Memory card crash course

Memory Card

SD, CF, MMC, xD...there is a confusing mix of memory cards out there. DARYL LIM makes sense of the alphabet soup

MMC (MultiMediaCard)

Invented by: Siemens AG and SanDisk in 1997.

Used in: Although the Secure Digital (SD) card has taken over in popularity, the MMC is still used by many devices from all areas of electronics, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
This may be because MMC cards can be used in many devices that use the SD card.

miniSD and microSD

Invented by: SanDisk; the miniSD in 2003 and microSD in 2005.

Used in: Various mobile phones and small electronic devices that prize a small size over storage space. Motorola's Razr series, for example, uses the microSD format (right).

Memory Stick and Memory Stick Duo

Invented by: Sony in 1998.

Used in: Sony's initial foray into flash memory is today found only on legacy Sony products such as the first generation of Clie PDAs. Superseded by newer Memory Stick versions.

Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Pro Duo

Invented by: Sony and SanDisk in 2003.
Used in: The Pro is used in older Sony electronics such as the Clie line of PDAs, but has been largely superseded by the PRO Duo.
The Pro Duo (right) is used in current Sony gizmos, such as the Cybershot digital cameras and PlayStation Portable (PSP).
It can also be found in some Sony Ericsson mobile phones.

SD (Secure Digital)

Invented by: Matsushita, SanDisk and Toshiba in 2000.
Used in: Almost every imaginable aspect of consumer electronics, largely due to its affordability - you can get a 1GB card for $30 or less.
SD cards are used in everything from digital cameras to music players.

Memory Stick Micro

Invented by: Sony and SanDisk in 2006.
Used in: Small gadgets such as Sony Ericsson mobile phones, where space
is at a premium but storage capacity is necessary. Also known as the M2.

xD (xD-Picture Card)

Invented by: Olympus and Fujifilm in 2002.
Used in: Just like Sony Memory Sticks, xD is a proprietary format used only in products from Olympus and Fujifilm. These include digital cameras and Olympus digital voice recorders.
The xD also comes in Type M and Type H versions. Type M cards featured increased space over the original xD cards at the expense of speed, while Type H cards focus on higher data rates.

CF (CompactFlash

Invented by: SanDisk in 1994.
Used in: Certain digital cameras, especially professional- or prosumer-level digital cameras, as CF cards are known for their industrial-strength reliability. There is also the CF2, or CompactFlash Type II, card. Examples of applications involving CF2 cards include microdrives from IBM, which fit a miniature hard drive into the card.

How to video-call with Skype

Skype allows you to make video calls over the Internet for free. DARYL LIM shows you how to set Skype up on your computer

The written letter may not be dead just yet. But these days, Internet video calls are the new way to communicate - especially among the young. High-speed broadband links to homes have made it easy to stay connected with loved ones. And you can now talk face to face despite being thousands of miles apart. To log on, you will need:

· The free Skype software. It supports Windows, Mac OS X and even Linux. Download from www.skype.com
· A webcam and microphone. You can get a webcam for under $40. Microphones cost less than $20 and are available from any computer hardware store.

Step 1: Install your webcam

If your computer or laptop came with a webcam built in, you can skip this step. Otherwise, most external webcams connect using an USB port. Plug it in and follow the steps detailed in your camera's manual to get your camera up and running on your computer.

Step 2: Install your microphone

Microphones require no special software drivers to work. On the front or rear of your computer, there should be a microphone port. It typically carries an icon of an arrow pointing either into a circle or a set of round brackets. Plug your microphone in.

Step 3: Download and install Skype

Once you have downloaded Skype, run the installer. Select your language, tick the checkbox numbered 2 and click Install. Skype will also offer to install an extension for your browser, which allows you to dial phone numbers directly from websites. Be aware that calling to an actual land line or mobile phone number instead of a computer incurs a charge. Finally, click Start Skype and you are up and running.

Step 4: Configure your account

To call with Skype, you will need a Skype account. When you first run Skype, the software will offer to set up an account for you. The Full Name field is optional - you can choose not to fill it in. In the Choose Skype Name field, enter a preferred username for all your future logins. Then fill in the password fields, tick the box and hit Next. The next screen will prompt you to enter your e-mail address. You may want to uncheck the box for the Skype news and special offers if you don't want to receive e-mail from Skype. The Country and City fields are, again, optional - leave them blank if you want to. Now, click Sign In. Congratulations, you're done with the setup. Step 5: Add your loved ones You are now at the main screen of Skype itself. Click the Add Contact button. Now, enter the e-mail address or Skype Name of the person you want to add, and click Find. A list of names will come up if you did not enter the exact Skype Name. Choose the right person and click Add Skype Contact. Your friend will have to approve the process before you can see him online. On the next screen, leave a message saying who you are and click Ok.

Step 6: Call, call, call

Now for the big payoff. Your contact is online and it's time to chat. Select his name and hit the big green button at the bottom of the screen. Skype will automatically recognise your webcam if it is plugged in. Now, chat for free!

Get Skype-savvy

· Skype is free to use for computer-to- computer calls. The software can also dial to land lines and certain mobile phones. But it costs 0.034 cents a minute to the United States, for example.

· If you choose to make a computer- to-computer call, your contact on the other end will also need a Skype account to receive your calls.
· Always protect your privacy online. Only add people you know and trust to your contact list. If you don't want others to use your account, disable auto-login. The option is available on the first screen whenever you run Skype.

VoIP , ATA, IP Phones and Computer to Computer

What is VoIP, ATA IP Phones & Computer to Computer

VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is also called, IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband. It is very simply, a method for taking ordinary analogue audio signals and turning them into digital signals that can be sent over the Internet. Some equipment for your to do this include:

ATA (Analogue Telephone Adaptor)

The most common way of using VoIP. This adaptor allows you to hook up the phone that is already in your house, to your computer, and then your Internet connection. It turns the analogue signals your phone sends out into digital signals that can be sent over the Internet

IP Phones

This looks just like a normal phone, but instead of a normal wall jack connector, it has an Ethernet connector which gets plugged directly into your router. This means that you will not have to install any software on your computer, because its all built in to the handset.

Computer-to-Computer

This is the simplest and cheapest way to use VoIP. These calls are entirely free (except for your internet plan). The only thing you need is the software which can be found for free on the internet, a good internet connection, a microphone, speakers, and a sound card.