Archives for January 2025

Happy Thursday! We hope everyone is making it through the cold temps hitting in and around our area. Be safe & stay warm!

In This Issue: Behind the Scenes at CablesAndKits | Deal of the Day | Cisco Router | Importance of Fiber Optic Cleaning | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Behind the Scenes at CablesAndKits

Ever wondered what it’s like to work at CablesAndKits? Let me share a little insight!

When I joined CablesAndKits, I didn’t have much experience working in an IT tech company. I’ll admit—it was a little overwhelming at first! But what I quickly realized was how welcoming and supportive the people here are. Everyone’s willing to lend a hand, share knowledge, and make you feel like part of the team from day one. A big shoutout to Ashley, who was the first to trust me.

One thing I love about working here is how much you can learn. CablesAndKits provides so many resources—not just for customers, but for us too. Whether it’s diving into our IT products or exploring learning center articles, I’ve gained a better understanding of IT and technology than I ever thought I would.

What really stands out, though, is the culture. It’s not just about work—it’s about growing, connecting, and being part of something bigger. CablesAndKits isn’t just a company; it’s a place where people truly care about what they’re doing and the people they work with.

I’m so grateful to be part of this journey, and I can’t wait to keep learning and growing with this amazing team.

Thanks for letting me share a little behind-the-scenes moment with you!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Cisco 2921 Integrated Services Router (ISR) delivers highly secure data, voice, video, and application services for small offices. The cisco 2921 router are future-enabled with multi-core CPUs, support for high-capacity Digital Signal Processors, Gigabit Ethernet switching, and energy monitoring and control capabilities. This Cisco router offers a great total cost of ownership savings and network agility.

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Learning Center Article – Importance of Fiber Optic Cleaning

Installing fiber optic systems is not easy. It requires multiple levels of expertise in design and application, and its why fiber optics experts are always in high demand. While installations will vary heavily depending on the components and applications at play, there is one thing that is necessary for every installation, and it’s easy to overlook. Every system needs fiber optic cleaning to ensure that it will work properly.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

​- A new wildfire that broke out north of Los Angeles on Wednesday rapidly spread to more than 9,400 acres (38 square km), fueled by strong winds and dry brush, forcing mandatory evacuation orders for more than 31,000 people.
– The National Weather Service (NWS) had winter storm warnings in place for parts of Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana, while winter weather advisories were issued for Michigan, New York, and North Carolina.
– Users across the globe reported widespread outages of the popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT. Reports of the service being unavailable began surging on Thursday morning, leaving many unable to access the conversational AI tool. At the time of writing, OpenAI, the startup company behind the chatbot, states on its Status website that the issue “has now been resolved.
– Limited Edition Post Malone Oreo Cookies feature a first-of-a-kind swirled creme, two different flavored cookies and embossments that represent Malone’s music career.

Midweek vibes! Today, we celebrate life and the joy that children and loved ones bring into our world. How’s your week shaping up so far? Any special moments worth celebrating?

In This Issue: Snow, Setbacks, and Silver Linings! | Deal of the Day | USB to Serial Converter Cable | ETL or UL | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Snow, Setbacks, and Silver Linings!

Happy Monday!

Wait, it’s not Monday, it’s definitely Wednesday! I usually write on Mondays, but this Monday I felt like death. I had a very bad cold or something, but I’m getting better! This year has been rocked with a series of unfortunate events for us, but maybe all the bad stuff will happen at the beginning of the year and only the good stuff awaits!

Our family lost water for about 10 days due to a neighbor’s freezing pipes and our shared well pump being damaged and broken at the same time. It was a very uncomfortable 10 days, but I knew it could’ve been a possibility so I went ahead and filled both of my bathtubs with water so that we could have some water for cleaning and flushing toilets the night before. Luckily, we also live fairly close to my sister-in-law, so we had access to showers and water refills.

This all happened the same time we had that glorious snowfall in Georgia. The kids loved playing in the snow and sledding! We just had snowfall part 2 here as well yesterday, but this new snow is very thin and powdery, so the kids didn’t enjoy it as much, but it sure is pretty! Luckily, the new well pump survived the cold and none of my neighbor’s pipes have frozen over, so it’s good news and smooth swimming already! While I do enjoy the snow, I do miss the warmer weather!

Cheers to the new year! May our 2025 only get better!

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

Using this cable is the fastest and easiest way to connect serial devices to the USB port on your computer. This assures that your serial devices will be supported for years to come. The cable here operates as a bridge to provide standard RS-232 connectivity (serial) through the USB (v1.1 or better) port on your computer. Connect the USB to serial adapter to any available USB port and instantly create an available DB9 serial port.

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Learning Center Article – What Does ETL or UL Listed Mean?

When you’re trying to run cables to make a network function, you don’t always have the luxury of thinking about the specific metrics and design elements behind the cables you’re using. You just need to get them from one port to the next, however you can. The problem is that not all Ethernet cables are equal, and when you run them through walls or attics or other shortcuts, you could unwittingly create a fire risk.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• MrBeast is officially bidding for TikTok.
• CapCut, the ByteDance-owned video editing app that’s subject to the same ban as TikTok, is working again in the US.
• Netflix raises prices after surge in subscribers.
• McDonald’s has launched a Pokémon-themed Happy Meal to entertain young and old fans. This promotion will be available at participating locations in the U.S. from January 21, 2025, for a limited time.

Happy Tuesday! Sending virtual hugs your way this National Hugging Day! 🤗 Who will you be hugging today to spread some extra love and kindness?

In This Issue: Winter Wonders | Deal of the Day | Mounting Rail Kit | Cisco 3750X Network Switch for Ethernet | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Winter Wonders

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone is off to a great start to the week!

The weather here in the Southeast is a bit all over the place this week, with some crazy cold temperatures and even the chance of snow along the southern coast!

Last night, I got together with some friends to watch the college football national championship game, and let me just say, the temperature drop while we were inside was unreal. When we walked into the restaurant, it was chilly but manageable. A few hours later, walking back out felt like stepping into the Arctic. It was kind of shocking!

It sounds like the bulk of the snow is going to be further south which is incredibly unusual. One of my best friends recently moved to Watercolor, FL and gave me about 3 boxes full of her winter clothes since she didn’t anticipate needing them anymore. She was in Georgia for the weekend and we got together and she mentioned a possibility of snow for them in Watercolor this week and I almost couldn’t make that compute in my brain, but it certainly looks like they will be receiving snow and I’ll be feeling guilty about having her winter clothes!

Hope that wherever you are, you’re staying warm!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Convert your 2-post LINIER wall mount cabinet into a 4-post setup with this 12U mounting rail kit. Includes two durable rails for added stability and versatility.

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Learning Center Article – Why Choose the Cisco 3750X Network Switch for Ethernet?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, having an efficient and scalable network infrastructure is essential for staying competitive. A well-implemented network switch serves as the foundation, ensuring all devices within a network are connected seamlessly, allowing data to flow efficiently between systems. A network switch gigabit capability is the backbone of a stable, high-performance network.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Meta has announced “Edits,” a mobile video editor designed to rival TikTok’s popular CapCut app, seizing the opportunity amidst growing controversy surrounding ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company.
• Weather forecasters and public bodies issued health and power loss warnings Tuesday as a “rare winter storm” gripped part of the southern and eastern U.S.
• YouTube sensation MrBeast has issued a public plea to “ultra rich people,” asking them to donate money for a video he’s working on in which he plans to “feed people in need globally”.
• Powerful Santa Ana winds fueled the rapid spread of wildfires in San Diego County early Tuesday, prompting evacuations as officials in Los Angeles remained on high alert amid high winds and relentless dry conditions.

Happy Monday! Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a champion of equality. Let’s be inspired to spread kindness and work together for a better tomorrow.

In This Issue: Encouragement for the Week | Deal of the Day | Plug Adapter | Media Converters | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Encouragement for the Week

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. As we head into this week, here are a few quotes/words of encouragement:

“If we will but make the right choice, we will be able to speed up the day when justice will roll down like waters.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln

Do you have any quotes to share/add to this? Here’s to a great successful week ahead.

Cheers,
Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Easily adapt a NEMA 5-15 plug (15A, 125V) to an IEC C14 outlet. UL listed and RoHS compliant, rated for 10A and 250V. Features an IEC 60320 C14 plug on the male end and a NEMA 5-15 connector on the female end.

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Learning Center Article – Future-Proof Your Network with Media Converters: Here’s How

As technology grows, it’s important to connect different types of cables in a network smoothly. This is where media converters help. A media converter is a simple device that allows devices with different cables, like copper and fiber optic cables, to communicate with each other. It bridges the gap between these cables, making networks work better.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• TikTok is now accessible again in the United States.
• Crews continued over the weekend making progress battling the deadly infernos burning in Los Angeles County during a brief reprieve from dangerous fire weather, but Southern California now is bracing for another round of fire-fueling Santa Ana winds.
• The National Weather Service (NWS) had 18 states under winter storm warning or winter weather advisory early Monday. Up to eight inches of snow was forecast for some parts of the country, with “treacherous” conditions expected at times.
• Tesla unveils its new billion-dollar MEGAfactory, a cutting-edge facility set to revolutionize EV production! With state-of-the-art technology and massive output potential, this factory is a game-changer for the electric vehicle industry.

Cheers to Friday! ✨ The weekend is here—time to relax and recharge. What are your weekend plans? Share with us—we’d love to hear!

In This Issue: Emoji Weekend | Deal of the Day | Cisco Server Blade | Bits and Bytes | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Emoji Weekend

Happy Fri-YAY!

I hope you’ve all had a productive week. Now, let’s talk about the weekend—how do you usually spend yours after a long week of work?

As for me, weekends are all about relaxation and family time. I’m lucky to live just 10 minutes away from the beach, so I start with a peaceful walk and a few hours of unwinding by the waves. But the highlight? Barbecue night with my family! We fire up the grill, crack open a bottle of wine, and enjoy good food, karaoke, and endless chit-chat. Since I’m usually glued to my room from Monday to Friday, weekends are my chance to reconnect with my loved ones.

If I could sum up my week in emojis:
Monday to Friday: 🤯 (It’s a vibe, right?)
Weekends: 🤡 (Because the fun never stops!)

Now it’s your turn! Using one or two emojis, how would you describe your weekend plans? Let’s see if we can guess what your weekend will look like!

Wishing you a weekend full of joy and good vibes!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Cisco UCS B200 M5 Blade Server delivers exceptional performance and efficiency for enterprise environments. Featuring dual Intel Xeon Silver 4114 processors, 128GB DDR4 RAM, and (2) 300GB 10K SAS drives, it’s ideal for demanding workloads. Perfect for data centers needing compact, high-performance solutions.

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Learning Center Article – Bits and Bytes

In order for computers to keep track of all of the 1s and 0s, they group and organize information. They do this for calculating things on a computer, storing pictures on a flash drive, and even liking posts on social media. As for that grouping, it involves bits and bytes, so let’s take a minute to learn all about these important units.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Capital One says a ‘technical issue’ is affecting some customers’ ability to get money.
• YouTube star Rachel Accurso has amassed millions of young devotees through her kid-friendly content—now, she’s set to make her Netflix debut later this month with a four-episode lineup.
• LEGO and Lionsgate have revealed a 2,001-piece Twilight-inspired set, now available for pre-order.
• Starbucks has announced its Valentine’s Day 2025 collection, featuring all new cups and tumblers to keep your favorite festive drinks in.

It’s Get to Know Your Customers Day! 🎉 Share your favorites—books, treats, music, or anything else. Drop us a line—we love learning more about the amazing people we serve!

In This Issue: Meet Rachel! | Deal of the Day | HPE Aruba Transceiver Module | Data Center Cabling Guide | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Meet Rachel!

Good morning and happy Thursday everyone!

I hope y’all are finishing the week strong! My name is Rachel, and I’m just starting out here at CK, so I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself! Currently I am a student at the University of Georgia, and I am originally from the Buford, GA area, where CK first started.

One of my favorite things at UGA is UGA Miracle, which is a student-run organization that benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. 2025 is the 30th year anniversary of UGA miracle this year, so we are having even more meaningful events for the families that we champion. This past weekend, we had one of our many “family days” of the year. We had a “Camp Miracle” theme so we played some board games, made bracelets, and had a super fun Just Dance party with our families! I am super grateful to be in this organization to make some lasting memories for the kids, families, and members to look back on!

That is just a little bit about what I am passionate about outside of my school and work! Having something other than school/work to put your energy into is so important and I hope you all find something you are passionate about in 2025!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Aruba J4858D is a 1Gbps SFP transceiver for 1000Base-SX multi-mode fiber connections up to 500m. Featuring dual LC connectors, it’s hot-swappable, energy-efficient, and compatible with a wide range of HPE products.

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Learning Center Article – From Installation to Optimization: The Complete Data Center Cabling Guide

Data center cabling forms the physical network that connects servers, storage systems, and switches, acting as the backbone of your data center’s operations. It ensures seamless data transmission, efficient power distribution, and smooth overall functionality.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Santa Ana winds have died down across the greater Los Angeles area, helping firefighters to bring almost 40,000 acres of ongoing wildfires under control.
• SpaceX is now offering a new Starlink plan for about $9 per month in an effort to pull in revenue from inactive customers.
• FDA bans Red No. 3, artificial coloring used in beverages, candy and other foods
• Krispy Kreme kicks off the year with nine new doughnut flavors, following the launch of its Crazy Good Doughnuts Collection. Fans are already craving a variety pack, making 2025 a sweet start!