How to Understand Cloud Computing the Easy Way

July 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When I first heard of Cloud Computing it was very hard to wrap my mind around the concept. All I could see was clouds. I thought how does this relate to doing anything with computers?

In this article I will try to help you understand this real concept so you’ll have an idea of how it works and how you can get involved. The truth is that we are already involved at this very moment and don’t realize it.

The first thing that comes to ones mind when they don’t understand something is to ask, what is it? So to help us understand it much easier that’s where we’ll start.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is the online buzzword for what we all do every day in the online world. The conducting of more and more of our activity in the online world. The result of interacting with software and applications that reside out on a server. Also known as cloud storage.

Later on, I will hone this down to your personal computer or device and what you can do with it. Now though, here are some examples of how we do this thing called cloud computing every day without noticing.

Do you have an email address? I’m sure you do. Do you have a Gmail or Yahoo, etc. email address where you send and receive email? Then you are cloud computing!

These email accounts have their own dedicated servers where everybody accesses their mail from. An example of non-cloud computing would be if you have your own individual hosting account. Where you have your own email server in your own dedicated accounts.

Are you into the social scene online? Just about all of us are in one way or the other. Such as Facebook, Twitter, and many others. Then you are cloud computing!

Do you share your photos and videos online through YouTube, Picasa, Flikr, etc.?

Then you are cloud computing! Where ever you access software or services online where everybody does the same thing then you are said, to be cloud computing.

Simplified Clouds

Now let me bring this down a little simpler for you as related to your computer. Say for example, you use Microsoft Word on a regular basis. Of course you have a copy of it installed and stored on your hard drive.

Today you would not need to have a copy on your hard drive because Microsoft would have a copy stored on their Windows Cloud server already installed and ready to use. You would simply login to your Windows Cloud account and begin to use Word there.

You see its very simple to understand really. There are many companies who are moving to this type of computing. Some companies include:

  • Windows Cloud
  • Apple iCloud
  • Cloud Hosting Companies

How many times within the past year have you seen advertising for Backup companies? Having trouble keeping enough CD’s to backup your important information? No problem. Just get an online backup account at the many companies and backup your info there.

As you can see there are many cloud computing companies for you to interact with. It is quickly becoming the way of the future. And lots of them offer free space on their Cloud.

I recently did a review on the Apple iPod touch. In fact most of Apple’s mobile computing devices are geared toward cloud computing. In the Fall of this year 2011, Apple will introduce their new iOS5 operating system and with it comes a 5gb free account on their iCloud.

The iPad, iPod touch, and their iPhone will all have the capability to interact with Apple’s new Cloud Computing experience. It won’t be long until somebody will probably come up with something called a cloud atlas to see all the companies available to this new experience.

The Wrap

You now have a very good understanding of something that is perplexing at first knowledge. Don’t let cloud computing confuse you anymore. It’s really very simple once you grasp it in terms of hardware.

The computer landscape is increasingly changing, all to make our lives more easier to live….information wise. The question is, will it really?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Know Your Laptop AC Adapter

July 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment

A laptop AC adapter makes it possible to charge your laptop in order to give it maximum mobility. A fully charged laptop can work for a long time without being connected to any external power source. In the event of a non-functioning adapter you are sure to be faced with great problem.

How Does A Laptop Adapter Support A Laptop?

Your laptop runs on direct current or DC power, but the adapter you get with your laptop is known as an AC adapter. This is because it converts the alternating current or AC supplied by the wall unit into DC which helps your laptop function.

Detecting a Faulty Laptop AC Adapter

The AC adapter connected to your laptop helps charge the laptop battery giving it the advantage of mobility. But, at times, you may notice that the laptop is not functioning with the adapter connected. This may or may not be the fault of your adapter. Perform a few tests to detect the fault.

* When an adapter is connected, you will notice an LED glowing on it. Simultaneously, there should be a charging light glowing on the laptop. If either of the lights is not glowing, there is a problem.

* Try changing to a different wall unit. If your adapter functions when connected to a different unit, you must get your wall unit connections checked.

* A faulty battery can be a possibility if the battery does not charge with the adapter connected. Try removing the battery from the laptop and using the machine using the adapter as a power source. If the laptop works fine, you need to get your battery checked.

* A problem with the laptop cannot be ruled out. Connect your adapter to another laptop of a similar make. If the laptop functions well, you need to get your laptop examined.

* Try charging your laptop with another adapter. If everything functions as per desired, you need to change your adapter. You will need a similar make of the adapter or a universal one that can work with any model.

Caring For an Adapter

Once you have identified a faulty adapter, you need to either get it repaired or purchase a new one. When you own an AC adapter, be it a laptop or notebook AC adapter, there are a couple of points that you need to bear in mind to take good care of your adapter.

* Make sure the chords do not bend much at any point. Too much of bending and twisting can cause damage to the wires and that might lead to a short circuit.

* The box that lies in between the wire is the transformer. Avoid overheating of the transformer by keeping it uncovered. A covered transformer might get overheated damaging all the inner parts.

* Like any other electronic product, adapters too are prone to damage if they come in contact with water. Keep your adapter as far away from water as possible.

A laptop AC adapter fulfills the purpose of owning a laptop. Without an adapter to recharge your computer battery, you can never imagine carrying it to all the places that you do. Therefore, it is important to take good care of it and keep it functioning in good condition.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Tips to Secure Your Laptop From Misuse

July 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Laptops also share some common issues like desktop PCs. One of the common problems faced by laptop users and PC users is the risk of misuse. Both can be misused in the same ways and when it comes to laptops, they even can be stolen easily and then used for the wrong purposes. Another issue is the loss of data due to problems in the system or non-installation of anti-viruses and proper programs.

Laptops can be misused in a few ways. They are:

• At home: Laptops gather more attraction than the traditional PCs. Even members at your can misuse them. They may be just using them to fulfill their curiosity about the IT world or sometimes they just do not know what they are doing exactly.

• At schools and colleges: The major misuse of laptops and computers is seen in schools and colleges. They tend to use it while classes or in the labs. For instance, if a student is in a lecture and noting down the points in his or her laptop. Probably he or she will be checking new notifications on Facebook or playing games.

• Virus: Threat from several worms and viruses can also be bad for Laptops because in this way you loss a good amount of important data. Sometimes you get these malwares through internet and sometimes you get them from other laptops, computers or storage devices, etc.

• Lending: People usually lend their laptops to friends or colleagues. It is suggested not to give them your personal machines as they can be misused.
There are ways to protect your laptops from being misused; no matter whatever the reasons may occur. They are:

• Avoid Lending: Avoid lending your laptops to co-workers or class fellows. In this way at least you will be able to protect your laptops being misused by your fellows.

• Visual Locks and trackers: Visual locks and tracking devices installed to your laptops may help a lot in tracking down thieves in case they get stolen. With visual locks you make it hard for the thieves to misuse your personal data or files.

• Do not show off or use Expensive bags: Carrying an expensive or cheap laptop, never show off in public that you are keeping a laptop with you.

• Parental Software: Always install parental control software to make sure your children do not misuse your laptops.

• Monitoring Software: Whether it is a school or college or office, monitoring software must be installed
in computers and laptops In order to avoid misuse of files and internet.

Safety measures are required for everything especially with electronic items. If you want to Buy Laptops in Nigeria, then you must go through the tips well and be sure to get pre-installed monitoring software and antivirus software when you Compare Prices in Laptops with specifications and features.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Five Reasons Why iOS Is Superior to Android

July 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Upon its release, Google’s Android platform was expected to overtake Apple’s iOS in both functionality and popularity. While some might argue the former expectation was fulfilled, analysts state that the iPhone is still outselling Android powered smartphones and that the iPad is dominating the tablet market. The first inception of the Android operating system included application multi-tasking, push notifications, customizable wallpaper, a front facing camera, and compatibility with multiple carriers. These features, along with several others, were nowhere to be found on iOS. Since this time, Apple has caught up to Google and implemented many of the originally missing functions into iOS. In doing so, they have been able to maintain their spot atop of the smartphone market, and here are five reasons why:

1. Superior User Interface
The appearance of the iOS interface is sleek and modern. The vibrant colors and glossy graphics make the menus of the iPhone and iPad pretty to look at and fun to use. More importantly, the interface is laid out in a way that allows for new users quickly become familiar with the commands and menus of the platform. The interface of the Android OS is less clean-cut than iOS because requires the use of multiple buttons: home, back, search, and settings. Devices running iOS possess only one simple home button.

2. Compatibility with iTunes
iTunes has been the number one music provider in the United States since surpassing Wal-Mart in 2008. iOS can be used in conjunction with iTunes, allowing users to load their music library to their smartphone or tablet. Within iTunes is the Apple App Store which contains 425,000 applications. The Android Market application count is only at 200,000. A bigger variety means a greater chance to find the type of application you’re looking for.

3. Improved Multi-Tasking System
While iOS’s multi-tasking is not exactly “true” multi-tasking, it has essentially the same functionality as Android’s version of the feature, but without the strain on the battery life. The Android take on multi-tasking unnecessarily can leave applications running that serve no purpose but still wipe out battery.

4. Better Security
In March 2011, Google discovered 58 malicious applications for download in Android Market designed to track users’ personal information. 260,000 devices were infected with the malware until Google remotely erased the application from users’ phone. While the Android Market is open, Apple’s App Store has a rigid approval process that an application must pass before being accepted. Because of this, iOS has never had a security issue of that scope.

5. Consistency
The Android platform runs on a number of different phones and tablets, but the interface is inconsistent from unit to unit. This means users must adapt to a new interface every time they begin using a new Android product. iPods, iPhones, and iPads all have the same general layout and basic functionality, allowing for easy use and a shorter learning curve when buying a new iOS product.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Will The New Amazon Tablet Be A Serious Competitor For the iPad?

July 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The iPad has become one of Apple’s most lucrative products, selling over 25 million units in its first 14 months of availability. As a result of the iPad’s success, other businesses have been releasing company-branded tablets running on the Android OS. No Android tablet has proven to be a serious competitor to Apple’s iPad yet, but this may change when Internet-superpower Amazon throws their hat into the ring. Unlike some of Apple’s current competitors in the tablet market, Amazon boasts a large budget and big time name recognition in the world of mobile devices. Simply because of its reputation, the Kindle is still the industry leader in sales despite lacking features which have now become commonplace in its competition such as touchscreen and color display.

According to the Wallstreet Journal, Amazon will release their own Android powered tablet this October. Next to nothing has been confirmed, but the Internet is buzzing with speculation about the device. Amazon recently cut an exclusive deal with CBS, further strengthening Amazon Prime, their video streaming service. Since there’s been talk that Amazon might release their tablet bundled with a subscription to Prime, this move could influence prospective tablet buyers into investing in the tablet where they can watch their favorite TV shows. If Amazon bundles a subscription to their music streaming service as well, users could stream music with Wi-Fi or 3G and not need to worry about storing hundreds or thousands of MP3′s on the device, leaving room for more pictures, applications, and Amazon’s speciality: e-books. Reducing the need for massive hard drive space will mean the Amazon tablet might come out in smaller sizes and therefore with a smaller price tag too.

The potential rivalry between Amazon and Apple has the world of application developers rejoicing. iPad Application Development is already a booming industry; the Apple App Store has over 425,000 applications, 100,000 of which have been developed exclusively for the iPad. Paling in comparison, the Android Market lists a grand total of just 250,000 applications. An increase in competition between Apple and Android would benefit developers and users of both operating systems.

It’s feasible to assume that Amazon could make a big splash in the tablet market and become the iPad’s most serious competitor. Possessing a big budget and a recognizable brand name on top of potentially unique and innovative streaming services could mean Amazon is finally going to release a tablet that might get Apple worried that they could lose some of their sales. Both users and developers of applications should be excited at the thought of increased competition and therefore quality in the marketplace. This October, the world of tablets is sure to be shaken up thanks to Amazon.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Tips And Tricks To A Professional Home Office

July 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment
International Money Pile in Cash and Coins

Image by epSos.de via Flickr

If your home office is more virtual than physical, then there are many ways that you can create a professional atmosphere for your office.

Creating a professional greeting that makes your business sound larger than life, is a great way to create an immediate atmosphere when your clients call. Additionally, you can also have a family member answer the phone as your receptionist, and not always answering it yourself.

When your office is virtual, your online presence can become very important. Creating a great website is a must when you want to create an image online. Your website is going to be all that most people will see of your company. While they may hear your voice, and know whether you are going to deliver their orders, they may never see you face to face.

More business is taking place over the internet. Being able to respond quickly is also important. No one likes to feel like they are not important, especially when they are looking for services, or are willing to give their money to someone. Setting up services that allow your emails to go straight to your phone is a great way to stay on top of it all.

Whenever you do make a call, make sure that you are calling from a professional environment. People who return calls in really noisy situations are nothing thinking much about the impression that they are giving their clients.  Make sure that you are able to give them your full attention.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Accessories, Technology Tagged With: , ,

The New Version of Tablet Apps

July 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Acer X960 smartphone

Image via Wikipedia

With the growing popularity of smartphones, a new software world opened up – that of applications. They are commonly known as apps, and designed to add functionality to a smart phone. Hundreds of apps allow the user to do everything from look up the meaning of a word to track their latest fantasy football pick. When technology once again changed, to include tablets, apps changed as well. The new version of tablet apps, designed specifically for tablets, are the programs that are used to turn a tablet into a customized hand-held computer.

The latest apps, tweaked in several ways, make them more compatible with tablets. For example, they may have  white space, making it easier for users to enter responses via the touch screen. They may also be optimized for the screen size of a particular model of hand-held computer. An application may have the same functionality but be designed more appropriately for a tablet.

Finding the latest version of apps is fairly easy. Each of the major manufacturers have an application store that is easily accessed directly from the user’s tablet. In many cases, setting the application to automatically check for updates ensures you will always have the latest version. You can also visit online forums to see how other users are integrating apps.

Customizing your tablet experience means using apps. Regularly checking for new applications and new versions will help make sure that you always have a hand-held computer that is perfectly suited to you.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Accessories, Technology Tagged With: , ,

The Sacred Home Office Space

July 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment
IMG_0527

Image by Groovymarlin via Flickr

Many people have realized the great benefits of running a home office. One of the challenges, is keeping that home office space sacred. It becomes very hard when all the children are out for the summer. Making sure that your office remains your office is important for both tax reasons as well as for the simply being able to run it as it should be.

Remaining professional can be a challenge when children are at home. They often will interrupt and at times will try to take over your office space. In order to protect the integrity of your business, you want to make sure to set up rules for your office. A great rule is that they need to remain quiet when you are on the phone. There are many ways that you can let them know that you are currently in a meeting on the phone. You can close the door, hand a sign on the handle, or simply communicate to them before hand, that is what you are going to be doing.

Once you are consistent with your plan, it is easier for your children to respect it. Making sure that your office equipment is only used for the office needs is also important for taxes and for your office running smoothly day in and day out as you need it too. Giving your children their own computer, printer and equipment can help make certain that you have the ink that you need when you need it, as well as not have any damage occuring to the equipment.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Accessories, Technology Tagged With: , ,

4 Most Trusted Online Stores

July 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Shopping at online stores is a great way to save some money and get a lot done. After all, time is worth just as much as money, if not more. So when you shell out your dollars, you have to be sure you’re getting a great deal. With the following sites, you can search around and find what you want without worrying about compromising your personal information.

1. eBay

There are few sites out there that allow you to buy or sell things as easily as eBay does. Unfortunately for those other sites, they tend to be inundated with scam artists trying to make a quick and dirty buck at someone else’s expense. Since eBay has Paypal, the company can cut out a lot of those shenanigans.

2. Amazon

Amazon is a place where it’s easy to find a great deal, with a particular emphasis on reading materials. You can find other products there as well. But if you want to get a great story or learn how to make sushi, you can find tons of materials dealing with both topics on Amazon for a great price.

3. Offers

www.Offers.com is a serious site where you can compare all sorts of different deals. This is the site you use so you don’t have to burn up your web browser surfing all over the Internet looking for good prices.

4. Overstock

Overstock lets you pick up name brands on the cheap, and even offers some of the most economical shipping prices available.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Accessories, Common Knowledge Tagged With: , ,

Benefits Of A Home Office

July 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment
home office

Image by Sean MacEntee via Flickr

There are many benefits to having a home office. Some people will tell you that if the nature of their business is mostly telecommuting, that they love that they can just work in their pajamas.

Some of the tax benefits that come from working from a home office, is that your office space can be written off. generally, they take the square footage of your office, subtracted from the overall square footage of the home, and then they take that percentage, and divide the mortgage or rent amount accordingly, and that is the amount that can be deducted. Utilities and other services, like phone and internet can be deducted as well.

Being able to set your own hours and save on the cost of commuting are some added benefits of working from a home office. Being close to your family also means that you are available to them when needed, and they do not feel like you are gone all the time.

Many single parents enjoy the flexibility of working from a home office, because they are able to save on the cost of child care as well.

More companies are creating telecommuting positions to help cut their costs as well. As they are able to run the headquarters from a smaller office with less overhead, and can switch their employees over to 1099 employees, they are able to continue to run in the black. Working from home helps save a great deal of money on clothing wardrobe as well. You tend to not feel the need to have as many outfits to choose from.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Trends Tagged With: , ,