Kamis, 17 Januari 2008

Computer Software


Software refers to the programs your computer uses to perform the actions you want it to. Learn all about computer software, from Web browsers to the latest operating systems, with our explanations, reviews, videos and prices.





FILE SHARING LIBRARY

How BitTorrent Works

Instead of downloading a file in its entirety, BitTorrent gathers pieces of the file you want and transfers them simultaneously from other sources. How does it put the pieces back together?

How File Compression Works

Compression programs can eliminate 50 to 95 percent of file size in seconds, but when you open up the file the data is still there! Learn how compression algorithms cut down on bytes without killing data.

How Gnutella Works

File-sharing allow millions of people to freely trade MP3 and video files on the Internet. Is it legal? How are the files exchanged? Is there a central database? Find out how the file-sharing structure works and see why it makes it difficult for record labels to sue.

How MP3 Files Work

CDs took care of storing music digitally, then MP3 files took it to the next level, compressing audio data down to a manageable file size -- without losing sound quality! Learn about the miracle of MP3.

How the Old Napster Worked

While the original Napster got sued out of business, dozens of free file-sharing utilities have popped up to take its place. Find out how the old Napster worked and why it was vulnerable to legal attacks.

How does Napster work and why is there such a huge fight around it right now?

Get a refresher on the original Napster and why it caused such a storm about intellectual property laws.

What is Aimster?

As a file-sharing program, Aimster is generally more secure because users have complete control over their files. This AOL program can also hook up with your IM friends.

GRAPHICS & VIDEO LIBRARY

How 3-D Graphics Work

3-D graphics are essential to realistic computer games and object modeling -- they can make computer images look totally life-like! But how is a computer model transformed into the image you see on the screen?

How Screensavers Work

Screensavers used to be necessary due to CRT monitor quirks -- now they're mostly used for entertainment and security. Find out what a screensaver is and how it knows when to kick in.

How Shockwave 3-D Technology Works

In this article, we'll find out exactly what Shockwave 3-D technology is and how it works. We'll also explore some applications of this technology and check out some very cool 3-D images.

How Video Editing Works

Have a camcorder and a computer? Add a piece of software to the mix and you can turn a home movie into a high-quality video masterpiece!

How can I burn MP3s from my computer onto CD-Rs?

If you want to play MP3 files in your car and your car has a CD player in it, or if you want to play them on your home stereo, then what you need to do is move your MP3 files onto a CD. Here's how.

How does my computer know when to activate the screensaver?

There's a special command your computer sends when your keyboard and mice have been idle for a period of time. Find out how your computer activates your screensaver.

What are TrueType fonts?

In the late 1980s, Adobe introduced its Type 1 fonts based on vector graphics. Unlike bitmapped fonts, vector fonts could be made larger or smaller and still look good.

Why are my digital photograph files so huge while photos on other Web sites are much smaller?

Digital images can be saved by numerous methods and in countless file sizes. Learn how the jpg format compresses your photos while maintaining resolution.

Why are there so many different image formats on the Web?

GIF and JPEG formats may be the most commonly used, but there are other useful image formats for more specific purposes. Find out what they are and how to use them.

PROGRAMMING LIBRARY

How C Programming Works

A computer program is the key to the digital city: If you know the language you can get a computer to do almost anything you want. Learn how to write computer programs in C.

How CGI Scripting Works

CGI, or common gateway interface, allows Web servers to store dynamic Web pages that can change and update rather than remain a fixed page. This article explains the process, plus shows you how to write your own scripts.

How Java Works

Whether you're a seasoned computer user or are just beginning to experiment, this step-by-step guide will get you started with Java. Begin with this basic tutorial, and then move on to more advanced skills.

How Perl Works

Perl is easy to use once you know the basics. It can be used to create DOS batch files, C shell scripts, CGI scripts for Web pages and more. Get a great introduction to this versatile programming language.

What are relational databases?

The relational database was born in 1970 when E.F. Codd, a researcher at IBM, wrote a paper outlining the process. At the time, databases were "flat," and stored as one long text file. Learn how the relational database changed the way we work.

What is a computer algorithm?

When you use programming to tell a computer what to do, you also get to choose how it's going to do it. That's where computer algorithms come in. The algorithm is the basic technique used to get the job done.

OTHER SOFTWARE LIBRARY

How can doctors use virtual reality to treat phobias

Virtual medicine was developed to try and help the millions of people that suffer from phobias. Learn what virtual medicine is, and how it can treat fears.

How Content-recognition Software Works

Content-recognition software does a lot more than just help you find that song you heard while shopping. It serves as a watchdog for copyright infringement, thus eliminating some of the toil of countless human workers scouring websites and other public spaces.

How Digital Rights Management Works

The digital revolution that has empowered consumers to use digital media in new and innovative ways has also made it nearly impossible for copyright holders to control the distribution of their property. Enter "digital rights management," or DRM.

How Firefox Works

In 2004, ten thousand fans of an obscure "alternative" Web browser ran an ad in the New York Times introducing their favorite browser to the world. Since then, Firefox has exploded in popularity as users and developers continue improving this open-source phenomenon.

How Pop-up Blockers Work

It's happened to almost all of us at some point in our Web surfing experience -- you're visiting a new site when all of a sudden your screen begins to fill with boxes advertising goods and services. Enter the pop-up blocker. Learn about how no two pop-up blockers are alike and how they keep ads at bay.

How Streaming Video and Audio Work

Streaming video and audio has come a long way since the mid-to-late 1990s when streaming media suffered from poor quality. Learn more about streaming media.

How does SETI home work?

Do you believe in intelligent life elsewhere in the universe? Check out how the SETI@home product works, and find out what extraterrestrials have to do with screen savers.

OPERATING SYSTEMS LIBRARY

How BIOS Works

One of the most common uses of Flash memory is for the basic input/output system of your computer, commonly known as the BIOS. On virtually every system available, the BIOS makes sure all the other chips, hard drives, ports and CPU function together.

How Operating Systems Work

The operating system controls every task your computer carries out and manages system resources to optimize performance. Learn how your operating system handles it all so you can multi-task without a crash.

What's the problem with Microsoft Word?

How did hackers exploit four different "zero day" flaws in Microsoft Word? Find out what went wrong with Microsoft Word.

How do I add applications to the task bar in Windows 98?

One of the funny things about the Graphical User Interface is that while the interface is graphical, the help files are textual. Learn how to overcome this dilemma.

How Windows Vista Works

After lengthy delays, Microsoft finally released the much-anticipated first version of the graphics-heavy Windows Vista. Check out what's new.

In Windows what is Safe Mode used for and why?

While Windows is a versatile and powerful operating system, there are times that it can be frustrating. Safe Mode is a special way for Windows to load when there is a system-critical problem that interferes with the normal operation of Windows.

What does open source mean?

Software developers who support the open-source concept believe that allowing anyone who's interested to modify the source code makes the application more useful and error-free over the long term.

What is Linux and why is it so popular?

Linux is as much a phenomenon as it is an operating system. To understand why Linux has become so popular, it is helpful to know a little bit about its history.

When you delete files from your computer and after you empty it out of the Recycle Bin where exactly does it go?

When Microsoft introduced the Recycle Bin in Windows 95, it immediately became a failsafe for many users. But deleting a file by sending it to the Recycle bin will not permanently delete it from your hard drive.

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