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Advantages of using Xvid

February 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Xvid configuration dialogs (Windows interface)...

Image via Wikipedia

Xvid is a very popular codec that is used for video streaming throughout the world. Because Windows Media Player is unable to play all types of video formats, people have to install other codecs that are able to play these files. These codecs are usually not available for free, which is why most of the people have to spend money in order to buy those codecs which would play the most popular video formats. However, unlike the DivX format, Xvid is a video format that has gained a great deal of popularity because of it being freeware and easily available for download by anyone who wishes to play their videos.
Computer programmers from all over the world gathered to make a free, open source codec which would be able to encode and decode various different file formats, as well as compress popular file formats with ease. The good thing about using Xvid is that it can easily be altered according to the needs of the users, and if you are looking to download the file, you can easily download it from the official XviD format.
Several popular formats that are being used in the world at present can easily be decoded with the help of the XviD codec package, and installing it is certainly not as difficult. Furthermore, you can easily increase the foot traffic of your website by putting up videos on your webpage with the help of the XviD program, making it highly feasible for you to increase your web traffic.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With:

Converting Source Code: It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

January 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When a program is written for a computer, it is first written in source code. In this form, it can be read by humans; it doesn’t have to be put on a computer or anything else in order to be seen. Once source code has been written, it must then be converted to different programming languages. This conversion must take place before a computer can read the information and perform the functions and operations for which the program was written.

Sometimes it is necessary to convert source code to a specific language. However, that language may not be recognized by a computer’s hardware or software programs, and further conversions have to be performed. HTML is one of the programming languages used. This is a very effective language for several reasons. For one thing, it lends itself well to Internet usage. For this reason, it may be the one chosen for specific web designs.

Another reason HTML is so effective is because other programming languages can easily be converted to it. This allows users to have access to other programming languages because their computers’ hardware and software accepts them. There are programs available for converting programming languages. Some of these programs convert only a few languages, while others convert several languages.

If your job is writing source code, you may want to keep the ease of conversion into different programming languages in mind while you write the code. In this way, you can be assured that your source code can be used by more people. Once you have written your source code, you may want to tell those who will be converting it to do their job with that same intention in mind. Once all conversions have been completed, and the program is ready for distribution, you can then go one step further and inform users of the different programming languages into which your source code can be converted.

Filed Under: Programming Tagged With: , ,

History of the DMA Engine

January 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

DMA (which stands for direct memory access) engines are a feature of modern computers and processors that will allow certain hardware devices within the computer to access the computer’s memory for data reading and writing tasks. Having the DMA engines available allow these tasks to occur without the hardware having to directly access the central processing unit.

The DMA engine concept is commonly used by graphics cards, sound cards, network access cards, and in computers that have multi-core processors. The DMA engine helps in the transferring of data between local memory units and the main memory sector of the computer. Since computers started coming equipped with dedicated DMA channels, they can now do this type of data transfer activity without overworking the processor. Years ago, the processor of a computer had to constantly run because the DMA engine was not yet a common part of computer systems.

Older computers that did not have these DMA engines had to pause all other activities and process these simple memory tasks. The computer was completely devoted to processing these reading and writing tasks. Now, computers can handle multiple tasks at once which make them able to run much more complex software and handle more than one task at once.

The DMA engine started being used for certain tasks as early as the 1980s; however, it has only become a vital part of the CPU over the last 10 years. Some of the first uses of the engine were operating sound cards and video cards. This enabled computer programs to become more graphically intense and offer stereo sounds; video games have especially grown from the advantages that are brought by the DMA engine. They are able to be much more complex than they were before the DMA engine. The use of the computer in our everyday lives would certainly not be the same today without this important innovation.

Filed Under: General Tagged With:

How to Build a Website

January 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Sometimes building a website can be a bit of a task or even overwhelming. To techies though, the steps can be simple if done well and often they use open source or freeware programs like FileZilla and Putty to help them in their task.

The first step to building a site is to choose a domain. This is the address that viewers will type in the address box to access your website. Domain names are paid for on a yearly basis and must be registered.

After selecting a domain name, it is important to choose a web host. It is best not to gravitate to free web hosts. Although they glamorize the no-cost to house your files and web pages, they have too many strings attached. They also issue long and impractical domain names that can hinder the traffic of your site. Since choosing a web host is critical to your website’s success, take some time to shop around for a site. You will get the most for your money by paying for a host on a monthly or yearly basis rather than going with a free host.

Next comes the actual building of your website. This can be done through several methods. You can check with your web host to see if they offer tools that will help to build your site. If not, you may need to use your knowledge of HTML to write out the code to create your site. This may be your preferable method. If neither of these options appeals to you, there is the option of using HTML templates to create your site or actually purchasing web design software.

Often there is open source freeware that web builders use to assist them in the task. FileZilla helps to upload large and numerous files, Putty will establish secure connections and NotePad is a convenient free source code editor.  Web designers will often also utilize the convenience of Tight VNC to work on computer desktops remotely.

When considering which avenue you will take in building your site, remember that you also need to be able to update and maintain your site. This could mean mere editing or possibly overhauling the site. Maintenance, although sometimes tedious, is essential for optimum appeal and increases the trafficking of your site. Be sure to choose a web-building option in which you will be able to easily maintain the site later on.

Filed Under: Internet, Web Design Tagged With: , ,

Remembering Technological Innovation Disasters

January 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It is better to be a has-been or a never-was? For entertainers such as Garth Brooks, retirement has meant a lucrative second career playing private concerts and Las Vegas shows. For failed garage bands, the post rock star life style means reality as a music teacher or in insurance sales. It might be easy to poke fun a people or products that became outdated, but it still beats never arriving.

For some technology products, establishing anything approaching success proved impossible despite superior backing and an innovative product. In 2004, the Federal Communications Commission began to push a CableCARD system. CableCARDs are a special-use device that enables U.S. consumers to see and record digital cable television channels on video recorders, personal computes and televisions. The CableCARD does not require the use of set top boxes that are provided by cable companies. Despite the advantage of this system, which was to empower third-party televisions and DVRs, the CableCARD never caught on. Motorola pushed the invention, but it found the filed to be relatively fruitless. The FCC tried to force cable operators to use the card in set-top boxes, but the level playing field never emerged due to a combination of technology problems and cable industry resistance.

Technology failures were not limited to entertainment devices. The two-wheel personal transportation system — or Segway — was supposed to change the manner in which society traveled. The inventor of the Segway even predicted that it would render the car obsolete. Cars are still going strong, and the Segway is all but obsolete. The device failed to improve after its release. And rather than expand its territory, towns have started to restrict its use. Rather than change transportation, the Segway seems to be a relic of time when American where at their most health unconscious.

The Segway and the CableCARD are two technology failures that live on as examples of mistakes rather than as innovations.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With:

Teachers Get a leg up Online

January 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Teaching is a tough job. It requires time, effort, and a level of commitment that far exceeds that of many other jobs. It’s a thankless task at times and, unless a teacher is really prepared and organized, it’s one that can be rather overwhelming. But for teachers in the 21st century, there are a wide array of resources online like openoffice.org, as well as an array of technological advancements that is making their jobs just a little less difficult.
Computerized Grade Books
While this invention isn’t entirely new, it is one that is becoming a staple in most schools. On the surface it doesn’t do much for the teachers ease or efficiency at their job, but upon further inspection, these grade books insure a strict level of record keeping, as well as a commitment to making less errors when it comes to a student’s percentage in the class.
Online Resources
The computer has quickly become a teachers best friend. When it is important for a teacher to put together a lesson plan, or for a teacher to get the historical background of a story for a lesson they are doing, the Internet is the place to be. There are various sources out there that can help the teacher to find the right information which should make her lesson more effective. Then they can download this information easily with File Zilla which is a free open source program from the FileZilla website. This is a big time saver as it eliminates a trip to the library.
Online Community
The Internet is the biggest virtual community in the world. It’s bringing teachers together and helping them to share their lessons and provide support for each other. Teacher can share stories, experiences, tips and tricks, making it easier to get a leg up on the changes that are happening in the profession and how to deal with those changes.
Teaching a difficult profession that is made easier by a growing and support online community that are sharing resources and themselves with their global co-workers.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: ,

Finding and Using Blogging Software for Writing

January 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Bloggers can be greatly aided with a piece of writing software for their blog. Not only can it add a measure of convenience, but it is often much quicker than logging into the blog’s website and uploading the content. The software can also present the blog article as it will appear, eliminating the need for a traditional word processor (which would then need to be copied into the system).

Finding a compatible piece of software should be simple. And once you find it, you can use a program like Ares Galaxy from the open source Ares website to transfer it to your computer.  Most major blogging platforms are supported by the well-known software options that most people have. If you have any special requirements in regards to features, you would do well to research and compare your options.  However, there isn’t a heavy degree of separation between the major options.

Once you download and install the software, you will need to go through a one time setup to synchronize the software with your blog. This surely beats logging in every time you need to add an article. Simply use the correct address, user name, and password for your blog and you will be set for connecting to your blog when the program is running.

Your software should include an option to preview the finished article.  After you have finished writing your article and include media, take advantage of this option to ensure that spacing, the colors, and everything else looks good. Double check it on your website at least once when you start using the program to make sure it is seamless.

Blogging software for writing is a very convenient program and a must-have for bloggers. You can even find options for smart phones and other internet connected devices (portable media players, etc.). Once you get used to using a high quality program for writing on your blog, you’ll never go back to the old way. You may even find yourself in unfamiliar territory when you have to log-in to your blog to fix something.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: ,

Website Design for Beginners

January 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Designing websites can be an engaging hobby or even a career. If you want to get into web design, you need to understand that it is not just about writing code. While code is important, good design is just as essential in a compelling site. So as a fledgling web designer, how do you go about getting the skills necessary? Here are a few tips:

Take a Class or Teach Yourself

All web designers have to take one of these two paths. If you want to learn by yourself, there are hundreds of online resources including tutorials. However, you may find that this takes a bit longer than actually taking a class. In a class situation, you will be in a group of experts that have knowledge and experience. However, these classes do cost money.

Learn Basic Programming Languages First

While there are lots of programming languages out there (Perl, PHP and so on), it is best that you learn HTML and CSS first. These languages will act as a foundation for your website design knowledge base. Practice, and get a strong understanding of these languages, and then move on to more advanced languages.

Get the Best Software You Can

You’ll need web design software that will let you create your HTML pages. You’ll also need some sort of image editing software. You can purchase commercial packages or use open source applications that are free.

Define a goal for yourself, it will make learning web design a bit easier. Decide what kind of website you want to create, such as a personal activity or hobby. You will have more motivation this way. Your first website should also be considered a sort of “sandbox” where you can experiment. This website should be simple, because you don’t want to frustrate yourself by trying to get too complex.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , ,

Choosing a Free Web Hosting Company

January 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many people are looking to start their own personal or business website, but don’t exactly know where to start. The first step should be to consider afree web hosting company.

While some web hosting sites will offer you a template, you won’t get the code to do a little tweaking. Some web hosting sites will offer a blank web page, which will allow you to design your page with your own coding.

Here are some tips on choosing a free web hosting service that will work best for your needs.

First, figure out what you want to get out of your website. Is it a personal website, a fansite or a business website? Knowing exactly what type of website you’re looking to build will let you determine which features you really need.

This is when you also want to decide what options and features you are going to need for your website. Are you going to have an online store? You’ll need PayPal.

Before going with a web hosting company, it’s always best to read reviews. Even though the service is free, people will completely honest with how good or bad the company is.

Make sure the company offers a good storage package. If you plan on having images or multimedia, storage is a concern for you. If you will need extra space, find out how much that would cost and compare prices.

If you don’t like the design on the template, make sure the company offers you the ability to change the coding a little bit. If you want to share images on a site like Flickr, being able to add the coding in is important. This is a must have feature for any website.

Take a little time to plan out your website before doing anything else. Since many websites offer free web hosting, it’s important to find a company that offers the features that will work best for you and your website.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , ,

Keys to Great Web Designs

December 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The overall design and function of your website is imperative in order to have a stand-out web design that will separate your site from the myriad of others. Even if you’re offering the same product or services as many others, a quality and well thought out web design will set you apart. The following are some of the basics of great web designs.

One of the first things that visitors to your site will notice is the colors used. Many falsely believe that bright colors or flashy banners will attract the eye, when in fact it is the opposite. Surfers cherish cool colors in soothing combinations that are calming to the eye, rather than abrasive.

Fonts are another area that can be grossly mishandled. Fonts that are too large, too small or too difficult to read are counter-productive. It is pointless spending time and energy creating content for your site and then make it illegible. Font color is also important. Black text is almost always easier to read.

Navigation is also imperative to great web designs. Thoughtfully laid out page progression including judicious use of digital media will make your site a pleasure to peruse.

Content is also important. The race for understanding SEO is still very much underway and while search engine’s algorithms are still hidden, it is important to create intelligent content for your website that is written for the reader and not for the search engine. There is little point in spending time and money to lure organic search traffic to your site only to have them be turned off by poorly written content.

There are certainly many companies who would love to charge you fees for designing your perfect web site, but designing your own is certainly achievable with a basic understanding of how to create the site and by keeping in mind the abovementioned tips for great web designs.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: ,
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