Justin Germino Ramblings

Whether your files are for personal or business use, having a back-up system is absolutely essential. Let’s start by asking an important question: which method of backup should you choose?

There are two main ways to back up your files:

1. External Hard Drives.

2. Online Back-up Services.

Both systems have advantages and disadvantages. Look at each, and then evaluate which is best for you. There are four main areas to consider: costs, time, convenience and security.

Upfront and On-going Costs

Buying an external drive is initially the most expensive way to back up your files. You are likely to need to purchase software and ensure that you have an appropriate USB port. Try to be careful not to purchase too much disk space. It will cost more and is a waste if you never use it.

If you opt for online file storage, you’ll still have upfront costs but this is significantly lower than an external drive. However, do bear in mind that online storage has an on-going cost, which is usually a monthly fee. Typical storage costs about $5.00 a month, giving you at least five gigabytes of online storage, and in many cases, more. Do shop around, however, as prices can vary between service providers.

Time

There can be a significant difference in the time taken to back up files, depending on whether you are transferring files online or using an external drive. Your internet bandwidth will affect the speed of an online file backup. You will need plenty of bandwidth to transfer large files in a timely fashion.

Setting up your storage is also a consideration. Online file storage is easy to set up with almost immediate access. With an external storage device, however, you will have to first purchase then install the device before files can be transferred.

Convenience and Ease of Use

With an external drive, the set up itself is usually quite straightforward. In addition, external drives are continually becoming more compact and have a higher storage capacity.

To use online backup, you must have a fast connection speed with broadband to cope with the amount of data being transferred. However, online sharing and transfer of files is generally very easy. Most online storage websites have a user-friendly interface to make the process simple. You also have the added advantage of being able to share your computer’s files with other devices such as a Smartphone. In addition to this, online file storage makes it possible for several users to collaborate on a project at any one time.

Security Issues

There are security issues with both systems. However, given that online file storage services use encryption methods identical to those employed by banks and large corporations, they are generally considered the safer option.

External hard drives are normally small enough to carry around with you. Therefore, you know where your data is at all times. However, there is always a risk of losing your device, or exposing it to some kind of physical damage. It is also possible that others could access your data, in the event of theft.

With online file storage, your data is safe from damage, theft and loss. All services use a high level of encryption, so the likelihood of a breach of your data occurring is extremely small. The only real event that would cause you to lose access to your data would be if you experienced difficulties with your internet connection, and this is generally only temporary.

Making the Choice Between External Hard Drives and Online Backup Services

If the choice is still a difficult one, it might help you to know that many people opt to use both systems simultaneously. To help you weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of each backup method, below is a summary of the positive and negative factors discussed above:

Online File Storage – Pros

• low upfront costs
• immediate transfer of files
• easy to use
• data safe from hardware damage
• transfer files to accessories such as a Smartphone
• file sharing possibilities

Cons

• need fast internet speed
• need internet access to retrieve your data
• connection problems may prevent retrieval of data

External Hard Drives – Pros

• fast transfer of files
• carry data device with you
• no need for internet access
• no on-going costs

Cons

• higher upfront costs
• risk of loss
• data at risk from computer/drive damage
• danger from viruses
• privacy might be compromised

Over 87 percent of today’s U.S. youth plays video games, which is creating increased parental concern. With terms like “video game addiction” permeating our culture, more parents are paying closer attention to their children’s gaming habits. So, at a time when parents are carefully monitoring their children’s gaming activities, ready to strike at the first sign of compulsive behavior like militant vigilantes waiting for their patrol, I’m going to recommend a video game for children? Absolutely.

In the past 32 years, the number of overweight children in this country has tripled, and even more concerning is the fact that the heaviest children surveyed were noticeably heavier than children in prior surveys (http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/). Childhood obesity is a significant public health problem that can spiral out of control if we don’t get our children moving and active, and that’s precisely where “Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure for X-Box 360” which is a game for the Microsoft Kinect system comes in.

“Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure for X-Box 360” is a motion-driven adventure game that does more than entertain your kids with action-packed escapades; it delivers a full-body workout. Through use of an astonishingly innovation combination of software and cameras, the Kinect infrared sensor gathers information about its surrounding environment and creates a 3-D representation of the player, turning his body into the game controller. Unlike the Wii hand-held controller, you can’t deceive the Kinect infrared sensor with a few fancy hand gestures. If you want to play a Kinect game, you have to get up and move.

Whether playing alone or teaming up with friends, “Kinect Rush” allows players of all ages to motion-control their favorite character from one of five Disney-Pixar movies. Players can run, jump, fly, drive, and climb their way through adventure sequences inspired by Disney-Pixar movies, including “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “Toy Story,” and “Up.” As an example, to make a character run players must jog in place, moving their arms back and forth and lifting their knees in proper jogging stance.

Each film contains three separate adventure sequences; with the exception of “Cars” that only offers driving activities, the sequences offer a variety of movement activities and problem-solving games. The wonderfully creative sequences take approximately five minutes to complete. While a total of fifteen adventures may not seem like much, as players successfully complete adventure sequences, they unlock new abilities and characters from the films, making play different and entertaining.

One of the hallmarks of a lasting video game is that it has a great story, and that’s where Disney shines. In “Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure for X-Box 360” characters from some of our most beloved Disney-Pixar films are re-imagined and brought to life in a truly interactive video game. Disney has managed to successfully blend motion sensor technology with storytelling to create a unique experience that actually helps in the fight against childhood obesity.

If you’re still concerned about how much time your child spends playing video games, it’s important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children’s time spent using technology to one or two hours of quality programming per day. With its interactive motion-controls, I’d say “Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure for X-Box 360” fits the bill of quality programming perfectly. What do you think?

About the Author:

Tyler enjoys being physically active and integrating physical activity into gaming is a fun way to get moving at least.

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Believe me, I scoured the web while looking for laptops that would be sufficient to play DirectX 11 games and give at least playable performance for the latest games like Star Wars: The Old Republic, The Secret World as well as slightly older ones like Starcraft 2.

It isn’t easy to find a cheap laptop that can play the latest games of sufficient quality and frame rate to keep younger kids happy.  I had compiled a list of high quality laptops that I thought were of decent quality but the price was still a little on the high side.  Given the fact that I was looking for a budget gaming laptop for an 8 year old.  Note, that any of these laptops is only slightly more than an Apple iPad and is probably a much better value considering how much you can do with an actual PC over an iPad.

These are what I found to be the top budget gaming laptops, now some of these laptops have AMD integrated graphics which are so much better than the Intel 3000 integrated graphics that come with Intel chipsets but dedicated graphics is better if you can afford the slight extra premium.

Now I would lean toward one of the Toshiba models, the Toshiba Satellite P755D for example has the following specs:

• AMD A Series Processor 2.5GHz
• 6GB SO-DIMM RAM
• 640GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
• 15.6-Inch Screen, AMD Radeon HD 6620G

For $678 this is a really good deal, but if you can throw in an SSD Drive and you would get blazingly fast OS loads and application load times.

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-Justin Germino

These are considered the 10 commandments of computer ethics use written by the Computer Ethics institute and reprinted here.

Computer Ethics Institute

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people’s computer files.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
7. Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

Honestly, these are a pretty good outline and how many of these are being practiced by everyone?

-Justin Germino

This time it is the Apple that is standing in the position of the accused. It has been accused by the US Department of Justice that Apple has colluded with some of the top names in the publishing industry in fabricating the prices of eBooks. The allies, who share the same accusation with Apple, are the publishing moguls like Hachette, Penguin, Macmillan, Harper Collins and Simon & Schuster. It was laid down by the US Department of Justice that the prices were deliberately kept too high. This also created an unnecessary competition within the publishing industry.

Apple’s take on this

Apple has laid down counter comments on this allegation that challenge US Justice Department’s claims as entirely untrue. Their take on this statement is that by means of an application, iBookstore in 2010, Apple attempted to break the illogical monopolistic grip of Amazon on the publishing industry. This firm statement is of none other than the Apple spokeswoman, Natalie Kerris.

They further commented on this that with the introduction iBookstore, the eBook readers have immensely benefited in the process as now the books are more interactive and engaging. Their comment on the pricing part of it is that just alike the liberty of the developers to set prices on the App Store, the pricing part of the iBootstore products is taken care of the respective publishers. Thus, it is evident that they tried to shake their shoulders off the case of enhanced price of eBooks on Apple Apps.

Penguin has also joined with Apple to raise voice in favor of these defensive statements. This heavy weight publisher puts up that the lengthy document of the US Justice Department has got nothing much substantial in it that can veer Apple and its allies from their defensive stance. Penguin further remarks that the document contains a great deal of material misstatements and omissions, which needs to be corrected at the court by none other than Apple and its associates in the trial.

The lawsuit against Apple and other convicted publishers

The lawsuit of the US Justice Department has put forward that the price addition on eBooks by $2 to $3 have cost the consumers more than $100 million in the past few years. It will further file a lawsuit in the New York City federal court against Apple, together with Hottzbrinck Publishers, operating as Macmillan and Penguin Group, the business identity of The Penguin Publishing Co. Ltd.

A separate lawsuit filed by Connecticut and Texas allied with Hachette and HarperCollins to claim a compensatory sum of $52 million for the readers. This was calculated by analyzing the number of states participating in the lawsuit against Apple and the number of books sold in each of the 15 US states, where eBook readers are majority. They have kept the scope open for other states to sign onto the agreement and other companies to join the bandwagon too.

The conclusion

While the claims of the US Department of Justice look quite substantial, Apple and its associates raised logical comments in their own defense too. Now, the fate of the lawsuit and further court proceedings will help us to get a clearer picture on the case.

About the author: Margaret is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on automotto and technology. Beside this she is fond of books. She recently did an article on Audi A7 price. These days she is busy in writing an article on andrew lauren.

The majority of writers will experience some level of writers block during their career. Causes of this problem can develop through anxiety, fear, personal problems or life changes, all of which can block your creative juices leading to frustration and even depression.

Thankfully, there are some practical answers within this article that will help writers take that important step of once again unlocking their ability to write without hindrance.

1. Set-up Your Writing Schedule

Prioritize your schedule to carve out a set time allocated to writing. Regardless of if you are dealing with writers block or not, show up on time! Before long what tends to happen is that your mind starts showing up too.

2. Don’t Beat yourself up

Being too hard on yourself will only impact further on what you’re dealing with. People tend to get writers block not because they don’t have the ability to write well, but because they are fearful of not writing eloquently. A writer can not write well if they are harboring self criticism.

3. Try to Make Writing Part of Your Job, and Less of an Art

The metaphor of a tool box should be used by writers linking it to their physical work. Try and imagine yourself as a craftsman or laborer, intelligently piecing together the project you are working on. Think of it logically, a brick layer for example, lays each brick one at a time much the same as you are building a page word by word. So it’s really one in the same, we are all creating things – articles, poems, press releases etc. The difference being that as writers, we are using grammar and vocabulary rather than bricks or other building materials.

4. Take a Few Days off From Time to Time

When you realize you are dealing with writers block it could be a warning that your creativeness and ideas need some additional time to gestate. Rejuvenating and idleness are a key factor in the process of creativity.

5. Meet your Deadlines

Writers often have difficulty meeting deadlines. Working with other writers by connecting through relevant platforms or forums is an excellent way to encourage each other and to seek inspiration from other talented writers. You can also attend writing groups as a means of maintaining motivation for sticking to deadlines.

6. Work on Several Projects

Switching back and forth between projects minimizes the boredom factor. This strategy is said to be one of the most effective methods of preventing writers block.
The above outlines some common ways to avert writers block. And remember, try and keep in the back of your mind why you started writing in the first place. Are you sticking to or specializing in what you love and what gives you satisfaction? Always continue to touch base with what made you fall in love with writing in the first place.

For even more information you can visit this article over on first site guide which has an even more extensive list of ideas on how to write blog post content including optimizing the content for SEO.

About the Author

Matt Fuller associates with a variety of article writers. Matt also specializes in website design and development on the Sunshine Coast of Australia and offers website design Sunshine Coast to local businesses and enterprises.

Security has been forever epitomized by the Mission Impossible scene in which Tom Cruise dangled from the ceiling to rob a secure vault. The movie may have exaggerated the technology and the manner in which it was circumvented, but the reality is that similar systems are available on the market. What more, they are not as expensive as one might presume, and can be installed in your home to make it safer.

Home security is not just limited to protecting your valuables or preventing monetary loss. Newer systems are integrating fire alarms and storm warnings into their mechanisms as well. As a result, what you have is not just an anti-theft mechanism, it’s a complete home security package.

While you may not be able to purchase something as sophisticated as something you see in the movies, homes rarely require such a high level of protection. Here is a list of the top three technologies that have been adapted to the domestic market, and that you may find useful for your needs. Most of them will need to be a part of a home alarm system for optimum performance.

1. Motion Detection

Motion detection sensors can detect when there is movement in a room, and take any preset action that you have programmed into the system. Suppose you are not at home, and there is a break in. If the alarm did not go off when the barrier was breached, the motion detector will pick up the criminal prowling around your home. They are installed as a sensor in the corner of the ceiling. You can adjust them to compensate them for pets, by adjusting them to monitor an area that is a few feet above the floor.

2. Video Cameras

Video camera are often used in CCTV security systems, and used to be quite costly to install. Technology has made it possible to manufacture these in small and weatherproof materials, so that you can install them outdoors. Coupled with motion detectors, they can often be very effective if placed in the right positions. You can have them record the video in case they detect movement, or send a notification to you.

3. Integrated Alarm Systems

You no longer need to purchase separate systems for every need. For example, your fire alarms system, home security system, and health monitoring system for senior or people with heart conditions no longer need to be separate. As many home alarm systems are linked to a monitoring facility, you can integrate all functions into one system. A fire alarm and health monitor can be added, so that the relevant event will also trigger a notification. This means that you are safe from not only burglars, but also from other hazards as well.

Home security systems are much more advanced than they were a decade ago, and you can chose from a combination of the above to ensure your home is safe.

About the Author

Francis Hauser is a North Dakota security consultant, who strives to make homes safer for the families who live in them. She believes that a healthy home requires peace of mind, and writes extensively to promote awareness about home security. She also blogs for Lifeshield home security New Rockforcd.

Honestly I never previously considered or thought about reputation management services which are companies that exist to help improve or manage an online presence or how your reputation is perceived when someone searches for your name or business in various search engines.

Now I haven’t had to worry about negative PR or anything because generally I run a fairly straight and transparent online presence.  I know all things are public, I approach everything with professionalism and I don’t sell a product that I make and market.

However, I have seen some company owners, entrepreneurs and companies get some bad flak online and wonder what they do when negative comments and sentiments tend to go viral.

This is where a reputation management organization comes into play, where they do a kind of “reverse SEO” burying the negative stuff online so that when searches for your name or company are done the positive/neutral information is in the front of the SERP pages, with the negative publicity pushed further back in the SERP to where it is unlikely to be found without doing additional digging.

Now, there could be good reasons to suppress negative feedback and other reasons why it could be considered shady tactics.  So I am going to share with you a personal story, I know someone that if you do a search for their name online it will reveal an old news article which is kind of shady.  This news article is about a totally bogus claim against this person, but because this newspaper decided to print the claim it can paint the person in a bad light if it wasn’t for the fact that nothing else EVER in life would indicate this person is capable of the things claimed.

Ironically, 10 years later a search for this persons name and this article from this old news story still shows very prevalent on the first page of Google SERP results, seriously 10 years later!  This is because the person in question isn’t a company, isn’t a corporation and is simply a person with a very small online presence (barely any but a Facebook page and maybe a LinkedIn profile).  So the person has no new content being created online with their name in it which leaves this old news story lingering out there a potential thorn in one’s side.

This would be a case where I would use a service to bury the article from showing up in the SERP at all.  Clearly blatant and false claims or hate speech that shows or ranks too high where you put your reputation at risk is worth dealing with.  I would always address such things head on, but in case you have trouble you may need a reputation management company to assist you.

-Justin Germino

The new Star Wars The Old Republic update 1.2 not only adds the Legacy System to the game, but also rewards existing players with a TaunTaun pet which I don’t have yet but hoping to see in my account by the 25th of April.

These baby TaunTauns are just a fun surprise and I really like the way Bioware handled their longer than expected outage by gifting all players an extra full day on their account memberships.

Overall I do see and hope Bioware introduces a free to play introductory for the first 20 levels like World of Warcraft does this way my 8 year old son can join me at some point without me having to pay for 2 monthly memberships every month.

-Justin Germino

My wife and I put our money down on a brand new baby Boston Terrier who already has been named Gluten (yes the same gluten found in wheat).  Gluten who is currently only 13 days old will be joining our family after he is 7 weeks old sometime at the end of May, but currently still needs to stay with his mama and nurse.

Gluten will be the 3rd Boston Terrier in our household and will join Donut and Porky who are almost 9 and 3 years old.

Mama and Gluten

Currently there were 2 other males and 2 other females only 13 days old in the litter, if you live in Arizona and are looking to purchase an AKC Registered Boston Terrier for your family let me know and I will refer you.

Here is a picture of Porky

Here is a picture of Donut

-Justin Germino