Archives for January 2023

Happy Tuesday & Happy National Compliment Day! It’s the perfect day to share a simple compliment with someone to put a smile on their face. Whether you compliment a job well done or their classic style – a compliment can go a long way!

In This Issue: Hiking Adventures & Project Chimps | Dell PowerEdge T620 | Autonomous vs Lightweight Access Points | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Hiking Adventures & Project Chimps

Good Morning & Happy Tuesday!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I was able to escape to the north Georgia mountains for a little getaway with some friends which was definitely much needed and good for the soul!

While we were in the mountains, we had an opportunity to visit an organization called “Project Chimps”. It’s a 230+ acre sanctuary for chimps who were retired from medical testing. Apparently, it became illegal to test on chimps in 2015, and, at the time, there were over 1,000 chimps in labs across the U.S. that needed a place to go. Project Chimps currently is home to 99 chimps and they are so well taken care of! It was an incredible place to visit!

Rebecca

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Gain next-generation speed and versatility with the Dell™ PowerEdge™ T620 tower, fully equipped with high performance and availability with built-in room for growth. With its Intel® Xeon® E5-2600 processors, outstanding virtualization and database performance are assured. Finish your most demanding applications efficiently fast. The T620 has the capability of handling large workloads and key applications.

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Learning Center Article – Autonomous vs Lightweight Access Points

When you design a wireless network, you need to have all of your options available from the beginning. When you know what choices exist, you can select from them and make the best network possible.

In that spirit, it can help to understand the primary difference in types of access points. For the most part, a wireless access point can be autonomous or lightweight. This article will go over the main distinctions between these access points and how they can be advantageous or disadvantageous, depending on your network’s design and purpose.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon is beefing up its Prime program for U.S. users with a new prescription benefit. The add-on, called RxPass, will allow Prime members to get as many drugs as they need from a list of 50 generic medications used to treat common conditions.
• Candy maker Mars said it is replacing its M&Ms “spokescandies” with actress Maya Rudolph after facing right-wing criticism.
• The big banks behind Zelle are cooking up their own digital wallet to compete with Apple Pay and PayPal.
• Disney World’s Splash Mountain has officially closed. The attraction at the Orlando, Florida, theme park shut down on Monday as it prepares to relaunch as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in 2024.

Happy Monday! We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Here’s to a great week ahead! What are you hoping to accomplish?

In This Issue: Learning to be Present | Cisco 3560X/3750X Four-Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Module | Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Learning to be Present

Happy Monday!

This weekend we celebrated my youngest daughter’s birthday. She’s now three-year-old and it’s hard to believe! We had a small party for her, and she had a blast. Her favorite part was blowing out the candles and playing with balloons. It’s amazing to me how children enjoy the simple things in life, and as parents (well speaking for myself), we often put a lot of importance on things that kids couldn’t care less about (whether those are things like presents or trying to “craft” the perfect experience). There’s probably a word for it, maybe “cardboard box” syndrome or something… I’ve learned to go with the flow recently on events with my kids, I’m trying to be more in tune with what they truly enjoy… and sometimes that’s just being present.

Hope you have a great week!

Cris

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Product Spotlights & Updates

When it comes to distributing fast signals across long distances, Cisco has a number of technology options available. One of them is the Cisco 3560x/3750x four-port Gigabit Ethernet module.

While it sounds like a mouthful, this module is designed to make networking approachable. It is energy efficient, secure, and scalable. It’s easy to use and reliable. You can easily connect your Ethernet switches to fiber via SFP connectors with this simplified module.

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Learning Center Article – Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Cables

Fiber optics are essential for building the most capable networks, but when making design choices, there are plenty of options that serve fiber optics in general. One of the primary choices available to any network engineer exists between single-mode fiber and multimode fiber.

These are physically different approaches to fiber optics communication, and as such, they offer different strengths and weaknesses. To effectively choose the right design for your network, it helps to have a better understanding of what separates these types of cables.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Poland has reiterated that it is ready to send tanks to Ukraine without Germany’s consent, as pressure builds on Berlin to supply the heavy weapons that Kyiv has been calling for.
• As part of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program for 2023, NASA selected a nuclear concept for Phase I development. This new class of bimodal nuclear propulsion system uses a “wave rotor topping cycle” and could reduce transit times to Mars to just 45 days.
• Disney’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” has topped $2 billion at the global box office. This is the third James Cameron movie to hit this benchmark: “Titanic,” “Avatar” and “The Way of Water.” Only three other movies have eclipsed $2 billion: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.”
• Fanatics is in discussions to buy the BetParx sportsbook. Fanatics, which has a valuation of $31 billion, has been exploring acquisitions of sportsbooks as it moves further into the sports betting business.

Happy Friday! We’re not sure about you, but this week felt like it flew by. We hope that you have a restful and adventurous weekend ahead!

In This Issue: Making Adjustments | Kendall Howard Desktop CPU Wall Mount Shelf | All Wireless Standards are NOT Created Equal | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Making Adjustments

Good Morning and Happy Friday Everyone!

In December, I moved across the country from Atlanta, Ga to Rapid City, SD. I have never lived so far away from home, so this was a completely new experience for me. My fiancé signed a contract to play football for a local arena team so he and I packed everything we could in my little Honda civic and moved.

I was a little anxious because I didn’t know what to expect. I knew this would be a different experience, but I also knew I had some things that I wanted to accomplish that required separation from friends, family, and the fast life in Atlanta. When I got here, I had to make so many adjustments. I had to adjust to the weather (there was actually a blizzard the day we arrived), the time difference, and just being in a new location overall. It took a while but I think I am finally adapting to my new environment.

Although I had a few challenges, I am eternally grateful that we made it here safely and are adapting just fine. I am thankful for the move; it has helped me increase my focus in certain areas of my life and establish a balanced routine. I miss home and can’t wait to get back to visit but, South Dakota is starting to look like a second home for me.

Joi

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Kendall Howard’s Desktop/Tower Wall Mount CPU Brackets are designed to get the computer off the floor and the desktop. The brackets make it easy to secure and mount any desktop PC to the wall or side of the desk. The included velcro strap secures the PC to the bracket.

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Learning Center Article – All Wireless Standards are NOT Created Equal

Everything is wireless these days so upgrading your Wi-Fi hardware is critical to future-proofing your network. When the time for new components is at hand, it is important to select the products that fully support your communication and data transfer needs. From fiber cabling to Wi-Fi routers, the choices abound and each one can have a direct impact on your overall network performance. Despite very similar nomenclature, the varying forms of 802.11 are all quite different.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Netflix added 7.66 million paid subscribers during the fourth quarter, more than the 4.57 million Wall Street expected.
• Defense ministers of NATO countries are holding a high-stakes meeting at Germany’s Ramstein air base to make the decision on whether to send Germany’s Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
• Discord acquired social media app Gas this week, an app that is built around the concept of teens using technology to compliment each other. Gas has reached 7.4 million installs and reached sales of $7 million since its launch in August. Discord’s acquisition of Gas is another one of the company’s efforts to expand beyond its original popularity in the gaming world. But the deal also comes amid more focus on the widespread negative health and wellness effects of social media, especially on teenagers, and a Supreme Court challenge to social media company immunity from content liability.
• Apple introduced the second generation of its HomePod. The new HomePod is available to order online and in the Apple Store and will be available in stores on Feb. 3.

Happy Thursday & Happy National Get to Know Your Customers Day! So that means today is all about you! With that in mind – reply back to this email and tell us all about you!

In This Issue: DIY Projects | Yealink EHS40 Headset Adapter | Best Practices for Data Center Security | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – DIY Projects

Happy Thursday!

This past weekend I helped a buddy of mine build out a new section of their living room to house their new electric fireplace, along with a new mantel, cabinets, and shelves. Very long days and late nights, but it was a great weekend hanging out and building out the new addition with a ton of laughs, many aggravations, and lots of trips to Home Depot. Always measure twice and cut once! Haha! It did turn out amazing. I was a little concerned with some of the hoops we had to jump through, but it came together nicely after using our creative thinking skills.

This has inspired me to start doing some DIY projects around my house that I have been putting off. Plus, my buddy owes me now so I better take advantage of the extra help before too much time goes by. The first project will be ripping out everything in my pantry and rebuilding it. It currently still has all the generic shelving that came with the house when it was built. Next up will be redoing the laundry room. Not sure I am ready to build out a new fireplace buildout and cabinets in the living room yet. I might save that for the Summer.

I have def been bit by the DIY project bug. I also know that when I start it will be never-ending but it will be worth it.

How about you? Got any major DIY projects around your house that you have been toying with doing or have planned out? Let me know, I might need to add some of those ideas to my list. Or, send me pics of any DIY projects you just completed.

Have a great rest of the week and weekend!

Jason

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Compatible with Yealink T58A / T57W / T54W / T53W / T53 / T48S / T46S / T42S / T41S IP Phones, the new advanced Yealink EHS40 Headset Adapter guarantees optimum efficiency in reception areas, call centers and offices. It is approved for using with wireless models made by major manufacturers, including Jabra, Plantronics and Sennheiser. With its ‘plug-and-play’ feature, it enables you a seamless and flexibility to answer and hang up calls remotely.

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Learning Center Article – Best Practices for Data Center Security

If you looked at data center security best practices only a few years ago, the leading trends and advice would be dramatically different from the leading areas of focus today. Everyone in IT knows that things change fast, but it feels like change has accelerated.

Here’s an example. Network security was the most important thing as recently as 2019. While it’s still paramount, security threats have shifted away from direct attacks. Social engineering and grid stability are actually more important today.

With all of that in mind, there are four up-to-date best practices that can help you think about how things have changed and what you can do to keep up.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Retailer Party City has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Party City has secured a $150 million bankruptcy loan and will seek approval to use half of those funds to immediately pay wages and vendors, among other expenses.
• Marvel Cinematic Universe movies will return to China in February for the first time in nearly four years.
• Sentiment rose 4 points to 35 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Anything below 50 is still considered negative sentiment. The metric stood at 83 in January 2022.
• Amazon is ending its charity donation program called AmazonSmile.

Happy Wednesday & Happy National Thesaurus Day! Whether you’re looking for a more accurate word or trying to improve your writing, the thesaurus is your best friend.

In This Issue: Classic Board Games | 1080p Full-HD Webcam | Importance of a Disaster Recovery Plan for Your Network | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Classic Board Games

Happy Wednesday! I hope you’re having a great week!

This weekend my husband and I spent some time at home with my family. We found ourselves playing hours of board games and had so much fun doing so. Between a classic game of Monopoly and the strategy-filled game of Catan, we have spent some time debating over which one we enjoyed most.

Monopoly is such a classic and it had been so long since we had played! I didn’t have the best luck in the game and kept ending up in jail but my mom and husband fought for the victory each time. Catan was a mix of who won depending on how the board was set up and the order we were able to build. Overall, it was such a great time relaxing and enjoying time together playing games!

What’s your favorite board game to play with your friends/family?

Ashley

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Our 1080p HD webcam gives a realistic, crisp image and crystal-clear video. A specially designed camera that is optimized for professional-quality video streaming, this HD webcam is compatible with YouTube, Skype, Facetime, Zoom, and more! Perfect for online teaching, video calling, recording, and conferencing. On top of these features is a built-in noise reduction microphone that captures natural stereo audio and filters annoying background noises to give you clear conversations.

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Learning Center Article – Importance of a Disaster Recovery Plan for Your Network

You run a modern business. You use computers, and you’re connected to the internet. That’s just how things work these days, and when things are in fact working, it’s pretty nice.

Networking resources allow for instantaneous communication, easy data management, and a whole bunch of efficiencies that improve your bottom line. Unfortunately, all of those advantages come with a hidden downside. What happens if your network goes down? How can your business deal with such a problem?

The answer to that is typically found in a network disaster recovery plan, and when you understand exactly what is involved, you’ll see that a good recovery plan can be truly priceless.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• General Motors’ first-ever “electrified” Corvette will be available later this year, starting at more than $104,000. The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid will be the quickest production version ever of the American sports car.
• Netflix is looking for a new flight attendant to join its “dream crew,” and it’s willing to pay over a quarter million dollars for the right candidate.
• Twitter is auctioning off espresso machines, kegerators, computers, and even oversized neon displays with the company’s logo as the social messaging service reportedly has fallen behind on office rent payments. Interested buyers can peruse an assortment of goods that Twitter wishes to sell via the website of Heritage Global Partners
• Apple announced new Macs that can be purchased with either M2 Pro or M2 Max chips, the most powerful Apple processors for its MacBook Pros yet.

Happy Tuesday! We hope you are having a great week. If we can be praying for you this week in any way, please let us know!

In This Issue: Life Lessons through Sports | Nylon Cable Ties | Choosing the Right Network Card | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Life Lessons through Sports

Good Morning & Happy Tuesday!

Hope everyone is off to a good start this week. On Saturday I was able to attend the UGA National Championship celebration in Athens which was a lot of fun. These truly are the good ol’ days for UGA fans and students! The environment was great and I really enjoyed getting to hear the different speakers, particularly Coach Kirby Smart. He talked about how special this team is and how they were incredibly disciplined and put in countless hours of hard work. It’s always inspiring to hear those stories and see the success that follows the powerful combination of expectations, discipline, and hard work.

I love how sports can be such a great teacher of these values and how, when put into place, these values result in great success. Love the life lessons that sports provide!

Rebecca

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Cable ties are an extremely versatile way to organize and bundle wires and cables. They are easy to install and can be cut off for rework very easily. Locks tightly – won’t stretch or slide.

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Learning Center Article – Choosing the Right Network Card

When you think about networking, there’s a lot of focus on switches, panels, racks, cables, and the backbone infrastructure that makes it all work.

It’s easy to forget about devices that enable individual networking components to function. One such case is a network interface card (NIC). They allow your computerized devices to connect to the network, so they’re absolutely essential. Many devices have NICs built into them, which is why they are easy to overlook. But, there are times when you need to purchase NICs. When that happens, this guide will help you choose the right option.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• China’s population declined in 2022 for the first time in decades. Mainland China’s population, excluding foreigners, fell by 850,000 people in 2022 to 1.41 billion.
• Matt Rogers helped to usher in the era of the smart home device as co-founder of Nest Labs, the smart home thermostat that was ultimately acquired by Google. After the Google deal, Rogers began work on several philanthropic projects, many focusing on climate-related initiatives. The tech engineer is back with a new venture and design for the home to help with a very big problem: food waste.
• Multiple releases allegedly sent from Adidas are fake. The hoax campaign announced a new fashion line and that a Cambodian worker-turned-whistleblower was named co-CEO.
• Goldman Sachs posted its largest earnings miss in a decade as revenue fell and expenses and loan-loss provisions came in higher than expected.