Category: Tech

How to set up a digital thermostat

Digital thermostats are essential, so once you buy them, the next important step is installing them. Some think installing a digital thermostat is very difficult as the wiring and circuit Breakers may scare them. This process can be intimated for some people. Thus, we are here to provide a full guideline on installing a digital thermostat so let’s get started with it.

What exactly is a Digital Thermostat?

Digital thermostats can control the heating and cooling devices present in the home. It differs from the standard thermostat used earlier in many ways. So, let’s see how to install the new smart thermostat by replacing the old thermostat.

How to install the new Digital Thermostat

Once you purchase the thermostat, it’s important to install it nicely. So, before you start the installation process, ensure that the smart thermostat you purchased is compatible with the system. Some big brands selling thermostats, like the Tado, provide compatible tools, and an instruction manual is provided with it.

However, some people might find it difficult. So here are the procedures for installing the new Digital Thermostat. 

 

  • Turn Off the HVAC System

     

Before adding the new thermostat, the first thing to do is to turn off the HVAC system through the breaker panel. The HVAC system has multiple Breakers present in them. The benefit of removing the HVAC system is that it will turn off the thermostat, preventing any electrical shorting. Even after removing the HVAC, some older thermostats might not turn off. Therefore, checking if the digital thermostat’s power is off is better.

 

  • Remove the Faceplate

    To get yourself to the low Volt wiring system and the back plate, first, you need to remove all the thermostat’s faceplates. First, remove the faceplate with your hands as it gets popped out easily. If it does not get removed, try to remove it using a screwdriver, as there might be one to two screws in the faceplate. Even though it does not get removed, then call an electrician (https://www.thelocalelectrician.com.au/level-2-electrician/south-west-sydney/).

After removing the faceplate, please take a picture of the wiring or locate it and then mark it to remember the connections. Some digital thermostats even have stickers that can be used to label wires. After that, remove all the wires.

 

  • Remove the Backplate

     

The next step is to remove the Backplate to get into the thermostat’s wires. The back plate can be removed easily with the help of screwdrivers. The screws which are present on the wall are easy to remove. Every thermostat model has different wires and screws. So, the first thing to do is to remove the screws from the wires. 

 

  • Adding the c-wire

    Some thermostats have a c-wire, but some do not. But if you are installing and starting a thermostat, it’s important to have a c wire. If the thermostat does not have any c-wire, you might need to add another wire to give power to the thermostat. The main purpose of adding the c-wire is to provide power to the digital thermostat. Some big brands like Tado add an adapter to add the c-wire. If you are facing any trouble installing the wire, you can call the HVAC technician or an electrician. Before placing the new black plate on the thermostat, mark the wall with the help of a pencil. Now, with the help of a driller, make holes in the points you have marked. If required, install anchors in the wall. Before screwing, remove the wires from the back plate.

 

  • Reconnect the new wires

     

After connecting the Backplate, the next thing to do is to connect the new thermostat wires to the terminal. Take the help of the pictures that you have taken for the wiring. Although for installing the digital thermostat, there is only a c-wire needed. Rest all it works by connecting to the WIFI. 

 

  • Install a New Faceplate

     

Once the wiring is turned, the next thing to do is add the new face plate. If the faceplate does not attach to the wall easily, tuck the wires so the new faceplate can be attached easily. After attaching the faceplate, the next thing to do is turn on the HVAC system.

 

  • Connect the new thermostat with WIFI

     

After turning on the new digital thermostat, the next thing to do is to program it. But before programming, it is required to connect with the WIFI and then set up the details and the setting using the smartphone application from the thermostat.

So now that you have installed the new thermostat, it’s time to use it wisely to save money.

Summing Up

It is important to know the proper installation of the new thermostat. Installing the new Digital Thermostat is quite easy. You can follow the instructions given above or take the electrician’s help.

Decentralized VPNs vs Regular VPNs: What’s the Difference?

You might be familiar with decentralized VPNs (dVPNs), privacy services that declare themselves as a tool having the security and speed of VPN apps and the anonymity and flexibility of Tor. But the question is, how do dVPNs compare to regular VPNs?

For those who don’t know, Decentralized VPNs depend on an independent network of Internet-based “node” systems instead of operating on centralized servers used by traditional VPN services. The decentralization provides an edge to dVPNs while effectively bypassing geo-restrictions and internet censorship.

However, if you are looking for added security and enhanced privacy, you must check out the recommended VPN deals suggested by cybersecurity experts.

Let’s go through a brief comparison between decentralized VPNs and regular VPNs.

Decentralized VPNs vs Centralized VPNs

The structure is the primary difference between these two VPNs. A standard VPN, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, keeps or licenses a server network worldwide from which clients may control their connection. Typically housed in vast server farms and maintained by a third-party provider, despite being leased by VPNs.

This is not what dVPNs do. Rather than routing traffic via a centralized VPN connection, they operate a node-based network. Consider nodes to be points of entry and way out from the Internet, also of relay for connections. These nodes could be any form of device, including a laptop, smartphone, desktop, or server. Anything that transmits internet connections is essentially a node.

If you’ve invested a lot of time browsing the internet, the term “node” certainly prompted a Pavlovian reflex where you imagined “Tor”. There are a number of similarities between Tor and dVPNs, but there are some major differences that we’ll go through as we proceed.

Individual Network vs Centralized Service

dVPN users maintain dVPN nodes, which means common users. You aren’t a client when you join a decentralized VPN; you really aren’t paying them to execute a service. Rather, you connect to a network of people who both employ and donate nodes, similar to how Tor works.

Like Tor, you are not required to have a node; you may simply utilize another person’s nodes and be finished with it. But, far from Tor, which itself is run by volunteers and so has a limited number of nodes, dVPNs entice users to function as nodes, thereby paying users to utilize their devices. If you’re looking for reliable and trustworthy dVPN options, it’s worth considering the services offered by top VPN providers.

dVPNs Use Cryptocurrency

This is when the dVPNs crypto element plays a role, which is the second main difference between the newfangled privacy tools and standard VPNs. When you subscribe to ExpressVPN, you spend $100/year for service. You don’t spend anything for the service if you sign up for dVPN like Orchid. Rather, you purchase part of the network’s crypto, in this example, OXT, and spend it to compensate the operator of nodes you’re utilizing.

Obviously, the service provider receives a cut (the exact sum is unknown). However, this payment method distinguishes dVPN from VPNs and Tor. The figures we’re discussing aren’t huge, perhaps a few cents an hour, but they suggest that when you serve as a node, you might make enough to access other people’s nodes for free.

This is perfect for everyone because we all enjoy free goods, but it’s a particularly good thing for those in undeveloped countries because they are unable to pay for a VPN. Myanmar is a notable example, where protesters successfully circumvented strong govt internet restrictions by employing Mysterium VPN.

Obviously, because branded parts are used, dVPNs aren’t just a mere dVPN network; they are also a money grubber. When not used, some dVPNs will enable you to utilize your node to generate their coin.

While wagering on a developing cryptocurrency isn’t for everyone, given the crypto’s record in 2022, it’s an additional bonus leveraged by dVPN services to entice more customers.

dVPNs Operate on Blockchains

Again, when it comes to bitcoin, there is always blockchain, which is still another difference between dVPNs and VPNs. The main issue with any VPN is the logging: taking note of when you joined the server and which websites you browsed. Many VPNs profess to be no-logging VPNs or providers that neither maintain nor erase logs.

The truth is that these assertions are hard to verify. That is, it’s difficult to claim a no-logging promise. dVPNs, on the other hand, say they have overcome this dilemma by keeping every bit of this data on their blockchains. Every internet traffic data is kept there, accessible to all but anonymized.

In this manner, dVPNs are much more thorough than traditional VPNs since you can see what’s happening through logs and archives. If logs are really a key concern for you, dVPNs are a viable option.

Which Service Should You Get: dVPNs or VPNs?

These are the key differences between standard VPNs and decentralized VPNs, raising the issue of which one is the best alternative for you. It is wholly dependent on you, the user. As it is, dVPNs are still a niche option because they are a new concept. Like, we don’t know if dVPNs are just as secure as VPNs.

Till this time, dVPNs are an excellent alternative for crypto fans looking to explore a potential version of Web 3.0 ( the decentralized web) free of commercial meddling. It’s also a wonderful alternative for those who wish to utilize a VPN for free without joining up; simply buy or win some cryptocurrency, and you’re all set.

For typical web users, it is difficult to pinpoint what benefits dVPNs have against their equivalents. Most significantly, because nodes are harder to locate than VPN servers, dVPNs are ideal for watching Netflix. Still, dVPNs have good potential, and you should keep tabs on them as they expand.

How to Properly Invest in Fintech

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people investing in Fintech companies. This is no surprise, as Fintech represents a huge opportunity for investors to make money while also helping to improve the financial industry. In this article, we will discuss some of the reasons why investors are so excited about Fintech. Finally, we will offer our advice on how best to invest in Fintech companies.

Wealth Management Is Important

One of the main reasons why investors are so excited about Fintech is that it can provide an incredibly efficient way to manage wealth. With the use of advanced algorithms, automated investment platforms, and other predictive tools, investors have far greater control over their investments than ever before. By taking advantage of these technologies, investors can make better decisions with less effort and less risk. In addition, when your wealth is managed by professionals, the potential for greater returns increases significantly. It is clear why this is so attractive to investors.

Security and Transparency Are Key

In addition to improving wealth management, Fintech companies also offer unparalleled security and transparency. Many investors have had their trust in financial institutions shaken by events such as the recent global financial crisis. With Fintech companies, investors can be confident that their money is safe, secure, and fully transparent. This provides peace of mind that is invaluable in the modern financial landscape.

How To Invest In Fintech

Investing in Fintech companies is not as simple as it might seem. After all, these companies are relatively new and their business models can be complex. It is therefore important to do your research and understand what you are getting into before investing any money.

Our advice is to start by looking at the company’s financial statements and business plans. This will give you an idea of their current situation and future prospects. You should also consider the management team, as well as their track record in similar sectors. Finally, it is important to ensure that the company has sufficient capital to execute its plans.

Once you have done your research, it is time to decide how much money you want to invest. If you are confident in the company’s prospects, then investing a significant amount of money could be a wise decision. However, it is also important to diversify your investments so that you are not putting all your eggs in one basket. When in doubt, it is best to consult with a financial advisor before investing.

 

In conclusion, Fintech represents a great opportunity for investors to make money while also helping to improve the financial industry. The potential for improved wealth management and greater security are just two of the compelling benefits that make Fintech so attractive. But as with any investment, it is important to do your research and understand what you are getting into before taking the plunge. With the right advice, investing in Fintech could be a great way to boost your portfolio. By taking our advice, you should be able to make the right decisions and capitalize on this exciting trend. We hope that this article has been useful in helping you understand the potential for investing in Fintech companies. 

What are Far Infrared Rays? Its biological effects or medical applications?

Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) is invisible natural sunlight radiation holding the lengthiest wavelength of about 3 to 1000 μm. These wavelengths are within the infrared scope of electromagnetic beams. These rays, emitted from recovery units, have the same benefits natural sunlight rays have. The only difference between both radiations is that sunlight contains harmful ultraviolet rays, whereas Far Infrared Rays do not include these skin-burning harmful UV rays. 

Far Infrared Radiation therapy is also called Hyperthermia. These rays penetrate the skin surface deeply, up to 1.5 inches under the skin. It boosts the temperature of the body surface in a mild manner. It also stimulates body processes.

FIR mats or heating pads are proven effective for Far Infrared Therapy. They penetrate warmth deeply inside the skin. All FIR mats or heating devices serve the same until the temperature is constant for all devices. Avoid higher temperatures to reduce the risk of burns.

Benefits:

Warmth enhances the vigor of the body. Similarly, Far Infrared Radiation is a safe, efficient, and effective thermal therapy that brings multiple positive aspects to life. It has many benefits and can work wonders on health. Some of the advantages of Far Infrared Rays on human health are:

Far Infrared Radiation can bolster the cardiovascular system by extending blood capillaries and increasing blood circulation throughout the body, leading to healthy organs and adequate functioning of tissues. It also boosts cell health, heart pace, rejuvenation, and oxygen supply. Plus, it lowers diastolic blood pressure. The risk of heart disease lessens.

These rays also improve detoxification and motivate the lymphatic system to drain the leaked blood vessel fluid from the tissues through lymph nodes. It burns fats and removes toxins present in the blood. 

In Asia, Far Infrared Radiation therapy is used broadly in Japan. Whereas in Europe, it is used the most by healthcare professionals in Germany to cure multiple ailments in living organisms. 

Scientific study:

Some scientific studies conducted by scientists in Japan in 2003 revealed that FIR therapy mends wounds rapidly without any risks or side effects by promoting a bunch of cells termed fibroblasts. These fibroblasts produce more collagen in the body. Thus, promoting tissue repairing and injury healing process. Because Far Infrared Radiation provides thermal therapy, it can loosen tight muscles of your body. These include both muscles: physical and mental. Hence, it alleviates muscle spasms receding tension and stress in the body, and anxiety, depression, and other disorders of the body.

FIR promotes protein and DNA synthesis. Far Infrared Radiation also heightens the production of white blood cells termed leukocytes to improve the immune system or defensive system. In addition, it also reduces swellings, aches, discomfort, soreness, and inflammation of any affected body region as it warms the muscle fibers. FIR therapy is anti-oxidative in nature. For this reason, it can produce more collagen in the body, resulting in tightening wrinkled skin and lessening breakouts.

It helps to increase the temperature of malignant cells. The standard cell temperature is 32 degrees Celsius, but if it reaches 42 degrees Celsius or 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit, it gets impossible for the cell to survive. The malignant cells and tumors get destroyed. In this way, the body remains free of cancer.

FIR mats are available in the market with many features to help you get Far Infrared Radiation therapy. Always choose the correct FIR mat that suits your inflammation and aches. Avoid extra heat and try to purchase a device that allows modification of its settings. Excessive heating levels may increase inflammation rather than decrease it by burning the skin.

Author: Amelia Croud
Authors EMail: ameliacroud@gmail.com

 

How Technology is Changing Home Improvement in the UK

According to Statista, the total annual turnover of retail sales in the decorating and DIY market peaked at £9.1 billion in 2020.

This highlighted a marked increase when compared with previous years, with this driven in part by the coronavirus pandemic and the fact that many people were required to spend considerably more time at home than usual.

Technology is also changing techniques and behaviour in the marketplace, but how exactly is this manifesting itself? Let’s get into it!

#1. Better Quality Materials

Perhaps the biggest impact of technology and innovation can be observed in materials and equipment, especially those that are now widely available to homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.

From the emergence of advanced plastics and carbon fibres to less reactive metals and strong alloys, it’s now possible to access a broader and better range of construction materials. Similarly, tools have also evolved and become increasingly innovative, including those sold on the mass market to customers.

Take the current range of Milwaukee drill drivers, for example, which are tech-led and widely recognised for their considerable quality and innovative selection of features. They also feature ergonomic and robust design, which makes them easier to use across a range of projects.

#2. Remote Technology for Improved Safety

Remote technology has also evolved markedly in recent times, from sensors and automated machines that enable tasks to complete more efficiently and while safeguarding your physical health.

Make no mistake; the rise of automation allows you to leverage machines to complete certain tasks and improvements around the home, while you’re tasked with operating devices at a safe distance.

Of course, you’ll still need some skill and knowledge to operate certain software and systems, but this is much safer than getting to grips with heavy duty or powerful machinery.

#3. The Rise and Rise of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is different to VR, as while the latter creates completely virtual settings and backgrounds, whereas the former integrates people and corporeal elements into virtual environments. 

As a result, AR can be used to visualise the result of DIY projects in your home, using specific software that recreates your home or interior space virtually and enables you to experiment with different settings.

AR also allows for accurate insights into the future results of your DIY project and design work, enabling you to adjust plans and your vision before you get started in earnest.

What’s more, it’s more accessible than VR as you can access AR software through a simple smartphone app and display, rather than having to don an expensive headset!

How to Start a Tech Business

Planning on starting a tech business? The tech industry is thriving right now with tech playing such a massive role in life, which means that there is the potential to achieve high levels of success in this industry. Of course, it is highly competitive and you will need a strong business idea to succeed, so it is important that you know how to build a successful tech startup. Keep reading for a few of the key areas to focus on like finding an online business on sale. 

Start With a Strong & Unique Idea

Obviously, you need a strong and unique business idea to succeed in the tech industry. The potential for technology is endless, but it is also difficult to come up with something that is unique and you need to be wary of stealing IP from another company.

Funding

As with any new business venture, funding is key as you need to have enough money to get the business up and running. Costs can be high when it comes to a tech startup, so you need to calculate what your costs are and then find the best funding option. Secured business loans can be a good option as you do not have to give up any control unlike using investors and it can be relatively straightforward to secure the funding.

Market Research

Market research is a key stage when starting any kind of business. This will help you to determine who your competitors are and who your target demographic is, which will then allow you to build a business that stands out from the crowd and appeals to your target demographic. 

Build a Technical Team

One of the key challenges in this industry is the actual development of the product/service. This is why you need to take your time to build a technical team that has the knowledge and skills required to develop your product/service.

Business Plan

A business plan will give you a chance to outline your idea for the business and can act as a map to your success. A business plan will also be helpful for securing funding, recruiting staff and attracting any other stakeholders to your business.

Brand, Website & Launch

Strong branding is essential in this industry so you want to create an identity that will appeal to your target market. You will also need to design a professional-standard website so that people can research your company prior to launching.

These are the key stages to starting a tech business and will hopefully help you to find success. 

Funny way to say, “Sent from Smartphone.”

You receive many emails ending with “Sent from my iPhone” or another mobile email signature. Whatever you think of these email signatures, they serve their marketing purpose. When communicating with customers on mobile devices, you may send emails that contain typos or formatting errors, and your message may come across as hostile, short, and rude. Email signatures explain to people why they should contact you. There are various creative ways to let your contacts know you are using a mobile device to communicate. For example, you can use an iPhone email signature generator to create interesting signatures and mobile mailing lists of your message to all interested parties.

Accusation technology

Some smartphone features like autocorrect and voice recognition are designed to make your life easier. But sometimes, they do the opposite. Your colleagues and clients will likely be involved in these matters, so mentioning them in your signature can be helpful and exciting. The email signature may be just a minor addition to our Email. Just enter your company name in the sender field, and recipients will know all about you. There is nothing more accessible – the email signature is one of the essential elements of your mobile mail. Therefore, make sure that your email signature is prepared correctly. A mobile email signature is your business card, which provides better communication with recipients and creates a positive image for you. What we should avoid when creating a mobile email signature is ensuring that it is not perceived as unprofessional in the age of social networks. In addition to informational purposes, an email signature can make your message more attractive. What else could be in it? Be proud of your achievements. Has your company won a prestigious award? 

Do you have valuable certificates? Provide such information, and you will win your customers’ trust. Social media works best with your company’s image, so allow your recipient to join the community or share your content with relevant links. You can actively promote your brand by providing your recipients with answers to specific questions. For example, do you have a phone number or dedicated email address for customer service? Place this information in the email signature, which will shorten the recipient’s path to accurately expressing their needs. List additional services such as free shipping, loyalty club, warranty period, current offer, and other exciting things. Direct the recipient to unique places by placing valuable links in the mobile email signature. Do you have a blog, custom landing page, or website that you want your recipients to visit? Place the link in the mobile email signature. Check messages on all mail clients. Remember: just because a mobile email signature looks right in your inbox doesn’t mean it will look the same in everyone else’s. 

The mobile email signature is also a convenient place to insert information about future events organized by your company – training, seminars, and conferences. Check what an email signature can do for you. Use it to make a positive impression, grab attention, and show what recipients expect. Give them something interesting. When preparing an email signature, the most important thing is to find the golden mean that will distinguish you – a professional marketer – from others. Remember: the email signature should provide the recipients with the essential information about you, and all additional elements, such as a logo, and a link to a website, will help you create a positive image.

Words about not knowing a smartphone

Sometimes it’s not the phone. Communication on the road with such a small device can sometimes be challenging.

Have fun with Siri

In case you didn’t know, Siri is a voice prompts and answers feature that Apple calls an “intelligent personal assistant.” Available for the latest iPhone and iPad models, some want to use Siri in their iPhone email signature.

A brief description of the random Email

Just because you have a smartphone with email access doesn’t mean you have to be prepared for everything. You can have a signature for the mobile phone from which it will be sent.

The opportunity to have fun

You don’t have to be specific about what device you’re using to let others know. You can easily create jokes to let people know you’re emailing them from your mobile device. Tell others you’re on the phone, such as “sent by carrier pigeon,” “sent by the shield,” or “sent by payphone.” If you joke about technology, it won’t be perceived as wrong or bad. On the other hand, “I’m better than you, so sent from my iPhone” or “Sent from my $400 smartphone” refers to using a particular mobile device as a status symbol. Remember that sarcastic lines in emails can be taken as overkill if others don’t understand your sense of humor.

What email signature do you use for mobile mail?

Have you encountered an interesting mobile email signature, or do you use it yourself? To create a funny signature, you can use the apple mail email signature generator, a special tool designed specifically for creating attractive, unique, witty signatures that you can send from your apple devices to your friends, colleagues, and partners. How does this email signature generator work? You can get a unique email signature for mobile mail in a few simple steps. If you want to stand out, trust this generator! This is a type of tool that allows you to create and edit email signatures for specific personal information. Create a footer, send it to your friend or partner, and save it as the default signature. This way, you can create it whenever you want to send a message to your customers. With this generator, you will create a virtual business card that can be identified with your brand on the Internet! Placing contact information in the email signature is an important thing. This builds trust, builds prestige, and gives you a professional image.

Your logo and photo are stored in the client’s memory, thanks to which he is more willing to contact a person he already knows. In addition, all contact information specified in the email signature created with the help of a professional generator will be shown to all recipients. A generator is one of the tools that will make this task easier! Many companies often downplay signature design. This is a big mistake you can’t make with a generator. A signature should guarantee success for you and your brand. Know that it is within your reach! Take a few minutes and create a professional email signature through your smartphone. You can put more content in an email signature than you can imagine, and using them skillfully will increase your brand’s ranking.

Encourage recipients to read messages with exciting designs that you can create in the iPhone email signature generator.

Are you good at choosing words but feel like something other than a graphic designer? Can you write exciting text but prefer to choose something other than fonts? Not a problem. The iPhone email signature generator offers a variety of email header layouts to choose from: bold, beautiful, and modern, so you can focus on creating an engaging signature. Choose a design, then submit your photos to customize the caption for an impressive caption. If you need help finding the image you need, you can choose from millions of available pictures and images on the Internet that perfectly complement your mobile signature. You have access to a vast number of free images to choose from, as well as premium images.

There is no reason not to use it. With the mobile signature generator, you can quickly create an informative message. You want to send swiftly exciting information to your friends from your smartphone. You must copy the ready-made design with the generator, change the text, and prepare the signature header for the next mailing. The generator stores all your projects in cloud storage so you can view, edit and share them anywhere you have an internet connection. Thanks to its availability on iOS, mobile signatures can be changed on the go. Make sure to limit yourself to mobile mail. Give your captions a new look. Share them on all social networks. Just click the “Share” button and post them directly to social networks like Facebook or Twitter.

Microsoft brings its Dream Space experience to Northern Ireland

Microsoft has announced the opening of its dedicated innovation and education hub, Microsoft Dream Space, in a new state-of-the-art learning centre in W5, Belfast’s award-winning science and discovery centre.

The opening of Microsoft Dream Space at the LIFE at W5 facility is an important milestone for the company as it seeks to provide 1,000,000 students, as well as their teachers, across the island of Ireland with the opportunity to engage in an immersive learning experience and develop their digital skills. This follows Microsoft’s recent announcement that it intends to invest a further €3m in the expansion of Microsoft Dream Space over the next four years.

Microsoft first opened the doors of Dream Space at its campus in Dublin in 2018. Through physical and virtual education sessions, more than 130,000 young people from across the island of Ireland have enjoyed the opportunity to learn digital skills that are increasingly important in our digital economy and society.

The fully immersive Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) experience has been developed by Microsoft in partnership with educators to inspire, encourage and challenge students to think creatively in areas such as computer science, AI, Mixed Reality, and robotics.

Since rolling out the Microsoft Dream Space experience in Northern Ireland last year with the support of W5, Microsoft has engaged close to 5,000 young people through a mix of virtual and in-person experiences. This number is expected to increase rapidly with the opening of the dedicated innovation and education hub in Belfast, unlocking new opportunities for primary and post-primary students to engage in digital skills.

Commenting on the opening, Anne Sheehan, General Manager, Microsoft Ireland said: “At Microsoft, we’re passionate about helping young people to engage in STEM learning and shift their perceptions about the role technology can play in their future career choices. With digital technology reshaping how we live, work, and learn, it is important that young people develop digital skills at the earliest opportunity. That’s why, four years ago we invested in the Microsoft Dream Space experience and just recently announced our commitment to its continued growth and expansion over the next four years.

“We’ve had many students from Northern Ireland based schools both participate in our virtual Dream Space offering and attend our hub at our campus in Dublin, however, it was always an ambition of ours to have a physical Dream Space experience in Northern Ireland. It’s great to have reached this milestone. We look forward to our continued partnership with the team at Odyssey Trust and the impact we can have together.”

Nigel Cunningham, Microsoft Northern Ireland Regional Lead added: “At Microsoft, we want to ensure that the next generation has the skills to succeed in our digital economy and society. The official opening of our physical Dream Space experience in Belfast highlights our commitment to providing students across Northern Ireland with the opportunity to engage in STEM. By working in partnership with W5 and the wider education community, we can help foster a pipeline of skilled talent in Northern Ireland that is best positioned to fill the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.”

In addition to the dedicated education and innovation hub at W5, the recent expansion of Microsoft Dream Space has resulted in the delivery of a suite of new offerings including Dream Space Academy for Primary; Dream Space Academy for Post-Primary; Dream Space Digital Academy, and the evolution of Dream Space Teacher and Dream Space TV.

To find out more about the Microsoft Dream Space experience and the resources available to schools and youth groups, visit: www.microsoft.com/dreamspace

Electrical safety in clinical laboratories

While electrical safety should be a key priority in every workplace, it’s simply essential in clinical laboratories, where high-stakes research is carried out using often volatile chemicals and valuable equipment. Although checking how electrically sound your equipment is may seem like a chore when you’re faced with a busy work schedule, it’s easy to keep on top of electrical safety – incorporate these simple but necessary checks into your everyday processes and you’ll reduce the risk of loss, wastage or accidents in the lab: 

Plug sockets – Because the vast majority of lab equipment (including chemical storage refrigerators) is powered by electricity, even a brief electrical failure can be financially catastrophic and unsafe for lab workers. A simple way to avoid this is regularly checking all connections, outlets and plug sockets in the environment – make sure you test outlets and plug sockets regularly and replace any cracked or damaged casing immediately. Keep a special eye on outlets positioned near sinks or other sources of moisture and ensure that these have ground-circuit protection

Circuits – Regularly check that all fuses and circuit breakers in the lab are present and in good working order to maintain electrical safety and avoid power outages. The nichrome wire found in many pieces of laboratory equipment is vulnerable to electrical surges, so ensure that you regularly use a handheld current tester to check on circuits in the lab – failing to do this could lead to expensive equipment replacement and maintenance fees. Where possible, make sure that electrical equipment is switched off and unplugged when not in use.

Equipment quality checks –  Conducting regular risk assessments of your operations and workplace (every 6 months to a year at minimum) can go a long way in reducing the risk of electrical emergencies in the lab. This includes removing and replacing any damaged equipment and ensuring that any maintenance work is carried out by a qualified electrician. When it comes to disposing of electrical waste and buying new lab equipment, try to be as eco-friendly as you can.

Emergency procedures – To avoid potential injury and ensure that things go according to plan in the case of an emergency, make sure that your staff have been trained in the proper emergency procedures. This could include how to shut off power or break circuits in the case of fire or an electrical accident, where to locate the main switchboard and where fire safety equipment and relevant PPE is located in the lab.