Computer News and Updates

Computer hardware comprises of different components of a computer including the Central Processing Unit (CPU), keyboard, mouse, hard disk, monitor, RAM or memory, drives like CD, DVD, tape, optical and so forth. All these components are quite necessary for the proper functioning of a personal computer.
The entire computer is available with the above mentioned components, but its also possible to purchase these components independently from several of the offline and online stores. Some of the most vital components include the following:

Central Processing Unit: The CPU refers to the processor of the computer. Though there are several companies that create CPUs or processors for personal computers, the Pentium chip manufactured by Intel is broadly and generally used by most of the manufacturers.

Mouse: Its one of the most important computer hardware component and used for navigating on the computers screen to click on options, to select objects and to access information. There are normally 2 buttons on the mouse, one on the left that is used for selection and one on the right that is used to access information. There are various types of mouse available today which include scroll mouse, optical mouse, laser mouse, etc.

Hard Disk: Computer hardware also comprises of a hard disk which is a device used for eternal storage of data. The performance of a computer depends mainly on the rotation speed of the hard disk. The higher the rotation speed, the higher would be the performance of the computer.

Keyboard: Its also an important computer hardware which is necessary to enter commands and words. Every key in the keyword is a symbol of a number, an alphabet, sign, function and so forth.

Random Access Memory: RAM is also a computer hardware which stores information for the time being. Nevertheless, while rebooting or turning off the computer, this information gets erased. The computer performs better if the size of the RAM is larger.

Computer hardware also includes components like digital cameras, sound cards, scanners and modems. Different types of components are available and it might differ according to the type of the computer.

While technology industry is the fastest growing field of modern time, portable device is the pride of this industry. These technology gadgets help people to be free from our desks and flexible in working. From Busicom LE-120A calculator to Motorola Atrix 4G Smartphone, portable devices have undergone a colorful history.

1971: Busicom LE-120A ‘Handy-LE’ Calculator

It sounds strange, but the original model of portable computing was the calculator. The machine from Busicom could be easily fitted in pocket held in hand. The Handy-LE, which was powered with the Mostek MK610, was truly the first pocket-size calculator.

Busicom LE-120A ‘Handy-LE’ Calculator

1981: Osborne 1 Portable Computer

This Osborne 1 was the first computer made for carrying out with users. The computer weighs 23.5 pounds and displays 5-inch-diagonal screen.

1982: Grid Compass 1100 Clamshell Laptop

The first clamshell laptop was designed by the Grid Compass. Until now, it is still the standard basic concept for laptop design.

1991: Psion Series 3 Minicomputer

Psion 3, the first palmtop minicomputer, managed to feature a word processor, a calculator and a sketch program.

1999: Apple iBook G3 Wi-fi-Enabled Laptop

Apple’s iBook G3 not only owns candy-colored design but also the first device to carry a Wi-fi card.

2002: Acer TravelMate TM-100 Laptop/Tablet Hybrid

The TravelMate came along with the screen 180 degrees and loaded the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Remarkably, this was the first pen-based convertible laptop.

2006: Samsung Q1 Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC)

With a 7-inch screen, 500MB of RAM and 900MHz processor, Samsung Q1 was definitely the ultramobile PC.

2007: Eee PC 4G Netbook

Eee PC 4G was the first netbook ever.

2007: Apple iPhone Smartphone

Apple’s iPhone features touch-based interface and powerful computing ability which makes iPhone as a minicomputer.

2010-2011: Apple iPad 1 and 2

Apple iPad is the first mass-selling tablet PC and accounts for 83 percent of all tablet sales.

2011: Motorola Atrix 4G Smartphone

The Motorola Atrix 4G is a perfect combination of desktop computing and mobile.

Article by Arturo Chuong

In this day and age, the truth of the matter is that you cannot neglect computer security. Not only can you not neglect it, you can’t AFFORD to neglect it, not when you consider that it’s practically free to keep yourself safe, and potentially quite expensive to leave yourself open to attack.

To ask the same question ten years ago, the answer would be somewhat different. People were scared of hackers and viruses back then, but honestly, all you had to do to stay safe in the old days was not open questionable emails. Today, we’re all on wireless and high speed internet. It’s simply not a good idea to leave yourself open anymore.

Are you LIKELY to become a victim of identity theft? Well, about as likely as you are to become a victim of a home burglarly or a car theft. But just because it hasn’t happened yet, or because it doesn’t happen regularly, you don’t leave your doors unlocked when you go to work, do you? You don’t leave the keys in the ignition when you go in for the night, do you? So why leave your computer open?

It’s probably prudent, at this point, to explain exactly what the threat is, here, that we’re discussing. It’s pretty simple, actually. Information thieves want to get into your computer and your online accounts so that they can look at information like credit card numbers, bank account information and other financial details. If they have this and your social security number, they can essentially take all of your money from you, and it’s down to whether or not the bank believes you as to whether or not you’ll ever see any of that money back.

Obviously, what you need to do is set up the proper firewalls and security protocols, and then get some good, inexpensive security software. But beyond that, there are a couple of vital points you’ll want to keep in mind, as well…

Be Careful in Public

You know, not all information thieves are hackers, and not all thieves are information thieves. We get so worried about identity thieves that sometimes we simply leave our laptop on the table at the coffee shop when we run off to the little boys/girls room. We may think “Well I know I’m safe, I have the top anti-virus software on my computer!” but how is anti-virus software going to stop someone who sees a laptop on a table, unattended, and decides to snatch it and run? Or even just peek at whatever was left open on it?

Only Access The Internet Through Secure Connections

It was revealed recently that most airports that provide free Wifi provide absolutely no security for it. This is a problem. You can keep people out of your computer, but there’s no guarantee they can’t pick up the information being sent OUT by it. If you’re not sure if the connection’s safe, don’t use it. Sure, you want to watch your favorite show online right now, but… Just wait until you get home, okay?