If you are still faxing from a fax machine, I bet you are looking for a better way to fax.  Machines are part of old technology and they feel slow compared to new ways of communicating.  Fax has taken an evolutionary step though and now you can send and receive them in a digital way by integrating an online fax solution.

 Faxes As PDF

photo credit: henribergiusIf you haven’t heard about this technology let me explain it to you in just a few words: you basically send and receive faxes in the same way you send and receive common emails, faxes arrive to your inbox, so you receive faxes as pdf files and from there you are free to print them, according to your needs.  On the other hand, faxes are sent as an email attachment.

Secure File Format

Why a PDF file? Adobe Acrobat files or PDFs are widely used to send and receive documents.  They are readable by all types of computers and you can read them for free, using the Adobe Acrobat Reader or another free program with similar functions.  Additionally, a PDF can contain text or a scan of a document, so it is a really versatile format.

Fax Service

To receive faxes as PDF files, you will need the help of an email fax service.  These services link your fax account with your email account, but they also give you a super important feature: a virtual fax number.  This virtual number is given to you at the moment of signing up and you have the option of choosing between a local or toll-free fax number at no extra cost. This number will grab all incoming faxes (from machines or computers, it doesn’t matter) and will send it to powerful fax servers for conversion, to then be delivered to your desired email address.

Fax services work also to receive fax through Gmail or other free email provider such as Hotmail, Yahoo, or any other service you might want to use.

photo credit: Cloned MilkmenDigital voice recorders have become indispensable in the academe today because of their affordable price, ease of use and portability. Even members of the faculty say that the digital voice recorder should be put in all schools. There are so many ways both teachers and students can use it to promote better education. Students can record themselves while reading a story which they have written themselves. This will give teacher the opportunity to both evaluate the students’ writing skills and pronunciation skills in just one sitting. It is very convenient and it saves time too. This will also give teachers the opportunity to determine which students are good at writing and which are good at story telling. After all, not everybody learns the same way. Just imagine how more fun the classroom will be with the use of a digital voice recorder.

Ask any teacher or member of the academe and they will tell you that digital voice recorders are a more practical option for schools compared to IPods. You can buy digital voice recorders for as little as $50 and they are also very durable.

What I have found is that there is not just one kind of video matrix out there. I have found some models that have three input options and one output option as well as a model that has six input options and two output options. This would mean that I could simply plug each of the cables from my different devices into a different input on the matrix, then connect the output to my TV’s input. All of the connections could be made from the back of my TV, so there wouldn’t be any wires cluttering up the front of my TV. When I wanted to switch from one device to another, all I would have to do would be to use a remote to switch from one input source to another. This would be so much easier and cleaner than what we are now doing. I need to act quickly before the video input on the front of my TV wears out completely.

I also need to act before my wife breaks down. She hates the way that having the cords hanging out of the front of the TV does not allow our armoire to shut. I hate the way that pulling the cords out repeatedly eventually leads to damage to the cords as well as to the TV. We have needed to make a change for some time now, but I wasn’t sure what to do before. Now I know that purchasing a video matrix is the perfect solution to my little problem. Another thing that my wife would be pleased about is the fact that we could connect the TV in our bedroom to the same video matrix we use with our TV. We have been debating whether we should buy a DVD player for our bedroom since we both enjoy watching movies from the comfort of our bed from time to time.

With the second output option on the video matrix we could route the signal from our DVD player in the living room to the TV in our bedroom. We wouldn’t have to buy a second DVD player for our bedroom in this case. Making one purchase instead of two just makes more sense than buying a matrix for our living room and a DVD player for our bedroom. I am sick of making do without a matrix. I should have broken down and bought one long ago. In fact, I would have bought one by now if I knew what to look for. I have dealt with this problem of juggling multiple devices with one input option for far too long. I have paid my dues; in fact, I have more than paid my dues. It’s time. I can’t wait to experience the convenience of a video matrix in my own home. Except then I’ll have to worry about my children losing the remote, but that’s another story.

Kindle Fire

photo credit: Contentment Sikher

The Kindle is Amazon’s amazing invention that has changed the way people read books, newspapers, and web content. Their latest model the Kindle Fire takes your experience to a whole new level because it now has access to about 18 million movies, TV shows, magazines and books. This nifty gadget also allows free cloud storage for all Amazon content as well as six gigs of free space for non-Amazon content. At only six inches long, it is very easy and convenient to hold and will not take too much space in your bag. The Kindle Fire’s vibrant color touch screen makes movies and TV shows come to life giving you an amazing entertainment showcase in one tiny gadget. For any gadget lover, giving them the Kindle Fire for Christmas will be one thing that they will appreciate you for.

Hot Christmas Tech Gift

Among the many hot Christmas tech gifts the Kindle Fire is at the top of the list simply because it has everything that you need in one gadget. People who are always on the go will appreciate it because of its amazing convenience. Travelers who have to endure long waits at airports can pass the time by watching movies and TV shows. Business people in transit can continue working because of the Kindle Fire’s ultra-fast web browsing via the Amazon Silk. Even children will enjoy playing with this gadget because of the many highly interactive games in the Amazon store. So for any tech lover the Kindle Fire for Christmas is definitely a great idea and one that they can make use of for many years to come.

photo credit: vasile23

Listed below are tips on how to unlock your phone using a software from the internet. Simply follow the instructions provided and you can enjoy customizing your phone.

• Ulocking or jailbreaking your iPhone voids your warranty. Thus, it means that you should be extra careful in downloading applications that you want. Apple does not approve many third party applications so you should be careful not to download a virus in your system.
• Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.
• Launch http://www.easyiphoneunlock.net. This site will help you unlock the phone easily. It provides easy to follow instructions so that even those who are not that “techy” can understand the instructions provided.
• Run the program in your computer and leave your phone alone while the program jailbreaks your phone.
• Once the process is done, turn your unit off and place the new SIM card that you wish to use. Turn your unit on and enjoy the freedom of using any SIM card and adding any application you wish. This process is also applicable in iPods that you wish to jailbreak.

Put to mind that if you are having problems with your phone, have it fixed first before trying to unlock it. If you are unsure of what you are doing, consult a computer specialist or a “computer-savvy” friend to do the unlocking for you.

Kindle 4 New Features

photo credit: lytfyre

Amazon has been very secretive about the newest version of the Kindle reader, thus, no one can tell for sure what awaits us when this super popular Kindle 4 finally becomes available for sale. However, it is not a secret any more that a lot of consumers are expecting to see a Kindle with a color screen when this device finally becomes available in the market. A Kindle reader with a color screen will most definitely enhance the ebook reading experience of the users. This means one will surely enjoy reading electronic magazines, text books, story books, and even newspapers, which have various pictures, images, and illustrations.

Kindle 4 Innovations

Another important innovation that is expected to be incorporated with the Kindle 4 is the touch screen feature, which will also improve the product usage of this device as it will surely make browsing of pages even faster. This will also promote easier page navigation. With this, even the consumers who belong to older group age will be happier when this new version of Kindle ebook reader finally becomes available.

photo credit: andrewXu

When we ask what is an iPad used for, it is hard to come up with one single, or even a small list, of uses for the iPad. There is a constant supply of new applications, which are taking the iPad in a number of different directions, in terms of usage. Applications have been written for musicians to built to take advantage of the iPad and there are also applications for visual artists, to allow creation of art of various kinds.

Within the business community of iPad users, many will be using the applications that are part of iWork iPad suite which includes Pages, Numbers and Keynote. With Pages you have a word processor / desktop publishing application for creating fancy looking documents, that you would be proud to pass on to, whoever. Numbers is a spreadsheet application which allows you to use sets of data to work on, or to present as a chart. Although numbers is not as full featured as the MS office applications that you will find on a desktop computer, for most people it is sufficient to get the job done. Keynote is an excellent application for creating great looking presentations, that can be shown that directly from the iPad using the available connecting tools, iPad to VGA and iPad to HDMI.

iWork for iPad will allow you to accomplish most, if not all of your requirements for business, as far as creating documents, presentations and spreadsheets are concerned. There are other full office applications available for the iPad, but for my money, I think that iWork iPad gives the best value for general business use.

Space Considerations

photo credit: .susanne

While the L shaped computer desk with hutch is often a good option for those looking to be more efficient with their floor space, due to its l shaped design allowing for the desk to slide up against a wall and into a corner, there are some other concerns. Due to its shape, there is the possibility that the room isn’t big enough to accommodate the desk, and you might not find out about that until after you have the desk delivered to the office. To prevent this from happening, simply measure the sides of the office before you shop and compare those measurements to the dimensions of the “L.” That way, you will know for sure that your office can accommodate the desk. With that said, you also need to make sure that your office has enough vertical clearance to accommodate the hutch, which stands above the desk surface. If your office has a low ceiling, that may be a problem.

Storage Capacity

While an L shaped computer desk with hutch can help you have a cleaner desk by providing more storage capacity for less frequently used items, you may be tempted to simply take things off of your desk and put them in the hutch, even though some of those items should go in the trash. In this regard, an L shaped computer desk with hutch won’t do you much good, as the storage capacity will eventually run out as you fill it with things that ought to be thrown away. Even though this piece of office furniture gives you more storage capacity, you still need to decide on what items need to be thrown away and follow through with that decision. Otherwise, you will eventually wind up sitting in your brand new white leather office chair, with an even bigger mess than you had before.

Sharing Desk?

Some office managers use the L shaped computer desk to accommodate several workers at one time, thinking that it will result in better communication between employees, which should in turn, result in improved efficiency. However, if your employees don’t like each other, then having them sit at the same desk can increase the tension that already exists within your office.

These are just three of the many issues that may crop up when you start using your new L shaped computer desk with hutch. To help prevent some of these issues, you need to think about what you intend to use the desk for in your office, and try to identify issues that may crop up in your office from trying to use your desk that way. You may find that an L shaped computer desk with hutch isn’t your best option after all.

VMware vSphere

photo credit: @richardstubbs

The VMware training program is a virtual infrastructure program, which is very helpful in speeding the system process, security and networking issues. The computing resources acquired through this training program can be implied to make the system deliver quick deliveries to all the commands. By being a part of VMware Certified Professional training program, one will become a certified member of VMware technology. This training program will really be helpful in career advancement in IT infrastructure.

The vSphere training is an introductory program, which includes both the new and improved operations in the latest versions of VMware’s Virtual Infrastructure Suite. A background knowledge of virtualization skills would be an additional qualification, however not a mandatory requirement.

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V

If you are already an IT professional or an IT student, you will definitely be aware of  the prominence of Server Virtualization. This Microsoft training program will help in gaining in depth knowledge in implementing and managing Server 2009 Hyper-V. This is an up-to-date training program, which offers thorough training on the basics and the latest developments in managing Hyper-V with Solution Centre Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM). Microsoft Certification has a high value in the industry and it is treated as a great qualification for professionals.

ITIL Foundation V3

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a common practice supported in the entire IT service management across the globe. This ITIL Foundation is being implemented in both private and public firms, as it is one of the most practically possible implementation processes. It helps in organizing the processes of a company, by documenting every single process and delivering business value. ITIL Foundation also takes of all the IT operations, which is termed as Information Technology Service Management (ITSM).

These are a few IT training courses for you to consider in a career in IT service management.

photo credit: mackarus

Nokia E71 is from the popular Nokia E series that has had some successful phones and quite a few devotees over the past few years.  There really is not a better phone between these two Straight Talk 3G smartphones, it’s really just all about what you personally prefer.  There is no one car or piece of clothing that works for every person in the world–you have to find the one that matches your specific criteria.  In this way, you can choose one of these two phones–or skip out on the smart phone altogether and select the new touch screen Samsung t528g.  It’s a nice phone with a great touch screen and some other cool functions like app-downloading.

Straight Talk Nokia E71 is a little bit different than the Nokia 6790 two key ways.  First, it has a more “conservative” or older or more professional look (which might be the best way to put it), while the 6790 has a sliding keypad and in therefore seems to be a bit younger of a phone.  Nokia E71 also has a 3.2 megapixel camera versus the 6790′s 2.0 megapixels.  Both phones are the same price: $199.99.  Both phones work with a unlimited prepaid plan from TracFone Straight Talk and can’t be used with the basic plan.  They both have pros and cons, but ultimately the choice comes down to the phone you prefer.