MediaCoder MediaCoder is a free universal batch media transcoder, which nicely integrates most popular audio/video codecs and tools into an all-in-one solution. With a flexible and extendable architecture, new codecs and tools are added in constantly as well as supports for new devices. MediaCoder intends to be the swiss army knife for media transcoding in all time and at this moment, it already has millions of users from 170+ countries all over the planet. MediaCoder Features: Convert to and from many audio and video compression formats and re-multiplex into various Read More

A common problem that most owners of Windows computers experience is that the older the computer, the longer it takes for it to start or boot. Typically this condition results from a large number of programs being installed on the computer over time that are configured to be started on-boot of your computer. Although you may use a number of these applications, free-trial programs that you may no longer use will continue to be in the start-up listing of programs on your computer until removed. Another scenario that occurs for Read More

XM Radio is a type of satellite radio that is extremely popular with people that want more entertainment and programming choices from their radio with less commercials and interruptions. XM Radio is similar to cable TV as users pay a small fee each month to receive superior programming. In XM Radio’s case, users can receive over 150 different channels, many with commercial free music, talk show personalities, and quality sports programming such as Major League Baseball and NASCAR. In order to receive XM Radio, users must first have a special Read More

An Ethernet fiber media converter is a device that allows a connection to be made between an Ethernet and a fiber optic cable. This type of connection is important in situations where both cable types are used in a single household or office. Because telephone companies often use fiber optic cables to deliver telephone and Internet service to their customers, an Ethernet fiber media converter is sometimes necessary to bridge the gap between a telephone line and a computer. In most cases, a modem or router does this. However, when Read More

GMail, which stands for Google Mail, is a favorite email service among many internet users since it offers virtually unlimited email storage space, never deletes anything (unless you want it to), and is easy to use. GMail also offers a number of useful features, such as email search, labels, custom folders, priority inbox, automatically marking emails as important based on your interaction, and so on. It also supports receiving emails from other email accounts, making it possible to combine all your email into a single GMail account. Opening a GMail Read More

It is the standard form of electricity distribution from the power station to the powerpole. Three wires carry three currents that are identical except for their cycles being shifted one third of a cycle from each other. Electrical systems that use more than one phase are called polyphase systems. Power Station Power stations usually have one generator for each phase. For each bank of generators, three wires carry the current to the grid, along with a neutral wire which is earthed at the station. Electrical towers carry the three lines Read More

The Mobile Telephone Switching Office, or MTSO, is a system that automatically keeps track of a cell phone user’s relative signal by monitoring readings from cell phone towers near the user. MTSO systems also automatically switch a cell phone’s service from one cell phone tower to another depending on which tower will provide the user with the best possible reception. Additionally, the MTSO is responsible for connecting all individual cell phone users in an area to a “central office”, which then connects those users to long-distance areas.   How MTSO Read More

Stereolithography is a recently discovered process by which products, especially prototypes, can be constructed one layer at a time by using UV-curable photopolymer resins and a UV laser. While stereolithography cannot create every type of material, it produces a wide variety of products for testing, analysis, or review. Stereolithography can be used for a wide variety of applications and is most widely used to produce prototypes for the 3D printing industry. How Stereolithography Works Stereolithography is a complex process that requires a vat of liquefied, UV-curable photopolymer resins. A UV Read More

Bootable distributions of the Linux operating system are becoming very popular for use in securing networks, testing network security, and conducting forensics after suspected intrusions. Local Area Security Linux Local Area Security Linux is a 'Live CD' distribution with a small footprint. Containing over 200 information security and administration related tools, as well as a full desktop environment and office productivity applications. With such a small footprint L.A.S. Linux can be optionally loaded and run from physical RAM (assuming there is 256MB or more). F.I.R.E F.I.R.E. is a portable bootable Read More

A resistor restricts the flow of current. It is a basic component of all electrical devices, even the filament in a light globe is a resistor. Resistors are defined by their material type, resistance, power rating, and tolerance. Resistor Types There are four main types of resistor: carbon, film, wirewound, and semiconductor. Carbon resistors are tiny insulated cylinders of carbon and ceramic dust with a terminal at each end. They have colored bands to show their resistance and tolerance values. Film resistors are similar to carbon resistors, but use a Read More