More Computer Information
Viruses: Viruses are a form of malicious logic. They attach themselves to programs and then replicate much in the same way has human viruses. It is important to keep your computer protected with some form of anti virus software. It is equally important to update this software frequently as new viruses emerge. |
Worms are another example of malicious logic. They differ from viruses because they are self contained programs. Viruses attach to other programs while worms execute independently. It is important to have both anti virus software and a firewall to protect against worms. It is equally important to update your operating system since security vulnerabilities continue to be identified. |
3G Cellular This is the next generation cellular technology. Companies are promising "DSL" or high speed connectivity speeds. Currently, internet content is downloaded at "dial up" speeds which is much slower. Protocols being incorporated are CDMA and GSM as well as others. Several companies are starting to launch the service in January 2005. However, it will be some time before this system becomes widely implemented. |
RAM Random access memory is similar to packing for a short trip. The computer uses this small amount of memory to store informtion that is being rapidly accessed by the computer. For instance, game programs will store urgently needed graphics, sounds etc in RAM because it can be more quickly accessed. If the computer one is using is "slow', a purchase of RAM can possible speed up the computer. Discuss these issues with the manufacturer. |
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Computers really only understand "0"s and "1"s. The fundamental "letter" of the computer is a bit and consists of either a "1" or a "0". Bits are typically used to describe transfer rates. For instance, a 56 K modem can trasfer 56,000 bits of information. A byte is 8 bits. So, a byte would be represented as "10010010" . Bytes are typically used to talk about memory. For example, a DVD has approximately 6 Gigabytes of memory.
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ENCRYPTION Personal information is important to safeguard. The computer industry works constantly to give the consumer security to perform transactions and relay information. Encryption uses mathmatical formulas to make it essentially impossible to "read information". Whenever one transmits personal information, make sure the prefix "https" is in the URL menu. This is the box at the top of the page. The "s" at the end of http means the server location is secure and incorporates encryption. |
