A modem is a device that connects to either a cable or DSL line in order to provide users with Internet access. A modem acts as both a receiver and a transmitter as data travels in either direction. Modems are easy to setup and generally only require the user to connect the device to a cable line or DSL outlet and a power source in order to connect to the Internet (a computer and router are also required). Router/Access Point A router is a device that converts the signals from Read More

Description of ADSL A special Internet service which is available in many areas is called the Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). ADSL connections use existing copper telephone lines to transmit data to and from the ISP. These connections may be limited by proximity to the ISP or the telephone company because the data will lose strength through the phone lines the further away it is to where it needs to travel. Usually, these services require a special type of ADSL modem to access the Internet at high speeds usually within 1.5Mbps and 9.0Mbps. This Read More

A DVR, which is also known as a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) is basically a digital replacement for the video cassette recorder (VCR) for recording TV programs. The key difference between a VCR and a DVR is that the latter can record TV programs digitally. Apart from the advent of High Definition TV (HDTV), the rise of the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is considered a major development in television technology. Key Benefits of Using DVR Live TV can be paused and continued, since DVRs automatically record about an hour of Read More

A backing track player is usually necessary for anyone who would like to perform live on stage. Whether you are singing or playing an instrument, unless an entire band or orchestra is available your background music will come from a backing track player. Generally speaking, the backing track player has changed in step with innovations in technology. For instance, during the 1960s most people requiring a backing track used the available reel-to-reel tape players. In the 1970s the most advanced technology available usually included cassette tapes. In the 1980s and Read More

There are many processes that run behind the scenes in Windows operating systems. One of these processes that may look suspicious is the SMSS.exe. This is an execution file with the full name Session Management Subsystem. The Session Manager Subsystem is responsible for starting a session. When this process begins, the system thread is responsible for a number of specific tasks including launching the Winlogon, specific Win32 processes, and among other items, setting the system variables. Many computer users first notice the SMSS.exe process when a system shuts down abnormally. Read More

Computers are deterministic and are therefore predictable. Computers cannot, in and of themselves, generate truly random numbers. In the absence of outside input, computers can only create pseudo-random numbers.  In the words of John Von Neumann, “Anyone attempting to produce random numbers by purely arithmetic means is, of course, in a state of sin.” A random number vulnerability occurs when a program uses a method of generating random numbers which is either: Not random Predictable To generate good random numbers, the computer must have two things: A good random number Read More

PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express/PCI-E) is a new computer format for motherboards that allows expansion. It was introduced to phase out PCI expansion and the AGP graphics interface card. PCI Express makes a computer much faster, significantly improves the machine’s graphics performance, and does error checking. It also allows a computer to connect to peripheral devices such as hard drives, cd players, cameras, keyboards, printers, mouses, monitors, USB devices, etc. Traditional PCI has several limitations. It has a fixed width of 32 bps and can handle only five devices Read More

The MIN (Mobile Identification Number) is a number that uniquely identifies a mobile telephone subscriber. MINs are 34-bits in length. The first 10 bits are sometimes known as MIN2, while the last 24 bits are referred to as MIN1. Together they are simply known as the MIN. In the United States, the MIN is derived from the 10 digital decimal telephone number assigned to the handset. For the telephone number (303)866-1010, the area code (“303”) becomes the 10 bit MIN2 and the local portion of the telephone number (“866-1010”) becomes Read More

In simple terms, sndvol32.exe can be described as a Microsoft Windows certified executable system file that comes along with all 32-bit versions of Windows operating system and is responsible for controlling volume and mixer settings of audio channels inside the computer. Why is sndvol32.exe essential in a PC? – Located primarily in system32 directory on Windows XP, sndvol32.exe has a file size of 138752 bytes and is default accessible using the system tray icon present on the system tray bar. The biggest advantage of having sndvol32.exe in the system is Read More

Cryonics is the preservation of legally dead people or pets at extremely low temperatures (below 130ºC or 200ºF) in order to restore the person or animal to life in the future. Current law prohibits freezing someone in this manner while still alive, so the technique is conducted as close to the point of death as possible. The general idea behind cryonics is that since most diseases that cause death result from damage to the body’s tissues, cells, organs, and cellular components, the body should be curable in the future as Read More