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Archive for June, 2010

ACT! Software Takes Customer and Contact Management to the Next

June 29th, 2010 by admin

ACT! Software Takes Customer and Contact Management to the Next Level

When it comes to software solutions that improve your productivity by enabling you to manage your contacts and customers, over the past 20 years ACT! has proven that is unparalleled. According to ACT consultants, the software allows users to track sales opportunities, manage everyday responsibilities, increase effective communication, and organize contacts.

The newest version of the software, ACT 2008, features an interactive dashboard that gives you a 360-degree view of your work. You can see the big picture, and then drill down for details, while also being able to write emails, view opportunities, and schedule meetings. The dashboard is available for all versions of the ACT 2008 software (ACT, ACT Premium, and ACT Premium for Web).

For those needing a vertical software solution, ACT has a product for real estate professionals. ACT certified consultants note that the version for real estate professionals creates integrated information about buyers, sellers, and properties that is easy to reference. It also allows Realtors to take a property listing from the inquiry stage all the way through the closing stage with exquisite detail. Most importantly, it enables real estate professionals to access critical calendar information, as well as buyer, seller, and property information through mobile computing devices. Having relevant information at your fingertips – regardless of where you are – is a critical factor to your success.

ACT’s vertical solution for financial professionals is similar to ACT for Real Estate Professionals in that it provides mobile portability, but it also assists financial service professionals in collecting important, finance-specific information on clients. In addition, it helps those in the financial field comply with company-wide and industry standards.

ACT also has a number of partners who provide add-on solutions to the already robust ACT 2008 software. These include data and document management, addressing and shipping solutions, email and direct mail marketing add-ons, faxing capabilities, project management and sales management, import and export solutions, and graphics and mapping add-ons.

When it comes to implementing ACT software, your best bet is to engage the services of ACT consultants. Getting ACT help can take many forms. For example, because ACT certified consultants are fully trained in ACT 2008, they can review your current business practices and suggest ways to customize the software to maximize your company’s productivity. They can also utilize their extensive experience to train your staff or your systems administrator, who can in turn train new employees to use the system. In addition, ACT consultants can assist you in integrating everything from handheld computers to servers. Some are even remote sales force automation experts, and can expedite the process of gaining remote access to your databases. And, should the unthinkable happen, the best ACT consultants are also specialists in database recovery.

There’s no question that ACT is the premiere customer and contact management solution being used today. Licensing the software and engaging the services of ACT consultants can transform the way companies work and can improve productivity and performance across the board.

CCTV: An Introduction To CCTV

June 27th, 2010 by admin

What is CCTV?

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is an installation of directly connected components creating a circuit which cannot be viewed by anybody outside of the circuit.

This is different to a terrestrial television broadcast system which anybody with an antenna and reception equipment can view.

Who needs a CCTV system?

CCTV systems can be found virtually everywhere in these days. They are no longer considered an expensive luxury item, especially when you consider your increased level of security.

CCTV systems can be found in both the private and commercial sector and are used for security/ crime prevention purposes and providing Health and Safety protection to the members of the general public.

You will have seen CCTV systems operating in town centres, football stadiums, high street shops, sports centres, petrol stations, on public transport – the list is endless.

A CCTV system is a proven method of increasing the level of security of your premises. Its visual appearance alone will deter a criminal from approaching or entering your property for fear of being captured and identified on the system.

CCTV solutions can be tailor made to suit individual requirements. They can be as simple as one camera and a monitor, but it is quite common to have multiple cameras/monitors and recording devices in one installation.

The Elements of a CCTV System

There are three basic elements to a CCTV system,

1. Camera
2. Lens
3. Monitor unit

The camera is the element which captures the image and transmits the picture back to a monitor. The camera needs a lens to be able to focus on the subject. There are a wide variety of lenses to suit different applications.

The monitor is the receiver unit which converts the captured image into a picture, allowing you to see it.

Colour or Monochrome?

This is a very common question, but ultimately only you can decide.

A CCTV system should be designed to suit your needs, to fit into the environment on your property. The installing company should provide guidance on the suitability of different options, features and benefits – including colour and monochrome units. It may be that you need a camera that will work in colour during the day and automatically switch to monochrome at night!

Recording

As circumstances dont normally permit the luxury of having a dedicated person to sit and watch a monitor 24 hours a day, the image captured by the camera needs to be recorded so that it can be viewed later, if necessary.

Traditionally, this was done with a time lapse Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) which worked on the same principle as a domestic video but with the ability to record for a much longer period of time.

However, the VCR has now been superseded by the digital Hard Disk Recorder (HDR). Rather than using tapes, the HDR stores the images on to a hard disk drive similar to the way a home computer stores data.

More than one camera?!

Most systems today comprise of more than one camera, but you dont; a monitor and recorder for each camera.

Equipment is available that will split the monitor into four separate screens displaying four cameras, or a four way sequence unit can be used which allows you to choose which camera you would like to view. Alternatively, the automatic mode it will sequence through the four cameras that are connected.

However, the most common way of controlling multiple cameras is via a multiplexer.

To keep it simple, a multiplexer incorporates the above facilities but also has the ability to individually code mark each image from each camera and because of this, a multiplexer allows all of the cameras on a system to be recorded onto one tape or hard drive unit. The multiplexer then uses these code marks to play back the recorded picture from the camera that you wish to view.

Historically multiplexers and recording units were separate pieces of equipment, but recently a number of manufactures have developed units that do both jobs.

I wantI need….

These days, a CCTV system can be designed to fit any scenario you care to imagine, using options from the vast range of equipment available from manufactures worldwide.

For example, cameras can be internal, external, highly visible or covert. They can be static or fully controllable/movable from a remote location. You can have one camera or hundreds; you can record for one day or 21 days. With a suitable internet connection, you can even view your property when you are abroad.
Get the picture??!!!

Quality Counts

Although an avid DIY-er can buy equipment that claims to be a CCTV system from their local store, and electrical companies have jumped onto the CCTV bandwagon and will install systems too, it is always advisable to seek the advice of a specialist company.

Why?

In around 70% of cases, CCTV footage is found to be inadmissible as evidence in a Court of Law because the quality of the evidence is considered inadequate. This can result from the poor design and bad installation of the system and highlights the importance to seek professional advice from the outset

Only a specialist company who are professional in their approach and can demonstrate experience in design and installation should be approached. Most importantly, you must feel confident that the company you choose will listen to and understand your individual CCTV requirements. Their experience with lens optics and camera technology will guarantee you satisfaction with your system.

A specialist company will also ensure the best value for money , for example by using a different lens or camera mounting positions which can not only monitor the area at risk but also give an outline view of the surrounding area at the same time.

Data protection

A CCTV system must be registered in order to comply with the data protection act of 1998.

Since 24 October 2001, it has been a criminal offence to have an unregistered CCTV system that records people in a public or a private place (conditions apply).

The Code of Practice contains legally enforceable ‘Standards’ that must be met to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

There are also a further 30 points of good working practice which, when used in conjunction with the Standards, are designed to build and maintain public confidence in CCTV systems and to ensure that installers and users operate within the law.

The Code of Practice is available for you to view at www.dataprotection.gov.uk.

Finding A Bar Code Printer For You

June 25th, 2010 by admin

For years, I used handmade price tags in my small business. This was not only time consuming in terms of creating the price tags, it also made it difficult to keep track of my inventory. Bar code printing, in any business, can bar code printing reduce costs, improve data management and accessibility, and increase productivity. There are unlimited applications and advantages to using a bar code printer.

Bar codes are made through various combinations of spaces and bars to create an encoded character message. Both the differences in the ink level and the spacing between the bars can be encoded variables. The bar code reader measures the light that comes back from the symbols, and comparing that to a computer database, offers what the symbol means to a computerized inventory program. The type of bar code you and your small business decide to use depends entirely on how much information you need the bar code to store. You can encrypt anywhere from fourteen digits to thousands of characters.

Once you have decided to make use of bar code technology in your small business, you have to decide what type of bar code printer you need. To print any type of bar code, you will need software that supports bar coding. Once you’ve gotten that far, you will also need a printer that can handle printing bar codes. Because accuracy is essential in the business of bar coding, a good printer is essential. While some common laser printers and desk printers can handle bar code technology, they have to be configured to your software. Buying a dedicated bar code printer is a good idea, in any case.

Bar code printers can work well with many different computer interfaces, and can be hooked up in a number of different ways including ethernet cables, USB cables, parallel cables, serial cables, twinax cables, and coax cables. More recently, it is possible to use a bar code printer with wireless technology like Bluetooth or 802.11b. Most companies who sell bar code printers also offer technical support like remote monitoring and trouble shooting.

You can decide on the right bar code printer to meet your needs by first thinking about size. The size of your bar code labels is very important to figuring out which printer you need. You should consider the kinds of environments the label will be expected to perform in http://www.exeterdaily.com/category/technology-online. This can help you decide upon the print method. There are two types of print methods: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Direct thermal creates an image on the material that is to be labeled. Thermal transfer uses a heated ribbon to create the image of your bar code on a wide selection of materials.

I am quite happy with my new bar coding system. Finding a bar code printer that fits your needs can make all the difference in your business.

Finding The Flat Panel Monitor of Your Dreams

June 25th, 2010 by admin

If you are still not on the flat-panel monitor bandwagon, you must be considering doing it soon. And, if not, then you should! Its the trendiest peripheral to own. It represents power, fashion and all things vivacious and happening. Until you replace your CRT display you wouldnt realize how much you detested that eyesore! But before you spend your hard earned money, getting to know the object of desire will do you wonders.

Buying information:

1. Flat panel monitors use interfaces – analog or digital. The newer models have digital interface but an all-digital configuration costs a good deal more. If you are purchasing an analog flat panel, you will have to attach it with a digital interface to your video card with a digital out jack to mainstream the signal.

If you are planning to buy a digital interface, you need to investigate its compatibility. There are several digital interface standards available today-Plug and Display (P&D) from the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), Digital Flat Panel (DFP) from the Digital Flat Panel Working Group, and Digital Video Interface (DVI) from the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG).

The P&D interface is the oldest of the three criteria and chances are your new model wont sport this convention. Support for DFP standard is seen across many hardware vendors. The DVI standard is the newer and the most popular. Do your research and whichever standard you chose, you need to match its ingredients that include cables and video cards!

2. Pixel-refresh response time: In a LCD monitor, the time required to switch from light to dark objects or vice versa, is referred to as Pixel-refresh response time. If the response time is poor (more than 40ms), you may see ghosting effect, i.e., the image seems to remain longer on the screen than it actually is!

Whereas in a text environment this would hardly matter, in a gaming or media centric environment the effect could be a nuisance. More inexpensive models give more ghosting than their pricey counterparts. Also, pixel-refresh response time is not articulated on the monitors. You need to watch thoroughly to judge the performance of each model.

3. Viewing angle: One problem with a flat panel monitor is its viewing angle. Laptop users must have experienced this problem. Moving away from the monitor in any way causes the monitor to black out! Various models offer different viewing angles horizontally and vertically.

Find the one better suited to your funds! In any case, for a home PC, the viewing angle doesnt make much difference but if the monitor is going to be used for official presentations then it should have viewing angle of at least 120 degrees horizontal and 100 degrees vertical. Also, ask for accessories like pivoting frames.

4. Size: bigger is better, but with flat panel, remember 15-inch screen gives you the experience of a 17-inch CRT monitor. If you can shell out for 17-inch flat panel, by all means, go for it, if not, a 15-inch screen should not be a downer.

Other things to check when buying a flat panel are guarantees and warranties. A three-year warranty is recommended. People change the monitor settings in stores and while purchasing; make sure that you check the piece adequately. You now have the basic information; all you need is time to check out the market!

Check out the great selection of big screen tvs and flat panel monitors at our site today!

Casino Prive et Programmes d’affiliation: Comment Ca Marche!

June 20th, 2010 by admin

Le secteur le plus porteur de cette dcennie reste le casino en ligne. Pour faire face ce phnomne, les casinos mettent en place une stratgie marketing vous proposant des programmes d’affiliation, de plus en plus rpandu dans le monde des casinos virtuels.

Si vous faite partie de la catgorie des affilis audacieux des plateformes de gambling, vous serez accueillis tel un VIP lors de votre inscription et des outils marketing des plus performants vous seront alors mis librement disposition. Sans oubliez bien videmment les clbres bannires, du matriel cratif afin de promouvoir le casino que vous aurez pralablement choisi parmi la gamme propose. Attention toutefois de choisir avec attention, car cette activit est un vrai business comportant ses propres rgles que voici.

Avantage du programme d’Affiliation:

1. Vous pouvez toucher une commission s’levant de 30 35% sur les casinos en ligne srieux.

2. Vous pouvez remporter des gains illimits. La seule chose que vous devrez faire est d’insrer un logo que vous dsirez affili sur votre site de gambling. Si l’espace venait vous manquer, contactez les fournisseurs de jeux afin de trouver une solution intermdiaire. Toute personne cliquant sur la bannire sera ds lors votre client.

3. L’inscription est simple. Remplissez simplement un formulaire en ligne et votre enregistrement sera complet.

4. Insrez dans votre site une alette des jeux de casinos incontournables tels les jeux de cartes, les roulettes et les machines sous, sans oubliez les jeux populaires tels le Keno,le Craps etc, et les jeux de grattage.

5. Prenez conseil et laissez vous assister dans le management du program d’affiliation par des professionnels, afin de pouvoir connatre et bnficier des meilleurs outils. Connectez vous galement sur les sites offrant les dernieres versions des produits existants.

6. Obtenez les meilleurs rsulats.Convertissez votre traffic en argent.

7. Profitez des bonus, remises et autres promotions, sans oubliez les avantages attribus aux nouveaux inscrits.

8. Motivez vos clients par des promotions courantes.

L’innovation et le professionnalisme sont les clefs de la russite des casinos en ligne et du gambling en gnral. Face aux fluctuations d’Internet et des dernires tendances, les programmes d’affiliation des casinos restent le meilleur investissement.

Extranets For Advertising Agencies

June 20th, 2010 by admin

Ideally, clients and agencies have aligned interests, and they usually do. Today there are real challenges to that important alignment, forcing clients and agencies to look for new and better ways to collaborate. Enter easy-to-use, web based extranets.

What is an extranet?

Specifically, an extranet is a private web site that provides a secure environment for a select group of users to share documents and information.

Although it is accessed through a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, it differs from a public web site in that it can be used only by an audience that has permission to access it through the use of IDs and passwords.

Agencies use extranets as a client service tool to share documents with clients and vendors, to organize projects, and to archive previous work for direct client access. There is no limit on the size of files that can be posted, allowing agencies to share text documents, graphics, audio, video, message boards, and data.

Often, extranets are used to replace email as a means to communicate within and across work groups. Unlike email, all communication is secure and any size document can be exchanged. Plus, an extranet provides a system for filing all the documents into project-related folders as part of the exchange process.

An extranet increases agency efficiency and makes a client’s life easier by saving time and frustration. An extranet facilitates faster and easier access to materials. Essentially, it is a web-based filing cabinet shared by the agency and its client.

Controlled by the agency, it puts both current projects and past work within easy reach at any time, resulting in significant time savings for both you and your client.

It provides instant client feedback and a permanent record of all comments and activity. Input and decisions are fully documented, and the work-flow moves faster in a more informed environment.

In addition to supporting day-to-day client service, extranets can be used in a variety of ways. Agencies with retail clients use them to service retail locations throughout the country, or to support clients with multiple offices that need a single source for the agency’s work.

Choosing an extranet

As with all ad agency software, when choosing an extranet there are a variety of choices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you examine the alternatives:

Does it support the way you work now? If you have to change the way you work, it’s possible that your staff will be reluctant to use it. The extranet design should allow you to move forward without upsetting the way you and your clients currently work together.

Will your staff and client want to use it? The more complex the extranet, the less it will be used. Consider carefully the features that you really need, and choose an extranet that offers only those features. That will assure that it’s easy to learn, and easy to use.

Does it have the tools your agency needs? Make sure that the extranet supports all the applications used in agency/client collaboration. For instance, assure that it will stream audio and video. And look for tools that allow you to create folder structures that mimic your current approach to communicating, filing work, etc.

Today, clients have less and less time. Projects are moving faster and faster, and there is less administrative support available to both client and agency.

An extranet addresses these issues directly, and offers the advantage of having all pertinent information available 24/7 from literally anyplace on the globe, within a highly secure environment.

Ultimately, the case for an extranet is driven by everyone’s desire to be more efficient and effective, with less frustration and aggravation.

A Profile Will Be More Tasteful With MySpace Backgrounds

June 19th, 2010 by admin

Since MySpace is one of the most visited sites on the Internet, there are many users who offer designs of various sorts to be added to the profiles. They will design and allow free upload of MySpace backgrounds, so that the entire profile looks more tasteful. All this is going to take a short while, and this is going to be done without any technical knowledge either.

It only requires the member to log into his MySpace account, and then open the page where he desires to upload the background. The MySpace backgrounds will come with simple codes, which anyone can follow. They just need to copy paste the code onto the page where they want the background to be seen. Backgrounds can be used with either images or texts.

It is all up to the wish of the members. For example, for the blog part of the profile, a member might want a background that is related to the blog topics. They could then begin to pick one of the theme related MySpace backgrounds. There could be tennis fans, and they could be blogging on their profiles, thus they should be able to find a background with a tennis theme.

Users may apply any sort of theme, and the resources available on the internet for the MySpace backgrounds are really amazing. There are so many sites dedicated to backgrounds, and there is so much variety that it would seem as if one is unable to choose from any of them. Being able to express yourself is also a part of these backgrounds.

You can use any kind of background, and you can make sure that it fits with the profile. Any part of the profile needs attention, and you can use the right backgrounds for the necessary parts. Members might not have to look too hard either, as there would be plenty of themes to choose from. The applications of the backgrounds are extremely easy, and they would be the use of a simple code.

All profiles will look more tasteful if these various MySpace backgrounds are used. This is because there will be so many visitors to the site, and it would only make sense to make the site more appealing. This would also bring many creative ideas to the users. They can showcase their thoughts, and can also entertain themselves by decorating their profiles as and when they want.

It is also important to know that these backgrounds may be changed any time. Even if one has time to change it every week, it can be done. The member has to understand is the use of the codes, and how they have to be applied to the particular page. This is very easy, and no experience is needed to apply these codes. It can be done by even those who are new to MySpace.

Fiber Optic Cable Otdr Basics

June 19th, 2010 by admin

Fiber optic communication systems have become more of a challenge for network operators to strategically and promptly keep them running at top performance in order to meet intense demands for reliable services. Many operators will go through a rigorous fiber optic training course. As the fiber optic communication systems evolve, there become newer and more complex parameters to monitor, more links to install and maintain, and more expected disruptions to track down. A new function in the primary test tool for fiber optic cable plants is the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer, or OTDR. The OTDR is an instrument that uses the inner back scattering properties of an optical fiber to detect and categorize its condition by sending high power pulses of laser light down into the fiber and capture the light that is reflected back. This new tool is of great significance for fiber optic technicians. Fiber optic patch cables are another way to provide the correct amount of light.

Software enhancements are reshaping OTDR testing with potent new data processing capabilities that allow even the least experienced operator to analyze the fiber optics quickly and completely, and to find subtle features easily. While OTDR concepts are basically simple, precise measurements can be complicated. Reflected fiber optical power is a tiny fraction (of basically one-millionth) of transmitted pulse power that eminently varies with wavelength, cable length, fiber optic backscatter co-efficient, along with splice and connector attributes.

Measurement parameters of fiber optics under test have to be carefully selected based on mode, length and attenuation, in order to optimize fiber optic measurements with an older, manual OTDR. The optimal parameters for all fibers, in exception for the shortest optical fibers, vary in relation to the distance of the event from the instrument. The newest OTDR instruments integrate software programs that automatically detect and configure the optimum test parameters and show results in simple formats.

Most fiber optic cables require multiple OTDR measurements by using different parameters to completely and accurately characterize their property ties. These types of tests can take more time than is acceptable during a network emergency or a lengthy commissioning process. When troubleshooting the close-range resolution versus long-range visibility, several sets of waveforms must be acquired by using different OTDR settings as often as necessary. After completing the first scan by using a short-duration optical pulse, the next scan will use a longer-duration optical pulse to provide additional optical power to test further along the optical fiber.

Newer OTDR’s incorporate built-in testing programs that automatically characterize the fiber optics in a sequential manner, starting from the instrument-to-fiber connection and working outward. Such programs automatically determine which parameters need to change, based on criteria like signal-to-noise-ratio, length, total loss and elapsed time. They may also increase the number of averages, change the filtering, or adjust the gain of the detection circuitry in order to optimize the test results for each specific cable segment. Many other software enhancements have been introduced to the acquisition , analysis and archiving of fiber optical test data, making the OTDR an even more valuable asset for technicians to meet the challenges of supporting fiber optic cable plants.

Dedicated Server: Essential Or Simply An Added Benefit?

June 18th, 2010 by admin

First lets talk about what a dedicated server is. A dedicated server is kind of what it sounds like. It is a server that is completely owned by its user and therefore avoids all of the usage and management hassles of a shared server. Often the management services are provided by the hosting company that leases these servers for an extra fee. They can be of all different sizes with anywhere from one to several different remote users being on the server at the same time.

The connectivity can be from one upstream link to several high quality links upstream depending on the quality of the dedicated server. Generally it is wise to pay more because you get the back up of several links in the event that one goes down and you are also able to have better connections often with other sites and other computers as you have several routes available to you with the different upstream links.

Benefits of the dedicated beyond the fact that you dont have to share your space with anyone else are many. For one thing it is in a remote location. This allows you to connect and do your work from any other computer in the world that has connectivity to the internet. You also do this work with the benefit of an up-to-date processor and large memory capacity that does not depend on what you have available to you wherever you are. This allows you to do high quality and powerful work even from less than adequate computers that may be at your disposal depending on where you are. It basically provides you with another computer but for cheaper than it would be to invest in a new computer physically.

Another huge benefit that you get with a dedicated server is the companys management service. You basically have a team of expert computer technicians watching your server making sure that it is secure and running smoothly. You also have them at your disposal when something is not working right or you are not sure what you are doing wrong. They generally are able to troubleshoot quickly and this service is included in the fee for the server itself.

So should you have a dedicated server? Well that depends on what your computing needs are. Generally the average computer user does not need the extra power and space and the larger companies have their own servers physically on location with their own staff managing them. So that leaves the small business owner who doesnt want the overhead of staff and physical servers on location but need the extra power and space that a dedicated server will provide them. Typically these people enjoy the remote connectivity that these servers provide so they can keep track of their work no matter where they are.

Buying a New Computer? Read This First

June 16th, 2010 by admin

Ever had one of those days when you thought that you would spend a lot of time searching around for really good computer bargains?

I have had that experience many times and have found that I used to waste time doing endless and meaningless searches trying to find what I need. But then, I found a solution!

Figuring out what to search for is half the battle won, but how to figure out whether the prices being displayed were bargain prices was another issue. So how did I solve that problem?

Try and identify first what computer system you need to buy. This really can be a struggle if you are not familiar with computers. You can visit the nearest library to you and speak to a librarian to see whether they have issues of the Computer Shopper magazine. Not only Computer Shopper, but PC Novice and PC Magazine as well. I have found these to be quite useful and effective in helping me decide on the type of system I need.

PC Novice is especially useful because it explains in layman’s language what I need to know and gives recommendations on the alternatives to look for. Terms such as motherboard and peripherals are usually explained in detail. You should not worry however if you are not familiar with these terms. Just understand that when you go to purchase your computer, you may find an enthusiastic sales rep asking you so how much ram do you need in this computer; you think you may need an Intel or AMD processor?; or, how many gigabytes do you need for your hard drive? — Huh???

The magazines I have listed above will help you a great deal but don’t get lost with all the geek talk. You will be able to find complete systems available that will be sold with software. Some systems will be sold with the box the CPU portion, and the monitor. Depending on where you are buying your computer from, the monitor may be at an extra cost. Some systems will be sold with a printer and they will try and sell you a host of other things which are not really necessary.

My advice therefore is to first figure out what you want to do with the computer and do some research!

Shopping around is the next best thing you can do to find the best prices. I usually look at three to four different quotations to see which one matches my budget. Most computers today will do what you want to do. You do not need to get the most expensive system especially if you will only be surfing the Internet and checking email occasionally, so don’t go overboard thinking that because you saw you neighbor with this expensive system you need to have one too.

Good luck and happy shopping!!

This article brought to you by
Eric Murray
http://www.computerbargainstoday.com