Things To Think About When Buying A Computer

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.

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.

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.

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.