Computer Microprocessors - Intel vs AMD

Intel vs AMD

Anyone who has been remotely associated with a computer has heard of Intel, regardless of whether he knows even the basic facets of a microprocessor.
Now, geeks of course, will cry foul if we leave AMD(Advanced Micro Devices) out, but the fact remains that Intel is still light years ahead of AMD when we talk about publicity – globally that is.

By Jolly, isn’t Intel ahead of AMD?

Talking about computing, is a different story altogether. For a long time, AMD had been nibbling away at Intel’s empire, falling short of the big brother’s powerhouses.
That was until it launched the AMD Athlon64 microprocessors which had almost got Intel by the throat.

Intel had been the industry leader in micro-processors till then with its forte being the performance of its Pentium Series.
During those times, Intel embarked on the Netburst architecture as its future plan for the next ten years (in 2000). And AMD concentrated on building 64-bit architecture and dual core processing as its objective.

Pretty soon, Intel realized that the Netburst line was not going the right way and cut short the plan to three years. But, by then, AMD was already ahead and going on, with its plans for launching the Athlon64. and then the dual-core version (Opteron) of the same in April 2005.

Most industry experts would agree that the AMD Athlon64 was probably the best micro-processor at that time for desktop PCs, outrunning the Intel Pentium D processor across all platforms. And along with it, came the accusations of poor quality of processors from Intel and for building sub-standard stuff.

All that and much more changed with the arrival of the Intel Core 2 Duo. Code-named Conroe, independent analysts agreed that this processor was one of the finest pieces of silicon ever manufactured, going over close to 20% of performance hike over its AMD counterparts. Close on the heels of the dual-core processor, came the Quad-core line from Intel, bolstering its stand.

All said and done, one would say that if you are looking for the best chip for your computer, look no further than Intel (That is for now, of course).

If you think that the battle between Intel and AMD hinges purely on the performance of their micro-processors, then you are wrong. Both parties have a history of litigation against each other, about broken agreements, copyright infringement (by Intel over its MMX series) and AMD complaining of arm-twisting by Intel for stopping its entry into global markets.
However, AMD has already proved itself and made sure that Intel stays on its toes and delivers in the micro-processor market.

Diamond Heart Jewelry: Check For Imperfections

The round brilliant cut is seen as the gold standard for diamond cuts. Designed to maximize the potential of a diamond's brilliance, this cut is also known as the most improvident, with over half of the raw diamond disposed of to get to this ideal shape. Not to say that diamonds should exclusively come in this shape only. In fact, the diversity of diamond cuts adds to their overall appeal.

And diamond heart jewelry is as desirable as it gets. Heart cuts have a lot in common with the pear cut, but vary in height and width. The heart cut retains some brilliance found in the round brilliant cut, but also exhibits the diamond's other qualities, like clarity. Bear in mind that this shape was not invented casually. The heart cut is essentially the pear cut with a cleft added in.

Admittedly, diamond heart jewelry is not for everyone. Some people may feel that it is too juvenile to use in their wedding rings. Still, it is hard to question the romantic appeal of the heart shape. Since it is a relatively new cut, there are less regulations in making heart cut diamonds compared to round brilliant.

In comparison, with round brilliant cut diamonds, your primary concern really is just the brilliance of the piece. Diamond makers improved on Tolkowsky's Ideal Cut, the original standard for the round cut. Thanks to advances in the science of refraction and manufacturing technology, they're able to utilize a raw diamond's potential to reach maximum brilliance.

It is crucial that you do a quality check before you acquire any diamond heart jewelry. Particularly, you need to check that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. Some imperfections are not visible to the naked eye, but still alter the diamond's value. These imperfections do become apparent under the microscope, and are considered when the finished diamond is graded and priced.

If you prefer to get more value for your investment, you should watch out for enhanced diamonds. These are treatments performed on diamonds after they have been cut and polished, to remove these imperfections. Government regulations require that any enhancements be disclosed to potential buyers. These treatments diminish their value and are only performed on seriously flawed diamonds.

It is vital that you do a quality check before you obtain any heart jewelry. In particular, you need to confirm that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. With round brilliant cut diamonds, your primary consideration really is just the brilliance of the piece. You should be on guard for enhanced diamonds. These are treatments performed on diamonds after they have been cut and polished to excise these imperfections and reduce their value.

Costs to Consider As an IT Contractor

An IT contractor is only as valuable as the skills he or she possesses. The cost of an average degree in IT is around £35 000, which makes it one of the largest investments that you will make in your quest to become an IT professional (contractor or otherwise) and get the jobs that you desire.

Essentially, you will be operating as a business, and as such you will have to choose whether to form a limited company, join an umbrella company or go for the default sole proprietorship. Being your own boss means that you have to handle all of your finances, expenditures and taxes, so it is critical that you choose the best business type to suit your needs.

Tax is an important consideration when deciding which business type to choose. The IR35 became law in 2000 and closed many of the loopholes that were available to those operating under a limited company. This means that many IT contractors with contracts of less than a year long simply joined an umbrella company in order to save costs and reduce all the administrative hassle of handling the financial side of their business.

Umbrella companies offer a range of services that enable IT contractors to focus on their core competencies. The most common services that an umbrella company provides include tax management, accounting and any other administration.

A limited company has some good benefits for IT contractors looking to get involved in a longer term project, that is, projects where contracts are available for one year or longer. Limited companies also enable IT contractors to claim back a wider range of expenses, including accountancy fees, equipment and software costs.

One of the most important tax breaks available to IT contractors is their pension contribution. If you are not currently investing in a pension plan then you are missing out. Pensions offer tremendous tax benefits and can save you having to pay a portion of income tax and employees and employers national insurance contributions among other taxes.

It is important that when deciding on whether to embark on the path of an IT contractor you are aware of the financial costs and opportunity costs that are involved. An umbrella company requires little more than you filling out accurate time sheets, so if you wish to focus on the task at hand and enjoy the income then that is the option for you. However, if you are an entrepreneur at heart, then a limited company may be the best option, the running of which can be made considerably easier by working with an accountant whose speciality is in working with an IT contractor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2282101

Promotional trade show items – Now just a click away

As the name suggests, the promotional trade show items are handed out at trade shows by companies and businesses to generate publicity for their products and services. The promotional trade show items could be anything from keychains, USB drives, bottle openers, articles of clothing, caps, carabiners, and LED items. Ideally, these products can be used in two or more different ways. The best trade show promotional items can be designed creatively and the messages that a business owner would want to highlight can be engraved or imprinted quite easily and without much hassle.
With the coming of age of the Internet, there is another trend that is manifesting itself in this domain. The best providers of promotional gift items and promotional trade show items are now available online. One can access their websites quite easily and know more about the products and services on offer.
There is a lot of competition in this sector and only the best providers are here to stay. These are the manufacturers that use high quality materials and take every care to design products that are attractive to look at and highly functional.
One such manufacturer of personalized promotional items and promotional trade show items is www.promotionalkeychains.biz. You can visit the site and get the best quality gift items and promotional products at reasonable costs.

Promotional Clocks Are Essential Tools In The Office

Promotional clocks essential office tools - promotional clocks are essential tools in the office. Most people know exactly what the clock in their workplace or den looks like because they look at it so often. Everyone in the office looks at the clock regularly, not only to know what time it is, but sometimes to eagerly await the end of the day, or to anticipate the next meeting or appointment.

Imagine how recognizable your logo will be when everyone in a client' s office sees it every time they look at the clock, again and again and again. - wherever people are, they need to know what time it is. Clocks are a completely practical item that nearly every room in a building needs. Most of the time a clock face is blank, but you can capitalize on this very easily. There are different types of promotional clocks that can be used for promotions, ranging from wristwatches to high end desk clocks. By putting your logo or message on the clock face, your exposure is multiplied immeasurably, as you recall, because, people look at the clock multiple times a day. Inexpensive digital wristwatches can be purchased with your company' s logo right on the face, to always remind the wearer of your message.

Small desk clocks can also be customized to your desired logo and can be relatively inexpensive. - this can be given away at trade shows, in company gift baskets, or just in the lobby of your business. Likewise, these can be distributed in the same ways. These can also be items for giveaway at trade shows and conventions, and can possibly even be sold for a modest fee on a company' s website. Wall clocks are perhaps the most effective form of promotional clock, seen by the most people the most often. Another option is to commission a few high end mantle clocks with a tasteful and classy version of your logo on the face of the clock.

If these items are handsome enough, many people will examine them, and sign up, your logo included to win them. - these can used as promotional contest items within your company or on the outside. Much attention will be paid to these clocks and your message will be inspected meticulously. The clock is perhaps the most looked at object in the office and the home, so any company would be wise to take advantage of that amount of face time. The winner of the clock will proudly display it, in their home, and your message or office with pride, adding even further credibility to your quality product. The clock face is virtually a miniature billboard right there in the office and at home, not often taken advantage of.

This, means something that, of course is seen and paid attention to. - promotional items come in all shapes and sizes, but perhaps the most useful item you can select is one that people need and use already. A clock is perfect promotional item for any company that wants their message to be seen again and again.

What All Should A Custom Key Chain Have?

A custom key chain as is self explanatory is one that is custom made to suit one’s specific marketing needs and requirements so to gain maximum benefit out of one’s marketing steps. If you are planning to use this potential tool to advertise your products/services, make sure it has the following things:

-Your company's logo, the slogan, and the colors of your business to help achieve successful and efficient advertisement.

-Your contact information, including your phone number, mobile number, fax number, and email address so that customers know how to get in touch with you when they want your services or products.

-A small write-up/marketing message about your business to give your potential customers information about your specific products and services.

-Direct linking with your business to help the recipients get to know what your do or offer. Custom key chain that is related to your business helps take the guess work out and serves as a strong marketing tool.

-Great quality. No matter whether you choose metal custom keychains or plastic custom promotional item, choose quality over quantity. Great quality help build great business rapport.

If you wish to buy top quality carabiner key chain, metal keychain, plastic keychain, leather keychain, USB keychain, LED flash light keychain, or any other custom keychains made especially for you & your brand, you may visit www.promotionalkeychains.biz

Defining Curative Yoga

More often than not, the western world practices yoga as yet another form of exercise, without evaluating the underlying theory behind this popular program. During yoga the physical self amalgamates with the conscious and liberates from the boundaries of space and time. Hence, the yogic philosophy gyrates around the concept of cause-effect relationship i.e. Karma and Reincarnation. A divine science that originated in 3000 B.C.,and documented in the Upanishads.

Is yoga exclusively an exercise extracted from the East? Or it has an essential purpose and meaning in our lives?

Yogic exercises expel the poisonous substances from the body, and purifies the body, mind and consciousness. Curative yoga activates the energy that has languished and accumulated in the body, responsible for developing diseases. It liberates the torpid energy and balances the neuro-hormones and body metabolism. Furthermore, it improves the health of body organs and systems essential for vigorous life. It is a wholesome form of exercise that connects the body, mind and consciousness; enhances concentration; cures diseases and regresses the aging process.

Warrior, corpse, camel, locust; dog face down, anulom vilom and west posture are few yogic exercises that helps improves circulation, cardiovascular function and cures respiratory diseases.

Since, these exercise positions concentrate on squatting on hand, which assists in toning the muscles of the back, arms, abdomen and legs. Consequently, improving the digestive system, aids in weight loss and makes the body supple and flexible.

Enroll in a yoga class and drive soak up the benefits of this holistic healing process.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gunjan_Massey

Trackers for Vans Remove Hurdles for Fleet Management

There are a number of people whose work involes in providing fleet management services. Trackers for vans are necessary for people whose vans are running on the road. Such a tracker plays a very important role in monitoring the halts, location, speed and mileage covered by their vans. Van owners are however looking for various ways to maximize the productivity and depreciate the overall infrastructure cost of their vans by installing vehicle tracking devices. Trackers for vans ensure to save time, money and energy by monitoring the drivers. Moreover, they enhance productivity of corporations by not allowing the drivers to miss use of vans.

Importance of trackers for vans

Trackers for vans are employed by companies to escape from potential damage and theft. With the installation of such a device, owners of the vans can have vigil on the vehicles when running on the roads. Van trackers are considered as highly demanded equipments generally installed in the vehicles to act as data mapping control unit for the process. The trackers alert fleet managers about the whereabouts of their vehicle running on the roads. With the presence of the trackers, people can get information concerning their vehicles round the clock without any hurdle.

Trackers put significant effect on business

People employ a tracker for van as it puts a significant effect on business. This is a fact that such a device depreciates the customer complaints and strengthen the customer relations for the long run, and thus enhances the productivity. The devices has reduced accidents and increased productivity to the great extent.

Buying trackers for vans from online stores

A simple serch through the internet is very helpful to come across a number of websites offering GPS enabled tracking devices at affordable rates. Their products are unique and exclusive in the market; therefore people from all over the world prefer online stores to buy vehicle tracking devices. To buy a GPS enabled tracking device, a fleet owner needs to put extensive search through the internet. After finding a reputed and established online store, he/she should apply for requirement. So, why getting late?