Bitcoin is a digital currency that was introduced in 2009. There is no physical version of the currency, so all Bitcoin transactions take place over the Internet. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin is decentralized, meaning it is not controlled by a single bank or government. Instead, Bitcoin uses a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment network made up of users with Bitcoin accounts.
Bitcoins can be acquired using two different methods: 1) exchanging other currencies for bitcoins, and 2) bitcoin mining. The first method is by far the most common and can be done using a Bitcoin exchange like Mt. Gox or CampBX. These exchanges allow users to trade dollars, euros, or other currencies for bitcoins.
The other method, bitcoin mining, involves setting up a computer system to solve math problems generated by the Bitcoin network. As a bitcoin miner solves these complex problems, bitcoins are credited to the miner. While this seems like an easy way to earn bitcoins, the Bitcoin network is designed to generate increasingly more difficult math problems, which ensures new bitcoins will be generated at a consistent rate. Additionally, the Bitcoin protocol and software are open source to make sure the network isnt controlled by a single person or entity.
When you obtain bitcoins, your balance is stored in a secure “wallet” that is encrypted using password protection. When you perform a bitcoin transaction, the ownership of the bitcoins is updated in the network and the balance in your wallet is updated accordingly. Bitcoin transactions are verified by the bitcoin mining systems connected to the network, so there is no need for a central bank to authorize transactions.
Since bitcoins are transferred directly from person to person, the transaction fees are small (around sh.01 per transaction). Additionally, there are no prerequisites for creating a Bitcoin account and no transaction limits. Bitcoins can be used around the world, but the currency is only good for purchasing items from vendors that accept Bitcoin.
Ernesto
Posts
-
Bitcoin -
AUPStands for Acceptable Use Policy. An AUP is list of rules you must follow in order to use a website or Internet service. It is similar to a software license agreement (SLA), but is used specifically for Internet services.
Most well-known, high traffic websites include an AUP, which may also be called Terms of Service (TOS) or Terms of Use (TOU). You can often find a link to the to the websites AUP in the footer of the home page. Many web services, such as cloud applications require you to agree to an AUP in order to use the online service. ISPs often provide an AUP with each account, which states specific guidelines you must follow.
The specifics of an AUP vary depending on the service offered. Even website AUPs may differ greatly based on the purpose of the website and the websites content. However, most AUPs include a list of general dos and donts while using the service, such as the following:
An AUP serves as an agreement between the user and the company offering the online service. Some rules are basic netiquette, while others may have legal ramifications. If you fail to comply with a policy in a AUP, the company has the right to suspend or terminate your account or take legal action if necessary. Therefore, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the AUPs of the Internet services you use. -
ATMStands for Asynchronous Transfer Mode. Most people know of ATMs as automated teller machines -- those friendly boxes that allow you to withdraw cash from your bank or credit account while charging you a ridiculous surcharge for the service. In the computer world, however, ATM has a different meaning. Asynchronous Transfer Mode is a networking technology that transfers data in packets or cells of a fixed size.
ATM uses 53-byte cells (5 bytes for the address header and 48 bytes for the data). These extremely small cells can be processed through an ATM switch (not an automated teller machine) fast enough to maintain data transfer speeds of over 600 mbps. The technology was designed for the high-speed transmission of all forms of media from basic graphics to full-motion video. Because the cells are so small, ATM equipment can transmit large amounts of data over a single connection while ensuring that no single transmission takes up all the bandwidth. It also allows Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to assign limited bandwidth to each customer. While this may seem like a downside for the customer, it actually improves the efficiency of the ISPs Internet connection, causing the overall speed of the connection to be faster for everybody. -
Alert BoxAn alert box, sometimes called a message box, is a small window that pops up on your screen to warn you that your computer is about to perform an operation with potentially damaging consequences. For example, when you choose to empty the Trash or Recycle Bin on your computer, an alert box may pop up, saying Are you sure you want to permanently remove these items? You are then given the choice to select OK, to delete the items, or Cancel, to prevent the items from being removed.
Alert boxes act as a safeguard for users, preventing us from doing things we wish we hadnt. Perhaps the most common alert box is the one that pops up when you try to close a document without saving it. Youll mostly likely see an alert box with the message, Save changes to this document before closing? You can select Dont Save, to discard the changes, Save, to save the changes before closing the document, or Cancel, to cancel closing the document and continue working on it.
Most alert boxes include the standard alert icon -- a triangle with an exclamation point in the middle -- to get your attention. However, not all alert boxes have multiple options, such as Cancel and OK. For example, an alert box may show up on your screen saying a program performed an illegal operation and has unexpectedly quit. When that happens, your only option is to select OK and then kick your computer for quitting the program before you had a chance to save your work. -
Peep showA great new British TV comedy show, which started on Channel 4 in 2003. It is nothing like the BBC show The Office because its not in anyway done like a documentary. The show is more similar to Sean Locks 15 Stories High - but alot of the show is seen through the eyes of the main two characters who share a flat together.
-
AccessibilityAccessibility refers to the design of products and environments for people with disabilities. Examples include wheelchairs, entryway ramps, hearing aids, and braille signs. In the IT world, accessibility often describes hardware and software designed to help those who experience disabilities.
Accessibility hardware may refer to a custom computer system designed for a specific person or simply an accessory that helps an individual with a computer. Examples of accessibility accessories include keyboards with large letters on the keys, oversized mice and trackballs, and pillow switches that can be activated with only a small amount of force. These and other devices can make it possible for users with disabilities to use computers in ways they would not be able to otherwise.
Modern operating systems include standard accessibility options that can make them easier to use without the need for specialized hardware. For example, Windows and macOS both provide display modification options, such as magnification and inverting colors, which helps those with difficulty seeing. Text-to-speech can also be turned on to provide audible descriptions of objects and text on the screen. Dictation can be used to perform common tasks with vocal commands.
Accessibility options can be found in the following locations for common operating systems:
View the related images to see examples of accessibility settings.
Accessibility options in macOS Sierra
Accessibility options in iOS 10
An oversized trackball with large buttons