What Is the Importance of Interface Testing?

What is interfacing in fact? An interface connects to the backend of a database system and which writes or retrieves data from that end. While developing the front end (interface) of the system, why is its testing important before bringing it to real-time usage in full swing? Read on to find out.

There are several parts or modules at the interface end. Testing this end brings out bugs, which after debugging, enables to provide an efficiently working front end and also a well-developed database system on the overall for a company's own use or selling to clients, keeping them happy and satisfied.

Testing the interface end enables to check vigorously if the administrative panel works alright. Not every administrator should have access to all parts or modules. Only the top most administrator in the hierarchy gets access to all the parts.

The front end should be tested to find out if it coordinates and operates correctly with the backend. It should be able to add, edit, delete and retrieve data correctly from the backend and be in harmony with the backend meaning data at both the ends are the same and updated.

The front end should be for the end users who should find it pretty user-friendly to work on not thinking much but getting ahead with mouse clicks while the main backend maintenance remains the responsibility of the administrative panel.

The interface end should be tested and tested over and over again to make it as user-friendly as possible. Questionnaires based on the front end or actually having the interface tested out by novice users brings light to so many flaws and discrepancies which are otherwise not visible to the experts. Above all, in order to make the interface user-friendly, it should follow the norms and principles of a good web interface design.

So what are the guidelines of a good and user-friendly web interface design? Here are a few:

1) Keep it simple.

2) Your design should give a first good impression.

3) Pages should be well-organized with a top-down design.

4) Consistency should exist among the pages.

5) Make sure your interface is wonderful not only design-wise but also content-wise.

Now comes the question about what languages to use for your entire front end and backend system. Well, you sure must have initial programming skills and expertise and then you can broaden your zenith of knowledge. C sharp, or Php, HTML and Javascript, or ASP.net are good for interface design while MySql or Microsoft SQL Server can work for the backend database. It is up to you to connect and synchronize them together as I have already mentioned earlier.

Take small daily steps every day and once you have begun, it is bound to end some day and your task will be completed with thorough testing included, enabling you to give the lovely finishing touches.

Rosina S Khan has authored this article, highlighting why testing the interface of a complete backend and front end database system is significant.

For a wealth of free resources based on an academic guide on Databases, quality scholar papers, stunning fiction stories, amazing self-help eBooks and commendable articles, all authored by her, and much more, visit: http://rosinaskhan.weebly.com. You will be glad that you did.

RFID in Libraries - How Does a RFID Solution for Library Work?

What does an RFID library solution consist of?

A typical RFID library management system consists of RFID tags, a label conversion station, a self-service machine, a cart inventory, a RFID security door and a 24-hours Outdoor Book Drop.

1. RFID library tags - the core of the system. A RFID library tag is equipped with a programmable chip and an antenna and it can be fixed inside the back cover of a book or directly onto a CD.

2. Label Conversion Station - it provides a quick, easy solution to binding library items with RFID tags.

3. Self Service Station- it works as a combined station which provides check-in and check-out service.

4. Inventory Cart- it is typically equipped with a large RFID antenna with excellent detection rates, making it easier for librarians to take inventory of the items.

5. RFID Security Door - it works as part of the detection system.

6. 24-hours Outdoor Book Drop - A device mounted on the facade of the library. It offers a great flexibility and convenience for patrons, because they can return library items even when the library is closed at night or on holidays.

Process flow of the Management System

Book Tagging: Past each the library items with a RFID tag. This book binding operation is done by the label conversion station.

Automatic Inventory and Positioning: Librarians use an inventory cart to identify items for shelving process and trace the position of an item. If they find the items are in wrong place and they can put them back to the right place. By wirelessly connecting to a PC or laptop, it can significantly improve the efficiency of inventory.

Automatic Identification: The system will automatically record the whole behavior when patrons borrow a book with their legitimate library card. From the moment they use the subsystem of resource management to find out the specific location of the books they need, take the books from the bookcase till they get the book checked out on the self-service machine.

Automatic Anti-Theft Detection: When the items get through the RFID security door, no matter they are entrained in clothes or in bags, the system will automatically find that and identify if the items are borrowed and automatically alarm when the items are taken out of the library illegally.

Benefits of the RFID library management system

For Libraries:

1) They can conduct stock management more effectively as RFID technology improves in accuracy and reading range.

2) They are released from repetitive labor, such as finding lost and missing items and identifying mis-shelved stock, and provide better patron services.

3) They can spend less time for circulation operations.

4) They can improve inventory management.

5) Less staff are required to manage them may be reduced due to more automated operations.

For Library Patrons

1) They can save a lot of time for waiting in long lines by using self-service station.

2) They can find what they are looking for quickly & easily.

3) They can return borrowed items in time with the help of reminders for due dates.

4) Flexible timings are available for them by using book drops & return chutes for returning library material.

By Gordon Cheng

History of Computers - When Floppy Disks Actually Flopped

With the advent of early computers as far as the 80's and beginning of 90's, floppy disks were popular to store data. Everyone who handled computers also had access to these floppy disks. But technology advances all the time and it was time for floppy disks to flop. What did people prefer instead? Read on to find out.

Floppy disks could only store KB's of data. But peoples' demand for storing data was catapulting higher and higher. And CDROM disks were born. They could store several mega bytes of data.

Now CD's are also getting obsolete. It is the era of GB's of data in flash drives and terabytes of data in portable hard disks.

So how did floppy disks which were once in great demand and popular become outdated? One reason I mentioned earlier is their much less storage capacity. The other reason is people no more found them enticing. CD's, flash drives and portable hard disks seemed more promising and sophisticated.

I myself don't like using CD's any more. I only download whatever I need from the vast resource of internet and if I have any data to store, I use flash drives.

So the trend was floppy disks, CDROM disks, flash drives and portable hard disks and yes in that order. What's next? What have the great Tech guys out there have in mind? I am curious, really curious.

Surely, something more attractive and user-friendly with three-in-one facilities will turn up. For example, they can be connected to digital camera, laptops or computer and cell phones with the same size and design. Now that would be interesting. One gadget being able to do all three would be great. I am in anticipation of that day.

Summing up, this article's focus was not actually on the history of computers but that of the accessories that can be connected to them. I hope you found value in what I portrayed here.

Years ago there were no computers - not to talk of floppy disks, CD's, flash drives and portable hard disks. But life still carried on. And people were simple and happy. But with the advent of these in modern life, the world has shrunk a lot but even then people don't feel satisfied and content with what they have. They have a strong urge to get more of these gadgets but in reality you don't need to be gadget obsessed and hoard in your home everything out there available in the market. You can still be purely happy and enjoy life without possessing all of them.

Rosina S Khan has authored this article, highlighting why floppy disks flopped and couldn't find their entrance in the modern era.

For a wealth of free resources based on stunning fiction stories, amazing self-help eBooks, commendable articles and quality scholar papers, all authored by her, and much more, visit: http://rosinaskhan.weebly.com. You will be glad that you did.

Breakthrough Battery Charging Technologies

Battery chargers are devices that feed electric currents into rechargeable batteries to renew their energy. Protocols for charging depend of the type of battery being used and its size. Some batteries are programmed to tolerate overcharging while being connected to a constant current source. Such kinds may need manual disconnection when the battery is recharged or they may cut-off at a fixed time through a timer. Those types that cannot withstand overcharging may have in-built voltage and temperature sensing circuits to cut off when fully charged.

Over the decades, smart phones and other devices have become technologically advanced with each passing year but power limitations are severely restrictive. The battery hasn't witnessed the kind of advance that other devices have. But all that may be changing now.

It is only now that big technology companies such as those making electric vehicles are becoming aware of the limitations of lithium-ion batteries. The maximum recharge duration of the best Smartphone is limited to less than 60 hours while operating systems are becoming more and more power efficient. Universities around the world are making huge investments into a plethora of studies, research and discoveries. However, in spite of the many developments that have taken place especially in the last two decades, the 'perfect replacement' has not yet been achieved. Manufacturing techniques cost huge amounts and any additional changes come with huge costs.

But we may see huge changes as early as 2017 with superfast 30-second recharging and over-the-air charging likely to start trending.

Some of the path-breaking discoveries and technologies could be those that we are reading about already.

• Lithium-air breathing batteries - this mean oxygen is the oxidizer resulting in batteries costing nearly a fifth of the price and weighing a fifth less than lithium-ion making phones, cars and other devices last longer. Dallas University is still pursuing this discovery and it may take at least five years to come to market.

• Bioo plant charger - as the name suggests, this harnesses photosynthesis to charge a device. Already available in the market, the 'plant pot' reacts with organic matter and water using organic materials and generates enough power for charging devices. This is a huge step forward as it provides green energy and allows energy from forests to be harnessed; in addition, it can add up to a greener planet.

• Gold nanowire batteries - a thousand times thinner than human hair, this technology provides a breakthrough for future batteries that can withstand plenty of recharging and not die. Researchers at the University of California have used gold nanowires in a gel electrolyte that have withstood 200,000 recharges in three months and have not broken down at all.

• Magnesium batteries - a breakthrough in harnessing the mineral magnesium for batteries has been achieved by some scientists. This allows for smaller densely packed battery units that in the long run could make cheaper batteries not dependent on lithium-ion. However, this is still in the development stage.

Managed Print Services: It's More Important Than You Think

Outsourcing the management of your company's document output via Managed Print Services (MPS) offers a myriad of benefits. Most companies embark on an MPS solution to save money, reduce energy costs, and consolidate printer fleets. However, an MPS solution offers much more than that - It also enables you to increase workflow and boost productivity. Your return on investment is limited only by the limitations you put on your solution.

Here are a few ways to help MPS help you, maximizing its impact on your organization:

Start from the beginning. From day one, plan on using MPS to its fullest potential. Rather than following the learning curve, dive in head first. This way, you will avoid using MPS only for short-term savings. Instead, you'll be better equipped to take advantage of infrastructure optimization, proactive management, and business optimization.

Set yourself free. You may not realize it right away, but maintaining a proactive MPS solution will free you and your employees from tedious work-allowing you to focus on more productive tasks. It will also free you from distractions (like when a printer goes down) and tracking inventory (such as when you need more toner). With MPS, it's all taken care of for you. That way, your employees can focus on what's actually important: your business.

Integrate everything. In order to truly eliminate inefficient processes, you'll want to integrate your MPS system with existing business systems to enhance workflow, information management, and compliance. Integration allows you to truly measure your cost savings and track productivity improvements.

Be specific. When engaging with MPS, keep your specific needs in the back of your mind. This includes adopting solutions suited to your specific industry, such as education, law, medical, or finance. Intelligent multifunction devices can be equipped with industry-specific software that provides practical solutions for your unique business needs. Remember, there is more to MPS than copying, printing, and scanning. Make MPS work for you instead of the other way around.

Never stop improving. Process improvement is key to ensuring you attain the wide array of benefits MPS offers. Always be willing to adjust your MPS solution and your workflow in order to gain the most out of your system.

MPS is not a one size fits all solution nor is it a strategy for wholesale replacement of your current print fleet with new devices. The benefits of MPS are best realized when a professional MPS provider works with you to develop near-term and long-term goals to meet your specific needs. In that way you maximize the return on investment by optimizing business processes, boosting productivity and enhancing workflow.

Richard Hermann is owner and CEO of TC Technologies, Inc. The company has been awarded the CompTIA Managed Print Trustmark and is dedicated to delivering Smart Office Document Solutions for our clients. This includes cost containment, cost reduction and business process enhancements to improve the production and use of documents both hardcopy and electronically. For more information please visit http://www.tctechnologies-inc.com.