Chances are, you’d want to game with your Xbox controller instead of the archaic mouse-and-keyboard setup. Maybe you’re frustrated with the traditional controls and want to try something different. Could be you’re playing a game that originated on a console, and you want to capture that authentic feel. Hell, maybe you just bloody well feel [...]
A lot of people don’t know what a “torrent” is, or what “torrenting” involves. Considering how torrents have become such a large part of the internet in recent years, that’s rather problematic, wouldn’t you agree? There should be a guide of some kind – something to help the newbies along on their way and introduce [...]
In this issue of “In Layman’s Terms”, we’re going to look at a few terms related to a computer’s start-up process. BIOS BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. If you strip away the primary operating system of your computer, you’re left with the BIOS. It’s essentially the software that controls things behind the scenes. It’s primarily [...]
In this issue of “In Layman’s Terms”, we’re going to look at a few terms related to memory and processing. Bit In terms of memory, a bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest possible unit of data on a computer system. A single bit is basically a tiny electrical ‘switch’ that’s either ‘on’ or ‘off’.’ [...]
In this issue of “In Layman’s Terms”, let’s have a look at some terms related to system graphics and performance. RAM RAM refers to Random Access Memory. Unlike the memory format you’d see in a hard drive, Random Access Memory is not persistent- that is, data stored in RAM vanishes once the power is cut to [...]
In this issue of “In Layman’s Terms”, we’ll look at some terms related to networking. Mac Address A Media Access Control Address, also known as a hardware or physical address, is a unique value associated with the network adapter on your computer. Basically, it’s what’s used to identify and associate with a system over a [...]
For those who don’t know, there are generally held to be two ‘breeds’ of hard drive: Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disc Drives (HDDs). The former’s a fairly new format, only entering the market in the last few years or so. The latter is considered to be the ‘conventional’ hard drive we all know [...]
One of the best things about Google Chrome is the addons. A trip through the Chrome Web Store can yield a vast array of useful, entertaining, or simply quirky applications or extensions. Furthermore, as a long-time gamer, even I’ve gotta admit there are some pretty decent games on there. Of course, the web store can [...]
A lot of people aren’t actually aware that Gmail has more than one look to it. Laugh if you will, but it simply doesn’t occur to a couple folks that they can customize their email experience. Even those who would like to usually have absolutely no idea where to start. Here’s a short, simple how [...]
Personally, I’ve never much cared for the antivirus/antimalware market. To me, it’s always seemed like something of a protection racket- “Lovely system you’ve got there, it’d be a shame if something were to happen to it.” Thankfully, there are actually several rather excellent antivirus programs available on the ‘net that don’t actually require a subscription [...]
One thing I’ve noticed a lot of people run into – and that includes a considerable number of tech blogs (I’m looking at you, Business Insider)- is a tendency to confuse Chrome and Chromium. And hey, I can’t really blame them for that. The two operating systems are rather strikingly similar. After all, one does [...]
With the release of Chrome 14 onto the Beta channel, there’s been a lot of talk about some new program known as “Native Client” that’s built into Chrome. Everyone says its a new feature, a new function…except, it really isn’t. Thing is, Native Client has actually been built into every release of Chrome since 10 [...]
So, let’s say you’re starting up a website or blog, or maybe you’re talking to someone who runs one. They’re telling you about how their blog is growing, and they drop some phrase like “Well, just the other day, my website’s page rank went from three to four.” Naturally, you’re a bit confused at this. [...]
To those new to the mobile world, some of the jargon and terminology used by a lot of tech journalists can tend to be just a touch overwhelming, can’t it? In a lot of cases, I’m sure many of you are left completely in the dark as to what a blogger’s on about when they [...]
One of my favorite things about Google Chrome is the sheer volume of addons available on the web store. There’s an application or extension for pretty much anything these days- from games to email to sharing content on social networks. There’s a rather unfortunate side effect to addons, however… install too many, and you [...]
