Tips On How To Use A Pen Drive

The days are long gone when floppy discs were the only way to store and carry data from one computer to another. Then along came CD-Rom and DVDs for transporting data but these were also cumbersome. People wanted something more compact and tiny which could be just slipped into their pockets and yet be capable of storing large amounts of data. The pen drive has emerged as the solution to this quest and accessing and transporting data has never been so easier.

Weighing a mere 21 grams, the pen drive looks like a small pen but boasts of massive data storage capacity which could range from 32 MB to 16 GB or more, which amounts to thousands times more than a 1.44 MB floppy disc. Its storage capacity is even more than that of the later CDs and DVDs.

Also referred to as a USB flash drive, the pen drive is dust-proof, shock-proof and does not require any batteries. It is compatible to both PCs and laptops and functions without the help of any cables or software just requiring a USB port on the computer. It simply has to be plugged into the port of the computer which detects it automatically. It can not only be read but written as well.

Data from the pen drive is transferred only a bit at a time so as to lessen the complexity of the mounted circuit within the pen drive and also to reduce the power consumed by the pen drive. The pen drive has an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) memory which is a flash memory.

The ease with which a pen drive can be used continues to astonish as it is a mere plug and play device and works independently of any software, enabling data, video or audio to be easily written and read. The USB port is faster in data transfer than the serial port as the operating system can detect the USB pen drive very swiftly and create a new drive in the computer automatically. This newly created drive can be seen on the computer.

To access the pen drive, all you have to do is to click on the `My Computer` section where an icon has been created and all sorts of data, music and videos can now be transferred either to or from the computer. After the transfer is over, the pen drive should be disconnected from the computer.

Pen drives have become so handy that one cannot imagine any other type of computer data transfer now. Personal data like pictures, files or videos can be stored and transferred with the help of a pen drive and even retrieving lost data or repairing the computer becomes less difficult with this tool.

Pen drives are used very commonly for data back-ups and anti-virus software or transfer recovery software. It is also capable of storing the host machine`s data in emergencies. It works as an application carrier which runs on the host computer without the hassle of being installed on the hard disc. So many varieties of software can be used to run the pen drive that it can turn its host computer and other nearby computers into a web-like environment.

Pen drives are being constantly updated and now come with many additional features like the MP3 playback, built-in camera and even the fingerprint biometric feature. Pen drives are also being used in the manufacture of digital audio players for sound output. Some even feature LCD display for audio input jack and for track browsing.

Advancing technology will only enhance the capacity of the pen drives and they will come equipped with newer features.

You can have access to articles about pen drives in portuguese language from page Pen_Drive

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Video Source: Youtube

Dynamics GP Installation and Maintenance

If you are in the middle of your next Corporate ERP application selection cycle and you are considering Microsoft Dynamics GP, or former Great Plains Dynamics as an option, we would like to give you some ideas about GP installation and ongoing maintenance. Dynamics GP is mid-market ERP, MRP, Accounting application with large set of add-ons, available from Dynamics GP ISVs, including such add-ons as Warehouse Management System, eCommerce, plus it is open to programmer via such tools, as Microsoft Dexterity, eConnect, SQL Scripting, VBA with Modifier, Integration Manager with VBA even handling scripts, Extender. You typically purchase Dynamics GP via Microsoft Business Solutions Resellers channel and your selected partner should have certified Dynamics GP consultants in staff to provide Installation and ongoing support. Here are some highlights:



1. Installation is wizard driven and it has several phases. You begin with the GP code to be copied on your Server or User Workstation, then it launches Dynamics GP Utilities. GP Utilities application checks if Database side was installed. If Dynamics database is not detected - Utilities launches its creation. Depending on the version you may get Account Format dialogue, where you have to choose maximum number of segments and maximum account length in character-digit combination (traditionally in GAAP you only expect to use digits). When Dynamics DB is created you are offered to create test Company TWO with sample data in. Then you are ready to create your own company database - or you may have several companies to create depending on your business structure



2. Maintenance. This is ongoing process, you have to be enrolled into Dynamics GP annual enhancement program through your Dynamics GP Reseller in order to have access to Dynamics GP Service packs download and new version registration key. Service packs are recommended, but not required (until you are doing something like update to new version, where service packs application is required in upgrade procedure). Also there are situations (especially with older Great Plains Dynamics versions), when there is known issue with your current version build and this issue is fixed in new Service pack



3. Dynamics GP CheckLinks, Rebuild procedures. Check Links is good, when you think that your data was repaired on SQL update and delete level - this process checks that the whole cluster of tables (such as Account Master group of tables) is consistent. Rebuild was useful for Great Plains Select on Btrieve/Pervasive SQL 2000 and Ctree database platforms, where physical file is the table and in order to reclaim hard drive space you have to rebuild the file. However with porting Dynamics GP to Microsoft SQL Server platform rebuilt should be done as MS SQL Server maintenance



4. Version Upgrade. This is version specific (and even service pack specific as it was introduced with Microsoft Dynamics GP 10) and if you are not a professional Dynamics GP consultant, we recommend you to engage your Dynamics GP VAR into version update project. In upgrade scenario you have to check with your Dynamics GP ISV (if you have GP add-ons) if new version of their product is already available. We also like the idea to be on the conservative side and do not rush into upgrade as the new version is just released, wait half a year or so until at least two service packs are released for targeted version



5. Data repair. Well, it might happen, especially under the following circumstances: you got power failure (when you were posting the batch, for example and as the most popular case), you are in phase-in for in-house coded Dexterity customization and data became corrupt by the bug in the Dexterity code, some modules for example Fixed Assets have restriction on when you have to close fiscal year and if you missed the deadlines - you need Dynamics GP data surgery. In data repair you first try check links, batch recovery (see administrator guide for details) and if those do not work you have to appeal to SQL data repair (select, update, delete statements - very dangerous for inexperienced Dynamics GP SQL coder, we recommend you to give it to Dynamics GP Partner, or at least open technical support case with Microsoft Dynamics)



6. Report Writer dictionary upgrade. It is common when you have such reports modified in ReportWriter: SOP Blank Invoice Form, POP Purchase Order (most typical modification is placing your company logo on the forms). Dictionary upgrade is part of Great Plains Utilities, there are some cases when you have to rebuild report in the new version



7. FRx Financial Reporitng. FRx also requires some maintenance, such as Service packs, version upgrade (however current FRx 6.7 is likely to be the last one to be succeeded by Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services)



8. If you are on the old version of Great Plains Dynamics or Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows or Mac. There are special procedures and steps to move your GPA or Great Plains on Pervasive SQL 2000/Btrieve or Ctree to the new server (Windows 2003, 2007, however 64 bit platform is not supported)



9. For help please call us 1-866-528-0577, in Michigan 1-269-605-0330 or email us worldwide help@albaspectrum.com We are offering Great Plains local support in Chicago, South Western Michigan, Southern California, Houston and Dallas areas. We are offering Dynamics GP remote support USA, Canada nationwide, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean basin, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and most of the Arabic speaking countries



10. Second opinion on Microsoft Dynamics GP implementation. We certainly respect the opinions when you think that you were forced to by "the lemon". Great Plains Dynamics and its successor Microsoft Dynamics GP is matured Corporate ERP platform and we believe that most of the implementation failures and limbos are related to your chosen Dynamics GP Partner entry level and learning curve phase (have you checked and verified the references on how many successful Dynamics GP implementations they made and especially in your industry?) Please feel free to contact us for second opinion



Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum http://www.albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com Informational portal http://www.pegasplanet.com Andrew is Dynamics GP Certified Master and specializes in challenging customizations, data conversions, integrations, reporting. As an announcement, Alba Spectrum is opening the location in Benton Harbor/ Saint Joseph Area of the state of Michigan, where we are welcoming Dynamics GP customers, who need second opinion, barcoding, failed implementation recovery, version upgrade, challenging data conversions

Sony Moved Into Laptops With The VAIO Brand In 1997

Sony was started in the aftermath of World War II, during the rapid reconstruction of Japan that gave birth to its world-leading electronics industry. The company originally had a Japanese name, Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo (TKT), but the founder changed this feeling that a short, catchy name using the Western alphabet would work better if the company wanted international success (this was a rare practice at the time, and was considered a controversial practice in Japan).

The company immediately started innovating, building Japan’s first tape players and the first successful transistor radios in the world – they specialised in taking American inventions and making them smaller and better, and then exporting them all over the world. As Sony made transistor radios smaller and smaller until they were easily portable, sales boomed, all the way through to the end of the ‘50s. This got Sony enough money to invest heavily in diversifying and building more and more new products, and the rest is history.

Since then, Sony has had many notable products: the Walkman and Discman portable music players, the Minidisc music format, the Playstation video game consoles and even a robotic pet dog, AIBO. Today, Sony is a giant not only in electronics, but also in entertainment, with a movie studio (Sony Pictures), a record label (Sony Music), a video game division (Sony Computer Entertainment) and far more besides. Overall, the Sony Group of companies is one of the largest in Japan, and is also up there with the biggest companies in the world.

Sony moved into laptops with the VAIO brand in 1997, and again found instant success. Originally, VAIO was a brand of desktop and laptop computers, but Sony stopped making the desktop models after the laptops became a runaway success. They built a reputation for high-quality components, good bundled software, low weight and long battery life, making it the laptop of choice among many high-end Windows users.

The Fundamentals Of Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a basic necessity for the summer season. However, there are certain things that must be remembered while purchasing a ceiling fan.

To begin with, it is very essential to choose the right size of fan, according to the room dimensions. Blade span of a ceiling fan ranges from 29" to 54". The room where the ceiling fan is to mounted must be measured. Here are certain recommended fan sizes according to room dimensions:

Room Dimensions

Up to 75 sq. ft - Recommended fan size = 29-36 inches
76-144 sq. ft - Recommended fan size = 36-42 inches
144-225 sq. ft - Recommended fan size = 44 inches
225-400 sq. ft - Recommended fan size = 50-54 inches

Mounting Systems

It is recommended that the ceiling fan be mounted in the center of the room. Also, it must be about seven feet from the ground and about 18" from the walls. If it is possible, install the fan at the height of 8 to 9 feet from the ground.

Standard Mount: This is a three to five inch down rod (a metal pipe that reaches to the top of the fan from the ceiling). The diameter of the down rod is generally between 1.5" to ¾".

Extended Mount: This is used to hang the fan at an 8 to 9 foot height from the floor if desired. These down rods are available in about 6 to 120 inches. Ask the manufacture to determine the right size of down rods according to your need.

Flush Mount: This anchors the fan right to the ceiling. Generally, a standard fan can also be used as a flush mount; but still, "hugger" or "low profile" ceiling fans are available for the purpose.

Sloped Mount: This is used for angled or domed ceilings.

Wet or Damp Rating

When installing a ceiling fan in a bathroom or other humid places, it is recommended to go for a fan that is UL "damp" rated. When installing fans in a patio or front porch, look for a "wet" rating, as they are exposed to water.

All the components of the fan together affect the working of the fan and thus define the performance of the fan.

Other Components

Motor: There are two types of motors; one that is sealed and lubricated, and another with oil ball bearings. There is hardly any need of maintenance to the motors with sealed bearings, while motors with an oil bath require frequent oiling.

Motor Housing: This is the decorative part of the fan, which surrounds the fan motor. Fans with heavier materials are likely to cause less vibration. This also provides more stability to fans with longer down rods.

Other features that ensure longevity comprise of heavy-duty windings, accurate engineering bearings and shock-absorbency. These features are generally found in the expensive ceiling fans.

Blades: The angle of the blades of a fan is called pitch. It is determined in degrees. Blades with higher pitches move more air that is provided in cubic feet per minute. However, it is solely not responsible for the air movement. Other factors like motor design as well as speed, blade design, and various others affect the amount of air movement.

To provide variety in design, manufacturers offer a wide range of blade styles in different models. However changing the blade style can negatively affect the fan's performance.

How to Solve 'PST is already in use in the current profile' Error?

MS Outlook 'Import and Export Wizard' allows you import an Outlook data file within the application for further use. But events like PST (Personal Storage Folder) corruption can prevent this process from completing, however, there can be other reasons as well. Thus, to repair the corrupted PST, you need to run Scanpst tool, which is a built-in utility of Outlook. In case the tool fails, you can opt for a Microsoft Outlook Recovery application to repair and safely restore the inaccessible PST.

For example, suppose you try to import an Outlook PST. At this point, you may receive an error, such as mentioned below:

"This Personal Folders file (.pst) is already in use in the current profile."

The PST import process fails with no results.

Cause

Some of the possible reasons causing this behavior are as listed below:

1-You are trying to import a PST that is already being used by the local Outlook profile.

2-The current Outlook profile PST and the file being imported have same name.

3-PST is set to read-only attribute.

4-You are attempting to import a corrupt PST.

Solution

Based on the root cause of the given problem, you are recommended to apply the following measures:

1-Make sure that the PST being imported is different from which is in use

2-Rename the PST and try to import it again

3-Right-click the file to view its properties. Clear the read-only check box. If the file is stored on a CD or DVD, you first need to save it on the hard drive

4-Repair the corrupt PST using Outlook Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe)

You are suggested to first backup your PST before trying to run Inbox Repair Tool as this may cause irrecoverable damages to the file. If the tool fails to repair the corrupt PST, you need to use a powerful PST Recovery application. A Microsoft Outlook Recovery utility uses an intensive set of algorithms and proves competent to safely repair a corrupted PST, irrespective of extent and root of corruption.

Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair is a reliable and powerful utility that repairs a damaged Outlook PST and restores it as a new, Outlook-usable PST. The advanced PST Recovery tool supports MS Outlook 2007, 2003, 2002, and 2000. The software has a Outlook-similar interface and previews messages in 3-panes. It is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003, NT4 (SP6), and 2000.

Video Source: Youtube

Set Up A Wii Internet Connection

If you have a Nintendo Wii Internet connection, it will allow you to play games with friends across the world, download games, update your system, send email to friends, and more. With these given steps you can easily set up your Nintendo Wii Internet connection without affecting PC Health.

You have to keep in mind that in order to set up your Nintendo Wii Internet connection, you need to have high speed Internet service, such as DSL, cable or fiber optic. But keep in mind that if you want to use a wired connection for your Wii, you have to purchase the Nintendo Wii LAN Adapter and a long ethernet cable to reach your router or modem.

You will find that the Wii LAN adapter is available from many sources for about $30 and the cable will cost you around $10 or more. Always remember that if you want to plug in your computer and Wii at the same time, you will need a router.

But you do not need a router if you are planning on unplugging your computer when you use Wii over the Internet. Most of the wireless routers will cost about $35 and do not require a cable, so it is better to purchase a wireless router instead.

Always remember that if you still want to use the Wii LAN adapter to connect to the Internet, you can follow these steps to connect your Wii LAN adapter to your Wii game system. At first just make sure that your Wii game system is turned off. Now just attach the Wii LAN adapter to the USB port on the back of your console. Try to connect the other end to an ethernet cable that goes to your router or modem. Now remember to turn your console back on.

Always keep in mind that if you are using the Nintendo Wii LAN Adapter to connect to the Internet, just try to follow these steps. Remember that if you are connecting to the Internet via a wireless router, skip this step and just go to step 3. Try to connect your Wii via a wired connection. Just go to your Wii menu. Click on your round Wii button on the lower left corner and click on Wii Settings. Just click on the right arrow to go to page 2. After this click on the Internet button and click connection settings and then click Connection 3. When you are done click wired connection. After this your Wii will do a connection test. Therefore you are now finished.

If you want to connect your Wii via a wireless connection, you have to at first go to the Wii Menu. Just try to click on the round Wii button on the lower left corner and click Wii Settings. Try to click on the right arrow to go to page 2. And click on the Internet button. After this click your connection settings and click on connection 3. Click on the wireless connection. Just select the search option for Access Point and click OK. Try to select on the access point that you want to use. Remember to click on Save and OK. Now you may be prompted to enter your password. Now your Wii should now be all connected.

If you like to browse the Internet from your Wii, you need to purchase the Internet channel. These steps are also safe for your PC Health.

Christmas Cookie Recipe: Chocolatey Church Windows

When it comes to the holiday season, there are just certain things we can’t live without. Or at least, there are certain things we think we can’t live without. One of those items for me is a family Christmas cookie recipe that has been handed down for at least three generations. It’s called Church Windows.

Now, this nifty little cookie gets its name because it resembles a stained glass “church” window. The chocolate will form the frame and the marshmallows are the colored “glass” inside. Take my word for it, because if you see a plate of these cookies go by, grab one. I’ve never seen anyone sit and study the design, only devour the cookie.

Even though this cookie doesn’t have any decoration on it that resembles Christmas, like a tree or Santa Claus, it is only made near the holidays. Why? I’ll never know, nor will I ever make it during a “non-holiday” time of year! Family tradition says so!

So, what makes this little cookie so great, you ask. First, it is simple to make. The kids can play a large role in making them, however they need supervision since it involves use of the stove. Second, they are very colorful and brighten up any holiday dessert table. Last, they have chocolate in them! What else needs to be said? Without further ado, here is the recipe for Church Windows.

Church Windows

1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk chocolate won’t work, I’ve tried)
1 stick margarine (NOT butter)
½ c walnuts, optional

1 10 oz bag of colored marshmallows
2 c coconut
Wax paper

In a large saucepan, melt the margarine and the chocolate chips over medium heat. Stir often and watch closely so the chocolate does not scorch. When the mixture is completely smooth, set aside to cool slightly, for about five to ten minutes.

While you are waiting, prepare the wax paper. Tear off two sheets that are both approximately 18” in length. Lay on a flat surface. Cover each sheet evenly with 1 cup of the coconut.

When the chocolate mixture is slightly cooled, stir in the walnuts and the marshmallows just until coated. Stirring too long will make the marshmallows melt (and that’s bad!)

Pour half of the mixture on the prepared wax paper lengthwise, in order to form a log. Pour the second half on the second sheet of wax paper. Using the extra coconut on the wax paper, cover the top of the chocolate mixture. The coconut will prevent the wax paper from sticking in the future. Take one side and roll over the mix, and keep rolling to form a log. Shape it so it makes a nice circle. Twist the edges so they are secure and to keep coconut from escaping! Immediately place in the fridge or freezer until they harden, at least 6 hours. When hardened, slice off ½ to 1” thick slices.

Church Windows can be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer one month. Keep in an air-tight container or bag to keep it from drying out.