Technology Meets Art at Versa Products

Posted on by

Versa Products, Inc., the Los Angeles-based furniture manufacturer, recently announced additional upgrades available on its already popular Versa Art Table. Known industry-wide as an innovative leader in computer furniture, Versa sells products all over the world to clients that cover a multitude of industries from educational institutions like universities and secondary schools to office suites to military bases.

Although Versa’s most popular product is the classic Versatable, available in multiple sizes and colors, Versa’s line of art and drafting tables are getting recent attention. The blend of the traditional, tilting art desk and the modern computer desk appears to be just what the doctor, er, um, artist ordered. “With the art industry evolving to incorporate computers into the creation of art and design, how could we ignore that fact and still expect to make a table that clients need?” explains Christopher Stormer, COO at Versa. “You can make an art table that’s high quality, competitively priced, and looks great, but if it doesn’t serve every function the user needs, then it’s pretty much worthless. Designers, artists, students they all use computers constantly and it makes no sense to have one desk for drawing and another one to support your computer.”

The beauty of Versa’s art table is that it’s completely customizable with the type of customizations one might actually want. Anyone can skip the retailer and order a desk online straight from Versa. Then, choose the accessories you want and forget the ones you don’t. Popular accessories include a height adjustable monitor platform that can be situated on either side of the table (perfect for right- or left-handers), wheel kits, printer platforms, and even CPU holders for those who use PCs.

This type of simple customization isn’t just confined to the art table and drafting desks Versa offers. Every product Versa manufactures is customizable including classroom tables for computer labs, executive desks, and medical and dental furniture. The customer also has a choice of color options and combinations with every product.

The art table offers 75 degrees of tilt adjustment with its easy, pop-pin adjustment system. The height also adjusts from 24 to 48 inches and the work surface comes in standard 48-inch by 30-inch dimensions. It comes with a full sized storage tray and in six different color combinations. Quantity discounts begin with only three like units, making it even more economical for schools, small businesses, and art departments who can’t qualify for quantity discounts the way big guys can.

In addition to the high-end products themselves, Versa is known for excellent customer service and its hassle-free lifetime warranty on all products it sells. Items ship for absolutely free anywhere in the contiguous United States regardless of whether the order is five hundred tables or one keyboard arm. Most items ship from the factor within one to two days as well.

If you’d like to know more about the products Versatables offers, including art tables, school desks, dorm room furniture, and space-savers, check out their website or call and request a catalog.

Cisco CCNA / CCNP Home Lab Tutorial: A Guide

Posted on by

Cisco CCNA / CCNP Home Lab Tutorial: A Guide To Cable Types

When you’re putting your CCNA and/or CCNP home lab together, you’re not just buying routers and switches you’re creating a blueprint for success. There is no better way to learn about how real Cisco routers and switches work than to work with the real thing!

Of course, it’s not enough to just get the routers and switches you’ve got to have the right cables and other devices to allow them to communicate. Let’s take a look at the different cables and connectors you need to know about when putting together your CCNA and CCNP home labs.

The basic cable you’ll need is a straight-through cable. These are used to connect your switches and routers also, if you have an ISDN simulator, you’ll need a straight-through cable to connect the router’s BRI interface to the simulator.

A more specialized cable type is the DTE/DCE cable. If you plan to use the serial interfaces on your routers (and you certainly should be!), you’ll need some of these cables. To connect two routers directly via their serial interfaces, you must have a DTE/DCE cable. (If you have a Cisco router set up as a frame relay switch, you’ll need more of these cables.)

If you have multiple switches, you’ll want to connect these switches in order to create a trunk line and possibly an Etherchannel. To successfully create a trunk between two switches, you’ll need crossover cables.

To connect your PC directly to the router or switch you’re configuring, you’ll need a rollover cable, also referred to as a rolled cable. This cable has an Rj-45 connector on one end and DB-9 connector on the other.

Once you’ve added multiple routers and switches to your CCNA / CCNP home lab, you’ll get tired of moving that rolled cable around. An access server (a special model of Cisco router, actually) will allow you to connect the rolled cable to it and communicate with all your devices via that connection. To use an access server, you’ll need an octal cable. This unusual cable has a large serial connector on one end (this won’t fit just any serial interface, so when purchasing an access server, make sure to get the right type of Cisco router) and has eight separate RJ-45 connectors at the other end.

The best news of all for all CCNA and CCNP candidates is that like used routers and switches, all these cables are affordable. You can find vendors that sell these cables on ebay and through search engines, and the odds are that the vendor that sold you your lab equipment also sells these cables. This also gives you first-hand experience in cabling your own lab – and that is the best exam preparation of all! (Multiple-choice questions on cable types are easy when you’ve actually worked with them!)

How many Macs are too many macs?

Posted on by

Please don’t think me greedy.

I’m just attached to my Macs.

I suspect I’m not alone: The more Mac computers I get, the harder it is to part with them. I no sooner pay for one than I buy another. And although I have sold a few over the years, lately I’m turning into a Mac miser.

You know those little old ladies that the newspapers regularly write about that have 347 cats in their house?

That’s what I’m worried I may be like with my Macs.

I have a dual processor G5 with dual monitors, a 15-in PowerBook, a 15-in MacBook Pro, a G5 20-inch iMac and – thanks to work – a new 17-inch MacBook Pro.

Theres no way I can use them all. But its almost impossible to part with any of them.

I, for sure, should sell the PowerBook and, twice now, have started to post it on eBay or Craigs List, only to chicken out at the last minute. The new Intel MacBooks dont work with my Verizon Broadband Access PC card. The PowerBook does. So, I tell myself, I may need it when I go on vacation in a few weeks in case the place where well be staying doesnt have Net access.

Then theres the new 15-in MBP. I bought it in March, only to be pleasantly surprised when, a month later, my employer suddenly provided me with a 17-in MBP. I should sell the 15-in. But, then again, thats mine. What if work suddenly took back their 17-incher. And so the 15-in MBP sits in a carrycase. Just in case.

I dont really use the big G5 and the two monitor setup anymore either. But when it comes to listing them, I get queasy. Itd be like selling a child. Or getting rid of my dog. I cant. i just cant.

The iMac is easy. I have given that to my wife. No way would she part with that. Shes now as hooked on Macs as I am.

Still, I wonder. how many Macs are too many Macs?

Color printing by the experts

Posted on by

Are you looking to have professional color printing? The number of products that you can purchase from color printing professionals will amaze you. In fact, with all of the products available, you will find that an array of unique services is on offer that can assist you in a variety of endeavors.

Maybe you are looking to have professionally printed brochures for your business. Why struggle with your home printer and panic while you search for just the right kind of paper for your brochures in your local office supply store?

Instead, you can specify the type and size of brochure you desire and have your business brochures professionally printed and delivered right to your door. Of course, you will be required to specify the number of brochures you need and will be sent a proof of your brochure once it has been printed.

Perhaps you are in need of business cards. Again, professional printing could be just the thing you need. All you need to do is advise the printer what you want on your business cards, what design you like and within a few days you can be receiving your professionally printed business cards in your mailbox.

With business cards, you will have the opportunity to select different styles and layouts from a number of templates offered by the printing professional. Finally, the printing professional may require that you purchase a minimum number of cards before they agree to produce them: typically the printer sets a limit of a minimum of 500 cards, but some printers will print as few as 250 cards at a time.

If your business is in need of catalogues, again a professional printing company can help you. You can give the printer all of the specifications for the catalogue with the layout and easily have them printed in no time whatsoever.

You will be required to select the weight of paper you desire, to specify if you want black ink or colored ink, whether or not you want a glossy or matte finish, and what shipping method you prefer.

Other products that you can purchase from a professional printing company include customized stationary, postcards, greeting cards, booklets, posters, artwork, calendars, envelopes, presentation folders, statement stuffers, advertisements, flyers, CD covers, newsletters, bookmarks, note cards, door hangers, rack cards, wedding invitations and more.

Printing professionals offer a variety of services for a number of occasions. Whatever you need, check with your local printing professional to see what kind of services they offer – you may be surprised to find that they can handle your job quickly and with ease.

New Technologies in Liposuction

Posted on by

The ideal candidate for liposuction is not overweight but has excess accumulation of fat in certain anatomical locations. The most common locations in women are the abdomen, flanks, and thighs and neck. Other areas include the arms, back, and buttocks. In men the most common area is the lower abdomen and love handle. It is important that the overlying skin is relatively firm. If the skin is very loose for instance in the abdominal area, that patient may be a better candidate for an abdominoplasty. The method of liposuction involves tumescent infusion followed by fat extraction. I use power assisted liposuction which gives me greater ability to sculpt the fat. It is important to understand that liposuction is a sculpting procedure requiring experience and three dimensional skill.

An exciting new technology in liposuction is ultrasonic liposuction. This involves the use of an ultrasonic probe that emulsifies the fat prior to extraction. Ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) is more aggressive. In my practice indications for UAL include men, areas that have had previous liposuction and in patients that have a small amount of lax skin for instance in the arms and abdomen. The UAL energy causes some skin contraction (tightening), which does not occur with conventional liposuction. UAL has become a very rewarding technology for my patients. There are other emerging technologies involving laser probes. At this point they appear to be more expensive, and offer no additional benefit. Before I will offer a new technology to my patients it has to be proven, offer an advantage over existing technology and be safe. Not just a marketable buzzword.

Common Printer Ink Questions Answered

Posted on by

What are the options available for refilling my printer?
There are mainly two ways you can refill your printer with printer cartridges or with ink refill kits. There are OEM cartridges, remanufactured or recycled cartridges and compatible cartridges. The cheapest option is, however, buying a printer ink refill kit and refill the empty cartridge.

Do remanufactured cartridges harm the machine?
Remanufactured cartridges do no harm to the printer. Remanufactured cartridges are nothing but recycled OEM cartridges. You only have to buy a remanufactured cartridge that is meant for your specific printer.

How many times I can refill a cartridge?
Many suggest refilling should not be done for more than 4-5 times. Printer cartridges come with printer heads and once these heads wear out, the cartridge needs to be changed. As long as you are satisfied with the print quality, you can go on refilling.

How to save printer ink?
Printer inks are very expensive and the best way to save money on printer ink is to use it economically. Plan and print. Often people take printouts simply to realize later that it is not required. Take printouts of only those documents, which are necessary.

Where to buy printer ink?
Printer inks can be brought from retail stores or from online stores. Buying from online stores will save you a lot of money both on the product and on shipping and traveling expenses as well.

Does my printer warranty remain valid even if I use compatible or remanufactured cartridges?
Printer manufacturers like Hewlett Packard, Canon, Epson, Lexmark etc suggest that you use only OEM cartridges. Generally your printer warranty will be void if you use compatible or remanufactured cartridges. If you have ever used remanufactured or compatible cartridges, the printer manufacturer will not take responsibility for any damage done to the computer.

Summing up, I hope you found the printer ink info useful. I wish you a good luck buying a new printer ink.

Computer Repair

Posted on by

Owing a computer is almost essential in todays world. With the introduction of the internet and the convenience of email as a method of communication, its easy to see why most people want to have a computer in their home or office.

Computers are like anything else and there are times when they dont operate as planned. Its frustrating to be sitting at your desk ready to play a game or work on a document only to find that your computer isnt being cooperative.

When it comes to computer repair its often wise to seek out professional help. A computer technician is specially trained to evaluate the problem and offer the best possible solution.

There are certain types of computer repair that you might want to undertake yourself. These are usually minor fixes that can be handled with a bit of instruction and attention to detail.

A computer repair that you might be able to take care of yourself is the replacement of the computers battery or fan. Every desktop computer has a fan inside of it. This fan is used to keep the computers components cool. Its essential that the fan operates efficiently to ensure that the computer doesnt become overheated.

The first sign that your computers fan might not be operating properly is that youll notice a different sound when you start or run your computer. Instead of immediately taking it to a computer repair shop, take a moment to test the fan.

Computers typically have two fans. One is used to cool the power supply and the other is used to cool the CPU. Open the cover of the computer and listen. If the sound does appear to be coming from the fan that cools the CPU youll want to replace it.

If the computer is still under warranty than this type of computer repair will be done free of charge. Follow the instructions you were given for repairs at the time of purchase. If the warranty period has elapsed you can either take it to a computer repair shop or do it yourself.

The very first and most important step when doing any computer repair is to unplug the computer from the electrical outlet. Youll then need to examine the fan to see how its connected. It will probably be attached by a few small screws. Once these are loosened youll need to disconnect the fan from its power supply. This will be one or two small clips. Then take the fan to your computer repair shop and purchase a new one.

After replacing it, reattach the cover and plug the machine in. The fan should operate perfectly now and the noise that you were hearing will have disappeared.

Sometimes a computer will make noises because a piece of hardware isnt attached properly. One of the likely culprits is the CD-Rom or DVD drive. Again for this type of computer repair, youll want to carefully remove the cover and listen for the source of the noise. After tightening the screws that hold the hardware in place and reattaching the cover, plug the machine in and listen if the offending noise is gone.

When it comes to computer repair its important to be safe and thorough. Computers are an expensive investment and keeping them running efficiently is crucial. If you are comfortable handling a small computer repair yourself, give it a try. If youre not comfortable, take the machine to a local computer repair shop and allow the experts to do their job.

How To Add A USB 2.0 Hub To Your Computer

Posted on by

How To Add A USB 2.0 Hub To Your Computer

Digital and video Cameras, scanners, mp3 players, and just about every other electronic device are designed to be connected to your computer.

And all new computers make it simple to connect these devices with the use of the USB or Universal Serial Bus port. But with the many devices you may have,you can still run short of these ports.

If you find your computer using all of its USB ports, you can get your hands on a USB Hub. This hub contains several usb ports. So rather than unplugging one device to plug in another, a usb hub allows you to connect multiple devices.

To setup a usb hub on your computer you need to be sure your system allow you to connect the hub. If your computer was made before 1997 it most likely won’t support a USB.

Check your computer to see if there is a usb port available. http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/photos.html have photos showing what USB ports look like and where they should be found in any computer.

You should consider the reason you want to purchase a USB hub. This will help in deciding the type of usb hub you want to purchase. And research the device you want to connect, as not all devices can be connected to USB hubs.

The two types of USB hubs are the Self Powered which draws power from an external power supply and the bus powered hub which is inserted in an expansion slot and draws power from the motherboard.

Some devices that use large amounts of power work poorly with bus powered hubs. A scanner for example, will wotk much better connected to a self powered USB hub.

When connecting a device to the USB hub, see what version of usb it may be. USB 1.0 was the first version released and today the fast version is the usb 2.0 All USB 2.0 hubs are backward compatible. This allows them to run the slower USB 1.0 devices.

The price of a hub 2.0 hub varies from about $25.00 to $65.00 and comes in several brands. The price depends on the number of ports you want on the hub.

INSTALLING YOUR NEW USB HUB

Its always a good practice to backup your files before you work in your computer.Remove the hub from its packing and carefully inspect it for damaged and be sure all components are present. Stop and carefully read the hub manual for instructions such as turn the computer off first or that you must install the software before connecting the hub to the computer.

If you have a powered hub, plug the power cord in an outlet and connect the usb cable from the usb hub into an open USB port. With the hub connected place the cdrom that come with the hub and install the software onto the hard drive.

Set the USB hub in a location where you can easily connect your scanner,modem,or other devices. Remember that your computer only runs at the highest usb speed.If your hub is a USB 2.0 but your computer only supports USB 1.0 then the 1.0 connection will be your max speed.

If your USB hub is self powered,install the card in an empty expansion slot by removing the system unit cover, removing the retaining screw and cover from the slot, firmly slide the card in the slot, and use the retaining screw to secure it to the motherboard.

Start your computer and your operating system should recognize the new device. Install any software that came with the hub.You may need to install a device driver to allow the computer to communicate with the hub.

Its that easy and why not make it something fun to do. Learn as you go and be in the state of mind to enjoy your task. You will look forward to perform other tasks in the same state of mind.

How Plasma TVs And LCD TVs Differ

Posted on by

The buying of large-screen TVs has absolutely skyrocketed lately. It seems that everyone wants one and with good reason. The large-screen TV has come a long way from those faded-out behemoths of old that took up half your living room and never really produced a picture of decent quality. Now, however, especially in combination with HDTV, you can get not only a nice, large picture, but a crisp, clean one too.

Once you decide that youre ready for a large-screen TV, you quickly discover that you only really have two main options a plasma TV or an LCD TV. Plasma TVs were first on the scene, but the recent mass production of LCD TVs by major manufactures has put LCD TVs pretty much on equal footing with plasmas. That said, you will still have to make a choice.

If youre like most people, you not only have no idea how the two differ, you dont even know the areas you should be considering in order to determine how they differ. But they do indeed differ, and knowing the difference is extremely important if youre going to get the TV thats right for you.

You can essentially boil the differences between plasmas and LCDs into twelve basic points. In some areas, plasmas will win out. In other areas, LCDs will win out. In yet other areas, it will depend on your own personal taste in order to decide who wins out.

The twelve ways plasma TVs and LCD TVs differ are the following:

1. The first is a technical issue, and may seem a little boring, but it really does affect other areas. Plasmas TVs are made of chemical compounds called phosphors. LCD TVs use millions of liquid crystals.

2. The next section is related to how big the TVs are and the availability of larger sizes. You have a wider selection of larger-size TVs with plasmas (though LCDs are catching up).

3. The next section is small size, which is also important. Plasmas don’t come in smaller sizes, which you will need for places like the kitchen.

4. Next is viewing angle. Plasmas tend to have a wider viewing angle (though, again, LCDs are catching up).

5. Although the manufacturers may not like to admit it, each can suffer from certain problems. Plasmas can suffer from burn-in effect; LCDs don’t.

6. Another problem area, but for LCDs, is delay. LCDs can produce a jagged figure when in motion. Plasmas tend to do better. HDTV improves this dramatically for both.

7. The next area is life span. You can replace the light source with an LCD, thereby bringing your original picture back. With plasmas you can’t.

8. In the next few sections, the theme of picture quality is considered. First, color: LCDs produce sharp, lively colors. Plasmas produce warmer and more accurate colors.

9. Next is brightness levels and the TVs ability to handle different lighting. LCDs tend to do better in bright-light conditions.

10. Also related to picture quality is black levels. Plasmas tend to produce blacker blacks.

11. Another area to consider is contrast range. Plasmas, “technically,” produce a higher contrast range.

12. Last, and certainly not least, is price. At the moment, plasmas tend to run a little cheaper, but this is changing rapidly as LCDs flood into the market. By the time you read this, in fact, there may be no difference at all.

Essentially, which one is right for you will all comes down to taste: What potential negatives will you not really notice? What positives do you want more of? What do you really want the TV for movies, sports, news, regular TV shows? Both plasmas and LCDs have strong advocates in their corners. Both have deliriously happy customers. But those happy customers are only happy because they knew what they wanted before they made their purchase. If you want to make the right choice, youll have to decide what it is you want and which of the two TVs can best give you that.

Computer TV Watch TV On The Computer

Posted on by

If you want to watch TV on the computer it can be fun and easy. There are many places on the Internet were you can get access to watch TV on computer. The most important thing is finding a site that provides the best quality TV channels.

Many site offer a wide variety of viewing choices, but be careful. Some companies charge you a monthly fee and don’t offer as much variety as other Internet TV sites. I have by now checked out and tried just about every site on the web. Still PC Satellite TV for PC 2006 still comes out on top of all the other sites.

They offer the most variety of channels for you to watch TV on the computer. With over 2200 channels from around the world they offer sports, movies, weather reports and news. You can pick up TV stations from just about any country.

This means that you can watch TV on the computer and view broadcasts from stations from just about any country. The channels are categorized by country and then by the type of programming you prefer to watch TV on computer.

I can now enjoy watching sports from around the world. Before TV on the computer I could never view world soccer games. Now I can get them right at home on my PC. It is like having PC satellite TV dish in your home.

PC Satellite TV for PC 2006 has a one-time membership fee. This is great you have no reoccurring fees to worry about. I have had a membership now for over six months. I have defiantly gotten my moneys worth for watching TV on computer. It is fun to watch prime time TV in another country. Some of the channels out of the United Kingdom offer a wide variety of comedy and sports.

If you are just looking for a chance of pace for your TV viewing this may be something you may want try. People have been watching TV on computer for many years and it is now just starting to become extremely popular now. This is because of the improved quality and speed at witch your TV on the computer is transmitted.

You can browse the Internet and look at different companies that offer packages. You will find as I have that PC Satellite for PC 2006 still rates the number one site. If you would like to check out there web page you can click on the link at the top of my website.