Weekly Puzzle

Each week you will find a new puzzle to solve. Test your problem solving abilities. Share puzzles with friends and find out "Who's the King of the Hill?"
(look inside...)

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Data Backup Basics

By: Nial Roch
It's 10pm. Do you know where your data is?

Data. Small bits of information clustered together to make Word files, documents,pictures, MP3s, HTML etc. We work on our computers every single day never sparing a thought for all those millions of chunks of data spread all over our hard disks. The data is there and it does it's job.

Until of course the data is not there anymore.

72 hours ago I suffered from massive data loss. There were no hackers involved. No power surges or lightning strikes. Just wear and tear on my hard disk. 20 Gigabytes of business and personal information gone forever. Passwords, HTML files, ebooks all gone. I didn't lose any sleep though. Why? Simply because this was my secondary hard disk that was only used as a backup drive. All my critically important data is safely stored elsewhere. (continued...)

Picture this scenario. You sit at your computer, turn it on and nothing. Dead. You've just lost everything you've worked on for the last 12 months. All your Adwords campaigns, website templates, ebooks, Excel files. Everything. How do you feel? How do you go about recovering?

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70% of companies who suffer serious data loss go out of business within 12 months.

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The truth is that most people never recover from losing all their data.

What can you do to prevent this happening to you? Backup.Backup. Backup. Use a backup system.

How do I backup my data?

You could use a zip drive, a CDR/DVD writer, a USB drive or an secure online storage service. Using any of the above is far better than using nothing at all and hoping for the best.

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Data loss cost US businesses in excess of 18 billion dollars in 2003.

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How often should I backup my data?

You should backup all important data on your PC at least once a week. An easy way to do this is to use a rotating backup system. Get 4 blank disks . Label these disks Week 1, Week 2, Week 3 and Week 4. At the start of the month make a fresh copy of all your critical data on the Week 1 disk and continue this process on Week 2, 3 and 4. Following this procedure ensures that no matter what happens your stored data will never be more than 1 week old and you'll also have 3 other copies of your data stored away that are less than a month old. Simple. Effective.

What software do I need?

Microsoft Windows has its own backup software included. Apple Mac users can take advantage of Apples Backup software and iDisk backup service.

How soon should I do this?

Now. Even using floppy disks start the process of backing up your data today. The sooner you start the safer your data is.

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Human error and hardware failure account for 76% of all data loss.

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The cost of recovering from a major hardware failure such as a hard disk crash can be massively reduced by keeping a backup of your data.

You're worked hard to build up your business. Don't throw all that hard work away by not taking the proper steps to safeguard your critical information.

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Used Notebook Inspection Guide -- Part 1

By: The Editor
Used laptop computers are everywhere these days. How can you sift through the mass of available used laptop computers to narrow your search down to the right laptop for you? Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind.

Buy from a reputable dealer

It can be tempting to pick up your local classifieds and simply choose the lowest price laptop in the newspaper and buy it from whomever. This is a mistake. Less headache and aggravation will result by buying from a reputable dealer. If something goes wrong with it right after you buy it, you'll at least have some recourse. (continued...)

Quick Visual Inspection: Looking for signs of damage

One of the most common ways a laptop is damaged is by dropping it on a hard surface. Look for cracks around the corners of the laptop. You should also look for any chipped plastic around the LCD Screen.

Make sure the hinges of the LCD Screen are in good shape and aren't cracked or separating from the body of the laptop. This damage can result when someone opens the screen too far. It can also be the result of being dropped.

Examine the power supply that comes with the laptop to make sure there are no signs of overheating like a melted cord or power box. Be sure that the power cord itself is not frayed or damaged in any way. Take a look at the end that plugs into the laptop, make sure it isn't damaged. Plug it into the laptop and wiggle it around to make sure it isn't loose in the laptop. This can also indicate that the laptop has suffered internal damage.

In the Next Part, we'll go over some things to look for when powering up a used laptop computer for the first time.

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Getting to Know the PalmOne Treo

By: Simon Canfeld
Up until the recent past, those who wanted to take advantage of a mobile phone, data organizer, wireless e-mail with text messaging, web browsing and a digital camera had to have separate units for each. With today’s technology comes the Treo – offering all of those features in one small hand-held unit. These pocket-sized marvels even offer a fully functional standard keyboard, enabling users to fulfill all of their communication needs as they would from the PC at work or home. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to use!

The PalmOne Treo offers a wide range of accessories and software that will help to customize and enhance your hand-held experience. Among these are cradles, cables, cases, belt clips, car kits, headsets, headphones, SD/MMC cards, e-books, games, specialized ring tones and travel software.While these are add-ons, there’s also a wide variety of built-in features, which include a To Do List, Memo Pad, Advanced Calculator, CityTime World Clock, desktop synchronization for Windows or Mac and calendar, to name a few. (continued...)

Starting – in some cases – at $299, this portable communications center is well worth the price, and is compatible with a number of different phone carriers. Utilizing an infrared communications port and a touch-screen with stylus, the Treo holds features that willentice virtually every consumer. The possibilities are practically limitless, when you consider the variety of software options that are available (these, of course, willhave to be purchased separately).

Some of the styles of the Treo include the 600 and 650 models – the latter being a bit more advanced in its technology. Prices will vary, depending upon model, features and retailer, but some good sales can be found online, if you have the time to do some research.

Treo 600 – Using a rechargeable lithium ion battery, external battery packs are necessary in order to extend battery life, since the original is built into the device and, therefore, not removable. Upgrades of the internal battery are available – for about $50 – replacing the 1800 mAh battery with a 2000, although the warranty will be voided as a result of such an action. The standard batteryoffers between five and six hours of talk time, but you can extend the normal life by avoiding wireless activities and playing the audio or video features.

Treo 650 – While the 650 model offers a 32 MB memory, only 23 of it is available to the user, and this model is not upgradeable. An SD/MMC expansion slot is available, however, which may allow you to add more memory or content.An advantage of this model, however, is that it will be available in multiple languages, including English, German,Italian, Spanish and French. The Treo 650 CDMA model is only available in English. This fully operational communications center and handheld computer is among the top of the line in portable communications devices.

Whichever model you prefer, you won’t go wrong with the purchase of a Treo. Its compact, lightweight design and comprehensive package is designed to meet the needs of virtually every user, without the inconvenience of bulk or exorbitant cost.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Simon Canfeld is a hi-tech enthusiast and freelance author.

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World Cup Email Contains Virus

By: The Editor

The Sober worm continues to clog up servers and cause problems for users around the globe.

A fake FIFA offer for World Cup tickets distributed by e-mail and containing the Sober worm has propagated to several dozen countries.

The fake message attempts to entice users to launch an attachment to find out more information on obtaining World Cup 2006 tickets. (continued...)

But once a user falls for the trick, the worm gets unleashed.

The soccer-oriented message has primarily appeared in German. Another version of the message in English claims the user has an e-mail problem that only can be addressed by launching the infected attachment.

Sober's primary nuisance effect works similar to past mass-mailing worms, where it tries to send itself to every entry in a user's address book.

Despite the continued disappointment where promises of free stuff turn out to be false, users still seem to think the next offer will be the legitimate one. For system administrators, that outlook leads to a lot of frustration.

As always, users should keep their antivirus software up to date. If you receive an attachment in an e-mail and you aren't expecting one, the safest course of action would be to delete it outright.

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Mobile Systems Come On Strong

A recent article in InformationWeek stated that:

"Advances in performance, reliability, and connectivity, as well as improved pricing, have businesses and other institutions increasingly turning to laptop computers as their first choice for desktop computing.

A number of factors that caused IT directors to stick with desktop systems over mobile systems have changed significantly in recent years, says Leslie Fiering, an analyst with research firm Gartner. Five years ago, for example, there was a 200% price premium for a notebook system compared with a desktop, versus a 34% to 68% premium today. And studies have shown that the additional cost can be offset if an employee is able to work as few as two additional hours per week."

This report confirms that the information I wrote in the article Reasons To Make Your Next PC A Notebook published a couple of days ago, is part of a growing trend in business and mobile computing.

From this new InformationWeek article, it seems that the combination of a Notebook computer and a PDA is becoming increasingly popular. Especially among some law professionals.

Read the Full Article

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SOTI -- Remote Control Your PDA

By: The Editor
SOTI Inc. has just released Version 5.01 of Pocket Controller Professional.

For anyone who's never heard of it, Pocket Controller is a desktop application that allows you to view and control any Pocket PC or SmartPhone with either a local or remote connection. And at below $31.00 USD, anyone can own a license for business or personal use.

Admittedly, this is a product that was built mainly for corporate use. Because of its Internet connectivity, it was designed for technical support of large deployments of Pocket PCs and SmartPhones. It does this very well by the way and is the best tool I have found for this type of work.

However, the personal uses are only limited by the imagination of the user. (continued...)

For example, I personally use it as a remote keyboard entry device because it allows me to use my notebook keyboard to enter data directly onto my PDA. This works great for times when you may need to do a lot of text entry but don't want to look at the small Pocket PC display screen. Believe it or not, some development tools for the Pocket PC only work on the device itself. The development tools are great but trying to work on the small screen for hours is difficult. Pocket Controller makes this task much easier...even fun.

And if you think working on a 240x320 PDA screen is a chore, try doing something like that on your tiny SmartPhone screen.

It also allows you to capture screenshots and videos for either email or web display. This means you can share what you are doing on your device with other people via the Internet.

The only thing that I would caution against is using Pocket Controller with a slow connection like Infrared or a slow Internet connection. There is a visible delay when typing and movie capture is all but impossible. Other than that, it does a fantastic job of controlling and capturing from your device.

There are too many features to get into each one in detail but here is a list:

Feature Summary:
- View and control your Pocket PC or Smartphone from your desktop, using your desktop screen, keyboard and mouse. Enter data at high speed using your desktop keyboard
- Enlarge or shrink the Pocket PC screen to suit your taste
- Create recordings suitable for software training or demonstrations
- Use the Remote DOS Box tool to remotely execute DOS commands
- View your Pocket PC in a skin. Skins for most Pocket PCs are available
- Full Screen Background Mode, allows users to use solid color or HTML backgrounds, ideal for presentations
- Wysiwyg printing, print screens in 1X, 2X, 3X, landscape, or in a skin
- Capture Pocket PC screens and save them to disk
- Save Pocket PC screen to desktop computer clipboard
- Integrated Clipboard, transfer data between Pocket PC clipboard and the desktop clipboard. Automatically Synchronize desktop and mobile device clipboards.
- Explore Tool, allows file transfer with ActiveSync or TCP/IP connection
- User Security, create administrator and user accounts, allow/deny privileged, allow users to accept/reject remote control session requests, Authentication, Encryption
- Macro Recording/Playback, record keystrokes and mouse events to a macro file that can be played back. Macro files are text files that can be edited and customized.
- View Pocket PC screen in portrait or landscape modes
- Activate/Stop applications and processes, view detailed process information (i.e. DLLs loaded, threads information etc.).
- View Pocket PC utilization and system information, from your desktop computer
- Can be configured to automatically start/stop when you dock/un-dock your Pocket PC
- Full keyboard support, including support for hardware "Application Buttons"
- Online documentation
- Connect via ActiveSync or Wired/Wireless TCP/IP
- Configure multiple Connection profiles, multiple TCP/IP addresses, control multiple Pocket PC devices simultaneously by running multiple instances of Pocket Controller
- Support for English, English(UK), French, German, German(Swiss), Portuguese(Brazil), Spanish(International), Spanish(Latin American), Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Dutch, Norwegian, and Italian keyboards.

In conclusion, I can only say that if you're looking for software to give you an alternative and often better way of controlling your Pocket PC or SmartPhone either locally or remotely, you should seriously consider Pocket Controller Professional.

PDA and Mobile Today Reviewer's Rating ****
(4 out of 5 Stars -- 5 stars is best)




Click here to download the Free Trial and judge for yourself.

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Reasons To Make Your Next PC A Notebook

By: The Editor
Notebook computers are becoming very popular. They seem to be popping up everywhere: on tv shows, on airplanes, in movies, or in your friend's lap. These sleek little machines are invading our daily lives like never before... and the invasion has just started. Find out why they have become so popular with their users and why your next PC should probably be a notebook computer.

It is estimated that over 42 million computer notebooks will be produced this year. And that number is said to be growing by 20% each year. So what's driving the demand for these devices, what's making them so popular? (continued...)

It's more than just the next techno fad, notebook computers offer some very practical solutions to our computing requirements and needs. There are some real solid reasons why they have become so popular among their users. These are the same reasons why you should consider making your next PC purchase a notebook or laptop computer.

So if you need convincing, here are those 10 solid reasons why you should consider buying a notebook computer:

1. Size. This is one situation where size really does matter. It's the main reason you should consider buying a notebook or laptop in the first place. You want a PC that will fit neatly in your hand to take to your next office meeting, you want a convenient laptop to take to class or you want a notebook for your next cross country business trip.

Notebooks come in a variety of sizes to match your needs or purpose. They are categorized or grouped accordingly:

Tablet PC (smallest) Size of a paper tablet or notepad, less than 3 pounds.

Ultra Portable (small), around 11" x 10", less than 1.3 inches thick, less
than 4 pounds.

Thin and Light (mid-size), around 11-14" x 11", 1 to 1.4 inches thick, from 5 to 7 pounds.

Desktop Replacements (largest), more than 13" x 11", more than 1.5 inches, more than 7 pounds and up.

As you can see there is a great range of sizes so you should have no trouble finding a notebook computer to satisfy your needs. Just match the notebook size to the main purpose or use of your notebook and you can't go wrong.

2. Portability. Probably the second, if not the most important reason you're considering buying a notebook or laptop. You want a PC that's portable and lightweight. One that you can take anywhere; to class, to meetings, on business trips or from room to room in your home.

This freedom of movement -- taking your office or vital data along on your business or personal travels is the main selling point of the notebook computer. The portability factor is one you should seriously consider -- do you need a portable computer for your home, work or just for pure enjoyment.

3. Performance. Not too long ago, notebooks or laptops were viewed by many as second class computers when compared to the performance and speed of the mighty desktop PC. Distance cousins discreetly allocated to the sidelines.

But things have changed! Although still not on par with the desktop, thanks to the next generation notebook chipset, Intel's New Sonoma Platform, many notebooks come very close to providing the performance level of a desktop PC. Many notebooks, specially the desktop replacements, already have impressive technical specs that would shame most ordinary desktops. Some of these desktop replacements even use desktop processors or CPUs.

With hard drives up to 100GB or more at (7,200rpm), with RAM up to 2MB in some cases, and supported with Intel Pentium 4's, at 3.4GHz or more --- most notebooks are very capable of handling almost all computing applications and functions with ease. They can do the job.

4. Connections. We live in a wireless world. The notebook will do for computers, what the cell phone did for the telephone industry -- make our communications wireless. Being constantly connected to your friends, your business or your family does have a certain appeal that can't be denied. The notebook computer will give you this wireless connection.

Most notebooks now come with WI-FI (Wireless Fidelity), also known as 802.11 a/b/g, with the ability to stay connected no matter where you are. As more and more businesses such as hotels, restaurants and airports offer these 'hot spots' or WI-FI service to their patrons, easy connections will become commonplace.

Plus, BIG PLUS - Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO network is spreading fast, this will bring wireless connections to a whole new level. It will make the Internet truly wireless!

5. Function. There are certain functions that are unique to the notebook computer. The tablet PC provides a convenient device for note taking and data gathering that's not practical in a desktop computer. For business professionals such as doctors, lawyers, real estate agents...these tablet notebooks do very practical 'in-the-field' chores or tasks. Other notebooks are very useful for powerpoint presentations at meetings and other gatherings.

6. Backup. The notebook or laptop can be used as a convenient backup of your vital files and programs. Often overlooked, but the notebook can provide a rather cheap and safe way to protect your sensitive data. Anyone who has had a major or total loss of their hard drives can appreciate the importance of having a safe backup system.

For those constantly surfing the net, exposing your sensitive data to all the hazards (viruses, worms, spyware,etc.) can lead to problems. Having a separate system stored on a laptop or notebook can be a good way of working around this problem.

7. Variety. Notebooks and laptops offer much more variety than the ordinary desktop PC. From a small pocket size tablet PC all the way up to a Multi-Media desktop replacement that offers TV, Stereo, CD/DVD Player, as well as a computer of course.

There is a greater range of systems to choose from; all the way from sleek custom designed notebooks to huge monster gaming laptops, there's something to satisfy most tastes. You can also buy a notebook to match your style; from IBM black to Ferrari Red. It's out there.

8. Price and Availability. Notebooks are everywhere and they're getting cheaper by the minute. Notebooks prices are coming down, as more and more notebooks are sold -- the price will drop even more. They're still slightly more expensive than a desktop PC but the gap is closing fast.

Finding a seller or dealer is very easy, shopping online directly from the manufacturer or company is also becoming very popular. In addition, there are also some very good reputable online dealers that's spreading the notebook gospel. Your dream notebook is only a click away.

9.Sex Appeal. It has to be mentioned, notebook computers are sexy! There's no denying it; these sleek, svelte machine are some of the sexiest accessories this side of a Batwatch Extra. The notebook's great looks will probably be the first drawing card for many people who's considering buying a notebook. A fully functional accessory that will not only turn heads but can also do the books.

10. Last but not least, the main reason you should consider buying a notebook computer -- because you want one. Just for the convenience, portability, or the downright pleasure of owning a notebook computer.

Besides, it's a proven medical fact that denying your wants or needs can be detrimental to your health.

Go treat yourself!


Averatec 5110hr Centrino Notebook
-- Only $649.99

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Bluetooth Handfree Headset Buying Tips

BlueTooth Headsets

By: Simon Canfield
The technological horizon has always got something new to offer, and among the most recent of these offerings is Bluetooth enhanced hardware. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this latest-and-greatest technology, headsets and headphones in the Bluetooth line offer the ability to use your cell phone without the need for hands or dangling wires. In other words, when you have one of these, you’ve got yourself a wireless piece of hardware that attaches to the ear which allows cell phone communications to take place without the inconvenience or hassle of holding the phone to your ear or trailing long wires from the headset to the body of the phone.

If you’re toying with the idea of purchasing a Bluetooth headset or set of headphones, you’ll need to understand that – (continued...)as a result of the nature of this type of technology – they aren’t as small or light as a headset that isn’t wireless. This is simply because it needs extended technology in order to function, as well as a battery to be used as its power source. What this means is that many of these sets are rather bulky and can be a bit uncomfortable. If that’s not something that you’re willing to accept, then perhaps Bluetooth isn’t the product for you.

One of the biggest benefits of this type of technology is that it affords you the opportunity to have a conversation on your cell phone without having to hold it up to your head. With the concerns of harmful radiation that’s emitted by these phones, the Bluetooth headsets and headphones serve as a buffer and eliminate the exposure to these harmful rays. It also allows you to make contact with your computer and lets you use one headset for both the cell phone and PC simultaneously. If you feel that you’re going to have the need for features such as these, then consider purchasing this type of product.

Though Bluetooth products such as these are compatible with most types of phones and carriers, that’s not true in every case. Before making a purchase, be sure that there are no compatibility issues. You’ll need to be sure that your phone complies with Bluetooth 1.1 or greater and that it offers the options of both hands-free and headset capabilities. Plug compatibility isn’t an issue, since it’s a wireless unit.

If you’re not planning to wear the headset or headphones all day, then you’ll need to be sure that they’re kept close at hand if a call should happen to come in on your phone. You may need to place it on a cord around your neck so that you’re free to move about without the worry of leaving your Bluetooth somewhere. That means that you’ll have to ensure that your equipment has a loop that will allow a strap connection.

Other things to consider are whether or not your set can be used if you wear eyeglasses, the cost and range of the unit, ease and comfortability of use, weight, the ability to switch from one ear to the other, technical support, the presence of a pairing password, appropriate monitors for battery limits, effective noise cancellation and a plethora of other features that you may feel are necessary.

About The Author:
Simon Canfield is a hi-tech enthusiast and freelance author.

View and Compare BlueTooth Headsets

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Comparing Wireless Network Technology

By: Murali Kiruba
This article discuses the various types of wireless networks and the speed, distance of each type of wireless network.

1.NARROWBAND WIRELESS LANS:

Narrowband Wireless LANS keep the radio signal frequency narrower and have an ability to pass the information along the narrower range. Though the distance through these LANS is reasonable, the speeds available aren't adequate enough for corporate users. The major problem that would occur is interference. But it can be overcome by allowing individual users onto inividual frequencies.

2.PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES: (continued...)

PCS is comprised of an entire range of mobile, portable and auxilary communications services for both business and personal use. There are 2 types of PCS as explained below

a. NARROWBAND PCS: The size of the spectrum is smaller than broadband PCS. Narrowband PCS applications include paging, text messaging, wireless email, wireless telemetry.

b. BROADBAND PCS: This type of PCS has larger spectrum compared to narrowband PCS. Broadband PCS application include all Mobile Telephone services and Mobile Data Services. All these Mobile set of services are available to the users via small. portable, multifunctional devices like digital camera, cellphones etc.

3. SATELLITE: Using satellite networks, the speed would be higher ranging around 1-2 Mbps for upload and download correspondingly. The great advantage of satellite networks is their huge coverage area, The major drawback of these networks is the delay that exists while connecting. So these networks are found to be inadequate when dealing with bursts in traffic.

4. INFRARED WIRELESS LANS: Infrared wireless LANS have a shorter available range, their speed range is increasing from 115Kbps to 4Mbps. In the near future, usage of "Very Fast InfraRed" (VFIR) may increase the speed upto 16Mbps. These type of LANS are used in Laptop to PDA transfers and between laptops.

5. SPREAD SPECTRUM WIRELESS LANS: These LANS are a wideband radio frequency technique using LANS. These LANS are both reliable and secure. The most popular WLAN used is 802.11b that runs upto 11Mbps, but the 802.11g specification can boost it up to around 22Mbps.The 802.11a with 5Ghz range can run a bandwidth around 50Mbps which can increase to 100Mbps in the near future. But the distance is less than what we get with 802.11b & 802.11g 2.4Ghz range, (i.e) around 300 feet or so. Usually considering these factors 802.11a is used in shorter distance outdoor regions while 802.11b/g is used indoors.

About The Author:
K.Murali graduated from St.Peter’s Engineering College, affiliated to Chennai University, India in Electronics and Communication Engineering in 2004. He has started his career as a Software Engineer in Net-O2 Technologies, Chennai, India. He has presented technical papers on Bio-Medical Engineering, Digital Wireless Communication, Tele-Medicine, and Spread Spectrum Techniques. His current research interests are in the areas of Biometrics and Wireless Mobile Internet.

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