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Friday, 18 November 2011

Tablet PC: The Essential Consumer's Guide

Tablet PC: The Essential Consumer's Guide | PC Supporter

If you are currently on the market for a slate PC or tablet PC but overwhelmed by the sheer number of tablets currently available on the market, you are in luck because this essential buyer's guide will help you find the right tablet PC for you. This guide will break down the things you should consider when considering to purchase any tablet currently available on the market. The factors that you should consider that will be discussed in this buyers guide are needs, budget, platform, specification and style.

Needs

When considering buying a tablet PC, you should think about your needs and whether if you really need a tablet. The great Steve Jobs once described the Apple iPad as a tablet that fits somewhere between laptops and smartphones as tablets can provide a better email and web browsing experience than smartphones. This definition can be applied to all tablets and you should think whether your needs can solely be satisfied from a tablet if you already own a desktop PC, laptop or Smartphone. Some may argue that tablets don't quite beat laptops yet in terms of business productivity but nevertheless, tablet PCs remain on everyone wish lists.

Reasons

There many reasons why people buy tablet computers but some examples include tablets are lighter and more portable than laptops, the web and email experience is better than on Smartphone or on a laptop, provides better battery life and has a fast boot times. If any of these reasons apply to you than having tablet might be appeal to you.

Budget

Tablet PC's come priced in many different price ranges and depending on your budget, your choices can be either be limited or unlimited. Whether you are on a tight budget or have lots of money to spend, there are many models available that cater to all budgets. At the low-end tablet market, you can happily pick up a tablet from $80 to $900 for a high-end model. In most cases, your budget will determine your tablet choices.

Platform

At present, the major tablet platforms available are Apple's iOS, Google's Android operating system and RIM's BlackBerry Tablet OS. Which platform to go for will entirely depend on what users are familiar with using, For example, BlackBerry users might be more comfortable to use RIM's BlackBerry Tablet OS because it supports and integrates with the BlackBerry service while other users might opt for the Android operating system because it offers full combination with Google services where as other users might opt for Apple's iOS because it's very intuitive to use. In any case, it would be best advised to go to your local retailer to try out the platforms to ensure you can comfortable use it day-to-day.

Specification

Without going into technical jargon about the specifications, it is best advised to purchase the best or highest specification tablet that your budget allows to ensure your new tablet can last for many years to come. Technology develops at a fast pace and today's' best specifications can quickly become out of date within six months so it's advisable to ensure the tablet you do end up buying is the best you can afford.

The basic specifications that all tablet PC buyers should consider is screen size, speed of the CPU, amount of RAM, hard drive space and battery life. The general rule is the higher the number, the better equipped the tablet PC is. For example, the popular Apple iPad 2 has a 9.7-inch screen, 1 GHz dual-core CPU, 512MB of RAM, 10 hour battery life and storage is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models.

Style

Finally, you should consider how the tablet looks. Style and look of a tablet is objective as what might look cool and great to one person might look awful to another.

I hope you have found this tablet PC guide useful in finding the right tablet PC for you and understanding what to consider when purchasing any tablet. You can learn more about current tablets, future tablets, tablet PC reviews by visiting PC Supporter.

Intel Ultrabooks challenge MacBook Air

Creative Mind Apple , Laptops

Intel Ultrabooks challenge MacBook Air | PC Supporter

Ultrabooks � Intel�s new slim line form factor for portable laptops could help laptop manufacturers strike back at the dominance of Apple�s MacBook Air. We managed to get our hands on some of the first models to go on show at the IFA Technology Show in Berlin.

First up was the Acer Aspire S3. It�s not the thinnest Ultrabook available, but it�s still incredibly small, measuring 17mm at its thickest point and tapering to a slender 13mm. It weights just 1.3kg, thanks to its aluminum-magnesium alloy construction, and you�ll barely notice it in a satchel or laptop bag.

The thin, 13.3in glossy screen has been made using a new construction process that recesses the LCD directly into its chassis. We noticed a fair amount of flex, but considering its thickness that wasn�t a surprise. The 1,366x768 resolution is fairly standard for this screen size, but there was no mention of a possible upgrade to 1080p or 1,600x900. On the incredibly bright show floor, the display�s brightness looked a little low, but we�ll withhold judgment until we�ve seen one in our labs.

The Aspire S3 doesn�t deviate too far from Intel�s original design document. Each model in the Ultrabook range will use an ultra-low voltage version of Intel�s second-generation Core i3, i5 or i7 processors, with various memory and storage configurations, However, storage is a different matter; the S3 is currently the only Ultrabook available with the choice of an SD or traditional hard disk. As well as faster read and write speeds, SSD models will benefit from enhanced battery life � typically up to seven hours, compared with six from a unit equipped with a hard disk.

Acer Aspire S3 Video running Windows 8

Next was Toshiba�s Protege Z830, the thinnest Ultrabook announced at just 15.9mm, This is about as slim as you�d care to go, as the Z830 is only thick enough to provide full sized USB ports � there are three, one of which is the faster USB3 standard � along its edges. There�s also Ethernet, HDMI, VGA and a card reader. Any thinner design would have to resort to compromises such as hinged ports behind flaps.

Toshiba�s Protege Z830 Pictures - PC Review

The Z830�s chassis is made of a magnesium allow, much like Panasonic�s Toughbook line. And it�s been designed to be extremely portable, especially given its 13.3in display size. It weighs just 1.12kg, making it the lightest Ultrabook to date, and one of lightest laptops we can think of. Full dimensions weren�t supplied, and unfortunately we didn�t have a tape measure, but we�d estimate that it sits between Apple�s 13in MacBook Air and Pro designs.

Again, the screen lid has a lot of flex, but there�s no surprise given the thickness. The backlit keyboard was nice to type on, with positive feedback despite its minimal travel.

Toshiba was very circumspect on the actual specification and would only say that it will have an Intel processor and either a 128GB or 256GB SSD. Battery capacity and life was unavailable. What�s certain is that we�re due to get a series of incredibly small, light and attractive laptops coming soon.

Source: Computer Shopper � December 2011

FujiFilm Finepix Z900EXR | Review and Specs

Creative Mind Digital Camera , Hardware Review

FujiFilm Finepix Z900EXR in Review and Specifications | PC Supporter

Source � Computer Shopper | December 2011

It turned the issue of megapixel one up-man-ship on its head by becoming either a 12 megapixel camera (for those who are impressed by big numbers of pixels) or a 6 megapixel camera (for those who don�t like excessively noisy photos), depending on the selected mode. The camera achieved this feat at sensor level, and not simply by downsizing the 12 megapixel shots. It also helped that the sensor measured 1/1.6in across, giving a much larger surface area than the 1/2.3in sensors used in most compacts � this too helped to keep noise levels down and picture quality up.

Since then, FujiFilm has watered down the benefits of EXR, first by shrinking the sensors to 1/2in and then by raising the megapixel count. The sensor in the Z900EXR has 16 or 8 megapixels, depending on its mode. That�s a disappointing development, but taken on its own terms, an 8 megapixel sensor in a low cost camera is exactly what we�ve been pining for.

Its other specifications belie the low price, with 1080p video recording, an HDMI output, a 5x zoom lens, a classy ultra compact aluminum shell and a 3-1/2in touchscreen.

We have mixed feelings about touchscreen cameras, and the Z900EXR encapsulates them perfectly. it�s put to good use in the track focus mode � after touching the screen, the camera tracked our chosen subject extremely responsively. The onscreen buttons are sensibly laid out in grid formation rather than as scrolling menus, and they rotate automatically when you hold the camera in portrait orientation. However, the menus didn�t always keep up with us, the camera sometimes beeped to confirm that we�d pressed it but failed to act on our request.

FujiFilm Finepix Z900EXR in Review and Specifications

We started by testing the Z900EXR in 16 megapixel mode, but this didn�t last long. The lens struggled to resolve that level of detail, and photos were predictably noisy. Switching to eight megapixels showed a distinct improvement, with much less noise and, as a result, greater detail retention in low light. The 8 megapixel mode also unlocked another benefit of EXR technology, which is that it can underexpose the brightest parts of images to avoid clipped highlights. It raised performance, too, improving shot-to-shot times from 2.4 seconds to two seconds, and doubling the longevity of the 3fps burst mode to six shots.

However, EXR technology seemed to bring fewer benefits when shooting in bright conditions. There was still some noise, giving a slightly scruffy, vague appearance to fine details. Neither the sensor nor the lens could match those of the superb Canon lxus 115 HS. The Canon also nudged ahead in low light, as its f/2.8 lens gathers more light than the FujiFilm�s f/3.9 maximum aperture. Both cameras shoot 1080p video, but the FufiFilm has the advantage here with its ability to zoom and autofocus while recording.

Ultimately, the Canon�s superiority in bright conditions is the most significant difference between the two cameras, both technically and in terms of practical use. The Z900EXR is still an impressive compact, though, and comes a close second.

By - Ben Pitt

Setting Up a New Hard Disk | Windows 7

Creative Mind Hardware Review , Operating Sys Review

Setting Up a New Hard Disk | PC Supporter

Whether you�re installing Windows on a brand new hard disk or simply adding a new disk to an existing system, it�s a good idea to consider how you want to use the new storage space before you begin creating volumes. If your goal is to set up a large space for backup or media storage, for example, you might want to devote the entire disk to a single volume. On the other hand, if your plan is to establish two or more separate volumes�perhaps one for each family member on a shared home computer, for example�decide how many gigabytes you want to assign to each partition. You can change your mind later, but it�s easiest to adjust the number of volumes on a disk and their relative sizes before you�ve put a lot of data on the platter.

Installing Windows on a New Disk

When you run the Windows 7 Setup program on a computer with a single, raw hard disk, Setup presents you with a screen identifying the disk and its size. If you want to create a single volume encompassing the entire disk, click Next to proceed . Otherwise click Drive Options (Advanced) . On the screen that follows, you can use the Size control to specify how large a volume you want to create for your Windows installation:

If you decide not to use the entire disk for Windows, you can create additional volumes from within the Setup program. But there�s no particular need to do this. After you have installed Windows, you can use Disk Management to create one or more additional volumes in the unallocated space remaining on the disk.

Adding a New Disk to an Existing Windows Installation

In the graphical pane of Disk Management, a brand new hard disk, whether internal or external, appears like this:

To make this disk available for storage, you need to create one or more volumes, assign drive letters, label the volumes (if you don�t want them to be identified in Windows Explorer as simply �New Volume�), and format the new volumes. You can carry out all of these steps from within the New Simple Volume wizard.

EnGenius ESR9855G | Multimedia Enhanced Wireless 300N Router for Gamers

Creative Mind Hardware Review , Networking

EnGenius ESR9855G | Multimedia Enhanced Wireless 300N Router for Gamers | Review

The EnGenius ESR9855G Multimedia Enhanced Wireless 300N Gaming Router is a single-band device, blown up with advanced features and generous a spiky managing interface. It delivers strong throughput at close range in a row in 802.11 b/g/n (Mixed) modes, but that throughput down off at distance increasing. Unexpectedly, speed actually declined when we set the gadget (EnGenius ESR9855G) on 802.11n only mode. This makes for a router that aims high yet falls short in retaining constantly strong throughput. It's the one big mistake in this gadget, otherwise very good router.

Specs and Design

Among consumer router, the ESR9855G�s design is only one of its kind. It's an authentic eye catcher, with black shiny top and bright orange bodywork. Two external 3dBi Dipole antennas attach to both sides of the router. Inside are the Ubicom IP7K + Atheros AR9223 (RF) chipset. The front panel has LEDs for monitoring power, client connections, WAN and WPA. The rear houses four Gigabit LAN ports, a WAN port, and a power switch. On top of the unit is a WPS button for easy client connectivity. The bottom of the device has two wall mount sockets.

The design is apparently conducive to cool running, as the router remained cool to the touch after two days of uptime.

Setup and Features

The setup process, which requires wiring a computer to the device, seems dated when the norm is wireless setup found in routers such as the Cisco Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Wireless-N Router or Belkin's N750 Wireless Dual-Band N+ Router, but it is still easy and efficient. The router ships with a CD containing the user manual and the EnGenius Smart Wizard, a browser-based interface rather than an executable file.

Setup commands are very detailed, illustrating how to power up and connect the cables to the router. My WAN settings were picked up right away. By default, the router was configured to run in mixed mode with no security setup. This may be problematic for less technical users. Routers from Cisco/Linksys and other vendors incorporating security configuration into the initial setup process; it�s just that important. Since EnGenius is marketing this to the savvier gamer set, the omission of security configuration from setup is forgivable.

The interface is sharp. It's clean, and easy to navigate through. The color choices and font-sizing makes it very easy on the eyes. Once the router is set up, the interface allows for further configuration of basic and advanced settings. A wireless wizard within the interface walks users through the basics�changing the SSID and setting up security. Although, as mentioned, security isn't configured during initial setup by default, EnGenius does a good job of conveying what the different security settings mean, with WPA2 listed as "Best."

Advanced settings allow for very granular tweaking of settings that most users won't want to fuss with, such as transmit power and DTIM interval. In between the very basic and very advanced settings are lots of other features in this router. The device offers DHCP, SPI firewall, VPN pass-through, Dynamic DNS, virtual server mapping and port forwarding.

QoS is done with feature called SteamEngine. When enabled, it aids in prioritizing traffic, which is why this is a router targeted for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts.

While some throughput issues stop me short of recommending this as a small business router, there are some capabilities that would be attractive to a small business. For instance, the ESR9855G supports WPA2-Enterprise encryption, and users can establish up to four distinct WLANs.

How To Avoid Phishing Scams

Creative Mind Social Network , Windows 7

PC Supporter

Phishing scams are commonly initiated via e-mail. Phishing is a fraudulent means of obtaining someone�s username and password. The con artist/identity thief sends an e-mail that appears to originate from a bank, credit card company, or other such company warning of a serious issue you must address right now by clicking a link and logging into your account. The link takes you to an official-looking site complete with text boxes for entering your username and password. If you enter this sensitive information, the con artist has what he or she needs to log in to your real account.

To avoid falling victim to e-mail phishing scams, take the following precautions:

Play it safe and go to the website yourself without clicking the e-mail or a link in the message. (You should be able to identify the website from the subject line or the address from which the e-mail originated.) If the website is legitimate and the message did in fact originate from it, you should be able to find something on the website about it; otherwise, it�s most likely a scam.

If your e-mail program features phishing protection, enable it. Check your e-mail program�s help system for details.

Be aware that most legitimate companies do not send alarming e-mail mes�sages with links to click to resolve issues. If you receive such a message, it�s probably not from the source it claims to come from.

Mouse over the link and look in the status bar at the bottom of the window to see the address the link will take you to. Chances are, the link indicates one destination while the address takes you somewhere else entirely. This is a sure sign of a phishing scam.

If you think the e-mail message is legitimate, head to the company�s website to obtain legitimate contact information, and then contact the company to verify that someone at the company sent the message.

If you determine that an e-mail message is fraudulent, report it to the legiti�mate company from which it supposedly originated so the company can take action.

Phishing scams are most common but not exclusive to e-mail. Con artists may try to obtain login information in chat rooms, via instant messaging programs, and in social networking venues (including Facebook). A good rule of thumb is this: provide sensi�tive information only if you initiated contact.

Avoiding | Filtering | and Blocking Spam

Creative Mind Laptops , Networking

PC Supporter

Avoiding, Filtering, and Blocking Spam

Spam is unsolicited, unwanted e-mail�junk mail. When you first get an e-mail account, you receive very little spam. The spam starts to f low when you post your e-mail address on the web or sign up for free offers with companies that pass your e-mail address to others. Once your e-mail address lands on a spam list as a legitimate address, the spam is almost impossible to stop. When it comes to spam, an ounce of prevention is worth a kilo of cure. Here are a few tips for preventing spam:

Don�t use your primary e-mail address to register for anything on or off the web. Get a free e-mail account from Gmail, Yahoo!, or Hotmail and use this disposable e-mail address to register for stuff. If you start receiving too much junk e-mail, you can dump the address and use a different one.
If you receive a spam message, don�t reply to it. Replying verifies your e-mail address to the spammer and encourages more spam.
Don�t put your primary e-mail address on the web�for example on your website or blog. Spammers scan the web for e-mail addresses.

PC Supporter Tips

If you�re receiving an overwhelming amount of spam, try the following solutions to slow the flow:

Log in to your Internet service provider�s website to find out whether it uses a spam blocker and whether you can configure it to make it more aggressive in identifying spam.
If you have the e-mail account through a hosting provider (a business that hosts your website), log in to your account to find out about available options.
Purchase and install a spam blocker of your own. You can find plenty of good spam filters/blockers out there, including SPA Mfighter (www.spamfighter.com), ChoiceMail (www.digiportal.com), and Spameater Pro

Most newer e-mail programs offer some sort of spam protection (perhaps in the form of a Junk Mail folder) and enable you to enter settings to make the program more or less aggressive in identifying spam. In addition, you can usually create lists of safe senders and blocked senders and block e-mail from certain domains or countries. Search your e-mail program�s help system for �spam� to determine what, if any, spam protection features are available.

(www.spameaterpro. com), to name a few.