Posted by Simon on June 14, 2010 under Really interesting!, What could be more fun? | 
Understanding the scientific method and how to follow it is critical to building a good reputation in the technical community. In regards to science fairs, as a student progresses in grade levels the judges are going to demand more and more focus on using the scientific method.
Here is my seven step description of the scientific method.
1. Define the question 2. Gather information and resources 3. Form hypothesis 4. Perform experiment and collect data 5. Analyze data 6. Interpret data and draw conclusions that serve as a starting point for new hypotheses 7. Publish results
In science fair competitions, if you can show that you are following the scientific method, you are well on your way to impressing the judges.
Basically, start out by defining your question and topic. After that, form a hypothesis and perform your experiments. Step 6 is where you use that data to make any new hypotheses or theories about your science topic. If you want, you can take that new hypothesis you just developed and start again from step 3, then move your way back to 6. Follow this cycle as much as you want. The more focused your information and experiments the better.
Would you like an example to clarify how to use the scientific method?
Imagine you are doing your project on “Hot water” and we are going to follow the scientific method steps.
1. Define your question.
How about something silly, like “Will boiling water burn a person’s hand?”
2. Find lots of information about hot water and learn everything you can about it.
3. Now form a hypothesis based on your research. Our hypothesis is, “A person will not suffer any burns due to contact with boiling water.” Hopefully you are smart enough to know this isn’t true, but let’s pretend we aren’t just for the sake of the example.
4. Now we do perform our experiments. In real life we know we will burn ourselves with boiling water, and we should never touch it! But, suppose the experimenter has no idea. They run tests to see if contact with boiling water burns a person. BAD IDEA!
5. Now look at your data. Probably everyone in the experiments burned their skin during the tests. Looks like boiling water does cause burns! DUH!
This is how it snows in the springtime in the Rocky Mountains taken Spring 2006
6. Interpret the data. Hmm… our hypothesis was completely wrong. Our experiments showed that boiling water can cause burns.
7. Publish your results. I certainly hope you never make a project just like this, but here’s your chance to show the world what happens when you touch boiling water!
Keep in mind, don’t change your hypothesis because your final data did not agree with it. You don’t get more credit for having a correct hypothesis. You get credit for following the scientific method and coming to a correct conclusion based on your data.
Don’t forget to include possible reasons for experimental error.
If you follow these steps your project or experiment will make sense to anyone who views it and you have a good chance of succeeding!
About the Author:
John T Adams is just your average guy who has been fortunate to have made a buck or two from the internet. There is nothing difficult about it so visit my website to learn how.
I fancy myself as being a good writer and I have 5 blogs where I write on how to make money on the Internet from a Home Based Business – Blogging Income – Affiliate Marketing and I would be honored if you would visit my blog and learn more on how this can be done.
One last for you to do is click here now to receive my F*R*E*E eBook, more internet income making information and product support and help from me.
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Tags: Boiling Water, Burns, Competitions, Conclusions, criteria, Experimenter, Experiments, fair, Focus, Good Reputation, Hot Water, Hypotheses, Hypothesis, idea, Imagine, judges, judging, method, project, Sake, science, Science Fairs, Science Topic, scientific, Scientific Method Steps, Step 3, Step 6, Step Description
Posted by Simon on May 13, 2010 under It Is Believable, Really interesting!, What could be more fun? |
You may have experienced having your computer intermittently hangs-up, or may re-boot itself for no apparent reason. It is almost like a 3 point basketball shot as the buzzer; it’s going, and going and going then it hits the rim and it is all crapped out like your computer freezing up. This can be annoying, and can mean you have lost valuable work that you we in the process of creating.
If this has happened once, then your chances of explaining the cause are remote in the extreme. If you find it happening regularly, then it is clearly in your interest to find and fix the problem.
There are a few things you can check for yourself that may save you a trip to the repair shop.
With most modern computers, the system comes with built in circuitry to monitor the state of the computer. One of the checks built into your system is to test the operating temperature. The computer may shut down if this moves outside the desirable operating range.
For your system to run at the correct operating temperature it is important that air circulates freely in and around the case. If you have the computer case installed inside an enclosure, then this may be the first thing to consider changing. Similarly, I have seen computers covered with books, manuals and paper documents. These again can hinder air circulation, and these items should be removed. Take a look at the slotted vents in the sides of the case. These slots can become blocked by an accumulation of dust. Because the computer is usually always drawing some power, it has a constant electrostatic charge. A computer is second only to a vacuum cleaner in its ability to suck in dust and fluff.
Let’s take a moment for a pretty picture.
This picture was shot 2010-05-13 at Hood River of the Columbia River Bridge.
We will now continue with the blog. Like the picture?
Taking the cover of the case will also show the dust build-up inside the computer. Be careful removing dust accumulations from internal components. This is probably best done with a soft artist’s brush or an aerosol can of compressed air.
Next, take a look at the internal cooling fans. Modern computer usually have a cooling fan perched on top of the processor. This fan should be clear of dust, and running freely, without obvious scraping noises, when the computer is operating. It is OK to start the computer with the case cover removed, just be careful not to poke things into the various components.
There will also be a cooling fan inside or attached to the power supply. This again should be free of dust and running freely. Some computers may also have an additional case fan. This will be screwed on over one of the slotted case vents, and typically be running from a cable connected to the mother board. Not all machines have a separate case fan, but if it is there, it is there for a reason. Apply the same checks to this fan.
If you have identified faults with your cooling fans, this may require a trip to your local repair shop. The repair technician may also suggest that the CPU heat sink be removed and re-placed with fresh heat transfer compound, which is a straightforward job for an experienced repairer.
About the Author:
John T Adams is just your everyday kind of guy who is an internet marketing investigator by which I mean I have done a great number of things in regards with internet marketing and presently I have This Website you should visit.
In addition to the above website I also do lots of blogging about Internet Marketing and you would benefit well if you have an interest in this subject By Clicking Here you will be taken to my blog.
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Tags: Accumulation, Air Circulation, Apparent Reason, Blog, Blogging, Buzzer, Circuitry, Columbia River, Columbia River Bridge, Computer Case, Computer One, Crapping, Electrostatic Charge, Everyday Kind, Fluff, Hang Time, Hood River, Internal Components, Internet Marketing, Modern Computers, Mt Hood, Paper Documents, Point Basketball, Portland Oregon, Rim, T Adams, Vacuum
Posted by Simon on May 12, 2010 under Really interesting!, What could be more fun? |
Corn pollen more than 80,000 years old was found in Mexico. Proper popcorn was known in China, Sumatra, and India for at least 5000 years. Popped popcorn and kernels 5600 years old were discovered in the “Bat Cave” in New Mexico in 1948-1950. Popcorn kernels – ready to pop – were unearthed in ancient Peruvian tombs. In a cave is southern Utah, fluffy, fresh looking, white popcorn was dated to 1000 years ago.
Let’s Take a moment from this blog and look at a pretty
This picture was taken of Mt. Hood from Timberline Ski Area outside Portland Oregon on 2010-05-12
Now back to the Blog.
Popcorn was used by the Aztecs and Indians as a decorative motif in headdresses, necklaces, and ornaments on statues of divinities. In the 16th century, both Hernando Cortes (in Mexico) and Christopher Columbus (in the West Indies) described these unusual uses of the snack. Father Bernardino de Sahagun (1499-1590), a Franciscan priest with deep interest in Mexican culture, described a ritual in honor of the Aztec gods of fisheries:
“They scattered before him parched corn, called momochitl, a kind of corn which bursts when parched and discloses its contents and makes itself look like a very white flower; they said these were hailstones given to the god of water.”
French explorers in the early 17th century reported that the Iroquois Indians in the Great Lakes region drank popcorn beer and ate popcorn soup. In either 1621, or in 1630, popcorn was brought as a gift by the Indian Quadequina, brother of Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag tribe, to the colonists in Plymouth, Massachusetts at their first Thanksgiving dinner in the new land.
This may be an apocryphal story but, in any case, it would not have been popcorn as we know it today. An oiled ear was held on a stick over an open fire and the popped kernels would be chewed off. Popcorn later served as a morning cereal, eaten with cream or milk. The colonists called it “popped corn”, “parching corn”, or “rice corn”.
Most of the world’s popcorn (“prairie gold”) is produced in Nebraska, Iowa and Indiana, in the United States. The kernel is a seed containing a plant embryo and its soft, starchy food. The seed is protected by a hard shell. Heating the kernel converts water held in the seed into pressurized steam which causes the kernel to pop and the starch to expand to 40 times its original size.
About the Author :
I am just your everyday average person who happens to enjoy writing. Also, I do some product promoting from marketing affiliates and would appreciate if you would take a moment to visit my website by clicking here. By visiting you are not obligated for anything and there is no cost associated to look. There is good stuff there so do not miss out by NOT going by for a visit.
From time to time I have a private limited offering to members of my group of discounted items, FR*EE eBooks, training series and other things not available to any other internet traffic. To join all you need is To Click Here so don’t wait – seize the moment! Again there is no obligation and no cost associated.
One last thing I would like to ask is for you to take a moment after you have finished reading my material to leave a comment of what you like or did not like. Tell me what you would like to see if you have not seen it here, for my purpose in the first place is to please you all – my audience, so please leave a comment.
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Tags: Apocryphal Story, Average Person, Aztec Gods, Aztecs Indians, Bat Cave, Chief Massasoit, Christopher Columbus, Corn Pollen, Decorative Motif, Divinities, First Thanksgiving, Franciscan Priest, French Explorers, God Of Water, Good Stuff, Hernando Cortes, Internet Traffic, Iroquois Indians, Mexican Culture, Morning Cereal, Mt Hood, Plymouth Massachusetts, Popcorn Kernels, Sahagun, Ski Area, Southern Utah, Thanksgiving Dinner, Wampanoag Tribe, White Flower
Posted by Simon on February 8, 2010 under It Is Believable, What could be more fun?, You Should Be Afraid |
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“Everything is simpler than you think and at the same time more complex than you imagine.”
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
Complexity rises spontaneously in nature through processes such as self-organization. Emergent phenomena are common as are emergent traits, not reducible to basic components, interactions, or properties.
Complexity does not, therefore, imply the existence of a designer or a design. Complexity does not imply the existence of intelligence and sentient beings. On the contrary, complexity usually points towards a natural source and a random origin. Complexity and artificiality are often incompatible.
Artificial designs and objects are found only in unexpected (“unnatural”) contexts and environments. Natural objects are totally predictable and expected. Artificial creations are efficient and, therefore, simple and parsimonious. Natural objects and processes are not.
As Seth Shostak notes in his excellent essay, titled “SETI and Intelligent Design”, evolution experiments with numerous dead ends before it yields a single adapted biological entity. DNA is far from optimized: it contains inordinate amounts of junk. Our bodies come replete with dysfunctional appendages and redundant organs. Lightning bolts emit energy all over the electromagnetic spectrum. Pulsars and interstellar gas clouds spew radiation over the entire radio spectrum. The energy of the Sun is ubiquitous over the entire optical and thermal range. No intelligent engineer – human or not – would be so wasteful.
Confusing artificiality with complexity is not the only terminological conundrum.
Complexity and simplicity are often, and intuitively, regarded as two extremes of the same continuum, or spectrum. Yet, this may be a simplistic view, indeed.
Simple procedures (codes, programs), in nature as well as in computing, often yield the most complex results. Where does the complexity reside, if not in the simple program that created it? A minimal number of primitive interactions occur in a primordial soup and, presto, life. Was life somehow embedded in the primordial soup all along? Or in the interactions? Or in the combination of substrate and interactions?
Complex processes yield simple products (think about products of thinking such as a newspaper article, or a poem, or manufactured goods such as a sewing thread). What happened to the complexity? Was it somehow reduced, “absorbed, digested, or assimilated”? Is it a general rule that, given sufficient time and resources, the simple can become complex and the complex reduced to the simple? Is it only a matter of computation?
We can resolve these apparent contradictions by closely examining the categories we use.
Perhaps simplicity and complexity are categorical illusions, the outcomes of limitations inherent in our system of symbols (in our language).
We label something “complex” when we use a great number of symbols to describe it. But, surely, the choices we make (regarding the number of symbols we use) teach us nothing about complexity, a real phenomenon!
A straight line can be described with three symbols (A, B, and the distance between them) – or with three billion symbols (a subset of the discrete points which make up the line and their inter-relatedness, their function). But whatever the number of symbols we choose to employ, however complex our level of description, it has nothing to do with the straight line or with its “real world” traits. The straight line is not rendered more (or less) complex or orderly by our choice of level of (meta) description and language elements.
The simple (and ordered) can be regarded as the tip of the complexity iceberg, or as part of a complex, interconnected whole, or hologramically, as encompassing the complex (the same way all particles are contained in all other particles). Still, these models merely reflect choices of descriptive language, with no bearing on reality.
Perhaps complexity and simplicity are not related at all, either quantitatively, or qualitatively. Perhaps complexity is not simply more simplicity. Perhaps there is no organizational principle tying them to one another. Complexity is often an emergent phenomenon, not reducible to simplicity.
The third possibility is that somehow, perhaps through human intervention, complexity yields simplicity and simplicity yields complexity (via pattern identification, the application of rules, classification, and other human pursuits). This dependence on human input would explain the convergence of the behaviors of all complex systems on to a tiny sliver of the state (or phase) space (sort of a mega attractor basin). According to this view, Man is the creator of simplicity and complexity alike but they do have a real and independent existence thereafter (the Copenhagen interpretation of a Quantum Mechanics).
Still, these twin notions of simplicity and complexity give rise to numerous theoretical and philosophical complications.
Consider life.
In human (artificial and intelligent) technology, every thing and every action has a function within a “scheme of things”. Goals are set, plans made, designs help to implement the plans.
Not so with life. Living things seem to be prone to disorientated thoughts, or the absorption and processing of absolutely irrelevant and inconsequential data. Moreover, these laboriously accumulated databases vanish instantaneously with death. The organism is akin to a computer which processes data using elaborate software and then turns itself off after 15-80 years, erasing all its work.
Most of us believe that what appears to be meaningless and functionless supports the meaningful and functional and leads to them. The complex and the meaningless (or at least the incomprehensible) always seem to resolve to the simple and the meaningful. Thus, if the complex is meaningless and disordered then order must somehow be connected to meaning and to simplicity (through the principles of organization and interaction).
Moreover, complex systems are inseparable from their environment whose feedback induces their self-organization. Our discrete, observer-observed, approach to the Universe is, thus, deeply inadequate when applied to complex systems. These systems cannot be defined, described, or understood in isolation from their environment. They are one with their surroundings.
Many complex systems display emergent properties. These cannot be predicted even with perfect knowledge about said systems. We can say that the complex systems are creative and intuitive, even when not sentient, or intelligent. Must intuition and creativity be predicated on intelligence, consciousness, or sentience?
Thus, ultimately, complexity touches upon very essential questions of who we, what are we for, how we create, and how we evolve. It is not a simple matter, that…
TECHNICAL NOTE – Complexity Theory and Ambiguity or Vagueness
A Glossary of the terms used here
Ambiguity (or indeterminacy, in deconstructivist parlance) is when a statement or string (word, sentence, theorem, or expression) has two or more distinct meanings either lexically (e.g., homonyms), or because of its grammar or syntax (e.g., amphiboly). It is the context, which helps us to choose the right or intended meaning (“contextual disambiguating” which often leads to a focal meaning).
Vagueness arises when there are “borderline cases” of the existing application of a concept (or a predicate). When is a person tall? When does a collection of sand grains become a heap (the sorites or heap paradox)?, etc. Fuzzy logic truth values do not eliminate vagueness – they only assign continuous values (“fuzzy sets”) to concepts (“prototypes”).
Open texture is when there may be “borderline cases” in the future application of a concept (or a predicate). While vagueness can be minimized by specifying rules (through precisifaction, or supervaluation) – open texture cannot because we cannot predict future “borderline cases”.
It would seem that a complexity theory formalism can accurately describe both ambiguity and vagueness:
Language can be construed as a self-organizing network, replete with self-organized criticality.
Language can also be viewed as a Production System (Iterated Function Systems coupled with Lindenmeyer L-Systems and Schemas to yield Classifiers Systems). To use Holland’s vocabulary, language is a set of Constrained Generating Procedures.
“Vague objects” (with vague spatial or temporal boundaries) are, actually, best represented by fractals. They are not indeterminate (only their boundaries are). Moreover, self-similarity is maintained. Consider a mountain – where does it start or end and what, precisely, does it include? A fractal curve (boundary) is an apt mathematical treatment of this question.
Indeterminacy can be described as the result of bifurcation leading to competing, distinct, but equally valid, meanings.
Borderline cases (and vagueness) arise at the “edge of chaos” – in concepts and predicates with co-evolving static and chaotic elements.
(Focal) meanings can be thought of as attractors.
Contexts can be thought of as attractor landscapes in the phase space of language. They can also be described as fitness landscapes with optimum epistasis (interdependence of values assigned to meanings).
The process of deriving meaning (or disambiguating) is akin to tracing a basin of attraction. It can be described as a perturbation in a transient, leading to a stable state.
About the Author:
My name is Simon and I am a Blogger. As the title of this blog it is as expected: A Tech Blog. I find so many things fascinating that I just have to write about them sharing my fascination with that particular item or technical bit of information. I ask that If you do read an article, that you would take a moment and comment saying good job, alright! or that it just sucked. Let me know, for it is important. Most of all, if you do enjoy my articles, please subscribe to my articles through the RSS feed by clicking on the RSS button on the blog page. Thank You for visiting and,
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Posted by Simon on February 2, 2010 under Really interesting!, What could be more fun? |
PocketDish is one of the latest entertainment innovations, brought to the market by EchoStar. The devices are designed to make it convenient to access videos, music, games and photos anytime and anyplace. With three separate versions of PocketDish, it is possible to store up to 40 hours of programming, 20,000 songs, and 400,000 photos. Movies and shows can be downloaded from DISH Network DVRs or other devices and watched in the car, a waiting room, or at a friend’s house. Each device comes with a rechargeable battery that allows 4 hours of viewing time before recharging. Music and photos are also readily downloaded to give access to favorite songs and good memories at any location. With music playback only, the battery will last approximately 12 hours before needing to be refreshed. The other PocketDish feature is its gaming capability. Brain teasers, role-playing games and adventure games are all accessible in one small package.
Currently three versions of PocketDish are on the market. The AV402E is the entry-level version and offers many features. It houses a 2.2 inch LCD screen in a device that measures 4.2 in x 2.4 in x 0.7 in. The 20GB hard drive gives storage capacity of 20 hour of video, 10,000 songs, and 200,000 photos. This version does not contain a built-in DVR, so video programming must be transferred from select DISH Network DVR players. Audio and photos can, however, be transferred from any compatible source.
The AV500E is the middle version of PocketDish, offering more features than the AV402E. For roughly double the price, the 500 offers an extra 10GB of hard drive space and DVR capabilities. This device, with 30GB can store about 30 hours of video, 15,000 songs and 300,000 photos. It also has a larger LCD screen at 4 inches and a slightly larger body size. The biggest difference, though, is its ability to record shows from any TV, satellite receiver, cable box or VCR. Because it is a DVR, it can also be hooked up to a television to play any recorded shows on the larger screen.
The most advanced version is the AV700E. It has the same DVR capabilities as the 500, but includes 40GB in hard drive, allowing storage of 40 hours of video, 20,000 songs, and 400,000 photos. It also features a 7 inch screen for easier viewing. Both the AV500E and AV700E come complete with a remote control, docking station, removable battery and stand.
With all of the PocketDish models, programming can be downloaded free from compatible DISH Network DVRs or other devices. If a USB 2.0 port is used, one hour of programming can be downloaded within 5 minutes. The PocketDish can also be hooked up to a receiver without a compatible USB connection, but download time will increase to 1 hour for each hour of programming. All versions also allow software upgrades via satellite or the DISH Network website. Plus, PocketDish offers parental control locks to let parents limit kid’s access to inappropriate programming.
PocketDish combines the capabilities of several audio-visual devices to offer a very versatile and portable technology. It offers many of the benefits of satellite TV in a hand-held format, plus storage and playing capacity for music, photos and games.
About the Author:
My name is Simon and I am a Blogger. As the title of this blog it is as expected: A Tech Blog. I find so many things fascinating that I just have to write about them sharing my fascination with that particular item or technical bit of information. I ask that If you do read an article, that you would take a moment and comment saying good job, alright! or that it just sucked. Let me know, for it is important. Most of all, if you do enjoy my articles, please subscribe to my articles through the RSS feed by clicking on the RSS button on the blog page. Thank You for visiting and,
Good Day!
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Posted by Simon on January 30, 2010 under Really interesting!, What could be more fun? |
One of the earliest activities we engaged in when we first got into astronomy is the same one we like to show our children just as soon as their excitement about the night sky begins to surface. That is the fun of finding constellations. But finding constellations and using them to navigate the sky is a discipline that goes back virtually to the dawn of man. In fact, we have cave pictures to show that the more primitive of human societies could “see pictures” in the sky and ascribe to them significance.
Constellations also have been important in culture and navigation long before we had sophisticated systems of navigation. Early explorers, particularly by sea, relied exclusively on the night sky to help them find their way to their destination. In fact, when “Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492” and “discovered” America, he could not have done it without astronomy and the help of navigation of the cosmos, much of which is made possible because of the important constellations.
When learning to find the great constellations in the sky, we use the “find one, you found them all” system. That is because the easiest constellation to find will guide us to the rest of them. That constellation is The Big Dipper. Look to the northern sky on a clear night and widen your field of vision from just focusing on one star and it will pretty much jump out at you. In will look like a big kitchen pot or ladle, right side up in the fall, upside down in the spring.
When you have the big dipper under control, you can pretty easily find the North Star. This is the star that those ancient sailors depended on the most to find their way to land. Start with the far edge of the bowl of the Big Dipper, the side that is opposite the handle. There are two stars that make up that side of the bowl. So start at the bottom of the pot and mentally draw a line to the top star of the bowl. These two stars are “pointing” to the North Star. Just keep following that line, curving a bit with the sky and the bright star that you come to is the North Star. You can impress your friends or family if you know the scientific name for this star is Polaris.
The North Star can then take you to The Little Dipper. The key here is that Polaris is the tip of the handle of The Little Dipper and the bowl hangs down from the handle like it was hanging up in the kitchen. Be patient with this one as the stars that make up The Little Dipper are dimmer than The Big Dipper. But it pretty cool once you find it.
These are the obvious starting places but from The Little Dipper you can find the constellation known as “The Swan” or Cygnus. Just use the same system you used to find The North Star but continue drawing that line that started in those pointer stars in the bowl of The Big Dipper. Go about half as far as you went to find Polaris and you are there. You will see a trapezoid of stars about as big as The Big Dipper. This trapezoid forms the tail of The Swan.
That line that we are drawing from the pointer stars is our roadmap to another well known constellation which is Cassiopeia. If you use that line and imagine you are directly under the two pointer stars, you will se a big “W” just off to the left of the line. This is the constellation Cassiopeia, the wife of the king of Egypt, Cepheus, in Greek mythology. There are so many more wonderful constellations to find and a good star map can continue your quest.
Like Cassiopeia, all of the constellations have wonderful stories and myths related to Greek culture. It is just as fun to find the star clusters themselves as it is to enjoy the rich culture related to that constellation. For all of the signs of the zodiac, for example, there is a related constellation in the sky. So whether you are serious about astrology or not, its fun to find the constellation that relates to your “sign” (or that of your children) and be able to see how the ancients related to these pictures in the sky.
About the Author:
My name is Simon and I am a Blogger. As the title of this blog it is as expected: A Tech Blog. I find so many things fascinating that I just have to write about them sharing my fascination with that particular item or technical bit of information. I ask that If you do read an article, that you would take a moment and comment saying good job, alright! or that it just sucked. Let me know, for it is important. Most of all, if you do enjoy my articles, please subscribe to my articles through the RSS feed by clicking on the RSS button on the blog page. Thank You for visiting and,
Good Day!
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Posted by Simon on January 27, 2010 under Free eBooks, It Is Believable, What could be more fun? |
Computer errors can pop up when least expected, they can cause the entire system to suddenly shut down, and they can inadvertently corrupt data to the point where it can’t be deciphered. Although they can’t always be avoided, it’s important to remember that computer errors can be corrected. The key is to understand what computer errors are, understand what they mean when they show up, and understand how to minimize their occurrence in the first place.
Basically, computer errors are the result of a number of things that may or may not have anything to do with the way the computer is used. They “operate” whenever there’s a conflict among commands. Remember that computers essentially run off of a series of commands and it’s usually a smooth process. But when one command conflicts with another command – or when one command asks for a process or information that isn’t available, the computer returns results that aren’t useable. That’s an error.
A prime example of this kind of error is when users attempt to use software that isn’t applicable for their system. Almost all software accompanies a list of system requirements which dictates what a computer needs to have in order for the software to work properly. To minimize errors of this sort, always verify that your computer has the required components. A project management program that you’re interested in may require a specific operating system, like Windows XP for example. And although this program may install just fine on a Windows 98 machine, it will generate a multitude of errors once its started.
Insufficient memory will cause errors as well. That’s why software programs include minimum memory requirements. A program that needs 14MB of memory will generate errors on a computer that only has 4MB of memory if it runs at all. The same goes for disk space, monitor color depth and resolution. In these situations, problems occur the moment that a piece of software attempts to access the things (hardware, memory, space, resolution, etc.) that it cannot find.
Because some programs share common files, errors can also occur when these shared files are not up to date. For instance, let’s say that Program A is already installed on a computer and it’s working just fine. Then let’s say that the user of that computer downloads and installs Program B. Program B uses a file that Program A installed much earlier, but when Program B is run, errors popup. Those errors are the result of Program B attempting to use an outdated (shared) file that was installed by Program A. In order to fix that problem, the user would have to download an updated version of the shared file (which to say the least – is not an easy thing to find or do).
Sometimes, errors occur because a system doesn’t have the required drivers or the drivers that are on the system are the incorrect version. Both errors in these cases can be resolved by updating the computer on a regular basis. Microsoft provides a section on its website that can automatically update a computer online and it does this at no cost in an effort to reduce errors like this. Always try to keep your computer updated so that should a program share a file, it will share a file that has been updated on hundreds of thousands of computers, like yours.
This article doesn’t even begin to cover the entire gamut of computer errors – but additional information regarding how to get help with a computer issue (including computer errors) can be found in our article titled, “Computer Help” no matter what the problem is.
About the Author:
My name is Simon and I am a Blogger. As the title of this blog it is as expected: A Tech Blog. I find so many things fascinating that I just have to write about them sharing my fascination with that particular item or technical bit of information. I ask that If you do read an article, that you would take a moment and comment saying good job, alright! or that it just sucked. Let me know, for it is important. Most of all, if you do enjoy my articles, please subscribe to my articles through the RSS feed by clicking on the RSS button on the blog page. Thank You for visiting and,
Good Day!
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Posted by Simon on January 26, 2010 under Free eBooks, Really interesting!, What could be more fun? |
Getting help with your computer software can be easier when you know the correct terms to use. One of the biggest problems that new computer users have with technical support is not knowing how to correctly describe the problem that they’re having. And it isn’t fair to expect a tech support person to automatically know what a “thing-a-ma-jingy,” or “whatcha-ma-call-it” is.
The following describes the correct names for common components of software so that when you experience a problem, you can effectively describe an issue that you’re having and a technician can readily resolve it.
User interface – this is the visual design of a program. It may contain squares, boxes, words, icons, and buttons. If you’re experiencing insufficient memory for example, you might see black rectangles across the user interface of your software programs.
Title bar – this is the top-most part of a program that displays its own name or it may describe the contents displayed in another part of the interface. If a program is incorrectly coded, you may see a wrong description in this part of its interface.
Menu bar – this part of a program displays menu items and menu options. Some of the most common parts of a menu bar grants access to File commands, Open commands, Save commands, and Print commands. An example of an error in this part of an interface would be if an option was missing or grayed out (lighter in color).
Tool bar - this part of a program displays small icons across the top which represent tools. Clicking an icon will open a tool or process a command that might also exist on a program’s menu bar. Problems in this part of an interface are uncommon, however if you find yourself repeatedly clicking an icon with no results, you can correctly describe the problem by referring to the toolbar.
Minimize, Restore, and Exit buttons – these three buttons are usually located on the right-most upper part of a program’s interface and each allow you to minimize a program’s screen, restore it to its original size, or shut down the program completely.
Scroll bar – this convenient tool allows users to move data up and down the computer screen.
Status bar – this part of a program is located at the bottom-most part of its interface, and it usually displays small messages that indicate the progress of a command or task. If programmed incorrectly, an application might display the wrong information in this area.
Context menu – like the menu bar, a context menu displays when a user right-clicks on something. It displays commands just like what you see on a File menu or a Help menu.
Input box – input boxes are usually small rectangles that allow you to type data into a simple interfaces like a webpage or browser window. If you find that you can’t type information into one of these, you can effectively resolve the issue with a technician by calling it an input box, rather than a “white rectangle,” or “place to put in text.”
Button – buttons perform a command after a user clicks them with a mouse. Problems occur when the text of a button is grayed out or if it doesn’t appear to sink into the screen when clicked.
Check box – a check box is a small box that allows a user to indicate several choices among many. When clicked, a small “x” displays inside a box. Similar to the check box, a radio button allows a user to indicate a single choice among many. Problems with radio buttons and check boxes occur when a user makes one choice, but the interface reacts as if the user made many choices (or none at all). When describing a problem to a technician, be sure to indicate whether the problem occurs with a check box or a radio box. Computer novices mistakenly interchange the names of both of these controls.
About the Author:
My name is Simon and I am a Blogger. As the title of this blog it is as expected: A Tech Blog. I find so many things fascinating that I just have to write about them sharing my fascination with that particular item or technical bit of information. I ask that If you do read an article, that you would take a moment and comment saying good job, alright! or that it just sucked. Let me know, for it is important. Most of all, if you do enjoy my articles, please subscribe to my articles through the RSS feed by clicking on the RSS button on the blog page. Thank You for visiting and,
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Posted by Simon on January 24, 2010 under Kindle eBooks, This Really Makes You Think . . ., What could be more fun? |
If you haven’t heard of Nintendo’s Wii system, we have just one question for you. Where have you been?! This hot new gaming system made its debut right at the time when Microsoft’s new Xbox hit the market. But what makes this system so popular is that it’s the first system that incorporates virtual reality in the living room. That, in addition to Nintendo’s dedication to producing gaming material for that entire family as opposed to the complex games that we have on the market (for other systems) today.
This article describes some of the accessories and games available that everyone can enjoy.
The Wii System. Welcome back to family fun with this console. For only $249, the entire family can enjoy time’s treasured games and physically interact with them using Nintendo’s unique wrist-strapped controller. Anyone at any skill level can get in on the fun with this new machine and it comes with a free Wii Sports game cartridge.
Wii Accessories. If you’re still “old school” and you prefer to use the classic Nintendo style controller, no need to fret. They’re still available and they cost no more than $19.99. But if you can’t wait to try out the Wii Remote, get one or two or three at only $40 each. The Wii Nunchuck Controller will run you about $19.99, however both the Nunchuck and Remote controller will give you hours of fun as you swing your way through your favorite games.
Of course, all that gaming could warrant the purchase of the Wii Air cooler ($14.99) or the Wii Charge Station ($29.99). And you certainly don’t want to quit a game without saving your place! You can buy a 1GB SD Memory card ($39.99) or 2 GB SD memory card ($59.99) made by SanDisk, and pick up the fun where you left off at a later time.
To make sure your Wii console fits snuggly into the back of your television, you can buy a pack of Wii Component cables for $29.99.
Wii Games. Looking for games? We’ve separated this part of our guide into two sections: one for children and one for adults. Use caution when purchasing Wii games for players under 18 years of age.
FOR CHILDREN:
Excite Truck………………………………………….$49.99
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves……………………$49.99
Super Paper Mario…………………………………$19.99
Bionicle………………………………………………..$49.99
Sonic and the Secret Rings…………………….$49.99
Cooking Mama: Cook Off……………………….$49.99
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07…………………….. $49.99
NOTE: Bionicle may not look children friendly at first, but it really is a fun and innocent game that battles and controls a line of toy action figures. It’s based on Lego’s Bionicle universe. Cooking Mama is rather new to the Nintendo game suite and it challenges young players to prepare more than 300 real recipes from 10 different countries.
FOR ADULTS:
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess……$49.99
Medal of Honor Vangaurd………………………$49.99
The Godfather: Blackhand Edition…………..$49.99
COMING SOON:
Mario Party 8
Legend of the Dragon
Mortal Combat Armageddon
Scarface: The World is Yours
NOTE: Legend of the Dragon and Zelda is rated T for Teen. The Godfather, Scarface, and Mortal Combat is rated M for Mature. Both The Godfather and Scarface emulate scenes from their movies and the violence follows with them.. Mortal Combat was designed to appeal to an audience that’s, “eager for violence.”
About The Author:
We would like to think the Author is of his right mind but following what he writes about and the passion in his blogging. The determination as to his sanity is likely best left up to you. In the event you do enjoy his writing be sure to subscribe via the RSS button on the top of the page, to TWEET each Article and SHARE on FACEBOOK, all of the linking facilities are with the article. If there may be something you do not like, we won’t give up on you for eventually something will popup that you will like and want to tell everyone about.
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Posted by Simon on January 15, 2010 under Free eBooks, It Is Believable, Kindle eBooks, Really interesting!, Sony eBooks, What could be more fun? |
There are more and more individuals opting to work from home than ever before. The advantages to this are many including avoiding the morning and evening rush hours, being able to spend time with your kids and significant other, and doing everything on your own time. Though the pitfalls are many, the one that I will be focusing on in this article is that of setting up a secure wireless network for your home based business. Right now somewhere out there, there is someone with a receiver waiting to pick up on an unsuspecting person’s wireless local area network. Their hope is to garner some sensitive information that may lead to identity theft, and stolen proprietary business information.
Most businesses owners are not technically inclined, though they may be power users, in general security settings is not one of the first things they want to mess around with in their day to day operations. This makes most wireless LANs a great target for information predators.
Here are some general guidelines to follow in setting up your wireless network. Though it may vary from vendor to vendor, the gist is more or less the same:
1. Setup the wireless access/router point via a wired client.
2. Always change the factory setting password to something difficult for someone to guess.
3. Enable 128-bit Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP) encryption on both your access point and network card. From time to time change the WEP key entries. If your hardware does not support a minimal of 128 bit WEP encryption, then it may be time to replace this dinosaur. WEP is only a minimal security precaution, which is better than none at all.
4. Alter the factory default SSID on the access/router point to a convoluted difficult to guess string. Initiate your computer to connect to this configured SSID by default.
5. Setup your access point not to broadcast the SSID if available.
6. Block off anonymous internet requests and pings.
7. P2P Connections should be disabled.
8. Enable MAC filtering.
9. Enable firewall on the network router/access point with demilitarized zone function disabled. Enable client firewalls for each computer in the network.
10. Update router and access point firmware as updates become available.
11. Make sure the physical router is hidden so that a random person can’t reset the settings.
12. Position the physical router near the middle of the establishment as opposed to near windows to prevent others outside from receiving the signals.
These and other settings will collectively help prevent any unwanted intrusions on your private data.
About The Author:
We would like to think the Author is of his right mind but following what he writes about and the passion in his blogging. The determination as to his sanity is likely best left up to you. In the event you do enjoy his writing be sure to subscribe via the RSS button on the top of the page, to TWEET each Article and SHARE on FACEBOOK, all of the linking facilities are with the article. If there may be something you do not like, we won’t give up on you for eventually something will popup that you will like and want to tell everyone about.
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Tags: Configur wireless at home, eBooks, eBooks Free, Free eBooks, Home networks, Kindle eBooks Free, Netwok security, Security, Simon Lalonde Blogger, Sony Reader, Wireless
Posted by Simon on December 6, 2009 under eBook Readers, Free eBooks, I am Reall Poor!, Kindle eBooks, Sony eBooks, This Really Makes You Think . . ., What could be more fun? |
It isn’t fair, but buying a computer is just plain easier for some than it is for others. Those who’ve purchased and used a computer in the past already have an idea of what they need in a new computer. But those who are new to the computer world could get lost in the myriad of choices available.
The short answer to “What should I buy?” is “The best.” Of course that answer is extremely subjective because “the best” to one person is certainly different to another. Our definition of “the best” is the fastest and the biggest, but even that leaves the computer newbie confused. Here’s a quick rundown of what the computer novice should do and why.
1. Buy a computer that includes basic peripherals. Every computer can be broken down into four major components: CPU unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. For the novice, it’s best to buy a computer that has all of these components included so that when it’s taken home, assembling the computer is a simple matter of plugging things in where they belong. Save the individual purchases of these components for those who have more experience.
2. Decide what you’ll use the computer for. If you want to use your computer for cruising the web, sending email, or performing simple word-processing or spreadsheet tasks, a computer with the basic components that we just described should suffice. If you want to use a computer to help with a career in multimedia however, you’re going to need to accessorize your system with a scanner, printer, digital camera, tablet, or digicam for example. If you want a computer to help with a career in music, you will need a quality microphone and set of speakers.
3. Create a budget and stick to it. How much can you afford to spend on a new computer? Although the prices of computers are decreasing, they can still create a hefty expense especially if you need additional peripherals described above. In addition, you’ll need to figure in costs for maintenance, servicing, and insuring.
4. Start comparison shopping and look for the “fastest and biggest.” By “fastest and biggest,” we mean the computer with the fastest processor, the fastest modem, the biggest memory, and the biggest hard drive capacity. Even if you think that you’ll never need the amount of speed or space available on the market today, it’s important to have in the event that you truly do need that much in the future. Having such a large reserve will cut down on costs when the time comes to upgrade for more than what you may settle for in a computer that offers less.
5. Stick with the better-known brands. Venturing off the beaten path with lessor-known brands is again, an adventure for those who have more experience with computers. Although those better-known brands may be a tad bit more expensive, the computer novice will appreciate the comfort in purchasing a computer from a business that has a long record of building quality products, and that has the funds available for fulfilling returns, trades, servicing, and warranties.
6. Select a store. Having an idea of what you want in a computer and what kind of computer that you want, your only task left is to select the place in which you want to buy it. There are a number of places available including computer store outlets, online stores, auction sites, used computer stores, or your friendly neighborhood yard sale. For the computer novice, we recommend buying a computer from a physical store. In a physical store, you have the opportunity to see the computer of interest in person and ask questions. New computer buyers also have access to store warranties, returns, trades, and services.
These suggestions should give the computer newbie a great start in selecting a quality computer for the first time and they apply to either Windows computers or Apple Macintosh computers. After making these decisions and finally selecting one that fits your needs, you can then venture into the fascinating world of software – a world that is just as grand as the world of hardware!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Simon is typically a normal laid back guy who just can’t sit still and has a curiosity that runs wild. His mind is constantly churning, thinking of material to write and what would be the best subject. Be certain, if nothing else to subscribe to the RSS feed from the blog page or to be certain you do not miss nothing new subscribe to his weekly newsletter CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE or if you just want to sent Simon a note then Email Simon.. It is a known fact that there is nothing so well researched or diverse than what you read here in this blog so certainly be sure to stay tuned for much more. Good Day!
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Posted by Simon on October 4, 2009 under eBook Readers, Free eBooks, It Is Believable, Kindle eBooks, Really interesting!, Sony eBooks, This Really Makes You Think . . ., What could be more fun?, You should Try this |
Different accessories are compatible with iPod video, fact that increases the importance and great success of the new video device. There are cases for all tastes, requirements and preferences. You may not worry about the age or special preferences of the persons you may bring as a gift the iPod and the case for it.
Other accessories are the chargers, the earphones, headphones of different models. There is also a speaker especially created for the new iPod video. You may also find different types of skins, sticker decals, carrying cases, pouches, remote control, iPlug 3.5 splitter, backpack w/ speakers and, of course, various connection cables and adapter very useful for the new iPod video.
There are also different available adapters – iPod video cassette adapter for 3.5 mm devices, iPod video 3.5 mm to RCA audio cable adapter, iPod video car charger cigarette lighter adapter for Apple iPod, iPod video USB black car charger cigarette lighter adapter, iPod video USB travel/home charger adapter, iPod video car charger adapter, iPod video wall-car charger 12V-AC adapter. You may also find different transmitters for the iPod video and this is the case of the iPod video tune-free audio FM transmitter and the iPod video WALL-II audio FM transmitter.
Various cables are also of great use and are needed while having the iPod video – iPod video firewire 1394 data dync dable for Apple iPod & iPod mini, iPod video retractable USB 2.0 data sync cable for Apple iPod, iPod video USB 2.0 extension cable, iPod video USB 2.0 data sync cable for Apple iPod. You may also need iPod video USB data transfer key fob, extended battery pack w/ carrying case for the iPod video, walet carrying cases, metal cases of different colors, protector shields of various colors.
There are also some other useful accessories for the new iPod video and you may choose from different types of cases – Kroo G5 belt clip leather cases, Kroo Melrose belt clip carrying cases, iPod video Optimum Armband carrying cases.
You may also buy an iPod video Cellet universal PDA holder and a special holder for the iPod especially designed for the car. Other accessories are also useful and have an interesting design – iPod video Cellet Rhinestones 100, iPod Cellet Rhinestones assorted.
Some other accessories point out the new generation style technology – iPod video creative CB2530 bluetooth digital wireless headphones, iPod video Naztech boom station N20 speaker and docking station, iPod video fold-up amplified portable speakers for MP3 and music players. Other accessories are iPod video desktop dock cradle, iPod video idock desktop dock cradle for Apple iPod w/ USB and FireWire.
All these accessories denote the fact that a simple portable audio device is of a great importance taking into account all different designs for the carrying cases and skins. The iPod video has many accessories, some of them are designed for suiting the lifestyle, the preferences and the tastes of the customers. Others are needed for transferring the information, for adapting or other useful activities in the technologic domain.
Another important aspect to mention is the fact that all the accessories are especially designed for the thinner models of the iPod video with a larger screen and smaller dimensions. The cases, skins and sticker decals have the role of pointing out the beauty, simplicity or vivid colors. On the other hand, they have a protective role and a decorative one, pointing out the personality, the lifestyle of the user. These aspects are extremely important for the younger users of the iPod video – the teenagers.
The other accessories are more or less needed taking into account how much into the fever of the iPods the user is and how much he uses all the other activities related with the iPod video. Anyway, in a world in continuous movement, almost all the accessories and special devices may be of great need for a modern person with a modern lifestyle.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Simon is typically a normal laid back guy who just can’t sit still and has a curiosity that runs wild. His mind is constantly churning, thinking of material to write and what would be the best subject. Be certain, if nothing else to subscribe to the RSS feed from the blog page or to be certain you do not miss nothing new subscribe to his weekly newsletter CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE or if you just want to sent Simon a note then Email Simon.. It is a known fact that there is nothing so well researched or diverse than what you read here in this blog so certainly be sure to stay tuned for much more. Good Day!
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Posted by Simon on August 30, 2009 under Free eBooks, Kindle eBooks, Really interesting!, What could be more fun? |
Bluetooth devices will normally operate at 2.4 GHZ in the license free, globally available ISM radio band. The advantage to this band includes worldwide availability and compatibility. A disadvantage to this however, is that the devices must share this band with other RF emitters. This includes automobile security systems, other wireless devices, and other noise sources, such as microwaves. To overcome this challenge, Bluetooth employs a fast frequency hopping scheme and therefore uses shorter packets than other standards within the ISM band. This scheme helps to make Bluetooth communication more robust and more secure.
Frequency hopping Frequency hopping is basically jumping from frequency to frequency within the ISM radio band. After a bluetooth device sends or receives a packet, it and the device (or devices) it’s communicating with hop to another frequency before the next packet is sent. This scheme offers three advantages:
1. Allows Bluetooth devices to use the entirety of the available ISM band, while never transmitting from a fixed frequency for more than a short period of time. This helps insure that Bluetooth conforms to the ISM restrictions on the transmission quantity per frequency.
2. Ensures that any interference won’t last long. Any packet that doesn’t arrive safely to its destination can be resent to the next frequency.
3. Provides a base level of security as it’s very hard for an eavesdropping device to predict which frequency the Bluetooth devices will use next.
The connected devices however, must agree upon the frequency they will use next. The specification in Bluetooth ensures this in two ways. First, it defines a master and slave type relationship between bluetooth devices. Next, it specifies an algorithm that uses device specific information when calculating the frequency hop sequences. A Bluetooth device that operates in master mode can communicate with up to seven devices that are set in slave mode. To each of the slaves, the master Bluetooth device will send its own unique address and the value of its own internal clock. The information sent is then used to calculate the frequency hop sequences.
Because the master device and each of the slave devices use the same algorithm with the same initial input, the connected devices will always arrive together at the next frequency that they have agreed upon.
As a replacement for cable technology, it’s no wonder that Bluetooth devices are usually battery powered, such as wireless mice and battery powered cell phones. To conserve the power, most devices operate in low power. This helps to give Bluetooth devices a range of around 5 – 10 meters.
This range is far enough for wireless communication but close enough to avoid drawing too much power from the power source of the device.
About The Author:
We would like to think the Author is of his right mind but following what he writes about and the passion in his blogging. The determination as to his sanity is likely best left up to you. In the event you do enjoy his writing be sure to subscribe via the RSS button on the top of the page, to TWEET each article and share on facebook, all of the linking facilities are with the article. If the may be something you do not like, we won’t give up on you for eventually something will popup that you will like and want to tell everyone about.
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Tags: Blue Tooth, Blue tooth Technology, Blue Tooth Wireless, Bluetooth, Do It With Bluetooth, eBooks, Free eBooks, How Does Bluetooth Work, Kindle eBooks Free, Simon Lalonde Blogger, Sony Reader eBooks Free
