Once upon a time there was a young man, but not just any ordinary young man. This young man from his earliest memories was inquisitive and curious about his world, always fascinated with how things worked and what was just around the corner. He explored his world by dismantling household objects and putting them back together, with varied amounts of success, but always increasing his knowledge along the way. Much to the dismay of his saintly patient mother, some things were not put back together in a functional manner; nonetheless, she encouraged his exploration. Her patience and encouragement would follow him into adulthood, along with his drive, ability to assimilate knowledge quickly, and the willingness to explore. His father, a prominent encourager as well, was a hardworking and conscientious man with old fashioned values and iron-clad work ethic. He worked tirelessly to provide for and enrich his family--taking the time to instill these principles in the young man; to this day, these are still the values under-girding the young man's life.
To encourage and nurture his interests, his father worked side-by-side with the young man to build the family's first computer. Using only basic tools and a manual far above his reading level, the young man was able to build this machinery with minimal help from his father. From this immense accomplishment, his attention and focus became heightened--the beginning seeds of his passion for computers.
Shortly thereafter in the young man's life video games were becoming prevalent, and his naturally curious mind spent hours upon hours exploring them, despite the urging of his parents to pursue other endeavors. In attempts to enact change, his father put a switch inside the television that would allow him to turn it off; this switch was behind a locked panel at the rear of the television. His father was the only person with the key and he was not going to budge on his position, so the young man pondered hard on an alternative to his plight. The result was a complete rewiring of the television while his father was absent for the day, which allowed him to continue to play his video games. The surprise on his father's face as he looked first at the key in his hand, and then to his brilliant 8yr old son sitting cross-legged on the floor playing his game (with a smirk mind you), was a silent victory for the young man.
But as is often the case, the teen years bring challenges and an unavoidable tension between authority, burgeoning adolescents, and their subsequent adulthood. During this period of time the young man had become engaged in online gaming with multiple players, often being awake into the wee hours of the morning on school nights. Friction began when the young man's parents began to systematically turn off their internet in attempts to shape healthier habits in their young son; as is characteristic of the young man, he was able to find loopholes and adaptations. During his time in online gaming, he was asked to build a website for the team he'd become a part of, but had only dealt with the hardwire components. Upon this request, he began to learn more of the internal workings--html coding, software applications, web design, and the programs that make this possible, etc.--learning everything he could to make the website a success. There was no turning back, computers were in his blood and there was nothing able to avert him from pursuing this course.
From this experience his parents began to respect and utilize the knowledge and persistence their young son had garnered, with the realization that the best means of relationship preservation was not outright opposition, but rather a cooperative partnership. The young man would go on to develop his interests into computers, in much the same way he'd always explored his world--delving into them, dismantling them, looking at and touching every last inch, and continuously learning of their inner workings. Paring his natural skills and abilities, he turned his hobby, into a passion, and ultimately into a career.
Invoking the cooperative partnership, he was the person his parents turned to when any of their electronics, household technology, and computers malfunctioned--this is still the case today. In their home and in their lives, he was affectionately referred to as "their tekki". In an overheard conversation, his mother proudly stated to a friend making suggestions about computer repairs, simply "I'll let my tekki handle it". From this simple statement, and much encouragement from his father, came the inspiration for what is now MyTekki, LLC, a young successful IT consulting firm, started by the young man. This young man is named Mike Daniels--my friends, I urge you to shake his hand and hear the details for yourself.
Stories of greatness always begin with a question and the willingness to search until the answer is found.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
3D Printing...Mind Unlocked
Maybe I'm behind on the latest technology, because when my boss said "hey, check this out and maybe write a blog post about it", my first response was "Wait a sec...3D printing? How is that possible Scotty!?". Being the most patient IT guy (and no, not just because he signs the check), he took the time to blow my mind and explain how this technology works (insert timely and accurate YouTube video here).
My understanding of this is that there is liquid plastic in a tube being pushed through a fine tip at just the right speed and amount. The plastic is then solidified by another apparatus nearby, allowing subsequent layers of the object to be seamlessly compiled. The program running this machinery calibrates the rate, placement, and amount of plastic coming through the tip to produce the desired object; each object able to be produced has a separate blueprint design and machinery calibration.
DISCLAIMER: Mind you, this is a super simplified and rudimentary understanding of this technology; by know means do I claim comprehensive knowledge of it's capabilities and implications.
Nevertheless, this was the background behind the article suggested to me by the BossMan (computer genius, mastermind, and uniquely patient IT guy).
Now for the article...
"3D-Printed ‘Bump Key’ Can Open Almost Any Lock" Posted Aug 27, 2014 by John Biggs (@johnbiggs) on TechCrunch.com
To read the full article: http://techcrunch.com/2014/08/27/3d-printed-bump-key-can-open-almost-any-lock/?ncid=rss&cps=gravity
In this article they explained one of the potential uses for the 3D printing technology and how this could affect the everyday man--anyone who relies on a lock to keep belongings, and their person-hood safe. Of course, with any technology, there will be those with less than benevolent intentions and altruistic motivations. These particular folks are not to be blamed, in many ways they force the refinement of these innovations, and many previous technologies have been made better after being affronted by such persons. I digress.
The implication of this article is such that simple locks are not nearly as safe as they were intended. With this technology, one could simply take a detail picture of the keyhole, with a focus on the pins at the back of the lock, input this information into a 3-D printer (don't ask me how), and voila! You'd then have a plastic rendition of what locksmiths have been using for years--a "bump key"; which could then be inserted into the lock, whacked with a hammer (it's all in the wrist), jarring the pins and opening the lock to allow entry.
The closing line of the article asks an all too timely question, after wrapping my mind (and maybe yours too) around this concept; "If anyone with a 3D printer and a camera can make a key, why have locks?" How would anyone be able to rest in safety knowing that if someone wanted to, they could bypass moralistic permissions, and basic logistical barriers, to enter our home, vehicle, safe (and the like) for purposes specific to them? I don't have answers to these questions, but I rest knowing that I'm not the only person asking this question, and seeking answers.
This is another prime example of how technology is shaping the lives we lead, the habits we build, and the minute details of daily life. Whether it's feeding the cat, reading the newspaper, getting morning coffee, basic hygiene, commuting to work (digitally or otherwise), meal preparation, relationship building, work completion, monetary acquisition, or securing these acquisitions (digitally or otherwise)--technology plays a large roll in how these are done.
Now, more than ever there is technology to unlock (pun intended) the unfathomable potential of the human endeavor...
my friends, I beg you, use wisely.
-Sarah-
My understanding of this is that there is liquid plastic in a tube being pushed through a fine tip at just the right speed and amount. The plastic is then solidified by another apparatus nearby, allowing subsequent layers of the object to be seamlessly compiled. The program running this machinery calibrates the rate, placement, and amount of plastic coming through the tip to produce the desired object; each object able to be produced has a separate blueprint design and machinery calibration.
DISCLAIMER: Mind you, this is a super simplified and rudimentary understanding of this technology; by know means do I claim comprehensive knowledge of it's capabilities and implications.
Nevertheless, this was the background behind the article suggested to me by the BossMan (computer genius, mastermind, and uniquely patient IT guy).
Now for the article...
"3D-Printed ‘Bump Key’ Can Open Almost Any Lock" Posted Aug 27, 2014 by John Biggs (@johnbiggs) on TechCrunch.com
To read the full article: http://techcrunch.com/2014/08/27/3d-printed-bump-key-can-open-almost-any-lock/?ncid=rss&cps=gravity
In this article they explained one of the potential uses for the 3D printing technology and how this could affect the everyday man--anyone who relies on a lock to keep belongings, and their person-hood safe. Of course, with any technology, there will be those with less than benevolent intentions and altruistic motivations. These particular folks are not to be blamed, in many ways they force the refinement of these innovations, and many previous technologies have been made better after being affronted by such persons. I digress.
The implication of this article is such that simple locks are not nearly as safe as they were intended. With this technology, one could simply take a detail picture of the keyhole, with a focus on the pins at the back of the lock, input this information into a 3-D printer (don't ask me how), and voila! You'd then have a plastic rendition of what locksmiths have been using for years--a "bump key"; which could then be inserted into the lock, whacked with a hammer (it's all in the wrist), jarring the pins and opening the lock to allow entry.
The closing line of the article asks an all too timely question, after wrapping my mind (and maybe yours too) around this concept; "If anyone with a 3D printer and a camera can make a key, why have locks?" How would anyone be able to rest in safety knowing that if someone wanted to, they could bypass moralistic permissions, and basic logistical barriers, to enter our home, vehicle, safe (and the like) for purposes specific to them? I don't have answers to these questions, but I rest knowing that I'm not the only person asking this question, and seeking answers.
This is another prime example of how technology is shaping the lives we lead, the habits we build, and the minute details of daily life. Whether it's feeding the cat, reading the newspaper, getting morning coffee, basic hygiene, commuting to work (digitally or otherwise), meal preparation, relationship building, work completion, monetary acquisition, or securing these acquisitions (digitally or otherwise)--technology plays a large roll in how these are done.
Now, more than ever there is technology to unlock (pun intended) the unfathomable potential of the human endeavor...
my friends, I beg you, use wisely.
-Sarah-
Friday, August 15, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
On The Rise
For those of you that are just now hearing the name MyTekki, allow me to introduce our fledgling company; but first let me clarify that "fledgling" by no means implies inexperienced. The owner and main technician/consultant here at MyTekki has spent the majority of his personal and professional life studying, working hands-on with, and utilizing computers, making the most of the latest technology, programs, software, and applications as they arise, while teaching others to do the same. In recent years, he has pursued this endeavor to the extent of launching a company to offer access to this vast knowledge, in hopes of drafting a career from his passion; he has spent innumerable hours laying the groundwork and developing a workable and successful model for this business. From this, the main focus of MyTekki is to provide small businesses with a stable infrastructure and a reliable non-corporate one-on-one support/training experience. The full-service systems administration contains a wide variety of services including but not limited to, network Consulting, system admin consulting, custom programming, custom scripting, and customized training with the most widely used Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Outlook, and Word, as well as other applications.
Until recently MyTekki has been small, but eventually seen the need to bring another member on board to assist with the day to day functions, and to be the front line face for the business; allowing him to concentrate on the technical portion of the company. Within the last month, I was brought on board with the purpose of assisting with the administrative portion of this company. With such a strong business structure, a solid knowledge foundation, and old fashioned values in place, I was able to bring my strong work ethic and years of admin work in to hit the ground running. Although I do not come by computers naturally, I've enjoyed working here immensely--I learn something new on a daily basis. I look forward to seeing MyTekki grow, with the current dynamics in place, I have no doubt this will happen rather quickly.
Since coming on board we've seen a sizable jump in our social media coverage and existing customer communications--tripling our Facebook followers in the first week, regularly recruiting more followers, and seeing our posts reach farther than they had at any point in the past. As far as this blog is concerned, we've revamped the page, garnered a handful of followers, as well as seeing our page views skyrocket. This progress has been hugely encouraging! Thank you to everyone who's participated thus far!
However, we've also raised the bar to incorporate new processes and procedures to drive us forward. Going forward we have set a company policy of retaining and maintaining current relationships with our customers and followers; doing so via active and clear communication embracing social media and extended personnel availability.
So...that's who we are, what we're doing, what we can offer, what's changed, and where we're heading in the future. Hope to see you there!
Cheers!
-Sarah-
Until recently MyTekki has been small, but eventually seen the need to bring another member on board to assist with the day to day functions, and to be the front line face for the business; allowing him to concentrate on the technical portion of the company. Within the last month, I was brought on board with the purpose of assisting with the administrative portion of this company. With such a strong business structure, a solid knowledge foundation, and old fashioned values in place, I was able to bring my strong work ethic and years of admin work in to hit the ground running. Although I do not come by computers naturally, I've enjoyed working here immensely--I learn something new on a daily basis. I look forward to seeing MyTekki grow, with the current dynamics in place, I have no doubt this will happen rather quickly.
Since coming on board we've seen a sizable jump in our social media coverage and existing customer communications--tripling our Facebook followers in the first week, regularly recruiting more followers, and seeing our posts reach farther than they had at any point in the past. As far as this blog is concerned, we've revamped the page, garnered a handful of followers, as well as seeing our page views skyrocket. This progress has been hugely encouraging! Thank you to everyone who's participated thus far!
However, we've also raised the bar to incorporate new processes and procedures to drive us forward. Going forward we have set a company policy of retaining and maintaining current relationships with our customers and followers; doing so via active and clear communication embracing social media and extended personnel availability.
So...that's who we are, what we're doing, what we can offer, what's changed, and where we're heading in the future. Hope to see you there!
Cheers!
-Sarah-
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Drop Box Liability
Although "Drop Box" can be a helpful tool for some, with their hosted file services such as: optimal privacy with file sharing, multiple "Drop Box" options to keep personal and business files separate, storage durability, and encryption that maintains a secure tunnel for data transfers, etc.(https://www.dropbox.com/business/features); there is one key liability that may have you rethinking the usage of Drop Box file services. This popular file server actually consistently and constantly uses up your bandwidth within your company network, leading to slower network speed, and over all internet availability--thereby slowing down your entire company's usage of the internet, leading to potential loss in revenue due to greater amount of overhead hours waiting for sites to load.
For Example: your company's internet is 10Mbps down and 1.5Mbps up (standard cable connection). Let’s say you have a file of 10MB that you drop in your drop box folder, and you have 15 employees with drop box installed. As soon as the file is saved and closed, drop box immediately starts uploading that file. There is no QOS (quality of service) allocated for this bandwidth usage, so therefore you’re 1.5Mps is now completely being utilized by one user. Then all the other users are now simultaneously downloading the same file; therefore crippling the down speed of your bandwidth, and preventing you from browsing and utilizing the internet for productive purposes.
Alternatively, you can implement a file server which utilizes only local bandwidth, which is up to speeds of 1Gbps on average. This file server is not public, so therefore securing your confidential data, as it is not in the “Cloud”. Therefore, having a file server with local bandwidth can aid in the speed and efficiency for your business or project; killing two birds with one stone--optimal security, as well as technological agility.
For more information visit: http://mytekki.com/
or contact us at 503.741.8911
info@mytekki.com
For Example: your company's internet is 10Mbps down and 1.5Mbps up (standard cable connection). Let’s say you have a file of 10MB that you drop in your drop box folder, and you have 15 employees with drop box installed. As soon as the file is saved and closed, drop box immediately starts uploading that file. There is no QOS (quality of service) allocated for this bandwidth usage, so therefore you’re 1.5Mps is now completely being utilized by one user. Then all the other users are now simultaneously downloading the same file; therefore crippling the down speed of your bandwidth, and preventing you from browsing and utilizing the internet for productive purposes.
Alternatively, you can implement a file server which utilizes only local bandwidth, which is up to speeds of 1Gbps on average. This file server is not public, so therefore securing your confidential data, as it is not in the “Cloud”. Therefore, having a file server with local bandwidth can aid in the speed and efficiency for your business or project; killing two birds with one stone--optimal security, as well as technological agility.
For more information visit: http://mytekki.com/
or contact us at 503.741.8911
info@mytekki.com
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