Security Update Overview A software update is a file(s) that needs to be applied to a computer running a Windows operating system to correct an existing issue or problem, or to add enhancements and additional features. An update is also referred to as a patch. An update can only be applied to specific software which is installed already. All Microsoft updates are implemented in the form of an executable file that has an .exe extension, and each update is set to back up all files that they replace. A security Read More

ARP is the Address Resolution Protocol. The ARP protocol maps addresses between the Data Link Layer and the Network Layer of the OSI Model. The Data Link layer of TCP/IP networks utilizes MAC addresses; the Network Layer of TCP/IP networks utilizes IP addresses. ARP and RARP The ARP protocol is used to map IP addresses to MAC addresses. RARP, the Reverse ARP Protocol, is used to map MAC addresses to IP addresses. The ARP Cache To reduce the number of ARP requests, every system which implements the ARP protocol keeps Read More

An isolation transformer is made of two copper coils that are wound around each other and are each supplied by their own power source. While the term “isolation transformer” technically refers to any transformer, it is specifically a transformer that isolates a circuit from an alternating current. An isolation transformer does this by separating two circuits with an induction loop or decreasing the alternating current’s voltage before it reaches the circuit itself. How Isolation Transformers Work Isolation transformers work in the same way as other types of transformers. The isolation Read More

A codec (Coder/Decoder) converts an analog signal to a digital bitstream, and another identical codec converts the digital bitstream back into an analog signal. Codec's are used to encode audio for storage on digital mediums, such as CD's and computer files. Audio codec's are also used to transmit audio over digital transmission lines, such as SPDIF. Audio Codecs Audio codecs generally fall into two groups, codecs that use lossy compression and those that use lossless compression. Lossy Audio Codecs Audio codecs which use lossy compression include: MP3 AC3 AAC ADPCM Read More

Players may come across WoW error 132 while playing the popular multi-player game World of Warcraft. The error is generic in nature, but typically indicates a computer memory or assembly over heating problem. Since the error code does not specifically indicate the problem, the computer has to be generally troubleshooted in order to identify WoW error 132’s source and correct the issue. Before troubleshooting the computer’s software, however, the user should conduct a visual inspection of the area surrounding the computer’s hard drive and remove all obstructions that can interrupt Read More

MAC is an acronym for Media Access Control. A MAC address is an address that is given to a network adapter (NIC) that helps a computer to identify it. Since many functions of a computer can be determined by the MAC address on the network adapter, it is important to be able to find your MAC address in case it is requested. Finding a MAC address is, for the most part, simple. However it depends on which operating system you are using. Here are a few tips on how to Read More

There is no “one” best satellite dish. The best satellite dish for you depends upon several factors. Satellite Dish Size The larger the satellite dish, the better it will receive signals. Therefore, the largest satellite dish available is always the best satellite dish — except that few of us want a nine foot satellite dish bolted onto our home. A satellite dish should be as small as possible, while still being large enough to deliver good signal quality. Closer to the equator, smaller satellite dishes work perfectly well. The closer Read More

FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) is also known as frequency shift modulation and frequency shift signaling. Frequency Shift Keying is a data signal converted into a specific frequency or tone in order to transmit it over wire, cable, optical fiber or wireless media to a destination point. The history of FSK dates back to the early 1900s, when this technique was discovered and then used to work alongside teleprinters to transmit messages by radio (RTTY). But FSK, with some modifications, is still effective in many instances including the digital world where Read More

The world of today is becoming more and more artificial after each passing sunset. Because of this, or perhaps in spite of it, even the videos and pictures that we see and watch are quickly being replaced by animations and computer-generated imagery. Although this means bad news for celebrities who made it big by pretending to be characters in movies and books, animation has opened up an entirely new industry for those with an artistic touch and a tech savvy mind. To facilitate such individuals, animation software has been created Read More

A digital signature is a mathematical technique that is used to validate the authenticity of a message, webpage, or other document. Digital signatures can be used to give the reader reason to believe that the message or document was sent from the party the file claims it was sent from and that the document was not altered or intercepted during transit. Digital signatures range in structure and use and may be held to varying legal responsibilities, depending on the country in which it was signed and received.   How Digital Read More