The GPRS Technology and Its Uses

Author: Frank Solan

Mobile phones, one of the best gadgets for communication ever invented, have become more of a necessity today. With the rapid advancement of technology, mobile phones have changed beyond recognition both from the technological as also aesthetic viewpoint.

One of the most significant technological advancement that cell phones these days boast of is GPRS. It has almost become a necessary feature in even entry-level mobile phones.

Let's take a look at what GPRS is all about and what it can foster.

What is GPRS

The general packet radio service i.e. GPRS, is a latest technology being incorporated in cell phones. It's a non-voice technology which enables the mobile phone to connect itself to the internet in a much cheaper and faster way. In simpler terms, GPRS helps your cell phone go online.

Unlike any current wireless digital internet connection, no dial-up modem is required in the GPRS service and it's nearly ten times faster compared to current GSM networks. You can log on to the World Wide Web at speeds of up to 171.2 kbps with a GPRS-enabled cell phone and you have to pay only for the data you transfer and not for the full length of your login time.

A GPRS enabled mobile phone enables you to enjoy uninterrupted wireless access to the internet even if you're on the move. You can access your favorite websites, web applications and entertainment services. You can also download and enjoy the various types of Java games on your cell phone.

Apart from the above there are several other things that you can do with GPRS. Here are a few of them.

Easy email access

With continuous internet connectivity, checking emails on the go, in a GPRS enable mobile phone is very easy. The alert mechanism of the GPRS technology, when linked to the email service, notifies the user whenever a new mail arrives at the inbox.

Web browsing

Enjoying faster browsing of the internet is possible with a GPRS enabled cellular phone. In fact, with its feature of collaborative working and document sharing, several people from multiple locations can work on a common document simultaneously.

File transfer

While transferring or downloading files, the information available can be via one of the several internet communication methods like FTP, HTTP, Java, telnet etc. or from a proprietary legacy platform or database. The process of file transfer is usually bandwidth intensive. The speed of a GPRS enable mobile phone, however, flows across mobile networks, making it really fast, regardless of the type of file you intend to transfer.

Images and video

A GPRS enabled cell phone, allows posting of greetings cards, photographs and even multimedia presentations from a web or digital camera connected to the GPRS service, directly onto a website.

Besides the above, remote LAN access and chatting on the web can also be done with a GPRS enabled cell phone. Mobile operators are including more services to the GPRS ambit, as 3G technology is yet to come under the grasp of the common man and relatively more expensive.

MODERN MEANS OF COMMUNICATIONS

Author: khyati

FAX (Facsimile Telegraphy) – Facsimile telegraphy deals with the transmission of typewritten or handwritten message , drawings , graphics , pictures or any matter which cannot be sent through telegraphs , telephones or teleprinters.This machine operates by converting the variances of light reflected from the image of the original matter into electrical impulses which can be reconverted onto the image from on reception . Connections can be made over very long distances using the public telephone networks or radio links.

Fax is perhaps the speediest system presently available and transmitting and receiving a standard letter size document takes approximately four minutes, irrespective of the amount of matter on it. In this system there is no scope for copying errors and so high order skills required at high skills. Even typed matter can be transmitted more effectively through fax than through the teleprinter since the former completely does away with the element of checking for errors inadvertently incorporated during transmittal of the matter.

ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-Mail) – This , too is a progeny of computer technology. It facilities the transmittal of messages through the use of computer storage and computer inter-links , thus eliminating postal delays. The message is simply keyed into the system. The signals, converted into digital pulses are stored in the computer’s memory for retrieval. The message can be retrieved at the recipient’s convenience. Thus apart from being time saving , electronic mail is a more convenient and unobtrusive method of sending a message as the sender can be sure of not disturbing the recipient. In close inhouse communication, links are established either by the CPU of computer network internet workstations. In distant communication between offices at different locations , an extensive network of microwave or satellite technology is used for the transmission of electronic mail.

Usually group communication takes place in person , in the same room but the new technology provides a facility for discussion with the group of persons on the internet . You can conduct a meeting , hold a group discussion or brief people scattered across the country or around the world. You can consult a number of experts through computers using decision support systems for their views before making a decision or for finalizing a plan of action. In teleconferencing , the attention is focused on the idea or concept that is being communicated. This is an advantage of the method but sometimes this overemphasis on the message with a corresponding neglect of the person communicating it, may not be fully in tune with the corporate culture , which needs dynamic medium of communication.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Author: Ryan Kaufman

In rural areas, particularly in places where utility power is not available, solar panels are the answer. Irrespective of where electrical power is needed, be it for a mountain top cabin, a cruising sailboat or a family home, there is a solar system to fill the needs. We will delve into the details on how do solar panels work.

Solar panels harvest the sun's energy to produce electricity to power lights and appliances or for any use that requires electrical power.

Solar photovoltaic cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of the solar panel. These solar voltaic cells collect sunlight during the day and convert it into energy. Energy is created when sunlight strikes the solar panels crystals and causes some electrons to break loose.

The amount of power produced depends largely on the quality of the solar panels and the technology in making it. Panels of special semiconductors like silicon convert the sun's energy directly into electricity.

Of the three main types of solar panels available, monocrystalline panels have the highest output per cell area and are the most expensive. Polycrystalline cells are slightly less expensive. Thin film type, though considered unbreakable, are only half as efficient per cell area.

We are now moving closer to harnessing the full potential of solar energy, but much has still to be done in terms of research to make it cost-efficient before it can be used on a widespread basis. The advantages of using solar panels to harvest the energy of the sun for general household use will dramatically cut electric bills and reduce pollution.

Solar modules are used to harness solar energy. These modules can be customized to cater for different power generation needs. On a commercial basis, the modules of crystalline silicon is the most efficient available. These modules are designed in complete packages for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.

Solar panels in the past have been of silicon but as silicon is becoming more expensive, research have turned to other materials. Lately, a whole new type of solar panel is produced. They are made of plastic and the price is comparatively cheap. These plastic panels work just as well to power just about any appliance that is used in a home out in a remote location.

Solar panels are mostly placed on the roof. The power generated is transmitted to a battery for storage and household power needs are drawn from this storage.

Solar energy is also most suitable for heating water for household use, swimming pools and hot tubs. The best thing about solar power is that it does not release harmful emissions or effluents leading to global warming, acid rains and smog .

Research and competition is slowly bringing down the price of solar panels. Solar panels used to be popular in rural areas but now the scenario is changing and solar power is fast entering the urban areas. When , one day , the use of solar energy for household use becomes a common practice , power companies will have to decrease rates to the benefit of everybody irrespective of whether the household uses solar panels or not .

If you are thinking of installing solar panels for your home use , ensure that your property have good access to sunlight . Be prepared also to spend in the region of more than $ 20,000. This may look expensive but it will save you a lot in the long run .

The utility of solar panels is great. Having solar panels installed to your home, you can live anywhere even in rural areas without foregoing the conveniences of the city and without having to install expensive electrical line extensions from noisy generators.

With electricity immediately available, you can enjoy all the facilities you would have enjoyed in your urban home, with an added bonus of being free from noise and pollution through the use of solar panels.