My Experience With the MacBook Air M2 and the Magic of the Apple Ecosystem

Posted on by James

My Experience With the MacBook Air M2 and the Magic of the Apple Ecosystem

Just a few weeks ago, I took the leap and invested in the new MacBook Air M2, and since then, I’ve been in a whirl of excitement exploring its features, functionalities, and, most importantly, how it fits into my existing collection of Apple devices.

Why I Chose the MacBook Air M2

Before purchasing, I researched extensively, comparing the MacBook Air M2 to other laptops in its range and even other Mac models. However, it was the combination of its lightweight design, the promise of powerful performance thanks to the M2 chip, and the compatibility with the Apple ecosystem that finally tipped the scales for me.

Now that I’ve had a chance to use it, I can confirm that it didn’t disappoint.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Unboxing a new gadget, especially an Apple product, is an experience in itself. The MacBook Air M2, with its sleek design and the inviting glow of the Apple logo, was a sight to behold. I could feel the power and possibilities waiting for me.

The laptop booted up quickly, the Retina Display living up to its promise of delivering vibrant colors, and the backlit Magic Keyboard was as comfortable as I had heard. But the best was yet to come.

Discovering the Magic of the Apple Ecosystem

What truly struck me about my new MacBook Air M2 was how seamlessly it integrated into my existing lineup of Apple devices. As a long-time user of Apple products, including an iPhone and iPad, I knew about the Apple ecosystem’s interconnectivity. However, experiencing it firsthand on a new device took my appreciation to a whole new level.

Continuity: A Seamless Experience

With Continuity, I could effortlessly switch between devices without interrupting my workflow. It was as if all my devices had synchronized into a single entity. A document started on my iPhone could be continued on my MacBook Air, and then finalized on my iPad, all without the need for manual transfers or saving multiple versions.

AirDrop: Simplifying File Transfers

Remember the days when transferring files between devices was a time-consuming process involving cables, Bluetooth pairing, or even email? With AirDrop, those days are firmly behind me. Sharing files, be it documents, images, or videos, between my Apple devices has become a matter of a few clicks.

Cloud: My Personal and Secure Cloud Storage

The cherry on top of my Apple ecosystem experience is iCloud. With iCloud, all my files, photos, and documents are synced across my devices, ensuring they’re up-to-date and accessible anytime, anywhere.

The Verdict

The MacBook Air M2 has proven to be more than just a laptop. It’s a key component of a connected, streamlined digital lifestyle, backed by the power of the Apple ecosystem. It has not only lived up to my expectations but, in many ways, exceeded them.

If you, like me, value seamless integration and synchronization across devices, and you’re considering investing in a new laptop, I highly recommend the MacBook Air M2. It’s a decision I’m glad I made, and I believe you will be, too.

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my journey with the MacBook Air M2 and the Apple ecosystem. There’s still so much to explore, and I can’t wait to share more insights with you.

Navigating the VA Claims Process: 38 CFR Part 4, DBQs, and Non-VA Doctors for a Fully Developed Claim

Posted on by James

Introduction:

Filing a claim for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be a daunting task. With a complex system and various regulations to understand, it’s essential to be well-informed about the process. This article will discuss the importance of knowing 38 CFR Part 4 and its relationship to the disability you are claiming. We will also cover the significance of using Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) and consulting with a non-VA doctor when filing a “Fully Developed” claim.

Understanding 38 CFR Part 4:

38 CFR Part 4 is a section of the Code of Federal Regulations that outlines the criteria used by the VA to evaluate and rate disabilities related to military service. The VA relies on this document to determine the level of compensation a veteran should receive based on the severity of their service-connected disability.

Knowing 38 CFR Part 4 is crucial for any veteran seeking disability benefits, as it provides guidelines on how specific medical conditions are rated. It helps you understand the required medical evidence and the potential rating you could receive for your claimed disability. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations is essential to ensure that your claim is complete and accurate, increasing your chances of receiving the appropriate compensation.

The Role of DBQs:

Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) are standardized forms developed by the VA to streamline the evaluation process for medical conditions. These questionnaires help the VA rate your disability accurately by providing clear, concise information on the severity of your condition.

DBQs are essential tools in the VA claims process because they:

  1. Facilitate communication between you, your healthcare provider, and the VA by standardizing the information needed for your claim.
  2. Help ensure that your claim is thoroughly evaluated by providing specific, relevant medical data.
  3. Speed up the claims process by eliminating the need for additional medical examinations in certain cases.

Using a Non-VA Doctor for a Fully Developed Claim:

A Fully Developed Claim (FDC) is an expedited claims process that allows veterans to submit all the necessary evidence to support their claim at once. This evidence includes medical records, DBQs, and any other relevant documents. One advantage of the FDC program is the possibility of receiving a decision on your claim more quickly than with a traditional claim.

Using a non-VA doctor in the FDC process can be beneficial for several reasons:

  1. A non-VA doctor may have a more comprehensive understanding of your medical history, having treated you over a longer period.
  2. They can provide an unbiased medical opinion, free from any potential VA-related bias.
  3. Non-VA doctors may have more flexibility in scheduling appointments, allowing you to gather the necessary evidence for your claim faster.

When opting for a non-VA doctor, ensure that they complete the appropriate DBQs and provide a detailed medical rationale for your claimed disability. This information will be crucial in supporting your FDC.

Conclusion:

Filing a VA claim can be a complex and time-consuming process. Understanding 38 CFR Part 4 and its implications for your specific disability is crucial to ensuring you receive the appropriate compensation. Utilizing DBQs and considering a non-VA doctor for a Fully Developed Claim can streamline the claims process, improve the accuracy of your claim, and potentially lead to a faster decision. Armed with the right knowledge and resources, you can navigate the VA claims process with confidence and secure the benefits you deserve.

How to Convert a Torrent Magnet Link to a Torrent File in Ubuntu Linux

Posted on by James

Converting a magnet link

If you’re using Ubuntu Linux, you can easily convert a torrent magnet link to a torrent file using a simple bash script. This is useful if you want to download a torrent file without having to open a web browser, or in my case, I use rTorrent which is a CLI torrent client for Linux.

To create the script, open a terminal window and type the following command:

nano magnet2torrent.sh

This will create a new file called magnet2torrent.sh. Open the file and paste the following code:


#!/bin/bash

#################################
#                               #
# Bash script to convert a      #
# magnet link to a torrent file #
#                               #
#  StrickStuff.com              #
#                               #
#################################


# Check that the user entered a valid magnet link
if [ "$#" -ne 1 ] || [ ! -z "${1##*magnet*}" ]; then
    echo "Usage: $0 "
    exit 1
fi

# Extract the info hash from the magnet link
hash="${1##*btih:}"
hash="${hash%%&*}"

# Download the torrent file from a torrent website
torrent_file="${hash}.torrent"
wget "https://itorrents.org/torrent/${hash}.torrent" -O "$torrent_file"

echo "Torrent file written to ${torrent_file}"

Save the file and exit the editor. To make the script executable, type the following command:

chmod +x magnet2torrent

Now you can use the script to convert a torrent magnet link to a torrent file. To do this, type the following command:

./magnet2torrent<magnet_link>

For example, to convert the magnet link magnet:?xt=urn:btih:0123456789ABCDEF to a torrent file, you would type the following command:

./magnet2torrent magnet:?xt=urn:btih:0123456789ABCDEF

The script will create a new torrent file called 0123456789ABCDEF.torrent in the current directory. You can then open the torrent file in a torrent client to download the files.

This is just a simple example of how you can use a bash script to convert a torrent magnet link to a torrent file. You can customize the script to meet your own needs. For example, you could add code to check if the torrent file already exists before creating it. You could also add code to extract the metadata from the torrent file and write it to a text file.

bash script to convert magnet links to torrent file

bash script to convert magnet links to torrent file

AI and Phishing Emails

Posted on by James

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used to create more sophisticated phishing emails. In the future, AI is likely to play an even greater role in phishing attacks, making them more difficult to detect and defend against.

One way that AI is being used in phishing attacks is to create more realistic and convincing emails. AI-generated emails can be tailored to specific individuals or organizations, making them more likely to be opened and clicked on. In addition, AI can be used to create emails that appear to come from legitimate senders, such as banks or government agencies.

Another way that AI is being used in phishing attacks is to automate the process of sending phishing emails. This allows cybercriminals to send out large volumes of phishing emails, increasing the chances that someone will fall victim to the attack. AI can also be used to target specific individuals or organizations with phishing emails, based on their online activity or other data.

AI is also being used to develop new types of phishing attacks. For example, AI can be used to create phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links. These attachments or links can then be used to install malware on victims’ computers or steal their personal information.

In the future, AI is likely to play an even greater role in phishing attacks. As AI technology continues to develop, cybercriminals will be able to create even more sophisticated and effective phishing attacks. This is why it is important to be aware of the risks of phishing and to take steps to protect yourself from these attacks.

Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from phishing attacks:

  • Be suspicious of any email that asks for personal information, such as your password or credit card number.
  • Do not click on links or open attachments from emails that you do not recognize.
  • Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
  • Keep your software up to date with the latest security patches.
  • Use a firewall and antivirus software.
  • Be aware of the latest phishing scams and how to identify them.

If you think you may have been the victim of a phishing attack, it is important to take action immediately. Change your passwords, contact your bank or credit card company, and report the incident to the authorities.

Phishing attacks are a serious threat, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect your information, you can help to keep yourself safe from these attacks.

 

Switch Case Statement Program Page 188 number 7

Posted on by James

C++ Switch Case Statement Program Page 188 number 7

/****JDS***********************
DATE      : 3/15/2022  
CREATED BY: James Strickland
CLASS     : IT-301 - Intro to Programming 
PURPOSE   : Switch Statement, employee 
            program. 

****JDS***********************/

#include 
#include 
#include 
#include 
using namespace std;

int main() {

    char department;
    double salary = 0.0;
    double raise_amount = 0.0;

    do { // start a do - while loop

        // "start" screen, menu
        cout << " +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+" << endl;
        cout << " |D|e|p|a|r|t|m|e|n|t|" << endl;
        cout << " +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+" << endl << endl;

        cout << "       Departments list" << endl;
        cout << "\t Department A" << endl;
        cout << "\t Department B" << endl;
        cout << "\t Department C" << endl;
        cout << "\t Department D" << endl;
        cout << "Please enter Deptartment A, B, C, D [Q to quit]: "; cin >> department; // get user input

        switch (department) { // begin switch statement

        case 'a': case 'A':
        case 'b': case 'B':

            cout << "Enter salary of the employee: "; cin >> salary;
            raise_amount = (salary * 0.02);
            cout << "Raise amount: ";
            cout << setprecision(2) << fixed << raise_amount << endl;
            system("pause");
            cout << "\033[2J\033[1;1H";
            break;

        case 'c': case 'C':

            cout << "Enter salary of the employee: "; cin >> salary;
            raise_amount = (salary * 0.15);
            cout << "Raise amount: ";
            cout << setprecision(2) << fixed << raise_amount << endl;
            system("pause");
            cout << "\033[2J\033[1;1H";
            break;

        case 'd': case 'D':

            cout << "Enter salary of the employee: "; cin >> salary;
            raise_amount = (salary * 0.03);
            cout << "Raise amount: ";
            cout << setprecision(2) << fixed << raise_amount << endl;
            system("pause");
            cout << "\033[2J\033[1;1H";
            break;

        default:

            cout << "Invalid Selection. " << endl;
            cout << "\033[2J\033[1;1H";
            break;

        } // end switch statement
    } while (!((department == 'Q') || (department == 'q'))); // last of the do-while loop. Q or q break from loop.

    system("pause");
    return 0;
} // main bracket

Turkey Brine Recipe

Posted on by James
Print Recipe

Turkey Brine Recipe

Turkey Brine Recipe
Prep Time1 day
Cook Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brine, christmas, dinner, thanksgiving, turkey
Servings: 6 people
Author: Dan

Ingredients

  • 1/2 gal Water For concentrated brine
  • 1 cup Salt
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 5 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Cloves
  • 1 tbps Green Cardamon
  • 1 tbsp Allspice
  • 1 Whole Onion Roughly chopped
  • Fresh Rosemary
  • Fresh Thyme
  • Fresh Parsley

Instructions

  • Let boil for a couple minutes, then kill heat. Let sit overnight. Pour hot brine in a container, add ice to cool down letting ice melt. Then add Turkey. Let sit overnight... 12-15 hours.
  • source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGc68dldZwU&ab_channel=QVCOriginals

Notes

source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGc68dldZwU&ab_channel=QVCOriginals
 

Simple Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Posted on by James
Print Recipe

Simple Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Simple Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe
Prep Time20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bean, cream, ice, icecream, vanilla
Servings: 5

Equipment

  • Ice Cream Maker
  • Mixer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 2/3 cup Sugar
  • 1 ea Vanilla Bean
  • 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (Pure)

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and cut the vanilla bean in half. Use the back of a knife and scrape the insides of the bean from the pod of the vanilla bean.
  • Add to the milk mixture along with the vanilla extract and whisk until well combined. Add the vanilla bean to the milk mixture to extract more flavor. Cover with the lid of plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Churn the milk mixture according to the ice cream machine manufacturer instructions. Once the mixture has turned into soft ice cream, place in a container and allow to freeze for, at least, 4 hours to become more firm.

Decision Support System Paper

Posted on by James

 

 

 

 

 

DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM

James Strickland, Student

Barry University, PACE

 

 

 

 

Decision Support Systems

Introduction

An example of a management information system (MIS) is a decision support system. Additionally, MIS can be implemented via transaction processing and operations data management approaches. For example, an MIS can improve staff communication and provide a platform for recording information about the organization’s revenue and expenditure (Marakas, 2003). Management Information Systems are comprised of computer programs that provide the management in any company with information essential to the effective running of the organization. When it comes to making decisions, decision support systems (DSS) can help managers without necessitating the presence of computer professionals. The following are the three most essential components of a DSS:

  • Massive amounts of data are stored in this database management system (DBMS), which is critical in identifying solutions for problems the DSS built to address.
  • Information that is critical for decision-making is processed using model-based management systems (MBMS).
  • Dialog generation and management system (DGMS): provides a simple interface between the system and administrators who do not have extensive expertise in computer-based apps.

The DSS History

Due to work done at Carnegie Tech in the late 1950s and MIT on interactive computer systems, DSS has its roots in two distinct fields of study: decision theory and interactive computer systems. During the mid-1970s, scientists noticed a role that computer-based information systems (CBIS) may play in assisting managers with their decision-making processes (Power, A Brief History of Decision Support Systems, 2007). Due to the popularity of the group of executive information systems (EIS) and decision support systems (GDSS), which arose from single-user and model-oriented Decision support systems. EIS is a valuable resource for business leaders because it delivers current, actionable data that can be tracked and managed. They launched new web based DSS applications around the turn of 2000, such as online analytical processing (OLAP) and data warehousing: they began to expand the scope of DSS. The Decision support system has emerged as a significant part of the management sector due to technological improvements. The DSS has become a fundamental part of management design due to introducing new and better technologies.

Decision Support Systems

As a result of DSSs, data becomes valuable, and quality judgments are made based on it. In most cases, making good decisions is dependent on the quality of the data entered into the Software system and the user’s ability to filter the data and spot trends (Power, Decision Support Systems: Concepts and Resources for Managers, 2002). As a rule, DSS is a computer application with a human interface that can sort, process, and carry out the necessary analyses on massive amounts of data. The majority think that DSSs is a specific division of a company, but they have integrated these systems into their everyday schedule. For example, several corporations regularly download and research income and income data, projected growth, and expenditure sheets. They recharge their plans once the evaluation of the present results is finished. DSSs have a stable place in companies, but the facts and decisions are constantly evolving.

The primary goal of DSSs is to gather data, evaluate it, discover trends in the data, and then develop business decisions or recommendations based on the findings of the studies, among other things. It is not crucial whether computers, databases, or individuals engage in the process; instead, it is the practice of taking unstructured records, collecting them, and then using them to help in decision-making after being analyzed. DSS can be divided into numerous models, with categories varying from one individual to the next according to their background. When it comes to data processing, we may divide it into two categories: passive and inactive. A passive DSS merely gathers and assesses data, but an active DSS goes one step beyond and processes it. Another way of categorization that takes into account the mode of help generates five dimensions, as follows:

  • Using quantitative, replication, or financial models as the foundation for their choices is what is known as a model-driven DSS;
  • When individuals collaborate to create a solution or approach, this is referred to as a communication driven DSS;
  • A document-driven DSS makes use of documents of various data types to make choices and develop strategic plans;
  • A knowledge-driven decision-support system implements explicitly specified rules in a computer to reach a decision; and
  • A data-driven DSS focuses on data acquired and then processed to meet the manager’s demands.

The Pros of DDS

There are numerous advantages connected with decision support systems, particularly when compared to prior ways of decision-making. These are detailed in greater detail below:

  • DDSs improve individual efficiency: When data is gathered and processed utilizing scientific data collection and analysis methodologies, there is a significant reduction in the number of errors, collectively referred to as human errors. Using the DSS technique results, managers can make educated decisions based on the information obtained from the data analysis.
  • Because automated systems carry out the processes, DSSs accelerate the pace of problem solutions in a given firm. After installing the required scientific formulas in the computer, the computer takes over the remainder of the method, resulting in a quick and efficient analytic process. Furthermore, the DSS system filters the data to make it easier to manage and, as a result, reduces the time it takes between data gathering and decision-making.
  • Because the analysis process is systematic and each stage can be followed quickly, DSSs help to improve the tracking of information. During the data gathering procedure and when entering the data into the computer, one should exercise caution
  • Other advantages of decision support systems include enhancing interpersonal interaction, discovering new avenues for meeting the company’s objectives, and strengthening a company’s competitive advantage.

DDS and Competitive Advantage

Some software suppliers promise that their decision support, analytics, and business intelligence products will give them a competitive advantage (Power, Decision Support Systems: Concepts and Resources for Managers, 2002). This expansive claim covers an application for decision assistance constructed with a variety of technologies. These technologies include business intelligence tools, quality management software, data mining tools, and quantitative algorithms. The vendor’s solution, it is said, will provide a competitive advantage to any firm that implements it. This comprehensive promise appears to be too good to be true, and it is also not plausible in its whole. Vendors must temper their statements with phrases like “may,” “can,” “often,” and “should.” The exaggerated optimism of vendors about technology produces excessive expectations and, in certain situations, contributes to the rise of technology pessimism. Computerized decision assistance, analytics, and business intelligence (BI) may and should be used to gain a competitive advantage.

A competitive advantage is what managers seek: a superior capacity that allows them to outperform their competitors. Better financial position, more assets, incentives, or other physical or intangible advantages are all possible outcomes of gaining an advantage. An organization with an advantage possesses a capability, resource, or expertise that is demonstrably superior to its competition. When a competitive advantage is leveraged, it can aid in the achievement of beneficial results. According to research, a sustainable competitive advantage is defined as “the sustained benefit of applying any unique real worth strategy that is not simultaneously applied by any present or possible rivals, as well as the impossibility to reproduce the benefits of this strategy.”

A durable competitive advantage is achieved when a company performs a critical function much better than its competitors (Power, A Brief History of Decision Support Systems, 2007). Generally, a competitive advantage is the competence or attribute of a company that dramatically increases the firm’s success in a market, rivalry scenario, or confrontation with another organization. When one meets three requirements, computerized decision support (DSS) can provide a competitive edge to a company. As a first step, once a decision support application has been deployed, it must be elevated to the status of a major or essential organizational strength or capacity. Second, it must be one-of-a-kind and exclusively controlled by the organization. In addition, the advantage supplied by the system must be durable for at least a few years to ensure a sufficient return on the initial investment.

Even in the face of fast technological change, a three-year payback period is a feasible aim. Keeping these three criteria in mind, managers looking to make strategic investments in information technology for decision support should look for opportunities. When computerized decision support is valuable, unique, and difficult to replicate, it can provide a significant competitive advantage. Inter-corporate DSS can help organizations strengthen their ties with consumers and suppliers. In some cases, companies can use group DSS and Groupware to overcome time and geographical limitations. Particular DSS can assist a company in operating seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, regardless of where an employee or a client is. In some circumstances, DSS can aid in the integration of a company’s activities. Aside from that, web-based DSS that is inter-corporate can develop ties with suppliers or customers that are tough to break.

A decision support system can assist a company in achieving a price advantage (Shim, Warkentin, Courtney, & Power, 2002). DSS can give various benefits, including increased personal efficiency, reduced staff requirements, faster problem solutions, and improved corporate management and monitoring. The search for circumstances where decision processes appear to be slow or tedious, problems recur, or answers are delayed, or unsatisfactory should be the first step for managers who wish to gain a cost-cutting advantage. DSS can help cut costs when decision-makers have a high turnover rate, and training is time-consuming and inconvenient. It can also help in situations where activities, divisions, and projects are poorly governed.

By reducing or eliminating value chain tasks, DSS can save a significant amount of money. For example, a bank or mortgage lending company may save money by adopting innovative DSS to cut the number of stages and lower the number of employee hours required to approve loans. Some technological advancements may continue to cut process costs, while competitors who mimic an innovative DSS may erase or cancel any advantage. It is possible to get a competitive advantage by using DSS. A DSS can set your product apart from the competition and perhaps open the door to new revenue streams. To maximize profitability: differentiated products must charge a price premium that exceeds any additional expenses to attain the differentiation.

Differentiation can lead to higher pricing, more units sold, or increased customer loyalty for service and recurrent purchases if the company succeeds. It’s possible for competitors to quickly copy the differentiation, resulting in greater costs for all of them. Computerized decision assistance can also help a corporation better target a certain consumer segment and gain an edge in satisfying the needs of that group (Mitran, 2019). DSS can make it a lot easier to serve a specific group of clients with a specific set of services. For some clients, personalized service isn’t worth the extra cost; for others, larger competitors have their DSS to target niches. Improving existing resources and building new resources and capabilities in adapting to variations in market conditions is the key to long-term competitive advantage. Developing a competitive edge that results in superior value generation sometimes necessitates the renewal, creation, and creation of decision support systems.

Cons of DSS

  • User-friendliness reduced. Even though DSSs have been simplified in recent years, some firms, especially those with limited resources, still find it difficult to adopt them, even if it has been easier to do so. Small businesses that cannot afford the installation and training charges will have to rely on more traditional means of decision-making.
  • It’s difficult to measure. If the decision-makers don’t know how to combine their output, the entire process is a waste of time and effort. Most decision support systems generate mathematical results and need mathematical computations to determine the sort of decision that should be taken.

Effectiveness of DSS

It is possible to support semi-structured and unstructured decision-making by using a Decision Support System (DSS), an information system at the company’s management level. It is possible to use a DSS to analyze low-volume databases, and enormous databases specialized for data mining. The DSS is more powerful than any other system out there. Several models are used to analyze data, or vast amounts of data are compressed into a form that decision-makers can understand. User-friendly DSS is designed to be used by the end-user. When data is gathered and processed utilizing scientific data collection and analysis methodologies, there is a significant reduction in errors, collectively referred to as human errors. Using the DSS technique results, managers can make educated decisions based on the information obtained from the data analysis.

Many new tools and advancements are presently in development for the DSS platform, which will have a major impact on the way businesses make decisions.  Artificial Intelligence systems, OLAP, and internet analysis gadgets are just some of the new tools that have been developed in the last several years. Overall, decision assistance systems have a promising future (Shim, Warkentin, Courtney, & Power, 2002). All firms will adopt DSSs in the future; hence any company that doesn’t is doomed to fail. A company can’t have a competitive advantage if it only observes its competitors enjoy massive growth margins. However, the competition has already begun, so we don’t have to rely on future inventions to grow.

As previously stated, the use of DSS methods provides several advantages. With DSS, a company’s costs can be decreased because the automated systems will conduct most of the job, requiring fewer employees. The manager will also be able to make even the most critical decisions thanks to real-time analysis. The decision to use a decision support system is good, considering the technology’s upsides and downsides.

 

 

Works Cited

Marakas, G. M. (2003). Decision Support Systems in the 21st Century (Vol 134). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Mitran, D. (2019). Decision Support Systems to Create a Competitive Advantage. Internal Auditing and Risk Magement, 76-82.

Power, D. J. (2002). Decision Support Systems: Concepts and Resources for Managers. Greenwood Publishing Group.

Power, D. J. (2007, 03 21). A Brief History of Decision Support Systems. Retrieved from dssresources.com: https://dssresources.com/history/dsshistory.html

Power, D. J. (2007, 05 10). Ask Dan! About DSS. Retrieved from Decision Support System Resources: https://dssresources.com/faq/index.php?action=artikel&id=84

Shim, J. P., Warkentin, M., Courtney, J. F., & Power, D. J. (2002). Past, Present, and Future of Decision Support Technology. ResearchGate, 111-126.

 

 

Script to Convert Blueiris video to MP4

Posted on by James

Driveway Cam

bash script to convert bvr files

to Mp4

I was looking for a method to convert .bvr files to mp4 without using up my Blue Iris camera servers processor. Currently I’m running an 4th gen i5 processor.  So it is not a workhorse compared to some other machines on my network. 

Note: This is a work in progress. 

If there is a better way, shoot me an email: james @ strickstuff [dot] com

 

 

#!/bin/bash
#
# Script to convert .bvr files to mp4 using ffmpeg
# NOTE: this is still a work in progress
# I am still working on the ffmpeg switches
# to make this work better. But it works fine
# as is.
#
#
# First pass & remove files as you convert them. 
##!/bin/bash
for vid in *.bvr; 
do ffmpeg -probesize 42M -framerate 30 -i $vid -vcodec copy -an -bsf:v h264_mp4toannexb "${vid%.*}.h264" && rm $vid;
done
#
# Second pass, 
#
for h264 in *.h264;
do ffmpeg -i $h264 "${h264%.*}.mp4" && rm $h264;
done
#
# This just merges all mp4s in the directory into a single file
# remove (or comment out) if not needed.
#
[ -e list.txt ] && rm list.txt
for f in *.mp4
do
echo "file $f" >> list.txt
done
ffmpeg -f concat -i list.txt -c copy joined-out.mp4 && rm list.txt