There is one thing about files that everyone can’t help to notice as soon as they want to download, upload, or send it via the internet, or when the computer announces that there isn’t enough storage left: File sizes.
No matter if you store music on your iPhone, want to send a picture via email, or upload a funny video to Facebook, file sizes – when too big – can and will cause problems, especially when you are on mobile or stuck with a slow internet connection.… Read the rest
In former blog entries we have talked about what encryption, encoding, and hashing are and what you possibly might need checksums and hashes for. The names of several algorithms and ciphers that can be used for creating hashes or processing encryption have been mentioned as well, yet, which system should be used for which purpose?
This is the purpose of this article. Let’s have a look at different kinds of hashing and encryption ciphers you can use to produce checksums.… Read the rest
In a former blog post we have looked at all kinds of media files that can be opened by programs that come with Microsoft Windows like the Movie Player or Photo Viewer. Today, our focus is on document and spreadsheet files that are native to the Microsoft Office Suit or can at least be opened by these Windows programs.
So, even when you are using another Open Source Office Suit, people using Microsoft Word or Excel may be able to open the native files you send them.… Read the rest
If you work on a computer and like taking pictures (and even if not) you have heard about programs like Photoshop for sure. But that means you also know how expensive they are to get. Since we have presented you with a list of the best free office programs already, we thought it’s about time to present you the best free or even online accessible programs for photo editing.
First, we will concentrate on three open source image editing software that you can download and install for free.… Read the rest
There are many free programs you can use to watch videos, listen to audio files, or view pictures and images with. Yet, not many people feel comfortable downloading and installing unknown software – especially since some can’t even open all formats. After having had a look at native Apple files before, we will have a look at media files that are supported by Windows native programs this time.
We will concentrate on Media files like videos, audio files, and images only this time (with the exception of some project files), since document, presentation, and spreadsheet files is a topic for another day.… Read the rest
Everyone loves animated GIFs!
They are smaller in size than movies and focus on the short sequences you want to re-watch or share. They are view-able without a problem in all browsers on almost every device. Reactions to forum posts, funny sequences from videos, pointing something out in a specific scene – those are just a few reasons for why you may want to create a moving and animated GIF.
Most people use Adobe Photoshop or another photo-editing software to create these small moving pictures, but not everyone knows how to utilize them – or can afford buying such a program.… Read the rest
In an earlier article, we have talked about the difference between encoding, encryption and hashing already. Today, we want to have a closer look at the latter of the three, the hashing function and the resulting hash or checksum.
For this purpose, we will have a brief look at what a checksum is before we concentrate on what checksums are used for.
Using a hashing function creates a hash or checksum which are basically a seemingly random string of numbers, letters, and special characters – depending on the algorithm used for the hashing.… Read the rest
Did it ever happen to you that you downloaded a song or video clip, or someone sent you a file via email and once you want to open and view it, it doesn’t work? Of course you wonder why, and after checking the file you see that you may have never heard of this kind of file before. Don’t panic. The next time you encounter such an unknown file, you will be well prepared!… Read the rest
Working on a computer means that you have to not only deal with the internet but different programs for writing, creating presentations, or structuring different tables in spreadsheets. Microsoft as well as Apple have their native Office programs pre-installed on a new computer, or available for payable download on their websites. And of course, they come with special features, individual design, and many different file formats (check out this article for information about native apple files).… Read the rest
Presentations are key in many fields nowadays.
In school, you have to present certain topics to the class, in university you are asked to present your research findings, and in your company, sales numbers and marketing strategies have to be presented to your boss or coworkers. Talks, speeches, workshops… Even when showing off your vacation photos to your family and friends, all thee things involve presentation skills.
But not everyone is skilled in presenting themselves, their findings, or their current work.… Read the rest