Latest Computers Articles

Fax Servers and the Internet

Thu, 21 May 2009 10:45:42 -0700

The old tradition of sending a fax over the phone required that the message be sent by the fax machine, then through the telephone line then back to the fax machine. Once another fax machine receives the information, it is then turned into images which are then printed on paper. Of course this method had to have phone lines in order to accomplish these steps.

Furthermore, with the traditional method of faxing, only one fax at a time could be sent or received. At this time we didn't much know about fax servers. Technology continues to upgrade our ability to send and receive faxes.

After the traditional fax machine we used the internet fax. This process reduced the cost of communication by not charging to send messages via telephone. The process was a bit different in that hard copies were converted in and sent to and email in a different format. It is imperative that the receiving end of the fax or the recipient has a compatible internet fax. At this time, internet faxes did no require dedicated servers in order to make use of the office mail server.

Going forward, faxing has become even more unique through the use of computer-based faxing. Modems became popular with the increase of people using personal computers. Faxes are sent directly through the computers. Printing a hard copy was no longer necessary. The process of sending a fax went from the computer, then to the telephone line and back to the fax machine. Receiving the fax using fax servers apparently were not widely used at this time. Sending this type of fax required the exact opposite process. This method also had its problems. Furthermore, this process had a tiny glitch in it. The computer had to be turned on in order to send or receive faxes.

Nowadays there is a method of sending a fax called fax to mail or mail to fax. On the receiving end a fax would go through the phone line, then to a server or gateway, to the email via internet and on to the email account. This process takes place using a Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) which goes to the fax servers. Once the fax is received the user can change the document to a particular format. Once this takes place, the fax is transmitted and posted into the web interface on the subscribers account. Sending the fax requires the user to convert the document into PDF format and from that point the fax is sent by the web servers to the fax servers. The process has a few steps in between which can be learned through some in-depth research and previous knowledge of computer technology terms.

Internet security

Tue, 19 May 2009 10:48:47 -0700

When a computer connects to a network and begins communicating with others, it is taking a risk. Internet security involves the protection of a computer's internet account and files from intrusion of an unknown user.[1] Basic security measures involve protection by well selected passwords, change of file permissions and back up of computer's data.

Security concerns are in some ways peripheral to normal business working, but serve to highlight just how important it is that business users feel confident when using IT systems. Security will probably always be high on the IT agenda simply because cyber criminals know that a successful attack is very profitable. This means they will always strive to find new ways to circumvent IT security, and users will consequently need to be continually vigilant. Whenever decisions need to be made about how to enhance a system, security will need to be held uppermost among its requirements.

Internet security professionals should be fluent in the four major aspects:

* Penetration testing * Intrusion Detection * Incidence Response * Legal / Audit Compliance Anti-virus For more details on this topic, see Malware.

Programs can be made to help your computer, but some users can also create programs with intentions of destroying the computers data by being deceptive. Such programs are known as Trojan horses, worms, viruses and spyware.

* Trojan horses are programs which pretend to do one thing, but in reality snoop out your personal data or damage it. These types conceal their identity or true intentions and are usually quite hard to detect. * Worms are programs which are able to replicate themselves over a computer network and in turn perform malicious actions. As a result it has the ability to affect other programs on the computer. * Viruses are programs which are able to log into the personal files on a computer it has affected and as a result, can end up removing all of them. It can have serious side effects on a computers system. * Malware can be classified as trojans with a limited payload and are often not detected by most antivirus software. They may require the use of other software designed to detect other classes of malware, including spyware.

Software programs such as antivirus software are the most useful in protecting your computer from harmful viruses. These programs are used to detect and eliminate viruses. Anti-virus software can be purchased from any software vendor or downloaded off the internet. Care should be taken in the selection of anti-virus software, as some programs are not very effective in finding and eliminating viruses or malware. Also, when downloading anti-virus software from the Internet, one should be cautioned that some websites say they are providing protection from viruses with their software, but they are really trying to install malware on your computer by disguising it as something else.

Anti-spyware For more details on this topic, see Malware.

There are two major kinds of threats in relation to spyware:

Spyware collects and relays data from the compromised computer to a third-party.

Adware automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements. Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software. Adware often are integrated with other software.

Email Security An significant part of the Internet, E-mail encryption is an important subset of this topic.

Browser choice Almost 70% of the browser market is occupied by Internet Explorer[1]. As a result, malware writers often exploit Internet Explorer. Often malware exploit ActiveX vulnerabilities. Internet Explorer market share is continuously dropping (as of 2009; see list of web browsers for statistics) as users switch to other browsers, most notably Firefox, Opera and Google Chrome.

Buffer overflow attacks For more details on this topic, see Buffer overflow. A buffer overflow is a attack that could be used by a hacker to get full system access through various methods. It is similar to "Brute Forcing" a computer in that it sends an immense attack to the victim computer until it cracks. Most internet security solutions today lack sufficient protection against these types of attacks.

Entry Level SLR: Canon Rebel XT, XTi, XSi, XS, T1i

Tue, 19 May 2009 09:05:45 -0700

So, you've had your Canon Digital Rebel XT for a while, and you're starting to get a little camera envy. Nikon, Canon and the competition keep releasing new models with more bells and whistles. Which of course leads you to thinking about how much better your photos could be with the latest technology.

More bells and whistles, or better pictures? Personally, if I'm going to upgrade it's going to be something substantial. Something that allows me to take better photographs, and improve my skills as a photographer. Allow me to illuminate.

All the Canon Digital Rebels are really just entry level digital SLR cameras. That includes the XT, XTi, and XSi. Don't get me wrong, they're really great cameras, and provide an excellent bridge for those wanting to move from the no-brainer simple world of point and shoot photography to the beautifully rendered near-pro quality of SLR photography. Arguably Canon has done a better job of filling that gap.

Being one of the best selling models in the Canon line, a major overhaul would have been crazy on Canons part, both from a sales number perspective, and a user experience perspective. They have however added several smart new features. Not the least of which being Live View.

By skipping up a model line in the Canon chain of command, you get a few extra advantages. Moving up to a 30D or 40D gives you a full metal camera body. Metal bodies are far more shock resistant, and durable than the molded plastic found on the Digital Rebel lineup.

I've heard from several photographers that like to have vastly different cameras for different situations. If you share this diverse thinking, then the Canon 5D is likely the better choice.

Of course, its hard to have a camera upgrade discussion without the subject of price coming up. The Canon 5D is a little less than twice the price of the EOS 40D. You have to wonder if maybe it's better to go for the cheaper 40D, and dump the rest of your budget into some nice glass (photo geek speak for lenses).

Given the perpetual affliction of "upgradeitis" that many cameras geeks find themselves in, that could save a whack of money on the next upgrade. Of course you don't necessarily need to save that money, you could always just sink it into a really nice new lens to go with that upgraded camera ;)

If your one of those lucky few with unlimited funds, go ahead and buy one of each. You can't go wrong that way. Of course if you have slightly more realistic budget restraints and are on the lookout for some fantastic camera deals, keep on looking. The more cameras you see and the more you learn, and the happier you'll be with your final decision.

Blu Ray Disk Drives

Tue, 19 May 2009 04:55:55 -0700

The optical disk technology has by far reached its potential in today's world. An optical disk is a medium used for data storage and an optical drive is what's used to read these disks and also to write on them. The Blue ray disk is very much different from a normal DVD and consists of a ferromagnetic material that is sealed with a plastic coating. There are different kinds of optical disk drives in the market but the most recent one's to have captured the consumer electronic market are the Blue ray drives.

A single-layer Blue ray disk can store around 25GB and a dual-layer disk can store 50GB. This storage space is way higher than a normal DVD. Blue ray drives are needed to read and write data on to a Blue ray disk.

The way the Blue ray drives work is quite fascinating. The Blue ray drives actually have a laser inside that helps the reading and writing of data more understandable for the computer. During the whole disk reading process, a laser beam is projected on the disk. This reflects a light. The light changes according to the different effects of the magneto-optical Kerr.

The BDA, also known as the Blue ray Disk Association consist of some of the well known consumer electronic giants. According to them almost all Blue ray drives should be capable of reading the traditional type of DVD's and CD's. This is known as backward compatibility.

Although many consumers still use the standard DVD's and CD's to watch movies and listen to songs, the Blue ray disk format has gained more popularity over time. Blue ray disks come with more storage space and higher quality than a normal DVD, making it more useful for people who want to get a cinematic experience right at their home.

During the early days there were a few manufacturers used to make products such as Blue ray DVD players and Blue ray drives that played only DVD's and not CD's. But today, many companies have rectified this problem by improving the quality of their products. These days you will be able to purchase Blue ray drives and players that can read DVD's as well as CD's.

Having a high storage space compared to other disks is one of the biggest advantages the Blue ray disk has. Due to the increase of sales, manufacturers of desktop computers and laptops have incorporated Blue ray drives into them. Many computer systems are now being shipped with the Blue ray drives installed in them. The Sony Playstation-3 was one of the first to use the Blue ray technology.

For manufacturers of traditional DVD's and CD's, the Blue ray disk has come up as a major competitor, enveloping most of its customers. After all who would want a DVD with low storage space when a Blue ray disk can be purchased with higher storage space and more features?

Difference between VoIP Digital Phone Service and Traditional Telephone Service

Sun, 17 May 2009 22:35:27 -0700

Traditional telephones consist of a phone that is connected to a land line. This form of communication is vulnerable to interference and delivery is much slower. Fortunately, advancements in technology have revolutionized they way we now communicate. The arrival of the Internet changed the way we converse. An important advancement in the communication industry is the development of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Digital Phone Service.

In Digital VoIP, sound is changed to digital information and sent through the internet, and then changed back to its original form by way of digital reproduction. This means that you can make a call using your digital service through the internet. The high speed data transmission is the most advanced form of communication and is provided by Digital VoIP providers.

How VoIP / Internet Voice Works VoIP services transform your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. VoIP allows people to make a call from a computer, a VoIP phone, or a traditional phone linked to a VoIP adapter. As well, wireless set ups in areas like a coffee shop or business establishment, permit users to link to the Internet and use a VoIP wireless service.

Advantages of VoIP over Traditional Phone Services Digital VoIP phone services deliver clearer and faster voice quality than traditional phone services because there will not be any sound interference. As well, VoIP Consulting companies provide additional services that cannot be provided by traditional phone services. This can include: video and audio conferencing, 3 way calling, call waiting, caller ID and other services. As well, the cost of a VoIP phone services are much cheaper than traditional phone services, particularly long distance calls. For businesses, services can include web and video conferencing, calls directed to an Automated Attendant, screening where calls are directed, block certain phone numbers, or place them on virtual ring. As well, employees have the capability of holding virtual conferences.

When it comes to the price of International phone calls, traditional phone services are much higher than VoIP. Traditional long distance phone charges are usually taxed. Because VoIP is carried over the internet, taxes are very low. The cost of having a traditional phone line is much higher than having a VoIP phone line.

VoIP Phone Service Requirements VoIP Digital Phone Service requires a high speed Internet service. A cable modem or high speed system such as DSL or a local area network can be used. You will also need a computer, adaptor, a phone suitable for VoIP, and VoIP phone plugs. Some providers can accommodate a traditional phone attached to a VoIP adapter. Special software and a microphone are required when using a computer.

Advancements in phone technology seem to be making traditional phone services much less relevant in today's high speed world. Keeping up with technological advancements can seem like a difficult task. Customers are always pleased to learn how easy it is to switch to a VoIP phone service. When choosing a VoIP service, it is important to shop around so you can get the most services at the best price. Resources such as VoipReview.org are a great way to compare both business and residential VoIP phone services.

Backup Server Solutions Making An Impact

Sat, 16 May 2009 10:52:47 -0700

People want information in a timely manner so business can carry on smoothly. Time is something that many in today's society do not have a lot of. Cables enable internet access at a much higher speed than the dinosaur dial-up connections used by servers more than ten years ago. For the most part, the server is the heart of the network.

Choosing good servers is essential to maintaining continuous network data traffic. When choosing servers, you will need a list of required resources. A shared hosting plan should include sufficient bandwidth, storage, and memory. For this reason website hosting companies should offer quality resources backed by reliable service.

To prevent the loss or corruption of data, a server should have a dependable back up system. Hard drives are more reliable than CDs and DVDs. Back-up services for servers are available in various forms. Finding the best way to back up data is not an easy task. The latest technologies that keep your system hacker-proof must be found in companies that specialize in the most recent data back-up systems.

Storing your data in a in an offsite back up service is an idea. These systems don't guarantee that a hacker cannot get in but when computers crash, it is very refreshing to know that your information is not really gone. Business information should never be compromised and for this reason, offsite backup services should be chosen carefully.

Continuous data protection requires continuous back up. In most cases, a backup server is used on a daily bases. Back up is important for data redundancy. If the server system should crash, backup servers create copies of information that is used to restore the original data. Keep in mind that backup systems should be tested in order to know just how long it will take to get the system up and running again if the computer actually crashes. It can be time consuming to restore files.

Full image-based backup systems are run using at least 200 GB of storage. This process takes approximately an hour to complete. Servers can be up and back to normal in about 30 minutes. Maintaining a server means keeping it up to date with the latest security and firewalls. The hosting unit is responsible for maintaining the website.

Internet service providers should have knowledgeable technicians who can maintain the servers and other equipment. Many people, from individuals to webmasters to business owners rely on servers to have successful businesses.

Discover The HP Touchsmart

Thu, 14 May 2009 22:22:18 -0700

Everyone raves about the HP Touchsmart. And I have to say I am a raving fan too! One of many areas I have to rave about is the amazing clarity of the 22.5 inch screen.

The HP Touchsmart is truly a revolutionary computer. What's revolutionary about it is the interface and how easily you can interact with it using your fingers. With the Touchsmart you can control your digital life just with your fingertips. Impressing your friends is easy with this state-of-the-art machine.

With the TouchSmart, online chatting is, of course, simple and easy. But that's just the beginning when it comes to the software loaded on the TouchSmart. A menu screen is at the center of everything. The screen is icon based and lets you move the icons for different TouchSmart applications. There are lots of great tools available such a a note taking tool, painting tool, calendar, a weather application, a viewer for photos and music and video players. The software is very easy to use and its simplicity says it all.

The HP Touchsmart can be used in a variety of ways including as the center of a media room for the high tech family. In this environment, the HP can be connected to other pcs using a family's home network. It can also be connected to other entertainment devides such as a Bluee-ray player and also a TV tuner.

The basic configuration for the HP Touchsmart includes a 12.1-Inch Laptop (2.2 GHz AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-82 Dual-Core Mobile Processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium.

The word fun doesn't do justice to the breakthrough design and ease of use that the HP TouchSmart provides. And when you buy the TouchSmart, you get awesome support from HP- something the company is known for. There's even an online community of other TourchSmart users available through HP.

The HP Touchsmart is an excellent choice for you when it comes to taking full advantage of the new touchscreen technology. After using the Touchsmart's touchscreen for a year or two, you'll find it is a lot easier to use than a mouse.

The Best Digital Camera Guide Ever

Thu, 14 May 2009 17:33:36 -0700

Are you looking to get some great underwater shark pictures in your quest to be National Geographics next big photographer? Or maybe you just want a camera that you don't have to worry about around the boat, beach or pool.

Retailers have known for years, that consumers generally associate higher prices with quality, and lower prices with defective merchandise. They then price their products accordingly. While these pricing games do exist, there's good reason for the informed consumer that knows how the game is played, to use that knowledge to their advantage.

Smart consumers know, that getting the best price on digital cameras, really means getting the best price on the RIGHT digital camera. In other words, you need to know what your getting for your money.

The biggest difference between the two cameras, is that the older 770SW can go be used in up to 33 feet of water, whereas the newer 790SW can only be used in up to 10 feet of water. Olympus apparently decided that the demographic for the 790SW weren't big deep sea divers. Probably makes sense.

The other nice thing about the 790SW, is it's all around durability. This has got to be one of the toughest cameras out there. Dropping it from 5 feet or less has no affect on the sensitive internal workings. Why more cameras aren't built this way I have no idea.

Not only can you take you take pictures under the water, you can take it out in the snow with no worries as well. Temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, or -10 degrees Celsius won't damage the camera. I'm more of a warm weather fan myself.

Online photography discussion forums can be an invaluable source of assistance as well. Find a few, and search them for the make and model of cameras your considering. Chances are, someone else has asked the same questions you have, and you can benefit from the answers they've received.

Face detection is something touted by a lot of manufacturers, but is really an imperfect technology at the moment. Don't let that be a deciding factor in your purchase.

Having a good guide for your digital camera purchase can be invaluable. The thing to remember, is that even though you may find contradictory answers, just keep researching. If you read enough, you should begin to see a glimmer of consensus shine through.

Don't be afraid, to take those prices into a local camera store and see if they'll match or beat it. They've got more wiggle room with their pricing then they'll ever admit. Follow these steps, and in no time at all you'll be snapping future Pulitzer prize winning photos, at a better price than most.

The Very Best Point And Shoot Digital Camera

Wed, 13 May 2009 04:48:35 -0700

The most important piece of equipment when it comes to taking good pictures has nothing to do with anything you can buy at a store. It's actually your own two eyes and your brain. Being able to see what you want to take a picture in your mind is the first step to taking a great picture.

It really doesn't matter if you have a $100 camera, or a $10,000 camera. If you can't see and compose the desired image with your own eyes, in your mind, then save yourself a whack of money and buy the $100 camera.

First things first. Let me just say, that megapixels (MP) don't mean a damn thing anymore. I know, I know. The biggest print on the digital camera ads and packaging next to the manufacturers name is the number of megapixels the camera can store. The first thing some salesman is going to tell you about, is the number of megapixels.

Memory cards (SD / CF) and hard drives are not cheap. The bigger they are, the more expensive they get. Try to buy a digital camera with no more than 7 megapixels. 5 or 6 would be better.

In fact, cramming too many megapixels into a camera with too small an image sensor can seriously degrade your image. You end up with too much noise in your pictures. In addition, more megapixels means you need bigger memory cards, and more room on your computer to store your pictures. That's just an added expense for you the consumer. Image sensor size (CCD) would be a better specification to judge your buying decision on, but your going to have to dig through the fine print to find that.

It doesn't really matter. What does matter, is that you make a decision, and start taking pictures. The more pictures you take, the better your next set of pictures will be.

Unless your budget is under $150, I wouldn't settle for a LCD resolution less than 230,000 pixels. If you do buy a digital camera with a large LCD (3 inch or more), be sure the camera has an old fashion optical viewfinder as well. That's the little square glass piece you can look into to frame your picture when your batteries have been sucked nearly dry by your big LCD screen. It's a nice option to have.

They have by far more models to choose from then any other manufacturer. If your looking for a really small camera, you can take anywhere, consider the Canon SD1000 Digital Elph. If image quality is more of a consideration then portability, then step up to the Canon PowerShot A570IS. Both are around the $150 range.

Check out your local camera store, and try out a few of their models before making your final purchase online. It's the best way to get a great price on a new digital camera, and know your buying the right camera for you.

Have You Found The Right Digital Camera For You?

Tue, 12 May 2009 10:33:35 -0700

Should choosing the right digital camera for you really be that difficult a question? It shouldn't, but it quite often is. You could of course just plunge right in, and grab the first camera the salesman offers (within budget of course).

Most people believe that the regular non-sale price of digital cameras is overly exaggerated. With all these pricing games being played by retailers, where can you look to truly find digital cameras for sale at sale prices?

Well your close already. The internet is really the best place to find sale prices on anything including digital cameras. But, digital cameras especially so because of the over abundance of camera retailers online.

Being able to compare prices has never been so easy for the consumer. The internet is pushing retailers to be very price competitive. Even those with no online presence. While some camera stores may not have an online sales site, they are very aware of what's going on online. Mainly because most of their customers let them know about all the great camera deals they've found online.

One deterrent to online camera sales, has to be shipping prices. Consumers need to factor shipping into everything they purchase. Unfortunately, they also need to be concerned if there's a problem that arise with any camera they purchase online.

Shipping expenses could easily double if the camera has to be sent back at the consumers expense. Check the return policy of any online stores you may be considering buying from.

Playing both sides of the fence is completely kosher in these situations. Meaning that it may be a good idea to only buy online from stores that have both an online presence, and a genuine material store with doors you can walk through.

It's usually cheaper to demand customer satisfaction face to face, than shipping the malfunctioning camera back via UPS.

Not to let any of this scare you off, as I believe buying any cameras online is a great way to go. Especially with all the digital cameras for sale you can find on the internet. And generally speaking the majority of online transactions go off without a hitch.

As I said earlier, it can be difficult to buy a bad digital camera, but not impossible. The more you know about how they work, the more likely you are to get the right camera for you. Happy shopping.