In order to thrive in the competitive environment, small businesses need to revolutionize the way they conduct themselves. It can be achieved by making the best use of technology. Let us discuss ways in which technology can help a small business:

• Cloud-Based Services: Small businesses can simplify their operations by opting for online cloud-based services. This will help them in improving productivity while reducing administrative costs. They can also incorporate cloud-based applications in their sales and marketing processes to make them efficient.

• Marketing: Businesses can formulate better marketing strategies as technology enables them to create user friendly portals, communicate with online clients using chatbots, track customer’s buying behavior, promote business on different platforms, reach out to customers through emails or messenger apps, have an effective customer support system, etc. which in turn generates more revenues.

• Accounting: Technology enables businesses to use an online invoicing service. This helps in significantly reducing the cost of collecting payments from customers. Also, businesses can keep a track of their expenses using software and apps specifically designed for this purpose. Technology has also enabled business to pay their taxes online, streamline business finances, share financial information & records online, etc.

• Mobile Working & Telecommuting: Devices like tablets, smartphones or laptops have enabled professionals to stay in contact with their customers, no matter where they go. This way they can interact with the customers and solve their queries as & when they arise.

• RFID: It is a technology that enables businesses to capture the digital data encoded in RFID tags or smart labels using a reader via radio waves. The technology is used to track mass objects and helps in saving time & effort.

• Communication: If communication costs form a large part of your monthly expenses, then resort to online communication methods like VOIP. Online communication solutions are highly functional and help in cutting communication costs.

• Better Customer Service: Technology has enabled businesses to have interactive websites, 24/7 customer service, online chat support etc. through which they can always stay in touch with their customers. This has helped in increasing customer satisfaction as their requests are attended at the earliest.

Businesses in every industry are benefiting from the use of technology as it has made business processes easier for the staff as well as made customer interaction hassle free.

Centex Technologies is an IT consulting firm providing technical assistance to businesses around the globe. It also offers myriad of other services like website designing, website development, search engine optimization, software development etc. For more information, call at (972) 375 - 9654.

Touch screen technology is known to have been invented in 1965, however the extensive use of the technology began with the commercial growth of computer industry. With rising craze of touchscreen, market for touchscreen gadgets such as phones, laptops, tablets etc. has significantly grown in the last decade.

Touchscreen is like an invisible keyboard; so when you press a key, it completes an electrical circuit through which the current flows. The variation in current from different keys is detected by the processor to differentiate and understand different commands.

Normally, layered on the top of an electronic visual display of an information processing system, it is an input device through which the user can control information with the help of a stylus or by merely using their fingers.

How Do They Work?

There are different kinds of screens, each of which works in a different way. Let us discuss them in detail:

• Resistive Screen – One of the most popular technology at the time, resistive touchscreens comprise of a normal glass panel covered with a conductive and a resistive layer. The layers are kept apart by spacers along with a scratch resistant layer placed on top. The upper layer comprises of polyester plastic which is bonded to a rigid lower glass layer. When a user touches the screen, the two layers make a contact in that exact spot. An electrical current runs between the two layers and as the polyester layer touches the glass, it completes the circuit like any other key on the keyboard. A chip is placed inside the screen which detects the coordinates of the point of contact between the layers and translates it into signals that are used by the device to understand and translate the command.

• Capacitive Screen – The screen constitutes multiple layers of glass. Both inner and outer layer conduct electrical charge. Thus, the screens behave like two electrical conductors separated by an insulator or capacitor. When the user touches the screen with his finger, , the electrical field of the outer layer is altered and the alteration point is detected by sensors placed on the four corners of the screen. The alteration point acts as One distinctive feature of capacitive screens is that they can be touched in more than one place at once.

• Infrared Screen – An infrared touch screen is characterized by a grid pattern of LEDs and light detector photo cells arranged on opposite sides of the screen. The LEDs shine infrared light in front of screen and specific beams are interrupted when you touch the screen at a certain point. This helps the sensors in detecting the exact location of the touch.

For more information about gadgets and devices, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.

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Deep web comprises of uncatalogued sub-pages of domains, encrypted networks, password-protected data, private databases etc. The content in this invisible web cannot be indexed by the search engines and so it is generally hard to keep a track of it. Although there is no accurate estimate, but deep web is considered to be 400 to 500 times bigger than the surface web which is a part of World Wide Web that is available to general public and can be indexed by search engines.

Web, in general, can be compared to an iceberg where surface web resembles the visible tip and the huge part hidden below the surface forms the deep web.

What Can Be Found On The Deep Web?

A search engine, by crawling from one page to another, creates an index of pages that are linked to one another. However, the page that could not be linked to another page or could not be found by the spiders or crawlers of a search engine comes under the ambit of deep web. It could be an unpublished or unlisted blog post, file directory, picture and/or the content which the search engine cannot see.

You are most likely to find a record of following things on the deep web:

• Personal email accounts
• Social media accounts
• Online banking accounts
• Medical records
• Legal records
• Academic records
• Data stored on private databases

Who Uses The Deep Web?

• Journalists
• Police and military
• Whistleblowers
• Political protesters

Common Misconceptions About Deep Web?

• Deep web is illegal
• It can be accessed by experts only
• It cannot be searched at all
• It is the same as ‘dark web’
• It is smaller or equivalent to surface web in terms of size
• It is run by criminals

Difference Between Deep & Dark Web?

The terms often used interchangeably are however, quite different from each other. The former is the pool of information on the web that cannot be accessed by search engines, but can be retrieved if you have an address. Whereas, the information on dark web is kept secretive purposely. It is often linked to criminal & illegal activity.  

In the absence of deep web, it would have been difficult in maintaining privacy as in that scenario anybody could access your accounts by searching you on google. Since, this information is private so deep web helps in preventing it from being misused.

For more information on deep web, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.

What is Wearable Technology?

It is an umbrella term used for all types of electronic devices that can be used as a material in clothing or worn directly as an accessory to record or provide access to specific user data. These devices are further capable of connecting to the internet and enable data sharing between network and the device. Data sharing has brought Wearable Technology to the forefront of Internet of Things (IoT).

Today, Wearable Technology has expanded its wings to a spectrum of types such as Implantable, Smartwatches, Smart Jewelry, Fitness Trackers, Smart Clothing, Smart Shoes and Head-Mounted Displays, to name a few. Increased scope of Wearable Technology has paved way for an array of advantages. The advantages span from offering easy connectivity to enhanced health and fitness tracking.

Here are some major advantages of Wearable Technology:

Fitness: Fitness bands, watches or fitness socks record data related to diet, physical activity, heart-rate, calories burnt etc. Companion fitness apps encourage the users to make healthy diet choices by providing information about content and nutritional impact of diet. These apps also offer personal benchmarks as well as challenges among the app users to encourage physical activity.

Health: People are more engaged in their own healthcare, if they can monitor themselves. Wearable Technology fills this gap. The bio-sensors allow people to keep a tab on their blood pressure, blood sugar levels, pulse rate etc. They help in adapting a proactive approach towards health issues to counter the problems at an early stage. Data can be used to detect emergencies and devices can be set to notify healthcare professionals and family members.

Lifestyle: Many high-end lifestyle brands have partnered with technology developers to launch trendy wearable devices like watches, jewelry, glasses or head-gear. These devices are equipped with LED screens to assist in calling, messaging, checking emails, recordings and camera functions. Devices like smart watch grant the freedom to set GPS navigation without stealing a look at your smartphone time and again, while driving. Some devices are capable of recording concentration and stress levels of the user.

Safety and Security: Functions of Wearable Technology have added security benefits. On-the-go GPS navigation and calling facility without accessing your phone can be a boon in tricky situations. Watches with GPS/WiFi positioning and worldwide connectivity offer location tracking of children. The devices can also be used to send an SOS alert to the family in a discreet manner. Some devices are capable of detecting any force applied to the user and automatically connect with the smartphone to turn on location detection and recording mode.

For more information, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.

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Machine Learning (ML) is a technique of artificial intelligence that gives a computer system the ability to learn from data without being specifically programmed. The term machine learning was coined by Arthur Samuel in 1959. It builds algorithms that can learn from data and make data driven predictions on the basis of inputs made in the past. The computer, software as well as the device performs via cognition which works very similar to the human brain.

Here are some most common applications of Machine Learning that we make in everyday life:

• Virtual Personal Assistant: They act as your personal assistants and help you find information as demanded over voice. Machine learning is a vital part of these personal assistants as they collect, define and predict information on the basis of inputs made in the past. They start recognizing your preferences and show results accordingly.
• Traffic Predictions: Our current location is tracked through GPS navigation, which enables the server to predict current traffic. It will do a congestion analysis and let you know the way you should take to avoid being stuck in traffic. Also it estimates the areas which are more prone to traffic congestion on a daily basis.
• Online Transportation Network: Machine learning plays a major role when it comes to online transportation network. For example, it is only though this technique that when you book a cab, the app estimates price of the ride, minimizes the detours, predicts the price when the demand is high etc.
• Video Surveillance: Nowadays, video cameras are designed in a way that makes it possible to detect & prevent any crimes. Machine learning enabled system keeps a track of any unusual activity or behavior & alerts the human attendants if there is something suspicious to help in preventing it.
• Social Media Services: Social media platforms are also using machine learning. It is being used for effectively targeting ads, personalizing the news feed, recognizing the face when you upload your and a friend’s picture, suggesting people you may know on the basis of friends you connect to, profiles you visit, interests you share, etc.      
• Online Customer Support: Websites nowadays give people an option to chat with their customer support representative or a chatbot while scrolling through it. The chatbot is able to understand user queries only due to the machine learning algorithms.
• Product Recommendations: Machine learning enables websites & apps to personalize the customer experience and make recommendations as per your taste. It understands the behavior, brand preferences and shows you the results accordingly.
• Online Fraud Detection: It has helped in increasing cyber security by tracking & preventing monetary frauds such as money laundering etc.

For more information about machine learning & its applications, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.

Browser hijacking happens when a user’s web browser is modified by an unwanted malicious software without their permission. It is also known as browser redirect virus as it redirects the user from one browser to another that usually contains malware. It may place unwanted advertizements into the browser or replace existing home page with hijacker’s page. The hijacking software might also contain spyware to obtain user’s confidential information.

Common Examples Of Browser Hijacking

• Babylon Toolbar
• Conduit
• Ask Toolbar
• CoolWebSearch
• Coupon Servers
• GoSave
• Onewebsearch
• RocketTab
• Search-daily.com
• do
• Taplika
• TV Wizard
• Vosteran
• Trovi

How Does Brower Hijacking Work?

Usually an application is installed on a user’s system that seems to be legitimate however, is not. The user is then fooled into agreeing for an additional download and when they install that application it further leads to browser hijacking. The information about browser hijacker software is presented in a way that confuses the user and they often end up installing it even though they are given an option to decline the download.

Browser Hijacking is usually done by spreading malware through email attachments containing malicious links, downloading infected files or visiting websites containing malware. It may also result from third party software, scripts and plug-ins, etc.

How Do You Know Your Browser Has Been Hijacked?

• When your searches are redirected to different websites.
• Web page loading is quite slow.
• There are multiple pop-up advertizement alerts.
• Numerous toolbars on the web browser which have not been installed by the user.
• Inability to access necessary data.
• Very less browser security.
• Sites being blocked.
• Web queries that fail to proceed through search engines.

How To Remove Browser Hijacking?

• Check out the authenticity of browser add-ons, plug-ins, extensions etc.
• Remove anything that seems suspicious or unnecessary from the system’s browser.
• Reset the browser settings to original default.
• Clear off the system’s Domain Name System (DNS) cache.
• Use browser hijacker removal tools

How To Prevent Browser Hijacking?

Following are some ways to prevent browser hijacking in the first place:

• Regularly update operating system (OS) as well as browser patches.
• Make sure that the browser software is updated with latest security features and are devoid of any vulnerabilities.
• Avoid clicking on emails & links sent by an untrusted source.
• Read all terms & conditions as well as end user licensing agreements before downloading any software.
• Install a good anti-virus software.

For more information about browser hijacking, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654. We are a leading technology consulting firm, which also provide IT support, Search Engine Optimization, Website Designing & Development services to their clients across the globe.

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Li-Fi i.e. Light Fidelity is a revolutionary wireless optical networking technology. It uses light-emitting diodes for data transmission. The LED light bulbs that have a chip that modulates light imperceptibly for optical data transmission. Data is transmitted by LED bulbs which is then received by photoreceptors. It is much more efficient & secure than typical wireless technologies.

The term LI-Fi was coined by Harald Hass, a professor from University Of Edinburgh during a TED talk in 2011. The primary difference between Wi-Fi and Li-Fi is that the former runs on radio waves whereas the latter uses light waves.

How Does It Work?

The intensity of light is modulated either by dimming it, turning it on and off at a very high speed to transmit data over Li-Fi. These changes are generally imperceptible to the human eye.

An LED with signal processing technology is fitted over an overhead lamp. The data which is embedded in its beam is streamed to the photo detector. The data is demodulated in electronic form by a dongle at the receiver’s node. It is then converted back into a data stream and transmitted to a computer or mobile device. 

Li-Fi is 100 times faster than normal wireless technologies with a speed of 224 gigabytes per second under lab conditions.

Benefits Of Li-Fi

• Due to high speed, the data transfer rate for internet application is high.
• As light cannot pass through the walls & opaque surfaces, sending data through Li-Fi signal is highly secure. This is because Li-Fi internet is available to users within a room which thus prevents its unwanted access.
• It is highly efficient technology which consumes very less energy.
• Li-Fi devices consume very little power.
• Completely safe & has no health concerns associated with it as it operates on optical bands.
• Helps in avoiding neighboring network interference.

Applications Of Li-Fi

• Military – Li-Fi is highly secure even though it is confined to a small range which makes it ideal for military use in remote areas. It is does not require much physical infrastructure because all it needs is light.
• Underwater Communications – Radio waves cannot travel through water whereas light can. So it can be used by underwater vehicles & divers to communicate with each other under water.
• Augmented Reality – It is generally used in museums & galleries. Through this people can download or view information regarding the object being viewed from the light on their phone or camera.
• Safety Environment – Li-Fi can be extremely helpful to transfer data in explosion hazard environments where other electrical equipment’s are restricted.
• Intelligent Transportation Systems – LED lights are widely being used in car headlights these days. It is being used in traffic lights and also to develop anti-collision systems. It enables your car system to get real time information from the network.

So, the technology is based on visible light communication. With speed as much as 100 times faster in testing than other wireless technologies, it is a perfect fit for data requirements of future.

For more information, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.