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Computers 101

Q:
What are Interrupts?

A:
Interrupts are what your 4 year old generates every time you try to have any kind of conversation with someone (just couldn't resist).

It's also a computer term (surprise). Normally called Interrupt Requests (IRQ), they are basically calls made from a hardware device to get the "attention" of the CPU (similar to the way a 4 year old gets an adult's attention, just not as annoying).

For example, if a disk drive needs to get the attention of the CPU to perform a task, it sends an "interrupt" that allows it to have access to the system.

The average computer has 16 interrupts, most of which get sucked up right away. This causes problems when you want to try to install a new piece of hardware that requires an interrupt that is already being used.

Some interrupts can be "shared", but the best solution is probably to use USB devices whenever possible. Your USB port allows you to use tons of hardware devices with no concern about running out of interrupts. All the devices on a USB port share the port's Interrupt Request number (see, your kindergarten teacher was right about sharing).

Tip of the Day

Inverse Selections

Web link - http://www.worldstart.com/tips/invsel.htm

Have you ever needed to select *most* of the files in a folder using Windows Explorer? Maybe you're copying them to a floppy, moving them to new home, or doing some other type of exciting file management activity.

In any case, it can be a hassle since most of us just select up to the first file we don't want, do whatever it was we were going to do with the files, then move on to the next section. Here's a better way!

First, select the files you DON'T want. If there are multiple files that you don't want, hold down your CTRL key as you select the files. I know, it sounds like I've finally lost it, but stick with me here.

Next, go to the Edit menu and select "Invert Selection" from the menu.

The files you selected previously are now deselected and everything else is selected. It's almost like magic, isn't it?

Want another one? OK, take this:

Go into the folder with the files you want, hit CTRL-A (that will select the whole mess).

Next, hold down your CTRL key and click the files you don't want. That'll deselect 'em good.

Amanda's Cool Site of the Day

VRCincinnati

Have you ever been curious about Cincinnati? The places, the sights, the sounds that you could see if you visited there?

Even if you aren’t curious, you’ll probably like to play with this website. VRCincinnati allows visitors to go inside different places and take a 360 degree look at everything around them.

Click & drag inside the image to look around, then to zoom in hold down the "Shift" key. To zoom out, hold down the "Control" key.

I particularly loved the 18th Century Scotland under the Cincinnati flower show, The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra & Music Hall, and the Zoo pictures. You will find photos from outside of Cincinnati as well. Have fun and enjoy the virtual world.

http://www.vrcincinnati.com/works.htm

Do you have a cool site that you want to share? Send it to Amanda! Here's her address:

amanda@worldstart.com

Oh, and we're looking for non-commercial sites. We generally don't run sites that are strictly for shopping.