Archives for January 2025

Cheers to Friday! 🎉 It’s National Fun at Work Day—so let’s brighten the day with laughter, games, or even cake. How will you add some fun to your workday?

In This Issue: Work Week in a Song Title | Deal of the Day | Heat Shrink Tube Kit | Tips to Stretch Your IT Budget | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Work Week in a Song Title

It’s Friday, everyone!

Is it just me, or does Friday bring a whole different kind of energy? Something about wrapping up the week just feels so good!

Let’s talk about the little things that keep us going during the workweek. For me, music is a must—I need something upbeat to keep me from dozing off while tackling tasks. This week, my go-to song has been “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire—because who doesn’t love a little funk to stay alert? And if I had to sum up this week’s productivity and happenings, “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang would be my pick. Oldies but goldies!

Now it’s your turn! If you had to describe your week using a song title, what would it be and why? Drop your answers—I’d love to hear your soundtrack for the week! 🎧🎶

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend ahead!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This heat shrink tubing kit comes with everything you need to insulate and protect your cables! This pack of 100 pieces come in a variety of diameters from 1.5mm to 13.0mm (prior to shrinking). They are an excellent option for insulating your cables to protect against short circuits, moisture, or other environmental factors. They also are great for reinforcing and supporting your existing cable connections with added strain relief.

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Learning Center Article – 5 Tips to Stretch Your IT Budget

One of the great challenges facing every IT department and provider in the business is the limited budget. IT experts can spend all of your money in a flash. There is always something newer, faster, and better to pursue. But, IT investments don’t come with guaranteed returns. You have to make a budget that you can reasonably afford, and then you have to stretch that budget as far as possible to optimize your spending. It’s not always easy, but fortunately, there are a few tricks that can help in this department.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• MrBeast and the CEO of Roblox are trying to buy TikTok for over $20 billion.
• Companies and government agencies around the world are moving to restrict their employees’ access to the tools recently released by the Chinese artificial-intelligence startup DeepSeek, according to the cybersecurity firms hired to help protect their systems.
• This week Microsoft announced a Windows 11 update that finally lets you access your iPhone from the Start Menu, similar to the already existing Android phone access from last year. The update lets you view your iPhone’s battery status, cellular connectivity and recent activities within Windows 11. It also allows you to access calls and messages.
• Coffee lovers are in for a Dunkin’ run filled with heart-shaped treats and festive merch this Valentine’s season. Starting January 29, the chain is bringing back two fan-favorite donuts: the Cupid’s Choice Specialty Donut and the Brownie Batter Specialty Donut.

It’s Thursday! 🥐 Did you know croissants take up to three days to make? Talk about dedication! As we push through the final stretch of the workweek, let’s channel that same patience and effort. What’s a task you’re determined to finish strong?

In This Issue: Still Dancing into the New Year! | Deal of the Day | Cisco Router Fan | How to Repair Cut Fiber | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Still Dancing into the New Year!

Good morning!

What a weird week for those of us in the southeast! After nearly a week off school and work for many people, we finally got back into the groove of things.

Recently, I have been getting back into my groove by exercising in new ways! My favorite so far has been using the elliptical and learning new styles of ballroom dances. My roommates and I will make space in our living room, queue up some music, and they will teach me the style of ballroom dance that they learned in class that week! This past weekend was the East Coast Swing, a very upbeat and high-energy dance, which I loved!

Of course, I had to balance out all the movement by sitting down and re-watching Princess Diaries for some nostalgia! It is a great watch when you can’t choose between all the new movies!

I hope everyone has had a great week so far, and I hope you all find new ways to exercise and relax to keep this new year going strong!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Cisco 3825 Router Fan 1 / Fan 2 Replacement you need to keep your router cool. Increased airflow is essential to maintaining a healthy and efficient router. This single replacement fan will work for Fan 1 or Fan 2 in Cisco 3825 routers.

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Learning Center Article – How to Repair Cut Fiber

As we all know, fiber optic lines are complicated, powerful, and delicate. They provide incredibly powerful communication signals with high bandwidths and great reliability. But, because they are so delicate, they can be damaged. When damage occurs, you can either repair it or replace it, and the former option is much cheaper. Here are the steps to repair a cut fiber cable.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• After it moves out of beta, T-Mobile’s cellular Starlink service might be a free perk — but only for subscribers on the more expensive plans.
• The Chinese AI startup DeepSeek unintentionally exposed its complete stash of sensitive data due to an online exposure discovered by the cybersecurity firm Wiz.
• Amazon Music Unlimited notified customers that it is raising prices for its most popular plans, with the monthly subscription cost for Prime members rising by $1 to $10.99 per month (and to $109.99 yearly); the monthly subscription for non-Prime members rising by $1 to $11.99 per month; and the Unlimited Family Plan rising by $3 per month to $19.99 per month ($199.00 per year).
• For one day only, Burger King is practically giving away its popular Croissan’wich breakfast sandwich. The deal, which coincides with National Croissant Day, will only be available for a limited time.

Hurray for midweek! 🧠 National Puzzle Day is here, reminding us how fun and rewarding it is to keep our minds sharp. What’s your favorite puzzle to solve?

In This Issue: To-Do or Not To-Do? | Deal of the Day | Toslink Optical Audio Cable | Aruba Switches vs Cisco Switches | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – To-Do or Not To-Do?

Happy Wednesday!

I hope you’re having a great week. Lately, I’ve been all about my to do lists. Each day I create a to do list and try to conquer as much as I can that I put on that list before the day is over. I haven’t recently had much success in completing everything on the list, but I feel like it gives me a kickstart into what to start on for the next day.

Are you a fan of to-do lists? How do you make your to-do list? Do you make one daily or weekly?

Cheers to crossing off everything in your to-do list today!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Our Optical Cables are high quality and will provide the sound you desire. With gold plated connectors protecting you against corrosion and a durable outer layer, this is the only optical cable you’ll ever need. This cable is compatible with both standard and high-definition devices and will work with all standard s/PDIF and Optical Ports.

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Learning Center Article – Aruba Switches vs Cisco Switches

When it comes to network switches, the variety of options can be overwhelming. There’s a specific switch for every niche networking role, and there are a dozen different brands making that one class of switch. Out of all of those options, two leading brands are preferred in many professional networks: Aruba and Cisco.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Apple has been working with SpaceX and T-Mobile US to bring support for the Starlink network in iOS 18.3, and customers can test it right now.
• Extreme cold has blanketed Niagara Falls in heavy snow and ice.
• Frontier Airlines has again proposed merging with struggling rival Spirit Airlines, which is in bankruptcy.
• Not only Dunkin’ is surprising its fans with decadent Valentine’s doughnuts but it will also be rolling out merchandise. Corey Paige, a New York-based artist and muralist who is known for her vibrant artworks has collaborated with Dunkin’ to launch a limited-edition Valentine’s Day capsule collection.

Happy Tuesday! 🌟 Let’s keep the momentum going and power through the week. And hey, it’s National Blueberry Pancake Day! A quick stack of fluffy goodness could be the perfect treat to fuel your productivity. What’s your favorite midweek pick-me-up?

In This Issue: Brightside Café and a Weekend Well Spent! | Deal of the Day | Flexible Cable Holder | Useful Tips for Selecting PoE Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Brightside Café and a Weekend Well Spent!

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone’s week is off to a great start!

My weekend was absolutely wonderful, but it flew by way too fast! On Friday, I headed over to Buford, GA, during lunch to find a coffee shop where I could work for the afternoon before meeting up with my nieces and nephew at a nearby mall that evening. I ended up visiting Brightside Café, a spot I’ve been following on Instagram for a while. They just opened in December, and their mission is something I absolutely LOVE: employing individuals with special needs.

The café was clean, bright, and so welcoming. Jaqueline, the barista, was fantastic—she rang up my order perfectly and made an amazing drink. They definitely don’t cut any corners on their coffee—it was delicious!
While I was there, I had the chance to chat with the owners and hear the story behind Brightside Café. Their vision for the café and the impact they hope to have on the community is truly inspiring. It was such an uplifting experience, and I walked away feeling grateful for places like Brightside and hopeful that they’ll thrive for years to come. If you’re local, I highly recommend stopping by, grabbing a drink, and saying hello—it’s a guaranteed mood booster!

I spent the rest of the weekend with my nieces and nephew which meant very little rest, but also lots of fun and laughter. I truly enjoyed every minute and was a little sad when the weekend came to an end!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Say goodbye to your tangled mess of cables with these flexible spiral wall mount cable holders! The sleek spiral design is both flexible and functional, allowing you to neatly organize multiple cables to keep your spaces neat and tidy. These cable holders are easy to install with adhesive pads that can stick to nearly any surface.

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Learning Center Article – Useful Tips for Selecting PoE Cables

PoE is an amazing way to make networks more efficient. By cutting power cables and the infrastructure needed to run them, you can really save a lot of money on parts of your network. On top of that, modern PoE equipment is powerful, easy to manage (if that’s your preference), and full of potential. With a little bit of planning, you can use PoE to improve what your network can handle while saving money at the same time.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• The Chinese start-up’s AI assistant catapulted to the top of app stores last weekend, after DeepSeek said the AI model behind it rivaled OpenAI’s latest release but was developed at a fraction of the cost, with far less computing power.
• Egg prices are expected to increase by about 20% in 2025, compared to a 2.2% rise in overall food prices. The surge in egg costs is attributed to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak, which has strained supply.
• Nielsen announced in a new report that Bluey, the beloved children’s show that follows a family of Australian Heeler dogs that includes Bluey, her younger sister Bingo and their parents Bandit and Chilli, is the most streamed show of 2024.
• Wendy’s is partnering with Girl Scouts of the USA, releasing a Thin Mints Frosty. The new icy treat will be available nationwide starting Feb. 21 for a limited time, just in time for Girl Scouts cookie season.

Happy Monday & Happy National Bubble Wrap Day! 🎉 Did you know that bubble wrap was originally invented as wallpaper before becoming the ultimate packing material we all know and love? Whether you’re a fan of its practical use or simply enjoy the satisfying pop, today’s the perfect day to celebrate this iconic invention.

In This Issue: Birthday Bounces & Sweet Celebrations! | Deal of the Day | Surface Mount Jack | 8-Port Gigabit Switch | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Birthday Bounces & Sweet Celebrations!

Happy Monday!

We celebrated my youngest daughter’s birthday this weekend! She turned 5 years old and wanted to celebrate at the trampoline park. She and her sister and cousins had a blast jumping around and playing on the obstacle course and slides. The place was a madhouse though, apparently 10 other kids were celebrating their birthdays as well! After wearing the kids out we went back to our home to celebrate some more with some cake and ice cream. It’s fun watching the little ones grow, I just wish they would grow a little slower!

Other than that, the weekend was a bit quiet. I have recovered from my cold and I’m excited to tackle the week with renewed energy.

I hope you have a great day and a wonderful week!

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Easily add network and phone connections without cutting walls using this RJ11 single-port surface mount box. Designed for screw-down termination, it installs on any flat surface with just a Phillips screwdriver. Perfect for clean, professional wiring setups.

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Learning Center Article – Small Size, Big Power: Discover the Best 8-Port Gigabit Switch

Network switches play a crucial role in ensuring seamless communication and efficient data transfer across devices. Among the different types of switches, the 8-port gigabit switch has emerged as a favorite for small-to-medium-sized businesses, IT professionals, and enterprises alike.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• The mysterious drones that sparked a frenzy in the Northeast seem to have returned after the FAA’s temporary restrictions in parts of New Jersey and New York expired.
• The blockbuster Disney sequel, starring Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, will become available to watch on digital Tuesday, Jan. 28. Moana 2 will then become available to own on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday, March 18.
• There are new concerns in Southern California in the aftermath of the deadly wildfires with residents on alert for mudslides and floods as L.A. County endures its first rainstorm of the season.
• After TikTok, the WiFi router in your home, TP-Link, may be next Chinese tech ban target.

Cheers to Friday! It’s National Compliment Day—a perfect opportunity to brighten someone’s day with kind words. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received or given? Let’s spread the positivity!

In This Issue: Let’s Celebrate Our Wins! 🎉 | Deal of the Day | HP HDD Tray | TCP vs UDP | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Let’s Celebrate Our Wins! 🎉

Happy Friday, everyone!

It’s me again, Kat.

Friday’s here and I’d love to take a moment to reflect on our wins—big or small. It’s so easy to rush through the week without stopping to appreciate the things we’ve accomplished, but every little win matters!

For me, here are some of my highlights this week:

Personal Wins: I was able to buy a new bed for my mom and dad, which made them so happy. And after more than a week of dealing with colds, I’m finally feeling a bit better!

Professional Wins: I managed to finish all my tasks for the week (yay for productivity!). And most importantly, I’m incredibly grateful to still have work that allows me to provide for my family.

How about you? What’s one thing you’re proud of this week? Whether it’s finishing a tough project, learning something new, or even just making it through a hectic week, your efforts matter.

Let’s celebrate those wins together—big or small. Share yours, and let’s inspire each other to keep moving forward!

Wishing you all an amazing weekend!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 3.5″ HDD tray is compatible with various HP Proliant models, including BL660, WS460, DL160, DL320, DL360, DL380, DL385, DL560, ML310, and ML350. Comes with screws for easy installation. Manufactured by CablesAndKits.

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Learning Center Article – TCP vs UDP

Networking, ultimately, is about the communication between computerized devices. Thinking in such simple terms can help you nail design and philosophy elements when you run your own network, and that can translate to faster speeds and better reliability and security. So, how do computers talk? They use a protocol, and in the modern world, two protocols come up a lot: TCP and UDP.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• New bird flu cases in animals including cats, bears and skunks are being detected across the country. Meanwhile the outbreak is leading to skyrocketing egg prices and shortages in stores.
• A new fire erupted Thursday near San Diego, burning through more than 800 acres. Meanwhile, rain is in the forecast for the weekend which could help with dry conditions but brings its own set of challenges, including the risk of mudslides and runoff from the toxic debris.
• Verizon Communications forecast annual free cash flow and profit below Wall Street estimates on Friday, as the U.S. telecom major spends heavily to expand high-speed internet services and attract customers in a saturating wireless market.
• Starbucks fans, a big change is coming to the coffee chain’s loyalty scheme later this week, and it’ll impact the stars you’ve been collecting. In the UK, the company is introducing an improved version of Starbucks Rewards, which they claim will give ‘customers more freebies, flexibility and choice than ever before’.