Why Should You Sign Up for Colocation Hosting?

Blog provided by Electric Kitten

In an industry with many different web hosting solutions, colocation stands out because of the level of control it provides to data center clients. Like traditional web hosts, colocation providers supply security, power, storage, and other essential amenities for their client’s servers. But unlike shared hosting or cloud-based hosting, clients have full ownership of their servers. They can customize server hardware and software to their heart’s content. However, this also means that clients are responsible for providing their own servers. They cannot use the servers owned by the data center to host their website.

Colocation clients are essentially renting space in a data center, as opposed to paying for web hosting. In light of this, colocation is ideal for businesses that store their servers in their offices. Many companies find that servers take up a lot of office space and require too many employees and resources to secure and maintain. If you’d rather focus on other aspects of your business, you might want to consider outsourcing server storage to a colocation provider.

If you’re looking for colocation or server hosting in Los Angeles, contact Electric Kitten. For almost two decades, they have provided reliable colocation service, along with other web hosting options such as shared hosting and dedicated servers. Their colocation clients will have access to a state-of-the-art SAS-70 facility located in the One Wilshire Building in Los Angeles. Their hi-tech setup will ensure you recover quickly and efficiently from any technical disasters that may happen. For more information, call them today at 877-821-HOST or email them at sales@electrickitten.com.

4 Steps to Keep your Computer Safe

Modern day computers need to be constantly protected, so to speak, thanks to the existence of viruses, spam, pop-ups and so on and so forth. If left unchecked, these unwanted applications or files can hamper our system’s performance.

So, here are a few steps by which you can keep your computer safe:

#1: Anti-virus Protection

Even though most systems these days come with antivirus protection, it’s important to understand that in order to enjoy maximum benefits, one should not forget to renew the service once the term if over. Ensuring that you have antivirus software at all will ensure that you are able to keep your computer clean from common issues related to viruses and spam.

#2: Check to see if Windows Defender or Firewall is turned on

The next thing that you have to do is to find whether Windows Defender or Firewall is turned on for real-time protection. First, you’ll have to find it in the Security section and either of them isn’t available, then you can download it from Microsoft’s official site.

You can run Windows Defender for a full computer scan after which you’ll be protected from any unwanted spyware. The same goes for Windows Firewall which will protect your computer from real-time attacks. You can also use Spybot Search & Destroy to scan your computer for unwanted spyware as well.

#3: Conduct a Port Scan

You can visit grc.com and allow it to conduct a port scan to see where your system is vulnerable to hackers, and then take the necessary steps to protect your computer after that.

#4: Download the latest updates, patches and service packs from Windows

By default, most systems with Windows allow for this to take place from time to time. However, it’s a good idea to check whether the ‘automatic updates’ option is selected in order to get the latest updates, patches and service packs from Windows.

3 Steps To Determine Whether an Apple Macintosh Or PC Is Right For You?

Apple Macintosh Or PCIf you are looking for a new personal computer, a bit of research will tell you that there are PCs available using platforms based on MacOS, Windows and Linux. What makes the decision of figuring out whether any of these PCs are right for you hard is because there is very little between them

Yet a comparison between their weaknesses and strengths will help you determine which PC is right for you, and so here are a few steps to do just that:

Step #1: List out what you want to do with your computer

While basic functions such as web browsing, scheduling and management, multimedia playback and document manipulation are usually no different on these platforms, there are certain advanced features that are best on certain platforms.

For example, if you’re a gaming enthusiast, then Windows would be your choice as opposed to the other two. Content creation, the other hand, is where the Mac reigns supreme, and is considered to be perfect for artists.

Step #2: Understand the strengths of each platform

No matter what you do, don’t think that, as a whole, only one of three platforms is the best. However, there are reasons why the Apple Mac, the pre and custom-built PC exist for customers. The Apple Mac is known for great support and service as well as great looks and features while the pre-built PC offers greater compatibility. Also, custom-built systems are not only available at a better price but their performance is excellent as well.

Step #3: Understand the weaknesses of each platform

When it comes to making a comparison between the weaknesses of these platforms, usually a pre-built PC and an Apple Macintosh is priced high. As for custom-built PCs, the issue of not being user-friendly will need non-technical users to learn more about components before attempting to put a computer together.

4 Steps to Buying the Right Assembled PC

Buying the Right Assembled PCAlmost anyone knows the difference between branded and assembled PCs, where the former is built to meet general computing needs while the latter is custom-built for purposes that cannot be met by their branded counterparts.

Although, there are advantages to both types, what becomes apparent is that a lot of thought must go into buying an assembled PC.

So here are steps that can help you buy the right assembled PC:

#1: Decide whether you want a laptop or a desktop

If you’re planning to work from one location, then a desktop would be a good idea. However, if you need to move around for your work, then a laptop would work well instead. What one must keep in mind is the fact that assembled desktops are common rather than laptops.

#2: Make a list of what you might use the computer for

As mentioned earlier, an assembled computer is usually built for specific needs. So, keeping these needs in mind, you can decide whether you want an assembled or branded computer.

#3: Determine how much you can afford to spend

For the most part, assembled PCs are cheaper than branded ones as it doesn’t come with pre-loaded software. However, with customization being its advantage, one can literally decide how much can be spent on the computer or its components depending on their requirements. Make sure you determine how much you can afford to spend.

#4: Look for a reputed computer assembler

Since most of us aren’t well-versed with assembling a computer which might take too long for us to learn, it’s a good idea to look for a reputed computer assembler. The advantages are that you can discuss component options with him or her and even get in touch with them for support or maintenance later.

How to Differentiate LED and LCD Video Wall Display Systems

Summary: LED and LCD may sound the same, but they are not interchangeable.

If you are currently in the market for a new and improved visualization system, you have probably already discovered that video wall displays come in all shapes and sizes. Moreover, you may also have noticed that numerous manufacturers are using different names for the same technologies – all while making claims about which system is the best. To ensure you receive the best system for your company, you may want to consult with an expert like ConstantTech.com beforehand, so you get more for your money.

Choosing between one system over another can be extremely confusing for buyers. One of the most confusing aspects is understanding the difference between LCD and LED video wall systems. Though they may sound similar, these two systems couldn’t be more different. Each offers their own unique benefits and features. This guide will discuss the benefits of each system so you can decide what system is best for your business.

LCD Display Systems

Also known as Liquid Crystal Display systems, LCDs are flat panel displays that have been a common choice for users and those in the consumer electronics markets. Chances are, you already have been exposed to LCD technology several times a day in the form of a television, computer monitor, and smartphone.

Composed of liquid crystals smashed together between polarized glass, LCD displays are some of the most commonly used backlights today. Bright and affordable, these systems provide excellent visual performance and extremely high resolution. Companies in need of technology that can display text and images in sharp detail should consider LCDs.

LED Display Systems

LEDs, short for light-emitting diodes, are flat-panel display types that are just as popular as LCDs. However, they work very differently when compared. In an LED display, hundreds of tiny light-emitting diodes are mounted on a panel, without the use of liquid crystal or polarized glass. Rather than serving as a backlight, the LEDs directly produce the images themselves. Each LED unit is reminiscent of a tiny bulb that emits a colored light when electricity is provided.

There are no bezels in LED panels so they can be easily tiled together to form a seamless video wall. Furthermore, LED displays are also known for their extremely bright and energy-efficient output. Many believe that LED displays have the best refresh rates and color accuracy than other systems that are currently out on the market. These defining qualities make LED an excellent choice for businesses that display large-scale digital panels and other applications that require high-demand visuals.

Small Business Answering Service Benefits

Article Written by: Herb Kimble

Using small business answering services can help you to pride better customer service to your clients.

Small business answering services are a great idea for the following reasons:

Increased Responsiveness

Responsiveness means business. If callers get a person or at least a welcoming voicemail or holding phone system when they call, they are much more likely to do business with you. In addition to this is the obvious fact that if you miss a call, often you lose a customer. Having a good answering service/call center is a must regardless of your business size. Even if the business only consists of a single individual, that individual is not going to be able to answer the phone all the time while handling all the other parts of the business. A small business answering service means that a business will dramatically increase their response to calls and thus their customers.

Professional Image

Aside from the simple ability to stay in touch with potential customers, an answering service gives a small business a much more professional image. It makes the business seem to be large and well established, regardless of its actual size and time in business. This will show customers that the business is sizeable, organized, and customer savvy, and all these qualities will attract clients to the services the business has to offer.

If you have not already done so, consider getting some sort of small business answering service for your small business. It is the right decision to make on a number of levels, and it can be done quite affordable. Remember, customer communication and satisfaction is paramount for the success of a small business, and that is what an answering service or call center is all about.

Bio: Herb Kimble is a sales and marketing professional with decades of experience growing and founding firms that achieved unprecedented success. Today, Herb Kimble is based out of Los Angeles and co-founded CineFocus Productions, a movie production and soundstage rental company.

Sound and Audience Anticipations

Article by Herb Kimble.

It might shock the average movie-goer to learn that most of the sound effects he has grown to know and love over the years, familiar cues that help inform him of the world on screen, aren’t based in reality. Foley FX artists take an unorthodox approach to sound design, looking for everyday objects they can turn into sounds that feel familiar to us. Using audience anticipation, Foley artists build sounds that help to color our world using sounds that would otherwise be foreign to the rest of us. Whether you are crafting horror, action or drama, these tips will help your film sound realistic.

Find the Essence of a Sound

Think about the essence of the sound you’re trying to create. If a character is firing a gun, what era is the gun made from? Is the gun well maintained, or should it have a metallic quality to it? The question of age is just one in many factors. If the house is old, what might doors or windows sound like? If the car is a classic Chevy, what kind of rumble do you need to reproduce the engine? Once you’ve distilled the essence of what things should sound like, you can work on producing an equivalent sound.

Communicate Sound

Amateurs look to reproduce the sound in its entirety. That’s a fine approach if you have the sound equipment to pick up a high quality recording of what you need. And canned sound effects aren’t likely to give you the exact effect you are going for. Instead, look for everyday objects you can use to “fake it” and produce a sound that feels right. Want an easy place to start? Try walking over different types of tile and recording the sound of your footsteps. You’ll find the mood will change as your setting evolves.

This article was written by Herb Kimble. Herb Kimble is an entrepreneur, director, and a film producer. He is the founder of Urban Flix, a streaming network that specializes in multi-cultural content and CineFocus Productions, a film production company.

Importance of EDI services in healthcare

Nowadays, there are software and technologies that are being used in different areas, for the sole purpose of making our jobs easier. Of these technologies, EDI is the one that is being used for several purposes such as businesses, medicine and many more. According to Act Data Services, Inc. 1-800-ACT-DATA, EDI has several applications in the healthcare.

A number of EDI services aim to provide improved and better healthcare system for both the patients as well as the healthcare providers. The importance of EDI lies in the fact that it allows a secure system that helps to keep the patient’s medical records private, unless authorized by that person. This helps to reduce the possibility of your personal documents and records from being accessed by anyone. The documents are not transferred from one person to another. It is rather transferred through a software that minimizes information handling. This is because, these documents are protected by a code that can only be read by another EDI system.

EDI is an efficient system that allows a patient to make any healthcare claim quite easily. It not only reduces time needed to make that claim but also help you through the process of making that claim. It is due to this efficiency that the patients can get paid quite quickly, which would not have been possible without the EDI software.

No doubt EDI is making a great of difference in our lives.

How to Improve Productivity Without Sacrificing Morale

Summary: A happy employee can provide more to your company than you might think.

A productive mission-control environment requires a team of operators that work efficiently with one another. One of the most important considerations that an owner must place at the forefront of his or her responsibilities is ensuring every operator knows his or her role and focuses on the job at hand. Here are some tips on how to improve the efficiency of your command center without having to crack the whip.

Incentives

Every employee wouldn’t mind a bonus for outperforming his or her role. If this is the case, compensation may be what’s needed to boost morale. Now, you’re not running a charity so what you’re offering doesn’t have to be given out on a monthly basis.

Additionally, if you’re considering this, ensure that the operator knows what he or she has done to deserve this. Recognition is one of the best ways to improve morale and lower turnover rates.

Set Them Up For Success

Nothing’s worse for an operator than to work at a station without the proper tools to succeed – things like outdated computers, miscommunication between coworkers, and lack of equipment. If you’re running the show, you’ll want to make sure each operator has the necessary tools needed to perform the job efficiently.

Always be open to suggestions as well, each individual that you have on your team has something that he or she can offer. Some ideas may enhance your company’s overall level of productivity. While you ultimately are the one that’s going to be making the suggestions, you have to remember that your employees aren’t just numbers, but rationale individuals that are more than capable of outperforming themselves. You just need to bring it out of them.

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Driving Video Wall Solutions that Pinpoint Your Customer’s Needs

 

Summary: Understanding what your customer’s objectives are can help you choose what’s appropriate for their command center.

If you’re looking to recommend the appropriate video conferencing requirements, it’s all about paying attention the customer’s overall objectives. Now, there several ways that you can approach video conferencing and the only wrong way that you can go about doing this is to neglect the customer’s needs. Here is some basic knowledge that you should know so you can make the right video conferencing recommendations.

Understand Your Customer’s Objectives

How does your customer plan to use their video conferencing? How are they establishing the baseline for system requirements? Ask the customer this prior to breaking down the project as it’ll help you understand the scope of the project that you’re being tasked with.

Once you understand their objective, what their budget is, and what type of command center they are working with, you can begin recommending solutions that you believe will work for them. Don’t recommend a system that is small or too big to justify the costs – be sure that you provide a solution that’s functional and affordable for the customer or you’re likely to just push them towards another company.

Figure Out the Right Hardware and Software

Now that the fundamentals are out of the way, you can now begin to define the specific requirements and design a system that’s scaled to suit your customer’s requirements. Select the appropriate display or digital signage system and collaboration software that aligns with the company’s goals. It’s essentially like putting the pieces together after finalizing the blueprints.