What do you mean by a backup?
Backing up files is a method through which files are stored in a location separate from the computer. This is done so as to prevent every small loss which may occur due to a sudden computer crash and making the access to those files possible in original even after a crash. Safety holds an incredible part in this process. Files like pictures, word documents, videos, e-mails, spreadsheets, and anything else you store locally on your computer, can easily be erased forever in a moment. Online data backup stores your files on the internet, in place of using traditional backup which typically uses disks or your computer's hard drive. The requirement of an online data backup service can be better understood if one knows about its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Online Data backup
- Online data backup will never rely on hardware or equipment that can fail. Since online backup is stored elsewhere, a disaster at your home or office will not be able to take out both your computer and your backup information.
- Users are able to backup their files anywhere that has an internet connection. Files are backed up incrementally, so when you update a file, only the changes will need to be uploaded to your backup system.
- One of the perks of online backup is the access which can be made anywhere. All you need is a computer and an internet connection to access them.
- Uploading and updating of files is automatically done whenever one gets online. This saves users time and effort, and helps in instances where you may forget to update your backup files with new or revised files.
Disadvantages of Online data backup
- The initial uploading of files is a lengthy process. This is often a barrier for most people, as even the most patient user can get frustrated when waiting that long for files to transfer and thus make this backup method impractical.
- File restoration will be a lengthy process as well. Downloading files back to your computer could take days, and while some online backup services will put it all on a disk and mail it to you, waiting for your own stored data can be annoying.
- As with anything posted on the internet, it is possible that your privacy may be compromised. Always check that the online backup you are using offers file encryption for transfers between you and the site, and make sure that the place where the data is stored is entirely secure as well.
- If you do not have an internet connection, or do not access the internet frequently, online backup is probably an impractical solution. By not accessing the internet, you deny the online backup system a way to incrementally update your files.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Save on Laser
Laser printer manufacturers claim that only genuine toner cartridges can deliver the print quality and yield expected of the machine. This is a claim that is disputed by third party manufacturers. It is for a fact that OEM's cannot hold sole claim to product quality because aftermarket consumables are also able to meet the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials or ASTM. Given the expensive pricing of OEM consumables, the use of compatibles manufactured by aftermarket entities has become an economical option.
Online marketing meanwhile armed consumers with the flexibility to select the product they prefer based on the merits of quality and price options without having to visit brick and mortar retail outlets. This way, consumers save on time and gas expenses; particularly when scouting for the best deals on laser printer peripherals.
Let us look at the many ways by which users can save on laser printing expenditure, particularly related to consumables.
Tweaking Printer Settings
When printing, select draft mode to save on toner. Use only high resolution print mode when producing the final print.
If possible, use only black and white prints or grayscales for the printout of draft copies; particularly if the final print is in full color. Proofread the copy many times before producing the final, full color printout.
When print defects start to manifest over printouts and print quality is rather dull, check if the drum can be replaced before taking the final option of replacing the entire cartridge. This will sensibly reduce laser printing expenses.
Consumable Options
Compatible Toner Cartridges.These consumables are new cartridge units compatible for use on particular laser printers but developed and distributed by third party manufacturers. A compatible toner cartridge is a complete clone of the original cartridge and is retailed 50% less than the counter price of the OEM cartridge.
Remanufactured Toner Cartridges. Said consumable is another viable option since a remanufactured unit is a refurbished cartridge composed of old but still working components; assembled and post tested to resemble the performance of the original cartridge.
Toner Refill Kits. Empty toner cartridges that may now be collecting dust inside storage can be reactivated for another printing cycle with the user of toner refill kits. Each refill package is provided with easy step by step instructions relevant to the refill process. The Dell 330-1436 toner cartridge for instance can be refilled in less than 5 minutes and sells for only $20. Nonetheless, the gram load of toner supplied is rated 2,500 pages at 5% page coverage just like the OEM cartridge. On the average, OEM toner cartridges can be refilled for up to 3 times.
Upgrade your savings spree with the purchase of multi-pack dell toner refill kits (the lifeline of laser printers). Substantial savings can be generated when buying compatible toner for dell in bulk instead of just individual kits. These are surefire ways to reduce your dependence on expensive toner cartridges - a relevant move that saves a lot of dollars in the process without sacrificing print quality and yield over output pages.
Online marketing meanwhile armed consumers with the flexibility to select the product they prefer based on the merits of quality and price options without having to visit brick and mortar retail outlets. This way, consumers save on time and gas expenses; particularly when scouting for the best deals on laser printer peripherals.
Let us look at the many ways by which users can save on laser printing expenditure, particularly related to consumables.
Tweaking Printer Settings
When printing, select draft mode to save on toner. Use only high resolution print mode when producing the final print.
If possible, use only black and white prints or grayscales for the printout of draft copies; particularly if the final print is in full color. Proofread the copy many times before producing the final, full color printout.
When print defects start to manifest over printouts and print quality is rather dull, check if the drum can be replaced before taking the final option of replacing the entire cartridge. This will sensibly reduce laser printing expenses.
Consumable Options
Compatible Toner Cartridges.These consumables are new cartridge units compatible for use on particular laser printers but developed and distributed by third party manufacturers. A compatible toner cartridge is a complete clone of the original cartridge and is retailed 50% less than the counter price of the OEM cartridge.
Remanufactured Toner Cartridges. Said consumable is another viable option since a remanufactured unit is a refurbished cartridge composed of old but still working components; assembled and post tested to resemble the performance of the original cartridge.
Toner Refill Kits. Empty toner cartridges that may now be collecting dust inside storage can be reactivated for another printing cycle with the user of toner refill kits. Each refill package is provided with easy step by step instructions relevant to the refill process. The Dell 330-1436 toner cartridge for instance can be refilled in less than 5 minutes and sells for only $20. Nonetheless, the gram load of toner supplied is rated 2,500 pages at 5% page coverage just like the OEM cartridge. On the average, OEM toner cartridges can be refilled for up to 3 times.
Upgrade your savings spree with the purchase of multi-pack dell toner refill kits (the lifeline of laser printers). Substantial savings can be generated when buying compatible toner for dell in bulk instead of just individual kits. These are surefire ways to reduce your dependence on expensive toner cartridges - a relevant move that saves a lot of dollars in the process without sacrificing print quality and yield over output pages.
HP LaserJet 3800
During the late 80's, Hewlett Packard (HP) started the mass production of laser printers that changed the course of printing history. And together with related accessories and printer peripherals introduced affordable printing to countless households and offices worldwide - thus giving HP an iconic reputation. What started it all was the technical innovation used in laser printing, the development of toner powder and toner cartridges that are first of all handy and could easily be loaded into the laser printer. Because HP has the foothold in the compact printing industry, it dictates the costs of both printers and toner cartridges to the point that laser printing has become limited only to affluent households and large business enterprises.
But then, third party manufacturers conceived compatible consumables and pioneered its distribution in the aftermarket, obviously to support the printing requirements of printers like the LaserJet HP 3800 and thereby providing regular laser printer users a viable alternative. The most important aftermarket consumable is the toner refill kit, which was primarily designed to replenish the toner supply of empty OEM toner cartridges with compatible toner powder. Priced at almost 85% off the original, the toner refill product brought laser printing closer to the masses. After two decades, aftermarket consumables has gained the fervor of many laser printer users to capture at least 30% of the printer consumable market share.
The OEM Q6472A (yellow) toner cartridge was designed to load the LaserJet HP 3800. The unit is non-refillable and comes with a microchip or lockout chip that bars printing after cartridge toner supply has been exhausted and prevents the administration of toner refills on the cartridge as well. But then again, third party manufacturers introduced the refill tool to burn a hole on the plastic shell of the empty cartridge, access the toner chamber and empty the toner chamber of leftover old toner while serving as fill hole for the transfer of a new shot of toner into the cartridge's toner hopper. Third party manufacturers also added a replacement chip to replace the lockout chip and allow further printing. This new system worked and countless of consumers enjoyed the benefits of a toner refill kit because they were able to save while also being privy to superb and razor sharp printouts as well as yield in printed pages that is similar to the OEM counterpart.
The HP LaserJet 3800 toner refill kit carries similar performance characteristics as the OEM toner, likewise rated 4,000 pages at 5% coverage. All these come at a price of only $35 versus the OEM toner cartridge's counter price of $165. And since the Q6472A OEM toner cartridge can last up to 3 refills, users stands to save around $390 for the entire life span of the cartridge.
But then, third party manufacturers conceived compatible consumables and pioneered its distribution in the aftermarket, obviously to support the printing requirements of printers like the LaserJet HP 3800 and thereby providing regular laser printer users a viable alternative. The most important aftermarket consumable is the toner refill kit, which was primarily designed to replenish the toner supply of empty OEM toner cartridges with compatible toner powder. Priced at almost 85% off the original, the toner refill product brought laser printing closer to the masses. After two decades, aftermarket consumables has gained the fervor of many laser printer users to capture at least 30% of the printer consumable market share.
The OEM Q6472A (yellow) toner cartridge was designed to load the LaserJet HP 3800. The unit is non-refillable and comes with a microchip or lockout chip that bars printing after cartridge toner supply has been exhausted and prevents the administration of toner refills on the cartridge as well. But then again, third party manufacturers introduced the refill tool to burn a hole on the plastic shell of the empty cartridge, access the toner chamber and empty the toner chamber of leftover old toner while serving as fill hole for the transfer of a new shot of toner into the cartridge's toner hopper. Third party manufacturers also added a replacement chip to replace the lockout chip and allow further printing. This new system worked and countless of consumers enjoyed the benefits of a toner refill kit because they were able to save while also being privy to superb and razor sharp printouts as well as yield in printed pages that is similar to the OEM counterpart.
The HP LaserJet 3800 toner refill kit carries similar performance characteristics as the OEM toner, likewise rated 4,000 pages at 5% coverage. All these come at a price of only $35 versus the OEM toner cartridge's counter price of $165. And since the Q6472A OEM toner cartridge can last up to 3 refills, users stands to save around $390 for the entire life span of the cartridge.
Tape Cartridge
LTO format was introduced by the leading media manufacturing companies including IBM, HP and Seagate. LTO (linear tape open) format was developed to meet the increasing demands for data protection and storage. TDK Corporation is a global manufacturer of high performance, advanced backup storage media. TDK LTO-2 tape cartridges are designed for large volume storage capacity with unparalleled media durability and data integrity. Part number of this high quality LTO2 TDK cartridge is D2405-LTO2.
LTO-2 tape has become the most widely adopted tape storage technology that offers impressive backup storage performance and long term data security. TDK D2405-LTO2 tape cartridges deliver excellent performance and robust protection in mid-range servers, data centers, data intensive applications and enterprise servers.
TDK LTO-2 ultrium offers numerous breakthrough features including advanced data compression, increased bit density, error correction, enhanced servo technology, ultra smooth tape surface and multi-channel support. Combination of all these cutting edge technologies enable the TDK D2405-LTO2 ultrium tape to provide cost efficient solution in data rich environments. Increased track density allows the TDK LTO-2 tape to backup 200GB uncompressed data. Data compression will extend the capacity of D2405-LTO2 tape to 400GB. These backup tapes support high density recordings at a remarkable 40MB/s native speed.
Ultra high speed TDK LTO2 tape cartridges reflect the unmatched technical expertise of TDK in media recording technology. TDK LTO-2 tape cartridges achieve highest levels of durability and media durability with the help of the TDK's stringent quality control standards, advanced manufacturing process and comprehensive testing procedures.
TDK Corporation is well renowned for its major innovative technologies and development in backup storage media. If you already have a LTO-2 tape drive then you won't need to purchase new LTO drive to use the TDK LTO-2 cartridges, because the TDK D2405-LTO2 tapes perform excellently with all LTO-2 tape drives. Superior compatibility of TDK LTO-2 ensures peace of mind and your previous I.T investments will also be secured.
Improved cartridge design of TDK D2405-LTO2 tape helps to provide its clients with enhanced level of cost effectiveness and data integrity. TDK LTO-2 tapes feature a proprietary unified mechanism system which ensures superior hardware compatibility with all LTO 2 drives. D2405-LTO2 ultrium cartridge is intelligent engineered for long term operational stability, and its robust design protects from accidental drops and mechanical stress. These reliable data tapes can withstand over 25,000 media loads/unloads with exceptional data integrity and mechanical stability.
TDK's exclusive "Super Finavinx" media formulation is designed to maximize the data performance and capacity of D2405-LTO2 ultrium cartridges. TDK has developed a new binder system called 3-DC "Three Dimensional Compound" that ensures high bit density and elevates the resistance of tape medium against particle shedding. Exceptional robustness and outstanding adhesive qualities of 3DC binder mechanism help to provide long term resilience, low error rate and higher output frequency under increased stress of repeated read/write cycles.
LTO-2 tape has become the most widely adopted tape storage technology that offers impressive backup storage performance and long term data security. TDK D2405-LTO2 tape cartridges deliver excellent performance and robust protection in mid-range servers, data centers, data intensive applications and enterprise servers.
TDK LTO-2 ultrium offers numerous breakthrough features including advanced data compression, increased bit density, error correction, enhanced servo technology, ultra smooth tape surface and multi-channel support. Combination of all these cutting edge technologies enable the TDK D2405-LTO2 ultrium tape to provide cost efficient solution in data rich environments. Increased track density allows the TDK LTO-2 tape to backup 200GB uncompressed data. Data compression will extend the capacity of D2405-LTO2 tape to 400GB. These backup tapes support high density recordings at a remarkable 40MB/s native speed.
Ultra high speed TDK LTO2 tape cartridges reflect the unmatched technical expertise of TDK in media recording technology. TDK LTO-2 tape cartridges achieve highest levels of durability and media durability with the help of the TDK's stringent quality control standards, advanced manufacturing process and comprehensive testing procedures.
TDK Corporation is well renowned for its major innovative technologies and development in backup storage media. If you already have a LTO-2 tape drive then you won't need to purchase new LTO drive to use the TDK LTO-2 cartridges, because the TDK D2405-LTO2 tapes perform excellently with all LTO-2 tape drives. Superior compatibility of TDK LTO-2 ensures peace of mind and your previous I.T investments will also be secured.
Improved cartridge design of TDK D2405-LTO2 tape helps to provide its clients with enhanced level of cost effectiveness and data integrity. TDK LTO-2 tapes feature a proprietary unified mechanism system which ensures superior hardware compatibility with all LTO 2 drives. D2405-LTO2 ultrium cartridge is intelligent engineered for long term operational stability, and its robust design protects from accidental drops and mechanical stress. These reliable data tapes can withstand over 25,000 media loads/unloads with exceptional data integrity and mechanical stability.
TDK's exclusive "Super Finavinx" media formulation is designed to maximize the data performance and capacity of D2405-LTO2 ultrium cartridges. TDK has developed a new binder system called 3-DC "Three Dimensional Compound" that ensures high bit density and elevates the resistance of tape medium against particle shedding. Exceptional robustness and outstanding adhesive qualities of 3DC binder mechanism help to provide long term resilience, low error rate and higher output frequency under increased stress of repeated read/write cycles.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
HP, Sony, and Compaq Laptops
So do you prefer to call them laptops or do you prefer to call them notebooks. I am partial to notebooks as I never keep them on top of my lap. Jokes apart, purchasing a new notebook computer is really tough.
If you were to read the ads then each computer sounds better than the cat's whiskers. But when you look close, they all look similar. At least the similarly priced ones tend to be similar. So, is there really a difference between one laptop and another? Or should I say one notebook and another?
To answer this very question, I am going to look at three popular computers that are currently on sale and compare them. The read can then take this to be the starting point and evaluate many other options to find the one that works best for them.
First of all, let us consider the HP Pavilion DV6426US, a machine that I powered by the Intel Core Duo Processor T2450. This multithreaded architecture based micro processor is well optimized for multi-tasking based performance. The fact that this notebook comes installed with 1 GB RAM should help run many of the contemporary popular applications at a good speed. It has a 160 GB Hard Drive which is nothing spectacular, but should do the trick in most cases. And the bundled operating system is the Microsoft Vista Premium. And I really like notebooks that come with an integrated WebCam. This HP laptop sure has one of those. In the absence of such a webcam, attempting Video IM becomes a serious pain.
Second let us consider the Sony VAIO VGN-FZ140E/B. This laptop too is powered by a Duo Processor, in this case the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7100. It beats the HP one in terms of RAM, as it comes with 2 GB RAM. Its hard disk is bigger at 200 GB. So, if Freud was right and size does matter then, well, this one has the bigger Hard Drive. The duo-core multithreading micro processor will deliver performance similar to the HP machine. This laptop comes with Microsoft Vista Home Premium.
Finally let us look at the Compaq Presario F572US. Like both the previous machines, this one too has a 15.4" screen. Though it has a dual-core micro processor, the Compaq uses the AMD Athlon 64 Processor TK-53 and not an Intel based processor like the other two I wrote about. Also it has 1 GB RAM like the HP machine. Where I think it scores lower is in its hard disk capacity, a mere 80 GB. It also comes with the Microsoft Vista Premium.
All in all, the machines have pros and cons. I have not listed prices here, as they would change faster than I could type them out. But, make sure to look at the prices too.
USB Flash Drives
USB Flash Drives have become increasingly popular as promotional incentives for a number of reasons. The promotional incentives market is always receptive to new and exciting ways to reach the target audience. Traditionally promotional products have been branded with a company’s logo to leave a lasting impression with the prospect. The usability of the giveaway is a key component to its success. This is the reason why gifts such as Pens, Notepads, Clothing and general business accessories have always been popular! The USB Flash Drive has taken this to another level altogether – now you can give potential prospects a USB Flash Drive and be confident your branding will hit home. The major innovation to the promotional incentives market is the way in which the device can be manipulated to suit the needs of various organizations.
For example, the USB Flash Drive can be preloaded with data prior to it being given away. This allows useful information to be at the fingertips of the recipient. This could be in the form of a PDF, PowerPoint, Video, etc. This is the ideal way for companies to make sure that when a potential prospect leaves they have a permanent reminder of exactly what the company can offer. This could be in the form of a document, a price list etc.
They are typically small, lightweight, removable and rewritable storage devices. USB flash drives offer numerous advantages over other portable storage devices i.e. floppy disk. They are compact, faster; hold more data, and have superior reliability due to their lack of moving parts and durable design. In addition it has become common for computers no longer to have floppy disk drives. Conversely USB ports appear on nearly all PC and laptop’s nowadays.
Pen Drive
A Pen Drive is a compact, removable storage device just like a floppy disk or a CD. Instead of the floppy device or the CD ROM that are used for reading a floppy disk and CD respectively, a pen drive can be plugged into the USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port of a computer. The USB connectivity makes the pen drive easier to use and data can be transferred faster to and from the pen drive.
Different Manufacturers have named Pen Drives they manufacture differently. Today, a pen dive goes by the names of thumb drive, USB flash drive, Jump Drive, Traveler`s Drive, USB key drive, USB memory stick and many others!
These pen drives are small, inexpensive, almost ubiquitous and extremely handy. They are available largely in the range of 1 to 8 GB which makes them of great use and has made floppy disks and CDs look like useless storage mediums.
The credit of inventing the pen drives goes to IBM. It was invented in 1988 to replace the floppy disks, but IBM never patented it. IBM contracted in M-Systems to manufacture the Pen Drive and the patent is now owned by them.
The pen drive is a modern floppy disk. The main difference is that a floppy disk has moving parts which makes the data stored on the drive vulnerable to loss. A pen drive, on the other hand is a solid state device i.e. it has no moving parts. This makes it possible to almost completely seal the pen drive making it dust-proof and the common magnetic fields. Hence, a pen drive is a much safer option for storing important data.
The latest operating systems like (Windows XP, Linux and Mac OS 2) can recognize these pen drives and mount them automatically. Once it is connected, recognized and mounted by the operating system, it appears just like any other partition of the hard disk except it is named as removable storage.
The pen drive can be removed any time after it is un-mounted (safely remove hardware in case of Windows) and can be re-plugged into the same or a different machine to be used again. A pen drive`s most important use is to transport data and files from one machine to another. For e.g. one can simply copy all the word processing documents, images and spreadsheets to the pen drive, carry it along and copy the files on his/her home computer and work on it at home.
Some users have found the pen drive useful in moving their internet browser History, Cache, Cookies, and other transient data. This improves their privacy and security as no traces of the work done on the machine is left on the PC. Once copied to the drive, the files can be made more secured by encryption or any other method of security.
The pen drives can also be used to store operating systems to boot the computer. This makes them popular for repair and diagnostic work. Instead of carrying tools and maintenance software applications on CDs, a pen drive can be used which is faster and can be manipulated easily in case the software is upgraded or is no more useful.
A pen drive is one of the most economical mobile medium for data storage in terms of cost per unit storage space. They are really light-weight and robust in nature which has made it a big hit and a very important and indispensable tool for a large number of users.
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