How to buy a portable CD-ROM drive

Article Abstract:

CD-ROM drive shoppers should consider a number of factors before buying a product that improves the speed of portable computers. Portable CD-ROMs' functions and portability are key issues. Computer games and complex databases may require additional power because of their disk access requirements. Speed has become an important consideration, as CD-ROM drives continue to improve in quality. Current drives range from 4x to 10x, with 'x' indicating the number of times the speed of the CD-ROM drive first introduced in 1991. Drives faster than 4x should meet most users' needs of loading programs or other data. CD-ROM shoppers also should make certain that it offers a sufficient set of drivers for the computer and OSes that comprise Macintosh, Windows 3.x, Windows 95 and NT. DOS, Unix and Linux users may have to consult other users to locate 'universal' drives. Seven portable CD-ROM products are discussed by product name, company, price, specifications and features. Sony and Panasonic models offer quality and affordability.

Drum Memories, Buyers Guide, Hardware buyers' guide, Optical disk drives, CD-ROM Drive, CD-ROM drives

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Storage for portables

Article Abstract:

Hard disk drives continue to shrink in size while they increase in capacity. Today's hard drives for portable computers offer capacities of up to 5GB, yet fit in the palm of a hand. There are also several types of removable storage devices available for portable users who need to share a computer, keep sensitive information in a safe place, or store applications and files that are only used occasionally. Iomega now offers a model of its popular ZIP drive for portables. Over seven million ZIP drives have been sold since their introduction in early 1995, which is probably a record for any consumer device in that amount of time. Kinko's has installed ZIP drives on their PCs and Macs, making it possible to print files while on the road. Other storage options include the SyQuest Technology EZFlyer and SyJet, Avatar's Shark and Imation's SuperDisk.

Rigid Disk Drives, Technology overview, Removable-media drive, Removable media drives, Hard disk drives, Portable Disk Drive

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Portables at sea: aboard the USS Hopper

Article Abstract:

The USS Hopper is a new destroyer that employs a LAN for its administration. The ship is named after the Navy's first female admiral, the late Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, who invented the COBOL language and was a pioneer in many aspects of computing. Commander Thomas D. Crowley receives all of his unclassified messages on a notebook computer. He uses the LAN as his primary means of disseminating tasks and uses the E-mail system to communicate with his officers. Crowley appreciates the fact that this system minimizes the need for staff meetings. The navy is deploying Windows 95 on its ships and is developing advanced messaging systems based on secured versions of Lotus Notes and and Microsoft Exchange. The USS Hopper has 100 LAN connections, although only about half of them are currently used.

Electronic computers, National Security, Dept of the Navy, Technology application, Notebook computer, Weapons systems, United States. Navy

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