Savvy Social Networking

December 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

SAVVY SOCIAL NETWORKING

Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and LinkedIn has cornered the market on virtual communication. Moving beyond hobby clubs and one-to-one communication, these social networks have changed the way people meet, plan and interact. Before signing up for a social network, weigh the benefits of membership against the time and energy necessary to keeping your profiles relevant.

SOCIAL NETWORKING 101

1. DO be picky. Signing-up for every social network out there seems like a good idea because it increases your visibility and makes it easier for your friends and clients to contact you. However, over time your ability to control your brand (web image/online reputation) decreases. Unless you have a team of internet-savvy PR professionals maintaining your online reputation, sign-up for the social networks most likely to be used by your community.

2. DO manage your time wisely. Social networking is a time sapper. Even if it doesn’t take much effort, it takes a lot of time to upload media content and update posts. Set aside a time for networking and stick to it.

3. DO review security options. Every social network allows you to set your own privacy and security settings. Review the defaults. You may be sharing more information about your browsing history and preferences than you like. For example, facebook connects with Pandora and announces your musical preferences to friends who use Pandora.

4. DO consider your audience. Facebook and MySpace are networks that focus on socializing with friend and family. While businesses use these sites for advertisements, business professionals network on work-related sites such as LinkedIn.

5. DON’T post private information in a public forum. DON’T forget you are online. Some servers store copies of web content in a cached (static) form. Even if you delete inappropriate content or unsubscribe from networks, cached pages may still record your profile history.

6. DO network. Social networking is for just that–networking. Make friends, build connections and grow your web presence.

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Windows To The Web: Choosing A Browser

December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

WINDOWS TO THE WEB: CHOOSING A BROWSER

A web browser is an application that enables you to view web content. Like a window, the browser alters your online experience by framing web pages and other media. A poorly-constructed browser can affect performance negatively by exposing your system to harmful viruses, over-utilizing resources such as memory and graphics or cluttering your display. However, there are a number of browsers that boost browsing speed, offer customizable display and content options and include anti-spyware and pop-up blocking tools.

Internet Explorer (IE)
Internet explorer is a web browser that has been produced by Microsoft since 1995. Over 15 years and nine major remodels, Internet explorer has come to be the staple browser for PC users. It is loaded and automatically configured on all new Windows PCs. IE includes build in parental controls, pop-up blocker and useful add-ons which increase the functionality of other Windows programs such as MS Office. [www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx]

Firefox
Firefox is one of the most popular downloadable browsers out to date. Produced by Mozilla, a multi-national open-source software project, Firefox is available as freeware. This means it is free to download, use and expand. There are many independent programmers (professional and amateur) that develop Firefox add-ons. These useful extensions allow you to customize your browser and enhance the functionality of specific sites such as Facebook and YouTube. All of the standard browser security features are built-in. [http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html]

Chrome
Though slow to start, Google has plowed its way into every corner of the tech market. From cell phones to music, search engines to web 2.0 developments, no market is complete without a viable Google-based alternative. Google Chrome is a stream-lined browser designed to work with the other components of the Google productivity suite. Users enjoy a fully-customizable browsing session with online collaboration capabilities–all of which can be saved to your Google account and accessed from any web-enabled device. How cool is that? [www.google.com/chrome]

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Internet Access Options

December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Internet Access Options

Even if you weren’t around to hear it, you know what a dial-up internet connection sounds like. Movies and commercials are rife with jokes about the antiquated internet access technology. Most people have switched to a more updated connection and left it at that. But with separate service and data plans for your cell phone, home computer and mobile devices it may be time to cut back on the expenses and go back to basics-or take out a third mortgage.

Dial-Up
This is the oldest and most widely used type of internet connection. It works by connecting a computer to an Internet service provider (ISP) using an analog modem and POTS (plain old telephone system). Even though cable and satellite internet have since expanded their coverage, dial-up still supports a large number of customers in remote regions. Dial-up service is inexpensive to set-up and maintain; and the existing POTS infrastructure is extensive, making internet access through dial-up widely available. However, the average speed is only 56 kbps. This makes dial-up too slow for certain activities such as online gaming and video streaming.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
DSL internet uses the same physical network as a dial-up connection but produces speed from 256 kb to 24 mb per second.

T1
T1 lines use existing POTS infrastructure as the framework for laying fiberoptic or copper cabling. This cable must be physically connected to a network router to create a connection making it an expensive service to obtain. However a t1 line may support data rates up to 1.544 megabits per second.

Cable
Cable connects consumers using a radio frequency signal similar to the over-the-air (radio-wave) method used in traditional television broadcasting. This signal is transmitted to the computer or web-enabled device physically, through fixed optical fibers or coaxial cables located on-site. Cable internet can be expensive as it requires the use of a transmitter near the subscriber; the subscriber essentially pays for the maintenance and upkeep of this tower.) Also this technology is not able to conquer the problem of “the last mile” providing access to individuals in remote locations.

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Is the Internet the New Fighting Ground for the Tea Party?

December 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Participants of the tea party have never really been ones to publicly announce their identities, though they will often join together to protest. While they rarely happen to congregate at shipping yards these days, the tea party is alive and well and thriving in its ambiguity, in part because of the Internet.

While some people view this collective group of protestors as a rag-tag ensemble, others view it as a sign of unrest. But who or what is this group? Where is it located? What does it stand for? In a recent study, only 647 Tea Party organizations out of 2,300 had legitimate contact information. Still, as a whole this group is connected through its common party. No, this isn’t Republican or Democratic. It is a mass-media party, governed by the Internet.

Overall, the goal of the Tea Party seems to be to spread unrest among the population regarding the current political figure. While Obama has recently been under attack, it’s important to remember that the Tea Party acts the way it does regardless of who holds the presidential office. It also appears that the Tea Party isn’t even sure who its own members are. Some will point to organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce while other will target an individual.

If the Tea Party wants to harness the power of the Internet, it is going to have to do a better job of uniting its members. This doesn’t mean that people will have to provide their phone numbers, physical addresses, or real names, but it does mean the party will need to determine a common goal for the organization. It needs to set an agenda and wage its war based on that rather than on whimsy. If the Tea Party manages to do this, it may succeed in doing what other organizations have failed to do since the onset of the Republicans and Democrats. It may become the next political party.

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Free Internet Games

December 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Free Internet Games

With people spending more and more time on websites like facebook and MySpace the power of online gaming has truly come into its own. According to a study conducted by Ball State University in 2000, the average person spent about nine hours online. Keep in mind that this was a time before Kindle, iPads and web-enabled coffee mugs. (No, we don’t actually have those yet.) Add ten years and technological developments like the latest models of the BlackBerry, iPhone and Android and you’ve got an entire generation of kids who literally live online.

While there has always been a large market for intense role-playing–think World of Warcraft and Baldur’s Gate), a growing number of casual gamers are coming out of the woodwork. The games they play may not seem like much to a serious gamer, but the old-school simplicity and zero learning curve gives these time-sappers undeniable appeal.

You can find free games on social networking sites, such as facebook and MySpace, or at online arcades. Online arcades are indexes of web-based and downloadable games. While many of these sites offer game play for a monthly or per-use fee. There are plenty of free, publicly-accessible arcades that have a decent offering.

Since many web arcades link to the same games, it saves time to stick to a handful two to five– sites that offer the best collection, appearance and navigation system. That way you’ll spend less time browsing and more time shooting rabbits (Kill the Wabbits by Heroik) or sawing stick figures in half (Stick Dude Killing Arena by Stick Page).

Here is a list of some great free arcades and individual games.

Game Arcades
Kongregate.com
FreeWebArcade.com
FreeArcade.com
Yahoo! Games (games.yahoo.com)
AddictingGames.com
1up.com
Shockwave.com

Web-based Games
Desktop Tower Defense by Kongregate
Super Text Twist by Game House
Cheat Death by Garbux Games
Cafe World by Zynga
Bejeweled by PopCap Games

Filed Under: Gadgets, Internet, Technology Tagged With: , , ,

Google Demo Slam

December 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Google Demo Slam

As one the world’s leading tech companies, Google takes a lot of pride in the things they do. You don’t have to go far to find a blog, article or spastically excited review by one of Google’s technicians. However, this press is by techies for techies.

The average Joe, wiping his $500 phone on a pair of denim jeans, couldn’t care less about the lost 24MB in a GB or the technology required to make voice recognition software possible. But these technological phenomenon are necessary components in the devices we use everyday. And understanding how they work and why they work can go a long way to increasing individual efficiency and eliminating technological illiteracy.

To combat this problem, and close the ever expanding gap between laymen and technicians, Google provides user-friendly applications and features such as Toolbar and Instant search, that are designed to meet the needs of users of all levels.

Demo Slam
Demo Slam is the latest innovation from Google that attempts to bring the wonders of modern technology to the masses. Demo Slam is a database of database of educational guides and product reviews that simplifies technological explanations with humor, practical applications and realistic people.

Viewers are invited to actively participate in Demo Slam, by watching and rating the videos they found most entertaining and informative. Videos are presented two-at-a-time in a competitive environment, and currently feature celebrities such as Jimmy Kimmel, Weezer and Patrick Pichette (Google’s very own CFO).

But just because it’s for laymen doesn’t mean techies aren’t getting excited over Demo Slam. ANY individual is welcome to submit their own Demo Slam video for a chance to win fame and nerdy bragging rights. Just upload an original tech tutorial or demo to YouTube and submit the link for a chance to appear on the Demo Slam website.

For more information and to rate some videos visit DemoSlam.com, or Google search keyword:”œDemo Slam”

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High Speed Internet

December 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

High Speed Internet

1. High Speed Internet Works

High Speed Internet does work better and faster. Plug into comparison charts to find out which companies offer the fastest and most reliable speeds. Time is money and is a valuable commodity. Taking excessive time to boot, load and download information does not allow for the most productive use of time. Time is what propels us to make better use our work and school time. Working smarter and not harder can pay off.

2. Compare before Purchasing

Taking the time to shop around can save you money. Internet companies rates and quality of service can differ widely. You can find great specials with support around the clock. Nothing is worse than having a deadline when your Internet speed slows out of nowhere. Frustrating especially when you are paying for service. Look for packages that offer more of what you want and less of what you don’t need. Rates change often so get a package that you won’t be locked into for two years. Six months to a year is a good length of time to build a relationship with an Internet company.

3. Take Advantage of Customer Service

Customer Service is there to support you and your Internet service issues. A good agent can walk you through with minimal hassle and get you up and running again rather quickly. It can be frustrating going through automated prompts only to find that your issue is still not resolved. Getting a live agent gives you more flexibility in addressing your concerns.

4. High Speed Internet and the Future

High Speed Internet is here to stay. At least until something bigger and faster is released. We handle so much business on line everything from banking to specialty ingredients for the perfect meal. Much of our lives and information

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Using Cell Phones for Business Purposes

November 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

These days, with so many small businesses in circulation and so many entrepreneurs who have started their own multiple businesses, it becomes necessary for business owners to be as mobile as possible, yet connected to their customer base. Finding different ways to do this depends on the type of business that is being run, the resources of the person who is running the business, and using those resources in an advantageous way so as to make the business run as seamlessly as it can.

Many business owners are now using their cell phones for business use and finding great success with it. There are many different mobile applications for various platforms that the business user can implement into his business. Whether he is using the cell phone to connect with customers on a social networking level or using it to find outlets for more business exposure, the user may find that cell phone can certainly come in handy and make things easier.

There are various social media software applications that the business owner can load onto his cell phone that will make it very easy to connect with customers. The applications are often very user-friendly and the business owner can start using them almost right away without having to load more software or other applications.

Many mobile phones have gone from push button to touch sensitivity, and the technology is still changing on them. As it continues to change and grow, manufacturers will become even more attuned to what is important to the customer.

Cell phones are items that are always being changed, re-developed, and upgraded to make them easier for the users to work. When this happens, the features on the phone usually become easier to navigate and are more adaptable to numerous applications. Cell phones help to simplify business dealings and streamline social networking lifestyle and interaction.

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Staying Safe Online

October 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 01: In this photo illust...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The Internet is an incredible resource providing us with networking, socializing, commerce, information, entertainment and so much more. Unfortunately, not everyone that utilizes the Internet is doing so with positive intent. Instead, there are many people on the Internet that would like to harm us, rip us off and mislead us. There are lies and fraudulent practices going on throughout the Internet, and it is vitally important that you find ways to stay safe and protect yourself when you are traversing it.

There are many different websites on the Internet, both good and bad. There are informative websites, affiliate review websites, wiki websites, gaming websites, social networking websites, music websites, ecommerce websites, business websites, personal websites, blogging websites and the list goes on and on. While much of the content on the Internet is safe, useful and valuable, this is not always true. There is misinformation out there, and there are websites out there that do not exist to benefit you in any way. This is why it is important for you to understand safety and security on the Internet, because you are responsible for protecting yourself and staying safe. If you do not protect yourself and your personal information online, there are many bad things that could happen.

First and foremost, you need to think about your private and personal information and how you use it online. Even trustworthy websites can be hacked, and your information can be stolen. Keeping this in mind, you should be selective and careful about where you put your information out on the Internet, especially billing information and other important personal information like your social security number, which is uniquely yours and can be used against you if anyone else gets their hands on it. Keep your information safe and you will be better equipped to benefit from the Internet rather than to be taken advantage of by it.

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High Speed Internet: Why You Need It!

September 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Video conferencing recursion
Image by Brett L. via Flickr

We are definitely in the technological era as pretty much every area of our lives is touched by technology in some way. Internet banking, Facebook and gaming software such Xbox 360 LIVE are all examples of how we use technology in various ways every day. In most cases, the advances in technology all revolve around the use of the internet, which brings us to the importance of having a high speed internet connection.

When dial up internet was first made available, many computer users were happy to have that. However, we are way past the days of dial up, and in more ways than one. For example, we now have online scrapbooking programs, online video conferencing, Facebook and so many more uses for the internet. But, before you can experience the full benefit of these programs, you need a high speed internet connection.

While a high speed internet connection is critical for those that use the internet for business purposes, as the examples above show, it is something that can be very beneficial for people that use the internet for other reasons too. For example, sending a simple email or paying a bill online can turn into very time-consuming projects without a high speed internet connection. This is because “high speed internet” does exactly what it is supposed to do. It provides you with fast internet service.

The reason you need a high speed internet connection before you can fully enjoy most of the possibilities the internet has to offer is because this type of connection allows your computer to receive and process the data quicker and more effectively. Sometimes it isn’t that noticeable when you receive a regular email. However, if you are trying to view photos, watch a video on YouTube or carry on a conversation with a long-distance loved one through Skype, you will immediately notice the difference made by having a high speed internet connection.

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