Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category

In Adobe Flex, utilizing ActionScript, you may have a need to send data in the URL of the address you are opening your Flex (Flash) application in.  This is what it would look like in our code if we want to extract the "token" variable in the URL. For example, the URL would be http://www.clb-llc.com/page?token=12345678

Read more: Reading Variables in the URL

Regardless of what database you are using, web applications are the place that most everyone wants to take their application. Whether is is just a small data collection process that you want on your site, or it is taking your entire application to the web — most business's want to increase their exposure on the web.  One customer's reason to take their application to the web was because of citrix server licensing.  Another company found that the web site, which was provided and run by another company, was just too bulky and non-user friendly. They just wanted to simplify the process.  We have worked with various technologies in the past. From HTML and PHP to Flash. But about a year ago we found a technology that enabled use to go to a Flash platform, but geared toward web applications, not animation.

Adobe's Flex Builder product allowed us to create rich web applications, in half the time. A lot less time is spent arranging the HTML controls, DIV tags, and tables. So, design time is quick.  Flex also incorporates the Adobe Actionscript language, which allows for pretty much anything that a normal web application can do.  What does this mean for you?  It means a richer experience for you web users (which may be customers), and a less expensive solution. Even though design costs less than a traditional HTML or PHP site, the rich experience will leave you thinking that you could not have done better by paying more.  FYI — the next release of this product will be called Adobe Flash Builder 4. We can't possibly tell you the reason why.

Recently we had a customer that came to us with a laptop that had a screen that was cracked diagonally across it.  The question was, "Does it cost more to fix it, or replace it?".  In truth, there are some qualifiers to that question to answer one way or another.  

The qualifiers to answer this question really have to do with the state of the current laptop, aside from the broken screen.  

How old is the laptop?

This question may or may be the deciding factor in shelling out the money to pay for a new laptop.  If the laptop is 0-4 years old, you may just want to replace the screen.  If the laptop if greater than 4 years, the next question must be asked.

Am I able to comfortably perform computing on my existing laptop?

I say comfortable, because you may be able to do your work on it, but if the computer is slow and causing a fair amount of grief you may want to upgrade the laptop.  However, don't confuse a slow operating system that has become corrupted over the years with a laptop that's processor isn't keeping up with the software you are using.  Sometimes all you need to increase the speed of a computer is to add more memory.

What other problems are there with the laptop?

If you DVD\CD drive is being held closed by a piece of tape and you are hearing strange noises coming from your hard drive, it no longer makes sense to repair the laptop.  After the installation of a new screen, new hard drive, and new DVD\CD drive you will have spent close to $500.  $500 will get you a very decent Brand New Laptop.

Is the laptop not yours and you want to cover up you mistake of accidentally breaking the screen?

A little humor here, but this does happen from time to time.  It would be best to ask your friend or the owner of the laptop what they want done with the laptop.

Getting a laptop screen replaced is less expensive that you may think.  Here at CLB IT, laptop screens can be purchased and installed starting at $100.  No matter where you are, you can send in your laptop and have a 1 day turnaround.  Give us a call today toll free @ (877) 252-4804.

My Technorati Claim Token : BBWXJB79SKW7

Technorati has been dubbed the "Google" for blogs, so in an effort to get maximum exposure, this post is required by Technorati. 

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