How confusing is IT lingo? – Very is my answer! If you don’t know your Spyware from James Bonds Tux or your Apple from well your Apples then this is the blog for you. I have listed some of the most common IT engineers Jargon words and translated them into English for us mere mortals.
Bandwidth - This is the amount of information or data that can be sent over a network connection at any one time.
Cookie - Is a small file created by a browser to store information about a web site. They will typically store information about previous visitors to the site, remembering their user names and passwords, and customizing the site to suit returning visitor’s tastes.
Firewall - A program or device that is designed to limit the external access to a computer for security reasons.
Malware - Software which includes viruses, adware and spyware. It is designed to intentionally damage a computer and causes inconvenience.
Modem - Is a device that will allow computer information to be sent over a telephone line.
OS - Operating system - OS is the software that controls a computer system - The OS is loaded when the computer is started. The most common OS’s include Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OS.
Peer-to-peer - Peer-to-peer technology allows 2 computer users to share files directly without using a server.
Router - A router will decide the correct location for data being transmitted between networks
Server - A central computer that delivers information to other computers in its network in response to a request.
Spyware - Is a program designed to steal private information from your computer, such
as passwords and credit card details. Software which is downloaded from the Internet may contain spyware.
USB - Universal Serial Bus - This is a standard type of port for connecting hardware such as a digital cameras, MP3 Players, keyboards and printers.
Virus - Viruses are deliberately written by vandals they do not arise by accident. A virus is a self-replicating sequence of instructions that spreads from one computer to another by replicating itself into a files / program.
VPN - Virtual Private Network - This refers to a secure network connection that uses the internet to transmit data.
Wi-Fi - This is a set of standards which ensures the compatibility of wireless network devices manufactured by different companies.
Wireless network - This is a computer network where data is transmitted via radio signals instead of cables.
23 Jun 2010
16 Jun 2010
3D - Fade or The Future?
I remember the first time I ever saw anything in 3D I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. How was it even possible? As an adult I am still as impressed with the technology but I am not entirely convinced it has any place in the home, as a glasses wearer I find it awkward enough at the cinema for a few hours sitting with glasses on top of my glasses without sitting at home watching Eastenders or Corrie like that!
The problem with using 3D in the home is the size of the screens – at the cinema you feel like you are in that moment actually experiencing the sensation of something flying at you or the scale of a large scene. I just don’t think that same feeling can be transferred to a 40 – 60 inch television screen, our peripheral vision is too vast to become absorbed in the technology in the same way.
I do however think if you have a large amount of money to burn that 3D could be great for gaming in the home. Nintendo today has released details of its new 3DS handheld console that comes complete with glasses-free 3D technology – the 3D effect level can be controlled or even switched off on the machine using a simple slider. For all you gadget geeks there are even 3 cameras on the 3DS that takes 3D pictures, allowing you to see your double chin from all angles - how clever is that? Sony are also already assuring PS3 owners that there will be a firmware update which will allow their current systems to support 3D meaning it is only a matter of time before most driving games and shoot ‘em up’s are all in 3D format.
Sony have predicted that by 2014 40% of new TV’s sold will offer 3D capabilities – they may well offer 3D capabilities but I don’t think it will be utilised. I have been known to be wrong about new technologies in the past, I thought the iPod was a novelty that would never last, only time will tell if I am right or wrong!
The problem with using 3D in the home is the size of the screens – at the cinema you feel like you are in that moment actually experiencing the sensation of something flying at you or the scale of a large scene. I just don’t think that same feeling can be transferred to a 40 – 60 inch television screen, our peripheral vision is too vast to become absorbed in the technology in the same way.
I do however think if you have a large amount of money to burn that 3D could be great for gaming in the home. Nintendo today has released details of its new 3DS handheld console that comes complete with glasses-free 3D technology – the 3D effect level can be controlled or even switched off on the machine using a simple slider. For all you gadget geeks there are even 3 cameras on the 3DS that takes 3D pictures, allowing you to see your double chin from all angles - how clever is that? Sony are also already assuring PS3 owners that there will be a firmware update which will allow their current systems to support 3D meaning it is only a matter of time before most driving games and shoot ‘em up’s are all in 3D format.
Sony have predicted that by 2014 40% of new TV’s sold will offer 3D capabilities – they may well offer 3D capabilities but I don’t think it will be utilised. I have been known to be wrong about new technologies in the past, I thought the iPod was a novelty that would never last, only time will tell if I am right or wrong!
10 Jun 2010
Technology & The Greatest Show on Earth
In times of war and hatred I am always comforted that for 31 days every 4 years the world comes together as one for the greatest show on earth! If your team made it or not it doesn’t matter, it is a spectacle to behold 32 countries going head to head to become world champions of the greatest game on earth! I love that every time there is a World Cup technology advances allowing more people to be part of it - beaming to so many more homes, bars and gatherings around the world than ever before.
I read a lovely story the other day - a small Ghanaian Village for the first time ever will get the chance to watch the World Cup through a scheme promoting the use of solar energy. People who are outside the national grid who have never before watched their National Team take part will get to see it for the first time thanks to huge advancements in technology – don’t you think that is just brilliant?
This year’s games will be broadcast to 7 ‘Fan Fest’ locations throughout the world in 3D, only last year the first ever World Cup qualifying games were broadcast in HD and a year later in select areas around the globe people can watch in 3D. Do I want to see Wayne Rooney in 3D giant form in central London? The answer to that is probably not, but I am still impressed with the technology because it adds a sense of occasion to it all.
Also this year for the first time ever the official Fifa World Cup site is enabling deaf people and people with hearing impairments across the globe to follow all 64 matches of world football’s showpiece event by having video reports from all 64 matches which will be broadcast in International Sign, these will be online ‘quickly’ after each game has finished.
Wither you are supporting: France, Spain, Italy, Brazil, USA, New Zealand (like me) England (like my very Scottish dad – who knows what that is about?? I am putting it down to his age!) Technology has provided us with more viewing & information options to get involved than ever before. You can follow Fifa World Cup on Twitter & Facebook, watch games in 3D, HD or on the internet – just don’t tell your boss! You can watch on projection screens at pubs, 60inch plasmas at home or even on your mobile phone. You can also get involved on media micro sites, my favourites are the guardian and BBC sites.
Gathering ground my small 28inch TV when I was 14 in 1994 watching a grainy picture of Roberto Baggio ballooning THAT penalty in the final against Brazil never felt further away than it does right now!
www.alchtech.co.uk
I read a lovely story the other day - a small Ghanaian Village for the first time ever will get the chance to watch the World Cup through a scheme promoting the use of solar energy. People who are outside the national grid who have never before watched their National Team take part will get to see it for the first time thanks to huge advancements in technology – don’t you think that is just brilliant?
This year’s games will be broadcast to 7 ‘Fan Fest’ locations throughout the world in 3D, only last year the first ever World Cup qualifying games were broadcast in HD and a year later in select areas around the globe people can watch in 3D. Do I want to see Wayne Rooney in 3D giant form in central London? The answer to that is probably not, but I am still impressed with the technology because it adds a sense of occasion to it all.
Also this year for the first time ever the official Fifa World Cup site is enabling deaf people and people with hearing impairments across the globe to follow all 64 matches of world football’s showpiece event by having video reports from all 64 matches which will be broadcast in International Sign, these will be online ‘quickly’ after each game has finished.
Wither you are supporting: France, Spain, Italy, Brazil, USA, New Zealand (like me) England (like my very Scottish dad – who knows what that is about?? I am putting it down to his age!) Technology has provided us with more viewing & information options to get involved than ever before. You can follow Fifa World Cup on Twitter & Facebook, watch games in 3D, HD or on the internet – just don’t tell your boss! You can watch on projection screens at pubs, 60inch plasmas at home or even on your mobile phone. You can also get involved on media micro sites, my favourites are the guardian and BBC sites.
Gathering ground my small 28inch TV when I was 14 in 1994 watching a grainy picture of Roberto Baggio ballooning THAT penalty in the final against Brazil never felt further away than it does right now!
www.alchtech.co.uk
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