5 Reasons Why TV Cable Is Not A Thing of The Past Yet

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

We have lived through the space age so why does everyone still want to be bothered with cables and digging holes in the ground. 

Surely now should be the time to embrace the airwaves and send our television down to us from above the clouds. Well actually it isn’t and here’s why:

1. Okay, this is the obvious one. Guess what you live in a flat and you can’t get a satellite dish to receive a signal. So what else can you do? If you want to watch the Simpsons and CSi Miami then you are going to have to go down the cable route, there is no other option available to you. But at least after you have climbed all of those stairs to get to your apartment you can relax and watch a rerun of a 30 year old dubbed comedy.

2. You don’t want to sign up to thousand of channels in advance for a contract period of 12 months, you like some choice about how and when you view your television. With cable you can buy cards for the box that add channels as and when you need them. If, after a month or so, you decide that you are not watching all of the channels on that package you can get a different card to suit your needs better. This means that you can add and remove channels almost when you like.

3. You live someplace where it rains from time to time. Satellite television has a nasty habit of freezing when there is a bit of weather around and this is usually just as the last ten minutes of the footy are coming to your set. The scores are tied and your team seems to be having the better of the play. The problem is that you can only get a handle on what is happening by calling a friend, who has cable.

4. You want to watch the European Song Contest, but everybody else has better taste. With satellite television watching different channels on different television sets around the home is pretty difficult and can work out expensive. With cable you just need a television with a built in receiver or an extra box. Then you plug in the cable and you are away. It’s that simple, no more arguing over what is watched when.

5. Did we mention that you live in a flat that can’t have a satellite dish connected and that you like to watch different channels on different televisions around the home? Then you have weather from time to time and you change your mind a lot over what package you like. Well number 5 has to be that you don’t like space or any companies that would deal with it because 4 reasons should be enough.

So, cable television is still a valuable asset and you can even tie in your broadband with the supplier, that’ll be 5 reasons then.

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*by andreascy*

Inner Workings of High Speed Internet

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

The term "Internet" has many meanings depending on what network a person uses. No one person, no one government, no one entity owns or controls the Internet. Instead, it consists of many networks cooperating and making alliances all over the world. 

Each organization monitors and maintains its own network. A group known as the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) sets standards, oversees research, and gives guidance for many areas of the network. Best of all Tim Lee Burns who oversaw the majority of work on the early Internet is part of that group.

Managing Traffic

High speed on the Internet happens from local, regional, and international networks communicating on needs and hardware. Each group contributes to the internal structure of the Internet in a variety of ways. Companies lay down the infrastructure that carries the bits and bytes cable, satellite, fiber optics, and wireless. Organizations and governments create guidelines on use, bandwidth, and standards. Of course, most of the work is finding ways to make the bits and bytes flow as quickly as possible between home and the site a person is accessing. As a human enterprise, it ranks as the first global cooperation created solely for offering a means of communication for anyone anywhere.

Internet 2

A living breathing ecosystem comes as one of the best ways to describe the Net. It has an overarching framework that everything else connects on. It has niches for specialized needs in the ecosystem. What affects one part or section of the Net has effects on the rest of the Net. It changes daily and reacts differently every day. It is all determined by human interaction and communications with others either directly or indirectly.

Not for profit research since 1996 in 200 universities and 115 companies across the globe have been testing advanced network technology daily. All require high speed networks. Many of the wonders of technology a person experiences today came out of these universities and companies. Other entities pick the technology up, adapt it, and make money with it. Online books, music, movies, and magazines started out as ideas and seeds for use at the not for profit research facilities. Presently, these places are working on high definition video, quicker ways to resolve network problems, and enhanced detection of any problems.

Connection

What high speed Internet providers give to a consumer is an access point, not the Internet itself. A provider may have their niche and personal network where they give their brand of news, weather, financial data, games and storage. It pays to determine your needs and shop around. These providers come at different levels. An ISP (internet service provider) may cover a specific geographical area and offer the initial connection to that area. National ISP exists and serves cities and towns in a nationwide network.

Another access point is OSP (online service providers). OSP is like a club where one must become a member. It functions more as a large gateway to the Internet. These entities regulate what services members have access to. It customizes a version of the web to its companies vision and needs.

More and more wireless Internet service providers are becoming the norm. Smart phones, laptops, desktops or any device with wireless capability can access a hotspot. Some wireless access points are free, and others take a monthly fee for access. In urban areas, restaurants, colleges, community areas such as airports offer free wi-fi for the public use.

Join

Internet has become one of the major means of communicating in business, in the news, in media and among many individuals. Every day across the globe it becomes a culture of its own and part of people’s lives. The astronomical amount of data streaming through it in its many forms ensures something is available for anyone in any format if they have a need.

SEE ALSO: Online Security Education Program for Your Employees

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*by andreascy*

Making The Switch To High Speed Internet

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

These days, it seems everyone wants high speed internet. Fortunately, the infrastructure for cable and DSL internet is widespread enough for almost anyone to have access to these services, but failing that satellite internet is available essentially everywhere. 

10 years ago, dial-up internet was enough for most people's internet surfing needs, but with online video and music streaming gaining in popularity, as well as wanting to stay constantly connected, high speed internet, also called broadband has become the standard for getting online.

What are My Broadband Options?

The three major types of broadband available are cable, DSL and satellite. Cable and DSL both rely on existing infrastructure in your home to bring you internet service, while satellite relies on a receiver provided by your ISP. If you live in an area with 4G mobile data coverage, 4G mobile broadband should also be available to you.

Of the major broadband types, satellite is the slowest but most widely available. If you live far from a city, coverage for broadband internet is often rather spotty, but satellite is available almost everywhere. Satellite service will give you internet that is always on and available, but during peak usage hours the service slows down.

DSL internet service is the most like dial-up internet service of all the broadband options since it uses your existing phone line to bring you fast internet service. It is one of the simplest to switch to from dial-up internet service, since you already have a land-line phone and a phone company, which also will offer DSL service. DSL is always on like all broadband internet, and provides a good price to speed ratio. 

Cable internet is the fastest and most expensive broadband option. Provided by the same company that offers your cable TV service, it is the most feature-rich broadband option, but with this comes a high price. Cable is the best choice for home-based businesses and other heavy use consumers.

Finally, mobile broadband is gaining in popularity, especially in major metropolitan areas. Utilizing the mobile data network that powers your smartphone, this technology lets you use either a dedicated device or your phone linked to your computer to provide broadband internet access. While this service is often expensive for heavy users because of data limits, it is a good option for anyone who wants broadband available to them when they travel as well as at home.

Why Switch?

The world is becoming increasingly connected daily, and having access to the internet when you need it without having to wait is invaluable. While dial-up internet is still cheap and reasonably reliable, fewer and fewer ISPs are offering this option. Finally, with some broadband plans only costing a few dollars more per month than dial-up, there are very few reasons not to make the switch. When you can have access to any of your file sharing, music and video streaming, email, social networks and more when you want it, you will never want to switch back.

It really is a simple matter to transition to high speed internet regardless of if you use dial-up now or have no internet service at home. All the major service providers offer tools online to let you see what coverage is available in your area, and if you don't have internet at home, their customer service centers will help you over the phone. Choose a service that will let you see what options are available for TV, phone and internet at your address. Once you have decided on a plan, there is little else you have to do besides be home for a technician to come by and hook up your new service. When everything is ready to go, you will be connected and able to access the internet whenever you want. 

*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*

Sarah Parcak : Archeology from space

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

In this short talk, TED Fellow Sarah Parcak introduces the field of "space archeology" - using satellite images to search for clues to the lost sites of past civilizations.

For more talks visit :
http://www.ted.com

*by andreascy*

Nasa SPS-ALPHA: The First Practical Solar Power Satellite via Arbitrarily Large PHased Array

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Welcome Googler! 

The idea of space-based solar power has been in research since the early 1970s. I believe this is a doable technology (today) and an inevitable technology that will happen (at some point) and it offers the only large scale chance we have of reducing CO2 from coal use and therefore mitigating climate change.

Here is a cool video that describes John Mankin's vision of the future, that was presented at the National Press Club in Washington DC by the NSS, and is part of the recent NSSO Study:

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*by andreascy* 

Next Generation GPS Satellites

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Global Positioning System (GPS) is accessible to almost everyone by the introduction of smartphones. We can know our position and can locate any place by using satellites. 

Currently, the device has some limitations, as if GPS is not available inside houses, poor signal reception in remote places, and so on. GPS systems currently can track up to 10 feet. However, this height is more than enough for consumer applications, the defense personnel’s are in need of a more accurate system. Lockheed Martin, a high-tech company, is developing the next generation GPS satellites, with a tracking accuracy of almost 3 feet. Using this GPS system, we can track a person or object even if he is indoors or under forest canopies. The first satellite will be launched in 2013 and the satellites will revolve in orbit in 2014.

The new GPS system called the Block III will be more efficient and accurate than the old ones. Block III is supposed to give a precise image of the ground. This will be beneficial for both civil people and military. 

This innovation has already caught the attention of army personnel’s and thus, they have not disclosed all information about the technology. Some of the best features available in Block III are : 

- Reflectors : Reflectors are fitted on the satellite for determining its position. Laser beams are fired from the ground station to the satellites. These beams will be intercepted and reflected back by the reflectors. This signal, when received by the ground station, will help in determining its position and distance. Thus, there will be no need of radio signals. This method will also help in knowing whether the satellite’s clock is off or not and will help in making the satellite more accurate. 

- M - code : The satellite will emit a new signal called M - code that will be difficult to jam. This new signal will offer high security for military applications. High boosting of the signals will be done and as a result will get more accurate signals 

- Civilian signal : This signal can be used by all civilians for various applications in smartphones, cars and other devices. 

The stronger the signal quality the better it will be useful for people. Even Google maps will be better because of good tracking. 

This $5.5 billion project is expected to change the face of the present GPS technology. It is heard that Pentagon is indented to place 32 Block III satellites in the outer space. Further discussions are being made in integrating the different GPS satellite technologies from various countries into the Block III. This will bring a wider scope in the GPS tracking abilities for the common man than the ones available now. Discover more on this section.

*by andreascy*