May 18, 2012

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Networking as an Online College Graduate

Many people believe that there are no networking opportunities available if you receive an online education. However, an online education is no different than an education received in a brick-and-mortar college, and that includes the availability of networking opportunities. Graduates have the same type of networking opportunities available, regardless of where they received their degree. The only difference is that networking as an online college graduate requires the use of the Internet and a desire to build a personal platform in which to broadcast your experience, education, and personal brand.If you are a recent online college graduate or considering online education, here’s a look at some of the networking opportunities that are available to you.

Online Forums

Many online colleges have a dedicated online forum where current and former students can go to connect with each other. These forums will sometimes have a section dedicated to employers or job posting that allows any student to start to market themselves. If your college does not have this type of forum online, there are sites like earnmydegree.com that can be used as a resource to help you find forums of this nature.

Social Media Outlets

Social media websites can be a great way for online students to network and broadcast themselves to future employers. Most social media websites have networks that you can join that will allow you to share your information and make connections that can help you develop your own personal brand or find a new job.

With a little work and dedication, any online college graduate can have the same opportunities that other graduates have to build powerful networks.

Filed Under: Computers Tagged With:

Wireless Routers Make Things Easier, But Pose Potential Security Hazards

As computers become a more widely utilized commodity, more people are connecting to the internet. In addition to computers, there are a wide array of different mobile devices that make connecting to the Internet from practically anywhere a breeze. Through this technology, wireless Internet capability has become the standard, allowing people with devices that contain wireless capabilities to access the Internet. This technology has drastically made accessing the Internet in general a much easier task. People can jump on to find an answer to a specific question they might have via utilizing one of the popular online search engines, or check their email as they are waiting for the bus to pick them up. However, with the ease of access that wireless Internet presents, it can also present potential dangers for those who are unaware of how to properly secure their connection from outside sources.

The biggest mistake people who own wireless routers make is to not set a secure password that is required to access the network. By not setting the password, anyone that has wireless connectivity capabilities that comes within range of your router signal will be able to identify your network and connect to it. This poses a number of problems; for one, they can access the shared files and other information that might be open to all users of the network. Additionally, by piggybacking your network connection, depending on what they are doing, they can be absorbing large amounts of bandwidth; thus slowing down your experience on the web.

As a result of these potential issues, it is vital to ensure you set a password set for your wireless network. Obviously, this is a fairly simplistic task that everyone can do; and ironically enough despite how simple it is, it negates about 90% of the potential dangers that instantaneous flow toward your network.

Filed Under: Advancements, Technology Tagged With: , ,

The Growing Popularity of Online Surveys

Being online, and buying online, is so commonplace anymore that no one thinks twice about it. That’s good news for people who want to start up an online business, provided they can market themselves well enough to bring in customers. Before you invest too much in your business, or if you already have a business that’s struggling and needs some help, you need to take the time to find out what your customers and potential customers really need and want from you. If you don’t know that, you aren’t going to be able to effectively market your company to the people you’re trying to reach.

One of the best ways to get information from people is through online surveys. These have become a lot more popular today with online retailers, business websites, and other people who need to get information from online shoppers. They’re easy, they’re convenient, and you can tailor them to all sorts of situations. In other words, you can have a different one for new customers, existing customers, and potential customers. Those are great opportunities to find out a lot of information, and you don’t want to assume that one survey will fit all of the people who come to your site. The more diversified (within reason) your categories are, the better off you’ll be, overall.

If you really want your business to grow and you want to see your customer service improve, surveys are the way to go. You need to find out what the people who come to your website are truly looking for. That’s especially true of the people who don’t buy anything from you. What were they after, that you couldn’t provide? Is there a way you could provide it in the future? Is anyone else looking for it, too? Answering those kinds of questions will help your business grow and succeed.

Filed Under: Advancements, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Beware of Email File Attachments

Since the widespread inception of the Internet into the average household, email has grown drastically. More people are utilizing the ease of email currently than ever before. With the increased efficiency of wireless capabilities in conjunction with the wide array of different mobile devices; the use of email is in short, booming. However, with the wide use of email for many different aspects of peoples lives, there comes the potential for dangers and various scams that malicious entities try to utilize in order to victimize unsuspecting users. These scams come in a wide variety of different forms, and can all cause detrimental effects to the end-user whom ends up as the victim.

The most common ways that these entities work is by obtaining email information for a number of different individuals, and utilizing them as a source to send automated messages to. These automated messages appear to the unsuspecting user as coming from a viable source; whether a popular and recognizable retailer such as Target, or a popular shipping company such as the Post Office or United Parcel Service. Generally, they will either include an attachment, or request personal information regarding a package or item you know nothing about. Unfortunately, many people take the bait and either open up the file or input their information due to curiosity and or confusion regarding the issue.

In many cases, the file attachment is an executable virus that requires a download and installation. The programmers tend to make it appear as if it a simple form that needs to be filled out by the recipient in order to remedy the issue in question. However, more times than not, once it has been downloaded, it turns out to be a virus that runs rampant through the system causing any amount of damage or problematic issues. Ensure you are cautious regarding emails you do not recognize.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers Tagged With: , ,

There is no Better Time Than Now to Buy That New Computer

Computers are becoming the staple of any modern household that provides a way to access the Internet for various tasks. Whether members of the family are enrolled in an online educational institution, or they like to keep in touch daily with relatives that live across the country, or in another country at that; the computer, and more importantly, the Internet is the means in which to accomplish these tasks. However, as technology increased, and the demands of the Internet and various other activities performed on the computer begin to increase with this technology, some people are finding that their computers are becoming outdated. When most people think of the cost that typically correlates with the purchase of a new computer, they tend to tell themselves that it is out of the question, and their current machine will suffice. As a result of this, as each year goes by, their computer becomes more and more outdated, and cannot perform many of the standard tasks that are prevalent in the online world.

Fortunately, one aspect of the bad economy that has actually turned out to be somewhat positive is the drastic drop in computer prices. Part of the reason why computer prices have dropped so much is due to the fact they are utilized so often now a days. However, the economy has caused people to not venture out to make purchases as much as they did prior to the recession. As a result of this, companies have been forced to lower prices in order to appeal to this new brand of cautious consumer.

There are droves of powerful brands and models on the market that vastly out perform computers even from a couple of years ago. Increases in technology have made it possible for manufacturers to pump out performance machines at lower costs than ever before. Machines that would have been considered souped up super computers five ears ago are being released as the standard in specifications, with higher end models exhibiting ridiculous specifications. As a result of this, there has never been a better time to find yourself a viable computer upgrade.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers Tagged With: , ,

Pay Attention to Those Email Downloads

Practically everyone has en email address that they utilize on a regular basis. No matter the generation, young or old, email has become a pivotal aspect of our society in terms of how we communicate with family, friends, and in a business sense. As a result of this, millions of emails get sent out on a daily basis that range from simple salutations to intricate project proposals. However, there is one aspect of emailing that can be somewhat dangerous, and many people are unaware of the potential detrimental effects that this element can cause to their computer. The problem being referred to is transferable files that are attached to emails. The unfortunate fact of email, and the Internet in general is that there are malicious entities always working behind the scenes in an attempt to scam people and or infect their computers with executable viruses. Email is a large target for these entities because of the mass volume that flows through various services.

One of the most widely used ways for a potential hacker to gain access to a computer via a virus is by sending a file to someones email that is the virus in its dormant form, requesting that the person open the file and install it. The majority of the time, these emails are disguised as a reputable entity such as The Post Office or a favorite retailer stating that something is wrong, or that the potential victim has won something and needs to open the file to view a specific document. For the most part, it is simple to tell that these emails are fraudulent, however, people who are less experienced and slightly more naive take the bait and open the files. When the file is open, the user unknowingly installs the malicious software onto their machine and are usually completely unaware that it is running in the background.

There are many other types of viruses that can be transferred via an attached email file; As such, ensure you completely avoid opening email attachments unless they come from a 100% trusted contact.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers Tagged With: , ,

The Problem With Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Over The Internet

As the Internet has become more popular over the years, more people who have less experience than others are pouring onto the web. These people present opportunities for hackers and other developers of malicious software to victimize through various tactics. One way in which these unethical entities launch their attacks is via a variety of different viruses. Unfortunately, the people who are developing these viruses are fairly innovative and underhanded in their tactics as getting the virus on a specific computer. Among the most popular ways to get a computer infected is through peer-to-peer sharing services that used to be extremely popular, and still remain a way that people transfer and share various files.

The problem with peer to peer file sharing is that people are put into an atmosphere in which they can practically download anything and everything. These atmospheres present a slew of different material that range from pirated versions of popular software, to videos and games. It is extremely easy for a hacker to write an executable program, rename it something that is popular among the various down-loaders, and serve it. For the most part, people will notice that the item in which they are downloading has the .exe extension, throw a red flag immediately and stop downloading it. However, with the vast amount of new Internet users that are unaware of checking file extensions, as well as the fact there are many people online who are unethical in their practices, these executable files get downloaded and installed on a regular basis.

The viruses that come attached to these downloadable files can range from practically anything. Among the most widely used are viruses that act as a gateway for the developer to access the computer, otherwise known as a Trojan virus. Additionally, these gateway viruses can also act as a hub for other viruses in that once they have infected your machine, they will continuously download a steady stream of additional viruses onto your machine, exponentially infecting it. As such, if you are unfamiliar with them, avoid peer-to-peer file sharing services.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers Tagged With: , ,

The Importance of Maintaining Computer Hardware

Computers have been growing in popularity at a rapid rate over the past few decades. More people are taking the plunge and purchasing computers due to their immense versatility and importance in this fast paced modern society in which we all live. Additionally, businesses rely on computers for a wide array of their operation that decades ago, would have been dependent on a human. As a result of this, it is vital to ensure the computer is properly cared for so it will exhibit the longevity that it can as well avoid any catastrophic occurrences such as mass loss of data.

In caring for your computer, there are a couple fairly simplistic guidelines you can follow to ensure the hardware is not neglected and left to the harmful elements that can damage the components in your computer case. The first guideline to abide by is to consider changing the actual placement of the computer itself. Many people tend to place their computer towers on the floor. This may seem like something that is logical and would not put the computer at risk, however, it can be an issue if left unchanged over a long period of time. The main issue that persists is a build up of dust in and around the case. Additionally, depending on the placement of the case on the floor, specific vents could be obstructed by the carpeting. When looking for proper placement for your computer tower, place it on a solid surface that is elevated off the ground at least three to four inches.

A second and equally simple guideline to abide by to ensure your components remain in good shape is to regularly inspect the inside of your case and clean it of all debris, the most common being dust. Take a can of compressed air to the components of your computer at least once a month. Unfortunately, dust, as common as it is, is one of the most detrimental elements to computer components and can cause a slew of issues if left unchecked.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers Tagged With: , ,

Safe, Easy and Legal File Sharing is Not as Oxymoronic as You Think

File sharing can be nerve-wracking. Is it a legal site? Could the file contain a virus? Is it worth the potential risks? There are certainly plenty of websites on the Internet that are not legal, will disseminate virus-ridden files and are not worth the risks, but there are also plenty of completely safe and legal sites. File sharing is an important service for many users. Grandmas need to see photos of their grandchildren; businessmen and women need to transfer documents to clients; and everyone wants the ability to send music to their friends. The following list is a rundown of various file-sharing sites that won’t burn you.

  • MediaFire: This website does not limit your uploads or downloads, has a simple interface, and is compatible with many social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The only limit MediaFire enforces is a file upload size of 200 MB.
  • Google Docs: Google Docs is mostly for documents and spreadsheets and is popular in the business world. Forms can be uploaded, downloaded and edited easily with the clean Google interface. The maximum file size is 1024 MB, as is the maximum storage space.
  • RapidShare: The best advantage of RapidShare is the ability to upload and download multiple files simultaneously. For the user with a large library that wants to upload everything they have, RapidShare is a great service. The maximum file size is 500 MB.
  • FileFactory: Less known than some of the others, FileFactory provides huge file sizes (2000 MB) and an even huger maximum storage space (500 GB). It’s fast and reliable, and FileFactory even pays the user for every 1000 downloads.
  • Megaupload: Easily one of the most sought-after file-sharing services, Megaupload gives the user a maximum file size of 2048 MB and 200 GB of storage space.

Safe and easy file sharing depends on knowing the right websites to wield. If you choose any of the above, you’re on the right track.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers Tagged With: ,

Do You Really Need a Firewall?

When you leave your front door unlocked, one of two things could happen: nothing and something. Perhaps no one will come through your door, but you’re completely unprotected if someone does decide to try the knob. That’s what it’s like to have a computer connected to the Internet without applying a firewall. Depending on your neighborhood, you might never have a home intruder. Although the Internet is a bit like a vast and scary neighborhood, there are pockets that are safer than others. For this reason, not everyone needs a firewall, but it’s still advantageous to have one.

The following list contains three examples of network setups and the security risk of each.

  • Dial-up home computer: This is the most secure computer setup. It is also, however, the slowest. Hackers usually look past dial-up networks due to the nature of the connection. It’s more difficult and less beneficial for an intruder to hack a computer using dial-up Internet. Thus, if your home computer is set up as such, the use of a firewall is not necessary. The likelihood of an attack is minimal.
  • High-speed connection: Computers connected in this manner are at a high risk for hacking because they are almost always connected to the Internet. A firewall would be very helpful in this situation.
  • Small business computer: Regardless of the connection used by the small business, it is in the interest of that business to invest in a powerful firewall due to the vulnerability of such a network and the possibility of important and private documents to be compromised.

The idea of “needing” a firewall is actually misleading. Anyone can surf the Internet without one; firewalls are just a means of protecting your system from looming threats. Most experts would agree that employing a firewall is in every user’s best interest if they are worried about their privacy, but it’s not a requirement. But neither is locking your door.

Filed Under: Advancements, Computers Tagged With: ,
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