Spider Silk: The Super Material of the Future

Today's scientists and researchers are more advanced than they have ever been before thanks to the use of highly effective traditional research methods combined with the speed and efficiency afforded by modern day technology. Case in point, one recent discovery in the material science realm, spider silk, has given scientists, medical professionals, the military, and business thinkers alike a reason for excitement because it has proven to be one of the most revolutionary materials science has seen in a long time. Spider silk, which many are calling the "new super material of the future", is over five times stronger than steel, ten times stronger than kevlar, and yet more elastic than a rubber band. It's potential uses span from the automobile, medical, military and construction industry. You can find out more about this amazing new material in this infographic, "Spider Silk: The Super Material of the Future", including what ways you might see this material show up next.

This infographic was produced by Sierra Cases. Find rackmount case solutions from Sierra Cases.

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Using iOS 7 to Optimize iPhone Security

The latest iOS upgrade has brought with it new and unique ways to secure the iPhone. TechRepublic reported that although much of operating system has remained the same, updates to its design and improvements to workplace integration makes it a worthwhile change. Additionally, Apple's passcode features have improved with a new alphanumeric password option.

Managing an iPhone with iOS 7

The bring your own device (BYOD) model for workplace integration has taken off, with more businesses allowing their employees to utilize smartphones, tablets and laptops, in place of their company-provided tools. As if in response to this trend, Apple released iOS 7 with features that enhance the functionality of the iPhone in an office setting.

According to TechRepublic, features such as AirDrop make sharing photos and documents fast and simple by connecting employees to one another, enabling a collaborative workplace environment for those who are utilizing this technology. Additionally, the source reported that Apple has also improved its overall app security by enabling a data protection function automatically, preserving any information transferred across these third-party app providers.

Another new resource that speaks to the iPhone's updated security is the single sign-on (SSO) capability that will allow end-users to set a password once across applications that contain sensitive information. This option is especially useful for businesses that hope to safeguard the data employees might be accessing through the cloud because it can prevent code sharing.

The first step is securing the phone itself

None of the above options are innately secure, however. According to Tom's Guide, it's essential that end-users with a mind for safety make optimal use of their iPhone's built-in security feature - the passcode.

The source reported that it's one of the easiest ways to prevent accidentally or intentional breaches of data. Additionally, the upgrades to the iOS 7 platform have provided end-users with new options for creating and maintaining security. Traditionally, the lock screen was protected by a 4-digit passcode. Now, after Apple's latest upgrade, it is possible to set alphanumeric protection, utilizing ten or more upper- and lower-case characters and numbers.

Tom's Guide noted that the 4-digit PIN code has 10,000 combinations, which is difficult to hack but not impossible. With the newest option, it is much more challenging for individuals to break through this defense. In addition to this new safety measure, the iOS 7 upgrade enables users to program how often the device will ask for authentication. Rather than the traditional method, which asked for authentication every time the screen was opened, the iPhone can be set so that it will lock on a timed interval instead.

Does it really matter?

According to Security Watch, mobile devices have become a major part of the lives of users everywhere. The source referenced a study by Sprint that reported how frequently smartphones are accessed on a daily basis, and the one unifying factor is the risk associated with information exposure.

Because of the ability to access the Internet on the go, data security has become a constant concern that responsible individuals are having to overcome. Additionally, without utilizing passcodes and other features meant to preserve the integrity of stored information, issues with privacy are growing.

In order to preserve what Security Watch calls "our most personal computers," it's important that smartphones are protected with verification features that are built into their operating systems. Additionally, it is possible to reinforce these safety precautions with password management software, which can provide an extra layer of defense against unwanted access.

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Take the Facebook Timeline Cover to Extremes

One thing that the more creative people who work with Facebook timeline cover photos have begun to do is to take their design to extremes, in a number of different ways. There are some great ideas for how to improve your Facebook cover photo from Social Media Examiner.

One thing that will resonate with a lot of creative types or artists is to carry out your ideas to an extreme. If you’re being bright, be really bright. If you’re going for a modern look, don’t hold back. In a huge crowd like you are trying to separate yourself from on Facebook, sometimes you have to be willing to take a chance and push the limits in order to grab up some attention. In addition, some of the ideas below will help you to captivate the mind of your visitors and get them wondering exactly what they are looking at.

Use a Super Close Up

If you are going for detail in your Facebook timeline cover image, you might consider zooming way in for a super tight shot. In some cases, if you go in tight for a ton of detail, people will have a hard time figuring out exactly what they are looking at. They just might stare at it that much longer to try to figure it out, which is great news for you. Just try not to make it impossible for them to figure out, as you don’t want the question to go unanswered. That doesn’t do your brand any good.

Zoom Way Out

At the opposite end of the spectrum, you can zoom way out and take a very wide shot. It may connect in with a message of your company, or it just might look cool. Sweeping panoramas are fun to look at, and people will often take a few minutes to do just that when they are used as a Facebook cover photo.

Make it Happy

If you are going for an upbeat feel, try to load your cover photo up with smiling faces from photos. This can be a strong way to send a message about how happy people are to use your product or brand. Keep the colors bright, as well, as brighter colors are associated with stronger feelings of happiness and content. When you bring it all together, the impact on the visitor can be a powerful one.

Make it Abstract

Some people are going with a sort of abstract art look for their Facebook timeline cover photo. You can combine different shapes or styles together in this regard in order to come up with a small piece of abstract art for your Facebook timeline. The goal is to get people to spend some time looking at it and appreciating the design. Just don’t stop it short. Make sure you really show off your creativity and your ideas in whatever you create. You can also use websites such as 123Covers.net for abstract facebook covers.

Don’t Stifle Creativity

Regardless of what ideas you decide to try out, make sure that you stay creative and don’t cut yourself off short. If you only take it two-thirds of the way, you aren’t going to stand out in the crowd. That’s why it is important to come up with really good ideas and then execute on them strongly. That is what is going to get people to click on your page, stay on your timeline and begin looking around for more information. If you can continually get that to take place, it will build up the brand recognition you have and help you to foster more loyalty with your customers.

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