A Guide to MPLS Internet

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Multiprotocol Label Switching - or MPLS - is a breakthrough telecommunications system that allows data to be distributed in a more streamlined and efficient manner. Since it is a method, not a service, it is highly adaptable to any number of functions. It was designed by the Internet Engineering Task Force - or IETF - with the express goal of preparing networks for the increase in traffic to and from networks connected to the internet. As network traffic continues to expand alongside the technology, MPLS will likewise continue to grow in importance.

To be able to understand why MPLS is so important, a cursory examination of the methodology it replaces is necessary. Before the arrival of MPLS, packets being transmitted through networks were analyzed by each router in which it was relayed. This process was necessary for the router to pinpoint the destination of the packet - in effect revealing where the packet must be forwarded. This is a cumbersome process as precious time is being expended each time one of these routers has to independently reassess the packet.

Using MPLS methodology, however, each packet is given a type, more specifically known as a Forwarding Equivalence Class. This Forwarding Equivalence Class, or FEC, is looked up on a given table, granting the router the necessary data to send the packet on its way. This removes the time consuming process of thoroughly examining the packet for a destination and allows the router to simply examine the appropriate packet's label for forwarding information. Additionally, it allows for a greater degree of packet characteristics to be quickly accessed by each router, giving network administrators the ability to prioritize packets based on any number of attributes.

The benefits of MPLS methodology are wide and varied. Not only does it allow service providers to compensate for the expansive nature of internet growth, it also allows for different data types to be transmitted simultaneously, provides options when dealing with various routing integrations and provides a very functional fail-safe to retrieve data in the case of network failure. It is similarly interface independent, allowing a greater range of network types and speeds to communicate effortlessly.

Companies that have found it increasingly difficult to handle massive network traffic as the years go by will find MPLS methodology to be very effective in dealing with this problem. MPLS will allow business networks to connect with one another in a way that will surely induce sighs of relief to those used to older forwarding methodology. Due to its effectiveness and scalability, integrating MPLS methodology will give service providers the means to deter a wide range of future problems, as well as providing them with the ability to deal with methodology they will surely use for a long time to come. Finally, with the increasing need to communicate in real-time, the MPLS methodology's quality of service implementation will ensure audio and video applications that facilitate communications will have higher priority during data transmissions, allowing these specific packets to flow through networks without trouble or delay.

RECOMMENDED: What can MPLS service providers do for your business?

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*by andreascy*

HTC Droid DNA vs LG Optimus G - Smartphone Comparisons

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

These are two of the most powerful smartphones on the market. 

The Droid DNA is the first in the world to have a 5 inch display and Full HD. The LG Optimus G is amongst the forerunners to have a quad-core processor.

Overview

Both phones use the Android operating system. Although the LG runs on Android 4.04 Ice Cream Sandwich, whilst the HTC runs on Android 4.11 Jelly Bean. Both also have very similar specifications. The main spec difference is the 5 inch display of the HTD Droid DNA.

The smartphone market has been dominated to a greater or lesser degree by the Apple iPhone series over the last few years. Apple have sold 45 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 it seems. However Apple is no longer the innovator in this market that it was in 2007 when the company brought out the first iPhone.

With the market ever more competitive, and other manufacturers trying to keep up with Apple, and major new players Google and Microsoft, innovation inside and out is becoming the order of the day. The iPhone it seems is the one to beat.

The HTC Droid DNA in my opinion has done an amazing job. The HTC One X is comparable to the iPhone. The DROID DNA bombs it out of the water. The only negative for me is that the buttons could be more responsive, more pronounced, and better placed.

LG Optimus G

LG has recently been chosen by Google as partner of choice for their Nexus 4 model. The year of innovation and partnership created a great phone.

LG has come on leaps and bounds since their early days, and even in the last 12 months or so. They are getting more advocates in the expert forums stating that they are a real contender to take the market by storm. Their brand is quite innovative, they have a reputation for quality in their other products, and they have the power to reach the market. Their Bluetooth is excellent. Their rear camera is better than the Droid DNA (although the Droid’s front camera is higher spec at 2.1 mp vs 1.3 mp).

Droid DNA

This battle is very close on specs and it is really down to personal preference which you like. In a market that is fierce it is also down to which brand you want to support. After all there is only room for a certain number of those competing at the moment and some will fail. The Blackberry decline is a point in case.

For me it is the Droid DNA. I simply love the phone. It is a great streaming and picture experience and is super-stylish as well. The LG is a real contender and I look forward to their future releases and collaborations with the might that is Google.

IN TREND: The Future Is Now: Self-Healing Phones Hit the Market

I know this comparison is close. What does everyone else think? Who won this battle in your experience of the phones?

*by andreascy*

Best Apps for Music Lovers

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Technology has come a long way, and the use of tablets and smartphones provide apps for people of any taste, background and talent. There are apps for college students and toddlers, food connoisseurs and members of the military, and there are also plenty of apps out there for the music lover.

Whether you love to perform or simply enjoy the sounds of your favorite artists, the following are four apps that every music lover needs to have.

1. SoundHound

It always seems as if you hear a great song that gets stuck in your head but you have no clue who sings it or even what it’s called. You try to Google the lyrics, but you don’t generate any results, and when you try and sing it for a friend, they stare blankly at you. You don’t have to encounter this scenario any more if you have SoundHound. This app allows you to sing or hum a song into the app, and it will pull up a variety of songs that match the tune or lyrics to your entry.

There is a free and paid-for version of the app, so feel free to download whichever makes more sense for you. It works extremely well, and it can be your new found favorite to help you stock your music library full of good tunes.

2. Top 100s By Year

If you love listening to music from a variety of decades, then you’ll want to make sure your smartphone or tablet contains Top 100s By Year.

This app allows you to choose a year and see the top 100 songs from that year. You can also preview the song to hear what it sounds like, or you can even see the music video through YouTube or purchase the song through iTunes without leaving the app.

3. Songkick Concerts

If you prefer to listen to live music, then Songkick Concerts is a great app for you. It searches through all the performances at a variety of venues in your area and provides you with a list of local concerts that are taking place near you.

The app will also look through your iTunes library to alert you of artists that are coming to your area that you may enjoy. This is a great way to ensure that you don’t miss a show by one (or all) of your favorite performers.

4. Sir Sampleton

If making music is more of your forte, then Sir Sampleton is an app you will need. The app is a simple way to create your own music. Not only can you use the app to record your own tunes, but you can also use it to add vibrato, mix beats, and save all of your work in one convenient location. And even though it can do so much, the app is very simple to use.

If you are trying to create the next best piece of music but you’re always on the go, Sir Sampleton can help you to keep working hard even while you’re traveling.

READ ALSO: CNETTV - Panasonic's $30 Retro Headphones Rock!

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*by andreascy*

Five of the Best Toshiba Notebook Computers

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Toshiba, the Japanese electronics giant, manufactures a wide range of electronic products including the notebook laptop. Toshiba's notebook laptops come with the best hardware possible and provide seemingly unlimited processing capabilities. 

Toshiba laptops also provide the best value for money to its customers. Among Toshiba's notebook laptops, five of the best notebook laptops are reviewed in detail here.

1. Toshiba Portege R705-P35

This Toshiba notebook uses one of the fastest processor available in the market place. It uses the Intel i3-370M processor that has a clock speed of 2.40 Ghz and is built with 2 cores. Toshiba portege comes with a hard drive capacity of 500 GB and a RAM capacity of 4GB. The type of memory used is DDR3, which has a speed of 1,066Mhz. It uses a Li-Ion Battery and has the capacity to last for 8 hours. It has a built in Web cam and a memory card reader. It belongs to the LED display type and the display size is 13.3 inches. This Toshiba notebook comes with an Intel Graphics card and an enhanced optical drive in the form of DVD- Super multi drive.

Connectivity Features:

It has the capability to support 4G wireless connectivity and has additional connection options in the form of Ethernet port, HDMI and USB 2.0.

2. Toshiba Satellite A665-S6058

This is one of Toshiba’s best computers period. It has a built in web cam and a memory card reader. The keyboard comes with a numeric 10 key keypad and multi touch touchpad. The speakers used in is this model are the popular Harman speakers that supports Dolby Advanced Audio capabilities. The Battery used is the Lithium-Ion battery that has the capacity to last 4 hours. It has a storage capacity of 500GB and comes with a 4GB DDR3 RAM. The display size is 16 inches and comes with a aspect ratio of 16:9. It comes with the NVIDIA graphics card, manufactured under optimus technology and a DVD Superdrive optical drive system.

Connectivity Features:

This model comes with a Wi-Fi connectivity and other connectivity options including HDMI port, Ethernet port, Headphone output and S-Video capabilities.

3. Toshiba Portege R835-P322

The main features available with this Toshiba model include backlit keyboard, Wireless display capability, memory card reader, fingerprint reader, touch pad mouse, multiple level password utilities and reinforced security cable lock slot. The display size is 13.3 inches and has an associated aspecr ratio of 16:9. The storage capacity is slightly higher than the other models at 750GB. The RAM used is a DDR3 6GB RAM, which can be extended up to 8GB.

Connectivity options:

This Toshiba notebook laptop supports Bluetooth, DLNA and Wi-Fi connectivity and has separate ports for HDMI, USB3.0 and Ethernet connections.

4. Toshiba Satellite E305-S1990X

This Toshiba model comes with Wi-Fi wireless connectivity and supports USB 2.0 and 3.0. Some of the features available include wireless display capability, built -n web cam and back lit keyboard. It has a display size of 14 inches and uses Intel graphics card for running multimedia applications. It weighs 4.9 pounds and has a hard drive capacity of 500GB and a RAM capacity of 4GB with the option of increasing it to 8GB.

Connectivity Options:

This notebook comes with everything you’d expect from Toshiba including Bluetooth, Wi-fi connectivity and DLNA. Plus Ethernet, two USB 3.0 connections and HDMI.

5. Toshiba Satellite P775-S7372

This is another excellent Satellite model that comes with amazing features including 8GB built in RAM, 750GB hard disk capacity, Intel HD graphics chip and the options for providing Wi-Fi connectivity. This notebook uses a Lithium-Ion battery and lasts for 4 hours. The display type is LED and the display size comes to 17.3 inches.

Connectivity Options:

Comes with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, a USB 3.0 socket and DLNA. This is one of the best lower end computers if you want the connectivity of more expensive models.

INTERESTING POST: Why Every College Student Should Have a Notebook Computer

I have recently decided that a Toshiba notebook laptop was the best option and bought the exceptional A665-S6058 model. You should too!

*by andreascy*

Two New European Galileo GPS Satellites Launched Into Orbit This Month

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

The Galileo GPS system is entirely civilian, unlike its rivals designed by the Russian and American military, and when fully operational will offer a more robust GPS solution and exciting opportunities for GPS manufacturers around the world. This month, the European navigation system, Galileo, took a crucial step with the successful launch of two new satellites. The first test of the system will begin soon as there are now enough satellites in orbit to allow for more advanced testing of the system.

Two new Galileo satellites were placed into orbit by a Russian Soyuz rocket from French Guiana. This is an important step for the European navigation system as it will now be able to run a test phase so GPS manufacturers can start to access the capabilities involved. 

Galileo, which will eventually have 30 satellites in total, should be able to provide services to users in the first few years. "We are committed to provide reliable navigation in 2018," said Paul Flament, Program Manager at the European Commission.

A Success for Europe 

Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall hailed this as "a success for Europe", seeing it as a "good omen." He also said that "new success" of a Soyuz rocket launch "confirms the exemplary nature of our cooperation with Russia."

The third mission of Soyuz from French Guiana placed the two new satellites on a circular orbit at an altitude of 23,222 km of the Galileo constellation. Each of the spacecrafts have weight 700 kg each.

Designed for a lifetime of 12 years, they join their counterparts in orbit and all four of them will form a "mini-constellation" that is fully operational so tests can be conducted. 

At first, and for a hundred days, it will ensure that new satellites are stable enough for Galileo and are functioning properly. Operational navigation tests will probably not commence until around February of 2013.

Slated to Launch by 2018

In the Spring of 2013, the four European satellites should be able to provide for the first time their first waypoint. The in-orbit validation phase will be followed by the deployment of the remaining satellites and Galileo should be fully operational by 2018 or 2019 at the very latest. These type of projects are prone to delays so it’s currently impossible to fix a 100% confirmed date on the official launch.

The four satellites currently in orbit were built by a consortium led by EADS Astrium Germany and assembled in Rome by Thales Alenia Space.

IN TREND: Space Travel and Exploration - Dreaming About the Future of Space Tourism

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*by andreascy*

Some Of The Cost Factors Associated With GPS Tracking For Trucks

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

GPS tracking for trucks comes with a range of benefits for a business owner who has to rely on timely deliveries and pickups and also has to run his trucks on routes that are optimized for savings in terms of time and costs. Therefore, investing in GPS tracking system for one’s trucks makes a lot of sense for many reasons. Today, the market is flooded with many companies offering excellent services as far as GPS truck tracking systems go. These systems can get as advanced as you want them to be and can be configured according to the abilities that you seek.

While looking for GPS tracking systems it is important to keep track of the costs involved in the same. Generally speaking, companies quote for the devices on a per unit basis and come up with a figure that will be a recurring monthly charge. For instance, one of the quotes that are available online is from a leading company promises a figure as low as around $200 per GPS unit and around $22 every month. Companies are in a position to offer features such as real time tracking, support with Google enterprise maps and combinations of tracking systems which include satellite and cellular technologies. 

It is also helpful to know that you can ask for a quote and the demonstration of the GPS device simply by going online and accessing the websites of GPS manufacturers. It is important to go with a well-established company because they will have the necessary wherewithal in terms of both devices and experts who can ensure that there is a perfect match between your business needs, size of your fleet and the budget that you have in mind. All this will result in a higher level of satisfaction with your investment in GPS tracking for your trucks. 

Before investing in GPS devices you could also ask for a risk-free trial. Most companies do offer this very useful facility and state that you can check out the devices for 30 days without any strings attached. Given the highly competitive nature of the market there are companies that also give you additional support and features such as a “contract free” product line, discounts and promotional offers, free training and familiarization with the operation of the GPS device and service support after the sales is over. All this means that you can enjoy lower costs as far as a GPS devices concerned. 

At the end of the day you should also be aware that with investment in GPS tracking for trucks you can go on to enjoy returns on investment in many ways. For instance with GPS tracking capability you can optimize your fuel consumption. You can also enjoy enhanced productivity as far as your trucks and its movements are concerned. For instance, with GPS tracking capability you can ensure that your trucks do not run around in unplanned loops. By keeping in touch with your trucks and matching them with client requests you are sure to get a more economical plan of vehicle movement.

RELATED: GPS Fleet Management - What Are Its Environmental Benefits

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*by andreascy*

Metro Ethernet - Its Uses And Benefits

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

There are plenty of protocols in the Internet world and one such protocol is something known as Metro Ethernet. The term denotes a metropolitan area Ethernet which is based on Ethernet standards and is used to connect subscribers of a particular metropolitan area to the Internet or to a larger service network. 

The Metro Ethernet can also be used by a particular business entity to connect his own branches or offices to each other. There are plenty of advantages to be enjoyed by using a Metro Ethernet network and depending on the business’s communication needs there are many service providers that can come up with the right kind of connection.

Simple, Flexible and Cost-Effective

Metro Ethernet services are a staple offering of most Internet service providers. In fact the usage of the word “Metro” is slightly misleading because some of these providers have enhanced their reach well beyond metropolitan areas and have covered wider areas with network access! Among the many benefits that such Metro Ethernet users enjoy are simplicity of use, flexibility and cost reductions as far as Internet access is concerned. By using Metro Ethernet services, a business organization can reduce operational expenses and capital expenses in many ways. Some of these ways include scalable bandwidth which can be increased when business needs to grow. 

Some of the business challenges that can be met and dealt with in an easier manner include burgeoning bandwidth demands, budget constraints and a limitation on the number of IT qualified people that a business can recruit. Therefore when such a business uses a Metro Ethernet service then he can link up all his offices with this tried and tested technology and enjoy support for a wide range of internet based services such as high speed data transmission, video data and VoIP based services. A business can also limit the investment or costs as far as using a Metro Ethernet is concerned because more often than not, such a connection uses existing router interface. This eliminates the need to buy any other equipment or additional equipment for accessing the Internet through Metro Ethernet.

QoS & Productivity 

Flexibility is one of the key deliverables when a business uses Metro Ethernet services. As a leading Metro Ethernet service providers states, Metro Ethernet can easily be integrated with a business’s existing layer 3 VPN or virtual private network. This puts a comprehensive networking solution in the service of a business entity. A vast range of applications such as VoIP and video have unique latency requirements and by using a Metro Ethernet service any business organization can cater for these unique requirements and enjoy optimized application performance. Quality of service (QoS) is an extremely important aspect of any leading Metro Ethernet service provider and most of them will give their clients something known as service level agreement which promises a level of availability which can go up to 99.9%.

Other benefits of using Metro Ethernet services include a greater flexibility and productivity because mobile employees are supported as far as the Internet needs are concerned as they move across a metropolitan area. Upgrades to this network are also easily conducted especially when you go with leading telecom service providers.

READ ALSO:  Cable Internet - What Is It And How Does It Compare To Other Technologies

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*by andreascy*

Office Webinar - What is Access?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

I think Redmond has done a great job with Office 2013. One can see where Microsoft is trying to push Office web apps. 

Access provides a simple way to build SharePoint apps. Easy-to-use tools help app developers get started fast and quickly share their app, improving end-users productivity from virtually anywhere. IT can also be confident that Access apps are under the control and manageability of SharePoint and SQL Azure or Server.

It helps you store and track just about any kind of information - inventory, contacts, business processes, and more. In this week's webinar, you'll learn how to organize and manage your data, plus previewing the latest version of Access, including a big new feature.

However, I can't see where many folks who are currently are keeping track of items in Excel, would be able to navigate & understand the many (wonderful) things that Access is doing when creating an app either from scratch or a template. You still need to understand database objects. Check out the video and drop us a line with your suggestions.

Get the references and links for this Office 15-Minute Webinar at http://aka.ms/access123. Don't miss our Office Webinars Ebook and other Access related topics. If you like these webinars then subscribe on our RSS feed. 

*by andreascy*

A Perfect Plan for Your Reputation Management

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

What is Reputation Management? 

Reputation management is the understanding or influencing of an individual's or business's reputation and is one of the four cornerstones on how to run a business.

Without a reputation, word does not travel around and customers go from hundreds into single digit numbers. While having a reputation is a good thing, it's important to know if you have a bad or a good one.

How to Indulge In Reputation Management? 

There are plenty of things you can do to manage your reputation. These things are for individuals, but can be used also by companies that will surely reflect well on their business. It's extremely important to know that: "what you do as a whole company, is just as important as what a single employee has to do, to keep customers coming back". 

Work With Your Customers 

When you create a product, whether it's quality is good or bad, everyone will have a different view on the end. When you release it you need to look forward for some customer feedback, because as your product grows, the amount of things you need to improve for your next product will grow too! Remember, the customer is always right, even if what they say doesn't make any sense, they have the money and that makes them right. 

Listen 

Listening is a huge tool when you try to discover your company's needs. Whether it's listening to your customers or even listening to  your employees, it's important to realize the value of their input. A customer could help to find out why some people aren't buying and an employee could analyze why the production has slowed down, eventhough the demand remained the same. 

Changes 

Listening usually involves changes and if you are ready to change something then it's important to know how to do it properly. If you find a problem inside your business and decide to take action, the way you take care of it will be remembered by the employees and customers. If you choose to fire someone, look at what they did and try to be more sympathetic. i.e. giving to an employee a 2 week notice allows them to search for a new job and makes you seem like a caring boss, which creates more loyalty and dedication in the business. 

Post Articles And Web Content 

How do you let everyone to know about your business? Most of the companies are using the Internet to advertise online. New companies are not paying for any ads but for articles, why is that? Well, articles are full of useful information. Customers might buy something from your company and if they like it they spread it's name. It's even more important to post articles and search engine optimized rich web content as both are interconnected. This not only builds your reputation, but also connects you to your customers. 

Social Media 

More and more businesses are using social media to stand out from the crowd. While it's relatively new, social media passes around the internet like wild fire. Just one share from Youtube to Facebook and what was only 3 views has now become 3,000,000 views in less than a few weeks. This makes it obvious why businesses would want to use it for their advantage since posting about one product could bring in thousands of customers. It's hard to run your own personal social media campaigns but there are professionals who can take care of it for you.

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*by andreascy*

Direct Differences Between Inkjet and Laser Printers

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Torn Between an Inkjet and a Laser Printer? 

Can’t decide between an inkjet and a laser printer? You’re not alone. Most, if not all, consumers wanting to buy a new printer have faced this dilemma. 

Often, budget constraints force a consumer to get the cheaper option, not knowing the better option to buy to meet their printing needs. Budget may play a big role in your choice of printer, but there are a variety of factors to consider, namely which one will work best for your projects.

Printing Volume 

One of the first things to consider when looking for a new printer is to know where you’re going to use it. Will it be used at home or at the office? Given this factor, a family, who occasionally uses a printer, will benefit most from an inkjet. On the other hand, you’ll most probably need a laser printer if you expect to print documents, photos, and other materials in high volumes. 

Size 

Another difference between inkjets and laser printers are their size. Generally, the latter tends to be larger in size. Hence, this is another reason homeowners, especially those with limited space, are best advised to purchase an inkjet printer. If space is not an issue, you can consider printers with laser technology. 

Speed 

Laser printers are best suited for those who expect high volumes of printing largely because of their print speed. Quality laser printers have faster printing capabilities and can print at a speed of 10-15 pages per minute - inkjet printers are not as fast and generally have a lower printing speed. Laser printers are then best for homes or businesses which require hundreds of pages printed at a time. 

Technology and Supplies 

Inkjet printers make use of simpler technology and parts compared to laser printers. As the name implies, ink is used for inkjet printers, while laser printers use toner. Unlike ink, toner is made, and needs to be used for, a specific kind of printer; meaning you can’t mix and match toner cartridges. 

Resolution 

Due to the difference in technology, the print quality and resolution vary between laser and inkjets. Laser technology in printers gives it a higher resolution and print quality and is best for printing in colour. Inkjets are better for printing word documents and the odd photograph. 

Paper 

To achieve the best resolution and printing outcomes, the right type of paper should also be considered. Remember, a laser printer works well with almost any kind of paper. On the other hand, inkjets work best with specialty paper designed for inkjet printers - otherwise, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with some fuzzy photos. 

Costs 

The laser printer might appear to cost more than an inkjet; however, you should always remember that your purchase should not be based on the initial costs alone. The cost of maintenance, if needed, ink, toner and paper should all be taken into consideration. 

Given the above list, the best thing to do when deciding what printer to buy, is first think about what you will mainly be using it for. That way, you won’t end up buying an inkjet when it’s a laser printer you should really be getting, and vice versa.

SEE ALSO:

Common Printer Mistakes To Avoid

Wireless Printing and Why You Need It

Hope you enjoyed our story and your feedback is more than welcome! Last but not least, feel free to 'share' it with associates and loved ones! We' re also posting great tech content on this page, come take a look!

*by andreascy*

Two Easy Ways to Choose the Right Cellphone For You

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

The cell phone industry these days is massive. The technology has really taken off, and there are hundreds of potential options for those looking for a new phone. 

Whether it's your first mobile phone or the next in a long line of models, making the right decision can be important and we're going to take a look at some of the best ways to make that choice.

Only buy a phone that fits your needs

The choice available is vast, so it's understandable that some people have a hard time making a decision. Smartphones are incredibly popular, not only as a communication device but as a fashion accessory, too. While it might be tempting trying to keep up with and impress your peers - you'd be surprised how many people don't actually need a smart phone and all the extras they offer.

One of the main reasons smartphones have managed to attract millions of users is because they're more than just a phone - they're almost a mini computer. You can find apps that will allow you to do a wide range of different things that can help you in your daily life. Not only that, but you can surf the internet as well. What this really means is that you might not even have to send sms messages for much longer, because you can connect, potentially for free, to your friends via your preferred instant messaging platform - over the internet. All from the convenience of your mobile phone.

However, the simple truth is - loads of people don't actually need these extra bells and whistles. It really depends on what you actually intend to use your phone for. Plenty of people simply don't need to surf the internet on their phone or install and use apps - they just want to make calls and do the simple things phones used to be for. If you don't actually NEED the latest smartphone, you might find you can save quite a lot of money with a cheaper model. Even if you do decide that you're going to splash out on a smartphone, which one will also depend on what you're going to use it for. Some are better for games whilst others are better for internet - it really depends on what you want from your new phone.

Choose a price plan that's right for you

Many people are enticed by fancy offers and price plans, and that's understandable. However, to get the right plan for you and to make sure you don't overspend - you need to take some care when choosing your contract. If you think you're going to use a lot of calls, you might want one with unlimited minutes, or there are other plans focused on people who send a lot of sms messages.

Sometimes, the price plan is more important than the handset, so you should choose the right one first and then decide which phone you can get with it. You should also be extra careful when looking at additional charges, because if you go over your agreed limits it might end up costing you loads more.

*by andreascy*

Smartphones Bring Many Forensic Challenges

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

If you do not have a smartphone, you are one of the few left who don’t. Most of the rest of the country and the world has fallen to the smartphone assimilation. Resistance is futile, as they say. These phones do have quite a bit to offer, and really are little handheld computers. They can take photos, video, send messages, surf the web, and much more. They are handy and they are everywhere. 

It is no wonder that forensics specialists are scrambling to make sure they have the knowledge and the tools needed to work with these types of devices. Still, the smartphones do provide quite a few challenges to forensics for quite a few reasons, as you will see.

Types of Data on Smartphones

First, let’s consider the different types of data that these smartphones have the capability of holding today, and you will see why they have the potential to be so valuable in different types of cases.

Forensic specialists who have to go through one of the phones will be looking in quite a few areas to try to locate evidence. They can examine the email and text messages, photos, video, and audio. They will also be able to look into the web browsing history, just as they would be able to do with a desktop or a laptop.

Call history is important as well. One will even be able to check to see what types of e-books a person might have been reading. Maps and GPS data can be valuable as well, and they have the potential to be very incriminating evidence in some cases.

The Trouble with Smartphones for Forensics

Of course, even though all of the above types of data could have great potential to help solve cases, it is not always easy for the forensic specialists to be able to get to that evidence. Unfortunately, the real world is not as cut and dry as CSI: Miami. Those who are in the field of computer forensics will find quite a few challenges.

Consider the different operating systems, including Apple’s iOS and Android, and then think about all of the different versions and iterations of those operating systems. With so many different systems, it can be difficult to keep up. Even simply keeping up with all of the various models of smartphone can be hard. Specialists often need to have certain cords for different types of devices as well as special proprietary drivers.

With some devices in evidence, the tech will need to keep the power on the entire time he or she is investigating. Turning the device off could potentially destroy or corrupt data in some cases.

These are a few of the biggest issues that investigators are facing today, and with more and more phones and devices on the market each year, it does seem to be getting trickier. Fortunately, the forensics classes available today are starting to teach more about these methods.

Better Tools Equals Better Evidence

In addition to better training, one will find that the tools are getting better as well. Kits for different devices and types of devices are available, and they can help to make sure that the tech is always up to date and can work on many types of devices. Since it does not seem as though there is ever going to be a standard when it comes to these devices - because a competitive market just does not allow for such things - specialists need to make sure that they keep up with the changes.

WHAT'S HOT: The Mobile Kill Switch Is In Effect: Here’s What You Need To Know

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*by andreascy*

Five Software Development Trends To Watch Out For In 2013

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Current Technological Trends 

Technology has never been static. It is a work-in-progress, a discipline that responds to the needs and demands of the people who use it. The constant evolution is so fast that some people might be overwhelmed with all the changes and find it hard to keep up. For software developers, being left behind on the current technological trends is a huge no-no. Software development, in particular, is a very dynamic field. The rise of semantic web (billed as the future of the Web, aka Web 3.0) and the improvement of IT opened up whole new paths for software engineers and developers to take. 

Here are some of the trends in software development that are expected to take hold in the software industry in 2013:

Agile Methodologies

Building software from the ground up is an unpredictable affair. Requirements change from time to time, and release/testing cycles can become uncontrollable. Because of its irregular nature, managers and teams working on the creation of software are now using agile methodologies in the software development process. Instead of the usual "waterfall" approach to development, agile methodology involves dividing the work cycle into repeating intervals called sprints or iterations. This method keeps things flexible; it gives teams a chance to constantly revisit and revise the projects they are working on without decreasing productivity.

Using (and Mastering) Multiple Programming Languages

IT and web technologies are constantly expanding. For example, there are lots of applications and software that work on an interoperational level among a multitude of platforms (like PCs, smartphones, and tablets). It is necessary for a software engineer to be able to create a product that can be accessed from these different devices and other access points. Using multiple programming languages can be a huge boost in developing software for interdependent web technologies. Modern scripting languages like Ruby on Rails (ROR) or Python can also make software development easier.

Cloud Computing

More and more businesses are embracing cloud computing as an integral part of their day-to-day operations. Cloud services and software aid in making business processes more flexible and convenient for business owners and their clients. This means that the demand for software that use cloud technology are at an all-time high.

Mobile Technology

The number of people who use mobile devices is steadily increasing. The value of mobile ecommerce is expected to hit $10 billion by 2013, according to a study by reportlinker.com. These gadgets have almost replaced the standard desktop PCs and laptops that people use for their daily computing needs. Android, Windows Phone, iOS, Blackberry OS and other mobile operating systems are the new battlegrounds for software developers. Providing consumers with software and applications on these platforms is highly essential to the future of IT and software development.

Location Based Computing

The integration of GPS into mobile devices has resulted into the popularity of apps and web services like Foursquare and Facebook location (Former Places). This phenomenon shows the great appeal of location based software among consumers and businesses. The burgeoning technology already shows great promise; there are various developments on its application in the fields of education, health and entertainment.

RECOMMENDED ARTICLE: The Future Landscape of Software Development

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*by andreascy*

Best Fitness Apps For Android and iOS

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Hello guys and gals! 😃😃

Now and then it's good to pause and reflect. Please help us make THE OFFICIAL ANDREASCY better for everyone: Can you answer a few questions for us? It should only take a minute.

So we have a nice topic today, that will get you back in shape.

With the growth of third party developer apps there are now some great ways to use your smartphone as a fitness tool, making reaching your fitness goals easier than ever before.

GPS Watches

Prior to the growth of smartphones, fitness enthusiasts relied on a series of gadgets called GPS watches to track information about their running, cycling or other endurance sport. These watches soon became the gadget of choice for many serious athletes and average joes as the feature list of these watches grew and grew. As they contained more and more features, their price tag soon shot up and as a result many of the new high end watches that are now available on the market are priced at over $400. This is before you buy all of your heart rate, bike sensors and accessories on top of the unit itself.

Endomondo App (Retired)

This high pricing of gps watches left a sizeable gap in the market for low prices fitness apps for android and IOS. One such app that has been much acclaimed is the Endomondo fitness app. Created by a team of management consultants that decided to create something smartphones based to record their training, the Endomondo app has grown to be one of the most popular fitness apps in the market.

With the app you can record essential training metrics about your individual sessions including distance, time, pace, speed and calories. As well as stat tracking you can also race against yourself to try and improve your previous times.

Unlike other Apps, Endomondo also has a nifty feature that allows you to prolong the life of your phones battery to as much as 6 hours when training. Although this is at the expense of accuracy. 

Nike+ Running App (And now Nike Run Club App)

Another popular app is the Nike Run Club App (former Nike+ Running App). Built by the largest sporting goods company in the world, this app has a number of features that make it a great addition to any fitness enthusiasts smartphone 

As well as being able to upload your training to Facebook, to receive real time support and encouragement from your Facebook friends, you can also upload your training data to the Nike website. Here you can track fitness goals, explore routes in your area, and earn trophies depending on the goals that your break.

Apps vs GPS Watches

The apps mentioned above are just two out of a vast array of apps designed to help with your fitness and sporting goals. Although they are either free or very cheap they do have their downsides. Unlike GPS watches such as the Soleus GPS Fit, the battery life of these apps is only as good as your smartphone. This means that you will struggle to cover any kind of distance unless you fully charge your phone before training.

RECOMMENDED: Tech Gadgets That Will Take Your Workout to the Next Level

Hopefully the post was informative. Share it with anyone you think might find it useful. 

Until next time... 👋 💖

*by andreascy*

Software Development Classes - A New and Dynamic Frontier

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Software development has become increasingly popular over the years, and is one of the most lucrative careers you can get into if you have the needed skills. A strong background in a math-related subject, analytical skills and strong communication and leadership skills will put you on the fast track towards becoming a stellar software developer. Let's take a look at what goes on in your typical software development class. 

These classes are typically conducted in institutions of higher learning or accredited institutes. They can be offered in your run-of-the-mill bricks and mortar type of class, or conducted online. Once you're registered, you'll be introduced to the world of computer applications and their usefulness in the real world. Computer programming has to do with creating code for applications that seek to help human beings make their work more efficient and accurate. 

The software development class typically covers aspects such as:

- Object-oriented programming

- Database creation

- Logical and arithmetic analysis of design

- Web scripting

- Software development cycles

- Ethical impacts of software development and application

To be Considered a Software Developer

For you to be considered to be a fully-fledged software developer, formal training is more or less required given the competitiveness of this career choice. There are numerous industries you can land in, and some of these include video game design, software development, hardware manufacturing, as well as working for major ecommerce websites.

It helps to have a degree in computer science, but this isn't a hard and fast rule. If you have any training that touches on math, software development classes will be accessible to you. This is because coding requires you to understand many mathematical principles, as well apply logic and principles of probability to predict the behavior of a computer program even when it's at its conceptual level.

Software Development Consultant

A software development consultant can work as a freelancer and serve a number of clients at the same time. One area that is seen as lucrative and carries a lot of potential is mobile development. This is because of the proliferation of mobile phones and their accompanying software as well as the numerous platforms available to the end consumer. With products such as the Apple iPhone and Android-based mobile phones, software developers find themselves in a domain that needs their services day and night.

After finishing your software development classes, be prepared to be thrust into an industry that will expect you to work more than 40 hours a week, and possibly weekends as well, depending on the stage at which a software engineering project is at. Software development, unlike software programming, seems to have escaped the vagaries of outsourcing. According to market opinion, software developers' skills have been in high demand, and the department of labor predicts that this sector will grow by up to thirty percent in the next ten years. Lastly, you need to be aware of the different certifications that you'll need to take for you to achieve career progression. These include Siebel, Oracle and SAS. The world is poised to up its ante when it comes to demand for software developers, so taking classes will put you at the right place to benefit from this windfall.

Thank you for checking out our article. Comment down below your thoughts. Stay tuned! ;)

*by andreascy*