Computer Consulting Business Strategies for 2006

Own a computer consulting business?If so, then NOW is as good of a time as any to talk about what it’s going to take to make 2006 your best year EVER for your computer consulting business.Here are the 6 things you need to start working on right now.Understand Your Business Model and Target Audience – Way too many computer consulting businesses make the mistake of trying to serve “everyone”… and end up specializing in virtually “no one”. Unless you have the marketing budget of Best Buy or CDW, you simply can’t afford to market to everyone. And while we’re on the subject of FOCUS, you’d better figure out what services you WILL and WON’T provide.Dig the Well BEFORE You’re Thirsty – Regardless of whether we’re talking about finding prospects, customers, clients, staff, contractors, and partners,...

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Computer Consulting 101 Gets Seekon Nod of Approval

The Computer Consulting 101 free training seminar is now also featured in the Seekon Web Directory among other prestigious computer-related Web sites such as Geeks To Go, Hardware Reference, and Script Singl...

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US Government Drafts Rules for Space Tourism

Washington is nothing if not future-minded; they're working to regulate an industry that doesn't yet exist. The Federal Aviation Administration has published preliminary regulations for space tourism, covering medical requirements, crew qualifications, financial accountability, and the process for issuing permits. The regulations are scheduled to be finalized by this coming June.One has to wonder who exactly drafted these rules. Anyone working on emerging space tourism systems?Source: C...

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Will Insurers Lead the Way to Change in Environmental Policy?

Weather- and climate-related economic losses cost the world $200 billion in 2005 -- by far the biggest yearly loss on record. That big number falls squarely on the insurance industry, which foresees even bigger losses in the years ahead as global climate change leads to more volatile weather patterns.The insurance industry is considering how public policy could be changed to control global warming and perhaps lessen the risk of catastrophic weather events. To that end, insurers are dusting off a decade-old study written by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, with funding from the US Department of Energy, which states:Energy consumption is the largest contributor to global climate change, so promoting energy efficiency is a particularly promising strategy. Many energy-efficient technologies...

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Typical Managed Services Cheerleader

Earlier this week I blogged about how computer consulting business owners are being sold a “bill of goods” when it comes to the profitability of managed services for the typical small computer consulting firm.In other words… managed services, at least in my eyes, represents little more than a stupid catchphrase and HUGE potential distraction for the impressionable small business computer consultant.That said, if you’re hell-bent on trashing your existing computer consulting business and just about starting over from scratch in a much more competitive space, be my guest and read this article on the profit potential of managed services.“New Year Holds Promise for Managed Services” by Pedro Pereira on the The Channel Insider Web site. (Web site URL above)Now granted, Mr. Pereira makes some excellent...

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France Considers Legalizing File Sharing

Whether you consider it caving in to piracy or facing modern reality, a move to legalize peer-to-peer file sharing in France could have global ramifications if it becomes law. During a nearly empty midnight session last week, the French National Assembly passed an amendment permitting file sharing, hoping to instead compensate copyright holders through a tax on personal computers. Predictably, computer users praise the measure, while actors and artists generally oppose it. "This law throws us back to before the French Revolution," said Alain Dorval, an actor who dubbed Sylvester Stallone for the Rambo series of films. "France invented property rights for artists in 1791 and now this Parliament wants to vote them away." However, "artists currently get no money from peer-to-peer sharing,...

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Top Trends for 2006

As the clock winds down on 2005, pundits everywhere are weighing in on their expected trends for 2006. Among them:SiliconValley.com makes some relatively safe forecasts, including the rise of "kitchen sink" mobile phones, Internet telephony, on-demand video, vlogging and web-based business applications.David Kirkpatrick of Fortune goes further out on a limb, predicting that the Google bubble will burst in 2006, to the benefit of Yahoo and Amazon. He also believes that the upcoming Microsoft Vista will be greeted with a big yawn, and that video via cell phones will become the next big thing in mobile tech... though they won't be really big in the US until 2007.Peter Newcomb at Forbes makes several media predictions. In addition to expecting greater gains of digital media over print media,...

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Bowling Becomes a Hot High School Sport

These days, the top jocks at your local high school aren't necessarily on the football field, but in the bowling alley (or "center", to be more politically correct). According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, bowling is the fastest growing varsity sport. Much of this growth is fueled by the bowling industry, looking to update its image and to replace declining bowling leagues. Students like the sport because of its egalitarianism; while players need skill, they don't have to be specially endowed physically to excel.Source: CNN....

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The Internet Becomes More Diverse

A recent Pew Internet & American Life survey shows that women are leapfrogging onto the Internet, their numbers now equalling those of men online. In fact, due to their greater share of the US population, American women make up a greater share of the online US population than American men. In the 18-29 age bracket, 86% of women are online, compared with 80% of similarly aged men. Additionally, the numbers of black women online have surged over the past several years, outnumbering black men online by 10%. Not surprisingly, men and women are attracted to the Internet for different reasons:"Once you get past the commonalties, men tend to be attracted to online activities that are far more action-oriented, while women tend to value things involving relationships or human connections,"...

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China Seeks to Register Mobile Phone Users

In the coming year, the Chinese government is seeking to register the identities of all of its 200 million prepaid mobile phone users. The move is obstensibly meant to crack down on harassing or otherwise unsolicited text messaging, but is stirring controversy from those who express concerns about privacy. Users who receive bills for their phone service are already registered with the government.China has a total of 388 million cell phone users... a number that's expected to nearly double by the end of the decade.Sources: Times of Oman, Smart M...

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Computer Consulting 101 Gains Entry in Best of the Web Directory

If you’re looking to get access to free training from Computer Consulting 101, there’s now one more way to get there: through the Best of the Web Directory.Computer Consulting 101 has now gained entry into the well-respected Best of the Web Directory, alongside other computer business systems consultants.Web site URL provided ab...

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Best Business Ideas of 2005

Business Week has selected what it believes are the most innovative and important business ideas of 2005. Regular readers of FutureWire and similar blogs will recognize many of them, including the Long Tail, the breakdown of geographical barriers, the creative economy, mass customization, designer pets, podcasting, the use of social networking among young people (what BW calls "Generation @") and many others. Some ideas have become well established over the past year, while others are still in their early stag...

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Wireless Implant Alerts Doctors to Aneurysms

It was around this time of year, nearly 20 years ago, that a relative of mine died suddenly -- and very prematurely -- from a brain aneurysm. The tragedy of aneurysms (artery ruptures) is that they strike suddenly, and do their damage before medical professionals can intervene. Now, however, doctors have a new tool for monitoring the body for possible aneurysms before they strike.The Endosure sensor by CardioMEMS is a wireless implant device that monitors a stent placed in the body to shore up a weakened artery. The sensors measures pressure, and allow clinicians to determine if a stent is dangerously weak.Of course, the device only measures arteries that have the stent implanted. But for the patients with stents, the sensor is a welcome and cost-effective alternative to regular CT scans...

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Fan Power

If you're a music executive of the old school, you're certainly anxious to say "good riddance" to 2005... yet you're also dreading 2006. Sales of CDs and digital albums fell 8% this year, echoing a long-term trend. Digital downloads -- while very strong and growing in popularity -- have not been enough to offset those losses.However, if you're with an independent label or indie band, you're likely rejoicing in a very good year. The Internet and the iPod have combined to help expose music listeners to bands that they would never have heard of otherwise. A recent New York Times article notes:In a world of broadband connections, 60-gigabyte MP3 players and custom playlists, consumers have perhaps more power than ever to indulge their curiosities beyond the music that is presented through the...

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What Will You Do With Your Leap Second?

We'll gain an extra second this December 31, courtesy of the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERRSS), who looks out for these things for us. The "leap second" -- the first in seven years -- accounts for the variability of the earth's rotation. So as you're counting down to the new year this Saturday night, precision timepieces such as atomic clocks will read 23:59:59, 23:59:60, 00:00:00. You'll just have to wait an extra second before breaking out the champagne...UPDATE: A post in Pajamas Media (which cites this post) notes the very real work and disruption involved in adjusting for the leap second. The post quotes an article from Sci-Tech Today that summarizes the controversy: "Some experts think the leap second should be abolished because the periodic adjustment...

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Managed Services: Real Profits or Stupid Catch Phrase?

Every once in a while a computer consultant will contact me to ask my opinion about managed services and why our training materials don’t really even touch on managed services.The answer’s pretty simple… I believe strongly that managed services are NOT meant for the vast majority of computer consulting businesses.Managed services seek to commoditize or productize value-added services and the entire virtual IT relationship. Because of this, managed services will basically put you into competition with technology providers hundreds, even thousands of miles away from your primary geographic market.Why is that you ask? Because managed services are the antithesis of face-time-value.Plus on top of all this, transitioning a computer consulting business to managed services is a VERY radical transformation...

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It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

I was going to write a special Christmas message, but time has gotten away from me as of late. So I'll just point you to the message I wrote last year, which remains appropriate.I do, however, want to take this time to thank you for being a reader, and for helping to make FutureWire a success in its 18 months of existence. Have a safe and happy holiday -- I'm looking forward to sharing futurist news with you throughout 20...

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Computer Consulting 101 Free Training Seminar

Would you like to get some free training from Computer Consulting 101?So that you too can get more steady, high-paying computer consulting clients?Computer Consulting 101 shows you how with a free 1 hour self-paced training seminar:“Discover 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business”Web site URL listed above, courtesy of Computer Consulting ...

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[TIPS] - It's A Wonderful internet

And finally, before we all leave for home, let's watch this little tale of "It's A Wonderful Internet." The arrow to turn the pages is in the bottom right corner of the right hand page. And when you see other red arrows or sliders, see what happens when you pull or slide them.   http://www.itsawonderfulinternet.com/ And a VERY Happy Holidays to you all. See you next ye...

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Microsoft Small Business Specialist

I haven’t written much about the Microsoft Small Business Specialist yet, even though it’s now about 6 months old.Why? Frankly I wanted to make sure that this one was a keeper, because I’ve seen Microsoft debating a Small Business Server type of certification for the better part of 8 years.But it looks like the Microsoft Small Business Specialist designation is here to stay.Is the Microsoft Small Business Specialist designation worth it for you and your computer consulting business?That all depends on how married your computer consulting company is to Microsoft’s family of products… particularly Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS).Bear in mind, most of the non-technical small businesses that you’d sell Microsoft Small Business Server to will have virtually no brand-name recognition of Small...

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Strung Out on Tech?

Are high-tech gadgets something we want? Or something we need?A recent AP-Ipsos poll found that four in 10 spend more than $100 a month on technology, including media subscriptions and high-speed Internet connections. Half of PC owners, half of cell phone owners and four in 10 high-speed Internet customers say they couldn't imagine life without their technology.We've discussed before how our preoccupation with technology borders on addictive behavior -- a phenomenon exacerbated by the holiday season, in which tech devices are in great demand.One demographic that is clearly not enthralled with certain elements of technology is moms, who are struggling to keep up with their kids' game demands this year. Although many moms are game-savvy, many others find that shopping for games with their kids...

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[TIPS] - NPR John Henry Faulk's Christmas Story

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5028755Yes, it's that time again. Time to give you the link to John Henry' Faulk's telling of his wonderful Christmas story. I've been sending this link to you for what, 6 years? Longer? But, some of you are new, and others may still enjoy hearing it again. It requires Real Player. If you've NOT heard it before, treat yourself and give a listen. Why not play this for your class and ask them to write about the little boy in the story?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Don't want to hear it again? Then maybe this one is for you. http://www.swarmsketch.com/What is it? Well, what if you could go to a website where there was a virtual sketchpad on which you were allowed to add a couple lines. You just draw a couple lines. But, when you're done you're...

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[TIPS] - ALERT! You need to read this

Got a web cam at home? Do your KIDS have webcams at home? Then read this.    http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file=/articles/2005/12/19/news/porn.php It's a VERY unpleasant tale, but one that we need to be aware ...

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[TIPS] - flypentop gift idea?

Whether you end up dropping the $100 on one of these or not, this website is VERY cool.   http://www.flypentop.com   Imagine - carry around a computer in a pen. Want a calculator? Draw a C with a circle around it. Then draw out your number pad and the + _ * and / signs. Instand calculator.THere's much more, too. Very cool stuff.   Oh, also imagine that the kids being born right now are going to grow up with things like th...

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More Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips (Part 2 of 2)

Does your company need to retain the services of a competent computer consulting firm, but you have no idea how to really evaluate “competence”?In the first part of this two-part series on Computer Consulting 101 hiring tips, we looked at why small businesses find it so difficult to hire good computer consulting companies, as well as four basic questions that you must be addressed when searching for a new computer consulting vendor.Now in this second and final installment of this two part series on Computer Consulting 101 hiring tips, we’ll look at how you can evaluate the true, often-confusing expenses of using a computer consulting company, as well as how to more thoroughly review the computer consulting company’s professional credentials and experience.Remember, if you own a restaurant,...

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[TIPS] - Office ZOOM tip

How 'bout that - no web site tip today. :-)  Here's a little trick that you SHOULD be able to use with Word and the wheel on your mouse.   Open any ol' Word file containing text. Now, hold down the Control key and slowly scroll your mouse wheel. Presto! Instant Zoom! Works in Excel and Powerpoint, too.   What? Don't HAVE a wheel on your mouse? How on EARTH do you manage to scroll your web pages without ...

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Intermittent Postings

Due to the upcoming holidays and other competing priorities, you may see fewer posts on FutureWire than normal over the next couple of weeks. Please bear with us, however, as posting will resume as normal in Janua...

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Putting TVs on an Electricity Diet

Perhaps because they feature few mechanical parts, televisions aren't thought of as energy hogs. But watching TV can add between $13 and $145 to your annual electricity bill. TVs account for as much as 4% of the US's total electricity consumption, or 46 billion kilowatt hours per year -- an amount that could reach 70 billion kilowatt hours by 2010.Large plasma models are among the biggest energy sinks, requiring nearly 0.4 watts per square inch. Adding to the total power consumption are peripherals such as DVD players, and the fact that many TVs operate in a standby mode when not in use... consuming power even when off.The good news is that TV manufacturers are developing lower-power models that use as little as half the electricity of today's sets. A new generation of LCD and projector sets...

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E-Cards that Announce "You've Got an STD!"

If you think those "you're my best friend" e-cards from people you barely know are annoying enough, imagine getting one telling you that you might have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease...Health officials in Los Angeles and San Francisco have launched websites that allow users to send e-cards to sex partners, warning that the sender has been diagnosed with an STD and that the recipient should get checked ASAP. Developed for the gay communities of those cities (though they can be used by anybody), the e-cards feature cheeky taglines such as "It's not what you brought to the party, it's what you left with," and "You're too hot to be...

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An IT "Talent War" Might Finally Be Here

Despite outsourcing of IT work, many in the human resource industry have been predicting a labor shortage in information technology for some time. Certainly anyone who reads resources such as the Herman Group are aware of this, as we've discussed both the US and global labor market many times before (here, here, here, here, here, here, and here). Now, Joe Santana of CIO Update warns IT managers that "you simply cannot afford to just 'hope that the talent you currently have will stick around.'" Turnover rates will undoubtedly rise, he says, without an aggressive recruiting and retention strategy, and teams will fall behind in their projects unless they hire quickly and act to keep employees.The solution, however, isn't always as simple as higher salaries and more bonuses. Many IT workers are...

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Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips Part 1 of 2

Does your business need the services of a good computer consulting firm?Or do you own a computer consulting business and need to educate your prospects on hiring criteria? So you can frame the discussion and sway your prospects toward YOUR computer consulting firm?Before you rush out and hire the first techie or slick-salesperson that knocks on your door, be sure to consider these favorite Computer Consulting 101 interview questio...

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[TIPS] - Top Ten Tips for Better Pictures

As we approach the Christmas break when many of us will be taking tons of pictures with our (new?) digital cameras, I thought you might appreciate these pages with tips for taking better pictures. But, even before you look at these sites, READ THE MANUAL! There's a LOT to learn about a digital camera, so KNOW YOUR CAMERA.   http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-locale=en_US&pq-path=317 http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2002/10/22/digi_photo_tips.html   http://www.shutterbug.com/techniqueslp/  and http://www.shutterbug.com/picture_this/   http://www.basic-digital-photography.com/shooting-photos.html   So you've taken a bunch of pictures. Now what? Some people take the memory stick to a local Wal-Mart or Costco's or Sams's, etc, and print them themselves....

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Tsunami Survivors Face Long-Term Social Costs

A year after the tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia, the affected areas have benefitted greatly from the $8.4 billion in cash and material donations that has been sent or pledged so far. In fact, Asia grew at a rate of 6.3% in 2005. But infrastructure reconstruction has barely begun -- an effort that is estimated to cost about $9 billion and take up to a decade to complete.Those outside the "formal" economy, such as fishermen, farmers, and other independent businesspeople, were among the hardest hit, and may be the hardest to help. Damage to the environment and to the tourism industries of affected areas will also take time, and could have long-term economic and social costs, especially if economic distress translates into political upheaval and an increase in crime.Source: CNN....

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HP Extends SMB Olive Branch

After years of alienating SMB solution provider, systems integrations, resellers, and consulting firms alike, HP is changing its ways… maybe, hopefully, or at least that’s what HP’s public relations team is telling its channel-oriented media colleagues at CRN.If you recall back to the time before when Compaq and Hewlett Packard exchanged vows, there was a time when HP had a very PRO-channel attitude toward its SMB solution providers.However, various market pressures, including the 2001 tech bubble collapse, led to very different and rather anti-channel ways of HP doing business with small and medium-sized businesses.To say this ruffled some feathers among SMB solution provider, systems integrations, resellers, and consulting firms would probably be the understatement of the year.And I still...

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High-Tech Stocking Stuffers

Now that the holiday shopping season is coming down to the wire, why settle for tube socks or Old Spice when you can give the gift of technology -- at budget prices?Low-priced domain registrars GoDaddy and DirectNIC offer domain name registration, basic websites and web-based e-mail accounts for as little as $10 a year. Best of all, you don't have to fight the crowds at the malls. If you want to spend a little more, check out this tech gift guide, which suggests games and MP3 player accessories as choice stocking stuffers, as well as many pricier items.Procrastinators, however, risk losing out this season unless they start shopping now. Some of the hot items -- gadgets and high-tech toys especially -- are starting to sell out and are becoming increasingly hard to find.Source: C...

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[TIPS] - French resources for K-7 (and a bonus)

Want some cool resources for teaching French to K-7 students? Try this site. French flash cards (and their suggestion that you consider playing "Fish" with the cards you print from the site), French word searches, and even French Bingo! You'll have to also teach the how to yell, "Oh RATS!" when someone shouts BINGO! :-)   http://bogglesworld.com/french/index.htm------------Don't teach French? Then here's one for you: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/ It's the BBC's Science and Nature site. Very well done. &nb...

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How to Become a Computer Consultant

Have you ever wanted to become a computer consultant, but you weren’t sure if you could cut it?It’s not that hard to become a computer consultant… once you know what you’re doing.The problem? Many people trying to become computer consultants mistakenly assume that all you need are good technical skills. Not true at all.Do you have a basic understanding of computer-systems, strong problem-solving skills, and a desire to help other people? If so, then you already possess the main abilities and traits that you need to become a computer consulta...

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[TIPS] - numsum.com - social spreadsheets

http://numsum.com/ -------------- snip-------------Getting going is as easy as 1-2-3! 1. Register for your free account.2. Enter values into spreadsheet - nothing to download, no plugins required.3. Share the URL with colleagues and friends.------------ Understand? Create a spreadsheet on the web and share the URL with folks so that they can see AND MODIFY IT! Work collaboratively on a spreadsheet. What a neat idea.   ================== And, as a bonus for today, check out this article that cautions about excessive time playing video games. http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/technology/5500521/detail.html&nb...

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Santa's PC!

Finally... the perfect personal computer for the Big Guy to manage his naughty and nice lists. A Swedish website contains step-by-step instructions for building a model PC out of gingerbread, complete with gumdrops and icing!Source: Boing Bo...

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McDonald's Halts Pilot of Digital Info Kiosks

A closely-watched pilot of kiosks that would allow McDonald's patrons to print photos, download ringtones and burn music CDs was recently halted in the US. The fast-food restaurant chain declined to say why the tests were stopped, other than to note that they have been received positively so far by customers, and that tests will continue in McDonald's in Germany.This pilot does not appear to be related to McDonald's tests of self-service ordering kiosks reported in the fall.Source: Kiosk Marketpl...

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Are iPods Losing their Cool?

Are trend-setting college students burning out on iPods?A survey of young people conducted by the Emmis radio division suggests a growing frustration with the current state of MP3 content:"We spend a lot of time on the college campuses," [Emmis radio division president Rick] Cummings said, "because they’re the leading edge" in trends and habits for younger listeners. He said his latest research has detected "iPod fatigue" which essentially means that younger listeners will have "100 songs on their iPods and they’re sick of dealing with it." The opportunity for radio, said Cummings, is "to continue to lean on content and to bridge that [technology] with the radio audience."Cummings believes that professionally produced podcasts are the answer to "iPod fatigue," and will eclipse the current...

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Technology Keeps Seniors Independent, Safe

We've explored before how senior citizens represent a burgeoning online market, especially as the first of 2.8 million tech-savvy Baby Boomers turn 60. We've also looked at how products can be better designed for seniors. Yet seniors are now benefitting from an array of other technologies designed just for them.Seniors can benefit from LCD screens that provide information on prescription drugs, wrist watches and pendants that monitor the wearer's well-being and alert family members if something is amiss, walkers with built-in navigation devices that operate in pervasive computing environments, and games that allow physical therapists and physicians...

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Internet Usage Policy Article from Joshua Feinberg

Re: Internet Policy Examples to Keep Employees Out of TroubleJoshua Feinberg Helps You Write an Effective Internet Usage PolicyDo you or your clients have problems with certain employees goofing off (or worse!) on the Web? If so, you need a way to create an effective Internet usage policy.So now, we turn our attention to an issue that may already be plaguing your small business: how to give your small business staff unrestricted access to the Internet, without compromising productivity, destroying employee morale, or getting your company into a mountain of legal troubles. In this first in a two-part series, we'll give you an overview of what to plan for as you develop a company-wide Internet access policy.And do this now... before you discover that one of your employees has gotten you and...

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[TIPS] - lamsfoundation.org

--------snip----------- LAMS is a revolutionary new tool for designing, managing and delivering online collaborative learning activities. It provides teachers with a highly intuitive visual authoring environment for creating sequences of learning activities. These activities can include a range of individual tasks, small group work and whole class activities based on both content and collaboration. Click here for an interactive demonstration of LAMS.http://www.lamsfoundation.org/...

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Small Business Server Legal Problems in South Korea

For computer consulting businesses that focus on Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS), it’s well known that the software will ALWAYS be “evolving”.After all, in the age of constantly discovered OS and application vulnerabilities, regularly released hot fixed and patches, after a while most computer consultants just sort of “accept” the fact that Microsoft Small Business Server, like most commercially available network operating systems (NOS’s) and application suites will never be “done” or never be 100% secure.Well apparently one lawyer in South Korea is fed up with this lackadaisical attitude and complacency surrounding flaws in Microsoft Small Business Server… so fed up that he decided to file a law suit against Microsoft’s Korean unit after he lost some data when downloading files from...

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Rapid Protyping with 3D Printers

Future products may be developed not on the drafting board or even a CAD computer screen, but on three-dimensional "printers." A company called 3D Systems has developed a system for producing prototypes that are elegant, completely functional, and that could not have been developed any other way.Recently, the company teamed up with students from the Design Products Department of the Royal College of Art in London to put 3D prototyping through its paces. The group created games, toys and even a fully functional gun. A collection of photos of the prototypes is available on Flickr.Source: we make money not ...

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Tempe, Ariz. Goes Totally Wi-Fi

Tempe, Arizona has crossed a milestone in making wireless Internet access as ubiquitous as water and electric utilities. Using a mesh network on light poles over 40 square miles, the Phoenix suburb will offer access for $29.95 per month (students at nearby Arizona State University will get two hours of free access per day) throughout the entire city. Speed will vary by the number of users currently logged in, and indoor users may have limited connectivity without a signal booster. So while the service is imperfect (and still cost-prohibitive for many users), it puts Tempe at the forefront of municipalities offering wireless Internet.Source: AP (via Exci...

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[TIPS] - microscope gallery

—--------snip----------- At the Microscope Imaging Station facility, museum visitors can use microscopes and other precision instrumentation to observe the activities of living cells and organisms. —--------snip---------    http://www.exploratorium.edu/imaging_station/index.htmlWhen you check out the gallery be sure to watch for the Video button under the pictures. Watch cells divide, or the immune system fight off a virus, etc. Fascinating. —---------- Oh, and for a bonus...   Want to know what some computer designers are conjuring up for the future? Check this out: http://www.nec-design.co.jp/showcase/#gumi There are other areas at the top of that page, as well. &nb...

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Joshua Feinberg SBS Exchange Server FAQs

Rescuing the Exchange Server on SBSby Joshua FeinbergGot a misbehaving Microsoft Exchange Server at a Small Business Server (SBS) client site?If you’re a system administrator in a Fortune 1000 IT department, you might have the luxury of specializing in Microsoft Exchange Server. However, system administrators and computer consultants in smaller companies often need to be generalists.So what do you do when confronted with Rescuing the Exchange Server on SBS?Although this article is a little dated now, it’s challenge is pretty universal… it shows the struggle of backing up/restoring Exchange Server on S...

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Yahoo Buys Del.icio.us... But What Does It Mean?

The hot story du jour is Yahoo's acquisition of social bookmarking trailblazer del.icio.us. Web 2.0 observers have their takes on the meaning behind the purchase, whether it be that Yahoo's home-grown tagging technology needed beefing up, that Yahoo recognizes that tagging might be the "next big thing" in Internet search, that Yahoo simply wanted a complement to its recent acquisition Flickr, or that del.icio.us was looking for an exit strategy.The amount that Yahoo paid for del.icio.us (still an unknown at this point) may indicate whether the acquisition signifies a mainstreaming of the social bookmarking/folksonomy movement, or a bubble burst and a big fish merely gobbling up a weak competitor. Watch for some interesting speculation over the next week.Source: Om Ma...

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Joshua Feinberg Small Business Server Case Study on WindowsITPro

Looking for Joshua Feinberg’s articles online? And is Joshua Feinberg credible? See for yourself with this Joshua Feinberg article published on the prestigious WindowsITPro network.Small Business Case Study Roundupby Joshua Feinberg Part of the challenge when networking small businesses comes from how computer consulting firms and internal systems administrators adapt Fortune 1000 IT solutions to small-business budgets. Nowhere is this more evident than with solutions centered about Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS).This article helps you decide whether an SBS solution is right for your organizati...

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Imagining

Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of the murder of John Lennon. Aside from the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., no other single death in memory has stirred such passions and feelings of loss. That's because, when we think about John Lennon, we mourn not only what was, but the enormity of what might have been.Lennon, still young at 40, was enjoying a comeback in the fall of 1980, with his and Yoko Ono's new album Double Fantasy on the charts, and the single "Just Like Starting Over" receiving heavy airplay. This revival made Lennon's death all the more painful. What could he have achieved had he lived? It's impossible...

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Holiday Parties Go From Wild to Mild

The raucous company holiday (nee Christmas) party -- in which employees drink a little too much and do things they regret the next morning -- is fast becoming a thing of the past. Worries over sexual harassment, liability and corporate cost-cutting are making office parties more subdued affairs. Today's parties are more likely to feature healthy foods, and alcohol is limited or gone altogether. Parties are also more likely to be lunches than all-night affairs.Employees may not be mourning the loss of office parties, as a Canadian survey found that over 80% of employees found their company get-togethers a hassle rather than a pleasure. However, it's always been my experience that the number and quality of company parties, picnics and other extracurricular social events are a barometer of an...

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"Godcasting" a Growing Trend

We noted the advent of religious podcasting last spring... and it appears that so-called "godcasting" is catching on, if it hasn't yet hit the mainstream.According to one estimate, as many as 20% of all podcasts have a spiritual context. Listeners say they enjoy podcasts of their pastor's sermons when they travel, and on Sundays when they miss church. Instead of seeing it as a replacement for "live" worship, listeners see podcasts as an extension.For churches, podcasting is a relatively inexpensive way to distribute sermons, music and other material to a wide audience -- especially if that audience consists of tech-savvy young people with hectic schedules. With podcasting, churches can promote themselves and increase their reach far beyond their physical radius.No less a force than the Vatican...

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[TIPS] - programming 3d for kids

http://www.alice.org/-----------snip--------------Alice v2.0 is the next major version of the Alice 3D Authoring system, from the Stage3 Research Group at Carnegie Mellon University. It has been completely rewritten from scratch over the past few years.The focus of the Alice project is now to provide the best possible first exposure to programming for students ranging from middle schoolers to college students.---------------Still not sure what it is? CHeck out the movies found here: http://www.alice.org/Alice_movi...

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VARBusiness Magazine Announces VARs of the Year

You’ve heard of the Grammy’s, the Emmy’s and the American Music Awards.Move over Billy Crystal and Chris Rock. VARBusiness Magazine is ready to announce its own roster of superstar value-added-resellers (VARs).While VARBusiness has always published various lists of top channel programs and top solution providers, this year 2005 is the first time that VARBusiness has gone to such great lengths to become a cheerleader for its readership like this.The VARBusiness list of top VARs includes:Net Direct Systems, Apex, North CarolinaiGov, McLean, VirginiaAlvaka Networks, Huntington Beach, CaliforniaMSI Systems Integrators, Omaha, NebraskaAdvanced Technical Solutions, Scott Depot, West VirginiaLighthouse Computer Services, Lincoln, Rhode IslandCongratulations to the all 6 of the VARBusiness Magazine...

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Wanted: Very Big, Very Small Christmas Trees

Time was when Christmas trees were a uniform, predictable size -- usually somewhere around 6 feet tall. No longer.The trend in live Christmas trees seems to be skewing toward the extremes this year, with homeowners who have large, cathedral-ceiling rooms buying trees that are up to 13 feet tall. However, some buyers with eyes that are bigger than their houses have to lop off the tops of their trees to make them fit. At the other end of the spectrum are apartment and condo dwellers who seek small trees that economize on space.Source: MS...

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[TIPS] - eatsshootsandleaves - ESL quiz

This is a cute activitiy in which kids are given an apostrophe or a comma, etc and are asked to put it in the proper place in a given sentence.  Or, they can click the "No apostrophe" link if one doesn't belong at all. http://eatsshootsandleaves.com/ESLquiz.h...

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[TIPS] - Journey of Mankind

 http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/journey/ The journey of mankind, from the Bradshaw Foundation. Follow this animated migration of modern man over the last 160,000 years. (And you thought it was tough retracing your steps of yesterday!) :-) —---------snip--------- The map will show for the first time the interaction of migration and climate over this period. .... —-------- Fascinating! &nb...

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Great Computer Consulting Niche Web Site

It’s been a long-time coming, but I’ve exactly found an example of a great computer consulting niche Web site… for a consulting firm that serves CPA’s and tax professionals.I see so many lousy computer consulting Web sites that for lack of a better word suck that when I run across a good, or even great one, I feel compelled to bring it to your attention.My only real complaint with this site? The owner went out of his way to hide his identity… There’s no “About Us” page… or “About the Founder”, listing a bio.However, I still figured out who the site owner is (I won’t post it here because he probably prefers to stay anonymous) but I ** CAN ** tell you that his computer consulting company got their business development training from yours truly… Joshua Feinberg’s Computer Consulting 101 Professional...

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Media Trends for 2006

The Media Center at the American Press Institute has taken note of some emerging technology trends for the coming year. Some of these are similar to trends forecast for last year (such as this, this and this), though a bit more fine-tuned:Subscription models for electronic media ("all you can eat" for a monthly fee, yet you don't on any of it) will continue to catch on, and spread from music to movies.A new generation of home media systems will challenge TiVo and Microsoft Media Center, which hasn't yet gotten off the ground.This could be the year for personal media, with the appearance of the Video iPod, and with "all in one" players that allow people to watch TV, listen to music, and read e-books.The music and movie industries will continue to struggle with digital rights management, especially...

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Smart Clothes for First Responders

The Telecommunications division of the European Space Agency is developing smart clothing that can monitor the location and health of firefighters and other emergency response workers. The I-GARMENT, made of protective fabric, will be able to measure geographic positions and vital signs of the wearer, transmitting the data to field officers carrying wireless PDAs or laptops, or to a remote headquarters.The I-GARMENT will be covered with sensors, with its main processors and transmitter located between the wearer's shoulder blades. The transmitter will be able to communicate via satellite, allowing the wearer to be monitored virtually anywhere.The...

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Science Changing the "Facts of Life"

When children of future generations ask their parents where babies come from, the version of "the talk" they hear may be very different from the one we experienced.Though sexual reproduction lies at the core of life science, technology is progressing in a way that could change the way we think about reproductive issues:In 2004, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania grew mouse "spermatagonial stem cells," or stem cells that can become sperm cells. Other scientists are working to create human sperm and egg cells from stem cells... effectively removing sex from the reproductive process.A St. Louis surgeon has successfully performed an ovarian transplant on a woman from ovarian tissue donated by the woman's twin sister. The woman, whose cancer treatment as a teen left her sterile, then...

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[TIPS] - The world is flat!

The World is Flat!   So says Thomas L Friedman, the author of the book by the same title - a #1 book on the NYT Best Sellers List. This is a video stream of his speech. Why is the world flat? In short, "The global economic playing field is being leveled."   My advice to you is to start this video sometime when you're going to be online for a while, and let it run in the background and listen. This is something that your high school students should hear, too. This is THEIR world and I'll just bet this will enlighten them like NO OTHER speech they've heard to date. You, too. It's amazing how "flat" this world really is, and what events were directly or indirectly responsible for it.    http://mitworld.mit.edu/play/264/...

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Will 2006 Be The Year of Third Parties?

Facing what seems to be an unending string of corruption charges and scandals, public confidence in US politicians is bottoming out. A recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found that only 26% of Democrats and 24% of Republicans have "the same priorities for the country" as those surveyed. Plus, the Iraq war has become problematic, especially for those in Congress who supported it early on.Republicans are worried about losing their majority in the House in next year's election... but there's no guarantee voters will fall in line behind Democrats. Third parties such as the Libertarians, the Greens, the conservative American Independent Party and the Populists all threaten to siphon votes from both the GOP and the Democrats.Historically, the odds of third-party candidates are very poor. Of...

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How to Hook Up a Home Theater System

Santa might be bringing you a home theater system this holiday season. But no matter how good you've been, he won't set it up for free! For do-it-yourself-ers planning to tackle this challenge, the ExtremeTech blog has general instructions and tips on how to get a home theater system up and running, including how to integrate sound systems, game consoles, PCs, and legacy gear like VCRs. Also includes photos and a slidesh...

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Down on the Energy Farm

Could a future of higher energy costs and strained supplies lead to a rebirth of the family farm? It's possible... if that farm is devoted to producing renewable energy.A type of elephant grass, Miscanthus, can yield as much as 27 tons per acre per year (though 4-5 tons is more typical). When processed properly into fuel, a high yield can produce up to 213 million BTUs per half-acre. Considering that the typical home uses about 65 million BTUs per year, the productive and frugal grower (especially one who uses solar and other technology to reduce fuel consumption) can be energy self-sufficient, and can generate surpluses to sell on the open market.The problem, of course, is a lack of land. An "energy farm" is going to require acreage, and especially on the East Coast, more land is being gobbled...

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Interactive Mobile TV

Receiving TV programming on one's mobile device is a new enough concept... but interactive mobile television might be close on its heels.Norweigian broadcaster NRK is collaborating with Ericsson to test interactive mobile TV, allowing users to watch and vote on their favorite music video via cell phone during a music TV show, and to chat with other viewers.NRK and Ericsson say that hundreds of users have downloaded the special software necessary to view the show. "Our solution makes it possible for viewers to interact with a show that they are watching on their mobile device in a whole new way, creating a much richer TV experience with the help of the mobile channel," said Kurt Sillen, vice president of Ericsson Mobility World.NRK has been a pioneer in cell phone broadcasting, debuting the...

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Subcontracting Success Secrets

Do subcontracting? Or do you want to get involved in subcontracting, either as the master contractor or the subcontractor?Just to give you fair warning, there are a LOT more computer consulting firms doing subcontracting the wrong way than the right way.Subcontracting done right can be a VERY powerful way to broaden any computer consulting firm’s technical capabilities and potential for referrals. However, subcontracting done wrong has the power to completely sink your business with TONS of negativity, stress, and premature hair loss.What’s the problem you ask?Most computer consultants are often SO excited about the prospect of getting involved in a subcontracting relationship that they often fail to look before they leap.In other they jump the gun… put the cart before the horse… whatever...

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[TIPS] - Nettrekker searches

Once you've done your search, say by the keyword "bridges", you'll see the first eight "hits" listed on the screen, with links at the bottom of the list to go to the next eight, or to skip to a particular page of hits. But, here's how you can filter your results even more.   Let's say that you're interested in only those sites that have learning games about bridges. Do you see the solid colored bar above your search results that has the words "Search results: bridges" in the left edge? Below that are some "shingles" that begin with "Lesson Plans", "Learning Exercises", "Learning Games", etc. Simply click the Learning Games shingle to see only those sites that contain learning games. It's that easy.   Oh, click the little PLUS (+) symbol to the left of those shingles to reveal additional...

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The Growth of Hispanic Influence in New Orleans

Aside from its destructiveness, Hurricane Katrina had a host of effects on both the Gulf Coast and the nation at large. Perhaps the most profound long term change is the upheaval and mass movement of entire demographic groups, especially to and from New Orleans.Before Katrina, New Orleans was 67% African-American and 3% Hispanic. But as many black have vacated -- and, as one survey found, nearly half don't plan to come back -- an influx of Hispanic laborers may change the character of the Big Easy.If they stick around, that is. Although Hispanic workers are desperately needed for cleanup and reconstruction tasks, these are dirty jobs that pay poorly. In some cases, laborers are being stiffed on wages. Plus, New Orleans residents -- including mayor Ray Nagin -- are not exactly rolling out the...

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[TIPS] - Nettrekker tip

Have you signed onto Nettrekker, yet? Ask your tech director for details and for your IU's keyword that you'll need to create your account. It's available NOW courtesy of the PA Dept of Education.   How can you learn more about the system? On the page where you create(d) your account (http://middle.nettrekker.com/userinfo/pa.epl) there is a PA symbol in the top right corner area. Under that symbol is a link. That link takes you to a page full of links to GREAT training resources. For example, you can find a one hour workshop "script" that takes you thorugh many of the key areas of Nettrekker. The three hour script goes into more of the areas. (It won't take three hours, and it really is good. Use this one if you can.) There are scavenger hunts and even links to Atomic Learning videos...

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Why Software Consultants Sometimes Fail

Being a software consultant is kind of a weird conundrum. Why?Because although some of the wealthiest people in the World like Gates, Ballmer, Allen, and Ellison lead armies of software consultants, owning a software consultant business in and of itself is not a slam-dunk for profitability.Most owners of small software consultants businesses actually miss a HUGE point about business success that can really end up dooming their businesses… which is a shame, because it’s pretty easy to remedy.This fatal flaw you ask? Software consultant businesses obsess more about delivering great “code” or a great app than developing a great relationship with their clients.If you just want to develop software code and applications all day long your firm should really be in the business of being an independent...

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[TIPS] -webcollaborator.com

—---------------snip-------------- This website creates a new free and easy way to collaborate. Before Web Collaborator, to collaborate on a project meant passing papers back and forth, hours of painstaking corrections, hundreds of wasted pieces of paper, headaches, and plenty of coffee. Web Collaborator coordinates collaborations automatically, keeping backups of every revision ever made to the project, letting you see who made the changes, and allowing you to focus on the work instead of managing the work. Better yet, it is absolutely free for all uses. http://webcollaborator.com/ —------------------ &nb...

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Move Over, DVD... Here Comes HVD!

Just a few years ago, DVD players cost thousands of dollars and were the last word in sophisticated video technology. Today, DVDs are everywhere, players can cost as little as $30... and DVD's successors are already being planned.Sony is developing its Blu-ray technology, and Toshiba is leading the HD DVD group. But an even more advanced technology might trump them both. Holographic Versatile Disc (HVD) uses holographic technology to store vast amounts of data -- up to 60 times more than an ordinary DVD -- throughout layers of the disc. HVD discs are also touted as being highly shelf-stable, able to archive data for 50 years or longer.Manufacturers are planning to release a 200GB HVD system by the end of next year, and 1.6 terabytes are possible by 2010. A 300GB HVD disc can hold up to 26...

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BP Putting "Green" Money Where Its Mouth Is

You've likely seen the TV commercials from BP touting itself as a "green," environmentally conscious energy company. Now, though, it appears that BP is making a serious financial commitment to alternative, renewable energy.BP has announced plans to invest $1.8 billion in solar, wind, hydrogen and combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power over the next three years. The company plans to bring a wind farm online in the US by 2007, and deploy CCGT units to be major contributors to the US power grid.Although alternative and renewable energy remains a fraction of BP's overall business (oil and gas still dominate), BP appears to recognize the urgency of developing such energy sources in light of increased global demand and possible exhaustion of oil and gas supplies. And because its competitors are...

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Ten Rules for Startups

Thinking about starting your own Web 2.0 company? If so -- and even if you're not -- you'll find Evan Williams' Ten Rules for Web Startups compelling reading. Williams is the co-founder of Pyra, the original parent company of Blogger, and current CEO of podcast site Odeo. All of his "rules" make sense, and though some may seem obvious, we all know of instances where they have been ignored, to the business' detriment. Williams also provides links to useful tools such as David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) workflow methodolo...

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