New Technology digital

Answering Your Dedicated Server Questions

2009-03-05T11:50:00.000+07:00

So you're in the market to host some data on the Internet. We've all seen the pop-up adds listing web hosting as low as $5 a month. But what do you really get for that fee? Usually you get shared space on a companies' server, with your hosting battling it out with others on the same machine.

What if you have specific needs or non standard requirements for your hosting? Do you have concerns that poor performance of your hosting will affect your web presence? Are there concerns that other account users may access or damage your information? If so, perhaps a dedicated server is right for you.

How does it work?

Dedicated servers differ from the standard home computer primarily by means of the operating system. Specialized versions of Windows, optimized for network operations, and UNIX are utilized by dedicated servers.

Whereas your home computer becomes a word processor, a video game system, a check book balancer, and so on, a dedicated server utilizes a minimal user interface, allowing the majority of its work to occur on the network. CPUs are similar, as are memory and storage systems; however servers tend to have vast amounts of each.

Why dedicate a server?

In the hosting market, it is not uncommon for a service provider to rent server space to dozens, if not more, accounts on the same server. Depending on usage and number of requests, some accounts may suffer as the server reaches its limits.

Service providers also determine the hardware and software configuration of the machine. If you have requirements for some piece of software they have not installed, you may be out of luck. Dedicating a server puts you in control. From the hardware to the software, you choose the components that your server will employ.

Do I need special equipment to make a dedicated server?

Yes and no. It all depends on the type of performance you expect from your server. Older business systems have been recycled into company mail and web servers, as long as the users don't overload the capacity of the system, everything works well.

By today's standards, a typical dedicated server will have multiple processors, large amounts of redundant storage, and lots of memory. Additionally, a symmetrical high speed connection is required, or information will cause the server to bog down.

Do I need a dedicated server?

If you are interested in providing information to a large client base, then you may need a dedicated server. If the information you are processing contains confidential items, such as personal or credit information, then you probably should have a dedicated server.

Whether or not you choose to rent a server or host your own depends or your capability and budget. Owning a server will be less expensive, but means that you are responsible for keeping it up and running. Some individuals and companies will choose to rent a server, and pay someone else to handle the headaches.

Dell Launches Inspiron Mini 10

2009-02-23T09:22:00.002+07:00

The Mini 10 has several useful features. One of the most remarkable is that although this netbook weighs only 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg), it has a keyboard that is 92 percent the size of a standard laptop keyboard; its roomy design and comfortable keys rectify one of the biggest disadvantages of the Inspiron Mini 9 (even so, Inspiron Mini 9 is one of the best netbooks in the market, according to some experts). The Mini 10 also has a 10.1-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a touchpad that supports multitouch gestures.

The most curious thing is the netbook has an HDMI port onboard. And this is curious because the benefits of this port are limited unless you want to get high-definition video onto the Mini 10’s 160GB hard disk drive. According to Dell, some optional features will be available later this year including an internal ATSC digital TV tuner and “high-def resolution”, which is a new technology that is basically unknown so far. Maybe these features will make the HDMI port most interesting.

Another interesting thing: Dell announced that the Mini 10 will be available in six colors (a trend that several makers are following): black, white, red, pink, blue, and green.

Important specifications were not published in the first Dell’s official press release about this launch; of course, they will be known when the main online stores start to sell the netbook. The official press release highlights some basic aspects: the Mini 10 comes with a RAM 1GB standard (Dell says that the units with 2GB will be available later this year), Windows XP, Wi-Fi and webcam. Other expected features are the support for Ubuntu Linux and Windows Vista (operating systems), 120GB and 250GB hard-disk drives, solid-state drives, bluetooth, wireless WAN and internal GPS.

Coming to Asia The New HTC Touch HD

2008-11-15T10:38:00.003+07:00

HTC Touch HD is launching its new Windows mobile device in Asia as early as next month. This mobilephone has killer specifications and price; initially released in Malaysia and Singapore and priced at 930$ and 950$ respectively.

The HTC Touch HD has a 3.8” WVGA touch screen, a 5 megapixel camera and a 528 MHz processor - all within a device of only 12 mm thickness and weighing only 147 gm. In addition, the Windows operating system has been much improved with connectivity options as good as any other mobile can have. It uses 3G and Wi-Fi, and also consists of a built-in GPS Overall the HTC Touch HD can surely become a serious iPhone killer in Asia.

Below are some additional specs of the new HTC smartphone, which allow you to compare with the iPhone 3G and be your own judge.

Operating System: Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
Memory: 512 MB ROM; 288 RAM
Dimensions: 115 mm x 62.8 mm x 12 mm
Display: 3.8-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution
GPS Connectivity Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g
Main camera: 5 MP color camera with auto focus
Second camera: VGA CMOS color camera
Built-in 3.5 mm audio jack, microphone, speaker, and FM radio
Expansion Slot: microSD™ memory card

How to Choosing the best digital or film camera

2008-11-13T09:37:00.002+07:00

With so many camera models to choose from, at a bewildering range of prices, where do you start? Well, the way I choose any new toy these days is to start at the end. What do you want it to do? Err . . . take pictures. Yes but what kind of pictures and what are you going to do with them? The other burning question is how much are you prepared to learn? And, of course, how much are you prepared to pay?

As you are reading this and have actually made it to paragraph two, I think we can assume that you are prepared to learn at least a little. So what do you want to do? Do you want something that you can keep in your pocket at all times so you can snap the kids? Do you want a camera that will allow you to take pictures in any lighting conditions from any distance (with the right gadget screwed on the front of course)? Is this going to be a hobby or just some quick snaps?
The Learning Curve

I haven't seen any cameras on sale in recent years that do not have a fully automatic 'point and shoot' mode, most will automatically switch on the flash for you when it is needed so you may wonder why we need all the other manual and semi automatic modes and an instruction book to make your head spin.

The answer is that, although the camera can produce good exposures most of the time, there are times when, to get the results we want, we have to apply a little know-how and select more appropriate settings than the camera would automatically choose.

article from : www.geofflawrence.com

Logitech MX1100 Mouse

2008-11-12T12:52:00.002+07:00

Logitech is one of the big names in input devices so when they put out a new product at or near the top of their line computer users pay attention. Their new MX1100 mouse is the long-awaited follow-up to the acclaimed MX1000. Of course, that was four years ago, so a lot has changed since then. One of the big changes on Logitech’s side since then was the release of the successful MX Revolution, whose influence can clearly be seen in the MX1100.
The MX1100 is a high-end, stand-alone mouse that sells for upwards of $80. It is designed for choosy power users who demand a lot from their mice and want to see competitive features for their money. It actually comes in cheaper than the MX Revolution (MSRP $99) and while the two are very similar, the MX1100 drops the Revolution’s thumbwheel and battery gauge. The MX1100 has just about the same shape and packs in eight buttons (counting the scroll wheel, but not the unlock button below the scroll wheel. This physically toggles the wheel from ratcheted to free-spinning mode.) The shape is aimed at comfort and easy access to all those buttons; it does a very good job, so long as you are right-handed. The three thumb buttons (forward and back above the thumb and the “Stealth” button built into the bottom of the thumbrest are all accessible, so long as you can find uses for all of them.

One very cool function on the mouse is the rocker switch above the left primary button. This will adjust the mouse’s DPI setting (sensitivity) on-the-fly. With it you can adjust the mouse up to 1600 dpi, which is great for larger displays or users who want faster move and later on prefer more accuracy. You don’t have to install the software in order to get this function to work, where you have to install it to do other things, like set what certain buttons do. The only problem with this, is that when you are clicking the button, it’s not immediately clear what setting you are moving to or from, you can just feel the mouse becoming less/more sensitive to your movements.

The mouse is powered by two AA batteries, a surprising choice given its price. Mice above the $60 mark are generally rechargeable and come with a stand, but the MX1100 instead comes with two plain old AAs. Logitech claims that these will last for 9 months so it’s not a major problem, and rechargeable mice always seem to run out of juice at the wrong time, but it will definitely turn off some people.

As far as usage goes the MX1100 is comfortable and accurate. It is a larger mouse and it’s just for right-handed users, but the thumb-groove and choice of materials is spot on. All the buttons have a distinct and smooth click so it feels like Logitech did a very good job building the MX1100. In order to appreciate the mouse users will have to want all those buttons and they should be willing to pay extra for features like the snazzy scroll wheel and on-the-fly dpi adjustment. Overall the MX1100 is one of the better mice to come out recently. It doesn’t do a whole lot to separate itself from the pack, but it has minor tweaks that fix the annoying features of its predecessors, making it a great choice over almost anything that came before it. If you like larger, feature-packed mice and you don’t mind standard AA batteries you’ll be a fan of the MX1100.

LG enV2 - Product Reviews

2008-11-07T09:39:00.002+07:00

A phone for serious text message users, the LG enV2 is a definite upgrade from its larger and less stylish predecessor, the enV. This latest handset offers a full QWERTY keyboard, music player with Bluetooth stereo support, microSD memory card slot and a 2.0-megapixel camera and camcorder, merged together in a well-designed package.

Verizon Wireless services include VCAST Music and Video, and VZ Navigator. VCAST Music provides more than 3 million songs from both well-known and independent artists. With VZ Navigator, the enV2 gives audible turn-by-turn navigation to addresses and more than 14 million points of interest, from ATMs and gas stations to restaurants and tourist destinations.

Fans of the enV2 have praised the phone for its vivid 262K-color LCD screens, great audio quality and overall user friendliness. Advanced features like auto text readout, message sort and the ability to store up to 300 text messages now make your texting habit something to celebrate.

Design

Opinion of the enV2's design - which comes in your choice of classic black or dark maroon - goes both ways. Some have heralded the enV2 for its stellar improvements to its ungainly predecessor, the enV, but its size remains somewhat bulky compared to slimmer and sleeker mobile phones on the market. Measuring in at 4x2.1x0.65 inches and 4.2-ounces, the enV2's design might remind you of a pocket translator or handheld LCD game. But for a phone with a QWERTY keyboard that's actually comfortable to type on, the extra bulk is definitely worth it.

LG enV2 ClosedThe external face of the enV2 is framed in a shiny chrome trim, prone to fingerprint smudges, but still very sleek. Above the 1.5-inch LCD display screen is the earpiece, and below that is a wonderfully easy-to-use keypad. The size of the buttons is just right - even for large hands - and has a great touch that doesn't feel greasy after a few dialed calls. Enhanced by a soft white backlighting, the keypad also includes dedicated keys for the music player, up / down scrolling, voice-activated commands, vibrate mode, lock / unlock, speakerphone, send message and power / end.

Open up the phone and admire the 1.5 x 2.4 inch 262K-color LCD screen, which is flanked by speakers and tiny emblems for LG and Verizon. Below the screen are two soft control keys, used primarily to access messaging functions and contacts. To the right of the QWERTY keyboard are the "send" and "power / end" buttons, toggle control, "clear" and a one-touch speaker phone button. On the far left of the keyboard are function, shift and a symbol key. The two space bar buttons are located on the bottom corners of the keyboard, where your thumbs would normally rest while holding the phone to type.

The flip side of the phone has a soft, matte finish and houses the phone's internal antenna and camera / camcorder lens. Below that is the 950 mAh battery, and on the bottom edge is the charger port, microphone and a carrying hole on the bottom left corner to attach a hand strap. Volume controls and a camera / camcorder-dedicated button are located on the right side panel, while a 2.5mm headset jack and microSD card slot are located on the left side panel.

Verizon has made considerable improvements to its menu interface. With the enV2, menu customization is a snap. Choose from tabbed, icon grid or list - whatever layout you feel most comfortable with. You can also select the menu mode that best suits your usage needs. Select the multimedia setting and get icons for videos, games and VCAST right on your main menu screen. Or choose the messaging setting to get shortcuts to mobile IM, email and your contacts list.

Overall, this is a clamshell phone that looks good both opened and closed. The enV2 boasts a sleek outer design while the keypads - perhaps this phone's greatest asset - are wide and comfortable to use.

Out of the box, the LG enV2 comes with a standard 950 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, and User Manual.

This article is Copyright 2002-2008 Mobiledia Corp. and the review in part or in whole may

Olympus E-30 brief hands-on

2008-11-05T13:28:00.002+07:00

The price gap between the upper-entry-level Olympus E-520 and more expensive E-3 has always suggested there is room for a mid-range DSLR to sit between them. What's not been so clear is what features could be removed from the E-3 or added to the E-520 that would justify the increased price over one without cannibalizing sales of the other. The E-30 is Olympus's answer to that challenge.

The obvious headline change over its forebears is the use of a new 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor that we suspect is closely related to the one we saw in the Panasonic G1. In addition is a new processing engine, dubbed TruePix III+ that helps provide many of the camera's new image processing features
The prism-type viewfinder, with its 1.02x magnification and 0.98x coverage is around 10% larger than the pentamirror unit included in the smaller E-System cameras while allowing the E-30 to be over 1cm (0.3 inches)smaller than the E-3. Olympus says the new unit is 60% of the volume of the E-3's prism and just 50% of the weight, helping the E-30 weigh-in around 20% lighter than its big brother.

The other obvious exterior feature is the camera's tilt and swivel LCD. It's a 2.7", 230,000 dot unit, meaning it can show the same level of detail as the E-3, though not in the same league as the latest offerings from several other manufacturers that are beginning to feature 960,000 dots on screens of similar sizes.

Like its mid-range peers, a battery grip (HLD-4) is available. It also offers a distinctly professional 1/8000th sec fastest shutter speed and 1/250th sec maximum flash sync speed.

But its on the software side of things that sees the biggest changes. First of all there are the 'Art Filters' that provide a series of image effects, such as Pale & Light Color, Pop Art and Pin Hole Camera modes.

On the more practical side of things is the ability to automatically correct for both pitch and roll, meaning perspective correction for converging verticals as well as simply straightening horizons. Also present is the ability to fine-tune the phase-detect autofocus that allows adjustment of each of the 11-autofocus points individually.

Tips for Buying Digital Picture Frames

2008-11-05T13:05:00.001+07:00

I was planning to buy a Digital Photo frame for my parents and after spending hours I’ve compiled a list of 8 things to look for when buying Digital Picture Frames.

1. Screen Size and Resolution
Digital Picture Frames are available in variety of screen sizes ranging from 6.5” to 12”. The selection of size depends on your budget, but the 8” Frame is the best selling at most of the popular online stores and is recommended.

Most of the picture frames come in 3 resolutions – 800×480, 800×600, 640×480. Larger frames tend to have higher resolutions. You should buy the one with 800×600 or more resolution - as higher the resolution is, better will be your picture viewing experience.

2. Aspect Ratio
The width to height ratio is what we call as aspect ratio. Three common aspect ratios are 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9, latter being the widescreen ratio. Since most of the images are taken in 4:3 aspect ratio, buying 16:9 widescreen frame will distort your images. So preferably you should buy frames with aspect ratio of 4:3 if you are a regular photographer.

3. Supported External Connections
These days most of the digital frames support memory cards like SD/MicroSD cards, Sony’s Memory Stick or Compact Flash cards. Support for USB port will be an add-on if you want to transfer images or videos from your computer. Always prefer USB 2.0 which transfers data faster than USB 1.0 or 1.1.

4. Wireless Connections
Very few of the digital frames comes with Wi-Fi these days. The Wi Fi gives an edge to your frame by transferring the images directly from your Flickr photo stream. So if you click photos from your camera and upload them to your Flickr account, your mom can see those automatically updated on your Frame without any geeky knowledge needed. Most of the other popular online photo management services (like Kodak Gallery) are supported to sync with their Wi Fi. You can also opt for a frame with Bluetooth support. This will be extremely useful if you have a camera or cell phone with Bluetooth capabilities.

5. Ease of Use
Look for a frame that has good interface and minimal keys to confuse you. Some of the frames have inbuilt software and controls to select the memory card reader

or to adjust brightness and color. Most of them will have Remote Control too, allowing you to change images or to turn on the slideshows with very easy navigation. These days there are also very few frames having touch screen for better user experience.

6. Support for Audio and Video
Some frames allow picture slideshows with your favorite mp3 audio running in the background and some can play motion videos in most common .avi and .mpg video formats. These frames have inbuilt speakers with which you can even watch movies on your USB drive when traveling.

7. Extra Features
If you’d like, some frames have interchangeable outside borders to suit the décor of your room. Many of them have inbuilt clock, alarm and calendar. Some have inbuilt printing features allowing you to print your images with PictBridge Enabled Printers. You may like a frame that automatically switches off at night.

8. Power Consumption
All digital frames runs with AC power. If you switch off the power, then no display will be there and on restarting it will take few seconds to boot up. Some of the digital frames support optional batteries too. With batteries you can also hang your frame on the wall without any need to have those tangling wires.

Nokia N96 Review

2008-11-04T11:13:00.000+07:00

Introductions

The Nokia N96 has a pretty hefty reputation to live up to. The N95 was a true powerhouse, and the finest converged device of its time. With a 5 megapixel camera, 3G data, the powerful S60 UI and eventually 8GB of internal memory there were few devices that could compete with it, and arguably no one could do it as well. Then along came a little device out of Cupertino and the cellular landscape changed. Not one to be reactive, Nokia has stuck to its guns with the retooled N96 and delivered an upgraded device that once again aims to sit atop of the mobile industry; improvements include 16GB of internal memory with microSDHC expansion and an integrated DVB-H tuner for mobile TV. But is it enough to compete with the almighty iPhone?

Included in the box you’ll find:

Li-Ion Battery
AC adapter
3.5mm headphones with microphone adapter
RCA TV-out cables
USB sync cable
Vehicle adapte

Design:

Though definitely inspired by the dual-sliding N95, the N96 is a much more modern and sleek device. Like the N81 everything on the device is flush with the exception of the directional pad and Multimedia key, giving the N96 a much more modern and minimalist appearance than its predecessor. The sharp corners of the N95 are now smoothly rounded, and the keys are only apparent when illuminated.

The front of the phone is comprised mostly of the 2.8” QVGA display. At 16 million colors, the same as the iPhone, the display is extremely vivid and colorful. It is easily readable in any lighting conditions, though oddly enough colors tend to wash out in direct sunlight. At the top is a pinhole front-facing VGA camera and earpiece. Below is the navigational cluster, which features right and left soft keys, the five-way d-pad, send, end, menu and clear keys and a multimedia key. Also hidden are multimedia playback controls, which sit outside the four corners of the d-pad and illuminate when the keypad lights up. The menu and clear keys, which are on the corners, can be a bit cramped and awkward to press.

The phone slides up to reveal a standard 12 key dialpad. The keys are all flush, and while they offer sufficient feedback navigating without looking is all but impossible. As is often the case with sliders, the overhang can interfere with the top row of keys. The keypad is also a bit too wide for our liking, and on the whole we weren’t too crazy about tapping out messages on this thing.

A downward slide changes the screen orientation to landscape and reveals four media keys- FF, Play/Pause, Stop and RW- that can also be used for gaming controls. N-Gage is also on board, and there are a few pre-loaded demos as well as plenty of downloadable content for the user. Like the keypad, these keys are dark at rest but illuminate white when being used.

The black face of the phone is offset by the silver housing surrounding the N96. Unfortunately it is plastic, and cheep feeling plastic at that. It’s not incredibly cheap, but cheap enough that we’re ashamed to see it in such a high-end device. The right side of the phone features stereo speakers at the top and bottom corner, which sit at the top of the phone when watching TV in landscape mode. It also houses the volume rocker and camera key. On the left side is simply the covered microSDHC slot. The card sits a bit too deep in the phone for our liking, which makes it hard to both press to remove and to physically take out of the phone once it is pressed in.

On the top is a lock switch, the 3.5mm headphone/output jack and the power/profile button, and on the bottom is the microUSB data port (that can also be used to charge) and the 2mm pin charging port. The power button is too small and travel too far, and you cannot hold the phone by the sides and press it with one finger, you have to brace it at the bottom.

The back is a glossy dark plastic, with a wavy pattern “etched” into it for aesthetic purposes. The 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss camera is prominently displayed, and is ringed in silver housing that flips out to act as a stand for the phone while viewing video. The single LED flash of the N95 has been replaced by a double LED one in the N96, but unfortunately does not have the Xenon of flash of the N82.

All in all the N96 feels just ok. It is actually wider and taller than the N95, though has slimmed down considerably. That’s not to say that this isn’t a portly phone, because it most definitely is. In these svelte days of the iPhone and Touch Diamond the N96 is the fat kid doing the truffle shuffle. It feels too wide in our medium sized hands, and while that may be a good thing for those of you with big mitts it pretty much eliminates the fairer sex. The sliding mechanism is good, and we have confidence it will hold up over time. The weight has also been reduced, down to 4.4oz, but with its plastic construction the phone’s lightness leads to a cheaper (but not cheap) feeling. It could definitely do with some metal trim or a glass display (hint: touchscreen,) and while the design is a step in the right direction Nokia still has some considerable work to do.

Samsung OMNIA

2008-11-04T11:06:00.000+07:00

Introduction:

Translated from Latin, the name of Samsung’s new model means “everything” and its main purpose is to fully satisfy the needs of the modern cell phone user. This is a phone with a unique combination of characteristics such as 5-megapixel camera, large touch display and GPS, taking advantage of the Windows Mobile 6.1 platform. In addition, this is the first device with a built-in support of not only DivX, but XviD video. The logical question „Can it cook?” comes to mind…

The package includes:

Samsung OMNIA
Handsfree (including 2 sets of additional ear plugs) and 3.5mm adapter
Data cable
Charger
Stylus
Software CD
User’s manual

Design:

Nowadays, the design is everything. Even a very good product would quickly be forgotten if it doesn’t come in a shiny package. Luckily, OMNIA is well prepared in this aspect. It is one of the most attractive Windows Mobile devices.

The display is 3.2 inch one, which makes it comparable to the famous iPhone. Unfortunately, resolution wise, it is behind the leaders. We think that WVGA would suit it much better, compared to the 240х400 it has now. Nevertheless, the screen offers good image quality, but we have a few remarks regarding the colors, which have a light yellow hue. It is almost impossible to use it in direct sunlight, which is a big drawback. We have nothing to say about the sensitivity, even though Apple’s baby is still far ahead. Every touch is accompanied by a gentle vibration, no matter if you have activated any function and often, that could mislead you if you have tapped the wrong place. In addition, you have an extremely fashionable stylus at your disposal, which could be easily replaced by any object.

he only objects on the front are two large and relatively easy to press hardware buttons (Send/End keys) and an “optical” mouse, like in Samsung i780. When the virtual cursor is not active, it the mouse has the role of a D-pad and you have to run your finger in the direction desired. Overall, this alternative input method is good, but you'll never feel a need to use it while operating the phone.

The rest of the hardware buttons are on the right side. All of them have a decent size and are easily felt once pressed, which makes them user-friendly. On top of that, they have multiple functions. When held, the button for entering the main menu activates the Task switcher. By using the key for turning the volume up, you can switch on the zoom, no matter which menu you are in. Pressing the camera “trigger” one time leads to the gallery. Even though it is not revolutionary, we have to congratulate Samsung for the realization of the idea. Multifunctionality is the way!

he opposite side houses the strap “hook” for accessories (in our case stylus, but if you are a fan of Snoop Dogg – big purple dice) and the charger connector. To our regret, the last one is not a standard miniUSB, which is more popular since it is used in various electronic devices and could, for example, save you the purchase of a separate cable for the phone and for the camera. On top, we have the small and hard to press power button, accompanied by the one for hardware restart, which is accessible only with a stylus.

On the back, we find the 5-megapixel camera with flash. To get to the microSD slot, you’ll have to remove the battery lid. In contrast to the one we saw in the prototype, which looked like rubber-coated, now, it resembles polished metal. It looks good, but we think that a metal surface would suit the device better.

Despite OMNIA’s beautiful appearance, we don’t think that’s its most attractive asset. For an all-in-one device, the user-friendly interface and the rich multimedia functionality are of more importance.