Archive for June 2009
Ethernet Switch
An Ethernet switch is a network switch used in order to connect multiple computers with each other. The switch is an external device that is used with an LAN (Local Area Network) in order to establish the connection. This device can perform the same actions as an Ethernet hub, only with more intelligence than what hubs and repeaters can produce.
The Ethernet switch receives packets, and can distribute them with knowledge of what computer they came from, what’s inside the packets, and also can identify where they need to be going. In that respect, the switch is more “intelligent”. They may also opertae in full duplex mode. What this means is that they can send and receive data at the same time. The first Ethernet switch ever produced was made by a company by the name of Kalpana in the 1990’s¹.
SPDIF
S/PDIF or SPDIF stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format, and only slightly differs from the AES/EBU format. This type of audio format is used to carry compressed digital audio signals, defined by the standard IEC 61937. S/PDIF may carry the audio from a CD player to your headphones, for example. That is, if you still even use portable CD players. Another use would be to carry the audio from a DVD player to the surround sound speakers.
While the actual top transmission rate of S/PDIF is never specified, but maxes out somewhere around 20 bits. CD’s sound limitations are set at 16 bits, so S/PDIF can transport the audio as well as the CD can pump it out. However, if an audio signal of something higher than 20 bits is sent through S/PDIF, it will just shave the rest off and maxes out at 20 bits. For it’s current uses, this problem doesn’t tend to occur too often.
Enterprise Resource Planning
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a computer software system used in combining all of the information and processes and to have them working together in one system.
This usually involves many different pieces of software and hardware, and the ERP software relies on a database to be able to draw from in order to better organize the functions used through the system, and communicate all over a LAN (Local area network). This design helps for the business to be able to add or remove modules to their liking. Integration of this data also plays a key role in maintaining organization and work flow. In order for an ERP system to be considered as one, it must function fro more than one system. It wouldn’t be managing anything if it were just one! Some examples would be BlueERP (PHP based), Compiere (Java based), ERP5 (Python based), and SAP ERP.
Javascript Void (0)
Javascript void 0 is simply an error message returned by Java when something has went wrong. It also can be used as a void operator that has the same effect as placing a ‘#’ as a hyperlink.
If you have experienced this message as an error, then consider the following potential causes: Continue Reading “Javascript Void (0)” »
Subnet Mask
Also known as a netmask, a subnet mask is a 32-bit decimal based number which is used for determining which part of the IP address is used for the host, and which part is used by network.
If you were look look at an IP address by itself, there really isn’t a concise way to read it. That’s where the subnet mask comes in. The subnet mask “masks out” the network part of the address, and gives you more information on the IP address. This operation is mandatory for communications on the IP network.
Cool e-cards
Why use e-cards?
They will save you a lot of time. With printed postcards you need to go shopping, get stuck in traffic on the way there and back and wait in line. E-cards will also save you the money you would otherwise pay for the postcards, envelopes and postal services.
An e-card is basically an electronic postcard. They can be found on various web sites. There you can personalize and send them. But let’s take a closer look first.
Vista Screensaver
The screensaver, apart from its decorative aspect, has a more important purpose: to protect your screen.
It was first created for CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors. These were susceptible to “record” shadows or images on the screen due to the projection of the same image (like the taskbar or the background of a 24/7 on computer) for a long period of time. This happens because of its image creation technology. Today’s CRTs have improved a lot regarding this problem but there is still a chance to get a problem.
Wireless Modems
A wireless modem is a modem that lets you connect rather than the telephone system. When connected, you are directly linked to your ISP and from there may access the Internet.
These devices can connect to USBs, or even different serial ports. The speeds achieved are similar to dial-up, so don’t expect to be streaming YouTube videos anytime soon. 
Who Invented Internet
The answer to his question isn’t what you’d think. To put it plainly, no one person invented the Internet. Instead it was more of a group event to which various people contributed ideas, and over a span of about 20 years, the Internet was formed. Some people who contributed greatly (even without knowing it) can be recognized, however. The five main people involved are as follows:
J.C.R Licklider - He was the imaginative force behind the creation of the Internet. He imagined it would would be possible to unite people from all over the world in one big interconnected web. His decided to dub it the “Galatic Network” as such. He then decided he had to recruit someone to help his idea grow, since his previous experience didn’t include computer programming. His choice was Lawrence Roberts.
HDTV Receiver
Also known as an ATSC tuner or receiver, an HDTV receiver receives digital TV signals that are broadcast over the air via local TV stations. After these signals are captured, your TV then decodes the them and displays them on screen and through your speakers. As of March 1st, 2007, the U.S. government set a mandate on all TVs, regardless of size, to include a built-in HDTV receiver.
How does it work?