Skip to main content
search
Monthly Archives

August 2016

Aug 01
Love0

Beating the Summertime Overheat

By Cyber Security Awareness

1608-cyber-4If you live in a milder climate like, say, the more comfortable parts of California or Washington, or a colder region like the Midwest, then you have perhaps never given this any consideration, but in states like Nevada, Florida, Texas, New Mexico, then you know how the Summertime heat can affect your electronic equipment. On a particularly warm day, your laptop might become too hot to even rest your hands on for typing. This isn’t only a nuisance, it can cause serious long-term damage.

Identifying Overheating

If your operating system doesn’t allow you to monitor internal CPU temperature, then you can download a program like Real Temp to keep an eye on it. Beyond this, there are some obvious signs of overheating:

  • Choppy, “glitchy” graphics. This is most obvious if you’re playing games on a PC or a gaming console. When the framerate slows down and starts looking like an Ray Harryhausen stop-motion monster movie, you’re probably dealing with overheating.
  • Your device shuts itself off. A lot of operating systems will automatically shut the computer or device down when the CPU temp gets too high.
  • Intense slowdown. When it takes a few seconds to move your mouse cursor across the screen, overheating is a likely culprit.

Dealing With Overheating

Here are some of the easiest ways to manage overheating on hot days:

  • Double check your fans. Open up the case and let the computer run. If your fans aren’t spinning, it could be a loose wire or a fan that needs replacing. You can use a desk fan to keep your computer cool until you can replace the internal fans.
  • Keep the room’s temperature cool. If you live in a warmer state, then during the Summer, you probably shouldn’t be running a PC or even a gaming console in a room without any temperature control.
  • Keep a can of air on hand. The dust that collects inside a device is like a warm, cozy blanket that traps heat within the components.
  • Task manager, end process, end process, end process, end process… Ending and uninstalling unnecessary background processes can put less of a workload on your computer, preventing it from overheating. If you’re not sure which processes are safe to end and which programs are safe to uninstall, Google them.
  • Become a night owl. This is more realistic of an option for some than it is for others, but if you like working at night, Summertime is the time to do it.

We spend so much time chasing bugs and viruses that we sometimes forget that computers are physical machines, and sometimes it’s not a worm or malware, it’s just running a bit of a fever.

Aug 01
Love0

Sci-fi Concepts That Are More Sci Than Fi

By Cyber Security Awareness

1608-cyber-3It’s getting to the point where science-fiction is having a hard time keeping up with science-fact. If you put a sci-fi movie into production right now, the fancy gadgets you have on display might be found in the clearance section of your nearest Wal-Mart by the time the movie is actually released. Here are some devices, gadgets and gimmicks shown in movies that real-life developers have already figured out, or are at least very close to cracking:

Predator’s Stealth Camo

The story goes that when Predator was screened for an audience of top-brass military professionals, a high-ranking general pointed to the Predator’s invisibility cloak technology and said “Make that for me.” We’re not quite there yet, but we’re getting closer all the time. It’s a little impractical for combat operations right now, but a group of researchers in Japan have developed a material that can be used to see right through the wearer. It requires a computer and a projector as of now, but the effect is nevertheless stunning.

Lightsabers

The challenge with a real life lightsaber is not actually creating a devastating beam of light, but telling that beam of light when to stop. If you want a superpowerful lasersword that will burn holes in your drywall if you’re too careless with it, you can actually put one together with a handful of parts from the hardware store and eBay. Similar projects have been built to launch a “blade” of flaming propane, but let’s be honest: If it’s not a laser, it doesn’t really count.

Artificial Organs

Repo Men featured Jude Law as an agent who retrieves artificial organs from patients who can’t afford to make the payments. They got one major detail completely wrong: In the future, artificial 3D bio-printed organs are not going to be expensive enough to justify paying Jude Law a commission to go get them back. As of now, an artificial heart costs around $125,000 and an annual maintenance fee of $18,000. However, as 3D printing becomes the norm, the cost is going to be driven way, way down, and bio-printing is no exception.

James Bond Villain Doomsday Devices

The Navy is currently using a laser, known as the LaWS, Laser Weapons System, powerful enough to destroy boats and drones. And it’s operated with a video game controller.

There have actually been stories of filmmakers and science fiction writers being contracted to help develop new technology for the military and other organizations. There’s a fun documentary available on Youtube showing how everything from the modern cell phone to voice recognition technology and even cyborg implants were inspired by their developers’ Star Trek fandom. Today’s wild idea is tomorrow’s DIY project you can throw together in your garage.

Aug 01
Love0

Devices We’d Rather Not Become “Smart”

By Cyber Security Awareness

1608-cyber-2The Internet of Things is one of the most exciting things happening in technology today. How can you not like the idea of an air conditioner that checks in with a weather site, and automatically turns itself up just before a heat wave hits, or an HDTV that tracks your favorite shows and makes appropriate recommendations? That said, there are some devices that are just fine the way they are, for instance…

Vending Machines

If vending machines are going to be brought into the IoT, here’s the only feature we want: the ability to tell the supplier when the machine is down to nothing but a few bags of raisiny trail mix and some stale peanut butter crackers. Here’s what we absolutely do not want: For the vending machine to communicate with our Fitbit and refuse to give us the Snickers bar we asked for. If we wanted a smarter way to indulge in junk food, we wouldn’t be eating junk food.

Electric Razors

We’d simply rather there not be a database somewhere collecting information on which body parts we’re shaving. The moles on a man’s back are his business and his alone.

Fax Machines

There’s nothing wrong with a smart fax machine, per se. The issue is simply that most of us wish fax machines would just disappear forever already, and keeping them up to date with modern technology would be a roadblock on the way to phasing them out forever so that we never again are forced to scour the city for a library with a fax machine so that we can send something that we could have just emailed.

Recording Equipment

Microphones, tape recorders, video cameras, yes, we have these all attached to our phones, but there are plenty of obvious reasons why we would want to keep some of these devices offline. In the debate on personal privacy and user consent regarding IoT-connected devices, it stands to reason that there’s some content we would rather not go public until we decide that we want it to go public. The cloud is not inherently less-safe than local storage, but all the same, the double edged-sword of the IoT is that, all too frequently, we trade privacy for convenience.

This list is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but even so, we’re still adapting to the Internet of Things, and sometimes we let our excitement over new technology get the better of us.

Aug 01
Love0

Tips That Ensure You and Your Professional References are on the Same Page

By Your Employee Matters

1608-em-4The professional references you include on your resume should be people who can give you a positive referral. You may think your former bosses, supervisors or managers are on the same page with you, but what happens if they don’t have your best interests in mind? Use several tips to make sure you and your professional references are on the same page.

Ask For Their Permission

Before including anyone one your reference list, ask for permission. The people you think will give you a referral may not want that responsibility.

Make Sure They’re Available

Always verify availability with your references before you list them on your resume. You don’t want to list a referral who has switched jobs or is too busy to talk to hiring managers. Be sure to get accurate contact information before you include a reference on your resume, too.

Remind Potential References of Who You Are

Your former boss may have helped to shape your career, but you could be one of thousands of employees he or she managed. Reintroduce yourself to ensure you receive an accurate referral. You can schedule a quick meeting, chat via Skype or forward supporting documents, including your resume, current job description, work history, strengths and future goals, via email as you make sure your reference knows you now.

Share the Key Facts of the Job

Let’s say you worked in sales but are now applying to be a manager. Your reference may answer questions based on your sales ability and totally skim over your managerial skills. Tell your potential references about the job for which you are applying, share a copy of the job description and outline the reasons why you’re right for the position so that they understand how to answer questions from potential employers.

Find Out Where You Can Improve

Many hiring managers want to know the flaws of potential employees. Discuss the areas in which you need improvement with your references in advance. You don’t want a reference to hurt your chances of landing a job because they share a long list of shortcomings.

Reply in a Timely Manner

It’s unrealistic to expect a reference to reply immediately after receiving a phone call, email or online survey from a hiring manager, but that person does need to reply in a timely manner. If he or she delays too long, you could lose your chances of getting the job. When you talk to your reference, tactfully remind him or her that you appreciate their prompt response.

Aug 01
Love0

How to Write Professional Email

By Your Employee Matters

1608-em-3In a world of Twitter, Facebook and texting, email has taken a back seat. However, it’s still an important communication tool for working relationships. Understand the basics of how to write a professional email as you stay connected at work.

Use a Proper Salutation

From the beginning of your email, establish that you are a person who understands courtesy and manners. To do that, address emails with the recipient’s name. An example salutation is “Dear Ms. or Mr. Last Name.”

Request Rather Than Demand

It’s easy to use email to demand things from others. Consider requesting rather than demanding, though, as you keep your professional relationship and collaborative reputation intact. Instead of writing, “Place the report on my desk by five”, write, “Please give me the report this afternoon.”

Watch Your Tone

Written words are easy to misinterpret since you can’t hear someone’s voice or see their facial expressions. While you can’t always predict when someone will misinterpret your email, you can read it before you hit send. Cut curse words and inflammatory language, and if the tone could be construed as sarcastic, rude, bossy or anything less than professional and courteous, rewrite it.

Proofread

Spelling, grammar and punctuation don’t always matter in personal communications, but they are essential for professional emails. Use complete sentences and proofread your emails carefully before you send them. If you’re not skilled in this area, spend time learning the rules or ask a co-worker to help you edit.

Maintain Privacy

In your rush to make a sale or handle an issue, you may include sensitive information in the email or cc information that should remain private. Be sure to respect the recipient by not sharing his or her email address without permission or including an outsider in a private conversation.

Follow Up in a Timely Manner

An email overload may cause you to delay responding. Quick replies can improve your reputation, though, and symbolize that you value your teammates and customers. Set time aside each day to read and reply immediately to email. If you need more time to find an answer, let the person know and then be sure to follow up.

Remember That Email is Forever

Before you hit send on any email, remember that it is permanent. You can delete it, but the recipient may not. Take a minute before sending an email and only send it if you’re okay with it going public.

Remember your manners when you write email, and invest in your career and reputation.

Aug 01
Love0

7 Tips That Prepare You For a Layoff

By Your Employee Matters

1608-em-2Getting laid off from your job is stressful. Sometimes, you don’t know when a layoff is coming, but if you have advance warning, take seven preparative steps.

  1. Update Your Resume

    If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your resume, make time to do it now. Add any job responsibilities, new skills and other employment details that showcase your current professional abilities.

  2. Update Your LinkedIn Profile

    Many employers use LinkedIn to check the job qualifications of prospective employees. Update your profile so that it complements your resume, and add any links, work samples or other materials that support your professional experience and qualifications. You should also connect with colleagues and managers from your current job so that you can contact them for job recommendations or referrals later.

  3. Improve Your Professional Skills

    Now’s a great time to improve your marketability and expand your skills. Finish any certification classes or skill-training programs in your field or take an online course and become skilled at marketing, Excel, Photoshop or other skills that can help you land a new job.

  4. Negotiate

    Even though you face a layoff, you could have room to negotiate. Read your company handbook or employee agreement to find information about severance packages and negotiate a beneficial financial payout. You may also be able to negotiate for a partial paycheck or to retain other benefits even though you’re no longer working.

  5. Continue to Work Hard

    You may be tempted to complain and rant against your employer because of the upcoming layoff, but choose to work hard, cooperate with others and remain professional. Your attitude could help you find favor with your bosses, postpone your layoff, land you a different position or  paves the way for a good referral for a new job.

  6. Increase Emergency Savings

    Because you won’t have a regular income, boost your emergency fund savings now. Set up automatic transfers from your paycheck into your savings account, sell anything you don’t need, stop using your credit cards and don’t make any major purchases. You can also examine your family’s budget and cut as many expenses as possible.

  7. Stay Positive During Your Job Search

    When you face a layoff, you may feel yourself becoming angry, stressed or depressed. Give yourself permission to mourn your job loss then focus on your skills and experience as you stay positive while filling out applications, preparing for interviews and looking for a new position.

A layoff is challenging, but you can successfully navigate the challenge with these seven tips. Discuss additional options with your Human Resources manager before you are laid off.

Aug 01
Love0

What to do When You and Your Boss Don’t get Along

By Your Employee Matters

1608-em-1 Work can be miserable when you and your boss don’t get along. Disagreements can be minor and easily resolved, ongoing personality differences or long-term disagreements that are not resolved. Here are a few tips you can try when you and your boss disagree.

Remain Professional

Despite your differences, always remain professional toward your boss, co-workers and job. Continue to do your best work, and don’t badmouth your boss to anyone.

Perform Self-Reflection

It’s tempting to blame your boss entirely for disagreements, but look at yourself first.

  • Pinpoint how you feel when you interact with your boss and what happens to make you feel upset.
  • Honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses. In some cases, you may be responsible for some of the conflict because you procrastinate or don’t delegate enough.
  • Ask for feedback.  Your co-workers, teammates and boss can tell you when you’re slacking or being bossy or if it’s an issue like work style that causes conflict.

Use that data from your self reflection to find patterns of behavior or ongoing issues and to make a plan to address and resolve the issues in your control.

Meet With Your Boss

After you assess your behavior and responsibility, meet with your boss. Ask your boss where you fit in with the team and what personal issues cause problems. Remain humble, not confrontational, too, as you seek to understand and resolve any issues. If you can’t find a resolution, take a break to re-assess and schedule another meeting.

Meet With HR

Despite your best efforts, you may find that you and your boss are still unable to get along. That’s when you can schedule a meeting with Human Resources. Share the facts about the disagreement and what you’ve done to address the issue then brainstorm solutions.

Manage Your Stress

Work challenges can create incredible stress in your work and home life. Take time to manage the stress in positive ways. Look for things to be thankful for at work, exercise, meditate, sleep and eat a balanced diet as you protect your mental health and physical well-being.

Walk Away

In the worst case scenario, you and your boss may be unable to come to a resolution, and you may need to walk away for your mental health. Apply for a transfer to a different department or take another job with a different company. If you switch jobs, consider asking someone other than your boss to be a reference for you, and don’t badmouth your boss during job interviews.

Aug 01
Love0

Why Fathers Should Take Parental Leave

By Employment Resources

1608-er-3Most employers offer maternity leave to new mothers. It gives moms up to 12 weeks to rest and bond with the new baby or adopted child. Maternity leave isn’t just for moms, though. Dads need leave, too, for several important reasons.

How Much Leave Do Dads Get?

According to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans in eligible workplaces can receive 12 weeks of unpaid leave. That leave can be used after the birth of a new child, after adoption and in certain other situations. FMLA is a federal guideline, but states and even employees can provide more leave for their employees.

Nine out of 10 dads take time off from work after the birth or adoption of a new child, but 70 percent of men take 10 days or less off work. Unfortunately, paid leave is only available to 13 percent of employees in the U.S.

Why Dads Need Paternity Leave

The stereotype of men working outside of the home and women doing all the housework and childcare is becoming outdated. More and more men want to take part in care giving. Companies that offer paternal leave give men the chance to take care of their families. Equal-gender leave policies also reinforce the view that men are as capable and responsible as women for the children and home life.

Why Moms Need Paternity Leave

Women make 74 cents for every dollar men earn. In addition to the wage gap, sometimes, mothers are prevented from taking certain positions or jobs because they have to care for children. When men take paternity leave, they become skilled at taking care of things at home and give women the freedom to take the jobs they want.

Why Businesses Need Paternity Leave

Men will stay with a job that allows them to have the life they want, which includes time with their families. Retaining quality employees is one reason why businesses need to offer paternity leave. It improves employee retention, loyalty, job satisfaction, happiness and productivity. Two popular companies with competitive paternity leave, large numbers of job applicants and high employee satisfaction include Netflix and Spotify, with unlimited paternity leave and six-month 100 percent paid paternity leave respectively.

How to Get Paternal Leave

If you company offers paternal leave, be grateful. If not, advocate for change. Lobby your state legislators to support a national paternal leave policy. You can also speak up at work about the need for leave and share the benefits of paternal leave with your employee. Paternal leave is good for families and companies.

Aug 01
Love0

How to Tell if a Job Applicant is Lying

By Employment Resources

1608-er-2Anyone who reviews resumes knows that job applicants lie to get ahead. Hiring the wrong person can jeopardize your business’s success, employee productivity and bottom line, though. Because you only want to hire qualified candidates, learn how to tell if a job applicant is lying.

What do Job Applicant’s Lie About?

According to the Harvard Business Review, up to 81 percent of people lie during job interviews. The most common lies include:

  • Education or degrees
  • Professional training
  • On-the- job experience
  • Employment dates
  • Job descriptions
  • Former employers
  • References
  • Salary claims

How do Job Applicants Get Away With Lying?

Job applicants can lie and still be hired in part because hiring managers are unprepared. They make six key mistakes.

  1. Rely on gut feelings. Intuition can sometimes be right, but gut feelings are not always accurate and can lead hiring managers to miss holes in a resume.
  2. Judge based solely on first impressions. Impressions are made in the first few seconds of an initial meeting. Hiring managers who let those first impressions cloud the interview or their judgment may not dig for the truth.
  3. Use mirroring. Hiring managers may look for job applicants who are like them. They then recommend those candidates instead of verifying facts and looking closely at qualifications.
  4. Rely on a good interview. Experienced job applicants can nail a job interview and win over the hiring managers. They may not tell the truth, though.
  5. Trust everyone. Trusting hiring managers may not even ask for references or check facts. They are too trusting.
  6. They trust referrals and recommendations. If the job applicant comes with a referral or recommendation from someone the hiring manager trusts, the applicant may be fast-tracked into the job whether or not he or she is truly qualified.

How to Spot a Lying Job Applicant

Hiring managers can spot job applicants who are less than truthful. Here’s how.

  • Review resumes, online job resumes and LinkedIn thoroughly. Look for inconsistencies like employment gaps or excessive jobs.
  • Perform background checks. Applicants with a criminal record may not share that info, but you need to know the truth.
  • Call references. Check in with every reference on a resume, and take notes. Compare the notes to the applicant’s resume and interview to determine if they’re telling the truth.
  • Ask strong interview questions. The best interview questions get applicants to reveal their strengths and qualities. They don’t lead the applicant to say what you want him or her to say or put words in the applicant’s mouth.

Hiring the right people can help your company move forward into greater success. During the hiring process, be sure to weed out the lying applicants with these tips.

Aug 01
Love0

Tips to Save Money on Eyeglasses Even if You Have Vision Benefits

By Employment Resources

1608-er-1Prescription eyeglasses can cost as much as $1,000. In addition to the professional exam, other factors like which frames you choose, scratch-proof protection and UV coating on the lenses, where you buy glasses and the co-pay can affect the cost. Even with vision care benefits, you may be unable to afford glasses, and without them, your vision, health, work and social life can suffer. Afford the prescription eyeglasses you need with several tips.

Understand Your Vision Plan

Your vision plan includes details like how often you’re eligible for eye exams and new glasses and which eye doctors and eyeglass retailers are in your covered network. Read your vision plan coverage carefully so that you can take advantage of all your eligible benefits. You also save money when you visit an in-network provider.

Buy a Repair and Replacement Plan

When you buy your eyeglasses, ask if they offer a repair and replacement plan. It allows you to receive a new pair of glasses if you break, scratch or damage your pair, and it can save you money since you won’t have to replace your glasses.

Shop Around

Once you have a valid prescription, you can shop anywhere. Check out different eyeglass retailers to possibly find what you like for less.

Use Coupons

Many retail eye care businesses offer special deals to attract new customers. Check your local newspaper, online ad boards and retailers’ websites. Here, you can find coupons that cover exams, frames and eyeglass package deals.

Buy One Get One

Eyeglass retailers sometimes offer buy-one-get-one deals. Even though these deals may only cover discounted or low-end frames, they save you money.

Check out Back-to-School Sales

Every summer, many eyeglass retailers host a back-to-school sale. It allows students to stock up on new eyeglasses, and it’s available for adults, too. Use the sale to buy a new or second pair of glasses.

Look at Your Club Memberships

Certain auto clubs and other organizations like AARP partner with local businesses to offer discounts to members. Look at your membership booklet and benefits for discounts at eyeglass retailers.

Shop Online

Online stores typically charge less than brick and mortar stores, and they may also give you free shipping and other discounts. Be sure the online store is registered with the Better Business Bureau, and read the return policy since you can’t try on the glasses until they arrive in your mailbox.

Prioritize your eye health with regular eye exams and the correct prescription lenses. While your vision insurance benefits may cover your eye care needs, use these tips to save money as you take care of your eyes.

Close Menu