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How Technology Can Make Your Business Life Easier?

November 3, 2010 — 6:54 am

There are a lot of worries involved with running your own business. From wondering whether sales will meet expectations to dealing with employees, worrying about bad checks and verifying the age of customers so you aren’t selling adult products to minors, there are many potential problems that could come up any day.

Fortunately, technology can get rid of some of these worries. While it can’t solve your disputes with employees, it can make it easier for you to accept payments with confidence and monitor the age of your customers.

The first and most vital piece of technology for making your business life easier is a credit card terminal. If you’re not accepting credit cards, you really should be. People these days love to pay with plastic, and you’ll turn some customers off by not offering the option.

While you’re looking at merchant accounts and payment processing equipment, see if you can get a card reader that allows customers to put in their PIN numbers as well. This will allow you to accept debit cards, providing even more flexibility for your customers (and lower transaction rates for you).

Next, if bad checks are a worry for your business, you’ll want to look into getting a check reader. This is sort of like a credit card machine for checks. Just insert the check into the reader and the amount of the check is automatically debited from the customer’s account.

You get the payment within 24 hours and it’s deposited directly into your account — you don’t even have to drive to the bank and physically deposit the check! Using a check reader can give you peace of mind because you’ll know before the customer leaves your shop if they can afford the check they just wrote.

A final piece of technology that is a great addition for people who sell tobacco, alcohol or other adult-oriented products is age verification hardware. Electronic age verification is done with the help of a device that looks like a credit card terminal and scans the barcode or magnetic strip on state-issued identification cards.

The machine then tells you whether the person is of age to consume whatever your product is. This takes the guesswork out of reading IDs and is a lot faster than having a person inspect each patron’s identification and do the math to make sure you aren’t selling to minors.

In some ways technology can seem like it makes our lives more difficult, always giving us more to read, watch and do. But in the case of your business, picking up some new technology can certainly make your life a lot easier.

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History Of The Computer; Analog Or Digital?

— 2:46 am

In ‘History of the Computer – the emergence of Electronics’, we saw how the development of Radar during the second world war led to an understanding of pulse technology. At the same time methods were refined for the calculations required for the ballistic trajectories. From these beginnings, the digital computer was developed.

What is meant by ‘Analog’ and ‘Digital’? A couple of examples will explain the difference. An analog is something which is analogous, obviously, but you may know that an analogous process or function is one that is equivalent, or very similar to another one. An analogy is often used to explain, or to assist the understanding of, some new feature in terms that are understood.

For example a home electric circuit for house wiring to operate a lamp. The supply is controlled by a circuit breaker, when it is available at the outlet where the lamp is plugged. This can be compared to plumbing, where the water supply is controlled by a valve or tap on entering the home, then pipes carry the water to the kitchen, where the supply can be turned on or off by a tap or faucet, and is immediately available. The rate of flow of the water can be controlled, which is analogous to a dimmer on the lamp.

The analogy is not absolutely the same, but aids in the understanding of the electricity supply by someone who knows the plumbing system.

Digital, concerning digits or numbers, refers to the use of numbers to represent all things. As an example, a digital watch uses numbers to indicate the time. The numbers on the face of traditional watch are distributed around the dial, so that the hands pointing to them are analogous to the passage of time. For example the minute hand pointing straight down, half way through the circle of the clock, represents the passing of half an hour. If the hour hand is pointing to the number 3, this indicates 3 hours of the 12 for a complete circuit. When we learnt to tell the time we knew that this was half past three. The digital watch however says 3:30.

Closer to our topic, we can consider the evolution of the gramophone record. The vinyl LP was the standard medium for music recording and playing from the 1950s, tape recordings were also developed in parallel. Both these media use a modulation system, where the amplitude, or strength, of the modulation is proportional, or analogous, to the loudness of the original live singing or playing. This music had been converted by a microphone into a variable electrical signal, analogous to the sound.

With the invention in the 1980s of the Compact Disc, digital techniques were employed to represent the changes in sound levels, by using a sampling pulse to monitor the loudness of the sound. This sampling pulse is used at a high frequency, so that it is not audible, and traces the progress of the sound. The principle is analogous to the movie camera where a sequence of still pictures are shown at a rate of 32 frames per second, so that they appear to show a moving picture. Similarly a tv uses a frame rate of 50 or 60 per second (strictly speaking 25 0r 30 interlaced).

The big advantage of a digital recording and reproduction system (amplifiers etc are also digital) is that, due to the nature of the high frequency pulses, it is possible to copy them exactly when transferring from one medium to another, for example copying a from cd track to compilation cd. With an analogue system there are losses in every transfer, so that a recording on a cassette tape copied from a vinyl lp via a home stereo is noticeably poorer quality than the original.

A computer can also be analog or digital, though the digital type have vastly outgrown the analog. An analog computer might be used in research work, where, for instance a record may be made on a moving chart of the temperature and humidity in a room being air conditioned by a new design air conditioner, the chart could also be a display on screen. Either way, the graph is an analog representation of the temperature and pressure.

Early electronic controls in aircraft were run by a form of analog computer, the amount the ailerons moved was proportional to the movement of the joystick, but not directly proportional. A calculation was performed, which depended on the speed and height of the aircraft, and other factors. The electronic ‘boxes’ involved linear amplifiers and variable response circuits, all fed by sensors from the flight controls etc.

Subsequent articles in this series are concerned only with digital computers. We look at how they are put together, and how they perform, in simple steps, more and more advanced calculations.

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Bundles Gone Wild: Phone Companies Exposed

October 31, 2010 — 8:58 pm

You’ve probably seen the ad on television, “phone TV DSL”, offered by SBC Global. Is it a good deal? Compared to services offered by traditional telephone service providers in the past, yes. Compared to what you could get by doing some research yourself, no.

While SBC advertises bundled telephone, DSL, and satellite TV service for around $75.00 a month, you knew there had to be a catch didn’t you? The catch being the advertised price is not the end price. You’ll also be bound to a contract.

Did you know you could be getting a much better deal on those services if you just do your homework? About an hour doing the research could save you a big hunk of money every month. Sure, you’ll have to pay separate bills, but with the money saved, it’s worth it.

Let me give you an example. You are probably looking for phone, TV, and DSL services. Let’s discuss the promotional rate and the end price on each of these services. Keep in mind, these examples will reflect basic packages with no add on’s.

Satellite TV from dish network will cost you about $19.99 a month for three months then go up to $31.99 plus $5.00 for DVR service in two rooms. Movie channel packages range from $12.00 to $40.00 a month. The end basic package price with 2 DVR’s is $36.99

DSL or Cable broadband Internet from both ComCast and Earth Link will be around $19.99 to $29.99 for the first three to six months, depending on your service area. In most cases It will be $19.99 a month for the first six months then go to around $45.00 regular rate.

Broadband telephone service or VoIP from Vonage is about $15.00 a month for unlimited local calling plus 800 long distance minutes a month. Now, don’t fall over, but this is not a promotional rate. This is the regular rate for basic service with Vonage.

So what we have now is phone, TV, and high speed broadband Internet for about $55.00 a month for the first few months, that’s $20.00 a month cheaper than SBC. In the end, you’ll be paying less than $100.00 a month for the services just mentioned.

So the next time you are looking for a good deal on bundled packages, keep in mind you’ll save a whole lot more if you just take the time to bundle your own services and spend an extra five minutes each month paying your bills separately. That’s an hour a year folks.

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Consumers Get in Touch With New Technology

October 29, 2010 — 5:06 pm

No matter who you are or where you are, you are likely feeling the growth of touchscreen technology. Today, frequent fliers often enter flight information using self-serve kiosks and soar through airport check-in, skipping the otherwise long lines. Busy moms may use car touchscreen systems to find directions, control air temperature and more. And businesspeople who require communication access at all times invest in advanced communication devices to stay in touch.

Whether it’s used by people stopping by the ATM to get some quick cash or casting a vote, touchscreen technology is taking off, converting everyday tasks into fast and convenient experiences.

The technology appeals to all ages and in a variety of industries. Retail outlet store merchandisers are using touchscreen as a new marketing strategy to engage consumers while delivering product information at the touch of a finger.

FAO Schwarz, for example, has installed 17-inch Planar touchscreens as part of a consumer design center for the Hot Wheels Custom Car Factory in its New York store. Using the Planar touchscreen kiosk, shoppers can customize their own Hot Wheels car with special colors, designs, wheels and rims.

Other toy manufacturers are taking advantage of touch technology to provide entertaining and educational toys for children who are too young to have developed the motor skills required for a regular computer.

The restaurant industry also is seeing the benefits of touch-integrated point-of-sale systems to improve order-processing time. Easy-to-use touchscreen devices enable servers to enter food orders faster and more accurately, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Tableside units in restaurants provide customers with a variety of entertainment and information options, such as playing video games or surfing the Web.

Other industries embracing touchscreen technology include automotive (car rental information portals, GPS systems), industrial (ATMs, gas station service pumps) and health care (outpatient information kiosks).

Receptive consumers and falling prices have enabled touch technology to spread its reach across a wide range of markets. As a result, it is making strong inroads as a primary way for consumers to get more “in touch” with products, services and information. – NU

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Guide To Choosing A Custom Built Desktop Computer

October 28, 2010 — 7:29 pm

You are probably familiar with the saying different strokes for different folks. Well, this phrase rings especially true when it comes to computers and their uses. While a computer may be perfect for one person, it may be useless to somebody else. This is because there are so many variations of whats actually inside a computer. For this reason, many people are opting to have their computer systems custom built. If you are one of the many people contemplating a similar idea, you may be unsure as to where to start. In this article, well present you with a guide to choosing a custom built desktop computer.

The number one appeal for people in choosing a custom built computer is price. It is often far cheaper to build a computer than it is to buy one new from a company. To get the most out of your custom built computer, you will first have to identify the key components that you absolutely need. This will help save you time and money. So, lets take a look at the perfect custom built desktop computer for a variety of users.

In todays world, many people use a desktop computer for only two reasons word processing and internet surfing. If you fall into this category of user, you will have no problem choosing a custom built desktop computer. When deciding on a processor you basically have two choices; Intel and AMD. It is important to note that for simple web browsing and word processing, there is virtually no difference between the two processors. It is recommended that you go with an Intel Pentium 4 or an AMD Athlon. This is strictly a matter of preference, and you may want to do additional research to determine which is right for you. You will also want to determine the amount of memory you make available in your desktop computer. Again, for simple tasks such as these, anything more than 512MB will be more than sufficient. The rest of your system can be built with average secondary components, such as sound and graphic cards, and a CD/DVD drive.

If you happen to be a big-time gamer, you will need a computer with more RAM as well as better graphics capability. It is recommended that you upgrade to 1MB or 2MB of RAM. It will also enhance your game-play experience if you install a faster processor, perhaps even a dual core processor. These processors make it much easier to multitask while providing the ultimate gaming experience. Lastly, dont forget to add a nice monitor and speaker system if you are building a computer geared towards gaming. This will also add to your overall enjoyment of your system.

The final type of user we would like to cover in this guide is the person who does a lot of work on the computer. This person will need a high-quality motherboard, which is always the most crucial element of any good computer. A motherboard helps your computer run at its optimum level, while ensuring all secondary components work properly. Somebody who stores a lot of data on their desktop computer will need to invest in a high-end motherboard. In addition, this type of user will also benefit from extra RAM, which will help in storing files.

This guide to choosing a custom built desktop computer should only serve as your first step in making a more informed buying decision. In addition to the aid of this guide, you should also perform thorough research and work with a trusted builder. It is important to remember that what you are putting into your custom built desktop computer will allow you to get the most out of it. Good luck!

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Bluetooth Security

October 27, 2010 — 4:16 am

Bluetooth Security

These days, all communication technology faces the
issue of privacy and identity theft, with Bluetooth
being no exception. Almost everyone knows that email
services and networks require security. What users
of Bluetooth need to realize is that Bluetooth also
requires security measures as well.

The good news for Bluetooth users is that the
security scares, like most scares, are normally over
dramatized and blown entirely out of proportion. The
truth being told, these issues are easy to manage,
with various measures already in place to provide
security for Bluetooth technology.

It’s true that there has been some Bluetooth phones
that have been hacked into. Most devices that are
hacked into are normally those that don’t have any
type of security at all.

According to Bluetooth specialists, in order to hack
into a Bluetooth device, the hacker must:
1. Force two paired devices to break their
connection.
2. Steal the packets that are used to
resend the pin.
3. Decode the pin.

Of course, the hacker must also be within range of
the device, and using very expensive developer type
equipment. Most specialists recommend that you
have a longer pin, with 8 digits being recommended.

Fundamentals of security
The “pairing process” is one of the most basic levels
of security for Bluetooth devices. Pairing, is
two or more Bluetooth devices that recognize each
other by the profiles they share – in most cases
they both must enter the same pin.

The core specifications for Bluetooth use an
encryption algorithm, which is completely and entirely
secure. Once the devices pair with each other,
they too become entirely secure.

Until they have successfully paired, the Bluetooth
devices won’t communicate with each other. Due to
this pairing process and the fact that it is short
range – Bluetooth technology is considered to be
secure.

As the news has indicated, experienced hackers
have developed ways to get around this level of
basic security. There are ways to get around this
threat, as you can install software to prevent
hackers from getting in.

With Bluetooth becoming more and more popular, it’s
really no wonder that security is always in
question. As Bluetooth gets bigger and better,
security will always be something that no one
really takes lightly.

If you’ve been concerned about Bluetooth security
in the past, rest assured that newer devices will
offer bigger and better security. Preventing
hackers from getting in is something every owner
is concerned about – and the manufacturer’s are
very aware.

Other wireless technology such as Garmin GPS utilizes complex wireless systems that let you know where you are, on any place in the world.

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New Technology Brings Improved Diagnosis of Heart Disease

October 22, 2010 — 5:16 pm

Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans. According to the American Heart Association, more than 13 million Americans are affected and, when diagnosing heart disease, using the best medical imaging technology available is crucial.

Until recently, diagnosing heart disease was difficult without a costly and invasive surgical procedure, especially for patients with little or no history of a heart condition.

But now, new medical imaging technology has vastly improved the area of computed tomography or CT scanning, which renders 3-D images of internal parts of the body, including the heart, brain and other organs, to make noninvasive diagnoses of heart disease and even stroke faster and more accurate.

As with most medical imaging procedures, image quality is key. If the scanned image does not clearly represent all the minute details, the diagnosis may not be as accurate. And today’s latest CT technology allows doctors to not only see things they’ve never seen before, meaning patients are getting the most accurate diagnosis possible, but also conduct faster exams on critically ill patients who might find it difficult to remain still for long periods of time.

For instance, the new Toshiba Aquilion 32 CFX multislice CT system is currently the industry’s finest resolution scanner available for cardiovascular imaging, producing 32 slices of detailed images as thin as .5 millimeters.

Using this new equipment, a detailed three-dimensional image is produced to allow doctors to see the heart from virtually any angle, which results in greater confidence in diagnosing heart diseases and abnormalities.

Inevitably, better diagnosis leads to better treatment. As we become more aware of the dangers of heart disease, we should also be aware of the medical technology available to our doctors. If you have the option of seeing a doctor with access to the latest medical imaging technology versus another doctor with access to dated technology, which one would you prefer?

You can be a better-informed patient. Ask your doctor about the quality of the imaging equipment on which you will be scanned.

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Bluetooth, Smartphones And Apple

October 20, 2010 — 8:07 am

Bluetooth, Smartphones And Apple

Laptops are the firsts ones to use bluetooth technology. But technology is inevitable and today, more and more gadgets, such as smartphones uses the same technology to communicate with other devices.

Bluetooth And Apple The new Apple powerbook G4 are among the first computers to offer Bluetooth technology 2.0+EDR. The 2.0+EDR technology, which still backwards compatible with 1.0, is up to three times faster than previous versions, offering maximum data rate transfers of up to 3 MBps. Being the first company to certify a system with 2.0+EDR, Apple continues to make great use of the Bluetooth technology.

Full support In addition to the powerbook G4 portables, there are other Bluetooth enabled computers available from Apple, including the iBook, iMac G5, eMac, and the Power Mac G5.

Making life easier When you turn the Bluetooth feature on, your Mac can easily perform a file transfer or even a synchronization. From the Bluetooth selection menu, you can choose to either send a file or browse devices, quickly and easily. Or, you can click the sync button in iSync to update your cell phone or Palm OS handheld.

The Mac and GSM/GPRS mobile phone with Bluetooth work to make each other more useful. By using iSync, you can keep your phone updated without having to type any info, as you can keep the information in the more manageable address book on your Mac instead.

You can also use your Bluetooth enabled Mac to print documents and digital images to select a printer that also supports the technology of Bluetooth. Or, you can also use a headset to talk to your friends during an iChat session.

Your Mac also has the ability to use Bluetooth technology to communicate with your Palm OS handheld. This way, you can perform a HotSync operation without using any cables. You can also send your business card or calendar events directly to someone else’s handheld usingthe technology of Bluetooth.

The implementation of Bluetooth by Apple is the latest in a series of moves that have caused great shift in the computer industry. Apple established USB as the standard interface with the launching of the first Mac back in 1998.

Since then, Apple established the 802.11 wireless standard of networking with the launch of the iBook and AirPort in 1999. During 2003, Apple launched AirPort Extreme, which was based on the new 802.11g high speed technology of wireless.

Now, Bluetooth helps to further strengthen the dominant position of the Mac in wireless communications, helping to preserve Apple’s reputation for being the first to market with innovative technology that integrates right into the operating system.

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Guide to Buying Discount Computer Supplies

October 19, 2010 — 6:15 pm

When it comes time to upgrade your computer or find parts that need to be replaced, shopping online is a practical way to shop. It has also become a more convenient way to shop than visiting several computer supply stores in your local area or in the nearest big city.

The good news is you don’t have to leave your home to find products and services that you need. In your leisure time, you can stay in your home and find bargains on your computer. Free time at work is also an opportune time to browse and surf to find the computer supplies you need.

Shopping for Discount Supplies

There are a variety of websites now that offer an extensive choice of products. Instead of driving to several different stores to compare products and prices you can now do it with the touch of the mouse. Whether you are shopping for one product or need several, home shopping will bring to light the best bargains available. As competition increases, there are many sites that offer discount prices – and you win!

Start Shopping

It is simple to find computer products or brands that you are seeking. At the search engine of your choice, type in the key words for your computer merchandise using the type or name brand of the computer or part you need. Then, you just choose the website you want to inspect and take your time reviewing the products they offer.

While you are looking for discount computer supplies and accessories, you can also shop for additional products. Many sites are like a department store and have a variety of discount products for you to choose from. An online mall is a great place to shop for assorted merchandise. You will be able to find any computer supplies that you may need including hard drives, CPUs, modems, scanners, monitors and many other necessities.

Shop for Other Discounts

While you are on these sites, you can also shop for other wares. The selection is unlimited! At the same time you’re shopping for discount computer supplies, you can also find discounts on sporting goods, tools, pet supplies, electronics, candles and auto parts. While you are looking for your supplies, you can often find great gifts and things that your family would like.

It is often more economical to order multiple products from one site. This way you have combined postage instead of paying individual rates. It is best to check shipping costs on each site to find the best possible rate. Remember to include the shipping costs in your overall expense.

Compare Discounts

When you are shopping for discount computer supplies, be sure of the product you want to buy. Check to see if there is a picture or a detailed description so you will know what you are getting. Check different online catalogs to compare products, quality, and prices. You can even make a wish list on your favorite sites and watch for sales on these items.

Become an Online Shopper

Find the products and supplies you need at discount prices online. This can save you a lot of time and money. Take advantage of the abundance of sites and opportunities to find everything you need. You may never want to fight the traffic or crowds again after you have tried shopping at home.

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Youth Connect Communities With New Technology

October 17, 2010 — 5:51 am

From blogging to podcasting to creating online videos, 4-H youth are leading the way, using new media and communication tools to share breaking news, event coverage and educational information with their community.

For example, the 4-H News technology club in Jefferson County, Wash., provides on-the-spot reports through video clips and podcasts posted to their 4-H Network News Web site. Club members have covered a fire in an historic hotel and a Red Cross disaster training exercise and conducted interviews with local business leaders.

The youth are hands-on in every step of putting together the one-to-two-minute news segments. “We get ideas about what we’ll do and who we’ll interview, then we take the camera, tape footage, put it on the computers and edit it,” 15-year-old Sophie Gilbert said.

Gilbert first created a video about a school reunion but quickly saw the educational value for her community. She has produced segments about avoiding drugs and alcohol and a beach restoration project. “There is a need for us to talk about some of the important things going on in our county and in the world,” she said.

The club came together as a collaboration among the local 4-H club, the Washington State University Extension office and the local newspaper. Jack Olmsted, 4-H leader for the club, Pamela Roberts, 4-H coordinator for the Jefferson County 4-H office, and the newspaper’s publisher work closely with the youth.

“Online media can be a priceless resource to capture not only the value of the 4-H experience, but also for our community, country and the world,” said Olmsted. “The youth are getting the process down and planning segments while making them enjoyable but also informative.”

The 4-H reporters publish their stories to an international audience using tools that are readily available in homes and offices-a video camera, computer linked to the Internet and telephone. “It is important to show the world that this can be done and it’s easy for anyone to do,” said 13-year-old Daniel Bryant.

Club members see themselves as a resource to others who want to start using online media. They also improve their public speaking skills and build self-esteem as they teach adults how to create and post news segments.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

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