Friday, 20 May 2011
Programming
omputer programming is the iterative process of writing or editing source code. Editing source code involves testing, analyzing, and refining, and sometimes coordinating with other programmers on a jointly developed program. A person who practices this skill is referred to as a computer programmer, software developer or coder. The sometimes lengthy process of computer programming is usually referred to as software development. The term software engineering is becoming popular as the process is seen as an engineering discipline.
Computer program
A computer program (also a software program, or just a program) is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task for a computer.A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute the instructions. The same program in its human-readable source code form, from which executable programs are derived (e.g., compiled), enables a programmer to study and develop its algorithms.
Computer source code is often written by professional computer programmers. Source code is written in a programming language that usually follows one of two main paradigms: imperative or declarative programming. Source code may be converted into an executable file (sometimes called an executable program or a binary) by a compiler and later executed by a central processing unit. Alternatively, computer programs may be executed with the aid of an interpreter, or may be embedded directly into hardware.
Computer programs may be categorized along functional lines: system software and application software. Many computer programs may run simultaneously on a single computer, a process known as multitasking
Computer source code is often written by professional computer programmers. Source code is written in a programming language that usually follows one of two main paradigms: imperative or declarative programming. Source code may be converted into an executable file (sometimes called an executable program or a binary) by a compiler and later executed by a central processing unit. Alternatively, computer programs may be executed with the aid of an interpreter, or may be embedded directly into hardware.
Computer programs may be categorized along functional lines: system software and application software. Many computer programs may run simultaneously on a single computer, a process known as multitasking
More About Disk Drives
Floppies – Although floppy drives are being phased out in some new computers, there are still millions of them out there and you should know something about them. The floppy drive has a little slot on the face of the computer cabinet, and into this slot you can slide a floppy diskette like the one shown here. One of the reasons floppy drives are still around is that it is very easy to take a floppy diskette from one system to another.
Inside the floppy diskette is a round flat disk coated with iron oxide on each side so that data can be stored on it magnetically. This disk is called a platter, and it spins underneath an electro-magnet called the write head that puts data onto the platter surface. There is another head called the read head that copies data from the platter.
Once the disk has made one complete revolution, data is written all the way around. That is called a track. The head then moves a bit and writes another circle of data to create a second track. Altogether, there are 80 tracks on each side, for a total of 160. Altogether, the floppy can hold 1.44 MB (megabytes) of data.
If we are looking for just a few bytes out of 1.44 million, it’s not enough to know which track it is in. To help narrow the search, the track is divided into 18 pieces, calledsectors, which look much like a slice of pie. Each sector holds 512 bytes of data, so if we know the track and sector number of the data we want it won’t be hard to find.
Hard Drives – On a hard drive, data is also organized into tracks and sectors. While each sector still holds 512 bytes, there can be many more tracks and sectors on a platter. There are also multiple platters, one on top of the other like a stack of pancakes. Hard drives can hold much more data than floppies, sometimes into the billions of bytes, calledgigabytes(GB).
Multiple platters require multiple read and write heads, all attached to the same arm so they move together. It’s called an actuator arm. When we are reading track number 10 on the top platter, the other heads are also positioned over track 10 of the other platters, and together all of these track 10s make up a cylinder. To specify the location of data on a hard drive it is necessary to say what cylinder, then the track and sector. Moving the heads from one cylinder to another is called a seek, and the amount of time this takes is the average seek time.
Although hard drives can hold much more data than floppies, the platters are sealed into a metal case that is fastened inside the computer cabinet, so it’s not an easy matter to move from one system to another like you can with floppies. A hard drive is sometimes called a fixed diskfor this reason.
Operating systems use a couple of different methods to keep track of what data is stored where on a drive. One common method uses a table called a File Allocation Tableor FAT, which is a section of the disk with pointers to data locations. There are two versions, calledFAT16 and FAT32. Windows NT, XP and 2000 use a similar method called NTFS.
There are two different interfaces commonly by hard drives to talk to the rest of the system. These are called IDE for Integrated Drive Electronics, and SCSI forSmallComputer System Interconnect. The technical differences are not important at this point, but you should know about the two types because they are not interchangeable.
Figuring out where the heads should go next and then moving them there is the job of some electronic circuitry called the disk controller. Every disk drive has its own controller, which may be on the motherboard or inside the drive itself, depending on the type of drive.
There are a few more things you should know about disk drives before we leave the subject. The first sector of Cylinder 0, Track 0 is called the boot sector, and it contains aMaster Boot Record (MBR) that shows whether the disk contains an operating system and the location of the code. If there is more than one operating system, the drive must be divided into multiple partitions. If not, then the whole drive will be a single partition. All of the disk space assigned to a partition is called a volume.
Another term you will encounter is a disk format. There is a high-level format, which creates a new file allocation table and is done with a FORMAT command. There is also alow-level format that creates a new pattern of sectors. A low-level format must be followed by an FDISK command to create a new Master Boot Record and partitions.
Last, we have the word media. This refers to the actual surface holding the data, which is the platter in the case of a disk drive. Because the floppy platter can be taken out of the drive, it is called removable media, while a hard drive is calledfixed media.
Other Drives – Most systems today, especially home systems, have additional storage drives that use CD or DVD discs. The technology for both is similar but DVDs hold much more data. These drives do not store data magnetically but use optical markings that are read with a laser. They are mostly used just to read data and not to write it. The full name for CD in fact is CD-ROM, which stands forCompact Disc - Read Only Memory. However, there are versions that can be used to write also, and these are called CD-RW and DVD-RW. Even so they are mostly used to write just once for permanent storage, and are not practical for constantly changing data.
Like hard drives, CD-ROM drives can use either an IDE or SCSI interface. The version of IDE for CD-ROM drives is called ATAPI, and for SCSI the CD-ROM version is ASPI.
Because the discs can be removed, CD-ROM and DVD are considered removable media. There are other types of removable media also that are not as common, such as tape drives and Zip disks, which are similar to floppies but with a storage capacity of 100 or 250 MB. Zip disks and tape drives also use the ATAPI interface.
Inside the floppy diskette is a round flat disk coated with iron oxide on each side so that data can be stored on it magnetically. This disk is called a platter, and it spins underneath an electro-magnet called the write head that puts data onto the platter surface. There is another head called the read head that copies data from the platter.
Once the disk has made one complete revolution, data is written all the way around. That is called a track. The head then moves a bit and writes another circle of data to create a second track. Altogether, there are 80 tracks on each side, for a total of 160. Altogether, the floppy can hold 1.44 MB (megabytes) of data.
If we are looking for just a few bytes out of 1.44 million, it’s not enough to know which track it is in. To help narrow the search, the track is divided into 18 pieces, calledsectors, which look much like a slice of pie. Each sector holds 512 bytes of data, so if we know the track and sector number of the data we want it won’t be hard to find.
Hard Drives – On a hard drive, data is also organized into tracks and sectors. While each sector still holds 512 bytes, there can be many more tracks and sectors on a platter. There are also multiple platters, one on top of the other like a stack of pancakes. Hard drives can hold much more data than floppies, sometimes into the billions of bytes, calledgigabytes(GB).
Multiple platters require multiple read and write heads, all attached to the same arm so they move together. It’s called an actuator arm. When we are reading track number 10 on the top platter, the other heads are also positioned over track 10 of the other platters, and together all of these track 10s make up a cylinder. To specify the location of data on a hard drive it is necessary to say what cylinder, then the track and sector. Moving the heads from one cylinder to another is called a seek, and the amount of time this takes is the average seek time.
Although hard drives can hold much more data than floppies, the platters are sealed into a metal case that is fastened inside the computer cabinet, so it’s not an easy matter to move from one system to another like you can with floppies. A hard drive is sometimes called a fixed diskfor this reason.
Operating systems use a couple of different methods to keep track of what data is stored where on a drive. One common method uses a table called a File Allocation Tableor FAT, which is a section of the disk with pointers to data locations. There are two versions, calledFAT16 and FAT32. Windows NT, XP and 2000 use a similar method called NTFS.
There are two different interfaces commonly by hard drives to talk to the rest of the system. These are called IDE for Integrated Drive Electronics, and SCSI forSmallComputer System Interconnect. The technical differences are not important at this point, but you should know about the two types because they are not interchangeable.
Figuring out where the heads should go next and then moving them there is the job of some electronic circuitry called the disk controller. Every disk drive has its own controller, which may be on the motherboard or inside the drive itself, depending on the type of drive.
There are a few more things you should know about disk drives before we leave the subject. The first sector of Cylinder 0, Track 0 is called the boot sector, and it contains aMaster Boot Record (MBR) that shows whether the disk contains an operating system and the location of the code. If there is more than one operating system, the drive must be divided into multiple partitions. If not, then the whole drive will be a single partition. All of the disk space assigned to a partition is called a volume.
Another term you will encounter is a disk format. There is a high-level format, which creates a new file allocation table and is done with a FORMAT command. There is also alow-level format that creates a new pattern of sectors. A low-level format must be followed by an FDISK command to create a new Master Boot Record and partitions.
Last, we have the word media. This refers to the actual surface holding the data, which is the platter in the case of a disk drive. Because the floppy platter can be taken out of the drive, it is called removable media, while a hard drive is calledfixed media.
Other Drives – Most systems today, especially home systems, have additional storage drives that use CD or DVD discs. The technology for both is similar but DVDs hold much more data. These drives do not store data magnetically but use optical markings that are read with a laser. They are mostly used just to read data and not to write it. The full name for CD in fact is CD-ROM, which stands forCompact Disc - Read Only Memory. However, there are versions that can be used to write also, and these are called CD-RW and DVD-RW. Even so they are mostly used to write just once for permanent storage, and are not practical for constantly changing data.
Like hard drives, CD-ROM drives can use either an IDE or SCSI interface. The version of IDE for CD-ROM drives is called ATAPI, and for SCSI the CD-ROM version is ASPI.
Because the discs can be removed, CD-ROM and DVD are considered removable media. There are other types of removable media also that are not as common, such as tape drives and Zip disks, which are similar to floppies but with a storage capacity of 100 or 250 MB. Zip disks and tape drives also use the ATAPI interface.
More About Video
The monitor is a passive device that just displays the video output from the system. However, so much data is needed for the constantly changing screen display that special provisions are made for it.
The video card (or video circuitry on the motherboard) has its own RAM memory just to hold the display information, and its own ROM BIOS to control the output. Some motherboards even have a special high-speed connection between the CPU and the video. It’s called the AGP, or Accelerated Graphics Port.
The important numbers in evaluating a video display are how many distinct colors can be displayed and also the resolution, which is how many pixels the image contains across and from top to bottom. Each dot of color making up the image is one pixel. As video technology evolved there have been a number of standards, and each one has its own set of initials like EGA, CGA or VGA. A common one isSVGA, which stands for SuperVideo Graphics Array and has a resolution of 800x600 (that’s 800 pixels across and 600 down). Some high-performance monitors use SXGA (1280x1024) or even UXGA with a resolution of 1600x1200.
The video card (or video circuitry on the motherboard) has its own RAM memory just to hold the display information, and its own ROM BIOS to control the output. Some motherboards even have a special high-speed connection between the CPU and the video. It’s called the AGP, or Accelerated Graphics Port.
The important numbers in evaluating a video display are how many distinct colors can be displayed and also the resolution, which is how many pixels the image contains across and from top to bottom. Each dot of color making up the image is one pixel. As video technology evolved there have been a number of standards, and each one has its own set of initials like EGA, CGA or VGA. A common one isSVGA, which stands for SuperVideo Graphics Array and has a resolution of 800x600 (that’s 800 pixels across and 600 down). Some high-performance monitors use SXGA (1280x1024) or even UXGA with a resolution of 1600x1200.
CMOS and RTC
There is other start-up information that normally stays the same but that we might want to change once in a while. This includes info about the various pieces of hardware connected to the system, which disk drive to check first for the operating system and that sort of thing. This data can’t be stored on the hard drive because we need it to boot up. It can’t be stored in RAM because it will be lost at power-off, and it can’t be stored in the BIOS because we might need to change it.
The problem is solved by a type of RAM chip that uses very low power, and it is connected to a battery. This type of low-power memory chip is called CMOS. It stands for the type of technology used in the chip, which is Complementary MetalOxideSubstrate. This is probably more than you need to know, but I’m a fanatic about defining things. By the way, since batteries don’t last forever, if you leave your computer unplugged for about 5 years you’ll find it needs a bit of trickery to get it to boot again, because the CMOS information will be gone.
There is another feature in the computer that has the same requirements as CMOS, and that is the date and time function. This obviously needs to change very minute, but we don’t want to lose track when the computer is turned off. The circuitry for this is called the RTC or Real Time Clock, and for convenience it is usually included in the same chip with the CMOS. A little trickle of juice from the CMOS battery keeps the clock running, and when you turn the computer on again it knows exactly what time and day it is. Convenient, isn’t it?
The problem is solved by a type of RAM chip that uses very low power, and it is connected to a battery. This type of low-power memory chip is called CMOS. It stands for the type of technology used in the chip, which is Complementary MetalOxideSubstrate. This is probably more than you need to know, but I’m a fanatic about defining things. By the way, since batteries don’t last forever, if you leave your computer unplugged for about 5 years you’ll find it needs a bit of trickery to get it to boot again, because the CMOS information will be gone.
There is another feature in the computer that has the same requirements as CMOS, and that is the date and time function. This obviously needs to change very minute, but we don’t want to lose track when the computer is turned off. The circuitry for this is called the RTC or Real Time Clock, and for convenience it is usually included in the same chip with the CMOS. A little trickle of juice from the CMOS battery keeps the clock running, and when you turn the computer on again it knows exactly what time and day it is. Convenient, isn’t it?
The BIOS
As we mentioned earlier, the computer knows what to do by taking instructions from programs stored in RAM. The main instructions come from a program called the operating system, and those instructions direct traffic for other programs called applications.
When the computer is turned off, all the instructions copied into the RAM are gone. When the system is turned on again, it needs to go out to the disk, get the operating system and load it into RAM, but there are no instructions in the RAM to tell it how to do this. The solution to this problem is a set of instructions that stay in memory and don’t get lost when the computer is turned off.
This set of instructions is called the BIOS, for Basic Input Output System. Since the instructions don’t need to change, they can be stored in a different kind of chip than we use for RAM. It’s called ROM, for Read Only Memory. We say that the instructions in the BIOS are hard-wired, and instead of software they are calledfirmware.
The computer goes through a process called booting up when it is first turned on. This involves executing the BIOS instructions, loading the operating system from disk into RAM, and then turning control of the computer over to the operating system after everything checks out OK. The term refers to somebody pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps (without outside help, in other words). Any computer term that includes ‘boot’ will have something to do with this start-up process.
When the computer is turned off, all the instructions copied into the RAM are gone. When the system is turned on again, it needs to go out to the disk, get the operating system and load it into RAM, but there are no instructions in the RAM to tell it how to do this. The solution to this problem is a set of instructions that stay in memory and don’t get lost when the computer is turned off.
This set of instructions is called the BIOS, for Basic Input Output System. Since the instructions don’t need to change, they can be stored in a different kind of chip than we use for RAM. It’s called ROM, for Read Only Memory. We say that the instructions in the BIOS are hard-wired, and instead of software they are calledfirmware.
The computer goes through a process called booting up when it is first turned on. This involves executing the BIOS instructions, loading the operating system from disk into RAM, and then turning control of the computer over to the operating system after everything checks out OK. The term refers to somebody pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps (without outside help, in other words). Any computer term that includes ‘boot’ will have something to do with this start-up process.
DRAM can extend the life of your family computer
The average family computer has multiple users, myriad programs installed on it, relatively basic hardware and enough content on the hard drive to slow it down to a crawl.
There are many ways to improve the system's performance by organizing and managing files better, but anything short of a hardware upgrade is unlikely to pay dividends on a device used by so many people. Instead, consider upgrading your system's RAM, a simple and relatively inexpensive solution that requires minimal technical knowledge and can have a major impact on the system's performance.
In many ways, RAM is the most important computer component. While the processor is critical for analyzing data, and the hard drive is necessary to maintain data over an extended period, the RAM essentially acts as a bridge between all of the devices by storing data for a short period of time, allowing everything else to function at maximum capacity.
When the computer is in operation, commands to run a program, open a file or surf the web are all stored within the RAM. Furthermore, the necessary data to maintain the various tasks at hand is also kept in the RAM, where it can be stored while the processor, graphics card and other devices analyze it. As a result, family computers and other devices with a number of users often hog a significant amount of RAM because so many programs run simultaneously on the device. This brings performance down to a crawl because small amounts of RAM can struggle to efficiently contain all of the short-term data running on the machine.
By upgrading the system's RAM, you can equip your computer with the necessary tools to perform well when the system has a variety of applications, internet tabs and other items operating simultaneously. Since the upgraded memory can handle the various system tasks more easily, the other components within the device are also able to work at a higher capacity. Therefore, the relatively inexpensive RAM upgrade can improve the entire system.
When choosing new RAM for your computer, there are a few key considerations that you should keep in mind - your operating system and the type of computer you have.
Operating systems can have a significant impact on your computer's RAM needs because each OS will demand a certain portion of the system's memory. Windows XP, which is now more than 10 years old but is still popular, uses a very small amount of RAM during operation. As a result, an XP system may be capable of running well with 1GB of RAM or less, depending on the applications used. Windows Vista, on the other hand, quickly became notorious as a system hog because is uses a substantial amount of RAM, and will often demand more than 2GB of system memory to run effectively. Windows 7 provides a significant improvement over Vista, but because it is newer and is frequently used on machines running high-performance applications, 2GB of RAM is typically the norm.
The type of computer you have is another important attribute that impacts what kind of RAM you should use. Manufacturers use a variety of technologies that impact the variety of RAM you need to purchase in order for it to work effectively in your system. The key attributes that will tell you if RAM works in your system are its types, DDR1, 2 or 3, and the number of pins in the RAM socket, with 240-PIN RAM being the most common.
There are many ways to improve the system's performance by organizing and managing files better, but anything short of a hardware upgrade is unlikely to pay dividends on a device used by so many people. Instead, consider upgrading your system's RAM, a simple and relatively inexpensive solution that requires minimal technical knowledge and can have a major impact on the system's performance.
In many ways, RAM is the most important computer component. While the processor is critical for analyzing data, and the hard drive is necessary to maintain data over an extended period, the RAM essentially acts as a bridge between all of the devices by storing data for a short period of time, allowing everything else to function at maximum capacity.
When the computer is in operation, commands to run a program, open a file or surf the web are all stored within the RAM. Furthermore, the necessary data to maintain the various tasks at hand is also kept in the RAM, where it can be stored while the processor, graphics card and other devices analyze it. As a result, family computers and other devices with a number of users often hog a significant amount of RAM because so many programs run simultaneously on the device. This brings performance down to a crawl because small amounts of RAM can struggle to efficiently contain all of the short-term data running on the machine.
By upgrading the system's RAM, you can equip your computer with the necessary tools to perform well when the system has a variety of applications, internet tabs and other items operating simultaneously. Since the upgraded memory can handle the various system tasks more easily, the other components within the device are also able to work at a higher capacity. Therefore, the relatively inexpensive RAM upgrade can improve the entire system.
When choosing new RAM for your computer, there are a few key considerations that you should keep in mind - your operating system and the type of computer you have.
Operating systems can have a significant impact on your computer's RAM needs because each OS will demand a certain portion of the system's memory. Windows XP, which is now more than 10 years old but is still popular, uses a very small amount of RAM during operation. As a result, an XP system may be capable of running well with 1GB of RAM or less, depending on the applications used. Windows Vista, on the other hand, quickly became notorious as a system hog because is uses a substantial amount of RAM, and will often demand more than 2GB of system memory to run effectively. Windows 7 provides a significant improvement over Vista, but because it is newer and is frequently used on machines running high-performance applications, 2GB of RAM is typically the norm.
The type of computer you have is another important attribute that impacts what kind of RAM you should use. Manufacturers use a variety of technologies that impact the variety of RAM you need to purchase in order for it to work effectively in your system. The key attributes that will tell you if RAM works in your system are its types, DDR1, 2 or 3, and the number of pins in the RAM socket, with 240-PIN RAM being the most common.
Computer optimization for the home worker: How SSD and DRAM can help
ometimes it is necessary to work from home. Whether you can’t make it to the office once in a while or you’re self-employed and running a business from your living room, it can be hugely helpful to have your home computer optimized for work.
No matter what your job is, it is easy to tailor your computer to meet your needs. DRAM and solid state drives can provide the boost you need to ensure an optimal working experience on your personal computer.
The easiest way to optimize your computer’s performance is to increase its speed. There are a number of ways to do this, but for most work-related needs, none are as effective as increasing your PC’s memory. If your computer is running to slowly for you to work efficiently, purchasing a new stick of DRAM or two might be the remedy you’re looking for.
DRAM is not a specialized form of memory. “All PCs use DRAM for their main system memory,” said PCGuide.com. “The reason that DRAMs are used [instead of other forms of memory] is simple — they are much cheaper and take up much less space.”
Your computer can probably hold more DRAM than it currently possesses, especially if you purchased it pre-assembled. A quick check of your computer’s DirectX Diagnostic Tool will tell you how much memory you have. If you have Windows XP, click the start button, press run, and type “dxdiag” into the box that appears. If you run Vista or Windows 7, simply type “dixdiag” into the default search box.
The amount of memory you need will depend on your job. If your job requires a lot of writing and little use of high-end applications, less DRAM will be necessary; 1 GB or so should do the job. If you are a graphic designer, animator, or any other occupation that requires use of memory-hogging applications, you will want plenty of DRAM to ensure that your computer can keep up with your creative requirements. In this case, 4 GB of DRAM - about the minimum required for a decent gaming rig — is recommended.
Thankfully, DRAM upgrades are not particularly expensive. Some 4GB DRAM upgrades cost as little as $45-$50. Once you have installed your new DRAM, you will immediately notice improvements in performance. Your computer will start faster and applications will run with new-found speed.
SSDs can also help your computer’s performance. While SSDs tend to have lower storage capacities than hard disk drives, their increased speeds can provide a wide range of benefits for home workers.
Upgrading to a lower-capacity, faster SSD might be a wise choice for those whose work is done primarily on document applications. You can easily augment your computer’s storage by using cloud-based services, such as Google Docs. This way, you can reap the benefits of SSDs without compromising your storage abilities.
SSDs will dramatically improve your computer’s startup speeds. Additionally, applications will launch faster, because your computer loads them automatically, rather than waiting to load them from a spinning disk.
Additionally, you also have the option of using an SSD as a boot drive. By transferring your computer’s startup applications to an SSD, you can improve your computer’s startup speeds while still keeping your files on a higher-capacity HDD. This is an ideal solution for those whose work involves saving large files but who hate waiting for their application-laden computers to start up.
With a few easy changes and upgrades to SSD and DRAM, you can make your home work experience better than ever. Before long, you might turn your small home business into a booming enterprise, all thanks to a faster computer.
No matter what your job is, it is easy to tailor your computer to meet your needs. DRAM and solid state drives can provide the boost you need to ensure an optimal working experience on your personal computer.
The easiest way to optimize your computer’s performance is to increase its speed. There are a number of ways to do this, but for most work-related needs, none are as effective as increasing your PC’s memory. If your computer is running to slowly for you to work efficiently, purchasing a new stick of DRAM or two might be the remedy you’re looking for.
DRAM is not a specialized form of memory. “All PCs use DRAM for their main system memory,” said PCGuide.com. “The reason that DRAMs are used [instead of other forms of memory] is simple — they are much cheaper and take up much less space.”
Your computer can probably hold more DRAM than it currently possesses, especially if you purchased it pre-assembled. A quick check of your computer’s DirectX Diagnostic Tool will tell you how much memory you have. If you have Windows XP, click the start button, press run, and type “dxdiag” into the box that appears. If you run Vista or Windows 7, simply type “dixdiag” into the default search box.
The amount of memory you need will depend on your job. If your job requires a lot of writing and little use of high-end applications, less DRAM will be necessary; 1 GB or so should do the job. If you are a graphic designer, animator, or any other occupation that requires use of memory-hogging applications, you will want plenty of DRAM to ensure that your computer can keep up with your creative requirements. In this case, 4 GB of DRAM - about the minimum required for a decent gaming rig — is recommended.
Thankfully, DRAM upgrades are not particularly expensive. Some 4GB DRAM upgrades cost as little as $45-$50. Once you have installed your new DRAM, you will immediately notice improvements in performance. Your computer will start faster and applications will run with new-found speed.
SSDs can also help your computer’s performance. While SSDs tend to have lower storage capacities than hard disk drives, their increased speeds can provide a wide range of benefits for home workers.
Upgrading to a lower-capacity, faster SSD might be a wise choice for those whose work is done primarily on document applications. You can easily augment your computer’s storage by using cloud-based services, such as Google Docs. This way, you can reap the benefits of SSDs without compromising your storage abilities.
SSDs will dramatically improve your computer’s startup speeds. Additionally, applications will launch faster, because your computer loads them automatically, rather than waiting to load them from a spinning disk.
Additionally, you also have the option of using an SSD as a boot drive. By transferring your computer’s startup applications to an SSD, you can improve your computer’s startup speeds while still keeping your files on a higher-capacity HDD. This is an ideal solution for those whose work involves saving large files but who hate waiting for their application-laden computers to start up.
With a few easy changes and upgrades to SSD and DRAM, you can make your home work experience better than ever. Before long, you might turn your small home business into a booming enterprise, all thanks to a faster computer.
The perfect gaming computer at the right price: How to find the parts
It can be difficult to find a computer that meets all your gaming needs. Gaming technology is constantly improving and systems can go from state-of-the-art to obsolete in a couple of years. Buying a computer presents a hassle as well. So many components determine the quality of a gaming system, how do you decide which computer to purchase without comparing every piece of hardware?
The answer is simple — decide your computer’s components for yourself and build your own gaming rig.
Building a computer is much simpler than it sounds. You need only to find the ideal components for your rig and assemble them.
Shopping for computer parts might seem intimidating, but it can be worth it. More than that, buying your own parts individually can help you save money.
The internal components you will need for your computer are a motherboard, CPU processor, hard drive, memory, graphics card and sound card. You will also need a case, monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers.
You will want your motherboard and case to be compatible. Some motherboards are reduced in size to fit smaller cases. Once you’ve chosen a motherboard, you will want to choose the right CPU chip. For gaming purposes, you want to decide what your priorities are. Do you intend to overclock? Do you want to be able to play the most graphically advanced games for years to come, or just run your current library at decent speeds? Either way, multi-core processors are the way to go.
When choosing a hard drive, don’t skimp on space. Purchase at least 400 GB of space. You might also want to invest in a smaller SSD drive to use as a boot drive, while keeping most of your data on a separate hard drive.
If you are “future-proofing” your computer, you might want to go with a fast quad-core CPU. Dual-core processors, however, can handle most games at a significantly reduced price. A computer with a 3.2 GHz Dual-Core processor, for example, can run most games at advanced graphics settings with a good graphics card.
Selecting your graphics card can also be tricky at first. Remember one thing - graphics card companies release new products every year at high prices. That reduces the prices of their previous lines, which are still capable of running games. Older cards, such as the later cards in Nvidia’s 8 and 9 series, are capable of running most games and can be found at very affordable prices. For future proofing purposes, shell out a bit more money, research the latest lines of graphics cards and buy last year’s releases. They will last you quite a long time.
Choosing RAM is less tricky. Again, if you wish to overclock, make sure you choose a brand designed to do so. Otherwise, peruse customer reviews and find a reliable brand that fits your budget. You will want at least 4 GB of RAM to ensure a quality gaming experience. The more the better.
Sound cards are not a major point of concern, for the most part. Anything that fits your motherboard can work, unless you are going for a home theater experience. This is up to you. If you wish to cut costs, an inexpensive sound card can cost about $30 and give you all the sound you’ll need.
Avoid expensive cases. A good, spacious case shouldn’t cost more than $100.
All told, a quality gaming rig should not cost you more than $1,200 to $1,400. Because individual parts are cheaper when purchased separately, building your own rig will cost you less. You will also get the satisfaction of running all the latest games on your computer and admiring your own handiwork. It’s a win-win situation.
The answer is simple — decide your computer’s components for yourself and build your own gaming rig.
Building a computer is much simpler than it sounds. You need only to find the ideal components for your rig and assemble them.
Shopping for computer parts might seem intimidating, but it can be worth it. More than that, buying your own parts individually can help you save money.
The internal components you will need for your computer are a motherboard, CPU processor, hard drive, memory, graphics card and sound card. You will also need a case, monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers.
You will want your motherboard and case to be compatible. Some motherboards are reduced in size to fit smaller cases. Once you’ve chosen a motherboard, you will want to choose the right CPU chip. For gaming purposes, you want to decide what your priorities are. Do you intend to overclock? Do you want to be able to play the most graphically advanced games for years to come, or just run your current library at decent speeds? Either way, multi-core processors are the way to go.
When choosing a hard drive, don’t skimp on space. Purchase at least 400 GB of space. You might also want to invest in a smaller SSD drive to use as a boot drive, while keeping most of your data on a separate hard drive.
If you are “future-proofing” your computer, you might want to go with a fast quad-core CPU. Dual-core processors, however, can handle most games at a significantly reduced price. A computer with a 3.2 GHz Dual-Core processor, for example, can run most games at advanced graphics settings with a good graphics card.
Selecting your graphics card can also be tricky at first. Remember one thing - graphics card companies release new products every year at high prices. That reduces the prices of their previous lines, which are still capable of running games. Older cards, such as the later cards in Nvidia’s 8 and 9 series, are capable of running most games and can be found at very affordable prices. For future proofing purposes, shell out a bit more money, research the latest lines of graphics cards and buy last year’s releases. They will last you quite a long time.
Choosing RAM is less tricky. Again, if you wish to overclock, make sure you choose a brand designed to do so. Otherwise, peruse customer reviews and find a reliable brand that fits your budget. You will want at least 4 GB of RAM to ensure a quality gaming experience. The more the better.
Sound cards are not a major point of concern, for the most part. Anything that fits your motherboard can work, unless you are going for a home theater experience. This is up to you. If you wish to cut costs, an inexpensive sound card can cost about $30 and give you all the sound you’ll need.
Avoid expensive cases. A good, spacious case shouldn’t cost more than $100.
All told, a quality gaming rig should not cost you more than $1,200 to $1,400. Because individual parts are cheaper when purchased separately, building your own rig will cost you less. You will also get the satisfaction of running all the latest games on your computer and admiring your own handiwork. It’s a win-win situation.
Want to get the most out of your DRAM? Overclock it
Your computer might be running just fine, but don’t kid yourself — it could be running even faster. For those willing to modify their computer’s hardware, overclocking is the best way to improve the performance of your CPU, DRAM and hard drive.
Overclocking is the process of running a piece of computer hardware at a faster clock rate than it is set to run. While it can be risky for those who are experienced with computer upgrades, a properly overclocked computer will see significant improvements with no negative effects on the side.
Since RAM is so important to your computer’s speed, it’s a good place to start when considering overclocking. Before you start digging through your computer to figure out how to overclock, you need to consider a few things first.
Not all RAM is alike, though, and some RAM modules are better designed for overclocking than others. Because of this, if you’re looking to overclock, you might want to get some new RAM first. While you might not want to spend extra, think of it as an investment; you will be upgrading your RAM twice over, after all.
One RAM manufacturer recently launched a line of high performance DDR3 DRAM that is aimed specifically at overclockers. The modules, which run at 1.5 volts, are offered in single, double and triple module kits and have capacities ranging from 4 GB to 16 GB. Before overclocking, the RAM runs at speeds ranging from 1600 MHz to 1866 MHz.
Another DRAM manufacturer recently launched a line of DDR2 and DDR3 modules aimed at gamers. These 2GB modules are also designed to be compatible with overclocking. According to Techshout.com, the modules are good for more than just gaming. “Each of the products in this line is also built to serve profession graphic designing and multimedia auditing requirements. With this series, a lot of emphasis has been given to attributes such as clock speed and memory timing,” according to the report.
If you’re unsure about overclocking your RAM module, research the model online.
Once you’re set with RAM you are confident about overclocking, the actual process can begin.
Before tinkering with any of your computer’s processes, it is wise to backup any files you don’t want to risk losing.
Memory is overclocked through the motherboard’s setup. You can access this by hitting the Delete key while viewing your computer’s boot menu during startup.
Once you have accessed the menu, change the memory clock’s speed, save the configuration and restart. To test the new clock speed, run an application that requires a lot of memory, such as a game with high graphics requirements. There are also memory benchmark programs that you can download to make sure your computer’s performance is actually increasing, because an improperly overclocked memory module can actually decrease a computer’s performance.
If the overclock fails, you simply have to go back to the boot menu and reset the clock speed. If it is successful, you can stick with the new DRAM speed and enjoy, or continue to overclock. If you choose the latter — which you will want to do if you have DRAM designed for overclocking — be sure to increase the clock speed in small increments until you reach your RAM’s maximum clock speed.
You can also overclock DRAM by increasing its voltage. This is an option to increase your RAM’s maximum clock speed. To do this, access the motherboard menu and find the voltage control. It will be listed with names such as “DIMM OverVoltage Control” and “DRAM Voltage Regulator.” From here, you will be presented with your voltage options. Increase your voltage here as desired and you will improve your RAM’s clock speeds.
While overclocking is not recommended for the inexperienced, it can be a great option for improving computer experience without spending a dollar. It’s easy, free and can give you great results quickly.
Overclocking is the process of running a piece of computer hardware at a faster clock rate than it is set to run. While it can be risky for those who are experienced with computer upgrades, a properly overclocked computer will see significant improvements with no negative effects on the side.
Since RAM is so important to your computer’s speed, it’s a good place to start when considering overclocking. Before you start digging through your computer to figure out how to overclock, you need to consider a few things first.
Not all RAM is alike, though, and some RAM modules are better designed for overclocking than others. Because of this, if you’re looking to overclock, you might want to get some new RAM first. While you might not want to spend extra, think of it as an investment; you will be upgrading your RAM twice over, after all.
One RAM manufacturer recently launched a line of high performance DDR3 DRAM that is aimed specifically at overclockers. The modules, which run at 1.5 volts, are offered in single, double and triple module kits and have capacities ranging from 4 GB to 16 GB. Before overclocking, the RAM runs at speeds ranging from 1600 MHz to 1866 MHz.
Another DRAM manufacturer recently launched a line of DDR2 and DDR3 modules aimed at gamers. These 2GB modules are also designed to be compatible with overclocking. According to Techshout.com, the modules are good for more than just gaming. “Each of the products in this line is also built to serve profession graphic designing and multimedia auditing requirements. With this series, a lot of emphasis has been given to attributes such as clock speed and memory timing,” according to the report.
If you’re unsure about overclocking your RAM module, research the model online.
Once you’re set with RAM you are confident about overclocking, the actual process can begin.
Before tinkering with any of your computer’s processes, it is wise to backup any files you don’t want to risk losing.
Memory is overclocked through the motherboard’s setup. You can access this by hitting the Delete key while viewing your computer’s boot menu during startup.
Once you have accessed the menu, change the memory clock’s speed, save the configuration and restart. To test the new clock speed, run an application that requires a lot of memory, such as a game with high graphics requirements. There are also memory benchmark programs that you can download to make sure your computer’s performance is actually increasing, because an improperly overclocked memory module can actually decrease a computer’s performance.
If the overclock fails, you simply have to go back to the boot menu and reset the clock speed. If it is successful, you can stick with the new DRAM speed and enjoy, or continue to overclock. If you choose the latter — which you will want to do if you have DRAM designed for overclocking — be sure to increase the clock speed in small increments until you reach your RAM’s maximum clock speed.
You can also overclock DRAM by increasing its voltage. This is an option to increase your RAM’s maximum clock speed. To do this, access the motherboard menu and find the voltage control. It will be listed with names such as “DIMM OverVoltage Control” and “DRAM Voltage Regulator.” From here, you will be presented with your voltage options. Increase your voltage here as desired and you will improve your RAM’s clock speeds.
While overclocking is not recommended for the inexperienced, it can be a great option for improving computer experience without spending a dollar. It’s easy, free and can give you great results quickly.
PC slowing you down? Upgrading is easier than it sounds
If you’re a PC owner, there’s a good chance that you’ve been there — that PC that was so sparkling a year ago and is now just a pain to run. While it would turn on almost instantly when you first got it, it now takes forever just to get to the desktop and even longer before you can run any applications. Games that used to boot up in seconds now take interminable minutes, costing you valuable time during Team Fortress 2 matches and World of Warcraft PvP matches. Everything seems to have slowed down.
Don’t put up with a slow computer. Making it as fast as new is easier than you think.
The first step to speeding up your computer is diagnosing the cause of the slowdown. “There are no magic tricks to speed up a slow computer. One must try to determine the nature of the slowness and what factors are causing it,” wrote David Levine, a tech specialist at Colby-Sawyer College. “Is it always slow, or just sometimes? … Does it take forever for the computer to start up? Are there any error messages or other warnings?”
Slow start ups are not uncommon and are an easy way to diagnose a sluggish computer. These can be caused by a number of issues, from inadequate RAM, hard drive errors and malware, to simply having too many processes running.
The latter of these is quite common and easy to fix. First, run your PC’s system configuration. To do this, type “msconfig” without quotes into the start menu on a Vista or Windows 7 machine. For XP, click Start, then Run and type “msconfig.”
Under the “Startup” tab, you will find a list of all the processes and applications your computer runs when it boots up. Odds are, you will be surprised at how many there are. Simply uncheck the boxes to the left of the applications you don’t want your computer to run and startup and click “Apply.” Restart your computer and you should see some immediate improvements.
If disabling startup applications doesn’t work, you will want to check for malware. Run the antimalware software of your choice, making sure that its definitions are up to date. Run a deep scan if possible; it will take several hours, but it will ensure that every location in your computer is scanned.
If your computer is still slow, odds are your RAM, or lack thereof, is to blame. RAM is your computer’s engine and you will want plenty, especially if you regularly use memory-hogging applications or games. To check how much RAM you have, type “dxdiag” into your Start menu or Run application, depending on your Windows version. This will bring up a table displaying all of your computer’s specifications. Your RAM will be displayed under “Memory.” The total will be displayed in megabytes, so “1024 MB” equates to 1 GB of RAM.
If you purchased your computer on the cheap from a store, there’s a good chance you don’t have enough RAM to meet your needs. However, upgrading RAM is simple and new RAM sticks are inexpensive. You just need to figure out your computer’s model and find a compatible stick of RAM.
Disk defragmentation is one last option for speeding up your machine.
When you use files on your computer, they get scattered in pieces around the hard drive. Defragmentation reorganizes these pieces.
While you will only notice a significant change if your computer is severely fragmented, defragmenting is easy and can’t hurt. Windows PCs come with their own defragmentation applications.
Hopefully with these tips you will get your computer running as fast as before. With luck and a RAM upgrade, it might even run faster.
Don’t put up with a slow computer. Making it as fast as new is easier than you think.
The first step to speeding up your computer is diagnosing the cause of the slowdown. “There are no magic tricks to speed up a slow computer. One must try to determine the nature of the slowness and what factors are causing it,” wrote David Levine, a tech specialist at Colby-Sawyer College. “Is it always slow, or just sometimes? … Does it take forever for the computer to start up? Are there any error messages or other warnings?”
Slow start ups are not uncommon and are an easy way to diagnose a sluggish computer. These can be caused by a number of issues, from inadequate RAM, hard drive errors and malware, to simply having too many processes running.
The latter of these is quite common and easy to fix. First, run your PC’s system configuration. To do this, type “msconfig” without quotes into the start menu on a Vista or Windows 7 machine. For XP, click Start, then Run and type “msconfig.”
Under the “Startup” tab, you will find a list of all the processes and applications your computer runs when it boots up. Odds are, you will be surprised at how many there are. Simply uncheck the boxes to the left of the applications you don’t want your computer to run and startup and click “Apply.” Restart your computer and you should see some immediate improvements.
If disabling startup applications doesn’t work, you will want to check for malware. Run the antimalware software of your choice, making sure that its definitions are up to date. Run a deep scan if possible; it will take several hours, but it will ensure that every location in your computer is scanned.
If your computer is still slow, odds are your RAM, or lack thereof, is to blame. RAM is your computer’s engine and you will want plenty, especially if you regularly use memory-hogging applications or games. To check how much RAM you have, type “dxdiag” into your Start menu or Run application, depending on your Windows version. This will bring up a table displaying all of your computer’s specifications. Your RAM will be displayed under “Memory.” The total will be displayed in megabytes, so “1024 MB” equates to 1 GB of RAM.
If you purchased your computer on the cheap from a store, there’s a good chance you don’t have enough RAM to meet your needs. However, upgrading RAM is simple and new RAM sticks are inexpensive. You just need to figure out your computer’s model and find a compatible stick of RAM.
Disk defragmentation is one last option for speeding up your machine.
When you use files on your computer, they get scattered in pieces around the hard drive. Defragmentation reorganizes these pieces.
While you will only notice a significant change if your computer is severely fragmented, defragmenting is easy and can’t hurt. Windows PCs come with their own defragmentation applications.
Hopefully with these tips you will get your computer running as fast as before. With luck and a RAM upgrade, it might even run faster.
Go green with SSD upgrades
Whether you are an environmental crusader hoping to change the world one hard drive at a time, or you are just trying to save a bit of energy from your overhead, it can pay to be environmentally conscious. Now, thanks to advancements in SSD and DRAM technology, it’s easier than ever for you to save energy and help the environment.
Computers waste a lot of energy. Emissions from data centers show this on a large scale. According to a 2008 report by the Economist, American data centers are responsible for more carbon dioxide emissions per year than the entirety of Argentina or the Netherlands.
According to the report, data centers could exceed the aviation industry in carbon output by 2020.
If data centers can emit so much energy, imagine what the output of a country’s worth of home and business computers amounts to.
“How many other industries are promoting a clean image that, on more critical examination, makes a significant contribution to growth in energy use? And what more can be done to push them to account fully for their carbon footprints?” Experts.
The SSD and DRAM industries have since done just that, making it easier than ever for consumers to upgrade their computer’s performance and be green about doing it.
Several companies have launched green SSD and DRAM lines. Micron offers energy efficient DDR2 and DDR3 DRAM that operate at lower voltages than standard DRAM. The company’s Aspen Memory portfolio offers 1 GB DDR3 modules that operate at 1.35 volts and 2 GB DDR2 modules that operate at 1.5 volts. Standard DDR3 memory operates at 1.5 volts and standard DDR2 memory operates at 1.8 volts.
''The trend in energy-efficient technology is especially important for data centers because they are always running 24 hours a day, seven days a week,'' said Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron's Memory Group.
Another manufacturer recently launched a new line of RAM with low voltages.
“The memory features high 2,133MHz speeds and a low-voltage of only 1.5V. Two 2GB modules are included, totaling 4GB, while DHX+ heatsinks and a GT Airflow module are also included to improve cooling,” Experts.
Even more so than DRAM, solid state drives are at the forefront of energy efficient computing. According to a 2009 study , SSDs could allow "the world’s data centers to reduce their cumulative electricity consumption by 166,643 megawatt hours from 2008 to 2013." According to the study, that is enough energy savings to power a whole country.
Imagine what that could do for your PC.
SSDs use about half the power of hard disk drives, a fact that many manufacturers have taken advantage of to create environmentally friendly storage drives. “[The] SSDs use 1.9 watts of power in active mode and 0.6 watts in idle mode, minimizing power and heat loads,” Experts say about one line of green SSDs. “These ‘green’ ratings tower over typical 15K HDDs, which consume between 8 to 15 watts in active mode and 1 to 2 watts in idle mode. Servers with high-rpm hard-drive solutions lead to increased power bills and larger carbon footprints.”
It’s not hard to install a new storage drive or DRAM. With the technology that is in place, it’s easier than ever for you to make your computer environmentally sound while increasing its storage capacity and speed. You might save some money while doing it, too.
Computers waste a lot of energy. Emissions from data centers show this on a large scale. According to a 2008 report by the Economist, American data centers are responsible for more carbon dioxide emissions per year than the entirety of Argentina or the Netherlands.
According to the report, data centers could exceed the aviation industry in carbon output by 2020.
If data centers can emit so much energy, imagine what the output of a country’s worth of home and business computers amounts to.
“How many other industries are promoting a clean image that, on more critical examination, makes a significant contribution to growth in energy use? And what more can be done to push them to account fully for their carbon footprints?” Experts.
The SSD and DRAM industries have since done just that, making it easier than ever for consumers to upgrade their computer’s performance and be green about doing it.
Several companies have launched green SSD and DRAM lines. Micron offers energy efficient DDR2 and DDR3 DRAM that operate at lower voltages than standard DRAM. The company’s Aspen Memory portfolio offers 1 GB DDR3 modules that operate at 1.35 volts and 2 GB DDR2 modules that operate at 1.5 volts. Standard DDR3 memory operates at 1.5 volts and standard DDR2 memory operates at 1.8 volts.
''The trend in energy-efficient technology is especially important for data centers because they are always running 24 hours a day, seven days a week,'' said Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron's Memory Group.
Another manufacturer recently launched a new line of RAM with low voltages.
“The memory features high 2,133MHz speeds and a low-voltage of only 1.5V. Two 2GB modules are included, totaling 4GB, while DHX+ heatsinks and a GT Airflow module are also included to improve cooling,” Experts.
Even more so than DRAM, solid state drives are at the forefront of energy efficient computing. According to a 2009 study , SSDs could allow "the world’s data centers to reduce their cumulative electricity consumption by 166,643 megawatt hours from 2008 to 2013." According to the study, that is enough energy savings to power a whole country.
Imagine what that could do for your PC.
SSDs use about half the power of hard disk drives, a fact that many manufacturers have taken advantage of to create environmentally friendly storage drives. “[The] SSDs use 1.9 watts of power in active mode and 0.6 watts in idle mode, minimizing power and heat loads,” Experts say about one line of green SSDs. “These ‘green’ ratings tower over typical 15K HDDs, which consume between 8 to 15 watts in active mode and 1 to 2 watts in idle mode. Servers with high-rpm hard-drive solutions lead to increased power bills and larger carbon footprints.”
It’s not hard to install a new storage drive or DRAM. With the technology that is in place, it’s easier than ever for you to make your computer environmentally sound while increasing its storage capacity and speed. You might save some money while doing it, too.
Crysis games demanding on machines, rewarding for gamers
With the accolades, however, came some reservations about the game's technical requirements. Crysis was one of the most technically demanding games of all time when it was released and its recommended specs, which include 12 GB of hard drive space, 2 GB of RAM and the equivalent of an NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS card, are still demanding by today’s standards. Even these specs don’t allow gamers to run Crysis at its highest graphical settings.
In Gamespot’s review of the game in 2007, Experts“it's doubtful that a system has been built yet that can run the game at ultra-high resolutions with all the graphical sliders maxed out.”
That still seems to be the case. Experts say “Crysis remains the most technologically demanding video game ever made,” adding that “there is still presently no CPU and graphics card combination that can run the game on its highest settings at 1080p and v-synced 60FPS.”
While Crytek has moved away from PC exclusivity, the developer still stresses the technical superiority of PCs over consoles like the PS3 and Xbox 360.
"PC is easily a generation ahead right now,” said Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli to Edge Magazine. “With 360 and PS3, we believe the quality of the games beyond Crysis 2 and other CryEngine developments will be pretty much limited to what their creative expressions is, what the content is.”
While the company has said that Crysis 2 will not be as demanding on this generation of computers as Crysis was to its crop, the game is still likely to require a fairly hefty system to run.
While the fact that Crysis 2 will be a cross-platform game has led to rumors that it will be easier on computers than its predecessor, don’t expect its developers to go soft simply because they are now designing games for consoles as well. These days, you’ll need at least 2 GB of RAM and 25 GB of hard drive space to play World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, a game with a reputation for being easy on gamers’ machines.
Crytek is at the forefront of PC gaming technology and, to be ready for that technology, you will need hardware to match the requirements of the gaming industry. RAM is vital to running high-end games and there has never been a better time to invest in dynamic random access memory. DRAM prices have dropped 55 percent from their peak levels and are expected to continue falling. This should lead to reduced prices for consumers.
According to Experts, the drop in prices will lead to superior computers being built for the marketplace - perfect for gamers looking for an upgraded machine but unsure about building their own gaming rig.
“Instead, computer vendors will offer higher quality specs in order for vendors to preserve a certain price point. Your wallet may not see a difference, but when you go to use your system, you will notice improved functionality,” Experts.
Crysis 2 is slated to be released on March 11, 2011. PC gamers in particular will want to be able to take full advantage of a game that is sure to be gorgeous and that will undoubtedly look better on a PC than on the years-old Xbox 360 and PS3 technology. You are going to want your computer to be ready to play this game.
In Gamespot’s review of the game in 2007, Experts“it's doubtful that a system has been built yet that can run the game at ultra-high resolutions with all the graphical sliders maxed out.”
That still seems to be the case. Experts say “Crysis remains the most technologically demanding video game ever made,” adding that “there is still presently no CPU and graphics card combination that can run the game on its highest settings at 1080p and v-synced 60FPS.”
While Crytek has moved away from PC exclusivity, the developer still stresses the technical superiority of PCs over consoles like the PS3 and Xbox 360.
"PC is easily a generation ahead right now,” said Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli to Edge Magazine. “With 360 and PS3, we believe the quality of the games beyond Crysis 2 and other CryEngine developments will be pretty much limited to what their creative expressions is, what the content is.”
While the company has said that Crysis 2 will not be as demanding on this generation of computers as Crysis was to its crop, the game is still likely to require a fairly hefty system to run.
While the fact that Crysis 2 will be a cross-platform game has led to rumors that it will be easier on computers than its predecessor, don’t expect its developers to go soft simply because they are now designing games for consoles as well. These days, you’ll need at least 2 GB of RAM and 25 GB of hard drive space to play World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, a game with a reputation for being easy on gamers’ machines.
Crytek is at the forefront of PC gaming technology and, to be ready for that technology, you will need hardware to match the requirements of the gaming industry. RAM is vital to running high-end games and there has never been a better time to invest in dynamic random access memory. DRAM prices have dropped 55 percent from their peak levels and are expected to continue falling. This should lead to reduced prices for consumers.
According to Experts, the drop in prices will lead to superior computers being built for the marketplace - perfect for gamers looking for an upgraded machine but unsure about building their own gaming rig.
“Instead, computer vendors will offer higher quality specs in order for vendors to preserve a certain price point. Your wallet may not see a difference, but when you go to use your system, you will notice improved functionality,” Experts.
Crysis 2 is slated to be released on March 11, 2011. PC gamers in particular will want to be able to take full advantage of a game that is sure to be gorgeous and that will undoubtedly look better on a PC than on the years-old Xbox 360 and PS3 technology. You are going to want your computer to be ready to play this game.
Computer not cutting it? Upgrade it yourself
Technology moves quickly. Your state-of-the-art smartphone or television might become obsolete in what feels like overnight. Computers are no exception.
That shiny, brand new desktop of yours might impress your friends today, but this time next year it might be chugging along at snail-like speeds just to load videos or games. Likewise, that huge hard-drive might fill up sooner than you think, especially if you use your computer to store data for work or if you have a large game collection.
Fear not, however. You can install new parts yourself without having to shell out extra cash to a computer repair shop or purchase a new machine. It’s easier than you might think.
One of the first things you might have to upgrade is your hard drive. Space is always limited and, if your work or hobbies use up storage, at some point you will run out. Investing in a new hard drive is worth the price, whether you are low on space, want to back up your system or fully revamp your computer.
Solid state drives are a great choice for those looking to upgrade their machines. If you are building your own system or replacing an old hard disk drive, SSDs will provide you with faster bootup speeds and data access. The data remains static within the solid drive; you don’t have to wait for the disc to spin and process, allowing for rapid startup speeds. The new MacBook Air laptop, which has been hailed for its instant bootups, uses SSDs.
Installing a new hard drive is not difficult. All you need is the new drive, screws, a screwdriver, and the confidence to overcome any hesitation about opening your computer. An anti-static bracelet is also recommended, as even unnoticeable static shocks can permanently damage a computer’s motherboard.
Most computer towers contain multiple hard drive bays. Once you find the right size screw and screwdriver, you simply need to set your new hard drive as either the “master” or “slave” (the hard drive’s manual will have instructions for this), connect it to the motherboard with a cable, mount it in the bay and screw it in. Some desktop towers even have screw-free hard drive bays. They use plastic sliders instead, which make the process significantly quicker.
One hard drive manufacturer even includes a do-it-yourself installation kit. The bundles contain a 2.5-inch SATA drive enclosure, the SSD of your choice, a spreading tool, multiple screwdrivers and instructions. Users can choose between a 40 GB SSD kit to provide just enough extra space for backup, or a 480 GB kit for a full upgrade.
Memory poses another issue for computers. The amount of memory required for applications constantly increases. If you purchased your computer with too little RAM, it’s only a matter of time before YouTube videos and games look more like slide shows on your computer.
If you’re looking to upgrade your RAM, buying some DRAM is a good bet. Global DRAM prices are in flux and will likely remain so for some time. Dramatic overstocks by DRAM suppliers have reduced prices. Regardless of the price, purchasing more memory is a worthwhile investment.
Much like hard drives, installing DRAM is not difficult. It usually requires no extra equipment. Make sure you purchase DRAM that is compatible with your motherboard by checking your system specifications. When you install it, you simply need to locate your computer’s RAM ports and snap the RAM in place. It’s that simple. As soon as you restart your machine, you’ll notice instant results.
It’s not hard to keep your computer up-to-date. Just keep track of developments in application and software requirements and, when necessary, purchase some upgrades. Installing them yourself is both frugal and rewarding. Your wallet and your computer will thank you.
That shiny, brand new desktop of yours might impress your friends today, but this time next year it might be chugging along at snail-like speeds just to load videos or games. Likewise, that huge hard-drive might fill up sooner than you think, especially if you use your computer to store data for work or if you have a large game collection.
Fear not, however. You can install new parts yourself without having to shell out extra cash to a computer repair shop or purchase a new machine. It’s easier than you might think.
One of the first things you might have to upgrade is your hard drive. Space is always limited and, if your work or hobbies use up storage, at some point you will run out. Investing in a new hard drive is worth the price, whether you are low on space, want to back up your system or fully revamp your computer.
Solid state drives are a great choice for those looking to upgrade their machines. If you are building your own system or replacing an old hard disk drive, SSDs will provide you with faster bootup speeds and data access. The data remains static within the solid drive; you don’t have to wait for the disc to spin and process, allowing for rapid startup speeds. The new MacBook Air laptop, which has been hailed for its instant bootups, uses SSDs.
Installing a new hard drive is not difficult. All you need is the new drive, screws, a screwdriver, and the confidence to overcome any hesitation about opening your computer. An anti-static bracelet is also recommended, as even unnoticeable static shocks can permanently damage a computer’s motherboard.
Most computer towers contain multiple hard drive bays. Once you find the right size screw and screwdriver, you simply need to set your new hard drive as either the “master” or “slave” (the hard drive’s manual will have instructions for this), connect it to the motherboard with a cable, mount it in the bay and screw it in. Some desktop towers even have screw-free hard drive bays. They use plastic sliders instead, which make the process significantly quicker.
One hard drive manufacturer even includes a do-it-yourself installation kit. The bundles contain a 2.5-inch SATA drive enclosure, the SSD of your choice, a spreading tool, multiple screwdrivers and instructions. Users can choose between a 40 GB SSD kit to provide just enough extra space for backup, or a 480 GB kit for a full upgrade.
Memory poses another issue for computers. The amount of memory required for applications constantly increases. If you purchased your computer with too little RAM, it’s only a matter of time before YouTube videos and games look more like slide shows on your computer.
If you’re looking to upgrade your RAM, buying some DRAM is a good bet. Global DRAM prices are in flux and will likely remain so for some time. Dramatic overstocks by DRAM suppliers have reduced prices. Regardless of the price, purchasing more memory is a worthwhile investment.
Much like hard drives, installing DRAM is not difficult. It usually requires no extra equipment. Make sure you purchase DRAM that is compatible with your motherboard by checking your system specifications. When you install it, you simply need to locate your computer’s RAM ports and snap the RAM in place. It’s that simple. As soon as you restart your machine, you’ll notice instant results.
It’s not hard to keep your computer up-to-date. Just keep track of developments in application and software requirements and, when necessary, purchase some upgrades. Installing them yourself is both frugal and rewarding. Your wallet and your computer will thank you.
Emerging technologies are impacting the Flash memory market
According to a recent report from New Electronics, DRAM and Flash memory could be the only successful new memory-related technologies in recent years. The report said many technologies have been developed and pushed toward the market, but none of them have established the reliability, cost-efficiency or sustainability of DRAM or Flash.
As a result, if you are purchasing a new computer you can rest assure that your DRAM will remain valuable for the device's entire life cycle without being completely replaced by a new technology. However, you may need to adjust your notions of purchasing a traditional hard disk drive, because Flash memory technology is allowing solid state drives to become an important part of the hardware market.
SSDs use flash memory to read and write data stored on the device, allowing them to operate at faster speeds than traditional hard disks, which depend on a mechanical device rotating a disk that uses lasers to read and write data. As a result, SSDs are quickly becoming somewhat standard in laptops. The desktop market for SSDs is not necessarily as responsive because the moving parts of a hard drive are not as much of a factor in desktop models. However, SSDs are becoming popular boot drives to improve system startup and overall speeds.
The New Electronics report estimates Flash memory still has about 10 years remaining in its mainstream life cycle. The architecture behind the technology has become cheap enough to manufacture efficiently and sell to mainstream users, and devices that favor SSDs, such as laptops and mobile platforms, are becoming more popular. However, new technologies have the potential to emerge within the 10-year period that could challenge Flash's current stronghold.
One of those challenges, the report said, is the result of an upgrade to current Flash models that uses vertical 3D construction to improve memory capacity. Flash devices work by sending electric signal through small transistors that use the signal to read and write content. Current Flash architecture involves transistors places side-by-side on a memory chip. This not only limits storage capacity, it also allows the electric signal to be disrupted because transistors are closely packed.
According to New Electronics, researches have successfully developed new techniques to essentially stack transistors on top of one another in a vertical, 3D stack. As a result, the disruption between parts of the chip is removed and space limitations associated with horizontal construction is gone. The new method of constructing Flash memory is in the early stages of development, but the report said it could end up offering significant benefits for both the speed and reliability of Flash memory devices.
The report said the 3D method of constructing Flash memory could extend the production life of Flash technologies, such as solid state drives, beyond the 10-year period currently predicted for the technology. Furthermore, this manufacturing technique could keep other new memory-related technologies at bay, keeping Flash-based tools relevant.
According to recent research released by the Bedford Report, 3D Flash memory is already becoming an important tool for high-end Flash devices, and could become mainstream within the next few years. The report said 3D Flash construction makes the chips less expensive than current current Flash technology, which could provide significant benefits to consumers looking for a new memory solution.
Currently, the next technology is most popular in mobile computing devices, the Bedford Report said, but it could develop into a mainstream memory solution that enhances the benefits of Flash memory.
As a result, if you are purchasing a new computer you can rest assure that your DRAM will remain valuable for the device's entire life cycle without being completely replaced by a new technology. However, you may need to adjust your notions of purchasing a traditional hard disk drive, because Flash memory technology is allowing solid state drives to become an important part of the hardware market.
SSDs use flash memory to read and write data stored on the device, allowing them to operate at faster speeds than traditional hard disks, which depend on a mechanical device rotating a disk that uses lasers to read and write data. As a result, SSDs are quickly becoming somewhat standard in laptops. The desktop market for SSDs is not necessarily as responsive because the moving parts of a hard drive are not as much of a factor in desktop models. However, SSDs are becoming popular boot drives to improve system startup and overall speeds.
The New Electronics report estimates Flash memory still has about 10 years remaining in its mainstream life cycle. The architecture behind the technology has become cheap enough to manufacture efficiently and sell to mainstream users, and devices that favor SSDs, such as laptops and mobile platforms, are becoming more popular. However, new technologies have the potential to emerge within the 10-year period that could challenge Flash's current stronghold.
One of those challenges, the report said, is the result of an upgrade to current Flash models that uses vertical 3D construction to improve memory capacity. Flash devices work by sending electric signal through small transistors that use the signal to read and write content. Current Flash architecture involves transistors places side-by-side on a memory chip. This not only limits storage capacity, it also allows the electric signal to be disrupted because transistors are closely packed.
According to New Electronics, researches have successfully developed new techniques to essentially stack transistors on top of one another in a vertical, 3D stack. As a result, the disruption between parts of the chip is removed and space limitations associated with horizontal construction is gone. The new method of constructing Flash memory is in the early stages of development, but the report said it could end up offering significant benefits for both the speed and reliability of Flash memory devices.
The report said the 3D method of constructing Flash memory could extend the production life of Flash technologies, such as solid state drives, beyond the 10-year period currently predicted for the technology. Furthermore, this manufacturing technique could keep other new memory-related technologies at bay, keeping Flash-based tools relevant.
According to recent research released by the Bedford Report, 3D Flash memory is already becoming an important tool for high-end Flash devices, and could become mainstream within the next few years. The report said 3D Flash construction makes the chips less expensive than current current Flash technology, which could provide significant benefits to consumers looking for a new memory solution.
Currently, the next technology is most popular in mobile computing devices, the Bedford Report said, but it could develop into a mainstream memory solution that enhances the benefits of Flash memory.
Add more RAM to boost your World of Warcraft Cataclysm experience
Add more RAM to boost your World of Warcraft Cataclysm experience
The millions of virtual citizens of Blizzard's hugely popular MMORPG, World of Warcraft, celebrated the recent launch of the game's latest expansion pack — World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. Those of the game's 12 million-plus subscribers who meet only the minimum RAM required specifications of the new title, however, might want to look into upgrading their RAM and hard drives in order to maximize their Azeroth experience.
The minimum requirements for Cataclysm are not extreme compared to most games, but they are a jump from the last expansion pack, 2008's Wrath of the Lich King. Cataclysm requires 1GB of RAM, higher than the 512MB minimum by Wrath of the Lich King. However, as many gamers know, meeting only the minimum RAM requirement can lead to a choppy, frustrating gaming experience, especially as systems struggle to keep pace with the game's memory demands in highly populated areas.
Memory is not the only issue facing Cataclysm players, however. The game is also a hard drive hog, taking up 25GB of space. In comparison, Wrath of the Lich King used 15GB of hard drive space. For many gamers, the hard drive requirements will be the most difficult requirement to overcome. "There are no real surprises in store — the requirements are really very low, it's just the hard drive that takes a bit of a kicking," Experts sayings when the specifications were announced.
If your hard drive is already filled to the brim and you are in need of an upgrade to play Cataclysm, now might be a good time to consider investing in a new SSD. SSDsare faster and more efficient than traditional hard disc drives.
An upgrade will be worth it. Reviews of the game have been strong, indicating that it is yet another superb entry in Blizzard's flagship franchise.
"Simply put, it is World of Warcraft 2.0. Everything seems to fit in — overhauled graphics, new landscapes, additional quests," Experts.
If you're a WOW fan, you won't want to miss out on Cataclysm, especially due to a computer that is slow or out of space. The game is sure to be one of the biggest releases of the year and you owe it to yourself to make sure you have the hardware to run it.
The millions of virtual citizens of Blizzard's hugely popular MMORPG, World of Warcraft, celebrated the recent launch of the game's latest expansion pack — World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. Those of the game's 12 million-plus subscribers who meet only the minimum RAM required specifications of the new title, however, might want to look into upgrading their RAM and hard drives in order to maximize their Azeroth experience.
The minimum requirements for Cataclysm are not extreme compared to most games, but they are a jump from the last expansion pack, 2008's Wrath of the Lich King. Cataclysm requires 1GB of RAM, higher than the 512MB minimum by Wrath of the Lich King. However, as many gamers know, meeting only the minimum RAM requirement can lead to a choppy, frustrating gaming experience, especially as systems struggle to keep pace with the game's memory demands in highly populated areas.
Memory is not the only issue facing Cataclysm players, however. The game is also a hard drive hog, taking up 25GB of space. In comparison, Wrath of the Lich King used 15GB of hard drive space. For many gamers, the hard drive requirements will be the most difficult requirement to overcome. "There are no real surprises in store — the requirements are really very low, it's just the hard drive that takes a bit of a kicking," Experts sayings when the specifications were announced.
If your hard drive is already filled to the brim and you are in need of an upgrade to play Cataclysm, now might be a good time to consider investing in a new SSD. SSDsare faster and more efficient than traditional hard disc drives.
An upgrade will be worth it. Reviews of the game have been strong, indicating that it is yet another superb entry in Blizzard's flagship franchise.
"Simply put, it is World of Warcraft 2.0. Everything seems to fit in — overhauled graphics, new landscapes, additional quests," Experts.
If you're a WOW fan, you won't want to miss out on Cataclysm, especially due to a computer that is slow or out of space. The game is sure to be one of the biggest releases of the year and you owe it to yourself to make sure you have the hardware to run it.
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