Windows 8 Features & Release Date

Windows, being one of the most used OS, brings great challenges for Microsoft to keep its users impressed in the next version of Windows. Although Windows 7 has done exceptionally well since its release, Microsoft has been constantly working to make the next version of Windows a better one by further improving upon the existing features, and have added new impressive Windows 8 features along with a stunning UI.

Microsoft released the early version of Windows 8 on a prototype tablet last week. Those of you who would like to taste and experience the all new Windows 8, you can download the Developer Preview, which is currently in pre-beta version. The developer version shows off the current stage of the OS. It is available for free download, and comes in three different packages:

• (1) 64-bit version – Only the OS
• (2) 32-bit version – Only the OS
• (3) 64-bit version with developer tools

 Windows 8 Features

Windows 8 offers a number of new Windows 8 features from its all new UI to Windows App Store and improvised security features. Here’s a list of new features and improvements which will arrive with Windows 8 is support for both x86 PCs and ARM tablets. Windows 8 is the first edition of Windows which will work on both ARM based tablets and traditional x86 (as well as x32 and x64) PCs based on ARM processors from Intel and AMD.“Support for ARM-based chipsets, touch, and sensors makes Windows 8 work beautifully on your choice of a full spectrum of devices, such as 10-inch slates with all-day battery life, ultra-lightweight laptops, and powerful all-in-ones with 27-inch high-definition screens,” Microsoft contends, in a Windows 8 Guide distributed with Windows Developer Preview.

WHaT iS a ComPUtEr!!!!

Computers are not very intelligent devices, but they handle instructions flawlessly and fast. They must follow explicit directions from both the user and computer programmer. Computers are really nothing more than a very powerful calculator with some great accessories. Applications like word processing and games are just a very complex math problem.

Software and Hardware

If you use a player piano as an analogy, the piano can be thought of as the hardware and the roll of music as the software.

The software a series of very simple computer instructions carefully organized to complete complex tasks. These instructions are written in programming languages (like BASIC, PASCAL, C...) to help simplify the development of applications.

The hardware is what sits on your desk and executes the software instructions. The player piano is useless unless the roll of music has been written correctly.

Input Devices

- A keyboard and mouse are the standard way to interact with the computer. Other devices include joysticks and game pads used primary for games.

Output Devices 

- The monitor (the screen) is how the computer sends information back to you, whether it be surfing the web or writing a memo. A printer is also an output device.

Storage Devices (saves data and programs)

- Hard disk drives are an internal, higher capacity drive which also stores the operating system which runs when you power on the computer.

- "Floppy" disk drives allow you to save work on small disks and take the data with you.

 

  

 

Microprocessors  (The brain of the computer)

- PCs primarily use microprocessors (sometimes called the chip) manufactured by Intel. The older Intel versions include the 386, 486 and now the Pentium line.

- Macintoshes use Power PC processors by Motorola.
- Megahertz (MHz) is the internal processor speed in which computer instructions are performed. The MHz speed does not always indicate the power of the microprocessor. Newer processors can execute more instructions at the same or slower MHz. For example, an Intel 486 @100MHz is less powerful than a Pentium @75 MHz (but the MHz is "faster").

Memory ( processor stores and uses immediate data)

- When you use a program, the computer loads a portion of the program from the hard drive to the much faster memory (RAM). When you "save" your work or quit the program, the data gets written back to the hard drive.

Database Management Systems

1. A database management system (DBMS), or simply a database system (DBS), consists of
   • A collection of interrelated and persistent data (usually referred to as the database (DB)).
   • A set of application programs used to access, update and manage that data (which form the data management system (MS)).
2. The goal of a DBMS is to provide an environment that is both convenient and efficient to use in
   • Retrieving information from the database.
   • Storing information into the database.
3. Databases are usually designed to manage large bodies of information. This involves the
   
   
   • Definition of structures for information storage (data modeling).
   • Provision of mechanisms for the manipulation of information (file and systems structure, query processing).
   • Providing for the safety of information in the database (crash recovery and security).
   • Concurrency control if the system is shared by users.      

BUsinEsS bEneFITs Of NEw SOfwAre

 

Before investing in new software, you should think about what you want it to do for you.

For example, you might want to:

• cut costs by automating routine tasks
• improve customer service - eg with an interactive online contact system for after-sales support or to check order status
• enable your employees to work more efficiently
• communicate and collaborate electronically with suppliers or partners

You should take time to talk to your employees, suppliers and customers who may have ideas for improving your business processes using IT.
It will be helpful to write down the objectives and potential benefits of new software, prioritising the list to work out the best returns on investment. See the page in this guide on choosing and buying software.
Choose software that will run on your current hardware, as long as this doesn't reduce potential benefits. You should include any hardware upgrade costs in your budgets - see our guide to computer hardware: the basics.

Alternatively, look at outsourcing your software requirements - eg cloud computing - which could help reduce both your software and hardware costs. See the page in this guide on cloud computing - software as a service and our guide on cloud computing.

Planning for the future

Ideally you should develop a long-term strategy, covering your future IT needs. This should take into account potential changes in customers, staffing levels and/or your products and services.

BaSIc iT SkiLLs

Introduction

Businesses are becoming more reliant on information technology (IT), and there is an increasing need for employees with IT skills and experience. Most office-based employees use PCs on a regular basis and their productivity is a significant factor in the success of the business.
The challenge that most businesses face is to know which IT skills the business requires, which skills existing and new employees have and how to fill the skills gap.
There are many different types of IT skill. However, the most important are those concerned with 'office' skills - using typical office-based applications, such as word processing. The most widely used IT skills qualification in the UK of this type is the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).
This guide describes how small businesses can use the ECDL as a structured framework to train and develop employees in IT.

DeFiniTiON Of SoFWare!!!!

Software is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices. (The term hardware describes the physical aspects of computers and related devices.)
Software can be thought of as the variable part of a computer and hardware the invariable part. Software is often divided into application software (programs that do work users are directly interested in) and system software (which includes operating systems and any program that supports application software). The term middleware is sometimes used to describe programming that mediates between application and system software or between two different kinds of application software (for example, sending a remote work request from an application in a computer that has one kind of operating system to an application in a computer with a different operating system).
An additional and difficult-to-classify category of software is the utility, which is a small useful program with limited capability. Some utilities come with operating systems. Like applications, utilities tend to be separately installable and capable of being used independently from the rest of the operating system.
Applets are small applications that sometimes come with the operating system as "accessories." They can also be created independently using the Java or other programming languages.
Software can be purchased or acquired as shareware (usually intended for sale after a trial period), liteware (shareware with some capabilities disabled), freeware (free software but with copyright restrictions), public domain software (free with no restrictions), and open source (software where the source code is furnished and users agree not to limit the distribution of improvements).
Software is often packaged on CD-ROMs and diskettes. Today, much purchased software, shareware, and freeware is downloaded over the Internet. A new trend is software that is made available for use at another site known as an application service provider.
Some general kinds of application software include:

• Productivity software, which includes word processors, spreadsheets, and tools for use by most computer users
• Presentation software
• Graphics software for graphic designers
• CAD/CAM software
• Specialized scientific applications
• Vertical market or industry-specific software (for example, for banking, insurance, retail, and manufacturing environments)

Play Angry birds now!!!!

http://www.angrybirdsgames.org/game/angry_birds_rio.html

Angry Birds

The Pig King and his sniveling underlings have stolen all your eggs! Rescue your eggs and take down their fortress with the only ammo you have...yourself!...

Play now!!!!!!!!