Why Bother To Wipe Hard Disk Drives

When you delete a file from your hard disk, it may seem as if it is gone forever. In truth, however, this is not the case. The seemingly permanent process of file deletion actually leaves the file data still on the hard disk. When a file is deleted, it is simply marked 'deleted', and the space that it occupies on the disk is accordingly marked 'ready for use'. Hence, it may be overwritten when more disk space is required, but this is by no means certain, unless the entire hard disk is filled with data.Now, the actual data that make up the file is still on the hard disk, even after deletion. This makes it available for recovery, usually done using specially designed data recovery programs. MSDOS, in fact, has a built-in UNDELETE command which may recover recently deleted files.The reason why file deletion is not as thorough as it can be is a simple one; resource management. Actually overwriting every bit of every file that is to be deleted will use more resources than would be practical, for everyday use. And in fact, this simple file deletion is usually sufficient for the basic user's needs.However, security considerations might necessitate the complete erasure of a given hard disk or collection of hard disks. When reassigning hard disks, for instance, or switching computers around, confidential data might need to be deleted. To lessen the possibility that this data is recovered, a hard disk wipe may be performed.When a hard disk wipe is performed, the entire area of the hard disk is actually overwritten with random data. This means that the data that used to be on the hard disk becomes much harder (practically impossible) to recover after such a process. Almost no traces of the previous data that used to be on the disk is left, making a hard disk wipe a secure improvement upon ordinary file deletion.The metadata or information on the data that used to be on the hard disk is also wiped clean, since the entire space of the hard disk is overwritten. The randomness of this data used to overwrite depends on the algorithm used to generate it. Some hard disk wipe programs give users the choice to select the algorithm they want the program to use. However this is not as necessary for hard disk wipe programs as it is for file shredder programs, which wipe individual files. This is because when it is the entire hard disk that is wiped, the degree of randomness of the overwriting data is not anymore as important.Performing a hard disk wipe is often as easy as clicking a few buttons in a specially designed hard disk wipe program. Some programs are set to run automatically when a CD containing the program is placed into the computer containing the hard disk to be wiped. This makes it easier to perform batch wipes on many computers at once, and makes the hard disk wipe a feasible security solution for multiple hard disks.

Your Home Theater How-to Hookup

I love the movie theater experience. The large screen that sucks you into the story. The sound that literally shakes your seat and comes at you from all sides. The darkened room. As I get older though, budget, family and other responsibilities keep me from going to the theater as much as I would like. So how about the next best thing--bringing the theater going experience to you. I am talking about home theaters.Who wouldn't want a crystal clear picture, surround sound, all connected to give you a great home viewing experience? Of course, if you are like me both budget and lack of expertise can keep you from making the jump. I will attempt to lay out the basics for you here.Obviously, you need to start with a quality HDTV. HD stands for high definition. HDTV's give you a very high resolution image which give your picture great clarity. This is the central piece to your home theater system and can take up the majority of the price. HDTV's can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.When it comes to home theaters and TV's size does matter. You can get smaller HDTV's and the picture will be excellent but for a home theater you want to get something that is 32" or larger for the best experience. The picture quality on a larger TV may not be quite as good as the smaller sets, but the difference is minimal and it is worth the sacrifice in picture quality to get the larger set.After you choose what size TV is best for you, the quality of the image is your next concern. Resolutions range from 720p to 1080i to 1080p. The better the resolution the more the TV is going to run you. The easiest way to decide what resolution is satisfactory to both your eyes and your wallet is to go to the store and compare and contrast the different options you are considering.Once you have selected your TV, sound is your next issue. There are tons of options when it comes to sound. Many people, especially those with less technical knowledge, will choose a bundled system. Bundled systems tend to take up less room, have less wires to deal with, and are easier to install.However, other people may choose to customize their sound systems. If you choose to do this you have an almost infinite set of choices. The real issue is that it will take a lot of tweaking and trial and error to make sure all the components are working together. Do not skimp when it comes to speaker and cable quality. You may have a great sound system that will be worthless with cheap speakers or wires that dampen or dull the sound.For most people, a ready made system will be fine and will satisfy all your home theater needs. If you do decide to customize be sure to do your research well. Either way, enjoy that theater experience in the comfort of your own home!

Watch Makers Discover Part Standardization

Like countless other consumer products, the way in which modern wrist watches are manufactured has undergone incredible changes since the Industrial Revolution that broke during the turn of twentieth century. This important period in world history ushered in entirely new ways to mass produce products for a growing world population.In every facet of manufacturing there were incredible technological advances that improved efficiencies and helped reduce production costs.Most of us have heard about the way Henry Ford changed the way automobiles were built by developing the production line assembly method. Cars would constantly roll off the Ford assembly line as workers would fit various parts to the chassis in a precise order and within a predetermined time.What few of us think about are the other changes that made this type manufacturing operation possible. Absolutely critical to the success of the mass production line was the development of standardized parts, components that are nearly identical to each other.Prior to the development of mass production assembly lines, most mechanical assemblies, including watches were built from components that were made individually most often by different producers. This meant that very often, parts from one machine be it a car, locomotive or sewing machine, could be not be used on another machine.A good example of the obvious draw backs to building machines individually can be seen in a tragic story from World War One. The French developed a machine gun, the Chauchat that was built one at a time by individual craftsmen. Though the plans for the gun called for the same dimensions, differing production methods and the whim of the builder resulted in each weapon literally being a one of a kind creation.For the troops in the field, this nonstandard way of manufacturing had tragic sometimes fatal results. French Army and U.S. Army troops that had been issued the gun quickly discovered that the parts were not interchangeable, meaning that the parts from one gun could not used on another.A second even more serious drawback was that the loading and firing mechanism in the guns would often jamb owing to the lack of integrated quality control methods. All in all, the Chauchat was a disaster for the troops that had rely in it during the brutality of trench warfare.A far less daunting problem was faced by those in the watch making and watch repair business. Like the Chauchat, the parts from one brand or even model of watch could not used to repair the same make and model. A major change in how watch parts were designed and manufactured came from the Bulova Watch Company.In the early nineteen twenties Bulova introduced the world’s first wrist watch designs that incorporated standardized parts manufactured to very close tolerances. The major benefit to this change in engineering and design strategy was that watch makers could use the parts from one Bulova watch to repair any other Bulova watch regardless of the model. Another additional benefit to watch repairers was the ability to keep spare parts on hand and as a result, the time needed to repair a Bulova watch was greatly reduced.As other watch producers adopted the practice of parts standardization and integrated quality control, the reliability of wrist watches was greatly increased. The use of standardized components meant that those parts that subject to wear did so in more consistent and predictable way, requiring far less maintenance and repair than those timepieces assembled as one of kind items.Sadly, as with most old line businesses that saw significant change and as watches became more trouble free, the once wide spread trade of watch repair has largely disappeared.

Sony Psp Slim: the Game Console

The new Play station Slim from Sony created a revolution in the field of gaming console. The model was launched by Sony on 2007 in competition to the Nintendo DS Lite, another gaming console brand. The new Sony PSP slim model with 189 grams is 33% lighter and 19% slimmer than the original PSP system. This model was launched in Europe on September 5 and in the U.S. on 6, 2007. The Sony PSP Slim got launched in Hong Kong on August 30, 07, while it arrived in the North America on September 5. The new Sony PSP Slim and Lite model gaming console offers several other tweaks and improvements from the older generation. To target the original PSP generation's poor load times for UMD games, the new model Slim has doubled its the internal memory to 64 MB to improve load times and accommodate for an improvement in the web browser's performance. The new model PSP slimmer from Sony comes with a battery that has a reduced capacity of about 1/3. With more efficient power usage, the runtime of the PSP is almost the same as its predecessor. Older model batteries will still work with the PSP Slim & Lite which extends the amount of playing time on the PSP Slim & Lite. The new Sony PSP Slim comes with a new enamel coated finish that can prevent scratches and smudges. The serial port is also modified as to accommodate a new video-out feature. This new model PSP Slim from Sony has a new UMD loading tray design that will make it more efficient in terms of size, while the Wi-Fi switch is now moved to the top of the console and the memory stick slot to the upper left. The new model has speakers repositioned on the front of the PSP near the top of the screen.

Setting Up As A Cisco Network Engineer

The individual who works as a Cisco network engineer is one that has some of the most sought after training in the world of Internet technology. Cisco systems are widely used around the globe in the networking of devices and various computer systems. Because of this, individuals who have an inner knowledge of Cisco and can keep the system up and running are greatly in demand. Though many depend on their computers for a number of daily tasks, few have the skills or knowledge to understand the ins and outs of the systems they use. When that system needs maintenance or repair, most find it is necessary that a professional be used to deal with these issues. This can not only keep a system in tip-top shape but also prevent costly mistakes from being made. When one decides to become a Cisco network engineer, he or she will find there are a number of certifications and qualifications to achieve. For the most part, individuals will need a strong understanding of the basics. This often consists of an education that combines textbook learning with a hands-on environment. The curriculum for this type of training teaches an individual how to troubleshoot Cisco Systems from start to finish. Those who pursue this field should have an eye for detail. Learning the various aspects of what can go wrong during such things as installations, upgrades and configurations is what makes the Cisco engineer so important. Once an individual learns the essential basics, it is then that he or she can move on to other types of certifications. It is not uncommon for some Cisco engineers to carry a number of different certifications under their belt. This not only gives them more career options but also increases their earning potential. As with all computer-based vocations, Cisco engineers will find they must regularly update their skills. The world of technology simply moves at too fast a pace to assume that this is unnecessary. However, this means a Cisco network engineer can look forward to always being on the cutting edge of technology thanks to their career.Because it is such a highly popular aspect of Internet technology, finding institutions that offer training is hardly difficult. However, before making a final decision, prospective students should make sure the course is accredited and offers all the necessary skills. Students can expect to invest as little as a year to earn their Cisco Certified Networking Associate, or CCNA. Once an individual earns their CCNA, he or she can then move on to other certifications if so desired. As some Cisco Systems qualifications only last up to three years, individuals will be required to update their credentials in order to stay certified. While each certification will require a fee to update, the good news is most employers are willing to pick up the tab for their employees. For those individuals looking to take on this type of training, it is important that the program be fully accredited. This ensures that a certification will be considered legitimate upon completing the required coursework. Without legitimate certification, it will be next to impossible to find employment in this field.Becoming a Cisco network engineer promises to be one of the most stable IT careers a person can choose. Unlike other vocations that become outmoded with time, the use of computers guarantees there will always be a need for the services of a Cisco engineer. It is also one of the few professions that allow an individual to take their career as far as they see fit.

High School Musical Solus (ps2): Sing and Dance to All the Songs From High School Musical

The success run of modern technology can be seen everywhere – even gaming consoles are becoming trendier and hotter than ever. Leaving far those low resolution video games, modern gaming devices have come a long way in terms of display quality, additional features as well as portability. High School Musical Solus, the latest talk-of-the-town in the gaming platform is all set to make its grand debut this November 9th . Made for PS2 interface, the game will allow users to interact with the movie's (the game is made on the story and characters of the 2007 hit movie of the same name) characters for the first time. Players will now be able to immerse themselves in the world of the hit movie thus showing off their creativity and skills by mixing together their favorite characters, songs and scenes as they sing their way to stardom.The game comes with three play modes – Story, Party and QuickPlay. Popular characters like Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad or Taylor will all come alive with the High School Musical Solus (PS2). In Story Mode, players live the movie through song and dance, performing High School Musical and High School Musical 2 songs, from "Start of Something New" to "We're All in this Together," solo or as a duet. In Party Mode, friends compete against each other. Players can also choose their favorite backdrop and belt out hit songs from other popular tunes sung by familiar Disney Channel stars. In Quickplay mode, players can jump into any song and pick from any characters, outfits, and environments they've unlocked. With the High School Musical Solus (PS2), players will be able to sing solo, in a duet or have a karaoke party with up to 7 friends. Players will also be able to sing through the entire soundtrack from the original and second movies and play as more than 10 main characters, unlocking rewards along the way. Featuring motion-captured-choreography from the original movie's dance routines, the game is sure to provide hours of fun for the entire family.

The King of Clubs (ps2)

Contrary to what the name suggest, The King of Clubs is not an action game marred with mortal combats and bloodshed. Rather, it’s a light hearted mini golf game with a few alterations and surprises thrown in. The setting is that of an amusement park in the Nevada desert. It features about 95 holes and various themed courses wherein each hole is more intricately designed than even in real life. The game allows you to play alone or with up to three other gamers. New courses and items to be used are opened once you taste success at one level. The loners have the option of choosing either the career mode or the tournament mode. In the tournament mode you get to compete against the CPU-controlled opponent who is also vying for the medals that you are playing for. The ‘party mode’ or the ‘grand prix’ caters to the multiplayer option. Three, six or nine unlocked holes are chosen randomly for the four players to compete on. This crazy game offers players with a lot of exciting courses to play on. Funky clubs and balls are provided to the players, whereas the mulligans (redos), music and action figures can be purchased. Features of The King of Clubs (PS2):
Five exciting themes-Prehistoric, Egyptian, Medieval, Futuristic and Tropical.
96 puzzling levels
Various game modes and a great choice of strokeplay for up to 4 players
The Pro Shop that lets you customise the patterns, colour and trail of your ball
The sounds made by the gamer’s clubs and balls can be personalised according to your choice
Cash bags, bonus letters, shot savers and mulligan tokens include the pick-up items to be collected on-course
Choose from a range of crazy putters and balls, including the power putter and the guide supreme.