Many applications require the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to run. The JRE must be downloaded and installed on each PC where you intend to run Java-based applications. Steps to Install Java on Microsoft Windows Go to the Java Software Download Page Select the proper version of Java for your computer Click the download button Click run Click run Check I accept the terms in the license agreement Click next Click next Click finish Click yes to restart Windows now or no to restart Windows later

The term Video Graphics Array can be used to refer to many different things, but the original usage was by IBM for the graphics standard implemented in their PS/2 computer line. The original IBM VGA standard marketed in 1987 consisted of a 640 pixel by 480 pixel 16-color display at its highest resolution, but also included lower resolutions. Among those alternate modes, the 320 by 200 pixel 256-color "Mode 13h" was a common resolution for computer games because of the increased range of colors available to developers. Some of the Read More

A surge suppressor is a device that protects electrical equipment by dispersing or grounding excess electric current that surges or spikes in the electrical power grid. These surges can occur up to four times a day and can damage electronic equipment that is connected to power outlets throughout a home or office. Lightning, downed power lines, high-frequency sound waves, high-power electrical equipment, and natural weather conditions generally cause surges and spikes. How Surge Suppressors Work A surge suppressor is a ceramic or metal cylinder that is filled with oxygen in Read More

A ferrofluid is a metallic liquid that becomes magnetized when placed in a magnetic field. Ferrofluids are made up of clumps of iron nanoparticles that are evenly placed throughout a carrier fluid such as water or organic solvent. These clumps all work together to create a response to a magnetic field, consequently creating a very strong magnetic bond. Ferrofluids should not be confused with magnetorheological fluids, which solidify when exposed to a magnetic field. How a Ferrofluid Works Ferrofluids are made up of clumps of nanoscale particles of a metal Read More

An Overview of DHCP In TCP/IP based networks, a unique IP address must be assigned to each computer. An IP address is a unique numeric identifier that identifies computers on the network. The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a service that can be implemented to automatically assign unique IP addresses to DHCP clients. DHCP runs at the application layer of the TCP/IP protocol stack to provide the following functions in TCP/IP networks: Dynamically assign IP addresses to DHCP clients. Allocate the following TCP/IP configuration information to DHCP clients: Subnet Read More

The term “segmentation fault” refers to an error received on computer systems, especially Unix-based operating systems, when a program is attempting to perform an action that is unavailable or not allowed. Segmentation faults often arise when a program is attempting to access memory that the computer cannot locate or when a user or program is attempting to modify the operating system. Segmentation faults are often used as a form of protection against actions that may damage the system or simply cannot be performed. How Segmentation Faults Work When a program Read More

Bluetooth is a wireless communication protocol standard that allows wireless devices to communicate with other wireless devices in the area by using shortwave radio transmissions. Bluetooth is a relatively new technology but has quickly become integrated with most modern wireless devices, such as cell phones, PDAs, cameras, and virtually any device that is equipped with a Bluetooth adapter. Bluetooth allows users to share files such as pictures, audio clips, documents, and address book contacts and provides a very high level of security.   What is an iPod Touch? The iPod Read More

An external hard drive is a storage device that does not sit inside the computer’s chassis. Instead, it connects to the computer via a USB port. Users can carry the external hard drive with them and access their files from any computer in the world. External hard drives can store many hundreds of gigabytes and depend on plug-and-play technology to automatically install all necessary drivers on the host computer when the device is connected to the computer, much like how USB flash drives work. How to Install Windows OS on Read More

Downlink is a term in telecommunications that is used to refer to a data transmission in which data flows from an orbital satellite receiver to a ground-based transmitter. Downlink transmissions rely on the C Band between 3.7 and 4.2 GHz, the Ku Band between 11.7 and 12.7 GHz, and the Ka Band between 18.3 and 18.8 GHz, as well as between 19.7 and 20.2 GHz. Downlink is often used in astronomy, radio science, and telecommunications.   How Downlink Works When a ground-based transmitter transmits data to a satellite in Earth’s Read More

The term algorithm is used in a variety of fields, including mathematics, computer programming, and linguistics. Its most well-accepted definition is something that consists of a finite list of instructions (which are well defined) that can be used to accomplish a task. Basically, when an algorithm is given some initial state, it will use the list of instructions to produce a variety of different, and sequential, states – eventually leading to the final or terminating state. Although the term algorithm is most closely associated with modern day computing applications, its Read More