1. Ubuntu - an Alternative for Businesses

    July 29, 2010 by publisher

    There is no doubt that Microsoft Windows is the most dominant operating system in the world today. As a result of this most people are reluctant to move to another option for various reasons (e.g. familiarity). But there is an alternative that everyone should explore, whether it is a home user or a business, and that is Ubuntu Linux.

    Ubuntu is an extremely improved version of Debian. It provides users with a very Windows-like feel and works well with older hardware. The best feature of Ubuntu is that it is free. You don’t have to pay a single cent for it. Upgrades that come out from time to time are also released free and all you have to do is download it. For your work needs, you can download OpenOffice.org which is also free. This suite of applications includes all the familiar apps you would find in the MS Office suite. They look remarkably similar so it is easy for people to adapt to it.

    Ubuntu come with a firewall which you can activate to protect yourself from malicious persons on the internet. It does not come with an anti-virus program though. This is because Linux based systems are not threatened by viruses and therefore have no need of programs like that.

    So far, all of this represents a saving of over $600 in software related costs. Add to this that there is a whole host of open source software that can be download and used on Ubuntu and you being to see why using this OS makes sense for businesses. Buying one hundred new computers for the office suddenly does not seem so expensive when licensing fees no longer play a role in those decisions.


  2. How fleet GPS tracking is useful

    July 21, 2010 by publisher

    Apart from the cell phone GPS tracking units that are really popular in the market, thanks to this service being offered by several communications services these days, it does not stop with personal use.

    There are a wide range of commercial applications that are involved in using the global positioning system that the United States military has opened up for public use after using it for many years as a primary part of their navigation systems.

    The number of satellites that are used in vehicle tracking GPS or for that matter with any GPS application are 27, where 24 are in constant use while three remaining satellites are in standby mode just in case there is a failure.

    Since GPS can track any object (which has a GPS receiver attached to it) this service comes in handy especially in the transport industry where time is of the essence when it comes to delivering packages, goods and so on and so forth. Also known as fleet GPS tracking, several vehicles can be tracked when in motion to see if they are on time with the delivery that has been scheduled.

    Not only does this ensure that employees aren’t fooling around and can hold them responsible for failure to complete the task at hand but can also be used to plan routes when the distance that needs to be travelled is a long one.


  3. Is Your Software Programming Company Performing Efficiently?

    July 20, 2010 by publisher

    There is a plethora of companies offering to do your software programming for you, but you must never jump into a deal right away. Your outsourced software programming and development projects must be put in the hands of skilled professionals who can deliver according to expectations. Many a software programming firm asks good money for very poor work done. Avoid getting yourself into this trap by judging the company and studying their work quality and ethics.

    Below are some tips: First, if their rates are too good to be true, you have every right to question the quality of work that’s done. In attempts to save on capital, many businesses are flattered by extremely cheap prices, only to find themselves mad with disappointment and frustration at wasted money, time and effort. A software programming company may ask for little money because they make be lacking the skills and credentials to complete your job for you. Other companies may use their low rates as part of their marketing campaign. The truth is, however, that they will only give you whatever you paid for. Scout and check competing prices for variation. Next, look into their commitment.

    A bad software programming company will do the job for you and deliver, with no follow-up care after. You will want to choose a company which works in close collaboration with you to make sure the software is developed exactly how you’d like it to be. Bad customer service is a very clear sign you must not at all costs, sign up with a company. When you entrust your software to a company, you trust that they will be able to provide you with constant feedback on progress. As such, you also trust that they will have a support group ready to cater to your needs even after the software project has been completed. If your prospective programming company does not show signs of stable customer support, save yourself from a huge headache and scout for other companies.


    • What You Need to Know about the SuperSpeed USB

      July 10, 2010 by publisher

      The SuperSpeed USB, otherwise known as the USB 3.0 is the newest upgrade for the Universal Serial Bus which was developed in 1996 by 7 major IT companies which was led by Intel. This device was made to eliminate the hassle of connecting to a computer via a peripheral device. As of 2009, the USB 2.0 version has become the most sellable and important device which has sold about 6 billion units.

      But because of the increasing demand for faster file transfer and data communication, people are not contented by a transfer rate of almost 200 mbps, which is why in 2007, Intel developed a prototype of the USB 3.0 and showcased it on one of their forums (Intel Developer Forum). The following year, the SuperSpeed USB Version 1.0, and its complete specifications were finalized. After the finalization, the USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) has released all the technical documents needed for the players of the IT market to adapt to the specifications of the USB 3.0. Some of the key features of the USB 3.0 include a faster transfer rate if up to 4.8 gigabytes per second, an amplified current draw to devices to be able to house power-hungry peripherals, and an amplified bus power (at maximum).

      Aside from these features, the SuperSpeed USB also has new features for its power management and it supports new types of transfers and can also accommodate full-duplex data transmission.Finally, the key feature of the USB 3.0 is its backward compatibility with the USB 2.0 with the use of new connectors and host adapters.


      • Google TV anyone?

        July 4, 2010 by publisher

        It appears that Google has no qualms about where it will go nor what industries it will conquer. The company has announced that Google TV is coming!

        So what will Google TV look like? Well, physically it will come via a set-top box or special TV sets that have the technology built in. If you think that the built in feature will take a long time, think again. Intel, Sony, and Logitech are already working on this aspect and are the official launch partners as well. The OS on the either methodology will, of course, be Android.

        The OS will feature a home screen where users can bookmark channels, photo albums, music, etc. The interface will look very Boxee-like and will allow you to run applications and other features. Since Google is opening the source code for Google TV for developers, expect flood of useful (as well as useless) apps to vie for your attention in the near future.

        Google TV will also feature the Chrome browser with the very latest flash plugin. Apart from using the browser for the usual needs, you can search for your favorite TV show and this is what the whole Google TV concept is mainly about. The results for your search will 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 see it on the schedule, you can set it to be recorded on whatever DVR device you possess through the Google TV interface.