Wednesday, October 5, 2011

A Look at the Different Important Aspects of Service Set Identifier (SSID)

The term service sets refers to different kinds of devices that are used in computers, specifically those that are connected to particular enterprise or local 802.11 wireless local area networks (LANs). One of the interrelated terms commonly associated with service sets is service set identifier or SSID. Although many people do not know what this thing is all about, it does not mean that it is unimportant. For a better and clearer understanding of this highly significant computer term, it is good to look at the various important aspects of SSID.

The Basic Function of SSID

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SSID is primarily a name used to identify a specific 802.11 wireless LAN. In this type of process, a client device commonly gets broadcast messages from every access point available that is within range advertising its SSID. When this happens, the client device has the option to choose a network with which to connect based on configuration. This can actually be done either automatically or manually. It is possible for every SSID to have 32 characters. An SSID is normally comprised of characters that are readable because it is commonly displayed to users. Despite this given fact, it is not considered as SSID standard.

Computer experts define SSID as a sequence of 1-32 octets, each character of which may take any kind of value even though unreadable. Sharing the same SSID is considered legitimate for multiple access points especially if they are designed to offer access to a similar network as an extended service. In addition, the practice of broadcasting multiple SSIDs are supported by some wireless access points, which then allows the formation of Virtual Access Points. Although not considered as a standard, this process includes the partitioning of one physical access point into various virtual points, with each having a unique set of network and security settings.

Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details

Aside from the SSID, it is also important to take note of the BSS, which stands for basic service set. This is actually one of the basic building blocks of an IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN. A standard BSS is comprised a single access point combined with various associated stations, which is true particularly in the case of a wireless LAN operating in an infrastructure mode.

In the case of an independent basic service set or IBSS, creating an ad-hoc network comprised of client devices is possible even without an Access Point. In addition to this, another interrelated service set is called an extended service set or ESSID, which is primarily made up of interconnected basic service sets with a common SSID.

A Look at the Different Important Aspects of Service Set Identifier (SSID)

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Data Input Masks in Microsoft Access

If you're new to creating databases, you may not have been applying validation rules to the fields you create. In the short term, this may be a problem-free way to take in data, especially if you're the only person who uses the database.

If you have more than one person doing data entry, however, you may want to set up validation rules for your data inputs. This will save time in the long run because it provides an immediate way to assure that data is entered according to a specific format, and that necessary fields are not left empty.

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Inconsistent data can cause reporting problems, and create additional work for the database administrator. Postal codes, phone numbers, serial numbers, dates, titles and any other number of data types can be validated upon entry. If the entered data does not match the specified format, Access will indicate the error and ask the user to re-enter the data using the correct format.

To ensure that data are entered properly, the easiest form of validation involves applying an input mask to a field. Access provides an Input Mask Wizard to make the process easy.

To start the Input Mask Wizard, select the Input Mask property and choose the ellipsis button. Depending upon what you were doing immediately prior to this, Access may ask if you want to save the table you've been working in. Click Yes to save the table. The Input Mask Wizard will provide a list of pre-configured input masks, for example you can choose to force a user to enter a telephone number in a predefined format to prevent data entry errors. Select the mask you want to apply. If no mask suits your needs exactly, choose one that is similar. You'll have the opportunity to fine-tune the mask to your liking. Click Next.

Use the Input Mask box to adjust the input mask to your specifications. Choose the placeholder characters that will serve as examples for your mask and click Next.

Indicate whether or not you want symbols (such as hyphens or parentheses) stored along with your field data. Click Finish.

You can modify a mask to require or restrict the use of specific characters. Characters can also be indicated as optional. Input masks can also be configured with modifiers that don't appear as data, but act on the data. For example, a modifier may convert all entered data to upper case (for example a postcode would always appear as upper case) or lower case letters, insert a thousands separator in a string of numbers, or substitute asterisks for a stored password.

You can also configure literal characters in an input mask. A literal character would be stored with the data and could be a symbol, character or string that is appended to the entered data.

The input mask allows you to standardize data entry and prevent errors that could corrupt searches as your database grows.

Data Input Masks in Microsoft Access

Monday, October 3, 2011

Barracuda Vs SonicWALL

As far as Barracuda anti spam and virus firewall program is concerned, this is an effective program that can be used for blocking the spam for any organization. This has been termed as the most advanced and well accepted anti spam program that can offer more security and networking options for your organization. Barracuda anti spam and virus firewall program has been designed on the basis of a high-end algorithm. This program can too bring you more advantage due to the addition of Bayesian analysis method. This analysis method can block the spam effectively. There are twelve high-end defense lawyers that have been added for the Barracuda anti spam program in order to make it more efficient.

Well, it the SonicWALL that too seems to be loaded with enough supportive, quality and efficient features that can bring in right kind of security and network management options for you. This program is having super spam blocking options that can be used to add more security factor for your organization. When you are looking for more protection against phishing attacks, it's the SonicWALL anti spam program that can bring in more good results for you. It can also gather important details with the help of its expanded network, which is also, known as the GRDI or the Global Response Intelligent Defense Network. Unlike some other solution suppliers who limit the definition of effectiveness to stopping threats, and SonicWALL expands definition of the effectiveness to stopping the threats, speed to the response as well as protection of the SonicWALL gives unique protection against the spam as well as other email threats, such as phishing attacks, by gathering important learning from the expansive network & sources named SonicWALL Global Response Intelligent Defense Network.

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With one million of users, GRID Network gives collaborative intelligence, allowing SonicWALL to deliver the fast & accurate response to latest spam threats - and SonicWALL delivers the new threat protection each 5 minutes. Barracuda just delivers the new threat protection on every hour - SonicWALL delivers the new threat protection twelve times more frequently than the Barracuda1.

Barracuda Vs SonicWALL

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Tweaks to Speed Up Internet Streaming Video

The birth of "Guerilla Video" sites, such as Peekvid.com, Alluc.org and Youtube.com have given users instant access to a plethora of free media files. Although streaming video technology offers instant access to video files, zero loading time is not always possible. There are many factors that attribute to your computer's ability to start videos immediately. Other factors such as choppy PC video playback and slow video streaming also hinder your viewing experience. There are easy fixes to these problems. Sometimes choosing another site for the source of the video streaming or a lower quality version of the video can award you with instant play. These alternatives are not always available. However, there are a number of tweaks that help speed up your streaming video startup times, eliminate choppy PC video play and stop slow streaming video.

Before we start with the tweaks to speed up slow streaming video, lets get a basic understanding of streaming video technology in order to stop choppy video. Streaming video is a prerecorded video files that can be distributed as part of a live broadcast "feed." The video signal is converted into a compressed digital signal and transmitted from a Web server. This server is able to be multicast the same file to multiple users at the same time. When you click on the on the video it is partially loaded before you can access it. This is known as "buffering". This helps you to load and play the video instantaneously. Now lets take a look on how to cut down on buffering time, stop slow streaming video and eliminate choppy PC video playback .

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Common Streaming Video Problems

Problem #1: Choppy PC Video Playback--Choppy video is usually a PC performance related issue. Here are a few things you can try to stop choppy playback and improve computer performance.

Solution A. Turn Off Hardware Acceleration-All media applications require different aspects of your computer's hardware. Depending on the task, the requirements may change. Turning off hardware acceleration allows the application to set the requirements itself and not be forced to use one universal setting. Hardware acceleration has been to known to cause choppy PC playback, application crashes and slow streaming video problems.

You can eliminate the problem below:
1.Click on "Start"
2.Click "Control Panel"
3.Select the "Settings" tab and click on the "Advanced".
4.Click on the "Troubleshoot" tab.
5.Disable the hardware acceleration completely by dragging the slider to the extreme left.

Solution B. Turn off Video Acceleration-The reason for this tweak is the similar to hardware acceleration. This act frees up resources in your media player and not your hardware. However you will need to decrease video acceleration in your chosen player. Some sites like Youtube.com don't offer this option. However, Windows Media Player gives the ability to easily alter this problem, follow the steps below. Other players' instructions will vary.

1. In Windows Media Player
2. Click the "Tools" menu tab
3. Click on "Options"
4. Select the "Performance" tab.
5. Move the Video Acceleration Slider to "None"

Solution C. Adjust your Windows Desktop Visual Effects-You computer will get a significance boost in
speed. This tweak will also free up more resources for your media player and PC performance.

1.Click "Start", and then click "Control Panel".
2.Click "System" and Choose "Display".
3.Find the "Advanced" tab and Click
4.Under "Performance", Click "Settings"
5.Under "Visuals Effects", you may choose from a list of options such as "Adjust for best performance" or custom. If you choose Adjust for best performance all the features will be unchecked.

For more performance tips check the "Speed Up PC" to free up more resources to stop PC choppy playback.

Problem #2: Slow and Constant Buffering-This problem can be attributed to two factors internet speed and your media player. You can tweak your PC setting in both areas to cut down on slow streaming video. Remember that each player has its own buffer settings. Below is an how to change buffer setting in Media Player.

Solution A. Adjust Buffer Settings-- To change the default buffer settings in Windows Media Player, use the following steps:
1.Start Windows Media Player
2.Click the "View" men
3.Click "Options"
4.On the "Advanced" tab, click "Streaming Media"(Windows Media)
5.Click "Change" to alter the buffer settings.

Remember that the higher you set the buffer the more of the clip will be loaded. The waiting time before you can see or hear the file will be longer, but there should be fewer interruptions once the clip begins to play.

Solution B. Use a Video Specific Proxy-A proxy allows for popular files to be loaded onto its servers. This eliminates the need for your computer to load the files. For example if you use the proxy, YouTubeProxy.org, you will not have to wait for your computer to download popular YouTube.com content because it may be already loaded in the server. This is a great way to stop slow streaming video.

These are just a few tips to eliminate choppy PC video playback and slow streaming video. However, there are more advanced ways to stop this problem. Depending on the site, there may be independent software developed specifically to speed up slow streaming video. Also, remember the general maintenance is a good way to avoid choppy PC video playback.

Tweaks to Speed Up Internet Streaming Video