Adding value with Accessories!

Accessories are devices used with the host computer/ laptop apart from the main peripherals (Monitor, Mouse and Keyboard), Peripherals are mostly compulsory for desktops and can enhance the work of laptops; whereas accessories are not compulsory and are like value additions to your host device. Accessories like U.P.S, Printers, external speakers and scanners are becoming more popular and may be termed as common accessories while modems, networking tools, external DVD writers, external webcams and external portable Hard disks are termed as advanced accessories. In this blog post we shall explore some of the computer accessories that can really add a lot of value to your experience.

UPS- Uninterrupted Power Supply

Very critical for the developing nations where two way backup inverters are still not used widely. The UPS or the uninterrupted power supply assures with its small inbuilt rechargeable battery to supply power to the Desktop computers; for few minutes such that on sudden power cuts the user gets time to save the work. UPS are meant for only short time backups of around 10 to 20 minutes and can’t work for longer duration and with heavy loads. Laptops and other portable rechargeable devices do not need UPS. With the availability and popularity of the two way backup inverters the UPS are losing the popularity but are still widely used in certain areas.

External speakers

External speakers are extremely important for real multimedia use of the digital devices. Some computers and most laptops have inbuilt speakers that are limited in sound effects and output. The external speakers add real value to the quality and volume of sound outputs. There are different types of external speakers available in various sizes, designs and outputs. There are some which need to be supplied with electricity separately and they may work well with stationary laptops and desktops but are not meant for mobility. However, there are also those speakers which are supplied with power from the USB port of computers and are meant for mobility. The audio outputs – represented by sign of headphones in most devices can also be connected to woofers, amplifiers and sound mixers using appropriate banana multimedia pins.

External Hard disks

External hard disks are made by using special casings which may need external separate electricity and there are most which derive electricity from the USB port. The casing may encompass the hard disk of a desktop or laptop or may even have portable hard disks which are even smaller than laptop hard disks. In the computers and laptops where the hard disks cannot be upgraded, such external hard disks are very important tools for data backup, transfers and restoration.

For transfer of small files and for mobility, flash disks and memory cards can be used.

External DVD Writers

Net book or notebook laptops are mostly meant for portability, mobility and internet connectivity; they can do most of the work of bigger laptops and desktops but mostly do not carry DVD drives. External DVD writers aid the use of C.Ds and DVDs on such devices mostly for data backups, transfer, installations of critical software and for entertainment. External DVD writers also help the burning of multiple CDs from a single device; a feature much helpful to video librarians.

External Web cameras

In most desktops and some laptops which don’t have inbuilt web cameras, external web cameras help a lot to take pictures, capture videos, do online chatting and video conferencing. These accessories come in various designs and with various types of LED lights which are a good aid for indoor surroundings with poor lighting.

Bluetooth adaptors

These are flash disk sized USB accessories meant for providing Bluetooth functions in devices which do not have inbuilt Bluetooth and help in inter transfer of files between computers, mobile I.T devices and mobile phones and for sharing internet connections.

T.V cards

T.V cards are devices which help receive satellite T.V broadcasts on the computer. A T.V card may be internal or external. The internal ones are more bulky, cheaper and are meant for installing in desktops whereas external T.V cards are encased in small boxes and are USB port operated for use on desktops and even laptops which can’t accommodate the larger internal T.V cards. Different T.V cards have different functions; some can even receive F.M. radio broadcast and even record audio and video broadcasts. A T.V card can also be connected with DVD players and other electronic devices with video outputs like satellite decoders.

Sound cards

A sound card mostly helps those desktops and laptops which don’t have sound outputs and microphone ports or if they are spoilt or malfunctioning. All external sound cards can work on USB ports and most sound cards are two way: they work as sound output which is indicated by sign of headphones and they also work as sound input for the host device and is indicated by sign of microphones. Whereas the internal sound cards do the same functions and are meant to be used with desktops.

Wireless mouse

Considered as a hassle free device for eventful tables and busy desktops, though has recurring expense of changing the batteries but may be useful to some.

Printers

They are of various types and sizes and do the obvious work of printing; there are however some multipurpose printers which can also scan and photocopy documents while there are others which may also have telephones and fax inbuilt. Printers are one of the most important office devices. The small printers like “DeskJet” work on cartridges while the ones meant for professional use like “LaserJet” work on toners which reduce per page printing expenses.

Smart/ USB hubs

USB or the Universal Serial Bus is a type of flat slit like port allocated on the sides of most I.T devices and is one of the most convenient features ever invented for the utilization of I.T devices and accessories. Most gadgets, cameras, printers, scanners, modems, flash disks, phones, iPods, mp3 players, card readers, laptop coolers, including all the external connectable devices like; webcams, hard disks, sound cards, T.V cards and speakers and loads of other fun stuffs work on the USB; not to mention mouse and keyboard; making it practically universal. Smart hubs or USB hubs do a remarkable job of multiplying a single USB port into many; hence, are very critical for busy and professional work places. This simple device makes a lot of difference and adds real value to the host device. 

Multiple SIM modems

Multiple SIM modems are mostly USB operated devices resembling a big flash disk, they can contain the mobile/ cellular SIM cards and helps in connecting with internet and sometimes even making phone calls from the host device. A multiple SIM modem gives you the freedom of utilizing the best networks available. 

Multiple memory card readers

Another very important accessory operated on USB ports helping the user access different types of memory cards from one port. Such an accessory may be helpful even if the host device contains a built in card reader, as there are so many different kinds of memory cards including those ones of mobile phones. There are some card readers which can even work with mobile/ cellular SIM cards and help in exchange of data.

Audio output Banana pins

A simple wired banana pin which can supply audio output signals to woofers, mixers, amplifiers, etc from the host device. The pin entering the host device resembles that of the headphones of mp3 players and works from audio output ports represented by headphone sign on the host device. As simple as it is, it can work with loads of other gadgets like radios, iPods, iPhones, mp3, mp4-mp9 players, certain mobile phones, cameras and portable screen/DVD players; making it very important for a real “integrated” experience.

Head phones

Mostly considered a cool stuff, head phones can be trendy and useful too. Headphones are really important for online chatting, voice calls and even for sound editing jobs. They can get the user some good music and relaxation while having concern for others. Most computer headsets are two way and also contain microphones which are connected by separate wires into sound input sockets.

Locks

Locks are accessories mostly needed for security of laptops; they may not be compulsory for all the locations but may be critical for busy places with a lot of movement especially for outdoor use, project field sites or displays. They help secure the laptops by attaching them with stable and fixed nearby objects. The popular locks are inexpensive metal wire ringed locks operated by keys or scrolling numbers and are readily available.  

Coolers

Coolers are mostly helpful to keep the bottom surface of laptops cool. One of the drawbacks of laptops is they generate heat during the use and may prove to be a discomfort as away from tables people mostly put them in laps. Coolers are mostly tray shaped and contain encased fan which derives power from USB ports and can instantly cool the laptops.

Multi-plugs

These are small accessories but very helpful to a professional who frequently travels with the laptop. Such Multi-plugs are adapter sockets which can work with different types of plugs and pins and mostly have an inbuilt fuse. This device may be small but can protect the batteries and chargers from high electric voltages which are much pain to replace. Such an accessory also increases your convince during international travel and removes hassle of square, round big and small wall sockets.

Laptop bags

Laptop bags are like any other bags with added cushions, straps and sometimes weather proofing. Some designs are the office bag cum suitcase type and more popular backpack types. A laptop bag is a compulsory tool for the safe mobility of laptops. It is advisable not to leave the laptops switched on for longer durations when they are carried in the laptop bags, as the heat released from the laptop will remain in the  laptop bag. Leaving silica gel pouches in some corner of your laptop bag can help in keeping humidity and dampness away. Care should also be taken to put the chargers and adapters in separate pockets such that the metal plug pins do not harm or scratch the laptop.

Dust protectors

Dust protectors could be simple cover types protecting the desktops from unwanted and harmful dust and could also be in the form of keypad skins and laptop skins. The laptop skins can give unique identity and design to your laptop while protecting it from dust and scratches. Whereas keyboard skins not only protects the keyboard from dust but also from spilt over beverages and tiny food particles.

We have tried to sum up a few accessories in this post whereas a visit to a computer shop can introduce you to other valuable trendy stuffs which can add some value to your digital experience!

P.C Trendz: Personal Computer or Portable Computer? Explore the options!!

In the 1940s when the pioneering computers were invented, they would take the size of a room. Nobody would foresee at that moment that such a big machine would attain the size of a book and take a gigantic market share in all technological devices. Around 1970s the computers took shape of Desktops which could fit on a table desk and were called P.Cs: Personal Computers. They were followed by another type of P.Cs: Portable Computers or laptops which had mobility, rechargeable battery and could do all the functions of Desktops. It is recently in 2000 that the sale of Laptops outran the sale of Desktops. Since then the laptops have evolved into various forms like Notebooks, Netbooks and tablets.

If you are probable buyer you’ll have to choose from a lot of options, as the options increase so does the requirement of skills to select the right one; the one that can really help you and is worth the bucks. Computers are something we don’t buy every day, unless of course you run a business of computers.

Let us try to understand in this post what the different names mean and what your options are when you are looking forward to own one, at the end of it the decision is yours!:

Desktop:

A Desktop is a Personal Computer which can fit on a table desk; is mostly stationary and can work with ease with various peripherals and accessories. Such a device has higher upgradability features than compared to other I.T devices and are supposed to be less complicated to repair. Previous desktops worked with CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display monitors, which is the technology used to make T.V screens. The TrendZ of replacing these CRT monitors with LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors is now catching up. LCDs are smarter in looks, take little space on the desk and are easily rotatable in most cases.

All in One:

They were the desktops which would appear like a CRT monitor and would contain inbuilt CPU (Central Processing Unit) and inbuilt speakers. There were too many things stuffed in the main monitor and the monitor was the central controlling point for all the functions. Hence, they were difficult to repair and upgrade; such a device didn’t become much popular than, but later became inspiration for the next generation innovations which works on the same concept and which we shall read further.

Laptops:

Laptops are mobile Personal computers which are portable and hence also rechargeable. A laptop can perform all the tasks of a regular desktop and can work smoothly with most of the accessories. Laptops essentially have foldable screens and are roughly between 16 to 11 inches in size. As time passed laptops evolved into more mobile and portable devices but compromising some functions. However that’s what evolution means, the lizard lost the legs to become a snake.

Notebooks:

Notebooks are laptops, mostly smaller than 11 inches and resemble the laptops in functions. In fact they accomplish all the tasks of a desktop including burning DVDs, but have smaller displays and keyboards than ordinary laptops. The notebooks are sort of connecting links between the laptops and the netbooks which evolved later.

Netbooks:

As the world is becoming more and more digital and internet friendly; much of the files and digital matter is now downloaded or uploaded. The CDs and DVDs which are time consuming to burn and less resistant to scratches are losing the popularity and are now preferred with other accessories like memory cards, flash disks and external hard disks. The netbooks sacrificed the optical (CD/DVD) drives to gain smaller size barely accommodating the keyboard. They also made a compromise with the processing speed by not accommodating the ordinary and widespread processors but they’ll be worked upon in future. The netbooks are meant for the generation which spends much time on internet and hence had enhanced connectivity options. Most of them come with WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet ports and USB ports. CDs and DVDs can still be used on these devices with the aid of External DVD writers. Such a decision was made to make them more portable, smaller and cheaper.

Tablets:

As the Netbooks sacrificed the utility of CDs and DVDs the tablets sacrificed the utility of keyboards. Though the previous models had much smaller keyboards, the latest models have touch screen for typing and hence are much more slate like and almost work in one flat dimension; meaning that there is no foldable screen but there is a flap jacket to protect the screen. Such devices have their own special operating systems and may not do certain functions like connecting with printers and certain applications necessary for office use. In these devices the display screen itself is the device just like the old inspiring “All in One” computers, one such example is iPad. With time these tablet P.Cs are improvising to be able to work with printers using wireless technologies and are working forward to be more helpful in office environments.

As this post is drafted and many a enthusiastic probable buyers are searching through the markets for more options; the ambitious businessmen and innovative scientists are working towards ideal devices which are similar to mobile phones and can do all the functions of a full- fledged Desktop computer, such devices may be named “Palmtops”.

Tips on buying Computers / Laptops in East Africa

Though most of the tips and tricks of buying a good Computer or a laptop are same as buying from any other place in the world, buying a machine in East Africa may need some extra precautions, which we will try to bring forward in this post. Going through the details in this blog may help you to make a wise choice.

·         What are your requirements?

When it comes to buying technological stuffs, you have to plan. Buying spontaneously and impulsively may not be the best way. Try to make a self assessment and a check list of functions, features and specifications you may require in your device. Share them honestly with knowledgeable friends and get feedbacks. Try to do some research online and more importantly in the local market about what you can expect. Such a process will equip you with a proper vocabulary when you are discussing the purchase with the sales person and shall increase your negotiation capability. Honest expressions of your expectations and requirements and how you intend to utilize the device may make you closer to the device and service that you deserve.

If the device is meant for a single location you may buy a desktop whereas, if you have to move with it you may need a laptop/ notebook/ tablet or a palmtop. We would recommend a laptop even for stationary purpose as it will help during the power failures and load shading, which are common issues these days in the region of discussion. However, if there is more than one person sharing the same device, we would recommend desktops. As they are more heavily built, prone to less wear and tear, more readily upgradeable and somehow more secure.

·         Check for compatibility

Figure out how you are going to use your device with your other computers, gadgets and accessories. For instance if you already have a mobile phone which can connect with internet and has a blue tooth you may want to buy a device which has a Bluetooth inbuilt, such that you can use the internet from your phone and may not need to buy a modem and you can even inter-exchange files.

If you are going to use internet from a “cyber café”, “hot spot” or any other premises with wireless internet router, you should buy a laptop with WIFI options. If the device is meant for working in a network group, care should be taken to check for the different networking options and technical after sales service may be required to setup the network.

·         Consider your Profession

The profession of the buyer determines greatly the specifications required. A person working outdoors like an army man, wild-lifers or an engineer may look for a device with higher durability, sturdiness, brighter display and longer battery life. Such a device may not look quite attractive in style and may be a bit bulky but it may be more dust/weather proof.  On the contrary a person planning to use the device indoors may concentrate more on design, style and higher technical specifications.

For instance, if you are a professional Photographer, D.J/ V.J, video librarian, graphic/ art designer or a technician who is already using other devices like digital cameras, sound mixers, external DVD writers, printers or other gadgets respectively; you may think of higher configuration and better features which are above the average. Looking for bigger internal hard disks (in today’s date 500 G.B. is considered normal and 1 TB is advisable) higher processor speeds (alteast 3.0 G Hz) and good R.A.M of at least 4 GB, VGA, HDMI, S video and various USB ports with high speed DVD writers(at least 24x) may be beneficial for your smart work.

On the other hand if a person needs device for a corporate office or a bank, he may decide to leave the DVD writers, audio/video ports and USB ports, bigger internal hard disks and may opt for energy saving displays, smart designs and enhanced networking capabilities.

·         Buy the common ones

Buying the common models of devices may make it easier for the person to look for friendly help on how to use different functions and features; more importantly for getting technical help. Much of the repairing in developing nations is done by trial and error method and hence the more your device is common the more is the chance you may not struggle for service. Also the availability and prices of the spares depends on popularity of the device in such a place and can affect the process of repairing.

·         Look for the facts

Every sticker and label on the device has a meaning and indicates something. It’s on the buyer to be inquisitive enough and ask the right questions before the purchase. Instead of being appealed just by the looks it is equally important to spend some energy, time and curiosity on the functions and specifications of the device.

·         Upgrading options

It is critical to take a moment trying to research this aspect of your probable purchase. A person should ideally try to buy more durable device, which can be upgraded according to future requirements. For instance aspects like R.A.M and internal hard disks are very important for a professional laptop user and hence should be easily upgradable. We are of the opinion that the feel of comfort a user has with its device is much more important than just the look of it; such a comfort is extremely necessary if the guy is going to spend long hours working on it and many a years. Hence it’s also recommended to buy the latest device with upgradable options of important specifications such that it accompanies you down the line. This makes economic and environmental sense too.

·         Warranty

This factor is important considering that there are a few branded company sales outlets throughout East Africa; rare to find authorized service centers and even rarer to find good technicians. The vendors are helpless as they are few authorized service centers in the region and sometimes the cost encored to transport a device to get the benefits of warranties is more than the actual price of the device. However though, there are some vendors who can offer conditional or limited warranties from their sides which can be a sign of customer’s protection against company faults or manufacturer’s defects. Such a warranty may cost you a few more bucks but is worth it. It is also advisable to test the device for important functions while buying it to avoid any complications. A customer should not rely on verbal promises of warranties and should always demand for written warranties.

·         Be careful of Refurbished

Refurbished devices are those devices which are returned by the customers to the manufacturers as they are not satisfied with them for some reason; such devices are worked upon by the manufacturers to resale them in certain parts of the world. Sale of refurbished Computers and laptops is prohibited in Uganda, as in the long run the nation becomes dumping ground for outdated technologies and such a device may not be good for the end customer. The buyer has to make sure to check every labels and stickers on the computer as the manufacturers make sure to put stickers of refurbished on all such devices and the customer will find them if the stickers are not tempered with.

·         Cheap things are more expensive

Buying cheap may not always be a discount or bonus deal. The device may be refurbished or may have some damage. For people trying to buy second hand stuffs; they should know that the owner selling the device has anticipated the bigger complication in the machine, like getting some particular spare (mostly battery in laptops and digital cameras) and may want to sell you for so called good price saying that he is in problem and needs some money. So instead of buying cheap, followed by struggle to look for spares; we recommend to buy new and good quality stuffs even if it seems a bit expensive when buying. Again it makes a lot of economical and environmental sense.

·         Check for software

It would be wise to look for labels with serial numbers for your operating systems when you are buying the device. A licensed operating system could mean a hassle free experience with your device. Such an operating system is good for the security against viruses and other malwares and gives access to the latest updates available. When you buy a pre loaded device installed by the manufacturer you are mostly safe from counterfeits. Such a device may also contain trial versions of other software you’re your preferred antivirus.

·         Check for spares

We have seen people looking for a particular phone/laptop battery or a charger and sometimes even particular cables to use their devices. It is critical that a customer should buy those devices which are popular and widespread to ease these hassles in future. There are even those people who get gifts from their friends and relatives abroad and then may struggle to get the spares around as some of those models are not common around here.

Other non-technical factors to be considered

·         What is the budget?

Good quality is also available at affordable rates; though in its own range. Instead of reaching out too far and expanding the budgets by overwhelming loans, a person should concentrate on savings. The buyer should get a clear idea of affordable budget and precise details of the specifications he may need from the device during his work and plan to buy them accordingly.

·         Buy in “combo” deals

Combo deals means trying to buy most of the relevant things you need at the same time. For instance when you are buying a desktop computer, you may also want to buy the dust covers, mouse pad, external speakers, U.P.S and a printer along with; as you may need them in near future. Such a deal may save you some money and can get you some bonus deals.

·         Buy collectively

It is mostly advantageous and increases the customers’ negotiation capacity if they are buying in bulk and can demand better after sales service.

·         Monitor Currency exchange rates

Foreign currency mostly dollar to local currency ratios highly affect the prices of imported goods in East Africa, apart from availability. By the time one starts planning to buy any expensive device or machine it is advisable to remain updated on the currency exchange rates.

Why not Computers?

Days are gone when a young heart scratches his head on a silent river bed and wonders “Do I need a computer?”

The world is changing at much faster pace than ever before in history of evolution of mankind. We are now practically in Information Age and if radiations and signals had visible colors; the entire space around humans, in most part of the world, would be colored with a spectrum of technological radiations. The use of Digital technology and the information we transfer everyday on the 3Ws (World Wide Web) is massive. It is estimated that, the information we transfer everyday is more than 90,000 PB. Per day (1 PB or Petabyte=1 million GB-Gigabytes = 1000 TB- Terabytes).

As we have discussed in the “House Hold Electronics” section the electronics of today are now becoming “integrated”. They are now involving much of the digital applications of technology and becoming more network and internet friendly than ever before. Same is true for the Computer world; the digital knowledge is expanding its horizons to combine with other forms of technology, creating a newer “Digital world” every second.

The citizen of this new “Digital world” has to be Computer literate and should be able to access the basic information technologies, in all its varied forms, for accomplishing simple daily tasks. For instance to use the recently launched Internet T.V. a person needs to have the basic skills of using internet and transferring digital resources like photographs, videos, music and last but never the least Text. A simple testimony to this statement is a question “When did you last write a letter and sent your pictures to your friend in another country”. The answer is self explanatory. 

To dare to vision a future of “Digital world” escalates our responsibilities towards future. In a world where anything non digital may even be considered ancient; puts immense pressure on an ordinary person, to be more informed and knowledgeable about technological advances; one should be able to explore his potential using his digital talent.

Considering East Africa, other nations of Africa and the rest of developing world we have a word of wisdom in one of our blog post “Trendz in Electronics”. The more you are late to own a technological product the better you’ll get. But we should still -be prepared- for the best and the right time to begin is “now”.

So when the question arises “Why Computers?” we always answer “Why Not Computers?”

Benefits of Solar Technologies for an Individual

At individual and grass root level solar technology holds answers to several problems that people face in their day to day lives. The benefits of solar technology for an individual leaving in rural areas are as below:

·    Long term benefits of cost reduction on energy requirements.

·    Solar energy is clean, pollution free, and greener in comparison.

·    Solar energy is consider higher in energy performance ratings.

·    Needs very little maintenance once installed, There are very few recurring expenses  apart from changing of rechargeable batteries, fuses, bulbs or broken pins and wires.

·    Tailor made solutions are available for individual requirements and budgets. Various products like solar lights, lanterns, phone chargers, etc are available for pocket friendly budgets.

·    Solar technology is an independent form of energy and the individual doesn’t have to depend on the nation, district, village or even neighbor for implementation.

·    It is independent from national electricity supply. Solar technologies are easier to get than waiting for the electricity supply to reach your place.

·    Individual having access to electricity can use solar power as a backup utility during power failures and load shedding and as a device to reduce monthly bills.

·    Doesn’t need fossil fuel which is ever increasing in prices and involves much more inconvenience.

·    Solar technology can be used from literally everywhere, even if one lives on a hill, valley, on an island or in a desert; it is possible to get electricity by solar technology. As a matter of fact solar electricity is still feasible even if a person lives in a mobile house or in a floating boat.

·    With solar electricity the person improves his access to improved communications through radios, T.V., cell phones and can even get access to a wealth of information through internet on computers and laptops. Solar technology adds value and happiness to life.

Solar Technologies for Africa

Apart from South Africa and few other nations, where the rate of electrification can be as high as 20%, most of the African nations have a very low rate of electrification. Uganda rate of electrification was 11% in 2007(according to a UNDP report) and is still around 14%. In some African nations this rate is less than 5% and even less in rural areas.

Most of the populations live in remote and rural areas and hence have difficulty to access electricity. For the private sector companies this task would increase the distribution and overhead expenses as most of population is scattered. Geographically it is practically difficult to extend some of the facilities like safe drinking water, proper roads and electricity distribution to some of these rural areas.

The Public sectors and Government electrification initiatives are impaired due to several other higher priority critical issues and constrains of budget.

Africa fortunately has a favorable climate for utilization of solar technology, apart from a few exceptions. Hence promoting solar technology makes sense for most of the African countries.  Encouraging solar technologies can lead to reduced burden on the side of government for overall development of the nation and can be a boon for the following sectors.

·   Education sector – use of lights for studies and availability of multimedia or audio/video equipments in the rural education system becomes possible, giving increased opportunities for the growth of students.

·   Economic sector- With benefited education systems, the youth of the country has better access to the internet, information on latest technologies and creative ideas enhancing the growth of the economy.

·   Small scale industrial sector – Production of goods at a small scale and local level reduces the pressure on supply chain and also reduces prices of products for local people enabling them to use their savings for education and health of their families.

·   Health sector – The health units in rural areas can work for longer durations with the availability of solar power and can also utilize some basic machines needed for health services enhancing the overall rural health care.

·   Availability of Safe drinking water– Solar pumps and solar purification systems can make available water for drinking in rural households reducing the chances of water borne diseases which can hamper the growth of developing nations.

·   Energy sector- Solar Technologies are clean, green and renewable hence reduces burden on the non-renewable sources, especially fossil fuel. The country can reduce a lot of Co2 emission with the promotion of solar cookers and solar heaters.

·    Environmental sector – Use of solar energy curtails the increasing deforestation and helps to save the environment preventing degrading of landscapes which may have value for ecology and tourism.

·    Communications sector – The cell phones can be charged on solar phone chargers and solar systems can help maintain internet connectivity in the most remote areas leading to better communications. The country has far better prospects with improved global communication outreach.

·    Agriculture sector – use of solar technologies like solar pumps can help the process of irrigation. Solar driers can help mature coffee beans faster and also help speeding the ripening of certain fruits and vegetables. The water available with solar pumps can also help the livestock during the dry seasons and availability of lights during night hours can boost the growth of poultry industries.

·    Defense sector- Maintenance of remote and secret locations becomes feasible with solar power. The use of solar powered drones and other unmanned aircrafts is an inevitable aspect of future warfare.

·    We have tried to put across a few benefits.  The rewards may be much greater with big Solar Power Plants supplying neighboring locations. Solar Power Plants can reduce the burden on individual capital investments and hence make solar power more affordable and feasible. Such an initiative has started in Kigali, Rwanda and could be an example for other nations.

Solar Technologies for resolving Global issues

The ever increasing population has created numerable issues which are difficult to solve and address; Solar Technologies if properly and widely utilized can help resolve some of the global issues as below:

·    As solar energy is greener and cleaner than other forms of energy it hardly creates any pollution apart from the manufacturing process.

·    Solar technology diversifies the energy sources and hence controls the energy crisis.

·    It is more reliable in comparison with other renewable energy sources like wind and water.

·    It helps in reducing emission of Co2 and other green house gases thereby mitigating  Global warming and climate change.

·    Helps in reducing poverty through socio-economic and educational benefits.

·    Enhances standard of living and health conditions in developing nations.

·    Application in agricultural and livestock sectors worldwide can lead to eliminating “Hunger”; the biggest challenge of World Food Organization, it also influences food supplies, prices and availability.

·    It enhances sustainability as solar energy is renewable and can be available in abundance.

·    Reduces burden on fossil fuels and hence is eco-friendly, regulates de-forestation and global carbon footprints.

·    The socio-economic aspects helps development of third world nations, reducing the work load of International welfare organizations like U.N.

·    Utilizations in space research stations and satellites enable collection of valuable global data and forecasting natural and artificial disasters; saving millions of lives.

·    Positively influences global communication network