What is VOIP? - A Guide to Understanding the Basics

Simply put VoIP is a protocol that allows for a computer to make a voice communication over the internet. A computer can call a computer, or it could even covert the signal and call an ordinary phone. With VoIP a user can call using a computer, a phone made special for VoIP or a normal phone equipped with a VoIP adapter. VoIP can also be accessed wirelessly in certain areas where such a connection is available such as internet cafes and other such hotspots. Simply put, VoIP allows people to talk over the internet just as one would over the phone.

In order to take advantage of cheap VoIP the user will need a broadband high speed internet connection. Cable modems as well as services like DSL or even a local area network will fit this requirement. The other thing needed is either a computer, a specialized phone or an adapter for a traditional phone. Either the computer or the VoIP phone would work better as some VoIP services will not recognize the adapter and will not function as a result. If the computer is the preferred method then specific software will need to be installed and a microphone will need to be connected. Other than the fact that the VoIP phone will attach directly to the broadband connection, it works like a normal phone.

Calling other VoIP users will normally be free of charge; however connecting to traditional phone lines will likely cost the user money based similar factors as a normal phone. Details of payment will of course depend on the VoIP provider. Some will allow the user to call anywhere for a flat rate while others will operate more like a current phone service. Who a user can call varies depending on the provider as well. Some will allow users to call any number whether it is VoIP or not. Others will be limited to only those who are using VoIP. In order to call a traditional phone, there is no need for any specialized equipment; the user simply dials the number as he normally would, making it the same as a normal call.

One of the main advantages to cheapest VoIP is that the user no longer needs a separate phone line and a broadband connection. Both the phone and internet now works off of the same line and so the user saves money and effort with the upkeep of two different lines. In today's world where cell phones have nearly make land lines obsolete, this is a huge advantage. Beyond this VoIP has available features that a traditional phone will not. These are of course specific to the provider of the service and what they are willing to offer.

While cheaper VoIP is not without its drawbacks, it is possibly the future of voice communication. As computers are becoming more and more accessible, the need for a separate device to handle voice conversations is becoming less and less. Given a decade or two the kinks inherent in VoIP will likely be worked out and it could replace land lines altogether.

Searching for the Xbox 360 Emulator

The Xbox 360, manufactured by Microsoft, is probably one of the most versatile and powerful gaming consoles that you will come across. And because it provides the ultimate gaming experience with its high definition graphics and lifelike action, it is no wonder that true gamers wait with baited breath for an Xbox 360 emulator to be released.

The Xbox 360 features an easy to operate interface that even novices have no trouble handling. It allows you to go directly to the option you want by using either using the controller or remote control. Plus, the latest movies look great when they are played back on the Xbox 360. Its multimedia capabilities also allow you to play your favorite movies and view pictures. Plus, the Xbox 360 itself contains its own Xbox emulator making it backwards compatible for previous Xbox games, so there is no need to rush out and purchase new copies of your favorite games.

Games that have been developed for the Xbox 360 are extremely popular and sought after. For this reason, many who play video games look forward to the day when an Xbox 360 emulator will be developed. They wish to see hardware and software made available that allows personal computer users the enjoyment of Xbox games via their PCs.

Those new to video gaming or do not care for this form of entertainment may be wondering what the purpose of an Xbox360 emulator really is. Why not just buy the Xbox 360 and be done with it? However, it seems that many gamers prefer playing on the system they feel most comfortable with. And for a vast number of them, this system is the PC. In order for video game manufacturers to broaden their market, it does make sense in the end to provide cross platform compatibility.

Basically, video game emulators are systems created to behave like the gaming console that can be operated from your PC or Mac. There are a couple different types of emulators that video game enthusiasts can employ.

The first type is a software xbox emulator, which is installed on your computer just the way that any other type of software is. What it enables your PC to do is to operate on a video game type platform allowing you to play games. It is akin to having dual operating systems installed for your PC - one for work and one for play.

The second type of video game emulator is hardware. It is just like any other hardware device you might purchase for your PC. You connect it and install the software to run it. Video games are then inserted into the hardware and played via this device connected to your computer.

Of course, software developers love emulators because it broadens the appeal of game software while expanding the market. Video game console developers, though, are reluctant to part with the technology that gives them the market share advantage. To console developers, emulators mean less profit and indicate that it is time for a new, more powerful console.

Basic Internet Security: Anti-Virus Software

Every time you access the Internet, you need to remember that you are not alone and that you are sharing access with millions of others. High speed Internet connections are becoming commonplace and virtually everyone has some type of access to the Internet ? whether it is at home, work, or school. Along with this open access sharing comes problems of abuse, mainly in the form of viruses and spyware. In order to ensure that you are protected from these threats, it is essential that you employ some type of avg7.5 anti-virus software as basic Internet security.

There are perhaps millions of computer viruses (some mutations of originals) floating around the Internet, and approximately 300 new viruses appear each month. If your computer does not have anti-virus software in place, you are asking for trouble. In addition to having an avg 7.5 anti-virus program installed, it is imperative that it is always current and up to date.

Anti-virus software works by scanning your computer for signatures of common computer viruses. Virus signatures are characteristics that are unique to a particular virus. Signatures can include such things as behavior patterns and file names. The best anti-virus software will detect viruses that have not yet infected your computer as well as get rid of ones that you already have. Types of files that anti-virus programs scan include email, CD-ROM, zip files, exe files, your text and spreadsheet documents, and many others that you not be aware of.

However, even though installing avg7 anti-virus software is a definite must, it only provides one level of defense. You can improve the effectiveness of your anti-virus software by using it in conjunction with a good firewall program and by abstaining from behaviors that promote the spread of viruses.

You should always use a high quality, reputable program from a company that you trust. If you have trouble deciding what type of anti-virus software to purchase, just do a little research either in computer magazines or online. Since Internet security is a huge issue, you should not have any problem finding reviews and ratings. Take your time and find a software program that closely matches your needs.

Also, if you have recently purchased a computer, a trial version of some type of anti-virus software may be included. Be sure to take it for a test drive and put it through the paces - it may suit your needs perfectly.

Once you have your anti-virus software installed, make sure that it is always on and scanning for potential threats from viruses. You can set your software to scan your email as well as the software and files you use on a daily basis. It is extremely important that you keep your anti-virus software updated and current. In this way, the software keeps up with all the new virus threats that appear daily. In addition to keeping your anti-virus software current, you should keep all of the software that you use on a regular basis current also.

Installing avg 7 anti-virus software and keeping it current will help keep you safe from any nasty surprises. Be sure to also back up your important files on a regular basis as extra security.

Where in the World is Windows Update Agent 5.8.02469?

Ha! Alas, those who choose not to regularly update their software got a rather nasty surprise when trying to install one of the latest versions of Windows Live Messenger. If you do not have your computer set for automatic updates, you may be one of the unfortunate souls who gets the message "You must install the critical update "Windows Update Agent 5.8.02469" when trying to install Windows Live Messenger. And judging from the amount of forum requests and frantic questions at numerous answer forums, you are definitely not alone. So where in the world is this elusive Windows Update Agent 5.802469?

Since it can seem a bit intrusive for some and just downright annoying to others, many people opt to turn off the automatic update feature on their computer for whatever reasons. Recent versions of Microsoft Windows, including Windows ME, 98, 2000, XP, and Vista all have this automatic update feature included. It is important for you to keep your computer updated because Microsoft issues patches and updates for security issues on a regular basis. If you choose to manually update, be sure to visit the Microsoft update site on a regular basis. You can choose which updates you wish to install, but the critical updates are the ones you should be most concerned about.

Since updates patch gaping holes in Microsoft Windows, do not be surprised to find that you are suddenly a victim of a virus, Trojan, worm, or some other such nastiness if you choose not to make sure that your software is updated. You may wonder how you have fallen victim to such things when you have not done of the traditional 'wrong' things (such as opening unknown attachments or downloading illegal software) that normally cause these problems. Simply put, you may have neglected to keep your Windows software updated and someone may have exploited one of the known security vulnerabilities in the software. It is also most likely the reason you cannot find Windows Update Agent 5.8.02469.

Now that you understand the importance of updating your Windows software, if you do not have your computer set for automatic updating, you can regularly check for updates by going to www.windowsupdate.com - your operating system will be detected automatically. You can then scan your computer for updates and the results will return any critical and/or security updates your system may require. Choose the critical updates and any recommended updates you may want and then select 'Install'. For those who are missing the elusive Update Agent 5.8.02469, you will probably find it hiding out here.

So, where in the world was Windows Update 5.8.02469? Perhaps, it was hiding right under your nose all the time. Many of our computer issues can be solved by taking care to perform a little maintenance and care on a regular basis. So the next time you try to install a new software program and get an annoying error message, it may just be that you have not been as diligent about keeping your software current as you should have been.

The Problems with Language Translation

Anyone who has ever tried to translate between two different languages will understand the problems associated with language translation. These problems have been bugging translators for years. It is not easy to capture the same meaning when translating between two completely different languages.

Language is a communication tool. It can be used in many different ways to express either the same idea, or a completely different idea. The problem arises when translators attempt to translate word for word. This can be disastrous because the context in which the words are used is not taken into consideration. For example, in the English language, the word "market" can mean the stock market, or the fish market. Simply translating the word market to another language without taking into account the context can change the original meaning completely.

Therefore, the human mind is till required to do a translation job well. But the entire translation process can be very time consuming because this means the translator has to read the entire text and rewrite everything in a different language. Some translators have turned to technology for help. They use software to help with the translation.

Unfortunately, most translation software in the market today cannot accurately obtain the semantic meaning of a sentence. So the software has to resort to word for word replacement. And as we have just mentioned above, word for word replacement does not work for translation services. The translator is better off without the software. Here is when another problem arises.

What happens if a translator fails to understand the meaning of the original text?

This can happen because of cross cultural differences. For example, the word "dude" is used as a friendly term between buddies. There may be no equivalent of the same word in another language. So the translator is faced with this problem: What is another word that can be used to express the same meaning? Sometimes, there is a close substitute. Other times, the translator is not so lucky and has to settle for a word that has a totally different meaning. This depends on the language.

In today's high tech world, the best software language translation services are offered by the search engines. However, the technology is only meant to translate to a level where the reader can still make out what the passages of text are trying to say. Search engines continue to use such software because it is their role to find and deliver content to the end user in the quickest possible manner.

However, the output generated by such software is still far from decent. The reader has to make smart guesses just to make out what the translated text is trying to say.

In view of the above, if you are looking to translate one language to another for publishing purposes, you have to rely on skilled human translators. This is because, to date, there is no technology available that is powerful enough to replace the human mind's ability to see and understand things in context. That is one up for the human mind against technology.

Attention Italian speakers a translation agency that speaks your language traduttore and traduzioni

SUPERAntispyware Pro 4.0 - A Computer Juice Review

Millions of people log on to the Internet daily; and as with any good thing, someone with malicious intent inevitably comes along and tries to spoil the party.  For this reason, spyware is rampant on the Internet and you must take precautions to protect yourself.  There are probably hundreds of anti-spyware programs on available for this purpose, but SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 is one of the best, if not the best, product on the market for blocking and removing spyware.

The first thing that you may notice is that about SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 is the name.  The fact that 'SUPER' is in all capital letters implies immediately that the product stands above the rest, but does it really?  If you visit the SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0's website, it makes the bold statement that it will remove all spyware and not just the common types.  Well, industry professionals have put the program through its paces and <a href="http://www.computer-juice.com/forums/f7/superantispyware-pro-4-0-20-off-free-trial-download-15845/">SUPERAntiSpyware</a> Pro 4.0 passes with flying colors each time.  If you do any research on the product, you will have a difficult time finding anything negative about it.

One of features that the SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 spyware removal program includes that many other spyware removal programs seem lacking in is real-time spyware protection.  Users also love the fact the program does not hog resources - it only uses about 40 MB of RAM - like some other well known anti-spyware programs.  SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 ensures that your computer is protected against spyware, Trojans, hijackers, and other malware while running smoothly in the background.  This real-time feature can be enabled or disabled at your leisure.

Another great thing about SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 is that the software allows you to send reports about potential malware to the software's laboratories to be analyzed.  This helps to ensure that the software is always current and updated.

<a href="http://www.computer-juice.com/forums/f7/superantispyware-pro-4-0-20-off-free-trial-download-15845/">SUPERAntiSpyware Pro</a> 4.0 features an easy to use interface and the main menu offers the options of: computer scanning, update checking, scan scheduling, quarantine management, and application configuration.  The scanner program checks your system for all the latest spyware, adware, worms, trojans, and other malware.

You can choose from three types of scans - the Quick Scan, the Complete Scan, and the Custom Scan.  The Quick Scan checks the registry locations and other common places you might find spyware on your computer.  The Complete Scan scans your entire system for infections.  And the Custom Scan allows you to select the areas of your computer that you want checked.  You can also schedule scanning.

One of the neat features about the SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 software is that it does not require rebooting your computer once you have removed spyware.  The program also retains a log of all the malware that has been detected and removed.

In software testing environments, SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 removed software better than any of the other top antispyware programs on the market.  It even removed malware that some of these programs missed.  SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 is probably the most reliable antispyware programs available.  It is featured on numerous top 10 lists and is quickly developing a cult following.  If you are looking for an antispyware program that exceeds expectations, you will not find a better program than SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0.

Computer Help Forums - A Great Place to Get the Support You Need at No Expense

Have you ever experienced an annoying problem with your computer that you just could not get sorted out on your own? Most people have, and it can be completely frustrating when you are on a schedule trying to meet a deadline. Computer consultants/technicians are expensive even for the most basic of tasks, and calling one each time you have a simple problem can break the bank pretty quickly. However, if you can read simple directions and follow instructions, then it is likely that you can get all the help you need with your computer problems just for the asking.

So how is this possible and where do you need to go? Just visit one of the thousands of computer forums online and you will have hundreds or thousands of people willing to help you out with whatever problem you may have. Most of the minor issues or concerns that you have can be solved by posing a simple question to the many willing participants of the forum. Despite the cynical thinking of some, people are naturally helpful and IT support forums are a great place to get help. Even if you have a major issue, there are some participants on forums who will go out of their way to help you get it resolved.

Considering the helpfulness of many of the participants on computer forums, you may be wondering why these individuals choose to help others who need it. There are probably thousands of reasons, but some of the main reasons computer support forum participants are willing to help are:

1. People generally like to help others - it gives them a sense of purpose and usefulness
2. They may be "paying it forward" - someone helped them out when they needed it
3. They may have a type of symbiotic relationship with the IT help forum - they provide help in exchange for advertising their business and gaining new clients

The third reason is the probably main reason that many users frequent computer forums and provide help. In addition to generally feeling good about helping others, they are afforded the opportunity to promote their business in the process. This works for you and the person providing the help.

They will provide a detailed response addressing your concern; and in return, they are allowed to place a small two to three sentence ad, also called a "signature", at the end of their post advertising their business. If they are really helpful, many times people will become regular customers/clients and consult them for future issues.

You should be aware that on any forum you visit, there are rules regarding acceptable behavior; and these rules will vary across the different computer help forums. So when you join, be sure to read all the rules regarding forum etiquette before you even place your first post.

Computer forums are an excellent way to get the help you need at either no cost or a reduced rate. In addition to getting help, you benefit from becoming a member of a community. And once you have your issue sorted out, hopefully in the future, you will return the favor and lend a hand to another.