphic design software keep the users interested in the site. Sites like business awards demonstrate that even vague topics can be enlivened by great visual presentation.
Graphic design has also become crucial in the entertainment industry today. The beautiful and innovative CD covers, posters, book covers, advertisements on television, all use highly sophisticated design techniques.
Anyone with good creative or technical skills who is deciding on a career option can give graphic design a serious thought. You can end up getting exactly what you wanted from your life.
Background on Video MP3 Player
The volume of individual media players has shrunk to the detail that you could at this time carry your special films or videos in your back pocket! There is no hesitation about it the video mp3 players has changed the media world forever.
If you have looked for the video mp3 player, you have maybe been overwhelmed at the possibilities. In most situation, it is difficult to do a side by side contrast because they are really apples and oranges. There are two unlike types of memory for video mp3 players, flash as well as hard drive, and numerous volumes for each. The finest for portability is the flash memory as it retains no moving elements hard drive kinds really contain little
running hard drives in.
Zune 16 GB Video Mp3 Player
To fulfill the requirements above and still retain the optimal storage space ability the Zune 16 GB video mp3 player is a good option. With this part you shall possess adequate storage space, flash memory and assurance in fine customer ratings. It doesn’t hurt that this player is priced minor than further related video mp3 players.
Features:
• 16 Gb flash memory
• 1.8 LCD screen
• 320×240 pixel display
• FM radio
• Audio book capabilities
• shall store 4,000 songs, 25,000 pictures or 50-hours of video.
Good
Lots of memory for the fee fine audio feature plus uncomplicated consumer interface. More than one purchaser has deserted from IPod for this video mp3 player. One further solution vending aspect whilst contrasted to the Nano is the glass screen over plastic.
Bad
The monitor size is a little slight thinking about many modes are nowadays getting out with 2-3 inch screens.
Bottom Line
The Zune 16 GB video mp3 player is the enormous player for the charge. Buyers are fine pleased with appearance, feel and functionality of this unit.
I supposed you could be interested in this article: Portable Players
Inkjet Cartridge Care and Refill Guide
With the price of ink cartridges often exceeding the cost of a new printer, it’s good to know that there are some reliable alternatives. Many companies sell remanufactured inkjet and toner cartridges, often at a fraction of the cost of a brand name cartridge. But the most affordable method is refilling your inkjet cartridges yourself. Refill kits are incredibly affordable, and many cartridges can be re-used up to 6 or 7 times. Following this helpful guide will ensure that you inkjet cartridges are in the best condition for a successful refill.
Best Time to Refill
The best time to refill your cartridge is before it is completely out of ink. Look out for signs that the ink is running low, such as light prints or white streaking. When your printer gives you the second ‘low ink’ warning, this is a prefect time to refill your cartridge or take them to a refiller.
Don’t let the cartridge become completely empty before refilling it because it can cause the nozzle to burn out.
Handling Cartridges
Be careful when handling the cartridge. Avoid touching the printhead’s metal plate with your hands. Be especially careful when you insert or remove a cartridge from your printer. Be patient with the cartridge, the circuit board is sensitive and forcing the cartridge can cause permanent damage.
Cleaning
If you don’t use your printer often, the cartridge needs to be cleaned to keep it in good working order. Periodically run the print head cleaning program to keep the nozzle functional. Instructions will likely be included in the operations manual.
Keeping a Cartridge in Refillable Condition
These two tips will help you increase your cartridge’s refillable life:
1. Store your cartridges with the print head down to keep it moist and in proper working condition. Keep full color cartridges upright. Leaving it on its side can cause the colors to mix.
2. After removing the cartridge from the printer, refill or bring in your cartridge as soon as possible. The less exposure to air will help prevent the ink from drying and damaging the cartridge.
Cartridge Tips
You should use your refilled cartridge within two months to ensure the cartridge will work properly.
Run test pages every week or every other week to keep the cartridge from drying out
If you are not going to use a refilled cartridge right away, wrap it in a moist paper towel and put it in an air tight plastic bag to prevent the nozzle from drying out.
Keep in mind that not all inkjet cartridges can be refilled, but following these guidelines will increase your possiblity for sucess.
Written by the InkSell.com Staff.
Don’t miss this Great Value on Used Computers for Sale!
Posted on April 26th, 2009 by Lindsey Harper
Almost every office in America will have computers for their employees to use. One of the ways for a company to save money, particularly a new company or a small company, is to purchase used computers instead of new computers.
If you are a business owner who is interested in used computers, before you investigate the traditional options to find used computers for sale, let me steer you to another option! I found these excellent used computers online.
One source that offers quality items at low prices is at a government auction. These auctions can take place in a variety of formats. Some of them require you to visit the site and bid on the items there. Other auctions of this type are conducted online.
I found the computers pictured above at an Internet auction. This type of auction is very convenient because there are no travel considerations to deal with. Plus, good auctions of this type give you clear information and plenty of photos of the product (s).
This is a lot of 9 computer and office equipment. You can get scanners, printers, keyboards, etc. But Hurry! The bidding ends tomorrow, April 27 at 5:00 p.m. The first bid, for all this equipment, is a minimum of $150!
I found this great deal at Government Auction Network. If you’re looking for a government auction, this is the place to start. You will not believe the amount of auctions that Government Auction Network provides.
It’s a smart move to go for excellent quality used computers for sale, as opposed to brand new computers. You save money, plus you’re getting a product that is in good condition. Government Auction Network has what you need.
Be sure to contact me with questions. Click on “About Lindsey” then click on “Just Ask Me.”
Government Auction Network – government auction – Internet auction – used computers for sale
Grounds To Buy Your Kids A Digital Camera
Every parent craves to notice their offsprings joyful, in high spirits and lively every time. So, they like to cause their offsprings pleasure in every attainable way. When it comes to enduing your child something, there is nothing similar to providing them a elegant and shiny digicam. Nevertheless, purchasing a digital camera for them could be an especially frustrating task as you may not be informed of their individualized preference and predilection. At the same time, you would need to sunnily astound your kid with a gift and hence, would preserve it a secret. This writing will impart to you what to take into account when buying a digital camera for endowing your kid.
The Trendiest & Most {Sought-after}
The digital camera that you are purchasing for your youngster need to be the latest vogue and the most demandable one. Select the one that is being profoundly advertised and prevanlently chattered about. This will lead to pronounced delight and discern satisfaction. Likewise, it will draw your youngsters genuinely awesome of the object and will make them {feel} remarkable.
Svelte Look:
Youngsters have a predisposition of growing energized by the appearances of their things. So, once paying money for a camera make sure that it must bear dandified aspect to amaze your children. It does not in fact matter to them if the camera features a wide screen or if it is 2 mega pixel. What counts very much to them is if the device holds a classy shape, loud colors, and mind-blowing look. Children are not relatively astounded by widgets that give the impression of being dull or unexciting. Thus, you have got to carry this issue in mind ahead of purchasing a digicam for your youngster.
Reduced Volume:
Kids like their gizmos minute, musty and undersized. So you must pick a digicam for your youngster that should be slim and miniature in size. If you select a camera, weigh it by your hands and check out if it would be at ease for your kid to bring or dangle around their arm. Do not buy outsized and bulky cameras even if they have got appealing attributes, they will not capture the interest of your kids.
Amusing Attributes:
The gift to your children might be proposed for taking photographs for school tasks, however, they will be using it for taking pictures of their friends and for some truly fun activities. Hence, try to select a digital camera that carries maximum fun facets. It may be brilliant backdrop photos, sound effects or wondrous photographic look. You can truly win the affection of your youngsters if you offer them a camera that greatly matches their concerns and endeavors.
Ready Usability:
The digicam you purchase for your kids ought to have simple functionality for them. They has to encounter it easy to operate their camera without much hassle. E.g., the `click ability` aspect should be thought about as it might be obscure for numerous kids. In short, the camera given by you need to possess a bare program through which youngsters may easily take images promptly and efficiently. Nevertheless, youngsters these days are greatly wiser and widget geeks and they understand very speedily.
Monetary Value:
It is certainly comprehensible that you don`t want to consume a fortune on purchasing a digital camera for your children. Luckily, there are tons of picks accessible in the market and the prices of digicams begin from as depleted as 30 USD to 300 USD. So, it certainly depends how much you need to splurge for the gift of your kids. Still, it is prudent that you should commence simple and raise it if you notice that your youngsters grow out of the thing you have purchased for them.
So, regard these things into account and buy your youngsters a digicam so that they can take their beloved pictures. Who knows, they {can} be a brilliant lensman in future.
This article is under GNU FDL license and can be circulated without any previous mandate from the writer. Nonetheless the generator’s identity and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the writing and biography ought to be restrained.
Although you first need to see if it fits you but one of the best digital cameras we can recommend is Canon SD1100IS.
On the other hand if Canon SD1100IS is not what you want you can check more reviews on our Digital Camera Reviews Portal.
The Digital Ultimatum: Will I have to Buy an HDTV in 2009?
Why You Should Get An HDTV By 2009
Scheduled {February} 17, 2009, there’ll be a slight innovation in the manner we watch TV in the United States. The FCC, the government agency that contains TV program norms, is going to entail entirely all over-the-air shows to be in a digital format instead of analog. This switch wouldn’t affect nearly everyone, but anyone who’s still utilizing an “analog only” TV series will be obliged to promote their TV.
The grounds why it is a considerable deal has to do with compatibility. In the very launch of television spreading, everything was put out in black and white, which was suitable given that every television was a white and black TV.
It follows that in 1953, the FCC implemented a series of norms pointing how color television will be televised and how color television sets will operate. The sound thing on these norms was that they’re backwards-compatible: you could still make use of your old black-and-white set to watch the new color broadcasts. They wouldn’t be colored on your screen, of course, although at least you can watch them.
The recent digital customs, though, would not be backwards-compatible. If your set can’t receive a digital signal, it’s just going to become a costly paperweight. The fine news is that it’s painless to see if your set can tolerate digital signals, and if not, you’ll simply have to clip a digital-to-analog converter box to get everything to perform.
If you’ve been deliberating {about} promoting to a brand new HDTV (High Definition Television) anyway, every one of HDTVs would take digital input, subsequently right away is as sound a time as any to take the dive.
If you’re suspicious regarding your TV, search for the term “digital” anyplace on the set, like “digital tuner”, “digital receiver”, “DTV”, or “ATSC”. If you find any of these markings on the set, it is able to possibly deal with digital, and you would merely must discover the setting on your TV or remote that arranges the input to digital.
If you hold an analog-only set and you do not want a fresh TV, you’ll ought to have a converter box in 2009. Coincidentally, the administration has formulated the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program for just such an issue. Every household in America can get up to 2 forty dollar coupons toward the leverage of a box. Go to see DTV2009 for points on this program and The FCC’s DTV Page for information on the format switch by and large.
The more entertaining manner to handle the conversion, though, is to upgrade your television to the most modern and best technology. HDTV information thrives on the net. A splendid mode to get a touch on it is to visit an HDTV tutorial web site to get your comportments and make a positive verdict on your acquisition. You would want to get accustomed with terminologies such as Plasma, LCD, 1080p resolution, HDMI cables, and numerous more previous to dispensing over your money.
If you are looking for a good LCD TV we can recommend you Samsung LN52B750 but if Samsung LN52B750 is not what you are looking for you should check other Samsung LCD TV Reviews.
Simple Steps To Repair Windows Registry
What’s The Best Registry Cleaner?
When your computer seems to bog down, get sluggish, display blue screens, don’t immediately think “spyware”, “ad trackers” or “virus”. We all have trouble with our computer systems every once in awhile and, often as the best course, we need to look at an issue that’s rather common among Windows users. The fault lies within the Windows registry and, if this is the problem, the registry needs a cleaning to clear out unneeded files and pieces of formerly installed applications.
Windows Registry is nothing more than a constantly expanding database used in all Windows system which keeps all settings, options, preferences, and hardware options of the user. It keeps expanding each time you use Windows. Each time your computer starts up, the system always reviews the registry to let every installed application know the settings, documents, application paths, and a lot more stuff. Your registry slowly gets bloated clutter this way, and this slowly leads to a degradation in your systems performance.
When you put a new program on your computer and, later, remove that piece of software, traces of it will stay in the Windows registry entries also.
Here’s the rub — Once you have made changes to the registry, it can’t be undone without specialized applications (or manual editing).
Ever since Win 95, most if not all programs will intentionally place permanent entries in the registry for a variety of reasons, that are not removed when the program is uninstalled. This registry junk continues to accumulate until a registry cleaner program is used to get clean it out.
Also, a good number of software crashes can help screw up the registry.
Manually editing the registry could be a nightmare and is NOT something a novice wants to attempt. Think of it this way: the most desireable registry is still an unmolested registry.
Many web sites advertise a “Free Registry Scan”. So, is a free registry scan a safe thing to do? The answer is a definite: “Depends…” I suggest that you avoid – at all costs – any of the commonly available “free” registry cleaners. Such “free” registry cleaners are often nothing more than a carrier for some very serious viruses and malware that can seriously damage your system. On the other hand, many of the commercial registry cleaner software firms give you the ability to conduct a free scan of your system before your purchase their software.
The criteria of a good registry cleaner
Registry cleaning software are supposed to scan the registry, locate, and delete the unnecessary entries in there. But that’s the ideal situation. The truth is, there is no perfect registry cleaner. All registry cleaners have algorithms which help them “identify” which is a necessary key and which is junk. There’s no way of forseeing if removing a registry entry will affect computer performance in subtle ways. So, any good registry cleaner needs to let the user to backup your registry before you begin cleaning the registry.
Here is a manual way of backing-up your registry nice and easy:
Click (from Windows menu) Start – Run
Type: regedit (which will open the registry editor window)
From the box, hit File – Export
Save it as something you can remember, preferably including the date
When you observe, there are actually 4 kinds of registry cleaners:
Deep scanning registry cleaners
Light scan registry cleaners
Balanced scanning registry cleaners
Scam registry cleaners
A deep cleaner is actually harmful to your computer since it may remove some important registry keys by being overzealous. A light scanning program, isn’t much use either; it simply scans the surface. A fake registry cleaner is dangerous, because it is malware disguised as a registry cleaner. Do not download something just because it is free!
The “best” registry cleaner is one that:
Defrags the registry
Allows backups of the registry
Asks you if you would like to delete a certain entry and provides alternatives
Perform other functions BESIDES registry work
Instead of simply putting up with the slow speed of your system and the never-ending crashes, you can, in fact, do something about it. Be smart and get yourself a good registry cleaner. It will help your system run as smoothly and efficiently as the day it was brand new.