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NetFlix Going Into the High End

July 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A Netflix envelope picture taken by BlueMint.

Image via Wikipedia

 

Broadband hog Netflix is being charged more by it’s Internet providers than they’d like and they have to pass the increase along to the customers. 

Up to now they’ve been charged a flat fee to use broadband Internet, but they take up so much broadband that it’s detrimental to other customers. They say it’s time to begin charging in increments of broadband measures – and time to put a cap on how much broadband a user can have during any month. 

The ISP aren’t even mentioning services like HBO Go, Huluor Amazon Prime; it’s the hog they’re after, but of course changes would be made across the board. 

How do You Spell Fair Pricing? 

More and more, fixed-wire and wireless ISPs are introducing a new pay policy ending flat-rate fees and creating data caps, but they’re worried it will raise bills for regular consumers. Metered billing could curb competition, and we all know, when that happens prices go up exponentially. 

Then there will be problems because companies like Comcast and AT&T will have to start charging for their own services by the bit. Not just broadband shortages are the problem, there’s also overloaded networks slowed by videos and apps based in the cloud, and huge graphic files. ISPs have to spend more so it only makes sense that the biggest users should pay the biggest price. 

Netflix is going to be one of the worst hit by the new charging system, and there will have to be some bugs worked out in pricing because HD television will be big competition if it’s cheaper than Netflix.

 

 

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The Importance of Updating Software and Hardware

April 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Updating your computers software and hardware is a step you need to take on a regular basis. Doing so will help ensure that your computer runs right. However, most people do not like that little box that shows up and requests an upgrade or a download. What do they want to download? Why mess with something that is working properly? The problem here is that without those updates, your technology may stop working properly.

Why Upgrading Is Essential

There are various reasons that upgrading equipment – both hardware and software- is critical to maintaining a computer system. Here are some of those reasons.

  • Updating your software ensures that your computer has the most up to date information possible. This ensures the program runs efficiently and to your specific needs.
  • Hardware updates can keep your equipment running efficiently. In some cases, these upgrades can ensure that faulty systems keep working properly.
  • Updating software is also important because it puts in place limitations and changes to the security of the product. This way, the program works to protect your sensitive information.

There are many ways to update software and hardware. One of the best methods to use is the system’s own upgrading option. Allow the software, for example, to connect to the company’s website and to search for updates. For hardware, you may have to purchase upgrades every few years. Contact the manufacturer to find out if any updates or upgrades are necessary for the equipment you have. The process is often simple, but can extend a longer life to your equipment and keeps your personal or business information safe. Do not put off upgrading your systems.

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The ThinkPad: “Space-Age Technology” at its Best

January 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In this Apple-Dell age and dichotomy saturating the electronic and internet market in droves, you can almost swim past all of the brands and totally miss one of the oldest companies for computers: IBM. Still running and still strong! And here you have probably one of the most overlooked pieces of hardware, a mini laptop that has been around since 1992! And it was subbed the “ThinkPad”. No, Apple didn’t use the term ‘pad’ first, apparently.

There are already numerous models since 1992, but because of the design quality that was way ahead of the game back then, IBM has won numerous awards for their ThinkPads to date. Even the keyboards themselves made headlines, especially with the Museum of Modern Art in New York which showcases one of IBM’s ThinkPads! A piece of electronic hardware as an art masterpiece? Really?

Moreover, the technology is indeed space age. One model of the IBM ThinkPad, the 750 model, actually flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor for a mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope on December 2, 1993. A31p ThinkPad models were also used on the International Space Station throughout 2006 and even as early as 2010! Probably the only laptop in existence used by astronauts.

ThinkPads were even praised for some of their unusual designs, features you wouldn’t find on any other laptop. The 760 Series hosted an two-arm elevated keyboard on small rails toward the side of the screen for optimized tilt to provide a more ergonomic feel. The 755CV model featured something even more unusual: the screen could actually be removed and used as a display for projectors! That’s a multi-functional laptop right there. And not something you’d see every day.

Yes, the ThinkPad: a study on “space-age technology” and a reason to believe that powered marketing and a consumer share in the industry doesn’t always mean quality. IBM is still state of the art.

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