Cache In Your Chips And Get A Bus!

Cache In Your Chips And Get A Bus!

by: Seamus Dolly

Computer related terminology could sometimes be daunting to newcomers. These are relatively new words or hybrids of words, already in existence. Someone with a degree in English, for example, could not necessarily guess, the function of a particular devise, by its name. This is because such a devise never existed in history or in the history of the English language.
Tolerance and patience is required.
If you work in the field of computers, these ขnewข words must be learned. However, P.C.’s are designed for use by ordinary people, and the gritty details regarding their construction, can be largely ignored. A journalist, typist, builder or bookkeeper doesn’t need to know what an EIDE or SCSI is, or indeed isn’t.
Hard drive description is not relevant to the majority, as long as the devise is functional.
A ขBUSข, though, could be guessed by some, as it carries something, not unlike a conventional bus. In this case, it carries current/electrons/data, and is simply a conductor. A bus conductor, if you like. For now, buses are made of copper with experiments underway to utilise other materials. I read recently that ขprionsข, which are a type of protein, are been considered as conductors. Will some of our computers’ components be organic? We shall have to see!
Fibre optics, which are, basically speaking, glass pipes around four thousands of an inch (0.1 mms.), in diameter, employ the speed of light, for signal/data transfer. A light (diode), is on or off, at one end, and a photoresistor at the other end registers its state. Now, wasn’t that simply put! These glass pipes are coated to reflect the light inwards, meaning that light can be ขbentข around corners, while within its container/pipe. Heat generation is minimal and electrical resistance is redundant.
It is heat generation and resistance that brings your ขfanข into play, keeping everything cool, and electron transfer at a controlled level.
Low resistance= high current. Your starter motor for your car has really thick cables allowing electrons from the twelve volt power source (battery) to do their job in turning over you engine, which is a considerably difficult task. A smaller cable would have a higher electrical resistance, causing it to overheat, and eventually, melt. Keep listening for that ขfanข.
It is your computers first line of defence.
In fact, it is the principle of electrical resistance that is employed by electrical heaters.
CACHE is not legal tender in most countries, but a type of memory that your CPU (central processing unit ) first looks for. It does this, not to be awkward, but more because it is the fastest route, from a users point of view.

About The Author

Seamus Dolly is the webmaster of http://www.CountControl.com. His background is in engineering and analogue electronics. His studies include A+,iNet and Server+

[email protected]

This article was posted on June 20, 2004

by Seamus Dolly

Color’s Mighty Power of Persuasion

Color’s Mighty Power of Persuasion

by: Maricon Williams

Color is everywhere. It surrounds us. It’s with us every time. It does not only provide crucial visual cues but also influence our feelings and thoughts. It captures our emotions thus can persuade us. However, up to what level can it influence us?

Color exudes character and identity. In fact it has been associated with a lot of things. Blue means male, water, peacefulness and sadness on the other hand, pink means female, weakness and softness. One of the powerful colors is red. It conveys love, passion, heat and fire. The brightest color is yellow. It connotes happiness, caution and slowdown. Even the status of living is associated with colors. Royalty and grandeur is associated with purple. There are still a lot of meanings in colors. Green means money, envy, spring and fertility. Brown means grounded, earth and environmental. Orange conveys warmth, Halloween and fall. Color form part of our daily lives. Our cheeks can be described as ‘red as beet’, our personality ‘green with envy’.

Sir Isaac Newton in the early 1600’s proved that light can create colors. The glass prism that Newton used caused white light to disperse into spectrum of colors. He named it red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Colors flow in waves of varying length. A beam of light has frequency, wavelength and energy in it. In the spectrum the wavelengths are very narrow which ranges from 400 nm at the end of indigo to about 700 nm at the end of red. Lights that we cannot see like radio waves, microwaves and xrays fall on either end of the visible spectrum of light.

Color is very compelling this is the reason why it is regarded as the most powerful design tool of all. If you have selected the right colors, then expect a strong emotional response from the viewers. In turn, it enhances communication by way of ensuring comprehension. This is because you are relaying the right message. On the contrary, if you choose the wrong colors, it can result to an irreparable mistake which may ruin your business strategy.

To thrive, all you have to do is to master the basics of color theory, userinterface design and its application. The first two can be clearcut guides to create your perfect color. If made the right selection the viewers can easily comprehend what you want to communicate. Picking the right colors is the same way as choosing the right words to communicate. It is your key to achieve SUCCESS!

About The Author

Maricon Williams

I love reading. Give me a book and Iกll finish it in one sitting. Reading is the chance to be transported to a different world and so is writing. Iกm more enthusiastic about writing however, since you can relay your ideas to someone else. I can only imagine that feeling when I hear a complete stranger talking about my ideas which read on an article somewhere. To relay my message to as many people is the same as touching people with music. Only mineกs less harmonic. I try to make up for it with the color I bring with words. And most of the time, it’s more than enough.

For additional information and comments about the article you may log on to http://www.wholesaleprintingteam.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on April 25

by Maricon Williams

Basic Design Principles Part 2

Basic Design Principles Part 2

by: Kelly Paal

Tone and Texture

This specifically applies to drawings more than photography, but tone and texture are very important. Tone refers to shading of light and dark on an object and texture is the visual and tactile surface characteristics of an object.

Here’s a list of things that affect the tone and texture of an objects appearance.

1. The direction from which the light is coming. (Left, right, above, behind, or below.)

2. The intensity of the light. (Candlelight or sunlight.)

3. The type of light (Light from the setting sun or flash.)

4. Objects standing between the light source and your subject or object. (Light passing through a thin fabric.)

5. The color and texture of the object. (A fuzzy blanket looks a lot different than a piece of granite.)

Light and Shade

Light always travels in a straight line and depending on the location of the light the object or subject can look dramatically different. To understand this principle get a roll of film a light source, a lamp, an object or a family member. Take a series of photos of your subject start with the light source at twelve o’clock take each successive photo moving the light source to each position on the clock. When you look at your photos you will be amazed at how different your subject looks in each image. This exercise is great for anyone wanting to understand how light changes the look of a subject.

Shade

Shade or shadow and more commonly known as contrast is the degree of difference between the light and dark areas. An image with very black blacks and very light whites has high contrast. An image that is mostly shades of gray has low contrast. Contrast is determined by the intensity of the light source. Adjusting the contrast can help you create a very realistic image or a fantastic one.

If you have some specific questions please visit my Photography and Design Forum at: http://kellypaalphotography.com/vweb/bulletin/bb/index.php and post your question there.

About The Author

Copyright 2004 Kelly Paal

Kelly Paal is a Freelance Nature and Landscape Photographer, exhibiting nationally and internationally. She owns her own business Kelly Paal Photography (www.kellypaalphotography.com). She has an educational background in photography, business, and commercial art. She enjoys applying graphic design and photography principles to her web design.

[email protected]

This article was posted on December 14, 2004

by Kelly Paal

5 Home Office Essentials

5 Home Office Essentials

by: Niall Roche

Once youกve settled into the idea of running a business from home you need to make a choice. What type of office setup do you need? Itกs beyond the scope of this article to detail each and every item required for the perfect home office. Instead we will focus on hints and tips for creating a more ideal home working environment.
Desk
Those newspaper ads always prompted you to กstart a business from your kitchen tableก. While this works well in newspaper adverts itกs not nearly as practical in real life. A good home office desk is a basic requirement and should be quite basic. Avoid desks with keyboard trays and nooks and crannies spread all over it this just gives you more places to lose things. The ideal home office desk will have a large, flat working area, at least one deep drawer for files and preferrably be Lshaped to allow for a more ergonomic home working environment.
Chair
Anybody running an online or other business from home is going to spend a considerable amount of time sitting down. Itกs absolutely critical that you have a good office chair. Many people make the mistake of using a kitchen or spare household chair as the chair for their home office. This is a bad idea because using an insufficient chair can and will lead to lower back and shoulder pain and also looks unprofessional. The ideal home office chair has the following features:

Adjustable backrest
Swivel base
Adjustable armrest
Deep cushioned seat

A great home office chair can be purchased for as little as $60 brand new. The moral of the story is don’t skimp on your home office chair.
Environment
There are 3 key factors to having a suitable home working environment. Noise, Light and Heat.
Noise excessive noise (above say 45 decibels or a really loud office fan) is counter productive to your work. Youกll have trouble focusing on anything or thinking clearly for more than a few minutes. Your home office space needs to be as quiet as you need it to be. So avoid using laundry rooms or other areas with excessively noisy equipment.
Light the light in your home office needs to be controlled. Too bright and it will produce glare on computer screens and documents. Too dim and it will cause eyestrain. Natural light is ideal because it gives diffuse (soft) light. To achieve diffuse lighting at nighttime set up your desk lamp off to one side of your desk. Adjust it until you have enough light to read conformtably.
Heat this is simple. Your work space should be neither too hot nor too cold. Any extremes of temperature in your home office will lead to decreased work performance. Room temperature is 37 degrees celsius so aim for something in that region.
Decoration
Thereกs no need for your home office to be sterile and boring. Plants are one healthy addition. The colour green has a positive affect on our way of thinking and the fact that plants will filter out the toxins in the air around you is another plus.
Also consider using some motivational posters in your home office. This might seem a bit cheesy but if you choose a message that inspires you personally it can be very effective.
Last but not least consider having your mission statement printed out, framed and on your desk in front of you. Your mission statement is the reason you started your home business make sure you are reminded of this every single day.
Computer equipment
This is where you need to be very honest with yourself because of the potential expense involved. A home office does not need an all singing all dancing computer and printer. You need functionality and not tons of features.
Buy what you need for your business. Do not buy what you want for yourself.
When buying your home office computer take these tips into consideration:

Midrange processor power.
512MB of RAM.
20GB+ hard disk.
Advanced 3D graphical capabilities are not essential.
CDR or DVDR backup (must have).
Avoid extended warranties sales people make large commissions from offering these.
Generic brands use the same components as and are therefore equally as reliable as the big name brands.
Consider buying a refurbished system if you’re on a tight budget.
Check with friends who have purchased computers recently. What problems did they encounter when buying their PC? Who did they buy from? What was the aftersales service like?

Printer you don’t need a top of the range color laserjet printer for your home office do you? I didn’t think so.
Questions you should ask yourself when buying a printer:

Do you need color printing capabilities?
How many pages per minute do you actually need to print?
What is the cost per page for color and black printing?
How much does replacement ink cost?
How many pages of black text can you get from each cartridge?
How much desktop space will the printer require?
Are updated drivers for this model readily available?

These are just some basic hints and tips. If you want more comprehensive information on setting up your home office drop by AffiliateAdvocate.com and check out our guide to home offices.

About The Author

http://www.affiliateadvocate.com is run by Niall Roche. The site offers reviews of affiliate marketing ebooks and software as well as advice and tips for new and existing affiliate marketers.

This article was posted on June 06, 2004

by Niall Roche

Light and Depth of Field

Light and Depth of Field

by: Jakob Jelling

With such a fantastic device as the digital camera for the recreation of magic in arts, a lot of care needs to be taken so as to maintain the perfection of the end product. This perfection is not only obtained by the artistic feeling of the photographer but also with the intricate knowledge of every minute aspect of the medium of creation of art (in this case the digital camera). And these minute aspects play a vast role in defining the ultimate perfection. The digital camera, light and depth of field are one such factor that would come into light in this subsequent discussion. Basically, the depth of field is a measurement of the acceptable sharpness. Yet this is very strictly a personal preference, and varies from person to person. Thus to be more formal, the depth of field can be defined as the area inside an image that demonstrates an ample sharpness that can be considered more or less in focus. So the depth of field is the range of distance, measured along the lens axis, as per which the image is caused to be sufficiently well and sharp in the photograph. The rest is as follows!

The depth of field defines the zone where all elements show clearly from foreground to background. Three factors control the depth of field in an image, they are the distance of the subject, the focal length, and the aperture used to capture the photograph. For people using compact digital cameras, one of the subjects of out of the ordinary interest is the depth of field because depth of field is more easily said than done to control with a compact digital camera than with earlier conventional analog film cameras. The minute imaging sensors of compact cameras need the use of short focal lengths, and this in sequence gives these compact digital cameras an extraordinarily long depth of field when compared to other cameras. Thereby, with intent obtaining a shallow depth of field is more complicated.

Considering a general acceptable fact, the depth of field decreases, as the image gets nearer to the camera. This means that as the focal point reaches closer to the lens, the achievable scope of the depth of field ebbs. On the other side, if the image is far enough distant from the camera, and for digital cameras, this must not be very far, the depth of field approaches out to infinity. Another important point to be noted is that the depth of field is proportional to the lens opening.

Having discussed the above important aspects of the light and depth of field of a digital camera, it is clear that the minute details make such great subjects whose knowledge becomes equally important for making appropriate use of the fantastic device, the digital camera! And the digital camera, light and depth of field comes out to be such important factors that can make all the difference if a photographer remains oblivious about this knowledge. A small factor thus can meal a big divergence!

By Jakob Jelling

http://www.snapjunky.com

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snapjunky.com. Visit his digital camera guide and learn how to take better pictures with your digicam.

This article was posted on October 20, 2004

by Jakob Jelling

Importance Of Resolution In Scanning

Importance Of Resolution In Scanning

by: Blur Loterina

Are you getting confused of the resolution requirements for scanning? Of the ขhighresข your scanner offers? And do you really need it or will it just make your work slower?

Whenever we scan an image, we are very much particular with the resolution and details that we get. Our ultimate goal is to have the exact copy of the original image. Not all scanners provide us with what we want. Although there are those which seem to give us a lot better than what we need.

A standard resolution for an image should be 300dpi (dotperinch) and 400dpi for images containing text. However, there are scanners that offer you greater resolutions ranging from at least 3,200 dpi up to 6,200 or 9000 dpi. But do we really need resolutions this high?

A flatbed scanner is a type of scanner that converts printed materials into digital image. It is made up of charged coupled devices or CCD. CCD is a light sensitive integrated circuit that is mounted in a stationary row. These CCDs allows light reflected from a flat art to pass over and registers presence and absence of light. So the pixel is produced electronically. Pixel, from the words ขpicture elementข, is the basic unit of programmable color in a computer image.

CCDs are mounted in a single row so they reflected one row of the flat art at a time. The task is repeated until the image is completely built. The resolution is controlled horizontally by the distance between each CCD and vertically by the speed of the light bar and mirror that moves along the length of the flat art. This means that, if you want a better resolution the scanner must have more CCDs and slower light bar.

Although many scanner manufacturers claim that they have the most powerful scanner that offers the highest resolution, it is said that the highest resolution is limited to only 600 spots per linear inch. There’s a way in proving this theory. Think of scanning a 600×1200 dpi. If measurement is based on the X and Y (horizontal and vertical) of the square inch, the output would either be a series of squares with some blank spots, or a square with overlapping spots. For nonuniform resolution such as these, scanners perform interpolation. Interpolation is a process whereby a software or firmware is needed to produce an extra pixel by sampling two pixels.

Greyscale scanners and color scanners are different from flatbed scanners. They all contain CCDs, but CCDs in greyscale and color scanners can differentiate between levels of light falling on them.

The bottom line here is that why do we have to consume a large amount of our computer’s memory if we can have the exact number of pixels without compromising the quality. Not only that, we can also minimize the time spent for interpreting the data including those that we do not use.

About The Author

You may wonder why I write articles. Besides from the fact that it’s my job, I used to write short stories when I was younger. I think it would be helpful if I said I’m a big fan of Zach de la Rocha and Rage Against the Machine. This would explain my own views about a lot of things. Their songs were about national issues, politics and human rights. They support the American Indian Movement and Che Guevara, the face you see on tshirts. Not that it concerns me. I only like their music and idealism.

I like to read anything that contains words in the old English form, though I can’t understand it. You know, the King James Version of the Bible with words like thou, thy, thine, wilst, etc. The words used are different. The construction of the sentence is different, too, which makes sentences sound artistic. I also like gothic metal, a music genre, because most of the lyrics contain such words. It is not only the words that fascinate me; it’s the hidden meaning it contains. It’s like an abstract painting; you don’t get the real picture until you see through it.

I’m not an artist, I’m not a poet. I just love writing anything I want. I wasn’t born a genius, I just want to know and understand something I don’t. I like to find the difference between similar things. It’s like counting birthmarks on each identical twin.

For additional information and comments about the article you may log on to http://www.printingquotesonline.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on February 24

by Blur Loterina

New Technology in Diamond Properties Analysis

New Technology in Diamond Properties Analysis

by: Laura Ciocan

Isee2 company has developed a technology that works as a retail selling aid allowing buyers to measure the beauty of a diamond beyond its classically graded properties.

A diamondกs beauty is its selling quality and can differentiate between diamonds graded alike – that something that makes an exceptional diamond outshine the others. Isee2 technology can make such detail analysis.

How it works

The technology is based on a software that analyzes the diamond with the help of two devices: one measuring the cut quality aspects while the other is a high power magnifier used to read the ionized inscription on the table of every Isee2 diamond.

The diamond is scanned by a camera that sends the images to a computer which processes 48 different lighting positions during its calculations. Thus are made objective evaluations of: the amount of light returned from the diamond , the degree of contrast between the 57 facets and the quality of the cut (brilliance, scintillation and symmetry).

Diamonds’ appearance differ when observed in diffuse/ambient light conditions. Strong light conditions emphasize fire and scintillation whereas in softer light the optical symmetry is emphasised more.

Unlike BrillianceScope, Isee2 performs its analysis in diffuse light conditions. Diamonds that perform well on Isee2 analysis will look smashing in softer light conditions. If the diamond is well graded on the BrillianceScope it will look stunning in direct light conditions.

This technology facilitates the choice decision by permitting buyers to be convinced of the qualities of a stone all by themselves without the help of a layman.

About The Author

Laura Ciocan writes for http://www.loveanddiamonds.com/ where you can find more information about diamond engagement rings.

Please feel free to use this article in your Newsletter or on your website. If you use this article, please include the resource box and send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: mailto:[email protected]

This article was posted on October 21, 2004

by Laura Ciocan

Tradeshow Booth Cures Ancient Cures for Modern D

Tradeshow Booth Cures Ancient Cures for Modern Day Problems

by: Patty Stripes

At first glance, nothing seems more chaotic than a trade show floor. Jaded buyers rush by, hell bent on seeing the people on ‘their listก, while the newcomers seem a little bewildered by it all. The noise from the crowd rises and falls in a steady drone while flashing lights and other cheap tricks add to the confusion. But in this apparent disorder, a simple truth exists. The tradeshow floor is alive, full of energy and momentum. Itกs energy flows and eddies around us and best of all, itกs possible to manipulate it for our benefit.

Todayกs tradeshow attendees have a hidden agenda. Actually, itกs not so much hidden as กpredeterminedก. Budget cutbacks in the travel sector and the consolidation of retailers means that fewer buyers are covering more ground in less time. They still visit the tradeshows, but the way they visit has changed. They preplan their agendas and pack as much as they can into a single day.

By all means do your homework to get on their กAก list send out กpreshowก packages letting them know where you will be, have your sales force try to set specific appointments, and take advantage of the venueกs service to contact them on your behalf. But failing your Herculean preshow efforts, what can you do to draw people into your booth? Gimmicks don’t work. Sex no longer sells! But in the ever changing world of the tradeshow, the answer could be the oldest cliché of them all, an กancient Chinese secretก. Secrets from the กscienceก of Feng Shui could turn your booth into a magnet for positive energy and potential sales.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese study of the environment, both natural and manmade, that has been practiced for thousands of years. Using elements such as lighting and color, Feng Shui masters used their knowledge as a tool to ensure the wellbeing of the Imperial Dynasties. No longer a closely guarded secret, Feng Shui theory focuses on methods to manage the flow of energy and when used properly, can กguideก people into your booth.

One aspect of Feng Shui involves dealing with barriers that inhibit the natural flow on energy. That being said, the first step in designing your กenergy friendlyก booth is to create an open atmosphere. Eliminate any physical and psychological barriers by making your booth open and inviting. Push the furniture to the back and sides to create space for attendees to come into your booth and youกve taken a big step towards being กirresistibleก.

It should come as no surprise that lighting is a key element of the art of Feng Shui. Like moths are drawn to flame, the human eye is attracted to bright light and any booth that is well lit will attract attention. Lighting can also be effective in dealing with the stagnant energy that pools in dark corners a strategically positioned flood light is an excellent way to deal with these energy drains.

Light that floods downward will help energy flow throughout your booth. In contrast, underlighting creates an eerie กflashlight held under the faceก effect and can make attendees feel illatease. Avoid this potential pitfall at all costs. Another thing to consider is the actual shape of the light and its base. In making your selection, look for rounded edges an angular shape will reflect the light in a straight line, effectively กdissectingก your space and anyone standing in its path.

Skillful application of the space and lighting strategies will definitely increase your visibility but thatกs only one part of the equation. Once youกve mastered lighting, itกs time to turn your focus to color. But to unlock those secrets, youกll have to read the next article in our series.

About The Author

Patty Stripes is an editor for http://www.thetradeshowbooth.com/, an online resource where she has posted various articles including http://www.thetradeshowbooth.com/tradeshowdisplayexhibits.html.

This article was posted on August 06

by Patty Stripes

How a Digital Camera Works

How a Digital Camera Works

by: Jakob Jelling

The digital camera is not something of a magic box that came out of the blue and made wonders! The digital camera is very much like the conventional analog camera, but the technology has been altered. It also contains most of the associated components that the conventional camera contains, like lens and a shutter for letting in light, however instead of reaching a photosensitive film, the light is made to fall upon array of image sensors or photosensitive cells. Much of the differences are like this, yet most of it still remains in oblivion for the ordinary people. And it order that the digital camera gets its true respect, it is necessary to explore these areas of truth and reveal them in light.

Looking a bit more in details about the working of the fantastic device, the digital camera. As a continuation of the above lines, it can be further investigated that the sensor array is basically a microchip about 10 mm across. Every image sensor is a chargedcouple device (CCD) converting light into electric charges, and is essentially a silicon chip used to measure light. These charges are stored as analog data that are then converted to digital via a device called an analog to digital converter (ADC). Over the chip are present a collection of very small lightsensitive diodes, named photosites, or pixels that convert light (or more scientifically, photons) into electrical charges called electrons. The pixels are very much light sensitive, therefore with brighter light striking them, produces greater build up of electrical charges. Each 1000 array receptor creates 1 pixel, and every pixel corresponds to some information stored. The light enters the digital camera via the lens, which is the same mechanism as the conventional analog camera. And this light hits the CCD when the photographer presses the shutter button. The shutter opens and thereby illuminates every pixel, however with various intensities.

Taking a look apart, it can be observed that quite a few digital cameras use CMOS (meaning complementary metal oxide semiconductor, a technology of manufacturing these microchips) technology based microchips as image sensors. The basic advantage is that the CMOS sensors are appreciably cheaper and simpler to fabricate than CCDs. Another great advantage from CMOS sensors is that these take very less power compared to other technology, which adds up to the fact as to their extensive use, and can thus even support the implementation of additional circuitry on the same chip like ADC, some control units etc. Thus it can be stated that CMOS technology based cameras are small, light, cheap and also energy efficient, yet at the cost of some amount of image quality.

However the common trend remains that all cameras of the mega pixel range and higher up use CCD chips instead of CMOS. This is because of the fact of picture quality only, leaving aside the price differences.

This is basically the fact about how digital cameras work! Having known this much difference would not come in the photographing expertise of the users, but it always feels a kind of satisfaction on understanding the inner depths of a device that is so close to the eyes!

By Jakob Jelling

http://www.snapjunky.com

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snapjunky.com. Visit his digital camera guide and learn how to take better pictures with your digicam.

This article was posted on October 20, 2004

by Jakob Jelling

Screen Press Printing: Looking At The Process

Screen Press Printing: Looking At The Process

by: Marlon D. Ludovice

Screen printing also called silk screen print also called serigraph was invented in the Far East around 2000 years ago. No supplemented data on when or where exactly it originates, but originally used to make the screen printerกs screen. A paper stencil was stiched onto the screen to control the print area.

Around a hundred years ago screen printing was reinvented in the west and it has become a common method of printing on textiles. Most common, the custom tshirts. The screens used for screen printing custom t shirts, are made with a mono filament mesh. Photopolymer emulsion is used to make the stencil. Thus, silk screen is coated with the liquid emulsion, and allowed to dry and harden. The emulsion is light sensitive. The stencil is made in the กsilk screenก by placing a positive of the print over the coated silk screen then exposing the screen to light. The areas of the screen shielded from the light remain water soluble and can be washed out of the screen. The light affects the emulsion in that once the dried emulsion has been exposed to light, water will not dissolve it. Take a look at the photograph to the left. In this case the positive for the screen print is hand drawn.

The availability of the screen printing products can be purchased locally from screen printing process supply stores. An กemulsion cupก is used to coat the silk screens with emulsion. The emulsion cup is a trough like cup that holds the liquid emulsion and allows it to be spread evenly across the screen. The screen is held vertically and the emulsion is spread from bottom to top with one smooth motion. After the silkscreen has been coated with emulsion it will be left to dry. Ambient or soft light can expose the screen but it would take hours or days. Even so care should be taken that the silk screen is kept in a dark place.

To กburnก a screen, the positive must make tight contact with the screen. A four inch thick foam rubber pad is placed under the screen with the glass placed on top. Sunlight can now expose the silk screen. It can take anywhere from around two to fifteen minutes. After the screen has been exposed it is taken to a wash out area usually a metal bathtub like trough or large sink. The screen is set in the trough and sprayed with a garden hose. Rinsed with water, after a second the design will be visibly lighter in the emulsion. After a minute or so of rinsing the design area should be free of emulsion. Rinsing is continued for another minute or so to wash away emulsion scum that if allowed staying in the screen and dry will clog printing areas. The washed out screen is then allowed to dry.

After it has dried the screen must be taped off. This is usually done with masking tape. The areas around the edges not coated with emulsion are taped front and back. The screen printer applies tape liberally over the frame and screen areas. The screen is then กpin holedก. Sometimes imperfections in the screen printing process cause tiny กpin holesก in the emulsion that’s why these must be taped over or blocked with emulsion or block out fluid. This is done on the bottom of the screen.

The emulsion can be removed from the screens so that the screens can be reused. This is called ‘reclaimingก the screen. After the print run the ink is scraped out of the screen and mineral spirits or ink wash is used to clean the ink from the screen. All the masking tape is pulled off the screen and the screen is sprayed with ขemulsion remover.ข This chemical is left on the screen for 2 or 3 minutes and a high pressure sprayer or even a garden hose can be used to wash away the emulsion. After the emulsion has been removed the screen must be degreased. There are degreasing liquids available also ivory soap works well. The screen is scrubbed thoroughly on both sides and then rinsed. It can now be dried and if kept clean reused. The screens must always be clean and degreased and dry before they can be coated with emulsion.

These procedures may sound very difficult but the application is totally easy. See and try the screen printing yourself!

About The Author

Marlon D. Ludovice

Actually I’m not fond of writing, I don’t even write at all. I am not expecting to be in this field. But nevertheless, I love to read books…almost everything interest me. Reading is my passion! And now that I am in an article writer team, writing gives me an additional thrill in myself…Before I love to read books but now I’m also in a writing stuff. I can say that I am not a good writer but I am always trying to be one.

For additional information and comments about the article you may log on to http://www.aprintingpress.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on April 13

by Marlon D. Ludovice

Texturing and Lighting in Discreet 3ds max 6

Texturing and Lighting in Discreet 3ds max 6

by: Nashville

Global illumination tugs along cool products for the modern people. They are geared toward hard core production and fill just about any visualization, animation and visual effects’ needs.

Texturing and Lighting in Discreet 3ds max 6 by George Maestri as published in Computer Graphics World, covers everything needed to texture, light, and render realistic scenes in 3ds max. The title steps you through designing materials, mapping textures, and lighting scenes as well as creating shaders, lights, and cameras for both Mental Ray and Max’s Scanline renderer. Advanced topics include complex mapping, multipass rendering, caustics, and global illumination.

GEORGE MAESTRI, as written in rubberbug.com, in which he is the president, has worked as a writer, director, and producer in both traditional and computer animation for such companies as Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers, Disney, Comedy Central, Film Roman, Curious Pictures, MGM, ABC, CBS, and Fox, among others. He has written and edited several books and dozens of articles on computer animation for magazines such as Computer Graphics World, DV, Publish, and Digital Magic, among others.

Maestri also authored Splutterfishกs 3ds max Renderer. He writes: In addition to global illumination, Brazil can calculate the scattering of light within a room as well as the scattering of light through objects such as glass and water. Brazil can also calculate the scattering of light within a surface. Called subsurface scattering, this is terrific for materials that are only slightly transparent, such as marble, wax, and human skin. Brazil has its own camera, which mimics realworld cameras. The camera supports depth of field and even allows you to match the fstop of your realworld camera. Brazilกs custom lights can mimic all the standard 3ds max lights, but also add the ability to create area lights. Unlike 3ds maxกs lights, Brazilกs allow you to focus, and give you more robust options in calculating the falloff of a particular light source. Of course, the test of a renderer is its final output. The images I created with Brazil were excellent and highly realistic. Not only that, but I found it fairly easy to get decent results the first time I used the product. This renderer produces highly realistic images and would be excellent for anyone doing photoreal work.

Technology, really is taking us to a different level of technological advancement especially in the virtual space and digital world where a thin line separates reality from fantasy…More to expect in the coming years huh!

About The Author

Nash Ville

Well, I must say that I am not a born writer. I didn’t acquire this gift hereditarily either. However, I’m an adventure book lover and used to read everything that I come across in the Internet that sounds interesting. I think, I only developed it through constant practice and exposure to numerous writing stuff. I was chosen to compete in press conferences that showcased my needsowelldeveloped writing skills. I became part of our school publication staff. I started as a news writer and photojournalist of the school paper. Soon, I was appointed editorinchief. It was during this time when I realized that I needed to be more efficient in writing because duty called for it. I should say that this event in my life opened me wholly to the wonderful world of writing.

With all these, I can’t say that I have mastered writing because of these writing experiences. I believe that this craft is also a continuous learning process. I’ve been working hard to become amore efficient and competent in writing, most especially now that I’m working as a content writer for this company. I’m doing articles for printing companies, medical sites, legal sites, and many more.

For comentaries, explanation and additional info about the article you may contact the author at http://www.mypostcardprinting.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on February 07

by Nashville

Paper Talk In Printing

Paper Talk In Printing

by: Florie Lyn Masarate

A small factor but otherwise needs some consideration in printing is choosing the kind of paper your print job would be printed on. A few designers do not give much thought about this issue. Some may have techniques so that the color in whatever paper printed on would not affect the prints. Some just do not give a damn about it as long as they have done their work. Let their clients worry about it later on.

The first is opacity. This refers to how much you can see through the paper. You would not want your prints put in a paper so transparent you can actually what is on the next page. And think about the readers. Although reading your prints would be a challenging experience, many would not be too happy straining their eyes to read your texts.

Second is thickness. This is how thick the paper is. Judging the thickness from how much the paper weight is fallacious. Light papers can weight as much or even more than the heavy ones. If you want your printing to appear that they consist of more pages than they actually do, use thick papers. Have you ever seen postcards printed on thin papers? Then thick, it is.

Brightness is the third. Paper can be like mirrors that reflect light thus bringing more life into your prints but oftentimes can be a source of sore eyes. Coated stocks reflect more light than uncoated stocks. You should know when and when not to use bright papers for your printing jobs. You would not want to require your readers to wear sunglasses when reading your work.

Lastly is the strength. Exactly how strong and durable your paper is? Is it strong enough to hold up to people browsing them again and again? Or do they show signs crease and breakage the instant you try to scan it? Knowing how strong your paper is to endure having to go through many scanning hands is definitely a plus factor. Printing jobs are something you may want to preserve as a reference or as a trophy of your oncecareer as a writer. Or just something you can show your greatgreat grandchild in the future.

Choosing the perfect paper for your printing needs can assure you of having the perfect result. This can be expensive but thinking about the result it can give you can make up for that. Choose your paper stock and choose wisely. Remember your readers of today and your future grandchildren.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.digitalprintingcompany.com

About The Author

Florie Lyn Masarate got a flair for reading and writing when she got her first subscription of the school newsletter in kindergarten. She had her first article published on that same newsletter in the third grade.

This article was posted on August 11

by Florie Lyn Masarate