If you are a notebook computer user, you may know the frustration of running out of battery power, sometimes, at critical moments. However, knowing how to set a proper power management is not just about extending battery life of your laptop. Configuring power management also can reduce electrical usage on your laptop and desktop computer as well. And it can lower your electric bill and save environment.
Why some users do not turn off their computers for long, even during the nights? The reasons can be different. Some people prefer to keep unfinished tasks in the same order - they leave documents and programs opened. Others prefer to start working immediately. Some users consider PC rebooting as a waste of time - often MS-Windows start-up process takes too much time. The last issue may be resolved in the future with faster computers, Solid-State Disks, and optimized operating systems. Nevertheless, it is good to have some options not to shut down computers completely in order to be able quickly to resume working.
What options do we have these days to balance power consumption and working convenience? Except screen saver mode that does not save too much energy with new types of LCD screens, there are other power saving options - “Stand By” and “Hibernate”. These two options allow users harmonically combine the convenience of smooth work and energy saving. These are also ways to prolong your notebook battery life. What are the differences between Standby and Hibernate? How to activate these modes and choose their settings correctly?
“Stand By” means that PC is ready to go once called. Your computer returns to a state of readiness when you press a key or move the mouse. It only takes a few seconds to resume a computer from Standby. Computer recovers quickly because data are stored in RAM. It is a low power consumption mode. However, energy saving is moderate because power has been cut only to hard drive and monitor. This power saving option is good for a short-term while you take short breaks. Another disadvantage is that power disappearance in this mode can cause your data loss.
Hibernate is similar to Standby and it also enables recovering your working space. It is a good state for a long-term to save energy because it allows reducing power consumption of your PC to a few watts. In this mode, data are saved to your hard disk (not RAM). So that in case of power interruption, your data are protected. On the other hand, it takes longer to recover from hibernation when you need to use your computer again.
MS Windows operating systems allow you to set various power options. These options make it easy to conserve power after a certain period of inactivity. You may create a few profiles that first switch automatically your computer into Standby mode and then after a while into Hibernate mode if no activity. To create a Power Profile in Windows XP, go to “Start“ menu, “Control Panel“, then “Power Options“. First, if you are going to use Hibernate mode, you need to activate it. Go to Hibernate tab-page and check box “Enable hibernation”. This will create a special file called “hiberfil.sys” where the data from RAM and other info will be saved.
Notebooks have extra settings relating to using battery. Also on notebook computers, you can significantly extend the battery life by setting the “When I close the lid on my portable computer” option to “Stand by” (“Advanced” tab). Note, you can switch also anytime to Standby or Hibernate mode manually. Go to “Start”, and then “Turn Off Computer”. You should see dialog with “Stand by” button. If you press and keep the Shift key, “Stand by” button changes to “Hibernate”. But do not forget, in order to see and use Hibernate option, it needs to be enabled - Hibernate does not show by default.
© Alec Smith. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Showing posts with label computer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label computer. Show all posts
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
What Laptop Users Should Consider When Choosing LCD Screen Size
Screen size is a key factor in the laptop's overall performance, size, and weight. The laptop screen size also is one of the most important factors when it comes to how long your battery is going to last. What is the most optimal laptop screen size?
It is easy to take the quality of laptop for granted. But when you consider that you probably spend more time using your laptop than any other device or tool, you realize that the screen you stare at every day is a vital part of your computer system.
The laptop screen size is one of the first things that is worth to choose before considering other laptop parameters. As a matter of fact, screen size is a key factor in the laptop's overall performance, size, and weight. The laptop screen size also is one of the most important factors when it comes to how long your battery is going to last. The most popular laptop screen diagonal sizes range from 12 to 17 inches. The most popular screen resolutions are 1024 x 768, 1280 x 800, 1280 x 1024, 1680 x 1050, and 1440 x 900.
Some people would never consider any laptop below a 14.1-inch screen. The laptops with 17-inch screen or even bigger are not so convenient for traveling. However, they combine the power of a desktop and the benefits of a laptop (that is why some people call them as desktop replacements). The battery life is short for such big laptops. Another disadvantage is that these laptops may be too heavy and too big.
What screen resolution is optimal? A higher screen resolution reduces the size of items on your screen and increases the relative space on your desktop. But on the other hand, you may feel uncomfortable if fonts are too small to read a text. Another parameter is aspect ratio (the relative numbers of horizontal and vertical pixels). Traditional screens built with 4:3 aspect ratio. For example, a native resolution of 1280x1024 indicates an aspect ratio of 5:4, which is the most used format on 17" and 19" LCD monitors in the recent years. New wide-screen monitors may use almost 2:1 ratio. Wide-screen monitors use a special aspect ratio control to resolve the problem of "unnatural" displaying video with different formats. Normally, a native resolution should allow displaying without any distortion. The best way to find the perfect resolution that is optimal for you and your screen is to try different settings.
Most people like the laptops with 14-inch or larger LCD screens with preferred Windows resolution of 1,024x768. These laptops are not too heavy. They are prone to have a long battery life and charge-cycle capability (run time more than several hours). Also 14-15-inch laptops are the most reasonably priced. The experienced computer users also consider this choice as the best compromise between viewable area and overall portability.
If you prefer to have the laptop screen with size less than 15-inch, it could be reasonable to use an internal display only when you are on the road. When you at your desk, your laptop can be connected to an external monitor (for example, with a spacious 19-21-inch screen) for better view and more professional works. At desk also it could be good to use an external ergonomic keyboard and mouse (that are connected to laptop).
© Alec Smith. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
It is easy to take the quality of laptop for granted. But when you consider that you probably spend more time using your laptop than any other device or tool, you realize that the screen you stare at every day is a vital part of your computer system.
The laptop screen size is one of the first things that is worth to choose before considering other laptop parameters. As a matter of fact, screen size is a key factor in the laptop's overall performance, size, and weight. The laptop screen size also is one of the most important factors when it comes to how long your battery is going to last. The most popular laptop screen diagonal sizes range from 12 to 17 inches. The most popular screen resolutions are 1024 x 768, 1280 x 800, 1280 x 1024, 1680 x 1050, and 1440 x 900.
Some people would never consider any laptop below a 14.1-inch screen. The laptops with 17-inch screen or even bigger are not so convenient for traveling. However, they combine the power of a desktop and the benefits of a laptop (that is why some people call them as desktop replacements). The battery life is short for such big laptops. Another disadvantage is that these laptops may be too heavy and too big.
What screen resolution is optimal? A higher screen resolution reduces the size of items on your screen and increases the relative space on your desktop. But on the other hand, you may feel uncomfortable if fonts are too small to read a text. Another parameter is aspect ratio (the relative numbers of horizontal and vertical pixels). Traditional screens built with 4:3 aspect ratio. For example, a native resolution of 1280x1024 indicates an aspect ratio of 5:4, which is the most used format on 17" and 19" LCD monitors in the recent years. New wide-screen monitors may use almost 2:1 ratio. Wide-screen monitors use a special aspect ratio control to resolve the problem of "unnatural" displaying video with different formats. Normally, a native resolution should allow displaying without any distortion. The best way to find the perfect resolution that is optimal for you and your screen is to try different settings.
Most people like the laptops with 14-inch or larger LCD screens with preferred Windows resolution of 1,024x768. These laptops are not too heavy. They are prone to have a long battery life and charge-cycle capability (run time more than several hours). Also 14-15-inch laptops are the most reasonably priced. The experienced computer users also consider this choice as the best compromise between viewable area and overall portability.
If you prefer to have the laptop screen with size less than 15-inch, it could be reasonable to use an internal display only when you are on the road. When you at your desk, your laptop can be connected to an external monitor (for example, with a spacious 19-21-inch screen) for better view and more professional works. At desk also it could be good to use an external ergonomic keyboard and mouse (that are connected to laptop).
© Alec Smith. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
How to Keep Yourself Healthy at Computer Screen
If you spend more time using your computer than any other device or equipment, it is important to take seriously all possible impacts that it can cause to your eyes and health. Some experts consider that being around computers 8 to 10 hours a day may endanger your future health. Should you worry about any ill-effects from your computer? Learn how to take preventive measures in reducing the risk of using computer.
Probably you enjoy reading this article on your LCD screen that is supposed to be a flicker- and radiation- free alternative to a bulky and power-consuming CRT monitor. But do not think that LCD screen which most people use these days is much better for your eyes and you can stare at longer hours. At present as it was in the past, computer users often suffer eyestrain, headache, fatigue, eyes burn or ache; what is called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). This health issue can be caused by the computer screen itself and the conditions surrounding the computer screen (a pre-existing eye problem may be the cause too). The following simple steps can help you to minimize your eye-problems while working on your computer.
Optimize your monitor refresh rate. Higher refresh rates are less likely to cause eyestrain. Check what are the optimal and maximum possible refresh rate for your monitor. Use Control Panel > Display Settings > Advanced > Monitor and set up "Screen refresh rate" (frequency) to a maximum possible. According to the eye experts refresh rate should be 70 Hz or higher.
Adjust the contrast control of your monitor so that the characters on the background are easily read. The best contrast ratio setting is the one that allows you to see all the details but does not hide any shadow. This setting can be found by increasing contrast ration until all the details are well-visible and then back down to just before the details disappear. If you work on desktop, switch to digital connection (DVI) if it is possible. It decreases noise and displays images smoother than with VGA.
Optimize your screen resolution. Make sure that the text size is optimized for the most comfort. A higher screen resolution reduces the size of items on your screen and increases the relative space on your desktop. But on the other hand, you may feel uncomfortable if fonts are too small to read a text. To change your screen resolution in Windows OS, open Display in Control Panel. On the Settings tab, under Screen resolution, drag the slider, and then click Apply. When prompted to apply the settings, click OK. Your screen will turn black for a moment. Once your screen resolution changes, you have 15 seconds to confirm the change. Click Yes to confirm the change; click No or do nothing to revert to your previous setting. Be aware that using a non-native low resolution on LCD may result in a poorer image (may appear blurred). In most cases using native resolution of LCD screen is better.
Adjust the brightness of the monitor to an intensity that is comfortable to your eyes; not to bright and not to dim. Avoid excessively bright light coming from your monitor. Turn off any color enhancement features (if your monitor has any). Normally the brightness of the screen should be about the same as your work environment.
Take care of surrounding lighting. It should be indirect, soft, and non-interfering. Avoid glare, bright light, or shadows caused by nearby windows. The best position is where windows are to the side of your screen. Use shades, blinds, or curtains to avoid reflections. Make sure that a desk lamp does not shine into your eyes or onto the computer screen.
Blink often. It is very important when working at a computer. It moistens your eyes and helps reduce eyes dryness and irritation. The normal blink rate is around 10-12 times per minute. Avoid the flow of air in front of your eyes.
Optimize the distance and position of your monitor. Place your computer monitor 40-70 cm from your eyes. In vertical dimension, the computer screen should be placed slightly below eye level.
Regularly exercise your eyes by looking away from your computer screen every 20-30 minutes and focusing for 10-20 seconds on a distant object (at least 6 meters from your eyes). Move your eyes and change your position. Take a 10-minute break every hour to rest your eyes and reduce eyestrain problems - stand up, move, exercise arms, legs, back, neck, and shoulders. Make sure you get enough sleep - approximately 8 hours per night.
Try to turn on ClearType if you use Microsoft Windows. It improves readability on color LCD displays with a digital interface, such as those in laptops and high-quality flat panel displays. You may see better and clearer with reduced eyestrain. Visit Microsoft.Com and read step-by-step articles how to enable ClearType tuner.
© Alex Smartson. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Probably you enjoy reading this article on your LCD screen that is supposed to be a flicker- and radiation- free alternative to a bulky and power-consuming CRT monitor. But do not think that LCD screen which most people use these days is much better for your eyes and you can stare at longer hours. At present as it was in the past, computer users often suffer eyestrain, headache, fatigue, eyes burn or ache; what is called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). This health issue can be caused by the computer screen itself and the conditions surrounding the computer screen (a pre-existing eye problem may be the cause too). The following simple steps can help you to minimize your eye-problems while working on your computer.
Optimize your monitor refresh rate. Higher refresh rates are less likely to cause eyestrain. Check what are the optimal and maximum possible refresh rate for your monitor. Use Control Panel > Display Settings > Advanced > Monitor and set up "Screen refresh rate" (frequency) to a maximum possible. According to the eye experts refresh rate should be 70 Hz or higher.
Adjust the contrast control of your monitor so that the characters on the background are easily read. The best contrast ratio setting is the one that allows you to see all the details but does not hide any shadow. This setting can be found by increasing contrast ration until all the details are well-visible and then back down to just before the details disappear. If you work on desktop, switch to digital connection (DVI) if it is possible. It decreases noise and displays images smoother than with VGA.
Optimize your screen resolution. Make sure that the text size is optimized for the most comfort. A higher screen resolution reduces the size of items on your screen and increases the relative space on your desktop. But on the other hand, you may feel uncomfortable if fonts are too small to read a text. To change your screen resolution in Windows OS, open Display in Control Panel. On the Settings tab, under Screen resolution, drag the slider, and then click Apply. When prompted to apply the settings, click OK. Your screen will turn black for a moment. Once your screen resolution changes, you have 15 seconds to confirm the change. Click Yes to confirm the change; click No or do nothing to revert to your previous setting. Be aware that using a non-native low resolution on LCD may result in a poorer image (may appear blurred). In most cases using native resolution of LCD screen is better.
Adjust the brightness of the monitor to an intensity that is comfortable to your eyes; not to bright and not to dim. Avoid excessively bright light coming from your monitor. Turn off any color enhancement features (if your monitor has any). Normally the brightness of the screen should be about the same as your work environment.
Take care of surrounding lighting. It should be indirect, soft, and non-interfering. Avoid glare, bright light, or shadows caused by nearby windows. The best position is where windows are to the side of your screen. Use shades, blinds, or curtains to avoid reflections. Make sure that a desk lamp does not shine into your eyes or onto the computer screen.
Blink often. It is very important when working at a computer. It moistens your eyes and helps reduce eyes dryness and irritation. The normal blink rate is around 10-12 times per minute. Avoid the flow of air in front of your eyes.
Optimize the distance and position of your monitor. Place your computer monitor 40-70 cm from your eyes. In vertical dimension, the computer screen should be placed slightly below eye level.
Regularly exercise your eyes by looking away from your computer screen every 20-30 minutes and focusing for 10-20 seconds on a distant object (at least 6 meters from your eyes). Move your eyes and change your position. Take a 10-minute break every hour to rest your eyes and reduce eyestrain problems - stand up, move, exercise arms, legs, back, neck, and shoulders. Make sure you get enough sleep - approximately 8 hours per night.
Try to turn on ClearType if you use Microsoft Windows. It improves readability on color LCD displays with a digital interface, such as those in laptops and high-quality flat panel displays. You may see better and clearer with reduced eyestrain. Visit Microsoft.Com and read step-by-step articles how to enable ClearType tuner.
© Alex Smartson. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Choosing between Matte and Glossy LCD Screens
It is easy to take the quality of your PC display for granted. But when you consider that you spend more time using your monitor than any other component of your PC, you realize that the LCD screen you stare at every day is a vital part of your computer system. What differentiates one LCD panel from another is image quality. The light source, the viewing angle, and the system's graphics card can have a dramatic effect on an LCD's performance. Also such parameters as, text readability, sharpness, grayscale range, color quality, or image uniformity are important. However, the recent researches show that the surface of your LCD panel is very important characteristic. There are two major types of LCD screens distinguished by surface – matte and glossy.
A matte LCD screen has an anti-glare coating that diffuses ambient light. A side effect of the coating is a slight blurring, reduced contrast, and a narrow viewing angle. A matte screen may be the best one for a color-minded professional. Also a matte LCD may be better for your eyes in the long run.
In general, a glossy LCD screen has a better contrast, brighter colors (more saturated), and better viewing angles. A glossy screen may look more vibrant to watch movies or play games. The major disadvantage of a glossy screen is the reflection of a light and other objects. Sometimes it is not easy to adjust the screen to make it less reflective. Glare may interfere with color perception. Also in print, supersaturated colors will not show up. Overusing a glossy screen may cause a vision problem (eye strain). Also the distractions from reflection may cause a headache (brain overloaded thought eye's nervous signals). Many visual designers find that the glossy screens present unrealistic colors and overly contrasted images. Sometimes photographs cannot be accurately matched to the final print.
So matte or glossy? Actually, it is a personal preference. When you choosing between two types of screens, make your decision after careful consideration. It is better to buy after seeing and comparing matte and glossy types first. Often a laptop manufacturer does not offer the option (or at least for now) to choose between glossy and matte screens. However, there is a solution how to get the LCD screen that you like. Just replace it. It is easy to do even if you are not a technical person (use some illustrated guide). Since most laptop manufacturers charge too much, you may try to find third-party companies on the market that are selling laptop screens. Some of them have a lot of brand new genuine LCD screens for laptops.
© Alex Smartson. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
A matte LCD screen has an anti-glare coating that diffuses ambient light. A side effect of the coating is a slight blurring, reduced contrast, and a narrow viewing angle. A matte screen may be the best one for a color-minded professional. Also a matte LCD may be better for your eyes in the long run.
In general, a glossy LCD screen has a better contrast, brighter colors (more saturated), and better viewing angles. A glossy screen may look more vibrant to watch movies or play games. The major disadvantage of a glossy screen is the reflection of a light and other objects. Sometimes it is not easy to adjust the screen to make it less reflective. Glare may interfere with color perception. Also in print, supersaturated colors will not show up. Overusing a glossy screen may cause a vision problem (eye strain). Also the distractions from reflection may cause a headache (brain overloaded thought eye's nervous signals). Many visual designers find that the glossy screens present unrealistic colors and overly contrasted images. Sometimes photographs cannot be accurately matched to the final print.
So matte or glossy? Actually, it is a personal preference. When you choosing between two types of screens, make your decision after careful consideration. It is better to buy after seeing and comparing matte and glossy types first. Often a laptop manufacturer does not offer the option (or at least for now) to choose between glossy and matte screens. However, there is a solution how to get the LCD screen that you like. Just replace it. It is easy to do even if you are not a technical person (use some illustrated guide). Since most laptop manufacturers charge too much, you may try to find third-party companies on the market that are selling laptop screens. Some of them have a lot of brand new genuine LCD screens for laptops.
© Alex Smartson. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
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