Archive for the ‘Computers’ Category

One of the fastest growing careers according to the 2010, 2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook is for network and computer systems administrators. In fact, the United States Department of Labor has predicted a bright outlook for this career suggesting that growth could top a 20 per cent increase over the next several years.

What Does a Network Administrator Do?
Essentially a network administrator is responsible for maintaining an organization’s LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network). In other words, network administrators are responsible for maintaining internet and computer resource functionality for an organization.

To accomplish this there are a number of tasks that network administrators complete on a regular basis. For example, network administrators are responsible for maintaining and installing computer hardware, software, and configuring these to work properly. In addition, network administrators are also problem solvers, troubleshooting and resolving hardware and software problems and working with employees to repair user reported issues. Next, network administrators assure the safety and security of the organization’s hardware and software resources. Finally, network administrators design and monitor computer systems assuring they work properly and meet the needs of the organization.

How to Become a Network Administrator
Although most of these jobs require a four year bachelor’s degree, some require an associate’ degree or work experience instead. However, what is necessary for a position like this is a set of skills and knowledge that prepare individuals for work in this field.

Software and Hardware Knowledge
Network administrators need to have knowledge of administrative software, security software. Also, network administrators need to have a basic knowledge of how and why computers work. This includes knowledge of electronics, configurations, and programming.

Business Skills
Additionally, network administrators need a basic knowledge of business skills such as planning, human resources, management, operations, and budgeting.

With a combination of learned skills and experience, the potential is there to tap into this fast growing and exciting field.

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Electronic commerce or eCommerce is increasingly becoming more popular on the internet. With a little education and knowledge, job seekers can quickly capitalize on this trend.

What is eCommerce?
Simply put, eCommerce is the process of selling products or services on the internet. In its simplest form, selling a book on eBay would be an example of eCommerce. Today, companies are expanding operations to include internet sales. Essentially this strategy allows consumers to shop for products or services from anywhere at any time. The end result is an increase in sales (or at least an increase in product exposure) usually in a more cost effectively way than hiring a salesperson.

How do I Become Employed in eCommerce?
As more businesses become involved in eCommerce, increasingly eCommerce is about being found on the web. This process involves knowledge in search engine optimization (SEO) and pay per click advertising (PPC). Knowledge about how search engines rank websites and training in PPC advertising can provide an advantage for anyone seeking employment in this field.

In addition, knowledge of web design can boost marketability and worth of potential eCommerce professionals. Content management systems like Intuit SiteBuilder or WordPress allow individuals who are not familiar with HTML or DreamWeaver create and maintain websites with little formal training. However, it is important that eCommerce managers have specific knowledge of copy writing for the web. In addition, knowledge of designing aesthetically pleasing websites is equally important.

Finally, eCommerce managers need to have a basic knowledge of statistics and web analytics. Understanding how users find a website and why customers buy products or services can give you valuable feedback for understanding why your website is successful or not.

Whether seeking employment with a company or a way to earn some extra income, eCommerce can be a financially and emotionally satisfying position.

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During the internet boom of the 1990s, investors poured cash into internet businesses regardless of whether or not those businesses were making a profit. Just by adding dot com to your initial public offering guaranteed that you would receive millions in investments. Even though many internet companies have closed since the tech bubble burst in the early 2000s, many internet companies, from online shopping sites like JRDunn.com to streaming television sites like Hulu.com, have continued to grow and thrive. Today, with a little knowledge internet businesses can be a great way to supplement your income or to make a living. Here are some reasons why you should start an online business.

Technical Knowledge
In the 1990s internet entrepreneurs had to know HTML or some other sort of programming language. In addition, websites were basic and lacked much of the pizzazz that is seen in websites today. However, today, websites can easily be built from the ground up, even without a vast knowledge of computers. Content management systems like SiteBuilder or WordPress make creating and maintaining websites extremely easy.

Marketing Tools
Again, in the 1990s businesses entering an internet market needed to spend countless dollars advertising through traditional means such as radio, TV, or print ads. Advertising in these expensive traditional media was costly and added significantly to the amount of startup capital needed to get the business off the ground. Today, social media and world-of-mouth advertising allows entrepreneurs to effectively advertise using channels like Google, Facebook, or Twitter. No longer are media buyers and large amounts of cash necessary to get the word out about an internet business.

Accepting Payments
Since the end of the tech boom in the 1990s there have been significant improvements in both ways of accepting payments online and in the level of trust consumers have conducting transactions online. More and more customers are using payment solutions like PayPal to buy and sell items on the internet.

As you can see, even though the tech bubble has burst, there are still ample opportunities to make money on the internet.

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Epstein-Bilingual Curriculum
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As technology improves, and lives get busier, more people are looking to improve their education without the disruption of life that traditional schools often cause. For many, online education is the answer. Whether looking for seminars to improve skills or looking for a degree, more and more students are taking online classes. This trend creates a demand for curriculum designers.

What is a Curriculum Designer?
Curriculum designers create educational material for students. Increasingly, curriculum designers are demanded for online education. So, curriculum designers apply principles of learning to create online courses and degrees.

Requirements to Become a Curriculum Designer
Typically curriculum designers work for schools and universities. So many curriculum design positions require at least a bachelor’s degree if not a master’s degree. Degrees are typically in education; however, degrees in psychology or some similar subject can still be helpful. In addition, curriculum designers need to have excellent writing and researching skills since much of their time is spent writing lessons and tests. Finally, curriculum designers who have experience with course management systems such as Angel, Blackboard, or Moodle can have an advantage in attaining jobs for online education.

Who Hires Curriculum Designers?
Traditionally, curriculum designers were hired exclusively by government institutions, schools, and universities. However, today, both distance education degrees and continuing learning seminars are increasing in number and popularity. This has led more for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations to seek curriculum designers to create training seminars in an effort to provide convenient training for customers and clients. No longer are schools the exclusive domain for curriculum designers.

One of the advantages being a curriculum designer for a provider of online education is the ability to work from home. So curriculum designers are afforded the same convenience which their products create. With the growing trend towards online education, now is a great time to enter this exciting field.

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Mock Up Web Pages
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It’s the assumption of failure. Scholars (weighted still to pages, the necessary education) believe themselves to be forsaken by the world. They are without experience. They are without age and its wisdoms. They are instead still straddling childhood – and carving out a career between tests and tomes seems impossible. The choice becomes one of minimum dollars and nonexistent satisfaction. It’s the barter of desire for necessity: pennies must be earned; expenses must be met. It’s believed then that there’s no alternative to the cafeteria hours and their greasy aftermaths, the syrup-swollen tabletops.

This is not correct.

Students seeking more than diner decisions (too reliant on the favor of strangers and similarly budget-burdened classmates) may choose instead to utilize the online world. Internet jobs – which sprawl across a wide selection of design, data entry and more – provide an easier avenue. Individuals can take advantage of the hours they’ve given to their computers, where they’ve learned how to navigate all source codes and conditions. The abilities they’ve earned through simple exploration will allow them to move seamlessly within the demands of virtuality.

Unlike their land-based counterparts, Internet jobs are often without the expected complications. Many positions do not require degrees, dissertations or even a college background. They are instead reliant on knowledge and the application of it. Companies will offer themselves to those with an understanding of specific needs – such as web page generation, search engine optimization and transcription. The purpose is to select those most capable, not simply those with the proof of a doctorate.

And students needing more than basic profits will find themselves well-worked and well-paid: Internet jobs offer competitive rates, hefty assignments and quick deadlines. Your salary will be earned. And, with an endless supply of employers and possibilities, there’s always a way to expand or redefine your schedule; ideal for those needing still to study.

The computer isn’t merely a favored pastime. It can instead be a career.

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BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 22:  Boon-Lock Yeo, ...
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It seems the easiest of choices – your life was never intended for cubicle silence, the office scandals and politicking. You were never carved from submission, the surrender of esteem to fickle-hearted managers and their aggravations. Instead you were born to create, to understand words and their many meanings. Language is a challenge you have mastered and the online world is a way to prove that mastery. You will use the computer to earn your salary. Internet jobs are, after all, common. There are constant calls for writers and their inspirations, the need of genius to aid companies. You will surely succeed.

That certainty disappears, however, as your resume remains unanswered. None offer a request. None beg for your time. You are without employment or profit.

And the reason for this is not your abilities. It is instead your lack of knowledge.

Internet jobs may be plentiful but they still require more than confidence. They instead demand:

1. Specialization. While you may be a poet (or would-be novelist), you may not be a freelance author. The distinction is an understanding of companies and their needs. Creativity is a worthy trait; but impeccable precision with search engine optimization, proofreading, web content creation and more is essential. You must meet the wishes of the client. You must have experience in their specific field.

2. Broad applications. Specifics must also be coupled with variety, however. You must be able to cite related abilities and careers – such as editing, blog generation, transcription, translation and more. Offer a potential employer only relevant skills: all which will bolster your resume and prove your capability.

3. Education. While many Internet jobs may claim no need for a degree, those providing considerable payment will favor individuals with an education. Collegiate experience will grant an immediate advantage. It is recommended that freelance writers accumulate credits to better ensure success.

You wish to craft perfect prose. You must instead, however, craft the perfect experiences.

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Internet
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It’s the familiar rhythm, the quick taps along keys. They offer truths to a computer, feeding them into a screen. Typing is an art-form (however abused by the unaware public, the assumptions of those unable to comprehend its true importance). It’s the proof of words; and your abilities to provide them with efficiency have led you to seek out Internet jobs and their possibilities. You’re considering data entry – the transcriptions and dictations, the exploration of legalese. It will be easy, you’re certain. You merely need time and an assignment to fill it.

Data entry demands far more than simple hours, however. It is instead a culmination of requirements (each of which you must meet):

1. Experience. While Internet jobs of this kind rarely ask for higher education, they do ask that applicants be acquainted with the field. Those without experience with typing (beyond the common pastimes) will find themselves ignored. It is therefore recommended that individuals receive specialized training to improve their chances of being chosen. Classes can often be found online and will offer certification.

2. Language skills. The purpose of data entry is not merely to transfer information from ink to screen. It is instead to validate that information. Grammar, punctuation and syntax must all be flawless. These documents are not to suffer from the errors of their typists. They are instead to be presented as perfections. All must therefore have an understanding of language and its rules. English courses (however basic) should be considered.

3. Quickness. While it seems the most obvious of needs, too many confuse their lingering hands with the necessary speeds. Data entry must be performed by individuals with above-average skills. Those who cannot reach at least 60 words per minute may be overwhelmed by this position. It is time sensitive and is dependent on swiftness.

Data entry is a worthy consideration for those who can meet these requirements. It’s an online opportunity that should not be denied.

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Spider web design
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It’s a dedication of hours: the frantic mornings and demanding afternoons, the pleads for affection. Your days are carved from necessity. You give yourself entirely to the desires of your family, your friends and all of their obligations. You are a mother and you cannot name your schedule your own. You accept this, however. Life is meant to be a devotion, not a singularity. It’s to be shared among the ones you love.

It is not, however, to be without a career – should one be wanted.

You are not simply a caretaker, the keeper of secrets and juice. You are instead a woman and your needs fall beyond the realm of parenting. There is a craving for challenges, the bursts of creativity. You seek more than glitter and crayon stains, the finger smears against the walls; but you think perhaps this is impossible. Your time is too strained. Your seconds are too full. You must therefore remain at home, refusing even the hope for something more.

There is a way, though, to compromise your location with your wishes. Internet jobs provide the rarest of chances for busy mothers: through computers you may search for positions that suit your needs (as well as your interests, education level and more). Hours can be crafted carefully; duties can be deliberately chosen; and specialties can be sought. There is an endless offering of opportunities – from web page design to transcription, customer service to proofreading. The limits of the virtual world have yet to be found, and this affords you the ability to discover what is best for you. It’s your decision and your rewards.

Internet jobs (defined only by their possibilities) can grant every mother the chances they need. There is no longer the wistful longings, the fragile dreams of careers and their excitements. There is instead the progress of the computer and the convenience of technology. Success can be achieved… simply by turning on a monitor.

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Creditcard
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It seems to be a perfect truth: an advertisement waits, offering dollars for meager effort, swearing great rewards for easy hours. It claims all time will be devoted to simple questions, the selection of answers and happy data. A survey is promoted as an instant satisfaction. It shall be all profit and no concern. As you begin the process of joining a company, however, you notice something… peculiar. There are demands for private information (the secrets you’re meant to protect). There are requests for additional assignments and promotions. You are forced to weave through countless web pages, burdened to virtual paperwork and constant pestering. The gifts you were promised have vanished. The convenience you sought has been denied. There’s only the worry that strangers now know everything about you – without offering any compensation.

Internet jobs have become the simple way to generate funds without the usual accompaniment of office tedium. Working from the comfort of home is considered a victory. But those victories should rarely include the too common surveys.

These positions are frequent and (often) futile. They force individuals to surrender credit cards, social security numbers, email addresses and more; and this quickly ruins an online identity. Because of this all who wish to work from the familiarity of their computer are warned not to seek out survey sites. While some may offer legitimate earnings, most are determined only to steal your time and your patience.

To avoid these sites you must first be aware of them. Search forums for verification. Resist offering personal information. Refuse to pay fees to take any surveys (the purpose of Internet jobs is to make money, not spend it). Ignore all emails that ask for bank transfers or check deposits. And don’t be tempted by supposedly free gifts. These are often impossible to receive and are not worth the effort they require.

Surveys are seemingly ideal, but that ideal too often proves dangerous. Be cautious. Be wary.

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BEIJING - AUGUST 02:  Chairman of the IOC's Pr...
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If you’re lucky enough to make money by working from home (or anywhere you have Internet access), you’ll probably want to do everything you can to ensure your job is as successful as possible. This will not only increase your chances of keeping your job, but also opening doors for more money and more opportunities.

A few ways to make the most of your online job include:

1) Keep your equipment running smoothly. Your online job requires a computer that is fast and in good working order. Viruses, outdated programs, and neglecting your computer’s health can result in serious problems with your hard drive and systems. Even one day without a computer can cause you to miss deadlines or lose money. You don’t need top-of-the-line equipment, but you should have antivirus software, install a driver update regularly, and have a Firewall in place to protect you online.

2) Be available. If your online job relies on communication through email or chat, make sure you’re available when you say you’ll be. For example, you could run the risk of losing business if you have an online tech support business but you’re sporadically at your computer to work. Consider getting a cell phone with Internet if you don’t already have one.

3) Don’t miss deadlines. Many online jobs have deadlines and quotas you must meet. Consistently missing deadlines or falling short of quotas can cause you to lose your job or business. Staying organized by writing down deadlines where you can see them and keeping track of your quotas will help ensure you stay on top.

An internet job is a great way to work from the comfort of your own home, many times on your own schedule. These tips will help you excel at your work.

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