So you've bought your computer and want to get online? It's not as simple as connect the wire and off you go these day's. The internet is a weird and wonderful place as long as you can control what you do.
That's why you need to protect yourself. These can be done in a number of very simple steps. This article will get you started but you should always try to be smart when your surfing the net!
Step 1: Anti-Virus Scanner
Whether you're connecting to the internet or not, you need an Anti-Virus scanner. Your computer can become infected with "viruses". These are little files or codes that have been written to ruin your computer! That's why they must be stopped!
There are many programs out there that can help, but it's best to trust only the mainstream programs as these are used widely and updated regularly.
Recommendations:
AVG Anti-Virus Free
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
Avast antivirus
http://www.avast.com/
Step 2: Firewall
Ok so your thinking what is a "firewall" sounds scary right? Well it's not really. It is again another line of defence against the number of ways your computer can be attacked. In simple terms it blocks other computers and programs from connecting to you and playing with your stuff. Think of it as an internet wall of fire, where you allow what can pass through.
Software - Again there are many programs available to protect you, Recent Microsoft Windows machines come with Windows Firewall, which can be described as basic at best. We do recommend you go for mainstream again.
Hardware - A firewall can also be included as part of your hardware, like an internet router "that's the box that sits between your pc and the internet line". This is the best and recommended way to have a firewall. As it blocks intruders before it gets to your pc.
Recommendations:
Zone Alarm
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp
Step 3: Be AWARE!!
Simply put watch what you download and accept to save to your PC, sometimes people can send you files in e-mails. They look ok but when you run them they will install something onto your PC and leave you upset and distraught. Always scan something that has been downloaded before opening it and never open/run programs that have been sent in an e-mail from unknown sources.
Step 4: Go for it
That's pretty much it to get you going. If you think something doesn't look right, it probably isn't. Hopefully this will get you going to start with, wait till you find out about spy ware and Trojan's!! Good Luck and Safe Surfing
That's why you need to protect yourself. These can be done in a number of very simple steps. This article will get you started but you should always try to be smart when your surfing the net!
Step 1: Anti-Virus Scanner
Whether you're connecting to the internet or not, you need an Anti-Virus scanner. Your computer can become infected with "viruses". These are little files or codes that have been written to ruin your computer! That's why they must be stopped!
There are many programs out there that can help, but it's best to trust only the mainstream programs as these are used widely and updated regularly.
Recommendations:
AVG Anti-Virus Free
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
Avast antivirus
http://www.avast.com/
Step 2: Firewall
Ok so your thinking what is a "firewall" sounds scary right? Well it's not really. It is again another line of defence against the number of ways your computer can be attacked. In simple terms it blocks other computers and programs from connecting to you and playing with your stuff. Think of it as an internet wall of fire, where you allow what can pass through.
Software - Again there are many programs available to protect you, Recent Microsoft Windows machines come with Windows Firewall, which can be described as basic at best. We do recommend you go for mainstream again.
Hardware - A firewall can also be included as part of your hardware, like an internet router "that's the box that sits between your pc and the internet line". This is the best and recommended way to have a firewall. As it blocks intruders before it gets to your pc.
Recommendations:
Zone Alarm
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp
Step 3: Be AWARE!!
Simply put watch what you download and accept to save to your PC, sometimes people can send you files in e-mails. They look ok but when you run them they will install something onto your PC and leave you upset and distraught. Always scan something that has been downloaded before opening it and never open/run programs that have been sent in an e-mail from unknown sources.
Step 4: Go for it
That's pretty much it to get you going. If you think something doesn't look right, it probably isn't. Hopefully this will get you going to start with, wait till you find out about spy ware and Trojan's!! Good Luck and Safe Surfing
Magnetic stripe readers or magnetic card readers are devices used in interpreting data found on the magnet stripe of a debit, credit or any other payment card that you might be using. The reader works by using magnets to scan code from different cards. To use the card reader you have to slide it through the slot. You can also hold the card near the reader.
There are many benefits that come with having the readers in your business. One of the benefits is that they save you time and effort. In the absence of the devices, you would have to manually put data into your computer but with the readers, in place you have to only slide the card into the reader and you are good to go. The card reader also increases efficiency as you are able to finish recording the financial information fast and continue working.
Types of magnetic readers
There are many types of these card readers that are ideal for different uses. There are those that are ideal for use in retail stores, restaurants, and other vending areas. These aid in processing debit, credit, and gift card payments. There are others that are effective in reading smartcards. These read information in both the smart chip and magnetic stripe. Regardless of the reader that you buy you should ensure that it's of high quality.
Factors to consider when buying a magnetic reader
For you to buy the right unit you need to consider a number of factors that include:
Readability: The units are designed for high or standard volume use. The high volume readers come equipped with components that allow them to live for a long time. They are known for their longer reading channel which ensures that they are able to scan the details in a card on the first pass. In most cases, they are made from metal. Due to these features, they are usually expensive to purchase. The standard volume readers, on the other hand, are not of high quality like the high volume readers. Due to this, they often require an additional pass for them to read your card.
Interface: The readers have three main interface options: serial, USB, and PS/2 keyboard wedge. USB and PS/2 interfaces send information back to the computer as if it was typed on the keyboard. Card readers connected using serial interfaces often require special software in order to interpret data.
The job market remains ugly, regardless of the boasting from the president, the Fed and Wall Street's talking heads. As we have explained on more than one occasion, we've replaced high-paying jobs in the manufacturing sector with low-paying jobs in the services and health care sectors. That is not how you build up a middle class that will support your economy.
Security in the job market doesn't look like it's going to improve anytime soon. A recent survey of 5,006 adults by the Pew Research Center revealed that more than half of American workers believes there will be less job security over the next 20 to 30 years. What's more, technology is seen as a rising threat to jobs.
Approximately 71% of workers believe that employees will need to improve their skills more often in the future if they want to keep up with job-related developments, particularly as more robots are used in the workplace.
In fact, we've seen a significant rise over the past couple of years of the implementation of robots, starting with the fast-food industry. In California, Zume Pizza has replaced its human chefs with robots, cutting its labor costs in half.
Uber is using self-driving cars in parts of America, and there's a push to start using self-driving trucks for long-distance deliveries. Forrester reports that robots could eliminate many positions in customer service, trucking and taxi service - about 6% of the U.S. job market.
And now robots are creeping into banking. Earlier this week, Royal Bank of Scotland announced that it will soon unveil Luvo - a "human" AI that can answer questions online and mimic human empathy. This robot will be able to serve customers 24 hours a day, reduce the workforce and cuts costs.
A Swedish bank plans to use the robot Amelia for customer services. And companies in China, Japan and Taiwan have already implemented Softbank's Pepper robot.
Yes, we've had several technological revolutions over the centuries that have significantly changed the job market, forcing employees to either develop new skills or go jobless. But my concern is that technology is evolving faster now than ever before, and humans simply won't be able to keep up with the changes.
We're not creating enough high-paying jobs to support our middle class, and we're replacing our low-paying jobs with robots.
Where does that leave us?
With a lot of people jobless and dependent on a system that's already drowning in debt.
The American economy is already poised for collapse and won't be able to survive many more direct hits. Putting more of the workforce out in the cold could definitely topple the entire system.
As the Senior Managing Editor for The Sovereign Investor Daily, Jocelynn handles the day-to-day operations for bringing you the Sovereign team's daily insight. She has spent over a decade working as an editor for financial publications. A former trader, Jocelynn has spent 15 years in the financial industry.
In this article I take a brief look at how the operating system(OS) deals with files.
Definition
Its a collection of data that normally is stored on a secondary storage device such as a hard disk or floppy diskette.
The operations performed on them
An OS must provide a number of operations associated with files so that users can safely store and retrieve data.
Typical operations are
Open
Close
Create
Copy
Rename
List
In addition, operations on single data elements within a file are supported by
Read
Write
Seek
File Control Blocks
File control blocks (FCB), sometimes referred to as file descriptors, are data structures that hold information about a file. When an OS needs to access a file, it creates an associated file control block to manage the file.
The structure of the file control block differs between operating systems, but most file control blocks include the following parts
Name
Location on secondary storage
Length
Date and time or creation or last access
Naming
Each OS uses a specific convention or practice for naming them.
MS-DOS Uses eight character names, a dot, then a three-character extension that denotes the type of file. Filenames are not case-sensitive.
UNIX Filenames can be up to 254 characters long and are case-sensitive.
Windows Filenames can be up to 255 characters long and are not case-sensitive.
Types
Types refer to classifying the content of the file, such as a program, text, executable program or data.
In Windows operating systems, the type is derived from the filename extension. Typical types and their extensions are
Extension
Type
.bas
basic source program
.c
c source program
.dll
system library
.doc
Word document
.exe
executable program
.txt
text
Windows associates applications (programs) with specific types. For example, the default application that opens to process a type.txt is the Notepad editor.
How an operating system keep track of files
The hard disk is comprised of a large number of sequentially numbered sectors. As files are created, free sectors are allocated to hold the its contents and marked as allocated.
To keep track of the sectors and whether they are allocated or free, and to which file they belong, the OS maintains a number of tables.
Root file system
When the OS is first installed, it creates a root file system on the disk that specifies how many sectors are available and how they will be allocated.
The root file system is a table of entries like a directory. In general, this is a fixed size, and once full, no more entries can be added.Each entry can be either a file or another directory table.
The Root file system entry
This is highly operating system specific, but an entry might look like,
Name
Beginning cluster number
Length in bytes
Type
Creation date and last modified right
permissions (an access control list)
Definition
Its a collection of data that normally is stored on a secondary storage device such as a hard disk or floppy diskette.
The operations performed on them
An OS must provide a number of operations associated with files so that users can safely store and retrieve data.
Typical operations are
Open
Close
Create
Copy
Rename
List
In addition, operations on single data elements within a file are supported by
Read
Write
Seek
File Control Blocks
File control blocks (FCB), sometimes referred to as file descriptors, are data structures that hold information about a file. When an OS needs to access a file, it creates an associated file control block to manage the file.
The structure of the file control block differs between operating systems, but most file control blocks include the following parts
Name
Location on secondary storage
Length
Date and time or creation or last access
Naming
Each OS uses a specific convention or practice for naming them.
MS-DOS Uses eight character names, a dot, then a three-character extension that denotes the type of file. Filenames are not case-sensitive.
UNIX Filenames can be up to 254 characters long and are case-sensitive.
Windows Filenames can be up to 255 characters long and are not case-sensitive.
Types
Types refer to classifying the content of the file, such as a program, text, executable program or data.
In Windows operating systems, the type is derived from the filename extension. Typical types and their extensions are
Extension
Type
.bas
basic source program
.c
c source program
.dll
system library
.doc
Word document
.exe
executable program
.txt
text
Windows associates applications (programs) with specific types. For example, the default application that opens to process a type.txt is the Notepad editor.
How an operating system keep track of files
The hard disk is comprised of a large number of sequentially numbered sectors. As files are created, free sectors are allocated to hold the its contents and marked as allocated.
To keep track of the sectors and whether they are allocated or free, and to which file they belong, the OS maintains a number of tables.
Root file system
When the OS is first installed, it creates a root file system on the disk that specifies how many sectors are available and how they will be allocated.
The root file system is a table of entries like a directory. In general, this is a fixed size, and once full, no more entries can be added.Each entry can be either a file or another directory table.
The Root file system entry
This is highly operating system specific, but an entry might look like,
Name
Beginning cluster number
Length in bytes
Type
Creation date and last modified right
permissions (an access control list)
Gadget companies created a new market segment of computers when they introduced tablets in 2010. I bought my first tablet upon its introduction and fell in love with it. It is now an essential device in my daily life. Today, there are various brands and models of tablets in the market and consumers have a lot more choices.
While I know from experience that my tablet (loaded with games and apps) could be a popular icebreaker when I meet tech-savvy kids, I have only recently come to appreciate that such devices are also a game-changer for technology-shy seniors, who have often been left out of the consumer technology equation. At best, simplified versions of popular devices or services - such as email that does not require a PC and large-button, single-function mobile phones - have been launched as an afterthought for the oldest consumers. Computer tablets are different; they have changed the technology landscape for seniors.
Usability even with impairments
For seniors, tablets address some of the biggest traditional barriers to technology. Arthritis and other impairments often limit a senior's fine motor skill - a disability not compatible with mouse and keyboard requirements. Tablets deliver touch screen technology, facilitating usage and minimizing user frustration.
Tablets are more simply designed than computers, usually with just one button to change programs. They are easy to use and not intimidating. They are portable and do not take up a lot of room. They allow users to easily connect with friends and family - especially with grandchildren - through email, video calls, photo sharing, or social media websites like Facebook. Once users are comfortable with the tablets, they could browse the web, watch the news and even shop online. And once they discover the joy of downloading and using apps, their lives will be transformed. For example, they can brain-train, learn a new language, get new recipes, play solitaires, and check baseball scores. In fact they become included in the new digital world.
Tablets also offer an improvement over printed books. For those with poor vision, a once-enjoyed activity like reading could be a thing of the past. However, a tablet would change all that. Downloading books avoids a trip to a bookstore or library. Seniors can also easily adjust the screen brightness and text to suit their needs.
Use tablets for healthcare
Tablets also enable greater independence for the elderly through remote evaluation and monitoring. From the diagnostic side, tablet-base mobile assessment tools provide a rapid assessment of a patient's ability to complete mobility-related tasks. Tablets also enable ongoing care. In addition, there are apps that could be directly downloaded for own use in healthcare e.g. to measure heart rate, monitor food intake and exercise, or set up diary of reminders to take medications.
Tablets are an enabling tool for 'ageing in place', which means to have the ability to live in one's own home comfortably, safely and independently as one ages. This is the wish of most people. According to one study, 78% of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 report that they would prefer to stay in their current residence as they age. The trend of ageing in place is also desirable from the perspectives of society and economy. It encourages inter-generational connectivity and minimizes the cost of institutional care.
While I know from experience that my tablet (loaded with games and apps) could be a popular icebreaker when I meet tech-savvy kids, I have only recently come to appreciate that such devices are also a game-changer for technology-shy seniors, who have often been left out of the consumer technology equation. At best, simplified versions of popular devices or services - such as email that does not require a PC and large-button, single-function mobile phones - have been launched as an afterthought for the oldest consumers. Computer tablets are different; they have changed the technology landscape for seniors.
Usability even with impairments
For seniors, tablets address some of the biggest traditional barriers to technology. Arthritis and other impairments often limit a senior's fine motor skill - a disability not compatible with mouse and keyboard requirements. Tablets deliver touch screen technology, facilitating usage and minimizing user frustration.
Tablets are more simply designed than computers, usually with just one button to change programs. They are easy to use and not intimidating. They are portable and do not take up a lot of room. They allow users to easily connect with friends and family - especially with grandchildren - through email, video calls, photo sharing, or social media websites like Facebook. Once users are comfortable with the tablets, they could browse the web, watch the news and even shop online. And once they discover the joy of downloading and using apps, their lives will be transformed. For example, they can brain-train, learn a new language, get new recipes, play solitaires, and check baseball scores. In fact they become included in the new digital world.
Tablets also offer an improvement over printed books. For those with poor vision, a once-enjoyed activity like reading could be a thing of the past. However, a tablet would change all that. Downloading books avoids a trip to a bookstore or library. Seniors can also easily adjust the screen brightness and text to suit their needs.
Use tablets for healthcare
Tablets also enable greater independence for the elderly through remote evaluation and monitoring. From the diagnostic side, tablet-base mobile assessment tools provide a rapid assessment of a patient's ability to complete mobility-related tasks. Tablets also enable ongoing care. In addition, there are apps that could be directly downloaded for own use in healthcare e.g. to measure heart rate, monitor food intake and exercise, or set up diary of reminders to take medications.
Tablets are an enabling tool for 'ageing in place', which means to have the ability to live in one's own home comfortably, safely and independently as one ages. This is the wish of most people. According to one study, 78% of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 report that they would prefer to stay in their current residence as they age. The trend of ageing in place is also desirable from the perspectives of society and economy. It encourages inter-generational connectivity and minimizes the cost of institutional care.
If you are interested in computers and love learning about the hardware, upgrading your own computer and doing just about anything you can with a computer, than a potential career with computers might just be the perfect job for you. Before you go out and just label yourself a computer expert though there are a few different tips you need to follow. These are going to make you easier to employ and even help you earn more money. This way, when you find a position that comes up and you're interested in, all of your experienced and training should pay off and help you land the job.
1) Learn both Operating Systems
It is very important for you to know how to use the operating systems. While you might have a personal preference as to which is best, knowing how to work both is very important, because by only learning one, you are going to greatly limit your job potential.
2) Certification
While you might already know how to do something and have extensive experience in it, obtaining a certification in the position tells anyone else who is reading your resume that you know how to do it and are not just listing it as a career skill on your resume. IT training certifications are always going to look better to an employer than no certification at all. This is very important to remember, and although you might have to pay some money up front for the class or certification test it is well worth the money.
3) Take Computer Courses
There are always computer courses available for you to take, and some of these classes are going to help you greatly expand your knowledge base. Yes, not all of the classes are going to be very exciting, as you probably already know how to use word processors, spread sheets or other programs. However, learning how the inner workings of these different software titles work and how you can troubleshoot the system is going to come in handy.
4) Read
If you go to the computer section of your local book store you are going to find all sorts of different computer books on different kinds of software, hardware and just about anything else you could possibly think of. These different books are great tools to not only learn from, but to have on hand when you do land a job.
5) New Hardware
Stay up to date with the newest software and hardware from computer manufacturers and never let your IT training expire. If you know how to work the latest programs and features, as well as the difference between previous models and releases, you can work on just about any computer system, regardless of how old or new it might be.
1) Learn both Operating Systems
It is very important for you to know how to use the operating systems. While you might have a personal preference as to which is best, knowing how to work both is very important, because by only learning one, you are going to greatly limit your job potential.
2) Certification
While you might already know how to do something and have extensive experience in it, obtaining a certification in the position tells anyone else who is reading your resume that you know how to do it and are not just listing it as a career skill on your resume. IT training certifications are always going to look better to an employer than no certification at all. This is very important to remember, and although you might have to pay some money up front for the class or certification test it is well worth the money.
3) Take Computer Courses
There are always computer courses available for you to take, and some of these classes are going to help you greatly expand your knowledge base. Yes, not all of the classes are going to be very exciting, as you probably already know how to use word processors, spread sheets or other programs. However, learning how the inner workings of these different software titles work and how you can troubleshoot the system is going to come in handy.
4) Read
If you go to the computer section of your local book store you are going to find all sorts of different computer books on different kinds of software, hardware and just about anything else you could possibly think of. These different books are great tools to not only learn from, but to have on hand when you do land a job.
5) New Hardware
Stay up to date with the newest software and hardware from computer manufacturers and never let your IT training expire. If you know how to work the latest programs and features, as well as the difference between previous models and releases, you can work on just about any computer system, regardless of how old or new it might be.
Nothing could be more exquisitely painful than losing critical data you have just finished putting in after a terrible accident (as in accidental formatting) or some horribly arcane mechanical glitch (as in broken drive parts) - although the end results would still be the same whether the data in your storage system had been in place for a long while now or relatively just written. This is to say that it would be catastrophic in both situations. Luckily, technology has evolved so much that previously considered lost data may still be recovered.
RAID, Mac, or laptop, hard disk recovery of data is entirely possible provided you take the proper steps to ensure it. The first thing you need to do, right after not exploding into a fit of panic, is to make sure that the problem really is the hard drive. Tech magazines recommend that you take out your hard drive from the troubled desktop or laptop and connect it to another computer to run hard drive diagnostics. For a Mac computer, you only need to use a FireWire cable to connect your troubled, non-functioning Mac by pressing down "T" at startup. If the files from the failed hard drive show up on the working Mac, the problem might not be the hard drive. If not, then it is time to seek professional help - the kind that uses forensic quality tools that recover digital data.
Companies that specialise in desktops, RAID, and Apple Mac hard disk data recovery would be recommended as this indicates a high level of expertise. Depending on the extent of the damage and data to be recovered, this specific and very technical service will cost a great deal of money. So you want to make sure that the service provider's data recovery process will not tie you to a pricey fee. Ideally, and perhaps for less complex data recovery jobs, you may get an online quotation and send your media through shipment. The data recovery company should be able to make a diagnosis and assess cost for the job.
For more complex jobs, you may want to personally bring your hard drive to the data recovery company. This will allow you to better understand the process and, more significantly, check out the company's facilities, such as its laboratory, for security. You want to guarantee that whatever sensitive data is contained in your storage source that it will remain secure with the recovery company.
From MacBook to RAID data recovery, a proper recovery firm can retrieve or salvage your lost files. Take the necessary step today. And find a reputable recovery company - before you need one. Check this out to know more about this.
Click here for more information about data recovery for Mac.
RAID, Mac, or laptop, hard disk recovery of data is entirely possible provided you take the proper steps to ensure it. The first thing you need to do, right after not exploding into a fit of panic, is to make sure that the problem really is the hard drive. Tech magazines recommend that you take out your hard drive from the troubled desktop or laptop and connect it to another computer to run hard drive diagnostics. For a Mac computer, you only need to use a FireWire cable to connect your troubled, non-functioning Mac by pressing down "T" at startup. If the files from the failed hard drive show up on the working Mac, the problem might not be the hard drive. If not, then it is time to seek professional help - the kind that uses forensic quality tools that recover digital data.
Companies that specialise in desktops, RAID, and Apple Mac hard disk data recovery would be recommended as this indicates a high level of expertise. Depending on the extent of the damage and data to be recovered, this specific and very technical service will cost a great deal of money. So you want to make sure that the service provider's data recovery process will not tie you to a pricey fee. Ideally, and perhaps for less complex data recovery jobs, you may get an online quotation and send your media through shipment. The data recovery company should be able to make a diagnosis and assess cost for the job.
For more complex jobs, you may want to personally bring your hard drive to the data recovery company. This will allow you to better understand the process and, more significantly, check out the company's facilities, such as its laboratory, for security. You want to guarantee that whatever sensitive data is contained in your storage source that it will remain secure with the recovery company.
From MacBook to RAID data recovery, a proper recovery firm can retrieve or salvage your lost files. Take the necessary step today. And find a reputable recovery company - before you need one. Check this out to know more about this.
Click here for more information about data recovery for Mac.
With all of the possibilities that the market has to offer, you are probably wondering whether buying a laptop is still a good idea. A laptop computer used to be differentiated from the desktop computer by its mobility. Today, however, there are several other mobile devices that can be used for work, watching movies, playing games and browsing the web.
So, the big question remains - should you still buy a laptop computer?
Laptops vs. Tablets: The Biggest Pros
According to many experts, 2013 is the year of the tablet due to the popularity that the device has gained. The worldwide tablet market experienced growth of 142.4 percent in the first quarter of 2013 in comparison to the same period last year. According to the International Data Corporation, the worldwide shipment of tablets reached 49.2 million.
Tablets still miss a number of important characteristics, however. The main advantages of the laptop include:
What does a tablet have to offer?
If you are looking for a portable computer that you can use to work and to process documents, the laptop is still a better option. You can perform all of the tasks that you can perform on a desktop computer, plus you get mobility. Tablets are still considered a poor option by people who have to make presentations and by hardcore gamers.
What is the Laptop Missing?
The casual user will do just fine with a tablet. If general entertainment is the purpose of the purchase, the tablet is a better pick.
It is much lighter than the laptop. Just put it in your handbag and go anywhere. It lets you carry around books, games, favorite movies and documents. Internet browsing is also easy and fun.
The main disadvantages of the laptop are:
Is a Hybrid Laptop the Answer?
Looking for a portable computer option? Cannot decide between a laptop computer and a tablet? The hybrid may the answer to your questions.
The hybrid is an innovative laptop that transforms into a tablet. The keyboard can be detached and the screen has a touch function that turns it into a tablet. Hybrid laptops, however, tend to be more expensive and the tablet is heavier than other tablets being offered for sale.
Laptops and tablets have pros and cons. Both of them are mobile, a characteristic that the desktop computer lacks. Having both or buying a hybrid is still the best possibility.
So, the big question remains - should you still buy a laptop computer?
Laptops vs. Tablets: The Biggest Pros
According to many experts, 2013 is the year of the tablet due to the popularity that the device has gained. The worldwide tablet market experienced growth of 142.4 percent in the first quarter of 2013 in comparison to the same period last year. According to the International Data Corporation, the worldwide shipment of tablets reached 49.2 million.
Tablets still miss a number of important characteristics, however. The main advantages of the laptop include:
- Better performance
- Multitasking
- Larger display
What does a tablet have to offer?
- Very lightweight
- A longer battery life
If you are looking for a portable computer that you can use to work and to process documents, the laptop is still a better option. You can perform all of the tasks that you can perform on a desktop computer, plus you get mobility. Tablets are still considered a poor option by people who have to make presentations and by hardcore gamers.
What is the Laptop Missing?
The casual user will do just fine with a tablet. If general entertainment is the purpose of the purchase, the tablet is a better pick.
It is much lighter than the laptop. Just put it in your handbag and go anywhere. It lets you carry around books, games, favorite movies and documents. Internet browsing is also easy and fun.
The main disadvantages of the laptop are:
- In comparison to a desktop computer, the laptop is more difficult to upgrade
- Mobility can be limited by size, if you pick a larger laptop
- Tablets can perform simple computing tasks, so there is no need to carry a laptop around
- The touch input of the tablet could be better for gaming, processing photos and working with multimedia
Is a Hybrid Laptop the Answer?
Looking for a portable computer option? Cannot decide between a laptop computer and a tablet? The hybrid may the answer to your questions.
The hybrid is an innovative laptop that transforms into a tablet. The keyboard can be detached and the screen has a touch function that turns it into a tablet. Hybrid laptops, however, tend to be more expensive and the tablet is heavier than other tablets being offered for sale.
Laptops and tablets have pros and cons. Both of them are mobile, a characteristic that the desktop computer lacks. Having both or buying a hybrid is still the best possibility.
Telecommute is fast becoming a buzzword nowadays. The routine 8-5 office jobs are fast becoming a thing of the past as the work environment, job descriptions, and methods of doing work are evolving. People who work these days are no longer confined to physical offices because technological innovations have enabled the phenomenon that we now call telecommuting -- which means, in the simplest terms, working remotely.
Of course, there are certain things we have now that make telecommuting possible, and if it weren't for these innovations, we would all still be stuck in the caveman days of work. Here are some of the technological innovations of recent history that makes collaboration possible.
- The Internet: Of course the Internet. This particular invention was recently named the top innovation in the last 30 years, and for good reason. The Internet has made possible so many things that we now find ourselves in a position of being almost debilitated when we find ourselves disconnected. Being connected via the Internet has given us access to a vast storehouse of knowledge, and it has enabled us to share our own knowledge, too. It has certainly made a giant leap forward for the proponents of globalization, because through it, the world certainly became a much smaller place now that everyone, everywhere is connected.
- Laptops, tablets, and mobile devices: More and more people are choosing to take their work with them, and not just be stuck with a heavy desktop computer. While there are those who still prefer working on a good old trusty desktop, mobility is now becoming an important issue for many as they want to be free to pursue their own activities in their own time without having to compromise their work in the process. And because laptops are now getting lighter, carrying your work with you wherever you go is not as hard as it used to be. Along with the release of the tablet and other similar mobile devices, more and more working people are choosing to go mobile as it gives them more flexibility.
- Email: Where would we all be without email? Just by clicking the Send button, you get your message delivered right away to anyone anywhere (well, as long as they have Internet access, that is). Before email came into the picture, we had to rely on snail mail (those born and raised in the digital age are probably scratching their heads now and asking, "What?"), express mail, LBC/ FedEx/ and other similar courier services to have our messages delivered. Then we had to wait for days (sometimes weeks) for the much-awaited response. Can you really imagine doing business like that now?
- Webinars/ Video Conferencing: Attending seminars, workshops, and other similar activities in the past used to cost a fortune, so companies would most likely select a few delegates only and then spend for transportation, seminar fees, etc. Now, however, thanks to webinars, anyone interested can join, at much less cost. Employers no longer have to send their workers out because they can attend webinars right at work, or even in their own homes, and the cost is much less than going to actual location seminars. The learning and take-home experience is still pretty much the same, but it is not as much of hassle as it used to be.
The same concept applies with video conferencing. It used to be difficult to gather team members or stakeholders (especially in multi-nationals where some members are in other countries) located in various provinces/countries, and it was even harder to coordinate communication. But now, thanks to video conferencing, virtual meetings can be set up without having to worry about the logistics of having to get everyone to the office.
- Cloud Computing Technology: File cabinets? Boxes and boxes of documents? Directories full of business contacts? Sounds like any other typical office. The trouble with files like this, however, is that they run the risk of getting ruined -- whether by natural disasters, accidents, or some other mishap, physical documents are at risk of getting lost, stolen, or destroyed. Now imagine if you can put all that pertinent data in one place where you know it can't be harmed in any way. That is what cloud computing does for you -- it allows you to store everything you need all up there in the cloud, and as long as you have access to the Internet, then you can access your files, too. Any changes made to files found in the cloud will be automatically synced, saving you the trouble of having to go through so many files and doing a manual update. So if anyone from the team makes some edits on that presentation, you don't have to worry anymore about updating your copy, because it's already there.
These are just some of the innovations that have revolutionized the way we view work. These technologies have certainly brought people together and made collaboration not just possible, but now a normal way of life. Because of these technological innovations, working together has become so much easier, and work has certainly taken on a brand new perspective.
Of course, there are certain things we have now that make telecommuting possible, and if it weren't for these innovations, we would all still be stuck in the caveman days of work. Here are some of the technological innovations of recent history that makes collaboration possible.
- The Internet: Of course the Internet. This particular invention was recently named the top innovation in the last 30 years, and for good reason. The Internet has made possible so many things that we now find ourselves in a position of being almost debilitated when we find ourselves disconnected. Being connected via the Internet has given us access to a vast storehouse of knowledge, and it has enabled us to share our own knowledge, too. It has certainly made a giant leap forward for the proponents of globalization, because through it, the world certainly became a much smaller place now that everyone, everywhere is connected.
- Laptops, tablets, and mobile devices: More and more people are choosing to take their work with them, and not just be stuck with a heavy desktop computer. While there are those who still prefer working on a good old trusty desktop, mobility is now becoming an important issue for many as they want to be free to pursue their own activities in their own time without having to compromise their work in the process. And because laptops are now getting lighter, carrying your work with you wherever you go is not as hard as it used to be. Along with the release of the tablet and other similar mobile devices, more and more working people are choosing to go mobile as it gives them more flexibility.
- Email: Where would we all be without email? Just by clicking the Send button, you get your message delivered right away to anyone anywhere (well, as long as they have Internet access, that is). Before email came into the picture, we had to rely on snail mail (those born and raised in the digital age are probably scratching their heads now and asking, "What?"), express mail, LBC/ FedEx/ and other similar courier services to have our messages delivered. Then we had to wait for days (sometimes weeks) for the much-awaited response. Can you really imagine doing business like that now?
- Webinars/ Video Conferencing: Attending seminars, workshops, and other similar activities in the past used to cost a fortune, so companies would most likely select a few delegates only and then spend for transportation, seminar fees, etc. Now, however, thanks to webinars, anyone interested can join, at much less cost. Employers no longer have to send their workers out because they can attend webinars right at work, or even in their own homes, and the cost is much less than going to actual location seminars. The learning and take-home experience is still pretty much the same, but it is not as much of hassle as it used to be.
The same concept applies with video conferencing. It used to be difficult to gather team members or stakeholders (especially in multi-nationals where some members are in other countries) located in various provinces/countries, and it was even harder to coordinate communication. But now, thanks to video conferencing, virtual meetings can be set up without having to worry about the logistics of having to get everyone to the office.
These are just some of the innovations that have revolutionized the way we view work. These technologies have certainly brought people together and made collaboration not just possible, but now a normal way of life. Because of these technological innovations, working together has become so much easier, and work has certainly taken on a brand new perspective.
A laptop is essential to daily life. You use it at work, home and during leisure activities. Caring for your laptop is important so that you have access to it at all times. Laptop repair is expensive so waiting until the damage is done is too late. Use these tips along with the products and accessories as a part of your laptop care routine so that you can extend its life. Always turn off and unplug the power adapter and battery before cleaning it. Your safety is important when cleaning your laptop.
1. Use a Laptop Cleaning Kit
This contains a Keyboard Cleaning Brush, Microfiber Cloth and Laptop Cleaning Liquid. The brush can be a regular dusting brush or a Mini USB Vacuum Keyboard Cleaner Brush. The keyboard cleaning brush is used to remove dust, food particles and other messy substances that fall between the keys on your keyboard. Use the brush regularly to keep your keyboard clean. The microfiber cloth does not scratch surfaces so it is a great choice for cleaning the surface including the screen. A dry microfiber cloth can be used. However, for a more sparkling clean and to remove sticky substances then use the microfiber cloth and cleaning liquid. The cloth should be damp and not soaked with liquid.
2. Use a Laptop Air Duster Spray
An Air Duster Spray is a can of compressed air. It cleans in between your keyboard keys just like the keyboard brush. However, it works better for removing particles that are hard to reach or stuck. Use it in a sweeping motion to remove those unwanted particles.
3. Have a Laptop Cooling Pad or Laptop Cooler
A Laptop Cooling Pad is used to keep your laptop cool because the battery gets very hot when in use. The desk surface or legs can get very warm after using it for a long time. Therefore, the cooling pad ensures that it is cool enough to be used safely.
4. Utilize a Laptop Carrying Case
A Laptop Carrying Case is used to protect your laptop while travelling or for storing it after daily use. The case protects it from food, liquids, dents and other kinds of damage. The carrying case can be a laptop sleeve, tote bag, backpack, messenger bag or briefcase. Always use the proper size case to ensure that it fits snugly and does not suffer shock from moving around in the case.
These are the most common products and accessories that should be used to clean and maintain a properly working laptop. Follow the tips above to extend the life of your laptop and have access 24/7.
Tamara M. Williams reads and uses tips from DIY Technology articles. She shares tips so that you can learn multiple ways to care for your electronic devices. To learn more about caring for your laptop visit your local electronics store or visit the manufacturer's website.
1. Use a Laptop Cleaning Kit
This contains a Keyboard Cleaning Brush, Microfiber Cloth and Laptop Cleaning Liquid. The brush can be a regular dusting brush or a Mini USB Vacuum Keyboard Cleaner Brush. The keyboard cleaning brush is used to remove dust, food particles and other messy substances that fall between the keys on your keyboard. Use the brush regularly to keep your keyboard clean. The microfiber cloth does not scratch surfaces so it is a great choice for cleaning the surface including the screen. A dry microfiber cloth can be used. However, for a more sparkling clean and to remove sticky substances then use the microfiber cloth and cleaning liquid. The cloth should be damp and not soaked with liquid.
2. Use a Laptop Air Duster Spray
An Air Duster Spray is a can of compressed air. It cleans in between your keyboard keys just like the keyboard brush. However, it works better for removing particles that are hard to reach or stuck. Use it in a sweeping motion to remove those unwanted particles.
3. Have a Laptop Cooling Pad or Laptop Cooler
A Laptop Cooling Pad is used to keep your laptop cool because the battery gets very hot when in use. The desk surface or legs can get very warm after using it for a long time. Therefore, the cooling pad ensures that it is cool enough to be used safely.
4. Utilize a Laptop Carrying Case
A Laptop Carrying Case is used to protect your laptop while travelling or for storing it after daily use. The case protects it from food, liquids, dents and other kinds of damage. The carrying case can be a laptop sleeve, tote bag, backpack, messenger bag or briefcase. Always use the proper size case to ensure that it fits snugly and does not suffer shock from moving around in the case.
These are the most common products and accessories that should be used to clean and maintain a properly working laptop. Follow the tips above to extend the life of your laptop and have access 24/7.
Tamara M. Williams reads and uses tips from DIY Technology articles. She shares tips so that you can learn multiple ways to care for your electronic devices. To learn more about caring for your laptop visit your local electronics store or visit the manufacturer's website.
Newer Isn't Always Better
We need to understand the situation. According to Bill Gates, higher is better. Let's take a look at the reality. The Windows Me, the blue one has problems. The Windows 98 has issues. The Windows Vista could not transfer files over a network at rational speeds. Users were happy with Windows XP but it became out-dated. Now, this most recent version, which is Windows 8, has even more issues. This points out that newer is not always better. As what Bill Gates says, it's not practical to point out the best one, when the most recent has more issues. Without a doubt, people prefer Windows 7 because it has operated far better and has had lesser and more tolerable issues.
Still, Windows 7 Is Pretty Good
When people see Windows 8, they will get excited at first. But, when they get to know it better, most of them would love to go back to Windows 7, due to its convenience. Windows 7 is indeed great, and this is the reason why most businesses are sticking with it. As you know, Windows 7 is derived from XP. Though, Windows 8 got its throne from Vista. There is nothing better than Window 7.
One of the first things is that it helps you grab attention online. This is by far the most difficult thing to do for any website. Being able to stand out in a crowd of sites and actually bring people to it will ensure that your page ranking on search engines also goes up. This can happen only when you have the right kind of web development processes in place.
With professionals handling your site you will be able to portray your business objectives in the manner you want. These professionals will take the time out to understand what exactly you are looking for and will be able to formulate how best to present it. Based on your requirements, they will be able to optimize the website to large extent with the use of designing and meta tags.
One advantage you have with professional services is that they view your website from the end user's perspective. This helps them make the website easier to navigate through. The simpler the navigation path, the better chances you have of visitors looking through what you have to offer. Research has shown the customers often take a few seconds to decide on whether they want to continue with the site or not. Professional website design services can help it get done.
The Internet can be a slightly complicated place and there are always technical glitches with a site that need to be looked into. For example, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of smart phones these days. Therefore websites need to be optimized so that they can be viewed on smaller devices in the right manner. Heavy designs and animation will load incorrectly thus making your site lose traction among smart device users.
Hiring the right kind of website design services is what will help you get the best for your website and give it the visibility it needs online. All this without cutting into your time in promoting your business.
You see, to be honest, the majority of the time I recommend throwing the thing away and purchasing a new one. Really, it is just the best thing to do much of the time. You see, PCs, more than vehicles, are made with a built in obsolescence. Unless of course you have your equipment designed to run some fixed software - like large companies do - or you are still using the original Word and an old Epson Dot Matrix printer, the chances are that the Internet & hand-helds and all that have made upgrading even more crucial.
The other aspect is - do they manufacture your hard drive or processor anymore?
The other thing is - is it a "sealed unit" where nobody can open it and have a examination.
So right away we are into a few barriers - which is why 80% of notebooks in active use are under three years old.
So - what do I do? Mostly, I'm fixing notebooks less than three years old. It isn't so much they are badly made - there are many mishaps they can have - being dropped, water damage, malware attack and obviously - owner attack too.
What we do is take the hard drive out and using a hardware/software device (you can buy them too of course) is copy off all the info on the drive. Even after failure most of it is still there - even 99.9% The problem is when the 0.1% is slap bang in the middle of the boot up sequence or other essential windows system file.
When we go truly online - and this is taking place - that will be the end of a major source of the problem - big businesses & Google do of course have thorough back up procedures in place - when a hard drive goes they just throw it away and put in a new one (hot swop) without missing a beat or breaking sweat.
Till then - honestly - best guidance is back up and buy a new one - new drive or new PC. An old PC just can't keep up - even if it were in great working order, it was never designed to cope with the demands put upon it today. So why try.
Overhauling a communication platform can be really expensive; usually the biggest expense comes from replacing the handsets and the PBX. For businesses running on a budget you might want to look into SIP trunk. The protocol works on most new model PBX whilst older ones may need a slight upgrade using a SIP card. But generally the set up is far less expensive than completely replacing all your phone system components and you will be saving precious time in training your staff with new phones.
SIP trunk is a communication protocol that uses VoIP technologies; basically the system is a far superior and cost effective protocol that what traditional telephony platforms are using. The beauty of the SIP trunk is that it can be connected to almost all kinds PBX hardware without major and costly set up fees. On top of that SIP trunk is also known for better call rates compared to traditional analog lines and small business can save by as much as 70% on calling charges. There are just quite a few considerations that small businesses need to bear in mind for a successful deployment. However these requirements are basic business infrastructure components that are likely to be present in your office already.
Internet connection - The protocol is completely dependent on the internet and it is a must to have a reliable connection with reasonable levels of jitter and packet loss. 10 years ago this may be a problem but with the quality of broadband available in the market today is very easy to secure such connection especially with fibers and ADSL2 gaining popularity.
IP PBX - Like mentioned above a SIP enabled PBX is needed to run the protocol. Check with your chosen provider whether what you currently have will support SIP or if a SIP card is needed.
Border element - This will establish the connection between your local area network (LAN) and the Internet Telephony Service Provider's network (ISTP). Usually these are just LAN firewalls or an edge device that connects to the LAN. Your IT department or the ISTP should be able to discuss this with you in depth.
SIP line - The actual line provided by your ISTP will establish the connection between your network and public switched telephones. This enables your PBX to call or connect outside the network at business grade quality. The quality of the service provider's network is also important so be sure to assess it before signing up with them.
Lisa Harper is a SIP Trunking Engineer that that aims to help small to medium size businesses to take part in bigger markets and ultimately be an industry leader through effective communication stream.
SIP trunk is a communication protocol that uses VoIP technologies; basically the system is a far superior and cost effective protocol that what traditional telephony platforms are using. The beauty of the SIP trunk is that it can be connected to almost all kinds PBX hardware without major and costly set up fees. On top of that SIP trunk is also known for better call rates compared to traditional analog lines and small business can save by as much as 70% on calling charges. There are just quite a few considerations that small businesses need to bear in mind for a successful deployment. However these requirements are basic business infrastructure components that are likely to be present in your office already.
Internet connection - The protocol is completely dependent on the internet and it is a must to have a reliable connection with reasonable levels of jitter and packet loss. 10 years ago this may be a problem but with the quality of broadband available in the market today is very easy to secure such connection especially with fibers and ADSL2 gaining popularity.
IP PBX - Like mentioned above a SIP enabled PBX is needed to run the protocol. Check with your chosen provider whether what you currently have will support SIP or if a SIP card is needed.
Border element - This will establish the connection between your local area network (LAN) and the Internet Telephony Service Provider's network (ISTP). Usually these are just LAN firewalls or an edge device that connects to the LAN. Your IT department or the ISTP should be able to discuss this with you in depth.
SIP line - The actual line provided by your ISTP will establish the connection between your network and public switched telephones. This enables your PBX to call or connect outside the network at business grade quality. The quality of the service provider's network is also important so be sure to assess it before signing up with them.
Lisa Harper is a SIP Trunking Engineer that that aims to help small to medium size businesses to take part in bigger markets and ultimately be an industry leader through effective communication stream.
Smart TVs are television sets that can retrieve content from the Internet and offer built-in applications for streaming music and movies, apps for social networking, apps for news, weather, sports, games, YouTube and more. In addition to using apps, one of the most appealing factors for tech-savvy consumers is voice activation technology to control TV sets.
According to DisplaySearch, a leading provider of reliable information about the display-related industries, connected TVs are forecast to grow to over 123 million shipments in 2014 (at a 30% compound annual growth rate). The market is now developing beyond mature regions like Western Europe and Japan. Emerging markets play a major role in this growth. With the improvements in the broadband infrastructure, the adoption of connected TVs is a natural next step in TV feature innovation. Eastern Europe is expected to grow from 2.5 million connected TVs shipped in 2010 to over 10 million in 2014. In addition to that, 33% of flat panel TVs sold in China in 2013 will have the Internet capability.
DisplaySearch also forecasts that the connected TV market will become fragmented and increase in complexity. One group of TV sets is supposed to feature basic video on demand and appeal to consumers who expect television to remain a passive experience. Those who want something more substantial will find interesting other TV sets offering configurable apps, sophisticated search and navigation engines, as well as advanced user interfaces.
The main contemporary connected TV platforms include Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Mitsubishi Stream TV, Panasonic Viera Connect, Sony Bravia, Toshiba NetTV, Apple TV, Google TV, TiVo, Liberty Global's Horizon and Yahoo! Connected TV. Samsung, with around 20 million apps downloaded by the end of January 2012, is the segment leader, followed by Panasonic and LG.
However, the biggest shake-up in the television industry is going to cause Apple's much-talked-of TV set. It promises to revolutionize television like once the iPad hit the market. Steve Jobs was quoted in his official biography saying that he "finally cracked the case" of an integrated TV. The new iTV (alleged name) is expected to be completely easy to use, seamlessly synced with other Apple's devices and with the iCloud. At the moment Apple with its $99 set-top box Apple TV seems to be doing very well, with 2.8 million units sold in 2011.
We are constantly hearing rumors related to the expected Apple's product, its features, price, and release date. CLSA Group views Apple TV hardware as a 2013 event. According to the estimations of ITG Industry Investment Research, the new iTV set could increase the company's market cap by 10%, or $60 billion. Apple, already the world's most valuable company, has recently hit the $600 billion level.
Analyst Peter Misek from Jefferies, a global securities and investment banking group, doesn't expect the device to be called iTV. He suggests the new television could be called "iPanel" which can reflect its potential as a hub for gaming, media and more. The iPanel name also follows the "iP" format of other Aplle's products, like the iPod, iPhone and the iPad. However, it is just a guess from the analyst. Misek expects that an Apple television will have a $1,250 average selling price.
The success of Apple's products, like the iPod, the iPhone, and iPad, are much about the design. The iTV (let's take this name) is supposed to have superior quality and excellent design. The list of possible features includes the following ones:
Obviously, we'll soon witness the appearance of a new smart TV from Apple that is going to bring new changes to the TV market. And, yes, Apple may win!
Industries and Technology Areas:
Industries: mass media, television
Technology Areas: Smart TV, connected TV, Smart TV applications, TV application development, software development
Elinext Group
With over 15 years of experience and over 300 professionals on board worldwide, Elinext Group is a global supplier of IT solutions for various industries, including advertising, accounting, banking, education, finance, healthcare, hospitality, real estate, retail, tourism and others. Elinext companies specialize in custom software development, mobile development, web development, TV app development and game development.
According to DisplaySearch, a leading provider of reliable information about the display-related industries, connected TVs are forecast to grow to over 123 million shipments in 2014 (at a 30% compound annual growth rate). The market is now developing beyond mature regions like Western Europe and Japan. Emerging markets play a major role in this growth. With the improvements in the broadband infrastructure, the adoption of connected TVs is a natural next step in TV feature innovation. Eastern Europe is expected to grow from 2.5 million connected TVs shipped in 2010 to over 10 million in 2014. In addition to that, 33% of flat panel TVs sold in China in 2013 will have the Internet capability.
DisplaySearch also forecasts that the connected TV market will become fragmented and increase in complexity. One group of TV sets is supposed to feature basic video on demand and appeal to consumers who expect television to remain a passive experience. Those who want something more substantial will find interesting other TV sets offering configurable apps, sophisticated search and navigation engines, as well as advanced user interfaces.
The main contemporary connected TV platforms include Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Mitsubishi Stream TV, Panasonic Viera Connect, Sony Bravia, Toshiba NetTV, Apple TV, Google TV, TiVo, Liberty Global's Horizon and Yahoo! Connected TV. Samsung, with around 20 million apps downloaded by the end of January 2012, is the segment leader, followed by Panasonic and LG.
However, the biggest shake-up in the television industry is going to cause Apple's much-talked-of TV set. It promises to revolutionize television like once the iPad hit the market. Steve Jobs was quoted in his official biography saying that he "finally cracked the case" of an integrated TV. The new iTV (alleged name) is expected to be completely easy to use, seamlessly synced with other Apple's devices and with the iCloud. At the moment Apple with its $99 set-top box Apple TV seems to be doing very well, with 2.8 million units sold in 2011.
We are constantly hearing rumors related to the expected Apple's product, its features, price, and release date. CLSA Group views Apple TV hardware as a 2013 event. According to the estimations of ITG Industry Investment Research, the new iTV set could increase the company's market cap by 10%, or $60 billion. Apple, already the world's most valuable company, has recently hit the $600 billion level.
Analyst Peter Misek from Jefferies, a global securities and investment banking group, doesn't expect the device to be called iTV. He suggests the new television could be called "iPanel" which can reflect its potential as a hub for gaming, media and more. The iPanel name also follows the "iP" format of other Aplle's products, like the iPod, iPhone and the iPad. However, it is just a guess from the analyst. Misek expects that an Apple television will have a $1,250 average selling price.
The success of Apple's products, like the iPod, the iPhone, and iPad, are much about the design. The iTV (let's take this name) is supposed to have superior quality and excellent design. The list of possible features includes the following ones:
- An aluminum construction;
- FaceTime video calling;
- Siri-based remote voice control;
- 42-inch HD screen;
- iOS operating system;
- iCloud support;
- Control from the iPhone or the iPad;
- Access to Netflix, YouTube, Flickr, etc. (same as on the existing Apple TV);
- Content sharing and media streaming from Apple's devices.
Obviously, we'll soon witness the appearance of a new smart TV from Apple that is going to bring new changes to the TV market. And, yes, Apple may win!
Industries and Technology Areas:
Industries: mass media, television
Technology Areas: Smart TV, connected TV, Smart TV applications, TV application development, software development
Elinext Group
With over 15 years of experience and over 300 professionals on board worldwide, Elinext Group is a global supplier of IT solutions for various industries, including advertising, accounting, banking, education, finance, healthcare, hospitality, real estate, retail, tourism and others. Elinext companies specialize in custom software development, mobile development, web development, TV app development and game development.
IT operations today, are a mixture of day to day operations and isolated large scale projects. Outsource software development enables flexibility for large scale projects with the easy incorporation of additional project resources. Outsourcing involves bundling of multiple customers to specific infrastructure components. It thus increases the potential for process optimization as a fixed number of employees working on the project each time and usage of the right tools. According to the new analyst report, outsourcing relationships and destinations are changing, and similarly vendor management is as important as ever.
Innovation is flourishing in competition to bring in the best clients and to create a great relationship and to hold on to them. This competition-fuelled inventiveness is a blessing in disguise. It is ably benefiting the outsourcing relationship. Large U.S - based technology companies and Indian IT outsourcing firms are paying close attention to proposed legislation focused on tightening restrictions. They are also increasing the oversight of the non-immigrant professional visas and they use to place foreign professionals in roles stateside. New reports have included recommendations for software vendors which can collapse down on piracy.
Offshore software outsourcing is getting easier- if it already isn't:
Offshore software development is a significant part of the offshore IT outsourcing market which helps the companies to focus on their core activities, and over the period of time, it has developed a distinctive place for itself. They also provide them with a means of fulfilling their business requirements and that too in a cost effective manner. It sets up an extended development center at the offshore delivery center that works as an extension to the in-house IT team. The specialized IT services - custom software development and web application development allow the business to focus on core competencies and can enable to attain the business goals and objectives faster.
Nowadays, challenges require the support of a committed partner who is quick and responsive with a comprehensive solution offering. To maintain a perfect coordination between all the offshore development centers and that too in accordance with the client's satisfaction is a big task. This limitation can be overcome by making the best possible use of the most modern means of communication. On-site team, remains in direct contact with the client, and thus is able to understand the client's needs in a better way. Well, agile software development hold the key to interactive programming of software which is now gaining steam by virtue of mobiles and clouds.
Innovation is flourishing in competition to bring in the best clients and to create a great relationship and to hold on to them. This competition-fuelled inventiveness is a blessing in disguise. It is ably benefiting the outsourcing relationship. Large U.S - based technology companies and Indian IT outsourcing firms are paying close attention to proposed legislation focused on tightening restrictions. They are also increasing the oversight of the non-immigrant professional visas and they use to place foreign professionals in roles stateside. New reports have included recommendations for software vendors which can collapse down on piracy.
Offshore software outsourcing is getting easier- if it already isn't:
Offshore software development is a significant part of the offshore IT outsourcing market which helps the companies to focus on their core activities, and over the period of time, it has developed a distinctive place for itself. They also provide them with a means of fulfilling their business requirements and that too in a cost effective manner. It sets up an extended development center at the offshore delivery center that works as an extension to the in-house IT team. The specialized IT services - custom software development and web application development allow the business to focus on core competencies and can enable to attain the business goals and objectives faster.
There is nothing more frustrating as a webmaster then waking up in the morning, firing up your browser to check your website only to find a message saying “This site has exceeded it’s bandwidth limits for the month”
It’s embarrassing, time consuming and not to mention costly if you are missing out on sales.
On the other side of the scale, it can be very costly to be on a larger web hosting plan or dedicated server and hardly even use the services it offers.
Good quality web hosting is not cheap, but you need to balance your business needs with what you can really afford to pay.
So what web hosting service should you be using? Good question!
In this article I’m going to be talking about the pro’s and con’s of both shared web hosting and dedicated web hosting packages. By the end of the article you should have some idea what your online business needs now and what it will need when it expands.
Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is what most small online businesses use. Shared hosting means that your site is on one server that also holds other peoples websites as well. Your website will not be the only one on that server. Very few small online businesses need the power of a dedicated server.
Most companies offer a few different types of shared web hosting services. The only difference usually being how much disk space you want or how much transfer allowance you need.
The major differences between each package really is how many domain names you can host, how much transfer (how many megabytes that are downloading from your website) you can have and how much disk space (how many files you can store) you need.
If you’re just starting out online and haven’t got a website up yet and not sure what you are doing exactly, start off with the small plan. That’s more then enough for a small site or blog for that matter.
Now if you run a larger website and you offer a lot of downloads, say for example you’re selling a rather large ebook, you might need the large service. Let’s say you have a 10mb ebook for sale, the large service this company offers would allow you to have roughly 2000 downloads of that package before you ran out of bandwidth (transfer).
Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated hosting is for the big boys. It’s for medium to big business looking to do a lot of work online. A dedicated server is just that, you’re own server. You get your own server just for your website which is unlike shared hosting as you have to share a server.
There are many different packages available with dedicated hosting depending on how much you want to spend. The more resources a server has, IE, RAM, Hard drive space, processor speed, the more it will cost.
You can see that a dedicated server allows you a lot more disk space and transfer allowance. It also allows you unlimited domain names. Dedicated servers are also known to be a lot more stable and allow you more control over your website and are perfect for a professional image.
There are two types of dedicated servers….
Managed hosting
Managed hosting offers you the support of a technical team looking after your server. They do all the updates and technical side of things for you. They will perform routine maintenance without you even asking. Managed hosting how ever does cost quite a lot more then un-managed usually.
Un-managed hosting
Un-managed hosting isn’t as support less as it sounds. Most dedicated servers do come with technical assistance and routine maintenance, but any support questions will more then likely cost you extra. If you need something added to your server, it will cost you a in maintenance fee’s. Rebooting your server should also come free with un-managed dedicated hosting.
Multiple Domain Name Hosting
Another thing you should look at is whether or not you want to host multiple domain names with your one hosting package. Both shared hosting and dedicated hosting can allow you to do this. A lot of share hosting services now allow this.
I recommend always using a web host that allows you to have multiple domain names with your one account. It really does solve the problem of having multiple hosting accounts for different domain names.
Other Things To Look For
Other things to think about when searching for a web hosting company is what you intend to do with your website.
Do you need a lot of technical assistance? If so, look for a hosting company with live 24/7 support. Do you want to create a blog, or lot’s of blogs? Then you will need to see if your web hosting company allows you to setup multiple MYSQL databases.
It’s embarrassing, time consuming and not to mention costly if you are missing out on sales.
On the other side of the scale, it can be very costly to be on a larger web hosting plan or dedicated server and hardly even use the services it offers.
Good quality web hosting is not cheap, but you need to balance your business needs with what you can really afford to pay.
So what web hosting service should you be using? Good question!
In this article I’m going to be talking about the pro’s and con’s of both shared web hosting and dedicated web hosting packages. By the end of the article you should have some idea what your online business needs now and what it will need when it expands.
Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is what most small online businesses use. Shared hosting means that your site is on one server that also holds other peoples websites as well. Your website will not be the only one on that server. Very few small online businesses need the power of a dedicated server.
Most companies offer a few different types of shared web hosting services. The only difference usually being how much disk space you want or how much transfer allowance you need.
The major differences between each package really is how many domain names you can host, how much transfer (how many megabytes that are downloading from your website) you can have and how much disk space (how many files you can store) you need.
If you’re just starting out online and haven’t got a website up yet and not sure what you are doing exactly, start off with the small plan. That’s more then enough for a small site or blog for that matter.
Now if you run a larger website and you offer a lot of downloads, say for example you’re selling a rather large ebook, you might need the large service. Let’s say you have a 10mb ebook for sale, the large service this company offers would allow you to have roughly 2000 downloads of that package before you ran out of bandwidth (transfer).
Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated hosting is for the big boys. It’s for medium to big business looking to do a lot of work online. A dedicated server is just that, you’re own server. You get your own server just for your website which is unlike shared hosting as you have to share a server.
There are many different packages available with dedicated hosting depending on how much you want to spend. The more resources a server has, IE, RAM, Hard drive space, processor speed, the more it will cost.
You can see that a dedicated server allows you a lot more disk space and transfer allowance. It also allows you unlimited domain names. Dedicated servers are also known to be a lot more stable and allow you more control over your website and are perfect for a professional image.
There are two types of dedicated servers….
Managed hosting
Managed hosting offers you the support of a technical team looking after your server. They do all the updates and technical side of things for you. They will perform routine maintenance without you even asking. Managed hosting how ever does cost quite a lot more then un-managed usually.
Un-managed hosting
Un-managed hosting isn’t as support less as it sounds. Most dedicated servers do come with technical assistance and routine maintenance, but any support questions will more then likely cost you extra. If you need something added to your server, it will cost you a in maintenance fee’s. Rebooting your server should also come free with un-managed dedicated hosting.
Another thing you should look at is whether or not you want to host multiple domain names with your one hosting package. Both shared hosting and dedicated hosting can allow you to do this. A lot of share hosting services now allow this.
I recommend always using a web host that allows you to have multiple domain names with your one account. It really does solve the problem of having multiple hosting accounts for different domain names.
Other Things To Look For
Other things to think about when searching for a web hosting company is what you intend to do with your website.
Do you need a lot of technical assistance? If so, look for a hosting company with live 24/7 support. Do you want to create a blog, or lot’s of blogs? Then you will need to see if your web hosting company allows you to setup multiple MYSQL databases.
Security is a hot topic in today’s networks, and will continue to be for a long time to come. With that in mind, you must consider adding a Cisco security certification to your resume and firewall skills to your skill set.
It’s quite a jump from the CCNA to the CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional), and Cisco has made that leap more manageable by adding Specialist certifications. These certifications can give quite a boost to both your resume and your skill set, and act as a great “stepping stone” to the CCSP.
At present, Cisco offers four VPN/Security certifications, those being Cisco Firewall Specialist, Cisco IPS Specialist, Cisco VPN Specialist, and Cisco VPN/Security Sales Specialist. Since every WAN engineer has contact with Cisco firewalls on a regular basis, we’ll take a closer look at this popular certification first. (And those who want to be WAN engineers had better learn something about firewalls, too!)
At the writing of this article (October 21, 2005), Cisco is offering an option for each of the two exams you’ll need to pass to earn this certification. For the first exam, you can take either the 642-551 SND (Securing Cisco Network Devices) or 642-501 SECUR (Securing Cisco IOS Networks). The final day to register for the SECUR exam is December 19, 2005.
For either, you’ll need to be able to answer questions regarding the proper use of Cisco security devices; how to configure security on a Cisco switch and on a router, including syslog logging, AAA, ACLs, and security for router services and interfaces.
The choices for the second exam are the 642-522 SNPA (Securing Network with PIX and ASA) and 642-521 CSPFA. Topics for these exams include , IPSec, NAT, firewalls, AAA, and policy mapping. (As always, you should check for the latest exam blueprints at Cisco’s website. Click “Learning And Events” on the main page, www.cisco.com).
As always, getting some hands-on experience is the best way to prepare for your Cisco exams. (Your employer is going to get a little upset if you practice your configs on his or her PIX. It would be a good idea to have a good lawyer, too.) There are online rack rental services that include Cisco security devices in their pods.
Cisco certifications are a great way to help protect your career as well as your network. The more you know, and the more varied your skills, the more valuable you are to your present and future employers. Use your CCNA as a foundation, and keep building on your skills!
CCNA and CCNP candidates hear it all the time: “Get some hands-on experience”. From my personal experience climbing the Cisco certification ladder, I can tell you firsthand that there is no learning like hands-on learning. No simulator in the world is going to give you the experience you will get cabling and configuring your own routers.
Whenever I mention this to one of my students, they always say it costs too much. The truth is, it is cheaper now to build your own CCNA and CCNP lab than it has ever been. The secret? Used routers.
The word “used” turns off a lot of people not many of us buy used computers or used servers. Cisco routers, though, are robust. I personally own a Cisco 4000 router that I use as a Frame Relay switch in my lab that I’ve had for about four years, and I’ve never had a problem with it.
The good news for current CCNA and CCNP candidates interested in building their own labs is that used Cisco equipment has never been more plentiful or cheaper. eBay is a good way to get an idea of what’s out there and what the prices are, but you don’t have to assemble your lab one piece at a time. Many eBay vendors who sell used Cisco equipment sell ready-made CCNA and CCNP labs for one price, including cables.
I asked one major vendor of CCNA and CCNP labs, www.ciscokits.com, what the most common questions are regarding building your own home lab. Here’s what they had to say:
Why do I need real routers instead of a simulator?
You need a physical router,as the simulators just don’t have the ability to give you the “hands on” you need to see what happens when you disconnect a cable or put a cable in the wrong location. You will come to find quickly that mistakes you make on Router 1 are affecting Router 5 all because you did not screw in a cable properly. No simulator can simulate that.
How many routers do I need?
Two routers really are required to see if anything works. If you have a very limited budget, you can receive value from only purchasing a single router over working with a simulator. However, you will not be able to see the main thing we are trying to accomplish. The propagation of route tables!
The only way you can see if your configurations work, is to have at least two routers. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you purchase a dual router kit that comes with all the accessories you need. Otherwise you can spend days trying to find all the little extra pieces you need to get your lab up and running.
Do I need a switch?
Well, it is nice to have. However, with only about 2 questions on the test dedicated to “hands on” switch knowledge, if you have to skimp on something, skimp on the switch.
What routers and switches should I buy?
Choices, choices, choices! Which 2500/2600 router do I pick? I will list some pros and cons of each router below, along with current prices (note that prices are generally lower if you buy a dual router kit instead of a single router). Please note that prices are approximations.
1) Cisco 2501 Router with 16 MB Flash/16MB DRAM $94.99. The cheapest introduction router, and it can support a vast majority of the commands that you will need to learn for your CCNA test. All 2500 routers that we will discuss come with a minimum of two serial ports and an Ethernet port.
You will need to add a transceiver to this unit to convert the Ethernet AUI port to an RJ-45 style Ethernet port.
2) Cisco 2503 Router with 16 MB Flash/16MB DRAM $119.99. This is the same as a Cisco 2501, except it adds an ISDN port so you can complete all your ISDN commands for the CCNA test. You will need to add a transceiver to convert the Ethernet AUI port to an RJ-45 style Ethernet port.
3) Cisco 2505/2507 with 16 MB Flash/16MB DRAM $109.99. The same as a Cisco 2501 except it has a built-in 8 or 16 port hub so you do not have to purchase a transceiver.
4) Cisco 2514 Router with 16 MB Flash/16MB DRAM $149.99. This router is the same as a Cisco 2501 except instead of one Ethernet port you have two. You may ask, what is the big deal? Well, you can use this as your Cable Modem/DSL Modem router. Now you can test your ability to setup a firewall and router in a live environment on the Internet. Lots of fun! You will need to add two transceivers to convert the Ethernet AUI ports to an RJ-45 style Ethernet ports.
5) Cisco 2520 Router with 16 MB Flash/16MB DRAM $119.99. This is the same as a 2503 but it also adds two more serial ports so you can use this as a frame relay switch later in your CCNA studies. It costs the same as a 2503, so this is a great money saving tip.
6) Cisco 2612 Router with 32 DRAM and 8 MB Flash $199.99. This is a modular router unlike any of the 2500 series routers. So the big benefit of this is you can buy extra modules to add functionality such as more serial ports, ISDN ports, Ethernet ports, WICs and such. However, due to the flexibility you will pay a bit more. One day it is a frame relay switch, the next it is your ISDN router. In the long run it will be cheaper than purchasing a bunch of dedicated routers for each
discipline you want to learn.
7) Cisco 1912 or 1924 Switch with Enterprise Software $109.99. This is a good low cost switch. The only drawback is it is a 10 MB switch except for the two 100 MB uplink ports. Not a big deal since you have 10 MB routers.
Cisco 2912 or 2924 Switch with Enterprise Software $249.99. This switch will run all the current commands needed for the test and is a full 100 MB switch.
And should you desire to sell your lab after you complete your certification, you can either negotiate a price with the vendor who sold it to you, or you can sell it yourself on ebay. It’s my experience that 95% of candidates who earn their CCNA go on to pursue their CCNP within one year, though, so don’t sell it too quickly.
In the end, you spend only a few hundred dollars, and you gain invaluable experience and knowledge that will help you both in your certification quest and your job performance. Having worked my way from the CCNA to the CCIE, I can tell you that you will learn much more from actually configuring and cabling your own equipment than you ever will from any simulation of the real thing.
Whenever I mention this to one of my students, they always say it costs too much. The truth is, it is cheaper now to build your own CCNA and CCNP lab than it has ever been. The secret? Used routers.
The word “used” turns off a lot of people not many of us buy used computers or used servers. Cisco routers, though, are robust. I personally own a Cisco 4000 router that I use as a Frame Relay switch in my lab that I’ve had for about four years, and I’ve never had a problem with it.
The good news for current CCNA and CCNP candidates interested in building their own labs is that used Cisco equipment has never been more plentiful or cheaper. eBay is a good way to get an idea of what’s out there and what the prices are, but you don’t have to assemble your lab one piece at a time. Many eBay vendors who sell used Cisco equipment sell ready-made CCNA and CCNP labs for one price, including cables.
I asked one major vendor of CCNA and CCNP labs, www.ciscokits.com, what the most common questions are regarding building your own home lab. Here’s what they had to say:
Why do I need real routers instead of a simulator?
You need a physical router,as the simulators just don’t have the ability to give you the “hands on” you need to see what happens when you disconnect a cable or put a cable in the wrong location. You will come to find quickly that mistakes you make on Router 1 are affecting Router 5 all because you did not screw in a cable properly. No simulator can simulate that.
How many routers do I need?
Two routers really are required to see if anything works. If you have a very limited budget, you can receive value from only purchasing a single router over working with a simulator. However, you will not be able to see the main thing we are trying to accomplish. The propagation of route tables!
The only way you can see if your configurations work, is to have at least two routers. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you purchase a dual router kit that comes with all the accessories you need. Otherwise you can spend days trying to find all the little extra pieces you need to get your lab up and running.
Do I need a switch?
Well, it is nice to have. However, with only about 2 questions on the test dedicated to “hands on” switch knowledge, if you have to skimp on something, skimp on the switch.
What routers and switches should I buy?
Choices, choices, choices! Which 2500/2600 router do I pick? I will list some pros and cons of each router below, along with current prices (note that prices are generally lower if you buy a dual router kit instead of a single router). Please note that prices are approximations.
1) Cisco 2501 Router with 16 MB Flash/16MB DRAM $94.99. The cheapest introduction router, and it can support a vast majority of the commands that you will need to learn for your CCNA test. All 2500 routers that we will discuss come with a minimum of two serial ports and an Ethernet port.
You will need to add a transceiver to this unit to convert the Ethernet AUI port to an RJ-45 style Ethernet port.
2) Cisco 2503 Router with 16 MB Flash/16MB DRAM $119.99. This is the same as a Cisco 2501, except it adds an ISDN port so you can complete all your ISDN commands for the CCNA test. You will need to add a transceiver to convert the Ethernet AUI port to an RJ-45 style Ethernet port.
3) Cisco 2505/2507 with 16 MB Flash/16MB DRAM $109.99. The same as a Cisco 2501 except it has a built-in 8 or 16 port hub so you do not have to purchase a transceiver.
4) Cisco 2514 Router with 16 MB Flash/16MB DRAM $149.99. This router is the same as a Cisco 2501 except instead of one Ethernet port you have two. You may ask, what is the big deal? Well, you can use this as your Cable Modem/DSL Modem router. Now you can test your ability to setup a firewall and router in a live environment on the Internet. Lots of fun! You will need to add two transceivers to convert the Ethernet AUI ports to an RJ-45 style Ethernet ports.
5) Cisco 2520 Router with 16 MB Flash/16MB DRAM $119.99. This is the same as a 2503 but it also adds two more serial ports so you can use this as a frame relay switch later in your CCNA studies. It costs the same as a 2503, so this is a great money saving tip.
6) Cisco 2612 Router with 32 DRAM and 8 MB Flash $199.99. This is a modular router unlike any of the 2500 series routers. So the big benefit of this is you can buy extra modules to add functionality such as more serial ports, ISDN ports, Ethernet ports, WICs and such. However, due to the flexibility you will pay a bit more. One day it is a frame relay switch, the next it is your ISDN router. In the long run it will be cheaper than purchasing a bunch of dedicated routers for each
discipline you want to learn.
Cisco 2912 or 2924 Switch with Enterprise Software $249.99. This switch will run all the current commands needed for the test and is a full 100 MB switch.
And should you desire to sell your lab after you complete your certification, you can either negotiate a price with the vendor who sold it to you, or you can sell it yourself on ebay. It’s my experience that 95% of candidates who earn their CCNA go on to pursue their CCNP within one year, though, so don’t sell it too quickly.
In the end, you spend only a few hundred dollars, and you gain invaluable experience and knowledge that will help you both in your certification quest and your job performance. Having worked my way from the CCNA to the CCIE, I can tell you that you will learn much more from actually configuring and cabling your own equipment than you ever will from any simulation of the real thing.
The New Year has just arrived with awesome technology advancement. 2013 is a year of touch screen gadgets, and laptops that will play the major role in the current year are already launched by biggest brands. These laptops not only carry touch screen features but every, single hardware used in them is using cutting-edge technology. These touch screen laptops are not only smarter but the operating system used in them is also a masterpiece. Together Windows 8 and touch screen laptop has bought a revolution in the information technology world.
Some elegant and stylish laptops with a smooth design and beauty is demand of every person, but together when combined with most powerful hardware and strong computing capabilities in the world made them best laptops of 2013. Comparison of some best laptops of 2013 is as follows.
Dell XPS 12 Series
The leading brand of laptop is still on lead with its super model. 12.5 inches of full HD screen with multi-touch feature has its own fun. Moreover, you can take your laptop to a new level of excitement with innovative and durable flip hinge. Intel core i7 processor with turbo boost of 3.0 GHz powers it. It has massive memory of 8 GB with a bus speed of 1600 MHz. It comes with the preloaded solid state drive with memory capacity of 256 GB.
Asus TAICHI 21 Series
Asus is a big name in extreme computing hardware. Once again, a thrilling feature of dual screen display makes it all in one convertible ultra book. It is an 11.6-inch multi touch screen, which displays full HD display. It has Intel chipset and powered by Intel core i7 processor with 4 MB cache and turbo speed up to 3.0GHz. It has massive memory of 8 GB with a bus speed of 1600 MHz. Solid state drive with 256 GB of capacity that can load applications with blazing fast speed.
Sony VAIO DUO 11 Series
Sony is a big brand name in the world of laptop. The Sony new ultra book is one of its kind with sleek design and full HD touch screen of 11.6-inch. It's flip design can convert it from laptop to tablet to enjoy amazing features of Windows 8. Intel core i7 processor with 4 MB cache power this super machine and memory up to 8 GB supports multi tasking. It comes with solid-state drive with capacity of 256 GB.
IdeaPad Yoga 13 Series
Lenovo has finally made a super convertible ultra book to unbelievable feature of all in one tablet and laptop. It has a 13.3-inch touch screen with support of multi-touch. It is capable to display resolution of 16:9 wide-screen. The 3rd generation Intel core i7 processor with 8 GB memory and 256 GB of hard disk makes it ultra fast laptop.
Acer Aspire S7 Series
Finally, Acer launched its masterpiece after a long time that has won many awards. It's sleek and slim design speaks of its beauty. Touch screen of 13.3 inch is ready to use for any mode with screen resolution 1920 x 1080 delivers full HD picture. An Intel core i7 processor powers this ultra book and solid-state drive up to 256 GB breaks speed limit of every application. It has standard memory of 4 GB.Popular Posts
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