Big data isn't only for big companies

Here's a quick quiz for the owners of small businesses. Do you know what big data is? You might have read about big data. You've probably even read that those businesses who study big data use it to forge a more powerful relationship to customers and gain an edge over their competitors. But as a small business owner you're busy. You have to hire three more employees . You have to approve your product's new marketing plan. And you also need to find a new location that will better serve your growing business. This doesn't mean, though, you can ignore big data, and here's why:

Defining Big Data

What is big data? John Weathington, writing for Tech Republic blog, does a good job explaining: Big data, as the name suggests, are massive quantities of fast-moving information. This information is free, but it serves a very important purpose in the marketplace. Big data, if effectively mined and studied, will tell you what your target customers want, what they lack and just how much they will be prepared to pay to get it. In other words, big data can tell you the best way to run your small business.

Big Data In Action

Knowing the meaning is one thing, actually using big data to draw in new customers is another. Fortunately, CIO Magazine recently took a quick look at three companies that market themselves in part by highlighting their ability to use big data to help their clients make smarter choices. Consider Financial Engines. This financial firm, as CIO writes, utilizes large financial data sets and advanced analytical tools to help customers successfully plan their retirements. Because the company has access to retirement statistics, trends and data, it has little trouble grabbing new clients.

Exmobaby uses big data differently: Its pajamas incorporate built-in sensors that compile health information on the babies wearing them. The sensors then compile this health-and-wellness data so that parents can access it. The marketing advantage is obvious: Exmobaby can take large amounts of data and then use it to show concerned parents how healthy their babies are. Parchment relies on big data to help students apply for the appropriate colleges. The company relies on a database of grade point averages, SAT scores and college acceptance data to guide students toward those colleges likely to accept them. The CIO Magazine story proves that big data is not an esoteric matter. It's real information that will help the owners of small businesses gain new business.

Why your small business still needs a printer

Don't think you need a printer in your small business? Think again. We'd all prefer to think that we're on the verge of a paperless society. After all, we are able to create our important documents on our smart phones, tablets and Desktops and store them in the cloud. You can then send these documents to important clients. There's no need for ever printing them out, right? Not quite. Quite a few of your clients will still insist on hard-copy documents detailing your transactions with them. These customers may not be tech-savvy enough to adjust to paperless business. Or maybe they refuse to go paperless. Whatever the reason, they need printouts. If you cannot deliver them, you'll lose their business.


Can’t turn away business


As writer Paul Mah with Small Business Computing.com says, small businesses will frequently encounter customers who demand real paper trails of their transactions. These clients are either unable or hesitant to move toward a paperless business model. Small business owners today are hardly ever in the position of turning away any customers, even those that won't get accustomed to new technology. It's important, then, for small business owners to purchase the appropriate printer. Fortunately, Mah provides some choices.


All-in-one?


First, you should determine whether you require a multi-function printer. Such printers, as their name suggests, do more than just print. They also scan, photocopy and fax. Such printers make sense for firms that perform these other functions. However, these printers, because of their many functions, are often more expensive. If your company rarely faxes or makes photocopies, equipment dedicated solely to printing will make more sense.


Laser vs. Inkjet


What will work better for your small business, a laser printer or perhaps an inkjet printer? You’ll have to consider several factors to make this decision. Does your organization print a lot of documents? Then you might consider purchasing a laser printer. These printers can be more expensive. However they produce crisp and clean copy, and they're also sturdier, able to better withstand large demand. But what if your company only has to print documents occasionally? Then an inkjet printer might make more sense. These printers are less expensive than are laser printers. Technology has improved enough so the documents they produce look more professional than ever. The downside? If you do print an excessive amount, you’ll spend a lot of money on replacement cartridges. As Mah writes, choosing the right printer for your business is far from an impossible task. With simply a little research, you’ll find the right machine for your company and its unique printing needs.

Need files from your PC? Try the iPad’s remote-access apps

You use your iPad for almost everything: Checking the Internet, reading the news, watching shows and communicating with friends and family members. But if you use your iPad for work, you will be frustrated. As handy as the iPad is, it is still not really as powerful as a Workstation or laptop. That's where remote-access apps may help. Developers have developed several programs which allow you to access and take control of your desktop or laptop computers from the iPad. You can access your files, folders and contacts. Some even let you stream the videos and music you store on your computer on the iPad. Controlling a PC or laptop from the iPad isn't perfect. The iPad's screen is large for a tablet, but it's small for a desktop or laptop. Sometimes things get a bit cramped. But if you need emergency ability to access your desktop pc, these three apps are able to do the trick.


GoToMyPc: Citrix has long offered GoToMyPC, a means to access your home computer while you are on the road. In fact, Citrix was offering this service before tablets and smartphones became the favored toys of tech-savvy consumers. Today, you can sign up for the service for $9.95 monthly for basic service or $99 for one computer for a year. Once you sign up, you'll be given a free app for the iPad that lets you run GoToMyPC from a tablet. As the name suggests, use this service to remotely access your Word and PowerPoint documents, e-mail folders and file folders. PC Magazine just evaluated the service and praised it for being user friendly and usefulness. The cost, though, is high. Many iPad users will find cheaper services that work equally as well for their needs.


SplashTop Remote Desktop: One of the more popular remote-access iPad apps, SplashTop Remote Desktop is remarkably powerful for its low price of $4.99. And, as a recent review in CNET says, you can even use this application to access and stream videos and music from your PC to your iPad. This is a rare feature in the remote-access industry, and makes this program an attractive one.


LogMeIn Ignition: LogMeIn Ignition is another lower-priced alternative to popular GoToMyPC, though at $30, it is costlier than rival SplashTop. This program was also praised by CNET for its being user friendly and effectiveness, but also for two nifty features. First, you can use LogMeIn to remotely wake up a sleeping or shut-down PC. Secondly, you can use the app to remotely relocate files from a PC to your iPad.

Invest in these peripherals, not a new machine, to get the most of Windows 8

You invested in the new Windows 8 operating system because the system's new touch-screen capabilities intrigued you. There's just one problem: Your older computer isn't a touch screen. You still open files, look at the net and manage e-mail messages with an old-fashioned mouse and keyboard. And what if you utilize a tablet running Windows 8? You'll be missing out on the many mouse- and keyboard-controlled options that come with the product. Don't lose heart. Traditional laptop and desktop users are still able to enjoy many of the touch-screen and gesture-based features contained in Windows 8. And tablet users can enjoy the keyboard- and mouse-based features. You only need to get the appropriate peripherals. Fortunately, PC Magazine recently ran a feature story outlining a few of these must-have Windows 8 add-ons.


Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard


If you're running Windows 8 on a tablet, you'll want a high-end mobile keyboard for when you want to replicate the desktop experience. The Microsoft Wedge may be the best choice. That's because it's not only a solid keyboard, it's one built exclusively to use Windows 8. The keyboard features several built-in Windows 8 functions to allow you to tap completely into the power of Microsoft's latest operating system.


Logitech T650 Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad


The Logitech T650 Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad is a must for Windows 8 users running the operating system on older computers that lack touch-screen features. The Logitech T650 will replicate touch-screen features even on computers that rely on traditional keyboard and mouse controls. This particular touchpad does an outstanding job at this, earning rave reviews from the editors at PC Magazine.


Kingston DataTraveler Workspace


The Kingston DataTraveler Workspace is a truly impressive device. It looks like a typical USB drive. Yet it actually holds Windows To Go, a portable Windows 8 operating system. That's right, using this device it's simple to boot up Windows 8 on any PC. It's a easy way to take advantage of the Windows 8 experience while you're on the road.

iPad in the swimming pool? There is hope

You had no idea your smartphone was perched so perilously on the edge of your bathtub. And you definitely didn't think you might actually knock it over the edge and into gallons of bubble bath and water. Yet you did. Now your smartphone is ruined, right? Maybe not. Yes, water is certainly an enemy of your favorite gadgets. But if you act quickly, you might be able to salvage even the most waterlogged of devices. Here's how.


Saving drowned technology


After you fish your device out of the water, do 1 thing first: Make sure that its power is off. If a battery is fueling your gadget, quickly yank that battery out. If your device does not feature a removable battery, make sure it is switched off. You might think it is the water that causes gadgets to go haywire. It's not. The electrical shorts that the water causes is what scrambles your devices. Whatever you do, do not to switch the power back on to see what damage has occured. By doing this, you'll only make things worse.


Other steps


Your next step will be to open as many air holes as feasible in the device. This means removing SIM cards, back covers, SD cards and ear hole port coverings. The greater number of openings you create, the more air will rush through the gadget. Secondly, vacuum out as much moisture as you can from your cell phone, tablet or iPod. Your ideal tool for this job is a vacuum which has a small nozzle. The more thorough you are , the better. Finally, drop your phone in a bowl of something that will dry it out. Lots of people recommend dry white rice. And this works, but Gizmodo comes up with a little something it says is even better—a bowl of dry Rice Krispies breakfast cereal. After 48 hours of drying time, turn your device back on. If you're lucky, it's going to pop straight back into life.


Keeping it dry


Of course, the easiest method to protect your devices from the water is to keep them dry in the beginning. This can be done by purchasing waterproof covers. There are several of them out there. In a recent story, the New York Times reviewed three options, LifeProof, Joy Factory Rain Ballet and Liquipel. All have their pros and cons, but each ought to keep your device dry if disaster should strike. But our best advice? Resist the impulse to bring your electronic gadgets to the pool or the side of the tub. Why take the risk?

Hackers now targeting smart phones

The vast majority of malware attacks still take place on PCs. But cybercriminals are increasingly turning their focus on smart phones. And no wonder: Smartphones are getting to be miniature computers. Many people use smartphones to surf the Web, read e-mail messages and transfer funds to our banks. These products, then, are ripe for attack. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to secure your smart phone from hackers.


Scary Numbers


It's not easy finding data on the frequency of smart phone cyber attacks. In a recent column, CNN Money writer David Goldman does a good job of scaring his readers. For example, denotes a recent mobile malware hack on Verizon that allowed cyber criminals to steal debit-card numbers. That attack generated a loss of $20 million. That's one attack. Goldman cites numbers from Lookout Security that found that four in 10 smartphone users will click or swipe on an unsafe Web link within the next year. He also reported that anti-virus giant McAfee reported that mobile malware attacks have jumped by a factor of six. When it comes to protection, mobile phone users are lax. According to security organization SANS, less than a fifth of smart phones are protected by anti-virus software.


The Good News


These numbers shouldn't cause smart phone users to toss their devices in the river. Despite the increasing amount of mobile malware, cyber criminals are still focusing mainly on PCs. For just one reason, it's easier. Developers learned from their past flaws, and have made it more tough for cyber criminals to take over smart phones and other mobile devices. At the same time, these criminals are so successful in targeting PC users, they have little financial incentive to focus on mobile devices. Consumers, though, shouldn't rely on this for much longer, Goldman writes. As smart phones continue to increase in popularity, they will see a greater number, and variety, of malware attacks.


Protect Yourself


You can protect yourself from mobile malware much the same way you protect yourself from PC-based cyber attacks: Use common sense.
First, never provide private info such as your Social Security Number or checking account numbers to companies that request it through e-mail. Your bank would not ask for such personal information within e-mail message. Always be wary when downloading apps. Make sure to review apps before downloading them, and steer clear of shopping in unregulated app stores.

Apple's iPad Mini might be the best tablet value

If you are a skilled writer who also own an iPad, you're fortunate: Software developers have created several apps to help you do your work better, whether you cover real estate news for a trade magazine, blog about technology or write romance fiction. Here is a closer look at several of the best iPad apps for truly serious writers. For those who earn your living with the written word, these applications are must-haves.


Paper by FiftyThree


Just starting with your novel, short story or non-fiction piece? Consider Paper. This phenomenal app lets you jot down your ideas as everything from sketches and illustrations to notes, drawings or diagrams.


iA Writer


This app, from Information Architects, doesn't come with a lot of glitz. A text editor and creator, iA Writer doesn't let you change fonts or colors. The goal? Eliminate the distractions and force you to write.


Google Drive


If you need to save your writing, articles or videos, try Google Drive. It provides you with 5GB worth of storage at no cost.


Evernote


This particular note-taking app has long earned cheers from tech reviewers. But few realize how useful it is to professional writers. With Evernote, you can jot down notes, capture photos, compose to-do lists and record voice reminders.


iThoughtsHD


Few organization programs are as helpful to writers as is iThoughtsHD. Use this app to organize your ideas as task list, project-planning document or brainstorming session. You can also make use of the program to make meeting notes.


Penultimate


Another useful application made by Evernote, Penultimate allows you to handwrite notes directly to your iPad. You can utilize the application to take notes, draw sketches and record those incredible ideas you don't want to forget once you leave your desk.


GoodReader


You'll never find it difficult to read PDF files again after installing the GoodReader app. This app, created by Good.iWare, allows you to read almost any document with your iPad.


Index Card


Looking for a place to keep all your plot summaries, outlines, character descriptions and deadline dates? Index Card is a good choice. This app generates a virtual corkboard on your iPad, and enables you to pin notes directly to it.


Notably


Notably is really a powerful note-taking app for your iPad. But what truly sets it apart is the way it works with well known cloud storage app Dropbox. Every time you add a note, plot summary or assignment due date to Notably, your modifications will automatically sync with Dropbox.

Orchestra hits a home run with Mailbox for iPhone

Do you read and send e-mail messages through your smart phone? Naturally you do. Do you genuinely like the e-mail program that you use to get this done? If you're similar to most smart phone users, most likely not. The simple truth is that few smart phone users like their mobile e-mail programs. There is a new contender in the mobile e-mail space, though, and it may well change this. Tech provider Orchestra just recently released Mailbox, its new e-mail client for the iPhone. And the assessments? Thus far, they've been fantastic.


Features


So why has the tech press weighed in so positively about the iPhone version of Mailbox? Probably because it operates as if it was actually designed to be used with smart phones. Several other mobile e-mail programs feel like they are simply rehashes of e-mail programs that work better on desktop or laptop computers. Here's the fundamental difference: With Mailbox, users save, delete or archive messages by swiping, the same as they do most anything else with their smart phones or tablet computers. Here are some examples: If you swipe an e-mail message to the left, you'll save it for a later date. When you instead swipe to the right, you'll archive the message. And when you swipe to the right while holding also, you'll delete an e-mail message. Swipe to the left while holding? A List screen will pop-up. Using this new screen, you can either label messages or move them to new locations. Basically, using Mailbox is intuitive.


Viewing


Supporters of the new Mailbox app point out that sending e-mail messages feels a lot more like Tweeting or texting. That's a pretty heady compliment; after all, most smart phone users prefer texting or sending out quick Tweets to depending on traditional e-mail programs to transmit messages. Mailbox also configures e-mail messages so that they are easy to read on a typical smart phone screen. When messages are first displayed, as an example, Mailbox does not show unneeded information like signatures. It's only when users tap on messages that additional information -- such as the "To" and "From" features -- are shown.


To Do


Mailbox for iPhone also acts as a handy to-do list for replying to e-mail messages. For example, when you read a message, you can assign it a priority. You could tend to have the message reappear in your e-mail inbox, for action, two days later. If the message carries a lower priority, you can request for it to appear again in a month. This supplies users with a simple way to gain some control over their incoming e-mail messages. If you're aggravated by your present mobile e-mail program, it may be the perfect time to explore the iPhone version of Mailbox. You just might discover that it is the perfect e-mail application on your favorite smart phone.

Apple's iPad Mini might be the best tablet value

Looking for that perfect tablet? You have an abundance of choices today, from classic iPad to the upstart Galaxy tablets. But which gadget is actually the best to buy? Which gives you top capabilities at a reasonable cost? And, this being tablets we're talking about, which best fits in your purse or book bag? One Website has a interesting answer: the iPad Mini.


The Benefits of the Mini


Staffers at the WireCutter blog advise the iPad Mini for one simple reason: It’s equally as powerful as its more substantial cousin, however it weighs less. For the staffers of WireCutter, the traditional iPad’s heft, as they refer to it, has become a serious problem. As the staffers wrote inside a recent article, you can’t support the traditional iPad like a magazine, which is the ultimate purpose of a tablet. That’s because its weight is more similar to a hefty coffee table or perhaps thinner telephone book. The iPad Mini, in contrast? It really is light.


Function


Of course, the Mini's small size isn't enough to recommend it as the very best tablet on the market. The editors of WireCutter also discovered that it performed exceptionally well. As reported by these editors, watching movies on the iPad Mini is a pleasure. Same goes with listening to music, surfing the Internet and playing video games. This performance, combined with the lighter weight and smaller size of the Mini, combine to make the iPad Mini the top tablet for informed shoppers today, WireCutter wrote.


The right recommendation?


Of course, this is simply one Web site’s viewpoint. Your opinion may differ. The obvious way to determine which tablet is right for you: Shop around. Experiment with the numerous tablets at the nearest bookstore or technology retailer. See which of them feel too heavy, which ones boast the best graphics and which have the most intuitive Browser or greatest variety of apps. It may seem like there are too many tablets available today. But wouldn’t you prefer too many of these wonderful devices than too few?

Internet trivia for a new year

It's tough to envision a world minus the Internet. After all, so many of us use the Internet now to watch movies, talk with our friends, play games and catch up on current events. But how much do you understand the Internet and how it works? You may be surprised at all you are not aware of. The Web site Business Insider recently took an intriguing look at the world of the web, paying special attention to those little factoids that you should but most likely have no idea of.


Facebook is King


We are all aware Facebook is big. But the social networking company isn't just big. It dominates cyberspace. Business Insider quoted data from Hitwise to discover just how big of a player Facebook has become: Facebook accounts for one in every five page views on the Internet. Facebook also, in September of 2012, reached 1 billion users.


The Biggest Data Center is Rising in Utah


Business Insider also mentioned of the fact that largest data center in the world is now being built in Utah. The National Security Agency is behind this center, and when the data center is complete, it will store a yottabyte of data. You might not know just what a yottabyte is. But it's huge. It equals 1,000 zettabytes or 1 million exabytes, according to Business Insider.


Streaming is on the Rise


Do you stream movies or Tv programs on your TV, computer or tablet? Even if you don't, the possibilities are high that your neighbor probably does. Streaming became one of the Internet's most widely used features. As stated by the Business Insider story, quoting statistics from Harris Interactive, greater than 50 percent of U.S. residents are using the Internet to watch TV. Streaming video has grown to be a particularly desired service among the many younger customers which are flocking to Web streaming. As per Business Insider, streaming is a huge hit among users under the age of 35.

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