Visible Human Body
March 31, 2008 — SMallardThe “Visible Body” in 3D is free to use. Great for our medical department. Link
Network Monitor - Free
March 14, 2008 — SMallardThe Dude network monitor is a new application by MikroTik which can dramatically improve the way you manage your network environment. It will automatically scan all devices within specified subnets, draw and layout a map of your networks, monitor services of your devices and alert you in case some service has problems. You just can’t beat free. Use a jpg or gif background of your facility or a map of your area and let The Dude Network Monitor find and label your computers. Link We ran this on our network and now see all 300+ computers, APs, printers and switches.
Password Protect a Folder in Windows
February 27, 2008 — SMallardMyLockBox is a software security program that helps you protect folders on your computer. This freeware offers a way to simplify the security of a folder on your Windows computer. With more and more laptops being stolen, and more confidential documents on your computer, this is an excellent way to help protect your documents.
Digital Picture Frames that Steal Your Identity
February 17, 2008 — SMallardYou can’t make this up. Evidently, the Chinese have workers who load a trogan virus on digital picture frames. The trojan which is advanced, can then jump to your computer and steal your identity (limited for now). Now if manufacturers don’t have quality standards, viruses can get in through hardware. Several months ago the Chinese were loading viruses on Seagate computers. Seagate article.
Deborah Gage’s article; “Trojan Horse probing defenses– New virus is smart, aggressive and blocks antivirus protection at will“, published in the San Fransisco Chronicle, Friday, Feb. 15th. 2008. Business Section.
Now that is scary!
LPN Programs
February 17, 2008 — SMallardThe Tennessee Technology Center has three programs for the LPN course. With one program at Shelbyville, Winchester and Fayetteville, the institution offers a wide geographical area and schedule to meet your needs. The center is also the lead institution for McMinnville and Murfreesboro technology centers. With the medical field being one of the most growing fields, this program has a high placement rate as well as one of the highest pass rates in the educational industry. For more information, follow this link.
Take a Break from Technology
February 13, 2008 — SMallardWith cellphones, mobile devices, online gaming, computers, the internet and blogs; take a break, log off and enjoy the great outdoors, go to the local recreation center, go see your family, read a book (no ebooks), take a nap and take a break. We’ve created a fast paced society. Slow down and enjoy it. In fact I’m logging off right now…
Software that Maps Your Ideas, Projects, Health, etc. Free
January 29, 2008 — SMallard
PC Magazine Excellent Article on Security
January 17, 2008 — SMallardhttp://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2210515,00.asp
Everyone should read this….thanks to David for finding this…
Germophobia
January 4, 2008 — SMallard 
GestureTek has launched a device called AirPoint.
AirPoint allows the user to move their finger over the device for a “hands-free” interaction at facilities like museums, trade-shows or it can be used during presentations.
Just think, you wouldn’t have to touch things at the airport, ATM, in medical clinics or at a hospital.
The Psychological Needs of IT Professionals
December 29, 2007 — SMallard-Steve Mallard
In a recent book and whitepaper, I pointed out the psychological pressures of being in IT.
The pressure felt by IT Professionals include the following:
· Keeping up with technology
· Hackers
· Timelines
· Reports (physical) · Compliance Issues (Laws/Rules)· Personal time (on call 24/7)· Personal life vs. Work life
· Guarding and securing key data
· Pressure to work quickly and accurately
· Staying certified
· Restricted Budgets
· Out thinking the end-user
· Implementing new technology
· Daily Redundancy (checking logs, rude end-users)
Remember, because they often have so much on their plate, prioritizing becomes very challenging
Managers and key administrative personnel need to rotate job duties and ensure personnel have adequate time off. In most corporations, during a shutdown period is when IT personnel usually ‘catch-up’. Rotate this time off period. Ensure teamwork among peers. Give additional breaks. Because of the ‘quick’ response times, IT professionals have to be like firefighters and emergency personnel. Balance the workload between individuals. Make sure the personnel are pulling their ‘weight’. Communicate. Stay Competitive with Salaries
-Learn how to decompress, its tough, no-one will ever understand the IT profession unless they work in it….show me someone who is not stressed, and I’ll show you someone who is not pulling their weight…I love information technology.
If You are Looking for a Job- Make sure you have the Skills
December 11, 2007 — SMallardOne of the most asked questions, is do we offer job placement. Yes and no. All of the instructors here at TTCS have networked with multiple businesses and with former students, business professionals and recruiters. We do everything in our power to educate you so you have the skills necessary to get a job and often there are many openings from our resources to help place you.
You also must have good worker ethics and you have to do what you can to look for the job. Don’t just email out resumes, go out and visit industries and business. You may have to use shoe leather. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce and look up all of the buisnesses in your area. Network with people who have jobs that you may be interested in.
If you are into Information Technology and computers, here is a great article.
