Last Blog

I like learning about new technologies and with everybody in the class sharing a new technology each week I learned a lot over the past semester. I would keep the Blog assignments but I would like to add more classroom projects. I really enjoyed the classroom projects and would like to have seen more of them. The class was full of information that I was clueless about before class started but now I have a better knowledge base when it comes to technology. Thanks for a great class.

Zoombak

Zoombak is a GPS tracking device that will allow you to monitor your vehicle when it is away from you. I work in an environment where my work vehicle is monitored at all times and even though it may seem like big brother it really helps my driving. This product will be helpful for parents who are worried about their teen drivers or if you have older drivers that you worry about their safety. The Zoombak website lists many features that are available like real time tracking and customized safety zones. This product is compact and can be mounted to any vehicle or easily transported to another vehicle. If you would like more information on this product please go to http://www.zoombak.com/products/auto/

Embarq eGo

Embarq is now offering a new home phone made by Vtech that will allow you to connect it up to Embarq DSL and get some of the features of a VOIP phone without giving up your home telephone line for those of you that have not completely switched to cell phones. I have not had a chance to see this product in action as of yet, but with the added function of the internet to your home phone it sounds like an interesting product. The Embarq web site lists some of the features like visual voicemail, local directory search, and information at a glance that are available. If you would like more information about this product please go to the following site: http://www.embarq.com/Residential/Voice/HomePhonesAndEquipment

Ultimate Boot CD

I was introduced to this tool a few days ago by a coworker while I was having a problem with a computer not booting off the hard drives after replacing the motherboard. The software is free to download and is packed full of handy tools. It allowed me to boot the PC and recover what was on the two drives and then to repair the boot sector. I have not used all of the tools on the disk but the few that I have used worked fine. All of the tools are downloads from a large list of places combined on one handy disk. As with all free download software read all of the information and use at your own risk. If you would like to get more information or to download the software please go to: http://www.ubcd4win.com/.

NetStumbler

I found NetStumbler to be a very helpful tool when installing wireless access points. It will allow you to see the signal strength and the noise level of the access point you are working with. The software is free to download and use. It works with a large range of wireless cards and has the ability to be integrated with a GPS program running on your laptop. The software is simple to use and comes in handy when checking the security of your wireless network, but it can also be used for the wrong reasons by driving around and finding unsecured networks to connect up to. This may be an ethical issue that you will have to face while using this software as it can be used for good or for evil, but that only enforces the fact that you should try to completely secure your wireless network. If you would like more information on this product or to download the software go to: http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/

Asterisk Now

In the world of VIOP phone systems a new member is giving Cisco and Nortel some competition. The up and coming player is Asterisk an open source Linux based VIOP phone system. When you think VIOP Cisco is usually the first thing to come to mind followed closely by Nortel but both are expensive to start up and their operating systems are proprietary. Asterisk Now is an open source platform and is free to download and run in VOIP mode without any additional equipment other than a standalone PC and an IP phone.

I have the first version Asterisk software and use it as a home phone system to play around with all the features. I install both Cisco and Nortel phone system in my current job so I get a chance to compare features. The new version Asterisk Now is a complete VOIP phone system download as it has the operating system built-in. This will work for small business but as it is a new company to VOIP it will take some time before it has the name recognition of the larger companies. I have a few customers that have switched from a small phone system to the Asterisk VOIP system and they seam to enjoy it but they have a Linux based shop so it was an easy transition.


If you would like more information you can visit http://www.asterisk.org/about and
http://www.digium.com/en/index.php

Cisco TelePresence

I work in an environment that is constantly increasing in technology day by day. The work I do involves computers, routers, telephone systems and videoconferencing. Sometimes all of this technology is converged into one product as with Cisco’s TelePresence.

The TelePresence has become a valuable tool in the current business market and is even finding a place in the medical field. At first glance it looks like an ordinary videoconferencing unit, but after you see this product in action you will realize that is like looking through a window at the person you are having the conversation with. The video quality is crisp with the use of HD cameras and the sound quality is life-like.

The technology is however dependent on your network and the link between the end user’s network. As with all of the new technology the customers network must be in great shape. The majority of the customers that are using this have at least a 10 Meg pipe to the end user and this allows for the best possible experience. If you would like more information go to Cisco’s web site. http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps7060/index.html