Category: Technology
Avoiding Heat Buildup in the Server Room

Avoiding Heat Buildup in the Server Room

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Servers generate a lot of heat. In fact, without a cooling system in place, closed server rooms can exceed 90F in temperature, which can damage the servers’ sensitive components and reduce their expected lifespan, according to experts. Many server rooms, when examined, are found to be between 78F and 82F, which can have negative long-term impact.

Ideally, server rooms should be between 60F and 70F for best performance and outcomes. Some models may have a broader range of tolerable temperatures; however, this range is considered standard for many modern servers.

Maintaining this cool environment can be challenging, especially in buildings with poorly functioning cooling systems or those that lack appropriately zoned HVAC. Afterall, keeping an office at 60F would be uncomfortable for many workers and quite expensive during the summer.

Fans are not always enough in warmer climates and can be loud and disruptive. They can also promote the growth of mold and the spread of particulate and allergens, creating an environment that is unhealthy for servers and humans alike.

A more practical solution is using a portable air conditioning unit to cool the server room. This maintains the necessary temperatures in a targeted, cost-effective way without impacting the environment outside the room. Spot cooling in this way can also help prevent mold, which can grow easily in a warm environment.

Maintaining proper temperatures in the server room is an important part of managing technology, but too frequently neglected. It is important to find a cooling solution that works for your server room and to have a back-up plan in case of failure.
How Ergonomic Furniture Can Boost Performance in a Command Center

How Ergonomic Furniture Can Boost Performance in a Command Center

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Summary: Keeping your employees comfortable and supported can actually increase productivity levels.

Each piece of control room furniture serves its purpose in some shape or form. For instance, the video wall displays assist specialists in monitoring everything that’s require for the company to stay alert. The design of the command center plays a role in keeping everything in a specific pattern so it’s easy to navigate and communicate amongst everyone within the room. However, one of the most neglected aspects of control room furniture is the ergonomic factor.

Every specialist that works within a command center must be alert at all times in the case of a security risk or a breach. As a team, they need to be able to communicate effectively and focus merely on the task at hand without any distractions.

The Benefits

Having an ergonomic setup for each specialist will now only allow each person to work more efficiently, but they’ll also be more comfortable while doing their job. Now, you might be asking why this is important? First off, someone that’s uncomfortable – whether it’s soreness from a shoddy chair or pain from an awkward typing position – will underperform. This not only impacts the speed at which the person works, but it also affects your company as a whole.

It’s recommended that when you start a command center from scratch – or even alter your current one – that you consider utilizing ergonomic furniture as it’ll provide an immense amount of benefits for you and your employees. After paying so much money to create a quality setup from companies like Constant Technologies, Inc. or some other major contractor, the least you could do is provide your employees with an environment that they can work comfortably in.
Top Ways to Reduce Chargebacks for Your Business

Top Ways to Reduce Chargebacks for Your Business

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Summary: Chargebacks aren’t just bad for business, it can also jeopardize your merchant account.

Chargebacks occur with nearly every business. Every transaction businesses process, they will usually pay a penalty for these chargebacks. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a chargeback refers to a dispute between the credit card company and the consumer. With too many of these, a business’s account could be revoked or be placed in a “high risk” category – which will indefinitely hurt your business. This guide is focused on how you can reduce chargebacks so you avoid falling into this pithole.

Your Policies Should be in “Fine Print”

Major retailers will print out their return statements on the back of their receipt due to the fact that customers will need to understand the policy information. Remember, not ever business has this options, so it’s crucial that you create a separate page on your website that tells the consumer every detail. Also, remind your employees to always inform the customer about the return policy.

Analyzing Refunds

Ask any business owner about refunds and their first thought will likely be that it’s detrimental to the overall sales. Unfortunately, refunds are unavoidable. But, refunds on the other hand, can be good for your business due to the fact that it avoids chargebacks. Remember, if you choose not to refund a customer, and the customer decides to dispute the charge, you’re facing a mark on your merchant account – along with losing a customer.

Always Verify One’s Identity.

Ask your customers to present a valid ID for any transaction involving a credit card. Be sure that you take a close look at the CVV or CVV2 code prior to completing the purchase. Depending on your business, decide whether or not you want to perform this periodically or with every customer.

 
How Programmers Fit In the Aviation Industry

How Programmers Fit In the Aviation Industry

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Summary: The aviation industry hosts thousands of programmers that play a pivotal role in the overall efficiency of operations.

Programmers have solidified their place as vital members of the aviation industry.

Programming in a Versatile Setting

Now, software is required at nearly every level of aviation and airlines. For one, you have the air traffic control and remote control level of software that programmers need to continuously keep an eye on in terms of maintenance and efficiency. Additionally you have things like crew planning, equipment assignment, qualification maintenance, load planning, ACARS support, employee portal management, human resources, and much more. Larger companies tend to utilize ITs and programmers to create their software in-house, while others opt for companies that specialize in aviation software.

Whether it’s creating a program that calculates how many 28 volt battery pack systems there are coming and going through transit, or simply taking a backseat approach and catering to developing employee payment and time systems, there are endless opportunities present for today’s programmers.

For instance, say you’re conducting an inventory check to determine what products are coming in as opposed to other aviation maintenance equipment companies. By developing an automated in-house software that automatically deduces where these deliveries are coming from, the team can work in cohesion by leaving a “paper trail” in the case that pieces need to be returned or sent out for calibration.

The Bottom Line

The aviation industry provides a bountiful assortment of opportunities for both ITs and programmers. With technology playing a crucial role, programmers need to stay on top of the latest in both aviation protocols and computing.
How to Effectively Stay Safe from Identity Theft

How to Effectively Stay Safe from Identity Theft

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Summary: Identity theft is a serious issue that continues to plague the United States. Be sure to always remain vigilant.

While you might not think it’ll ever happen to you, the truth of the matter is, identity theft can happen to anyone. It’s a serious issue in today’s society and continues to occur on a daily basis. It’s been said over 8 million Americans have their identity stolen each year. No, not in total, but every single year. Could you be next?

Here are some tips that will greatly decrease the chances of becoming an identity theft victim.

Taking Preventative Measures

No, it’s likely you don’t have access to some technologically advance NOC design or a command center that’s watching your back 24/7. You basically do not have too many options when it comes to protecting your identity. Criminals in this day and age are getting smarter and more proficient when it comes to theft. You’ll need to take preventative measures to ensure that you stay one step ahead of these dangerous individuals.

Don’t Be Careless With Your Social Security Information

For one, you’ll always want to protect your social security number. Don’t carelessly walk around with your social security card in your wallet or purse – you’re basically asking to be robbed. If your social security number is listed on your driver’s license, health insurance card, or any other document that you carry around, request to have it reissued.

Be sure to always look over your bills and credit card statements and see if everything lines up with your purchases. If something looks odd or you’re finding charges that aren’t yours, contact your provider immediately. It also helps not to be careless with your credit or debit card either, but things happen. The professionals believe that keeping a close eye on every financial aspect on a regular basis is an efficient way to monitor identity theft.
How Artificial Intelligence Has Driven Manufacturing Companies to New Heights

How Artificial Intelligence Has Driven Manufacturing Companies to New Heights

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Summary: The importance of implementing AI into manufacturing has significantly increased throughout the years.

Since the early 1900s, manufacturing has come a long, long way. From the unproven rows of worker drones to the industrial robot, signs of slowing down are unlikely to occur.

These creations didn’t come without a cost however. The early models of bots were only able to perform a single mindless task without any room for versatility. It wasn’t until the next stages of the automation breakthrough – the utilization of artificial intelligence – were these machines able to make logical decisions in real time.

Implementing Change

The fact that these real-time decisions were playing such a unique and significant role in society has only inspired others to continue this tradition and further enhance the AI system. This approach is becoming more and more prioritized as industries lean towards reducing costs but also keeping stock on an as-needed basis. Manufacturing companies and their supplies need to keep up with the high demand.

The Sky’s the Limit

Applying artificial intelligence to the manufacturing industry requires numerous technologies and process innovations. One of the most efficient forms of integration comes from the smart factory, which is basically a networked factory in which data from supply chains, production lines, and so on, are linked to an intelligent creation engine – forming a central station that processes each aspect of the factory. This has not only enhanced the way industries have been operating, but the rather, uncanny, use of artificial intelligence has propelled a variety of companies to new heights.

 
What Happened to Google TV?

What Happened to Google TV?

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In 2010 Google launched Google TV, a Smart TV setup box to access internet via TV and also watch TV over the internet. It adds interactivity to watching TV.

Physically it came via a set-top box or special TV sets that have the technology built in. Several manufacturers offered it such as Intel, Sony, and Logitech. The OS on the either methodology was Android.

The OS featured a home screen where users can bookmark channels, photo albums, music, etc. The interface looked very Boxee-like and would allow you to run applications and other features. Since Google opened the source code for Google TV for developers, so there were tons of useful (as well as useless) apps.

Google TV also featured the Chrome browser with the very latest flash plugin. Apart from using the browser for the usual needs, you could search for your favorite TV show and this is what the whole Google TV concept is mainly about. The results for your search would display links to the show on Hulu, download links on Amazon, links to the show on FOX’s website and even the TV schedule. When you saw it on the schedule, you can set it to be recorded on whatever DVR device you possess through the Google TV interface.

Google TV stopped in June 2014 and replaced by Android TV, which is far superior system.  Google has partnered with Sony, Philips and Sharp to offer this built in in their TV sets.
Hiring an IT person

Hiring an IT person

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For most people, learning technology is just as tough as learning Greek or Latin while most companies also think that their technology requirements are uniquely complicated and the computer support orange county needs to take a similar approach. Even though one part of it is indeed true, the core technology used is the same for every organization except for a few tweaks here and there that can be easily taken care, so that the business can begin to function smoothly as soon as possible.

IT companies offer computer and customer support to their clients who require professionals with technical expertise in these areas. Even though it does cost a lot to maintain a large in-house team, the IT solutions provided by these companies also ensure that the costs are not too much either.

Interestingly, if one had to look for an organization that can provide technical assistance, one should review their previous track record and the kind of clients they have had to find out whether this organization is suited to your needs.

Whether you are just starting up or intend to switch from a previous IT solutions provider, it is important that you find IT support that fully understands the specifics of the business while also providing support that would turn out to be economical in the long run.
And in leaving technical support to the experts, you can then focus on areas of your business that need your attention.
How to Bring Down Your Electricity Costs

How to Bring Down Your Electricity Costs

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You may not realize it but your computer can eat up a lot of electricity. How much it consumes depends on you’re the configuration and also on what other devices you have connected to it.

Usually a desktop PC will have a Power Supply Unit that is rated between 300 and 500 watts. This denotes the maximum power that can be delivered via that PSU. Before you start panicking, the PSU does not deliver the maximum all the time and only does it when required.

There are many culprits that cause a lot of power consumption. Advanced graphics cards draw a lot of power, especially when graphics intensive games are played. Using apps that require a lot of memory and processing power also delivers similar results. Using a large CRT monitor or even an LCD monitor at full brightness can push up your power bill.

To bring down your energy costs, try to do the following:

1. After shutting down the computer, physically cut the power connection to the PC by flicking the switch to the “off” position on the wall socket.
2. If your monitor does not draw power from the PC (enabling an auto switch off), you should switch it off manually after shutting down the PC.
3. Switch off printers and scanners when not in use.
4. Switch off any powered speakers when not in use.
5. Reduce the brightness on your monitor. This will consume less power and also promote long life in the product.
6. Use power management tools provided with the OS.
Buying an External Hard Drive

Buying an External Hard Drive

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An External Hard Disk is a worthwhile investment for any computer user. If you are an avid downloader of content (legally, of course) then storing movies and mp3s on your computer is going to take up a lot of Hard Disk Drive (HDD) space. This is fine until you encounter the day when the HDD crashes. Backing up your data can save you the frustration and anger when that happens and this is where an external HDD really comes into play.

When looking to buy an external drive, you have to consider the two types available -Solid State Drives (SSD) and HDD’s. SSDs have no moving parts in them, so vibrations and small impacts will not do any harm to them. However, as long as you treat your HDD carefully there is very little chance of anything happening to it either. Of the two, HDDs are easier on your wallet.

You should decide on the size of the external drive, depending on how much data you want to backup or transfer out of your computer. If these are mainly documents that will be stored, then even a 100GB drive is enough. Otherwise, if you do need more space, 1TB and 2TB drives have recently become more affordable.

If you can afford to wait a while, USB 3.0 drives will be out in the near future offering staggering transfer rates. But in the meantime, external drives come in USB 2.0, Firewire and eSATA flavors. You should choose one of these depending on the connectivity you have on your computer and the availability of external power as some of these devices require that.

Just remember that the cost of an external drive is peanuts compared to the cost you will encounter at a data retrieval service should your HDD crash.