Computer Basics

What is a computer?

Very basically, a computer is a collection of hardware and software that allows you to take various types of input, manipulate them, and turn them into various types of output. The computer's main uses today include information processing of all kinds, storing that information, running various office applications, sending and receiving email, running and maintaining databases, accessing the internet, and running thousands of different types and designs of machinery and systems. Personal computers come in several different styles such as PCs, laptops, tablets, and hand-helds.

There are several concepts that should be understood to make your personal computer use easier and more productive. Among them are-

Input-- The computer takes input from various devices, manipulates it, and outputs it in a number of ways. Input devices include the keyboard, mouse, CD/DVD player, floppy drive, tape drive, modem, audio devices, ethernet adapter, and various types of ports including USB, serial, Firewire, and parallel.

Processing-- The processor takes all the 1's and 0's of the data stream and processes them into useful information. It also controls the flow of data throughout the motherboard and between the assorted devices connected to it. A simple example of processing would be the calculation of 2 + 2 = 4 from the calculator program.

Output-- Depending on what the user is doing, the computer can produce many different types of output. Some output devices include the monitor, speakers, modem, various ports, floppy drive, ethernet adapter, CD/DVD drives, printers, and even other computers and the internet.

Storage-- The computer takes the various types of information and stores them for future use. Temporary storage is in RAM, or Random Access Memory. Permanent storage is on the hard drive, tape drive, CDs and DVD's, floppy drive, or other external devices.

A File is the basic unit of storage and manipulation on a computer. Data is stored as files- for example, a resume. Files are usually grouped together and stored in folders and directories.

On a computer, software is really what runs the show. The software is the real intelligence and it tells the hardware what to do. Software consists of what are called programs. Programs are a collection of files that work together to do a specific task. For example, Windows is a program. It runs as a GUI, or Graphical User Interface. This allows the computer user to see the programs as picture and text based instead of just text on a plain background. Nearly everything done on the modern computer is done through GUI programs.

Computer hardware consists of the following-

Computer case-- This is the actual box that holds the motherboard, power supply, and all the components.

Power supply-- This unit supplies the electrical power to run everything. It also contains a fan that pulls cooling air through the case to remove the heat generated by the processor.

Motherboard-- Everything in the computer either sits on, or is connected to, the motherboard. It contains the processor, memory, chipsets, video, audio, battery, different jacks, and contains the Buss that connects everything together.

Parts of the motherboard-

Processor-- This is like the engine of the computer. It processes all the bits of data very quickly and works with memory to handle the Input/Output duties. Processor speed is measured in gigahertz, which stands for billions of cycles per second.

Memory-- The RAM, or memory modules, are where all the programs are running. Data shuttles back and forth very quickly between the memory and the processor. The memory is emptied when the computer is turned off or Windows is restarted. RAM stands for Random Access Memory, meaning that data may be constantly written to and retrieved from this memory.

The Buss is the network of pathways between the various devices. It consists of the actual printed circuits on the motherboard. Various data cables are also used to physically connect the motherboard to different devices, which are not directly attached to it.

Expansion slots-- These are slots which allow the plugging in of expansion cards to the computer such as improved video, more ports, and different types of drives. These cards are sometimes called daughterboards and they can consist of different architectures such as ISA, PCI, and AGP.

Battery-- The battery provides a trickle of power to the motherboard, mainly to keep the clock running and keep track of time.

Chipsets-- These are various memory chips on the motherboard that control different devices such as video, keyboard, mouse, audio, network adapter, etc. Collectively, these are known as the BIOS. The BIOS contains all the default settings for the various computer hardware devices, and basic features such as processor speed, input device settings, buss types, etc.

Ports-- The ports supply the connection points for the various external I/O devices. There are ports for the keyboard, mouse, monitor, modem, printer, audio devices like headphones, speakers, and microphones, USB and Firewire devices, and ethernet.

Hard drive-- The hard drive basically consists of spinning disks with one or more read heads. It stores all the information in the form of files and directories and holds the operating system files as well. Hard drives may be built with different types of buss, including SCSI, ISA, or SATA.

Floppy drive-- The floppy drive writes and reads data to and from a floppy disk. Because of its limited storage capacity, the floppy disk is being phased out.

CD/DVD ROM drives-- These drives play the data from a CD or DVD disk. They are commonly used for music and video storage. A CD or DVD Burner allows the computer to create copies of data on these media. These devices are considered to be ROM, or Read only Memory, meaning that the data on them can only be read and not written to.

Monitor-- The monitor displays information it receives from the graphics adapter. There are two types of monitors- CRT or cathode ray tube, and LCD or liquid crystal display. Various adjustments are possible such as brightness, contrast, color, position, etc. Resolution on the video monitor is adjusted through Windows.

Keyboard-- The keyboard is the standard input device. It issues commands, types letters and numbers, as well as performing many functions through the control and special keys.

Mouse-- The mouse is used to provide different types of input to Windows and other GUI programs such as point and click, drag, select, etc. It may contain left and right click buttons as well as a scroll wheel.

Joysticks and game devices-- There are many different styles of these controllers and they enable manipulation of objects in computer games.

Basic sequence of what's happening when the computer starts-

The switch is turned on and power flows to power supply.

The fan starts and power is supplied to motherboard.

The BIOS loads the video driver so you can see the rest of the sequence on the monitor.

Computer BIOS goes through its startup routine, called the POST or power-on-self-test, which checks the various hardware devices.

If all the hardware checks out OK, the BIOS looks for the hard drive with the operating system startup files.

The startup files are located and loaded into memory and the startup sequence is initiated.

Windows starts up and displays on the monitor.

Other programs that are in the startup directory start at this time.

Computer is ready to use.

Video Game Designs

There are many books and articles that teach the process of creating video game design using technical know-how. However, to make video game designs, one needs not only technical knowledge, but also creative and communication skills. Technical skills of a video game design can be learned in a college course or from books, but not creativity and communication.

When creating video game designs, it is a good habit to look at what others have done, whether good or bad, and remember it. Never repeat the mistakes others make. Remember, something that does not work in one game will most likely not work in yours. Another means of being creative is by watching and reading all films and books you can. Then think what exactly you liked and disliked in the films, and why. It is the entertainment value that makes a film, book and video game design good. To become a good video game designer you have to play every game you can, no matter the genre or platform.

Some video game designs are more popular than others. So design in a genre you like, as this is easier than designing one in a genre you don’t like. Don’t design a video game that is too difficult for the person playing the video game. If the game is too difficult, the video game player may never complete it. On the other hand, a game that is too easy is also boring. So design the video game design to be as fair as possible. Give the gamer a challenge in the video game design, but also the tools to overcome it.

Communication between the different people involved in the video game design is very important. The artist, writer, software professional and graphic designer should communicate with each other to produce a successful video game design. When in doubt, ask for advice.

Tips For Buying Plasma TV's at a Discount

Think plasma TV and chances are, you're basically thinking about two things: size and price. Size is a given - plasma TVs are built to impress and they make a good show of their capabilities but if price is the main factor that keeps you away, you might be glad to know that you can, indeed, get your hands on a plasma TV at a discount - for real. Here's how:

Check out name brands.

Before you wince and say, 'Name brands are premium brands, so no way they're going to offer discount plasma TVs', read on. Even established names have created plasma TV units that make it easier for you to part with your hard-earned money. Here are some of the brands you might want to check out:

LG

LG is a top contributor to the plasma TV arena and is considered as a very reliable brand, offering high quality products for home theatre systems. You could get a 32-inch LG plasma TV with an HDMI input and 1440 x 900 resolution for just £350. The unit with an integrated digital tuner costs about £30 more.

Westinghouse

Granted, Westinghouse isn't as big a name as other top contenders in plasma TVs but it's a recognizable name on its own. It's also a very good brand to look at if you prefer a discount-priced plasma TV. Other off-brand plasma TV manufacturers to consider: Maxent and Syntax Olevia. They offer 50 Inch plasma TVs that are perfect for budget watchers and penny pinchers.

Buy used.

If you want a name brand and don't mind paying for something that someone previously owned, then buy your plasma TV used. Second-hand plasma TVs can be obtained at very good discount prices, depending of course on the source, the brand, the age of the unit and its condition.

If you go this route, however, be very careful especially if you're buying from an online auction site such as eBay. A few drawbacks: if you can't inspect the unit in person, you only have to rely on the seller's word and the image you see on the monitor to judge how good a condition the TV is still in. Furthermore, you can't test the TV yourself to see if you still like its performance.

Buy refurbished.

Buyers looking for discounted plasma TVs can consider looking at name brands offering refurbished units. 'Refurbished' refers to electronics that have been returned by buyers or distributors to their origin, which is the manufacturer. These items are then tested once again for functionality and quality checks are performed. If there are any damaged parts or defective chips, these are replaced by the manufacturer. The refurbished plasma TV is then packed once again and sold as such.

Where to find these: authorized dealers of manufacturers frequently sell these units at discounted prices so you might want to check with the manufacturers themselves. You could also go online and search for sites belonging to distributors and retailers.

Refurbished plasma TVs are offered at really great discounts, allowing you to purchase a unit for as much as 50% off the original price. To buy a product of this nature, always check if the dealer is authorized by the manufacturer and ask for the dealer/retailer's return policy. This typically starts at about 15 days from purchase. Warranty should cover at least 45 days for parts and labour.

Sony Plasma Screen: High-Quality and Luxury from a Market Giant

When you hear the name Sony, images of high-tech and high-quality consumer electronics come to mind. It is one of the strongest brand names in the global electronics industry. After all, hasn’t the company been a part of the evolution and growth of the electronic appliances and gadgets that we use daily? Who was it that gave us the Walkman, the Discman, the Trinitron and the Wega? The majority of the company’s products enjoy immense popularity and the Sony plasma screen is no exception.

For a long time, Sony dominated many sectors of the electronics market; but with the advent of better and lower-cost technology, other companies have come up with comparable offerings and cut significantly into Sony’s market share. There were even rumors that Sony would withdraw from the plasma television market altogether, but these murmurings were proven to be false. In fact, the company has been making several Sony plasma screen introductions, some of which are the S Series Sony plasma televisions. These models come in various sizes, from 19 inches to 40 inches.

Other Sony plasma screen launches include models in the V Series and the W Series. The Sony plasma televisions in the V Series are slightly thinner than those in the S Series and are all designated “HD Ready,” or capable of showing high-definition programming. The units in this Sony plasma screen collection come in 26, 32 and 40 inches. The sole plasma TV in the W Series, on the other hand, has a whopping 50-inch screen (the other flat screen display in the line is an LCD TV). All these Sony plasma televisions come with a full set of features, such as digital tuners and powerful speakers, which promise to deliver highly-detailed, extra clear and crisp images to optimize the viewing experience.

Though Sony electronic devices are very popular throughout the world, it hardly has a monopolizing hold on the electronics market anymore. In spite of the plethora of Sony plasma televisions with prices ranging from $1,700 to more than $5,000, sales have been slumping recently, and the company’s performance in the plasma television market left much to be desired. However, the company is making a lot of effort to remedy the situation by launching Sony plasma screens that are more affordable and which company officials and engineers perceive to be more attractive to consumers worldwide.

Sony was and still is a manufacturing giant in the electronics universe, notwithstanding the increase in competition. In fact, having more competitors with comparable products may spur the company to pick up its paces when it comes to developing gadgets such as Sony plasma screens and to recapture their market share. Plasma televisions themselves are thought of as high-end items of luxury, with connotations of sophistication and exclusiveness. Perhaps by extension, these impressions will affect how consumers think about the company and Sony plasma screens. After all has been said and done, the Sony name still has considerable cachet, one that is associated with things that are cutting-edge, innovative; things that are considered to be must-haves for a very large number of consumers all over the world.

Why Home Insurance Won't Replace Gadget Insurance

Home insurance is very useful and can keep your home safe from many types of damage, including damage from storms, leaking appliances and roofs, some types of theft, and much more. However, contrary to popular belief, it does not necessarily cover any loss of valuables such as laptops, iPods or MP3 players, mobile phones, Sat Navs, and expensive cameras.

These items are only covered under certain very specific circumstances, which you can find under your exclusions section of your homeowner's insurance policy - most of which do not include dropping, water damage and theft away from home. Even if your valuable technology is covered under your home insurance, making a claim can adversely affect your future premium rates and could even cause your insurance company to cancel your policy on the next renewal date. In addition to that, there is often a deductible with your home insurance policy of £500 or more, and that can be more than your gadget is worth. If the deductible is more than the item costs, then your insurance will not cover replacement of that item, and you will have to pay out of pocket for the expense - even if it was not your fault.

Don't Forget Gadget Insurance

Would you like to know that your gadgets are covered under all circumstances without fear of cancellation from your current insurance provider? You can with Gadget Cover Insurance. They will protect and even replace your valuable gadgets where your home insurance will not. Gadget Cover offers much more than home insurance, as they cover theft, loss (for mobile phones), accidental damage, liquid damage and malicious damage. One of the best aspects of their coverage is that it is worldwide, so you know that no matter where you travel, your valuables are safe and protected from these elements. This is priceless, because these items can be especially important when travelling overseas on business, or indeed pleasure; it's no fun to be in a distant land with no phone or laptop. Gadget Insurance makes sure that you won't ever have that problem. In addition, they offer free mobile backup for your contacts and 48 hour guaranteed replacement of your gadgets if anything happens to them.

Wouldn't it be great...

...to know that your items are safe when you travel with them and that you won't be without them for longer than 48 hours? Home insurance claims can take months (sometimes years depending on how large the claim is), but with Gadget Insurance, you won't be disconnected for very long at all. We all rely heavily on laptops, mobile phones, iPods and Satellite Navigation, and the fact is that protecting them with gadget insurance is quite cheap, while home insurance often just doesn't cut it anyway.

Blackberry Camera Phones Help To Give The "News Revolution" Mobility

And the new Blackberry Pearl with email capabilities is helping to lead the way. The Times has just launched a competition for the Camera Phone Photographer of the Year Award. The winners camera phone picture will be displayed within the Times newspaper and also at a leading London gallery. The lucky winner will also go on an all-expenses-paid trip to capture their own news photos and also go on to represent Britain in the Sony Ericsson International camera Phone Photographer of the Year competition.

The picture editor of the Times, Paul Sanders said " ...the camera phone had come into its own as far as breaking news." (("Last year the winning image had real drama it is the common scenes and not the quality that makes mobile phone images from major beings such as a valuable resource for modern news gathering." ((The eyewitness perspective delivered in a single image often shaky or out of focus catches the essence of the moment for news coverage.

It is predicted that by 2010 and 77 percent of mobile phones will come with a built in camera. And with phones such as the Blackberry now also including e-mail capability, the world of news journalism has never been more mobile. It's now so easy to shoot footage and then email it back to base that the common man is replacing professional new crews. So whether that new camera phone is used for your company to capture and send data from the field or whether it's a staff member capturing a burning building on the way home - the new mobile camera and email technology is truly revolutionising mobile business. Camera phones as "news recording devices" truly come to the fore with the London tube bombings on the 7th of July 2005. The grainy images of people coming out of the tunnels their faces covered in black soot shot in shaky mobile phone footage - is a lasting memory of this event. The Times is reported to have received over 150 pictures captured with mobile phones of other Buncefield or oil depot in explosion in 2005 and it's also widely reported that a newspaper recently paid in the region of £2000 pounds for an image taken by a 17-year-old of the failed car bomb attacks in London's Haymarket in June 2007.
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Blackberry 8110 Pearl Pink vs Nokia N70 N Series Mobile Phone

Today, Blackberry has made its brand name in mobile phone market. Recently the company has launched its new 2G enabled phone that is Blackberry 8110. This is a candy bar phone with several multimedia features that make it a better phone than one of its major competitors Nokia N70.

Blackberry 8110 is a sleek phone with dimensions 107 x 50 x 14mm and total weight is just 91 grams. On the other hand Nokia N70 is bit bulky phone than Blackberry 8110 with dimensions 108.8 x 53 x 21.8mm with total weight of 126 grams.

As far as the displays of both the phones are concern, Blackberry also has an edge over Nokia N70. The display of Blackberry is wider with 240 x 260 pixels. This screen is suitable to watch all your clicked pictures, captured videos and playing games. Where as the display of Nokia N70 has just 176 x 208 pixels. Blackberry 8110 has an internal memory of 64 MB that is much better than the 22 MB of internal memory of Nokia N70. You can also expand this 64 MB of internal memory up to 2 GB with the help of microSD memory card slot given by the company.

Blackberry 8110 is an EDGE phone that enables you to excess the Internet over you phone. Now you can send and receive e-mails, download any important information related your work, download images and Mp3 songs directly on your phone. To make this phone more user friendly, it also has a Bluetooth connectivity. With the help of this feature you can easily share your data with any other Bluetooth enabled device.

The phone also has a powerful 2 mega pixel camera that allows you to capture good quality images and videos. With this camera you are able to capture images with 1600 x 1200 pixels along with the flash light. To give more credibility to this phone, the company has launched it in two very attractive colors Black and Blue. Both the colors give sophisticated look to the phone.

The best part of Blackberry 8110 is that this phone has a built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) with this feature you can get the ways of your location, no matter in which part of world you are in. But this feature is not available in Nokia N70....