Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 because it offers the best mix of cache size and clock speed. The dual-core processor runs on a 1066 MHz FSB, comes clocked at 2.4 GHz and most importantly has a massive 4MB of L2 cache! The E6600 processor is built on Intel’s 65 nanometer manufacturing process and comes in the Socket 775 form factor.
..If you’re in the market for an upgrade, the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 processor is one of the the best routes to follow. Sure Intel just released a quad core Core 2 Quad and Extreme processors but they won’t go native quad-core till the fall of 2007. With most applications only able to use a single core, let alone two or four, the quad core chips are currently overkill. Bottom line, the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 is a kick ass processor.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Review
Core 2 Duo E6300 processor was easy, just wait till you laid hands on the E6420 processor. It may not set new clock speed records, but it’s incredibly easy to tap on to its hidden potential and it may even cost less in total system cost!
..Leading performance, low power consumption and heat output were the official reasons why the Intel Core 2 Duo processors are a hit with consumers, but unofficially, the processor’s knack for overclocking is as important a factor as its other credentials. In the enthusiast’s world, it’s all about performance and clock speeds and the ease of overclocking these processors with huge gains made them an instant hit with this voiceful group. This echo was soon picked up by the mainstream DIY’ers whose mission is to pack the most value for any amount spent. Obviously with the Core 2 Duo processors and their huge headroom, many have a chance to dabble in this art safely without much concern as well as bag notable performance improvements. Now who wouldn’t want that?
..Leading performance, low power consumption and heat output were the official reasons why the Intel Core 2 Duo processors are a hit with consumers, but unofficially, the processor’s knack for overclocking is as important a factor as its other credentials. In the enthusiast’s world, it’s all about performance and clock speeds and the ease of overclocking these processors with huge gains made them an instant hit with this voiceful group. This echo was soon picked up by the mainstream DIY’ers whose mission is to pack the most value for any amount spent. Obviously with the Core 2 Duo processors and their huge headroom, many have a chance to dabble in this art safely without much concern as well as bag notable performance improvements. Now who wouldn’t want that?
AMD New Dual-Core AMD Opteron Processors
The Dual-Core AMD Opteron processor Model 880 for up to eight-way, 16-core enterprise-class servers and Model 280 for high performance dual-processor workstations and servers are immediately available. Model 180 for one-processor, two-core servers and workstations is expected to be available within 30 days.
“Introducing the next Dual-Core AMD Opteron processor models less than five months after launching the initial Dual-Core AMD Opteron processors shows undeniable technological leadership,” said Marty Seyer, corporate vice president, Commercial Business and Performance Computing, AMD. “In terms of performance-per-watt, nothing can touch the Dual-Core AMD Opteron processor. It represents a potential annual savings of $50,000 for a datacenter with 500 two-way systems.”
Intel has yet to accept AMD’s Aug. 23, 2005 challenge to a Dual-Core Duel to evaluate workloads and power consumption. AMD’s duel would be a live, public performance evaluation between server platforms based on the highest-performing Dual-Core AMD Opteron 800 Series or 200 Series processors and the corresponding Intel x86 server processors that are commercially available in volume.
“Introducing the next Dual-Core AMD Opteron processor models less than five months after launching the initial Dual-Core AMD Opteron processors shows undeniable technological leadership,” said Marty Seyer, corporate vice president, Commercial Business and Performance Computing, AMD. “In terms of performance-per-watt, nothing can touch the Dual-Core AMD Opteron processor. It represents a potential annual savings of $50,000 for a datacenter with 500 two-way systems.”
Intel has yet to accept AMD’s Aug. 23, 2005 challenge to a Dual-Core Duel to evaluate workloads and power consumption. AMD’s duel would be a live, public performance evaluation between server platforms based on the highest-performing Dual-Core AMD Opteron 800 Series or 200 Series processors and the corresponding Intel x86 server processors that are commercially available in volume.
AMD Turion64 Processor Review
we’ve taken a closer look at the new Turion64 processor, AMD’s long-awaited competition to Intel’s Pentium-M for the mobile markets. The Turion64 is based on AMD’s 90nm "Lancaster" core, and boasts very impressive power consumption and heat production numbers, in addition to SSE-3 and 64-bit processing support. We test a few Turion64 chips against Intel’s Pentium-M and AMD’s own Athlon64 processor family to see if the Turion64 brand is worth all the hype.
..The Turion64 certainly delivers for the mobile arena, and will give finally AMD a viable candidate for the thin-and-light notebook market. Honestly though, I’m a bit under whelmed by the performance of our first generation Turion64 processors, especially in comparison to Intel’s latest generation Pentium-M chips. If AMD is able to push out another clock speed boost or two without pushing up power levels, they should be able to give Intel’s top Pentium-M chips a run for their money. Still, the prospect of an ultra-efficient 64-bit mobile platform is tempting, and I would have a hard choice on my hand if I had to choose between a similarly configured Turion64 or Pentium-M notebook platform. One thing is clear, the Turion64 is the most immediate threat Intel has ever seen to date to its dominance of the mobile market.
Intel's XEON and Iwill's DX400-SN
Expense is relative. This is something I have learned in the years that I have been employed in the computer industry. What I used to think cost too much now looks more reasonable to me. Similarly, when it comes to big business, what some of us may find an obscene amount of money is shrugged off with ease. This is something I am going to ask you to keep in mind as you read this article. Remember, what may seem outrageous to you, often seems perfectly reasonable to someone else.
Intel's XEON line of processors was born back in the days of yore with the venerable P6 core that we have all come to know and love. Today marks the release of the first XEON based on the new Pentium 4 core. This product, as it is presented to you today, is Intel's next stab at the high-end workstation and server market. It will begin humbly, as an extension of the Pentium 4 into the dual-processor realm, and over the next half a year it will evolve into a fully-fledged server solution.
The codename, Foster, has been sloughed off for the more recognizable name, XEON - so for the purpose of this article I will refer to the processor simply as XEON. It will be released today at speeds of 1.4Ghz, 1.5Ghz, and 1.7Ghz in a socket 603 package with the same amount of onboard cache as the current Pentium 4 line. That means 8kb of L1 and 256kb of L2 for now. I will go into that in-depth later on in the article.
Figure 1.1 /// XEONs Figure 1.2 /// XEON Lid Figure 1.3 /// XEON Pins
To support this new processor, motherboards based on Intel's i860 or Colusa chipset have also been announced today. The Iwill DX400-SN was used for the testing and is the first of its kind. it is a no-holds-barred workstation class board as I assume all the motherboards supporting the XEON will be.
Understanding the XEON core is not difficult if you understand the core of the Pentium 4. The reason for this, as I am sure you may have guessed, is that currently the Pentium 4 and XEON are almost identical. For this reason I am not going to regurgitate the architecture of this processor in-depth. If you would like to read very detailed accounts of the core architecture, I suggest you go here, or for an excellent article on the latest Pentium 4, go here. These two articles contain the nitty-gritty on just about every detail of the Pentium 4 core architecture, so if you are interested, I recommend them highly.
Intel's XEON line of processors was born back in the days of yore with the venerable P6 core that we have all come to know and love. Today marks the release of the first XEON based on the new Pentium 4 core. This product, as it is presented to you today, is Intel's next stab at the high-end workstation and server market. It will begin humbly, as an extension of the Pentium 4 into the dual-processor realm, and over the next half a year it will evolve into a fully-fledged server solution.
The codename, Foster, has been sloughed off for the more recognizable name, XEON - so for the purpose of this article I will refer to the processor simply as XEON. It will be released today at speeds of 1.4Ghz, 1.5Ghz, and 1.7Ghz in a socket 603 package with the same amount of onboard cache as the current Pentium 4 line. That means 8kb of L1 and 256kb of L2 for now. I will go into that in-depth later on in the article.
Figure 1.1 /// XEONs Figure 1.2 /// XEON Lid Figure 1.3 /// XEON Pins
To support this new processor, motherboards based on Intel's i860 or Colusa chipset have also been announced today. The Iwill DX400-SN was used for the testing and is the first of its kind. it is a no-holds-barred workstation class board as I assume all the motherboards supporting the XEON will be.
Understanding the XEON core is not difficult if you understand the core of the Pentium 4. The reason for this, as I am sure you may have guessed, is that currently the Pentium 4 and XEON are almost identical. For this reason I am not going to regurgitate the architecture of this processor in-depth. If you would like to read very detailed accounts of the core architecture, I suggest you go here, or for an excellent article on the latest Pentium 4, go here. These two articles contain the nitty-gritty on just about every detail of the Pentium 4 core architecture, so if you are interested, I recommend them highly.
CPU Intel Atom 230
These new CPUs are aimed solely at mobile computers, and their specifications fully meet the requirements of such devices. This first of all applies to power consumption which is below 4W (TDP). Such low indicators have been achieved due to a new architecture which does not resemble any of the previous Intel's architectures, although uses some of the features. The core comprises 47 mln transistors, and because they are manufactured following the 45-nm process technology it becomes clear why Atom is such a miniature and power-saving CPU.
Currently, Intel offers two series of the Atom processor in its assortment. The first is named Z (processors Z500-Z540), it is based on the Silverthorne core and is aimed at mobile systems of the MID class (Mobile Internet Devices). The second series based on the Diamondville core was announced quite recently (in March this year) and includes two models (N270 and 230). It is aimed at desktop systems (Nettops) and value notebooks (Netbooks).
Core Clock speed, GHz FSB, MHz L2, K TDP, W Process technology, nm Core area, mm2 Q-ty of transistors, (mln)
Atom Z500 Silverthorne 0,8 400 512 0,65 45 25 47
Atom Z510 Silverthorne 1,1 400 512 2 45 25 47
Atom Z520 Silverthorne 1,33 533 512 2 45 25 47
Atom Z530 Silverthorne 1,6 533 512 2 45 25 47
Atom Z540 Silverthorne 1,86 533 512 2,4 45 25 47
Atom N270 Diamondville 1,6 533 512 2,5 45 25 47
Atom 230 Diamondville 1,6 533 512 4 45 25 47
All Atom processors offer L1 56 K cache size, 32 K of which is reserved for the instructions cache and 24 K - for data. Also, all the processors are able executing 32-bit code and support additional instruction sets MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, and SSSE3. As regards 64-bit code (x86-64), it is supported by only the Diamondville core and only in the Atom 230 model. Currently, all the Atom processors are single-core. At the same time, they offer support for the Hyper-Threading which allows executing two parallel command streams.
Closer to the end of 2008, Intel is planning to release first dual-core Atom processors. There are rumors in the Internet regarding the model Atom 330 which will run at 1.6 GHz (FSB=533 MHz), with 512 K of L2 cache reserved per each core.
Atom processors of the Z series support the virtualization technology, as well as the C1E Speedstep power-saving technology. Besides the Z series, the C1E Speedstep is supported by Atom N270 built on the Diamondville core.
The assortment of Atom processors is quite wide, and includes two cores for various systems. To avoid a mishmash, it is important to note that the processors operate with certain chipsets, and it is just they which determine the purpose of the final product. Along with new processors, Intel has release a series of chipsets UL11L, US15L, US15W which are also aimed at operation of the Atom series Z processors (the Silverthorne core).
The chipsets offer similar specifications, each comprising a chip that implements functionality of the "north" and "south" bridges. The new chipsets support Intel Atom processors having the system bus speeds 100 or 133 MHz (400/533 MHz QPB), offer the integrated single-channel controller for 400- or 533-MHz DDR2 memory (the maximum memory capacity makes up 1 GB). Also, the chipsets of the new series offer the integrated graphic core Intel GMA500 which along with 3D graphics provides hardware decoding of the video formats H.264, MPEG2, VC1, and WMV9. At the same time, they support the D-SUB and DVI-I, as well as TV-Out outputs. Besides, there is the bus controller PCI Express spec 1.0.
A few words on the expansion options of the UL and US chipsets - they support one IDE link, eight USB 2.0 ports, as well as the HD audio subsystem.
The chipsets UL11L, US15L, US15W are a component part of the Centrino Atom 2 platform which also includes Atom processors, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and 3G modules. The heat emission of UL11L is 1.6W, and that for chipsets of the US series - no more than 2.3W. In the end, the overall heat emission of the "UL11L + Atom CPU" combination is merely 2.25W! That is just what is needed for mobile devices since the unparalleled low power consumption provides a long operation time.
As regards the processors Atom N270 and Atom 230 built on the Diamondville core, they are aimed at cheap, power-saving and small-size systems (Nettops and Netbooks) with the 945GC chipset. That is just the system, namely, the motherboard, we are testing now:
Currently, Intel offers two series of the Atom processor in its assortment. The first is named Z (processors Z500-Z540), it is based on the Silverthorne core and is aimed at mobile systems of the MID class (Mobile Internet Devices). The second series based on the Diamondville core was announced quite recently (in March this year) and includes two models (N270 and 230). It is aimed at desktop systems (Nettops) and value notebooks (Netbooks).
Core Clock speed, GHz FSB, MHz L2, K TDP, W Process technology, nm Core area, mm2 Q-ty of transistors, (mln)
Atom Z500 Silverthorne 0,8 400 512 0,65 45 25 47
Atom Z510 Silverthorne 1,1 400 512 2 45 25 47
Atom Z520 Silverthorne 1,33 533 512 2 45 25 47
Atom Z530 Silverthorne 1,6 533 512 2 45 25 47
Atom Z540 Silverthorne 1,86 533 512 2,4 45 25 47
Atom N270 Diamondville 1,6 533 512 2,5 45 25 47
Atom 230 Diamondville 1,6 533 512 4 45 25 47
All Atom processors offer L1 56 K cache size, 32 K of which is reserved for the instructions cache and 24 K - for data. Also, all the processors are able executing 32-bit code and support additional instruction sets MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, and SSSE3. As regards 64-bit code (x86-64), it is supported by only the Diamondville core and only in the Atom 230 model. Currently, all the Atom processors are single-core. At the same time, they offer support for the Hyper-Threading which allows executing two parallel command streams.
Closer to the end of 2008, Intel is planning to release first dual-core Atom processors. There are rumors in the Internet regarding the model Atom 330 which will run at 1.6 GHz (FSB=533 MHz), with 512 K of L2 cache reserved per each core.
Atom processors of the Z series support the virtualization technology, as well as the C1E Speedstep power-saving technology. Besides the Z series, the C1E Speedstep is supported by Atom N270 built on the Diamondville core.
The assortment of Atom processors is quite wide, and includes two cores for various systems. To avoid a mishmash, it is important to note that the processors operate with certain chipsets, and it is just they which determine the purpose of the final product. Along with new processors, Intel has release a series of chipsets UL11L, US15L, US15W which are also aimed at operation of the Atom series Z processors (the Silverthorne core).
The chipsets offer similar specifications, each comprising a chip that implements functionality of the "north" and "south" bridges. The new chipsets support Intel Atom processors having the system bus speeds 100 or 133 MHz (400/533 MHz QPB), offer the integrated single-channel controller for 400- or 533-MHz DDR2 memory (the maximum memory capacity makes up 1 GB). Also, the chipsets of the new series offer the integrated graphic core Intel GMA500 which along with 3D graphics provides hardware decoding of the video formats H.264, MPEG2, VC1, and WMV9. At the same time, they support the D-SUB and DVI-I, as well as TV-Out outputs. Besides, there is the bus controller PCI Express spec 1.0.
A few words on the expansion options of the UL and US chipsets - they support one IDE link, eight USB 2.0 ports, as well as the HD audio subsystem.
The chipsets UL11L, US15L, US15W are a component part of the Centrino Atom 2 platform which also includes Atom processors, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and 3G modules. The heat emission of UL11L is 1.6W, and that for chipsets of the US series - no more than 2.3W. In the end, the overall heat emission of the "UL11L + Atom CPU" combination is merely 2.25W! That is just what is needed for mobile devices since the unparalleled low power consumption provides a long operation time.
As regards the processors Atom N270 and Atom 230 built on the Diamondville core, they are aimed at cheap, power-saving and small-size systems (Nettops and Netbooks) with the 945GC chipset. That is just the system, namely, the motherboard, we are testing now:
AMD unleashes triple-core Processors
Everything hasn’t exactly been great for AMD lately, but the plucky chip maker has some news for us today. Despite the tough times, the company earned a number of positive reactions from the recent 780G announcement, and it is following that up with three announcement today.
First, triple-core is finally here. We have been hearing about this for months, and after all complaints about triple-core being nothing more than failed quad-core processors, consumers will be able to find out for themselves. The triple core Phenoms will launch as mainstream processors, aimed at users who are interested in additional performance relative to dual-core offerings, without having to substantially increase the amount they are spending. AMD says that triple-core Phenoms will be ideal for budget-minded users who have high-definition content in mind, and that the processor will be a great match for 780G.
So far, we know about the Phenom 8600 (2.3GHz) and 8400 (2.1GHz). They will have L1 cache sizes of 64K of instruction and 64K of data cache per core (512KB total L1) and L2 will hold 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor). These are 65 nm processors that are backwards compatible with AM2 motherboards. The TDP for both models is 95W. We are still waiting on pricing information, but it looks like they will be a bit over US$150.The next piece of news dropped concerned new quad-core processors, including the Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition and Phenom X4 9750. These are additions to AMD’s quad-core lineup that will run at 2.5GHz and 2.4GHz, with TDP ratings of 125W. The new in the 95W TDP are the 9650 and the 9550, which will come in at 2.3GHz and 2.2GHz. So, nothing groundbreaking, but the larger point is that AMD is aiming to make quad-core accessible, while maintaining it as the company’s high-end offering. A quad-core Phemon matched with the 790 chipset is the companies top-shelf offering for gaming, supposing you also pony up the dough for a competitive video card. These are bug-free B3 revision processors.
First, triple-core is finally here. We have been hearing about this for months, and after all complaints about triple-core being nothing more than failed quad-core processors, consumers will be able to find out for themselves. The triple core Phenoms will launch as mainstream processors, aimed at users who are interested in additional performance relative to dual-core offerings, without having to substantially increase the amount they are spending. AMD says that triple-core Phenoms will be ideal for budget-minded users who have high-definition content in mind, and that the processor will be a great match for 780G.
So far, we know about the Phenom 8600 (2.3GHz) and 8400 (2.1GHz). They will have L1 cache sizes of 64K of instruction and 64K of data cache per core (512KB total L1) and L2 will hold 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor). These are 65 nm processors that are backwards compatible with AM2 motherboards. The TDP for both models is 95W. We are still waiting on pricing information, but it looks like they will be a bit over US$150.The next piece of news dropped concerned new quad-core processors, including the Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition and Phenom X4 9750. These are additions to AMD’s quad-core lineup that will run at 2.5GHz and 2.4GHz, with TDP ratings of 125W. The new in the 95W TDP are the 9650 and the 9550, which will come in at 2.3GHz and 2.2GHz. So, nothing groundbreaking, but the larger point is that AMD is aiming to make quad-core accessible, while maintaining it as the company’s high-end offering. A quad-core Phemon matched with the 790 chipset is the companies top-shelf offering for gaming, supposing you also pony up the dough for a competitive video card. These are bug-free B3 revision processors.
Dual Core Processors
Dual core processors have become very popular in the world of computing. Some hot tips about dual core processors have been printed in many computer magazines for the last few years and have served to wet the appetite of many computer users looking to upgrade their computer systems. The ability of dual core processors to make computer systems run much faster and cooler means that many people want these processors in their computers.
The hot tips about dual core processors have been talked about in many computer user forums online for many months now and the consensus seems to be that everyone wants them to be in their computer systems. While many older computers may not have the correct architecture to accept these dual processors, many of the newer models of computer can easily adapt to this innovation. The ability of dual core processors to handle multiple programs at one time is a very attractive aspect for anyone thinking of buying dual core processor architecture for their computer system.
The goal of the companies that are producing these dual core processor systems has been to get a system that can do the work at the best price for consumers. Because hot tips about dual core processors have become commonplace among many computer users, the popularity of these processors has grown a lot. Many people have been waiting for the ‘bugs’ to be worked out of the dual core processor systems, before they purchase a system for their own computer.
The main groups of computer users who are interested in this technology are the ones that use higher memory applications and people who use a lot of graphic programs such as computer games. This last set of users has been behind the dual core technology since the beginning as this innovation will enhance their playing considerably and allow their systems to compete with video game consoles already on the market. Once dual core processor systems can easily compete with video gaming consoles, and then the gaming consumer will think twice about buying a video console rather than upgrading to a dual core system.
While some manufacturers of these processors have gone after the gaming market, others have aimed their marketing towards the business sector. Offering reliable and powerful processing systems to both markets has resulted in many computer users having much more powerful systems with a high level of reliability. The speed at which these processors deliver results is staggering to many users who have been waiting for innovations such as this to come along. Many hot tips about dual core processors can be traced back to online forums among users who wanted a better and faster way to process computer applications.
The companies that create these applications wanted the manufacturers of the processors to make the processors faster so that the newer programs could be run much better and faster than they once had. This allowed for a great deal of innovation in the programs being produced as well. Knowing that the dual core processors could handle the program criteria allowed the programmers of games and applications to do whatever they wanted in the creation of a better and faster game or applications program.
The hot tips about dual core processors have been talked about in many computer user forums online for many months now and the consensus seems to be that everyone wants them to be in their computer systems. While many older computers may not have the correct architecture to accept these dual processors, many of the newer models of computer can easily adapt to this innovation. The ability of dual core processors to handle multiple programs at one time is a very attractive aspect for anyone thinking of buying dual core processor architecture for their computer system.
The goal of the companies that are producing these dual core processor systems has been to get a system that can do the work at the best price for consumers. Because hot tips about dual core processors have become commonplace among many computer users, the popularity of these processors has grown a lot. Many people have been waiting for the ‘bugs’ to be worked out of the dual core processor systems, before they purchase a system for their own computer.
The main groups of computer users who are interested in this technology are the ones that use higher memory applications and people who use a lot of graphic programs such as computer games. This last set of users has been behind the dual core technology since the beginning as this innovation will enhance their playing considerably and allow their systems to compete with video game consoles already on the market. Once dual core processor systems can easily compete with video gaming consoles, and then the gaming consumer will think twice about buying a video console rather than upgrading to a dual core system.
While some manufacturers of these processors have gone after the gaming market, others have aimed their marketing towards the business sector. Offering reliable and powerful processing systems to both markets has resulted in many computer users having much more powerful systems with a high level of reliability. The speed at which these processors deliver results is staggering to many users who have been waiting for innovations such as this to come along. Many hot tips about dual core processors can be traced back to online forums among users who wanted a better and faster way to process computer applications.
The companies that create these applications wanted the manufacturers of the processors to make the processors faster so that the newer programs could be run much better and faster than they once had. This allowed for a great deal of innovation in the programs being produced as well. Knowing that the dual core processors could handle the program criteria allowed the programmers of games and applications to do whatever they wanted in the creation of a better and faster game or applications program.
AMD CPUs Are a Good System Choice
Ever since 1969, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices Inc.) has been producing semi-conductors for use in server technology and personal computers. They experienced rapid growth during the 1990s as they competed with Intel for the desktop and server PC market. They came out with their own line of AMD computer processors (CPUs) which quickly became popular as a less expensive competitor to Intel. Since that time, the company has continued to grow and they now employee almost 17,000 people and they continue to produce various semi-conductors for various computer uses. Their most popular product, however, is still the AMD computer processor.
Some of the new processors that AMD offers for use as CPUs in PC's include the Phenom, Avalon, Opteron, Turion 64 X2 and several other chipsets. These chips are every bit as good or superior to the comparable chips manufactured by Intel. When choosing a new system, there is really no reason to choose one manufacturer over the other. In the past, AMD processors used to be priced lower than the Intel CPUs, but that isn't always the case anymore. Since AMD chips can sometimes outperform the same type of chip made by Intel, AMD has priced their chips to be closer in price to the Intel.
System builders also used to favor the AMD CPUs since there were higher margins in systems built with AMD chips. And since most people wouldn't know the difference between a PC built with an Intel chip or AMD chip, many systems were built using AMD chips. This was a smart choice as running Windows on either chip will give the user the same look and feel. There is absolutely no difference in the way Windows behaves with an Intel or AMD chip.
Also, home system builders also used a lot of AMD processors to get as much bang for the buck as possible. They are also favorites for overclocking. Overclocking simply means pushing a chip to a higher speed than it is rated for. With certain motherboard and processor combinations, you can push a chip to 15% to 20% faster than what it is rated for. Home builders have come up with many ways to do this with AMD processors. (However, Intel has kept up and now overclocking of Intel processors is also possible.)
If you are shopping for a new PC, you can't lose with an AMD or Intel processor. You may see a slight financial savings in an AMD processor as they can be priced slightly less than an Intel chipped computer. In any case, you will get a quality computer with excellent performance with an AMD processor.
Some of the new processors that AMD offers for use as CPUs in PC's include the Phenom, Avalon, Opteron, Turion 64 X2 and several other chipsets. These chips are every bit as good or superior to the comparable chips manufactured by Intel. When choosing a new system, there is really no reason to choose one manufacturer over the other. In the past, AMD processors used to be priced lower than the Intel CPUs, but that isn't always the case anymore. Since AMD chips can sometimes outperform the same type of chip made by Intel, AMD has priced their chips to be closer in price to the Intel.
System builders also used to favor the AMD CPUs since there were higher margins in systems built with AMD chips. And since most people wouldn't know the difference between a PC built with an Intel chip or AMD chip, many systems were built using AMD chips. This was a smart choice as running Windows on either chip will give the user the same look and feel. There is absolutely no difference in the way Windows behaves with an Intel or AMD chip.
Also, home system builders also used a lot of AMD processors to get as much bang for the buck as possible. They are also favorites for overclocking. Overclocking simply means pushing a chip to a higher speed than it is rated for. With certain motherboard and processor combinations, you can push a chip to 15% to 20% faster than what it is rated for. Home builders have come up with many ways to do this with AMD processors. (However, Intel has kept up and now overclocking of Intel processors is also possible.)
If you are shopping for a new PC, you can't lose with an AMD or Intel processor. You may see a slight financial savings in an AMD processor as they can be priced slightly less than an Intel chipped computer. In any case, you will get a quality computer with excellent performance with an AMD processor.
Desktop Computer - Know It Better
Desktop computers, a type of micro computer, fit on a desktop and are used widely in offices and home. Personal computers or home computers, workstations, internet servers and special communications computers are four types of desktop computers used. Desktop computers are widely used in household, schools, business as these computers are very cheap.
The desktop computers are normally modular and its components can be easily upgraded or replaced. These are available in elegant case styles. They are used for carrying various tasks like organizing digital photos, office tasks, editing of video and accessing Internet.
Micro Instrumentation Telemetry System (MITS) 8800 offered the first desktop type system in 1975. The launch of this variety of computer encouraged scores of other companies to produce personal computers. In 1977, Tandy Corporation (Radio Shack) launched its model of personal computers having a keyboard and CRT. In the same year the Commodore PET and Apple II were also released market and these are forerunners of today`s Desktop computers.
Introduction of IBM PC, in 1981 by IBM, was a milestone in the field of Personal Computer. Based on Intel`s 8088 microprocessor, it became a success overnight. The introduction of a 16 bit microprocessor paved way for more powerful and faster micros. Also standardization in computer industry could be made as IBM PC used an operating system which was available to all the computer manufacturers. Apple Mac PC using Motorola 68000 is another series of 32 bit popular personal computers launched by Apple in 1984.
A modern desktop computer consists of Display Motherboard, CPU, Primary storage (RAM), Expansion cards, Power supply, Optical disc drive, Secondary Storage(HDD), Keyboard, Mouse.
All the desktop computers come with ports which allow plugging different external devices into the computer viz, keyboards, monitors, scanners, printers.The different type of ports are Universal serial bus, Ethernet, Modem, Headphone, Serial, Parallel, PS/2, VGA, Power connection, Fire wire, and Card reader.
You should surf the internet to check for detail guides available before purchasing a desktop computer. A few important points are listed here which may help you to have an informed purchasing decision:
Processors (CPUs): It is a very difficult choice to make between an Intel processor and an AMD. The main difference comes in the relative speed and number of cores in the processor. You should refer for the detail information on this in the internet sites.
Memory (RAM): It is best to have at least 1 GB memory system and older DDR memory standard should be avoided. For better performance, faster memories are must and ensure that future upgrades of memory are possible.
Hard Drives: 250 GB or more storage space is best to have in present days. Serial ATA interface is used in most drives now for ease of installation.
Optical Drives (CD/DVD): Multiformat DVD burner which can support both +R/RW and -R/RW with a 16x recordable speed are best to have in desktop computers.
The desktop computers are normally modular and its components can be easily upgraded or replaced. These are available in elegant case styles. They are used for carrying various tasks like organizing digital photos, office tasks, editing of video and accessing Internet.
Micro Instrumentation Telemetry System (MITS) 8800 offered the first desktop type system in 1975. The launch of this variety of computer encouraged scores of other companies to produce personal computers. In 1977, Tandy Corporation (Radio Shack) launched its model of personal computers having a keyboard and CRT. In the same year the Commodore PET and Apple II were also released market and these are forerunners of today`s Desktop computers.
Introduction of IBM PC, in 1981 by IBM, was a milestone in the field of Personal Computer. Based on Intel`s 8088 microprocessor, it became a success overnight. The introduction of a 16 bit microprocessor paved way for more powerful and faster micros. Also standardization in computer industry could be made as IBM PC used an operating system which was available to all the computer manufacturers. Apple Mac PC using Motorola 68000 is another series of 32 bit popular personal computers launched by Apple in 1984.
A modern desktop computer consists of Display Motherboard, CPU, Primary storage (RAM), Expansion cards, Power supply, Optical disc drive, Secondary Storage(HDD), Keyboard, Mouse.
All the desktop computers come with ports which allow plugging different external devices into the computer viz, keyboards, monitors, scanners, printers.The different type of ports are Universal serial bus, Ethernet, Modem, Headphone, Serial, Parallel, PS/2, VGA, Power connection, Fire wire, and Card reader.
You should surf the internet to check for detail guides available before purchasing a desktop computer. A few important points are listed here which may help you to have an informed purchasing decision:
Processors (CPUs): It is a very difficult choice to make between an Intel processor and an AMD. The main difference comes in the relative speed and number of cores in the processor. You should refer for the detail information on this in the internet sites.
Memory (RAM): It is best to have at least 1 GB memory system and older DDR memory standard should be avoided. For better performance, faster memories are must and ensure that future upgrades of memory are possible.
Hard Drives: 250 GB or more storage space is best to have in present days. Serial ATA interface is used in most drives now for ease of installation.
Optical Drives (CD/DVD): Multiformat DVD burner which can support both +R/RW and -R/RW with a 16x recordable speed are best to have in desktop computers.
Intel ATOM 230 versus VIA Nano L2100 - Battle of the Mini-ITX Platforms
The Battle of Mini-ITX Platforms
The Intel Atom and VIA Nano processors have been making a ton of noise in the market place as they are inexpensive, energy efficient and fit into sleek and sexy devices that consumers are looking for today. The day the VIA Nano processor was announced I was actually at Centaur Technologies down in Austin, Texas meeting with Gleen Henry where I got to see some Nano processors being produced right before my eyes. I had to wait nearly a month to get a VIA reference board in my hands with a VIA Nano processor, but it has been worth the wait. Since I have already covered the basics and introduced the Nano processor in my Centaur Technologies Tour article we will jump straight into things.
Intel Mini-ITX
Armed with the VIA Nano processor and the Intel Atom processor, I can now do a direct performance comparison against two of the most talked about processors for 2008. The VIA Nano reference platform we were sent isn't a retail product, so keep that in mind while reading the rest of the article. The Intel Atom was tested on the D945GCLF, which is a retail product you can purchase today for $66 plus shipping.
Intel Atom Versus VIA Nano Chart
These two platforms might both be using Mini-ITX motherboards, but the features do differ between the very different processors. The VIA Nano processor is built using 65nm process technology (the Atom uses 45nm) and it's major claim to fame is the 64-bit Superscalar Speculative Out-Of-Order MicroArchitecture. Will this be enough to keep the Intel Atom processor at bay? Let's take a look a closer look at the test systems and find out which one is faster in the benchmarks!
The Intel Atom and VIA Nano processors have been making a ton of noise in the market place as they are inexpensive, energy efficient and fit into sleek and sexy devices that consumers are looking for today. The day the VIA Nano processor was announced I was actually at Centaur Technologies down in Austin, Texas meeting with Gleen Henry where I got to see some Nano processors being produced right before my eyes. I had to wait nearly a month to get a VIA reference board in my hands with a VIA Nano processor, but it has been worth the wait. Since I have already covered the basics and introduced the Nano processor in my Centaur Technologies Tour article we will jump straight into things.
Intel Mini-ITX
Armed with the VIA Nano processor and the Intel Atom processor, I can now do a direct performance comparison against two of the most talked about processors for 2008. The VIA Nano reference platform we were sent isn't a retail product, so keep that in mind while reading the rest of the article. The Intel Atom was tested on the D945GCLF, which is a retail product you can purchase today for $66 plus shipping.
Intel Atom Versus VIA Nano Chart
These two platforms might both be using Mini-ITX motherboards, but the features do differ between the very different processors. The VIA Nano processor is built using 65nm process technology (the Atom uses 45nm) and it's major claim to fame is the 64-bit Superscalar Speculative Out-Of-Order MicroArchitecture. Will this be enough to keep the Intel Atom processor at bay? Let's take a look a closer look at the test systems and find out which one is faster in the benchmarks!
Intel Pentium Processor 965 Extreme Edition
The Extreme Edition Gets A Speed Bump
Like its predecessor, the Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 965 with Hyper-Threading technology boasts 1066 FSB, 4 MB total L2 cache configured as 2 x 2MB per core, Intel Virtualization Technology, Execute Disable Bit, and Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology. The Extreme Edition platform provides the horsepower and new capabilities that allow PC enthusiasts the flexibility to address the robust content creation and multitasking expectations of the high-end desktop market segment. Below is a chart comparing the latest Extreme Edition processor to the previous two flagship processors that it has replaced.
Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 965
* 3.73 GHz dual core processor with Hyper-Threading Technology
* 1066 FSB
* 4 MB total L2 cache configured as 2 x 2MB per core
* Intel Virtualization Technology
* Execute Disable Bit
* Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T)
The Intel 965 Processor
The 965 comes clocked at 3.73GHz (14.0 x 267MHz) with a 1066MHz front side bus. If this clock frequency rings a bell it should as it is the same core speed as Intel's fastest single core Extreme Edition processor, the Prescott-based chip Intel 3.73GHz EE that was launched in Feburary 2005. There are two separate 'Cedar Mill' cores on the same package that make up the Presler core. Many call the Presler the first true dual-core Intel processor.
If you are thinking of getting one of these processors Intel recommends using the Delta EPS12V 600W ? DPS-600MB M power supply or equivalent with a 2x4 (instead of a 2x2) 12V2 connector to provide headroom and allow for more current and power to be delivered to the processor. The processor Vcc, Icc, and power specifications provided with the Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 955 still apply to the new Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 965. Now that we know what the Intel 965 is all about let's take a look at the new stepping.
Like its predecessor, the Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 965 with Hyper-Threading technology boasts 1066 FSB, 4 MB total L2 cache configured as 2 x 2MB per core, Intel Virtualization Technology, Execute Disable Bit, and Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology. The Extreme Edition platform provides the horsepower and new capabilities that allow PC enthusiasts the flexibility to address the robust content creation and multitasking expectations of the high-end desktop market segment. Below is a chart comparing the latest Extreme Edition processor to the previous two flagship processors that it has replaced.
Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 965
* 3.73 GHz dual core processor with Hyper-Threading Technology
* 1066 FSB
* 4 MB total L2 cache configured as 2 x 2MB per core
* Intel Virtualization Technology
* Execute Disable Bit
* Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T)
The Intel 965 Processor
The 965 comes clocked at 3.73GHz (14.0 x 267MHz) with a 1066MHz front side bus. If this clock frequency rings a bell it should as it is the same core speed as Intel's fastest single core Extreme Edition processor, the Prescott-based chip Intel 3.73GHz EE that was launched in Feburary 2005. There are two separate 'Cedar Mill' cores on the same package that make up the Presler core. Many call the Presler the first true dual-core Intel processor.
If you are thinking of getting one of these processors Intel recommends using the Delta EPS12V 600W ? DPS-600MB M power supply or equivalent with a 2x4 (instead of a 2x2) 12V2 connector to provide headroom and allow for more current and power to be delivered to the processor. The processor Vcc, Icc, and power specifications provided with the Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 955 still apply to the new Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 965. Now that we know what the Intel 965 is all about let's take a look at the new stepping.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Treating Arteriovenous Malformation (avm) of the Brain
Characterized by headaches and seizures, an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the brain is a derivative of arteriovenous malformation, a disorder of the body’s circulatory system. An AVM of the brain, also known as a cerebral AVM, is a malformed group of blood vessels composed of an intricate tangle of arteries and veins. Though localized, cerebral AVMs can lead to severe neurological problems. Research in the field of arteriovenous malformation is growing particularly with noninvasive treatment options.
What are cerebral AVMs?
Cerebral AVMs may form during prenatal stages of a child’s development, either during embryonic or fetal growth. Studies have found a certain number of cases form shortly after birth; however, the condition frequently presents in adults in their 20s or 30s. Cerebral AVMs are commonly misdiagnosed, with most cases found only incidentally through the performance of CT (computed tomography) scans on the brain. Patients complain of regular headaches and seizures before diagnosis.
Other neurological complications can develop including speech and visual difficulty, dizziness, memory deficits, confusion, hallucinations, dementia and difficulty with event planning. Physical side effects range from loss of coordination, numbness, tingling and spontaneous pain to permanent paralysis. Patients’ symptoms are directly associated with the location of the cerebral AVM with certain sites causing hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is caused by a cerebral AVM preventing the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid thereby causing fluid build-up in the skull.
What are the potential health consequences of cerebral AVMs?
Hemorrhaging is the most common side effect of patients experiencing cerebral AVM. The size and location of the cerebral AVM determines the patient’s likelihood of experiencing hemorrhaging. Research has found between 2 and 4 percent of all AVMs to hemorrhage each year with most episodes going undetected. Minor hemorrhaging does not cause neurological damage, hence the reason patients and doctors remain unaware it takes place. On the other hand, massive hemorrhaging has been documented with some cases being fatal. Once a cerebral AVM bleeds, the risk of hemmorahaging again within the next year is nine times as likely. Though research has grown extensively, doctors are still unable to predict whether a patient with cerebral AVM will or will not experience hemorrhaging.
While there is no definitive research, doctors have found certain cases to have a higher likelihood of causing bleeding. Though it may seem contradictory, smaller AVMs have a greater chance of hemorrhaging than larger ones. Increased blood pressure and blood volume from being pregnant also increases a patient’s potential for bleeding. Lastly, deeply situated AVMs with extremely narrow veins impair proper drainage leading to an increased risk for hemorrhaging.
Once again, the location of the hemorrhaging AVM is directly proportionate to the side effects of hemorrhaging. Bleeding AVMs situated deep within the brain, called intracerebral or parenchymal cerebral hemorrhage, cause the most damage.
In addition to brain hemorrhaging, AVMs on their own can inflict harsh brain and spinal dysfunctions. Patients who experience severe side effects are typically victims of one of three problems. Aside from hemorrhaging, AVMs reduce oxygen reaching neurological tissues and compress and displace parts of the brain. The larger the lesion, the greater chance of the latter problem occurring with certain AVMs reaching up to 2.5 inches in diameter. Certain lesions have been documented to distort an entire hemisphere of the brain.
What are cerebral AVMs?
Cerebral AVMs may form during prenatal stages of a child’s development, either during embryonic or fetal growth. Studies have found a certain number of cases form shortly after birth; however, the condition frequently presents in adults in their 20s or 30s. Cerebral AVMs are commonly misdiagnosed, with most cases found only incidentally through the performance of CT (computed tomography) scans on the brain. Patients complain of regular headaches and seizures before diagnosis.
Other neurological complications can develop including speech and visual difficulty, dizziness, memory deficits, confusion, hallucinations, dementia and difficulty with event planning. Physical side effects range from loss of coordination, numbness, tingling and spontaneous pain to permanent paralysis. Patients’ symptoms are directly associated with the location of the cerebral AVM with certain sites causing hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is caused by a cerebral AVM preventing the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid thereby causing fluid build-up in the skull.
What are the potential health consequences of cerebral AVMs?
Hemorrhaging is the most common side effect of patients experiencing cerebral AVM. The size and location of the cerebral AVM determines the patient’s likelihood of experiencing hemorrhaging. Research has found between 2 and 4 percent of all AVMs to hemorrhage each year with most episodes going undetected. Minor hemorrhaging does not cause neurological damage, hence the reason patients and doctors remain unaware it takes place. On the other hand, massive hemorrhaging has been documented with some cases being fatal. Once a cerebral AVM bleeds, the risk of hemmorahaging again within the next year is nine times as likely. Though research has grown extensively, doctors are still unable to predict whether a patient with cerebral AVM will or will not experience hemorrhaging.
While there is no definitive research, doctors have found certain cases to have a higher likelihood of causing bleeding. Though it may seem contradictory, smaller AVMs have a greater chance of hemorrhaging than larger ones. Increased blood pressure and blood volume from being pregnant also increases a patient’s potential for bleeding. Lastly, deeply situated AVMs with extremely narrow veins impair proper drainage leading to an increased risk for hemorrhaging.
Once again, the location of the hemorrhaging AVM is directly proportionate to the side effects of hemorrhaging. Bleeding AVMs situated deep within the brain, called intracerebral or parenchymal cerebral hemorrhage, cause the most damage.
In addition to brain hemorrhaging, AVMs on their own can inflict harsh brain and spinal dysfunctions. Patients who experience severe side effects are typically victims of one of three problems. Aside from hemorrhaging, AVMs reduce oxygen reaching neurological tissues and compress and displace parts of the brain. The larger the lesion, the greater chance of the latter problem occurring with certain AVMs reaching up to 2.5 inches in diameter. Certain lesions have been documented to distort an entire hemisphere of the brain.
Brain Tumor Types With Their Treatments
Astrocytomas represent the most common type of glioma. They develop from the supporting cells of the brain, which are star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. In children, most astrocytomas are considered low-grade, while in adults most are high-grade. They occur in most parts of the brain, including the brain stem.
Treatment
Radiation therapy is required to treat gliomas. Radiation therapy may also be beneficial in the short-term for tumors that have spread from other parts of the body. Chemotherapy also benefits some patients with such brain tumors.
Chemotherapy is only marginally effective in the treatment of Anaplastic astrocytoma and Glioblastoma multiforme. Typical chemotherapy agents include carmustine (BCNU) and lomustine (CCNU).
Craniopharyngiomas are tumors near the brain’s pituitary gland and most commonly affect infants and children. Because the pituitary gland releases chemicals essential for growth and metabolism, a craniopharyngioma may result in a child’s stunted growth. The patient’s vision may also be affected. These tumors develop from cells left over from early fetal development.
Treatment
Surgery: Because of their location close to vital parts of the brain, surgical removal is often difficult. However, surgery is the usual treatment for these tumors. Radiation therapy may also be used.
Ependymal tumors begin in the ependyma, cells that line the passageways in the brain where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced and stored. Ependymomas are classified as either supratentorial (in the cerebral hemispheres) or infratentorial (in the back of the brain). Variations of this tumor type include subependymoma, subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma, and malignant ependymoma. Ependymoblastoma, which occurs in infants and children under three years, is no longer considered a subtype of ependymoma.
Treatment
Treatment of grade I and grade II ependymomas is usually surgery with or without radiation therapy.
Treatment of anaplastic ependymoma may include the following:
1. Surgery plus radiation therapy.
2. A clinical trial of surgery followed by chemotherapy before, during, and after radiation therapy.
3. A clinical trial of chemotherapy and/or biologic therapy.
Metastatic Brain Tumor. A metastatic, or secondary, brain tumor is one that begins as cancer in another part of the body. Some of the cancer cells may be carried to the brain by the blood or lymphatic fluid, or may spread from adjacent tissue. The site where the cancerous cells originated is referred to as the primary cancer. Metastatic brain tumors are often referred to as lesions or brain metastases. Metastatic brain tumors are the most common brain tumors. There has been an increase in metastatic lesions as people are surviving primary cancers for longer periods of time.
Treatment
Surgery
Brain tumors are often difficult to diagnose and surgical removal demands great skill. Mayo's team of specialists in secondary brain tumors offer the most up-to-date treatment opportunities, utilizing the latest technological advances.
Surgery, the mainstay of brain tumor treatment, involves removing as much of the tumor as possible while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Treatment
Radiation therapy is required to treat gliomas. Radiation therapy may also be beneficial in the short-term for tumors that have spread from other parts of the body. Chemotherapy also benefits some patients with such brain tumors.
Chemotherapy is only marginally effective in the treatment of Anaplastic astrocytoma and Glioblastoma multiforme. Typical chemotherapy agents include carmustine (BCNU) and lomustine (CCNU).
Craniopharyngiomas are tumors near the brain’s pituitary gland and most commonly affect infants and children. Because the pituitary gland releases chemicals essential for growth and metabolism, a craniopharyngioma may result in a child’s stunted growth. The patient’s vision may also be affected. These tumors develop from cells left over from early fetal development.
Treatment
Surgery: Because of their location close to vital parts of the brain, surgical removal is often difficult. However, surgery is the usual treatment for these tumors. Radiation therapy may also be used.
Ependymal tumors begin in the ependyma, cells that line the passageways in the brain where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced and stored. Ependymomas are classified as either supratentorial (in the cerebral hemispheres) or infratentorial (in the back of the brain). Variations of this tumor type include subependymoma, subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma, and malignant ependymoma. Ependymoblastoma, which occurs in infants and children under three years, is no longer considered a subtype of ependymoma.
Treatment
Treatment of grade I and grade II ependymomas is usually surgery with or without radiation therapy.
Treatment of anaplastic ependymoma may include the following:
1. Surgery plus radiation therapy.
2. A clinical trial of surgery followed by chemotherapy before, during, and after radiation therapy.
3. A clinical trial of chemotherapy and/or biologic therapy.
Metastatic Brain Tumor. A metastatic, or secondary, brain tumor is one that begins as cancer in another part of the body. Some of the cancer cells may be carried to the brain by the blood or lymphatic fluid, or may spread from adjacent tissue. The site where the cancerous cells originated is referred to as the primary cancer. Metastatic brain tumors are often referred to as lesions or brain metastases. Metastatic brain tumors are the most common brain tumors. There has been an increase in metastatic lesions as people are surviving primary cancers for longer periods of time.
Treatment
Surgery
Brain tumors are often difficult to diagnose and surgical removal demands great skill. Mayo's team of specialists in secondary brain tumors offer the most up-to-date treatment opportunities, utilizing the latest technological advances.
Surgery, the mainstay of brain tumor treatment, involves removing as much of the tumor as possible while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Brain Tumor Surgery
India is now days becoming a medical hub and a growing destination for brain tumor surgery because of the availability of most advanced surgical treatment facilities and highly experienced surgeons in India. Because of these available treatment facilities, very low cost of treatment and very good success rate of surgery, many international patients are attracted to India for their low cost brain tumor surgery in India. International patients are looking forward to India just because of first class medical facilities at third class rates. The cost of treatment provided in India is very less compared to that of the cost of same surgical treatment in other developed countries for different treatment procedures like brain tumor surgery and these too are provided to patients with very good success rate. Because of the availability of very good treatment facilities, most experienced surgeons, very low cost of surgical treatment and very good success rate of brain tumor surgery in India many international patients’ select India as a destination for their surgical treatment.
Treatment for brain tumors depends on a number of factors including the type, location and size of the tumor as well as the patient's age and general health. Treatment methods and schedules differ for children and adults. Brain tumors are treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Our doctors also are studying a vaccine for treating a recurrent cancer of the central nervous system that occurs primarily in the brain, known as glioma. Depending on patients’ needs, several methods may be used. Before treatment begins, most patients are given steroids, drugs that relieve swelling or edema. Your may receive anticonvulsant medicine to prevent or control seizures. If hydrocephalus is present, you may need a shunt to drain cerebrospinal fluid. A shunt is a long, thin tube placed in a ventricle of the brain and then threaded under the skin to another part of the body, usually the abdomen. It works like a drainpipe. Excess fluid is carried away from the brain and is absorbed in the abdomen. In some cases, the fluid is drained into the heart. Surgery is the usual treatment for most brain tumors. To remove a brain tumor, a neurosurgeon makes an opening in the skull. This operation is called a craniotomy. Whenever possible, the surgeon attempts to remove the entire tumor. If the tumor cannot be completely removed without damaging vital brain tissue, your doctor may remove as much of the tumor as possible. Partial removal helps to relieve symptoms by reducing pressure on the brain and reduces the amount of tumor to be treated by radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some tumors cannot be removed. In such cases, your doctor may do only a biopsy. A small piece of the tumor is removed so that a pathologist can examine it under a microscope to determine the type of cells it contains. This helps doctors decide which treatment to use.
Treatment for brain tumors depends on a number of factors including the type, location and size of the tumor as well as the patient's age and general health. Treatment methods and schedules differ for children and adults. Brain tumors are treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Our doctors also are studying a vaccine for treating a recurrent cancer of the central nervous system that occurs primarily in the brain, known as glioma. Depending on patients’ needs, several methods may be used. Before treatment begins, most patients are given steroids, drugs that relieve swelling or edema. Your may receive anticonvulsant medicine to prevent or control seizures. If hydrocephalus is present, you may need a shunt to drain cerebrospinal fluid. A shunt is a long, thin tube placed in a ventricle of the brain and then threaded under the skin to another part of the body, usually the abdomen. It works like a drainpipe. Excess fluid is carried away from the brain and is absorbed in the abdomen. In some cases, the fluid is drained into the heart. Surgery is the usual treatment for most brain tumors. To remove a brain tumor, a neurosurgeon makes an opening in the skull. This operation is called a craniotomy. Whenever possible, the surgeon attempts to remove the entire tumor. If the tumor cannot be completely removed without damaging vital brain tissue, your doctor may remove as much of the tumor as possible. Partial removal helps to relieve symptoms by reducing pressure on the brain and reduces the amount of tumor to be treated by radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some tumors cannot be removed. In such cases, your doctor may do only a biopsy. A small piece of the tumor is removed so that a pathologist can examine it under a microscope to determine the type of cells it contains. This helps doctors decide which treatment to use.
Different Types of Brain Injury
Brain injury can be as individual as people, because every case of brain injury can happen for different reasons and have different effects on people. Classifying the different types of brain injury can require a lot of research. Generally the classification starts with the two more common types of brain injury: traumatic brain injury and acquired brain injury. The levels are ranted as mild, moderate or severe. Brain injuries can also be classified as an open or closed brain injury. In this article, we'll talk about the more common types of brain injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury can happen whenever something strikes the head with force. The force would be strong enough to cause the brain to move in the skull causing internal damage to the brain. It can also occur if the skull breaks and the break itself injures the brain.
There are various reasons for this type of force. It could due to a violent experience, sports injury or a variety of other causes. Any event that causes the head to be struck hard enough an cause this type of traumatic brain injury.
This type of brain injury can also occur from rapid movement back and forth, shaking the brain hard enough in the skull that it becomes damaged. This more commonly happens in auto accidents or in cases such as Shaken Baby Syndrome. The rapid movement back and forth can do severe damage to the brain.
How To Tell If You've Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury
If you have suffered a severe blow to the head, or have been in an accident where your head was violently shaken, or suspect someone else has had this type of injury, go to the emergency room immediately or call 911 for further assistance. It is recommended that you do not wait. Severe brain injuries can become worse and could become fatal if not treated immediately.
Common symptoms of traumatic brain injury are as follows:
Spinal fluid coming out of the ears or nose, looking like thin, watery liquid
Loss of consciousness
Suspected concussion - not all concussions cause loss of consciousness
Severe dizziness or loss of balance
Dilated eyes
Loss of vision, or change in vision, either improved or reduced
Slow pulse
Slow breathing
Vomiting
Lethargic
Headache
Confusion
Numbness or tingling sensations in any parts of the body
Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
Depending on how severe the injury is, the brain can suffer many types of injuries. Some of the more common classifications of such injuries include:
Diffuse Axonal Injury - This type of injury seems to be more common with the rapid movement of the head as occurs with Shaken Baby Syndrome. It usually happens because the skull is moving faster than the brain, causing certain structures in the brain to tear. This injury can be temporary or permanent, causing a coma or even possibly producing fatal effects.
Concussion - A concussion can be caused by violent action toward the head, by severe blows, or a whiplash effect. This type of injury causes blood vessels to stretch. It's one of the more common types of brain injuries, and a concussion can take months or even years to fully heal.
Contusion - Again, this type of traumatic brain injury will happen with a violent action at the head. The injury is caused by bruising or bleeding on the brain. If the injury is severe and there is much bruising and bleeding, it can require surgery to correct.
Acquired Brain Injury
An acquired brain injury occurs any time after birth and is not induced by birth trauma or hereditary. This type of injury occurs on a cellular level. Such an injury can affect the entire brain, rather than a limited area like a traumatic brain injury.
Such injuries can occur for any of the following reasons: air obstruction, chocking, throat swelling, near drowning, electrical shock, trauma to the head, severe blood loss from open wounds, heart attack, stroke, infectious diseases, Meningitis, AIDS, brain tumors, toxic exposure, illegal drug use, overdose of drugs, alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of Acquired Brain Injury
Because this type of brain injury is internal, you might have a harder time trying to identify the symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms for acquired brain injury are:
Impairment of function, motor skills or memory
Long lengths of time spent in a still, 'vegetative' state
Sudden or severe behavior changes or problems - depression, restlessness, anxiety, psychosis, etc
As with traumatic brain injury, if you suspect someone may have acquired brain injury, call 911 or get the person to the emergency room right away.
Different Types of Acquired Brain Injury
Anoxic Brain Injury - This type of injury occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. There are three types of anoxia: Anoxic which is no oxygen is getting through, anemic which means severely limited amounts of oxygen is getting through, and toxic which means something is blocking the oxygen in the blood from being used in the brain.
Hypoxic Brain Injury - This sort of brain injury occurs when the brain does get oxygen, but doesn't seem to get enough oxygen. It could happen because of lack of blood flow or blood pressure is weak.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury can happen whenever something strikes the head with force. The force would be strong enough to cause the brain to move in the skull causing internal damage to the brain. It can also occur if the skull breaks and the break itself injures the brain.
There are various reasons for this type of force. It could due to a violent experience, sports injury or a variety of other causes. Any event that causes the head to be struck hard enough an cause this type of traumatic brain injury.
This type of brain injury can also occur from rapid movement back and forth, shaking the brain hard enough in the skull that it becomes damaged. This more commonly happens in auto accidents or in cases such as Shaken Baby Syndrome. The rapid movement back and forth can do severe damage to the brain.
How To Tell If You've Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury
If you have suffered a severe blow to the head, or have been in an accident where your head was violently shaken, or suspect someone else has had this type of injury, go to the emergency room immediately or call 911 for further assistance. It is recommended that you do not wait. Severe brain injuries can become worse and could become fatal if not treated immediately.
Common symptoms of traumatic brain injury are as follows:
Spinal fluid coming out of the ears or nose, looking like thin, watery liquid
Loss of consciousness
Suspected concussion - not all concussions cause loss of consciousness
Severe dizziness or loss of balance
Dilated eyes
Loss of vision, or change in vision, either improved or reduced
Slow pulse
Slow breathing
Vomiting
Lethargic
Headache
Confusion
Numbness or tingling sensations in any parts of the body
Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
Depending on how severe the injury is, the brain can suffer many types of injuries. Some of the more common classifications of such injuries include:
Diffuse Axonal Injury - This type of injury seems to be more common with the rapid movement of the head as occurs with Shaken Baby Syndrome. It usually happens because the skull is moving faster than the brain, causing certain structures in the brain to tear. This injury can be temporary or permanent, causing a coma or even possibly producing fatal effects.
Concussion - A concussion can be caused by violent action toward the head, by severe blows, or a whiplash effect. This type of injury causes blood vessels to stretch. It's one of the more common types of brain injuries, and a concussion can take months or even years to fully heal.
Contusion - Again, this type of traumatic brain injury will happen with a violent action at the head. The injury is caused by bruising or bleeding on the brain. If the injury is severe and there is much bruising and bleeding, it can require surgery to correct.
Acquired Brain Injury
An acquired brain injury occurs any time after birth and is not induced by birth trauma or hereditary. This type of injury occurs on a cellular level. Such an injury can affect the entire brain, rather than a limited area like a traumatic brain injury.
Such injuries can occur for any of the following reasons: air obstruction, chocking, throat swelling, near drowning, electrical shock, trauma to the head, severe blood loss from open wounds, heart attack, stroke, infectious diseases, Meningitis, AIDS, brain tumors, toxic exposure, illegal drug use, overdose of drugs, alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of Acquired Brain Injury
Because this type of brain injury is internal, you might have a harder time trying to identify the symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms for acquired brain injury are:
Impairment of function, motor skills or memory
Long lengths of time spent in a still, 'vegetative' state
Sudden or severe behavior changes or problems - depression, restlessness, anxiety, psychosis, etc
As with traumatic brain injury, if you suspect someone may have acquired brain injury, call 911 or get the person to the emergency room right away.
Different Types of Acquired Brain Injury
Anoxic Brain Injury - This type of injury occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. There are three types of anoxia: Anoxic which is no oxygen is getting through, anemic which means severely limited amounts of oxygen is getting through, and toxic which means something is blocking the oxygen in the blood from being used in the brain.
Hypoxic Brain Injury - This sort of brain injury occurs when the brain does get oxygen, but doesn't seem to get enough oxygen. It could happen because of lack of blood flow or blood pressure is weak.
Radiosurgery: Brain Surgery
Each year cancer research programs continue to grow: funding increases, new technologies make year-old discoveries obsolete, and more doctors and scientists contribute their ideas and methods to understanding and eradicating cancer. As these strides are made, more treatment options become available and fewer people are forced to endure painful and invasive treatments.
Radiosurgery is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment of brain cancer that allows doctors to direct beams of radiation to precise locations in order to focus it directly over a brain tumor. This method can help treat and remove intracranial tumors that would otherwise not be accessible for open surgery.
Choosing radiosurgery as an option over more invasive routines is the method of choice for some patients, but is more likely to be a necessity for patients with certain types of tumors that are not easily accessed through open surgery -- such as skull base tumors.
Radiosurgery often uses the Leksell Gamma Knife which concentrates gamma radiation to the targeted portion of the patient's brain. The radiation is so concentrated that, while some residual radiation exists, the vast majority of it is focused onto a much smaller area, thus degenerating the affected area and leaving the rest of the brain unaffected.
The Leksell Gamma Knife form of radiotherapy has been known to work with only one treatment.
What to Expect When Entering Radiation Therapy
Although there are many different types of radiation treatments, radiosurgery focusing specifically on the treatment of head, neck, and brain cancers, the side effects of general radiotherapy and radiosurgery will be very similar.
With radiosurgery, because the radiation is focused around the head and brain area, the patient can often expect to lose hair as a result of the treatment. Other side effects may include a reddening if the skin around the treated area where the radiation beams are passed through, physical fatigue (patients may feel tired more often than normal and sleep longer hours), nausea, and decreased immune response requiring that patients avoid being in public as much as possible to minimize the possibility of catching a virus or other sickness.
When used to treat cancer, radiation therapy is often administered in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy. In operable cases, surgery may be conducted to remove as much of the cancer as possible, then treatment is followed up by radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. The same is true of treatment in conjunction with chemotherapy.
In some cases, a combination of all three treatments will be used. In cases where the threat is not as immediate, radiation therapy alone may be the only treatment necessary.
Radiosurgery is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment of brain cancer that allows doctors to direct beams of radiation to precise locations in order to focus it directly over a brain tumor. This method can help treat and remove intracranial tumors that would otherwise not be accessible for open surgery.
Choosing radiosurgery as an option over more invasive routines is the method of choice for some patients, but is more likely to be a necessity for patients with certain types of tumors that are not easily accessed through open surgery -- such as skull base tumors.
Radiosurgery often uses the Leksell Gamma Knife which concentrates gamma radiation to the targeted portion of the patient's brain. The radiation is so concentrated that, while some residual radiation exists, the vast majority of it is focused onto a much smaller area, thus degenerating the affected area and leaving the rest of the brain unaffected.
The Leksell Gamma Knife form of radiotherapy has been known to work with only one treatment.
What to Expect When Entering Radiation Therapy
Although there are many different types of radiation treatments, radiosurgery focusing specifically on the treatment of head, neck, and brain cancers, the side effects of general radiotherapy and radiosurgery will be very similar.
With radiosurgery, because the radiation is focused around the head and brain area, the patient can often expect to lose hair as a result of the treatment. Other side effects may include a reddening if the skin around the treated area where the radiation beams are passed through, physical fatigue (patients may feel tired more often than normal and sleep longer hours), nausea, and decreased immune response requiring that patients avoid being in public as much as possible to minimize the possibility of catching a virus or other sickness.
When used to treat cancer, radiation therapy is often administered in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy. In operable cases, surgery may be conducted to remove as much of the cancer as possible, then treatment is followed up by radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. The same is true of treatment in conjunction with chemotherapy.
In some cases, a combination of all three treatments will be used. In cases where the threat is not as immediate, radiation therapy alone may be the only treatment necessary.
Carotid Surgery Is Necessary to Prevent Stroke Attack
Carotid surgery is necessary when there is blockage of the internal carotid artery. Carotid arteries, also called common carotid, are placed on each side of the neck. This carotid splits into branches called internal and external branch. Internal branch is responsible for taking oxygen rich blood to the brain while external branch supplies blood to the face. Blockage of the internal carotid can lead to stroke. This happens when the supply of blood to the brain is reduced considerably. The blockage of the internal carotid is caused by the build up of calcium, fat, cholesterol and other substances. Aside from blocking the internal carotid, this built up plaque can also hinder the flow of blood, thus resulting to blood clot.
Blood clot prevents the small arteries to get blood from the main vessel. Some blood clots travel, while others do not. Traveling clots are called embolism while those that do not travel are called thrombus. Thrombus affects the internal carotid while embolism does target the small arteries. You may know that you have them if you constantly experience blurred vision, weakness, slurred speech and the symptoms of stroke. Thrombus and embolism lead to stroke.
To prevent stroke, a person with a blocked carotid will have to undergo a carotid surgery which is also called a carotid endarterectomy. It is a form of medical operation which involves removal of the inner lining of the carotid. This procedure is done if the lining has become thickened or damaged. Carotid surgery removes the build up of plaque from the artery to restore the normal blood flow.
Carotid surgery can remove the build up of existing plaque in the carotid arteries. But even after the operation, the person is still prone to experience the same problem. The carotid surgery cannot prevent the build up of the plaque. It can only remove it. That is why a person has to be extra careful about his health. He should maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid eating too much food and beverages that can cause blockage. He should also stop smoking to avoid the same problem in the future. Typically, the attending physician will have information on hand that can help the patient make the necessary lifestyle changes that will help to keep the plaque under control. By observing the dietary guidelines, getting regular exercise and giving up tobacco, the patient can avoid the need to have a second round of this surgery.
Blood clot prevents the small arteries to get blood from the main vessel. Some blood clots travel, while others do not. Traveling clots are called embolism while those that do not travel are called thrombus. Thrombus affects the internal carotid while embolism does target the small arteries. You may know that you have them if you constantly experience blurred vision, weakness, slurred speech and the symptoms of stroke. Thrombus and embolism lead to stroke.
To prevent stroke, a person with a blocked carotid will have to undergo a carotid surgery which is also called a carotid endarterectomy. It is a form of medical operation which involves removal of the inner lining of the carotid. This procedure is done if the lining has become thickened or damaged. Carotid surgery removes the build up of plaque from the artery to restore the normal blood flow.
Carotid surgery can remove the build up of existing plaque in the carotid arteries. But even after the operation, the person is still prone to experience the same problem. The carotid surgery cannot prevent the build up of the plaque. It can only remove it. That is why a person has to be extra careful about his health. He should maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid eating too much food and beverages that can cause blockage. He should also stop smoking to avoid the same problem in the future. Typically, the attending physician will have information on hand that can help the patient make the necessary lifestyle changes that will help to keep the plaque under control. By observing the dietary guidelines, getting regular exercise and giving up tobacco, the patient can avoid the need to have a second round of this surgery.
Brain Cancer - Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment and Prognosis
Malignant brain tumors occur in about 4.5 people per 100,000 population, they may occur at any age but brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in patients younger than age 35. In adults, incidence is generally highest between ages 40 to 60.
There are two main types of brain cancer. Primary brain tumors start in the brain. Metastatic brain tumours start somewhere else in the body and moves to the brain. The most common tumor types in adults are gliomas and meningiomas. In children, incidence is generally highest before age 1 and again between ages 2 and 12. The most common types of brain tumour in children are astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas and brain stem gliomas.
CAUSES OF BRAIN CANCER
What causes brain cancer is not exactly known but there has recently been a great deal of speculation on the role of cell phone radiation in the development of brain cancer. In fact, while studies generally have shown no link between cell phones and brain cancer, there is some conflicting scientific evidence that may be worth additional study, according to the FDA.
More accepted risk factors for brain cancer include; exposure to vinyl chloride and individuals with risk factors such as having a job in an oil refinery, as a chemist, embalmer, or rubber industry worker show higher rates of brain cancer. Other risk factors such as smoking, radiation exposure, and viral infection (HIV) have been suggested but not proven to cause brain cancer. Patients with a history of melanoma, lung, breast, colon, or kidney cancer are at risk for secondary brain cancer.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BRAIN CANCER
Onset of symptoms is usually insidious and brain tumors are often misdiagnosed. Brain Cancers cause central nervous system changes by invading and destroying tissues and by secondary effects such as pressure on the brain. Symptoms vary but in general, brain cancer symptoms include: Abnormal pulse and breathing rates, deep, dull headaches that recur often and persist without relief for long periods of time, difficulty walking or speaking, dizziness, eyesight problems including double vision, seizures, vomiting and at the late stages of the disorder dramatic changes in blood pressure may occur. Although headaches are often a symptom of brain cancer, it is important to remember that most headaches are due to less serious conditions such as migraine or tension, not cancer.
DIAGNOSIS OF BRAIN CANCERS
In most cases a definitive diagnosis is made by a tissue biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include; patient history, a neurologic assessment, skull x-rays, a brain scan, CT scan, MRI, a lumbar puncture and cerebral angiography. Meningiomas, arising from the covering around the brain or spinal cord, account for about 20% of brain cancers and are generally more benign.
TREATMENT OF BRAIN TUMORS
How to treat brain tumors depends on the age of the patient, the stage of the disease, the type and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer is a primary tumor or brain metastases. Brain cancer and brain tumors are somewhat unique because of the blood brain barrier, which severely restricts the types of substances in the bloodstream that are allowed by the body into the brain and makes drug treatment extremely difficult. Because of this more and more research is being undertaken in delivering medication by means of nanoparticles, amongst the properties of nanoparticles that make them ideal candidates for recognizing and treating brain cancer, their ability to deliver a wide variety of payloads across the blood-brain barrier is perhaps the most important.
Brain cancer's location and ability to spread quickly makes treatment with surgery or radiation like fighting an enemy hiding out among minefields and caves, and explains why the term brain cancer is all too often associated with the word inoperable.
Brain cancer survival statistics for the deadliest of tumors such as gliomas have not improved significantly over the past two decades and the clinical armamentarium is, to a large extent, still dependent on surgery and radiation therapy, treatments known to leave survivors with devastating cognitive deficits. Gamma knife surgery is a radiosurgery technique used to treat people with brain cancer and other neurological disorders
The most deadly form of brain cancer may be treatable with a vaccine that uses proteins. Unlike measles or mumps vaccines, which are meant to prevent disease, the brain cancer vaccine turns on the patient's own immune system so it will help kill the tumor. When the vaccine is injected, it stimulates the immune system to kill off brain cancer cells and prevent the regrowth of tumors that have already been treated.
There are two main types of brain cancer. Primary brain tumors start in the brain. Metastatic brain tumours start somewhere else in the body and moves to the brain. The most common tumor types in adults are gliomas and meningiomas. In children, incidence is generally highest before age 1 and again between ages 2 and 12. The most common types of brain tumour in children are astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas and brain stem gliomas.
CAUSES OF BRAIN CANCER
What causes brain cancer is not exactly known but there has recently been a great deal of speculation on the role of cell phone radiation in the development of brain cancer. In fact, while studies generally have shown no link between cell phones and brain cancer, there is some conflicting scientific evidence that may be worth additional study, according to the FDA.
More accepted risk factors for brain cancer include; exposure to vinyl chloride and individuals with risk factors such as having a job in an oil refinery, as a chemist, embalmer, or rubber industry worker show higher rates of brain cancer. Other risk factors such as smoking, radiation exposure, and viral infection (HIV) have been suggested but not proven to cause brain cancer. Patients with a history of melanoma, lung, breast, colon, or kidney cancer are at risk for secondary brain cancer.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BRAIN CANCER
Onset of symptoms is usually insidious and brain tumors are often misdiagnosed. Brain Cancers cause central nervous system changes by invading and destroying tissues and by secondary effects such as pressure on the brain. Symptoms vary but in general, brain cancer symptoms include: Abnormal pulse and breathing rates, deep, dull headaches that recur often and persist without relief for long periods of time, difficulty walking or speaking, dizziness, eyesight problems including double vision, seizures, vomiting and at the late stages of the disorder dramatic changes in blood pressure may occur. Although headaches are often a symptom of brain cancer, it is important to remember that most headaches are due to less serious conditions such as migraine or tension, not cancer.
DIAGNOSIS OF BRAIN CANCERS
In most cases a definitive diagnosis is made by a tissue biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include; patient history, a neurologic assessment, skull x-rays, a brain scan, CT scan, MRI, a lumbar puncture and cerebral angiography. Meningiomas, arising from the covering around the brain or spinal cord, account for about 20% of brain cancers and are generally more benign.
TREATMENT OF BRAIN TUMORS
How to treat brain tumors depends on the age of the patient, the stage of the disease, the type and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer is a primary tumor or brain metastases. Brain cancer and brain tumors are somewhat unique because of the blood brain barrier, which severely restricts the types of substances in the bloodstream that are allowed by the body into the brain and makes drug treatment extremely difficult. Because of this more and more research is being undertaken in delivering medication by means of nanoparticles, amongst the properties of nanoparticles that make them ideal candidates for recognizing and treating brain cancer, their ability to deliver a wide variety of payloads across the blood-brain barrier is perhaps the most important.
Brain cancer's location and ability to spread quickly makes treatment with surgery or radiation like fighting an enemy hiding out among minefields and caves, and explains why the term brain cancer is all too often associated with the word inoperable.
Brain cancer survival statistics for the deadliest of tumors such as gliomas have not improved significantly over the past two decades and the clinical armamentarium is, to a large extent, still dependent on surgery and radiation therapy, treatments known to leave survivors with devastating cognitive deficits. Gamma knife surgery is a radiosurgery technique used to treat people with brain cancer and other neurological disorders
The most deadly form of brain cancer may be treatable with a vaccine that uses proteins. Unlike measles or mumps vaccines, which are meant to prevent disease, the brain cancer vaccine turns on the patient's own immune system so it will help kill the tumor. When the vaccine is injected, it stimulates the immune system to kill off brain cancer cells and prevent the regrowth of tumors that have already been treated.
Brain Tumor Information
The brain is a soft, spongy mass of tissue. It is protected by the bones of the skull and three thin membranes called meninges. Watery fluid called cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain. Human brain controls the central nervous system (CNS), by way of the cranial nerves and spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and regulates virtually all human activity. A brain tumor is a vry big problem of brain. A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in your brain. Brain tumors produce a variety of symptoms, ranging from headache to stroke. There are two types of brain tumors: primary brain tumors and seondry brains tumors. Primary brain tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous. Primary brain tumors include any tumor that starts in the brain.
Tumors may be confined to a small area, invasive (spread to nearby areas), benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Primary brain tumors account for 50% of intracranial tumors and secondary brain cancer accounts for the remaining cases. The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown but there are many possible risk factors that could play a role. Exposure to some types of radiation, head injuries, and hormone replacement therapy may be risk factors, as well as many others. Secondary brain cancer occurs in 20–30% of patients with metastatic disease and incidence increases with age. Symptoms of brain tumors may depend on two factors first tumor size (volume) and second is tumor location. Treatment can involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Surgery is necessary for most primary brain tumors. Some tumors may be completely removed. High-energy radiation can be used to destroy tumor cells. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling. Chemotherapy drugs helps kill cancerous tumor cells. Osmotic diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling and pressure. Anti-convulsants such as phenytoin to reduce seizures. Antacids or histamine blockers to control stress ulcers. Physical therapy can help you regain lost motor skills or muscle strength. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling. Osmotic diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling and pressure. Anti-convulsants such as phenytoin to reduce seizures. Antacids or histamine blockers to control stress ulcers.
Brain Tumor Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Anti-convulsants such as phenytoin to reduce seizures.
2. Surgery is the usual treatment for most brain tumors.
3. Support groups are beneficial in brain tumor.
4. Radiation therapy usually is given five days a week for several weeks.
5. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling
6. Osmotic diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling and pressure.
Tumors may be confined to a small area, invasive (spread to nearby areas), benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Primary brain tumors account for 50% of intracranial tumors and secondary brain cancer accounts for the remaining cases. The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown but there are many possible risk factors that could play a role. Exposure to some types of radiation, head injuries, and hormone replacement therapy may be risk factors, as well as many others. Secondary brain cancer occurs in 20–30% of patients with metastatic disease and incidence increases with age. Symptoms of brain tumors may depend on two factors first tumor size (volume) and second is tumor location. Treatment can involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Surgery is necessary for most primary brain tumors. Some tumors may be completely removed. High-energy radiation can be used to destroy tumor cells. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling. Chemotherapy drugs helps kill cancerous tumor cells. Osmotic diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling and pressure. Anti-convulsants such as phenytoin to reduce seizures. Antacids or histamine blockers to control stress ulcers. Physical therapy can help you regain lost motor skills or muscle strength. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling. Osmotic diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling and pressure. Anti-convulsants such as phenytoin to reduce seizures. Antacids or histamine blockers to control stress ulcers.
Brain Tumor Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Anti-convulsants such as phenytoin to reduce seizures.
2. Surgery is the usual treatment for most brain tumors.
3. Support groups are beneficial in brain tumor.
4. Radiation therapy usually is given five days a week for several weeks.
5. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling
6. Osmotic diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling and pressure.
Kennedy Brain Tumor Surgery
There are no minor brain surgeries. And when one is at the age that Ted Kennedy is, the body doesn't do well with the procedure; however, GOOD NEWS has come from the doctors this morning after Ted's surgery. Sen. Kennedy underwent what his doctors called successful surgery Monday to treat his cancerous brain tumor, and told his wife shortly after that he "felt like a million bucks," a family spokeswoman said.
Regardless of political affiliation we should all be rejoicing for he and his family.
The surgery at Duke University Medical Center took about 3 1/2 hours. He is expected to undergo chemotherapy and radiation in coming weeks. He is expected to remain at the North Carolina hospital for about a week. You have to know that he had the best of doctors and patient care.
Kennedy is 76-year-old and was diagnosed last month with a malignant glioma, a lethal type of brain tumor. Experts had said Dr. Allan Friedman -- the top neurosurgeon at Duke and an internationally known tumor and vascular surgeon -- was likely try to remove as much of the tumor as possible while balancing the risk of harming healthy brain tissue that affects movement and speech.
Foloowing the surgery, Dr. Friedman said the surgery "was successful and accomplished our goals." Kennedy was awake during the procedure, and should not experience any permanent neurological effects, he said. AWAKE! Amazing what's done these days.
After a brief recuperation, he will begin radiation at Massachusetts General Hospital and chemotherapy treatment. Family spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said Kennedy spoke to his wife, Vicki, and told her: "I feel like a million bucks. I think I'll do that again tomorrow." RIGHT!
Kennedy had a seizure at his home on Cape Cod which led doctors to later announced that he had a malignant glioma in his left parietal lobe, a brain region that governs sensation but also plays some role in movement and language. A malignant glioma is one of the worst kinds of brain cancer, and malignant gliomas are diagnosed in about 9,000 Americans a year.
Here is the complete statement from Dr. Freidman:
"I am pleased to report that Senator Kennedy's surgery was successful and accomplished our goals. Senator Kennedy was awake during the resection, and should therefore experience no permanent neurological affects from the surgery. The surgery lasted roughly three and a half hours and is just the first step in Senator Kennedy's treatment plan. After a brief recuperation, he will begin targeted radiation at Massachusetts General Hospital and chemotherapy treatment. I hope that everyone will join us in praying for Senator Kennedy to have an uneventful and robust recovery."
Brain Surgery and the Application of Radiation
Generally speaking, tumors that grow in the brain are often good candidates for radiosurgery. This involves an application of radiation that goes through the skull and tissue and concentrates on the targeted mass. The whole process is bloodless, so skin and skull do not have to be opened to apply.
Radiosurgery is the common term for a type of radiation therapy that is usually done on the brain. Also known as stereotactic surgery, it usually involves one application of strong radiation concentrated on the tumor, yet saving the healthy normal tissue. The patient will receive radiation via linear accelerator or some radiation source directed by a collator. There will be many small beams sent through the skull into the brain converging on the mass. Radiation therapy will work both for malignant and non-malignant tumors.
Types of Radiation Brain Surgery
Radiation therapy has been a great boost for the field of brain surgery. This is a technique that will not only mean less invasive methods, but the patient's cost and recovery time is greatly reduced.
Radiation particles come in many forms, for example the company Elekta's radiosurgery tool, the "Gamma Knife," uses doses of gamma rays that bombard the cancer growth. This uses 201 beams of small focused radiation to converge onto the cancer tumor. The source of radiation comes from an isotope of cobalt. The concept was created more that 30 years ago by a scientist named Lars Leksel, Professor of Neurosurgery at Karolinsk Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
Another radiosurgery tool, with the trade name Cyberknife, sends out tumor killing x-rays instead of Gamma ones. The beam is controlled by a robotic arm that uses data from mapping software to target the mass. The software that is used, called 6D, maps the tumor in an unusual way. It will compensate for patient movement as well as use the x-ray data to pinpoint the targeted area while compensating for projected error. They claim to bring the accuracy to 0.5 mm of error. Like the Gammaknife, it can be used for both malignant and non-malignant matter. However, one main different between the two is that Gammaknife is designed only for cranial radiation therapy.
Radiosurgery is the common term for a type of radiation therapy that is usually done on the brain. Also known as stereotactic surgery, it usually involves one application of strong radiation concentrated on the tumor, yet saving the healthy normal tissue. The patient will receive radiation via linear accelerator or some radiation source directed by a collator. There will be many small beams sent through the skull into the brain converging on the mass. Radiation therapy will work both for malignant and non-malignant tumors.
Types of Radiation Brain Surgery
Radiation therapy has been a great boost for the field of brain surgery. This is a technique that will not only mean less invasive methods, but the patient's cost and recovery time is greatly reduced.
Radiation particles come in many forms, for example the company Elekta's radiosurgery tool, the "Gamma Knife," uses doses of gamma rays that bombard the cancer growth. This uses 201 beams of small focused radiation to converge onto the cancer tumor. The source of radiation comes from an isotope of cobalt. The concept was created more that 30 years ago by a scientist named Lars Leksel, Professor of Neurosurgery at Karolinsk Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
Another radiosurgery tool, with the trade name Cyberknife, sends out tumor killing x-rays instead of Gamma ones. The beam is controlled by a robotic arm that uses data from mapping software to target the mass. The software that is used, called 6D, maps the tumor in an unusual way. It will compensate for patient movement as well as use the x-ray data to pinpoint the targeted area while compensating for projected error. They claim to bring the accuracy to 0.5 mm of error. Like the Gammaknife, it can be used for both malignant and non-malignant matter. However, one main different between the two is that Gammaknife is designed only for cranial radiation therapy.
Brain Tumor – Treatment of Brain Tumor
The brain is the body’s most complex organ, so it’s no overstatement that treatment for brain tumors requires the latest technology skillfully used by a highly experienced medical team. Brain tumors typically are categorized as either primary or secondary. Primary brain tumors originate in your brain and can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Secondary brain tumors result from cancer that began elsewhere and spread to your brain.
A tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells. Brain tumors typically are categorized as primary or secondary. Primary brain tumors (gliomas) originate in the brain and can be benign (slow growing) or malignant (fast growing). Secondary brain tumors (metastatic brain tumors), which are malignant, are more common. These tumors result from cancer that started elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasized) to the brain. Brain tumors are often challenging for doctors to treat.
Treatment of Brain Tumor
Surgery: This is the mainstay of brain tumor treatment. It involves removing as much of the tumor as possible while trying to minimize damage to healthy tissue. Some tumors can be removed completely, while others can be removed only partially or not all. If a tumor is slow-growing, doctors may not operate immediately, but take a watch-and-wait approach.
Tumors can be difficult to remove completely by surgery alone, because the tumor invades surrounding brain tissue much like roots from a plant spread through soil. In cases where the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may still help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms.
The body and its internal organs are virtually impossible to immobilize, requiring imaging throughout a linac treatment. The physician needs constant imaging to treat with confidence and often reduces the dose and increases the number of treatment sessions to compensate.
Radiation: High-energy radiation can be used to destroy tumor cells in your brain. Radiation plays a central role in the successful treatment of many brain tumors, both benign and malignant. After surgery, any remaining tumor cells can be treated and controlled with radiation, often reducing their size and rate of growth. Radiation also helps to prevent or delay the recurrence of tumors. Additionally, radiation has proven to be extremely helpful in treating inoperable tumors. There are different forms of radiation used for specific types and sizes of tumors.
Chemotherapy: These drugs, taken by mouth or intravenously, can help kill cancerous tumor cells. Chemotherapy consists of a series of drugs that interfere with the normal functioning of the rapidly dividing cells of the tumor. This prevents the tumor from growing. Most of these chemotherapy drugs are given in combination so that they are most effective. Research is being conducted to determine the best combination of chemotherapy drugs to combat brain tumors. Some chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the bloodstream while others can be taken by pill, at home.
A tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells. Brain tumors typically are categorized as primary or secondary. Primary brain tumors (gliomas) originate in the brain and can be benign (slow growing) or malignant (fast growing). Secondary brain tumors (metastatic brain tumors), which are malignant, are more common. These tumors result from cancer that started elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasized) to the brain. Brain tumors are often challenging for doctors to treat.
Treatment of Brain Tumor
Surgery: This is the mainstay of brain tumor treatment. It involves removing as much of the tumor as possible while trying to minimize damage to healthy tissue. Some tumors can be removed completely, while others can be removed only partially or not all. If a tumor is slow-growing, doctors may not operate immediately, but take a watch-and-wait approach.
Tumors can be difficult to remove completely by surgery alone, because the tumor invades surrounding brain tissue much like roots from a plant spread through soil. In cases where the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may still help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms.
The body and its internal organs are virtually impossible to immobilize, requiring imaging throughout a linac treatment. The physician needs constant imaging to treat with confidence and often reduces the dose and increases the number of treatment sessions to compensate.
Radiation: High-energy radiation can be used to destroy tumor cells in your brain. Radiation plays a central role in the successful treatment of many brain tumors, both benign and malignant. After surgery, any remaining tumor cells can be treated and controlled with radiation, often reducing their size and rate of growth. Radiation also helps to prevent or delay the recurrence of tumors. Additionally, radiation has proven to be extremely helpful in treating inoperable tumors. There are different forms of radiation used for specific types and sizes of tumors.
Chemotherapy: These drugs, taken by mouth or intravenously, can help kill cancerous tumor cells. Chemotherapy consists of a series of drugs that interfere with the normal functioning of the rapidly dividing cells of the tumor. This prevents the tumor from growing. Most of these chemotherapy drugs are given in combination so that they are most effective. Research is being conducted to determine the best combination of chemotherapy drugs to combat brain tumors. Some chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the bloodstream while others can be taken by pill, at home.
BRAIN SURGERY - CRANIOTOMY
What is Brain Surgery ?
Craniotomy is the broad term used to describe any operation where a hole is made in the skull. It is one of the oldest operations known to man. Archaeologists have found healed craniotomy openings in the skulls of Stone Age man, presumably made to release evil spirits!
Why is Brain Surgery being performed ?
There are many reasons for performing a craniotomy. It may be done as an emergency following a head injury or brain haemorrhage. This is to remove blood clots which are pressing on the brain. It may be necessary to remove a brain abscess. As a planned procedure, a craniotomy may be essential to remove a tumour or to clip an aneurysm.
What Happens during Brain Surgery ?
If a craniotomy is planned, there will be full discussion of the procedure between the surgeon, you and your relatives. In an emergency, the operation may be performed before relatives are even aware that you are in hospital: speed can be life-saving. A craniotomy will only be performed after investigation of your condition. This usually involves computerized x-ray (CT) or magnetic resonance scanning (MRI). Angiography is often performed. This is an x-ray procedure for seeing the arteries in the brain. For this, dye is injected via a fine tube inserted in the groin. You will be starved from about 8 hours before the operation and usually commenced on steroid (cortisone) tablets to reduce brain swelling. These tablets can sometimes cause stomach upset: the doctor must be told if you have previously had a stomach ulcer. When asleep, tubes will be placed into veins and arteries in the arms in order to give drugs and closely monitor blood pressure. The head will have to be closely shaved; sometimes this is only around the wound; sometimes the whole head must be shaved. The risk of infection is too high if it is not done. You will be placed on the operating table and the wound area thoroughly cleaned. The skull is exposed by making a curved cut over the appropriate area, called a flap, and hinging the flap out of the way. A square of bone is then cut out. Between the brain and skull is a thick membrane called the dura which is opened to expose the brain. When the operation is completed, the dura is closed with stitches. The bone disc is put back and held in place with stitches or wire. The scalp flap is sewn back in place with a layer of stitches or skin staples. A tube to drain any blood from under the scalp is usually left in place and a dressing to the wound applied. Some surgeons then put a heavy bandage over the whole head, others don't.
Possible Complications during Brain Surgery
All operations carry some risks. Brain surgery carries more than most. Any operation can be complicated by heart trouble, chest infection, blood clots in the leg (thrombosis) and wound infection. The chances of these complications are greater in elderly or unhealthy patients and, in particular, those who smoke or drink heavily. The major specific complications of brain surgery are damage to the brain at the time of surgery and bleeding within the head after the operation. Meningitis and epilepsy occasionally follow craniotomy. When bleeding is suspected, you would have to return to theatre within a few hours of the operation for a reopening of the wound. Sometimes deterioration is due to brain swelling and the bone flap is left out, being stored frozen in antibiotic solution. It may then be replaced at a later date when the swelling has settled down. The actual risk in a particular case will depend on the complexity of the operation. This will be explained by the surgeon beforehand. Most craniotomies are performed with no major complications and good results for the patient.
After Brain Surgery
You will probably wake rapidly after surgery but for the next 24 hours will be constantly watched in a special ward. If well, you will be allowed to drink and eat next day and sit out of bed. Intravenous drips and drain tubes will be removed after about 48 hours and stitches (or staples) will be taken out between 2 and 10 days later, depending on the particular operation and surgeon. Steroid tablets will be reduced gradually over several days. When everyone considers that you should be able to manage at home, you will be discharged, but will be seen for further follow-up. Return to work will depend on the underlying reason for the operation. The DVLC will usually withdraw the driving licence for 1 year after the operation because of the slightly increased risk of epilepsy after brain surgery. This risk is usually not large enough to require anti-epileptic tablets. Flying as a passenger within a couple of weeks of a craniotomy is no problem. The area around the wound is usually numb or itches slightly for up to 6 months after surgery, which is normal. For operations on the front of the head, the muscle which opens the mouth is cut and this can leave the jaw stiff and hard to open wide. This usually recovers within a few weeks. Recovery is aided by chewing gum or tough meat.
If Brain Surgery is not performed
This operation is never performed unless absolutely essential.
Brain surgery - Overview
Alternative Names
Craniotomy; Surgery - brain; Neurosurgery; Craniectomy; Stereotactic craniotomy; Stereotactic brain biopsy; Endoscopic craniotomy
Definition of Brain surgery:
Brain surgery treats problems in the brain and the structures around it through an opening (craniotomy) in the skull (cranium).
Description:
The hair on part of the scalp is shaved. The scalp is cleansed and prepared for surgery. An incision is made through the scalp. The incision may be made behind the hairline and in front of your ear, at the hairline near your neck, or elsewhere, based on where the problem in your brain is located.
- The scalp is pulled up. A hole is created in the skull. A piece of the skull (a bone flap) is removed. Most of the time, this flap will be placed back after the surgery is over.
- Through this hole, your surgeon may clip off an aneurysm to cut off the blood flow, biopsy or remove a tumor, remove an abnormal part of your brain, or drain blood or an infection.
- Your surgeon may use a special microscope to perform the procedure. Monitors to check pressure may also be used.
- If possible, the surgeon will make a smaller hole and insert a tube with a light and camera on the end (endoscope). The surgery will be done with tools placed through the endoscope.
The surgeon may use computers to help find the exact spot that needs to be treated (MRI or CT scans).
The bone is usually replaced and secured in place using small metal plates, sutures, or wires. The bone flap may not be put back if your surgery involved a tumor or an infection, or if the brain was swollen. (This is called a craniectomy.)
History of Brain Surgery
Brain surgery is perhaps the oldest of the practiced medical arts. No hard evidence exists suggesting a beginning to the practice of other facets of medicine such as pharmacology -- using drugs, chemical and natural ingredients to help a fellow human being. There is ample evidence, however, of brain surgery, dating back to the Neolithic (late Stone Age) period. 
Unearthed remains of successful brain operations, as well as surgical implements, were found in France-- at one of Europe's noted archeological digs.
Unearthed remains of successful brain operations, as well as surgical implements, were found in France-- at one of Europe's noted archeological digs. And, the success rate was remarkable, even circa 7,000 B.C.
But, pre-historic evidence of brain surgery was not limited to Europe. Pre-Incan civilization used brain surgery as an extensive practice as early as 2,000 B.C. In Paracas, Peru, a desert strip south of Lima, archeologic evidence indicates that brain surgery was used extensively. Here, too, an inordinate success rate was noted as patients were restored to health. The treatment was used for mental illnesses, epilepsy, headaches, organic diseases, osteomylitis, as well as head injuries.
Brain surgery was also used for both spiritual and magical reasons; often, the practice was limited to kings, priests and the nobility.
Surgical tools in South America were made of both bronze and man-shaped obsidian (a hard, sharp-edged volcanic rock).
Africa showed evidence of brain surgery as early as 3,000 B.C. in papyrus writings found in Egypt. "Brain," the actual word itself, is used here for the first time in any language. Egyptian knowledge of anatomy may have been rudimentary, but the ancient civilization did contribute important notations on the nervous system.
Hippocrates, the father of modern medical ethics, left many texts on brain surgery. Born on the Aegean Island of Cos in 470 B.C., Hippocrates was quite familiar with the clinical signs of head injuries. He also described seizures accurately, as well as spasms and classified head contusions, fractures and depressions. Many concepts found in his texts were still in good stead two thousand years after his death in 360 B.C. 
Ancient Rome in the first century A.D. had its brain surgeon star, Aulus Cornelius Celsus. Hippocrates did not operate on depressed skull fractures; Celsus often did. Celsus also described the symptoms of brain injury in great detail.
Asia was home to many talented brain surgeons: Galenus of Pergamon, born in Turkey, and the physicians of Byzance such as Oribasius (4th century) and Paul of Aegina. An Islamic school of brain surgery also flourished from 800 to 1200 A.D., the height of Islamic influence in the world. Abu Bekr Muhammed el Razi, who lived from 852 to 932 in the Common Era, was perhaps the greatest of Islamic brain srugeons. A second Islamic brain surgeon, Abu l'Qluasim Khalaf, lived and practiced in Cordoba, Spain, and was one of the great influences on western brain surgery.
The Christian surgeons of the Middle Ages were clerics, well educated, knowledgeable in Latin, and familiar with the realm of medical literature. Despite the church's ban on study of anatomy, many churchmen of great renown (advisors and confessors to a succession of Popes) were outstanding physicians and surgeons. Leonardo Davinci's portfolio containing hundreds of accurate anatomical sketches indicates the intense intellectual interest in the workings of the human body despite the Church's ban.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Time And Task Management
In the business industry, you will find that most people use Microsoft products to conduct their daily tasks (i.e. copyrighting, building spreadsheets and writing reports as well as for general time and task management). Microsoft Outlook is the most popular software tool for time and task management as it allows portability, ease of use and familiarity. The software tool is extremely important to all businesses (including small, medium and large enterprises). Microsoft outlook is also the most popular communication tool used to communicate with customers, clients and consumers. It is also used to arrange internal/external meetings as it allows the meeting organizers to view client availability. The software is an integrated solution to all office needs as it provides the following functionality:
* Email and communication management
* Contact management
* Calendar management
o Keeping track of meetings and minutes from the meetings (easy copy and paste from word document)
* Task Management
o Tasks can be given a start and due date as well as a status (e.g. not started, in progress, completed…)
o They can be given a priority to help the user determine when to do it as well as the ability to keep a log of what percentage of the task is completed
o If the task is a repetitive task then a reminder can be set to do that task every day, week or month at a particular time.
o A relevant contact can be associated to the task (e.g. if you are waiting on someone else to complete a related task or if the same task is being completed in partnership with another person )
o The task can be categorized (because the software can be used for personal and professional time management so it contains various categorization of tasks including ideas, holiday, gifts or business)
* The Notes management section can be used to write quick notes as well as ideas because some people find the task manger quite advanced for just recording ideas so the notes manager simulates a pen and paper.
* Finally, the software also allows Folder Management (i.e. folders for different clients, activities, news or even training events).
It is important that all businesses are aware of the vast functionality that this software provides in order for them to make effective and efficient use of it and to maximize their productivity. It is also most commonly used as a way of blocking out certain timeframes so that you are not disturbed and so that you can use that time to compete certain tasks that you have not had time to complete. The Outlook tool can be integrated with iPhones, PDAs and Blackberries to provide a portable form of time management for busy people who are constantly on the move.
* Email and communication management
* Contact management
* Calendar management
o Keeping track of meetings and minutes from the meetings (easy copy and paste from word document)
* Task Management
o Tasks can be given a start and due date as well as a status (e.g. not started, in progress, completed…)
o They can be given a priority to help the user determine when to do it as well as the ability to keep a log of what percentage of the task is completed
o If the task is a repetitive task then a reminder can be set to do that task every day, week or month at a particular time.
o A relevant contact can be associated to the task (e.g. if you are waiting on someone else to complete a related task or if the same task is being completed in partnership with another person )
o The task can be categorized (because the software can be used for personal and professional time management so it contains various categorization of tasks including ideas, holiday, gifts or business)
* The Notes management section can be used to write quick notes as well as ideas because some people find the task manger quite advanced for just recording ideas so the notes manager simulates a pen and paper.
* Finally, the software also allows Folder Management (i.e. folders for different clients, activities, news or even training events).
It is important that all businesses are aware of the vast functionality that this software provides in order for them to make effective and efficient use of it and to maximize their productivity. It is also most commonly used as a way of blocking out certain timeframes so that you are not disturbed and so that you can use that time to compete certain tasks that you have not had time to complete. The Outlook tool can be integrated with iPhones, PDAs and Blackberries to provide a portable form of time management for busy people who are constantly on the move.
You Can Understand And Appreciate The Benefits Of The Product
One of the largest growth areas in product creation is in informational products. These can be audio and video seminars through a paid streaming link or it could be an e-book with a very specific niche market.
I believe the primary reason for the growth in this sector has to do with the fact that information can be assembled quickly for an entrepreneur that is motivated. That information can also be altered and replaced at will.
If you have an informational product you are creating you do not have to worry about traditional product fulfillment issues, warehousing and overstock merchandise. Information products are generally a hands-free business opportunity that can allow you to concentrate on follow up information products.
Many e-books have been developed as part of informational product creation. These e-book titles tend to connect with the motivation of the site visitor. For more details www.create-online-business.com It can be a how-to product, a guidebook or an inspirational look at someone who may have succeeded well in an area of interest to your visitor.
I may not need to say it, but one of the most popular informational products being developed today is the means and methods of making money online. If you have a product that features steps to take and tips to use in creating wealth online you may have a highly motivated group of individuals waiting to order If you have testimonials from those who have successfully used your product to create wealth you may find this can bolster sales as well.
Information remains one of the primary tools used to propel sites to greater rankings in search engines. Consumers want information and top sites seem to make that available.
If you are going to use information as the basis for your product creation you may consider providing a sample chapter to visitors at no cost. For more details www.profiting-info-products.com This can allow them to gauge your ability to convey thoughts of purpose and it may allow them to gain an interest strong enough to make that all important purchase.
When it comes to marketing your informational product you need to ask yourself what attributes exist for the product then you need to convey those ideas to your site visitor. Can they understand and appreciate the benefits of the product? Will they be convinced that the product has a strong potential to save them time or make them some money?
I believe the primary reason for the growth in this sector has to do with the fact that information can be assembled quickly for an entrepreneur that is motivated. That information can also be altered and replaced at will.
If you have an informational product you are creating you do not have to worry about traditional product fulfillment issues, warehousing and overstock merchandise. Information products are generally a hands-free business opportunity that can allow you to concentrate on follow up information products.
Many e-books have been developed as part of informational product creation. These e-book titles tend to connect with the motivation of the site visitor. For more details www.create-online-business.com It can be a how-to product, a guidebook or an inspirational look at someone who may have succeeded well in an area of interest to your visitor.
I may not need to say it, but one of the most popular informational products being developed today is the means and methods of making money online. If you have a product that features steps to take and tips to use in creating wealth online you may have a highly motivated group of individuals waiting to order If you have testimonials from those who have successfully used your product to create wealth you may find this can bolster sales as well.
Information remains one of the primary tools used to propel sites to greater rankings in search engines. Consumers want information and top sites seem to make that available.
If you are going to use information as the basis for your product creation you may consider providing a sample chapter to visitors at no cost. For more details www.profiting-info-products.com This can allow them to gauge your ability to convey thoughts of purpose and it may allow them to gain an interest strong enough to make that all important purchase.
When it comes to marketing your informational product you need to ask yourself what attributes exist for the product then you need to convey those ideas to your site visitor. Can they understand and appreciate the benefits of the product? Will they be convinced that the product has a strong potential to save them time or make them some money?
How Many Tips Behind The Success Of Product Creation?
Do you know why it is so hard to create a product for a niche? I can tell you that it is difficult. However, the following tips may help you make Niche Product Creation easier:
a) Consider creating a niche service, rather than a niche product. Find one specific input that all business owners in a given niche. Develop a reliable, consistent, high-quality service for that specific input. Contact webmasters in that niche and alert them to your new service.
b) Use your client list to create a niche product for you. For instance, you could create a contest that offers $100 to the person who can write the most interesting story about something related to the niche you are in. For more details www.product-creation-innovation.com Then compile all of these stories and sell the book to your list. Of course, you will want to announce and congratulate the winner on your site.
c) One good way to approach the niche product research phase is to start by evaluating a given base of customers. For example, if you plan to sell your product primarily through Google Ad words campaign, setup a survey site and drive traffic to it using Google Ad words. Ask your visitors what they were looking for - and what they might look for in a product. You can also build a list when they write in what they think.
d) When you create a niche product, always have the customer you are selling to in mind. Think of this person or group of people as having a problem and they need a solution. You may even want to contact someone who is looking specifically for a solution - and ask them precisely what it is that they needed most in a niche product.
e) If you have sites that already receive natural search engine traffic for a given niche, consider setting up surveys or polls on those sites to see what is your best course of action might be in terms of product creation. For more details www.instant-video-suite.com For example, you can ask your visitors what type of product they want - videos, e-books, software, audios, or something else.
f) Join a membership site that generates niche product ideas each month. For each of these ideas evaluate them by you to make sure the markets are actually profitable. You should be able to find at least a few ideas that could potentially be turned into a profitable product.
g) Use Overture's Inventory tool to determine how many people are actually searching for keywords in your niche in each given month. Multiply that number by 8 and you will get the rough amount of Google traffic for that same keyword.
a) Consider creating a niche service, rather than a niche product. Find one specific input that all business owners in a given niche. Develop a reliable, consistent, high-quality service for that specific input. Contact webmasters in that niche and alert them to your new service.
b) Use your client list to create a niche product for you. For instance, you could create a contest that offers $100 to the person who can write the most interesting story about something related to the niche you are in. For more details www.product-creation-innovation.com Then compile all of these stories and sell the book to your list. Of course, you will want to announce and congratulate the winner on your site.
c) One good way to approach the niche product research phase is to start by evaluating a given base of customers. For example, if you plan to sell your product primarily through Google Ad words campaign, setup a survey site and drive traffic to it using Google Ad words. Ask your visitors what they were looking for - and what they might look for in a product. You can also build a list when they write in what they think.
d) When you create a niche product, always have the customer you are selling to in mind. Think of this person or group of people as having a problem and they need a solution. You may even want to contact someone who is looking specifically for a solution - and ask them precisely what it is that they needed most in a niche product.
e) If you have sites that already receive natural search engine traffic for a given niche, consider setting up surveys or polls on those sites to see what is your best course of action might be in terms of product creation. For more details www.instant-video-suite.com For example, you can ask your visitors what type of product they want - videos, e-books, software, audios, or something else.
f) Join a membership site that generates niche product ideas each month. For each of these ideas evaluate them by you to make sure the markets are actually profitable. You should be able to find at least a few ideas that could potentially be turned into a profitable product.
g) Use Overture's Inventory tool to determine how many people are actually searching for keywords in your niche in each given month. Multiply that number by 8 and you will get the rough amount of Google traffic for that same keyword.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)