Author Archives: stealth2377

11.11.13
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Tech Tip: label your network cables

Tech Tip: label your network cables with what device they should be plugged into, in case something comes loose, its easy to find and fix

Routers and switches usually have many cables connected to them. once connected and working, everything should be fine. Someday though, you may have an issue that requires you to unplug some cables or move your equipment. If the cables are not labelled, you can run into issues of plugging the wrong cable into the wrong port, causing unnecessary headaches. Labeling each cable what it is connected to will help with troubleshooting and equipment moves.

11.08.13
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Tech Tip: Connecting to Cloud Storage

Tech Tip: Cloud computing is great for syncing files, but always back it up on a physical drive for when you don’t have internet access

Cloud computing has come a long ways since it first became popular a few years ago. Having all your files available in a central location means easy access to all your files and no space requirements. That is how things like Google’s Chromebook operate, using only the cloud to store your files.

The one thing to remember with cloud storage is you need to have an active internet connection to access them. Internet hotspots along with mobile broadband allow us to connect almost anywhere, but there are still times when connections are hard to come by, or your local internet connection may suffer an outage. Always make sure to keep important files backed up on external storage drives so you can work on them when needed. The great thing about USB drives is how portable they are. Keeping your files a USB drive as a backup will make sure you don’t lose those documents and can always reference them when needed.

10.23.13
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What’s better: Apple or Android? The answer may surprise you!

There has been a lot of discussion over the past few years over what is a better smartphone: Apple or Android. There are loyal camps on both ends and a lot of vigorously defiant camps in between. (BlackBerry, Microsoft etc.) Some of the fanboys (and fangirls) on both sides will gladly talk at length over why their preferred system is better than all the rest.

So who is right? What is the best mobile solution out there?

The answer? It doesn’t matter.

Both Apple and Android are 2 software ecosystems for connecting you to the digital world. BlackBerry, Windows Phone and all the other operating systems are also excellent at keeping you connected.

You are probably thinking “WELL THAT DOESN’T HELP ME!!!” “WHAT A STUPID ANSWER! OF COURSE MY _____ PHONE IS BETTER THAN ALL THE REST!”

And I have an answer to that rebuttal: You’re right. Your ____ phone is better than all the rest….For you.

There has been too much attention placed on why one is better than the other; but in truth, it all comes down to the same thing I have told people for over 14 years working in the telecom industry. There no such thing as the best phone, there is only the best phone for you!

Lets look at it from a different perspective. What do you need a Smartphone for? Staying connected. Phone calls, Text messages, emails, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and the host of other connected solutions available. Really what does a smartphone do? It bridges the gap between your digital and personal worlds. Any one of the phones I have already mentioned can do that (Plus many more I haven’t even talked about yet) The thing is, everyone is different. Some people rely heavily on social media connectivity and need something that will work. Others just want secure email, while others just want it to work easily. Since everyone is different there is no way to make a blanket statement over what is the better Smartphone, especially in an industry that changes as rapidly as the telecom sector.

So what do you need to know to make the right decision?

Ultimately you need to find out what kind of user you are going to be. Do you need occasional connectivity or constant? Do you have specific applications that you rely on or will you be using more basic communication solutions? Whatever you decide you are, just know that your habits will change over time. What you think is the right solution for you now may not be the right solution for you in a years time. Change and adaptation is part of the technology ecosystem we live in.

There is one thing I will say that will separate ecosystems and hopefully make a decision easier. Platforms should be network and information agnostic. Your information should be accessible on all platforms. You should be able to switch ecosystems as easily as a pair of shoes and still maintain an adequate level of reliable communications. Anything that prevents you from doing that, or forces your information to only be locked to a single ecosystem should be reconsidered.

Open solutions are the only way to stay connected.