Until the early 1980’s most monitors were terminals. They were boxy video display terminals (VDT’s) combined with an attached keyboard. A terminal could be configured to work with just about any computer on the market. (Not that there was a wide selection of personal computers for you to choose from.)
Terminals were attached to computers by a serial interface. In those days, the VDT was commonly referred to as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube).
Before DOS, the dominant operating system (OS) for 8 bit computers was CP/M (Control Program for Microprocessors). Early CP/M machines were originally designed to use separate memory-mapped video display devices and discrete keyboards that plugged into the machines – not unlike video display cards used later. The most well known was the VDM-1. Terminal manufacturers recognized this “lost market “and began to market mainframe and mini-style terminals to the CP/M community. The sales pitch of “just like a real (mainframe at the time) computer” paid off. CP/M computers soon used terminals almost exclusively.
Apple II computers and the early game machines (such as those made by Atari, Coleco or Nintendo) hooked to a monitor not a terminal. (The Apple II was built with a keyboard as part of the system. All that was missing was a monitor once the Apple II was plugged in).
These monitors – unlike terminals – looked like television sets without the tuner. In some cases they actually were television sets. (Many early computers – such as the Commodores Vic 20, 64 and 128, could be used with any television set with a special RF adapter that hooked to the antenna of the TV).
Then IBM came out with PC-DOS computers, which were dubbed “three-piece computers.‘ One explanation according to a prominent used car dealer Moonie Bronstein was that many of the early marketers / hucksters advising the techies of the early computer era ,had their start in the competitive world of auto sales where such terms as “ 3 piecers “ and “ 4 piecers” were popular marketing and sales terms. Other explanations for this marketing term was because the computers included three main components i.e. – the monitor, the keyboard and the CPU “box”.
Ironically, when the IBM PC-DOS computers arrived on the scene with separate monitor and keyboard – the monitor connected directly to the computer. Just like the earliest personal computers) through a display device connection. These new monitors used video cards that were either IBM monochrome (MDA), IBM color graphics cards9 CGA), or Hercules (the first third party ad on cards).
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A little Vintage Computer Monitor History
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wireless Network Security in 6 Easy Steps
Connecting your home and office computers with a wireless network sure makes things convenient ...BUT the very feature that makes them so popular is also their biggest weakness! Anyone with the knowledge can intercept your signal and gain access to your network if it is not secure. The technicians at computerguyslive.com offer the following six easy steps to wireless security for your home or office.
1. Change the System ID: Devices come with a default system ID called the SSID (Service Set Identifier) or ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier). It is easy for a hacker to find out what the default identifier is for each manufacturer of wireless equipment so you need to change this to something else. Use something unique- not your name or something easily guessed.
2. Disable Identifier Broadcasting: Announcing that you have a wireless connection to the world is an invitation for hackers. You already know you have one so you don't need to broadcast it. Check the manual for your hardware and figure out how to disable broadcasting.
3. Enable WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): WEP encrypts your data so that only the intended recipient is supposed to be able to read it. As with all security measures there are ways around it, but by using encryption you will keep the novice hackers out of your systems. It is best to use 128bit rather than 40bit encryption (it is exponentially harder to crack).
4. Restrict Unnecessary Traffic: Many wired and wireless routers have built-in firewalls. They are not the most technically advanced firewalls, but they help create one more line of defense. Read the manual for your hardware and learn how to configure your router to only allow incoming or outgoing traffic that you have approved.
5. Change the Default Administrator Password: This is just good practice for ALL hardware and software. The default passwords are easily obtained and because so many people don't bother to take the simple step of changing them they are usually what hackers try first. Make sure you change the default password on your wireless router / access point to something that is not easily guessed like your last name.
6. Patch and Protect Your PC's: As a last line of defense you should have personal firewall software such as Zone Alarm Pro and anti-virus software installed on your computer. As important as installing the anti-virus software, you must keep it up to date. New viruses are discovered daily and anti-virus software vendors generally release updates at least once a week. You also must keep up to date with patches for known security vulnerabilities. For Microsoft operating systems you can use Windows Update to try and help keep your computer current with patches.
Following these steps will insure that hackers and hitchhikers don't surf on your wireless network, or more importantly, these steps help block unwanted access into your computer network, and your valuable data.
FTP Hosting - The Benefits Of Sending Large Files Via The Internet!
Still using FedEx or UPS as the medium of transferring files to your client? Try FTP hosting service, this is an authentic way to transfer files over the Internet. In this era of Internet technology it is necessary to implement advanced communication protocol in the business system to enjoy efficient client communication. You can contact with your client or vendor through World Wide Web within a few second therefore, it is necessary to implement a technology that can enhance the business process and can run over the Internet.
Limitations of FedEx and UPS
With the help of software you can compress large files and convert the in digital format. Problems arise when we select an odd option to transfer the digital file to someone else, located at remote place. Initially we think about UPS or FedEx as the medium to carry the files. FedEx Express is an overnight currier service that provides local as well as oversea delivery. There are two types of freight services available in FedEx – domestic freight and international freight. However, FedEx does not cover all remote areas and considered as less preferred medium of transferring digital files. UPS, on the other hand, comes with the facility of global transportation services. UPS service is available in 200 countries and territories. If you are looking for transferring movie or image files located at remote area then it is recommended to use FTP hosting service.
Consider a situation where you have to send an image file to your client who is located at other part of the globe. The pressure will go up if you fail to transfer that file via Email. It is better not to take any chance by sending the file via FedEx or UPS. Only FTP hosting service can ensure transmission of the file to your client in the right time. Compared to FedEx or UPS, the cost of sending files via FTP hosting service is quite less. Moreover. FTP hosting service ensures privacy of the content and restricts unauthorized people from accessing them. Hears interesting? Find the advantages of FTP hosting service.
FTP Hosting Service
File Transfer Protocol, commonly known, as FTP is a communication protocol that supports transmission of all types of digital files over the Internet, irrespective of their size. Since the cost of transferring files is less under FTP hosting service, therefore people are selecting this in their business process as an efficient medium to communicate with clients and vendors. Further, no need to understand technical details. The design of FTP hosting service is so efficient and secure that anybody can handle process.
Advantages of FTP hosting service
The cost of transferring items depends upon the distance between the locations, weight of the product and selection of shipment type. This calculation applies to both FedEx and UPS service. For FTP hosting service there is no additional fee to transfer files via the FTP server. It is not authentic to send digital files via UPS or FedEx and pay big money for the transaction process. Since FTP hosting services are available at limited cost (monthly or yearly rentals) therefore, it is recommended to use FTP for transferring movies or images.
Image files, multimedia presentations are large in size, compared to general text files. With FTP hosting service you can transfer them in a compressed file format. Advanced FTP hosting service comes with the facility of 128-bit data encryption. This will encrypt the content of the digital file and restrict third party to access the actual data.
The process of transferring digital files through FTP hosting service is user friendly. Initially you have to register for a FTP server. FTP service provider will allocate you space on their server and provide you FTP accounts to communicate with the client. The remote computer will act like FTP Client and allow you to upload large digital files (movie, graphic images and multimedia presentation) on the allocated space of FTP server. The recipient will need FTP account and the authorization to access the FTP site (allocated space on the FTP server). Client, through his/her FTP account can download the digital files in the local drive. The entire process of transferring large media files will require few minutes if there exist fast Internet connection and sufficient space in the FTP site.
‘FTP hosting service’ is an efficient, secure and cost effective hosting service designed for all users. Try a free trial of FTP hosting service and experience a smart way of transferring large files over the Internet.
FTP Hosting - The Burdens of Doing It Yourself!
Looking for an efficient hosting service to communicate with clients and sending files over the Internet? There are two options – either you can arrange your own hosting service or can register for a professional FTP (File Transfer Protocol) hosting service. If you select ‘do it yourself’’ process you have to configure your own server with the help of necessary hosting software and hardware.
To set up your own hosting service for the business process you need to install a hosting server, hardware and software to support digital communication. In the ‘do it yourself’ process you have to install a server and make it accessible via Internet. This type of server is known as ‘Live Server’ and differs from other internal servers.
Other entities of your business process can communicate with each other through this live server, which will act like an FTP Server. You have to develop the hosting service inside your company that will work like a professional FTP hosting service. Therefore it is essential to create separate FTP accounts for the clients. Here you have to configure the ‘live server’ in such a way that your network administrator can easily manage the folders and files.
Server
It is recommended to buy a server appliance that supports hosting solution managed through a web browser interface. Apart from general features of the server, there are several other features:
Processor Type
Hard Drive
RAM
Remote Management
Data Transfer Rate
Data Security
Operating System
Technical Support
Apart from these you have to select an operating system for the hosting server. In general people use Windows or Linux as an operating system. Hard drive space of the hosting server matters, if you have sufficient space in the hard drive of your hosting server you can efficiently store large files, which you want to share with your clients.
FTP Software
How can you transfer files without FTP software? It is recommended to buy FTP server that is compatible with the operating system of your server. If the operating system of your hosting server is ‘Windows’ then you have to install FTP software compatible with Windows operating system. However, some hosting servers come with in-built FTP support.
You have to install the software on the server to configure your own hosting server and user accounts. Select FTP software, commonly known as FTP Client Software, based on following criteria:
Efficient file transfer protocol with features like – ‘Server – to – Server’ and/or ‘Local computer to another local computer’.
User friendly site and file management
Automated file transfer with File Transfer scheduler
Secured connection with the facility of password protection
Firewall support
User friendly interface
Price of FTP software varies based on their features. For example, the price of FTP Performer 5 or 4 Power and FTP Broker are $397.00 and $425.00, respectively. However, you can manage FTP software at low cost. Serv – U, which is considered, as a popular FTP Server for Windows the pricing starts at $300.00 for a limited version!
Internet Connection
Finally you have to take the Internet connection from an authorized ‘Internet Service Provider’ (ISP). By taking Internet connection you can make your server ‘Live’, i.e., accessible by all. It is recommended to go for the option ‘dedicated line’ of an Internet Service Provider. Dedicated line will make your hosting server accessible round the clock. To ensure fast connection over the Internet, register for Internet connection that provides high bandwidth. The minimum requirement is 512Kbps.
Worried with the cost and complex process of configuring a hosting server for your business? FTP hosting service provides all the features of transferring large files over the Internet at reasonable cost.
FTP Hosting Service
FTP service provider will allocate server space on their server, where you can store the files to share information with your client. There are two components in FTP hosting service – FTP Server and FTP Client. FTP Client is a remote computer that connects with FTP Server through Internet. Each FTP hosting service provider comes with multiple hosting plans. You have to select a right plan that provides effective support to your business. Communications are done through private FTP accounts, which are allocated for a specified FTP server. Transferring files over the Internet, from one FTP account to another, is managed by FTP software. It is recommended to select an FTP hosting service that provides FTP software. However, you can also buy FTP software separately.
It is observed that the monthly or yearly cost of FTP hosting service is less than setting up a complete hosting server. The cost of configuring a live server depends on hardware and software, which you are buying to make the server active. On the other hand, you will find wide array of FTP hosting service at affordable cost. The selection of a hosting service depends upon the required components of hosting service. Therefore, make thorough research on the price and select FTP hosting service for your business process.
Advanced FTP Hosting for Designers, Architects, Printers etc.
Irrespective of their business volume, companies are registering for FTP hosting services to make client communication efficient and secure. If you are looking for a smart option to send large files over the Internet then it is recommended to register for advanced FTP hosting services. Advanced FTP hosting service provides necessary support to transfer large digital files safely from one computer to another via Internet. Email service is not sufficient for business process to exchange vast pool of information, nor it is the right option to keep the information away from Internet predators.
FTP, commonly known as File Transfer Protocol, is an efficient communication protocol that serves all purposes of corporate communication. You can send large files irrespective of their format (text file, image file, audio file, video file, multimedia file, etc.) through Internet by keeping the privacy of the content. Advanced FTP service provider will allocate separate space in their server as you register for FTP hosting service. This space will remain private for your business and allow you to store information in the allocated space that you want to share with other.
Advantage of File Transfer Protocol
File transfer protocol comes with two major advantages – transmitting large digital files and securing the information. Large file size is the main barrier for sending digital information over the Internet. You can share information and transfer files in the following ways:
Sending files as attachment via Email
Uploading files on the FTP server to share with other parties
There is a drawback in the first option. Email does not always allow files, which are large in size. Moreover, a mail server doesn’t always support all files types. Some common file extension, which are restricted by the mail server:
‘.wav’, ‘.scr’, ‘.pif’, ‘.exe’, ‘.bat’, ‘.com’, ‘.lnk’, ‘.hta’, etc.
There is no restriction on file type in FTP hosting service. Therefore you can easily transfer files via FTP server.
Advanced FTP hosting services are the right option for Designers, Architects and Printers to share their files over the Internet. It is observed that image files are large in size and creates problem when sending them through Email. Designers or printers need to send layout or multimedia presentation in digital file format. Therefore, Advanced FTP is a suitable communication protocol to fulfill the business purpose of graphic artists and illustrators.
Printers, Architects and Designers need a communication protocol that can transfer their artworks as well as protect images and the multimedia presentations from unauthorized third party. If you are in printing and publishing or you are a designer, advanced FTP service allows you to transfer files protected by secret password. In other word, it can be said that you can transfer files by encrypting the content. This feature of advanced FTP hosting service comes with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or SSH (Secure Shell). You can store encrypted files in the FTP server and provide the password as a ‘key’ to the recipient to view the actual content of the file. Therefore, it is recommended to designers, architects or printers to use advanced FTP hosting service with added security feature for ultimate protection.
Transferring large files via advanced FTP
Graphic designers or architects take the help of advanced FTP hosting service to transfer large images, layouts or presentations to their clients. Digital files are uploaded on the FTP server through a remote computer that has access to the FTP site.
FTP hosting service provider’s will allocate you space on a server to store files. Moreover, they will provide you with option to create multiple FTP accounts for other users of your business process. Only the users who have the authority to access the allocated space can transfer files through their FTP account.
Remarkable features of FTP hosting service are:
Fast transfer with high speed connections
User friendly Control Panel to manage FTP accounts
SSL/TSL 128-bit data encryption
No upper limit of the file size
Suitable uptime
Remote monitoring
24/7 Technical Support
Advanced FTP hosting service comes with the feature – 128bit FTP encryption. This encryption feature is available in FTP hosting services that have security tools like – SSL or SSH. Users will encrypt the content of the file and upload that compressed file on the server. Another authorized user, who has the ‘key’, can download that file to his/her local drive. The recipient will use that key to decrypt the content.
Friday, March 27, 2009
How To Change Your Computer's Heat Sink
Everyone really want a fast hot computer when we want to do some business computing and when we want to play thos high speed games.But we don't want a fast and Hot computer in the literal sense.
Heat will destroy any computer component if not removed in time.And the CPU Chip is one of the main components of your system that produces heat.
The heat sink has the all important task of keeping the CPU Chip cool so it does not overheat.And there may be times when the heat sink will fail to perform its job and must be changed.
Changing the heat sink on your central processing unit or CPU chip is a simple job.And the best part is that you only need a small screwdriver,cotton swabs,and some rubbing alcohol.
To change the heak sink remember to think safety first.This means that you want to be sure you have clean hands,a clean work place,and removing all static charge from your body by touching a door knob or any other metal object.
Once you have a suitable work area and clean hands you should now have a clean suitable mind as well.Allow this task to be both educational and fun.To change the heak sink perform the following.
Step 1.Unplug the computer and remove the cover from the System Unit case.
Step 2. Find the CPU Chip and the heat sink will be on top.Find the wires that go to the motherboard and very carefully unplug them.
Step 3. Remove the old heak sink and cooling fan assembly.Most Pentium based computers will have two levers that lock the heat sink in place.
On older Pentium computers,the AMD Athlon and the Duron processor,look for a ZIF or Zero Insertion Force socket where the processor is mounted.
Gently release the clips by sliding a very small screwdriver blade underneath it and lift the heat sink off the CPU.Take great care here do you don't damge the cpu chip in any way.
Step 4. Once the old heat sink has been removed, clean away the old thermal paste using cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol.Allow time for the CPU to dry.
Step 5. Grab some thermal paste and squeeze a little onto the top of the CPU.Only place enough to have a thin layer between the CPU and Heat Sink.
Step 6. Before installing the new heat sink, clean the bottom off with some warm, soapy water. Check to be sure the Heat Sink is dry before installing it.
Step 7. Carefully line it up over the ZIF socket and processor if so equipped.If the computer have the newer Pentium or Athlon based chip,lock the two clips holding the assembly.
Step 8. With the CPU and heat sink firmly in place, now its time to re-connect the fan wires for the collong fan.Plug the assembly into the motherboard.
Step 9. Check,double check,and after that,check some more to be sure all connections are in place.See if the heat sink assembly is well secured in its socket.
Step 10. Now replace the system unit cover,plug any peripherals you disconnected.Start the PC and the computer should now realize it has a new device in its system.
Once the computer has been booted up,check to be sure the Operating System is working.If possible, look at rear of the computer to see if the fan is operating as it should.
The Central Processing Unit is not the only heat producing component in your computer.But since its the brains of any computer,you want to be sure the heat sink performs at its best.
Take the time to learn this procedure in detail by removing the case and looking at the heat sink in your own computer.Knowing how to perform this task can save you money should you need to change your heat sink in the future.
Sony Moved Into Laptops With The VAIO Brand In 1997
Sony was started in the aftermath of World War II, during the rapid reconstruction of Japan that gave birth to its world-leading electronics industry. The company originally had a Japanese name, Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo (TKT), but the founder changed this feeling that a short, catchy name using the Western alphabet would work better if the company wanted international success (this was a rare practice at the time, and was considered a controversial practice in Japan).
The company immediately started innovating, building Japan’s first tape players and the first successful transistor radios in the world – they specialised in taking American inventions and making them smaller and better, and then exporting them all over the world. As Sony made transistor radios smaller and smaller until they were easily portable, sales boomed, all the way through to the end of the ‘50s. This got Sony enough money to invest heavily in diversifying and building more and more new products, and the rest is history.
Since then, Sony has had many notable products: the Walkman and Discman portable music players, the Minidisc music format, the Playstation video game consoles and even a robotic pet dog, AIBO. Today, Sony is a giant not only in electronics, but also in entertainment, with a movie studio (Sony Pictures), a record label (Sony Music), a video game division (Sony Computer Entertainment) and far more besides. Overall, the Sony Group of companies is one of the largest in Japan, and is also up there with the biggest companies in the world.
Sony moved into laptops with the VAIO brand in 1997, and again found instant success. Originally, VAIO was a brand of desktop and laptop computers, but Sony stopped making the desktop models after the laptops became a runaway success. They built a reputation for high-quality components, good bundled software, low weight and long battery life, making it the laptop of choice among many high-end Windows users.