Tech Time: Job Hunting with Social Networking

The Internet and social networking services like Facebook can make it easier to find a job (or a date). But it can just as easily make opportunities disappear if not managed properly.

The Do's and Don'ts When Job Hunting
Do post a profile on Linked In, its "the new resume". This social networking site is well targeted to business professionals looking for staff, partners and project leaders. There are no smileys or random albums, just a clean interface designed to get you noticed by the business establishment.

Do Google yourself and see what postings are relevant to you. Many employers now customarily search the Internet as part of their due diligence process when hiring staff. Beat them to the punch, see what is out there about you and if there are negative postings make a note to address them in the interview.

Do tweak you privacy settings on Facebook, MySpace and similar networking site to limit postings to your friends. Be aware that potential and current employers may already have been added as a friend and can see everything you put up online.

Don't post derogatory comments, revealing photos, foul language or lewd jokes; even with the most advanced privacy settings you cannot truly control the information once it is placed in cyberspace.

Don't reveal privileged or confidential information about your work, it speaks badly to your character and may leave you open to dismissal, sanctions or litigation.

Don't assume that you have complete control of your online identity, others may post pictures, comments, video or other information about you without your knowledge or permission. So be vigilant in Googling yourself on a periodic basis.

There is no denying that social networking sites like Facebook have revolutionised the way we communicate. While caught up in the moment at our PC in our private homes and offices, we sometimes forget that we are actually in a public space. Our postings in the virtual world have consequences in the real world, keep that in mind as you each time you click 'share'.

Tech Time Bonus
BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 has been leaked and is available for download all over the web. The LEAKED Messenger application looks and acts completely differently than its predassor.

The new version of the BB only instant messenger application displays avatars for contacts and links them to the device address book, allows for different chat styles (standard, bubbles or stripes) and features mire smileys. Advanced productivity highlights include the ability to set conversation subjects, backup/restore contacts to a media card and improved send options.

But BB Messenger 5 raises the cool coefficient with a novel bar code scanning/sharing option that allows devices to add themselves to each other's contact list by scanning a uniquely generated bar code from the screen. The software only works with BlackBerry phones using OS 4.5.0.131 or higher.

Progress comes at a price however; this new application has not been fully tested and doesn't come with any guarantees. So BEFORE installing, backup ALL device data. Several users have reported a loss of all contacts, system freezes and/or other problematic occurrences after installation.



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Next on Tech Time ... Email Hoaxes

Tech Time: Document Collaboration

A group of us are working on a document; it happens at school, work or church. We all use Microsoft Word, turn on the track changes option and away we go. Microsoft Word offers rich features that let us monitor different versions, identify specific changers by specific users, add comments or footnotes and so much more.

But the big drawback is that most of us email the documents around to each other, creating multiple copies and needless delays. Online document collaborations allow us to all that (and more) in real time, from virtually anywhere and maintain a single copy of the document with access to all.

Some advantages:
· Accessibility: Collaborators don’t all need to have the same software, just internet access
· Functionality: Many online collaboration programmes have many of the same rich features as Word

Suggested Services
· http://etherpad.com/: Basic collaboration, stripped down with built in chat

· http://docs.google.com/: Arguably most popular collaboration tool, offers word processor, spreadsheet and presentation applications, lots of features like publishing to a blog or website

· http://www.zoho.com/: Takes collaboration a step further, but including a database application as well.

· http://live.office.com/: Unlike the other services, payment is required to access all the features and Microsoft Office required as well.

· http://thinkfree.com/: In addition to online mode, allows users to download apps and run from home computer while syncing with online account.

Some disadvantages:
· Shift in habits: We’ve gotten used to Word, we need to adjust to the new paradigm
· Online access: Collaborators need to have reliable access to the internet, and even then editing is slightly slower online that in Word


Tech tip: Always keep a backup copy of your online documents, just in case.

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Next on Tech Time ... Business and social networking

Tech Time: Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is an elusive term to define, but a cool concept to embrace.

Imagine, being able to access your information anywhere, anytime. Imagine being able to work on virtually any computer without needing specialised software. Imagine, cloud computing!

Cloud computing can be defined as 'a style of computing where massively scalable IT related capabilities are provided as a service across the internet to multiple external customers'. The concept involves running applications on the internet and storing data on remote services accessible via the internet from any capable machine around the world.

To be clear, not all remote computing is cloud computing; the internet is not the cloud and not all software as a service is part of the cloud. But cloud computing does have significant advantages.

Advantages

• Accessibility - your data is available from virtually any Internet capable computer, leaving you device and location independent
• Cost effectiveness - 'rent' rather than buy robust software as needed
• Reliability - data is generally hosted on multiple, remote, independent servers to protect against data loss and facilitate disaster recovery

Disadvantages

• Accessibility - must have Internet service to access data; no Internet, no data
• Security - technically, your data is not private and therefore accessible by third parties
• Reliability - data access is dependent on access provided by a host who may be exposed to network outages and/or denial of service attacks

Ready to log into The Cloud? Let's start out with popular office applications for students and business professionals:

• Google Docs
• Microsoft Office Live

Currently, both sites are free to access and use.



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Next on Tech Time ... Document collaboration

Tech Time: Mobile Phone Etiquette

We see it all the time, persons yakking away insensitively at the top of their lungs , on their mobile phone, at the movie theatre or restaurant, or calling you at the crack of dawn, or interrupting your conversation by taking a call. Good phone etiquette is really common courtesy, but sometimes it is not so common. So, let’s go through a list of mobile phone do’s and don’ts.

Making A Call
· Dial very carefully to avoid dialling the wrong number for two reasons; it is annoying and it is cheaper
· Give your name first and a brief reason for the call before asking for whom you would like to speak
· Don’t distract others with your call. Mobile phone may be convenient, but that doesn’t mean they should be used everywhere and anywhere
· Use a headset while driving and speaking on the phone; don’t text and drive
· Ask for permission before taking pictures or video; when using your phone as a camera, camera rules apply
· Generally, do not call strangers before 9 am or after 10 pm

Receiving A Call
· Answer your phone promptly (by the third ring)
· Don’t answer while chewing gum, eating, typing or being somehow distracted. It is just rude.
· Switch off the ringer in meetings, at church, the movies, seminars, etc. It can be rude, disturbing or distracting for your phone to ring in such situations
· If you must answer your phone while in the company of others, inform the persons at the beginning of the meeting that you are expecting a call
· Remember everyone hears your personalised ring tone, not just you. Even though you want your ringtone to represent you and your mood, make sure it is suitable for all the situations in which your phone will ring
· Don’t yell. If the caller can’t hear you, move to a different location with stronger signal or less background noise

On A Call
· Use the hold and mute buttons to avoid embarrassing moments


Tech tip: Blue-tooth headsets are made to facilitate calls, not as a fashion accessory. When not in use, stow it away.

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Next on Tech Time ... Cloud Computing and Data Backup

Tech Time: Homework Help Online

Sadly, summer is over and it’s time to go back to school. Thanks to the Internet however, going back to school is easier than ever. Whether it is to study, research, prepare assignments or collaborate, help can be found online.

International Sites
www.homeworkspot.com
This site covers multiple subjects for students in kindergarten through to Grade 12. It also provides links to lots of resources, activities and answers for students, parents and teachers.

www.hotmath.com
Specifically directed to Math, the site looks at algebra, geometry, science, trigonometry and calculus with step by step answers, practice tests, lessons, calculators, games and workbooks. The site works best with American text books, but helpful regardless of book used. Other Math sites include: www.algerbra.com, www.algerbrahelp.com.

www.yourhomework.com
Registration (free or premium) is required to truly access this site's potential, but once registered, there is no advertising. Students can collaborate with others studying the same subject through online discussions or live chat rooms in a safe environment.

www.highschoolace.com
With a clear, clean, intuitive layout, this site covers a wide range of topics at various grade levels. Reference tools, interactive tools, download and practice papers are all key features, along with a built in dictionary and encyclopedia.


Local Sites
www.gogsat.com
Established in partnership with the Gleaner’s Youth Link, the site provides online help and exam preparation, including timed practice papers. But the site requires paid registration to truly benefit from its features.

www.homeworkjamaica.com
Although it is crowded with ads and has not been updated within the last year, the site does offer free access to GSAT and CXC tips and trivia, along with support for parents.


Tech tip: Set up your own site for your study group.



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Next on Tech Time ... Phone Etiquette