Monday, October 27, 2008

Download Free PSP Themes

You would probably like to download a free PSP theme. Virtually all PSP users do. The PSP has become an incredibly well known, and well loved, machine, and part of that is the flexibility it affords its users. Ipod socks are totally superfluous when you have the freedom to choose the exact way your PSP looks and behaves!
Download A Free PSP Theme Tip 1-Don't use the main Sony site! A lot of people never bother to look beyond the main Sony Playstation website when they are looking for themes for their PSP. It is virtually impossible to find a unique PSP Theme if you are downloading it from the same place as everybody else. Although there is no shortage of themes to choose from on the main site, there are a lot of people choosing them. Look somewhere else!

Download A Free PSP Theme Tip 2- Do an internet search A lot of people will use the main search engines to find out how to download a free PSP theme, but use a bit of clever thinking, and you can get what you want. Instead of doing a direct search engine search for themes, look for PSP communities on the internet? Try to see if you can find some forums or newsgroups. This can be a really useful source of resources, sometimes from members of the forum, and sometimes just from threads. You can find custom-made PSP Themes on these dedicated forums.

Download A Free PSP Theme Tip 3- Don't use a download! You can try using one of the simple art programs on your computer to design your own original Theme. Virtually any of the simple art programs will allow you to produce a simple wallpaper, and this should be compatible with your PSP as long as you create it as a JPEG file. Another possibility is to get someone who is good with art to actually design a theme for you. You can find a PSP forum which has some decent Themes, and ask whoever designed the themes you like the best if they will create one for you. Often they will be happy to do it, although they may charge you a little for doing the job.

You can do a lot more with downloading free PSP Themes than just following everybody else with EA games wallpapers etc from the official Sony site. Be original, and you will enjoy your PSP more!



About the Author
Put Videos On Your PSP

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Why Devices Require Drivers

A computer system is composed of 2 major components. These are its hardware and software components. These 2 components work in tandem to render the machine usable. Despite being under the same platform, communication protocols are necessary to allow smooth communication between each hardware and software component as well as for the user to utilize its functionality. This is the sole purpose of drivers.
Hardware devices (the physical functional components of computer systems) require a set of codes to enable its functions. Installed applications (software) also need to have the necessary hardware device data before it can use its features. These 2 components are practically incompatible with each other.

Drivers are translation programs coded in high-level programming languages. Its main function is to act as a communication medium between a software component and a hardware device connected to the machine. This will make its features usable for the machine and the user.

Device drivers are coded specifically by the manufacturer of the hardware device. Considering that each device is unique according to the features embedded by its developer, specially coded drivers are necessary to ensure that these features are enabled in any platform used with the machine.

In most cases, Microsoft Windows operating systems compile basic device drivers to allow the user to utilize basic input/output devices in order to complete the installation process. This includes the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. However, these default drivers need to be updated with the correct versions before it can be fully used in the machine.

Characteristics of Device Drivers

1. Drivers are OS-specific

A device driver does not have a universal function. It is specially coded for a specific version of an operating system and might not function properly if used with others. A perfect example of this is the Microsoft Windows operating system.

The device drivers for Windows 9x series are not compatible with higher versions like XP and Vista. Using a driver scanner we can create a list of all drivers on own computer. There are also reports of Vista users having software/hardware problems when they convert their platforms to Windows XP. This can also be said with other operating systems like Mac OS X, Linux, FreeBSD, UNIX, and so on.

2. Drivers are device-specific

Device drivers are also coded according to the hardware used. Special high-level codes are necessary for the function of a device in an operating system. For example, printer drivers contain the PRINTLN parameter unused by other devices, digital cameras and scanners.



About the Author
Mark Debattista

Why Devices Require Drivers

A computer system is composed of 2 major components. These are its hardware and software components. These 2 components work in tandem to render the machine usable. Despite being under the same platform, communication protocols are necessary to allow smooth communication between each hardware and software component as well as for the user to utilize its functionality. This is the sole purpose of drivers.
Hardware devices (the physical functional components of computer systems) require a set of codes to enable its functions. Installed applications (software) also need to have the necessary hardware device data before it can use its features. These 2 components are practically incompatible with each other.

Drivers are translation programs coded in high-level programming languages. Its main function is to act as a communication medium between a software component and a hardware device connected to the machine. This will make its features usable for the machine and the user.

Device drivers are coded specifically by the manufacturer of the hardware device. Considering that each device is unique according to the features embedded by its developer, specially coded drivers are necessary to ensure that these features are enabled in any platform used with the machine.

In most cases, Microsoft Windows operating systems compile basic device drivers to allow the user to utilize basic input/output devices in order to complete the installation process. This includes the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. However, these default drivers need to be updated with the correct versions before it can be fully used in the machine.

Characteristics of Device Drivers

1. Drivers are OS-specific

A device driver does not have a universal function. It is specially coded for a specific version of an operating system and might not function properly if used with others. A perfect example of this is the Microsoft Windows operating system.

The device drivers for Windows 9x series are not compatible with higher versions like XP and Vista. Using a driver scanner we can create a list of all drivers on own computer. There are also reports of Vista users having software/hardware problems when they convert their platforms to Windows XP. This can also be said with other operating systems like Mac OS X, Linux, FreeBSD, UNIX, and so on.

2. Drivers are device-specific

Device drivers are also coded according to the hardware used. Special high-level codes are necessary for the function of a device in an operating system. For example, printer drivers contain the PRINTLN parameter unused by other devices, digital cameras and scanners.



About the Author
Mark Debattista

Monday, September 1, 2008

What you need to know in order to have a silent computer

For the performance computer enthusiast, having a powerful machine usually means having equally powerful cooling to offset the amount of heat high-end hardware puts out. This means having a good case with a few fans for airflow, a good CPU heatsink assembly, and sometimes a third-party GPU cooler if you're overclocking. The downside to all this? Noise. For some people noise isn't a factor, mainly because they've lived with it for so long that they're used to it. But there are those who decide to make the transition from a noisy high-performance machine to one that is whisper-silent. This guide will serve to give you insight into the quiet-computing aspect of the PC industry.
In order to understand the noise your case makes, we have to understand the tradeoff between noise and cooling efficiency. Typically, the more efficient your cooling, the louder your system will be. Noise is measured in decibels;

* 10 decibels: Normal breathing
* 20 decibels: A mosquito or rustling leaves
* 30 decibels: A whisper
* 40 decibels: A bubbling brook or refrigerator
* 50 decibels: Normal conversation
* 60 decibels: Laughter
* 70 decibels: A vacuum cleaner or hair dryer
* 80 decibels: City traffic or a garbage disposal
* 90 decibels: A motorcycle or lawnmower


The amount of airflow a fan moves is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute).

Obviously, higher decibel and higher CFM go hand in hand, but is it possible to find fans that have a low decibel rating, but high CFM output? The answer is yes, read on.

The first step in quiet-computing is the fans. They generate the noise, so it makes sense the correct the problem at the source. The most popular name in the PC community when it comes to high CFM output with low decibel ratings is Noctua, closely followed by Scythe. Scythe and Noctua are practically tied in terms of performance, but tests show that Noctua barely edges Scythe out, yet Scythe fans are of better build quality. Given the extremely insignificant difference, I'd recommend Scythe, but if you want that 1% difference, go with Noctua.

The next step in quiet computing is the foundation, and by foundation, I mean the computer case. Some cases are cheaply built, making the panels vibrate against eachother. Buying a solid case with a solid reputation for holding its ground against the vibrating forces inside, and also keeping the sound inside, is key to a silent computer. Antec is a popular name in quiet computing. This is where the path splits for performance users - what type of case will suit your silent needs? Rather than explain it, I'll just show it. On principal, you're either looking for this, this, or this type of case. Basically all out performance with a minor emphasis on silence, or a balance between performance and silence, or just silence but with reasonable airflow performance. Check here for a varied selection, research, find the case for you. Forums also help alot, too. I can't really give a personal recommendation because people have different tastes and needs, but my personal opinion is that the aforementioned cases are the top of each of their respective class. I can also say that Antec is widely known to be the name in computer case quality. All in all, opinions will vary.

Next is the CPU cooler. These can make the most noise in a computer case by far. Buying a CPU cooler that allows you to change the fan out with something quieter goes a long way. The downside with high-performance CPU coolers is the size - the better they are, the bigger they are. The size can sometimes be obscene, rest assured, you can find the size specifications on the manufacturer's website, and also check out YouTube for videos of people demoing their CPU coolers, as well as other hardware. If you want the best, as of this writing, it's the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme, aka: TRUE. It's not a question of being the best in terms of cooling, even though it is, it's also the best in terms of being able to use whatever fan you want, and that's what matters here. If you want something a bit more conventional but still reasonably quiet, ZALMAN 9500A, or the ZALMAN CNPS9700 will suffice. Zalman is a popular name in the industry for balancing performance with silence.

GPU coolers typically aren't needed unless if you're overclocking or are very serious about silence. Zalman is very popular when it comes to quiet and good performing GPU cooling, starting there is your best bet.

The final device for a quiet system is the power supply. They have fans, so that's another problem to solve. The power supply you need depends on how much power your system requires, the amount and the type of cables for your devices, etc... basically beyond the scope of this guide. Research comes into play here.



About the Author
I have a computer repair business in the Antelope Valley - AV PC MediX. I service Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill, Acton, and Leona Valley

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Website File Management Made Easy

A way to streamline website file management has been the elusive goal for many site builders. Keeping track of those extraneous files that accompany websites have been the bane of many webmasters.
When you upload your website, you need to make sure that along with it you upload every image file you want to use, every Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) that determines font styles, every video or audio clip you want to include, and lots of other files as well.

If you don't have a well organized filing system, it is easy to misplace or lose files amonst the clutter. And even with a good system, you may leave old files on your site that are no longer used and are just taking up space.

File Clean Up

The makers of XSitePro 2.0 understand the problems associated with building and maintaining a website, so they have built tools into their software to manage a lot of those problems with a minimal amount of effort.

The program's suite of Website Cleanup tools are able to tell you if there are any files that are no longer needed, redundant, or out-dated. And, because this powerful package can handle the publishing of your website to the server, it ensures that everything is uploaded in an organized fashion.

Mapping Your Site

Along with creating all of the files and content for your website, you also have to remember what everything is for and where it is. When a site comprises just a few pages, that may be simple, but as your site grows in content and size, it becomes more complex.

Enter the automatically created Full Sitemap function. It helps you keep track of each facet of your site, and is an excellent way to help your website's visitors find precisely what they are seeking. And, as an added bonus, sitemaps help ensure that your entire website gets indexed by search engines.

The Time is Now! Or, Whenever You Want it to be

Now this is a program that has been designed to make hard things easy.

When you first build your website using the new version 2, you'll find that it helps you along and makes it easy to produce a great looking website. Once you've completed making it, it will be easy to see why it is imperative to keep everything up to date.

With the Taskbar Scheduler, you can set up everything in advance and simply tell the program when you want to make changes, and XSitepro will take care of the rest for you.

This user friendly website builder is easy to buy, easy to download, and easy to learn. Its developers have made it easy for you to create and publish a website, and smoothed the way for you to maintain it and keep it updated.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The Abridged How to Build a PC Guide

There are so many guides about how to build PC's out there that it can be hard to choose the right one. Finding a concise guide that can explain things so they make sense can be even harder.
I have been working with computers for the past 20 years and have been writing guides for the past eight. I wanted to share what I have learned with others in a very clear, and easy to follow guide that you can read in one sitting.

With that concept in mind let's jump right into what you need to know to build your first PC.

01. First, you need to determine what parts you need. The best way to determine the components is to decide what the main use of your PC will be. (Gaming, Multimedia, Office, Business, etc.)

Once you know what it will be used for read some reviews on the best parts for each type of system. Or you can save yourself time by working with a reliable company to set you up with the hardware you need.

02. The computer parts you'll need to build a PC:

Motherboard CPU Memory Power Supply Hard Drive PC Case CD or DVD Rom/RW Video Card (Optional but recommended) Operating System

(Use the list above as a checklist for buying your components.)

03. Once you have read reviews and purchased your parts, you need to start by prepping your motherboard combo. I recommend doing a POST test to make sure your motherboard, CPU, memory, and power supply are all working before installing them into your case.

To do a POST test do a Google search for "How to POST test a motherboard". A good guide should walk you through how to assemble the hardware for the POST test.

04. Once you have POST tested your combo, you can install the parts into your PC case.

Install your Power Supply into your case first. The screw holes on the back should line up with the four screw holes in your case. One is usually offset to ensure proper alignment. Look for the offset screw hole when installing the power supply.

05. Your case comes with brass mounts that screw into the inside of your case. Look at the motherboard, and count the number of silver holes in the board and make a note of their orientation. The brass screws should mirror this placement inside the case for when you mount the motherboard combo.

*** Make sure you remove the IO back-plate that comes with your case and install the back-plate provided with your motherboard. ***

06. Now that the power supply and motherboard combo are installed, look for 2 sets of wires coming off of your power supply. One is a block of 4 wires and the other is a block of 20/24 wires.

These are the main power leads. There are spots to connect these near your CPU and memory. They are "keyed" connections so they will only fit the proper way. (This keeps people from connecting them incorrectly.) Make sure to push the wires in until you feel a click.

07. Now you need to install your hard drive and CD/DVD ROM drives. Make sure to remove any plastic bezels on the front of the case for your ROM drives. Use the screws that came with your case to mount the CD/DVD ROM and hard drive. Make sure the ends of the drives with the cable connections (the pins) are facing the inside of the case.

08. Once the drives are mounted use the IDE (grey ribbon) or SATA (red usually, maybe orange or black) to connect the drives. (Check your hardware documentation or invoice to determine what types of drives you have if you are unsure.) If you are unsure of what these wires look like, check your motherboard manual for documentation.

Connect one end of the wire to the drives and the other end of the wire to the motherboard. These connections are usually located below the memory slots on the motherboard. (The lower right corner of the motherboard.)

Check your motherboard manual for where to connect them if you are unsure.

09. Now connect power leads from the power supply to the drives. SATA power leads look like an "L" shape. IDE leads are 4 wires/pins on a white connection. Once you locate the leads plug them into the drives. These leads are also keyed so they can only be plugged in the correct way.

10. You are almost done. Now check your motherboard manual for how to wire the front panel wiring from your case. These are the four colored wires coming from the front panel.

The proper orientation is usually the colored wire towards the rear of the case. (Of the colored/white or colored/black wires.) Your manual will provide you with the proper orientation for the wires.

Congratulations you have now built your first PC. Recheck your motherboard manual to make sure you have the USB, Firewire and Audio cables hooked up too. (These are usually located off the front panel also.)

Now you can install your operating system. When you boot the system hit the "delete" key to enter the BIOS. Look for an area that says "boot order", and make sure to set the CD/DVD ROM ahead of the hard drive. This will allow you to boot right into the operating system setup.

Once this is done insert your OS disk into your ROM drive and follow the on screen instructions to finish installing your new computer.

See, it's a lot easier than you thought. Most modern day hardware has become very user friendly and is practically plug and play allowing anyone to build own computer. When in doubt refer to manuals and documentation that come with the hardware.

You are now ready to get started. Don't just sit there. Get your hardware and start building your new PC today!



About the Author
CPU Solutions has a ten year history in the computer industry and is ranked as one of the top 30 largest custom system builders by CRN Magazine 2007. We specialize in building custom computer systems for business, home office, gamers, and the PC enthusiast.

Visit our website at: http://www.cpusolutions.com/

Thursday, July 10, 2008

My Hydross Wipe

The day my warlock wiped the raid on hydross
First off, when you see the title, you think to yourself, "My Hydross wipe?, how could one person wipe a whole raid?" Well, let me tell you a little back story. First off, i was playing on my alliance warlock, with tier 5ish equivalent gear. Well, you can see for yourself.

Here is a link to My Armory.

Anyhoo, i was cookie cutter raiding warlock spec at the time, (which anyone who is remotely familiar with Warlocks know which spec I'm talking about) 0/21/40 Sac / shadow-destruction, so basically my damage is really high, but my aggro sucks balls.

Alrighty now that you know that, ill do a play by play of My Hydross Wipe.

* Tank Pulls

* I wait

* I wait some more, while other people are dpsing already

* I start off with an immolate

* Here comes the first shadow bolt

* CRIT

* 2nd Shadow Bolt

* big crit

* 3rd Shadow Bolt

* BIG CRIT

* 4th Shadow bolt

* BIG CRIT...pulls boss, everyone dies

Here is the video i just so happened to have taken.

Now, watching this video, you may think that i was ashamed, but for some reason i am really proud of myself that i wiped the entire raid with 4 shadow bolts. Well folks,(lol, know ones knows of this blog yet) that was my hydross wipe.

Taken from this blog My World of Warcraft Life: My Hydross Wipe



About the Author
An avid gamer, interested in all things tech