Categories
computer learning computer tips

Why closed captioning is important

  1. Closed captioning’s most important use is to give those that are deaf, hard of hearing, or other disability such as a cognitive impairment the ability to understand what is being said (or the sounds) by displaying the written word on television or an online video.
  2. A second reason for closed caption is for those learning the language. Whether it is someone simply learning to read and speak or someone learning a new language closed captioning can help with that.  In some cases such as on online videos it can be used to translate easier into another language.
  3. To avoid noise from Television sometimes closed captioning is used. This may be in an apartment building at night, a work place, a college, a school, or a busy restaurant or airport. A similar reason may be if there are no speakers on a computer or the speakers can’t get loud enough to hear.
  4. A fourth reason for online videos is the ability to have words searchable for video content and it can be used for a written transcript as well.

CATEYE red bicycle reflector with closed captioning
closed captioning example “use a front white light and red rear light and reflectors at night and when visibility”

from this video:

Categories
tech news

envelope images

Not available in my area (none of my direct customers either) and not available for businesses but I would like to share for technology news. The United States Postal Service is starting an experimental service to share the  photos (scanned images from their sorting equipment) they already take of envelopes with the recipient in New York and Virginia.
There are private scanning services that offer a similar services. The private services will sometimes also scan the insides of your mail for you which the postal service does Not do (for your privacy rights).
Images of packages are not currently sent but that may change. I assume it is since different sorting equipment is used.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-united-states-postal-service-will-now-email-you-your-mail/ar-AAg4EoQ?li=BBnbcA1&ocid=mailsignout
http://realmail.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action

Categories
special publishing

smart watch

Published December 5 2015 by Nathan Steffenson
The biggest reason I don’t wear a (smart) watch is almost all of them go around the wrist and don’t want any extra weight due to ongoing health issues.
If it was able to go on my keychain and replace my key finder (and even act as a key). And be able mount to something like my bicycle to replace a speedometer then I might consider it.

Categories
energy efficiency Going Green special publishing tech culture

Technology I like

Here is my annual list of technology I like.
5. magnetic cook top with automatic off. I am currently using the Nuwave oven 2 with this technology cooks fast, energy efficient and less mess.
4. 3M Command strips & accessories. Although I’ve had some issues with some tearing when taking off walls, These can be very useful tools for chord management, picture mounting, mounting solid state drives (SSD), and tool organizing such as keeping my broom off the floor. They avoid holes in the wall too.
3. Internal flash storage (or SSD) in devices with network connectivity. All smart phones and tablets have this(although sometimes removable).  Now we need to make sure we have  in our desktop and laptop computers (if you aren’t going to substitute them completely with a tablet or smart phone).  Also network connectivity helps eliminate the need to pull a card out and get rid of the need for optical drives.
2. Cloud technology. Most people have already taken this up at least a portion. Why waste money on DVDs, CDs, hard drives, flash drives, extra data centers/servers, and unnecessary traveling when we have cloud technologies.

  1. Renewable energy, energy efficient, and other green technology.  flashlightThis includes cleaning tools such as a rubber blower (such as Rocket Blaster) and cleaning wipes that can make your electronics last longer. Solar keyboards (and solar power in general). Led lighting and redirecting natural sun light with fiber optics or high efficient windows. LED bicycle lights powered by DYNO wheel as well as bicycle accessories such as quick mtx pack or a trailer that allow me to avoid using automobiles.
Categories
energy efficiency Going Green tech culture

My annual list of my least favorite technologies

My personal list of Tech dislikes
7. The way people use their mobile phones, and tablet devices. I like my phone to a point, but I try to change the settings so it is less of a distraction. The main reason I like my phone is for the camera – not the phone, texting, or web. (even though I have dedicated digital cameras). I admit I have taken selfies (self-portraits) even before mobile phones, but the extent people are doing it now is a little out of hand. I actually like using my computer as a phone/video phone, for texting and web better than my mobile phone.
6. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Small Business Saturday.  Although not a technology in itself there are many sales with technology items. Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday were implemented with web technology when started. Black Friday (the turning of red negative numbers into black positive profit) I avoid because of the crowds in person.  I also avoid these sales because of overspending and buying things that are not useful for me or the people I give them to. Small business Saturday to me as having a small business with mostly local customers is more of a gimmick since people rarely expect me to work on a Saturday even if I want to.  Also, it’s sponsored by big business American Express. I also don’t buy into the argument that more dollars stay local when shopping at a brick and mortar business vs online, although in some cases this is true, that all depends on the business.
5. Technology (often outdated) that is noisy, bulky, takes a lot of energy, or needs to have batteries replaced. This goes from the fake bell tower, to grass sprinkler systems that get in pedestrians way and run while it is raining, to walky talkies, film cameras, remote controls, and some toys.
4. Watches and fitness bracelets (and any accessory or clothing (like dress shoes/high heals)that can be uncomfortable). One of the reasons I still use a mobile phone is I hate watches. Watches are easy to lose and can be a safety/ health hazard.  The best way in my view to be active  is to have a written plan on how you are going to stay fit, have support from friends/family, and do it.
3. Printers (and typewriters, paperbooks, and paper) see paperless
2. Weapons of any kind  – I know some people like to hunt for food or do archery, but we can’t always just blame people for all  of our problems when it comes to these.

  1. Personal automobiles – They are dangerous. Noisy. bad for the environment. Sometimes used as weapons. Bad for health. People are also starting to use more bad behaviors with these such as honking with remote controls locks/car alarms constantly as well as leaving them running or pets/kids in vehicle. They can actually take away productivity and make us less social in a positive way to the people close to us. more in my ebook that I’m in progress of writing. Also sometimes people consider it to be too personal of an item forgetting they are in other peoples space when using their car or in a parking lot.
Categories
computer tips

older neat scanner

November 2015 I was disappointed to hear Neat won’t be supporting the older model scanner for the Newer version of Mac OS X El Capitan. The software library is still intact, but the scanner will probably have to go to someone using a Windows computer unless Neat changes their mind.
Update: in order to get the old Neat Scanner to work, I made one of my Macintosh computer duel OS boot (using more than one partition and pressing option key when starting to switch OS) and used OS X Mountain Lion for one of the operating systems and downloaded legacy software (cd should still work if you have it, mine got recycled due to downsizing)

Categories
computer tips

Backups

2015-11-14 Updated from 2010-10-02
In the past Many Times I have  had to go out to a site and do an emergency backup.
I recommend performing regular backups, preferably automatic.
This can be done with a local device such as a flash drive, or external drive, sd card, or optical media as well as network, remote or online backup. We sell WorkSpace Online Storage through our hosting partner company.
Also sometimes with more things being in the cloud certain things such as purchases from iTunes, Amazon, or Google store don’t necessarily need to be backed up or permanently downloaded at all. Years ago, iTunes made you back things up on your own, but now you don’t have to take care of that.
One problem with cloud services with your personal information (not your purchases) it isn’t necessarily a backup it may be in one spot somewhere else or might be a syncing service that won’t protect against accidental deletion. The upside for cloud software infrastructure most the time uses less storage and maintenance for the consumer. Cloud software for the most part, especially web browser based, is updated automatically with everyone else.
Also with Solid State Drives can make your device more reliable.
 
 

Categories
computer learning computer tips

limiting computer use

recently I went through a quick online training with concussion in youth sports on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Hopefully we want to prevent a concussion (a type of traumatic brain injury) in the first place but there are some things after a concussion happens to limit further problems including:

  • sitting out from the sport
  • seeking medical help from a health care professional, such as a doctor, that has experience with concussions.
  • limiting or stopping exercise, lifting, and staying out of contact sports until approved by the health care professional gradually returning step by step.
  • Also limiting or stopping computer use, video games, reading, writing or similar activities

I think limiting computer use, video games, reading, and writing is a good idea even for someone that is healthy but this is especially important when recovering from a concussion.  In my personal situation I limit myself being in automobiles and limit tv as well. Taking breaks when healthy enough to do these activities is also important.
Other things with computers: is have furniture properly mounted and adjusted and computer on stable furniture. Notebook/portable (laptop) computers are best not to be in the lap but on a stable surface, limited in transporting, to avoid physical injuries. Also some digital cameras have straps, don’t put them on the neck.
This isn’t meant to be medical advice so as mentioned before seek medical attention from a professional if a concussion is suspected in you, a family member, someone you coach, or someone you take care of.  Here is a link: http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training
Update: there is also eye tracking software that has been developed to help evaluate concussions and other eye disorders.  http://www.righteye.com/ seen it on Nightly business report
 

Categories
computer learning computer tips

The advanced options

Years ago, I was taught in one of my server software classes to always use the advanced options when installing software if you are a computer technician.
Now not only are there advanced options in software installation and software installed on your computer, there is also sometimes advanced preferences with web sites / cloud software as well.
For example Facebook has simple privacy setting to make it less complicated for most users. However, they also offer advanced privacy preferences that you can go into detail what is shared. You can even look at what preferences are for advertising shown up, you might be surprised on how accurate or inaccurate some of these are.
There are also advanced settings in web based email programs such as Gmail or WorkSpace.

Categories
computer learning computer tips

What are mobile emergency alerts (USA)

Many of us in our area in Minnesota for the fist time received an Amber alert on our mobile phones October 22, 2015 for a missing child. The alert was later cancelled when the vehicle and child was found.
Mobile emergency alerts are sent to your mobile phone by a radio signal. Only government officials can make one of these alerts.
The alert does not need wifi, data plan, text messaging plan, nor GPS (location). It just has to be a newer mobile phone that is turned on in the area the message is sent.
When you receive alert since it is limited in the number of characters (for both transmission reasons and the size of the screen) you  may want to follow up by looking  it up on a smart phone, computer, radio, or tv. and taking action if needed such as finding shelter in a storm.
Also remember if driving, to wait until you pull over or have someone else with you read the message.
You have the ability to turn off Amber alerts which are for missing children and the ability to turn off severe weather messages with most phones or contacting your carrier.
Presidential messages cannot be turned off, however as far as I know there has never been any as of the time I’m writing this post.
 
 

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