This is because cars now come with various types of transmissions with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. A great number of drivers only get to ask this question when they realize they have transmission problems.

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Related: Things to consider when buying a thermostat for your home

These multiple transmission types, leave the average person confused. One of the reason is that their functionality on the surface seems quite similar. However, the truth of the matter is that they are very different.

The transmission is a device that transfers the power produced by the engine to the wheels. It significantly determines how the car moves and how fast. This article will cover some of the most common transmission types.

Manual Transmission

Commonly referred to as the “driving stick,” in the United States, it features a clutch and an adjustable gear selector. Just as the word suggests, it uses the gear lever and the clutch to select and engage the gear ratios.

On the other hand, the clutch separates transmission and the engine. It is a coupling device that makes it possible to change gears while the engine is running.

The manual transmission basically has everything going for it. It is reliable, inexpensive and has great fuel economy. Moreover, it gives the driver more control, low net weight and supports the push to start functionality. The only downside to this type of transmission is that it is the most difficult to use.

Automatic Transmission

This is the most common type of transmission available on our roads today. It changes gears automatically relieving the driver the hassle of manually handling the clutch and shifting gears.

Though this sounds pretty simple, there is much more going on behind the scenes. The in-built computer controls a series of clutches and brakes and a planetary gear set. Having a large number of gears is desirable because it facilitates a smoother acceleration.

A such, there is a gentle learning curve and a simplified driving experience. The trade-off is mechanical complexity, high maintenance cost, and low fuel efficiency.

Dual-Clutch and Semi-Automatic Transmission

These two are similar in the sense that they are a hybrid of the manual and the fully automatic transmissions. They try to make the most of the two worlds. However, this is where the similarities end.

A semi-automatic transmission achieves the convenience of the automatic while running under a mechanical layout of a manual transmission. It has inbuilt actuators that adjust the clutch and change gears.

Semi-automatics avoid some of the automatic transmission problems. They are cheaper, have a higher fuel efficiency, and a low net weight. These performance benefits are inherited from the manual transmission.

It also offers a comfortable driving experience close to that of a fully automatic. The problem with this type of transmission is that it has awkward gear changes.

The dual clutch transmission (DCT) is a relatively new player in the market, with the potential to revolutionize the industry. It focuses on making the best of the two worlds in a manner that the semi-automatic transmission has not managed to.

DCT features a manual transmission that uses electronically controlled mechanical gears to set the relevant ratios. It also has a valve body or a hydraulic control unit; a feature that the semi-automatic lacks. This ensures smooth gear changes.

However, what really sets the DCT apart is its “dual” aspect. There are two separate clutches for the even and odd gears; an aspect that facilitates exceptionally fast shifts. As such, the driver can operate the gears manually via the steering wheel paddles or can opt to stick to the fully automatic mode.

In terms of the upsides, the dual clutch transmission does tick all the boxes. The only downside is that its control module and other components are prone to electronic failures and consequently expensive repairs.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

CVT is the epitome of driving experience characterized by a smoother ride, higher power, and a superior fuel economy. It beats most of the other transmissions in their own game. Instead of using gears, it employs an evolutional technology of pulleys and belts to create a limitless range of ratios.

This means that when you floor the accelerator, you do not feel the nudging motion caused by shifting gears. All you feel is a smooth but rapid increase in speed with minimal changes in engine sound. People often mistake this for lack of power. However, it is usually faster than the fully automatic counterpart.

The only downside is that some drivers feel like they are operating an appliance. This is due to the seamless and smooth acceleration with no gear shifts and engine sound to accompany it.

So, what transmission is in my car? How to look up?

Now it is time to address your most burning question, What Transmission Do I have? An easy way to do it is to check the owner’s manual in the glove box. This manual contains valuable information about the car including the type of transmission.

If you can’t find the manual, try to look at the white door card or tag found at the driver’s door. This tag has various vehicle information that includes, the country of origin, year of manufacture, engine type, and the transmission.

Another option is to grab your flashlight and go under the hood to look for part numbers. Pay close attention to the transmission oil pan and take note of any numbers stamped on it or the transmission itself. Visit your local auto part dealer to help you identify the type of transmission these numbers reference.

Another great way to establish the type of transmission is to carry out a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Lookup. This is a 17-character number that uniquely identifies the transmission type, factory installed engine, where it was built, among other details. The VIN can be found at on the door tag on the driver’s door, or on a metal dash plaque found on the dashboard.

Eric Gichuru

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The post This Is Embarrassing, What Transmission Do I Have? appeared first on theLocco Magazine.

Is it safe to use the unsecured network?

The answer to this question is that, it is not completely safe to use these unsecured networks, however by taking the necessary precautions one can connect securely to an unknown network.

Though it is not possible to achieve absolute security, the goal of network security is to make is extremely difficult for one to get exposed to security threats. Currently, computers and other devices, such as PDAs and smart phones can access connect to unsecured Wi-Fi wireless networks in most of the public places such as airports, coffee shops, hotel lounge making it easier for hackers to access private information and data of unsuspecting internet users.

An un-secured network is a network that has no security protocols or has outdated security protocols. The risks one is exposed to when connecting to an unidentified unsecure network; be it wireless or cable include; malicious insertion, network imitations and threat from network scanners among others.

This simply means that by using these networks, users are leaking sensitive information to hackers with special tool to access it. Such information may include passwords of the sender, personal addresses of the sender and receiver, and other sensitive personal information such as bank accounts.

Exemplar

To further elaborate this situation, take an example when mailing a letter, one places the letter in the mailbox which the mailman later picks and delivers to the recipient.

A malicious attack in this case would involve an unauthorized individual who is not an employee of the post office, accessing or intercepting the letter before it could get picked up the mailman. As such, the attacker could do whatever he pleases with the contents of the letter; he could read the contents, change the content, and even destroy the letter. Similarly, this is what is likely to happen when one does not take precaution while using an unsecured network.

All hope is not lost

However, all hope is not lost, there are security measures one can take when using to an open and unsecure network. There are two instances: connecting to an unknown network using your own device and when using an unknown device.

Such tools that come in handy in these instances are Https & Https everywhere. Https encrypts sensitive data using SSL/TLS. Thus, when accessing websites enter https instead of http; this will encrypt and decrypts login information, user page requests and other web pages that are returned by the Web server thus protecting man-in-the-middle and eavesdropping attacks.

Https Everywhere is a slightly advanced Https technology that uses a whitelist of sites or rather major sites that we use to access other sites such as Google, Wikipedia and popular social networks by automatically activating inbuilt security of these sites.

Another effective method is the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) which makes the unidentified networks function as a single logical unit thus making it possible to easily monitor, secure/encrypt this point. Moreover, users should always implement more secure practices when accessing such kind of networks.

Such practices include use of unique and strong passwords, use of two-step authentication where possible, keeping the firewall active, turning off file and printer sharing, visiting strictly secure sites, use secure web applications and finally limiting the time periods connected to the network.

When using an unknown device the above mentioned tools and security practices apply other than not using weak passwords and configuring firewalls.

A more secure solution is to use a flash disk or a USB external hard drive mounted with a bootable operating system such as Linux OS, which separates the web operations from operations of the device thus creating a secure environment for the user.

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It plays an important role in our lives because it affects our energy bills and comfort. A significant number of buyers think that procuring a new thermostat is as simple as selecting their favorite brand that has all features they need and looks elegant when mounted on their wall.

However, the truth of the matter is that there is more to that; you need to purchase the right thermostat that suits your specific needs, otherwise you are likely to end up with one that falls short of your needs, has high overhead costs or even might have problems operating it or integrating it with your current heating and cooling systems. Here are some basics and options to buy thermostat for your home.

Match the Thermostat to the Equipment used at your home

You will need to first identify the type of heating and cooling system used at your home, so that you can purchase a thermostat that is compatible with your system. Focus is on the equipment that the thermostat is meant to control; some control devices operate in multiple stages while others only control a heat pump, an air conditioner or a furnace.

Multiple stages refer to the number of cooling or heating sources that are controlled by a single thermostat which facilitates more efficiency and smoother operation. For instance if you have a multiple stages heating and cooling system such as a furnace with two sets of burners, a dual-speed air conditioner or a heat pump, you need to purchase a thermostat that can handle the multi-use function.

There are other types of thermostats that allow you to configure them to suit your system; thus they have a wide range of applications.

Features of the Thermostat: Look for the Features that suits your needs

1.  Basic t-stats: They are simple affordable easy to use thermostat suitable for rental homes to facilitate basic heating and cooling. Their features include:
   ? Are non-programmable
   ? easy-to-use
   ? are not digital
   ? Is compatible with the most heating systems
2. Programmable Types
   These thermostats offer options for customization enabling the most effective use of your system by automatically regulating heat through¬out. You only need to set up the temperature preference at different times once and the thermostat will adjust the temperatures accordingly. Its features include:

• Multiple program options, for different days.
•  Has adjustable programming that facilitates full time comfort and energy-saving efficiency
• Is compatible with the cooling and heating including heat pumps.
• The only problem is that you might need a qualified technician to set it up and it might take time to learn how to use it effectively.
• Cheaper than the smart option.

3. The Smart of Wifi Thermostat

Just as the name suggests, this type of thermostat is smart and can be remotely controlled. The smart aspect means that it monitors your habits such as, your preferred room temperature, when you leave the house and other aspects of your life so that it can adjust accordingly to your needs automatically (intuitively) without need for manual setup.

Further, you can control the thermostat remotely from your smartphone, computer or tablet. It is the most efficient energy saver; however, this type of thermostat is expensive and features extensive technical aspects that prove to be a challenge for users initially.

Eric Gichuru

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It is a Microsoft maintenance program geared towards helping businesses whether large or small maintain growth, meet challenges, and respond to change accordingly by providing efficient and effective IT infrastructure to facilitate success.

The programs and services covered by Software Assurance include Microsoft Office, Windows, Exchange, SQL Server, System Center, and Microsoft Azure among others.

Software Assurance has numerous benefits to the users including:

• Availability of free upgrades where users are allowed to upgrade to newer versions for free
•  Facilitates access to a wide range of exclusive software products such as Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs, and Windows Vista, 7 and 8 Enterprise Editions which are only available to Software Assurance subscribers.
• Microsoft has created an online end-user training and instructor-led technical training to users free, to increase the general user productivity.
•  It focuses on reducing the cost of software and services by facilitating cost-efficient upgrades and giving free rights to new software releases.
• Incorporates cloud-based deployments among other to unique technologies to improve operational efficiency in organizations
• Provides around-the-clock support to maintain responsive and available IT infrastructure.
• Other benefits include facilitating free home use, error reporting tools, availability of “Cold backups” of live servers with free licenses, access to Microsoft TechNet and Extended Hotfix support at subsidized prices for Software Assurance users.

Despite the above mentioned benefits, this program has come under criticism due to the high cost of acquiring and maintaining it, and also lack of free upgrades as initially advertised during the contract period. The release of a major upgrade at times exceeds three years, thus users are often forced to renew their licenses because their contract period had already expired.

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The post Microsoft Assurance Software – Review appeared first on theLocco Magazine.