What Is 3174 Emulation?

3174 emulation typically provides support for a number of networking protocols.

3174 emulation emulates an IBM 3174 local SNA controller. These emulation programs seek to mimic the control functions of the original IBM hardware for establishing and controlling a network of computers and peripherals.

IBM 3174 SNA
Systems Network Architecture (SNA), a networking architecture designed an owned by IBM, containing a complete protocol stack for networking computers and their connected resources. According to HOB Techtalk, the IBM series of controllers contained NCP switching protocol; Synchronous Data Link Control; and VTAM to provide routing, session-recording and log-in services.
 
3174 Emulation
The purpose of 3174 emulation is to provide users software emulating the functions of IBM 3174 local SNA controller hardware. Since IBM discontinued production of these units, various software packages have been designed to fill the market gap, or to provide users of IBM 3174 local SNA controller hardware with a more current interface. IBM produces 3174 emulation, for example, in its Netfinity ESCON Adapter.
 
3174 Emulation Advantages
3174 emulation is popular for users wishing to connect to host systems and establish cluster control, consolidate multiple networks, increase the efficiency of data transfer and routing and seeking support for a wide-range of systems and protocols.

What Is a LAN Network Diagram?

A local area network (LAN) is a group of two or more computers that are connected in some manner in order to be able to communicate with each other. Through the network, the computers are able to share data and, in some instances, resources. A LAN network diagram is a drawing that shows the components of a network and how they are connected. The LAN network diagram creates, in a sense, a map of the network.

A LAN network diagram can take on a variety of forms, from highly elaborate to somewhat elementary. Regardless of how sophisticated or basic the network diagram is, it is critical that each component of the network is included. In the field of information technology, a LAN network diagram often is referred to as a topology. Network administrators work with what is known as a physical topology as well as a logical topology.

The physical topology shows the locations of the various devices, also referred to as the network's nodes. These include devices such as computers, routers and switches. It also includes the location of any wiring closets where equipment racks might be housed. A good network diagram of this nature usually will be drawn on a floor plan of the building and will show how the cables connecting the network components are routed. 

The logical topology is used to demonstrate the path that data follows as it travels through the network. It is particularly concerned with areas in which network functions, such as routing or switching, take place. A LAN network diagram designed as a logical topology often will include the Internet protocol (IP) address of each of the nodes.

What Is a Computer Network Diagram?

A computer network diagram is a mechanical drawing or electronically generated image that depicts the physical and logical topology of a network. Networks may be peer-to-peer and include as few as two devices, such as a couple of personal computers (PCs), that share data and resources and cover a small area. The network design diagram for such a setup would be a simple drawing or image showing the two computers and the interconnecting cable.

The elaboration of a computer network diagram typically is considered essential, particularly when numerous devices are involved and cover large areas. Engineers and administrators responsible for design, maintenance, and security can be aided by networking diagrams. If a device such as a router, switch, or hub malfunctions, problems will arise in the transmission of data across the network. These occurrences are reported to administrators who usually must locate the origin of the issue as quickly as possible. The computer network diagram can help them navigate the network while searching for the problem.

Not all administrators are physically located in close proximity to the physical networks for which they are responsible. This is why network diagrams can be essential to the performance of their duties. By using these drawings, they typically can visualize the physical and logical topology, allowing them to make vital decisions. It is common for large computer networks to be subdivided into sub-networks which are also usually diagrammed in order to narrow concentration on a specific section.

What Is Topology?

Topology is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of surfaces or abstract spaces, where measurable quantities are not important. Due to this unique approach to mathematics, topology is sometimes referred to as rubber sheet geometry, because the shapes under consideration are imagined to exist on infinitely stretchable rubber sheets. In typical geometry, fundamental shapes such as the circle, square, and rectangle are the basis for all calculations, but, in topology, the basis is one of continuity and the position of points relative to one another.

A topological map can have points that together would make up a geometric shape such as a triangle. This collection of points is looked at as a space which remains unchanged; however, no matter how it is twisted or stretched, as the points on a rubber sheet, it would remain unchanged no matter in what form it was. This sort of conceptual framework for mathematics is often used in areas where large- or small-scale deformation often occurs, such as gravity wells in space, particle physics analysis at a sub-atomic level, and in the study of biological structures such as the changing shape of proteins.

The geometry of topology does not deal with the size of spaces, so a cube's surface area has the same topology as that of a sphere, as a person can imagine them being twisted to shift from one shape to the other. Such shapes that share identical features are referred to as homeomorphic. An example of two topological shapes that are not homeomorphic, or cannot be altered to resemble each other, are a sphere and a torus, or donut shape.

Discovering the core spatial properties of defined spaces is a primary goal in topology. A base level set topological map is referred to as a set of Euclidean spaces.

What is Network Topology?

Network topology refers to the way that your computer network is arranged. The network can have a physical or a logical topology. The physical topology describes the layout of computers and where the workstations are positioned. The logical network topology describes how the information flows through the network.

Choosing your physical topology is important because if it is not chosen correctly, this could cause your network to not operate properly. There are several terms that describe the type of physical topology that a network can have. The most common topologies are bus, ring, star, and mesh.

In a bus topology, all of the computers are attached to a single cable using terminators. The terminators work to absorb the energy from the signals in the network. The bus topology is easy to install, but it is not reliable because a single default can bring down your network.

In a ring topology, each computer is connected directly to two other computers on the network. As with a bus topology, a single fault can disrupt a ring network. This type of network does have advantages, however, and does not require a network server.

In a star topology, each computer is connected using its own separate cable. This set up is more reliable than a bus topology because its design makes it fault tolerant and susceptible to errors. The information on the network is transmitted from one system to another and the data flows in one single direction. The topology is expensive to maintain and is not reliable because removing one computer can disrupt your entire network.

In a mesh topology, a path is present from one computer to another computer in the network. The mesh topology is usually used in internet structure.

What is SATA or Serial ATA?

SATA or Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the next generation drive interface, following the traditional Parallel ATA (PATA).

Anyone who has peered into a computer is familiar with the flat, 40-wire parallel cables that connect the hard drive, CDROM and other devices to their controllers. PATA has been the standard and has served well, but it has also had drawbacks. Cables limited to 18 inches (46 cm) in length often made connections difficult and also clogged cases blocking airflow, while cooling has become crucial. Though rounded cables became available, the most advanced PATA drives (Ultra ATA/133) hit the maximum parallel transfer rate of 133 MB/ps. With the speed of CPUs, RAM and system buses improving, designers saw PATA would soon be bottlenecking advanced drive efficiency in system architecture.

Enter SATA.
Serial ATA has distinct key advantages over its predecessor. Cables are very thin with small 7-pin connectors. They can be up to 3 feet (1 meter) in length, and are easily routed to stay out of the way allowing maximum airflow inside the case. SATA also has a far lower power requirement of just 250 mV compared to PATA's 5-volt requirement, and with chip core voltages declining, this speaks well of SATA's future. Serial ATA does away with Master/Slave configurations and drive jumpers. Setup is greatly simplified, and the technology even allows hot-swapping, meaning drives can be removed or added while the computer is running.

What are the Different Types of Network Services?

The term network services is used to describe a wide range of software and connectivity tools that are managed by a central group and distributed to the networked computers. A networked computer environment occurs when multiple computers are connected to each other or a central server. The computers are able to access shared files and utilities from a central location. There are several advantages to this type of environment, ranging from increased quality control to performance and issue management.

There are four types of network services: user management, email, printing, and system administration. In a networked environment, the desktops are known as client computers or workstations. The servers are typically stored in a special temperature-controlled room that is often physically located in a different building or space than the workstation users. Access is provided through network cables that are used to transmit data packages within the network. These cables also provide access to the Internet, typically after being routed through a central server or network switch.

User management is a range of services, from the creation of user names and passwords to the allocation of rights, privileges, and access. For example, when a new staff member joins a department, the network administrator must create a new account for this person to access the network services. Access to applications, files, services, and tools this person will require to complete his or her job must be provided by the system administrator. This is known as user management and authentication.

Email is a widely used productivity tool that requires connection to the Internet.

What Is the Difference Between Software and Hardware?

For people who are not familiar with computer terminology, references to software and hardware may be somewhat confusing. The basic difference between the two has to do with the role that each type of tool plays in the use of a computer system. Essentially, hardware is the equipment that is used to assemble the working computer while software consists of the codes and programs that make it possible to perform various tasks using that equipment.

Hardware composes all types of computer equipment and components. This includes the hard drive, the monitor, and any ancillary devices such as scanners and printers that may be used along with the system. Even devices like the keyboard, cords and wires, and the pen drives are considered to be part of the hardware family. Remote storage devices like floppy disks and CDRs are also classed as hardware.

By contrast, software is the programming that provides the roadmap for each and every function that is executed on a computer hard drive. Tools in this category would include computer operating systems, as well as software programs designed to create spreadsheets, slide shows and even electronic letters, manuscripts and other word processing documents. Software also includes programs that are loaded onto a hard drive, either by downloading from the Internet or by using a CD or other data storage device to load the software program onto the system. 

 The relationship between software and hardware is mutually beneficial.

What Is a Computer Hardware Diagnostic?

A computer hardware diagnostic is a program or utility with the ability to examine the functionality, characteristics and behavior of an individual computer or server workstation. After the examination, the computer hardware diagnostic can then determine if its findings are equal to the design and performance specifications of the hardware.

Quite often, the most robust and aggressive hardware diagnostics can determine a specific issue in a fraction of the time it would take a highly trained technician using conventional tools. Computer hardware diagnostics have the ability to evaluate many components that provide assorted functionality within the intricate design of the hardware.

There are many predetermined values and tolerances computer hardware must maintain to avoid serious damage or data loss. Some versions of computer hardware diagnostics evaluate the operating temperature of the central processing unit or CPU to determine if the component is exceeding the normal operating temperature. Other features may check specific output voltages and current values on important regulating circuitry or track the speed of cooling fans necessary to correctly maintain a consistent airflow over the components. A correct diagnosis by detecting an issue with one of these components can save the computer user a large amount of frustration and money.

A computer hardware diagnostic that examines the storage components of a system can prove to be the most valuable tool in a technician’s arsenal. Running a diagnostic on the computer's memory or hard drive can determine the cause of many problems that may first appear to originate in the system software.

Different Kinds of VGA Cable

VGA cables should have resolution specifications.

VGA cables come in a wide variety of lengths and quality. Although no authority sets any special requirements for VGA cable kinds, manufacturers use different production options and marketing slogans in an attempt to define their cables. As a consumer, select VGA cables solely based on the resolution specifications quoted by the manufacturer.

VGA Signals
VGA produces five signals to connect from a computer, video game console or home entertainment device to an HDTV or computer monitor. Three signals carry discrete level information for each of the primary video colors of red, green and blue. Two others carry information for vertical and horizontal synchronization. The 15-pin connector also provides four control functions for information to return to the signal source from the monitor. Manufacturers produce VGA cables in different lengths, but the higher the resolution of the signal, the shorter distance it can travel.

Types of Network Interface Cards

Network interface cards, often referred to as NICs, are computer add-in cards that provide inter-networking capabilities for a specific computing solution. There are many types of NICs that are used in varying situations. The largest deviation between cards is based upon their connective medium and speed capabilities. To a lesser extent, NICs can be differentiated by their type of connectivity to the computer itself.
 
10/100 Ethernet
10/100 Ethernet cards are networking cards that are used most frequently in the home or small office setting. As the name suggests, they are capable of speeds up to 10 or 100 megabits per second, not to be confused with megabytes per second. These cards usually connect to the computer using a PCI, PCIe or ISA motherboard interface slot. These cards are setup to use category 5 or 6 networking cables. The difference between category 5 and 6 networking cables is the addition of more shielding in category 6 cable to reduce "cross-talk" that slows network transfer speeds.
 
Gigabit Ethernet
Gigabit Ethernet NICs provide network transfer speeds of up to one Gigabit per second. These cards connect to the computer using the same means as previously mentioned, however, they are much more likely to be produced for PCIe slots. These NICs can utilize Category 5, 5e, 6, and 7 cabling, with a preference for the latter. However, these NICs are more often made to utilize fiber optic cables for use in enterprise solutions such as web servers or data storage centers.

Types of Computer Connectors

A computer can look like a box with a lot of confusing wires connected to it. But often connections are color coded, as is the case for audio input and output on the back of many computers. Some plugs, such as telephone modem and power cords, only fit in one socket, so it's not too hard to figure out where they go. Here's a look at the most common computer connectors and their functions.
 
Power
Power connector - Photo credits: Jungar.net
The power cord connects the computer to the AC electric source. The male end of the cord goes into the wall outlet (or a power strip/UPS) and the female end plugs into the back of the computer.
 
Keyboard and Mouse PS2 connector
Two common types of plugs are used to connect keyboards and mice to the computer. The older connector, which has pins is called a PS2; it's on the end of the cable coming out of the keyboard or mouse. Often these will be in a color to match designated sockets on the back of the desktop CPU.

Types of USB Connectors

USB cables are a type of computer data-transfer cable. They are used to connect peripheral devices, like MP3 players, to computers. Data is transferred through the cable as the computer and peripheral communicate with each other. There are a number of different types of USB connectors, which vary from device to device and between manufacturers. Type A USB connector
A Type-A connector is the standard USB connector. It is a flat connector that usually plugs into the port on the computer.
Type B USB connector
Type-B connectors are six-sided connectors that are square on the bottom and slightly slanted on top. These are used for larger devices, like printers and scanners.
 

Mini Mini connectors are small versions of the Type-A and Type-B connectors. The Mini-A standard is not as commonly used as the Mini-B, but both are common on digital cameras and MP3 players.
 

Micro The Micro-A is the smallest version of Type-A, and a Micro-B is an inverted and flattened Type-B connector. These are popular on cell phones and PDAs.

What is a CPU?

If you’re in the market for a new computer, it’s necessary to understand the function of a CPU. Also known as the Central Processing Unit or processor, the CPU is essentially the “brains” of your computer. Without the CPU, you wouldn’t be able to play games, type research papers, or surf the Internet. Your computer would basically be a very expensive paperweight.

Sometimes people mistakenly believe the case or chassis of a computer is the CPU. However, a CPU is an internal component of the computer. You can’t see it from the outside of the system; you’d have to peek inside and remove both the CPU heatsink and fan to get a good look.

The first CPUs were used in the early 1960s. They were custom designed as part of a larger computer, making them prohibitively expensive. Once engineers figured out how to mass produce the CPU, personal computers became more affordable for the average American. With the introduction of the integrated circuit in the late 1970s, it became possible for smaller CPUs to be manufactured as well. This helped transform computers from large, bulky devices that took up entire rooms to more manageable desktop and laptop models.

What is a Graphics Card?

A graphics card (also video card) is a piece of hardware installed in a computer that is responsible for rendering the image on the computer’s monitor or display screen. Graphics cards come in many varieties with varying features that allow for a price range that extends from about $20 US Dollars (USD) to $2,400 USD or more.

The first consideration when buying a graphics card is to be sure it is capable of displaying the best resolution the monitor can support. For Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors this means supporting the native resolution. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors do not have a native resolution. In this case, ensure the graphics card is capable of supporting the highest resolution, even if the CRT monitor will be frequently used at lower resolutions.

The second consideration is on-board memory. A graphics card must work very hard to render images to the screen. Unlike text files, graphics images are much larger files consisting of great amounts of data that must be processed by the graphics or video card. A faster graphics card has its own resident memory chips to perform this function so as not to impinge upon the system’s random access memory (RAM). Less robust graphics cards have less resident memory and require sharing system RAM to process images. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean that a graphics card with shared memory will be unsatisfactory, but much depends on the primary purpose of the computer and on the amount of system RAM present. More system RAM is better if it will be shared, but for gaming and multimedia enthusiasts, a graphics card with resident memory is a better choice.

First Look at the New Hulk; Complete 'Avengers' Team Posters Revealed

You'd think that The Avengers, the most ambitious comic book movie to date, would have a huge presence at this year's Comic-Con.  That's not the case, though.  Marvel will instead be no doubt unveiling plenty of superhero goodies at this year's D23, the expo put on my parent company Disney.  But, just because we've got to perhaps wait a few weeks to see The Avengers assembled together on a stage again, doesn't mean we have to wait that long to get a new look at least some of team's members.

Marvel has released some rather impressive, hand-drawn character posters for Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and if you happen to be at SDCC, you can stop by the Marvel booth to get a hold of one (I'm going to go out on a limb and predict there will be a significantly smaller supply of Black Widow available).

AMD Regains Single-GPU Performance Crown From NVIDIA, For Now

It was less than a year ago that Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) launched the Radeon HD 6000 series (January 4, 2011, to be precise). The 6000 series didn't revolutionize the world of performance gaming and didn't top the single-card performance charts, but it did allow AMD to stay competitive with rival NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA) on the basis of price, if not performance.

I. Why the Radeon HD 7970 is a Huge Launch for AMD
In other words, the Radeon HD 6000 series was all about surival in the face of the dominant GeForce 500 series -- conceding performance, but still winning on the merits of a low price.

The 7000 series launch is a very different kind of lauch. AMD is unleashing a new architecture -- "Graphics Core Next" (GCN) -- on the world. And it has aggressively targetted the performance crown, and largely succeeded. That launch begins today with the release of the Radeon HD 7970 Tahiti.

A couple of quick notes --
This is a soft launch. Actual hardware will likely ship in January, though preorders are beginning shortly.

NVIDIA will be launching sometime in calendar Q1 2012 (fiscal Q1 2013) the GeForce 600 series. Our sources point to a January launch, though that's probably a soft launch. Expect NVIDIA to ship product sometime in the Feb.-March window, barring a surprise.

AMD Radeon HD 7970

AMD Radeon HD 7970
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Case
Antec P280 Case @ LanOC
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NZXT Phantom Black Case @ LanOC
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Cooler
Corsair A50 CPU Cooler @ CircuitREMIX

Memory
Corsair Vengeance LP DDR3-1600 16GB Kit @ Benchmark Reviews
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Peripherals
Arctic K481 Wireless Keyboard @ Hi Tech Legion
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PSU
Super Flower Golden King 550W PSU @ XSReviews

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Kingston HyperX 120GB SSD @ Rbmods

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EVGA GTX 560 Ti @ HardwareOverclock

What Is a Quad Core Processor?

A quad core processor is a single unit made up of four independent cores that process fixed-length or variable-length data. Each of the four cores works independently to read and execute computer program instructions, which might include data and memory functions. The multi-processor allocates different processes to individual cores using a method known as multitasking. This method can help a supported operating system (OS) run more efficiently, especially when allocating processing power to multiple resource intensive applications at the same time.

While a quad core processor supports multitasking, it is the OS that determines how well a computer system will handle running multiple applications at once. Multitasking depends upon frequent context switching of tasks to produce the illusion of parallel running applications. Since it has more cores, a quad core processor is in theory able to handle tasks more quickly than single or dual core processors. In practice, however, there are multiple reasons that quad core processors may not actually be any faster.

Despite the perception that more cores should equal faster processing, the quad core processor's improvement in performance over its predecessors depends on application use and implementation. Quad core processors in computer systems are generally marketed toward users who run resource intensive applications such as video games, video editing software, and graphic editors. Many video games are written so that they make optimal use of multi-processors.

What is SATA 6Gbs?

As of 2009, SATA 6Gb/s is the newest generation architecture for platter-based hard drives. The "6Gb/s" refers to the data transfer rate of 6 gigabits per second, twice the speed of the previous generation SATA. The Serial ATA International Organization (SATA-IO) that designs SATA standards has requested that this third-generation SATA be referred to as SATA 6Gb/s to avoid adding potential confusion to SATA nomenclature already bumbled by confusing second-generation names.

SATA technology changed the landscape of hard drive technology by switching from wide, inconvenient parallel ATA (PATA) data cables and connectors, to narrow serial cables and connectors. The switch to full duplex serial communication opened the door to faster speeds than parallel technology could handle, and also opened up the interior of computer cases allowing for greater air flow, vital to faster computer processor units (CPUs) and higher capacity disk drives.

Original SATA, also known as SATA 150 or SATA/150, had a maximum data transfer rate of 1.5 Gb/s or 150 Megabytes per second (MB/s). The fastest PATA drives could compete with original SATA, but PATA was maxing out its clunkier architecture while SATA was just getting started.