The year 2000 doesn’t seem that long ago. With the turn of the century, many businesses and IT professionals were focused on “Y2K” which turned out to be no big deal. In 2000, the iPod did not exist, Windows ME (Millennium Edition) was released, and Mac OS 9 was still Apple’s standard. Throughout the decade a number of events continued to cement technology into our day-to-day existence. Let’s take a moment to reflect back.
The .com Bust Despite the predictions, the .com bust in 2001 didn’t really signal the end of the opportunities the Internet created. Out of the ashes emerged Google, eBay and Amazon.com. In 2000, Google launched its self-serve, pay-per-click service. Today, Google’s PPC economy generates over $20 billion in revenue each year and is, in many ways, the barometer of the Internet economy at large.
Mobile Maturity As we begin a new decade, the mobile Internet is a reality. Consider this: In China alone, there are now more than 150 million mobile internet users. In the US, which has been lagging the developed world in the adoption of advanced mobile technology—over 20 million mobile users access the Internet daily.
The Rise of Social Media It’s hard to believe that the social networking craze started over 6 years ago when Friendster launched. Since then, we’ve seen the rise of a broad range of services that enable you and me to connect and share online. “Social media” in all of its forms has impacted the Internet like few phenomena before it. And, its potential reach extends far beyond the Internet to things like search, media, retail, marketing, PR and customer service.
A look Ahead As we head into a new decade, mobility, virtualization and cloud computing headline technology trends. With these new technologies and their inherent rewards, there are a host of new risks to consider.
It was a busy decade in Internet security. Cybercriminals were crafty and creative. The upcoming decade promises more of the same. As your IT consultant, we want to make sure you stay a step ahead.
Security Threat Landscape The attacks of today are different than in recent years. Hybrid malware, combining the Web and email to carry out sophisticated attacks, will become even more prevalent. Narrowly-targeted attacks, which require the presence of specific applications to engage in malicious activity, are also on the rise. Finally, we’ll see an increase in “real-feel” of phishing sites and emails. In short, our clients will need to be on their toes and IT Radix is here to help.
Social Media Attacks on social networks is increasing in volume and scope, targeting communities such as Facebook and Twitter. Social networks present a very good ROI for cybercriminals using them as a platform for attacks. This trend will intensify. Friend, Follower, Tweeter, beware!
Data Security Many clients will need to work on risk assessments and establishing business justifications for how data is used, sent and protected. What the focus is will depend on your type of business and its size.
Encryption Mobile use will necessitate more attention to encryption technology. With more capabilities on mobile phones and devices there is a larger need to protect the information on mobile devices. With the explosion of email in the past decade, it’s simply incredible what businesses are freely sending via email and the Internet. Most businesses are not encrypting email, but could and should. Ensuring appropriate security for data “at rest” is also facing increased threats.
Where will all these changes, challenges and opportunities lead or end? Only the next decade knows. As your technology partner, IT Radix is here to help you sail confidently into the new decade.
A flat panel PC is the one that uses a flat screen monitor for visual purpose. In the modern age a large number of people are working on computers. Their job requires extensive hours of sitting in front of the computer with their eyes glued to the screen. This practice often demands a high-resolution monitor, which does not strain the eyes of the user badly. To meet the demands of the consumers many computer manufacturing companies have come up hi-tech flat screen monitors.
The technology behind flat panel PC
A flat panel PC monitor does not use cathode ray tube or CRT technology. It rather uses the LDC or Plasma technology. The monitors look sleek, stylish and are light weighted. These monitors are known for their clarity and high end digital technology. Flat panel PCs are being used by gamers, computer professionals and even at home.
Advantages of using flat panel PC
There are several advantages of using a flat panel PC. The flat panel PC does not weigh much unlike the CRT PC. The display is clear and high in resolution causing less strain to the users’ eyes. Some of the flat screen monitors also have USB ports on them. Another good thing about flat screen monitors is that the response time is reasonably less. This kind of system starts faster and with ease. The power consumed by these kinds of monitors is almost half of the amount consumed by CRT monitors. A flat screen LCD, TFT and Plasma monitor is extremely efficient and the picture quality is very good as it can overcome any subtle distortions that were prominent on the CRT screens. Watching movies on a flat screen monitor is exciting and the color quality is extremely good that does not hurt the eye. The prices of these monitors have become reasonably less these days and hence buying one of these is not a matter of concern any more.
Types of flat panel PCs
Flat panel PCs are available in different configurations working on the basis of different mechanisms. You can select the one that is the best for you from your nearest store or you can also buy online. You can select from among Panel PC (Fanless Touch LCD), Panel PC (12.1″ Touch LCD), Panel PC (Large Screen LCD), Panel PC (Sunlight Readable), Panel PC T5 Series and many more available in the market. These are mostly available in sizes of 10.4’, 12.1’, 15’ and 17’ touch screen variety.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your own flat panel PC and get the magical experience of high quality visual output. These PCs neither strain your eyes nor your pocket since the prices are affordable.
What is 3G?
3G (Third Generation) is also known as UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) and is said to be the next generation of mobile network. 3G is described by Cellular (2004) as being a generic name for a set of mobile technologies which comprise a host of high-tech infrastructure networks, handsets, base stations, switches and other equipment. This technology enables cell phones to offer high-speed Internet access, data, video and CD-quality music services.
The introduction of 3G
3G cellular phones were first launched in Japan in October 2001 and were introduced into South Africa in December 2004. This phone was designed so users would be able to surf the Internet, view pictures of the people they are talking to, watch movies and listen to music on their handsets .
The difference between 3G and GPRS
GPRS and 3G serve similar functions but 3G data services are the next step up from GPRS (Vodacom, 2004). The main difference between these two technologies is that 3G is able to achieve significantly faster data transfer rates and this enables one to work faster. 3G offers speeds of up to 384 kilobits per second – that is up to 7 times faster than a standard dial-up connection.
What are the benefits of 3G?
With 3G you can do everything you do now, but you can do it much better, a lot faster and from almost anywhere! Some of the main advantages are that 3G allows for higher call volumes and supports multimedia data applications such as video and photography.
The effects of 3G on society
Some of the latest features which have been brought about by this technology are :-
Video calling
With 3G you can now actually see the person on the other side! As long as both people have a 3G phone you no longer have to imagine what they look like and you can see them face-to-face via your cell phone’s screen.
Obtaining information and news
With 3G technology it is possible to access any site on the Internet by using your phone as a modem with your laptop. You can use your favourite search engines to find information on the weather, the daily news, stocks and shares, or practically any other information you require to ensure that you are continually on top of things.
E-mail
Should you have left your office and forgotten to send an important e-mail, you are now able to quickly and efficiently perform this function directly by using your cell phone. Alternatively, you can use your cell phone as a modem to be connected to your laptop or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).
Games
Since the invention of cell phones, games have always formed a part of mobile devices. As technology has developed, the games we are able to engage in have become far more interactive, exciting and entertaining. For those who play games over their mobile devices for recreation purposes or for those who simply play to pass the time, 3G now makes it possible to download these games at anytime and from almost anywhere.
Film
The speed and quality of 3G really contributes to enhancing the quality of film over mobile devices. One is now able to view film trailers, reviews, and interviews, download ring tones, wall papers and enter competitions all by means of your cell phone.
Sport
With the incredible sound and video quality of your 3G phone you can view highlights from your favourite matches and you’ll always have access to the latest scores.
Music
It’s now possible for you to download songs, music videos and interviews. You can even compose your own ring tone through your cell phone if you wish!
3G and its impact on websites
The importance of having a web site in today’s world is evident. Some have even gone so far as to say that if your company does not have a web site, you do not exist! With the introduction of 3G technology, this statement will probably become more and more true as people from across the globe will soon be able to access the Internet at almost any time and from almost any place.
How are 3G services charged?
Users are charged on how much data they transmit and not on how much time they are connected to the network. This is because with 3G you are constantly online and only pay for the information you receive (3G Newsroom.com, n.d).
The future of 3G
A great deal of potential exists for new applications in the future as 3G packet based networks will allow users to be on line all the time. The capabilities of wireless networks in terms of bandwidth must still, however, be improved upon (3GNewsroom.com, n.d.).
Conclusion
3G is an exciting new technology that is being incorporated into mobile devices across the globe. Users are now able to make person-to-person calls, download data and do a variety of other tasks they never imagined possible all via their 3G cell phones.