iGoogle - Your Own Virtual Pet Bat

SUMMARY: Feed insects to a flying virtual pet bat on your iGoogle page.

Think you have added every type of available virtual pet to your iGoogle page? If so, check out "Batty", a virtual pet bat from Gadzi and Bunnyhero Labs.

Click on the sleeping bat to start its flight, then hover over the "More" tab and click on a fly to send it away. Complete with audio (!) and visual effects, the bat will use its sonar to track and chomp on the doomed insect. This gadget can be maximized if desired.

* Batty Bat Virtual Pet gadget for iGoogle

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Plan an Electrifying Start to Your Information Technology Industry Career

It seems that most people these days have a friend, relative or neighbor in the Information Technology industry. One could be forgiven for concluding that this popularity is a product of a well known process supplying the IT industry with rejuvenated stock year in and year out. Nothing could be further from the truth, approximately 70,000 searches a month for the keywords 'Information Technology Career' or similar variances on Google alone validate this claim.

Even with a University degree many graduates find themselves lost and confused about their career path. The problem that graduates face is that Information Technology is a broad description encompassing any and all industries involved with the storage, processing or delivery of information. Telecommunications specialists and hardware technicians alike call themselves "IT" professionals despite very different training and skill sets. As do developers, business analysts, help desk consultants, web designers and database administrators just to name a few others.

In an industry where knowledge is rewarded, opportunity awaits savvy students and trainees who focus their training sooner rather than later. Take our two example students whom I've very imaginatively called Student#1 and Student#2.

Student #1 wasn't sure where his IT education might take him. He is bright and cruised through his course producing the following impressive results.

2007 - High School Graduate

2010 - Information Technology Degree (6.1 of a maximum 7 GPA)

Good results are great. But can we raise the bar without improving on the GPA?

Student #2 researched the industry very early into his degree; he spoke with appropriate parties including recruitment agencies and other IT professionals. He even volunteered for three weeks of work experience in his field of choice. He continued on a focused career track throughout his time at university and at the end of his degree his final portfolio of achievements looked like this;

2007 - High School Certificate

2008 - Systems Administrator (3 week work experience) - Company XYZ

2009 - Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) - Self Study

2009 - Professional Membership - AITP (Association of Information Technology Professionals)

2010 - Information Technology Degree (5.6 of a maximum 7 GPA)

Major -Infrastructure Technologies

Major - Network Technologies

Student #2 focused his efforts towards a Systems Administrator role three years before he was scheduled to finish his degree. Apart from the additional experience he was able to get a first hand insight into the industry and learned that an MCP certification would be a valuable asset to his job hunting arsenal. Additional research also led him to join a professional association. Even his university degree shows clear intent and when you put his achievements together Student#1's higher GPA hardly seems relevant.

This is an example of well planned career development. The Information Technology industry excels in presenting unique opportunities and this is no exception. Forward thinkers and innovators stand up and get noticed - Will you cruise through your studies or are you taking the bull by the horns?

Want to learn more about Information Technology careers?

Andres Villalva B.IT, AssDip(Eng), CCNP, MasterCNE is a co-founder of IT-Pathways.com and writes articles based on over fifteen years of experience in the Information Technology industry. http://www.it-pathways.com promotes ethical, intelligent and successful Information Technology career development.

Overview Of Information Technology (Part I)

The world has moved from the industrial age into information age. The whole world now depends on information, education as an institute is not an exception to this particular fact. The world has witnessed an information revolution, a combination of massive increase in the world's inventory of information and the technical development of the means of processing and transmitting information

Computers are at the center of information technology. Information is what computers process, transmit and store. We use computers to create, manipulate, and manage information faster and more easily than with any system previously devised. So, better you understand computers and what they can and cannot so, the more power you will have to put information to work for you. Knowledge is power!

But information technology does not only involve computers. It also includes the way computer and communications technologies are combined, the result is "Information Technology" - INFOTECH - technology that merges computing with telecommunication links carrying data, sound, and video. Therefore, there are two parts to information technology- computers and communications.

Moreover, information technology (IT) as it is defined by the Longman Dictionary of contemporary English as the study or use of electronic processor for storing information and making it available; INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. In addition to, before I forge ahead in relating it to the issue of Nigerian Education system, I still have to put into consideration the second concept of information technology. That concept is the communication technology.

Communications Technology:

This is the technology that is used to communicate (digital) data. Data communication, often called telecommunication, means transmitting data and information electronically from one point to another using the telephone, radio and microwave transmission devices, laser beams, optical fiber cables and direct wiring.

Computers can be standalone machines, unconnected to anything else. If all you are doing is word processing to write term paper; that may be fine. The communications component of the computer system vastly extends the range of PCs. Data communication provides information processing services throughout the office on the around the world.

Again; to be able to understand the concept of information technology, you need to be aware of how computers work. There are three key concepts that form the basis of computer operation:

First: The purpose of a computer is to process data into information. Data consists of the raw facts and figures that are processed into information for example, the votes for different candidates being elected to student government office. Information is data that has been summarize or otherwise manipulated for use in decision-making for example, the total votes for each candidate, which are used to decide who won.

Second: You should know the difference between hardware and software. Hardware consists of all the machinery and equipment in a computer system. The hardware includes among other devices, the keyboard, the screen, the printer and the "box"-the computer or processing device itself.

Software, or programs; consists of all the instructions that tell the computer how to perform a task. These instructions come from a software developer in a form (such as a CD-ROM disk) that will be accepted by the computer. Examples you may have heard of are Microsoft windows 98 or office 2000.

Third: regardless of type and size, all computers follow the same basic operations:

(1) Input,

(2) Processing,

(3) Storage and

(4) Output.

http://wwwinformationage.blogspot.com

The Details About Information Technology Strategy

Businesses today really need to know how to implement information technology into their business to keep up with the competition. There are many aspects to information technology, and unless a business does work specifically in this area, they may need to hire an IT manager who knows about the field. They can implement an information technology strategy that specifically suits the goals of a company.

The target of the strategy can be either the forms of technology being used or the people who are using it. There is a principle from a business expert that an IT strategy has to focus on the strategy by creating and measuring the value of the business from the perspective of the investment put into the emBusinesses today really need to know how to implement information technology into their business to keep up with the competition. There are many aspects to information technology, and unless a business does work specifically in this area, they may need to hire an IT manager who knows about the field. They can implement an information technology strategy that specifically suits the goals of a company.

The target of the strategy can be either the forms of technology being used or the people who are using it. There is a principle from a business expert that an IT strategy has to focus on the strategy by creating and measuring the value of the business from the perspective of the investment put into the employment of IT.

There have been other methods of implementing a strategy. The following are a few examples. Some strategies have focused on the ability of a company to spend on IT. Another focus has been how employees of a company can use the technology to create value for the organization.

The best way to come up with at strategy is to have both groups in managerial positions from the business and IT departments come together to design a plan. This helps to see the goals of the business along with how the IT department can accomplish this.

There is a structure to the IT strategy which will be explained. There is an executive summary which includes the project objective and scope. There is an approach with methodology of engagement. This IT strategy is then related to how it will work within the business strategy. There is then a resource summary relating to staffing and budget of this project.

Further, there are internal capabilities which affect how much can be accomplished. There are portfolios noting what projects are occurring at the moment. It should note how much resources it is taking to complete a project, and it can note any strengths or weaknesses.

There are other levels including external forces outside of the company which might be influencing the progress of the project. Perhaps there are more advanced technologies coming out which can possibly be implemented. It is good to noted if there are any threats which can hinder the progress, and it is wise to note any milestones such as accomplishments or the meeting of set goals. These all fit into the steps of designing a strategy and seeing one in progress.

Strategy in information technology is very important because it is the organization of a plan to make the system work. It includes the work of both the business team and the IT team to work together to make the goal of the company succeed. There are steps within the plan which need to be monitored which is done mostly by the IT team. There are different ways to do it, and new strategy methods are continually coming out. It depends on the expertise of both teams to decide what strategy plan will be taken and implemented.ployment of IT.

There have been other methods of implementing a strategy. The following are a few examples. Some strategies have focused on the ability of a company to spend on IT. Another focus has been how employees of a company can use the technology to create value for the organization.

The best way to come up with at strategy is to have both groups in managerial positions from the business and IT departments come together to design a plan. This helps to see the goals of the business along with how the IT department can accomplish this.

There is a structure to the IT strategy which will be explained. There is an executive summary which includes the project objective and scope. There is an approach with methodology of engagement. This IT strategy is then related to how it will work within the business strategy. There is then a resource summary relating to staffing and budget of this project.

Further, there are internal capabilities which affect how much can be accomplished. There are portfolios noting what projects are occurring at the moment. It should note now much resources it is taking to complete a project, and it can note any strengths or weaknesses.

There are other levels including external forces outside of the company which might be influencing the progress of the project. Perhaps there are more advanced technologies coming out which can possibly be implemented. It is good to noted if there are any threats which can hinder the progress, and it is wise to note any milestones such as accomplishments or the meeting of set goals. These all fit into the steps of designing a strategy and seeing one in progress.

Strategy in information technology is very important because it is the organization of a plan to make the system work. It includes the work of both the business team and the IT team to work together to make the goal of the company succeed. There are steps within the plan which need to be monitored which is done mostly by the IT team. There are different ways to do it, and new strategy methods are continually coming out. It depends on the expertise of both teams to decide what strategy plan will be taken and implemented.

Looking for talented and qualified IT professionals to help you with your IT support? At NetworkElites.com, we can help your company by offering professional IT computer consulting services at affordable rates. Contact us now for IT Support Austin in TX or in the US.

Your Information Technology Resume Shouldn't Suck - Does It?

One of my first IT jobs was with a small company where I was the IT department (a fancy word for a desk in a small corner of a large room).

One day I had to step in when the HR person was away sick for a week. We were interviewing for my position as I had given in my notice to leave that company and spread my wings.

It was a fun experience looking at people's work history. Most resumes were pretty dull, to tell you the truth. The way they were written, nothing exciting jumped up to catch my attention. Most of them were like, blah, blah, blah.... I did this and I did that, type of thing.

But luckily some weren't like that at all. The way they were written, made the writing 'come alive'. Here are a few things that I noticed right away:

They were written in an active voice.
They didn't overuse 'I'.
They listed their accomplishments rather than their 'duties'.

Some people serve as a bad example.

Aghast I realized how boring my resume was as well! After comparing the good with the bad, I realized I wasn't so crash hot in my resume writing either. You see, most of us just throw an information technology resume together not realizing just how important it is. It's the way to the front door. Your resume can either make you or break you. To write a great resume that will make people read it throughout, you gotta know how to write one. But I couldn't be bothered with the task. So I paid to get one professionally done. It worked out great. I paid for it once and it kept on getting me jobs because after studying it, I realized the techniques professionals use to make resumes 'come alive'. So when I needed to change my resume, I just applied those same techniques.

Here is a checklist you can run your information technology resume through 1. Does it read like a 'brochure' selling your skills or does it read more like a catalogue? Solution: use action words to liven it up. You are the product and the resume is your brochure. Highlight what the 'benefits' of the product are.

2. Are you including the heading 'Responsibilities Included'? Solution: This is boring. Write your responsibilities in a way that show:

* The problem you were faced with, * The action that you took to fix it, * The result that came out of that action

3. Don't have the experience for your new position? Solution: Alot of people try to 'beef' their resume up with experience they don't have in order to land their dream job. This is a waste of your time. Consider volunteer work to conquer what is missing. Volunteer work is viewed very highly on a resume. It shows you are a 'giver' and an 'action' person. If you find that you want to reach a job that isn't at your reach yet, consider getting some experience first and applying for this type of job in the near future.

4. Are you using bulleted sentences? Solution: Give the employer an easy way to read your information technology resume, and they will. Rather than writing lengthily paragraphs, cut up the information that you want to stand out in bullet form.

5. Are your headings matching the words listed in the ads you are applying for? Solution: The employer knows what they want. And if they see those keywords in your headings, its makes them stop to read it in more depth. Use keywords in your content as well were applicable. .

6. Are you trying to cram is as much information as you can? Solution: Wrong move. Leave plenty of white space and space the words out for easier reading. Also take out irrelevant information that doesn't do anything for the job you are applying for.

7. Is your resume tweaked for each individual employer? Solution: Your information technology resume should feel 'personal' to the employer. Like it reflects what they are looking for. It's ok to have many types of resumes to apply for a variety of jobs. The mistake most people make is to have one standard information technology resume and apply for different types of jobs.

8. Are you describing your previous jobs as accomplishments? Solution: Whether you think it or not, you have accomplished many things in your previous jobs. Both for yourself and the employer. Really sit down and think what you have done. Don't be modest. Don't think you have accomplished nothing. You just being there has allowed the work to go forward.

9. Are you listing your personal interests? Solution: If you are, make some of those interests relevant to the work you are applying for. For instance, you can say that you love to build and spend time in your home lab. Actually, one guy wrote this on his resume and I did become impressed with it. But don't make dumb claims. Another resume I read listed in personal interests that he likes hacking in his spare time! Now you know this is a wanna be hacker don't you? A real hacker doesn't feel the need to be a smart ass.

10. Have you included an objective? Solution: An objective is what you want to accomplish. Write your objective at the start of your resume, above everything else. The objective should, of course, be relevant to the position you are applying for

11. Are you using numbers, percentages and currency? Solution: These stand out so if it's applicable to your information technology resume, include them in.

12. Is it focusing on the employers needs or yours? Solution: If your resume addressing what the employer is looking for? Are you the answer to their problem? Write it in a way that reflects you are the solution.

13. Are you leaving out anything negative? Solution: In all our jobs, not everything was positive. Don't include the negative. Anything that will harm your chances of an interview should be left out. If it's vital to include such information, reword it in a positive way.

14. Have you proofread? Solution: Spelling and grammatical mistakes can pass you by. Read it on screen and again when you print it out. If you can, give it to others to proofread as well.

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By Georgia Stath, author of Your Information Technology Resume shouldn't suck. Does it? and Find Information Technology Positions (Worldwide).

Information Technology Career Preparation Training Options

When looking to obtain a higher education in information technology there are many options available. You can pursue a career that meets you individual goals by choosing from a variety of specialized areas of study. Training can be completed at different levels to allow you to receive the educational career preparation that is right for you. Enrollment in an accredited school or college will help you to obtain the higher education that is necessary for you to pursue a career in information technology. With numerous opportunities available, you can start by learning more information technology career preparation training options.

Professionals in this field are trained to carry out a number of tasks based on the career that they have chosen. You can learn to work with various computer systems for a number of reasons. Training will allow you to pursue the degree and career that meets your individual needs and goals. You can look into:
Associate
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
...degree training programs in information technology. Studies can last anywhere from two to eight years depending on the level of education needed to enter into the career you desire. Accredited career preparation can give you the skills and knowledge to enter into a variety of careers.

There are numerous professions available in information technology. You can select the level of education that allows you to enter the career of your dreams. You can specialize in areas such as:
Computer Information Science
Information Security
Computer Information Systems
Information Systems
...and more. Accredited higher education training in these areas will cover a variety of topics to help you gain the skills you need to enter into a successful career. The area of specialty will decide the courses that must be studied.

Coursework will be different for each level of degree and the area of study that is selected. You can obtain the accredited education that will help you succeed by completing training in web development, databases, systems analysis, hardware components, and computer software. You can also complete computer security training, as well as telecommunications, user interface design, application testing, and many other subjects related to the career and specialized area you wish to enter. There are a variety of professions that can be pursued once an accredited higher education is obtained in information technology. Possible career opportunities can include working as a:
Software Developer
Support Specialist
Systems Analyst
LAN Administrator
Computer Programmer
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
...and other related professions. Obtain the accredited educational training you need to pursue the career of your dreams by enrolling in an information technology school or college today.

Full accredited programs offer you the best quality education available. You can ensure this by making sure the program you choose carries full accreditation from an agency like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology ( http://www.accsc.org/ ). Start by researching information technology schools and colleges to find the one that's right for you and enrolling in the degree program that meets your individual needs and goals.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Information Technology Schools and Colleges as well as Online Information Technology Schools and Colleges at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

The Era of Information Technology

Around one hundred and fifty years ago, businesses ran their day to day operations completely different from what businesses of the modern era do to run their day to day operations. People back then worked under candle light doing math calculations on paper, the old fashion way, before electricity came about in the early 20th century. Now, most of the civilized world wouldn't know what to do with themselves without technology. Imagine not even having a calculator for math or the internet to do research. Yes, I know, it is hard to believe people were able to survive without these advanced tools that we take for granted each day. The advances in communication combined with the evolution of the IT industry has made it possible for people to do business throughout the world in real time. Improvements in IT improve our lifestyles and business by allowing computers to reduce complications and enrich possibilities.

These days, the name "Information Technology" has managed to encompass many aspects of computer technologies invented in the past couple decades. These IT spectrums can be covered in many types of professional fields such as Management Information Systems, Computer Networking, and Software Design. Our ancestors couldn't even fathom what our society has accomplished.

In medicine, Information Technology also plays a substantial roll. Doctors take pictures with machines like a computerized axial tomography (CAT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can print out three dimensional images of bones, muscles, and organs. These images can help map out patient's problems and help save lives. This day and age, it is difficult to find a field or industry that IT has not been greatly affected.

IT is completely responsible for how organized our civilization has become. The corporate world was only made possible by the communication information technology has put in place between both computer software and hardware. From a personal stand point, it would be difficult for most people to name a single person doesn't use the internet on a regular basis.

With the increasing new technologies coming out everyday, employees in the Information Technology work force must constantly re-educate themselves with all the new technologies. This makes IT a very demanding field as it is always developing and perfecting. The process of improvement is what makes this such a desirable aspect to almost any business. It is very important for anyone in the IT field to always stay up to date with all newly developing technologies that relate to their industry. IT is now the complete backbone to almost any business and its ability to be competitive and efficient.

This article was written for our friends at Blue Portal to keep the IT world educated. Article written and distributed by Secure Link.