Mcshield.exe is a third party software process that belongs to the McAfee On-Access Anti-virus Scanner. It is a real-time shield of the McAfee anti-virus software that continuously monitors files, folders, and programs that the user, the computer, and/or third party applications access in order to detect possible threats. Mcshield.exe is generally considered a safe program and does not pose a threat to the computer, although it does use large amounts of CPU memory and may slow the computer down.   How Mcshield.exe Works Mcshield.exe works in the same way as Read More

In fiber optics, there are hundreds of different fibers that are laid to provide telecommunications to people. It is important, though, for these companies to be able to change which fiber the information is running on. Therefore, they use what is called an optical switch. In technical terms, an optical switch is a switch that allows for signals that are traveling along one line of fiber to be switched selectively from one single circuit to another. Types of Optical Switches There are many different types of optical switches. They all Read More

Laptop Malfunctions A common problem with laptop computers is that they are prone to malfunctions. This is because laptops still use a relatively new type of technology and consist of many different pieces that are very close to each other in a small amount of space. Laptops must include everything that a desktop computer would, such as a fan, hard drive, and motherboard, but in a much smaller area. Because of this, parts often overheat, damage each other, or break off. Furthermore, users are more likely to drop a laptop Read More

The Dow Chemical Company has the trademark for Styrofoam, a foam made from extruded polystyrene. The extruded polystyrene is made from styrene. Styrofoam has been used in many ways since it was first invented in 1941. It has low density and does not conduct heat well due to the large pockets of air in its structure. Styrofoam is commonly used to insulate panels, act as impact-absorbing inserts in automobiles, and in gasket materials. Who Discovered Polystyrene? Although Dow has the Styrofoam trademark, Eduard Simon is credited with discovering polystyrene in Read More

What is Windows Security Alerts Windows Security Alerts is a security feature of the Windows operating system that warns users when there are security-related issues. Windows Security Alerts is directly connected to the Windows Security Center and may present information concerning the user's firewall, network, or computer itself. Windows Security Alerts is especially helpful when the computer is infected by a virus or other malicious software as it warns the user that his/her computer might be infected. How To Disable Windows Security Alerts As Windows Security Alerts can be irritating Read More

A key logger, or keystroke logger, is a piece or hardware of software which records user keystrokes. They can be used for legitimate purposes such as checking a minor child’s Internet and email use or for illegal tasks such as stealing email and bank account login and password data. Keyboard loggers use keylogging technology to record keys that are typed on a computer keyboard, and even take screen shots of the computer when in use. Hardware Key Loggers A hardware key logger is a small piece of hardware which is Read More

CMYK – also called CYM or YMCK – is a subtractive color model used in color printing. A color model is a mathematical model for describing colors as tuples of numbers, usually 3-4 color components or values. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (black), and the color model describes a formula for creating other colors by mixing pigments of these colors in varying amounts. It is said that CMY mixture is subtractive (that is, magenta, cyan and yellow on a white background produces black). In CMYK model, magenta Read More

Warning: Altering your Open Firmware configuration in a manner that is not explicitly endorsed by Apple may damage your machine's logic board. Repair's for issues created by these unsupported configuration changes are not covered under the terms of any of the Apple support agreements. Warning: Please reselect your startup device PRIOR to resetting your PRAM or Open firmware. The following firmware configuration is supported on: All Intel-Based Macintosh Computers iMac (Slot Loading) and later models of G3 iMac iMac (Flat Panel) and later models of G4 iMac iMac G5 and Read More

A 66 block is a punch-down block used to connect wiring for telephone systems and other low-speed low-voltage wiring applications. A punch-down tool is used to force solid wire into metal slots on the 66 block. The 25-pair standard non-split 66 Block encloses 50 rows; each row has four columns of clips that are electrically linked. Each row contains four clips, but the left two clips are electrically isolated from the right two clips. Blocks may be punched down manually, or purchased already wired at the factory. The newer 110 Read More

A relay is a remote switch controlled by current, magnetism, or temperature. The relay was invented in 1835 by Joseph Henry (1979-1878), an American scientist. Relays are a common component in many devices, and there are many different types of relays. Relay Types The two main types of relay are electromechanical and solid-state. Electromechanical relays have a moving plate with contacts on it, while solid-state relays work similar to transistors and have no moving parts. Power relays use an electromagnet to move a set of contacts. The contacts are pulled Read More