Month: August 2008

Good Home Security on a Budget Part 2

Part 2.

Since the video that is picked up by these webcams is being stored on the hard-drive of your computer, which takes up valuable computer space, you can invest in an external back up hard-drive so you can back up your computer, and also have more storage space.

 

But it can be more cost efficient to use this technology instead of buying a surveillance system that relies on video tapes, an added expense, and very cumbersome to use, especially if you want to look at films quickly.  No one wants to watch hours of a dead room when trying to find a missing wallet.

 

To store the video it takes a lot of hard-drive space. To record for a 24 hour period with one camera, it can take up to 1GB of hard drive space per day. This number will also depend on the kind of image quality chosen.  The lower the quality the video feed chosen, the less bandwidth required to save the video within your hard drive.

 

Another good trick to keep the storage issue to a minimum is to set the FPS (frames per second) to a lower level. By doing this you’ll be saving even more space. If for some reason your computer comes equipped with a large hard drive with lots of space, then you have nothing to worry about apart from just wanting to get into the habit to back up your hard drive so if anything ever does happen to it, you are covered.

 

Remember, webcam software combined with a few inexpensive webcams can be used to watch over loved ones or precious items within the home. There is no need to spend tons of money on a surveillance system when one can be made using your own home PC.

 

One of the best features about doing so is that if your PC has internet access, you can also watch the webcam feeds from anywhere just by logging in.  This is great for parents who want to keep an eye on their child and home via a nanny cam, and for anyone who travels a lot.  With features and convenience like this, it’s a wonder that everyone doesn’t have a surveillance system to help watch over their prized items.

 

So set your budget for your home surveillance system, comparison shop on the software and features, and best prices, and soon you will have the comfort and safety of knowing you have a good in-home security system watching over you and your family.

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Good Home Security on a Budget Part 1

 

Many people want their own private surveillance equipment for better home security. Besides the surveillance systems that are run through various VCR or DVR systems, there is computer software that can be used to control the security cameras around your home and property.

 

Most of the large companies and businesses purchase surveillance equipment with the software it uses already installed. Most of these systems are far too expensive for the regular business owner or private home owner to use.

 

So how can you get good value without breaking the bank when it comes to home or small business surveillance?

 

Your personal computer can now be used as a valuable surveillance tool. By connecting a webcam to the computer and installing the correct software, your PC can become a powerful security device.

 

This is a fairly inexpensive method for home security or small business security compared to the systems that some people purchase that require a whole installation crew just to hook up the wiring alone.

 

As a matter of fact, with current technology upgrades, up to 16 different webcams can now be displayed through the same PC, and improvements are being made all the time.

 

This is like having a whole home security system installed at the touch of a button. All you have to do is set up the software and cameras, and check them to see that they are in the right places and giving off the right signal, and then you can monitor everything from your PC.

 

You have a number of different options when setting up your surveillance system.  For example, if you don’t want to record everything that goes on in the room even when someone is not in it, these cameras can be set to detect when there is motion present within the room. Once motion is detected, the camera and software will start recording at that instance.

 

Continued in: Good Home Security on a Budget Part 2

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Tips On Understanding Company Asset Management

 

Before you can understand asset management you have to understand what an asset actually is.

Assets include, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and real estate.

Stocks are fractional ownership shares of a company.

Bonds are basically IOU’s that pay an interest rate.

Mutual funds span different classes of investments, between stocks and bonds.

Real estate is usually income generating property, be it privately or commercially owned.

Asset management is basically managing a person’s or corporation’s money by putting it in certain stocks, bonds, or other investments.

Asset management and investing is intended to improve your assets, using some of the money and  maintaining the wealth of the assets as best you can  at the same time.

There are many different strategies used when it comes to asset management and it will all depend on the investment strategies used to try to use the assets to their best advantage.

With many investment portfolios, or types of assets, there can be hidden costs, for example, maintenance, brokerage fees, or different types of insurance.

By being flexible with your asset management strategies, you can add value to your personal portfolio or business, and potentially be able to cut costs in their business.

There are many investment services available now on the internet, so you should research what is available and find three that look right for you. Then you should compare costs, performance, and customer satisfaction.

These aspects are key, because your asset management company will be mainly responsible for your portfolio’s or your  business’s growth and productivity. They will invest your money into many different areas, and will have to keep track of these diversified investments.

Asset management services have a variety of investment objectives, so make sure you know what your own is before you engage their services.

There are many companies that offer similar services, and many which offer different types of investment opportunities; you must make sure you understand that they are before risking any of your money.

Remember, no matter what the strategy, the overall goal of these companies is to produce better investment returns for their clients.

Asset management companies do have risks, but if you look before you leap, the can be the best way to go in order to get rid of all of those expensive individual costs which typically occur within regular business operations to do with investing on your own.

Not only will an asset management company benefit you by reducing the costs of the business, it will also improve the business’s overall profits. Study the companies and the opportunities they offer, and if you choose well, it should be only a short period of time before you will start seeing good  results from using your asset management company in your business.

 

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Belkin USB 7 Port Hub

If you own a computer which is more than two years old, you may find that the

PC only has four USB ports. The Belkin USB 7 port hub is a wonderful device that

gives you additional ports without having to overload your PC with numerous

cables.

For example, two years ago Windows XP was replaced with the Windows Vista

operating system.  Depending upon the type of PC you purchased, it may have up

to six ports. This is standard in older computers. However, let’s assume you

wanted to add a camera, scanner, upload pictures with a digital camera

(which requires a USB port), or other peripherals – and you’ve run out of USB

ports.  Having a Belkin port hub is ideal since it is compact and is attached to

one port on the back of your PC.  All peripherals are then connected to each

port on the hub.

Newer computers have ports on the front of the PC as well as the ones in back.

Rather than 7 different cables running from the back and front of the PC to your

power surge outlet, the Belkin gives you the flexibility to use it as the sole

hub for all peripherals including your printer, mouse, keyboard, external hard

drive, or iPod.  Plug the Belkin cable into one of the PC ports and connect each

USB cable into the hub.

The features of the Belkin USB 7 Port Hub include:

* Adds connections for up to 7 USB devices to your computer

* Features 2 top-load USB ports for quick access

* Includes an internal weight and stay-put pads to keep Hub anchored to

the desk

* Requires no external power supply (for most devices)

* Prevents damage to your computer and devices with over-current protection

* Model: F5U307-WHT

* Hardware Platform: PC

* Connectivity Technology: Wired

* Data Link Protocol: Hi-Speed USB

* Network Data Transfer Rate: 480 Megabits Per Second

* Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

The benefit of having a Belkin USB 7 port hub is that it not only organizes the

cables attached, but is easy to use and can be placed on top of your computer

desk or on a shelf within the desk itself.  There is no need to move the PC to

find port space, but with the Belkin having two top load ports, offers quicker

access.

In addition, the Belkin has a light for every port.  When you turn on the PC,

all of the ports that are being used light up.  However, if one of the lights

does not go on or goes out while you are online, you can quickly determine

which peripheral is not working.

The Belkin USP 7 port hub is a must have for PC users who not only have a

number of external peripherals that require connection via USB port, but keeps

the number of cables used down to a minimum.

Belkin Wireless Cable/DSL Router

Although desktop computers are still popular, wireless laptops have become the

norm due to the fact that you can use them anywhere in your home.  With the

Belkin Wireless Cable/DSL Router, this technology offers you the freedom to work

in any room in your home or apartment.

For home businesses, the Belkin router is ideal because there are no cables and

wires that inhibit movement from one room to another.  Even in a small

apartment, the Belkin allows you to network between your desktop and laptop in

an easy and affordable way by offering up to 400 feet of coverage.

You can transfer files from one computer to another and

print information in one room while the printer is located in another.  In fact, with the summer

weather approaching you can utilize your patio and enjoy the outdoors while

attending to whatever work needs to be done.

The Belkin router includes the following features:

* Offers backward-compatibility with all 802.11b devices

* Sets up easily with Belkin Easy Install Wizard

* Ensures data and network security with wireless 64- and 128-bit WEP

encryption

* Uses NAT and SPI firewall to protect network from outside intrusions by

hackers

* Device Type: Wireless Router

* Form Factor: Desktop

* Wireless Network Standards: IEEE 802.11g

* Wireless Network Standards: IEEE 802.11b

* Wireless Data Transfer Rates: 54 Mbps

* Security Protocols: 128-bit WEP

* Security Protocols: 64-bit WEP

* Networking Standards: IEEE 802.3 Ethernet 10Base-T

* Networking Standards: IEEE 802.3u Ethernet

100Base-TX

* Routing / Firewall Protoccols: DHCP

* Routing / Firewall Protoccols: Network Address Translation (NAT)

* Firewall Features: MAC Address Filtering

The Belkin router is compact and easy to install.  In fact some users have

commented that they set up the router in a closet and still maintained strong

signals from it.  It is compatible with Windows Vista as well as other operating

systems, and most users were amazed at not only how easy the software was to

install, but afterward had an instant connection.  Moreover, the fact that the

Belkin works with a cable modem and DSL line is a plus!

While there are many individuals who are tied to desktop computers, many have

purchased a laptop with the Belkin wireless router to afford them the

opportunity to work from any room in their home.  More importantly, however, the

ability to network has become more popular today than ever before.

Home businesses find networking a necessity, and the Belkin provides an alternative

to desktop computing.

If you have a desktop PC at home and have purchased a laptop that you would

like to use as part of a network, check out the Belkin Wireless router.

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Industrial Asset Management

Industrial asset management is the trend these days in order for a company to optimize profits. This is done by exploiting assets to the fullest by taking consideration not only the measurement of assets and resources but also analyzing data, current market trends and quickly taking business decisions based on information collected. In short, you take everything into account to ensure productivity.

This is achieved by first identifying what are the current resources. This could be capital investments or the plant itself. Once it has been identified, it is time to come up with policies that preserve them. Some companies keep track of this by using asset management software that makes the information accessible to all departments.

This program is better known as enterprise asset management systems. It was first developed in the 1960ís with improvements being done constantly so it may encompass all the stages of the asset life cycle from planning, designing, purchasing, installing, operating, maintaining and finally disposing. Customized maintenance management software forms the subset of EAM.

With the assets stored in the companyís server, this will ensure that it is not possible for the duplication of resources. This means not having to spend money on new equipment and supplies when they are still available in the companyís inventory.

Another benefit of industrial asset management is that the company can focus their energy on non-productive assets. This will enable the company to convert, for instance, idle land into developed real estate or simply get rid of it and making some money from it.

This is very useful for banks that have confiscated assets which the clients could not pay for and then auction these off to interested buyers so money can be made.

Should there be a surplus after taking everything into account, they may also decide to sell these off and make a few bucks. To compute the selling price, it is best to inspect it, have it appraised then advertise so interested buyers will come over and buy it.

Industrial asset management may also work for those who buy the goods for the company in terms of inspection of the assets for sale, contract reviews, search and comparisons to see if there are any alternatives and the procurement and shipping of the item.

Industrial asset management can do one other thing for the company. If they see that there is something they lack and there is an opportunity to acquire it, they can check if it can be added to their portfolio so the company is able to grow.

Companies that have used the software include aerospace, automobile, mining and service companies because even if they do have assets worth billions of dollars they do not want to see a single penny go to waste.

Will installing a software program to monitor industrial asset management do the trick? The answer is no because you still need management to be involved throughout the whole process. Each company has different needs and these have to be addressed accordingly.

Industrial asset management is a good thing because it helps the company stay productive. You have to remember that it is simply a tool and there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure you get maximum returns on your investment.

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