Sunday, 12 February 2012

Master Clock's Occupation - Provide Accuracy and Organization

The word master clock insinuates many things for an individual who has never heard of the device. For one, the fact that there is a "master" clock suggests that there is a clock more superior than the clock we all know that hangs on the walls of our building. The word master also suggests control, meaning it plays a necessary part in an elaborate system. Many will gather this much about the master clock from just hearing its name, but what does the master clock actually do?

The master clock only cares about one thing-providing accuracy and organization for the facility in which it's installed. Take schools for example. The organization required to get students in and out of class, back and forth from busses, and to and from sports events and standardized testing procedures is highly dependent on the school's master clock. Without the master, the school's wall clocks would not stay synchronized and accurate, the bells would not ring on schedule, and many other functions strictly reliant on accurate time would not be properly executed.

Hospitals function in a similar way with the master clock. If accurate and consistent time displays are not present on every single clock in the facility, disarray can occur. Nurses may distribute medication at the wrong time. Doctors could show up late to surgery. When these professionals receive the wrong time from a clock they've preconceived to be correct, accidents happen and mistakes are made. The master's main function in the hospital is to make sure those time displays are consistent and employees within the building are not under false pretenses of which clocks are correct and which are not.

The corporate offices of America operate in a similar fashion as well. Here in the States, business is fast-paced and on-point. Professionals are always on the move, especially when in a sales or marketing position. Meetings are scheduled and expected to occur on-time, which is even more important when traveling to meet with other professionals external from the company. When incorrect time displays are scattered among the office, business men and women are put at risk for showing up late to these meetings. They might not get out the door fast enough to meet with some clients in the next town over. Meetings internal to the company don't start on-time due to the late stragglers that show up five minutes late-all because the clock in the lunch room said they had an extra five minutes available before the meeting. In this case, the master clock's ability to synchronize all those clocks in the office is of unparalleled importance.

Without a doubt, the master clock's occupation to keep accuracy and organization in the aforementioned facilities is beyond important. The professionals that move in and out of these facilities every day, expecting to be able to perform their job correctly and professionally are significantly hindered when the clocks don't match. So, when hearing the word "master clock", the information gathered from just the name, while providing an idea of its function, shows only a fraction of the overall description and meaning as described above.

Thursday, 9 February 2012

How Smart Glass Works

Technology has changed the way that we function. We see this in our daily lives with the use of cellular and solar technology. We can see this in our architecture as well. With the use of smart glass we can create new multi-functional spaces. There has always been a high value on space; what is this new technology and how can it help you maximize your world?

Smart Glass: more than a pane of glass this is a structure in which liquid crystal molecules are surrounded by electroconductive foil and suspended between two thin glass panes. The foil controls how the crystal molecules are arranged. The crystal molecules can be set so that they either let light pass through the two panes of glass or they appear opaque.

Not only is this new glass amazing to look at, it is functional in your home or office. This technology can be used in many ways to increase your quality of life.

    * In windows to eliminate the use of curtains and lower the dust mite count in your home leaving you with cleaner air.
    * Electrically switchable for ease of different settings.
    * Low-maintenance so you can spend more time enjoying your home than cleaning it.
    * Maximize space while maintaining the ability to make a public space private.

In an Office: You can have the look of an open office while still being able to have private meetings. Utilize smart glass technology as walls for cubicles which can remain transparent when not in use and quickly turn opaque when the need for discretion is called for.

At Home: Use smart glass walls to frame a dining room. You can look out at your backyard on nice evenings. However, if you are looking to add privacy from the neighbors you can do so with the touch of a button. In a family room a smart glass wall can create a window when translucent or projection screen when opaque.

For Special Collections: If you have a favorite collection house it in a case made of glass. You will be able to see your treasured items when the glass is transparent and protect them from deterioration by the sun by making the glass opaque. In this application your collection and the glass become art.

Smart glass technology is part of the new era of architecture, chosen for both the efficiency of its use and its design aesthetic.

Sunday, 5 February 2012

Computer Experts Expose Security Flaws But Experience Backlash

Computer experts have long known that poor digital security can result in identity theft, credit card fraud, and a number of other crimes. The news that a person or organization needs to make changes to the way computer security is handled isn't always met with a good reception, however.

While these experts offer good quality advice, many people simply aren't interested in taking it. Here's a look at some of the things technology experts say that individuals and companies should do to protect their information, plus a little of the backlash they experience for giving that advice.

Protective Programs

Individual users who protect their computers with anti-malware programs are about 50 percent less likely to suffer from identity or credit card theft. The protective effect is greatest for people who are running anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware programs on their PCs, with protection levels falling for people who ran only one or two of these programs, according to criminologists at Michigan State University.

About 15 percent of the people in this study had experienced identity theft related to computer security in the year before the survey. Protective programs aren't just for individual users, either. Small businesses and organizations put their information at risk if they don't bother to install protective software on every computer.

Safe Online Behavior

Downloading movies and music comes with a risk of being sued for copyright, but it could also expose a person's private information to unscrupulous users. In the MSU study, people who were more likely to download pornographic images or pirated material also had a much higher risk of identity theft. This is because the "deviant sites" that host this material are more likely to carry malicious software. By avoiding these practices, users can protect themselves.

Examining "Convenience" Measures

The same programs and features that make logging into websites and performing other simple actions much easier could also be dangerous to user identities. In 2010, for instance, a group of computer experts exposed a flaw in the AT&T website. Originally designed to make it easier to log into the site via the iPad, this problem also made it easy to get the email addresses of AT&T site users.

Both large companies and individual users should take a hard look at the convenience features they use to ensure that they're not risking valuable information. Individuals who are concerned about this problem can avoid using these convenience features or install script blockers and similar protective browser add-ons.

Backlash

Computer professionals who point out these basic facts don't always get a warm reception. In the AT&T case, the independent expert group that pointed out the iPad login flaw were actually accused of criminal behavior. The Federal Bureau of Investigation even opened its own case on the incident, while AT&T accused the group of maliciously hacking and exploiting their site. While disclosing vulnerabilities is standard practice in the computer industry, the people responsible for the vulnerabilities don't always take it well.

This holds true for individuals, too. Private users who are told that they're putting their information at risk by refusing to run anti-malware programs are often resistant to the extra cost or inconvenience of this software. That's despite the strong evidence that loss of personal data could cost them a lot more. The embarrassment of having done something wrong is often strong enough that people, whether they're personal users or representatives of a corporation, blame the messenger.

Listening to technology experts on the subject of security is still a smart choice, however. By taking a few simple precautions, businesses, organizations and private citizens can all help protect personal information and reduce the risk of identity theft and financial loss.

Sunday, 22 January 2012

The Value Of CompTIA Certification

Despite all of the issues that people are having with finding jobs, one of the growing areas of opportunity in the workplace is in computer and technical jobs. While getting a degree in computer science or a related field can take years, one way that people can quickly show or develop their technical acumen is by getting CompTIA certification. Certifications from CompTIA are recognized in the industry as proof of knowledge and training in a number of computer and technology based competencies.

Types of Certifications Available

CompTIA provides certification for a wide variety of computer and technology subjects. In addition to providing certifications for Windows systems and programs, CompTIA also provides certifications for Linux based operating systems and software. They also certify people who are experienced in dealing with networking, security, VOIP and multimedia support and even green technologies.

Additionally, they offer different levels of certification, including basic, specialty, professional and mastery ranks. Basic certification indicates that someone will do well in a computer and technology based company, and professional and mastery certifications indicate high levels of competency in advanced disciplines.

The reason that CompTIA certification is taken seriously in the business and computing world is due to the thoroughness of the tests that they administer for people to achieve certification. The majority of their tests are 100 questions or more and require in depth knowledge of the subject for people to pass.

Certification Training and Classes

Despite the fact that their certifications are rigorous, many people are able to successfully achieve certification by going through CompTIA's training system. They offer both online and physical classroom courses, and their training system is geared to not only allow people to pass their certification tests but to also develop knowledge and skill of the subject matter. CompTIA certifications remain a benchmark for the technical industry because they train people to be able to succeed in a real world environment.

CompTIA also provides a wide range of online study materials and test exams to prepare students for taking the certification test. This ensures that students are ready for the exam and also understand the materials that are being presented to them.

Benefits of CompTIA Certifications

Even if someone is currently employed, ongoing education and certification can help them along their career path. For people looking to branch out or considering pursuing a career in the IT field, this is an excellent way for them to start. Since CompTIA offers different levels of training and certification, even relative novices can succeed.

Additionally, many schools and workplaces are in partnership with CompTIA. There are a number of universities that allow people to take CompTIA classes through the school and receive college credit for their completing their coursework. Many schools also provide discount vouchers for certification exams to students who pass these classes. There are also a number of employers that will pay for their employees to take and pass certification exams. This improves the overall expertise of a workplace while also allowing employees to move into higher paying positions within the company.

Sunday, 15 January 2012

Why Choose Compatible Ink Cartridges?

Sometimes its cheaper to buy a new printer instead of replacing your ink cartridges

Is it better to buy a set of new ink cartridges or a new printer? This is not a question you should be asking yourself. It seems ridiculous to be paying more for ink than a printer and it is. Luckily there is another option, compatible ink cartridges. Perhaps you've seen these and pay little attention because they seem too cheap, or assumed they are nothing like the real thing. You might be surprised to find that they more similar than you think.

How are compatible cartridges different

What is a compatible cartridge? Compatible ink cartridges are brand new from top to bottom and are manufactured to the same standard and specifications as their genuine counterparts. There may be a slight difference in the tank shape but they will fit your printer all anyway. The amount of ink you get is the same or above the level in genuine cartridges and for the average user the results are very comparable to a genuine cartridge. When you consider the price of a set of four compatibles is far less than the price of one genuine there's really no harm in trying them for yourself.

What's the Catch?

Now you might be thinking, is their really no harm in trying? Can't they damage my printer? The simple answer to this is no. Manufactures of original cartridges try to make it seem like a bad idea but the truth is good quality compatible cartridges are a safe and reliable alternative. Some companies warn that the use of compatibles will void your warranty but a little research and you will find that it is illegal for them to do this under the fair trade act.

Electronic Chips

A feature relatively new to ink cartridges is a built in electronic chip. These keep an eye on ink levels but are primarily a device to try to keep consumers buying name brand cartridges. It used to be that you would need to transfer and reset these chip to use compatibles, however a large number of compatible cartridge manufactures are incorporating these in to their cartridges now and they work just as well.

Thousands of people all over the world have realized that there is huge money to be saved with compatible ink cartridges and are enjoying the benefits of low cost printing.


Thursday, 12 January 2012

Can Compatible Cartridges Damage My Printer?

The Same, but Different
There is concern over whether compatible cartridges can damage your printer. In fact there is very little that can go wrong with compatibles that can't with an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cartridge. Most compatible cartridges are manufactured according to the OEM specifications. This means that you can use them exactly the same way as OEM products. Because they are technically the same, the same precautions need to be taken when installing, storing or replacing the cartridge.

The Dangers of Printing
Some common faults are caused by incorrect use of the printer such as powering down your printer at the wall socket, leaving you printer off for weeks at a time, storing your used printer without cartridges inserted or incorrect installation of cartridges. All modern printers have a cleaning cycle option and this should be done after any lengthy storage or time without use. Possibly the most common problem is due to blocked ink heads, caused by ink drying inside the mechanism. Regardless as to whether you are using compatible or OEM products the same problems are possible and the method for fixing these issues should be carried out as per the manufactures instructions.

Ink Absorber Pads
Another issue (and again this goes for either compatible or OEM) is the waste ink absorber pads becoming full. These pads are built into your printer. Excess ink is directed into these pads to avoid it ending up messing up your print job. When the pad gets full the printer or your computer will display an error message and stop printing. Unfortunately the easiest option when this happens is to buy a new printer. This is not a manufacturing defect and is unlikely to be covered by your warranty. You could send your printer away to have the pads replaced, but the cost to do so would heavily outweigh the cost of a new printer. Alternatively you can try searching online for how to clean them yourself, however this is not recommended.

Better Safe Than Sorry
There are many suppliers of compatible ink cartridges and not all are the same. Before you buy you can check that your ink cartridges are manufactured to ISO-9001 standard. This is an internationally recognized organization of quality control and is used by both OEM and compatible cartridge manufactures. Also when buying online, most distributors will have a comments/feedback section of some description where you can view the results other people have been getting.

Sunday, 8 January 2012

3D Printing Jewelry

3D printing has touched upon quite a few industries across the globe. Some of these industries include the consumer world, electronics, medical, architectural, engineering, and various product development worlds. This technology is going to inadvertently touch upon almost every industry that exists if it involves any form of manufacturing. Through 3D printing, various shapes, curves, and parts can be manufactured, while other forms of manufacturing can't compete in some situations. The possibilities of this technology are endless, and I want to tell you how.

First off, to understand how this technology is significant, you must know the basics about 3D printing. Prior to anything happening at all through this technology, a computer image must be created. An artist, designers, or engineer - whatever you'd like to call it - will have to create a model that will be used in the 3D printing process. This model will be developed in one of various softwares, and sent to a 3D printer. This printer will use a computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system to manufacture the model. This CAM system involves the computer within the printer telling the extruders, jets, lights, or various tools, where to shoot material. Shooting material? In 3D printing, products are made layer by layer. Through various methods, layers of material much smaller than the diameter of a human hair will be laid down in accordance to the blueprint, or 3D model.

One interesting aspect to 3D printing and the 3D models used as blueprints - almost anything can be made. Due to the layer by layer process, various shapes can be created which can't be made through other forms of manufacturing. This means that various curves, hollow spaces, organic shapes, and functional parts can be manufactured through 3D printing. Crazy feats such as a ball within a ball can be made through 3D printing due to the possibility of hollow spaces. If it can be designed on a computer by an artist or engineer, it can likely be manufactured through 3D printing.

Tons of possibilities come through this technology. Just think about this - almost anything can be manufactured through 3D printing. If it can be designed on a computer, it can likely be created. This means that we have access to some seriously intricate models!

Artists are creating beautiful works through the design capabilities. One industry I want to highlight on would be the jewelry industry. Quite a few possibilities in the jewelry world are coming into existence. Due to the various materials jumping into the 3D world such as stainless steel, Inconel, gold, silver, and platinum - some cool jewelry is coming about! In order for a jewelry piece to be made in precious metals through 3D printing, a design must be mocked up. This manufacturing technology will involve the creation of a wax piece. This piece will resemble the model 1:1. This wax piece will then be used for casting purposes. Molten material of gold, silver, or platinum will run into the wax piece, and will take the shape. The wax will burn out, leaving a model of silver, gold, or platinum! That's it!