According to Digital Brand Index (DBI) for India compiled by Edelman in collaboration with Brandtology, Google has emerged as the top technology brand in India during April-June quarter.
Google and Apple secured 48,750 and 21,049 mentions at all-monitored conversations, respectively among the list of top 10 technology brands.
Apple, clocked the highest gains in overall online buzz with a 110 per cent jump from January-March period, replacing Microsoft for the second position on quarter-on-quarter basis.
According to the survey, Google is the most discussed technology brand online in India on account of Google Buzz and Android-related conversations, while Apple got the traction due to flagship products--iPad, Apple App Store and iPhone 4G.
Microsoft is followed by Samsung and Sony at the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
The DBI tracked 222,818 online conversations pertaining to 97 large technology brands contained in 479 influential channels between April-June 2010, which saw over a hundred brand being mentioned online every hour on an average, Edelman said.
The report said there has been a 19 per cent increase in online brand mentions between April and June period of 2010 compared to January-March period of the same year.
"In line with mainstream media coverage, and global mobility trends, DBI 10.3 findings show a significant rise in mobile applications and new device launch related conversations," Brandtology Business Development Director Kelly Choo said.
Besides, the index also features online channels which includes influential blogs, forums and online news outlets used for technology related conversations online.
In addition, the survey said that Twitter India has emerged as the "buzziest" communication channel in India with about 69 per cent of the overall conversation share, up from 4 per cent in January-March period of 2010.
Among the communication channels, TechArena Community Forums emerged as the key hub for technology-related conversations.
"The 33 leading software and consumer tech brands included in the DBI amassed 70 per cent of the online technology conversations in the three month period, amongst the 97 Tech brands included in the index," Edelman (India) National Practice Leader - Technology Varghese Cherian said.
Other brands on the list include Adobe at the sixth spot, chip maker Intel at the seventh spot, followed by Handset makers HTC (8th), Nokia (9th) and computer firm Dell.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
HARDWARE Companies
Companies have been showing record profits this year, and moving more hardware than in previous years. Intel posted its best earnings in company history, and Western Digital yesterday released their own strong earnings report. The growth in the in the market, however, does not seem to be limited and it appears as if this will be a good year for those in the computer graphics industry as well. Jon Peddie Research says the graphics market could exceed $63 billion in sales by the end of 2010, which is a growth of $4 billion over the previous year.
Their report also indicates CG software such as CAD and other similar software programs will see increase in demand as well. The increase in CG software sales will not be as dramatic as the hardware, but it is estimated this market will grow from $11 billion to $11.6 billion, and is in part due to a slightly improved economy creating increased demand for programmers, artists, scientists and designers.
“The demand for programmers, artists, scientists, and designers has picked up again and firms are actively looking for people who can use and exploit these new programs and their associated hardware accelerators," affirms the report. "The economic recession has caused a slow down but it's going to look like a small bump in the road by 2013.”
2010 is shaping up to be a very good year in the computer industry, and it appears as if all sectors are seeing an increase in sales and profit.
Their report also indicates CG software such as CAD and other similar software programs will see increase in demand as well. The increase in CG software sales will not be as dramatic as the hardware, but it is estimated this market will grow from $11 billion to $11.6 billion, and is in part due to a slightly improved economy creating increased demand for programmers, artists, scientists and designers.
“The demand for programmers, artists, scientists, and designers has picked up again and firms are actively looking for people who can use and exploit these new programs and their associated hardware accelerators," affirms the report. "The economic recession has caused a slow down but it's going to look like a small bump in the road by 2013.”
2010 is shaping up to be a very good year in the computer industry, and it appears as if all sectors are seeing an increase in sales and profit.
HARDWARE MARKET
2010 definitely seems like it will end with positive results in most, if not all, levels and fields of the IT industry. For instance, the PC market was shown to have risen by 21% in the second quarter of the year, something that bodes well for the second half of 2010. Now, Jon Peddie Research has published a press release in which it sees just as promising a future for the computer graphics market. To be more specific, the graphics hardware market will grow by roughly $4 billion by the end of the ongoing year.
In 2009, the CG software market was worth $11 billion, whereas the hardware market sat at $59 billion. Now that the last vestiges of the economic recession are fading away, CAD/CAM segments will expand and more customers will acquire computer graphics software programs. New designs will also appear in automotive, architecture and aerospace applications, and the market for Visualization will rebound strongly thanks to lower cost technologies.
All in all, JPR believes that the CG software market will grow from $11 billion to $11.6, while the hardware segment will jump from last year's $59 billion to over $63 billion. Growth will be driven by heightened demand for programmers, artists, scientists and designers.
“The demand for programmers, artists, scientists, and designers has picked up again and firms are actively looking for people who can use and exploit these new programs and their associated hardware accelerators. The economic recession has caused a slow down but it's going to look like a small bump in the road by 2013,” the report states.
“We are seeing new opportunities growing out of more mainstream applications for the web and consumer applications. The web is growing as a distribution medium for graphics content which in turn encourages people to pick up the tools, learn then, create content for pleasure, and even look for jobs in the field. What used to be a very closed society of experts is opening up,” the JPR report concludes.
In 2009, the CG software market was worth $11 billion, whereas the hardware market sat at $59 billion. Now that the last vestiges of the economic recession are fading away, CAD/CAM segments will expand and more customers will acquire computer graphics software programs. New designs will also appear in automotive, architecture and aerospace applications, and the market for Visualization will rebound strongly thanks to lower cost technologies.
All in all, JPR believes that the CG software market will grow from $11 billion to $11.6, while the hardware segment will jump from last year's $59 billion to over $63 billion. Growth will be driven by heightened demand for programmers, artists, scientists and designers.
“The demand for programmers, artists, scientists, and designers has picked up again and firms are actively looking for people who can use and exploit these new programs and their associated hardware accelerators. The economic recession has caused a slow down but it's going to look like a small bump in the road by 2013,” the report states.
“We are seeing new opportunities growing out of more mainstream applications for the web and consumer applications. The web is growing as a distribution medium for graphics content which in turn encourages people to pick up the tools, learn then, create content for pleasure, and even look for jobs in the field. What used to be a very closed society of experts is opening up,” the JPR report concludes.
3D technology
3D technology is breathing new life into old computer games.
The first of a new wave of 3D-enabled laptops and desktop computer monitors, capable of converting many older 2D games into 3D, have just hit our shores.
Most of the hype about the next-generation format has revolved around 3D TVs.
However, some consumers have been disappointed by the lack of content available to watch once they settle back on the couch wearing those silly glasses.
Options have been limited to a handful of 3D movies and the occasional live TV broadcast, such as the recent rugby league State of Origin.
But recently released blockbuster PC game titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Just Cause 2 are 3D-ready right out of the box.
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There are also more than 400 older titles, ranging from Age of Empires III to Cricket 2005 that can be enjoyed in 3D using software pioneered by computer graphics card company nVidia.
A pair of 3D glasses combined with a plug-in infrared sensor and compatible PC are all that's required.
Toshiba spokesman Anthony Geronimo said the wealth of 3D content available is a result of the foresight of many computer game programmers who rightly predicted the format would catch on and ensured their games would be ready.
"A lot of the games over the past couple of years have already been written for 3D," he said.
"So it's not a matter of now getting new games that are 3D enabled. A lot of the games you used to play you can now play in 3D."
Mr Geronimo, whose company has just released the Satellite A660 3D laptop, said the experience had to be seen to be believed.
"Once you've played a game in 3D on your computer, it really comes into focus," he said. "Look around corners to shoot someone and you're literally looking around the corner and getting a true sense of depth. Running through a jungle, the leaves flick past your face. The experience really does speak for itself."
While video games are expected to be a major driver of 3D sales, the format could also provide a boost to the flagging PC games sector.
Computer games have suffered in recent years as the dominance of video game consoles such as Nintendo's Wii, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PS3 have grown.
While users can also enjoy content such as 3D movies on compatible computers, Mr Geronimo believes gamers will prove less reluctant to jump in than many other consumers.
The first of a new wave of 3D-enabled laptops and desktop computer monitors, capable of converting many older 2D games into 3D, have just hit our shores.
Most of the hype about the next-generation format has revolved around 3D TVs.
However, some consumers have been disappointed by the lack of content available to watch once they settle back on the couch wearing those silly glasses.
Options have been limited to a handful of 3D movies and the occasional live TV broadcast, such as the recent rugby league State of Origin.
But recently released blockbuster PC game titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Just Cause 2 are 3D-ready right out of the box.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
There are also more than 400 older titles, ranging from Age of Empires III to Cricket 2005 that can be enjoyed in 3D using software pioneered by computer graphics card company nVidia.
A pair of 3D glasses combined with a plug-in infrared sensor and compatible PC are all that's required.
Toshiba spokesman Anthony Geronimo said the wealth of 3D content available is a result of the foresight of many computer game programmers who rightly predicted the format would catch on and ensured their games would be ready.
"A lot of the games over the past couple of years have already been written for 3D," he said.
"So it's not a matter of now getting new games that are 3D enabled. A lot of the games you used to play you can now play in 3D."
Mr Geronimo, whose company has just released the Satellite A660 3D laptop, said the experience had to be seen to be believed.
"Once you've played a game in 3D on your computer, it really comes into focus," he said. "Look around corners to shoot someone and you're literally looking around the corner and getting a true sense of depth. Running through a jungle, the leaves flick past your face. The experience really does speak for itself."
While video games are expected to be a major driver of 3D sales, the format could also provide a boost to the flagging PC games sector.
Computer games have suffered in recent years as the dominance of video game consoles such as Nintendo's Wii, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PS3 have grown.
While users can also enjoy content such as 3D movies on compatible computers, Mr Geronimo believes gamers will prove less reluctant to jump in than many other consumers.
Computer Beeping
Computer Beeping – Troubleshooting Computer Startup Problems
If you’re greeted by one or more beeps and a blank screen when you switch on your computer, don’t panic: you may well be able to fix the problem yourself. The beeps you’re hearing aren’t just random noises, they are actually a code which tells you what may be wrong. The code itself is dependent on the bios (basic input/output system) chip on your computer’s motherboard; for example if your computer has a bios chip made by Award, then one long beep would indicate a problem with the memory but one long beep followed by two or three short ones would mean a problem with your computer’s graphics hardware.
However, rather than trying to decode these noises, there are two things you can check which will very often cure the problem without you having to take your computer to a technician for an expensive repair. More often than not, the beeps will indicate a problem with the memory or graphics card.
Checking the Memory
A loose memory card or one with dirty contacts is often a reason your computer won’t start. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix. First, unplug your computer from the mains – this is very important if you are to avoid permanent damage to the memory. Static electricity can damage the memory, therefore, either wear an anti-static wrist strap, or ground yourself by touching the metal part of the computer case. Then undo the two screws on the back of the case (the ones on the right hand side if the computer is facing away from you), to release the side panel. Lay the computer down on a flat surface. You will be able to see the computer’s motherboard which will have various cables plugged into it. You should now be able to see your computer’s memory chips. Generally, you will have two or four slots about 5 inches long, with a clip on each end. Any or all of these slots may be occupied with memory cards. Simply unclip the card(s), and holding them by the edges, gently clean the gold contacts with a clean dry, lint-free cloth. Re-insert them firmly (they only go in one way, make sure the notch on the bottom lines up), and ensure the clips are properly engaged. Plug the computer in and try to start it again. If your problem persists, then try the next option.
Checking the Graphics Card
If your computer has graphics built in to the motherboard, then this won’t apply to you. If however, you have an add-in card, then this may cure your problem. Again with the computer unplugged, remove the lead from the computer which runs to your monitor. You will probably have to undo one screw in order to remove the graphics card, and also possibly undo a clip on the opposite end from the monitor connection, where the card plugs into the motherboard. Take the card out and carefully clean the metal contacts with a dry cloth. Re-insert the card firmly into the motherboard, and put the screw back in.
There is no guarantee these steps will cure your problem, but many times one of these simple solutions can save you a lot of frustration and expense.
If you’re greeted by one or more beeps and a blank screen when you switch on your computer, don’t panic: you may well be able to fix the problem yourself. The beeps you’re hearing aren’t just random noises, they are actually a code which tells you what may be wrong. The code itself is dependent on the bios (basic input/output system) chip on your computer’s motherboard; for example if your computer has a bios chip made by Award, then one long beep would indicate a problem with the memory but one long beep followed by two or three short ones would mean a problem with your computer’s graphics hardware.
However, rather than trying to decode these noises, there are two things you can check which will very often cure the problem without you having to take your computer to a technician for an expensive repair. More often than not, the beeps will indicate a problem with the memory or graphics card.
Checking the Memory
A loose memory card or one with dirty contacts is often a reason your computer won’t start. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix. First, unplug your computer from the mains – this is very important if you are to avoid permanent damage to the memory. Static electricity can damage the memory, therefore, either wear an anti-static wrist strap, or ground yourself by touching the metal part of the computer case. Then undo the two screws on the back of the case (the ones on the right hand side if the computer is facing away from you), to release the side panel. Lay the computer down on a flat surface. You will be able to see the computer’s motherboard which will have various cables plugged into it. You should now be able to see your computer’s memory chips. Generally, you will have two or four slots about 5 inches long, with a clip on each end. Any or all of these slots may be occupied with memory cards. Simply unclip the card(s), and holding them by the edges, gently clean the gold contacts with a clean dry, lint-free cloth. Re-insert them firmly (they only go in one way, make sure the notch on the bottom lines up), and ensure the clips are properly engaged. Plug the computer in and try to start it again. If your problem persists, then try the next option.
Checking the Graphics Card
If your computer has graphics built in to the motherboard, then this won’t apply to you. If however, you have an add-in card, then this may cure your problem. Again with the computer unplugged, remove the lead from the computer which runs to your monitor. You will probably have to undo one screw in order to remove the graphics card, and also possibly undo a clip on the opposite end from the monitor connection, where the card plugs into the motherboard. Take the card out and carefully clean the metal contacts with a dry cloth. Re-insert the card firmly into the motherboard, and put the screw back in.
There is no guarantee these steps will cure your problem, but many times one of these simple solutions can save you a lot of frustration and expense.
COMPURTER APPLICATIONS
Computer Applications
The Department of Computer Applications is one of the pioneering departments of the institution that offers Information Techonology courses such as MCA and one among the top five offering MCA courses in the country. It is committed to impart quality education in the sub-fields of IT, a field growing in leaps and bounds. The curriculum is so made that the course provides a good theoretical foundation through high quality teaching complemented by extensive practical training. It is dedicated to the mission of inculcating value-based, socially committed professionalism to the cause of overall development of students and society
This department currently offers two full-time post-graduate programmes — three-year Master of Computer Applications (MCA) programme and two-year Master of Science (Operations Research & Computer Applications) [M.Sc.(OR & CA)] programme. This department comprises of twelve faculty members (of them, nine with doctrate degrees) and is actively involved in research and in carrying out projects besides teaching. The persistence of the dedicated faculty in maintaining the standards is manifest in the successful placement and in the production of Ph.Ds. To keep in touch with the ever growing technology, the faculty members participate regularly in refresher courses and symposia conducted by various universities and research institutions.
The students are provided with ample oppourtunities to improve their organisational skills and group dynamics. They are motivated to handle seminars and to participate in group discussions. Apart from emphasizing on consistent and good academic performance, the department encourages participation in the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to bring out the latent talents in its students.
The Department of Computer Applications is one of the pioneering departments of the institution that offers Information Techonology courses such as MCA and one among the top five offering MCA courses in the country. It is committed to impart quality education in the sub-fields of IT, a field growing in leaps and bounds. The curriculum is so made that the course provides a good theoretical foundation through high quality teaching complemented by extensive practical training. It is dedicated to the mission of inculcating value-based, socially committed professionalism to the cause of overall development of students and society
This department currently offers two full-time post-graduate programmes — three-year Master of Computer Applications (MCA) programme and two-year Master of Science (Operations Research & Computer Applications) [M.Sc.(OR & CA)] programme. This department comprises of twelve faculty members (of them, nine with doctrate degrees) and is actively involved in research and in carrying out projects besides teaching. The persistence of the dedicated faculty in maintaining the standards is manifest in the successful placement and in the production of Ph.Ds. To keep in touch with the ever growing technology, the faculty members participate regularly in refresher courses and symposia conducted by various universities and research institutions.
The students are provided with ample oppourtunities to improve their organisational skills and group dynamics. They are motivated to handle seminars and to participate in group discussions. Apart from emphasizing on consistent and good academic performance, the department encourages participation in the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to bring out the latent talents in its students.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
APPLE BRINGS IPHONE
The Core Platform team within Apple's Core OS organization is looking for a talented and inspired manager to lead a team focused on bring-up of iPhone OS on new platforms. The team is responsible for low level platform architecture, firmware, core drivers and bring-up of new hardware platforms. The team consists of talented engineers with experience in hardware, firmware, IOKit drivers, security and platform architecture.
Which platforms? There are so many. As TiPb points out today, the biggest no-brainer of them all is AppleTV. With the iPhone OS and a Apple's own processors, the AppleTV could be made into something much smaller and cheaper. AppleTV has been whittled down to one 160GB version which hasn't seen much action lately.
But, if it moved to iPhoneOS, it could be sold for free with a small cable TV-like subsidy and be no bigger than an Apple Airport Express. Then, it could be attached to the back of HDTVs like a power supply. With the iPhoneOS, it would instantly have access to 100,000+ apps (though these might not easily translate to the TV platform) and the interface would be familiar to the millions of iPhone/iPod and iPad owners.
But why stop there? Apple currently sells its MacBook Air for well over $1000. With Apple processors and iPhone OS, that price could be brought significantly down. Most people use the MacBook Air for light Office applications, Email, web browsing and ...maybe a little Photoshop here and there. With iPad's Office apps, online editors getting better and new apps on the horizon to fill in these shoes (and for the love of everything decent and holy, 3G), it wouldn't be hard to see the MacBook Air going iPhone OS in two years either.
Two years down the road, other low ends of the Apple Mac line might get eaten up by the Apple processor/iPhone OS. Mac Mini and MacBook, I am looking directly at you. Once there is an iPhone OS running the TV and the MacBook Air segments, it isn't a great leap to expect to see it in low end Macs. The size and cost would make up for any loss of functionality by the iPhoneOS.
Interestingly, Today's New York Times piece, which had Apple spending $1 billion to build the processor (something Apple hope to reap the benefits of many times over), they mentioned that companies were using ARM chips to build servers.
For example, Apple’s coming iPad tablet computer will run on an ARM chip. So, too, will new tiny laptops from Hewlett-Packard and Lenovo. A couple of start-ups have even started to explore the idea of using ARM chips in computer servers.
What better way to revive Apple's lackluster enterprise offering than to make new micro-servers that are insanely low powered and affordable. In fact, they could take their current Time Capsule device (which currently runs on an ARM processor from another company) and beef it up for small business or 'home and family'. Then beef that up for the enterprise.
Why stop at Apple's current product matrix? Perhaps Appel is working on some entirely new products. Wearable devices? Automobile systems. Home Automation. Specialized devices for factories. The list goes on and on.
There are no shortage of short term (next 3 years) uses for Apple's Processor/iPhoneOS architecture. The application in the job listing above may refer to things entirely different to anything I've described
Which platforms? There are so many. As TiPb points out today, the biggest no-brainer of them all is AppleTV. With the iPhone OS and a Apple's own processors, the AppleTV could be made into something much smaller and cheaper. AppleTV has been whittled down to one 160GB version which hasn't seen much action lately.
But, if it moved to iPhoneOS, it could be sold for free with a small cable TV-like subsidy and be no bigger than an Apple Airport Express. Then, it could be attached to the back of HDTVs like a power supply. With the iPhoneOS, it would instantly have access to 100,000+ apps (though these might not easily translate to the TV platform) and the interface would be familiar to the millions of iPhone/iPod and iPad owners.
But why stop there? Apple currently sells its MacBook Air for well over $1000. With Apple processors and iPhone OS, that price could be brought significantly down. Most people use the MacBook Air for light Office applications, Email, web browsing and ...maybe a little Photoshop here and there. With iPad's Office apps, online editors getting better and new apps on the horizon to fill in these shoes (and for the love of everything decent and holy, 3G), it wouldn't be hard to see the MacBook Air going iPhone OS in two years either.
Two years down the road, other low ends of the Apple Mac line might get eaten up by the Apple processor/iPhone OS. Mac Mini and MacBook, I am looking directly at you. Once there is an iPhone OS running the TV and the MacBook Air segments, it isn't a great leap to expect to see it in low end Macs. The size and cost would make up for any loss of functionality by the iPhoneOS.
Interestingly, Today's New York Times piece, which had Apple spending $1 billion to build the processor (something Apple hope to reap the benefits of many times over), they mentioned that companies were using ARM chips to build servers.
For example, Apple’s coming iPad tablet computer will run on an ARM chip. So, too, will new tiny laptops from Hewlett-Packard and Lenovo. A couple of start-ups have even started to explore the idea of using ARM chips in computer servers.
What better way to revive Apple's lackluster enterprise offering than to make new micro-servers that are insanely low powered and affordable. In fact, they could take their current Time Capsule device (which currently runs on an ARM processor from another company) and beef it up for small business or 'home and family'. Then beef that up for the enterprise.
Why stop at Apple's current product matrix? Perhaps Appel is working on some entirely new products. Wearable devices? Automobile systems. Home Automation. Specialized devices for factories. The list goes on and on.
There are no shortage of short term (next 3 years) uses for Apple's Processor/iPhoneOS architecture. The application in the job listing above may refer to things entirely different to anything I've described
The fastest computer in the world
The fastest computer in the world is much faster than that, and it is sitting right on top of your shoulders! The human brain is an amazing computing device and the fastest processor available right now. Let me give you an example:
Your desktop computer is just starting to get to the point where it can "understand" speech and take dictation, translating spoken words into written words. It can only understand one speaker, and that speaker has to train it for about 20 minutes, and the dictation software will still make a lot of mistakes. So 100 million instructions per second can barely handle dictation.
Your brain, on the other hand, can understand any number of speakers. It needs no training and will make zero mistakes. It may even be able to understand multiple languages! And the speech processing portion of your brain is just one small part of the whole package -- your brain can also process complex visual images, control your entire body, understand conceptual problems and create new ideas. Your brain is made up of about one trillion cells with 100 trillion connections between those cells. We might take a rough estimate and say it is handling 10 quadrillion instructions per second, but it really is hard to say.
In the 2006 TOP500 list, which ranks supercomputers by speed, the top three supercomputers are as follows:
1. IBM's BlueGene/L - 360 teraflops
2. IBM's BGW - 115 teraflops
3. IBM's ASC Purple - 93 teraflops
Another supercomputer called MDGrape-3, built by the Japanese company RIKEN, has a theoretical maximum speed of 1 petaflop (1 guadrillion operations per second), which is three times faster than the BlueGene/L. But MDGrape-3 can't run the official ranking software of the TOP500 list, so BlueGene/L remains at the top of the list at 360 trillion operations per second, which is pretty fast...but it's still not as fast as your brain.
Your desktop computer is just starting to get to the point where it can "understand" speech and take dictation, translating spoken words into written words. It can only understand one speaker, and that speaker has to train it for about 20 minutes, and the dictation software will still make a lot of mistakes. So 100 million instructions per second can barely handle dictation.
Your brain, on the other hand, can understand any number of speakers. It needs no training and will make zero mistakes. It may even be able to understand multiple languages! And the speech processing portion of your brain is just one small part of the whole package -- your brain can also process complex visual images, control your entire body, understand conceptual problems and create new ideas. Your brain is made up of about one trillion cells with 100 trillion connections between those cells. We might take a rough estimate and say it is handling 10 quadrillion instructions per second, but it really is hard to say.
In the 2006 TOP500 list, which ranks supercomputers by speed, the top three supercomputers are as follows:
1. IBM's BlueGene/L - 360 teraflops
2. IBM's BGW - 115 teraflops
3. IBM's ASC Purple - 93 teraflops
Another supercomputer called MDGrape-3, built by the Japanese company RIKEN, has a theoretical maximum speed of 1 petaflop (1 guadrillion operations per second), which is three times faster than the BlueGene/L. But MDGrape-3 can't run the official ranking software of the TOP500 list, so BlueGene/L remains at the top of the list at 360 trillion operations per second, which is pretty fast...but it's still not as fast as your brain.
How do I Extend My Laptop Battery Life?
Of primary importance is to know the type of battery you have. For example, lithium ion batteries work differently than NiCD or NiMH batteries. The latter two should be fully discharged to avoid a memory effect, which will work to deplete laptop battery life. The lithium ion battery should never be fully discharged.
Whenever possible, avoid needless recharge cycles. Any rechargeable battery has only so many of these. Discharging a battery for a few minutes, then plugging it in could prematurely cause laptop battery life to decrease dramatically. Rather, if you do not need the battery and it is charged or even if it is not charged, take it out and run off the cord.
Most laptop computers have power saving settings. Use them. Nearly every computer expert will tell you this, for a good reason. It simply may be the best way to extend laptop battery life. Dimming the screen, hibernation, not running the CD/DVD drive any more than absolutely necessary when on the battery all will help.
Use the battery at least once every couple of weeks. While this may seem counterintuitive given the instruction to avoid needless recharge cycles, it is not. This is because in order to get the most laptop battery life possible, you must use it. Rechargeable batteries need to be worked or they will lose their effectiveness. This does not mean recharging the battery after every 15-minute use, but rather using the battery for substantially longer periods of time.
For those who rely heavily on their battery, consider a long-life laptop battery. This will help extend times needed between charges, cutting down on the number of recharging cycles needed. While this may seem like an expensive option, it also provides the added benefit, if you already have a standard battery, of having a backup when away from a corded power source.
Watch the use of peripherals, which can substantially drain energy from the battery. If running on battery, use the touchpad instead of the USB mouse. Avoid other such connections as well, as these tend to drain laptop battery life.
Defragment your hard drive regularly. This is a good idea even for desktops
, but it is especially important for laptops. Defragmenting should be done when on corded power as it takes a substantial amount of resources to do. However, a properly defragmented hard drive will help keep your hard drive from working harder than it has to when it is on battery power.
Also, don't run unnecessary programs or devices. This will also cause your battery to drain prematurely. When extending the laptop battery life is a concern, this may be one of the easiest things to do. For example, if there is no WiFi access where you are, having that component turned on is nothing but a waste of resources
Whenever possible, avoid needless recharge cycles. Any rechargeable battery has only so many of these. Discharging a battery for a few minutes, then plugging it in could prematurely cause laptop battery life to decrease dramatically. Rather, if you do not need the battery and it is charged or even if it is not charged, take it out and run off the cord.
Most laptop computers have power saving settings. Use them. Nearly every computer expert will tell you this, for a good reason. It simply may be the best way to extend laptop battery life. Dimming the screen, hibernation, not running the CD/DVD drive any more than absolutely necessary when on the battery all will help.
Use the battery at least once every couple of weeks. While this may seem counterintuitive given the instruction to avoid needless recharge cycles, it is not. This is because in order to get the most laptop battery life possible, you must use it. Rechargeable batteries need to be worked or they will lose their effectiveness. This does not mean recharging the battery after every 15-minute use, but rather using the battery for substantially longer periods of time.
For those who rely heavily on their battery, consider a long-life laptop battery. This will help extend times needed between charges, cutting down on the number of recharging cycles needed. While this may seem like an expensive option, it also provides the added benefit, if you already have a standard battery, of having a backup when away from a corded power source.
Watch the use of peripherals, which can substantially drain energy from the battery. If running on battery, use the touchpad instead of the USB mouse. Avoid other such connections as well, as these tend to drain laptop battery life.
Defragment your hard drive regularly. This is a good idea even for desktops
, but it is especially important for laptops. Defragmenting should be done when on corded power as it takes a substantial amount of resources to do. However, a properly defragmented hard drive will help keep your hard drive from working harder than it has to when it is on battery power.
Also, don't run unnecessary programs or devices. This will also cause your battery to drain prematurely. When extending the laptop battery life is a concern, this may be one of the easiest things to do. For example, if there is no WiFi access where you are, having that component turned on is nothing but a waste of resources
Lenovo's ThinkPad W701ds Supplies Massive Performance
This ISV (independent software vendor)-certified laptop crushes every application it encounters. In tests with professional-level content-creation tools, including 3D Studio Max 2011, Painter 11, and Avid Media Composer, all of the programs ran smoothly. Demanding games can also bring down lesser laptops--but while gamers may not be this laptop's target market, on this machine Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Crysis Warhead, and Supreme Commander 2 all looked great at high resolutions and maximum settings.
The ThinkPad W701ds rocked in PCWorld's quantitative benchmarks, earning a WorldBench 6 score of 123 and an overall mark of 96 out of 100 in our total performance test, among the highest scores yet. An Intel Core i7 X920 running at 2GHz powers this laptop, backed up by 8GB of RAM. The laptop even has an nVidia Quadro FX 3800M graphics card packing 1GB of VRAM. To say this system is loaded would be an understatement--it's a full-on arsenal.
Egypt second fastest-growing computer market
Egypt has a 35-percent growth rate and that is the fastest in the world after China with a 38-percent growth," said Rob Eckelmann, Intel's managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, told a news conference here. Egypt also beats other Arab countries in the Gulf and North African that have 20-percent growth, he said.
Eckelmann, a former US deputy assistant secretary of commerce for science and electronics, was speaking to the journalists here on the sidelines of a seminar to introduce local PC assemblers to new products.
"Around 200,000 PCs were sold in Egypt since the beginning of 1998 compared to 160,000 in 1997, and we expect one million to be sold in 2004," Intel's Middle East General Manager Gilbert Lacroix told AFP. "In terms of population (65 million Egyptians) this is very little. But there is a huge potential when we think that 40 percent of the population now is under 15 years of age," he said.
Sixty-five percent of the market is controlled by 800 small, local PC assemblers with the remaining 35 percent of the market held by world computer giants, Lacroix said. "We would like to train these assemblers and make them familiar with the new products available, particularly the quality products," Lacroix said. Eckelmann said this was necessary "to meet the challenges" of 2000 and Europe's switch to the Euro starting January 1, 1999.
Intel's Middle East "road show" of 11 countries is aimed at encouraging small and large companies to learn about the technology trends that will shape business in 1999 and beyond as well as introduce "E-business implementation" -- or the use of the Internet to carry out business transactions. "In Egypt, E-business offers tremendous potential for the tourist industry, providing greater reach and export," Eckelmann said. Tourism, Egypt's main source of foreign currency, brought more than three billion dollars to the country's coffers in 1997.
"E-business will get rid of the middle men and make it easier for end users to get into direct contact," he said. There are currently one billion PCs worldwide connected to the Internet, according to Intel data.
Eckelmann, a former US deputy assistant secretary of commerce for science and electronics, was speaking to the journalists here on the sidelines of a seminar to introduce local PC assemblers to new products.
"Around 200,000 PCs were sold in Egypt since the beginning of 1998 compared to 160,000 in 1997, and we expect one million to be sold in 2004," Intel's Middle East General Manager Gilbert Lacroix told AFP. "In terms of population (65 million Egyptians) this is very little. But there is a huge potential when we think that 40 percent of the population now is under 15 years of age," he said.
Sixty-five percent of the market is controlled by 800 small, local PC assemblers with the remaining 35 percent of the market held by world computer giants, Lacroix said. "We would like to train these assemblers and make them familiar with the new products available, particularly the quality products," Lacroix said. Eckelmann said this was necessary "to meet the challenges" of 2000 and Europe's switch to the Euro starting January 1, 1999.
Intel's Middle East "road show" of 11 countries is aimed at encouraging small and large companies to learn about the technology trends that will shape business in 1999 and beyond as well as introduce "E-business implementation" -- or the use of the Internet to carry out business transactions. "In Egypt, E-business offers tremendous potential for the tourist industry, providing greater reach and export," Eckelmann said. Tourism, Egypt's main source of foreign currency, brought more than three billion dollars to the country's coffers in 1997.
"E-business will get rid of the middle men and make it easier for end users to get into direct contact," he said. There are currently one billion PCs worldwide connected to the Internet, according to Intel data.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
NETWORK - TYPES
The types of network are categorized on the basis of the number of systems or devices that are under the networked area. Computer Networking is one of the most important wings of computing.
Networking is the process by which two or more computers are linked together for a flawless communication. By creating a network, devices like printers and scanners, software, and files and data that are stored in the system can be shared. It helps the communication among multiple computers easy. By computer networking the user access may be restricted when necessary.
There are two types of networks:
* Local Area Network: The Local Area Network is also referred as LAN. This system spans on a small area like a small office or home. The computer systems are linked with cables. In LAN system computers on the same site could be linked.
* Wide Area Network: A Wide Area Network or WAN is a type of networking where a number of resources are installed across a large area such as multinational business. Through WAN offices in different countries can be interconnected. The best example of a WAN could be the Internet that is the largest network in the world. In WAN computer systems on different sites can be linked.
The types of networks can be further classified into two more divisions:
* Peer-to-peer networks: In this networking system all computers are given equal importance. All the software and data are stored on each computer and accesses to them are given to each user.
Networking is the process by which two or more computers are linked together for a flawless communication. By creating a network, devices like printers and scanners, software, and files and data that are stored in the system can be shared. It helps the communication among multiple computers easy. By computer networking the user access may be restricted when necessary.
There are two types of networks:
* Local Area Network: The Local Area Network is also referred as LAN. This system spans on a small area like a small office or home. The computer systems are linked with cables. In LAN system computers on the same site could be linked.
* Wide Area Network: A Wide Area Network or WAN is a type of networking where a number of resources are installed across a large area such as multinational business. Through WAN offices in different countries can be interconnected. The best example of a WAN could be the Internet that is the largest network in the world. In WAN computer systems on different sites can be linked.
The types of networks can be further classified into two more divisions:
* Peer-to-peer networks: In this networking system all computers are given equal importance. All the software and data are stored on each computer and accesses to them are given to each user.
Classification of Computer Software
Classification of Computer Software
Different types of computer software are available in the global computer market. Programming software, system software and application software are the three main types of computer software used in computer networking. System software is the most commonly used variety types of software. System software offers a protective shield to all software applications. It also provides support to the physical components of computers. System software coordinates all external devices of computer system like printer, keyboard, displays etc.
Programmers use the programming software to develop the programming languages necessary to run computer software. Compliers, interpreters, linkers and text editors are some of the basic tools used in programming software.
Application software is used for commercial purpose. The application software is widely used in educational, business and medical fields. Computer games are the most popular forms of application software. Industrial automation, databases, business software and medical software prove to be of great help in the respective fields. Educational software is widely used in educational institutes across the globe.
Different types of computer software are available in the global computer market. Programming software, system software and application software are the three main types of computer software used in computer networking. System software is the most commonly used variety types of software. System software offers a protective shield to all software applications. It also provides support to the physical components of computers. System software coordinates all external devices of computer system like printer, keyboard, displays etc.
Programmers use the programming software to develop the programming languages necessary to run computer software. Compliers, interpreters, linkers and text editors are some of the basic tools used in programming software.
Application software is used for commercial purpose. The application software is widely used in educational, business and medical fields. Computer games are the most popular forms of application software. Industrial automation, databases, business software and medical software prove to be of great help in the respective fields. Educational software is widely used in educational institutes across the globe.
WEB DESIGNING FOR BEGINNERS
One of the key challenges that beginners have to overcome is to come up with a convincing web design. Unfortunately, so many people get stuck at this stage that they never really got started! Here is a comprehensive site that will (hopefully) get your site launched.
Tip 1: There is no need to go for perfection.
Don't worry about perfection. Some people I know spend so much time (hours, sometimes days) that the design is never completed! An average design is much better than having no website. So don't dwell on the details. Launch the site first. You can always make changes later on.
Tip 2: If you are not good at graphics, outsource.
Stop doing everything yourself. As an Internet business owner, you need to learn how to outsource tasks that you are not good at. Some people enjoy working at graphics. Those are the people you want to hire. You can tell the designer what you are looking for, and the designer can have your design created in a matter of days. And you know what? That will probably cost you just about $50 to $100.
Tip 3: Learn how to use basic graphic software.
If you don't have photoshop, you don't have to buy the software just yet. Photoshop is the leading graphic software in the market, and it will cost you several hundred dollars. The reason why you need to learn how to use image software is because you may need to do slight changes yourself. You don't have to do everything, but you do want to rely on yourself for those little changes that you may wish to make on the website.
Tip 4: Pay attention to the style and tone of the website.
Your website, in a way, is a communication medium. A lot about you and your business will be written in every element of your site. For instance, if you are targeting a young audience, you want a bright design with more fanciful graphics. The design is supposed to appeal to your target audience. So pay attention to the color scheme and the choice of graphics.
Tip 5: Have a very clear focus.
Your home page is the most important page. It will be the most visited page. So make sure you get the message across on the home page. Don't make the visitor hunt for links to source for more information. That will just frustrate the visitor and he or she will just leave. Whatever message that you are trying to bring across, slap that on your homepage - whether its in graphic or text form. If the visitor wants to find out more, he can always click on another link and visit another page with more details.
Tip 6: Keep your code clean and simple.
If you do coding, keep everything clean and simple. You need to do this for 2 reasons. Firstly, clean code makes changes easier. Secondly, search engines find it easier to determine the theme of your website - i.e. what is your site all about? That will help bring more organic traffic to the website.
Tip 7: Don't overdo the header.
The header is always the first thing that a visitor sees. But some designers make the mistake of slapping a huge header on the website. And that header takes up the top fold of the browser on every single page. On the Internet, the top fold is valuable space for content. So don't overdo the header. A simple header with high quality images will do just fine. In fact, smaller headers make the site look more professional.
Darren Chow is a full time article marketer and SEO specialist who has helped hundreds of clients promote thousands of websites. Join the article marketing newsletter to find out more about how he gets sites to rank well in the search engines.
Tip 1: There is no need to go for perfection.
Don't worry about perfection. Some people I know spend so much time (hours, sometimes days) that the design is never completed! An average design is much better than having no website. So don't dwell on the details. Launch the site first. You can always make changes later on.
Tip 2: If you are not good at graphics, outsource.
Stop doing everything yourself. As an Internet business owner, you need to learn how to outsource tasks that you are not good at. Some people enjoy working at graphics. Those are the people you want to hire. You can tell the designer what you are looking for, and the designer can have your design created in a matter of days. And you know what? That will probably cost you just about $50 to $100.
Tip 3: Learn how to use basic graphic software.
If you don't have photoshop, you don't have to buy the software just yet. Photoshop is the leading graphic software in the market, and it will cost you several hundred dollars. The reason why you need to learn how to use image software is because you may need to do slight changes yourself. You don't have to do everything, but you do want to rely on yourself for those little changes that you may wish to make on the website.
Tip 4: Pay attention to the style and tone of the website.
Your website, in a way, is a communication medium. A lot about you and your business will be written in every element of your site. For instance, if you are targeting a young audience, you want a bright design with more fanciful graphics. The design is supposed to appeal to your target audience. So pay attention to the color scheme and the choice of graphics.
Tip 5: Have a very clear focus.
Your home page is the most important page. It will be the most visited page. So make sure you get the message across on the home page. Don't make the visitor hunt for links to source for more information. That will just frustrate the visitor and he or she will just leave. Whatever message that you are trying to bring across, slap that on your homepage - whether its in graphic or text form. If the visitor wants to find out more, he can always click on another link and visit another page with more details.
Tip 6: Keep your code clean and simple.
If you do coding, keep everything clean and simple. You need to do this for 2 reasons. Firstly, clean code makes changes easier. Secondly, search engines find it easier to determine the theme of your website - i.e. what is your site all about? That will help bring more organic traffic to the website.
Tip 7: Don't overdo the header.
The header is always the first thing that a visitor sees. But some designers make the mistake of slapping a huge header on the website. And that header takes up the top fold of the browser on every single page. On the Internet, the top fold is valuable space for content. So don't overdo the header. A simple header with high quality images will do just fine. In fact, smaller headers make the site look more professional.
Darren Chow is a full time article marketer and SEO specialist who has helped hundreds of clients promote thousands of websites. Join the article marketing newsletter to find out more about how he gets sites to rank well in the search engines.
TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARES
Way back in 1946, a German engineer by the name of Konrad Zues developed the world's first computer programming language called Plankalk?le hiding in the Bavarian Alps waiting for the war to end. Among other uses, Konrad used this table and data structure on his Z3 computer as a chess opponent. You can't help but wonder if Konrad would feel at ease today with all of the different types of computer software available, or would he go back up into the mountains, play chess and hide from the world.
No matter what your goals, no matter what you're trying or want to do with your computer (or what you want your computer to do for you), it's almost certain that there are a variety of different computer software programs to get your project done. One of the most popular software categories of the day is the type that protects your computer from viruses, as just the thought of a virus attacking and impairing your computer from use is enough to make anyone cringe. Anti-Virus software comes in all different shapes, sizes and price points, each offering protection from a vast array of worms, spyware, Trojan horses, as well as the latest in the virus spectrum.
On a more blissful note, graphic software is still one of the most popular categories for computers and keeps getting better all the time. So whether you're interested in creating animated webpages on your site, drawing your own graphics for your business, or you want to be able to get the red eye out of your family's vacation photo's, there's sure to be an ample supply of graphic software to suit your needs.
For those that want to eliminate the need for a CPA in their personal life or business, there is plenty of accounting software options available to help you with this task. From personal and business income tax preparation, to accurate time card records, to in-depth inventory capabilities and more, you can easily turn your books from being ?in the red? to black as quickly as you'd like.
Don't forget about spam solution, mail management and contact management to name just a few of the latest business software programs out there to help your company run smoothly.
One important point to keep in mind while shopping for software, What good would even the best software at the cheapest price do if the customer service you receive is less than adequate? Be sure that the computer software provider of choice has qualified employees that can answer any question or solve any problem that you may encounter. Of course, a guarantee to make sure that you're completely satisfied with your purchase is just one way a quality company will let you know that they actually care about you and appreciate your business.
No matter what your goals, no matter what you're trying or want to do with your computer (or what you want your computer to do for you), it's almost certain that there are a variety of different computer software programs to get your project done. One of the most popular software categories of the day is the type that protects your computer from viruses, as just the thought of a virus attacking and impairing your computer from use is enough to make anyone cringe. Anti-Virus software comes in all different shapes, sizes and price points, each offering protection from a vast array of worms, spyware, Trojan horses, as well as the latest in the virus spectrum.
On a more blissful note, graphic software is still one of the most popular categories for computers and keeps getting better all the time. So whether you're interested in creating animated webpages on your site, drawing your own graphics for your business, or you want to be able to get the red eye out of your family's vacation photo's, there's sure to be an ample supply of graphic software to suit your needs.
For those that want to eliminate the need for a CPA in their personal life or business, there is plenty of accounting software options available to help you with this task. From personal and business income tax preparation, to accurate time card records, to in-depth inventory capabilities and more, you can easily turn your books from being ?in the red? to black as quickly as you'd like.
Don't forget about spam solution, mail management and contact management to name just a few of the latest business software programs out there to help your company run smoothly.
One important point to keep in mind while shopping for software, What good would even the best software at the cheapest price do if the customer service you receive is less than adequate? Be sure that the computer software provider of choice has qualified employees that can answer any question or solve any problem that you may encounter. Of course, a guarantee to make sure that you're completely satisfied with your purchase is just one way a quality company will let you know that they actually care about you and appreciate your business.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Computer animation
Computer animation
Computer animation is the art of creating moving images via the use of computers.
It is a subfield of computer graphics and animation.
Increasingly it is created by means of 3D computer graphics, though 2D computer graphics are still widely used for low bandwidth and faster real-time rendering needs.
Sometimes the target of the animation is the computer itself, but it sometimes the target is another medium, such as film.
It is also referred to as CGI (Computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging), especially when used in films. To create the illusion of movement, an image is displayed on the computer screen then quickly replaced by a new image that is similar to the previous image, but shifted slightly.
This technique is identical to how the illusion of movement is achieved with television and motion pictures. Computer animation is essentially a digital successor to the art of stop motion animation of 3D models and frame-by-frame animation of 2D illustrations.
For 3D animations, objects (models) are built on the computer monitor (modeled) and 3D figures are rigged with a virtual skeleton.
For 2D figure animations, separate objects (illustrations) and separate transparent layers are used, with or without a virtual skeleton.
Then the limbs, eyes, mouth, clothes, etc.
of the figure are moved by the animator on key frames.
The differences in appearance between key frames are automatically calculated by the computer in a process known as tweening or morphing.
Finally, the animation is rendered. For 3D animations, all frames must be rendered after modeling is complete.
For 2D vector animations, the rendering process is the key frame illustration process, while tweened frames are rendered as needed.
For pre-recorded presentations, the rendered frames are transferred to a different format or medium such as film or digital video.
The frames may also be rendered in real time as they are presented to the end-user audience.
Low bandwidth animations transmitted via the internet (e.g.
2D Flash, X3D) often use software on the end-users computer to render in real time as an alternative to streaming or pre-loaded high bandwidth animations..
Computer animation is the art of creating moving images via the use of computers.
It is a subfield of computer graphics and animation.
Increasingly it is created by means of 3D computer graphics, though 2D computer graphics are still widely used for low bandwidth and faster real-time rendering needs.
Sometimes the target of the animation is the computer itself, but it sometimes the target is another medium, such as film.
It is also referred to as CGI (Computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging), especially when used in films. To create the illusion of movement, an image is displayed on the computer screen then quickly replaced by a new image that is similar to the previous image, but shifted slightly.
This technique is identical to how the illusion of movement is achieved with television and motion pictures. Computer animation is essentially a digital successor to the art of stop motion animation of 3D models and frame-by-frame animation of 2D illustrations.
For 3D animations, objects (models) are built on the computer monitor (modeled) and 3D figures are rigged with a virtual skeleton.
For 2D figure animations, separate objects (illustrations) and separate transparent layers are used, with or without a virtual skeleton.
Then the limbs, eyes, mouth, clothes, etc.
of the figure are moved by the animator on key frames.
The differences in appearance between key frames are automatically calculated by the computer in a process known as tweening or morphing.
Finally, the animation is rendered. For 3D animations, all frames must be rendered after modeling is complete.
For 2D vector animations, the rendering process is the key frame illustration process, while tweened frames are rendered as needed.
For pre-recorded presentations, the rendered frames are transferred to a different format or medium such as film or digital video.
The frames may also be rendered in real time as they are presented to the end-user audience.
Low bandwidth animations transmitted via the internet (e.g.
2D Flash, X3D) often use software on the end-users computer to render in real time as an alternative to streaming or pre-loaded high bandwidth animations..
Computer animation
Computer animation
Computer animation is the art of creating moving images via the use of computers.
It is a subfield of computer graphics and animation.
Increasingly it is created by means of 3D computer graphics, though 2D computer graphics are still widely used for low bandwidth and faster real-time rendering needs.
Sometimes the target of the animation is the computer itself, but it sometimes the target is another medium, such as film.
It is also referred to as CGI (Computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging), especially when used in films. To create the illusion of movement, an image is displayed on the computer screen then quickly replaced by a new image that is similar to the previous image, but shifted slightly.
This technique is identical to how the illusion of movement is achieved with television and motion pictures. Computer animation is essentially a digital successor to the art of stop motion animation of 3D models and frame-by-frame animation of 2D illustrations.
For 3D animations, objects (models) are built on the computer monitor (modeled) and 3D figures are rigged with a virtual skeleton.
For 2D figure animations, separate objects (illustrations) and separate transparent layers are used, with or without a virtual skeleton.
Then the limbs, eyes, mouth, clothes, etc.
of the figure are moved by the animator on key frames.
The differences in appearance between key frames are automatically calculated by the computer in a process known as tweening or morphing.
Finally, the animation is rendered. For 3D animations, all frames must be rendered after modeling is complete.
For 2D vector animations, the rendering process is the key frame illustration process, while tweened frames are rendered as needed.
For pre-recorded presentations, the rendered frames are transferred to a different format or medium such as film or digital video.
The frames may also be rendered in real time as they are presented to the end-user audience.
Low bandwidth animations transmitted via the internet (e.g.
2D Flash, X3D) often use software on the end-users computer to render in real time as an alternative to streaming or pre-loaded high bandwidth animations..
Computer animation is the art of creating moving images via the use of computers.
It is a subfield of computer graphics and animation.
Increasingly it is created by means of 3D computer graphics, though 2D computer graphics are still widely used for low bandwidth and faster real-time rendering needs.
Sometimes the target of the animation is the computer itself, but it sometimes the target is another medium, such as film.
It is also referred to as CGI (Computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging), especially when used in films. To create the illusion of movement, an image is displayed on the computer screen then quickly replaced by a new image that is similar to the previous image, but shifted slightly.
This technique is identical to how the illusion of movement is achieved with television and motion pictures. Computer animation is essentially a digital successor to the art of stop motion animation of 3D models and frame-by-frame animation of 2D illustrations.
For 3D animations, objects (models) are built on the computer monitor (modeled) and 3D figures are rigged with a virtual skeleton.
For 2D figure animations, separate objects (illustrations) and separate transparent layers are used, with or without a virtual skeleton.
Then the limbs, eyes, mouth, clothes, etc.
of the figure are moved by the animator on key frames.
The differences in appearance between key frames are automatically calculated by the computer in a process known as tweening or morphing.
Finally, the animation is rendered. For 3D animations, all frames must be rendered after modeling is complete.
For 2D vector animations, the rendering process is the key frame illustration process, while tweened frames are rendered as needed.
For pre-recorded presentations, the rendered frames are transferred to a different format or medium such as film or digital video.
The frames may also be rendered in real time as they are presented to the end-user audience.
Low bandwidth animations transmitted via the internet (e.g.
2D Flash, X3D) often use software on the end-users computer to render in real time as an alternative to streaming or pre-loaded high bandwidth animations..
Computer Graphics
Computer Graphics
The advance in computer graphics was to come from one MIT student, Ivan Sutherland. In 1961 Sutherland created another computer drawing program called Sketchpad. Using a light pen, Sketchpad allowed one to draw simple shapes on the computer screen, save them and even recall them later. The light pen itself had a small photoelectric cell in its tip. This cell emitted an electronic pulse whenever it was placed in front of a computer screen and the screen's electron gun fired directly at it. By simply timing the electronic pulse with the current location of the electron gun, it was easy to pinpoint exactly where the pen was on the screen at any given moment. Once that was determined, the computer could then draw a cursor at that location.
Sutherland seemed to find the perfect solution for many of the graphics problems he faced. Even today, many standards of computer graphics interfaces got their start with this early Sketchpad program. One example of this is in drawing constraints. If one wants to draw a square for example, s/he doesn't have to worry about drawing four lines perfectly to form the edges of the box. One can simply specify that s/he wants to draw a box, and then specify the location and size of the box. The software will then construct a perfect box, with the right dimensions and at the right location. Another example is that Sutherland's software modeled objects - not just a picture of objects. In other words, with a model of a car, one could change the size of the tires without affecting the rest of the car. It could stretch the body of the car without deforming the tires.
These early computer graphics were Vector graphics, composed of thin lines whereas modern day graphics are Raster based using pixels. The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics can be illustrated with a shipwrecked sailor. He creates an SOS sign in the sand by arranging rocks in the shape of the letters "SOS." He also has some brightly colored rope, with which he makes a second "SOS" sign by arranging the rope in the shapes of the letters. The rock SOS sign is similar to raster graphics. Every pixel has to be individually accounted for. The rope SOS sign is equivalent to vector graphics. The computer simply sets the starting point and ending point for the line and perhaps bend it a little between the two end points. The disadvantages to vector files are that they cannot represent continuous tone images and they are limited in the number of colors available. Raster formats on the other hand work well for continuous tone images and can reproduce as many colors as needed.
Also in 1961 another student at MIT, Steve Russell, created the first video game, Spacewar. Written for the DEC PDP-1, Spacewar was an instant success and copies started flowing to other PDP-1 owners and eventually even DEC got a copy. The engineers at DEC used it as a diagnostic program on every new PDP-1 before shipping it. The sales force picked up on this quickly enough and when installing new units, would run the world's first video game for their new customers.
E. E. Zajac, a scientist at Bell Telephone Laboratory (BTL), created a film called "Simulation of a two-giro gravity attitude control system" in 1963. In this computer generated film, Zajac showed how the attitude of a satellite could be altered as it orbits the Earth. He created the animation on an IBM 7090 mainframe computer. Also at BTL, Ken Knowlton, Frank Sindon and Michael Noll started working in the computer graphics field. Sindon created a film called Force, Mass and Motion illustrating Newton's laws of motion in operation. Around the same time, other scientists were creating computer graphics to illustrate their research. At Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, Nelson Max created the films, "Flow of a Viscous Fluid" and "Propagation of Shock Waves in a Solid Form." Boeing Aircraft created a film called "Vibration of an Aircraft."
It wasn't long before major corporations started taking an interest in computer graphics. TRW, Lockheed-Georgia, General Electric and Sperry Rand are among the many companies that were getting started in computer graphics by the mid 1960's. IBM was quick to respond to this interest by releasing the IBM 2250 graphics terminal, the first commercially available graphics computer.
Ralph Baer, a supervising engineer at Sanders Associates, came up with a home video game in 1966 that was later licensed to Magnavox and called the Odyssey. While very simplistic, and requiring fairly inexpensive electronic parts, it allowed the player to move points of light around on a screen. It was the first consumer computer graphics product.
Also in 1966, Sutherland at MIT invented the first computer controlled head-mounted display (HMD). Called the Sword of Damocles because of the hardware required for support, it displayed two separate wireframe images, one for each eye. This allowed the viewer to see the computer scene in stereoscopic 3D. After receiving his Ph.D. from MIT, Sutherland became Director of Information Processing at ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency), and later became a professor at Harvard.
Dave Evans was director of engineering at Bendix Corporation's computer division from 1953 to 1962, after which he worked for the next five years as a visiting professor at Berkeley. There he continued his interest in computers and how they interfaced with people. In 1968 the University of Utah recruited Evans to form a computer science program, and computer graphics quickly became his primary interest. This new department would become the world's primary research center for computer graphics.
In 1967 Sutherland was recruited by Evans to join the computer science program at the University of Utah. There he perfected his HMD. Twenty years later, NASA would re-discover his techniques in their virtual reality research. At Utah, Sutherland and Evans were highly sought after consultants by large companies but they were frustrated at the lack of graphics hardware available at the time so they started formulating a plan to start their own company.
A student by the name of Ed Catmull started at the University of Utah in 1970 and signed up for Sutherland's computer graphics class. Catmull had just come from The Boeing Company and had been working on his degree in physics. Growing up on Disney, Catmull loved animation yet quickly discovered that he didn't have the talent for drawing. Now Catmull (along with many others) saw computers as the natural progression of animation and they wanted to be part of the revolution. The first animation that Catmull saw was his own. He created an animation of his hand opening and closing. It became one of his goals to produce a feature length motion picture using computer graphics. In the same class, Fred Parke created an animation of his wife's face. Because of Evan's and Sutherland's presence, UU was gaining quite a reputation as the place to be for computer graphics research so Catmull went there to learn 3D animation.
As the UU computer graphics laboratory was attracting people from all over, John Warnock was one of those early pioneers; he would later found Adobe Systems and create a revolution in the publishing world with his PostScript page description language. Tom Stockham led the image processing group at UU which worked closely with the computer graphics lab. Jim Clark was also there; he would later found Silicon Graphics, Inc.
The first major advance in 3D computer graphics was created at UU by these early pioneers, the hidden-surface algorithm. In order to draw a representation of a 3D object on the screen, the computer must determine which surfaces are "behind" the object from the viewer's perspective, and thus should be "hidden" when the computer creates (or renders) the image.
[edit] Image types
[edit] 2D computer graphics
Raster graphic sprites (left) and masks (right)
2D computer graphics are the computer-based generation of digital images—mostly from two-dimensional models, such as 2D geometric models, text, and digital images, and by techniques specific to them. The word may stand for the branch of computer science that comprises such techniques, or for the models themselves.
2D computer graphics are mainly used in applications that were originally developed upon traditional printing and drawing technologies, such as typography, cartography, technical drawing, advertising, etc.. In those applications, the two-dimensional image is not just a representation of a real-world object, but an independent artifact with added semantic value; two-dimensional models are therefore preferred, because they give more direct control of the image than 3D computer graphics, whose approach is more akin to photography than to typography.
[edit] Pixel art
Pixel art is a form of digital art, created through the use of raster graphics software, where images are edited on the pixel level. Graphics in most old (or relatively limited) computer and video games, graphing calculator games, and many mobile phone games are mostly pixel art.
[edit] Vector graphics
Example showing effect of vector graphics versus raster (bitmap) graphics.
Vector graphics formats are complementary to raster graphics, which is the representation of images as an array of pixels, as it is typically used for the representation of photographic images.[4] There are instances when working with vector tools and formats is best practice, and instances when working with raster tools and formats is best practice. There are times when both formats come together. An understanding of the advantages and limitations of each technology and the relationship between them is most likely to result in efficient and effective use of tools.
[edit] 3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics in contrast to 2D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images. Such images may be for later display or for real-time viewing.
Despite these differences, 3D computer graphics rely on many of the same algorithms as 2D computer vector graphics in the wire frame model and 2D computer raster graphics in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, the distinction between 2D and 3D is occasionally blurred; 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and primarily 3D may use 2D rendering techniques.
3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models. Apart from the rendered graphic, the model is contained within the graphical data file. However, there are differences. A 3D model is the mathematical representation of any three-dimensional object. A model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed. Due to 3D printing, 3D models are not confined to virtual space. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering, or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations.
[edit] Computer animation
An example of Computer animation produced using Motion capture
Computer animation is the art of creating moving images via the use of computers. It is a subfield of computer graphics and animation. Increasingly it is created by means of 3D computer graphics, though 2D computer graphics are still widely used for stylistic, low bandwidth, and faster real-time rendering needs. Sometimes the target of the animation is the computer itself, but sometimes the target is another medium, such as film. It is also referred to as CGI (Computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging), especially when used in films.
Virtual entities may contain and be controlled by assorted attributes, such as transform values (location, orientation, and scale) stored in an object's transformation matrix. Animation is the change of an attribute over time. Multiple methods of achieving animation exist; the rudimentary form is based on the creation and editing of keyframes, each storing a value at a given time, per attribute to be animated. The 2D/3D graphics software will interpolate between keyframes, creating an editable curve of a value mapped over time, resulting in animation. Other methods of animation include procedural and expression-based techniques: the former consolidates related elements of animated entities into sets of attributes, useful for creating particle effects and crowd simulations; the latter allows an evaluated result returned from a user-defined logical expression, coupled with mathematics, to automate animation in a predictable way (convenient for controlling bone behavior beyond what a hierarchy offers in skeletal system set up).
To create the illusion of movement, an image is displayed on the computer screen then quickly replaced by a new image that is similar to the previous image, but shifted slightly. This technique is identical to the illusion of movement in television and motion pictures.
The advance in computer graphics was to come from one MIT student, Ivan Sutherland. In 1961 Sutherland created another computer drawing program called Sketchpad. Using a light pen, Sketchpad allowed one to draw simple shapes on the computer screen, save them and even recall them later. The light pen itself had a small photoelectric cell in its tip. This cell emitted an electronic pulse whenever it was placed in front of a computer screen and the screen's electron gun fired directly at it. By simply timing the electronic pulse with the current location of the electron gun, it was easy to pinpoint exactly where the pen was on the screen at any given moment. Once that was determined, the computer could then draw a cursor at that location.
Sutherland seemed to find the perfect solution for many of the graphics problems he faced. Even today, many standards of computer graphics interfaces got their start with this early Sketchpad program. One example of this is in drawing constraints. If one wants to draw a square for example, s/he doesn't have to worry about drawing four lines perfectly to form the edges of the box. One can simply specify that s/he wants to draw a box, and then specify the location and size of the box. The software will then construct a perfect box, with the right dimensions and at the right location. Another example is that Sutherland's software modeled objects - not just a picture of objects. In other words, with a model of a car, one could change the size of the tires without affecting the rest of the car. It could stretch the body of the car without deforming the tires.
These early computer graphics were Vector graphics, composed of thin lines whereas modern day graphics are Raster based using pixels. The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics can be illustrated with a shipwrecked sailor. He creates an SOS sign in the sand by arranging rocks in the shape of the letters "SOS." He also has some brightly colored rope, with which he makes a second "SOS" sign by arranging the rope in the shapes of the letters. The rock SOS sign is similar to raster graphics. Every pixel has to be individually accounted for. The rope SOS sign is equivalent to vector graphics. The computer simply sets the starting point and ending point for the line and perhaps bend it a little between the two end points. The disadvantages to vector files are that they cannot represent continuous tone images and they are limited in the number of colors available. Raster formats on the other hand work well for continuous tone images and can reproduce as many colors as needed.
Also in 1961 another student at MIT, Steve Russell, created the first video game, Spacewar. Written for the DEC PDP-1, Spacewar was an instant success and copies started flowing to other PDP-1 owners and eventually even DEC got a copy. The engineers at DEC used it as a diagnostic program on every new PDP-1 before shipping it. The sales force picked up on this quickly enough and when installing new units, would run the world's first video game for their new customers.
E. E. Zajac, a scientist at Bell Telephone Laboratory (BTL), created a film called "Simulation of a two-giro gravity attitude control system" in 1963. In this computer generated film, Zajac showed how the attitude of a satellite could be altered as it orbits the Earth. He created the animation on an IBM 7090 mainframe computer. Also at BTL, Ken Knowlton, Frank Sindon and Michael Noll started working in the computer graphics field. Sindon created a film called Force, Mass and Motion illustrating Newton's laws of motion in operation. Around the same time, other scientists were creating computer graphics to illustrate their research. At Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, Nelson Max created the films, "Flow of a Viscous Fluid" and "Propagation of Shock Waves in a Solid Form." Boeing Aircraft created a film called "Vibration of an Aircraft."
It wasn't long before major corporations started taking an interest in computer graphics. TRW, Lockheed-Georgia, General Electric and Sperry Rand are among the many companies that were getting started in computer graphics by the mid 1960's. IBM was quick to respond to this interest by releasing the IBM 2250 graphics terminal, the first commercially available graphics computer.
Ralph Baer, a supervising engineer at Sanders Associates, came up with a home video game in 1966 that was later licensed to Magnavox and called the Odyssey. While very simplistic, and requiring fairly inexpensive electronic parts, it allowed the player to move points of light around on a screen. It was the first consumer computer graphics product.
Also in 1966, Sutherland at MIT invented the first computer controlled head-mounted display (HMD). Called the Sword of Damocles because of the hardware required for support, it displayed two separate wireframe images, one for each eye. This allowed the viewer to see the computer scene in stereoscopic 3D. After receiving his Ph.D. from MIT, Sutherland became Director of Information Processing at ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency), and later became a professor at Harvard.
Dave Evans was director of engineering at Bendix Corporation's computer division from 1953 to 1962, after which he worked for the next five years as a visiting professor at Berkeley. There he continued his interest in computers and how they interfaced with people. In 1968 the University of Utah recruited Evans to form a computer science program, and computer graphics quickly became his primary interest. This new department would become the world's primary research center for computer graphics.
In 1967 Sutherland was recruited by Evans to join the computer science program at the University of Utah. There he perfected his HMD. Twenty years later, NASA would re-discover his techniques in their virtual reality research. At Utah, Sutherland and Evans were highly sought after consultants by large companies but they were frustrated at the lack of graphics hardware available at the time so they started formulating a plan to start their own company.
A student by the name of Ed Catmull started at the University of Utah in 1970 and signed up for Sutherland's computer graphics class. Catmull had just come from The Boeing Company and had been working on his degree in physics. Growing up on Disney, Catmull loved animation yet quickly discovered that he didn't have the talent for drawing. Now Catmull (along with many others) saw computers as the natural progression of animation and they wanted to be part of the revolution. The first animation that Catmull saw was his own. He created an animation of his hand opening and closing. It became one of his goals to produce a feature length motion picture using computer graphics. In the same class, Fred Parke created an animation of his wife's face. Because of Evan's and Sutherland's presence, UU was gaining quite a reputation as the place to be for computer graphics research so Catmull went there to learn 3D animation.
As the UU computer graphics laboratory was attracting people from all over, John Warnock was one of those early pioneers; he would later found Adobe Systems and create a revolution in the publishing world with his PostScript page description language. Tom Stockham led the image processing group at UU which worked closely with the computer graphics lab. Jim Clark was also there; he would later found Silicon Graphics, Inc.
The first major advance in 3D computer graphics was created at UU by these early pioneers, the hidden-surface algorithm. In order to draw a representation of a 3D object on the screen, the computer must determine which surfaces are "behind" the object from the viewer's perspective, and thus should be "hidden" when the computer creates (or renders) the image.
[edit] Image types
[edit] 2D computer graphics
Raster graphic sprites (left) and masks (right)
2D computer graphics are the computer-based generation of digital images—mostly from two-dimensional models, such as 2D geometric models, text, and digital images, and by techniques specific to them. The word may stand for the branch of computer science that comprises such techniques, or for the models themselves.
2D computer graphics are mainly used in applications that were originally developed upon traditional printing and drawing technologies, such as typography, cartography, technical drawing, advertising, etc.. In those applications, the two-dimensional image is not just a representation of a real-world object, but an independent artifact with added semantic value; two-dimensional models are therefore preferred, because they give more direct control of the image than 3D computer graphics, whose approach is more akin to photography than to typography.
[edit] Pixel art
Pixel art is a form of digital art, created through the use of raster graphics software, where images are edited on the pixel level. Graphics in most old (or relatively limited) computer and video games, graphing calculator games, and many mobile phone games are mostly pixel art.
[edit] Vector graphics
Example showing effect of vector graphics versus raster (bitmap) graphics.
Vector graphics formats are complementary to raster graphics, which is the representation of images as an array of pixels, as it is typically used for the representation of photographic images.[4] There are instances when working with vector tools and formats is best practice, and instances when working with raster tools and formats is best practice. There are times when both formats come together. An understanding of the advantages and limitations of each technology and the relationship between them is most likely to result in efficient and effective use of tools.
[edit] 3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics in contrast to 2D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images. Such images may be for later display or for real-time viewing.
Despite these differences, 3D computer graphics rely on many of the same algorithms as 2D computer vector graphics in the wire frame model and 2D computer raster graphics in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, the distinction between 2D and 3D is occasionally blurred; 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and primarily 3D may use 2D rendering techniques.
3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models. Apart from the rendered graphic, the model is contained within the graphical data file. However, there are differences. A 3D model is the mathematical representation of any three-dimensional object. A model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed. Due to 3D printing, 3D models are not confined to virtual space. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering, or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations.
[edit] Computer animation
An example of Computer animation produced using Motion capture
Computer animation is the art of creating moving images via the use of computers. It is a subfield of computer graphics and animation. Increasingly it is created by means of 3D computer graphics, though 2D computer graphics are still widely used for stylistic, low bandwidth, and faster real-time rendering needs. Sometimes the target of the animation is the computer itself, but sometimes the target is another medium, such as film. It is also referred to as CGI (Computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging), especially when used in films.
Virtual entities may contain and be controlled by assorted attributes, such as transform values (location, orientation, and scale) stored in an object's transformation matrix. Animation is the change of an attribute over time. Multiple methods of achieving animation exist; the rudimentary form is based on the creation and editing of keyframes, each storing a value at a given time, per attribute to be animated. The 2D/3D graphics software will interpolate between keyframes, creating an editable curve of a value mapped over time, resulting in animation. Other methods of animation include procedural and expression-based techniques: the former consolidates related elements of animated entities into sets of attributes, useful for creating particle effects and crowd simulations; the latter allows an evaluated result returned from a user-defined logical expression, coupled with mathematics, to automate animation in a predictable way (convenient for controlling bone behavior beyond what a hierarchy offers in skeletal system set up).
To create the illusion of movement, an image is displayed on the computer screen then quickly replaced by a new image that is similar to the previous image, but shifted slightly. This technique is identical to the illusion of movement in television and motion pictures.
Computer Viruses :
What are Computer Viruses?
Computer viruses are programs written by "mean" people. These virus programs are placed into a commonly used program so that program will run the attached virus program as it boots, therefore, it is said that the virus "infects" the executable file or program. Executable files include Macintosh "system files" [such as system extensions, INITs and control panels] and application programs [such as word processing programs and spreadsheet programs.] Viruses work the same ways in Windows or DOS machines by infecting zip or exe files.
A virus is inactive until you execute an infected program or application OR start your computer from a disk that has infected system files. Once a virus is active, it loads into your computer's memory and may save itself to your hard drive or copies itself to applications or system files on disks you use.
Some viruses are programmed specifically to damage the data on your computer by corrupting programs, deleting files, or even erasing your entire hard drive. Many viruses do nothing more than display a message or make sounds / verbal comments at a certain time or a programming event after replicating themselves to be picked up by other users one way or another. Other viruses make your computer's system behave erratically or crash frequently. Sadly many people who have problems or frequent crashes using their computers do not realize that they have a virus and live with the inconveniences.
What Viruses Don't Do!
Computer viruses can not infect write protected disks or infect written documents. Viruses do not infect compressed files, unless the file was infected prior to the compression. [Compressed files are programs or files with its common characters, etc. removed to take up less space on a disk.] Viruses do not infect computer hardware, such as monitors or computer chips; they only infect software.
In addition, Macintosh viruses do not infect DOS / Window computer software and vice versa. For example, the Melissa virus incident of late 1998 and the ILOVEYOU virus of 2000 worked only on Window based machines and could not operate on Macintosh computers.
One further note-> viruses do not necessarily let you know they are present in your machine, even after being destructive. If your computer is not operating properly, it is a good practice to check for viruses with a current "virus checking" program.
How do Viruses Spread?
Viruses begin to work and spread when you start up the program or application of which the virus is present. For example, a word processing program that contains a virus will place the virus in memory every time the word processing program is run.
Once in memory, one of a number of things can happen. The virus may be programmed to attach to other applications, disks or folders. It may infect a network if given the opportunity.
Viruses behave in different ways. Some viruses stay active only when the application it is part of is running. Turn the computer off and the virus is inactive. Other viruses will operate every time you turn on your computer after infecting a system file or network.
How to Prevent a Virus Invasion!
1. Load only software from original disks or CD's. Pirated or copied software is always a risk for a virus.
2. Execute only programs of which you are familiar as to their origin. Programs sent by email should always be suspicious.
3. Computer uploads and "system configuration" changes should always be performed by the person who is responsible for the computer. Password protection should be employed.
4. Check all shareware and free programs downloaded from on-line services with a virus checking program.
5. Purchase a virus program that runs as you boot or work your computer. Up-date it frequently.
Computer viruses are programs written by "mean" people. These virus programs are placed into a commonly used program so that program will run the attached virus program as it boots, therefore, it is said that the virus "infects" the executable file or program. Executable files include Macintosh "system files" [such as system extensions, INITs and control panels] and application programs [such as word processing programs and spreadsheet programs.] Viruses work the same ways in Windows or DOS machines by infecting zip or exe files.
A virus is inactive until you execute an infected program or application OR start your computer from a disk that has infected system files. Once a virus is active, it loads into your computer's memory and may save itself to your hard drive or copies itself to applications or system files on disks you use.
Some viruses are programmed specifically to damage the data on your computer by corrupting programs, deleting files, or even erasing your entire hard drive. Many viruses do nothing more than display a message or make sounds / verbal comments at a certain time or a programming event after replicating themselves to be picked up by other users one way or another. Other viruses make your computer's system behave erratically or crash frequently. Sadly many people who have problems or frequent crashes using their computers do not realize that they have a virus and live with the inconveniences.
What Viruses Don't Do!
Computer viruses can not infect write protected disks or infect written documents. Viruses do not infect compressed files, unless the file was infected prior to the compression. [Compressed files are programs or files with its common characters, etc. removed to take up less space on a disk.] Viruses do not infect computer hardware, such as monitors or computer chips; they only infect software.
In addition, Macintosh viruses do not infect DOS / Window computer software and vice versa. For example, the Melissa virus incident of late 1998 and the ILOVEYOU virus of 2000 worked only on Window based machines and could not operate on Macintosh computers.
One further note-> viruses do not necessarily let you know they are present in your machine, even after being destructive. If your computer is not operating properly, it is a good practice to check for viruses with a current "virus checking" program.
How do Viruses Spread?
Viruses begin to work and spread when you start up the program or application of which the virus is present. For example, a word processing program that contains a virus will place the virus in memory every time the word processing program is run.
Once in memory, one of a number of things can happen. The virus may be programmed to attach to other applications, disks or folders. It may infect a network if given the opportunity.
Viruses behave in different ways. Some viruses stay active only when the application it is part of is running. Turn the computer off and the virus is inactive. Other viruses will operate every time you turn on your computer after infecting a system file or network.
How to Prevent a Virus Invasion!
1. Load only software from original disks or CD's. Pirated or copied software is always a risk for a virus.
2. Execute only programs of which you are familiar as to their origin. Programs sent by email should always be suspicious.
3. Computer uploads and "system configuration" changes should always be performed by the person who is responsible for the computer. Password protection should be employed.
4. Check all shareware and free programs downloaded from on-line services with a virus checking program.
5. Purchase a virus program that runs as you boot or work your computer. Up-date it frequently.
What is a computer virus?
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a small software program that spreads from one computer to another computer and that interferes with computer operation. A computer virus may corrupt or delete data on a computer, use an e-mail program to spread the virus to other computers, or even delete everything on the hard disk.
Computer viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or by instant messaging messages. Therefore, you must never open an e-mail attachment unless you know who sent the message or unless you are expecting the e-mail attachment. Computer viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. Computer viruses also spread by using downloads on the Internet. Computer viruses can be hidden in pirated software or in other files or programs that you may download.
Symptoms of a computer virus
If you suspect or confirm that your computer is infected with a computer virus, obtain the current antivirus software. The following are some primary indicators that a computer may be infected:
* The computer runs slower than usual.
* The computer stops responding, or it locks up frequently.
* The computer crashes, and then it restarts every few minutes.
* The computer restarts on its own. Additionally, the computer does not run as usual.
* Applications on the computer do not work correctly.
* Disks or disk drives are inaccessible.
* You cannot print items correctly.
* You see unusual error messages.
* You see distorted menus and dialog boxes.
* There is a double extension on an attachment that you recently opened, such as a .jpg, .vbs, .gif, or .exe. extension.
* An antivirus program is disabled for no reason. Additionally, the antivirus program cannot be restarted.
* An antivirus program cannot be installed on the computer, or the antivirus program will not run.
* New icons appear on the desktop that you did not put there, or the icons are not associated with any recently installed programs.
* Strange sounds or music plays from the speakers unexpectedly.
* A program disappears from the computer even though you did not intentionally remove the program.
A computer virus is a small software program that spreads from one computer to another computer and that interferes with computer operation. A computer virus may corrupt or delete data on a computer, use an e-mail program to spread the virus to other computers, or even delete everything on the hard disk.
Computer viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or by instant messaging messages. Therefore, you must never open an e-mail attachment unless you know who sent the message or unless you are expecting the e-mail attachment. Computer viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. Computer viruses also spread by using downloads on the Internet. Computer viruses can be hidden in pirated software or in other files or programs that you may download.
Symptoms of a computer virus
If you suspect or confirm that your computer is infected with a computer virus, obtain the current antivirus software. The following are some primary indicators that a computer may be infected:
* The computer runs slower than usual.
* The computer stops responding, or it locks up frequently.
* The computer crashes, and then it restarts every few minutes.
* The computer restarts on its own. Additionally, the computer does not run as usual.
* Applications on the computer do not work correctly.
* Disks or disk drives are inaccessible.
* You cannot print items correctly.
* You see unusual error messages.
* You see distorted menus and dialog boxes.
* There is a double extension on an attachment that you recently opened, such as a .jpg, .vbs, .gif, or .exe. extension.
* An antivirus program is disabled for no reason. Additionally, the antivirus program cannot be restarted.
* An antivirus program cannot be installed on the computer, or the antivirus program will not run.
* New icons appear on the desktop that you did not put there, or the icons are not associated with any recently installed programs.
* Strange sounds or music plays from the speakers unexpectedly.
* A program disappears from the computer even though you did not intentionally remove the program.
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