Before the meeting, prepare an agenda outlining the topics and issues that will be discussed during the meeting. Make sure that you have invited all the relevant stakeholders and have circulated the agenda beforehand.

2. Start on Time

Punctuality is critical for establishing an orderly and successful meeting atmosphere. Ensure that the meeting begins promptly by preparing the room in advance, setting an alert or reminder for participants, and starting the discussion as scheduled.

3. Establishing Order

As the chairperson or meeting facilitator, it is your responsibility to establish order at the beginning of the meeting. You can do this by:

a. Welcoming attendees: Greet attendees and thank them for their attendance.

b. State the purpose: Clearly state the objective(s) of the meeting so that everyone understands what is being discussed.

c. Outlining house rules: Set ground rules for the meeting, such as limiting speaking time or using a pre-selected format for discussions.

4. Reviewing Agenda Items

To keep things running smoothly, review agenda items at the beginning of your meeting. Briefly explain each topic or issue and provide additional context when necessary.

5. Seeking Approval of Minutes

Seek approval for minutes from previous meetings (if applicable), asking if there are any revisions or corrections needed before they can be approved as a true record.

6. Encouraging Participation

For effective discussions, encourage everyone’s participation in your meeting – give equal opportunities to speak and invite less vocal members to engage, especially those relevant to the current discussion.

7. Focusing the Discussion

As the meeting proceeds, make sure discussions are centered only on the issues at hand. Gently steer participants back on track when conversations deviate from the designated topics.

8. Summarizing Points and Decisions

After discussing each agenda item, take a moment to summarize the key points made and any decisions reached during the conversation. This ensures that everyone has a clear understanding of the outcomes.

9. Closing the Meeting

As you approach the end of your meeting, review any action items assigned and deadlines set, then express gratitude to attendees for their participation. Formalize the closing by stating that the meeting is adjourned, officially signaling its end.

By following these steps, you will be able to call a meeting to order effectively and guide it towards productive outcomes. As a result, participants will feel more engaged and meetings will contribute positively towards your organization’s goals.

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Why Is Average Typing Speed Important?

Any typing information always boils down to the same question: what is your average typing speed and accuracy? Why is it so significant, and why is everyone curious? Here are some typing data and possibly some insights as to why average typing speed is so significant.

The Fastest Typing Rate

Barbara Blackburn, the world’s quickest typist, was a woman. In 2005, she was able to maintain 150 words per minute for 50 minutes using a Simplified Dvorak keyboard, and 170 words per minute for shorter periods. She even reached a top speed of 212 words per minute. This is far superior to what a professional typist with a QWERTY keyboard can normally achieve. 50 to 80 words per minute is the average for professional typists and should be the goal for most people who type for a living.

 Statistics on Average Typing Speed 

1. For most casual typists, the average one-minute typing speed is roughly 41 words per minute, with approximately 92 percent accuracy.

To put this in context, writing by hand typically takes roughly 31 words per minute for memorized content and 22 words per minute for copied material. This is a good speed for someone who merely types the occasional email to relatives or whose livelihood does not rely on their typing speed. Anyone else should practice enhancing their speed and accuracy.

2. Girls, on average, prefer to type more than boys.

This could be due to a multitude of factors. Boys, on average, spend more time playing multi-player online games that need fast typing abilities to communicate with colleagues. However, the gender gap is not as wide as you might imagine, with around 45 percent of guys preferring typing versus 55 percent of girls. This is a touch typing statistic, as many female-dominated jobs demand typing skills, however not all of them require a high word per minute pace.

3. The most important thing to remember when learning any talent is to practice.

I’ll say it again for good measure: practice. You wouldn’t expect to be a concert-level pianist if you sat down at a piano, and you shouldn’t expect to be a competition-level typist if you sat down at a keyboard. Spend about 30 minutes a day practicing. If you’re just starting or transitioning from hunt and peck typing, start at the bottom and work your way up. If you already have good touch typing skills, practice accuracy, and speed drills. Keep track of your efforts for a few weeks, and you will see a significant change.

It is critical to begin touch typing at an early age. According to studies, learning to touch type properly is twice as easy for persons aged 18 and under. It’s the same as learning a new language, and numerous studies have shown that youngsters learn and remember new languages considerably more easily than adults. Teaching youngsters how to touch type properly may be the most crucial skill you can teach them to help them succeed in the workplace. So, what is the significance of your average typing speed and typing accuracy? The truth is that typing skills are the most vital thing to learn at any age to become a more desirable employee.

• Employers are more likely to recruit a skilled touch typist than a hunt and peck type for efficiency reasons. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and master the fundamentals. You’ll be shocked at how much of a difference it makes. Here you can test your typing speed in WPM. After passing a test, you will receive a typing certificate to include on your résumé.
• You will be able to complete your typing tasks more quickly, whether you are a student, at work, or working from home as a freelance writer.

Touch typing is a key skill that you can learn in 2014. What exactly are you waiting for?    

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1. Verizon

Verizon is widely regarded as the best mobile network in the country for its coverage and reliability. It provides excellent 4G LTE speeds and extensive coverage, particularly in rural areas. The carrier’s Unlimited plans come with unlimited data, talk, and text, and the service includes several features such as hotspot, access to Apple Music, and up to 5G Ultra Wideband. However, Verizon’s plans tend to be expensive compared to its rivals. It also imposes various restrictions on its network, such as throttling, deprioritization, and international roaming.

2. AT&T

AT&T is another popular mobile network that offers great coverage, particularly in urban areas. Its network speeds are similar to Verizon, providing excellent 4G LTE speeds and 5G coverage in some areas. AT&T’s Unlimited plans provide unlimited data, talk, and text, and come with many features such as hotspot, HD streaming, and access to HBO Max. The carrier’s plans can be expensive, particularly its premium Unlimited Elite plan. AT&T also imposes certain restrictions on its network, such as prioritization and international roaming.

3. T-Mobile

T-Mobile is widely known for its low-priced plans and expansive network coverage, particularly in urban areas. The carrier invested a significant amount into its 5G network, and its multi-band 5G network offers excellent speeds in over 7,500 cities and towns across the country. T-Mobile offers several Unlimited plans that provide varying levels of data, and most of its plans include several features such as hotspot, Netflix, and Scam Shield. In addition, T-Mobile won several awards for its customer service, with many customers praising the carrier’s support. It is worth noting, though, that T-Mobile’s coverage can be spotty, particularly in certain rural areas.

The post The Best Mobile Carrier for You: Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile? appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

Step 1: Open the Camera app on your iPhone.

Step 2: At the top of the screen, you’ll see a yellow circle with three concentric rings. This is the Live Photos button. If it’s yellow, Live Photos are on. If it’s white, Live Photos are off.

Step 3: Tap the Live Photos button to switch it off. It should turn white.

Step 4: To confirm that Live Photos are off, look at the top of the screen again. You should see a “Live Off” label instead of the yellow circle.

Step 5: You can now take regular still photos without capturing any video or audio. To turn Live Photos back on, simply tap the Live Photos button again and it will turn yellow. You can also use the Live Photos button to toggle between normal mode and Live Photos mode while taking photos.

If you want to turn off Live Photos permanently, you can go to the Settings app on your iPhone and follow these additional steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap “Camera”.

Step 3: Find the “Preserve Settings” section and toggle on the “Live Photo” switch. This will preserve your Live Photos settings across camera sessions.

Step 4: Toggle off the “Live Photo” switch. This will turn off Live Photos and prevent them from turning back on automatically.

Step 5: Optional: You can also toggle off the “Upload to iCloud” switch to prevent Live Photos from syncing to your iCloud account and taking up storage space.

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1. Summit Supercomputer: Located in Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Summit is currently the most powerful computer in the world. With a processing speed of 200 petaflops, it can perform over 200,000 trillion calculations per second. Summit’s primary use is in scientific research, particularly in cancer research and the development of new materials.

2. Sunway TaihuLight Supercomputer: A product of China, the TaihuLight Supercomputer is the second most powerful computer in the world with a processing speed of 93 petaflops. The computer took three years to build and mainly supports research activities, particularly in the weather forecasting and climate modeling sectors.

3. Sierra Supercomputer: Standing as the third most powerful computer in the world is the Sierra Supercomputer, located at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, USA. With a processing speed of 71.6 petaflops, it serves the purpose of simulation making and stockpile safety.

4. Frontera Supercomputer: A product of the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), the Frontera Supercomputer is the most powerful computer in the USA and a contender in the global computing race. With a processing speed of 23.5 petaflops, it performs tasks from science and engineering simulations to big data analysis.

5. Piz Daint Supercomputer: The Piz Daint Supercomputer is situated at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre and has a processing speed of 21.2 petaflops. It is mostly used for research activities, particularly in the fields of climate research and molecular dynamics.

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Old Nokia cell phones work on the same basic principle as any other mobile phone. These phones utilize cellular technology, which includes a network of base stations that are in proximity to each other. The base stations communicate with each other and the user’s phone through radio frequencies, allowing the user to make calls, receive and send text messages, and access the internet. To access specific features and options, users navigated through menus, using buttons powered by software embedded within the phone.

Nokia’s cell phones stood out from the rest because they promoted the concept of customizability. This allowed users to personalize their devices, that were not only appealing but also functional. For instance, the Nokia 3310 was a popular model that had the ability to customize ringtones which allowed users to assign their favorite music tracks as ringtones. The phone was named “indestructible” due to its sturdy design and durability. These qualities made Nokia mobile phones a popular choice amongst the masses.

Lately, there has been an increasing trend of people showing interest in the Nokia cell phone series. These phones have become a fashion statement and are now regarded as vintage collectibles. One of the reasons for this resurgence is that many people find the simplicity of these devices refreshing compared to today’s high-end smartphones. Users prefer Nokia phones because they are stripped off their excess features and functions, that many people consider unnecessary, resulting in a more straightforward user experience.

Another reason why Nokia phones are becoming popular in today’s times is the connectivity issues that plague our lives, such as social media addiction, screens too bright causing eye strain, and radiation from the mobile phone. Nokia phones provide a reprieve by giving the user the ability to live life without being connected constantly. They are free from the addictive apps and digital clutter that burdens modern smartphones, allowing their users to focus on other things and relish in their simplicity.

The post How Do Old Nokia Cell Phones Work and Why Are They Becoming Popular Again? appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

1. Steam VR

Steam VR is a popular VR video player that offers a user-friendly interface and supports various video formats, including 360-degree, 180-degree, 2D, and 3D. It also allows users to customize their viewing experience with various settings, such as brightness, saturation, and color correction. This player is compatible with all popular VR headsets like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality.

2. DeoVR

DeoVR is a feature-rich VR video player that offers smooth playback and high-quality visuals. It supports various video formats like MP4, MKV, MOV, and FLV and offers different playback modes, including theater mode and dome mode. The player also allows custom adjustments like color, brightness, and contrast, and supports multiple audio channels. This player is compatible with all popular VR headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

3. Virtual Desktop

Virtual Desktop is a highly-rated VR video player that offers a complete desktop experience in your VR headset. It supports various video formats and provides a customizable virtual environment that allows for an immersive experience while watching movies or playing games. This player is ideal for streaming movies, playing PC games, and accessing social media.

4. Windows Mixed Reality

Windows Mixed Reality is an all-in-one VR platform that offers a range of features, including a VR video player. It supports various video formats and provides a user-friendly interface for an immersive 360-degree experience. The player is compatible with all headsets that support Windows Mixed Reality.

5. Whirligig

Whirligig is an affordable VR video player that offers high-quality playback and immersive experience. It supports various video formats and provides various settings, such as aspect ratio and zoom for an optimal viewing experience. The player is compatible with all popular VR headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

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What is Salting?

Salting involves adding a random set of characters to a password before it is encrypted. This random set of characters, known as a salt, is unique to every user account and adds an extra layer of protection to the password. When a user enters their password, the salt is added to the password and they are encrypted together. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to extract the password, even if they manage to get access to the encrypted password.

How Does Salting Work?

Salting works by making it more difficult for hackers to use brute force methods to crack passwords. Brute force attacks involve attempting every possible combination of characters in a password until the correct one is found. By adding a random set of characters to the password, hackers have to guess not only the password, but also the unique salt that has been added to each password. This makes it much more difficult to crack passwords through brute force methods.

In addition to making it more difficult for hackers to crack passwords, salting also helps protect against dictionary attacks. Dictionary attacks use a list of common words and phrases to guess passwords. By adding a salt to the password, dictionary attacks are much less likely to be successful as the salt makes the password much less predictable.

The post What Is Salting in Password Security and How Does It Work? appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

Step 1: Turn on your Beats headphones

The first step is to turn on your Beats headphones. Check if they are properly charged or have sufficient battery levels. To turn on your headphones, locate the power button and press it firmly until you see the LED light glow.

Step 2: Open Bluetooth settings on your Mac

Next, you need to open Bluetooth settings on your Mac. To do this, click on the Apple menu located at the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” From the options available, click on the “Bluetooth” icon. Alternatively, you can use Spotlight Search to search for “Bluetooth” and select it from the results.

Step 3: Put your Beats headphones in pairing mode

In order to connect your Beats headphones to your Mac, you need to put your headphones in pairing mode. To do this, press and hold the power button until the LED light blinks. This indicates that your headphones are now discoverable on your Mac.

Step 4: Connect your Beats headphones to your Mac

On the Bluetooth settings window on your Mac, search for available Bluetooth devices. Your Beats headphones should appear on the list of Bluetooth devices. Select them and click “Connect”. Once connected, you will hear a sound from your Beats headphones indicating a successful connection.

Step 5: Test your connection

To test if your connection is successful, play music on your Mac and listen through your Beats headphones. If you can hear the sound from your Mac, congratulations! You have successfully connected your Beats headphones to your Mac.

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Here’s how you can block and unblock artists on Spotify:

How to Block an Artist on Spotify

1. Open the Spotify app on your device.
2. Navigate to the artist’s page you want to block.
3. Click on the three-dot menu icon located in the upper right corner of the screen.
4. Scroll down and select ‘Don’t play this artist’.
5. A pop-up box will appear asking for confirmation. Click on the ‘Yes’ button to confirm.

Once you’ve blocked an artist, the platform won’t play any of their songs when you’re using Spotify.

How to Unblock an Artist on Spotify

1. Open the Spotify app on your device.
2. Go to your account page by clicking on the avatar icon located in the upper-right corner.
3. Click on ‘Settings’.
4. Scroll down and select ‘Blocked Artists’.
5. Scroll through the list of blocked artists until you find the one you want to unblock.
6. Click on the circle with the line through it icon to the right of the artist’s name.
7. A pop-up box will appear asking for confirmation. Click on the ‘Unblock’ button to confirm.

After unblocking an artist, their music will become available again on your playlists, and they’ll no longer be hidden from you on the platform.

Benefits of Blocking and Unblocking Artists on Spotify

Blocking and unblocking artists on Spotify come with several advantages.

1. Personalization: Blocking makes it possible to create a more personalized music experience, especially if you do not prefer certain genres or artists.
2. Protecting a minority audience: Blocking enables individuals to protect vulnerable groups, as some artists may have offensive or harmful songs/messaging that could be triggering.
3. Cleanup: Unblocking Artists makes it easy to reorganize your musical library and playlist by removing those you no longer listen to.

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