Top 10 Movies about Computers, Internet and Technology
Written by admin on April 6th, 2011
Movies featuring the intricacies and never-ending possibilities of technology never fail to draw big crowds. Perhaps it’s because of our innate curiosity for things yet unseen, or maybe it’s just the braggart in us surfacing, always ready to relish in our accomplishments in the sciences and technology. Whatever the reasons are, we will always love us some movies about such themes. Here’s a list of some of our top picks.
1. Bicentennial Man. This movie starring Robin Williams is both a delightful and tragic story. Andrew, the robot, fell in love with a human being, pushing him to want to become a full-fledged man himself. While everyone around him desperately works and hopes to achieve everlasting life, we watch our hero longing to die so that he won’t outlive the love of his life.
2. Gattaca. In this movie, Vincent, a child born out of true love, has been doomed to a life of prejudice and discrimination simply because he has been conceived without the aid of science. His genetic makeup projects that he has a low life expectancy due to a tendency to develop heart and mental disorders, making him automatically disqualified to become an astronaut, his lifelong dream. However, as this is a movie, against all odds, Vincent finds a way to pursue his aspirations, and in the end, gets to fly out of space.
3. I, Robot. This movie revolves around the three laws of robotics conceived by the prolific science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. In this movie, robots are shown to be integrated in the society, living as the servants of humans. Of course, as it would, a program goes awry, creating VIKI, a central computer with artificial intelligence. VIKI ends up controlling all robots, commanding them to dispose of humans. Not to worry though! Will Smith, who is part robot, saves the day by destroying VIKI.
4. Hackers. One of Angelina Jolie’s earlier films about a group of computer savvy friends who discover an evil plot that will let loose a virus to invade computer networks throughout the world. These young men and women must then exhaust all their knowledge of computers to both stop the plot and capture its perpetrator.
5. The Net. This movie stars Sandra Bullock as a very intelligent computer expert. She unwittingly stumbles upon a secret terrorist plot, after which she finds her life turned upside down. Dodging arrests from police and continually running away from hired guns, she successfully informs the FBI of the eminient attack that will destroy computer networks.
6. The Social Network. This movie circles around the story of Mark Zuckerberg and his most famous creation, Facebook. Of course, we now know this man as one of the richest internet pioneers to have ever existed. But prior to his amassing billions, he had to suffer lawsuits and allegations of breach of trust before he was finally able to fully launch his invention.
7. The Matrix. Of course, any list of movies about computers and technology is not complete without mention of The Matrix. This movie centers on the struggle to break from the super computers that have taken over and enslaved humans. This is of course Keanu Reeves’ most famous role ever, where he leads a revolutionary group of humans to freedom from the computers’ control.
8. Tron. This is perhaps the only movie that utilized illuminated body suits almost all throughout! Well, aside from the enticing and futuristic visuals, Tron teaches us to at least value the software programs that are at work when our computers are switched on. Imagine being a brilliant computer game designer, getting zapped into the computer world, and then having the very characters you created try to obliterate you! Talk about a whole new level of education!
9. Electric Dreams. Computers and the 80’s don’t match? Think again! Electric Dreams is certainly one of the funnier movies out there. It revolves around a computer that gains sentience and eventually names itself Edgar after its human owner Miles accidentally spills champagne on the machine. And this is not all, as Miles, who gets a little romantic assistance from Edgar to woo a beautiful neighbor, finds his robot friend falling for the woman too! Love triangle involving two humans and a self-aware computer—what could possibly go wrong?
10. You’ve Got Mail. This romcom(puter!) circles around two people who exchange e-mails regularly. Of course, neither knows the real identity of the other person as they both use screen names in their correspondences. In real life though, they know each other as arch rivals. The guy is a scion of a very large and highly successful chain of bookstores, while the girl struggles to keep her small family book shop afloat. This movie features e-mailing heavily, and is in fact the very activity that connects and eventually helps develop the couple’s romantic relationship.
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Top 10 Weirdest Apps
Written by admin on April 6th, 2011
The iPhone and the iPod have gained extreme prominence in the consumer electronics market. Because of their portability and multiple functions, a lot of people have fallen in love with these products. Further, aside from their functionality, there is a vast multitude of different applications which users can download to their convenience. These applications range from weather forecasting to news, blogging, games and anything you can imagine. With the countless applications available online, you will most definitely find some wacky apps in amongst those fancy calculators and news blogs. The following list takes you to some of the weirdest applications to hit the market.
1. Rimshot & Crickets. This application is free and functions like a personal soundtrack to one’s life. Basically, the application aims to provide the most appropriate type of sound effects for a certain occasion. If you want to tell a funny joke then the Rimshot can provide the iconic “bah-dum-bum-chsssh” cymbal crash to finish it with style.
2. Drunk Dialer. When you’re drunk, it is a big NO-NO to call anyone. Nearly everyone who has ever been the culprit of the humiliating drunk dial has regretted it. Chances are your contact list contains the numbers of the people you dated in past, people you have crushes on and horror-of-all-horrors, your parents. Well, this app avoids the morning after cringe by registering the user’s movements. A gentle sway will cause the keypad to block, and the phone will not be able to make a call until it remains stationary for a certain amount of time. Sounds handy, that is, if you remember to open the app in such an inebriated state!
3. Hold On! This is a free application which takes the cake as one of the most useless to ever grace the App Store. The only purpose of the application is to test how long you can press a virtual button. Your endurance levels will be measured and can be submitted for a personal record. While you may find yourself secretly grinning over a personal best, it’s not really something to boast about!
4. Multi-coloured concert lighter. No concert is complete without a “lighter song”. Usually this is a slow ballad where people raise their lit lighters in the air and softly sway to the music. Basically, the application puts a virtual lighter on the iPod or iPhone’s screen. Just like the real thing, the virtual light can also flicker, and sways according to the user’s motions. While it may be amusing, unless you go to a concert with a lighter song or simply make your own concert, there’s no other use for it. On the plus side, this app should get a prize for reducing a common fire hazard!
5. iSteam. The software behind the iSteam is extremely impressive, yet the app itself is just bizarre. Basically, the application creates virtual condensation onto the device’s screen and allows the user to scribble just as they would on a moist mirror or car window. You can also blow into the microphone and create steam to fog up the screen again.
6. iFart. This is a free application and, as the name implies, lets you play a lot of trumping sounds. Choose from a variety of sound effects and have as much fun as possible until your friends’ sense of humor runs dry.
7. iBeer. The iBeer is an application for aficionados. It can mimic a glass getting filled with the foamy and rust colored liquid of beer. You can even tilt the screen and act as if you’re drinking real beer. While the application may seem amusing, certainly, you can only enjoy it up to certain extent. Still, nothing beats the real thing right?
8. Annoy-a-Teen. Because of the prevalent ruckus caused by gangs or hooded youths, corner shops and fast food restaurants often use annoying high frequency noises to drive teenagers away. Nonetheless, people with iPods and iPhones can have the same technology right at the palm of their hands. If you want to clear a pathway, you can certainly use the sound…if you dare.
9. Cat Photo Clock Light. This application is made for cat lovers, and only for cat lovers. Once downloaded, you can simply view different pictures of cats and other slideshows.
10. iBlackout. The purpose of the application is to provide a virtual torch that can offer sufficient light when the owner is trying to find something. Once accessed, the application turns the whole screen into one bright color of choice. Easy to see the advantages of this app, unless of course you need to find your iPhone.
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Top 10 Most Viewed YouTube Videos
Written by admin on April 6th, 2011
Before the arrival of the internet, any aspiring celebrity would have had to use the right resources, know the right people, and generally have a lot of good luck. Budding stars had to audition and wait in grueling lines just to get a shot at fame. Moreover, wanting to share information on a large scale would have had to get in touch with a person or a company influential enough to get them the necessary publicity. While all of these may still hold true for some, the advent of the internet and the introduction of YouTube, has sent the world of fame and fortune in a completely different direction. By simply posting a video on YouTube, it’s more than likely that you’ll get the necessary attention and spotlight you want. Here we count down the top 10 most viewed videos of YouTube. These videos may only last a few minutes, but they have succeeded in turning their artists’ worlds upside down.
1. Justin Beiber ft. Ludracris – Baby (476,504,704 views). By the time you are reading this Justin Bieber’s Baby music video may have surpassed the half billion mark. Considered as one of the biggest teenage sensations to date, Justin Bieber’s hit single received massive reception, not only in the United States but all over the world. Now a slightly premature global teenage heartthrob, young Mr. Bieber has YouTube to thank for his international stardom. Music industry executive Scooter Braun stumbled upon a home video Bieber had posted on YouTube and instantly recognized the potential of this star in the making.
2. Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (351,620,853 views). Known for her unique antics and a barrage of bizarre yet interesting performances, Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance currently ranks as the second most viewed YouTube video. With her striking blonde hair and a plethora of accessories and definitely distinctive scenarios, many have been hooked to Gaga’s Bad Romance.
3. Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (309,961,284 views). Colombian singer Shakira managed to stay ahead of the pack despite joining the music scene almost two decades ago. With her song chosen to be the theme for the world’s biggest football eventl, FIFA, Waka Waka became an instant hit. Combined with Shakira’s distinctive voice, this 2010 World Cup stint has been a sure win in views.
4. Eminem ft. Rihanna – Love the Way You Lie (296,974,332 views). What happens when you team up one of the most popular and best selling rappers of all time with one of the biggest names in pop? You get nearly 300 million views. This latest offering from Eminem and Rihanna not only peaked in various charts but also managed to become one of the most highly viewed videos on YouTube. As if that weren’t enough, the video also features the appearance of one Megan Fox.
5. Charlie bit my finger – again! (286,339,624 views). Adorable babies and kids always manage to get the spotlight, and this video is no exception. Two kids, one toddler and baby, are featured in this funny 1 minute video. What happens when a baby bites the finger of a toddler? Watch the video and you’ll see. Surprisingly, more than 200 million people found this little ditty absolutely fascinating.
6. Justin Bieber – One Time (222,161,184 views). Well he’s not a teenage superstar for nothing. Another Justin Bieber music video managed to get into the top ten of YouTube’s most viewed videos. With his trademark swooshy hair and voice of a pubescent angel, more than 200 million people logged onto to YouTube just to watch this youngster do his thing.
7. Eminem – Not Afraid (206,729,645 views). Grammy award winning rapper Eminem secured his superstar status by managing to get two videos with more than 200 million views each in YouTube’s most viewed videos. Matching the millions of albums he sold, after all these years, Eminem is still a force to be reckoned with.
8. Miley Cyrus – Party in the USA (198,227,782 views). A Disney child star turned actual pop star, Miley Cyrus is one of the most popular teenage sensations to date. Whether people wanted to a see a more mature version of Hannah Montana or simply the smiley Miley, the video is a clear testimony of her influence in the entertainment industry.
9. Pitbull – I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) (167,844,208 views). Pitbull’s Calle Ocho snagged the hearts and ears of many party lovers. His video for I Know You Want Me has more than 100 million views at present.
10. Evolution of Dance – (166,110,666 views). People never miss out a good talent or a funny performance on the internet, and this is no exception. Comedian Judson Laipply took it upon himself to explain the last 60 years through the medium of dance, with hilarious consequences. Seamless and cringingly accurate, Laipply has created an internet sensation. Check the video and see why more than a hundred million people tuned in to watch.
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PC Prodigies: Amazing Computer Whizz-Kids
Written by admin on April 6th, 2011
Kids these days are hooked on computers. But computer whiz kids are a different story, as they try their hand in creating computer programs that become useful to other people. Here’s a list of these kids and their brilliant creations.
Lim Ding Wen.
This Malaysian boy living in Singapore is thought to be the youngest ever Apple IIGS programmer. He started dabbling with computer programming at the early age of seven, and has since come to be proficient in six other computer programming languages. Wondering what this child’s claim to fame is? Well, he’s the creator of the very popular Apple iPhone application called Doodle Kids. The program allows one to finger-draw figures on the phone’s touchscreen. One shake of the phone will erase the drawn images, while a click on the space bar will move and animate the pictures.
Marko Calasan.
Hailing from the quiet country of Macedonia, Marko Calasan is perhaps more remarkable because of the positive way he faces everyday adversities. Even with such an immense talent, having been named the youngest Microsoft Certified System Engineer, he is having trouble finding support to further pursue his studies. He now runs the computer network of a local non-governmental organization providing services to people with disabilities. He also spearheads a project which endeavors to impart computer knowledge through online streaming videos.
Owen Voorhees.
This young boy from Hinsdale, Illinois created an iPhone application called MathTime. His brain-child has become one of the most downloaded educational applications since its release. The program was based on the old fashioned number flash cards system. You tap the phone to reveal the problem, and you tap it once more to show the answer. Rather simple but very ingenious indeed.
Fabian Fernandez-Han.
Another young boy who specializes in the creation of applications for the iPhone. His latest and most successful so far is called the Oink-a-Saurus, an application which aids young people in making financial, primarily investment, decisions. The program works rather simply too. The user chooses stocks that are currently being sold, the application then automatically shows the companies that sell these, and ultimately, the costs required for the investment.
Andrew Munsell.
This high school student from Woodinville, Washington has been fascinated by writing computer codes since he was 10. At 13, he crafted games which he would input into his calculator. He also put up a website to make these games available for download at the same time. Now, he’s mostly busy creating programs for mobile phones and getting paid a few thousand dollars for them each month, securing some funds for his college education.
Makonnen Blake Hannah.
While he’s no longer a kid any more, he was only 13 years old when he got the position as the Youth Technology Consultant under the Jamaican government back in 1998. Just how exactly did he get hired for a government post? Well, he was in the Department of Commerce and Technology office with his mother who was there for an official meeting. During this visit, the presiding officer suggested that changes to the country’s official website be made. None could address the request so Makonnen took to the computer, made some modifications, and got hired right then and there!
William LeGate.
This high school student from Marietta, Georgia is both a computer programmer and a business man. He is the brains behind the outfit Imagination Research Labs, and he creates iPhone applications being sold under the company as well. His business savvy is evidenced by how he markets his inventions to the public. Instead of outright charging for the applications, he allows interested parties to first try out the applications for a period of one day. Of course, his creations are so brilliant that the majority of people end up buying the apps after the trial period. In fact, there was such a high demand for his most famous application, Game Giveaway, that it quickly became the 2nd Most Downloaded Program.
These kids are just an example of what skill and imagination can produce. While we want our children to experience the joys of childhood the best they can, it’s also smart to let them spread their knowledge by making available computers and other techie gadgets which they can tinker or dabble with. So do you have a future computer whiz kid at home?
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5 Movie Computers and Gadgets We Wish Were Real
Written by admin on April 6th, 2011
Computers in real life seem boring to filmmakers, so they have created their own. While many movies do feature everyday computers, there are tons of movies starring computers which stretch to the very edges of human imagination. More than the average computer, these gadgets provide maximum convenience and a whole variety of utilities which are far from achievable in the near future. Check out the list and see if there’s anything that takes your fancy!
Weird Science – Wyatt’s Personal Computer
This one is every boy’s dream. Imagine being able to create a woman purely out of a few of magazines and videos. Who doesn’t like the sound of that? The computer can cater to anybody’s fantasy or to anyone who wishes to create their ideal woman. Perfect for teenagers, Wyatt’s personal computer would cause a stampede ifit were ever released in the real market.
War Games – Matt Broderick’s Personal Computer
Matthew Broderick’s personal computer is famous for all the action it got back in the 1983 movie by John Badham. The computer came with an acoustic coupled modem and a speech synthesizer. While this may be quite common or achievable these days, it still poses some computer capabilities which may be hard to mimic even today. For instance, it was able to hack into the computers under NORAD and it was able to fool the War Operation Plan Response or the WOPR defense system into thinking that nuclear bombs from Russia were approaching. The ability to prompt the world into complete chaos and thermonuclear destruction makes this computer about as powerful as they come.
Trivia: “War Dialing”, which refers to the act of automatically contacting phone numbers until a certain computer is reached, derived its name from War Games. The same ideas were applied to “War Chalking”, “War Cycling” and “War Driving”.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – Targeted Memory Erasure
While the memory neutralizer pen from Men in Black is a popular rival for Targeted Memory Erasure, this computer proves to be an amazing device. Imagine being able to erase all memories for a certain time period or for a certain moment in a person’s life, it’s something that medical science cannot do even until now. While erasing memories may be a subject of ethical debate and other issues, the Targeted Memory Erasure used in the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind helps take away painful or traumatic memories. The kind of brain damage brought upon by the computer is comparable to a “night of heavy drinking”, thus it’s not as alarming. Though other people may take this computer for granted, it’s easy to realize its significance for those who have gone through very traumatic conditions. The world could do with a little less post-traumatic stress!
Ghost in the Shell – the Cyber Brain
Cyber Brain allows you to access all kinds of websites and networks using only your brain. Although it might sound creepy or uncomfortable to others, imagine opening Twitter and using Facebook by merely “thinking” about them. Once you’re wired, you don’t have to life a finger: your brain will do all the surfing. This is the ultimate device that can allow you to multitask to the best of your thinking ability. The Cyber Brain can give Apple, Microsoft and Google a run for their money in terms of convenience and portability. You don’t actually have to store because it’s already stored within you. Even though the idea of a Cyber Brain is possible, it’s important to note that recent research considers it to be extremely dangerous. Yes, you might have the portability and convenience right inside your brain but the dangers which lie ahead would make anyone doubtful.
Blade Runner – Voight-Kampff
Though human clones are not viable, the Voight-Kampff will be become very useful in the event that they become so. The whole purpose of the device is to closely monitor dilations in the iris whilst questioning a subject on moral issues. The device seeks to evaluate whether or not the subject is human or clone. While clones are not yet in season, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared, right?
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NetSpeak: Guide to the Latest Internet Slang
Written by admin on April 6th, 2011
With this fast changing virtual beast that is the Internet, it’s a little challenging to keep abreast of the latest coined computer terminology. Of course, if you’re the traditional type, you’re likely to steer clear of this cyber jargon. But it can’t be denied that knowledge of these words certainly has its advantages. Here’s a list of these expressions and their meanings.
Google. Yes, yes, we all know Google is a search engine. However, it has found its way into daily conversations too. In fact, both Merriam Webster and Oxford Dictionaries now list this “word”. As a noun it of course refers to the well-known web-based search engine. And as a verb, it refers to the act of using the search engine to find out anything and everything about something on the Internet. So, now if you are ever told to “Just Google it!”, at least you won’t be left standing there like a lemon.
Facebook. Yup, you probably already know that Facebook is a social networking site, but the combination of words is more than that actually, if you consider how it has come to be used in everyday language. Much like Google, Facebook too is used to search for data, but unlike Google, it is mostly employed to find details about people. Information such as a person’s relationship status, school, and even address or phone number are just some of the gems you may discover if you “facebook” someone.
Tweet. This word of course denotes the chirping sounds birds make. However, it now also refers to both the act of posting and the postings itself on the micro-blogging site Twitter. So when you want to make something known by your Twitter followers, say, a joke or a rumor, you then “tweet” them a “tweet” from your mobile phone. And this word has evolved, thanks to avid Twitter users who just loves to use less and less keystrokes. Now there’s “retweet,” which is oftentimes abbreviated as “RT,” and simply means copying a tweet for purposes of sending to one’s own Twitter followers. There’s MRT as well, which stands for “modified retweet,” or in layman’s terms, simply means an editing to a tweet.
LOL. This is an Internet short-hand which means “laugh out loud.” Many abbreviations have sprung up and most of these are simply variations. There’s “ROFL” meaning “rolling on the floor laughing,” or LMAO which translates to “laughing my ass off.” Sometimes, these two short-hand terms are combined to become ROFLMAO and used to imply extreme amusement over someone or something.
GTG. This is sometimes typed as G2G, and is a short-hand for the statement “got to go.” GTG is often used when one party needs to leave an online chat session.
AFK. A short-hand meaning “away from keyboard.” It is often used during chat sessions or as a status message on one’s instant messenger. It serves to inform online contacts that one won’t be able to respond immediately since one isn’t currently in front of the PC.
BRB. This chat-speak means “be right back.” This is more commonly used as a status message on one’s instant messenger. Much like “AFK” it functions as a notification to online contacts that one is not in front of the computer but will be back in a short while.
POS. A little ditty meaning “parent over shoulder.” It is commonly used by teenagers to both inform and warn online contacts that mom or dad is looking over. A variation of this is MOS which stands for “mom over shoulder.” CD9, a short-hand for Code 9, PAW for “parents are watching,” and PIR for “parent in room” are also common variations denoting that parents are currently in close proximity.
NTS. An abbreviation meaning “note to self.” May be used as the subject of an email to one’s self to serve as a personal reminder of what needs to be done.
@. The “at” sign is primarily used by “tweeters”. It is typed in front of a Twitter username to signal that a particular tweet is meant for the person specified. Use of this sign is considered crucial as it helps eliminate confusion, and inevitably misunderstandings, over tweets that might be deemed vague.
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