What is VOIP PBX?

These days, most people are familiar with VOIP even if they don't recognize the word. Voice over Internet Protocol is something that many of us use from time to time or even on a daily basis. Services like Skype are a good example of a VOIP system.

Just What is a PBX? PBX refers to Private Branch Exchange, which sounds a little confusing, but is basically a method of switching phone lines back and forth to connect them in the world of offline communication. When referring to VOIP, the system is essentially the same in concept, only it works over a LAN or WAN network. These are data-oriented rather than circuit switched networks which we use in the real world phone systems.

You see, when you make a call on a VOIP system to a phone, a VOIP PBX or IP PBX, is responsible for making the connection between the virtual and the real life version. This is also in effect when you are calling from one computer to another, but there is no translation necessary between data and traditional phone lines.

With VOIP PBX, it's a very simple matter to create a conference call and have several people in on a call. The technology has made it extremely easy to add new people to a call and without any additional preparation, you'll be able to turn an ordinary phone call into one between several people. This is particularly useful for business calls where several people need to be in on a discussion or for long distance meetings. Families can also use this to connect on one call, no matter where they are in the world. It's an amazing technology that still isn't being used as much as it should.

What Should I Know? VOIP PBX is essential to making your calls online, but in most cases you don't need to know anything about this. In fact, your VOIP provider is going to be responsible for this area. However, it does help to understand what they are talking about and to realize what some of the potential issues are with this type of setup.
What is VOIP PBX?

The reason some people still refuse to use VOIP is that they worry about the quality and reliability of this form of communication. While this was once a major issue, the technology has progressed to the point that these problems are far less frequent. Before we look at the issues that can arise, it's important to know that when you communicate online, your voice data is divided into smaller pieces, called packets, for sending.

Possible problems include the following: - Too much information being received by the VOIP PBX Consulting at once. - Packet delay, when a packet gets sent through the wrong relays. - Packets getting jumbled up in the sending and reaching the receiver in the wrong order. - Packets arriving at different times at the receiver, causing 'jitter'.

The result of having packets get lost or misdirected is a pause and possible loss of data while speaking. This is part of the reason why there is often a delay when using VOIP. This means you'll need to speak slower when this happens. However, for the most part, the technology works well enough for even business calls and is far more cost effective.

Even though you may not need to know exactly how VOIP PBX works, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the concept. VOIP is a very valuable addition to our communications systems and it is estimated that by 2010, 90% of communications sales will involve VOIP as it is rapidly growing in popularity.

Location Tracking Via CellID

If you need to find cell phone user's particular location (even if it's your own), you can use GPS. GPS stands for "global positioning system," and it was originally developed by the United States Department of Defence for their use. GPS uses a GPS receiver; the receiver calculates the user's position by precisely timing signals that are being sent by GPS satellites that are in orbit above the earth.

Increasingly, cell phone handsets include GPS as one of their functions. However, some older handsets don't have this function, and it can be difficult to find users by location. One way around this, is by using cell phone towers to find a particular cell phone user.

You can do this by using a process called "triangulation." It uses the cell towers that cell phones, GSM terminals, and GSM modems to use. In fact, iPhones use WiFi data and the triangulation method to locate iPhone users on Google maps (along with GPS on the newer 3G handsets).

There are also commercial locating services such as FollowUs; with these, you pay to locate handsets that don't already have GPS included. If you are a developer, you can also use commercial services such as Skyhook and Navizon.

Besides using commercial services, you may also be able to collect cell IDs yourself with GSM or GPS capable equipment. You would store this data in a database and then later, you'd use it to find out where handset users are, by first retrieving the list of cell ids they are close to, then finding these in your own database and resolving them to a latitude / longitude that was recorded when the cell id was added to the database in the first place from a device that did have GPS available.

There are several open source resources with cell ID location data available. Some of these are: CellSpotting; OpenCellID, 8Motions; ZoneTag Cell Location API, Yahoo.

OpenCellID may be especially useful, since it's an open-source database of cell IDs where you can create your own application to gather information about particular cell locations (as in the database described above). Because each cell phone user has a unique number for his or her own GSM cell, this can help you find the exact operator. If you know the number and you know the cell, AND you know the position of the cell (by using triangulation), you can find the user. It's not quite accurate, since a given cell can cover from several hundred to several thousand meters, but it's quite a specific locator nonetheless. It can at least help you narrow down where someone is if you need to find them.

Again, as older handsets are retired and new handsets are used, most of these will have global positioning system capability included. This will make the aforementioned methods and applications less necessary, if not obsolete. However, that may be a few years and it's also quite possible that more "frugal" cell phone users will use their old handsets until they simply can't function anymore. Therefore, until everyone is on a cell phone with GPS capability, it's useful to know that there are ways to find users as you need to, even if it means you have to use a little bit of old-fashioned elbow grease.

Reduce Costs With SNA to IP Migration

Organizations can realize huge savings by migrating SNA applications to IP using TN3270 and TN5250, eliminating the need for older, cost intensive SNA communication hardware and software.

IBM’s Systems Network Architecture (SNA) is a protocol stack that IBM developed to address networking deficiencies that were prevalent at the time of its creation in 1974. Several large hardware and software vendors provide SNA gateways that connect LAN-based PCs with IBM host systems running SNA (Systems Network Architecture) protocols, including IBM, Microsoft and Hewlett Packard.

In the 1990’s, fueled by a Gartner Group report stating that “users with SNA as their primary protocol will spend a total of 20% more than IP users on training staff, hardware and software purchases, and administration”, organizations began to migrate to Internet Protocol based networks.

TN3270 emulation is a communications standard that allows a remote terminal such as a Windows workstation to communicate with an IBM or IBM-compatible mainframe over IP. Similarly, TN5250 emulation uses the telnet protocol to create a TCP/IP connection to a remote host, typically an IBM AS/400 or iSeries server.

Now available on the market are non-invasive integration server solutions that allow customers to replace costly, aging SNA solutions with programmatic access to host-based applications at the data stream layer over an IP network. The host applications will traditionally be using 3270 (IBM Mainframe or zSeries) or 5250 (IBM AS/400 or iSeries) protocols and using LU types 0, 1, 2 or 3. A class library can be used to simply expose the information contained in these protocols to the customer’s application prior to the construction of the screen and print buffers. This should not be compared to “screen scraping” API’s such as HLLAPI or Object API offered by most terminal emulation vendors.

Typical customer applications requiring this interface are found in the banking and financial worlds, especially where the migration from SNA to IP networks has not yet been fully achieved. With the current state of the economy, some of the largest banks in the United States are now using this technology to eliminate thousands of servers and realize considerable savings in the process.

Many organizations continue to use TN3270E or TN5250E host printing, whether from an IBM zSeries mainframe or iSeries AS/400 midrange server. Using this type of programmatic IP-based integration solution, a developer can take a standard IBM 3287 LU 1 or LU 3 mainframe host printer session and programmatically output the information to multiple formats, including PDF, HTML, fax or file. This requirement can be found in banks, hotels, car rental agencies, hospitals, universities and state and local governments that continue to use host applications and need to output statements, receipts, invoices, reservations, class schedules, tax information, etc. in multiple output formats.

Using the LUA-RUI interface, existing LUA-RUI applications can be migrated from older, expensive SNA hardware and software solutions. Using the LUA RUI interface permits more control in customer applications by providing methods to handle exception requests, minimize LAN traffic through program design and recover from session failures.

Get The Most Out Of Your SEO Professional

Many businesses go through all kinds of steps before hiring a search engine optimization professional. Unfortunately, they often then sabotage that person from the outset.

As a person providing seo services, I can tell you there is one area that is almost always a point of conflict with clients. This area has to do with communication, particularly from the client to the person or business handling the seo campaign.

Many businesses sabotage their seo professional right from the start of the game. It all has to do with knowledge. A seo professional is very knowledgeable about the search engine ranking process. He or she can tell you oodles of information about algorithms, back links, inbound links, keyword density and other issues you probably are not particularly interested in. On the other hand, it is a mistake to assume your seo wizard is knowledgeable about your product or service area.

Any business has a secret bit of crucial knowledge locked away in the minds of a few individuals high up in the company. This knowledge is protected with great effort since it is deemed to be the key to success for the business. Although each business is different, this nugget usually has to do with why prospects purchase the product or service being offered by the business. If you do not provide this information to your seo professional, problems will arise.

Consider the following situation. A seo firm is retained by a client selling products. The seo rep asks all kinds of questions about the typical customer for the business, product lines and so on. From this, a keyword list is developed and the client is asked to review it and make any comments about any additions they can think of. The business reports no changes. A year down the line, the client has top rankings on dozens of high traffic keywords on Google, Yahoo and MSN, but sales are less than expected.

At this point, there is usually a serious meeting with the players to try to figure out what is going on. During the meeting, some little tidbit is mentioned that makes the seo professional groan. The tidbit is inevitably internal business information regarding why prospects purchase from the business.

In our example above, the business sold products in the active lifestyle industry. Top rankings were obtained on all the relevant subjects. Sales were crap. During the serious, serious meeting, it was leaked that 8 out of 10 purchasers asked for the product to be gift wrapped! ARRRRRGGGG! The seo campaign was tailored to people interested in active lifestyles, not people that were looking to buy gifts for such people. Our sales were terrible because the listings were appearing in front of the wrong audience!

Yes, this really happened. Fortunately, keyword modifications were made and the site rebounded in the rankings after a few months. Whereas the site previously converted at 1 in 1,000, it now converts at 1 in 30. The next meeting was much more informal. In fact, there were plenty of beverages and I took the next day off.

If you are going to retain someone to handle your seo efforts, or any marketing for you, do not hold back information. Understanding who and why people buy is a pivotal part of developing a keyword list for a seo campaign

11 Crucial Things an Ubuntu Newbie Should Know

As I was sitting here, preparing to write this article, my mind wandered back to the day I accidentally wiped out a Windows installation with a Gutsy Gibbon CD. I thought I was in trouble. I had just knocked out my work documents, including various templates I made, along with scanner support, and my Adobe 8.0 suite.

It was at that moment I decided to make a go of it with Linux as my sole operating system. After nearly 2 years of tweaking, making mistakes, fixing those mistakes, and then making even more mistakes, I finally feel qualified to give you advice.

In light of this experience, I now present "11 Crucial Things An Ubuntu Newbie Should Know".

Commands

1. ps -A: One of the reasons I hated Windows so much was the task manager. When a program would hang, you'd have to open task manager, tell it to kill the program, and wait 5 minutes for the system to kill the application, All the while, it would bog down the processor, hog memory, and be an overall nuisance. 50% of the time, you would have to restart the computer to get the process to clear.

Not so in Ubuntu/Linux. All you have to kill a program is open the terminal, and type "ps -A". This will pull up a list of all the processes currently running, with the name of the program, along with a 4-5 digit number next to it. Then, type "kill -9 PN" (PN should be substituted with the actual Process Number), and hit enter. This will kill the app, no questions asked. It will not ask you any questions, or give you any excuses. That program is now dead, until the time you decide to resurrect it. This will not work with things like Apache, or other process daemons. If you're not sure, just try to kill it. If it doesn't die, then it is probably a daemon. You will have to find the actual documentation to stop the daemon.

Bonus tip: In Ubuntu (Gutsy and later), the command to stop Apache is: sudo /etc/init.d/apache2 stop To restart: sudo /etc/init.d/apache2 start

2. gksudo nautilus: Nautilus is the GUI-based file browser for Gnome, which is the default window manager for Ubuntu. If you are not used to the command line, this command will save you hours when it comes to file operations. Well, it will only save you hours for things that have to be done as root. Things like special system configuration, and other things where you need upgraded privileges will be much faster when you use this command.

Just open the terminal, type "gksudo nautilus", enter your password, and magically you can do anything you want. For faster access, right click the Desktop, select "create launcher", enter "gksudo nautilus" as the command. You can now click the shortcut on your Desktop , rather than opening the terminal and entering a command each time you need access to Nautilus.

3. dmesg: If you have managed to really mess something up, or are having trouble getting things to work, you may need someone with greater experience to take a look. Typing "dmesg" in your terminal window will call up all the messages from your system kernel. Copy and paste this into a text document, attach it to an email, and let a true expert get a look at what is going on with your hardware.

Upgrades:

4. Ubuntu's package manager, Synaptic, is a GUI front-end for Aptitude. What you don't know is that Synaptic is set to run in what could be called "safe-mode". It will not go get the latest and greatest versions of the software you are running. It will get the last (often 6 months older) version of the software you want to run. You can upgrades faster by enabling optional software repositories.

To do this, open Synaptic (System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager), then select Settings > Repositories. Once you are in the repositories window, select the "Updates" tab. The Ubuntu "security" and "recommended updates" repository have already been selected. To get the newer stuff, you need to check "backports" and "proposed" software. Apply, and reload. This should get most of your software up to date, along with the kernel.

5. The kernel: While having the latest and greatest stable kernel can improve system performance, it can also break little fixes you have made along the way. An example: I had gone through the painstaking process of editing some configuration files to get my webcam to work. The last kernel update overwrote the changes I had made, and in the process, disabled my webcam. This can get irritating, but eventually a kernel release might fix an issue on its own, so I guess it is an ok, if not completely lossless tradeoff.

6. Upgrading to the newest version of Ubuntu: Don't do it right away. Always give a new version at least two months in regular use before you decide to upgrade. I have tried to upgrade for 3 releases now, in the first two weeks of availability for the upgrade. Each time, there has been a major failure, mostly in the area of graphics and sound. If your release is stable, there is no reason to upgrade right away, other than a few minor changes in speed and stability. You forfeit these if you upgrade on the first day of a new release. You have been warned.

Got Help?:

7. You can Google it: If you haven't googled it, do not trounce into a forum and ask the question. People are nice, but they really can't stand laziness. If you have searched, and can't find it, it may be a more advanced question that really needs more expert analysis.

Here's the search formula that reaps the best rewards for me: [manufacturer] [model] [problem] [ubuntu distribution]...(e.g. sony vaio webcam installation hardy). You can vary this formula a little bit, as sometimes it takes a few searches to get the hang of it. The one thing that you should not change is having your version of the distribution in the search. The reason is that fixes, and places where applications install can be different depending on the version you are using. This will ensure that you receive the best solution possible.

8. The Forums: Most of the time, Googling the problem will send you to the Ubuntu forums. Get a user name, log in, and be respectful. Be sure you try everything they tell you to before griping that it won't work. The help and advice is free, and usually very helpful in nature.

9. Launchpad: This is a bug reporting service that Ubuntu users use to get bugs and various other problems fixed. You can reach the project at https://launchpad.net/ubuntu . Once you get there, click on report a bug, and follow the instructions. Be sure the problem has not been reported already, as they will ask. Provide as much information about the incident as possible. They will keep you posted on the progress as far as the problem being resolved, and assign a priority rating based on the severity of the problem. I've had to use it 2 or 3 times. Even the minor problems have been resolved in 2-3 weeks.

10. Don't Be Afraid To Break It

This is the most important rule. This ain't your Granny's china. Stuff will break, you will be the one to break it. You will also be the one fixing it, along with your friend Google. Be patient, be persistent, and walk away for a bit if the solution just won't come. Vindication will come, and when the fix is done properly, or you changed a variable that caused performance to increase, there will a mountaintop rush. Chances are, your significant other won't care, but that won't matter. Feel free to prance around in your boxers, and act like you just won the Nobel Prize.

11. Everything in Windows can be replaced with Open Source software: Really, it can. It takes a little time to find it, but when you do, a whole new world will open up. You'll start to see how things work better than you expected. Things will play that would not on Windows, you'll be able to open every attachment you ever wanted to. Productivity will increase, thereby giving you more time to make your system work faster, and work on your own open source program.

I can't include everything I've learned over the past two years here. There are some other articles that I have written on software packages, and the pros and cons of each. Just google my name and iSnare to get a full list of what I have written on the subject. In conclusion, have fun with Ubuntu, share your knowledge with others, and fear God. Seriously.

That's all the advice I have for you.

Using Logic For Live Performances...

Think about it – everytime you sling Logic into record mode and make your fingers dance elefgantly across your midi keyboard, you are using logic not just to play back but also to record your live performances.

As we rely on editing, comping, quantization and editing so much, its easy to forget that this is live performance but effectively that’s exactly what it boils down too.

So, why not translate this capability to the stage?
The power in the current fleet of laptop Mac is such that you don’t even need to restrict yourself to just a single plugin either – Logic should comfortably play back even demanding single instruments without latency problems rearing their unwanted heads.

Of course, the vast array of third party AU plugins available today means that you can customize Logic to provide you with the soundest which befits your musical bent – just be aware that any third party plugin is likely to be slightly less stable than a Logic one for obvious reason so do some serious road-testing before jumping on stage.

One thing you might have not noticed is its ability to harm multiple channels at the same time. If you setup 3 software instruments, for instance and click the red “R” lights in their track name panes they will all respond to incoming midi data.

So, just like in main stage, you can setup master patches which playback several instruments at once. As you able to restrict the range across this instruments will play in the instrument edit panel on the extra left, you can easily setup keyboard splits too.

Of course, another major advantage of using Logic live is its ability to play audio back while a software instrument is been used for performance.

There are plenty of bands and DJs out there who want to be able to supplement a live set with sequence elements, perhaps takings from well known studio recordings and, without a fleet of keyboard players to painstakingly recreate each and every part, at least some of these elements would have to be run from the modern equivalent of a backing track.

As always, Logic has the answer.

Running a modern backing track is easy these days – simply setup audio track one at the top of your arrangement and load each backing track internet into the arrangement.

Last but no least, it’s a good idea to leave a few bar space between each one and to set a tempo change between a tempo change of each so that each tempo song is matched within Logic.

Surely using Logic on live performances might not seem as easy and straight forward as using other software such Ableton Live, but it is a very exciting alternative and for people who produce records in Logic and also people who love Logic huge collection of effects and instruments this is one mre option to consider when hitting the road.

Have fun, we love love using Logic when we DJ or perform live and I hope these tips helped...

How Intelligent Mail Barcode Can Save Your Business Money

All That You Wanted To Know About Intelligent Mail Barcode

Intelligent Mail barcode attempts to bring a revolutionary change in the postal system. It is an initiative by the US Postal department to enable them and the users, much more competency in handling mail. It aims to increase a mailer’s capacity of tracking individual pieces of mail and also provides better visibility in the mail stream.

It has been designed so as to upgrade the existing four-state customer barcode, and uses a 65-bar USPS barcode for sorting and tracking letters and flats. The Intelligent Mail barcode allows mailers to use more digits, thus enabling distinctive identification of a billion mail pieces for every mailing. Users can include up to 31-digits worth of information. Apart from it, there are also some additional features like ACS services and enhanced tracking.

Mailers have two options to choose from. They can either go for basic service or for full service. In case of a basic service option, just essentials of IMB i.e. service code; delivery point code and mailer ID are required, whereas in case of full service, you require all the essential elements of basic service, in addition to a unique identity on every mail piece.

There are some features of Intelligent Mail bar-coding system that make it truly unique and invaluable. It can combine multiple services such as OneCode ACS (Address Change Service), OneCode Confirm Service Type ID, postNET barcode and OneCode Confirm Service Type ID in a single barcode. It also helps in simplifying the look of the mail piece. Apart from it, IMB can free up valuable real estate area in the address block by combining what used to be four-five lines of the address block into just a single one.

This new system of IMB has many advantages. It will definitely improve readability and more under adverse conditions. There are features like advanced error correction that will help in hiding portions of the barcode. All information can be recovered during the read. It will also reduce Return Mail. Mailers can update their records when they receive their free notices containing information about customer move.

It will be easy for customers to track their inbound and outbound mail pieces via the Intelligent Mail Barcode. It insures that every mail piece remains uniquely traceable through the Intelligent Mail Barcode’s ID capacity. This will definitely improve performance.

IBM Manager is an excellent USPS IMB solution from the software companies. It is extremely easy to use and is compatible with both Basic and Full service options. It allows the users to generate Intelligent Mail Barcodes for files created by different types of presort or by Mail.dat product. The users can also manage their Intelligent Mail Serial Numbers within a single mail ID or else across multiple mail lists. It also creates a database for tracking the 45-day expiration dates for Unique Serial Numbers. IBM Manager can create all 3 types of Intelligent Mail Serial Numbers.

Thus this latest software is revolutionizing the age old postal system and modernizing th

Small Business 101: Is Payroll Software For Me?

The answer is YES, if you are a small business owner, you have employees, you have payments to make, taxes to deduct from the salaries and send the deducted money to the IRS.

1. Payroll Software Is Worth
As small business owner, you need to take care of the payroll all by yourself. Calculating the income tax and national insurance contributions in producing the weekly payroll can easily take an hour or more each week. An hour that could be better spent earning profits or at the very least having an extra hour of free time each week. Free time that small business owner's value at a premium since the majority of small business owners either work or think about work from dawn to dusk 7 days a week. A payroll software package to satisfy the payroll requirements can be just one part of making that small business more efficient.

2. Payroll Software Can User Friendly
You do not need to be a computer whizze or financial guru to use payroll software. Dr Ge, the designer of ezPaycheck, believed "Good small business payroll software was designed and engineered for ease-of-use by those who have only basic computer skills and little accounting know-how. It should be simple - stupid simple - so that small business owners can focus their time and energy on running their businesses, not trying to figure out how to run payroll software."
So ezPaycheck payroll software from halfpricesoft.com always comes with sample database. Dr Ge said most of their users can print their first check in minutes.

3. Payroll Software Is Affordable
Most small business owners do not need complex accounting suite, which comes with lots features that you might not need to touch at all. You can easily find stand-alone small business payroll software on market that cost you less than $100 per tax year. Some companies even offer discount price for updating package when renew it next year.

4. Start Your Test Drive
If you are still not confident enough, you can go ahead and download such software from internet. Most companies allow user to user try such software free for 15 to 30 days.

Tips:
Followings are some suggestion in choosing payroll software:

1 Test drive trial version of your payroll software efficiently. Firstly, you should be very comfortable with the GUI and should be able to handle it on your own even before you make a purchase. Ask for trial version of the desired software. Many payroll software companies provides free download version from their web site. Make sure you test the trial version enough before making a serious purchase.

2. Of course good payroll software must calculate taxes accurately. But as payroll software for small business owners, it must be simple, straight-forward and user friendly as well. It cannot expect the small business owner to be an expert at computers and finance. If you start a payroll application and cannot figure out how to use the buttons after 10 minutes, it may a good decision to forget this payroll software.

3. Be sure to check for any hidden charges while making the purchase. You may need to pay annual charges for updates.

With less than $100 priced easy-to-use payroll software like ezPaycheck (from halfpricesoft.com), you can handle the payroll job easily yourself. Why you need to pay accountant $200 per month?

USPS Address Validation And Verification

Why Modern Businesses Need Address Verification Software

The USPS stands for United States Postal Service. It is an independent concern of the government of United States. The USPS is a delivery service provider and deals with billions of delivery parcels every week. The USPS system works by delivering items to the recipients on the basis of an address. This address contains unique identifying information like name, street, city, state, and postal code like the five-digit ZIP Code that represents a geographical area.

Most Delivery service providers like USPS charge a certain amount as shipping fees to senders. There are quite a lot of methods available which allow a sender to prepare the mail in a better way so as to get a discount on the shipping fee. One of the ways is to pre-code the mail with a bar code, and send it to a to a USPS mail processing facility. The USPS will now use automated mail processing tools to apply an 11-digit delivery point bar code on every mail for identifying each address.

Mailers can also bar-code the mails themselves. For this they need to use address validation software for validating an address and then bar-code each piece of mail. Validating addresses using USPS validating software means confirming that a particular address is available for delivery by the USPS. If the mailer now sends mail to that particular address, the item is sure to get delivered and it will not be returned to sender or destroyed.

There are many companies providing address validation software. They have an extensive product line for providing the full range of postal processing, mail data and Intelligent Mail solutions.

The MaxCASS software can clean up your files. It updates the customers’ database with the current and correct information about addresses available from the USPS. The MaxPresort is used for presorting mails of different types like letters, NFMs, flats, parcels and in different USPS classes. The MaxMover is used for providing users with the ability of automatic updates of the original records with the new address information. The address validation software is called Address Verifier. It can instantly verify or corrects unique addresses.

The biggest advantage is that this verification can be done in real time using the USPS ZIP+4 data base. Apart from it there are also certain optional add-on modules that can instantly assure you better mail deliverability, superior bottom line performance and also provide significant customer data.

Address Verifier can improve the deliverability of your mail by either matching the incoming address or else by matching your entire file with the most current USPS ZIP+4 database. Address Verifier will not only provide you with a correct and standardized address that includes name, street number, city, state and ZIP code, but also provides county name, congressional district, carrier route codes and delivery point barcode. These ensure accuracy and also provide superior marketing information. Lastly, another popular software is View.Dat. It can be used for viewing and validating Mail.dat files created during presorting mailing lists for some postal discounts. Thus it makes sense to use them for the growth and security of your business.

How CASS Certification And Software Can Help Your Business

What Is CASS Certification And How It Helps Us

Generally speaking, CASS or Coding Accuracy Support System is a software which helps the Postal Services to measure the efficacy of the software which maintains the hygiene of addresses. All vendors and mailers who would like to be enabled to have the USPS evaluate the efficiency of their software which matches addresses, can be offered CASS Certification.

CASS software also helps promote and improve the accuracy of the mailers’ Zip+4 carrier route along with the 5-digit coding. It enables the vendors or mailers to test the capability of their address-matching software packages. After a certain modicum of compatibility is achieved, it is ready to be certified by the Postal Services.

The CASS Certification has to be certified annually with the USPS so as to be able to meet the requirements of the current CASS Certification. The results are then returned to the mailers/vendors to enable them to correct inaccuracies by providing them with useful diagnostic methods.

To go into the detailed workings of this software, one must first look at the benefits offered by the adoption of this software. The advantages of this software are many.

• CASS software corrects and standardizes addresses and also adds the missing elements like zip codes, cities and states to make the total address complete.

• A ‘delivery point validation’, which means, that the software can verify whether a given address is deliverable or not is also possible with this software.

• It can also bring the addresses which have been renamed or renumbered up-to-date by accessing the USPS ‘locatable address conversion system’. The correct address saves the Postal Services a lot of time, money and effort.

• The futility of non-deliverable mail, unsorted mail is reduced. Also, mail which can be delivered but requires that extra push to locate the exact location is also taken care of by this software.

• The debugging and cleaning of the mailing list is possible with this type of software.

• The USPS offers discounted postage tariffs to those who use the CASS software.

However, to be eligible for the discounted postage packages, the mailer’s address list has to be verified against the Postal Services USPS database. This verification is termed “CASS Certification” and it ensures that every address on the list can be delivered to. This certification requires some points to be cleared before being accredited by the CASS certificate. Some of them include getting the mailing list checked by the Mail Preparation Services, signing a declaration that each address on the mailing list has been checked by the USPS or the address has been mailed to within one calendar year. All addresses on each list are also required to be corrected.

A major point to keep in mind while wishing to have the mailing list totally updated and current, is to send a mailing First Class or Standard with the endorsement ‘address service requested’. In case of any addresses being incorrect, information will come from the Postal services.

CASS has certainly simplified the mailing process and the tedium and futility of incorrect or undeliverable addresses has been reduced to a large extent.

Notebooks - The Course of Evolution of an All-Time Essential

To keep up our dignity, it is often wise to carry with us office tools like a pen or a notebook. The realization of it as an essential has given rise to highly technological forms depending upon its usage. Began with blank papers put together by binding material, notebooks took different directions according to varied specifications.

For instance, toddlers are given notebooks closely ruled to facilitate tidy writing, while artists prefer plain and wider devices for sketching. Moreover, they also take various forms in accordance with professions. To illustrate, press reporters or journalists carry handy and petite notebooks that alleviates jotting whereas researches have devices to log the details and handling of instruments which are preferably long and tabulated.

Evolution of the concept of notebooks:

Keeping pace with the ever increasing demand for comfort and the relative precision technologies has given birth to the novel concept of notebook. With the advent of the computer era, notebooks turned out to be a component of the computer itself that gave way to its effective utilization at enormous work places. Countless features were then added based on the utilities that help carry out many tasks effortlessly today.

They incorporated in the computers being immobile turned out to be the source of further evolution. The need of a portable device involving all or most of the technologies led to today`s exceptional innovations. Laptops without much note-taking features were begun to be called as `notebooks`. And the light-weighted laptops with different qualities, excellent enough to be called a notebook were on a rise in the market, still sustaining their title. They were marketed by brands like Lenovo, Sony hp, Dell, etc.

These then took its vital deviations such as Personal digital assistants (PDA), Tablet PCs, mini-notebooks, digital papers and so on, in relation to their attributes.

Concise abstract on present-day notebooks:

Telephones today are not meant merely to converse with someone far away from you, but capturing videos and photographs, activities like watching movies or enjoying on music are possible as well. Similarly, notebooks on the present day scenario can be just more than a tool to scribble on. The term notebook thus barely reminds of a stack of blank papers whereas it is plainly a portable, smaller and thinner laptop weighing not more than four pounds.

Personal digital assistants:

These are little enough to be called a palm-top, developed with liquid crystal displays allowing touch-sensitivity screens. This feature allows the input via touching the screen that displays a virtual keyboard. This has been highly effective in educational institutes for qualitative interactive sessions where the students can have their notes taken on these instruments having their spell-check and grammar correction done then and there.

Tablet PCs:

These hit the market in 1989 for the first time. Tablet PCs are slate-like notebook computers without keyboard or mouse and inputs are through a digital pen or fingertip, although a movable or removable keyboard may be attached. They are designed to operate at multi-places on the screen at a time and are also insensitive to bright light or sunlight.

Mini-notebooks:

Mini-notebooks feature high resolution larger wide screens and are soon going to be indispensable.

Digital Papers:

With all the advantages of these devices, the best aspect underlying them is that the people with illegible handwriting will no more be embarrassed! However, it is sometimes obligatory to have hand-written signatures or documents. Notebook called Digital papers is the answer to this limitation which possesses a digital pen and a patterned paper to produce hand-written documents in a computer.

Wireless Networks Benefits to Communities

strong wireless network can have a very positive effect on virtually any community which has one in place. The benefits go way beyond just simple entertainment, a strong wireless network ensures that even residents on a tight budget can remain in contact with friends and loved ones and it can provide an incredible resource for the education of students of all ages; from entering school all the way through graduate school.

Staying Safe
Communities that have a municipal wireless network in place can have all emergency service personnel online from right inside their vehicles. Laptops on board in police cruisers, ambulances and fire trucks give emergency personnel access to detailed maps of the city and will allow transmission of photos of suspected criminals and detailed layouts of buildings and houses. The laptops will also allow for silent communication between officers and other emergency personnel via e-mail and instant messaging. Wireless cameras will also allow real time footage to be transmitted from emergency vehicles directly back to the station.

Education
Community wireless networks will often allow for wireless internet connection, free of charge to schools, colleges and libraries opening up the world's largest resource – the internet – to classrooms and students. This will allow younger students to experience activities and get knowledge that may not have been available to them for years to come, all while keeping the expense for hard copy resources down. Books, streaming videos, educational games and activities all become available to teachers and students with little more than the click of a few buttons. What would have taken hundreds of dollars worth of books to teach can now be imparted to young students on a few cents worth of copy paper.

High school and college age students also get big benefits from the ability to log onto the internet. Research papers and doctoral thesis's can know be researched in much less time with direct access to literature that would have only been available through a University library otherwise. Students won't have to worry about hunting down volumes that may be needed by other students and competing for time with the materials that they need, regardless of day or time, even if every single student needs the same resource it will be available via the internet.

Some municipal wireless networks are even offering a wireless internet connection for students to access at home after school hours. This means that the education can be continued beyond the school walls. Students won't be limited to learning from this tremendous resource just during school hours – even if their family couldn't otherwise afford a wireless connection these students would be able to continue their education at home after school hours.

Keeping in Contact
E-mail and instant messaging are incredible ways to stay in touch, even if you have to pay for a monthly wireless service to access the internet, there are many free e-mail and instant messaging services available for you to stay in contact with your loved ones from around the world; send personal messages, greeting cards, pictures and videos, for free, and it doesn't end there. VoIP or voice over internet protocol is becoming a more and more popular way of staying in touch. All VoIP takes is some simple software, a microphone and some speakers and with it you can eliminate your standard phone service. The initial investment for VoIP is very minimal, many computer users already have microphones and speakers, and using it is just a simple as using your regular telephone. VoIP lets you talk to people anywhere in the world for free by transmitting your voice over the internet connection.

The benefits of a strong wireless network to communities can certainly change our lives for the better – a strong network can help educate our children, keep our streets safe and keep us in constant contact with all of our friends and loved ones.

Advantages of Renting Computer Equipment For Your Event

Are you gearing up for a big event? Do you have the privilege of presenting your business at a convention or meeting? In these situations, carrying all of the electronic equipment you will need, including your computer, can create quite a hassle. One option to allow you to avoid this is to rent a computer. There are many advantages to renting computer equipment when facing a big event or presentation.

Saving Money

Renting your computer equipment for an event will save you money. You will not need to purchase some pieces that you only use for presentations, such as a projector or large screen. You also will have fewer repairs to pay for on your own equipment, because you will not be traveling with it from convention to convention.

Eliminating Hassle

Ask any business executive who has traveled with a computer and you will know that it is quite a hassle. Even just a simple laptop computer must be removed from its case, sent through security, and monitored closely during travel. The risk of theft is always present when traveling with electronics, and chances are your business computer has valuable information that you do not want to have fall into the wrong hands. Add other equipment to the mix, such as projectors, printers, or large monitors, and you are setting yourself up for a stressful trip. Renting a computer eliminates this hassle.

Avoiding Setup Disasters

If you do travel with you computer equipment, you must set it up once you arrive. Any little wire that gets damaged or does not connect properly could create disaster for your presentation, making your company look unprofessional, and making the entire trip a waste. When you rent computer equipment for a convention, part of the rental price includes the set up. When you arrive at the convention center, your equipment will already be in place, set up, and ready for you to begin.

The company that you rent your equipment from will make sure it all works together properly. Are you trying to coordinate AV equipment with your computer and project? This can be difficult for the untrained individual, but when you rent the computer gear, the technical will make sure it is all working together properly so your presentation can be made without a glitch.

Using Better Equipment

Another advantage of renting equipment for a show or convention is the fact that you can use better equipment than you can probably afford to buy. You can rent the most powerful projector or give your listeners their own computers with wide monitors. Are you presenting at a trade show booth? Imagine having your slideshow playing on a plasma screen. This makes your company look professional and prosperous, and renting the gear costs a mere fraction of what it would cost to buy it new.

Eliminating Wear and Tear on Your Own Gear

Your own computer equipment is already having plenty of wear and tear in your everyday work. When you start dragging it with you to conventions and trade shows, you are going to limit its lifespan significantly. Even if you take great care with your gear, simply setting it up and taking it down over and over is going to cause problems over the years. Renting equipment for events and meetings that occur outside of your office will help your own equipment to last longer.

Before you pack up your gear for your next convention or trade show, talk to a computer rental company. You will be pleasantly surprised at the affordable options renting computer equipment offers. By renting your computer equipment, you can travel without the hassle of keeping track of your own gear, arrive with equipment that is ready to go, and make your presentation in a poised, professional manner.

USPS Software and What Your Business Needs to Know About It,

What you need to know about USPS Software.

There was a time when mail was sorted manually and the pigeon was the courier. Now it sounds like a part of a fairy tale. Nowadays advancement in technology has brought about a sea change in the entire system. The USPS is an acronym for United States Postal Service.

USPS is a government owned agency situated in the United States and is responsible for delivery of mail. USPS is one of the oldest government organizations in the USA and holds a kind of monopoly on many aspects of delivering mail. Through the USPS, citizens can send mail and parcels to almost any part of the world at reasonable prices.

The Intelligent Mail Barcode, popularly known as IMB is a new system introduced by USPS. It is a next generation of barcode technology that can be used for sorting and tracking letters and flats. It combines the capabilities of the Planet Code barcode and the POSTNET barcode into one unique form of barcode.

Many software companies design USPS software or USPS shipping software. They create and provide software solutions for direct mail, marketing, document design and data quality. Let us discuss some of its products they offer.

MaxPresort is one of the most comprehensive and powerful product for United States Postal Service bulk mailings. It is ideally suited for business which have direct marketing campaigns, or else who serve others who mail. This software helps in taking advantage of the huge postage discounts that are offered by the USPS. They can presort mail of different types like letters, NFMs, flats and parcels. This sorting is done in USPS classes –Periodicals, First-Class Mail, Package Services and Standard Mail. Apart from presorting mail, the software also has an optimization routine so that you can further maximize your discounts.

MaxPresort also supports the Intelligent Mail Barcodes. It can be used with the Basic as well as the Full Service Options and includes Intelligent Mail Container Label and the Intelligent Mail Tray Label.

Another product is the IMB Manager. This technology allows users to create an Intelligent Mail barcode for files that are generated by any type of presort or Mail.dat product. It also allows users to manage their exclusive Intelligent Mail Serial Numbers either within a single Mailer ID or else across multiple mails for the same Mailer ID. This is how it works. First, it creates all three kinds of Intelligent Mail Serial Numbers. Then it creates a database which can track the 45-day expiration dates for these Serial Numbers. The interface is intuitive and easy to use.

MaxOG is another product that uses functionality from MaxPrint, a great document creation and printing software. It can produce a wide array of documents and labels with the help of pictures, text, ovals, tables, boxes, lines and fill patterns in various font, color or orientation. By using MaxOG you will be able to create letters as well as name-and-address labels using Intelligent Mail Tray, Intelligent Mail barcodes, Container Labels and also Inkjet files.

Thus you can effectively use these products for direct mail and marketing or document designing.

Some Standard and Advanced Features of Pen Drive

Sporting all the convenient features of a removable storage device - feather weight, small size, larger storage space, and durability - pen drive is a must-have device for the technology freaks. Of late, pen drive has evolved from being a mere storage device to multi-functional unit for the computer users.

For average users of pen drive, the device is a simple storage mechanism and they scarcely bother about the features so long as it solves their basic purpose of storing and transferring information. But the tech-friendly and discerning users of pen drives are more careful about the features.

Though the basic selection of pen drive is based on prime feature of storage space, technical enthusiasts are developing special interest for advanced features of pen drives.

Apart from the generic features of huge storage capacity, pen drives also feature built-in micro camera, voice recorder, biometric security, MP3 playback. Let us discuss about some of the basic as well as advance features of pen drives.

Storage capacity:

The ubiquitous Pen drive has earned its popularity due to its exceptional storage capacity. Earlier, the pen drives were available with 8 MB storage capacity, that was several times more than other removable storage device such as floppy and CD-ROM. Recently, pen drives are available with storage capacity of 32 GB, 64 GB and 80 GB.

Technology experts are looking forward to develop pen drives with tera bytes. Before a year, the pen drives with high storage space was not popular for their high price tags. But the rapidly decreasing price has made pen drive a easily accessible device.

Compatibility:

Compatibility is the most remarkable feature that you can find in your pen drive. The prime reason why you are using pen drive is to access the same data or information in different computers. But all computers you use may not have the same operating system to support. Most advanced pen drives are compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. Basically, while choosing a pen drive you should look for this feature to get maximum benefits out of it.

Rechargeable battery:

The pen drive that provides MP3 playback through earphones needs power backup. That`s why some pen drives come with built-in rechargeable batteries. The battery gets charged when connected to the USB port of the computer.

MP3 player:

Music lovers can get their best from the MP3 player facility available with pen drives. The pen drive with MP3 player also features mini USB port, and an audio input and output.

LCD displays:

The LCD display of pen drive has made it a high-end device. The LCD display enables browsing through the list of songs that you store in pen drive.

Camera:

Camera is one of the most advanced features that are available with a pen drive. Basically, it is a still camera for a generic use. But when the pen drive is connected to the USB port of a computer, it functions as a web cam.

These days, pen drives are being developed with tiny speakers. Some pen drives are coming with inbuilt card readers. You can also find pen drives with finger print scanner as advanced security system.

While selecting pen drive you may be flooded with options regarding the shapes and sizes. Some resemble bricks and other toys. Of late, pen drives have been integrated with other necessary items that people love to carry such as watches and pens. If you look for advanced features in your pen drive you should collate adequate information regarding pen drives, their features and feasibility for your purpose.

Free Anti Virus Software Reviews

Ever since the computer became a common place item in every household all over the world, antivirus software has become a necessity. Of course with such increasing demands for it, many software making companies are taking advantage and developing more and more antivirus engines for use in any electronic device that might need it. Choosing one that is suited to your needs is not easy due to the fact that there are plenty of options and all claim to be the best. However, for those who are on a budget or are looking for something easy on the pockets, free antivirus software is their only option. Even then, the choices are quite numerous. Your best bet in finding the best free antivirus software is to read free antivirus software reviews. I know, I know, you’re thinking that these antivirus softwares must be no good when compared to the ones that you have to purchase. In a way, you are correct. However, many of these free antivirus softwares actually provide great protection.

Here’s some free antivirus software reviews for you, based on the comments of people who have tried it for themselves.

1. AOL Active Virus Shield (Kaspersky Antivirus)

- This is an antivirus which was based on the leading paid antivirus program, the Kaspersky Antivirus Ver.6. It offers the best detection rates and updates itself frequently just as one would expect from Kaspersky products.

2. Avira AntiVir Personal Edition

- Installation was painless and the user interface has been improved since the release of the last version. The options are displayed in a very organized way, making it easy for the user to try it all as well as to switch to the “expert mode”.

3. AVG Antivirus Free Edition

- Considered by many to be the most configurable of all the free antivirus softwares available in the internet. Though the variety of the choices might confuse first time users, it is still arguably the best when it comes to protection for your pc.

4. eTrust EZ Antivirus

- Although not completely free as it is only available for a 1 year trial from the Computer Associates site, it is still among the easiest to install as well as to maintain among all the antivirus softwares. The user interface is very easy to understand and it also provides the user with the necessary information and even links out to other resources in the event that it is necessary.

5. Avast 4 Home Edition

- This antivirus is among the most rich in terms of features when compared to other free antivirus software. It monitors many of the overlooked potential virus entry points such as through your mail and through instant messengers. It is also very configurable and would provide the user with many great features such as the antivirus screensaver which would run the virus scan while your screensaver is active.

So there you have it folks, five of the free antivirus software reviews that would help you in choosing free antivirus software that would meet all your standards as well as your computer’s needs. Remember, just because its free it doesn’t mean they are no good.

6 Things You Should NEVER Do With Your Cell Phone

The cell phone is a truly magical piece of technology. The mind actually spins when trying to consider all the ways it has changed our lives for the better. But with all that convenience there is also additional risk. Using (or more commonly misusing) a cell phone can lead to disastrous consequences. Here are six things to avoid when it comes to your cell phone.

1. Don’t drive while on the phone. Automobile accidents related to cell phone use are now considered as much of a menace as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never drive while using a handset phone to have a conversation. Using a hands-free device such as Bluetooth can make things better, but the call itself is still a distraction. Better to pull off to the side of your road when you need to talk on your cell phone.

2. Don’t leave it unattended. Every year, thieves steal thousands of cell phones off of unsuspecting individuals. Don’t be a statistic! Protect your cell phone at all times. Never leave your phone out on a table at a restaurant, in an open purse or unlocked car. You might want to look into getting insurance on your cell phone as well. If the deductible is inexpensive, and you own a high-end smart-phone, the few dollars a month could well be worth it.

3. Don’t make calls when you don’t know the rates. Roaming charges and long distance calls can add up fast. That’s why you should always know the calling rates and pricing structure when using your phone on a trip away from home. Remember, if roaming charges are a part of your cell phone package, limit your call time to emergencies and vital personal or business calls.

4. Don’t neglect your battery. Often times, people engage in bad cell phone battery habits without even knowing it. To keep your battery working longer, take a single day out of the week and let the power on your phone die all the way down until it shuts off. Then recharge it back up to full strength. This single action will help add months of life to an existing cell phone battery.

5. Don’t pay too much for it. In a true retail tragedy, every day people walk into retail cell phone stores and plunk down hundreds of dollars for the latest cell phone models. Or worse, they commit to long, expensive service contract extensions that keep them from finding a more appropriate calling plan. Right now, smart shoppers are online buying discount unlocked cell phones and cell phone accessories that offer a lower price tag without sacrificing features or quality.

6. Give it to your teenager without a strict set of rules. Teenagers and cell phones can be a dangerous mix unless there are some clear guidelines about usage. Make your teen an active part of the process by showing them the bills every month and clearly explaining the rules of engagement when it comes to their calls. Also, it is essential that they know NEVER to use the phone while driving, even in an emergency.

Better Vibration Control—The Future of Shock Absorbers

When Just-Auto.com recently examined “Tomorrow’s shock absorbers,” they began from this perspective: “Ride control is basically governed by a vehicle’s suspension system, including its shock absorbers (dampers) and struts. For the last decade or so, the high-end technical emphasis has been on developing dampers in which the damper rate can be varied according to the road conditions.”

Producers of custom-molded rubber and rubber-to-metal bonded parts stand at the forefront of the shock absorbing future that is the focus of the site’s examination. That is because such companies specialize in rubber-to-metal bonding of dampers, isolaters and mounts for noise and vibration control. Obviously, the latter accomplishment plays a vital part in ensuring a smooth ride out on the road.

In its analysis, Just-Auto.com went on to point out, “Technically speaking, the term ‘shock absorber’ is a misnomer because the device doesn’t, in the strictest sense, absorb shock at all.” Rather, it “is designed to dampen the movement of the springs.” The Website then adds, “The sole purpose, however, of the more accurately named ‘damper’ in any suspension system is to control the spring’s oscillations.”

Indeed, vibration occurs when mechanical oscillations take place about an equilibrium point such as those on a vehicle’s tires, wheels, hubs and spring mounts. Custom-molded rubber and rubber-to-metal bonded dampers put a damper on, or slow down, those irksome oscillations.

“There have been some advances made to shock absorbers which may be referred to as trends. To improve ride comfort without adding to cost, manufacturers are creating a longer shock absorber movement,” Just-Auto.com continues. One of the latest trends that is “‘highly influential’ in automakers’ buying decisions” is rubber-bonded-to-metal parts know as elastomers that reduce noise and vibration.

Leading producers of custom-molded and rubber-to-metal bonded parts for noise and vibration control are constantly utilizing up-to-date CAD software to design and construct new tooling and new elastomer formulas. In fact, some such producers have formulated over 1,000 different elastomer formulas, thereby ensuring decades of dependable service. The high grade neoprene elastomers such companies produce have good resistance to flame, oil, gasoline, natural aging, abrasion and weather.

What else is special about the technology? An elastomer “allows the damping characteristics to be changed in milliseconds, [thereby] ensuring the occupant a smooth transition between comfortable ride and a safe handling.” Continuous damping, in particular, is the wave of the future. Unfortunately, the rubber-to-metal vibration control technology is currently only available in top-tier vehicle segments. “Given that much of this continuous damping technology is initially only available as optional equipment, it is up to dealership staff to sell its benefits,” the Website stresses.

New suspension modules, like corner modules, are another trend the auto industry is embracing. “Suspension corner modules include brakes, struts, strut mounts and bearing elements as well as suspension bushings and vibration control elements.” For most customers, industry experts predict, corner modules are “here to stay.”

Thanks to the constantly updated technology involving custom-molded rubber and rubber-to-metal bonded parts for noise and vibration control, tomorrow’s highway rides are looking and feeling a whole lot more comfortable and smoother.

Even Novices Can Create Great Websites Now

Do you need to create a website, but have no programming knowledge? The website template has come to the rescue. A website template is created using programming language such as HTML and Flash. In most cases, you do not need to be familiar with any software or web design techniques in order to modify a template to your taste. However, there are a number of factors to look into before choosing a website template.

After you have made the decision to use a professional website template to get online, you will have to work out what the best option for you is, because not every website template service is the same. Some companies can provide you one for free, while others may offer options in multiples of tens or even hundreds at a cost. It can be very difficult to choose among all of the styles available, as some website template developers use very persuasive techniques to encourage you to buy! Try to look beyond the marketing speak and go for the website template that most fits your requirements, especially if you need to create a niche website.

EYE CANDY IS NOT EVERYTHING

The beautiful, eye-catching designs of some website templates do not necessarily mean that they're the best option for you, Some templates are filled with a lot of fancy graphics and animations that may look professional, but are not necessarily user-friendly. During your web design template search, you should understand that the look of a website is a relatively minor consideration, when compared to the other factors that are going to affect your website visitors' experience, such as functionality, readability, content and search engine optimization.

LOOK FOR PROFESSIONAL WEB TEMPLATES

You need to make sure that the website templates that you choose take into consideration the essential features of professional website design. The first and perhaps most important thing to look for, is whether the template has a theme Most of the website templates that are sold on the internet have a general theme. These types of templates may normally look very attractive in terms of the design, colors and features, but the most crucial thing that you need to think about is whether a template will appeal to your targeted clients. The best professional website templates not only look beautiful but also have a theme! The theme should match your business or the ideas that are going to be presented on your website. For example, if you're a building supplier, you'd want a website template to provide a menu connected to your products, services, location, etc. Ask yourself what the website template that you have chosen says about you and your business? Is there an ideal match? Your choice of website template should allow you to customize the design easily, to make sure that you have something that is unique and distinguishable from other sites.

READABILITY - THE MAIN FACTOR

The 'readability' of a website template is another thing to think about when choosing your professional website template. The use of colours for text and the background can make going to your website a pleasant or unpleasant experience. Take time to understand that your potential audience may be huge, so you need a website template that is flexible enough to allow you to adjust the size of the text, the intensity of the colours and the length of the pages to appeal to as many people as possible. When chosen carefully, a professional website template is an investment that could help you reach your target audience and get noticed on the internet!

The Functions and Benefits of the DLT Tape Drive

In the DLT tape drive the connection is made by the processor along with the SCSI-interface and the communication is done with the outside world through the “Data interface”. The incoming data is converted to SCSI-bit stream by the Pentium processor, and then the DLT tape drive records it in the “native format”.

The DLT tape drive has the technology and is designed to support the different interfaces of single & multi channel. Both the digital and analogue interfaces are supported by the DLT tape drive. So even in the initial stage of data collection, the DLT tape drive provides the compatibility. Therefore, the DLT drive solves the issue of compatibility. The data recorded in the SCSI-format makes the integration easy and therefore, it can be used like the other devices that are SCSI compatible. The connection is made directly by the analysis computer with the external SCSI-port of the unit itself. The data either digital or analogue can be the output through the “data interface”.

In the DLT drive from all the sub-assemblies that are unwanted, the peripheral strips off. In the front top of the tape recorder’s case is a closed compartment where the bare bones are mounted. The weight & size has been reduced because the drop down door has been doubled as “Display Panel” & “Integral Control”. At the back of the DLT recorder case is a separate compartment that is used for mounting the “electronic modules”. The modules that are active & installed determine the function of the DLT tape recorder.

Cool air is drawn from the back of the unit by the fan that is mounted to “central-bulkhead” of the drive. This cool air flows over the electronic modules and then it moves over the “Peltier device”. This device is attached at the base of DLT drive’s compartment. Below the control panel is “mounted grill” from where the cool air is exhausted out. Power supply (line-tolerant) of high grade is used in the DLT tape drive. The data interface has a large buffer for both input & output. During the recording both the discontinuous & continuous data rates from the real world are decoupled by the large buffer. This large buffer also allows the “analysis device” to move the data during the replay.

This overall interaction is very complex and the Pentium controls this overall interaction. The DLT tape drive has powerful features of “correction strategy” and “input to output error detection”. In order to take maximum advantage from the rewrite and read after write features of the tape drive, the drive selects the transfer speed of either 12 MB/second or 40 MB/second. It is made sure that the recorded data is free from errors.

The RAM (non volatile) holds the “control programs” and the standard “RS 232 port” can be used to modify and update the control programs. MS terminal can be used to fit the modem with in the tape drive for finding the faults or the “remote control”.

For the protection of the weakest links of the system, the tape drive is thermally & physically isolated and then it is fitted to the “control system” of the temperature.

The DLT tape drive also has the advanced feature of “Heat-dissipation system”.

The other components like the cables, connectors are selected that are robust and are able to deliver the best results in the extreme conditions. The DLT recorders are also used with the applications of “analogue & digital acquisition”. The digitization of the analogue data is done on eight or the sixteen bit sampling. In parallel, both the digital & analogue modules can be used.

Network Design in Your Office

Whether or not you use an Electronic Medical Records system, you probably have computerized scheduling and billing. If you have more than one computer at your practice, then you most likely employ some type of network. The complexities, capabilities and network designs are essential when multi-user, multi-task EMR systems are implemented at a practice. Below you will find some of the most critical network design choices to consider.

WAN, LAN, or MAN : Networking Basics

System software and network hardware may not be compatible with some EPM and EMR systems. This has to be known before you buy a system. If you expect to be adding users, it's usually more affordable to purchase multi-user licenses than add retail software packages individually. A LAN (Local Area Network) can hook up computers and printers within an office. The LAN can link up with other LANs using wireless connectivity. It is unfortunate that some EPM and EMR systems can be incompatible with network and system operating software. Compatibility needs to be completely assured before you decide to go ahead with buying an EMR package.

A WAN, or wide area network, can connect small LANs or MANs (Metro Area Networks). It is possible to do this over a wider area, as in a group of remote practices. Large companies often use these WANs; the most well-known WAN is the Internet. The Net can facilitate access to an intranet where staff can communicate with each other no matter where they are located. For an EPM or ERM system that works between remote offices, a high-bandwidth connection is required to keep things running smoothly together.

Topology and Bandwidth

Network bandwidth, or data capacity, is usually measured in bps, or bits-per-second. Usually, connection speeds range from 56kbps per second to millions of bits a second. Still, the speeds achieved can be limited by the hardware used, and at times even the software. Overall network speeds can be significantly reduced when a number of users try to access information from the system at the same time. If the network speed is slow because of underpowered hardware or bad planning, fast connection speeds don't mean much.

The topology of the network is also quite important. Topology is the shape of the network, as in a series of computers which keep the amount of wiring between them to a minimum. If a single part of the network goes out, the whole network could collapse. Optimal topography means more wires, but this can help build resilience from overall system failure from a single weak spot. Still, the total amount of computers on this kind of network is limited. A large network 'mesh topology' offers redundancy and expandability.

Wiring

In most paperless office settings, an examination room includes machines wired to a server running EMR software. Some technically-savvy doctors prefer to enter information from a wireless device, as they are able to carry it between the different areas of a practice. This wireless network concept adds new points to address.

Security - A hacker can destroy your network if it isn't protected. Even simple wireless access points need to have built-in security.

Bandwidth - The access speed can be limited by the speed of your wireless connection even if your LAN has good bandwidth rates.

Signal - Wireless devices gather less-than-expected ranges when functioning in an office with many walls.

Clients : Fat or Thin? - Should you employ wireless laptops that use software directly on a fat wireless connection? Or, should you run the software virtually with a thin, remote connection? With wireless networks, disconnects are an unavoidable reality. In this case, the thin client lets the software continue to run, and you can later pick up where you left off. A broken connection on a fat client may cause a software crash.

Setting Up a Home Networking System

Since Microsoft released Windows for Workgroups, networking has become quite easy and very commonplace for most home computer users. Everything that is needed to set up a home network is built right into the computer’s operating system which was installed in the machine. All you have to do is turn it on and set it up. If you happen to have Windows 95/98 setting up a network is a snap!

A home network is, simply put, a made up of set of hardware and also a set of software that will allow computers to communicate with each other. A home network enable File sharing or using the same printer or other input and outputs instead of buying one for each available computer.

A home network functions in almost the exact same way as that used by a private businesses when a LAN or Local Area Network is created. Designations, or IP addresses, as well as some that are catchy phrases that humans will remember are called host names and they know who everyone is as well as where everything is. Let’s say that 10.1.1.5 or Computer Jack sends a file to 10.1.1.6 or Computer Jill. The hardware and software must cooperate with each other in order to know where and how to send the file from Jack to Jill.

This idea is much the same as that used by the post office. There is an address associated with each home. A letter that is sent from one home is routed to another by using that address. Putting the return address on the letter is very important so the person knows where to respond. Also, if the letter gets lost, it will be sent back to the return address. If there is no return address it just goes to the dead letter office. Home computer networks work in much the same way.

The routing data is also known as ‘an envelope’. This surrounds the data or the words on the letter. A home network comes in two main types: cabled and wireless. In a cabled network different wire bundles which are known as Ethernet cables with connectors on each end plug into either a network interface card, or NIC, in the printer, fax, computer or into a switch/router. Hubs or switches are simplified devices that allow physical connections between the components of a network.

A wireless network operates in much the same way. The main difference is that there is no need for cables. Small devices known as transceivers send and retrieve information by radio signals. Let’s say that you want two computers within a home network to both be able to print on the same printer. Where would you even start to do something like that? You can make this happen in two possible ways. In one set up, the printer is physically attached to one of the computers. The alternate set up connects the printer to the network and not to any individual computer;

With this first arrangement, the printer is called local, but shareable. It is possible to allow a remote computer to print to the locally attached device. Computer-Jack then just shares the printer by using software of the hosting system, Computer Jill. In most typical cases nowadays, the printer has its own NIC. It is then attached to a router or switch by way of Ethernet cables or a wireless transceiver. Then each computer on the network is able to ‘see’ the printer as a device that the computer can use.

Scanners, fax machines and other computers operate in pretty much the same way. Every device receives an address and a name. Software on the device allows it to be configured so that its function is accessible to multiple computers on the same network.

How Do Software Spiders Work?

A software spider is an unmanned software program operated by a search engine that surfs the Web, visits a Web site, records (saves to its hard drive) all the words on each page, and notes links to other sites. As the spider visits each page, it follows each and every link and will read, index, an store the other pages that the link might lead to. Google, however, sometimes will reference a site without actually visiting the page. (Google knows that because several sites link to a page, that page exist). This is a simplistic view of what happens form 60,000 feet above the action. The actual process that converts the site from a Web page to an entry on a results page is a highly sophisticated data warehousing and information retrieval scheme, which will vary from engine to engine. In fact, it is this process of retrieving documents from a database that is one key point of differentiation for most search engines. The other point of differentiation lies around the other services offered and partnerships formed by each engine..

Due to the sheer volume and size of the documents indexed, each search engine has developed its own algorithm for which pieces of data are stored and methodologies for compression that allow for rapid searching and more economical storage of huge volumes of data.

By following each Web site's navigation, a search engine's spider can often read and index the entire text of each site it visits into the engine's main database. Many search engines have begun to limit the depth they will crawl in the site and the number of pages they will index. For any single site, this limit is often about 400 to 500 pages. For owners of very large sites, these limits can present a significant challenge. Apparently, the reason for these limitations is that the Web, with billions of documents, has become so large that it is simply unfeasible to crawl and index everything. Even the largest search, no matter how much and how deeply they crawl, can hardly expect to index but a portion of the Web. These spiders have their work cut out for them if they are to look for new documents, let alone visit previously indexed documents to check for dead links and revised pages. Regardless search engines that populate their databases using spider technology can grow very large in relatively short periods of time The number of pages a spider will index is unpredictable and how long your pages will remain active once they have been indexed is equally unpredictable. You should consider submitting a site map to ensure that the spider will get the major sections of your site. In addition, include your most important keywords on the top-level page leading off your site map.

What the spider sees on your site will determine how your site is listed in the search engine's index. Each search engine determines a site's relevancy based on a complex scoring system, or algorithm, which the engines try to keep secret. These algorithms are the core proprietary technology of the search engines. Each system adds or subtracts points on criteria such as how many times a keyword appeared on the page, where on the page it appeared, how many total words were found, and the ratio of keywords to content. The pages that achieve the most points are returned at the top of the search results, and the rest are buried at the bottom, never to be found.

Start Your Own Computer Repair Business Now? You Bet!

It’s very easy to get dragged down by all the bad news in the financial and housing sectors. You hear news about unemployment on the rise, businesses failing, and consumers not spending. The government is trying to bolster the economy with huge injections of money. And you want to start your own computer repair business in this economy? Well, yes.

There’s a popular insurance company commercial running right now where they point out that their company started in business in 1931. This was at the beginning of the worst depression our country ever experienced. And they bring up some very valid points of why it obviously was a good idea.

Think about this, the fact remains that if the unemployment is at 7.3%, then 92 people out of 100 still have jobs. And if people aren’t spending money on items they shouldn’t, is that a bad thing? There are comparisons back to the Great Depression, and there are similarities, but the numbers from today’s economy are no where near the numbers from the early 30’s. And the causes back then on over speculation do echo our current issues of overspending and inflating assets. But several elements that had a huge impact during that period are not present today.

And life goes on, regardless. The biggest obstacle I see in any new business venture is the ability to seize the opportunity, which has always been an issue during good times and bad. You can always come up with reasons not to start a business, that’s what separates the winners from the never gave it a shot folks.

The key in starting your own business is that you have the opportunity to make it work. Good business and marketing practices work in good times and bad. And in bad times, there is less competition. It’s a natural cleansing of the market place. We’ve had downturns in the early 70s, 80s, and 90’s. You may also remember the aftermath of the 2001 terroist attacks.

All of these periods were difficult times for the economy and small businesses. And challenges exist for any business in a tighter market. But when you have your own business, you have the ability to adapt and are not dependent on others. And that is a huge advantage for any small business.

The Computer Repair business is a service business, and not so dependent on new equipment sales. In fact, if people keep their equipment longer, that’s an advantage to Computer Repair companies. Companies often will choose to spend less to fix a computer than replace it.

Owning your own business and being able to make quick changes is an advantage. Increasing value, expanding services, increasing effectiveness are all factors that can be implemented quickly. Being able to respond to the changes in the marketplace is a powerful advantage.
The advantages for starting your own Computer Business are the same now as any time. You don’t need a huge inventory, elaborate facilities, or special equipment. Start up and operation costs are minimal. Computers are going to wear out or break down in good times or bad. Viruses, spyware, software glitches, and breakage don’t stop in a slow economy.

The basic elements of running a Computer Repair business don’t change due to the economic conditions. In order to be successful in good times or bad, you need to implement tried and true business practices and effective marketing techniques.

It’s always easier to wait than to act, that’s human nature. Planning, waiting for the perfect time and market, finding reasons not to start right now are easier than doing it. And starting your own business is, and always will be, a huge and life changing decision.

Starting your own Computer Repair Business has many advantages and rewards. Is it right for you? That’s a question you’ll have to answer for yourself. Having good computer and software skills are important but knowing how to manage and market your skills is the key to success.

Talk to any small business owner and they will tell you that it was a tough choice, about the hard times and difficulties in starting a new business. Then you ask them if they would do it again if they had the chance to go back to the beginning, and they all say “You bet!

Do a Reverse Cell Lookup and Find the Cell Number Owner Easily!

There are many reasons for doing a reverse cell lookup and these can vary from wanting to stop prank calls or find out if your spouse is cheating on you. Unfortunately while your reasons for finding that number may differ one thing won't and that is how difficult it can be to try and find a cell number.

The reason why it's difficult is because cell network providers do not make their customer numbers public. Therefore unlike your landline which is usually in the White Pages, unless you have an unlisted number, you will have to resort to other means to find the number.

There are three ways to go about this, one involves a small fee (more on that later).

The first free way is to go on the net. Type in the cell number in double quotes in the search box of your favorite search engine. You will usually get a number about 30% of the time but unfortunately most times you won't get the ownership details that you are after. This involves more work and can take 1 to 2 hours and there is a 90% chance you won't be able to get the cell number owner. So I guess the question is how much is your time worth?

The other (almost free way) is to call the number. This however isn't a good idea if it's a prankster or a stalker as the person will just change numbers as this individual will still have the advantage of anonymity. If you do use this method then use *67 (id block) and use an outside booth- let them do the talking! I thought I'd put this information in because I know that it has worked for some people but again it's the least preferred of all the methods that I have mentioned.

The most sensible and effective way is to use a reverse cell phone directory. This will cost some money usually between $10 and $35. The reason for this is that cell phone numbers aren't in the public domain so there are companies out there who get access to those numbers and put them on an online database and this 'costs money'. So it's only fair that they charge you for the information!

You have to be very careful when you select one of these databases as there are a few scam companies out there. The best directories are those that allow you to do a preliminary search of their database. If the number is there then there will be a prompt to say that the information that you have requested on the reverse cell lookup is available.

The information will be presented in a report which will give you the cell number owner, the cellular network and the cell phone owners billing address to start with. What this means is that you will have the owners details without them knowing it so as you can either go to the police if it's a persistent prankster or 'out' your spouse if there has been cheating in the relationship!

Make 2009 Even Easier With 5 of the Best From Powerstar

The 21st Century has seen the development of a plethora of new gadgets designed to make our lives even easier and more fulfilling. Entertainment systems and laptops are virtually indispensable pieces of equipment, offering convenience for both work and play. However, no matter how astonishing these products become they will always rely on electricity to power them and in turn will always require a power source, which may not always be so simple to access. Powerstar products are designed to ensure that you always get the most from your equipment, wherever you are.

Among the latest Powerstar products to be released is the Powerstar Global Travel Plug Set. Travelling, whether for business or pleasure, invariably means that you pack a few electrical items. Portable DVD players, digital camcorders and cameras are often essential to family holidays, while a business trip would not be complete without a laptop. This travel plug set ensures that you can power these gadgets - and more - in a variety of countries where UK plugs are not compatible with the standard electrical supply. Interchangeable plugs mean that you can charge and power your items in countries such as Australia, Argentina, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Europe. With the Global Travel Plug Set power need never be an issue again, no matter how far from home you are.

The Multipurpose Portable Charger is one of the most popular Powerstar products. Using a charger cable and a variety of connectors, you need never worry about your portable gadgets running out of power again. The connectors can be used for iPods, Sony PSPs, Samsung Digital cameras, Nintendo DS and many more devices. You can charge from a domestic mains supply or use the in-car charger to power up while you’re on the move.

The Powerstar 90W Universal Laptop Adapter offers the facility to power your laptop, no matter where you are. This Laptop Adapter works with worldwide inputs of 100 to 240V making it suitable for use anywhere in the world and provides output voltages of 15-24Vdc and a range of connector options for the majority of laptops. It also boasts surge protection circuitry to protect your computer against unfamiliar currents.

The Powerstar 120w Universal Laptop Adapter allows you to draw power from the mains supply, as well as from aeroplanes and cars. Using your laptop’s USB port, it can also be used to charge and power gadgets such as mobile phones, PDA’s and SatNavs. Similar to the 90w model, it offers protection against surging and overheating. A variety of connectors make this essential device compatible with most laptops.

Powerstar’s Universal Laptop Adapter and USB also allows you to charge and power electrical items from the mains, cars or aeroplanes, making it an invaluable business tool. Simply connect the appropriate connector, set your desired laptop voltage and you’re ready to work, play or simply charge your laptop for later. For total flexibility, you can even run and charge your 5V USB devices using the built-in USB port and power your laptop at the same time.
While gadgets may develop in new directions, a constant will always be the power source. Powerstar products allow you to tap into a variety of power sources safely and conveniently.a

Laser Engraving

Laser technology has developed quite impressively in recent times and has been harnessed to enhance music production (CD), perform precision surgery and much more. Initially, these were the main ways that laser technology was used for since research as to its full uses and implications was still ongoing. As more research is conducted, more uses of laser technology are being unearthed. One recent discovery is that laser technology can be used to engrave objects. No doubt we live in a consumer world where millions of products exist in the marketplace. These come in all shapes, sizes and containers and in the past, it would be easier to just print labels on these products and slap them on the container. But innovations in laser technology have changed all that and products can be directly engraved using laser.

Laser engraving has radically changed the way products are embossed. This essentially changes the way we mark the surface of objects. This technique has some limitations namely those imposed by the fact that the technology tends to be complex because it involves heavy computer and software use which requires specialized training. But multiple companies have adapted the practice and can now very precise and clean engravings at record speeds.

One advantage of using laser engraving is that no cumbersome mechanical tools are required. For years these had become the acceptable way of engraving products and were dangerous and expensive because of wear and tear. The machine heads had also to be replaced regularly.

Laser engraving has recently escalated especially when it comes to specialized products which are categorized as "laserable”. Such materials include but are not confined to some metal allows and polymer-made products
Sometimes, it is not possible to employ laser engraving on a product because its surface is not conducive or if its condition does not support that. In that scenario there is an alternative termed as "marking". Marking covers a broad range of procedures performed on surfaces such as printing and branding but laser technology has also recently come to bear on marking. This is known as laser bonding..

We mentioned earlier that laser engraving technology can be highly technical and complex and involves machines that work in various parts and components to generate the laser. There are essentially two to three parts to the equipment namely the laser itself and the controller. Then off course there is the surface being engraved. The laser itself is a thin pencil-like beam that emitted from the equipment and which then traces patterns onto the projected surface. The controller on the other hand is usually a computer with installed software that manages and issues controls the direction, speed, intensity, and width of the laser beam. The computer is also able to sense and adjust the laser to accommodate the type of surface being worked on.

Laser engraving has resulted in very innovative ways of engraving surfaces which in ordinary circumstances would be hard to engrave, for example glass. Since the laser beam is very flexible and agile, there is virtually no limit to the designs that can be engraved on a surface.

How to Hypnotize People With the Technology Today

Our generation has always been considered the luckiest ones in history, and I can’t help but question that statement. Of course, there are plenty of reasons why I should believe that being born at this generation is a blessing. Technology keeps on finding new ways to either amuse us with their new robotic discoveries or scare us with what’s happening outside this planet. Medical discoveries are also very essential in our history and I couldn’t be happier with that fact. Forms of entertainment are at a high, with computers and the likes making our jobs a heck of a lot easier.

But technology knows how to hypnotize people, which is why we do not see the consequences that will come to us in the future. Here’s what I believe: Our generation may be considered the luckiest, but the generation next to us will be considered the least fortunate. Everything that our generation is enjoying now is actually killing our planet fast and surely.

According to Al Gore’s widely acclaimed “Inconvenient Truth”, technology has caused us altered consequences aside from the ones that we are prepared to get rid of. Majority of our earth’s natural resources has been sacrificed all for the sake of discovering new technology. As they say, technology is made for the betterment of the people and the planet, but somehow it feels like it doesn’t. And now it will take a huge toll on our sons and daughters all over the world.

It’s easy to side with technology because we are enjoying it anytime, anywhere. Like I said, technology knows how to hypnotize people. As soon you see one, all consciousness and guilt go out the window, courtesy of your iPod or laptop. It takes an immediate disaster for people to have an immediate action. The problem is disaster only comes to the next generation. And when that time comes, we can only do so much. Let’s not let our kids blame us for everything we have done at the present.

Technology is indeed a breakthrough in the medical field, social field, and the like. But what we need is a new plan to SAVE the planet with technology, not kill it. Plenty of institutions are now devising ways to be eco-friendly, majority of which are already in the works. It’s a good start, but until everyone does it, the inevitable will stay inevitable.
Nobody wants to sacrifice anything, and maybe that’s the problem. We are all used to the convenience and comfort that technology has given us, that even though we know that it has consequences, we just sit back and think that it’s just a theory. Well it’s not a theory; it’s the inconvenient truth, actually.

Now tell me, how are we the lucky generation when all that’s about to happen to the next generation is our fault? How are we lucky when technology knows how to hypnotize people? How are we lucky when all this guilt is on our shoulders? It takes a great deal of effort and adjustment to save the planet, but after all this is our planet we’re trying to save, not just anyone else.