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What You Need to Know About a Computer Programming Course
What You Need to Know About a Computer Programming Course
Computer programming may seem like a highly complicated discipline but at its roots, every program actually begins as a simple set of instructions. Computer programming is essentially the design of a simple program in order to create a more complicated program. It is currently one of the most sought-after courses and is also a career that presents plenty of opportunities in a very exciting field. If you’re curious about what taking a computer programming course will be like, here are some important information you can use.
The course
Computer programming is one of the disciplines under computer science. It requires study and practical application of theories and concepts. Simply put, computer programming is the process of writing and creating a group of instructions that a computer can read and execute.
Computer programming is not a single, one-size-fits-all discipline. For one, the task of programming (or coding) involves several computer languages. These languages have different uses and as such, will often require a different set of instructions. JavaScript, for example, may be a computer language but it is not the same as HTML or COBOL or Visual Basic. There are also certain sub-disciplines in computer programming that lead to a specific field of specialization. Students must determine which field of computer programming they want to focus on. If they want to work for companies that create video games, for example, they will have to choose courses that teach graphics and animation, among others.
In the course of study in computer programming, a programmer must be able to learn multiple concepts and theories on top of the technical stuff, such as computer language conventions, elements and important operators used to create a source code that will later produce a computer program.
Computer programming is an essential phase in the development of software and is an integral part of software engineering.
How learning is obtained
There are two major ways computer programming can be learned – through classroom type instruction or online, as part of a distance learning program. Classroom type instruction is still the most common way of attending classes for students but online classes are fast becoming the method of choice.
What to expect from the course
A computer programming course is usually composed of lectures and hands-on assignments. The instructor uses lectures to teach theories and concepts in programming and to provide students with an introduction to the discipline. Generally, students will be listening to lectures while using computers, a way for instructors to allow participants to immediately apply what they have learned.
Other than access to a computer, students may also be required to obtain textbooks to be used as references during coursework. Some lessons, such as those used in online classes, may also be downloaded from a website.
Who should take the course
Computer programming is not for everyone. Just because you love computers and have sufficient curiosity about how they work doesn’t always make you the ideal candidate for this course. Computer programming requires a lot of patience, attention to detail, creativity, logic and common sense. It also requires careful study and understanding of certain subjects such as mathematical and engineering concepts.
What to expect upon completion of the course
Once a course has been completed, a computer programmer is ready to be hired for entry-level jobs in companies that design software. If the programmer chooses a higher level of study, he can also increase the chances of being hired for higher pay, particularly if he chooses a field of specialization. A computer programming course can provide a graduate access to different fields as well, including banking, finance, research & development and database administration.
8 Things You Must Know Before Building A PC
8 Things You Must Know Before Building A PC
Perhaps you’re interested in learning how to build your own computer. That’s great, really!
I’ve put together a list of 8 things you MUST know before you ever start to build your own PC. You’ll be in a world of hurt if you don’t have these down.
Tip #1 – Safety First
I hope you didn’t think the last time you’d hear “safety first” was in your Drivers Education classes! Working on any electronics, including computers, has its risks and requires certain precautions. Having said that, what’s the first part you should purchase when building your own computer?
* Motherboard?
* Processor?
* Computer Case?
Nope, those are all wrong. And honestly, they aren’t even close!
A computer tool kit should be the first thing you purchase. Normal household tools aren’t suited to working on a computer because they’re often dirty, rusty, and magnetic. Here are some things you must have in your computer tool kit :
Antistatic wrist band – This is a must-have for any computer builder. Your computer’s components are very sensitive to static electricity. Make sure that you ALWAYS have your antistatic wrist band on when working on your computer. You must attach it to a ground source, usually a large piece of metal works well. This removes any free electrons, which cause static charge, from your body to the ground. Also, as an additional measure, before touching any hardware, touch your computers metal frame. This will also help put your body’s charge at equilibrium with your PC’s.
Needle-nose pliers and Tweezers – These tools are useful when handling small screws and bits of metal. Your computer’s circuitry is very precise and you’ll need some good tweezers and pliers to hold things into place.
Screwdrivers – This is an obvious requirement for computer tool kits. You should have at least one small Phillips and Flathead screwdriver in your kit.
Spare parts container – You’ll be surprised how handy one of these will be. They can be used to store small parts, screws, spacers, etc.
Nut drivers – Although these aren’t a requirement for your tool kit, most tool kits come with some nut drivers. I have yet to use mine, but someday I’ll probably need them.
Small flash light – Most computer tool kits don’t come with a small flashlight, but it is a good thing to have when you’re working in a dark computer case. A keychain type flashlight works great for this purpose!
Also, make sure all of your tools are NOT magnetic. Many screwdrivers for small screws are magnetic to help hold the screw in place. You don’t want this when dealing with your computer hardware because the magnetic field could damage your components.
I can’t stress this enough; having the correct tools is the easiest way to avoid damaging your components that could easily cost you hundreds of dollars. And please turn off and UNPLUG your computer before working on it, the last thing you need is a phobia of computers after you’ve been inadvertently shocked by one.
Tip #2 – Buy everything at once
This is was a major mistake that I made as a rookie computer builder. I know how anxious you may be to build your first computer; I can still remember how excited I was when UPS delivered my first part. But before you start buying parts left & right, you should set down and answer the following questions:
* What do I want to do with my computer?
Simple internet browsing? Word processing? Graphic design? Audio and video editing? Play video games?
* How long do I want this computer to last me?
Only for a couple years. Forever!
The idea here is to decide where your money will be best spent to maximize the use and/or life of your computer parts. For long term and/or intensive use, such as video/image editing, you’ll want something that you can easily upgrade over time. While for short term and/or simpler tasks, a cheaper, less upgradeable PC should work fine.
The easiest way to assure that all of your computer components will be compatible is to purchase them all at the same time. This way you can compare the features and requirements all at once.
I recommend that you start with your motherboard and processor. Many companies sell motherboard & processor bundles . A bundle is great way to start buying your computer parts because usually you’ll get a deal when you buy the processor and motherboard together. In addition, the processor will be compatible in that particular motherboard, which is one less thing you’ll have to worry about.
Next, select the type of RAM that is compatible with your motherboard and decide how many MB’s of power you want with it. Generally 512 MB of RAM will be sufficient. If you plan on doing image/video editing, or playing video games on your PC, 1 GB of RAM would be better suited for this job.
Now you can decide what types of extra components you want, such as a video card, hard drives, CD/DVD drives, etc.
Once you’ve picked those out, determine roughly how much wattage of power you’ll need from your power supply . I’ve attached a power usage chart below with how much each component uses, but these are only averages, so I can’t guarantee this is what you’ll observe.
Device [Power required (Watts)]
Video card [20 – 30]
PCI card [5]
Floppy Drive [5]
CD, DVD-ROM [10-25]
RAM per 128 MB [8]
Hard Drive [15-35]
Motherboard [20-30]
CPU [25-70]
Generally 400 watts should be plenty of power, even for the most power hungry systems you can build. Also consider purchasing a quiet power supply, because the power supply is generally your noisiest piece of hardware. I personally use a 400 Watt Zalman Quiet Power Supply (pictured at left) that I love. It provides tons of power with virtually no sound.
By purchasing everything at once you can ascertain that your computer parts will support all of your computing needs. Another benefit is that you’ll save money on shipping charges by purchasing everything at once rather than separately.
Know Your Anatomy
Know Your Anatomy
If you talk to any computer lover the chances are high that he or she will be able to explain to you all of the parts of their computer and the way each thing works. You can easily find yourself in a long conversation about details of computer programs and issues that you never wanted to know. Or sit down with a man who loves his vintage car and you will learn things about the function and care of each part of his prized possession. If you think about it, the parts of a computer or of a vintage car are sort of like anatomy. I’m always a little surprised when someone knows exactly where the spark plugs on his car are but cannot name me the location or use of his gull bladder.
You see, humans have an anatomy too. Perhaps you haven’t thought about your anatomy since high school science class. I think the norm for most people is to go about living every day using our bodies without every really knowing much about them. Doesn’t that seem strange to you? We do not bake a cake without taking note of each ingredient that we’re adding yet we do not have any clue about the ‘ingredients’ that make up our anatomy.
It is important for every person to take the time to learn a little bit more about their anatomy. Go to the library and check out a book or get online and find a good source. Make flash cards or a chart that helps you to learn all of the different parts and functions of your anatomy. Get intrigued about the intricacies of the human anatomy and commit to learning about them. If you see a beautiful sunset or watch a great movie, learn to appreciate the gift of your eyes even more by learning each part of your eye anatomy and the special functions that each part has. You will grow in appreciation for the smallest and largest parts that make up your anatomy.
Learning your anatomy can also help you to keep track of your health. You will be much more apt to know when there is a real problem with an area of your body when you know what each part is supposed to do for you. By learning your anatomy you may be able to distinguish between a normal pain in your stomach and a pain that is cause for a response.
Take the anatomy of your body as seriously as you take learning the parts of your car or computer. You’re worth it.
Everything You Need To Know About Games
Everything You Need To Know About Games
Computers and gaming have almost become synonymous terms. For most of us, who use computers for different purposes at present, would admit that playing games was the first reason of attraction towards computers. Almost everyone would admit that his or her first interaction with computers was through playing a game on it. Even now among millions of individuals who sit in front of a computer, a vast majority would acknowledge that they are still addicted to gaming experiences on computers for long hours at a stretch. Since the earliest invention of games in computers there has been advancements in leaps and bounds in terms of the technology and programming software’s used to develop games.
Macromedia Flash player is the latest tool used by game developers to create amazing games. Flash games require a better configuration of the hardware to play uninterruptedly. But at present almost every computer is capable enough to handle flash games and also the flash player can be downloaded free from the Internet for immediate use. There is a huge list of online flash games that are very popular. Tetris, Nimian Hunter, 3D Field Goal Games, Light Out, Blam! Blam! Plops, Snowball Fight, The big Game and Maganic Wars are among the most favorite games played on the computer. New games on flash are daily being added to already existing long list of gaming options.
The latest introduction of a GameBoy has created a lot of buzz in the computer gaming world. The device is specially designed to handle computer games efficiently. The GameBoy is a type of miniature PC that has all the parts of a common PC in a small-scale format, also including a CPU to manage games software. Another widely popular game console is the PlayStation, which is again one of the most entertaining games developed in a flash environment.
Flash games on a computer are one of the best forms of entertainment available and are growing immensely popular each day. These computer games are an excellent way to spend time having fun with your friends and loved ones. Earlier computer games had been typically designed and were unattractive. But recently these are being developed with the high-resolution graphics and animation to give a life size experience while playing. This highest quality graphics has caused a type of addiction towards playing games with the youngsters. Latest games developed in a flash environment are very complicated from programming point of view but for the players these games are an ultimate gift.
There is full version of PC pocket games available online that can be downloaded for free. There is wide variety of flash enabled games to suit the taste and preferences for every player. Flash computer games have been developed on every theme from sports, gambling, action or any other topic that you may desire. Recent high-speed Internet connections make downloading a faster process and one can easily enjoy a full range of levels and degree of difficulty for the game. No experience can be more entertaining than of playing a flash computer game.