Category: technology articles


How to Prevent a Laptop Fire

May 31, 2018

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Ignorance can expose you to unnecessary danger:

There are many risks that it can pose-including laptop fires. This might not seem to be big of an issue, but it happens every year, especially in colleges resulting in causing damage.

How does a laptop fire start?

The overheating of batteries can generate enough heat, (especially on bedding material or a couch cushion) and can limit the ventilation posing a risk and even cause a fatal house fire.

Here are some of the steps to prevent a laptop Fire:

*for proper ventilation, keep it on a hard-surfaced floor.

*purchase fans to cool their machine.

*make sure that the vents allow airflow at all times.

(mainly when used on a bed or pillow, it suffocates the laptop’s fans)

*Do not leave your computer plugged in.

*Place it on a desk clear of combustible materials.

*Place it on flat surface like a table or the floor.

*clean your laptop, clogged with dust particles and lint can contribute to overheating.

*Store a laptop on a desk, Elevate the laptop.

*In case of electrical sparks, unplug the power cord immediately. If it is damaged you must replace it.

*Cords that are worn can also cause an outlet to spark, set fire to things.

We will also be discussing Lithium batteries:

Laptop, mobile phone, tablet computer, camera common in modern day life. They all have in common: lithium batteries.

So, What are Lithium Batteries?

In simple terms, lithium batteries are a power sources for portable electronics.

Why they catch fire more often?

The stored energy, which makes it useful but if released suddenly can be hazardous at the same time.

There are 2 main types of Lithium battery:

Both types can catch fire.

*lithium metal batteries non-rechargeable

*lithium ion batteries. are rechargeable.

Many of the items we have Lithium Batteries in them.

Electric cars, electric bikes, lithium battery packs are those in laptop computers, E Cigarettes. Though, it is unusual for batteries to overheat and catch fire, unless they are damaged or might have been faulty marketing.

Thermal Runaway

In case of thermal runaway, the temperature would quickly rise to the melting point of the metallic lithium and potentially causes increased current, which in turn increases chemical reaction rate in the lithium causing the battery to catch fire.

As a Precaution:

*It is advised to use the charger that came with your device.

*Always buy batteries from reputable sources approved for your device.

*To prevent a short circuit, place tape across the battery’s isolation terminals.

Why is the fire extinguisher the best option:

*Puts out the fire.

*No Danger of Electrocution.

*Insulates the batteries.

General safety fire rules:

Don’t Delay on evacuation,

Don’t try to tackle a fire unless you are certain you can do so safely

If it’s better to get out – leave it to the Fire Brigade.

Since, the reports of damage are concerning.Shared accommodation are seven times more likely to have a fire. Being ignorant of these precautions can cost more, Be safe!

Small Screen Machine Learning

May 31, 2018

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Machine learning has quickly become a hot button topic in information technology. And, although it’s changing the game in a big way right now, it’s actually been kicking around in the tech and innovation scene for several years. Apple, for example, first brought Siri into the light in 2011 but, years earlier, had first begun experimenting with consumer-driven machine learning.

The iPhone and Machine Learning

Today, Siri is woven into our day-to-day experiences and, though we likely overlook the sophisticated technology, the AI and machine learning aspects are truly remarkable — and truly omnipresent in all aspects of our favorite virtual assistant. At its most basic level, Siri enables:

• Caller identity using emails and not just a contacts list

• Swiping the screen to obtain a short list of apps that you are most likely to use

• A reminder of an appointment not put on your calendar

• Maps showing the location of the hotel where you have a reservation before you ask

• Updates on where you parked your car last to where you parked your car

• Curated news stories

• Recognizing faces and locations based on photos

• When to switch from using a weak Wifi signal to a cell network

• Using photos and video to create an unprompted mini-movie

According to reports concerning Apple’s use of AI, the dynamic cache that allows an iPhone to learn takes up about 200 megabytes depending on the amount of personal information that is also stored. The system is always deleting older data so there is enough storage space.

Moreover, search engines including Google uses Google Now on your smartphone to process queries. For example, it knows you are listening to a particular song when you ask, “Who is the lead singer?”

The Apps Revolution Spurred By AI

That’s just one application — AI is also spurring the reinvention of mobile apps as a whole. For example, mobile fitness apps with AI will be able to continuously track your activities without any input from you. This instantly enables these apps to track every step you take and monitor your heart rate continuously.

Another fast emerging application? Leveraging AI to enable your smartphone to authenticate your identity, making passwords and PIN codes obsolete. This could be performed by facial recognition or a variety of other unique identifiers.

In these use cases, the process is the same — machine-learning algorithms are used on smaller-screen devices. As the technology expands, more and more memory as well as battery power is needed to perform the processing. As a result, data has to be transferred to a server to allow the operation of the algorithms. The system is always deleting older data so there is enough storage space.

Mobile App Development Trends in 2018

May 31, 2018

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After a successful 2017, the mobile app industry is all set to take up and meet challenges in 2018. The mobile development scenario is on the way to maturing and becoming more user- friendly. It aims at integration of business needs and technical issues.

Mobile Application Performance Manager

Experience in the last year reveals that though the app market has performed well, there are less number of apps downloads per user. Developers are now looking at apps that engage and satisfy users and also encourage regular use of their apps. The aim is to make them technically sound and simultaneously increase the demand for use.

Blockchain technology

The sudden and meteoric rise in use of Bitcoins has fueled interest in mobile blockchain technology. Developers are ready to latch on to this interest. Their only concern would be to determine the benefits of using the new technology to replace the old SQL database for individual apps.

Machine Learning

Apple’s Core ML Library has introduced built-in ML models. This gives developers a convenient way to include ML technology in iOS apps. in 2018 app developers are expected to leverage this advantage.

Chatbots

Chatbots were launched in 2016. They created messaging platforms using the bot to be used on websites. This year these bots are set to expand their domain to mobiles. Developers find it easy to use chatbots. They neither have to learn new interface nor do they need to develop native apps that need regular updating.

Android Instant App

This new entrant is likely to become a favorite this year. It needs no installation and is compatible with all OS. The possibility of embedding it in Google search engines acts as added advantage.

Optimized Mobile Page

Google AMP makes web browsing on mobiles faster. Domains are using AMP to reach and engage more users. More and more apps are expected to convert to AMP to leverage advantage.

5G is on its way

5G is ready to deliver speed. It will work up to sixty times faster than the present 4G technology. This new network is to roll out slowly with the USA based service providers taking the lead.

Return of the Cloud

2018 will see cloud-based apps rise to a whopping 89%. Cloud storage is secure. It clears space on devices and does not eat into device memory making it a preferred storage for private and commercial use. Mobile Backend as a Service allows for data to move back and forth from cloud to device easily, conveniently and fast.

4 Reasons Why Your Retail Business Needs a Mobile App

May 31, 2018

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Mobile epidemic is spreading. Nowadays, there are more than 2 billion active smartphone users all over the world. And all these people choose a smartphone as the most convenient device for the majority of their daily tasks. The possibilities of this market are unlimited, and if you still haven’t done anything to use them, it’s high time for you. In this article, we’ll explore why a website is not an option anymore for online retail business, what benefits you will get if you create an appealing retail mobile app and what functionality you’ll need to include there.

Your site isn’t enough

Ask yourself what device you use more. Is it a PC or a phone? I’m sure that it’s a smartphone. Now, ask yourself what is easier to work with a mobile app or a website via a mobile browser? I think that the answer is obvious. And we are not the only people who have noticed the difference. Here are some statistical facts taken from PR Newswire portal to prove my point:

Mobile app users browse 280% more items compared to websites on mobile devices.
Mobile apps have 90% higher rate of goods added to basket compared to mobile websites.

The numbers clearly show that the mobile apps work much better in such areas as customers’ engagement and profits increasing. And one more thing for you to consider, the portal Flurry analytics has calculated that modern mobile users spend about 90% of time working with apps and only 10% on browsing.

You see the statistics and have to make conclusions because your competitors do. Every day we get thousands of retail mobile apps and there are several reasons why business holders create them.

Benefits for business

All these phrases like “business improvement” and “profit increase” sounds very hazy. Let’s talk about real advantages which you’ll get after your retail app release:

Sales boost. It was calculated that more than 85% of users who installed a retail app use it regularly. Almost 55% percent of these people have made a purchase via the app last month.

Very promising statistics, right! Besides, with the help of discounts, special offers and a loyalty program for mobile shoppers, you can easily break these records. For instance, Alibaba, an online retail app famous for its discounts, has got the highest profit from mobile users – almost $25 per a user a month!

Extinguish competitors. This business if taught and the race is very intensive. Did you know that 60% of all interviewed business holders in the retail sphere confirmed that they are ready to start their own app development or they have already released one? Modern apps are very easy to use, they have much more intuitive interface than mobile websites do and %45 off people who took part in AYTM survey claimed that they prefer doing shopping via a mobile app rather than a website. Sounds like a lot of people, right? Don’t give these customers a chance to choose another app. Contact a mobile app development company and release your product faster than your competitors!

Build brand loyalty. Brand recognition and loyalty is a huge plus for your company. Many businesses are trying to build their marketing campaigns in a way to increase their brand popularity. That’s one of the main reasons for many business holders to create their own mobile app.

In-store experience improvement. It was calculated that more than 50% of customers can use both a mobile app and physical store shopping. Which means that these notions aren’t mutually exclusive. Moreover, one can help another. In such a manner, you can improve your in-store experience with the help of a mobile app.

For instance, with a barcode scanner app, your customers can get more information about a product and its peculiarities without pinging a staff member. As well as that, your customers can pre-order goods and pick them up whenever they like.

MVP feature list

Still, there are some features which are an absolute must in your retail mobile app. Here they are:

Convenient catalogue. It has to be really well-organized and structured catalogue to help users save their time and nerves. Here’s a tip for you, use only high-quality goods photos and keep your catalogue up-to-date. Nothing drives customers crazy as an item which you can see in the app but can’t buy because there are none.

A lot of filters. Customers are very demanding nowadays that is why it would be useful to add additional filters to the usual ones, like size, colour and so on.

Convenient payments. Add several payment options. Not all people use only Visa or MasterCard. Different options give a user right to choose. It would be also great if you add total cost feature to your shopping cart, so a user can see whether he has enough money or it’s necessary to exclude one or a few items.

Why We Must Mourn The Casualty Of Technology

May 31, 2018

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This morning I thumbed the smartphone weather app in the hope of seeing a forecast of sunshine for the weekend. The response I got was the phone asking me where I was. Wait a minute; who are you? My mother? What does where I am have anything to do with a weather forecast for a location already logged in the phone? Precisely nothing, that’s what.

This was just the latest reminder of the data being harvested about us all the time, and which we are apparently relaxed about giving away. The casualty of this is already our privacy. Facebook spent several years allowing developers to harvest data not only about its users, but also about their friends. Some premium services of teamworking apps allow purchasers to download all of the data from individuals’ workspaces, apparently without saying they’re doing it. Supermarkets know what you buy, and how much of it. Facebook sold data about millions of us to Cambridge Analytica through n app called ‘This is Your Digital Life’. And now Apple clients in China find that all of their iCloud data is being stored on servers operated by GCBD, an internet company set up by the Chinese government.

An Orwellian vision

If that all sounds a bit ‘Big Brotherish’, as predicted by George Orwell when he wrote 1984 in 1948, perhaps he got it right. Certainly, we’re three decades beyond his nightmarish vision of the future, but there can be little doubt that we are being watched, and in some detail. The trouble is, we don’t know by whom.

And the next casualty could be that fragile concept of democracy. Did Russia hack the west to influence elections? Who knows. Does the technology even exist to make that possible? Who knows that either.

What we do know is that it’s possible to be anyone you want to be on social media; to say just about anything about just about anyone without fear of redress. Invent a persona; say what you like. At least some people will believe it. The result is a growth in the politics of hate; the erosion of a consensus view; of the ability to appreciate that someone else is entitled to a point of view different from one’s own.

So where do we go from here?

There’s no doubt that technology is good for us. Who’d be without a washing machine if they could afford one? It certainly makes life easier than bashing clothes on a rock by the riverside, even though there are places in the world where people still have to do that.

But we need to be in control, as far as possible. We need to think about what could happen to the information we share so freely, that is chipping away at our privacy.

We need to be aware that our phones can track our every move and turn that feature off.

We need to think about who’ll use information the social media post in which we say we’re having a good time in whatever restaurant we happen to be in, and what they’ll use it for.

We need to spend hard cash with the greengrocer or the corner shop or the butcher down the road, rather than with the supermarket, where the constant blipping of tills records the details of our lives. (And what business is it of the supermarket to know what size pants you’ve just bought? Oh, yes; they know all right.)

We need to think about what we’re doing.

We need to work out what technology enhances our lives, and what doesn’t.

In short, we need to think about what we’re doing, and take back control.

Harness the Potentiality of Typo3 for High-End Websites

May 31, 2018

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CMS or Content Management System is the head of back-end development for websites. Typo3 is not only just a CMS that helps with the architect of the site but also helps owners create custom modules to deck up and organise their stores just the way they want. You can develop, configure extra modules and integrate them into your website built with Typo3 for both frontend and backend functions. The script of the framework is developed as open-source which is why most programmers who seek for extensive web applications with wide-ranging frameworks favour it.

To clear up everyone in the field of web development, here’s a brief account of the benefits of Typo3 script which made it developer-oriented and more user-friendly.

Ready-made as well as customised extensions

You can easily integrate additional features into your site by activating different plugins available. You can choose from a range of exclusive extensions repository of Typo3 and get them implemented into the store via admin dashboard. Some of the extended functionalities for your site include image galleries, online shop or discussion panels.

Exclusive TypoScript

The script has an inbuilt language named TypoScript which enables the developers or website owners to include different elements. For instance, the Static HTML helps in organising the website dynamic content. It is an alternative to XSCT and is also used for customising templates to create alluring websites.

Flexibility is the priority

All in all, the key reason for website developers to use this CMS script is its supreme flexibility which enables them to create advanced and businesslike solutions. Thus, it opened up great possibilities for incorporating enhanced functions into the website.

Advantages of too many modules

With wide-ranging modules available at Typo3, you can integrate numerous promising feature into the website such as blog, AJAX (drag and drop), website analysis and statistics, SEO optimisation, live chat and so forth.

Thus, Typo3 is one of befitting CMS that help business owners, enterprises and startups to create astonishing websites or applications with optimal performance and glorify their digital presence amongst the target audience. However, needless to say, like every script or framework, it too has some weak points too like you cannot create a minimalistic website with less than 20 pages, or cannot let your site integrate use some core eCommerce extension or CRM.

PHP Vs Python: Advanced Tips To Choose Between Them

May 31, 2018

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PHP or Python? The question strikes on the mind of every new starter in the realm of web development who want to make it large with an astounding web application. As both languages are immensely and equally popular in web development and have their own set of advantages, choosing the one that is perfect for your desired project is difficult. To help all those beginners in a quick decision, this article pen downs the bits of differences between the two in various aspects.

About the programming

PHP has always been and will be the defined language for creating web pages first and then for other solutions. So, in every way, PHP is like the HTML template having codes. On the contrary, Python comes as an all-purpose language providing developers with too much flexibility and customisation options. Thus, choosing Python means getting a framework that will offer the functionality you need for your web project.

Language syntax

Anyone who is adept at C-like language can get PHP right way as it is based on C-like syntax. However, Python isn’t that simple in terms of language syntax and you need to make some major adjustments in your way of coding. For instance, the white spaces are to be made significant in place of brackets.

The Learning curve

PHP community has executed brilliant efforts to make things in web development much easy and friendly. With it, web creators have developed fluency in syntax and can use tools in their way to create proper functional code for translating a web design. On the other hand, Python is tough initially and can result in mistakes in formatting. So with a doubt, PHP is the simplest and highly learnable language and wins over Python.

Tools for debugging and profiling

You’ll always get assured links when you need any tools from Google for debugging and profiling in PHP. It has the advantage of an extensive developer ecosystem and you can get any tools easily. This explains why developers prefer using PHP over Python as the chance of getting such tools for debugging for the latter is rare. Maybe the need is much less for the Python solutions.

Tallying all the above points gives out that PHP is the language you should go for. While Python has never been that easy whether it is about writing code or with syntax. That’s the key reason to pick PHP. However, PHP too can get complicated with large projects, but that’s usual. Doing serious programming at the pro level for complex solutions is equally difficult in any language.

How to Design a Secure Application

May 31, 2018

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Security has become the main factor for developing an application. If an application is vulnerable to risks, it cannot serve the expected result to users. It does not get success and your business goes downward. In order to ensure a higher download rate, you need to protect your app from common as well as severe damages that lead to the data loss. If you fail to protect confidential and sensitive data, you will lose the business goal in long run. Different new features are introduced by companies to design a secured app that keeps any third-party or hackers’ intervention away. Both native android app developers and iOS app developers have to take a responsibility to design an application that is protected with a high standard of security.

The mobile app development industry is growing and developers are facing a huge demand for building applications within a short span of time. While the basic security rule does not give the ultimate protection, hackers are using some advanced codes to access your confidential data. If you want to get success in the competition, you have to develop your app with a strong code of security.

Developing a mobile application takes time to complete its coding and designing process. It includes many details which should be carefully handled. A miss in the development phase brings disadvantages to your companies. The challenges in this respect are huge. When it comes to building a secured app, there are two options for companies. They can hire security engineers that are well are aware of every phase of an app development. They can also make their app development team know about the latest updates and help them grow their skills. While the first approach is the limited one, the second option holds an array of benefits.

There is another challenge lied in securing an application. Security is not a once in a lifetime affair. You need to continuously update the protection profiles to offer a better consumer interface. The codes should be updated with the new requirements. So, your application stays protected against new threats and vulnerabilities.

How can you design an application with the utmost security?

Cyber threats are becoming smarter every day. To protect your app from clutches of this danger, you need to build a strong protection for your applications. Native Android app developers are extending their skills to incorporate new strategies while developing an application. iOS app developers are also concerned enough to practice the best and high-level protection guidelines. Here are a few things that you need to consider when it comes to secure your app.

The demand for Data Loss Prevention (DLP) API:

The DLP feature was brought by Gmail in 2015. Since then, companies have been adopting these features for offering a secure way to visitors. The giants like Google and Amazon are even concentrating on the advanced approaches for DLP to make their communication secure and shield.

Some companies even maintain a strong approach. They focus on DLP and compliance policies. Native app developers are also showing their interest in broadening the abilities of DLP API’s so that company will get the best of benefits. These DLP APIs provide the real benefits to companies. Companies no need to hire professionals for securing their applications.

Data protection feature:

Applications must have data protection features which are included at the time of developing an application. This can be done by a software security engineer or a professional app developer.

5 Characteristics to Compare Before Purchasing a Probe Station Unit

May 31, 2018

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The probe station unit has undergone numerous technological advances over the past decade. Researchers now have more options to choose from which is beneficial but can make it difficult to effectively compare unique probe station units prior to purchasing. This tool represents a significant financial investment so it is important to select the best solution for today and tomorrow. Fortunately, focusing on five key characteristics can make the comparison process easier and more accurate.

1. With the growing popularity of cryogenic measurements time-consuming wiring of an on-wafer device is no longer necessary. Today’s platforms allow for visualization and electrical interrogation of multiple wafer level devices. Unfortunately, this comes with a trade-off. Optical access to inflexible probing of a device can transfer heat loads from the probe arm to the device being tested. To minimize this effect, it is essential the probe station unit has some type of shield or other technology to reduce thermal radiation on the sample. Multiple experiments have shown that even the smallest amount of thermal radiation transfer can alter the end results.

3. The sample holders on the probe station unit must be compared as well. Most units offer a variety of sample holders to choose from. Popular options include a grounded sample holder, co-axle sample holder, and isolated sample holder although several additional options are available as well. When comparing units, it is critical to ensure researchers can use the necessary sample holder required to accurately complete their experiment.

4. The probe station units’ vision system is critical to compare before purchasing. This system is responsible for distinguishing characteristics of the sample and properly landing probes. Depending upon the experiment the level of detail provided by the vision system varies. Thus, researchers must consider current experiments as well as future needs when comparing vision systems.

5. The final characteristic to compare before purchasing a probe station unit is overall system versatility. Considering the significant upfront cost, it is imperative researchers make the most out of their unit by selecting an option which allows for successful research utilizing a variety of methods. As more probe station units become customizable or modular overall flexibility and research capabilities continue to expand.

Considering the significant financial investment required to purchase a quality probe station unit it is not surprising how much time and resources are used to accurately compare available options. By focusing on the five key characteristics an accurate comparison can be completed quickly and easily.

IT Asset Disposal – Environmental Compliance

May 31, 2018

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An IT asset is any information that the company owns, their hardware or system that they used in business activities for that company. The process of IT asset disposal can be fraught with risk but the most risky element is environmental compliance with the federal and state regulations. There is also the disaster that could happen if the company’s assets were discovered leaching toxic materials in the environment, processed under unsafe working condition overseas in a dumping ground, or moldering in a landfill. To ensure that your IT asset disposal is in environmental compliance here are some key facts that you should know.

When it says “free”, it does not always mean that

There are IT recycling vendors that will offer to take the assets and dispose of them at no cost to the company. When you ask them how they can do this, they may tell you that they will make money selling the assets for scrap. This should throw up a red flag and make you suspicious. When an IT asset material does have some value as scrap, it is not usually enough to sustain a recycling business that is environmentally compliant. If your company does have to pay fines for a company who is practicing poor recycling those “free” services could cost your company a fortune. So if an IT asset disposal center offers to dispose of your company’s assets for free, look for another service.

Downstream does matter

Many of these companies have partners downstream who they hand off the assets to be processed further and it is usually material they cannot sell. One important thing to note is that your company is liable for all IT assets that you have disposed of throughout the chain of custody. This is from the time it leaves your company to the final disposition spot. To make sure that the company you choose is environmental compliance you need to make sure that all of the people involved are also in compliance. Make sure that you do know where your IT assets go.

Certification

This is the most reliable way to make sure that company you chose is environmental compliance. Generally, there is no one at your company who has the expertise or time to audit the IT asset disposal recycling center practices from start to finish. You do not have to rely on their word that they and any partners are in compliance. Ask to see their certification for compliant and safe IT asset recycling, which are one or both of these certificates, R2/RIOS and e-Stewards. To get these certificates they also have to monitor their partners and provide documented proof that the IT asset disposal is in compliance with all standards and laws.