Convergent Technologies Group http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com Most recent posts at Convergent Technologies Group posterous.com Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:15:42 -0700 The Internet Identified http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/the-internet-identified http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/the-internet-identified

Sometimes the most basic questions are the hardest to answer.

For example: What is the Internet?

Um ... it’s that thing we can’t imagine living without. It’s how we work, buy stuff, watch videos, communicate, share memories, conduct research, tell jokes, catch up with friends, etc.

In 1995, 15 percent of adults were online. Now, it’s above 75 percent, and for certain demographics (adolescents, educated adults, rich folk), the percentage is over 95 percent, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project.  

We’re all on Internet. But what IS it exactly?

Lucky for us, learning about the Internet is just a quick Internet search away. But before you go down the Wikipedia wormhole, we suggest starting with Business Insider’s handy guide: ‘What The Heck Is The Internet?’

Or, since remixing information is a hallmark of the Internet age, you can just stay here and read our synopsis of Business Insider’s (BI) primer on the Internet. Ready? Okay!

The Internet to put it briefly, according to Business Insider (BI):

  • The Internet is an interconnected network, or network of networks.
  • The Internet is the aggregate of the computers (servers, desktops, laptops, etc.) that share information via telephone wires and satellite links; these computers are all connected by a common software standard called Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP).
  • Most us connect to the Internet via an Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) network. The three largest ISPs in the U.S. are AT&T, Comcast, and Road Runner. BI: “When you connect to an ISP, your computer becomes a part of its network. That network is already connected to another larger network, and that network is connected to yet another network, and so on and so forth across the globe.”
  • The two basic components of the Internet are servers and clients. Servers are machines that provide services (get it?) to other machines. Clients (desktops, laptops, smartphones, etc.) use these services. BI: “So when you sign online at work, your computer becomes a client that’s accessing a Web server.”
  • Every device that connects to the Internet has a unique numerical IP address
  • The World Wide Web, or web, is just one ‘layer’ of the Internet. There are other layers. For example, POP and IMAP are distinct layers that govern the transmission of email across the Internet. The web layer (officially known as HTTP) of the Internet was invented in the late 1980s by American Tim Berners-Lee. BI: “The net is all the pages that can be accessed using Web browsers [e.g. Explorer, Firefox].” Often used interchangeably, the Internet and the Web aren’t the same thing. The web is a small slice of the larger Internet pie.
  • All domain names have a corresponding numerical IP address. Example (courtesy of Wikipedia): the domain name www.example.com translates to the IP address 192.0.32.10. The Domain Name System was created to make the Internet more user-friendly (domain names are easier to remember than long strings of numbers).

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Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:55:38 -0700 Why is consumer-based technology important http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/why-is-consumer-based-technology-important http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/why-is-consumer-based-technology-important

Technological growth is now motivated by consumer trends. Companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft are all growing because of the innovations being made in line with consumer demands. These consumer-based technologies are providing fantastic advancements and creating deeper levels of practical implication. A great example of this is the Google search engine. At the core of Google’s success is its ability to develop technology in response to consumer trends. It is obvious that most modern technology is consumer-based, but how has this trend affected technology as a whole? Here are some examples:


User-Generated Content


Consumer trends have shown a high profit in enabling more integrated content to be developed by a greater number of third party institutions. Essentially, this means that more independent developers can make programs that run well on advanced devices, like the iPhone. Apple has designed the iPhone with this level of customization in mind and in doing so, expanded the use and practicality of their devices. User-generated content is a direct byproduct of consumer-based technology.

User-Friendly Applications

Because consumers drive the technological market, technology has been developed with user friendliness in mind. Remember Windows 97? Had Microsoft not updated each version of its operating system with more user-friendly features, they may not have maintained their status as a leading OS developer. Consumer-based technology has motivated developers to design easy-to-use products, which has affected the direction of technological innovation.

User Involvement

Consumer-based technology is now a normal part of growing up. Believe it or not, video games have been a large motivator for technological advancement. Game creators are always looking for new ways to involve and include users with their technology; a perfect example of this is the Xbobx Kinect. The Kinect is the latest in motion-capture technology that allows the player to interact with a game by moving without being connected to any device. This technology has found other applications; with your motions you can now search for a movie on Netflix, visit your favorite website, and send a voice-dictated email.

Because consumers supply the demand for technology, consumers will direct the growth of technology. Many of these advancements may seem trite or simple, but the key to determining their worth is looking to the future of how they will be implemented.  What would it mean if doctors could customize body scans from patient to patient, or if writing program code were so easy that anyone could do it, or if motion capture technology could help you assess your workout routine? Consumer-based technological advancement isn’t a bad thing, it’s the future.

To see some specific ways consumer technology is being implemented practically, take a look at this article.

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Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:04:17 -0700 How technology has changed the resume http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/how-technology-has-changed-the-resume http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/how-technology-has-changed-the-resume

The classic resume is a standard of professionalism that has been agreed upon between prospective employees and prospective employers since the dawn of the barter system. The traditional resume typically consists of a white piece of paper, size 12 font, and an easy to read list of skills and accomplishments designed to convince any reader that the author is a talented and skilled worker. However, recent years and economic stress have driven applicants to generally be more creative when formatting their resumes, resulting in some truly ingenious creations. The new technological market has developed a need for creative thinkers. Whether you are creating a resume or reviewing one, here are a few things to consider.

When Creating a Resume

Make your resume as professional as it is creative. Don’t forget that this is a representation of your ability to perform well in the job you are applying for. If you err on the side of being too creative, you might run the risk of leaving out important information about your relevant skills. However, don’t shy away from presenting that information creatively. Here are a few tips to start you off.

  1. Be multidimensional. Designing your resume as an infographic will help you stand out as well as represent the many layers of your personality. Check out this example: Infographic
  2. Let your style match your personality. If you work best by yourself, let that be represented in your design. If you work best in a group, let that be represented as well. Take a look at this example: Design and style
  3.  Add some flair. Many businesses take PDF files in place of a hard copy resume. Formatting your resume in new ways allows you to show off your skills and, if applying for a tech-savvy job, could help you land the gig. Here is a great example: Flair

When Reading a Creative Resume

If you’re in the position of reading resumes, especially at a small business, be open to accepting those that are creative and not just a simple list of talent and accomplishment.  A creatively designed resume may seem silly and unprofessional, but it tells you a lot about the applicant. It shows that they have the ability to think outside the box, aren’t afraid of taking risks and are clever. These qualities are ones that might be left unrepresented in a classic resume but are also paramount to the success of any business, large or small. Keep in mind that if someone submits a creatively designed resume, they could be an invaluable asset.

As social evolution and technological advancement progress, applicants will find more and more creative ways to present their talents. Being open to exploring these avenues as both creator and audience will allow you to improve your business or career. As in most things in life, keeping an open mind can never hurt.

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Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:25:22 -0700 Internet news: The Web just got bigger http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/internet-news-the-web-just-got-bigger http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/internet-news-the-web-just-got-bigger

In the not too distant future, you might start to see websites that end in .food or .microsoft.

After years of looking at the implications, haggling over the details, and browsing through public comments, ICANN, the Internet’s governing body, has voted 13-1 to radically expand the quantity and character of domain endings.

In a release, ICANN called it “one of the most significant changes ever to the Internet's Domain Name System.”

ICANN, if you’re unfamiliar, stands for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. It is a non-profit organization based in California that oversees Internet-related issues on behalf of the U.S. government. The bulk of the organization’s work focuses on the management and allocation of top-level domains (TLDs) and IP addresses (those things that look a bit like phone numbers).

Peter Dengate Thrush, chairman of ICANN's board of directors said the change “will usher in a new Internet age,” adding, “we have provided a platform for the next generation of creativity and inspiration."
Currently there are 22 TLDs, such as .com, .org, and .net. Now, in theory, the sky is the limit: Internet address names will be able to end with almost any word in any language.
But before you decide to rush out to secure www.awesome.dude, check your bank account balance, and get ready to make a good argument for your awesomeness, because there’s some fine print with this new change:

  • It will set you back a hefty $185,000 just to apply for a new general top-level domain name
  • The approval process will take months and may involve governments and other agencies
  • Individuals or organizations will have to show a legitimate claim to the name they are buying

Get more
information: http://www.icann.org/

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Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:42:52 -0700 How to use video for your business http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/how-to-use-video-for-your-business http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/how-to-use-video-for-your-business

Web video is a very simple and effective way to convey information about a business, yet many businesses still aren’t utilizing it. If you’ve been wondering how you can use videos for your business, take a look at these great examples.


Testimonials

Sharing your business’ success stories is a great way to grow your business through word of mouth. In order to do this, many companies ask for testimonials – which satisfied customers are often happy to give. Requesting a video testimonial can make that success story more effective than ever.

Chances are, your clients know how to create a video and have a webcam built-in to their computers. If you are able to get a video testimonial, instead of a written one, it really brings the story alive to prospective clients.

Replace written content

Most business websites are text-heavy and don’t offer much excitement. Throwing a video or two into the mix can make your site easier for your clients and prospects to find their way through.

Try replacing some standard, informational text with a video that describes your company in order to liven up your site a little and intrigue your site’s visitors.

Educate!


How to” and demo videos are great ways to educate your clients and prospective clients about your business. Although you may not actually sell products that you can demo, there are still plenty of ways to educate clients about something relating to your business.

Restaurants, for example, can create a video on how to properly prepare an artichoke, or something along those lines, that anybody could find useful. Videos of this sort are great because they make you look like an expert in your field.

Web video is a growing medium and a great way to share your stories and ideas with your audience. For even more ideas on using web video, check out this article.

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Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:36:46 -0700 How to Have the Right Attitude at Work http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/how-to-have-the-right-attitude-at-work http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/how-to-have-the-right-attitude-at-work

Succeeding in business is difficult to do without the right kind of attitude. It takes a special mix of ambition and personality, and the ability to be both forward thinking and conscious of those working around you. Business is built around a foundation of interacting with other people. Whether you’re working with a coworker on the job or with a prospective client, having a good attitude is paramount to getting things done. Here are a few important character traits for you to consider when evaluating your business attitude.


1.    Be positive


Staying positive is at the core of any good attitude. Studies show that praising your coworkers often, setting reasonable goals and consistently showing gratitude are all traits common in successful businesspeople. Thinking pessimistically fosters a negative attitude that makes seeing the positives difficult and, in turn, decreases your ability to succeed. Thinking positively lets you see the good things around you and allows you to build off of them, creating an attitude beneficial to advancement. If you’d like more tips on staying positive, take a look at this article.

2.    Act assertively, not aggressively

Assertiveness is probably the top traits of those successful in business, however it is often coupled with aggressiveness. The most important thing when attempting to be assertive without being aggressive is communication. When asserting yourself in the office, allow other people as much time to describe their needs as you’ve allowed yourself. When they are expressing their needs, try not to devalue their perspectives; doing so will allow you to stay open to meeting them halfway.

Practicing these tips will make you a member of the team and create an environment that allows for your career advancement. If you’d like additional tips, please consider this article.

3.    Approach conflict with compassion

Interpersonal conflict is an unavoidable part of every work culture. Try approaching resolution with compassion if and when you find yourself at odds with a coworker. Stepping into conflict resolution with an open mind instead of defensiveness will often result in a more positive outcome. Adding compassion to your business attitude will improve your skills at resolving conflict. If you’d like to read more about being compassionate at work, take a look at this article.

No matter your experience or career, people will always be challenging to deal with. Having a fresh and positive attitude when dealing with them will allow you to advance and flourish in the work place. Remembering these simple tips are the first steps in cultivating a good business attitude, and having a good business attitude is the first step to advancing your career.

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Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:20:02 -0700 IPv6 - what does it mean? http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/ipv6-what-does-it-mean http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/ipv6-what-does-it-mean

There has been plenty of talk over the last few weeks about some big changes that are happening to the Internet: mainly, the transition to IPv6. Exactly what IPv6 means is still a mystery to most people. Luckily, we have a simple explanation that can help you to better understand it.


What it is

IPv6 is the latest version of IP, or Internet Protocol, which is the method by which data is sent over the Internet. IPv4 is the version of IP that has been used up until this point, but it is running out of addresses. This is where IPv6 comes into play.


The prior version of IP, IPv4, used 32-bit addresses, which allowed for a total of 4 billion unique addresses. IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, making it possible to create many more unique addresses. 

How the transition may affect you

Most likely, you will encounter most of your problems with IPv6, if any, during the initial migration from IPv4. The potential problems will likely depend on the browser you use and the Web server that is hosting the domain you wish to access. Some potential issues include:

  • If you’re using IPv6 and you attempt to access an IPv4 site, you may receive a “404” error.
  • If you are using a network that only supports IPv4, you may not be able to access IPv6 sites – you can reconfigure your network in order to fix this.

Despite these minor problems, many people agree that you will most likely still be able to access any site. 

How to avoid IPv6-related problems

If you’re encountering connectivity problems, there are a few sites you can go to that will help you determine whether or not they are related to IPv6. Try going to http://omgipv6day.com/ or http://test-ipv6.com/ which will both tell you what problems you may experience, if any, and what changes you need to make in order to fix them.


Although the transition to IPv6 may be confusing at first, it likely won’t cause too many major problems. For more insight into the IPv6 change, check out this PCWorld article.

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Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:42:58 -0700 Is a Computer Tablet Right for You? http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/is-a-computer-tablet-right-for-you http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/is-a-computer-tablet-right-for-you

The tablet industry has seen an impressive amount of growth after Apple introduced their signature iPad in 2010. Subsequently, the tablet market has diversified with various iPad alternatives offered by competitors such as Android, Microsoft and also Motorola. However, tablet computers may not be right for everyone. Despite its recent popularity, who’s to say that the iPad won’t go the way of the 8-track? Of course, the choice of whether or not a tablet is right for you is one that should be educated. Before you decide to purchase one of these expensive machines, or even if you are already an owner, think about these pros and cons.

Pros: 


  • Tablets are incredibly portable devices. Being able to remotely connect with your work is becoming a necessity as businesses grows more integrated with cloud computing. As a rule of thumb, the more accessible you are, the better. 
  • Tablets are very useful. The potential for productive work uses will only increase as developers release more business-related apps. In the future, tablets will likely become more practical in a business setting. 
  • Tablets express capability. In a business setting, having and using a tablet can communicate to your clients a sense of professionalism. If you use your tablet to increase your work productivity, you will appear more capable. 

Cons: 

  • Tablets haven’t reinvented the wheel. Most of the functions performed by a tablet can be performed on a laptop or desktop computer. Yes, tablets may be more convenient, but does that make them absolutely necessary? 
  • Tablets are toys. Much like smartphones, tablets are designed to serve as entertainment, making it easy to become distracted with streaming video or games. 
  • Tablets are still very new. For this reason, a tablet’s price is still high in comparison to its function. If you aren’t sure that a computer tablet is right for you now, wait a year to see how prices fluctuate. You might find the same machine at a much lower price. 

Computer tablets are often very useful tools, though at the same time they can function as nothing more than very expensive toys. Depending on your needs, a tablet may be the perfect fit, but make sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. If you are interested in reading further, please read over this article.

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Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:46:30 -0700 How you can use NFC payments http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/how-you-can-use-nfc-payments http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/how-you-can-use-nfc-payments

The way in which we pay for things has evolved greatly over the decades. Technologies like credit cards and PayPal make payments far less complicated than in the past. NFC, or Near Field Communication, technology hopes to simplify payments even more by allowing people to transmit data from one device to another.


How will we use it?

NFC mobile chips will be incorporated into smartphones to make it easier than ever to pay for your groceries. Most of us have our phones with us at all times anyway, so using them to pay for everything seems like the next plausible step.


Integrating NFC chips into smartphone designs allows users to store their credit card information in their phones. That way, when they’re at a business that is equipped with the technology, they can simply scan their phones at the register.


Google Wallet

Google recently announced its foray into the mobile payments world. Google Wallet, which hopes to take the place of the traditional wallet, is available on certain Android devices, but Google plans to release a sticker that will allow other devices to work with the Google Wallet. A number of retailers have already signed on to work with Google Wallet.


Because the mobile payments industry is going to be such a game-changer, it is unlikely that Apple, RIM, and other smartphone makers will be eager to open their platforms up to Google Wallet. These companies, instead, will likely be coming out with their own mobile payment systems in the near future.


Other potential uses

NFC mobile chips will likely soon be doing much more than just helping you pay for your coffee. Some of those potential uses include:

  • Replace passports and boarding passes
  • Products might have RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags on them that you can scan in order to gather information.
  • Pet tags may soon have RFID tags attached that you can scan if you find a lost puppy.
  • Replace keys – no more clunky key chains!

NFC technology is one of the biggest advancements in payments we have seen in a long time.


For more information on NFC mobile chips and how they work, check out this article.

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Wed, 25 May 2011 14:41:25 -0700 You should know these 4 tech terms http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/you-should-know-these-4-tech-terms http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/you-should-know-these-4-tech-terms

Although technology is present in all of our daily lives, a good deal of us are still unfamiliar with the terms associated with it.  Luckily, we’re here to clear up some of the confusion. Read on for an explanation of four common technology-related terms.


Cookies

Cookies allow websites to identify you when you revisit them. By allowing cookies, you are letting your browser store your information, such as username, password and preferences, and provide it for the site you are visiting. They are a time-saver that can be very convenient for avid Internet users.


Unfortunately, cookies can also be seen as a privacy issue. Because they store your information and track your activity they make it easier for someone to access your data. Most experts agree, however, that merely limiting the amount of cookies you allow will help protect your online identity.


URL

A URL, which is short for uniform resource letter, is essentially the web address of a website. It is what you type into the address bar of a browser when you would like to be directed to a web page.

Cloud

Cloud is one of the most used terms in tech these days yet it still has quite a few people scratching their heads. The cloud is made up of web-based services that you can use on any computer without buying hardware or installing software. Google Docs and Facebook are among the most popular cloud services today.


Flash

Flash is an Adobe-owned platform that enables you to view certain things on your computer. Many people install Flash players or plug-ins in order to watch videos or animation or see dynamic displays on websites. Although Flash has been the longtime leader in its field, HTML5 is rapidly catching up with it.


Although tech terms can get quite complex at times, knowing the basics can help you to better understand the technology we’re using every day.


If you’d like to see a more in-depth description of tech terms, take a look at this glossary.

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Fri, 20 May 2011 15:02:17 -0700 Fuzzy about social media terms? Take a look at this guide http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/fuzzy-about-social-media-terms-take-a-look-at http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/fuzzy-about-social-media-terms-take-a-look-at

While a number of us have adopted social media as a standard form of communication, plenty of us still have no idea what certain terms mean. Luckily, these terms are generally easy to understand once you’re given a push in the right direction. This guide should serve as a first step to understanding social media terms.

1. Tag

A tag can pertain to quite a few things, depending on how it is used. When referring to blogs, tags typically refer to the keywords that were used in the post. Tagging keywords in blogs allows search engines to recognize your post as pertaining to certain topics, and helps the post rank higher.


Tag might also pertain to the act of tagging a friend in photos on Facebook. This essentially means that you link someone to a photo that they are in. This feature has been around for years but it’s becoming more sophisticated as it now uses facial recognition.


The latest form of tagging on Facebook refers to tagging friends in posts or status updates. You can now refer to people in a post and tag them, which will alert them to your post. This will also cause the post to show up on their wall for all of their other friends to see.


2. Troll

In this instance, a troll does not refer to a little toy with neon hair and a jewel for a belly button. A troll, in social media terms, is a person who uses social media as a way to irritate people. They often make taunting or offensive posts in order to generate anger.

3. Friend

While we all know what the conventional meaning of friend is, that’s often not the meaning applied to the word friend in the social media world. In social media, to friend a person simply means adding someone to your network.

4. Stream

This is another double-meaning word. Streaming something pertains to receiving a constant flow of information, such as a webcast. A stream is what many people call their Twitter or Facebook home pages, where all of the recent information and updates are posted.


5. At mention

An at mention, or @ mention, is when you talk about someone on Twitter. It’s similar to Facebook tagging in that it will show up on the person’s Twitter stream if you mention them, and alert them to your post.

Although social media terms can sometimes be hard to understand, they usually pertain to simple processes that can be easily recognized. If you’d like to see an even more in-depth guide to social media terms, take a look at this article.

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Wed, 18 May 2011 14:42:14 -0700 How you can identify and avoid employee burnout http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/how-you-can-identify-and-avoid-employee-burno http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/how-you-can-identify-and-avoid-employee-burno

Most of us have experienced employee burnout in one way or another - whether we have felt burned out ourselves or recognized it in one of our colleagues. Luckily, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to make sure burnout doesn’t get the best of you or your employees.


Preventing burnout

  • Have fun – Making room for fun can reduce some stress and help to keep employees motivated when they are on the brink of burnout.

  • Switch it up – Let employees focus on new projects or teams when they’ve been concentrating on one thing for a long time, like Facebook is doing with Hackamonth.

  • Encourage breaks – It’s wonderful to have employees that don’t want to quit working until they get things done. Sadly, those are the people that are certain to burn out quickest. If you have employees like this, persuade them to take walks or go on a coffee run – anything to keep them from going stir crazy.

At times burnout is simply inevitable. When it’s already happened, there are several simple ways to ensure that it doesn’t overwhelm your employees.

How to cope with burnout

  • Accept it – Burnout isn’t always avoidable so it’s important to be conscious of the signs such as lethargy, decreased socializing or irritability.

  • Communicate – Growing businesses often undergo changes that leave employees frustrated. Making sure your employees know that they can talk to you is an excellent way to stop burnout before it gets out of hand.

Although employee burnout isn’t always avoidable, it’s critical to know what steps you can take to make it less damaging to your employees and your business. These simple tips can help reduce the effects of burnout and even prevent it when possible.

For more burnout-fighting tips, take a look at this article.

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Fri, 13 May 2011 14:07:04 -0700 Perform better online searches with these suggestions http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/perform-better-online-searches-with-these-sug http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/perform-better-online-searches-with-these-sug

Often, when we conduct online searches we wind up getting hundreds of thousands of results – many of them irrelevant. Thankfully, there are many simple steps you can take to help generate more accurate results.


Keep it simple


When you’re performing online searches it is typically best to use as few words and phrases as possible, while still communicating what you’re searching for. If you’re looking for a bookstore in your area, simply type in “bookstore” and add the name of your town or your zip code. This should provide you with accurate results that will likely be quite relevant.

Learn about Boolean

Whether you know it or not, you are probably familiar with Boolean searches. This simply refers to using terms like “and,” “not” and “or” in your online searches. This is a good thing to do when you are more familiar with what you’re searching for and know which terms you wish to include or exclude.


This concept also is effective when you use pluses or minuses in your searches. If you want to include a word in your search results, simply type a “ ” before it in your search. If you want to exclude something, precede it with a “-“ when you search.


Be precise

When you’re conducting a search, it’s best to be as specific as possible. If you know what it is that you’re looking for, use exact phrases instead of just keywords. When you use broad phrases, they can often be misinterpreted by the search engine and leave you with results you don’t need.


Quotation marks are generally the international search engine symbol to search for an exact phrase. If you are looking for something specific, using quotation marks can help ensure that your results are more relevant.


All of these suggestions are unbelievably simple and extremely useful. Taking these into account when you’re searching online can greatly improve your search results.


For even more tips on performing online searches, take a look at this article.

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Wed, 11 May 2011 14:56:44 -0700 3 simple ways to boost productivity http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/3-simple-ways-to-boost-productivity http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/3-simple-ways-to-boost-productivity

There are always a great many reasons for being unproductive. Every season brings a new problem or distraction. In the winter, energy dwindles and in the summer, all people can think about is being outdoors. While there is no solution for those distractions, there are a number of things you can do to help keep your employees focused and increase productivity.


Keep a clean office

Clutter often leads to distraction. Keeping your office tidy and encouraging your employees to do the same can help people to be more focused. Eliminating those unnecessary distractions by cleaning up every once in a while can make a substantial difference in employee productivity.

Increase the temperature

We all know what it’s like when we’re cold and find it hard to even move, let alone work. Studies have demonstrated that not only do typing errors diminish with a higher temperature; typing output increases by a whopping 150%. Next time your employees seem to be moving slowly, try upping the temperature a couple of degrees.


Lighten up

One study demonstrated that brighter offices can make a vast difference in employee productivity. Employees who worked in windowed offices spent 15% more time staying on task than those working in windowless offices.


Because this easy fix can make such a big difference it's wise to open blinds and move as many employees as possible into windowed spaces. Not only does this increase productivity, it can also save you money by lighting up the office without using electricity.


These office adjustments are extremely easy to make and can really make a substantial difference in daily output from your employees.

For even more simple productivity tips check out this article.

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Fri, 06 May 2011 13:40:16 -0700 5 gift ideas that are great for Mom http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/5-gift-ideas-that-are-great-for-mom http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/5-gift-ideas-that-are-great-for-mom

With Mother’s Day coming up, you might be rushing to find a gift for the mom in your life. Luckily for you, we have a few excellent tech-inspired gift ideas that are sure to please. Read on for some terrific ideas.


Digital picture frame

If your mom is like most, she probably loves reliving family memories through old photos. With a digital picture frame, your mom can relive those memories whenever she wants. If she needs help, you can help her by pre-loading all of her pictures onto the frame and she can start enjoying it immediately.

Tech time

Many of our moms love technology but are entirely clueless when it comes to using it. If that’s the case in your family, a coupon for some tech TLC might be the best gift. You can fix or set up gadgets for your mom, or show her how to use them so she becomes more tech-confident.

Digital magazine or Netflix subscription

Does your mom have a TV show or magazine that she can’t get enough of? If so, a digital magazine or Netflix subscription could be perfect. Digital magazines provide her with all of the articles without all of the clutter.


A Netflix subscription gives your mom the chance to catch up on her favorite TV show. If she’s more of the movie type, she can watch that movie her friends have been talking about for months. Either way, this gift is sure to be a hit.


Tablet

A tablet is a fantastic tech gift for Mom – it’s small, lightweight, and rather easy to use. She can use it for practically anything she might need, and take it with her wherever she goes.


If a standard tablet is a little out of your price range, the Nook Color may work better for you. It still offers the portability of the iPad and has a great deal of games and apps available.


Quality time

If you live far away from your mom, or just don’t get to see her often, a coupon for time on FaceTime, Skype, or some other video chat service would be perfect. Your mom most likely would love to see you more than she does, even if it’s through a computer screen.


No matter what your mom is like, she is guaranteed to enjoy any one of these gifts. Show her that you care by getting her something she can really use.


For more gift ideas, check out this Unplggd article.

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Wed, 04 May 2011 13:57:08 -0700 Is Prezi the best tool for you? http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/is-prezi-the-best-tool-for-you http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/is-prezi-the-best-tool-for-you

Prezi is a name you might have heard a couple of times if you’re into presentations. It’s an online presentation tool that’s different than most and, for that reason, has a lot of fans. What, specifically, makes Prezi so amazing?

Flash-based

Prezi is a flash-based tool, which makes it easier to produce non-linear presentations. Most presentation tools require you to go slide-by-slide and don’t leave much room for creativity aside from clipart. With Prezi, your presentation is more like a thought map than anything else, which makes it flow much more naturally.


You may zoom in and out of the image to different ideas, links and images. This eliminates the need for identical slides or backtracking when you have to revisit an idea.


Intuitive

Once you have become acquainted with Prezi’s interface, it is really rather intuitive. Because many people are non-linear thinkers, the thought-map method, where you can see everything at once, can be especially useful.


If you’re having trouble adjusting to the Prezi process, you can find several tutorials on the Prezi website.


Prezi is web-based but it allows you to download your presentations once they have been created so you don’t need Internet access to actually present. There is a free model available, but for $59/year you can buy Prezi for more storage and better privacy.


Everyone may not be looking to move away from the linear model of PowerPoint and tools like it. If you are, however, Prezi is a great alternative.

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Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:32:59 -0700 Keeping your online identity safe http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/keeping-your-online-identity-safe http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/keeping-your-online-identity-safe

The recent Playstation security breach has opened many Internet users’ eyes to the seriousness of online security. If the wrong person gets their hands on your information, there is a possibility that the outcome could be detrimental. Luckily, there are a number of simple steps you can take to better protect your online identity.


Use an encrypted connection

Using an encrypted connection is an unbelievably simple way to attain greater online safety. Many websites, including most social networking sites, have recently adopted more secure connections, although you sometimes need to change the settings to get the extra level of security.


You can figure out whether or not you have encrypted access simply by checking the URL. If the URL begins with “https” instead of “http” you have an encrypted connection. Unfortunately, some sites do not offer encrypted access so this is not always an option.


Use strong passwords

Strong passwords are unbelievably easy to create and can make a tremendous difference in online security. Using a combination of numbers, symbols, spaces and upper- and lowercase letters can help to create a strong password. If you can’t see yourself using a bunch of different characters, at least be sure to use a password that can’t easily be guessed.


It’s also extremely important to use a unique password for each of your accounts. Using the same password on a variety of accounts makes them all vulnerable if just one of them is hacked.

Look out for phishing

Phishing is basically when a hacker poses as a trusted company in order to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and account numbers. It is a rather common practice due to its relative ease – after all, hackers merely need your name and email address to pull this off.


The recent breach of Epsilon was a perfect example. Thousands of names and email addresses were exposed and the companies affected quickly sent out emails telling their clients not to trust any emails that claimed to be from them. Some browsers, but not all, will alert you if a website looks fraudulent, but you still need to be smart to avoid the scams.


These three tips are unbelievably easy to follow through with and instantly increase your online security. If you’d like more information on protecting your online identity, check out this article.

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Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:40:15 -0700 Tricks and tools for being productive from the road http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/tricks-and-tools-for-being-productive-from-th http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/tricks-and-tools-for-being-productive-from-th

Many people travel frequently for business. Unfortunately, the majority of business travelers don’t know how to be most productive while they’re on the road. We have compiled a list of tools and tips that can help you to be more productive and keep your work and devices safe while you’re on the go.

Tools for easier travel

There are virtually countless options when it comes to tools that make traveling easier. The choices range from luggage to apps, and everything in between.

One tool that can take a lot of stress out of traveling is TripIt. It is an app that organizes all of the travel information for you. You can email your itinerary to TripIt and it keeps track of your flight times, hotel information, and frequent flier numbers, all in one place.


Good luggage is also critical. It makes getting through the airport easier and can help keep you organized – a big plus when you’re doing business on the road. These are some key features to look for in your luggage:

  • Laptop compartment – It’s best to have a separate compartment for your laptop so that finding it at security, or even once you get to your destination, is a breeze. Nobody enjoys being the person who’s holding up the security line.

  • A wire pouch – Having a dedicated spot to place all of your chargers and other wires is perfect for anyone with lots of gadgets. You no longer have to wonder where you placed everything, as there is a designated pocket for it.

  • Convertibility – A convertible bag is ideal for someone who goes on a variety of business trips. If you need to carry everything through the airport one day and carry only your laptop the next, finding a bag that can serve both purposes is beneficial.

Security tools

It can be nerve racking to travel with all of your worldly possessions and then have to leave them unattended in the hotel room or unfamiliar office all day. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools such as laptop locks that can keep your devices secure. You can also use personal safes to keep all of your smaller items safe.


Usually, taking general safety precautions is sufficient. Either make sure that your valuable items are somewhere secure, or keep them close by whenever you can. If you’re interested in more tools and tricks to keep your things safe, take a look at this article.


Boosting productivity

Productivity can certainly wane while you’re working from a hotel room or coffee shop on the road. General unfamiliarity with your surroundings can slow down certain processes that are usually quick and painless.


For most jobs, it’s essential to have Internet access, especially when you are away from your coworkers. Some hotels do not have access to the Internet, and if that is the case you should consider bringing a wireless card or mobile Wi-Fi device that would let you easily access the Internet and your email.


Finally, consider bringing a back pillow. Hotel desk chairs are typically not ergonomic and can be seriously painful for your back if you sit in them for too long. Back pillows generally aren’t too bulky and can make all the difference when you’re working in an unfamiliar chair.


There are many things that can make working from the road easier and more productive. These tools and tips can be incredibly helpful and help you learn how to be at your best while you’re on the go.

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Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:21:33 -0700 5 approaches to a greener office http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/5-approaches-to-a-greener-office http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/5-approaches-to-a-greener-office <p>Building a green office is an excellent way to save money and do good for the environment. Although creating a greener office does take work, it can be done by just about any business, big or small. In honor of Earth Day we are giving you a few simple tips that can help you convert your office into a greener environment.</p> <br /> <p><strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Use double-sided printing whenever possible</strong></p> <p>Set your printer or copier&rsquo;s default setting to double-sided printing to automatically cut down on paper use. This is a simple step and if anyone needs single-sided printing they can quickly change the settings.</p> <br /> <p><strong>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Use a water delivery service</strong></p> <p>Bottled water is unbelievably wasteful and, unfortunately, it is a staple in most office environments. Using a water delivery service can cut down on waste and also reduce the harmful effects that can result from drinking bottled water.</p> <br /> <p><strong>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Turn lights and machines off when they&rsquo;re not being used</strong></p> <p>While this may seem like an obvious way to be greener, many people overlook its necessity. Some people believe that it&rsquo;s more efficient to leave computers and other machines on overnight, but it&rsquo;s far more wasteful than anything else. If you can afford to install motion sensors, they are always a great option as well.</p>

 <br /> <p><strong>4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Use recycled and recyclable products when you can</strong></p> <p>You can get recycled versions of nearly any paper product at popular office supply retailers. The recycled versions are often comparable in price to their non-recycled counterparts.</p> <br /> <p>Also using recyclable and compostable products when you can is a huge way to cut back on waste in your office. If you choose to use recyclable products, make sure your employees know about your recycling program and are actually utilizing it.</p> <br /> <p><strong>5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cut down on commuting</strong></p> <p>Organizing carpools is rather easy to do. Simply match people up based on where they live. If you can, offer parking incentives to those who carpool. If your town has public transportation systems, try offering a bus or train pass to employees who can utilize those systems.</p> <br /> <p>As you can see, these are simple and inexpensive ways to make your office greener. If you&rsquo;re interested in even more green ideas, take a look at this article.</p>

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Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:37:22 -0700 myinstantblog@posterous.com http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/myinstantblogposterouscom http://convergenttechblog.posterous.com/myinstantblogposterouscom <p>Most of us have heard how dirty our computer keyboards can be. They can actually be dirtier than a toilet, which is pretty disturbing considering how often we use them.</p>

 <br />

<p>If that alone doesn&rsquo;t make you want to clean your keyboard, the fact that you use it on a daily basis should be. The germs that accumulate due to sickness, food, and just everyday bacteria can quickly add up and spread to other items on your desk. Luckily, we have some tips that can help you clean your keyboard quickly and effectively.</p>

 <br /> <p><strong>Detach the keyboard</strong></p> <p>No matter which cleaning method you are using, it&rsquo;s always important to disconnect the keyboard from your computer prior to cleaning. This ensures that you won&rsquo;t unintentionally perform any actions on the computer, as well as keeps your machine safe.</p> <br /> <p><strong>For a quick fix</strong></p> <p>Try using a can of compressed air to get out any loose debris that has gathered inside your keyboard. We&rsquo;ve all seen how dirty it gets beneath those keys, and this gets rid of the majority of that dirt in just a few seconds.</p> <br />

<p>Spray the compressed air while your keyboard is upside down and tap the keyboard until you see loose dirt fall out. You might have to do this a few times in order to get rid of the majority of the debris. To make sure you&rsquo;re really getting it clean, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and swab the edges of the keys.</p> <br /> <p><strong>For a more thorough cleaning</strong></p>

<p>If you are trying to do more than just remove the loose dirt, a thorough cleaning is in order. You can start by gently prying up all of the keys with a screwdriver or something similar.</p>

 <br /> <p>Once the keys have been removed, you should use the air compressor to get out all of the loose debris. Follow that up by swabbing everything with a damp cloth and cleaning the keys one by one with the isopropyl alcohol.</p> <br /> <p><strong>After a spill</strong></p> <p>If your keyboard is dirty due to an accidental spill, detach the keyboard right away and turn the keyboard upside down and shake it. Try to dry it with a cloth while it is still upside down, and leave the keyboard upside down for as long as possible.</p> <br /> <p>For more tips on cleaning your keyboard, check out this guide.</p>

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