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.

Apple has been a major driving force in the consumer technology market for a couple of years now. Thanks to their innovative products and creative approaches to the digital age, Apple has managed to carve itself a unique niche and create a trend of its own. The names iPods, iPhone, iPad and Mac have become a household name. However, before Apple’s booming popularity in the world of mobile phones and mp3 players, it had already established itself as a competitive computer manufacturer. Consequently, the evolution of Apple is always an interesting story to tell. Let’s take a look at some of Apple’s ventures and get to know some of your Mac’s ancestors.

All-In-One Computers

Back in its premature days, Apple initially offered “all-in-one” computers. They provided packages of built-in monitors. Nonetheless, despite the classification, Apple already provided its customers with a variety of monitor packages with the same box. Some of the earliest all-in-one computers include Apple II and Apple III. Apple II was released in 1977 at the same time that the famous rainbow Apple logo was conceptualized. Steve Jobs figured that colors should be added to the logo in order to emphasize the superior color capacity of Apple II. This marked the beginning of Apple’s distinctiveness from its competitors. Apple III at the time was released to cater to business industries and compete with IBM. In 1983, Apple introduced Apple IIe which eliminated the numeric keypad and came with a built-in keyboard.

Venture into Portability and Desktop Computers

1984 signaled the start for Apple’s focus on portability along with “out-of-the-box” functionality. The company introduced Apple IIc. Nonetheless, the IIc edition still lacked a portable power supply. In the same year, the name Macintosh opened a new era not just for Apple, but for the world over. Macintosh started it all. It was Steve Jobs’ demonstration at Mac World that instigated the explosion of Apple’s popularity, releasing the very first Macintosh and introduced many of the features that people are enjoying now. Afterwards, Apple released Apple IIGS and Macintosh Plus in 1986. IIGS provided the signature silkscreened front from Steve Wozniak. The Macintosh Plus series originally came in beige color but it was later on changed to gray, the trademark color for many Apple computers in the years to come. Following the release of the Macintosh series, Macintosh II was introduced. It was the first modular computer from Apple. This also marked the beginning of desktop computers for the company. The following provides an outline of the progression of Apple in the computer manufacturing industry:

Macintosh SE (1987). In this same year of desktop computers, Apple began adding advanced SCSI support and internal hard disk to its computers.

Macintosh Color (1993). Apple finally put out its first color compact computer.

iMac G3 Tray Loading Bondi Blue (1998). This is another computer revolution catalyst from Apple. The iconic, streamlined desktop computer got rid of the tower but kept the computing capacity of the device.

2000 – Present

By the year 2000, Apple was using Intel’s chipset and had invested on computer speed. From its Power Mac G5 (2003) to the Mac Pro (2006), Apple continually emphasized the company’s dedication in providing efficiency and fast computing ability. The beginning of 2000 also showed the company’s ongoing venture into the laptop industry. In 2006, Apple introduced the famous MacBook which became an instant hit. In 2008, the company released the revolutionary MacBook Air, so compact it fit right into a paper envelope. The same period also saw the debut of Apple’s LCD offerings such as the Apple Cinema Display. Nonetheless, among the countless revolutionary products that apple introduced, it is the iPod release which set Apple a few bars above all other competitors. From the iPod Classic First Generation (2001) to the Shuffle, Nano and iPod touch, Apple changed the way people listen to music. And in 2007, every tech aficionado’s must-have gadget was released: the iPhone. The iPhone has received such immense popularity and positive reception that it proved to be a viable and strong competitor to Blackberry. To date, Apple is still active in bringing the consumer market more groundbreaking products like the iPad, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of computers. More than two decades after its establishment, Apple has truly become a force to be reckoned with.

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.

We always hear about how advanced information technology makes our lives easier. But do we ever really see the full extent of its benefits? Of course, there’s more accessible phone use, and easier research through the Internet, but aside from these, are there any other tangible advantages? Of course, there are! Here’s a list of a whole lot of daily routines which you can readily and quickly accomplish from behind your computer desk.

1. Online banking. Bank errands can be especially tedious. Aside from the need to drive, there’s a one hundred percent chance you’ll end up queuing once you get to the bank’s premises. And what if you have a number of banks to go to? Surely you’d have all the energy and time to make it before these institutions close for the day, right? Well, thanks to technology, this dreaded task can now be accomplished with ease. With financial institutions now offering secured online access to bank accounts, tasks such as transferring money and paying bills can be completed in a matter of minutes.

2. Working from home. Establishing a fruitful corporate or government career used to be a rather narrow path. You apply for a job, get accepted, work your way up the ladder, and hope that one day you get that coveted top position. Of course, all this hard work is still essential if you want to truly establish yourself professionally, but the big difference now is that you can do it right in the comfort of your home. And you know what that means? You won’t have to power dress any more or deal with annoying office mates. Of course, if you need to attend an online conference for the day, you might want to don a professional-looking jacket to hide those matching sweats!

3. Running a small business. In these dire economic times we’re in, it’s reassuring to know there are a few other outlets from which to earn a living. Perhaps you have a knack for creating useful, artsy crafts? So what’s stopping you from hocking them online? You can always put up a standalone website to sell these items, or run an online store through bidding sites such as eBay.

4. Booking flights. If you’re a frequent flyer, then you probably have your travel agent’s phone number on speed dial. But you might need to say goodbye to this business relationship while you still can. Travel agents are in fact a vanishing lot, thanks to airlines making travel reservations a breeze to accomplish now. And the best part of this is that you get to really save on your travel expenses as the need to pay extra for the agent’s services is eliminated.

5. Ordering movies. Weekend movie nights used to commence with a trip to the local video rental store. But this is no more as movies, in their digital formats of course, can be ordered with just a few clicks of the mouse! So why brave a chilly evening journey when you can quickly snuggle up the couch after completing your movie purchase online?

6. Shopping. Avid shoppers can of course frequent the malls. But with more and more online stores cropping up these days, this is no longer necessary. Not only is walking incessantly to find the things you’re looking to buy obsolete, but the whole hassle of looking for a spot in a crowded mall parking lot as well. Plus, you’re not just limited to merchandise that’s offered within the U.S. In fact, you can buy from anywhere around the world. Fancy an authentic sarong for an upcoming beach trip? Surely you’ll find nice ones being sold online!

7. Obtaining a diploma. Online schools are becoming more and more the norm these days. And this just makes sense. Not only does this new platform make education more accessible, but it also makes it cheaper. No more paying high prices for a dorm room, or having those long gas-guzzling drives to and from school. And if you’re worrying about getting a sub-standard education, then fear not! Reputable online educational institutions comply with strict standards set by professional and governmental institutions to maintain integrity. And best of all, there are a number of federal and state scholarships you can avail yourself of to help you obtain an online degree.

Microsoft has lead the pack for quite some time now. Ever since people started using computers, Microsoft has been the reigning household name. The company was able to sustain growth and its market share despite the overwhelming number of competitors and the repeated controversies on antitrust. More importantly, it’s also important to emphasize how Microsoft managed to stay afloat despite the overwhelming growth and consumer reception that Apple has achieved. Throughout the years, the iPod and iPhone producer was able to transform itself into a profit-making machine and has developed billion-dollar offerings throughout the years. While the rest of the industry is still attempting to penetrate into this competition, it’s clear to see the two major players. However, the increasing presence of Apple as a direct competitor poses a serious threat to Microsoft. Experts are speculating: Is it time for Microsoft to take a bow and make way for another leader?

Measuring the Competition

The online community has always discussed the ongoing battle between Microsoft and Apple. However, it’s safe to say that many of these debates don’t provide actual data. Without actual data it’s almost impossible to conduct a good evaluation of the competition. Real facts can properly say whether Apple has been making comparable damage to Microsoft when it comes to sales monopoly and consumer market. Further, such information can also highlight whether the introduction of iPad and iPhone has affected the market for computers and their perceived functionalities. Basically, it all boils down to the sales figures. Sales figures tell a lot about a company’s current condition and the market for their products. The higher the sales figure, the better the company’s position in the competition. The internet is filled with countless news stories, business analysis and economic predictions. Using these sources, the following sections provide compiled information of sales figures and news stories on both Apple and Microsoft. These figures should be helpful in determining what’s the score between Microsoft and Apple.

Windows XP and Continuing Sales Decline

During the earlier part of 2008, a year or so after the introduction of Windows Vista, Windows users were been as accommodating to the upgrade as they were with other Microsoft products. In fact, many of them rejected the idea of converting to the upgrade. The number of users who switched to the new version accounted for less than 10% of the total number of users and around 5% of the same market is still using versions of the Windows system older than XP. As for the Windows 7, Microsoft similarly lost a considerable proportion of its user base. Consequently, Microsoft’s stronghold in terms of XP usage has also been declining over the years. In two years alone, more than 20 percent of its users have abandoned the system altogether. Nonetheless, this is not sufficient to suggest that the marketplace is completely rejecting Microsoft. While the decline in internet traffic from Windows-run computers (95.4% to 91.1%) is perhaps surprising, Microsoft is not alone: the same is happening for other competitors like Linux.

Apple and iOS-based Devices

Mac has been a revolutionary product for Apple. While Microsoft was having problems with Vista, Apple took the opportunity and launched aggressive marketing campaigns to increase the usage of OS X. Still, this is in comparative terms to the giant that is Microsoft.  Internet usage from OS X powered devices increased from 3.45% in 2008 up to 5% in the following year. Nonetheless, internet usage through OS X and iOS has also been increasing due to increased sales of both the  iPad and iPhone. Because of the innovative approaches given to both products, the market share for both has increased dramatically throughout the years. Currently, it is estimated that the market share for iPhone is around three times greater than the of the Android offering. For the first quarter of 2010, Apple has already managed to increase its market share by 2 percent.

There’s no telling who the clear winner is. With Steve Jobs momentarily leaving Apple and with Microsoft continued efforts to provide more innovative products, the battle is on!

Computer viruses are simply a nightmare. There are some with hacking skills capable of stealing personal information, while others are simply obstructive, capable of wiping out information and deleting files from the hard drive. Further, viruses can also completely block applications from running and prevent the computer from accessing any file. What is even worse is that many computer viruses are designed to replicate themselves and they can spread out to other computer systems through the internet or mailing systems. For those who are wondering why people are extremely worried about such, the fuss is all worth it. It is estimated that in 2008 alone, around $8.5 billion was lost due to computer infections. While viruses are just one type of online threat, they are the most prominent. The following list provides some of the most prolific virus to hit the computer market.

1.The CIH Virus (1998). The CIH virus was introduced back in 1998 and was said to have affected numerous computer systems. Vast amounts of computer data were destroyed and the estimated damage was around $80 million from all over the world. The virus came from Taiwan and was released around June. The CIH virus had been very detrimental due to its ability to overwrite data. Further, it can also overwrite the host’s BIOS which prevent booting procedures to push through.

2. Melissa (1999). Melissa, allegedly named after an exotic Floridian dancer, is considered one of the most damaging viruses to date. The estimated damage it caused to computer systems and corporations was around $1 billion. The virus specifically targeted computer systems using Microsoft Word versions 1997 and 2000. The virus stated as a mass e-mail process which spread over the first 50 contacts available in a person’s email address.

3. ILOVEYOU (2000). The I Love You virus was the brainchild of two students from the Philippines. Masquerading as a love letter from a secret admirer, It is one of the most famous viruses to be ever after it attacked millions of computers. Nearly 10% of computers using the internet were affected and damages were valued at $5.5 to $8.7 billion. The virus specifically targeted computer systems using Microsoft OS.

4. Code Red (2001). Code Red virus came in two forms Code Red and Code Red II. Both are classified as worms and damage caused is valued at $2 billion. The virus effectively created a back door to computers, allowing remote users to assume control. From the time it was released, the virus was said to leave in its wake an estimated damage rate of $200 million per day. Code Red was released in July 2001 and had detrimental self replicating abilities.

5. SQL Slammer (2003). The SQL Slammer brought the Korean online community to its knees and prevented online access for 12 hours. The virus was able to double its number of victims every few seconds, affecting 500,000 serves in total. Take note that the virus was able to infect not just computers but the servers themselves. It is a very small virus, a 376-byte worm, but its effects were exponentially damaging.

6. MSBlast (2003). This virus caused around $2 to $10 billion in damage, infecting more than one hundred thousand computers in different parts of the world. Following Microsoft’s announcement of certain vulnerabilities in its operating system, the virus was released. Six months after the virus was introduced, more than 25 million hosts were still affected. The MSBlast virus contained the mocking message, “Billy Gates, why do you make this possible? Stop making money and fix your software!”

7. Sobig (2003). More than 500,000 computer units have been affected by Sobig when it was released in 2003. Consumer losses were computed at $1 billion. The virus spread like wildfire as an e-mail attachment and began infecting once it was downloaded and opened.

8. Sasser (2004). Sasser reportedly caused tens of millions of dollars in damage and was even able to bring down satellite communications systems in various news agencies in France. Flights were affected and cancelled while companies from different parts of the world worked to shutdown their systems to prevent further damage.

9. MyDoom (2004). MyDoom affected around 10% of internet users and slowed internet programs and functions by as much as 50%. The virus spread throughout the online community as an e-mail. Once the attachment in the email was clicked, computer systems the infection began.

10. Bagle (2004). The Bagle was also reported to cause around more than ten million dollars worth of damage. Just like the rest of the viruses mentioned, the Bagle was able to infect computers through an e-mail attachment. It also had self-replicating capabilities, making it nigh impossible to remove.

The internet is a major platform for people all over the world, and we are all to some extent dependent on the services it provides. From social networking sites to online shops to search engines, the internet has played host to the lucrative ventures of a number of pioneers. While most of us find the internet to be a very useful tool, some people are making big bucks from it. Here are the top 10 most successful internet entrepreneurs to date.

1. Larry Page and Sergey Brin – Google. Larry Page and Sergey Brin are the brains behind the most successful search engine and website to date: Google. With their creation recognized as the most visited website in the internet, Brin ranks as the 26th richest person in the world, and his billionaire colleague Page is among the top 10 richest in the United States. Sad to think we were probably still on the Gameboy while this revolution was taking place!

2. Mark Zuckerberg – Facebook. Harvard drop-out Mark Zuckerberg shot to fame when he launched the ubiquitous social networking site Facebook. With more than 500 million users to date, Facebook’s value is estimated to be $10 billion while Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in the world. Getting people connected has never been this lucrative.

3. Evan Williams – Blogger and Twitter. Evan Williams and Meg Hourihan were the brains behind Pyra Labs, a company that focuses on project management software. Williams spawned a new era of information exchange when he created “Blogger”. Since then, almost every internet user has created his or her own web blog. Twitter, Williams’ other creation, is a micro-blogging platform. Twitter gets 55 million visits per month and is estimated to be worth around $1.7 billion.

4. Craig Newmark – Craigslist. Born as Craig Alexander Newmark, this internet innovator carved his name in the internet business with his San Francisco-based website Craigslist. During its humble beginnings, the website only featured local events in San Francisco. Nonetheless, it soon exploded when merchant services, job ads and similar announcements started to feature on the site. To date, Craigslist covers around 50 countries and 570 cities.

5. Jeff Bezos – Amazon.com. Anyone trying some online shopping should look no further than Amazon.com, thanks to Jeffrey Preston Bezos. Since going live in 1994, Amazon.com has become a major online shopping destination for people all over the world. Bezos was named Person of the Year back in the 1999 issue of Time Magazine.  U.S. News & World Report also included Bezos in the list of America’s Best Leaders back in 2008.

6. Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner – Broadcast.com. Todd R. Wagner and Mark Cuban are the much-loved founders of Broadcast.com, one of the first providers of streaming live sports events online. The pair is also known for its affiliations with 2929 Entertainment, Dallas Mavericks, Chairs HDNet, and an HDTV cable network. In the year 1999, the two decided to sell their website to Yahoo priced at $5.7 billion. Wagner and Cuban become billionaires overnight.

7. Bob Parsons – Go Daddy. Bob Parsons is the founder and CEO of The Go Daddy Group, Inc., a domain name registry service. Valued at $250 million, Go Daddy establishes Parsons as one of the most successful online entrepreneurs.

8. Kevin Rose – Digg. Kevin Rose is known for his social-bookmarking website Digg. He is also one of the founders of WeFollow, Pownce and Revision 3. With an initial investment of $60,000, Digg’s worth has now climbed at $200 million.

9. Sky Dayton – EarthLink. Sky Dylan Dayton is the mastermind behind EarthLink, one of the founders of eCompanies and also the chairman of Boingo, a worldwide WiFi provider. Earthlink is now one of the biggest internet service providers in the United States with over two million subscribers. The company takes in over $1 billion annually in profits.

10. Joshua Schachter – Del.icio.us. Joshua Schachter is the creator of Del.icio.us, a bookmarking site where users can keep tabs on their favourite pages, and see what’s currently hot in cyberspace. Schachter is also the founder of geoURL, a site which connects URLs to their global locations, and one of the creators of Memepool, a show-and-tell page for hilarious internet finds. Schachter is one of the pioneers of tagging and social bookmarking functions. When Yahoo obtained Delicious, Schachter was reported to have received around $30 million.

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.

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?

Our modern life is characterized by the digital age of computers. Regardless of how people view them, computers have become an integral part of society on which we rely. Today, computers provide ample functionality and capabilities. They no longer simply compute but also allow people to accomplish various tasks including shop, communicate with friends, create documents, manage financial transactions, and hold global conferences. Nonetheless, it is well worth taking a trip down memory lane from time to time to see how it all began.

First Generation (1945-1956)

During the start of the Second World War, governments of different nations aimed to develop computers in order to create effective war strategies and increase their chances of success during the war. Because of increased funding, technology underwent rapid development. In 1941, Germany was able to develop a computer named Z3. The computer,  created by Konrad Zuse,  was used to design missiles and airplanes. Meanwhile, Allied Forces also embarked on their own computer development program and were able to produce extremely powerful computers. In the year 1943, the British were able to create a computer, the Colossus which could break German codes. However, the overall impact of technology during this period was still limited.

Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)

The transistor was invented in the year 1948, revolutionizing computer development. Instead of the large vacuum tubes which were previously used, the transistor provided a smaller and less cumbersome alternative for computers. Since then, the size of the computer has gradually and dramatically changed. Consequently, the transistor became incorporated into computers from the year 1956. Together with advancements in magnetic-core memory, transistors were able to give birth to a new generation of computers. These computers were smaller, more reliable and much faster. They were also more efficient in terms of energy usage. They provided a comparative advantage against their predecessors.

Third Generation Computers (1964-1971)

While transistors served as a major breakthrough and provided many advantages to second generation computers, they still presented a couple of setbacks. These included generating a great deal of heat, resulting in damage to computer parts. Thankfully, the quartz rock was discovered, which provided an effective alternative. In 1958, Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments invented the integrated circuit, or IC. It was comprised of three electronic components including small silicon discs made of quartz. Later on, scientists were able to devise a way to minimize the size of the chips. They were able to make a single chip, known as the semiconductor. Third generation computers were not just made of semiconductors but they also introduced the use of operating systems. Operating systems allowed computers to process a range of programs and functions.

Fourth Generation (1971-Present)

Following the introduction of integrated circuits, computer manufacturers were further able to reduce the size of the computer. The idea of Large Scale Integration allowed people to fit hundreds of different components onto a small single chip. On the other hand, Ultra-large scale integration (ULSI), provided a platform whereby one single chip could contain millions of components. Because multiple components could be fitted on to one computer chip, the size of computers dramatically reduced. Further, the changes in the capacity of the chips also provided more reliability, efficiency and power. Hence, it was in 1971 with Intel’s invention of the 4004 chip that integrated chips ushered in a new era for computers. The chip was able to hold the memory, the central processing unit  and also input and output controls.

Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond)

The fifth generation is hard to describe because its progress is exponential compared to that of earlier generations. New computers are developed at a pace too fast even for a market as demanding as ours. Today computers come in all sizes, embedded inside mobile phones, and in applications which were previously only dreamt of. Furthermore, computers are now also equipped with article intelligence and a whole range of applications that can be customized according to the preference of the user. Also,  computers are extremely connected in vast networks thanks to the internet.