Computer 101: How to Create personalize image file using PowerPoint software

Ever wondering how do I create a customized and personalize image file, do I need to have a specialize software to do the trick of mixing and editing different picture or image into the one that I need? Well the answer is NO; we can use the Microsoft office power point presentation software to do that. Best of all we can already save the file into the recognizable picture format like GIF, JPG, PNG and more. We do not need to use specialize software that require advance picture editing skills to create our very own. We just need to know how to copy, cut, paste, move around an object, resizing and following instructions which are pretty basic computer typing and editing skills. But before we begin first we must prepare all the materials that we are going to need, in this case all the image file that we are going to used in creating a personalize image file. Now after we have prepared all the things that we need it is time to begin. Please watch this simple video.

These video has no voice instructions yet, this is just a tutorial to give you an idea on how to proceed with the process.To summarize the video above, create your customize picture or image by inserting via the clip art or from your own personal file, then do some editing on them using the picture toolbar, which will appear once and image has been inserted. Once you are satisfied with the design you have created then save the image by clicking on the file menu and choose save then the dialog box will appear, type the name that you want for the image and then select what type of file format you want to be save. As seen on the video different file format is

available just choose which will satisfy your requirement and then press the save button. To check whether the desired image has been created go to folder where the file is saved and open it normally by double clicking it, the Windows Photo Editor should be able to view without problem another way of checking it is via clicking on the image property to verify it's format and basic information.

Computer 101: The Display (CRT to LCD to LED and to the Future.)

Computer based technology from the processor, main board, memory, storage, interface and even power source and consumption is getting smaller in size but in turn they become faster still has become bigger in terms of capacity and also more importantly the power source has also become smaller but pack more power in them compared to their ancestors.

An example of this technology is all around us, the first to be created in smaller size is the processor. The processor is the brain of most electronic devices of today. Even circuit that is being used in almost embedded system has a processor in them for better management and control. Then the main board follows suit, or is that simultaneous with the processor. Small processor needs smaller main board, memory and power source. But wait before we moved any further, a key missing component of the computer is missing. This key component is the display.

I don’t know if it is intentional but the primary computer display for many years was the old reliable CRT Screen or the Cathode Ray-Tube. We have seen fast technological advances in almost all area of the computer. From the processor, memory, main board and even the power supply yet while all of this is going on, the computer display seems stock on the CRT as its primary display device. I still can clearly remember playing may old hand held game device called game and watch and it uses a black and white LCD display back then.

During those times the CRT is still in green test with black background and a newer black and white display is the new pad then, the colored display is still being developed. Then after a few years the colored came and a whole new world open, but still the technology used for most computer is still the CRT type. Whether it is just a VGA, SVGA, XGA and many others still the computer primary screen display is the CRT. Back then almost small electronic device has a small black and white LCD display, then why in the world the computer cannot have an LCD as a display monitor. It consumes less power considerably then the CRT technology and very easy to carry because it weights less and a small space is required to put it.

This image is from Photorack.net

Even with the advent of the new millennium, the CRT is still the supreme display device for the computer. Not even with the coming of the first generation of wireless phone can change the main display device for the computer. Notice that the early cell phone was already small compare to its cousin. Also the cell phone technology was very much in high gear ever evolving continuously. Notice how the slow the evolution of the display has drag on for decades before the CRT was slowly replaced by the first generation LCD display.  By that time every electronic device that needs a screen has a small colored screen attached to them. Only when the development of the smart phone, came a faster technology development for the display. Suddenly the CRT was outdated and was being replaced by the LCD. Then from the LCD another technology would become the foundation for a new generation of display for all electronic devices this computer was not left out. Actually this technology is not new it’s been around for many decades now.

Image via Wikipedia

This technology is the LED or the Light Emitting Diode, the LED was refine, is became smaller and smaller until it become small enough that hundred of LED can be put in your palm.  With the characteristic of having even lower power consumption and durability than its predecessor. The LED has evolve a lot faster is now the choice of display for most electronic device like the present day generation of smart phone. We now have OLED (Organic-LED) based display meaning the LED has leap forward by becoming more green and sustainable. Other display technology has also evolve the Retina Display use in some high end phone this is just one of the display technology available today.

Now finally the computer has come a long way from the old big CRT to the thin LCD, LED, OLED and many others. The display has finally come with age as with all the other computer based technology that have been continuously evolving. The display technology has now become at par with the other development in computer based technologies.  

Note:

For more information regarding the OLED Technology, Please click the link below:

Organic LED in Wikipedia

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Computer 101: Computer Acronym for Newbie Part 2

6. IDE/EIDE                            - Stand for Integrated Drive Electronics / Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics is an interface technology used between the motherboard and the storage unit. The IDE is the technology that allows the data to be sent back and forth from the motherboard to the hard disk drive or the different ROM Drives. This technology allows the data to be transferred from the storage location to the motherboard where the CPU is located for processing.

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Computer IDE / EIDE in Wikipedia

7. CPU                                    - Stand for the Central Processing Unit or also called the Processor it is the brain of the computer. All the data processing is done here; the CPU is commonly located on the motherboard. It has a heat sink and a cooling fan on top of it. Processing of data generate heat inside the CPU so therefore the need for the heat sink that absorb the heat the CPU when processing and the FAN cools the metal heat sink to enable it to absorb more heat generate by the CPU. Faster CPU can process more data therefore it generate more heat.

For more information regarding the item above please click the link below:

Computer CPU in Wikipedia

8. AT/ATX                              - Stand for Advanced Technology / Advanced Technology Extended simply put it means the size and layout of the motherboard. Another term used to call this feature of the motherboard is the FORM FACTOR.

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Computer AT in Wikipedia 
Computer ATX in Wikipedia

9. HDD                                    - Stand for Hard Disk Drive, this is the device that store the information or data being generated by the user or software. The bigger the size of the HDD the more data it can store. The data it can store can take several forms, like number, letters, music, pictures, video and many others. Data inside a hard disk drive can also be erased and rewritten.

For more information regarding the item above please click the link below:

Computer HDD in Wikipedia

10. SATA.                               - Stand for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is a technology that allows the data to be accessed from the storage unit to the motherboard. This technology allows the faster data transfer from the storage unit to the CPU or memory for faster processing. Also SATA technology uses thinner cable than the IDE/EIDE design therefore allowing for a more space inside the form factor of a computer casing. Also form factor can design for a casing of a computer. For bigger casing more space is available for air to flow inside the main system unit of the computer.

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Computer SATA in Wikipedia 

Computer 101: Computer Acronym for Newbie

1. VIRUS         -           Vital Information Resource Under Siege

                                   

            A computer virus is pattern after the real life virus that affect living organism. Just like its organic counterpart, the computer virus spread itself from one infected file to another by making copies of itself and attaching that copy to the file or infecting a file. If let alone inside a computer system, a virus can have very serious consequences result from lost of data, performance slowdown and  to a less harmful display of characters to your screen,.

 
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                        Computer VIRUS Explained in Wikipedia

2. RAM           -           Random Access Memory

The term use to describe the memory that is installed in our computer. The contents of this memory can be removed once the power that flow through it is turn off. This is done by shutting down the computer or by re-starting it. In a way this is very helpful to a RAM because in this way it refreshes the memory making it unload all the previous content. The SDRAM, DDR and many other type of memory fall in these categories. Also the amount of RAM in a computer varies from 1 Gigabytes up to 10 gigabytes and even more depending on the application that computer is design for.

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                                Computer RAM in Wikipedia

3. ROM           -           Read Only Memory

Unlike the RAM the ROM is smaller in size and is a permanent fixture in all computers small or large ones. Also unlike the RAM the ROM does not losses it data when power is switch off because the data that the ROM has is vital to the basic operation of the computer. The function of its peripheral’s and the interconnection of the parts inside and outside the computer and more importantly the resources and configuration of every hardware component of the computer is stored in the Read Only Memory.

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                                Computer ROM in Wikipedia

4. BIOS           -           Basic Input and Output System

A stored program inside the ROM that configured the input and output resources of a computer. It is the second code or set of instructions (before the Operating system is loaded) run by a computer when it is turn on. This code allows the computer to check whether all the hardware configurations and setting is correct before loading the software called the operating system which will control the operation of the computer in the hands of a human who will use it.

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                                Computer BIOS in Wikipedia

5. POST          -           Power-On Self-Test

This is a routine down by the computer or any electronic device before the booting process begins. The function of this code is to check whether all the required hardware is connected and is working properly. It will not load the next set of instructions if it finds any required hardware not connected or is not working properly. One clear example of this is in a computer boot up sequence when the POST detect that no keyboard is connected to the system unit, the boot up sequence will stop and it will display  a message on the screen “Keyboard Error”. The boot up sequence will be stop until the keyboard error is corrected by connecting a working keyboard and resetting the computer to do the boot up sequence again. 


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Computer POST in Wikipedia

Computer 101: What is a Sound Card?

A sound card basically is a system in which it sole function is to process sound and output them through the speaker. There are two types of sound card, the built in type and the expansion type card. But There is no difference in there function, the only difference is the characteristics of each type. Then what is a built-in sound. This type of sound processor is usually found embedded in the motherboard of main board of the computer. If you buy a motherboard and it indicate on the label by this sign SVL, the S stand for Sound while the V for video and the L stand for LAN or network card.

Most standard motherboard has a built sound card for standard listening of music and sound from a streaming video, internet chat and any other type of application. However every one has the option of getting a separate sound card with better sound processing hardware and software. A high end sound card usually cost more and is better able to handle and process better sound output. Another things is they have more output port in them for connections to a wider range if speakers. Also speaking of speaker all sound card needs to have matching speaker for one to have a more enjoyable music listening appreciation.

Beside speaker port a sound card also process input sound or a microphone can be connected to it, this port is called a line-in port or microphone port while a speaker port is usually called a line-out port. But to truly enjoy the experience of listening to music or it enhances the playing of games. A quality sound card and speaker should be use to have an enjoyable experience. Another function of the sound card is the recording of sound, whether it is a voice or music being saves in to the computer for editing and manipulation.

Image via Wikipedia

Together with a quality microphone and editing software, one creates his/her own distinct sound or records his own voice while singing with her favorite band or singer. A computer will work without a sound card or sound processing system but it has become an essential part of today’s latest multimedia components to enhance the overall appeal of a computer. Also the function of a computer has be upgraded with the addition of a sound card. The computer can now become your home video theater and home surround system. We did not need to purchase a separate sound system or video system. A high end computer with quality sound card and speakers can replace both video and sound system in our home, office, schools and many other places.

Computer 101: What is a Video Card?

A video card or video graphics adapter is a computer hardware device that processes all the things that can be seen via the monitor or LCD device. It processes all those binary information and output them through the monitor of LCD which the user can see. Back in the early days of the computer the video cards cannot completely process all those information that need to be seen by the user. The main processing is still done via the CPU or the Central Processing Unit of the computer. All the video could do is to output the data via the monitor and with the help of the bigger memory built in them it can make the output a lot nicer compare to a standard size memory amount of a built in video card.

In those early days most stand alone video card can have a memory capacity of 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 megabytes of memory while the high end video card can have as much as 128 or 256 megabytes of memory. Also early types of video cards do not have a GPU or Graphics Processor Unit. This early GPU comes only with the high end type and since they have GPU, it has its own cooling fan attach on top of it.

The same is still true for today’s latest video card, most of them have those GPU for faster processing and they can also have a large amount of memory installed. This is the standard video of today they can have up to 1 gigabytes of memory. For high end graphics application such CAD/CAM processing and video rendering, CGI rendering and all other professional application the video has evolve in such a manner those they can be compare to a regular desktop computer in terms of pricing and characteristics. Objects that need to be manipulated and edited via software that requires the video card to let the editor see and work on the finer detail of the images, they can response faster and better to the application that uses them. They let the graphics editor or designer to see all the aspect of the image that they are working on.

Image via Wikipedia

High end video card has more power and characteristics to offer compare to conventional video cards that has a standard GPU and amount of memory installed in them. Another application of a high end video card is in gaming. People who plays games that uses heavy graphics processing needs high end video cards or else they would not be able to appreciate the game they are playing. There will be a lot of contortions and graphics folding and drag which would lead to hardware crashes because the hardware cannot handle the needed amount of graphics they the software is trying to feed it. LAN games which would require several computers link together would slow down because the video cards cannot cope up with the intense amount of bits being use by the software.

Image by marklinkphoto via Flickr

Okay which choosing the right video for your need make sure to read the box and information that pertains to that video card. Gone are the days that only large amount of memory and a GPU is the main requirement in buying a Video Card for your system. Remember every hardware in your computer must work together for you to have an enjoyable use of your computer. You may buy the very latest in this video card but if it will not cooperate with the rest of the hardware and software in your computer than that video card is called trash become it wasted money and time. So read and check all the information before your buy one for upgrade or replacement.

Computer 101: Protect your Computer without Logging Off P2

On this article we will take a look on how to safeguard your computer when ever you feel like leaving it for a few minutes or more without closing all your open files and applications. But before we proceed this safeguard that we are going to take a look this time may only work in the early version of Windows NT, 2000 and XP. We are not going to use any third party software to safeguard your computer. Instead we are going to use a Windows Native security feature by setting a few minor adjustments on the way how we log in.

On the part 1 of this article we use the Windows screen saver to lock or protect our computer. For this part 2 where to look the three following key of the keyboard they are the CTRL, Alt and DEL keys.  But before we do that we need to change a few setting on how we would like to access our computer. First take a look at the picture below

To access the picture above, look for the control panel then click it. Once the control panel is open look for the user accounts and double click it then the picture below will appear. What is all the relationship between this and the security feature that we are going to use. Well in Windows XP the common login process is we choose the login picture on the screen and click on that login picture to access our computer. Let say there are three login choices. In order to use the computer we need to choose one of the login options and then click it and Windows will prepare everything about the computer user accounts that we choose.

But there is another way of logging in the old way of logging in to the Windows system. This old way of logging in is the one that we need to use in to be able to lock or use the safeguard that is built in the Windows system. Remember the three key we mentioned earlier the CTRL, ALT and DEL keys. Once we have change the way we log in then we can use these three key without logging off to secure the computer. Now to set the old ways of logging in the user accounts look for this option “CHANGE THE WAY USER LOG OFF OR ON”, once you have found it click it and you will be looking at two options to unchecked. 

Both options must be UNCHECKED on the box before them, or make sure to remove the check mark on the box before if these boxes have check in them. After verifying that both options have been check then clicks the Apply options button. There you’re done, now if we press the Ctrl + Alt Del key then a menu will appear. On these menu the LOCK the Computer options is present. Just press this option and the computer will be automatically lock Just follow the instruction on the screen to unlock the computer. You will be require a password to unlock your computer, use the same password that you use to log in to unlock the computer.

In this manner no files has been close or application has been turn off. You can left alone your computer without closing all of them by logging off.

Computer 101: Protect your Computer without Logging Off

Ever tired of always logging off your computer whenever you leave it for what ever reason? Well the reason for this question is that, whenever the user leaves the computer he or she needs to log off and closes all open files and application to save all those files, because if the user did not close all the open files and application and he tried to log off chances are windows will close all of them without saving all the open files and this may result in lost of data and damage to software application.

Also another reason we need to close all our open files whenever we log off is for protection or security. If we leave them open without logging off then someone might try read, copy or delete all your important files create problems for you by deleting some files of your computer that is related to the operating system that runs your computer, thereby causing great damage to your computer and also to you as the owner of that computer.

There are some ways in which you can keep your files open and not logging out even if you leave the computer open, no one will able to access your computer. The first way is to use the windows native screen saver to protect your computer. How do your go about it. Well by now everybody knows that the native Windows screen saver has a password protection capability. But wait before we go on I need to remind everyone that this step may only be applicable to the old windows like NT, 200 and XP. To set up just follow this simple step.

1.      Using the mouse Right Click in any blank spot on your desktop.

2.      Then a pull down menu will appear. From the Menu select Properties 

3.      Then the display properties will appear.

4.      From the Display properties select the Screen Saver Tab.

5.      Then Select which type of Screen Saver to use.

6.      Set the time to 1 minute and check the box for the password.

7.      Then click apply and the OK button.

Before you leave the computer make sure that the screen saver is active. The Password for the screen saver is the same as the password that you used when you log in the computer assuming you have a Windows NT, 2000 or XP. When you try to use computer again the screen saver will ask for a password, enter the password that you used in logging in to your computer. This will save a lot of time compare to closing them and opening all of them again because you log off. Another way of protection your files and computer without logging off on my next blog.

Computer 101: Three Features to Consider when Choosing a Smartphone.

When I got my first Smartphone in 2007, a N70 Music Edition I was a very happy fellow. I quickly explored it and tinkered with all the features it cold offered from downloading free app to taking picture and video with it camera and playing games with it, listening to music via the built in radio and stored music on it, I was having fun with it. Since then the smart phone has evolve so much that today model is far more fun than it was back then. I say fun because one can do a lot with today’s Smartphone than way back then although it is only four years have gone by.

Today I reach the point of thinking of getting a new Smartphone to replace my old phone, although my old phone is still working fine, I’m thinking of getting a new model so that I have the more than with it compare than the first time. More application to tinkered with, bigger and more pictures, video to shoot and a whole of other stuff to do and play. Now I have selected three general feature of a Smartphone that I would look for in buying a new model to replace my old one.

The first general feature that my new smart phone would have is a big memory. This should not be a problem for most new phone today because most of them come with a standard 8, 16 or 32 gigabytes of internal memory. Why is this choice, well it simply means the bigger the memory the more application I can put in it. More pictures and video to snap off without worrying it going to be full. Also more music to put in and listen to, from the 80’s, 90, and the present of course, we’ll probably more from the time when I was a teen or in my twenties. I love to listen to that music over and over again because they bring me back to a special time of my life. That music always evokes nostalgic moment. Simply put it, I need my new Smart Phone to have to have a bigger memory than the current standard size of capacity.

The next feature I would like my new smart phone is to have a five mega pixel and up lens camera. Why is this important, well I like to take pictures of my family, friends, event and places that I do not have the time to see again. To have that special moment clearly photograph and store for me to view them again and again. Also more important is the moving images that i always take on special occasion with my family.  Special occasion with my family is very important to me. I like to go back to that moment again and again thru those video.

The third and certainly not the least that my new smart phone should have is it should great whenever I play music with it, you see I love listening to music, music from my early teen days. Those old music has been a part of my life ever since and it would be very much fun for me to listen them over and over again is a very nice sounding way. The output sound of a device is one contributing factor on how music would be likened by a person who would listen to them. The better the sounding the smart phone when I play my favorite music on it the better. To some this may be trivial things but hey this is how I like my new smart phone to have.