Memory is not the same as hard drive space. The former is where the PC works with programs and data while the latter is where programs and files are stored all the time. In essence, a computer is able to perform better when it has more memory. There can really be no such thing as too much memory once a computer is used.

The kind of tasks performed and the software type would determine the amount of memory needed by a PC. The memory should match the speed of the PC’s motherboard and this information is easily obtained from the documentation that came with the PC. The PC supplier can also provide the required information for upgrades.

Filed under Computers. Updated: December 26, 2007, 9:24 am |

The ease of installation varies greatly by distribution. Typical distributions use simple live CDs or GUI installers with some offering a menu-driven installer. Others target more specialized groups and require source to be copied and compiled. The Linux system can also be built completely from scratch or from source codes.

Installation time may range from 6 minutes to more than an hour. Most free drivers are included in distributions or can be found in online archives. Devices that do not have free drivers available due to licensing issues can get hold of proprietary drivers which are available from manufacturers or special archives. It was previously difficult for the average user to install Linux distributions but the problem has been simplified by a system that allows users to boot fully functional Linux systems directly from a CD or DVD which can also be installed on the hard drive.

Filed under Linux. Updated: December 21, 2007, 8:43 pm |

Fires sparked in lithium batteries appear to be uncontrollable by the usual fire protection systems in place at the cargo hold of passenger planes. In an effort to help reduce the risk of fires, the US Transportation Department has disallowed packing of loose lithium batteries in checked luggage. However, those batteries that are installed in electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones and laptops are allowed. Batteries that are packed in plastic bags may be in a carryon baggage but is only limited to two (2) per passenger.

The ban will affect shipments of non-rechargeable lithium batteries. This development follows a cargo plane fire in at least one airport where lithium batteries were suspected as being the source. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has urged travelers to help prevent such similar incidences by doing something as simple as keeping a spare battery in its original retail packaging or in a plastic zip-lock bag to avoid unintentional short circuiting and fire.

Filed under Green Tech. Updated: December 10, 2007, 2:36 pm |

Standing side by side with the developer of Linux, are the different user communities who have recognized the relevance of the system. While some vendors develop and fund their distributions on a voluntary basis, others choose to maintain a community version of their commercial distributions.

Local associations in many cities and regions seek to promote Linux and free software in general. Meetings are held to provide free demonstrations, training, technical support and installation of operating system to first-time users. Various Internet communities have taken the cue and provide support to Linux users and developers. Efforts to propagate the use of the Linux system include online forums, hosting of mailing lists and technology websites that focuses on Linux.

Filed under Internet, Linux. Updated: December 6, 2007, 8:40 pm |

A full high definition TV is said to be the answer to the never ending reinvention of the television set. This means that there will be no need to buy another one too soon just to cope with the fast development in the home entertainment world.

It is expected to cope with the digital free-to-air TV channels even if current analog services are totally modified. It can also deliver the full potential of Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs regardless of which becomes the dominant next generation DVD format in the years to come. It likewise provides Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 owners more reasons to enjoy their games as they are capable of being connected to this type of TV. A TV set is bought primarily for watching and it certainly wouldn’t hurt to determine how high definition it should be depending on what is being watched.

Filed under Video. Updated: December 1, 2007, 9:06 pm |