วันอาทิตย์ที่ 24 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2550

Making USB Devices Even More Convenient

Making USB Devices Even More Convenient
By: Sammy Garf

USB (Universal Serial Bus) has revolutionized the way we connect peripherals to our computers. Replacing standard serial connections, USB has become the standard for connecting everything from printers to fans to toys to memory drives. With advancements in modern operating systems, USB devices are almost always easy to install. These devices are low power, reliable, and versatile.

In this article, we will explore some of the benefits of USB devices and how to make using USB devices even more convenient.

Ever since Windows 98, USB devices have been automatically detected when plugged in. The computer’s operating system will automatically try to find the drivers needed for the device and install them. If the drivers can not be found, a simple google search will often pull up what is needed.

The devices you choose are up to you and what you are trying to accomplish. Many people have very standard USB devices like printers, a mouse, keyboard, etc. These are great, but what if you want to do more with that little rectangular port? Fortunately, there are a lot of options out there.

One thing many people find useful is a USB snake light. These flexible lights plug right in and can provide your nighttime work area with a little light to help you see the keyboard and your work area. Getting even more wacky, USB toys such as small anti-coworker missile launchers, shavers, and more.

If you plan on having many USB devices at once, it is a good idea to get a hub. Not only will this give you more ports than what your computer provides on its own, but it will allow you to provide your devices with more reliable power. This is because many USB hubs are externally powered. With many USB devices hooked up to your computer, sometimes you can get power surges or other power problems, and these are never good for the delicate electronics inside USB devices. A powered hub alleviates this problem and makes sure your devices are getting clean, constant power - especially power hogs like USB-connected disk drives.

Sometimes you may want to share one USB device with many computers. There are several ways that you can accomplish this. One way is to use a device server. Device servers make your USB device available to anyone on a network. This a great solution for a printer that is used by more than one person in an office or home.

The main drawback of USB device servers is their cost. These servers are not cheap as they combine a USB hub and network connectivity in one box. Still, despite the cost they are the best choice for some people.

Another solution is to use a USB peripheral switch. These switches work locally between two or more computers and allow you to switch your devices between those computers. You could, for example, connect a printer to a peripheral switch and then connect the peripheral switch to two computers. Computer “A” can print transparently through the switch without any problems. When computer “B” is ready to print, the switch is simply activated and now that station is connected to the printer.

A switch is great for people who don’t need the solution of a full blown server, but still need to share USB devices. They are expandable and reliable. Many switches are even automatic. They will switch between the connected computers whenever one tries to access the USB device and the user will never need to touch a thing.

USB peripheral switches are a good choice because they are inexpensive and reliable. They start at around a third of the price as a USB device server and often solve the same problems. USB peripheral switches are also available with ports for several devices or several computers, depending on what is needed.

No matter what you situation, there are always solutions out there for you. USB peripheral switches and USB device servers will help you solve many USB device sharing problems around the home, home office, or small business.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
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Bluetooth GPS and PDA Explained

Bluetooth GPS and PDA Explained
By: Rainer Cassell

Have you ever tried to find your way across town (or across the country) using an old-fashioned road map? The only thing trickier than deciphering the directions, is figuring out how to re-fold the map! Today's travelers are finding it much easier to find their way with GPS receivers, PDA devices and Bluetooth technology.

Since GPS devices hit the market a few years ago, traditional navigation devices and roadmaps have been left in the dust. Travelers these days can glance at a GPS screen right in the car, and get clear directions on where to go and how to get there.

A GPS receiver is a small electronic device that can actually calculate your precise location on earth. The GPS is able to decode signals sent from satellites in outer space, and use those signals to tell you where you are at any given time. When combined with specialized software and electronics, the GPS is able to pinpoint an exact location on a map, and give you instructions on how to get there. This fascinating technology becomes even more incredible when you discover that it can be had for a relatively small price.

For increased convenience and usefulness, GPS receivers are often paired with other mobile devices. The PDA is one of the most popular mobile products used for this purpose. With a colored screen that can clearly display maps, and some hard drive space for map storage, PDAs are wonderful partners to GPS receivers. Consider the small size and light weight of a PDA as compared to other options like notebook and laptop computers, and it's easy to see why PDAs have become the first choice of modern navigators.

There is sometimes a problem with the integration of GPS receivers with PDAs. Connection between the two units is usually made using either conventional USB wires, or a CompactFlash (CF) CARD. The size of the GPS and PDA units together, and added to the added bulk of the CF card, can create a cumbersome traveler's tool. On the other hand, using USB wires is inconvenient and limits the overall usability of the navigation device. Many people, therefore, are turning to Bluetooth technology as the perfect traveler's companion.

Bluetooth to the Rescue
Bluetooth wireless technology has become the open standard for wireless communication. Using Bluetooth technology, two electronic devices are able to communicate with each other, sending a receiving signals and transferring data, from up to ten meters away. The beauty of this technology is that the information is transmitted completely wire-free.

Bluetooth GPS Receivers
A Bluetooth GPS receiver is a device that uses wireless Bluetooth technology or Bluetooth electronics to transmit GPS data to a second mobile device that is capable of handling the same technology. In other words, a Bluetooth GPS receiver can only send data to a PDA that is also enabled with built-in Bluetooth capabilities.

In addition to the ease and convenience of avoiding bulky CompactFlash cards and messy wires, there are other benefits to using Bluetooth technology with your GPS/PDA combination:

Wireless Connection
Many drivers prefer to have the GPS mounted securely positioned, while keeping the PDA where it can be clearly viewed. Bluetooth allows this wire-free convenience. You are able to position your Bluetooth GPS receiver in a spot where it can clearly pick up signals from the sky, while your PDA is mounted on the dashboard in front of you. There are no wires to hamper your driving or obstruct your view.

CompactFlash Slot Space
If you are using Bluetooth technology to transmit data, you'll have no need to plug in a CompactFlash card. The empty CF slot, therefore, can be used as a storage space for software or maps to further optimize the results of your GPS.

Many travelers are able to get even greater benefits from their GPS receivers. Some units come with handy companion features like pre-stored maps, route re-calculation (perfect in the case of road detours) and POI (points of interest) databases that show you popular tourist attractions en route.

So, whether your travels are taking you to the next neighborhood or another country, don't leave home without your GPS and PDA bundled with Bluetooth technology.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
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Comcast Cable Specials And Services

Comcast Cable Specials And Services
By: Julia Hall

If you want the best when it comes to how you watch TV, surf the Internet, and talk on the phone; then Comcast is the company that you're looking for. That's because Comcast is the only one that can supply you with all of your telecommunications needs in a bundled package that saves you money and provides you with the convenience of only writing one check every month.

The telecommunication services that Comcast Digital Cable TV can bring into your home are truly impressive. For example, the cable TV service takes advantage of all of the latest technology in order to provide you with the most enjoyable viewing experience possible. For example, you'll enjoy all of the benefits of watching TV programming that's delivered using an all digital signal. These great benefits include a crystal clear picture, the same sound quality that's delivered by compact discs, and the ability to manage what you watch with on screen program guide software and parental control software! You can also enjoy all of the benefits of HDTV through Comcast's HDTV channels that come with the larger programming packages. HDTV is a step beyond digital TV with a higher resolution picture that provides an experience very similar to what you'd find in a commercial movie theater.

One type of technology that Comcast is at the forefront of developing is video on demand. With video on demand, you can choose what to watch out of a library of programming and then watch it when you like. In this case it's the central technology in the ON DEMAND pay per view service and is available through the Premiums On Demand subscription add on.

In addition to the technology, Comcast's programming is also very impressive. That's because while you can choose among a variety of programming packages to meet every preference and financial situation, you can choose to subscribe to over two hundred and seventy five channels! These channels include all of your local stations, over two hundred mainstream national cable TV channels, the HDTV channels, and forty five channels of digital music. That's a lot of entertainment no matter how you measure it!

Comcast's high speed Internet service is also a great investment in your family's entertainment and ability to keep up with technological advances. That's because, not only is it affordable but it's also the best Internet service that money can buy for a private home. It takes advantage of the same cable connection that Comcast uses to deliver all of your TV programming. This makes it extremely reliable and fast without the lag time that plagues some competing technologies.
High speed Internet service from Comcast is so fast that everyone in your house can surf the Web at the same time without slowing each other down. This is made easier by the fact that when you sign up for this great service, you'll be given a free wireless router. A wireless router provides a way to network all of your computers to each other and to the cable modem without having cable strung up all over your house. Besides allowing everyone to be online at the same time, a wireless router will also provide mobility in the sense that you'll be able to access the net from anywhere in your home with a device like a laptop computer.

Add Comcast's digital phone service with all of its great features to high speed Internet access and digital cable, and you'll have all of your telecommunications needs satisfied with a very special deal by a single company.

There has never been a better time to switch. Start now. Join the other happy Comcast customers.
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
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The Pros and Cons of Plasma, LCD and DLP

The Pros and Cons of Plasma, LCD and DLP
By: davet

Each type of technology used in making flat screen TV's is different and carries its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Learning and recognizing those qualities will enable you to make the best choice possible when shopping for you new Plasma, LCD or DLP TV screen.

Plasma TV screens have an advantage of automatic pixel shift technology, which gives the plasma screen a resistance to being damaged by burn in. Of course, the best prevention for decreasing burn in onto your TV screen is not to allow an image to sit on the screen for any length of time.

Plasma TV's are able to create deeper blacks and even better contrast. Plasma also has the advantages of response time, in depth color and is available in larger screen sizes than any other current technology. In plasma TV screens, the size usually starts at 42 inches and upwards. However, a plasma TV does generate more heat and is more prone to display dysfunctional problems due to its change in temperature.

Since Plasma TV's are temperature sensitive, some of them suffer performance problems at high altitudes. Although some manufactures produce plasma TV's that are compatible with high altitudes, but they are more expensive that standard made plasma TV's.

The average screen size of plasma TV's vary from 32 inches to 63 inches, with a 160-degree angle of viewing. Plasma TV's are able to display rapid movement of a video and refresh as well as traditional TV's. Being heavier in weight a plasma TV may require the strong support of a weight-bearing wall while being mounted.

LCD has the advantage of not being inclined to respond negatively to high altitudes, although LCD technology has yet to produce a screen size of over 37 inches due to problems with bad transistors that distort a quality picture. It is possible to use LCD TV screens as computer monitors, as they normally do not suffer burn in, though a ghosting of images may appear on screen due to a pixel charge being retained on the viewing screen. However, LCD TV is also prone to have problems displaying programming from satellite and cable signals.

LCD TV's have a lower contrast ratio that does not produce deep blacks. When their individual pixels burn out, the screen will be marred with tiny missing areas of white and black. Individual pixels cannot be replaced; therefore, the whole screen will need to be replaced. LCD TV's are also less expensive and lightweight which makes for easier transport and installation. Many new LCD TV owners install their on sets easily thereby saving even more money relating to purchase of a new TV. LCD TV's are able to maintain their option levels in well-lit rooms, as they do not reflect much light. LCD TV's also run cooler than plasma TV's.

Most consumers are satisfied with the quality of brightness of both plasma and LCD TV's. As far as thickness of the screens, a plasma screen can be as thin as three inches and an LCD screen can be as thin as two inches. The estimated life span of plasma and LCD TV's seem to be a length of 15 years and up with normal viewing habits.

DLP TV's are usually less expensive than LCD or plasma TV's and they also have the advantage of creating the best quality of picture. DLP TV is also able to HDTV at its fullest resolution. Moreover, they usually do not require maintenance. However, there have been noticeable rainbow effects in the DLP components that employ certain color wheels, as well as DLP having a limit of angle view.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
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Experience Comcast Cable TV

Experience Comcast Cable TV
By: Julia Hall

If you're a home entertainment enthusiast, then you probably want the best of the latest home entertainment technologies that have come out over the past decade or so. This would include HDTV, video on demand, digital video recording, and of course all of the entertainment resources that are becoming increasingly accessible from the World Wide Web. Getting all of these things in your own home can be a chore though. That is, unless you sign up for a bundled service package from Comcast. That's because Comcast can provide all of the latest TV technology for your through its digital cable TV service, plus the best form of Internet access available. In addition to those two services, you can also get a very affordable home phone service called Digital Voice that's packed with features that will save you money and make talking on the phone more enjoyable.

The features that Comcast in includes in its digital cable TV service are truly amazing. For example, the fact that all of the channels that it offers are transmitted in digital format will allow you to enjoy the best picture and sound quality possible. You'll also get an truly incredible number of channels that can approach three hundred channels with the larger programming package options! Among those channels are a huge number of choices of programming. For example, you'll get over two hundred mainstream cable TV channels in addition to all of your local channels, and dozens of premium movie channels.

Of course, Comcast Cable TV will also provide you with plenty of HDTV entertainment as well. In case you're unaware, HDTV stands for High Definition Television and is considered by many to be the future of TV. It features a wide screen viewing area, a much higher resolution picture than normal TV, and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound for its native sound format. All of these features combine to produce an experience that's as much like watching a movie in a commercial movie theater as you can get in your own home!

Digital video recording is another feature that Comcast in provide for you. With a receiver with a built in digital video recorder, you'll be able to catch all of your favorite TV shows, movies, and sports programming no matter what else you have to do when it comes on. A DVR is easy to program and is the perfect tool for juggling TV.

Video on demand is another type of technology that Comcast in is at the forefront of developing and it will also provide you with plenty of control over how you watch TV. With the ON DEMAND pay per view feature that comes standard on every Comcast programming package, you'll be able to choose from a large library of recent hit movies to watch on your own terms. If you want to enjoy the advantages of video on demand technology all the time, you can subscribe to Premiums On Demand which provides the content of select premium movie channels on an on demand basis.

Of course, no modern home is up to date technologically without high speed Internet access and Comcast provides that as well in the form of a broadband cable connection that provides the fastest and most reliable access to the Internet possible. Comcast high speed Internet also provides all of the extras that you need for a great Internet experience; including a wireless router, anti-virus software, access to great online content, and much more.

With all that Comcast can provide for you, there's no reason not to have the access and entertainment that you want in your own home!

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
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