There is one other tiny bit of a problem, though. Analogue tapes “fade”, or deteriorate over time. If you like watching videos of your 1989 graduation or wedding occasionally, then this problem is worth thinking about. The more you play your cassettes, the more they’re subjected to wear and tear. Eventually, your video cassette will be totally unplayable. Fortunately, there are workarounds to this issue. The most obvious solution is to simply convert your film video into DVD. You can then convert your DVD to AVI video format if need be. In addition to being able to watch your old film in high-definition format, selective viewing of certain parts is so much easier with digital format controls. Excited already? Then read on to learn ways of converting old films to DVD.

There are a couple of options for an analog-to-DVD conversion, depending on the equipment at hand. The first one involves the use of a DVD/VCR device; the second requires a computer with DVD writer and video capture card installed.

1. Using a combination DVD/VCR device (or one DVD and one VCR)

This method is specific to a VHS-to-DVD conversion. You simply play the VHS using the VCR component while your DVD device records it. While a combination DVD/VCR would equate easier operation, you don’t need to purchase one such device if you already have your VCR. Just buy any standard DVD player/ recorder, plug it in, and then record. With your old film now in video, you can put away your VCR and take it out only if you need to convert more analogue videos. The tradeoff with this technique, though, is that there is little (or no) way of editing the contents of your DVD. And since a standard VCR typically plays only VHS cassettes, an analogue camcorder cassette will need to be converted to VHS format first prior to conversion to DVD (which is extremely impractical).

2. Using a computer with DVD writer and video capture card

If you have access to a fairly high-end computer with a good video capture card (a device that allows video played on analogue equipment to be recorded to a computer’s hard disk), then this might be the better method for you. Simply play your old analogue film, connect the VCR to your computer, run the video capture card software, have the card convert it to digital format, and finally save the converted file to the hard disk. You can then burn the digital video on a blank DVD or, if you want to alter the content a bit, use appropriate software to make changes to the video prior to burning to a DVD. This method is handier with the amount of editing options available for the final output. It does, however, require a fair bit of technical know-how (especially with the necessary computer software). Another issue is the cost: tweaking your computer to become capable of video capture is also a tad expensive, if you only need to convert a few old tapes.

The post Ways of Converting Old Films to DVD appeared first on Tech Tips.

What is Cloud Backup Storage?

Cloud storage is a service available online which allows you to save and upload your own computer’s files and documents to a remote online location, where you can access the files at any time, regardless of the computer you are on (provided you have internet access). Cloud backup storage options vary from each company on the market, as some specialize in providing storage for large businesses, whereas other cloud storage companies cater to smaller audience and even free or personal storage accounts online (for smaller amounts of data).

When you add files to your cloud backup service’s account, a copy of the file and data is sent to either an off-site server or a public network, depending on the service you have chosen. Generally, the server the data is stored on is owned and hosted by a 3rd party provider. Prices will also vary based on the amount of storage you want to rent and have available, the number of users you have accessing the cloud backup service you pay for, and the bandwidth or speed of the cloud storage service you plan to utilize.

Uses of Cloud Backup Services

Cloud backup options are useful for a wide variety of storage options from keeping important financial documents in an online location to using the cloud storage service to store all of the files you deem important on your computer’s hard drive. Cloud storage is ideal for text files, images and graphics of all types, and even programs or software that you would like to keep accessible for future use.

Ensuring the Security of Your Data

Before you choose a cloud backup storage service, ensuring your document and data security is vital and can often be done by reviewing the safety and security features available from the cloud services you are interested in using. Many cloud storage services will include a detailed guide on how their services are safe and secure online, generally using SSL encryption (Secure Socket Layer). Review cloud storage service options and ensure the one you choose offers at lease 128-bit SSL encryption on the site to keep your credentials, passwords, and all of the files you upload safe from thieves and potential hackers as well.

What is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layers, and it is encryption that allows you to keep all of your important and sensitive data private and as safe as possible. When a cloud storage service offers a SSL encryption, your data is protected with the use of software, keeping your documents and uploaded files private and only accessible to you. Although all websites run the risk of a security breach, SSL certificates and connections are recommended when you enter personal information or payment data on any website, regardless of whether you are saving and protecting your data using cloud storage or if you are shopping online.

How to Find a Cloud Storage Service

When you have decided the best option for storing your files is by using a cloud backup storage service, you can compare all of the various choices you have right from home, online. Before you select a cloud backup option, compare the features of the service and whether or not the provider offers the space, bandwidth, and security options you have in mind. Additionally, be sure to find a cloud backup service that caters to the operating system you are working on most frequently (either Windows or Mac). Reading reviews on cloud backup companies prior to getting a package from one can allow you to make an informed decision.

Using cloud backup storage is ideal if you have any files you want to save and access from just about any computer, regardless of where you are located. Saving your files for future access can be beneficial for businesses by saving on filing expenses in addition to having the ability to recall photos, graphics, and other documents that are relevant to your personal life.

The post How To Safely Use Cloud Backup Service appeared first on Tech Tips.

The advancement of html language and similar techniques within the software program industry has allowed modern UPS producers to incorporate advanced remote monitoring and control of an individual UPS using their equipment. Along with notifying network administrators to impending issues as they occur, integration of remote monitoring control into active UPS gives companies useful on time caution of approaching energy failures and other equipment problems which definitely boosts the up-time of your systems. Also these software applications are important for the entire reliability platform of any remote monitoring product. They can be even personalized for every company’s specific demand and that can be very essential for the efficiency and the life cycle of every UPS.

The majority of UPS-s can be purchased with application for remote monitoring and control which is good because in that case you don’t need to find any searching the Internet or similar. Along with handling energy shortage, a number of UPS will control the electricity supply to avoid destruction from electricity troubles or voltage variations. You can also track the UPS load and battery charge in addition to exclusive remote monitoring and individual control that allows remote authorization of UPS activities and functioning boundaries to assist in detecting alerts and errors. When directed to take action, remote monitoring and control of an individual UPS can also remotely carry out programmed and scheduled shutdown of your devices which guarantees equipment safety while liberating employees for other duties in the course of power outage period.

You will also find a lot of economic advantages related to this option and control of an individual UPS – one of them is that by supervising and utilizing results remotely, users can frequently prevent the expense of sending over a power expert to analyze every trivial event – a perfect alternative for inexpensive hosting companies and IT businesses. But of course we should always bear in mind that particularly replaceable parts including capacitors, fans and batteries must be remotely examined, analyzed and substituted in proper period if UPS system needs to be conducted dependably along with power generators.

To conclude this topic we can say that just like with all the other areas of UPS management and its integration with innovative and modern devices – one of the main factors should be a trustworthy UPS dealer with high quality products because at the end only properly installed and utilized devices and related applications can certainly make the distinction between power problems nightmares and supreme satisfaction for all UPS users.

The post Remote monitoring and control of the UPS appeared first on Tech Tips.