Computer Support Blog

In the world of business and technology, there are some stories that truly are amazing.  In the case of Stan Shih, who founded Acer Computers, the story is one that deserves a wider audience; few Americans know his name, but his inventions have influenced almost everyone on Earth.

Stan Shih was more than a typical business executive or a computer expert.  Instead, Shih is one of the few executives who made an effective transition between the very different worlds of engineering/computer programing and multi-billion dollar business executive.  Shih’s significance to the world began in 1971.  At that time, the Taiwan-born developer created Taiwan’s first desktop calculator.  Successfully marketing his calculator, Shih did not rest on his first major industrial accomplishment.  Instead, the next year, Shih helped form Qualitron Industrial Group and spearheaded the creation of the pen watch.

What Stan Shih became known for, at least in Asia, was founding a little computer company called Multitech International Corp.  Multitech International Corp. grew and it soon evolved into a computer manufacturer known as Acer.  Shih led the company from a $25,000 startup to become one of the largest computer manufacturers on Earth.  When Shih left Acer in 2004, it was fifth in the personal computer vending market.

In his tenure as Founder and CEO of Acer, virtually every respectable publication in the business world named him one of the most influential people in the world.  In 2006, Time Magazine credited Shih with revolutionizing Taiwan’s industrial sector to create the infrastructure to make it a dominant PC-manufacturer.  Shih deserves those accolades; it was his leadership and skill that nurtured the developing market to make it one of the most important technology sectors in history.  Far from the toys and trinkets Taiwan produced before, Shih’s Acer made a viable, seemingly limitless, production industry for the country.

Since retiring from the day-to-day management of Acer, Stan Shih has shifted his focus to business pursuits.  Never forgetting how the IT industry made his career, Stan Shih founded iD SoftCapital, which is a financing company for emerging technology companies.  As the Group Chairman of iD SoftCapital, Stan Shih continues to shape the technology world by making business decisions that fund what he believes are the most profitable emerging technologies.

From the desktop calculator to the next generation of computer and electronics products, Stan Shih has left an indelible footprint on the world!

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

The first blog in this series on Apple’s success at creating an increasingly strong global following—an obsession—discussed how Apple consumers are able to establish a unique social identity by identifying themselves with Apple products. IPads, iPhones, iPods, MacBooks are all means to stand out in a positive way, to belong to a family. So aside from wanting to establish an individual identity, Apple users are able to establish a familial, group identity. The products aren’t merely a way for their owners to create custom app collections; they’re the small connection that suddenly links you to a huge, wealthy, and powerful family—the Apples.

Indeed, once a member of this family, company events become family reunions; corporate announcements become a source of pride; and family reputation becomes a matter of personal responsibility. Likewise, celebrating the arrival of a new iPhone for the members of the Apple family is like celebrating the birth of a new sibling or relative. The days that lead up to an Apple product debut are just as—if not more—exciting than the countdown to Christmas or summer vacation or election day.

Of course, the people at Apple are no fools; they know that their customers/relatives have a special relationship with the company and its products, and make good use of that knowledge. Perhaps this kind of relationship between the company and consumers is why Apple users as so patient in awaiting remedial tech support, as was the case with Siri and battery problems with the iPhone 4S and the antenna problems with its predecessor.

The strength of the bonds in this particular family is such that Apple users are aggressively loyal to the brand name. Again, though this may be due to other factors like the products’ reliability and limited need for computer repairs, or as previously discussed, identity formation, it is also largely due to the sense of belonging. Which is why you’ll often notice (or know from experience) that owning one Apple device usually leads to owning several others. One obstacle to this trend might be the expensive nature of such a commitment, but even with that, Apple loyalists are constantly on a quest to rid themselves of their un-Apple-like devices and make the full transformation. Naturally, the folks at Apple know this and are more than happy with it.

Ultimately, belonging to a family, albeit a technological one, isn’t a bad thing. It certainly works well for Apple’s wallet.

The series’ next blog will depart from discussing the socio-psycho dimension of Apple’s success and turn temporarily to discussing Apple’s technology.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Since 1997, the coolest dentist offices in the world have all been treating their customers with a surprisingly awesome device from Milestone Scientific.  Originally called The Wand, Milestone Scientific’s CompuDent Instrument revolutionized the way dentists deliver anesthesia for oral surgery.  The CompuDent Instrument does not provide dentists with computer imaging technology to better visualize dental problems better; it makes the pain of oral surgery go away!

Computers are involved with the CompuDent Instrument, which delivers local anesthetic to oral surgery patients.  Milestone Scientific realized that much of the fear of oral surgery – of all kinds – comes from a very rational fear of pain.  The initial pain that patients felt when the oral surgeon or anesthesiologist first delivered the local anesthetic realized the fears of all those patients.  The CompuDent Instrument eliminates that initial pain.

The CompuDent Instrument is a two-piece device that includes the computer injection system and the wand.  When the dentist places the wand in the patient’s mouth, the computer injection system takes over.  The CompuDent Instrument transfers local anesthetic to the gums, teeth and other precise targets in the oral cavity through the wand.  After the wand is rooted, the CompuDent Instrument delivers the anesthetic painlessly.

The painless aspect of the CompuDent Instrument is its big selling point and the computer-assisted injection system makes the injection painless.  The initial pain of receiving local anesthetic usually comes from the pressure of the anesthetic being blasted into the tissue during the initial injection.  The CompuDent Instrument eliminates that initial pain by monitoring the pressure in the tissues surrounding the wand and adjusting the anesthetic injection and drip accordingly.  Through precision measurements and adjustments, the CompuDent Instrument makes the injections painless.  This frees up your oral surgeon to pay attention to the procedure they are doing, not your pain management.

The CompuDent Instrument’s precision delivery had an unexpected secondary benefit.  Because the CompuDent Instrument provides precise levels of local anesthetic exactly where you need it, the device all but eliminated peripheral numbing.  If you are having your wisdom tooth extracted, the anesthetic will not be so strong as to numb your lips or cheek when delivered with the CompuDent Instrument.  That precision also leads to faster recovery times, as your body metabolizes the discrete, targeted local anesthetic better.

While there have been many advances in computer imaging technology and data storage devices that have inarguably aided dentists, it is hard to argue with the benefit of a device that causes patients less pain.  The CompuDent Instrument helps make going to the dentist painless and that is very cool.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

It is a rare thing for a CEO of a computer company to be seen working in the art department of the company they run.  No one would expect to see Tom Cook, CEO of Apple Computers, at a drafting board adjusting the design of the next iPod!  And yet, Satoru Iwata periodically works on art for Nintendo software . . . despite the fact that he is CEO of Nintendo!

The board of directors of Nintendo promoted Satoru Iwata to CEO following the resignation of Hiroshi Yamauchi.  Members of the Yamauchi family had, historically, run Nintendo and the promotion of Satoru Iwata to CEO and President of the company marked a profound shift for the company.  Why did Nintendo change its longstanding tradition? Quite simply, there was no one better for the job than Iwata!

Satoru Iwata began working for the software laboratory, HAL Laboratory, right out of college.  HAL Laboratory was only three years old when Iwata took over as coordinator of software production, developing the Kirby franchise from the ground up for Nintendo.  With many successful projects under his belt, Iwata became president of HAL Laboratory.  He served as President for seven years before Nintendo wooed him to become their head of corporate planning.  He served in that capacity for only two years before Nintendo’s board of directors promoted him to CEO and President of Nintendo.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Satoru Iwata has seen Nintendo through some of its most profitable years, with no foreseeable end in sight!  Black Friday 2011 was the company’s most successful sales day for the Wii gaming console.  This might seem un-extraordinary until one considers the console has been on the market for six years now!  To have a bestselling game console after six years is an exceptional business feat.

As well, the Nintendo portable system, the 3DS, became a remarkable commercial success.  While many other video game companies were altering their business models to put their games on smartphones and other portable devices, Iwata saw an opportunity to reinvent dedicated portable video game hardware.  Iwata’s vision was prophetic as the 3DS and its related software had exceptional sales leading up to Christmas 2011.

More than anything else, Satoru Iwata is a man of vision.  He is an expert planner and his willingness to take calculated risks in a traditionally unstable market has made him a world leader in the video game marketplace.  As CEO of Nintendo, he has plans to keep the company growing for years to come and if history is any indication, he will be wildly successful.  Still, that does not mean you won’t find him working on the artwork or game design for the next Legend Of Zelda release!

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

It is always amazing how quickly the remote control seems to disappear! Even when you’re the only one using it, it just seems to have an affinity for dark spaces deep within the couch or other large pieces of furniture. The problem definitely gets worse when kids are involved, since the remote migrations expand beyond the living room and into the kitchen, bedroom, and the inside of an easy bake oven. Of course, losing things like remote controls is a problem that affects many other products. Trivial as it may seem, constantly misplacing items is frustrating and time consuming. So if you know someone who is constantly losing keys or other important items, then now would be a good time to offer him or her a Click n’ Dig item finder as a gift.

This easy-to-use gadget helps you or your gift recipients find those things you misplace most often. Using a small transmitter with up to four buttons, you simply press the corresponding button on the transmitter causing the appropriate receiver to beep and flash. Click n’ Dig comes with up to four receivers that you can attach to a key chain or a pet’s collars, for example.

Also, both the transmitter and the receivers are about the size of a car remote control, so no one has to know about your forgetful habit.

The Click n’ Dig remotes come with batteries already installed, although you need to remove the insulating tab from the receivers before you can start using them. They also come with replacement batteries. Because they are small devices that don’t require too much battery effort, the batteries are expected to last between three and twelve months. The product is easy to attach to other items, as it comes with both double sided adhesive tape and key rings. According to the manufacturer, the remotes have a radio signal range of about 60 feet, which is more than enough tech support for finding keys in a forgotten coat pocket or underneath a couch.

Over 73 percent of reviews on Amazon rate the product with four stars or more, so it’s gotten the popular approval. There are several other products out there that do similar things, but Click n’ Dig’s price tag is especially attractive. The remote and two receivers package sells for around $26 on Amazon. If you’re looking to buy wholesale, you can do that directly though the Click n’ Dig website for a 40 percent discount. So if you or someone you know just won’t learn, get them the Click n’ Dig, if only to prove a point.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Have you ever noticed a product that seemed mainstream and beneficial, but then disappeared from the marketplace?  Or have you ever noticed a problem solved in the design of a product, but then manufacturers do not incorporate the changes into the design of all of the products of that type?  Considering how computers have changed over the last twenty years, the astute observers might well be asking “Where are the laptop computers with ergonomic keyboards?!”

Back in 1977, computer developers created an ergonomically-correct keyboard to help alleviate the stress on muscles and tendons in the hands from repeated typing.  While that technology was not widely incorporated at the time, during the Clinton Administration, Congress passed laws that required employers to provide their computer operators with ergonomic keyboards.  The intent of the law was to lower the number of repetitive stress muscle injuries and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome worker’s compensation claims.  For a while, ergonomics was a common buzzword in American politics and society.

At that time, ergonomic keyboards were everywhere.  The design of an ergonomic keyboard includes a split-keyboard with an extended front section, which reduces stress on the fingers, wrists and tendons of the computer user.  After Congress struck down the reforms that required businesses to incorporate ergonomic keyboards, it seems that computer manufacturers decided to not include ergonomically correct keyboards into new laptop designs.

Why did computer manufacturers fail to incorporate ergonomics into the design of laptop computers?  The answer has everything to do with space, as the cramped keyboards of many laptop and notebook computers actually exacerbate the problematic muscle movements ergonomic keyboards prevent.  A proper ergonomic keyboard requires space.  Computer manufacturers market laptop and notebook computers using the portability and convenience as a key selling point.  A proper ergonomically-correct keyboard would necessitate a laptop computer that was several inches wider.  The average ergonomic keyboard is over nineteen inches wide, which is quite a bit wider than most laptop computers these days!

What proponents of ergonomics fail to account for most when lamenting the lack of ergonomic keyboards for laptop computers is the height requirement of an ergonomic keyboard.  Ergonomic keyboards are usually raised more than two inches at the top in order to help reduce muscle strain.  Laptop manufacturers quickly came to the conclusion that there was little point in making impressive, ultra-thin LCD monitors on laptops if they had to attach the monitor to a gangly base with the awkward keyboard.

Ergonomically-correct keyboards are still widely available and some laptop computers have keyboards with better ergonomic designs than others.  But the computer manufacturers are not looking to make laptop computers with true ergonomic keyboards, even though laptop computer sales have risen in recent years and many consumers are replacing their home computers with laptop computers.  For those making such an upgrade, keep your ergonomic keyboard, it is well worth using one of your laptop’s USB ports to keep your hands comfortable and healthy!

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

The Internet has produced many billionaires.  The dot com bubble may have burst, but some business owners made a lot of money very fast.  One of the few such executives who are still standing at the head of a successful dot com is Jeffrey Bezos.  Jeffrey Bezos is the President, CEO and Chairman of the board of Amazon.com.

Jeffrey Bezos founded Amazon.com in 1994 as the Internet was still growing.  As brick and mortar stores were slowly developing an online presence, Bezos created the virtual bookstore with a robust inventory and a commitment to customer service.  A year before eBay was launched, Bezos had Amazon.com online, selling books and building a customer base.  Quickly realizing the site was underperforming for its potential, Bezos expanded Amazon.com to sell movies, music and other products alongside books.  Bezos transformed the business he ran from his garage to an international online retailer that increased his net worth to approximately 18 billion dollars!

While many billionaire CEOs of technology-related companies achieved their prominence from having a fresh, new idea, Jeffrey Bezos simply exploited, first and best, the emerging technology.  There is nothing particularly audacious about the idea of using the Internet to sell goods.  What made Amazon.com impressive at the time of its inception was that Bezos effectively exploited the new revenue channel to reach an exceptional marketplace.  While established brick and mortar stores were looking to supplement their income through occasional online sales, Bezos realized the potential of the virtual storefront and built Amazon.com.  Bezos pioneered the idea of the virtual storefront, selling a product online without an accompanying physical store.  When Bezos’s model proved successful, Pierre Omidyar would take the idea a step further and build an online sales site without any product (eBay)!

While many Internet stores have since risen and fallen, Amazon.com has remained strong.  Many attribute the strength of Amazon to the leadership Jeffrey Bezos exhibits as founder, CEO, President and Chairman of Amazon.  It is hard to argue with that logic.  By commissioning the creation of the Kindle, Bezos helped to ignite the entire e-reader market as well as a renewed interest in reading by the general population.  The success of the Kindle Fire, which many industry analysts suggest Amazon is selling at or below the cost of production, illustrates Bezos’s commitment to a long-term approach for Amazon.com’s success.  Bezos sees the value in selling more of a product at a loss when the virtual product – the e-books – has the potential to make his company billions!

A pioneer in the Internet retail market, Jeffrey Bezos is a CEO who was at the right place, at the right time, with the right vision!

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Late last year, New York City’s beautiful Grand Central saw the opening of Apple’s latest retail store. By noon on opening day, the store had already gotten more than four thousand visitors, according to The Wall Street Journal. Even before then, over two thousand people waited in line in anticipation of the opening. The phenomenon of long lines outside Apple stores is nothing new; however, it is surprising to see a few thousand people await the opening of a mere store, as opposed to the debut of a new product. After all, beautiful as the architecture of this particular store may be, it still lacks any new Apple products—no sneak peeks, no iPhone 5, no iPad 3, no major announcements about tech support upgrades, nothing of the sorts whatsoever.

Still, even when it comes to the debut of a new product, there seems to be something irrational and odd about the notion of waiting in line for a few days to purchase a product that you can pick up a day later by casually strolling into a pleasant, crowd-free store. So why do people do it? What’s behind the Cult of the Apple?

There is no doubt that the fact that Apple products seemingly require less computer repair work and are less susceptible to Internet security threats has been an influential factor in building the company’s strong following. However—and as controversial as this claim may be—the reason behind the powerful and expansive rise of Apple consumerism has little to do with the products’ durability and impressive capabilities. What makes Apple products so attractive to consumers is their cultural status, their role in forming social identity.

The sociological phenomenon that explains this trend is by no means new or exclusive to Apple products. People and nations throughout history have tried to define other social groups as the “other” in order to discover an identity of their own as the “norm.” In this mercantile setting, Apple users identify those who are not Apple users as the “others,” those who are less hip, less cool, less tech savvy, less rebellious. In doing so, the people who stand in line awaiting the unveiling of the new iPhone, for example, can feel a sense of belonging to an elite social group.

If you’re wondering how the Cult of Apple is any different from Pottermania, for example, then consider the different ways in which people interact with the Harry Potter books and Apple products. Apple merchandise are dynamic products that allow users to form a unique identity by using them, whereas music and books are somewhat static products. People who waited in line for days to get the latest Harry Potter, did so to read, to experience the novel’s content (though of course there was still some element of identity-formation there). When people stand in line to get a new iPhone, whether they know it or not, they are not attracted by the content, but by the ability to express their identities by using the device, over and over, with every app, with every public appearance.

In the end, it’s not just about the technology; and it’s not merely about social identity— Apple’s success is the result of a complex array of reasons. The next blog (on January 6th) in this series will explore the second component of Apple’s success.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Virtually every portion of your computer can be customized.  You can easily change your wallpaper on your screen to make a statement about your interests or apply a skin to your laptop computer to protect it as well as show off your own sense of style.  The computer mouse is one of the more standardized computer components, though many independent artists have created audacious, unique computer mice that make the ordinary computer mouse into an extraordinary accessory.  Arguably the most incredible mass-produced computer mouse is the SONY VAIO Mouse Talk.

The VAIO Mouse Talk appears to be a regular optical mouse with scroll wheel.  The Mouse Talk connects to your PC, laptop or Apple computer through a standard USB port.  Once attached, the VAIO Mouse Talk – which is available in black or a stylish silver-blue color – functions like a standard laser-guided optical mouse.  What makes the VAIO Mouse Talk so special is that it opens up into a Skype phone!

With a standard clamshell phone design, the VAIO Mouse Talk seems instantly familiar when opened to reveal its phone function.  Skype, which is a Voice Over Internet Protocol program, allows users to effectively turn their internet connection into a phone line.  The VAIO Mouse Talk allows you to highlight and do computer work one moment and talk with a friend over your computer the next!  Anyone who has Skype may access it easily with the VAIO Mouse Talk, which eliminates the need for a Skype headset.  The VAIO Mouse Talk is a real asset on older computers that have fewer USB ports because it allows you to benefit both from a convenient optical mouse and a Skype phone through a single USB port.

In addition to the dual function of the VAIO Mouse Talk, SONY has created another product that is sleek and stylish with this mouse.  As a Skype phone, the VAIO Mouse Talk is comfortable in the hand and it is easy to use.  While open as a phone, the VAIO Mouse Talk’s scroll wheel becomes a volume control dial!  With the flick of a small button, the mouse controls are automatically switched to the phone controls, making this a very flexible to use device.

For most computer mice, you would have every reason to be alarmed if it suddenly began glowing blue in your hand.  With the VAIO Mouse Talk, the sudden blue glow means adventure is calling and you can take that call right away!

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Every executive in charge of a big company has a story.  Some of those stories are intriguing and complex, others are surprisingly mundane.  One might suspect a consumer revolution would occur if most Americans knew just how many CEOs became CEO by simply being in the right place at the right time.  Few CEOs, however, have had the complicated and fascinating careers of Meg Whitman.

Meg Whitman is the new Chief Executive Officer and President of Hewlett-Packard.  Whitman’s rise to CEO is not a happenstance and her ascension comes after a particularly rough business year for HP.  Whitman’s new role as CEO of HP is generally seen as a desperate move to put Hewlett-Packard on a more successful track after a particularly tumultuous series of failing CEOs.  Whitman’s predecessor served as CEO for only eleven months before the Board of Directors showed him the door!

Since the mid-1980s, Meg Whitman has been a powerful executive.  Her first executive position was as a senior vice president at Bain & Company.  From there, she moved to various executive positions at the Walt Disney Company, FTD, and Hasbro.  Her big leadership opportunity came when she assumed control of eBay as its CEO.

As CEO of eBay, Meg Whitman made eBay from a minor Internet sales site into an international powerhouse.  The company grew from thirty employees to a significant international company.  More importantly, Whitman helped eBay achieve its success by completely reorganizing the corporate structure as well as the site’s functional organization.  Under her guidance, eBay became a publicly traded company, adopted the iconic four-colored logo and purchased Skype!  Whitman ran eBay for a decade before moving on, leaving the company as one of the most powerful women in business and one of the most influential CEOs of the last decade.

Immediately before taking on the job of CEO of HP, Meg Whitman ran for governor of California.  As a Republican candidate, Meg Whitman hoped to continue Arnold Schwarzenegger’s style of leadership over the traditionally Democratic state.  While she lost in the general election, her campaign made a good showing after several scandals that would have taken down a lesser person.  Following her failed gubernatorial run, Whitman joined HP’s Board of Directors where she served until the Board promoted her to CEO.

If Meg Whitman’s past successes are any indication, she represents the best chance Hewlett-Packard has to restructure and survive as a powerful business in the tech sector!

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com