TechFarmer

 

Wheat

The Harvester

Issue #3March 2011
In This Issue
TechFarmer News
What is Cloud Computing
Virtualization
4G? Yeah Right!
Smile! :-)

 

TechFarmer News

TechFarmer Office

Your Local IT Office! 

  

Did you hear that? TechFarmer is celebrating its 10th Birthday this year!
  
  
To celebrate TechFarmer's Birthday, we are giving away prizes. Check out the "Giveaways" section of this news letter to see what prize you can win this quarter!
  
  
Spring is in the air and that means spring cleaning not only at home but also at the office. Clean out your technology clutter today and recycle that computer equipment!
  
  
 
 TechFarmer will be at...

 

  
Thursday May 19th 5:30PM

 

TechFarmer is a long time supporter of the Four Mile Historic Park and they are having their 8th Annual Corks and Cuisine event to raise money for the park. This is a really fun event where you can come out, look at art, taste local wine and beer, munch on yummy food and have fun!
  
  
  
  
Clouds Over Colorado Springs

Clouds over Colorado Springs

WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING?

 

Now days everyone is talking about this cloud thing. What is the cloud? What is cloud computing? Well, it's actually a really easy concept to understand. When a company decides to run their applications and store their information in the cloud it means that the company rents space in datacenters on servers across the internet. This is not a new concept but it is becoming more and more popular due to increased reliability of the internet connection. In this manner, a company's internal hardware infrastructure could be greatly reduced. If the company adds virtual computers to their use of the cloud, the use and management of hardware can be reduced further. As with everything there are always pros and cons. The potential of the cloud is that it allows companies to stop worrying about software that runs programs and applications. It also minimizes the need to maintain, fix, and upgrade servers and other similar equipment because the servers are no longer located on-site. On the other hand, because the information is no longer stored on-site, if the internet connection is down, there is no way to access data or applications. Due to the fact that even electricity cannot be guaranteed, downtimes are often unplanned surprises. With the continual upgrades in technology and mobility options, cloud computing will become more popular, affordable, and will offer a slew of great technologies. TechFarmer has been designing, developing, and offering "cloud" solutions for over 15 years.

Virtual Computer

 Virtual Computer  

Farmer's Corner

"Virtual Computer aka Virtualization"

 

The normal IT infrastructure typically consists of servers and hosts (aka computers). Each individual's profile is created and managed on the server/computer where as the computer runs the operating system like Windows XP and follows the rules of the user's profile. Operating system issues and hardware issues must be addressed locally on the person's machine. For example: a failed hard drive or video card and files that allow the operating system to boot all have to be fixed by an IT professional locally on that machine. With the installation of a virtual machine, the tower on your desk will disappear and will be replaced by a "thin client" that looks like a tiny cube. This is not a computer! It is a device that allows a configured connection to a server that stores your virtual machine. Most users will have no idea that there is no computer attached to their monitor! What is actually happening is that the virtualized environment displays an on demand virtual operating system that looks and feels just like a person is sitting in front of a computer. All of the files and applications are actually located on the server. There are many advantages to go with a virtual machine. First of all, there is no hardware to repair. Users will no longer experience crashed hard drives and non-bootable machines. Second, the user's virtual machine can be configured to be safely accessed from anywhere in the world that provides an internet connection. Third, if for some reason users do experience issues with their virtual machine, they can be issued a fresh virtual machine with all of their existing data in seconds. Fourth, virtual machines take up less space on the server which means that they are easier and faster to backup. This is a very painless way to approach Information Technology. Imagine delivering a new operating system or a new application to anyone in your environment, virtual, laptop, or desktop in a fraction of time as well as having the ability to revert just as fast? If you have any questions regarding virtual machines, please give us a call and we will be more than happy to go into greater detail.

4G Logo

4G? Yeah Right!

 

Hahaha... Ok, now that we got that out of our system, let's be serious. AT&T and T-Mobile have spent a lot of money and effort to market their 4G network that really does not exist. This is a truly amazing marketing ploy. Here is the deal, AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM technology called HSPA+ which means that they are voice networks that are "retrofitted" to also handle data. However, Verizon's new LTE network and Sprint/Clearwire's WiMAX network both use IP-based networks which use OFDM technology that is specifically designed to handle data. This means higher speeds and more efficient and reliable transfer of data. So, how can AT&T and T-Mobile get away with calling their networks 4G? Well, they have actually been making upgrades to their networks that add more speed. These companies decided that due to these upgrades they can re-brand the name from 3G to 4G, advertise like crazy, and hope that no one will notice. BTW, did you hear that AT&T is purchasing T-Mobile? WOW!!! 

Computer MessSmile! :-)

 

Here is some useless information to brighten your day!

Did you know that...
  • Snowflakes fall at 3.1 miles per hour?!
  • The moon weighs 81 tons?!
  • Men can read smaller print than women?!
  • There are no permanent rivers in Saudi Arabia?!
  • On a clear night more than 2,000 stars are visible to the naked eye?!
  • The word "strengths" is the longest word in the English language with just one vowel?!
  • A spectroheliokinematograph is a special camera that is used to film the sun?!
  • The highest paved road in North America is the road to Mt Evans?!
  • Nederland, Colorado organizes the "Frozen Dead Guy Days" festival each year?!

Giveaways! 

 

Because we are celebrating our tenth birthday this year, we will be giving away prizes all year long and we are starting right now! This quarter, one lucky winner will get two tickets to the Four Mile Park's 8th Annual Corks and Cuisine! This event will be held at Four Mile Historic Park on Thursday May 19th at 5:30PM. It is a wonderful way to sample delicious food, wine, and beer while enjoying art and good company. If you received this email, you are automatically entered in for the drawing, it's that easy! We will randomly select the winner and let you know if you won in the beginning of April. For more information on Four Mile Park's 8th Annual Corks and Cuisine click here.

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for your continuous support. We are proud to be your local IT provider! If you have any thoughts or suggestions please email or call us, we would love to hear from you!
  
                                                  TechFarmer

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