As a former network administrator for several small proprietorships, I was often tasked with the security, storage and retrieval of business-related information. The elements I used to effectively carry out these tasks were a combination of CDs in the workplace (compact discs), external hard-drives, and very limited use of online storage – usually of relatively-disposable documents that didn’t pose a significant security risk. The most effective mechanism I found for maintaining information-integrity, was the use of CDs.
The most popular mechanism for information storage on file servers is the external hard-drive and portable USB flash-drives; however, I found there was also a direct correlation with the level of network security risks to which my businesses were exposed. Their cavernous information-storage capacities, often seen as a benefit, were also prone to viruses and malware that could attack the cyber-infrastructure of the entire organization, precisely because of the centrality of the information. Online file storage was the least attractive option I investigated; because while it maximized portability, it also inevitably minimized security, no matter what extra precautions were taken to try and preserve the exclusivity of the data. CDs in the workplace, because they didn’t spend all their time connected to the network, boasted two major advantages: they represented a physical template of the businesses I was tasked to oversee, and so were much less prone to power meltdowns and accidental deletions common with the relatively virtual mechanisms for storage; and, CDs were much more amenable to “spreading out my forces,” so to speak. Multiple copies could be spread out in different locations for drastically increased protection against viruses and physical disasters. Read the rest of this entry »
The best all in one computer requires upgrading to leverage touch screen functions and catch up with the technological advances already made in the tablets and smartphone operating systems. With Windows 8 featuring the touch-first focus, the PC users will change the way they think about normal computers. The current scenario of the tablets and smartphones is focusing on the touch screen, while the home computer was reliant more on keyboards and other traditional applications. Well, the change we have all been waiting for is here.
The HP TouchSmart 320 provides just that, and at $650, it’s a killer deal for an all in one computer, inclusive of touch screen applications has become so-used-to in smartphones and tablets. With the traditional features seamlessly integrating with the touch screen advantages, it has to be the best all in one computer at present.
It measures 20 inches in width, 16 inches in height and a depth of 8 inches. It weighs approximately 20 pounds and features a great 20-inch, 1600 X 900 multi-touch monitor. With 4 GB of ram memory and a hard disk of 1 terabyte, space and speed aren’t going to be an issue. It also comes equipped with the patented Dr. Dre-endorsed “Beats” audio, Wi-Fi connection and a DVD burner. Read the rest of this entry »
It is true to say that with more powerful computers, we can develop more powerful robots. Developing more powerful and complex hardware will make sophisticated vision systems inexpensive and therefore more commonly found. Systems that learn by processing what they see around them and reacting to their environment will be developed. Software will evolve to make use of the hardware resources that have been developed.
Due to these advancements in technology and the application of robotics, there will be a huge increase in the general population of robots and other intelligent machines. The influx of the robotic population will see prices drop and therefor this technology will become more attainable to the general population. The population will also benefit from a large amount of jobs created in this sector. There will be a strong demand for technicians, engineers and scientists who can repair, design and research robotic devices.
Although the robotics industry will create jobs, they will also reduce the need for human operators in many job roles. This may well cause resentment among the people but the benefits to humanity are too great to let this hamper the progress made in this industry. The changes I will now list are on the very cup of being robotics standards, which will see this industry surge forward in this relatively new century: Read the rest of this entry »
Finding a new printer is hard enough with all of the choices around nowadays but before you pick a specific one, you’ll need to work out what you want to use your printer for – photographs or text, or both? And also what kind of environment you’ll be using it in – office or personal use? These are huge factors in the type of printer you decide on. Printers come in two specific types – inkjet printers and laser toner printers – the former produces better quality digital images whereas the latter is quicker and more efficient at printing text. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of both inkjet and laser toner printers – hopefully these will help you decipher which printer will be best for you.
Laser toner printers
Laser printers are better suited to larger office environments mainly because they speedy, precise and relatively cheap to maintain. They use toner cartridges that contain a powder in them, which is also found in photocopiers. This powder allows the printer to print precisely and quickly – just like a photocopier. Laser printers use complex technology, and the toner contains a special wax that melts and dries in seconds. The resolution is so much higher with this type of printer than with inkjet but you pay the price in the cost of it. However, toner cartridges last a long time and produce a high-volume of print-outs making them quite economical in the long run. Read the rest of this entry »