This is an Operating System

Introduction to Operating Systems

Every computer comes with an operating system; it is the most important piece of software on a computer and it cannot run without it. It is analogous to the central nervous system of a human being; if human beings did have a functioning central nervous system, their bodies could not perform conscious and unconscious tasks on a daily basis such as breathing, walking eating, etc.

Operating systems control all the devices in a computer by means of software. Consequently, devices can be changed, patches can be added and security updates applied. This facility enables changes to be made to computer systems, eliminating the need to purchase a new one every time a change needs to be made to the system.

At the most basic level, an operating system manages the hardware and software resources of a computer and its peripherals. These resources include the processor, memory, disk space, the mouse and keyboard, and an attached printer. It also provides a stable and consistent means for applications to interact with the hardware without having to know the details of the hardware device.

During the standard use of a computer, various programs and input devices compete for the use of the central processing unit and request memory, storage and input and output for their own purposes. The role of the operating system is to insure that each application running gets the resources it needs on an equal basis while managing the used resources effectively and to their greatest capacity.

A consistent application interface is required if more than one computer is using the operating system. These consistent application interfaces, known as APIs, or application program interfaces, allow portability of applications, even if hardware configurations of the computers are different. They also enable operating systems to be sufficiently flexible to handle hardware from different manufacturers in almost any conceivable combination.

There are considered to be four categories of operating systems based on the types of computers they control and the applications they support.

Real time operating systems were developed to control machinery, scientific instruments and industrial systems. The primary function of a real time operating system is to manage the resources of a specific component so that a particular operation is executed exactly the same way every time. Real time operating systems typically are contained in sealed boxes, having little user interface and end-user capabilities.

Single use, single task operating systems enable a computer to do one application at a time. Mobile devices, such as cell phones and personal digital assistants tend to have this operating system installed.

Single user, multi-tasking operating systems enable a single user to run several applications at a time on a single computer.

Multi-user operating systems enable many users to employ the resources of a single computer simultaneously. This type of operating system must insure that resource usage is balanced, so one user does not affect the ability of others to get their tasks completed.

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Is Microwave the Future of WiFi?

WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) isn't new technology (the WiMax forum was created in 2001 to promote the standard), but it's only recently that it has made people sit up and pay greater attention. According to Robert Morrow, a retired Air Force Academy electrical engineering professor, WiFi and cellular data are on the way out because the future belongs to WiMax. There are others, however, who are not quite as glowing in their praise of the emerging WiMax technology, and who believe that it will prove too expensive to have any real practical value.

In an article for LiveScience, Morrow explains why he believes WiMax is the way of the future. Even though WiMax will not be free, as WiFi is, it offers uninterrupted service. Its reach is longer than WiFi's (several kilometres as opposed to several metres) and its signal is stronger, although this is dependent on the distance from base station antennaes. In theory, users should be able to stay connected online all the way across the United States without losing signal once, a feat which is currently impossible even with mobile phone technology. This is because WiMax is compatible with a range of digital cellular service providers, and not just with one or two.

While WiMax doesn't currently enjoy wide spread use, Morrow believes that within the next 2-5 years it will be commonplace in all major US cities, and that in 5 years time, it will be sold with all laptops, or none of them. Which seems rather contradictory, but he says that WiMax's ultimate success will depend on how quickly laptop vendors will add WiMax modems to their products.

David Jarvis, a South African telecoms entrepreneur, is one those people who still believes in the power of WiFi. At the 2007 WiWorld Conference, Jarvis said that WiFi is still a more affordable alternative to WiMax. According to Jarvis, a WiMax base stations costs around $35,000 (£17,703) to build, while a WiFi station costs a mere $2,500 (£1,264). The CPE price of WiFi is also lower, $250 (£126) vs. $350 (£177) for WiMax. Other factors favouring WiFi include its already widespread adoption and the fact that it's available in commonly used wireless devices.

The Wireless Access Providers' Association of South Africa (WAPA) has compiled a list of reasons why Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) prefer WiFi, such as the tried and tested capability of WiFi. WiMax has yet to prove itself capable of living up to expectations and to justify the price increase from WiFi. In addition, the use of both technologies in the Far East has shown that WiFi is superior to WiMax as a business model.

Pakistan, however, is throwing its weight behind WiMax, as it has constructed the largest WiMax network in the world. Wateen Telecom, in conjunction with Motorola Hardware, has installed the network across 17 cities in Pakistan.

While the debate between WiMax and WiFi rages on, some experts in the telecoms industry believe that both technologies can exist alongside each other, with each sharing an equal piece of the telecoms pie. They predict that those who are expecting a major battle between the two will be sorely disappointed, as the future is rosy for both of them.

Recommended sites:

http://www.livescience.com/technology/080603-wireless-future.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiMAX

Features of Mobile Computers With Rapid Application Development

Mobile computer with Rapid Application Development (RAD) helps in delivering high performance and value for all data collection applications. RAD is a program which enables the mobile computers to build programs accurately. RAD provides number of tools to build graphic user interface, which is a long process if it is done manually.

Mobile Computer with RAD designs is easy to use and provides operational reliability, which is needed to excel in mobile applications such as package delivery, field service, transportation, retail and industrial manufacturing. Data can be stored in any format based on the flexibility of user. The following are few features of Mobile computers with Rapid Application Development.

• Ready to use applications: In this system some programs are pre-defined. Users just need to find the appropriate program, quickly start the data collection process and then go for customizing the program. Certain properties are set for accepting maximum and minimum length of barcodes of the products.

• Easy to use: Every one can use mobile computers with RAD for easy programming. For portable data collection terminals, anyone can create sophisticated batch data collection programs without any programming.

• No advanced skills are required: This computer is designed in such a way that no special skills are required for operating it. Sophisticated data validation, including data masks, first character matches are added to system without any professional knowledge and files are looked up automatically.

• Used by both new and advanced users: Both programmers and nonprogrammers can develop data collection programs quickly and easily. Users without programming knowledge can also use it. Advanced users can use special features for better results.

• Saves time and money: Mobile computer with RAD is integrated with back-end data and this system helps in processing the data scripts quickly. Procedures of this system are easy and quick to perform manually. It saves data input time by prompting the user for input, which is required on basis of a particular response. By using these systems, time and cost required for creating the programs can be saved to some extent.

Using mobile computers with RAD is the effective way for the companies to cut down the cost and to become more efficient in programming. These systems help in achieving the optimizing flexibility of work both in office and in the field. A business requirement of a computer to work effectively is fully satisfied by these systems.

L-Tron Corporation is a leading supplier of bar code, data collection products and industrial computers. To improve your shopping experience, we have added significantly more technical barcode products like Point-Of-Sale (POS) and industrial computer systems and components. L-Tron products include bar code reader and portable data collection terminals from a variety of manufacturers.

Buyer's Guide to Voltage Converters

If you travel to other countries frequently, then you realize what a hassle it is to take small appliances or electronics with you due to voltage differences. One country might use a standard of 110 to 120 volts while another might have a voltage range of 210 to 230 volts. In these cases, voltage converters (often called voltage transformers) can help solve the problem and save you money when traveling.

Voltage differences can make it difficult to take along needful items such as hairdryers, irons, electric shavers, alarm clocks, and even entertainment products such as DVD players, VCRs, or TVs. All electrical products require a certain amount of voltage to operate. Most manufacturers develop products based on the standard voltage for the particular country where the items will be sold. Without the proper voltage, these items are useless in other countries.

Even code free DVD players (region free) do not always have the correct voltage for where you are traveling. Though these might be designed for PAL or NTSC formats, this doesn't mean the voltage will match the standard range for the country you plan to visit. To enhance your entertainment even further, you might also want to take along a multisystem TV, which will possibly require a voltage converter.

What is a Voltage Converter?

A voltage converter is a device used to increase or reduce the amount of voltage going from an electrical item to an outlet. It allows for the use of a product from one geographical region to another region when the standard voltage ranges differ. Some voltage converters double the amount of voltage (step up) while others cut it by half (step down). Many converters today can do both.

When buying a voltage converter, find out the standard voltage of the hotel where you plan to lodge. You'll need to know the voltage of your electrical appliance as well as the voltage of the outlets in that particular country. A step up voltage converter will convert the voltage from 110 volts to 230 volts. A step down converter will convert the voltage from 230 volts to 110 volts. Converters are labeled to display their capabilities, such as "110V to 220V Converter."

Voltage converters also vary by the amount of wattage, which can be more or less with different types of appliances. Non-heating items and electric shavers require only a 50-watt voltage converter while items that heat up (such as curling irons, clothes irons, and hair dryers) will likely need at least a 1600-watt converter.

If you plan to take with you a multisystem TV or a multisystem LCD TV, you'll need a voltage converter that is more powerful than the wattage indicated at the rear of your TV set. This is because TVs create a surge when turned on and this could damage the converter. Remember - always turn your converter to the correct voltage before plugging it in!

Check the wattage needed for other larger electronics such as your region free or code free DVD player, VCR, computer, CD player, or even a camcorder. When buying a voltage converter, be sure to get other accessories you'll need with it such as plug end adaptors (for various types of outlets in other countries). You might also want to invest in a universal surge suppressor. Some brand names for voltage converters include Simran, Regvolt, Travelarts, Tripplite, and others.

Electrical problems should be the least of your worries when traveling! A voltage converter can save you time and money when traveling. You can take along all your favorite electrical items and avoid buying new ones when you arrive at your destination. Go online for affordable voltage converters or transformers, multisystem TVs, code free DVD players, and more.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.

Wholesale Computer Parts - Get Your PC Fixed and a Good Bargain

If you are shopping for a new computer system, most branded computers today have really come down in the market yet still seem very expensive. It might seem puzzling or you might be sceptical as to why prices have dropped in certain manufacturing sectors that create PC parts of computers. The prices of a memory card have hit an all time low as improvements in technology has afforded manufacturing volumes of memory cheaper and more affordable to make a PC.

As well, the price of other assorted computer parts like audio cards and motherboards have also declined considerably. If you are a sceptic, rightly so. Bear in mind that a brand computer manufacturers are also in the industry to make profits and grow their business too. So even though we have seen a drop in the price of parts high-quality computers still remain high-priced.

Yet there are many ways, fortunately these days that you can still get a good computer system by tracking down specialized dealers who wholesale computer parts. Building their own computer and out sourcing equipment through wholesale computer parts, you might like a lot of people, think that these are in some way inferior to branded computers.

Personally, I use to believe that cheap parts manufactured used in wholesale computer was to get rid of their inferior overstock to innocent buyer like you and me. But, now my views have changed since my computer crash. When I brought my computer to be fixed to an authorized dealer I was quoted a price that was beyond anyone could reasonably afford; might as well buy a new computer. I had no other alternative other than to go to a local wholesale computer parts dealer out of desperation.

I was totally flabbergasted that this wholesale computer parts dealer had their own service department and I got a quote for repair at a fraction of the cost of the authorized dealers. You can imagine I was naturally curious to find out how could there be such a huge price difference so I sceptically surveyed the wholesale computer parts on their counter display. The dealer came out and showed to me a computer and the replacement parts needed to fix mine. They were exactly the same as my existing computer. He patiently took the time to put in plain words how the wholesale computer parts business works.

Computer parts manufacturers commonly make more parts than necessary by an order for a branded computer so that it guarantees an unexpected burst in demand or if any defective parts can be process quickly and efficiently. This is an in-built quality control measure put in place by the manufacturer. When a bulk order is purchased without recall or customer support problems, the surplus computer parts are then pass on to dealers and resellers for a enormous discounts and then these perfectly good quality computer parts are then sold for a lesser discount to users like you and me. So, check out wholesale computer part dealers and manufacturers to save time and money.

Gracia is an expert on buying wholesale from 100% verified wholesale suppliers. See more on Salehoo wholesale suppliers.

Dealing With Computer Problems

It is never fun to be dealing with computer problems; however several people who own computers find themselves dealing with computer problems. We wrote this article to help people realize that there are things that you can do to deal with any type of computer problem that you may be experiencing.

Do you find yourself staring at a computer screen that keeps freezing up? Are you worried that you will have to spend a lot of money to purchase a brand new computer? Well with today's technology it is possible to fix your own computer problems even if you do not have any type of computer experience.

Most people who get a computer have no idea that it takes a routine maintenance to keep your system running like it was brand new. Well if your system has a hard drive then chances are it needs to be cleaned every once in a while.

If your computer is loading slower than normal or keeps freezing up; then you should begin to delete any type of clutter that is on your system. If you have any files or programs that you have not used in while then you can begin to delete some of them. This will relieve your computer from some of the used space that is being used and you should begin to notice a difference in the way that your system
works.

One of the easiest ways to remove some of the clutter from your system is to run a "free" PC scan on the internet. There are several places that you can begin to access these free sites that will enable you to scan your system and they will relieve your system and help it perform better than it may be performing right now.

If you have never cleaned out your system and since you have had it; then you may want to perform one of these scans right now. This will ensure that your computer is running great; plus the scans will inform you of whether your system has picked up any types of errors or viruses while being online.

If you are dealing with computer problems and want to know what types of computer registry cleaners are available for you to use. Visit our site below; get access to the best registry cleaners and read the reviews of why they are the best.

The Top Five Registry Cleaners That Will Get Your PC Running Like New! Tired Of Dealing With Computer Problems Fix Them Today!