I bet you Apple is not running adds on this!! I always believed Apple is way overrated so buy wisely.

Apple has said that it has found 17 labor violations at its factories. The one garnering most attention is the use of underage employees.

Apple has released its 2010 Supplier Responsibility report (PDF), revealing that three of its suppliers have hired underage workers. Though these employees were either no longer working
at the factories or no longer underage at the time of the audit, Apple’s inspectors found records of 11 employees who had been hired prior to reaching the legal age. However, child labor was not the only violation uncovered by the audit.

Apple also found more than 50 factories that forced employees to work longer than Apple’s maximum 60-hour weeks. Some facilities were depriving staff of benefits such as sick leave. All told, the inspectors uncovered 17 violations; a ‘core violation’ is considered the most serious class of violation. “It refers to any practice or situation that we consider to be contrary to the core principles underlying Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct,” Apple said.

Three of these violations were cases of falsifying records. That is, factories tried to cover up other violations by presenting inspectors with records that had been tampered with. One had tried to cover up hiring underage workers in the past, while the other two tried to cover up the fact that employees were overworked and not awarded days of rest. One facility falsified these records two years running. The company was caught in both 2008 and 2009.

Apple also found a staggering number of facilities that were not paying staff correctly:

At 48 of the facilities audited, we found that overtime wages had been calculated improperly, resulting in underpayment of overtime wages. At 24 facilities, our auditors found that workers had been paid less than minimum wage for regular working hours. In most of these cases, the facility’s pay structure for regular hours depended on attendance-related bonuses to meet minimum wage requirements; without these bonuses, there was no guarantee that the minimum wage would be met. We also found 15 facilities where the facility’s pay structure was unnecessarily complex and could result in underpayment of wages.

Other violations include excessive recruitment
fees and three cases where suppliers contracted with non-certified vendors for hazardous waste disposal.

When a core violation is detected, Apple requires that the facility remedy the situation immediately, as well as implement management systems that ensure continued compliance. The facility is also placed on probation for a period of one year, ending with a reaudit to ensure the violation has not reoccurred.

Apple inspected 102 facilities across China, the Czech Republic, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States.

Source : Tom’s Hardware US

The Dotcom bust ten years ago caught the semiconductor industry with their pants on the ground (yeah like the American Idol looser)
When global demand for chip stopped, the chip industry scaled down on the manufacturing. Thus creating a spike in the prices now and also in the future. Market expectations are that the chip shortage will drive prices up through 2012. Good for the industry not so much for consumers. Expect to pay more for everything that has a chip in it. Computer memory, mobile phones, etc. Prices for gadget such as iphones and itouch will likely bottom out at a higher dollar compared to similar trends over the past 15-20 years.

Are you a Verizon Corporate employees and are a little upset at the way the bonuses have been paid for 2010? You are not alone! It’s not a secret Verizon will likely lay off 13k jobs this year; Verizon posted a net loss of $653 million, or 23 cents per share, compared with net income of $1.24 billion, or 43 cents a share in the same quarter a year ago. Ivan and Danny’s words last year was that to be number one you needed to hire top talent and do what was needed to retain that talent. I guess it does not apply this year.
To end a long story short, corporate employees only received 75% and maybe .5 to 1. % base pay increase if they had enough luck…not even to cover the growing cost of 2% reduced fat milk now days (and the cheap generic crap not the organic stuff).
Verizon Wireless employees received the same as last year bonuses, clearly a slap in the face for many. I am not knocking anyone level of dedication and loyalty to the company but Corporate Employees work just as hard and just as long as wireless. But the end result is lower pay for Corporate. I am not one for looking in anyone’s wallet, but I am certain the executives got their fare share regardless of how big the Q4 loss was.

I believe that windows 7 may represent the last biggest upgrade to the Windows environment. Looking at it from a client desktop perspective likely the biggest ever. Microsoft adoption and replacement cycle will take W7 to the next seven years at least. During this time I am sure Microsoft will start looking at new technologies; I see Microsoft going toward less PC-centric, but then again I think Microsoft will have no choice since vendor and manufacturer will also move toward the same goals.

As a parent I am sure you allow your children to use computers on a daily base, to play to work on school, home work etc. Please know these facts associated with computers at or just use of computer by children in general.
Facts You Should Know
The Internet is a wonderful vehicle for learning. Unfortunately, it is also a powerful tool for predators that prey upon innocent children. Did you know?

* Internet crime is the fastest growing crime in the U.S., and children are the fastest growing victim pool
* In the U.S., 95% of schools are now connected to the Internet
* Over 45 million children ages 10 through 17 uses the Internet. Among them:
o One in five has been sexually solicited
o One in four has encountered unwanted pornography
o Close to 60% of teens have received an e-mail or instant message from a stranger and half have communicated back
* Over 75% of Internet crimes involving sexual solicitations of children and exposure to unwanted pornography is not reported to police or parents

Most children know more about the Internet than adults do. As a result, many parents do not supervise their children’s Internet use. Here are some surprising statistics:

* An estimated 20% of parents do not supervise their children’s Internet use at all
* Only 52% of parents moderately supervise their children’s Internet use
* Some 71% of parents stop supervising Internet use by their children after the age of 14, yet 72% of all Internet-related missing children cases involve children who are 15 years of age or older
* Close to 62% of teens say their parents know little or nothing about the websites they visit

Dangers to Children Online

There are many dangers that your child can encounter while surfing the Net or hanging out in chat rooms. Some websites are offensive and threatening because of their content. There are no rules that govern the Internet, so anyone can set up a website for any purpose. Consequently, there are sites that:

* Explain how to grow and process narcotics
* Advocate hate or anarchy
* Sell stolen goods
* Show how to make fake ID’s or manufacture counterfeit money
* Elicits personal information for illegal purposes
* Offer “get rich quick” schemes that put your family at financial risk

There are also bomb making sites and millions of pornographic sites. Unfortunately, over 100,000 sites are involved in child pornography. Almost any search of the Internet can lead to objectionable content. Even the most innocent, legitimate topics can be related, or linked, to something offensive. Chat rooms and newsgroups are available for every topic you can imagine. Chat rooms are probably the most dangerous areas on the Internet. There are many topics that appear safe for children and teens but, in reality, they are not. “Cyber-molesters” are not a new breed of offender. They simply have a new medium to reach their prey — the Internet. They pose as other children and gain the confidence of their victims by chatting about the latest fashions, music and celebrities. Chat rooms can lead to private conversations, e-mails, instant messages and photo exchanges. If your children talk in chat rooms, chances are they are talking to strangers.
Warning Signs

What are some indications that your child might be at risk on the Internet? The signs could be as simple as excessive use of the Internet (especially at night) or as frightening as your child actually setting up a meeting with a stranger. Other things you should watch out for include:

* Unsupervised time in chat rooms
* Downloaded photos of strangers
* Downloaded pornographic pictures
* Phone calls, gifts or letters from strangers
* Using an online account that belongs to someone else
* Changes in behavior and being secretive about online activity
* Quickly turning off the computer or changing the screen monitor when someone else enters the room

Tips for Parents

What can you do as parents to help protect your child online?

Parents need to educate themselves and become comfortable with the Internet. Communicate the dangers and risks of being online with your children. Supervise your children on the Internet just as you would monitor what movies and TV shows they watch and the places they go with their friends.

You would not let your children open the door to a stranger, so don’t let them spend long hours online alone. Using products that can be purchased in computer stores and on the Net, you can track your child’s use of the Internet and block objectionable material from reaching your household. But remember, no product can fulfill all your needs. There is no substitute for your involvement. Pay attention to your children because, if you don’t, someone else will. Print tips for parents.

1. Place your computer in a common area of the house.
This is probably the most important thing you can do. Do not let your children be in their rooms all night on the Internet. The mere presence of parents can have a tremendous effect on a child’s online activities. It’s much more difficult for a computer sex offender to communicate with a child when the computer screen is visible to a parent or other member of the household.
2. Educate yourself about computers and the Internet.
You need to know how to use the Internet in order to know what your children are doing on it. Take a basic computer class or buy a book about the Internet. Check with your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for information on using all of their services. Go to some of the sites listed in “Resources” to help you get started.
3. Spend time with your children online.
Ask your children how they use the Internet and have them teach you about their favorite destinations. Make “surfing the Net” a family experience. Just as you look for good television programs for your children, take the time to find the best and most useful websites for them. Go to “Resources” for some examples of fun sites for the whole family.
4. Make reasonable rules and set time and use limits. Enforce them.
You should set guidelines about what your children can and cannot do on the Internet. Try to understand their needs, interest and curiosity. But, you must set limits on when they may use the Internet and for how long.
5. Educate yourself and your child about the dangers of the Internet.
Teach your children about sexual victimization and other potential dangers of the Internet. Talk openly and honestly with your children about what they are doing on the Net and what your concerns are.
6. Do not allow your child to go into private chat rooms, especially when you are not present.
Computer sex offenders will often meet potential victims using chat rooms. Later, they’ll attempt to communicate with children by way of e-mail or instant messaging. If you can, try to keep your child out of chat rooms altogether. You never know who is in a chat room watching and waiting for a victim.
7. Reinforce the guiding rule, “Don’t talk to strangers.”
Tell your children what they are told online may, or may not, be true. No matter how much their online “buddies” seem like friends who share interests, they are still strangers. Remember, cyber molesters pretend to be children.
8. Put accounts in your name and know your child’s passwords.
The Internet account and primary screen name should be in your name, not your children’s names. It’s also a good idea to know your children’s passwords and let them know you will check their online activity.
9. Never allow your children to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met online without your permission.
Many predators want to meet a child for sexual contact. Your child should never meet a stranger alone in a face-to-face meeting. If you ever do agree to a meeting, make sure it is in a public place and accompany your child.
10. Do not let your child give out any personal information of any kind on the Internet.
Children should never give out their name, home address, telephone number or school name. They should be aware that even naming a friend, local sports team, shopping mall or community event could give away their identities.
11. Do not let your child download or upload pictures without your permission.
Predators will often send photographs or visuals to children as part of a grooming process to gain trust. Some of the photographs may be pornographic and may even involve child pornography.
12. Utilize your Internet Service Provider’s parental controls and commercial blocking and filtering software tools.
Most ISP’s have parental controls – use them. Other filtering and monitoring software programs can be purchased separately. Monitors show a history of use so you can see where your child has been on the Internet. Filters block access to objectionable material. Remember, while parents should utilize monitors and filters, do not totally rely upon them. There is no substitute for parental guidance and supervision. See our “Resources” for sites that compare monitors and filters.
13. Be sensitive to changes in your children’s behaviors that may indicate they are being victimized.
Be alert to personality changes. If victimized online, children may become withdrawn from their families or secretive about their activities. Computer sex offenders work very hard at driving a wedge between children and their parents.
14. Be alert to a teenager or adult who is paying an unusual amount of attention to your children or giving them gifts.
Most sexual offenders are not just satisfied with the computer. Eventually, they want to talk to the children on the telephone, engage in “phone sex” and set up a meeting. As part of a “seduction” process, a sexual offender may send letters, photographs, gifts or packages to potential victims. Some offenders have even sent children digital cameras and plane tickets.
15. Be aware of other computers your children could be using.
Your children probably use computers at the library, school, and friends’ houses – maybe even cyber-cafés. Talk to your children about other computers they use.
16. Be aware of your child using another person’s screen name.
Watch for your child using an online account belonging to someone else in order to bypass filters or monitors on your computer. Computer sex offenders may provide potential victims with a computer account for communication with them.
17. Develop a “contract” with your children about their Internet use.
You may want to develop an agreement or “contract” with your children about their use of the Internet. A pledge from your children to follow certain rules on the Internet may develop trust. Several websites have examples of contracts. You can find them in our “Resources.”
18. Review the use histories or logs of your computer to see where your children have been.
Sometimes, you can trace where your child has been on the Internet by checking different areas of your computer. By clicking on Windows Explorer and checking such files as Cookies, Temp History, Internet History or Cache files, you can see what your children have been doing online. You can also check the recycle bin or deleted files to see what’s been erased. If you suspect your child is deleting material, some programs will “undelete” files. Remember that some things are not stored unless a person saves or prints it, e.g., instant messages and chat conversations

Chat Lingo

By the way, did you know that there’s a whole different way of speaking online and in chat rooms? Do you know that kids talk in abbreviations and symbols? Do you know what LOL means? ASL? TNX? NP? J/K? or what means? LOL means “laughing out loud.” ASL means “age/sex/location?” TNX means “thanks.” NP means “no problem.” J/K means “just kidding.” And the last symbol is a wink. You can learn about chat lingo by checking with your Internet Service Provider or searching the web for chat lingo. Learn the lingo and know what your kids are saying!!!!

Netbooks. I was actually one of the few that did not think much about them or the success associated with them. The formula is rather simple and clever. Take a ordinary notebook, strip it down. Reduce processing power, shrink its footprint, and reduce the price tag. Current netbooks from HP, Dell or Lenovo cram performance once only reserved for full size notebooks into 2-pounds package. Cost for these netbooks today vary from 250.00 to 500.00 US. These machines aren’t designed to serve as one primary PC, but they are ideal for low cost, low mass secondary systems. Perfect for travel, on the go, or in the house.

Keyboards- Some model may cram in full size keyboards but typically netbooks are 10-20 percent smaller from a keyboard perspective.

CPU- Most common configuration I know of is a 1.3 up to 1.6ghz Intel power Atom processor. Avoid anything less than a 1.ghz.

Memory- 1gb may be standard on most models, however, personally I would avoid anything less than a 2gb in size of memory. Also, if you have Windows 7, 2gb would be the magic number you would want to stick with.

USB- Try to stick with units that have at least 3 ports, USB or mini DV, the more the better!

Screen- 8-10 inches would be your typical netbook. Anything above 12 inches would not be considered a netbook.

Wireless connectivity- Wi-Fi Bluetooth and Wireless N should at least be the minimum you would want to look for. Options may be 3g etc with monthly service associated with it.

Card Readers- SD is typically included in most units

Battery- Most units should at least have a 10-12 hour battery, don’t get any extended battery since it may make the unit heavier and bulkier.

Storage- Most units now have a 250gb storage device either a normal spinning drive or a Solid state drive (at additional cost)
Getting a bigger is an option but careful since it may make the unit run slower. A solide state drive may help but the cost different today does not justify the switch for the normal user. Especially on these low cost netbooks.

I’ve always held the belief that certifications are important, but there are quite a few people who make the argument that certifications aren’t relevant today. A case can be made either way based on empirical data and anecdotal stories.

Some say that there is real data to show that the relationship between training, certification and the functional performance of teams of IT professionals. The results of this study are in the November 2009 report by Cushing Anderson called “Impact of Training on Network Administration: Certification Leads to Operational Productivity.”
IDC’s 36-month study involved surveying more than 1,100 IT managers who are responsible for more than 3,000 teams. The survey asked for details about more than 80 IT performance metrics in 26 different functional domains, which include deployment, development, management, security, storage and support. Having analyzed all that data, IDC has come to the conclusion that certification in relevant areas matters, and here’s why.
Increasingly, companies are relying on their IT departments to go beyond simply deploying and operating IT systems. IT departments are often included in business transformations and process improvements that will help the business grow and become more profitable. This means the department needs to have a staff of people with both business acumen and IT knowledge and skills. In many companies including the one I work in this is something that is expected although certifications are not really pushed or suggested. So again the argument I guess remains open ended and subject to upper management interpretation 

www.gamecopypro.com claims to offer game copy solution or backup solutions for major game consoles, xbox, Sony PS etc.

This is a complete scam after paying the fee of 30.00 you are given a spyware/virus infected download of worthless software. The few instructions or pointers given are really just suggestions or links to already known public software or tips which are not even 100% proven working tips. Therefore, to pay for these suggestions at best is fraud.

I have additional information here as well: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/592188

Also, look at the ripoff report web site for report on gamecopypro.

Interesting New Your Post Article….enjoy.

The truth hurts AT&T — and Verizon is all too happy to inflict the pain.

Early this month, AT&T sued Verizon over its new “There’s a Map for That” campaign, claiming the plucky ads mislead consumers about AT&T’s 3G coverage area. Instead of backing down, Verizon took AT&T’s complaint and used it as ammunition for its own legal filing in response.

Verizon opens with this slam: “AT&T did not file this lawsuit because Verizon’s ‘There’s A Map For That’ advertisements are untrue; AT&T sued because Verizon’s ads are true and the truth hurts.”

Verizon’s campaign, which started last month, compares the geographic reach of its 3G network to AT&T’s. The ads feature two maps, including a blue one for AT&T that shows big white gaps where its 3G network isn’t available.

AT&T complains the ads mislead consumers into thinking the white areas reflect parts of the country where AT&T doesn’t have cellphone coverage — not just 3G services. A judge is scheduled to hear a request today from AT&T for a court order to bar Verizon from using the maps in its ads.

The Verizon ads spoof Apple’s “There’s an App for That” commercials for its popular iPhone. The 53-page filing claims the real issue for AT&T is its failure to expand its network ahead of the rollout of Apple’s iPhone, for which AT&T is the sole wireless provider.

“AT&T may not like the message that the ads send, but this court should reject its efforts to silence the messenger,” Verizon said in its filing.

Verizon said AT&T is seeking an immediate order to yank the ads “to gain a tactical advantage during the critical holiday shopping season.”

Meanwhile, Verizon, with the help of ad agency McCann Erickson, has rolled out three more “Map” spots with a holiday theme, including a riff on “The Island of the Misfit Toys” from a classic Christmas special.

The ad shows an iPhone relegated to the land of castoff toys — not because of its snazzy features and sleek design — but because of AT&T’s spotty 3G coverage. When one of the toys is surprised to see the iPhone banished there, AT&T’s blue coverage map pops up and suddenly the toys understand.

Verizon’s irreverent ads appear to be striking a chord with consumers.

Robert Passikoff, the founder and president of Brand Keys, a consulting firm, said Verizon is moving up his brand index in terms of loyalty and engagement.

“Verizon is getting stronger in the wireless category,” he said. “AT&T is, if not worse, staid.”

The way I see it its going to take far more than the “Iphone” or a single product to keep ATT in the scheme of things. ATT has  far more failures than it has success. Look at the U-Verse product for example. They tried to go the cheap route by trying to mimic FIOS. U-Verse is Fiber to the Node. Basically, it brings fiber out part of the way, to those big refrigerator-sized boxes in the neighborhood. Past that point, it’s just VDSL.  Everything you get with U-Verse rides on that VDSL – the television channels are pure IPTV, and shares the bandwidth with your internet service.

FIOS is fiber to the premises. They actually bring out fiber right up to the building, resulting in significantly higher potential bandwidth available. The other key difference is that with FIOS, the television service is transmitted via QAM, same as digital cable. It is multiplexed on the same fiber optic cable at a different frequency from the IP service. This means that not only do you not have the service delivery issues of IPTV, but also the TV service doesn’t rob bandwidth.

So wich one you think is best? Well if you still cant figure it out, let me help you!  It is the difference between night and day – FIOS is far superior technologically to U-Verse, and always will be.

I found this article on the recent lawsuit by ATT related to the advertising campaign that Verizon ran. The funny thing is that ATT is not suing because of the fact that the campaign is untrue…but rather unfair competition. See below!

Verizon fired back Monday in the war of words between itself and AT&T, arguing that AT&T’s request for a temporary restraining order blocking Verizon’s current ad campaign should be denied, as Verizon’s ads were truthful.

Put another way: “AT&T did not file this lawsuit because Verizon’s “There’s A Map For That” advertisements are untrue; AT&T sued because Verizon’s ads are true and the truth hurts,” Verizon’s memorandum of law said, filed in response to AT&T’s TRO request.

Verizon’s motion was filed late Monday in a Georgia district court.

On Nov. 3, AT&T sued Verizon, asking for a temporary injunction blocking Verizon’s ad campaign, which has aggressively portrayed Verizon’s network as a reason for customers to switch from AT&T. On Nov. 13, AT&T issued a detailed rebuttal of what it apparently felt were the claims Verizon made in its campaign. One of AT&T’s chief objections was that customers can take advantage of Web browsing and other smartphone features even if they’re outside of the 3G network, but connected to the AT&T EDGE network.

In its response, Verizon claims that its ads should be considered solely on the merits of the 3G networks Verizon claims its ads compare. Verizon’s filing claims that Verizon’s 3G network covers five times more geographic area than AT&T’s 3G network.

“Despite the far smaller size of its 3G network, AT&T has spent tens of millions of dollars making its 3G network, which it dubs the “Nation’s Fastest 3G Network,” the centerpiece of its national advertising since at least the summer of 2008,” Verizon charged. “AT&T now is attempting to silence Verizon’s ads that include maps graphically depicting the geographic reach of AT&T’s 3G network as compared to Verizon’s own 3G network because AT&T does not like the truthful picture painted by that comparison.”

Since Verizon’s ads have not been legally found to be misleading or false, a TRO is unwarranted, Verizon argued.

AT&T representatives were not immediately available for comment.