The difference between Desktop, Laptop and Notebook Computers?

             So what is the difference between a desktop, a laptop and a notebook computer? What are the good and bad qualities of each? Which one should I buy?

           These are all questions you may be asking yourself. I have created this post in order to answer your pertinent questions about desktop, laptop and notebook computers.

What is the difference between a desktop computer, a laptop computer and a notebook computer?

             The main differences between desktop computers notebook computers and laptop computers are the size, shape and  specifications.

            Desktop computers are much bigger and heavier than laptops and notebooks. They usually store more information and have more features than the other computer types. This being said, they are usually left at home and are not for quick transport. Also, desktop computers usually have all of their parts in different pieces. the main "brain" of the computer is linked to the screen, power source (it has no battery) and keyboard/mouse through wires. While desktops are bigger and not portable, many find them to be faster and easier to work with.          

             Laptop computers are designed for on the go travel. While they can be used as home computers, laptops are fitted with batteries and can be transported easily from one place to another. Laptops and notebooks are usually confused as the same thing. While they both are designed for travel, the laptop usually has graphics cards, CD writer drives, and larger (usually heavier) screens. A big question to consider when buying a computer is whether you should have a laptop or a notebook.        

            Notebook computers are often confused as laptop computers. Notebooks are light, extremely portable, and have along battery life. While popular with students and business men, notebooks have great qualities that anyone can enjoy. Notebooks are usually not fitted with graphics cards and usually have a smaller, more compact keyboard. They are ideal for homework, assignments, papers and forms. The main purpose of a notebook is functionality. It is not so much an entertainment medium as it is a project manager.

What are the good and bad qualities of each?

Desktop computers - good qualities:

* designed for heavy use and large capacity

* ideal for home office/family computer

* easier to use for most people

Desktop computers - bad qualities:

* not portable

* can take up a lot of space

Laptop computers - good qualities:

* portable and easy to set up

* compact yet capable of media play (videos, games)

* can substitute as a home computer

Laptop computers- bad qualities:

* can still be heavy if needed for constant portability

* battery life is not always very long (depending on what it's doing)

* can get bogged down

Notebook computers- good qualities

:* very light and easy to move around

* ideal for documentation and small presentations

* great for classroom or workplace environments

* long battery life

Notebook computers - bad qualities:

* not for graphic needs (video, games)

* not great for multitasking

Which one should I buy?         

             This choice depends on what you will be using the computer for. If you plan to keep it at home all the time and need a easy-to-use and efficient device, a desktop is the best choice. If you need to take it to meetings but also need to be able to create intricate graphical presentations on it, a laptop is the perfect decision. If your a student and need to take notes and homework assignments down, a powerful little notebook is right up your alley.

         It's all about your needs in a computer, finding out what you need your computer to do will help you decide on which type of computeris right for you!

How can my child avoid eyestrain?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has provided the following helpful suggestions for making the appropriate workstation modifications to help avoid eye strain:

• 
  
  Position the video display terminal (VDT) slightly further away than where you normally hold reading material.
• 
  
  Position the top of the VDT screen at or slightly below eye level.
• 
  
  Place all reference material as close to the screen as possible to minimize head and eye movements and focusing changes.
• 
  
  Minimize lighting reflections and glare.
• 
  
  Keep the VDT screen clean and dust-free.
• 
  
  Schedule periodic rest breaks to avoid eye fatigue.
• 
  
  Keep the eyes lubricated (by blinking) to prevent them from drying out.
• 
  
  Keep the VDT screen in proper focus.
• 
  
  Consult your adolescent's ophthalmologist, as some individuals who normally do not need glasses may need corrective lenses for computer work.
  
  

Dell Precision M4500 notebook.

                   The Dell Precision M4500 is the latest 15-inch mobile workstation featuring powerful Intel processors up to the Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition and Nvidia Quadro FX 1800M discrete graphics for video editing, animation, and CAD manipulation. The Precision M4500 boasts an optional 64GB SSD MiniCard for fast start up and your choice of up to a 256GB SSD or a 500GB HDD for file storage. Is this the most powerful workhorse on the market? Take a look and see if it's time for an upgrade at your office.

Our review unit of the Dell Precision M4500 features the following specifications:

• Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit) with option for Windows XP Professional downgrade
• Intel Core i7 620M @ 2.67GHz
• 4GB DDR3 (1333MHz)
• Nvidia Quadro FX 1800M graphics (1GB dedicated memory)
• 15.6" FHD LED Back-Lit Display (1920x1080 resolution, matte screen)
• 64GB Solid State Drive MiniCard (operation system)
• 500GB (7200RPM) HDD (storage)
• Blu-ray disc drive (DVD recordable)
• Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 802.11a/b/g/n Half Mini Card
• 802.11 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), 802.11i (WPA2), Virtual Private Networks (VPN) 802.1x with EAP modes and compatible with CCX 4.0
• Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module
• Integrated webcam and microphone
• Backlit keyboard
• Dell Precision ON Reader
• FIPS Compliant Fingerprint Reader and Contactless Smartcard Reader
• Weight: 6.0 lbs (with 6-cell battery)
• Dimensions: 14.72 x 1.15-1.42 x 9.96 inches (W x H x D)
• 130 Watt AC adapter
• 9-cell (90Wh) extended life battery
• 3-year basic limited warranty and 3-year next business day on-site service
• MSRP: $3,664.00 ($3,280.00 with instant savings)

Dell Precision M4500 Performance, Benchmarks and Battery Life

Build and Design

            The Dell Precision line of mobile workstation notebooks has long been a staple of corporate IT where users need the fastest multi-core processors and the most powerful discrete graphics for 3D animation, video editing, and CAD applications. Whether you're a Hollywood animator working on next year's blockbuster, or an engineer developing the next generation of communications satellites, you need extreme computing power with workstation-class certifications so you know it will work with the software you use every day.

Screen and Speakers

                Dell offers the Precision M4500 with several different 15-inch screen options with 1366x768, 1600x900, and 1920x1080 resolutions. Our review unit came equipped with the 15.6" FHD LED Back-Lit Display (1920x1080 resolution, matte screen). This 1080p high-definition display is perfectly usable both indoors and outdoors and features excellent color with rich contrast. The LED-backlit panel offers excellent brightness and we typically left the brightness set to between 50% and 70% when using the notebook indoors. The M4500 features an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust the screen brightness based on the available light, but we disabled this feature during our lab tests so that the screen brightness would remain constant.

          The one-inch stereo speakers used in the Precision M4500 provide excellent volume range with fantastic highs and midtones with a modest amount of bass. Thankfully, these speakers are located on either side of the keyboard and are positioned to direct sound up and toward the user. I can't tell you how much nicer it is to have speakers in this position rather than lap-firing speakers found on most smaller notebooks. Lap-firing speakers direct sound down at your lap or your desk and result in muffled audio. You can easily fill an office with music or the audio track from a video you've been editing thanks to the speakers on the M4500.

               The single headphone jack on the M4500 works well with the two different brands of earphones    I used during the test. No static or other noise was noticed through the jack besides imperfections in the audio source itself.

Keyboard and Touchpad.           The full-size keyboard on the M4500 features perfectly shaped keys with just the right depth to each press, perfect key spacing, and soft feedback without the loud click-clack sounds you'll often hear when typing on business-oriented notebooks.The one negative aspect to using this keyboard was the surprising amount of flex or "bounce" while typing. I could feel a significant degree of flex around the "F", "C" and "V" keys as well as the "L", ";", "'" and "." keys on the M4500 even when using modest typing pressure.

           Dell also includes a textured trackpoint/touchpoint with three additional dedicated buttons. The trackpoint movement isn't nearly as fluid as what we've seen on Lenovo ThinkPads and HP EliteBooks, but it's there if you hate using a regular touchpad.

Ports and Features

            The M4500 features an impressive number of ports and external features crammed into a 15-inch notebook. You get both a PC Card and an Express Card slot for expansion and external peripherals, three dedicated USB 2.0 ports, one combo USB/eSATA port for connecting external hard drives, DisplayPort, FireWire, and even an additional Smartcard slot. Let's take a brief tour ...

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

              Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a very real problem for many people who spend hours daily in front of a computer screen.

             Sometimes, simply rearranging your work environment to create better ergonomics is all you may need to do to reduce eye strain and other vision problems related to CVS. In some cases, a good pair of computer eyeglasses may help you see better at just the right distance range needed for viewing a computer screen.

            Read more about practical tips to ease computer eye strain, and learn what eye doctors have to say about relieving tired and irritated eyes.

Computer Eye Strain: 10 Steps for Relief 

            How to find a computer vision specialist, minimize glare, adjust your monitor, and cope with symptoms such as eye strain, eye fatigue, dry eyes, light sensitivity, blurred vision, headaches and more.

HP Pavilion P6120F Desktop PC

                              Desktop computers offer more power for the money than almost any laptop or notebook computer. The HP Pavilion P6120F is not exception. Although the popularity of desktop computers is dropping against stylish little net books and well-priced portable computer they remain the staple of business and enthusiasts for good reason.

              Although not the sexiest, for any computer that does not need to be moved around, desktop computers are the best option. This HP Pavilion, Windows-based desktop computer can be matched with a large screen monitor for a powerful desktop computer under $1000.

Here's a quick rundown of the specifications:

• 2.80GHz Intel Pentium E6300 processor
• 8GB of memory
• 1TB (1000GB) hard drive
• 1 x PCIex16 slot
• 5.1 channel audio
• LAN
• Wifi
• DVD burner

               The HP delivers a feature-rich package with a CPU known for its over clocking abilities. The E6300 is a an entry-level processor which is based on the same technology as its older brothers. Because of this, the processor can safely be over clocked, meaning have its speed increased, by 25% without any additional fancy technology or hardware trickery. This makes it quite worth it for a little bit of time spent increasing the front side bus speed from 266MHz to 333MHz.

                The system also comes with 8GB of memory. That is pretty huge. Seeing as the computer is intended for home use, that amount of memory is more than anything you can possibly throw at it.

                 The mix of networking options if pretty standard, except that it also includes Wifi connectivity. Although Wifi has been standard fair on laptop computers for a very long time now, their absence on desktop computers usually means that the desktop has to be within cable distance from the home router. Well, with that limitation removed, this computer can be placed a room or two away from where the router sits. The router can be placed in a central location in the home and the computers placed where needed. 300MB/s wireless is supported.

             A DVD burner is included as standard, as it is on almost any modern computer. It supports Lightscribe so the cover side of supported DVDs can have a picture burned onto it by the DVD player.

              Storage needs are met with a large terabyte hard drive. A terabyte is 1000GB, which is about the size of 150 DVD movies. Plenty of space for almost anything and the speed should do fine for most applications.

              Graphics is supported through onboard graphics. This is limiting in that most new games cannot be played, but a good graphics card can cost as much as this whole computer, so this limitation is expected. The processor is not fast enough for modern games though, so adding a super-fast PCIe x16 video card will not turn this into a superb gaming machine, although it will handle the needs of the non-fanatic.

List Of Top Computer Websites In India

               The sites listed below are the ten most trusted and reliable Indian websites on computers, their basic functions, softwares and hardwares and many other attributes.

ciol.com
This is the official website of Cybermedia India Online Ltd. (CIOL), offering voluminous information on computers and the Information Technology (IT) industry. Get information on top IT companies, IT professionals, vendors, solution providers, major events and latest updates about the IT industry. You can become a member of this site or use the online question-answer section to resolve your queries. The Tutorials column on the left can be quite useful for you for troubleshooting purposes.

 ipott.com
Computers run on softwares. IPOTT is a virtual database of softwares available in India. You can search for a softwares and buy it online at competitive prices. Just sign up with them to start your software hunting. Do check out the IT services they provide. Get a review of the latest softwares available in iPOTT. Get to know about all the 'Interesting Softwares' that dominate IT sector.

webindia.com
Webindia.com hosts the official website of Advait Systems, providing exhaustive information about the company and its business. Get full information about its services like website development and hosting, placement services, corporate training programs and many other related issues. Acquire the basic idea on information technology from the web portal of Advait Systems.

outsource2india.com
Owned by Flatworld Solutions Pvt. Ltd., the Outsource to India website provides information concerning business outsourcing in India. Get information on its call center services, data management, engineering services, software services, health care services, e-learning solutions, KPO services and various other additional services. Glean through articles on outsourcing and get latest news about the company, their work ethics and achievements only from Outsource2India.com.

cdac.in
The official website of the Center for development Advanced Computing (CDAC) offers extensive insight about the organization, its products and services, research undertaken and growth. Get all sorts of information on subjects like Multilingual technologies, Multimedia technologies, e-Governance and other topics. Job seekers can aspire to build their career with CDAC or can check out various e-learning courses from this website.

fsf.org.in
Got hopelessly stuck between your willingness to learn and your financial limitations in finding out means for the same? Stop worrying! The official website of Free Software Foundation of India, a non-profit organization, chips in with free softwares to facilitate your purposes. Get complete information about the organization. Get details regarding their GNU Program, information on free software, free software business, free software and education and other associated matters. Go through articles about major developments and events organized by Free Software Foundation of India as well.

hyd.stpi.in
Hyderabad, the Cyber City of India, has been instrumental in initializing Information Technology blast in India. This is the official website of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), a community set up by the Government of India for promoting and encouraging software export from India. Amass extensive information about the STPI in Hyderabad, its services, export units and tenders. The website offers information on its STPI's dotcom and statutory services too. Get recent updates about the community and check out investment opportunities from this website.

icanprogram.com
Who doesn't love to learn something new, especially some basic programming, without having to spend a single buck? This sounds tempting primarily to students. Don't suffer from inferiority complex amidst the fierce competition around you just because you don't know the P of programming. Learn how to program online. Learn the most relevant and key programming techniques that would have otherwise required tons of bucks for free. icanprogram.com boasts of having coached programming students from 50 different countries.

acsysindia.com
ACYS Software India private limited is a leading technical service provider in the mutual fund industry both for Indian as well as for other global players. There are many areas in the mutual fund market where they have proved their nonpareil competence. They are known for designing software products, applications and solutions which are at par with today's market requirements. Its main products are INVESTARK, eFund Distributor, MFISC/D, DISTRAK and AIS. Aspiring professionals may find some lucrative and substantial career options from the site. http://www.acsysindia.com/

doeacc.edu.in
DOEACC society is renowned for imparting computer training to the students of India. It also offers some computer courses in the field of hardware like CHM O level and CHM A level. Both these courses contain the essential ingredients of a virtual hardware program like PC debugging, Computer peripheral, PC architecture, etc. It also offers placement assistance at the end of both the courses. You can apply for registration, accreditation, DOEACC experts or examination online. Come and take a decisive step towards a glorious future in hardware.

Can computer use cause eye strain?

 

             The following are the most common symptoms of eye strain, which may be attributed to prolonged computer screen viewing. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

· red, watery, irritated eyes

· tired, aching, or heavy eyelids

· problems with focusing

· muscle spasms of the eye or eye lid

· headache

· backache

           Symptoms of eye strain are often relieved by resting the eyes, changing the work environment, and/or wearing the proper glasses. The symptoms of eye strain may resemble other eye conditions. Always consult your adolescent's physician for a diagnosis.

How can my child avoid eyestrain?

                  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has provided the following helpful suggestions for making the appropriate workstation modifications to help avoid eye strain:

§ Position the video display terminal (VDT) slightly further away than where you normally hold reading material.

§ Position the top of the VDT screen at or slightly below eye level.

§ Place all reference material as close to the screen as possible to minimize head and eye movements and focusing changes.

§ Minimize lighting reflections and glare.

§ Keep the VDT screen clean and dust-free.

§ Schedule periodic rest breaks to avoid eye fatigue.

§ Keep the eyes lubricated (by blinking) to prevent them from drying out.

§ Keep the VDT screen in proper focus.

§ Consult your adolescent's ophthalmologist, as some individuals who normally do not need glasses may need corrective lenses for computer work.

Dell XPS One with motion-sensing technology

                Dell today unveiled the Dell XPS One - an all-in-one premium consumer electronics system. The Dell XPS One fuses form and function in surprising and delightful ways. The 20-inch, widescreen, edge-to-edge tempered glass display appears to float above its aluminum stand and smoked-glass base. Side-mount speakers frame the high-definition display, embracing the user with stereo sound. The system also includes a webcam with dual-array microphone, ideal for video chat and instant message sessions. One of the more innovative and delightful features of the XPS One is the use of motion-sensing technology in the multimedia keys. When the user's hand approaches the display, the media keys, and slot-load drive come alive with a soft blue glow.

                       With its sleek and space-saving design, the XPS One will make a beautiful addition to any room in the home. The system comes with a single cord for power, while any other connections are handled wirelessly right out of the box, including the wireless mouse and keyboard. All systems include built-in Wi-Fi for network connectivity and internal Bluetooth 2.0 connecting peripherals like headphones and printers.

              The Dell XPS One U.S. systems include a built-in TV tuner and can be configured with an optional Blue ray disc drive. A media-card reader (8-in-1) and multiple ports are discretely positioned on the sides of the display for easy access. Additional ports are located on the back and take advantage of the specially designed cable management routing guide. The Dell XPS One initially will be offered in Japan and the U.S. and is expected to arrive in early December.

Reducing Your youngster's Risk of Computer Vision Syndrome and Ergonomics Problems

            To reduce your youngster's risk of childhood computer vision syndrome and computer ergonomics problems, make sure he or she is seated comfortably and has a "neutral" posture when working at the computer. Characteristics of this posture include:

• Head is balanced on neck, not tilted back or forward. Computer screen should be positioned approximately 15 degrees below eye level.

• Back is straight and shoulders back but relaxed. Avoid slumping forward over the keyboard.
• Upper arms are close to the body and relaxed, not angled away from his sides or tilted forward.
• Forearms are flat on the desk, with the elbows forming at least a 90-degree angle.
• Hands are nearly level with forearm, with little wrist bend.
• Feet are flat on the floor or a footrest, with knees forming at least a 90-degree angle. (The angle behind the knee should be open; don't tuck legs under the chair.)

            Many experts also recommend getting away from the computer every 20 to 30 minutes to stand and stretch. This helps relieve muscle tension that can contribute to computer vision problems and computer ergonomics problems.

Tips for Monitoring Computer Use by Young Children

 

                  The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is an organization that sets standards of excellence for programs designed for children from birth through age 8. The organization bases these standards on current research in child development and on the professional opinions of early childhood educators.

              NAEYC has issued the following specific recommendations regarding computer use by young children. In addition to helping your child have the best educational experience when working on a computer, these strategies also may decrease your young child's risk of fatigue-related eye strain, computer vision syndrome and computer ergonomics problems:

• Computers should supplement, not replace, educational activities such as art, books, music, outdoor exploration, dramatic play and socializing with other children.

• Parents should guide children's use of computers. Be on hand to help your child, answer questions and interact with him as he works on the computer.
• Take the time to observe your child at the computer and participate in computer activities with him. Observing children working at a computer can reveal a lot about the way they think and solve problems.
• Encourage your child to work with a sibling or friend at the computer whenever possible. Using computers with others encourages important social skills, such as turn-taking and cooperation, and helps build your child's ability to speak and listen.
• Learn more about software for young children, and carefully preview the software your child uses. While many high-quality products are available, some software is not appropriate for young children because it is difficult to use, highlights violent themes or does not foster language or learning.

Computer Risks for Children

 

            Kids and computers are nearly inseparable these days. With many school-age kids and even preschool children spending hours in front of a computer every day, it's worth considering what effects computers might have on your children's eyes and their vision. Is it bad for their eyes? Does it help or hurt school performance? Should kids wear computer glasses at school?

         These and other questions about kids, computers and computer vision are common. This article will help you learn more about these timely topics.

Computer ergonomics is the study of people's efficiency at their computer work stations. Problems with computer ergonomics are closely associated with computer vision syndrome (CVS), which can affect children as well as adults.

             But too much of anything can be a problem. Like adults, children who spend many hours in front of a computer have a greater risk of developing computer ergonomics problems and computer vision syndrome. And many eye care practitioners who specialize in children's vision believe prolonged computer use among children puts them at risk for progressive myopia.

            For these reasons, it's a good idea to set guidelines for your children when it comes to the amount of time they spend in front of a computer.

            Too much unsupervised computer work may cause vision problems for kids.

Tips for controlling your child's computer use

•   A good tool a child has for screening material found on the Internet is his or her brain. Teach children about exploitation, pornography, hate literature, excessive violence, and other issues that concern you so they know how to respond when they see this material.

• Examine your own online habits. Do you have trouble controlling your Internet use? Remember, you are your child's most important role model.

• Don't ban the Internet. It's an important part of most kids' social lives. Instead, establish family Internet rules about where your kids can go online and what they can do there - and stick to them. These rules might include: a limited amount of time online each day; no surfing or instant messaging until kids complete their homework; no chat rooms or online adult content. Children, being children, may struggle to keep to such verbal agreements, in which is it is essential to use software to keep control of how your child uses the computer (see below).

• Keep the computer out in the open. Set up your computer in a public area of your house, not in a child's bedroom.

• Suggest alternatives. If your children seem interested only in playing online video games, try an offline tie-in to one of their favorite games. For example, if your child enjoys fantasy role-playing games, encourage her or him to read fantasy books.

• Make use of the commercially available Internet filtering and parental control software programs. These programs are vital in the vast majority of cases in which children are unlikely to regularly stick to verbal agreements about computer and Internet use. Such software packages can, for example, block sites by name, search for unacceptable words and block access to sites containing those words, block entire categories of material, and prevent children from giving out personal information.

• Use these same packages to monitor your children when they're online and monitor the time they spend online.

Control child's computer use

             Nowadays children spend a great deal of their childhood playing on the computer and surfing the web. This can be a great source of frustration for many parents. Initially, parents welcomed the Internet into their homes, believing it would provide their children with access to a bottomless pit of beneficial and educational information. However, many parents soon realized that, instead of using the Internet for homework or research; for the purpose that it was originally meant for, that their kids were spending hours surfing inappropriate and undesirable websites, instant messaging with friends, playing online games, or talking to strangers in chat rooms.

            For many years it has been a challenge for parents to maintain a healthy balance between the amount of time their children spend being entertained by media outlets, and the more traditional, often outdoor activities that have kept children happy for generations.

Reducing the Risk of Myopia Linked to Computer Use

                  Though heredity seems to play a significant role in the development of myopia in childhood, some research suggests that eye strain, and specifically computer eye strain, may also be involved.

                    To see clearly up close, the eye has to exert focusing effort. Some researchers feel that fatigue caused by excessive focusing can lead to changes within the eye that cause myopia. And experts agree that focusing on images on a computer screen causes greater eye fatigue than reading normal print in a book or magazine.

                   To reduce the risk of focusing fatigue that can cause advancing nearsightedness among kids who spend a lot of time on a computer, many eye doctors recommend frequent breaks from computer work. Some call this the "20-20-10" rule: Every 20 minutes your child should take his eyes off the computer and look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 10 seconds.

                   This simple exercise relaxes the focusing muscle inside the eye and may help reduce eye strain and eye fatigue that could cause progressive myopia. Some eye doctors also recommend special computer glasses to help relieve eye strain.

Preparing Your Child for Using Computers at School

                    To make sure your kids are ready for computer use at school, schedule a comprehensive eye exam for them prior to the start of every school year. This exam should include tests that evaluate near vision skills for computer use and reading as well as visual acuity testing that is conducted both across the room and up close.

                  Tell your eye doctor if your child has shown any signs of eye or vision problems, such as squinting, frequent eye rubbing, red eyes, head turns and other unusual postures, or if he or she complains of blurred vision or eye fatigue when reading or using a computer. Avoidance of computer work may also indicate vision problems.

                  Computers are an important (and virtually unavoidable) part of your child's life and education. A comprehensive eye exam each year during the school years can help him be as comfortable as possible and perform at his best during computer work. In some cases, a referral to a children's vision specialist and/or a program of vision therapy may be indicated to resolve computer- or learning-related vision problems.

Intel Core2 Extreme QX9650 3.0GHz Processor with 12MB Cache

                   The Intel Core2 Extreme quad-core CPU offers the best in computer performance today. Four cores will carry you four times as far, and you sure have to pay for this level of performance.

                At the end of the Pentium 4's era, there was an AMD vs Intel battle to speed up processors to extreme levels. When processors became hot enough to cook on, there was obviously something that had gone wrong. Intel was quick to release a dual core Pentium, and then its Core2 range. The Core2's managed to bring power consumption back to sane levels and regain much of Intel's street cred.

             After dual-core, the obvious next step is quad-core. As the technologies to produce the internals of a CPU get more sophisticated, so more cores can be stuffed into a single processor. But is there a tradeoff?

              Intel Core2 Extreme offer a huge performance leap over their smaller brothers and sisters. By definition, the Extreme series leave the bus and multiplier so they can be adjusted by the user. This is useful for those who like to over clock, but not for the vast majority of desktop computer users who just want things to work.

            This processor offers a large 12MB L2 cache, which amounts to 3MB per core. This is an increase of 50% of what is found in the other dual and quad-core processors in the range. This is a real performance booster, as L2 cache allows information to be stored close to the processing core, for much faster operations on data.

            A new motherboard will be necessary, look for one that supports DDR3, to really stay ahead.

             When building a super-fast computer for gaming or heavy duty office work with processor intensive programs, this is a processor worth considering. Stay ahead of the curve, but pick something else from the range if you want value for money.

Restrict Your Childs Computer Use

             It can be difficult for parents to restrict their child's use of the computer. However, for many parents this has become an unavoidable eventuality, as computers have intruded to such a degree into the lives of children, that far too many youngsters are spending an unhealthy amount of time behind them.
              The word 'unhealthy', supposes a negative influence on your child's physical and mental/social development. Physical problems include a bad posture due to a poor sitting position, or deteriorating eyesight due to too much time spent looking at the screen. Mental/social problems include a feeling of alienation from the real world, and less opportunity to develop real life social skills.

               When parents first bring up the subject, that they intend to restrict when their child can use the computer, it is vital that the child is in a calm mood, and that he or she does not have ready access to a blunt instrument. The computer might well be your child's best friend in life, and any suggestion about cutting short the supply of the daily drip feed of games, chat rooms, and web surfing could lead to wild and fervent behavior from your offspring.
            Calm and empty handed, your child is being made aware that you intend to restrict their use of the computer starting from tomorrow. You know your child spends too much time on it. Perhaps your child comes home from school, buries him or her self in the bedroom, and instantly goes on the computer for a few hours. Perhaps he or she just uses it for a couple of hours a day, the session which begins 5 minutes after their bedtime. However your child misuses the computer, you have to choose the best way to restrict their use. The scenarios are numerous, but effective solutions harder to come by.

             I do know of a considerably more effective way to restrict your child on the computer. This method is sneaky-safe, and does not take withdrawal symptoms as an excuse. It is a computer control program called Chronoger; written by the acclaimed software development company SoftForYou. Inherent in the program is everything that you will need to restrict not only when your child can use the computer, but how he or she can use it too; when for doing homework, and when for entertainment.

             By installing the program onto your child's computer, you will be able to select for each day of the week when and how long your child can use the Internet, play games, enter chat programs, and use the computer as a whole. Your child will not be able to change these settings, which are protected by an administrator (parent) password.

Teach Your Child How to Use a Computer

             In this day and age, with technology on the forefront of every gadget being used in every industry in the world, having computer knowledge is more than a skillful tool to have - it's a necessity. Evidence suggests that children who learn the concept of computers have profound effects on the enhancement of their educational experience. Just as many computer programs that are offered on home systems are focused on both entertaining children and teaching them, which offers a process for teaching children without the child even realizing they are learning.

Preschool
              Many researchers recommend that parents do not teach their children under three how to use a computer, as they are still mastering language concepts, their visual environment, and speaking skills. Therefore, this advice is for your preschooler who is three years old and older.

              For comfort and ease of use make sure the mouse you use fits your child's hand. The mouse should also have only one click, as opposed to the normal double-sided clicks.

               Preschoolers learn many concepts on the computer quickly. Going through the basic steps of turning on and simple use of the computer is recommended with slow communication and systematic guidelines for powering up and using the computer. "Here is the button to turn on the computer and here is the button to turn on the monitor. E Walk them through the start button, the list of programs and putting in software for games and learning. Allow preschoolers to play computer games, either online:

• http://www.learn4good.com
  
• http://funschool.kaboose.com
  
• http://www.fisher-price.com
  
• http://www.nickjr.com/
  
• http://pbskids.org/rogers/R_house/build.htm
  
• http://www.sesameworkshop.org
  
• http://www.noggin.com
  
• http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/
  

Or software games you can buy for your children:

• http://www.electronic-school.com
  
• http://www.childrenssoftwareonline.com
  

Once you have shown them the mouse and the programs, give your child a little time alone to manipulate the program and learn the game, always be at arm's reach. When they are given the opportunity to play through a confined environment they will learn the concepts quicker then parents teaching them hand over hand.

Main points to address:

• Make sure the mouse is comfortable and easy to use.
• Speak slow and instructively, explaining every step you take.
• Allow them time alone get to know the computer.

Grades K-6th
               Children in elementary school learn how to use a computer in the same way a preschooler will learn.

                 Children have a tendency to pick up computers and just know how to work them, but for those who don't running through the computer environment one time and explaining step-by-step where basic programs are and how they are used, especially word processing programs. Allowing the children to play around in the computer programs and experience how they work alone will teach children firsthand.

                If you are allowing your children to use the internet to learn through research or games the following websites offer both fun and educational topics:

• http://www.kidsdomain.com/brain/computer/lesson.html
  
• http://smithsonianeducation.org/students/explore_by_topic/everything_art.html
  
• http://www.elibs.com
  
• http://www.factmonster.com/funfacts.html
  
• http://www.rhymezone.com
  
• http://kids.nationalgeographic.com
  
• http://www.funbrain.com
  
• http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com
  

           Children will have fun learning on the computer and the great thing about the computer is most of the time children hardly even know they are gaining educational skills.

Computer Use Improves School Readiness

 

                Here's good news: Recent research suggests computer use among preschool children may actually improve their readiness for school and academic achievement.

              In one study of 122 preschoolers enrolled in a rural Head Start program*, children in the experimental group were given the opportunity to work on a computer for 15-20 minutes per day with their choice of developmentally appropriate educational software, while the kids in the control (non-computer) group received a standard Head Start curriculum.

           All children in the study took four standardized tests at the beginning of the study and six months later to assess their school readiness, visual motor skills, gross motor skills and cognitive development.

            The children who worked on a computer performed better on measures of school readiness and cognitive development than the children without computers. Also, kids who did computer work both at home and at school performed better than kids who worked at a computer only at school.

Eye health and computer screens

             As technology plays an ever more prominent role in our daily lives, the subject of eye health and computer usage is becoming increasingly important.

                  According to the London Hazards Centre, surveys of people working at a computer screen for more than six hours a day have found that over 70 per cent (and up to 91 per cent) experience visual problems. In addition, a report published by the University of California's Berkeley School of Optometry has claimed that as many as 30 per cent of American schoolchildren are "causing undue stress on their eyes by using the computer too much", and it went on to claim a link between premature mypoia and computer use.

            Extensive research has found no evidence that VDUs can cause disease or permanent damge to your eyes. However, long spells of VDU work can lead to tired eyes and discomfort. You and your employer can reduce this risk by ensuring your VDU is well positioned, properly adjusted, and that the workplace lighting is suitable. Short, frequent breaks are the best option. A five to ten minute break after an hour or so of work is about right. Although computer usage has not been conclusively shown to cause permanent damage to healthy eyes, there is evidence to suggest that small vision defects that don't cause symptoms in everyday life may start to cause problems when carrying out more visually demanding tasks. In other words, computer screen use could exacerbate existing conditions that you may be unaware of. This is one reason why regular eye tests are so important, as early detection of vision impairment greatly decreases the chance of further damage.

           Of the visual problems reported by users, the most common are eyestrain, double vision, temporary short-sightedness and visual fatigue. The term eyestrain alone can cover a range of symptoms, including irritation, soreness, photosensitivity and general tiredness.

          The causes vary, but the most common are a fault in the focusing of the eye, poor eye coordination, badly positioned equipment and documents, screen glare, inadequate lighting and perhaps also infrequent maintenance of equipment.

            Some of the causes easily be eliminated, for example by fitting a screen filter to cut down on glare. But one of the most effective ways of looking after your eyes is simply to stop for regular brief breaks.