niedziela, 2 grudnia 2007

DVB-H New European Mobile TV Standard




DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) will be the new standard for mobile TV in the European Union. Nokia helped with the technology. This move has been made in order to increas the system’s audience, although some EU states, like Britain and Germany, opposed. An EU executive said that “DVB-H will be published by the Commission in the list of official EU standards.” All Member States of the European Union will have to encourage the use of DVB-H for the launch of mobile Tv services.

IBM TO MAKE NEXT GENERATION z6 MAINFRAMES FROM POWER FAMILY CHIPS

IBM has decided to fold its mainframe processor chips into the Power family, much the way it moved its AS/400 engines into Power architecture years ago. IBM says the mainframe versions of the Power 6 or p6 chips, which it calls z6, will have some unique features.

It is very hard to predict the timing of an official announcement, but Big Blue has been conducting customer briefings since last August.

The IBM slide show is here (warning: 2 meg download) and our preliminary analysis is here.

With mainframe sales in a sharp dip as the financial sector firms that buy so many putting all capital equipment acquisitions on hold, IBM may have to act more quickly and more decisively than it would under more propitious conditions.

Questions and Answers About Proxy Server

What is a proxy server

A Proxy (proxy server) is a server that acts as mediator between the client (the computer of a user) and server (the computer on the other ends of network connection on which the information requested by the user appears for example web server site.) When clients request data from an Internet resource, traffic goes from your web browser/application first through the proxy before it reaches the requested sources and back through the proxy. Then the proxy will transmit the data (information) to you.

Why I need to use a proxy server

1. Transfer speed improvement. If the file you requested was received before to your proxy server, then proxy server will interrupt this file request and you will receive the file directly from proxy. However need to know, you can got the "speed down" effect. This effect appears when your proxy has long answer time because there is slow connection between you and your proxy server.

2. Security and privacy. Anonymous proxies destroys information about your computer in the requests header. So you can safely surf the net and your information will never be used by hackers and spammers.

3. Sometimes you encounter some problems while accessing to web server (for example, web-chat). You have mistaken while working with some data and / or the server administrator restricted access from your IP. So you can use the anonymous proxy and try to access again.

sobota, 1 grudnia 2007

Sony PS3 Outsells Nintendo Wii in Japan

TOKYO (AP) -- Monthly sales of Sony's PlayStation 3 in Japan topped the Nintendo Wii for the first time since the gaming consoles debuted late last year, according to a November survey.

In the four weeks ending Nov. 25, Sony Corp. sold 183,217 PS3s in Japan, while Nintendo Co. sold 159,193 Wii consoles, market researcher Enterbrain reported Friday.

The improved sales of the PS3 follow price cuts in Japan and elsewhere. There have been no price cuts on the Wii, which go for $249.99 in North America, 249 euros ($370) in Europe and 25,000 yen ($230) in Japan.

Tokyo-based Sony slashed the price of the PS3 with a 20-gigabyte hard drive by about 10 percent to 44,980 yen ($409) from 49,980 yen ($454). Another model, with a 60-gigabyte drive, saw its price fall from 60,000 yen ($545) to 54,980 yen ($500).

Sony also introduced a 39,980 yen ($363) 40 GB model.

Sousuke Kamei, spokesman for Sony Computer Entertainment, declined comment on the Enterbrain data. But he said sales of the 40-gigabyte machines were brisk in Japan.

''Sales are gaining momentum as we head to the year-end, and the availability of more game software for the PS3 is also helping boost sales,'' he said.

Although the PS3's predecessor, the PlayStation 2, dominated the gaming market, the PS3 has struggled against the Wii.

The Wii has succeeded in drawing people not usually accustomed to playing electronic games by offering easier-to-play games that use a wandlike, motion-sensitive controller.

By October, Nintendo, based in Kyoto, had shipped 13.2 million units worldwide of the Wii. Nintendo, which also makes Pokemon and Super Mario games, is expecting to sell 17.5 million Wiis by March 31, the end of its fiscal year.

Sony sold 5.6 million PS3s worldwide as of the end of September.

The PS3 also has lagged behind the Xbox 360 console from U.S. software maker Microsoft Corp. Microsoft has sold 13.4 million Xbox 360 consoles over the last two years.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/technology/AP-Japan-PS3-Wii.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin

4 Ways to Watch Internet Satellite TV Channels for Free

Anyone who is keen to watch internet satellite TV channels for free might want to take note that this is entirely possible. The TV bills that pile up every single month can quickly snuff out whatever budget you have set aside for the family. This article is written to help all who wishes to watch internet satellite TV channels without any monthly bills. That said, there are start up costs involved but these are insignificant compared to the subscriptions.

We are not going to talk about the illegal methods of watching internet satellite TV channels such as intercepting TV channels using hacked TV cards. Rather, we will discuss 4 ways to watch TV legally without monthly TV bills. So here they are:

1. Self-Assembled Satellite Dish

Satellite dish can be assembled at home. There are different packages sold on eBay and your local hardware mall. The whole set up unfortunately can be pretty challenging for the unskilled hands. And most of us fall within the category if we are not technically inclined. And it is also not cheap to assemble one on our own. The cost can escalate to $1000 and beyond if we are not careful with our budget. The larger dish can be costly but if the dish is small, we get limited TV channels.

Author: Davion W

The New Reality - Cheap Laptop Computers

You may be asking yourself if you really have the ability to buy cheap laptop computers. The good news is that the answer is yes. If you have been considering buying yourself a new laptop, you are not alone. Many people want laptops simply because they are convenient and come with many different benefits. The time has never been better to shop around to find cheap laptops.

What are some of the many benefits of a laptop? Well, there are many, but perhaps the most popular include:

  • Portable
  • Affordable
  • Compact

What makes a laptop so great is the fact that they are small and compact. Laptops are full computers that are created into a convenient and compact size; perfect for storage when and where you need it. People with limited space, such as a tiny house or apartment, often enjoy the compact features of a laptop. Many people find themselves in a space where placing a desktop computer just isn't feasible. If this sounds like you, shopping for cheap laptops may be more suitable for you.

Another great thing about cheap laptop computers is that they have the ability to travel with you. Desktop computers are not made for travel, what with monitor, all of the cords, and the tower, you would get tired real quick of carrying it around. Cheap laptops still have everything you need, the mouse, the keyboard, the monitor, and so much more all in one, very handy package. If you are in college or travel often for business, a laptop allows you access to everything you need on the go. What is more, thanks to wireless internet, you can keep in touch with colleagues, friends and family from home, or exchange documents from anywhere in the world.

What could be better? Cheap laptop computers that is what could be better. Today, you can get your hands on cheap laptops and not have to worry about putting a big dent in your wallet. That is not to say that the expensive models do not exist, but more and more cheaper models are coming out as well. You can find cheap laptops new or used and enjoy all of the advantages of owning a laptop.

Now is the time to start searching for your cheap laptop computer. Thanks to the internet, you can simply do a search and find a host of deals waiting for you. However, before you run out and buy the first laptop you find, you want to be sure that you get something that is both affordable and reliable. If cost is a real concern for you, you should remember that as you add features to the laptop, the cost will rise as well. Price and quality should be a concern, therefore, shop around and see what you can come up with.

Guy Ames is webmaster and head geek at Cheap Computers Guide.com, where you learn to get and build computers cheaply!


Download Free Iphone Wallpaper

If you've been lucky enough to get your hands on an Iphone during the latest craze, the chances are you would like to find some free wallpaper for your Iphone. The iPod has been a runaway success, and Apple seem set to repeat that success with the Iphone.

Iphones are so simple to operate and customize, putting some new wallpaper on it is definitely something you will want to look into. If you are online, you'll soon find that the range and choice of what's available for your Iphone is simply amazing. The most popular choice for an Iphone wallpaper at the moment, is something celebrity related. These work very well, as you are now able to store photos on the Iphone and link them to the music, so that when you listen to Kanye West your get to see a picture of him or his latest album cover or whatever. Pretty cool huh?

It's possible to find Iphone wallpaper downloads in many different places, everywhere from the big name music retail store websites to small sites set up by independent designers and artists. This is very cool, because it means you can have something very original if you want to; you don't have to have the same wallpapers as everybody else.

The main thing you need to remember at all times when downloading or receiving any kinds of files from the internet is to only use websites that you can trust. Iphone wallpapers can be downloaded from many places free of charge, and completely legally, but the legal standpoint does not diminish the risk to your computer and Iphone. It's very important to keep your antivirus and security programs completely up to date, and when you download anything at all, use the antivirus to scan the file before you do anything with it. This is most often achieved through right clicking on the file and choosing the appropriate action from the menu.

No doubt that the Iphone is going to run and run with continued success-who wouldn't want to stuff their whole music collection onto their cellphone? So if you have one, or are getting one, don't forget you can make it more fun with some wallpaper downloads.

Iphone Software-download it for Free


In case you have been under a rock for the last five years, Apple's Ipod has been a phenomenal success, so much so that it's spawned it's owned cultures and styles. Apple's latest release, the Iphone, looks set to do much the same thing, as it's a cellphone which gives you full internet abilities and lets you carry your whole music and movie collection around and watch it on the go. One of the best reasons to own an Iphone, is so that you may download some of the cool software that's emerging for it.

At this time, Apple have restricted the Iphone and don't allow any third party manufacturers to develop software for it. Many people fail to see the point of this restriction, and even though the device is relatively new, and hackers have already been able to bypass security on the unit and get into the firmware. This means that users are no longer stuck with the cell networks that Apple have forced onto them-Apple aren't too pleased however, and have issued statements declaring that such hacking will violate the terms and conditions of the user's guarantee.

It is reported that Apple are soon to be releasing a security update for the Iphone, which will of course be mandatory, and will once again attempt to block the use of other cell networks. Whether the hackers will again be able to break into the firmware after this update is anybody's guess. The other major aspect to be updated, it is thought, is to give the Iphone direct access to the Itunes media download store, which as it stands cannot be done directly through the phone itself. Apple was accused of dropping the ball in a major way when the Iphone went live and people discovered for all it's technology, it was unable to download music directly to the phone itself, something other cellphones have been capable of for the last couple of years at least.

Apple have recently committed themselves to ongoing updates and development of the Iphone software, which will be obtainable free of charge for all users. Whether this is truly a goodwill gesture as they seem to claim or just an attempt to repeatedly block the hackers remains to be seen.

Iphones really are starting to be the new craze, taking over from the Ipod. If you want to be able to listen to music, use your cellphone, browse the web and watch movies, what more could you want?

Sony Ericsson S500i: the Real Handset


The new stunning S500i mobile phone handset is totally a fashion and style conscious mobile phone with many fun and useful features that will really make the user get stunned. The handset coming from Sony Ericsson arrives in a choice of two colours including an intriguing mysterious green colour and a glamour spring yellow colour that will provide a natural element to the phones design. The handset from Sony Ericsson S500i has a smooth slide opening mechanism that if opened will reveal the sleek keypad and natural design of the fashionable phone. The Sony Ericsson s500i handset comes with a measurement of measures 99mm x 47mm x 14mm and weights a total of 94 grams making it a light weighted handset that could be easily be held in hand and could be slipped into the pocket.

The Sony Ericsson S500i mobile phone comes with a large and clear screen that could display up to 262k colours on a 240 x 320 pixels resolution screen which could be viewed when the mobile phone is in the slide open or slide closed position which provides the user with continuous viewing. The attractive feature of the mobile phone is the built in 2 megapixel camera complete with dedicated menus, 4 x digital zoom and direct interaction with the phones messaging services that helps the users in taking perfect pictures with excellent quality. It is possible for the user to capture perfect photos that could be shared among the friends bringing an element of fun into it.

The Sony Ericsson S500i mobile phone comes with a built in music player with Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) that will support him in downloading and storing the favourite music into the MP3 player. It also has additional features like Bluetooth, EDGE technology and USB cable connection along with it that will help the user in fast speed data transfers and effective wireless connection between devices. The handset from Sony Ericsson comes with a battery that could provide a standby time of approximately three hundred and seventy hours of standby time or approximately nine hours of talk time from a full charged battery.

Computer Speakers Buying Guide

Adding speakers to your computer can increase its functionality and enriches the experience of using it. Computer speakers are functional devices that are attached to the computer and are very much useful for recreation as well as other activities. These not only produce the most exciting sound but also are capable of bringing music, movies or games to life.

In today's scenario where we can find all sorts of multimedia applications, games and MP3 music, it is very hard to imagine a computer without speakers. The speakers have become essential for any computer so that it can be used for all the applications. With time these have seen many changes and are getting better. We can find them for all applications and budgets.

The most popular type of speakers available today are standard speakers, multi-channel surround sound speakers, and USB speakers. Lets learn more about them.
Standard Speakers

Most popular of the lot that can be found easily in most of the households. The standard speakers are normal 2.1 channel or 2 channel output which include a subwoofer in the 2.1 channel version. These produce enough sound required by a home or corporate user. On the price band, these are considered cheap and easily installable with lesser wiring compared to the multi channel models.

Multi-channel Speakers
More advanced is the multi-channel version that can deliver a surround sound effect. In the multi-channel model the channels refer to the output of the device. For instance The 5.1 channel surround sound system means a 5 speaker and one subwoofer included in it which delivers superior sound quality and can bring any PC game or movie to life. These new generation models are exceptional on sound quality but comparatively costly than the standard versions.

USB speakers
Considering the portability issues you will also find USB models that are powered from the 5 volts at a few milliamps provided by the USB port, per the standard. In such speakers, the USB powered amplifier draws the power through a USB cable/plug. For the USB version no batteries or AC power source is required.

Considering your application need and budget you can decide on the type you want to buy. Pro's can opt for multi-channel speakers that allow sound/video editing or gaming in real time delivering the best sound output. For budget conscious the standard speakers are the best options as they deliver a handsome sound quality and save you money on the device as well as on its installation.

If budget is not a constraint a 5.1 channel surround sound system is the best buy but also has some drawbacks like wiring and high cost. A 2.1 system with 2 speakers and a subwoofer is a decent alternative if compared to the above. Even the 2 speakers would be a great idea for limited sound quality and budget.

Apple Ipod Classic: the Real Boss

The new Apple iPod Classic is a portable media player coming from Apple Inc. There have been six generations of the iPod Classic that use a 1.8" hard drive for storage. Until the sixth generation, these media players were called, simply iPods, but later they are referred to as iPod Classics. The Apple iPods with color displays use graphics and text, with sliding animations. These iPods from Apple used to come with five buttons but in their later generations these buttons are integrated into the click wheel design that gives an uncluttered, minimalist interface. Apple iPod comes with an operating system that is stored on its dedicated storage medium. Every model of iPod Classic has a 32 MB of RAM, even though the 60 and 80 GB fifth generation have 64 MB.

The first model of iPod Classic was introduced by Apple on October 23, 2001. The first iPod had a 5 GB hard drive that was capable of storing 1,000 songs encoded using MP3. The innovations of Apple iPod included its small size, with a 1.8" hard drive, while its competitors were using a 2.5" hard drive at the time, and its easy-to-use navigation, that was controlled with a mechanical scroll wheel, a center OK button and 4 auxiliary buttons around the wheel. The Apple iPod arrived with a rated battery life of 12 hours. Apple introduced a 10 GB model of the iPod classic on March 2002. The second generation of iPod Classic was launched on July 17, 2002. The new updated version had a redesigned hold switch along with an added cover to the Fire Wire port. The mechanical wheel of the old model was then replaced with a touch-sensitive wheel. The front place had the same rounded corners and edges.

Apple began selling PC-compatible versions of the iPod with the second generation. It came with a 4-pin to 6-pin Fire Wire adapter and were bundled with Musicmatch Jukebox instead of iTunes. Apple unveiled its first limited edition iPods, on December 2002