Owner: Computer Knowledge Compendium URL:http://we-know-computers.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 11:22:44 -0500 Rating:1 Site Description: Computer questions, answers, and information. Site statistics:Click here
How can I burn an ISO image on Windows XP? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 You can use ISO Recorder to save a CD to an ISO image and burn an ISO image to a CD.Once you install the program all you have to do is right click on the ISO file and select "copy image to CD". This will open the ISO Recorder wizard. The rest is pretty self explanatory. Read more:Windows
How do I insert special characters in Mac OS X? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In most text editors all you have to do is go to the Edit Menu and select "Special Characters" on the bottom of the menu, keyboard shortcut: Option + Apple Key + T. It is in an easy to find place, but it is amazing how easy it is to look over it. Read more:insert
What does it mean when iTunes says "Buffering Stream"? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 When iTunes
, or similar applications, are streaming data from a server they must store a bit of data ahead of when it plays. This data is called the "buffer." Doing this allows your music play much more smoothly, since your Internet connection's speed is not a constant.CD players also buffer their data ahead of time - just in case the CD has a scratch or something on it. Read more:Stream
What is IRQ? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 IRQ stands for Interrupt Request. These types of signals are sent from the various devices on your computer to your CPU. They basically tell the CPU "hey, I need some attention."The processor itself is very simple, it reads in data and performs instructions, and because of this simplicity engineers needed to make a way for system devices to communicate directly with the processor, without adding to much complexity.Interrupts are exactly what they sound like, they interrupt the processor. Lets use this example.Your computer is sitting there loading a web page when you accidentally push a key on your keyboard. The keyboard, which is essentially a computer, sends a signal to the computer in the form of an IRQ. The processor will halt everything for literally a nanosecond and load in the interrupt handler (which the operating systems generally set). The interrupt handler will then read in the key code from the keyboard and handle it as needed. After the interrupt is complete the processor
What is the kernel? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The kernel
is the core of an operating system. It handles really basic tasks like driver management and memory management, but also handles advanced tasks like task scheduling and system call management. There are three main types of kernels: mono, micro, and hybrid.Monolithic kernelMonolithic kernels are the easiest to write and usually allow quicker response times for the operating system, but they can become very bloated very easily. In this design all drivers are linked directly with the kernel itself. More modern monolithic kernels have support for dynamically loading modules (ability to load modules at run time). Some examples include the Linux kernel, Unix-like kernels, and DOS.MicrokernelIn microkernels the kernel only provides basic services like system calls, and other services (that are usually inside the kernel) are provided by lower-privileged user-space programs. The design of microkernels allows them to be more secure, you can add a new service without modifying the kern
What are processing cores? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A processing core is what does the actual "work" on a computer. It is what executes the programs.Traditionally processors had a single core, which meant they could execute one thing at a time. Although the operating system can really trick you into thinking multiple executions are done at once, there is really only one. To solve this problem, companies (Apple most notably) released computers with multiple processors, which were called dual processor machines.This proved to be too much of a hassle, so researchers figured out how to put multiple processing cores onto a single chip, which are called dual-core processors (or quad-core, etc). This allowed users to have a single chip, but be able to execute multiple things at once (if the operating system supports it). Some researchers think within 20 years we may have 80 processing cores on a single chip, which would be pretty neat.Having multiple cores can be useful for many things. One such example that may affect many of us some day is g
Should I worry about HD-DVD and Blu-ray? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Well, at least for the next year or so, I wouldn't worry
about it at all. Some companies are coming out with hybrid players, which can play both HD-VD and Blu-ray discs, that cost a little over $1,000 (not much more than a Blu-ray player alone). Until those drives come down in price I would not recommend buying one. It probably won't be long until they have hybrid disc burners and readers for computers also.Who knows how much they will come down, remember the original VHS and DVD players? They were expensive also. Chances are by 2008 they will at least be half the price they are now. I know this is a bold prediction, but it is possible.
Should I get a top of the line graphics card? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 If you are going to be gaming then yes, definitely. Games make heavy use of the graphics processing unit, so if you have a lot of money to spend on a good graphics card
(or a new computer), get the best one you can get your hands on. Even better, get at least a dual core computer since many good games these days make use of both processing cores. The same is true for 3d graphics applications as well, they also make heavy use of the graphics card and processor.If you are a regular home user who checks their e-mail and surfs the 'net then there isn't any reason to really worry about getting a better graphics card, as it will go fairly unused anyways.Some last minute notes:Gamers - Get best card you can get. Period. Better yet, get the best computer you can get.3d graphics artists - Same as above.2d graphics artists (Photoshop and such) - Generally 2d graphics optimizations are done on the operating system side of things, so the graphics card will have little effect on this. Most speed
What is the dogcow? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The dogcow is a bitmap image introduced by Apple back in 1983. It is the glyph for the letter "z" in the Cairo font.The dogcow was officially named "Clarus" by Apple employees, and it makes the sound "Moof!"
How can I speed up Halo? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 All of these settings can be found in Halo settings screen under the video and audio sections.Disable specularSpecular is what gives Halo that little extra shininess, it handles the reflections of light on the various surfaces and textures. If you have a lower end video card, disabling the specular can easily fetch you an extra 5 to 20 frames per second depending on your setup.Lower sound quality and varietyIf you have a slower processor disabling the sound quality and variety can really speed things up a bit. This can fetch you an extra 5 to 10 frames per second.Disable dynamic shadowsJust like with specular, dynamic shadows can really slow down your game, especially when you are playing maps with a lot of trees. This can also fetch you an extra 5 to 15 frames per second.Disable decalsDecals are the little extra things like bullet holes and blood, these can surprisingly slow down your game a lot if you have a slower processor. If you don't care about seeing blood, then disabling deca
Should I get a router? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I highly recommend getting a router for any cable or DSL connection, even if you only have one computer. Most (if not all) routers include a built in firewall that is much better than the ones built into operating systems. Even the cheapy $50 routers have built in firewalls. Firewalls are important for keeping malicious users out of your system.In addition, if you have multiple computers, a router will be needed to share a single Internet connection.
Why do graphics artists prefer Mac OS X? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Graphics artists love Mac OS X, it is just a fact of life. The reasoning behind this is due to three things.ColorSyncColorSync is this wonderful graphics library that lets you calibrate your monitor with perfection. Using ColorSync you can calibrate your monitor to look exactly like how a document is going to print. It is pretty obvious why this is important. It saves paper, ink, and money.Other system have yet to implement anything that is anything like ColorSync.MultitaskingBack in the days of classic Mac OS many graphics designers stopped using it and instead used Windows. The main reason behind this minor migration was due to poor multitasking support in the classic OS. If one app crashed the entire system could have come down.Enter Mac OS X. It made it so it is nearly impossible for a single application to take down the system, thus making it more stable. You can leave a Mac OS X system running nonstop for months and years and it will always be speedy and stable. TraditionThere is
Mac OS X: Best Download Sites 2007-03-06 21:07:00 Here are the only three Mac OS X download sites that I will ever use:VersionTracker.comApple.comMacUpdate.com Read more:Download
, Sites
Mac OS X: How To Quickly Mail Web Pages 2007-03-06 21:03:00 Apple's Safari web browser contains two useful keyboard shortcuts for mailing web pages. Apple Key + I = Mail contents of web pageApple Key + Shift + I = Mail web page URLBoth of these shortcuts can be found in the File menu. Read more:Pages
, Web Pages
Putting OpenGL On Windows XP 2007-03-09 02:45:00 Although Windows
XP does not have built-in support OpenGL
, you can add support by way of your video card drivers. Below are the links for the NVidia and ATI drivers, which also add OpenGL support.NVidia Drivers PageATI Drivers PageIf you use an off-brand video card, check with the manufacturer's site. Read more:Putting
Fixing The Internet Explorer "Visual C++ Runtime" Error 2007-03-11 05:15:00 Some toolbars, like the Google toolbar, may cause your InternetExplorer
to stop launching. When you attempt to execute it you will receive an error about IE causing the "Visual
C++ Runtime
" to quit unexpectedly. To fix this simply remove any extra toolbars you may have installed by using the add/remove programs control panel. Read more:Internet Explorer
Help, My Trackpad Is Not Working! 2007-03-13 00:43:00 If you are experiencing difficulties with your trackpad, like a skipping cursor, try wiping off your fingers as well as the trackpad. The trackpad depends on have direct contact with your fingers, if dirt gets in the way it will not work right. Read more:Trackpad
DSL Modem Won't Connect 2007-03-15 17:43:00 I recently had to help someone get their DSL modem working. They had not yet ran a permanent wire to the modem, so they unplugged it whenever they weren't using it.The problem is the modem simply wouldn't connect with it plugged in. The solution?Turn the modem off and then on again. It will force it to reconfigure itself, and it should connect. Most (if not all) modems these days have an "Internet" light on the front. Make sure that is lit before attempting to go online. Read more:Modem
, Connect
How Much Space Does Vista Take Up? 2007-03-17 14:18:00 The amount of hard disk space Windows Vista
requires is completely dependant on what you install. For most people it will probably be 5-10 gigabytes of space plus all of their media files and such. Personally I would have at least 20 gigs of space available, but I like to be really safe. Read more:Space
How Do I Format A New Hard Drive On Windows XP? 2007-03-19 20:00:00 To format a new hard drive (with no existing partions) on Windows
XP first go into the Control Panels via the start menu. From there go into Administrative Tools. Open up Computer Management, click on Storage, then select Disk Management.An easier way to get here it to goto Start->Run, then type in "compmgmt.msc", then select storage...etc. To format a hard drive first right click on it in the window. (Note: If you don't know which one is the new drive, right click on one and view its properties, it will show the the model number and such). In the menu there should be an "initialise" option, click that. After that procedure is done right click in the next column (which displays the partitions), select "Add Partition", and follow its instructions. Read more:New Hard
, New Hard Drive
My Hard Drive Is Making A Weird Clicking Noise 2007-03-18 21:11:00 Generally if a hard drive makes a weird clicking noise it means it is dying. It could be gone tomorrow, or it could last another 5 months. Either way you should go pick up a new one.If your hard drive is less than a year old it may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty, be sure to check any of the papers that can with it (you saved them, right?) Read more:Weird
, Clicking
, Noise
Where Can I Find Firefox Plugins? 2007-03-18 21:08:00 The best place is Mozilla's official Firefox
add-on page.PluginDoc also has information on getting some of the more popular plugins. Read more:Plugins
How To Disable The Trackpad On Windows XP 2007-03-20 18:22:00 There is an option in the Mouse control panel to ignore the trackpad when a mouse is plugged in. If you want to completely disable it then you will have to use the device manager. To get there right click on My Computer, go to Hardware, then go to device manager. I wouldn't recommend doing this, however, since you will always need a mouse plugged in to use your laptop. Read more:Disable
, Trackpad
, Windows
Is Hard Drive Defragmentation Dangerous? 2007-03-27 03:17:00 Well, this depends on a number of factors...If you were to stop the process in the middle of it, then yes, you could royally screw up your computer. However, if you let the process finish without any interruptions then nothing bad should happen, right?Well, on Windows that is generally the case. In my own experience I have never had the defrag process mess up Windows.On Mac OS X, however, I wouldn't recommend defragmenting unless you deal with many large files. Mac OS X will automatically defrag small files that fit a certain criteria (and most files do). Plus, some OS X defragmentation utilities can really mess up your computer, so make sure the product you choose is a good one (high reviews, good public reception, etc). Oh, and don't use Norton. It's horrible.
Who Are Some Free E-Mail Providers? 2007-03-28 15:22:00 There are literally hundreds (if not thousands) of free e-mail providers these days, but here is a quick list of 10 providers that I have had personal experience with.Yahoo MailGmailAOLLycosHotmailMail.comWallaTheFreeSiteE2UmailYour Internet Service Provider (many of them provide free e-mail)
Can A Bad CMOS Battery Affect My Programs? 2007-03-27 21:45:00 Although it is technically possible for a bad CMOS battery to mess up your running programs, chances are it isn't.Here is a quick list of things you should do to fix a possible problem:Take note of any error messages and check Google (or e-mail me (admin@nusuni.com) and I'll see if I can help you)Run any virus/spyware scans you have to make sure it isn't malicious software causing the issueIf you recently did an update to the program, check Google to see if the problem is because of itMake a new username on your computer, just to make sure one of your configuration files isn't messed upReinstall the programDrop the program's developer an e-mailMost problems are caused by user-error and not computer-error, so luckily they can be fixed fairly quickly. Read more:Affect
, Programs
Is It Safe To Buy Prescriptions Online? 2007-03-30 04:34:00 Well, this isn't exactly a computer question but whatever...I am not a doctor in any way, shape or form, however, I can say that from my own knowledge most websites that sell prescriptions online are non-US based, so their medicines do not go through the same strict guidelines that are in place to keep you safe.I would recommend asking a medical professional about the website in question, they would know the answer...
Does The Hard Drive Freezer Trick Actually Work? 2007-04-03 20:06:00 As odd as it may seem, it actually does work. I have used it many times, and actually I did it earlier today. Here is what I do:- Take out your "struck" hard drive and put it into a ziploc bag. If you can, put the hard drive in some sort of non-static case like an external HD enclosure or an anti-static bag, then put it in the ziploc bag. Ziploc bags can have static which can fry the electronics, which is why an anti-static bag is also needed.- Get as much air out of the bag as you can, then seal it very tight. Make sure no air can get in or out, as condensation can destroy your hard drive.- Put the bag into a freezer, make sure the HD is flat!- Leave it in for a few minutes/hours, then take it out and enjoy. Read more:Freezer
, Trick
, Actually
What Is Malware? 2007-04-06 20:19:00 Malware is a coined term that simply means "malicious software". That is software which was designed with a malicious intent, like trojans, keyloggers, etc. Malware doesn't include software that was made for a good use but is negatively used. Read more:Malware
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