How to Set Up a Home Computer Network

Many people want to know how to set up a home computer network so that they can benefit from having one link for their computers, external storage devices, printers, gaming consoles, files, telephones and home entertainment systems that have wired or wireless networking capabilities.Network ArchitectureThe first stage is to decide on your network architecture, i.e. the network type: wired, wireless or mixed, the devices you would like include into your network and how they will be connected. Three main aspects to keep in mind are:The network speed
The ease of cabling (for non-wireless devices)
The costThe three most common network types are (1) Ethernet (wired connectivity using special cable), (2) Wireless Ethernet (Wi-Fi) or (3) Phone Line (HPNA). Also, there are networks that use a home electrical wiring for communication. Wireless (Wi-Fi) based network can operate in one of two radio bands – 2.4 or 5 Gigahertz or in both – 2.4 and 5 Gigahertz radio bands on dual-band wireless networks.Ethernet Network SetupIf good speed is your main concern, then Ethernet is a good option. The standard Ethernet router’s speed is 10/100 Mbps (Mega bits per second) and now you can find 1000 Mbps routers. It is also the least expensive of the network types. Once everything is connected, however, all three networks work the same.Each home computer network that has more than two devices (computers and/or peripheral devices) consists of central device – a network router (wired and/or wireless) and a few network adapters – that connect network peripherals such as computers, printers, and storage devices to the network.After choosing right type of network router, the next step is an adapter selection, of which Ethernet has three options – USB, PCI and PC Card. USB adapters plug straight into your computer or any peripheral device with USB port but the USB connection usually has a limit of 54 Mbps. PCI adapters (wired and wireless) less expensive and very fast but are inserted internally so you’ll need to open the computer. PC Cards are for laptops.After this come the cables for connections between the computers. Ethernet cables are of different CAT numbers which are an indication of quality. CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6 are of good quality. Connecting two computes will require a crossover cable. Connecting three or more computers requires an Ethernet Router, Switch or Hub.Next, install the network drives and the network card that came with it on your PC, following the installation procedures instructions. When network drivers are properly installed the link lights for the nub and Ethernet cards come on. Link lights will not come on until everything is properly connected.Determining the number of routers or hubs, cables and adapters you need depends on how many computers and peripheral devices you are linking up. Two computers will require a cross-over cable, two adaptors and one router, hub or switch (optional). Three or more computers require one router, hub or switch plus adapters and cables for each machine. Afterwards you must configure the network and this stage has four main elements and two levels.4 Configuration Elements:NetBEUI
Network Adapter Driver
Microsoft Windows Client
Microsoft Windows File and Print sharing2 Configuration Levels:The first level of configuration is the protocol levels which refers to the language that computers use to ‘talk’ with each other. For basic home networks NetBEUI is a good protocol as it is fast, non-complicated and easy to configure.
The second level of configuration is in regards to how Windows ‘talks’ to other Windows during file and print sharing through the first protocol level. The second level has two parts: ‘Client for Microsoft Windows’ and the ‘File and Printer’ sharing for Windows.After the Network’s SetupOnce the configuration is complete then you move into troubleshooting. This means clicking on the “Network” folder in Windows Explorer to ensure you can see all the other computers on your network. If you get a “network inaccessible” message, try again after a minute or so as it takes a while the first time for the network to completely initialize the router and peripherals. If still it doesn’t work, switch off the router or hub and reboot, then reboot computer, followed by the other computer and all other peripherals (if applicable).

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Fast Food Arts and Sustainability

Remember that day in 10th Grade Government Studies when the teacher asked you to scribble down a name of one of your heroes on a poorly ripped corner of college ruled notebook paper? You quickly had to place this admission of heroic praise within an odd, nondescript shoe-box only to pass it to another student and have them mix their admission (and cooties) with yours? Once this weird offering box of heroic ideology returned back to the teacher, remember how they started listing off the dubious heroes: rock stars recently released from jail, sports stars who thought monogamy was a type of wood, and out of all other things, one dimensional cartoon characters?Suddenly, the teacher looked down at one of the offerings and did the dramatic “surprised double- take”. Silence blanketed the classroom. Students inched forward, as if the piece of paper would have whispered its secret to them. The teacher then announced, “Benjamin Franklin”. Fluctuations of giggles reverberated off of the small “hospital white” classroom walls. With slight admiration, the teacher asked, “Who wrote this?” The students looked quizzically at one another, as if reenacting the Salem Witch Trials. Needless to say, no one took responsibility.Well, after many years of lurking in the shadows, I have to confess… it was me. Though, can you blame me for my choice? The man played a pivotal role within our political system, how we, as a society, communicate (ex. USPS), and gave us a stronger foundation in understanding electricity; to name a few things. He was a true “Renaissance Man”. Yes, he received vast recognition and praise for his work, but what were the reasons behind his many and varied accomplishments? Drive and enthusiasm. Benjamin Franklin had the drive and enthusiasm for all that he did, everything he touched. He was insatiably curious, willing to learn, and strove for advancement. Thanks to him, we had the foundation to build so much of what we have now.Now you have to ask, after three paragraphs, what does this have to do with the arts, and theater to be more specific? Notwithstanding that Franklin pursued many musical endeavors during his life, and the fact that he attended the theater on many occasions, remember those “heroes” my classmates chose? Many of them were just chosen because of their talent but not because of why they became involved in what they did or who they were as people. Well, that reflects the very root of this article: the current situation between Artistic Progression and the trend of Fast Food Arts.My definition of “Fast Food Arts” is as follows: it’s cheap art (though often expensive to the consumer) that briefly satisfies a current entertainment desire, without being nutritious to the consumer or platform it attaches itself to. This art also involves individuals that merely fall into the title of “artist”. These Fast Food Artists have neither the desire to fully comprehend the roots of what they do, nor do they care about its sustainability – thus the relationship becomes parasitic, with the art shriveling and the artists gorging themselves to death. This definition may seem incredibly over-dramatic (what can I say, I’m in theatre) but it holds a very sad truth to it.The absurd rise to fame of these “Reality TV” stars and some of these YouTube sensations have fostered a false sense that art can lead you to success, leaving the art to be a misused tool. For example, people now call themselves actors because they feel it will have a hefty paycheck connected to it. Many don’t care about personal growth while others, who at least make the attempt of taking classes or otherwise improving on their craft, could care less how their acting will positively impact the artistic medium that has given them their opportunities.Now, I have read several articles that rave about “Reality TV” stars and the YouTube sensations, so to clarify: this article is not one of those. I give respect to some of these individuals (to a point) as some have had a very strong business sense that has carried them through. This article is meant for those thinking about or attempting to become an artist, and more specifically, an actor. I certainly understand desires, some that involve a large paycheck, but the arts have never been the best resource for that goal (Google search: salaries of Bio-medical Engineers).And if you are one of these actors receiving a quarter of a million dollars from your last project, wouldn’t you want to give a little back to keep your source of income continuing? This “giving” doesn’t have to be monetary either. You can improve your own acting abilities, so you can better push other actors to step up to the competition. That would create stronger performances all around and far more impressive storytelling, which leads to more interesting projects/productions with longer lasting effects for the audiences. You can push boundaries with creating, promoting, or acting in a piece that isn’t considered mainstream. It may not bring you a huge paycheck, but it would bring a variance that is craved by a small but strong supportive group, it could assist the career of a new writer (and grow your network), and it could push you in a new direction that could then make you more marketable.If you analyze things close enough though, you will see that theatre (as well as any other art or business sector) is an elaborate web where everything is linked in one form or fashion. If you help in nourishing those around you, you will naturally also become stronger. For example, the more you push for the arts, the more opportunities can be created due to an increase in audience potential. And those that truly have a passion for the art will benefit the most, as well as spearhead the growth of something that can help so many others; whether through direct involvement or as voyeurs. It is about supporting the idea that Stanislavsky shared with us over 80 years ago, “Love art in yourself, not yourself in art.”One needs to be willing to be vulnerable, sometimes in front of millions, and to push forward the study as well as comprehension of human nature. If we don’t, what is the purpose of art? We create art in order to connect to emotions, spirituality, social beliefs, creativity, self-comprehension, among so many other facets. But how can someone connect to something hollow unless they are hollow themselves? It is just as odd as those that put out hollow or “Fast Food Art” to say they love the arts. How can you love something when you know nothing about it? It seems ridiculous to love someone, when all you know is their first name or were in the same room together for a brief moment. It also seems absurd to say you are an artist when you have not taken the time to understand the art you say you love, and actually connect it to the ideas that baptize this planet on a daily basis.So then ask yourself, “What can I do?” The first is to see if you are earnestly passionate about the arts. If you are not able to fight for it and you merely want security; follow one of Shakespeare’s most famous stage directions – “Exeunt, pursued by a Bear”. In other-words, run away as quickly as possible. This does not mean you cannot appreciate the arts but being an artist (and an actor to be more specific) requires a certain perseverance and a lot of gambling.If you feel you can handle the unreliability of the arts, then the next thing you should ask yourself is “What is the next step?”. The next step would be to audition and get yourself out there. Start becoming a part of the intricate artistic web and start creating your own connections. With these connections, you may not only have someone willing to get you involved with a future project, but you’ll have many resources to learn and grow from. Take the time to watch someone else’s technique, ask questions, and see how the inner workings of the industry affect you as an artist.

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How To Generate Great Business Ideas

You may wonder, with millions of people slaving every day to hit upon that one inspiration, that one true idea, that can give the world its next Apple, Google, Coke, or Disney, only a handful manage to achieve that feat. What makes them tick? It’s the way they see, perceive, and absorb the world. Great business ideas are all around you – I’m not kidding. You just have to have the eye to spot it and turn it into successful business. In this article I present you with tips on ways to find great business ideas.Socialize The human mind is a treasure trove of ideas, so why not tap this great source of inspiration and ideas. Join social groups, attend seminars, discussion forums, and other social events and use the opportunity to start conversations, share your views, and learn how the thought process of people functions. Meeting new people is a good way to get your creative juices flowing and influencing the brain to think differently. This method is not restricted to professional gatherings alone. A trip to the museum, park, or picnic with friends can do wonders to your cognitive ability.Innovate from an Existing Idea Why invent when you can innovate. Take a preexisting concept or product and make it better and more efficient. Look around you, there are thousands of products and services around, if they don’t meet your high standards work on them and offer something better. That’s what Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen did. These two ice cream zealots were of the opinion that existing brands are not good enough. So, they started their own, hugely popular, company Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Holdings Inc, which makes rich and tasty ice creams.There’s just a tremendous amount of ideas already on the table, you just have to apply your mind and adapt it to suit the changing trends and expectations.Hear It from the Horse’s Mouth There is no better way to produce new ideas than by interacting with the people concerned. A good case in point: Kevin Brooks, a triathlete, had an issue to contend with. His friends and relatives who came to his races found it impossible to spot Kevin among hundreds of participants. Kevin came up with a solution to this problem, but to convert this solution to a profitable business idea, he had to first make sure his fellow racers too face this problem. He talked to hundreds of triathlete participants and realized this was a widespread issue. He then started Brooks Air Brush studio and used his air brush skills to design and paint customized triathlon helmets.Similarly, if your area of interest is educational software, consider sending a survey to parents to understand their issues, interests, and needs. Even better you can directly talk to them. People will be more forthcoming if they are approached in person than sending surveys.Business Pain Points Notebook The main objective of any business is to solve problems, either by offering a product or service. That’s what successful companies do. They identify problems faced by their target market and find a solution. These business pain points or customer problems are everywhere, and they may grab your attention anytime. To record these sudden bursts of ideas keep a Pain Points Notebook to write down problems that are all around you. You can review the book regularly and develop ideas to solve them. To start with, you’ll get plenty of bad ideas, but never give up. Practice hard and pretty soon you’ll land a gem.Read and Surf the WebReading books is a good way to stimulate thinking and generate new ideas. If you’re not an avid reader, start slow; spend six hours a week on reading books that interest you. Follow this regime for 6 weeks; I guarantee you’ll find plenty of material that’ll rouse your thinking machinery.Another fun way to hunt new ideas is by web surfing. Start with guru Google, search terms such as ‘what is the latest trend’ or ‘what is new’ or use the ‘I’m feeling lucky’ button to browse your subject of interest. Become a member of Facebook communities that are related to Business, Branding, and Entrepreneurship. In Twitter, look up for hash tags in niche fields that interest you, observe what’s being discussed there, learn from others, and share your ideas with others.What other ways are there to find business ideas? Please share your thoughts.

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