What is a .zip file? A zip file is a compressed file format, which allows you to compress many files into one zip file, which also makes for faster downloading of your file.
What is a Java Applet?An applet is a program written in the JavaTM programming language that can be included in an HTML page, much in the same way an image is included. When you use a Java technology-enabled browser to view a page that contains an applet, the applet's code is transferred to your system and executed by the browser.
What is a .gif file? The GIF format incorporates a compression scheme to keep files sizes at a minimum, and GIF files are limited to 8-bit (256 or fewer colors) color palettes. There are now several slight variants of the basic GIF file format that add support for transparent color, and support for the interlaced GIF graphics popularized by the Netscape Navigator Web browser.
What is a .jpeg file? A JPEG (pronounced "jay-peg") file is either a full-color or gray-scale image. It works well on photographs, naturalistic artwork, and similar material; but not as well on lettering or line drawings. The JPEG format is intended for compressing images; and the degree of compression (hence, the file size) can be controlled by adjusting compression parameters.
What is a Real Audio/Real Video File? Real Audio files allow your web browser to receive real audio and video "live," instead of forcing you to wait while the entire file downloads. Instead, the files are "streamed" to your computer via the web, and begin playing while they are downloading.
How can I listen to an MP3 File? MP3 is a file format which stores audio files on a computer in such a way that the file size is relatively small, but the song sounds near perfect. You can identify MP3 files because they will end in .mp3. Typically 1 MB is equal to one minute of music or several minutes for spoken work/audiobooks. An "MP3 player" software program plays MP3 files. There are many players available for free or as shareware. You can download many players from the MP3.com site.
How can I play a Real Player file? To listen to a Real Audio file or view a Real Video file, you'll need to download and install the Real Player plug-in if you have not already done so. A free version can be downloaded at the RealPlayer web site.
What is a Quick Time File? Quick Time is a file compression format that makes streaming video a reality, even with dial-up Internet access at slow modem speeds. It supports digital video formats like AVI, AVR, DV and OpenDML, Cinepak and the H.263 compressor. QuickTime 3 includes state-of-the-art Sorenson Video, which delivers the highest possible video quality while maintaining the smallest possible file size. In addition, QuickTime 3 Pro Macintosh users can now use Power Macintosh G3 to both compress and play back Intel Indeo Video 4.4 in QuickTime files.
Can I install programs on a tape drive? Yes, although it is not recommended because of the seek time of a tape drive is much slower than a hard drive and the programs will not run efficiently. Tape drives are mainly used for backup and storage. Installing your programs on the hard drive and moving files such as media and downloaded programs to a tape drive is the best way to use your space efficiently.
What is better a SCSI card or a Ultra ATA/66? Definitly go with the Ultra ATA/66. Many people think that it is cheaper, so they get the idea that SCSIs are cheaper. In fact Ultra 66s can go up to double the speed of SCSIs. Ultra ATA/66 range from $50-$100 for a good card. SCSIs cost around $70 and can go as high as $180. Ultra ATA/66 support EIDE, ATAPI, and ATA drives. Like the SCSI, Ultra ATA/66 can improve the performance of many of your drives such as CD-Roms, CD-Writers, tape drives and hard drives.
How do you connect more than one computer to the Internet with xDSL (same with ISDNs, T1s, and T3s)? To connect more than one computer to the Internet you need to either have multiple IP addresses which you must pay the company you are getting xDSL service from, or use an internet sharing program. I recommend using WinProxy, which is what I am currently using at home to get all my computers online. WinProxy enables a firewall and has a antivirus program built in to protect your computer from the harms of the internet. It also gives you options to block web sites that contain sexual content, warez, and drugs. This is a good program for home and office and it is much cheaper to buy this than pay for a IP address each month.
Which is better?
Linux v.s. Microsoft: Microsoft is an ideal O/S for games and it’s pretty decent. It has more updates than Linux and more compatible applications and programs. But, it also has many bugs that need to be fixed and it has the tendency to crash a lot. In Europe, and gaining more popularity in the US, is the operating system called Linux. It has better graphics than Microsoft and it runs much smoother. There are fewer programs made for Linux, but the ones that are out are made in better quality. Good software and user friendly. It’s an Internet based O/S, but it has very few compatible games. My suggestion is that if you have money then you should get both. Install both operating systems on your computer and when you boot it up you can choose which one to use depending on the task at hand. Also, having tried Windows 2000 Beta 3, I recommend if you plan on using Microsoft that you use their new hard drive compression utility similar to FAT32(It’s much better). Since they are using the NT programming, it should not crash.
PC v.s. iMACs: PCs are what most homes, offices, and schools use today. They are more compatible with software and hardware. Many of the hardware made for iMACs are also made for PC, although all PC hardware is not compatible with iMACs. Computer gamers that want to play new games and want fast speed and graphics acceleration should get a PC. Game companies usually release their games for PC. On the other hand, if you want a colorful looking computer that is small and affordable, the iMAC is probably what you want. If you are just getting into computers and you don't plan on doing anything but surf the internet, this is the computer that you should buy. iMACs are also known for their computer graphics programs. Many of the designers use iMACs to design company logos and artwork. I have been a student at the Pasadena Art Center College and the programs that they have on their iMACs are just incredible. They are also good for watching DVDs. But I prefer the iMAC over the PC, because I do many things on my computer and the PC is just better to do the job.
What is the ideal computer to buy this year? This year is a good time to upgrade your computer since so many things are coming out and you need something that would be compatible with all the new technology. I suggest the following items for your computer: