August 31, 2007
What is "fast" internet?
These days, most people want a fast internet connection that gets them information quickly without tying up phone lines or having to wait what seems like forever for a page to load or an email to send.
What is "fast" internet?
Dial-up internet, the slowest kind, has become obsolete and instead has been replaced by two much faster types of internet - DSL and cable. These types of internet connections don't tie up phone lines, nor do they take long for pages to load. Typically, DSL and cable are about 50 times faster than dial-up and keep you continuously connected to the internet.
August 30, 2007
What a blackberry phone can do for your business
For about a year, I had been receiving emails with the exit line "from the blackberry of (whomever)".Reading this, I wondered about this device, the blackberry, but not being fully teched out, I didn't pursue that curiosity.Then one day I was on a ski lift with my friend Katie and she pulled out this little phone and made some promises I was sure she couldn't keep.She then typed onto a miniature keyboard on the phone and was able to make her business transactions from right there from the ski lift.I was positively amazed by the fact that Katie was able to be at work, in the office almost, while skiing with me.Wow!I had to get a blackberry.
If you are a business owner or a business manager, you might consider what this business phone can do for your business.The "phone-ish" assets are that it allow yours employee to make conference calls, use Bluetooth, or a speakerphone from any place they are able to get a cell phone signal.It also messages and allows users to use email, or go online.On older BlackBerries, the BlackBerry messenger was the only server available.On the newer blackberries, you can message with MSN, Yahoo, AIM, or ICQ.It was the email capabilities that amazed me up on the ski lift.
Continue reading "What a blackberry phone can do for your business"August 29, 2007
What you should know about web 2.0 technology
What you should know about web 2.0 technologies, and why it works. Web 2.0 is known as the people web. Simply put, Web 2.0 is the second generation of the web based communities and hosted services. This includes sites like social networking sites, and other sites This is to help with the sharing and collaborating of information between people, companies and much more.
The development of Web 2.0 is not necessarily a new Internet, however it is in reference to the new web platform that the developers have created. The term Web 2.0 comes from Tim O'reilly, and was then became a common term in the conference for Web 2.0 in 2004.
Continue reading "What you should know about web 2.0 technology"August 28, 2007
Uses of MP3 technology in the business world
Many of us have heard the term "MP3," but few of us know what it really is or what an MP3 is used for.The truth is that MP3 technology is used by millions of people all over the world on a daily basis and for some of those people MP3 technology is at the center of their business dealings.
MP3 is an audio encoding format.MP3 technology is designed to reduce the amount of data required to represent an audio recording.The popularity of MP3 players has grown dramatically in the past years as technology, affordability, and availability of MP3 products has progressed.MP3 technology is known by most as a leisurely benefit.One is able to store hundreds of songs or other audio data on a small devise and play back that audio data with ease.Few people are not familiar with the iPod or MP3 player.These devices have become essential accessories to many.
August 27, 2007
Tips for getting a better price on the latest phones and technology
Cell phones are a convenient communication tool and so much more. They allow you to check e-mail, dial a number by the sound of your voice, take photos, play games, send text messages, listen to music, along with viewing and editing documents. But choosing a cell phone and service plan can be an overwhelming experience. One very important tip for getting a good price on a cell phone and service is to know what features you want and the price you are willing to pay. So you will need to do some research and comparison shopping to ensure you get a good price on the latest phones and the features they offer.
Some of the key phone features to know include:
- Wireless mode: Dual-mode phones are phones that send and receive both digital and analog signals. These phones tend to be more reliable than single-mode models. Digital service is often spotty or nonexistent in rural areas, a dual-mode phone can fall back on an analog signal to allow service, though roaming fees may apply. If you will be mainly using your phone in big cities, you can stick with a single-mode model because digital service is widespread in big city areas. A single-mode model is often cheaper than a dual-mode phone.
August 26, 2007
Tips for choosing the latest gadgets
Are you the type of person who loves to go out and find the newest technology and the latest gadgets?If you are then you have probably found some really great devices that make your life easier.But chances are that amid all of the wonderful gadgets that are available, there are some devices that you can really do without.So how are you to know which gadgets are worth buying and which ones are not?Well there are a lot of factors to look at.
Brand reputation
August 25, 2007
Tips for choosing mobile internet services
Nowadays, Internet access is no longer limited to your home or office computer. Many people take their Internet on the road with them, accessing their emails, stocks, weather reports, bank statements, and many other things from their laptops, cell phones, or handheld computers regardless of their location.
If you have a device that allows you to connect with the internet, you will need to choose a mobile internet service provider. Also called WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers), mobile internet services allow you to take the internet with you. That way, if you have a lap top you can hook it up anywhere you that has a special port for connecting your laptop to the internet. In addition, some phones and PDAs also have wireless internet capabilities.
August 24, 2007
The ways technology has made the world smaller
There was a day when high tech communication was a guy on a pony galloping to the next town to deliver a letter.Then there were the days of switchboard operators and party lines, now we have nearly instant communication with anybody in the world right at our fingertips.Communication technology has always served to make the world a smaller place.The recent surge in high tech communications has hastened the process.
Maybe the biggest way that technology has made the world smaller is through the internet.The internet or World Wide Web is almost scary when you think about how accessible it has made the places that were once the farthest away.With things like Google earth, you can actually look at just about any place on the globe.Just type in an address or a name of a town and you can instantly see a satellite image of that place, zooming in and you can start to make out the streets and houses.No, the technology doesn't actually transport you there but by looking at it with your own eyes, you feel like you are there.
Continue reading "The ways technology has made the world smaller"August 23, 2007
The pros and cons of instant messaging and text in the workplace
It wasn't that long ago that there was no such thing as instant messaging or text messaging.Most big companies wrote their policies and procedures manuals long before "text messaging" even had a meaning.Because of this rapid change in communication and technology, there is a lot of grey area surrounding messaging in the work place.One the one hand, improvements in communication tends to improve productivity.On the other hand, you don't want your employees text messaging at work.This is a brief description of the advantages and disadvantages of messaging in the workplace
Advantages
August 22, 2007
The features and upgrades in Windows Vista
Microsoft has upgraded the last, latest greatest upgrade (Windows XP) with a new, latest greatest upgrade: Windows Vista.Besides costing more (the full package goes for about $400), what other differences are there between XP and Vista?
The look has changed-the new Vista program opens windows that look like, well, windows.There are fancy new special effects too.For example, the Windows Flip and the Windows 3D flip allow you to flip through the open windows when using the mouse scroll wheel.The new layout will appeal aesthetically to people who are impressed with similar features available in the high tech video games.Other improvements in the look include peripheral details like the JPEG file used for desktop wallpaper maintaining their proper ratios.
August 21, 2007
The advantages of using laptop computers over desktop computers
Just about as many homes today have computers as televisions and nearly all businesses are online.With the dawning and advancement of the computer age has come the inevitable shrinking and mobilization of computers.It's just the nature of technology, the same thing happened with telephones.Just like cell phones have become more popular than landlines, laptop computers are becoming more popular than desktop computers.There are several reasons for the laptop popularity.
Mobile people need mobile computers.If you, or your employees, have to spend much time traveling, it is impossible to work from a desktop computer that is stationary.By using a laptop, however, work can be done from virtually anywhere and work requiring the use of the internet can be done anywhere there is a wireless signal.Mobile technology is just as important in computing as it is in communications.Think of how lost you would be if you were still tied to a landline all of the time.The desktop computer is analogous to a landline telephone that is attached to a wall.
The latest consumer electronics
What are the latest and greatest in consumer electronics? That is all dependent on what area of technology spikes your interest. There are many new technological advances with consumer electronics as an entirety. However, there are ways to find out just what is new in your favorite areas.
Consumer electronics are basically all the different applications, gadgets and tools needed for entertainment, communications, and also office productivity. There are many different organizations, groups and much more on the Internet that make it easier to stay up to date with the latest consumer electronics. In addition to these resources, the manufacturers and designers of these consumer electronics are also offering information, specs and pictures, right on their web pages.
August 20, 2007
Ten technological gadgets besides a computer that every business should own
If you have a computer, you are aware of the ways technology can be used to make your life easier.This is especially true in business.The good news is that computers are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to using technological gadgets in your business.Here are 10 other gadgets that you might incorporate into your workday.
Portable scanners-portable scanners are now made as small as ball point pens.These scanners work in the same way as desktop scanners work.This means that they can transform any image or document into its digital code.You can scan anything into your portable scanner and then, when you connect it to your PC, have a fully functioning (i.e., editable) file of what you scanned.This gadget is so high tech it is almost scary.
Ten technological gadgets besides a computer that every business should own
If you have a computer, you are aware of the ways technology can be used to make your life easier.This is especially true in business.The good news is that computers are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to using technological gadgets in your business.Here are 10 other gadgets that you might incorporate into your workday.
Portable scanners-portable scanners are now made as small as ball point pens.These scanners work in the same way as desktop scanners work.This means that they can transform any image or document into its digital code.You can scan anything into your portable scanner and then, when you connect it to your PC, have a fully functioning (i.e., editable) file of what you scanned.This gadget is so high tech it is almost scary.
August 19, 2007
Storage devices, what are your best options?
In the past decade, we have witnessed a rapid evolution of computer related information storage.It used to be floppy disk that everything was stored on, remember?Now a lot of computers don't even have a disk drive for the floppies and hopefully you have saved the information from your floppies on some other device.Then there was a big move to compact disks, or CDs, which held more information than floppies.Now, most computers allow you can store information on DVDs, which hold tons of information.However, the cutting edge method of storing information now, is by using removable storage devices.There are a number of different types of removable storage, some better than others.
Memory cards-if you have a digital camera you will be familiar with memory cards.These are the flat, removable, pieces that act as "film" in your camera.You might take your memory card to the kiosk at the mall and pick the pictures that you want to have developed.You also might have a port on your computer that you can put the memory card in. If you do have such a port, you will be able to save your pictures directly onto your computer.If you don't have a port and you want to be able to save a digital copy of your pictures you can get an adapter.The adaptor plugs into the computer's USB port on one side and accepts the memory card on the other.This is a decent way to handle your pictures but it isn't the greatest way to store other types of information.
Continue reading "Storage devices, what are your best options?"August 18, 2007
Staying on the cutting edge of computer technology
Staying on the edge of computer technology. What does this really mean, and what does it take to stay on the edge. Wow, this is a great thought to ponder. Being that there really is so much that changes in the technological fields and devices.
The way that many of us look at technology is with the idea that technology is the know how of the means and methods of products, goods and services. With the increased science based advances that happen with technology every day it is no wonder that there is always something new on the market.
August 17, 2007
Software every computer should have
Software, whatever computer should have to function properly. Software is what makes the computer we use function, do what we need it to do, and actually make it think. This is because with all the parts, without the instructions, the computer would simply not move. We all know this if you have ever had issues with the software your computer has go bad. The reason is that the steps that the computer takes are simply done by following those instructions in the software.
The physical components or hardware of your computer execute these instructions and work with the software as a team. Therefore, without one the other cannot function. There are specific software options that every computer should have to function for the most effective use.
August 16, 2007
Should you allow your employees to use personal cell phones at work?
Cell phones in the work place are a little bit of a catch-22.If your employees have to make or take personal calls while they are at work, you would probably rather have them do it on their own dime than on yours.What makes this a catch-22 is that you don't want them to use their cell phones at work.A typical solution for this problem is for business to have an "only in case of emergency" cell phone policy.
There are security issues regarding cell phones.I was surprised when I went into a locker room recently and saw posters everywhere stating that the use of cell phones was prohibited in the locker rooms.I talked with a security officer to find out what the deal was and he said they had to prevent people from taking pictures in the locker room.Apparently, some other branch of the company had problems with people taking pictures of other people showering and then posting the pictures on the internet.It is somewhat hard to believe that we have to think about these things but the sad truth is that we do.
Continue reading "Should you allow your employees to use personal cell phones at work?"August 15, 2007
Security technology, how to keep your office and information secure
The high tech world comes with high tech problems and high tech solutions.If you store any information on computers, you need to be aware of the security technology available and know how to use it.Here are a few tips to help you use technology to keep your information safe.
Use anti-virus software-next to a fire, a computer virus might be the most destructive thing that your business is vulnerable to.Fortunately, it is fairly easy to protect your office computers against viruses.You can either buy the software and install it or you can download anit-viral software from the internet.Either way, you need to find a good program that offers protection against all sort of malware.The big anit-virus companies like Norton and McAfee offer protection against viruses, worms, hackers, spyware, and adware.The more protections that the program offers the more protected you will be when the bad stuff attacks your office computers.
August 13, 2007
Reviews of technology, which are really reputable?
When it comes to buying the latest gadgets, you want to make sure that you will be getting your money's worth.Some gadgets are simply not worth the hype.While others are hidden gems that may not be advertised as heavily as inferior products are.What you really need is a review that you can trust.Reviews are excellent tools to use to ensure that the product that you are interested in is really going to be something that you will enjoy.Product reviews allow you to benefit from someone else buying and trying the product first.Still, many people are not willing to trust technology reviews.After all, how can you know which ones are reputable and which ones are simply trying to look reputable?Fortunately there are a few things that you can look out for as you read through your reviews.
August 12, 2007
Pros and cons of the apple iPod mini
If you are thinking about getting an iPod there are some choices you need to make.There are several different versions from the shuffle, to the nano, to the mini to the humungous iPods with enough memory to store dozens of full length movies.Each iPod has its own set of reasons for buying it (or not buying it).If you are thinking of buying the moderately priced ($100)iPod mini there are some pros and cons that you should be aware of.
Cons
August 11, 2007
MP3 devices you should have for your business
An MP3 is a compressed audio format.MP3 formatted materials are more easily transferred, recorded, and stored.As a result, it is not necessary to have a full size computer to be able to utilize MP3 technology.In fact, MP3 devices are becoming smaller and smaller.MP3 devices have all kinds of useful applications.People use MP3 devices for everything from recreation to the business world.Of course, some individuals may not need or want MP3 devices for their business.But for others MP3 technology is convenient if not vital to certain industries.
There are three main types of MP3 devices; flash-based players, hard-drive based players or digital jukeboxes, and MP3 CD players.You probably know these products by their brand names.But most MP3 devices are going to fall within these three categories.
August9, 2007
Information technology, how to be knowledgeable enough to use it
If you are reading this article, you are using information technology.After all, isn't that what the internet is?There is all sorts of information technology that you are already using.Do you use email?That's information technology.How about cell phones?That's information technology too.Text messaging?Bingo.
The trick to knowing how to use information technology is realizing that you are using it all the time and that it isn't that mysterious and it isn't that hard.The more you get used to using various IT devices, the more comfortable you will be using any device.You might be old enough to remember the first time you used a cell phone.It was a little unsettling wasn't it?How to I turn it on?How do I send?Now, you probably have enough experience with cell phones that you can pick up a very alien looking cell phone and place a call.That's kind of what happens with all technology.
August8, 2007
How to use Outlook
There are many email service providers available. One of these is Outlook. Outlook is often the email provider of choice for businesses, as is has a number of helpful features for those who need to send emails, manage their contacts, assign tasks, and access their calendars.
Outlook has a number of features; however, it is easy to navigate. The following are some how-tos of some of the most common features in the messages section of Outlook:
August7, 2007
How to upgrade your current computer system
One of the biggest frustrations that consumers face with computer systems is that it seems like as soon as you buy a system that is supposed to be "top of the line" something better becomes available.In fact, it is estimated that average desktop PC has a functional lifespan of roughly two to five years.Most people simply cannot afford to replace their computers every two to five years.Instead, consumers may choose to upgrade their current system.
PC's manifest their flaws in different ways. Some systems just aren't as fast as they used to be, some don't have enough space to store their files while other computer systems don't meet the requirements for the latest software.You must first determine what upgrades your computer is in need of.Then it would be wise to consider whether it is worth it to replace a part of your system or upgrade it.
August6, 2007
How to set up a wireless system for your office
The advantages of wireless connections to the services and features that you use most are many.To no longer be literally tied down to one location by cords and wires is a feature that remains highly desirable with many home office users or office workers who want to be able to spread their wings a little bit and break through restrictive location barriers.
Setting up a wireless system for your office may be intimidating at first but with the right instructions anyone can successfully set up a wireless system with just a little time.Wireless systems can get tricky if you have special unique needs or equipment.In this article, we will make some assumptions about your current computer situation.Most individuals fall in the following category of attributes and the directions listed later will apply specifically to these types of people:
Continue reading "How to set up a wireless system for your office"August5, 2007
How to make recent advances in technology a benefit for your business
Information and communication technology is continually setting the pace for the business world. The business world is a fast-changing place and new advances in technology are changing the way everyone works. In less time than ever before, more work can be done in a day, not only at the desk, but also on the road away from the office. Knowing and implementing the most recent advances in technology can benefit your business greatly.
Investing in mobile solutions can increase productivity significantly.Typically, there are two options:
1. A hosted exchange solution where everything is managed for you and your people. All you see are the messages, e-mail messages, data reports, and content that is delivered to your PC or mobile online device as part of your hosting agreement.
2. A mobile information server, which is a full solution. This full solution is managed inside your business or buy a hosted supplier. For a simple monthly fee plus airtime costs, you get everything you require, which includes all the hardware, software, configuration, installation, training, and support.
As your business grows and you perhaps relocate, you simply "unplug" the solution and take it with you.
August4, 2007
How to do a hard reset on your computer or pocket pc
If you cannot close the program manually and you are using a Windows operating system you can hold down "control", "alt", and "delete" all at the same time.Doing this will open the Windows Task bar.From the windows taskbar, you can select the program, or programs, that you would like to shut down and click "end program".This is a safe way to reset your computer and all of your data will be safe.You might loose any unsaved information for the program you were working on but you are going to lose that no matter how you reset the computer.
If the computer is so locked up that you cannot get it to respond by using control/alt/delete, you are going to have to do something aggressive but don't reach for the hard reset button just yet.The start menu is always available on the bottom of your computer screen.You can shut down the computer by clicking on start and selecting "turn off computer".You will then get options for switching users, turning off the computer, or restarting the computer.Select restart and see what happens.
Continue reading "How to do a hard reset on your computer or pocket pc"August3, 2007
How to determine which wireless network provider has the best service?
When it comes to choosing a wireless network provider, you want to be able to trust the service that you will be receiving.After all, the service of your wireless network provider can play a large role in the success and efficiency of your business.It is also important to keep in mind that wireless network provider service encompasses many different aspects.Consumer support is not the only service to be looking for.Listed below are more of the services that you should be looking at as you determine which wireless network provider has the best service for your needs and budget.
Coverage
Continue reading "How to determine which wireless network provider has the best service?"August2, 2007
How to convert files to usable formats using windows media player
Using multimedia files on computers is becoming more and more popular and computers are becoming better and better equipped to amaze with media.One of the ways users of Microsoft Windows users can take advantage of these benefits is with Windows Media Player.Media Player is an easy to use program that will store and convert music, videos, and other multimedia forms.But sometimes files need to be converted into a format that can be read by Media Player.Most file conversion is now done automatically when you add a new song or video.You may need to change some settings in Windows Media Player to make the formats work the best on your portable devices like an MP3 player or video player.
The help menu in the toolbar is a very useful place to learn about how to convert formats so that they will work better in Media Player and on a mobile device.Sometimes this requires changing the quality of a file so that the device or program playing the file back will be able to perform optimally and so that the information in the file will be transmitted correctly.Audio and video files may need to be converted to a format optimized for playback on a portable device.This is normally done automatically when a song or video is added to your Windows Media Player library.If this isn't done when you add the files to the library, it can also be done when you are synching the portable device with your computer.These files are kept in a temporary file specified by you so that they are available for synchronization.
August1, 2007
How to change a small office network (wireless)
Changing your small office network to a wireless network is a task that may seem daunting at first, but once you have the convenience of a wireless network you will be glad that you made the effort to make a change.Exactly how you change a small office network to a wireless network will defer depending on the equipment, software, programs and wireless service provider that you choose.However, the steps are generally the same and below you will find one example of the steps needed to change a small office network to a wireless network.
To begin, you will need a base station (also called a router) and a network adaptor for each computer in your small office network."Wi-fi" products are among the most commonly used when it comes to setting up a wireless small office network. You can purchase base stations and network adapters from major computer retailers, office supply stores, or electronic stores.Most base stations and network adaptors come with instructions for set up. Once you have followed the instructions for set-up, you can start configuring your network. Configuring the network is what distinguishes a computer from simply being wireless and a small office network of computers that are connected to be able to interact and transmit information to each other wirelessly.
Continue reading "How to change a small office network (wireless)"