iTechSpeak :::...

Before wifi there was hifi. High fidelity referred to sound reproduction equipment that reproduced sound as near to the original sound as possible. It was accurate and faithful reproduction of the original, containing absence of distortion or enhancements.

Keeping within the fundamentals of HiFi, Wireless fidelity (WiFi) is a term for wireless local area networks (WLAN) that use specifications conforming to IEEE 802.11b. WiFi has gained acceptance in many environments as an alternative to a wired LAN. Public locations such as Starbucks, Borders, FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Centers, airports, hotels, and other services offer public access to WiFi networks so people can log onto the Internet. These locations are known as hotspots.

Wireless networks will be mainstream within the next 5 years. The writing is on the wall with all the upcoming wireless events in 2006.

It's primetime for anyone involved in the cabling infrastructure sector of technology to shift skill gears by learning about wireless networking implementations. A great way to start learning is by setting up your own wireless network at home. Wireless network security is and will continue to be in [profitable] demand, as an excellent specialty skill.

There are many reasons why municipalities are interested in installing metropolitan Wi-Fi networks. Three most common applications are:
- Public Safety (emergency responders, surveillance)
- Municipal Interest (more efficient city workers, bridging the digital divide, promoting development)
- Commercial Services (providing affordable residential or business broadband connectivity)

To see a glimpse of what the future will hold for wireless technology, the Pepper Pad is a 2.3-pound, Wi-Fi-enabled device, with a large, high-resolution screen, 20-gigabyte hard disk, built-in speakers and a thumb keypad, providing a powerful, versatile platform for a much wider range of online and off-line activities than any other portable device. Its 8.4-inch display is ideal for viewing full-width Web pages and watching full-screen videos. The Pepper Pad can store hours of music and videos, plus thousands of photos. And, with three forms of wireless communication – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared (IR) – the Pad can access and control a wide range of devices around the home, from Wi-Fi access points, to keyboards and mice, to TVs, set-top boxes, music systems, home theaters and media servers. It's an ideal way for consumers to have Internet and media access plus wireless remote control in every room of their home.
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I received this email from a good friend. Reading this could save a life.

Cell phones are once again proving just how valuable they can be by coming to the aid of police and paramedics during the time of an automobile accident or a disaster. Mobile phone users are being urged to enter a number in their cell phone's memory with the initials ICE which stands for In Case of Emergency, along with the contact person's name and number. For example: ICE John Husband 555/222-2222 -

With this valuable information readily available, emergency personnel can swiftly find the number and use it to reach a relative or friend who could help treat injured victims by providing personal information, including details about medical conditions. In extreme circumstances ICE contacts can help with identifying deceased victims.

British paramedic Bob Britchie is credited with creating ICE after reflecting on difficulties he has experienced on the job while trying to obtain information about the injured. The vast majority of people do not carry emergency contact information or next of kin information, but the vast majority of people do carry cell phones. Paramedics can search for ICE contacts and get the much needed information faster than looking for contacts or trying random names.

The Foundation recommends the following be done prior to listing an ICE contact:

1. Talk with the potential ICE contact to make them aware that they will be listed.

2. Give the ICE contact your full name, date of birth, address, blood type, medical conditions, allergies, surgery history, etc.

Please keep in mind that ICE is not fool proof. If you lock your phone out or the phone is damaged during the incident or accident, it will not work. With this in mind you should have your emergency contact information somewhere else such as in your wallet, briefcase or in the glove compartment of your car. ICE could be a lifesaver; these three letters can expedite treatment and help people at the earliest opportunity.
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I just came across this nifty little tool that's packed full of informational recsources for career professionals and business owners. This is definitely worth checking out. It seems to be updated with new resources pretty regularly. In adition to a cool pop blocker, it can be customized with other features, like adding radio stations to make your day go smoother.

• Improving the face of the organization through quality Customer Support
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• Primary cost savings are seen from help desk automation of company workflow.
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