PC Memoirs

VOIP (Voice/Video Over Internet Protocol) based business phone systems are available for everyone, or so they say. What about all of us using a Mac? Does it mean we cannot benefit from vendor deals? Do business VOIP systems include Apple users? Considering Lion OSX runs like a dream, my iPad feels like my new baby, and my iPhone works with both of them since the beginning, will I have trouble with VOIP telephone systems and my Apple based network and machines?  Or am I getting worried over nothing, just because no one is even talking about Apple Mac when it comes to VOIP? Where is the VOIP system for my company if we are using Apple?

Understanding VOIP. VOIP (Voice/Video Over Internet Protocol) technology is only an application that turns analogue sounds into digital sound and sends that data over the internet. This is the essence of VOIP. There is nothing else to it. A business phone system for your office and company is a little more complicated. A VOIP business system uses dedicated servers to supply your office and telephone system with the requirements you have ordered. Your phones are now running through those high-speed servers of your supplier.

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In the computer world, every day sees some altogether new developments or improvements in older ones. New gadgets, applications, plug-ins and sometimes newly configured hardware devices help improve the usability of your old Mac many folds. In contrast to this, sometimes even the new and advanced Mac systems encounter problems, in spite of their robust technology. Therefore, many Mac experts have rightly said that it is not the technology but the timely maintenance that keeps your Mac running well. With advancements in technology, you can find a number of Mac recovery tools in the current software market that can help you solve problems and recover data back.

Your daily work on Mac involves dealing with different applications and related files, which store important data. Sometimes these files get deleted or become inaccessible. The reason behind such instances of data loss or inaccessibility can be accidental or intentional file deletion, formatting of the storage media, virus/malware infection, operating system malfunction, file system corruption or any compatibility issue with newly installed hardware/software.

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The world of cloud computing is new enough that it is still tackling basic issues of security, like data recovery, contractual liabilities and resiliency infrastructure for cloud servers. The important questions coming from cloud clients though are simple; most importantly, do you still need to back up your data? After all, wasn’t outsourced IT supposed to take care of this for you?

Backup

Backups may be a grinding chore but they fulfil a basic principle: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Store your information, and copies of it, safely and reliably, where you can access it when you need it, and never put all of your copies of anything in the same location. Redundancy is resiliency. This applies even to cloud servers because no one can guarantee that cloud servers will not go down simultaneously and that their back-up systems (if any) will not fail either.

Nothing is Totally Safe

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More likely than not, you’ve heard that Microsoft has developed Windows 8, which is a touch-screen operating system that is slated to debut in October of 2012, and supplant the current Windows 7 operating system. What’s most exciting about Windows 8 is that it’s a cross-platform OS that works on tablets as well as laptop and desktop systems. The integration between mobile and desktop devices, along with a revamped interface, will be a true test to Microsoft’s ability to stay current on computer science and user interface trends.

What you may not know is that you can download a consumer preview of the operating system right now, simply by going to Microsoft’s website and following a few simple instructions. Keep in mind, however, that in order to use the preview of Windows 8, you must have a PC that has all the proper updates – if not, you may not be able to use Windows 8, or you may need to prepare for a round of downloading. Also keep in mind that if you download Windows 8, it will become your OS – in other words, if you decide to return to your original OS, you will need to reinstall the original OS, so make sure you have the recovery DVD for your current OS available.

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When the time comes to purchase a new computer, there are quite a few choices to be made. The first, and arguably most important, however, is whether a desktop or laptop computer will better suit your needs: Do you need the power of a desktop, or the mobility of a laptop? As this is a highly personal choice, I will do my best to detail the important attributes of both of your choices so that making the decision will be easier for you.

DESKTOP COMPUTERS

Available from entry-level to cutting-edge in terms of performance and features. Typically offer superior performance, much larger screens, and superior audio reproduction. It cannot typically be operated away from a wall outlet.

PROS:

– Typically provide superior performance and more features than laptop computers – Easy and inexpensive to upgrade, nearly every component can be replaced with a superior part – Repairs are easy and inexpensive, and can be performed by a novice with the proper information and parts – Difficult to damage (for example, a liquid spill on the keyboard or mouse will only damage that component, and usually do no harm to the rest of the machine. By comparison, a liquid spill on a laptop computer can destroy the entire computer.) – Unlikely to be stolen or lost. – Usually significantly less expensive than notebook computers.

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