Specialized Computing Blog

How Does This All Fit Together?

Let’s put this all together. Here is an example of how a server works and helps organize the jobs sent to it from a network experience.

For instance, in an office of 100 people, there may be multiple printers that have different printing capabilities, various file storage options, different levels of staff and different roles of varying importance. Let’s say that 15 people send a job or task to the server within a few minutes of each other. The server analyzes each job based on information such as IP address, proximity to the server and order of importance in processes. The server determines first, who has priority ranking – is the job coming from the CEO, the accounting department or sales? Then the server determines what resources the job requires – color printing or black and white? The server then can choose to send the CEO’s print job to high quality printer; the accounting department’s spreadsheet to the regular black and white printer; and, the sales department’s presentation to the copier.

Think about all the steps that are involved in any business small or large. The server organizes all the computer related tasks for the most efficient use of resources and speed. Depending on the size of the business, there may be many servers both on and off site. When a server goes down, all the technology related tasks become disorganized and things slow down or don’t function at all. The next time you are at the store or call your bank and they say “Sorry, we can’t help you, the server is down” you will now know that it is more than a convenient, technology based excuse to not do what you want them to.

Next week, we’ll look at what’s known as “Virtualization”…

Servers

How many times have you heard the term “the server is down” or “the server failed”? Most likely many! In today’s technologically savvy world, we have all become familiar with the term “server” but few people outside the Information Technology world truly know what it means or can describe accurately describe it. Servers are everywhere today from the grocery store, to our workplace to our schools, it’s time to be in the know!

What is a Server?

A computer server is a Central Processing Unit (CPU) on a network that manages the resources available to the computers attached to that same network. There are different types of servers; some can multitask between different sets of data and others can be dedicated to a single type of task, such as printing or file storage. Servers can be both on-site or off-site.

A computer server takes the task you are trying to accomplish and sends up the request to be processed. Computer servers have to put tasks into order of importance and many times, this is a first-come-first-serve basis. However, tasks can also be ordered by type of job, company department or individual positions within a company.

When a computer related job (task) is required, the server is the first line of contact. A job may be document printing, copying, faxing, file storage, data processing and more. It is the server that assigns each job to the most appropriate resource, gives it a priority ranking and places it in queue. This queue is designed to order computers into a tiered level of importance. If there were no organization, the server would get overloaded trying to process all of the requests at the same time and the result would be an inefficient, slow or broken system.

How does the server know what which jobs to process first? The server assigns the jobs based on a set of rules that the administrator of the server has set up. For instance, in many companies, priority may be given to particular staff or departments. Any jobs coming from the CEO’s office could be assigned top priority and be processed before any others. Servers also assign jobs based on available resources. For instance, it will send the color print jobs to the color printer, a fax to a fax machine and copies to a copier.

Finally, servers also organize tasks based on efficiency. A server can recognize when one resource is being utilized and send a job to another resource to increase overall efficiency. A good example of this is a large print job. If one printer has been assigned a large (100 pages or more) print job and a small 2 page job comes through, rather than assigning it to the printer printing the large job and make the requestor wait, the server will assign it to a free printer.

Next week, we’ll look at how this all fits together…

The password for the various protected internet/computer accounts is a set of characters, in a specific sequence and case sensitive. Together with the unique user name or ID, the password confirms that the user or person trying to access the account is the real one. The user name or ID is normally displayed or shown in the log in box or in the pages of the account but the password is supposed to be known only to the account user or owner and the system that runs the account. The minimum and maximum number of characters in a password depends also on the system set and it normally consists of letters in upper or lower cases, numbers and other characters.
As the password is entered, it appears only as asterisks in the space provided so that its secrecy is maintained.

The internet has really changed the ways things are done. Very important and secure transactions, like payments for purchases, banking as well as  safekeeping  and transfer of sensitive documents and other files are processed online. With the increase in online transactions, so are the number of cyber thieves who have developed techniques to crack the passwords. Most of the time, the account owner is to blame because the password isn’t strong enough to ward off  ‘hackers” trying to break it.

Choosing the Best Password

How do you choose the best password that is strong enough to withstand any attempts to access the account? Here are some tips in creating passwords:

1. Don’t use a password that is in the dictionary, even the foreign ones. There are password cracking software to determine the exact word in seconds.

2. Don’t use passwords that are associated to you like your maiden name, place of birth, Social Security number, children’s names,  phone numbers. Mix upper and lower case letters with numbers and other symbols allowed by the system like  “miG67Ped.” This would take a long time to guess and the “hacker” will most likely just leave and go to the next target. However, the account owner should make sure there is a way to remember the password. One way is to associate the words and numbers with easy-to-remember words, dates or names. The password could also be saved on a CD or USB and copied to the log in form. Keep any password record offline.

3. Don’t use a password that is used on your other accounts.

4. Don’t use commonly used passwords like ” 12345678″ or “password”

The password is like the secret key to a secured internet/computer account. Make sure it can really secure the account.

If you have a computer and want to share files with others, there are different ways to do so. Depending upon your operating system, you can share several files with the other users of the computer, or even with other people on the network.

To share files in your computer, follow these steps:

1. Determine what files you want to share.
If you have a single file to share in your computer, copy it by right clicking on the file itself and click on copy. This will put the file in the computer’s memory for future use.

2. Look for the shared documents folder.
If you are using Windows Xp, click on Start on the lower left corner of your screen. This will open a small window. Look for “My Documents” and click on it. Another window should appear.

3. Click on “Shared Documents” on the left panel.
On the new window that appeared, look at the left panel under “Other Places”. Under that, you should be able to see “Shared Documents”. Click the link. The window should change.

4. Select the folder you want to put the file in.
On the “Shared Documents” window, there are at least three subfolders. These are Shared Music, Shared Video, and Shared Pictures. If your file belongs in any of the categories, you can simply double click on it. Otherwise, create a new folder by right clicking on the white screen. Select “New” on the small window and click on “Folder”. A new folder should be visible on the same window. You can rename the folder if you wish.

5. Paste your document.
After selecting the folder that will contain the file, you can now paste it. Right click on a white spot again. Click “Paste”. The window should now show your file. The file is now ready to be shared with other users of your computer. If the computer is part of a network that has file sharing enabled, the users of the other computers would be able to access the file as well.

Here are the simple ways of sharing files in your computer. Of course, you can use simpler ways of doing it like using a network disk, a flash drive, or a CD. But if you just follow these steps, there should be no need for additional hardware.

There are times when we type things on our computer and save them on our computers yet we don’t wish people to read whatever it is we have written and saved. For those who don’t know how to protect what they have written from people who might have access to their computers other than themselves, using a password protected system to keep your documents from being accessed by other people is one thing that should be learned.

Create a Password For Your PC

One of the easiest ways for you to protect your documents from other people who might use your computer from time to time would be to create a password for your User profile. Your User profile can be locked so that only you can access it and other people can use the PC from another profile that can be for common use. To password protect your User profile:

1.    You should first click on start then on settings and finally on Control Panel.
2.    From control Panel, access the User Accounts and click on your User account.
3.    Follow the steps for creating a password for your user account and apply it.

Create a Password for Your Word Documents

After you create a certain document you want to keep away the eyes of people you don’t want to read it, you can always password protect it after you write it. This kind of a move password protects individual documents that you feel should be hidden from everyone else without having to create a separate user profile on your computer. Here are the steps you can use to do this:

1.    You first choose options from the tools menu.
2.    You then click on the security tab on the pop-up and you type in the password that is needed to open the document in the box provided for.
3.    You will then click on OK after typing in your password and you will need to re-verify this password after you click OK.
4.    You can then safely save the document and be secure that no one can read it without the password. You can only open this particular document after you provide the password.

Protecting your documents with the use of either a user profile password or a specific document password will help ensure that whatever you wish to keep to yourself will remain safely away from people you don’t want seeing your documents and what they contain.

One of the more common as well as important computer hardware is the printer. Computer printers come in different sizes as well as with different added features. Choosing the right computer printer would be dependent on what your printing needs are.

Computer printers are made to serve a variety of different printing needs. From the ordinary home user to a corporate office, different needs call for different printers. Here is a guide to help you look for the right type of printer for your own needs.

Home Use
People who use a computer printer at home usually look for one that can do a variety of functions. From printing documents to digital photos, a computer printer for the home should be of the general purpose type. With budget considerations, most home printers should be the ones that can get the job done but wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to have and use.

Good examples for such types of printers should be entry level laser or ink jet printers. Laser printers offer better quality documents, but is usually a bit more expensive.

The ink jet printer, has great digital pictures and is less expensive to buy.

For Writers
Writers usually go for printers that can print page after page of text at a faster rate since that is what the next novel may require – pages upon pages of text filled prints. Not only that, such prints should also be easy on the pocket in terms of cost per page. For this type of printing needs, the laser printer should fit right in quite easily. Not only would a laser printer offer to print hundreds of new pages at a faster rate, they are also cheaper in terms of expense since the cost less to operate than ink jet printers.

For Photographers
For photographers who require clear and quality photo prints, the best choice would be an ink jet printer. This type of computer printer offers the best quality image prints. For the amateur photographer, a basic ink jet photo printer would suffice. But for professional photographers who look for highly detailed and professional quality photo prints, they would most likely look for top of the line ink jet printers. Highly sophisticated computer hardware such as printers usually offer added functions and features that include color management tools, more sophisticated ink sets as well as quite an added number of supported photo paper.

Choosing or buying computer hardware components can be an easy task to those who are knowledgeable when it comes to computer and technology. But for those who are not really into techie and Information Technology (IT) stuff, choosing computer hardware is a major and grueling task.

For those who are not really into technology and computer stuff, some simple research about features, their usefulness and their prices would do them good before making their final decision.

One of the best sources of information when it comes to choosing or about computer hardware in general is the Internet. Here, there are thousands of web sites where you can find seemingly countless information on this stuff. Before starting your research, get an idea in your head (and on paper) of what you want and what you need to use this for.

Another resource materials when it comes to computer hardware are magazines. These are great sources of information because the feature articles are more extensive and reliable when compared to the articles online. If you have a friend who is an IT specialist, a computer engineer or somebody who is knowledgeable about computers, you can also ask them.

When it comes to computer hardware, the most important part is knowing the names components. These include monitor, motherboard, Central Processing Unit (CPU), RAM Memory, expansion card, power supply, CD-ROM Drive, hard disk, keyboard, and a mouse. Knowledge on each component is very important so you would know their functions as well as the importance of knowing which type or kind do you need.

When you buy computer hardware components, make sure that you pay utmost attention to your need not just on the brand. Although good brands may serve as your guide, you can opt for lesser known brands for as long as you know the quality that you need.

Buying an iPhone could be one of the most fun (and productive) decisions you ever make. After all, with the economic crisis affecting everyone, deliberating on the pros and cons before buying an expensive device like iPhone shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Here are 5 iPhone buying guides that will help you make that important, well-informed decision. After all, you don’t want to waste your hard-earned money for something that won’t satisfy your needs.

Where to shop

With the iPhone popularity at its peak, many people find it hard to buy an iPhone. Some say they have to line up at Apple stores and wait too long for their turn. If you can’t handle the stress of lining up just to get buy an iPhone, you can dash to the nearest AT&T/Cingular store. This could be a good chance for you since not so many people are aware that this particular store will be selling iPhone units too.

If you think that there is no way for you to get through the long line in Apple store or in AT&T store or if you are just too lazy to get out and stand in the crowd just to get the coolest thing in town, you can still settle for online shopping and enjoy the privileges and ease that your credit card and to-your-door shipping provide.

However, considering convenience and all, it is still practical to buy your iPhone at Apple stores because the staff can readily give you an alternative store if ever their stocks run at out. Moreover, Apple stores provide detailed workshops that will teach you how to make the most out of your iPhone.

Check Your Budget

So before buying an iPhone, look at your budget first and stick to it. If you think you can squeeze in an extra $499 for a 4GB iPhone, dash to the nearest Apple store immediately. If not, stay cool, keep calm, and hold on to your resources. You may never know it might be worth waiting for the right time.

Know What You’re Getting

Some critics say that the iPhone might have been over hyped and buying without knowing everything about this gadget might only send you tons of disappointments. So before making a mad dash out there, try to research for more information.

Lastly, relax. It is just one of those here today, gone tomorrow items. If you really don’t need one, don’t buy.

With the rising prices of commodities, it is only natural to be more careful with every penny spent. This is especially true for purchases that aren’t a priority, such as accessories for your new iPhone. Since you may have already spent hundreds for your new gadget, it is wise to find cheaper prices for your phone’s accessories.

One auction shop that will surely provide you with reasonable prices for iPhone accessories, or even the mobile unit itself, is eBay, an online auction site that is open for anyone who has access to the World Wide Web. However, when conducting dealings with sellers on eBay, you need to be very careful. Below are some of the things you should remember when buying iPhone accessories on eBay.

Know the market price

If you plan to bid on eBay auctions, the first thing you need to do is to check the market prices of the accessory that you are planning to buy. It would be futile to buy at an auction if the price you are going to pay is higher than the cost of just purchasing the accessory at your local store. Since shipping prices aren’t included in the selling price, you should always take in consideration the total cost, shipping plus the price of the accessory, when comparing the cost of buying on eBay with that of the local store.

Check Seller’s Background

You should always check the background of the seller before dealing with him or her. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals on the Internet so you need to be careful. You should look at the seller’s ratings and the feedback given by his or her previous customers. If there have been many negative feedback comments left about the seller, then it would be wise not to deal with him or her anymore, no matter how attractive the seller’s offer may seem.

Check for authenticity

If you are buying an iPhone charger, USB adapter, cables, docks and other accessories that will affect the mobile phone’s performance, it is best to check if the accessories sold are authentic or genuine Apple iPhone gadgets. There may be some sellers who don’t specify whether what they are selling are original because the accessories may be reproductions. Always remember that you have the right to know the quality of the things you are planning to buy.

Be sure to follow the tips above for a hassle free shopping of iPhone accessories on eBay.

Whether you are choosing a new video card to come with a new computer, or whether you are buying a new card to upgrade an old system, it helps to know a bit about them to help guide you towards what you need.

What is a video card? It is the component responsible for the pictures that you see on the computer screen. Every computer these days comes with a video card, but a good video card is essential for gamers, graphic artists and those who watch TV on their computers. Before getting just the basic video card or the top of the line one, know how to shop for one.

There are many accessories mentioned when you buy a computer. The sales associate may ask about what you plan to do with the computer to help you determine the type of video card you will require.

A video card has three basic criteria for choosing one.

• Price
• Speed
• Resolution

Video Card vs Graphics Card

You may hear people talk about video cards and graphics cards. They are similar in what they do. Video cards are more useful to gamers. A gamer wants to have the greatest amount of memory on their video card so that they can play faster. Certain games take up a lot of space and no one wants to have technical difficulties just as they are about to slay the giant beast.

Video games have advanced beyond the huge rectangular blip that was the ball in the Atari table tennis game. Resolution is important but some gaming worlds are so advanced that faster play is more of the essence.

Graphics cards are desired more by graphic artists and those using CAD. Here, attention to detail is essential in your designs so that is what will be the main consideration here. The same goes for the casual user who surfs the Web.

Price

Video cards range from moderately expensive to quite expensive. A website surfer won’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a video card, but a graphic designer might to suit their job needs. Cheaper doesn’t mean inferior quality, just fewer bells and whistles. That’s okay if you are not into gaming or computer design.

Not sure what all the letters mean? Talk to someone at your local computer store who can help you choose your video card wisely.