Easy Internet Access

Now that we’ve gone mobile with our computing, easy internet access is not a challenge, but a demand. People are accustomed to being able to get access to email, app stores and social networking sites while they’re out and about. That means that the mobile technology industry is constantly working to make easy internet access as common as the cell phone itself.

Every city boasts free hotspots, and there are usually restaurants and coffee shops near these places. The mobile device user can easily log on to the wireless network and take care of online business. Built-in wireless connections on laptops are a common feature these days. Since wireless technology is a given on laptops, it was only a matter of time before it would appear in smart phones.

With the smart phone you have options. You can use your 3G or 4G network to get access to the Internet, or you can use your wireless connection. Unlike a laptop computer, you’re never far away from your email, favorite website or app store. Along with accessibility, wireless technology is extremely affordable. With prepaid plans through companies like Cricket, you can pay as you go and not worry about expensive long-term contracts.

Smart phones are considered a consumer product instead of a business product these days, so the technology is quickly advancing to meet the needs of everyone; not just business people. That means their ability to connect to the Internet is a top feature. When you’re driving or out of wi-fi range, you can almost always rely on your 3G network to keep you connected.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet Tagged With: , ,

Recycling Your Old Mobile Phones

You should never throw a mobile phone into the trash. Just like computers, they are made of materials that are not good for the environment once they are in landfills. Plus, they are not biodegradable, so it will take thousands of years for them to break down. This leads to the question, “how do I recycle my old mobile phone?” There are lots of ways that you can do this.

Trade It In

Image by Phil Dragash via Flickr

Some mobile phone retailers will give you a credit toward your new phone if you are willing to trade in your old one. They know how to recycle it properly, and by offering this service, they can make sure that the environment stays safe. Plus, sometimes they are able to refurbish the phone and sell it at a discount to other users, so someone can benefit from it.

Sell It on the Internet

You might be able to make more money off of your phone if you sell it on the Internet. For instance, there is a high demand for Motorola Android phones. You can use Amazon, eBay, or any other auction site to get the job done.

Use It as a Toy

Kids love to pretend that they are grown up, so why not re-purpose your old cell phone as a toy. Just take out the battery so you don’t have to worry about them calling 911, and voila: you have a cheap toy that your kids will love.

There are lots of ways that you can recycle your old cell phone – creative ones, too. But whatever you do, don’t throw it in the trash. Everyone needs to work together to keep the world a safe place.

 

Filed Under: Computers, Software, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Home-Based Business Needs: Buy a Laptop or Desktop?

A woman typing on a laptop

Image via Wikipedia

 

Investing in the right computer technology is a decision that cannot be taken lightly, particularly when your livelihood depends upon it. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding between a laptop and desktop for your home-based office.

Determine your portability needs. If you only use your computer when you are in your home-based office, then a desktop computer is ideal. However, if your business involves meeting with clients, making presentations and accessing information in airports and other locations, a laptop is a must. Laptop portability means that you will never feel limited and can conduct business from numerous locations.

Assess the costs. Desktop computers are generally cheaper than laptops. While it’s possible to find a used laptop that may be close to the price of a new desktop, a brand new laptop will generally cost you more. However, you may be able to write off the cost of the laptop as a business expense, so choose the type of technology that will help your business to prosper.

Consider the ergonomic aspects. Laptops are so popular these days that people don’t often consider the ergonomic superiority of desktops. A desktop sits in a stable position on your desk and doesn’t move. This means that you can adjust your position to have the right hand position for the mouse and a straight back to minimize back pain. Laptops can be moved to numerous locations leading to many sitting positions and possible wrist injuries.

Buy both a desktop and a laptop. The solution for many small business owners is to buy both a desktop and a laptop. This way you benefit from the portability of a laptop when needed, as well as the ergonomic benefits of a desktop computer.

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Sell Your Mobile to Get Money

If you are in a tight spot for cash, you may not have considered selling your cell phone. However, selling a gently-used iPhone or Smartphone can earn you a pretty penny when you sell it to a dealer or on ebay.com.

The first rule of thumb when trying to sell your cell phone is to gauge its condition. You can always take the phone to a buyer and have them give you a quote. You can go from there and decide to sell it to them on the spot, or take some time to think it over.

Once you have the money from selling your phone, you can put it on a reach prepaid card. This way, you can use the cash you got like a credit card for online purchases or payments and other needs. It is the simplest way to handle your cash with the most flexibility and security.

Before giving your phone away, of course, you will want to look into a replacement. Are you going to stay with your network? Do you want to try something with a little less commitment? Do you want to drop some of the benefits you had, such as internet or email? There are now plenty of options if you are looking for a month-by-month plan.

Reselling your mobile could be the smartest way you have made and saved money. Not only do you have the freedom to find the best deal, but you can make a profit off of your old mobile.

Filed Under: Computers, Devices Tagged With: , ,

Using Laptops ? Getting The Position Right Is Very Important

HANOVER, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 28: A Vodafone LT...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

It is only when people switch over from a desktop computer to a laptop do they realize how convenient the desktop computer is. The computer remains stable and one can adjust the seat in any manner one wants to enjoy a comfortable experience.

On the other hand, the fact that the laptop can be moved around means that finding the right position can become a very difficult task. How many times have you moved all over the house trying to find the most comfortable position for your laptop? Trying to copy the positions that you see in laptop advertisements never seem to help.

You realize that these positions are designed primarily to maximize the visibility of the laptop device. Trying to sit on the stairs and having the laptop adjacent to you will leave you with a strained back and arms in a very short period of time.

Another factor that affects the usage of laptop is the frequent change in the workplace. If you had a single table where you regularly use your laptop, you can easily adjust to the right position without any difficulty. However, many individuals make the mistake of purposefully shifting the position without any regard for stability.

The end result is that the individual never feels comfortable when using the device. This is particularly true when you are working on spreadsheets or word processing software applications. Using a laptop to watch a movie or listen to songs is not a difficult task because it does not require any activity on the laptop curser.

 

 

 

 

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

Protecting Your Personal Information at Internet Hotspots

Computer Time 

Image by Thomas Hawk via Flickr

Public wireless hotspots have become nearly ubiquitous, especially in urban areas. Almost everyone has typed the next great American novel while in a coffee shop or looked up places to eat in their hotel room. However, if you use public wireless Internet connections, you open yourself up to possible attacks or infiltration by other computers that are also sharing the public network with you.

There’s no need to worry though – you can protect your data with simple steps. You can’t make your computer completely invulnerable, they will present a barrier to anyone with ill intent and makes your computer a less likely target.

First of all, the most basic computer safety tip is to install antivirus or anti-malware software. Some are better than others to the point that some programs can actually help catch threats before they become a problem by recognizing the signs of common attacks or known malware on a webpage. Just a little research can help you find the right antivirus or antimalware protection for you, no matter what your budget.

Second of all, don’t log onto any websites that don’t use a secure session (indicated by the https:// in the URL). Your login credentials – whether to Facebook or to online merchants – can be captured by other people on the hotspot if you’re not logging in through a secure page. Some email clients, including Outlook Express, default to a non-secure session as well, so these should be avoided on a public connection unless you know that your session is secure.

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Most Commonly Used Tablet Software for Windows 7

Tablet PCs are gaining in popularity for their mobility and convenience. Whether you own a Blackberry Playbook or another type of tablet PC, knowing about the various tablet software options allows you to expand your horizons. Here are some commonly used Windows 7 tablet software applications.

IE9

IE9 is designed to create a user-friendly experience on a tablet, allowing you to navigate easily. Use the settings menu or toolbar icons to maneuver your way around the web with a secure connection.

Lotus Symphony

One of the more commonly used software applications is the commonly preloaded Lotus Symphony office productivity software. It allows you to compose and save word processing documents, presentations and spreadsheets. It makes the use of a tablet PC essential for the globetrotting businessperson.

Flickr

Flickr has an application for Windows 7 that is touch-friendly and easy to use. Share your pictures with your friends and view theirs. The joy of sitting in a park with your Blackberry Playbook viewing pictures of your loved ones from across the globe cannot be surpassed.

Kindle

If you are an avid reader, the Kindle for PC is useful on a small-sized tablet. You can easily download books and bookmark your reading spot. Enjoy the luxury of having books within reach no matter where you are.

OneNote

OneNote is for the creative person. If you like to write out notes by hand or draw diagrams, this software is useful. You can also record audio and coordinate it with your handwritten notes.

Windows 7 software applications for the tablet are numerous. Start with the most commonly used options and expand out from there.

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Free Internet Access Wherever You Are

The Fantastic 4 

Image by Kim Bach via Flickr

Whether you’re on vacation, traveling for work or just out and about in general, sometimes it’s important to have access to a free Internet connection. It could be as simple as answering an important email or as complex as needing to dedicate significant time to fix a problem but you can’t do either unless you’re prepared and know how to find a free Internet connection while on the move.

First of all, you’ll need a laptop with a wi-fi adapter or a desktop computer. If you travel with a wireless-ready laptop already, you’re halfway there toward getting the Internet access you need to stay connected with school, work, gaming buddies or loved ones.

Next, you need to find a wireless hotspot. Restaurants, downtown areas, libraries and other buildings and businesses are rapidly adding free, high-speed Internet connections to help cater to guests and potential customers like you. If you have time to look up possible hotspots before you leave on a trip, you can find lists of free wireless hotspots around the United States and other countries online. If your smart mobile phone has access to applications from the Apple Store, Blackberry App World or the Android Marketplace, you actually have access to several different applications that can provide you information on where the nearest public Internet hotspot is located.

If you didn’t get a chance to check where Internet connections would be before you left for your destination and you don’t have access to a smartphone, don’t despair. There are some popular places where you are likely to find free wireless Internet: coffee shops, some casual restaurants and hotels.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Tips Tagged With: , ,

Taking Advantage of Hot Spots for Your Wireless Internet Connection

The notebook is connected to the wireless acce...

Image via Wikipedia

These days most people have wireless modems in their laptop computers, it’s hard to find a new computer without one. This allows the user greater versatility and mobility. The user can easily meet up with a client or even just a friend at a local cafe and gain access to the internet through what is known in the tech world as a hot spot.

So what is a hot spot? To put it simply, a hot spot is an area or a site that offers free internet access through a wireless local area network and via WI-FI technology. The most popular hot spots are cafes and other places where people gather to meet up. This technology makes it easier for those wanting to conduct business in an informal setting whilst still being able to connect to the internet via their laptop.

With advances in technology, it is not only laptop users who are taking advantage of hotspots while down at the local cafe. Those with a smart phone are quickly able to jump on the internet and check out the weather or the traffic report, or quickly check for any new emails.

Many people are taking advantage of this technology. It provides a convenient way to keep up-to-date on both work and personal matters. Found in many cafes, as well as libraries, restaurants, train stations, airports, bookstores, hotels, and even supermarkets it is easy to stay connected and always know what is going on. When you are away from home, be sure to keep an eye out for a hot spot. They’re easy to find, just look for all the laptops!

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Emerge and Develop Your Social Media Career

Are you a social media whiz? Whether you enjoy playing Facebook games or have aspirations to transform businesses on this level, there are ways to start in such a career – or further it. Follow along to learn some steps you can take to make this a reality.

You can first consider your educational options. Social media has become an integral aspect of marketing, both for traditional and online businesses (and everything in between). Not only can you study in marketing for social media specifically, there are other routes as well, such as studying communication, which could contribute to a social media career.

Accordingly, you can earn a degree online in social media. Undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities are available for study online. If you have obligations, or simply wish to take advantage of the convenience of an online education, there are powerful options for developing your social media career.

Keep an eye out for opportunities to improve your career prospects. Companies often look for students to perform tasks on Facebook that are related to social media advertising, which could prove valuable for your resume. You could gain experience with such a position online.

Social media has overtaken the business and marketing world in many different directions. If you love working with these popular and emerging platforms, a career in social media could be for you. Consider some of your educational options to get started; you could study and work online if that is something that interests you.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: , ,
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