Monday, 26 August 2013

5 paint programs online

You never know when you'll need to draw a picture. Whether it be a little diagram to put in your presentation or something to put into a slideshow you'll want a program you can doodle with. Now to beat the hassle of downloading paint programs, which are usually only trials if you don't have to pay for them, here are some online paint programs I've tested out just for you.

This one is a simplistic program with nothing fancy simply called 'Sketch-Paint' it's good for making these dinky little diagrams. I knocked this one up in about two minutes. Here's a link so you can enjoy it too!

How about this one?
Sketch pad online, A bit more fancy then the previous and a lot more colourful. I love the colours available in this one! Click here to have a go

This ones pretty advanced, meet sumopaint-basic edition
This gives you a lot of tools and colours to use and the symmetry tool is pretty priceless. Click here to have a go

Ah Queeky, it's Q-ute thats for sure.
not my personal favorite but lots of people like it so here's the link

Flockdraw is one of my favorites because you let your friends watch you draw
it's perfect for group presentations!


for even more here's a brilliant piece I found from a different blog which has even more paint programs to look at  http://software-creativity.pbworks.com/w/page/23658996/Drawing




Friday, 9 August 2013

How To Choose The Perfect Keyboard

Want to replace your old computer keyboard? There are quite a few choices of keyboards so be sure to pick the one that is right for you by following this easy step by step guide.


  1. First you must check the port at the back of your computer. If the port at the back is round it is a PS/2 port. If it is rectangular it is a USB port. Any keyboard you buy must be able to fit into the port on the computer or you wont be able to use it. You could also choose a wireless keyboard if your computer is capable of using bluetooth. If you are not sure whether it can and want to check then simply go into control panel and do a search for 'Bluetooth devices' once you find it you can simply add devices including the keyboard.
  2. There are different types of keyboard. The standard is the QWERTY keyboard named such because the first six letters read 'qwerty'. This is probably the most widely used and known keyboard. It is a standard all rounder. There are also gaming keyboards, they are useful because they have lit keys for using at night and added controls (such as volume) on them. Ergonomic keyboards are specially design to avoid muscle strain and are perfect for people who are going to be using their keyboards for long periods of time. There are also roll up keyboards for travel, I recommend getting one of these since they can be very useful.
  3. If your keyboard is not compatible with your port then you will have to buy an adapter
  4. Be sure the hardware disk that comes with the keyboard will run on your operating system.
That's all there is to it why not look at these Keyboards


Tuesday, 6 August 2013

Laptop vs Desktop

You looking to buy a computer but don't know whether you want a desktop or a laptop. Well here is something to help you decide which is right for you.

Laptop: A laptop is a computer that is portable and suitable to travel with.
Description:

The laptop is perfect if you are planning to sit on the sofa with it or watch films in bed. Laptops are nice and portable. Also If you are a student or need to work on the go laptops are perfect, they can also pick up on wifi in wifi hotspots allowing you to go on the internet.

Some interesting facts:

  • Far more new laptops are sold then desktop machines
  • A laptop has fixed peripherals, you can't change your screen or keyboard easily
  • Laptops do not usually have the same quality of graphics as desktop computers 

Desktop: a Computer that fits conveniently into a workspace.
The desktop computer is perfect for a family who needs to share the one computer since it cant be easily 'borrowed' by the children. It usually has more space, better graphics and it can be upgraded and parts changed, monitors/keyboards swapped. Usually has more powerful hardware and is usually bigger then a laptop.



Some interesting facts

  • Desktops have better computing power
  • You don't have to worry about them running out of power since they are always plugged in
  • Desktops allow you to keep an eye on your children while they are online since they cannot take them to their room or other private places

Friday, 2 August 2013

Repair vs Replace

Everyone hates to break things, whether it be dropping your phone or your laptop you still have that moment where you put your head in your hands and scold yourself for your clumsiness. Next you have to figure out what you are going to do next: Repair or Replace?

This problem can be hard to answer because of all it's factors but if you break it down into these three you can effectively decide whether to repair or replace.
Repair vs Replace
50% Rule
The 50% rule doesn't work for everything but the idea is that if your repair costs 50% or less then it'll be worth it. More then that and it is time to replace!

Missing Something
Do you have data on your computer or laptop. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to fix the whole laptop, the data may be salvageable by a professional so don't let that sway your decision

Sentimental Value
This may seem silly but will you miss it when it's gone? If so you might want to ignore the 50% rule since if it has sentimental value then it doesn't matter what you replace it with you will still miss it.

Facts


Repair
  • Repairing objects is a lot better for the environment!
  • Saves money.
  • Dont have to retrain staff to use new equipment
Replace
  • Sadly Laptops break a lot, especially cheaper ones. Many things can be wrong with them but if you are prone to clumsiness rather then repairing your same laptop over and over why not replace it with a sturdier model? Some laptop's carry what is called a 'Military Standard 810-G Certification' these guys have a spill resistant keyboard, a shock-mounted hard drives
  • You'll be able to buy the latest equipment which should be an improvement on what you had.
or if you are looking to replace click here
if you want more information on picking a laptop click here (link to article on blog I wrote about picking laptops)