Maybe you are a parent buying a computer for a college bound kid, or a busy professional looking to work away from the office. Regardless of the reason, the decision to buy a laptop or a desktop is not one to be taken lightly.
To put it into context, a desktop computer is comprised of several complementary external components designed to operate from a fixed location. A laptop is usually an all in one unit designed for portability. Each manifestation of the computer has advantages (and disadvantages).
Desktop computers offer huge storage, fantastic graphics, ergonomic design, superior power, upgradeability and great value. Laptop computers are completely mobile and compact.
Storage: Many laptops sport 100+ GB hard drives as standard features, but desktops offer larger hard drive space. It’s not uncommon to see desktops sport 500 GB hard drives.
Graphics: Hardcore gamers, video editors and other high end graphics users need the advanced graphics processing offered by desktops.
Ergonomic Design: The design of the keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers and other peripherals can add to the comfort and functionability of these devices especially over long periods of time.
Upgradeability: The all in one design of laptops makes upgrading challenging. Increasing the memory may be simple, but changing out the mother board, graphics card, hard drive and other key components is not practically possible on most laptops.
Great value: spec for spec, a desktop computer is cheaper than its laptop counterpart. This is primarily due to the miniaturization of parts. Desktops are also cheaper to maintain; most don’t use proprietary parts and components, meaning you don’t have to go to the dealer for repairs and upgrades.
Mobility: Packing up a desktop and using it at a remote location is clumsy and challenging. Desktops can’t work without consistent power and lots of space to spread out all the peripherals. Laptops by contrast are easy to slide in a bag and move around. You can open them up virtually anywhere. With battery power and wifi, they remain untethered and lets face it, they are sexy. Sexy is attractive to thieves as well, and laptops are being stolen at an alarming rate.
If you are on a tight budget, don’t plan to move about or seriously considering upgrading in the future, a desktop is the right computer for you. But, if you live in a small space and want to move about, then a laptop is your best option.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)
Next on Tech Time ... Back to school
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tech Time: Preparing for a Hurricane
The 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season commenced on June 1 and thankfully, we have not been threatened or hit by any hurricanes or tropical storms to date. Let’s hope, that remains true for the rest of the season, but prepare if it does not. Log on for important news, updated, tips and best of all tracking sites.
Best International Sites
National Hurricane Centre
The US National Hurricane Centre is the absolute authority on both Pacific and Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms; many other websites and tracking software use the data provided by the NHC. The site boasts advanced satellite and radar tracking, email advisories and updates, analysis tool and tips, hurricane names and historical data. The information is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Best Local Sites
Go-Jamaica
Arguably one of the most popular local sites for weather information, it boasts daily weather forecasts localized by town, powerful pictures of hurricane aftermath, satellite images and great tips.
Best Regional Sites
Storm Carib
The site covers the region with reports from local correspondents in each island, daily updates from the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, background information, tools and satellite images
Hurricane Tech Tips
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)
Next on Tech Time ... Desktop vs laptop/touch vs tablet
Best International Sites
National Hurricane Centre
The US National Hurricane Centre is the absolute authority on both Pacific and Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms; many other websites and tracking software use the data provided by the NHC. The site boasts advanced satellite and radar tracking, email advisories and updates, analysis tool and tips, hurricane names and historical data. The information is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Best Local Sites
Go-Jamaica
Arguably one of the most popular local sites for weather information, it boasts daily weather forecasts localized by town, powerful pictures of hurricane aftermath, satellite images and great tips.
Best Regional Sites
Storm Carib
The site covers the region with reports from local correspondents in each island, daily updates from the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, background information, tools and satellite images
Hurricane Tech Tips
- Make sure you have a battery operated radio to listen to updates from the RJR News Centre
- Completely charge phone prior to loss of electricity, ensure you have an emergency charger on hand
- Turn off data services for smart phones to preserve battery power
- Back up computer data to an external hard drive (or other data storage device) and place in safe, secure, waterproof location
- Scan and email yourself important documents
- Store family and emergency contact information into your phone; also write them down and keep in waterproof container
- Take pictures of your property and contents using your mobile phone or digital camera; further safeguard these images by uploading to online storage service
- If you are going to be away from your home or office, forward calls to a land line close to you
- For those with traditional land lines, ensure that you have a non-powered phone available
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)
Next on Tech Time ... Desktop vs laptop/touch vs tablet
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tech Time: Mobile Phone Myths
We keep hearing them; and they almost sound true. Mobile phone myths and urban legends have a life of their own. Even when debunked, they are rehashed and repeated over and over again, to a new generation of mobile phone users. Or, are they only branded as myths as part of an elaborate conspiracy designed to lull us into a false sense of security?
Let’s explore for ourselves.
Myth: Mobile phones can give you brain tumors
Reality: There is no tangible scientific evidence that mobile phones can cause cancer or develop brain tumors. But there is lots of anecdotal evidence that they cause headaches and increase stress levels. Mobile phones emit a low power electromagnetic field, and when used for prolonged periods can emit heat. After nearly two decades of heavy usage, there are no reported cases of brain tumors as a direct result. My advise is however, use mobile phones only when necessary … just in case.
Myth: Mobile phones can provide keyless entry for your vehicle
Reality: It is not possible to open your car using the keyless entry remote over your mobile phone. Its been widely circulated via email, that you can use your phone as a keyless entry remote, by having a friend activate the remote on one end of the call and you placing your mobile phone near your car. Keyless entry systems use radio frequencies, that cannot be transmitted over the phone.
Myth: Mobile phones cause explosions at gas stations
Reality: The electromagnetic filed and the electrical current associated with a mobile phone are not powerful enough to ignite gas. This myth came about following a late 90’s news report regarding an incident in Asia. But, there is no evidence to support the claim. Though your phone isn’t likely set off any explosions, you should be paying attention and not on your phone at the pump. REMINDER: Smoking in gas stations is not allowed.
Myth: Using a mobile phone in flight will cause the plane to crash
Reality: Crash is a strong word. Using a mobile phone in flight will not cause a plane to crash. But that doesn’t mean you should whip out your phone next time you are airborne. There are lots of other reasons to stow your phone while in the air. Many systems on an aircraft use wireless technology to communication, which can be affected by mobile phones. But, more importantly, it is important that you pay attention to what’s going on around you (and not your phone), when you are careening above the planet in a narrow mental tube at hundreds of miles and hour.
Myth: Charging your phone every day will reduce the battery life
Reality: Newer Li-Ion batteries don’t have this issue which was true of older NiCd and NiMH batteries. Charge your phone as often as you need to, but don’t overcharge your phone (because there is no need to have a mobile phone charger plugged in unnecessarily, not because its bad for the phone or battery).
Myth: Using your mobile phone while charging may cause it to explode.
Reality: Your phone will not explode, or you get electrocuted, just because you are on the phone while charging. The fuse is in the charger while likely blow before either occurrence. You will notice that your phone gets hot far more quickly while talking on charge. I’ll end the same way I started, use only when necessary.
Let’s explore for ourselves.
Myth: Mobile phones can give you brain tumors
Reality: There is no tangible scientific evidence that mobile phones can cause cancer or develop brain tumors. But there is lots of anecdotal evidence that they cause headaches and increase stress levels. Mobile phones emit a low power electromagnetic field, and when used for prolonged periods can emit heat. After nearly two decades of heavy usage, there are no reported cases of brain tumors as a direct result. My advise is however, use mobile phones only when necessary … just in case.
Myth: Mobile phones can provide keyless entry for your vehicle
Reality: It is not possible to open your car using the keyless entry remote over your mobile phone. Its been widely circulated via email, that you can use your phone as a keyless entry remote, by having a friend activate the remote on one end of the call and you placing your mobile phone near your car. Keyless entry systems use radio frequencies, that cannot be transmitted over the phone.
Myth: Mobile phones cause explosions at gas stations
Reality: The electromagnetic filed and the electrical current associated with a mobile phone are not powerful enough to ignite gas. This myth came about following a late 90’s news report regarding an incident in Asia. But, there is no evidence to support the claim. Though your phone isn’t likely set off any explosions, you should be paying attention and not on your phone at the pump. REMINDER: Smoking in gas stations is not allowed.
Myth: Using a mobile phone in flight will cause the plane to crash
Reality: Crash is a strong word. Using a mobile phone in flight will not cause a plane to crash. But that doesn’t mean you should whip out your phone next time you are airborne. There are lots of other reasons to stow your phone while in the air. Many systems on an aircraft use wireless technology to communication, which can be affected by mobile phones. But, more importantly, it is important that you pay attention to what’s going on around you (and not your phone), when you are careening above the planet in a narrow mental tube at hundreds of miles and hour.
Myth: Charging your phone every day will reduce the battery life
Reality: Newer Li-Ion batteries don’t have this issue which was true of older NiCd and NiMH batteries. Charge your phone as often as you need to, but don’t overcharge your phone (because there is no need to have a mobile phone charger plugged in unnecessarily, not because its bad for the phone or battery).
Myth: Using your mobile phone while charging may cause it to explode.
Reality: Your phone will not explode, or you get electrocuted, just because you are on the phone while charging. The fuse is in the charger while likely blow before either occurrence. You will notice that your phone gets hot far more quickly while talking on charge. I’ll end the same way I started, use only when necessary.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tech Time: Mobile Phone Security
Let’s face it, our phones are very important to our daily lives; not just to keep on contact, but sometimes as a point of reference for key information, for pictures, music and more. Losing a phone can be traumatic. So let’s take a moment to look at the steps to protect our phone and our information.
Right now, I want you to find and note your phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Number). If your phone is lost or stolen, this 15 digit number is needed for the report.
Next, remove any personal information that you want to keep ... personal. It’s very convenient to store private pictures, passwords, TRN, bank account and other relevant numbers on your phone, but it’s equally dangerous.
Watch out for viruses. Yes, phones have viruses as well. They can access your phone through Bluetooth connections, downloaded attachments or social networking malware. Some viruses simply drain your battery while searching for new victims; others steal your address book, call history and other data.
Treat your phone as you would your wallet. Keep concealed if not in use and be aware of your surroundings when using your phone. Don’t put down your phone in public places and never let it out of your sight unless it’s on your person.
Finally, lock your SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card and your phone, separately. It can be a hassle to enter that code every time you turn on (or ever use) your phone, but well worth the effort if the phone gets stolen.
If all this fails, and your phone is actually lost or stolen, the first thing to do it to report the phone IMMEDIATELY. You are liable for ALL charges prior to being reported. Call your service provider to report the phone. If lost, request a temporary block. If you find the phone, the block can easily be lifted. If you are sure the phone is stolen, request a permanent block on the phone and the SIM.
Blocking the SIM card prevents the thief from making calls with that SIM card in any phone. Your phone number and relevant subscriber information is needed for this process. Blocking the phone prevents the thief from using that phone with any SIM card; your IMEI number is needed for this extra step.
Report your stolen phone to the police. As a citizen, you are required to report any and all criminal activity. Also, the police report may come in handy if you and your service provider get into a dispute over charges.
It will be possible to get back the same phone number, but your service provider cannot restore your data (including your contacts, images and files).
Tech tip: Use the security lock features on your phone to protect data.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)
Next on Tech Time ... Mobile Phone Myths
Right now, I want you to find and note your phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Number). If your phone is lost or stolen, this 15 digit number is needed for the report.
Next, remove any personal information that you want to keep ... personal. It’s very convenient to store private pictures, passwords, TRN, bank account and other relevant numbers on your phone, but it’s equally dangerous.
Watch out for viruses. Yes, phones have viruses as well. They can access your phone through Bluetooth connections, downloaded attachments or social networking malware. Some viruses simply drain your battery while searching for new victims; others steal your address book, call history and other data.
Treat your phone as you would your wallet. Keep concealed if not in use and be aware of your surroundings when using your phone. Don’t put down your phone in public places and never let it out of your sight unless it’s on your person.
Finally, lock your SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card and your phone, separately. It can be a hassle to enter that code every time you turn on (or ever use) your phone, but well worth the effort if the phone gets stolen.
If all this fails, and your phone is actually lost or stolen, the first thing to do it to report the phone IMMEDIATELY. You are liable for ALL charges prior to being reported. Call your service provider to report the phone. If lost, request a temporary block. If you find the phone, the block can easily be lifted. If you are sure the phone is stolen, request a permanent block on the phone and the SIM.
Blocking the SIM card prevents the thief from making calls with that SIM card in any phone. Your phone number and relevant subscriber information is needed for this process. Blocking the phone prevents the thief from using that phone with any SIM card; your IMEI number is needed for this extra step.
Report your stolen phone to the police. As a citizen, you are required to report any and all criminal activity. Also, the police report may come in handy if you and your service provider get into a dispute over charges.
It will be possible to get back the same phone number, but your service provider cannot restore your data (including your contacts, images and files).
Tech tip: Use the security lock features on your phone to protect data.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)
Next on Tech Time ... Mobile Phone Myths
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tech Time: Text Messaging
Trust me. Everyone is doing it, so why aren’t you?
Text messaging refers to using SMS (Short Message Service) to exchange short text messages between mobile phones. SMS text messaging is not network specific, meaning that you can send a message to virtually any mobile phone anywhere in the world ... as long as you know the number of the phone you want to send the message to.
SMS text messages are usually limited to 160 characters and that includes spaces.
If you don’t have a phone (or credit), you can still send text messages to phones using the ‘email to SMS gateway’ or through various online services (see www.techjamaica.com). The service is usually free, but has the same length restrictions. Also the protocol is different for each network, so you’ll have to know what network the receiver phone is on, unlike traditional SMS.
Now, when entering a text message on a ‘traditional’ phone key pad, there are two primary options, multi-tap and predictive text.
Using multi-tap, a key is pressed multiple times to access the list of letters on that key. For successive letters, you will have to pause or press next. Multi-tap is straight forward, so you can type without looking, but it’s not very efficient because many keystrokes are needed for virtually every letter.
In a perfect world, predictive text reduces the number of keystrokes. Predictive text may come up as T9 or SureType depending on your brand of phone. Predictive text uses a dictionary or user database to identify common words. Once you start typing, predictive text brings up a list of word options that match that keystroke combination. Sometimes, it brings up the wrong word. For example, the words good, home, gone, hoof and hood all use the same four letter keystroke combination. So read what you type before you send it.
Tech tip: Do not send or read text messages while driving.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)
Next on Tech Time ... Mobile Phone Myths
Text messaging refers to using SMS (Short Message Service) to exchange short text messages between mobile phones. SMS text messaging is not network specific, meaning that you can send a message to virtually any mobile phone anywhere in the world ... as long as you know the number of the phone you want to send the message to.
SMS text messages are usually limited to 160 characters and that includes spaces.
If you don’t have a phone (or credit), you can still send text messages to phones using the ‘email to SMS gateway’ or through various online services (see www.techjamaica.com). The service is usually free, but has the same length restrictions. Also the protocol is different for each network, so you’ll have to know what network the receiver phone is on, unlike traditional SMS.
Now, when entering a text message on a ‘traditional’ phone key pad, there are two primary options, multi-tap and predictive text.
Using multi-tap, a key is pressed multiple times to access the list of letters on that key. For successive letters, you will have to pause or press next. Multi-tap is straight forward, so you can type without looking, but it’s not very efficient because many keystrokes are needed for virtually every letter.
In a perfect world, predictive text reduces the number of keystrokes. Predictive text may come up as T9 or SureType depending on your brand of phone. Predictive text uses a dictionary or user database to identify common words. Once you start typing, predictive text brings up a list of word options that match that keystroke combination. Sometimes, it brings up the wrong word. For example, the words good, home, gone, hoof and hood all use the same four letter keystroke combination. So read what you type before you send it.
Tech tip: Do not send or read text messages while driving.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME (18768783263)
Next on Tech Time ... Mobile Phone Myths
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tech Time: 3G Hype
Moving out of the 3G theatre to home, 3G posters where everywhere, promising faster speed and better features than my ‘old phone’. But is it all hype?
No and yes. Let’s start with the no. 3G promises and delivers on:
· Always on connectivity at LAN like speeds
· Hot multi-media services with streaming audio and video
· Powerful email and no problems with large attachments
· Cool instant messaging with audio and video clips
But everything has a price, for 3G the price is not cheep ... literally. 3G services are more expensive than their 2G counterparts. And you need newer, more sophisticated phones to take advantage of the benefits. That is just another way of saying ... more money.
Locally, two telecoms provide 3G services, Claro and LIME. Claro rolled out its 3G service first and in a big way with broad coverage outside of Kingston and the corporate area. LIME introduced the service to its customers recently with guaranteed service in Kinston, St. Andrew and parts of St. Catherine. Digicel plans to rollout 4G on a super secret timeline I have not yet been able to crack.
Business and high end users will relish in 3G. Real time office telecommuting becomes possible, even practical.
Let’s move to the yes. Most mobile phone users don’t need or want the speed and related features. Let’s face it, a large part of the population uses a mobile phone for exactly what it was intended to do, make phone calls. Most importantly, a large part of the population lives outside of Kingston and Corporate Area.
For these users, 3G has little or no practical application. No need to buy a new expensive phone, no need to spend more on network access. No need to have a shorter battery life.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... Event Tech
No and yes. Let’s start with the no. 3G promises and delivers on:
· Always on connectivity at LAN like speeds
· Hot multi-media services with streaming audio and video
· Powerful email and no problems with large attachments
· Cool instant messaging with audio and video clips
But everything has a price, for 3G the price is not cheep ... literally. 3G services are more expensive than their 2G counterparts. And you need newer, more sophisticated phones to take advantage of the benefits. That is just another way of saying ... more money.
Locally, two telecoms provide 3G services, Claro and LIME. Claro rolled out its 3G service first and in a big way with broad coverage outside of Kingston and the corporate area. LIME introduced the service to its customers recently with guaranteed service in Kinston, St. Andrew and parts of St. Catherine. Digicel plans to rollout 4G on a super secret timeline I have not yet been able to crack.
Business and high end users will relish in 3G. Real time office telecommuting becomes possible, even practical.
Let’s move to the yes. Most mobile phone users don’t need or want the speed and related features. Let’s face it, a large part of the population uses a mobile phone for exactly what it was intended to do, make phone calls. Most importantly, a large part of the population lives outside of Kingston and Corporate Area.
For these users, 3G has little or no practical application. No need to buy a new expensive phone, no need to spend more on network access. No need to have a shorter battery life.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... Event Tech
Monday, July 6, 2009
Tech Time: 3-D Movies
Digital 3-D Technology has arrived in Jamaica. 3-D is not new, the basic technology has been around since the 1930’s, but digital technology makes it practical. Seems like everything is going digital, movies included.
Let’s put digital in context, movies are generally shot on film, converted to digital for post production and then transferred back to celluloid to be distributed in theatres. Now, movies can be shot in a digital camera, digitally edited on a computer and transferred to a hard drive (or via internet) and displayed from a digital projector. This is great for theatres and by extension movies goers because:
· Production costs are lower, making movies cheaper
· Facilitates true, practical worldwide release (cause no film need be shared)
· Better, consistent quality (film deteriorates with each showing, digital does not)
· Greater piracy collection and
· Alternative content, like 3D
Palace Amusement spent upwards of $50 million (Jamaican dollars) to install the “latest, most innovative technology”, according to Douglas Graham, CEO of the nearly 100 year old theatre company.
With digital 3-D, movies can fool your eyes and brain into thinking that they're looking into a 3-D space rather than at a 2-D screen. Images appear to have depth, and in some cases seem to be coming right towards you. The technology requires the mingling of several components including special digital projectors, custom screens and high tech angled glasses.
Most Digital 3-D systems use polarization. Polarized lenses allow only light waves that are aligned in the right direction to pass through. In a pair of digital 3-D glasses, each lens is polarized differently. The screen is specially designed to maintain the correct polarization when light from the projectors bounces off of it. Without the glasses, the screen appears blurry leading to headaches it watched too long.
The Digital 3-D glasses only work in the theatre; they can’t be used as sun glasses or be worn for prolonged period of time. At Palace Amusement, the glasses are issued and returned to be washed and sterilized after each showing.
Palace Amusement is the first theatre chain in the English speaking Caribbean to invest in this technology. Ice Age 3-D is now showing, to be followed by G Force and the re-showing of Up in 3-D. There are over 50 3-D movies slated for release internationally.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... Online gaming
Let’s put digital in context, movies are generally shot on film, converted to digital for post production and then transferred back to celluloid to be distributed in theatres. Now, movies can be shot in a digital camera, digitally edited on a computer and transferred to a hard drive (or via internet) and displayed from a digital projector. This is great for theatres and by extension movies goers because:
· Production costs are lower, making movies cheaper
· Facilitates true, practical worldwide release (cause no film need be shared)
· Better, consistent quality (film deteriorates with each showing, digital does not)
· Greater piracy collection and
· Alternative content, like 3D
Palace Amusement spent upwards of $50 million (Jamaican dollars) to install the “latest, most innovative technology”, according to Douglas Graham, CEO of the nearly 100 year old theatre company.
With digital 3-D, movies can fool your eyes and brain into thinking that they're looking into a 3-D space rather than at a 2-D screen. Images appear to have depth, and in some cases seem to be coming right towards you. The technology requires the mingling of several components including special digital projectors, custom screens and high tech angled glasses.
Most Digital 3-D systems use polarization. Polarized lenses allow only light waves that are aligned in the right direction to pass through. In a pair of digital 3-D glasses, each lens is polarized differently. The screen is specially designed to maintain the correct polarization when light from the projectors bounces off of it. Without the glasses, the screen appears blurry leading to headaches it watched too long.
The Digital 3-D glasses only work in the theatre; they can’t be used as sun glasses or be worn for prolonged period of time. At Palace Amusement, the glasses are issued and returned to be washed and sterilized after each showing.
Palace Amusement is the first theatre chain in the English speaking Caribbean to invest in this technology. Ice Age 3-D is now showing, to be followed by G Force and the re-showing of Up in 3-D. There are over 50 3-D movies slated for release internationally.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... Online gaming
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