It will not be an exaggeration to say that information is one of the most important issues for any business. Dissemination of the data to the concerned people is equally vital. Computer networking came into being to make the communication between the computers faster and easier. It not only provides faster communication, but also enabled the users to access remote programs and remote databases of the same enterprise or other organizations.
Apart from this, there are other reasons also to employ computer networking. Through computer networking, cost could be reduced by sharing hardware and software resources and by downsizing to microcomputer-based networks instead of using mainframes. Gathering information from multiple resources has become easier, which ensures the reliability of the data.
As per definition, computer networking is nothing but the process of connecting multiple computers for the communication purpose so that information as well as resources could be shared by all connected devices.
Categorization of computer networks could be done based on vast range of characteristics like medium used for communication, scale, networking topology used, communication protocol, etc.
Mediums used by computer networks
For communication between two devices, a medium is must. There are several mediums, such as electrical cable, optical fiber and radio waves which are used for networking. Electrical and optical fiber are used in wired technology while radio waves are employed in wireless technology.
Wired Networks
In the wired technology, twisted pair cable is the most commonly used medium for communication. Twisted pair wire is made of metal wire that are twisted into pairs. Computer networking wire contains 4 pairs of metal wires, which are used for data as well as voice transmission. The purpose of using twisted wires is to minimize noise which is caused by electromagnetic induction and crosstalk. There are two pairs of twisted wires, namely Unshielded Twisted Pair and Shielded Twisted Pair. The speed range of twisted pair cable is 2 million bits per second to 10 billion bits per second.
Another widely used medium in wired technology is coaxial cable. It is mostly used for local area networks, cable television systems, etc. It is made of metal wire, covered with insulating layer of a flexible material with a high dielectric constant, all of which are wrapped by a conductive layer. The purpose of using insulating layer is to minimize noise and signal distortion.
Optical fiber is the another communication medium, invented in the second half of twentieth century. Its components are filaments of glass fiber covered in protective layers that transmits data by means of pulses of light. It carries light signals over long distances. Electromagnetic interferences cannot affect the signals carried by it. Its maximum transmission speed could touch trillions of bits per second.
For all types of cable malfunctioning, network support is provided by many service providers.
Wireless Networks
There are several widely used wireless technologies, such as Wireless LAN Technology, Communication Satellite Technology, Infrared Communication Technology, Terrestrial Microwave Technology, etc.
Wireless LAN Technology employs hi frequency technology, which is akin to digital cellular and low frequency radio technology. This spread spectrum technology connects multiple devices in a limited area. Wireless LAN in an office or home could be easily set up with the help of numerous PC support providers.
Communication satellites utilizes microwave radio signals as communication medium because microwave radio signals are least affected by earth's atmosphere. Data, voice and TV signals are transmitted and received using microwave radio technology.
Infrared Communication Technology is used to transmit signals between devices within short distance. The maximum distance covered by this technology is typically 10 meters.
Terrestrial Microwave Technology employs low gigahertz signal range, that restricts transmissions to line of sight. The maximum distance between microwave signal relay stations is 48km.
Wireless computer network is the backbone of business and technological processes, which could be immensely damaged if the networking system breaks down. In that eventuality, online PC support should be used to set the networking system right.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6513212
Hackers have found a new hook to trick people into opening malicious attachments: send emails that purport to come from office printers, many of which now have the ability to email scanned documents.
"This is a new tactic we haven't really seen before," said Paul Wood, senior intelligence analyst for Symantec.cloud, the company's web-based security and email branch.
The emails invariably contain some kind of Trojan downloader, which can be used to download other malware or steal documents from the computer
Symantec published examples of the emails collected recently in its latest monthly Symantec Intelligence Report. The emails at first glance look quite convincing, with a subject line "Fwd: Scan from a HP Officejet." The email reads "Attached document was scanned and sent to you using a Hewlett-Packard HP Officejet 05701J" and then "Sent by Morton."
Wood said it is common for the scammmers to spoof the sender's name and make it appear the email came from the same domain as the one that belongs to the recipient. Some of the messages captured by Symantec appear to be at a cursory glance internal company email, which makes it more likely that the person who receives the message will open the attachment.
The attachment is a ".zip" file, which is odd. Wood said it is unlikely that most printers with the email sending ability can actually send a ".zip" file, as those printers mostly send image file, he said.
Although Windows has the ability to open ".zip" files, there is evidence the scammers are trying to obscure the ".zip" extension for those who use third party tools to unzip the content. In some archiving tools, the malicious attachment appears to have a ".doc" or ".jpg" file extension. The hackers have manipulated file names to make it less likely to arouse suspicions, Wood said.
The overall social engineering technique is along the same lines as other methods observed of late, such as sending emails purporting to be from well known couriers with various malicious attachments, Wood said.
Source : computerworlduk
The College of Engineering will soon have a new 3-D printer, allowing students and faculty to create models of their work using plastics and other types of materials.
The Objet 30 printer is a newer, better version of the engineering department's current 3-D printer, according to Hamid Hefazi, mechanical and aerospace engineering chair.
The mechanical and aerospace engineering department (MAE) will use the printer in a number of required courses that focus on computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).
Christiane Beyer, associate professor in the MAE department, uses 3-D printers and other manufacturing technology to teach her CAD/CAM class.
"This Additive-Manufacturing technology is an excellent addition to our newly established laboratory with cutting-edge technologies," she said via email. "It will provide superior educational opportunities to our students, particularly in their capstone design projects as well as many qualified research projects."
Students working on design projects such as gearboxes, automobile parts, rocket parts or airplane parts will complete their models using the printer. It works layer by layer to build a functional 3-D model part after the dimensions are created using computer software.
"The printer, aside from being more accurate, uses a different type of material to build the part," Hefazi said. "The parts built by the previous printer were not really functional. This one uses plastic, and you can actually use the part. It's functional."
The printer was purchased using a $50,000 grant from the DENSO North American Foundation, and is expected to arrive in early October. It will be the newest addition to the Automotive, Research, Development and Education Laboratory.
"I think the 3-D printer will add more depth to the computer-aided design lab," said Kyle King, senior mechanical engineering major. "It's something other schools don't have, and more students will want to attend CSULB because it's something a lot of schools don't offer."
This printer is also faster and more accurate than older models. It is an expansion of the rapid prototyping laboratory.
"Up to now, what you would do is you would design a model and see it on the computer, but you didn't have an actual physical model to see how it works and functions," Hefazi said. "This device, the 3-D printer, actually makes a physical model of your computer design."
Rapid prototyping the technique used to quickly create a model using data from a computer-aided design program, which is how the printer functions. The MAE department is in the process of expanding the lab, according to Hefazi.
"Rapid prototyping is an emerging technology of tremendous potential," Hefazi said in a press release. "By funding the MAE department's acquisition of this additive-manufacturing system, DENSO has empowered our faculty and students with the ability to engage in state-of-the-art research and development projects in this arena."
The DENSO North America Foundation was established in January 2010, as an extension of the DENSO Corporation in Japan. The foundation awards grants to colleges and universities throughout North America in an effort to advance higher education in engineering and related programs, and to develop a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
For most people, a computer has become a necessary part of their daily lives. Whether it is for work or personal use, we often have to print out a number of documents on a daily basis. As with any device, we have to make adjustments. When using a computer printer, one will expect at some point to see their toner run low. One has a couple of options to fix the problem when their computer printer toner runs low.
Although the printer runs electronically, it needs the toner cartridge to provide toner for the printed paper. One choice you have when the printer toner runs low is to purchase a new toner cartridge. A new cartridge is expensive, so it may take more sense to refill the cartridge when you notice blurry and faded printed copies. Because toner cartridges can be expensive, check online for special deals on toner or ask an office supply store about rebates, discounts, and sales. It is important to know what type of toner cartridge you use before making a purchase. When replacing the toner cartridge, open the printer's interior panel. Locate the cartridge handle on the inside. Once you got the handle, pull out and up to remove the used cartridge. Insert the new cartridge in the spot where you removed the old cartridge.
A cheaper way of fixing toner that is running low is to refill the toner cartridge with new toner. When refilling a toner cartridge, make sure you have the right toner. If not, you could damage the printer. You can do the refilling or have someone else do it for you. There are many online sites that sell toner refill kits. A quality refill kit will come with a set of instructions. If not, and you are unsure how to refill the cartridge, get a professional or contact the printer manufacturer or a computer store for help with refilling. Your toner refill kit will have the tools and toner to refill your cartridge. After refilling, reseal the hole with the tools from the refill kit. There are toner refill kits for cartridges where you burn the fill hole and then when done, there will be aluminum tape in the kit to secure over the hole. Shake the cartridge and then reinsert the toner filled cartridge back into the printer. One cartridge should only be reused about three times before you buy a brand new one. As well, there are now printer toner cartridges that contain 'smart chips' which will have to be replaced for the cartridge to perform past its life expectancy. When refilling a toner cartridge, make sure you are refilling it while wearing old clothes and over an old towel so you do not make a mess on an item that you like.
Fixing a printer with toner running low does not have to be difficult or expensive. As long as you know what your options are and what to do, fixing it will not be a problem and you will be able to continue with high quality printer output.
Source: EzineArticles
So once we get down to the dollar for dollar, the modern equation has changed, even though the standard answer from printer dealers hasn't.
Of course, the question of repair cost and printer cost isn't the only thing to consider anymore. You have to consider down time, technological advances, and a whole mess of other things. In the end, you won't get a short, simple answer... but you can make a list of pros and cons taking into account each of the following:
Small Consistent Repairs - If a machine breaks down every other month, it's probably time for an upgrade... even if the repairs are cheap. They aren't supposed to break often. If yours is, then either the parts are getting old and brittle, or the machine itself isn't made for the amount of work you're giving it. An acceptable 'break free' period is four months.
Parts - With smaller machines, parts availability is usually the deciding factor when trying to decide whether to replace or repair. Especially with inkjet printers. As a matter of fact, the odds of being able repair an inkjet machine is very slim, because inkjet parts are usually not manufactured--the machine was designed to be replaceable.
Down Time - Sometimes it's not the end of the world when a machine sits in the corner for a week waiting for parts. Sometimes it is the end of the world. If your business relies on your machine, then you need to consider a few things: 1-Is the machine reliable enough to go for long periods without breaking? 2-Is the machine a popular model, and are there parts readily available when the machine DOES break? 3-do you have anything for 'backup'? If you answered 'no' to any of these questions, you ought to think about buying a good, reliable, POPULAR machine.
Technology - Hey--it changes, and it changes fast. If you're still using something with a parallel port, then it might be time to switch over. Yes, they'll always have things to help you convert from USB to parallel, but there are other software and memory changes that might make it impossible to use old printers. If you're thinking about upgrading your computer systems in the next couple of years, you ought to upgrade your printer as well.
Supplies - It's really hard to let go of an old printer when you have a whole stack of unused toner cartridges. Especially if you can't sell them to recover some of your cost. If the printer is costing too much to repair, then you end up spending a dime to save a nickel. However, some of the 'old reliables' can be used for bulk printer or for back-up printers, so it's not always a total loss.
While these are all good things to consider when paying for a printer repair, sometimes the final decision comes down to a simple budget consideration. The most important question might simply be: Do we have enough money budgeted for a new printer? Your technician can't help you answer that, but his experience can usually help you foresee the price you'll pay if you hold on to your old machine.
Source: EzineArticles
Gone are the days when the typewriter was the main piece of office equipment. This antique has been replaced by computers that enable employees to work at the speed of light. It is not unusual to see two projects pulled up on a computer screen while the employee is composing an email and talking on the phone. The laser printer is the sidekick of the office computer and it sees an enormous amount of use. Companies suffer big losses when they fail to have laser printer repairs completed in a timely manner by a professional.
In a recent business survey of over 3,000 individuals in charge of corporate printing functionality, 72 percent reported downtime at least monthly. The main reason why employees could not print? Staff failure to report that the printer was malfunctioning. In the largest companies surveyed, 43 percent said their staff was lax in reporting a faulty printer. This means that in any given month, over 250 employees within a single business suffer at the hands of printer downtime.
Ignoring an issue like printer repair is detrimental to a company. To succeed in this economy, a business must be faster, leaner, and more creative than its competition. Leanness comes at the hands of the most productive workers and creativity spills from their minds onto the computer screen. To get their best ideas into hard copy form, laser printers are required. If the office printer is not working, the business is not able to produce fast results.
Inexperienced repair technicians often have difficulty identifying what is preventing the device from operating. They have not witnessed the variety of things that can go wrong with a laser printer. Workers with decades of experience have seen it all. This enables them to quickly diagnose and address the issue, whether it is a worn out part or a tiny paper jam deep in the workings of the printer.
Printer repair is a necessary expense, but it does not need to be wasteful. By calling on the most skilled service companies to perform the repair, a business saves money in the end. The printer will be fixed properly the first time and will be optimized for use within the busy office environment. Running diagnostic tests enables repair technicians to identify potential issues before these begin affecting printer operation.
The most skilled repair technicians know how to properly take apart the equipment to get at the heart of the issue and they reassemble the device like the professionals they are. When desired by the client, spare parts can be used to save the business money on things like fuser and other major assemblies. Refurbished parts help to reduce environmental waste and are backed by a warranty.
Poor management of the printing function costs the average business over $125,000 annually in lost productivity. For companies with over 250 workers, this figure can reach nearly $1 million. A business can recoup this cost simply through timely reporting of printer faults and laser printer repairs by only the most experienced professionals in the field.
Source: EzineArticles
As part of their endeavor to contribute towards saving the ecosystem, Dell has come up with recycling solutions which is offered for not only Dell printers and Dell computers but even for other computers, printers and other hardware manufactured by other companies. This is probably one of the largely convenient alternatives for everyone since Dell already has the proper infrastructure for programs pertaining to recycling. In addition to this, Dell has various recycling events to educate people with reference to the dangers of inappropriate disposal of Dell printers.
The following points will elaborate on the need and way of recycling of Dell computers and printers.
1. The reasons for recycling Dell computers and Dell printers
Computers and printers of Dell and other companies must be recycled owing to 2 primary reasons:
The different materials in the computers as well as the printers can be used again for the production of various new kinds of products. This in turn will result in lessening the quantity of material which goes into the landfills as well as in reducing the requirement for the different kinds of raw materials needed in the manufacturing of computers and printers.
Few constituent materials of the computers as well as the printers ought to be disposed off or reprocessed in a particular way in order to guard the environment.
2. Regarding the data on the hard drive
Prior to recycling the Dell products, a backup is required for all the indispensable data as you will be removing all the data from the hard drive. Also, you are liable for removing or deleting all the data which is in your computer hardware.
3. The recycling program of Dell
Dell has an extensive recycling program. It includes computers and printer hardware along with printer ink cartridges as well as toner cartridges. As a matter of fact, Dell has taken it upon itself to recycle its branded computers and printers absolutely free of cost when you buy a fresh Dell printer. Most importantly, Dell accepts the computers, printers and other hardware from different manufactures for recycling.
4. What do you need to do?
To be able to recycle your Dell printers and computers visit the dell recycle support page.
Choose the 'Item Type' which is applicable to your product that you wish to recycle. Then enter the 'Unique Product Identifier' to begin the gratis recycling program by clicking on 'Recycle Now'.
In this way you can very easily get your old Dell Computers as well as Dell Printers recycled. The most critical component to dispose is the monitor of the printer which has a CRT or cathode ray tube. It has lead that can pollute drinking water if disposed carelessly.
The chips and other semi conductor parts both in the computer as well as the monitor may have large amount of cadmium. Batteries and some components in the motherboard have mercury. Dell takes care of segregating these metals and for reuse. Besides, it also saves you the time as well as effort with which you would otherwise dispose your computers and printers.
Dell is the first manufacturer to have made this kind of an eco friendly move and it has been appreciated globally for its outstanding contribution. Dell has expanded its recycling program through a number of tie ups with different organizations.
Source: EzineArticles
