ICT(LAPTOPS)

DEFINITION

Laptop computer (also known as a notebook computer) is a small mobile computer, typically weighing 3 to 12 pounds (1.4 to 5.4 kg), although older laptops may weigh more. Laptops usually run on a single main battery or from an external AC/DC adapter that charges the battery while it also supplies power to the computer itself, even in the event of a power failure. This very powerful main battery should not be confused with the much smaller battery nearly all computers use to run the real-time clock and backup BIOS configuration into the CMOS memory when the computer is without power.

Laptops contain components that are similar to their desktop counterparts and perform the same functions, but are miniaturized and optimized for mobile use and efficient power consumption, although typically less powerful for the same price. Laptops usually have liquid crystal displays and most of them use different memory modules for their random access memory (RAM), for instance, SO-DIMM in lieu of the larger DIMMs. In addition to a built-in keyboard, they may utilize a touchpad (also known as a trackpad) or a pointing stick for input, though an external keyboard or mouse can usually be attached.

HISTORY OF LAPTOPS

Laptops began from a desire to have a full-featured computer that could be easily used anywhere. These all-in-one systems could be easily transported, but were heavy and usually were not battery powered. The cathode ray tube (CRT) was one of the major reasons portable computers were so large and heavy, but the use of a full-size desktop motherboard with room for ISA expansion cards was another size factor.

It was the transition to LCD and plasma displays that permitted the luggable to shrink in size and become the first real laptop, though at first still without internal batteries. Battery technology improvements and the introduction of smaller devices such as the 3.5-inch floppy disk permitted a gradually more compact and sophisticated complete portable system.

A replacement computer is a personal computer that provides the full capabilities of a desktop computer while remaining portable. They are often a larger, bulkier laptop. Because of their increased size, this class of computer usually includes more powerful components and a larger display than generally used in smaller portable computers and can have a relatively limited battery capacity (or none at all). Some use a limited range of desktop components to provide better performance per dollar at the expense of battery life. These are sometimes called desknotes, a portmanteau of the words "desktop" and "notebook," though the term is also applied to desktop replacement computers in general.[1]

TYPES OF LAPTOPS

Powerful laptops are meant to be mainly used for fun and infrequently carried out due to their weight and size; the latter provides more space for powerful components and a big screen, usually measuring 17–20 inches (43–51 cm). Desktop replacements tend to have limited battery life, rarely exceeding three hours, because the hardware is not optimized for efficient power usage. Sometimes called a luggable laptop. An example of a desktop replacement computers are gaming notebooks, which are designed to handle 3D graphic-intensive processing for gamers.

ADVANTAGES

The main advantage of laptops over their larger desktop counterparts is the inherent portability. Another advantage is the laptop's ability to operate on battery power in the case of a power outage and less energy consumption.

PERFOMANCE

For a given price range (and manufacturing base), laptop computational power has traditionally trailed that of desktops. This is partly due to most laptops sharing RAM between the program memory and the graphics adapter. By virtue of their usage goals, laptops prioritize energy efficiency and compactness over absolute performance. Desktop computers and their modular components are built to fit much bigger standard enclosures, along with the expectation of AC line power. As such, energy efficiency and portability for desktops are secondary design goals compared to absolute performance.

For typical home (personal use) applications, where the computer spends the majority of its time sitting idle for the next user input, laptops of the thin-client type or larger are generally fast enough to achieve the required performance. 3D gaming, multimedia (video) encoding and playback, and analysis-packages (database, math, engineering, financial, etc.) are areas where desktops still offer the casual user a compelling advantage.

As computer hardware miniaturization develops, laptops are beginning to close the performance gap with desktops. Intel's Core 2 line of processors is efficient enough to be used in portable computers, and many manufacturers such as Apple Inc., Lenovo and Dell are building Core 2 based laptops. Also, many high end laptop computers feature mobility versions of graphics cards, eliminating the performance losses associated with integrated graphics, while maintaining long battery life.

WHAT IS LOVE

What is love? It is one of the most difficult questions for the mankind. Centuries have passed by, relationships have bloomed and so has love. But no one can give the proper definition of love. To some �Love is friendship set on fire� for others �Maybe love is like luck. You have to go all the way to find it�. No matter how you define it or feel it, love is the eternal truth in the history of mankind.

Love is patient, love is kind. It has no envy, nor it boasts itself and it is never proud. It rejoices over the evil and is the truth seeker. Love protects; preserves and hopes for the positive aspect of life. Always stand steadfast in love, not fall into it. It is like the dream of your matter of affection coming true. Love can occur between two or more individuals. It bonds them and connects them in a unified link of trust, intimacy and interdependence. It enhances the relationship and comforts the soul. Love should be experienced and not just felt. The depth of love can not be measured. Look at the relationship between a mother and a child. The mother loves the child unconditionally and it can not be measured at all. A different dimension can be attained between any relationships with the magic of love. Love can be created. You just need to focus on the goodness of the other person. If this can be done easily, then you can also love easily. And remember we all have some positive aspect in us, no matter how bad our deeds maybe. And as God said �Love all�

Depending on context, love can be of different varieties. Romantic love is a deep, intense and unending. It shared on a very intimate and interpersonal and sexual relationship. The term Platonic love, familial love and religious love are also matter of great affection. It is more of desire, preference and feelings. The meaning of love will change with each different relationship and depends more on its concept of depth, versatility, and complexity. But at times the very existence of love is questioned. Some say it is false and meaningless. It says that it never exist, because there has been many instances of hatred and brutality in relationships. The history of our world has witnessed many such events. There has been hatred between brothers, parents and children, sibling rivalry and spouses have failed each other. Friends have betrayed each other; the son has killed his parents for the throne, the count is endless. Even the modern generation is also facing with such dilemmas everyday. But �love� is not responsible for that. It is us, the people, who have forgotten the meaning of love and have undertaken such gruesome apathy.

In the past the study of philosophy and religion has done many speculations on the phenomenon of love. But love has always ruled, in music, poetry, paintings, sculptor and literature. Psychology has also done lot of dissection to the essence of love, just like what biology, anthropology and neuroscience has also done to it.

Psychology portrays love as a cognitive phenomenon with a social cause. It is said to have three components in the book of psychology: Intimacy, Commitment, and Passion. Also, in an ancient proverb love is defined as a high form of tolerance. And this view has been accepted and advocated by both philosophers and scholars. Love also includes compatibility. But it is more of journey to the unknown when the concept of compatibility comes into picture. Maybe the person whom we see in front of us, may be least compatible than the person who is miles away. We might talk to each other and portray that we love each other, but practically we do not end up into any relationship. Also in compatibility, the key is to think about the long term successful relationship, not a short journey. We need to understand each other and must always remember that no body is perfect.

Be together, share your joy and sorrow, understand each other, provide space to each other, but always be there for each others need. And surely love will blossom to strengthen your relationship with your matter of affection.



Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.
William Shakespeare

SOCCER

While old school football fans may bemoan the lack of a new Pele or Maradona coming through in every generation of young footballers, we feel that the current crop of young football geniuses strutting their skilful stuff on the world's biggest footballing stages deserve a little praise and recognition. We present About.com's Top Young World Soccer Players for 2008.

1. Lionel Messi
Phil Cole / Getty ImagesLionel Messi's growth from the ranks of "prodigious young talent" to "probably the best footballer in the world" has been nothing short of meteoric over the past twelve months or so. Still only twenty years old, Messi has had the extraordinary pressure of being dubbed the latest "new Maradona" but none have so far came as close to deserving the title. Messi, on current form, comes close, damn close.

He may still have to bring World Cup glory back to his native Argentina for the first time since the aforementioned Maradona captained them to victory in Mexico 1986 but his displays for Barcelona where he has taken the mantle of attacking favourite from Ronaldinho and shot himself into top goalscorer position is enough for now.




2. Bojan Krkic
Jasper Juinen / Getty ImagesOne would think that 961 goals in seven seasons for Barcelona's youth teams would prove to be an unbearable millstone around a young player's neck but not so for the recently capped 17 year old Spanish international Bojan Krkic.

His slight frame gave the Barcelona powers-that-be concern that he may not make the transition to the more physcial aspect of first team professional football but, given his head by Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard this season, Bojan has delivered emphatically and has shown that the goals in first team football are placed in exactly the same spot as he found them 961 times for the youth teams.

3. Giovani Dos Santos
Jasper Juinen / Getty ImagesAnother young star plucked from his native country at a young age by the eagle eyed scouts from Barcelona's youth academy (spotting a pattern here with the development of the world's best young players?), Giovani, like Bojan, also came from professional footballing stock with his father Zizinho having played professionally in North and South America.

Still only 18 years old himself, Giovani has made the breakthrough into Frank Rijkaard's multi million pound, star studded Barcelona side and been rewarded on the international stage by Mexican coach Hugo Sanchez with his first caps in 2007.

Confident in front of goal and possessing a fantastic left foot, Giovani has a bright future in front of him.

4. Cesc Fabregas
Denis Doyle / Getty ImagesHow Barcelona must curse Arsene Wenger and Arsenal for having poached the 16 year old Cesc Fabregas from under their noses when they had laid the groundwork for his football development at their world renowned youth academy (yes folks, the fourth player out of five to learn his trade at Barcelona!)

Whether Fabregas would have received so much gametime in the Barcelona centre midfield as he has over the past four years at Arsenal is debatable and Wenger's confidence in the young playmaker's abilities has seen him flourish into a seasoned Premier League and European campaigner while still only twenty years old.

In no hurry to rush back to Spain, Fabregas could be wowing English crowds for many years to come.

5. Alexandre Pato
New Press / Getty ImagesAC Milan could hardly wait for January 2008 when they were finally allowed, under Italian laws on non-EU young footballers, to elevate young Brazilian forward Pato into their first team as coach Carlo Ancelotti fought desperately to save his job.

A goal on his debut against Napoli was the exact response the Milan hierarchy were looking for and a new Brazilian star was born in Milan. His international team-mate Ronaldinho had already heaped on the pressure by pointing to Pato as the young Brazilian mostalents.t likely to make the grade at the very top level and with a $22m price tag on his head it would be understandable if the 18 year old faltered. He hasn't and already looks like one of world football's most exciting young

FORMULA ONE

We’re back into the Formula 1 season!
We’re back into the Formula 1 season! Fast cars and adrenaline rush – what could be more exciting? However, when your neck has a crick from snapping your head in attempt to keep your eyes on the zooming cars, what else is there (that is stationary) to see in the cities that host the races?




Melbourne, AustraliaSpend a weekend there and you''ll like it; spend a week and you''ll fall in love with it. The entire city has an effortless style that you find in continental European cities such as Milan or Paris - from its trams to the haute couture trappings of its citizens, Melbourne exudes an air of intelligence and sophistication. It is also the Australian capital of performing arts and the sheer range of entertainment on offer will keep you coming back for more.






Sepang, Malaysia Home sweet home! But how many of us know our own back yard? Sepang is a town and district located in the southern part of the state of Selangor in Malaysia which is famous for the township of Cyberjaya. Conceptualised as a model intelligent city of the world, Cyberjaya is the nucleus of our country''s strategic vision for the new economy, the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). Located in the middle of the MSC stretch in between Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) to the north and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the south, Cyberjaya complements the development and operation of Putrajaya, which is Malaysia''s new government administrative capital affectionately known as the “Garden City, Intelligent City”.






Sakhir, BahrainSakhir is located on Bahrain Island, by far the largest of this small archipelago, the capital Manama is a modern, fast moving city with high-rise buildings and wealthy citizens. Many visitors to Bahrain come predominantly to make the most of the country''s sunny climate and there are certainly plenty of opportunities to do this. The islands are endowed with some spectacular beaches and the clear blue waters are ideal for diving, snorkelling or just cooling off from an arduous session of sunbathing.


Barcelona, SpainBarcelona is Spain''s second city - but don''t tell the inhabitants that. To them Barcelona is the most fabulous city on earth. And they may just be right. Barcelona is one of the few great European cities by the sea. While Madrid withers in the summer sun, Barcelona chills out on its beach. Its main thoroughfare, Las Ramblas, runs all the way from the quayside through the heart of the city, and it is here that you should start your tour of one of Europe''s most exciting cities.


Monaco, MonacoMonaco and, in particular, the principal district of Monte Carlo, has drawn the rich and famous to its sunny Mediterranean shores since the 19th century - when its grand casino was built. Admittedly the glitz and glamour associated with the tiny principality are still hard to ignore, but Monaco does have a lot more to offer than just gambling and Formula One racing. The Place du Palais, Monaco''s cultural heart, leads onto the imposing Prince''s Palace and the delightful, historic charms of Monaco-Ville. Views from this enormous square stretch over both of Monaco''s glitzy ports, all of its tall buildings and over to neighbouring Italy and France, making it a great point to orientate oneself from.






Montreal, CanadaCanada''s great French speaking metropolis entertains her visitors with some of the continent''s most vibrant nightlife, stylish shopping and historic buildings.. To get a taste of the real flavour of Montreal, visit a neighbourhood such as the famous Plateau-de Mont-Royal, Here you may stroll past brightly painted Victorian buildings with their characteristic external staircases. Spend time shopping on Mont-Royal Avenue or Rue St-Denis in the small clothing boutiques; take a coffee and bagel at a bakery. Later, while away an evening in a cocktail lounge before dining on world-class cuisine at one of the many original, fine restaurants.



Indianapolis, USAIndianapolis is the capital city of the State of Indiana, located in the Midwest region of the United States of America. One of the main attractions there is the Indianapolis 500 Hall of Fame Museum which has, among other things, 75 sleek racing cars (including former Indy winners) and a 226kg (500lb) Tiffany trophy. You can also take a tour of the race track by bus. However, there is more to this city than screaming wheels - as its museums, architecture and James Dean memorial will prove.


Magny Cours, FranceMagny Cours is located near Nevers in the Burgundy area of France. Nevers is a picturesque town on the banks of the Loire river with narrow winding streets and numerous old houses of the 14th to the 17th centuries. The surrounding area has more châteaux than any other region of France, in fact nearly 100 castles, medieval strongholds and châteaux of every architectural style dot the landscape from Vézelay to Cluny. Many, now with well-stocked wine-cellars, gourmet restaurants and swimming pools, are open to the public as luxury hotels.


Silverstone, Great BritainSilverstone is situated in the county of Northamptonshire, only an hour away from London and close to international airports. Northamptonshire is a place with beautiful countryside, a rich tradition and charming stone villages. The vast rural landscape is ‘quintessentially English’ and brimming with character. Nestled amongst the hills and valleys of Northamptonshire are many beautiful and historic market towns. From the charming conservation area of Towcester''s town centre to the magnificent Victorian Guildhall in Northampton''s market square, you can spend hours discovering secrets from centuries ago.
Nurburgring, GermanyKnown as simply "the Ring" by enthusiasts, the famous motorsport race track in Nürburg, Germany is about 90 kilometres southwest of Cologne. Cologne (Köln in German) is a distinctive and original city, the artistic hub of Germany and perhaps the friendliest destination you''ll come across in the whole country. Most visitors to Cologne spend most of their time in the Altstadt, the historic core of the city which was largely levelled by Allied bombing during the Second World War. Fortunately, the Kölner Dom, the famous gigantic city centre cathedral, came out of the conflict largely unscathed and remains in all its original magnificence.


Hungaroring, HungaryThe Hungaroring is situated near Budapest, which is divided by the magnificent Danube. On one side cosmopolitan Buda, looking down from the lofty heights of its hills; on the other schizophrenic and scruffy Pest. A must see for any visitor are a series of ramparts facing the river in Buda''s splendid Castle District, known as the Fisherman''s Bastion after the traditional defenders of this stretch of walls. In fact the Bastion bears testament to the whole of Hungary''s fortitude over the centuries. The seven conical topped towers are representative of the seven original Magyar tribes that established the nation.



Istanbul, TurkeyWith three and a half thousand years of history there''s no shortage of attractions in Istanbul, it is the only city on earth that straddles two continents and a visit to Istanbul is truly a unique experience. As you might guess this means there''s plenty to see, but luckily for the tourist most of the city''s sights are close to the huge Sultanahmet Square -- the heart of Istanbul. History notwithstanding, Istanbul is a fast changing, modern metropolis. The past ten years has seen a revolution as Turkey''s predominantly young population has made its presence felt, spawning a vibrant and ever expanding nightlife.


Monza, ItalyMonza, located in the Lombardy region of Italy is just 15 kilometres North East of Milan. Milan has all the style and cultural pedigree expected from an Italian city, and its streets are lined with trees and art treasures. The most famous designers on the globe have their headquarters here and the shopping streets of Milan attract the bold and the beautiful from every corner of the earth. Meanwhile Milan''s piazzas and art galleries boast sculptures and canvases from the most famous Italian artists of the Renaissance. But the piece de resistance, and the reason why many people flock to the city, is just a single painting - Leonardo da Vinci''s The Last Supper.


Spa-Francorchamps, BelgiumSpa, is located in the French speaking Belgium province of Liege. Belgium has been the unlikely backdrop for some of the most important events in European history. It has seen armies of all the major empires come and go and its flat landscape hides the battlefields of Waterloo, Ypres and Passchendale, events that changed Europe forever. Being sandwiched between the Netherlands and France, Belgium is in many ways a combination of the two countries, with a twist of Germany thrown in for good measure. This fascinating mixture has created an amazingly diverse people and a varied culture that is surprisingly refreshing for visitors



Fuji Speedway, JapanThis circuit’s claim to fame is through “Pole Position”, as it was the first race track to be featured in a video game. The Fuji Speedway is nestled in the foothills of Mount Fuji, one of the most famous volcanoes in the world and the highest point in Japan. Mount Fuji is an impressive crater-topped cone, and one of Japan''s biggest tourist attractions. The mountain rises just 100km from Tokyo and is easy to get to in season (July-August) when tourist buses ferry visitors out to the park 2300m up Fuji''s flank. From here, with a reasonable amount of effort, you can hike the remaining 1500m to the top.



Shanghai, ChinaIndisputably one of China''s most cosmopolitan city, Shanghai has been welcoming foreign visitors to its streets for centuries, infusing the metropolis with a unique history. British, French, American and Japanese businesses flourished here in the 19th and early 20th centuries, lured by the city''s prime trading position and enticing business prospects. Modern Shanghai has been almost completely rebuilt, with brand new high rises springing up everywhere you look - providing the city with a new focus. The past has not been forgotten, though: among the back streets, you''ll still find traditional Chinese gardens and temples, just as they were centuries ago, or just a few blocks away, the Bund with its Art Deco colonial buildings, evoking Shanghai''s heyday (though for most, minus the opium).


Interlagos, BrazilThe neighbourhood known as Interlagos is located in the city of São Paulo which is home to over 17 million people. From the Brazilian Grand Prix, the International Film Festival to New Years Eve celebrations - Sao Paulo buzzes after dark and becomes a stunning colourful city with lively and crazy events. Brazil is one of the most colourful and vibrant countries on earth with the most diverse flora and fauna, the largest rainforest and the longest river on Earth.