Reading Digitally

Has the title question ever struck you? What do you think? Read on for lovely highlights.

It is a subtle question. Since our childhood we have studied books in print when the digital devices for reading were nonexistent. We had no other option other than to read in print.

Now that the digital age is here, how has digital reading changed things for us? We like to read fictions or self-help eBooks or any other eBook in another niche in kindle devices, iPads, tabs, notebooks and laptops where the reading format of the eBook needs to match the particular reading device. It’s more complex now. But have all the new digital devices made things really easier for us?

In fact, yes. You choose an eBook format and its compatible reading device and get habituated to it. They are easier to concentrate and we can go on reading for hours. All the same if the body of the eBook is too concise and full of information in lengthy paragraphs, you will naturally want to skim and lose your patience.

How about books in print? We are more comfortable with print in concise form full of information. We cannot disagree with this fact. We are able to take in more information by reading in print.

On the other hand, kindle devices, tabs, iPads, notebooks and laptops all need to have their batteries recharged from time to time. Sometimes it becomes an added burden for us to recharge these devices just because we want to read something.

However, reading in print is convenient anytime. We just have to open the required books and novels when we are in a mood to read. We don’t have the additional task of recharging our digital devices. They are free open reads for us whenever we want wherever we like.

Summing up, while digital devices have the upper advantage of making digital reading more convenient for us, they do have their downsides that I have just mentioned, which reading in print doesn’t have.

All the same, this is the digital era and we cannot stay backdated. We need to familiarize ourselves with the various digital reading devices and their corresponding reading formats.

For example, ePub format is an open format designed by the Open eBook Forum and developed by the International Digital Publishing Forum. Devices that can open this file include the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and the Nook from Barnes & Noble. The e-book format MOBI used by the MobiPocket Reader can be opened by Kindle for PC and Mac.

The Portable Document Format (PDF) was created by Adobe for its Acrobat products. This is a very popular e-book format since software support for this format exists for a lot of devices including notebooks, laptops and PC’s.

Once we have become accustomed to the eBook reading formats and their corresponding digital reading devices, only then we are able to cherish life fully.

Why Arc Flash Training Is Necessary

Many people work in areas that are prone to electrical safety hazards. However, a lot of those same people are not educated enough to know how to handle these situations in order to stay safe and avoid serious injuries. Even if you are aware of the hazards of electrical dangers, you may not know exactly what an arc flash is. Arc flash safety is extremely important when working in and around certain environments. In order to stay as safe as possible, it is important to get training from companies such as facilityresults.com. Below are some of the main reasons arc flashes occur and why they are important for knowing how to prevent them.

Human Errors

No matter what type of work many people do, it is very easy to get into a routine and develop certain lazy tendencies while working. This can, however, lead to unsafe work procedures which may lead to mistakes in the quality of the job being done. In other instances, honest mistakes can happen to people while they are working even if they are doing their best. Unfortunately, when working with electrical equipment, mistakes can turn out to be deadly.

Improperly Designed Electrical Systems

This mistake will primarily fall upon whoever is in charge of doing the installation. If the installation gets done using faulty equipment or tools, then the probability of an arc flash occurring is higher. Neglect and improper maintenance of electrical equipment is necessary to keep it running safely. Neglect can come in many forms including passing over necessary performance tests and not checking the wiring during regular inspections. Electrical equipment can malfunction when debris, dust and other impurities build up on the electrical equipment. It can cause the equipment not to operate properly and can cause serious problems.

Negligent Maintenance

Like stated earlier, it is important for all electrical systems throughout the design to be properly maintained to keep it running smooth and keep occurrences of arc flashes at a minimum. All tests need to be performed according to OSHA standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration created standards and rules for workplaces to follow in order to minimize hazards in the workplace.

Arc flashes are very dangerous and training on how to prevent them is essential to creating a safe environment in the workplace. Training can teach employers and employees how to analyze and handle electrical equipment safely to avoid any potential hazardous occurrences.

Skill for Every IT Professional

In this day and age, our clients rely on us more than ever before and have much larger demands. After all, we’re the IT people, the experts. We must provide a one-stop shop for all of our clients. If clients had the technical know-how, we wouldn’t be needed. We must not only possess the technical skills, but the skills to effectively communicate with our clients, both internal and external. Why must we have great communication skills in our arsenal? We didn’t go into IT to deal with customer service concerns. The reality of today’s IT market is that we’re not only expected to be on top of the latest technological advances, but we must also be able to clearly convey the 5 “W’s” for our customers to perceive that we’ve not only addressed their concerns; but to make them feel as if they’ve received some value-added benefit. Let’s face it, while we all have different skill sets and talents, at the end of the day the result is tantamount to any developer.

What sets one IT company apart from another is in the how we present the information to the client, and if they feel that the benefit they’re receiving is worth writing our paycheck. Delivering results is no longer what impresses a client, anyone can do that, it’s the expectation, not a luxury.

This article will reveal several tips that are incredibly easy to implement and will not only earn a client’s business but retain it throughout the years. With little to no expense, you can wow your clients and cut down on unnecessary time spent making corrections.

We hope you enjoy these tips and will consider implementing them into your daily routine to make a positive impact.

How does this affect me?

If you’re not getting great reviews from your clients and repeat business, something’s getting lost in translation.

A Harris Poll of hiring managers shows that 77 percent of employers consider soft skills to be as important as technical skills.

Now that we’ve properly identified the issues it’s time to find a solution. What skills exactly are we needing to work on?

It’s no secret that IT professionals embrace jargon. After all speaking in “code” keeps us relevant and makes us sound intelligent. The problem is that we sometimes forget that we need to put away the jargon. Translate the information into “plain” language. If this seems to be quite a challenge, consider re-evaluating the information as if you were going to teach it to a high school or junior college class. Check for understanding. Ask your client if he or she is following what you’re saying. Another great way to check for understanding is to ask the client what he or she thinks or how it sounds so far. This tip will go a long way. If they don’t understand, they’ll most likely tell you, after all, they’re paying you a generous fee for your services, not to hear the alphabet in incorrect order. “The people who will thrive are the strong technologists who are capable of translating their expertise into terms that nontechnical people can understand.” -Ben Gaucherin, Harvard University

Role play meetings and presentations with co-workers

You wouldn’t state that a project was complete without testing it, right? It’s a great idea to do a “dry run” with co-workers or even your family if permitted. Have them ask questions you may anticipate, or if they have any questions. Choose the most brutally honest co-worker to throw you some questions or concerns, also ask them what they liked about the presentation.

Take a public speaking class and join a meetup group

Chances are you’re not the only person that is interested in personal and professional growth. Classes and groups provide a great opportunity to brainstorm with other professionals groups will often provide you with a wealth of networking opportunities and are localized and even specialized, so you can discuss any matters relevant to the area you work in.

Keep your skills sharp

We’ve established that communication can be a problem in the IT world. Communicating outdated information ineffectively can only lead to impending doom. Be certain to stay ahead of the curve to avoid the pitfall(s) of being (or becoming) irreverent.

How Retail Websites Use Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a term that refers to the ways in which companies and individuals use computing methods and technology remotely. Instead of hiring a large group of people to work out of one office, companies can save money and let those employees work from home or from other places. Retail websites, which sell products to customers, use this type of computing in a number of ways to reduce costs, run a site more effectively and take care of more customers.

Remote Customer Service

Many retail sites now use cloud computing as a way to handle issues reported by customers remotely. The days of having a customer service department in the main office that accepts phone calls from customers is a thing of the past. Companies now let customer service employees work from home. Those workers log into the system to begin the work day, speak with customers over the phone, log their findings onto a computer and upload that information to the head office. Employees can speak with managers or department heads over the phone when they need any extra help.

Website Help

Operating a retail website is sometimes difficult because these sites must contain a lot of information for customers. Customers want to know the size of the products, the colors available and loads of other facts. Retail website owners often hire workers to write articles and create product reviews for their sites. These workers often get paid per word rather than per hour. Those who can write faster will make more money than those who are slower. Website help can include creating short videos that show those products in action or writing articles about specific products that will appear on other websites.

Optional Services

Cloud computing can help retail sites get more page views and increase their overall rankings on popular search engines like Google. These services are especially popular with new sites and those who do not have much experience with online sales. The owners of those sites can schedule a consultation with a cloud computing Westchester County NY company to find out exactly what they need and how that company can help. Cloud computing allows site owners to manage their sites remotely and offer jobs to employees without requiring that they work in the main office. Those employees can create content for the site and even handle complaints from customers.

Drones

While drones are constructed for recreational purposes, you can also use them for professional aerial photography and videography, to inspect bridges, cargo carrying, wildlife tracking, and a wide range of other drone-related activities.

People who should consider investing in a drone

There is no harm in anyone owning a drone but you should highly consider investing in one if you love conventional remote controlled machines. These can be cars, boats, helicopters and many other units. You also should consider the units if you are into photography and videography. Do you have a deep interest in drone technology? You also should highly consider getting the units.

Factors to consider when buying a drone

For you to get the most from the unit you need to consider a number of factors. Some of these factors include:

Camera type: While most of the units come with their own cameras, there are others that have GoPro cameras attached to them. When making a purchase, go for one with a built-in camera. You should consider the number of megapixels that the camera has, video resolution, a method of camera control and distance of the camera.

Battery life: This is important as it determines how long you will enjoy having the drone. Consider the charging time of the unit, battery life, and whether you will need replacement batteries in your work.

Height and speed: There is no specific height and speed that your unit should have-it’s all dependent on your preferences that are guided by your needs. If looking for a unit to take live video action during a game, go for one that can reach up to 300 feet. This is to make it possible for you to easily capture the entire event.

Tips to remember when using the drone

When you buy the unit you need to consider a number of tips before you start flying it. When you make the purchase consider a number of terms such as RTF, BNF, ARF and any other that might be in the user manual. RTF means that you have to install a propeller before you fly, BNF means that the drone is completely assembled but you have to buy the controller separately.

While the unit might seem like a toy, you have to register it with the federal aviation administration. You should note that to make a registration you should be at least 13 years old. After making the registration you will be given a unit identification number that will be displayed in your unit. The registration can last for up to 3 years.

4 Ways to Realize and Expand Your Capacity for Love and Life

Love is important to life, and vice versa. So, when you feel stuck in either of those aspects, you should strive to realize and expand upon your capacities for love and life. Here�s how:

Make a List of Your Passions and Loves [It Can Be Anything]

This method is simple. Write down your loves and passions. Do you love your family? Write it down. Do you have a passion for botany? Write it down. Compile a list and then make goals that extend from what you wrote. For instance, if you love arts and crafts, make it your mission to create something to showcase at a local faire or festival.

Be Open Minded to New Experiences, Both Positive and Negative

Life is made up of positive and negative experiences; therefore, you should open your mind to the opportunities that both kinds of experiences can lead you into. Negatives could lead to positives, and vice versa, but you never know until you step into those scenarios. So, take the plunge, take the leap, do whatever you have to do to remain open minded to the possibilities to come. Because open mindedness and self-reflection are tantamount to performing a high resolution ultrasound of your soul.

Fight to Be Judgement Free

Everyone has the right to their opinions, passions, and interests. As long as they aren�t hurting anyone, of course. Therefore, you should fight to keep your mind judgement-free of others. And it most certainly is a fight sometimes. When others disagree with or judge you, it can be a challenge to remain objective and judgement-free. But stand firm, because hate in your mind and heart can consume all of the good things about you.

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say, Thoughtfully

Some people have a hard time saying those 3 little words [I love you], regardless of who they are saying them to. However, you have to keep in mind that life is short, and you only have so many chances to express the best of your feelings to your loved ones. So, when you love someone, or admire, adore, or like someone, let them know. And mean it. Say it with thoughtfulness, purpose, and conviction�because you never know if the time you didn�t say it could be the last opportunity you have to say it.

Regardless of how much love and positivity you have in your heart, life goes on. Love and positive vibes could only make it better.