New Solid-State Batteries From Samsung/MIT Could "Last A Lifetime"

Batteries. We need them for almost everything we use. They're in our laptops, our smartphones, our video game controllers, our remotes, and anything we use that is now wireless. But the one thing wrong with batteries in today's world is that they are finite. Eventually, they will run out of power and there's not a whole lot we can do about that. Or is there?

Researchers have recently developed a new material for a basic battery component that, according to them, will allow almost any battery indefinite power storage. This new material, known as a solid electrolyte, could increase battery life as well as battery storage capacity and safety as liquid electrolytes are the leading cause of battery fires.

The standard lithium-ion batteries that we use today use a liquid electrolyte. This liquid electrolyte is an organic solvent that has been known to overheat and cause fires in things like cars, commercial airliners and even smartphones. With a solid electrolyte, there is absolutely no safety problem whatsoever.

According to Gerbrand Ceder, a professor of materials science and engineering at MIT and one of the main researchers on the project, "You could throw it against the wall, drive a nail through it - there's nothing there to burn." In addition to that, a solid-state electrolyte will have virtually no degradation, which means that such batteries could last through "hundreds of thousands of cycles," Ceder continued.

Organic electrolytes also have limited electrochemical stability, which means that they lose their ability to produce an electrical charge over time. In addition to MIT, scientists from the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, the University of California at San Diego and the University of Maryland also conducted research on the project.

The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Materials and the researchers described the solid-state electrolytes as an improvement over the current lithium-ion batteries we are using today. Electrolytes are one of three main components in a battery along with anode and cathode terminals.

The electrolyte component of the battery separates the battery's positive cathode and negative anode terminals while allowing the flow of ions between terminals. A chemical reaction then takes place between the two terminals, producing an electric current.

Previous problems with solid electrolytes are that they were incapable of conducting ions fast enough to be efficient energy, producers. The team of researchers from MIT and Samsung say that they have overcome that problem. Another advantage of a solid-state lithium-ion battery is that it can perform under very cold temperatures with Ceder calling this breakthrough "a real game-changer" that creates an "almost perfect battery".

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Acer's Aspire Z3-710 All-In-One Gets Windows 10

On Monday, Acer announced that its 23.8-inch Aspire Z3-710 Series of all-in-one desktop PCs are saving you some time by shipping with Windows 10. so you won't have to do the free upgrade from Windows 8.1.

The Z3-710-UR55 at $750 and Z3-710-UR54 at $900 will be the two models that ship with Windows 10. The Z3-710-UR55 comes with an Intell Core i3-4170T dual-core processor clocked at 3.2GHz with 3MB of cache, 6GB of DDR3L RAM, 1TB hard drive, DVD writer, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 + LE, 1080p webcam, three USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, GbE LAN, and stereo speakers.

The Z3-710-UR53 has a Core i5-4590T quad-core processor clocked at 2GHz with 6MB of cache and 8GB of RAM. If you're just using general purpose computing chores, it might not be worth the additional $150 as you only get 2GB of additional RAM. Even with the processor being an upgrade in cores and cache, it really is a downgrade in clock speed.

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Acer says that both systems come with a slim 1.4-inch chassis with a display that can tilt from 5 to 25 degrees using only two fingers. If these don't sound as appealing to you, Acer still offers the Z3-710-UR59, which is a Windows 8.1 model, only at $700. It has an Intel Pentium G3260T dual-core clocked at 2.9GHz, 4GB of RAM, and 1TB HDD. All of the systems sound pretty cool and the fact that they are All-in-Ones is a definite bonus. You just need to find which one bests suits your needs.

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Most Popular Programming Languages State by State

When it comes to programming languages, most people probably can't name more than 2. Popular answers to this question typically include languages like C++ or JavaScript, but there is a whole host of other languages out there for people to use. And just because you've never heard of one doesn't mean that it isn't the most popular programming language on the other side of the country.

Silicon Valley may be the hotbed of new and exciting tech, but most programmers and developers are working hard in other industries, like big business. A recent programmer Q&A from the site Experts Exchange delved deep into its own data to determine what exactly the most popular programming languages are in the United States.

The survey took a look at who was asking questions about which programming languages, which was one of the factors in determining which states used which programming languages. In addition to that, users who were qualified "Experts" on the site seemed to favor PHP heavily.

If you look at the data and simply go off of the number of questions asked then it's clear to see that Microsoft's .NET programming language is seeing increased use. However, most people in the business are not surprised by these results.

PHP is a script language that is pretty much the standard with web developers, despite the fact that a lot of programmers don't seem to like all that much. Going along with that, .NET is a Microsoft standard that isn't exactly the most talked about but it is a good entrance for coders who are just getting started with learning to build apps around Microsoft platforms, platforms which are widely used in the business world.

What this data also does is show those in the Silicon Valley that the popularity of the newest programming languages is insignificant when compared to the driving force of existing options. Some of the more trendy languages, like Ruby on Rails and Swift, don't even appear on the list.

So what are the most popular programming languages in the country? Here's the list:

• ASP
• Cold Fusion
• C++
• C#
• Delphi
• Java
• JavaJ2EE
• JavaScript
• .NET
• PHP
• Powershell
• Python
• Shell
• SQL
• VisualBasic

Just to note, West Virginia and North Dakota didn't return any significant data....coders must not exist there.

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How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?”

Today I will briefly explain:

Where is Windows Update? 

How do you install the Window’s updates? 

What are optional updates?

Turning on Automatic updates

Dealing with window update errors

 

Where is Windows Update?

In Windows 7:

 

Go to your start button, and type in windows update.  You will see this option pop up like my picture below!

 

 

 

How-To install the Window’s updates 

Click on that option once you see it, and a new window will open, and you will click on ‘Check for Updates’.  This will run for a while, and so be patient!

Notice below it states you have 14 important updates, and 37 optional updates.  These 2 choices are in the blue lettering on the left.

We are going to install the ‘important updates’ first, and you notice that is in black text right above the ‘install updates’ button I’m pointing at in the picture.

Keep in mind depending on your internet speed, file size, number of updates, or a number of other factors this process may go for a while, or be rather quick.

BE PATIENT!!

You will notice the message will tell you that windows is downloading the files first, and then they install them. 

Most of the time the installations aren’t quick enough for you NOT to notice both steps. 

In the picture below the files were already downloaded, and it’s installing update 15.

There are times in which one update needs to be downloaded and installed all by itself.  Other times you will notice they all install at the same time.

 

See below that only three updates downloaded and installed.  Yet, the computer told us we had 14!  This is a perfect example to show you what I was talking about above.  Make sure you save any files, or programs you were working on, and then hit the ‘restart’ now button.

Keep in mind that your restart and shut down may go a little slower, because the computer is processing these new files, updates, etc.  Again, that doesn’t happen all the time!  Yet, if the file is large?  It will take longer than normal.

Once the computer has started up again you will need to follow the steps we did once again, and install the next set of updates.  You will be doing this until all of them have been completed.  We will move on to the optional updates later, but we do need to take care of the important ones to keep your computer running properly.

 

Working with Optional Updates

Once you have the IMPORTANT updates done you move on the optional updates.   If you remember we had 37 optional updates!

Instead of just ‘installing updates’ we may need to look at these optional updates.  You can do that by clicking on the blue words, ‘37 optional updates are available’.  Then a new screen with a list of the updates will be provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to look at the updates since their OPTIONAL to see if want them or not!

Optional updates could be software updates to some of your hardware like your printer, or as we see below they are offering language packs.

If you speak Japanese?  You may want this one, and that is why it is selected by clicking on it.  If you don’t want the others?  Notice those are left blank.  You can pick all of them, or none of them!

At times you may not recognize what the optional update is, and you can either Google (search engine) the title of the update…or in some cases use some discernment with the title (for example Microsoft security fix) and choose to install it.

Again, you want to continue to do the windows update until FINALLY you have completed all of them!

When you have done all your windows updates, and optional updates you will get the below message! 

YEAH!  Your done!

 

Turning on Automatic updates

Majority of time people like to turn on automatic update notifications for  Windows Update.  This way your computer lets you know that updates are available!  You would get a similar notification like this at the bottom of your screen – on the left hand side.

(Notice the icon at the bottom!)

To Turn on Automatic Updates yourself, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type Windows update in the search box, and then click Windows Update 

1. In the left pane, click Change settings.
2. Select the option that you want.
3. Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates or Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates check box, and then click OK.

Depending on your comfort level in this area you choose which is better for you.  Most go with the recommended option!

 

How-To Deal With Update Errors

 

From time to time you may get an update error, and the ‘try again’ option will work.

At times these errors could be that your internet is slow at the moment, or I have found at times a restart of the computer helps the error fix itself…and it finishes!

Notice the Code 66A, and it gives you link for help if all else fails.

If the article it links to makes no sense to you?  Google the error.  For example, “Windows 7 Update Code 66A”.  Check to see if other’s have dealt with this error, and read how they solved it!

 

Finally, remember windows updates are important for your computer!  You need to continue to check for updates from time to times on your own.  They claim the automatic updates will tell you when its time, but we have to remember this a machine.

If you haven’t see the reminder in a while?  Do your windows update manually once again like I have shown you, and keep it UP TO DATE!

 

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today’s lesson on “How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?”

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How-To do Windows Updates for Windows 8.1

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To do Windows Update for Windows 8.1?”

 

If you have Windows 8 there is an update to Windows 8.1.  Please check the Microsoft page to see if you are eligible! 

Today I will briefly explain:

Where is Windows Update? 

How do you install the Window’s updates? 

What are optional updates?

Turning on Automatic updates

 

Where is Windows Update?

In Windows 8:

You want to click or swipe on the right hand side of your screen to bring your charms bar UP!

 

At the very top you will see the ‘search’ option, and you need to click on that.    Then type “Windows Update”  Then select it.

 

OR You can also search under the ‘settings’ option.  Then you start typing, “Windows Update” !

 

Click on Windows update, and the Windows Update box will open.

Some people choose to go directly to the PC Settings, and then to ‘update and recovery” like the picture below

(I personally just click search, and type in windows update)

Click the ‘check now’ to find the most up to date list available.

This may run for a while, unless you have been updating all long.

(Keep in mind below I will be using some windows 7 pictures for this lesson, because the screens are very similar in Windows 8)

When its complete you will get a similar looking message about the different updates YOUR computer will need!  The important section is similar to what we see below:

 

Notice it says 14 important updates and 37 optional ones.  That is the blue letters on the left hand side of my picture above.

With Time majority of the ‘important’ ones are done automatically by windows 8.1 when you enable your computer to do that.  We will show you that later on! 

 

How-To install the Window’s updates 

 

Then you have the button on the right  that states “install updates”. 

 

 

Now when you click that button your computer will attempt to download, and then install those updates that Microsoft stated your computer needs. 

It will take a while for the updates to first download, and then install.  If your files are small?  It will be much quicker!

Be patient!

Once the process is complete your computer may ask you to restart the computer to finish the installation.

 

When you restart you may see something similar to the below picture, because Windows 8 is completing its installation!

 

 

Keep in mind some updates need to be done by themselves, and other updates can be grouped together to install properly. 

Don’t ask me why, but windows update doesn’t always tell you that.  You will sometimes notice the computer telling you it only updated 3 out of the 14 updates.  Then asks you to ‘restart computer’.  That normally gives me the first clue that they needed to be installed separately.

Go ahead and allow the computer to restart.  The computer should restart on its own, but allow time for this.  It maybe slower to shut down and restart than your used too.

Once the computer is restarted?  Please do the above steps again for windows update, and install the remaining ones that are needed. 

 

Working with Optional Updates

Once you have the IMPORTANT updates done you move on the optional updates.   In the below picture you should see ‘Show All Available Updates” in blue letters.  You click on that!

Some of the optional updates you may recognize the program (like your printer for example) , and below I’m showing an update for Skype.   You make sure the box has the checkmark in it if you want the update, and you click install in the bottom right hand part of the picture below. 

 

I don’t use that program, and I’m sure Dell loaded on my machine when I bought it.  I left that ‘optional’ update unchecked.  You notice the ‘install’ area is greyed out, because I didn’t select this optional update.

I would say majority of the time you won’t recognize what the updates are for, and you can either google them…or install them.  It’s up to you, and that’s why they are called ‘optional’.

Again, you want to continue to do the windows update until FINALLY you have completed all of them!

When you have done all your windows updates, and optional updates you will get the below message! 

YEAH!  Your done!

 

Turning on Automatic updates

Majority of time people like to turn on automatic update notifications for  Windows Update

Let’s go back to the charm bar!  Then click on settings!

 

 

Notice at the VERY bottom you will see, “Change PC settings”.  Click there.

At the very bottom click update and recovery.

 

On the right in red letters click:  Choose how updates get installed

At the top you have a pull down menu, and two places that you can select WHAT you wish! 

Depending on your comfort level in this area you choose which is better for you.  Most go with the recommended option!

What is nice about updates compared to past operating systems (in my opinion) is updates are done behind the scenes, and I don’t even know its working.  I still do windows updates regularly, and check for optional updates out of habit. 

With Windows 8 you may also get a similar as below, but it will state that they already installed your updates.  They will ask you to restart the computer.

(Notice the icon at the bottom!)

Keep in mind computers are machines, and if you haven’t see the reminder in a while?  Do your windows update manually once again like I have shown you, and keep it UP TO DATE!

You will notice when you go to shut down your computer updates were done behind the scenes, and they ask you WHEN they can install them. 

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today’s lesson on “How-To do Windows Update for Windows 8.1?”

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Google Looking For Redemption With Google Glass For Enterprise

I guess the Science Fiction-esque future that Google Glass suggested in its ads is a little bit further ahead of us than Google realized. Google Glasses were all but a huge consumer flop. The general public just wasn't ready for goofy-looking, augmented reality glasses.

But that doesn't mean this product is dead, at least not yet. According to a recent FCC filing discovery, 9to5Google revealed the next version of Google Glass. This edition will be geared towards applications that are used in the enterprise space, leaving out the novelty consumer-oriented functions that were featured in the first "Explorer Edition".

The "Enterprise Edition" Google Glass is said to sport a larger prism display for a better augmented experience. This serves as an attempt to minimize eye strain many early glass users complained about.

Additionally the Enterprise Edition will drop the Texas Instruments processor for an Intel Atom processor which will be faster and have better battery life than existing Android Wear smartwatches.

While the Explorer Edition often overheated or ran out of batteries, Enterprise Edition promises to run cooler, even with the additional external battery pack Google is experimenting with.

The last thing cited in the report was a super-fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi with dual-band support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless channels, meaning even faster video streaming.

Google's decision to shift their Glass strategy towards enterprise customers is a huge, but intelligent shift. Yes, Google, assisting with specialized medical, law enforcement, or even business applications seems more important than letting consumers play virtual reality games.

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Crytek's CryEngine Embraces Linux

Linux gaming is starting to catch on and build up some momentum. Following in the footsteps of Valve’s Source engine, Epic’s Unreal Engine 4, and Unity 5, Crytek's CryEngine supports Linux. This also means that it will have support for SteamOS. This also means that it will be way easier for developers who are currently making games on these engines to add support for Linux.

Even with this, developers will still have to go a little out of their way and do some work in order to add Linux support to their Steam games, so every game that comes out won't have it. So don't get your hopes up on that. But either way, there will be a lot of titles coming out in the future and the technology will become more widely adopted. It reduces the effort needed by a lot.

This might not be huge news to all of the indie game players out there. Smaller companies might not want to invest the extra time into adding support for Linux, but for the huge, new AAA games the cost of porting them to Linux goes way down, and because SteamOS is a really promising, big new platform, it's starting to look like a much better idea to these big gaming companies. When the core engine of the game already supports that platform, everything else is pretty simple because all the hard work is already done.

On top of all that, engines that already support Linux should get a huge improvement in the quality of ports. Some of the Linux games currently on Steam use a lot of Windows coding and Direct3D, which makes performance a little bit problematic for Linux users. This new change will mean that developers can do away with whatever tricks they were using to make Windows code run (badly) on top of Linux.

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