DIGITAL SANKALP

How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> </h1> You may have heard the wordshardware and software before and wondered what the difference was. The hardware is all the tangible computer equipment, such as thekeyboard and mouse. The software is what makes the hardware work or lets you get things done, such as writing documents with Microsoft Word or playing a Solitaire game. Think of computer hardware as being like your television set and the shows that you watch as being like the software. <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Hardware you'll find on your computer</h2> The hardware on your computer consists of<ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li> A central processing unit(CPU), which is the very small, very high-tech semiconductor chip that acts as the brains of your computer. The CPU is stored in a computer tower along with the other nuts and bolts of your computer. </li><li>A monitor, which displays images on its screen, such as the Microsoft Windows desktop or a document in a software program. </li><li>A keyboard, which is similar to a typewriter keyboard. In addition to typing words, you can use a keyboard to give the computer commands. </li><li>A mouse, which you also use to give your computer commands. You move the mouse around your desk with your hand, which moves a pointer around on-screen. Using this pointer, you can click items like buttons that cause an action or click the screen and drag the mouse toselect text or an object to perform an action on it (such as deleting it or making the text bold). </li><li>Peripherals, such as a printer, speakers, webcams, and microphones. These items may or may not come with your computer when you buy it, but your computer does come with slots (called ports) where you plug in various peripherals. </li></ul><h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Software that runs stuff on your computer</h2> Software (also known as programs or applications) is installed on your computer hard drive, which resides in the computer casing (either in your laptop or, for a desktopcomputer, in the computer tower). Here are a few basics about software:<ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li> You use software to get your work done, run entertainment programs, and browse the Internet. For example, Quicken is a financial management program you can use to balance your checkbook or keep track of your home inventory for insurance purposes. </li><li>Some programs come preinstalled on your computer; you can buy and install other programs as you need them. For example, there is always anoperating system on a computer, because it runs all the other programs. Some programs are included with your operating system, such as Solitaire, an electronic version of the old favorite card game, which comes with Windows 10. Skype, a program that enables you to make online phone calls using your computer, is a popular program that you can find on the Internet and install on your computer yourself. </li><li>You can uninstall programs you no longer need. Uninstalling unwanted programs helps to free up some space on your computer, which helps it perform better. </li><li>Some software programs called utilities exist to keep your computer in shape. An antivirusprogram is an example of a utility used to spot and erase computer viruses from your system. Your operating system (such as, Windows 10 Home Premium, which also includes some utilities, like the Windows Defender program. Windows Defender protects your computer from unwanted intrusion by malicious programs called spyware. </li></ul>

How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software

You may have heard the wordshardware and software before and wondered what the difference was. The hardware is all the tangible computer e...

8:14 am

How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software

How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software

You may have heard the wordshardware and software before and wondered what the difference was. The hardware is all the tangible computer e...

8:14 am

How to Choose a Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">You can find several styles of computers on the market, and you may be wondering how you'll ever choose which one to buy. </h1> <h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Some computers, such as laptops, are small and portable. Other computers use different operatingsystems, such as Windows and Macintosh, to make everything run. Computers may excel at certainfunctions, such as working with graphics or playing games.</h1> Consider the following features when choosing the type of computer you should buy: <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Which computer operating system do you prefer?</h2> Windows is probably the most common computer operating system. However, Macintosh computers from Apple are also popular. Macintosh computers use Apple-specific software. However, many software applications written for Windows are also available for the Macintosh, and you can also set up your Mac to run the Windows operating system, which gives you the best of both worlds. Some computers run on a freely available operating system called Linux, which has similar functionality to Windows. <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Do you want a laptop or PC?</h2> Two types of computers you can buy are a laptop and a desktop. Here's the difference:<ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"> <li>A laptop is portable, weighing anywhere from two to eight pounds (the lowest weight ones are called netbooks). Themonitor, keyboard, and mouseare built into the laptop. (Note that if the monitor is damaged, you have to pay quite a bit to have it repaired or hook it up to an external monitor.) Choose a laptop (sometimes called a notebook computer) if you want to use your computer mainly away from home, or you have little space in your home for a larger computer. <img alt="image0.jpg" height="289" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/08/210108.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> <li>Desktop models typically have a large tower that contains the computer's central processing unit (called a CPU). The keyboard, mouse, and monitor are separate. Desktopcomputers take up more space than laptops and are not portable, but they're usually less expensive. <img alt="image1.jpg" height="302" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/09/210109.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> </ul><h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">How about pictures and sound on your computer?</h2> If you work with a lot of visual elements (for example, photographs, home movies, or computer games), consider a computer that has a better graphics card. Games often involve sound, so a high-end sound card may also be useful. Computers with more sophisticated sound and image capabilities are often referred to as gaming or multimedia models and they typically require a larger hard disk to handle these functions. Because the capabilities of these cards change all the time, ask the person you're buying the computer from whether the system can handle sophisticated sound and graphics.

How to Choose a Computer

You can find several styles of computers on the market, and you may be wondering how you'll ever choose which one to buy. Some co...

8:12 am

How to Choose a Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">You can find several styles of computers on the market, and you may be wondering how you'll ever choose which one to buy. </h1> <h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Some computers, such as laptops, are small and portable. Other computers use different operatingsystems, such as Windows and Macintosh, to make everything run. Computers may excel at certainfunctions, such as working with graphics or playing games.</h1> Consider the following features when choosing the type of computer you should buy: <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Which computer operating system do you prefer?</h2> Windows is probably the most common computer operating system. However, Macintosh computers from Apple are also popular. Macintosh computers use Apple-specific software. However, many software applications written for Windows are also available for the Macintosh, and you can also set up your Mac to run the Windows operating system, which gives you the best of both worlds. Some computers run on a freely available operating system called Linux, which has similar functionality to Windows. <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Do you want a laptop or PC?</h2> Two types of computers you can buy are a laptop and a desktop. Here's the difference:<ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"> <li>A laptop is portable, weighing anywhere from two to eight pounds (the lowest weight ones are called netbooks). Themonitor, keyboard, and mouseare built into the laptop. (Note that if the monitor is damaged, you have to pay quite a bit to have it repaired or hook it up to an external monitor.) Choose a laptop (sometimes called a notebook computer) if you want to use your computer mainly away from home, or you have little space in your home for a larger computer. <img alt="image0.jpg" height="289" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/08/210108.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> <li>Desktop models typically have a large tower that contains the computer's central processing unit (called a CPU). The keyboard, mouse, and monitor are separate. Desktopcomputers take up more space than laptops and are not portable, but they're usually less expensive. <img alt="image1.jpg" height="302" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/09/210109.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> </ul><h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">How about pictures and sound on your computer?</h2> If you work with a lot of visual elements (for example, photographs, home movies, or computer games), consider a computer that has a better graphics card. Games often involve sound, so a high-end sound card may also be useful. Computers with more sophisticated sound and image capabilities are often referred to as gaming or multimedia models and they typically require a larger hard disk to handle these functions. Because the capabilities of these cards change all the time, ask the person you're buying the computer from whether the system can handle sophisticated sound and graphics.

How to Choose a Computer

You can find several styles of computers on the market, and you may be wondering how you'll ever choose which one to buy. Some co...

8:12 am

How to Determine a Price Range When Buying a Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Buying a computer can be confusing, especially because of the amount of choices and the large price range.  </h1>You can buy a computer for anywhere from $299 to $5,000 or more, depending on your budget and computing needs. You can shop in a retail store for a computer or shop online using a friend's computer. Consider researching different models and prices online and using that information to negotiate your purchase in the store if you prefer shopping at the mall. Be aware, however, that most retail stores have a small selection compared to all you can find online on a Web site such as Dell.com. Some Web sites, such as Epinions.com, allow you to compare several models of computers side by side, and others, such as Nextag.com, allow you to compare prices on a particular model from multiple stores. Here are some guidelines to help you find a computer at the price that's right for you: <ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li> Determine how often you'll use your computer. If you'll be working on your computer eight hours a day running a home business, you'll need a better quality computer to withstand the use. If you turn on the computer once or twice a week, you don't have to buy the priciest model in the shop. </li><li>Consider the features that you need. Do you want (or have room for) a 20-inch monitor? Do you need the computer to run very fast and run several programs at once, or do you need to store tons of data? Understand what you need before you buy. Each feature or upgrade adds dollars to your computer's price. </li><li>Shop wisely. If you walk from store to store or do your shopping online, you'll find that the price for the same computer model can vary by hundreds of dollars at different stores. See whether your memberships in organizations such as AAA, AARP, or Costco make you eligible for better deals. Consider shipping costs if you buy online and keep in mind that many stores charge a restocking fee if you return a computer you aren't happy with. Some stores offer only a short time period, such as 14 days, in which you can return a computer. </li><li>Buying used or refurbished is an option, though new computers have reached such a low price point that this may not save you much. In addition, technology gets out of date so quickly that you may be disappointed buying an older model. Consider going to a company that produces customized, non-name-brand computers at lower prices — perhaps even your local computer repair shop. You may be surprised at the bargains you can find (but make sure that you're dealing with reputable people before buying). </li><li>Online auctions are a source of new or slightly used computers at a low price. However, be sure that you're dealing with a reputable store or person by checking reviews others have posted about them or contacting the Better Business Bureau. Be careful not to pay by check (which gives a complete stranger your bank account number); instead use the auction site's tools to have a third-party handle the money until the goods are delivered in the condition promised. Check the auction site for guidance on staying safe when buying auctioned goods. </li></ul>

How to Determine a Price Range When Buying a Computer

Buying a computer can be confusing, especially because of the amount of choices and the large price range. You can buy a computer for a...

8:10 am

How to Determine a Price Range When Buying a Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Buying a computer can be confusing, especially because of the amount of choices and the large price range.  </h1>You can buy a computer for anywhere from $299 to $5,000 or more, depending on your budget and computing needs. You can shop in a retail store for a computer or shop online using a friend's computer. Consider researching different models and prices online and using that information to negotiate your purchase in the store if you prefer shopping at the mall. Be aware, however, that most retail stores have a small selection compared to all you can find online on a Web site such as Dell.com. Some Web sites, such as Epinions.com, allow you to compare several models of computers side by side, and others, such as Nextag.com, allow you to compare prices on a particular model from multiple stores. Here are some guidelines to help you find a computer at the price that's right for you: <ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li> Determine how often you'll use your computer. If you'll be working on your computer eight hours a day running a home business, you'll need a better quality computer to withstand the use. If you turn on the computer once or twice a week, you don't have to buy the priciest model in the shop. </li><li>Consider the features that you need. Do you want (or have room for) a 20-inch monitor? Do you need the computer to run very fast and run several programs at once, or do you need to store tons of data? Understand what you need before you buy. Each feature or upgrade adds dollars to your computer's price. </li><li>Shop wisely. If you walk from store to store or do your shopping online, you'll find that the price for the same computer model can vary by hundreds of dollars at different stores. See whether your memberships in organizations such as AAA, AARP, or Costco make you eligible for better deals. Consider shipping costs if you buy online and keep in mind that many stores charge a restocking fee if you return a computer you aren't happy with. Some stores offer only a short time period, such as 14 days, in which you can return a computer. </li><li>Buying used or refurbished is an option, though new computers have reached such a low price point that this may not save you much. In addition, technology gets out of date so quickly that you may be disappointed buying an older model. Consider going to a company that produces customized, non-name-brand computers at lower prices — perhaps even your local computer repair shop. You may be surprised at the bargains you can find (but make sure that you're dealing with reputable people before buying). </li><li>Online auctions are a source of new or slightly used computers at a low price. However, be sure that you're dealing with a reputable store or person by checking reviews others have posted about them or contacting the Better Business Bureau. Be careful not to pay by check (which gives a complete stranger your bank account number); instead use the auction site's tools to have a third-party handle the money until the goods are delivered in the condition promised. Check the auction site for guidance on staying safe when buying auctioned goods. </li></ul>

How to Determine a Price Range When Buying a Computer

Buying a computer can be confusing, especially because of the amount of choices and the large price range. You can buy a computer for a...

8:10 am

Google Play Music All Access becomes a ticket to Google Glass for some

<div class="imageContainer580xX" style="width:320px;height:auto;clear:both;margin:auto;color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:'Helvetica Neue',Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:19px"><img alt="Google Glass" class="largeImage imgId100042950 " itemprop="image" src="http://zapt2.staticworld.net/images/idgnsImport/2013/06/id-2042438-glass1-100042950-large.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 320px; max-width: 100%;"></div> <div class="department" style="margin:0px 0px 10px;overflow:hidden"><a class="topCatLink" href="http://www.pcworld.com/category/gadgets" style="color:rgb(172,31,43);float:left;font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin-right:5px">Google Glass is becoming less exclusive as it heads into 2014, with at least some Google Play Music All Access subscribers able to get in on the action. </a></div>Subscribers to Google's streaming music service are receiving invitations to purchase the high-tech specs for $1500 as part of the Glass Explorer program. Google began sending e-mails to All Access subscribers this morning, <a href="http://www.androidcentral.com/google-play-music-all-access-subscribers-invited-purchase-google-glass?utm_source=ac&utm_medium=twitter" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">according to AndroidCentral </a>. Google Play Music All Access, an on-demand streaming music service similar to Spotify and Rdio, costs $10 per month. It's unclear how many All Access subscribers will be able to purchase Google Glass. The e-mail is titled "Your Chance to Buy Google Glass," and it prompts users to sign up for an invitation. But at least one PCWorld editor is an early subscriber and he has not received one. Google has been steadily expanding the Glass Explorer program, in which potential owners must apply to purchase the $1500 prototype. The first units went out in April, but only for pickup in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Google has occasionally allowed Glass owners to<a href="http://www.techhive.com/article/2058093/google-glass-receives-a-hardware-refresh-this-time-you-might-get-your-hands-on-one.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">invite a few friends </a>to the Explorer program, and Google is now <a href="http://www.google.com/glass/start/how-to-get-one/index.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">accepting applications</a> from all U.S. residents. "We're expanding The Explorer Program little by little, and experimenting with different ways of bringing new Explorers into the program," Google's sign-up page says. Google hasn't said when it will end the Explorer program and launch a finished version of Google Glass. Perhaps we'll see a <a href="http://www.techhive.com/article/2058703/googles-putting-the-finishing-touches-on-a-google-now-smartwatch-says-wsj.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">Google Now smartwatch</a> come to fruition first.

Google Play Music All Access becomes a ticket to Google Glass for some

Google Glass is becoming less exclusive as it heads into 2014, with at least some Google Play Music All Access subscribers able to get in ...

8:03 am

Google Play Music All Access becomes a ticket to Google Glass for some

Google Play Music All Access becomes a ticket to Google Glass for some

Google Glass is becoming less exclusive as it heads into 2014, with at least some Google Play Music All Access subscribers able to get in ...

8:03 am

Skype's social media accounts hijacked by Syrian Electronic Army

<div class="imageContainer580xX" style="width:320px;height:auto;clear:both;margin:auto;color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:'Helvetica Neue',Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:19px"><img alt="Skype logo" class="galleryImage imgId100010026 " itemprop="image" src="http://zapt4.staticworld.net/images/article/2012/10/skype_log-100010026-gallery.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 320px; max-width: 100%;"></div> <div class="department" style="margin:0px 0px 10px;overflow:hidden"><a class="topCatLink" href="http://www.pcworld.com/category/security" style="color:rgb(172,31,43);float:left;font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin-right:5px">Skype said its social media properties were targeted, with a group styling itself as the Syrian Electronic Army appearing to claim credit for the hacks. </a></div>"You may have noticed our social media properties were targeted today," Skype said in a Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Skype/status/418550480000671744" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">message</a> late Wednesday. "No user info was compromised. We're sorry for the inconvenience." Skype's Twitter account, blog and Facebook page appeared to have been attacked by the SEA, a group that supports the Syrian government, according to reports. The Skype blog was still inaccessible late Wednesday and redirected users to the Skype homepage. <img alt="skype syrian army hack" height="330" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2014/01/skype-syrian-army-hack-100221818-large.png" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="580"> The SEA reproduced in a Twitter message a copy of what appeared to be its message using the Skype account on Twitter. The message <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_SEA16/status/418531062348673025" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">read</a>: "Don't use Microsoft emails(hotmail,outlook),They are monitoring your accounts and selling the data to the governments.More details soon #SEA." It did not figure by late Wednesday on Skype's Twitter feed. SEA later <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_SEA16/status/418531553187090432/photo/1" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">posted</a> on Twitter contact information purportedly of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, stating: "You can thank Microsoft for monitoring your accounts/emails using this details." The attack on Skype's social media accounts appears to be linked to disclosures through newspapers by former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden that Internet companies allegedly provide the agency real-time access to content on their servers for surveillance purposes. The SEA has targeted previously many high-profile websites and Twitter accounts. In August, an attack purportedly by SEA on Melbourne IT, an Australian domain registrar, <a href="http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=A5488D37-D120-9E87-E777F157CF1B1E06" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">affected</a>the websites of The New York Times, Twitter and other top companies.

Skype's social media accounts hijacked by Syrian Electronic Army

Skype said its social media properties were targeted, with a group styling itself as the Syrian Electronic Army appearing to claim credit ...

7:56 am

DIGITAL SANKALP

How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software

How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software

How to Choose a Computer

How to Choose a Computer

How to Determine a Price Range When Buying a Computer

How to Determine a Price Range When Buying a Computer

Google Play Music All Access becomes a ticket to Google Glass for some

Google Play Music All Access becomes a ticket to Google Glass for some

Skype's social media accounts hijacked by Syrian Electronic Army

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