Tech Troupe

BlackBerry Curve 8310 Specs

BlackBerry Curve 8310 Red (Multimedia Phone)

The gorgeous BlackBerry Curve 8310 for AT&T really sets a high bar on style and functionality. Like all BlackBerry devices, the BlackBerry Curve 8310 provides possibly the best on-the-go email and calendar solution for mobile professionals. But this new BlackBerry Curve 8310 includes a 2.0 Megapixel camera, GPS, a rich experience media player, voice dialing and stereo Bluetooth. Built for smartphone lovers with a sense of style, the BlackBerry Curve 8310 is dressed for success.

Highlights

• Smallest, Smartest, Most Stylish Full QWERTY Keyboard BlackBerry Yet
• Powerful On-the-go Email Solution When Used With AT&T BlackBerry Add-on Plan Features
• Advanced Bluetooth Wireless Technology Supports Streaming Stereo Music
• Built-in GPS Receiver With Location-based Applications Like BlackBerry Maps
• Integrated Media Player Provides An Outstanding Music and Video-on-the-go Experience
• Full Backlit QWERTY Keypad
• 2.0 Megapixel Camera Shoots Print-quality Photos With Expandable Memory
• Stay Connected Everywhere You Go – Internationally CompatibleMessaging Features
  • Mobile Web Browsing – Full HTML Web browsing, One-touch Access, BlackBerry Maps Support
  • Multimedia Messaging – Yes, With Messaging or MEdia Add-on Rate Plan Feature
  • Text Messaging (SMS) – Yes, Plus Group Messaging, With Messaging or MEdia Add-on Rate Plan Feature, Spell Checker
  • Email Client – Amazing “Push” Real-time Email, Integrate w/ Up To 10 Accounts, VPN, POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Spell Checker
  • Instant Messenger – Yes, BlackBerry Messenger Pre-loaded, Spell Checker

  Entertainment

  • MP3 Player – Yes, WMA Music and WMV Video Files Supported, Playlists, Shuffle
  • Polyphonic Ringtones – Yes
  • MP3 Ringtones – Yes, MP3 Real Music Ringtones Supported, Downloadable
  • Ringer Profiles – Yes
  • Games – Yes, Downloadable Java Titles
  • Customizable Graphics – Yes, Downloadable

  Digital Camera

  • Digital Camera – Yes, 2.0 Megapixels (1600 x 1200 Pixel Resolution Max), Flash, Self-timer
  • Camera Megapixels – 2 Megapixels

  Advanced Features

  • Attachment Viewing (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – Yes, View Word and Excel Documents Attached to Emails
  • Bluetooth Wireless Technology – Yes, v2.0, Headset, Handsfree and Serial Port Profiles Supported
  • QWERTY Keyboard – Yes, Full QWERTY Keyboard With Backlight With Spell Checker
  • GPS Services Support – Yes, Built-in GPS Locator And Applications Like BlackBerry Maps Built-in and Telenav
  • Bluetooth Stereo Headset (A2DP) – Yes, Stream Stereo Music To and From Compatible (A2DP) Bluetooth Devices
  • PC Synchronization – Yes, Seamlessly Synchronize Your Address Book, Calendar, Pictures and Email With Your PC
  • Push-to-Talk – Yes, With AT&T Push-to-Talk Feature

  Core Features

  • Color Main Display – 240 x 260 Pixels, Over 65,000 Colors Displayed, Auto-adjust To Ambient Light Saves Battery Life
  • Color – Red
  • Style – PDA/ Candy Bar
  • Warranty – 1 Year BlackBerry Factory Warranty
  • Speakerphone – Yes, Full Duplex
  • Voice-activated Dialing – Yes
  • To-Do List – Yes
  • Alarm – Yes
  • Calculator – Yes
  • Calendar – Yes
  • Vibrate – Yes
  • PDA Device – Yes

  Battery

  • Battery Type – LiIon
  • Standby Time – Up to 14 Days
  • Talk Time – Up to 240 Minutes

  Technical Specifications

  • Mini-USB Port – Yes
  • Application Platform – Java
  • Platform / Operating System – BlackBerry OS 4.2.2
  • Data Download Speed – EDGE (Up to 144 Kbps)
  • Network Compatibility – GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900
  • Compatible Carrier – AT&T
  • Ringtone Types Supported – MP3, MIDI, AAC, AAC+, eAAC, WMA
  • Internationally Compatible – Yes
  • Expandable Memory Capacity – MicroSD Card Format Compatible
  • Dimensions – 4.2 in x 2.4 in x 0.6 in
  • Built-In Memory – 64MB
  • Weight – 4.2 oz
  • TTY Compatible – Yes

  Compatible Rate Plans

  • Device Supports Voice Plans – Yes
  • Device Supports Blackberry Plans – Yes
  • Device Supports Add-on Line Plans – Yes
  • Device Supports AT&T High-End Voice Plans – Yes
  • Available For Purchase Without Service Plan – Yes

  Compatible Features

  • AT&T Voice Plan Options – Yes
  • AT&T Messaging Plan Options – Yes
  • AT&T BlackBerry Plan Options – Yes
  • AT&T Push To Talk Plan Options – Yes
  • AT&T GPS Plan Options – Yes
  • AT&T Mobile Backup Options – Yes

Here are the specs for the Blackberry 9630 Series smartphone.

BlackBerry® Tour™ 9630 smartphone model number: RCF71CW or RCF72CW

1.  Don’t panic. Relax. Take a deep breath.

Many computer problems appear more serious than they really are.

It may look like the computer has crashed and all your data is lost forever. But there are a host of problems that keep you from reaching your data or the network that can be fixed, sometimes in a matter of minutes.

Most of the time your data is safely stored on your hard drive, as the problem lies elsewhere.

That’s not to say catastrophic data loss doesn’t happen – it can, but not very often.

2. Make sure there really is a problem.

Can’t start your computer? Check the basics.

1. Examine the cables, connectors, and power cords to make sure they’re plugged in securely.  Often times a loose cable or connector (power, network, keyboard, mouse, speaker, monitor cable, etc.) is the cause of the problem.

2. If you’re using a power strip or a surge protector, make sure it’s on and that it works. Remember that a surge protector may not be working because it is designed to self-destruct. When an electric jolt is too much, your surge protector takes the hit saving your more expensive hardware from the voltage.

3. Try plugging something else directly into the electrical outlet to make sure there isn’t a power problem.

4. Check to see if your monitor is on.  Sounds silly, but it has solved my own problem more than once.

3. Can’t get on to the network or the Internet?

1. Check to see if anyone else around you is having a similar problem. If so, there may be a service outage affecting a wider area

2. Check to make sure the network cable is connected to both the computer and the wall or modem.

3. Check where the network cable connection is made to the back of the computer, you should see a little green light right where the cable connects.  If the light isn’t on or flashing, then you are not getting a signal to the computer.  If rebooting doesn’t fix it, contact the Help Desk or your ISP.

4. Error Messages – Write them down.
         1. What tipped you off to the problem? Sometimes it’s an error code or message displayed on screen. Be sure to write it down — it may describe the problem and how serious it is. Be sure to document the exact wording of any error messages.  This can make the job a professional much faster.
         2. Other times you get no warning — everything just freezes. Message or no message, be sure note what was going on when the problem occurred. Were you starting your computer? Were you on the Windows Desktop? Were you in a particular application? Surfing the Web?

5. Think about what changed recently on your computer.

Try to pinpoint when the trouble first started. Did the problem coincide with any recent changes?

1. Did you change any settings?  If you did you might want to change them back the way they were.

2. Any peripherals been added or removed recently (such as a printer or external Memory Card reader?)

3. Has anyone else been using your computer recently?

4. Have downloaded anything off the Web?  File sharing and free MP3’s are an easy way to get a virus on your machine.

6. The computer is on but…

1. Everything on the screen is frozen and the keyboard and mouse are not responding.

Try tapping on the Num Lock key.  It’s located on the right-hand side of the keyboard above the number 7. While tapping the Num Lock key, notice whether or not the Num Lock light goes on and off. If it doesn’t, the computer is completely locked up.  You’ll have to REBOOT the computer.  If the light does go off and on, wait a minute before giving up hope.  It may come back to life on its own.

2. Pressing Alt + F4

If a software program stops working or freezes up, try pressing the ALT+F4 keys to close the window that you’re currently working in.  This can shut down a frozen window and bring the computer back to life.  If the keyboard is frozen as well, you’ll have to reboot.

 3. The “Blue Screen” has appeared.

The dreaded “Blue Screen of Death”. There’s not a lot to be done except to reboot the machine.  If it keeps occurring, this is an indication of a major problem with the computer.

 4. The computer is on, but there is no sound.

Is there a speaker icon next to the clock on the taskbar? (It’s in the lower right side of the screen)  If you can find it, double click the speaker icon to bring up the audio controls for the computer.  See if any of the volume controls have been muted or turned all the way down.  Uncheck any Mute boxes that are selected.

5. The computer is on, but the keyboard doesn’t work

Swap the keyboard or try plugging the keyboard into another computer. If it doesn’t work on the other computer, there is likely something wrong with the keyboard. If it does work on the other computer, there is likely something wrong on the computer or the connection to the computer.

6. CTRL-ALT-DEL

When you press the Ctrl-Alt-Delete buttons together, you will bring up a control panel where you can select “Task Manager” and see if any of the programs are shown as “not responding”.   You may be able to shut down the offending program from there.  If you can’t get to this screen, you’ll have to reboot.

7. Rebooting can do wonders.

Don’t just pull the plug!

A simple reboot may clear up the problem. Go to the Start Menu and select Shutdown. Didn’t work?

If that didn’t work, you have no choice: you have to turn the computer off manually with the power switch. Hold the power button down (for  about 5 -10 seconds) and the computer will shut down.  Wait at least 10 seconds for the hard drive to stop spinning and then restart the machine.

If the computer starts up, start the applications you were using when the crash occurred. Some programs, like Microsoft Word, make timed backups of your work and may bring up recovered files. If the program notifies you that there is a “recovered document” save the file under a different name and compare them to your previously saved files.

8. Still Stuck??

Call a professional, or a friend, or a friend of a professional. You need somebody to take a look at your computer and hopefully fix it.

Computer Monitor : What is it?

Computer monitors display text and images generated by computers. They usually have plastic or carbon frames and glass viewing screens, which can display graphics in monochrome, gray-scale, and color. Their resolutions range from 1024 x 768 pixels, which is the SVGA standard, to as much as 1600 x 1200 in high-end models. They connect to the computer through VGA port or DVI, and can be placed on desktops, walls, or ceiling mounted.

Kinds of Computer Monitors:

CRT Computer Monitors

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) computer monitors provide sharp, vibrant displays ideal for home and office use. They are larger and bulkier than the modern LCD or flat screen displays. Some models are made with special screens that eliminate screen glare. They have front buttons located at the bottom for adjusting screen brightness, contrast, position, size, shape, and color. Most models are compatible with Macintosh and PC operating systems.

Flat Screen Computer Monitors

Flat Screen Computer Monitors have larger viewing screens and higher resolutions than CRT monitors. They also have higher contrast ratios up to 1000:1, resulting in sharper images and brighter colors. They can be viewed from horizontal or vertical angles, but tend to distort colors from extreme angles. Some models mount onto walls or cabinets using arm mounts. They can accept standard VGA and digital input from DV cameras and other high-end devices. They usually have built-in speakers, security locks, and removable bases.

LCD Computer Monitors

LCD Computer Monitors use electronic liquid crystals to assign color and brightness to each pixel. They have a minimum contrast ratio of 450:1, providing a wider range of color and high-contrast displays. They can be viewed clearly from up to 170 degrees, making them clearly visible from across large rooms. They may also have built-in speakers, security locks, and removable bases.

TFT Computer Monitors

TFT Computer Monitors use active LCD displays that generate pixels at faster rate. They have a minimum contrast ratio of 500:1 and a response time of about 8 ms. They can be arm- or wall-mounted. They usually have built-in speakers, security locks, and removable bases.

Choosing The Best Monitor

Resolution: For heavy graphics applications, choose a computer monitor with a resolution of 1280×1024 pixels or higher.

Screen size: Choose a computer monitor with a 17-inch screen for home or office use. For professional and multimedia applications, choose a screen between 19 and 20 inches for better photo and image viewing.

Aspect ratio: For home use, get a computer monitor with an aspect ratio of 4:3. For office use, choose a wider unit with an aspect ratio of 15:9 or 16:10, which is ideal for displaying presentations.

Due to the affordability of LCD monitors these days (as well as lower energy consumption) this type of monitor would be your best bet. Just simply select the size and aspect ratio you would like. REMEMBER though that a 19″ wide-screen may look a lot different than a 19″ regular screen. When in doubt do to your nearest electronic store and take a look at the different sizes (then come home and buy it cheaper online!!)

Hope this helps.

Application program: A computer program that accomplishes a task or a group of tasks. Examples are work processors and spreadsheets.Bit: Stands for binary digit. The amount of information obtained by asking a simple yes-or-no question. The smallest unit of information on a computer system, stored as a 0 or a 1.

1,000 bytes=1 kilobyte (K or KB) 

1,000 KB=1 megabyte (MB) 

1,000 MB=1 gigabyte (GB) 

1,000 GB=1 Terabyte (TB)

Cache: Cache is another type of memory kindred to RAM. Cache is used by the computer to quickly move data between the RAM and the CPU.

CD-ROM: A removable disk that stores data. A CD-ROM can only be read. You cannot record (save) data onto it. (However, you can record onto a CD-Rewritable disk.) Often called a CD for short, a CD looks like a music CD, but hold data instead of music. However, you can generally play music CDs on your computer CD drive (if you like to listen to music while you work).

Computer: a collection of electronic parts put together so that the computer can run software programs that perform certain tasks. A computer takes input, manipulates data, stores data, and displays data.

CPU: The CPU, or central processing unit, is the brains of the computer. Most new Windows-based programs use a Pentium processor. New Macs use a different type of CPU called Power PC.

Cursor: A graphical object on the screen that indicates your current position. A mouse has a cursor. Many programs have their own cursors.

Diskette: Same as a floppy disk.

DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): A technology that stores more information than a CD-ROM and can be written upon. The disk resembles a CD-ROM but has 7 times the storage capacity.

File: a collection of data with a name.

Floppy disk drive: The mechanism that reads a floppy disk. (On a PC often called the a: drive.)

Floppy disk: A storage medium for data that you can remove from your computer. It isn’t floppy; rather it is hard and doesn’t bend. (In earlier days there were floppy disks that were bendable and the name stuck.)

Gigabyte: 1,000 megabytes. Abbreviated as GB.

Graphical User Interface (GUI): a program that helps you more easily work with your operating system and application programs by providing pictures and visual clues to help you work. Windows is a GUI. So is Mac OS.

Hard drive: The mechanism that reads the hard disk. (On a PC, sometimes called the c: drive.)

Hard disk space: The amount of permanent storage of data, measured in bytes. This storage is maintained whether the computer is on or off

Hard disk: A storage medium for data inside your computer.

Hardware: any part of the computer that you can physically touch. It includes parts that are attached to the computer, called peripherals (monitor, printer, mouse, keyboard, modem, scanner).

Keyboard: What you use to type in text or other data. Like the keyboard of a typewriter. (Do you know what a typewriter is?)

Kilobyte: 1,000 bytes. Abbreviated as K or KB.

Megabyte: 1,000,000 bytes or 1,000 kilobytes. Abbreviated as MB.

Megahertz (MHz): The clock speed of the microprocessor. The higher the number, the quicker the information is processed. MHz relates to how many millions of instructions can be processed per second.

Memory (RAM): The amount of temporary storage of data that you can use at one time. Memory storage closes down when you turn off the computer. For this reason, you need to save your work before you turn off the computer. Saving transfers data from RAM to a hard or floppy disk. Memory is typically measured in megabytes (MBs).When your computer has more memory, it can hold more programs open at one time and handle more complicated processes, such as 3D graphics and animation.

Modem: A means of transferring data via a phone line, usually via the Internet. It can be attached internally or externally. Some modems can also be used for faxing and as an answering machine.

Monitor: The box with a screen that displays the data on your computer, so you can see what you are doing. Larger monitors cost more. Currently the most common size is 17″ or 19.” Monitors vary not only in their size, but in the resolution they can support. (See Resolution.) There are two monitor types: CRT and LCD. The majority of desktop monitors are CRTs, but the new, thin, and more expensive LCD monitors are beginning to appear on some desktops. Monitors emit radiation, so you shouldn’t sit too close!

Motherboard: The circuit board that everything in the computer plugs into. The CPU, RAM and cache all plug into the motherboard.

Mouse: A peripheral that you use to point at or move over objects on your screen. Moving the mouse moves the mouse cursor on the screen so you can see what you’re pointing at. The mouse has one (Mac) or two (PC) buttons. You click the button to choose an item on the screen. You double-click (click twice rapidly in succession) to open programs or windows.

Multitasking: the ability to do more than one task at a time. Since you can actually only do one thing at a time, it really means that the computer can have more than one program in memory at one time, but only one can be fully active. However, inactive programs can be processing data or doing other tasks in the background.

Network: A group of two or more computers linked together.

NIC (Network Interface Card): A card that goes in your computer and lets you connect to a network.

Operating system: tells the computer how to operate. It is a middleman (or woman) between the hardware and the application programs that you use to do your work. It gives you access to the files on your computer, loads application programs into memory, and closes programs.

Peripheral: Anything that attaches to your computer, such as a keyboard, printer, mouse, or external modem.

Port: A connector on your computer that lets you connect a device, such as a monitor, disk drive, mouse, printer, or keyboard. Some common types of ports are: serial for connecting a modem or mouse; parallel port for connecting a printer, scanner, digital camera, ZIP drive, or other device; SCSI for connecting any device made for a SCSI port (all Macs come with a SCSI port); and USB for connecting a scanner, digital camera, printer or any device made for a USB port (most newer PCs and Macs have a USB port).

RAM: See Memory.

Resolution: The degree of sharpness, or clarity, of what you see on a computer screen. The resolution on computer monitors is measured by the number of dots, or pixels, of color that are displayed across and down the screen. For instance, 800×600-pixel resolution means that there are 800 dots of color across each of 600 rows down the screen. Most screens today let you work at 800×600 or 1024×768. As you increase resolution, the size of the characters and images gets smaller, allowing for more information to be displayed across a certain screen area. Be sure to confirm that your computer’s card can support the same maximum resolution as your monitor. If your monitor can go up to 1,280×1,024 but your video system can only handle 800×600, you won’t be able to take advantage of the monitor’s 1,280×1,024 resolution.

Software: any program/application that helps operates the computer or accomplishes certain tasks.

Sound Card: This device allows your computer to reproduce music, sounds and voices. Make sure you have a sound card if you’re planning to play multimedia games. Many Web sites also include music or sound, requiring a sound card.

System Unit (the computer itself): The box that contains the inner workings of the computer.

Many people have asked me how to make a website. Usually they ask if I can do it for them because they’re too scared to even try. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s it’s actually pretty easy to make, design and build a website, with your own domain name, of course!

The first step to making a website is to decide on a domain name (i.e. yahoo.com, techtroupe.com, etc…). It can be anything you want, assuming the name is available. Go over to 1 and 1 and search for domain names that you might be interested in. We also offer an easy domain name checker below, as well. Check it out! Don’t be discouraged if the names you want are all gone, you may just need to be creative in finding the right name; instead of flowersforyou.com maybe try flowers4you.com or flowers4u.com or even flowers-for-you.com, because all three say the same thing just with different domain names. Good luck and happy searching.

The next step in making a website is to have it hosted somewhere. Personally I like 1and1.combecause they have never, ever given me any problems! They are also one of the cheapest hosting companies out there, plus you get free domain names if you register with them.  So, basically they can register your domain, and host it for you, which makes it very easy for anyone just starting out. Also note that you will be able to have your own email address based on your domain name such as yourname@yourdomain.com. This, of course, will make any business card or company header seem much more professional than using a free email account at yahoo, gmail or hotmail. In fact, you don’t even need to put up a website; simply register your domain and sign up for an email service instead so that you get the great email without having to deal with running a website.

Once you decide on a company you will need to know which plan to select because most hosting companies offer many different plans. If you’re thinking of running a blog like this one then you won’t need much in terms of bandwidth or disk space. ANY plan at 1and1.com will be able to host a blog or small website like this one. Of course if you’re looking to sell items in a webstore then you would need to select and ecommerce-type plan that offers the programs and scripts built-in like item listing and credit card billing. Don’t worry if you select the wrong plan as you can always upgrade, or downgrade, by contacting customer service (and, yes, they have great customer service!).

Once you have a domain name and a hosting plan then the next step is figuring out what you want to do witht site. 1and1.com offers easy to use templates to get your website up and running quickly. You can use those templates or search the web for free ready-made templates to use as your design. You can also create your own design by using a WYSIWYG html editor such as Microsoft Front Page or use a free html editor like Nvu. If you want to run a blog then I would suggest using WordPress as it’s the easiest to install and use.

If you go with a blog, template from the web or you just want to create your own you will need to upload it to the site via FTP. When you signed up for a hosting account they will send you an email message that contains important information and passwords including your FTP account info. You will need to use that info in order to access your website and upload files. Internet Explorer has FTP built-in or you can always download an FTP client from download.com.

VISIT 1AND1.COM FOR MORE INFO