One of the greatest things is to get a new computer. Whether it's a laptop or a desktop, getting a new computer compares to almost nothing else. Plenty of people know the feeling of getting that new machine home, plugging it in, and firing it up.
Even if you use the same programs, and surf the same sights, they will seem fresh and new. Especially if it's been a couple of years since you've purchased your most recent computer. Because technology increases so fast, after a year or two you'll be absolutely amazed at how much faster and clearer everything seems.
But if you walk into any computer shop, you might be overwhelmed. There are so many different computers to choose from, so it can be difficult to find the one that you want. That's why it's good to get an idea of what you're after before you step into the store.
First of all, think about the computer that you're using now. What kinds of things do you like about it? For example, if you are always running out of space on your monitor, then getting a bigger monitor might be a good option. Measure the monitor that you have now, and try to decide what size would be optimal.
Another thing to consider is processor speed. Generally speaking, the higher the number that is listed as the processor speed (in gigahertz, or GHz) the faster your computer will be. This is a general rule, and it doesn't apply in every situation.
Memory is also a consideration. The more memory your computer has, the more programs you can run at once, or the more robust programs you can use. If your current computer freezes or runs slowly when you open up too many programs, take note of how much memory you currently have.
And of course, the last decision you'll need to get is whether to get a laptop, or a desktop. If you are the kind of person that likes to use your computer wherever you go, then obviously a laptop is the kind of computer you should get. However, if you have a laptop and it's been ages since you've taken it anywhere, then you might consider getting a desktop.
One of the advantages of getting a desktop is that you'll have much more room for expansion in terms of memory. You can be quite limited if you want to add memory to your laptop.
Now that you know the basics, it's time to figure out what you want, and go shopping. Have fun.
Custom Search
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Chrome Remote Desktop Beta Extension
I think it was last year when Google first mentioned that they would add remote desktop capabilities to Chrome OS and the Chrome web browser. Yesterday Google released a first beta version of Chrome Remote Desktop, an extension for the Chrome browser on the official Chrome Web Store.
Google points out that the goal of the beta release is to “demonstrate the core Chrome Remoting technology and get feedback from users”. The extension allows users to share their computer for remote access, or get access to another computer with a one-time authentication code.
The extension can only be installed if the user is logged into a Google account. Once that is done it is necessary to give the extension additional privileges before it can be used to create a one-time authentication code or to access another machine by entering a code into the browser interface.
Remote desktop is a cross-platform application which means that remote connections to clients that run other operating systems work. You could for instance connect from your Windows PC to a Linux tablet, or from a Macbook running Chrome to a Linux distribution.
When I tried to use Chrome Remote Desktop on my main Windows PC and my Acer netbook, I could not create authorization codes. Chrome always displayed “Your Chrome Remote Desktop session has ended” with no option available but to click OK to go back to the start screen.
I discovered that Chrome Remote Desktop requires access to TCP port 443 and 5222. A support page has been created for users who encounter errors using the remote desktop functionality.
The user with the authorization code gets full access to the other user’s computer system including access to applications, emails, files, documents and the history.
Chrome users can download and install Chrome Remote Desktop, a 19+ Megabyte download from the official Chrome Web Store. Since it is a beta release it is advised not to install the extension in a productive environment. You can use other applications like Teamviewer to connect to other systems remotely.
Google points out that the goal of the beta release is to “demonstrate the core Chrome Remoting technology and get feedback from users”. The extension allows users to share their computer for remote access, or get access to another computer with a one-time authentication code.
The extension can only be installed if the user is logged into a Google account. Once that is done it is necessary to give the extension additional privileges before it can be used to create a one-time authentication code or to access another machine by entering a code into the browser interface.
Remote desktop is a cross-platform application which means that remote connections to clients that run other operating systems work. You could for instance connect from your Windows PC to a Linux tablet, or from a Macbook running Chrome to a Linux distribution.
When I tried to use Chrome Remote Desktop on my main Windows PC and my Acer netbook, I could not create authorization codes. Chrome always displayed “Your Chrome Remote Desktop session has ended” with no option available but to click OK to go back to the start screen.
I discovered that Chrome Remote Desktop requires access to TCP port 443 and 5222. A support page has been created for users who encounter errors using the remote desktop functionality.
The user with the authorization code gets full access to the other user’s computer system including access to applications, emails, files, documents and the history.
Chrome users can download and install Chrome Remote Desktop, a 19+ Megabyte download from the official Chrome Web Store. Since it is a beta release it is advised not to install the extension in a productive environment. You can use other applications like Teamviewer to connect to other systems remotely.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
GGrep, Windows Text Search, Replace Software
GGrep is a text search and replace software for the Windows operating system that is based on the original Grep tool of Unix based machines. The portable Windows software comes with a user interface that displays the majority of features right on the start screen. A basic search requires a search term and the selection of a root folder on a connected hard drive. A click on Search parses all files and displays all files containing the search term in the results listing.
The files are displayed with their name, the row and column the phrase was found and the phrase surrounded by words before and after. One of the issues that I found was that it was not possible to scroll horizontally. The only option to display all text was to increase the window size significantly.
Filters are available to narrow down the search results. It is for instance possible to search only specific file types or folders, or to exclude files and folders from the search.
Other filters include making the search case sensitive or to limit the results to full word matches. GGrep supports regular expressions just like the original grep application. This opens up several interesting options for more powerful search and replace operations. You could for instance search for euro|dollar to find documents containing either the phrase euro or dollar.
Another interesting feature of GGrep is the option to replace text. While it is possible to use simple text to text replacements, one could use regular expressions for better text matching.
Please note that the program is not displaying a list of possible matches first. When you click Replace the replacing of text happens instantly and without option to undo the changes (other than reversing search and replace strings).
The results of a search or replace can be exported into a csv file which can then be imported into programs like Excel. Windows users who are looking for a powerful search and replace tool should take a closer look at GGrep. The software is compatible with all recent 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the operating system.
The files are displayed with their name, the row and column the phrase was found and the phrase surrounded by words before and after. One of the issues that I found was that it was not possible to scroll horizontally. The only option to display all text was to increase the window size significantly.
Filters are available to narrow down the search results. It is for instance possible to search only specific file types or folders, or to exclude files and folders from the search.
Other filters include making the search case sensitive or to limit the results to full word matches. GGrep supports regular expressions just like the original grep application. This opens up several interesting options for more powerful search and replace operations. You could for instance search for euro|dollar to find documents containing either the phrase euro or dollar.
Another interesting feature of GGrep is the option to replace text. While it is possible to use simple text to text replacements, one could use regular expressions for better text matching.
Please note that the program is not displaying a list of possible matches first. When you click Replace the replacing of text happens instantly and without option to undo the changes (other than reversing search and replace strings).
The results of a search or replace can be exported into a csv file which can then be imported into programs like Excel. Windows users who are looking for a powerful search and replace tool should take a closer look at GGrep. The software is compatible with all recent 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the operating system.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
What Is Adobe After Effects and What Can It Do?
Adobe After Effects is software that is used for "behind the scenes" movie production. It can turn one of the worst videos you've ever made into an unbelievable masterpiece. This does take a little work on your part, but the end result is always well worth it when used properly.
Here are a few different ways you can take advantage of Adobe After Effects:
Cinematic Visual Effects
One of the quickest ways to see this software in action is by looking at the visual effects. One of the best parts to action movies is their ability to turn something unrealistic into an authentic and appealing story. You don't have to look any farther than movies like the Transformers or even Star Wars.
However, a lot of people are just looking to turn a home video into a standard version with a little added flair. The software allows you to do this with an efficient approach. So, whatever type of enhancement you're looking to make, this software can help make it happen.
Motion Graphics
If you're into science fiction movies, you don't need to look any further than the Harry Potter movies. Being able to provide the illusions of walking through walls, or transforming from a human to an animal can be very exciting.
So, let's say you're making a little animation and you decide to give each character magical powers. Adobe After Effects would allow you to accent those parts of the movie to make it more captivating to the viewer. If you head over to YouTube you will see this type of concept all the time.
Background Features
Have you ever gone to the movie theater and saw a hanging microphone over the characters? We've come across this a couple times, and always blame it on the editing department of the production team. While it is their fault, this could have been fixed with the Adobe After Effects CS4 Rotobrush.
This allows you to keep moving objects in the background from sticking out like a sore thumb. Thanks to the transparency feature on the video editing software, your problem will seemingly disappear. The Rotobrush can also help you redefine areas that need to stand out. A good example of this would be redefining the edges to offer a sharper look in HD format.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many benefits available with Adobe After Effects. Our recommendation is to look over all their information, test the product out, and then figure out whether or not it's the right choice for you. Everyone has different tastes, so we understand it's not for everyone.
We also know that the individuals that want to increase their popularity in the movie production industry should consider this product a necessity. You just have to try it to experience all the benefits.
Discover how to use the special features in Adobe After Effects CS5 to create award winning video effects from an experienced professional. Learn more about the Adobe video editing program through Adobe After Effects Training.
Here are a few different ways you can take advantage of Adobe After Effects:
Cinematic Visual Effects
One of the quickest ways to see this software in action is by looking at the visual effects. One of the best parts to action movies is their ability to turn something unrealistic into an authentic and appealing story. You don't have to look any farther than movies like the Transformers or even Star Wars.
However, a lot of people are just looking to turn a home video into a standard version with a little added flair. The software allows you to do this with an efficient approach. So, whatever type of enhancement you're looking to make, this software can help make it happen.
Motion Graphics
If you're into science fiction movies, you don't need to look any further than the Harry Potter movies. Being able to provide the illusions of walking through walls, or transforming from a human to an animal can be very exciting.
So, let's say you're making a little animation and you decide to give each character magical powers. Adobe After Effects would allow you to accent those parts of the movie to make it more captivating to the viewer. If you head over to YouTube you will see this type of concept all the time.
Background Features
Have you ever gone to the movie theater and saw a hanging microphone over the characters? We've come across this a couple times, and always blame it on the editing department of the production team. While it is their fault, this could have been fixed with the Adobe After Effects CS4 Rotobrush.
This allows you to keep moving objects in the background from sticking out like a sore thumb. Thanks to the transparency feature on the video editing software, your problem will seemingly disappear. The Rotobrush can also help you redefine areas that need to stand out. A good example of this would be redefining the edges to offer a sharper look in HD format.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many benefits available with Adobe After Effects. Our recommendation is to look over all their information, test the product out, and then figure out whether or not it's the right choice for you. Everyone has different tastes, so we understand it's not for everyone.
We also know that the individuals that want to increase their popularity in the movie production industry should consider this product a necessity. You just have to try it to experience all the benefits.
Discover how to use the special features in Adobe After Effects CS5 to create award winning video effects from an experienced professional. Learn more about the Adobe video editing program through Adobe After Effects Training.
Friday, September 30, 2011
SFV Ninja, Simple File Verification Software
Many download portals and websites display file checksums on their download pages. The idea behind this is to give users the chance to calculate the checksum of the downloaded file to compare it with the checksum on the website. If the values are identical, then the file has not been tampered with (unless a hacker managed to alter the checksum on the page as well).
SFV Ninja is a portable software for Windows that can be used to calculate and display checksums of files that are accessible on the system. When you first start the program you have options to load individual files or files of a folder into the application. Users who have already worked with the program before can alternatively load a single checksum file or make the application crawl a folder for multiple checksum files to re-verify the data.
You can verify all files right away with a click on the Verify all files button. You may alternatively switch from the default CRC32 mode to MD5 or Sha-1 mode if those are preferred.
It may take some time to verify all files. The program managed to test 10 to 20 files per second on my test system. Each checksum is then displayed next to the program’s name and size in the interface. The information can be saved in sfv files which can be loaded again into the software to verify that the files have not been modified in the meantime.
Information that get saved include the file name and path, size and the checksum that has been calculated. When you load the sfv file into the application, you can re-verify all files again and compare the old and new checksum of each file with each other.
This can be handy to make sure that files in a specific directory have not been modified in the meantime, or to get a list of modified files in a directory. You can for instance use it to verify all files on a USB key, in a development directory or a shared network drive.
SFV Ninja is a portable software that is compatible with all recent 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Yo can download the latest version from the developer’s website.
SFV Ninja is a portable software for Windows that can be used to calculate and display checksums of files that are accessible on the system. When you first start the program you have options to load individual files or files of a folder into the application. Users who have already worked with the program before can alternatively load a single checksum file or make the application crawl a folder for multiple checksum files to re-verify the data.
You can verify all files right away with a click on the Verify all files button. You may alternatively switch from the default CRC32 mode to MD5 or Sha-1 mode if those are preferred.
It may take some time to verify all files. The program managed to test 10 to 20 files per second on my test system. Each checksum is then displayed next to the program’s name and size in the interface. The information can be saved in sfv files which can be loaded again into the software to verify that the files have not been modified in the meantime.
Information that get saved include the file name and path, size and the checksum that has been calculated. When you load the sfv file into the application, you can re-verify all files again and compare the old and new checksum of each file with each other.
This can be handy to make sure that files in a specific directory have not been modified in the meantime, or to get a list of modified files in a directory. You can for instance use it to verify all files on a USB key, in a development directory or a shared network drive.
SFV Ninja is a portable software that is compatible with all recent 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Yo can download the latest version from the developer’s website.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Mozilla Thunderbird 7 Email Client Released
Thunderbird has joined the rapid release process just like Firefox did. The two programs are now being developed and updated in sync, which means that you will see updates for both programs pop up at around the same time.
With the release of Firefox 7 came also the release of Thunderbird 7. The email program made a big jump from version 3 all the way to version 7, even skipping a version to sync with the Firefox browser.
Existing Thunderbird users should get update notifications right in the email client. They can then update from within without having to download the client from the official website. Users who have not received the notification of the update yet can check for it manually by going to Help > About Thunderbird.
The release notes list several changes and feature enhancements.
The Welcome to Thunderbird page after updating or installing the new version lists additional features. I’m not sure if they all made their way into this version or if they have been available before. Thunderbird 7 starts up faster and is more responsive according to that feature listing. A new troubleshooting information page is listed there as well. It looks exactly like the page of the Firefox web browser.
New users can download the latest Thunderbird version from the official Mozilla Thunderbird project homepage. It is available there for all supported operating systems and languages.
Are you using Thunderbird? Let me know what you think of the latest update.
With the release of Firefox 7 came also the release of Thunderbird 7. The email program made a big jump from version 3 all the way to version 7, even skipping a version to sync with the Firefox browser.
Existing Thunderbird users should get update notifications right in the email client. They can then update from within without having to download the client from the official website. Users who have not received the notification of the update yet can check for it manually by going to Help > About Thunderbird.
The release notes list several changes and feature enhancements.
- Thunderbird is based on the new Mozilla Gecko 7 engine
- Several user interface fixes and improvements
- Several fixes to attachment handling
- Ability to print a summary of selected email messages
- Platform improvements to Address Book
- Fixed several security issues
- Numerous platform fixes that improve speed, performance and stability
The Welcome to Thunderbird page after updating or installing the new version lists additional features. I’m not sure if they all made their way into this version or if they have been available before. Thunderbird 7 starts up faster and is more responsive according to that feature listing. A new troubleshooting information page is listed there as well. It looks exactly like the page of the Firefox web browser.
New users can download the latest Thunderbird version from the official Mozilla Thunderbird project homepage. It is available there for all supported operating systems and languages.
Are you using Thunderbird? Let me know what you think of the latest update.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Why Everyone Should Own an E-Reader
E-readers. Millions of people own one, and millions are thinking about purchasing one. This article will not provide you with any insightful information on which one to choose, but merely provide you with reasons why you need to make the investment. If you're thinking about making the investment here are some reasons why you need to consider the purchase of one of the many e-readers that are available today.
Availability
Have you ever driven to a bookstore only to find that they don't have the book you want? Or they sold out an hour before you arrived? With an e-reader you will never have that problem. If it's available for purchase you'll have your own copy in seconds. With the recent closing of Borders stores some are required to travel more than twenty miles to browse or buy a book. The e-readers allow for you to browse from the comfort of your own home and even save gas! What if your in need of large print books? An e-reader allows for the font to be set at your own preference, so you'll never need to worry if a large print book will be available.
Cost
The average cost of an e-reader ranges between $100.00-$500.00 bucks. There are quite a few different options available for purchase and you'll need to go through each to see which one is best for you. The kindle, nook, and iPad's are always great options (although there are more.) Also, the books that you'll purchase will be significantly cheaper than what you'll find in stores. For example, I bought a copy of The Help at a store for around $15.00. A copy on your e-reader? Around $10.00 bucks. Not only will you be saving gas money, but you'll save on each book that you download.
Magazines and Newspapers
E-readers are not only convenient for books, but you can also purchase magazines and newspapers. Subscriptions to magazines are cheaper on e-readers. I personally have a subscription to the Rolling Stone and it's 2.99 a month. If a newspaper like the New York Times isn't available in your area, you can have your own copy every morning. The cost of most newspapers are also considerably less.
Extras
Lets say you're trying to remember the book your friend told you about a month ago. All you can remember is one word from the title. Search using the one word you remember and look! You find the book in seconds. Or lets say you are reading a novel with words you are not familiar with--most e-readers provide the option to touch the word and immediately you'll have a definition. You'll also have the ability (on most e-readers) to connect to the internet and browse freely. Possibly the best benefit about some e-readers is that it allows you to share the books you've purchased with others. This option will save you even more money! The e-readers are small and portable, which will be much easier to take with you when you're on the go. Looking for a little more? No fear, you'll find plenty of other applications (or apps) such as games, calculators, Pandora, and countless others.
Even if you've purchased an e-reader you can still purchase books the old fashioned way
Personally, I prefer a real book. There's something personal about my own copy that an e-reader cannot replace. I actually received a nook as a Christmas present last year. I didn't know what to do with it, but I quickly realized that it comes in handy when I'm in need of a great read. Unfortunately, there are no bookstores in my area and my e-reader has provided me with an outlet to further my reading. My e-reader has not replaced my hard copy books and never will, but with hardly any other choice it has definitely saved me gas, and provided me with a way to keep on reading when I thought all hope was lost.
Availability
Have you ever driven to a bookstore only to find that they don't have the book you want? Or they sold out an hour before you arrived? With an e-reader you will never have that problem. If it's available for purchase you'll have your own copy in seconds. With the recent closing of Borders stores some are required to travel more than twenty miles to browse or buy a book. The e-readers allow for you to browse from the comfort of your own home and even save gas! What if your in need of large print books? An e-reader allows for the font to be set at your own preference, so you'll never need to worry if a large print book will be available.
Cost
The average cost of an e-reader ranges between $100.00-$500.00 bucks. There are quite a few different options available for purchase and you'll need to go through each to see which one is best for you. The kindle, nook, and iPad's are always great options (although there are more.) Also, the books that you'll purchase will be significantly cheaper than what you'll find in stores. For example, I bought a copy of The Help at a store for around $15.00. A copy on your e-reader? Around $10.00 bucks. Not only will you be saving gas money, but you'll save on each book that you download.
Magazines and Newspapers
E-readers are not only convenient for books, but you can also purchase magazines and newspapers. Subscriptions to magazines are cheaper on e-readers. I personally have a subscription to the Rolling Stone and it's 2.99 a month. If a newspaper like the New York Times isn't available in your area, you can have your own copy every morning. The cost of most newspapers are also considerably less.
Extras
Lets say you're trying to remember the book your friend told you about a month ago. All you can remember is one word from the title. Search using the one word you remember and look! You find the book in seconds. Or lets say you are reading a novel with words you are not familiar with--most e-readers provide the option to touch the word and immediately you'll have a definition. You'll also have the ability (on most e-readers) to connect to the internet and browse freely. Possibly the best benefit about some e-readers is that it allows you to share the books you've purchased with others. This option will save you even more money! The e-readers are small and portable, which will be much easier to take with you when you're on the go. Looking for a little more? No fear, you'll find plenty of other applications (or apps) such as games, calculators, Pandora, and countless others.
Even if you've purchased an e-reader you can still purchase books the old fashioned way
Personally, I prefer a real book. There's something personal about my own copy that an e-reader cannot replace. I actually received a nook as a Christmas present last year. I didn't know what to do with it, but I quickly realized that it comes in handy when I'm in need of a great read. Unfortunately, there are no bookstores in my area and my e-reader has provided me with an outlet to further my reading. My e-reader has not replaced my hard copy books and never will, but with hardly any other choice it has definitely saved me gas, and provided me with a way to keep on reading when I thought all hope was lost.
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