Panda Cloud Antivirus

 Panda Cloud is a antivirus software that runs on the cloud. Just like all other antivirus it helps keep your computer protected from viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, dialers, and hacking tools. It does not cost anything. In my powerpoint I explain how to use this antivirus along with pictures to help you understand.

To see my powerpoint check here:
https://docs.google.com/a/myedge.cc/present/edit?id=0AfUb97OtF720ZDVkNWdrcl8wZjM2czl0ZzI&hl=en

Useful Cloud Based Tools

Apple sues Samsung, says it copied iPad

Apple has sued Samsung because Apple is saying that Samsung copied the iPad, iPod and iPhone with its Galaxy Tab and Galaxy handset. In the complaint Apple gave detail examples of the layout of the iPhone, iPod Touch iPad that Samsung copied. The rectangular case with rounded corners, the metallic edge and the thick, black band that appear at the top and bottom of the iPhone and iPod Touch and all around the iPad are all detail design elements that Samsung copied. They also copied the design of the application icon for it devices which  seems to almost match Apple's icon. Even the boxes for Samsung's products copied Apple, according to the complaint. I think what Samsung did was wrong, they should have came up with their own way of innovation.

more info
http://www.itnews.com/civil-lawsuits/31266/apple-sues-samsung-says-it-copied-ipad?page=0,1

Get a 3TB external hard drive for $125

Until April 16 Office Depot has the Seagate Expansion 3TB USB hard drive for $124.99 in some states. 3TB is the biggest hard drive you can buy today. The Expansion drive features a whopping 3,000GB of storage which is a whole lot of space!! I know I don't have any use of that kind of space. It has a 7,200rpm rotation speed, USB 2.0 connectivity, and a one year warranty. It's definitely a great deal so check it out.

for more info
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13845_3-20052713-58.html

Japan disaster puts historic hurt on chip industry

This article explains how the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan has made a major impact on computer chip industry. It has damage the semiconductor manufacturing facilities and Japan's electrical supply and transportation infrastructure. It could be four to six months before Japan's semiconductor production get back up and running. Vice president with IHS iSuppli, a research firm said, that a few of Japan's production facilities are so badly damaged that they may never comeback online again. "This is the biggest impact on the electronics supply chain in the history of the semiconductor industry," said Ford. Ford also stated that in the production of equipment you can't have 94% of a part, you need 100% of the parts to build any device. I hope Japan will get back on their feet soon as possible because it affects us in way and not only them.

more info
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9215432/Japan_disaster_puts_historic_hurt_on_chip_industry

Survey show we're too lazy about mobile phone security

This article made me think about how most people including myself don't really think of securing our phones. I only use my phone for personal use anyway, but for people that use there phone for business and  personal use then security needs to be brought to their attention. Around 84% of consumers use the same smartphone for both professional and  personal tasks. Some of us don't use phone-locking passwords which should be considered especially when you want to protect important information. You never know when you might lose your phone and give up important information that only you need to know. Only 29% said they thought about using a mobile anti-virus application. The way things are now I think we all should be more secure about things.

more info
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/03/28/survey.security.mashable/index.html

Three New Search Engines Worth Checking Out

This article is about new search engines and each have different ways that they operate. There names are Blekko, Qyo, and DuckDuckGo. Blekko uses slashtags after the search phrase to refine the query; for example, to find articles Google docs sorted by date, then you would type Google Docs /date. Qyo uses a collaborative perspective that involves social networking. DuckDuckGo is similar to google but it respects privacy and does not record search results. DuckDuckGo also claims to ban spam sites.

more info
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20110321/tc_pcworld/threenewsearchenginesworthcheckingout_1

Can't Sleep? Blame your computer, cell phone

I found this article really interesting because it is true especially in my case. Americans are not getting enough sleep because they are either on the computer, cell phone, or watching t.v. The National Sleep foundation did a survey that found 43% of Americans say they rarely  or never get a good night sleep during the week. A full 60% say they experience a sleep problem. Forget reading most Americans admit to using electronics like computers, radio, cell phones. The survey found that 95% of Americans use some type of electronic within at least an hour before going to bed. The foundation also found out that 6 out of 10 say they use their computers at least a few nights a week during the hour before bed. About half of teenagers and people in their twenties admit using a computer every night before going to bed. I know that I use my computer every night before going to bed and it has become natural in my life. I think we all need to work on getting a enough sleep to stay healthy, and not abuse technology to a point where it would cause us to get less sleep.

More info
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9213647/Can_t_sleep_Blame_your_computer_cell_phone

Tablets set to sweep corporate offices

This article explains how tablet computers has increased and have become highly useful in the corporate environment. According to the survey by Robert Half Technology chief information officers (CIOs) at major companies said that "their will be an increase use of tablets in the next two years". I can understand companies moving towards tablets because of the portability and mobile productivity along with easy storage and file sharing can impact the company in a positive way. Along with the increase of tablets will be a big demand for IT professional who will know about mobile application, troubleshooting, and handling security issues. In the survey  he asked the CIOs "do you think your company use of tablets will increase or decrease in the next 2 years". 49% said that they will increase use of tablets, 40% said that they will just stick to PCs or laptops, and 9% just wasn't sure.

for more info
http://www.ciol.com/Global-News/Global-News/News-Reports/Tablets-set-to-sweep-corporate-offices/147151/0/

Acer returning to U.S. server market

The PC maker Acer is coming back to the U.S. with a strategic plan of how they are going to sell their servers. Acer has been selling servers outside the U.S. In the article I learned that in the U.S. Acer is the fourth largest vendor, HP has 28.6% of the U.S. market; Dell 22%; Toshiba 10%; and Acer 9%. There main focus will be after small and medium size businesses. There servers will not be cheap but will be competition in the market against other brands. I never really dislike Acer PCs so I hope that they succeed in the market.

more info
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9210398/Acer_returning_to_U.S._server_market_

How video games can make you smarter

I read an article about how video games can make you smarter in which I believe is true. Critics often say how video games make players lazy and simply not considering it a good thing to do. Many people believe now that playing video games help build brain cells due to problem solving, teamwork, and decision making. It gives players the opportunity to get back up and try again after they have failed.  The four ways that video games can make you smarter is by Hands on experience, Job training, Contextual learning, and Teamwork and collaboration. Hands on experience from Video games can relate to the real world depending on what game is being played, because you may learned something from a video game that you can now apply to the real world. Businesses and Colleges are turning into the virtual world as educating tool to educate employees. Duke University's Human Simulation and Patient Safety Center uses a virtual game that give medical students the ability to practice on patients which is safer in the virtual world. You can definitely learn all about teamwork when it comes video game because I know I have especially when it comes to online gaming.

more info
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/gaming.gadgets/01/31/video.games.smarter.steinberg/index.html

Next Generation of the Microsoft Surface

Samsung Electronics Co. and Microsoft Corp. both collaborated on the next generation of the Microsoft Surface. Samsung SUR40 is the name of the new microsoft surface technology that gives LCD panels the power to see without the use of cameras.  It will have the ability to recognize fingers or hands and objects. It will be possible for people to to share, and work together using a large/thin display. Microsoft partnered with Samsung because Samsung had such intensity in LCD technology. It will available in 23 countries later this year, but it is particularly for businesses. The Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface will allow companies to change the way they interact with their customers. Samsung SUR40 will start at $7,600 in the U.S.

more info
http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/jan11/01-06MSSurfaceSamsungPR.mspx

Blocking Egypt's Internet

A couple of days ago Egyptian authorities were successful into shutting down all internet access in Egypt. The shutdown cause 90 percent drop in data traffic to and from Egypt. A cell phone provider named Vodafone with 28 million subscribers in Egypt was basically forced to shut down all mobile operators in Egypt. Can you imagine not having internet access or cell phone usage in this day in time?


For more info
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/29/technology/internet/29cutoff.html?_r=1&ref=technology

Windows Phone 7 Updates

I read an article about the Windows Phone 7 and the new updates that will soon take effect. By listening to their customers Microsoft was able to come up with new features that would improve their phone software. Soon you will be able to copy and paste which will be very convenient and time-saving. Games and apps will start up quickly because you know people complain when it comes to waiting. They are also working on having a better marketplace search where you can easily find specific apps, games, or music. You will also know when an update is available because your phone will receive a pop-up message. I think may purchase the Windows Phone 7 later once I gather more information about it.


For More Info.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/features/update-info.aspx

Introduction

My name is Byron Ebron and my major is Computer IT, and this Spring 2011 is my last semester of Edgecombe Community College. I have always been interested in computers and the amazing things these machines are capable of doing. After receiving my Associate Degree this year I plan on progressing my education to get a Bachelor's Degree in Computer IT. Most of the experience that I have came from projects or exams that were given in class by my instructor. I also gain experience in my community by helping my neighbors upgrade their computers and by troubleshooting various computer problems. I enjoyed learning everything that I learned so far and I will continue to learn more about everything that I need to know.