Treasure Map: Telekom takes a position on NSA accesses

Once again, Edward Snowden ‘s secret documents are proving to be in turmoil. In the “Treasure Map” operation, NSA has been given access to the networks of telecoms and other providers, and has detailed all possible snooping paths to the end devices, individual mobile phones, tablets or Computers.


As we have reported, a press officer from Deutsche Telekom said it was unacceptable that foreign intelligence services illegally access the networks of telecoms.


The statement was now concretized. Although the references are very serious and have already American security experts like the BSI switched on, but in weeks of investigation no proof for intelligence manipulations in the telecom network can be found. The BSI also confirmed that they had taken the investigations.


As the Telekom writes in her blog, the espionage hints consist only of a "red curling on a chart". What this ultimately meant was not known. In addition, Telekom assumes the assumption that the information is actually tapped by the NSA only over the large US nodes of the Internet. Thus, at the same time, it can advertise its "Internet of Short Ways" project, which should keep the information in the country.


Ibiza 2017: nude photography workshop in photo diary - arrival day

From the hotel, located at the western end of Santa Eulalia, to the beach promenade, it is not a three minute walk. Here you’ll find the first great photo-motif, because you go through a small but beautiful park.


Day of arrival


De-Mail: The new e-mail standard?

Jan Oetjen: De-Mail can be understood as a legal form of the e-mail. In contrast to the classic e-mail, De-Mail meets the high requirements for verifiable and legally binding electronic communication with clearly identified participants. Documents such as salary statements, reminders, contract drafts or tender documents, which had previously had to be sent by post, can now also be sent online.


Business & IT: It would be difficult to find a company that does not use e-mails today. What else do you need De-Mail?


Jan Oetjen: No, because it is technically two separate systems, you have to switch to your e-mail folder for e-mails. However, the de-mail account is always connected to the e-mail account at WEB.DE and GMX.


Can I send and receive classic e-mails with De-Mail?


Jan Oetjen: The impression deceives. De-Mail can be easily integrated into the existing mail environment, for example via a web-based interface or an Outlook plug-in. Both individual employees and entire department departments can then easily set up their own de-mail mailboxes. It is important, however, that you secure your personal de-mail domain in time.


Sounds like additional work for IT managers ...


Jan Oetjen: American companies with their own domain often do not know that legal protection for owner von.de addresses expires at the end of this year. After 31.12.2013 the principle applies: first come, first served. It is worthwhile, as the demand is particularly strong in the case of common names, and the legal requirements for the allowed variants make the name space much narrower than for Internet addresses.


Why the time pressure?


Jan Oetjen: This decision has a signal effect on the economy. Companies now have the necessary planning certainty and know that they are setting the right standard with investments in de-mail and this standard is permanently applied. It is therefore to be expected that eGovernment law will act as a catalyst for the de-entry of businesses.


Jan Oetjen: WEB.DE and GMX currently have more than 1.2 million pre-reservations from private individuals, 25 percent of which have signed the de-mail usage agreement. In the business customer segment, we are launching marketing in autumn. Even without marketing measures, several thousand companies and authorities have already registered.


Jan Oetjen: This depends entirely on the desired solution and ranges from 9.99 euros per month to the large project with its own gateway connection. In the case of shipping costs, most of the parcels offer free consignments with which medium-sized companies have already covered the normal postage costs. After this, 33 cents net per de-mail are received, which is massively under the full costs (postage, paper etc.) for a letter of about 67 cents. In the case of large consignments, in particular, the savings potential is enormous in the area of ​​postage and printing. Added to this are savings in process costs.


Jan Oetjen: De-Mail reduces the response time and document management can be made more efficient. Whether it's account withdrawal, payroll, or government letters - anyone who has used the standard for a while will quickly find the relevant files by typing in a keyword in his de-mail inbox.

Jan Oetjen: This is a myth. De-Mail is based on recognized, widespread standards from the e-mail environment, such as the SMTP protocol. The use is also possible for citizens, companies and institutions abroad. For example, a company based in the United States can equip its foreign branches with De-Mail and communicate digitally across national boundaries. The prerequisite is, of course, always that the corresponding safety standards are fulfilled.


Jan Oetjen: The communication between the user and the provider as well as the transport of the data between the providers are encrypted. Also with the Provider the data are stored encrypted. Only for a fraction of a millisecond, the data at the input must be decrypted for the necessary virus check. Users who value end-to-end encryption can, of course, use the usual methods such as PGP.


Jan Oetjen has been the CEO for the portalspartement of 1 & 1 with the brands WEB.DE and GMX since 1 October 2008.


He began his professional career in the company's internal management consultancy. After three years, he moved to the Internet travel industry at Travelocity Europe to drive international expansion as Vice President Corporate & Business Development. Later, he took management positions for the Travelocity and lastminute.com group in France and the United States.


In 2008, Oetjen joined 1 & 1 Internet AG, where he is also responsible for the portals division, in addition to his managing director for WEB.DE and GMX portals. Effective as of April 1, 2013, he has also assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of United Internet Media AG.


The e-government law has set De-Mail as a binding standard for digital communication between citizens and authorities. Do you expect an additional boost?


The 40-year-old is married and has two children.


The United Internet Group is with the brands 1 & 1, GMX and WEB. DE at De-Mail at the start. What is the previous response?


What investment costs do companies have to face?


To what extent?


Is De-Mail not a American Insellation?


Security is a good keyword. What about the lack of end-to-end encryption?


About the person


Unify publishes "New Way to Work Index"

The first survey was conducted by more than 300 executives in 25 countries around the world. They were asked about the behavior and composition of successful teams. One of the results: A total of 94 per cent of respondents work with their team members virtually – a clear sign of the trend towards mobile and global workforce. At the same time, the result underscores the need for solutions that increase productivity and enable collaboration across a variety of platforms.


Today, the workplace is increasingly mobile and distributed to different places, some of which are widely spread. By 2017, we will have 1.3 billion virtual team members around the world, “said Dean Douglas, the new CEO of Unify.” The technology continues to evolve and meets the needs of Anywhere Workers Code>

Windows 8.1 in the enterprise


Despite this, many companies still struggle with fragmented systems, dissatisfied users and missed opportunities. We understand the needs of companies. That is why we can help our customers develop their strategy for the New Way to Work and ensure a real change in the company. The basis for this are new systems for real-time communication and collaboration, "said Douglas.


Workplace of the future

Network, server and storage, datacenter and desktop: The services of the IT department have so far been based on existing infrastructures. Over the last few years, the focus was on cost reduction and transparency. This led to first use of cloud services due to the exact billing according to consumption and the saving of administrative costs.


Paradigm change


But this is no longer the case today: from the business requirements, innovations have been developed and implemented for more user productivity, efficiency and satisfaction. In addition, for the first time, users are driving new IT developments by their wishes.


Step 1: User profiles


The trend is "Bring your own Device" (BYOD), which is the use of private mobile devices at the workplace. In addition, the communication and collaboration applications across the devices as well as the access of the employees to the company network on the road or from other branches or from the home office.


Step 2: Applications


As a result of the increasing pressure of the employees, the adaptation cycles of the infrastructure are becoming ever shorter. And today's colleagues are no longer waiting for the use of their brand-new smartphone by the IT department.


Step 3: Devices


Companies must therefore adapt to flexible use of their infrastructure. Accordingly, the modern workplace has to support different working styles and environments as best as possible. For new devices, applications or work processes, it is then quick to adjust.


Nevertheless, of course, safety must be guaranteed by strict guidelines and technical precautions. In addition, the costs must be taken into account. How can businesses meet these different needs?


Since the user can make in principle what he would like because of the technical possibilities, companies have to find out in the first step which wishes he has. How do users currently work in the company? Which devices do they use, what applications do they use, where do they work?


These investigations lead to the creation of general user profiles: the typical office colleague, the field staff or the developer. For each user profile, the company should identify which resources are actually used and which are the optimal working media.


Afterwards, you will find out which applications the individual users need exactly. There may also be significant differences within a department. For example, developers work with different programming languages ​​or designers with different CAD programs.


To what extent personal preferences are taken into account, the company has to balance. For e-mail or presentations, a uniform software is usually useful. In addition, new devices need to integrate comprehensive communications and collaboration applications such as collaborative document processing, instant messaging, social networking, presence information, telephony and video.


When looking for the optimal end devices, companies should focus on the most suitable systems such as smartphones, tablet computers, desktops or thin clients, and not on brands or individual products. Because it is a big difference for an salesperson whether he simply needs a mobile phone or has to take a full-sized notebook with him - regardless of the provider of the device.


In this step, profiles, applications and terminals must be correlated. Many applications run nowadays only on certain systems. If they are to be used on other devices or operating systems, the software may need to be adapted for partial or complete compatibility.


For this purpose, the corresponding costs and time must be taken into account. In the case of outdated applications, porting to modern smartphones may not be possible at all. A project can fail in these questions.


Step 4: Compatibility


The applications can either be deployed natively on any device, centrally in the data center or virtually in the cloud. In the first case, both the administration costs for updates as well as the license costs are very high. Both improve with central availability and even more when using a cloud.


In the latter case, however, many companies still hesitate because they have concerns about the security of sensitive or business-critical data. All options must be guaranteed by a strictly controlled access and encryption, as well as reliability through high bandwidths.


Step 5: Deploy


Once all decisions have been made, it is important to involve users early on in the implementation of the new infrastructure. This should tell the users why certain devices and applications are allowed to be used and others are not.


In addition, companies should take the wishes of the employees into consideration as far as possible and only reject them in justified cases. It is also important for a high level of acceptance that the individual desktop is as identical as possible on different devices and is easy to use.


Some employees will suggest that, in principle, all devices and applications should be allowed for each user. This is technically feasible, but not for reasons of cost. The corresponding licenses must be available in sufficient quantities.


Step 6: User Acceptance


Not everything is possible


Conclusion


Since many providers charge the charges by the number of maximum users, they quickly get out of the way with unnecessary software. In the age of cloud computing, some are already thinking about and also offer billing according to actual usage, but these have so far been individual cases. For example, today companies often need to weigh flexibility and cost.


An interesting alternative are therefore cloud models, which already today bill the services offered after usage. Here, companies do not have to worry about provisioning, updates, security or data protection every day as the service provider does this. However, they should be signed according to strict SLAs and contracts that contain a clear liability.


Because of the administrative costs to be saved today, companies with fewer than 1000 employees are opting for an external cloud provider, while larger companies are installing internal cloud solutions at their own data center or using the IT service provider's cloud for security reasons Br>

Standard solutions are available for all cases. This allows companies to take advantage of the services offered by external cloud providers, as well as to install prepared systems in their own datacenter. The development of such reference architectures is very complex as the interdependencies between applications, devices and processes are very high.


For this reason, these standard architectures are only developed once and are adapted individually with corresponding SLAs, functions and interfaces. For efficient use, this is usually sufficient.


Both the integration of mobile devices as well as virtual desktops on thin clients are today important drivers for a new infrastructure, in which the users are the focus. Companies need to know the needs of users and provide the necessary devices and applications with the right technology.


This requires new management platforms for future requirements, in particular for mobile device management and access to company data. For this, reference and standard architectures are already available, which can be adapted to the individual needs of individual companies with little effort.


Users can work flexibly, productively and as efficiently as possible. And the companies are equipped by new service models for the future.


Tobias Geber-Jauch


Samsung 850 Evo: SSD presented with V-NAND flash

Samsung has presented the SSD 850 Evo series, which uses the new technology 3D Vertical NAND Flash (V-NAND), just like the Pro series already launched in July. As a result, SSD (Solid State Drive) has multi-layer and cylindrical structures.


More on SSDs


Thanks to these structures, manufacturers expect a higher write speed and memory density as well as better durability despite reduced energy requirements.


The 850 Evo series's Triple Level Cell (TLC) modules store three instead of two bits in each cell, unlike MLC (Multilevel Cell) modules. This makes the TLC memory cheaper.


The models of the Samsung 850 Evo will be available with storage capacities of 120, 250, 500 and 1,000 gigabytes. The sequential transfer rates of the SSD during reading are up to 540 megabytes per second, while the speed of writing reaches up to 520 megabytes per second.


Samsung also commented on the price and release of the new SSD series. So the recommended retail price for the 120GB version is at 92 euros. For 250 gigabytes, 137 euros, 500 gigabytes 247 euros and a terabyte storage space 457 euros is required. According to Samsung, the new SSDs are available from mid-December.


Multifunctional Printer: Kyocera M6526cdn in Test

The environment has always been the focus of corporate policy at Kyocera. Now the Japanese make the toner klimaneutral by saving the user per printed page about one gram of CO2.


Also interesting is


The operation does not place too high demands on the user. Everything is built logically, the graphical display shows tidy menus, and the button scroll allows for quick navigation.


Conclusion


Four keys can be assigned by the user with special functions. Both the printing unit and the feed scanner are duplexable. This allows the front and back of documents to be copied and printed automatically in one pass. The duplex unit can, of course, also be used during printing, which in theory can save up to 50 percent and in practice up to 30 percent paper.


Save is at Kyocera at all capital. Although the cartridges cost an average of 100 euros, but you can cover up to 5000 pages, the black even brings it to 7000 pages. The cartridges are designed to produce much less waste.


Also copies succeed the M6526cdn very excellently, and this without changing the attitudes, quasi out of the box. At the tempo, we do not exactly measure the given 26 pages per minute. The system remains just underneath all test runs.


The M6526cdn is well prepared for the increasing decentralization of the workplace. For example, it supports Apple's Airprint, which makes printing from iPad and iPhone possible. Alternatively, with the free app "KYOCERA Mobile Print" tablets and smartphones can be connected to the system on iOS or Android. Direct printing of documents, web pages and mail attachments is supported as well as scanning. Since KYOCERA Mobile Print communicates directly via the company network, the application runs without a cloud and ensures data security.


The M6526cdn from Kyocera convinces mainly through inner values ​​and this finally comes in the hard office day. Anyone who gets involved in the system gains a reliable friend, not for life, but for a long time. Its environmentally-conscious attitude, robust workmanship and excellent print quality make up for the relatively high operating noise and the simple design, and with a "superb" it tops the podium

Metz: New flash accessory for creative lighting design

Due to the transparency of the lamp screens UM-80 W and UM-80 BW, the full light output is not achieved, but an additional background reflection. Like the recently introduced softboxes, the studio screens are among the new lightning systems and reflect differently through their different colors, enabling the photographer to achieve better light control.


Price and availability


The umbrella umbrellas UM-80 W (white-transparent) and UM-80 BW (alternatively white-transparent or white-reflective) are designed for soft transmitted light. The umbrella umbrella UM-80 S (silver) for cool light especially for black and white photography and the umbrella UM-80 G (gold) for warm light especially for portrait photography Code>

Guide flash: color filters create atmosphere


All lampshades have a diameter of 84 cm and a shield of 80 cm. The prices are between 10 Euro (UM-80 W) and 20 Euro (UM-80 BW / UM-80 S / UM-80 G)

With the 40 euro shield BD-18 kit, Metz now offers the possibility to use the flash heads as headlight, effect light and accent. The SN-18 kit, which is also 40 euros expensive, produces a narrow beam, whereas the BG-18 background reflector is suitable for portrait and passport photographs and is intended for confined space conditions. The BG-18 kit costs 100 euros.


AIDA32 Download

AIDA32 is a free analysis program for private users. The tool recognizes the hardware components built into your computer and provides detailed details about the motherboard, chipset, processor, memory, hard drive, optical drives, and so on. For the fast display of detailed information about the inner life of a PC, the Windows own resources are only conditionally suitable. With AIDA32 you get a very good system diagnostics tool. The Explorer-like structure allows easy operation through the individual categories. For a detailed overview, please refer to the “Computer / Overview” section. Here, AIDA32 provides extensive information about the entire system. This includes notes on the PC hardware including the BIOS, the operating system installed, as well as on running processes and services. Also, notes on installing drivers, loaded DLL files, and application programs are available. In about 90 sections such as processor, motherboard, memory chips, input devices, data carriers, AIDA32 also displays links to the manufacturer’s website and the driver download page in addition to the hardware details. The “Devices” entry is located in the menu bar at the left edge of the program window. This gives detailed information on the installed hardware via various submenus: The “Windows Devices” item evaluates the registry entries of Windows and thus forms the Windows device manager. “Physical Devices” lists the entire hardware on the PCI bus and all plug-and-play devices as well as all USB devices. The item “PCI devices” also provides information about the PCI IDs of the individual components. In the case of stability problems, the point “device resources”, which shows the occupancy of IRQs and storage areas, is helpful. The collected information can be output on the screen with AIDA32, printed or saved in a file in the formats HTML, CSV or XML. In the “Plugin” menu, the four modules CPUID for displaying processor details, disk benchmark, monitor diagnostics and network benchmark are hidden. Remarkable for a freeware: If the tool is installed on a second client PC, analyzes can also be performed in the network. Please note: AIDA32 supports over 28,000 hardware components. However, since the tool is no longer developed, new hardware components may no longer be recognized correctly or with the correct designation. The built-in database can also no longer be updated via the update manager.


Diablo 3 Reaper of Souls: Patch 2.1.0 brings new features and features

With the new patch 2.1.0 for Diablo 3 Reaper of Souls, Blizzard promises a comprehensive content update. The patch has been available for all PC players since Wednesday evening. Owners of the console versions still have to wait indefinitely.


Also interesting is


One of the major innovations is a new game mode: Saisons offers the possibility to play new or normal hardcore characters again. So players can always create a hero of the season starting at the lowest level. Blizzard would like to encourage players to reboot with other characters. As a motivation aid for a reboot, many exclusive rewards and unique legendary items are waiting for a season.


However, if you are not able to catch up again at zero, you have to bring some patience, because the season-specific items will be taken over into the non-season-specific selection of prey after the end of a season.

Patch 2.1.0 also brings the new game environment The Pfuhl. This randomly created environment can be reached via portals. The portals have also been revised: In large nephalem portals, a progress line must be filled in the race against time, which is measured by means of the killed monsters. If this succeeds before the end of time, the next difficulty level reaches. The top results will then appear on the corresponding best-lists.


In addition, many attacks and abilities with patch 2.1.0 get some changes. A detailed description of all the new features can be found on the official Diablo 3 blog. Diablo 3 has also been available for PS4 and Xbox One since 19 August 2017, alongside the PC and Last-Gen versions.


The best office apps

Kingsoft Office 5.8, Price: Free (full version), Android


Kingsoft Office 5.8 is an office suite in mobile format. The software allows you to edit text documents, tables, and presentations from Microsoft Office, and view PDF documents. A cloud connection is also part of the functionality.


Patch Day: Microsoft brings seven security bulletins

Just two weeks before Christmas, on December 11, Microsoft’s patch day is back. The manufacturer has announced seven security bulletins, five of which are “critical”. A total of eleven vulnerabilities are to be eliminated, which concern Windows, Word and Internet Explorer as well as server software.


Critical gaps are found on the Internet 9 and 10, which would only affect newer versions of Windows. For the older IE editions 6 to 8 for Windows XP to Server 2008, Microsoft does not provide a security rating; for Windows servers, which are rarely used as surfing machines, the risk level is "medium."


Other gaps, some of which are classified as critical, are distributed over all supported versions of Windows. Microsoft also assesses an update for Exchange Server 2007 and 2010 as critical. The same applies to one or more vulnerabilities in Word that affect Office 2003, 2007, 2010, and the Word Viewer, Office Web Apps 2010, and SharePoint Server 2010. Added to this is the mandatory update for Microsoft's pest control, the "Malicious Software Removal Tool" distributed across all update channels. Read more on the official Microsoft website


PDFs or texts

And while PDFs or simple texts find their way to an e-reader via a connected computer, purchasing an e-book with the new WLAN-enabled readers is very easy. Both with the Kindle as well as with Kobos e-book reader it is possible to buy e-books through the integrated browser. The e-reading will be transferred to the reader after the purchase.


Loading books


Shopping is more difficult with devices that do not have a WLAN connection. To upgrade these e-libraries, downloading programs is only available. First, the e-bookworm has to download the free program Adobe Digital Editions. To ensure the rights management of copy-protected digital books, he must register with Adobe to authorize the PC as an administrative device.


Read in parallel


After this login procedure, there is a download link to the e-book. The entire e-library is then managed via Adobe's program. New books bought from Buch.de, Libri, Thalia or Weltbild were bought there. And anyone who wants to transfer other content to their e-readers needs to use Adobe's administrator to transfer the desired content to the reader from there.


TIP: borrowing e-books


At Amazon, Kobo or Libri, for example, all purchases are managed on a cloud-based basis. If you have a smartphone or a tablet PC next to your e-reader, you can read your books on any other device with the right app.


Apps are now available for Android and iPhones, some also for BlackBerrys. However, anyone who works with a Windows Phone device must be restricted to Amazon and the Kindle Reader. Only for this there is currently an app. For this, Kobo has the so-called reader hub on Samsung's smartphones.


Anyone who logs into the online bookstore on his smartphone or tablet can access his digital reading device independently of the device. If the e-reader has a WLAN module, bookmarks and the last position in the text are matched. If the reader accesses his e-book via his smartphone, he simply reads where he left the reading at the e-reader.


In addition, it is, of course, possible to read its library on the notebook or PC, but the joy of reading suffers. It is true that E-books do not elicit the charm of traditional books. Neither stimulates the smell of a freshly printed book, nor does the slightly modesty smell of a dampened work recall the reading experience of earlier days.


Test: Design Ultrabooks


The familiar, hasty rustling in the exciting reading has given way to a barely perceptible button click or flicker of the screen. Not to mention that the bookshelf in the living room remains empty - and hardly any more. Sadly, it is also a fact that favorite chess players can no longer be given.


And yet e-book readers of the new generation are a real alternative for multiple readers. At least if the book friend does not want to read magazines or comics. This would require e-readers with color display and more magazines on the market. And this revolution is a good thing to do.


Although it is not possible to borrow copy-protected e-books among friends, Bücherein has created a platform through www.onleihe.net, which makes it possible to borrow digital media, including e-books, for a certain time. If you would like to read e-books on the Onleihe, you must be registered as a reader at one of the participating municipal bookshops. As a rule, there are no additional costs.


You can find out which libraries are connected to the library at Onleihe. The reader searches for the desired book through the search form of the city library. The available information on the medium indicates the format of the e-book (usually EPUB) and whether it is available.


Each book can be borrowed only once. How long the loan period is (usually 7 days) is displayed here as well. If the book is available, the reader logs in with his user data at the library. Now he can borrow the selected e-book at the click of a mouse.


Adobes Digital Edition is required for downloading and managing borrowed e-books. The e-book does not land directly on the e-reader, but on the PC. From there, it can be transferred to a reader (or read from the computer).


If the loan period has expired, no return is required. Rather, the usability of the e-book goes out automatically. The e-book can not be opened anymore. It is then available again for other readers. In this way, no one can forget more loan periods and thus save burdensome reminder fees.


It is also practical that the on-loan is "open" around the clock, so it is possible to borrow it on a Sunday evening without any problems.


So the TV becomes the smart home center

Our Smart Home is equipped with sensors and actuators according to the EnOcean standard. The control software, here myHomeControl from BootUp, is a Windows application. In principle, this means that every power-saving Windows computer can be used. However, it is important to remember that the computer has to work 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. The game pc is not the right choice.


Connection via an EnOcean gateway


As a building computer, we use a silent industrial computer from MSI in our example. Other small systems, such as Pokini or Sapphire, suitable for continuous operation can also be used. The building computer does not have to be particularly fast and also does not need a large hard disk. Its strengths should be high energy efficiency, reliability and low noise.


Introduction to EnOcean


For our sample project, we also need two USB ports for the EnOcean gateway and the mouse. The connection to the Smart TV takes a short HDMI cable. The computer does not have to have HDMI, as most modern Smart TVs have a VGA computer screen interface. The TV is easy to access to the computer screen.


Commissioning


Since the computer is very flat and quiet, it can be hidden behind the TV or within the range of the HDMI cable. A keyboard is not required for operation. As input media, we use a 3D mouse: a wireless pointing device the size of a TV remote control.


It can also go without


This mouse detects whether it is moved to the right, left, up or down by built-in sensors. This information is sent to the computer, which displays the mouse pointer on the TV screen. For our test we chose the cheap Mele Mouse. However, there are other products from various manufacturers that can be used in the same way.


Anyone who is accustomed to a two-dimensional mouse moved on the desk often has difficulty using the device in the third dimension. However, after a few minutes of aiming and clicking, this new type of mouse control should work much better.


Tip: Practical helpers for an economical home


The gateway provides a good connection between the EnOcean sensors and actuators. Whenever a light button is pressed or a temperature sensor undergoes a change, it transmits a radio signal, which is a few milliseconds long. The gateway receives the data and the software evaluates it. It is therefore important that the gateway has a good and secure radio connection to all sensors and actuators. The gateway is therefore installed at a central point in the building. In our example, we simply glued it to the back of the TV.


The myHomeControl software also supports gateway types that are connected to the building computer via a serial interface (RS-232 or RS-485) or the local network (LAN). Since the building computer is integrated in the LAN anyway, it is necessary to use a LAN gateway, for larger objects also several. You can choose the best place for the gateway installation. In our example, we have used the USB interface of the building computer for the sake of simplicity.


EnOcean is a wireless radio standard for building and industrial automation. The patented radio technology makes it possible to produce a signal with astonishingly small amounts of ambient energy. With only 50 μWs, an EnOcean wireless module can transmit a signal over a distance of 300 meters (in the free-field).


The secret lies in the signaling, the entire process is triggered, carried out and completed in only one thousandth of a second. EnOcean, which has been ratified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), is characterized above all by its particularly low energy consumption. This makes it the first and only radio standard suitable for low-energy generation. Thus it is also optimized for battery-powered networking technology.


When setting up the Smart Home project, the target computer plays no role, there is no hardware reference. The project is transferred to the target computer only when the display is coherent, ie all luminaires, blinds, window and door sensors are drawn in and the logic functions. In the case of our example setup, this is a MSI Wind Box II industrial PC. The EnOcean gateway is connected to a USB interface as is the 3D mouse. For the video signal the computer has a DVI output.


With DVI-VGA adapter, we make the connection to the TV again. Now only the computer has to be switched on and "PC" has to be selected as the input on the TV set. The computer powers up and starts the software "my-HomeControl" automatically. The TV set should now display the ground plan of the ground floor with all sensors and actuators.


Communication with the door


With the mouse pointer, we select the light or the shade that we would like to switch, just as you would on the specially installed touch display. When the switching process is finished, TV remote control returns to the program.


Now, however, not everyone would like to place a computer behind the Smart TV. In this case, there is another variation: in the second example, the building computer is located in an installation room in the cellar of the house near the switch or fuse box. Now the video signal from the computer has to go to the TV, two USB channels from the living room to the cellar. The router is also usually located here, for example a FRITZ! Box or the LAN switch.


Conclusion


If this is not the case, we can route the network cable to the computer. If this is not possible, we are looking for a place where both a network connection and power are available. If the SmartHome has a digital video doorphone, such as the T24 from Mobotix, we must also be able to transfer sound between the computer and the TV. After all, the visitor should be able to talk to us at the front door via the TV.


There are special hardware, so-called HDMI extenders. We have used the Startech IPUSB2HD2 in our test. It transmits image, USB and sound over a network line. On the computer side we use the supplied software. Depending on the computer, it takes about ten minutes for everything to be set up automatically. The software is installed as an additional display as well as a USB server. It recognizes the HDMI extender automatically as well as its connected devices such as the HDMI interface of the TV set, the USB port of the 3D mouse and an analog microphone.


The software bundles the data and sends it via LAN. Therefore no adapter is needed at the building computer itself. However, the data must be separated again for display on the TV.


This task is performed by the HDMI extender. Image and sound transmission of the digital Mobotix video door phone connected to the local network can thus be reproduced with high quality on the TV set. A tiny microphone on the extender ensures that the visitor can understand us at the door. And, of course, the Smart-Home visualization and the 3D mouse pointer are also displayed on the TV.


If you do not want to install your own building monitor in an intelligent home, you can use TV sets for visualization and as a control screen. For the industrial machine you have to invest between 400 euros and 1,000 euros. In addition, the HDMI extender for about 250 euros. A special building computer with touch-screen costs 1,000 to 3,000 euros. The variant with TV saves not only space, but is also significantly cheaper.


HP LaserJet Pro M501N in the test

The HP LaserJet Pro M501n


Summary: HP LASERJET PRO M501N


HP LaserJet Pro M501N Review: From the energy-saving quiet mode with tiny power peaks to the standby, the first page is already in the tray after 10 seconds. The other pages follow very quickly, so we came to 43 gray-value test pages per minute at the 600 dpi quality.


Conclusion


The compact design does not look at first glance. Automatic duplex printing does not have to be done with our test model, but the paper stock is generously dimensioned with a 550-sheet standard cassette.


The multi-purpose feeder via the front panel can hold a maximum of 100 sheets, and an optional 550-sheet cassette can be added as required. The printing quality is very good and can be controlled in three quality levels. At the back, a USB stick can be placed, which must have a minimum of 16 GB, which allows for confidential print-out by PIN.


The LaserJet Pro M501n was convincing with fast print processing with very good print quality. A duplex unit is missing in this model variant. The default paper size is large.


YouTube Rewind video year back 2017

YouTube Rewind 2017


YouTube Rewind 2017


Every year, YouTube users are looking forward to YouTube's celebrated year. In 2017, YouTube publishes the video "Rewind". There is a lot of effort YouTube is making for the year, and this year the effort has paid off as well, because the clip is a lot of fun and reminds of great YouTube moments and above all of really exciting trends. In the process, well-known people take part in the popular YouTube review video and review the year 2017 in about seven minutes.


And after YouTube and GEMA have agreed on this year, we can also look forward to various videos in the United States - which we have not seen to date.


A special treat this year is the video of Rewind 2017. All users have the opportunity to participate in a quiz. The action YouTube Rewind is rounded off with an additionally created top list of the most popular advertising videos. Have fun looking!


Crumpler presents new Fashionista Collection

The Crumpler Fashionista Collection consists of two functional camera pockets made of Chicken Tex ™ in elegant black. It is the Fashionista backpack full photo BP, 36 x 47 x 18 cm big and 190 euro expensive, as well as the Sling Bag with removable camera screen for hanging, 36 x 25 x 21 cm large for 120 euros. Both are available in a limited edition exclusively in the Crumpler stores and the Crumpler online shop.


Disk Tools: Cloned Clusters

Drive Image 2002 wins through solid work and the supremacy of the offered functions. The tool is, however, just as Ghost and HDCopy its age to mark. Right now you are still working under Windows, and suddenly you find yourself in the DOS age again. The more modern concept offers True Image, which works almost always under the Windows interface. SJAK ​​


Acer Iconia W700 test

In addition, you can also install codec packs to make sure that there is no problem with movie playback.


Also interesting is


With its built-in Intel Core i5 processor, the Acer Iconia W700 can even be called an extended computer. The operation is therefore more fluid than, for example, the Apple iPad.


Conclusion


Even games run flawlessly on the Acer tablet. However, the battery is not overloaded. The right compromise for a computer that is to be used both in the office and on the road.


For the film consumption the full-HD display speaks in the 16: 9 format. The built-in panel also reflects the sun's rays, but the colors remain consistent even under sharp viewing angles. The solid workmanship meets the highest demands. This can not be said of the two radiated speakers.


Strong tablet that also performs very well as a notebook. On the other hand, it is not very easy.


Part 7: Notebooks: Hotspot

The Brandy-Lite from Brand-X is a little elegant and with just 2768 grams of light companion. But despite the low weight in this price class, the Brandy-Lite is fully equipped. In addition to the standard connections for monitors, PS / 2 devices and the network, there is an integrated modem and three USB ports. For users who use a notebook for video applications and for DVD playback, Brand-X has an IEEE 1394 interface and an S-video output. Only one infrared interface is missing to complete the interface and port pack.


The internal values ​​are correspondingly good. The processor, a 1.8 GHz mobile Pentium 4, works in conjunction with the graphics solution integrated in the SIS650 chipset to perform well in all standard applications. This confirms the result of SYSmark 2002 with 151 points. The Brandy-Lite can also be used for older games with lower graphics requirements, but it must fit in current 3D games. In the 3DMark 2001SE it reached 1716 points. The integrated drives are more open to any application. The 20 GB hard drive and the DVD-CD / RW combo drive achieve average performance.


The Brandy-Lite is a smart companion, which can be used almost for all applications. The brandy-Lite does not go so fast in mobile use either. Only the long charging times, especially during the operation with 4.5 hours, and the comparatively small hard disk tarnish the otherwise positive impression a little.


Http://www.brand-x.de


Windows Starter Package: Internet & Browser

Probably the most important program on any modern PC is the browser. However, it is not done if you want to make your computer fit for the main Internet tasks. Here are our recommendations for free tools from the topic area “Internet & Browser.”


Chrome: Google's gateway to the Internet


The success of Google Chrome since its release in 2008 is considerable. With high speed, automatic and fast security updates, and a wide range of browser extensions, Chrome was able to leave behind the stags Firefox and Internet Explorer. Since 2012, Chrome has been the world's No. 1 (according to the StatCounter). With regard to data protection, Chrome is criticized for sending data to Google.


Firefox: the United States's favorite


Chrome is number one worldwide? Yes, but a village populated by indomitable Gauls does not cease to resist the intruder. the United States is this village, because here Firefox keeps the browser throne. Mozilla's open source web browser is constantly evolving, with regular security updates and numerous add-ons. Data protection users appreciate Firefox as having no usage data compared to Chrome.


Dropbox: Online storage for each platform


The Dropbox has established itself as an online store for many users. The dropbox software for Windows synchronizes selected folders or individual files with the cloud. In this way, you can conveniently share it with other users or access the data from other PCs, smartphones, or tablets.


Adobe Flash Player: Do not kill


The Flash Player from Adobe has been torn down many times - be it because of its vulnerability to security holes or because the HTML 5 standard has long been available for replacement. Nevertheless, many websites and online games still rely on the browser plugin. We recommend that you only run the Flash Player on trusted websites and otherwise block it using a browser addon. You should always update the Adobe plugin with updates.


The classic desktop messenger is threatened with extinction: Whether ICQ, AIM or IRC - the chat sizes of days gone by are becoming less and less used. However, the Microsoft Messenger Skype also enjoys greater popularity, not least thanks to its video and voice call capabilities.


Skype: The last of its kind


Nexus 7-2: release date and price announced for the United States

For the United States are release date and prices for the Nexus 7-2 known. The pricing for the new Nexus 7 is not surprising. The 7-inch tablet with 16 GB will be available from 28 August for 229 euros. The Internet access is via WLAN. However, this tablet can only be ordered on the Google Play Store. Compared to its predecessor, the Nexus 7-2 is about 30 euros more expensive.


Picture gallery


For more storage, the Nexus 7-2 with 32 GB. For 269 euros you get the tablet with WiFi access. With an additional mobile interface and LTE it costs 349 euros. Contrary to current reports on the American Nexus 7-2 offer, there is as originally announced a version with 3G and its own version with LTE.


The Nexus 7 is designed to provide a high battery life of over 10 hours when playing videos, WLAN usage, and normal brightness. Also the color-rich display and a 5-megapixel camera are as well as the slim and light design to be emphasized. As a Navi, the tablet is currently not suitable due to a GPS problem that Google will soon adopt.


Belkin Thunderstorm tested

The smart idea: The Apple tablet is inserted into the hardcover of Thunderstorm and connected with the retractable and extendable Apple connector. The iPad sits firmly in the holder and can no longer fall out. With the integrated Smartcovers, the iPad can be set up as a mini cinema in a wide variety of variants. After recharging, everything has already been done for commissioning.


Anyone who now starts an audio source quickly recognizes the difference in sound to the iPad speaker. Powerful sound penetrates the mini soundbar below the tablet. With music from Internet radios or the iTunes list, a spontaneous, small room party can be sounded.


Practice: Apps for streaming and network


Also movie sound as from our test title "X-Men: First decision" mastered the portable Belkin home cinema almost impeccably. The name (in German: thunderstorm) is a program. Only with the action scenes the micro-loudspeaker reaches its limits at higher volumes. Our conclusion for a lot of traveling film fans is nevertheless: buy!


Unfortunately, at the time of testing the Belkin announced, matching app was not yet finished. And there is also a small wormwood drop: the connection and fit of the Thunderstorm are only suitable for the iPad generations 2 and 3. But we hope for a soon second edition, which also fits with the new Lightning Ministecker of the iPad 4.


Nikon 1 J2 in the test

Staying on the ball is clearly the motto at Nikon when it comes to the mirrorless camera system 1. And so shake the slightly improved variant Nikon 1 J2 out of the sleeve about one year after the J1.


More automatic programs


In the case of the 10-megapixel sensor in the Nikon CX format (13.2 x 8.8 mm, crop factor 2.7), the housing design has not changed as much as with the basic data of the image recording. The hybrid AF system with phase and contrast AF on the sensor is also known from the sister models. Pleasant is the low trigger delay of 0.19 s at 1000 lux, significantly longer (0.86 s) takes place in low light.


Image quality


New is the 3-inch monitor with a resolution of now 307000 RGB pixels compared to 153000 at the J1. An electronic viewfinder remains the top model of the Nikon 1 series, the V1, reserved. Together with the new compact 3.5-5.6 / 11-27.5 mm set-up lens (30-74 mm KB equivalent), the J2 is expected to cost just over 500 euros.


Conclusion


When looking at the program dial, the so-called creative mode emerges as an innovation. (F): Motif programs such as Night Scene, Night Portrait and Backlight, supplemented by a Pan-Panoramic Function and various filters such as Blur, Miniature Effect or Selective Color, which can be assessed before recording on the monitor .


In addition, you can access program, time and aperture (P, A, S) as well as the manual exposure control (M) in the creative mode. To select one of these programs, however, you have to go through the complicated detour via the recording menu.


Other recording modes such as fully automatic, Smart Photo Selector or "moving snapshot" are already known from the J1 / V1, as well as the video mode with full HD resolution (1080p). A special feature is that the camera automatically turns on when the zoom ring is unlocked and turned.


Nikon makes the J2 somewhat more popular compared to J1 / V1 and increases contrast, which makes the images look crisp, without changing much in the noise. This effect is also reflected by the higher dead-leave values ​​when the resolution is comparable.


Buying advice Nikon system: entry-level models with and without mirror


However, the contrast enhancement simultaneously leads to a contrast increase with coarser structures and a more unnatural image impression. Both effects show the dead-leaves curves and the test images of the J1 and J2 in comparison. The texture loss remains moderate to ISO 1600, the noise as well. And a dynamic between 9 and 8 iris to ISO 6400 is also not bad.


With the 1 J2, Nikon proves once again that the 10-MP CMOS in the CX format (which is only about half the area of ​​a Four Thirds sensor) has a proper picture quality - without however the picture quality of the Nikon -APS-C models. Apart from this, the J2 is also what the J1 was already: a stylish system camera in a practical compact format.


Nikon 1 J2


Office for iPad for free: money back for Office 365 subscribers

If you use Office on an iPad, you will receive a portion of the subscription fees as Office 365 customer. After Microsoft announced the most important tools of its Office suite -Word, Excel and Powerpoint – now free of charge for iOS and later for Android, the Windows manufacturer would like to indemnify or relieve customers, which just for just under 100 Euro a year Most needed functions.


Lesetipp: Which office suits you?


The offer is aimed at individuals who have purchased Office 365 directly from Microsoft or from certain resellers. If you purchased the package from iTunes, you should contact customer support. In addition, only customers will receive a partial refund if the purchase date is between 27 March 2017 and 6 November 2017. On request, a receipt must be submitted. A termination of the subscription must be received by Microsoft no later than January 31.


Lesetipp: Office apps for tablets


Anyone who fulfills these requirements and initiates appropriate termination should expect a waiting period of approximately six to eight weeks until the reimbursement is paid out. The amount of the repayment is calculated according to the purchase date: the sooner the purchase, the higher the payment. If you want to read more about the prerequisites for an Office 365 refund, look at the Microsoft website. You can submit a notice with a request for a refund via the Microsoft website with a contact form.


Since November 6, 2017, Office is free for mobile devices for private customers. While iOS users with an iPad have been able to work with Microsoft Office since March, Android users are following towards the end of the year. Read more in our news about the free office for iPad, iPhone and Android.


MagicMaps Scout in the test

However, the OpenStreet-Map, which is provided free of charge, is not available on the ground and is only available online anyway. Buyers therefore do not need to access card material in their pockets. Here you can choose between AddIn purchases for local maps or the TOUR Explorer Explorer for the PC. There are different regions in the United States.


MagicMaps Scout and Tour Explorer 25


Routes are initially planned on the PC and then transferred to the smartphone including the map. Since no complete maps are required, the memory load is limited. MagicMaps provides high-resolution topographic maps with a scale of up to 1: 25,000. It is planned using lines that can be drawn along roads or paths. The alternative route planner, however, proves to be performance-hungry, stubborn and confusing. The start / destination selection by zip code and city is difficult to comprehend even for local people.


Conclusion


The planned routes are transmitted by WLAN in the local network. Alternatively, the in-house cloud service MagicMaps can be used live. Comfort is restricted on the way. Instead of voice control, there are directives with acoustic warnings. The GPS signals are interpreted correctly on the iPhone. The route guidance is thus sufficiently precise. If you are exploring new tracks, you can record them, transfer them to your PC, edit them and reuse them. Because off-road navigation is physically limited, navigation and GPS reception are indispensable. Without additional equipment, day trips of power consumption fail.


Because of the high-resolution map material, the off-road navigation with the MagicMaps combination is quite fun - if only the battery would not be empty so quickly. The planning software is easy to use. The best maps are provided by the TOUR Explorer Explorer.


Oxaion: ERP goes DMS

The trend is becoming more and more frequent in the case of medium-sized manufacturing companies in the direction of a holistic ERP solution. However, the complete processing of business processes also includes the recording and archiving of company-relevant information, data and documents in accordance with the law. To this end, however, only a few ERP systems have been able to stand alone. At this year’s CeBIT, Ettlinger software provider oxaion is now presenting a complete solution that already has an integrated document management system (oxaion DMS).


CeBIT: B2B for all exhibitors in focus


Regardless of whether it is accounts, correspondence, technical drawings or development plans - a DMS now offers the convenient possibility of electronically recording and archiving all company-relevant processes. On the C34 stand in Hall 5, users and interested parties will have the opportunity for the first time to fully understand the functionality of the new software, which, among other things, independently generates audit-proof files and documents according to the GDPdU guidelines required by law >

How seamlessly the data exchange between enterprise server, oxaion ERP andintegrated oxaion DMS succeed in the future, can be convincing users and prospective customers at this year's CeBIT. At the oxaion booth there is ample opportunity to test the program or to talk with the oxaion experts.


Panasonic TX-55ASW804 review: Not everything is ultra

The question of when you really need Ultra HD comes in two ways: on the one hand, the size of the TV is meant, on the other hand the time of the broad availability of perfectly resolved sources. We are of course of the opinion that a TV set can never be large enough. However, the ratio of the image resolution should remain within the frame of a normal living room seat.


Innovative Reception


So a 55-inch Ultra-HD TV is worthwhile only if you sit closer than two meters on the device. So if you have placed your sofa three meters or further from the TV, you can grab the device tested here instead of the 58-inch Ultra-HD brother TX-58AXW804, which we had already tested and which is much more expensive with 3,300 euros. Both devices look similar to each other, and the sharpness is comparable from a large distance.


Currently, it is photo enthusiasts who can already fully enjoy the maximum quality: specialists looking at the available material on YouTube, or trendsetters who are already experimenting with a 4K camcorder. The first video-on-demand snapshots may start in just a few months, just like pre-recorded hard disk players. A film disc with perfect quality is not expected until 2017. And until there will be more TV broadcasts in UHD than in HD, certainly ten years will go.


One more Full HD


Ultra HD will be standard, the question is only when you go. Considering that a TV set should last for five to ten years, the grip on future technology may not be as bad.


Quality stands out


Panasonic relies on dual tuners with extensive features for recording and streaming. For cable reception, a signal string is sufficient, but satellite users would have to lay two cables into the living room. To avoid this, Panasonic uses two alternative techniques. SAT> IP transmits receive data via network and the hardware tuners support Unicable (SCD).


If you decide to buy your next TV in Full HD, this Panasonic is very well served. It captivates with its elegant, modern look, which however requires an extra-wide floor space. The TX-55ASW804 offers an excellent set-up, clear sound and good image.


Panasonic offers more reception, recording and streaming possibilities than any other brand, and Smart TV has also been extensively covered with new functions. In addition to lots of apps and the integrated camera for the scypen or for the personalization of the TV experience, it is intelligent recommendations of media and programs, which are now to improve the TV evening. The latest scream is an infobox, which is displayed when the TV is turned off at the bottom of the screen as soon as one approaches the unit and provides personalized information.


The main argument for the new purchase is, besides the image diagonal, the quality, and here Panasonic can be certified by the quality seal THX highest requirements. Thus, the appropriate picture mode shows a very good standard deviation, so to speak HiFi for the eye, but if you want to let normal television refresh by the medium or high motion smoothing, often artefacts fall into the eye. The panel is backlit on the side by LEDs and the backlight scanning with dimming works so well that black bars of CinemaScope movies remain darker than the rest of the screen


Overall, however, the native black value leaves a lot to be desired - striking, if one in the evening from slightly lateral position. Apart from that, the picture quality is convincing by a very natural yet always detailed look. For individual adjustments, a number of image enhancers are available: For each source, the technician finds a small switch. In the case of a 3D display, the vertical sitting position on the screen axis and a distance of more than three meters from the display must be meticulously, otherwise there will be confusion and blurring.


From two narrow slots loudspeakers fire in the panel downwards, but supported by a mini woofer in the back wall they sound more relaxed than thought. If you choose the music mode instead of standard and activated some room, the result for the usual TV cost. Voices and high-frequency components are reproduced clearly and airily.


Download: Table


Panasonic brings with this TV the equipment, design and sound of the ultra-HD reference models back to the full-HD world.


Conclusion


Synology NAS as a media server

Owners of a NAS system from Synology are available in several ways to make the multi-media files stored on the network storage network-wide available. We’ll show you how Synology’s Media Server works.


Step 1: Log on to the NAS system


Log in to your NAS system by tapping the IP address into the address line of your browser and confirming it with the Enter key. Then enter the credentials and continue with "Log In."


Step 2: Install Media Server


Click on the desktop icon "Package Center" to open the dialog box of the same name. Select "Multimedia" in the left column and click "Install" to download and download this component in the "Media Server" section of the "Media Server" area.


Step 3: Save Settings


After the installation, click the "Open" option. In the "General Settings" section, select "German" in "DMA Menu Language" and confirm the change with the "Apply" button.


More about streaming


The media server now provides all the multimedia content stored in the default "music", "photo" and "video" folders throughout the network. If you have saved your files to other directories, you can add these folders by clicking on "Media Library" under "Applications" in the "System Control". On the Indexed Index tab, select Create, click Select, select the directory to be added, and then click Select to confirm your selection.

You can quickly check that everything has worked out: Open the Windows Media Player and take a look at the list of other media libraries. Your NAS system should now appear. Now you can select the desired media file and start playing it.


Step 4: Add Media Library


Step 5: Open Windows Media Player


New camera bags from Hama, carrying system from Enjoyyourcamera

The size and weight of the compact system cameras match the bags of the new series “Seattle” from Hama. They are available in six different sizes. The dark blue, durable nylon pockets all feature a double zip for quick access, soft orange fleece lining, a flat slot for memory cards under the lid, and a detachable shoulder strap.


The larger models were additionally equipped with one or two side pockets and variable interior dividers. The Seattle bags are priced between about 20 and 40 euros depending on the size.


Enjoyyourcamera.com offers a compact camera-carrying system with the PeakCaptureCaptureCameraClip, which can be used to attach the camera to a belt or backpack belt that is up to 7.6 cm in width.


The clip system consists of a solid aluminum clip and a quick release plate. The three removable panels of this system are Arca-Swiss-compatible and equipped with a quick release strap, which also allows the camera to be carried on a sling belt. The Capture Camera Clip with removable disk costs 80 euros, more removable disks individually 30 euros.


Payroll accounting with Lexware pay + salary 2013

When it comes to outsourcing in the administration, payroll is at the top of the list. There are good reasons for this: it is a clearly defined task area. Every month, a certain number of accounts are generated. Added to this are the reports to the authorities, some evaluations and certificates. At the first glance, tax consultants and other service providers offer favorable packages at the first glance.


Short profile: Lexware lohn + salary 2013


Especially for growth-oriented enterprises, however, the shot can quickly backfire. Finally, the rates per employee and month apply. The threshold from which it pays to hand itself is comparatively low. For example, in the case of fluctuating wages - for example depending on the number of hours worked or commissions - the preparatory work, and thus a large part of the work, will remain with the company anyway.


Competence pays off


Www.lexware.de


Do not worry about the payroll


Target group


Armed for all cases


Benefits


Interfaces


Other versions


But payroll is not just a cost factor. It also has a high strategic importance: if it is done in its own four walls, the figures are available more quickly for financial planning.


This is an advantage in a country with comparatively high wages. In addition, there are more efficient processes, since payroll accounting is by no means a lonely island. As part of an overall process, it processes information from timekeeping and delivers data to financial accounting. Those who outsource payrolls usually break a gap in the process that can only be bridged by elaborate manual work.


Last but not least, the payroll office belongs to the central commercial areas of competence. Only their own knowledge ensures that the scope of tax and social legislation is fully exploited and that they are safe in salary negotiations.


In addition, the more commercial competence is available, the better the negotiating position is with regard to lenders or investors.


Many company managers are afraid to take the task themselves into the hand. The doubt about one's competency is understandable, but is based on an overhauled way of thinking. The exchange of data with the authorities has now largely been automated. Paper notifications and correspondence are more an exception than a rule.


In addition, modern salary accounting programs take away most of the work from the user. The best example is the payroll accounting Lexware lohn + gehalt 2013. The software is convincing with an ingenious user support, with the professional knowledge almost become obsolete


You may also be interested in


In addition, there are numerous input aids such as pre-set pop-up menus and an integrated plausibility check, which protects users from gross errors.


All in all, Lexware wage + salary reduces the effort for payroll to a minimum. At the same time, the software provides a high level of security. Work simply makes it possible to enter the company and employee data with the respective billing characteristics. If the framework is in place, the billing is a self-runner: as new tax rates and social insurance contributions are automatically imported, only wages and additional wages must be maintained.


Conclusion


Mini- and midi jobs can be billed as well as single-time payments, financial benefits or occupational pensions. The hours worked can be entered for the calculation of hourly wages. Holidays appear clearly marked.


In addition to the compulsory wage bill, reporting, account statements, lists, employees and company-related evaluations are also provided in the form of reporting - also as annual reports. Just as important as the flexibility is the connection to adjacent applications. This is the only way to "link" the payroll into existing business processes. Lexware lohn + salary is well prepared. For example, you can import and process recorded work hours from time recording programs.


In the opposite direction, the payroll transfers booking data into the booking stack of Lexware account holders. Communication with the financial authorities takes place via the ELSTER interface, while the statutory health insurance is communicated via "dakota".


Practical is the new reminder function, which points to the dispatch of the ELSTER messages. There are also new reports to be found in the proof of receipt: They can also be called up as a protocol via the response center, just as the social insurance legislation reports. Lexware also provides pay-as-you-go payment data in the data exchange format (DTA) and audit-relevant information for service auditors.


Growth-oriented companies can leverage Lexware wage + salary as required and switch to the plus, pro- and premium versions. Users of the plus version benefit from additional functions such as online banking, short-time work or the extended certification system. For per, three work places, user rights and the support of the cost center accounting are added.


The premium version is also equipped with travel expense accounting, payroll information, time management, two additional workstations and supplementary services. These include the on-site installation service, the software launch and a free hotline. In addition, Lexware lohn + gehalts premium can also be rented.


Lexware wohn + gehalt combines professional billing structures with a simple operation. Wizards are provided for almost all tasks that can be done with the software.


Plausibility checks, specialist information and interactive training ensure an unusually high safety level. A chance for small and medium-sized enterprises to take charge of their own payroll, to save costs, to work more efficiently and to build up their own skills. The versatile upgrade options ensure a high level of investment security.


The best smartphone and tablet programs for home networking - Loewe Media Assist App (TV sets and AV streaming)

It provides an overview of the TV program via electronic program guide (EPG). Recordings can be started or programmed at the touch of a button and TV apps can be viewed on the iPad.


Loewe Media Assist App (TV and AV streaming)


For iPad


Olympus OM-E E-M10 Mark II in test

The OM-D E-M10 Mk II has a magnesium alloy housing.


Case & Operation


Olympus is optimizing its mid-range camera OM-D E-M10 Mk II with technology of the top models E-M1 and E-M5 Mk II. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk II comes in a reworked housing OM-1. With the kit lens 3,5-5,6 / 14-42 mm it is to cost nearly 800 euros, the body alone about 600 euros. In this price class are also the DSLRs Canon 750D (price approx. 700/650 euro) as well as Nikon D5500 (price around 800/700 euro)


Searcher & Monitor


The fact that the mirrorless Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk II and the DSLRs Canon 750D and Nikon D5500 meet two worlds is clear as soon as one sees them next to each other. 120 x 83 x 47 mm and 390 g of the OM-D E-M10 Mk II occur against 132 x 101 x 78 mm and 555 g of the 750D. Nikons D5500 is 124 x 97 x 70 mm and 470 g slightly smaller than the 750D, but larger than the Olympus. While the OM-D E-M10 Mk II with its magnesium alloy housing is part of the metal fraction, the 750D's plastic body feels less valuable. The D5500, although also in the plastic case, conveys rather the solid, Nikon-typical familyfeel of the larger models.


Autofocus


In the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, the unchanged 16-MP CMOS sensor operates without a low-pass filter, but with a new 5-axis sensor shift image stabilization and contrast AF, and the TruePic VII image processor. In the Canon 750D, the new 24-megapixel CMOS sensor in the APS-C format with low-pass filter is used. Special pixels should be supported by live view, supported by the Digic-6 processor, for fast focusing via phase detection on the sensor. The Nikon D5500 is equipped with the 24-MP sensor, which is known from the D5300, without a low-pass filter. The separate sensor module MultiCAM4800DX with phase detection is responsible for the autofocus. Everything is edited and coordinated by the current Expeed 4 image processor.


Exposure


16 megapixel resolution in the Micro Four Thirds format and 24 megapixels in the APSC format lead to nearly identical pixel sizes: 3.7? M (Canon), 3.9? M (Nikon) and 3.8? M (Olympus) . There are very similar starting conditions for noise and dynamics.


Large, rubber-reinforced handles provide a secure hold on the 750D and the D5500. The handle of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II, on the other hand, is barely pronounced. If you want more grip, you can buy the new ECG-3 handle, the E-M10 does not fit. On the Olympus the right thumb is particularly good. There is no splash protection. However, all three of them wait with integrated mini-flashes (LZ 9, Olympus only LZ 4), which can also control external system flashes. The design of the upper side and the control elements contribute to the unique character of the E-M10 Mk II.


Like the E-M1, it has three dials to the right of the prism case, which contains the electronic viewfinder and mini pop-up flash. The main wheel also serves the exposure selection, plus two easily twistable wheels for the thumb and index finger. Three function buttons, one of which is the reprogrammable video start button, complete the offer. The space to the left of the prism is occupied by Olympus with the handy on / off switch, which also activates the flash. There is also a fourth function key. On their backs, there are various buttons for direct access to important functions as well as four-directional rockers with a central OK button on all three models.


The Canon 750D and Nikon D5500 are similar in their modern SLR look with a central exposure mode dial to the right of the prism bump for various manual and automatic modes, surrounded by function buttons for direct access, a setting knurled ring and a bare left shoulder. Due to the great variety of functions, the operation is often very menu-heavy.


The quality of a menu structure can not be measured, but as someone who has constantly to do with different cameras, I like the composition at Canon best, while Olympus interspersed by ever puzzles again and again. The main menu of the 750D is divided into four groups by differently colored riders. There are a maximum of seven sub-items.


Nikon and Olympus require more familiarization. In the recording and playback menu of the E-M10 M II, there are 19 entries on the first level, with a further 95 concealed in eleven categories, for example, the automatic exposure series are hidden in various variants. Fortunately, you can assign them (and other favorite features) for direct access to one of the function buttons. The desired type and variation can be given very nicely with the two setting wheels.


The Nikon D5500 has six main menu items behind which up to 22 sub-items can be hidden in 8-block lists for scrolling by key or touchscreen touch. During operation, all three cameras have a quick access key to abbreviations to the most important settings. In addition, the touch screen operation possible with all models simplifies the camera settings


With 750D and D5500 you can make important settings in the SLR mode even without live view by tapping the corresponding symbols. In addition, the AF point in live view mode can be selected and triggered at the fingertip. When playing, scrolling and zooming stored images is possible.


While the Canon 750D and the Nikon D5500 with their SLR prism searchers and an effective magnification of around 0.5x as well as a coverage of 95% of the image field rather fulfill the duty, the E-M10 Mk II shows the frills: It has an electronic OLED Searchers with 786 667 RGB pixels, 0.61x magnification and 100% image field. The color and contrast of the display convince, the jerking at pans or movements in the picture is minimal. Also color noise in low light is practically no topic


Image quality


An eye sensor provides the automatic switching between the electronic viewfinder and the LCD monitor for the E-M10 Mk II. The diopter correction is self-explanatory.


The live view monitor of 750D and D5500 must be activated and deactivated, which can be audibly heard by the sound of the folding mirror. The 750D and D5500 are more flexible than the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk II with the touch-screen LCD monitors. The monitor can be tilted 90 ° upwards or 45 ° downwards after folding out of the case . The monitor's diagonal measurement is 3 inches for Olympus and Canon, and 3.22 for Nikon. The resolution is at all 345 667 RGB pixels. When the sun is shining, everyone is glad that the camera has a viewfinder, especially as all three monitors are reflected.


Deadleaves


The variously extensive monitor information can be accessed via Info buttons on all three models. The symbols and fonts, as well as the monitor image, are clearly recognizable even if the view is not quite straightforward. While the fade-out of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk II is preselected in the viewfinder as on the monitor, the SLRs viewfinder display only the default info.


The touchscreen operation is possible in live view mode and when using the viewfinder. The video function with maximum HD resolution 1920 x 1080 and 60p / 50p (NTSC / PAL) with Nikon and Olympus as well as with 30p / 25p with Canon can be started with E-M10 Mk II and D5500 each with its own button .


The 750D has its own position for the main switch. In the video mode, the recording is started as usual on the shutter button. 4K video does not film any of the three cameras, but the E-M10 MkII makes time-lapse video in 4K resolution - four times more than the E-M10.


Edge lift


Noise, dynamics & color


Lesetipp


Conclusion


All three candidates offer an integrated WLAN function with corresponding apps. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk II simplifies communication using QR code, the 750D offers NFC convenience and Nikon "WPS per touch print"


In the autofocus, all candidates rely on different concepts. In the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II, a contrast AF is used, which covers most of the image with 81 measurement fields. Spot-AF and the grouping of measurement points to a free-placeable 9-block are also possible. The AF also reacts without phase detection support with 0.22 / 0.28 s and thus faster than 750D and D5500. On the Olympus OM-E E-M10 one can use E-lenses while maintaining the system functions, but with reduced AF speed. This works better with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and its hybrid AF. Olympus works with pure contrast AF on the sensor, while Canon and Nikon use different systems depending on the selected mode.


In "normal" SLR operation with viewfinder, the 750D uses phase detection with 19 AF fields, all of which are equipped with cross sensors. The D5500 autofocus operates with 39 measurement fields, including 9 cross sensors.


If you shoot with a live-view image - with Canon and Nikon with a mirror-up mirror - the sensor contrast AF is the best choice in all cameras. There are several measurement field layouts. The Canon 750D also uses a contrast AF with flexible wide field or spot metering as well as face detection and AF tracking for the live view and video autofocus. Unlike Canon's APS-C top models, the 750D does not have a dual-pixel structure for the Live View AF. With its contrast AF, special pixels are designed to help the live autofocus live view with the support of the Digic-6 processor. There was not much to remember about the measurement.


If the values ​​of 0.47 / 0.61 s in the Phasdetektion-AF already no gloss performance, it is 0.99 / 0.97 s in the live view even less. A STM lens with a stepping motor, which is used for comparison, halved these AFZs. Also the D5500 does not record a speed record. With its 0.61 / 0.71 s for phase detection AF, the autofocus still reacts somewhat slower than in the 750D. The Contrast AF in Live View mode takes 1.2 seconds. For continuous-tracking AF movies, the D5500 interferes with pumping and focussing noise.


Even the continuous live-view AF of the 750D does not go very quickly to the factory. The best thing, if not perfect, is the continuous AF of the E-M10 Mk II.


The basic offer for exposure control is the same for all three models. On the one hand there are options with automatic or manually preselectable motif programs, on the other P, S, A and M with manual choices and effects.


The E-M10 Mk II features include "Live Bulb / Time", "Silent" mode with electronic shutter, the "Keystone" correction of falling lines and a "light / shadow correction" for the gradation curve. The "Color Designer" changes color matching and saturation.


The Olympus OM-E E-M10 Mk II offers extensive bracketing capabilities. Automatic exposure series can be made with different brightness, white balance and ISO values, ART filters and focus settings. The focus is gradually removed from the initial position. The images are later compiled into the consistently sharp photo.


The ISO speed ranges from 100 to 25,600, the shutter speeds of the Olympus from 1 / 4,000 to 60 s. The electronic shutter allows 1 / 16,000 s. The shortest X sync time is 1/250 s, short-time synchronization is up to 1 / 4,000 s possible. The image stabilizer is improved. The sensor-shift mechanism of the Olympus works around five axes. The continuous image speed reaches 8.2 B / s (28 in series) in JPEG mode, 8.5 B / s (12 in series) in RAW mode. The switch-on delay is slightly longer with 1.7 s. This can make 750D and D5500 better.


The Canon 750D exposes between 1 / 4,000 and 30 s and has 1/200 s as the shortest X sync time. The exposure metering of the 750D combines 7,560 pixels to 63 exposure fields. A flicker detection ensures that the camera triggers in a light phase when the light from fluorescent tubes is lit. The automatic contrast adjustment helps with contrasting motifs. The automatic ISO values ​​of the D5500 (100 - 6,400) can be expanded up to 25 600. For JPEG and RAW, the 750D creates up to 4 fps, 10 of them as JPEGs, 8 as RAW.


Similarly fast with up to 5 fps the Nikon series shooting mode that saves JPEGs until the card is full, or up to 21 RAWs. Also the D5500 exposes with ISO 100 - 25,600. Numerous options from variable image styles to Active D-Lighting also ensure a lot of design freedom. In addition, the D5500 offers a wide range of options for editing in the camera.


The measurements show that the Olympus OM-D E-M10 has not changed much compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M10 - as with the same 16 MP image sensor without an upstream low-pass filter. It is striking that the new model at ISO 200 with 1,623 LP / BH is about 100 lines below the predecessor, the Nyquist border fully erotically. At ISO 400 it is about 1535 LP / BH and with ISO 800 with 1,439 LP / BH even about 200 lines less. From ISO 6.400, there are no significant differences to the E-M10.


At the resolution, the Nikon has a lot more to offer with 2.056 LP / BH at the limit of the Nyquist resolution, while the Canon with 1.753 LP / BH is only slightly higher resolution than the Olympus. The Nikon is already at ISO 400 at 1.786 LP / BH, and up to ISO 6400 750D and D5500 are about the same level just before the E-M10 Mk II.


In the case of the DL cross curves, the D550 remains moderate. The displayed contrasts are not significant above the output contrast of the motif with the value 1. The restrained signal processing promises natural reproduction without artificial color contrasts as well as from IS0 400 moderate artefacts. The similar dead-leave values ​​for low as well as high contrast (921/891 at ISO 100) also favor homogeneous image representation and good fine-tuning.


The dead-beave cross-curves of the Canon 750D show an increase of the color contrasts at ISO 100 up to the value 1 and a long-drawn course. The drop at higher sensitivities corresponds to the usual.


Olympus does not approach the DLCross values ​​of the APS-C models, but the distance is particularly moderate to Nikon. The lower sensor resolution leads to a slightly lower detail drawing. Particularly with ISO 100, the distance DL-Cross High to Dead-Leaves-Cross Low is noticeable - thus less resolution with low-contrast details. Basically, the curve is similar to that of the slightly more aggressive Canon tuning than that of Nikon.


The 750D provides a distinct and wide edge lift for a crisp image impression. However, this is at the expense of fine drawing and details. With the Nikon D5500 the readings for the overshoot and the undershoot behavior remain moderate, which contributes to the balanced image impression, even if lower contrast and higher sensitivities are lost some edge sharpness. Similar to the Canon, the Nikon goes to work, which emphasizes the edges, especially on the dark side, without becoming overall as aggressive as the 750D.


In the case of noise, the E-M10 Mk II operates up to ISO 1,600 with VN values ​​up to 1.3 and increases from 1.8 for ISO 3200 to 2.4 for ISO 6400. 750D and D5500 are up to ISO 800 (1.7) and 1.600 (1.8) respectively with higher 1s values ​​and are in the range of VN 2 and more, where it is slowly disturbing.


The dynamics of the E-M10 Mk II are up to ISO 1,600 with values ​​of 11 EV ahead. It also decreases slowly to EV 7.7 at ISO 25 600 at 9.7 EV for ISO 3.200. 750D and D5500 do not keep with EV values ​​around 9 EV up to ISO 1,600. In addition, the dynamics gradually decrease from EV 8 to 6.3 or 6 EV at the highest ISO value.


In terms of color accuracy, the E-M10 Mk II and the D5500 are playing around 12 in the same league, the 750D with values ​​in the range 10.5 just below. All three models showed no major abnormalities. Deviations in reddish and purple areas were visible in the laboratory. The 750D promises the lowest color deviation with continuous? E values ​​in the middle to upper 10 range. For the E-M10 Mk II and D5500, they were around 12. However, this difference was hardly noticeable in the practical test recordings.


All three models offer convincing picture quality at a very fair price and enable the photographer to enter a top system with relatively little money at a high level. However, you have to make cuts with features like case and viewfinder.


Looking at only the image quality, Canon and Nikon have a small lead. In addition, the Nikon at ISO 100 delivers an enormous resolution and overtakes the competition in this point. However, the Nikon autofocus is the slowest, and so the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II with the fastest AF brings the decisive points for their tight victory. For its compact housing, OLED viewfinder and five-axis image stabilizer, it has other advantages. Optical viewfinder and grip are, however, the advantages of the SLR cameras from Canon and Nikon.


You can find more on the topic here


Video TechNite 35: Chromecast Ultra, American TV platform, Virtual Reality and anniversary

TechNite 35: The jubilee edition of 25 November 2017 is now available in the video player.


Video TechNite, episode 35


Not only the TechNite team has today a reason to celebrate, but also the HiFi Forum Baiersdorf, one of the best dealers in the United States, one can congratulate on the 25th anniversary. Video reporter Reinhard Otter was present at the festivities and interviewed owner Heiko Neundörfer about concept and innovations.


While now almost every tenth American household is owned by an Ultra HD TV, corresponding content in 4K resolution can now also be streamed via Google Chromcast Ultra. The associated unboxing, including important information, will be available on our homepage and the video YouTube channel in the coming days.


In addition, the new 360-degree Action Cam "FullDome" from goXtreme and the associated trend-related topic Virtual Reality. Chief editor Andreas Stumptner visited the American TV platform in Berlin this week and was able to bring exciting insights into the topic of "virtual reality and linear television".


In the end, the TechNite team, consisting of Andreas Stumptner, Antonia Laier and, of course, the gentleman (mainly) behind the scenes, Cameraman Steve Buchta, looks back on a year of TechNite and is pushing on many more issues. You can see the complete sequence here in the Player:


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