There are several things to look for when it comes to extreme gaming laptops. Are you a World of Warcraft fan? Perhaps you enjoy games like Warhammer, Age of Conan, Everquest, Champions, EVE, or another personal computer/internet game.
In order to experience the game for what it really is, and to optimize the gaming experience altogether, you may benefit from having a laptop that is set up for playing the games. In this helpful and informative guide, you will be introduced to what to look for in extreme gaming laptops.
Naturally, you will need the basic accessories like that of the laptop itself, a headset with a microphone (if your game has interactive chat options), and preferably an external hard drive. The very first thing that you can do is to take a look at the minimum system requirements that your game of choice has.
My advice after that is to make sure that when you choose among the extreme gaming laptops out there that you make sure all the components are better than what the game calls for! This is probably the easiest and most effective measure for selecting a laptop that is designed for extreme gaming!
You should ensure that the laptop that you select has one of the best video cards on the market. Video cards that are old, or lack power will reduce the quality of graphics that are displayed when you are engaging in game play.
You should also ensure that the hard drive and the memory that is installed in the system are powerful enough and large enough to enhance the overall performance of the game play of the game that you enjoy. If you have a hard drive inside the laptop of at least 80GB, and memory of 2GB, this should prove to be sufficient for optimizing the gaming experience.
You may also want to have a decent sound card installed in the laptop that you choose. This way, you can hear all the music, voices, and sounds that are emitted during game play.
It is important to know and understand that all of those extreme gaming laptops that are on the market today are created in such a way, that regardless of which one is selected, you will have a very decent game play experience. Simply use the tips mentioned here to make selecting among all those gaming laptops a bit easier!
Daryl Plaza there is a regular contributor to LaptopsNNotebooks.com a website with resources and information to help you find The Best Laptop the best laptop for all your notebook needs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daryl_Plaza
วันอังคารที่ 2 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Common NTP Server Time Reference Problems
The NTP server (Network Time Protocol) is one of the most used but least understood computer networking items.
A NTP Server is just a time server that uses the protocol NTP. Other time protocols do exist but NTP is by far the most widely used. The terms 'NTP server', 'time server' and 'network time server' are interchangeable and often the terms 'radio clock' or 'GPS time server' are used but these simply describe the method which the time servers receive a time reference.
NTP servers receive a time source that they can then distribute amongst a network. NTP will check a devices system clock and advance or retreat the time depending on how much it has drifted. By regularly checking the system clock with the time server, NTP can ensure the device is synchronised.
The NTP server is a simple device to install and run. Most connect to a network via an Ethernet cable and the software included is easily configured. However, there are some common troubleshooting problems associated with NTP servers and in particular with receiving timing sources:
A dedicated NTP server will receive a time signal from various sources. The Internet is probably the most common sources of UTC time (Coordinated Universal Time), however, using the Internet as a timing source can be a cause for several time server problems.
Firstly Internet timing sources can't be authenticated; authentication is NTP's in-built security measure and ensures that a timing reference is coming from where it says it is. On a similar note to use an Internet timing source would mean that a gap would have to be created in the network firewall, this can obviously cause its own security issues.
Internet timing sources are also notoriously inaccurate. A survey by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) found less than a quarter of Internet timing sources were any where near accurate and often those that were, were too far away from clients to provide a reliable timing source.
The most common, secure and accurate method for receiving timing source is the GPS system (Global Positioning System). While a GPs signal can be received anywhere on the planet there are still common installation issues.
A GPS antenna has to have a good clear view of the sky; this is because the GPs satellite broadcast their signal by line of sight. He signal can not penetrate buildings and therefore the antenna has to be situated on the rood. Another common issue with a GPS time server is that they need to be left for at least 49 hours to ensure the GPS receiver gets a good satellite fix. Many users find that they are receiving an intermittent signal this is normally due to impatience and not letting the GPS system obtain a solid fix.
The other secure and reliable method for receiving a timing signal is the national radio transmissions. In the UK this is called MSF but similar systems exist in the US (WWVB), Germany (DCF) and several other countries. There are usually less problems faced when using the MSF/DCF/WWVB signal. Although the radio signal can penetrate buildings it is susceptible to interference from topography and other electrical appliances. Any issues with a MSF time server can normally be resolved by moving the server to another locale or often just angling the server so its in-built antenna is perpendicular to the transmission.
Richard N Williams is a technical author and specialist in atomic clocks, telecommunications, NTP and network time synchronisation helping to develop dedicated NTP clocks. Please visit us for more information about a Galleon ntp server or other ntp server solutions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_N_Williams
A NTP Server is just a time server that uses the protocol NTP. Other time protocols do exist but NTP is by far the most widely used. The terms 'NTP server', 'time server' and 'network time server' are interchangeable and often the terms 'radio clock' or 'GPS time server' are used but these simply describe the method which the time servers receive a time reference.
NTP servers receive a time source that they can then distribute amongst a network. NTP will check a devices system clock and advance or retreat the time depending on how much it has drifted. By regularly checking the system clock with the time server, NTP can ensure the device is synchronised.
The NTP server is a simple device to install and run. Most connect to a network via an Ethernet cable and the software included is easily configured. However, there are some common troubleshooting problems associated with NTP servers and in particular with receiving timing sources:
A dedicated NTP server will receive a time signal from various sources. The Internet is probably the most common sources of UTC time (Coordinated Universal Time), however, using the Internet as a timing source can be a cause for several time server problems.
Firstly Internet timing sources can't be authenticated; authentication is NTP's in-built security measure and ensures that a timing reference is coming from where it says it is. On a similar note to use an Internet timing source would mean that a gap would have to be created in the network firewall, this can obviously cause its own security issues.
Internet timing sources are also notoriously inaccurate. A survey by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) found less than a quarter of Internet timing sources were any where near accurate and often those that were, were too far away from clients to provide a reliable timing source.
The most common, secure and accurate method for receiving timing source is the GPS system (Global Positioning System). While a GPs signal can be received anywhere on the planet there are still common installation issues.
A GPS antenna has to have a good clear view of the sky; this is because the GPs satellite broadcast their signal by line of sight. He signal can not penetrate buildings and therefore the antenna has to be situated on the rood. Another common issue with a GPS time server is that they need to be left for at least 49 hours to ensure the GPS receiver gets a good satellite fix. Many users find that they are receiving an intermittent signal this is normally due to impatience and not letting the GPS system obtain a solid fix.
The other secure and reliable method for receiving a timing signal is the national radio transmissions. In the UK this is called MSF but similar systems exist in the US (WWVB), Germany (DCF) and several other countries. There are usually less problems faced when using the MSF/DCF/WWVB signal. Although the radio signal can penetrate buildings it is susceptible to interference from topography and other electrical appliances. Any issues with a MSF time server can normally be resolved by moving the server to another locale or often just angling the server so its in-built antenna is perpendicular to the transmission.
Richard N Williams is a technical author and specialist in atomic clocks, telecommunications, NTP and network time synchronisation helping to develop dedicated NTP clocks. Please visit us for more information about a Galleon ntp server or other ntp server solutions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_N_Williams
WLAN Security, Customers and POS
The widespread acceptance of Wireless Local Area Networks is a money maker for the e-commerce market. Not only has the Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) been a welcomed market for the manufacturers of wireless devices ( Cisco/Linksys), the acceptance of wireless networking is saving millions of dollars to these markets. Organizations are reaping profits in the region of billions of dollars in cost and productivity savings. The customer base is generally unquestioning and accepting or at times even unaware of the presence of these technologies. One only has to venture into a Target, BestBuy, or Macys to be exposed to the transparent use of Wi-Fi.
Marketing is a remarkable skill. With the recent stampeding of a store attendant in a New York store, I'm in awe of the magnificence of marketers. Only an earthshaking advertising campaign could possibly entice a shopper to fall in line thousands deep to purchase a new toy. This, in a winter chill that is almost anti-human. Oh the brilliance of marketing. The everyday shopper follow the routine of choosing the item and forking over the plastic. Very few are aware of WLAN compliance requirements for wireless networks. Not many question the secure handling of their confidential information. Analysts from organizations like the Gartner group, Frost & Sullivan Research have posted numerous articles that are meant to educate the customer. I salute them for their in depth work. The question though remains, "How many shopper would read a technical article?" Should one expect the everyday shopper to understand PCI, Sarbenes Oxley or WLAN security best practices. I hear your answer. A resounding NO! Neither should one anticipate a memo from the large retail outlets identifying their due care or due diligence in protecting your confidential information.
Some may ask, "What does that have do with me?" The answer is everything. In our advanced shopping society, technology, though unnoticed, is at the forefront. We have become used to technology that is pushed on us without any great introduction. Most of us are leaving our data safety in the hands of organizations who at times do not take the necessary precautions to create a safe shopping environment. Questions are rarely asked. Who would have thought that a certain franchise's wireless network was so open that we were safer leaving our credit cards in the shopping cart than presenting it to the cashier. Does the customer need to know that despite all the brouhaha wireless networks are not as secure as wired networks? The government mandates legislation for organizations using wireless networks.
I beg to include here excerpts of an article I read that brings to the forefront the dismal task of providing security to the customer.
When thieves stole the PIN pads at a cash register in one of his company's stores, Daniel Marcotte was amazed. Not that they'd done it -- such thefts can happen once a week during the holiday season. But watching it on videotape later, "I couldn't tell they had it with them when they left" the store, says Marcotte, director of systems and data security at La Senza, a Montreal retailer now owned by The Limited.
A couple of hours later, the thieves were back. They'd doctored the PIN pads to let them get customer card data. They got them back onto the point-of-sale system quickly, too. But here's where La Senza's security precautions kicked in: Its PIN pads in effect have their own Media Access Control address, and once they're disconnected, that address is no longer available. So the thieves were foiled -- this time. What you are reading here is an attack on a Point of Sale system. These systems normally comprise the cash register, the bar code scanner, wi-fi access, the in-store voice or IP network and the store inventory management system. The everyday customer is vigilant of the thief who physically walks in to the outlet. Very few are aware of the tech savvy culprit. These are the invisible, bitheads who have compromised these systems for monetary gains. The targets are the uninformed, non-questioning shoppers with no knowledge of wi-fi vulnerabilities. According to one Mr. Keith Aubele, the former loss prevention executive at Wal-Mart and Home Depot, these systems are "incredibly easy to bypass."
Holiday cashiering is noticeably a seasonal job. A problem exists with this phenomena. It is called under-ringing or sweet-hearting. In this scheme the unscrupulous cashier does not scan all the items presented. This, however, affects the retail outlet. Their loss. Now we address the customer. Point-of-sale technology was not designed to capture customer data. These technologies were designed for tracking purposes, but retailers now use them to capture customer data. Alert! huge management/security issue! The customer is now left at the mercy of the mitigation steps taken by the retailer. Some organizations are managing numerous locations. Most outlets are using known vulnerable systems with a hope and pray approach. In Europe where E-commerce has caught on quicker that other world regions, they use a technology known as chip-and PIN for credit cards. The cost factor to upgrading to this technology is not feasible from the view of the outlet. These point of sale terminals are mostly not understood by the retailers who use them, most are not aware of the information collected by their systems.
Some of these outlets are presently using WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) as the encryption of choice. To the knowledgeable attacker this is an invitation. Now back to the customer. What guarantee do we have that our data is protected? Card companies like Visa and Mastercard are trying to pressure retailers to be compliant to PCI ( Payment Card Industry) security standards. We all know that this will be avoided if it costs too much to implement. There has been a promise from Visa to implement fines against non-compliant retailers. I read a disturbing report that the forecast of POS is dismal. The highly respected Gartner Group predicts that by 2009, most attacks against retailers would be through the POS. They further stated that merely 30% of POS software will be compliant.
I remember that old Captain and Tennille song, "you better shop around."
Keith "KC"Charles
CWNA; CWSP; CWNT; CTT; MCP; Sec+; Net+
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Charles
Marketing is a remarkable skill. With the recent stampeding of a store attendant in a New York store, I'm in awe of the magnificence of marketers. Only an earthshaking advertising campaign could possibly entice a shopper to fall in line thousands deep to purchase a new toy. This, in a winter chill that is almost anti-human. Oh the brilliance of marketing. The everyday shopper follow the routine of choosing the item and forking over the plastic. Very few are aware of WLAN compliance requirements for wireless networks. Not many question the secure handling of their confidential information. Analysts from organizations like the Gartner group, Frost & Sullivan Research have posted numerous articles that are meant to educate the customer. I salute them for their in depth work. The question though remains, "How many shopper would read a technical article?" Should one expect the everyday shopper to understand PCI, Sarbenes Oxley or WLAN security best practices. I hear your answer. A resounding NO! Neither should one anticipate a memo from the large retail outlets identifying their due care or due diligence in protecting your confidential information.
Some may ask, "What does that have do with me?" The answer is everything. In our advanced shopping society, technology, though unnoticed, is at the forefront. We have become used to technology that is pushed on us without any great introduction. Most of us are leaving our data safety in the hands of organizations who at times do not take the necessary precautions to create a safe shopping environment. Questions are rarely asked. Who would have thought that a certain franchise's wireless network was so open that we were safer leaving our credit cards in the shopping cart than presenting it to the cashier. Does the customer need to know that despite all the brouhaha wireless networks are not as secure as wired networks? The government mandates legislation for organizations using wireless networks.
I beg to include here excerpts of an article I read that brings to the forefront the dismal task of providing security to the customer.
When thieves stole the PIN pads at a cash register in one of his company's stores, Daniel Marcotte was amazed. Not that they'd done it -- such thefts can happen once a week during the holiday season. But watching it on videotape later, "I couldn't tell they had it with them when they left" the store, says Marcotte, director of systems and data security at La Senza, a Montreal retailer now owned by The Limited.
A couple of hours later, the thieves were back. They'd doctored the PIN pads to let them get customer card data. They got them back onto the point-of-sale system quickly, too. But here's where La Senza's security precautions kicked in: Its PIN pads in effect have their own Media Access Control address, and once they're disconnected, that address is no longer available. So the thieves were foiled -- this time. What you are reading here is an attack on a Point of Sale system. These systems normally comprise the cash register, the bar code scanner, wi-fi access, the in-store voice or IP network and the store inventory management system. The everyday customer is vigilant of the thief who physically walks in to the outlet. Very few are aware of the tech savvy culprit. These are the invisible, bitheads who have compromised these systems for monetary gains. The targets are the uninformed, non-questioning shoppers with no knowledge of wi-fi vulnerabilities. According to one Mr. Keith Aubele, the former loss prevention executive at Wal-Mart and Home Depot, these systems are "incredibly easy to bypass."
Holiday cashiering is noticeably a seasonal job. A problem exists with this phenomena. It is called under-ringing or sweet-hearting. In this scheme the unscrupulous cashier does not scan all the items presented. This, however, affects the retail outlet. Their loss. Now we address the customer. Point-of-sale technology was not designed to capture customer data. These technologies were designed for tracking purposes, but retailers now use them to capture customer data. Alert! huge management/security issue! The customer is now left at the mercy of the mitigation steps taken by the retailer. Some organizations are managing numerous locations. Most outlets are using known vulnerable systems with a hope and pray approach. In Europe where E-commerce has caught on quicker that other world regions, they use a technology known as chip-and PIN for credit cards. The cost factor to upgrading to this technology is not feasible from the view of the outlet. These point of sale terminals are mostly not understood by the retailers who use them, most are not aware of the information collected by their systems.
Some of these outlets are presently using WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) as the encryption of choice. To the knowledgeable attacker this is an invitation. Now back to the customer. What guarantee do we have that our data is protected? Card companies like Visa and Mastercard are trying to pressure retailers to be compliant to PCI ( Payment Card Industry) security standards. We all know that this will be avoided if it costs too much to implement. There has been a promise from Visa to implement fines against non-compliant retailers. I read a disturbing report that the forecast of POS is dismal. The highly respected Gartner Group predicts that by 2009, most attacks against retailers would be through the POS. They further stated that merely 30% of POS software will be compliant.
I remember that old Captain and Tennille song, "you better shop around."
Keith "KC"Charles
CWNA; CWSP; CWNT; CTT; MCP; Sec+; Net+
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Charles
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