Recently on March 29, 2011 Amazon.com introduced a new feature called the Amazon Cloud Drive. Amazon’s newest business venture is an online storage center that offers Amazon customers a free 5 gigabytes (GB) of online storage space with the option to purchase additional space if needed. Online storage and backup systems have been gaining popularity over the past several years because they enable users to conserve precious hard drive space, provide the option to access data from multiple locations, and limit the need to purchase external hard drives.
Amazon Tag Cloud
from www.amazon.com April 2011
Although it is not the first type of online storage product offered by Amazon, the first being Amazon Simple Storage System (S3), it seems that the Amazon Cloud Drive was the next logical step. Amazon S3 is an online storage that is more geared towards large developers who need to share resources, access information from multiple locations, and store information in a secure online infrastructure. The Cloud drive offers the same storage and sharing power however the system is more focused on the individual everyday user.
The Cloud Drive is a great new feature offered to all Amazon customers that can be very helpful for users who either do not have room on their hard drives, want to backup files or want to have an online and centralized sharing system for their files. With the Amazon Cloud Drive users can easily upload audio, video, document, and photo files to a secure location within the Amazon.com cloud infrastructure. Even though this product is meant for individual users it can be a great tool for small businesses that need to conserve hard drive space, access files from various locations, allow multiple users access using the same login, and ensure that they have the space for other… Read the rest
Tags: amazon, cloud, cloud drive, drive, files, hard drive, space, storage
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Last week we discussed the new features of Internet Explorer 9 and the enhancements Microsoft has made to the preexisting structure of the browser. Since the release of IE9 and Firefox 4 were only one week apart from each other, it was bound to initiate an increase in competition. Moments after the new version of Firefox was released the number of downloads quickly began to grow much to the chagrin of Microsoft. It became hard to miss all of the blogs and headlines that are emphasizing how the number of Firefox downloads outnumbered those of Internet Explorer 9.
Firefox 4 from mozilla.com April 2011
Although competition may sometimes seem like a tough aspect of business it can undoubtedly provide certain benefits. For example healthy competition between similar organizations keeps companies innovative, growing, updating their products, and always searching for the next big concept. Having this type of browser competition ensures that the customer will remain the primary focus and will always have the best options made available to them. With that being said choosing a browser shouldn’t be about how many numbers of downloads a browser has it should be about the features it offers and the preference of a user, which seems to be getting overlooked in order to emphasize competition.
Each browser has a particular following so it is not surprising that the users running Internet Explorer will continue to use IE9 and those running Firefox will upgrade to Firefox 4. Each of the browsers has made similar adjustments but at the same time they offer a few stand out and key differences. Comparable to the changes made with IE9 the adjustments made for Firefox 4 can be broken down into categories which include design and layout, security and performance, usability and organization, and personalization.… Read the rest
Tags: browser, features, Firefox, Firefox 4, internet, internet explorer, search, users, web browser
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Monday March 14, 2011 marked the release of the 9th version of Internet Explorer (IE). This time around Microsoft stated that they have placed more of an emphasis on user feedback. During the IE 9 Beta testing period the company had received a lot of suggestions that they really took to heart and implemented. With these suggestions and implementation their goal was to make Internet Explorer 9 the best version possible.
from www.microsoft.com March 2011
The number of people using the Internet Explorer web browser is not as solid as it once was because users now have the options of other browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Causing the number of IE users to slowly decline over the past couple years, each of the other browsers offers its users certain benefits and has elements that customers gravitate toward. For example Firefox has an enormous collection of add-ons that allows a user to customize their browser environment and web experience.
Although the new release of Internet Explorer offers some pretty cool and exciting features it’s unlikely that the users that have already jumped ship will return. However the elements of IE9 may prevent future users from switching browsers which could be crucial since Firefox 4 was released on March 22, 2011. Regardless of the advantages and disadvantages of the other available browsers it is safe to say that this new version of Internet Explorer is better than any of its predecessors.
So, what are the new features of Internet Explorer 9?
Increased performance, enhanced design, better usability, and stronger safety are just a few of the features that the new version has to offer. The following is a closer look at some of the key elements that make IE9 the best version of Internet Explorer thus far.
Power and Performance: … Read the rest
Tags: browser, explorer, improved features, internet, internet explorer 9, site, user, version
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When natural disasters occur many people and groups across the world feel sympathetic to those that have to endure through the hard times. Whether it is through donations, prayer, or assisting in reconstruction, people usually come together and offer their support in one form or another. However, this of course is not always the case and where good hearted people may see an opportunity to help out there are others out there that are looking to take advantage of the situation.
 Although the Internet has greatly advanced over the past years it still remains vulnerable to cyber criminals. Even with the number of safety and security precautions established on the Internet the number of threats has nearly doubled within the last two years. Social media may be partly responsible for the growing number of threats because as the number of web users increases so does the number of these attacks.
Taking into consideration how much the Internet has evolved and the number of security features that have been implemented one thing remains the same and that is the human factor. Not all people are good and this is evident with cyber hackers, criminals, and the other individuals that only see the negative opportunity when tragedy occurs.
There are a number of ways cyber criminals take advantage of the Internet and web users. Among the most frequently used methods is phishing. These websites and emails are designed not so much to take advantage of the people impacted by a tragedy but the sympathy and compassion others express following the disaster. These sites and emails are created to make them appear as a legitimate company, meanwhile they have no connection to that company whatsoever nor do they have any intention of offering the support they are promising. Their only purpose is to gain access to your information and money. Following… Read the rest
Tags: cyber, cyber criminals, Email, internet, phishing, support, tragedy, website
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Even with the major advances in the smartphone industry, one thing that continues to hinder customers is the small keypad. Whether the keypads are used for texting, typing an email, searching the Internet or dialing a phone number many users still have issues with the size of the buttons. Despite the iPhone having nicely sized touch screen buttons when compared to most of the other mobile devices, they are still less than ideal for typing out longer text. This is why Verbatim has recently released the Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard.
march 2011 from verbatim.com
The Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard is a portable keyboard that is compatible with the iPhone and the iPad. The mobile keyboard is wireless and operates using Bluetooth. In order to achieve maximum portability the keyboard folds in half and comes with a carrying case for travel or storage. The ultra compact design is thin, light weight and allows user to carry the keyboard wherever they would usually take their mobile device. In addition to the carrying case the keyboard also comes with a built in iPhone stand that enables users to dock their device so that it works similar to a desktop environment. The keyboard connects quickly and makes it possible for a user to quickly and efficiently complete the work that entails typing. Once docked, the keyboard can also act as a control for the mobile device’s media player.
The Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard costs $100 through the Verbatim website but can be found for as low a $64.99 at Amazon.com. Powered by two AAA batteries it only weighs about 16 ounces and measures to about 9.2” x 6.4” x 2”. This device is a great tool for… Read the rest
Tags: Bluetooth, device, keyboard, Mobile, mobile keyboard, phone, work
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Last week some Gmail users were faced with an unwelcome surprise. Many Gmail account holders found that their emails were either deleted or temporarily corrupted. Although most users were unscathed by the detrimental “glitch”, those that were not so lucky temporarily lost the majority of their email and access to any crucial information contained within their account.
Since the problem began, most of the clients who were exposed to this issue have regained access to their email account and had their lost emails restored. In a Blog Posting from Ben Treynor, VP Engineering and Site Reliability Czar, he states that Gmail apologizes for the problems and goes on to talk about how the emails were never really lost. The bug had an impact on multiple data centers but because Gmail spreads their data across a vast number of data storage facilities as well as Tape, the emails were never truly deleted.
Tape is a form of offline backup that allowed Gmail to preserve the integrity of data and transfer it back to the data center after resolving the issue at hand. Gmail always keeps redundant copies of the data for easy retrieval in the event that something like this occurs. Gmail originally stated that it was an easy thing to fix but Ben later urged their customers to bear with them because it had taken longer than thought to resolve the issue due to the data transfer process. Following his Monday blog posting Ben Treynor provided an update stating that the flow of data had resumed and all the remaining affected users should now have access to their information.
The root of the problem surfaced when implementing a storage software update. Initially, it was estimated that .08 percent… Read the rest
Tags: data, data transfer, Email, gmail, google, mail, software update, users
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Wireless hotspots exist almost everywhere today. Whether you are at your favorite fast food restaurant, hotel, bar, hospital, airport, or anywhere in between you most likely have access to a wireless hotspot. These Wi-Fi resources are extremely convenient and allow users to access a network in order to complete work, check email, or just surf the net. The one thing of concern however is their susceptibility to security intrusions. Wi-Fi hotspots do not encrypt their data, consequently leaving your information vulnerable to hackers.
When utilizing a wireless hotspot it is important that you take the following necessary precautions to keep you and your information protected:
Safety over Convenience:
Although it might be tempting to sign onto any network in order to get your work done it is not the smartest or safest choice. It is advised that you try to locate secure VPN locations that require a login access key. The locations may not be as convenient as the place that enable keyless network entry but they certainly offer more safety.
Prepare your computer for unwanted exposure:
When you need to the access the Internet it might not always possible to access a hotspot that is secure, so it is important that you prepare your computer to the best of your ability. In order to prime your computer for any unwanted security intrusions you may want to try the following:
Disable your Wi-Fi settings when not using it!
When not using Wi-Fi, access your settings and turn it off. If left on your device can access hotspots that could contain threats to your personal information.
Ensure that you are utilizing an active and up-to-date firewall!
Firewalls can be enabled… Read the rest
Tags: access, computer, file, hotspot, network, secure, Wireless, wireless hotspots
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When it comes to using a personal information manager like Microsoft Outlook it becomes very easy to accumulate too much data. In turn, this build up of information which includes emails, contacts, reminders, or personal notes can often become too much for the system to handle.
Trademark of Microsoft Corporation
As we use Outlook more and more files and folders are created leading to a decrease in the speed of our Microsoft Outlook Center. Stand alone Outlook uses a PST file name extension, also known as a Personal Storage Table file, which is locally stored on your computer. When these files begin to grow they cause Outlook to exert extra effort in order to refresh and open older archived files.
There are several things a user can do in an effort to re-capture the speed of Outlook. Among the options to ensure that Outlook continues to work properly and efficiently is clearing away unused files, disabling add-ins, and removing the RSS feed.
Taking out the garbage:
First it is best to start by going through all of your emails or messages to see which ones you no longer need. Once you are finished deleting the unnecessary files you might already recognize an increase in performance.
Spread out the data:
Once you are finished clearing out the old files it is important to further thin out your folders. In Outlook 2003/2007 you can create a new folder or subfolder by clicking File, New, and New Folder. (In Outlook 2010 Support new folders can be created by going to Home, New Items, More Items, and Outlook Data File.) After establishing new folders reorganize your emails, messages, or reminders so that the information is not all located within the same folder.
Manage your inbox:
Similar to the previous
… Read the rest
Tags: boost, data, Email, file, folder, Microsoft Outlook, outlook, speed, speed boost
Posted in Browser Modifications, Software, Web Tips | No Comments »
 No one likes to spend more money when it can be avoided. Instead of replacing a computer we can try to extend the life of our current one. There are several simple tasks that we all can do to keep our computers going strong for as long as they can. Of course technology will continue to advance and there will always be faster processors and larger storage drives just around the bend, but in most cases the computers that we use now are more than adequate. If properly maintained our computers will be able to last a long time and prevent unnecessary spending on computer equipment in the future.
There are two primary aspects of computer maintenance that I would like to look at, the computer’s external and internal environments. The external element takes into account physical factors such as the environment, treatment, and storage of the device. On the other hand the internal aspects involve system maintenance, security software, and software updates.
When attempting to prolong the years of a computer it is easiest to start with the physical facet of computer maintenance. After all what good is taking steps to protect the information on the system if we are not going to care for the actual equipment? Just like most things in life, a computer in good physical condition takes effort and the right environment. The most important environmental factors that can affect the life of a computer is temperature, humidity, electricity, an air quality. Below is a list of helpful tips on what you can do to extend the life of your computers regarding both internal and external components.
A computer should be stored in 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit, any extreme temperatures can damage internal components.
Minimize static electricity by keeping humidity levels at about 50%.
… Read the rest
Tags: computer, extend, extending computer life, helpful, internal, life, physical, virtual
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Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) uses the Internet (Internet Protocol) for telephone calls that previously occurred on traditional phone based transmissions on public switched telephone networks (PSTN).  The popularity of VoIP services has skyrocketed due mainly to the tremendous financial savings. VoIP company’s typically charge a flat monthly rate for unlimited local and long distance calling, where PSTN companies charge a flat rate for local calling but a per minute rate for long distance.
For any company utilizing or thinking about switching to VoIP the most crucial consideration should be the quality of the call. Some business leaders recall the early days of VoIP when people using VoIP had poor call quality. This drawback has been greatly reduced by higher broadband speeds, though some honing can still be accomplished by adjusting a router’s Quality of Service (QoS) settings. The QoS settings can be adjusted to give priority to specific data transmissions such as VoIP.
The features that a VoIP provide sound great but without the appropriate settings on the Quality of Service it could lead to degraded communications. Although VoIP offers a reduced cost compared to PSTN users have to face problems such as delays in data packet delivery, loss of data packets, jumble data packets, and other errors that cause distorted voice and connection quality. There are ways to mitigate how many errors (calls fading in and out) you have to endure. Before switching to VoIP provided below are some suggestions to ensure the best communication possible.
Use the Appropriate Equipment and Internet Connection
Use network devices, switches and routers that can meet the major QoS standards. Keeping in mind that Internet Service Providers offering higher bandwidths (for example 10 Mbps (megabits per second)) are usually providing a router that is QoS capable and has QoS settings. Speaking of bandwidth,
… Read the rest
Tags: internet, protocol, QOS, Quality of Service, voice, Voice over internet, voip
Posted in Local Area Network (LAN), Networking, VoIP | No Comments »
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