Refurbished Computer Explained

1. The 4004 was the first microprocessor of intel.

2. David Bradley wrote the code for [Ctr]+[Alt]+[Delete] key sequence.

3. James Gosling created java at sun microsystems. He came up with the name Java while debating over it at a coffee shop.

4. The first ISP was Compuserve, established in 1969 which is now under
AOL.

5. The Palm O.S fits in less than 100 K,which is less than one percent the size
of Windows 98 or Mac O.S.

6. What does 50 G.B of storage really mean?It means we can stack 3 piles of
single spaced type written pages taller than the Eiffel tower and data to
support this information is about 50 gigabytes.

7. The code name for the 12 engineers who designed the IBM pc was :-
‘The dirty dozen’.

8. When the cd was invented, it was decided that a cd should be long
enough to hold beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at any tempo which was
precisely 72 minutes.

9. 128 bit SSL encryption is so strong that it would take much , much longer than the age of universe to crack a message encrypted using it.Even 20 years from now, if computers are a million times faster. it would still take longer than the age of the universe to crack it.

10. Bill Gates math SAT score was a perfect 800.

11. Bill Gates home was designed using a Mac!

12. Disk drive recording head fly height (gap between the head and disc when the drive is spinning ) is less than 1 microinch while:-

A red blood cell is 300 microinches is diameter.
A particle of tobacco smoke is 250 microinches.
A particle of smog is 100 microinches.
A human hair is 4000 microinches.

13. When Windows 3.1 was launched, 3 million copies were sold in the first two
months.

14. Windows 95 can run on 386DX at 20 Megahertz, with just 4 M.B of RAM.

During this time of going green, many companies and individuals are trying everything they can to be more eco friendly. At the same time, cutting energy usages reduces costs. Useful computer energy saving tips can help you save money and power.

The first tip is to verify that your computer has an 80 Plus Certification power supply, meaning that it is at least 80 percent efficient across different ranges of loads. The second computer energy saving tip is to consider updating an older monitor to a flat panel monitor. LCD screens use about a third of the energy that older models do. Thirdly, create a setting on your computer that will shut off the monitor or at least put it into power-saving mode after about 10 to 20 minutes of non-use. Similarly, set your hard drive to shut down after 30 minutes of inactivity. These settings can be accessed through Windows Control Panel. Next, set the monitor’s brightness to a level appropriate for the lighting of the room it is in. A dark room does not require the screen to be as bright, and therefore use as much energy, as one in a bright room. The buttons on the front of the monitor can be used to change this setting.

When you leave your home or office for more than two hours, you should turn the power off to contribute to your computer energy saving efforts. This saves energy, and it is good for proper computer maintenance to power off daily. Similarly, tip number six is to enable the power-saving mode of your computer that puts the computer to sleep until activity is sensed by the movement of the mouse. A screen saver, as this tip attests to, is not the same as putting the monitor into power-saving mode. It was designed for older monitors to prevent burn in. For gamers, the next tip may come as a surprise. Upgrade your video card to the most recent on the market. The newest cards not only perform at a higher level, they also use about 10 percent less energy to run.

Consider purchasing and using laptops more than desktops when possible, as they use far less energy. For laptops, turn off the wireless capabilities when they are not in use. This will allow you to get extra time on your device because it uses less battery. Hopefully these ten tips satisfy your computer energy saving desires and contribute to the money-saving efforts you are making. You can expect to begin making substantial savings immediately!

Tired of slow internet browsing and file saving? Consider a computer upgrade to make it faster. The most important computer upgrade to make when seeking enhanced performance speed is to increase the memory. One must consider include, the amount of memory the computer currently has, the amount of memory that’s actually needed, and the type and amount of modules that will be used.

Computer memory is also commonly referred to as RAM (Random Access Memory) provides space for your computer to read and write data to be accessed by the CPU (central processing unit). While the market offers many different types of RAM such as SRAM (static RAM), DRAM (dynamic RAM) not all computers will accept all kinds of RAM. If a person is comfortable with making the computer upgrade, and has experience doing so previously, the type of RAM required by his or her computer should not be a problem to determine.

Unfortunately, when most people become frustrated with their computer’s lack of speed or memory, they often resort to buying a new PC when a computer upgrade to augment the memory would have been sufficient. This can be a costly misunderstanding. Although it may seem daunting to the beginner, making a computer upgrade to enhance memory and speed is quite easy and does not require the owner to perform surgery on the machine or to know where the always elusive owner’s manual is. Updating a computer’s memory instead simply consists of locating and removing panel in the computer tower and installing a new memory card in its place or replacing the current memory card with the new one. One must then simply replace the panel again and the job is done.

If so desired, the computer owner can always consult online guides for enhancing computer speed or upgrading a memory card. Some of these online guides even include step by step instructions with a list of tools required to get the job done right and references to online retailers who sell the RAM that is required for the computer upgrade. Always keep in mind that online versions of operating manuals are almost always available on the websites of the computer’s manufacturer as well. If the owner finds his or herself without the time or desire to perform a computer upgrade on their own, independent technicians or big-box store services like Geek Squad are always available, although they tend to be pricey.

Despite encountering its fair share of naysayers, technological laggards and operational glitches, Windows Vista has been slowly but surely proving that it is here to stay. Before making the leap away from Windows XP, the previous and much lauded Microsoft operating system, it is important to assess the features, security and overall user experience provided by Windows Vista, in order to determine whether your computing needs make the switch necessary.

Windows Vista offers quite a few new and enhanced features above Windows XP. These features are inclusive of Windows Aero, a completely redesigned look for the user interface that boasts a cleaner, more transparent appearance with graphic quality that is impressive as well as Live Icons and the new Windows Flip 3D feature. Another important feature offered by Windows Vista is Windows Search; a helpful feature that allows you to search for files or applications from almost anywhere. Unlike the search tool in Windows XP, Windows Search will auto fill the search field after the user types only a few letters. The biggest question Windows XP users have asked in reaction to this interface overhaul is, “Why?” Change just for changes sake is never good, especially when it causes dedicated Windows users considerable frustration because familiar things, like folders, buttons, icons, and files, are no longer in the places where they’re expected to be.

Windows Vista also offers enhanced computer security- a major concern for both home-based and commercial Windows users. For home users, Windows Vista includes Parental Controls that allows the computer’s administrator to create separate user accounts for each child with search and operation boundaries that are set specifically for their respective ages. Another new security feature, Windows Vista User Account Control (UAC), allows the user to operate the computer as a standard user instead of an administrator. The UAC makes it so that password permission or validation from the administrator is required before allowing changes or deletions of certain features, which are denoted with a multi-colored shield, thus preventing these changes from being made accidentally. Critics of Windows Vista point to UAC’s multiple confirmation dialogs and the significant difficulty involved in enabling or disabling multiple network connections rapidly or transporting a file to a protected folder as some of the drawbacks of this particular security feature.

Unlike Windows XP, Windows Vista also includes two different firewalls: the standard firewall that was available in Windows XP and Windows Firewall with Advanced Features. From a security standpoint, these features may sound tantalizing, but today, many third party providers, like MacAfee or AVG can deliver similar computer security, with less hassle.

For many, the thought of upgrading computer hardware induces a cold sweat, especially those operating business networks of multiple computers and sensitive data. The decision to make a computer upgrade need not be so terrifying however, and there are several questions to ask before committing one way or the other.

First, do you know the difference between hardware and software? Hardware is something physical, a device or part of a device that can be seen and handled extraneously, like a computer monitor or the mouse used to navigate the internet. Both of these are considered computer hardware. To the lay person, software is more intangible, consisting of the code and instructions that enable and control a computer’s operations, like the Windows operating system or an internet browser like Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.

Second, will it be more cost effective to make a computer upgrade on the machine you currently have or to simply purchase a new computer? The most disappointing things about cheaper computer models are that they intentionally do not include room for hardware upgrades. This forces consumers into purchasing a new model when it might not have been necessary. Take a look at your PC. If it does not have room for a computer upgrade, the decision has been made for you. Here are some alternative options.

Third, will the decision to make a computer upgrade really have a significant impact on the user experience and deliver what you are looking for? It is one thing to buy a new mouse or monitor, but how much of a difference will that really make it your computer is slow or has no memory? On the other hand, installing a DVD drive or adding extra memory is a computer upgrade that will not only be costly, but will be difficult for the beginner to complete on their own. Once you start talking about bringing your computer to a specialist or big-box technician like Geek Squad, the price tag will start to skyrocket and you should again ask yourself question two. But I need to remind you affordable solutions are indeed out there.

Also keep in mind that some PC brands include only proprietary hardware, meaning that if you try to purchase a cheaper, generic motherboard or sound card from an online retailer, the parts may simply not be compatible. You will then be required to send the machine back to the manufacturer for the computer upgrade and probably some repairs, which will be costly. Proceed with caution.

Need a reliable upgrade solution? Take a quick look at this link.

Used cars, second-hand clothing, yard sales, thrift stores; these things are common place and usually praised as the realms of the frugal and bargain-hungry. However, in today’s fast-paced technological climate, many immediately shy away from the mere thought of purchasing a used computer. For the most part, these fears are unfounded, and should never stand in the way of obtaining a quality used computer at the right price. Here are some of the common misconceptions about used computers debunked.

New computers aren’t that expensive, why settle for used? This may seem like a valid argument on the surface. It’s true that every big-box electronics store can advertise a brand new desktop for $400. But have you ever taken the time to read the small print and find out exactly what your $400 is getting you? If you do, you’ll probably notice that a lot of necessary components, like a monitor, hard drive and software, aren’t included in that base price. By the time you’ve added all the bells and whistles you want, the price tag will most likely be quite a bit higher. On the other hand, a gently used computer is like to have been outfitted with most of the desired features already, and at no extra charge.

A used computer doesn’t come with any customer support. The validity of this statement totally depends on who you decide to buy the computer from. John Q. Public on an online auction site is under no obligation to inform you of hidden problems with a used computer, nor compelled to answers your questions when you can’t get it to work at 3 a.m. That being said, be sure to steer clear of online auction sites when searching for refurbished electronics. Instead, seek out reputable electronics recovery companies that offer at least a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 90-day parts and labor warranty. The best case scenario is that the company should also offer the choice to extend the warranty for a year or more.

New computers are more environmentally friendly than those from years ago. While admirable, this misconception is simply misguided. In fact, the environmental impact of purchasing and operating a new computer versus a used computer are almost negligible. Also consider that every purchase of a used computer prevents chemical contaminants in old electronics include cadmium, lead, mercury, and chromium VI, all of which have the potential to be hazardous to human health and the environment, from being discarded into the landfill.

I’m fully aware of phones and mp3 players and other hand-held devices that have versatile cpu and roomy storage capacities(linux on PSP?). But I didn’t want to show some gimmicky novelty item and claim, “It can be used as a PC”. Sure, you could take a bath in a swimming pool, but that just isn’t the same thing.

I wanted to find the smallest desktop system being sold in stores. Here are what I came across:

The cube is being manufactured for NASA and space programs in few other countries.
It does linux and has 0.34 Ghz CPU.
The dimensions are: 2 x 2 x 1.8 inch.
Takes DC 5V… no word on how much power it consumes.
Okay maybe the cube isn’t exactly great for mainstream users.

The router-looking device pulls off 1.6 Ghz (intel atom) and plays 1080P H264 video smoothly.
The dimensions are: 4 x 4.5 x 1.05 inch.
Consumes 8W at full CPU load.

There has been much debate over the development of the World Wide Web and even more effort put into accurately naming its various developmental stages. As the debate rages on, it leaves many to wonder, what do the terms Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 mean? Which one are we in right now?

In 1999, the term “Web 2.0″ was coined by Darcy DiNucci, a website architect and interface designer. At the time, DiNucci used the term to postulate the future development of the internet, which was just then beginning to gather speed. A future in which DiNucci saw the internet shaking off the confines of the desktop computer, and providing unforeseen access and connectivity via mobile devices through which interaction would be possible.

Following that first use, Web 2.0 came to be further loosely defined as the second generation of services based solely on the Internet, including social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, communication tools like AIM and Skype, and other tools, services and sites that place great importance on online collaboration and the sharing of information amongst their users.

According to these terms, one might say that we are currently experiencing the crescendo of Web 2.0. Social networking capabilities, forums, sites and services have revolutionized both business and collaboration on the internet. Web 2.0 is all about information sharing, voyeurism and user generated content. But, by the very existence of a numerical classification like Web 2.0, a progression toward Web 3.0 is inevitable. Indeed, as early as 2006, experts were already prophesying the demise of Web 2.0 in the face of Web 3.0.

Web 3.0, a phrase that John Markoff from the New York Times coined back in 2006, refers to what will eventually be known as the third generation of services based solely on the Internet, including advanced formats, search natural language and algorithms, even more subtle and effortless strategies for data-mining, machine that are able to learn and adapt, and other tools and services that emphasize an automatic and machine-controlled understanding of information that will be able to provide intuitive experiences that are found to be even more productive for the user.

In the light of these two subjective definitions, it is undeniable that there are distinct differences between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0; both in goal and execution of their defining attributes. As bloggers have been noting for years, Web 3.0 is most definitely different from Web 2.0, although those differences might be too subtle for the rest of us to notice for quite some time.