Our Internet connected world is experiencing a revolution that is still in its early phases. New technologies, applications and online concepts are springing forth every day, changing the way we work with the net and how we connect and communicate with each other. Even though it is hard to predict what will happen next, the high rate of change and progress of Internet functions and applications indicates the Internet has not yet matured and will continue to develop and evolve in many interesting and powerful ways.
One area of progress that is difficult to predict and that has been seriously lagging – seemingly just waiting in hiding to emerge and blossom – is the integration of the Internet with our physical world. Today’s world of the Internet and our physical world are essentially two standalone worlds with humans functioning as the interface between the two. In the future, these two worlds will become significantly more intertwined, and this intertwining will become a sort of revolution in its own.
Let’s take a practical example. It has been a hard day of work and you are driving home. It’s a cold day, and you want to turn on your house heating system so your home will be nice and cozy when you arrive. Or you are rushing off to work and all of a sudden you start to wonder whether you remembered to turn off the heat before you departed.
Despite all our technology sophistication you are probably best off by calling your neighbor (who has a reserve key of your house) to go inside and do the job. This is an interesting example because most likely you already have a little control network at home controlling your heater with a thermostat and you probably also have Internet access at home.
Still, the lack of integration between these networks leaves you no other option than calling your neighbor. In addition to checking our heating, this is also how most of us check that the whether the door was locked and the windows were closed. Wouldn’t it be great if you could control your house with a few buttons on your cell phone? Interestingly, it does not require any major technology breakthroughs to make this happen.
All of us are using the Internet today for communication and reading the news (with blogging as an interesting new phenomenon filling the hole between the two). We are also using the Internet for shopping, where every brand or store nowadays has a point of access to the Internet. What is not connected to the Internet are all the functions that could be useful for making our lives comfortable and saving energy.
The Internet is like a big nerve center that still has to build a smaller nerve system that connects to all the supporting functions of our lives. The backbone is there but not the final end connections to our senses and muscles.
So far, our view of the Internet has been quite “human-centric”, but that is going to change. It is quite likely that sooner or later the majority of items connected to the Internet will not be humans, but things: heating/cooling systems, health sensors, security systems, central door/window locking systems, remote controls, etc.
It is here where wireless networks will play a major role. There are many more “things” than “people” and to physically “wire” all things to the Internet is just not feasible. The good news is that recently communication standards (like IEEE 802.15.4 and on top of that ZigBee) have been ratified to make this possible. But it is not only wireless technology that is required - “energy harvesting” from the environment will also be an essential element. In addition to removing the data communication cables, it is also important to eliminate the power cable and the need for batteries, along with their negative impact on the environment as well as the huge labor costs associated with charging and maintaining batteries.
Energy harvesting is the rapidly emerging technology that pulls energy out of the environment (IE - a solar cell on a pocket calculator or a kinetic device that converts vibration to electrical power) and can provide the energy needed for the “thing” to have it connected and controlled over the Internet. The development of energy harvesting devices is making big steps forward, but there is still a long way to go, in particular in reducing the cost of the harvesting devices.
Looking into the future, the “Internet of Things” could very well be the next revolution on the Internet where integration of our physical and virtual worlds will be the main driver. The new “Internet of Things” will enable a new class of applications that will make our lives more comfortable and that will help us to reduce our wasteful use of energy.
Senin, 03 Agustus 2009
The Internet of Things
Sabtu, 01 Agustus 2009
Building vs. Buying a Computer
You've come to a point where you need a new computer. Should you head to the local electronics megastore and see what's on the rack, or should you try and build a system yourself?
First off, you need to ask some fundamental questions. What is your budget? What do you expect from a computer? What will its primary functions be? Do you want it for gaming, or to surf the Web and create documents and spreadsheets? Will you be doing a lot of photo editing and artwork?
These are just some of the things to consider. Also, what kind of money are you willing to spend not only on the computer, but a printer, monitor, security software, separate data storage devices, webcams etc.
We'll take a stroll down both paths, and I'll try to keep things as easy to understand as I can, and limit the techspeak, unless it's unavoidable.
Buying a New System
There are several manufacturers in the computing world, and each one makes several different types of systems. I won't use brand names, as each company has its own merits, and its own drawbacks. Just remember, a good rule of thumb these days is a new computer system is generally obsolete after a year, sometimes sooner.
Another thing to keep in mind is expandability. A key question to ask is can you upgrade components easily? With some manufacturers, you can only use the parts that they make, such as RAM and power supplies. As time passes, the cost of replacing parts becomes a problem, as well as even being able to find them.
Don't let these things throw you, however. Many companies are leading edge, and do their best to stay current, if not ahead, of the game. Just be aware that you'll pay a premium for the newest features, but the cost usually doesn't pay for itself in the long run.
Always do your homework on a particular system that catches your eye. There is plenty of information available on all the devices and gadgets out there, and if something about a system is suspect or faulty, it won't take long to be made known to the world.
Also, don't be shy about grilling a salesperson about features that you don't understand or have heard bad things about. Rule of thumb on this is: If the salesman can't answer your questions, don't be led astray. It's your investment, and any investment is worth understanding fully.
Building a System
Here's where things get really interesting. If you've never put a computer together, it can seem impossible. However, if you have a small amount of mechanical ability and patience, you'll find this to be a very rewarding pursuit.
You'll also get a good understanding of how each component makes up an overall computer, as well as how each one works. I've personally built more machines than I can easily count, and each time out it's always similar, but also very different.
A trip to a bookstore or the 'Net will get you more than enough information for a complete overview of how a PC is constructed.
One of the main considerations on building your own machine is that you can blow your budget quickly on components. Always try to get the most value for the money you're willing to spend, and shop around for the best bargains. Again, do your homework and research before heading to the store.
If you'd like to send questions to me, please feel free to visit my Website and I'll be happy to answer your queries, or point you in the right direction.
Good luck, and happy computing!
Characteristics of Bulk Email Software
In this age of science and technology you need to contact a large number of people to market your products or services. There is great competition among various companies of the world because every company is trying to reach more and more customers. They offer quality products at lower rates due to this competition. Bulk email software can be used to run your bulk email marketing campaign effectively.
You can judge response of your email marketing campaigns by communicating to your target market. Business owners don’t need to spend huge amounts on their business advertisement due to bulk email marketing campaigns. Cost of email marketing is very low as compare to the advertisement on radio, TV or other print media. You can search for companies that offer mass email marketing services at reasonable prices.
Market is full with paid and freeware bulk email software tools. Freeware tools provide limited access to their users on the other hand paid software tools provide complete control to the user. These software tools can be used to manage your email contact lists and marketing campaigns. Demand of email management software has been increased due to increasing complexities in marketing campaigns. Bulk email marketing is a cost effective method of marketing.
Bulk email software tools should have necessary features such as contact list management, tracking system and email templates. It should be able to handle plain text and html message formats. Email tracking system is necessary to compile the results of your campaign because it let you know that whether the receiver has read your email or not. It should have mail merge feature to prepare personalize email messages.
You need to analyze various features and costs of the bulk email software before making the final decision. Mostly companies provide 30 day trail period so it would be better to install this pack before purchase to obtain clear idea. It should be able to follow the rules and regulations of bulk email marketing otherwise your emails will be treated as spam. Your email address will be blocked and you would not have access to the reader. Whatever your business is, you need proper and reliable email management software to run your email marketing campaigns smoothly. It can work fast than a human being because you can send thousands of email daily with the help of such tools.
17 Ways to Get Faster Answers and Save Clicks
You have already been using the Google search field, or maybe it’s Yahoo’s search field, for years now. And generally you probably have it open ready to go while using other programs. Here are ways you can reduce your number of clicks, and of course, save you time in the process just by using the search field more efficiently.
1.) If you are want to find out more information about a particular book, just type in the book’s title in the search field. Ex: Joe Vitale. You don’t need to go to a book stores web site. Now you have every where the book is talked about, including reviews. And most like the competitive pricing.
2.) If you need to calculate something, simply enter the calculation you’d like done into the search box. Ex: 5*9(sqrt 10)^3=. Or even simple addition. Ex: 5863+91/3= Always end with the equal sign.
3.) One of my favorites is to convert between different units of measurement of height, weight, and volume. Just enter your desired conversion into the search box. Ex: 10.5 cm in inches. My favorite conversion is pixels to inches.
4.) Public data is another fast find. Let’s say you want to find the population figure for your city. Since I live in Arlington, Virginia. I would type into the search field, “population ArlingtonVA.”
5.) As a write, many times I need to find a synonym or dictionary definition fast. Now, there are a lot of places online to find them but they are just too many clicks. Use the search field for this. To find a synonym, you type in the “~” in front of the word. Ex: ~abundance. For the definition, type in the word “define” and then add your word or phrase you want defined. Ex: "Define abundance.”
6.) Spell checker is fast too! Just type in the way you thought it should be spelled into the field. Wha-la, you have the most common spelling information.
This works if you get on the Internet with your iPhone or cell. Now these are really great click savers on a cell phone but can also be used on the desktop.
7.) Let’s say you’re out and you want to know where the closet restaurant is. Type in the type of food followed by the zip code. The last time I was in a unfamiliar place in West Virginia. I didn’t know the zip code, so I walked into a store and asked. Then type “Italian food” + zip code and I had my list. Another time, I typed in the street name, city and state with zip code words after it and I had the zip code. And then I asked for the nearest Pizza Hut.
8.) Using the same style in number 7 above, you can find movies. Type in “movies 22201.”
9.) What if you out looking at homes for sales. You find a street you really like. Input “homes sales, name of street, city and state, or leave out the city and state and just add the zip code if you have it. This is a great time saver if the real estate market moves as fast as it does in New York City.
10.) Is your mother’s plane going to be on time? Type in the airlines, flight number and the airport name. Ex: american airlines 3110 dulles airport.
11.) What if you’re in a foreign country or filling out your reimbursement form at work and you need to know how much one currency equals another. Ex: How many rubbles equal $5.55 or the reverse. To use the built-in currency converter, Simply enter the conversion you’d like done into the search box. Ex: 150 GBP in USD. Or the reverse: Ex: $5.55 USD in GBP. If this is something you need from time to time. Practice it ahead of time so it becomes familiar and you aren’t stressed when you’re in some flea market in Rome trying the conversion.
12.) Another one of my favorites is using the “fill in the blank” feature. The best way to ask a question is to use this feature. You do so by adding an asterisk (*) at the part of the sentence or question that you want finished. Ex: Isaac Newton discovered *. Show your child how to use this so they can do their homework easier.
When I was standing at a statute in Rome and I wanted to know who the guy was. I typed in his name and added the asterisk (*). When I returned to the group and they asked what I had learned, I filled them in. Their mouths dropped. After this, every where I went they wanted to go. Later I gave up my secret and showed them how to use this feature. After that they did all the research which saved me even more time -- talk about delegating (chuckle).
Last week, I used this feature for a sculpture I was sitting next. I had stopped to eat a sandwich outside the building I was going to speak. I used the artist information I learned in less than five minutes as a part of my opening remarks to my speech. I also explained how they could use this. They ate it up.
13.) Before I learned this feature, I would search for the USP web site and locate the tracking number field and then type it in. Now, in the Google search field just type in the package number. This works whether its for UPS, FedEx or USPS.
14.) Need to find a patent information fast. Just type in “patent” + the number.
15.) Need to know what state and/or city an area code belongs to? Just type in the three digit number. And it’s there fast.
16.) To search for web pages with similar content to a given site, type “related:” (notice there’s a colon after the word) followed by the website address. Example: related:www.abundancecenter.com
17.) To know the time in another city, type in “time” and the city.
Now you’ve learned 17 new ways to find more information faster. You are saving many clicks and a lot of time during your day.
Selasa, 28 Juli 2009
Wireless Network
What is a Wireless Network?
It is a number of computers and devices connected together through Wireless connection via a Router to share information and to transmit data between them or for using the internet by many users using a single internet source.
What are the benefits of using a Wireless network?
* Simplify the network physical installation (where no cables needed to be installed).
* Having the network signal everywhere without being restricted to specific cable terminal locations.
* Increasing the number of users is so easily.
* It reduces the building's networking overall cost comparing with the wired network.
What are the wireless network components?
There are basically four components:
1. Modem: To provide the Internet to this network.
2. Wireless Router: To provide the network to the local network end points such as computers, laptops, printer …. Etc.
3. Cables: To connect the Router to the Modem and to configure the Router as well.
4. Wireless adapter: In case your computer doesn’t have a built in wireless component you have to have a Wireless Adapter.
What is the structure of building a wireless network?
The Modem receives the internet data signals from your ISP (Via ADSL line, cable Modem, wireless connection…etc) and convert and transmit those data to the Wireless Router via a Network cable.
Note: The Modem is transforming the Internet data signals from one medium (such as a ADSL connection medium) to an Ethernet medium (or we can call it LAN which is a network type used normally for home networks which is the abbreviation of Local Area Network) to make the data understandable for the computers and the devices.
The Wireless Router receives those data signals and transmits them to all the network terminals via wireless network medium.
Note: You can setup your wireless network without a Wireless Router in case if your Modem has a Router capabilities like the most of the new internet Modems.
The network terminals such as Computers and laptops have Wireless Adapters which communicate to the wireless network and complete the connection with the Wireless Router.
What are the benefits of having a Wireless router in my network?
Off course the below points would fit the case if your Modem is not a Router or your Router has no Wireless capabilities:
1. The dedicated Wireless Router will provide more security to your network hence it will work as a hardware firewall between your local network and the Internet line.
2. Your network connectivity signal strength will be more powerful especially when you purchase a Router with two antennas.
3. It’s more reliable to use a dedicated Router.
What are the things I have to take in consideration when building my own home wireless network in structure perspectives?
Before starting the Wireless network implementation you have to study the locations where you want the wireless signal to reach and to take the considerations on some important points:
1. When purchasing network devices such as Routers, wireless Access Points, wireless adapters…etc it’s better to choose their brands as the same brand for better compatibility and performance, you can choose equipment that supports three different wireless networking technologies: 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. Basically we recommend choosing 802.11g, because it offers excellent performance and is compatible with almost everything.
Note: Those different types of wireless networking technologies are referring to the IEEE standards which different amendments have implemented during the past years to enhance the Wireless technology performance in thier standards.
2. When purchasing a Wireless Router try to choose the one with two antennas for better signal strength and communication speed.
3. The Wireless network is affected by the Microwave devices and wireless devices such as a cordless handy phone so it’s better to prevent putting the wireless access points or wireless Routers near such devices and better to choose frequency bands which are different than the ones used by the cordless telephone, also the Wireless Networks affected by some kind of materials such as foils, hence all of the mentioned devices and materials would make an attenuation to the Wireless Networking signals and will reduce or might block the signal.
4. The Security of your Wireless network is the most important issue you have to take care about, if your Wireless network is not secured your neighbors might use your internet without your consent.
5. The location of your Wireless Router should be placed on a place where the signal can reach almost everywhere in your house equally, such location might be in the middle of the house or in a middle floor.
6. If you want to install a wireless network in a huge building you can simply use the Wireless Access points to extend the Wireless signals everywhere.
For more information on how to install and configure a Wireless network and other computer and Windows related issues, visit my website from the below link:
http://www.DealingWithWindows.com
The Senior Citizen Embraces the Internet
I just heard words I never expected to hear from my mother: “Well, why don’t you just email it to me as an attachment?” This is a woman who owned, and presumably used, her computer for 3 years before she discovered she could minimize a window! Now, lo and behold, she’s almost, dare I say, becoming comfortable with using that amazing machine in her study.
Like my mother, more and more senior citizens are utilizing their computers beyond playing their favorite card games. They are discovering that the Internet can connect them, cheaply and easily, to friends old and new. Grandparents can stay more in tune with little Josh’s first steps or Hannah’s piano recital when proud parents send pictures and video clips. Far-flung families can post regular updates and accomplishments on personal blogs or websites (made simple and almost professional looking with a free application like WordPress). Voice Over Internet Providers and cell phone packages have made even the simple act of keeping in touch by phone much cheaper.
In addition to staying connected with family, seniors are discovering that the Internet can open them up to new acquaintances. Last summer, thousands mourned the death of Australian Olive Riley, whom they had grown to love through her posts. Readers from around the world regularly logged on to share her thoughts and memories. Olive started blogging at the age of 107.
No matter what their interests, senior citizens can discover plenty of others to share them. Just a quick perusal of a WordPress gallery shows websites dedicated to people’s dogs, hobbies, recipes or neighborhoods. At a time when age slows a person down and prevents one from venturing out very often, it’s a wonderful boon to be able to connect with others from the comfort of home. Whether checking Lorna’s post to discover what’s new in her retirement village in Florida or discovering that new friend Harold is a great partner for online bridge games, seniors find their world opening rather than closing.
While I don’t expect (or even hope!) to find videos of my mother popping up on YouTube anytime soon, I’m happy for her and her fellow senior citizens that the wonders of technology can open her world wider even as physical constraints might be making it narrower.
7 Must Have Online Data Recovery Tools
The entry of a virus, malfunctioning software or a plagued operating system may cost you some important files. Below is a narrowed down list of some helpful online data recovery tools, which you can use to retrieve your important files.
TestDisk
TestDisk complements Windows, Mac and Linux data recovery needs. It is a powerful open-source tool that can ‘undelete’ suddenly lost and accidentally deleted files from FAT, NTFS and ext2 file systems. It also hosts other useful functionality. It helps recover the damaged boot sector from a backup, rebuild that boot sector and find lost partitions in dozens in format to locate the lost data and copy deleted files from partitions.
Recuva
Recuva is a Window-based tool that holds the power to resurrect missing files via its file-recovery wizard or application manual mode. When you are not quite sure of where your files are located or lost, the file-recovery wizard proves to be handy not only in retrieving missing files but also locating long forgotten files. Its manual user mode is helpful in file location.
PhotoRec
This program is a perfect complement to the TestDisk applications. It may not hold GUI capabilities but is certainly is one powerful online data recovery tool. Among its great features is that it does not mess with your computer partitions as it does not tend to rebuild your master boot record. This application is more focused on file types and operating-system agnostic. It offers help in quickly and safely copying all your suddenly lost files to another disk.
Restoration
Restoration could be the most helpful addition to your Windows-based USB toolkit. Not only does it help restore missing USB files but also your personal computer files. While it lacks the advanced functionality of most online data recovery tools, it is a very effective and generally reliable. Despite its meager 406k size, it outweighs any other data recovery tools out there when it simple applications.
Undelete Plus
Undelete Plus is a data recovery application that works on all versions of Windows as well as incarnations of FAT and NTFS file systems. It works by assigning recovery probability to searched files, depending on the severity of the damage. It allows easy file sorting by type and easy setting of filters, which will help sift through every deleted file in locating your missing files.
GetDataBack
This software helps recover lost data from your hard drive’s partition table, boot record, FAT/MFT or root directory. With the use of advanced algorithms, it ensures that all directories and subdirectories are put together and reconstructed properly. Perhaps the greatest GetDataBack feature is its capacity to enable regular users to conduct his own data recovery by guiding him in every step while giving the advanced users the leeway to interfere with the recovery operations to improve data search and retrieval results.
Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery
This software will provide you with the complete solution to all your data recovery needs. It works great in retrieving all the data lost after operating system corruption, file system damage, accidental deletion and damage to the USB flash drive. With its improved recovery applications for FAT and NTFS file systems, it helps recover lost logical drives, do hard drive cloning and imaging and recover photo, music and video files from your system.
Given this chance to look over the few notable online data recovery tools, you can now pinpoint which application(s) will assure the recovery of your missing files.