Orange County Technical Services http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com Most recent posts at Orange County Technical Services posterous.com Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:59:08 -0800 Cutting Edge Technology at the 2011 PhotoPlus Expo http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/cutting-edge-technology-at-the-2011-photoplus http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/cutting-edge-technology-at-the-2011-photoplus

During the 3-day PhotoPlus Expo in New York, several exhibitors displayed their latest advances in photography technology. There were a massive assortment of cameras, lenses, printers, clothing, gear, gizmos and gadgets on display. The Expo was heavily bent for the professional photographer and the casual weekend or hobbyist cameraman might have felt left out. However, many of the latest introductions in technology were suitable for both sections, even though some may be too highly priced.  Here are 3 outstanding innovations showcased at the PhotoPlus Expo.  A more detailed list of products displayed can be found here.


Sony DEV-3 and DEV-5 3D Binoculars

The Sony DEV-3 and DEV-5 3D Binoculars are like a gizmo straight out of the last blockbuster sci-fi movie! The videos and photographs shot from these binoculars products are astounding. Only the more advanced model, the DEV-5, was on display.  This multimedia camera boasts several amazing features including 3D binoculars, a 7-megapixel camera, and a 1080i video recorder. Ranging between $1400 - $2000, the DEV-3 and DEV-5 cost a pretty penny. However, if you are shopping for a superior quality, multifunctional digital camera, these binoculars may be a great choice.


Gorillapod Micro 250 and 350

Joby is a brand known best for its bendy camera tripods.  But one of the coolest gadgets at their booth was a tripod that we’re not accustomed to.  Called the Gorillapod Micro, these mini-tripods are stiff, much like small sticks, which can collapse nicely beneath you camera without adding much weight or bulk at all.  On top of that, they come in various sizes.  You’ll always be able to catch that perfect sunset self-portrait because you’ll never be without your tripod again.


Wacom Cintiq 24HD Pen Display

Here’s a 24-inch display ideal for professional photographers and designers alike. However, for the more “well-off” hobbyist who aims to create exacting edits to pictures and designs, it may be worth the price tag. The Wacom Cintiq 24HD Display retails for around $2,600.  Still, they’re in such high demand, that they’re fairly hard to come by.  The display is known for its remarkable responsiveness and exacting detail, great for anyone working in 3D design, animation, game development, industrial design and visual effects who is no longer willing to compromise when it comes to image quality.

Although the PhotoPlus Expo was intended for professionals in the photography and design industry, many amateurs and enthusiasts still prefer keeping up with state-of-the-art technology. The expo showcased countless other items, such as high-tech lighting, camera accessories, and jackets. Take a look at other articles about the Expo, and see some amazing innovations in photography.

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Fri, 04 Nov 2011 07:31:45 -0700 Will Device Connectivity Make Our Lives Easier http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/will-device-connectivity-make-our-lives-easie http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/will-device-connectivity-make-our-lives-easie

You have probably read a lot about the world becoming more and more connected. We don’t only mean with people but within our own lives as well. Having our devices more connected makes life simpler. Device connectivity can prevent you from interrupting your work, for example, by transferring a document you are working on at home to your smartphone you can work on it during your commute using a voice transcription app. Microsoft has an interesting take on the future of connectivity, click here to see a video of their vision. This may not be very far off and it begs the question: what apps, devices, or combination of the two will help create a future such as this? Below are a few that I have found.


iControl


iControl is a home energy management and security product that Comcast introduced recently. Using this product, people can monitor their homes in real time through video, control the thermostat, and turn the lights on and off giving the “lived in” illusion when away. The iControl software plus hardware and apps along with Comcast broadband make it possible for people to have full control over their homes even when miles away.


Air Sharing

This app for the iPad enables you to use your iPad or iPhone as an external hard drive for your computer. Having the ability to easily access and transfer your documents allows for more mobility in your workday.

AirPlay


Apple’s AirPlay app allows you to wirelessly stream music, videos, and photos to Apple TV. Imagine listening to a podcast or audio book on your run then walking into the house and seamlessly transferring it to your home system so that you can finish listening to. This kind of connectivity is not only for work but also for play.

Will the future be filled with gadgets, apps, and software that synchronize all aspects of your life? In this age of connectivity, we are deeply connected to our devices. Hopefully they will one day be so interconnected that they will even be a few steps ahead of us. If this requires less effort on my part, I’m for it…how about you?

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Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:21:37 -0700 Back to the Future Tech: Is 2011 more like 1955? http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/back-to-the-future-tech-is-2011-more-like-195 http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/back-to-the-future-tech-is-2011-more-like-195

In 1985’s Back to the Future, we travel through time with Marty McFly in a nuclear-powered DeLorean. Marty can do what man has desired to do since the beginning of time: control his destiny. In the first movie, Marty goes back to the past in order to save his parent’s marriage, and consequently his existence. In the lesser first sequel, Marty travels into the future to modify the paths of his children. While these films are obviously fanciful, they do present an interesting question. In the year 2011, would we consider ourselves to be nearer to the technology found in Hill Valley in 1955, or the second film’s futuristic vision?

First, we should ask ourselves where we thought we would be by 2011. Of course we’d have flying cars and hover boards by now, wouldn’t we? Yet here we are, still driving fossil-fuel burning cars, riding scooters and bicycles, all the while wearing fairly normal clothes. Basically, if you took a step back and investigated the way we conduct our lives, much of the technology we use today existed 70 years ago. The television had been invented. Cars already had modern features like air conditioning and radios. Movies were shown in color. The Wizard of Oz, made in 1939 has special effects that rival many independent moviemakers today.

Many movies in the past, however, have prophesied some of the advances we use today.  Arnold Schwarzenegger was caught carrying a gun through a full-body x-ray machine trying to board a plane in Total Recall.  Airports are now employing very similar tech. In Minority Report, Tom Cruise deftly moves from image to image, mirroring the type of touch screen technology, 3D monitors and holograms that will exist – if they don’t already – in the very near future.  In 2001: A Space Odyssey, Pan Am flies the common man to outer space.  Virgin Atlantic is making that possible today for that same traveler, though they need to shell out $200,000 for a seat.

We might not have flying cars or hover boards, but we do have Jetson-like videophones.  We can Skype to the 4 corners of the earth and chat with relatives or friends for hours for free.  We can clone animals. We are in ethical debates over genetic engineering. We use lasers in everything from astronomy to surgery. Yet if you were to look at life all around us, does it look more like 1955 than 2055? We’re really no nearer to being able to fly to work as Dorothy was to returning to Kansas when she first arrived in Oz.

Where does that put us?  The future is truly happening everywhere. Its seen in video billboards, the Internet tracking our every website click or online purchase, and 3D TVs and binoculars.  We can still go to the movies – only now it might break your budget if you have a family of four.  Still, the old axiom is true:  the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Chevrolet is still producing gas-powered convertibles, Universal is still making bad sequels, and you can still watch Back to the Future.  Only now you can watch it on your phone.

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Fri, 28 Oct 2011 06:49:29 -0700 Perfectionism: Help or Hindrance http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/perfectionism-help-or-hindrance http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/perfectionism-help-or-hindrance

In the business world, it’s easy to find perfectionists. Are you one? Perfectionism can help us have a critical eye, keep us driven and motivated to work harder, but if you end up changing direction time and again, questioning your choices, or stressing about small details, perfectionism will be more of a hindrance then a help. Many negative things can stem from this, the most prominent being wasted resources of both time and money. At the end of the day the outcome doesn’t generally justify the effort. Below are some suggestions to liberate yourself from the net of perfectionism when you find yourself ensnared.


Make a Decision and Stick to it
Believe in the decisions you make! One trap of perfectionism is to second-guess yourself, which can be a never-ending spiral. So when you make a decision, trust yourself and stick to it.

Trus t your Employees
When you unveil your plan to your employees they will inevitably have opinions. Listen to what they have to say! If they tell you it’s a good idea, trust them. This will stop you from falling into the questioning game. Also, their skills are your resources, so trust them to execute their part of the plan well. You hired them because you trust their stills, right? And lastly, before getting settled into your plan make sure you…

Have a Plan B
Sometimes things go wrong, so develop a backup plan. This will help you stay more flexible mentally and keep you from being held to the constraints of your first plan. The more flexible you are, the more you will be able to handle the “non-perfect” things that happen throughout your plan and your day.

Perfectionism could have a favorable effect as it may make you endeavor to be your best, but that pressure can lead to stress and wasted time. Try to stay flexible and strive for your personal best. If you find yourself caught up in perfectionism, the steps I’ve outlined above should help. You can also read this article to learn how to avoid perfectionism pitfalls all together.

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Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:39:23 -0700 Some Surprises at the T3 Gadget Awards http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/some-surprises-at-the-t3-gadget-awards http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/some-surprises-at-the-t3-gadget-awards

Everyday, it seems, a new technological advancement pops up in news-feeds and broadcasts everywhere. In homage to these inventions and innovations, the Technological community all comes together to vote on the most ground breaking of these advances, and the winners are announced at the T3 Gadget Awards Ceremony. Over 960,000 votes were cast this year, and the winners ultimately chosen with the help of a 6 person expert panel.  Here are a number of interesting—and sometimes ironic—choices for winners.  Please check out the full list of categories and winners here. 


Ironic Winners

One of the most interesting aspects of the Awards are the categories themselves. They run the gamut of technology, and aren’t completely focused on gadgetry. For instance, there’s the Best Retailer award and even the Gadget Personality of the Year award.  It is in this category that one can find an ironic choice: Mark Zuckerberg.  Although his influence on modern communication can’t be ignored, few would argue that he’s got Clooney-like charisma. And then there’s the category of Best Commuting Device in which anything that helps you get from here to there can be included. So, the electric bicycle nominee may appear like an obvious choice. The winner, in fact, was the Amazon Kindle -- which makes “getting there” easier, as long as you’re not riding the electric bicycle while reading it!

Influential Winners

Another interesting revelation can be found in the voters’ decision that Twitter is the “Digital Media Service of the Year.”  Sure, Zuckerberg’s got the Personality, but Twitter won the bigger battle. To be sure, the principals of large corporations like Apple, Google and Facebook are probably not crying themselves to sleep because they didn’t win a Gadget gong. It is notable, however, that more votes were generated for Twitter than any other medium by the tech community themselves. Those in-the-know with plenty of influence ought to be taken very seriously by the tech giants. Simply put, Facebook can’t rest on its laurels (just look at MySpace for reference).

Surprising Winners

If you were to question the average passerby which phone would win Phone of the Year, most would probably say the iPhone 4.  Again, though, because a very tech-savvy crowd cast the votes, the votes went to Samsung’s Galaxy S II.  Google won the Tech Brand of the Year, beating out rivals Apple and Facebook.  Although it’s just the “T3 Gadget Awards,” Google is in a much better position amongst the tech community in terms of brand recognition and perhaps overall importance.

In the final analysis, the 2011 T3 Gadget Awards provided some fascinating insight into where technology is headed.  Some of the winners were surprising, with Samsung taking a number of Awards, showing that it’s not just the Giants in the industry making all the waves.  Please take some time to check out the complete list of Awards, categories and nominees.  You can even go back to 2008; the first year votes were cast, and see how much technology has changed, who the winners were in the past and whether or not they’re still relevant today.

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Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:04:52 -0700 Intel and Toshiba Announce Energy Monitoring Plans at CEATEC http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/intel-and-toshiba-announce-energy-monitoring http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/intel-and-toshiba-announce-energy-monitoring

Becoming “greener” has been a hot topic lately, not only amongst the general public but also in high-tech companies. Many companies are looking into green tech as an approach to save energy , save the environment, or to simply save money. One of the primary things you must know when looking into conserving energy is what uses the most energy?

Japan recently hosted the annual CEATEC conference earlier this month just outside Tokyo. During the conference, Toshiba and Intel announced their recent developments in energy monitoring. It’s no real shock to see these businesses coming forward with big developments that allow individuals and companies to manage and monitor their energy consumption. The following are a couple of the changes they will implement in 2012 that may change the way companies and individuals regulate their energy consumption.

Intel

PC users will be able to monitor the energy consumption of their PC with the application Intel has developed. With an easy to read dashboard where the data is organized and displayed in graphs, charts, and statistics, you will be able to much more easily see how your computer is using energy.

Toshiba


You may have read that Toshiba recently acquired Landish Gyr, a company that specializes in smart-meter tech, Toshiba is using this as part of a “smart home” offering. This will allow individuals to more easily monitor the energy consumption in their homes. They are also developing cloud technology for a variety of verticals, including city infrastructure and health companies.


Japanese technology companies are presently highly focused on monitoring energy consumption. That being said, it is interesting that many companies in the US are pulling away from this. Microsoft and Google are just two examples. Microsoft announced in June that they're discontinuing their energy-monitoring service called Hohm. While Google announced it is taking a break from the green game by shutting down Google Powermeter.

We can see that though companies in the US are moving away from energy monitoring, companies in Japan are focused on it. What will the future be for the green technology world? It’s hard to say, but if you have any ideas or speculations about this, we would love to hear them!


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Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:15:43 -0700 IPhone 4S: Should You Upgrade http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/iphone-4s-should-you-upgrade http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/iphone-4s-should-you-upgrade

Apple is known for its forward thinking, cutting-edge and revolutionary inventions.  From the Apple IIe to the iPad, Apple has always been at the forefront of computing and communicating.  However, it has set the bar so high that even Apple finds itself hard to beat.  A good example is the recent release of the iPhone 4S – a truly amazing product using the latest and greatest technology available.  But to its loyal fans, people who are always expecting a revolution instead of an evolution, some might have found the launch of an upgraded/evolved iPhone 4 instead of a revamped and brand new iPhone 5, to be less than remarkable.  However, the 4S does present 3 very impressive upgrades, which should inspire die-hard Apple users to seriously consider getting the iPhone 4S.


Software

One of the most noticeable areas of improvement can be found in the amount of speed and power that the 4S commands.  Apple announced that the iPhone 4S has seven times the graphical prowess of its predecessor and is twice as powerful. It features the iPad 2’s dual-core A5 chip that makes opening apps, loading the web browser, scrolling through home screens and countless other operations smoother and faster.


Siri

Probably the most compelling reason to upgrade to the 4S is the addition of Siri – a “personal assistant” who can parse the information you tell it through a mere conversation. For instance, if you were to tell Siri, “Please tell Jodi that I’m running late”, it would know who Jodi is and which meeting you’re talking about, and contact her to reschedule. It’s a pretty cool feature when it works.  However, when Siri doesn’t work, it makes you realize that it’s still a work in progress. Although Siri shows its personality in its humourous answers to questions it can’t yet answer, you just want it work.  For more on the topic, visit http://www.forbes.com/sites/benzingainsights/2011/10/17/is-siri-seriously-awesome-or-seriously-flawed/


iCloud

Similar to MobileMe, iCloud allows you to access all of your most critical data, pictures, apps, music and photos from any device, whether you access it from the device the content was created on, or if you want to use your iPad to show your friends a picture you took using your iPhone. One downfall, however, is that for users used to MobileMe’s specific syncing procedures, the user id it created doesn’t “play well” with iCloud. At the same time, iCloud doesn’t recognize email accounts like Yahoo or Gmail as they don’t contain a me.com email address.  Although it’s fantastic technology, the fact that it still has what appear to be fairly obvious faults makes it that much more frustrating to Apple enthusiasts.

In the final analysis, the iPhone 4S will of course be a huge commercial success. But, are the upgrades worth the wait?  In the end, it depends on who you ask. If you’re a Mac-addict, always in need of the most up-to-date and coolest toy, then of course, it’s worth the wait.  With its improvements in power, efficiency, speed, software and upgrades, the 4S is an impressive machine.  However, if you’re able to get everything you need from your old 3G(S), there’s really nothing completely revolutionary about the iPhone 4S.  As an evolutionary device, it’s still pretty cool.


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Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:18:04 -0700 Head in the Cloud: Creativity Today http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/head-in-the-cloud-creativity-today http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/head-in-the-cloud-creativity-today

Many industries have changed because of the cloud. Massive quantities of information can be stored and shared easily in the cloud. And with the popularity of tablets people can access it quickly. This has improved the way creative people do business, below are a few examples if this.

Portfolios
The size of someone’s portfolio was previously confined to what they could physically carry.   Because of this size limitation, there were limitations to the content as well. Now, thanks to the cloud, they can create separate files tailored to each client’s needs, which they can quickly access from a tablet. This mobility can lead to more business more quickly.

Creative Collaboration
Collaborating used to be limited to people near you. This meant that professional people across the globe did not have much possibility to collaborate on a project. If they were a part of the collaboration process, it meant sending large files back and forth, which produced duplicate copies and a slower working pace. When files are store in the cloud, you can work on them simultaneously and update only one copy. Tablets allow you to pull the project up anywhere and work on it, so creative inspiration isn't stifled.


Brainstorming
Mind mapping is a great way to brainstorm and when done in conjunction with the cloud, the quantity of people that can give their impute is not limited. You can access these files on tablets, work with local collogues, and update the shared file for everyone. These elements break down the distance barrier that has limited idea brainstorming in the past.

With the expansiveness of the cloud and the mobility of the tablet, there are almost no limitations to where creativity can happen.

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Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:42:10 -0700 3 ways to make sure your computer is safe http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/3-ways-to-make-sure-your-computer-is-safe http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/3-ways-to-make-sure-your-computer-is-safe

We all love computers. Don’t deny it, you’re on one right now. The main reason computers are so popular, obviously, is because of the value they offer. This value isn’t only found in what a computer offers, but additionally in what a computer costs. Even simplified netbooks costs a few hundred dollars. This makes these valuable machines regular targets for thieves. Make sure to keep your computer safeguarded from these attempts; here are some tips to do so.

Physical Security

All computers are portable, even if they are desktop models. A thief is more than happy to do a quick grab and run, leaving you with nothing but a few cords and a monitor. To further secure your computer, try adding a security cable. These cables are generally locked with a key, and cost only $40. They are both easy to install and easy to operate, and add a level of physical safety to your computer that is priceless.


Data Security

Computer’s are worth more than the sum of their physical parts. When a computer is stolen, the thief may have access to your personal information and data. Even if your computer is password protected or your data is encrypted, the information stored within could, in theory, be accessed. Because of this, it’s a good practice to store your bank account, credit and social security information in a different location. Having your identity stolen on top of losing your computer would only add insult to injury.

Keeping Track

Wish there was a way to track down your pc when it goes missing? Yeah, there’s an app for that. Downloading tracking software onto your computer will allow you to locate it once it’s gone, so long as the hard drive remains intact. While a computer may its hard drive wiped clean once stolen, there has been numerous occasions in which computer tracking apps have been successful in returning the stolen item to its owner.

While all of these tips are useful in keeping your computer safe, there is no replacement for common sense and reasonable vigilance. Make sure to take good care of your computer; chances are it takes good care of you.

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Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:34:32 -0700 The Benefits of Workplace Education http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/the-benefits-of-workplace-education http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/the-benefits-of-workplace-education

Workplace education programs (WEP) can bring about positive rise in company morale. Companies can employ this in small ways with informative handouts, education breaks as a group, or by offering full or half day classes to employees. Either way, learning interesting things keeps people inspired and exercises their minds. Employees will feel like you care about them as it supports their personal goals of furthering their careers. Knowing their company is investing in them makes them feel secure in their position.

That being said, workplace education programs can be dull and if the classes aren’t difficult enough to maintain employee interest, it can negate all of the positive effects that can come from these programs.

Here are some ideas to make your education programs interesting and fun.

Divide employees into groups – Groups create healthy competition and encourages collaboration. Additionally they help employees get acquainted with each other better, which can lead to an even more supportive team environment.

Give Incentives – Whether given to groups or individuals, incentives can be a fantastic way to motivate people to pay attention and work hard.

Be Playful – Turning education into a game will help with retention of the materials being taught. Additionally, games also help to develop team-building skills.

Implementing education programs in the workplace not only supports your business by creating a more educated work environment but also promotes self improvement. These programs can be exciting and a fun strategy to break up the week. If offering classes is not something that your company is capable of doing in the future, try employing something on a smaller scale, for instance giving your employees a topic to study after which holding a quiz. Divide the group into teams and create a game out it.  The team with the most right answers wins donuts and coffee the next day. Workplace education programs can be scaled to fit your company; the most important thing is that, when done right, workplace education programs can have a strong positive effect on your company overall.

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Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:42:06 -0700 The PC is alive and well http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/the-pc-is-alive-and-well http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/the-pc-is-alive-and-well

The latest and most notable technological jump has, undoubtedly, been the recent leap in remote computing technology. Access to gadgets like tablets and smartphones is widely available and extremely preferred with tech users. But what does this mean for the personal computer? With the recent shift towards portable personal computing, is there still a place in the technological landscape for PCs? The answer is a simple and resounding “yes.” Here are three of the biggest reasons why.

Desktops Are Still Needed

    The death of the desktop computer has been expected for years, yet it has never come. This is because updated and new technologies are still unable to reach the top-level performance of a well-built PC. The speed and power used to run state-of-the-art programs can’t be duplicated elsewhere. Neither the tablet nor the smartphone can operate at the level of a modern desktop unit. Because of this, the desktop continues to be a foundational computing technology, one that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Tablets Are Less Practical
   
    It’s plain to see the value of a good tablet. The portability and connectivity options make them highly useful tools. However, PCs are still the preferred model for high end computing. There are certain projects that are easier to complete on a PC in ways that outmatch the performance of a tablet. Because of this, PCs are still the preferred machine for typing long documents, running sophisticated programs or even surfing the web. The size and accoutrements of PCs make them the more practical machine.

Smartphones Are Less Functional

    It seems like everyone is using a smartphone these days. They are one of the most popular technologies in recent years, and an very helpful tool when interacting with email and social media or even making a call. Some critics say that smartphones will begin to steal the laptop market as their design becomes more sophisticated. However, Smartphones still face certain physical limitations. The average basic laptop user utilizes their machine for Internet access and word processing. While smartphones offer some competition in Internet access, can you imagine a student writing a full term paper on a tiny smartphone screen? Neither can we.


    While the portable industry has made remote computing better than ever, it’s still important to have faith in the importance of PCs. For more reasons why the PC age is still alive and well, take a look at this article.

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Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:04:54 -0700 Manners and Connectivity http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/manners-and-connectivity http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/manners-and-connectivity

In the age of connectivity, the rules of etiquette have either gotten more complex or have been thrown out all together. In social situations these days, you are often deluged with phone calls, texts, emails, updates from Twitter, Facebook, or other any number of other social media feeds. It may seem like a wise practice to turn off your cell phone or at least silence it in social settings, but some people don’t realize that they aren’t giving you their full attention when they say the alert from their phone will “only take a second.” Here are several examples of connectivity faux pas and tips to avoid making them.


Phones at the Dinner Table – Just as you would not turn your back to someone you are talking with, texting or answering your phone while dining is not very polite.

Tips to Avoid this:

  • Excuse yourself from the table if you need to take an urgent call.
  • If you know you will be distracted and curious if your phone alerts you of a text, take a preventive step and turn it off.
  • For dinners lasting longer than an hour, you could suggest the table take a “cell phone break” for those who need or want to check their emails or messages.

Loud Phone Calls in Public Places – No one wants to hear the ins and outs of a stranger’s relationship. While you may not realize how loudly you are talking or how quiet the environment around you is, you can be sure the people surrounding you do.

Tips to Avoid this:

  • Silence your phone and do not answer it
  • If you need to answer the call, step away to a secluded area to take it and tell the caller that their call is important and you will call them back in x amount of minutes.
  • If you must take the phone call and you are waiting in line, ask the person behind you to hold your spot and quickly go take your call.

Becoming Overly Dependent on Digital Communication – Email is a popular way to communicate but making it the only way people can get a hold of you will make you too dependent on your device. This can lead to disconnection and distraction in face-to-face social situations.

Tips to Avoid this:

  • Make the most of face-to-face communications.
  • Make your phone to be the best way to get a hold of you over email or texting.
  • Resist the urge to respond to email immediately, wait to check it after you leave your social engagement.

In the age of connectivity it is up to us to recognize when the things we do have a negative influence on our environment or our companions. Let us know of any examples you can think of where being overly connected has created social faux pas.

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Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:50:56 -0700 Tricks and tips for networking events http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/tricks-and-tips-for-networking-events http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/tricks-and-tips-for-networking-events

We all network, every day. At its base level, networking is simply communicating with someone in an effective way. Whether it’s a conversation at the water cooler or at a business function, knowing how to effectively network is an important skill for anyone growing in his or her career. Here are some key tips and tricks to keep in mind whenever you find yourself in an important conversation. Remember, these tips may be relevant in all areas of life, but are especially helpful in developing a business personality.

You’re There to Give, not Get

    Giving an arduous monologue can easily get in the way of a meaningful conversation. Don’t let your portion of the conversation overrun that of the person with whom you are speaking. Remember, you should do your best to contribute to the conversation in a constructive way. This means allowing the conversation partner ample time to speak their mind and share their thoughts. Don’t forget to respect the speaking time of the other person in the conversation. You’re there to give a platform for the other person to speak.

Don’t Appear Desperate

    In this way, networking at a professional level is the same as dating. Being too needy is a major turn off. If you find yourself networking with someone in a higher position or someone who could offer you something professionally, do your best to avoid appearing needy. Instead, find confidence in what you’re offering them. Believe that what you have to offer is worthwhile, because it most certainly is! If you don’t have confidence in what you can bring to the table professionally, it may be a sign that you should peruse other endeavors. Bear in mind, when networking professionally, confidence is key.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

    Keeping the conversation alive is important. Be careful to stay away from “yes” or “no” questions, because they generally deny the responder the chance to elaborate. If you do have a “yes” or “no” question, try rephrasing it to make it more open ended. For example, asking, “do you play any sports” is not as effective as asking “what sports do you play?” Sure, there is a chance that the responder doesn’t play any sports, but that’s an answer that they will be able to give as well as elaborate on. Allowing the chance for elaboration makes the responder feel appreciated.

Networking is all about staying comfortable and maintaining sincere conversations. For more tips, check out this article.

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Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:09:30 -0700 Change in Service: A Lesson Learned http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/change-in-service-a-lesson-learned http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/change-in-service-a-lesson-learned

Sometimes companies need to alter the way they do business and change their service plans. As these changes often center around a price increase, new limitations, or dismissal of services altogether, customers can have a negative reaction to the news. For some companies, breaking the news goes smoothly as they take measures to soften the blow, while others spring the news to the clients with very little warning or explanation.

A perfect example of the latter is the recent Netflix debacle. Netflix, seemingly overnight, raised their prices and changed their service offering significantly. Because of this, more than a half million people dropped the service completely, a number significantly higher than they had anticipated. Last Sunday, Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix, sent out emails to every customer and posted an apology on their blog for the way the company handled the announcement of the recent reorganization. For many of us his acknowledgement that he “… messed up. [And he owes] everyone an explanation,” was not enough. Within the apology he dropped another bomb that the streaming and DVD-by-mail services will be separated into separate services altogether. The DVD service will now be called Qwikster and the streaming services will continue to be Netflix. This triggered even more backlash. Apart from the letter and video apology, no effort was made to “make it up” to their customers.

AT&T changed their services in late June, getting rid of their unlimited data plan, and announcing tiered pricing. This upset many people, but AT&T had a plan. People whom already had unlimited data plans on their phones remained grandfathered into the service. This quelled what might have been a profound reduction of customers, as it only affected new customers and not those already using the service they were changing.

When companies change their services plans, regardless of the reasons behind the decision, they inherently tread dangerous waters. Before alerting their customers and the world, they should develop a plan of action that will minimize the backlash. If there is a drastic price increase or another product change equally undesirable from a customer’s viewpoint, here are a few strategies companies could consider to soften the effect:

  • Notice, and Lots of It:  Give the public plenty of notice and utilize a forum where customers, particularly those directly affected, can express questions and concerns.
  • Grandfathered Services:  Honor services and prices current clients have prior to the change.
  • Details:  Explain the change in detail! The more transparent you are with your announcement, the more your clients will trust your decision.
  • Discounts: Offer a free month of service or some other type of coupon if clients take advantage of multiple services

If you have any more ideas of ways companies could make the news of service plan changes easier, we’d love to hear from you!

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Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:54:53 -0700 Stay away from these time wasters http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/stay-away-from-these-time-wasters http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/stay-away-from-these-time-wasters

Work time distractions are all around us, especially with the immense convenience of the Internet. The World Wide Web has been a growing force over the past 30 years, giving easy access to all kinds of information and distractions. Though, weren’t workers distracted in the office before the Internet? The truth is, there are all kinds of ways to be distracted without surfing the net. Here are 3 sources of work-distraction that have nothing to do with the Internet (as well as a few tips on how to avoid them).

The Water Cooler

    Businesses with a strong work culture generally produce more productive workers. It’s important to get along with the people you work with and it’s important for your office to foster those kinds of relationships. However, it’s important to make sure that interpersonal relationships do not affect your work in a unfavorable way. It’s a good idea to plan company social events once a week; this allows ample time for socializing and prevents spending too much work time focused on non-work related issues.

Minesweeper

    Every computer, be it PC or Mac, comes with standard games pre installed to the hard drive. Games like Minesweeper, Solitaire or even Chess are great ways to become distracted from your work. We’ve all opened one of these simple games with the intention of playing for just a few minutes only to find that those minutes have turned into hours. The best course of action? Erase the games all together. Let’s be honest, you never really had that much fun with them anyway.

Daydream

One of the oldest ways to distract yourself from work is to daydream. This is hard to combat because we don’t’ necessarily intend to daydream. If our work is boring or if we are having difficulty focusing, then it’s easy to slip into a daydream without even noticing. If you find yourself staring out your office window often, try making a few simple lifestyle changes in order to help increase your focus. Try getting more sleep or eating foods low in processed sugars.

Staying focused in the office can be a challenge. Even without the Internet, there are still many distractions all around us. Consider these tips to help maintain and increase your ability to pay attention during working hours and don’t forget, 90% of productivity is focus!

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Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:36:46 -0700 How Connectivity has Changed the Entertainment Industry http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/how-connectivity-has-changed-the-entertainmen http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/how-connectivity-has-changed-the-entertainmen

Entertainment industries have had to evolve in the past few years as we have gained more access to music, movies and television from online sources. Physical stores are disappearing as these businesses open online stores. Examples of these are Blockbuster, Borders, and, the iconic Virgin Megastore in Times Square. Online storefronts have become a great option for consumers as well as business as there are fewer overhead costs, which give customers more options for less. Here are some examples of ways that access to entertainment has changed.


It wasn’t always easy to buy single songs from a new music album.  If the song you wanted wasn’t released as a single, you would have to buy the total album. Thanks to sites like iTunes and Amazon MP3, people can now buy any single song from a record. Musicians also allow people to purchase their songs on their websites and many choose to give their songs away. Many independent and chain music stores have been forced to close due to these new options for purchasing music. The industry as a whole has changed as well and record labels have had to raise concert ticket and merchandise prices in order to turn a profit.


Streaming music sites such as Pandora and Grooveshark allow for free customized radio with few commercials. The music is available on most Internet connected devices anywhere at any time. Many people use these services to “try out” music before buying and often times use them instead of purchasing new music.


The face of books has changed in the past couple years as well. Thanks to eBooks, people can buy digital books directly from sites like Amazon and Barnes and Noble and have them instantly downloaded onto their handheld device. The prices of these digital books are usually significantly cheaper and the online stores never sell out.

 

Instead of paying for satellite or cable TV, many people choose the more cost effective route of streaming television on sites such as Netflix or Hulu. There is such competition in the TV industry lately that many network channels now upload their most recently aired episodes to their websites and make them available to Internet enabled devices like the iPad.

 

Instant access to all of our entertainment needs via the Internet has greatly decreased the cost we used to have to pay for these services. Recently, however, it’s been major news that Netflix has raised their prices and segmented their service offering. There is a lot of speculation about whether this will help or hinder them. Their success with this change over the next few months will most likely determine if other online entertainment services will follow suit. Only time will tell.

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Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:06:16 -0700 How not to act in the workplace http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/how-not-to-act-in-the-workplace http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/how-not-to-act-in-the-workplace

We all know about good habits to form at work, such as paying close attention to detail or keeping your workspace tidy. We don’t often hear about the bad habits though. Research has found that it takes 21 days of repetition to make or break any pre-existing habitual act. While breaking a bad habit isn’t impossible, it still takes a lot of time and mental effort. The best measures to take against bad habits are preventative. Here are 3 bad habits that are common in any workplace, as well as some tips on avoiding them.

Working Through Lunch

    Many jobs can get busy and hectic throughout the day, making the idea of working through lunch in order to catch up on some paperwork a tempting idea.It’s important to avoid this habit, however. While working through lunch may be a necessity at times, it should be a priority to give yourself a break. Doing so will help you stay refreshed and motivate you to be more productive for the remainder of the day. Avoiding the habit of working through lunch might actually help you get more done.

Idealizing

    Let’s face facts, not all jobs are exciting. Sometimes it’s easy to idealize your dream job, but be warned, this is a bad habit to make. The grass will always seem greener on the other side, and you won’t be able to find satisfaction with your work unless you start finding happiness with where you’re at presently. Next time you start dreaming about being a famous actor, take some time to appreciate the things that your job provides for you now, like money or health insurance.

Work Time Distractions

    When spending all day in front of a computer, it’s easy to be tempted to allow certain distractions in. Checking your personal email or looking up an entertaining YouTube video can be good for short breaks, but don’t let that behavior become habitual. It’s easy to waste away an entire morning if this kind of bad habit is formed. When you’re tempted to stray from work related material on the computer, try scheduling “mini breaks” as rewards for getting a large portion of a project done or working straight for a determined number of hours.

    Avoiding the formation of bad habits is the best way to beat them. Next time you’re tempted to let any of these actions become regular, take a moment to consider a way to act otherwise.

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Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:27:01 -0700 Tablets in our World http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/tablets-in-our-world http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/tablets-in-our-world

Our lives seem to change as quickly as technology evolves. It happens so fast we hardly seem to notice. It wasn’t that long ago that when you would make a purchase on your credit card the clerk would have to make a carbon imprint of the card. Today credit cards can be scanned almost anywhere if you have an attachment for your tablet computer.


The development of the tablet has changed a lot more than the way we make purchases. Some companies have completely changed the way they do business because of the tablet. The companies below use the tablet in innovative and exciting ways.



 A high-end Italian restaurant in New York City called De Santos has given their entire wait staff iPad 2s. The staff uses them to take orders and even swipe your credit card after the meal. The reasoning is that this will reduce mistakes and increase efficiency.


At Puma stores in Asia, Africa, and Europe, customers can use iPad stations called The Creative Factory to design their own sneakers and share them with people around the world. They can also view designs from other creators. Puma’s goal is to connect the planet through active footwear.


You will find no storefront or store clerks at SHOPBOX, an addition to the DeKalb Market in Brooklyn. You will, however, find items for sale in shipping containers with glass sides. On the end of the container an iPad is mounted for shoppers to register and then text what they would like to purchase. The products are shipped directly to their homes. How’s that for window-shopping!



As tablet technology improves, people will continue to come up with creative uses for it. How will innovation change the future? Will it eventually be “retro” to have human wait staff at restaurants? Will malls be done away with all together? Isaac Asimov said “The only constant is change” and this is glaringly true where technology is concerned. Advancements are made so quickly we hardly notice how drastically they change our lives. Usually these changes make our way of life easier, so let’s relax, let it happen, and wait for our hovercrafts.


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Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:28:44 -0700 Compose an email in no time http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/compose-an-email-in-no-time http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/compose-an-email-in-no-time

Most of us publish several emails every day, to our friends, clients, coworkers and employers. It’s important to note that how we write these emails communicates more than we might realize. Taking time to choose your words carefully is important in order to avoid any unpleasant miscommunication. What would your boss think if you ended an email with “Love?” Here are some tips on determining proper email language.

Opening an Email  

Informal

Composing a message to a close friend is best done in an informal tone. When writing an informal message, you don’t need to use much more than the recipient’s name. Even a simple “Hi,” will communicate a relaxed tone and let the reader know the email they are reading is from a close acquaintance.

Formal

Use this tone when writing an email to a coworker or employee, someone with whom you are familiar but also professional. Consider opening your email with “Dear,” followed by the recipient’s name or a more formal greeting such as “Good afternoon” or “Good evening.” This communicates that you respect the reader but are also approaching them with a tone of familiarity.

Respectful

When writing to a higher institution, like a prospective employer, make sure and open your email with a bit more formality. Generally, you’d use this tone if the receiver were someone you were not previously familiar with. The best opening in this case is “To whom it may concern.” Using this opening communicates respect to the reader.
 
Closing an Email  

Informal

Again, when writing to someone with whom you share a close personally history, you can end the email by simply writing your name or “Love,” followed by your name. This is informal and lets the reader know that you meant the message to be an intimate one.

Formal

End a formal email with “Sincerely,” or “Yours truly.” This is not as informal as closing with just your name, but it also communicates some kind of personal relationship. This is the best tone to use when corresponding professionally with someone you work with on a regular basis.

Respectful

Ending a professional and respectful email in the proper tone is very important. As in a formal tone, you may end the message with “Sincerely,” or even “Regards.” Both should adequately communicate respect. However, if the content of the message calls for it, ending with “Thank you for your time,” lets the reader know you are grateful for the time they’ve spent reading your message.

    Communicating the correct message is all a matter of vocabulary, so when composing your next email make sure to use the right words to communicate your desired message. This will help ensure that your friends don’t fear that you’ve become melancholy drone or lead your boss to believe you’ve become a hopeless romantic. Choose the right words so that you send the right message.


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Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:39:10 -0700 Unbelievable Tech Lawsuits of the Last Decade http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/unbelievable-tech-lawsuits-of-the-last-decade http://octechservicesblog.posterous.com/unbelievable-tech-lawsuits-of-the-last-decade

Usually when people file lawsuits it’s very serious business, but every so often lawsuits are filed that are rather ridiculous. Below are a few interesting and amusing tech industry lawsuits that have been filed within the last ten years.

Pentium Allergy? – In 2002, a Dutch woman filed a lawsuit against Intel because she said she got hives from her Pentium processor. However, the 486-base processor did not have the same affect on her. The case never went to court. I assume no one was “itching” to take it.

Lead into Danger by Google? - In 2009, a woman attempted to sue Google for the poor walking directions she was given. She followed the directions onto a narrow dark highway that had no sidewalk or shoulder and was subsequently hit by a car. Google “dodged” the lawsuit and the case was dismissed.


Star Wars Galaxies Killed by Sony! - In 2010, angry fans of Star Wars Galaxies filed a class-action lawsuit against Sony for shutting down the game. The MMORPG had had a steadily decreasing subscribership for several years.  I guess the “force” was not strong enough to sustain the game, the fans, or the case.


Woman sues man over a failed Mafia Wars romance – Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. After investing thousands of dollars on game credits and gifts for her boyfriend on Mafia Wars, the woman sued the man for the money spent when their romance was over. Her romance and her case are now sleeping with the fishes.


If you have heard of any interesting lawsuits, let us know by commenting on this blog or on one of our other social media accounts! 

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