zephyr http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for zephyr Copyright 2008 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:41:31 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/zephyr Software As A Service Plans Significantly Lower Terminal Emulation Costs http://www.artwoo.com/article/software-as-a-service-plans-significantly-lower-terminal-emulation-costs http://www.artwoo.com/article/software-as-a-service-plans-significantly-lower-terminal-emulation-costs#comments Mon, 11 Jun 2007 22:30:00 +0000 unix terminal emulationterminal emulation softwaresaaszephyrmainframe systemsupfront costsattachmate http://www.artwoo.com/article/software-as-a-service-plans-significantly-lower-terminal-emulation-costs
Licensing terminal emulation using a "Software as a Service" () plan can drastically lower the cost of accessing legacy applications. This is especially true for large organizations that either require or favor having their terminal emulation users covered by a maintenance and support agreement.

SaaS licensing plans are also ideal for organizations that plan to retire their at some point in the future, but short term require updated terminal emulation.

specializes in SaaS licensing for organizations that require either or IBM compatible terminal emulation. Both desktop and browser-based terminal emulation can be licensed through the Zephyr SaaS program.

The primary benefits of the Zephyr SaaS plan includes:

- lower in comparison to traditional license model - may be treated as a lease versus a capitalized asset

- software, support, maintenance and upgrades included in one fee

- predictable annual expense can be easily budgeted

- escalation of license fee can be negotiated upfront

- ideal for organizations that plan to retire mainframe systems at some point

For example, an enterprise with 10,000 users that pays $75 for a one-time terminal emulation upgrade and a maintenance and support plan of 15% of the license fee, could save over 50% during a 10 year period with an all inclusive plan that features the , maintenance, support and major upgrades. Organizations with greater numbers of users have the opportunity to save even more.

Zephyr specializes in SaaS licensing for customers that require desktop or browser-based IBM 3270, 5250 or for Microsoft Windows using TN3270E, TN5250E, VT, SCO ANSI or Wyse 60 protocols. Six years after the Zephyr SaaS program was introduced, the large majority of its customer base now licenses the Zephyr PASSPORT terminal emulation software and support services on an annual basis using a Software as a Service plan. Zephyr Development Corporation is a highly respected developer of advanced terminal emulation and host integration solutions for Microsoft Windows. More information is available at http://www.zephyrcorp.com ]]> Laptop Bags Provide The Best Protection For Laptops While Traveling http://www.artwoo.com/article/laptop-bags-provide-the-best-protection-for-laptops-while-traveling http://www.artwoo.com/article/laptop-bags-provide-the-best-protection-for-laptops-while-traveling#comments Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:14:59 +0000 laptop bagslaptop accessoriestom bihnracer xbriefcasezephyrbarcelona http://www.artwoo.com/article/laptop-bags-provide-the-best-protection-for-laptops-while-traveling briefcase, where it can easily get scraped and possibly damaged. There are that you can buy to provide proper protection for your laptop. Laptop bags are specifically designed for laptops with traveling in mind. This article will talk about the best new laptop bags released on the market for laptops.



The Barcelona is designed by Zegari. This is a very stylish and well designed laptop bag. There are two pockets outside with the front protected by a flap where you can place documents, papers, etc. There is a side pocket where you can slide your cellphone in neatly. The main compartment inside the Barcelona is well padded but with enough space to slide in your laptop. The Barcelona also have a comfortable adjustable leather shoulder strap.



The Zephyr is made by and is brilliantly designed. The bag is made of ballistic nylon and you can order your Zephyr in a set of a variety of colors. The bag has 3 pockets outside for quick access to any objects you may need to pull out immediately. Inside of the Zephyr there are 3 dividers to organize different items. The inside is nicely padded to give your laptop a nice snug protection. The bag has a absolute shoulder strap that is very comfortable and will not tear into your shoulder.

Racer-X

The by Waterfield Designs is created originally for a Macbook and is a very good bag to use if you travel a lot, especially for business trips. The Racer X has a corporate look and feel to it. The bag have a black nylon exterior, and two separate compartments for a laptop and . The pockets are padded and your laptop will smoothly slide into the Racer X without a problem. If you is interested in reading related resources you can visit http://ezinearticles.com/?Discount-Laptops-Guide---How-To-Find-Discount-Lap= tops-Onlineandid=685597 to read how to find cheap laptops. ]]> Classic American Train Journeys and#8211; The California Zephyr http://www.artwoo.com/article/classic-american-train-journeys-the-california-zephyr http://www.artwoo.com/article/classic-american-train-journeys-the-california-zephyr#comments Fri, 11 May 2007 07:20:01 +0000 california zephyrcolorado rockiesgold rush daysgreat train journeysjourneycarpetbaggersgold prospectors http://www.artwoo.com/article/classic-american-train-journeys-the-california-zephyr California Zephyr, across much of the North American continent, is considered one of the s" rel="tag">great train journeys of the world. Launched in 1949 and re-launched in 1983, the Zephyr became an American icon as one of the country's earliest transcontinental lines. The train runs from Union Station in Chicago, to Emeryville, near San Francisco in California. This spectacular 3-day journey starts on the plains of Illinois, continues on across the regal Rockies and High Sierras via Denver, and on through the arid Nevada flatlands, ending in California.

You can choose a spacious coach seat or reserve a roomette or bedroom in one of the Superliner sleeping cars, depending on your budget. The Dining Car serves full meals in a comfortable setting, and sandwiches, snacks, and beverages are available for purchase at the Cafe Bar. The Sightseer Lounge Car has large picture windows and movies are screened here, including features for children during the summer months.

The journey The journey follows the historic trail of and in the frenetic . Day 1 passes through charming Illinois farming country, interspersed with quaint rural townships, across the mighty Mississippi River into Iowa. The river winds off in its imposing passage as the Zephyr chugs serenely along. Time seems to stand still along this mid-west stretch.

On Day 2 the Zephyr arrives in booming Denver. The skyscrapers of this modern metropolis are dramatically etched against a backdrop of the massive Rockies in the distance. For a big city, the air is remarkably clear and refreshing. You get a chance to stretch your legs at the station here, while the train is refueled and cleaned. After Denver, the Zephyr begins a long upward pull into the Front Range of the where the rocky foothills jut from sweeping plains. Pine trees dot the ochre-coloured hillsides, which often plunge down into deep river valleys, with bubbling, fast-running streams.

The views from the train windows, especially those of the Sightseer Lounge Car, are stunning and generally uninterrupted by man-made obstacles. The only intrusion appears to be the train itself, glimpsed from its own window, becoming part of the immaculate scenery as it wends its way along the river courses and valleys. The Zephyr passes through Moffett tunnel, a nine-mile long tube of darkness which takes around 10 minutes to pass through. On the other side, the rivers, mountains and pines continue to dominate the view. The yellow and red rock become the canvas upon which rushing waters and thick pine forests are drawn.

By Day 3, the Zephyr is in the Nevada flatlands, well into California. In the High Sierras you are treated to a never-ending procession of dramatically beautiful views, broken only by the occasional bridge, or by the mountain sides themselves. Alpine Donner Lake passes, serene in the valley of sweeping ranges.

Finally, at the Emeryville terminus, shuttle buses to San Francisco wait for you trainside. Youand#8217;ll feel relaxed by the no-rush feel of the journey, and inspired by the unparalleled scenery and the breath-taking vastness and variety of the North American continent. Rod Ritchie, a travel writer and editor, writes for many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. Go America provide great value hotels and car hire all across North America. Visit their website at http://www.goamerica.co.uk to book USA hotels and USA car hire. ]]> Transferring Files Securely Using SFTP http://www.artwoo.com/article/transferring-files-securely-using-sftp http://www.artwoo.com/article/transferring-files-securely-using-sftp#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:58:01 +0000 client authenticationintuitive interfacecharge usersprivate keyspublic keysunauthorized userstransferring files http://www.artwoo.com/article/transferring-files-securely-using-sftp transferring files using SSH to secure the commands and data that are being transferred between the client and the server. When using FTP, the data that is being transferred is not encrypted, exposing this data to eavesdropping, tampering, or message forgery. With SFTP, the data that is transferred between the client and the server is encrypted, preventing from accessing your data.

Components Needed

To transfer files using the SFTP protocol, you will need a server that is configured for SFTP and a client that supports it. Popular SFTP servers include FileZilla, WinSCP, and DataFreeway. The most commonly used SFTP client is PuTTY, which is available free of charge. Users who desire a more may opt for a more user-friendly client, such as Zephyr's PASSPORT.

How SFTP Works

There are two basic components to file transfer with SFTP; server validation and . These two components use public and for authenticating communication between the client and the server. The server is validated by comparing the server's public key with the stored on the client machine. The server's public key is usually contained in a file called "known_hosts" located on the server, and the client's public key is stored in an encrypted file on the local machine.

Clients can be authenticated in three different ways:

- Username and password
- Private key and passphrase
- Keyboard-interactive authentication

With username and password authentication, a user account is set up on the SFTP server. When using private key and passphrase authentication, the client's public key is added to the "authorized_keys" file on the server. Once the server validation has occurred, the client must enter their passphrase in order to load their private key and complete the authentication process.

Keyboard-interactive authentication uses the method of asking the client a series of questions, and the client must answer these questions correctly in order to be authenticated. This allows for the implementation of assorted authentication methods. For example, username and password authentication can be disabled on the server, but keyboard-interactive authentication could be used to ask the client for their username and password.

File Compression

Most SFTP Clients provide an option to enable file compression. With this option enabled, data sent by the server is compressed before sending, and decompressed at the client end. Likewise, data sent to the server is compressed first and the server decompresses it at the other end. This can help to speed up file transfers, especially with low-bandwidth connections.

SFTP Versions

There are currently two versions of the SFTP protocol: SSH-1 and SSH-2. SSH-2 is a newer, more secure implementation. SSH-1 contains a known security vulnerability, and SSH-2 is recommended for optimum security.

SFTP vs FTPS

SFTP and FTPS are two entirely different protocols.

- SFTP uses SSH to secure transmissions whereas FTPS uses SSL security
- The standard port setting for FTP is 21. The default port for SFTP is 22

Summary

SFTP should be used when you need to transfer sensitive or confidential data between a client and a server that is configured to use SSH for secure transactions.Zephyr Development Corporation is a highly respected developer of advanced terminal emulation and host integration solutions for Microsoft Windows. More about SFTP Secure File Transfer: http://www.zephyrcorp.com/sftp.htm]]> Embedding A 3270 Emulator Inside A Desktop-based Customer Service Application Suite http://www.artwoo.com/article/embedding-a-3270-emulator-inside-a-desktop-based-customer-service-application-suite http://www.artwoo.com/article/embedding-a-3270-emulator-inside-a-desktop-based-customer-service-application-suite#comments Mon, 14 May 2007 04:25:01 +0000 3270 terminal emulationpassportmainframe applicationsrisk adverseapplication suitelegacy applicationapplications that require http://www.artwoo.com/article/embedding-a-3270-emulator-inside-a-desktop-based-customer-service-application-suite PASSPORT to integrate proven IBM on a secure, cost effective platform

Most large insurance companies, banks and financial services organizations continue to rely on IBM mainframe applications to run their business. In doing so, for many, the use of as a method of accessing proven s is still a requirement.

The Terminal Control feature of Zephyr's PASSPORT Host Integration Objects (HIO) software has been used by a number of leading firms to embed 3270 terminal emulation inside core desktop s, including:

- One of the top three U.S. providers of auto insurance has embedded PASSPORT within their client-based corporate application suite, including a key claims workstation application, collectively offering 3270 access to 30,000 employees and agents

- One of the top 10 property and casualty insurers in the U.S. has extensively integrated PASSPORT into desktop 3270 connectivity, providing integrated host access to 40,000 employees

- A Fortune 20 company has embedded PASSPORT within their insurance and healthcare applications, creating an automated solution that accesses 3270 applications used in the U.S.

Medicare system

Embedding a robust Windows terminal emulator within an agent, claims, call center or customer service application suite, and making use of the emulator's rich scripting and application integration capabilities to improve overall productivity, can make great financial sense. This is especially true given the high cost of reengineering a legacy application or replacing it with an expensive packaged application that may not fully meet all requirements. By comparison, the point-to-point host integration model used in terminal emulation is very competitively priced.

Why consider bundling terminal emulation inside a client-side application suite?

For starters, an integrated desktop system is secure, cost effective and involves very little risk in terms of development. Once the application suite is finalized, it's also much easier to support.

Today, most desktop systems are locked down to avoid potential security problems. Further, a typical PC often contains a group of solid applications that have already been licensed and paid for. Given the value of the proven business logic found in mature IBM 3270 mainframe applications, it can pay to marry these two worlds. Once partnered, the emulator can be used to avoid duplicate data entry by copying host information into multiple applications, scripts can be used to automate the navigation of host menus, skip 3270 screens and much more.

Using the PASSPORT Terminal Control

PASSPORT HIO offers a programmatic, object-oriented method of integrating IBM 3270 mainframe and IBM 5250 AS/400 host applications with .NET, Visual C++ or VB applications using the host screen as an API (screen-scraping). The Zephyr solution features a mature TN3270 and TN5250 communications module and Object API, based on the IETF OHIO standard, and can be used on a Windows XP or 2000 desktop. PASSPORT HIO can also be used from a Microsoft Windows 2003 or 2000 Server. SSL security is included as a standard feature of the application.

To embed terminal emulation inside a client application, the PASSPORT HIO Terminal Control is used to create a terminal emulation display and keyboard object that runs in conjunction with a session object. The session object maintains the host screen buffer and performs all communication with the IBM mainframe or AS/400 system. The terminal control object provides a user interface for a specific session object.

PASSPORT HIO includes a Type Library, created using COM standards, that provides a core set of classes and methods to integrate host information at the data stream level. PASSPORT HIO also includes sample C# .NET, VB .NET and Win32 C++ (non-MFC) Sample Console Application programs to illustrate the use of these COM objects and their methods to open a session, connect to a host, get the host presentation space, field attributes, manipulate the host presentation space, and more. Any Microsoft programming language that supports the ActiveX COM interface or .NET can be used with the Zephyr application.

For the technical specifications of the PASSPORT HIO Terminal Control visit our web site at: http://www.zephyrcorp.com/legacy-integration/legacy-integration-dev.htm

To Download a free trial of PASSPORT HIO or to view a sample embedded 3270 terminal emulation application included within the free trial version, visit: http://zephyrcorp.com/downloads/legacy-integration.asp

Summary

The PASSPORT Host Integration Objects Terminal Control can be used to embed 3270 terminal emulation inside critical, desktop-based call center or customer service application suites. In doing so, organizations gain the use of a secure, cost effective, low risk platform for application integration involving IBM mainframe systems.

Terminal emulation is much less expensive than alternative host integration solutions, and once development is complete, a client-based platform is easy to maintain and support. Organizations that use 3270 host applications can quickly lower total cost of ownership through the use of these secure, reliable systems. Zephyr Development Corporation is a highly respected developer of advanced terminal emulation and host integration solutions for Microsoft Windows. http://www.zephyrcorp.com ]]> The New Xbox 360 Elite Video Game Player: Overview And Opinions http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-new-xbox-360-elite-video-game-player-overview-and-opinions http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-new-xbox-360-elite-video-game-player-overview-and-opinions#comments Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:35:01 +0000 xbox 360 elitehdmi cable120gb hard drivehardcore gamersmedia hubcore processorsxbox 360 http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-new-xbox-360-elite-video-game-player-overview-and-opinions Xbox 360=99 Elite. For those of you who are not or are parents of one, you may not know much about the that was recently released by Microsoft. The Xbox 360 Elite is the third and most expensive variation of the Xbox 360 console in addition to "core" and "premium." Xbox 360 Elite is equipped with a premium black finish, three powerful , full surround sound, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable, and DVD playback. Xbox 360 Elite is now the premier Xbox 360 console package that includes a large , a HDMI port, a high-definition cable. The Xbox 360 Elite is set up to extend the entertainment experience of the regular Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 Elite is based on the Zephyr motherboard, which features a HDMI port and an improved GPU heat sink. The $480 Xbox 360 Elite is black instead of white, includes a hard drive that is six times as large as the previous 360s and twice as big as the rival PS3s. The HDMI output makes for easier hookups to HDTVs. While it's primarily a game machine, the Xbox 360 Elite is a digital as well. Users report that initial setup of the Xbox 360 Elite is easy; you just select the language and then either establish your Xbox Live account or re-link to an existing account. The consensus of opinion on the web seems to be that the Xbox 360 Elite is mainly for people who haven't bought a Xbox 360 yet and that the Xbox 360 Elite is a great choice for only $80 more than the premium version. The Xbox 360 Elite is still cheaper than Sony's 80GB console, but does lack some features such as a Blu-ray drive or any other integrated WiFi solution, as some gamers necessitate. The bottom line opinion, though, seems to be that while it's neither a must-have upgrade for existing 360 owners nor as feature-packed as the PS3, the Xbox 360 Elite's combination of top-notch gaming and digital media features make it the current game console of choice.

Xbox 360 Elite Features and News

The Xbox 360 Elite also includes a black wireless controller and black Xbox LIVE=AE headset. There is currently a rumor of a price drop on the way that the core and premium will get a $50 price drop but the Elite will only get a $29 price drop. Visit http://buy-new-microsoft-xbox-360.com/Microsoft-Xbox-360-Video-Gaming/XBox3= 60Elite to find a wide selection of new and used Xbox 360 Elite at low prices ]]> Meet New People Online http://www.artwoo.com/article/meet-new-people-online http://www.artwoo.com/article/meet-new-people-online#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:29:24 +0000 latest fashion trendvirtual webcammessenger icqstate of the art technologyemail notifiermessenger msnmsn messenger http://www.artwoo.com/article/meet-new-people-online latest fashion trend in Yahoo! Messenger, then your clients wanting inquire about a company product in ? How about a family member trying to contact from miles away to announce that she's getting married using IRC? So what do you do now? Why not download Pidgin? Pidgin is a multi-protocol instant messaging client for Windows and BSD. It is well-suited with AIM, Yahoo, Jabber, IRC, MSN Messenger, ICQ, Gadu-Gadu and Zephyr. Using Pidgin means you can log on to multiple internet messaging accounts and chat concurrently with family and friends.

You will dig Digsby because it is multi-protocol internet messaging client, has a tool and social system gizmo that let's you chat away with your family and friends. Even if they are using different kinds if chatting softwares like Yahoo! Messenger, AIM, Google Talk, MSN Messenger, Jabber and ICQ. Digsby let you manage your buddy list, lets you deal with your email (read, delete, etc.) without any difficulty. Digsby also has state-of-the-art technology that keeps you updated and keeps you connected with your family and friends. Though it a user using Windows XP or Vista is more recommended for Digsby.

No, Miranda is no chick and this is not an online-dating chat room, but she could have sounded pretty good right? Miranda internet messaging is small and swift. It is easy to use because of its support of multiple protocols. It is created from ground-up to be resource competent. Concurrently, it is providing a rich quality set. Miranda comprises support for Yahoo, MSN, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu and ICQ. In addition to that, Miranda can be personalized, adapted and broaden functionality for your liking. Miranda also has perks like hundred of icons, plug-ins, sounds and the like, you can choose from.

ManyCam is a lot of fun! This software can be utilized with multiple programs all together. Transmit your webcam video all at the same time with Yahoo! Messenger, MSN, Camfrog, Skype, AIM and PalTalk. This software can help you in adding special effects and graphics, it will make you feel like you are working on a big time movie. You can make any of your body part go on fire, or as if you are underwater or it is snowing inside your house. Grapchics, text and your national flag can be placed to your video window. It is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, 2003 server.

Do you want to have more fun when it comes to online video chatting? Would you want to record videos with live effects? CyberLink YouCam 2 can provide you that. This internet messaging software has 12 new avatars that will grant you the chance to pass as a historical figure or their much loved pet. The illusion of this software is truly outstanding. It will imitate your eye, head movements and your head. Online file sharing is also possible in CyberLink YouCam 2. You can receive and send PowerPoint Presentations and photos to your friends who also has CyberLink YouCam 2.Jon Caldwell is a professional content manager. Much of his articles can be found at http://latestchatsoftware.com]]> Wedding Flowers - The Ultimate Decoration http://www.artwoo.com/article/wedding-flowers-the-ultimate-decoration http://www.artwoo.com/article/wedding-flowers-the-ultimate-decoration#comments Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:27:09 +0000 wedding flowersflowers rosestypes of flowersday liliescontactlily of the valleyamaryllis http://www.artwoo.com/article/wedding-flowers-the-ultimate-decoration
The usage of flowers in weddings date back to the ancient ages. Flowers and herbs adorned the veils of brides in Rome. Ivies were used in Greek weddings to symbolize eternal love. The Saracens used orange blossoms as . Wedding flowers enhance the ambience of the wedding, and are the right carriers to convey the emotions of the ceremony.

. The usual flowers used for wedding are lilies, roses, orchids, and other flowers.

• Roses include, Jacaranda, Bridal Pink, Delores, Candia, Sterling Silver, Sonia, Lady Diana, Jacqueline Kennedy etc. • Lilies include, , Zephyr Lily, Rubrium , Calla etc. • Orchids include Japhet, Phalenopsis, Spray Orchids, Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Catlaya etc • Other flowers that are used in weddings are Violets, , Daffodils, Asters, Anemones, Chrysanthemums, Daisies, Forget Me Not, Gardenia, Gladiolus, Lilac and Iris etc.

Budgeting for Wedding flowers. Budgeting is very important for obtaining flowers economically. The best way to reduce the cost is to opt for in season flowers. The flowers out of season will be costly. It is prudent to a florist well in advance, since flowers ordered in haste will neither be to taste and will nor be economical.

Florists. Weddings are hectic and demanding as many decisions like, venue, ceremonial style, guests, food and other arrangements are to be taken into account. So it is better to leave the arrangements of flowers to florists. A photograph of wedding gown and a sample cloth piece of wedding gown should be shown to the florist for him to decide the best flowers to suit the dress.

Floral Arrangements. Floral arrangements are required for bridal bouquet, headdress, wedding table, wedding cake etc. Florists usually do floral arrangements. Some headdresses contain flowers so care must be taken that the bridal bouquet and the headdress match.

Wedding flowers Color And Shape. Traditionally the color of flowers is white, as white symbolises purity and virginity. However sometimes the colors of wedding flowers are changed to match the wedding gown and the general scheme of wedding. Various shapes of bouquets are available like round posy, cascade, waterfall etc. The shape of bouquet should be chosen considering the height, skin tone, shape etc of the bride.

Silk flowers. Scented silk flowers are also being used nowadays as they have longevity and can be kept as a memory of the wedding day. There is no fear of the flowers wilting of the flowers due to heat during the wedding. However they do not feel like real flowers.

Wedding flowers add color and aroma to a wedding. Wedding flowers increase the attractiveness of the bride to a higher level. Hence the choice of wedding flowers should be done with thought and care Tyson J Stevenson writes on a wide variety of "every day" subjects, always with valuable news and reviews. Expect to see his name often. A related resource is http://www.yourweddingflowers.info Further information can be found at http://buhhub.info http://news2reviews.com ]]> Using Legacy System Integration to Reduce Risk and Costs http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-legacy-system-integration-to-reduce-risk-and-costs http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-legacy-system-integration-to-reduce-risk-and-costs#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:50:59 +0000 legacy system integrationterm rassenior systems analystduke healthinteraction systemintrusive methodpower platform http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-legacy-system-integration-to-reduce-risk-and-costs Legacy system integration can be defined as reusing existing legacy systems and applications by integrating them with newly developed enterprise applications. Legacy system integration provides a non- of reusing existing mission-critical applications that reside on legacy systems such as the mainframe or AS/400. Reclaiming these existing resources has many advantages, including reduced risk and significant cost savings.

Reduced Risk through Reliability, Availability and Serviceability (RAS)

For many organizations, the initial decision to employ the use of a mainframe or AS/400 centered around the system's unprecedented stability. The term (RAS) was coined by IBM, and refers to the reliability, availability and serviceability of a system.

According to IBM, for a system to be considered reliable, it must be able to self-check for errors and quickly apply any necessary updates required to recover from these problems without manual interaction. System availability refers to the system's ability to recover from problems without impinging on other areas of the system that are performing properly. In addition to self-checking for errors and isolated self-recovery from those errors, a system should also be able to determine the cause of failure. This is known as serviceability.

Paul Baquet, a at Technology Solutions states: "In terms of stability, the mainframe is probably the best machine for transaction crunching. We service 2,000 end users at any given time, so having that kind of flexibility provides us with the ability to continue to support the healthcare environment while the mainframe processes applications and passes them down to other systems". Legacy system integration allows organizations to capitalize on this proven solidity and use it as a foundation for new business applications.

Security

When it comes to protecting an organization's data and IT resources, IBM's incorporates advanced authentication and encryption capabilities, as well as accountability and administration resources. Security policies can be implemented both system-wide and by user. These tools help organizations secure their data from internal and external security threats, meet or exceed security regulations and compliance policies, and sustain security audits. The integration of these tools with the operating system eases the administration process and provides increased reliability. The pSeries supports security management tools designed for both the platform and the enterprise level.

Scalability

To accommodate business growth, systems must be scalable. Legacy systems like the mainframe are renowned for their scalability. Scalable systems can adapt to use the appropriate amount of system resources such as memory, processors and storage to run efficiently regardless of the size or complexity of the network.

Cost Savings

Legacy system integration saves organizations money by leveraging existing resources that have already proven to increase return on investment (ROI). Many of these legacy systems have been in place for decades and have stood the test of time in terms of RAS; reliability, availability and scalability. In most cases, implementing entirely new technologies and porting existing data to these new systems is cost prohibitive.

Summary
In a recent survey sponsored by BMC software, 95% of the 1,100 IT managers that were surveyed indicated that the mainframe would continue to play a pivotal role in their information technology infrastructure. 65% of those replied that their use of this platform would continue to grow. Reliable, available and serviceable systems that are both secure and scalable provide advantages that are too plentiful for cost-conscious organizations to ignore. Legacy system integration allows organizations to leverage these advantages and integrate them with current technologies.Zephyr Development Corporation is a highly respected developer of advanced terminal emulation and host integration solutions for Microsoft Windows. More about Zephyr's PASSPORT and legacy system integration: http://www.zephyrcorp.com/legacy-system-integration.htm]]> Evolution of the AS400 and ISeries http://www.artwoo.com/article/evolution-of-the-as400-and-iseries http://www.artwoo.com/article/evolution-of-the-as400-and-iseries#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:01:59 +0000 web application serverservices oriented architectureweb application developmentapache http serverworkload managerssl vpnapplication deployment http://www.artwoo.com/article/evolution-of-the-as400-and-iseries
The strategic features of the iSeries include:

- Integration
- Virtualization
- Optimization
- Security
- Support for a wide range of application development media
- Simplified administration
- Scalability

Integration

The iSeries includes an integrated standards-based DB2 database for managing enterprise data. The iSeries includes an integrated and for web-based , and a Java/J2EE web-services environment for . Many popular development technologies are also integrated with the iSeries, including SQL, mySQL, .NET, DRDA/CLI, ODBC and JDBC. Windows, UNIX, and NFS file systems are supported.

Virtualization

iSeries virtualization allows organizations to manage multiple applications and processes using the integrated , shared processor pools and automatic performance balancing.

Optimization

The clustered architecture, transaction logging and mirroring capabilities of the iSeries provide flexibility and reliability. IBM also integrates tools for managing clusters.

Security

The security model for the IBM iSeries is object-based, which simplifies deployment and enhances the system's ability to resist viruses. The iSeries can not only detect intrusion, but has built-in methods to prevent it and provides an audit log to track potential security risks. Both production and backup data are encrypted, and is used to ensure the network is secure.

Application Development

With support for (SOA), IBM Rational development tools, and UNIX application runtime, the iSeries provides a myriad of options for application development. Languages supported by the iSeries include C, RPG, COBOL, C++, Java, EGL, PHP and CL.

Administration

Storage management is integrated into the system and the system hosts managed storage for I, AIX, Linux, Windows and VMware. The administration module is web-based for easy access. IBM Systems Director provides a single, consistent user interface for managing both physical and virtual systems.

Scalability

With many systems, the system's technology is integrated with the machine's interface, meaning that upgrades are disruptive to daily business activities. With the iSeries however, upgrades are automatic, and the separation of technology from interface makes the process virtually seamless. With IBM's Capacity on Demand feature, you can activate only the processors and memory that you need, making the iSeries scalable, flexible and cost efficient.

Communication

To communicate with the IBM AS400 or iSeries from your Windows PC, you will need to use a terminal emulator. Terminal emulators intercept and translate the 5250 data stream so that your PC can understand, display, and manipulate it. One such terminal emulator is Zephyr's PASSPORT, which provides TN5250 and TN5250E emulation.

Conclusion

The key to the success of the AS400 iSeries has been the integration of relational database, security, web services, networking and storage management. According to IBM, over 5,000 ISV solutions are supported on the iSeries. Virtualization support allows organizations to run various applications simultaneously, allowing the organization to make the most of its resources.Zephyr Development Corporation is a highly respected developer of advanced terminal emulation and host integration solutions for Microsoft Windows. More about Zephyr's PASSPORT and the AS400/iSeries: http://www.zephyrcorp.com/as400-iseries.htm]]> Transferring Files Securely Using FTPS http://www.artwoo.com/article/transferring-files-securely-using-ftps http://www.artwoo.com/article/transferring-files-securely-using-ftps#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:08:52 +0000 transport layer securityencrypted sslpublic key cryptographyencryption techniquescryptographic protocolscryptographic algorithmsserver authentication http://www.artwoo.com/article/transferring-files-securely-using-ftps Transport Layer Security (TLS), are that provide secure communications on the Internet for such things as web browsing, e-mail, FTP and other data transfers. The SSL protocol was developed by Netscape Communications Corporation to provide security and privacy over the Internet. Due to the widespread use of SSL, it can be considered a "de facto standard".

FTPS supports channel encryption as defined in RFC 2228. With FTPS, data transfers take place in a way designed to allow both parties to authenticate each other and to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and forgery on the messages exchanged.

How FTPS Works

When establishing an SSL secure session, the following steps occur:

1. Authenticate the server to the client.

2. Allow the client and server to select the , or ciphers, that they both support.

3. Optionally authenticate the client to the server.

4. Use public-key to generate shared secrets.

5. Establish an connection.

allows a user to confirm a server's identity. SSL-enabled client software can use standard techniques of public-key cryptography to check that a server's certificate and public ID are valid and have been issued by a certificate authority (CA) listed in the client's list of trusted CAs. This confirmation might be important if the user, for example, is sending a credit card number over the network and wants to check the receiving server's identity.

The client encrypts the premaster secret with the server's public key. Only the corresponding private key can correctly decrypt the secret, so the client has some assurance that the identity associated with the public key is in fact the server with which the client is connected. Otherwise, the server cannot decrypt the premaster secret and cannot generate the symmetric keys required for the session, and the session will be terminated.



Public key cryptography assures private and secure data transmission through two processes: authentication and encryption. Authentication ensures that the data sender is exactly who or what it claims to be. Encryption, the most effective way to achieve data security, is the process of translating data into a secret code. To demonstrate the difference between 56-bit, 128-bit and 256-bit encryption, consider the following example:

Sending information without encryption is like sending a postcard through the mail - the contents are visible to anyone who wants to see it. Using this analogy, 56-bit encryption is like sending the information in a plain white envelope, and 256-bit encryption is like encasing your data in a lead-lined, 6-inch thick titanium safe that is being transported by an armored tank with a convoy of a hundred armed guards.

Public and Private Keys

Authentication and encryption use digital codes called "keys" - a public and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt messages, and the corresponding private key is used to decrypt them. It is important to note, however, that despite their symbiotic association, it is virtually impossible to infer the private key if you know the public key.
The public key has two major functions: validation and data encryption. As its name suggests, the public key is openly published to any party requesting one of these two functions.

The private key on the other hand, is necessary for encrypting data (also called signing) and for decrypting. Unlike the public key, this key is closely guarded.

Digital Certificates

Digital certificates are a standard way of binding a public key to a name. In order to provide a digital certificate, the data sender must apply for a digital certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA) such as VeriSign. This way, the CA acts as a neutral third party that verifies the data sender is who or what they claim to be. Once this information is verified, the CA can issue a public key certificate for that party to use. The most commonly used standard for digital certificates is X.509. A universal standard of this sort is necessary because in order to send encrypted data, you must know the recipient's public key.

Summary

FTPS should be used when you need to transfer sensitive or confidential data between a client and a server that is configured to use SSL for secure transactions.Zephyr Development Corporation is a highly respected developer of advanced terminal emulation and host integration solutions for Microsoft Windows. More about Zephyr's PASSPORT and FTPS Secure SSL File Transfer: http://www.zephyrcorp.com/ftps.htm]]> A Student Tour to Chicago Should Include Museum of Science and Industry http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-student-tour-to-chicago-should-include-museum-of-science-and-industry http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-student-tour-to-chicago-should-include-museum-of-science-and-industry#comments Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:29:36 +0000 baby chick hatcherysears roebuck companypublic science educationpioneer zephyr trainjulius rosenwaldcolumbian expositionamerican sailors http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-student-tour-to-chicago-should-include-museum-of-science-and-industry
The museum, created as a vehicle for , is unique in that it was one of the first ever to involve industry in its exhibits.

One of the key initiators of the concept was , chairman of Sears Roebuck and Company, who in 1911 brought forward the idea of a museum for "industrial enlightenment." Rosenwald, who had visited a museum of this type in Germany, enlisted the aid of other business leaders. Twenty-two years later, in 1933, the Museum of Science and Industry, housed in the restored Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World's , opened to the public. It remains the largest science museum of its type in the western hemisphere which is housed in a single building.

Central to the interest and success of the museum is its hands-on exhibits (it has more than 800 in total) with more than 2,000 interactive displays, and a collection of more than 50,000 artifacts.

Highlights of the museum include a working coal-mine shaft elevator from 1933, a WWII U-505 German submarine that visitors can walk through, a center on virtual reality and computer imaging, a , an F-14 flight simulator, a restored , and an Omnimax Theater.

Groups visiting the Museum of Science and Industry take advantage of the numerous demonstrations.

Students and teachers experiencing the working coal-mine shaft elevator will learn about the coal industry in America, which continues to remain an important part of the U.S. economy. Fascinating facts are revealed to give students a new appreciation of that importance.

The German U-Boat exhibit came to be after the vessel was disabled and captured off the west coast of Africa in June 1944. It remains the only U-Boat in the United States and serves as a memorial to the 55,000 who lost their lives on the high seas during World War II.

In the IMAGING: Tools of Science feature, a series of exhibits illustrate the use of computer-based imaging technology in the fields of medicine, science, law enforcement and entertainment. IMAGING: The Tools of Science encompasses more than 7,000 square feet of exhibit area and includes a 600-square-foot hands-on Mystery Lab space for use by school groups and museum visitors.

In the Thermographic Portal, visitors can stand in front of an infrared camera and see how computer imaging detects and displays the warm and cool areas of the body. Not far away, they are also invited to add their faces to the computer's database and witness how computers can color, mix and contort their facial features. There are also a variety of hands-on imaging activities that explore medical technology. The Mediscan unit shows how modern imaging technology helps diagnose and "treat" patients. The Be a Brain Surgeon unit will have students taking turns "diagnosing" a patient's brain tumor and eradicating it using computer-aided radiosurgery.

The IMAGING exhibit's Mystery Lab helps solve mysteries by applying imaging technology to forensic science. School groups can participate in the Mystery at the Museum Learning Lab by making advance reservations with the museum's education department.

Several other displays and exhibits make up the Museum of Science and Industry. They include Animated Industrial Gears, originally on display at the Century of Progress Exhibition held in Chicago in 1933, Genetics: Decoding Life, the Chick Hatchery, the Apollo 8 Command Module among others.travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to "empower teachers to create change by expanding the classroom to the world."]]> Guide to IBM PSeries Emulation http://www.artwoo.com/article/guide-to-ibm-pseries-emulation http://www.artwoo.com/article/guide-to-ibm-pseries-emulation#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:02:01 +0000 aix ibmlinux operating systemsibm pseriesserver consolidationworkload demandsenergy managerenergy consumption http://www.artwoo.com/article/guide-to-ibm-pseries-emulation IBM pSeries line of servers, also known as IBM System p, was originally named RS/6000. These servers run the AIX, IBM i or . The IBM pSeries line of servers has now been replaced by IBM Power™ Systems.

Virtualization and

Using IBM's PowerVM virtualization technology for the pSeries, organizations can consolidate various applications from AIX, IBM i and Linux operating systems on a single server. Server consolidation offers many advantages, including reducing the costs associated with maintaining multiple servers.
PowerVM for the pSeries also provides resource virtualization for processors and input/output resources, which allows organizations to reduce the costs associated with maintaining the system by optimizing the amount of resources in use. Servers using virtualization can regulate shifting and adjust resource utilization for optimal performance without human intervention.

Energy Management

Rising energy prices have resulted in a need for energy efficient server solutions in order to control costs. Organizations can ease the costs associated with powering their data centers by monitoring energy usage. IBM's Active is a tool available for the pSeries that can monitor and control for one server or multiple servers.

System administrators can create both long and short-term energy usage reports by means of a graphical interface. After using these reports to thoroughly analyze current energy use, the Active Energy Manager can be configured to implement energy saving measures such as dynamically adjusting fan speed according to the temperature of the room and switching off resources when they are not in use.

Virtualization and server consolidation also positively affect energy management by ensuring that systems are using only the resources they need.

Communication

To communicate with the IBM pSeries from your Windows PC, you will need to use a terminal emulator. Terminal emulators intercept and decipher the data stream so that your PC can communicate with the pSeries. One such terminal emulator is Zephyr's PASSPORT, which provides VT, SCO ANSI and Wyse 60 emulation.
VT emulation includes DEC VT52, DEC VT100, VT220 and VT420 emulation. The VT220 and VT420 emulation types can be configured for 7-bit or 8-bit emulation. Configurable options for VT and SCO ANSI emulation can include:

- Return Key

The Return Key may be set to CR (Carriage Return) or CRLF (a combination of Carriage Return and Line Feed.)

- Answer Back Message

This option is used to establish a question and answer sequence between the host and the client. This message is limited to 20 characters. The answerback message is typically used to identify the terminal to the host by sending a message to the host automatically, without operator action. Hexadecimal is represented by the tilde and hex number. (A hexadecimal example is ~0D for hex 13, which represents the 13th ASCII character sequence.)

- Local Echo

This option echoes back each character typed; for instance, when p3 is typed, pp33 is displayed back because the host will also send back the p and the 3.

- Wrap Around

The Wrap around option permits typing beyond the 80-character limitation (on an 80 character-wide screen) by wrapping the continued line on to the next line.

- Line Transmit Mode

This option sends an entire line. Compare this to the normal character transmit mode, where each character is sent on a character-by-character basis.

- Reverse Screen Image
This option reverses the b
ackground and foreground colors. For instance, the customary black background with green letters becomes a green background with black letters.

- Scroll Speed (Lines Per Second)

Determines the speed at which lines will scroll on the emulation screen.

Like VT220 and VT420 emulation, SCO ANSI emulation can also be used in 7-bit or 8-bit mode. The SCO ANSI keyboard layout is a superset of VT220. Special ANSI keys include function keys F1 through F12, and these same function keys used in conjunction with the Ctrl key, Shift key, and Ctrl + Shift keys.

In addition to some of the options listed above, configurable options for Wyse 60 emulation can include:

- Status Line

Both the Standard and Extended status lines display messages about the state of the emulation or application. The Extended status line displays additional editing status messages.

- Attribute Extent

This option determines whether display attributes only apply to characters written to the screen (Char), are active to the end of the line (Line) or the end of the page (Page).

- Auto Scroll

This setting determines what happens when the cursor is moved beyond the last line of the current page.

- Send Ack

Specifies whether an ASCII ACK character is sent to the host after certain commands have been executed.

Summary

Using VT, SCO ANSI, or Wyse 60 emulation in conjunction with the IBM pSeries offers virtualization, consolidation and energy management technologies that can significantly reduce the costs associated with enterprise data and application management.Zephyr Development Corporation is a highly respected developer of advanced terminal emulation and host integration solutions for Microsoft Windows. More about Zephyr's PASSPORT pSeries emulation: http://www.zephyrcorp.com/pseries.htm]]> Lake Tahoe Summer Activities http://www.artwoo.com/article/lake-tahoe-summer-activities http://www.artwoo.com/article/lake-tahoe-summer-activities#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:30:01 +0000 south lake tahoeheavenly tahoehoney babetall pine treesgondola ridecrystal pondrugged adventure http://www.artwoo.com/article/lake-tahoe-summer-activities tall pine trees outside the condo' and the gentle squawking of birds and the smell of pine wafts through the open window in the cool summer morning. No time to eat. This is Lake Tahoe: a giant surrounded by California, Nevada, sun, fun and mountains. You can't just waltz up to a spot like this and expect to be able to handle it. It's big, and there's a lot to do. You need a plan=85

Your choose-you-own Tahoe adventure begins now

You roll over and open your eyes, eager to meet the day, your wife/girlfriend/best buddy/son/daughter appears and says, "honey/babe/pardner/daddy, what do you want to do today?" The best plan of attack is, like reading a book, start at the top and work your way down=85

Lodging

As a major vacation destination Lake Tahoe has thousands of hotel and motel rooms, a stunning array of gambling opportunities, and enough dining establishments to feed tens of thousands! It you're into hole-in-the-wall burger or burrito shops try Izzy's Burger Spa or Taco Taqueria in or T's Rotisserie in Incline. If you want something fancy poke around in any of the bigger casinos in South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village or Cristal Bay for some swanky four star dining. Of course all the Ski Resorts, like , have some awesome dining high up on their slopes that are open year round and accessed via a tram or .

Tahoe has every kind of room for you from discount economy lodging to high end luxury hotels with casino gambling just steps away. If your tastes and budget fall somewhere in between you'll have no trouble finding exactly what you're looking for. Specials and deals on lodging and dining rates abound as you would expect for such a popular destination.

Shopping and Concerts in Tahoe

If you're not quite equipped for a of mountain climbing and grueling backpacking, you can hit the awesome shopping centers and gambling in the town of South Lake Tahoe, or line up tickets to the nightly concerts by national headliner musicians and comedians at the casino showrooms all around the Nevada side of the lake. From our awesome local bands playing intimate concerts at small venues to huge stage productions with big-name artists, Tahoe gets the best concert acts in the country. Or enjoy the Lake Tahoe Shakespeaer Festival (http://www.laketahoeshakespeare.com/)

Roll over the mountains to Reno, Nevada for a series of free concerts through the summer in Wingfield park (http://www.renoriver.org/events.html) and the plaza at Harrah's in downtown Reno.

Lake Tahoe Summer Adventures

There are lots of adventures to be had in Tahoe, but the two basic types are Land Adventures and Water Adventures.

Land Adventures

There's a lot to do in Lake Tahoe for lovers of the outdoors in the summer time, so start with the easiest and tamest and move up to the hardest and most extreme. We get a bit of sun and good weather. Typical summer temps range from overnight lows in the 40's and high in the 80's: (averages). It get's plenty warm for hiking, biking or horseback riding and even camping, and we hardly ever get rain in the summer time.

Tahoe Mountain Biking and Hiking

Some would say that Tahoe is the best place on the west coast for epic cross-country mountain biking, some would say the country, some would say the world. And you need look no further than the Tahoe Rim Trail (tahoerimtrail.org) to get started. Bar none, the best off road biking, remote wilderness hiking and backpacking in the Tahoe Basin can be found somewhere on this 150 mile long scenic trail. It's just a matter of how far you want to ride or hike to get it.

By far the most popular section of the TRT for hiking and biking is the Flume Trail (theflumetrail.com). The Flume Trail began life as a siphon waterway from Incline Village, Nevada on the east shore of Lake Tahoe over the Carson Range, down the Truckee Meadows, and up to Virginia City, NV high in the Virginia Range. (http://parks.nv.gov/ltbc.htm)

To access the flume park either at the Tahoe Meadows trailhead at Mt. Rose Pass on HWY 431, or at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park on HWY 50 at Spooner Summit (http://parks.nv.gov/lt.htm). Get a map when you rent a bike or arrange your shuttle ride at any of the great local shops. Both rides finish just outside Incline Village, NV where you can ride down to the beach to cool off at Sand Harbor State Park (http://parks.nv.gov/lt.htm), or head into town for burritos, burgers, beer and rest after a long ride.

In the summer you can ride the Heavenly tram or gondola and go for a hike, enjoy the views or grab a bite to eat at the Adventure Peak Grill, a full-service outdoor restaurant and bar. (http://www.skiheavenly.com/mountain/adventure_peak/) Tahoe Road Biking

Several times through the summer you can get in on a large group ride that goes all the way around Lake Tahoe on smooth paved roads. The 72 mile ride around the lake is perhaps the most popular long ride. It has high traffic in areas, and has long strenuous climbs. The popular Death Ride (http://www.deathride.com/) organized by a local bike club is held every July and covers 129 miles and 15,000 feet of climbing. Also, the Tahoe Sierra Century (http://www.tahoesierracentury.com/) runs every September and circumnavigates Lake Tahoe on a supported bike tour.

Camping and backpacking in Tahoe

Though Tahoe is most known for its hotels, restaurants and casinos, some people prefer to camp on their vacation. And honestly, if you're looking for a real adventure, you should be sleeping on the ground.

There are lots of options for camping right down on the lake at Nevada Beach just minutes from Stateline and South Lake Tahoe along highway 50 in Roundhill, Nevada. You can see sunset views over Mt. Tallac and the Desolation Wilderness right from your campfire.

Or, get way off the trail on an overnight excursion into the Desolation Wilderness (http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/recreation/wilderness/desowild/). Permits (http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/recreation/wilderness/desowild/permits.shtml= ) are required, so pick one up at the Ranger Station near Camp Richardson on your way to the trailhead. The scenic Pacific Crest Trail (http://www.pcta.org/) skirts the western rim of the Tahoe Basin, and the Tahoe Rim Trail (http://www.tahoerimtrail.org/) completes the 150 mile loop for a two week backpacking trek with resupply stops every few days. Tahoe Water Adventures

Lake Tahoe is a large body of water. As the second deepest lake in the United States it is 1,637 feet deep, 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. So there's more than enough space on its shimmering surface for any kind of water recreation you can imagine.

Waterskiing

All summer sail boats stream across the lake and motor boats tug around happy people waterskiing, tubing and wakeboarding. Water temps are 65 to 70 degrees, but you wouldn't be sorry if you wore a wetsuit.

Skiing, tubing and wakeboarding are really popular on Tahoe. The many public, private and secluded beaches are great places to launch a day of motor boating with family and friends. And the Sierra Nevada Mountains, holding snow well into the summer, makes a great backdrop to the festivities.

Tahoe Beaches

If all you want is to sit on the beach and float around in a raft, Tahoe is easy, it will oblige. You can go to DL Bliss State Park, Pope Beach or Zephyr Cove for a full service experience with food, beverages and kayak rentals or Hidden Beach in Incline or one of the many access points around the lake for a more rustic natural lakeside experience.

In Tahoe City you can rent a tube or raft and float several miles down the Truckee River. Trips start near the outlet of Lake Tahoe where highways 28 and 89 intersect and end several miles down a scenic calm lazy river.

If you want to get out on the lake away from shore you'll need the help of a motorboat. Rentals are available all around the lake and you can rent anything from a kayak to a large cabin cruiser. (http://www.boattahoe.com/boat_rentals.htm)

Fishing in Tahoe

As a large open expanse of fresh water, Tahoe has some spectacular fishing opportunities! Whether you're trolling out in the open or fly-casting in the rocky shallows you can find lake trout as big as 10 pounds! Mackinaw trout, German Brown and Kokanee are the common sport fish in the lake.

Many lakes and streams dot the mountainous region around the Tahoe Basin so there is no shortage of water to fish.

Enjoy it while it lasts!

At some point you make it back to bed. Either sun-baked and tired, or content from an entertaining day in town, but you have to rest, so you can get up and do it again. Lake Tahoe isn't going anywhere and the fun things to do there are just getting better! But your vacation can't last forever. So plan your attack to take advantage of everything Tahoe has to offer. Find more information at http://www.skiheavenly.com. ]]> The Invisible Ether And Michelson Morley http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-invisible-ether-and-michelson-morley http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-invisible-ether-and-michelson-morley#comments Fri, 14 Apr 2006 15:50:06 +0000 etherchristiaan huygensisaac newtonconsternationdutch scientistenglish scientistnature of light http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-invisible-ether-and-michelson-morley ether to explain the fundamental nature of the universe. Einstein allegedly dethroned the ether concept with his space time continuum. In spite of this, we might have to revisit the ether concept.

The concept of the invisible ether or 'aether' is an old concept dating to the time of the ancient Greeks. They considered the ether as that medium which permeated all of the universe and even believed the ether to be another element. Along with Earth, Wind, Fire and Water Aristotle proposed that the ether should be treated as the fifth element or quintessence; this term which literally means 'fifth element' has even survived down to the present day to explain an exotic form of 'dark energy' which is crucial in some cosmological models. These ideas spread throughout the world until the advent of a new springtime in scientific thought. The first person in the modern era to conceive of the idea of an underlying ether to support the movement of light waves was seventeenth century .

Many others followed in expressing their opinions on the ether concept. Whilst disagreed with Huygens wave theory he also wrote about the 'aethereal medium' although he expressed his in not knowing what the aether was. Newton later renounced the ether theory because in his mind the infinite stationary ether would interrupt the motions of the enormous masses (the stars and planets) as they moved in space. This rejection was reinforced by some other problematical wave properties which were not explicable at the time; most notably, the production of a double image when light passes through certain translucent materials. This property of matter known as 'birefringence' was an important hurdle to be overcome for a proper understanding of the wave .

Some time later (1720) whilst working on other astronomical issues related to light and the cosmos, James Bradley made observations in hopes of quantifying a parallax. This effect is an apparent motion of foreground objects in comparison to those in the background. Whilst he was unable to discern this parallax effect he happened to reveal another effect which is prevalent in cosmological observations; this other effect is known as stellar aberration. Bradley was able to easily describe this aberration in terms of Newton's particle theory of light. However, to do so in light of the wave or undulatory theory was difficult at best since to do so would have required a 'motionless' medium; the static nature of this ether concept was of course the property which had originally caused Newton's denial of the idea.

But Newton's acolytes would find themselves in a difficult position when it was shown that birefringence could be explained through another interpretation of the nature of light. If light was treated as being in a side to side action or 'transverse motion' then birefringence could be attributed to a light wave rather than the particle or corpuscular theory of Newton. This along with the detection of an interference effect for light by Thomas Young in 1801 renewed the ascendancy of the wave theory of light. These findings however carried with them all of the preconceived notions prevalent in the scientific mind. Since it was assumed that waves like water and sound waves required a medium of propagation, it was similarly assumed that light still needed a medium or ether for its waves to be transmitted across the universe.

However, further problems would afflict the ether theory. Because of the unique properties of a transverse wave it became apparent that this hypothetical explanation required the ether to be a solid. In response, Cauchy, Green and Stokes contributed theoretical and mathematical observations to an 'entrainment' hypothesis which later came to be known as the 'ether drag' concept. But nothing would give more impetus to these ideas than when James Clerk Maxwell's equations (1870s) required the constancy of the speed of light (c). When the implications of Maxwell's equations are worked out by physicists, it was understood that as a result of the need for a constant speed of light only one reference frame could meet this requirement under the teachings of Galilean Newtonian relativity. Therefore, scientists expected that there existed a unique absolute reference frame which would comply with this need; as a result, the ether would again be stationary.

As a consequence, by the late nineteenth century the aether was assumed to be an immovable rigid medium. However, earlier previous theories existed as to the nature of the aether. One of the most famous of these is known as the 'aether drag' hypothesis. In this concept, the aether is a special environment within which light moves. Also, this aether would be connected to all material objects and would move along with them. Measuring the speed of light in such a system would render a constant velocity for light no matter where one tested for light's speed. This 'aether drag' idea originated in the aftermath of Francois Arago's experiment which appeared to show the constancy of the speed of light. Arago believed that refractive indexes would change when measured at different times of the day or year as a result of stellar and earthly motion. In spite of his efforts, he did not notice any change in the refractive indexes so measured.

Many other experiments would follow; these were performed in order to find evidence of the aether in its many different abstractions. However the most important of these was conducted by american scientists Michelson and Morley. Their experiment considered another alleged effect of a different aether theory which came to be known as the aether wind. Since the aether permeated the entire universe, the earth would move within the ether as it spun on its axis and moved within the solar system about the sun. This movement of the earth with respect to the aether gave rise rise to the idea that it would be possible to detect an 'ether wind' which would be sensed because of the aforementioned movement. Thus, their experiment was essentially an attempt to detect the so-called ether wind. This mysterious zephyr would be nearly impossible to detect because the aether only infinitesimally affected the surrounding material world. Michelson first experimented in 1881 with a primitive version of his interferometer; a mechanism designed to measure the wave like properties of light. He would follow this by combining forces with Morley in the most famous 'null' experiment of physics.

In this investigation, Michelson utilized an improved version of his interferometer device. Michelson's apparatus would help him win the Nobel prize for his optical precision instruments and the investigations carried out with them. His most important study being what became known as the Michelson Morley experiment of 1887. Michelson and Morley used a beam splitter made of a partially transparent mirror and two other mirrors arranged horizontally and vertically from a light source. When a beam of light traveled from a source of coherent light to the half-silvered mirror (the semitransparent mirror) it is transmitted to either of the horizontal or vertical mirrors. When the light returned to the eyepiece of an observer the separately returning light waves would combine destructively or constructively. This phenomenon is known as the interference effect for light. It was hoped that a shifting of the interference fringes from that which was normally predicted would be able to ascertain the existence of the aether wind.

To detect this effect, the Michelson interferometer was prepared in such a manner as to minimize any and all extraneous sources of experimental error. It was located in a lower level of a stone edifice to eliminate heat and oscillatory effects which might comprise the experimental results. Additionally, the interferometer was mounted atop a marble slab that was floated in a basin of mercury. This was so that the apparatus could be moved through a variety of positions with respect to the invisible ether. But despite their many preparations the experiment did not yield the expected fringe patterns. Thus, Michelson and Morley concluded that there was no evidence for the existence of the ether. Others would replicate the experiment in different incarnations which modified the premise of the experiment. Each and every one returning a similar negative result. Modern theorists have taken these results and those of many other experiments as being indicative of the non-existence of the aether. However, even the negative result of Michelson Morley has come in to question as far back as 1933.

In that year, Dayton Miller demonstrated the fact that even though the duo's experiment had not specifically found the expected range of interference patterns, they had found an interesting little noticed effect. Miller then went on to suggest that Michelson Morley had found an experimental sine wave like set of data that correlated well with the predicted pattern of data. He also described how thermal and directional assumptions inherent in the experimental arrangement may have impacted badly on the fringe interference data. Thus, the test may have been performed in an imperfectly conceived experimental setup and with a built in mathematical bias against the detection of an appropriate outcome. Thus, in the future the aether theory in some form or another may still be sustainable as a foundational theory of physics.

Perhaps it is best to leave with these ideas as expressed in 1920 by Einstein who stated that he believed the ether theory to still be relevant to his ideas on space and time:

"More careful reflection teaches us, however, that the special theory of relativity does not compel us to deny ether. We may assume the existence of an ether"

he continued:

"Recapitulating, we may say that according to the general theory of relativity space is endowed with physical qualities; in this sense, therefore, there exists an ether"

and finally:

"According to the general theory of relativity space without ether is unthinkable; for in such space there not only would be no propagation of light, but also no possibility of existence for standards of space and time (measuring-rods and clocks), nor therefore any space-time intervals in the physical sense. But this ether may not be thought of as endowed with the quality characteristic of ponderable media, as consisting of parts which may be tracked through time. The idea of motion may not be applied to it." Michael Strauss is an engineer and author of Requiem for Relativity the Collapse of Special Relativity. http://www.relativitycollapse.net or http://www.relativitycollapse.com ]]> Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts http://www.artwoo.com/article/lake-tahoe-ski-resorts http://www.artwoo.com/article/lake-tahoe-ski-resorts#comments Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:15:02 +0000 south lake tahoebackcountry skiingwinter playgroundbeautiful sceneryshuttle servicessnowmaking systemnevada side http://www.artwoo.com/article/lake-tahoe-ski-resorts backcountry skiing and shoeing for themselves=85 Tahoe boasts that not many are disappointed. With 7 resorts to chose from, casino's and gambling on the , and outlets, shopping and fine dining on the California side, , paired with the in absolutely every direction, it is pretty hard for any vacationer to loose.

One of the most highly regarded resorts is Heavenly Resort who claims to be "Lake Tahoe's premier ." Heavenly is the largest resort in California, but is bordering Nevada and Lake Tahoe making the possibilities for fun threefold. Heavenly boasts the not only the largest vertical drop in California (3,500 feet) but also the owner of Lake Tahoe's tallest summit (10,067). The mountain, at Heavenly, has 95 different and diverse trails that cover all levels of skiing ability and thrill seeking with access from their 30 lifts, nine of which are high speed. Heavenly is also the proud owner of the West Coast's most powerful ensuring that there will always be enough snow, no matter what Mother Nature has to say! The resort also offers a wide array of skiing schools, clinics and services to make your day perfect. You can take private or group lessons, clinics specifically geared towards women's adventure, or a host of classes specifically aimed at problem areas. They also have an on site day care, tours, photo and , and an area to check your Skis or Snowboard while you enjoy other parts of the mountain. Heavenly also has great tree runs for snowboarders and has the reputation for being a very boarder friendly resort.

There is not lodging on site at Heavenly, but they have worked hard to make sure that your stay at Lake Tahoe can be the best vacation ever. With this goal in mind, they have worked to develop relationships with Hotels, Motels, Condos and Bed and Breakfasts in the area and have special "Heavenly" rates when you select a "Preferred Property." Prices range from $49 to $200+ a night depending on number of rooms and dates of stay.

Lift tickets to Heavenly vary in price depending on length and time you will be skiing; however, they offer a discount plans if tickets are purchased online a head of time. Prices begin at $106 for the 2007- 2008 and vary from there, but not exceeding $158 for a 2 day pass during the Christmas season. They also have teen and children lift ticket rates. They also offer lift ticket for longer stays 7 to 10 days.

If looking to enjoy some of the most unique runs and chutes while visiting Lake Tahoe, skiing or snowboarding Heavenly is a must on your to do list!

Ski Heavenly

The NorthStar resort at Tahoe is a unique experience in ski resorts. It has a village full of restaurants, stores, ice rink, as well as the home of a great run for beginners or for pros to warm up on! Along with the Village Run, Northstar has six other attractions to chose from. Mt. Pluto is one of their most family friendly areas. It has many well groomed, moderately pitched runs. For those looking for something just a little harder than Mt Pluto, the Northstar Northwest Territory is perfect. Aimed at intermediate skiers and is ideal for refining your technical skills, training for harder runs, or racing. The Backside is prime skiing for moderate to advanced skiers and offers seven different mile long runs as well as acres of tree skiing. Lookout Mountain is one of Northstar's local hotspots. Known for its steep inclines and bump runs is a challenge even for experienced skiers. If you are looking for a challenge, this is the place. The Terrain Park is considered one of the "top ten best Terrain parks in North America." It offers all sizes and skill levels within its 45 rails, boes, 50 jumps and jibs. There is also a 420 foot Super Pipe for snowboarders to enjoy! Another great feature at Northstar at Tahoe is their X-Country and Snowshoeing area. Over 24 miles of are open for snowshoeing, tracking, or skate-skiing in a safe, well groomed environment, away from all the hustle and bustle of the higher paced runs. If you come to Northstar as your first skiing experience, you are in luck they offer many skiing and snowboarding classes for adults, children, and women only classes.

Lift tickets at Northstar vary from $28 to $68 dollars for a single day pass (children/senior to adult). There are discounts for multi day passes and different pricing schedules for holidays.

Northstar also has a great selection of lodging from the Northstar Village rooms, to Northstar Condos, to Northstar Mountain Homes, and the new Northstar Village Condo's that vary in price and number of rooms from 1 room lofts for $139 a night to deluxe housing packages with 6 rooms, 4 bathrooms for $1800 a night. All in all, Northstar at Tahoe is centered around having everything a family needs for a great ski vacation.

Mt. Rose ski resort boasts Tahoe's highest elevation point at 8,260 feet and being the closest to Reno, Nevada, the nearest airport to Lake Tahoe. Mt. Rose offers 1,200 acres of powder and the new Chutes has added over 200 acres of steep, 1500 feet of vertical drop at 40-55 degrees, for the experienced skiers enjoyment. There are four gates, or entrances to the Chutes that can be accessed by the normal Zephyr lift chair, or by the express Chuter Chair. Mt. Rose also has a well rounded array of skiing options, with over 60 runs, beginner and intermediate runs as well as advanced and expert runs. The longest run is two and half miles long.

Offering day and half day lift tickets from $68 to $42, Mt. Rose is an inexpensive option for those that may be in Reno or Tahoe for other reasons and just have a day to ski.

There are not lodging accommodations located on Mt. Rose, but the short half hour drive to Reno make the options of lodging, gambling, night clubs, and entertainment when you are not on the slopes very diverse and accessible. Room rates and vacation packages are usually less expensive in Reno than in Lake Tahoe, Mt. Rose gives the budget conscious vacationer a great option!

Kirkwood Resort

Kirkwood Resort offers the intermediate skier the most options on the more than 65 trails, over 50%. They also offer beginning, advanced and expert choices on their 2,300 acres of skiable terrain. One of the most distinctive things about the Kirwood Resort is the many unique and interesting classes and tours. They have a backcountry guided tour, a snowboarding tour, several different skiing tours, as well as classes and clinics for skiers and boarders of all ages. They have safety clinics and take avalanche safety and teaching skiers about it very seriously. They also offer several different types of their Kirkwood: Expeditions series with such tours as the Powder Cat tour or an avalanche tour. They also offer Kirkwood: Expedition tours geared to children and teens, giving them a supervised, educational activity to participate in while their parents are enjoying the runs. The prices for these tours and classes depend on the length and complexity of the tour, but start at $100 and go clear up to thousands for the overnight expeditions. The daily lift tickets are $15 for children and seniors to $69 for a full day adult.

Lodging at Kirkwood can happen on site. They have several different options of small studio rooms, to spacious condos with three plus bedrooms. Most of the accommodations come with TV, VCR, DVD and cable in the room. Many have fireplaces, kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs, and feature hot tubs, recreational rooms, on property as well as options for covered parking and covered swimming pools. There are 10 different locations to stay at while visiting Kirkwood: Meadowstone Lodge, The Lodge at Kirkwood, Lost Cabin, Snowcrest Lodge, The Mountain Club, The Sentinels, Kirkwood Towers, Sun Meadows, The Meadows, and Base Camp all offering different price and luxury accomodations. Prices at these locations depend on time of year and availability, viewing options at their website is probably the best option.

The Sierra at Tahoe Resort is situated farther away from the lake than most of the other Tahoe resorts, and this allows the California skier from San Francisco or Sacramento a shorter commute. Sierra at Tahoe also prides themselves on being a family resort and have tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and family tours and lessons to encourage parents to bring their kids along for the fun. Even the shape of the resort is family friends, the oval shape allows family member of difference skill sects to go on the runs that they enjoy, and meet back in the middle easily.

There are six parks for everyone to choose from, The Alley, Bashful, Broadway, The Circuit, Smokey, and Upper Main. Smokey park is probably one of the favorites at Sierra at Tahoe, located in the rear, the Smokey area is designating for racing and training. It has diverse terrain making it fun at high or low speeds and for people of all skill levels. For the adrenaline junkies, Bashful Park is the place to be, it features a vertical pitch all the way down and the ability to hit five jumps in a row, there is also a 12 foot wall ride and a line of jibs making this a great place for the advanced to expert skiers. The Broadway is a great place for the more advanced beginners to moderate skiers to start and getting a little bit fancy, it has 10 to 20 feet rails, small jump, tables, and boxes to help them see what the "rush" of skiing is all about!

Lift tickets are $65 dollars for adults on a one day pass and $68 for Holidays. They also offer children and senior passes from $16. Sierra at Tahoe also has a "Parent Perdicatment Tickets" which allow parents to use the same pass back and forth while one parent stays with the younger kids, the other can go up the lift, then they can switch off. This is a great feature for those skiers with small children!

One of the drawback to this resort is there are not any lodging accommodations available, but this could be a great place for a day trip.

Sierra Resort

Alpine Meadows is proud of their 2,400 acres of patrolled, skiable terrain. It has over 100 runs that encompass all skill levels. They offer many different skiing and snowboarding classes and not just the basics, but private out of bound tours and beginner classes that teach using the Direct-To-Parallel program. They also have an on mountain restaurant and snack bar and an indoor children's play area.

Lift tickets to Alpine are $58 for an adult full day, or $63 for holiday. Child, senior and teen tickets start at $10 through $49. Alpine Meadows also offers discounts for multiple day lift packages.

Although there are not any lodging accommodations at Alpine Meadows, they have several package deals with Reno and Tahoe hotels, resorts, and casinos making the options of visiting Alpine more accessible. They also have shuttles from certain hotels and the parking areas.

Squaw Valley Resort

Squaw Valley, USA is one of the larges Tahoe resorts having over 4,000 acres of terrain. Over "70% of the mountain's terrain" is for the beginner and moderate skier and/or snowboarder. This is a huge amount of space for someone to explore. They have all sorts terrain parks with half pipes, jumps, and rails. They also have racing services. Squaw Valley offers classes in skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, night skiing, and everything in between.

Having held the 2006 winter Olympics at Squaw Valley, there are also lots of historical and site seeing to be done. High Camp has an ice rink, a fine dining restaurant, and shops to explore, not to mention a cable car ride that gets you there! Squaw also has a swimming lagoon and spa, snow tubing, dog sledding rides, and a climbing wall. If skiing or boarding is not your thing, there are plenty of other options when you visit Squaw Valley.

The lift tickets at Squaw Valley, USA are $73 dollars for an adult day pass, however, they offer great mid-week and multiple day discounts. Visit http://www.skiheavenly.com/ for more information. ]]>