Women in Technology: Building a Support System

The following is a Guest Post by Aly Chiman @ Alychidesigns

We need more women in technology, but it isn't easily done without help. Here is a list of organizations in Atlanta, Georgia US that proactively support women in technology.

A Many successful people accredit some of their accomplishments to learning from others who've walked the path before them. Someone to speak for their strengths and offer support. For many, this is a mentor, supervisor, or experienced friend who can challenge them daily. Where can one find and build such a relationship? Check out this list of organizations that exist to encourage and support the next generation of women in tech.

Women in Technology (WIT)

For aspiring leaders, WIT offers access to some of Atlanta's most successful leaders in technology through its networking events. Their monthly forums offer young professionals an opportunity to hear and learn from forerunners in the industry. WIT's Girls Get IT program is designed to expose girls in middle and high school to careers in technology, and encourage them to pursue STEM majors. WIT on Campus then encourages college students in STEM majors to stay their course, post-education

Launchpad2X

Founded by Bernie Dixon, the Chairman of the Atlanta Technology Angels, Launchpad2X is a program to foster the success of female entrepreneurs and business leaders. The program is set up to expose women to some of the challenges and opportunities they will come across in running a business. Participants in the program are given the chance to interact with investors, successful entrepreneurs, and professional service companies to build a network and grow their chances of success. Most importantly, the women receive individual coaching not only on starting a business, but also on becoming a strong and successful CEO.

Startup Chicks

Startup Chicks exists to inspire and encourage female entrepreneurs of varying levels to be confident in building their businesses. Members are exposed to invaluable mentoring relationships and potential investors, while meeting on a regular basis in small groups to support and learn from each other. Quarterly networking events allow members to introduce their companies to some of Atlanta's top technology and business leaders. Startup Chicks also offers an intensive accelerator program known as Hatch for promising entrepreneurs to learn the basics of pitching and financing.

Women Who Code

Women who are interested in developing the skills they need for advancing in a technology career will find a wealth of resources with Women Who Code. The organization holds socials and hack nights that are ideal for women looking to be part of a community that codes. They also offer technical study groups and workshops on career development in the tech industry. Meetings are a chance to expand your network of professional coders and learn from each other.

Rails Girls Atlanta

Rails Girls creates an intentional and inclusive community for women who code. They offer a safe and fun environment for women of varying skill levels to pursue their interests in programming. With a diverse set of coaches and speakers, Rails Girls meetings offers participants a chance to expand their skill sets, professional networks and community of coders.

Your journey in technology doesn't have to be a lonely one. Venture out and get connected with individuals and organizations to help you thrive in the field. As you have read, there are communities out there rooting for you. Get plugged in, because when you do, you will find that you are not alone after all.

Meet Areeb Yasir, CEO of compevo communications

Areeb Yasir is the CEO of compevo communications and has driven compevo's strategic growth since 2001 in the IT and hosting markets.

1. Why did you decide to start compevo communications?

I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur and anticipated this move from a very young age. I think I've always been interested in the business world. Going into the IT world was only natural because I've been obsessed with computing and technology since I was a child.

2. How has your business developed since you started the company in 2001?

Honestly I started small; we started by selling CD-R discs and offering tech support and basic consulting and web development to the local Vancouver, Canada area. Within a few years, we grew with clients around the world while offering a variety of IT services, hosting and software products under our many brands from multiple parts of the world, with a focus on Asia.

3. Why has cloud hosting become so popular?

Cloud hosting has become popular because of changes in society, namely where everything we do is connected and on-line.

It is only a natural response that services to support this new way of living from personal to business would drive exponential growth in a short period of time. However, with the Cloud, I may be biased but there are also many pitfalls in terms of security, reliability, and privacy that most firms and individuals have not understood or addressed.

4. What are the benefits to your international customers of having your servers based in Canada?

In Canada we do not have the Patriot act, yet we are still quite neutral in terms of routing to the whole world, so we bring a lot of benefits of being close to the US with slightly less government oversight and intervention. Canada has proven itself a politically and economically stable country throughout many world events and the financial crisis of 2008, so many firms see value in working with a Canadian company. With that said, many of our clients opt to host their data in China or Russia for enhanced privacy, so long as their operations are within the legal framework of their respective countries.

5. I noticed that your personal website offers quite a variety of content related to software, hosting, and more. How do you choose what to share on areebyasir.com?

Quite honestly it is a bit of a toss-up. If I have time to get on the blog and I'm in the middle of something or just completed a task, a lot of times I just blog and document what I did. I think it's also important to humanize yourself and stay grounded. At the end of the day whether we work for ourselves or work for someone else, all jobs have their pros and cons.

A lot of people say to me, "it must be great to be your own boss," and I'll chuckle and explain that in some, if not most ways, it is like having a large amount of bosses with high expectations and tight deadlines--not to say I don't find it all thrilling, but it's important at least for me to remember compevo is only here because of our customers and our dedication and innovation to cutting edge, reliable IT services.

Thanks, Areeb!

Software Developers Vs Software Consultants

The following is a guest post provided by Noat.

What is a Software Developer?

A software developer is essentially a software programmer that will work full-time for a company to design software systems for that company. They will design software based upon the needs of the company. The company decides what they need and then the developer will work to create the software for the company. A developer may work on various projects and have a team that helps them create the software. The developer may also work with a software consultant who helps the developer understand what is required for the business and then they decide on the best system for the company.

Jobs They Do

• A developer will program software for the needs of the company
• They may develop software prototypes to test how the software responds to users' needs
• Help users test the new software to get feedback before the system is implemented
• They install, configure, customize, and integrate the software into the computer systems of the company, but often work with others as they perform these jobs
• Work to maintain and fix software which has bugs or other problems once implemented
• Works on software upgrades to improve performance or to meet new needs of the business
• Provide documentation for employees so they know how to operate the new software system.

A software developer will work on a wide variety of software related jobs for the business depending upon what is needed for the company. Their job is always changing as the company grows. A good software developer has the ability to adapt and be flexible to changes in the business and be able to meet new demands placed upon them.

Software Consultant

The software consultant isn't a member of the business. They are a professional that is called in to help the company determine the types of software that the company needs. They may work with the software developer to help design the new software after an analysis of the business needs is completed. The consultant will work with a team to help the business design software that works for them.

Jobs They Do

• A software consultant helps a business determine their software needs
• They work with a project team in many cases to create the new software for the business
• They may make recommendations on software packages that are already developed that may benefit the business

A consultant may be part of a software consulting firm or they may work as a self-employed individual. A consultant usually has a lot of experience with software and computers already before they become a consultant. For example, the consultant may already be a computer programmer or another IT professional.

Summary

A software developer is a professional that designs and implements software for a business. They have extensive programming experience and will work to design software that a company needs. A software consultant helps a business decide what types of software that a company needs. They may work with a software developer or other professional to determine the best system for the business and then the software developer will work to implement that system for the business.

How to Find Virtual Assistants for IT Help

Have you ever thought about hiring a virtual assistant? Did you know that some virtual assistants can provide you with IT support? Primo Virtual Assistant LLC is a great example of a company that provides virtual administrative services for small to medium-sized business owners. The VA services offered by Primo Virtual Assistant include a variety of IT tasks, such as hardware consulting and troubleshooting. They work to find the best solutions for businesses to use their technology as efficiently as possible.

If you're just starting out or scaling up your small business, you may not be able to hire a full-time assistant, so VA services are a great way to only pay for the hours and services that you need. Primo Virtual Assistant has a particular focus on database management and data analysis. They can work with you to design databases to your specifications. Their data analysis services include designing different kinds of graphs and charts. You can also work with Primo Virtual Assistant for help with web design.

You may have noticed that a lot of VA services--especially tech-related ones--are based overseas, but Primo Virtual Assistant is based in the United States. It was founded by Martin Bartalsky, who holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems, as well as an MBA.

To learn more about the benefits of hiring a VA with IT experience, check out this recent article from the blog on the Primo Virtual Assistant site.

Meet Mark Merriman of The Nerds Blog

Mark Merriman describes himself as a life long nerd. He's 22 and just moved from Australia to Los Angeles. Mark runs a new blog called The Nerds Blog. It's a straight-to-the-point sort of blog, with a light-hearted feel and a strong sense of personality behind it.

1. What's your own definition of what it means to be a nerd?

Being a nerd is something that was once looked down upon. The words "nerd" and "geek" have been used as insults, and it's something I just don't understand?! Who created the iPhone you use every day? Who created Facebook? Who developed Call of Duty and all your favorite games? A bunch of nerds and geeks who said "NO!" to the social norms and continued on with their passions. My definition of a nerd is someone who dedicates time to a certain passion without caring about the "social consequences."

2. What are some of your favorite ways of nerding out?

Turn the lights low, close over the curtains, open up my computer, and spend the next four hours immersing myself in the fantasy world of my choice! Today I might raid villages as an Orc in World Of Warcraft--will I see you on the battlefield? :)

3. Why did you decide to start The Nerds Blog?

I wanted to create a streamlined, clean-looking website with RELEVANT geeky topics! Want to see where to get a portable SNES? Look no further!

4. What are some topics you hope to cover on the blog in the weeks and months to come?

Our articles range from the best Animes, latest video game news, cool gadgets that you need in your arsenal, and science that is explained in a way that our average reader can understand!

5. On a personal note, what's it been like moving from Australia to Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a massive change from Brisbane, Australia. With the same amount of people as half of Australia's population in this one city, it's crazy how much is happening! If you want to make something of yourself, LA is the place to be! Also, the coffee here is semi-decent ;)

Thanks, Mark!

Meet Ryan Eagle, Entrepreneur

Ryan Eagle is a successful serial entrepreneur who got his start building websites and selling virtual items for Diablo II. With his network of websites, he began expanding into AdSense and affiliate marketing income. After many years of running online businesses, he shifted into importing/exporting through his business, Response Commodities, and he continues to pursue other "tangible" business opportunities. Ryan also has a strong interest in doing philanthropic work.

1. When you first became interested in computers, what was it specifically about the internet that made you direct your efforts there (rather than, say, writing software)?

To be honest, I don't know what exactly attracted me to the internet, computers in general, or business! I was generally a normal kid otherwise--I played sports, rode bikes, loved camping, and preferred to be outside. I've been using computers since Windows 3.2 although I remember I really gained more interest when I was in 4th grade. Since I was a young kid, my role model was Bill Gates, and I always admired his work and what he was able to accomplish from his life. When I was in 2nd or 3rd grade I had dreams of building my own software company called "EagleCOM."

When I moved back to Chicago from Texas, I remember the first winter I endured and I couldn't go outside. I spent the entire winter on the computer learning the ins and outs. When I was in 5th grade, I made my first website from scratch by reading HTML for Dummies. When I was 14, I made my first money online. When I was 16, I was catapulted into massive success from websites that I had created and never looked back.

2. Why did you decide to shift your career from affiliate marketing and ad-based income into a "tangible business"?

I started doing affiliate marketing in 2005, and after closing my last affiliate marketing based business I wanted a challenge. I didn't want to default to my comfort zone knowing that it would make me quick money fast. I wanted to develop new businesses in new sectors that were a challenge to me; I wanted something new; I needed a new challenge.

3. In your experience, what are some of the challenges for someone with a long history in online business to move into a very different field?

For me, the biggest challenge was basically starting from scratch and learning something from the ground up. I learned huge lessons from my last companies that I pulled into new businesses, but when transferring to completely new sectors, it was quite the challenge. At times, I wanted to jump back and get right into affiliate marketing again for the quick money, but I remained determined. I refused to give up, and like every time in the past, it paid off.

4. How do you currently balance your time between your companies and your philanthropic work?

To be honest, I could do a lot more than I currently do. I take the easy road out by doing things like donating my money rather than actually getting involved. Instead of committing funds to specific foundations, I've been trying to invest into individuals by paying for scholarships and things along those lines. This question reminds me that I need to get a lot more involved, both financially and physically.

5. You describe materialism as being a good motivator, but what would you say keeps you grounded--or to put it another way, what makes you happy at the very end of the night when reflect on how your day went?

Material things are far less important to me than they used to be. At the end of the day, all of those flashy things are simply metal objects or clothing with cool symbols on them--they come and go, just like money itself. Nowadays, I live a lot more modestly than I used to, and I prefer to keep a lower profile than I ever have because all of that does nothing but build a false ego. At the same time, I don't deprive myself of the rewards of working hard--it's just not as important to me.

To keep grounded, I pray to God and give him thanks for anything that I've been given. I also value my relationships with others far higher than anything material. My family, my girlfriend, and my true friends mean more to me than anything I can buy. They are the ones that stick through the tough times--and like any person I’ve endured those times, too.

Thank you for taking the time to interview me! I really appreciate the opportunity.

Thanks, Ryan!

Meet Ritoban Chakrabarti, Author and Internet Marketer

Ritoban Chakrabarti has loved the internet since he first got an internet connection in 2005. He studied computer science in Chandigarh, and he became a full-time internet marketer in 2008. More recently, he published his first novel, When She Smiled. Learn more about Ritoban's fiction writing at www.WhenSheSmiled.com, and on Goodreads. And learn more about Ritoban on his website.

1. How did you first become interested in internet marketing?

It all started when I was in college pursuing my engineering degree. We had a lot of free time, and while most of my friends would go out to parties, I was never too fond of partying. I decided to sit at home and work on my passion, which at that time was making websites.

There's something about making websites that brought out my creative side, and I loved it. Soon, I started freelancing and started making websites and doing graphic designing for clients. I started making a proper livelihood out of it, and as soon as college was over, I got more and more into it.

Soon, I realized I was taking on more projects that I could handle, and that's when I started my first company. It's been an amazing five-year journey since then, and we have done some remarkable things in the field of internet marketing.

2. Have you always had an interest in writing and publishing fiction?

I used to be an avid reader as a child, but since college my reading habits had been suppressed because I got busy with engineering studies and my internet marketing work. But recently, I started reading again, and I had an epiphany a few months ago about writing a novel, and I followed that dream.

To be completely honest, it has been on my dream board for a long time, but I seriously considered it only a few months ago.

3. What's your novel about?

The novel is about a teenager who grows up in the mountains of Shimla, in India. It describes how he meets a girl in a school and falls in love, and how she changes his perception of feelings, hope, and life altogether. It's a very simple story, but I believe everyone can relate to it because we have all gone through first love, and we know it changes our life.

4. How are you utilizing your background in marketing and entrepreneurship to promote your novel?

I noticed a big trend in the publishing industry, especially in India. Most of the authors here don't do much marketing of their books. Essentially they are authors, not marketers. My marketing background helps me to claim that uncharted territory because I know how to promote any product using websites, online ads, and email marketing.

I'm using all my knowledge and more for marketing this novel. Since I have about three months more before the launch of the book, I'm pretty sure I can create enough buzz around the book to get it on some bestseller lists.

5. What's your advice to independent entrepreneurs--and/or indie authors/artists!--who are facing a lack of encouragement from family, friends, etc in their pursuit of their goals?

To be honest, I didn't have much support from my family when I told them I wouldn't pursue an MBA degree, and that I wanted to open my own company. They were very reluctant, but I was more stubborn than they could handle. I kept following my passion, and slowly they got to be a part of my success. Now, they proudly tell everyone they meet about what I do and how I got there.

I have always believed in "hustling." No matter how adverse your situation may be, if you're somebody who can hustle long and hard at what they believe in, no one will be able to stop you. Your success is in your hands. Your failure is also in your hands. So keep hustling, and you'll see how each of your goals will keep becoming a reality.

Thanks, Ritoban!

Computer Prank Could Result in Federal Prison Time

A reader of this blog, Jessica, asked me if I could share a link to a petition she set up in support of her boyfriend, Jason Miller. As the result of a dispute between two computer users, Jason is potentially facing federal prison time.

Jason is a data scientist (programmer) who joined a computer club after grad school. He explains what happened as follows... Jason picked a screen name another hacker didn't like and got his email hacked by him. To get the hacker back, Jason ended up slowing down his WiFi for 20 minutes a day on three days. The hacker called the FBI about it (without telling them he hacked Jason first), and Jason was arrested and charged with "accessing a protected computer network."

Jessica's petition asks President Obama to intervene on Jason's behalf. For more information, check out http://saveanerd.net.

Introducing Mac Dental Software from Datacon

I've written before that I'm always impressed with a product that fills a very specific need in the market. Datacon does just that: it's an innovative Mac dental software solution that can be tailored to meet the needs of a dental practice needs today and in the future. In fact, Datacon has been evolving over the course of 30 years now. The company started by providing hardware and software for dental practices, then shifted its focus (starting in 2010) onto software development and support.

Datacon is an all-in-one software system. It doesn't require you to buy other modules or additional software packages to add in later. From accounting and scheduling in the front office, to tooth charting and treatment planning in the back office, Datacon has all the features a dental practice needs in one software program. Datacon can integrate with just about any digital radiography or imaging product, and it can be customized to meet the needs of specialty practices, a one-doctor office, or a large, multiple-location clinic.

The founders of Datacon believe that no two practices are alike and that the practice owners know what's best for themselves, their staff, and their patients. Thus, they wanted to make software that is widely compatible because they don't want to dictate the use of any particular type of workstation, camera, sensor, or imaging software. Datacon is compatible with MS Windows and Macintosh workstations, and it runs on a Mac Mini server.

Introducing dmi Networking, Specialists in IT for Dental Practices

As someone who follows small businesses and entrepreneurs, I can appreciate the value of a company that is filling a specific niche. Based in California in the North Bay Area, dmi Networking is helping dentists by providing information technology solutions and support. The people who started the company have 30+ years of experience in helping local business owners, and the staff are skilled in helping end users manage the necessary IT processes involved in keeping an office running smoothly.

Depending on the level of in-house IT expertise within a particular office, you can outsource some of all of your IT needs to dmi Networking. They offer a variety of IT services for dental practices such as secure encryption for email and data, network security, HIPAA compliance, and more. You can find help with getting your files online and knowing those files are stored safely on your own network and/or using cloud storage. You can even get help in making sure you have the best computers and other equipment set up in your office to meet your needs.

For Bay Area dental IT services, check out dmi Networking. I'm sure everyone has seen news stories about data breaches in different business environments, and medical and dental offices can be a target for data thieves. In other words, it's worth it to consult with professionals and outsource some of your information technology needs to protect your business and your patients.

Help a Teacher Get Some Computers

With shrinking state and federal budgets, it can be hard to get the necessary supplies into a classroom. D. Thoreson is a first year high school English teacher who is trying to win a grant to buy a couple of computers. The juniors that Thoreson teaches need more access to technology, and the grant would allow for a workstation where students could make presentations and videos, edit digital photos, and familiarize themselves with software applications that they'll be using in the larger worlds of college and work.

To help Thoreson's students out, visit Thanks a Million Teachers and search for Dewey High School in Dewey, Oklahoma. Then you can find Thoreson's proposal and cast your vote. You can vote every day if you want! The contest runs through the end of March and is sponsored by Farmers Insurance.

Good luck to D. Thoreson and the students of Dewey High School!

Wallpapers Chest: Free HD Wallpapers

I do like a freebie, so I was glad to find out about a new source for free HD wallpapers. Wallpapers Chest is free to use, and you can log in with your Facebook account. You'll find wallpapers in such categories as nature, travel, sports, and motorcycles.

The site recently topped 20,000 user uploaded wallpapers. The developers at Wallpapers Chest are continuing to work on their site; they're currently adding a team of moderators to review content uploaded by users. Each user can set up his or her own "favorites" page, so it's easy to keep track of images you like as you browse the site.

I was interested to find that people have uploaded a variety of vintage advertisements to the site, many from Russia, France, and other countries all over the world. Here's a sample...

For more information, follow Wallpapers Chest on Facebook.

Meet Clayton Crooks, Author

Clayton Crooks is an American author, computer consultant, and software developer. He is best known for his books on topics including game development and mobile devices. Clayton began his writing career working for various magazines such as Dr. Dobbs Journal, Code Magazine, and Web Techniques. He authored his first book on Visual Basic in 2001 and began writing about various tools and languages afterward. Along with his writing career, Clayton has had games published on various platforms including "3D Air Hockey" and "3D Duck Hunting" for PC's, and a number of mobile games and apps.

His book, iPhone Game Development for Teens, is a step-by-step guide for beginners who want to create games made specifically for the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I'm a computer consultant by trade. The writing actually came somewhat by accident. I was helping some people in an online forum many years ago. Someone noticed a post that I had written about how to fix an issue with a server or something. They asked if I might be interested in writing about technology related topics for their newsletter, and everything just took off from there. Before I knew what was happening, I was writing for five or ten magazines, and had an offer to do my first book.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?

It really depends greatly on the subject at hand. For most of the books that I've done, it takes an average of about three to six months. I've had a few take much longer, and some that were a little less. Much of the time, it depends on how much time I can devote to writing, as my consulting business keeps me quite busy.

3. Where do you get ideas for your books?

When I was first starting out, I had to think a little more about what to write about, but as time has gone on, I have publishers reach out to me about topics they have interest in. They'll usually contact me and ask if I'd be interested in doing something on a particular topic. With the basic idea in hand, we work out the details on content, audience, and direction.

4. How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?

I’m not sure of the exact number, but probably somewhere around 20. I guess it depends on if you include 2nd and 3rd editions of books as well. My favorite book was a programming book called Learning Visual Basic.net Through Applications. There are a number of reasons why, but well before tablets had become mainstream, I wrote a couple of example applications related to development for the Tablet PC. I had such great feedback from other developers. There are even a few examples on Microsoft's Developer Network that utilize things from the book.

5. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love being outdoors and any type of sports related activities. My wife and son are huge sports fans as well, so it's something we do as a family. I'm sure it's not surprising, but I also love all types of gadgets: mobile devices, game consoles, tablets, phones, and computers.

Thanks, Clayton!