In the early days of computing, mainframe users accessed their systems using a dumb terminal. Dumb terminals are input/output devices with no processing capability and only enough memory to decipher particular control codes. Dumb terminals were most commonly found in large organizations with the need to process immense numbers of data transactions, such as financial institutions.

In 1988, IBM introduced the AS400(R) as a server solution for midsize businesses and departments within larger enterprises. Over time, IBM realized that in order to fulfill their vision of replacing PC and Unix servers throughout organizations worldwide, the AS400 would need to be easily integrated with distributed networks and web applications. To accomplish this, IBM redesigned the AS400 to use eServer i5 servers with POWER5(R) processors, and rebranded the AS400 as the IBM iSeries(R).

A personal data assistant or a PDA is a device that can be incredibly useful in your everyday life. Most of these devices are used by business people who need to organize their information and keep it with them wherever they are. However, anybody can benefit from the high quality organizational capabilities of a PDA.

Buying a PDA is not an easy decision.

When deciding between an inkjet or a laser printer, it is a good idea to evaluate several factors before proceeding with the purchase. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you decide if an inkjet or a laser printer would serve you well.

One of the main considerations when looking at both inkjet printers and laser printers is the amount of usage you anticipate with the device.

Each year, millions of empty toner and inkjet cartridges are thrown into the trash, ending up in our planet's landfills or incinerators. Recycling these empty cartridges is easy, profitable and environmentally beneficial. It helps reduce solid waste, conserves raw materials and the energy needed to produce a new product. Most cartridges can be recycled up to six times - they are refurbished, refilled and then resold to consumers at a lower price than new branded cartridges.

We are all somewhat star struck and bedazzled by new technology and novelty versions of computer peripherals that already exist. When it comes to actually purchasing the hardware in question though, it can be a tough choice between something that will be a funny desktop item in the computer for about five minutes and a classic design that will have co-workers green with envy.

Identity cards have become common place in daily life. We use them for gym membership, library cards, driving licences and employee id badges, to name a few. Most have been produced using a card printer. The old labour intensive method of cutting, pasting and laminating an identity card is fast becoming a thing of the past.

Using a digital card printer is a one step process.

Using a computer is entertaining, but it can also be aggravating at times. This is usually because your idea of what should happen on the computer is different from what actually occurs while you are working on a computer. Connecting to the web and checking email is even one more great example of this. A computer router could be one good way to get rid of your internet connection problems for good.

Gadgets fascinate me. Like walking in to a book shop and being overwhelmed with the story I am yet to discover. The act of searching the shelves for a new discovery, a new tale that I feel some personal connection to is often more exhilarating than reading the book itself. For me, gadgets are the same. The time I spend searching for a new 'toy', a new piece of technology, is usually greater than the time I will actually spend using it.

Almost every household or workplace would have a computer available, but with so many bigger and better programs coming out we have to constantly be able to upgrade our computer specifications, to keep up with speeds and processes. One of the most important aspects to upgrade is something called RAM which stands for Random Access Memory.

Basically the programs that people and myself use on a day to day basis, use the RAM temporarily to store files, so it can quickly and easily access them again, therefore if you can successfully increase the amount of Random Access Memory that your computer carries then you will top up the loading speeds as in actual fact it will process more from the RAM then it will from the hard drive.