Lucas-Fan | Electronic and Technology

The Sort-A-Matic system included 100 metal or leather dividers numbered 00 through 99. Each check was placed in the corresponding divider by the first two numbers of the account. When the process was complete, the checks were grouped by account number.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) was developed to utilize the benefits of computer technology in the banking industry. Prior to the use of a MICR line, check sorting by account number was a manual process. Two systems were previously used to handle the large numbers of checks processed in the banking industry: Sort-A-Matic and Top Tab Key Sort.

Under the Top Tab Key Sort system, small holes punched at the top of the checks indicated the digits. A metal “key” was inserted through the holes to separate all of the checks with the same value in the first digit, and this step was repeated for each digit until all the checks were sorted.

Stanford University and Bank of America were the first to successfully use computers to sort and match checks.

The Development of the MICR Font

The MICR font was developed by Stanford University in conjunction with Bank of America and approved by the American Banking Association.

The letter E indicates the fifth version considered. The number 13 is derived from the 0.013-inch module construction used for stroke and character width.

MICR Readers

Three types of machines are used to read MICR characters. The two that read the characters magnetically are referred to as MICR readers. The third machine is an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reader.

E-13B characters are printed with toner containing iron oxide, which is capable of being magnetized. MICR readers transport the checks containing the E-13B magnetic characters past a magnet, thereby magnetizing the iron oxide particles. The magnetized characters then pass under a magnetic read head. The magnetic field (flux pattern) caused by the magnetized characters generates a current in the read head. The strength and timing of this current allows the reader to decipher the characters.

Magnetic readers come in two types: single track (single gap or split scan) and multiple track (matrix or pattern) readers.

Single-Track Reader Characteristics

Single track uses a read head with one gap to detect the magnetic flux pattern generated by the MICR character. When a magnetized E-13B printed character moves across the narrow gap of the read head, the electric voltage caused by the magnetic flux from the character generates a waveform unique to each character.

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The term Dictaphone is a brand name that refers to the version that uses cassette tapes to record, as opposed to the newer Digital Voice Recorders (DVR) that the save the audio to memory.

Dictaphones or Digital Voice Recorders (DVRs) are ideal for recording voice memos, interviews, conferences, meetings and phone conversations. Digital Voice Recorder (DVR)

•Use your USB port to save typing time by directly transferring audio files from your DVR to your computer

•With the DVR there is no need to rewind; when you finish recording you simply press the play button to playback immediately

•Each audio file you record to your DVR is automatically saved under a number with a time-and-date stamp

•The DVR usually has between 2 to 5 folders to separate audio for better organization

•Some DVR’s allow you to move messages between folders and split or delete messages

•Some DVR’s come with software that automatically converts the voice file to text for easy transcription

•Newer DVR’s have expandable memory and come with external memory cards.

•The DVR is normally powered by 1 or 2 AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries

Cassette Tape/Dictaphone

•Choose between Mini, Micro or Standard; Mini cassettes (15min per side) hold half of the content of Standard and Micro (30mins per side)

•Cassette Tape Dictaphones can be played on any player that takes the respective size

•With digital you only have a limited amount of space to store recordings (if you have no external memory card) – whereas with a cassette tape Dictaphone you can simply exchange tapes if you run out of room

•Battery life is longer in a Dictaphone than a Digital Voice Recorder

•A Dictaphone is a cheaper alternative

•There is no digital storage on a Dictaphone cassette tape

•Reuse the cassettes – you can buy a machine that automatically erases micro and mini cassettes

Desktop or Portable Voice Recorder?

Desktop DVR’s or Dictaphones are generally cheaper and are ideal for recording phone conversations or are used in conjunction with transcription software. There are numerous models of portable Dictaphones varying in size and ability, but are all ideal if you are on the road or need a Dictaphone or DVR for times of inspiration.

Push Button or Thumb Slide Recorders

With the Thumb slide switch it is much easier to review and control with rewind review capability, rewind, insert, play and stop.

Which Mode?

There are three levels of recording quality and differing recording times. The longer the recording time the lower the quality.

High Quality (HQ) – 43 mins approx.

Short Play (SP) – 65 mins approx.

Long Play (LP) – 121 mins approx.

Advertisers usually display the longest recording time, so keep in mind that the Dictaphone or DVR will record at less than half of that on high quality.

There are usually two levels of sensitivity available on a Dictaphone or DVR. HIGH sensitivity picks up sound in all directions along with unwanted background noise.

Dictaphones and Digital Voice Recorders: Other Features to Consider

•Voice Activate System (VAS) – Dictaphones or DVR’s with VAS will automatically record when they hear your voice (or other sound) without having to push any buttons.

•Alarm – to remind you when to record or a timer that you can set to automatically record between two times

•Tie clip microphone – for hands free recording

•Rechargeable batteries and a battery level indicator

•Microphones can either be built in or detachable. If you want your Dictaphone or DVR for a higher quality of recording such as music, then look for one with a microphone jack

•Hands free or foot control – keep your hands free for typing or playing an instrument

•Automatic backspace – automatically reverse the desired number of seconds for input or playback

Transcribers and Docking Stations

All digital transcription systems require you to use a foot pedal connected to your computer.

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DVDs can be easily shrinking wrapped for a professional look that protects the DVD from the environment.  Machines designed to shrink wrap DVDs work more efficiently than generic hand-held shrink wrapping systems. Some machines shrink wrap only DVDs; others can shrink wrap both DVDs and CDs. Machines specifically designed for DVDs are typically cheaper than dual systems, and can be purchased for under $5,000.

Shrink wrap machines use plastics to protect items from moisture and dirt during storage or transport. The plastic film is wrapped around the item and then the film is heated. Shrink wrap systems may be small and manually operated for the home business, or large-scale automated machines used by shipping companies. Automatic machines can process more items and hour than their smaller counterparts.

To shrink wrap a DVD with a shrink wrap machine, place a precut plastic cover on the machine’s platform, and then place the DVD on top of the plastic. Close the machine’s cover to heat seal the DVD. Automated machines work twice as fast, shrink wrapping about 400 DVDs an hour.

Several online stores sell all kinds of DVD shrink wrap systems at wholesale prices. These Web sites sell both the machines and the films need to shrink wrap DVDs.

More expensive, fully automatic machines can shrink wrap about 55 CDs or DVDs a minute, or about 3000 an hour. Automated high throughput machines are portable and can sit on tables, taking up less space than floor-bound machines, but the table-top machines can shrink wrap DVDs and a comparable rate.

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Previously we talked about returned messages and lost connections, both which can be aggravating, and supplied solutions.

Problem 1 – You Cannot Send a Message

Solution

Typically this is a software problem, the result of otherwise unapparent damage or corruption to one or more e-mail messages.  To address this problem, first copy any unsent messages as text.  Then save them on the computer’s hard drive or a back-up storage medium.  After all messages have been saved, highlight all the messages in your outbox and click on “delete” or “clear”.  Just copy unsent messages from the text files, pass them into new e-mail messages and resend.

Problem 2 – The E-mail is missing an Attachment or the Attachment Won’t Open

An especially handy feature of e-mail is the ability to send and receive attachments.  Transmitting documents, photos or other such information can save time and money compared to the U.S. Mail or express delivery services.  At the same time, attachments can be real headaches.  A common frustration is to receive an e-mail message that refers to an attachment, but then find nothing is there.

Solutions

Even if this is not the case, your request might prompt the sender to re-think the attachment’s format before transmitting again.  If the problem continues, consider asking the sender to paste the contents inside an e-mail message and try again.  This may disrupt formatting, but can be an effective way to circumvent attachment problems.

If you see a message that the attachment has been deleted, it may be that your anti-virus software has detected a virus, and you’re better off without it anyway.  But if you find that all attachments are indiscriminately being deleted, check your mail properties.  If a box is checked that blocks all attachments, remove the check mark so that you can receive attachments.  If you then receive a message from an unknown person, or if the message or attachment seems suspicious, delete the message without opening the attachment.

The causes (and thus the solutions) vary.  In some cases, the problem is that the software used by the sender does not match that of the recipient.  As with a missing attachment, a simple fix is to ask the sender to copy and paste the contents of the attachment within a follow up mail message.

Problem 3 – You have too Much Incoming Mail or Cannot Download What You Have

If you are receiving large volumes of e-mail, you may be vulnerable to several difficulties.

Solutions

Many Internet service providers place limits on the amount of storage provided to each user (although some have recently increased storage limits).  If a pre-set limit is reached (perhaps because you’ve gone too long without downloading your e-mail, or have been inundated by SPAM or virus induced flood of messages), additional messages will be bounced back to those who sent them.

Of course the direct approach is to download your mail and then weed it out, but a smarter move may be to access your e-mail account via Web mail.  The end result is the same, but this step can save a great deal of downloading time if you’re using a dial up modem.  It also adds an extra measure of virus protection even if you have a broadband connection.

If you do not have a Web mail account, it’s easy to get one.  Simply go to a provider such as Yahoo (www.yahoo.com) or Lycos (www.lycos.com) and register.  You can also use a site such as mail2web (www.mail2web.com) or webmail4free.com without even registering.  Go to the site and enter you e-mail address and password.  You will see a listing of all incoming mail, which you can read and then retain for downloading, or delete, as you choose.

A similar challenge may be caused by unusually large message.  Again, this problem is more common with dial-up modems, where hefty messages may take an annoyingly long time to download.  In the worst cases, you may find yourself unable to receive other messages, because the connection with the server where your messages are stored is severed when a time limit has been reached.

Just log on to the third-party site, peruse the list of messages in your inbox, and choose the one that is the largest (most Web mail programs automatically list the size of each message).  If the message seems of potential interest, open and read it, and then delete it.  Or if it is obviously spam or something in which you have no interest, you can delete the message without even bothering to read it.  Once you have removed the offending message, your other incoming mail will no longer be blocked.

If you do not have Web mail, an option is to contact your Internet Service Provider and ask for help.  Once a customer service representative deletes the offending message from the ISP’s server, you can then download all remaining messages.

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Digital Video Interface is created by Digital Display Working Group to solve the problem of accommodation analog and digital interfaces just by using single connector.

Three types of standards can be seen in DVI cables.

In ideal circumstances, DVI home theater cable is capable to create ‘ digital to digital’ connection between the data or video sources and home theater projectors.

The standard rule for DVI cables is that it should have maximum length of 5 m for trouble free operation. It is very typical to decide a DVI cable first time.

There are two types of DVI connector and each has its own characteristics. The flat pin denotes whether the cable is analog or digital. A flat pin with four surrounding pins denotes either DVI-A or DVI-1. A single flat pin denotes DVI-D. The pin sets depends upon whether the cable is single link or dual link or analog.

To choose a perfect Digital video interface cable you should remember these tips:

1. Check both female DVI plugs to make sure what type of signals they compatible with.

2. One or both connections should be DVI-D if you are choosing a DVI-D cable.

3. One or both connections should be DVI-A if you are choosing a DVI-a cable.

4. If one of the connections is DVI and other is VGA, and if the DVI is analog compatible, then you must buy a DVI/VGA adaptor or a DVI to VGA cable.

5. When both connections are DVI-1, you are advised to use any of DVI cable, but better if you use DVI-1 cable.

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There are so many advantages to owning notebooks that, before you buy your next computer; it’s worth your while to take one for a spin.

Many of us are so used to working on a computer desktop that when it comes time to purchase a new computer, we don’t consider other options. Today, computer notebooks – which were once called laptops – offer a number of advantages over a computer desktop.

1. Mobility

You might be used to pulling up a chair to your computer, but it makes much more sense to pull your computer up to your chair. Notebooks with wireless connectivity can travel with you throughout your home, so you can check your email or do your Internet shopping anywhere.

With WiFi so widely available, it even makes sense to have a notebook while on vacation. With the right notebook, it’s easy to take photos with your digital camera, upload them, and email them to friends and family before you even get back home.

2. Better Displays

The size and quality of computer notebook displays has improved so dramatically that there’s little difference between laptops and a computer desktop. For example, you can get Apple’s Mac-Book with a 13.3-inch LCD widescreen (1280 x 800 pixels), a 15.4-inch LCD widescreen (1440 x 900 pixels) or a 17-inch widescreen (1680 x 1050 pixels). Similarly, the Compaq Presario has a 15.4-inch display.

3. Lighter Weight

Just a few years ago, even the lightest notebook was a pain to lug around. Today, though, laptops are increasingly easy on the back. The Mac-Book is slightly over an inch thick and the Toshiba Portage weighs in at about four pounds. While that’s still heavy compared to come of the new ultra light convertibles (Fujitsu’s Life-Book U810 weighs only a pound and half), it’s a significant improvement over the old seven-pound laptops.

4. Better Computing and Battery Power

Historically, two drawbacks of notebooks were their limited RAM, limited space on the hard drive, and short battery life. Times have changed, though, and laptops now have as much power under the hood as their computer desktop cousins. The Mac-Book, for example, has 1GB of memory (configurable up to 4 GB) and a hard drive that’s configurable to 250GB. Likewise, batteries in today’s notebooks don’t heat up and don’t conk out.

5. More Features

In older laptops, the computer’s size and weight limited the number and types of features available. Today, with smaller processors and other components, there’s room to pack more features into notebooks. For example, the Mac-Book has a DVD player, built-in webcam, built-in wireless capability, two USB ports and a FireWire port, built-in microphone, and audio and digital input/output.

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CCTV systems could be more beneficial than you think. Here are three key ways that CCTV can help to protect your business.

Many business managers and owners discount the idea of installing a CCTV system on their premises. Worried about costs and benefits, they use other security measures to protect their stock and their staff.

Deterrent

Although they won’t stop all crime, it is thought that visible CCTV systems act as a deterrent to would-be criminals. The presence of a camera at the entrance or exit of a building and watching over key areas like retail sales floors or IT suites can make the difference between your business being targeted and the criminal moving on.

Peace of mind

For anyone working in, shopping in or visiting your business premises, the knowledge that there is a working CCTV system in place brings peace of mind. Whilst not everyone likes the presence of CCTV cameras in public places, most people would say that such systems make them feel more comfortable.

Evidence and Interference

Depending on the type of system you install, CCTV has the potential both to stop a crime before it occurs and to provide the police with valuable images that can help them to detain a suspect. Monitored systems, where the images are fed from the camera to a real-time monitor, allow security staff to see what’s happening at the premises at all times. Recorded systems, on the other hand, should give vital information on the appearance and activities of any criminals, which can make a huge difference to a police investigation.

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Smartphone Bluetooth Below, benefits and reasons to use Bluetooth technology.

1. Wireless As you probably already know, there are many benefits and advantages to using wireless devices. When traveling with your laptop or other wireless devices, you’ll no longer have to worry about bringing connection cables.

2. Bluetooth is actually inexpensive the technology of Bluetooth is cheap for companies to implement, which results in lower costs for the company.

3. Bluetooth is automatic Bluetooth doesn’t have you set up a connection or push any buttons.

4. Standardized protocol Bluetooth is standardized wireless, meaning that a high level of compatibility among devices is guaranteed. Bluetooth will connect devices to each other, even if they aren’t the same model.

5. Low interference Bluetooth devices almost always avoid interference from other wireless devices. Bluetooth uses a technique known as frequency hopping, and also low power wireless signals.

6. Low energy consumption As a result of Bluetooth using low power signals, the technology requires very little energy and will use less battery or electrical power as a result. This is an excellent benefit for mobile devices, as Bluetooth won’t drain the battery.

7. Sharing voice and data the standard for Bluetooth will allow compatible devices to share data and voice communications. This is great for mobile phones and headsets, as Bluetooth simplifies driving and talking on your cell phone.

8. Instant PAN (Personal Area Network) you can connect up to seven Bluetooth devices to each other within a range of up to 30 feet, forming a piconet or PAN.

9. The technology stays Bluetooth technology is a world wide, universal wireless standard. A chain reaction will occur, making Bluetooth the standard for cutting edge wireless.

10. Upgradeable is the standard for Bluetooth. There are newer versions of Bluetooth in the works, which offer many new advantages and backward compatible with older versions.

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Below are 7 of these incredible advantages of the water for gas to YOU:

1- Improves your gas mileage by up to 35%. This includes both city and highway driving conditions. If you are two, three or four drivers in the family, this yearly savings increases dramatically. And what if you have a fleet of 50 drivers in your company? More if you have more drivers.

2- Eliminates harmful exhaust emission that pollutes the environment and contributes to global warming. Your engine will ADD oxygen to the environment instead of polluting it.

3- Greatly enhance engine power and performance. The more gas you use on your car, the more the engine gets battered- thus reducing the performance. But by using water as an alternative, this enhances your engine power instead and improves performance.

4- Remove carbon deposits and prevent future carbon build up.

5- Reduce the operating temperature of the engine and waste heat into the environment.

6- You will notice a calmer, quieter and much smoother engine operation and smoother gearshifts.

7- Enjoy a longer life expectancy of your engine, especially the pistons, rings and valves.

These are just some of the many advantages of water for gas technology to YOU. Remember, even YOU can build the device needed to make this technology work for YOU, from the comfort of your home.

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1. You’ll have better air circulation

Without adequate space for your computer, there won’t be good air circulation and this can damage many things in your computer. A rack mount computer therefore gets better air circulation than one without it. And this goes a long way in protecting your computer.

2. Really provides better cooling for your computer hardware

We all know that heat can really kill the motherboard, processor and other chips that are found in a computer case. If the temperature is too much it can fry the chips and leave your computer worthless. This causes heat to build up inside your computer. Even with the other fan attached to the processor chip, your computer will most of the time not get all the cooling it needs.

If you were to use a rack, this would help to give your computer the cooling it needs, since it gives you a lot more space, unlike computers that don’t have racks.

3. Give more space for your computer

Your rack mount computer has more space than others without one. You are able to do more work than if you didn’t have a rack for your computer.

4. Prevents vibration when playing load music

Good computer racks out there have vibration-dampening tendencies to prevent the vibration of your computer- especially when listening to load music from your speakers. Without these vibration-dampening tendencies, your speakers and even compute can slowly slip off your desktop, thereby causing damage.

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