Build & Upgrade PC Classes

• Have you ever wanted to build your own PC?
• Would you like to upgrade components on your PC?
• How about setting up your Home theatre/Entertainment system?
• Are you interested in overclocking but need someone to show you how?

If you answer is yes, then why not sign now up for one of classes?

Class schedule:

18-Aug-2011 – O/S Installation & Maintenance
25-Aug-2011 – System Optimisation & Troubleshooting
30-Aug-2011 – Build your own PC
01-Sep-2011 – Overclocking

Visit the events page for updated info on locations and class times.

Location & time

Note

Location and time are subject to change. You will be notified of any changes in advance of the classes. Limited class sizes so book your place early.

How to register

To book your place on a class, find out more information and register @ Build & Upgrade PC Classes or send an email to Byopc@komplett.ie detailing your name and the class you wish to be registered for.

PS – If you require mobility assistance please contact Byopc@komplett.ie.

For the launch of the Galaxy SII in France, Samsung brought JayFunk, the internet Finger Tutting phenomenon, from Los Angeles to Paris to deliver an incredible and surprising choreography. Have a look at the video!

And even if you find the first 40 seconds boring, be sure to watch the video until the end!

Just because you bought a new PC doesn’t mean you must throw away the old one. Here are some tips to make the most of an older computer.

Icy Box Nas Media Server - Komplett.ie

Convert it into a server

If you have a home network with family members on it, reusing the PC as a NAS (network-attached storage) box or even as an actual server may be just the ticket. However, it’s not simply a matter of plugging an old PC into a network connection. Most desktop systems aren’t configured to be effective servers or storage systems. For one thing, they probably use too much power. You’ll want to set BIOS power management to run cooling fans in quiet mode, if that option exists. You’ll also need to set up the operating system so it doesn’t shut down at inconvenient times, yet runs in a low-power state when not being actively used. Bear in mind that you’ll probably want to run your server ‘headless’ (that is, without a monitor), and sans keyboard and mouse as well.

While you’ll require a display and input devices for initial setup, make sure that the reused system will work properly without them, Also, the operating system is likely not well suited for storage applications, particularly for multiple users. Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 can function well as a storage repository for a couple of users, but you’ll want to create user accounts for each person who might need access. You may also want to set storage quotas. A better solution: Install a proper network operating system. Once choice is Windows Home Server. However, it costs €90 and may prefer newer hardware.

Make it a secondary computing server

Not a widely regarded option but if you’re a content creator using applications like 3Ds max, Adobe After Effects, Sony Vegas, or AutoCAD, having another PC to help with distributed rendering can greatly speed up final renders for complex projects.
Each application handles distributed rendering a little differently, so you’ll need to consult your documentation. Typically you’ll install a lightweight application on the secondary rendering system, which will take data and commands from the primary system and then return results when done. The main application on your production system, or a separate manager app, manages the rendering across multiple networked systems.

Ubuntu - Viable alternative to Windows

Turn it into an experimental box

You’ve probably heard about this Linux thing, and maybe you’d like to give it a whirl. But the thought of trying to create a dual-boot system on your primary PC leaves you a little green around the gills. Now you can experiment to your hearts content on your old box. Check out Ubuntu (www.ubuntu.com), the sexy Linux distribution that geeks love to, well, love. The neat thing about Linux is all the built-in support for older hardware, so installation is usually easy – in fact, installing Ubuntu is sometimes simpler than installing Windows. And a wealth of free software for Linux is just waiting to be tried out. A number of true Unix-based operating systems are available, ranging from FreeBSD or PC-BSD (based on the Berkeley Unix version) to OpenSolaris, based on the Sun Microsystems version of Unix.

Home Theatre PC

Set up a HTPC

Media streamers are fantastic pieces of kit. They allow you to send all of the TV and movies that you have stored on your PC or NAS box, straight over your home network onto the TV in your living room. While plugging a media streamer is relatively straight forward, configuring it to work with your home entertainment system can be a bit tricky.

With a Home Theatre PC (HTPC) or Media Center appliance you have -

This could happen if you're not careful...

The Wii seems all cute and innocent, but  it can truly be a horrible dangerous device. When you combine video games with physical activity, there’s bound to be accidents, based on people fooling around, not paying attention, or being just stupid.

Destroyed TVs, stereos, ceiling fans, holes in windows, shattered glass, downed companions, black eyes, bruises, broken chairs -  the Wii is well known for all sorts of accidents.

We decided to put the top 5 Wii accidents in one place — the most hilarious (and worse) Wii accidents of all-time. Do let us know if you come across a Wii accident we’ve missed!

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Acer W500 Iconia Tablet 32GB w/ Windows 7

The popularity of android tablets is rising on a day-to-day basis. The Tablet market is literally saturated with so many options that it can be quite intimidating for the first time buyer. Due to its vast scope of application/interoperability, an end to the stream of tablets and tablet PCs doesn’t appear in sight. It is therefore of the utmost importance that the prospective buyer/user is well versed in the features and applications of these devices. We will analyse the essential features of an android table from this viewpoint, highlighting the areas of Processor, Display & Screen Resolution, Operating systems, Storage Capacity, Battery life, Pricing and User interface. Continue Reading

Last summer we ran some classes to teach people how to build their own PCs. As it went really well, we decided to expand our ‘Build Your Own PC’ classes into full workshops. We are planning to launch a new ‘Build Your Own PC class’ at the end of June/beginning of July on one or more Saturday mornings.  There will be up to 60 people split into four groups of 15 to be taught by one teacher.

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For most of us, the important considerations for gaming are the gaming machine itself, a comfortable desk layout, a good monitor and a fancy mouse & keyboard but we tend to underestimate the importance of a good pair of headphones. From shooters and role playing games to simulation and adventure titles, nearly every modern game with a first or third person perspective supports high quality audio, surround system output as well as positional audio. To fully enjoy a game to its full extent, you’ve got to have the gear to use it.

But which headphones to buy? What is the difference between a €30 and €280 set? And what should you think about before making your decision?

Cost & Budget

The first thing you’ll need to think about is obviously your budget. It’s usually a safe bet to say that the more money you spend, the better the product, but it’s not always the case. Some of the most expensive solutions are not inevitably the best and many of the good/better headphones are priced in the middle of the pack.

Comfort

As many gamers enjoy logging on for extended sessions on the weekends or free days, it’s crucial that the headphones must be comfortable, light and non-fatiguing. If your ears begin aching after thirty minutes forcing you to take your headset off to rest, it deprives you of an improved experience and shortens the session. There are generally 2 types of headphones: In-ear and circumaural cup designs.

Different headphone types

In-ear headphones are very popular at the moment because of their design and discretion but can become very uncomfortable during extended use. That’s the reason why gamers prefer circum-aural headphones. Thanks to their build and sound quality, they tend to be more expensive.

Sound quality

Sound quality is an important factor when choosing headphones and will influence the price of the headset you choose.  Expect to pay more for surround sound- crucial for anyone playing first person or immersion games.

Also, another new trend in headphones is the positional audio, which allows you to hear a sound depending on your actual position in the game you are playing.  With this option gamers will hear the enemy before they see him. It gives anyone wearing the headset the ability to pinpoint action and sounds without looking. It goes without saying that it can be a big advantage…

Another point to consider is noise cancellation. Do you want headsets with noise cancellation capabilities? If you’re going to be playing in a noisy environment or are planning to use your headphones for listening to music in the bus, then this feature will help you enjoy your gaming or music without all the unwanted noise creeping in. Again, if you want this feature,  expect to pay more

Headset or heaphone?

The difference between a headset and a headphone is that a headset has a built-in microphone and a headphone doesn’t. Gaming headsets give you the ability to communicate with team mates, which adds a huge amount of fun and realism to many games, as you’re able to coordinate your actions. (photos) If you play multiple player games, you may want to opt for this solution.

Compatibility

Not all headsets are compatible with multiple systems, across different platforms and electronic devices.  Many gamers have a platform of choice, but may play occasionally on a platform different than what they normally prefer.  Also, some headsets are easy to use with TVs, Blu Ray and DVD players. Be sure to have this in mind before buying a headset.

The factors that are listed above must be considered when purchasing a new gaming headset and the choice you will make will depend mostly on the buying points you are willing to compromise on.

To have a look at Komplett.ie range of gaming headphones/headsets, click here: Komplett Headphones Range

It’s a move that’s been rumoured for a little while now, but Microsoft has officially announced that IE9 will have tools that control what data is collected about what a user does online. The tools will let people stop a site they are visiting sharing information about what they do with other sites.

Users will be able to create lists stating that their data will only be shared with sites they want to see it, according to a company blog post. Continue Reading

Deciding not to mince around when it comes to creating apps for its Playbook tablet device, Research in Motion has hit upon a pretty eye-catching method of drumming up interest from developers.

Want a free RIM Playbook?

According to reports today, RIM is offering a free Playbook to anyone who submits an app for the gadget and gets it accepted. The company wants as many apps as possible for the launch of its debut tablet next year. Continue Reading

Ding ding! It’s over, it’s over! In a battle to the very end, only one could stand with the prize. So it was foretold and so it is, and in this battle, HP is the victor.

The worlds biggest computer manufacturer appears to have won out in the battle for data storage company 3Par, beating out rival Dell.

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