Tablet PC - Know More About It

With the introduction of Tablet PC to the computing world, Tablet PC is quite famous among different section of the society. Students, journalists, professionals and todays consumers who want to get portable PC are very satisfied with the development of Tablet PC.

Some of the well known brand who manufacturers Tablet PC are the Gateway Tablet PC, the Motion Computing Tablet PC, the Fujitsu Tablet PC, the Toshiba Tablet PC.

There are two types of Tablet PCs configurations:

1. The slate model PC tablet: - This model doesn't have attached keyboard. Like a piece of paper you can use a tiny pen-stylus device to write on the surface of these tablet pcs, where your handwriting is digitally converted and showing up on the screen.

2. The convertible model PC tablet: - This tablet PC look like traditional notebooks, with displays that turns around and folds flat covering the keyboard facing outwards, but when flipped upright, the screen works just like a laptop computer or notebook computer.

Generally the features of Tablet PCs are

- Weight less than 2kg (some slates weight less than 1kg)

- Very compact

- Digitized displays (12-inch)

- No internal CD, CD-RW, or DVD drives

- Slower mobile processors, less memory and smaller hard drives

- Ports are few

- Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional

As per your requirement you can upgrade the Tablet PC. For instance you can get larger hard drive 60GB or your Tablet PC screen can be upgrade for indoor and outdoor viewing.

For more information to Tablet PC Rental, Notebook Rentals and Video Wall rental visit Rentfusion.com

Computer Repair Tips - How to Use Windows ScanDisk

I love ScanDisk. Honestly, I do. As a computer support specialist with over 18+ years of experience, I often had to use this great little utility. It's fairly powerful, works on all versions of Windows and best of all is free since it comes bundled inside Windows.

So what is it?

ScanDisk is disk-checking and diagnostic tool that you can use to test your hard drive. It can also be used repair problems on magnetic media; hard disk and floppy disks.

Why use ScanDisk?

It's a very easy to use program and even the most non-technical person can learn how to use it. It can quickly fix most common disk errors. And I did mention it's installed as a part of Windows so it is always available. If you can boot into Windows, then you can use the program.

How to use it in Windows 98/98SE/Me:

1)Close all programs.

2)Click on the "Start" button.

3)Go to "Programs"

4)Scroll to "Accessories"

5)Click on "System Tools"

6)Select "ScanDisk"

7)Now locate and select the drive you want to check (C:).

8)Check the "Standard" radio button.

9)Check the "Automatically Fix Errors"

10)Click "OK" to run.

How to use it in Windows 2000/XP/Vista

1)Close all programs before you begin.

2)Click on the "Start" button then "My Computer".

3)Right click on drive you wish to scan and then click on "Properties".

4)Now you click on the "Tools" tab at top of pop-up window.

5)Click on "Check Now" in the "Error Checking" section.

6)Check the "Automatically Fix Errors"

7)Click "OK" to run.

Testing Options in Windows 98/98SE/Me:

Standard: This option basically only checks files and folders for Windows system errors. This is good for routine maintenance checks.

Thorough: This option is not used often due to time constraints. Don't check "Thorough" unless you can let the machine run uninterrupted for several hours (2+ on larger drives) or overnight. I'm not kidding.

Thorough is used for when you are having severe hard drive issues only. When you have to check your drive for possible physical damage, check "Thorough" and then select, click "System and Data Areas"

Testing Options in Windows 2000/XP/Vista:

The "Standard" function in the older version is now the default. Just with click "Automatically Fix Errors"

To use a thorough scan to check for both system and physical errors, you should also check "Scan For and Attempt Recovery of Bad Sectors."

To run scandisk in Windows 2000/XP/Vista you have to have programs closed down, or you will keep getting a error message, "Disk check could not be performed because exclusive access to the drive..." If this keeps happening then if possible restart your computer and press "F8" after PC the logo but before Windows starts. This will let you into Windows "Safe Mode". You can run ScanDisk now but be warned it will take twice as long but will give you the same results.

ScanDisk Test Results:

After processing you should get a pop-up window with the results of your test. The important to look for is "Bytes in bad sectors". This shows the number of bytes that have been marked bad or basically unusable for storage. It's normal to have a small number of bytes in bad sectors (less than 100,000). But more than this or an increased number over time is sign for keeping your file backups up to date and saving for that bigger, better hard drive.

Sick of computer headaches? Tired of wasting money on that "computer repair guy"? To learn more fast and free fixes for your problem PC, visit http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com

Hard Drive Crashed? - Repair or Rescue Any Hard Drive. From Chancer Reese, your Small Office Tech Diva.

Computer Repair Tips - Seven Early Warning Signs of a Hard Drive Crash

"I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them." ~ Isaac Asimov

Like the late, great Mr. Asimov said, we shouldn't worry about computers taking over but be more concerned when they fail us and take all our important files with them. A computer's hard drive is the central storage within the system and its failure will bring all practical functions to a complete halt.

If your PC is experiencing any of the following signs of impeding doom then you must run (not walk) and grab CDs to burn backups of all your essential data.

Sign 1 - You hear high-pitched whining, loud clicking or grinding noises coming from the drive

A normally operating drive will make a smooth "whirling" sound as is spins up or down. But if a drive has a grinding or clicking sounds (the Read/Write heads scraping too close to the magnetic platters), then your drive is sick and is on the way out.

Sign 2 - You see the infamous "Blue Screen of Death", repeatedly

BSODs (Blue Screens of Death) are actually called "Stop" errors and they only appear when your Windows system is experiencing severe software or hardware issues. Often BSODs can cured with a careful "Repair Install" of the Windows operating system or by removal of a bad device driver. But if these software fast fixes don't seem stick, then your hard drive is usually on its last legs

Sign 3 - Your computer keeps re-booting on its own

I admit, I have only seen this problem a few times in my 18+ year career and in all instances it was due to hardware issues. Once it was a dust covered motherboard, and another time an overheating processor. But all the other times it was due to bad drives.

Sign 4 - Your system keeps having frequent freezes or hang ups

You are working along just fine, and then suddenly everything comes to a halt. The program freezes up on you. Your mouse and keyboard seem to stop responding. The only solution is to reboot.

Sign 5 - Error message: hard drive is not formatted

This a fun message that you will get when you start up your machine. You maybe able to restart and get it to boot into Windows a few more times but this error is "fur-sure" sign that you drive is very close to death. And by the way don't try to format the drive! You will lose all your data.

Sign 6 - Error message: boot drive or device not found or drive cannot be accessed

This is another favorite of mine. You can check the CD/DVD trays or the floppy drive to make sure no stray disks are stuck inside. You can also check the BIOS to make sure the system is booting from the hard drive first. If all these tests are no-good, then the drive is a goner.

Sign 7 - Errors: Operating system not found or Missing Operating System

This is a bad one. Even the Microsoft technical support knowledgebase has only got a few causes for this error message. Basically your PC can no longer detect the hard drive or the drive is too severely damaged to read (DOA).

What to do if your drive has any of these symptoms:

1)First, listen up, if possible, BACKUP YOUR FILES NOW!

2)Create a boot disk and run Windows Scandisk and set it to automatically fix errors. If it finds more than a few bad sectors then see the point above

3)If possible download and use a hard drive diagnostic program. All the major hard drive manufacturers have free utilities on their websites. Repair what you can and see point 1.

Sick of computer headaches? Tired of wasting money on that "computer repair guy"? To learn more fast and free fixes for your problem PC, visit http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com

Hard Drive Crashed? - Repair or Rescue Any Hard Drive Today. From Chancer Reese, your Small Office Tech Diva.

Computer Repair Tips - Broken Hard Drive? How to Recover Your Data Files

"Technology... is a queer thing. It brings you great gifts with one hand, and it stabs you in the back with the other. " ~C.P. Snow

It's an accepted fact that hard drives are the weakest link in computer technology. The hard disk is where the operating system and all software applications are stored. Because of this, a properly working drive is essential in the operation of any computer.

But since these drives are basically just an electro-mechanical devices, and like any other machine they will eventually breakdown and fail.

And then oops, without backups, all your family photos, legal documents and important emails are gone!

There are three levels of data or file recovery for a dying or broken hard drive:

1) Basic Level: The drive is working (your can hear it spin up but it will not boot to Windows)

This usually means that some essential Windows files have been comprised or damaged in some way. With the right software you can view your files and even copy them. You have to choices...

Use a Rescue CD: You can grab a bootable CD with hard drive utility software already installed on it. You can then make repairs or copy your files from your bad drive to a replacement. A good name brand rescue CD for Windows is the "Ultimate Boot CD"

Move the Drive: If you don't have a way of burning a rescue CD and don't want to wait for a copy to shipped to you; you can always move your bad drive and place it in another working desktop PC. Once installed you should be able to view all your files on the drive from a secondary slot (normally where the CD or DVD drive live.)

2) Intermediate Level: The drive works but you can't see the files you want using the methods above.

Okay, things are not going good. You at this point have to get out the big guns. You will have to download and run a data recovery program such as "Active UNDELTE", "Recover My Files", etc. Both of these programs are powerful, reliable, and easy to use and won't cost you an arm or a leg to buy.

With Active UNDELETE you can also make a bootable CD to run on a PC if you can't move the drive to another computer. Both have technical support options if you need further help.

3) Advanced Level: You have tried everything above but you still can't find that Last Will from Aunt Sue...

At this point you have probably spent several hours (if not days) without your PC and invested just over a $100 in software if you used all of the above products. Now, is the time for you to decide to either use a professional level recovery application or throw in the towel and take your drive to a recovery specialist.

If you have the time but not a lot of cash (understand that hard drive recovery services can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars) then you can ratchet it up a notch and buy a copy of the home version of EasyRecovery from Ontrack. Ontrack is one of the leading data recovery companies in the world.

But if time is more critical and money is no obstacle then bite the bullet and take your drive to a local computer shop that does recovery work. Or if that is not possible then contact a big service like Ontrack and ship your hard drive to them.

Data recovery can be expensive no matter who does it, so to be on the safe side and make file backups frequently and fully.

Sick of computer headaches? Tired of wasting money on that "computer repair guy"? To learn more fast and free fixes for your problem PC, visit http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com

Hard Drive Crashed? - Repair or Rescue Any Hard Drive. From Chancer Reese, your Small Office Tech Diva.

Computer Repair Tips - Seven More Early Warning Signs of a Hard Drive Crash

"Back up my hard drive? How do I put it in reverse?" ~ Unknown

While doing regular backups is very important, sometimes people believe that backups are some kind of magic bullet so they let themselves get over confident and let bad hardware issues get out of control. By paying attention and seeing if your machine is experiencing any of these seven signs of eminent hard drive failure, you may be able to save yourself hours of wasted time and an expensive repair bill.

Sign 8 - Disappearing files and folders

As a drive goes bad it will often display subtle indications of trouble. One of the most overlooked are "vanishing" files or folders. If you notice that you can never find your files anymore or that folders you "know" were there are now gone, then your hard drive maybe slip sliding away.

Sign 9 - Folder and file names that have been scrambled and changed

A related issue is that you can find the folder or file you want...or at least you think you have. The filename is messed up but when you open it, it's the letter you were looking for. But you have a set way of labeling your files it is way wrong. A sign of things going badly quickly.

Sign 10 - You experience really loooong waits to access folders and files

Another related issue. You can find the file fine but you notice that over the last little bit, it's been taking practically forever to open folders or files. Once you click on a file, you can get up, grab a coffee, and read the front page of daily paper before it opens up. Just joking, but accessing files are noticeably slower.

Sign 11 - The System locks-up during boot up, repeatedly

Okay, even the best of machines, even brand-new-outta-the-box ones will misbehave by locking up occasionally. Occasionally... If you start have lockups every other time you boot up your machine, the drive can be having lots of read/write errors that overwhelm it. Time to go shopping.

Sign 12 - ScanDisk or a third-party utility shows bad sectors

Windows' drive diagnostic tool Scandisk if one of my faves. By running it and setting it to "automatically fix" errors, you can see if your drive has physical bad "spots" or sectors on the disk platters. You can also use a third-party program. All the major hard drive manufacturers have free utilities on their websites.

Sign 13 - Error message: Disk can't find the Windows Master File Table (MFT) or Master Boot Record (MBR)

You may have a bit of luck with this one. The good news, a virus or piece of spyware has taken over your drive and rewritten or "hidden" the MFT (on Windows 2000 and later) or MBR (Windows 98/Me and earlier). You may be to repair this with some technical help. The bad news, is that the MFT/MBR files rarely get corrupted or become infected, so this is almost a sign of drive gone bad.

Sign 14 - The drive is running hot

This one sign you probably will never notice since, it requires that the case be removed from your computer. Instead of sign this should actually be classified as a more of a test. If you notice any of the other problems mentioned above, then you can pop your PC case and lay your hand on top of hard drive while in operation. It should be warm but not hot to the touch. A hot device is positive physical sign of early failure.

Your PC is having any of the above issues then you must backup your files, as completely as possible as soon as you can. Even with these danger signs, hard drives have been known to fail without warning, so backup frequently.

Sick of computer headaches? Tired of wasting money on that "computer repair guy"? To learn more fast and free fixes for your problem PC, visit http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com - Hard Drive Crashed? - Repair or Rescue Any Hard Drive. From Chancer Reese, your Small Office Tech Diva.

Mainframes Win on TCO

Mainframes can cut total cost of ownership significantly, says Jim Porell, distinguished engineer for System z at IBM. These platforms, which don't have to be overwhelmingly large, reduce manpower requirements and cut space, the time it takes to find problems, and other key metrics. The new generation of mainframes is capable of working fluidly with other computing approaches.

Question: How has the mainframe evolved?

Porell: Our heritage is in high-end transactional processing and database servers and doing it in a secure and resilient fashion. Our heritage is in COBOL, pl/I. Our initial input methods were punch card or dumb green screen. In the 1980s, people got PCs and, needless to say, liked the new graphic capabilities. A lot of work went into screen scraping the front end and moving more of the presentation side to the front-end processor. Meanwhile, the mainframes were getting bigger and faster and more resilient. There was instant failover even in different geographic regions. The front end of the mainframe has totally changed in the last 20 years. With that shift, obviously, we can move applications there. We started to build work flows that see gains in efficiencies. You can start working with Java and other programming approaches. It has completely modernized the programming environment. The PC and UNIX server software can run inside the mainframe. What's changed is that mainframes are hosting UNIX or Windows. It has totally changed the operations model.

Question: What basic models exist today?

Porell: I am holding up my hands with a space between them. One hand is the application server and one hand is a database server. That's the UNIX model. If I put my hands right next to each other, that's the virtualization model, which is available from VMware, Zen and others. If I put my hands on top of each other, that is the mainframe environment. If you look at the three environments, if one hand fails, you might slip to a backup site. But how do you coordinate backup mechanisms, security and other things? It might be the exact same code but the operations model is completely different in the three different styles of computing.

Question: From IBM's perspective, what characterizes the mainframe?

Porell: There are some characteristics with mainframe: You can program it. Now it's got that PAL 1 and open capabilities. It can use Linux, Java, J2E, Web services. It's a consistent programming model with the rest of the industry. Now what distinguishes it is redundancy in hardware, powering, processors and memory. If a hardware component fails, there is a backup. You don't get the blue screen or red screen of death. Then there are things like security. It does things with memory and hardware and software that inhibit buffer overflows and inhibit viruses and Trojans. A big part of this is running multiple workloads simultaneously in the same hardware box and in the same OS image. Because with virtualization I can run multiple workloads in the same hardware box, but typically dedicate one OS system to a given function because I am afraid of one workload compromising the service level of another workload. In many cases, I must buy additional software and other products to coordinate and operate the recovery mechanism. The real world is about collaboration. One computer does not solve all business problems, not the mainframe or UNIX or PC. It's all about collaboration.

Question: What distinguishes the mainframe from the TCO point of view?

Porell: What distinguishes mainframes is that they put in a lot of parts to dramatically reduce the cost. The elements include security and intrusions, the mean-time-between-failure and the number of people needed to manage the environment. That is probably the most significant. There is also electricity, floor space and cooling. There is the reduction in the elapsed time for work flow to occur. There is a reduction in the number of audit control points to meet governance and regulatory compliance and system diagnostics for problem determination.

Question: How can a mainframe be more deeply integrated into application development?

Porell: Let's quantify against what it takes to build an application. Typically, the application developer has everything on their desktop. They think they have everything to accomplish the task. The best tools for creating code on a PC today are using open source, Java and C++. Typically, the first inclination is to develop it on a PC - and to use it for the production server, the backup server and the development server. Generally, people do multiples of three for scale clustering. The other choice is take some of the code, not all of it, and port it to the mainframe. The PC environment is a physical appliance model. You have dedicated servers for specific functions. The mainframe is more of a virtual model. You take software and add it to the existing container and add capacity management and resilience.

Question: How much can this add to efficiency?

Porell: We've seen customers with 600 PCs with UNIX-type servers. VMware or Zen virtualization may knock it down to 60 servers. With a mainframe, you get it down to one server with maybe 25 engines, or processors, on a machine. Let's say you have 600 Oracle license verses 60 Oracle licenses versus 26 on a mainframe in each of the respective models. That is a tremendous savings. I'll give you another area, The total cost of upgrade. It's the difference between 600, 60 and 1. If I want to do an upgrade to Windows Vista from XP, how long would it take to do 600 servers, perhaps working on weekends? Almost a full year. If I have 60 servers, it would take maybe five weeks. In a mainframe environment, it would be less than four hours.

Still another area is capacity management. If I want to add capacity for the holiday season or some other spike, how long would it take to provision new processors and get them online? With 600, you probably need a purchase order and the labor and time to install new boxes. On a mainframe, you could have 26 engines with a couple of them idle. You could turn it on or off on demand without having to reboot.

Question: The model, however, isn't either/or - all three approaches can be used in unison.

Porell: It's not about the mainframe. All three of those models can coexist. You have the opportunity to use the best of each model. Part of the problem is that the industry grew up and the developers grew up in a PC world. We need to introduce the developers to mainframes.

In summary, Jim explains that what distinguishes mainframes is their inclusion of many parts which dramatically reduce the cost. It's time to educate new developers on the benefits of mainframes and how all infrastructure models can coexist.

Read how 3Leaf plans to remake the data center - http://www.itbusinessedge.com/blogs/atc/?p=353&nr=inbound

Computer Repair Tips - What to Look For in a Replacement Hard Drive

Your hard drive is fading into the West. You hear all manner of grinding sounds coming from it and it's working slower than an accountant doing an audit. So you grab your wallet and bounce down to the local electronics store to find a replacement.

Whoa! You get inside and are dazzled and dazed by the sheer number of hard disks...you didn't think it would be this difficult.

All you want is something affordable and reliable but where to start?

Performance vs. Capacity

When you are out shopping for a new drive these are the two main factors you should take into consideration. Performance is based on a computer's drive controllers (connector types), the rotational speed and access times of the drive itself.

Capacity is basically a question of storage space and whether or not your current system can recognize and handle it or not.

Know your connector type

Modern computers can have several different styles of controller interfaces (connector types) and this will greatly determine what kind of drive you can fix into your machine.

The current standard is the IDE or ATA drive. ATA drives can have ATA/66, ATA/100 or ATA/133 connections. Every ATA slot can operate 2 separate devices (2 hard drives, 1 drive/CD or CD/DVD).

The newest drives have SATA (Serial ATA) connectors but can only run device per connector but at a much faster speed. Speaking of which...

"I feel the need for speed!"

The first thing you should find out when looking at a new hard drive is its rotational speed or RPMs (revolutions per minute). The higher the RPM rating a drive has, the faster it will work when in operation. Speed = better performance for both the Windows operating system and other software programs. The average RPM for a hard drive is either 5400 or 7200.

Seek Times. Occasionally you may hear some big time technical person mention the "seek times" for a drive. Seek times are measured in milliseconds and are basically a gauge of how rapidly a software program can locate the data it requires on a given hard drive.

Access times and seek times for our purposes are the same. Most modern home computers have a seek time of about 8ms. So a new drive with a seek time of 9ms is considered a bit slow.

So when looking at speed find the highest RPM matched with the lowest or average seek time.

Bigger is Better?

The next thing you should look at is a device's size or storage space. You ideally should get as big of a drive as you can afford. Hard drive capacity is measured in "megabytes" (million byte size: very old drives), "gigabytes" (billion byte size: current drives), and the very newest are "terabyte" drives (trillion byte size). Like in a house, you can never have "too much" storage room!

So now you know to get a drive with...

- 7200 RPM

- Seek times of 8ms or lower

- With as many Gigabytes as you can afford

- Check with your PC manufacturer to be sure your new drive can be handled by your old computer

Sick of computer headaches? Tired of wasting money on that "computer repair guy"? To learn more fast and free fixes for your problem PC, visit http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com - Hard Drive Crashed?...Repair or Rescue Any Hard Drive today. From Chancer Reese, your Small Office Tech Diva.

Troubleshooting Your Optical Fiber Networks - Introduction to OTDR

How Does an OTDR Work?

In fiber optic networks, OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) is an opto-electronic instrument used to characterize an optical fiber. OTDR is both the best known and least understood fiber optic instrument.

OTDR does not measure loss, but instead implies it by looking at the backscatter signature of the fiber. It does not measure cable plant loss that can be correlated to power budgets.

An OTDR injects a series of optical pulses into the fiber under test. It also extracts, from the same end of the fiber, light that is scattered back and reflected back from points in the fiber where the index of refraction changes. This working principle works like a radar or sonar, se

How to Choose ID Card Printers

ID card printers are quite easy to use just as other printers available in the market. Most of the ID card printers work on a different principle from laser and inkjet printers and therefore it becomes necessary to gain knowledge on their technology to develop better understanding. An ID card printer performs multiple functions at one point of time. In addition to its core objective of printing ID cards, it encodes the magnetic stripe, smart card as well as proximity card. All these features enhance its usability. These printers come with preinstalled software that very well manages the printed as well as encoded data.

There are varied kinds of card printers in the market; each having its own set of features and benefits. Exercising choice from among them undeniably becomes challenging. Before choosing the best card printer for you, first decide what features and capabilities you want your printer to have. You need to take into consideration both physical as well as technological aspects of the printer. As a general rule, heavy ID card printers having large footprint are believed to have greater abilities and more durability. Light printers, on the other hand, are considered to be better when the usage is not much.

While choosing the right ID card printer, you need to consider the following aspects:

Do you need a single sided card or a double sided card?

You need to decide whether you want your printer to print images or information on one side or both sides of the card. Single sided card printer is good for simple uses. It is best for printing student ID cards and employee ID cards. Double sided card printers on the contrary are more suitable for large organizations, where there is need for greater security.

Do you require the feature of encoding smart cards, proximity cards and magnetic stripes?

Card printers offering this feature are useful for banks, schools, hospitals and government offices. Printers capable of encoding smart cards and proximity cards are based on radio frequency technology that leads to greater efficiency, more ease of use and lastly higher security.

Do you have the requirement for security features such as holograms?

There are ID card printers that offer specific features like hologram in addition to basic encoding. This feature reduces the overall risk of loss caused due to altering or forging of the printed images.

Do you need monochromatic images or multi colored images?

While choosing the ID card printer, you also need to decide whether you want monochromatic (single color) images on your card or multi colored images. If you feel the need to have this security feature, it is recommended to opt for customized holograph that is only available with you and not meant to be bought by others.

Once you are in a position to answer all these questions, you will be better able to decide as to which is the best ID card printer for you. When you have all the components you want to have in your printer, you can get the photo ID card of your desired quality.

Check out ID Superstore for low prices on id card printing. They also carry many other quality identification supplies, such as id printer supplies and card printers ribbon.

Dell NZ Computers - At Your Service

When discussing computers and information technology, you obviously have heard about the brand name Dell. In fact they are one of the brand names and leading companies selling both hardware and software. The name and fame of Dell has reached to such an extent that their computers and accessories including routers and switches have a large number of customers, spread throughout the world. Dell computers have thus become a leading brand selling laptops and computers online.

The greatest attraction of products from Dell is that they offer the latest technology when other manufacturers take time to incorporate it. Dell laptops offer the best performance system which can run sophisticated technology and thereby help professionals who demand high performance for their business applications. Dell sells products through direct business method which avoids the need for retailers. This reduces the cost incurred while buying computer and related accessories.

When Dell tries to understand the needs and expectations of their customers, they introduce special offers and deals. You will get the most beneficial deals in New Zealand on Dell products. Going through such information and reviews will help you to get the best computers of the world at the most reasonable prices.

Dell NZ gives you the best products and services in the arena of computers and information technology. They have products that will serve the needs of both business professionals and consumer class. Dell New Zealand has international exposure with respect to the wide expertise they show in technology related areas.

The services from Dell can be classified as solutions required in Home and Home office, small business, medium and large scale business and dedicated services. While the first three includes different sections of computers, desktops, laptops, printers and ink etc, the dedicated services essentially deals with services for Government, education and health care sections. They have easily reached the local governments and healthcare portals and have extended their service to help professionals and teachers and students through education.

Since Dell has direct sales, they have opted methods of delivery which will serve customers on a large scale. They deliver the products to customers either through ground delivery or second or next day delivery. Customers find it easy to select from among the wide varieties of payment modes accepted by Dell and can choose a method that is easier for them. Dell also delivers financial services which will assist customers in paying only 10% initially with nothing being paid for the next 3 months.

The warranted services will avoid the unnecessary tensions regarding performance of your computer. When skilled technicians are ready to assist you with any major technical problems, you are relieved of all technical worries. They will resolve all major issues concerned with your system. You can easily access the customer support through a phone call. The service is just a click away if you are reaching them through internet. The service is available 24*7 and throughout the year. You will never have to wait endlessly for a technician to come and help you. It's not for nothing Dell is a trusted name in the market.

Mike Wall is the author of this article on Dell NZ. He is the owner of a computer company and specialises in writing articles on computers in his spare time. For more information visit:Dell Computers

PC Monitors - Enhance Your Viewing Experience With High Resolution Screens

Physical components are most important to consider while buying a personal computer. It is essential that a product you purchase should be of great quality. Buying products online would be a lot cheaper than buying the same from traditional markets. This is one of the reasons that the consumers are opting to purchase everything online. Discounted and cheap hardware is easy to search on the internet. Find great deals and get good value for your money while purchasing online.

Finding a new PC monitor for your computer can be a difficult task. You would certainly want to make sure that you get the best value for your money. The screen is one of the important parts of your PC. The screen size gives you an idea of the viewing area you have on your monitor. Monitors are used in personal computers to display graphics, text and videos. Now a days, the most preferred displays are LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors. In this display, one can see high quality images with high brightness and contrast levels.

The consumer needs to keep many things in mind while purchasing a monitor like its size, resolution, warranty, etc. Determine what size of monitor you need based on your usage. Computer monitors come in varied sizes, and you can select the one depending on your needs and affordability factor. There are two kinds of monitors: LCD and CRT ( Cathode Ray Tube). LCD ones emit less electro-magnetic radiations compared to the CRT monitors. Earlier, CRTs were used and they have been around for a long time. LCDs offer clarity of images and take less desk space. They consume less energy and thus save a lot of power.

Some people think that there is no difference between a flat screen and a flat panel pc monitors. A monitor with a flat screen means that the screen is flat instead of having a curved surface. These screens offer sharp images and are specially coated so that lights or other objects in your room do not reflect off of the screen. On the other hand, CRT monitors are old fashioned and are bulky. The new LCD ones are compact and thin and offer sharper picture quality than the old CRT monitors. If you work for long hours on your computer, you need to purchase a PC monitor with high picture quality and resolution.

cheap electronics, price comparison

The Fragility of Computers

Computers, it could be said, are a marvel of the twenty-first century. The number of tasks a PC can achieve quicker and more efficiently than a human seems endless. In fact computers are now doing hundreds of thousands of jobs that a few decades ago employers would have had to have hired workers for.

It could be argued that because of this, computers have changed the way society now lives and works yet, although computers may never call in sick, they can be even more vulnerable than human employees.

PCs are incredibly sensitive to all sorts of environmental conditions which can cause permanent damage to any computer. Even the most expensive and rugged PCs are only designed to run in the most favourable conditions and excessive heat, dust or dampness could instantly shut down a PC for good.

As most computers are designed to work in offices and homes, conditions in other environments, such as industry or manufacturing, can shorten a PCs life drastically.

One of the most common causes for PC malfunction is dust which can block filters causing a processor to overheat and it can also clog up moving parts such as the hard drive and even cause a short circuit.

Water and computers obviously don't mix well either. Even slight spray or splashing can cause terminal problems with a computer, especially if fluid finds its way into the electronics.

Excessive temperatures are also a problem for computers. Computer processors are usually cooled by internal fans, if they get too hot they can burn out as can most of the electronics inside a PC. However, excessive dust, dirt or grime can also cause an overheat, as will computers kept near a heat source such as a radiator or oven. Excessive cold can effect a computers operation also, if any condensation inside a computer freezes, it will expand, potentially damaging the components.

Shocks, vibrations, knocks and bangs can also finish off a computer for good. Even just moving a PC from one location to another can play havoc, dislodging PCI cards or unsettling wiring. A large enough of a jolt and it can cause irreparable damage. Computers have protective enclosures of course but these are only made from thin sheets of metal (normally aluminium) and offer little protection.

For computers having to operate in hostile conditions such as dusty warehouse or production line then the best protection comes in the shape of an industrial PC enclosure.

These computer enclosures allow a standard PC all the protection of the most expensive and rugged industrial machine, shielding the sensitive components from dust, water, dirt, vibration, banging, knocks, heat and cold.

By protecting a PC from these types of hostilities a PC's life span can be dramatically lengthened.

Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the industrial computer industry helping to develop industrial computer enclosures and protection for all environments. Please visit us for more information about computer enclosure solutions.

Upgrading Your Computer With Wholesale Computer Parts

When computers gained popularity in homes around the world starting in the late 1980's, it was common to upgrade a computer every few years to make sure that it stayed current with the latest technology. One of the reasons why upgrading was so popular was because computers cost about $2500 at the time whereas upgrading the motherboard and few other components would run you a few hundred dollars.

Over the years as the cost of technology has decreased greatly which is great for computer geeks. Every year or two you can wander down to your local computer store or to an online store and pickup a new computer for less than $1000.

Seems like a great deal doesn't it, so what's the downside?

The downside is the cost that replacing a PC has on the environment. Unfortunately because of the cheap computers that are available, computers are replaced every year or two and the old computers either get sold for about 10% of what you paid for it, or it goes to the landfill. Computer parts are made from many different harmful materials that should not end up in our landfill sites since they can pollute the water and never decompose.

Before heading out to buy a new computer, why not try upgrading your computer using wholesale computer parts that are readily available on the internet? For many users it's simply not necessary to have the latest technology, especially if you only use the computer for email and the internet. Don't be fooled by all the advertisements that suggest that you need a new computer.

If you are finding that your computer is in need of a bit of a boost, there are a few wholesale computer parts that you might want to look into. First, consider adding more Memory (RAM) to your computer. In recent years the price of RAM has dropped dramatically and you can upgrade for a substantial increase in speed for less than $40.

If your hard drive is getting full, consider buying an external hard drive to store all your personal files. A hard drive that is nearing capacity can slow your computer down. You can buy more storage than most people will ever need for less than $80.

The best place to find wholesale computer parts is online as major retailers mark-up their computer components substantially. You will notice price differences as much as 50% lower when buying computer parts online. By upgrading your computer with wholesale computer parts not only will you save money, but you will also be doing your part to reduce garbage that would otherwise end up in our landfills.

Blake Hygate is the owner of http://PC-Tech-Express.com which advocates buying wholesale computer parts online, rather than simply disposing of your computer and adding to the environmental issues currently experienced by landfill sites.

Industrial Computers - Challenges of Computing in Industry

Computing is as much a necessity in manufacturing and industry as it is in the office sector. As well as the many automated manufacturing processes that have to be controlled by a computer, many applications such as stock control and dispatch are now far more efficiently achieved with the help of a processor. However, the needs of industry and manufacturing are far different than those required of an office PC.

Most office hardware runs in optimum conditions: nicely air-conditioned suites, free from dust, water and without the risk of being banged or knocked by heavy machinery. Unfortunately the demands of manufacturing and industry are quite different.

Many industrial environments are dusty, dirty and grimy. Often temperatures can exceed recommendations for most computer equipment (especially if the industrial environment contains a furnace or freezer where operating conditions could be described as extreme) and fork lift trucks and pallet trucks are zipping in and out of aisles.

The requirements of an industrial PC are therefore a lot different to that of the needs for an office computer. The needs of an industrial computer will also vary dramatically depending on the industry itself. Computers used in food manufacture may have to be waterproof and intrinsically sealed to prevent explosions in potentially explosive and dusty atmospheres whilst also being made of stainless steel or other easy to clean material; yet computers in heavy industry may have to also protect from dust and dirt but be able to withstand excessive temperatures, knocks and vibrations.

Demands are high for computing in industry. Industrial machines have to cope with many hostile elements whilst also providing reliable computing. Traditionally industrial computers have been specific, bespoke machines. These industrial computers tend to run old hardware and versions of software. Whilst this has the advantage of making the machines stable and reliable, the out-dated technology may mean the processes controlled by the machine are not done as efficiently. These machines are also very expensive and have to be replaced periodically as the hardware and software will eventually become obsolete.

A better solution to the varied and extreme demands of computing in industry is to use just a conventional PC but housed in an industrial PC enclosure. This has all the benefit of a traditional industrial computer such as being able to withstand dirt, grime, dust, gas, knocks, bangs, heat and cold whilst having the flexibility of a normal PC. Allowing you to choose, repair, replace or upgrade your machine rather than awaiting an engineer. These enclosures can also be reused and will last longer than an industrial PC which will eventually fail (as all PCs do). However, the enclosure can be reused long after the original computer will have expired.

With the demands of industrial computing so variable and extreme, industrial PC enclosures offer a flexibility that even conventional industrial computer can fail to match whilst also offering the same protection and reliability for a fraction of the cost. PC enclosures are ideal for even the most hostile industrial environment and while specialist PCs will always be required for certain tasks the majority of uses for an industrial computer can be achieved using a conventional PC housed in an enclosure.

Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the industrial computer industry helping to develop industrial computerenclosures and protection for all environments. Please visit us for more information about industrial pc solutions.

Understanding PC Computer RAM - Random Access Memory

When you are buying a new computer you may have noticed that one of the features/specifications include something called RAM. For someone who is not familiar with the internal workings of computers, computer RAM is a mystery. Actually, RAM is an acronym for 'random access memory' and is essential for the operation of your computer.

Computer RAM, also known as volatile memory, is used by your computer in order to store information that will be processed by the CPU, or central processing unit. The random access memory in your computer stores information in memory cells arranged in a grid. This grid can be compared to a spreadsheet in which all the data is stored. Your computer's processor accesses the data at random as needed to carry out the processes required by software being run on your system.

Occasionally, people confuse their hard drive with RAM. The hard drive is simply a storage system for the data on your computer - the software you run as well as the documents and files you store. The information on your hard drive cannot be accessed at random. When information from the hard drive needs to be accessed, entire blocks of data are transferred to the RAM. Once the information is in the computer's RAM, it is randomly accessed used by the processor as needed.

Whenever you shut your computer down, all of the information that is in the random access memory is deleted. So the RAM of your computer is only like a temporary storage system that works in conjunction with your computer's processor to perform functions requested by software on your computer The more RAM a program requires for operation, the slower your computer operates when running that program.

However, you can ensure that your computer RAM is working at its full potential by taking care to perform a few maintenance tasks. One of these tasks is to regularly empty the recycle bin. You should also uninstall or delete any programs and files that you do not need.

It is also helpful to defragment your computer every so often. This is a simple procedure that can be run easily. Just go to the 'Start' menu, click 'All Programs', choose 'Accessories', then 'System Tools', and the 'Disk Defragmenter'. And you are all set - allow the program to run until completion.

If you are on the Internet frequently, be sure to clear your browser's history regularly and also the temporary Internet files. These tasks can normally be performed from within whatever browser you are using by selecting 'Tools' and then appropriate subsequent options.

If you run a lot of programs that are resource hogs (require a lot of RAM), then you should also consider adding more random access memory to your computer You should notice that the programs run more quickly and smoothly once extra RAM has been added.

RAM is an essential component for making sure that your computer operates at its peak. Not having enough RAM will cause your computer to behave erratically. Understanding how your computer RAM affects the operation of your computer is helpful in making sure that your computer has all the resources it needs for proper functioning.

Visit us to get more info on RAM, computer memory and PC memory.

Selecting the Best External Hard Drive

Backing up the information on your computer's hard drive on a regular basis is one of the most crucial tasks that you can perform and should be at the top of your list of daily things to do. Though external hard drives have been available for a while, it is only recently that they have become extremely popular, compact, and ultra affordable. However, selecting the best external hard drive for backing up your files can be a little confusing especially if you are not really comfortable with technology.

Sure, you could use either DVDs or CDs to back up your files, but eventually all those discs add up. Add in the fact that backing up data using discs is time consuming and discs are easily damaged, and external hard drives become a much more appealing option. Plus, discs take up excess space and can be misplaced. Choosing the best external hard drive for your needs will depend on a few things, though.

One of the first things that you will need to consider when selecting the best external hard drive for backing up your files is the type and size of files you are saving. Some types of external drives are more portable than others, so the best external hard drive for your needs will depend on the types and amounts of files you need to store. For example, if you have tons of graphics, photos, videos, etc., you will obviously choose a drive that is less portable.

If you like being able to carry your files with you, then the best external hard drive for you may be something like a flash drive. Flash drives are great if you need to have your files handy and you do not want to carry around a larger external drive. They fit easily on your keychain or in your purse and come in different sizes from about 128 MB to up to 4 GB, so you can fit a great many files on the drive.

If you backing up all the files on your computer's drive, then the best external hard drive for you is going to be something a little larger. You can purchase an external hard drive with tons of storage - up to a terabyte - that is approximately the size of a paperback book. So while these drives are also theoretically portable, they are considerably larger than flash drives.

One of the best things about the new generation of external hard drives is that you can pack so much more information in a smaller space, making them ultra portable. They do not even need to be plugged into an outlet and can be powered via the USB ports on your computer.

Choosing the best external hard drive is largely a matter of doing your research. If you look in the circulars in the newspaper each week, there are numerous hard drives on sale and the prices are steadily decreasing. In the end, selecting the best external hard drive will be a matter of choosing the drive with the features that work best for your storage needs.

Visit us to get more info on best hard drive, external hard drive and hard drive.

IBM Printer and Printers

Buying a Printer

Inkjet, Laser, Multifunction and so on...Printers are available in different varieties. Choosing one for your needs can be quite tricky. There are also numerous brands that add to the number of options available on the market to choose from. Such a wide variety seems to confuse when you plan to select a printer for yourself. New models of printers are being introduced every now and then. It becomes hard for an average customer to make an informed choice.

To make sense of it all, here are some tips for buying a Printer:

Your Printing needs

The most important aspect to consider before buying a printer is your printing requirement. If your needs are limited to taking occasional printouts of documents like notices, letters, web-page printouts, or simple spreadsheets then go for a low-end Inkjet or Laser Printer. But if you require to do presentations with high quality print outs and photographs, a Photo Printer is best. For non-color print outs over 100 pages a day, buy faster Laser Printers. A Multifunction Printer is best for those who run a home business and need a combination of Scanner, Printer, Copier, and Fax Machine.

Consider other factors

Some other important factors that need to be considered before buying a printer are:

* Resolution - Resolution refers to the number of dots printed in per square inch area. Over 1440 dpi resolution is good. You must select a high-end model that gives higher resolution to print quality text, graphics and photos.

* Operating Cost - This is one important factor to consider. The cost of replacing paper and ink-cartridges must be calculated, because users have to continually buy more ink cartridges and toners when the old ones run out or dry up. You should know the operating cost which may sometimes exceed the actual cost of the printer within a year.

* Speed - For large volume of black-and-white printouts, it is essential to look the pages per minute output of a printer.

* Size of the printout - It differs according to the need. You may require an over-sized or non-standard paper, heavy card stock, blueprints, transparencies, etc. Buy a printer that has at least 90 degrees of paper path to facilitate uninterrupted printing on various types of media.

* Post-Script Fonts - Most of the Inkjet printers are not compatible to PostScript. A Laser Printer is best to print PostScript graphics or fonts.

* Photo Quality - To get photo lab quality it is essential to have Specialty Color Printers. They give high-resolution images' print on photo paper.

* Network enabled - If you wish to connect your new printer to a home or office network then your printer must be a network-enabled one.

* Image processing - Image processing is a power-consuming task. Printers generally have similar computing power and memory as a PC. Some high-end printers use their memory to form the complete image before printing it, thus handling large files quickly.

* Ease of use - Also look at the ease in its use and installation.

* Compatibility - The compatibility of your printers with USB, which means it will work with Windows 98/2000/XP, and with Mac System 8.1 or higher.

* Your workplace area - If you have a small workplace area, consider the printer's footprint and how it will be connected to your existing system.
* Warranty - Make sure you buy a printer with a warranty of at least 90 days, so you don't need to run here and there in case of any problem.

Compare stores and options

Once the list of your requirements is finalized, look for some of the large comparison review sites. They will give you an an idea of new available range of printers and their prices. Always remember that MRP is not the end limit. You can bargain below it! Also check the cost of Printer ink cartridges, Toner and Printing paper for the different types and brands.

Some people find reading reviews to be a waste of time, but believe me it is not. Such reviews and comments give important information on the products' reliability, their ease of use, and any issues or defects.

Once you are done with this home work, go ahead and buy a printer. Stores like superwarehouse can be your preferred destination. A vast collection of Printer and Printers' accessories are available here at best prices. IBM Printer and Printers are favorite among all for the wide array of options they provide. Choose Printer and Printers of your choice and get started!

VMware and Total Cost of Server Ownership

Today, most IT departments are required to reduce expenses and run with greater efficiency, even while managing a multitude of servers, keeping end users content, and administering a full network daily. For companies that need to control the cost of administration and reduce server sprawl, virtualization is rapidly becoming a key resource. Additionally, opportunities to leverage hardware for redundancy exist, maximizing system uptime. When consolidating physical systems within the data center using a virtual infrastructure, enterprises experience higher server utilization, increased operational efficiency, and a lower total cost of ownership.

VMware can reduce the total cost of server ownership by consolidating workloads. As today's servers tend to be powerful but underutilized, a typical server runs at 15% processor utilization and 30% memory. VMware is able to leverage available resources to let multiple operating systems run on a single server. Businesses can now install new, virtual servers to existing hardware instead of adding new servers to an environment. This helps to maximize your hardware investment.

Virtualization changes the total cost of ownership with quick installation and provisioning. Since several virtual servers can run on one piece of hardware, adding an additional server doesn't require provisioning, which eliminates the need to spend time ordering, scoping and configuring a new one. In just a few hours, a new virtual server can be fully installed, as compared to the two weeks estimated for a standard server.

Total cost of ownership is also impacted via a reduction in server administration workload. A regular server administrator needs to check the server logs and hardware status consistently. With VMware, about 60-90% of this work is eliminated, reducing the time necessary to support server infrastructure properly. The time saved can be valuable, particularly at a business with a large number of servers.

VMware helps reduce downtime, lower disaster planning recovery costs, and allow a quick recovery from failure. VMware is essential for companies that rely on data availability, as this tool manages risk and ensures that required resources are ready. In a regular data disaster, long or failed recovery efforts are common, and equipment often needs to be replaced or repaired. Similarly, the systems then need to be reinstalled and reconfigured. A VMware system can help with a fast recovery and assist long-term survival, as the virtual servers can be backed up on yet another server. If these servers are physically damaged, the virtual servers can be restored from backups and placed onto other hardware with sufficient speed and power. VMware is able to reduce the cost of data disaster recovery planning, as recovery sites can be made virtual, reducing the capital expense. Hardware agnosticism and VMware's single-step file recovery lower the amount of time needed to recover from a disaster scenario.

VMware is able to greatly reduce the overall cost of server ownership, reducing business risks - particularly when leveraged properly in a particular server environment.

Nick Pegley is a marketing expert with All Covered: Technology Services Partner for Small Business, providing information technology consulting and IT services in 20 major U.S. metro areas. Outsource your procurement, installation and technical headaches.

Mac it Up

Apple has been around for a long time and seen it's up and downs. Today Apple is the hot hip leading company on the must have items. I own a few of there products, the MacBook Pro, G4 and an ipod. I have been more than satisfied with all their products. Not only are the products reliable but I also found their support to be outstanding. It only takes a quick phone call to inquire about the products or get a quick how to on new software and trouble shooting.

The other advantage of Apple products is the life span. All of my products are still up to date as far as speed and efficiency in todays market. My G4 can still handle my memory intensive programs and run several programs at the same time. My Macbook Pro has more than exceeded my expectations as well.

Now I know a lot of people are weary about purchasing a Mac because they are afraid that since it has a different operating system it won't work with all programs, like Microsoft products. This is no longer true, not only are there the classic Microsoft products for macs but a lot of the state of the art programs are developed and work more efficiently with Macs. The other worry is the cost. Market wise Mac are more expensive, but when you weigh out the cost of two or three computers that may only last a year of two then fizzle out on you, the cost is the same. See Macs just last longer, they update easier and there is the virus factor. Only about 3% to 9% of all viruses are mac compatible, which mean less chance of your computer "getting sick." I personally have never had a virus on any of my mac products.

Next time you are looking for a great computer, MP3 play, or laptop take a look at a Mac. You may pay more, but you are paying for a quality product.

Your Questions Answered on Refilling Inkjet Cartridges

If you have an inkjet printer you'll know how expensive it can be to buy inkjet printer cartridges. Those teeny cartridges get sucked dry in no time. So you may have wondered what you could be doing to save yourself money, since the price of brand new cartridges are sky high. It's no wonder a majority of users have opted for refilling inkjet cartridges instead.

There is no cheaper alternative other than using inkjet printer refills. In most cases you can save almost %80 and finally give your wallet the break it deserves. Ok, so refilling inkjet cartridges could save you a lot of money, but what are the downsides? Surely there must be some cons? The common queries people have are "Will the print quality be as good as a standard cartridge?" and "Is it difficult to use printer refill kits?".

The answer to the first question is 'Yes' if you use a top quality inkjet printer refill manufacturer, you will find that the quality of ink is as good. As to the second question, the answer is 'No' believe it or not. In fact the process is quite simple and you will receive all the tools you need in your printer refill kit, to ensure that you can carry out the task of refilling inkjet cartridges easily. All you have to do is follow the simple steps outlined in the manual and you'll have no issues.

You may also be wondering how many times you can refill your cartridges without affecting print quality. This really depends on the cartridge your printer uses. If your inkjet cartridge is merely an ink container, then you can use it as many times as you like. However, if your cartridges have built-in print heads then use them for only 6 times. Anymore times and you'll risk affecting print quality.

Provided you don't let your cartridges dry out and you give them a regular cleaning cycle, your cartridges will be fine. Avoid letting them sit unused for long periods as this will affect printing and may cause damage to your printer. Paying attention to these points will help you get the most out of inkjet printer refills.

Some older style printer refill kits may take up to 15 minutes to refill an empty cartridge, however there are better and faster systems offered which can take as little as 5 minutes to process.

Inkjet printer refills are safe to use and should not in anyway damage your printer, since you are merely replacing the ink in an existing cartridge. What's more, as consumers, we are protected by the law against manufacturers who try to void our printer warranty because we choose not to use their cartridges.

If you're still unsure about refilling inkjet cartridges, don't despair. Why not get a specialist to do it for you. You will still save a great deal of money. All you have to do is search online to find a refilling store near you. The other alternative, which isn't as much of a money saver, is to send it to your manufacturer to get refilled. Bear in mind that in some cases this could take weeks.

Don't let refilling inkjet cartridges yourself scare you. Even if you mess it up the first time you will still have a spare bottle of ink to give it another try, since printer refill kits provide two refills.

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Everything You Need to Know About Aerial Fiber Optic Cable Installation

Understanding The Basic Terms

1.

Dead end pole: Dead end pole is a utility pole on which self-supporting figure 8 aerial cable or a steel messenger is tensioned and terminated into a dead-end fixture.

2.

Messenger span: Messenger span refers to the length of continuous steel messenger tensioned between two dead-end poles.

3.

Intermediate poles: Intermediate poles are all the poles between two dead-end poles.


Planning

1.

Careful planning and preparation are necessary before any aerial cable installations. During the cable route survey, representatives from all necessary parties including utilities, street depart, etc should be present. Before even detailed planning begins, approval should be get from all involved parties. Sufficient clearance for new cable along the right of way should be confirmed during the route survey.

2.

Existing poles should be used whenever possible in order to save cost.

3.

Where on a pole to place the aerial fiber optic cable? Fiber optic cables weigh less than equivalent copper cables and also sag less, so fiber optic cables should occupy the uppermost available communications space on a pole.

4.

Sufficient clearances must be maintained between fiber optic cables and electrical power cables on joint-use poles. You need to refer to current National Electrical Safety Code for the proper clearances.

5.

Existing dead-end pole must be evaluated to see whether they can withstand the stresses during aerial cable installation. You have to evaluate whether temporary guying is needed in order to relieve the temporary unbalanced loading during cable installation.

6.

Splice locations. Splice locations are usually selected during the cable route survey. They are chosen to allow for the longest possible continuous cable spans and a minimum number of splices. They should be easily accessible to a splicing vehicle.

7.

Aerial installation should never be done in wet conditions. And make sure all personnel are properly trained for pole line work.
8.

Fiber optic cables (including all dielectric cables) should be properly grounded when installed in the vicinity of high-voltage power cables.

Installation:

Fiber optic cable aerial installation can be done in two ways

Lashing a fiber optic cable to a steel messenger

A steel messenger is first installed between the poles. Then a cable reel trailer and truck are used to pull the cable along the messenger. A cable guide and cable lasher are used to wrap around both the messenger and the fiber cable to secure the fiber cable to the messenger. Following the cable lasher is an aerial bucket truck which makes necessary adjustments.

At each pole, the fiber optic cable forms an expansion loop to allow for expansion of the messenger. The expansion loop's sizes have both a length and a depth, its length should be larger than twice its depth. The fiber cable should also maintain its minimum bending radius at all times.

Direct installation of self-supporting figure 8 aerial fiber optic cables

Self-supporting (Figure-8) optical fiber cables greatly simplifies the task of placing fiber optic cables onto a aerial plant. The self-supporting figure-8 cable incorporates both a steel messenger and the fiber cable into a single jacket of Figure-8 cross section.

The combination of strand and optical fiber into a single cable allows rapid one-step installation and results in a more durable aerial plant.

Colin Yao is an expert on fiber optic communication technologies and products. Learn more about loose tube cable, loose tube fiber cable and loose tube fiber optic cable on Fiber Optics For Sale Co. web site.

Understanding Basic Terms in Indoor Fiber Optic Cable Installation

Fiber optic cables are exposed to electrical, mechanical, chemical and environmental elements, so proper installation is critical for the long-term stability and survival of fiber cables.

Cable installation must also meet the NEC(National Electric Code) and local building codes. NEC indicates that fiber optic cables can be placed in the same raceway, cable tray or enclosure with CATV, telephone, communication circuits and Class 2 and 3 remote control signaling circuits.

Note that you should never put the fiber optic cable in the same enclosure that houses electrical terminations.

What are conduits?

Conduit is a tube or trough for protecting electrical or communication wires and cables. It may be a solid or flexible tube in which cables are run. They house and protect the fiber optic cables as well as any other type of data or communication transmission line.

Underground conduits are also called ducts and consist of one or more conduits spaced closely together. They are often buried directly in the ground in concrete casing. Duct lines terminate in underground vaults called manholes. Conduits are made of fiber, PVC, PE and other materials.

Above ground conduits are made of metal or nonmetal materials. They can be used in exposed or concealed locations aboveground.

Characteristics of a good conduit installation

1.Good mechanical properties to withstand the forces imposed by cable installations

2.Observes fiber optic cables minimum bending radius

3.No sharp edges or bends touches the fiber optic cables throughout the route

4.Meets current and future expansion requirements

What are cable trays?

A cable tray is an assembly of units made of metal or other noncombustible materials that form a continuous, rigid support for fiber cables. Cable trays are used throughout the industry and they greatly simplify the installation of fiber optic cables.

Cable trays come in several different types including ladder type, trough type, channel type and solid-bottom type.

Ladder type cable tray is a metal structure consisting of two longitudinal side rails connected by individual transverse members. The transverse members provide the support for fiber cables.

Trough type cable tray is also a metal structure. It consists of a ventilated bottom and has closely spaced supports within integral or separate longitudinal side rails.

Channel type cable tray consists of a one-piece ventilated or solid-bottom channel section.

Solid-bottom type cable tray is a metal structure that has no openings in the bottom. Integral or separate longitudinal side rails provide the support for the fiber cables.

What are pull boxes?

Pull boxes are used to break up long conduit lengths for easier and lower tension cable pulls.

Pull boxes are usually placed near conduit bends and in long straight runs. You should use at least one pull box after every second 90° bend and in long conduit spans.

When pulling cable out of pull boxes, ensure that the cable's minimum bend radius is always observed. Cable pulled through a corner pull box should first be pulled into a loop since the sharp corner of the pull box can easily damage the cable and the fibers.

Colin Yao is an expert on fiber optic communication technologies and products. Learn more about aerial fiber cable, optic cable aerial, aerial fiber optic cable on Fiber Optics For Sale Co. web site.

Storage Controller - The High Capacity System With Great Performance

Computers are used for varied purposes now a day and therefore the need of different storage devices has emerged. The storage controller plays an important role in overall storage system in a computer. It is basically a set of components that enables the users to store different programs and data on their computers.

Two types of hardware are found in the storage system of these electronic devices. They are the hard drives and the external hard disks. The second type of devices includes CD-ROM, CD-RW or DVD disk drives. The pen-drive and data card are also used for storing files and folders these days. An interface is provided in the PC through which an internal communication channel works between these devices and different programs of the computer.

One of the most important characteristics of the storage controller is its capacity. The storage capacity is the factor that attracts the customers. The system with a 2 GB hard disk can be used for office works and internet surfing. Another important characteristic is the performance of the devices that are used in the computer. The storage devices are relatively slower than the electronic components of the system. The components like CPU and motherboard are much faster.

Flexibility is another factor that decides the success of any storage gadget. One can find a lot of devices that provide support for multi format files like audio, video, digital, etc. The combo CD/DVD drives are available in the markets that are gaining popularity. The latest computers and laptops are loaded with the hard disks of up to 160 GB capacity. The option of adding external hard drives is also given to the users so that they could increase the overall memory capacity of their computers.

Some of the other types of storage controller devices are floppy disk controller, SCSI controller, USB controller, etc. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port is given in the computers and laptops these days. One needs to insert the USB device in the port so that he or she could transfer any kind of data from the PC and vice-versa.

Jacob Marshal, an author who writes on different themes for Rupiz Compare and appeal to visit the site to get information about Serial ATA Controller and SAS Controller.

Random Access Memory - Temporary Storage Media

The computers are being used extensively by the human beings for the purpose of entertainment and complex processing. In the age of technology when we all are living closely computerized lives, it's hard to imagine any place or household without a computer. These machines are equipped with advanced electronic components and devices with which they help us do various processing with great ease.

Random Access Memory is more commonly known as RAM. This is the temporary memory in the system and is used to store the data or information for the short span of time while the processing is carried on. RAM is an integrated circuit chip which is fixed on the mother board of the system. It is an important and integral part of the computers.

It is used to store data. Unlike other storage mediums like the magnetic tapes and optical disks, in the Ram data can be accessed in random order. Any datum can be easily retrieved withing specified amount of time irrespective of the storage location of the data. It does not matter whether the present data which is being accessed is related or linked to the previously accessed data. This kind of memory is generally volatile and the information is retained in the memory only till the power is switched on. As soon as the power is turned off the information is lost.

There are several variations present of the random access memory like SDRAM, DRAM, SRAM, RDRAM and DDR SDRAM etc.

The SRAM stands for the static RAM and DRAM stands for the dynamic RAM. The Static RAM is a kind of semiconductor memory in which the data is not refreshed after a small period of time and it uses a bistable latching circuitry in which the bits are stored. The data retention is exhibited by this kind of RAM but is not nonvolatile as the data is lost when the power is switched off.

The performance of the system depends largely upon the storage capacity of the RAM. Higher the memory of the system better is its performance. In most of the computers one would find 256 MB or higher memory capacity. To run heavy applications like 3-D games and Drawing tools, System development kits with higher configuration and enhanced RAM are required.

Jacob Marshal, an author who writes on different themes for Rupiz Compare and appeal to visit the site to get information about 4 GB Kingstom RAM and Kingston DDR2 RAM.

External Storage Devices is a Part of Your Life

External storage devices offer a wide range of solutions to problems facing those who choose to participate in the advances of this age of information. Information! We are constantly inundated by information these days. It forms the basis of our existence both social and professional. It streams to us from all angles. When we step back from this constant inundation for a second we must ask; 'What do we do with all this information?'

How you process your information is beyond the scope of this article! But what I will offer here are methods to keep your information ordered, accessible, and safe so that you can work with it under the best possible circumstances.

An external hard drive is a storage system for your computer data. Often taking the form of a compact box, they are connected to a computer via a cable (probably USB or firewire) and have the capability of storing anything from 1 Gigabyte to 1 Terabyte of information. If you have utilized an external storage device you probably find it useful under many circumstances.

Backup

Storing your information on an external hard drive solves several problems. First of all it eliminates the possibility of losing your data in the event of your computer crashing be it due to a virus attack or mechanical malfunction. It is common practice for individuals involved in IT to create a copy of the entire extent of their data onto an external drive. This saves them from the disastrous possibility of losing all their work and therefore their profits if their system crashes. Storing to an external hard drive means that the data physically exists outside of your computer system so if you find your computer in an inoperable state the external drive can be plugged into another computer to retrieve your data. This brings us to another feature of external drives which is that of transferability. Through external drives it is possible to access your data on other computers which is great for easily transferring your data to work colleagues or a friend computer.

Protection

If you have sensitive information you can store it on a hard disk which will prevent it from being accessible to hackers over the internet. Simply store your important data on the external drive, wipe it from your main system and then unplug the external drive. This way it is impossible for your data to be accessed by would be thieves over the internet.

Extra Space

If you've downloaded too many big files (movies, music etc.) and find your computer running out of space and consequently slowing down, store your data on the external drive to free up disk space on your computer. Not only does this free up space and speed up your computer but it can also allow you to organize your data. For example you could have one external drive for Music, one for business data, one for personal data and so on.

Owning an external storage device is very useful in many ways. In the years to come it will become almost inevitable for anyone to escape the invasion of external storage devices, they are now in the form of keychains. You can use a small 8GB USB drive to store a large amount of data. You can simply bring your office work home and easily carry it on a keychain. School kids can have homework assignments given to them on a keychain using an external storage device, allowing students to abandon their bulky backpacks and school books. Imagine go to your local video rental store and picking the latest movie release on an external storage device. The use for external storage devices is endless. However you spin it, one thing is for certain "external storage devices" will be a part of your life!

Ant Onaf is a content producer in association with RemoteGurus.com (http://www.remotegurus.com) a freelance job board for freelance programmers, writers, web developers, etc. He is also associated with Rooket.com an online discount retailer who sells 500GB external hard drives.