Time Server Atomic Clock Timing References
by David Evans
Atomic clocks are extremely complex pieces of equipment created to maintain highly accurate time. Most atomic clocks are so expensive and complex that they are only generally found in National Physics laboratories or National Standards Laboratories. Commercial timing equipment is generally based on GPS or National Time and Frequency radio time broadcasts. By using a relatively low-cost radio or GPS receiver highly accurate timing information can be received without the expense of installing a true atomic timepiece.
This article discusses a number of atomic timing references and how they can be used to provide synchronisation of computer equipment and networks.
National Radio time and frequency broadcasts transmit accurate time and date information from a radio transmitter. A number of radio time and frequency broadcasts are available, such as: WWVB, DCF-77 and MSF-60. The time and frequency radio transmissions are referenced to a precise atomic clock time source. By utilising a relatively low-cost radio receiver PC and NTP server systems have access to precise timing information. Additionally, radio antennas can generally obtain a good signal indoors close to the host time server making installation very straight-forward. However, radio broadcasts have a finite range and are generally only available to a regional audience.
The DCF77 time broadcast is generated from from Frankfurt, Central Germany. The transmission is a long-wave signal broadcast at 77.5 kHz. The transmitters are maintained by T-Systems, a division of Deuche Telecom. The time and frequency broadcast is referenced to precise atomic clocks located at the German National Standards Laboratory (PTB) in Brunswick. The DCF-77 signal can be received using a low-cost radio receiver and when decoded provides a precise timing reference for computer time servers.
The MSF radio time and frequency transmission is broadcast from Anthorn, Cumbria in the United Kingdom. The signal is broadcast as a long-wave radio transmission at 60 kHz. The transmitted time and date information is referenced to atomic clocks sited at the UK National Physics Laboratory. The transmitters are maintained by VT Communications.
WWVB is the US National Time and Frequency radio broadcast. It is a 60 kHz transmission broadcast from Fort Collins, Colorado. The transmission is referenced to atomic clocks installed at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). WWVB provides a time and frequency reference to within 100 microseconds of the correct time and has been in operation for 45 years.
The GPS system is a Global Positioning System intended for worldwide navigation. The GPS system consists of 24 satellites in high orbit. By utilising triangulation, the GPS system can provide highly accurate positioning information anywhere on Earth. In order to calculate position, each orbiting satellite has an on-board atomic clock timing reference. Atomic time is constantly transmitted from each satellite and is available to a GPS receiver. The GPS signal is available subscription-free anywhere on the face of the Earth. By utilising a low-cost GPS antenna and receiver accurate timing information can be made available to NTP server and computer time synchronisation systems. A GPS antenna does however need to be installed ideally on a rooftop with a good 360-degree view of the sky.
The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is the standard means of achieving network time synchronisation. NTP is used to distribute accurate time around the Internet and other computer networks. The standard NTP server distribution for LINUX\UNIX is available free-of-charge under the GNU public licence and provides reference clock drivers for many radio and GPS receivers. Radio and GPS receivers are available with serial or USB ports that can interface to a PC or NTP time server to provide an accurate external timing reference. Depending on time source, NTP servers can synchronise to within a few microseconds of the correct time. Depending on network traffic they can synchronise network time clients to within a few milliseconds.
To summarise, there are a number of national and global time and frequency references available for synchronising computers and computer networks. Many can provide synchronisation to within a few microseconds of the correct time. Utilising accurate radio or GPS timing references, precise time is freely available without the expense of installing an atomic time clock.
About The Author
http://www.timetools.co.uk/ntp-servers/gps-ntp-server-s5100.htm
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Is Outsourcing Right for your Business?
Is Outsourcing Right for your Business?
by Adam Davis
Businesses across the U.S. are struggling to deal with globalization, staffing issues, managing workflow and freeing up resources to focus on strategic growth initiatives. Financial professionals, accounting firms in particular, are looking for strategies to ease seasonal staffing and time management problems as well as ways to add more value to their clients. Outsourcing is addressing these key challenges.
Many businesses still are very hesitant to embrace outsourcing as a means to growing their practice and increasing productivity. To help you decide whether outsourcing is right for your business consider the following common questions:
Q: How can I be sure private client data will be secure?
A: Superior security measures and processes; make sure you have a signed service agreement (including confidentiality guarantees). Some important security features to look for when choosing a vendor are if they support a paperless monitored work environment. Consider network security such as if their site is encrypted and uses a firewall. Also, verify how they hire their employees. Do they adhere to stringent background checks and do they require a particular level of education or training?
Q: Is it against the law or code of ethics to utilize outsourcing?
A: No, as long as disclosures are made to the client. There is typically a provision in most privacy statements that disclose that the firm may be a need to disclose client information to third parties who provide help in servicing their accounts. Most firms reference outsourcing directly or indirectly in their privacy statement in order to comply with the Graham Leach Bliley Act. In either case, as long as the taxpayer is assured that his/her return will be reviewed by the firm's tax department prior to filing, they generally respond favorably to outsourcing.
Q: How can I be assured that the work being done meets the high quality standards that I guarantee my own clients?
A: Again, investigate whether the vendor employs a skilled staff. Verify that the vendor performs quality checks and audits by seasoned U.S. staff and conducts rigorous and continual ongoing training of the tax and accounting team.
Q. How can I ensure outsourcing will be successful for me?
A. Communication with vendor. In the end, it is up to both the vendor as well as the client to make sure the lines of communication are open. The more the vendor understands the needs and workflow of the client and the more the client understands the outsourcing process, the better the relationship will be for both parties.
About The Author
BuPro USA is the leader in outsourcing services for accounting and tax professionals. BuPro USA is a U.S. and Indian based company that helps accounting and tax professionals become more efficient and manage their work more effectively. Their proprietary technology platform makes the outsourcing process easy to use for all accounting and tax professionals; no matter their size or business mix. Key benefits include: a lower stress work environment, better quality, lower costs and better end-client relations. BuPro USA is a privately held company based in Ferndale, MI. For additional information, please visit http://www.BuProUSA.com or contact us at: info@BuProUSA.com.
Show Your Appreciation with Thank You Gift Baskets
Show Your Appreciation with Thank You Gift Baskets
by Morgan Hamilton
Have you ever expressed your gratitude through thank you gift baskets? Every time someone did anything special for me, I often show my appreciation by giving them these gifts. I create these baskets myself and I often incorporate things that the recipients like on the design. They are also available on the market, but people would appreciate homemade thank you gift baskets more than pre-made ones.
I recently made two thank you gift baskets for people who have done some special things for my family. I have a next door neighbor who has an adorable six-year-old son and she is always bringing over his old toys for my younger son. Some of these toys were expensive, like the children�s keyboard and wooden puzzles, and I wanted to thank her for her kindness.
Since her son has everything his heart desires, it is practically impossible to buy him a toy. He owns a lot of them and buying more would only clutter the house and he doesn�t even play with half of what he already has. I decided that it would be appropriate if I create one of my thank you gift baskets for the woman who has been generous to my son.
My next door neighbor�s favorite activity is drinking. She drinks a lot and would always talk about the new cocktails she mixes in the kitchen. I realized that one of those thank you gift baskets filled with coffee, tea, or sweets wouldn�t suit her. I decided to make her a custom made basket filled with liquor. She was overjoyed with my gift and she responded by making pomegranate martinis that night using the vodka from her basket, and then she invited me and my husband over to drink with her.
Giving thank you gift baskets is a perfect way to let someone know you appreciate them without buying them a silly trinket they may not like. I�ve created different kinds of thank you gift baskets filled with stuffed animals, fruits, coffee products, and booze, depending on the recipient�s taste. The only drawback is that gift baskets can be expensive especially if you overdo them. Try to use your imagination to create a charming yet inexpensive present.
About The Author
My Christmas Shopping is Done...Avoid Holiday Stress by Stealing My Tips
My Christmas Shopping is Done...Avoid Holiday Stress by Stealing My Tips
by Amy Drescher
Yes, once again I�ve crossed off every last person on my Christmas shopping list before Halloween. Mom, Dad, Grandma, brother Steve, brother Jason, kids, nieces, nephews, even bus drivers, schoolteachers and the mailman. I�ve stockpiled hostess gifts, stocking suffers and a few random presents for those surprise exchanges that pop up every holiday. Everything�s already wrapped and tagged. Come December, I�ll be relaxing in a hot bath with a good book while the rest of the world scrambles to amass ratchet sets, bezel set diamond studs and the latest Tickle Me Elmo.
Why not join me? Besides the smug satisfaction you�ll enjoy from getting your holiday shopping out of the way early, you�ll get to actually appreciate the parties, the cookie baking, the egg nog, the mistletoe�even the relatives�without guilt.
So how�d I do it already? With a little advanced planning. You can get your Christmas shopping done early too, if you follow my lead. Here are my secrets:
Nine Christmas shopping tips (Hanukkah shopping tips too) to make the holidays easier:
Make a list. A little advanced planning goes a long way. Just like you do when you go to the grocery store, make a list. This way you�ll stay focused and finish the task fast. Before you shop, write down who you need to buy for, what you plan to spend and any ideas you have in mind based on individual tastes, hobbies, etc. Think: Did they mention a great book they want to read? A piece of jewelry they particularly admire? A movie they want to see? An item of clothing they like? A tool they had to have? A play that looked interesting? If you�re stumped, look for gift finders online. Many popular web sites have special holiday gift collections broken down by gender, age, tastes, price, etc. If you want to give something truly memorable, think back to the truly memorable gifts you�ve received. My favorites have been a basket full of little things I love, like books, lotions, bath stuff, etc.; a subscription to the New York Times daily crossword puzzle online; a three-course dinner prepared with all my favorite foods, and a gorgeous black baroque pearl bracelet. Think back to gifts you�ve given that have been a hit. What were they? Who enjoyed them?
Shop online. This is the best tip of all. Once I got a computer, holiday shopping was no longer a chore I dreaded. It actually became a breeze. Doing your Christmas shopping online saves time, money (with gas prices being what they are) and legwork. Best of all you don�t even have to get out of your pajamas. I can breeze through my entire list in under an hour, I have most everything within a week, and it�s delivered right to my door. And don�t worry about security: Shopping online is safer than shopping in stores. Far more credit card numbers are stolen in your presence by waiters, clerks, etc. than are stolen by hackers and phishers.
Narrow your list of sites. Over the years I�ve narrowed down my holiday shopping web sites to a few great e-tailers I use over and over. Some let me save my information in a password protected format so I just log in and shop. Once my shopping cart is full, I don�t have to retype my name and address, or the addresses I ship to. One caveat: Don�t store credit card data. Even though it�s probably not going to happen, hackers can and do steal your information. Best to retype your credit card number each time to be on the safe side.
The best news about site loyalty is that many sites offer incentives to repeat buyers. One 20% coupon can go a long way toward shaving your holiday gift budget!
Use e-tailers that have something for most everyone. I have one online jewelry site I shop at over and over because they have something for most everyone on my list. Last year I shopped for all the women on my Christmas shopping list in one 20-minute sitting. I got a trendy gemstone ring for my niece; a classic pearl necklace for my goddaughter, an inexpensive but high-quality pearl bracelet for my sons� teachers, a pearl pendant for my friend and a pearl jewelry set for my mother. Shopping in one place made it easy to manage my task. I printed my receipt at the end and had a great reference for what I bought and what I still needed to buy.
Search for sites that offer free shipping. Pretty self-explanatory. Shipping can add a lot of hidden and surprising costs to your holiday budget. There are plenty of sties that offer free shipping regularly, and still more that use free shipping to entice holiday shoppers. Search for free shipping coupons on Google or at great coupon sites like couponcabin.com. Sometimes you�ll find a money-saving code that wasn�t obvious on the site.
Search for sites that offer free gifts. This is my favorite tip. Free gifts with certain dollar amounts purchased can save you big bucks. For example, the site I work for offers free pearl stud earrings with purchases over $150. Buy a few presents and you�ve earned a high quality, free gift to give to someone else on your list or save for yourself.
Always check return policies. Generous return policies are a must for early holiday shoppers. This tip is especially important if you�re buying a gift in October that your recipient might want to return or exchange in January. You don�t want them to get burned if they only have 30 days to return an item. Look for 90 day return policies at least, and make a note of sites that don�t appear to have helpful customer service or easily accessible contact information. You don�t want to spend your money at sites that make it difficult for you to contact them after the sale.
Click the gift wrapping option. E-tailers that don�t gift-wrap get crossed off my list. Why? Gift-wrapping is time-consuming and expensive. Christmas wrapping paper is about three bucks or more a roll; bows can be a dollar each, and you�ve got tags and tape, not to mention the time involved to crease perfectly wrinkle-free corners or get the wrapping on that oblong-shaped doll just right. Plus, like me, your might not be very good at it. At $3-$5 per gift, which is what the sites I shop at typically charge, it pays to have items gift-wrapped. Shopping online saves you money on gas, why not put that toward wrapping? Just make sure to have gifts tagged if you�ve ordered multiple gifts for multiple people or you�ll have a lot of unwrapping and rewrapping to do.
For last minute stuff, such as miscellaneous stocking stuffers and office grab bag gifts, I grab items at places where I already shop regularly, like the grocery store. Poke around and you can find great books, gift cards, beer, candy, mugs, even office supplies, art supplies, puzzles and flowers. Another great idea is a magazine subscription. (With a monthly subscription, your gift will keep on giving 12 times a year.) Hey, you have to grocery shop regularly anyway. Why not grab what you need there rather than make a special trip? Then you can do like I do and not make one extra trip or spend more than an hour on your holiday shopping, including the gift wrapping.
Ready to take back the holidays from the retailers and celebrate what these special days are really about? I find it far more satisfying to celebrate my spirituality and spend time with family and friends rather than waste my valuable time at some overcrowded mall with crabby, stressed out shoppers. Why not join me this holiday?
About The Author
An Indian Rice Delight Makes Taste Buds All Over The World Enter Nirvana
An Indian Rice Delight Makes Taste Buds All Over The World Enter Nirvana
by Chris Jacob
Welcome to the Gourmet Indian Series. Today we bring you Chicken Biryani.
Ingredients:
8-10 oz basmati rice rinsed 2 tbsp. olive oil
2 chopped onions
2 chopped garlic cloves
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
� tsp. cayenne pepper
� tsp. ground cumin
Garnishing:
1 tbsp. fried onions
2 tbsp. toasted flaked almonds
1 tsp. ground coriander
a pinch of nutmeg
� tsp. ground cinnamon
� tsp. turmeric
6 fl oz natural yogurt
1 tsp. sugar
3 tbsp. raisins or sultanas
salt and black pepper
Method:
1. Boil the rice in 3 pts water with a little salt for 8 minutes, stirring once and keeping the water at a rolling boil.
2. Drain and reserve. Meanwhile, thinly slice the chicken breast.
3. In a large saucepan or casserole with a tight fitting lid heat the oil and fry the onion, ginger and garlic for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add the chicken, raise the heat and stir fry for 3 minutes.
5. Add all the ground spices and stir again for a few seconds.
6. Add the yogurt and stir for one minute, then add the sugar and raisins or sultanas and stir again. Check seasoning.
7. Put the rice on top then cover the saucepan with foil or a damp tea towel and put the lid on tightly.
8. Reduce the heat to low and cook undisturbed for 10 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and rest, still covered, for 5 minutes.
10. Uncover, sprinkle with the garnishes and serve.
BON AP�TIT
About The Author
http://www.gourmetindian.info
Born 25th December 1981 in Melbourne, Australia, Chris (also known as CJ) graduated from Monash University in 2003 after completing Bachelor degrees in Commerce and Business Systems. He went on to co-own a Computer Troubleshooters franchise which also introduced him to the opportunities of writing for the News Corp, mX newspaper and Metro News in Australia. He continues in that jounalistic capcity today. He sold the business in late 2005 allowing him to pursue other opportunities both around Australia and abroad. At last check he was involved in global enterprises covering bereavement and business broking, writng a couple of books, becoming an art ditributor and developing an education platform for the new millenium. Chris can always be found having a good time on the dance floor and at any good restaraunt around town usually with a wine in his hand. He currently has no permanent residence but still calls Australia home.
Change in Lifestyle and Environment- The Secret to a Happy Retired Life.
Change in Lifestyle and Environment- The Secret to a Happy Retired Life.
by Kanaga Siva
Change is inevitable. That is the law of nature. The natural process of aging is gradual and those who are near and dear to you seldom notice the changes.
The fact remains that you are growing old. With advancing years your lifestyle too should be re-oriented in such a manner that you do not put unnecessary strain on the diminishing reserves of your body.
Moderation in everything that you do is the key-word. You may continue with your activities but do it in moderation. Health plays a major part in the lives of the elderly but unfortunately another aspect that is often overlooked is the "Environment". If due importance is given to this aspect then, many other problems such as Accidents, Loneliness, Health etc. could be easily managed.
Some major environmental problems that should be high priority when you retire are:
1. Finding a suitable place to live after retirement should be priority No.1 Larger cities are good for the younger people but the Retirees should consider moving out to a pollution free town or village in the outskirts of the city.
2. Choose a place not too far from your friends and relatives so that they could be of assistance whenever needed.
3. Ground floor is the best for the elderly. Split level houses should be avoided. If there are steps, good hand rails should be provided.
4. The house should be well ventilated and provide plenty of sunlight.
5. The floors should be well carpeted. Worn out carpets are dangerous since you could trip and fall.
6. Electric wiring should be permanent and all electrical gadgets should be in good working order.
7. Avoid loose and long clothing. Many accidents are caused by tripping and falling. Fractures and injuries during old age could take a longer time to heal and be a source of worry and agony.
8. Clothing should always be appropriate to the season. Inappropriate clothing can lead to health conditions such as, body pain,arthritis, chest cold etc.
9. Entertaining of guests and socializing should also be done in moderation. The consequences of exertion and heavy drinking can be detrimental to your health.
10. Keep your mental faculties active.
One of the best ways to keep yourself well informed, mentally active and to have fun is to spend time on the Internet. The whole wide world is at your finger tips if you can operate the computer. If you are unable to use a computer, it is advisable to take a few lessons that will make you quite proficient in using the computer and the Internet. Sending e-mails to friends, reading the latest international news and visiting interesting websites can be fun. In fact you can even earn an Additional Income. Full details are given in the article, Practical Internet Home Based Business Ideas, for the Young and 50 Plus Entrepreneurs : http://www.business-fromhome.com/article671.html
Old age should not in any way mean that you must give up participating in community activities. It has to be in moderation, that is all. Your lifestyle might have changed but your experience, knowledge and expertise will be needed and much appreciated by your community. Share it with them, enjoy yourself and make life happy and pleasant for the others too.
Change in lifestyle and environment during retirement does have certain emotional under currents such as missing your long time neighbors, some of your old friends and of course some of your favorite haunts. Unfortunately certain changes have to be made in a changing world and changing circumstances.
Make these changes in the right spirit and enjoy your retired life.
About The Author
Kanaga Siva is an Author, Marketer and Social Worker. You are welcome to visit his Website and Blog for Articles,Tips and Ideas.
http://www.business-fromhome.com ; http://business-fromhome.blogspot.com
Business Mentor - Building a Successful Business Is Like Building A House
Business Mentor - Building a Successful Business Is Like Building A House
by Jean Bartlett, The Bag Lady
If you were to go to your local bookstore and stroll up and down the aisle that contains all of the business books, you may be surprised by the amount of construction language that you see in the titles. Successful business owners have discovered that the key steps to owning and operating their own businesses are similar to the key steps of building a house.
Before you jump into the process of building your own business, it may be a good idea to look at the process of building a house to understand the best way to have a long-lasting, successful business. Keep in mind that you may have to roll up your sleeves and get your fingers dirty in the process.
Building Plans
No one starts construction on a house without a blueprint. You must have a structured plan in place in order to build a house that will look right and will last. A good plan also helps you to make sure that you don�t forget any details while you're under construction or helps you think of things you might have missed when you put your ideas to paper.
Likewise, when you are building a business, a good plan is essential. Having a good concept isn't enough to start a business that will last. You must also know where you are now, where you want to go, and how you will get there. Not only will there be countless details to keep track of, but a good plan will help you monitor your goals and track your growth and success.
Start by deciding your vision of what you want your business to be in five years. That period is a realistic and reasonable goal for any business owner. Next, set down where you are right now, and this is probably at the beginning. If you were building a house, you'd be standing on a piece of untouched land, dreaming of your final home.
Finally, figure out the steps you need to take to get from here, a fresh lot, to there, a finished home (or in this case, a business). Decide major points of each building phase, and then break things down even further into smaller steps. Any project is much easier to handle when everything is broken into small, manageable chunks.
Startup Capital
Every house to be built has expenses and costs from the beginning. Land, building materials, and labor are all expenses paid up front. The same is true of any business, and having start-up capital that not only covers your expenses to build your business and get it operating, but also allows a cushion for unexpected fees or payments is important.
Try to determine what your business needs and costs will be. Research numbers, compare pricing, and shop around. Then, once those figures are added up to a total, find the startup capital to cover not only that amount, but also enough to cover the same amount for a few months. Running a business hand to mouth with no guarantees of income is a touchy situation. At best, you'll make money from day one, and your startup capital can be set aside for a rainy day.
A Solid Foundation and a good Frame
Before the first nail drives into a house, a lot of work goes on below ground level. Building a strong foundation ensures that your house isn�t going to blow away the first time it storms. Likewise, your business must have a firm foundation, or else it may collapse the first time you encounter a shaky situation or have some kind of crisis. Your business may look pretty on the outside or have many rooms, but without deep roots firmly set on one basic idea, your business will remain
flimsy.
The foundation of your company needs to be based in what you want to accomplish and the long-term goals that you have set. Spreading yourself out thin from the start creates a house of cards that can easily be blown apart. Develop a deep conviction about who you are, what your business does, and what you stand for.
Don't build too fast. When adding rooms to your house (or areas of service to your business) make sure the framing is solid and will stand against winds. Competition will blow at a business and try to knock it down, but a solid foundation and strong framing will stand the test of the elements and time.
A Building Schedule
Houses can be built within a few short weeks, and you can build your business the same way, if you'd like. But if you'll notice, those rush-job houses all look the same, aren't well constructed, and they may not have space to expand. They certainly don't seem like they'll still be around in a century, unlike well-built strong stone heritage houses or solid churches.
Don't rush to slap together a cheap business � if you want your business to last a long time, build slowly and carefully, measuring progress as you go and adding on a room at a time. Make sure that the business fits you well and that you're comfortable in it, much like making sure that you like living in your home. Taking the time to pay attention to solid construction and small details that make all the difference will pay off in the long run. Also, by working at building your business slowly, you can make it stand out from the rest.
Renovations and Remodeling
Sometimes in the process of building a house, you may find that you want to change the design or you need an extra room added on. The same is true for your growing business. If you are in the process of building your company, it�s okay to change your plans and make changes. In fact, if you can't make changes or add services on as you grow, your business will be limited in its potential, much like a small house that doesn't suit a growing family.
Make sure that you aren't limiting yourself too much. Build small and well, but be prepared to be flexible to the market and client needs, adapting your design to be one that fits both you and your customers. Allow for growth, and have some idea of what that growth might be so that you can plan where you'll eventually add it on to your business design.
About The Author