Driving home from my CompTIA A+ course, I got stuck in a long line of cars about half a mile away from the toll booth. As fun as the class was, I was really tired and all I wanted was to go home and soak my body in a tub filled with warm water. So, I decided that I should buy a toll pass to avoid this tedious routine.
The phenomenon of toll passes has started spreading all over the country. For example, California has FasTrack, Washington State has Good to Go!, and Florida has SunPass. Many states have started using toll passes to prevent toll booths from becoming backed up and to spare drivers’ time.
Don’t get me wrong, you will still pay the tolls, just in a different way. When you pass through the toll booth, usually in a separate lane, the toll is automatically deducted from your prepaid account. By linking your account to your credit card, your account is replenished when it reaches a predetermined amount, which is set by you. If you do not wish to link your account to your credit card, you can choose to transfer money into your account via the web, by phone, or by simply mailing a check.
For me, the toll pass was a good investment. But if you want help on deciding whether to get your own toll pass or not, you should consider the time you travel on toll roads and how crowded the toll lanes are during that time. Plus, your state may give you some discounts just because you’re using a pass. That can be a good incentive for buying a pass.
Save your time and reach your destination quickly with the help of toll passes!
For more information regarding CompTIA training, please contact Ashford Global IT.
Tags: CompTIA, comptia a+, comptia certification, comptia certified, comptia training
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While conducting an ITIL® V3 Foundation course, I couldn’t help but notice that many of my students had iPhones with them. The iPhone is more than just a phone. Here are a few reasons behind the growing popularity of the iPhone:
- Good E-mail and Visual Voicemail Capabilities – Checking your email on the iPhone is very easy. With its large screen, you will be able to read your emails with no trouble and type replies quickly using the on-screen keyboard.
- The Use of the Mac OS – Many people like the Mac OS because of its intelligence, stability, and elegance. Plus, there are hundreds of thousands of apps available that will let you do even more with your iPhone.
- Great Web Browsing Facilities – Despite not having Flash, browsing the Web with an iPhone is really a great experience. The iPhone uses the Safari browser, which some consider to be the best browser on any phone. In addition, you can easily zoom in and out and view different pages comfortably.
- Amazing Built-in Camera and Related Applications – The iPhone comes with a built-in camera that has impressive image quality. The camera can take still pictures or record videos. By using different software applications including iPhoto, you can manage, organize, edit, and tag your pictures.
- An iPod in a Phone – You can sync your iPhone with your iTunes account so you can play music or watch videos without having to carry around a separate gadget. You can also download different audio books and listen to them wherever you go.
With extra storage and much more, the iPhone has more than a handful of admirers.
To learn more about ITIL training, please contact Ashford Global IT.
Tags: itil certification, itil certified, itil foundation, ITIL® Tips and Training, ITIL® V3
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During my Relational Database Design course, I started discussing with my students how databases are implemented all around us, including in car navigation systems you can purchase nowadays. Reflecting on that part of the lecture later, I started thinking about all the benefits of owning a car navigation system.
A car navigation system has the ability to locate where you are at the moment and guide you to your destination. You no longer have to be dependent on maps to help you find your way. And that’s not all! Some of the newer models of these gadgets can provide you with traffic updates and direct you around the traffic.
In addition, the car navigation system can help you find important locations in any city you head to, such as the airport, hotels, or convention center. Because it is directly connected to a larger database, you will have access to a list of points of interests and their distances from your location. Thus, you won’t have to worry about not being able to read a map or go through the hassle of using a map as you drive.
Getting your own navigation system is quite easy, just head to your local electronics store. But first, you must decide whether you want a portable or in-dash navigation system. The latter is more expensive and stationary, whereas portable systems are smaller, less expensive, and can be moved from car to car.
Once you purchase your own device, you’re going to become as dependant on it as I am that you will hate yourself for buying it so late in your life.
For more information on the Relational Database Design course, contact Ashford Global IT.
Tags: database design, database training, relataional database, relational database design
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While driving home from my Security Awareness class, a banner outside a nearby thrift store grabbed my attention. The store offered paperback books for only $0.25 and hardcover books for $1. I went inside expecting to find some old books, but instead, I was faced with some of the latest and most popular titles around.
While talking with the volunteer handling the books section, I discovered that the main reason behind the low price of the books: the books were donated by their previous owners; thus, the shop didn’t have to pay for them. Plus, in many cases, the thrift store got these books back once their new owners read them.
Just the price alone may interest book fanatics to discover what thrift stores have to offer. However, that isn’t all! Here are three more advantages that buying thrift store novels can get you:
- Less Clutter – Living spaces these days are just too valuable to sacrifice. By buying a thrift store novel then returning it, you will be able to humor your literary needs while making sure that whatever space you have is free from clutter.
- No Due Dates– When dealing with the library, you have to deal with due dates and deadlines. If you’re a slow reader or an avid one with less time, renting a book for a short period of time is not feasible. By purchasing a book from a thrift store, you can have the book you want for as long as you wish for a low price.
- Helping a Good Cause – The cost of each book will be donated to charity; thus, you will be helping others out.
Keeping all these advantages in mind, try visiting a thrift store the next time you want to read a good book.
To learn more about the Security Awareness course, contact Ashford Global IT.
Tags: security awareness, security certification, security certified, security course, security training
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I discovered the answer to this question while flying home from my Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) class.
True, laptops are great devices and can play DVDs just as well, but portable DVD players offer a set of functionalities which laptops can’t. Those include:
- Smaller Size – If you want to travel light, then a portable DVD player is definitely a good idea. Though you may have to compromise your viewing experience, you won’t have to carry around a heavier laptop when you’re not using it.
- Better Battery Life – Watching a single movie can drain the battery life of your laptop. However, with a portable DVD player, you will be able to watch at least two movies.
- Cheaper – The most expensive portable DVD player may cost less than a low-priced laptop. Plus, when it comes to maintenance costs, you will have to pay more to fix your laptop.
- More Value Added Specs – Some DVD players have added features which will be worth every dollar you spend. For example, some offer two headphone jacks; thus, you and a friend/loved one can watch a movie together.
If you can get over the problem of viewing videos through a small screen, you will definitely enjoy the benefits that a portable DVD player can provide you.
To learn about the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) class, please contact Ashford Global IT.
Tags: certified information systems auditor, cisa, security class, security course, security training
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While reading the coursework for my Project Management Professional (PMP®) class, a colleague sent me a link to download the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) to my Kindle. eBook readers are definitely time-saving gadgets, but, to be completely honest, they do have their faults. If you’re thinking of buying your own e-book reader, you should check out the following advantages and disadvantages:
The Advantages of eBook Readers
The biggest benefit of having an eBook reader is being able to carry many books at once without breaking your back. You can have hundreds of books stored on your device to flip through and read. Many of these gadgets, including the Kindle, allow you to connect to an eBook database to easily download books at low costs. With an eBook reader, you can read anywhere at any time. Most devices come with backlit screens that allow you to read in the dark.
The Disadvantages of eBook Readers
The downside side of each eBook reader depends on the device itself. For example, the Kindle only supports eBooks that are available on Amazon.com. Plus, many users have found its design to be ugly and large. However, one of the biggest faults in all eBook readers is clarity. Some readers may have difficulty reading the gadgets’ screens; thus, they still prefer books.
Yet, one thing is for sure – the horizon for eBook readers looks very bright, and probably with the latest models coming out, the shortcomings of the previous generation will be eliminated.
To learn more about my PMP® Certification class, please contact Ashford Global IT.
Tags: pmbok, pmi, pmp, pmp certificate, project management professional
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The Information Technology Infrastructure Library® (ITIL®) consists of a set of best practices for IT Service Management, IT development, and IT operations. It provides a practical framework to help businesses identify, plan, create, and support IT services.
To make ITIL sound even more appealing, here are some of the benefits you will receive if you implement this framework at your organization:
- Enhanced IT Services – ITIL covers all aspects of a service, starting with its design and all the way to its support. Thus, companies that incorporate ITIL will have better services to offer.
- Reduced Costs – ITIL offers a framework that ensures quality service; as a result, you won’t have to spend more time and money correcting mistakes.
- Better Customer Satisfaction – Service delivery is well defined in ITIL; thus, customers will get the best service from you.
- Higher Levels of Productivity – With ITIL’s processes organizing your work, your production process will become smoother and the time spent on it will be reduced and your efficiency will increase.
Over the years, many important organizations across the globe have adopted the best practices of ITIL. Examples of such companies include Microsoft, IBM, and Shell Oil. If you want your company to join the ranks of other successful organizations, then you should become ITIL certified.
Ashford Global IT (AGIT) offers all the ITIL certification courses you will need. If you’re a beginner, you can choose to attend AGIT’s ITIL V3 Foundation class either in a traditional classroom or online. For those interested in earning Intermediate Level certificates, AGIT offers all the modules in the Lifecycle Stream and the Capability Stream. In addition, AGIT provides the ITIL Expert Level of certification for those who wish to demonstrate their superior knowledge of ITIL.
Contact Ashford Global IT for all your ITIL training needs!
Tags: information technology infrastructure library, itil certified, itil classes, itil foundation, ITIL® Tips and Training, ITIL® V3
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While working on coursework for my Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) class, I was suddenly distracted by a notification that informed me that some updates were available for my media players and installed games. This reminded me that despite organizations’ excessive use of laptops, these devices can still be used to have a little fun.
Wondering how? Well, here are five different ways you can make your laptop rock your world!
Connect to the Internet
The Internet is THE place to be to have fun at. You can play games, chat with friends, or even tweet about how boring your work is. All this is possible even with the simplest laptop!
Indulge your Literary Tastes
Every laptop comes with an eBook reader, which, in most cases, is Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can easily download eBooks at reasonable prices and then read them whenever you’re bored.
Pump the Beat
Though it may not be as convenient as an iPod, you can at least have it around the office without ruffling the feathers of your boss. Simply start your media player and let your favorite tunes surround you.
A Small Theater in Your Lap
Watching a movie on your laptop is easy and convenient. You can download a movie or insert a DVD. However, if you’re planning on watching it during work hours, make sure that your boss isn’t around.
A Mini Arcade
Playing a game doesn’t require that you go all the way to an arcade or even connect to the Internet. All laptops usually come with built-in games such as Hearts or Pinball. Thus, you can play them as long as your battery lasts.
With all these cool functions, you can have fun with your laptop wherever you are.
Please contact Ashford Global IT for more information on the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) class.
Tags: computer hacking forensic investigator, security certification, security certified, security course, security training
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During a recent break in my ITIL® V3 Service Transition Lifecycle class, I pulled out my Nintendo DS. A colleague saw me and joked about it being a toy. But, truth be told, I believe adults should have one, too.
Like other Nintendo gadgets, this is a masterpiece. It has a built-in microphone and supports Wi-Fi. It also comes with an extra large screen that definitely adds to the fun and excitement of any Nintendo game. However, in spite of all these functions, the whole thing is small enough to fit in any bag, which is a blessing because I can travel easily with it.
The games that are supported by the Nintendo DS are just as great. If you’re a bit nostalgic, you can always get a Super Mario game cartridge. However, if you want something a bit more grownup-ish, you can try any of these games:
- Bleach: The Blade of Fate: Since I like action games and Bleach, this is one game I definitely recommend. This game offers multi-player mode as well as different characters that are programmed with the voices from the original cast.
- Super Collapse: Remember Bejeweled? Well, this is a puzzle game that works the same way; that is, you arrange groups of colored blocks to clear the screen.
- Brain Age Series: If you’re more intellectual, these games will challenge your brain. This will make sure that you excel at work (it has helped me focus during my course!)
So, the next time someone says that Nintendo DS is just for children, you know exactly how to defend yourself.
For information on ITIL® V3 Service Transition, please contact Ashford Global IT.
Tags: itil florida, itil lifecycle class, itil orlando training, itil process, itil service transition, ITIL® Tips and Training
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ITIL® Foundation is the first step into the world of effective IT Service Management (ITSM). By earning the ITIL V3 Foundation Certificate, you will prove your understanding of key Service Management processes and their relationships with one another. However, there may be some obstacles between you and this certificate; one of which may be time. Yet, this is no longer a problem thanks to the online ITIL V3 Foundation course offered by Ashford Global IT (AGIT).
In AGIT’s virtual instructor-led ITIL V3 Foundation course, you will study the same ITIL Foundation topics as those delivered in the traditional classroom sessions, but you will have these advantages:
- Rather than spending three full days away from work, you will participate in the online ITIL V3 Foundation course from 1-5pm Eastern Standard Time for five days. Thus, you won’t have to take full days off from work to attend the course.
- You can converse with your instructor through chat windows and later download the discussions and Q&A sessions as text documents.
- By participating in AGIT’s virtual course, you will save travel time and related expenses.
These are the main benefits of enrolling in the virtual ITIL V3 Foundation course. However, thanks to Ashford Global IT’s Success Guarantee, you can still receive more value for your money. The Success Guarantee is redeemable if you don’t pass the certification exam on your first attempt. This guarantee entitles you to a voucher for one exam re-take, direct access to instructors, and the chance to re-attend an open enrollment class at no cost.
So, if you’re interested in starting your ITIL education, make sure to enroll in Ashford Global IT’s virtual instructor-led ITIL V3 Foundation course.
For more information on ITIL training, please contact Ashford Global IT.
Tags: itil certified, itil courses, itil foundation, itil fundamentals, ITIL® Tips and Training
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