Topics Internet Cafe

Craig Marshall Memorial Surf Contest

Topics — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:32:10 +0000

Craig Marshall Scholarship Foundation

Craig Marshall Memorial
Surf Contest

May 8th & 9th, 2010

www.CCMFoundation.com

Surfers

Come out to the Surf City Pier on Topsail Island

Competition includes Shortboard Division, Open Short & LB Divisions, and Free Division

Click HERE to get the entry form!

Sponsors

Sponsorships available in 3 levels

Level 1
$100 – Mentioned in local Sessions Surf Magazine. Sponsor Announced throughout contest weekend.

Level 2
$250 - Mentioned in local Sessions Surf Magazine with small logo on contest banner. Sponsor Announced throughout contest weekend with small logo on contest t-shirt.

Level 3
$500 – Mentioned in local Sessions Surf Magazine with large logo on contest banner AND large logo on contest t-shirt. Sponsor Announced throughout contest weekend AND mentioned on local radio station Surf 98.3.

Click HERE for more sponsorship information.

* All proceeds benefit the Craig C. Marshall Scholarship Foundation, Inc.

Call for Sponsors – Training / Conference Room – Xbox 360 Tournaments

Topics — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:42:02 +0000

Hampstead, NC – Topics Internet Cafe’

Business by day… Entertainment by night!

Need space for a meeting with a client or prospective customers? Topics Internet Cafe’ in Hampstead, NC has now completed it’s renovation of a conference room with multimedia and Internet capabilities. The room may be configured conference style for up to 10 people or training room style for up to 6 people.

Topics Internet Cafe’ will also offer Xbox 360 multi-user gaming and tournaments in the evenings. Age group for computer gaming is 20-35 year olds that meet for socializing and entertainment.

Need to promote your business locally? Topics Internet Cafe is now having a "Call for Sponsors" to have your logo and name in the meeting room. Sponsorships are $500/year or $900/2 years. Your business logo and name will be prominently displayed in the meeting room, on the Topics Internet Cafe website and the TekData Services website, and on all printed promotional materials, agendas and training schedules.

This opportunity is limited and is on a first come first served basis.

LAN gaming is a great entertainment venue. Especially in todays economic climate. Gamers can compete against each other or as a team. The room will be setup with 2-50" LCD TV’s and 2 Xbox 360 boxes each capable of 4-player teams.

Sponsor TODAY and receive special promotional opportunities on our upcoming events!

Tech Tips from the Topics Internet Cafe’ – Networking

Topics — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:17:40 +0000

A technological advancement that has taken off tremendously over the past few years is networking, making it both affordable and practical. Networking allows a group of two or more computers within a limited area to be linked together. Networking your home or small office allows multiple computers to: share a single printer, share files on a drive accessible to all computers, share one Internet connection, play multi-person games with one user competing against another and quickly send information to one another. Networks may be wired or wireless and can connect two or more computers, as long as they are all within the signal range of the router or hub.

A router or hub is a device that connects two or more networks. Routers send packets of information through networks and determine where these packets of information should go. Routers are the primary building block of networking since they allow information to be shared by multiple computers. Today, you can buy a router, complete with a firewall, an Ethernet hub and wireless capability for under $100. You will also need a cable or DSL modem, depending on what kind of high-speed Internet access subscription you have.

Networks can be either wired or wireless. Wired networks have the advantage of being more secure than wireless networks. However, they require running cables through your home or office, which can be tedious and also an eyesore. Wireless networks are much easier to set up. Instead of connecting computers through cables, the computers on the network pick up the signal from the router through a wireless card. Not only does this make running wires through your home or office unnecessary, but it also gives laptop users the freedom to work anywhere within around 100 feet of the router and still be on the network. The only downside to networking wirelessly is that it is less secure. Without taking the proper security measures, it is possible for anyone within range of your router who has wireless capability to access your network. Therefore, it is necessary to implement several forms of security included in the router interface, such as encryption and changing the name of the router (SSID or service set ID).

For wireless users, there are three main wireless options from which to choose: Wireless B, Wireless G and Wireless N (MIMO). Wireless B is currently the most popular form of wireless use and it is available most everywhere there is wireless. Wireless B transfers data at a rate of 11 Megabits per second, has a range of 100-150 feet and is the most inexpensive type of wireless technology available. Wireless G, slightly more expensive than Wireless B, transmits information faster than Wireless B, at a rate of 54 Megabits per second. It has about the same range as Wireless B and is compatible with hotspots that allow Wireless G connections. Wireless N is becoming more popular and the defacto standard whereas it has speeds of 108 Megabits per socond and greater and incorporates MIMO technology. MIMO (multi-input multi output) technology utilizes multiple antennas to "bend" the signal around physical objects (furniture, walls, et al).

All three Wireless technologies (B,G,N) operate at a frequency of 2.4 Gigahertz, making them compatible. This is a crowded band, which makes these two networks less secure. Another form of wireless technology is Wireless A. Wireless A transfers data up to 54 Megabits per second, is more expensive than Wireless B or G, has a shorter range, but operates on a much less crowded 5 Gigahertz frequency, making it more secure. Due to its higher cost, Wireless A fits predominately in a business market, whereas Wireless B, G and N better serve a home market.

Networking your home or office can be a great convenience and a great long-term investment. With many networking options available, it is important to take time to learn which option will work best for you.

Tech Tips from the Topics Internet Cafe’ – Viruses and Malware

Topics — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:18:42 +0000

Tech Update – Topics Internet Cafe

In today’s technological world, keeping your computer protected from viruses and other malware is important, particularly because the Internet allows so many people to share information. Computer viruses are malicious programs designed to invade computers and create any number of problems, such as deleting data or copying itself into other programs. Spies and ads are more like tracking devices that monitor where you have been online. They can inundate your computer with pop ups and slow down your computer.

Viruses, spies and ads are harmful to your computer for a number of reasons. They slow down your computer and can infect important files and programs, making them unusable. Much like the flu spreads among people, a computer virus spreads easily among the computers with which it comes into contact. Because the Internet connects so many computers, it allows viruses to spread easily from one system to another. Even if you think your computer is protected, you can never be sure when your computer will come into contact with an infected computer, leaving you with a virus.

Viruses and spies have become the biggest problem facing computer users today. Because this malware is shared so easily via the Internet, the Internet as a whole is being affected, slowing it down and creating more problems for Internet users. Due to the high number of viruses and spies being shared on the Internet, many Internet service providers have begun cutting off service to users suspected of having many of these problem-causing agents on their computers.

Here are a few tips to help keep your computer running smooth and free of viruses and spies:

Update all virus programs and other programs designed to detect and quarantine harmful files regularly.
Run virus and other protective programs weekly to ensure that any problems are caught before they spread to other programs or other systems.
Never click on pop up ads, since many of these ads direct you to websites that install ads and spies that track your Internet activity.
Be careful of what you download on the Internet. Many files, particularly music files and files from people you do not know, can be very harmful to your computer and may contain viruses.

Blog About it!

Topics — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:38:11 +0000

One of the biggest trends on the Internet today is blogging. Blogging, which is short for web logs, is essentially an online journal or diary. Users can start a blog about any topic they choose and update it as regularly—or irregularly—as they like. Blogs can be on any topic—from family recipes to opinions on world events to an account of one’s daily activities. Some blogs are updated every hour while others may have months between entries. Blogging has grown tremendously in the past few years. It is estimated that almost 35 million people worldwide publish some form of blog on the Internet today.

Blogging has evolved somewhat in the past few months. Today, it is seen as the instantaneous publishing of information to a website. This information is then stored in a database that can be broken down into categories. Users can then search these archives to find old information. Blogs typically contain links to and comments about other relevant sites. Blogging has become much easier as its popularity has grown. Typically, all it entails is logging on to a website, typing in an entry and then clicking “update.” This simplicity is part of the reason that blogging has become such a popular trend in the past few months.

What makes blogs such an interesting tool is the fact that they can be shared with other people via the Internet. Others can read your blog and post comments, thoughts, ideas or suggestions. Many students use blogs as a way of letting friends and family from home know what is going on in their lives. Many journalists today use blogs frequently as a way of sharing first-hand news accounts of events such as the recent presidential election or the war in Iraq while also providing links to other relevant news items. Scholars use blogs as a way of updating the public on new information in their discipline of study. Computer databases can store so much data that many people use blogs to store important information that they do not want to forget or information that they want to be able to pass on to family members and friends.

Interactivity is the element that makes blogs unique. Because blogging depends so much on feedback from other users, what develops is a site detailing collective beliefs or opinions, whether in agreement or not, on a similar issue. Blogs also connect you to other sites where you can read more news and information on the same topic by different bloggers. However, it is important to understand that, because some bloggers have no expertise in certain areas, not all blogs are totally credible. You should view most blogs as the opinion of the poster and not necessarily take the information that they post to be the definite truth.

For those interested in starting a blog of their own, there are a number of websites that can help you get started. Blogger.com and Livejournal.com are both free blogging websites. Typepad is a newer service that has a monthly fee, but has a lot of features to improve the look of your blog. Even if you are not interested in keeping a blog of your own, there are blogs available to read on countless topics that might be of interest. It is possible to find blogs on virtually any topic, from soap operas to oldies music to travel to sports to politics and about everything in between. Blogging has expanded the wealth of knowledge available to Internet users while allowing them to input their own knowledge, as well.

Topics Internet Cafe is located in Hampstead, NC and provides business class services such as computer repair, Internet access using your PC or ours. And you can PRINT too! Serving the Hampstead, NC and greater Topsail Island areas. Topics Internet Cafe provides consulting on all things computer related… including blogging!

Tech Tips from the Topics Internet Cafe’

Topics — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:02:23 +0000

Tech Update – Topics Internet Cafe

One of the most common dilemmas among computer users today is whether it is worth the money to upgrade their system or if they would be better off buying a new machine altogether. Because computers have come down so much in price, in most cases, buying a new computer is the way to go. But for people who are attached to their computers or whose computer is relatively new, there are upgrade options that might be more cost effective.

Upgrades can vary in cost depending on the computer and on the type of component you wish to upgrade. Memory upgrades to increase your computer’s speed run generally from $25 to $75. A new hard drive to store more data typically costs around $100, depending on the size. CD writers run between $50 and $100. New monitors run anywhere from $100 to $500. New computers, though more expensive than these upgrades, have come down tremendously in price. If you already have speakers, a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse, you can purchase a new tower for just under $500.

The primary factor to consider when deciding whether to upgrade or buy a new computer is age. Generally, computers under two years old are the best candidates to upgrade. Because technology changes so rapidly, after two years, most new components are too outdated to work well on older computers. Because a lot of upgrades, particularly operating systems, have minimum system requirements, many upgrades will not work on older computers unless you upgrade other parts, as well. What you think will be a simple upgrade can turn into a costly expenditure. Buying a new computer will ensure that all of your computer’s parts will be designed to work well together.

Another factor to consider when deciding whether to upgrade or purchase a new computer is the intended use for the computer. For people who use their computer for basics, such as word processing, e-mail and the Internet, older computers work fine. Computers more than two years old work well for this kind of use. Generally, the biggest complaint of people who use their computers for little more than e-mailing and word processing is that their computer is too slow. This can be fixed fairly inexpensively by adding more memory. However, for people needing a lot more speed, higher end graphics and the newest and best programs, an older computer will simply not be able to live up to these expectations. For families, a suggestion might be to give the older computer to a family member whose needs are more simple and purchase a new computer for the user who needs the faster computer with the additional features.

Older computers also generally need to be repaired more frequently than newer ones. If your computer visits the repair shop more than a few times, this could be a sign that you should purchase a new computer. New computers cost about the same as two or three large repair bills. Why waste money repairing a computer that will likely continue to cause problems when you can buy a new one that will be fast and up to date for about the same cost?

The important thing to keep in mind when making a decision to upgrade or buy a new computer is that there are plenty of options available to fit anyone’s budget. Shop around for the cheapest parts that are compatible with your computer. When buying a new computer, give yourself time to look around for the best deal, since most computer manufacturers and retailers offer special deals and upgrades on certain new models if you wait long enough.

Topics Internet Cafe’ Hosts Job Club

Topics — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:23:46 +0000

Hampstead, NC

Have you been disenfranchised due to the economy? Topics Internet Cafe’ is hosting the Topsail Area’s first Job Club.

Meet other professional and service industry locals to network and socialize. The Job Club will meet every Monday at 9 AM starting Jun 1, 2009. This is a great opportunity to meet others with various skills and professions. Exchange leads and learn resume writing skills.

Bryson & Associates of Topsail Island is the first month sponsor providing bevarages and pastries.

Come and enjoy the commaraderie and who knows, maybe someone knows someone that knows someone!!!

Topics Internet Cafe’ Offers Training/Conference Facilities

Topics — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:09:06 +0000

Hampstead, NC

What’s new at the Topics Internet Cafe’? Starting August 1 the training/conference room will be complete and ready for individuals or businesses to rent by the hour. The room will feature computers, multimeda, whiteboard, and Internet access.

The computer tables can be joined to provide a large conference table. The room will be capable of seating 6-8 computer users or up to 15 conference users.

Are you looking to teach classes? Create your own business teaching individuals computer related classes, financial applications, or anything you need a controlled environment. The staff at the Topics Internet Cafe’ will provide technical assistance for most needs.

To learn more, come by and see how we can help you.

Follow the Cafe’ updates on Twitter

Topics — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:54:26 +0000

Topsail Island, NC

Topics Internet Cafe’ in Hampstead has joined the WEB2.0 community with Twitter.com. You can follow the updates by Clicking here.

Topics Internet Cafe’ Now Open

Topics — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:45:47 +0000

Hampstead, NC

The Topics Internet Cafe has opened in Hampstead, NC. Next to Hampstead Pools, Spa & Patio, the business offers computer access, copy, print, fax, and computer repair.

Glen Pierce, owner and operator, has re-opened in Hampstead after his previous Internet Cafe on Topsail Island. The cafe was such a success on Topsail Island during the summer months for the visitors and vacationers that opening in Hampstead would allow for a year round business model. Mr. Pierce has over 25 years experience as a computer programmer and computer consultant to federal, state, and to fortune 500 companies.

The cafe features business class computers for web surfing and business related activities for as little as $3 for a 30 minute code. By issuing codes the customer can come in and use 10 minutes now then come back later and keep using the code until the time has expired. This ala carte method is an affordable and convenient solution for locals and people on the go. A customer can also print for as little as 15 cents a page.

Laptop users can enjoy the same business class services by connecting to the cafe’s "walled-garden" Internet access device. What you can do at the Topics Internet Cafe’ that is not usually offered by other hot spots is the ability to print. The staff is friendly and helpful for even the most computer challenged individual.

The Topics Internet Cafe’ hours are 9-6 Monday thru Friday and 10-4 on Saturday.