Wireless broadband
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-wireless-broadband.htm
http://news.cnet.com/2100-1039_3-6178977.html http://top10.com/broadband/guides/what_is_a_wireless_router/
Social Networking
http://www.whatissocialnetworking.com/ http://communication.howstuffworks.com/how-social-networks-work.htm http://www.linkedin.com/answers/technology/web-development/TCH_WDD/536683-51986603 http://www.mcafee.com/us/local_content/misc/threat_center/msj_future_social_networking.pdf http://communication.howstuffworks.com/how-social-networks-work4.htm
Handheld Devices
http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/handheld http://uis.georgetown.edu/handhelds/handhelds.types.html http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/travel/pda6.htm http://www.gizmag.com/go/5187/
CPU
http://www.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm
* http://video.about.com/pcsupport/installCPU-mov.htm http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/247866-28-future http://www.ehow.com/about_4587172_different-types-processors.html http://www.ehow.com/list_6669743_disadvantages-intel-processor.html
1. What it is? What do we use it for?
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for interpreting and executing most of the commands from the computer's hardware and software. It is often called the "brains" of the computer.
2. How is it a part of our multimedia world?
It is the brain of the computer it help us excess other types of multimedia faster.
3. Are there different types? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each type?
There are two types of data that the CPU handles at a given time. One is the data that needs to be processed. The other is the program code that is connected to the data. The programming code is a list of instructions on how the data should be handled and processed in a language that the CPU can interpret. The programming code also contains the route of the system bus for the data. Since other components of the computer may not understand the programming code, it is the CPU's job to interpret the instructions to those components. The CPU continues to handle both pieces of data until it is no longer needed, which is when the program is closed or the hardware is no longer accessed.
There are two primary manufacturers of computer microprocessors. Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) lead the market in terms of speed and quality. Intel's desktop CPUs include Celeron, Pentium, and Core. AMD's desktop processors include Sempron, Athlon, and Phenom. Intel makes Celeron M, Pentium M, and Core mobile processors for notebooks. AMD makes mobile versions of its Sempron and Athlon, as well as the Turion mobile processor which comes in Ultra and Dual-Core versions. Both companies make both single-core and multi-core processors.
Applications can harness the power of two processor cores instead of one. The major downside at this time is that most software applications cannot yet take advantage of a dual-core processor design. You will probably have to wait awhile before your favourite game, office application or other software program can harness the power of a dual-core design.
However, a dual-core processor can accommodate more applications and tasks running simultaneously -- clicking at the bottom right-hand side of your Windows screen will give you an inkling of the many programs running in the background as you read this article. This means that sharing the computing load among two cores instead of one can help prevent glitches and a slowdown in your PC's performance while running several intensive programs. For instance, the positive effect might be noticeable while you have dozens of web page, a word processor, e-mail, a video editing application and Adobe windows open with a Win amp video playing in the background without any perceptible performance loss.
Disadvantage of an Intel processor
Price
•One disadvantage of Intel processors is the price. As a highly recognizable brand name, Intel's products often sell for more than comparable counterparts from lesser-known microprocessor makers. In addition, new Intel processors may demand a price premium, falling to more competitive levels only once the company has introduced an even newer chip. This can drive up the cost of new computers and make older models with Intel chips less attractive to budget-oriented buyers.
Availability
•Just as Intel processors may demand a price premium, new models may be difficult to acquire in large quantities. This is especially true of processors intended for use in popular consumer desktop and notebook computers, with many different computer manufacturers competing for the same limited stock of processors. As a manufacturer, relying on Intel processors may delay the release of new models to the public.
Power Consumption
•While Intel does procude a line of processors for notebook computers that draw relatively little power, other models intended for desktop computers use a significant amount of electricity. Coupled with the power needs for fans or a liquid cooling system pump, this can cause a computer using Intel chips to consume a large amount of electricity, increasing the operating cost and contributing to strain on the electric grid.
Heat
•Another issue with some Intel processors, such as the Core 2 Duo, is heat. Some of Intel's more powerful multicore processors produce a great amount of heat, requiring multiple fans for cooling. Besides the aforementioned energy usage, heat can decrease the durability of the processor or make a notebook computer uncomfortably hot to the touch.
Read more: Disadvantages of an Intel Processor
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6669743_disadvantages-intel-processor.html#ixzz0zVZSqgDs
4. A “simple” explanation of how it works.
The CPU sits in the motherboard as the central unit. All of the other hardware components and programs installed on the system must go through the CPU before their function can be carried out. The CPU's job function is important and enormous in scale.
When a function, program or piece of data is called, the CPU pulls it from Random Access Memory (RAM) and any other hardware in order to process it. The CPU then reads the instructions associated to the task before sending it back to RAM. The instructions that the CPU receives pertains to calculations and data transportation. The system bus is the trail that the data must travel before it is executed. It is the CPU's job to make sure that the data is guided through the system bus to be processed by the CPU and then on to the next step. With every stop on the system bus, the CPU makes sure that the data gets there in the correct order.
5. A rough indication of the cost of the device (only where a device is being researched)
Dual-core devices, at least in the beginning stages of their rollout, will certainly cost a lot more than most single core processors. On the high end of the dual-core scale, AMD's dual-core Athlon 64 X2 4800+ retails for more than $1,000. Intel's 3.2-GHz Pentium D 840 also costs more than $1,000, although less expensive versions of both processors exist. You can easily pay well over $4,000 for a dual-core CPU PC.
6. Future directions, what is waiting around the corner, what is the next “new” technology in this area?
After a fairly standard review of CPU development over the last thirty years, a serpent is detected in the CPU boys' garden of eden, threatening their supremacy. "CPU profit margins are decreasing. GPU margins are increasing." As the old saying goes, "Follow the money!" and you'll rarely be lead astray. But where has this serpent come from?
Ah ha, NVIDIA and ATI are revealed as the wannabe usurpers, and the GPU programability trends that began with 2001's NV20 DX8 capabilities have now grown to be enough of a threat to gain even the attention of mighty Intel. Given that Carmean first began giving the original form of this presentation in 2005, one might wonder how large a part the rationale displayed here played in AMD's acquistion of ATI which was first proposed in December of that year.
1. What it is? What do we use it for?
It is a social structure made up of relationships and links, whether strong or weak, to people we have something in common with. Apply this to the web and you have a series of websites where people gather to interact with other like-minded individuals. It is mostly used to communicate with people that are far away or a colleague you want to have a conversation with.
2. How is it a part of our multimedia world?
With social networks, we're able to visualize the connections between individuals, and exchange images videos even video games.
3. Are there different types? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each type?
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Yahoo
• MSN
• Flickr
• My space
• YouTube
• Blogger
There are more than 300 active social-networking sites, and each one has a slightly different process for creating a profile. However, the profile's function is always the same. It's the image of yourself that you present to the online world. This, of course, has its advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage is that online profiles give us a chance to put our best foot forward and choose to share only the parts of our lives that are the most interesting. A disadvantage is that visitors to your profile could "label" you as a one-dimensional figure -- a punk music fan, a sports fanatic, a depressed poet -- instead of a whole person
Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook have made communication much easier. Friends’ and family now have a quicker, cheaper way of keeping in touch, making important relationships easier to maintain.Not only does a social networking site help you keep in touch with friends you already have, but they also help you form new relationships. People can find others who share the same interests or hobbies and form friendships with them. These sites help bring together people from all different cultures and races: breaking down boundaries that may otherwise exist in everyday life. People are able to make friends with people they would never have even met without using a networking site.
Even those who see life from the rosiest of spectacles have to admit there are drawbacks to using social networking websites. People can use these sites to prey on the naive and vulnerable. This can be done in a number of ways including grooming and identity fraud. Just think about all of the sensitive information that people post on these websites. Details commonly found include: dates of birth, addressees, marital statuses, and jobs. All of this can be used against you by a fraudster. It is also easier for people to harass, stalk and bully you through these sites. Not only this but people aren’t always who they say they are. This could mean someone befriending you only to gain as much personal and sensitive information as they can. This too can be used against you. Although it is true that legitimate businesses uses sites such as MySpace and Facebook, it is also true that people could invent fake businesses or products and advertise them on social networking sites, in a bid to take your money.It also highly addictive a study was made by 200 University of Maryland students who gave up online media. When asked how they felt during the brief disconnection, students’ descriptions of frantic cravings, anxiety and jitters mirrored those typical of people going through withdrawal from drugs or alcohol
4. A “simple” explanation of how it works.
There are three basic steps to using all social-networking sites:
• Create and post a personal profile
• Search the network for existing contacts or browse for new ones
• Add contacts to your network
To join any social-networking site, you'll first be asked to choose a login name and password. Once you're a member, you'll be asked to fill out some basic personal information, such as name, sex, age, location, hobbies/interests, etc. A lot of sites also allow you to upload a photo of yourself. This information is used to build a basic profile. Most social-networking sites then allow you to further personalize your profile, either by answering more detailed questions, filling out short descriptions of yourself and your interests, or by uploading media files -- such as photos, music and video. Some social-networking sites allow you to change the way the profile page looks to make it even more unique.
5. A rough indication of the cost of the device (only where a device is being researched)
Development costs are always very hard to estimate. They are even more when we do not know the purpose of the project.
Social networking sites needs to be properly planned out. To do so we create a blue print that details the information architecture and all the features and functionality that go into the website. This takes about 40-50 hours of work and we charge $3,800 to create this document.
Client interview and understanding of client expectations and project scope
-Specification document to serve as blue print for the design and development of each site to include:
-Goals, project scope, website features and deliverables
-Sitemap (listing of all pages)
-Wire frames (layout and structure for homepage and 2 sub pages for each site)
-Technical document of all front-end features and back-end functionalities
-Marketing features (i.e. calls to action, messaging, differentiation points, viral marketing attributes, etc.)
-Milestones with deliverables
This document details out the exact number of hours for completing your website. Without doing this phase it is almost impossible to give you a proper quote for a custom designed and developed social network. Most sites like these start at $25,000 and go up based on the functionality and features in the back-end.
6. Future directions, what is waiting around the corner, what is the next “new” technology in this area?
Future social networking sites will become more important because platforms will expand further. “Killer apps” will include mobility, presence, and location awareness, with the goal of making your physical life more convenient through your virtual network; you’ll have a traveling social network in your back pocket. Not only will you be able to know which of the friends in your network is online, but you’ll also be able to know which are nearby. Cell tower triangulation and global positioning systems will be able to pass along your location to whomever you allow. Location-aware services could match local businesses and entertainment to your interests based on your profile. Business travellers could more easily rendezvous with co-workers and clients at conferences and trade shows. The thrill of online dating could be heightened through the creation of location-specific communities, so you wouldn’t only meet someone online, but you could also chat with a prospective mate in the same room. Social sites will also be smarter, mining user information across the web. Social bookmarking site functionality such as Digg will be married with social networks and enhanced with self-learning technology such as Pandora or Stumble Upon and tagging functionality such as Flickr. The result is a more constant and refined stream of relevant information, which actually educates and informs the community in a much more efficient manner than occurs today. From your iPhone, you’ll be able to get movie recommendations from those in your network. You’ll also be able to read reviews that your friends found helpful and find show times for the theatres in your vicinity, and then you’ll be able to check the location of your friends to determine how quickly they can meet you.
1. What it is? What do we use it for?
A handheld device is a device that can conveniently be stored in a pocket (of sufficient size) and used while you're holding it. Handheld devices are typically used for personal information manager (PIM) types of applications: maintaining schedules, keeping names and phone numbers, doing simple calculations, taking notes, and, with a modem, exchanging e-mail and getting information from the Web.
2. How is it a part of our multimedia world?
As we know multimedia is a medium with a combination of different contents such as audio, video, animation, text, interactivity, and still images. Most handheld devices come with all of these contents- making it part of the multimedia world. We use cameras to produce images and videos, we use the microphones to record sounds, in laptops we can create animation through software, and in order to do all this, we interact with the device. Therefore it is a part of the multimedia world
3. Are there different types? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each type?
UMPC
•Business-class device for enterprise users
•Runs a "heavy" OS like Vista
•Optimized for office-use applications like Excel, Word, etc.
Vilv X5
MSI Wimpad
Archos 9
MID- stands for mobile internet devise
•Consumer-class lifestyle device
•Runs a 'lightweight" OS with quick start up like Linux
•Optimized for things like media playback and web surfing
•In 2009 (or so) Moorestown-based devices will be classed as MIDs only
i Pad
i Phone
Ramos W7
• Palm (UIS-recommended)
• Windows Mobile (UIS-recommended)
• BlackBerry
• IPhone
Palm
Palms are pioneers of 'organization on-the-go'. These devices are easy to use and include many applications to help organize work schedules and tasks. Different Palm models have different operating systems and functions, but the majority of the overall product is similar.
The following descriptions are for the Palm Treo (the functionality of other Palms may vary).
Capabilities:
Many models are equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard and a touch screen
All Palms have e-mail capability (POP3 and IMAP)
All contain programs for managing your calendar, notes, tasks, and contacts
Most models can synchronize with PC and Mac
Most models can be used internationally, depending on your cellular provider
All have built-in data capabilities (i.e. Internet browsing)
All can work with office documents (Word, Excel, etc.) and have infrared ports that can be used for wireless data transfer
All have cameras and other multimedia applications
Limitations:
Certain models (Treo 750, 700w/wx) can only sync with PCs
Windows Mobile
Many handheld devices run on the Windows Mobile operating system. Their advantage is the ease and convenience of having Microsoft Office and other Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and Windows Live at your fingertips. Some devices that use the Windows Mobile operating system are: Palm Treo 750, Samsung BlackJack, T-Mobile MDA and Wing, AT&T 8525.
Windows Mobile devices can be classified into two categories: smartphone and the PocketPC. Pocket PC phones come with a stylus that you can use to touch the screen. Also, on these devices, the Windows flag logo appears on the top left of the home screen.
Smartphones do not have a touchscreen or stylus. On the Smartphone, the Windows flag logo appears on the bottom left of the home screen. Also, Smartphones can have either QWERTY keyboards or a 12-key keypad.
Advantages:
Windows Mobile devices easily sync documents, contacts, calendar, memos, etc. from your PC. They also use MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, etc), and other applications such as Tasks, Calendar, etc
You can securely connect to POP3 and IMAP accounts, as well as Internet-based e-mails such as Yahoo, AOL, and Google
All have built-in data capabilities (i.e. Internet browsing)
Most models have cameras/camcorders and multimedia capabilities (MP3s, etc.)
Disadvantages:
Some models (i.e. BlackJack) can only open working files, but cannot edit them.
BlackBerry
This handheld has become very popular. The major difference between the BlackBerry and other handhelds is its operating system. The BlackBerry devices run on a proprietary operating system that was developed by Research In Motion (RIM), the company that produces the BlackBerry. The preferred Blackberry device for syncing with GU services is the BlackBerry 8700 series.
Note: GUCalendar does NOT sync with any series released after the 8700 series. As of December 2008, this includes the 8800, Pearl (8100, 8200), Curve (8300), Bold (9000), and Storm (9530) series.
Advantages:
The BlackBerry can be used for e-mail and web browsing
It can sync with your PC for applications such as calendar, tasks, memos, notes, contacts
It can also sync with a Mac for built-in Apple applications such as iCal and Apple Mail
Disadvantages:
GUCalendar can only be synchronized with the 8700 (and earlier) series)
Microsoft Office files (i.e. Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) can only be viewed, and not edited
It does not have infrared capabilities that would allow the transfer of files between other devices (i.e. handheld-to-handheld, handheld-to-PC)
E-mail is not sent securely
Messages stored in folders in your GUMail account (except for your Inbox) are not visible
Some models do not support multimedia capabilities.
IPhone
The iPhone is a new handheld device developed by Apple. It runs on OS X, a different operating system from any of the other handhelds, and has a unique touch screen. It is a phone, an iPod, a camera, and a web browser all in one.
Advantages
It can sync with POP3 and IMAP e-mail accounts
It displays photos and graphics alongside e-mail text
It can sync contacts, photos and videos, music, calendar, email, etc. from a PC and Mac.
It can be used to view and edit Microsoft Office documents
The visual Voicemail system allows you to listen to voice messages in any order without calling out
Web browser (Safari) is user-friendly and has international capabilities provided by the cellular service provider
Disadvantages: It can only be used with AT&T cellular networks
GUCalendar cannot be sync-ed with built-in iCal application
4. A “simple” explanation of how it works.
Since there are a variety of handheld devices, they are many different ways in which each of them works but here is an example of one: PDA
5. A rough indication of the cost of the device (only where a device is being researched)
Handheld device varie in cost because there is such a wide variety of handhald devices but here are a few
ipad
smarthpones
PDA
6. Future directions, what is waiting around the corner, what is the next “new” technology in this area?
One of the presenters at this week’s DEMO conference was Digislide, a company with a micro-optical engine named Digismart that allows 11-inch by 17-inch full-colour images to be projected from a range of hand held devices, including cell phones, Notebooks, GPS units, MP3/MP4 players, smartcard readers and gaming devices. Digislide’s patented miniature projection systems could prove to be one of the enabling technologies that will shape the future form factor of handheld technology – one of the “missing links” that could enable small objects to offer large screen viewing. Digislide is seeking industry alliance partners and licensees for its miniature projection systems which has the potential to be used in a number of US$100 billion a year markets (as above) and offer a unique differentiation, enabling them to not only retain but expand their market share by offering consumers instant access to large scale images from hand held devices.
“This projection capability is able to replace portability with mobility, fragility with ruggedization, a small image device’s screen with a detailed 11x17 inch wall projected image, and delayed display with immediate access, for a fast growing worldwide market,” said Luceille Outhred, CEO of Digislide. “Digislide has a suite of technologies available that fit a variety of projection needs. We look forward to providing a peek at that future during our DEMO 06 presentation.”
1. What it is? What do we use it for?
Wireless broadband is s high-speed Internet service via wireless technology; we use it to receive internet signals.
2. How is it a part of our multimedia world?
Wireless broadband makes us experience different types of multimedia that can be excessed through it.
3. Are there different types? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each type?
The effectiveness of your broadband depends on your router (Provide wireless internet to wireless-enabled devices such as computers, laptops and gaming consoles), some enable wireless broadband others are used to facilitate broadband use for fixed PCs
The main advantage of wireless broadband is that you can surf the web from your living-room, kitchen, bedroom, basically wherever you like as long as you have a signal from your router. You also have the advantage of connecting a number of different computers to the router and each being able to browse any website of their choice without interfering with the other users. You can also connect a number of different devices to the internet through the wireless router, for example phones and PDA's.
The main disadvantage is that hackers, neighbours or even passers-by can use your internet without your permission if you don't have your wireless network properly secured. Another disadvantage is that the strength of the signal weakens the further away you are from your router, or is also weakened if the signal has to go through thick brick walls, this would lead to a slower internet browsing speed.
4. A “simple” explanation of how it works.
What you do is plug a wireless router into the modem then connect your computer wirelessly to the router through a wireless card, which is installed onto your PC, or in many cases comes included when you purchase a new laptop. Despite what many people think, wireless broadband is not the same as mobile broadband. Wireless broadband has a radius of about 100m from your router, whereas with mobile broadband you can access the internet wherever you have signal on your mobile phone.
A wireless broadband modem receives the service and transmits it via radio waves to the immediate surrounding area. Any computer equipped with wireless capacity within receiving distance can pick up the signal, making the Internet ‘portable.’
5. A rough indication of the cost of the device (only where a device is being researched)
The cost of wireless broadband depends on your provider, there are no 'wireless broadband suppliers', you would still sign up to a regular broadband package with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and simply connect a wireless router to your modem. It's the router that has the power to allow you to go wireless.
Some ISP's will offer you free wireless routers and security packages when you take out a broadband contract with them.
6. Future directions, what is waiting around the corner, what is the next “new” technology in this area?
The 700MHz band of spectrum, which has been used to provide analogue TV service, is considered the last piece of prime real estate left in wireless spectrum.
On the 700MHz frequency band, signals travel about four times farther than those on bands used by the wireless and electronics industries today. Reusing that spectrum could mean easier and cheaper deployment of broadband networks, which should translate into more affordable and widespread high-speed Internet access for consumers.
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