What is flash memory

Flash memory is something known as "non-volatile computer memory". Non-volatile is a fancy term that means the memory device will still hold the memory whether or not the device is powered.

Your hard drive is probably the best example of non-volatile computer memory, because you (hopefully) retain all of your files even if your computer is turned off.

If you use any kind of digital components that are compatible with your PC, then you probably own flash memory. Digital cameras, camcorders, video games, and even GPS units all use flash memory to capture and store information that can later be downloaded to your PC.

Though flash memory may take several different forms, like memory cards, memory sticks or jump drives, the basic operating principles are the same.

Flash memory is special in that it can transfer files and information between computers by simply inserting and removing the memory device. If you take the memory stick or memory card out of your new Nikon digital camera and you want to transfer your pictures to your computer to print the photos, you can do that safely and without worry. Just make sure that the memory stick is compatible with both your new Nikon camera and your computer.

Another great thing about flash memory is the cost. This type of memory actually costs very little and is very versatile. Part of the reason that it is so cost-effective is that it can be erased and used over and over again, unlike some other computer accessories like CDs or DVDs.

Using flash memory allows you to transfer a load of photos to your computer for printing or editing, delete the flash memory device, and do the same thing all over again as many times as you like.

A flash memory source is a great way to back up your digital photographs while you are editing them. If you make a mistake in cropping or editing a picture that you can't undo, or even if you accidentally delete the photo, you can rest easy knowing that you have a copy of the original picture saved on the flash memory card that goes in your camera.

Digital Memory Buying Guide

Digital memory devices let you store and retrieve data whenever you need. They are compatible with most electronic goods. Many consumers prefer digital memory devices because of their small size, durability and portability. There are many different types of digital memory devices in the market. It is always good to consider which kind of digital memory device is compatible with your electronics before choosing one.

How does a memory card store data?

A memory card functions electronically and uses flash memory, also called flash RAM, to store data on non-volatile memory chips. Memory cards have the ability to electrically erase or reprogram any recorded data.

What are the different types of memory devices available in the market?

CompactFlash (CF):

CompactFlash is in the size of a matchbox and is used in a variety of electronic devices, including PDAs, digital cameras, digital voice recorders and set-top television boxes. There are two models: Type I and Type II. The latter is thicker and provides expandable memory options. Type I cards will often fit in a standard laptop PC slot with the use of an inexpensive adapter and are also compatible with Compact Flash Type II slots. CompactFlash cards can be used in a PCMCIA slot if you have an adaptor. Otherwise, you need a device with a CompactFlash Type I slot.

SmartMedia (SM):

The SmartMedia is often called as SSFDC cards (Solid-State Flash Digital Cards). They are as thin as credit cards and about the size of a matchbox. They are specifically designed for portable digital devices such as digital cameras, portable MP3 players, PDAs and the like. SmartMedia is available with storage capacities of up to 128 megabytes. Some devices have slots for both Smart Media and CompactFlash cards. If this is not the case, you need a SmartMedia slot to use a SmartMedia card.

MultiMedia Card (MMC):

The MMC is a postage stamp-sized card used in mobile phones, pagers, video cameras, global positioning systems, portable MP3 players and PDAs. Their storage capacity ranges from 256 MB to 4 GB. Devices that use Secure Digital cards will also accept MultiMedia Cards.

Secure Digital (SD):

The Secure Digital memory card succeeded the MMC card. It is slightly thicker than the MMC card, has additional storage capacity and a digital copyright security scheme to store copyrighted data. This digital memory device is popular among many new PDAs, organizers, phones, and MP3 players. Devices that use MultiMedia Cards may also accept Secure Digital cards.

Memory Stick:

The memory stick is a storage device developed exclusively by Sony. It is most compatible with Sony products like digital cameras, portable MP3 players and PDAs. They have a storage capacity of 256 MB to 8 GB and support 1.1 and 2.0 USB for better connectivity. There is a special version of the Memory Stick with digital-rights management features for certain devices. This card is known by one of the following names - Magic Gate Memory Stick, MagicGate Memory Stick Duo Media, or Memory Stick PRO Duo Media. Users can share and transport data via their computers USB port with the help of Micro Vault USB Storage Media.

xD Picture Card:

The xD-Picture card is the smallest storage format developed for recording, storing and transporting audio-visual information. In addition, xD-Picture Cards are designed to minimize power consumption and extend the battery life of your digital devices. You can use xD cards in a CompactFlash slot if you have an adaptor. Some devices have slots for both xD and SmartMedia cards. If the device does not have both slots, only a device with an xD slot will work with an xD Picture card.

What are Memory Card Readers and Adapters?

Memory card adapters maximize a memory cards performance by increasing data transfer speeds to 60 MB/sec. Besides the potential for expansion, memory card adapters have the ability to transfer data without having to connect the device to your computer with a cable. The memory card readers read most of the memory cards including all SD cards, CF cards, MMC series and much more. Most of the readers also offer writing capability and thus they function as a pen drive.

Which brands are most popular?

Memory cards produced by digital device manufacturers, like Sony and Olympus, tend to be quite popular with consumers. If you are concerned about the speed of your digital memory device, opt for brands like Lexar, SimpleTech or SanDisk. Lexar high speed cards, SimpleTech ProX cards and SanDisk Ultra cards have significantly higher speeds than most standard memory cards.

What are the handling instructions for using a memory card?

Do not remove a memory card from a device while data is being processed. It is advisable to switch off the operating device before removing a memory card. Also, you should remove a memory card from any device that is low in battery charge. Avoid touching the metal connectors of memory cards, especially those on Secure Digital cards, Smart Media cards and XD cards, to avoid electrostatic discharge of data.

MIU korean company releases HDPC(Hybrid Dual Portable Computer)

 

Have you ever imagined of having a laptop and a pda in a single device with two operating systems and two seperate processors for two OS?

                                                           The device runs Windows XP. It features a QWERTY thumbpad, VGA screen and having a dimension of 163 x 67 x 24.5-mm and weighs 387g.The cartridge could contain digicam/webcam, MP3 player, portable storage, and USB cable and even more functionalities. Besides, the device’s main display was spotted with a smaller panel and keypad that you could make IP-based calls. The company claimed that it’d be a device that cost reasonable price.

# 4-inch, 800 x 480 pixel touchscreen display which slides out and flips over for the cellphone interface
# Up to a 1GHz VIA C7M ULV processor and 4GB of DDR2 memory
# Dual, Windows XP / Linux Qplus embedded OS
# Unspecified cellphone radio
# Maximum 1.3-inch 60GB hard disk (or 4GB SSD) and miniSD/microSD expansion
# 7-hour battery (or 90-hours at low power)
# 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0
# 2x USB, docking port, stereo speakers, QWERTY thumbpad and mouse
# What looks like a 5 megapixel camera

# DMB mobile television and external GPS add-on

Forgot your windows xp administrator password

1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it’s assumed here that your XP CD is bootable – as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)

2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be “Press any key to boot from cd”

3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.

4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now

5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.

6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair. It should read something like “If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it”

Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one, it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.

7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes.

8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically – you will see a progress bar stating “Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds”

9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of “pressing any key” to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is highlighted.

10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you the potential for wide access to your system.

11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. Voila! You have just gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel.

12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After you’ve made your changes close the windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy).

13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.

Simple trick to check which programs are making connections to internet

If you are worried that some programs on your PC are secretly making connections to websites in the background, here's a quick tip that uses a simple DOS command to detect and prevent such suspicious activity:

1. Type cmd in your Windows Run box.
2. Type "netstat -b 5 > activity.txt" and press enter. After say 2 minutes, press Ctrl+C.
3. Type "activity.txt" on the command line to open the log file in notepad (or your default text editor)


The file activity.txt will have a log of all process that made a connection to the Internet in the last two minutes. It will also show which process connected to which website in this time. And not just the web browsers (like iexplore.exe or opera.exe), the log will also show your IM clients, download managers, email programs or any software that requires a net connection.

Scroll though the activity.txt file and look for any process names or website addresses that you are not aware of. If you track one , go to the task manager (or Process Explorer) to find the location of the executable on your computer and eliminate it.