For years professional design and production was done primarily on a Mac. PCs were for office workers, game-players, and non-designers. But with the PC dominating the computing world as well as advances in the Windows operating system, the reasons for using only a Mac for serious design work began slipping away. But myths persist and new designers are faced with making a decision about whether to get a Mac or plunge ahead and prove that whatever the Mac can do, the PC can do as well.
What's all the Fuss About?
The introduction of scads of consumer desktop publishing software programs for the Windows platform meant that eventually more and more of these PC users would be drawn to doing professional desktop publishing and design work. And they wanted to keep their PCs. But Mac has traditionally been the platform of choice for professional design work and these Windows users were and sometimes still are viewed as non-serious amateurs.
As some of these new designers moved into the professional realm, rather than abandoning their platform of choice they attempted to make it work for them in the Mac-dominated arena of desktop publishing. Others made the switch. There are still those who insist that the Macintosh platform is superior for serious design work, but the differences are harder to recognize and emotional factors and old news dominate most arguments pro or con.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Using a Macintosh for Desktop Publishing
For years professional design and production was done almost entirely on a Mac. It's true that PCs now dominate the computing world and many designers choose to use PCs. Even though many of the old standy arguments in favor of the Mac no longer hold true, there are still valid reasons why the Mac may be the better choice for desktop publishing and graphic design work.
What's all the Fuss About?
The introduction of scads of consumer desktop publishing software programs for the Windows platform meant that eventually more and more of these PC users would be drawn to doing professional desktop publishing and design work. And they wanted to keep their PCs. But Mac has traditionally been the platform of choice for professional design work and these Windows users were and sometimes still are viewed as non-serious amateurs causing some designers to question whether remaining with the PC platform is the best choice.
What's all the Fuss About?
The introduction of scads of consumer desktop publishing software programs for the Windows platform meant that eventually more and more of these PC users would be drawn to doing professional desktop publishing and design work. And they wanted to keep their PCs. But Mac has traditionally been the platform of choice for professional design work and these Windows users were and sometimes still are viewed as non-serious amateurs causing some designers to question whether remaining with the PC platform is the best choice.
desktop publishing
Using a personal computer or workstation to produce high-quality printed documents. A desktop publishing system allows you to use different typefaces, specify various margins and justifications, and embed illustrations and graphs directly into the text. The most powerful desktop publishing systems enable you to create illustrations, while less powerful systems let you insert illustrations created by other programs.
As word-processing programs become more and more powerful, the line separating such programs from desktop publishing systems is becoming blurred. In general, though, desktop publishing applications give you more control over typographical characteristics, such as kerning, and provide more support for full-color output.
A particularly important feature of desktop publishing systems is that they enable you to see on the display screen exactly how the document will appear when printed. Systems that support this feature are called WYSIWYGs (what you see is what you get).
Until recently, hardware costs made desktop publishing systems impractical for most uses. But as the prices of personal computers and printers have fallen, desktop publishing systems have become increasingly popular for producing newsletters, brochures, books, and other documents that formerly required a typesetter.
Once you have produced a document with a desktop publishing system, you can output it directly to a printer or you can produce a PostScript file which you can then take to a service bureau. The service bureau has special machines that convert the PostScript file to film, which can then be used to make plates for offset printing. Offset printing produces higher-quality documents, especially if color is used, but is generally more expensive than laser printing.
As word-processing programs become more and more powerful, the line separating such programs from desktop publishing systems is becoming blurred. In general, though, desktop publishing applications give you more control over typographical characteristics, such as kerning, and provide more support for full-color output.
A particularly important feature of desktop publishing systems is that they enable you to see on the display screen exactly how the document will appear when printed. Systems that support this feature are called WYSIWYGs (what you see is what you get).
Until recently, hardware costs made desktop publishing systems impractical for most uses. But as the prices of personal computers and printers have fallen, desktop publishing systems have become increasingly popular for producing newsletters, brochures, books, and other documents that formerly required a typesetter.
Once you have produced a document with a desktop publishing system, you can output it directly to a printer or you can produce a PostScript file which you can then take to a service bureau. The service bureau has special machines that convert the PostScript file to film, which can then be used to make plates for offset printing. Offset printing produces higher-quality documents, especially if color is used, but is generally more expensive than laser printing.
Getting DisConnected
My friend purchased a desktop publishing computer from a major online computer hardware vendor.
She ordered the powerful stand-alone workstation configured just the way she wanted, with a large monitor, big hard disk and high-speed graphics card. At the same time, she purchased a top-of-the-line scanner and laser printer.
When the components arrived, she could not find the cable to connect her computer with the printer. Naturally, she was concerned and called the vendor. The vendor told her she should buy a cable from a local computer shop.
That’s absurd! If she wanted to go shopping for computer parts, she might as well buy the whole system from her local vendor.
People buy online for convenience, not to be sent shopping locally for missing cables.
My friend protested.
The vendor told her to carefully read the packing slip enclosed with her new laser printer, and pointed out that a cable for connecting the printer with a computer was not included on the list.
That’s absurd, too! The vendor may be right about what’s not included with a printer, but they were completely wrong about solving her very real problem.
My friend protested again.
At which point the vendor tried to justify why no cable was provided.
The vendor explained that many customers now buy laser printers for installation in ‘networked environments’ where the required connecting cables are already provided.
That’s absurdity of the highest order!
The vendor knew my friend bought a stand-alone system because the very same vendor sold, assembled and delivered the stand-alone computer to her.
Let me clarify that I admire this computer manufacturer and vendor enough to own their machines – and their stock. However, at this point in the story I became personally involved and wrote directly to the company.
For their persistent justification, bureaucratic inflexibility and blatant unwillingness to see the world from their customer’s point of view, this major online computer vendor became the dubious recipient of an ‘Infinite Absurdity Award’.
Two days later, the vendor shipped my friend the connecting cable she required. They had cables in stock all along.
Key Learning Point
Convenience is a great value to offer your customers, especially in today's busy world. But convenience is measured by your customer's experience, not by your explanations, justifications or packing lists. The smallest missing item can become a big customer problem.
Action Steps
Consider every aspect of your customers' experience from the moment they order, to the time they receive, install, use, maintain, upgrade and replenish your product or service. Create new ways to smooth and streamline the process. Make it so easy for customers to do business with you that they don't even consider going to someone else.
Graphic Design Training Enhancing Your Computer Graphic Design Skills
Graphic designers nowadays require not only creative abilities, but also some understanding of other graphic design-related areas such as computer graphic design.
During the 80's, the advent of desktop publishing and of design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Fireworks, put the power and versatility of the computer at graphic designers' fingertips. Designers for the first time were easily able to manipulate images and create 3D images using the computer. Computers are now considered to be an indispensable tool in the graphic design industry, though some traditional graphic designers may still prefer to use manual and traditional tools for their creative endeavors.
With modern graphic design concepts and methodologies always changing, graphic designers need to continually advance their knowledge of different graphic design techniques, innovations and graphic design software packages. At present, the basic instructions in graphic designing cannot guarantee for a competitive product anymore without the use of high technology, so that the demand for highly skilled graphic designers is higher than ever.
To become a computer graphic designer, the basic requirements include good creative abilities, good computers skills, and good communication skills.
Computer graphic design helps graphic designers complete their tasks faster and easier. They can effortlessly translate ideas into visual imagery, save it onto their computers and edit it whenever alterations are necessary.
There are great many benefits if you undergo computer graphic design training geared towards arming you with a wider range of cutting edge graphic design skills. Having computer design training also means a greater choice of employment. Computer graphic design skills are in great demand in such sectors as:
1. Advertising agencies - You can use your newly acquired graphic design skills to design appealing and eye-catching advertisements for different media.
2. Web design companies - Help design appealing web pages.
3. Design studios - Apply your design skills to photo editing such as editing the contrast and the brightness of colors on the photos.
4. Publishing houses - Perform layout design and editing tasks. Publications usually follow a distribution schedule; so make sure you are able to meet deadlines.
5. Corporate advertising departments - Design professional corporate ads.
6. TV and film companies - out of all the other jobs, this is where a graphic designer is most suited as it requires a comprehensive application of the designer's skill and ability, especially if working on animation films.
Your computer graphic design training will open new doors for you into a world of greater opportunities. Your computer design knowledge, combined with your dedication and commitment, will surely help you reach your goal.
One Space or Two
One of my subscribers writes 'I can't hold my tongue any longer...not that that is fun or anything, I just had to tell you something! Just a tiny 'lil thing. You have 2 spaces after each period. Unless you are typing on an "old fashioned" typewriter, on a computer you use only one space. This is part of my business, graphic design. I hate to criticize but I know you want to be professional and that stands out. It creates a visual break in the copy making it like a stutter in reading. This is a common mistake for those not "in the field".'
I love that my subscribers are reading my copy carefully. My readers need this formatting tip to write their own copy. There's lots of contradictory information on www.google.com if you ask the question of 1 space or 2 spaces at the end of a sentence. Even though it isn't the subject of friendly mail, angry mail, or even 'thought you oughta know' mail, I am always open to tips from the graphic design side to help me improve my site.
Let's talk about the evolution of writing copy. I learned in Journalism School to use 2 spaces at the end of a sentence because we were taught to write using a typewriter. We didn't even think about the why, but adding that extra space at end of each sentence was simply for readability until the personal computer became a household word and changed all that.
It helps to understand the lost language of 'typewriterese', because the letter "W" takes up as much space as a "1" on the original typewriter. Skinny letters take less space while wide letters take up more space so the extra space added after each sentence make it easier to see where one sentence stops and the next begins.
Just like the computer today, the space- efficient Linotype machine was a revolutionary machine used by newspapers and print shops. The operator filled each letter and space with a line o' type cast in lead. Wedges were used for spaces, rectangles for letters. If the operator used 2 spaces or 2 wedges it gummed up the line o' type, so only 1 space was used. Of course, the publishing industry embraced 1 space long before that and continues to follow that rule.
A copyeditor at The University of Chicago (Chicago Manual of Style) thinks, "In our efficient, modern world, there is not room for 2 spaces at the end of a sentence."
Publishers want single spaces after periods. Most desktop publishers believe desktop publishing (electronic type-setting) should follow the commercial publishers rule, "One space at the end of a sentence."
Two spaces can cause problems with line breaks in certain programs. Web pages use only one space between sentences. HTML is set up to only display one space no matter how many are typed. A browser, like Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, will only display one.
Simple Tips To Buy A Laptop
With the extensive variety of laptop, or notebook, models available on the market today, it is extremely difficult for some people to conclude on purchasing the one that is most convenient for their needs. Different computer features offer potential laptop users a vast world of technology based ideas to accomplish a given task. From copying a CD-Rom data to writing your own code, laptops can be used as desktops, adding effectiveness and efficiency to their small easy-to-carry size.
Given that you are not a computer expert, but you do know some of your desktop computer’s main functions and components, the following simple steps can lead you closer to a laptop deal that you will not regret two weeks after the purchase.
Begin by thinking of your ideal laptop computer size. With the world of mobile computing increasing at a great speed, size currently does make a difference. In particular, a notebook’s size affects two main factors of your next laptop decision: its ability to be carried around easily and its display screen size. In fact, if you are constantly on the go and you need portability to be a key characteristic of your laptop experience, then it is advisable to purchase a smaller model. On the hand, in case you are planning to spend hours in front of your laptop’s computer screen, then you are better off with a larger display that will not cause your shoulders any unnecessary strain. With screens exceeding 17 inches, some of the available laptops do not loose anything when compared with desktops. But the down side is that as bigger the laptop gets, its weight also increases.
Next you have to figure out how big you need your hard drive to be as well as how much of system memory, or RAM, you will need. Deciding on your laptop’s hard drive is a process that requires you to think whether or not your notebook purchase will be you main computer system, or if it going to act as a supplement to your existing desktop. In case this will be your principal computer system, it is wise to select a larger hard drive that will accommodate all your software programs and files –purchasing a laptop with 60 GB RAM or more is the perfect solution in this case. If you are now planning to use your portable computer unit as a graphic designer’s tool or digital photographer’s database unit, then you will need as much memory as a laptop can hold. In fact, how much memory your laptop can hold can be part of your decision, since larger than 256 MB of RAM would not serve your publishing or image development needs.
Of course, your laptops network connection abilities should be such so as to allow you to stay connected either to the Internet, to a wireless network, or to a home and office intranet network. Build-in network connections will allow you to be always accessible and will ease your overall laptop experience.
Corporate Promotional Gifts The Fridge Magnet Is Dead Long Live the Computer Desktop
Corporate promotional gifts come in all shapes and sizes. They can range from the very common personalized pens, calendars, mugs, caps and fridge magnets to very sophisticated company branded software programs that are placed on the desktop or taskbar of a computer. Like every aspect of business in the modern age, computers and the Internet are changing the very nature of even these simple promotional tools.
Promotional business gifts or freebies can be a very effective branding and promotional tool for any company. No matter what you're selling, branding your company's logo, motto and sales message can play a significant role in the success of your business. You must promote your company. You must get your company's name or product out there in the marketplace. Therefore, some effort and planning is required if you want your promotional strategy to succeed.
In a very competitive world, companies must work hard at getting their brand name into the spotlight. Promotional tools or corporate business gifts should be used to capture the goodwill of the buying public, whether it be a free sample or some simple company gift. Personalized 'tokens of goodwill' do work; that's why companies use them.
In order for these personalized or branded business gifts to be really effective, they must be useful. Your customers or potential customers must want your free gifts, they must have some use for them. Whether it's a cool looking company cap that keeps the sun out their eyes or a favorite mug that displays your logo as well as serving up a mean cup of coffee; your business gifts must be used by your customers. The more they are used, the more effective your promotions will be.
When choosing your business promotional gift you should keep this fact in mind and pick something that your customers will use every day. That's why simple products like mugs, pens or caps are often chosen by companies.
However, we are moving into a different era, things have changed somewhat. You may have noticed, but we have a little thing called the Internet that's stirring everything up. There has been a gradual shift in how business or commerce is done in the world. More and more business in done through Computers and the Internet. If not directly, then indirectly; most business transactions, buying, selling, promoting, etc. is being filtered through the Internet.
Even if consumers don't buy the products directly online, they use the Internet and Search Engines to research and gather information on the products they're thinking of purchasing. As each new generation of very savvy computer users enter the marketplace, the influence and power of the Internet and Computers will only grow stronger.
Why is this a significant trend or factor? We are talking about fridge magnets here?
It's important because you must also shift your promotional material to capture this ever growing consumer base. You must put your branded company logo, sales message and contact information into this Computer/Internet mix. You must adjust your promotions to take full advantage of the Internet and Computers.
How do you get your company's promotional tool or vehicle onto all your customers' computers. Although this task may seem complicated at first glance, it's really quite simple. You just need a software program or utility that fits onto your client's computer.
There are many examples of this, screen savers and wallpaper come readily to mind. Very simple to design and a very effective way of promoting your product or company. Many software programs also offer free trial downloads that are placed in the taskbar or on the computer desktop. These are in essence, taking the place of the old fridge magnets, although most also have a practical use besides just advertising your company's message.
Another great example of an unique corporate gift is a desktop eCalendar, that virtually (pun intended) takes the place of the old traditional promotional calendar you have on your kitchen wall. These eCalendars are very practical and useful promotional gifts that sit directly on your customer or potential customer's desktop. It's accessed every day and is front and center of all this Computer/Internet business or commerce.
The computer desktop is the perfect spot to have your company's logo, sales message and contact information. Right in the heart of the matter. These eCalendars are prefect examples of how your promotional techniques must change with the times.
What ever method you use, the next time your company plans a promotional business gift, think beyond the refrigerator door. Try some promotional product that will place your company's logo and message directly onto the computer desktops of your clients and future clients. Take full advantage of the Internet. It has to be good for something.
Feng Shui for Writers 6 Tips for More Successful Publishing
Writers are a special group. They work to draw up large, tottering buckets from their creative wells and pour out new characters, ideas, situations, and images to delight, inspire, and transform their readers. But what happens to the well when the environment doesn’t support writers? It dries up. Or, worse still, only provides just enough creativity to make the writer confused and uncertain about where to go next.
When it comes to writing, the writing space is not merely an office, it is a writing environment, and the old saying that you are a product of your environment is especially true. Therefore, if your environment is cramped, dusty, and cluttered, how can you write your best? Can you create brilliant articles when you are uncomfortable and ill at-ease because your back is to the door? Is it enjoyable to work on your book when your desk is poorly arranged and you have to strain to see the computer screen?
Further, will you be inspired to keep writing when your desk is such that you are forced to reach high for a mouse, making for a sore arm sore after only a few minutes at the computer? If this is the case then, what are the products (articles, poetry, or book) of your environment? Inspired or insipid? Brilliant or dull?
If you enjoy writing and want to boost your creativity, then make your writing environment support you. A comfortable, harmonious environment directly impacts your efficiency, productivity — and creativity. So it makes sense to first create a suitable environment before you can truly write your best. Feng shui can help you because it provides the ground rules that create just this kind of environment.
1. Never sit with your back to the door.
This is rule No. 1 in office feng shui. If you can’t see what’s going on, you – and your work – will suffer. Instead, face the door and have a solid wall behind your back so that you feel supported and protected – and so that you are in a position of power.
2. Create a clean environment.
A cluttered, messy, or dusty workspace is a detraction and distraction from your work. Clear your desk, corral loose papers and pens, and organize books and materials. Make your office work so you can find what you need when you need it. This goes a long way toward enhancing your efficiency.
3. Add a small plant, aquarium, or fountain in the southeast corner of your office.
The southeast is the corner of “creation” and writing in feng shui. Adding a plant here will help you grow as a writer by infusing this area with elements that are harmonious with the southeast, such as plants, water fountains, or aquariums. The southeast is also the wealth sector, and by enhancing this area with, say, tabletop fountain, you might just also earn more from your writing.
4. Use a crystal for concentration.
Place a quartz crystal in the northeast corner of your desk to help your concentration and focus. The northeast is the direction of study and wisdom. Feng shui masters often advise students to use quartz crystals to help them concentrate when they are taking an exam.
5. Boost the south wall of your office for fame and recognition.
If you are trying to catch the eye of a publisher or market your articles or book, then boost the south portion of your office. Place articles you’ve sold, prizes or awards you’ve won, diplomas, certificates, or pictures or letters from famous people on the south wall.
Be sure to have a light positioned to shine on this wall and the accolades hanging there. Boosting the south wall this way will help enhance your recognition to other people. Who knows? Maybe that all-elusive agent will finally call you.
6. Keep open space on and around your desk.
Good feng shui is like creativity: It must be flowing. But, creativity and good energy cannot flow if your desktop is overly crowded or you can’t walk around your desk easily. Therefore, it’s important to keep an open space at the front of your desk so good energy can accumulate here, and around your work area so that good energy -- and creativity -- can flow easily around your desk.
Work to make sure you can walk around your desk; (yes, I know computer cords can make it difficult, but cord covers are inexpensive and can be purchased from office supply centers easily). If you must stack up your work, stack it up behind you or to your left rather than in front of you on your desk where it will appear as something insurmountable. Lastly, L-shaped desks are very inauspicious (they look like a cleaver), so avoid these desk configurations.
Now, before you set fingers to the keyboard to edit your latest article, take a look around and see if your office could use some careful editing, too. Use these guidelines here to pull your office together. With your improved environment, you might just find that you are more comfortable, and consequently, more productive and creative.
Get Rich Writing With Your Computer Word Processor
Your computer is a writing machine, a word processor, a desktop publishing system that can make you rich and famous. The big seller on the internet is information products and you can get a flood of cash pouring into your home office from you writing. Your computer can be turned onto autopilot flying high off the ground into cyberspace. The computer desktop publishing system makes it all possible.
1. Start right now and just do it. Start digging to find your gold mine on your home office computer. Even if you do not write like William Shakespeare you have a better writing machine than Shakespeare did with his crow quill pen. The truth is many writers today are now making big money writing with no more experience than you have.
2. These writers write hot selling articles a chapter at a time and turn them into short ebooks of 20, 50 or a 100 pages that sell like crazy on the world wide web. The hot selling products on the internet is information. People around the world want to know "how to do it" and they buy millions of "How To Do It Books."
3. The truth is the computer is a complete publishing system where one person can do what once took an entire publishing plant of expert craftsmen like typesetters, writers, proof readers, printers, engravers, book binders and sales people. Now one person with a computer can do it all.
4, The way to begin is to just do it. I started when Terry Dean from myhome town in Richmond, Indiana said, "Just Do It." Sure I made a lot of dumb mistakes, but I did research and interviews. I started my newslettercalled, "Big Money Publishing" and I asked hundreds of writers questions to find out what they did to become successful. I got back thousands of answers and published over 150 newsletters in a two years period.
5. Many writers like Terry Dean, Shawn Casey, Rosalind Gardner, JeffreyLant and thousands of others became rich and well known writing with their computers. I wrote articles, books, manuals, stories and information products. No I have not made my million yet, but I am on my way and I expect to earn that much from my writing. I read constantly and study how other writers write. The secret is to write, write and write. I do it everyday of my life.
6. Whether you write poetry, stories, autobiographies, how to's, business information or information products there is a huge world wide market on the internet. Millions of dollars are spent for books and almost every one buys books to learn how to live in todays complicated world.
7. Brainstorm book ideas with friends, take college courses, read books,subscribe to newsletters, learn about book writing, publishing from researchon the web.
8. Do you think writing a book is too difficult, too long, too expensive, or too complicated. Some writers write a new ebook every month. Now it is easier than ever with the computer writing machine. Yes you can do it if you try.
9. Will your book sell? Check the nearest book store like Books A Millionto see tons of books being sold.
10. Rethink your assumptions about book writing. If you write about something a little different with your experiences, there is an audience out there that wants to know what you have learned. We need to share what we know with others. The more of yourself that you put in your book the more your will reap. You can reach 15,000 to 500,000 with computers when you send out your messages on email.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Making the Right Decision about Toner Cartridges
The prices of inkjet printers and laserjet printers have never been lower. Similar to video console manufacturers who sell gaming consoles at below cost, knowing that they'll make enormous profits from the sale of video games, manufacturers of inkjets and laserjets sell their products at a low cost, knowing that they will profit tremendously from the sale of inkjet and toner cartridges. Indeed, it's been said that you'd have to spend over $5 billion to fill a swimming pool with ink from manufacturers' cartridges.
The expense of the cartridge is compounded by the growing use of inkjet and laserjet printers. The popularity of digital cameras has grown exponentially in the past five years, and consumers are increasingly opting to print out their digital photos at home. Businesses are utilizing desktop publishing software and high quality printers to produce brochures and marketing materials that they would normally send out to be printed. Likewise, everyone from scout troop leaders to health educators are using available technology to tailor educational content that can be printed on the fly using inkjet and laserjet printers.
This means that the market for inkjet and toner cartridges is booming. It also means that, in order to make an informed decision, the consumer needs to understand the emerging issues in the cartridge wars. To wit:
Black and white vs. color: When you go to buy a printer, you may be stunned at the number of brand options, which include InfoPrint, DocuPrint, WorkCentre, OfficeJet, Optra, and more. If you're primarily going to print documents, a printer with only a black cartridge will suffice. If, on the other hand, you're planning to regularly print photographs or brochures, a color printer might be a better option. If you decide upon a color printer, you'll further be able to choose from among printers that have a four-color cartridge, a six-color cartridge, or even more colors.
Manufacturer's brand vs. generic: Some manufacturers insist that only their proprietary cartridges are optimized for your printer. On the other hand, there are many who view that stance as simply a way for manufacturers to rake in the dollars, and who say that refilled or generic cartridges perform the same function for less money.
The coverage question: Many consumers experience sticker shock when they buy replacement cartridges for their inkjet or laserjet printers. Depending upon what you print, you may be in for a greater shock when your cartridge runs out of ink in a very short time. Typically, when a cartridge package indicates that the cartridge will print a certain number of pages, the assumption is that only five percent of the page will have ink on it - typical for a word processing document. If you're printing pictures, though, you're getting ink coverage of 100 percent, so your ink cartridge will run dry much more quickly.
Paper vs. ink: When it comes to ink cartridge quality, your photo or document will only look as good as the paper it's printed on. This especially applies to photos, where poor paper can cause an image to look muddy.
The expense of the cartridge is compounded by the growing use of inkjet and laserjet printers. The popularity of digital cameras has grown exponentially in the past five years, and consumers are increasingly opting to print out their digital photos at home. Businesses are utilizing desktop publishing software and high quality printers to produce brochures and marketing materials that they would normally send out to be printed. Likewise, everyone from scout troop leaders to health educators are using available technology to tailor educational content that can be printed on the fly using inkjet and laserjet printers.
This means that the market for inkjet and toner cartridges is booming. It also means that, in order to make an informed decision, the consumer needs to understand the emerging issues in the cartridge wars. To wit:
Black and white vs. color: When you go to buy a printer, you may be stunned at the number of brand options, which include InfoPrint, DocuPrint, WorkCentre, OfficeJet, Optra, and more. If you're primarily going to print documents, a printer with only a black cartridge will suffice. If, on the other hand, you're planning to regularly print photographs or brochures, a color printer might be a better option. If you decide upon a color printer, you'll further be able to choose from among printers that have a four-color cartridge, a six-color cartridge, or even more colors.
Manufacturer's brand vs. generic: Some manufacturers insist that only their proprietary cartridges are optimized for your printer. On the other hand, there are many who view that stance as simply a way for manufacturers to rake in the dollars, and who say that refilled or generic cartridges perform the same function for less money.
The coverage question: Many consumers experience sticker shock when they buy replacement cartridges for their inkjet or laserjet printers. Depending upon what you print, you may be in for a greater shock when your cartridge runs out of ink in a very short time. Typically, when a cartridge package indicates that the cartridge will print a certain number of pages, the assumption is that only five percent of the page will have ink on it - typical for a word processing document. If you're printing pictures, though, you're getting ink coverage of 100 percent, so your ink cartridge will run dry much more quickly.
Paper vs. ink: When it comes to ink cartridge quality, your photo or document will only look as good as the paper it's printed on. This especially applies to photos, where poor paper can cause an image to look muddy.
New Laptop Technology You Need To Know
Laptop or notebook computer technology is advancing at a blistering speed. Ferrari fast. So fast that by the time you purchase your new laptop, it's probably already obsolete or out of date. A sobering thought considering the hefty prices you have to pay for a high-end laptop.
But laptop technology is changing so fast new innovations are coming on stream as you read this article. There is a whole new generation of notebook technology every two years or less. Therefore, unless you buy or upgrade your laptop each year you're falling behind what these sleek little powerhouses can now deliver.
And unless you're already in Geek Heaven, keeping track of all these new technologies and innovations can be quite a chore. Figuring out the right Graphics chipset that works best with the right CPU and the best Data buses is a major feat. And now that everything is being Doubled -- dual core, dual graphics -- it's entering the realm where Einstein would be amused, even on a bad hair day!
What's the ordinary laptop buyer to do?
What you really have to keep in mind are the outcomes of all this new technology. Basically, these new technologies have made laptops smaller, faster and more powerful. With every new improvement the laptop is closing the gap between its main rival -- the desktop computer.
Notebook computers are now out-selling desktops for the first time in history. Laptops are replacing the old desktop computer, whose days may just be numbered. It won't be long before laptops are also out-performing them as well.
Some major computer makers are taking note of this trend towards more powerful, smaller computers. Even the desktop computer is morphing! Just look at the sleek design of the new Apple iMac G5, gone is the bulky tower, in its place is a well designed desktop computer that's almost a laptop!
For the ordinary computer user keeping abreast of all these new technologies and inventions can be a major chore if you're considering buying a laptop in the next little while. As you approach the smiling salesperson in your favorite tech store, here's a few bits of new notebook technology you might want to have in your possession so you won't look like a complete neophyte. Hey, where technology is concerned, we have all been there, done that.
In order for you to tech-proof your next laptop purchase, here's a quick run down of some recent Notebook Developments:
Sonoma Chipset
The new Sonoma Platform, Intel's next-generation Centrino Chipset is already on the market. Members of the Sonoma club are growing daily - Sony, IBM/Lenovo, BenQ, Dell, Samsung, Acer, and Toshiba... another 80 or 90 'Sonoma-endowed' products will be released very shortly.
No doubt, it will become the Platform standard for many high-end notebooks. Actually, it won't make or mean that much difference to the ordinary Joe/Jane who just want a notebook or laptop for web surfing, word processing and e-mail. Notebooks with the Sonoma Platform will be just a little bit faster and have a little better battery life.
But for Mobile Professionals and Notebook Fanatics (they do exist)... there's a lot of good things delivered or capable of being delivered with this new Centrino Chipset. First, wireless connections will be easier with the integrated tri-mode 802.11a/b/g, already dubbed by some as the 'wireless trinity'! This will make it easier to stay connected no matter where you are.
Improved performance will be experienced because the new Pentium M's have a 533MHz frontside bus, supported with up to 2GB of DDR2 DRAM, Serial ATA Hard Drive, and PCI Express, plus improved integrated graphics, including Intel's Hi-Def Audio. All are possible with the Sonoma Platform.
PCI Express
PCI(Peripheral Component Interconnect) Express is a new standard for expansion cards that comes in different versions. Presently, we have the x16 and x1 lanes, which will be followed by x4 and x8 versions. It offers increased bandwidth for example, x1 lane offers 500MB/sec instead of just 133MB/sec for PCI.
All computers, including laptops have different buses, (collection of wires) that transmit data from one component to another.
Of course, in an ideal world, all the data in your computer should move thru just one BUS - however, most experts agree it's not likely to happen unless we start over and build a computer system from scratch. For now we have to rely on different internal buses to move the data around, the PCI Express is a great improvement and will make your laptop faster.
Graphics Card
These are always improving. A Graphics Card handles the graphics or visuals on your notebook. If 3D graphics and games is a pastime, you will want to buy the highest quality system. Some of the higher end products are: ATi Mobility Radeon 9800, X800, and FireGL V3200 or Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator 900.
If you can, go with a NVIDIA GeForce Go 6800 graphics card or for the real game diehards - wait for the debut of NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 that features NVIDIA's TurboCache technology.
Gamers will be aware of NVIDIA SLI technology, ATI's CrossFire and Hyperthreading. All new stuff that's bringing the gaming experience up to a higher level of perfection that would even be worthy of a Spielberg or a Lucas Production. Not really, but it's getting there.
64 Bit Laptops
Most systems today run on the 32 Bit System. Keep in mind, the major difference between a 32-bit and a 64-bit system is the amount of memory that they support. Around 4 GB for 32-bit and 8 GB and up for the 64-bit. Right now -- Intel, Apple, and AMD all offer 64-bit systems.
Do you need all this memory? No, for the average laptop user it amounts to overkill. However, if you're interested in gaming, desktop publishing, or the graphic arts you will benefit from 64-bit technology.
Dual Core Notebooks
Two is better than one!
Dual core laptops are now on the market. The gaming industry is the starting point for many of these advanced systems. For example, the British Laptop maker Rockdirect now produces Xtreme 64, a gaming laptop with AMD’s new dual core Athlon 64 X2 processor. This same laptop also sports the ATI Mobility Radeon X800 XT graphics card that features 16 pixel pipelines, an industry first for notebooks.
The major producers of dual-core chips are Intel and AMD. The Intel dual-core processor has hyperthreading (HT), the two cores are divided into four virtual CPU units. Is all this needed? Again, if you're into heavy graphics or gaming, it's something you should consider and explore further.
Built-in Cellular Modem
Most high-end laptops now come with an integrated tri-mode 802.11a/b/g for wireless WI-FI connections.
Some recent models, like the Sony's New Ultra-Portable VAIO VGN-T350P, are raising the bar; it has the world's first 'Built-in Cellular Modem'. You can use your cell phone to connect to the Internet. This may be a great advantage since finding a 'Hot Spot' in some parts of the world can still be difficult.
The Avant-Garde: LumiLED Display
Be on the look-out for LED monitors in the near future. The brightness, colors and backlighting technology in LED monitors will be quite different from LCD displays.
The Forerunner in this field is NEC's SpectraView LumiLED, and will offer a much better image and color. Keep your eyes peeled.
On the Horizon:
19 or 20 Inch Laptop Screens
There is a rumor, only a rumor, that Dell is coming out with a 19-inch laptop in early 2006. There is also buzz that LG-Philips has a 20-inch LCD panel which could easily be used by laptop makers if they want to explore this market area. Andre the giant will be pleased!
New Desktop Computers
New desktop computers come in innovative designs and space saving models. It makes use of the latest technologies, which include high speed microprocessors and memory devices. It can support dual monitors without using any hardware. The systems that support dual monitors have two Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connectors or two Video Graphics Array (VGA) connectors at the back. Some other systems have both the connectors. New systems are easier to manage than the traditional personal computers. It has an average capacity of about 20GB.
New desktop computers are obtained with Windows installed, in most cases. This is because of the fact that the operating system Windows is considered a standard for desktop computers. Even though the computers are obtained with windows installed, certain simple tasks are performed at the beginning to start the machine. Initially, all the required hardware is connected. Then, the Windows set up is allowed to run. A number of questions appear on screen and the installer has to answer the questions accordingly.
New desktop computers come with software programs such as word processing, databases, and spreadsheets. Educational applications such as encyclopedias are included in new computers. Almost all new computers have CD-ROM drives and zip disk drives. This benefits users to run CDs. However, these computers do not have drives for inserting a floppy.
New desktop computers of recent years have additional features such as on board network card and high speed modems. It has video capture software along with browser facility. With these features, it is easy to access World Wide Web with new computers. The cost associated with accessing is relatively low in new systems.
New desktop computers with basic operations such as typing letters, Internet facility, and desktop publishing are available at cheaper rates, at about 450 dollars. These computers with upgrade capabilities are easily bought for 1000 dollars. Printer and other peripheral charges are not included along with this cost. New computers are also available from discount stores such as Wal-Mart, at around 800 dollars.
Letterhead Design and Desktop Publishing
If you are starting up a business, or trying to upgrade your look and feel, one of the things you have probably considered, or should have considered, is business stationary. There comes a point where sending out letters, bills, and advertisements on blank paper out of your fancy printer just doesn't cut the cake.
One easy solution is to go to a professional. There, for just an arm and a leg, you can, if you're lucky, get something really fine. If you're lucky, and get a pro who also knows how to listen, you'll actually get something that fits you, and not just their idea of what looks hot or in fashion. But in the computer-heavy world, there is another option.
Desktop publishing is a fancy phrase meaning, You Have The Power. No matter what computer you work with, you can find an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use program that will enable you to design your own headings, stationary, invitations, and general design.
When you start out, you'll find yourself pushing every button, adding every frill, and generally making some of the ugliest things you can imagine. Calm down. It goes away. Once you have learned what you CAN do, you can start working towards what you can do. Remember that once you've bought the software, it's free, not $500-a-shot, so you can really, and usually quickly, make something that suits your needs and maintains the character of your business.
A couple of tips will, if not make you a professional, at least put you out of the rank amateur category, and feel competent at what you're doing.
You're trying to create a feel. Take an idea, and repeat it. The consistency of any one idea will bring everything together. Figure out what is the main idea, and make sure that this remains the focus. Either it should be bigger, or central, or in some way clearly the dominant idea on the page. Other wording should NOT be similar. Your design takes shape by having contrast. Think of how many ways you can contrast the different items on the page. Use size, color, and style of font to focus where you want the focus, and keep the minor information as background.
It doesn't really matter whether you are trying for a classic look or a creative feel. These principles cross all boundaries. Balance them on one hand, with the image you're trying to convey on the other, and you can design yourself right onto the map.
Remove Rogue Desktop Icons Created By Spyware
If you have used a Windows machine for a while, whether it's Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, you're sure to have noticed desktop icons appearing from out of nowhere. How can icons mysteriously emerge on your Windows desktop?
1. When you buy a computer, many vendors place icons to selected products and services on your desktop, such as links to high-speed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or add-on services vendors think you may need.
2. As you install software on your Windows machine, icons may appear, either to start the application or link to the manufacturer's website. Installing just one program could add three or more icons to your desktop!
3. It's easy to accidentally drag a Favorite, bookmark, text file, or other icon to your desktop, creating an icon.
Normally, it's easy to delete Windows desktop icons. Just place your mouse pointer on the offending icon, then right-click it and choose "Delete", clicking "Yes" to confirm if prompted.
However, what if the rogue icons are for adult websites, unfamiliar search engines, or other websites you don't recall visiting? You may try removing these icons but get an error, or after removal they still reappear again and again and again!
If so, then more than likely spyware, adware, or other malware has infected your machine. It may have been through file trading software, an inadvertent "yes" click when a popup window asked you to install software, 'freeware' that included adware, or other means. To remove the rogue icons, you need to remove the malware creating these icons.
Removing spyware and adware can be a time-consuming process, fraught with potential disaster as it is possible to accidentally remove files that render your operating system unusable. However, the following software products can help with this process as long as you read the instructions carefully, make backups, and get expert advice if you're not completely sure about removing what they ask you to do.
So, how can you prevent these icons from appearing in the first place? Practice safe computing.
* Backup your machine. If it does get infected to the point of being unusable, at least you won't lose all your important files.
* Install security-related operating system updates so spyware and adware cannot enter your system through well-known exploits.
* Download or buy a virus scanner, and keep it updated! Virus scanners cannot detect all spyware, but it doesn't hurt to have one. Check online or visit your local computer software store.
* Purchase a hardware or software firewall, and keep it updated! Firewalls help protect your computer from common exploits that spyware or adware can use to infect your machine.
* Consider using a different web browser. Though it is not perfect, Mozilla Firefox at http://www.mozilla.org is currently less susceptible to spyware than Internet Explorer, mainly because it lacks certain technology (such as ActiveX) that is often exploited by malware writers. Note that depending on your web use, certain websites may not work correctly with other web browsers.
By practicing safe computing and using spyware-removal softwareBusiness Management Articles, you can help remove rogue desktop icons from your desktop and keep others from appearing.
1. When you buy a computer, many vendors place icons to selected products and services on your desktop, such as links to high-speed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or add-on services vendors think you may need.
2. As you install software on your Windows machine, icons may appear, either to start the application or link to the manufacturer's website. Installing just one program could add three or more icons to your desktop!
3. It's easy to accidentally drag a Favorite, bookmark, text file, or other icon to your desktop, creating an icon.
Normally, it's easy to delete Windows desktop icons. Just place your mouse pointer on the offending icon, then right-click it and choose "Delete", clicking "Yes" to confirm if prompted.
However, what if the rogue icons are for adult websites, unfamiliar search engines, or other websites you don't recall visiting? You may try removing these icons but get an error, or after removal they still reappear again and again and again!
If so, then more than likely spyware, adware, or other malware has infected your machine. It may have been through file trading software, an inadvertent "yes" click when a popup window asked you to install software, 'freeware' that included adware, or other means. To remove the rogue icons, you need to remove the malware creating these icons.
Removing spyware and adware can be a time-consuming process, fraught with potential disaster as it is possible to accidentally remove files that render your operating system unusable. However, the following software products can help with this process as long as you read the instructions carefully, make backups, and get expert advice if you're not completely sure about removing what they ask you to do.
So, how can you prevent these icons from appearing in the first place? Practice safe computing.
* Backup your machine. If it does get infected to the point of being unusable, at least you won't lose all your important files.
* Install security-related operating system updates so spyware and adware cannot enter your system through well-known exploits.
* Download or buy a virus scanner, and keep it updated! Virus scanners cannot detect all spyware, but it doesn't hurt to have one. Check online or visit your local computer software store.
* Purchase a hardware or software firewall, and keep it updated! Firewalls help protect your computer from common exploits that spyware or adware can use to infect your machine.
* Consider using a different web browser. Though it is not perfect, Mozilla Firefox at http://www.mozilla.org is currently less susceptible to spyware than Internet Explorer, mainly because it lacks certain technology (such as ActiveX) that is often exploited by malware writers. Note that depending on your web use, certain websites may not work correctly with other web browsers.
By practicing safe computing and using spyware-removal softwareBusiness Management Articles, you can help remove rogue desktop icons from your desktop and keep others from appearing.
Which is which Cheap Laptop or Cheap Desktop
Should you buy a cheap laptop or a cheap desktop?
You may find yourself asking that question many times while shopping for a computer. This guide offers you the pros and cons of owning a laptop versus a desktop pc.
1. Processing speed Comparing processing speeds, laptops usually lag behind their desktop counterparts. With the rapid advance in microchip technology, the gap between them will become smaller.
2. Wireless.
Most laptops especially those with Intel mobile chips come with wireless capability out of the box. This means you can get online from any location at home easily without ugly wires if you have a wireless network setup at home. Desktop pcs do not typically provide this capability out of the box although that may change in the near future.
3. Memory.
Memory chip tends to be more expensive in Laptop than desktop pcs. If you buy a laptop with less than 512MB ram, be prepare to pay more for memory upgrades than you have to with a desktop pc.
4. Graphics DisplayBecause of the size of a laptop, most business or entry level laptop use integrated graphics with limited ram. This means most laptops even some expensive ones cannot run graphics intensive applications or 3d games as well as a desktop pc. With a desktop pc, you can buy a dedicated graphics card just to serve a graphics intensive application.
5. Portability.
Portability is why everyone wants a laptop these days. Because of their size and weight, it is easier to carry a laptop around as opposed to a desktop pc.
6. Screen Display.
Everyone buy laptop for their portability so laptops usually do not come with screens as big as their desktop counterparts. The screen technology used is usually not as good as those used by desktop pc. Furthermore with a desktop pc, you can always upgrade to a bigger and better screen whereas for laptop you are stuck with the same screen display for the whole lifespan of the laptop.
So whether you should buy a cheap laptop or a cheap desktop, ask yourself what are your needs? If you want to be able to use a computer wherever you go, then you are looking at a laptop to fulfill your needs. However if you do not require the portability of a laptop, play a lot of 3D games, graphic intensive applications, if you care about upgradeability to prolong the lifespan of your investmentFind Article, then desktop pc is a smarter choice for you.
You may find yourself asking that question many times while shopping for a computer. This guide offers you the pros and cons of owning a laptop versus a desktop pc.
1. Processing speed Comparing processing speeds, laptops usually lag behind their desktop counterparts. With the rapid advance in microchip technology, the gap between them will become smaller.
2. Wireless.
Most laptops especially those with Intel mobile chips come with wireless capability out of the box. This means you can get online from any location at home easily without ugly wires if you have a wireless network setup at home. Desktop pcs do not typically provide this capability out of the box although that may change in the near future.
3. Memory.
Memory chip tends to be more expensive in Laptop than desktop pcs. If you buy a laptop with less than 512MB ram, be prepare to pay more for memory upgrades than you have to with a desktop pc.
4. Graphics DisplayBecause of the size of a laptop, most business or entry level laptop use integrated graphics with limited ram. This means most laptops even some expensive ones cannot run graphics intensive applications or 3d games as well as a desktop pc. With a desktop pc, you can buy a dedicated graphics card just to serve a graphics intensive application.
5. Portability.
Portability is why everyone wants a laptop these days. Because of their size and weight, it is easier to carry a laptop around as opposed to a desktop pc.
6. Screen Display.
Everyone buy laptop for their portability so laptops usually do not come with screens as big as their desktop counterparts. The screen technology used is usually not as good as those used by desktop pc. Furthermore with a desktop pc, you can always upgrade to a bigger and better screen whereas for laptop you are stuck with the same screen display for the whole lifespan of the laptop.
So whether you should buy a cheap laptop or a cheap desktop, ask yourself what are your needs? If you want to be able to use a computer wherever you go, then you are looking at a laptop to fulfill your needs. However if you do not require the portability of a laptop, play a lot of 3D games, graphic intensive applications, if you care about upgradeability to prolong the lifespan of your investmentFind Article, then desktop pc is a smarter choice for you.
It's Easy To Learn About Computers
No problem if you are deliberately avoiding computers. There is no problem of course if you have thought that the computer mouse will bite you. But do you still want to stay unacquainted with computers? Don’t you want to learn about computers?
In fact, I can assure you that if you once try to learn about computers you will find yourself very interested. You will find out that computers are not so bad and they are easy to use. You gain so many conveniences using your computer. With just one click of the mouse, you will be able to accomplish many of your daily tasks. For example, you can book tickets for a concert, you can do the shopping online, you can check anything of interest, apply for loans and credit cards, play games, chat with your friends and colleagues, and of course, send e-mails. What’s more, you will even be able to learn about computers online. There is so much information available on the Internet about how to learn about computers. It will be easy to find it, just open a browser, and enter your keywords “learn about computers” in a search engine. I can tell you about many ways to learn about computers. People who want to learn about computers are able to attend computer courses at local colleges and libraries. There you can find the answer you have searched for. You will learn much about the basic and more advanced applications.
Another way to learn about computers is to buy a book or take it for free at the local library. Relaxing in your sofa, you can learn about computers with a “Dummy” book. There are books with basic information to books that give information for advanced programs and applications.
If you want to learn about computers, there is also another option. Online tutorials and informational websites give plenty of information and advices for people who want to learn about computers. For beginners, I will recommend a web site that gives good basic information about computers and the internet - www.externalharddrive.com. Here you will also find a section with most frequently asked questions. Such sites are available also for children like www.kids-online.net, and www.homeworkspot.com. These sites will combine work and fun so your kids will easily learn about computers. Adults can learn about computers for the same time as children. It is true that kids pick it up quickly. This can happen to adults as well if they are not so “scared” of the computer. Soon you will be amazed with all the conveniences and facilitations that computers and Internet provide to you. Fifteen years ago, Internet was just a dream, now you can have it in your home. Computers can be found in every home just like televisions. NowadaysComputer Technology Articles, computers are smaller and cheaper than ever. Everyone on this planet uses computer for some reason. We all use computers as we constantly use our cell phones for example. Are you still hesitating? Learn about computers now!
In fact, I can assure you that if you once try to learn about computers you will find yourself very interested. You will find out that computers are not so bad and they are easy to use. You gain so many conveniences using your computer. With just one click of the mouse, you will be able to accomplish many of your daily tasks. For example, you can book tickets for a concert, you can do the shopping online, you can check anything of interest, apply for loans and credit cards, play games, chat with your friends and colleagues, and of course, send e-mails. What’s more, you will even be able to learn about computers online. There is so much information available on the Internet about how to learn about computers. It will be easy to find it, just open a browser, and enter your keywords “learn about computers” in a search engine. I can tell you about many ways to learn about computers. People who want to learn about computers are able to attend computer courses at local colleges and libraries. There you can find the answer you have searched for. You will learn much about the basic and more advanced applications.
Another way to learn about computers is to buy a book or take it for free at the local library. Relaxing in your sofa, you can learn about computers with a “Dummy” book. There are books with basic information to books that give information for advanced programs and applications.
If you want to learn about computers, there is also another option. Online tutorials and informational websites give plenty of information and advices for people who want to learn about computers. For beginners, I will recommend a web site that gives good basic information about computers and the internet - www.externalharddrive.com. Here you will also find a section with most frequently asked questions. Such sites are available also for children like www.kids-online.net, and www.homeworkspot.com. These sites will combine work and fun so your kids will easily learn about computers. Adults can learn about computers for the same time as children. It is true that kids pick it up quickly. This can happen to adults as well if they are not so “scared” of the computer. Soon you will be amazed with all the conveniences and facilitations that computers and Internet provide to you. Fifteen years ago, Internet was just a dream, now you can have it in your home. Computers can be found in every home just like televisions. NowadaysComputer Technology Articles, computers are smaller and cheaper than ever. Everyone on this planet uses computer for some reason. We all use computers as we constantly use our cell phones for example. Are you still hesitating? Learn about computers now!
Newsbytes From The World Wide Web
Google's free desktop search utility made it out of the"beta" stage and users can now download a finished 1.0version from http://desktop.google.com for free.
With improvements over the "beta" version released in 2004,the finished version not only allows you to search your owncomputer for Microsoft Office documents, emails, andinstant messaging history, but now supports music, video,images, PDF files, and the Firefox and Netscape Webbrowsers.
In their never-ending quest to make their name synonymouswith "search," Google's Desktop Search utility makes a boldstep towards dominating the desktop search market.
Available for Windows XP and Windows 2000, Google's desktopsearch remains miles ahead of MSN and Yahoo!, who releasedtheir own beta version desktop search utilities severalmonths after Google.
Google also chose to create an environment friendly tothird-party software developers by encouraging them todevelop "plug ins" that expand the capabilities of theirDesktop Search application.
By allowing others to add their "two-cents" to the program,Google will further cement their position as the leader inthis emerging field of "desktop" search.
MP3 Player Wars Boiling Over
In response to Apple's iPod Shuffle, a low priced flashmemory MP3 audio player, Sony announced plans to offer acomparably low priced MP3 player in the $100 to $150 range.
This in response to complaints from consumers that Sony'spast MP3 player offerings rated too expensive next to thefeature-rich iPpod.
Consumers can expect several developments in response toSony's entry into the "Under $150" MP3 player market.
First, increased use of the portable players will causerelated businesses selling the actual MP3's and accessoriesto experience continued growth, both online and offline.
Second, a new trend known as "pod casting" is getting setto explode.
"Pod casting" involves content providers (radio dj's,entrepreneurs, columnists, musicians) creating MP3 audiocontent and then making it super simple for listeners toautomatically download these "broadcasts" online and listento them at their convenience.
The fact that consumers can now get their hands on theequipment to download and listen to these broadcasts socheaply means a whole world of amateur dj's and talk showhosts is about to hit the cyber-airwaves.
Though you've heard rumblings about it, and people aregrasping around in the dark trying to get a grip on howto implement it, now you can actually plan to see and hearabout the widespread use of "pod casting" in the very nearfuture since a potential audience of listeners with theright equipment is now set to grow.
Associated Press Offers RSS Feeds
The Associated Press now offers RSS feeds of their top newsstories. RSS (Real Simple Syndication) makes it possiblefor content providers to offer instant updates to theirreaders without sending email.
Anyone with an RSS reader such as FeedDemon(www.feeddemon.com) can receive and read RSS feeds.
Traditionally, the Associated Press marketed their servicesexclusively to newspapers and online sources such as Yahoo!News.
Now, by offering their RSS feeds directly to consumers atwww.ap.org, the Associated Press is obviously seeking tobypass online news sources and go directly to the consumer.
The fact that the world's oldest and largest news sourcehas chosen to start offering content this way demonstratesquite clearly that RSS is fast coming of age as anacceptable mass-communication medium and that widespreadconsumer adoption is imminent.
SoonFind Article, there'll be an RSS reader on every computer desktopand the use of RSS will become as widespread as email.
With improvements over the "beta" version released in 2004,the finished version not only allows you to search your owncomputer for Microsoft Office documents, emails, andinstant messaging history, but now supports music, video,images, PDF files, and the Firefox and Netscape Webbrowsers.
In their never-ending quest to make their name synonymouswith "search," Google's Desktop Search utility makes a boldstep towards dominating the desktop search market.
Available for Windows XP and Windows 2000, Google's desktopsearch remains miles ahead of MSN and Yahoo!, who releasedtheir own beta version desktop search utilities severalmonths after Google.
Google also chose to create an environment friendly tothird-party software developers by encouraging them todevelop "plug ins" that expand the capabilities of theirDesktop Search application.
By allowing others to add their "two-cents" to the program,Google will further cement their position as the leader inthis emerging field of "desktop" search.
MP3 Player Wars Boiling Over
In response to Apple's iPod Shuffle, a low priced flashmemory MP3 audio player, Sony announced plans to offer acomparably low priced MP3 player in the $100 to $150 range.
This in response to complaints from consumers that Sony'spast MP3 player offerings rated too expensive next to thefeature-rich iPpod.
Consumers can expect several developments in response toSony's entry into the "Under $150" MP3 player market.
First, increased use of the portable players will causerelated businesses selling the actual MP3's and accessoriesto experience continued growth, both online and offline.
Second, a new trend known as "pod casting" is getting setto explode.
"Pod casting" involves content providers (radio dj's,entrepreneurs, columnists, musicians) creating MP3 audiocontent and then making it super simple for listeners toautomatically download these "broadcasts" online and listento them at their convenience.
The fact that consumers can now get their hands on theequipment to download and listen to these broadcasts socheaply means a whole world of amateur dj's and talk showhosts is about to hit the cyber-airwaves.
Though you've heard rumblings about it, and people aregrasping around in the dark trying to get a grip on howto implement it, now you can actually plan to see and hearabout the widespread use of "pod casting" in the very nearfuture since a potential audience of listeners with theright equipment is now set to grow.
Associated Press Offers RSS Feeds
The Associated Press now offers RSS feeds of their top newsstories. RSS (Real Simple Syndication) makes it possiblefor content providers to offer instant updates to theirreaders without sending email.
Anyone with an RSS reader such as FeedDemon(www.feeddemon.com) can receive and read RSS feeds.
Traditionally, the Associated Press marketed their servicesexclusively to newspapers and online sources such as Yahoo!News.
Now, by offering their RSS feeds directly to consumers atwww.ap.org, the Associated Press is obviously seeking tobypass online news sources and go directly to the consumer.
The fact that the world's oldest and largest news sourcehas chosen to start offering content this way demonstratesquite clearly that RSS is fast coming of age as anacceptable mass-communication medium and that widespreadconsumer adoption is imminent.
SoonFind Article, there'll be an RSS reader on every computer desktopand the use of RSS will become as widespread as email.
Desktop Publishing 101
Do you often pay a service bureau to print your document? If you want to save money and time, read this page.
The last part of a typical desktop project is the printing process. If you’re practical enough, you’ll know that this end part is the very first thing that you’ll have to consider.
Before you start creating your document file, think and determine first how a commercial printer will reproduce it. Remember that presses use different requirements and techniques.
Determine first what color to use, it may require either process or spot colors. For documents with screens and photographs that include tints or grayscales, you must set the screen frequency and angle. Find out what type of material to use for your output. Ask whether your document has to be printed on paper or on film. Paper is not ideal for document with over 100 line screens. If you must use a film, determine whether to use negative or positive, right-reading emulsion side up or down. Ask for professional advise if you do not know how to scan a photos properly.
Then, learn more about the service bureau that will output you file. Identify what platform and software does the company uses. Ask if it supports the software you are using. Make sure that both you and your service bureau are using the same program to eliminate incompatibilities. Ask what imagesetter suits your document and what driver or Postscript printer description (PPD) file is appropriate.
Companies use either PostScript fonts or TrueType fonts. For faster and less complicated processing, use fonts that are installed on both systems. For special marks and characters, know what works for you and the company.
If your document includes program files, you can install the imagesetter driver on your system and set it correctly. In this way, your service bureau will not have to open the program files. Thus, resulting to a faster output and incompatibility in software and fonts will be reduced.
Link complicated graphics files rather than embed them. Discuss on what resolution your scanned photos and images must have. Check the standard and maximum sheet the image setter can output.
Now, you can create the template. A template refers to a document file that contains the basic layout and paragraph styles. In making the template, consider the information that you’ve gathered regarding the printed output and your service bureau.
When the template is complete, test it. When you’re satisfied with the output, save it and name it so you can easily identify it. If possible review your document before handling it over to the service bureau.
The last part of a typical desktop project is the printing process. If you’re practical enough, you’ll know that this end part is the very first thing that you’ll have to consider.
Before you start creating your document file, think and determine first how a commercial printer will reproduce it. Remember that presses use different requirements and techniques.
Determine first what color to use, it may require either process or spot colors. For documents with screens and photographs that include tints or grayscales, you must set the screen frequency and angle. Find out what type of material to use for your output. Ask whether your document has to be printed on paper or on film. Paper is not ideal for document with over 100 line screens. If you must use a film, determine whether to use negative or positive, right-reading emulsion side up or down. Ask for professional advise if you do not know how to scan a photos properly.
Then, learn more about the service bureau that will output you file. Identify what platform and software does the company uses. Ask if it supports the software you are using. Make sure that both you and your service bureau are using the same program to eliminate incompatibilities. Ask what imagesetter suits your document and what driver or Postscript printer description (PPD) file is appropriate.
Companies use either PostScript fonts or TrueType fonts. For faster and less complicated processing, use fonts that are installed on both systems. For special marks and characters, know what works for you and the company.
If your document includes program files, you can install the imagesetter driver on your system and set it correctly. In this way, your service bureau will not have to open the program files. Thus, resulting to a faster output and incompatibility in software and fonts will be reduced.
Link complicated graphics files rather than embed them. Discuss on what resolution your scanned photos and images must have. Check the standard and maximum sheet the image setter can output.
Now, you can create the template. A template refers to a document file that contains the basic layout and paragraph styles. In making the template, consider the information that you’ve gathered regarding the printed output and your service bureau.
When the template is complete, test it. When you’re satisfied with the output, save it and name it so you can easily identify it. If possible review your document before handling it over to the service bureau.
Starting your desktop publishing project at the end
The only place where you can find the beginning to start at the end is during a typical desktop publishing project. As one designer would relate, for all practical purposes, the process of culling information starts at the end in the printing process.
These are technical aspects of design for desktop publishing. Let's remember and review them:
Step 1 > Gather information from the printer.
This part of the process is even before you start composing your document file. You have to understand and consider how your commercial printer will reproduce your file.
There are different strokes for different folks. Different presses have different production requirements, and each company has its own way of doing things. It doesn't matter if your printer is a service bureau or not. The issues that you have to consider are the reproducing color, screen frequency and angle, type of output, and scanning photographs.
It is best to ask your commercial printer on these so that you could already tailor your document file according to the specifications of the printer and avoid costly errors later on.
Step 2 > Get information from your service bureau.
You need to combine the requirements of both your printer and your service bureau. After knowing what your printer needs, nest step is to gather information from the firm that will output your file on a high-resolution imagesetter.
Information you need to find out are: platform and software support, equipment profile, font availability, compatible characters, program files versus printer files, linking versus embedding graphics, scanning photographs, resolution, color trapping, maximum dimensions, and assigning responsibility.
In addition, find out from your service bureau what documents do you need to hand over. Most often, a service bureau would need it's output form and a final, color separated laser printout at 100%. If there would be reduction in your printouts, just make sure to take not of it.
Step 3 > Set up a template.
It's now time to set up your template. As a refresher, a template is the document file that has the basic layout, paragraph styles, and as many as the information we have listed above that your program will allow you to include in your file. So that you won't have to start from scratch when you come up with a similar document, you can save the document as a template before adding the text and graphics.
To further save time and money, you can ask your service bureau to run a test file by having them develop test pages before you prepare the final document file.
Step 4 > Prepare the document file.
When the template is complete and tested, rename and make a copy to use as the document file.
Step 5 > Check your output.
Finally, before handing over the final output to the printer, review everything to make sure that the document matches your selections. Things to check for are output quality, density, scratches, and the registration of color separations.
These are technical aspects of design for desktop publishing. Let's remember and review them:
Step 1 > Gather information from the printer.
This part of the process is even before you start composing your document file. You have to understand and consider how your commercial printer will reproduce your file.
There are different strokes for different folks. Different presses have different production requirements, and each company has its own way of doing things. It doesn't matter if your printer is a service bureau or not. The issues that you have to consider are the reproducing color, screen frequency and angle, type of output, and scanning photographs.
It is best to ask your commercial printer on these so that you could already tailor your document file according to the specifications of the printer and avoid costly errors later on.
Step 2 > Get information from your service bureau.
You need to combine the requirements of both your printer and your service bureau. After knowing what your printer needs, nest step is to gather information from the firm that will output your file on a high-resolution imagesetter.
Information you need to find out are: platform and software support, equipment profile, font availability, compatible characters, program files versus printer files, linking versus embedding graphics, scanning photographs, resolution, color trapping, maximum dimensions, and assigning responsibility.
In addition, find out from your service bureau what documents do you need to hand over. Most often, a service bureau would need it's output form and a final, color separated laser printout at 100%. If there would be reduction in your printouts, just make sure to take not of it.
Step 3 > Set up a template.
It's now time to set up your template. As a refresher, a template is the document file that has the basic layout, paragraph styles, and as many as the information we have listed above that your program will allow you to include in your file. So that you won't have to start from scratch when you come up with a similar document, you can save the document as a template before adding the text and graphics.
To further save time and money, you can ask your service bureau to run a test file by having them develop test pages before you prepare the final document file.
Step 4 > Prepare the document file.
When the template is complete and tested, rename and make a copy to use as the document file.
Step 5 > Check your output.
Finally, before handing over the final output to the printer, review everything to make sure that the document matches your selections. Things to check for are output quality, density, scratches, and the registration of color separations.
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