I recently completed a couple of weekend trips with my family, and it occurred to me how much technology has changed the way we approach travel. At one point, I was reclined in the passenger seat with my laptop while my wife drove. That's nothing new, but what made me think about technology was the fact that I was connected to the Internet via my Motorola Droid using Bluetooth. At the same time, my Droid was connected to the stereo system in our van, streaming Internet music from our Rhapsody playlists. Droid would occasionally interrupt our music to give us navigation instructions.
Our travel plans took us to Nashville, Tennessee, and our stay coincided with the recent flooding. Before we attempted to leave the following Sunday afternoon, we were able to plan a route around the closed roads and slow traffic. I thought about the amazing progress we've made regarding technology again as we used real-time traffic data while driving to safely avoid trouble spots as they appeared.
Once again, this technology has been available in various devices in the past. However, the fact that a single electronic device can provide all of this functionality and more is amazing compared to what was available even two years ago. Most importantly, with my Droid I have several more excuses to avoid asking for directions.
As technology evolves, sometimes we find ourselves in a 'forced upgrade' situation. I have a five year old desktop computer at home that I wanted to upgrade to Windows 7. The problem is, I really needed to have 4 GB of RAM for what I'm intending to do. My older desktop computer supports a maximum of 2 GB of RAM and replacing it isn't the best option.
Windows 7 includes ReadyBoost which can help. However, even with ReadyBoost the Windows pagefile resides on the hard disk drive. The hard disk is one of the slower components of any computer. With only 2 GB of RAM, the pagefile will be heavily utilized. The result, even with ReadyBoost, is still a slow computer.
The inexpensive solution? An Intel solid state hard disk (SSD). For less than $130, I purchased a 40 GB Intel SSD and installed Windows 7, retaining my older hard disk as a data and media drive. The resulting PC is noticeably faster than it ever was when running Windows XP. I've used the same method to gain additional service life from a previously shelved IBM X41 tablet PC.
One quick note to add. Linux, Windows 7, and Windows Vista can utilize an SSD without the need for special drivers or tuning. Windows XP will usually require some performance tuning to avoid 'hesitations' or 'freezes' reported by many users.
In the current economic climate, sometimes an appropriate answer to the question of “how to retain customers” is simply to help current customers stay in business.One way to help accomplish this to help reduce IT costs.
I’m still occasionally surprised when I speak to a client about open source software and find it has not previously been considered.A brief and incomplete definition of open source software is software that is free of charge and maintained by a community of developers.In general, a typical business client assumes that a new computer setup will require a Windows license and an MS Office license.This, of course, adds hundreds of dollars to the deployment cost.
One can save hundreds of dollars when deploying a new computer [which will typically include a Windows license] by simply installing OpenOffice in place of MS Office.I’ve used OpenOffice exclusively at home for approximately seven years now with excellent results.I create and send documents to coworkers, friends, and businesses without any problems on the part of the recipient.When properly configured [for business], OpenOffice can by default save documents in the familiar Microsoft file formats of .doc, .xls, and .ppt.Additionally, the latest version of OpenOffice is able to open, convert, and edit Office 2007 documents.While some users do need specific features unique to MS Office, many need nothing beyond what OpenOffice offers and can use it to work seamlessly with MS Office users.I would even argue that OpenOffice presents less of a learning curve to users by maintaining a more Office 2003-like user experience than MS Office 2007.
Other open source applications [and there are many] to consider for the average business desktop PC user are GimpShop as an alternative to PhotoShop [a savings of $1000/user], Evolution as an alternative to Outlook/Exchange, GnuCash as an alternative to Quicken, and CutePDF along with Pdfsam as an alternative to Acrobat Professional.
If the customer is comfortable working in an environment utilizing Firefox and OpenOffice, it might even be possible to make the switch to Linux as the desktop operating system, saving the cost of a Windows license while improving stability and security.Ubuntu Linux has made great progress in this area.While the significance of Linux on the desktop is a topic of great debate, statistics do show that this represents a growing user base:http://www.w3counter.com/globalstats.php
Linux as a file server operating system can also save a customer thousands of dollars.While this does require some amount of expertise to set up, the benefit is that one can have a very secure, stable server without any of the per user charges required by Microsoft and other server OS vendors.From our experience here at Fusework Studios, it is not unusual for a Linux-based server constructed from low cost components to achieve uptimes of more than a year.Unlike competing operating systems, Linux can be updated without rebooting in most cases.
Open source software is also a solid foundation for a web business strategy or large-scale corporate Internet marketing campaign.According to netcraft.com [as of June 30, 2009], approximately 47% of all web sites are hosted utilizing open source.Apache, an open source web server, has dominated the Internet in the number of sites hosted since 1996.
It is sometimes more difficult for established businesses to move toward open source software because of legacy applications and data. However, as we recently advised a potential startup, if one is working to establish a new business he should definitely consider open source software and determine if it is a good fit.If so, open source is a great way to reduce startup and overhead costs.
Whether you’re an established business looking for a way to reduce costs or a new business trying to build a reliable, secure IT infrastructure, Fusework Studios is available to help.
One of the most recent evolutions of the laptop computer is the netbook. What is it really like to use one on a daily basis? The theory behind the product seems solid, it is designed to be an ultra-portable laptop that can be used nearly anywhere. It is not designed to be a primary computer, but is better viewed as a supplementary device to help one stay connected out of the office in a more user-friendly way than a smartphone.
Two weeks ago I purchased an Acer Aspire One for my daughter as a birthday present. I really didn't expect much, but have to admit to being pleasantly surprised. Though the touchpad is awkward because of the button locations, it is possible to touch-type on its keyboard. Performance was also a pleasant surprise.
In past years I've had many ultra-portable devices including an LG Phenom and an IBM Workpad. Both were very good for their time, but lacked sufficient processor power or an OS that was truly good enough for those devices to reach their potential. The Workpad was probably the best of its kind thanks to its keyboard. The Acer Aspire One suffers from none of the limitations of its predecessors. I find it to be ideally suited for the usual office applications along with light web browsing. The 1024 x 600 display resolution can take some time to get used to, but is ultimately a very good compromise for the 8.9" display.
Would I trade my much-loved ThinkPad X41 tablet PC for the Acer Aspire One? Not a chance, but the typical netbook seems to be the next best thing for approximately 1/5th the price.
Many non-profit organizations and schools are purchasing netbooks because of their low price, enabling more staff members or students to have computers. They're also a great option to use as guest computers for businesses that utilize interns or subcontractors.
Netbooks are yet another way that changes in technology continue to help us become better connected and more efficient in our daily lives.
I recently completed a couple of weekend trips with my family, and it occurred to me how much technology has changed the way we approach travel. At one point, I was reclined in the passenger seat with my laptop while my wife drove. That's nothing new, but what made me think about technology was the fact that I was connected to the Internet via my Motorola Droid using Bluetooth. At the same time, my Droid was connected to the stereo system in our van, streaming Internet music from our Rhapsody playlists. Droid would occasionally interrupt our music to give us navigation instructions.
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