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  • How to Repair Your Outlook Files

    How to Repair Your Outlook Files

    Outlook files, such as the PST and OST files, may develop a problem from time to time. While there could be any number of reasons the files could have problems, the main issue is that Outlook may refuse to work properly. In my case, I had a bad OST file, so I could do anything in Outlook except open the application. I couldn’t send or receive e-mails, which is the the main purpose of using Outlook.

    The good news is that Microsoft does include a tool to help repair damaged Outlook files, and is very easy to use. Here are the steps you can follow to repair your Outlook files.

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  • Looking for Last Minute Tech Gift Ideas?

    Looking for Last Minute Tech Gift Ideas?

    Christmas is just over a week away! You’ve probably gone through your shopping list countless times, avoiding those “difficult-to-buy-for” tech-lovers in your life. Whether your husband is King Gamer or your younger siblings all try to dominate for that category, ConnectWise has put together a collection of holiday gift ideas perfect for the avid gamer, computer lover, or technologically advanced person in your life.

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  • The Benefits of Technology in Business

    The Benefits of Technology in Business

    Businesses today have greater communication options and can expand and share information faster and easier than ever before. Charles Phillips Oracle Corporation president from 2003 – 2010 recognizes the importance of technology in intellectual property-driven companies as well as new media, which gives them a greater amount of control over productivity and error reduction.

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  • Top Software Applications You Should Have on a System

    Thousands of software programs are available online. The large number of applications can often make it challenging to make a choice regarding which software you should use and the ones you can do without. The task of choosing software is easier when you know what you need and what will be most beneficial for your daily tasks.

    A number of important software programs are worth installing and are highly recommended for your machine.

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  • 3M™ ePrivacy Filter Software Review

    3M™ ePrivacy Filter Software Review

    This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of 3M for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

    We live in a world where it seems we can be seen anywhere at anytime. We also live in a world where bigger is better, especially when it comes to computer monitors. I personally have a 24-inch computer monitor, and at times have difficulty adjusting to a smaller screen.

    One of the issues with using such a large monitor is that there is no longer any privacy. Everyone behind you can easily see what you are working on, even though it may be personal. 3M has come up with an innovative piece of software that can help solve the issue of anyone that stands behind you from reading your screen.

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  • 4 Processes To Streamline Enterprise Web Application Productivity

    4 Processes To Streamline Enterprise Web Application Productivity

    In software development labs around the world, web application developers face palpable pressure to ensure the application they create delivers a great experience that users demand and expect. And in the enterprise sector, that task can encompass a broad distributed operation, requiring collaboration and streamlined processes throughout the web app development cycle. That’s why it is essential to implement processes that streamline productivity at every step of the way.

    When adopting this strategy, it’s important to realize that both new apps and existing apps should be optimized. Whether the app is going to be used by thousands of employees or just the finance department, it will be judged by users on the ease of use and intuitiveness of the user interface.

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  • The Need for Cyber Security Professionals

    The Need for Cyber Security Professionals

    Many people do not realize that some of the largest cyber attacks in the history of the internet took place in 2014. There has never been a greater need for cyber professionals, especially when the security of business and government locations is on the line. Some of the statistics surrounding these attacks are terrifying to think about, and illustrate the need for properly trained professionals all the further.

    Increases in Threats

    All it takes is one well placed cyber attack to affect everyone. The Heartbleed vulnerability in most OpenSSL encryption could have affected upwards of two-thirds of all websites. Despite how widespread this news was, only forty percent of all users took steps to protect themselves. There has been a ninety-one percent increase in targeted attack campaigns, a sixty-two percent increase in the number of successful breaches, and a twenty-three percent increase in web-based attacks. Almost one in every eight websites has a critical vulnerability.

    Cyber Security Impact

    The cost to recover from a cyber attack has increased twenty-six percent between 2012 and 2013. The current recovery average is eleven and a half million per cyber crime incident. Over seventy-four percent of all cyber security professionals say that their agencies are not ready for an attack, with many other companies admitting the same faults. Over fifty-eight percent of these agencies admitted that some type of data loss would occur.

    Skill Gaps in Cyber Security

    The demand for cyber professionals has increased over three and a half times faster than the demand for most other IT jobs in the past five years. Over three hundred and thirty thousand positions had opened up out of necessity for these professionals in keeping a variety of industries safe from cyber attacks. The overall field of cyber security has increased in demand over twelve percent faster than all other types of non IT jobs. A variety of industries report a shortage of such professionals, including the healthcare sector and different manufacturing organizations.

    The Future of Cyber Security

    Currently, five thousand cyber security professionals are needed in the United States alone, while the federal government is actively seeking over ten thousand. The Department of Homeland Security itself is actively seeking six hundred such professionals to suit their needs. Studies estimate that there will be an upwards of thirty-seven percent increase in the amount of cyber security graduates in the next ten years. Norwich University’s online master of information assurance program put together a detailed visualization of this growing need in information security. Discover more in the infographic below.

    Why the US Needs More Cyber Professionals

  • 10 Best-Selling eBooks for Gifts

    10 Best-Selling eBooks for Gifts

    In 2012, eBook revenue growth was responsible for 23 percent of publisher net revenues, according to the Association of American Publishers in a report published on the Digital Book World site April of this year. Three out of 10 adults read an eBook last year, based on a report Pew Research Internet Project published January of this year. In addition, half of them own dedicated hand-held devices like a tablet or eReader, two devices widely used to read eBooks. Some readers also use smartphones to read eBooks.

    In a similar vein, Statistica reported eBook sales revenue was expected to reach 8.69 billion in 2018. This projection is a marked improvement from the 2.31 billion recorded in 2011. eBook sales are expected to rise even more, as different eBook reading apps and eReaders like the Samsung NOOK hit the market. The trend also shows more are switching to eReaders from print, though print books still remain the dominant choice in reading format.

    Given all these, buying eBooks for gifts sounds like an excellent idea. Key genres for eBook bestsellers include mystery/thrillers, science fiction books/fantasy and romance, so it’s a good bet your shopping would involve books in these genres.

    Here’s our top ten list of recommended bestsellers you could give out as books for the coming holidays this year:

    1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

    Green’s YA book, about the romance of two cancer survivors, still tops the list of 2014’s bestsellers. If you’re in the mood for a tearjerker sans cheesiness, one with both heart and humor, this book is perfect.

    2. Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

    Want action, philosophy, romance, and adventure in a Dystopian setting? The Divergent trilogy is in the same vein as the Hunger games trilogy but with a completely different ending. (Clue: not a happy ending). Still, story and character-wise, this series—particularly the first two books—is a win.

    3. Gone Girl: A Novel by Gillian Flynn

    “What happened to Amy?” is the question at the core of this story. At their fifth anniversary, Nick’s wife—Amy—goes missing. From there, it’s a slow, irresistible ride to find out what happened and why. If you’re looking for a night-time thriller to put you to bed, don’t pick up this book. Otherwise, it’ll keep you wide-awake with a can’t-wait-till-i-get-to-the-last page fever and you’ll be wondering where the night has gone when you see the light creeping outside your window.

    4. The Fixed Trilogy by Laurelin Paige

    If you’re a fan of the Fifty Shades series, there’s a big chance you’ll fall in love with Alayna and Hudson as well. This steamy trilogy is on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller list.

    5. The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

    Cecilia finds a mysterious letter addressed to her. The opening lines read as: “To be opened only in the event of my death…” and so starts the mystery involving John Paul, Cecilia’s husband, and her struggle to either keep or reveal another person’s secret.

    6. Love Illuminated by Daniel Jones

    This is the compilation of the Modern Love column from the New York Times. Edited by Daniel Jones, these deeply personal, intimate, fun and touching essays not only say a lot about love, but about human relationships in general. Filled with different voices, places and histories, the book is great read for those who find themselves wondering about love, in all its complexities and complications.

    7. The Beauty of a Husband by Anne Carson

    At times poetry and novel, this is a beautiful and haunting story about a man who can’t be anything but unfaithful and the woman who loves him. The language is sensual and honest and the short passages on the page mimic the steps of a tango dance. An inventive and stirring read.

    8. Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson

    This is a about the wonderful romance between Louise and her lover, whose gender is never fully revealed. Quotes from the book include “I love you is always a quotation,” in the sense that many have said the exact same words before we have. And yet, when we do say those words, we say them as though we are doing it for the first time. Tender, touching and lush, this remains as one of Winterson’s best works.

    9. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

    This is the story of a young German boy whose talent in engineering gets him sent to a military academy. Set in World war II in France and Germany, this is one of the best books you’ll ever read in 2014.

    10. The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta

    Part-science fiction, part-fantasy, the three books in the Lumatere Chronicles combine romance, adventure, and the many ways families sacrifice and love. From insane princesses to adventures that rival the Lord of the Rings in its scope, this three-parter would leave you wanting to root for Isobel, Finnikin, Froi and Quintana, along with the rest of the well-fleshed out characters of the books.

    These are just some of the best eBooks you could give as gifts to friends and family. Have fun reading these titles on your own—and adding most, if not all of them, to your personal list of favorites.