Microsoft Surfaces Natural User Interface Technology
Microsoft Surface first started back in 2001 under the code name “Milan”. It was a project that was started by a very small group of Microsoft employees. The design was changed 10’s of times, but was finally presented to Bill in 2003. Of course, Mr. Gates liked it, and the project took on new life as it grew. By 2005 the final design had been chosen, and in 2007 it was presented to the public. The public was in awe, and Microsoft was proud.
So what makes Microsoft Surface so unique? It is unique because it goes where no computer has gone before. It uses a Natural User Interface (NUI). An NUI is an interface that attempts to take out any space between the digital and real world. It makes digital information and data seem real, by using Multi-touch interaction. Mult-touch interaction is simply a touch screen that supports multiple input points (touches) at the same time. In fact, Microsoft Surface supports up to 52.
Multi-touch is the biggest part of a Natural User Interface. It makes tasks such as viewing pictures… natural. There is practically no learning curve. To move a picutre, you simply put your finger down and drag it to the desired location, and to resize a picture simply pinch the picture with two fingers.
Another part that makes Surface’s interface natural is the object recognition feature. Object recognition has three parts to it.
The first part is the ability to recognize more than just fingers, which means it can recognize objects. This is different from normal touch screens because normally touch screens require an electric current or heat, which come from fingers. However, unlike those touch screens, Surface does not care whether it is a finger or a Zune.
Second, the use of byte tags allow for unique object recognition. By simply creating a relation between a specific byte tag pattern and an object, such as a camera, the Touch Table can recognize that that object is a camera.
Thirdly, Surface can transfer data via Bluetooth between certain digital objects. When you set the camera down, Surface recognizes it as a camera through the byte tag, and then opens ports for data transfer. Then, to transfer photos on to the camera, you simply drag them to it. And when you set the camera down at first, the photos dump out onto the Surface table top.
All these factors make Microsoft Surface’s Natural User Interface truly amazing and state of the art.
The author of this article is the WebMaster of a Microsoft Surface Website and Blog at http://www.surfacehq.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Ring
Desktop Extended Warranty 3 Key Factors to Consider Which Will Help You Choose the Right Type
The pace at which technology is progressing is simply amazing. Take the case of desktop PCs for instance. Newer and much sleeker models are being launched almost every passing day. The incorporation of latest technology also means that desktop PCs don’t come that cheap. You will need to shell out a significant amount of money in order to buy one.
Along with the computer system, it is in your best interest to buy desktop extended warranty too. This will ensure your peace of mind, since you can feel relaxed that your precious investment is being protected. Should something go wrong with your desktop PC tomorrow, the extended warranty is always there to take care of the repair costs. Before you purchase desktop extended warranty though, there are a few factors that you need to consider. Let us take a look at them one after another.
1. Whenever you are on the lookout for desktop extended warranties, it is always better to get in touch with multiple companies offering these warranties. This will help you compare different offerings and then make a choice. You need to do a bit of homework before you shop around for desktop extended warranty. This would help you ‘talk the talk’ with salespersons whenever you are looking for extended warranties.
2. You should make it a point to go through the manufacturer’s warranty in detail. This will help you decide the cover that you want in a desktop extended warranty.
3. You should go through the warranty documentation in detail. It is especially important to go through the fine print. This would give you an idea about the cover that is offered under a particular extended warranty. You should also talk to company representatives and find out from them about the procedure to settle claims too, since you can never say when you might need to deal with it.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashish_K_Arora
What is the Future of Cloud Computing Part II
As a follow-up to Part I, there are a lot of actual or perceived issues with the cloud computing concept. You need to work your way through them to answer the main question …. is cloud computing really economically viable in the long-term?
Repeating the questions from Part I:
* With so many companies rushing to announce their development in cloud computing /SaaS/PaaS in 2009, is cloud computing really economically viable in the long-term?
* Will large enterprises and Small and medium businesses actually go in for cloud computing and virtualization?
* What will be the benefits and problems associated with the same?
* Which industries are more likely to be the front-runners in cloud implementation?
I have my issues with the cloud concept. For starters, there are huge security concerns that too many companies are trying to “market” away as if they can’t happen. That’s only the security aspect though. So let me give you a real world instance - not marketing - about something a colleague experienced.
Currently my friend provides ITSP (VoIP) services to thousands of customers. They have redundant providers coming into a DS3 for SIP termination. On an average, they push out about 1.5million minutes in voice traffic per day. Last Friday, one of their carriers went down momentarily. No sweat, they had redundancy.
That was until their other carrier went down as well. There was nothing they could do as they cannot route telephone numbers inbound through another carrier …. it just doesn’t work that way. Long story short, 10 hours later, they were back up and running. 10 HOURS later! Now imagine that if you will, you’re running your business without any telephones for 10 hours and you’re Disaster Recovery was a disaster in itself. Imagine this if you were a day trader or a telemarketing firm. Their clients had looked to them to save by ridding themselves of costly PBX’s and circuits. While they personally try to make it known that the Internet is unstable and will be what it will be, most customers shake it off until something catastrophic occurs.
This happens to the best of them including Google who had six outages in eight months. But hey - “poop happens” - accidents will occur, you will lose money. At the end of the day make sure your risk metrics in your analysis show you how much money you can LOSE as well as SAVE using the clouds.
Is it worth saving a couple of dollars at the end of the day? Sure it is you’d say … and this is because you’re not likely to get the statistics from companies who’ve lost money by doing business in the clouds. I mean think about it, if it means kissing your data goodbye because a provider went under is it worth it to you?
“The Linkup’s failure was the most serious of the three. Although its scale was probably the smallest-the company had about 20,000 paying customers-the impact was far and away the greatest; no temporary software glitch here, but a permanent loss of data”
There are plenty of horrible things with cloud computing that are common sense. Yet money will cloud the judgments of those in positions to make decisions. Personally, I would not trust anything to the cloud. At least not yet. It’s Russian Roulette period.
Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications….including DS3-Bandwidth.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you’re always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm
Video Professor Best Way to Learn Computer Skills
Need or want to learn new computer skills? Looking to improve your skills to start your own business or get that promotion? There are many programs out there, but I believe I’ve found the simplest, most convenient, and most efficient way to gain the skills you need.
Video Professor was started by a man named John Scherer over 20 years ago. His original company sold computers but he quickly realized that people needed help to understand how to get the most out of their software.
Every year, this company improves and expands their learning program. They offer computer tutorials on most all of the major software titles including Excel, Ebay, Word, Excel, Photoshop, Publisher, Powerpoint, Digital Photography, How to Make Money From Home, and many more (over 60 titles in all).
The benefits of choosing Video Professor for all your learning needs is that they are convenient. All the lessons are on CDs that you just put in your computer at home or at the office. They are efficient. Each lesson is usually an hour long. The company offers basic, intermediate and advanced levels in all their courses. Of course, you can repeat the lessons as often as you need if you feel you need more practice. All the learning takes place in your own time, in your own space and at your own pace. These lessons are interactive and give plenty of opportunity to practice specific examples throughout the program.
Video Professor also provides excellent customer service. They offer free on-line support if you need it.
With everything going on in our lives these days, it is comforting to know that with Video Professor products, you can still get the education you need to succeed in the business world without the hassle of going to traditional classes.
One of the best things about the company is their dedication to not only providing excellent materials to their customers but also their dedication to supporting their local community. Video Professor is headquartered in Colorado and they give back not only monetarily to their community, but also believe strongly in volunteering.
There are several products out there, but they are not as straightforward as the lessons from Video Professor. They either try to cover all the different topics at once or send multiple books. By focusing on one topic, one level at a time, on your computer, it is much simpler and quicker to progress.
If you feel that you need to upgrade your skills or learn new ones, Video Professor is a great place to start.
Karen Taylor is a 42 year old mother of four and has been involved in helping people with disabilities for over 10 years. Click Here for more info on Video Professor
http://review-online-business.net/review-of-video-professor-computer-learning-system.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_A._Taylor
Learn About the Latest Technology With Your Computer
When history looks back on the last few decades and the infancy of the Internet can be properly defined, it will likely be chronicled that the Internet is the greatest learning tool since the printing press. Even small African villages where basic electricity can sometimes be a rarity, computers and the Internet are changing the way people view the world. Along with millions of pages dedicated to news, politics, and other things, technology is always a dominant subject on a medium powered by the latest technological inventions. Here are just a few sites you can visit for the latest in tech news.
The site cNet has been a leader in all things technology for years. Not only do they have a mountain of news stories dedicated to technology, but they also have a seemingly never-ending amount of product reviews. They also run the popular Download.com site that allows you to download samples of software or freeware and shareware programs from around the world. Ask any hardcore computer geek about this site and they will likely tell you that they have it bookmarked and that they check-in with cNet at least once per day.
Following closely behind cNet is ZDnet. They have been around almost as long and have crafted a fine reputation for not only breaking news on all things technology but also having some of the best opinion writers on staff, as well. Many of the stories have comments enabled, which means you can fire back at a columnist who is voicing an opinion that you think is absurd. Remember, just because someone has something printed on the Internet, it doesn’t mean that person has any idea what they are talking about. Just remember to stay civil and respectful when making your point.
Some of the best mainstream news outlets available also have excellent technology news departments, as well. Sites like the San Francisco Chronicle, situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, CNN, MSNBC and the BBC all have web pages with technology sections that are updated several times per day. It is always fun to read the same major breaking news story from more than one perspective, and the Internet allows you to do that without even batting an eyelash. Oftentimes, big tech news stories break through and end up on the main page for these sites so you won’t even have to go looking for them.
Following in the footsteps of the major news agencies, the new kids on the block are also attempting to cover tech news. Sites like Yahoo News and Google News now have full time reporters on the beat and they regularly break stories that the other sites miss. This is a case of companies making so much money and having little idea of what to do with it, so they start their own news service. These sites are worth visiting, however, and you may read something you wouldn’t have read in the old-fashioned press.
Stephen Weston is a freelance writer for Microbite.co.uk, who are providers of computer keyboards and end of life computer parts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Weston
Boost Windows Xp Performance Fast 3 Easy Steps to Make Your PC Run Like New
It’s very frustrating but as time goes by windows Xp actually works slower and slower. Opening big applications such as games or graphic software seems to take forever. And when you have to make a spreadsheet or want to use Word it can literally take minutes to open the programmes. In the next paragraphs I will give you some tips to boost the performance of Windows Xp.
Your computer is loaded with spyware
The first thing I would suggest is to get rid of all spyware that is currently making your computer very slow. People often don’t realize it but using the internet can actually harm your computer. Perhaps you may think that you are save because you don’t download stuff but this is not always the case. Spyware spies on you and your internet usage. The data goes to advertisers and then you get pop-ups or unwanted emails.
And it gets even worse when you have malware installed. Malware is a form of spyware but more dangerous. Malware steals personal information such as credit card numbers and personal passwords.
So first of all invest in your computer performance by getting a spyware removal programme. Make sure you choose a spyware programme that is capable to remove malware as well.
Repair the windows Xp registry
The second step to a faster windows XP is to repair the registry. The registry is a global database witch contains information about the programmes on your computer. Today there are a lot of programmes on the market who can clean and fix errors in the Microsoft windows registry.
A damaged registry can make windows run slower but it can even be worse. Perhaps you may have paid a computer repair guy a good amount of money because your home pc couldn’t start. By scanning the registry from time to time you can overcome this problem.
Fix RunDll errors
Another common way to boost the performances of window xp is to get rid of RunDll errors. This is an essential DLL file in the windows registry that maintenance the speed and efficiently of the computer.
In some cases RunDll errors can be linked to “Windows freezes” and the “Blue screen of death”. It is not recommended to repair the RunDll error on your own. Using a registry repair software can help you. However with the dozens of programmes on the market make sure you choose one who does not only repair the registry but can undone the damage as well
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dirk_Desselen
Learn the Meaning of Some Numbers That Show Up in Your Browser Window
If you have ever wondered what some common terms in our everyday browser window mean, then you are definitely on the right page. You will learn and know the meaning of these terms in this article.
Getting straight to the point, the definition of these terms:
200 - OK The file request was successful eg. a page was found and loaded properly in a browser.
301 - Moved Permanently A server response code, meaning “page has been permanently moved to x-location” A 301 redirect is commonly used to redirect sites or individual pages in cases where a domain or page name is changed and is usually the preferred method of redirection by search engines.
302 - Found A server response meaning, “Page has temporarily moved form this location”.
304 - Not Modified If the client has performed a conditional GET request and access is allowed, but the document has not been modified, the server should respond with this status code.
307 - Temporary Redirect The requested resource resides temporarily under a different url Since the redirection may be altered on occasion, the client should continue to use the Request-url for future requests.
400 - Bad Request The request could not be understood by the server due to malformed syntax. The client should not repeat the request without modifications.
401 - Unauthorized The request requires user authentication. The response must include a WWW-Authenticate header field containing a challenge applicable to the requested resource.
403 - Forbidden the server understood the request, but is refusing to fulfill it. Authorization will not help and the request should not be repeated.
404 - Not found The server was unable to locate the url.
410 - The requested resource is no longer available at the server and no forwarding address is known. This condition is expected to be considered permanent.
500 - Internal Server Error The server encountered an unexpected condition which prevented it from fulfilling the request.
501 - Not Implemented The server does not support the functionality required to fulfill the request. This is the appropriate response when the server does not recognize the request method and is not capable of supporting it for any resource.
I hope this answered your questions about all these numbers.
Wale William
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How to Type Special Characters and Symbols Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Computer users and Web site designers or bloggers struggling to remember how to type necessary symbols, accent marks and other special characters often consider the “hunt” an unwanted distraction from the project they’re working on. But it’s a problem that is usually easily remedied.
By using two or three computer keys in combination with one another, or by typing in a few characters, computer users can easily execute accent marks as well as symbols and other special characters. Currency symbols, mathematics symbols and punctuation not found on the keyboard are often tied to special “keyboard shortcuts.”
Keyboard shortcuts exist for both common symbols and for marks and characters that are used less often. There’s no need to waste time and energy with pull-down menus and trial-and-error, when guides exist to direct computer users to keyboard shortcuts.
Sometimes, the shortcut commands are different when you’re typing into a word processing document as opposed to something for the Internet. The commands may vary based on the operating system you are using as well (i.e.: Windows vs. Mac). Other combinations of keys generate the desired symbol in html, for the Web.
Symbols commonly used in mathematics, such as fractions and the square root sign, are easily executed using keyboard shortcuts. For example, the pi symbol will appear in your Windows document if you hold down the ALT key and type 0227 on the keypad. On a Mac, get pi to appear by simply holding down the Option key and pressing P. Finally, if you’re working in html, the keyboard shortcut for pi is ? or ?.
The process is similar for currency marks such as the British pound: Hold down the ALT key and type 0163; use Option 3; or type £ or £, depending what you’re doing.
Accent marks and related characters are often employed when the writer is composing text in a non-English language. For example, one combination of keys can execute the tilde often used in Spanish, while other shortcuts instantly bring up grave or acute accents, a circumflex or umlaut over vowels.
Other common symbols, marks, characters and punctuation that have keyboard shortcuts include: copyright and trademark symbols, bullets, em-dashes and en-dashes and paragraph symbols.
Memorizing the shortcuts for the symbols and characters you use most, or keeping a Web-based guide on the ready, can save time and frustration so computer users can get back to the task at hand.
Copyright 2009 by Kevin Savetz
Kevin Savetz is creator of more than 75 web sites, including HowToType.net that explains how to type special characters and symbols on the computer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Savetz
How Accessible is Your Technology
Many of us depend on the use of computers to do our jobs. We’re much more productive than before they were available, don’t you think? But imagine you’re blind and can’t see the screen or have a mobility impairment that precludes your use of a mouse. For many of us the PC, a tool most of us take for granted, is a challenge to use. This article talks about making computers and other technology accessible to people with disabilities.
The 2000 census reported there are over 54 million Americans with disabilities. And according to a study commissioned by Microsoft in 2003, “In the United States, 60% or 101.4 million working-age adults are likely or very likely to benefit from the use of accessible technology due to difficulties and impairments that may impact computer use. In Virginia, for example, that translates to about 2.5 million workers likely to benefit from the use of accessible technology.
We’re all familiar with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act that required our sidewalks and buildings to be accessible to people in wheelchairs and with other disabilities. But in spite of this federal law that states that all technology must be accessible to people with disabilities, very little has been done in that area.
While working on a State of Virginia technology accessibility standard I had the occasion to observe a lady, who was blind, use the computer to access a local university’s computer system. She couldn’t use the mouse because she couldn’t see where to place the cursor on the screen. So she memorized the exact steps and places she had to enter information and even though she used an accessibility tool that read what was on the computer screen and spoke to her, it was extremely difficult for her to do even simple tasks, mainly because the website wasn’t designed to be accessible. My heart was touched by that experience and because of that, Virginia now has one of the best technology accessibility standards in the country and maybe the world.
So what is the problem? Why can’t people with disabilities use our technology? While Microsoft has done a good job of providing basic tools such as the ability to magnify text on the screen for the sight impaired, the ability to display the keyboard on the screen for use with a mouse or other pointer for those unable to use the keyboard, and provides a reader tool for the completely blind, there are many software programs that our organizations either develop or buy that are not accessible to the disabled. We don’t design them like that on purpose, I think we’re ignorant of the needs of disabled people and of the laws.
And it’s not just computers and their programs.
- People who are deaf cannot understand a speech or other presentation that’s presented only aurally;
- people who are color-blind cannot discriminate between color-coded options;
- people with specific physical limitations cannot use a software application that requires use of a mouse; and
- people who use wheelchairs cannot operate a fax machine or copier if the controls are positioned too high or too far for them to reach from a seated position.
So why should we care about providing accessibility to our technology? Besides the moral and legal reasons, there is benefit to all of us for doing so.
- Accessible technologies allow people with sight, mobility, cognitive or hearing impairments to be a productive part of the work force.
- A Department of Defense case study encourages managers to use assistive technology to keep temporarily disabled employees working while they recuperate at home. A typical home installation of a workstation and assistive technology costs about $5,000 versus $28,000 for an average worker’s compensation claim.
- Moreover, spending on accessible technology returns value to all who use it. In addition to the direct value to those using the technology, the employers are able to keep great employees, recruit from a larger pool of candidates, and enhance team collaboration and communication among all employees-including those with disabilities.
The next time you use a computer, try closing your eyes while signing on, or try to perform some work without the use of the mouse. And remember the blind lady student who had so much difficulty performing simple tasks using her school’s computer. And then, if you get an opportunity to support the funding and implementation of accessible technology in your organization, do so without hesitation. Thank You.
Paul Lubic is a seasoned IT guy who’s used computers at home for more years than he’d care to say. His objective is to use this article and his blog site to pass on lots of valuable information that you can use in your home computing endeavors. Check out his blog site to see what he’s up to at http://www.paulshomecomputingblog.wordpress.com
Remember, home computing is a blast…keep it productive and enjoyable.
Paul E. Lubic, Jr.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Lubic
Air Conditioning For Computer Rooms How to Keep Them Cool
We all know that chilly feeling we get when we enter our office or server room. This is not because our bosses are cranking up the coolness factor in order to freeze us into completing our work at a rapid pace. Computer room air conditioning is the reason. Computer rooms need to be below a certain temperature in order to function at full capacity as well as to avoid servers out. Here are some reasons as to why computer rooms need air conditioning.
It is essential that all server rooms contain some form of air conditioning. Computers are highly sensitive to environmental factors and too much heat may affect a computers functions. Computer rooms heat up owing to the electrical power used in the area. Their vulnerability to heat can result in them shutting down involuntarily as well as damaging data. The right amount cool air in certain areas of the computer room can help to avoid any computer catastrophes. Computers perform operations that we cannot live without, so it is imperative that servers are kept cool.
There should be a low level of humidity in computer rooms as well as some air movement. It is key that your computer’s hardware is comfortable and that the room is at a required temperature of 20-25°C in order to avoid over-heating. The humidity range of any computer room should be at a cooling of 40-55% with a maximum dew point of 17°C.
A certain amount of outside air should be let into the room but only in small portions. This is why all server rooms should have doors that are always closed. The cooling of a computer room can be done by making use of portable air conditioning hire or having an air conditioner installed. Air conditioners can cool the return space air below the dew point and avoid any amount of condensation on the computers themselves. An air conditioning unit or various units can be used to avoid temperature changes in the room.
An air conditioner’s main function is to keep the immediate area around it cool and comfortable, and this is highly important in areas where information is being processed and stored. Contact an air conditioning specialist for your computer room needs in order gain advice and knowledge about what type of air conditioning system you should use.
Lauren wrote this article for Iceboys - reliable portable air conditioning hire and sale in the UK from Iceboys, a leading air conditioning specialist.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_Potgieter