Computer Support Blog

Tax season is officially upon us!  Sure, you could procrastinate and wait until April 15 to get your taxes in at the last minute or you could make a change this year for the better!  Maybe you are waiting a few weeks to earn enough money to pay a tax service to prepare and file your taxes for you.  Whatever your excuse for not filing your taxes the same day you get your last W-2 in the mail, you are out of excuses!  For those who make less than $58,000 in adjusted gross income, the IRS now has a surprisingly cool product that makes procrastination seem utterly passé.  The program is called Free File and it is part of the federal government’s attempt to make paying taxes easier and more hip.

Free File allows you to use your computer to pay your taxes and it boasts the fastest speed for a return for any free service, which makes sense as the program is directly through the IRS!  Free File may get you your tax refund within ten days when you select direct deposit as your refund option.  Fear not!  If you use the Free File software and determine you actually owe the federal government money, you still have until April 15 to pay your taxes!

Off your computer, you need your W-2, 1099 and other tax forms ready and organized.  It helps if you have your prior year’s tax return as well.  On your prior year’s tax return, you will be able to see what your adjusted gross income was.  If you have not gotten a significant raise or taken on more jobs, your adjusted gross income is likely to be in the ballpark for this year.  If your adjusted gross income is less than $58,000, you may use the Internal Revenue Service’s Free File.

If you qualify for the income threshold, you must establish an account for Free File directly through the IRS website.  While the usual concerns about Internet security persist, Free File is more secure than most tax filing systems as the IRS is cutting out the middleman.  Because you are transmitting your data directly to the IRS, there are fewer opportunities for data thieves to access your personal financial information.

More than just a means for filling out tax forms, Free File brings the power of reputable tax calculation software to bear.  The IRS teamed with twenty tax computing companies to offer tax calculation software free to citizens using Free File.  As a result, you no longer have to pay to use software that helps you calculate your tax debt and refund.  Free File calculates your taxes and files your taxes, ensuring accuracy, speed and efficiency.

It is a weird system of government that expects citizens to pay taxes but then makes paying taxes such a complicated process that only a paid professional would understand it.  The IRS makes the process simple again with powerful, free software through Free File.

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 influx of new technologies for computers has not made everything better.  If you owned your PC for many years, it is entirely probable that you have an old mouse or keyboard that you like.  Perhaps it is an ergonomic keyboard that you are very comfortable with.  Maybe you have a customized computer mouse that matches both your grip and your sense of style.  Many of the older computer peripherals like mice and keyboards connected to the computer through specialized PS/2 ports.  Many PCs and laptop computers today are manufactured without that special port.  As more computers adapt the USB interface format exclusively, those who have favorite older peripherals are compelled to upgrade their accessories in addition to their systems.

Fortunately, StarTech is here to help consumers who have the computer accessories they were happy with and do not want to change!  StarTech manufactures a PS/2 mouse to USB adapter.  They also have an adapter that transforms any PS/2 keyboard into a USB-compatible device.  These are very simple devices, but both are very cool.

The StarTech PS/2 Mouse to USB Adapter is a white plastic and metal device around 1 ½” in length.  It is a solid adapter that features a female PS/2 Mouse port and a male USB connector.  To use the adapter, simply plug the male end of your favorite older computer mouse into the female end of the adapter.  The adapter and mouse will now plug into any female USB port.  Through this adapter, you will be able to use any older mouse on any plug-and-play capable computer or computer device.

In an identical fashion, StarTech’s PS/2 Keyboard to USB Adapter allows you to continue using your favorite older keyboard on your newer systems.  Color coded purple like the standardized PS/2 keyboard jack, StarTech’s PS/2 Keyboard to USB Adapter features a female PS/2 port and a male USB jack.  Simply plugging the USB jack of the adapter into any USB-compatible device allows you to then plug your favorite keyboard into the jack and continue using it.  In this way, you may use your already-purchased ergonomic keyboard or keyboard with sentimental value on your new, faster computer.

Just because technology is changing, you should not have to give up the devices you already own and love.  StarTech’s PS/2 Mouse and PS/2 Keyboard adapters allow you to use the peripherals you enjoy with the benefits of your new computer device!

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

One of the greatest aspects of the United States is that the United States allows its citizens unrestricted social mobility.  There is no caste system in the United States and potential exists for every person in the United States to develop their talents and lives as they see fit.  However, because of the vast disparities in economic conditions, some citizens are born into circumstances where they cannot easily reach their potential.  In the poorest parts of the United States, Americans remain impoverished due to their poor education, especially when they have an inability to read.  Fortunately, computers may now help combat illiteracy, which is one of the leading challenges in adult education.  Merit Software is a leader in computerized literacy programs and their Reading Skill Builder is a program designed to aid adults who want to learn how to read.

The Reading Skill Builder is a web-based program for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, making it ideal for any educational institution or home.  Merit Software created an easy-to-monitor curriculum for adult education and continues to refine it with the Reading Skill Builder.

It might seem odd to teach people to read using a computer; after all, if the student can type or read on a computer monitor, they should be able to read a book, right?  Part of the theory behind the Reading Skill Builder is that most adults, by simple virtue of having lived in the world for a few decades, will have a basic knowledge of English characters.  Because most adults will recognize most letters and numbers, the graphic interface on the Reading Skill Builder focuses on combining the letters into words.  In addition to teaching basic reading skills, the Reading Skill Builder strengthens vocabulary through easy word exercises.

The Reading Skill Builder prioritizes reading comprehension.  Because the focus of this literacy program is teaching adults to read, it comes with a very stark interface.  Unlike literacy programs that promote reading for children, the Reading Skill Builder is not cluttered with a lot of imagery.  The stories the Reading Skill Builder presents are not computer-based picture books.  As a result, students must focus on the words and what they mean, as opposed to simply recognizing or inferring based on pictures associated with the story.

For teachers working with adult students, the Reading Skill Builder provides a number of tools for monitoring your students’ progress.  The Reading Skill Builder easily informs you of what your students’ problem areas are, which allows you to adapt your lessons to better educate them.  All of the tests and tools are part of the basic Reading Skill Builder.

Educators who want to use computers to help their students overcome basic literacy deficiencies will find the Reading Skill Builder invaluable.  The Reading Skill Builder from Merit Software educates adults with a mature interface that respects their dignity and desire to learn.

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 process of driving has become more difficult with the proliferation of new technologies and the distractions those technologies represent.  With the rise of the cell phone, drivers suddenly had phone calls to distract them from driving safely.  While the utterly ineffectual laws requiring hands free devices sought to curb that problem, legislators had no idea how fast the smartphone would take over.  With the smartphone beginning to dominate the mobile phone market, drivers have even more to be distracted by.  Ford Motors, however, has come up with a solution, through their SYNC system!

The Synch AppLink is a new function of the Microsoft-powered Synch platform.  Synch is essentially the operating system for the computers aboard cars from Ford Motors.  Just as Windows may run your PC, Synch runs the onboard computer on Ford vehicles.  Synch monitors your Ford’s status and provides you – and your mechanic – with clear alerts when there is a malfunction within the car.  Synch also assists you in adjusting the frills in your car, like adjusting the radio station or volume.

Now, Microsoft has enhanced the Synch system with Synch AppLink.  Synch AppLink acts as a bridge between the Synch system and your smartphone.  Because Windows occupies such a small market share of the smartphone OS market, it was impractical to create a system for Ford that exclusively interfaced with only Windows-driven smartphones.  So, Microsoft created the Synch AppLink.

The Synch AppLink allows you to access compatible applications on your smartphone through the Synch system.  After docking your smartphone with your Ford, you may give Synch voice commands.  By activating the Synch AppLink, you will be able to give voice commands to activate compatible applications on your smartphone.  If, for example, you subscribe to the Internet radio station Pandora through your smartphone, you would be able to command the Synch AppLink to open the Pandora app.  Within seconds, you would be listening to Internet-based radio streaming from your smartphone to your Ford’s speakers all using the Synch AppLink!

The Synch AppLink is adding compatibility to new programs daily.  In addition to music apps like Pandora and Stitcher, the Synch AppLink has some compatibility with Twitter.  While hands free typing may not yet be available through Synch AppLink, you may now check your Twitterfeed through the Synch AppLink!  Even as you drive away from home, you may remain connected to your friends!

With the Synch AppLink, hands free usage of smartphones is becoming easier and that should make everyone on the road happier!

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

Within the last five years, the USB drive has transformed from an efficient data storage device into a fashion accessory.  Before USB drives became popular, computer users were compelled to carry floppy discs, CD-ROM discs or bulky portable hard drives to make information portable.  The USB flash drive made your information portable and universally-accessible.  No longer were Mac and PC users entirely at odds because one system did not recognize the medium of the other.  With USB flash drives, consumers may transport information between computers, gaming consoles and other electronic devices with a USB port.  This is especially handy, particularly in locations where Internet connections are not available or under circumstances when the physical (not transmitted) transfer of files is essential.

Just as the USB flash drive has made data storage easy, various manufacturers have found ways to make them more stylish or interesting.  USB flash drives can show off your interest in social causes, your allegiance to a major film franchise or your sense of humor.  Even more than memory capacity, the form of a USB flash drive is its selling point now.  Some of the most interesting USB flash drives currently on the market are:

The Swiss Army Knife Flash Drive.  Swiss Army knives have long been a handy tool.  They feature an iconic red handle and blades that fold out of the handle when you want to use them.  Now, there is a Swiss Army knife that includes, in lieu of some blades, a flash drive.  With capacities of 2, 4 and 8GB, the Swiss Army Knife Flash Drive takes the tool into the 21rst century.

The Thumb Flash Drive.  Show off your sense of humor with a thumb drive that is a thumb!  Currently on the market in novelty shops, there is a flash drive of a thumb is disturbingly realistic in its molding and shading.  Users who want to get the shock value of sitting with what appears to be a thumb from the knuckle to tip sticking out of their USB port will find the thumb flash drive, with its 8 GB capacity fits the bill!

Moon Chrome Swarovski-Philips USB Drive.  For classier computer users using their flash drive as a fashion accessory Swarovski and Philips teamed up to make a pendant flash drive.  Made to look exactly like a fancy crystal necklace, the Moon Chrome pendant houses a retractable USB connector that makes your jewelry into a flash drive!

The USB flash drive is both an invaluable tool and a social statement.  Think carefully before you buy your next flash drive about what the drive says about you!

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 tried to connect to a website and wondered if your computer is to blame or if the site you are trying to reach is down?  You might spend several minutes and switch between web browsers in the attempt to find out if the site you want to go to is actually where it is supposed to be on the World Wide Web.  As with virtually everything else, there is a solution to your problem found easily on the Internet.

There are a number of Internet sites that now offer the free service of checking to see if a website you are interested in is actually active.  That is a very cool service and arguably the best of the market are:

Down For Everyone Or Just Me.  Despite the cumbersome name, Down For Everyone Or Just Me remains one of the most simple to use websites on the entire Internet.  Arriving at the main page, users are prompted to enter the website URL they want to access.  They are then directed to an answer page with a very simple answer of “It’s just you” (when the website you are looking for is actually running fine) or “It’s not just you” if the website you are looking for is not operating.  There is space for advertisements at the bottom of each results page, but no one ever seems to buy space there.  From the results page, you may enter another URL or leave the site.  This website is a very simple, very cool tool with no frills and a distinctly helpful and uncluttered format that is refreshing to find on the Internet.

Downrightnow.  With its very easy to remember name, Downrightnow is a simple and direct resource for the major social networks.  With a very clear graphic interface, Downrightnow informs you instantly of any service disruptions to Twitter, Facebook, Gmail, YouTube and other popular websites.  The only disadvantage to Downrightnow is that it only lists the major sites, but it is an invaluable tool for checking those sites and learning about service disruptions to the major Internet players.

IsUp.  IsUp.me is an exceptionally easy name to remember when you are frustrated about Internet problems.  IsUp has as simple an interface as Down For Everybody Or Just Me and is as reliable.  The no-frills approach serves IsUp very well; many of the flashier websites that check the Internet for you came up with false positives or false negatives.  IsUp might have a simple interface, but it has great accuracy!

The above sites provide a valuable, free service of checking the Internet for the websites you want to find.  Using them can help you determine if there is a glitch somewhere out on the World Wide Web or if you actually need computer repairs for your computer.  Of course, if you cannot even connect to these sites, you probably need technical support!

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

Android has been dominating the handheld smartphone and tablet OS market for some time now.  Because it is such a popular operating system, manufacturers like Samsung have been quick to accessorize their tablets to accommodate the apps that Android supports.  With Cloud-based media applications on the rise, Samsung Galaxy Tab owners have been eagerly awaiting a connector that will allow them to connect their portable device with their home theater.  Galaxy Tab owners have enjoyed the convenience of Cloud streaming, but not the ability to interface with their home HDMI theater.  All of that changes with Samsung’s HDTV Adapter for the Galaxy Tab Android Tablet.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab HDMI Adapter is an easy-to-use device that allows users to transfer their Android-accessed Cloud-based library to any high-definition television, monitor or projector.  The Samsung Galaxy Tab HDMI Adapter features a male port designed to interface with the docking port on the Galaxy Tab.  Samsung created its own port configuration for its tablet computers like the Galaxy Tab and that port is what allows the Galaxy Tab to dock with other Samsung equipment.  Samsung’s Galaxy Tab HDMI Adapter includes a male connector that slides easily into the female docking port on the Galaxy Tab.  Like other Samsung connectors that connect to the docking port, the HDMI Adapter for Galaxy Tab clicks to lock into the port to assure connectivity.

What the connector does, then, is translate the signal coming out of the Galaxy Tab into an HDMI signal.  The connector at one end of the adapter is connected to a small converter box at the other end of the adapter.  That box has a female HDMI port.  Like many such adapters, like the equivalent adapter for Apple products, the HDMI Adapter for Galaxy Tab lacks the HDMI cable needed to connect the Adapter to a high-definition device.  In most cases, users of the Samsung HDMI Adapter for Galaxy Tab will not even need to purchase an HDMI cable to connect the adapter to your HDMI device.  If you already have a Blu-Ray player, DVD player or gaming console connected to your HDTV through the HDMI port, you already have the HDMI cable.  By simply unplugging your HDMI-connected device at the player, you have access to the connector that is still connected to the HDTV.  Simply plug your Samsung HDMI Adapter for Galaxy Tab into the HDMI cable you unplugged from the existing player or gaming console and your Android-powered device may now stream directly to your high-definition television!

It is that easy.  The Samsung HDMI Adapter for Galaxy Tab allows you to combine the convenience of streaming, Cloud-based technology with the home theater you already own!

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

Ipads and tablet computers in general have unquestionably changed the computer industry with their unprecedented levels of technological computer support, entertainment capabilities, and ease of connectivity. People using the iPad for both business and pleasure praise it as a revolutionary device from which there’s no going back. Yet despite the advanced capabilities of iPads, critics have deemed it a still problematic candidate to replace laptops for one major reason— typing limitations.

Indeed, if you’ve ever used an iPad, you probably know that the cool, Star-Trek-like screen keyboard gets old quickly. It is neither ergonomic nor intuitive to use—your fingers bounce off the screen uncomfortably and unless you have superior post-human muscle memory, you simply cannot get used to typing on a flat surface without looking. Barring the typing issue, many people say that their iPads could easily replace their laptops. Well thanks to a new iPad gadget, you can now turn any iPad screen into a real keyboard complete with physical keys that you click—just like a laptop’s keys.

TouchFire is an ultra-thin, flexible, silicone cover with protruding buttons. It aligns perfectly with the iPad’s keyboard, so you can rest your fingers on it and use it in the same way you would a regular keyboard. It’s soft and noiseless, but most importantly, its design allows it to fit perfectly under the Apple Smart Cover, as well as the standard iPad 1 case. The manufacturers say it works with any case that leaves a little bit of room.

The TouchFire takes advantage of the iPad’s built in magnets to clip on. So even if you just gently toss the silicone gadget over an iPad, it’ll align itself with very little work on your behalf. The TouchFire weighs less than an ounce and attaches to the inside of the iPad cover—it even folds with it. When you don’t want to use it, simply push it downwards and it clicks into an elegant storage position.

One of the best practical qualities of the TouchFire is that it’s super easy to clean—simply wash with water and pat dry with towel. As it is made of high-performance silicone rubber, it’s also well suited for lots of movement.

Though the advent of such a device may not seem like that significant of an event in the technology world, the reality is that this thin silicone layer will almost certainly take tablet computing to the next level. Many people who need computers primarily for typing will now turn to iPads as legitimate and sustainable alternatives thanks to the TouchFire.

That said, the TouchFire is problematic in its own way. The upward wrist angle required to type on the flat surface can cause RSI, and the fact that it physically takes up half the screen isn’t too great. Still, it should come as no surprise to anyone if Apple tries to buy the copyright for the device in order to make it a regular staple of the company’s future tablet market.

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 http://https://www.rescuecom.comor 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

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