news

Sunday, November 28, 2010

A Comparison Of Software Engineering And Computer Science

Institutes of higher learning are still not in consensus of what is meant by many technical degrees, such as software engineering and computer science. These fields, along with information technology, information systems, and computer science engineering, are simply too new. Therefore, what one school or employer perceives as a requirement of computer science may be interpreted by another as software engineering.
There are many similarities between the two fields. Both will be expected to understand how computers work, how programs are structured, and what the user is entitled to expect. However, computer science is typically overseen by the mathematics department while software engineering is normally included in the engineering school.
In the early days, computers were hard-wired to perform a certain function. The user did little more than punch a button. Allowing greater user control led to the development of programming languages and compilers to translate "normal" language into computer language. Punched tapes or cards allowed the user to write his own routines. The actual keypunch was often performed by another, typically someone with clerical skills. A misplaced dot, missing bracket, or transposed letter meant that the entire program would fail. There was often no clue as to why, leaving the programmer to pore over the cards as well as his program.
Computer programming began to come into its own with the development of the personal computer. Simplified languages such as BASIC gave more control to the average user. A few minutes spent with a book enabled the user to begin to construct rudimentary programs. Many times, however, the lack of understanding about what a computer could and could not do led to failure. This laid the foundations for the software engineer, who not only understands the program but the physical abilities of the hardware.
One method of examining the differences between software engineering and computer science is to consider how most printers were controlled by the first personal computers. In most cases, changing printer functions such as font size, number of copies, or paper size required entering the proper printer string in DOS. Today, these functions are controlled from an interface on the desktop. The user may enter the information in the software or in the printer dialog box. In a simplified statement, one might say that the creation of the dialog boxes and underlying code was provided by a software engineer. The ability of the printer to understand the commands and comply with them was provided by the computer scientist.
In the most basic terms, CS focuses more on the hardware, circuitry, and networking involved. An SE is typically more concerned with creating a program that will be efficient in terms of size and speed and optimizing the user interface. Neither area, however, has a patent on any one area. To build a network or a computer that is reliable and efficient requires an understanding of what demands will be placed upon it. To write a powerful, "bug-free" program requires knowing how compilers operate, what the processor speeds mean, and the memory needed.
With little standardization between universities, the quality of the degree can vary greatly. Some colleges require CS majors to take Microsoft Office as their first programming course. In some cases, this may be followed by Pascal, COBOL, or RPG, none of which are in high demand today. They may also teach Visual Basic, Visual C++ or Visual J without first teaching the underlying language. By the same token, software engineers may be graduated without a basic understanding of wireless technology. Those seeking a degree as well as employers might be better served by ignoring the title and examining the actual courses required.
Not too many years ago, computer science positions were often filled by those with other degrees, such as electrical engineers. Software engineers were usually those with programming skills, many of whom held no degree at all but were self-taught. As technology became more complex, increased specialization followed. Only by considering the goal is it possible to differentiate between them. For example, if the goal is to produce the greatest game of all time, a software engineer is likely to be the one to meet the challenge. If the goal is to produce the next generation of gaming systems, however, a computer scientist is probably going to make the greatest contribution

Back to The Future - Meet Your Network Equipment Gear Demands

Network Communications are expanding rapidly, and this is changing the way we all work, live and entertain. We are now truly able to stay connected virtually anywhere and at anytime. The market and its associated technological advancements are moving quickly and companies need to stay ahead of the curve to be able to satisfy the demand for speed and data space.
In order to provide the ultra-fast data speeds necessary to stay ahead of users' rapidly growing online video demands and to set the foundation for a whole new way of networking, Cisco unveiled a new Internet technology that is simply futuristic. Known as "CRS-3,"  this new network routing system will be able to offer downloads of up to 322 Terabits per second, according to the company. To give an example, in Cisco terms, the router will be able to download the entire printed collection of the Library of Congress in 1 second and stream every movie ever created in less than 4 minutes.
Cisco said the CRS-3 will triple the speed of its predecessor, the CRS-1, and it will offer speeds of up to 12-times faster than the next fastest product on the market. The company invested $1.6 billion in the technology and will begin selling the routers at $90,000.
The foundation for the CRS-3 was based on rapid proliferation of smart-phones and the growing popularity of advanced applications that circle around how mobile providers will be responding to this change in service types and rising expectations of their users.
Additionally, the business and technical landscape is changing dramatically - expanding competition, shift in revenue streams, next gen. broadband technology deployments and move to all-IP architecture. These forces require mobile operators to build networks in new, "smarter" ways in order to be prepared to meet future demand.
Even though some say that the expansion of those speeds and network capacity are not necessary at the moment, many argued that the fast-growing media usage on mobile phones, mobile data and need for high-bandwidth mobile applications is exploding and will ultimately demand it.
The bottom line is that even if you do not require such a vast technological breakthrough at the moment, Cisco is definitely the company, one should look at, when considering what brand of networking to use. Satisfaction is guaranteed and you can be sure you are always staying ahead of the curve even with older models, since they are always designed and manufactured to meet prospective needs.
Ross Gray
Network Equipment Specialist
NetworkEquipment.Net

Uses Of Mobile Applications For Smart Phones

Mobile application development is one of the fastest growing businesses because of the large number of smart phones being sold. Besides Blackberry apps there are also programs for Droids and iPhones. These portable devices are easy to use and allow users to customize the settings and features.
Specialized development companies have software that provides users with templates to create their own programs to share with friends. The templates are for video games, quizzes or gifts. The companies charge for the templates or take a portion of the revenue generated by the programs. The more the users promote their own creations the more money they can make.
Consumers increasingly access their smart phones to compare prices while they are out shopping. They connect to the internet and then browse through popular shopping sites. If they find a better price they can order the item online or physically go to the other store. Consumers are increasingly becoming more aware of prices.
Cell phone applications can tap into the GPS system in the device to give out the exact location of the phone. The owner of the phone downloads a special program allowing his friends to know where he is and what he is doing. Location programs are becoming more popular, despite earlier concerns they may be an invasion of privacy. Phone owners can opt out of using them at any time if they have worries about someone following them.
Parents use the GPS system to keep track of their children. They can set up virtual boundaries on the app so it alerts them when their child crosses that line. Cell phone companies offer the service for an extra charge as a way to make more revenue.
Business owners can develop a Blackberry app for their store or restaurant. It appears as an icon on the phone and when it is selected the products sold at the store or the menu appear. The user is easily able to quickly select what they want.
Cell phones are increasingly becoming more sophisticated with more chip memory and other features. They are able to download applications needing more hard drive storage space. The phones also have more computing power and their computing speed is getting faster with every new model.
The software programs are being designed for one of the biggest group of users - teenagers. Many youngsters of this age enjoy apps that let them play games against each other. They also like to share their wins and losses with their friends. They can link their social media profiles with apps on their phones to easily stay informed about the latest developments in their circle of friends.
Many cell phone owners treat the devices as miniature computers. They synchronize the phones to the programs on their laptops, PCs or Macs. They carry in their pockets and purses the same information, games, photos and videos that are in the devices at their homes and offices.
Mobile application development is an open market. Any computer programmer with the necessary skill is able to write and sell their intellectual property. Big companies no longer have a corner on the tools needed to produce the products. It is a democratic economic environment open to everyone.
DEVCON 2010 will be the summit of mobile application development. The developer community will be showcasing the next generation of blackberry mobile applications, which are sure to set pulses racing

Modern Gadgets And Their Benefits

The gadget is a device that is able to perform one or several functions. Gadgets often have funky designs but have useful functions as well. It is also being referred as gizmos. The history of gadgets can be traced back to the early 1800s. There is a wide variety of gadget including GPS system, USB toys, smartphone and etc. The first appearance of the term "gadget" occurs in 1985. Amiga OS uses the term to describe the GUI widget in a graphical user interface.
1. Benefits of Modern Gadgets
Gadgets offer many benefits to the users. It usually has a small size so you can bring it with you to any place. Spy gadgets incorporate a recording player and video camera. For example, a spy pen gadget can have a camera. It functions just like a pen and can be used to write words. No one will know if the camera is recording scane because it is hidden within the pen. There are also gadgets that design to aid people with physical impairment. For example, the electronic eyes gadget allows the blind person to cross the road.
2. Where to Shop for Modern Gadgets
You can shop for technology gadgets at the local store or online store. The online store usually offers more variety of technology gadgets compare to the local store. The technology gadget can be as cheap as $1 depending on the type of function it offers. If you buy the technology gadget online, you can save money by using coupons.
3. Doing Research by Reading Technology Reviews on Technology News Site
Before buying gadget online, you have to do some research by reading the technology reviews. The technology reviews are available in the technology news site. The technology news site offers reviews on the latest gadgets.
4. How to Shop Online for Modern Gadget
To shop online, you simply enter the type of gadget in the search engine. For example, if you want to buy a spy gadget, you should enter the keyword "spy gadget" into the search engine. After you have submitted the query, you will see a list of gadget stores that sell spy gadgets. Each store offers a different selection of the gadgets. You should browse every gadget store so that you know what your choices are.
5. Using Shopping Search Engine
To make online shopping more convenient, you can use the shopping search engine. The shopping search engine such as Google Products will list all kinds of gadgets and the prices. You will be able to compare the prices of the different gadget stores. You should use shopping search engine that is based in your location. For example, if you are from the United Kingdom, you should use UK shopping search engine. In this way, you will be able to buy the gadget from a local online store and save money on the shipping charges.
Are you looking for latest technology reviews and technology news? Then all you have to do is Click Here!

How To Fix Hlvdd DLL Errors On Your PC - Tutorial To Resolve Hlvdd DLL Errors On Windows

hlvdd.dll is a file used by the "Hardlock" driver on Windows computers. Even though this driver is currently used by millions of people around the World, it's still got a lot of problems which can cause the hldvv.dll error on your PC. The good news is that if you're seeing errors caused by this file, there can be a maximum of two problems causing it, none of which are to do with the stability of validity of the file. This tutorial is going to show you exactly how to repair the error on your PC so that it will never come back.
The error you're seeing may come up like this:

  • "hlvdd.dll Not Found"
  • "This application failed to start because hlvdd.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
  • "Cannot find hlvdd.dll"

The reason for these errors showing is actually quite simple. The problem is that Windows, for whatever reason, cannot read the hlvdd.dll file correctly - leading your computer to run with the errors you're seeing. There are two likely causes for this - either the "HardLock" driver on your PC is not functioning correctly, or Windows has some sort of error that is preventing it from reading the hlvdd.dll file.
To fix the error you have on your PC, you first need to make sure your computer is able to correctly read the hlvdd.dll file with the software you have. It's often the case that the Hardlock driver will either become corrupted or damaged, preventing your system from being able to read the files it requires to run. To solve this particular cause of problems, you should look to uninstall the hardlock driver from your PC and then palce a fresh hlvdd.dll file onto your system, with one from the Internet. This will allow your software to read the file correctly, which should enable your computer to run smoothly again.
On top of that, it's recommended you clean out the registry of your system with a 'registry cleaner'. These are software tools which have been designed to scan through your PC and fix the various errors that can lead your PC to run slower or with errors. More specifically, registry cleaners will scan through the "registry" of your system and fix the various problems that could be causing the hlvdd.dll errors. More specifically, the registry stores a "list" of DLL files that your system will use to run. If this list gets corrupted in any way, registry settings will become damaged - leading to a variety of potential errors on your system. To ensure that this problem does not cause your computer to run erroneously, you need to be able to use a registry cleaner program to fix the possible errors inside the registry database.
You can fix hlvdd.dll errors on your computer by using the tools and tutorials on our website. You can Click Here to fix the hlvdd.dll errors on your PC

Digital Signage: Hybrid, Interactive Systems Amplify Marketing Impact

A new trend in digital signage is emerging that combines the strength of digital signs with the interactivity of digital kiosks. For many areas, such as retail shops, the sum of the two holds greater potential for marketers than either of the individual parts.
Known in some circles as hybrid digital signs and by others as interactive digital signage, these combo systems can capture the attention of those nearby by playing back compelling linear content -for example an enticing commercial or news feed- and immediately switching to an interactive mode when triggered by an external input, such as the touch of a viewer, the mere presence of a passerby or even environmental conditions.
Like a standalone digital sign, a hybrid system allows communicators to playback a pre-built sequence of elements, including video files, graphics, text, animation and live television. Those staples of digital signage are the makings of an effective message that entices interaction with the very flat panel on which the content plays.
Once viewers touch the panel or step within its proximity, the hybrid sign automatically interrupts linear content playback and displays a digital kiosk-like interface that lets a shopper touch hot spots on the screen, launching a pre-built interactive branching presentation. Navigating through the presentation, shoppers can find the information they want like product recommendations, pricing and availability.
Depending upon the level of sophistication needed, such hybrid interactive presentations can link to company's servers, pulling information needed for the presentation and collecting information about the consumer that can be stored on the server.
For instance, a hybrid system at an automotive retailer could send an inquiry to the store's server to access a database of recommended filters and oil viscosity specified by each car manufacturer. Matching information the customer entered about his car with the recommendations in the database, the system could check inventory for the right products, retrieve availability and pricing and present the information to the shopper standing at the hybrid sign.
Prior to offering that information, the system could ask the shopper to enter his name and address and to grant permission to be notified of future specials. With that data saved on the server, the retailer's marketing department can automatically send out coupons for oil and filters when next estimated time for an oil change rolls around.
What enticed the shopper to touch the screen in the first place? Perhaps it was a video playing back in linear digital signage mode of a favorite racecar driver discussing why it's important to stay current on oil changes.
On the front end of customer interaction, the hybrid system cast a wide net, cycling through a playlist of content designed to sell oil, followed by tires, then batteries, air filters -the list goes on an on. Each linear segment is backed up by an interactive kiosk component that's triggered when a shopper's curiosity is piqued by one of these linear presentations and touches the screen. On the back end, the system uses data that's collected to stay in touch with shoppers once they leave the store, offering special incentives to have them return. In essence, hybrid digital signage can help to extend the marketing reach of a retailer well beyond arm's length from the display panel and into the homes of shoppers who are willing to interact.
Interactivity doesn't haven't to begin with a human touch either. Imagine a hybrid digital signage system in a ski shop at the base of mountain. Skiers donning their boots and gloves might see a digital sign in passing as it plays back linear content; however, their attention might be focused when temperature, wind and solar sensors at the top of the mountain report conditions and trigger specific presentations. Lots of sun could call up reminders about needing sun screen. Heavy snow might trigger another presentation that makes them think twice about leaving the store before having the right gloves or goggles.
The possibilities for interactive, hybrid digital signage are only as limited as the imagination of creative marketers. To be sure, this aspect of the digital signage market is in its infancy. However, with the recent availability of the hardware and software needed to bring together the separate worlds of kiosks and digital signage, hybrid systems will certainly play an important roll in the unfolding digital signage market.
David Little is a digital signage authority with 20 years of experience helping professionals use technology to more effectively communicate their unique marketing messages. He is the director of marketing for Keywest Technology in Lenexa, KS, a software development company specializing in systems for digital signage creation, scheduling, management and playback. For further digital signage insight from Keywest Technology, download our Why Digital Signage Works [http://www.keywesttechnology.com/component/option,com_performs/Itemid,0/formid,4/] white paper; subscribe to our digital signage RSS feed [http://www.keywesttechnology.com/keywest-blog/] that gives a diverse perspective on digital signage from experts around the world.

Wonders of Touch Screen Technology

Technology is progressing constantly and with this it is introducing new changes every day. In fact, it is technology that has largely made things easier for men. Touch screen technology is one of the wonders of the modern world that has now become a part of our life. There are different electronic devices that have this technology and they prove to be really very beneficial. Touch screen technology has been in the market for quite a few years now and its amazing wonders have really changed the lives of men. If you have not yet bought yourself a touch screen device, then it is high time that you go and get one.
The touch screen technology was originally developed mainly to be used in air traffic control and in nuclear power plants. However, with time, its uses have largely increased and now it has become one of the most important methods of spreading the use of digital media. The advent of this technology has greatly minimized the usage of the mouse and the keyboard. As a result, the people who lacked expertise in handling these devices can now use digital devices just by the touch of a finger.
This technology has been applied to various devices in the present world. Touch screen technology simply requires the touch of a finger to get a particular function done. The sensors are highly sensitive and there is not the need of even applying pressure. The surface is actually designed to be so flexible that it can easily recognize a contact on a particular part on the screen. On the basis of this recognition a function is actuated. This technology also functions at high speed and efficiency as a result of which the response time is extremely low. In fact, the device responds by performing the function immediately with the time difference being negligible. This in turn speeds up the flow of information. Any kind of information that is required immediately is processed within nanoseconds.
Touch screen technology also makes navigation very easy. Using this technology in a device like a cell phone does not require keys to begin a particular function. In most cases, you would be given a special pen which you require to touch the screen with to operate the phone. At times, fingers can also replace the function of that pen. Thus this is highly a user-friendly facility that is present in most of the latest devices of today.
The touch screen technology is largely used in many different fields, right from the big industrial houses to banks and other organizations. It is very practical in nature and even an ordinary individual can make use of this technology by owning a cell phone. Many people are taking full advantage of this technology in their everyday life. The future will certainly see the application of the touch screen technology on a much larger scale. We are likely to see a number of wonders of this technology in the coming years.
Resus offer forward thinking advertising solutions in the Digital signage market place