• New Homepage. The front page has (finally) been reworked to out more content in a smaller space and cater to new and returning visitors.
• New Pictures. We finally ditched our old, outdated black background pictures for much nicer, high resolution images.
• Nicer URLs. We introduced a system of slugs for our URLs so our pages have a human understandable name rather than just a number.
• Expanded Parts Category. Our parts have been updated and categorized properly. Also, our in-progress airbrush parts products are very comprehensive with custom made exploded views.
• Product Combos. We have installed a system for offering discounts when you buy related products. Now we’re working on creating combos, but if you’d like to try it out add butterfly stencils number 30 and 46 and butterfly body crystals number 7 and 70 to your cart.
• Product Description Popups. Our kits and system descriptions now have popup images for the products they include.
• View All Sub-Products. On select categories you can now view all the products that are in that category and all sub categories on one page. This is particularly good if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.
• Google Translate. Our site can now easily be translated by Google by selecting a language in the lower right corner.
• Download Stencil Pictures. The download images of stencils you’ve purchased now includes images of the stencils in the systems, if you have ordered one online.
• Product Ordering. Out of stock products now show up at the bottom of the product list.
• Multiple Cart Item Popups. We can now display multiple alerts when you add something to your cart. Ex: it can tell you how many butterfly stencils you have in you cart as well as how many total stencils.
• Specifications Tab. Some products now have a new tab that lists detailed specifications.
• Refurbishment Page. tatstore.com/refurb is a new page outlining how to send in your equipment for refurbishing.
• Backend Improvements. We have removed a lot of unnecessary code to improve page load speed.

Please check out these new improvements and look for more in the future!

In the discussion of operating systems, you will most prominently hear the battle between Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. You may, however, hear Linux thrown into the mix. Linux is a free, open-source operating system that has been growing in popularity as an alternative to the mainstream options. Some PC manufacturers, such as Dell and Asus already provide the option to build your computer with a Linux distribution installed. Linux provides a solution to both ends of the PC user spectrum. Basic users have the ability to surf the internet, use open-source Microsoft Office equivalents, and perform most computing tasks, all on a free platform. Advanced users have unlimited customization and the ability to edit the code of the operating system itself.

What Can Linux Do For You?

Linux comes in all shapes and sizes, from polished interfaces to text-only prompts. Many first time Linux users select Ubuntu. You can tell from the screenshot below that it looks similar to Windows, making the transition even easier. With Ubuntu, you can effortlessly get online, even with a wireless connection. All basic computing tasks are available to use without any previous Linux experience. Learn even more about the features of Ubuntu here.

Ubuntu Screenshot

Ubuntu is completely free and you can download it right from their website. You don’t need to be able to use a command line or know anything about programming to use it. I’m not trying to tell you to switch to Ubuntu or Linux. I am, however, trying to make it a viable option if you need a new operating system. The price is right for sure, and after you use it for a while you won’t miss Windows.

]]> http://blog.tatstore.com/2008/08/01/what-is-linux/feed/ 0 http://blog.tatstore.com/2008/07/18/your-computer-experience/ http://blog.tatstore.com/2008/07/18/your-computer-experience/#comments Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:30:58 +0000 Brad http://blog.tatstore.com/?p=106 A while back I ran a short series on buying a new computer. It focused on how to buy the tower, the real guts of the machine. This was for a good reason, as there are many, many different options available and at different price points. Manufactures and stores really advertise processor speed and the amount of ram; the stats cover their advertisements. You’d think that if you bought the best tower available you’d be set with a perfect computer. I disagree. The internal workings of the computer sit below your desk, out of sight, (hopefully) out of mind. However, you constantly interact with your keyboard, mouse, monitor, and speakers. If these items are cheap, uncomfortable, or don’t work right, they will detract from your experience. Skimping on cheap peripherals can reduce your productivity and even hurt your hands and wrists. Here are a few tips for choosing worthy accessories.

Mouse

First thing: go wireless. There is little that is more frustrating than having your mouse cord get stuck when you try to move the cursor. Then, it’s always a struggle to free the cord, which just inevitably gets stuck again. Second: go to a brick and mortar store and try out the mouses they offer. Find one your hand feels comfortable on. If you like the forward and back buttons, or horizontal scroll, or magnifying ability, choose one with those features. Even if it costs a little more, you won’t care when you have a mouse that works the same way you do.

You also have to choose whether or not to use a mouse pad. I prefer using one even with an optical or laser mouse. It provides a smooth surface that makes it easy for the mouse to detect movements. Mouse pads come in big or small, hard or soft, thick or thin, and round or rectangular. Choose one that fits your desk, style, and preference. There isn’t a mouse pad that is definitely “better” than any other.

Keyboard

Keyboards come in a huge range, from tiny like the new Apple keyboard to very involved like a Logitech model that has its own display to expensive like the Optimus keyboard. It’s not as important to go wireless here, although keyboards commonly come in a wireless set that includes the mouse. You have three major choices:

• ergonomic: these keyboards are split in the middle and the keys form an arc shape versus straight lines. They are better for avoiding wrist and finger injuries if you type a lot. Some people prefer this type of keyboard, and others find it harder to use. It’s up to you.
• laptop style: these keyboards are similar to those found in laptops. They have short, flatter keys.
• traditional: a normal keyboard with tall keys. These can have keys that are loud or quiet when pressed. If you prefer to have solid feedback that a key was pressed, be sure to look for a traditional keyboard.

Like the mouse, choose a keyboard that feels natural to you.

Monitor

The general rule is that the more screen space you have, the easier it is to get things done on a computer. Buy the largest screen that fits your budget and space. The best way to evaluate a monitor is to read the reviews. There are quite a few specifications that manufactures list, but nowadays most monitors will be fine for normal computer use. If you plan on gaming or working with photos, you will want to do more research to find a monitor with a fast response time or excellent color accuracy.

Also, monitor sizing can be tricky. For instance, a 19″ monitor displays exactly as much information as a 17″ monitor does. The individual pixels are just larger. You get the same resolution (number of pixels) so you effectively have the same amount of screen space. Everything just looks bigger to you. Here’s a list of screen size equivalents:

• 17″ and 19″
• 20″ and 22″
• 24″ and 26″

Keep in mind that every time you use your computer you are looking at your monitor. You could watch a video and not use your mouse and keyboard, but you are still looking at your screen. If you don’t like your monitor, you are going to be constantly reminded of it.

Speakers

Speakers are not essential, but online video and music on your computer requires them. If you buy a Logitech 2.1 setup (a right and left speaker, plus a sub woofer) you should be fine. Music is only encoded in stereo (left and right channels) so anything more won’t play any more of your music. If you plan on watching movies on your computer you may want to try a 5.1 surround sound system (left, right, center, rear right and rear left speakers, plus a sub woofer) with your computer. You will need a 5.1 or 7.1 sound card in your computer in order to use the other speakers.

Again, I suggest reading reviews, as people love to show off their knowledge of audio equipment. If you haven’t used high-end speakers and equipment, you probably won’t notice most of the problems that audiophiles have with any given speakers, but use your own discretion.

When I bought my own computer about four years ago I paid special attention to my peripherials. I still use and love my Logitech keyboard, my wireless Microsoft mouse, and my Logitech speakers. I still have my 19″ Dell monitor (which works great), but I have upgraded to a new Samsung. If I happen to be at an electronics store I’ll browse the keyboard and mouse section but usually I can’t find anything I would trade in my current setup for. A good set of peripherals can easily outlast even the best computer and pay for themselves when you don’t have to upgrade.

I’m going to go in order of average speed, so the first option listed is the slowest and the last will generally be the fastest. Remember, these are all significantly faster than dial up, and faster doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive.

Glossary of Internet Terms

I would like to go over a few common terms about internet connections before I continue.

• Kbps: kilo-bits per second. This is a measure of data transfer speed. The higher the better.
• Mbps: mega-bits per second. One megabit=1000 kilobits.
• Down or download speed: these words represent data that is coming from the Internet to your computer. If you download a video or view a website, data is being transferred to your computer. This is referred to coming “down” to your computer.
• Up or upload speed: these refer to data your computer sends back to the Internet. These speeds are typically lower than download speeds because you don’t need as much bandwidth. You send data from your computer when you request a webpage or upload a video to a website. Most data is sent to your computer.
• Bandwidth: the amount of data sent or received over a given amount of time.

DSL

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) uses your existing phone lines for a high-speed connection. You do not need any new wires or connections with DSL. You will, however, need a DSL modem. This is not the same as the modem you use for dial up now. It is separate from your computer and converts the DSL signal to something your computer can understand. These can be easily bought from a store like Best Buy.

DSL speeds range from 768 Kbps to 6 Mbps down. This is on the lower end of high-speed internet. Also, keep in mind that your speed will not always be at the max posted speed. Many factors will limit your actual usable download and upload speed. The cost for this service typically ranges from $20 to $40 a month.

Cable

This is the most common high-speed option. The Internet access arrives through the coaxial cable running to your house that may also feed your cable TV. Consumer cable services typically run downstream speeds between 2 Mbps and 20 Mbps. Like DSL, you will need a separate modem to convert the signal. Cable is often the better value for speed versus DSL. Prices range from about $40 to $80, however, there are usually “introductory rates” where you get the same service for cheaper for a certain number of months.

FiOS

FiOS is a new fiber-optic broadband service offered by Verizon. FiOS offers the highest available speeds to American consumers. FiOS speeds start at 10 Mbps and go up to 50 Mbps. These plans are more expensive than cable, but offer bitrates that many cable providers do not. FiOS is currently available only in select cities, but Verzion is planning to expand its coverage.

Verizon has to install a special data cable in order for you to use this service. They offer to do it for free if you sign up for a yearly plan. You will also need a modem for this service, which you can get from Verizon.

Satellite

What if Cable and DSL aren’t available where you live? Answer: Move. Actually, there is still a high-speed option. Satellite Internet is available in the United States and can reach anybody, even if you are in a remote location. A satellite sends a signal to a satellite dish on your house. The major downside is that satellite Internet is very expensive compared to the other services. Also, the average speed offered is much slower than the other services, and bad weather can slow your signal or keep you from connecting to the Internet completely. I only recommend this option if none of the other services are available in your area.

The rest of the story is the same as the other services, you need a satellite modem to connect to your computer to the signal, and you get always-on service.

Next Week

Hopefully you can use this information to help sort out the confusion regarding high-speed internet access. As the web becomes more complex and media driven, dial up users are going to be missing out on more and more. High-speed Internet is one of those things where once you use it you don’t go back.

Next week we will be covering how to get all of the computers in your house connected to your new Internet connection.