Technology | Computer Index

Pay to Play: Four Websites for Music

Paying for goods and services is the bedrock of capitalism. The free music downloading craze of the late-1990s and early 2000s created a belief in many that music and art should be available for everyone without charge, but that idea faded when the system was proved illegal. While there are still sites today that promote the exchange of free music, they are forced to do so legally and with the consent of the participating artists. Legal music downloading sites have become the new norm. The following list details four for-pay music downloading sites.

Napster: The biggest culprit of illegal file sharing and the one that fell the hardest back in the day was Napster. Today, however, Napster operates using a subscription method. For a fee of $5 per month, users are given access to a more than 8 million song library. They are only given five actual downloads per month, though. Napster supports both MP3 and WMA formats.
iTunes: This service is the largest and best-known due to its commercial appeal, but the price per download makes iTunes a lesser choice for those looking to get the most bang for their buck. No subscription is required; users visit the iTunes library and purchase songs individually or albums entirely. The downloading format is a specific iTunes music file playable only through the iTunes application.
eMusic: The service provided by eMusic is exceptional, but the library lacks many top-40 songs and artists. The library does consist of more than 4.5 million songs, though, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. Users can participate in a free trial with 25 free MP3s.
Amazon MP3: The Amazon MP3 service, which is accessed through the traditional Amazon.com website, provides individual songs for often less than $1 and entire albums for a little as $5 depending on current sales. Amazon’s library contains about 6 million songs total and is available only in the MP3 format.

Filed Under: Advancements, Technology Tagged With: ITunes, Napster

A Screenshot of Three LCD Technologies

The trend in monitors today is liquid crystal display, or LCD, screens. The bulkiness and low resolution of old CRT monitors have made them effectively obsolete. Therefore, the odds are that, if you’re in the market for a new monitor, you’re in the market for an LCD monitor. Not so fast. There is more than one type of LCD screen. There are three main panel technologies to consider within the category of LCD. They are explained in bullet form below.

Twisted nematic (TN): TN panels are the most common and least expensive of the three technologies. The gray-to-gray transition of TN panels is 2 to 4 milliseconds. This response time is excellent, which is one reason why the standard has become so popular. The color of TN panels is usually quite poor, with only 6 bits an RGB, which makes for a little more than 16 million colors. Another con of the technology is the inability to view the screen clearly unless standing right in front of it. TN panel LCD monitors will run the consumer around $250 or less.
Super patterned vertical alignment (S-PVA): The second best technology in the bunch is S-PVA panel LCDs. The improvements from TN panels include the following: better viewing from side angles, brighter, better and more colors, and a very low black level display. The TN panel has a quicker response time, however. This type of technology will cost the consumer around $700 or less.
In-plane switching (IPS): The best and most expensive technology is IPS. Unfortunately, this technology is also the slowest. Side-angle viewing is improved from even the S-PVA technology, and the color reproduction is phenomenal. The technology has updated since it was created in 1996, improving the speed and contrast ratio, and the price has also dropped significantly over the years. Depending on the screen size, an IPS screen could cost as little as $400.

Filed Under: Computers, Technology Tagged With: Liquid crystal display, TFT LCD

Dos and Donts for the Software Downloader

Downloading anything from the Internet is one of the most dangerous things you can do to your computer. If you aren’t protected from viruses or spyware, a corrupted download can crash an entire system. Scary viruses aside, there are other potential harms and issues associated with downloading. To steer clear of those and other problems when downloading software, abide by these tips:

Stay away from file-sharing sites and programs when deciding what downloading avenue to use. Many file sharing websites operate illegally, which makes using them both against the law and increases the downloader’s risk of obtaining a virus. The low amount of regulation on these types of sites is what makes them brimming with hazards.
Save your system before you download. You can do this by using Windows restoration or by copying the contents of your hard drive onto another device. You never know how your system will react to new software. It’s best to be safe.
If you’re sent a software program through an attachment in your email, don’t open it. It’s uncommon for software to be sent in this manner, and opening unknown attachments is a sure way to invite hackers and viruses into your computer. Because downloads often start automatically, don’t open any email from a strange or unfamiliar source.
Read all the software requirements and instructions prior to downloading. It’s possible your computer may not be fast enough, possess enough hard drive space or memory, or run a compatible operating system required by the program. If it appears the software download you’ve located is incompatible with your particular system, continue searching.
Thoroughly examine the site you’ve chosen from which to download. It’s smart to download only from websites you recognize or that have a reliable reputation. If you’re unsure of the site’s validity, research more well-known sites and use those instead. Procuring the software you desire is not as important as safeguarding your system from outside attacks.

Filed Under: Operating Systems, Technology Tagged With: Spyware, Windows

Making Gaming a Breeze

If you have been in the market for a new computer, now is the best time ever for picking up that gorgeous, fast new laptop you have secretly been drooling over. Stop drooling, and start getting ready to finally take the plunge into the computer of your dreams. With laptops like the Sony Vaio and the Macbook Air out these days, you pretty much can’t go wrong with whatever you decide to buy. And you might even be able to get your laptop to pay for itself, if you try out some online casino games. Modern laptops are perfect for gaming, after all. So you might as well get the best you can, and use it to the furthest extent of its power. Just make sure you stay safe online.

First off, you want to find yourself a laptop that has plenty of hard disk space. Since most have more than you will likely use in a lifetime (unless you are a film maker), your next goal should be a fast processor. Nothing spoils your game like lag. Thirdly, you want plenty of memory. Finally, you want to have a dedicated, swift internet connection, so that you don’t have to wait long for your games to load. And then there is the software you will need. It goes beyond just getting the casino’s software, you know.

First off, you are going to want a firewall program. Comodo and ZoneAlarm make some great ones, and they are both free. After that, you are going to want a system scanning utility, such as Avast!, which is also free. Once you have these things, you can surf the net with relative safety. However, if you want to avoid getting inundated with pop-up ads, you might try Firefox, which is quick, free, and just happens to block pop-up ads. Once yourhardware is tight and yoursuite is in order, you can play your games in safety and comfort.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: Avast, Hardware, Laptop, Notebooks and Laptops, Sony, SonyVaio, VAIO, ZoneAlarm

How to Start a Web Radio or Podcast Show

: Image via Wikipedia

If you are interested in increasing your Web traffic, creating a Web radio show or a podcast show is one of the quickest ways to build an audience. Like offline radio shows, word of mouth is often what makes a radio show popular. To get the word out in the beginning, sites can buy ads on sites with similar topics in order to grab the right demographic. Your radio or podcast personality, often an interviewer or expert in a topic, can also do guest spots on other Internet radio shows or podcasts to drum up interest in your own show.

To get your radio or podcast content online, you need to choose and implement a package from an audio stream transmitter. The one often used by online radio stations and podcasters is Live365. The company has a number of packages for different needs. Everyone from the occasional podcaster to a professional radio station can choose the appropriate package and get started in Internet audio.

DrJays.com uses a Web radio show hosted by Boss Lady to bring music fans onto the site to hear live interviews with their favorite singers and groups. The DrJays appeals to music fans, making the use of Internet radio and music interviews – one of the most effective ways to bring in the exact user demographic that the site is interested in. Lady Boss has made DrJays a better-known brand that has expanded through the word of mouth of listeners. The same principle used by DrJays can be used on your own website with original Internet radio content. Just think of a topic that will most interest your most likely demographic and create audio content that will grab the attention of that audience. Build excitement about each broadcast by talking about it on topical forums and run ads for it on your website.

Filed Under: Computers, Technology

Keeping the Fire Out: Benefits of Using Firewalls

The extent of the relationship between computer users and the firewalls in place on their systems is usually fairly minimal. Once in a while, when browsing the Internet, a particular website may contain content a firewall is assigned to block, and the user will receive a small display bar telling them something within the site has been suppressed. The user largely overlooks the work done by firewalls, but the advantages of using them are manifold. In other words, if the user didn’t have a firewall, they would notice the absence in the form of unwanted intrusions. But with them, the user is safe from danger.

Although there is much a firewall cannot protect computers from, there is plenty that firewalls are capable of doing. The following list will detail some of the major benefits of using a firewall.

Gives the user control of what is coming into the system. Firewalls serve as a checkpoint for information both coming into and leaving your computer network. Although it depends on the class of firewall in place, most will announce the entering traffic and allow the user to accept or deny.
Identifies and blocks infiltrators. While it’s certainly significant for firewalls to hinder the entry of possibly dangerous intrusions, it’s also of great import for firewalls to be able to classify the specific intruder and save that information for potential future attacks.
Protects private information. The biggest reason to install firewalls is to ensure the data stored on the user’s computer and the actions performed by the user on their own system are sheltered from external threats. Information protection is the reason firewalls give the user control the comings and goings and block likely hazards.

There is more than one type of firewall, and it’s important to know the appropriate sort for each computer users’ purposes, but having any manner of protecting one’s system from outside invasion is advantageous.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: firewall, User (computing)

Two is Better Than One: Dual Monitor Setup

One of the many reasons people find desktop computers attractive is the ability to have a large screen on which to work, play and interact. Using a regular-sized monitor is suitable, but, for some, bigger is better. You don’t necessarily need to buy a singular mammoth monitor, either. There is another way to increase your screen size. The answer to a larger workspace is a dual monitor setup, allowing you to view your actions on two screens. There are various motives for setting up your computer this way. The following bullets will explain three options for doubling up on monitors.

Replication: Suppose you’re trying to show your mother how to check her email, but you don’t want her breathing down your neck as you go through the motions. Setting up dual monitors with the second one replicating the exact actions of the first could help solve this problem. You could set the screens side-by-side or back-to-back and easily display original maneuvers.
Continuous screen: If you’re looking for a large screen, setting up two monitors to stretch information from one to the other may be the best option. Everything that was once on one monitor simply extends to the other — keeping the same resolution between both screens. For this setup, it is most practical to have similar or the same monitors. Different monitors may necessitate lower or higher screen resolutions, which could affect the picture quality.
Double view: The problem with the continuous screen option is addressed with the option of double view. Using this setup, varying resolutions needs are no longer problematic because each screen can be customized. The screens still work much like the continuous screen, but there may be bumps and lags when attempting to drag folders from one screen to the other and viewing video encompassing both.

If you have an extra monitor lying around the house, why not give the setup a try?

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers, Operating Systems, Technology Tagged With: Desktop computer, Desktop Customization, Display resolution, Displays, Hardware, Multi-monitor, Peripherals

Dual Screen Setup Made Simple

: Image via Wikipedia

Having two monitors to watch movies, play video games, and spread out your work can be a way to increase productivity and boost your overall computer experience. So what if you have two monitors? You still have to set it up! Luckily, setting up a dual monitor system is relatively easy if you have the supplies needed. These supplies include the following items:

Two monitors
Two cables for those monitors
Dual monitor video card capability

Of those components, the only one that may be slightly complicated is the video card. But once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to tell if your computer supports the setup. Most computers do not come with a two-input video card and will require you to buy one. Just check the back of your computer to see if there are two spots or one for inputting cables. If you do have to buy a video card, be sure you obtain one with the correct configurations for your specific computer and bus.

To install a new video card, first power down your computer. Installing hardware can be as simple as fitting it securely into its location. So once you pinpoint the video card, remove the old and lodge the new one in its place. As long as the card locks into the mainframe, it should be installed correctly. Plug each monitor cable into the input and back of the monitor and power up the machine.

If your computer was already dual-monitor capable, you should be good to go. If not, you’ll need to go through the process of setting up your new video card, which is just a matter of installing driver software. Once that is complete, restart the computer and change your properties and screen resolution to the condition you prefer. If your video card and monitor cables are connected properly, you should be able to change the preferences effortlessly. Enjoy your new setup!

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers, Technology Tagged With: Accessories, Cable, Device driver, Digital Visual Interface, Display resolution, Hardware, Multi-monitor, Video card

Five Nifty Ways to Harness Two Screens

: Image via CrunchBase

Are you one of the growing number of people who lugged out their old monitor and hooked it up to work with their current one simultaneously? Dual monitor setup is becoming more and more popular in this modern era of multitasking. Why have just one monitor when you can have two? Increasing the total space on which you have to work while having a cool-looking arrangement in your office is hard to pass up if you have the supplies. But, believe it or not, applying two monitors to one system is more useful than just a design piece. There are countless ways to utilize a dual screen setup. The following examples showcase a fraction of the techniques you can employ to get the most out of your system.

1. Watching a movie in wide screen. Don’t have a big-screen television but want to watch a flick with some friends? Having two or more screens on your computer can be just as rewarding.

2. Watching a movie or TV while checking your email. If you want to watch a movie or video but don’t necessarily want to totally miss out on what’s going on elsewhere on the Internet, have the movie or video playing on one screen and have a window with your email or Twitter account on the other.

3. Editing photos. You can look at the comprehensive collection of photos in thumbnail view on one screen and work on individual ones in editing mode on the other.

4. Comparing products or text. Instead of decreasing the window size to look at two items at once, drag one window to the other screen.

5. Operating two browsers or search engines. You can run Firefox on one side and Internet Explorer on the other to compare speed and receive the benefits of each.

There are umpteen more uses for dual screens. It’s likely you’ll figure them out if you’ve got enough tasks on your plate.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers, Technology Tagged With: Browsers, Clients, Film, Firefox, Mozilla Firefox, Multi-monitor

PCI vs. AGP: The Battle of the Ports

: Image via Wikipedia

When considering your computer’s ability to handle a dual-screen setup, it’s important to be aware of various differences in computer technologies. In most cases, if you’d like multiple monitors working with a single system, you will need to add a video card. But the kind of video card needed depends on whether your computer employs an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI). Both technologies are ports for connecting expansion hardware — hardware you need if you want dual monitors. The differences between the AGP and PCI are explicated in the following paragraphs.

AGP: Although it was created after PCI, the Accelerated Graphics Port is the lesser-used port today. AGP was created specifically for the use of graphics cards that would support 3-D images, which is where most of the differences between the two technologies lie. Because it was created as a channel for graphics only, it is faster than a PCI. Despite its speed and abilities, AGP slots don’t tend to come standard on motherboards. For that reason, fewer AGP graphics cards are produced. The PCI is basically universal and encompasses more than just graphics cards.

PCI: The Peripheral Component Interconnect bus is much more common than the AGP. And while it may not be the fastest if you want to do heavy 3-D gaming, it is able to do more than an AGP bus. PCI shares its bus so that it is able to transmit information from and to more than just the graphics card. Most recently, since AGP has been phased out and the original PCI is unable to handle intense graphics, the PCI Express bus is becoming available. It is faster than both AGP and PCI, and it is also backward compatible with PCI graphics cards.

Knowing which technology your computer supports is the only way you’ll be able to successfully expand your screen horizon.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers, Technology Tagged With: Accelerated Graphics Port, Conventional PCI, Hardware, PCI Express, Peripheral Component Interconnect, Technology, Video card