http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/pen-drive-history-and-facts.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/pen-drive-history-and-facts.html Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:11:04 -0600
Durable, portable and scratch-resistant, the pen drive is a marked improvement on previous data transportation devices, such as the CD and floppy disk, and a source of constant relief and graduate for millions of people the world over.

The history

At the dawn of the new Millennium, it became clear that traditional storage solutions were no longer up to the job. People now needed to move large files between computers in the blink of eye, using intermediary technology which was quick to set up, easy to carry and hard to damage. A clutch of software companies, including SanDisk (then known as M-Systems), Lexar, Trek and IBM began working on a solution that would meet these needs.

Their solution was the revolutionary USB flash drive, which was gradually developed in the last years of the 20th century. In 2000 Trek rolled out the first-ever flash drive, named Thumb Drive, in Singapore, with IBM introducing a similar model to the North American market. Just a few months later Lexar introduced a Compact Flash (CF) card with a USB connection, and a companion card read/writer and USB cable; this eliminated the need for a USB hub, and allowed the pen/flash drive to enjoy meteoric growth over the next decade.

How it works

Each pen drive comprises a tiny Printed Circuit Board (or PCB) to store data, a USB connector, and a NAND flash memory chip using multicell level technology; this groundbreaking solution was first developed by SanDisk and Toshiba in 2005. The constituent technologies are encased within a tough outer shell, manufactured in metal, rubber or plastic, and the USB connector may be sheathed in an outer cap or protected by a retractable strip, which allows the user to withdraw the connector when not in use.

The name pen drive is actually an anachronism; drives typically rely on mechanical systems, but this little gem does not. The term drive remains as a vestigial nod to the past because computers read and write flash-drive data using the same system commands as for a mechanical disk drive, with the storage appearing to the computer operating system and user interface as just another drive.

Meteoric growth

In less than 10 years the pen drive has evolved from an optional extra for the technologically savvy into an indispensable staple for all computer users. People have found more and more reasons to use a pen drive, and they have been encouraged by rapid increases in storage capacity; the early pen drives had room for just 8MB, but this soon increased as the technology improved - today you can pick up a pen drive with capacity of 128GB, provided you are willing to pay top dollar for the privilege.

The growth of the pen drive has rendered the good-old floppy disk almost obsolete. Until 2005 most PCs were fitted with floppy disk drives as standard. Now, faced with the ubiquity of the pen drive, designers are leaving out the old drives and fitting USB ports instead. The revolution is nearly complete!

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You can have access to articles about pen drive in portuguese language from page Pen_Drive

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/instant-memory-with-a-pen-drive.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/instant-memory-with-a-pen-drive.html Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:30:11 -0600
A pen drive is very small and light, typically weighing less that 28g. They work in the same way as a floppy disk as they are re-writable. Until 2005, all PC equipment came with floppy disk drives as well as USB ports. As the untapped possibilities of the USB became apparent, the floppy disk became obsolete. A USB, or Universal Serial Bus, is the small hole in the back or side of your equipment where you can plug in a variety of hardware. A mouse, wireless adaptor and the wire to transfer information from your cell phone to your PC are just some of the most common things that go into a USB port.

PC`s are a major part of our lives now, at home, school and work. Imagine you are at work, it`s getting late but you have to get that project finished by tomorrow. The pen drive has given you the luxury of downloading the data you need so you can finish the work at home. The biggest users of pen drives are students. As teaching has moved away from traditional methods to use computer technology, this little portable, memory device has become a must have for every student.

They can download the data that they need from their school or college computer and do the work at home. They are essential for teachers too. They research the work for their classes in the comfort of their own home, download the data onto the pen drive, take it to work in their pocket then just pop it into the PC in their classroom.

Amongst non professionals, pen drives are mostly used for photographs and music, before you purchase one, think about how much memory you need as they come in various memory capacities. The smallest is 32MB; this gives you the capacity for 15 photographs and 8 MP3 files. Next up is 64MB, with 30 photos and 15 MP3. 128MB allows you 61 photos and 30 MP3. On a 256MB you can save 122 photos and 61 MP3. 512MB gives you 243 photos and 122 MP. Now we get to the big boys; 1GB equals 486 photos and 243 photos. These keep doubling up as you go to 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB until you reach the mighty 128GB pen drive, which can store 62259 photographs, 31130 MP3 files and 249 video minutes.

As they now come in all shapes and colors so there`s one to suite everyone, the pen drive has created a little niche for itself in the gadget market. No doubt in years to come it will be further improved, but there`s no doubt that the pen drive is here to stay.

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You can have access to articles about pen drive in portuguese language from page Pen_Drive

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/why-you-should-buy-a-notebook.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/why-you-should-buy-a-notebook.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:17:27 -0600
Notebooks are generally more expensive than desktop models; however, they have decreased significantly in the past few years in cost. Many students and home users can easily afford a decent laptop. Careful review of brands and models should be done also, as a more costly model may indeed be one of the more dependable and longer lasting; this equals money well spent.

A good place to start is a large office supply store that has dedicated knowledgeable staff members purposely working in the computer department. Often, these employees are computer gurus; they tend to be honest and forthcoming about the better brands, and readily share their tried and true favorites. These stores do have sales, and many have a clearance board as well of more pricey models that just need to be moved for new inventory.

Battery use is quite heavy with most laptops; if using in the home, simply keeping it plugged into its charger cord will eliminate the problem of a quickly drained battery. When traveling, there are compatible car chargers, and some users like to have a spare charged battery on hand as well.

The notebook purchased should come with a factory warranty and option to purchase a store warrant as well. Upgrades should be part of the purchased package, and many will also include discounted or free software suites. Another good item to look for is an ergonomic laptop stand. Most are handy for travel, and it is crucial to have one if the laptop will be used while lying in bed. These stands allow the notebook to get enough air so as not to burn out the CPU. They also ensure less stress on the hands and wrists of the user, and the back and neck as well.

Most laptop computers now come standard with a DVD and/or CD player (possibly burning capabilities as well), and multiple USB ports for things like flash drives and other electronic connections. Webcams are normally built-in as a feature on most laptops now. A wireless mouse is an important tool to have for heavy users; most of them will not like the touchpad mouse on the laptop keyboard very much. A protective skin or case can also be purchased to prevent dinging and scratching the casing of the computer.

Memory is not such a hard thing to come by in most laptops now. Many are now equipped with 2 GB minimum. More have 3 or 4 GB, which is what a heavy user or student will need. This is to avoid the money and hassle in adding more memory in the future. The computer will run cleaner and faster for longer. Most heavy users or gamers will prefer a larger screen as well, whereas lighter users will be content with a small or standard screen, this does save some more money. Having rewritable CDs and DVDs or flash drives on hand allows for storage apart from the computer; this is vital to memory saving and prevention of file loss.

Proper research and time put in to the purchase of a good notebook computer will be well worth. This will enable the user to be happy for at least a few years to come, just by following a few simple tips.

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You can have access to articles about notebook in portuguese language from page Notebook

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/an-insight-of-mini-notebook.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/an-insight-of-mini-notebook.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:58:50 -0600
The standard drives usually on mini notebooks are comparatively small approximately 16GB and less. However, some software such as Windows Media Player 11, Windows XP and Microsoft office 2002 require more than 4GB and therefore it may need an upgrade. The minit notebook displays have lower resolution than the standard laptop computers, but this does not highlight the reason to be deterrent from buying it as there is an opportunity to work with digital graphics. The device has graphic cards, but they normally are not equally effective as notebook computers, but for web surfing or music downloads, there is not much difference noticeable.

The mini notebook runs Linux version as the main operating system and hence are less expensive. It is appropriate as a primary computer for downloading music and loading MP3 player or emailing to friends and surfing the net. These devices are not ideal for games or even for complicated word-processing or other number crunching applications. They are becoming more important and are expected to reach a point that it will come in the palm fitting size. However, speaking of the money spent on buying mini notebooks, it is beneficial as it is cheaper, and they make great machines for people who are always on the go.

Mini notebooks are offered by notable manufacturers such as HP, Dell, Asus, Compaq and several others. These devices are appropriate for business people and individuals who are on constant move and also need WiFi connection to hotspots. However, they are not good for people desiring to customize the use of optical discs or computing experience. It is in fact best in size and performs many functions as well. For instance an Acer mini notebook contains the specifications such as Intel Atom of 1.6 GHz, Memory 512 MB, Intel 82801GBM, Intel 82945GMS, Screen Size 8.9", LED backlight, Mass storage 8GB SSD, 5 in 1 cardreader, VGA, headphone, microphone, SD slot, Crystal-eye webcam, 3xUSB, RJ-45, Wireless with 802.11b/g with a dimension 170 (d) x 249 (w) x 29(h) mm and 2.17 lbs.

Mini notebook is a great buy for budget users as it approximately costs $398, but is most appropriate for people who need online and needs customized applications. The space is not a constraint while considering portability though it is featured only with solid state drive with eight gigabyte. Since there are so many notebook models, buying the one which is best suitable to your needs will be the best choice. For instance, a writer may find the Acer mini notebook a good choice, even though there are other models having DVD/CD ROM drive. Proper researching and ensuring a customized notebook computer will usually suit the needs of the user.

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You can have access to articles about notebooks in portuguese language from page Notebook

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/laptop-batteries-how-it-all-began.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/laptop-batteries-how-it-all-began.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:37:14 -0600
In fact, the laptop battery has an exciting history. They have already come along way, but they still have a long way to go to perfection. When we think of laptop batteries, many of us think about the rechargeable ones that are deployed now. Yet, several decades ago AA batteries were extensively deployed in laptops. It took a great many AA batteries to run a laptop. Moreover, it could not run for long. Some people remember the heavy lead acid based batteries that did not only last long, but also made a laptop extremely heavy.

Since then the production of laptop batteries has been modified. Lighter nickel cadmium batteries (NiCd) superseded lead acid based ones. Yet, these batteries were not deployed much, since nickel metal hydride batteries (also known as NiMH) appeared. They lasted longer and were lighter. Their drawback was that they possessed the so-called memory defect. If the NiMH laptop battery had not discharged to the fullest, it remembered it and generated less power than it should do.

When lithium ion batteries (LiON) appeared on the IT market, customers saw a tremendous advancement in laptop batteries production. These batteries are much lighter if compared to other batteries and do not produce any memory defect. They are installed in laptops of the next generation.

Even though LiON batteries run non-stop for several hours, they require re-charging. Because more and more people buy laptops annually, the demand for longer lasting batteries is speedily increasing. Certainly, there will be improvements until batteries that never go dead are made. Regardless of the purpose you turn on your portable PC for, you know that you require a battery with a longer life. You need to know the battery will not go dead when you need your portable computer most of all.

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This web portal offers a range of laptop battery. Thus, here you can purchase inexpensive HP laptop battery.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/notebook-smart-shopping-tips.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/notebook-smart-shopping-tips.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:43:50 -0600
The first factor to be considered is whether the user truly needs a lightweight notebook, and do these sleek and attractive laptops suit their working system. If computing is done in the office or home mostly, understanding the benefits of using a portable, tiny notebook is difficult, mainly because the full size laptop, with its easy to use keyboard and large screen is more convenient.

On the contrary, a busy on the go executive may find the lightweight laptops appropriate to check emails and other applications constantly. In fact, notebooks were designed keeping in mind the road warriors who frequently travel, and the added advantages of a cell phone that is web enabled, with email access, internet surfing, calendar applications and much more altogether weighing only a few pounds.

The second factor worth considering is their low prices. A bit of shopping makes it possible to find lightweight notebooks for few hundred dollars such that they are affordable. Of course, shopping carefully is a must so that a machine featuring a solid processor, plenty of memory and enough extras are purchased making it a true replacement for a laptop or a traditional desktop computer.

The third factor worth considering is the speed of the processor as lightweight notebooks are less costly in comparison to the traditional laptops, and this is done by skimping the model as well as the processor speed. Hence, looking for a built-in solid and speed processor is the main priority, regardless of its size is worth bearing in mind while shopping.

Fourth factor determinant is the amount of memory that the notebook has, so do not consider skimping on RAM. However, majority of the ultra portables boast good memory such as 4GB and more, yet boosting the installed memory to promote the usefulness and performance of the lightweight notebook is the ideal ways of ensuring a good purchase.

Screen size refers to be the fifth factor as these portable laptops also have easy to carry screen size, and hence shopping should be done after looking a few models with different screen size. The keyboard size is as well a significant factor worth considering and hence prior to purchasing feel the keyboard, its comfort and use so that it truly makes a happy shopping.

Sixth factor is the built-in DVD drive; hence looking for ultra-portable notebook computers featuring playing movies on the go is essential. Similarly, computer shoppers should consider the USB slots, external monitor`s connections, docking stations and more.

Considering all the factors above should certainly enable you to find the right device, whether a netbook or a lightweight or even a full size notebook. The device should have all the features you find to be necessary, and with the price that will fit your budget.

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You can have access to articles about notebook in portuguese language from page Notebook

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/basic-features-of-notebooks.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/basic-features-of-notebooks.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:04:44 -0500
It has been about quite a long time since the first laptop emerged in the market for commercial use. Earlier, laptops were heavy in weight and also the thickness of such laptops was much more than compared to modern day laptops. With the passage of time, the laptops have become much lighter so that it is easy to carry. Also the thickness of laptops is decreasing day by day so that it becomes the first preference of the buyers while buying a computer.

The biggest advantage of having a notebook is its portability. A notebook can be easily carried from one place to another because of its light weight and slim size. One can use notebooks in trains, while traveling in cars and several other places where a desktop computer cannot be used. This distinct feature of a notebook makes it even more popular among the people.

Carrying a notebook saves your time. And since time is the most important factor in today`s world so one uses his/her laptop anywhere he/she likes to. If there is Wi-Fi connectivity in your notebook, you can easily connect your laptop with the entire world thought the Wi-Fi zones across several places in your city.

Laptops are of a very smaller size than compared to a desktop computer. Moreover, laptops consume much less power than compared to desktop computers. Laptops come with an internal battery which needs to be charged from time to time.

All the USB hubs and other jacks in a laptop are easily accessible, whereas in case of desktop computers you may have to take the pain of turning the CPU and inserting the USB jacks in the backside.

However, laptops are expensive than a desktop computer. And it is very difficult to upgrade your laptop whereas upgrading your desktop computer is very easy. And since laptops are portable, there are chances of it falling and breaking.

Almost all the desktop computer companies have jumped into laptop production too. There are a huge number of companies available in the market. These companies are competing to get their market share in the laptop business.

Most of the laptops built these days have an inbuilt webcam in it. When you purchase a notebook make sure you have decided a configuration beforehand, before you go for buying it. Also have a rough budget in mind so that is it easier for you at the store to decide what to buy and for how much should you buy it.

You can also connect your notebook to printers and scanners to just like you do with computers. The only problem you face with your laptop is when you think about upgrading your laptop. It is a pretty difficult job and sometimes up-gradation is not possible. However, in case of desktop computers up-gradation is much easier.

Laptops are now replacing desktop computers in almost every home. If anyone has a choice to buy between a desktop computer and a laptop, he will surely go for a laptop first. And that is not all; the prices of laptops are decreasing day by day which enables the buyer to go for a notebook rather than buying a desktop computer.

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You can have access to articles about notebooks in portuguese language from page Notebook

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/making-your-ink-cartridge-last-longer.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/making-your-ink-cartridge-last-longer.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:08:39 -0500

1. Use color ink as when needed

The majority of documents that you print are in black and white. Before you print a document make sure that the printing settings read "Black and White Document"

2. Determining printing purpose

Before printing a document make sure that you know and understand what you want to print. There can be a group of graphics on the document that you might not need to print out. Doing this on a regular basis can dramatically extend the life of your ink cartridge.


3. Not too hot and not too cold

The ink inside ink cartridges is very sensible to temperature changes. If the temperature is either to cold or too hot, the ink can dry up easily.

4. Using your printer constantly

Using your ink constantly prevents the ink from drying up, because it keeps the ink moving.

5. Printer Settings

If you are printing a general document, you should always set your printer settings to draft. Less ink is used up when the printer is put in this setting.


6. Print Preview

Print preview function is a useful feature that can help you in giving a preview of how the document will look like after been printed. Use this feature to organize your document before printing it out. This can help in reducing the amount of times that you print your document for revisions.

7. Keep inkjet printers on

Every time an inkjet printer is turned on and activated it undergoes a process that uses up ink. If you keep your printer on, you are saving ink. Don't worry about the electric bill either, since inkjets are the most economical printing devices, in terms of power consumption.


For more information of ink cartridges please visit Inkchief.com

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Daniel De Avila. President/Owner of Inkchief.com. Many years of experience in the ink and toner industry. Has extensive knowledge of laser and inkjet printing systems. For more information on printers and printer supplies please visit Inkchief.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/why-buy-ink-and-toner-online.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/why-buy-ink-and-toner-online.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:02:24 -0500
In the past, most printer owners would have to take a trip to their nearest retail store to buy an ink or toner cartridge when their printer alerted them that it was time for the cartridge to be replaced. Just imagine how much you are losing, and how much you can save by buying ink and toner cartridges online. You are saving yourself time, gas money, and even more money for the cartridge.

Purchasing ink and toner cartridges online will save you time and money without sacrificing quality. As soon as your printer warns you that it is running low on ink or toner, all you have to do is go online and search for a reputable online ink and toner supplier, in this respect the name that you can trust is Inkchief.com. Once you are in the site, all you have to do is click on your printer brand icon and search for your ink or toner cartridge. Most online ink/toner suppliers have a Search box that you can use to locate your cartridge quickly. When you find your ink/toner, you will note that their prices are really low compared to the giant retail stores because online stores do not have to pay for any infrastructure cost like rent of the shop or salary of their employees. When you check out, you will also notice that most of these sites do not charge a shipping fee. Inkchief.com does not charge a shipping fee for any of their products.

Many people are doubtful when making online purchases, as they are unable to have a firsthand look at them. But, if you are buying an ink or toner cartridge, there is really nothing to look at. All you have to do is know the name of your cartridge. If you buy the wrong one, you can always return them, as the majority of online ink and toner suppliers have return policies. There is nothing to lose and a lot to gain, when you purchase ink cartridges online. You have convenience, lower prices, and free shipping. And if you buy them in bulk, you get further discounts. By shopping at www.inkchief.com, you are immediately saving yourself about 30 - 50%, compared to buying at Staples or Office Depot.


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Daniel De Avila. President/Owner of Inkchief.com. Many years of experience in the ink and toner industry. Has extensive knowledge of laser and inkjet printing systems. For more information on printers and printer supplies please visit Inkchief.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/is-all-printing-paper-the-same.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/is-all-printing-paper-the-same.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:58:38 -0500
If you are a person that uses your printer at home to print regular documents, presentations, and essays, then you should purchase basic bond paper. This type of paper sells in reams of 500 sheets and has a typical weight of 80-100 gsm. This is the paper that you will purchase most of the time. Buying paper that is heavier, will be more expensive, thus a waste of money. The difference between 80 and 100 gsm means the paper is heavier in weight, thus thicker.

If you want to print out certificates, menus or other important documents that need to make an impact, then you should pick heavier, or thicker, paper. If you are using your home printer, you must make sure that it can handle thicker paper. Most home and small office printers start jamming around 110-125 gsm, and this can create many problems and frustrations for the end user.

Before you begin any printing project, one of the first things that you should consider is the type of paper that you should be using. Always look at the different types of papers on sale and look for the best fit for quality as well as price. This can save you an awful lot of time, frustrations and money.

Please visit Inkchief.com for more information on printer paper.


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Daniel De Avila. President/Owner of Inkchief.com. Many years of experience in the ink and toner industry. Has extensive knowledge of laser and inkjet printing systems. For more information on printers and printer supplies please visit Inkchief.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>