eRacks Systems Tech Blog
Open Source Experts Since 1999
Video: Dual 2U eRacks/QUIET2 systems
Here’s a quick video of a new, ultra-quiet 2U Studio model – barely audible, even with 2 of them running!
We just built several of these for a repeat customer, here’s the latest two:
🙂
j
Aaron November 6th, 2014
Posted In: Uncategorized
Financial Freedom
Creating wealth requires smart investing which is something you have to learn if you want to achieve financial freedom. In the following paragraphs you will learn how to select, invest in and manage high quality mutual funds that can actually generate the required returns, you’ll also learn aboutĂ‚Â online trading.
First, you need to understand the difference between a taxable and tax-free bond, as it will be the largest portion of your mutual fund holdings.
The tax advantage of a bond is that it does not have to pay a capital gains tax when you sell it but you have to pay income tax when you withdraw the money when it is sold. In contrast, a mutual fund pays no taxes when you sell it. As such, the bond will pay a lower tax rate than a mutual fund. Also, the bond’s yield is higher than a mutual fund. If you have $100,000 in your IRA and you sell a $1,000,000 bond, you will end up with $99,999.99. This is a 5% yield, which is much better than the 2.5% yield of the bond. This means you will make $5,000 more, but you will have to pay taxes on it. In some states, the tax will be higher. The best way to reduce your tax bill when you sell a bond is to roll the bond into another retirement account, such as a Roth IRA.
To be sure, you may want to look at mutual funds. It’s easier to do this than roll bonds into a Roth IRA because you only need to sell one bond. This bond will be converted into another mutual fund, which will be converted into yet another mutual fund, and on and on.
What if my IRA provider won’t take me to another mutual fund if I use another company’s bond?
A bond is a bond. No, this isn’t some kind of weird, “weird” bond, it’s a bond. If you get a new investment manager and she doesn’t offer a bond fund for you, then you have options.
Option #1: Look for an exchange-traded fund that is similar to the fund you want to work with. Exchange-traded funds are mutual funds that track the performance of a broader market index, such as the S&P 500 index. These funds are available to retail investors who invest using a brokerage account, a 401(k) plan or a high-yield bank account. An exchange-traded fund provides the investor with a price, which they can then use to buy or sell the underlying index. ETFs provide you with the ability to buy or sell securities at a pre-set price, so that your holdings can match the movements of the market. ETFs can be traded in different ways, such as over the counter (OTC), over the phone, through the Internet or through mutual fund brokers.
For the first 10 years of trading, you don’t need to invest in any individual exchange-traded fund. Instead, you can simply buy a mutual fund that includes the shares of an ETF.
But it is crucial to understand that ETFs are actually stocks, which means that when you invest in them you’re investing in the overall market. In fact, the market, like a giant pyramid scheme, is a giant investment scheme, because it is in fact designed to make money for the people running it.
joe September 17th, 2013
Posted In: Uncategorized
The Future of IT Programs and Education
In today’s digital age, the importance of Information Technology (IT) programs and education cannot be overstated. With technology rapidly evolving and permeating every aspect of our lives, IT education is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities.
- Meeting Industry Demand: The IT sector is constantly expanding, creating a high demand for skilled professionals. IT programs like CALC Institute of Technology programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this dynamic field. Whether you’re interested in cybersecurity, software development, data science, or network administration, there’s an IT program tailored to your interests.
- A Foundation for Innovation: IT education encourages innovation and problem-solving. Students learn to think critically and find creative solutions to complex challenges. These skills are invaluable in an increasingly competitive job market and can be applied to various industries beyond IT.
- Adapting to Change: The technology landscape evolves rapidly, making it essential for professionals to adapt. IT programs emphasize lifelong learning, teaching students how to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends. This adaptability ensures that IT graduates remain in demand throughout their careers.
- Global Opportunities: IT education opens doors to global opportunities. Technology transcends borders, and IT professionals are in demand worldwide. Whether you dream of working for a multinational corporation or collaborating with international teams, IT education can make it happen.
- Problem-Solving Skills: IT programs teach students to approach complex problems logically. These problem-solving skills are transferable to various domains, making IT graduates highly sought after in fields like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: IT education is not only for those aiming for careers in technology. It also plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by ensuring that everyone has access to essential digital literacy skills. This inclusivity is vital in an increasingly digital world.
- Continuous Growth: IT professionals have the opportunity for continuous growth and advancement. With experience and further education, individuals can climb the career ladder and take on roles with more responsibility and higher earning potential.
In conclusion, IT programs and education are the gateway to a future that is increasingly dependent on technology. Whether you’re a student seeking a rewarding career or an individual looking to enhance your digital skills, investing in IT education is a smart choice. It not only prepares you for the challenges of today but also equips you to thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology. Embrace the opportunities that IT education offers, and you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the future with confidence.
joe September 6th, 2013
Posted In: Uncategorized
Ubuntu for Tablets Unveiled Today
Ubuntu for tabletsĂ‚Â was officially unveiled today. According to PCMag, “A Touch Developer Preview will be released on Feb. 21 viaĂ‚Â developer.ubuntu.com, which will work on the Nexus 7Ă‚Â and Nexus 10 tablets.”
I’m actually a huge fan of the interface on the Nexus 7 and I probablyĂ‚Â wouldn’tĂ‚Â change it, but I would absolutely loveĂ‚Â someoneĂ‚Â to get a stripped down version of Ubuntu running on a Kindle Fire. I absolutely hate that my Kindle Fire won’t recognize a USB device and can’tĂ‚Â accessĂ‚Â the Google Play Store without rooting it and potentially bricking the device.Ă‚Â
Some of the added features of Ubuntu will be voice control, an invisibleĂ‚Â task-barĂ‚Â called magic edges, Ă‚Â and a split screen mode to allow for better multitasking: Skype while you watch a movie at the same time.Ă‚Â
Greg February 19th, 2013
Posted In: Uncategorized
50GB of Free Cloud Storage Space
One of the primary complaints that I’ve had about tablets such as the iPad, the Surface tablet and the Kindle Fire HD is the lack of hard drive storage space. All three devices offer between 5-10GB of additional cloud storage for free, but that’s barely enough for a single DVD quality movie. There are plenty of paid options for cloud storage, but many services charge a monthly/yearly fee and they can be expensive. Recently, as hard drive prices have been dropping, I’ve been expecting that some company would finally come along and offer a large amount of free cloud storage to sign up a bunch of new users. I saw a post on a forum today where Box.com was offering 50GB of free cloud storage to new users. I haven’t had a chance to test the service myself, but it can apparently sync files between Apple, Microsoft, and most Android devices. I recommend signing up for this deal as soon as possible, because I highly suspect that the folks over at Box.com have vastly underestimated the number of people who are going to jump on a deal like this.
If you need a new tablet, laptop, desktop, or netbook, check out the new website over at eRacks.com.
Greg February 8th, 2013
Posted In: Uncategorized