Archives for February 2025

Happy Friday! 🎉 The weekend is just around the corner—any fun plans ahead? Whether you’re unwinding, adventuring, or getting creative, we’d love to hear what’s in store!

In This Issue: Friday … Payday | Deal of the Day | Cisco Console Cable | Data Center Airflow Management Guide | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Friday … Payday

Happier Friday—It’s Payday, everyone!

The day we all look forward to after weeks of hard work has finally arrived!

For me, as the primary provider for my family, payday means settling debts, setting aside savings, paying bills, and then saving whatever is left for the future. Some might say I should save first and budget the rest, but as the only one working, I’ve tried that method before, and honestly, it didn’t work well for me. My biggest reward? The peace of mind that comes with clearing bills before their due dates.

How about you? How do you treat yourself on payday? Do you splurge a little, save up, or celebrate in your own special way?

Salute to all the hardworking individuals providing for their loved ones! May we all achieve financial freedom while taking care of our well-being.

Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Our Cisco DB25 to RJ45 Modem/Console Cable is used to easily attach the console or auxiliary port of a device to an external modem. This allows you to have remote management capabilities.

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Learning Center Article – Data Center Airflow Management Guide

Running a data center comes with plenty of challenges. And something that frequently floats to the top of those challenges is heat management. Keeping those powerful devices cool requires careful planning and constant effort. And it gets expensive. With applied airflow management, you can find solutions that help you stay on top of cooling, keeping costs low, designs efficient, and productivity up.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Microsoft will officially retire Skype in May 2025 after a year-long wind-down and a failed shift to a subscription model. The move follows a gradual phase-out of the platform, marking the end of Microsoft’s original online calling service.
• DirecTV has introduced Genre Packs, themed streaming bundles priced between $35-$40 per month, including MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol. Additionally, two Mini-Packs—MyCinema ($10) and MySports Extra ($13)—are available as add-ons for Genre Pack and MySports subscribers.
• Universal Pictures released a look at the upcoming film “Shrek”, as well as revealed that Zendaya was cast as a new character. According to the casting announcement, the “Euphoria” star joins as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter.
• On Sunday, March 2, McDonald’s will mark National Egg McMuffin Day with a deal available exclusively in the chain’s app. Rewards members can enjoy an Egg McMuffin or Sausage McMuffin with Egg breakfast sandwich for just $1.

Throwback Thursday, anyone? 🕹️ Today is all about the ‘good ol’ days’—before smartphones and endless notifications. What’s your favorite retro memory?

In This Issue: Eyes Tired, Brain Fried, But Still Grinding! | Deal of the Day | Power Supply Slot Cover/Blank | SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Eyes Tired, Brain Fried, But Still Grinding!

Good morning, everyone!

This week is one of my most dreaded times as a UGA student – midterms week. The stress of balancing exams, assignments, group projects, and all the other things that life throws at you can feel like a lot. It’s one of those times when everything is piling up all at once and you have to trudge through it to get to the other side.

I’ve spent most of my days staying inside, buried in my computer, with quick breaks to grab food or stop staring at a screen. The biggest help so far has been my glasses – I only wear them when my eyes get tired or when I am staring at my computer for extra long, which has been nearly 24/7 lately. Plus having great friends who are going through the same thing helps even more, you get to study together and help each other out through the whole thing.

Between everything going on, it can be easy to get lost in the hustle and forget to take a breather. Weeks like these remind me of how important it is to find a balance, even when it feels like there is no time for anything else. My quick 30-minute walks have been saving me from sitting the entire day, and I’m so grateful that I can make time for them!

Anyway, I just wanted to give everyone a little update on how my week is going. If you’re also juggling a million things right now, I feel you! We’re almost there – keep pushing!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Cisco 3850 Series Power Supply Slot Cover/Blank fits into an empty power supply slot on Cisco Catalyst 3850 switches, protecting against dust, EMI, and accidental contact. It also ensures proper airflow and a clean, finished look. Easily removable for future power supply installation.

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Learning Center Article – What Is SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)?

There are modern technologies that can help you manage risk and grow your business safely. One area where this is all critical is in access control. If the wrong people can access your sensitive information, it’s catastrophic. Today, you can learn about SASE as a solution to this problem and a way to protect your business while improving operational elements within your IT infrastructure.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Instagram is reportedly launching a standalone app for Reels, aiming to rival TikTok amid its uncertain future in the U.S. Meta is enhancing Reels with new features to attract TikTok users and offer a similar video-scrolling experience. 
• The market for jobs in the AI sector has surged in the last two years, according to a recent analysis from the University of Maryland and job-tracking firm LinkUp — the latest in a slew of studies indicating AI skills are in high demand.
• Egg prices are continuing to rise with a predicted 41 percent increase this year. The USDA is blaming the bird flu for the high costs and now it’s revealing a new $1 billion plan to fight the epidemic and lower prices — including importing eggs from abroad.
• PepsiCo Foods USA, the parent company of Pepsi and Frito Lay, is laying off 288 workers and shutting down a major plant, located in New York.

Happy Wednesday! 🕰️ We’re officially halfway through the week. How’s your to-do list shaping up? Need a little boost? You’ve got this!

In This Issue: Pushing Through & Spring Hopes | Deal of the Day | Display Port Male to DVI Male Cable | Why Are Redundant Power Supplies Important | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Pushing Through & Spring Hopes

Happy Wednesday!

I hope everyone is having a great week so far! This past week I don’t have much to report other than being quite a bit under the weather…and boy has it been TOUGH! I don’t think I’ve coughed so much in my lifetime. It’s to a point where my body is so sore, but here’s to hoping I’m finally starting to come out on the other side.

Anyways, I’m looking forward to this weekend. We don’t have any plans, but I feel like it’s the first time in quite some time we haven’t had to worry about a bunch of things to do. Maybe my husband and I will get around to actually finishing pieces of our bathroom project haha.

One thing I loved about yesterday, was the little glimpse of the incredible spring weather! My little guy LOVES to go outside but doesn’t love to bundle up when it’s cold, so this warmer weather had him all sorts of excited. Here’s to hoping we don’t have a ton of super cold days still in our future.

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Achieve seamless connectivity between your DisplayPort enabled and DVI devices. This cable transmits both audio and video with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080, giving you stunning visual clarity for an ehanced viewing experience. This cable is perfect for making connections between computers and laptops with televisions, projectors, or monitors.

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Learning Center Article – Why Are Redundant Power Supplies Important

A redundant power supply (PS) is an extra power supply for a single piece of equipment. Imagine a personal computer as an example. The power supply is typically housed in the computer case with the rest of the hardware. It regulates the flow of electricity so the finer components have a stable, safe stream of power.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• iOS 18.4 is here with major AI upgrades! Siri now has Personal Context, making it smarter at finding flight details, scheduling events, and retrieving info from photos. In-app actions enhance Siri’s capabilities, while Priority Notifications ensure you never miss what matters most. 
• The New York attorney general’s office announced a nearly $17 million DoorDash settlement after the delivery platform used tips intended for drivers to subsidize their pay.
• Singapore’s biggest bank plans to cut 4,000 jobs as it expects artificial intelligence to take on more work currently done by human employees.
• Dunkin’ fans are ecstatic over a new pricing perk that will bring the coffee chain in line with competitors like Starbucks. Dunkin’ recently confirmed it would stop charging customers more for dairy alternatives like oat and almond milk in their drinks.

Happy Tuesday! Did you know that nuts have been a snack favorite for thousands of years? The ancient Greeks loved walnuts, while Native Americans preferred pecans. Add chocolate, and you’ve got a timeless treat! What’s your go-to combo? 🥜🍫

In This Issue: Aunt Life | Deal of the Day | Kendall Howard Wall Mount Hardware Kit | ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Aunt Life

Good morning & happy Tuesday! Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

I got to have my nieces over for the weekend, which was so much fun, but also exhausting! I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with them as I used to, so I try to make the time we do get special. We did a lot of their favorite things from getting them pink drinks & cake pops at Starbucks to treating them to pedicures and a trip to their favorite store, Five Below! They were definitely living their best lives and I was getting so much joy from watching them have fun!

Unfortunately, I think my niece, Charlotte, ate something that didn’t sit well with her, and she got sick around midnight on Saturday. We were up until nearly 4AM dealing with that. I was hopeful that she’d sleep late but she was up shortly after 7 and was back to feeling great! Needless to say, I’m still trying to catch up on lost sleep!

Wishing you all a fantastic day ahead!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Kendall Howard Wall Mount Hardware Kit makes mounting wall cabinets and racks simple. The kit includes 4 toggle anchors, 4 washers, and 4 bolts. This is perfect for metal studs or drywall. Weight capacity will depend on the type of wall and how they are installed.

Note: This kit will not work with concrete walls.

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Learning Center Article – ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)

When you network devices together, they need ways to communicate, and that communication is managed through the application of protocols. There are plenty of protocols in the world, the most common including TCP and UDP, but those alone can’t cover every basis. It’s important to understand all of the essential protocols, and one that is easily overlooked is ICMP.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google is planning to stop sending 2FA codes via text message to verify Gmail accounts in favor of security tools such as passkeys and QR codes that users would scan with their devices. 
• Major companies like Meta, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Chevron are continuing layoffs in 2025 as artificial intelligence reshapes workforces and cost-cutting measures take effect across industries.
• PayPal Holdings Inc. predicted growth in earnings and transaction margins in coming years, as its new leadership continues to streamline the sprawling business.
• As the average cost of a dozen eggs passes $8, Denny’s says some of its restaurants are adding a temporary surcharge to every meal that includes eggs, joining other breakfast restaurants like Waffle House.

Happy Monday! 💪 A brand-new week is here—time to set your goals, tackle that to-do list, and make it count. What’s first on your list? Let’s crush it together!

In This Issue: Fun & Recharge | Deal of the Day | RJ45 CAT5e Shielded Inline Coupler | Servers Vs. Desktop PCs | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Fun & Recharge

Happy Monday!

What a busy weekend, or should I say Saturday! I had a breakfast meeting with the Church men’s group at the International House of Pancakes (otherwise known as IHOP) and enjoyed a veggie omelet and some fruit (I’m trying to eat healthy) and also enjoyed some great conversations and fellowship. Afterwards I headed to small card show in Stone Mountain, Georgia and it sort of reminded me of a mini-Collect-A-Con. There were a ton of people and I was able to snag some great cards. After the card show I went and watched the new Captain America movie with some friends. I enjoyed the film, but I was left wanting more! I’m looking forward to seeing how the Marvel franchise expands in the coming years. We had dinner afterwards at a place where you choose your own packet ramen, choose toppings, and cook the ramen yourself. I was a bit skeptical at first, but it was great! I sort of ruined my healthy food streak, but it was worth it!

Sunday was a little less busy. I went to Church, and I took some time to clean out our duck pen and shed and watched the Pokémon European International Championships finals. I was glad to have a less busy day after a long day of doing a ton of things, it definitely helped me recharge. How do you recover from busy days?

I hope you have a great day and wonderful week!

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Maximize your networking capabilities with this CAT5/5e inline RJ45 connector. This coupler allows you to connect two shielded cat5e patch cables together to increase the total length of the cable. With this coupler being shielded it prevents cross-talk and interference you may get from standard cat cables.

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Learning Center Article – Servers Vs. Desktop PCs

If you ever shop for computer parts, you might see things for desktop PCs and servers lumped together. A server is a type of computer, but it is not made for individual or personal use. Instead, it’s made to interface with a number of other digital devices. Often, servers handle processing tasks for connected devices. As for a desktop PC, it’s a personal computer that could conceivably sit on top of a desk.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Apple is committing $500 billion to the U.S. economy in a historic initiative, the company announced on Monday, marking “an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation”. 
• Mark Zuckerberg has made a bold statement: in 2025, Meta will extensively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for coding, significantly reducing the role of human programmers. This announcement aligns with a growing trend in Silicon Valley, where major technology companies are increasingly considering replacing human developers with AI-driven solutions.
• Crocs has unveiled new Dragon Ball Z-themed designs inspired by Goku and Vegeta. The collection features a Goku classic clog, Vegeta Echo clogs, and character-themed charms, making it a must-have for anime fans.
• Starbucks revealed that on March 4, it will remove a selection of less popular beverages from its menu. In total, the coffee giant will drop 13 drinks, both hot and cold, as well as a few blended Frappuccino varieties.

Happy Friday! 🎉 The weekend is almost here—any exciting plans on the horizon? Whether it’s relaxing, exploring, or tackling a fun project, we’d love to hear all about it!

In This Issue: An Unexpected Forest Adventure | Deal of the Day | 48 Port 1RU Rack Mount Keystone Panel | DRAC | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – An Unexpected Forest Adventure

Happy Friday, everyone!

Who doesn’t love a little adventure—whether it’s hiking, camping, discovering a hidden gem, or stumbling upon nature’s wonders deep in the forest?

Last weekend, my family planned a beach trip to celebrate my cousin’s birthday. But when we got there, the waves were so big that no one dared to swim, especially with kids around. So, we decided to switch things up and visit an unfamiliar waterfall tucked away in the forest nearby.
The walk from the beach to the falls was lovely—we chatted, laughed, and enjoyed the scenery. I expected the place to be empty, thinking it wasn’t popular with tourists. But to our surprise, an elderly couple greeted us at a small nipa hut, asking for an environmental fee. We didn’t mind paying, assuming they were the ones keeping the place clean. But as we reached the falls, it was a mixed experience. The waterfall itself was enchantedly beautiful, though much smaller than I imagined—a true hidden gem. But sadly, there was litter scattered around, which took away some of its charm. Half of us, including me, chose to simply enjoy the view rather than swim.

It was a reminder that nature deserves our respect, whether someone’s around to clean up or not. Leave no trace, right? Even though it wasn’t the perfect visit, it’s still a memory to keep. And the Philippines has so many breathtaking places worth exploring!

How about you? Have you ever visited the Philippines? If so, what tourist spots did you enjoy most? I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Organize and streamline your network connections with this 48-port 1RU rack mount keystone panel. Designed for standard 19-inch racks, it provides a clean, professional solution for managing keystone jacks, ensuring easy customization and efficient cable management.

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Learning Center Article – What is a DRAC?

DRAC stands for “Dell remote access controller.” It’s a management platform that is designed for Dell servers, and the defining characteristic is that DRAC controllers have their own dedicated hardware. DRAC hardware can attach through expansion slots, or it can be integrated directly into the main board.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Rednote fades as TikTok doubles downloads on return to iPhones.
• YouTube is set to launch Premium Lite, a lower-priced ad-free subscription for those who enjoy podcasts, how-to videos, and other non-music content. Expected to roll out soon in the US, Australia, Germany, and Thailand, this plan offers a more affordable way to enjoy YouTube without interruptions.
• Chinese scientists unveil world’s most powerful ‘Spy Camera’ capable of capturing faces from 100 km away.
• Hulu and Krispy Kreme are teaming up to provide a movie snack collection of doughnuts that started in stores this week.