The first PDA I remember using was the early Palm Pilot. They could store meeting information, some short notes, had a calculator, address book, calendar, and a clock. Pretty basic. They were just one notch above the tape recorder and compared to the Black Berry, fairly barbaric.
With Bluetooth capabilities, Wifi, and IrDA, the Internet is accessible from virtually anywhere with the new portables. Gone is the stylus (still available) replaced by the touchscreens and very small keyboards, and the need to carry a brick cell phone.
Several options have been added to the PDA to adapt to car use as well. They have GPS (Global Positioning System) capabilities which are being installed in new cars and systems that can be added to the older cars. I personally enjoy having one when I travel out of town. I can't read a road map and drive unlike some of our out-of-town visitors.
The medical field is also benefiting from the new technology. The access to reference materials and patient chart updates have enabled some medical professionals to diagnose conditions and prescribe the most up-to-date drug treatments within minutes. Physicians can also dock their PDA and download an entire days worth of notes on patient visits, communicate with other physicians, or update their clinical database.
Updates for your PDA are as simple as downloading them from the Internet just as you would for your desktop PC. Many options for memory stick upgrades can be purchased as well as small keyboards. Newer models even have USB ports to connect directly to your desktop without needing a docking station.
The new touchscreens are even starting to incorporate the keyboards into the displays, but they are still new and have some accuracy issues. There are also some touchscreens that use translators attempting word recognitions for faster entry, but again they face accuracy issues. Given time, these will be standard features in the future.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Video Capture Cards
Video capture cards, or TV cards, are designed to be installed into PCI slots, PCI express slots, AGP slots, or USB. The internet is the most popular use for streaming video. Surveillance is another popular application. the analog signals can be converted to digital signals and stored with on a hard disk drive, CD, DVD, or other storage device.
Performance of video capture cards can be adversely affected by which type of mother board and CPU you're using. Care should be taken in selecting a card suited for your particular system.
Video editing can be accomplished with these cards and software designed to allow the rendering of the video. this also includes audio dubbing and some cards have more than one audio channel for more sound options.
For the laptops, these are USB, Firewire, and PC interface cards that can be used. They have the same functions but are designed more for portable systems. Some camcorders can actually output the video to the computer in digital format with some editing function built in.
I have dabbled in the video capture game only briefly but with good results. I have a Plextor USB digital video converter installed on my XP Home system. I've copied old home movies from VHS onto DVD and saved many hours of video that is quietly disintegrating in the box. There's limited sound on some of the tapes and the quality is awful. I've been able to clean up some of it as well as cut some useless video that might have been taken by the kids. Several minutes of feet and sky.
The Plextor unit does have some really bad limitations though. It apparently does not play well with Windows Vista. If you're going to invest in video capture and editing equipment, you should ask around to see what problems other people have had. You could spend a lot of money buying devices that say they work across all platforms but really don't.
Performance of video capture cards can be adversely affected by which type of mother board and CPU you're using. Care should be taken in selecting a card suited for your particular system.
Video editing can be accomplished with these cards and software designed to allow the rendering of the video. this also includes audio dubbing and some cards have more than one audio channel for more sound options.
For the laptops, these are USB, Firewire, and PC interface cards that can be used. They have the same functions but are designed more for portable systems. Some camcorders can actually output the video to the computer in digital format with some editing function built in.
I have dabbled in the video capture game only briefly but with good results. I have a Plextor USB digital video converter installed on my XP Home system. I've copied old home movies from VHS onto DVD and saved many hours of video that is quietly disintegrating in the box. There's limited sound on some of the tapes and the quality is awful. I've been able to clean up some of it as well as cut some useless video that might have been taken by the kids. Several minutes of feet and sky.
The Plextor unit does have some really bad limitations though. It apparently does not play well with Windows Vista. If you're going to invest in video capture and editing equipment, you should ask around to see what problems other people have had. You could spend a lot of money buying devices that say they work across all platforms but really don't.
Solid State Drives
Several companies, dating back to the late 1970's, designed various solid state drives. Storage Tek, Santa Clara Systems, Sharp, Amiga, and Apple were a few of the first. M-Systems designed the first flash-based device which we know as SanDisk now.
Solid state drives are seen by the system as just another drive. These drives are most useful in portable devices since there are no mechanical parts. They operate solely on semiconductor circuitry so there's no real danger in bumping the device. They mostly are produced using nonvolatile flash memory but some are produced with DRAM volatile memory.
As a cost reduction measure, flash memory devices have gone from NOR flash to single-level cell (SLC) NAND flash and multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash. Each chip is capable of being manufactured with more storage and uses about the same size footprint as older chips.
Solid state drives are faster and have lower access time since they have no moving parts, they use less power, make no noise, are reliable up to between 300,000 and 500,000 write operations, and take up considerably less room than a standard hard disk drive. There are down sides to solid state drives though. The price is still high, the storage space is low (but climbing), power disruptions and ESD are more hazardous, they will not necessarily last longer than a hard disk drive, and they have slower write speeds.
That being said, the future of hard disk drives is slowly being reduced except for large computer systems and servers. The development of longer lasting and larger capacity solid state devices are being pursued by many manufacturers and the cost is dropping accordingly.
Solid state drives are seen by the system as just another drive. These drives are most useful in portable devices since there are no mechanical parts. They operate solely on semiconductor circuitry so there's no real danger in bumping the device. They mostly are produced using nonvolatile flash memory but some are produced with DRAM volatile memory.
As a cost reduction measure, flash memory devices have gone from NOR flash to single-level cell (SLC) NAND flash and multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash. Each chip is capable of being manufactured with more storage and uses about the same size footprint as older chips.
Solid state drives are faster and have lower access time since they have no moving parts, they use less power, make no noise, are reliable up to between 300,000 and 500,000 write operations, and take up considerably less room than a standard hard disk drive. There are down sides to solid state drives though. The price is still high, the storage space is low (but climbing), power disruptions and ESD are more hazardous, they will not necessarily last longer than a hard disk drive, and they have slower write speeds.
That being said, the future of hard disk drives is slowly being reduced except for large computer systems and servers. The development of longer lasting and larger capacity solid state devices are being pursued by many manufacturers and the cost is dropping accordingly.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
LabView
If you're going to find yourself working in a research or test lab any time in the future, spend a few days or weeks exploring the LabView program from National Instruments. I have had the pleasure of working with it for over two years now and I think it's a great user friendly programming environment. I have just upgraded to LabView 8.5 and the new utilities are awesome.
Instead of line-by line program entries, you use "G" programming or graphical representations of program instructions. You can control instruments and analyze data from just about any piece of equipment that can be connected to a PC. It runs on a variety of platforms including Windows, PDAs, Mac OS, and Linux. You can custom design your reports and can export data and spreadsheet information to programs such as Excel and Microsoft Access.
Programming can also be done to create virtual instruments to simulate real instrument I/O. For R&D applications it's a must. You also have remote access capabilities so you can operate your test from home over the Internet. This may sound like a sales pitch, but this stuff really works!
Some of the functions of this program include measuring pressure, strain, temperature, displacement, PH, and more. You can design programs using logic levels for digital circuits or design popular control panels with displays for user inputs. In the R&D environment it's useful for conceptual designs, to prove they work or they don't. This can be a great cost saving measure by reducing wasted prototype materials.
At this time, I am in the process of automating several repetitive tests we run on a variety of test measurement equipment. LabView can control each test bed with a minimum of operator intervention and even send me an e-mail when it's complete. This keeps me available for other tasks instead of sitting and waiting for a lengthy test process to run.
Since we are a test lab for gaming jurisdictions in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other countries, LabView will give us the opportunity to automate tests and produce professional looking reports for each machine. These can then be linked to our Website and viewed by any department withing IGT. This will all but eliminate the tons of paper reports we generate and distribute each year. When we receive certification from Underwriters Laboratory to test to their standards and self-certify our machines, LabView will be an important part of the entire safety testing process.
If this program is something you might want to view, you can download an evaluation copy for a 30 day trial at the National Instruments Website ni.com.
Instead of line-by line program entries, you use "G" programming or graphical representations of program instructions. You can control instruments and analyze data from just about any piece of equipment that can be connected to a PC. It runs on a variety of platforms including Windows, PDAs, Mac OS, and Linux. You can custom design your reports and can export data and spreadsheet information to programs such as Excel and Microsoft Access.
Programming can also be done to create virtual instruments to simulate real instrument I/O. For R&D applications it's a must. You also have remote access capabilities so you can operate your test from home over the Internet. This may sound like a sales pitch, but this stuff really works!
Some of the functions of this program include measuring pressure, strain, temperature, displacement, PH, and more. You can design programs using logic levels for digital circuits or design popular control panels with displays for user inputs. In the R&D environment it's useful for conceptual designs, to prove they work or they don't. This can be a great cost saving measure by reducing wasted prototype materials.
At this time, I am in the process of automating several repetitive tests we run on a variety of test measurement equipment. LabView can control each test bed with a minimum of operator intervention and even send me an e-mail when it's complete. This keeps me available for other tasks instead of sitting and waiting for a lengthy test process to run.
Since we are a test lab for gaming jurisdictions in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other countries, LabView will give us the opportunity to automate tests and produce professional looking reports for each machine. These can then be linked to our Website and viewed by any department withing IGT. This will all but eliminate the tons of paper reports we generate and distribute each year. When we receive certification from Underwriters Laboratory to test to their standards and self-certify our machines, LabView will be an important part of the entire safety testing process.
If this program is something you might want to view, you can download an evaluation copy for a 30 day trial at the National Instruments Website ni.com.
Boot.ini
The boot.ini files tells the computer where the operating system resides on the drive. It will also indicate to the system, any other operating systems installed. The Ntldr (NT loader) files checks the boot.ini for the location of the operating system(s) and will either launch the operating system or present a menu for the user to select the operating system. The boot.ini file is also given the system, hidden, and read-only attributes so it's not visible to the user until you indicate to Windows that you want to view hidden files.
If you have a computer with two operating system installed, the boot.ini file will list each one and a menu will be displayed at startup so you can select which one you want to run. I have used this option for several years when changes needed to be made in older programs that could only be done in Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. I would make the necessary corrections and re-start the system in Windows XP. Of course, these older programs have now been revised but there was a time when dual operating systems were really handy.
One of the computers I have lists the boot.ini file as:
C:\boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)/WINNT "Microsoft Windows
2000 Professional" /fastdetect
The first part of the file is the boot loader information. It specifies the timeout=30 which indicates the amount of time before the default operating system loads. The next line tells the system where the default operating system is which in my example would be Windows 2000 Professional. This is where ntldr gets the location of the operating system. This location is setup using the ARC or Advanced RISC Computing method.
The second part of the file is the operating system. This section shows the operating system(s) and any other boot programs and their location. My system uses a switch called /fastdetect which tells the operating system to skip peripheral inspections. If you have a dual operating system this is where it will show up. The names in the quotes are the menu items that appear for you to select which system you'd like to run.
If you need to make changes to your boot.ini files, you can use a text editor such as Notepad or simply type MSCONFIG from your cmd.exe screen. Make sure you backup your original boot.ini file before you make any changes in case you're prone to typos. If you need to make other system changes the MSCONFIG option will save you some time by displaying tabs for other system files.
The boot.ini files as we know it, has been alter in the Windows Vista operating system. This information is now stored in the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store and can still be modified.
If you have a computer with two operating system installed, the boot.ini file will list each one and a menu will be displayed at startup so you can select which one you want to run. I have used this option for several years when changes needed to be made in older programs that could only be done in Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. I would make the necessary corrections and re-start the system in Windows XP. Of course, these older programs have now been revised but there was a time when dual operating systems were really handy.
One of the computers I have lists the boot.ini file as:
C:\boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)/WINNT "Microsoft Windows
2000 Professional" /fastdetect
The first part of the file is the boot loader information. It specifies the timeout=30 which indicates the amount of time before the default operating system loads. The next line tells the system where the default operating system is which in my example would be Windows 2000 Professional. This is where ntldr gets the location of the operating system. This location is setup using the ARC or Advanced RISC Computing method.
The second part of the file is the operating system. This section shows the operating system(s) and any other boot programs and their location. My system uses a switch called /fastdetect which tells the operating system to skip peripheral inspections. If you have a dual operating system this is where it will show up. The names in the quotes are the menu items that appear for you to select which system you'd like to run.
If you need to make changes to your boot.ini files, you can use a text editor such as Notepad or simply type MSCONFIG from your cmd.exe screen. Make sure you backup your original boot.ini file before you make any changes in case you're prone to typos. If you need to make other system changes the MSCONFIG option will save you some time by displaying tabs for other system files.
The boot.ini files as we know it, has been alter in the Windows Vista operating system. This information is now stored in the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store and can still be modified.
Boot Loader
The term boot loader can refer to several programs your computer may use to begin. it can be one or a combination of programs such as Ntldr, BTX, MILO, LILO, BIOS, Coreboot, EMILE, Redboot, Yaboot, PC Booter, Quik, Bootman, GNU GRUB, Elilo, Klibc, Loadin, SILO, Boot X, Gujin, Das U-Boot, SYSLINUX, PALO, and System Commander to name a few. These boot loader programs can be executed automatically or configured to run by command or event.
In some systems the first set of instructions will load the Ntldr program from the root location on the specified boot drive. This will prompt the StartUp module to set the CPU to protected mode which enables the 32-bit memory access which it then creates the initial Interrupt Descriptor Table, Global Descriptor Table, page tables, and enables paging. This fundamental structure is required for the operating system to function. The StartUp module goes out and begins loading the operating system by launching the operating system loader.
The next step in the process includes the boot.ini. The contents of this file are read to get the information contained in the system volume. This will indicate the location and name of the operating system directory. If you have a dual operating system installed, a boot menu will be presented and the user can select which system to run. After the selection the booting process continues and the CPU is switched to Long mode which will enable the 64-bit addressing.
If you are running Windows the Ntoskrnl.exe and Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) are placed into memory. From here the boot-time device drivers get loaded but are not initialized. These are loaded into the HKLM/SYSTEM registry. After the controls are retrieved and the correct file system, such as FAT or NTFS is loaded, the kernel takes over.
The kernel creates the structure for memory and the CPU interrupt gets initialized as does the memory manager. Kernel then looks for system drivers and initializes the devices. Once this step is complete, the Session Manager Subsystem is started. The smss.exe file starts the Autochk routine which initializes and checks each drive. This then creates the environment settings in the registry. Windows then starts from the winlogon.exe files and you're on your way.
In some systems the first set of instructions will load the Ntldr program from the root location on the specified boot drive. This will prompt the StartUp module to set the CPU to protected mode which enables the 32-bit memory access which it then creates the initial Interrupt Descriptor Table, Global Descriptor Table, page tables, and enables paging. This fundamental structure is required for the operating system to function. The StartUp module goes out and begins loading the operating system by launching the operating system loader.
The next step in the process includes the boot.ini. The contents of this file are read to get the information contained in the system volume. This will indicate the location and name of the operating system directory. If you have a dual operating system installed, a boot menu will be presented and the user can select which system to run. After the selection the booting process continues and the CPU is switched to Long mode which will enable the 64-bit addressing.
If you are running Windows the Ntoskrnl.exe and Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) are placed into memory. From here the boot-time device drivers get loaded but are not initialized. These are loaded into the HKLM/SYSTEM registry. After the controls are retrieved and the correct file system, such as FAT or NTFS is loaded, the kernel takes over.
The kernel creates the structure for memory and the CPU interrupt gets initialized as does the memory manager. Kernel then looks for system drivers and initializes the devices. Once this step is complete, the Session Manager Subsystem is started. The smss.exe file starts the Autochk routine which initializes and checks each drive. This then creates the environment settings in the registry. Windows then starts from the winlogon.exe files and you're on your way.
Directory Service
The directory service is for use by network administrators. It allows them to set access controls on the domain for each user account. This is an abstraction layer allowing the administrator to customize each users requirements while keeping sensitive information out of reach. this is a service rather than a physical directory on the hard disk drive. The data pertaining to it is stored in files which store information about Preferences, Subscribers, Devices, Content, namespace, and more. The users are granted permission by the administrator for these types of information.
The directory service is a components of the Network Operating System (NOS) and is an information sharing system used for finding, organizing, administering, and managing network information such as user groups, printers, folders, files, and other resources.
Over the years, standards have been developed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to provide interoperability across several vendor platforms. These are standard systems of organizing objects in logical order which is called the X.500 by ITU and ISO/IEC 9594. These standards apply to mail exchange and looking up names.
Many companies have adopted these protocols and have systems to handle directory services such as Apache which has a service called ApacheDS, and Novell which offers eDirectory. Windows has the Active Directory which is installed on the Windows 2000 and 2003 Server systems.
Identity management programs create another layer of security on objects that can be identified such as devices, applications, countries, or organizations. Each object is identified by certificates encoded within each object, and each certificate contains an issuer and a subject. Without these correct certificates, users within a network our outside the network can be denied access.
The directory service is a components of the Network Operating System (NOS) and is an information sharing system used for finding, organizing, administering, and managing network information such as user groups, printers, folders, files, and other resources.
Over the years, standards have been developed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to provide interoperability across several vendor platforms. These are standard systems of organizing objects in logical order which is called the X.500 by ITU and ISO/IEC 9594. These standards apply to mail exchange and looking up names.
Many companies have adopted these protocols and have systems to handle directory services such as Apache which has a service called ApacheDS, and Novell which offers eDirectory. Windows has the Active Directory which is installed on the Windows 2000 and 2003 Server systems.
Identity management programs create another layer of security on objects that can be identified such as devices, applications, countries, or organizations. Each object is identified by certificates encoded within each object, and each certificate contains an issuer and a subject. Without these correct certificates, users within a network our outside the network can be denied access.
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