Linux OR Windows!

If you were to introduce your grandma or kids to their first computer, would you give them Windows or Linux? I believe Linux is easier to use than Windows, and is a better option for inexperienced computer users.

Linux has come a very long way in the last few years.  Back in the day, Linux was difficult to use, and was mainly geared towards experienced computer users.  Nowadays, Linux is easier to use than ever. It’s secure, stable, fast, has excellent hardware support, and is easy to use.

If you are only familiar with Windows, and have grown accustomed to various applications, Linux might be frustrating. This is because you can’t run most Windows programs, but there are free and open-source alternatives to almost any Windows application. There is even a Windows emulator for Linux called WINE, which allows users to run most Windows programs, including a lot of PC games.  Software developers are starting to catch on, and are developing Linux versions of their applications, and many of the programs Windows users have grown accustomed to are also available on Linux.

There are hundreds of different flavors and types of Linux with different interfaces and “looks and feels”.  For users new to Linux, I recommend Linux Mint, Xubuntu, OpenSuse, or Ubuntu.

I’ve introduced a lot of people to Linux, and a lot of them were totally new to using computers. Even my 3 year old son uses Ubuntu Linux on his own laptop! I’ve also had a lot of success with introducing senior citizens to Linux, and to anyone that keeps an open mind, and is ready to try something different.

Let’s face it, most users spend the majority of their time on their computer using their web browser such as Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Safari. With Linux you can easily run Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, and Konqueror (based on Safari). Browsing the web on Linux is practically identical to browsing on Windows, but is much more secure and stable.

The following list gives the top reasons why Linux is easier to use than Windows:

1.  Package manager;
Installing applications in Linux is a breeze. Almost all Linux distributions have a package manager or “software center”, which allows users to install applications safely and easily. With Linux, there is no need to hunt down installation files off the web. This is similar to the “AppStore” on Apple devices such as the iPhone and other smart phones.  Package managers make installing and uninstalling software very easy, and allow users to browse packages by category and sort by popularity. Software in the package managers are well maintained, and allows users to update all programs at once with the click of a button. In Windows, users have to update each program individually, and programs have to be downloaded from websites. When users install software with a package manager, they can trust the applications are safe because they are downloaded from a trusted source.

The Ubuntu package manager called “Ubuntu Software Center” makes it very easy to install programs, similar to package managers in smart phones.

2,  Excellent hardware support;
Linux has excellent out-of-the-box hardware support. No more hunting down drivers or using discs to get your devices working. Just plug your device in, and no setup is required. With some devices that use proprietary drivers, you might have to use a utility to install. Linux distros like Ubuntu come with a utility called “Additional Drivers” which makes installing restricted drivers very easy.

3.  Better security and no need to worry about viruses, spyware, and malware;
When using Linux for your desktop or laptop PC, you won’t have to worry about viruses nearly as much as you would have to when using a Windows machine,   In the desktop environment, Linux almost never gets targeted with viruses, so unless you are running a full Linux server, you don’t have to worry about getting infected.  There is no confusing or expensive antivirus software slowing you down, and you don’t really have to worry about infections or having your system compromised.

Overall, Linux is much more secure than Windows and it’s much less likely you will ever get attacked by a hacker or have to worry about security threats. A lot of people assume Linux is secure only because it’s not as popular as Windows. This is likely one of the reasons, but their is much more to it than that.

Linux is much more restrictive with user permissions and has a clear separation from privileges. Almost all distributions of Linux have a package manager, which users install their software. This helps prevent viruses and vulnerabilities because the packages are regularly maintained and checked for exploits.. Privilege escalation plays a big part in Linux security. Even if something is compromised, most (if not all) processes these days don’t run with enough permissions to magnify that one breach into an entire system compromise (i.e. insertion of malware)

Linux is much more secure than Windows. On Linux there is no need for antivirus software, and no need to worry about viruses, spyware, adware, or malware.

4. Excellent free support;
Linux has a very large community of free support offered by users helping each other. There are free forums, chat rooms, and guides all throughout the internet.  The majority of Linux distributions also offer commercial technical support, so if the free support doesn’t meet your needs, this is an option as well.

5. Less maintenance required overall;
Unlike Windows, Linux requires almost no maintenance whatsoever. There is no defragmenting the hard drive, no malware/virus scans, and no utilities needed to keep it running smoothly.   Junk doesn’t pile up as easily in Linux, and unlike Windows, a factory restore, system restore, or full reinstall is rarely ever necessary.

6. Linux stays fast overtime, and doesn’t slow down like Windows;
After some time Windows tends to slow down.  The list of programs and services running in the background grows, and important system files become corrupted, leading to problems and a clunky computer. Having a slow computer makes using a computer very difficult and frustrating, and is something you don’t need to worry about if running Linux.

7. Developer friendly;
Developing your own software and applications on Linux is a breeze compared to Windows. No need to buy expensive software in order to write your own software. Everything is free and readily available. Linux is free, and the majority of Linux applications are open-source, which means you can easily see the source code that runs everything.  You are free to modify, edit, or redistribute the code. This gives users total freedom over their system, which is something not available in Windows.

9. Linux is extremely stable;
Linux rarely ever crashes or gets serious errors, and is much more stable overall than Windows. There is a reason that large corporations and the majority of web servers that power the web use Linux. Reliability is important. Computers are not going to have a good experience if their computer is constantly crashing and having bugs. Linux does not get BSOD (Blue Screen’s of Death), and almost never crashes. I’ve been running Linux since 1999, and have never had a serious crash or problem with Linux, or an infection of any kind.  Overall Linux doesn’t get serious bugs as Windows, and if the problem ever does arise, its very easy to boot to a Linux live disc and fix.

10. Linux is FOSS (free / open source);
Linux itself is completely free, and the vast majority of Linux applications are free and open-source.  This gives users freedom to experiment and utilize software and use features that normally you’d have to pay big bucks for if using Windows.  Linux being free also makes it easier to repair.  For example, if your hard drive crashes in Windows you have to have a functioning factory restore partition, or a Windows disc in order to do a full reinstall.  Getting a Windows disc will easily cost over $100, whereas with Linux, creating a disc is free and easy to download.  Upgrading to the newest version of Linux is also free, whereas with Windows it will cost you big bucks.

11. You can run Linux from a CD, DVD, or USB drive without installing it.
You can very easily run Linux directly from a CD, DVD, or USB flash stick, even if your computer has a broken or missing hard drive! This is very useful if you are having any problems with your current Linux installation, and need to fix problems, backup files, or recover data.  This is also useful if you want to use Linux on PC but don’t want to commit to installing.
NOTE: It’s also possible to run Windows live with BartPE, but it’s much difficult to setup than Linux and is very buggy and slow.

It’s very easy to run Linux live without installing from a CD, DVD, or USB flash stick. You can even run Linux on a computer without a hard drive! (Picture from PCdesktopwallpaper.com)

12. Very easy to setup advanced networking of almost any kind.
Linux is the best choice for networking. With a couple simple commands or clicks, Linux users can easily setup advanced networking. It’s SUPER easy to setup a full web server, file server, or screen sharing.  Networking between other computers is a breeze, even if they are running a different operating system.

13. Easy to install
Linux is now very easy to install. After you boot to the CD,DVD, or USB flash stick, you can choose to install side by side Windows, or erase the entire disc and install Linux. Ubuntu even has a Windows installed (WUBI), which allows users to install Ubuntu from within Windows, sort of like its a Windows application.  The installation is painless and child’s play compared to installing Windows.

Nowadays, Installing Linux is very simple. You can easily install side-by-side Windows. Overall, Linux is easier and less painful to install than Windows.

14. Linux is faster and runs well on old PC’s
Linux runs faster than Windows. There are bare-bone distributions that have a very minimalistic graphical interface, but are lightening fast, even on very old computers.

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Do you disagree and think Windows is easier to use than Windows? Please comment and give your thoughts.

Article by Cameron Voss of Eugene Computer Geeks. Cameron is an experienced Linux user and a computer technician / web designer in the Eugene, Oregon area.

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5 Pitfalls You Will Want To Avoid When Implementing New Software For Your Business

Technology is an important part of modern business and companies are constantly looking for the best ways to perform essential tasks. If you have a business, you have to look for the best technology that will ensure that you remain competitive in your industry. Any company that is still stuck in the past, doing things the same way they have been done for decades, truly risks losing out. Technology enhances efficiency by allowing tasks to be completed faster and more accurately.

There are many technology systems and software programs available and it is important to look for the best ones for every situation. Before you buy software, you should carry out research so that you avoid making costly mistakes. Many businesses face problems when implementing new systems because they fail to plan before investing in the systems. You can avoid falling into the same problems by doing your homework. Following are some of the pitfalls you should look out for:

Not knowing what you are getting

One common mistake that businesses make is not knowing exactly what they are getting themselves into. They sign up for services without establishing what they are buying. This is a common problem especially when companies hire IT service providers.

They fail to understand the terms of the agreement and they end up paying more than they have expected, certainly not lesser than they thought! It is very important to read the agreement and understand every clause, and the terms and conditions before you sign anything.

Failing to consult within the company

Another common mistake that people make is to invest in systems without finding out the needs of the company. Make sure that you avoid making a unilateral decision by consulting all the departments that will use the systems. The system should allow information to be passed easily between departments to avoid issues. The wrong system can actually do more harm than good. It is important for all the department heads to agree on systems that will benefit the entire organization.

Paying more than is necessary

When you do not know what is available in the market, you are likely to end up paying more than you should. Many companies make the mistake of overpaying for software services because they do not understand exactly what they are getting. Many service providers offer payment plans that look good on the onset because you do not have to pay much initially. However, the monthly, quarterly or annual payments often turn out to be quite exorbitant and you can end up overpaying. This is dangerous because you can discover that you do not have adequate funds to continue paying for the service.

Failing to research the options adequately

One way that many businesses often end up with systems that they do not need is by failing to research the options available. By failing to research what is available, you can end up investing in software that does not have the features you need. Before you buy any system, you should start by identifying exactly what you need. You should never buy software until you know exactly how it will improve your current situation. The reason to invest in new technology is so that you can get a better way to perform essential functions. It is also important to note that improvements in technology means that something new and more advanced is always round the corner.

Failing to get a service level contract

It is very important to ensure that you look for a vendor who offers an acceptable quality of service. Consider your specific needs so that you ensure that you are getting the services you require. Some service providers offer service level agreements as part of the contract but others do not. This should be an important factor when you are considering where to buy the system. Make sure that you look for a software vendor who will meet your requirements and find out the penalties for failure to keep the agreement.

When buying software, find out how the system performs and establish if you need to provide training for your employees. By researching on the service provider, you can find out their level of performance and the quality of service. This will help you to avoid disappointments in the future. Also, make sure that you take into account all the hidden costs before making the investment.

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New and Affordable Technology is Making Communication Easier

Ever since the introduction of the telephone in the late 19th century, technology has gradually made it easier and more affordable than ever to communicate with one another. In the early 90s, however, the game changed entirely with the introduction of the Internet.

Now that millions of computers were interconnected, mankind could communicate in a brand new way that was not only more efficient, but far more affordable. Today, advances in both online and phone technology continue to make communication easy and affordable. Needless to say, Alexander Graham Bell would be proud!

E-MAIL

One of the first ways the Internet allowed people to communicate was through e-mail. For the first time ever, we were able to send completely digital correspondence in a way that could be easily read, stored, indexed, and even printed. Although it came at a heavy loss to the postal service, it completely revolutionized the way we communicate. No longer did we have to manual delivery mail, spreadsheets, or files! They could all be sent and received virtually.

To this day, e-mail is one of the most affordable methods of communication for anyone with an Internet connection. With many websites offering free web-based mail, it’s never been easier to use!

Technology is making communication easier

INSTANT MESSAGING

Now that mail and documents could be sent through the wires, the next big step was to digitize conversation. This was achieved with instant messaging that originally involved downloading some form of software and communicating with people on a list of contacts. Although many forms of instant messaging still use this format, it’s evolved into other forms: With live online chat rooms and instant messaging features built into many major web services, we’re now able to communicate online almost as efficiently as we do in real life; and it’s usually free!

INTERNET PHONE

Unlike traditional telecommunications that necessitate telephone lines or devoted wireless networks, the Internet is able to provide a connection in a multitude of ways. In fact, today we can even use cellular networks to get online, making the Internet more accessible than ever before. With the affordable functionality of the Internet alongside the ability to record and send voices through the computer, Internet-based phone services soon became exceeding popular. Unlike normal phone plans that usually require contracts and impose location and minute-based limitations, the Internet allows us to connect with people from all over the world for one low price: The cost to connect.

As many people find talking online far cheaper than paying hundreds of dollars a month for pricey international calls, Internet phone services are becoming increasingly popular.

VIDEO CHAT

With the advanced inter-connectivity and features of the Internet coupled with the ability to send both sound and video in real time between computers, it was online a matter of time until video chat was developed. Today, Internet users have access to a wide range of free video chat programs. These have the same affordable benefits as Internet phone services do, but with the added bonus of being able to communicate virtually face-to-face.

CELL PHONES

Although often not quite as cheap as Internet-based services, cell phones are still the leaders of modern telecommunication. With many smart phones offering phone, text messaging, Internet access, and much more, we’re now able to use and access all of the previously mentioned technologies – e-mail, instant messaging, etc. – through convenient and sleek devices.

However, not all cell phones have these features; for the time being, those that do can be expensive. The cell phone itself, however, is still an incredible technological advancement that allows us to communicate from almost anywhere. With some prepaid cell phones going for as little as $10, they continue to be one of the most convenient and affordable ways to keep in touch.

As technology continues to develop, new and cheaper ways of communicating become available to billions of people all over the world. While technology has at times hindered communication, with new advances, communication technology can bring people closer than ever before.

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Macs Are No Longer Immune To Malware / Viruses

The time of malware/virus free Macs has permanently passed us. It seems that most Mac users believe that they are invulnerable to attack; the reasoning is that Macs have such a low market share that there is no reason to target and attack them. While true, it is also a rapidly growing market share that hasn’t gone unnoticed by hackers. The entire IOS is under attack, even iPhones and iPads are not safe either.

Apple has outpaced the growth of the PC industry for 23 straight quarters, making Apple products a very compelling target for hackers. The main vulnerability comes from Java programs, using drive-by-download methods infecting your Mac just by visiting websites, and the new web standard HTML 5. As HTML 5 comes to be malware will actually infect and run in your browser without you knowing, it will most likely be used to attack other computers to cover the hacker’s tracks and make you look like the culprit. This is a scary and sobering fact that should not be overlooked.

Many of the same infections affecting PC computers are moving to the Mac market. Scare-ware as previously mentioned on our site is becoming more prevalent affecting up to 600,000 computers this year, with 98% being Mac computers. One of the biggest threats to the Mac OS has been termed flashback; it poses as the Adobe flash installer program infecting your computer. If you don’t have it already download X project from the Apple App Store, in the newer versions of the Mac OS is a built-in malware scanner. Now is the time to take action, you need-you have to protect your Mac.

Although hackers have realized that Macs are great targets, Apple has begun stepping its game up and is beginning to beat the security drum. The new version and all future versions of Mac OS will have tightened security with a feature called gatekeeper. Gatekeeper is a new protection tool which you need, to help keep you safe, it requires all developers to register with Apple and have their applications verified and signed by Apple before their release to the general public. When installing software on your Mac make sure to use Apple signed software unless you specifically know where the software is coming from. iAntivirus is a great free app which you can find on the App Store developed by Norton a trusted security company, you can and should download it to seamlessly scan your system for any possible threats.

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How To Secure Your Wireless Network The Right Way

Wireless networks have become the norm for most households and businesses. The problem is the majority of WiFi networks are not setup properly, and attackers take advantage of naive users, steal their Internet service, or even spy and collect personal information.

Just because you have a wireless password set, does not necessarily mean you are secured. It’s important to use a strong encryption method with a very robust, long, and unique password. Here are some tips on common practices to secure your network.

USE WPA/WPA2 AND AVOID WEP

Use WPA or WPA2 for your password encryption. It doesn’t matter if you use TKIP or AES, as long as you are using WPA/WPA2 for your password. WEP is outdated and very insecure. The average attacker can crack any WEP protected network in 5 minutes, even if you use a 128 or 256 bit key.

USE A STRONG PASSWORD

It’s important to use a password that is long, unique, and robust. The password should be at least 15 characters, have upper and lower case letters, numbers, and characters. Make the password something nobody else on earth would likely ever use.

Attackers use software than can guess thousands of passwords per second. They will usually feed it through a gigantic list of common passwords, or commit a “brute-force” attack, where they guess every combination of characters. In some cases the attacker can use multiple computers and servers to crack the password so that they can guess millions of passwords per second. Having a long and robust password will stop attackers in their tracks.

USE HTTPS WHENEVER POSSIBLE, AND AVOID PROTOCOLS THAT ARE UNENCRYPTED

When browsing the web, if sending or receiving something sensitive, make sure the site’s URL has https:// instead of http://. If you use an e-mail program like Outlook or Thunderbird, ensure that you have your e-mail account setup with encryption.

MAC ADDRESS FILTERING AND HAVING A HIDDEN SSID ISN’T SECURE

A lot of users will have an open network or use a WEP password and for protection they use mac address filtering or hide the network SSID. These methods will stop the casual user, but it’s very easy for an attacker to circumvent both methods. It’s best to use a very strong WPA/WPA2 password. Adding extra security measures won’t hurt, but shouldn’t be relied upon for high security.

The best way to configure your wireless network is by typing the local IP number of the router into your web browser. In Windows you can go to the command prompt and type: “ipconfig”, and write down the IP address located next to “Default Gateway”. You then open your web browser and type in the IP number into your browser, just as if it was a website. Consult your router manual for more information including the default password.

BEWARE OF ROGUE NETWORKS

It’s very easy for an attacker to setup a Wifi network with the same SSID (wireless name) as yours. They then use software to kick you off your network, and have you auto-connect to their Rogue network. Attackers can only do this if the network is open or if they have the wireless password. The best way to prevent being a victim of a Rouge network attack (Also called a Man in the Middle Attack), is to use a very strong WPA/WPA2 password.

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The Top 5 Antivirus Programs I Should know

While the internet offers us entertainment, education and fun, it is also rife with dangers in the form of malware and virus. Prevention is better than cure so to start off with make sure your computer’s firewalls stay erected and virus software is regularly updated. Stay away from sites with compromised content and do not download applications or screensavers that do not come from trusted sites.

Security threats become especially serious when we consider the amount of money transactions taking place on the internet, via online shopping, bank affairs and money transfers. Apart from basic care, here is some additional and effective help. Here, in no particular order, is our pick for the top 5 Antivirus software available right now.

1. Avast!7 Free Antivirus

Consistently rated the best antivirus software, you couldn’t possibly not have heard of Avast! It gives you firewalls, shields and online protection from virus, all in a super simple user interface. You can run this program alongside other programs of similar nature ( use the ‘compatible’ option) but make sure you install this before the rest.

2. Microsoft Security Essentials

An essential for computers that run on Windows, this security software is free and runs on the idea of real-time assistance. That means the program runs as you work, eliminating any viruses and threats to your system. Besides this, Microsoft Security Essentials will also warn you of issues in the form of a pop-up on your screen. You can choose your course of action thereafter. This way you are aware of what site or online program is safe and what is not.

3. Avira Free Antivirus 2012

It seems like every word in the name of this software brings good news! This software is easy to install and run and is a upgrade on the basic system scan. You can rid your system of worms, viruses and trojans and use the AntiBot tool to fight off hackers. The only hitch perhaps is the lack of some essentials that every antivirus needs, but it is free so there is no harm in a trial, right?

4. Panda Antivirus Pro 2012

A program named after a peaceable and cuddly animal can’t be bad, can it? But despite its soft and fuzzy name, this is a program that means serious business. Not just the average user, but also businesses dealing in the nasty business of malware have rated this program very highly. Use the Panda firewall for the best protection for your computer and rest assured. This expert knows its job very well.

5. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2012

Another colossal presence in the world of antivirus software, Bitdefender is a winner across the board. It is especially useful in phishing and social media issues, trojans, spyware and viruses. No matter the origin of the threat- offline or via email or chat, this defender, defends. It is especially effective in scanning on traffic reaching you from online.

It’s heartening to know that tough viruses have tough opponents. Do exercise caution in all your system work and ensure that your device and therefore all your content is protected by the best antivirus software on offer.

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How Does Samsung’s Series 7 Gamer Fare in the Gaming Laptop Market?

Samsung has long been known as a company that churns out laptops with respectably functional laptop parts housed in sleek-looking casings. With the company’s entry into the gaming laptop market, however, it seemed to have done a complete 180.

The Samsung Series 7 Gamer desktop replacement is as powerful as one expects a gaming laptop to be; and it’s certainly more powerful than most of what Samsung has been producing. Surprisingly, though, the laptop isn’t really much to look at. In fact, many might even be tempted to call it dull, or even downright ugly.

Still, looks aren’t everything, as the saying goes; and the Series 7 certainly has a lot of everything else. Check out its laptop component specs: A 2.3 GHz  Intel Core i7-3610QM processor, 16 GB of 1,333 MHz DDR3 RAM, 1.5 TB of hard drive space working at 7,200 rpm, and of course its powerhouse part, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M dedicated graphics card. Upgraded Samsung replacement laptop parts aren’t provided for consumers, but with that much power under this beast, it really doesn’t need them.

The laptop also has two USB 2.0 ports, two more USB 3.0s, a Blu-ray optical drive, an SD card reader, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and a slot each for VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort.

All these laptop parts come with a seemingly hefty price tag; $1,899 to be exact. Enough to give one a heart attack, to be sure; but stacked against other desktop replacements, the Series 7 is actually reasonably priced. Out of all the gaming laptops currently competing, Samsung’s is the only which I can confidently say gives you what you pay for.

It could do with a little fixer-upper in the looks department, though, as previously stated. Apart from the shiny finish and the tapered edges, it doesn’t look all that different from those old-school box-type laptops.

Lifting up its screen might make you think twice, though. Placed above its keyboards is a dashboard-style control panel that has three LED-enhanced circles. The one on the left lets you adjust the volume, while the one on the right lets you turn the laptop on or off. The middle one though isn’t manipulable. Rather, it’s an indicator that lights up when the laptop goes into Game Mode; and is also appropriately labeled the “Turbo” circle, just to give it that amped-up feel. The panel also has three indicators that show whether audio muting, Wi-Fi connectivity, and/or keyboard back lighting are activated.

To the right of the panel is a knob that modifies which mode the laptop is in, of which there are four: “Green Mode,” “Library Mode” (which just mutes the audio and nothing else), the default “Balanced Mode,” and the aforementioned “Game Mode.” Needless to say, that last mode is where you’ll truly see what the Series 7 has to offer.

Furthering the laptop’s gaming feel is a keyboard that doesn’t feature the now-ubiquitous Chiclet-style keys. Instead, it emulates the feel of desktop keyboards by having the edges of the keys tapered. Also, the all-important-to-gaming SWAD keys are backlit a cool orange to differentiate them from the blue light of the rest.

The Series 7’s screen is what really showcases the laptop’s capabilities. Measuring 17.3 inches diagonally, it can display the full 1080p hi-def resolution, making images pop out with pristine sharpness and color contrast. The laptop also gives a wide viewing angle range, letting you boast your Series 7 to a roomful of people should you have the urge.

The Samsung Series 7 Gamer, like other current gaming laptops, is released on the heels of the latest NVIDIA GPUs, Intel processors, and the first games out of the gate in the current video game season. It may not look as pretty as the other desktop replacements, but it can certainly display pretty graphics with the best of them.

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Internet Faxing! I Didn’t Know You Could Do That!

The newest electronic fax systems are an innovative and dependable way to send documents quickly and securely. It combines the method of faxing with the modern email system, having advantages over both traditional faxing and email.

Advantages of Electronic Faxes

The core advantage of using an electronic Fax over traditional faxing is its capability for privacy and security. In a world where the security of documents is of paramount importance, an electronic Fax delivers a tested solution to the problem of confidential documents left lying in fax machines for any passing observer to see. Documents can also be securely stored online for free.

It’s also an ideal system for those working on the move. There is no need to wait to get to the office to send faxes when they can simply be sent and received via email. Depending on the service you use, you will be able to send your electronic fax from your iPhone, iPad and Android apps.

While it seems relatively simple, it’s best to pick from the bigger companies in the field, to ensure that you have a reliable, easy-to-use system. Getting a dependable system is a must and I have been looking at one of the biggest, eFax, used by around 11 million customers in 46 countries per day. This kind of consistent delivery is what I am looking for in the service, if itisn’t something I can rely on, I would want to find something that I can.

Electronic faxes are a low cost method compared to traditional faxing, eliminating the need for bulky and expensive fax machinery as well as paper, toner and a devoted telephone line . It is the perfect system for paperless offices and for any business, whether it is small, medium or large, wanting to cut back on unnecessary overheads.  If you are reluctant to cut the cord, make sure that you take advantage of any free trial offers so that you can try the system for a month before you consign the old fax machine to the bin.

Using an electronic fax

Electronic fax systems are easy to use. Any device that can be connected to the internet, such as a PC, laptop or smart phone, can send and receive faxes to and from fax machines. You can access your faxes as PDF or TIF attachments via a designated email account and they can be accessed away from the office anywhere an internet connection is available .

Sending faxes is just as simple and, if you pick the right service, you might also have the option to select your fax number from a wide range of local, non-geographic and freephone numbers based in cities worldwide. You get a number that is yours to keep and it can follow you anywhere that there is an internet connection. A basic account might provide up to 10 fax numbers assigned to your business, with the larger corporate accounts providing additional numbers for larger businesses. It is possible to port your existing fax number to your new electronic fax system, so that people sending and receiving faxes to your number can simply continue sending documents as they would to a traditional fax machine.

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10 Highly Recommended Ultraportable Laptops in 2014

Ultraportable laptops are a popular option, especially now that they have come down in price and increased in capability over what could be found just a few years ago. Different companies have different definitions of the term, but most consider ultraportables to weigh less than 4 pounds and 14 inches in size. The majority sport either 13- or 14-inch screens because smaller options lose some functionality. These are the 10 most highly recommended for the year 2013:

Dell XPS 13

An ultralight 3 pounds with a strong chassis and an easy, accurate keyboard, this Dell impresses on the business front. It also has great audio for an ultrabook, though it will never compare with a larger machine. The screen is the major downside, with low resolution and poor off-axis viewing. From $1370.

Lenovo IdeaPad U300S

This is a luxuriously beautiful ultrabook with a 13-inch screen that weighs just 2.9 pounds. It has a very good keyboard and touchpad for an ultrabook, but performs only averagely. The major cons are the lack of Ethernet and SDHC ports. From $1195.

Sony Vaio T13

The T13 is a 3.4-pound, 13.3-inch laptop with nice stats. It features a price well below many on this list, and can compete with most mid-range computers. The keyboard is workable but not as nice as some other options, and the hybrid drive can sometimes lead to slow downs. From $799.

HP Envy 14 Spectre

This option has a 14-inch screen in a 4-pound chassis, making it a bit larger and heavier than some of the other options. However, it has the performance of a larger machine, too. A great touchpad and keyboard make size the only major issue with this one. From $1341.

Dell Latitude E6220

This computer has a 12.5-inch screen on a 3.7-pound frame, which makes it one of the heavier ultrabooks. However, this increased size comes with increased capabilities and a battery life lasting of up to 7+ hours on the internal alone. Cost and size are the major downsides. From $1519.

HP Folio 13

The Folio weighs a solid 4 pounds, which is significantly bigger than the average ultrabook. However, it also sports a nice keyboard and has generally good performance. Aside from size, the main downside is a non-removable battery which means that users cannot carry an extra. From $800.

AVADirect Clevo W110ER

The Clevo is one of the very few ultrabooks that can double as a gaming laptop. At only 3.8 pounds, it is lighter than some similar options yet manages to rank as a mid-range gaming option. It is small and stocky with a thicker profile and smaller screen than manner similar models, but great performing power. From $1326.

Asus Zenbook UX31E

The Zenbook from Asus is a 3.1-pound ultrabook with a 13.3-inch screen. It features a great performance, a nice keyboard, and falls solidly in among the smallest options available. Alas, every good thing must have a flaw, and this computer has a very unsatisfactory touchpad. From $1038.

Samsung Series 9

Samsung’s series 9 offers a larger but extremely thin 15-inch option that weighs just 3.7 pounds. It is the thinnest laptop on this list, at only 0.6 inches. The screen size and weight boost it up in value, but the poor keyboard and mouse performance make it a less-than-great buy in some other ways. From $1477.

Lenovo ThinkPad X230

Lenovo’s performance-before-beauty option, the X230 is a 12.5-inch, 3.4-pound functional option with a long battery life and nice keyboard. It is not sleek or sexy, and delivers a mid-range performance. For the form-before-function crowd is won’t satisfy, but is otherwise a good option. From $1249.

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How your electronics will break and how to prevent it from happening.

You own a laptop. Your friends own laptops. Chances are everyone in your family owns a laptop. They’re simply amazing devices and make everyone’s lives better. But at some point the inevitable act-of-god freak accident occurs where your beloved electronic goes whirling to the floor and cracks into pieces, and you instantly being to panic thinking of what critical information (or funny bookmarks) you just lost. Sounds dramatic? It is. But it’s also the most common way your laptop, or any electronic device for that matter, will fail.

Take a step back for a second and remember that these devices are designed for consumers. Electronics these days are built following tens of thousands of standards. Have to pass near-infinite amounts of reliability tests. Have to be checked, tested, retested, and finally certified. Everything is built for reliability. This is all important because reliability is one of the main competitive advantages, nobody wants to buy something that will break down, and no manufacturer wants to produce something that will be recalled by the millions. As a result, modern electronics are incredibly reliant and robust. If handled properly they can last many years if not decades.

This might sound strange, don’t electronics break down all the time? Sure they do. As hard as manufacturers try to make their devices immune to all sorts of shock, electrostatic discharge, and fluctuating temperatures, it’s unfortunately impossible to make them immune to people.

We humans seem find all sorts of creative ways to destroy our electronics. From dropping them onto ceramic tiles in the kitchen, to running over them with a car, to submerging them in all sorts of delicious tasty liquid. If it’s possible, we’ll eventually do it. And not just once. Many many times.

It’s for these reasons that the overwhelming majority of consumer electronics fail not because of “poor design” but rather because intense abuse by the consumer himself. The number 1 repair job for all repair shops is replacing cracked screens and LCD’s for all sorts of devices that have been dropped. Or replacing various plugs because someone ripped the cord out and broke them. Or drying out the device and hoping it turns back on after being covered in chocolate milk. Compared to these instances, it’s relatively rare to find an actual failure where the device was at fault. Most cell phones for instance almost never fail without being dropped and cracked.

Although this may sound ominous and depressing, there is good news. If you follow a few common-sense safety precautions, you can successfully keep your electronics alive for many years. Always carry your Laptop with both hands, or better yet keep it closed while being carried. Be extremely gentle with any mechanical plugging and unplugging, anything mechanical is most likely to break. And keep all liquids as far away from your device as possible. Don’t drink anything. You might get away with it for a year or two, but it will eventually come to bite you, which is might be in the worst possible moment. Keep your electronics safe and handle them properly, and there is no reason they won’t last you many many years.

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