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Understanding Programming Languages

July 14, 2011 by
Computer feestje

Image by arneheijenga via Flickr

Individuals who enjoy computer sciences and advancements in technology might be interested in learning how to become a computer developer. In order to be successful in this career path, people must understand the basics of programming, since without this knowledge, a program or website cannot be created.

There are many programming languages that are used to create computer applications, servers, and utilities. Basically, it is a way for humans to communicate commands to a computer. Every single program that is installed on a computer runs in a language that a computer can comprehend. Otherwise, the software would never be able to run. The main languages are Java, C, C++, and Assembler. Windows, Linux, and some other operating systems run in C and C++, while the process of booting and starting the computer is usually in Assembler. Java is used to run most software programs and applications.

Those who are interested in pursuing a career as a computer programmer or web developer can take courses, either online or in person, to understand the way these systems work. Many of these individuals will continue to take classes throughout the course of their career, since there are always changes in technology and updates to programming languages.

Computer science seems to be ever-growing. It can be a great career choice, as long as those interested understand the complexity of the work and attention to detail that will be expected. Those who enjoy this type of work are sure to find great pleasure in a job like this.

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The Basics of Learning Web Design

June 7, 2011 by
A graphical despiction of a very simple html d...

Image via Wikipedia

Perhaps you want to start a new online business and need a website, or you just want to learn web design as the start of a new career path. Whatever your needs, learning how to design websites can be an exciting endeavor.

In the past, website design was best left to the professionals; however, current technology has included the additional of easy to use WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) design tools has made it more accessible to the general public. While these tools have made web design a bit easier, it is still necessary to have HTML coding knowledge.

Here are a few general tips on learning web design.

Set aside some time each day to learn and practice the basics. While you can possibly learn the basics in one day, by taking a more lengthy learning approach you will retain the ideas and knowledge better. It is advised to take approximately one week to learn the basics and then move onto more advanced skills such as style sheets and Flash.

Check out websites such as dacode.org for more information on learning web design, as well as examples of well-designed sites.

Look for and use free online tutorials and instructional videos that teach both general design as well as web design skills. While you may be learning web design skills, a site that is not visually pleasing and uses poor graphic design elements will not be effective.

Check your HTML code regularly using a text editor such as NotePad. In addition, many WYSYWYG programs have code editors that will allow you to examine your code.

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Learn to design your own web page!

May 15, 2011 by

 

Part of a series of manipulated screenshots fr...

Image via Wikipedia

 

 

The internet has now become the doorway that almost everyone uses to communicate with people the world over. Whether friends or family or even complete strangers, a presence on the web is sure to get noticed. This is the reason why websites are such a popular medium of promoting products and services. A lot of people also have personal websites that sell nothing but just people know more about them! However, websites need to have registered domains as well as content that need to be uploaded and updated on the net.

 

There was a time when web designing was a task performed by highly trained professionals who charged mammoth amounts of money to design basic websites. However, all that has changed as websites became more commonly used and training in web designing became freely available. Today, it is possible for people to register their own domains, host as well as design their own websites with very little training. First, a person needs to be clear about what is the objective behind developing the website.

 

You then need to come up with a relevant website name. Availability of a name can be easily checked at most of the popular domain registration sites. Draw up a plan on what kind of content you want on your site. Brainstorm with friends and family on what kind of a look or image you want your website to portray. Do you want your site to look funky or classy and elegant? Then search the internet for online training guides on web designing. There are also several free web designing software available on the internet for download and use.

 

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DANGERS AND DELIGHTS OF SOCIAL NETWORKING TECHNOLOGY

February 23, 2011 by

Everybody loves the new social networking sites. Facebook, MySpace, Linked-In and others have become a part of the day-to-day lives of millions. Simply sign up, create a nice profile, and enjoy the open communication. It gives a whole new meaning to the song, “It’s a small world after all.”

It all has to do with the profile. These sites disply a user’s birthday. A person can upload an actual picture of his or herself. The profile builder also asks about education, employment, favorite books and movies, and much more. This process condenses friend finding into a science of matching one’s profile with other similar profiles. It all sounds so simple.

Family can make awesome use of these sites to stay in touch and share events and photos. Friends often locate each other after several years of separation. Oh how sweet it is to find someone after several years. Old school mates track down pals from the past because of the education features. Even prospective employers can have a look in order to see what kind of person they might be hiring. All of this is awesome, this uniting of family and friends, and this extra boost for the employment issue.

But there is more. What if the one doing the looking is not the good guy? Within these systems there is nothing to prevent a sex offender from joining and finding new friends. An abusive spouse can locate and continue to torment with the help of cyberspace. A foreign spy could learn lots just by being friends with an American soldier. One needs to use caution in choosing who to friends request out there.

Social networking site technology has brought with it both open communication and danger. Consumers need to be aware as they create profiles all over the net. Never allow teenagers or kids to post private and contact information online.

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CUSTOM DESIGN YOUR HOME ON THE WEB

February 10, 2011 by

Many major web sites offer a free spot on the web that the consumer can call home. Google calls theirs IGoogle. Yahoo calls theirs My Yahoo. Such places allow you to custom design how your home experience will be. This is all fine and well so long as the person is good at making up his mind and planning out his place. Here’s a little help.

One strategy is to view this page as your own personal newspaper. It has no subscription fee, no paperboy, and no real limits. What would it contain if it were a newspaper? One obvious starting point would be the weather. It can be the weather where you live or where friends live. Remember there are no limits here. Simply search the site for related feeds and add them to your page. It is as simple as that. And now the weather stands out on your page.

Most people would then want some type of news. These sites offer local, national, and world news. Also they offer applications that will search out news by keyword so that you can keep up with your favorite topics. Remember, this is your newspaper and you can have it anyway you like. Perhaps you might want more than one news item. That is fine as well. Lets not forget about the sports, perhaps some funnies, and perhaps a few daily quotes to get the day off right. This can really be so much fun.

This custom designed location can also be interactive. Bet your local paper can’t do that. Chat applications, Twitter updates, or even text messaging applications can also be added to this special online experience. All of this is fast to create and easy to use. Go ahead. Try it for yourself. Web designing, once you learn the basics, is simply easy to pick up and make useful. There are only a handful of major software you have to learn – Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Flash, and maybe a bit of php, but once you learn these, you can go on to become a great web designer.

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How Does Ares P2P Work?

February 8, 2011 by

Peer to peer networking has gained a lot of fame recently because of the ease with which people can share files and programs online. A peer to peer network or a p2p network as it is more commonly known is a connection that is established with a community on the internet, which allows you to download files that have been uploaded and shared by other members of the community. The speeds that you get in downloading from a shared community are much higher as compared to an open download, but you need to use software, such as Ares p2p before you would be able to upload or download anything.

Ares p2p is great software for peer to peer networking. For one, it has a very large number of members, which means that you would be able to find a lot of programs and files available for downloading. Secondly, everything you download on Ares P2P is totally free, and the improved downloading speeds mean that you would be able to enjoy smooth quality downloading at all times.

The process is very simple. All you have to do is download the software and install it on your computer, after which it would automatically detect your computer settings and hook you up with the Ares network. Once you are connected, you can upload or download a file from the vast library that is available, and the good thing about having so many people online on Ares P2P is that the downloading speeds become very high.

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SKYPE, SOFTWARE BRINGS COMMUNICATIONS FREEDOM TO THE WORLD

February 1, 2011 by
Image representing Skype as depicted in CrunchBase

Image via CrunchBase

In Kansas City a young mother of twins manages her military home the best that she knows how. Way across the ocean in Germany her husband works with the United States Army. The telephone bill would be out of this world if they were to depend on that mode of communication. How can this family stay in touch, make decisions, and share daily events? He introduced her to a software known as Skype, available at www.skype.com.

In order to use Skype you will need a microphone, speakers, high-speed internet access, and enough RAM to permit the generated activity. After downloading and installing the program the user is prompted to create a totally free account. Once an account has been created, the client can start getting in touch.

Skype will let you import contacts from email accounts, Facebook, Myspace and other online locations. Also users can search the directory by name, email address, or even location. After creating a basic contact list it is time to chat and enjoy.

What are some of the many ways to communicate with Skype? Skype permits voice conversation, so you do not need to type if you do not want to. Instant messaging is available, along with file sharing, video conferencing, application sharing, and a few games. For a slight fee customers can add telephone service that can even go world wide. This software offers lots of options.

This family mentioned earlier can keep in touch every day with this software. She can share memorable moments of kids activities with him. He can let her see his smiling face and hear his charming voice. While Skype won’t bring him home to her, it will bring him as close as pictures as the internet will allow. This is marvelous technology, and it is also one of the most “emotive” uses that it can be used for.

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Using Dream Weaver Takes Practice

January 26, 2011 by

Any program that you’re trying to learn will take some practice. You might not be sure how to use it right at first, and you’ll have to figure it out as you go. Of course, there are plenty of instructional works that you can get. There are books, online tutorials, and other sources of information that you’ll want to consult. The more you know about a particular program, the better off you’ll be when it comes to using it. That’s especially true if you’re going to claim knowledge of it in a professional capacity and use it on a resume or as a credential to get a job. Dream Weaver is one of those programs that takes a lot of knowledge, and people who know it and can use it correctly are in demand.

If you don’t know it yet, don’t despair. You’re not alone. You can learn it, though, without feeling as though you have to take years worth of education to get to a good understanding of it. Take a course that teaches it, if possible. If you don’t have that option, you may just want to get the program and the manual and dive right in. There are forums online that will help you if you get confused or have a question, so you won’t be completely alone in the process. Once you get very comfortable using it, you can use that knowledge to get work, if that’s what you’re looking for.

You can also use it just for things that you want to do, so it’s never bad to learn it. Who knows what you might want to do with it or what you can use it for in the future. Knowledge really is power, especially when it comes to technology and all of the things that you can do online. The more you know, the better off you’ll be in creating and maintaining an online presence.

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Are Programmers Becoming Obsolete?

January 20, 2011 by

When you look for a career, especially if you’re interested in IT, you might want to consider programming. If you do, though, be sure that you’re looking at it the right way. Specialization is the key right now. If you don’t specialize in something, you may end up without the kind of job you really wanted, since there are plenty of people who can do basic programming in all of the languages. If you’re a generalist, you’re going to be competing against a larger number of people and you won’t be as likely to get higher-paying jobs that you can really enjoy.

People who specialize, though, are much more likely to accomplish their goals and dreams when it comes to how much money they’re making and what they’re able to do with their lives. You don’t want to assume that you can’t do well as a generalist, but a specialist will make more. Another reason to consider specializing in one particular type of programming and becoming incredibly good at it is that programmers aren’t being used as much as they were in the past. There are more website templates today, and because of that there are also fewer people needed who are really capable of creating simple sites.

What people who create websites want is someone who can get in there and do something spectacular, or someone who can modify the template. That way, they’ll be able to get a template that they like and then have changes made to it, or they can have an entire website created just for them, and it won’t look like anything else that’s out there. Both are good options when you want to stand out from the crowd, so programmers will always be needed – just not in the numbers that they used to be.

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Creating New Software Through Coding

January 18, 2011 by

You can buy a lot of different kinds of software today. No matter what you need it to do, you can probably find it. That’s a great way to do more with your computer, play games that you like, and find a lot of other ways to have fun. Of course, someone had to write that software. Do you ever get a piece of software and think that it’s okay, but that you could have made it better? If so, you may want to consider a job in coding. As you learn to be a coder, you can write software, create websites, and design all types of things for the Internet and computers. You can get paid well for this, and really show off your creativity.

Some software is designed as open source, which means that you can make modifications to it. People who know how to code like this software, because it allows them to buy something that’s close to what they need and make changes to it so that it fits in with exactly what they want. If you don’t know how to code you can still buy this software, but you’ll either need to use it as-is, or you’ll need to hire someone to make the changes to it that you really want. Coders can also just create their own software from scratch. This costs them nothing except their time, so that can be a valuable skill.

If they create software for others, they can get paid for it and make good money. Some of them work for companies that handle software, and others work for themselves, doing jobs for all kinds of clients on a freelance basis. The kind of work environment that you like best will have a lot to do with which way you decide to use your coding skills. No matter what you choose, though, they are great skills to have and can take you far in life.

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