Showing posts with label computer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label computer. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Office Germs: Safe for Work

The Editors of Office Product Reviews at Best Choice Reviews decided to research the topic of:

SAFE FOR WORK?

Keeping clean and healthy in the office may be harder than you think.
  • 1 in 3 office workers have witnessed co-workers leaving restrooms without washing their hands.
  • 53% of Americans don't wash their hands after exchanging money.
  • The average person touches 300 surfaces every 30 minutes, exposing themselves to 840,000 germs.
Diligent washing, wiping and sanitizing can help office professionals reduce their rates of cold and flu by as much as 80%.
  • 72% of Americans typically go to work when they are sick.
  • 55% of workers say they feel guilty when they call in sick.
  • 78% of workers say they wash their hands often.
  • 15% of workers avoid shaking hands with people to avoid germs.
  • 3% skip meetings where sick people are in attendance.
Just how dirty is my office?

Researchers swabbed about 5,000 surfaces in office buildings, including law firms, insurance companies, healthcare offices, call centers and factories. The swabs were analyzed with a device that measures adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is a molecule found in all animal, vegetable, bacteria, yeast and mold cells.

High ATP levels are present in food or other organic residues left on surfaces. The more ATP found on a surface, the more likely it's flourishing with bacteria and viruses. An ATP reading of over 100 suggests a surface could use a scrub-down. Readings of 300 or higher are considered officially dirty and at high risk for spreading illness.

ATP counts of 300 or higher
  • 75% of break room sink faucet handles
  • 48% of microwave door handles
  • 27% of keyboards
  • 26% of refrigerator door handles
  • 23% of water fountain buttons
  • 21% of vending machine buttons
  • ATP counts of 100 or higher
  • 91% of break room sink faucet handles
  • 80% of microwave door handles
  • 69% of keyboards
  • 69% of refrigerator door handles
  • 53% of water fountain buttons
  • 51% of all computer mice
  • 51% of all desk phones
  • 48% of all coffee pots and dispensers
  • 43% of vending machine buttons
Office hygiene tips
  • Keep hand sanitizer at your desk and use it immediately after every meeting or conference.
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you get to work, especially after riding mass transit, such as trains or buses.
  • Use disinfectant wipes to clean your desk at least once a day.
  • Keep hand sanitizer in the break room to reinforce hand hygiene.

Friday, April 5, 2013

The 5 Best Ways to Properly Secure Your Computer

Computer security is a constantly evolving and highly multifaceted game of keeping one step ahead of all possible threats through contingency planning. If you can manage to do this effectively, then you will never have to worry too much about protecting your physical computer or, more importantly, the information that it contains.

Follow the following tips and you'll be far ahead of most people when it comes to effective computer and data protection.

1. Don't Leave Your Machine in the Hands of Strangers

This is probably the single most basic and essential piece of computer security advice, and one that many people completely forget to take advantage of. No matter how well secured through more complex mechanisms your laptop, PC or any other device is, if you freely let somebody you can't completely trust use it unsupervised, you've compromised the machine and invited all sorts of potential intrusions into the computer itself.

Untrustworthy but computer savvy people who are given access to a computer while nobody’s looking can quickly and easily download or install all sorts of malicious programs, ranging from keystroke loggers that send these people reports on everything you've typed on a daily basis (passwords, for example) to spyware and viruses. Bottom line: restrict how you let others use your computer and keep a careful eye on those that are allowed to do so.

2. Install Trusted Antivirus and Anti-Spyware Software

Again, we're still dealing with a fairly basic security procedure that's also crucial to robust computer security. By installing well trusted antivirus software and programs that sniff out spyware and malware, you'll be able to cover, track and destroy the vast majority of malicious programs and protocols that try to weasel their way into your machine through numerous different access points.

AVG Antivirus (free or premium version) and Spybot Search and Destroy are excellent choices for both kinds of security applications respectively.

3. Set Up a Login Barrier and Protect it Well

A machine that has no login prompt protection is like a diary that's been left out in the open; anybody who wants to peek at your private information only needs to open it in order to see. Avoid this simple mistake by at least taking a few minutes to set up login protection through your operating system's internal security options.

If you want an even more powerful (way, way more powerful) layer of login access security, then encrypt your entire hard drive with programs like BitLocker and TrueCrypt so that any time you leave your computer unused or turned off, a long password is needed to decrypt and access its internal information. While OS based login security can easily be bypassed, an encryption based login barrier is basically impenetrable unless someone knows the password to open it up.

4. Encrypt Your Valuable Data

We've just mentioned doing this exact same thing in the above tip on login protection, but it's so important that it deserves its own unique mention. Using free open source programs like TrueCrypt and BitLocker, you can either encrypt your entire hard drive so that it stays untouchable and unreadable unless you type in your decryption key (a specialized long password) or you can set up an internal encrypted file where your most sensitive information is placed and encrypted while leaving the rest of your less important data open to viewing.

The first option is the more secure of the two but both are nearly foolproof methods of keeping your information secure from prying eyes in the event of computer theft or hacking.

We mentioned using open source encryption programs above and this wasn't without a good reason; by using an open source encryption system over a proprietary business designed solution, you're guaranteed to be protected by software whose source code has been thoroughly opened for inspection by any digital security expert who wants to know how secure it really is.

5. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Computer security can only go so far at protection your machine from theft, damage or destructive intrusion. Beyond the margins of security that defensive tactics give, you're still left with a constant possibility of losing your machine or its internal data anyhow. To counteract this thoroughly and minimize the cost of data loss from a machine you weren't able to protect at some point, simply make sure that you back up everything you have on your computer to a remote storage medium.

This could be an automated cloud based synch and backup system or a physical external drive to which you save your data through easily available synching software like Fbackup or Synchback. Either way, by regularly scheduling data backups, at least your valuable personal files will still be safely in your hands even if the worst possible thing happens to your actual computer.

About the author: John Dayton has written for the tech industry for over 15 years and has gained a wealth of knowledge over that time. John also covers LWG's forensic engineers and other computer recovery and security services in his free time.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Tablet-piece ASUS Transformer AiO will be available in April

ASUS , already famous for its Transformers, a date for the start of an unusual release monoblock Transformer AiO based on Windows 8, which is easily converted into a tablet n / a Windows or Android. announcement of this gadget was held in June 2012.

The model is built on the processor model Intel Core i5 (or i7), equipped with a port USB 2.0, USB 3.0-cheryrmya ports, Bluetooth 4.0 (for keyboard and mouse), and Wi-Fi modules, hard disk with a capacity of at least 1 TB card reader and Ethernet- port.

Display 18.4-inch diagonal and a resolution of 1920 by 1080 can turn into a tablet by "otschelkivaniya" from the main unit. His native OS is Android 4.1 JB, but it can also function under Windows 8, playing the role of Remote Desktop to the main unit.

In monoblock provides connectivity via HDMI external monitor, which can display the desktop Windows 8, while on your own candy bar display will be "streamed» Android.

Endowed with a huge plate of 4-core processor NVIDIA Tegra 3, front camera 1 megapixel, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of user memory and microSD-slot. His weight (2.4 kg) did not have to use "in the hands", so the gadget is endowed with a special pull-out stand.

Admission unusual devaysa ASUS Transformer AiO availability is expected on April 12 at a price (in dollars) of $ 1,300.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Are Wearable Computers the Future?

About the Author:
Logan Harper is a digital strategist for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's MPA@UNC: Master of Public Administration and MBA@UNC: Master of Business Administration programs. In addition to higher education, he is also passionate about travel, cooking, and international politics. Follow him on Twitter @harperlogan.

From subway riders of New York City to celebrities in Palo Alto, wearable computers are popping up in our everyday lives.

Currently, products mainly consist of eyewear such as goggles or watch-like bracelets. And for some tech enthusiasts, these new products may just be the natural progression of technology. But for many, the possibility and longevity of wearable computers can certainly be questioned.

Leading companies like Google, Apple and Nike are investing their success in these innovative product lines to persuade current smartphone users to stop staring down at their personal technology and instead experience the world around them.

Nike developed Nike+ so athletes can better track training sessions, mileage, times and overall improvement in their workout sessions. Microsoft recently filed a patent application for a product that can provide real-time data at sporting events.

Google's Project Glass eyewear that seeks to allow wearers to continue online searches, conversations and even identify a best route to their destination - all while looking straight ahead on their path.

And Apple is rumored to be designing the iWatch, which is a combination iPod touch and piece of jewelry. These product developments are just the beginning and we can expect an influx in additional wearable computers as consumers get over Bluetooth and further into tech.

Steve Mann has advocated for wearable computer products, such as eyewear, since the 1970s and even designed the "EyeTap Digital Eye Glass" in 1999. That Eye Glass design looks impressively similar to today's Google Glass update and judging from the current media coverage, consumers seem to be ready for it. Of course there are many questions regarding privacy, pricing and the simple argument of being "too connected." But it does not seem like we should expect these fears to slow down product development.

The potential benefits of wearable computers include better health monitoring, decrease in technology-based accidents like car crashes and increased grassroots management of global development projects.

Eventually, we may see the full immersion of these wearable computers. Similar to how smart phones and tablets quickly dispersed throughout populations. Wearable computers are already finding homes all over the world.

The trends of wearable computers are clearly toward further development and immersion into our everyday lives. It will definitely take some time before you are personally using Google Glass while driving to avoid the latest traffic jam in Los Angeles, but it will certainly happen sooner rather than later. The more hype around these products produces increased pressure to distribute them quickly.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Wind Top AP2021 - monoblock PC from MSI

The company MSI has brought to Las Vegas for CES 2013 desktop Wind Top AP2021 hardware platform Intel. The device is "all in one".

As processor model uses a 2.9-GHz Pentium G2020 or 3.3-GHz Core i3-3220. Resolution 20-inch touch screen - 1600 × 900 pixels (support "multitouch"). Thanks to a special removable stand that comes with the device, the computer screen can be placed in the position of "album" or "portrait".

There are 4 or 8 GB of RAM and hard disk capacity of 500 GB, Wi-Fi-adapter for HDMI, four USB 2.0-port and two USB 3.0, webcam at 1 megapixel, optical drive type DVD Super Multi, stereo speakers ( 3 W), card reader and optional - TV-tuner.


Desktop dimensions: 495 × 359 × 91 mm and weighs 7.33 kg. The estimated cost of Wind Top AP2021 - $ 700.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

CES 2013: Dell is going to release a very inexpensive tablet Win8-Latitude 10

Dell company has intended to break the stereotype of the prohibitive cost of tablets based on the operating system Windows 8 from Microsoft - CES 2013 at the event, she showed tablet Latitude 10, the approximate price of which does not exceed 500 U.S. dollars. Specify that the device is based on x86 processors from Intel, and not on a regular ARM-solving, that is, and Windows 8, put on it, is full.

The official announcement of the tablet Dell Latitude 10 accompanied by listing all of its specifications and comparisons with model Latitude 10 Essentials (release took place, the price starts at 650 dollars - approx. MobileDevice). The basis of the Tablet PC Dell Latitude 10 will become Intel Atom Z2760 processor with two 1.8 GHz cores. He supervises the work of memory, 2 GB of way here, and handles graphics. Picture supplied by 10.1-inch multi-touch screen with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels, which, plus everything is based on a matrix of IPS.

Unlike Latitude 10 Essentials, a new tablet from Dell has a much more modest amount of internal memory. However, it will be enough most users, because to score all 32 gigabytes of information will not be easy, especially given the availability of slots for cards SD. That is a decrease of storage and reduced the cost of Latitude 10 to $ 500. On the computer cover removed ports microUSB, miniHDMI, USB 2.0, and the delivery includes a docking station with additional connectors, including those with Ethernet. Release Dell Latitude 10 as it became known, is scheduled for March.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Presented Prototype Flexible Tablet PC

Relatively recent experience after reading any of the material on the flexible screens and batteries can be expressed brief phrase.


Believe that flexible mobile devices will become a reality is still very difficult. Yet the foundation for the next global change in the mobile market are available.

It is a prototype flexible Tablet PC, created by Intel and Plastic Logic . Flexible "pill" is made ​​on the basis of processor Intel Core i5 and completed a 10.7-inch touch screen.


The prototype is equipped with a highly unusual user interface for controlling the gadgets of this type. User can view the web-page, or read the text by bending the plate. To scale the image to fold one corner of the device, the data exchange is carried out usually by touching or dragging with the stylus.

All of this can be seen in the accompanying video:


Tuesday, January 8, 2013

How To Live A Longer And Better Life Using Technology

Technology plays a vital role in our lives. Without that the invention of technology we can't imagine how often we would find hitches. In today's world we need technology where ever we go or to do any kind of work. Since the advancement of technology it is being spread into the private lives, it aids in having a much better life.

Here are some of the best ways to make use of technology for a better and longer life:

Communicating through technology is very common and has become as an essential platform for everyone on this earth. Communication without that the involvement of technology is compared to a desert without an oasis. There are different means of communication such as usage of mobile phones, internet, TV, PC gaming and fewer gadgets etc.
  • Usage of mobile help in getting connected easily with your world, this includes your family, friends and relatives.
  • There are many updated devices available on the markets like iPhones, smart phones with many features like video calling, MMS services, instant message services, online chatting and so on.
  • If you have children and looking to get engaged with them while you are doing some activity then the best way to entertain them is consider taking advantage of tablet or mobile games.
  • Smartphones and smart devices help to browse the internet, as they are portable and can do surfing from anywhere. But to browse make sure that there is an internet access around.
  • The updated and the ongoing feature of the mobile is "Bluetooth", which is a wireless device. With this technology, people are becoming safer and secure while driving without the need of holding mobile in hand.
  • Networking sites like Twitter, Facebook are used to share your feelings, gossips and ideas with your loved ones or with a stranger too. In case, you don't want to share with others other than your profile members, you can always make your sharing ideas private by making a few changes.
  • Another source which is making everyone updated about the world is Television. Without it, you may not imagine how your house to be. You have got the most advanced and expensive television sets with different varieties in the market. According to your requirement, you can choose the best one amongst them. The following are some new features  LCD, LED, HD quality, Bluetooth, USB port, wireless, CPU adoptable.
  • When it comes to home appliances that are designed based on technology, they help you in day to day life, to run smoothly without waste of time. Appliances like grinder, chimney, water purifier, micro-oven, toaster, coffee maker have their own features in saving time and energy
Author Details:
Hi there, I am Maria from Manchester, UK a passionate blogger and writer. I write about everything in general but currently researching on PPI Claims and Health & Technology. Follow me here financeport

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Reinforced notebook Algiz XRW

Pro notebooks in enhanced body know all, but about the same netbooks ever heard? But they also exist, and a very long time - in 2010, the company Handheld Group introduced a new product called the Algiz XRW . It quickly became popular with buyers interested in purchasing a durable mobile PC, but just as quickly obsolete. Two years later, the netbook was updated hardware filling, as reported by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

FCC, appears to be involved in testing the netbook Algiz XRW , which means that he will soon go on sale. Manufacturer replacing the most important - the motherboard and processor. Now, according to MobileDevice , This computer motherboard with NM10 chipset and CPU Intel Atom Z600 with two cores and 1.6 GHz. They replaced the Atom Z550 and US15W respectively. Other specifications of high-netbook Handheld Algiz XRW features 2 GB of RAM, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi latest revisions, GPS-receiver, two-port USB 2.0, network card, COM-port and VGA output for an external monitor.


The main screen mini-laptop has received a diagonal of 10.1 inches and a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. As for the disk subsystem, there is a 64-gigabyte SSD-drive on the controller Sandforce SF-2141. With the cost of an updated version of Algiz XRW manufacturer has not yet determined, but it will clearly be higher than the price of conventional netbooks. The current modification Algiz XRW on some Web sites is estimated at $ 3,100.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Mac mini computers will also be produced in the U.S.

Apple is currently conducting covert campaign to transfer the production of some of its products to the United States. American brand in talks with multiple partners, and suppliers from Asia, the issue of the launch of "home" production should seriously as ever. Moreover, Apple is investing in this project some serious money.

The head of Apple Tim Cook said in an earlier interview that the company is ready to invest $ 100 million in the production of computers Mac return to America, and representatives of Foxconn recently confirmed that they are going to expand their production, new capacity will be launched in North America. According to DigiTimes, the company will maintain production lines Apple in the U.S..

By the way, now the company produces Samsung mobile platforms at its facilities in the U.S., in addition, the country has moved to build special versions of your iMac. These have now been joined by a mini-desktop Mac Mini . However, the most relevant for Apple is now the problem of the continuous increase in production volumes, as demand for the product is high as ever. With such a volume of orders only home production company Apple is not enough in any case.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Granted Ultrabook Tablet MSI slidebook S20

Company Micro-Star International introduced a new device - ultrabook tablet MSI Slidebook S20 , which was shown at Computex 2012.

Technical equipment of the gadget can be designated as "advanced", preinstalled OS - Windows 8. MSI is positioned novelty as the perfect solution for business and leisure. In the unfolded state the novelty can be used as a laptop when closed - as a tablet computer.

Specifications MSI Slidebook S20 :
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 (third generation);
  • OS: Windows 8;
  • Memory: RAM - up to 8 GB DDR3 (1333 MHz), built-in - 64 GB or 128 GB, mSATA SSD, you can connect an external 2.5-inch HDD;
  • Ports: RJ-45, miniHDMI, two USB 3.0, audio output 3.5 mm;
  • Communication: LAN (Gigabit Ethernet), Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n;
  • Battery: 3800 mAh 3-cell;
  • Dimensions: 300 × 196,5 × 19,8 mm, weight - 1,6 kg.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

PRICE WINDOWS RT HYBRID LENOVO IDEAPAD YOGA 11 REDUCED TO $ 679

Chinese company Lenovo , producing tablets, smartphones and laptops, still taking orders for its new and highly original device - the tablet IdeaPad Yoga, running on OS Windows RT. Novelty is equipped with two screens: when closed the gadget can be used as a plate, cover folded it becomes a regular Windows-laptop.


If the buyer decides to make an order for the plate, the presence of coupon code Cybermonday reduce the initial price to $ 679.20. According to the manufacturer, delivery of the tablet can take the whole month, so by ordering now, you can get the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 in time for the New Year (if you're lucky).

The basis of the tablet - a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 (1.4 GHz). The gadget is equipped with two 11.6-inch screen (resolution - 1366 × 768 pixels), RAM - 2GB.

For $ 679 you can buy a tablet with 32 GB of internal memory (about half of which will be occupied by the OS Windows RT and pre-installed applications), 64 GB tablet will cost $ 759.20.

Both devices are equipped with modules Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11n, two cameras and output HDMI (video format can record 720p).

Since Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 runs on Windows RT, then the preinstalled software is present the free version Microsoft Office. Must be borne in mind that the process for other versions of Windows on this device will not work, which limits the range of the user's choice app store Windows (very scarce).

Lenovo has released another tablet with two screens - a 13-inch IdeaPad Yoga 13, which is based on a hardware processor Ivy Bridge. This device works on the "adult" version of Windows 8, the initial price of the device - $ 999.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Tablet Officially launched the tablet ASUS VivoTab on Windows 8

Was the announcement of a tablet computer from the company VivoTab ASUS based on the Intel. Novelty is based on the Atom Z2760 processor with two cores at up to 1.8 GHz with graphics controller Graphics Media Accelerator (frequency up to 533 MHz) and is equipped with a touch screen type Super IPS + with a 11.6-inch diagonal and a resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels.


"Multi-touch" screen is protected by glass Corning Fit and supports management through fingers, and an electronic pen. In the presence of 8-megapixel camera and a sound system ASUS SonicMaster, guaranteeing high quality sound. Battery that provides up to 10.5 hours device battery life.

The connection of the dock Mobile Dock, equipped keyboard, touchpad and optional battery pack (with it while the tablet away from the wall up to 19 hours). Product size in thickness of 8.7 mm and weighs 675 grams.

Management is based on Windows 8 . New priced at $ 800.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Bliss Pad B9712KB: a plate of trasformer NEXUS

Nexus Company presented on the market, the original model tablet Bliss Pad B9712 KB, the distinctive feature of which is the presence of a wireless Bluetooth keyboard, which is a tablet stand and carrying case, and it can be used as a netbook.


A further advantages of this device is running an operating system Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, manufacturer indicates the presence of a 9.7-inch IPS-display with a resolution of 1024x768. In addition, there is a 1 GHz processor Boxchip A10 (Cortex A8 core architecture) with the ability to programmatically acceleration up to 1.5 GHz, HDMI port, 1 GB of RAM (DDR3), 16 GB of internal memory, a slot for MicroSD memory cards and two cameras.

Other characteristics of Bliss Pad B9712 KB:
  • Processor: BOXCHIP A10, 1 GHz
  • Platform: Android 4.0
  • Display: 9.7-inch, IPS, a resolution 1027h768 points
  • Main Camera: 2 MP
  • Front camera: VGA
  • Memory: 1 GB of RAM (DDR3), 16 GB internal, microSD slot for memory cards (up to 32GB)
  • Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g, Bluetooth, USB 2.0, Mini USB, HDMI, 3.5 mm audio jack
  • Battery: 8000 mA / h
  • Misc: Accelerometer

Friday, November 16, 2012

Lenovo introduced HTPC IdeaCentre Q190 and C-Series

Most computers Lenovo running the new Windows 8 focused on the middle segment, but this time the Chinese manufacturer introduced a line of budget computers, the new nettop, which is positioned as a HTPC, as well as a collection of candy bars for all occasions.


Multimedia PC Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 HTPC compact size, body thickness of only 23 mm, but in contrast to the traditional nettop is not installed a series of low-power processor Atom, and "adult" chip Core i3, which included up to 8 gigabytes of RAM. Amateur new compact computers Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 will cost at least $ 349, it's not much.


As for the new candy bars, the new line of solutions are extremely modest. Computers Lenovo C240 and C245 are working on chips Intel Celeron and AMD E2 and manufactured in unregulated housing with 18.5-inch screens.


Adjustable, installed on their 20-inch counterparts C340 and C345 with the same processor, and a 21.5-inch C440 and C445 are available Intel Core i3. The flagship in the line stands Lenovo C540 with a 23-inch screen and a processor Core i3. The prices are quite modest, $ 479 for the C345 and $ 549 for the Lenovo C540.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

ACER ICONIA W510 - THE WORLD'S LIGHTEST TABLET ON WINDOWS 8

To confirm the above, we can mention the Tablet PC Acer Iconia W510 , which weighs about 660 grams. This figure is for Windows - pill" can be called a major breakthrough, because the new product from Acer weighs less than the standard Apple iPad .


Iconia W510 is one of the devices range Acer Iconia W5. The basis of the tablet - dual-core Intel Clover Trail, clock frequency - 1.5 GHz, supporting Turbo Boost (1,8 GHz). Resolution 10.1-inch IPS touch screen is 1366 × 768 + multi-touch. Memory: RAM - 2 GB capacity solid state drive - 32 GB. Battery capacity is 27 W / hr battery life of about 9 hours.


The delivery tablet Acer Iconia W510 comes with a detachable keyboard dock, which has a full-port USB, memory card slot SD, and an extra battery.

Home sales of the said device is scheduled for November 9, the price in the U.S. at $ 499. European price Acer Iconia W510 complete with a docking keyboard is € 500.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Windows 8 Premiere ultrabooks Acer Aspire S7

Windows 8 officially announced, and the next exit and mobile computers based on it. At Acer - Aspire S7 is in 11 and 13-inch format. Both have touch IPS-screen, aluminum body and accompanied by a powerful advertising campaign with Megan Fox in the lead role. We met with the news at an event in London. What they can to really catch on?

A new era is said about the release of Windows 8 at Microsoft, has started only recently. But equipment manufacturers have begun to actively advertise any gadgets with this system. The new operating system from Microsoft is quite different. So different that to underscore its capabilities had to redefine the concept of conventional computers. Even a few months before the release of "Eight" the Internet is replete with images of something strange - hybrids laptops and candy bars to the plates.

It is understandable - after all it is necessary to somehow justify the transition to Windows 8. Of course, working with a "magic tile" of Windows 8, and can be a mouse, but the irrepressible human mind can not resist the deadly difficult question "why?". Here also we have a lot of devices with touch screens that fold and bend, so that they feel comfortable poking fingers.

Like many others, Acer has decided to strike at the most compact computers, which for the second year as presented ultrabook. Acer was the first at the Aspire S3 , after about six months, he added Aspire S5 , and now we come to the Aspire S7. Its release is timed to coincide with the release of Windows 8, and all the new features of the operating systems are supported from and to.


But not enough to take one of the old ultrabooks, insert the touch screen to draw on the key [Windows] logo eights and salable. There was a lot of work and on the design of the device. The design of appearance, ergonomics, the cooling system. Acer, like many other companies, tried to completely change the feel of use. This not only allows you to conveniently work with Windows 8, but also attracts customers. Finally in the notebook segment, there was something new!


Aspire S7 - honest ultrabook new generation. The difference between him and the S3 or S5 is very significant and is manifested primarily in the design. The novelty is somewhat similar to the first Aspire S3, something on ultrabooks ASUS, but something - and the MacBook Air. However, neither of which the secondary can not be considered.


Acer tried to bring the design to modern Aspire S7 flagship smartphone. Last today tend to be the most thin case and a screen with a higher resolution. That is what we see in the new ultrabook. The thickness of the 11.6-inch S7 is only 12.2 mm (less than half an inch), and the 13.3-inch and even less - 11.9 mm. With these parameters they can be put on a par with tablets, not to mention a ultrabook. Weight is also very light - 1.04 kg for younger model and 1.30 kg in the older.


The main idea of ​​the exterior Aspire S7 - this is perhaps the harmony between the curvy body and the "direct rigor" of the main surfaces of the laptop. Sharp pointed edge of the case, without the smooth bevel. According to Kant laptop circled chrome metal strip. In general, the entire body is made of anodized aluminum and glass Gorilla Glass. Emphasize - any resemblance to the MacBook Air, but the design of the Aspire S7 no less stylish.



Even the keyboard is not from the general concept. The keys are painted in the same color as the body, and seem to be too large for such a compact ultrabook, especially for the 11.6-inch model.

However, if you look closely, are immediately visible, as this has been achieved. Yes, the keys are really big and comfortable. Even move them no less than most ultrabooks, despite an incredibly slim body. But block the function keys [F1] - [F12] to be removed completely. We have become used to the fact that they are assigned to all sorts of additional features such as volume and screen brightness, the call of an application, and so on. But to take away completely the series - it is really something new. However, the "reach" of their functions can still be holding [Fn] and pressing the right key of the top row, which is dominated by numbers.

Where is the [Esc]? In place of the tilde or "E". Tilda was also the right of the [Caps Lock], which for the occasion fairly "thin." Interesting experiment. Is this a new era? For UMPC - perhaps.


Keyboard back light after such a drastic change the layout does not seem unusual. However, it is made to match the design - with style and taste. Turned herself, relying on a light sensor. They have a choice, and its brightness.

The touchpad, thank God, not abandoned. Radical transition to the touch screen on a laptop would be too risky. Pleased that Acer has not followed the example of Sony VAIO Duo and 11, which is more like a tablet with a keyboard. Nominally, the touchpad on the Aspire S7 present. As it should be in the fashion, it besknopochnaya and quite big.


But, of course, all the attention was given to the screen. Screen - this is "our everything" in Windows 8. Aspire S7 in this respect did not disappoint and came out with IPS-matrix and a resolution FullHD. This is equally true for the 11 - and 13-inch model. In the first case received almost screen class is already on edge nabivshego Retina. For comparison - the younger Aspire S7 pixel density of 190 PPI, while the MacBook Pro 13.3 "Retina - 227 PPI.

Speaking in human terms, the picture on the screen Aspire S7 is very clear, the colors are true and generally wonderful. For a complete set of the 13.3-inch ultrabook closed glass Gorilla Glass 2. Downright hefty plate is obtained. But the 11.6-inch S7 this somehow does not.


Expands the display 180 degrees, completely lying on the table. It simplifies the work with him? Only if you expand it to itself, removing the barrier of the keyboard. A fold out like the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga ultrabook from Acer can not. Yet, despite all the innovative ideas embodied in it, the novelty is nothing more than the classic version of a laptop, made in accordance with modern trends.

Acer is not shy about telling and a special cooling system Aspire S7. It is known that metal thin laptops often suffer unnecessary heating. Unpleasant it, especially if you have to put the computer to its knees, and sometimes the abdomen. Aspire S7 so strongly heated. Acer has named its decision TwinAir - a special cooling system, which involves two fans. One deals with the cold air intake, and the other blows hot. One confused in this scheme. According to the statement itself, Acer, and the little fans rotate at a decent speed - 10,000 rpm. So that the noise from them is to be honest. Not surprisingly, the word «silent» (quiet) in the description TwinAir is encountered.


Here we come to the end of the story about ultrabooks Acer Aspire S7. It remains to say a few words about the iron component and, of course, Megan Fox. But Megan leave "for dessert", and while some of the gland.

If you look at the key features of Aspire S7, is surprising we do not see. In the role of the primary storage - SSD with 128 or 256 GB. But the disk subsystem running in RAID 0, which gives a noticeable speed boost.

The architecture ARM Acer experiment did not (and sorry), and therefore use the new Aspire S7-based dual-core Intel Core i5-3317U and Core i7-3517U. RAM is 4 GB, but neither reduce nor increase this amount can not. Video card, of course, the built - Intel HD Graphics 4000. Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 on the spot. Ethernet as thin ultrabook is not allowed. 3G-module also graced us with his presence. Good thing there was a place for a couple of USB 3.0 connectors and HDMI. There is even a card reader. True, only the 13.3-inch model.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Microsoft is developing a 7-inch gaming tablet Xbox Surface

With reference to several sources, The Verge reports that Microsoft has entered the home straight in the creation of a 7-inch tablet PC Xbox Surface, designed primarily for games.

Resource claims that information applicable device confirms the information that appears on the network in June, prior to the submission of full device with 10-inch displays.

The gadget was unique components: a specially designed ARM-processor from Intel (yet unannounced), superfast memory for comfort in play and a special version of Windows with a special kernel-oriented game. Users can access the basic options such as email and calendar, but the emphasis will focus on the game.

Like the original version of Surface tablets , gaming machine developed in conditions of high secrecy. According to sources, the issue of tablet computers will be in the same place and the new Xbox 720 console with the participation of companies Foxconn and Pegatron. There is a theory that gaming tablet will work in tandem with fixed prefix next-generation Xbox, the announcement of which may take place next year.

Software Xbox Surface also shrouded in mystery, it is tested in the office of Microsoft. Insuring against premature leaks, the software giant even went to limit employee access to individual buildings related to the development of Xbox. The official announcement of the tablet is expected to play in the first half of next year, before the start of sales of Xbox 720.

It is worth noting that in a recent BBC interview, Microsoft Chairman said that planshetniki Surface will not be the last device company. Ballmer said then that hide information about Microsoft's intentions to release new devices would not be fair.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Men's desks are germier than women's

You'd probably rather not think about it, but there are hundreds of species of bacteria on your desk, according researchers who sampled offices in three U.S. cities.

The study identified at least 500 species of bacteria in the offices, and found that men's offices tended to be germier than women's.

And although offices in New York City and San Francisco had similar types of bacteria, those in the Golden State were less contaminated than those in the Big Apple, the researchers said.

But don't go running for the hand sanitizer just yet although the findings have an "ick" factor, bacteria in your office are not necessarily something to worry about, the researchers said. After all, many bacteria are harmless, and actually helpmaintain human health.

"You shouldn't be worried in your own office it's you; it's just a reflection of who you are," said study researcher Scott Kelley, an associate professor of biology at San Diego State University, referring to the bacteria you find on your typical desk or keyboard. These bacteria are "with us all the time, and they don’t make us sick," he said.

Rather, the researchers said they hope that by documenting the various bacteria present in buildings with generally healthy people, scientists will be able to spot out-of-the norm bacteria that cause health problems, Kelley said. Such bacteria might turn up when something in the building changes, such as the air vents, he said.

Although we spend about 90 percent of our lives indoors, surprisingly little is known about the diversity of bacteria in environments such as offices, Kelley said, including how much is there and where it comes from.

Kelley and colleagues sampled a total of 90 offices from buildings in New York City, San Francisco and Tucson, Ariz. The researchers swabbed employees' chairs, phones, desktops, computer mice and keyboards. They analyzed the bacterial DNA to identify the types and amounts of bacteria present.

Most of the bacteria they found came from human skin or the nasal, oral or intestinal cavities, the researchers said. Bacteria from soils were also common, Kelley said.

Although you might expect the computer to be a germ magnet, more bacteria were found on office chairs and phones than on keyboards and computer mice, the researchers said.

Men had about 10 to 20 percent more bacteria in their offices, on average, compared with women.
This may be because men, research finds, tend to be less hygienic. "Men are known to wash their hands and brush their teeth less frequently than women, and are commonly perceived to have more slovenly nature," the researchers wrote in the May 30 issue of the journal PLoS ONE.

In addition, men are typically larger than women, and thus have a greater surface area for bacteria to live in and shed from, the researchers said.

New York City offices were the germiest, and those in San Francisco were the cleanest in terms of bacteria quantities. However, more buildings would need to be sampled before conclusions could be drawn about whether this is a typical pattern for offices in these regions, and what might be causing these differences, Kelley said.

While similar types of bacteria were found in New York and San Francisco, samples from Tucson looked different, possibility because the southern city has a different climate. Samples from Tucson tended to have fewer bacteria from the groups called Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria compared with the other two cities.

The researchers next plan to look at the types of molds present in offices, Kelley said.
The study was funded in part by Clorox Corporation; the cleaning product manufacturer had no role in study design, data collection or analysis.

By: Rachel Rettner