Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Why Use Google Apps for Business


Google Apps have been around for a while now and Google have been promoting the Cloud for business for over 10 years now. For those who don't know what Google Apps are, it is a service from Google featuring many web applications with similar functionality to traditional office suites like Microsoft office. Some of the many apps include Gmail, Google Calendar, Talk, Docs and Sites. The difference between Google Docs and office suites like Microsoft office is that all of Google apps are on the cloud, in other words on a server available 24/7 and can be accessed anywhere. You don't have to buy any software or hardware to use the apps and there is very little administration. Google apps bring the power of mobile computing to your fingertips. You don't have to be tied down to the office anymore, you can work anywhere at any time and be confident that your documents and critical business data is safe and secure in Google's hands.

Modern business is not just carried out in the office anymore. Mobile working is growing and that is thanks to cloud computing. You can be anywhere in the world and access your data, email, calendar and talk to colleagues. All you need is an internet connection. All of these applications can be used via an iPhone, blackberry or android phones and even some less powerful phones. This is how modern day business is carried out and it is set to stay

You get far more storage with Gmail and more security. Gmail is powered by Postini which is an E-mail and Web security and archiving service which has been owned by Google since 2007. The service provides efficient cloud computing services for filtering e-mail spam and malware actually before it is delivered to a client's mail server.

The benefits are obvious. Apart from the mobile working benefits and security the cost savings really add up. If you have 10 employees you need 10 office software certificates, whereas with Google apps you don't need to buy anything. All you need is a computer with internet access. For new businesses working with Google apps is ideal, training your staff to work on the cloud will ensure you business is run smoothly and securely without any worry about hardware and software down time.

Google has partnered up with many Google Apps Resellers so companies can help with the transition from regular software and working practices to working on the cloud. Google also provide customer support all day every day. You can contact Google via email, instant chat online or by phone. The likelihood of need to contact Google is slim because of the advanced security features. They store all of the data on many data centers so if one fail to retrieve your information it will automatically point to another server. As the servers are synchronised, you will only ever get up to date real time date.

You get peace of mind because Google Apps is the very first cloud based solutions to receive the FISMA certification. This means Google's security and network operations have been given the thumbs up from the Federal Information Security Management Act. To receive a certificate from the FISMA, guidelines and the correct implementation security control need to be adhered to. Google have a security team working all hours to ensure that data on the cloud is safe and secure.

If your software of PC has been hacked and you have lost data which lost your business a lot of time and money you can see why Google apps are beneficial to businesses. More and more are catching on to this concept and with what I have stated above it's not hard to see why. I have been converted and I hope more and more businesses will realise the benefits and more their business activities onto the cloud. Google rocks!



What Is ATEX Directive 949EC


The ATEX Directive 94/nine/EC is a directive adopted by the European Union (EU) to facilitate free trade in the EU by aligning the technical and legal needs in the member states for merchandise meant for use in most likely explosive atmospheres. CENELEC design specifications are nevertheless used. All products put on the market place or put into support in the EU for use in potentially explosive atmospheres ought to comply with the ATEX directive.

Merchandise Covered by the ATEX Directive



This directive addresses "Equipment" and "Protective Systems" which could be utilised in probably explosive atmospheres developed by the presence of flammable gases vapors, mists or dust. "Equipment" is any merchandise which contains or constitutes a prospective ignition supply and which involves specific actions to be integrated in its design and/or its set up in order to prevent the ignition resource from initiating an explosion in the bordering atmospheres. Also provided in the expression "equipment" are security or command devices put in exterior of the hazardous location but acquiring an explosion defense function. A broad collection of goods arrives inside the definition of machines, which include electrical motors, compressors, diesel engines, lights fittings, handle and communication products and monitoring and detection products. "Protective Systems" are products which protect against an explosion that has been initiated from spreading or causing harm. They integrated flame arrestors, quenching techniques, pressure relief panels and fast- acting shut- off valves.

The directive excludes the pursuing varieties of merchandise:

• Medical devices
• Products for use in the presence of explosives
• Products for domestic use
• Personal protective products
• Sea-going vessels and cellular off-shore units
• Means of transport, besides vehicles for use in most likely explosive atmospheres
• Military devices

New Item Classification Gear Groups and Categories

The ATEX Directive, in Annex I, defines two Devices Groups which are subdivided into five Products Categories.

Be aware:

In order to ascertain the suitable Conformity Assessment Process, the manufacturer ought to initial occur to a selection based mostly on the intended use, as to which Machines Group and Devices Category the products belongs.

Machines Groups and Classes:

Gear Group I

• Equipment Category M1
• Equipment Group M2

Devices Group II

• Equipment Group 1
• Equipment Class two
• Equipment Category 3

What Are Equipment Groups?

The two Machines Groups defined in Annex I are based mostly mining and non- mining programs.

• Equipment Group I - comprises of gear meant for use in the underground elements of mines, and to all those components of surface area set up of this sort of mines, likely to become endangered by fire damp and/or combustible dust.

• Equipment Group II - comprises of devices meant for use in other destinations likely to turn out to be endangered by explosive atmospheres.

What Are Equipment Groups?

The Equipment Classes Defined in Annex I are dependent on the level of precautions required in accordance to the likelihood of the presence of an explosive ambiance. Considering that larger amounts of precaution are a lot more costly to attain, classification of equipment into categories enables precautions to be used that are acceptable to the chance.

The 5 Equipment Categories are:


• Category M1 & M2 for mining applications. 
• Category one, two, & three for non- mining apps.


Devices Class M1:


Group M1 comprises of equipment which is:

Intended for use in mines endangered by fire damp and/or coal dust Essential to stay functional, even in the celebration of rare incidents relating to equipment, with an explosive environment present, and is characterized by the implies of safety these kinds of that:

• Either, in the function of failure of one particular implies of safety, at minimum an independent 2nd indicates supplies the requisite level of protection.
• Or the requisite stage of protection is assured in the celebration of faults taking place independently of every other.

Products Category M2:

Class M2 comprises of devices which is:

• Intended for use in mines endangered by fire damp and/or coal dust. Required to be de- energized in the event of an explosive environment.

• The means of protection relating to gear in this category assure the requisite stage of defense through usual operation and also in the care of a lot more extreme running circumstances, in certain individuals arising from tough managing and changing environmental problems.

Notice:

For Conformity Evaluation, Class M2 is sub- divided into:

• Electrical equipment and inner combustion engines
• Non- electrical products

Gear Group one:

Category 1 comprises of machines which is:

• Intended for use in areas which an explosive ambiance is constantly present or for lengthy intervals of time.

• Equipment in this group should assure the requisite degree of defense, even in the occasion of scarce incidents relating to products, and is characterized by suggests of protection this sort of that:

• Either, in the occasion of failure of one indicates of safety, at least an independent second suggests provides the requisite level of protection.

• Or the requisite degree of defense is assured in the function of two faults happening independently of each and every other.

Equipment Category two:

Group 2 comprises of equipment which is:

• Intended for use in areas which an explosive atmosphere is very likely to occur.

• The implies of defense relating to equipment in this class assure the requisite stage of protection, even in the event of frequent taking place disturbances or gear faults which commonly have to be used into account.

Notice:

For Conformity Assessment, Group 2 is sub- divided into:


• Electrical equipment and inner combustion engines. 
• Non- electrical gear.

Devices Category 3:

Group three comprises of gear which is:

• Intended for use in places which an explosive environment is unlikely to arise or only to happen infrequently or for small period of time.
• Equipment in this category ensures the requisite level of defense throughout regular operation.

The New Conformity Mark

Below the Aged Directive, the "Epsilon X" symbol indicated conformity with CENELEC needs. This symbol was permitted to be utilized to solutions which were considered to be ultimate assemblies, NOT empty enclosures or element areas this kind of as terminal blocks, operators, breather drains, and many others.

Beneath the New Directive, the "Epsilon X" symbol will transfer into the marking string and be utilized to indicate explosion defense. The "CE" mark will now indicate conformity to the ATEX Directive. This mark can only be utilized to last assemblies and not to empty enclosures or component components.

What Should I Do to Comply With the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC?

• For products that meet the scope of the ATEX Directive, you have to ensure that they comply with the Vital Specifications specified in Annex II of the ATEX Directive.

• To assure that your goods comply with the ATEX Directive, you require to adhere to the applicable Conformity Evaluation Process(s). (These processes may possibly entail the participation of a notified physique.)

What Are the Vital Needs?

The Important Needs detailed in Annex II relate to functions of gear and protective systems that are important in purchase to protect against explosions or to control the effects of incipient explosions.

The Necessary Specifications fall into three groups:

1.Widespread Specifications 
2. Needs for Devices 
3. Specifications for Protective Devices

Prevalent Conditions

1. General Needs


- Principle of integrated explosion security 
- Distinctive checking and maintenance circumstances 
- Surrounding place conditions 
- Marking 
- Directions


2. Selection of Materials


- Products that could trigger explosions 
- Adverse reactions involving resources 
- Resistance to company ailments 
- Protected operation all through foreseeable lifestyle 
- Prevention of leaks 
- Dust deposits 
- Additional indicates of protection 
- Protected opening 
- Safety from other hazards 
- Overloading of devices 
- Flameproof enclosure systems


3. Potential Ignition Resources


- Hazards from distinct ignition resources 
- Static electrical power 
- Stray electric and leakage currents 
- Overheating 
- Stress compensation operations


4. Hazards Arising From External Effects


- Risk- free operation beneath specified operating ailments 
- Resistance to mechanical and thermal stresses and aggressive substances


5. Requirements in Respect of Security Gadgets


- Security perform independent of measurement or handle operate 
- Detection of failure - fail risk- free 
- Immediate actuation of command unit 
- Gear and/or protective programs made safe 
- Restart lockouts 
- Command and display models 
- Products with measuring function for explosion defense 
- Risks arising from application


6. Integration of Safety Requirements Relating to the Technique


- Manual override 
- Dispersion of accumulated energy 
- Energy failure 
- Connections and interface 
- Warning gadgets


Requirements for Machines


Within just about every Products Category the needs cover:


• Prevention of ignition resources from turning out to be energetic 
• Control surface area temperatures 
• Safe opening 
• Prevention of dust ingress and egress


The Needs for Protective Devices cover:


1.General Conditions


- Dimensioning to decrease results of explosion to a protected level 
- Positioning to protect against explosions from spreading 
- Electric power failure 
- Resistance to outside interference

2. Preparation and Design

- Characteristics of resources 
- Shockwave resistance 
- Pressure- stand up to of equipment 
- Account take of pressure in peripheral devices and pipework 
- Strain relief methods 
- Explosion suppression devices 
- Explosion decoupling techniques 
- Integration into security methods

What Are the Conformity Evaluation Processes?

The ATEX Directive specifies a variety of Conformity Assessment Processes and the conditions when they must be utilized. The methods are:

• EC kind examination 
• Quality assurance 
• Verification modules 
• Internal handle of creation

EC Type Examination

EC Kind Examination is a procedure carried out by a notified entire body to validate that a merchandise kind is in conformity with the pertinent essential requirements. The method is specified in Annex III of the directive. The notified system will look at the technical file supplied by the manufacturer and conduct this sort of inspections and tests as could be expected to show that the item variety complies with the conditions stated by the manufacturer. The notified body may advise on relevant specifications but it is in the long run for the producer to choose the intended use of the merchandise. The EC Kind Examination process culminates in a certificate issued by the notified human body, attesting that the kind as defined in the technical file complies with the directive.

Top quality Assurance Modules

There are two Quality Assurance Modules specified in the ATEX directive:

• Production Quality Assurance - which applies to Products Groups 1 and M1 and to protective techniques, and which is specified in Annex IV of the directive.

• Product Good quality Assurance - which applies to electrical gear and inner combustion engines only, in Gear Groups 2 and M2, and which is specified in Annex VII of the directive.

Each of these modules require the manufacturer to have a defined and documented process for controlling the conformity of goods to the demands of the directive as defined in the technical file accompanying the EC kind Examination Certificate(s) for the products form(s). The method have to be assessed by a notified body and be subject to periodic audit by the entire body. In addition the system could spend unannounced visits to the producer and may possibly have out inspection and/or testing of goods to verify conformity with the licensed type.

There are a few Verification Modules specified in the ATEX Directive.

• Product Verification - specified in Annex V of the directive, which applies to Devices Categories 1 and M1 and to the protective methods.

• Conformity to Sort - specified in Annex VI of the directive, which applies to electrical equipment and inner combustion engines in Equipment Groups 2 and M2.

• Unit Verification - specified in Annex IX of the directive which may well be applied at the choice of the manufacturer as an option to any other conformity evaluation modules.

Even though they vary in their certain needs, the Verification Modules all need every single item created to be inspected and examined for conformity with the demands of the directive. The Item Verification and Unit Verification processes are carried out by the notified physique, while the Conformity to Variety is carried out by the manufacturer underneath the responsibility of a notified physique. In all scenarios the manufacturer is required to draw up a Declaration of Conformity in the format defined in Annex X of the directive.

Internal Management of Manufacturing

• Internal Manage of Production applies to devices in Class two and M2 which is not electrical gear nor inner combustion engines and to products Group 3. It is specified in Annex VIII of the directive.

• Internal Control of Manufacturing is a course of action whereby the producer, on his own responsibility, carries out the necessary operate to ascertain that product which he areas on the sector comply with the requirements of the directive.

Additional CE Marking Directives

There are a few other directives that need to be appeared at for the duration of your product or service evaluation. If your product or service falls inside of the scope of these three directives, all directives have to be applied in parallel to fulfill the special specifications of every directive.



What Does The Term AV Stand For


The term AV is an acronym for Audio Visual, so the term means anything that is presented using a sound component (audio) and a sight (visual) based component. AV or Audio Visual technology and equipment is used a lot in our everyday life. For example if you watch your TV or view a video or DVD you are using AV technology. Using your PC, laptop, tablet PC, smart phone music player is another example of where AV technology is used in everyday life.

Lighting is also part of AV technology (visual), and that can be any aspect of lighting including lighting in the home. Most of the time a professional AV engineer is not needed to light a home, but owners of large homes are using AV engineers to design the lighting within their home to help show it off, give it ambiance, make it comfortable and to save energy.

Listening to music is another example of where AV is used in our everyday lives, at least the audio aspect. In that case it is the speakers and the way in which they are set up and balanced that is the AV technology we use. If you record sound, for example using a Dictaphone once again you are using the audio aspect of AV technology.

The other areas of life where AV technology is used, but in a less everyday way is in business and entertainment. When a business makes a presentation to their staff or trains them they are often using AV technology. This is even more the case when they go to trade fairs to try to sell their products where they use video and sound to show off their products and lighting to ensure that their customers can see their product in its best light (no pun intended).

In entertainment the uses of AV technology are too numerous to list. AV is necessary to compose, record and present music and in the modern world the use of video is essential to the process of marketing that music. In the theatre lighting is an AV technology that is used even in the smallest productions as is sound, even if it is only in the form of a microphone or a system to make sure that the audience can hear the sound effects. Possibly the biggest and certainly the most spectacular use of AV is at music concerts especially the big spectacular ones. Most theatre productions also make use of video in their performances, for example using a projection screen as a backdrop onto which the relevant images are projected.

AV or audio visual technology is vital and intrinsic to our everyday life yet it is a technology that we very rarely think about. It is also a growing area or technology that is constantly evolving, so considering a career as an AV engineer is a good move. There is plenty of work and it is extremely varied and interesting work. Working in the AV industry brings you into contact with many different people and there is also the opportunity to travel.



The Importance of Technology


Technology refers to the collection of tools that make it easier to use, create, manage and exchange information.

In the earlier times, the use of tools by human beings was for the process of discovery and evolution. Tools remained the same for a long time in the earlier part of the history of mankind but it was also the complex human behaviors and tools of this era that modern language began as believed by many archeologists.

Technology refers the knowledge and utilization of tools, techniques and systems in order to serve a bigger purpose like solving problems or making life easier and better. Its significance on humans is tremendous because technology helps them adapt to the environment. The development of high technology including computer technology's Internet and the telephone has helped conquer communication barriers and bridge the gap between people all over the world. While there are advantages to constant evolution of technology, their evolution has also seen the increase of its destructive power as apparent in the creation of weapons of all kinds.


In a broader sense, technology affects societies in the development of advanced economies, making life more convenient to more people that have access to such technology. But while it continues to offer better means to man's day to day living, it also has unwanted results such as pollution, depletion of natural resources to the great disadvantage of the planet. Its influence on society can also be seen in how people use technology and its ethical significance in the society. Debates on the advantages and disadvantages of technology constantly arise questioning the impact of technology on the improvement or worsening of human condition. Some movements have even risen to criticize its harmful effects on the environment and its ways of alienating people. Still, there are others that view technology as beneficial to progress and the human condition. In fact, technology has evolved to serve not just human beings but also other members of the animal species as well.

Technology is often seen as a consequence of science and engineering. Through the years, new technologies and methods have been developed through research and development. The advancements of both science and technology have resulted to incremental development and disruptive technology. An example of incremental development is the gradual replacement of compact discs with DVD. While disruptive developments are automobiles replacing horse carriages. The evolution of technologies marks the significant development of other technologies in different fields, like nano technology, biotechnology, robotics, cognitive science, artificial intelligence and information technology.The rise of technologies is a result of present day innovations in the varied fields of technology. Some of these technologies combine power to achieve the same goals. This is referred to as converging technologies. Convergence is the process of combining separate technologies and merging resources to be more interactive and user friendly. An example of this would be high technology with telephony features as well as data productivity and video combined features. Today technical innovations representing progressive developments are emerging to make use of technology's competitive advantage. Through convergence of technologies, different fields combine together to produce similar goals.



Tech Shortage Is Coming


This article is time sensitive and if your reading this a year from now in 2012 it may not be as true or true at all. If you are reading it in the summer of 2011 it is extremely important to know that the gadgets and gizmos you love so much; may soon be very hard to come by.


All the demand for amazing products such as the Canon 5D Mark 2 or the iPad2 or the N300NN security camera; combined with the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan has led to one inevitable result; an inability to get high enough quality and quantities of the chips and processors that make these amazing gadgets run.

As stock is running out on your favorite gizmos including surveillance equipment and CCTV products; we are reaching a point where the ability to get these fine items, especially in the surveillance industry, but all over the ech world is going to be harder and harder.


This is already happening as I have seen some of the most popular CCTV products reduced to only one or two left in stock with no more coming until October or November, and still in very limited quantities. With this reality and information in mind it has made some resellers and distributors stock up early, but when these supplies run out there will almost inevitably be a rise in price as the demand continues to rise with limited supply. The closer we get to June and especially July of 2011 we are going to see fewer and fewer tech products available as their supplies dwindle without quick replenishment.


Furthermore for the smaller scale tech creators it will take a longer time to restock their products as bigger named companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Sony, etc... will get higher priority.


So if you know that in the near future you are going to be needing that key piece of surveillance equipment or wanting that really cool spy gadget; you may want to look at getting it soon as it may not be available for long; and if it is available in a month or so; you may be facing a higher price than you would have otherwise. There is of course the patient route in which you can always wait the 6 months or so and get your surveillance equipment then; otherwise you may want to act fast before it's too late.



Tablet Computing - How It Can Work For You


Given that technology continues to drive people's lives, there will always be new innovations introduced to provide individuals with new ways of gobbling up the media. The future of computing has been raised into a higher level compromising every one's capacity to grab a new unit with new and much more interesting features.

The tablet computing is just one of the several products that have made the world go high tech. It is considered one of the most popular handy devices that carry a lot of functions.


When the concept of tablet PC was brought up, not many totally embraced it. Not until people working in different industries start to make use of it as an effective alternative to laptops and desktops.

Entrepreneurs who travel can always carry with them a tablet PC which they could use for browsing the Internet. With this gadget, they are able to get rid of heavyweight laptops. The tablet PC is completely hassle-free and provides a slag-free browsing and clicking experience on the web.


This specific unit has impacted the future of computing in a very good way. The rise of this kind of device has opened several doors. Opportunities start to flood into every user's hands. The key objective of technology which is making people's lives easier and simpler has been totally achieved with products like this one.

If you are looking for improvement, don't be left out with what's latest in the field of technology. All those innovations are not made to rip off your pockets. Though they cost some money, the functions and how they could benefit us are all worth the investment. Typically, for someone who is in search for better devices which could offer higher quality features, price is just a second factor.


The existence of the tablet pc is a big fuss online. Many people are talking about it, from its benefits to its risks. Several individuals have revealed both disadvantages and advantages trying to educate the world about this certain advancement.


Everyone who is online all the time surely has absorbed as much information needed to better understand how this computing device could really influence how we handle things in life.

The greatest advantage is being seen by professionals in different industries. Try to picture a meeting where 5 to 7 or more marketing officers are discussing and analyzing a particular subject. Instead of printing pictures and documents to see and read, they just access their computing devices and start browsing on files necessary for the meeting.



Setting Up a Wildcard SSL on CPanelWHM


A Wildcard Certificate means all of your sub-domains will resolve to the same location, regardless of the non-SSL Document-Root specification. A user will need to purchase a Wildcard SSL from a vendor or a reseller that supplies them.

Similar to having multiple certificates installed on a server, each sub-domain containing the certificate needs its own IP as well. Wildcard SSL's do not work like Wildcard DNS - you will have to specifically install the certificate on each sub-domain. Following are two methods to set up a Wildcard SSL for a domain.

Multiple Accounts

In a case where you have each sub-domain hosted as a separate cPanel account, and each cPanel account has its own IP address, then follow these steps:

Generate the Certificate Signing Request (CSR) in WHM, using .domain.com
There are two ways to change a site's IP address:
Via WHM:
Go to WHM > Change site's IP Address, select the account, then select the IP


Via Command Line:
/usr/local/cpanel/bin/setsiteip -u $user $ip

When you've obtained the certificate, go to WHM > Install a SSL Certificate and Setup the Domain and paste in the CRT and CA Bundle for *.domain.com

The fields should auto-populate, in which case you need to make sure the IP is correct, then change the SSL hostname from .domain.com to the target sub-domain
Click install to install the certificate
One Account


This method may be best for users that are not resellers or that are on shared hosting servers, where having multiple cPanel accounts may not be ideal. In this case, you'd have one cPanel account and assign multiple IPs to its sub-domains:

Generate the Certificate Signing Request (CSR) in WHM, using .domain.com

These are the steps to assign dedicated IPs to multiple sub-domains on the same account


Edit /var/cpanel/userdata/$USER/$SUBDOMAIN.$DOMAIN for each subdomain (for addon/parked domains you'll usually edit the file for the subdomain associated with the addon/parked domain) and change the IP value to a "dedicated" IP.

Run /scripts/rebuildhttpconf

Edit the DNS zone for the subdomain (which will likely be attached to the parent domain) and update the a-record to point to that IP as well. Then synchronize the zone out to the DNS cluster, if one exists:

/scripts/dnscluster synczone


Edit /etc/domainips and add an entry for that sudomain to point to the IP and run /scripts/rebuildippool to make sure the IP is marked as taken.

When you've obtained the certificate, go to WHM > Install a SSL Certificate and Setup the Domain and paste in the CRT and CA Bundle for .domain.com

The fields should auto-populate, in which case you need to make sure the IP is correct, then change the SSL hostname from .domain.com to the target sub-domain

Click install to install the certificate


Self-Service Laptop Lockers for Universities

Self-Service Laptop Solutions for Libraries and Self-Service Laptop Lockers for Universities



With UK universities now able to charge up to £9,000 tuition fees, higher education establishments need to provide the best possible student experience to remain competitive and attract applicants. For cash-strapped students who cannot afford their own laptops, the quality of IT services and the availability of laptop loans in university libraries can influence where they choose to study. Unfortunately for some universities, availability of librarians can limit their capacity to offer these services, but the introduction of self-service laptop lockers can resolve this problem.


So how exactly do self-service laptop lockers work? Made from steel, each locker bay safely secures each laptop, netbook or tablet whilst it is not in use and charges the device ready for when it is needed. If a student requires a laptop, they simply present their library card to the issuing panel on the locker, and the cabinet will recommend a bay that a student can remove a fully charged laptop from. When the device is returned to the locker, and the door has been closed, the bay will then be ready to be allocated to another student. As a result, the cabinet can record which student has taken, returned or damaged a piece of equipment. In offering a loan system of this kind, universities can use their resources more efficiently and greatly improve the IT on offer to students, helping to increase overall student experience.


Whereas manual loan schemes require a librarian to dish out a laptop or tablet in exchange for a student's library card, self-service lockers leave staff free to get on with their other duties, potentially cutting costs if staff working hours are reduced. What is more, self-service systems can be set up to issue laptops throughout the day right up until a library closes, whereas manual systems can only operate during a librarian's working hours. Self-service lockers give students access to equipment whenever they need it, making things much easier for students who may only be able to use the library at particular times due to lectures and part-time work commitments.


Although laptop lockers provide students with greater flexibility in terms of when equipment can be loaned, universities may be concerned about how these laptops are charged, especially when it comes to keeping track of their AC adaptors. Some laptop lockers can be fitted with pre-configured charging cables to replace each device's AC adaptor so that this additional equipment does not need to be stored in the cabinet.


These short cables reduce the time taken to replace laptops into the cabinet and also come with energy saving options than can shut down the power to a laptop when it fully charged. Such systems save energy, and thus energy bills, and protect battery life, further saving universities money because they would not have to buy replacement laptops as frequently. In addition to self-service loans, laptop lockers can also provide students with a safe haven in which to store their personal IT equipment. With students often choosing to live away from campus, many students do not have a safe place that they can leave their laptops to recharge whilst they attend lectures or seminars. By investing in laptop lockers, universities can reduce this problem, meaning that students would not have to carry around their heavy equipment all day.





Save Money by Finding a Used Server Cabinet Online


When it comes to running a business, the maintenance of your computer systems can be an incredibly expensive part of your overall budget. This area of expenditure becomes more expensive with each passing year as we all come to depend on high spec computer set ups due to the nature of businesses these days. With so much commerce taking place online, it is crucial that you have a professional and modern set up, but unfortunately this means that from time to time it is going to mean that you have to dip your hand in your pocket.


You will find though, there are some sites on the internet which can give you access to some computer parts for far less than their normal retail value. A good example is server cabinets. Normally a server cabinet will cost you well in excess of £100, but if you accept that you can find quality cabinets that are second hand, then you can save yourself a small fortune. You will also find that the same is possible with blade servers. Blade servers are designed principally in order to save you space, but if you know your way around the internet, they can save you both space and money! This is another item which is a lot cheaper if you are prepared to and if you can find it second hand.


Thankfully there are some great sites online that sell perfectly good second hand computer parts which have normally been fully refurbished by the manufacturer. Some sites actually specialise in finding parts for end of life systems that can at times be difficult to get hold of, so finding these sites can be a great help for your company going forward.

Obviously finding the right computer parts relies heavily on what sort of system set up you have. It is for this reason that you should try to find a site which can offer to find whatever you need. This way, if you decide at any point to change your system wholesale, you will know that you have a site which you can rely on to find you parts for your new system too. there's nothing worse than being let down by your computer system in as busy office, and being prepared by already having the necessary contacts is a good way to make sure that you are not affected for a long period of time.


Whatever you need for your business computer system, there is always an alternative to buying from the usual sources. If you can save money and find a reliable seller then it has to be worth just a little time online finding someone who can supply you with all of the computer parts you need.



Monday, 23 May 2011

Mac Anti Virus - How to Secure Your Mac OS and Get Rid of the Latest Trojan


Using an Anti Virus for Mac system is not uncommon any more. Until some years back Mac viruses, malware, adware and other malicious items were almost impossible to find but now hackers are targeting the Mac OS very aggressively.


Recently we heard of a new Trojan horse that tried to attack a good number or Mac systems. This Trojan tried to trick the user into buying a fake antivirus for Mac by making the user believe that his/her system had been infected with a malware. As this malware is installed various pornographic sites open up and you get pop ups to upgrade to the latest version of this software so that your credit card information can be recorded. Though one of the good things about this Trojan was that it was unable to install itself, a good number of Mac users became a victim of this malware

Getting rid of this Trojan

It is also known as Mac defender, Mac security or other similar names. It is quite easy to get rid of this malware because it runs in the background and you are promoted to install it. You can easily remove it by following this procedure.

Open the activity monitor and find any of these names like Mac security, Mac defender etc.
Select it and click "quit process" or select "force-quit" if required.

Go to the download/application folder and locate the installer file. Move this file to trash and then empty the trash.


Go to Account and select system preferences. Remove all instances of this Trojan from the Login items as well.

Some easy Tips to keep your Mac system secure


Though Apple makes it a point to open only safe files but your system cannot judge if the file is really safe. It is better to disable this feature by unchecking this feature in Safari's Preferences.
Another important point that must be kept in mind that when you are using internet, various programs are downloaded automatically. It is always a good practice to manually install every new program. This trick is useful not just for Mac systems but for Windows also to some extent.
Anti Adware, Anti viruses and other internet security tools are available for Mac also therefore it is better to install a good Mac Antivirus, Internet protection tool for Mac from a reputed brand so that your system remains protected all the time.


Laptop Repair What Choice Do You Have


In today's day and age, a laptop is probably one of the best gadgets that you could ever possess. The reasons are pretty obvious. There are many things that you can do with a laptop computer. It can greatly enhance your productivity. The things that you can normally do within the four corners of your office may now be accomplished outside. Deadlines which you have to meet urgently can now be met because you can now work in your home, in the park, or on a plane. Moreover, a laptop provides you easy access to information from the information superhighway, the internet, from nearly anywhere. Through your laptop computer, you get updated with the latest trends in politics, business, entertainment, and other information that is important to you. As a result of these practical benefits that you derive from using laptop computers, when this gadget breaks down you are greatly affected. It is for this reason why there is a need for laptop repair.


There are many ways by which laptop repair may be accomplished. In fact, the alternatives that you have are quite a good. For your laptop repair needs you may go to an established service center. There are, however, certain disadvantages with using a service center to fix your laptop. Aside from these service centers, you may directly go to your laptop manufacturer, especially, if it has an office in the place where you live. Under certain circumstances, this alternative is the most cost-efficient since you do not have to spend money for the laptop repair. However, this is normally only possible if your laptop is still under warranty. Otherwise, the cost of repairing your laptop computer including the parts that may be needed will be charged to you. Moreover, you may go to Google, Yahoo, or Bing, and type in "laptop repair" to look for these individual service providers. It is possible that you will be able to find a professional who does laptop repair at an affordable price.

However, despite the number of options that you have for laptop repair, it is important that you do this carefully and deliberately. Remember, your laptop computer is one of your important assets, it is therefore proper that you consign this with somebody that you can trust. Otherwise, the potential for disaster is there. Hence, choose the service center or the laptop repair professional that has the proven competence and track record in being able to fix laptops. The best way to do this is by asking questions. Do some research on the customers that they have serviced before. Do not rely on the information that they give you. You can also ask for references so that you will be assured that your laptop is in good hands.


Finally, considering what is at stake, you should have a ready plan for laptop repair. You can achieve this by knowing your laptop well. You have to read product brochures and specifications. This way you will be informed of the capabilities of your laptop and hopefully gain an understanding on the things that might affect its performance. Laptop repair need not be tedious and taxing. You just have to know where to go for laptop repair and you will be alright.