Daily Bits

computers

The History of Computing: Microsoft vs. Apple

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No, this is not an infographics site, and I know I just published an infographic yesterday. This one is too good to pass up on, though.

What is the first name, or brand, that comes to name when you think about computers/computing? Without a doubt, it is either Microsoft or Apple. ((You may have a different answer if you’re part of specific niches, but in general, I am willing to bet that it’s going to be either of the two.)) Arguably, these two companies have played the largest parts in the world of computers.

Computer geeks and number crunchers, here is the perfect infographic to waste spend some time on today. Go back in time and rediscover how computers as we know them today came into existence. Reaffirm your knowledge of the roles that Microsoft and Apple have played. And in case this is the first time that you are going to encounter these bits of information, then you’re going to have a blast.

Some of the more interesting points:

  • Windows XP still has the largest market share with 40.7 percent.
  • In the Internet browsers war, Microsoft one ups Apple with the Internet Explorer (48%).  Apple’s Safari only has 5%.
  • While the Apple iPhone seems to be the most popular phone these days, Microsoft still has a larger market share with Windows OS at 26%.  Apple’s iOS only has 7%.
  • When it comes to mp3 players, though, Apple is the undisputed leader with 76% market share.  Microsoft has a measly 1%.

For tons more info – numbers, dates, and what have you – scroll down and enjoy this immense infographic.

 

history-of-computing-full

    Computers “Given” Schizophrenia

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    Robot
    First they give computers a sense of humor – something that is totally cool, I think. Now they give them a mental disorder, specifically schizophrenia. We sometimes use the word loosely to make fun of people close to us who may exhibit erratic behavior, but schizophrenia is nothing to joke about. Especially when it comes to computers who might one day take over the human race.

    All joking aside, researchers have turned to computers to try to gain more insight into the mind of a schizophrenic human. Some researchers at The University of Texas at Austin and Yale University have set up a neural network model ((Via: LabSpaces)) to represent the brain and tweaked things so that it simulated conditions wherein excessive levels of dopamine are present. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is present in large amounts in the brain of a schizophrenic.

    So what did they find out? The neural network model showed that what the dopamine does is to mess with the brain’s ability to remember and forget things. So being schizophrenic is all about not being able to properly forget or ignore things. The result is that people who suffer from schizophrenia make connections that are not present or not real, hence the hallucinations and paranoia.

    On the technical side, the creation of this neural network model is a big feat, which can make way for more studies in the future. However, my worrywart nature cannot help but assert itself. What if this computer schizophrenic state becomes the ground for “complications” in human-computer interaction in the future? Call me paranoid, but once artificial intelligence becomes full-blown, you never know. 😉

    Image via Chris Devers

    Are You a Saboteur?

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    Smash ComputerSaboteur. Doesn’t that word have a nice ring to it? For someone living a “normal” life, the word saboteur brings with it a sense of danger and excitement. While it may not be the most politically (or morally) correct word, saboteur does evoke curiosity.

    So what does this word have to do with you and me?

    According to a study conducted by online back up company Mozy, the best way to get a new computer in the workplace may be to make sure that your current computer does not work properly. In other words, sabotage your current computer! The study’s results also include company-issued mobile phones.

    Now don’t get it wrong – Mozy is not suggesting that workers turn saboteurs. They were merely relaying the answers of 3,000 office workers that they surveyed. These office workers are from the UK, France, and Germany. Some other interesting findings:

    • People working in the UK have the worst situation – they have equipment that is, on the average, more than five years old. In other words, they have the most outdated computers and phones.
    • The French are the most destructive. They have the highest number of responses which reflect the sentiment that deliberately breaking equipment is the best way to get an upgrade.
    • The Germans have the newest equipment – averaging 2.5 years. In general, they also trust their employers to give them an upgrade when necessary. Talk about German efficiency!

    They also found out that people with better computers at home tend to be more frustrated with their work computers. You think???

    Saboteur may sound thrilling, but I think that that may not be the best way to impress your boss, don’t you think? Oh, and it will not work for home-based people like me who buy our own computers. Definitely not. So, exciting or not, this one is not going to be a saboteur any time soon. How about you?

    Via Backup Review
    Image via Examiner

    Battlestar Galactica PC Mod

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    Here’s another DIY project for you. It may be a tad more complicated than the DIY mobile phone stand I wrote about the other day, but you will not regret looking at these images.

    Battlestar Galactica may very well be the best sci-fi TV show ever created, and those who fell in love with it know the emptiness that the end of the show brought. If you think I am exaggerating, go get the DVDs and watch!

    So anyway, this guy called Boddaker must have been a hardcore fan, as he created a modified PC set up about three years ago, based on BSG. It may be three years old, but I think staring at the images will never get old. Words will not do his creation any justice, so here, take a look – and have something ready to wipe that drool.

    The set up in all its glory.

    The most welcome sight for many a pilot in the show – and the stressed out viewers as well.

    Ingenious use of the logo.

    Roslin’s favorite weapon. This one’s not so deadly and looks prettier, I think.

    And how many times did DRADIS give you a near-heart attack while watching the series?

    If those images are not enough to satisfy you, here is a video from the creator.

    And if you want to give this a try yourself, here are the specs.

    • EVGA nForce 590 SLI motherboard
    • AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ CPU
    • Two EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS graphics cards in SLI
    • 4GB (2x2GB) Crucial Ballistix Tracer Red DDR2 800MHz
    • Cooler Master 850W modular PSU
    • Pioneer slimline slot loading DVD drive
    • Logitech G15 keyboard and G9 mouse
    • IZ3D 22″ 3D monitor
    • Western Digital RaptorX 150GB HD (x2)
    • Swiftech pump, blocks
    • Black Ice Stealth 360 radiator
    • PC Ice clear fluid
    • Primoflex red tubing
    • 10″ LCD
    • 2.5″ LCD (x3)

    You can probably one-up this guy simply because of developments in technology, but he will always be the first to execute such a concept.

    Via bit-tech

    Meet Tenius, the Most Beautiful DIY Computer You’ll See This Week

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    Tenius DIY Computer
    Tenius

    It’s a speaker! Or maybe it’s a piece of decorative furniture. No, it’s actually a fully functional computer, and it’s called Tenius.

    The device is a DIY computer designed and made by modder Gtek. He describes the Tenius as a prototype of a miniITX based system. The casing is made of solid walnut and aluminum – a perfect blend of beauty and technology. [Read more…] about Meet Tenius, the Most Beautiful DIY Computer You’ll See This Week

    SUR40 Touchscreen Table Computer

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    Touchscreen table computer
    SUR40

    Remember that awesome table (cum computer) that Tony Stark had? I bet you’ve wanted one ever since you saw the movie. I know I have been lusting after it. Then again, the same can be said of Iron Man himself. But I digress.

    Your dreams of a touchscreen table computer is becoming reality, albeit falling way short of what Iron Man had at his disposal. We have heard of surface computers before, but the result of the collaboration between Samsung and Microsoft might just blow everything out of the water! [Read more…] about SUR40 Touchscreen Table Computer