What is a Server?

A computer server is a Central Processing Unit (CPU) on a network that manages the resources available to the computers attached to that same network. There are different types of servers; some can multitask between different sets of data and others can be dedicated to a single type of task, such as printing or file storage. Servers can be both on-site or off-site.

A computer server takes the task you are trying to accomplish and sends up the request to be processed. Computer servers have to put tasks into order of importance and many times, this is a first-come-first-serve basis. However, tasks can also be ordered by type of job, company department or individual positions within a company.

When a computer related job (task) is required, the server is the first line of contact. A job may be document printing, copying, faxing, file storage, data processing and more. It is the server that assigns each job to the most appropriate resource, gives it a priority ranking and places it in queue. This queue is designed to order computers into a tiered level of importance. If there were no organization, the server would get overloaded trying to process all of the requests at the same time and the result would be an inefficient, slow or broken system.

How does the server know what which jobs to process first? The server assigns the jobs based on a set of rules that the administrator of the server has set up. For instance, in many companies, priority may be given to particular staff or departments. Any jobs coming from the CEO’s office could be assigned top priority and be processed before any others. Servers also assign jobs based on available resources. For instance, it will send the color print jobs to the color printer, a fax to a fax machine and copies to a copier.

Finally, servers also organize tasks based on efficiency. A server can recognize when one resource is being utilized and send a job to another resource to increase overall efficiency. A good example of this is a large print job. If one printer has been assigned a large (100 pages or more) print job and a small 2 page job comes through, rather than assigning it to the printer printing the large job and make the requestor wait, the server will assign it to a free printer.

How Does This All Fit Together?

Let’s put this all together. Here is an example of how a server works and helps organize the jobs sent to it from a network experience.

For instance, in an office of 100 people, there may be multiple printers that have different printing capabilities, various file storage options, different levels of staff and different roles of varying importance. Let’s say that 15 people send a job or task to the server within a few minutes of each other. The server analyzes each job based on information such as IP address, proximity to the server and order of importance in processes. The server determines first, who has priority ranking – is the job coming from the CEO, the accounting department or sales? Then the server determines what resources the job requires – color printing or black and white? The server then can choose to send the CEO’s print job to high quality printer; the accounting department’s spreadsheet to the regular black and white printer; and, the sales department’s presentation to the copier.

Think about all the steps that are involved in any business small or large. The server organizes all the computer related tasks for the most efficient use of resources and speed. Depending on the size of the business, there may be many servers both on and off site. When a server goes down, all the technology related tasks become disorganized and things slow down or don’t function at all. The next time you are at the store or call your bank and they say “Sorry, we can’t help you, the server is down” you will now know that it is more than a convenient, technology based excuse to not do what you want them to.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

What Are Computer Servers?

The iPad is meant for those whose computing needs are light and in our experience we found the iPad to be a total delight when used in the following ways -

Browsing & Email – For those who just like to lounge on their couch or bed, the iPad makes for an amazing browsing experience. The screen looks amazing whether you view it in landscape or portrait mode and the touch response is phenomenal. It’s a snap to pinch-to-zoom and the finger-based navigation is something you’ll fall in love with.

It’s a lot lighter than a laptop and it’s got a fantastic battery life with early adopters reporting battery lives of about 10 hours and in some cases even longer. We also loved the fact that you can instantly switch it on as there’s no need to boot it or shut down. However the one downside is that it doesn’t support flash browsing so you can forget about tending to your plants and animals in Farmville. However, for any other type of browsing, the iPad is a real winner.

Read Comics & Newspapers – There may be a time when the traditional paper newspaper and magazines ceases to exist and the iPad may well be the reason for that as you can download and read newspapers, magazines and comics from the Internet. There are applications that allow you to read The New York Times or USA today and it’s much faster than actually going to their website. It’s also amazing for reading comics since you can press down and have one scene fill up the whole screen – this allows you to read and view your comics in fascinating detail.

Fantastic E-Reader – Reading on the iPad is truly a marvelous experience. The layout is extremely simple and you can flip to your library in the portrait mode in a really cool way. You’ve got a chapter button, and different font size options along with a search drop down option too. It’s easy to adjust the brightness and the page turning animations are just plain sexy. You can do a long press to call up the copy/paste function or bookmark the page or bring out the dictionary or search options. All in all, it gives you a wonderful reading experience and makes you feel as if you are actually holding a book in your hand.

Pure Speed – One of the features we love best about the iPad is the user interface. It’s the same interfaces as the iPhone but it’s backed up by a faster processor. If you are used to operating the iPhone then you’ll be blown away by how fast the iPad is. It’s blindingly fast and there’s no sluggishness or slowness at any point. The super fast user interface is unlike anything you’ve experienced – it leaves desktop computers and netbooks in the dust.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

4 Reasons Why You’ll Love The iPad

Hardware

Hardware is defined as a device with the task of storing and running installed software. The hardware is the physical piece of machinery, such as the hard-drive, mouse and keyboard, video and graphics cards. These devices serve as the host system for the software. Hardware is changed far less often than software.

The reason it is called “hardware” is because the physical device in not readily created, modified or erased on the CPU. These devices are hard put and usually consist of wiring and solder to hold them in place. Everything about the name speaks to what the devices are like; hard wired, hard to make, hard to install and hard coded with instruction. The easiest way to think of hardware, is that it is the part of the computer that you can physically touch.

Software

On the completely opposite hand, software is the program aspect of the computer. It cannot be physically touched and is easily created, wiped out and replaced in an instant. Software is the programming that allows you to perform the specific task you need to complete.

Software holds the collection of instructions that enables users to issue a set of commands and have the computer respond with a certain result. Programs are examples of software, like PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Skype, and even your Internet. Basically, anything that you can point and click at on your screen is tied to some type of software.

Hardware and Software Must Work Together

It is only when hardware and software come together, that things begin to happen. Without either of the two, you have an expensive paperweight or a group of coding that cannot live up to its purpose because there is no host to help display the outputs. Software makes it possible for hardware to work and the user to interact with the software. For example, it is software that runs the mouse programming, which allows the mouse hardware to click on and interact with the software on the computer.

Software developers cannot show off their skills and talents without the hardware developers keeping up with the latest and greatest improvements. It is an ever-changing reality that pulls one behind the other. Hardware becomes useless if it out-paces software and vice versa. Only until the two entities start working together, can any lasting improvements be made and advancements can be covered in leaps and bounds. So, in the world of which came first, it doesn’t matter since one is completely useless without the other.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Hardware vs. Software

Most of the advertising around the iPad focuses on how wonderful it is for browsing, watching videos etc. but you shouldn’t dismiss the iPad just yet. If you happen to be a business person on the move, here a few reasons why you should give the iPad a serious look.

All in one device

Is there any device that will help you avoid carrying around all your reading material while also doubling up as a whiteboard and a dashboard? Business users will find that the iPad will help them get rid of all those magazines and newspapers they might normally lug around. It’s a fantastic business reading device since you can browse through your favorite newspapers like The New York Times with the right applications.

You can also dispense with carrying around stacks of reports or documents since the iPad is pretty good for reading PDF and DOC files when you use third-party applications. As a business professional you’ll be very comfortable with applications like Ideate which permits you to portray ideas on a virtual whiteboard and store them as images. These can then be quickly and easily emailed to one and all. It’s also extremely convenient to check out business dashboards on its big LCD screen.

Awesome Battery Life

One of the reasons why netbooks are preferred over laptops is the kind of battery life they have. While some netbook marketers advertise a battery life of 10 hours, even a more modest 7-8 hr battery life is a pretty compelling reason for people to choose a netbook over a laptop. When you are travelling on an international flight the last thing you want is your battery dying on you right in the middle of your work.

The iPad truly excels in this department. While Apple claims a 10 hr battery life on the technical specs, many users have actually reported getting up to 11.5 hrs with it – even under heavy use like playing some 3d games, watching HD video, downloading lots of new applications and checking email. We’re blown away by the endurance and is even more remarkable considering it exceeds even Apple’s claims.

Futuristic Technology

Right now, the iPad is an early adopter device but subsequent generations will have some pretty cool functionality. In a year or two, it will probably blow everyone’s socks off but the promise lies in the fact that it is a revolutionary touch computing device that manages to deliver in spite of several limitations that Apple has put on it. So do keep an eye on the iPad – it represents an evolution in computing and in the business arena it’s always best to stay ahead.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

iPad Review – For Business People

Web conferencing offers different features that enable all of these possible.  File, document, application, even desktop sharing are available.  Instant messaging, polling, surveying, recording, and playback of meetings is also readily available.  VoIP is also another feature almost present in all of web conference programs.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.  This is the method of transmitting analog audio signals through the internet.  Analog signals are converted in digital data so it can be transmitted through internet connection.  VoIP can turn a standard internet connection into a way to place free phone calls.

VoIP enables the user to make phone calls from anywhere with broadband connectivity.  There are also VoIP soft phone providers.  A soft phone is client software that loads VoIP service onto the desktop or laptop.  It would display an interface on the screen that looks like a traditional telephone.  Microphone or headset is a requirement to place phone calls on the soft phone.

Adding VoIP into web conferencing is like merging data and audio in a more convenient system.  But there are some doubters on the affectivity of VoIP in web conferencing.

There are advantages and disadvantages for using VoIP.  VoIP dramatically cuts the costs allotted for voice minute charges.  Adding audio and voice in web conferences enhances the effectiveness of the meetings.  Requirements for VoIP set-up is also minimal, like personal computer, broadband connection and a communications headset or other audio input device.

Before VoIP web conferencing, companies and businesses pays a lot of money for international calls using landline connections.  But with VoIP, companies can save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.  By using a phone adaptor (ATA), the VoIP technology can travel anywhere.  The user just have to connect their phone adaptor to a broadband connection to use it.

Two persons are not the only people that can speak on the phone line.  With VoIP, setting up a conference for the whole teams in real time is possible.  More calls can be handled on one access line.  VoIP also has several features like Caller ID, Contact Lists, Voicemail, etc.

Meanwhile there are people who cast doubts over the VoIP use in web conferences.  The voice quality is one of the biggest question over the use of VoIP.  The biggest issue is echo, especially if the participants are using speakers and microphone instead of headsets.

Another consideration is that VoIP is dependent on electricity or wall power.  For normal telephones, if power goes down, the phone is still working.  With VoIP, no power means no phone.  Since VoIP also uses computer and internet, it is susceptible to worms, viruses and even hacking.  To resolve this issue, VoIP developers and providers are already working on VoIP encryption.

For worst case scenarios, a computer crashing in the middle of the call will also mean no phone.  VoIP phone system is entirely dependent on personal computers and the broadband connection.

VoIP and web conferencing are still very young and developing technology.  There are sill room for improvement to further improve the efficiency of VoIP.  Similar to other emerging technology, the start is always the jittery part.  VoIP service providers are still facing a lot of challenges to better improve the services they are offering.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

VoIP: Providing the Voice in Web Conferencing

Let’s take a look at some of the aspects of the iPad from a technical viewpoint.

Limited to only one iPad application at any time

Currently the iPad can only run one application at a time and this can seriously cramp your speed if you are used to multitasking. So if you are chatting away with your friends if you want to quickly check your email to see a photo they just sent you, you’ll have to shut down the Chat program to open the Email program – that can get a little annoying! If you are anything like me then you will be used to staying on your Facebook page while chatting on GTalk and running Skype or Twitter in the background, and in the end you’ll probably find yourself hampered by the iPad’s ability to only run one application at a time. While the iPad may do several things much better than a netbook, being able to multitask is not one of them. So if you need to get some serious work done, the iPad may not make much sense for a developer as a netbook or laptop replacement.

Confined to the Apple environment

As a developer you may need to run many different applications suited to your job for a variety of purposes. While Apple’s hardware and software offers tremendous ease of use, it comes at an ‘Apple’ price. It’s one of the reasons that many companies don’t use Macs and iPhones in their organizations. Using Apple’s devices means that you are locked into Apple’s environment and that makes it extremely difficult  if you want to design a custom application for a particular task or tweak a system in a certain way. It’s an uncompromising system and unless you are willing to give up your freedom or only need the iPad for light use, it doesn’t really make a great platform for techies to work on.

Technology that’s still under development

Though there’s been much hype surrounding the iPad it is still an emerging technology that remains largely unproven. Apple has done a really impressive job of creating a touch based computing device that doesn’t have a huge learning curve. Yet the tablet PC as such hasn’t really caught on with the masses and they’ve only been used in very limited arenas such as healthcare. Subsequent generations of the iPad may be more developer friendly but at first glance many reviewers find the iPad a good fit for those who have really light computing needs. So if you work in health care, marketing etc. and don’t have to use a computer for many tasks the iPad may be right for you. However developers and techies will still need their netbooks or laptops.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

iPad Review – For Techies

Web conferencing enables document, file, application and even desktop sharing.  Web conferencing can use a downloaded software or just access a URL and use a password or access code to join the group conducting the web-based conference.  Web conference lessens the company funds spent on travel and also the time and effort invested on travelling.

File sharing, conducting presentations, orientations, product roll-outs and consultation can be done – in real time – through the internet.  Desktop sharing is one of the most important feature/component included in web conferencing packages.  Desktop sharing enhances the ability to interact and communicate with colleagues despite of being away from each other.

With desktop sharing, workers can access their work computers from any device that has internet connection, including home computers and laptops.  Desktop sharing makes it easier and more engaging compared to teleconferences.  With desktop and application sharing (another feature of web conferencing), one can use the applications without buying, downloading or installing any software.

According to Dave Roos (author, How Desktop Sharing Works), desktop sharing   works by sending packets of information from a host computer to a remote computer.  Data travel through the internet.  Data maybe in JPEG and GIF format, while other data may arrive as individual pixels assigned to a particular X and Y coordinate.   Data is compressed before sending it out to minimize the bandwidth used in the transfer process.

With desktop sharing, remote login or control is possible.  With remote login or control, it is necessary to have a downloaded software for the sharing, internet connection and secure desktop sharing network.   To share a desktop, the host computer allows a remote user to view the contents of the host computer’s desktop.

The host computer can also hand over the control of the mouse and keyboard to the remote user.  Handing off the control will enable the remote user to manipulate the mouse and keyboard of the host computer.

Desktop sharing has been frequently used by technical support representatives to trouble shoot technical and software problems without physically visiting the clients.  Desktop sharing provides a better customer experience.  Complications brought about by providing too many instructions over the phone are lessened by remote login and access.

During a web conference, the host or presenter may allow other attendees to view his desktop to show the presentation or data that he’s encountering some problems.  Attendees, then, can have control over the host’s equipment and further explain the other steps the host can take.

Desktop sharing also enables workers to enhance their collaboration and cooperation towards productiveness.  If an employee is sent to a another location to conduct seminars or to do a very important presentation, this employee may contact his co-workers and ask for their opinion about his presentation.  Co-workers can access the employee’s computer and provide some input about the presentation without physically going and visiting the employee who is away.

Through desktop sharing and web conferencing, working and professional relationship are improved.  Conducive and productive working atmosphere is developed inside the workplace.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Desktop Sharing Wonder: A Web Conferencing Feature

There are several things to remember to ensure that web conferencing was done or conducted effectively and is a success.  Preparation is important for a successful web conference.  According to Resource Center, it is never to early to prepare for the conference.  A month before the web conference, it is important to determine if it is indeed necessary and design who will be participating in the conference and rough outline of the topic to be discussed.

Two to three weeks before the scheduled conference, invitations to the participants should already be sent out.  A week before the conference will just be for polishing of the details planned couple of weeks earlier.

A week before the actual date of the conference, it is important to conduct a dry-run or trial run.  This would help or eliminate any possibility of technical issues.

Check the participants’ bandwidth.  It is important to know if anybody from the participants would have any problem about the video or audio.  It there is somebody from the group whose bandwidth is not enough to support the conference, then advice the group member to call and coordinate with their internet service provider.

Testing the equipment before the conference is very important.  Check the web cameras if they are working properly with the web conferencing programs.  Also, check the sound system. See if the microphones are giving out feedbacks that may deafen the other participants. Make sure that all the attendees have the right tools needed for the conference.

Aside from the web cams and sound system, also check for the camera angles.  It is important, and professional, that your whole head will be shown in the camera, not just the neck or the top of the head.  Also double check the lighting on the camera. If telephone is needed in the web conference, using headsets is more effective than the phone.

Also test the software you are going to use in the presentation. There are test or free trials of the software available.  Try using these software to be familiar with its features and food.

If the person involved in the meeting is located in a different country, it is important to double- check the time zone.  Also try to use more muted colors like blue or gray.  Bright colors and patterned clothing doe not really match with transmission.

Using clear and thorough instructions can also help the participants to have an enjoyable session.  Since web conferences come with lots of features, it is important to use the feature that will enhance the quality of the presentation or demonstration.  Familiarize yourself with the features before the meeting.

To use time efficiently, set an agenda.  Agenda setting will help the moderator and the participant’s to know the expectations from the conference and address those expectations.  Agenda setting is a great way of managing time.  Starting and ending the meeting on time is also a way of valuing time.

The day after the conference, send out thank you notes to the participants who have attended the session.  A week after the conference, ask the participants to provide any feedback to improve the flow and the conference itself.  Through this, we can ensure that the participants had the greatest web conferencing experience.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Success! Making Web Conferencing a Hit

When you experience these types of problems, you will no doubt need a plan to recover your data. This can be accomplished in a few different ways. The first option is a data recovery technician who comes to your home or place of business. They will analyze the situation, first determining the cause of the hard drive failure. Data recovery is a highly specialized field and have trained computer technicians on staff who know a hard drive upside down and inside out.

A good specialist is one who can come to you nearly anytime you call. A technician who is not reliable should be avoided at all costs, especially when you are looking for a long-term relationship. Specialists that can be there immediately are working hard to show you that they are reliable. When you have a data loss or hard drive failure, time is of the essence and you will want someone who can appreciate that fact.

Software programs are another option available to you. The only downside to these great programs is you need to use them before you have a problem. Once your hard drive has failed, there is simply nothing to install these programs to. The key is to install the software before there is an issue and it will aid you afterwards. Most of these programs protect your data by keeping a separate file accessible even after a disaster.

If you happen to have hard drive failure, viral infection or a natural disaster, there are many ways to retrieve your data. Two of the most common options are data recovery specialists and data recovery programs. If your business is dependent on the information, you will likely want to go with the technician. These computer specialists can retrieve lost files, and even reconstruct your hard drive if necessary. When the issue is hardware related the software program would be little help.

Data recovery is a specialized area of computer repair and, as such, you should always consult a specialist. They are trained to fix most issues and most important they can restore your needed data. Nearly every town or city across America has a data recovery specialist and most times, they are on call 24/7. Their pricing can be extremely reasonable and will come to your home or business in case of an emergency. The bottom line is if you compare a technician with over the counter software data recovery specialist are far better.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Help With Data Recovery

Identity thieves steal your personal information in an attempt to open new accounts in your name. They buy items and ruin your credit. Many victims find out when they get a call or a letter about delinquent accounts. Also, these thieves commit criminal acts using your identity which puts you in hot water with the law as a result.

It is not easy to get out of a tangle with identity thieves. Depending on what they used your identity for, you could be in for an uphill battle. Still, it is worth it to regain your good name.

1. Notify the credit reporting agencies: Equifax (www.equifax.com), TransUnion (www.transunion.com) and Experian (www.experian.com) as soon as you discover the theft. Let them know your identity has been stolen in writing and also call their toll-free number. Keep originals of all letters sent and also a list of communication dates for your records. Use certified mail for all transactions concerning the identity theft to create a paper trail.
2. Notify your bank. Close existing accounts to protect your money. Stop payment on all checks you didn’t write.
3. File a police report. This is a crime that needs to be dealt with. Fraud is punishable by law. A police report could come in handy if the thief commits criminal offenses using your name. Find out from the police in your state or city what steps need to be taken if crimes were committed outside their jurisdiction by the identity thief.
4. Notify credit card companies. They need to know that someone could be making purchases in your name. Use their dispute system to file complaints about unauthorized purchases. The company will suspend payments for purchases made on the card if there is a dispute in progress.
5. Contact other Federal agencies. Let the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-269-0271 to let them know that your number has been stolen. You might have to contact the IRS is a tax crime was committed. Identity theft is everyone’s concern. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission so they can add your information to their database for catching these criminals.

Identity theft is a hard situation to deal with. It’s not fair that the burden of proof is on the victim. But, if you do nothing, then the criminal wins. Use these above steps to fight to get your life back and catch the ones responsible.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

5 Steps to Take After Identity Theft Has Occurred