Archive for the ‘Computers’ Category

The Multitude Of Uses For Web Cameras

August 31st, 2009

by Jim Samposzi

Having the capability of monitoring a particular area at any given time is very important to some. Web cameras provide for monitoring all day and functionality to view a room from a a different one. These handy devices have been further developed since their introduction and are well known by individuals and businesses alike.

Web cameras, for home use, are very capable and don’t cost much. One can add the device to their PC without difficulty and start using it right away. Web cameras increased in popularity soon after their introduction. Individuals began using them for communicating with friends and associates who also had a web camera.

Web cameras come in different resolutions and capabilities. Basic models for simple video are very cheap and use minimal memory and computer capabilities. However, the more robust systems can be more expensive and require the use of more computer resources. But, this difference is one way or the other; there are inexpensive web cameras for individual users and expensive web cameras for companies – nothing in between.

There are tons of uses of web cameras. As said previously, individuals install web cameras and use them to see loved ones from afar from their PC. Corporations, teachers, security guards, and individual shop owners can benefit from web cameras. Several of the more well-known uses of web cameras, other than simple video from PC are:

* Projection use – One can actually plug in a web camera to a projection system to display something in another room. This is useful for distance learning and gigantic classes that have lots of classrooms to teach them.

* Video Recording – This is a useful tool for an employee attempting to market themselves and stand out in the industry. In today’s world, people applying for employment post video shorts online to all available networking sites and job search engines. Web cameras always use software to allow the user to record video clips with the web camera. Even if the web camera does not have this software, many providers have free programs made to use with the camera.

* Monitoring a room – In today’s world, small personal computers, as well as business computers, are hooked up to a network. Therefore, a computer in one state can communicate with one in a different state. So, you can physically be in one given room on a computer and monitor another room that has a web camera present.

* Taking Pictures – The same software programs that communicate with web cameras on the PC for video also aid the user to produce photographs. This is a great way to share photos with people any time.

Regardless of the need, web cameras are a great tool for individuals and professionals of all industries. Today, security in business and individuals who take the time to become familiar with such equipment can expect better opportunities in the job market. Web cameras are simple to use and can be attached to the computer instantly.

Jim is an independent journalist with more than 25 years of editorial experience. Jim is currently consulting as a publicist for our b2b site and is considered the local authority on computer peripherals. Take the time to visit our website for additional information on Web Camera and Pc Cameras.

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How Computer Video Cards Work

August 20th, 2009

by Jim Samposzi

When someone is checking out a video clip or movie, he/she is typically unaware of the forces going on behind the screen to bring the clip to the eye. There is good amount more than just analyzing, playing, and transforming the signal into something readable. Whether it appears as a simple text animation or a complex 3-D rendering, video cards make it possible to see a video of any kind.

A chip for video is sometimes called: display adapter, graphics card, or graphics accelerator card. Basically, the CPU picks up the data from the file and sends it to the video chip card, in the tiny slot, to handle it and return the desired video. This process happens like butter and you cannot tell the clips going through; the video streams smoothly.

Computers include small ports that video devices or media plug in to. These inputs basically connect to another device or computer to send the view to the screen. Some of the more common methods for output are:

* Video Graphics Array (VGA) – This is common to many computers and is not seen on machines today. It looks mostly like a rectangle or square slot with holes in the middle. This is the first kind of video input/output and is obsolete because the quality is not as good.

* Video In / Video Out (VIVO) and S-Video – These extensions support 3-D rendering by translating the data. These types are more widely used today and support a clear picture, LCD, and plasma. The installation point looks round and contain dots in the center. Most computers and televisions label this as S video.

* High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) – This interconnect for digital audio and video is a bit more robust and supports streaming video. This type of port helps to protect copyright-protected materials.

* Display Port – These types are the newest technology for video capability and is said to be capable of putting all other connections to rest. It supports streaming video rendering without any distortion.

It does not matter the kind of port used for video input, computers all process video on a card like any other computer interaction does. The chip set of the card includes components that make it work. These components include: video bios, video memory, and RAMDAC (Random Access Memory Digital to Analog Converter). The video bios exists as a simple outline of how the computer is to handle video. The video memory then starts to help streaming. Finally, the RAMDAC translates the analog signal to digital so the screen can play the video. Although some computers no longer need RAMDAC, due to the introduction of monitors with RAMDACs already in them, though all computers still need it to run the video clip.

Not all individuals that play videos know what is at work in the background to make it possible. Most users value being able to access videos in seconds. The processes above happen so quickly that you don’t even see it. However, many gadgets and pieces are hard at work to bring the clarity of video.

Jim Samposzi is a freelance writer with over 12 years writing experience. Jim is currently working as a journalist with our b2b site and has become the local specialist on video cards. Visit our useful website for additional information on Video Cards and Graphics Cards.

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Computer Cases Aren’t All Built The Same – Check Out Which Ones To Buy!

July 21st, 2009

by: Xavier Toolhausens

If you thought choosing a computer with all the different configuration options available in the market was difficult, wait till you have to choose a computer case. There is a myriad of models to choose from and most people have no idea where to start. So here is a guide that will help you to pick a computer case that suits your requirements.

A computer case or chassis as it’s also called should not just be chosen for its aesthetic value. The choice that you make will also determine the components that can be included in your computer and its cooling capacity.

The first thing to consider when choosing a computer case is the mother board compatibility. Based on this, there are two types of cases available the ATX (Advanced Technology Extended and BTX (Balanced Technology Extended). The ATX form factor which was introduced by Intel is seen more commonly. However, the BTX form factor has better heat dissipation and air flow features. You can choose from computer cases specifically designed for each form factor or go for the dual compatibility cases which can be converted to suit either form factor.

The next constraint is the size of the computer case which will depend on space availability. You can go for desktop cases or tower cases but the latter type is more space efficient. The tower cases are available in three sizes Full, Mid or Mini. The Full tower case is the largest while the mini slim case is the smallest. However you need to remember that compromising with size of the computer case would equate to fewer components that can be installed in the machine.

Apart from these essential features you will also need to look for the drive bays which will be used to install internal and external devices. The standard configuration would include one optical disc drive, at least one hard drive and one floppy disc drive.

The cooling capacity is also a crucial factor since it is essential to the well being of all the components of your machine which produce heat particularly the CPU. So, it’s imperative to check the case layout and design for good air flow and ventilation features. All systems will have case cooling fans for heat dissipation. Most standard computer cases come with at least two single fan installation points, one to rear and one towards the front. But there are frames that allow more than two fan installation points. You need to make sure that you purchase a case with additional installation points and with the proper fan size for the system that you are buying. Side air ducts are either ducts/ fan near the CPU installation that also aid in cooling performance.

Computer cases are available in various materials like plastic, steel and aluminum or aluminum alloy. The metal cases are sturdier and more efficient in terms of electromagnetic shielding and heat dissipation than their plastic/ acrylic counterparts. However if you want a case that looks nice, you should opt for the transparent acrylic or plastic varieties. Aluminum computer cases are lighter and more expensive than the steel cases.

The other factor to consider would be the availability and the number of front ports. Their availability means that you won’t have to go through the hassle of accessing the I/O ports at the rear of the case.

Finally, many computer cases come with built in PSU which will be expressly mentioned in the product specifications with its capacity. But there are some cases where the PSU has to be installed separately. This is particularly true for high end computer cases. The 250-350 watt capacity of PSU’s that is bundled with the case is usually adequate to meet the power requirements of a standard configuration system.

Usually a mid or mini tower case is more than adequate to meet the requirements of home pc users but you should pick a computer case based on the form factor and the number of bays that you intend to use.

Xavier Toolhausens is a technical writer with more than twelve years editorial experience. Xavier is presently engaged as a freelance writer with the fuzing.com portal and is considered the in house expert on computer cases and other peripherals. Be sure to visit our web portal for additional information on Computer Cases and Atx Computer Cases.

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