0 Getting T1 Price Quotes For Your Business

When it comes to choosing the right kind of technology for your business, you need to consider a lot of aspects including costs of the same. You also need to consider the maturity of the technology, whether it has a proven track record and its suitability to future requirements that your business will have. One technology that you can safely consider as far as Internet connectivity is concerned is T1 lines. There are plenty of service providers in the market today who will generate T1 price quotes for your business.

 Why go in for a T1 price quote?
There is no let up as far as business competition is concerned. You competitor is busy trying to get ahead of you every minute of every day. Therefore, you too need to be on your toes and one of the ways in which to level the playing field regardless of size of business that you run, is to use cutting-edge technology. T1 has proven itself as one of the best technologies that exist in the market today when it comes to being cost-effective as far as Internet connectivity is concerned. Among its salient features that make it such a popular technology today are:

• Cost effectiveness
• Availability of high bandwidth
• Delivery of high speed of data transmission
• Being able to take care of future demands of a business
• Capability of being customized to your specific requirements

Advantages to your business
When you compare an Internet T1 line to other options such as DSL and cable connections, you will realize that a T1 line is far more reliable and service providers can go up to the extent of guaranteeing 99.99% uptime. More importantly, should a network failure occur, then a service provider is capable of reacting extremely swiftly to minimize business disruption. Therefore, it is not simply about the higher cost of a T1 line but the value for money that your business organization will enjoy when you invest in a T1 service.

Capability of handling traffic
One of the biggest requirements from your Internet service is that it should be capable of handling high volume of data traffic and support demands from a large number of users. With the kind of services, features and capacity that a T1 line has, you will easily meet the requirements of the users and of data transmission as well. T1 line basically means that you are getting 24 channels through which you can transmit data of various kinds. There is no doubt whatsoever that a T1 line is probably one of the most well-equipped to take care of future business demands as well.

Prices of a T1 connection
Given the high level of competition that exists in the T1 sector today, you are sure to get extremely competitive T1 price quotes from multiple service providers. Some of them can even promise a connection for as low as $200 - $250 per month. Of course, you will certainly have to check exactly what is included in this monthly fee and whether the service provider is going to charge you anything else such as installation and service fees as well.

James is a writer and blogger with 5 years experience.

0 The 10 Best PC Games Known To Man

While video game consoles are updated every few years or so, computers are constant, evolving through a steady stream of hardware upgrades. As such, the PC is home to some of the best games of all time.

Note: it was hard enough cutting this list down to ten, so the games are featured in no particular order. There's no way they can be rated against each other, so you should just play all of them.

Half-Life

Back when shooter games were mostly style with little substance, Valve's debut title showed gamers that there was still room for characters and narrative in the genre.

Players stepped into the silent shoes of Gordon Freeman, a scientist caught in the middle of an experiment gone horribly wrong. When the facility is overrun with strange creatures, Gordon must fight his way to the surface, facing more than a few surprises along the way.

Myst

Players arrive, via a mysterious book, to the island of Myst, and are not given any specific goals at first. They must simply explore the environment, and will slowly discover what the island is hiding.

Myst is a story-driven puzzle game, as interesting a departure from the standard video game fare in the early 90s as it is today. Players move from one still scene to another to traverse the island, and can move between “Ages”, which change the scenery and the items within it. The absence of any kind of violence or threat of death to the player is a welcome feature.

Diablo II

Blizzard have earned a special kind of fandom in the games industry. They aren't the most prolific studio, but gamers know that the wait will be worth it, and the game will be enjoyed for years afterwards.

Amongst their critically and commercially successful back catalogue, Diablo II seems to conjure some of the most passionate fans. The game still garners a lot of play time on Blizzard's Battle.net service, and continues to sell hard copies in stores a full twelve years after release.

Diablo II continues the original's hack-and-slash gameplay through a dark fantasy world, with players creating a character within one of five classes, who vary in offensive and defensive skills, hit points and types of abilities.

Portal

Also from Valve, Portal took the S out of FPS. It's a first-person puzzler, where, miraculously for a video game, you never shoot a single enemy.

Instead, your gun fires portals into surfaces. After you fire two, stepping into one will teleport you to the other. It's an interesting, unique way to traverse the levels, and the puzzles built around this mechanic can get quite ingenious.

MineCraft

This fairly recent game has effortlessly joined the annals of video game (and particularly PC game) history.

The premise is simple: build things out of blocks. That's the crux of it, and it has captured the imagination of millions of people, including those who don't normally play games.

Players are given an open world to explore, and (in most game modes) no set goals. You want to explore? Explore. You want to build a 1:1 scale replica of the Starship Enterprise? Go for it (someone did). How about a working calculator, or a music box that plays the Pink Panther theme? All possible.

Doom

It may not have been the first shooter game, but Doom is arguably the title that launched the genre's popularity.

It's not hard to see why. It's all fast-paced action, with a healthy dose of horror. After all, you are slaying demons on Mars.

Doom's legacy is still felt pretty strongly on today's FPS games.

The Sims

The Sims is one of those games that pretty much everyone has played, or at least tried. This is probably due to the open nature of the game, which allows players to create a virtual human (called a “Sim”) and then guide them through the major and minor aspects of their life. You'll micro-manage their eating habits, force them to go to work, act as Cupid in their relationships, and watch over them creepily while they sleep. With the money they earn, you can build them a house, and buy furniture and appliances to fill it.

Deus Ex

Widely regarded as one of the best games of all time, on any platform, Deus Ex is a first-person shooter game with role-playing elements and a cyperpunk setting.

We use the term “shooter” game with care though, because one of the best elements of the game was how it provided multiple options for completing a given task. Sure, you could go in and shoot everybody, but maybe it would be easier to pick a lock and sneak through vents. Or try to talk your way out of trouble.

The consequences of player choices were also key. The characters and story could change, depending on what the player chose to do. These are design methods that have often been adopted since, and the video game medium is better off for their addition.

The Secret of Monkey Island

This game refined the graphic adventure structure, avoiding several problems the creators saw with other games in the genre – including their own previous works.

As such, Monkey Island came to be seen as the pinnacle of the adventure genre, receiving almost universal praise from critics for the quality of it puzzles, narrative, characters, presentation and in particular, its sense of humour. It was that quirky tone that helped it stand out from its peers, and similar themes became standard for the developers' future games.

World of WarCraft

Wow. This is one of those games whose impact expands beyond the game itself and becomes a cultural phenomenon.

World of Warcraft is the jewel in the already-impressive Blizzard crown, still going strong after almost ten years in action.

It was by no means the first MMO – Massively Multiplayer Online game – but it has come to define the genre, even among people who don't play games.

Players create an ongoing character, join factions and jump into a world populated by characters controlled by other players. There are quests to complete, battles to fight and experience to be gained.

To keep players interested (not like they need much help), several expansion packs have been released over the years, adding extra quests and storylines.

WoW's legacy is sure to be felt for a very long time.

Linda Campbell is a freelance writer who divides the time spent on her Flexi-rented computer between playing games and writing about them. 

0 Car Innovation At The 2013 CES Conference

In January Las Vegas played host to the Consumer Electronics Show showcasing all the latest and greatest in the field of technology. Apart from the new advancements in televisions, laptops and smartphones, it is the car innovations that really grabbed the attention of the tech-lovers.

Think in the lines of completely automated cars, cutting edge race car technology, cars that mirror your smartphone activity and even a remote control for your car.

Let us take a look at some of the most innovative inventions at the 2013 CES Conference:

Hyundai’s Mirrored Display

Hyundai showcased a development within the infotainment sector allowing your car’s display screen to mirror that of your smartphone. The demo’s being played by the Korean automaker explained the technology behind the display by using a Samsung Galaxy S3 as the smartphone of choice. All you have to do is connect your smartphone device to your car, which can also be done via Bluetooth or other operating systems, and the visuals will be displayed on the vehicle’s bigger screens. This is ideal when you want to use your smartphone as a GSP, making the trip a lot safer than trying to focus on a little screen on your lap or seat next to you.

Tesla’s Infotainment News

Tesla once again showed that they are the leading innovators in the field of electric automobiles. The latest Model S luxury-performance also had some news to share in the field of infotainment with its system now powered by Nvidia’s Tegra 3 processor. This electric car’s display boasts to be the largest system available in a production vehicle. Tesla lovers and prospective drivers are lucky enough to get the best of both worlds with a beautifully designed car and in terms of infotainment a larger than life LCD display.

Lexus Takes The wheel

It’s official, Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus brought an autonomous LS model to this year’s CES Conference. As one can imagine, this is a glimpse into the future of automobiles that everyone was eager to see. The car consists of the usual technology inside the car, such as radar and communication equipment and cameras, but what is the most innovative part of it all is the proprietary system.

Lexus named its latest baby, Intelligent Transportation Systems that is designed to work with or without a driver. The system is even able to detect if the driver is active or not, for instance if the driver has fallen asleep will attempt to wake him/her up. If this doesn’t work the system will then take control of the vehicle avoiding any accidents. The system is able to mimic all the actions a normal driver would take while driving and understand every aspect like traffic signals, the changing of lanes as well as being aware of other cars on the road.

Audi Ahead Of the race

Every car lover has an appreciation of the innovation in any car, but when it comes to racecar technology, it’s just a entire different playing field. Seeing a racecar in ‘real life’ is really something worth viewing, and Audi’s R18 e-tron Quattro hybrid did not disappoint.

When it comes to the display booths at the CES conferences some companies tend to take it a bit further than others, Audi was one of these examples. Their booth as decorated to look like the gates of heaven or a futuristic hall of God. They surely had something to show off as the Audi R18 e-tron Quattro hybrid was the winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans race in 2012.

One of the most impressive features lies in the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. The (KERS) systems recovers kinetic energy that is created while the vehicle brakes, this energy can them is used again on a later point the race. This hybrid also features a digital 600,000 pixel rearview mirror, a cut above the rest, we’d say.

Delphi Connects Old and New

Ever wanted to know what your teenage daughter is up to when she takes the car? Or know exactly how much petrol you have left in your tank? Delphi’s Connected Car enables you to do this, and so much more.

The Connected Car is a device that can plug into any US car’s OBD-II port post 1996. This device will now act as a remote with a variety of functions, start your car from a distance, track the vehicle’s position, set up ‘boundaries’ for your children’s driving routes, check how much fuel you have available and even receive notifications to your phone whenever there is something wrong with your car.

The Connected Car can be bought through Verizon and managed over a network or Bluetooth. See this as the ultimate monitor for any car user and that fact that it can work with older cars makes it that much more desirable.

Guest post by contributing author Richard O., written on behalf of Directfit. Check out the auto Radiators at DirectFitAutoParts. 

0 A Handy Guide To Near Field Communication

What is Near Field Communication?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a manner of connecting two devices at very short range; within 1.5 inches, in order for the two devices to exchange information. The devices can have information read and written onto an ‘information tag’, and for example can be used by contactless card readers to process payments.

The official definition released by the NFC Forum states that NFC is ‘loosely coupled inductive circuits sharing power and data over a few centimetres’. Today,  NFC is a popular method of ‘contactless’ payment technology which is emerging as a credit and debit card feature and is currently used by the UK Government’s Transport for London, in the form of Oyster cards to pay for travel around the city. The potential of NFC is so hugely vast that new uses for it and possibilities are being established all the time.

What Benefits Can NFC Offer a Smartphone User?

Two devices can share information in a way similar to Bluetooth, but without needing to ‘pair’ or prime the devices beforehand, they will simply need to be held next to each other, or lightly touched together.

NFC enabled devices can work as barcode or QR code scanners do at the moment, providing information, prices, or even linking to a website, all simply from touching the device to a NFC sticker placed in a convenient location.

Mobile handset manufacturers, like Samsung, are starting to include NFC technology in their devices. Hence, your NFC enabled Smartphone could mean that you do not have to carry a wallet anymore; you could have all your payment information on the device.

Is It Safe to Use NFC Payment Processes?

While this may initially sound risky; the old ‘all eggs in one basket’ dilemma, in actual fact it would be safer for the user. Many people already carry important information and cards in their wallet, which if lost or stolen would be immediately accessible to the next person to open it; whereas with a smartphone loaded with that wealth of personal data it is a simple matter to password protect all the data, meaning that no-one can easily access information or funds.

There are safeguards in place to protect payments. The extreme proximity required for the NFC ability to activate is, by itself, a form of protection. The credit card companies and banks that are investing in this technology will rate the safety and security of their systems and their customer’s money and information high in priority.

What Lies in the Future for NFC?

NFC will allow retailers to specifically tailor offers to customers, who will be able to pay quickly, avoiding queues at till points. Till points themselves may fall away; mobile pay stations can be brought to the customer for the payment to be actioned there and then. In a world where 79% of smartphone users consult said phones in decision making processes, retailers would be missing a large opportunity by eschewing NFC technology.

NFC enabled technology will soon be used widely on transport systems, travel cards and  will be accessed through the users’ smartphone. Social media is already beginning to dip a toe into the world of NFC, particularly dating websites who are working on apps that might be able to signal that a potential match is in the same location.

The overwhelming top benefit of NFC technology will be seen to be the fact that it is ready to go; there is no software to download, no passwords to be entered, no drivers to make the devices compatible. Imagine tapping your smartphone onto a printer and, within minutes, walking away holding in your hand a photograph that you had taken on the phone.

Many top international companies are expressing enthusiastic interest in the process, from Google to Apple, through Microsoft, Amazon and even PayPal: these companies have seen the future of NFC and they want to be prepared for it. The PayPal development in particular is intriguing; they have teamed up with Bling Nation, to allow customers to pay from their PayPal account in Bling Nation stores.

We may well be stepping into a future where we need no wallet, no handbag, no keys – just your phone, preloaded with cash, tickets, tokens, coupons, and even electronic key codes – for house and car alike.

References: Wikipedia.com, nearfieldcommunicationnfc.net, startjg.com, mashable.com

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source 
•  License: Creative Commons image source 
•  License: Creative Commons image source 

This article was written by Mike, an expert in credit card processing at First Data Merchant Solutions.

0 Why a Tablet is a Great Buy?

First there were telephones, then televisions and finally computers, and all of these amazing devices changed the way we communicate with each other and get our information and news about the world. Then came the mobile phones and their improved, smarter versions called aptly smartphones, and portability seemed to know no bounds. However, the latest evolutionary device to change the name of the game is the tablet. 

0 Wired and Wireless: Best Speakers for Your Outdoor Theater

If you have an outdoor theater—or if you’re contemplating installing one—one of your biggest challenges will be deciding what type of speakers to use. You have the option of hardwiring in some outdoor speakers, and you also have the option of using portable or wireless speakers. 

There are a variety of different portable, wired  and wireless speakers that will be great for your outdoor theater. Some are large, some are small, and some have more capabilities than others, but they all allow you to hear the movies or music in your outdoor theater.

If you’re interested in a quality speaker for your outdoor theater, the following are four great options.

1. Bose 151 Environmental Speakers

Bose speakers have made a name for themselves over the years as a quality product, and the 151 Environmental Speakers are a great choice for your outdoor theater. Not only are they weather resistant (so there’s no need to cover them up if it rains), but you can also use them both indoors and outdoors. These speakers have tested against snow, rain and extreme temperatures, and you’ll also love the brilliant sound quality you’ll experience.

2. Klipsch Outdoor Granite Rock Speaker

If you’re looking for an outdoor speaker that will provide quality sound and go unnoticed by  your guests, you’ll want to get the Klipsch Outdoor Granite Rock Speaker. This speaker looks exactly like a real rock, so it will easily fit into your outside décor and not be an eyesore. Plus, this speaker contains dual tweeter design, so you’ll hear everything with perfect clarity.

3. Polk Audio Atrium

The Polk Audio Atrium is another great speaker for your outdoor theater. It has a unique look that will not stand out as an eye sore to your guests, and you’ll enjoy the resin enclosure that keeps it free from weather damage. If you’re looking for a subwoofer to add boom and power to your outdoor theater, this is just the device to do it.

4. Philips ShoqBox

The Philips ShoqBox brings a whole new meaning to the word durable. It’s a universal wireless speaker that will work with any Bluetooth smartphone, computer, mp3 player or tablet. There’s also a smart sensor, so you can easily swipe to a new song without needing a remote. The ShoqBox is also very small and lightweight, so you can carry it with you anywhere. Easily move it from indoors to outdoors, or feel free to bring it with you wherever you go. Plus, the ShoqBox was tested to withstand water and damage from being dropped, so you don’t have to worry about being extra careful with these in tow.

Having outdoor speakers for your outdoor theater can add quality and excitement to your outdoor entertaining. All four of these speakers will provide you with quality and clarity when it comes to your outdoor sound, so whether you’re looking for something to hard wire or something to take both inside and out, you’ll find something you want from this list.

Caroline Jones runs her own home automation blog.  She enjoys blogging about home improvement and technology in her spare time.

0 Noteworthy Features of Recent Nikon Cameras

The Nikon name in cameras is as common as Jello is for gelatin. Nikon-made cameras have captured a unique place in the market. There is a long and never ending list of Nikon cameras, but here we will be focusing on some of the latest models such as:

1. D600
2. Nikon 1 J2
3. COOLPIX S800C

 

D600:

A new full frame camera priced at a retail $2100, the camera works on the FX format with a CMOS sensor rated at 24.3MP. The D600 comes equipped with a 39-point autofocus system which works flawlessly. As for connectivity, the camera has two SD slots, a headphone jack for its video mode, and can perform uncompressed recording via an HDMI cable. Speaking of video, this camera is capable of full 1080p recording at a smooth 30 frames per second. In still mode, it's still capable of producing continuous shots of up to 5.5fps. Coming in at a sturdy 1.6 pounds, the Nikon D600 is a worthy full frame competitor.

 

NIKON 1 J2:

The J2 comes as an update to Nikon's consumer line, sporting a higher resolution screen, an interchangeable lens, and a metal body with ergonomic rubber grips. Available with two different lenses, a 10-30mm VR or a 11-27.5mm zoom, and in many different colors, it is clear customization was to be a selling point for the device. Nikon's interface allows for the editing of pictures on the camera with myriad options, but this functionality is limited in the sense that it is still done on the camera's 921,000 dot screen, using its claustrophobic interface. With a 1'' CMOS sensor rated at 12MP, 1080p recording is no problem, along with continuous shooting up to 10fps, with adjustable focus in-between shots. A built-in flash rounds the J2 off as a powerful, small, and easy to use consumer device.

 

COOLPIX S800C:

The Android operating system comes with all the familiar functionality: App downloads, touchscreen, GPS, Wifi connectivity. Wifi in particular allows you to upload pictures and videos straight to the internet without being near a computer. But does android makes sense on a camera? Internal storage is a bit crammed at 1.7GB for pictures, and 700MB for apps. SD storage is of course standard so this can be overlooked. Looking at the other specs, with a 10x optical zoom, ISO 125-3200, and a 16.8MP sensor, this camera makes for a better point and shoot device than a smartphone. Still, at its price of $300, it comes out as an average camera and a sluggish android device. Take the S800c off the charger, and you may find yourself limited by the average 125 pictures per charge, a number that only goes down with use of android. Coupled with this less than desirable battery life, the Coolpix S800C is a device that perhaps finds itself dim by trying to shine in too many places.

Bill Green is an engineering student and freelancer for Photo.net where you can read in-depth Nikon camera reviews.