SMART Board - Pros and Cons of Using a Digital, Interactive Whiteboard (In the Classroom)

!±8± SMART Board - Pros and Cons of Using a Digital, Interactive Whiteboard (In the Classroom)

We used a smart board to teach with in the computer lab at school. Essentially, a SMART board turns your digital projector / LCD Projector image into an interactive whiteboard that you can write on.

The SMART Board itself is a touch-sensitive giant screen that is connected to your computer. You use your digital projector to display your computer screen onto the SMART board and the software allows you to touch and interact with your computer.
As more and more school boards and teachers are investing in data projectors, it begs the question whether SMART Boards are a good investment. After all, an intuitive touch interface plus the ability to write on digital documents (with digital ink) would help us to move beyond blackboards, flip chart paper, and overhead projectors.

Pros

With the SMART Board, you can control any application through the touch board. So instead of working from behind the computer keyboard, you (or your students) can be at the front of the classroom physically interacting with the display. You can use any of the 4 colours of markers or the eraser to write in digital ink over applications, web pages, or moving video. The SMART board still works if you lose the pens. (There are 4 coloured pen holders and one eraser. When you lift the pen out of the slot, it selects the colour or the eraser. When you touch the screen, it uses the selected color or the eraser.) Like other digital ink software applications, you can save your work into a notebook file, and you can convert handwriting into text. Cons

Hard to write. The biggest disappointment with the digital ink comes from the fact that a SMART Board is a front-mounted projection screen. This means that your data projector is set up in front of the screen (like an overhead projector). Which means that when you stand in between the projector and the screen, you cast a shadow on the screen... right where you are trying to write. Sure, it was cool to interact with programs by touching the screen, but, it was hard to write notes because you were constantly blocking the image. Hard to write neatly. To be perfectly honest, it was a little disappointing how our handwriting turned out on the SMART Board. Better than our experiences with the other digital pens (i.e. the i-pen), but the handwriting was still large, blocky, and messy. One of the things you have to train yourself to do is to not lean up against the SMART Board. When you write on a blackboard or white board, you typically rest the edge of your palm on the board. If you do that on a touch screen, the cursor jumps to your palm and it doesn't work out. You have to train yourself to just write using the tip of the pen. The marker worked fine if we wanted to underline or circle key ideas, but if you wanted to edit or revise a 12 point, double-spaced Word Document, you'd have a hard time getting the control required. You still have to move back and forth from the keyboard to the screen. We could start up our web browser by touching the SMART board, but when it came time to enter in the website address, we had to go back to the desk to type in the URL. Expensive. The Total Cost of Ownership of a SMART Board can be prohibitive for the classroom teacher. Retail cost of a 77? (195.6cm) front-projection SMART Board Interactive whiteboard is 99 (USD) with a grant from the SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada. (www.SmarterKids.org) You need to supply your own data projector. A new, decent projector will cost around 0 - 00. The SMART Board is just a giant touch pad. Your need to provide your own projector to display the image onto the smart board. (Software, connection cables, and stand are included.) You may want to upgrade to a wireless connection (9 USD) to eliminate the cables and the tripping hazards in the classroom. The screen image and the SMART Board touch screen may get knocked out of alignment. This means that when you try to click a button, the mouse pointer appears a few inches to the side. You'll have to realign your hardware which would interrupt the lesson.

SMART Board - Pros and Cons of Using a Digital, Interactive Whiteboard (In the Classroom)

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!±8± Canon PIXMA MX860 Inkjet Printer

Get ready for the power you'll need to bring your home office to the next level. The wireless Canon PIXMA MX860 Inkjet Printer lets you print from any room in your home and boasts incredible 9600 x 2400 maximum color dpi with 1pl and a 5 individual ink tank system. The Canon PIXMA MX860 Inkjet Printer also has a built-in, fully integrated 35-sheet Auto Document Feeder means fast copying or scanning of your originals so you can tend to other tasks while the printer is at work. Its built-in Auto Duplex Printing prints two-sided documents without having to manually flip the pages. Additionally, various security features like password-protected PDF's means you can feel safe about the creation and distribution of your most confidential files. A Super G3 High-speed Fax along with networkable Ethernet means every aspect of your business can run as efficiently as possible.

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!±8± Brother MFC-8460N Network All-in-One Laser Printer

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Brother MFC-8460N Network All-in-One Laser Printer

A 5-in-1 flatbed laser Multi-Function Center® that combines printing, copying, faxing, color scanning and PC Fax in one product and is ready to be installed on a (Ethernet) network right out of the box! Includes a 33.6K bps fax modem with ample fax features, up to 1200 x 1200 dpi professional quality laser printing and impressive print/copy speeds of up to 30 ppm. Fast and convenient walk-up copying either using the 50-page auto document feeder or the legal-size document glass. Easy flatbed color scanning with up to 19200 dpi (interpolated) resolution for scanning documents or images to email, a file or as an editable text document.

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!±8± Epson GT 2500 Plus Document Imaging Color Scanner (B11B181061)

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The Functions of a WiFi Printer

!±8± The Functions of a WiFi Printer

Wireless technology has quickly become an everyday part of modern business. The Internet has been at the forefront of this development, with networking available between numerous devices from just one hub. One such device to take advantage of this wireless freedom is the printer.

Wireless printers are much the same as their more regular cabled counterparts, although with one obvious exception. As the technology is still in its infancy, it does cost a little more than a conventional equivalent. Whilst the difference might only be fractional, this does mean that it is largely only adopted in laser and multifunction printers.

This probably doesn't come as much surprise, particularly as inkjet printers tend to be more compact and cost less. In fact, they are more of a desktop printer for those looking to do shorter print runs. Anyway, laser printers and multifunction laser printers are the larger, high capacity devices you tend to find in offices of all size. They use a powdered ink, which is transferred quickly to the page after the image is magnetically plotted. It sounds complicated, but is a far speedier process than using liquid inks - like those found in inkjets.

The wireless functionality works in much the same way as a standard Internet modem router. It transmits a signal between the device (in this case the printer) and the sender (a computer or laptop) via a hub. So rather than connecting to the network through a conventional network cable, this is done with WiFi.

Of course the difference in performance is negligible. The task is the same, it's just a slightly different way of transmitting the data. The one major advantage though is that you don't have to have dozens of cables trailing across the office, connecting each individual terminal to the printer or network hub. Plus, if you are already working with WiFi Internet throughout your building, then this will slip in seamlessly and negate the need for any cabling.

A wireless laser printer, as previously alluded to, works in exactly the same way as the fully wired equivalent. More advanced models will include better features. This might include larger paper trays, duplex printing option (where the paper is printed on both sides) as well as improved printing speed, image quality and cost effectiveness. These printers rely on a powdered ink which is contained within a large toner cartridge - very different to the smaller ink cartridges for inkjets.

When it comes to a wireless multifunction laser printer, the options are far more diverse. Firstly, they all include additional features. These usually include a fax, copier and scanner functionality. Whilst even basic models tend to be of a reasonable specification, the more advanced you get, the better quality you can expect.

The scanner plays an integral part in the effectiveness and standard of copier prints and of course the scanned images themselves. Larger multifunction printers tend to resemble more traditional copiers, mostly due to the larger frame and the added paper capacity within. As a result of the various levels and standards of multifunction printers, the costs can be equally varied. You can spend as little as £100 and as much as £1,000 to get the perfect WiFi multifunction printer for your needs.

So to briefly surmise what you can expect to from a WiFi printer, they can:

Complete printing jobs wirelessly

Connect with your wider network

Multifunction devices can also be entirely controlled remotely

Basically they do everything that you would expect from a fully wired model, just without the hassle of having to run wires right throughout the building. Whilst they may not be in all offices just yet, the popularity of the WiFi technology and the need to remove the excess clutter that clogs up many modern offices could well see a much improved take up rate in future months and years. Wireless technology is developing all the time, as are printers. So to take advantage of both, you need to consider a WiFi printer.

The Functions of a WiFi Printer

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Canon MX860 Pixma All-In-One Inkjet Printer - JR.com

!±8± Canon MX860 Pixma All-In-One Inkjet Printer - JR.com

www.jr.com The Canon Pixma 860 wireless wonder lets you print from any room in your home and boasts incredible 9600 x 2400 maximum Color DPI with 1pl and a 5 individual ink tank system. A built-in, fully Integrated 35-sheet Auto Document Feeder means fast copying or scanning of your originals so you can tend to other tasks while the Printer is at work. Its built-in Auto Duplex Printing prints two-sided documents without having to manually flip the pages. Additionally, various security features like password-protected PDF's means you can feel safe about the creation and distribution of your most confidential files. A Super G3 High-speed Fax along with networkable Ethernet means every aspect of your business can run as efficiently as possible. Thanks to Dual Color Gamut Processing Technology your copies will maintain the integrity of the original while you produce remarkable scans with 4800 dpi. With computer-less printing capabilities via compatible Memory cards, PictBridge and Optional Bluetooth, photos can easily be viewed and edited directly on the 2.5" LCD. Its versatile feature set also makes for a top-of-the-line photo lab so all of your printing needs are met in one machine that can virtually fit anywhere, whether you're on a PC or Mac.

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Slow Computer? - How to Reinstall Windows Properly Part 2

!±8± Slow Computer? - How to Reinstall Windows Properly Part 2

In Part one of this article I explained how to reinstall the Windows XP Operating System as a solution for your slow computer. Now you've got Windows going, and if any drivers for chipboard, graphics and sound, came on your vendor restore CD, it should have reinstalled automatically.

In case you had to install from a normal Windows CD, which may not have specific drivers for your computer, it is extremely important that you load the files and updated drivers you downloaded, before you load anything else. If you've added hardware to your computer (except RAM) after you bought it, you'll have to update those drivers as well, even if you have a vendor restore CD.

But, even before this, let's take some precautionary steps in case one or other installation goes haywire. I've experienced this too many times to ignore it. You must create a restore point on which you can fall back.

Click on start , Help and Support, under Pick a Task click on Undo Changes with System Restore. On the right hand side check Create a Restore Point and click on Next. Type in a description. I usually name it something about the next step I am going to take, like B4Drivers, but you can name it anything. Windows adds the date and time. Click create. Click Close and close the Help Window.

Now load the following files and drivers in the mentioned sequence and all should be working properly. It gets a bit difficult here, because each computer is configured a bit different from another and you just might experience a glitch. However, I've found it works in most instances.

First install Service Pack 1 for Win XP. Now install the chipboard driver you downloaded for your motherboard. Next is the Network Drivers. Even if you do not at present have a network, installing these drivers are important if you might connect to a network later on. Now install the sound card drivers.

Remember from the Part 1 lesson, only the power cord is plugged into your computer at this stage. For starters, keep it like this for a bit longer while you install the following. First to go is Windows Installer, then Win XP Service Pack 3. Now install all the printer, scanner, modem, digital camera and other peripheral drivers you need, from their own installation CDs.

After all these installations, I went to the Hard Drive's Properties in My Computer and did a quick cleanup. I then checked the volume for errors and also did a defrag, because the disk was already showing fragments when I analyzed it. However, this is optional, so you can skip it for now and do it later.

Now remove the Windows CD from your CD Rom drive. Shut down your computer and plug in all your peripherals, which also differs from each user. The main things, though, is the network cable, modem or 3G card, loud speakers, printers etc. Also plug in a flash disk if you use one. Now start the computer. Windows should now install any plug and play drivers you didn't install.

Before you start installing your user applications, there are just a few more steps to be taken, mostly for safeguarding your computer.

Set the administrator password. The administrator account has all privileges an account can have. So anyone who can log in as administrator can do anything they like to your computer and also, don't surf the internet with administrator's privileges.

Right click on My Computer, select Manage, in the resulting application expand Local Users and Groups, select Users, right click on Administrator, and select Set Password.

Verify that the Windows firewall is on, because this computer still has no protection other than what was installed from Windows Service Pack 3. There are a couple of ways to do this, so go to Control Panel, Security Center, Manage the Security Settings for Windows Firewall, and select On.

Set the Network Workgroup - Even though Windows Setup may have asked for something like this earlier, it did not actually set the Workgroup name, and that may make it difficult to see other computers on your LAN later.

Right click on My Computer, select Properties, click on the Computer Name tab, update your Computer Description, click on Change. Here you can update the Computer name, as well as select the Workgroup your computer belongs to. Select the same Workgroup name here for all your computers you want to be able to see in your Network Neighborhood.

The same can be done by running the Network Connection Wizard on each computer in your Network Neighborhood.

Now you can connect to the internet to see if everything is working properly, by using the Internet Connection Wizard. Do the same with your email program.

Ok, if you got to this stage without any glitches, you can pat yourself on the shoulder, you're doing pretty well with the reinstall so far. Now just for safety sake, Create another Restore Point.

In part 3 of this article you will be taken you step by step through installation of your applications and then the final setup of your computer to keep it running stable and error free for as long as possible.

As said in part 1 of this article as well, it may not be necessary to do a reinstallation or a reformat of Drive C.

I have researched and tested 30 apps and utilities over a long  period of time, to get top performance from our computers without any hang-ups or system crashes. There are 17 products I recommend, each of which is designed to do a certain task on the computer. We use 11 programs and utilities on a regular basis to keep our computers running ship shape.

 To really speed up your slow computer you need to:

 - Remove unused applications.

- Clean your browser's history, temp data and your Favorite or Bookmark list.

- Optimize the Windows Registry.

- Scan for and remove threats like viruses, malware etc.

- Make the boot process considerably faster.

- Kill all those superfluous startup applications.

- Free your computer's memory whenever possible.

- Schedule your cleanup programs to run automatically.

- Place all your data files together in one easy to use location.

- Defrag and organize your disks so that your most used files are in the fast lane.

- Optimize, tune and tweak your PC for optimal speed and stability.

Slow Computer? - How to Reinstall Windows Properly Part 2

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An Introduction to Ethernet and LAN and WAN Networks

!±8± An Introduction to Ethernet and LAN and WAN Networks

Ethernet and LAN

Ethernet is a computer networking technology that typically connects LAN networks. LAN stands for Local Area Network, and refers to any computer network that involves more than one computer.

Examples of LAN Networks

An office where all the computers are connected to one another is a LAN network. Computers can all share hard drive's allowing all users to gain access to the same files. They can also all be connected to the same scanners and printers meaning individual ones are not required for each individual. In the case of offices LAN networks can be extremely cost affective. Schools, colleges and universities also regularly use LAN's for many of the same reasons. It means each individual work station can be used by anyone with access rights, therefore meaning that one computer per student is not necessary as they will not all be using them at the same time. Other institutions such as airports also make use of Local Area Networks. In this case it means the same information can be accessed from any computer, for example from all check-in desks.

Introduction to Ethernet

LAN networks are usually connected using Ethernet cables. Ethernet is a system of cables used to connect networks. It was invested by Bob Metcalfe and has been around since 1973 in one form or another. It is by far the most widely used standard used to connect LAN networks. There are other alternatives but Ethernet is the clear leader in terms of popularity.

Ethernet Cards

We are now in the times of the wireless network, meaning that in many cases large numbers of cables are not necessary. LAN connections and internet connection can often be achieved using wireless systems now. This means it is possible to gain access to the network anywhere within a certain area, depending on the reach of the wireless network. This means users can be more mobile and don't have to be sitting at their desk in the same place all of the time with a cable plugged in. In the case of internet access this means users can move around the office or their home (or even garden) while still gaining access to it. For wireless networks, Ethernet cards are often used. These essentially do the same job as an Ethernet cable but without the necessity or the constraints of the cables.

WAN Networks

WAN stands for Wide Area Networks, which are networks that stretch over a much wider area than LAN's, sometimes connecting systems throughout the world. The internet is an example of a WAN. The Ethernet standard is now also used for WAN's in much the same way as for LAN's. Airline systems that are used in airports around the world are a good example of a Wide Area Network.

Fast Ethernet

Fast Ethernet is simply a faster version of regular Ethernet. Whereas regular Ethernet carries traffic at a rate of 10Mbit/s, Fast Ethernet carries traffic ten times faster at 100Mbit/s.

Andrew Marshall (c)

An Introduction to Ethernet and LAN and WAN Networks

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How To Fix A Slow Internet Connection

!±8± How To Fix A Slow Internet Connection

Many of us have come across the scenario of a painfully slow internet connection; emails are taking forever to download, YouTube videos just won't seem to load and online gaming is too slow to even consider! If this ever happens to you then make sure you follow these tips to get your internet connection back up to speed.

Common Causes - A slow internet connection can happy for many reasons, sometimes it might even be out of your control, here are a list of the common causes for a connection to be slow:

Poor wireless signal or interference Faulty hardware including poor cabling or router Spyware or Malware infected machine Poor ISP performance or over subscription Bandwidth Theft

Identifying which of these is affecting you is the hardest part. Firstly you need to look at how you get the internet, wired or wireless? If you're on wireless then straight away you should plug a network cable directly from your computer into your switch or router and check your internet speeds then. If everything seems fine then chances are you are suffering from a poor wireless signal or some kind of interference.

If you do have a wireless problem then first check your signal, is it weak? If so you need to get within better range of your router or your internet speeds are always going to be poor. You might also consider changing your wireless channel if you suspect you are experiencing wireless interference (Try changing to channel one, six or eleven as these are non overlapping channels that are less prone to interference).

If you are happy that both wired and wireless is giving you poor speeds then next you should run a full scan on your system for malware and spyware. If you are infected then you can experience slow internet speeds for many reasons. Firstly some types of malware can 'steal' your bandwidth or use your internet connection as an unauthorised proxy server. Other reasons could include search engine hijacking or even your computer being forced through a proxy server in a remote location. Sometimes these can have high latency response times and can grind your connection speeds down to a halt.

If you have ran a full scan and are happy your computer is clean then you should probably consider checking your hardware, this includes your router, cabling and network cards. Consider using another computer to test the internet connection with and check the speeds. Sometimes it could be as simple as restarting your router and computer.

If all these above steps fail then there is a strong chance the ISP is at fault, this is a very common scenario. Sometimes ISP's have bottlenecks in their infrastructure or other times they simply 'oversubscribe' and their hardware cannot support their huge user base. You might want to try talking to them about your issues but don't expect miracles from their customer support! (Depending on the ISP). If all else fails many people find switching ISP's can give them a massive improvement on their speeds.

How To Fix A Slow Internet Connection

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