With the internet, there is no excuse of "Your company not providing adequate training.". It is really up to you to make time. Ease up on Facebook, You Tube, TV or any other time consuming activity. There are sacrifices to anything you want to do.
This is also true of anything you see in a job search. Don't know how to do it? Do a Bing or Google search on any skill. Be honest and put it on your resume, you learned it but haven't had the opportunity to apply it, but you'll love the opportunity to apply it. The willingness to learn is critical in any job. Welcome to the new world. Anyone not willing to learn a new task is unemployable. McDonald's employees need to learn new things too. Think they knew how to make that smoothie before?
Here are some links to common training that everyone needs.
Office 2007, 2010, 2013
http://office.microsoft.com
Microsoft software
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/training/products.aspx
Find out how on a Mac
http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/
If you Bing or Google search any topic, there's a ton of stuff out there for you to learn. ENJOY!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The importance of software updates and upgrades...
With computers and technology advancing at an incredible rate, it is extremely important to do updates on existing devices and upgrade them when manufacturers end support on them. On average, technology has become obsolete in as little as 3 years. Support for those products also ends, which includes things like security updates and bug fixes. The most important being security fixes because this leaves you vulnerable.
One such example is the iPhone which is currently running iOS 5 with 6 due out later this year. As of 6/26/12, there are currently 141 vulnerabilities for that operating system. You can check the national database here:
http://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/search-results?query=apple+ios&search_type=all&cves=on
The other important reason to do the updates, is highlighted in my post here: http://www.atchan.com/2010/12/iphone-upgrade-warning.html
When you upgrade and migrate to your new device, it is best to keep up with incremental updates. As shown in my previous post. If you upgrade from iOS 1.1 to 3.1, there are A LOT of changes in how the data is handled. Things are improved, changed and fixed in each revision. If your data didn't do the natural progression of versions 1 to 2 to 3, you will lose that data. Software is designed to follow an order of progression, if you deviate, it will cause problems for you because the only way for them to keep track is through their revisions. Anything else creates too many variables that no one can track. Of course, you should always back up your data, but that is a totally separate post.
This also leads to another point. Large corporations, in an "attempt" to save money by pushing off "costly" upgrades and updates, actually pay much more, in most cases more than double, in the long tern when you are forced to upgrade when it comes to end of life support. Examples include additional hours required in attempting to keep the old data, problems that arise when attempting to connect older systems to newer systems, additional resources (hardware, 3rd party software, consultants) to bridge the time needed while the integration is tested, employee training, and down time related to problems in the upgrade. All these are additional costs that aren't calculated and end up costing so much more.
Software companies design the upgrade process into the newer products from the previous revision, not from older versions. For example, they will provide support for your migration from version 4 to 5, but as for version 3 to 5 you are on your own or will need to purchase 3rd party software specifically written to migrate that data and it is not always perfect because their software is based on a properly configured system. Which is NEVER the case because something is configured either differently or wrong.
One such example is the iPhone which is currently running iOS 5 with 6 due out later this year. As of 6/26/12, there are currently 141 vulnerabilities for that operating system. You can check the national database here:
http://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/search-results?query=apple+ios&search_type=all&cves=on
The other important reason to do the updates, is highlighted in my post here: http://www.atchan.com/2010/12/iphone-upgrade-warning.html
When you upgrade and migrate to your new device, it is best to keep up with incremental updates. As shown in my previous post. If you upgrade from iOS 1.1 to 3.1, there are A LOT of changes in how the data is handled. Things are improved, changed and fixed in each revision. If your data didn't do the natural progression of versions 1 to 2 to 3, you will lose that data. Software is designed to follow an order of progression, if you deviate, it will cause problems for you because the only way for them to keep track is through their revisions. Anything else creates too many variables that no one can track. Of course, you should always back up your data, but that is a totally separate post.
This also leads to another point. Large corporations, in an "attempt" to save money by pushing off "costly" upgrades and updates, actually pay much more, in most cases more than double, in the long tern when you are forced to upgrade when it comes to end of life support. Examples include additional hours required in attempting to keep the old data, problems that arise when attempting to connect older systems to newer systems, additional resources (hardware, 3rd party software, consultants) to bridge the time needed while the integration is tested, employee training, and down time related to problems in the upgrade. All these are additional costs that aren't calculated and end up costing so much more.
Software companies design the upgrade process into the newer products from the previous revision, not from older versions. For example, they will provide support for your migration from version 4 to 5, but as for version 3 to 5 you are on your own or will need to purchase 3rd party software specifically written to migrate that data and it is not always perfect because their software is based on a properly configured system. Which is NEVER the case because something is configured either differently or wrong.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The next generation of employment...
So the news has been reporting on "unemployment", "economy" and "job creation". The larger problem lies in the people who are currently unemployed. There are several factors.
The primary reason is that they are missing the skill set required. The job market is not as terrible, as one is lead to believe. See the article below. This is just one example of many.
Halliburton adding 11,000 jobs, mostly in North Dakota
By Annalyn Censky @CNNMoney August 25, 2011: 6:25 PM ET
http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/25/news/economy/halliburton_north_dakota_jobs/index.htm
The secondary factor is their location. Certain areas are hard hit by the down turn and shift that happened so it's up to the individual to make a change. If something you are doing isn't working or no longer required, then it is up to you the individual, to change. Sam Kinison said it best, "No jobs here? Well MOVE to where the jobs are!" I'm paraphrasing a joke on Ethiopia, but you get the idea.
With technology, menial tasks, paper pushers, etc. have essentially become extinct. Physical tasks that don't require skill are no longer needed. This will create a larger shift between the employed and unemployed.
Those that adapt and learn will always be employed. Those that resist change will be the ones left behind.
The primary reason is that they are missing the skill set required. The job market is not as terrible, as one is lead to believe. See the article below. This is just one example of many.
Halliburton adding 11,000 jobs, mostly in North Dakota
By Annalyn Censky @CNNMoney August 25, 2011: 6:25 PM ET
http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/25/news/economy/halliburton_north_dakota_jobs/index.htm
The secondary factor is their location. Certain areas are hard hit by the down turn and shift that happened so it's up to the individual to make a change. If something you are doing isn't working or no longer required, then it is up to you the individual, to change. Sam Kinison said it best, "No jobs here? Well MOVE to where the jobs are!" I'm paraphrasing a joke on Ethiopia, but you get the idea.
With technology, menial tasks, paper pushers, etc. have essentially become extinct. Physical tasks that don't require skill are no longer needed. This will create a larger shift between the employed and unemployed.
Those that adapt and learn will always be employed. Those that resist change will be the ones left behind.
Monday, March 26, 2012
What HP really needs to do...
HP needs a plan and direction. Not just a reorganization.
HP is in a very unique position in the coming years because they control unique parts of the future, like Sony did 5 years ago, but ultimately failed to capitalize on it. Apple came and ate Sony's lunch and kicked them to the curb. Steve Jobs got it right and realized that computers became a commodity business with low margins. So he turned them around to be the leading consumer electronics company. Along with content for all his devices, he ended up owning the things you use in your every day life.
Right now HP is still a house hold name. Chances are that everyone has a HP printer in their house or a laptop. What HP is missing is the vision. HP's acquisition of WebOS was a thought in the right direction, just executed badly. The market didn't need more fragmentation. They should have adopted their core strength and went the Windows route to create the entire home experience. They have the Windows Home server which ties your entire house together. Laptops and Desktops for the interface. A tablet and phone for when you are on the go. Make it seamless and easy for the end user and they will come.
1. HP needs to either bring back their PDA/Phones. The easiest is to acquire HTC, since they were their OEM for the iPaq's. You need the daily device in the consumers hand. A merger with Nokia would be rather large, but nice. Since the stock is trading at an all time low. Nokia would give them an amazing global presence.
2. Acquire Roku or SlingBox to capture the TV market. This gives them an automatic entry into the living room. You are no longer relegated to the home office.
3. Acquire Hulu or Netflix and integrate it with all your devices. There's your content automatically available to ALL your devices.
Now, this is no simple task to stitch this all together. But you do see the vision. They already have an infrastructure for the "cloud" servers. How cheap would it be for Hulu to build out their data centers if the parent company makes the hardware?
They already have the retail channels, you can leverage it all without building retail stores like Apple did. This would also give BestBuy a much needed boost with the retail sector being a dying business.
HP is in a very unique position in the coming years because they control unique parts of the future, like Sony did 5 years ago, but ultimately failed to capitalize on it. Apple came and ate Sony's lunch and kicked them to the curb. Steve Jobs got it right and realized that computers became a commodity business with low margins. So he turned them around to be the leading consumer electronics company. Along with content for all his devices, he ended up owning the things you use in your every day life.
Right now HP is still a house hold name. Chances are that everyone has a HP printer in their house or a laptop. What HP is missing is the vision. HP's acquisition of WebOS was a thought in the right direction, just executed badly. The market didn't need more fragmentation. They should have adopted their core strength and went the Windows route to create the entire home experience. They have the Windows Home server which ties your entire house together. Laptops and Desktops for the interface. A tablet and phone for when you are on the go. Make it seamless and easy for the end user and they will come.
1. HP needs to either bring back their PDA/Phones. The easiest is to acquire HTC, since they were their OEM for the iPaq's. You need the daily device in the consumers hand. A merger with Nokia would be rather large, but nice. Since the stock is trading at an all time low. Nokia would give them an amazing global presence.
2. Acquire Roku or SlingBox to capture the TV market. This gives them an automatic entry into the living room. You are no longer relegated to the home office.
3. Acquire Hulu or Netflix and integrate it with all your devices. There's your content automatically available to ALL your devices.
Now, this is no simple task to stitch this all together. But you do see the vision. They already have an infrastructure for the "cloud" servers. How cheap would it be for Hulu to build out their data centers if the parent company makes the hardware?
They already have the retail channels, you can leverage it all without building retail stores like Apple did. This would also give BestBuy a much needed boost with the retail sector being a dying business.
Monday, February 6, 2012
5 Things Nobody Tells You About Being Poor
So, I started reading the site Cracked.com. It's pretty funny and the humor is based on some facts.
I came across this great article: 5 Things Nobody Tells You About Being Poor | Cracked.com
It's funny, but horrifyingly true! I had a co-worker making decent money, but wasn't getting ahead. So I offered to help. All I did was reconcile his checking account to find that he was paying $600 a month in overdraft charges because his wife was using the debit card attached to their checking account!! That's $7,200 a year and it was going on for several years! At 3 years, it's $21,600!!
It's shocking the lack of financial education in the United States. When I used to hear how important education was, "Go to school!" from my parents day in and day out. I realized that they don't necessarily know why. They see that people with college degrees make more money so they equate that with success.
In reality, it's not just the degree. If it was, certain people will not have succeeded in life, such as Bill Gates or Steve Jobs to name a few. The focal point should be the desire to LEARN in life. Know why is it that way and not just take it. For example, the "Occupiers" are mostly the "educated ignorant" people or the sheep that woke up one day and said something is not right with the "System", when in reality it's them who failed the system.
If you're poor reading this, there is hope. Know what is wrong and go about fixing it. Don't get sucked into a bad daily pattern of poor. Change your habits and you can change your life. Unless you like the way it is now, then ignore this post and go back to Facebook.
For those that are still reading, take notes from the article above and keep that money for yourself. Stop giving your money away and start saving it for yourself.
I came across this great article: 5 Things Nobody Tells You About Being Poor | Cracked.com
It's funny, but horrifyingly true! I had a co-worker making decent money, but wasn't getting ahead. So I offered to help. All I did was reconcile his checking account to find that he was paying $600 a month in overdraft charges because his wife was using the debit card attached to their checking account!! That's $7,200 a year and it was going on for several years! At 3 years, it's $21,600!!
It's shocking the lack of financial education in the United States. When I used to hear how important education was, "Go to school!" from my parents day in and day out. I realized that they don't necessarily know why. They see that people with college degrees make more money so they equate that with success.
In reality, it's not just the degree. If it was, certain people will not have succeeded in life, such as Bill Gates or Steve Jobs to name a few. The focal point should be the desire to LEARN in life. Know why is it that way and not just take it. For example, the "Occupiers" are mostly the "educated ignorant" people or the sheep that woke up one day and said something is not right with the "System", when in reality it's them who failed the system.
If you're poor reading this, there is hope. Know what is wrong and go about fixing it. Don't get sucked into a bad daily pattern of poor. Change your habits and you can change your life. Unless you like the way it is now, then ignore this post and go back to Facebook.
For those that are still reading, take notes from the article above and keep that money for yourself. Stop giving your money away and start saving it for yourself.
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