Buying Guide for E-Readers

July 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Nook

Image by AMagill via Flickr

Many are interested in having a device for reading e-books, but there are a few things to consider with e-readers. Here are some things to think about.

Display

One of the major things to consider with e-readers is the display. You have three choices: touch screens, e-ink displays, and LCD screens. These are not mutually exclusive, however. The Barnes & Noble Nook has two options: a black and white touch screen with e-ink and a color display that’s an LCD. The Kindle has an e-ink display that’s not a touch screen. E-ink is great because you can read it in direct sunlight — important if you want to read books while at the beach or while at the park with friends.

Battery Life

Another consideration is the battery life. Although the color display of the Color Nook is impressive, its battery life is about 8 hours. On the other hand, the Kindle can last up to a month and the Nook Touch Reader can last up to two months on a single charge. This is because the e-ink display uses up much less battery than the LCD.

Purpose

When choosing an e-reader, you’ll want to think about what you want to use it for. If you’re planning on reading children’s books or magazines and browsing the Internet, having a color display might be worth it. For a device that does more than just display books, the iPad might be the right device for you if the price tag doesn’t put you off. For those looking for an e-reader specifically, devices with an e-ink display are great because they don’t strain your eyes and last a long time.

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Linux Rules in the World of Supercomputers

June 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Tux, as originally drawn by Larry Ewing 

Image via Wikipedia

It’s no secret that Linux has had trouble gaining momentum in the world of desktop computing. A majority of computer users have a difficult time grasping how it works and how it can be used. Those who have managed to use it successfully prefer Linux over Windows because of the ease of use, access to the operating system and the increased processor speed.

However, while Linux isn’t popular amongst the home PC crowd, it has gained superiority in the realm of supercomputers. These computers are used in universities, stock exchanges, computer science and more. Even IBM’s Watson runs on Linux.

A major driving force in the use of Linux for supercomputers is the speed and stability. A supercomputer can perform 8 quadrillion calculations per second, which requires a very stable operating system. Linux provides the necessary stability as well as speed. Stock exchanges prefer Linux for its ability to handle a million trades in the space of a second. This has enabled high-frequency traders to push through their blocks of trades and make their money for the day.

It may seem strange that an open-source operating system is being used in top universities and corporations. However, the open-source nature of Linux is what makes it attractive to these users. Their programmers can tweak and adjust Linux to their exact specifications, and not have to worry about the changes causing a fatal error.

Linux may never have much of a foothold in the home PC market beyond its geek cachet. But it does dominate the world of the supercomputer.

 

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A Look at the Ubuntu Operating System

March 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Linux once was an operating system that only those that were technologically advanced use. In recent, years the Linux based operating system has started to grow. As the Linux based operating system grows so does the amount of software programs and applications that are developed grow too. One of the most popular types of software programs that operate on the Linux based system is that of the Ubuntu operating system.

Ubuntu is an operating system that is developed for computers regardless of it is a Mac or a PC. It is solely based on the Debian/GNU and Linux based distribution channels. For the most part the Ubuntu is free to use for computer users and is a part of the open source software program.

The idea of the Ubuntu operating system was to create a user friendly operating system that almost any computer user could use easily. The goal of the program was to create a system that was updated frequently based off of user feedback and had fixes for any potential errors or problems. Ever since the release of Ubuntu is 2004 the creators of this Linux based operating system have released an update faithfully every six months as promised. The updates contain security fixes and patches, new customer support options and even updates to specific programs based off of customer feedback. While the majority of the updates for Ubuntu are considered short term fixes, every two years the company will completely fix the system from top to bottom and fix any major errors or bugs that are present in the program.

Ubuntu is installed onto computers using a CD program that contains an installation setup menu. One of the unique features of the Ubuntu CD program is that it offers any user the chance to test drive the operating system by installing it onto the computer in a smaller version. This allows users to make sure that they are comfortable with the operating system before downloading it for use on their computer.

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Software That is Automatically Downloaded With Ubuntu

March 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the determining factors that people use to decide what type of operating system or program that they use for their PC or MAC is what type of features and software comes with the operating system. Many computer users do not have the time to download each individual application and program so that their computer is ready to go. If you are considering downloading or using the Linux based operating system known as Ubuntu here is a look at some of the features and software that comes with it.

OpenOffice. OpenOffice comes completely installed with the Ubuntu system. OpenOffice is the open source program that is like Microsoft Word. It offers spreadsheets, documents and other programs that can be used.

FireFox. Firefox is a well-known web browser. It comes preinstalled with the Ubuntu system so that there is a way to access and use the Internet. Should users want to choose another web browser they can always download Google Chrome. However, Firefox comes with the system.

Empathy. Empathy is a complete instant messaging program that comes installed with the Ubuntu system. It allows computer users to talk, text, video chat, voice chat and transfer files to one another through the program.

Transmission. Computer users often wish to be able to download and share files with one another through the use of the Internet. Transmission allows users to do just that using a BitTorrent client based program.

GIMP. Almost every computer has to have some type of graphics editor on it. GIMP which is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program offers Ubuntu users the ability to fix and change the pictures that they have on their computer.

Games. Computer games are a favorite amongst computer users. The Ubuntu operating system comes installed with a handful of computer games that are open source and available for computer players to play. These games include Chess, Suduku and Solitaire.

These are the programs that come installed with the Ubuntu operating system. Some programs might be available for installation that are not installed automatically like these programs.

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Minimum System Requirements to Run Ubuntu

March 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Ubuntu operating system is a GNU/Linux based operating system that many computer users choose to use over the traditional operating systems. As an open source software program it allows users to customize their operating system to contain what they want, instead of what a company decides is important. However, in order to download Ubuntu you have to have specific system requirements in order to be able to run it. Here is a look at what type of system requirements you will need.

Structures and Architectures of CPU. Ubuntu can currently run on either a 32 bit or a 64 bit architecture system. It can also run on the PlayStation 3, IA-64 and the PowerPC.

GPU. Your computer must also contain a GPU unit that Ubuntu recognizes and supports. This is essential to show computer users any type of desktop visual effects.

Processor. There are two types of requirements for a processor. The processor for a server must have a minimum requirement of 300 MHz. The processor for the desktop must have at least a 1 GHZ in order to support the Ubuntu.

Memory Requirements. The memory requirements for a server to run Ubuntu are at least 128 MB. The memory requirements for a desktop or laptop computer is 512 MB.

Hard Drive Space. There must be a minimum amount of free hard drive space in order to support the Ubuntu. For servers there must be a minimum of 1 GB and for laptops or desktops there is a minimum of 5 GB.

Monitor Resolution. All monitors must have a minimum requirement in order to show the various graphics and designs of the Ubuntu operating system. These requirements for servers are 640X480, while the requirement for desktops and laptops is 1024X768.

While the Ubuntu might run without these requirements it is essential that you have at least these recommended minimums in order get the most out of the Ubuntu operating system.

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Programs That Come with Debian

March 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you are considering using the GNU/Linux based operating system known as Debian then you will notice that there are several different versions available to you. Each version has a different set of software programs that are installed when the program is installed initially. Here is a look at what comes with the standard installation and how a computer user would install the various Debian software programs.

The initial standard installation involves the use of the GNOME desktop environments. GNOME is a GNU Network Object Model Environment. This allows computer users to use their desktop on top of an open source software program. Everything that comes with the GNOME system is a free and open source programs.

Beyond the GNOME desktop environment there are other programs that come with the standard install. Some of the programs that are included are Evolution mail which is an email system, various open source and free CD/DVD writing programs, a free music and video player, imaging and editing software, the Iceweasel which is an Internet browser and OpenOffice for documents and spreadsheets. There is also the ability to download a number of pre-set images through the use of one of the CDs that comes with Debian.

The standard installation involves the use of one CD which is purchased at electronic stores all over. However, the most popular way to get the installation CD is through various web download programs that allow computer users to share their open source software programs.

Should you purchase the CD/DVD programs it will come with over 30 different CDs which contain thousands upon thousands of programs for the computer user to use. It is recommended that computer users who are just looking for the bare essential use the net install CD as this will only install the popular programs that are essential to use.

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An Easy to Understand Linux Software Program – The Ark Linux

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you have used the Internet for any amount of time then you have probably heard about the operating system known as Linux. When you do the research on Linux the whole idea of the operating system might be completely overwhelming for those that are not as technologically advanced. With this need to have a technological understanding could prevent many people from trying out a Linux based operating system. However, what if there was a way to download a Linux based system that requires very little technological knowledge. That is exactly what the Ark Linux aims to do.

The Ark Linux is a Linux based operating system that was developed by a group of computer users. It is an open source program that is completely free to use. The goal of Ark Linux is to make an easy to install and understand Linux operating system.

Ark Linux achieves this goal by create easy to use CDs that help users through the installation process. The process is so simple and easy to understand that it guides users on how to click the mouse and what is needed. The basic installation of Ark Linux contains all the tools and applications that a regular computer user will need so there is no need to have research and find other programs on the Internet. These applications and programs include a web browser, instant messaging program, file sharing and a document tool.

Other goals of Ark Linux include the ability to provide only the basic elements that computer users will need so there is no overfilling the space on the computer. It also allows computer users to download other computer software programs with ease.

The whole idea behind the Ark Linux system is to make sure that computer users have an easy to understand Linux based operating system that is quick and easy to install.

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Using Fedora: The Linux-based Operating System

January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you haven’t heard of Fedora, then you definitely need to check it out. Fedora is a Linux-based operating system which uses several different software programs to make you computer system run faster and more efficiently. One of the best things about Fedora is that this operating system is free of charge unlike other operating systems. You can use Fedora to replace or add to your existing operating system that you are currently using.

There are several features about Fedora that you will enjoy.  The program allows you to download over 10,000 different types of apps that you may enjoy using on your computer.  There are a variety of different apps such as alarm clocks, calendars, games, and graphics. Currently, some of the popular apps are Synfig Studio and Abiword. Synfig Studio allows you to edit and create 2D animation. Abiword allows you to write, edit, and view word processing documents.

Another feature of Fedora is that it is very secure and free of viruses and spyware. Therefore, there is no need to download different types of antivirus programs.  The system has built-in firewall, set security permissions, and automatic updates. All software must be from a trustworthy source before it can be downloaded onto your computer.  You can change your computer settings to increase or decrease the security levels for your computer system.

The email software for Fedora is Evolution. This email program  is similar to Microsoft Outlook and allows you to send email, keep a calendar, and create an address book of contacts. You can sync your computer to online programs such as Google and Yahoo! Calendar. Multiple user accounts can be set up under Evolution for each member of your family if you wish.

 Others features of Fedora are text and video chat, file sharing, social media, and remote desktop.

 

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Linux for the iPod: iPod Linux

January 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

iPod Linux is a Linux distribution type of software that was designed specifically for the iPod, which is created by Apple. This software acts as an operating system and a platform for running different applications on the iPod hardware. When you install this system on your iPod, it does not clear out any existing data. Your current programs and music will remain on your iPod. This program works the best on the first thru third generation iPod products.

There are several features that are provided under the iPod Linux program. The program has an iPod interface for the user. You are able to play videos and music thru the program using MP3 and AAC files. If you love playing games, you will have a variety of games available such as StepMania, which is similar to Dance Revolution and BlueCube, which is similar to Tetris. You can also play the popular Doom and Doom 2 games on the iPod. This system is also able to run programs similar to other gaming systems such as Game Boy and Game Boy Advance.

To install this program on your iPod using a PC, you will need to use iTunes to download Linux to your iPod. You will need to configure your PC for the iPod as well. During the download, the system will first locate your iPod. It will then make a backup copy of the data on your current iPod operating system. Next it will create partition for the new operating system to store the important files for Linux.

After the partition is created, you will need to install the kernel. The kernel is the important part of the operating system that connects the data processing and the applications on the iPod. Using the iPod Boot Loader program along with the backup files you create earlier, you will install the kernel portion of the program.

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Linux Compatible Software Allow Businesses To Reap Savings

December 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

One of the major criticisms of Linux is that very few applications exist that are compatible with Linux. According to these critics since Microsoft Windows dominates the market for operating systems, the lion’s share of software available is also made to run on this popular operating system. However, a quick Google search will quickly put this myth to rest. As a consequence, one of the more intriguing applications available is Moodle.

The Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (or Moodle) is a free open source eLearning software that can be found and downloaded on the internet and run on Linux based systems. This course management system is comparable in size or scope to Blackboard or Angel, two course management systems used by major universities and colleges around the world.

However, one advantage that Moodle carries over the competition is that Moodle content can be customized through the creation of plug-ins and modules using PHP. This allows organizations to create customizable content that can easily delivered to customers.

The possibilities of using this program on a Linux platform are innumerable. Where the high cost of the competition (currently in the tens of thousands dollars per month range for a small school) make it too costly for a small business to use to produce webinars or other eLearning courses as a marketing tool or free support for customers, Moodle provides the same capabilities for free. By pairing Moodle with Linux, small businesses can leverage enormous cost savings and pass those on to their customers.

In addition to the business applications, Moodle also can help drive down the costs of goodwill work. Society as a whole benefits when knowledge is shared, and now Linux users can share information for free.

Moodle is just one of the many exciting applications that can be used on a Linux operating system.  There are many others like the FTP software FileZilla and office suite openoffice.  These are shattering the myth that Linux is not software friendly.

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