How to Install Linux Mint in to a Virtual Environment

By Eric Even
So, you've heard about this Linux thing and want to know what it's all about. While a die hard Windows user myself, there's some really good reasons to understand and use Linux.
I won't call Linux virus proof, because there's no such thing (with the exception of a mechanical cash register, that just barely qualifies as a computer), but you are far less likely to encounter Linux viruses than those for Windows or Mac OS.
Linux has the very distinct advantage of being largely free and open source, so updates are frequent and cost nothing. There's a world of excellent software available for the platform and tools to run Windows applications with some love and some work.
I'll be demonstrating the installation process for Linux Mint through a virtual machine using the very excellent and free VMWare Player.
1) Download and install VMWare Player.
First, you'll want to visit VMWare.com and visit the Products section, under Free Products for VMWare player.
Download VMWare Player for Windows and run the installer when it finishes downloading. The program is straight forward on its install and the defaults should all be perfectly OK.
2) Download Linux Mint
Linux Mint can be found at linuxmint.com. Visit the Download page to find the different versions.
For our purposes, we'll be working with the Cinnamon 32-bit version of Mint.
Choose a mirror appropriate for your region of the world.
The file will download as a.iso file. This is a disk image file, sort of like a direct copy of a DVD. The file extension is named for the ISO, the International Organization of Standards. Save this file to an easy to remember location on your computer.
3) Configure Your Linux Mint Virtual Machine.
Open your newly installed VMWare Player and choose Create a New Virtual Machine.
Choose your ISO from which to install Linux Mint. If you get a warning about VMWare not being able to detect which operating system you are installing, you can simply ignore it. We'll be specifying the OS. Click Next.
Select Linux as the Guest Operating System, and leave (or select if needed) Ubuntu as the Version. Click Next.
Give your virtual machine a name. Choose a location to save your virtual machine. Click Next.
Configure your storage settings. Since this is a test machine, and we don't need to use a lot of space, 8 GB should be sufficient to play around and install some applications. I prefer to store the virtual disk as a single larger file, since I generally won't be moving it. Click Next.
Verify your settings and click Finish. Your basic settings are now complete.
4) Install Linux Mint
*ADVANCE WARNING: If at any time while installing Linux Mint, you can't find your mouse cursor or it gets "stuck" press the Control and Alt buttons together. This is a function of the VMWare Player.*
Select Play Virtual Machine using either of the green Play Buttons.
If you get a popup to install VMWare Tools, choose Remind Me Later.
Let the auto load cycle complete. After some message appear, Linux Mint will boot directly to the desktop. Mint is designed to run as a Live Operating System, which means it can run directly from the disk or disk image (.iso).
From here you can explore and use Linux Mint, but it won't be particularly fast compared to a full installation. Double click the Install Linux Mint icon on the virtual desktop.
The installer window will launch and as your to specify your language. I'll be running under the assumption of English. Click Continue.
Assuming your PC is online, and you set up your virtual hard disk to be 8.0 GB, you should have two check boxes on the next screen. Click Continue.
Select the Erase Disk and install Linux Mint option, and leave all other options unchecked. You are working inside of a virtual hard disk, and it's completely isolated from the rest of your computer, so you won't erase anything on your PC. Click Install Now.
The operating system will generally auto-detect your region. If not, type in your city to have it set your time zone. Click Continue.
Define your keyboard layout. Click continue.
Set up your name, your computer (VM's) name, your username, and your password. I've set my machine to log in automatically and set a password of "password1" since this machine is only for playing around and not for any of my personal information or online transactions. I've also set it to log me in automatically so I don't have to type in my password every time. Click continue after you have set up your user identification.
You'll notice arrow buttons on the side of the Mint installer screen as it wraps up the install. You can click through these to take a mini-tour of the Mint operating system. Let the installer complete its tasks. Grab a soda or something if you finish with the tour. You can click out of the virtual machine to play some solitaire on your host PC while you wait.
When Mint is done installing, it will prompt you to continue testing (work with the live desktop) or restart and launch in to the normal install of Mint. Click Restart Now.
Mint will ask you to remote the installation media, close the tray, then press the enter key. Since we aren't working off a DVD, we'll need to dismount the image. Press Ctrl and Alt together on your keyboard to unlock your mouse.
Click the Player button in the upper left of the VMWare Player window, select Removable Devices, select CD/DVD, and click on Settings.
Un-check the Connect as power on button for the CD/DVD drive. Click the OK button. Click back on to the black Mint Logo screen and press the enter key on your keyboard. Mint will now reboot.
Mint will reboot and automatically log you in to your desktop, where you'll be greeted by the Welcome to Linux Mint window. You can choose to have this show up at start up or not. Click the Close button on the window.
5) Using Linux Mint
For Windows users Mint is a very intuitive operating system. The Menu button in the bottom left functions like the Start button in Windows. Opening it will reveal a large menu of applications, sorted by type. Click through and see what you can find. Most of them are very self-explanatory.
Unlike Windows Linux is built on a package manager system instead of an executable system for installing new programs. Let's install Skype on Mint.
From the Menu, choose the Software Manager. When prompted, type in your password. The software manager application will launch.
Search for Skype using the search box in the upper right. Type in Skype and press the enter key.
Mint will find the package to install Skype. Double click on it to bring up the information window.
Click the install button. Skype will install itself and the screen will say "installed" once complete. Close the Software Manager.
Going to the Menu and selecting the Internet category will show Skype installed on the machine.
From here, explore Linux Mint, and get a feel for it. There's many usability resources on the Web, and this should get you started pretty well.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Even
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Install-Linux-Mint-in-to-a-Virtual-Environment&id=7859620

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How to Reset the Administrator Password on a Mac

by Emily Chang

If you've misplaced or simply forgotten the administrator password on your Mac, you won't be able to perform necessary software updates, change certain settings or install new software. You may even be unable to log in to your computer. However, there are ways you can bypass or reset the administrator password on your Mac and take back control.

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How to rip DVD to Final Cut Pro with DVD Ripper

by Ander Winger

Information about DVD to Final Cut Pro .

Final Cut Pro is a professional non-linear editing software application developed by Macromedia Inc. and then Apple Inc. Final Cut Pro 7 runs on Mac personal computers powered by Mac OS X version 10.5.6 or later and using Intel processors. It is a module of the Final Cut Studio product. The software allows users to log and capture video onto a hard drive (internal or external), where it can be edited, processed, and output to a wide variety of formats.However, I found many people want to know how to import AVCHD to QuickTime Mac as below.

Question: How to import DVD into Final Cut Pro?

Hello, I am currently editing a short film and for it, I need to use bits of films that I have on DVD. I am using Final Cut Pro and having trouble importing the films into it. I have tried converting DVD to mp4 but that didn't work. I have downloaded a software called Streamclip that many recommend but apparently it needs Apple's mpeg-2 component which I need to pay for. Is there another way of importing a DVD to FCP, or converting DVD to .mov, so it would work in Final Cut?I've been trying to use my PC at home to convert the movies but if that isn't possible I also have access to iMac. Any help much appreciated!

For resolving these problems, I search a tool--- DVD to FCP Converter can convert DVD to video and Audio formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, 3GP, MPEG, H.264/AVC, MP3, WAV, AAC, AC3, AMR. Those formats are supported by lots of portable devices such as Pod, iPhone, Apple TV, PSP, BlackBerry, GPhone, Zune, etc. I hope it is helpful for us.

More Information:

How to get SWF to FCP, the best way is to import SWF to FCP by converting FCP supported MP4, MOV, etc.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article444372.html

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5 Ways to Prolong Your Gaming Laptop’s Lifespan

by Abie Anarna

You’ve had your gaming laptop for quite a while now, and you’re already starting to feel its age. On the one hand, maybe it’s its way of telling you that you are sorely in need of the next high-end laptop to last you another two, maybe three years before the next one. On the other hand, you may not have enough cash on you (a rather common affliction, or so I’m told), leading you to maybe consider getting laptop replacement parts and perhaps upgrade its video card or RAM stick. And then you’re reminded that laptop parts are rather hard (and a bit expensive) to come by, being that laptop manufacturers purposefully specialize each part to make sure that you get replacements from them and only them.

Lucky for you, I have a, um, third hand to offer. Best of all, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg (yeah, I’ll stop with the manual fixation now). The third option is improving your laptop’s performance through software upgrades and setting adjustments. Here are five things you can do to prolong your laptop’s life at virtually no cost.

1. Always Install the Latest Drivers

When it comes to video games, video cards are often the deciding factor of how good your games will look. As such, top graphics processing unit (GPU) manufacturers NVIDIA and ATI are constantly one-upping each other, not just in the specs of actual video cards released, but also in the driver updates given to said video cards.

The video capabilities sold with your laptop (whether on-board or not) are set to factory standards. It would do you well, then, to constantly check the website of the manufacturer of your laptop’s GPU to keep your machine updated. Doing so could increase your gadget’s performance by as much as 20%.

It should also be noted that driver updates aren’t just applicable to graphics cards. These also go for sound cards, and occasionally, motherboards (although this usually only happens when a motherboard compatibility issue needs to be resolved).

2. Overclock the GPU’s Settings

Desktop users are no strangers to overclocking. Laptop users, however, aren’t, since only a select few laptop CPUs allow their settings to be overclocked. There are some laptop GPUs that allow this, though; and if your laptop has this, you might as well make use of it.

When you overclock your GPU, you only have to worry about two settings: The core clock and the memory clock. Try to experiment at which levels both settings work best while still staying stable. The thing to remember is not to jump to higher levels from the get-go. 5% increments are a safe bet.

3. Check Your Laptop’s Power Settings

A computer’s power settings determine how much power is allotted to certain parts, like processors and GPUs. Whereas PCs allow you to just max the settings, laptop power settings vary constantly depending on the available power source.

If you’ve got a power socket and your laptop’s battery charger handy, you have the option of maximizing your laptop’s power settings to achieve higher performance levels in games.

4. Adjust Graphical Settings In-Game

This one depends on how well you can tolerate doing away with certain graphical features in games. In my case, since laptop screens are often smaller than desktop monitors, I find that I don’t really need to have a game’s resolution set to maximum since the difference in pixel count wouldn’t be easily discernible anyway. In another case, if you’re the type of gamer who doesn’t take much premium in accurate metallic reflections, you can opt to set this setting at lower levels.

Again, mileage varies from gamer to gamer; and experimentation is a must.

5. Shut Down Unused Background Applications

As a last resort, you may also turn off any programs running in the background which you don’t really need. For example, since I play most of my games offline, I can opt to turn off torrent programs, auto-updaters, and antivirus scanners; and that’s just for starters.

Running programs are usually indicated in the notification tray. Shut down running programs from there as needed.

And there you go: Five ways of extending your gaming laptop’s usability without having to spend a single penny. Who says you need to purchase laptop replacement parts to play better games on your laptop?

More Information:

Abie Anarnais a writer and blogger who specialize writing about technology. She has a big concern for technology and reducing e-waste that become her theme in writing. She writes for LaptopAid.com to help her Audience in reducing e-waste and finding the right laptop spare parts.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article444047.html

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Tablet buying guide

by Donald G Strong

Though the concept is decades old, it’s arguable tablet computers hadn’t reached mainstream appeal until Apple released the first iPad in 2010. Since then, numerous competitors have entered the market with their own take on the concept, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. This guide will help you wade through the market and help you make an informed purchase.

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Guide to Buying a Laptop

Guide to Buying a Laptop
by Donald G Strong

Portable digital devices cover a broader span of options than ever before. Purchases can be difficult if the shopper does not follow a series of steps that narrow the choices on the market. Technical specifications are less important than the useful characteristics of the laptop or tablet. Informed shoppers will avoid the hype that emerges following new product releases, colorful advertising campaigns and the use of a device that belongs to someone else.

Spontaneous decisions will cause the shopper to spend too much money on a device that might be unusable in most settings. Follow these thoughtful steps prior to swiping the credit card to make a purchase.

Decision #1: How will the device be used?

Laptops, tablets, netbooks, ultrabooks, chromebooks and mac books have unique features that make each model useful in different situations.

• School work – Laptops, or ultrabooks, that are used in the classroom, dorm room or library should have a full-sized keyboard, high resolution display and not weigh very much. Mobility is the primary function for the student.

• Single work location – A professional who works in one office might prefer to have a laptop with a docking station. The tablet is difficult to maneuver because the keyboard is on the touch screen.

• Various work locations – Salespeople can use a tablet for sales calls with customers where videos play an important role in a sales presentation. Portability in a tablet with sufficient speed and memory is a primary factor in choosing the touch screen for ease-of-use.

• Music and graphics – Laptops, mac books and ultrabooks have the memory and speed to support the immense file size associated with videos, music and graphic design software packages. High-powered processing chips work fast enough to prevent hesitations while the user works.

• Video games – Any writer, or player, of high-intensity video games knows that processing power and RAM is required to play games. The weight of a gaming laptop is comprised by the 17-inch screen, quad-core processor and substantial hard drive. These laptops are for serious users who overwork any other type.

Decision #2: What is the appropriate size?

Not that long ago, the difference between the smallest screen and the largest screen was measured at approximately 5 inches. With the introduction of the tablet, the user has a choice of screen size that ranges from 7 inches to 17 inches. The user must realize that a 7-inch screen has uses that cannot be fulfilled with a large laptop.

Use of each device is an important part of the selection process. A visit to the nearest dealer is helpful because the salespeople can ask questions and allow the shopper to touch each different device prior to purchase. An online purchase can be supported with in-person research conducted in retail stores.

Asking a friend to spend some time with his portable device is helpful for the person who is uncertain which device would be best. Friends and family love to show off the personal collection of electronic gadgets. Each one has a plethora of unique strengths.

Decision #3: Which features are most important?

Prior to purchase, the shopper must determine which attributes will be the most important, decision-breaking choices. A product return of the wrong portable device is not a simple process. The informed shopper will spend sufficient time investigating the availability of each feature in combination with the overall design.

• Display type – A screen that is not readable outdoors in the sunshine will be an impediment for some users. The right type of screen will be readable in high-glare situations and automatically adjust to low-light locations.

• Storage space – Tablets that do not allow the user to add additional memory can have a short life when movies, music and pictures fill the only memory device inside the tablet. Insufficient disk space is the primary cause for devices that run slow.

• Convertible – A convertible offers the option to swing the keyboard around behind the screen for work in a standing position. The touch screen is used while the keyboard is out of the way.

• Touch screen – Tablets have touch screens as the only user interface, aside from a microphone for speech recognition. Laptops can come with or without a touch screen. The user will want to determine if the touch screen is required for the work to be performed.

• Operating System – Apple Mac or Windows is an important consideration for many computer users. A wide variety of options in countless portable devices is available for Mac and Windows users.

Decision #4: Is the device necessary or nice to have?

The purchase of a portable device can be fun and exciting, at first. In the Internet age, people who work with computers every day find it difficult to be without online access. Other people do not have sufficient reasons to purchase the most advanced portable device. The shopper must be honest about the uses for the device prior to making the final purchase. Users who buy the latest gadget find that sales to other people will recover part of the original price if the device is not used often. Other users will give the device away to a family member with a greater need.

Decision #5: How much is too much?

Price is an important consideration when purchasing a portable device. The shopper must understand the difference between price and value. Memory is the least expensive working feature of a portable device. The manufacturers will offer 8 gigabytes of memory in a laptop knowing that most users need less than 4 gigabytes. A higher price is charged for the device, and the manufacturer makes a healthy profit.

Buyers must realize that usable features are important, but buying extreme features can cause buyer’s remorse. Discussions with friends and family will reveal the mistakes each person made in the purchase of the latest techno-gadget.

Final Evaluation

Time to make an informed decision is the most important defense against regret following the purchase of a new portable device. The shopper is wise to narrow the choices before embarking on the mission to buy. Each person will have unique ideas for the ways a laptop, tablet or netbook could be used for work or personal use. The final decision should support the user’s needs for the next two years.

Click here to compare laptops!

More Information:

Savvyistic.com - Compare Prices and Save on Tons of Products from Tech to Clothing!

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article447953.html

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4 'How To' Tips for Samsung Galaxy S4

4 'How To' Tips for Samsung Galaxy S4
By Alicia Portman

The Samsung Galaxy S4 took the world of technology by storm and it awed every technology enthusiast. Users were impressed because it is powered with 1.9-GHz quad-core processor besides other exciting features. You have all the freedom to use both the cameras simultaneously, run two apps at the same time and also enjoy the Air play feature.

However, if you are well versed with the 4 easy 'to do tips' for creating short cuts and other functions then your experience will surely be a lot better.

Disable S Voice feature

The S voice is a rival to Siri by Apple. It can perform various functions with the voice command. You can easily use it for performing the search function, fetching weather report, navigation to a specified location, updating social status and much more.

This feature of S Voice is always turned on then you might find that your phone soon starts slowing down. It is better to turn off this feature.

• Launch the S Voice by pressing Home Button twice or tap the icon of S Voice if the home screen is functional
• Tap the Settings button located on the left side of the Home key
• Uncheck the option of Open via the Home key.

Animations

The feature of transition animations give you the freedom of moving amongst apps and moving from the home screen to an app. You can even exit an app and return to home screen with this feature. However, these animations are eye catching but it takes a toll on the performance of your phone, making it a bit sluggish.

By applying the following steps you will be able to deal with it:

• Go to-> Settings->More tab located on the right hand side of your screen.
• Scroll down to search the Build Number Field and tap it multiple times.

Remember to keep on pressing this field till you get the permission of a developer.

• Press the Back button and Go to-> Developer Options.
• Scroll to search for Window Animation Scale and select the option to turn it off.
• Go to Transition Animation Scale-> Animator Duration Scale located under Developer Options to turn it off.

Tips for camera apps

The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a good camera quality with faster shutterbug. It is advisable to create settings for lock screen shortcut to your Camera app to enable faster access by a swipe. Apply the following steps:

• Go to-> Settings men-> My Device tab, OR Select the option of Lock Screen that appears at the beginning of the list.
• Lock screen menu-> Tap Shortcuts option.
• Switch on the Set Shortcuts option that is turned off by default.

You can speed up your Samsung Galaxy S4 in shot-to-shot times. You are allowed to enable the feature of Best Photo that gives you the option of capturing eight shots at one go. This helps you select the best captured pictures from those 8 shots.

This is how it is possible:

• Go to the Camera app-> Mode button, scroll down to locate Best Photo and select it.
• Press the icon of shutter to be able to capture eight images consecutively.
• After you are done firing 8 shots, pick and choose the best amongst the available options.
• Long press on the picture to select it, now tap to save it.

Disabling Light Effect feature

Light effect feature is offered in the lock screen of the Samsung Galaxy S4. When you touch the screen your finger leaves a tiny trail of light behind. On unlocking your device, this light spreads to the full screen effect. However, if animation is enabled then it takes a bit longer to turn on the screen. But if the animation feature is turned off, the unlock screen takes no time to enable the Home Screen.

You can apply the following steps:

• Settings-> Go to Menu-> choose My Device tab.
• Alternatively you can 'Select' the Lock Screen option-> Unlock Effect-> None.

The 4 tips given above are easy to apply as well help in saving battery power of your Samsung Galaxy S4.

Alicia Portman is a technology writer in Qresolve, who loves discussing various new emerging technological trend in computer and mobile technology. She is an avid tech-geek and a gadget freak who also writes how to's on virus removal, tablet support articles and computer support self-help blogs. Her inputs on antivirus support and online tech support are helpful and easy to apply.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alicia_Portman
http://EzineArticles.com/?4-How-To-Tips-for-Samsung-Galaxy-S4&id=7729672

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How to Build a Computer

How to Build a Computer
By David I Marquez
Gaming is a very popular hobby and pastime for many. Some choose to build their own custom gaming computers because of the system requirements needed or desired for optimal results when gaming. If you are looking into creating your own variety of custom gaming computers because you want an improved user experience, but aren't sure where to start there are a few things to know before the building process begins.
Beginners Knowledge
Custom gaming computers are not the easiest thing to build but they are also not the most complex. Before building one, you will need to know some basics to get started:

• Understanding the hardware - Probably the most important part to building custom gaming computers is knowing the hardware specs and requirements. Most of the hardware that you will need will by necessity have high powered components.


• Purchasing Parts - In the building process, it is best to research and choose the parts you'll want in your computer before you purchase them. This will ensure you have the parts you need and desire.


• Help from others - Don't be afraid to ask for help during the building process. Some try to build their first computer themselves with lack of knowledge and become frustrated with the end results.

The Build
The first step is choosing the case for your custom gaming computers. Most often a tower case is suitable and capable to house the CPU, RAM, video card, and drives you will need. There are numerous resources to help you correctly install these components. Next comes the monitor. Most will require an HD monitor. The input devices such as your keyboard, mouse, or other input options can be added to your build.
Final Steps
The final step of completing the build of your desktop is choosing and installing your operating system so you can enjoy all of the benefits you've worked so hard to create. Windows offers a variety of operating systems that are excellent for gaming. The operating system you choose for your custom gaming computers will depend upon the requirements you have for your PC.
If All Else Fails
If you want the benefits of a custom gaming computer but don't have the time or desire to build it by yourself you can find options online and at various local stores. Companies who are dedicated to providing gamers with tailored options will know how to create the perfect combination of technology for you.
For more information on how you can get your own customized computer please visit: http://e3io.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_I_Marquez
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Build-a-Computer&id=7730943

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How to Get the Best IT Support

How to Get the Best IT Support
By Kate Cash
Being in control is the most important factor when it comes to a happy client relationship. Demand on IT Administrators and departments change as technology evolves, but being in control is an achievable constant that your IT support company can provide.
Here are the main ways you can stay in control of your IT:
Managed Service
There are many reasons why small to medium sized companies and organisations are making the transition from standard ad-hoc support contracts to managed services, with the primary reason being they understand the importance of keeping their systems and staff productive.
In many organisations one person has become the default 'IT Manager', taking on a number tasks as well as their contracted tasks. In the current challenging times it is important for businesses to focus on customer related, revenue generating tasks.
Managed Service gives the client piece of mind that their networks are proactively monitored on a 24x7x365 basis, with a single point of contact for all network issues as and when they occur. All of these issues are dealt with under defined service levels, with known fixed costs.
Controlled Costs
Depending on your preference, you can regulate your IT Support costs by choosing carefully between a pay as you go contract with capped hours and a Managed Services IT Support contract. Managed Service have defined services levels and costs that can be broken down into manageable monthly payments. Costs are calculated on your business size and technology usage therefore the service levels are neatly tailored to your requirements.
Controlled Response
Times Providing a reliable and professional service is at the core of a quality IT service. That's why investment in refining service quality with a strong emphasis on providing an urgent and accurate response is the most effective way to manage a long term client relationship. Service Level Agreements should promise and deliver simple and effective access to IT engineers or case logging portals, transparent escalation processes and rapid response times, with 100% SLA continually met.
You're Covered
As demand for the way we communicate and access data changes, so does the technology. Notably in back-up and security solutions that are essential in keeping your business performing to the highest standards. A range of email and internet security solutions and disaster recovery options to suit budgets, protection levels and recovery urgency is critical to affording client peace of mind.
IT Experts
Different companies have different needs which is why investment in partnerships and achieving accreditations of the major world-leading solution vendors is at the core of being able to deliver the right solution tailored to fit client requirements.
IT Support is for Everyone IT can be overwhelming, and choosing the right Business IT Support supplier can be a daunting task. The smaller the organisation, the more choice there is, and longer you can spend finding the right solution. The side-effect of poor IT support can be very costly and reputations of underperforming suppliers will travel.
As a leading provider of IT Support in Milton Keynes, Mirus IT Solutions value and protect the trust businesses of all size and industries place on us to deliver first class services and solutions and we are delighted that 96% of our clients would recommend Mirus IT Solutions to another.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Cash
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Get-the-Best-IT-Support&id=7733950

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How to Accelerate Cloud Applications

How to Accelerate Cloud Applications
By Maxwell Pierce
As long as you have an Internet connection, cloud applications and cloud-based services are supposed to be just a few clicks away - and they usually are. However, the public Internet isn't necessarily the fastest delivery option out there. Not only can service be spotty, sluggish and inconsistent Internet performance means sluggish and inconsistent application performance. Fortunately, it is possible to accelerate cloud applications by using a third party acceleration service provider.
The Problem with Basic Cloud Application Delivery
In general, cloud services are typically set up using a client-server model with data flowing back and forth between the client and cloud-based server over the public Internet. Like all network traffic, this data is broken up into packets and transmitted over various nodes before being reassembled into usable form. While the Internet certainly works, it's not optimized for maximum performance.
How Cloud Acceleration Works
What if you could create your own private pipeline directly from the cloud application server to the client? If you could do so, you could avoid many of the issues associated with using the public Internet as a delivery path. For example, you could control the amount of network traffic using your network infrastructure and tweak various protocols to handle the demands of specific types of content including dynamic, constantly changing data typical of cloud applications. However, building your own private acceleration network would be cost prohibitive.
Cloud Acceleration Services
Third party acceleration service providers solve this problem by creating their own privately controlled networks that are optimized for speed, performance, and reliability. They use a variety of techniques such as traffic shaping, data compression, data de-duplication, data caching, data tunneling, network monitoring and troubleshooting, and network latency to optimize their wide area network (WAN). From there, they offer cloud acceleration as a service. These accelerated networks are privately controlled, optimized, and maintained by the service provider. The service provider then allows its clients to access the optimized WAN for a fee.
The provider has much greater control over the traffic that travels through its network infrastructure and can immediately intervene should a bottleneck occur. The service provider is also responsible for all network performance metrics including network load management, quality of service, and TCP/IP optimization. The entire delivery network can be fine-tuned and tweaked to improve performance, reduce latency, and enable the most efficient routing of dynamic content and data.
Choosing a Cloud Accelerator
Building a private cloud accelerator isn't an option for most companies, and it isn't necessary thanks to the availability of optimized WANs as a service. Several well-known and emerging cloud acceleration services exist, each offering superior performance for cloud-based applications.
Which is right for you? Start by comparing claimed application performance improvement rates, bandwidth consumption reduction figures, and guaranteed uptime. Next, look for providers that look like a good fit. For example, if you use Amazon Web Services, consider a cloud acceleration service provider that integrates with the Amazon Cloud and provides a meshed, optimized environment for accessing global and enterprise resources. Finally, sign up for a free trial and experience the thrill of an accelerated cloud!
Maxwell Pierce has been providing cloud acceleration for enterprise looking to improve their application and networking performances.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maxwell_Pierce
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Accelerate-Cloud-Applications&id=7707523

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How to Set Up Your Home Theater - Simple Tips

How to Set Up Your Home Theater - Simple Tips
By Joe Zapata
The following instructions will help you set up your home theater system so you can have the confidence that you will get the finest HD experience attainable.
Let's first place your Blu-ray player, AV Receiver; cable or satellite box and other home theater equipment were YOU want them.
WERE TO START:
• Place your HDTV in the location that is comfortable for you. Viewing distance, angle and height are important.
• Next, place your Blu-ray player and the Audio Video Receiver Surround Sound amplifier on the component counsel, entertainment center or component rack where it is most convenient and accessible to you.
WHAT YOU NEED:
• HDTV or home theater projector
• Blu-ray player
• HDMI cables (Transfer HD video and audio between devices). With HDMI cables you only need one cable to transfer video and audio between components and it is pure digital. That means you're getting the best possible picture and sound quality.
• AV Receiver (The heart of your audio system)
• Surround Sound Speakers: For 5.1 surround sound you'll need a center speaker, left and right main speakers, left and right rear speaker and Subwoofer.
• Speaker wire, cables and connectors
• Furniture: Comfortable seating whether it be traditional home furnishing or home theater seating is up to you and your budget. Just make sure it is a comfortable and inviting decor to enhance the full enjoyment of your home theater.
• Lighting: Proper lighting is optional but highly recommended for a more cinematic like experience and help to give you optimum picture quality.
FIST STEP:
(Please note that all good AV Receiver's provide a user guide. It provides excellent rear panel pictures showing clear input and output connections and easy to follow wiring diagrams).
• Connect the HDM cables from you Blu-ray player to your HDTV or projector.
• Connect HDMI cable from you cable box or satellite box to you HDTV or projector.
• Connect audio output from Blu-ray player (optical cable or coaxial cable) to your AV Receiver.
• Connect audio output from you cable box or satellite box to your AV Receiver.
• Connect speaker cables from AV Receiver to center speaker, left and right main, left and right rear and subwoofer.
• Place your front left and right main speakers angled toward you and your rear left and right speakers angled toward you.
WHERE TO BUY: - Big Box Stores or Online -
The truth is there are a lot of physical stores around the world. Many people believe that the big-box stores like Walmart, Fry's, and Best Buy are the most suitable and best place to buy their home electronics - Guess again!
In a published Consumer Reports, target audience survey shows that shopping online may well be a far superior choice.
The survey demonstrated that online stores executed a significantly superior job in most aspects in comparison to the big merchants in satisfying customer's needs. The items involved included laptop computer, camcorders, audio equipment, digital cameras, DVD players and televisions.
This was according to more than 18,700 participants that were questioned. These ratings were principally centered on price and product selection, service, quality and return policies.
For many buyers some products are best experienced in person. Here's where traditional stores have the advantage. The following are a few helpful tips:
CELL PHONES - Try before you buy
In spite of the number of reviews you may read, you will find that there is nothing like holding a phone in your own hands.
TVs - Online is fine
You probably have experienced that viewing a TV in a big retail store has very little likeness to watching the same set at home. The smartest thing to do is to investigate and learn which set is appropriate for you.
DIGITAL CAMERAS -Try before you buy
If you're in the market for a digital camera it is much better to buy from a conventional retail store. This allows you the option to feel the camera in your hands. Here you can experience if the ergonomics and ease of use and if the weight feels right for you.
BLU-RAY AND DVD PLAYERS - Online is fine
What you mainly want to know is whether the Blu-ray or DVD player features audio capabilities and video-steaming options. With this said, most all Blu-ray players generally have all the options you need. You can feel very comfortable buying online.
COMPUTERS - Online is fine
There's no debate here. Buy your computer online. Surveys have shown that computer online purchases are typically much better than brick and mortar stores for selection and price.
Now you're ready to watch some amazing high-definition entertainment. - ENJOY!
For more great information, visit http://www.your-home-theater-guide.com
http://www.your-home-theater-guide.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Zapata
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-Theater---Simple-Tips&id=7738560

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How to Build a Computer and Component Selection

How to Build a Computer and Component Selection
By Scott A H
I get asked the same question very often, how to build a computer? It can be very deceiving to the average person's eyes when they glance into an open computer. There are different "pieces" to be found and quite a few wires running around from one part to the next. All of this can be quite confusing and discouraging. The best advice I can give is that it looks more complicated that what it actually is. Don't be afraid to do some trial and error to figure things out, within reason. Of course you have to be careful and not force components in spots they do not belong, but it is difficult to mix up as most things can only go one way, and will only fit in the correct location. Over the years it is how I learned most of what I do today, trial and error. One something goes wrong, there is always a way to fix it, and sometimes it just takes some patience and research to figure out a way to fix the problem.
I started building computers around 1996, when I was ten years old, and it became a hobby of mine which led into a business about 16 months ago. Over the years there has been a lot to learn and pick up on, and that is the thing with technology and computers. Computers are always changing and updating for more performance, reliably, smaller size, ease of use and less energy consumption in more recent years to become "green" on the environment.
But that is enough with the history, it is now time to move onto the actual computer building process from start to finish. There is quite a bit to cover and there are many ways to go about the process, but I will share my personal views and opinions along the way.
To start things off you have to ask yourself what you want the computer for. It could be a basic machine for simple web browsing, such as Facebook and E-mail. Another need could be simply for a media center, a computer hooked up with an entertainment center for movie watching purposes, music, recording, and internet television as well as any other uses hooked up to a television full time. The machine may be used primarily for gaming. A gaming computer can be a touchy subject as everyone's views are different. Some may just be happy with playing a game on lower setting, and others may want everything turned up to the max with room to spare for future game titles. The final use I will touch into would be photo and video editing. A lot of times a high end gaming computer, and a photo/video editing machine will have many similarities. You do not necessarily have to have an extremely powerful system for videos and photos, but it will certainly cut down on the time required. If someone is looking to produce lengthy videos, it could take ages to accomplish on a less powerful computer. One thing I will say is no matter what you are looking to build a computer for, figure out a budget of available funds and go from there. There is no sense in looking at very costly premium components, when there is just no budget for it. Many would be quite surprised at how inexpensive a fairly powerful system can be "now days." I never recommend to buy the latest and greatest as it will cost a premium and will be replaced by something better in around six months' time. That is just how the computer world works.
Once the purpose of the computer and a budget is planned out, there are a handful of main components that are required to assemble a fully functional computer. These core components include;
The chassis which houses and protects all of the components,
The power supply (PSU) which supplies power to the computer from the wall,
Motherboard which is the central location for all the components to communicate with each other,
Graphics card, which is responsible for putting an image on your computer screen that you can see and interact with,
Processor (CPU) which functions as the brains of the operation, calculating millions of operations every second,
Memory (RAM) which stores temporary information calculated by the processor for fast access,
Hard drive, or hard disk which is the permanent storage device, holding all of the user's data and programs,
Removable storage such as CD/DVD/Blu-Ray readers and burners, USB drives and other storage devices.
The first component we will start with is the motherboard. This is pretty much the central location where everything plugs into. The motherboard is full of "highways" which pass data between all the components. There are many kinds of motherboards available, most commonly there are AMD and Intel based boards. An AMD bases motherboard must be matched with an AMD processor and vice versa. An Intel based motherboard with an Intel processor. There are also different form factors, or sizes available, which must be matched with a proper case for a proper fit. Most commonly there are Micro ATX, ATX, Extended ATX, and more recently Mini ITX which is of a very small size for when space is extremely limited, such as in an entertainment center. There are also other sizes available but these are the most common platforms I deal with. The computer case chosen must be compatible with the size of the motherboard, if the motherboard is an ATX form factor, the case has to support an ATX size. Another main factor to take into consideration is the type of socket. The processor (CPU) mounts onto the motherboard and the socket must be the same. Both AMD and Intel have their own sockets and naming schemes. For example a modern Intel machine may be a socket 1155, and AMD machine may be an AM3 socket. So if the motherboard is an 1155 board the CPU must also be an 1155. Just be sure to do your research and make sure that the chosen CPU and motherboard are compatible with each other. It is worth noting that a CPU cannot be returned after purchase unless it is defective. So a mistake pairing up an incorrect CPU with a motherboard would not be a good thing to happen
The processor or CPU is a small chip made of silicon wafers that calculates millions of numbers extremely fast. In the computer world everything is a binary system which is made up of ones and zeros. Different combinations result in different things. The CPU is usually referred to as the brains of the computer. On modern Intel processors the contact side contains a large amount of pads which make contact with pins on the motherboard socket. AMD is the opposite having the pins on the CPU itself, and the pads on the motherboard. Quite a few years ago, Intel also had the pins on the CPU but that changed over the years. I remember having bent pins and straightening them out with a tiny pointy object. That would be very hard to do now days as there can be in excess of over 1,000 pins in close proximity to each other.
A processor makes a significant amount of heat, and needs something to keep the temperatures under control. Otherwise in a matter of seconds under a lot of work, a CPU would "burn" itself up and become a paperweight. In most cases a heat sink and a cooling fan will accomplish this task. A thin layer of thermal compound is applied in between the surface of the processor and the heat sink to optimally unload heat. A heat sink will usually be made up of several cooling fins which are then cooled by a fan blowing air across. Many retail boxed AMD and Intel processors will come with a stock cooling solution which is sufficient for the average user. The manufacturer will not sell a cooler along with their product that is not adequate. An aftermarket cooler may be chosen for less fan noise, or for those who like to push their computers passed the manufactures settings, which creates more heat, resulting in a higher performing cooling unit.
In more extreme cases, there may be liquid cooling or sometimes called water cooling. Technically water should not be used as it is conductive and will create corrosion over time without proper additives. In a water cooling setup, there will still be a block attached to the top of the processor, which allows liquid to pass through the inside and keep it cool. There will then be a radiator just like an automobile, and a fan(s) to cool the liquid as it passes through the radiator with the use of a pump.
Next, we will move onto the memory (RAM). RAM stands for random access memory. It is used to temporarily store data and will lose all stored data upon power loss. Memory is very fast and is right in line with the processor to quickly pass data back and forth to be calculated. Memory comes in different forms as well. On most modern computers, the type of memory being required is DDR3. There are different speeds which memory comes in and must be matched up with the chosen motherboard as well, just like the processor. Memory comes in various capacities. Different memory kits will have a varying number of modules and capacities. I would recommend either 8GB or 16GB of memory as it is in a very good price range this day and age. For a memory hungry video editing/photo editing machine, 16GB would come in very handy or possibly even 32GB if going all out!
For the graphics card there are several possibilities. Many times the chosen motherboard/CPU combination will have integrated on board video. Which means the graphics card is already built into the computer. No additional hardware would be needed. In some cases, a discrete graphics card can be used in conjunction with the on board video to further performance. In other situations there may be no integrated video at all and a graphics cards is required for the computer to function. Current graphics cards will occupy a PCI express slot (PCIe). AMD and their A series processors are a great solution currently for integrated graphics. They perform very well and are plenty for a general use computer and light duty gaming. For higher end gaming a dedicated graphics card will be needed, and if wanting some bragging rights, many modern day graphics cards can be paired up to work with each other. Sometimes two, three, or even four graphics cards to extreme gaming performance. But most likely if you are reading this, you would not be looking into that as it is fairly advanced and requires a fair amount of knowledge to master.
Next, we will move onto the power supply, which is responsible for taking the AC (alternating current) power from the outlet in the wall, and converting it into DC (direct current). The power supply or PSU (power supply unit) is another crucial component as without it, there is no juice to get the computer running. Power supplies come in different wattage's and efficiency ratings. Recently the power requirements of computers have gone way down from what they were a couple of years ago. What once required a 1200 watt power supply can be accomplished with an 800 watt power supply on new hardware. Of course that is just an estimate I threw out there, but you get the idea. Many general use computers will be just fine somewhere along the lines of a 500 watt unit. It is always good to go a little bigger just to allow for expansion in the future. Depending on the chosen components, various amounts of power will be required. It is always best practice to get a decent, quality unit and not the cheapest one available. A cheap unit can actually cause problems in the future with "unclean" power and may not last for a decent length of time. A quality power supply should last for many years to come and may be reused in a future build as well. In most cases a standard ATX power supply with a 24 pin main power connector will do the job. There are other cables as well to take account for such as SATA, Molex, and 4/8 pin EPS connectors which supply modern motherboard with extra power that the 24 pin connector cannot provide.
Moving on the chassis to house the computer, there are many possibilities to choose from. There are so many designs to take into consideration and different sizes. Some may have an acrylic window on the side to see all of the components once they are inside. As noted above with motherboards, the case has to match up to support the correct form factor motherboard. Be it ATX or Extended ATX, or whatever else it may be. Same cases may just be plain and simple for a nice clean look, while others may be all futuristic with their design and flashy lights. It all comes down to personal preference and what the case has to offer. Good airflow is key to keeping all of the components cool and quiet. Cases can be customized with many different size fans featuring different air flows and noise levels, again depending on personal preference. A case will last for a very long time and can be reused in multiple computer builds. I prefer a full tower chassis for my personal computers as they allow plenty of space inside and upgrade ability to last for years and years to come.
Moving onto the hard drives, there are a couple different possibilities. This is the device that stores all the data and programs, even when power is turned off, unlike with memory or RAM. Many get the memory and hard drives confused when looking into computer purchases. They are not the same thing and come in completely different sizes. There are the traditional mechanical hard drives which are very cheap now days. The cost per Gigabyte is extremely low and they work great for large amount of storage room at a very good price. More recently we now have affordable SSD (solid state drive) solutions which have no mechanical moving parts and are much faster and more responsive then a tradition mechanical drive. An SSD makes for a much snappier system, and is one of the best upgrades that can happen for many modern computers. Computers are so fast now that traditional mechanical drives act as a bottleneck in many cases. This is where the computer system has to take a break and pause while it waits for the drive to gather its data and send it out. With an SSD this process is considerably faster, resulting in a much faster overall system. I tell many first time SSD users that they will be greatly amazed at the difference in the responsiveness of their computer after swapping out a mechanical drive for an SSD. The fallback to an SSD is that they come in much smaller capacities and the price per Gigabyte is much higher, even though it continues to drop. To get the best of both worlds, an SSD drive can be used to install the operating system onto, such as Windows, as well as frequently used programs. Then a mechanical drive can be used as well for tasks like less used programs, backups, and large files that would otherwise take up way too much space on an SSD.
In my opinion CD and DVD drives are starting to become a thing of the past. They like to fail and have read and write errors after a while and can be not so reliable at time. A successful computer can be build now days without even having an optical drive installed. Just about anything you could possibly need can be download from the internet or installed with a USB device such as a thumb or pen drive. These devices are much faster and more reliable, not to mention they can be erased and written to over and over again with different data and application. Sure there are re-writable CD/DVD/Blu-Ray drives, but it is just not nearly as practical or convenient in my opinion to other non-mechanical solutions. Personally I have a computer with all my programs and data on it, which can be accessed over the network where I can then pull all that information onto another computer and install and run those programs. No CD's or thumb drives even needed. There are a lot of external storage options to choose from, external USB/eSATA hard drives can be a great solution for performing backups or moving data from one computer to another.
Well there you have it, a rundown on what the components inside a computer are and what their role is. This is in no way an all inclusive list, but it does cover the main components to get a fully functional system that will satisfy most of the population. By purchasing your own computer parts, and putting everything together, it gives off a certain sense of pride and ownership knowing that the system was put together with your own hands. It is always nice to know what each component is and what its job is in the compute cycle. One big bonus to a custom built computer, and not going with one from the big companies, is you don't have to deal with all the so called "junk" they load them with. Such as a hold bunch of trail versions and other software which is really not needed and hogging up resources. Taking the DIY route, you decide what goes on the computer and what does not, which is a big plus in my opinion!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_A_H
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Build-a-Computer-and-Component-Selection&id=7752633

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Soft Turorials Blog: SolidWorks 2010 Tutorials_How to Use Revolve Boss/Base Feature

SolidWorks 2010 Tutorials_How to Use Revolve Boss/Base Feature
by hotshotracer


         

This video shows the step by step instructions for how to use revolveboss/base feature in solidWorks 2010.

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Soft Tutorials Blog: How to Download Youtube Videos for Free Using Savevid.com?

Updated: 21/07/2015

Do you know how to download YouTube videos for free? YouTube is the one of the greatest video sharing website which is owned by Google. We can share our videos like activity, tutorial videos, information videos etc. It has a lot of members all over the world. YouTube is one of the best entertaining sources with a lot of fun. It also acts as a big social video community website in which we can comment, share or anything we want to express. But one of the main problems is that it does not have any links to download videos. This leads to write this tutorial how to download YouTube videos for free. This is one of the method which helps to download videos in different or variety of formats.

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