You are here: Home / Archives for Computers

VGA: The Connector With 15 Unique Pins

If you own a desktop computer, chances are likely that you also own a VGA cable. When you set up your system for the first time, you may remember using a cord to connect your computer to your monitor. That connecting cable was a Video Graphics Array (VGA) cable. The VGA is tasked with bringing graphics to your screen, and it does so using its unique design.

That unique design includes a number of components you may recognize. The most striking aspect of the plug is its 15-pin construction. The three rows of five are staggered inside of a metal trapezoidal frame. That frame is surrounded on each side by two protruding screws, which can be tightened by hand. The whole thing is plugged into an input mirroring the pattern. But why does a VGA cable need 15 pins? Each pin correlates with graphical data that is being transferred. The 15 pins are planned as follows:

1: Red video

2: Green video

3: Blue video

4: No connect

5: Ground

6: Red return

7: Green return

8: Blue return

9: KEY/PWR

10: Ground

11: No connect

12: DDC DAT

13: Horizontal sync

14: Vertical sync

15: DDC clock

The pin diagram has changed since its creation by IBM in 1987, but it still carries the same analog components, video signals and display data channels. There is more than one kind of VGA cable, with the price increasing depending on the extras included. One such extra is gold-plated plugs, but it is not clear if more expensive VGA models perform any better than the traditional device.

In addition to being used to connect PCs to monitors, VGA cables have most recently been included with many high definition television sets. They are also commonly used with video game consoles. For laptops, there is sometimes a mini-VGA equivalent that performs the same duties as the desktop version.

Filed Under: Computers Tagged With:

S-Video: The Worst Way to Connect a Computer to a TV

Connecting your computer to your TV is an exceptional way to achieve big-screen images from your computer you’d otherwise be unable to attain. But many conclude that if their TV doesn’t have a VGA input, they’re out of luck. Although VGA to VGA or VGA to DVI connections are ideal for such a setup, it is possible to connect your computer to your television using an input nearly all televisions possess. S-Video is the least quality connection you can make, but it does the job. The paragraphs below will list the supplies needed and describe how to make the connection.

To link the devices with S-Video, you first need to make sure your TV has an S-Video input and your computer has an S-Video output. Most TVs have S-Video inputs, and if your computer doesn’t have the correct output, you can purchase a VGA to S-Video adapter. Once you’re sure you have those basics, you’ll need an S-Video cable and an RCA cable. You may also need a computer monitor for the setup process.

If you don’t need the S-Video adapter, making the link is fairly straightforward. Use the S-Video cable to connect the computer to the TV and plug the monitor into your computer. Plug the RCA cable into your computer and TV input, and locate the proper input channel on your TV. Use your computer to find the graphics card menu and activate the S-Video output.

While you may now see the image on the TV screen, you’re not in the clear yet. It’s still pertinent to change your computer’s screen resolution to obtain the best picture on the TV. A resolution of 800 x 600 is the best bet; however, the clarity will not be the same as your computer screen. If it’s working, your computer monitor can be detached. Although it’s not the best option for computer to TV viewing, S-Video often is the most feasible.

Filed Under: Computers Tagged With: ,

Connections to Maximize Your Screen: From Computer to TV

If you’ve ever been in the awkward situation of trying to show a large group of people something on your tiny computer, you know that is isn’t ideal. And have you ever just wished you could watch a movie you’ve downloaded on your computer on your big-screen television? What few people realize is that most computers can be connected to most televisions. While it may not be as simple as plugging any cord from one to the other, it is possible to achieve the results you desire with a few steps.  And you can often find long time open source software like xvid and vlc to help you watch a video file on your TV.

First, identify the inputs and outputs. You’ll need to examine the input on the TV and the output on the computer. Many TVs have what is called a VGA input. If both your computer and TV are VGA-equipped, connecting the two devices will be easy. If not, you will need to determine what connections are available to you. You are looking for any matching connection. The list that follows is an index of some of the possibilities you may face.

1. VGA to VGA. This is the best possible option, but older televisions usually aren’t manufactured with this type of input.

2. S-Video to S-Video. Both analog and digital televisions often have an S-Video input, and this option won’t compromise the quality as much as other options. If your computer doesn’t have an S-Video output, you can use an adapter.

3. DVI to VGA. You can use a DVI cable instead of a VGA cable if necessary.

4. Component video input to VGA. If your TV has a component video input (usually a digital television), you can connect it to the VGA output on your computer.

Each connection and the aspect ratio from the computer to the TV will need to be fiddled with in order for the link to work properly. But chances are, if you have the above connections, maximizing your screen is viable.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers, Gadgets Tagged With: , , ,

What Is Packet Switching And How Has It Helped Improve Speeds?

How has the invention of packet switching helped improve connectivity and speed between computers? Wireless transfer of information and high speed data transmission has benefited a lot from packet switching.

The human body has a single pipe that connects the mouth to the stomach. The same pipe takes food as well as water into the stomach. Once food and water reaches our stomach, it is processed separately and is absorbed by our body differently. As far as the pipe that runs from the mouth to stomach is concerned, there is no difference between food and water whatsoever.

Either we make the necessary changes when we consume the substance or our body processes and digests the substance differently after it reaches the stomach. The logic underlying packet switching happens to be the same. When the data is being transmitted, there is no distinction between voice, data, image, video or audio. As far as the medium is concerned, it is just a packet of data.

Once the data reaches its destination, it is processed through the right software application and the right coding and decoding program is applied to convert it into its original state. Circuit switching involves setting up dedicated lines for transmission of certain types of data. Telephone works with the help of circuit switching.

People realized that it made no difference to the medium whether voice was being transmitted or data. Hence, it was just a question of setting up the right check posts at the point of origin and the point of destination. This meant that the existing bandwidth could be used without any trouble whatsoever.

There was a time when the circuit could transmit data or voice. Today, everything is converted into packets and transmitted accordingly. This has reduced costs, improved productivity and enabled service providers to offer high speed data transmission at affordable prices.

Filed Under: 3G Networks, Advancements, Computers Tagged With: , ,

Steps For Transferring Data To Your Computer Using A Bluetooth Device

Making use of a Bluetooth built in cell phones is not a very difficult thing because one just has to access the Bluetooth menu to activate or deactivate the feature. Once this is done, it is just a question of searching for other devices. However, the process is slightly more complicated if you are making use of a Bluetooth dongle and transferring files between one Bluetooth enabled device and a personal computer.

If you are making use of a separate dongle, you will have to maintain it properly because it is sensitive equipment. On the other hand, having Bluetooth in built into the computer will simplify matters.

However, old computers do not have inbuilt Bluetooth option. Hence, transfer of data can become very difficult unless there is a connection with the help of the appropriate cable. Bluetooth is wireless and it is possible to transfer files from multiple devices simultaneously without any wired or cable connection.

Once the Bluetooth device or dongle has been fitted, one has to wait for the system to recognize the same. Recognition should not cause a problem as long as you are using a standard operating system offered by Microsoft or Linux. Even if the dongle is not recognized, there are many ways of manually searching for the device and identifying the same.

The Bluetooth device will come with its own set of drivers which must be run and installed at the appropriate time. Once this is done, the system will be Bluetooth capable and one can move on to the next step of searching for other Bluetooth enabled devices.

Once this stage is reached, the further steps remain the same for transferring files and shutting down the Bluetooth connection. It is advisable to permit only trusted devices to automatically give or take files from the computer. On the other hand, all other devices should seek and obtain specific authorization before any further transfer of information and data is permitted.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers, Gadgets Tagged With: , , ,

Using Bluetooth And Other Devices For Data Transfer – Do Not Ignore Security

TDK USB flash drive
Image by Le ciel azuré via Flickr

If your computer is a hub for all net activities in your office and if it is used as the main source of information for all data transfers, then it is imperative that you install a good quality antivirus and software application and a firewall in the device. The firewall will not hamper legitimate transfer of data. However, it will prevent unauthorized activities on your computer.

Having Bluetooth, infrared, USB, cable and net connection in the same computer means there will be multiple sources for transfer of data. In such a scenario, keeping track of all the possible options can be very difficult. By making use of a firewall, it is possible to switch on or switch off certain ports automatically.

If you refuse your Bluetooth device permission to access the internet, the hacker cannot make use of the computer, the net connection and the Bluetooth connection to steal data from your cell phone. On the other hand, if you leave your permissions open and if you permit the computer to interact with any and every Bluetooth enabled device around the periphery, then chances of loss of data or left of data will be very high.

Apart from the installation of the firewall, there are specific options and security features inbuilt in each and every device. Infrared devices must be placed adjacent to each other and there must be a clear path between the infrared ports before transfer of data can take place. Bluetooth devices always have the option of staying hidden so that others cannot see the Bluetooth enable device but the device can see all others who have hidden their Bluetooth connection.

The local area network, USB flash drives and wireless networks can be controlled with the help of the firewall. On the whole, make sure that all the necessary security infrastructure is in place before you proceed.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers, Gadgets Tagged With: , ,

A Look At The Evolution Of Data Transfer Methods Involving Computers

When the computer was invented, people focused on the best possible ways of transferring data and a digital file into the computer. This is the reason why the floppy disk was invented. Complicated technology was used to place the driver in floppy drives and the same was sold along with the computer or the software program.

However, the compact disc reader was invented very quickly because floppies were unreliable and could not contain large quantities of data. On the other hand, a 600 MB CD was more than sufficient to hold an operating system or big software applications without a difficulty. The biggest software programs would require two CDs at once. This was the maximum limit and software applications beyond one GB were considered unnecessary for the average individual.

As computers became more and more popular and became a part of the daily schedule, people realized that there ought to be a convenient way of transferring data out of the computer as well. There was no system for FTP so you could not just download filezilla and transfer files without external devices.  The floppy disk drive became more common and it was possible for individuals to transfer files using the floppy disk. However, it was the most unreliable method of transferring data.

There having innumerable instances where individuals have traveled with a floppy disk over long distances only to find that the disc has got corrupted. The CD writer, which was used by big companies to burn CDs, became more popular amongst the masses. Soon, CDs became the standard format for distribution of data in a reliable manner. However, these inventions had not sorted the basic problem related to data transfer.

It was just not possible to download ares and other file sharing software to transfer the files from one computer to another computer without using any physical medium. It was just not possible to transfer data with the click of a mouse. Rather, they always had some steps to be taken before one could successfully complete the transfer of data.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers Tagged With: , ,

Bluetooth And Ethernet Ports – Simplest Option To Connect The Computer To The TV

The process of connecting a computer to a television is as complicated today as it was once complicated to connect two computers together. Serial ports had to be used where data would be transmitted in one direction in one wire and would be transmitted in another direction by another wire for a round about data transfer to be achieved.

Today, it is essential to have a recently manufactured television that will support high definition so that the VGA slot in the video card can be fitted into the television. However, more and more television manufacturers are realizing that they are losing out to the computer simply because people cannot access their computer hard disk files on the television screen.

Television manufacturers are realizing that offering a television that can connect to the internet and download data from the same can be very beneficial. Today, gaming consoles enable individuals to connect to the internet without any difficulty whatsoever.

Of course, it is the console that connects to the internet and not the television screen. However, the account can be accessed using the television monitor as well. Hence, the following improvisations are being noticed in the world of televisions.

Ethernet cable port – These ports facilitate a direct connection between the port in the computer and the web. The presence of this port means that connecting the television to the computer will be as simple as using the same cord or cable used for LAN connections.

Bluetooth- Bluetooth is the most efficient and effective solution as far as wireless transfer between two electronic devices is concern. Within short distances, this is the fastest mode of wireless transfer. Having a Bluetooth enabled TV or a Bluetooth dongle in the central processing unit will enable both devices to communicate with each other and exchange of data can be facilitate without any difficulty.

Filed Under: Computers, Gadgets Tagged With: , ,

Managing Resolution And Aspect Ratio Problems When Connecting Computer To TV

common (image) aspect ratio found in cinema.
Image via Wikipedia

There is a possibility that you may not be satisfied with the resolution of image on the television screen despite setting up the connection between your computer and the television properly. If you are facing this problem, then chances are high that you have not taken care of the resolution and the aspect ratio.

Most televisions have an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9. The former is commonly found in older divisions while the latter is commonly found in high definition television. On the other hand, the computer screen is not measured by the aspect ratio at all.

Rather, it is measured on the basis of pixels. Have you ever heard of any image of the size 800×600? If yes, then you know what resolution is all about. If you are not satisfied with the quality of image on the television, then chances are high that the computer has been set up for a specific aspect ratio while the television has a completely different aspect ratio.

The difference would be the same as what you would experience when you look at a mirror that is designed to distort the image rather than showing cleanly. In such a scenario, the best option is to let the operating system make the necessary alterations to the appearance on your own.

You may lose a bit of a screen real estate and may not be in a position to use the television screen completely. However, compromising a bit of a screen real estate is acceptable as long as you enjoy good quality visibility and resolution.

These issues assume significance only when you have a slightly older computer or a slightly older television. If you make use of recently purchased devices or recently manufactured televisions, you should not face any problems whatsoever. In most cases, the operating system is smart enough to adjust the resolution accordingly. Of course, there is nothing stopping you from making changes manually.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers, Gadgets Tagged With: , ,

Do Not Forget Audio Setup When Connecting Your Computer To The TV

Would you be interested in watching television without sound? Would you be interested in playing a movie stored on your computer hard disk on your television only to walk into the adjacent room to hear the audio? Obviously not. Well, people often focus on the task of transferring video from the computer to the television but fail to consider the audio aspect.

Since the file is stored in the hard disk and the hard disk is fitted to the central processing unit, you should either have a pair of computer speakers attached to the motherboard with an independent power source or you should have a connection between the sound card of the computer and the sound option of the television.

The worst mistake that people commit is that they simply ignore the requirement all together. They end setting up the video connectivity by purchasing different cables and wires and even digital devices but completely ignore audio. The end result is that they have to postpone the pleasure of watching their computer files on the television screen and playing audio and video files on the television.

It is best to log onto the internet and checkout resources that will give you a clear idea of all the steps you have to take. Once you have the necessary equipment to purchase for audio transfer, you just have to buy everything together.

The video card that is used in different of computers happened to be very similar and generic. However, that is not the case with sound cards. If the sound card does not have the option of transmitting the audio from the computer to an external device, then you may have to go in for a mixer as well.

Otherwise, it makes sense investing in advanced computer speakers so that you enjoy good quality sound from the motherboard itself. This is the most convenient option even though it may be slightly expensive.

Filed Under: Computers, Gadgets Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »