Anybody who has a computer has one of these media players- how can one work on a PC without listening to music? The following are the ten best out of the lot.
1. iTunes
You can download this media player on the internet or load it onto your computer with the CD that comes along with your iPod. You can play both media and video files with great ease. The library can accommodate thousands of songs and your computer will not freeze up.
2. VLC Media Player
The VLC media player is very popular because sometimes movies cannot be played on players like Winamp or Windows Media Player. This is when the VLC media player becomes useful- it can play any movie in the world! People say that if you even put a photograph on it, it will start playing it!
3. Windows Media Player
This media player is definitely the oldest and was doing well even before anybody had heard of MP3 players and therefore, iTunes. However, try not to use it if you have a choice- it does not play certain songs if it is not in a particular format and will sometimes destroy the quality of your songs.
4. Nero Media Player
Nero is a software that is used to burn CDs and as far as its media playing facilities are concerned, it is pretty decent. It will not tarnish the quality of the video or the song. You can also create libraries and listen to one song after the other- a feature that is not supported by VLC Media Player.
5. Winamp
Winamp is as old as Windows Media Player and is pretty reliable because you can create folders of your favorite songs and add it onto the player. Users can also the change the skin as and when their moods change. However, if you want to watch videos, you are better off using VLC.
6. ALLPlayer
ALLPlayer has been created by a Polish company and the best part is that it adds subtitles to videos! However, if you use the format called Matroska, you will be disappointed as it supports all but this particular one.
7. Chroma
This media player is basically ideal for those who like to watch video clips and movies on a regular basis. It will support Quicktime and DivX formats but if you want it to play anything else, you will need to download the required codec. A film on a DVD as well as audio files will work as well.
8. CoreAVC
CoreAVC is definitely the fastest media player around today. Some players refuse to play such videos that are not of the great quality, but this one does not discriminate. It may have certain shortcomings, but it is pretty perfect as far as media players go. It will cost you about 10 dollars.
9. Crystal Player
This Russian media player comes in different versions but the first one continues to be the best even though the rest have better features. However, when using media players, simple skins are the best because you really don’t want to confuse yourself- all you want to do is listen to some songs.
10. FFmpeg
FFmpeg plays MP3 songs, video clips and movies without stopping or adding to the problems your computer already faces. You will not complain even once so go ahead and use it- you will not be disappointed! One shortcoming is that it supports only Linux formats but one can always work around that.
Today’s world judges progress by the technological advancement achieved by their country. It is true, since technology makes life simpler and also provides access to things that are things that help us achieve a better lifestyle. It also reflects the political and economic stability of the nation. Here are the top 10 technological countries the world should reckon with:
1. Finland, Northern Europe
Despite the fact that Finland was exposed to industrialization only in the 1050’s it has risen as one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Internationally renowned for its high-technology and health care, Finland researchers are leading contributors in the fields of forest improvement, new materials, environment, neutral networks, low-temperature physics, brain research, biotechnology, genetic technology and communications.
2. USA
The USA has been on the forefront of technological advancement since the 19th century. The first workable movie camera, first long-lasting light bulb, AC motor, radio, sustained flight of an object in air has been pioneered in the USA. It is also launched the Atomic Age. Advances in space technology have made USA a superpower. It also leads the world in scientific research papers and 50% of the households have broadband internet access.
3. Japan, Asia
Japan is the world leader in fundamental scientific research; its researchers have made outstanding contributions in the fields of electronics, automobiles, machinery, earthquake engineering, industrial robotics, optics, semi-conductors and metals. It leads the world in robotics production and use. Japan has produced thirteen Nobel laureates; its researchers share a $ 130 billion research budget. This highly developed nation is a pioneer in launching new models and products in the industry.
4. Sweden, Northern Europe
This small country has one of the highest standards of living in the world and is renowned for its top-quality scientific and technological development. Sweden apportions 4% of its GDP to R&D, one of the very few countries to do so. Its commitment to R&D has made the Swedes leaders in innovation. Sweden particularly leads in the pharmaceutical and telecommunications segment. It also publishes one of the highest number of scientific papers in the world related to medical science, natural science and engineering.
5. Republic of Korea, East Asia
This country has made great technological advancements in the fields of electronics, automobiles, ships, machinery, petrochemicals and robotics. Their GDP is driven by exporting products manufactured from this sector. Korea has also successfully developed the world’s second walking human robot-HUBO. It has also made breakthroughs in biotechnology by successfully cloning a dog and recently cloning an endangered species of wolves.
6. Netherlands, Northwest Europe
Netherlands has been frontrunners in inventions. It has inventions such as artificial kidney, compact disc, microscope, pendulum clock, telescope are Dutch inventions. There have been great advances in engineering, aerospace, military technology. It is ranked 10th in the Global Competitiveness Index leading 123 countries.
7. UK
The United Kingdom was the world’s first industrialized country and it has exerted strong scientific and technological influence over the world. The United Kingdom has seen many firsts-discovery of hydrogen, invention of locomotive engine, jet engine, World Wide Web, incandescent light-bulb; world’s first working television, electric motor, commercial electrical telegraph etc have been produced from here. It also has taken its progress to its military, housing the most technologically advanced armed forces in the world.
8. Singapore, Southeast Asia
Singapore is the fourth wealthiest country in the world. Singapore houses technological institutes to provide its citizens resources to equip themselves to further technological advancement. The Agency for Science, Technology and Research ( A*STAR) is a dedicated government agency to encourage research and development. The medical, food science, clinical research advancements are notable throughout the world. Singapore also has the most technologically advanced armies in Southeast Asia.
9. Canada, North America
One of the most diverse economies in the world, Canada’s highly developed research and technology sector is supported by the government’s allocation of 1.8% of the GDP to R&D. Canada is also ranked third among countries in space sciences. It ranks twelfth in the world for internet usage with around 85% of the population using the internet. It has also produced eighteen Nobel laureates in the field of physics, chemistry and medicine.
10. Australia
The Australian government is committed to promote science and technology in Australia. It has also opened dedicated technology centers such as the Australian Technological Park in Sydney which is a scientific and research hub as well as an entertainment centre for kids. Key focus areas of R&D are information and communications, biotechnology, manufacturing, mining and the food industry. This has put Australia in the forefront of the technological race among big players.
Science has grown colossally, especially over the last few years. It has managed to eradicate a number of diseases and make our lives easier. However, as they say- there is always room for improvement.
1. DNA Computer
The DNA molecules in our body are programmed to store massive volumes of genetic information on a long-term basis. One milligram can store anything and everything that has ever been printed since the beginning of time. One can only imagine how much information a DNA computer will be able to save.
2. A Colonized Moon
When a great mind somewhere in the world realized that it would be possible to colonize objects and room in space, he also figured out that the Moon could get colonized. When man walked across this object, the dream almost became a reality but not quite. NASA has not been able to achieve this objective just yet but hopefully, they will in the near future.
3. Head Transplant
The mere thought of such a transplant is bizarre and maybe that is why the surgery has not become commonplace today. For a head transplant to take place, the patient would need to get decapitated voluntarily and then have his head replaced with that of a donor’s. The main reason why the world needs this technological advancement is that it will help get rid of such diseases that effect the body, but not the head directly.
4. Clean Energy
Fossil fuels are depleting as we speak and according to studies, there will be no oil left in the world in about 55 years. This is why we need to develop or look for additional sources of clean energy. They are eco-friendly and just what the world needs.
5. Cure for Cancer
In many ways, this deadly disease is like the common cold because even though it is possible to treat it, there is no definite cure for it. Cancer kills about 7 million people every year which is why a cure should be found as soon as possible.
6. Travel to Mars
When man walked across the moon in 1969, the idea of walking on Mars became feasible as well. If the technology required for such a mission can be developed, scientists will be able to under the dynamics of space further.
7. Space Elevator
A space elevator would be massive, to say the least. It would be thousand times taller than any skyscraper in the world but it would make space travel extremely simple. Interestingly, creating this structure is not all that difficult because its centre will be in orbit. So then why don’t they do it?
8. Theory of Everything
Scientists have always believed that each and every happening in the universe is kicked into motion by one single force. The Theory of Everything attempts to prove this belief and amalgamate every force that has been recognized till date.
9. Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology can be revolutionized to change the very foundation of modern medicine. If it is perfected, doctors will be able to use certain molecules to destroy the very being of cancer cells.
10. Reach the Core of the Earth
In the past, people believed that it would be quite easy to reach the core of the Earth. They were wrong mainly because the weight and pressure at the core is enormous. If somebody is strong enough to make the journey, we will be able to find various other sources of energy and extend our time on the planet.
Automobiles have been in existence for about 100 years which would make one feel that the manufacturers would have been able to get rid of the kinks by now. However, this is not the case always and it is quite difficult to iron out the wrinkles sometimes. The following are the 10 largest automobile recalls in recent times.
1. Toyota/Unintended Accelaration
The first recall, on November 2, 2009, was to correct a possible incursion of an incorrect or out-of-place front driver’s side floor mat into the foot pedal well. The second recall, on January 21, 2010, was because of a possible mechanical sticking of the accelerator pedal causing unintended acceleration. As of January 28, 2010, Toyota had announced recalls of approximately 5.2 million vehicles for the pedal entrapment/floor mat problem, and an additional 2.3 million vehicles for the accelerator pedal problem. Approximately 1.7 million vehicles are subject to both.
2. General Motors/Broken Motor Mount
In 1971, General Motors recalled 15 models that were built during the 1960s and continued production till 1970. They also recalled a few Chevrolet Bel Airs. These models were problematic because the motor mount had separated which could make the engine move upwards. This would have a negative impact on the throttle linkage which could case the vehicle to accelerate suddenly. About 6.7 million vehicles were recalled.
3. General Motors/Rear Control Arm
During the first half 1981, General Motors recalled a few sedans and a number of other models that were launched in 70s till the better half of the 80s. The problem was that the control arm and rear axle could lose control causing the vehicle swerve out of control. 5.8 million vehicles were singled out.
4. Ford Motors
In 2005, Ford recalled those Ford Expeditions that were released from 1997 till 2002. In addition to that, they also felt the need to recall certain models of pickup trucks. They did so because the cruise control overheated and had to be deactivated immediately. This was the largest recall made by Ford and a similar one was made in 2009. About 4.5 million vehicles were affected.
5. Ford Motor/Cruise Control Switch
As has already been mentioned, Ford had to recall more vehicles in 2009. This included Explorers that were first launched in 1995 and were popular till 2002. They also recalled 14 trucks- pickups and otherwise. The problem was the same as mentioned above and minivans and SUVs were affected as well. Ford had to recall about 4.5 million vehicles this time too because the switch could burst into flames even when the car was not being used.
6. Toyota/Unintended Acceleration
In 2009, Toyota recalled its Camry as well as six other models that were manufactured in 2004 till date. This was because experts realized that the floor mat was not secured in place and could therefore play havoc with the gas pedal. About 4.3 million vehicles were zeroed in on.
7. Ford Motor/Shoulder Belts
This time 4 million vehicles were affected as Ford had to recall models like Mercury, Ford and Lincoln from 1970 to 1971. They did so because the seat-belt buckles were faulty and needed to be replaced.
8. General Motors/Body Structure
General Motors recalled 17 models along with the Buick LeSabres in 1973. This is because the underbody shields had to be re-installed as it was discovered that the driver could lose control of the steering wheel on a bumpy road.
9. Volkswagen/Windshield Wiper Arm
3.7 million vehicles were affected because in 1972, Volkswagen recalled their models that were built during 1949 till 1969. This included the widely popular Beetle as the windshield wiper arms were not too secure.
10. Honda/Seat Belts
In 1995, Honda recalled a few Accords and other models including the Acura which was launched during the 80s. This was done to repair those seat belt buckles that had come loose.
Automobiles have been in existence for about 100 years which would make one feel that the manufacturers would have been able to get rid of the kinks by now. However, this is not the case always and it is quite difficult to iron out the wrinkles sometimes. The following are the 10 largest automobile recalls in recent times.
1-Ford Motor/Ignition Switch
During the first half of 2006, Ford recalled a particular category of pickup and other models which had been built in 1993. This is because the ignition had a short circuit which could cause a series fire if left unchecked. The steering column would burst into flames pretty quick. About 7.9 million vehicles were recalled.
2-General Motors/Broken Motor Mount
In 1971, General Motors recalled 15 models that were built during the 1960s and continued production till 1970. They also recalled a few Chevrolet Bel Airs. These models were problematic because the motor mount had separated which could make the engine move upwards. This would have a negative impact on the throttle linkage which could case the vehicle to accelerate suddenly. About 6.7 million vehicles were recalled.
3-General Motors/Rear Control Arm
During the first half 1981, General Motors recalled a few sedans and a number of other models that were launched in 70s till the better half of the 80s. The problem was that the control arm and rear axle could lose control causing the vehicle swerve out of control. 5.8 million vehicles were singled out.
4-Ford Motors
In 2005, Ford recalled those Ford Expeditions that were released from 1997 till 2002. In addition to that, they also felt the need to recall certain models of pickup trucks. They did so because the cruise control overheated and had to be deactivated immediately. This was the largest recall made by Ford and a similar one was made in 2009. About 4.5 million vehicles were affected.
5-Ford Motor/Cruise Control Switch
As has already been mentioned, Ford had to recall more vehicles in 2009. This included Explorers that were first launched in 1995 and were popular till 2002. They also recalled 14 trucks- pickups and otherwise. The problem was the same as mentioned above and minivans and SUVs were affected as well. Ford had to recall about 4.5 million vehicles this time too because the switch could burst into flames even when the car was not being used.
6-Toyota/Unintended Acceleration
In 2009, Toyota recalled its Camry as well as six other models that were manufactured in 2004 till date. This was because experts realized that the floor mat was not secured in place and could therefore play havoc with the gas pedal. About 4.3 million vehicles were zeroed in on.
7-Ford Motor/Shoulder Belts
This time 4 million vehicles were affected as Ford had to recall models like Mercury, Ford and Lincoln from 1970 to 1971. They did so because the seat-belt buckles were faulty and needed to be replaced.
8-General Motors/Body Structure
General Motors recalled 17 models along with the Buick LeSabres in 1973. This is because the underbody shields had to be re-installed as it was discovered that the driver could lose control of the steering wheel on a bumpy road.
9-Volkswagen/Windshield Wiper Arm
3.7 million vehicles were affected because in 1972, Volkswagen recalled their models that were built during 1949 till 1969. This included the widely popular Beetle as the windshield wiper arms were not too secure.
10-Honda/Seat Belts
In 1995, Honda recalled a few Accords and other models including the Acura which was launched during the 80s. This was done to repair those seat belt buckles that had come loose.
These software bugs drained billions in less than 60 seconds because one person made a mistake when writing the superscripts.
1. Mars Climate Orbiter Crashes
The contractor who was given the responsibility of planning the navigation system got the specifications from NASA but instead of using the metric system, he carried out measurements using imperial units. What happened was that the space craft crashed into Mars and over 125 million dollars were lost.
2. Ariane 5 Flight 501
The engine of this satellite was much faster than that of the previous models but it had a software bug that went unnoticed. The satellite was launched and after 36.7 seconds, it self destructed and turned into a magnificent ball of fire. While the satellite’s cost was estimated at 8 billion dollars, it was also carrying payload worth 500 million dollars when it disintegrated.
3. EDS Fails Child Support
About 6 years back, EDS created an IT system that was quite complex and presented it to the CSA or the Child Support Agency in U.K. The software was not compatible with the restructure initiated by the DWP which caused many errors. The cost has been estimated at 1 billion dollars till date.
4. Soviet Gas Pipeline Explosion
In 1982, the CIA claimed that the Soviet Union was in the process of stealing important U.S. technology. The CIA then introduced a software bug into the system which would work in such a way that while it would not allow operation to be carried out, it would go through inspection without any problems. The explosion that followed will never be forgotten.
5. Black Monday
In 1987, certain investigation caused the bull market to come to screeching halt. The investigation affected certain stocks whose investors decided to dump them. The computer triggers were kicked into motion which destroyed certain systems. The market value fell rapidly and there was no choice but to liquidate the stocks.
6. Therac-25 Medical Accelerator
This device was built for radiation therapy by the AECL and CGR in France. Unfortunately, the Operation System was designed and planned by an under-experienced programmer. The power of the electron beam reached such a high power that it lead to the death of 5 patients and injured the rest for the rest of their lives.
7. Multidata Systems
Multidata System International designed a software which would help them calculate the radiation dosage for each patient. Such softwares have certain limitations which the doctors tried to remove by ‘tricking’ the system. The software then started recommending double the dosage needed by the patient. Fixing the software and compensating the injured patients was expensive- to say the least.
8. Patriot Missile Bug
A Missile System was installed in 1991 during the Gulf War for the purpose of protecting certain groups from missile attacks fired by the Iraqi troops. However, a software bug did not calculate the time correctly because of which some targets were ignored. Needless to say, the money which was invested in the system was lost and about 100 people died.
9. An Almost World War III
A Soviet Union satellite created panic by interpreting some reflections as missiles launched by the United States. Protocol required the Soviet Union to launch nuclear arsenal towards the US. Thankfully, Lt. Col. Stanislav Petrov realized that there was some mistake and prevented the initiation of another world war.
10. Mariner I Space Probe
When a programmer was entering a navigation computer code, he made the mistake of omitting one superscript bar. The computer lost control while trying to fix the ‘errors’ during the launching period. After 237 seconds, Mission Control realized the mistake and destroyed it. Over 18.2 million dollars were lost.
