Acer Iconia W510 Advantages Disadvantages

Nothing like other PC retailers who are focal pointing on Windows 8 convertibles with sliding and twisty screens, Acer's Iconia W510 is a humble 10.1-inch device that consists of a tablet module paired with a removable keyboard dock. It's not precisely unique, as Asus' Transformer slates have brought this idea back into the mainstream.

Acer Iconia W510 Advantages

Acer declares that its keyboard dock has an additional usage manner match up to other competition. Dubbed "presentation mode", it is mainly a hinge that turns the tablet screen outward so that it can be used as a presenter. The dock on W510 works as you would suppose. The interior battery is drained first if the keyboard is coupled to the tablet. Jointly with the battery on the tablet, Acer says that users will benefit from up to 18 hours of uptime. There's also a single USB port on the dock.

The W510 is powered by the newest Intel Atom processor (1.5GHz) and comes with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of interior storage. This also means that it runs the full version of Windows 8, not the locked-down Windows RT that's intended for devices using ARM processors, which entails all apps to be installed via the Windows Store. Even though the hardware on the W510 isn't as swift as it would be with an Intel Core-i chip, the tablet should have improved battery life.

Acer Iconia W510 Disadvantages

While the W510 feels light--at around 580g, it is typical for a 10.1-inch tablet--this is attained using a plastic chassis. Though it is resilient and isn't simply scratched similar to aluminum, plastic just doesn't sense as premium. Nevertheless, the weight more than twice to 1.26kg once you incorporate the keyboard dock.The keyboard is only 95 percent of a standard keyboard, giving us a dissimilar Netbook feel. It isn't as relaxing as we would like, but it's usable.
The 1,366 x 768-pixel screen resolution on the W510 isn't going to bang you off your feet similar to the high-resolution displays found on other tablets. On the other hand, the Windows 8 devices we have seen so far seem to be favor this screen resolution, at least for the 10-inch models.

Acer Looking Forward To

Acer plans to sell the Wi-Fi version of the Iconia W510, which consist of the keyboard accessory, at around S$1,198 in Singapore. It will be obtainable from October 26. The company also exposed that there will be a 3G reproduction in the near future.

Intel Core i7-3632QM Launched Standing

Intel rolled out huge amount of mobile microprocessors throughout their fall line-up revives. Generally they released 15 new Celeron, Pentium and Core i3 and Core i7 SKUs. There were also quite a few processors, that we expected to see this fall, but they certainly not formally launched. One of these CPUs was Core i7-3632QM, a quad-core mobile processor, competent of executing 8 threads at once. We said "was" since this week the 3632QM was added to Intel's product database, and at present has the "launched" standing.

Core i7-3632QM is a speed bump of i7-3612QM, established back in April. The 3612QM had 2.1 GHz base clock that possibly will be raised as high as 3.1 GHz when only one core was functioning. The i7-3632QM bumps those frequencies by 100 MHz, to 2.2 GHz base and 3.2 GHz utmost Turbo frequencies. The rest of the i7-3632QM characteristics are identical to the 3612QM. The CPU has 4 cores, 6 MB level 3 cache, and maintain Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technologies, as well as AVX and AES instruction set extensions. Similar to other Core i7s, the 3632QM incorporate HD 4000 graphics unit. The GPU on this chip is clocked at 650 MHz, and up to 1.15 GHz when required. Similar to 3612QM, there are BGA and PGA variations of Core i7-3632QM microprocessor. The BGA version, moreover different type of package, adds support of VT-d virtualization. The distinctive quality of both versions is low 35 Watt Thermal Design Power. Mainly, other quad-core Core i7s at this time have 45 Watt or higher TDP.

Next Generation Screen by HTC and Sharp

HTC and Sharp have revealed devices characterising next-generation screens. HTC's J Butterfly phone has a 5inch (12.7cm) display contributing an industry-leading 440 pixels per inch. This recommends 25-40% higher resolution meaning added feature than comparable devices from Samsung, Apple, Nokia and LG. Sharp's new Aquos Pad tablet is the first to use its original Igzo technology which has sharper images though using less power. Sharp has formerly said at least one of its consumers also intended to incorporate the improvement in its devices. Numerous device makers have indicated plans to pronounce new tablets over the coming weeks.

HTC's Android-based device is set to go on trade in Japan in December. Its size places it somewhere amid a classic Smartphone and tablet in a class some term a "phablet". The Taiwanese firm is advertising both the size and resolution of its screen as being supreme to watch 1080p movies. Smaller, heavily packed pixels mean users can hold a device to their face without being able to differentiate the individual blocks of colour used to make up an image. HTC's 440ppi - pixels per inch - resolution recommends a performance-boost over contender flagship devices counting Samsung's similarly-sized Galaxy Note 2 with a 267ppi screen. Apple's iPhone 5 offers 326ppi, Nokia's upcoming Lumia 920 332ppi and LG's Optimus G 318ppi. To sustain the facility, HTC has integrated Qualcomm's top-end Snapdragon S4 Pro processor. Though, it has not yet revealed what toll supporting the quality will have on its battery.

Sharp's new tablet takes a more fundamental approach by being the first device if its type to integrate a new kind of LCD (liquid crystal display) technology. Igzo (indium gallium zinc oxide) screens have higher transparency than standard TFT (thin film transistor) LCDs, meaning they are enhanced at letting light go by through them. As an outcome devices that utilize them need fewer LEDs (light-emitting diodes) to supply backlighting, letting the screen to obtain a smaller amount room and use fewer power. Sharp boasts its new Aquos Pad SHT 21 tablet can last two and a half times longer than its antecedent.

The company also proposed it has improved touch accurateness than competitors, making it easier to note down with a stylus. The product has a 7in screen, but Sharp has thought that it would also make panels in 10in and 32in ranges, telling its use in other tablets and desktop computers. The firm said its new tablet would commence in Japan in December, but has not released facts of plans elsewhere. The statements come in advance of a spell of new releases. Over the next fortnight Microsoft, Apple and Google have all planned foremost product launches.

A number of Windows 8 tablets - counting Microsoft's own Surface - have already been revealed and will go on sale next week. There is also the probability of an "iPad Mini" and new Nexus-branded devices. One analyst said that with several rival products on offer, display quality was growing to be a deciding aspect for some customers. "Screen resolution has become a differential point for several manufacturers," Chris Green, primary technology analyst at Davies Murphy Group Europe, said.

"Given that many people now use their devices to stream video, having a high-resolution that can finest show off HD video is far more essential than it was two years ago.  "There is still a trade-off although as some of these displays eating more power as a result and battery technologies have not reserved pace with other advances. Since screens are the principal power ditch on mobile devices, that's why a lot of examine is going into how to decrease their power needs."

Acer Iconia Tab A110 7 inch Slate

The smaller end of the tablet market is getting greater. Formerly the island of oddity slates, the 7-inch category of tablets has turned into an arms battle of extraordinary gadgets at consumer-friendly prices. Google’s Nexus 7, Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD, and Barnes & Noble’s Nook HD are prime case in point. And, of course, Apple is likely to jump in with an iPad Mini next week.

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Acer has a new 7-inch slate, too. The company publicized the new Iconia Tab A110. The A110 will go on sale Oct. 30 for $230 — $30 more than the base price of the Nexus 7, Fire HD or Nook HD. Like all three of those rival tablets, the new Iconia Tab characterise a 7-inch display. But, not like those three, the A110 doesn’t have a high-definition display, instead falling just short of 720p with a 1024 x 600 pixel screen.

Acer Iconia Tab A110 Features

The A110 will be shipping with Google’s latest version of Android, 4.1 Jelly Bean. At the present, the only other 7-incher with Google’s flagship OS has been the Nexus 7. Inside, the A110 is powered by Nvidia’s Tegra 3 quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. It comes with just 8GB but built-in storage, but there is a microSD card slot for those looking for more on-board space to store movies, music, photos and apps. There’s also a built-in microHDMI port for hooking the A110 to a TV — something the Fire HD also has.

While we would have preferred a true 720p display (or better) on the A110, the essential ingredients for a solid device all seem to be in place here — except for that $230 price tag. Granted, that’s not much more than $200 price of the competition, but it sure does feel like Acer is asking for a little bit more money for just a bit less tablet.

Apple Lost Plea Against Samsung Design

Apple has lost its plea in opposition to a UK decision that Samsung had not infringed its design rights. A judge at the High Court in London had initially ruled in July that the look of Samsung's Galaxy Tab computers was not too alike to designs registered in relationship with the iPad. He said at the time that Samsung's devices were not as "cool" because they lacked Apple's "extreme simplicity".

Apple still wants to run ads saying Samsung had not infringed its rights. The US firm had formerly been ordered to put a notice to that result - with a link to the unique judgement - on its website and put other commercials in the Daily Mail, Financial Times, T3 Magazine and other publications to "correct the damaging impression" that Samsung was a copycat. The petition judges certain not to upset the decision on the beginning that a related Apple design-rights battle in the German courts risked causing uncertainty in consumers' minds.

"The acknowledgment must come from the horse's mouth," they said. "Nothing short of that will be sure to do the job completely." Nevertheless, they added that the progress need not "clutter" Apple's homepage as it would only have to add a link entitled "Samsung/Apple judgement" for a one-month period. A spokeswoman for Samsung said it welcomed the newest ruling.

"We maintain to believe that Apple was not the first to propose a tablet with a rectangular form and rounded corners and that the origins of Apple's registered design quality can be found in numerous examples of prior art.

"Should Apple prolong to make unnecessary legal claims in other countries based on such common designs, originality in the industry could be harmed and consumer choice unduly limited." Apple refused to state. It can still demand to the UK Supreme Court, otherwise the ruling applies across the European Union.

Apple Registered Design

Three judges were drawn in the Court of Appeal re-examine of the case. Apple had reasserted its state saying that the front face and overall shape of the tablets was the most important factor - rather than the overall design - because users would expend mainly of their time looking at a tablet's screen and holding it.

One of the judges - who noted he owned an iPad himself - explained why Apple had lost the appeal in his ruling. "Because this case (and parallel cases in other countries) has generated much publicity, it will evade mystification to say what this case is about and not about," wrote Sir Robin Jacob.

"It is not about whether Samsung copied Apple's iPad. Infringement of a registered design does not entail any subject of whether there was copying: the issue is basically whether the accused design is too close to the registered design according to the tests laid down in the law." "So this case is all about, and only about, Apple's registered design and the Samsung products."

Sir Robin noted that Samsung's conclusion to put its logo on the front of its devices distinguished them from Apple's registered design which said there should be "no ornamentation". He also highlighted the reality that the sides of the iPad's design - which featured a "sharp edge" - were extensively dissimilar from those of the Galaxy Tabs.

In addition, Sir Robin wrote that Samsung's designs were "altogether busier" with a more diverse use of colour on the devices' rear and their enclosure of a thicker division to house a camera.

International lawsuits

Apple has now lost a sequence of lawsuits next to Samsung based on the design of their tablets. These comprise cases in the Netherlands, Australia and US - even though sometimes winning provisional sales bans. Though, the California-based company has been more winning with other claims.

Most notably a US jury proposed Samsung have to pay Apple a $1.05bn (£650m) fine for infringing numerous software rights, and the look and feel of the iPhone. Samsung is appealing the verdict.

Microsoft Surface RT Hard as Skateboard

It is hard to believe that Microsoft released a tablet PC that aside from its amazing functionality its durability is superb. Steven Sinofsky President of Microsoft Corporation demonstrated previous days the durability of the Microsoft Surface RT Tablet PC. Literally Steven rode a tablet prepared with a skateboarding wheels, he was at the Microsoft Redmund Campus Studio B when he do the demonstration.

On the same day Microsoft made Surface RT Tablet available for pre order, the RT Surface Tablet 10.6 inch screen was just big enough for Sinofsky to rest both of his feet as he started rolling along the RT Surface Tablet as skateboard on the carpeted floor. Sinofky says that “Couldn’t resist taking it out for a spin”. But the overall gimmick was not for Steven to show his skateboarding ability, but for Microsoft to show and promote their Surface RT Tablet.

Microsoft has covered all subway stations and other locations to put their advertising ads about this new product. Surface RT Tablet is now available for pre-order on Microsoft online store. Surface Tablet price ranging from 500$ to 700$, likewise the Microsoft Company will be hosting Windows 8 and Surface RT Launch event in New York City on October 25, and both product will be available on sale starting Midnight on October 26, 2012.

Microsoft Surface RT Tablet Specification

This lovable Tablet PC comes with its superb specifications, the thickness is less than an inch which is .36 inches and weight is at 1.5 pounds. It has 10.6 inches screen size which is measured diagonally it is multi-touch and it has a capacitive touchscreen type. Processor was produced by Nvidia and it belongs to Tegra CPU Family, internal storage drive has an option starting from 32-64GB which is enough for saving important files for presentation and even music and videos, and it can support an external storage drive which is microSD. Good thing that it has Wi-Fi where in you can access anywhere as long as it has a Wi-Fi hot spot, it can support from 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11b. It has an external ports that can support USB for data connection and HD video port that can support HD display. Battery power is at 31.5 Wh and it can be used up to 8 hours, well of course this gadget is run by Windows RT OS.

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The Pirate Bay File Sharing to Cloud

The famous file sharing hosting website The Pirate Bay has moved its servers to the cloud; this is to avoid authorities for shutting down their server operations. It has been known that this website has been blamed for supporting illegal file sharing. To protect their operations they are now moving to cloud hosting providers across the globe. Aside from the reason that law enforcer will have a hard time to shutdown their operations, moving to cloud will lessen their cost for the equipment.

It has been known that last 2006 Sweden Authorities raided The Pirate Bay and confiscated their servers causing them to become offline. The Pirate Bay now stated that it’s a new cloud based servers which use only internet to transfer files for storage, it will not be hosted by the same provider or even in the same continent. With this being stated authorities will have difficulties of tracing the hosting servers and cannot be close down at anytime.

The Pirate Bay representative also stated that their website will look the same and be there to provide the same services, for as long as they want to. Being there to their client, but it will be a ghost for those who will harm them. Moving to the cloud will have them the capability to move from country to country, crossing the globe flawlessly without any downtime. He also added that the hosting provider will have no idea that they are hosting The Pirate Bay, and even if they knew it, it would be impossible for them collect data from the users.

Also, it will retain controlled by technology, load balancers and transit routers will be the medium to distribute file sharing request across from multiple computers. And also can protect the identity of both the users and the cloud provider. He also added that if ever authorities will decide to raid them again they will find no servers in their area but only transit routers. Now, if authorities will track down to the next node or hosting country all they can find is a load balancer and a diskless server. If ever they will found the cloud provider all they can get are encrypted disk images.

US Navy Funded Project MacGyver Bot

Have you ever dream to be intelligence? Like escaping in a life threatening conditions? Use any materials, devices found in a nearby area and produce this as tools to defend your self in an instance? Maybe yes, but not that really capable of doing such thing. Well, it’s time to be amaze since US Navy is aiming to develop a robot that can solve problems, escape threats, by using any materials, devices that can be found in its nearby location.

The Robot has been named after the TV character MacGyver. This TV series MacGyver has been known since early 80’s the character portrays an intelligent person that can use anything he found in an area and use this as tools or defense against life threatening conditions. The US Navy funded this MacGyver Bot project, the only challenge that they have right now is to produce software that understands what objects are in order to figure out and how they can be utilized.

The MacGyver Bot project may cost at around $900,000 and this fund will be handed to robotics researcher at the Georgia Institute of Technology to carry out the work. There goal is to develop a robot that behaves similarly as MacGyver, the well known television character way back 1980s who solved compound problems and escaped precarious circumstances by using objects and materials found at hand. This is stated by the project leader Prof. Mike Stillman.

Project MacGyver Bot Planned

Prof. Mike Stillman stated that before creating this ambitious machine they would first planned on how to create software that could potentially determined things on how could be done with it. And put this into complete robot actions. Examples mentioned were stacking boxes, climb over, building a bridge out of debris or climbing on a chair to grab objects out of reach. Software should be able to perform and combined such tasks if needed.

Once the software developed, the researchers are planning to test the code first onto Golem Krang a robot already produced by Prof. Stillman and will be conducted in his laboratory; this is to ensure that the software will be converted into actions. The researchers eventually visualize a situation where-in MacGyver Bot might be deployed to rescue trapped officers without needing to risk anyone else’s life.

The MacGyver Bot Criticism

Prof.Barbara Webb of University of Ediburgh’s School of Informatics - "said that for example vision alone is not enough to tell you if an object can support your weight or be used as a lever. You need to interact with it physically to understand its Physical possibilities".

Prof.Noel Sharkey of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at University of Sheffield – "commented also that this project MacGyver Bot is somehow is to draw on existing research into how animals use tools. Such as monkey will use a longer stick to reach an out of reach banana. A crow will bend a piece of wire to get a trapped food. I have seen this kind of work with robots, but it is very difficult project and like all research may not work as planned, but it is well worth the effort and will advance the field".

New Variant of Dorkbot Targeted Skype

A report being publish that hackers distribute a worm malware to infect windows using the internet communication platform Skype. It is being stated that users may receive an instant messaging containing lol is this your new profile pic? Once you have click this link it will automatically downloaded a file containing a Trojan horse malware file. This could possibly opens a backdoor allowing hackers to hijack an infected PC’s and engage them into a “botnet army”.

The worm is a variant of Dorkbot which has been spread by social media platform such us Facebook and Twitter. This is according to Sophos the internet security specialist. When the computer is infected, it will send out automatically a message stating lol is this your new profile pic? To the contact list, this message will then appear to the recipient and undoubtedly they will click the link since they may think that this comes from a trusted source.

Skype Statement

According to Skype they are seriously taking care of their user’s experience and they are very particular when it comes to security. They said that they are aware of this situation and they are currently working on solutions. To mitigate the impact, Skype strongly recommend upgrading the application to a newer version and applying updated windows security features as well. In addition, avoid clicking links if you think that this link comes from un-trusted sources even if it comes from your contacts.

Botnets are frequently apply to mount distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, forcing websites to go offline, to run spyware or even to send out spam emails. We would like to advice users to be cautious by clicking strange looking links especially on those posted on social networking sites since we might not known that these perpetrators might change attack tactics.

Intel Perhaps Required to Correct its Standard Setting for PC-use Atom processors

Intel may perhaps be required to correct its Standard Setting for PC-use Atom processors as the top-2 netbook retailers.  Asustek Computer and Acer together aim to discontinue manufacturing interrelated merchandise, according to resources from notebook players.

Asustek is by now place to close down its Eee PC product line and legitimately phase-out from the IT production after fully absorbing several outstanding inventories. Like for Acer, so far, the business has not yet ended any strategy to open new netbook ventures, signifying that the seller may as well plan to step-out of the market.

Even though Atom series processors will at rest be accepted by handset and embedded products, the sources consider the two product lines are implausible to be capable to load the break formed by the lacking netbook products in short period due to pathetic shipments.

Asustek CEO Jerry Shen in recent times established that the company will discontinue production of Eee PC netbooks by means of Atom-based processors such as the N2600 due to collision from tablet PCs and notebooks, as well as a spiky drop in demand in promising markets. Asustek plans to have its Transformer tablet PCs fill the 10-inch mobile device market; substituting its netbook product line.

Micro-Star International (MSI), which is buying a small volume of Atom N2800-based stuff, also has no plans to maintain shipping interrelated products.

Though netbook sellers were at first positive concerning demand from Southeast Asia, Latin America and Middle East regions, as tablet PCs are increasing rapidly and lots of government procurement orders have twisted to tablet PC products as a substitute, order for 10-inch netbooks has go down rapidly, accelerating the segment's way out from the IT market.

Code Name Haswell Intel Next Generation Processor

Intel Corporation, a well known company that produces a lot of computer chipsets particularly microprocessors that runs our computers and various devices will be developing the Intel Next Generation Micro Architecture Code Name Haswell. It has been known that Intel Corporation is spending a lot of capital just to conduct research and experiment to develop a new technology that would aid other investors to make their gadgets products runs fast and durable. With durable and reliable gadget products you could attract consumers to promote and buy these gadgets.

Intel Next Generation Processor Code Name Haswell

Code Name Haswell Next Generation Intel CPU technology will probably introduce anytime this year during the IDF or Intel Developer Forum. Intel Developer Forum is an event held twice a year where in people from Technology Industry across the Globe gather and discusses latest advancement about Intel products. This year will be the most exciting since a numerous of Technical sessions will be hosted by Intel Corporation and   I believe that Code Name Haswell will be on top of the discussion.

Basic details about the significant improvements when it comes to performance, energy consumptions enhancement for graphics and support for a powerful new instructions for Code Name Haswell will be reveal. Haswell has been identified to compete with other vendors microprocessors that are currently used by other tablet PC’s. It is expected that you wouldn’t even differentiate the unit that is equipped with Haswell if it is running on stanby mode not, since energy efficiency is very much that great. If Intel will be successful for this so called New Intel Next Generation Code Name Haswell Processor, will this can alleviate issues in particular to notebooks and ultrabooks as well. Not to mentioned Desktop PC’s and Servers.

Acer Aspire V5-171-6867 Overview

Let's take a look for the Overview of this Excellent products produce by Acer Company; the New Acer Aspire V5-171-6867 a laptop powered by Intel third generation Core i5 Dual-core Processor with a speed of 2.6 Ghz. With its flashing speed you can open a bunch of applications without any worry of being end up into freezing issues. Wow! Adding a memory RAM of 6 GB and expandable up to 8 GB it feels like you are working with unlimited speed. An ultraportable gadget with a System weight of 2.98 pounds.

 Acer Aspire V5-171-6867 is equipped with 500 GB hard disk where-in you can save a bunch of files. This is suited to those people who are fan of saving HD movies and music. You can install a lot of applications that requires intensive disk space such as adobe applications and the likes. V5 has a pre-installed Operating System which is Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit. However, you may upgrade the Operating System if you like just purchase another license of any Windows Edition.

The Video display is at 11.6 wide and this Acer Aspire V5-171-6867 can handle a video display resolution up to 1366x768 (HD) High Definition. The video chipset is powered by Intel HD Graphics 4000 with this video power; you can now play High Definitions video or HD and at the same time play a high intensive games with no worries when it comes to sluggishness. Added features are HDMI port where-in you can connect your HDMI devices; it has also a USB 3.0 port and Bluetooth.

How to Pass the TESDA NC II Computer Hardware Servicing Exam

Through my experience, passing the TESDA NC II Computer Hardware Servicing Exam is not really difficult as long as you follow these important tips. Be there at TESDA testing center earlier than the scheduled time for exam, eat well and avoid from any destruction. Once the exam started, listen very well on the instructions. Exam is divided into three categories theoretical, computer hardware identification, and practical exam.

Theoretical – is a written exam and it is composed of theories about computers such as computer terminologies, abbreviation, little of mathematical explanation like binaries and a lot more, so start reviewing your notes now. Computer Servicing Exam will also includes Networking Topologies advantages and disadvantages, network type of equipment will also be part on the exam. You must also review about the common types of viruses and how it will infect your computer system applications and operating system. Learning about various types of processors and its specifications is also a high value. You must also learn the BIOS Setup, and configuration, Operating System familiarization and likewise about storage devices. However, for theoretical they give a little weight for this exam since certification for TESDA NC II Computer Hardware Servicing is more focus on technical aspect so you must learn more about identifying parts of computers and its specific functions, as well as on the practical exam. There will be an instance that after the exam a discussion or some sort of interview between you and the examiner will be conducted.

Computer Hardware Identification – practically it is more on identifying computer parts and its function. From my experience, when I took the exam last two years ago they also included older computers to be part of the exam. During this exam you will be ask and explain a certain parts of computer. Computer modular parts are being placed on the table and randomly, the examiner will pick a computer parts and it will presented to you and it will ask you to identify the parts and explain the function of it. So it is really advisable to learn all parts of the computer in order for you to pass the computer hardware servicing exam.  For example; like Computer Mother Board or (MOBO) you need to identify what parts are included in the North Bridge and south bridge of this mother board. There are instances as well that old computer part will be ask to you such as; 8 bit and 16 bit ISA interface riser card, internal modem, com ports and serial ports. You may also ask to enumerate some of the input and output devices. In order to pass the hardware identification exam you must learn also the older parts of computers. One more tips, you might need also to learn about memory module it is possible that you will be ask the differences of various memory module types such as SIMM, DIMM, DRR 1, 2 and the latest is DDR 3. Also, you might learn computer beep error codes this is very important to identify computer hardware errors. Another thing is you need also to learn hard disk jumper settings and its purpose this is typically available on the PATA hard disk drive, this is in line in preparing your hard drive for OS installation.

Learn the Basic Networking and Topology

Computer Communications - A process in which two or more computers or devices transfer’s data, instructions, and information. For successful communications you need the following:

• A sending device - Initiates an instruction to transmit data, instructions, information
• A communications device - Connects the sending device to a communications channel
• A communication channel - Transmission media on which the data, instructions, or information 
• A communications device - Connects the sending device to a communications channel
• A receiving device - Accepts the transmission of data, instruction of information

Uses of computer communication

• Internet - A worldwide collection of networks that links millions of businesses, government agencies, educations, and individual
• Web - Worldwide collection of electronic documents on the internet that users access through Web browser.
• E-Mail - Or Electronic mail, is type of mail message that is sent through the network. 
• Instant messaging - A Real-time internet communication service that notifies you when one or more people are online,then allows you to exchange messages, pictures, files, audio and video.
• Chat rooms - A Real-time typed in conversation that takes place on a computer connected to a network, that also allows you to exchange messages, pictures, files, audio and video.
• Newsgroup - Online areas in which user’s have written discussion about a particular subject.
• Internet telephony - A conversation takes place over the internet using a telephone connected to a desktop computer.
• FTP - Internet standard that permits or allows user to upload or download files.
• Web Folder - Known as HTTP server, allows users publish documents and other files.
• Video conferencing - Realtime meeting over two person, use the internet to transmit audio and video signal.
• Fax Machine or Computer fax/modem - Transmits and receives documents over the phone line.

Network Communications Standard

Data is processed in one of two ways: Analog or Digital. A computer, by contrast, is Digital Which means it can process data in two discrete states: Positive (ON or 1) Non-Positive (OFF or 0). The 1 and 0 represent the two digits used by the binary number system, this system is at the heart of digital computing.

Computer Network - A collection of computers and devices connected together via communications devices and transmission media.

Preparing Hard disk for OS Installation

Here you will learn how to prepare your hard disk drive for operating system (OS) Installation. You must understand the process since this very essential when taking up TESDA NC II Computer Servicing Exam.


Partitioning - A procedure were the size of the harddisk is is being divided into several parts or space in preparation for formatting. Is a process of dividing the harddisk into regions called partition. Each partition occupies a group of adjacent cylinders. Partition allows you to organize a harddisk into segments or space in preparation for formatting.

FDISK - is the process of creating partitions into harddisk. Before you install your operating system, you must first create a primary partition on the hard disc (disc 1) in your computer, and then format the partition

Creating Partition Using FDISK for Windows ME and Windows 98

This process will need Windows ME/98 installation Disk or DOS bootable operating system diskette or CD. Once you run the bootable disk it will normally arrive to a:\> prompt. Normally when creating this kind of bootable disk it has the following tools needed. The fdisk.exe format.com. Once you are now on the command prompt just type in FDISK then it will now move on the process of creating partition. Just follow the steps below. 

• Creating DOS partition or Logical DOS Drive - Choose this option if you need to create a partition on your computer hard drive.
• Set active partition - If you have created multiple partitions on your hard drive choose this option to specify which partition you wish to set as active. When choosing option 2 to set the active partition, you will see a listing of the current partitions. Choose the number representing the partition you wish to set as active, the default is one.
• Delete partition or Logical DOS Drive - This option is used if you need to delete partition(s) from the computer's hard disc drive.
• Display partition information - Use this option to look at the current fixed disc drive partition information. If you have multiple drives you will need to choose option 5 before being able to display the other hard drive information.
• Display partition information - Use this option to look at the current fixed disc drive partition information. If you have multiple drives you will need to choose option 5 before being able to display the other hard drive information.

Hard Disk Jumper Settings Guide

Hard Disk drive jumper settings familiarization is also essential when taking exam for TESDA NC II Computer Servicing. Here you will learn how to set jumpers for hard disk depending on its purpose. Jumper settings will differ depending on the manufacturer so you must read the user maual before doing some configurations.

PATA Drives Configuration

Handling Precautions

• Disc drives are fragile. Do not drop or jar the drive. Handle the drive only by the edges or frame. Keep the drive in the protective anti-static container until you are ready to install it to minimize handling damage. 
• Drive electronics are extremely sensitive to static electricity. While installing the drive, wear a wrist strap and cable connected to ground. 
• Turn off the power to the host system during installation. 
• Do not disassemble the drive. Doing so voids the warranty. 
• Do not apply pressure or attach labels to the circuit board or to the top of the drive.

Operating System Familiarization

TESDA NC II Computer Servicing also requires the computer technicians to familiarize all types of operating system especially windows operating system. Here you can learn various types of operating system from first generation windows version up to the earlier time, and of course other well known operating system. In this example we are using Windows 2000 server, OS installation may differ in every version, however, sequence will be almost the same.

Operating System - (commonly abbreviated to either OS or O/S) is an interface between hardware and user; an OS is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of the computer. The operating system acts as a host for computing applications that are run on the machine. As a host, one of the purposes of an operating system is to handle the details of the operation of the hardware.

List of Windows Operating System Version.

• Windows 3.0 is the third major release of Microsoft Windows, and was released on 22 May 1990. It became the first widely successful version of Windows.
• Windows 3.1x is a series of operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers. The series began with Windows 3.1, which was vended first during March 1992 as a successor to Windows 3.0.
• Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system. It was released on August 24, 1995 by Microsoft.During development it was referred to as Windows 4.0 or by the internal code-name Windows Chicago.
• Windows 98 (code-named Memphis) is a graphical operating system released on 25 June 1998 by Microsoft and the successor to Windows 95.
• Windows 98 Second Edition (often shortened to SE) is an updated release of Windows 98, released on 5 May 1999. It includes fixes for many minor issues, improved USB support, and the replacement of Internet Explorer 4.0 with the significantly faster and less error-prone Internet Explorer 5.0.
• Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows Me is a hybrid 16-bit/32-bit graphical operating system released on 14 September 2000 by Microsoft. It was originally codenamed Millennium.
• Windows 2000 is a line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on business desktops, notebook computers, and servers. Released on February 17, 2000,it was the successor to Windows NT 4.0, and is the final release of Microsoft Windows to display the "Windows NT" designation.
• Windows XP is a line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, notebook computers, and media centers. The name "XP" is short for "experience". Windows XP is the successor to both Windows 2000 Professional and Windows Me, and is the first consumer-oriented operating system produced by Microsoft to be built on the Windows NT kernel and architecture.
• And currently, the latest Windows 7, Windows 8 which will be release by this coming October 2012, and of course Windows 2008 server version.

Learning About BIOS Setup

A ROM BIOS provides a built-in Setup program which allows the user to modify the basic system configuration and hardware parameters, Bios is a set of routines that affects how the computer transfer data between computer components, such as memory, disk, and the display adapter. The modified data will be stored in a battery-backed CMOS, so that the data will be retained even when the power is turned-off. In general, the information saved in the CMOS RAM will stay unchanged unless there is a configuration change in the system, such as hard drive replacement or a device is added. In this model we are using old type of BIOS version, looks will differ on some Machine model especially for the newer models.

Learn BIOS Menus and Other Features

STANDARD CMOS FEATURES / MAIN - allows you to record some basic system hardware configuration. 

• Time and Date Setting: to set, highlight Date /Time.
• This field records the specifications for all non-SCSI hard disk drives installed to   your system. The onboard PCI IDE connectors provide Primary and Secondary Channels for connecting up to four IDE hard disk or IDE devices (CDROM’S, DVD ROM, DVD WRITER, CDWRITER’S, ZIP DRIVES). Use the Auto setting for detection during boot up.
• Drive A / Drive B (none)* this field records the type of floppy drives installed in your system. The available options for drives A and B are 360KB, 5.25 in.; 1.2 MB, 5.25 in.; 720kb, 3.5 in.,1.44MB; 3.5 in., 2.88 MB, 3.5 in.; None. (Floppy 3 Mode Support (disabled)* This is a Japanese standard floppy drive, no need to enable.)
• Video (EGA/VGA)* Set this field to the type of video display card installed in you system. Options are EGA/VGA, CGA 40, CGA 80, and mono( for Hercules or MDA).
• Halt On (All Errors)* This fields determines which types will cause the system to halt. Choose from either All Errors; No Errors; All, But Keyboard; All but Diskette; or All, But Disk/Key.
• Control keys with their respective functions, used to change the values of the CMOS SETUP.

System Unit Disassembly Procedure

This is one of the most important things to learn in taking the TESDA NC II Computer Servicing Exam. You need to learn the step by step procedure on how to open and disassemble a system unit. There are various design of computer casing and before opening you need to check and see how you will start the system unit dis-assembly. Here we are going to use a mini-tower casing as our model, mini-tower casing design is the most easiest to disassemble, however that would depend on the brand and model.

• It's Not a Race, take a slow relaxed approach, discuss, question and research each component as it's removed.
• Fall back on your own knowledge, use the Internet, your books and resource material. It's impossible to retain all the information, so one of the most important computer skills you can learn is how to research and use your resources to find what you need.

Questions to Think About or Discuss as you Disassemble

• Should I document everything I do or everything I remove?
• Am I taking the best ESD precautions available to me right now?
• When you remove an expansion card what kind of card is it?
• When removing a drive, what kind of drive is it?
• When removing wires or cables, what are the cables for?
• Am I still taking proper ESD precautions and is my anti-static strap still hooked up?
• Look at the motherboard again when there's not so much in the way. Can you point out the CPU?

Before You Begin

                       

• Have a pen and paper ready. Documentation is real important.
• Make sure you have the tools you need and they're all close by and handy.
• Be sure to have a container to keep the screws in.
• Make sure you have the resource material, drivers or software that you may need.
• If possible, enter the CMOS setup and record the information available.
• Disassembly is major surgery, do a full backup of the system.

Examples of Input and Output Devices

What is an Input Devices - An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instruction into a computer.

Examples of Input Devices

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Image/Object scanner
• Microphone
• Joysticks, Game pads
• PC video camera
• Digital camera
• Bar code scanner
• Biometric scanner

Input Devices

What is an Output Devices - An output device is any hardware component that conveys information to one or more people.

Examples of Output Devices

• Monitor
• Printer
• Speaker

Identifying Expansion Module Cards

Expansion Card - Is a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an expansion slot of a motherboard to add additional functionality to a computer system. One edge of the expansion card holds the contacts (the edge connector) that fit exactly into the slot. They establish the electrical contact between the electronics (mostly integrated circuits) on the card and on the motherboard.The primary purpose of an expansion card is to provide or expand on features not offered by the motherboard.

VGA Card

Video cards or VGA Cards - The video card is an expansion card that allows the computer to send graphical information to a video display device such as a monitor or projector.

Sound Card

Sound card - Is a computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs. Many computers have sound capabilities built in, while others require additional expansion cards to provide for audio capability.

NIC Card

NIC (Network interface card) - A network interface card, more commonly referred to as a NIC, is a device that allows computers to be joined together in a LAN, or local area network. Networked computers communicate with each other using a given protocol or agreed-upon language for transmitting data packets between the different machines, known as nodes.

Modem Card

Learn About Storage Devices

Storage device - is a hardware device designed to write and read information. There are two types of storage devices used in computers; a 'primary storage' device and a 'secondary storage' device.

Storage Media - It is where the storage device records (write) and retrieves (read) the data, instructions and information for future use.

Examples of Storage and Media Devices

Harddisk Devices and USB Thumb Drive

Optical Device

3.5 Floppy Device

Identifying Memory Module

Memory Module - A device that are used to store data or programs (sequences of instructions) on a temporary or permanent basis for use in an electronic digital computer.

• Volatile memory is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information.
• Non-volatile memory is computer memory that can retain the stored information even when not powered.

Types of Memory Module

30 Pin and 72 Pin SIMM Module

DIMM - SDRAM Single Data Rate

DDR - Double Data Rate

Learn About Central Processing Unit

Learning about central processing unit is also part of the TESDA NC II Computer Servicing exam. So it is advisable to learn about these things.

Processors

Central Processing Unit - Is a complete computation engine that is fabricated on a single chip. Interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer. Processors contain a control unit and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), this two components work together to perform processing operations.

Dual-Processor

Dual-processor (DP) - systems are those that contain two separate physical computer processors in the same chassis. In dual-processor systems, the two processors can either be located on the same motherboard or on separate boards.

Dual Core Configuration

Dual-core configuration - an integrated circuit (IC) contains two complete computer processors. Usually, the two identical processors are manufactured so they reside side-by-side on the same die, each with its own path to the system front-side bus.

Dual core Processor features: 

• Hyper-Threading Technology: Enables you to run multiple demanding applications at the same time.
• Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology: Provides flexibility for future applications that support both 32-bit and 64-bit computing.
• Dual-Core: Two physical cores in one processor support better system responsiveness and multi-tasking capability than a comparable single core processor.

Processor core (An intel Core 2 Duo Chip) It has 291,000,000 transistor.

Identifying Motherboard Hardware Parts and its Function

The motherboard is considered as the main circuit of the computer, it contains the connectors for attaching additional boards. Typically, the motherboard contains the CPU, BIOS, memory, mass storage interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers required to control standard peripheral devices, such as the display screen, keyboard, and disk drive. Collectively, all these chips that reside on the motherboard are known as the motherboard's chipset. You must familiarize the motherboard parts and its function since this is needed to pass the TESDA NC II Computer Servicing Exam. 

Parts of the Mother Board