Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category

The Basics of Cloud Computing

Technology | Posted by admin
Oct 18 2010

The computer age is slowly giving way to the cloud age as more and more companies and individuals move their computing needs to cloud computing companies like cloudshare . For those who haven’t yet heard about the cloud, here are a few basics.

Cloud computing eliminates the need for companies to invest in hardware, storage, networks and in some cases even software for their employees. Instead of purchasing and maintaining these elements, they purchase cloud services, which provide access to all these elements over the internet. One example would be using gmail or yahoo calendar instead of installing email and calendar software on each staff member’s computer.

There are four basic characteristics of cloud computing that make it so attractive. First is the elasticity of the services which can be scaled up or down as needed by individual companies and users. Next is the financial benefits of metered service and billing on a ” pay as you go ” model. This allows companies to only pay for what they truly need and use, rather than lots of extra storage and features that they might need “someday” in the future. Other benefits are application programming interfaces and self-service provisioning as well as automatic deprovisioning.

Individuals can make use of the cloud by using online providers for email, calendars, document storage, and anything else they would normally need software and memory for on their computer. Companies can access not only software, but can make their entire network virtual with cloud servers, storage, and even remote IT services.

Tags:
No Comments »

Dispelling the Confusion Surrounding Data Backup

Technology | Posted by admin
May 27 2009

Some problems with data backup have occurred due to confusion on the subject, mostly involving outdated systems and incorrect assumptions about them.

The following is now common knowledge, in regards to data backup confusion:

Because of a considerable overlap in technology, backups and backup systems are frequently confused with archives and fault-tolerant systems — the two being very different in some ways. Backups are different from archives in the sense that archives are the primary copy of data, usually put away for future use, while backups are a secondary copy of data, kept on hand to replace the original item. Backup systems differ from fault-tolerant systems in the sense that backup systems assume that a fault will cause a data loss event and fault-tolerant systems assume a fault will not.

The more important the data that is stored on your computer, the greater the need is for backing up your data, of course. A backup is only as useful as its associated restore strategy. Storing the copy near the original is unwise, since many disasters such as fire, flood and electrical surges or power blackouts are likely to cause damage to the backup at the same time.

Backups will fail for a wide variety of reasons. A verification or monitoring strategy is an important part of a successful backup plan. It is good to store backed up archives in open/standard formats. This helps with recovery in the future when the software used to make the backup is obsolete. It also allows different software to be used.

Some further facts regarding data loss and protection:

82% of home PC users don’t do regular backup.
66% have lost pictures and files on their home PC. 42% within the last year (2008).
71% are most worried about losing their digital pictures on their home PC.

How Carbonite Works

Once Carbonite data backup is set up on your computer, it requires little ongoing work on behalf of the user. It reads and stores your data as long as you’re online, and users can also log on to the Carbonite site and access their files.

The Carbonite client is always looking for new data on your PC. When you add or modify files, Carbonite starts backing them up immediately. The Carbonite program backs up about 2GB per day over broadband. Their backup solution works by placing colored dots on your files and folders. Different colors represent different “file states”: 1) If the file has been backed up, 2) will be backed up or 3) will not be backed up.

Don’t get caught without secure data backup. Get Carbonite and rest assured your valuable photos, emails, spreadsheets and files won’t be lost forever.

All you need is love. And Carbonite.

Tags: , , , ,
No Comments »

Port Adriano Expansion, Majorca Spain

Society, Technology, Travel | Posted by admin
Mar 15 2009

The environmental group in Majorca, Oceana, has been conducting research in the waters surrounding the island. The have collected samples from over 300 species and about 15 different ecosystems. The expansion of a wellness resort and spa, with golf courses and conference rooms and 5 star hotel Majorca residents are worried that this will upset not only the diverse and abundant life just under the water but the plant life and wildlife that will be affected by the golf courses. They members of Oceana and the environmentally concerned locals fear that it will only get worse, as the wetlands and natural grass has been already negatively affected. They are making a desperate plea to the marine reserve there, El Toro to expand the area that should remain protected, the prohibiting future development in the area.

In the waters just east of the protected land, many species of coral have been found using under water robots. Coral that is already in danger of becoming extinct. Also found was a rare form of seaweed, calcified and not rooted in the sea floor, which provides home and habitat for many different species, and contributes to the wealth of this marine biodiversity. Laminaria, the most abundant species of algae in the Mediterranean is abundant but was seriously damaged with the trawling of the under water nets. And in amongst these species of underwater plant life, the robot found abundant trash. Garbage such as plastic bags, tires and lawn chairs. Thus leading to a call for further expansion of the reserve to protect the waters and the ocean floor gardens from fisherman. What is being proposed is an underwater scuba park in the waters between Ibiza and Majorca. This would insure growth in the tourism industry, will protecting and preserving the environment and the life that lives in that environment.

Tags: , , ,
No Comments »

Connected Software Converts for You

Technology | Posted by admin
Mar 20 2008

Have you ever purchased a new computer and when you needed to move you move your email address book but found that you couldn’t? Well, I had that problem when I got a new computer at work and I needed you use Outlook. I couldn’t find AOL email convert Outlook.

I went online and did a search for "export AOL address book" and found the web site for a company called Connected Software. They had everything that I could ever need for my converting needs.

I also needed to convert my blackberry address book to my desktop. They had programs for that also. I was so excited that I told my boss and he went out and purchased it !

No Comments »

Converting Email and Address Books

Technology | Posted by admin
Feb 28 2008

When you bought your latest computer or laptop did you have problems transferring files from your old one to your new on?  I know I did and it mostly related to my email and address book.

Some of it was caused by the trouble I had when I tried to convert email to gmail.  I also had trouble it I tried to export AOL favorite places.  In fact I had more trouble when I tried to recover AOL email.  I searched online and found a company Connected Software who can help with these types of problems. Thier site really was a goldmine for me.

Happily my new laptop is now up and running just in time for the busy months that are coming up.  I’m glad I made the move and got all email type issues resolved before it got busy!!

1 Comment »