By: Adrian Fisher
Photo:
I've been using Skype for some time to contact family and friends abroad, however it is not without its problems! It appears that whenever I need to make contact (especially if its urgent), they never have their computers turned on, as they are at work, out, or it's too early or late due to time differences. I have often telephoned instead, asking them if it is possible to turn on the computer 'now'. Even this isn't effective and being a woman (we are definitely worse), I end up chatting away and worrying about the cost of the phone bill later, as inevitably I get excited to be speaking to them, the minutes wizz away, leaving me with a hefty bill and totally defeating the object! I've tried texting, but once it took 3 days for the bloody thing to arrive! No good at all.
I have just found out through a work colleague, that I can make free international calls on my mobile through Briing. This means (I hope) I can afford to talk to family and friends abroad more regularly in future. To be eligible for these free calls, I must contact them via their website in order to get a free mobile access number. Apparently, Briing is the sole provider of free international calls in the UK. They currently have countries such as India, Pakistan, Australia, the USA listed and many more to come, with the list expanding all the time. I just needed to phone Europe and Canada, which were down on the list, so great, I'll give it a try!
To sign up and get issued with your free call number, all you need to do is enter your details including name, email address, your mobile number and the network it's on, plus the destination you plan to phone. I'm not quite sure how it works, as free international calls are not available all the time. I think it may depend on the country you intend to phone and whether you call during peak or off peak times, or at the weekend. I'm guessing that you have to supply the company with a specific number that you plan to ring on a regular basis and any other international numbers will be charged at a discounted rate. I can see from their tariffs that even if I am paying, the calls will certainly be cheaper than usual. My international phone conversations will certainly become more frequent now, even if they are not completely free!
Adrian Fisher is a freelance journalist with a mission to be useful for people, which are interested in free calls,cheap calls to India, Pakistan, China, Germany, Spain and all around the world.
Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051313173-1-how-to-make-free-international-calls/
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
How To Speed Up My Computer? Easy!
by Peter S. Smith
Photo: speed-up-computer.com
Having a slow pc can be a big inconvenience today. When your computer speed is half of what it used to be and your computer performance is below average, it feels like the world has come to an end - not to mention the fact that your operating system runs in rerun and the peak performance you need isn't attained. If the question on your mind is "how to speed up my computer" then continue reading this article, as it provides you with various tips and tricks that will boost your pc speed.
Let's start with the beginning. Usually, when you shut down your computer an error message appears on your screen. This should not be overlooked as it provides you with information about the program or programs that don't run properly. Since Windows Vista and Windows XP are operating system used by most users, we'll focus on them in this article.
Now, you might think that computer optimization is difficult. It's not! Really now, calling technical support is not needed as you can fix your slow computer by yourself at home, in no time! Even if your computer runs dramatically slow you can tweak its computer performance! So, here's what you need to know:
If a computer using a Windows operating system runs slow, don't blame Microsoft. It's true that no Windows is perfect, and XP and Vista are not an exception. However, it's easy to fix the problems. First of all, Windows has a great flaw - its registry system. Basically, when your computer is overcrowded with programs - including trials that automatically install virus spyware and junk files and unused programs - registry errors start to show up. Basically, all that programs cram up RAM memory and this leads to slow processes, which leads to a low system performance. Don't worry, running a registry cleaner program will help you free up some RAM and you'll get improved performance and a faster computer.
Now, another thing you should be aware of, is that an Internet connection enabled always means that your computer has some adware and spyware programs on it - these usually come with free trials. The greater number of programs you installed on your Windows OS, the slower thing will move, as Windows speed is directly proportional with the number of installed programs.
Long story short, here's what you need to do if you want to have a faster PC: 1. Use Windows Restore and restore to a time when your computer didn't run slow. You can do this in XP by clicking start, accessories, system tools, system restore. It's similar in Vista. 2. Download a registry cleaner program that will get rid of the uninstalled programs that occupy registry space for nothing and also trial programs that expired and slow down our PC 3. Defragment your drives using window's defrag tool 4. Use and antivirus and scan your PC for viruses. 5. Restart your PC and enjoy the new high performance computer that's on your desktop!
About the Author:
Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article203071.html
Photo: speed-up-computer.com
Having a slow pc can be a big inconvenience today. When your computer speed is half of what it used to be and your computer performance is below average, it feels like the world has come to an end - not to mention the fact that your operating system runs in rerun and the peak performance you need isn't attained. If the question on your mind is "how to speed up my computer" then continue reading this article, as it provides you with various tips and tricks that will boost your pc speed.
Let's start with the beginning. Usually, when you shut down your computer an error message appears on your screen. This should not be overlooked as it provides you with information about the program or programs that don't run properly. Since Windows Vista and Windows XP are operating system used by most users, we'll focus on them in this article.
Now, you might think that computer optimization is difficult. It's not! Really now, calling technical support is not needed as you can fix your slow computer by yourself at home, in no time! Even if your computer runs dramatically slow you can tweak its computer performance! So, here's what you need to know:
If a computer using a Windows operating system runs slow, don't blame Microsoft. It's true that no Windows is perfect, and XP and Vista are not an exception. However, it's easy to fix the problems. First of all, Windows has a great flaw - its registry system. Basically, when your computer is overcrowded with programs - including trials that automatically install virus spyware and junk files and unused programs - registry errors start to show up. Basically, all that programs cram up RAM memory and this leads to slow processes, which leads to a low system performance. Don't worry, running a registry cleaner program will help you free up some RAM and you'll get improved performance and a faster computer.
Now, another thing you should be aware of, is that an Internet connection enabled always means that your computer has some adware and spyware programs on it - these usually come with free trials. The greater number of programs you installed on your Windows OS, the slower thing will move, as Windows speed is directly proportional with the number of installed programs.
Long story short, here's what you need to do if you want to have a faster PC: 1. Use Windows Restore and restore to a time when your computer didn't run slow. You can do this in XP by clicking start, accessories, system tools, system restore. It's similar in Vista. 2. Download a registry cleaner program that will get rid of the uninstalled programs that occupy registry space for nothing and also trial programs that expired and slow down our PC 3. Defragment your drives using window's defrag tool 4. Use and antivirus and scan your PC for viruses. 5. Restart your PC and enjoy the new high performance computer that's on your desktop!
About the Author:
For more information and tips on how to speed up your computerCLICK HERE
Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article203071.html
Friday, August 20, 2010
by timcyhood
Photo: thekks.net
Windows 7 is the latest operating system released by Microsoft, designed to address the requirements of enterprise customers. It helps users to streamline their PC management, besides enabling user productivity. Windows 7 is featured with greater cost savings and higher efficiency. It also includes a unique subsystem installed to run UNIX applications.
Windows 7 delivers a powerpacked combination of productivity, improved performance and innovation. It is reliable and fast, allowing you to do a quick reboot, with instant shutdown, sleep, startup and standby resume. Compared to other operating systems, windows 7 causes fewer prompts and interruptions, yielding faster recoveries.
Windows 7 is specifically designed keeping compatibility in mind and works with a broad set of applications and devices. It also offers users with the flexibility to run older XP applications with relative ease. It makes your search simple and convenient through larger taskbar, jump lists and highly modified instant search features.
It also comes with the all new libraries feature, which makes it easy for you to find them, even if they are stored on different pcs or folders. It simplifies your daily tasks, simplifying and streamlining them with commonly utilized resources. It not only gives your desktop an enhanced aero look, but also simplifies and streamlines your everyday tasks.
The Aero peek, aero shake and aero snap feature allows you to intuitively work, arrange and navigate with multiple open desktop windows. It also helps you to easily share your printers and files online. It allows small businesses without servers to connect securely and quickly to the Pcs through wired domain networks. It helps you to manage the costs of multiple PCS and system security better. Buy Windows 7 also gives mobile workers the freedom to stay productive anytime, anywhere.
About the Author:
Timcy Hood writes informative and unique articles about Windows 7 Premium and Windows 7 Upgrade. One thing that separates Timcy Hood from others is the passion she puts into it, knowing full well and respecting the time viewers spend on reading his work.
Photo: thekks.net
Windows 7 is the latest operating system released by Microsoft, designed to address the requirements of enterprise customers. It helps users to streamline their PC management, besides enabling user productivity. Windows 7 is featured with greater cost savings and higher efficiency. It also includes a unique subsystem installed to run UNIX applications.
Windows 7 delivers a powerpacked combination of productivity, improved performance and innovation. It is reliable and fast, allowing you to do a quick reboot, with instant shutdown, sleep, startup and standby resume. Compared to other operating systems, windows 7 causes fewer prompts and interruptions, yielding faster recoveries.
Windows 7 is specifically designed keeping compatibility in mind and works with a broad set of applications and devices. It also offers users with the flexibility to run older XP applications with relative ease. It makes your search simple and convenient through larger taskbar, jump lists and highly modified instant search features.
It also comes with the all new libraries feature, which makes it easy for you to find them, even if they are stored on different pcs or folders. It simplifies your daily tasks, simplifying and streamlining them with commonly utilized resources. It not only gives your desktop an enhanced aero look, but also simplifies and streamlines your everyday tasks.
The Aero peek, aero shake and aero snap feature allows you to intuitively work, arrange and navigate with multiple open desktop windows. It also helps you to easily share your printers and files online. It allows small businesses without servers to connect securely and quickly to the Pcs through wired domain networks. It helps you to manage the costs of multiple PCS and system security better. Buy Windows 7 also gives mobile workers the freedom to stay productive anytime, anywhere.
About the Author:
Timcy Hood writes informative and unique articles about Windows 7 Premium and Windows 7 Upgrade. One thing that separates Timcy Hood from others is the passion she puts into it, knowing full well and respecting the time viewers spend on reading his work.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
9 Ways to Get an MCSE or CNE Without Wasting $5000+
by Richard Stooker
9 Ways to Get an MCSE or CNE Without
Wasting $5000-$9000
by Richard Stooker
1. Buy good certification books.
Yes, I know how thick they are - the tests
do cover that much material, so what can you
do? A teacher is not going to talk that much
without wearing out their throat, so in
the final analysis you are going to spend a
lot of time reading and studying those books
anyway.
I was told by a training school recruiter that
the recommended process was to take a class
for 3 full days, then study for a month, then
take the certification exam.
So, that’s at least ten days of study in front
of a thick book for each day of class anyway.
So you’re going to buy and study thick books
anyway. Do you really need to pay for a live
teacher too? People can and do pass the
certifications simply by studying on their own.
2. Buy computer based CD-ROM training.
This is of course very similar to the above
method, except that computer based training is
more interactive, more fun, probably more
effective for most people and also more
expensive, although still nowhere near $5000.
It’s easier to stay awake. The questions and
interactivity force you to interact with the
material. Using it immediately and getting
immediately feedback does help reinforce
learning and understanding.
This is recommended for people who really dread
the thought of just sitting and reading the
thick books, but who can’t afford the $5000
classes. If you have a question you just
cannot find the answer to, put it out on one of
the many newsgroups or listserves on the
Internet, and let experienced on the job
networking professionals help you out. Live
teachers can do the same, but sometimes not
with the same extensive background in what’s
happening in the real world.
People can and do pass the certification exams
jst by taking computer based training. One
company, Forefront, even gives you a 90
day money back guarantee on all its certification
courses. If you don’t pass after using their CBT
course, you get your money back. Details
available at (877) 872-4646.
3. Take training classes online through
the Internet.
Again, it will take long hours of study, but
it’s an interesting format.
4. Put together your own network study
laboratory by buying several used PCS
hooking them up in your home office.
Look for used computers cheap online, in
your local newspaper For Sale ads or just ask
your friends. Lots of people have old 386/486s
they’d gladly give you for free just so they’ll
have more closet space.
Buy the network parts in a local computer
store or online.
This is a terrific way to get hands on
experience. I saw it mentioned in a letter
in a discussion forum by someone who
actually did it. You’ll learn directly how
to work with the equipment.
It’s not the same as networking 100 stations
in a company, of course. But it’s still a good
idea. You’ll still have to study those thick
books, but you’ll be able to right away put
your hands to work on that chapter, thus
reinforcing your new knowledge and skills
as you go.
5. If you’re currently employed in a networking
job, get your current employer to pay for
the classes.
You may have to sign an agreement to continue
working for them for two years or so. Many
companies are starting to require such policies
after they paid for certification classes for
employees who then immediately got better jobs
and quit, or who first demanded higher pay and,
when refused, then got better jobs and quit.
In other words, most companies are willing to
pay for your certification only if you are
planning to put your new knowledge and
skills to work for them for a reasonable time
period.
It is certainly fair however to make it clear
to your boss that you want to take on more
responsibility as you are prepared for it and
you expect to be paid a higher salary
commensurate with your higher level of job
duties, as they do expand to a higher level.
If your company refuses that, it wants to keep
you trapped in your current dead end job.
That should be a clue that you need to get
out, whether they pay for your certification
or not. Look for a company that wants to
build itself by building its employees.
A lot of course will depend on your relationship
with the company. How long you’ve worked there
already and whether you act in a way that makes
them believe you see a long-term future with
them - or not.
6. Pass the first several required tests, use
those credentials to get an entry level job
and then get your new employer to pay for the
classes.
You’re not going to be hired as a network
administrator after you pass one or two of
the MCSE required exams. However, you may
be able to use those exams to get your foot
in the door with some menial entry-level job.
Even if it’s repairing computers, that’s
something.
Many new IT job seekers are hired to answer
customer technical questions.
Make it clear to your boss however that you
have set your sights on networking and that
you are going to continue your education
whether they pay for it or not. Don’t say so
right out loud in so many words, but do make
it clear that if you wind up paying for
your certification by yourself, you will
feel no loyalty toward the company, and
will therefore feel free to take any position
for which you qualify once you are certified.
Why should you not feel that way, if you did
have to do it all on your own?
That’s not a threat, just you looking out
for yourself.
7. Pass the new CompTIA Network+
cross-platform certification test, use that
to get an entry level job, then get your
new employer to pay for the classes.
This answer is obviously similar to the one
above. You can use the new Network+
certification to get your foot in the door.
Almost everything in these cases depends on
your relationship with the company. If it’s a
good one, and they see you as an evolving
superstar who’s going to have a lot to offer
them down the road, that’s obviously to your
favor.
If you are seen as someone out just for
themselves anyway, they’re not going to risk
the money on you. If you leave, good
riddance anyway.
8. If you are unemployed, the government
may pay for your training.
Check with your local unemployment office to
see what is available in your area. Here in
St. Louis, laid off Boeing workers have a
complete center paid for with a government
grant, and the program is sending some to
computer training.
9. If you are on Supplemental Security Income
(SSI), apply for a Plan for Achieving
Self Support (PASS Plan).
The basic idea is, you are capable of working
as a networking professional, but you can’t
yet because you don’t know how. So you
want to learn by buying the books etc.
Consult with a good career counselor or
Vocational Rehabilitation. Come up with a
good estimate for the cost of the certification.
(Don’t forget to include the cost of the
examinations too, not just the training.)
Assume you may have to repeat some of the
examinations - that’s normal, most everybody
does. Whatever that amount of money is, you
don’t have it. But if you could only go to work,
maybe at McDonald’s or whatever, you could
save the money up in 6 months or so. But you
can’t now, because if you go to work your
SSI will be cut so much you still won’t be
able to save much. That’s where the PASS
Plan comes into play.
If you agree to put $X out of your paycheck
into a savings account until you have enough
saved up to buy the books you need etc. (Actually,
you could get started right away after it’s
approved. . . Social Security will then agree
not to count the $X you are saving as income
that cuts your SSI check. Therefore, you can
work but still use your SSI to pay your
bills with, while saving $X out of every
paycheck toward your eventual financial
independence.
Social Security will also ignore the usual
$2000 resource limit. They will continue to
send you SSI while you have over $2000 as
long as this money you are saving for your
PASS plan is in an account that's separate
from your living expenses money.
Go to your local Social Security office with
all your estimates and how you plan to proceed
and how long it will take - put together all
the details you can. Someone there will help
you fill out their form, and then will submit
it to a PASS expert, who is the person who
decides whether or not you qualify. The
more detail you have in your PASS plan and
the more you make it clear that you are
serious and prepared and capable, the better
your chances.
It also wouldn’t hurt to include the
standard material in Chapter 3 of the book,
the boom in computer jobs chapter, especially
to show them the high demand there is for
people with the certification you are
shooting for. Use brochures from your
local training company even if you don’t
plan to take their $5000 classes. Your goal
at this stage is just to have SSA approve
your PASS Plan.
You must convince them of three things:
1. You are capable of doing the job you are
shooting for, you’re just not qualified yet.
You need more knowledge, a professional
degree or certification etc.
2. You have a feasible plan for getting
yourself to the point where you qualify for
the job.
3. When you finish your plan, there is
a reasonable chance you can get the job
and that doing so will reduce or eliminate
your dependence on SSI.
The MCSE/CNE certifications certainly
meet requirement #3. #2 is not hard if you
just look around for the price of the books
and equipment you need. #1 is up to you.
Not all methods will work for everybody.
The point is, if you’re willing to read, study
and work hard on your own, you don’t have to
spend top dollar. If you can get your employer
or the government to pay for your classes, go
for it. All these methods have been used by
somebody and will be used by many more. Now
they’re yours.
I wish you all the greatest success in
your networking careers.
Copyright 2002 by Info Ring Press
I hereby grant permission to all website owners
and ezine publishers to reprint the above article
as long as long as it is reprinted as is in full,
including this contact information.
Email Richard Stooker: rick@inforingpress.com
a Computer Career.
http://www.inforingpress.com/
9 Ways to Get an MCSE or CNE Without
Wasting $5000-$9000
by Richard Stooker
1. Buy good certification books.
Yes, I know how thick they are - the tests
do cover that much material, so what can you
do? A teacher is not going to talk that much
without wearing out their throat, so in
the final analysis you are going to spend a
lot of time reading and studying those books
anyway.
I was told by a training school recruiter that
the recommended process was to take a class
for 3 full days, then study for a month, then
take the certification exam.
So, that’s at least ten days of study in front
of a thick book for each day of class anyway.
So you’re going to buy and study thick books
anyway. Do you really need to pay for a live
teacher too? People can and do pass the
certifications simply by studying on their own.
2. Buy computer based CD-ROM training.
This is of course very similar to the above
method, except that computer based training is
more interactive, more fun, probably more
effective for most people and also more
expensive, although still nowhere near $5000.
It’s easier to stay awake. The questions and
interactivity force you to interact with the
material. Using it immediately and getting
immediately feedback does help reinforce
learning and understanding.
This is recommended for people who really dread
the thought of just sitting and reading the
thick books, but who can’t afford the $5000
classes. If you have a question you just
cannot find the answer to, put it out on one of
the many newsgroups or listserves on the
Internet, and let experienced on the job
networking professionals help you out. Live
teachers can do the same, but sometimes not
with the same extensive background in what’s
happening in the real world.
People can and do pass the certification exams
jst by taking computer based training. One
company, Forefront, even gives you a 90
day money back guarantee on all its certification
courses. If you don’t pass after using their CBT
course, you get your money back. Details
available at (877) 872-4646.
3. Take training classes online through
the Internet.
Again, it will take long hours of study, but
it’s an interesting format.
4. Put together your own network study
laboratory by buying several used PCS
hooking them up in your home office.
Look for used computers cheap online, in
your local newspaper For Sale ads or just ask
your friends. Lots of people have old 386/486s
they’d gladly give you for free just so they’ll
have more closet space.
Buy the network parts in a local computer
store or online.
This is a terrific way to get hands on
experience. I saw it mentioned in a letter
in a discussion forum by someone who
actually did it. You’ll learn directly how
to work with the equipment.
It’s not the same as networking 100 stations
in a company, of course. But it’s still a good
idea. You’ll still have to study those thick
books, but you’ll be able to right away put
your hands to work on that chapter, thus
reinforcing your new knowledge and skills
as you go.
5. If you’re currently employed in a networking
job, get your current employer to pay for
the classes.
You may have to sign an agreement to continue
working for them for two years or so. Many
companies are starting to require such policies
after they paid for certification classes for
employees who then immediately got better jobs
and quit, or who first demanded higher pay and,
when refused, then got better jobs and quit.
In other words, most companies are willing to
pay for your certification only if you are
planning to put your new knowledge and
skills to work for them for a reasonable time
period.
It is certainly fair however to make it clear
to your boss that you want to take on more
responsibility as you are prepared for it and
you expect to be paid a higher salary
commensurate with your higher level of job
duties, as they do expand to a higher level.
If your company refuses that, it wants to keep
you trapped in your current dead end job.
That should be a clue that you need to get
out, whether they pay for your certification
or not. Look for a company that wants to
build itself by building its employees.
A lot of course will depend on your relationship
with the company. How long you’ve worked there
already and whether you act in a way that makes
them believe you see a long-term future with
them - or not.
6. Pass the first several required tests, use
those credentials to get an entry level job
and then get your new employer to pay for the
classes.
You’re not going to be hired as a network
administrator after you pass one or two of
the MCSE required exams. However, you may
be able to use those exams to get your foot
in the door with some menial entry-level job.
Even if it’s repairing computers, that’s
something.
Many new IT job seekers are hired to answer
customer technical questions.
Make it clear to your boss however that you
have set your sights on networking and that
you are going to continue your education
whether they pay for it or not. Don’t say so
right out loud in so many words, but do make
it clear that if you wind up paying for
your certification by yourself, you will
feel no loyalty toward the company, and
will therefore feel free to take any position
for which you qualify once you are certified.
Why should you not feel that way, if you did
have to do it all on your own?
That’s not a threat, just you looking out
for yourself.
7. Pass the new CompTIA Network+
cross-platform certification test, use that
to get an entry level job, then get your
new employer to pay for the classes.
This answer is obviously similar to the one
above. You can use the new Network+
certification to get your foot in the door.
Almost everything in these cases depends on
your relationship with the company. If it’s a
good one, and they see you as an evolving
superstar who’s going to have a lot to offer
them down the road, that’s obviously to your
favor.
If you are seen as someone out just for
themselves anyway, they’re not going to risk
the money on you. If you leave, good
riddance anyway.
8. If you are unemployed, the government
may pay for your training.
Check with your local unemployment office to
see what is available in your area. Here in
St. Louis, laid off Boeing workers have a
complete center paid for with a government
grant, and the program is sending some to
computer training.
9. If you are on Supplemental Security Income
(SSI), apply for a Plan for Achieving
Self Support (PASS Plan).
The basic idea is, you are capable of working
as a networking professional, but you can’t
yet because you don’t know how. So you
want to learn by buying the books etc.
Consult with a good career counselor or
Vocational Rehabilitation. Come up with a
good estimate for the cost of the certification.
(Don’t forget to include the cost of the
examinations too, not just the training.)
Assume you may have to repeat some of the
examinations - that’s normal, most everybody
does. Whatever that amount of money is, you
don’t have it. But if you could only go to work,
maybe at McDonald’s or whatever, you could
save the money up in 6 months or so. But you
can’t now, because if you go to work your
SSI will be cut so much you still won’t be
able to save much. That’s where the PASS
Plan comes into play.
If you agree to put $X out of your paycheck
into a savings account until you have enough
saved up to buy the books you need etc. (Actually,
you could get started right away after it’s
approved. . . Social Security will then agree
not to count the $X you are saving as income
that cuts your SSI check. Therefore, you can
work but still use your SSI to pay your
bills with, while saving $X out of every
paycheck toward your eventual financial
independence.
Social Security will also ignore the usual
$2000 resource limit. They will continue to
send you SSI while you have over $2000 as
long as this money you are saving for your
PASS plan is in an account that's separate
from your living expenses money.
Go to your local Social Security office with
all your estimates and how you plan to proceed
and how long it will take - put together all
the details you can. Someone there will help
you fill out their form, and then will submit
it to a PASS expert, who is the person who
decides whether or not you qualify. The
more detail you have in your PASS plan and
the more you make it clear that you are
serious and prepared and capable, the better
your chances.
It also wouldn’t hurt to include the
standard material in Chapter 3 of the book,
the boom in computer jobs chapter, especially
to show them the high demand there is for
people with the certification you are
shooting for. Use brochures from your
local training company even if you don’t
plan to take their $5000 classes. Your goal
at this stage is just to have SSA approve
your PASS Plan.
You must convince them of three things:
1. You are capable of doing the job you are
shooting for, you’re just not qualified yet.
You need more knowledge, a professional
degree or certification etc.
2. You have a feasible plan for getting
yourself to the point where you qualify for
the job.
3. When you finish your plan, there is
a reasonable chance you can get the job
and that doing so will reduce or eliminate
your dependence on SSI.
The MCSE/CNE certifications certainly
meet requirement #3. #2 is not hard if you
just look around for the price of the books
and equipment you need. #1 is up to you.
Not all methods will work for everybody.
The point is, if you’re willing to read, study
and work hard on your own, you don’t have to
spend top dollar. If you can get your employer
or the government to pay for your classes, go
for it. All these methods have been used by
somebody and will be used by many more. Now
they’re yours.
I wish you all the greatest success in
your networking careers.
Copyright 2002 by Info Ring Press
I hereby grant permission to all website owners
and ezine publishers to reprint the above article
as long as long as it is reprinted as is in full,
including this contact information.
Email Richard Stooker: rick@inforingpress.com
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Richard Stooker is the author of Secrets of Changing toa Computer Career.
http://www.inforingpress.com/
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Computer Network Installation
By: Adrian Griffiths
Computer network installation can be daunting but with a few guidelines you can install a good network at your home or office. Networking allows computers to share peripherals, and allows one computer to backup the data of another. Also networks can enable a single computer to act as an Internet access point for the entire network without the inconvenience of fitting a modem and telephone extension for each computer.
Planning
This involves defining business requirements and growth plans to build a framework for connecting computers and other equipment in the organization. Good network planning eases the process of a suitable network installation. Here users need to consider usage requirements and assess who will manage the network. Usage, maintenance, expansion and security issues also need consideration.
Hardware requirements
Once the planning has been done, the next stage involves understanding what hardware will be required and what hardware your network will support. These can include back-up devices, uninterruptible power supplies, network printers, etc. Once this is determined you need to understand how many network points will be required. Hubs and switches should have sufficient ports for the various connections. Also there should be enough scope for growth and expansion in the future.
Network design
Here various aspects like the kind of topology, network operating system, the right network interface cards and cabling needs to be considered. If the network is small, a basic topology like ring, bus, mesh or star may be used. But if the network is complex, a hybrid of two or more technologies may need to be implemented. The location of the network cables, various devices, hubs, switches, servers, printers, firewalls, routers and modems needs consideration. Building or leasing regulations that may affect the cabling also need to be kept in mind. Security issues, both within the organization and on the Internet also need consideration.
Support services
Here you need to consider resources like consultants, support staff, other in-house staff and where they are located. You will need to consider the staff for management, security, maintenance and training. Employees will require to adopt new habits while using the network and sufficient training needs to be provided in this regard.
Networks can help people share information, efficiently access the Internet, and work collaboratively. As networks become necessary, it is important to know which technologies will work for your organization. To help make an informed choice on what technologies, hardware and support systems to use, Vipersystems offers its turnkey solutions. Our services enable your organizations to install suitable networks that are easy to upgrade and expand.
About the Author
Adrian Griffiths, write article and provide consultancy to Viper systems
Computer network installation can be daunting but with a few guidelines you can install a good network at your home or office. Networking allows computers to share peripherals, and allows one computer to backup the data of another. Also networks can enable a single computer to act as an Internet access point for the entire network without the inconvenience of fitting a modem and telephone extension for each computer.
Planning
This involves defining business requirements and growth plans to build a framework for connecting computers and other equipment in the organization. Good network planning eases the process of a suitable network installation. Here users need to consider usage requirements and assess who will manage the network. Usage, maintenance, expansion and security issues also need consideration.
Hardware requirements
Once the planning has been done, the next stage involves understanding what hardware will be required and what hardware your network will support. These can include back-up devices, uninterruptible power supplies, network printers, etc. Once this is determined you need to understand how many network points will be required. Hubs and switches should have sufficient ports for the various connections. Also there should be enough scope for growth and expansion in the future.
Network design
Here various aspects like the kind of topology, network operating system, the right network interface cards and cabling needs to be considered. If the network is small, a basic topology like ring, bus, mesh or star may be used. But if the network is complex, a hybrid of two or more technologies may need to be implemented. The location of the network cables, various devices, hubs, switches, servers, printers, firewalls, routers and modems needs consideration. Building or leasing regulations that may affect the cabling also need to be kept in mind. Security issues, both within the organization and on the Internet also need consideration.
Support services
Here you need to consider resources like consultants, support staff, other in-house staff and where they are located. You will need to consider the staff for management, security, maintenance and training. Employees will require to adopt new habits while using the network and sufficient training needs to be provided in this regard.
Networks can help people share information, efficiently access the Internet, and work collaboratively. As networks become necessary, it is important to know which technologies will work for your organization. To help make an informed choice on what technologies, hardware and support systems to use, Vipersystems offers its turnkey solutions. Our services enable your organizations to install suitable networks that are easy to upgrade and expand.
About the Author
Adrian Griffiths, write article and provide consultancy to Viper systems
Monday, August 9, 2010
All About Computer Viruses
By: Kara Glover
Your computer is as slow as molasses. Your mouse freezes every 15 minutes, and that Microsoft Word program just won’t seem to open.
You might have a virus.
Just what exactly is a virus? What kind is in your computer? How did it get there? How is it spreading and wreaking such havoc? And why is it bothering with your computer anyway?
Viruses are pieces of programming code that make copies of themselves, or replicate, inside your computer without asking your explicit written permission to do so. Forget getting your permission down on paper. Viruses don’t bother to seek your permission at all! Very invasive.
In comparison, there are pieces of code that might replicate inside your computer, say something your IT guy thinks you need. But the code spreads, perhaps throughout your office network, with your consent (or at least your IT guy’s consent). These types of replicating code are called agents, said Jimmy Kuo, a research fellow with McAfee AVERT, a research arm of anti-virus software-maker McAfee Inc.
In this article, though, we’re not talking about the good guys, or the agents. We’ll be talking about the bad guys, the viruses.
A long, long time ago in computer years, like five, most viruses were comprised of a similar breed. They entered your computer perhaps through an email attachment or a floppy disk (remember those?). Then they attached themselves to one of your files, say your Microsoft Word program.
When you opened your Microsoft Word program, the virus replicated and attached itself to other files. These could be other random files on your hard drive, the files furthest away from your Microsoft Word program, or other files, depending on how the virus writer wanted the virus to behave.
This virus code could contain hundreds or thousands of instructions. When it replicates it inserts those instructions, into the files it infects, said Carey Nachenberg, Chief Architect at Symantec Research Labs, an arm of anti-virus software-maker Symantec. Corp.
Because so many other types of viruses exist now, the kind just described is called a classic virus. Classic viruses still exist but they’re not quite as prevalent as they used to be. (Perhaps we could put classic viruses on the shelf with Hemingway and Dickens.)
These days, in the modern era, viruses are known to spread through vulnerabilities in web browsers, files shared over the internet, emails themselves, and computer networks.
As far as web browsers are concerned, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer takes most of the heat for spreading viruses because it’s used by more people for web surfing than any other browser.
Nevertheless, “Any web browser potentially has vulnerabilities,†Nachenberg said.
For instance, let’s say you go to a website in IE you have every reason to think is safe, Nachenberg said.
But unfortunately it isn’t. It has virus code hidden in its background that IE isn’t protecting you from. While you’re looking at the site, the virus is downloaded onto your computer, he said. That’s one way of catching a nasty virus.
During the past two years, another prevalent way to catch a virus has been through downloads computer users share with one another, mostly on music sharing sites, Kuo said. On Limewire or Kazaa, for instance, teenagers or other music enthusiasts might think they’re downloading that latest Justin Timberlake song, when in reality they’re downloading a virus straight into their computer. It’s easy for a virus writer to put a download with a virus on one of these sites because everyone’s sharing with everyone else anyway.
Here’s one you might not have thought of. If you use Outlook or Outlook Express to send and receive email, do you have a preview pane below your list of emails that shows the contents of the email you have highlighted? If so, you may be putting yourself at risk.
Some viruses, though a small percentage according to Nachenberg, are inserted straight into emails themselves.
Forget opening the attachment. All you have to do is view the email to potentially get a virus, Kuo added. For instance, have you ever opened or viewed an email that states it’s “loading� Well, once everything is “loaded,†a virus in the email might just load onto your computer.
So if I were you, I’d click on View on the toolbar in your Outlook or Outlook Express and close the preview pane. (You have to click on View and then Layout in Outlook Express.)
On a network at work? You could get a virus that way. Worms are viruses that come into your computer via networks, Kuo said. They travel from machine to machine and, unlike, the classic viruses, they attack the machine itself rather than individual files.
Worms sit in your working memory, or RAM, Nachenberg said.
OK, so we’ve talked about how the viruses get into a computer. How do they cause so much damage once they’re there?
Let’s say you’ve caught a classic virus, one that replicates and attacks various files on your computer. Let’s go back to the example of the virus that initially infects your Microsoft Word program.
Well, it might eventually cause that program to crash, Nachenberg said. It also might cause damage to your computer as it looks for new targets to infect.
This process of infecting targets and looking for new ones could eventually use up your computer’s ability to function, he said.
Often the destruction a virus causes is pegged to a certain event or date and time, called a trigger. For instance, a virus could be programmed to lay dormant until January 28. When that date rolls around, though, it may be programmed to do something as innocuous but annoying as splash popups on your screen, or something as severe as reformat your computer’s hard drive, Nachenberg said.
There are other potential reasons, though, for a virus to cause your computer to be acting slow or in weird ways. And that leads us to a new segment – the reason virus writers would want to waste their time creating viruses in the first place.
The majority of viruses are still written by teenagers looking for some notoriety, Nachenberg said. But a growing segment of the virus-writing population has other intentions in mind.
For these other intentions, we first need to explain the “backdoor†concept.
The sole purpose of some viruses is to create a vulnerability in your computer. Once it creates this hole of sorts, or backdoor, it signals home to mama or dada virus writer (kind of like in E.T.). Once the virus writer receives the signal, they can use and abuse your computer to their own likings.
Trojans are sometimes used to open backdoors. In fact that is usually their sole purpose, Kuo said.
Trojans are pieces of code you might download onto your computer, say, from a newsgroup. As in the Trojan War they are named after, they are usually disguised as innocuous pieces of code. But Trojans aren’t considered viruses because they don’t replicate.
Now back to the real viruses. Let’s say we have Joe Shmo virus writer. He sends out a virus that ends up infecting a thousand machines. But he doesn’t want the feds on his case. So he instructs the viruses on the various machines to send their signals, not of course to his computer, but to a place that can’t be traced. Hotmail email happens to be an example of one such place, Kuo said.
OK, so the virus writers now control these computers. What will they use them for?
One use is to send spam. Once that backdoor is open, they bounce spam off of those computers and send it to other machines, Nachenberg said.
That’s right. Some spam you have in your email right now may have been originally sent to other innocent computers before it came to yours so that it could remain in disguise. If the authorities could track down the original senders of spam, they could crack down on spam itself. Spam senders don’t want that.
Ever heard of phishing emails? Those are the ones that purport to be from your internet service provider or bank. They typically request some information from you, like your credit card number. The problem is, they’re NOT from your internet service provider or your bank. They’re from evil people after your credit card number! Well, these emails are often sent the same way spam is sent, by sending them via innocent computers.
Of course makers of anti-virus software use a variety of methods to combat the onslaught of viruses. Norton, for instance, uses signature scanning, Nachenberg said.
Signature scanning is similar to the process of looking for DNA fingerprints, he said. Norton examines programming code to find what viruses are made of. It adds those bad instructions it finds to its large database of other bad code. Then it uses this vast database to seek out and match the code in it with similar code in your computer. When it finds such virus code, it lets you know!
©2004 by Kara Glover
Feel Free to reprint this article in newsletters and on websites, with resource box included. If you use this article, please send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: kara333@earthlink.net
Kara Glover is a Computer Tutor and Troubleshooter. You can find her articles and tutorials on topics such as Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® on her website: http://www.karathecomputertutor.com
kara333@earthlink.net
Your computer is as slow as molasses. Your mouse freezes every 15 minutes, and that Microsoft Word program just won’t seem to open.
You might have a virus.
Just what exactly is a virus? What kind is in your computer? How did it get there? How is it spreading and wreaking such havoc? And why is it bothering with your computer anyway?
Viruses are pieces of programming code that make copies of themselves, or replicate, inside your computer without asking your explicit written permission to do so. Forget getting your permission down on paper. Viruses don’t bother to seek your permission at all! Very invasive.
In comparison, there are pieces of code that might replicate inside your computer, say something your IT guy thinks you need. But the code spreads, perhaps throughout your office network, with your consent (or at least your IT guy’s consent). These types of replicating code are called agents, said Jimmy Kuo, a research fellow with McAfee AVERT, a research arm of anti-virus software-maker McAfee Inc.
In this article, though, we’re not talking about the good guys, or the agents. We’ll be talking about the bad guys, the viruses.
A long, long time ago in computer years, like five, most viruses were comprised of a similar breed. They entered your computer perhaps through an email attachment or a floppy disk (remember those?). Then they attached themselves to one of your files, say your Microsoft Word program.
When you opened your Microsoft Word program, the virus replicated and attached itself to other files. These could be other random files on your hard drive, the files furthest away from your Microsoft Word program, or other files, depending on how the virus writer wanted the virus to behave.
This virus code could contain hundreds or thousands of instructions. When it replicates it inserts those instructions, into the files it infects, said Carey Nachenberg, Chief Architect at Symantec Research Labs, an arm of anti-virus software-maker Symantec. Corp.
Because so many other types of viruses exist now, the kind just described is called a classic virus. Classic viruses still exist but they’re not quite as prevalent as they used to be. (Perhaps we could put classic viruses on the shelf with Hemingway and Dickens.)
These days, in the modern era, viruses are known to spread through vulnerabilities in web browsers, files shared over the internet, emails themselves, and computer networks.
As far as web browsers are concerned, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer takes most of the heat for spreading viruses because it’s used by more people for web surfing than any other browser.
Nevertheless, “Any web browser potentially has vulnerabilities,†Nachenberg said.
For instance, let’s say you go to a website in IE you have every reason to think is safe, Nachenberg said.
But unfortunately it isn’t. It has virus code hidden in its background that IE isn’t protecting you from. While you’re looking at the site, the virus is downloaded onto your computer, he said. That’s one way of catching a nasty virus.
During the past two years, another prevalent way to catch a virus has been through downloads computer users share with one another, mostly on music sharing sites, Kuo said. On Limewire or Kazaa, for instance, teenagers or other music enthusiasts might think they’re downloading that latest Justin Timberlake song, when in reality they’re downloading a virus straight into their computer. It’s easy for a virus writer to put a download with a virus on one of these sites because everyone’s sharing with everyone else anyway.
Here’s one you might not have thought of. If you use Outlook or Outlook Express to send and receive email, do you have a preview pane below your list of emails that shows the contents of the email you have highlighted? If so, you may be putting yourself at risk.
Some viruses, though a small percentage according to Nachenberg, are inserted straight into emails themselves.
Forget opening the attachment. All you have to do is view the email to potentially get a virus, Kuo added. For instance, have you ever opened or viewed an email that states it’s “loading� Well, once everything is “loaded,†a virus in the email might just load onto your computer.
So if I were you, I’d click on View on the toolbar in your Outlook or Outlook Express and close the preview pane. (You have to click on View and then Layout in Outlook Express.)
On a network at work? You could get a virus that way. Worms are viruses that come into your computer via networks, Kuo said. They travel from machine to machine and, unlike, the classic viruses, they attack the machine itself rather than individual files.
Worms sit in your working memory, or RAM, Nachenberg said.
OK, so we’ve talked about how the viruses get into a computer. How do they cause so much damage once they’re there?
Let’s say you’ve caught a classic virus, one that replicates and attacks various files on your computer. Let’s go back to the example of the virus that initially infects your Microsoft Word program.
Well, it might eventually cause that program to crash, Nachenberg said. It also might cause damage to your computer as it looks for new targets to infect.
This process of infecting targets and looking for new ones could eventually use up your computer’s ability to function, he said.
Often the destruction a virus causes is pegged to a certain event or date and time, called a trigger. For instance, a virus could be programmed to lay dormant until January 28. When that date rolls around, though, it may be programmed to do something as innocuous but annoying as splash popups on your screen, or something as severe as reformat your computer’s hard drive, Nachenberg said.
There are other potential reasons, though, for a virus to cause your computer to be acting slow or in weird ways. And that leads us to a new segment – the reason virus writers would want to waste their time creating viruses in the first place.
The majority of viruses are still written by teenagers looking for some notoriety, Nachenberg said. But a growing segment of the virus-writing population has other intentions in mind.
For these other intentions, we first need to explain the “backdoor†concept.
The sole purpose of some viruses is to create a vulnerability in your computer. Once it creates this hole of sorts, or backdoor, it signals home to mama or dada virus writer (kind of like in E.T.). Once the virus writer receives the signal, they can use and abuse your computer to their own likings.
Trojans are sometimes used to open backdoors. In fact that is usually their sole purpose, Kuo said.
Trojans are pieces of code you might download onto your computer, say, from a newsgroup. As in the Trojan War they are named after, they are usually disguised as innocuous pieces of code. But Trojans aren’t considered viruses because they don’t replicate.
Now back to the real viruses. Let’s say we have Joe Shmo virus writer. He sends out a virus that ends up infecting a thousand machines. But he doesn’t want the feds on his case. So he instructs the viruses on the various machines to send their signals, not of course to his computer, but to a place that can’t be traced. Hotmail email happens to be an example of one such place, Kuo said.
OK, so the virus writers now control these computers. What will they use them for?
One use is to send spam. Once that backdoor is open, they bounce spam off of those computers and send it to other machines, Nachenberg said.
That’s right. Some spam you have in your email right now may have been originally sent to other innocent computers before it came to yours so that it could remain in disguise. If the authorities could track down the original senders of spam, they could crack down on spam itself. Spam senders don’t want that.
Ever heard of phishing emails? Those are the ones that purport to be from your internet service provider or bank. They typically request some information from you, like your credit card number. The problem is, they’re NOT from your internet service provider or your bank. They’re from evil people after your credit card number! Well, these emails are often sent the same way spam is sent, by sending them via innocent computers.
Of course makers of anti-virus software use a variety of methods to combat the onslaught of viruses. Norton, for instance, uses signature scanning, Nachenberg said.
Signature scanning is similar to the process of looking for DNA fingerprints, he said. Norton examines programming code to find what viruses are made of. It adds those bad instructions it finds to its large database of other bad code. Then it uses this vast database to seek out and match the code in it with similar code in your computer. When it finds such virus code, it lets you know!
©2004 by Kara Glover
Feel Free to reprint this article in newsletters and on websites, with resource box included. If you use this article, please send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: kara333@earthlink.net
Kara Glover is a Computer Tutor and Troubleshooter. You can find her articles and tutorials on topics such as Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® on her website: http://www.karathecomputertutor.com
kara333@earthlink.net
Sunday, August 8, 2010
A Hacker Inside Your Computer?
By: Jim Edwards
Imagine this nightmare scenario...
You check your e-mail program and it reports your username
and password as no longer valid. You call your Internet
service provider (ISP) to discuss the problem and they tell
you they turned off your account due to "abuse". "Abuse!"
you cry to the customer service operator, "What are you
talking about?"
"Someone used your computer this past Saturday night in an
attempt to hack into a government computer system. They
made the attempt at 1:20 a.m. from your account," replies
the rep. "Look in your windows registry for a file called
QAZWSX.hsq."
You punch a few keys and sure enough the file stares right
back at you. "What is it?" you ask, scared to know the
answer.
"Someone used a Trojan Horse virus to remotely control your
computer and cloak the identity of the hacker. Here's how
to get rid of it, just..."
What you just read happened very recently to someone I know
quite well. A computer hacker found an open port on his
computer when he switched over from a dial-up Internet
connection to an "always-on" high-speed connection.
The hacker used a robot scanning the Internet for available
"ports", openings in a computer that allow data to pass
back and forth from a network connection like the Internet.
Once the hacker found an unprotected port on my friend's
computer he simply inserted a Trojan Horse virus that rides
along with Windows Notepad, a handy utility used by just
about everyone who makes web pages.
When my friend activated the notepad program he also
activated the virus. The virus in turn transmitted all of
my friend's security information to the hacker and allowed
him to gain access and control his victim's computer in the
middle of the night.
Count me as the last person to sound paranoid, but, as
always-on connections through DSL, cable, and T-1 lines
proliferate, this story will repeat itself over and over
until people learn to protect themselves.
Most people underestimate or are completely ignorant about
the importance of information they send over the Internet
when surfing websites and checking email. Even if you only
use a simple dial-up account, you can unknowingly transmit
a significant amount of sensitive information.
You can analyze the security of your web connection for
free by going to http://www.symantec.com/SecurityCheck/ .
You can also verify the presence of any known viruses or
Trojan horses on your computer. The information I saw when
analyzing my personal computer frankly shocked me. I saw
data I didn't even know existed staring me right in the
face after I performed this analysis.
To protect your computer hardware and sensitive data you
should obtain a software package called a "firewall". A
firewall, when combined with a good anti-virus program,
helps stop unauthorized access on your computer, prevents
virus infection, and "cloaks" your data ports against a
hacker scanning for openings.
Symantec.com and McAfee.com both offer excellent personal
firewall and anti-virus software from their websites or you
can buy them off the shelf at your local office supply
store. A wise investment for anyone on the net... before
it's too late!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Finally – a Simple, Video-Based Training System on CD-ROM
that Teaches You Step-By-Step How to Make Real Money
Online-100% Guaranteed!" You can start with a few bucks and
a good idea to make lots of money online! I did, and I'll
teach you how no matter what product or service you sell...
http://www.the-easy-way.com/33days.html
About the Author
Jim Edwards writes a syndicated newspaper column in plain
language for non-technical people about current Internet
issues, challenges, news, HOT new tools... and much more!
"The Net Reporter" ==>
http://www.the-easy-way.com/33days.html
Imagine this nightmare scenario...
You check your e-mail program and it reports your username
and password as no longer valid. You call your Internet
service provider (ISP) to discuss the problem and they tell
you they turned off your account due to "abuse". "Abuse!"
you cry to the customer service operator, "What are you
talking about?"
"Someone used your computer this past Saturday night in an
attempt to hack into a government computer system. They
made the attempt at 1:20 a.m. from your account," replies
the rep. "Look in your windows registry for a file called
QAZWSX.hsq."
You punch a few keys and sure enough the file stares right
back at you. "What is it?" you ask, scared to know the
answer.
"Someone used a Trojan Horse virus to remotely control your
computer and cloak the identity of the hacker. Here's how
to get rid of it, just..."
What you just read happened very recently to someone I know
quite well. A computer hacker found an open port on his
computer when he switched over from a dial-up Internet
connection to an "always-on" high-speed connection.
The hacker used a robot scanning the Internet for available
"ports", openings in a computer that allow data to pass
back and forth from a network connection like the Internet.
Once the hacker found an unprotected port on my friend's
computer he simply inserted a Trojan Horse virus that rides
along with Windows Notepad, a handy utility used by just
about everyone who makes web pages.
When my friend activated the notepad program he also
activated the virus. The virus in turn transmitted all of
my friend's security information to the hacker and allowed
him to gain access and control his victim's computer in the
middle of the night.
Count me as the last person to sound paranoid, but, as
always-on connections through DSL, cable, and T-1 lines
proliferate, this story will repeat itself over and over
until people learn to protect themselves.
Most people underestimate or are completely ignorant about
the importance of information they send over the Internet
when surfing websites and checking email. Even if you only
use a simple dial-up account, you can unknowingly transmit
a significant amount of sensitive information.
You can analyze the security of your web connection for
free by going to http://www.symantec.com/SecurityCheck/ .
You can also verify the presence of any known viruses or
Trojan horses on your computer. The information I saw when
analyzing my personal computer frankly shocked me. I saw
data I didn't even know existed staring me right in the
face after I performed this analysis.
To protect your computer hardware and sensitive data you
should obtain a software package called a "firewall". A
firewall, when combined with a good anti-virus program,
helps stop unauthorized access on your computer, prevents
virus infection, and "cloaks" your data ports against a
hacker scanning for openings.
Symantec.com and McAfee.com both offer excellent personal
firewall and anti-virus software from their websites or you
can buy them off the shelf at your local office supply
store. A wise investment for anyone on the net... before
it's too late!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Finally – a Simple, Video-Based Training System on CD-ROM
that Teaches You Step-By-Step How to Make Real Money
Online-100% Guaranteed!" You can start with a few bucks and
a good idea to make lots of money online! I did, and I'll
teach you how no matter what product or service you sell...
http://www.the-easy-way.com/33days.html
About the Author
Jim Edwards writes a syndicated newspaper column in plain
language for non-technical people about current Internet
issues, challenges, news, HOT new tools... and much more!
"The Net Reporter" ==>
http://www.the-easy-way.com/33days.html
Friday, August 6, 2010
Distance Learning and Elearning for Computer Techs
By: John Tipton
Just a few decades ago, distance learning existed only in
the imaginations of science fiction writers. Of course,
computers were as big as a house and only those same
science fiction writers wove stories of a world in which
computers were commonplace.
While technology has not taken the strides some predicted
and we Earthlings didn't colonize the moon by the year
2000, there are many who probably never expected that most
people log onto the Internet on a regular basis.
The great advances in technology have created a couple of
new situations. As with any new gadget, there has to be
someone who can work on it. When cars first hit the scene,
those who could understand the workings of a gas engine
were in great demand.
Even more demanding was the need for training to stay
abreast of the development of the automobile. The same is
true today of the computer technology.
But the techs of today have a great advantage that wasn't
available when auto mechanics were trying to learn. They
have computers and access to instant communication through
computer networks.
That means that the very subject they need to learn more
about is instrumental in keeping them up-to-date in their
field. Like those who are already busy with adult
responsibilities, computer techs have limited time for
training, classes and certifications.
But they have a definite need for those things, many on a
continuous basis. Distance learning and elearning can be
the answer.
While it's always been possible to learn without being in a
classroom, the opportunities to do so were limited by a
number of factors. One of the biggest problems with
learning outside the classroom has always been the fact
that students didn't have an opportunity to actively
participate.
If a student simply reads text and takes a test to discover
whether he retained the knowledge, he's likely to get
something from the course. A student who is allowed to talk
to others, ask questions and observe the questions of other
students is much more likely to gain the knowledge.
Even elearning (typically in the form of online courses)
offers the opportunity to do interactive activities and
students usually get feedback along the way to help them
stay on track.
Distance learning and elearning are no longer fictional
ideas, but have become a reality that is opening doors to
many who would otherwise have missed an opportunity. And by
offering technical training to those who work closely with
computers, the distance learning and elearning options will
likely continue to grow.
Find out why distance learning lets anyone go back to
school. Discover what you need to look for in a distance
learning program, and what you should avoid. Click
http://www.distance-learning-exclusive.com/
About the Author
John Tipton dropped out of school early, and worked boring
jobs for 20 years. Then he discovered 'distance learning'
and finally got the education he missed. After lots of
different courses at lots of different schools, Peter
shares his experience in this series of useful articles.
Just a few decades ago, distance learning existed only in
the imaginations of science fiction writers. Of course,
computers were as big as a house and only those same
science fiction writers wove stories of a world in which
computers were commonplace.
While technology has not taken the strides some predicted
and we Earthlings didn't colonize the moon by the year
2000, there are many who probably never expected that most
people log onto the Internet on a regular basis.
The great advances in technology have created a couple of
new situations. As with any new gadget, there has to be
someone who can work on it. When cars first hit the scene,
those who could understand the workings of a gas engine
were in great demand.
Even more demanding was the need for training to stay
abreast of the development of the automobile. The same is
true today of the computer technology.
But the techs of today have a great advantage that wasn't
available when auto mechanics were trying to learn. They
have computers and access to instant communication through
computer networks.
That means that the very subject they need to learn more
about is instrumental in keeping them up-to-date in their
field. Like those who are already busy with adult
responsibilities, computer techs have limited time for
training, classes and certifications.
But they have a definite need for those things, many on a
continuous basis. Distance learning and elearning can be
the answer.
While it's always been possible to learn without being in a
classroom, the opportunities to do so were limited by a
number of factors. One of the biggest problems with
learning outside the classroom has always been the fact
that students didn't have an opportunity to actively
participate.
If a student simply reads text and takes a test to discover
whether he retained the knowledge, he's likely to get
something from the course. A student who is allowed to talk
to others, ask questions and observe the questions of other
students is much more likely to gain the knowledge.
Even elearning (typically in the form of online courses)
offers the opportunity to do interactive activities and
students usually get feedback along the way to help them
stay on track.
Distance learning and elearning are no longer fictional
ideas, but have become a reality that is opening doors to
many who would otherwise have missed an opportunity. And by
offering technical training to those who work closely with
computers, the distance learning and elearning options will
likely continue to grow.
Find out why distance learning lets anyone go back to
school. Discover what you need to look for in a distance
learning program, and what you should avoid. Click
http://www.distance-learning-exclusive.com/
About the Author
John Tipton dropped out of school early, and worked boring
jobs for 20 years. Then he discovered 'distance learning'
and finally got the education he missed. After lots of
different courses at lots of different schools, Peter
shares his experience in this series of useful articles.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Low Cost- High Value Computer Enhancement Programs
By: Maria Marsala
Use these low cost tools as you create an affordable marketing plan.
1. www.GoDaddy.com You don’t need to have a website in order to purchase a domain name, 5 email accounts. You can even redirect the new domain to your “other website that has a much longer name”. All for under $10 per year.
2. http://hop.clickbank.net/?mariasplac/ezpro When designing your first web site. Don’t use the same free templates that everyone is using. Instead, look for low cost web templates for that first website. This is a great place to start your template search.
3. www.bigfix.com A program that tells you about security holes, bugs, and more.
4. www.trillian.cc Connect to ICQ®, AIM®, MSN® Messenger, Yahoo!® Messenger and IRC using a single screen.
5. http://www.lavasoftusa.com/downloads.html Find out if there is a spy in your computer and then delete the ones you don’t want there.
6. http://chami.com Great free tool that helps you create and maintain your Website. Includes online discussion lists to ask questions and lots of “plug-ins” (features you can add).
7. http://www.stretcher.com/stories/990614a.cfm • missingmoney.com • unclaimed.org It should NOT cost you a penny to find out if you have “missing money”. Visit these web sites first.
8. http://www.coachmaria.com/recommend/telephone.html Want to hold a family reunion by phone? Would a meeting on the phone be a better use of your time? You can rent a 30 person phone line for an hour.
9. www.subscriptionrocket.com/cgi-bin/r.cgi?r=989 This java script program automatically brings new subscribers to your online newsletter.
10. www.timeanddate.com Just as is says… check the time and dates all over the world.
11. www.xe.com Currency ex-changer. Great free tool for businesses who sell their products globally.
12. Low cost e-zine programs: http://www.subscribed.co.uk/ server on their system http://mojo.skazat.com/ needs some programming http://www.freelists.org/index.html for technology related e-lists only.
13. http://www.jbmckee.com/formatit/ and http://www.jbmckee.com/formatit/reformatit.html These little online utilities are perfect for writers! Either format articles you'll be submitting to the exact number of characters the publisher requires... OR if you have a piece formatted, you can easily change the formatting.
About the Author
©2003 Elevating You. Maria Marsala, President. A former Wall Street trader, executive, and manager, uses her business and career knowledge to help people achieve goals and surpass their dreams. Ask us for a consultation or to subscribe to Elevating You ezine visit http://CoachMaria.com
Use these low cost tools as you create an affordable marketing plan.
1. www.GoDaddy.com You don’t need to have a website in order to purchase a domain name, 5 email accounts. You can even redirect the new domain to your “other website that has a much longer name”. All for under $10 per year.
2. http://hop.clickbank.net/?mariasplac/ezpro When designing your first web site. Don’t use the same free templates that everyone is using. Instead, look for low cost web templates for that first website. This is a great place to start your template search.
3. www.bigfix.com A program that tells you about security holes, bugs, and more.
4. www.trillian.cc Connect to ICQ®, AIM®, MSN® Messenger, Yahoo!® Messenger and IRC using a single screen.
5. http://www.lavasoftusa.com/downloads.html Find out if there is a spy in your computer and then delete the ones you don’t want there.
6. http://chami.com Great free tool that helps you create and maintain your Website. Includes online discussion lists to ask questions and lots of “plug-ins” (features you can add).
7. http://www.stretcher.com/stories/990614a.cfm • missingmoney.com • unclaimed.org It should NOT cost you a penny to find out if you have “missing money”. Visit these web sites first.
8. http://www.coachmaria.com/recommend/telephone.html Want to hold a family reunion by phone? Would a meeting on the phone be a better use of your time? You can rent a 30 person phone line for an hour.
9. www.subscriptionrocket.com/cgi-bin/r.cgi?r=989 This java script program automatically brings new subscribers to your online newsletter.
10. www.timeanddate.com Just as is says… check the time and dates all over the world.
11. www.xe.com Currency ex-changer. Great free tool for businesses who sell their products globally.
12. Low cost e-zine programs: http://www.subscribed.co.uk/ server on their system http://mojo.skazat.com/ needs some programming http://www.freelists.org/index.html for technology related e-lists only.
13. http://www.jbmckee.com/formatit/ and http://www.jbmckee.com/formatit/reformatit.html These little online utilities are perfect for writers! Either format articles you'll be submitting to the exact number of characters the publisher requires... OR if you have a piece formatted, you can easily change the formatting.
About the Author
©2003 Elevating You. Maria Marsala, President. A former Wall Street trader, executive, and manager, uses her business and career knowledge to help people achieve goals and surpass their dreams. Ask us for a consultation or to subscribe to Elevating You ezine visit http://CoachMaria.com
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