An external drive or a few of them is essential for backups in the event that your computer’s built-in drive fails, but you may want to consider using them for primary storage. A pair of external drives in a mirrored RAID configuration allows you to move your data off of your computer’s built-in drive, which may be necessary as your library continually expands. If you’re capturing HD video along with still images, you know how quickly the gigabytes add up.

Drives like those featured here offer big capacities, much larger than what most computers typically include, so you’ll be able to back up all of your important flies with room

Let’s see few type of External Storage available in the market

Apple Technology
For Mac users, Apple’s Time Capsule is designed to work seamlessly with Apple’s Time Machine software (part of OS X Leopard, Snow Leopard and Lion) for automatic, wireless backups of your data. One nice feature of Time Capsule is that it doubles as an 802.lln Wi-Fl router. All of the Mac computers on your network can back up to the device, and can share the Time Capsule as a network drive. It also includes a USB port that allows you to share a printer or an additional external drive. Estimated Price: $299 (2 TB); $499 (3 TB).

Buffalo Technology
Buffalo Technology’s CloudStor drive makes your files available wherever you have an Internet connection, even from mobile devices, through a secure and simple interface. The base model CloudStor has two drive bays, and includes one I TB drive in a design that makes it easy to add a second drive for RAID data mirroring. CloudStor is also available in a version with one 2 TB drive. Both models offer USB 2.0 and Ethernet connections. Estimated Price: $129 (I TB); $169 (2 TB).

Drobo Technology
Drobo is an expandable storage system that can easily grow along with your library. What’s different about Drobo is that it doesn’t include any drives, so you can determine the capacity you need to start and add drives over time. The base model 4-bay Drobo is probably the best choice for most photographers. This model currently supports drives up to 2 TB, but a firmware update coming later this year will support 3 TB drives, and the company plans to continue to support larger drives as they become available. Drobo connects via FireWire 800 and USB 2.0. Estimated Price: $399 (without drives).

G-Tech Technology
Now available in capacities up to 3 TB, G-Tech’s G-Safe is a dual-drive mirrored RAID system. G-Safe comes ready to use with two fast 7200 RPM drives that are hot-swappable, meaning you replace the drives without powering down, handy if you want to take a drive with you for the added security of off-site storage. G-Safe offers three connection options: FireWire 800, USB 2.0 and eSATA. An LCD displays system status. Estimated Price: $399 (I TB); $549 (2 TB); $699 (3 TB).

Lacie Technology
LaCie’s 2big Quadra is a 2-bay RAID-ready backup solution in capacities up to 6 TB (3 TB if you use it as a mirrored RAID). It offers four ways to connect: eSATA, FireWire 400 and 800, and USB 2.0. It includes backup software for Windows, and is Time Machine- compatible for Mac users. The 2big Quadra also can be configured in a Mixed Partition mode, which allows you to use part of the system’s capacity for mirrored RAID back ups while using the remaining space for files you don’t need to back up. Estimated Price: $299 (2 TB); $419 (4 TB); $549 (6 TB).

Seagate Technology
The GoFlex Desk from Seagate is uniquely upgradeable: the connection port is located in a removable, swappable base. So if your A SEAGATE current computer has only USB 2.0, but your next has FireWire, you can simply swap out the base and take advantage of faster transfer rates. Available in capacities up to 4 TB, GoFlex Desk is compatible with Windows and Mac, and includes backup software. An illuminated capacity gauge makes it easy to monitor how much free space remains. Estimated Price: $109 (I TB); $129 (2 TB); $199 (3 TB), $249 (4 TB).

Western Digital Technology
My Book Live from Western Digital is another Internet-connected option if you’d like to access your files remotely. Just connect My Book Live to your wireless router via Ethernet and you can back up all the computers in your home. Your photos and other media are available wherever you’re online, including Android and Apple iOS devices. It also can stream media to DLNA devices like Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or compatible HDTV5. My Book Live works with Apple Time Machine, and also comes with automatic backup software for Windows users. Estimated Price: $149 (I TB); $199 (2 TB); $249 (3 TB). DP

Whereas the various designs will be there are actually usually the subsequent ports:

-Power port in which the power lead switches into
-WAN port, more details on that below.
-Ethernet Ports, typically 4 of these working at 10/100 or 1GB.
-USB port for plugging in bulk hard drive device (optional)

The WAN port might vary dependent what unit that you’ve but will possibly be an Ethernet port and even a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) port. Many individuals make use of cable and therefore provide the model using the DSL port. If you stay in a region that has the other sort of cable using Coaxial then you certainly might need a model making use of Wide Area Network Ethernet (WAN) port.

You are going to want to be the router powered up first after which connect the Wide Area Network port. In case you are on Digital subscriber line then you’ll really need to connect a micro filter in your phone socket and next an RJ11 cable from the micro filter on the DSL port. To set up the router you can either stick to the steps upon the setup CD or apply it manually.

In most cases the setup CD will be able to make suggestions over the action and it’s tips on how to complete the work. However if you don’t need a install tips guide and then manual process straightforward enough. For a start connect an Ethernet line directly into router therefore the other end onto your desktop. Dependent upon the router you would right away issued an IP. Look into the icon in the bottom right to verify that your connected. You probably have limited or no connectivity you will need to set yourself an IP.

The default wide range for Linksys routers is usually 192.168.1.x but check the documentation to verify. Give yourself an IP address of 192.168.1.50 (You could already have to swap that based what the default wide range is). Log on to the Linksys router configuration webpage, this will be the http:// followed by the IP with the router (again, look at the documentation given).

Using the webpage you might be capable to startup the wireless network by having a name and key which you decide. Just try to find the wifi menu. Eventually you may find the ‘WAN’ or ‘Internet’ tab and setup the internet connection. You would like to key in the username and password your Internet Service Provider gives you.

When you’ve complied you must be ready to roll! Take a look at your personal wireless networks on your personal computer and you might find your own detailed there, pop the key in and link up and you should have internet connection! this is how easy way to configure linksys wireless router. Remember, when you require more coverage, you also can place more wifi router, wireless router also an access point.

The Intel Sandy Bridge processor is still based on the 32nm manufacturing process released 12 months ago that was already considered very advanced during its release. Now, the Intel Sandy Bridge processor offers a higher performance enhancement, more vital features and a higher level of architectural design.

A very big change in the Intel Sandy Bridge processor is the presence of an improved graphics processing core that is on the same level as some graphic cards. Due to this, users may opt for lower end graphic cards. The price and the release of graphic cards will also be affected. Intel Sandy Bridge processor reviews that are written by software programmers also mention the Intel AVX (Advanced Vector Extensions).

The new Intel Sandy Bridge processor also has the Turbo Boost 2.0 dynamic overclocking function. Intel Sandy Bridge processor reviews say that the Core i7-2820QM quad core chip has a base clock of 2.3GHz. After Turbo Boosting, it had a clock 3.1GHz, almost a 1.0 GHz increase. Many Intel Sandy Bridge processor reviews have complimented the Turbo Boost feature in all Intel Sandy Bridge processors.

Below are the comparison between the Sandy Bridge and the normal processors.

So how would one differentiate the normal Intel processors with the Intel Sandy Bridge processor? The easiest way would be to just look at the name. The naming system would look something like this;

The major difference is the Gen. So, if there is a number 2 in front the SKU number, then that processor is an Intel Sandy Bridge processor.

In conclusion, the Intel Sandy Bridge processor really lives up to its name, so much that it is called the “tock” in the manufacturing process. According to Intel’s “tick-tock model” that was designed to deliver continuous innovation, a “tock” is represented by new micro architecture while a “tick” would mark the achievement of the shrinking of a previous micro architecture process technology.

Intel Sandy Bridge processor reviews have all said that they were not disappointed by the Intel Sandy Bridge processor. In fact, most are in awe. Intel has really done it again.

For RAID 0, is a technology which split the data evenly across 2 or more hard drive (striped), with no parity information for redundancy. RAID 0 is not an original RAID levels and it provides no data redundancy.In RAID 0, minimum hard disk will be 2.

Advantage:
To create a larger virtual hard drive with a lot of smaller physical hard drive. Meaning that if the market current largest hard disk size is 2 Tera Bytes, while the server can shows 20 tera bytes hard as a single hard disk, but originally is combine of 20′s 2 tera bytes physical hard drive.

Unfortunately, if you using different size of hard drive, only minimum hard drive space will be apply. Example, you using 1 Tera hard drive striped with another 2 tera hard drive, the final hard disk space will be 2 tera only.

Other then this, according to the theory, RAID 0 also improve performance. How to RAID 0 increase performance?

As we can see on above diagram, the data are split to different hard drive. The minimum hard drive is 2. Lets imagine if a file with 1000MB, write to 1 hard drive require 10minute, with using RAID 0, imagine there are 4 physical hard drive, now require 2.5minute to write this 1000MB file into the hard drive.

Same to reading the file or copying the files.

Disadvantage:

No data redundancy, since the data are evenly split between all the hard drive, once of the hard disk fail, will bring all your data to hell.

Suggestion:

Some said purchase another external hard drive, and schedule a weekly or daily backup of the data to the external drive.

There are a lot of different setup or connection method for VOIP. The most normal VOIP that we usually use will be SKYPE, which is a communication software that able to perform voice call from computer to computer. I use to use this software to contact my friend who stay far a ways from me, different state and oversea, we chating with VOIP few hour without need to paid any extra changes. VOIP also is a recomended tools for those couple who like to contact each others to have casual talk, without worry about the phone bills.

Other then home usage, business voip system will be the best and effective way to reduce calling cost for businesses, now a day, a lot of company invest on VOIP system at their company, and save thousand of dollar per month. Further more, business voip system also reduce those equipment such as PABX which take a big space to located at a company, all this equipment require maintanance cost.

As per my experience, as mention before on category 7 cable, a lot company start to invest in Cat 7 cable because 1 port can install up to 4 IP phone with using VOIP system, which save a lot of cabling cost.

Now a day, a lot of our mobile phone has already embedded with GPS device, human tent to depend on GPS system when heading to some location that they never went before. My self have some experience when hang out with friend, they are heading to some rural area, I was surprise is the GPS tracking device able to bring us there.

Few month back, there are a Dragon Boat Race Competition around my area, and the organizer has install the GPS tracking device on each other the dragon boat. During those boat race far away from the seaside,  the audience focus on the GPS system which monitoring where the boat actual location. Every one was very excited because this kind of system consider very new over here.

I come across this website name LandAirSea, selling variety of GPS Tracking device include teen tracking, vehicle tracking, passive tracking, real time tracking and fleet management as well. For those who wish to have GPS update, this website also provide a lot GPS related news! Worth to pay a visit. Also if you are a business owner, you can use GPS vehicle tracking systems to follow all of you employees.

During the survey, meet my ex-colleague, which last time my ex-company is a distributor for IT gadget. They said can offer cheaper price for me after PC fair. Unfortunately, lack of stock after PC fair, and delay for 2 week to get my Hitachi SImple Drive Mini 500GB at RM305, also, the worst thing is without pouch! So seem like does not have much cheaper compare to PC fair.

I never use before portable hard disk, only use before 2.5″ laptop hard drive with external case, so call external hard disk. As my understanding, portable hard disk is better then external hard disk because the case is design for the hard drive, compatibility is there, it installed in the factory and the hard drive unable dismantle easily. While external hard drive, I always see a lot people having casing issue, either sensitive, or the case spoil easily.

Usually portable hard drive will have very cool design, similar to the Seagate Free Agent Go that I review few year back for Hitachi Simple Drive Mini, the back side, 2 LED will be blinking while the data transfers.

Best thing for Portable Drive
As per my experience on External hard drive, usually after safely remove the hard drive, the drive is still spinning until we plug out the USB cable, usually we will heard some force shutdown spinning sound for the hard drive. While Portable Hard drive like Hitachi Simple Drive Mini are different, once safely remove hard drive, the spinning will be slowly stop, once you feel the spinning is stop, you can plug out the hard drive any time.

In my opinion
The spinning automatic stop at portable hard drive is better then force stop at external hard drive. I believe the life time for the hard drive will be longer.

Additional Information:
I have check the HDD properties, it show the disk space is not really 500GB, if you encounter this problem, don go to sue them, is not the manufacture error, check on how to calculate Hard Drive Space here.

I will share few tips on how to lower your printer cost.

1 Printing in “draft” mode
If you just print the document for your self, of any informal printing just for reference, you can consider to change printer mode to draft mode. This kind of printing might result in slightly lighter, less precise print, but indirectly reduces your ink usage.

To change the printer mode to draft mode, simply go into printer option under the control panel, select the printer and properties,and choose draft mode under printing quality.

For example, I am using canon bubble jet printer, properties my bjc-1000p, and go into printing preferences.

Select paper/quality tab, and choose on draft mode.

2. Take care on the print nozzles & cartridge cradles clean
Now a days, most of the deskjet’s driver come with a toolbox function which provide you to clean the print nozzles on the printer. Clear any debris or clogs which may cause the printer from printing normally. This step should be done once a week depend on your printing quantity.

Keep the insider of the printer clean, especially the cartridge cradle, if you saw any ink or debris in the cradle, you shall use a can of compressed air or an alcohol wipe to clean those area.

3. Choose Web Base Printing Option
There are some software out there to let you minimize needless printing and reduce the waste of ink, you can use this software to select, store, and organize the content from a lot web pates and print only the content you need, same time, ink and paper.

For example, HP Smart Web Printing software.

4. Keep your cartridge in the correct place
Cartridge must seal and keep in the original packing, turn it in upright position so that the ink can’t evaporate through the nozzles, and always keep in the room temperature.

When you remove the cartridge from the packing, always place it in the printer “home” position, this is to keep the ink from drying out the nozzles, and reduce the risk of contamination with airborne dusk particles.

5. Power off the with the correct method
Do not simply shutdown the printer with the main power switch, you require to turn off the printer with the power button on the printer. This is to let the printer run the showdown process, and park the printer head properly, avoid dries out the print head too

6. Use high quality paper
Most people intent to save cost, buying lower quality paper, or use recycle paper may cause paper jams, which can turn the mechanicl problem on the printer.

(Left) thin and wireless, LG LHX, can connect cables to an included external control box, which communicates with the TV set wirelessly.

(Right)Thin and Wireless or Wired, Panasonic Viera Z1, cables can connect to the LCD via an external control box, also this Viera Z1 can stream HD movies from Amazon.

Few TV sets can be connected to the network, and display Yahoo component, which offer News, weather, and other Information. No television manufacturers at the consumer electronics shows announced sets with Tru2Way technology (The next generation CableCARD technology), but ESPN introduced an interactive function build on Tru2Way technology.

(Left) Samsung Seeing Red, which has a line of computer monitors with a ‘Touch of Color, ’ introduced new TVs that get the same treatment.

(Right) Sharp, Build In BluRay , introduced a line of sets that have built-in Blu-ray Disc drives. The 52-inch LC-52BD80U is the largest screen of them.

Other innovative to see for 240 Hz (and coming soon, 480 Hz) LCD refresh rate, plenty of sets with LED backlight, as well as better Internet connection.

(Left) Sony GREEN TV Model KDL-46Z5100 is invented to saves power with a ‘zero watt’ at standby mode, and by turning it will itself off when you not in the room.

(Right) Toshiba Turned Down TV, Regza 47ZV650U is the 1st set with dolby Volume, which able to moderates audio levels for adjust the consistent volume.

Awesome right? I was thinking if my house own one of this LCD Monitors, that will be very great for me. I definitely will stay at home for the whole week end only for watching Television and Surf net, probably playing some 3D game with this big size LCD monitor.

As per our understanding, hard disk are make from a disk, with the mechanical motor spin it, the read and write head reading and writing data/file into the disk. While the disk fall down, it might cause the read and write head scratch the disk surface while it spin.

In this case, we need to very careful while we carry hard disk; but does there any hard disk are unbreakable? While I heard about a hard disk throw from 4th floor, and still able to use, 1st of my respond will be “bullshit”

After watch this video, the unbreakable hard disk is not just a legend, just like our USB drive, the same material and concept are using to develope this solid state drive.

Solid State Drive (SSD) also known as RAM Drive, with no moving part(unlike hard disk which spin by motor), it is less fragile then hard disk and also silent compare to hard disk drive.

Every item also have it pros and cons; In my opinion, this kind of hard disk really bring more secure to data lover who can’t afford to loss their data. Faster reading speed, fast random access for reading since it does not require any spin and move the read/write head, noiseless, less power consume for lower capacity Solid State Drive.

Other then this, since this technology has just invented, the capacity are lesser, cost are higher also slow writing speed, and SSD need more power to operate for large capacity drive, and the worst part I dislike is the limited write cycles.

As the comparison shows, hard disk require a disk to spin read and write head, while SSD , solid state drive just embed with some micro chip.

Just for your information, this solid state drive technology started at year 2008, and 2009 will be selling aggressively.

Currently I would interested to know which area are selling this solid state drive and how much it cost. Will update at iCalvyn.com IT Engineer’s Blog once I found the price for solid state drive and where can buy it