Archive for May, 2011

One achievement is not a guaranteed satisfaction. This is probably what Apple, Inc. had to say after the introduction of their second generation iPod Shuffle last September 2006. Making big fortune from desktop and laptop computers, the company is now in to another venture in digital entertainment. So what’s so special about iPod Shuffle that everyone is so interested with it? Well, the product is just dubbed as the world’s smallest mp3 player that time. Convincing? Not totally! Well see greater features of iPod Shuffle that will change the definition to “The world’s all time favorite MP3 Player”.

MP3 Players today are now capable of playing and storing hundreds and even a thousand songs. Unlike any ordinary mp3 player and other earlier versions of iPod, this model is given the nick as the “next generation digital audio player”. Not because of the looks and design, but because of the sophisticated technology behind the creation and invention of the player. This extra lightweight player is first of its kind to store data in a flash memory based on the combination of technologies used in other version. The iPod Shuffle is so far the smallest gadget ever built by Apple.

First generation iPod Shuffles come with a built 512MB memory and 1GB respectively. But the second generation doubled it with a storage capacity of 1GB during the initial release and lately added 2GB in early September of 2008. It is estimated that a 1GB player can store up to 240 songs and a full charge can reach a playing time of twelve (12) to fourteen (14) hours of continuous play. Compliant with the USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 standards, the player is just as portable as your simple flash drive.

iPod Shuffle comes in various colors. White was the primary color for the first generation, but was soon replaced with Silver, Green, Blue, Pink, Orange, and other colors during the introduction and further development of the second generation. Accessories compatible with the player are lining up. This includes the ones that are made by Apple and other products by third party makers. Aside from the packed earpiece a user can enhance the audio by using a portable speaker creating a louder and brilliant audio quality.

Audio files with well known extensions such as MP3, MP3 VBR, AAC, Protected AAC, Audible (formats 2, 3 and 4), WAV and AIFF. The only iTunes format not supported by the player are audio files using Apple Lossless formating. Users can quickly transfer audio files from their computers to the iPod Shuffle.Using iTunes it has never been so easily uploading files to portable audio player. Simple drag and drop will send files from the computer to the player.
Through the player’s portability and elegant designs one can enjoy the accompaniment of music anywhere. Added some accessories will definitely enhance your iPod Shuffle experience redefining digital audio entertainment.

Roberta Groche



Nursing and computers have not always been a perfect mix. Typically, nurses try to get away from new computer systems as much as possible. However, it is an inevitable workflow evolution in today’s hospitals.

“It was so easy before when all I had to do was give it (orders) to the clerk.”

“This new computer system is such a mess. Why can’t we keep our old system?”

“It takes time away from my patient care.”

“This is never going to work.”

As an RN working on the informatics side of healthcare, such comments are commonplace when I travel on site to different facilities.

Why I wanted to do it

With billions of dollars allotted to deploy this project to multiple facilities nationwide, I wanted to be a part of it. “It’s never been done before in this scale,” stated Vicki Levario, the Director of System Solutions & Deployment at Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region. When I was offered this job, I didn’t hesitate. Here was a marriage of two things I feel comfortable with – clinical content and computers.

The magnitude of this project can be appreciated when you take into consideration the 8 million Kaiser members it will affect. By 2007, all 12,000 physicians and 150,000 employees in the Kaiser organization are expected to be fully trained and use the software in their workflows. After a few weeks of involvement in this project, I began to see what a Herculean undertaking this will be.

Resistance

“Good luck with that job. They’re just wasting their money. It’s never going to happen, ” a physician said to me one day.

Healthcare automation is an inevitable progression, but not met with resistance. There are those who are so defiant to the change that they would rather retire than work under these conditions.

This sentiment is not unique to this organization. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles met with such resistance from physicians that the implementation phase failed despite the system being two-thirds online.

I can understand where the overtone of paranoia comes from. Working on the units to support the software, I observed some users who are obviously using the computer for the first time. I saw them having difficulty using the mouse and typing their user names and passwords with painfully slow pecking style.

I try to encourage users by showing them the positive side. With the nation’s healthcare trend of medical record automation, this will make health care givers more marketable as electronic health record (EHR) experienced professionals. And, in time they will master the system, and their workflows will be more efficient.

Safer Practice

The issue of electronic system workflows in the healthcare setting adversely affecting patient care has also been a concern. However, the opposite is true. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in a report called To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System (2000), “98,000 Americans die in hospitals each year as a result of medical errors. Even when using the lower estimate, deaths in hospitals due to preventable adverse events exceed the number attributable to the 8th-leading cause of death. Deaths due to preventable adverse events exceed the deaths attributable to motor vehicle accidents (43,458), breast cancer (42,297) or AIDS.

In her report, Key Capabilities of an Electronic Health Record System July 31, 2003, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality stated, “There is a great deal of interest within both the public and private sectors in encouraging all health care providers to migrate from paper-based health records to a system that stores health information electronically and employs computer-aided decision support systems. In part, this interest is due to a growing recognition that a stronger information technology (IT) infrastructure is integral to addressing such national concerns as the need to improve the safety and quality of health care.”

National Mandate

Automation of records in healthcare is not only a step in modernization, but a national mandate. The following is excerpted from the United States Department of Health Services.

Mission statement:

“… to guide the nationwide implementation of interoperable health information technology in both the public and private health care sectors that will reduce medical errors, improve quality, and produce greater value for health care expenditures, and coordinates outreach and consultation by the relevant executive branch agencies with the public and private sectors.”

Vision:

“…Clinicians will have a patient’s complete medical history, computerized ordering systems, and electronic reminder.”

The implementation of electronic health records (EHR) is integral to this national mandate and it’s just a matter of time when all hospitals in the US will be fully electronic in their workflow systems.

With this daunting task ahead, I’m reminded of the words of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology National Coordinator, David J. Brailer, MD, PhD when he addressed the System Solutions and Deployment personnel. “All eyes are on you.” As an RN and healthcare provider, it’s breathtaking to see through the telescope to look beyond the horizon and be part of the mission.

Janie Gafford
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/nursing-and-computers-the-inevitable-move-towards-electronic-health-records-ehr-100875.html



Is your computer infected with spyware? If you aren’t a computer geek, you may not even realize it. This is nasty stuff!  In order to remove it, you must use reliable anti-spyware software. Security Iguard does not fall into this category – it is anything but reliable! Here is some information to help you discern if in fact you are infected, and what to you need to do if you are.

First off, what is spyware? It is a parasite that installs itself on your computer. It can cause all kinds of strange things to happen, such as an extreme increase in pop up ads. You may also notice a slowing of your pc, or freezing. Other signs that you may be a victim are new toolbars in your web browser, and a different home page from the one you use.

What are the dangers? Spyware can put viruses, Trojan horses and other parasites on your computer. It tracks your moves and “spies” on what you are doing. Your email passwords and other personal information can be tracked. Even your online business accounts are not safe! This is why you need anti-spyware to eliminate the problem just as soon as you possibly can.

Severe threats like the Trojan horse virus can do more damage than you can imagine. Your banking and credit card accounts can be tracked, and your identity stolen. Infections like these can also damage your computer so badly that it will crash. This is why doing something as soon as you realize there is a problem is crucial.

Sometimes the problem is finding good anti-spyware software. There are so many rogue products out there like Security Iguard that it is sometimes difficult to know if you are using a reputable software program or a fake. What can these fake programs do?

They will take your money. Programs like Security Iguard will trick you by offering to scan your computer for adware, viruses and other potential threats. It then gives you false results, even sometimes informing you that your computer is infected when in fact it is not. This is a ploy to get you to purchase their software. Don’t do it – you are giving your money away and will not get results.

So, what should you do if you suspect you have spyware on your computer? Find a reliable product with an excellent reputation. There are some good products out there, but most of the time you will find you must purchase two separate software programs, because the first will not completely clear up the problem. Running a second software program sometimes finishes the job, sometimes doesn’t.

The best thing you can do is to purchase a software that is known to be the very best available. This superior program is Spyzooka, known for working to completely rid your computer of spyware in just one scan. Don’t fall for the rogue programs like Security Iguard! They are total rip-offs, pure and simple.

Carl Atkinson
http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/should-you-remove-spyware-with-security-iguard-750239.html



05 28th, 2011

Music on the Move

Music lovers will get another device for listening non-stop music with Apple Ipod Touch Second generation 16GB. This device from the house of Apple is one of the earliest ipods which came in the market giving you all the scope to listen more songs of your choice in a same device. Let?s find out more about this product.

Key Features

Apple Ipod Touch Second generation is a musical device which comes with 16 GB of hard disk drive capacity. This iPod from Apple comes with a number of audio formats. These formats are namely: AAC, ACC Protected, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, Apple Lossless, WAV and AIFF. All these are the different types of audio files this device can play. This device just not plays music in the MP3 formats but it has other formats too which give better sound quality. For videos the formats present in this iPod are: M4V, MP4 and MOV.

Design

Apple Ipod Touch Second generation comes in a bar form. This is a very compact device with the dimensions of 61.8 x 8.5 x 110 mm. It weighs merely 115 grams which is very light. Hence, it won?t be a problem for you to carry your iPod anywhere. Now you can enjoy music anytime anywhere.

Know it Better

The display screen of Apple Ipod Touch Second generation is 3.5 inch. The resolution of the LCD screen is 154 kilo pixels. With this iPod you are not bound to play just the music but you can also see video on it. The battery life of the Apple iPods is also very good. It lasts for 22 hours when used for listening music. With video playback it lasts up to five hours.

Conclusion

Apple Ipod Touch Second generation 16GB comes in black color. The iPods comes with Mini-phone Stereo Headphone which might not give you the sound quality which you deserve with the iPod. Otherwise all the features of this device are very good.

Pooja Lapasia



Computers And RSIs

Author: admin
05 28th, 2011

Part of our everyday lives, computers have evolved from a tool at work to a personal calendar, a friendly network facilitator and a necessary guide. Although computers have transformed the way we see things and understand the world around us, because their use imposes physical and mental demands on their users, it leads to several health problems, like Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs), eye strain, neck and lower back pains and headaches.

I do not about you, but when I bought a year ago my brand new laptop, I was extremely interested in reading everything included in the package in an effort to take good care of my precious new possession. One of the documents the producer have included in the printed materials I opened to read, was one that directed me to follow specific guidelines on how to effectively and safely use my portable PC. Perhaps I was very lucky, as I later discovered that only recently have manufacturers been forced to include such user guides, or began making an effort to overcome health related issues and complains by introducing ergonomic products and warning labels on some equipment. This is very important, as the designers’ ability to understand that users need simple guidelines in order to be adequately informed of the risks involved and trained on proper body posture, monitor height, elbows distance from the body or recommended hours of use, can prevent computer users, even young, physically active individuals, from suffering in the future.

Specifically, one has to be aware of the hazards of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) to the hands and arms resulting from inappropriate use of the computer’s keyboard and mice. People in a variety of professions, like musicians or chiropractics, who repeatedly exercised pressure on their hands, shoulders, and arms, and have injured their tendons, muscles, and nerves, have been reported as the first cases of RSIs victims. Unfortunately, the list is increasing today, as more and more computer users request medical treatments in order to overcome the symptoms of RSIs on their hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and necks. Medical professionals and patients have reported that tightness, discomfort, stiffness, soreness or burning, numbness, and loss of coordination or strength are the most common symptoms linked to RSIs.

Since this serious painful situation is far easier to prevent than to cure once contracted, it is important for people to be educated and understand when and how RSIs can occur leaving ex-computer users permanently disabled and unable to perform simple tasks, such as driving or even dressing, without requesting help. Ergonomic gadgets, palm rests, maintaining the right posture and overall good working habits can reduce the risks associated with computer use and help young users understand how important it is to be always on alert for RSIs symptoms.

Jonathon Hardcastle
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/computers-and-rsis-65009.html



Computer viruses can cause a lot of damage to all your efforts. If you are also among the computer addicts, your PC is at a high risk of being attacked by dangerous PC viruses roaming in cyberspace. This underlines a dire need for you all PC users to protect their system against pesky malware. One of the most popular and common method is use of antivirus security software. These applications offer detection and prevention against known viruses and anomalies.

Computer Viruses are commonly spread by attachments in e-mail messages or instant messaging messages. This is why it is always suggested that you never open any e-mail attachments unless you know the source and you are expecting it. It can disguise itself as attachments of attractive images, greeting cards, audio and video files. If you are a regular PC user, you must know about necessary things that are needed to check before you install antivirus or install spyware. Ensure that your PC is not virus infected before installing any antivirus application. Such PC security software programs don’t work if you install them on a PC that is already infected.

Next, you need to configure your antivirus. General principles of configuring antivirus support software have options, some of which cannot be enabled by default. If you are completely new to the computer, you can consider contacting tech support resources. They have all kind of computer support services to cater your need. For antivirus help, ask for PC security services which will include everything starting from installation to configuration to updation.

Also it ensures experts’ guidance for your PC security. These tech support companies have different computer support plans depending upon your personal requirements. Apart from offering you the best antivirus support services, online computer repair companies can also help you with a multitude of other technical services such as virus removal, spyware removal, online data backup, computer support, PC optimization, Internet optimization, email support, Internet  support, and many many more.

Most of these tech support companies also offer a try-before-you-use plan which is generally free of cost. Another advantage of availing services from such resources is their round the clock availability and their vast expertise in handling technical problems and issues.

In case you are confused regarding which antivirus to buy, you may take help of any online computer repair vendor. They are the masters in handling every issue related to computers and networking.

Joshep John
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/antivirus-support-services-secure-your-computer-716965.html



I what to purchase an iPod shuffle, and I looked onto the argos website, and realised that there is two iPod shuffles. The normal iPod shuffle and an iPod shuffle V3. Does anyone know the difference between the two?

I read that the only difference is that the 3g has more colours to choose from and is a bit more expensive. (It might have a better battery life-(not sure))
hoped this helped!



I have a Comcast provided wireless router at home.
4 of us can surf the net with no problems. However a 5ht and a 6th computer cannot be used to connect to the Internet. Is there an upper limit on how many computers can talk to the Internet when one uses a wireless router? Or is there something we are doing that is not right?

Depends on the router. Most wireless routers have a setting for the number of IP addresses that the DHCP server will allow at one time.



i think i got a virus on my computer. i am using McAfee Security Systems, how long does it usually take for a virus to go away??? HELP!!! :(
also, please be detailed and give as much as you know, because me and computer technology do not got together.

A good anti virus will remove it instantly on the spot



I went to my friends house and put ipod games (monopoly and spore origins) on my ipod. Then I went to my house and bought another game (phase). When i try to put on phase it deleted monopoly and spore origins. Then, when i try to put monopoly and spore origins back on, it deletes phase. How can I have all three games on my ipod?

You can only sync your iPod with one library at a time. The only way to get all three games on your iPod would be to have them all loaded into the same iTunes library. I’m not sure how many computers you can authorize games on, I suspect it is probably only one. So you’d either need to save the file containing phase and remove it from your computer. Then add it to your friend’s computer and authorize it there or vice versa. Keep in mind though, that for music you can only sync to one library as well and it has to be the same library as the one you use to sync your games.