Networking | Computer Knowledge and News

Top 3 Cheap Smartphones

Image via Wikipedia

Smartphones are not just for the affluent anymore. With the advancement in phone technology, it’s possible to own a phone that works like a mobile computer for less than $100. Choices are becoming more and more available, and the cell phone plans are becoming more affordable, too.

Blackberry

The prepaid Blackberry Curve is one of the top three cheap smartphones. It’s got all the features one expects from a mobile device. The software can be upgraded as new versions become available. In the meantime, it has the design that many business people prefer. For those who find the touch screen hard to use, the blackberry is a great choice.

Companies who provide smartphones for their employees find Bblackberry to be one of the most secure and robust operating systems available.

iPhone 3GS

If it weren’t for Apple’s computer innovation, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today with consumer electronics. The iPhone was a trailblazer that made surfing the Internet, watching videos and playing music our favorite passtimes; even when we were on the go. Today, it’s possible to get the 3GS for about half its original price. Although the 4G is in full swing, the earlier version of the phone is still a networking wonder.

Android

HTC has a droid that is inexpensive and very satisfying for anyone on a budget. It’s touch screen, like the iPhone, but it runs on the android software that is much more compatible with web applications. For the Windows fan, this is the phone to try. It will give you the feel of the iPhone without the restrictive software.

Do the research and make sure that the phone you choose will accept upgrades, so that you get more use out of it.

Filed Under: Internet, Networking Tagged With: Android, Apple, Smartphone

Playing Family Games on Your Computer

There’s plenty to do on your computer, and one of the things you can do is play games online. It doesn’t have to be a solitary activity, though. You can play games with the entire family. Depending on the age of your children, there might be a few more (or a few less) options, but there are still all kinds of things you can do. For small children, there are sites that offer games based on popular TV characters like Spongebob and Dora the Explorer. Older kids (and adults) can enjoy games like World of Warcraft, that definitely aren’t for the smaller kids. They’re too involved and may be too graphic in some cases. You, as the parent, have to be the judge of what’s okay for your kids.

One thing that’s definitely not okay for underage players is casino gaming. There are many online casino options out there, and they can be a lot of fun for adults to play. You don’t want your children to get involved with them, though, so make sure that your computer is password protected. That will keep your children off of it while you’re not around, so you don’t suddenly find them gambling all your money away because they were curious about a new game. Use passwords for these games that aren’t the same as anything else you would use, and make sure they’re written down somewhere that’s safe from prying eyes.

Children are very smart about deciphering things and finding hiding places, so don’t leave your passwords in an obvious place or use combinations that you would use for other sites. It’s too easy to figure things out that way. Of course, you want to be sure that your children can have fun with you, when you all play games on your computer. It’s just better to supervise them and make sure that they can’t get access to games that might not be appropriate for their ages.

Filed Under: Internet, Networking Tagged With: Child, Dora the Explorer, Games, Jane McGonigal, Online casino, Online game, Video game, World of Warcraft

How to Select a Career

There are so many ways to consider which career you should decide on. Most students start out by taking courses for only those subjects in which they are extremely interested in. That’s not necessarily a bad idea, because there is nothing wrong with enjoying your job, but before you jump in and only choose subjects that you “like”, you may want to look at some of the other guidelines that are suggested for those that are still unsure which career path they should take.

First off, think of your dream job. Think about what you would consider being the perfect job to have until you are at retirement age. If this is a job that is actually in high demand, there’s nothing wrong with following that dream. If the job you think you would absolutely love doing is too off the beaten path, it might make a better hobby then a source of employment.

If being wealthy very quickly after college is something you want, make sure you choose your studies in a matter that will allow you to instantly get hired into the position you desire. Many millionaires had to work as dishwashers for years until they managed to work their way up the ladder. Getting rich quickly isn’t usually an option, unless you are very lucky.

If need be, make a list of what you are interested in, and then make another list next to that with the jobs you know are available in that field. If you want to be a doctor, but cannot afford eight years of college, you might be able to cut the schooling in half and start out as a Registered Nurse, then gradually go on to become a physician. There’s nothing wrong with working your way up the ranks if it is impossible for you to manage the whole amount of time you need at once.

Filed Under: Networking Tagged With: Employment

Tips on Filling out College Applications

All students applying for college are required to fill out an application, or sometimes several different types of them. Years ago the questions asked consisted mainly of basic topics such as your name, address and educational background. Today the applications can sometimes be quite nerve wracking, due to the intense and complicated questions that are asked. Not only do most students have to provide more personal information then ever before, but many are also required to write essays and have a verbal, in-person interview before being considered.

Filling out the application can be less stressful if you follow a few basic tips from others that have recently done the same. First, be sure you understand the question completely before writing in your answer. A scribbled and corrected application will look untidy. If you are unsure of a question, ask for help from one of the student advisors. Make sure you fill in the application thoroughly. Don’t leave anything to chance by leaving a space blank, unless that is an option.

When turning in your application, be ready to produce more documents. Many times a college or university will want copies of your high school records, along with any types of awards you may have earned while in high school. You will also more then likely need a proper form of identification, along with any paperwork that has been given to you previously, especially if you are studying and attending a school abroad.

Make a list of the schools you would like to attend. Having more then one in mind is wise, just in case you are unable to enroll for some reason. Find out which schools offer the courses you need for graduation, and also check into any special areas of interest that you have to see if there are clubs or organizations you can join . Carefully filling out your application is the first step in enrolling in the school of your choice.

Filed Under: Networking Tagged With: Admission, Colleges and Universities, Education, High school, Student

Writing a Successful Admission Essay

Quite a few colleges require students that are applying to their school to submit an essay. This has become one of the best ways for colleges to grasp what the students potentials might be, along with getting a better feel of the students personality and interests. Because it plays such a major role in identifying which students might be eligible, many students get very nervous about writing their essay paper.

Each school has their own set of rules and requirements concerning essay papers. Many let the student choose the subject or theme on their own, but many will assign a topic for you to write about, which can be a little more stressful if it happens to be something that you know very little about. It can be done though, especially if you follow a few tips from others that have had the same experience. Most former essay writers advise those getting ready to write their essay to stay calm about it, and to look at it as they would any other essay they’ve ever been assigned to write. Becoming overly nervous about it may cause you to have writer’s block.

If you are lucky enough to be allowed to write an essay of your own choosing, it is always best to write about something that you know well. Make the essay unique, but try not to veer off on simply including statistics or other topics that might not hold the readers attention. Ask yourself questions about the subject you have chosen, then research each answer thoroughly, even if you know quite a bit about the subject matter. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination and even a sense of humor, if that is your true personality. Sometimes reading a good down-to-earth essay will get you in the door more quickly then writing a boring piece that doesn’t hold anyone’s attention. Pay special attention to proper spelling and punctuation.

Filed Under: Networking Tagged With: Essay

What is a Bursary?

For those attending college anywhere other then the United States, the term bursary may be used. This is the same thing as a scholarship or grant that is used by students that require financial assistance to attend a higher form of education such as college or a trade school. Bursaries are normally given to students whose parents meet the financial requirements of eligibility. The students grade point average may also play a role in eligibility, but not always. Bursaries are used by many students that otherwise may not be able to attend the college and training that they need to get the job they would like to hold in the future.

All schools tend to have their own set of requirements for a student to be considered for a bursary, but most tend to require that the student provide the necessary proof of eligibility including the income from their parents. Also included in being considered for this type of grant is proof of how many assets the parents have, along with proof of their annual income. Applications must be filled out in full and carefully so as not to make mistakes that may be misleading. Once the student is approved, the Board will most likely review the case and information yearly to make sure that the student is still eligible.If needed, they will ask for new proof or verification that the parents financial status has not changed.

Some students may only be eligible for a partial bursary, but this is still quite beneficial in helping to pay for the costs the student will face when entering school. Other types of this grant include special financial aide for students that have done well in their exams during their earlier school years. Many times these special grants are given by large businesses or companies for outstanding grades and performance.

Filed Under: Networking Tagged With: Bursary

Applying for an Academic Scholarship

Receiving an academic scholarship can be extremely helpful for a student wishing to enter college. The financial strain of attending school can be hard on many families, but for the student that has maintained a high average of grades throughout high school, the academic scholarship can be easily obtained and a real help in paying for the college education they strive to have.

There are many different ways to obtain an academic scholarship. One is by continually having a good grade point average during high school. When applying for this type of grant, the scores you earned in high school will count for quite a bit of the approval rate. Also, students that attended honors classes will be more likely to obtain consideration for an academic scholarship. Other things such as good attendance and having one of the highest grade point averages for that particular high school will make you stand out and possibly raise your chances of receiving the scholarship.

To apply for an academic scholarship you will first need to research what is available according to your needs and to see if you meet the eligibility requirements for that particular grant. You will then need to fill out the application very carefully, making sure that you leave nothing blank, unless that option is stated. You may be required to write an essay on any given subject. This may count towards your chances of being eligible for the grant, so write it to the best of your ability and have others give their true opinions on it before submitting it. After submitting your essay you are almost always required to attend an in-person interview which is also a very important part of the application process. Patience and perseverance is a large part of obtaining an academic scholarship. If you are turned down for one, try for another. There are a wide variety available to apply for, so being persistent is a necessary trait.

Filed Under: Networking Tagged With: Scholarship

White Hat Hackers

: Image via Wikipedia

A lot of talk concerning hackers in the media concerns black hat hackers. While they are by far the greatest threat out modern world faces from a system and network perspective, they are only one part of the hacker continuum. And the other two possible uses for a person’s hacking skills are not nearly so dishonorable – and in one rare group of hackers, known as “white hat” hackers, the use of hacking skills is for completely legal and even genuinely beneficial purposes. When the CEO of a company knows that they are being hacked at that very moment, and actively encourages (and pays for!) it as a service, this is a completely different animal than most hacking are.

White hat hackers are people who have superior computer skills, and who hire out their services at helping companies and governments to become better able to deal with the criminal use of “h4xx0r sk1llz” that black hat hackers typically participate in. A white hat hacker takes on the mission of doing everything in his or her power to hack into a network, for the purpose of identifying and the weaknesses therein. While there is no such thing as a completely impenetrable network (that is actually active and connected to anything), at some point everyone gives up – even the most dogged hacker has to eventually turn to other, more reasonable targets.

Simply put, the notion of having one hacker combat others through strengthening the defenses of a network is a fairly recent trend. Until the early 1980s, computers were marginalized in the Pentagon and in some very wealthy universities. But as banks began to keep customer information on servers, and as ATMs began to disburse funds, the hacker threat became clear and present to the people with forethought. Long live white hat hackers – champions of law and order.

Filed Under: Computer, Internet, Internet Business, Networking Tagged With: Hack, Hacker (computing), White hat