Technology

Computing and Education: A Perfect Match

January 21, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

educational system in appreciation for its existence:

Easy Research

People no longer spend hours or days in the library researching for that ever-important term paper. Now, they can simply turn on their trusty computer and go straight to the Internet. Not only is this more convenient, its faster, too. Instead of looking through book after book, a simple search brings up a wealth of information in just a second or two!

Online Degrees

More and more students are pursuing online degrees. They may be able to complete their higher education without stepping a single foot inside the school of their choice. Online education is also cheaper and more environmentally friendly than its brick-and-mortar counterparts because the need for transportation is greatly reduced! In fact, online degree programs make it possible for some students to pursue degrees who would never have had the chance otherwise.

Participation through Smartboards

If you think an online class won’t allow for student participation, you’re mistaken. With the advent of smartboards, class participation can be even more involved than in a traditional setting. This virtual whiteboard allows everyone to contribute in much the same way as an old-fashioned chalkboard. Add in student forums and online classes, and that can mean that participation often increases to stellar proportions!

The partnership between education and technology is a successful one. By adding value to the process, technology has made education more effective and more efficient.

Filed Under: Computers Tagged With: Distance education, Distance Learning, Education, eLearning, online degree programs, online degrees, Student, Technology

Thales Alenia Space Sits Out of Satellite Contest

December 16, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by pm12dindin via Flickr

In the business world, it’s usually a smart idea to take advantage of a good thing while it lasts. That’s one reason why many are surprised that Thales Alenia Space will not be entering the bidding war for the manufacturing of the Turksat 4A and 4B, which are the latest telecommunications satellites in development with Turkey’s Turksat. Most of the previous spacecraft developed by Turksat went on to manufacturing at Thales Alenia Space.

With the most commonly used manufacturer out of the picture, other companies are jumping at the chance to win the bid, and Turksat has reported it has received the best-and-final offers from all bidders hoping to get in on the deal. Companies that have turned in bids include Japan-based Mitsubishi Electric Corp, the United States’ Lockheed Martin Space Systems, and the United States’ Orbital Science.

As of the end of October 2010, Turksat was already over due to announce the winner of the bid, which could push its plans to have the new satellite telecommunication devices in place by 2012. The companies vying for the bid will have to wait and see whether the delay affects Turksat’s timetable.

Orbital Sciences is a company based in Dulles, VA. It has worked with Thales Alenia Space in the past, but the manufacturing project would be the first time the company has won on its own, should Turksat pick them. Orbital will also be competing head-on with Astrium, which has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organization, for small telecommunications satellites. Astrium’s product hasn’t raised much interest in the market yet.

If Lockheed Martin secures the project, it would be one step toward the company’s plan to increase its profile in the commercial satellite market. The company has not announced contingency plans connected to this yet, but may should they fail to get the project.

In a bidding war with no answer, the only thing certain is that it won’t be Thales Alenia Space.

Filed Under: Satellite Tagged With: Lockheed Martin, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Mitsubishi Electric, Satellite, Space, Technology, Thales Alenia Space, United States

Satellite Radio and Other Vehicle Options can Lead to Distracted Driving

December 11, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Image via Wikipedia

If you own a vehicle that has satellite radio, a navigation system, a DVD player, or other kinds of things, it’s possible that they could distract you. Of course, a standard radio, or even a conversation with a passenger could distract you, too. The more things you have in your car, though, the more likely you are to be distracted by one or more of them. You shouldn’t have to drive all alone in silence, but it’s important that you’re careful. Satellite and networking capabilities have increased so much today that it’s not surprising that people have more distractions then they used to. It’s up to them to manage those distractions the right way.

To avoid distracted driving and other problems that come up when people overuse technology, be aware of your surroundings. Even if you’re not driving, too much technology can distract you from your duties at work or at home. That can lead to problems with your boss, your kids, and your spouse. That doesn’t mean that satellite and network communications aren’t good or that they should be avoided. They provide a lot of joy and they’re also helpful to many businesses and households in a multitude of ways. The key is to use them wisely.

Set a time limit for things like Internet use or for how often you text or do other technology-related things. Do the same for other people in your household. That way you aren’t so distracted, and you can also appreciate and enjoy the technology more when you do use it. You won’t get overwhelmed with it or feel like it’s controlling your life, and you can use it the way it was intended – as something that can help you and bring you enjoyment.

Filed Under: Bluetooth, General, Information Tech. Tagged With: Business, Radio, Satellite, Satellite radio, Sirius XM Radio, Slaight Communications, Technology, XM Satellite Radio

Voice over Internet Protocol Services: What You Need to Know

October 16, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

People are always looking for better ways to help streamline their lives for the sake of convenience. One of the great ways to help organize your life is by using the internet to make your phone calls. This is what VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, does.

The technology behind VoIP is really cool because what it actually does to make this work, is it takes your voice and then sends it out through the internet in the form of a digital signal. Isn’t that amazing? There are several ways you can make your phone calls using the Voice over Internet Protocol technology. These include: using a VoIP phone, through a VoIP adapter attached to a regular phone or through your computer! As if that isn’t cool enough, if you use VoIP through your computer, then you may have the ability to even use it when you’re able to access wireless internet service, regardless of where you are!

As with any type of technology that requires the use of the internet, there are certain things you must have before you can take advantage of VoIP phone services. The first, is a high-speed internet connection. This is not negotiable. It is a necessity.

While having high-speed internet service for VoIP is non-negotiable, the way you actually place your calls is. Depending on the provider you contract with, you may have the option to use your computer, regular phone or the VoIP special phone. However, this all depends on who your VoIP provider is as they each have their own requirements.

The one thing you need to pay special attention to when researching the different Voice over Internet Protocol providers is their terms and conditions. You need to understand who you can call and who can call you. While you can generally call other VoIP users, you may be charged, or unable, to call non-VoIP subscribers. VoIP is a great service, but always read and understand the fine print before you commit.

Filed Under: Internet, Satellite, Wireless Technology Tagged With: Broadband Internet access, Business, IP Phone, Services, Technology, Telecommunications, Voice over Internet Protocol, Wi-Fi

High Speed Internet: Why You Need It!

September 28, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: 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.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Technology Tagged With: Broadband Internet access, Facebook, Technology, YouTube

Finding the Right Wireless Router

September 22, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Laughing Squid via Flickr

In the fast-paced world of technology, we have quickly outgrown the dial-up days of the internet. However, there are still many people that use dial-up. You may even be one of them. Well, there are many benefits that come from upgrading to a broadband connection. One of them is the fact that you can easily set up a wireless router in your home and not have to mess with being “hooked up” to your internet source at all times.

Not only will the wireless router provide you with internet access from anywhere in your house, but you will also be able to link your computer to your smart phones and easily transfer information that way as well. That may not seem extremely beneficial, but if you need to print a document and don’t want to get up and get on the computer, your wireless router will allow you to do that from your phone when you have a wireless enabled printer. Those are just a couple of the benefits of having a wireless router. However, before you can begin reaping the benefits, you need to find the right wireless router for you!

Finding the right wireless router can be time-consuming, but it’s important that you consider a variety of things to ensure you will be happy with the router you choose. Below are a few things to consider when shopping for routers.

-Usage: Will you be using your home internet service just to browse the web and do simple tasks, or do you need it for online gaming and more complex uses? This will also help you determine whether you need a single or dual band router.

-Range: If you will need a router to cover more than 180 feet while indoors, then you may need more than one router.

-Features: Research the different routers and the features they offer. Then, determine which ones are the most important to you. For example, do you need a router that has USB ports? If so, then mark it down as a “must-have.”

Filed Under: Internet, Satellite, Technology, Wireless Technology Tagged With: Technology, Universal Serial Bus, Wireless, Wireless router