History of the Computer: Flip-Flops - A Basic Counter by Tony Stockill
We looked at the Binary system, and basic computer logic elements, in previous articles, "It's a binary world - how computers count" and "How computers add - a logical approach". Now we can combine two parts of these articles to look at a counter. Another common logic element in a computer is a... This can b to count items going past a sensor on an assembly line, or possibly a count-down timer. ... For example, if you have a late model washing machine it will have a simple computer using a count down timer to give 10 minute wash cycle, etc.

Why Easy To Use Software Is Putting You At Risk by Darren Miller
Can Easy To Use Software Also Be Secure --------------------- Anyone who has been working with computers for a long time will have noticed that mainstream operating systems and applications have become easier to use over the years (supposedly). Tasks that use to be complex procedures and... Conclusion --------------------- Here's the bottom line. ... For instance, back in the old days when I started as a developer using assembly language and c/c++, I had to write pretty much all the code myself.

The Genesis of Computer Art-FORTRAN (Backus) a Computer Art Medium Creates a Mosaic Mona Lisa by Carl Chesal
Where did computer art, computer graphics and computer animation begin? Written communication became sharable and pervasive once stone etchings were replaced with the mobility of paper and ink. Similarly once computer languages advanced from machine or assembly code to third generation computer... Computer graphical output got its humble start when alphanumeric characters hammered on TTY and line printers to represent X-Y graphs and even mosaic images. ... Accomplishing this rudimentary computer art would be hours and days of tedious work involving the following steps: 1) You would need...

Managing Stress in the Computer Industry - Five Steps to a Stress-free Life by Brian Adamson
It would be easy to think, like most people apparently do, that stress and the computing (and especially programming) industry were unlikely bedfellows. The habitual image of long-haired young "geek" programmers churning out ‘software’ from their teenage bedrooms is one that many still associate... From the assembly-line manufacturers forever looking to increase throughput to the debuggers whose time requirements weren’t in the original production schedule, pressure on those who work in the industry is at an all-time high and it is only going to increase as margins drop and further...

Building Computers: What You Need To Know by Michael Quarles
A friend asked me “What do I really need to know if I decided to build my own computer? I’ve got books on the subject, I can follow the instructions, but I get the feeling they’re not telling me everything.” While a bit of reticence before tackling a technical project is natural, I came to... Add to this the firecracker hot graphics cards that the most sophisticated video applications require, and the analogy of computer case to oven becomes even more apt. ... Number 5: A popular saying is “you’ll build your computer three times”.

Laser Marking Steers a New Course in Manufacturing by Rick Stevenson
As the technology of laser marking has advanced, new markets have evolved to take advantage of increasingly faster marking speeds as well as greater marking precision and imaging capabilities. Continuing developments in laser-cavity design, beam-steering and focusing optics, and computer... The delivery optics consist of either a simple focusing lens assembly or a combination fixed upcollimator and flat-field lens assembly. ... The simple focusing assembly offers the advantages of low cost and fewer optical components and is routinely used with CO2 lasers.

One PC at a Time by Chin Wong
ONE good turn deserves another. Sometime in September 2005, my editor at Standard Today, Jojo Robles, thrust his old Apple G3 iBook at me with “a request” that I learn to use it. Fortunately, I liked what I saw, and when it came time to retire my old Fujitsu Windows 98 notebook, I chose a G4... In September last year, the southern Indian state of Kerela converted all computers in its 12,500 high schools from Windows to Linux, in line with state policy to promote free software, the Associated Press reported.

The Advantages of Building your own Gaming PC by Jordan Hall
As has already been established, custom gaming computer systems can offer wonderful performance numbers and sleek styling, but they can often be cost-prohibitive. Furthermore, even non-custom computer systems can represent more than you are looking to spend, and the component quality is not... The logical place to start when looking at computer components is the central processing unit, or CPU. ... What types of activities do you see yourself doing on your newly-assembled computer system? ... Do you want to go for a complete top-of-the-line gaming monster, or would you prefer to keep the...

Advantages and Disadvantages of Etching with Beam-Steered Laser by Rick Stevenson
This year, over one-third of all material processing lasers will be installed for product or package marking applications. Since their introduction in the early-1970's, laser markers have evolved as an effective tool for manufacturers who require a combination of speed, permanence, and image... If the alphanumeric characters must be altered part-to-part, (i.e., serialization, etc.), computer-controlled rotary stencil wheels index the characters. ... This design offers the user the advantages of a computer generated marking image and utilization of the entire laser output for the highest...

Laser Marking of ECC 200 2D Matrix Codes on Printed Circuit Boards by Rick Stevenson
Manufacturers of electronic devices, from home audio equipment to automotive keyless entry systems, are increasingly seeking a reliable, cost effective method for uniquely identifying and tracking products through the manufacturing cycle, sales distribution and after-sale warranty verification. ... If the laser marking system is installed on an assembly line with older 2D matrix readers downstream from the laser marker, the verification reader can be configured to evaluate the codes based on the performance of the older downstream readers to assure consistent performance throughout the...