Thursday 10 November 2016

Francis St. Holder - A Look at Security Services

Francis St. Holder is an educated and experienced information technology and telecommunications expert. He works at Information Technology Security and Consulting, Incorporated as its Chief Technology Officer, so security is one of his priorities. Businesses have a laundry list of security concerns, so it is important to build networks that are protected in an ironclad manner. We hear a great deal about hacking these days, and this is certainly a big part of the network security equation. Viruses and ransomware are threats as well, but there are steps that can be taken to secure systems of all sizes.

Security as it pertains to computer networks is one facet that you have to take seriously, but there are others. If you own a business of any kind, you have to be concerned about threats on the ground as well. Imagine the risk that you would be taking if you were to open a retail business. The shelves would be stocked with thousands of dollars of merchandise, and you would have a great deal of inventory in your stock areas. Plus, in a retail facility, there would always be cash on hand. The risk level would be high, so a security strategy would be essential. An individual like Francis St. Holder would be able to make sound recommendations.

If you were to run a retail business, you could have uniformed security guards deployed in plain sight. This would certainly act as a deterrent, but you would also be creating an environment that could be somewhat of a turnoff for honest shoppers. During our current technologically advanced era, there are more efficient options available to you. Security cameras can be strategically placed throughout a retail space, so you can have an eye in the sky watching everything that is taking place at all times. This can prevent shoplifting, and it can also mitigate your exposure to internal theft. Protection from legal actions is another benefit. You could review a video record of the event if a customer was to make a personal injury claim, and this would apply to workers’ compensation actions.

There is also the matter of restricted access to your place of business, and this is another security facet that someone like Francis St. Holder may discuss with concerned facility decision-makers. You have to make sure that you monitor access at your facility, and this can be done through the utilization of advanced access systems. Proximity card readers are quite popular at the present time. Entry is controlled by cards that are swiped near a reader that opens the door for approved cardholders. Biometric systems are also getting a lot of attention. These devices trigger entry through the recognition of physical characteristics like fingerprints or retinas. You can learn more about these and other security solutions for businesses if you speak with a qualified security consultant.

Thursday 22 September 2016

Francis St. Holder - Training in Pencak Silat

Francis St. Holder finds time to practice martial arts to stay in shape despite his busy schedule working as the Chief Technology Officer for Information Technology Security and Consulting Incorporated (ITSCI) in the Washington, DC area. He focuses mostly on Pencak Silat, an Indonesian martial art that he has fallen in love with over time practicing the art and the skill. St. Holder works hard to help his company’s clients protect their databases and IT systems and to help them use their technology better to help them find more customers and increase business.

Francis St. Holder finds great release in Pencak Silat. It is physically demanding as well as mentally demanding because it incorporates a wide range of strikes, grapples, and other moves that must be studied and mastered over time to get the full effect of the training. St. Holder has been practicing this martial art for many years and continues to grow and find new ways to spar and work against others so that they all can get better together. Traditionally, the history of Pencak Silat begins with the beginning of the oral history of Indonesia, with the arrival of the Indian King Aji Saka on the island of Java. He fought the ruling king of Java at the time, King Dewata Cengkar in hand-to-hand combat and won.

Francis St. Holder loves to practice this ancient art whenever he can. He enjoys the challenge that the full-body combat style uses and loves to learn new grapples and strikes he can try out on his sparring opponents.

Wednesday 14 September 2016

Francis St. Holder - Three Top IT Security Products

Francis St. Holder has worked in Information Technology for over twenty years. He has helped many businesses develop better IT security systems and database security during that time and currently works as the Chief Technology Officer for Information Technology Security and Consulting, Incorporated in the Washington, DC area, where he works with a wide variety of businesses to provide solutions for their database and communication systems. Here are three top IT security products coming on the market soon:
  • Cloud access security brokers. CASBs provide IT security workers with critical control points for the compliant and secure operation of cloud services over many cloud providers. This product can help fill in the gaps of control and visibility that many software as a service apps deal with. 
  • Endpoint detection and response. Endpoint detection and response systems are becoming more common for business databases and information technology systems in recent years to respond to demand for faster detection of breaches and to react faster when they occur. Advanced tools in this vein record several endpoints and network events and store the information. 
  • User and entity behavioral analytics. This service enables large-scope security analytics much in the same way that security information and event management to provide user-centric analysis on user behavior. 
Francis St. Holder has worked with these IT security systems to get them installed in several of his clients’ systems over his career. He continues to advocate for the continued use of these advanced security systems for his clients throughout the Washington, DC area.

Thursday 8 September 2016

Francis St. Holder - Five Things You Need to Start a Small Business

Francis St. Holder, as the Chief Technology Officer for Information Technology Security and Consulting, Incorporated, has had to learn much about what it takes to run a business so that he can help clients in the Washington, DC area. St. Holder works with many small businesses in the area to help them run smoother and faster with better communication technology and data storage and access systems. His work has provided many businesses representing many different industries with the tools they need to expand and build on their services to their own clients in the area. St. Holder strives to provide these businesses with the tools they need to succeed in whatever target market they are in. Over time, he has learned that to run a business, you’ll need these five things to get started: 

  • More time. Unless you can bend the fabric of space-time, the only way you’ll get enough time to manage clients, manage your employees if you have any, manage your budget, and create new products and services to offer is to develop excellent time management skills. The best way to manage your time is to develop a schedule that allows you to handle all of your business operations without getting burnt out and stick to it. 
  • Enough to run your business for a while on a deficit. Chances are, your business won’t start making money until at least a year has passed. In order to keep your head above water for that long, you have to save and scrape together enough capital to cover all of your business expenses for that period of time.
  • Patience. Francis St. Holder has seen many businesses fail in spite of his Information Technology solutions because of lack of patience. Business owners that expect too much from the outset can expect to lose their business before it gets started. You have to expect some failure and slow growth at times, especially early on when you’re trying to establish your business and your brand in your target audience. 
  • Research. As a business owner, you have to research everything. When you’re starting up, does it make sense to rent one space or another, or to buy retail space in a cheaper area? Researching the costs of everything your business needs to make a profit will make keeping those costs down much easier and help you avoid getting into a situation you’re not prepared for. 
  • A business plan. Before you spend any money on getting your business up and running, you have to develop a business plan. Most investors won’t even talk to you without one. Find out exactly how much you’ll need to run your business and how you’re going to reach customers before you start taking out loans and sinking your life savings into your new business. 

Francis St. Holder has helped many businesses become successful.

Monday 29 August 2016

Francis St. Holder - Five New Wireless Technologies for Businesses

Francis St. Holder is the Chief Technology Officer for Information Technology Security and Consulting Incorporated (ITSCI). He has worked in the IT sector for over twenty years and has worked for ITSCI since 2000. He has worked with many different clients in the Washington, DC area where he lives and works over that time, helping them set up and manage wireless networks and systems for their business needs. St. Holder keeps an eye on rising wireless technologies he believes can help businesses grow and prosper, whether they are in the Washington, DC area or have nodes and operations beyond. He has helped many small and larger businesses do their work more efficiently by helping them manage their information databases and create new opportunities to reach new clients and provide new products or services. Here are five new wireless technologies that St. Holder has seen that can help businesses right now:

  • WiGig—High-speed wireless service. In late 2016, the new Wi-Fi protocol will be released. Theoretically, WiGig, as it has been dubbed, will allow connection speeds of up to 10 GBps using 60GHz radio band. Right now, most Wi-Fi connections allow 1GBps using the 40GHz radio band. This will allow businesses to run smoother and faster. 
  • Bluetooth Smart. Bluetooth technology today constantly sends a signal, which drains power from wireless devices. New Bluetooth Smart technology will allow the same speeds and range of current Bluetooth connections, but will no longer require a signal to be broadcasted constantly, saving power and increasing efficiency.
     
  • Apple iBeacon. One of the latest new devices developed by Apple is the iBeacon, which uses Bluetooth Smart technology in a retail setting to transmit data through a signal to the iPhone and iPad. This will allow customers to receive discounts and coupons on their phone when they simply walk past an item on retail shelves. It can also provide information on specific products to customers walking by.
     
  • Cisco Intelligent Proximity. This new device is particularly exciting for Francis St. Holder and other Information Technology executives like him because it allows those who use high-definition videoconferencing using Cisco Systems telepresence gear to connect automatically using their iOS or Android device as soon as they walk into a room, creating more streamlined videoconferences and added efficiency.
     
  • Wireless technologies for the car. Soon you’ll be able to safely use your wireless technology to organize any number of things on the go. The 2015 Audi A3 and the 2015 Chevy Impala already both feature fast wireless data access for users, and more are sure to add this feature in coming years.

Francis St. Holder stays in touch with the advancements of wireless technology so that he can offer more comprehensive solutions to all of his clients through his work at ITSCI.

Monday 25 July 2016

Francis St. Holder and Weightlifting Facts

Weightlifting and weight training are two of Francis St. Holder's preferred methods for physical fitness in Washington DC. Weightlifting is an exercise technique that is often associated with the largest and most muscular men and women, though anyone in moderate physical condition can benefit from a weightlifting program. The following little-known facts about weightlifting may convince others to try the format themselves.

  • There is a difference between bodybuilding and strength training. Bodybuilders, those that enter competitions, are interested in becoming as large as possible in regard to their muscle mass. A bodybuilder will use lighter weights and try for many more repetitions with those weights. A strength training programs seeks to increase the athlete's overall strength. This means using much heavier weights and anticipating far fewer repetitions.

  • Using weights to exercise does not automatically mean that the trainer will become large, which is a positive for many women who are interested in the technique. There are some very strong weightlifters who are actually small in stature and physique. When a trainer uses weights to gain strength, they are also improving the health and strength of their nervous system, which is equally important for overall neuromuscular strength.

  • For a more effective weight training workout, the trainer should select free weights over those connected to a machine. When they lift free weights, they are forcing their muscles to have more control to maintain the proper forms. This gives muscles a more thorough workout, a fact that Francis St. Holder really appreciates while he uses free weights himself.

Monday 18 July 2016

Francis St. Holder and Common Security Services

Security services are a field that Francis St. Holder has spent time studying while serving as an IT executive in Washington DC. As technology continues to grow, the level and types of services available to clients expands accordingly. The following are the most common types of security services that are available for the public and private sectors.
  • Personal security service finds a security business providing human protection for an individual client or group of clients. The most common form of personal security is the use of a bodyguard. Depending on the status and needs of the client being watched, one or more bodyguards may be contracted to cover the client.
  • Business security services vary in options and severity depending on the type of business and what assets are kept on site. A basic level of business security will involve cameras and monitoring devices that can be viewed remotely. For larger-scale or higher revenue installations, the business security service may include armed guards that patrol the property during and after business hours.
  • Home security services are the most popular as they act as a first level of protection for a homeowner and their family. Installations such as security alarms, surveillance cameras, and wireless security products are commonplace. These systems offer protection from theft as well as a link to emergency personnel in case of fire.
  • Vehicle security systems are becoming second-nature to the automotive industry. Francis St. Holder has witnessed the rise in vehicles that come equipped with options such as OnStar.

Monday 11 July 2016

Francis St. Holder Explains CrossFit

As a professional in Washington Dc who is committed to his own fitness, Francis St. Holder explores many different exercise styles, such as the popular regimen of CrossFit. This newer form of fitness has grown in popularity and regularity around the world, to the point where there are even CrossFit Games televised on ESPN. People who are new to the CrossFit world may be intimidated by the language used on the Internet and in the gym. Here, Mr. Holder explains the most commonly used CrossFit terms.

To become good at CrossFit, an athlete must understand the principles of the program. Developed and used by everyone from tactical military personnel and law enforcement officers to martial artists and professional athletes, the premise of CrossFit is that the program is ever-changing and highly unpredictable. This constant fluctuation that is built into each workout keeps the body and mind active. CrossFit is appropriate for men and women.

A Box is the area where a person chooses to do their CrossFit program exercises. This Box could be located in a professional gym or even at home. What sets this area apart from others is that it contains all of the necessary equipment that a CrossFitter will need, such as free weights, kettlebells, and a pull-up bar. A proper CrossFit Box will not have extra equipment that is unnecessary or distracting.
All CrossFit routines are focused on ten physical skills that the creators deem necessary for optimum physical fitness. These include cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, strength, stamina, power, flexibility, speed, agility, accuracy, coordination, and balance.

CrossFit routines are delivered as a WOD or Workout of the Day. These are individual programs that are given as daily suggestions for a workout that meets the needs of the ten physical fitness goals. Each WOD can be completed as an AMRAP (as many repetitions as possible) style or using the for time method which involves counting how many reps the person accomplishes in a given time. With both styles, a score is calculated based upon number of reps and speed of completion, which makes CrossFit a highly competitive workout system.

While the standard WODs are rigorous, those who are looking for an even more grueling routine will want to try the Hero WODs offered by CrossFit. These daily workouts are named after fallen servicemen, firefighters, and police officers that died in the line of duty. Each is very difficult and should only be tried by athletes who have a handle on the basic WODs.

For an even more difficult and gut-wrenching experience, CrossFitters complete the WODs that are named after women, such as the Fran, Isabel, and the Grace.  Francis St. Holder finds these to be challenging but incredibly rewarding in the end.

Saturday 2 July 2016

Francis St. Holder Answers Common IT Networking Questions

As an IT Executive in Washington, Francis St. Holder is very familiar with the common and complex components of an Information Technology (IT) networking system. For those who are considering a career in this field, or for others who are overwhelmed by the many terms used in the industry, he answers the following IT questions.

What is a Local Area Network? 

A LAN, or Local Area Network is the group of computers that are connected together in one location, such as an office building or school. The LAN is self-contained and often not connected to an outside hub or server.

What is a link? 

In the IT world, a link is an electronic connection between any two devices. This link is likely established through a physical connection, such as a cable. A link can also refer to the wireless connection between two or more devices. When the link is disrupted or not connected properly, the two devices cannot communicate with each other. Common links include the connection of a computer to a printer, two computers through a router, or any device that connects to the Internet.

What is a router? 

When connecting or establishing a link between two or more devices, a router is often needed. This small device is an intelligent system that can choose the fastest paths for information to travel based on the parameters it is given when the operator sets up the system. If an IT professional wishes two stand-alone computers to have communication abilities, they must be connected through a router.

What is a Virtual Private Network? 

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is an information transfer and communication pathway that is secure. This means that a computer in one location can communicate private information to a server around the world through the Internet if a VPN is established.

What is the Network Interface Card? 

A Network Interface Card, also known as a NIC, is a small “card” that is physically plugged into a computer. This card allows the computer to connect to a network through a routing device. Every individual NIC card provides its own media access control (MAC) address, allowing that computer to be recognized and labeled on the network. This differentiation gives the user the ability to access the computer of their choice from anywhere else on the network.

What is a proxy server? 

A proxy server is a security system that is implemented to protect the privacy of a network. When an IT professional, such as Francis St. Holder, enables a proxy server, they are ensuring that outsiders who have knowledge of the system's Internet Protocol (IP) address cannot trace that individual IP address back to the physical location of the network and connected computers.

Monday 16 May 2016

Francis St. Holder - Early To Rise

Francis St. Holder is the Chief Technology Officer at Information Technology Security and Consulting, Inc., where he has worked for the last fifteen years. All told, he has more than twenty years of experience in the Information Technology industry.

He is also a small business owner, having purchased and reinvigorated Clinton Cycles in Temple Hills, Maryland in the spring of 2015. So he is a very busy man. But in spite of his crowded schedule and many responsibilities, he is able to rise each day at 4am, and he uses the time to exercise and to pray.

It was Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers, who said that early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Franklin is hardly alone; statesman Daniel Webster, author Ernest Hemingway and former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson are also among those who believed in rising early, and that those early hours enabled them to be their best. Many advocates of rising early find they have increased productivity and increased creativity in those earliest hours. And many, including Francis St. Holder, find that it is the best time of day for them to work out.

Still, getting up before most other people do can be a challenge. The body still needs to get enough sleep in order to function at its best. So people who get up earlier than others tend to go to bed earlier than others, as advised in Ben Franklin’s famous expression. Then again...Mark Twain said that in spite of what Franklin said, he put no faith in the benefits getting up before the rooster crowed.

Francis St. Holder is early to bed and early to rise in Fort Washington, Maryland.

Sources:
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/09/07/never-let-the-sun-catch-you-sleeping-why-and-how-to-become-an-early-riser/
http://brandonvogt.com/5-reasons-why-you-should-wake-up-early/

Saturday 7 May 2016

Francis St. Holder - Computer System Upgrades

Francis St. Holder is an IT professional who has spent more than twenty years in the IT and telecommunications industries. He has long experience in delivering cutting edge IT solutions to Fortune 500 companies.

As the Chief Technology Officer at Information Technology Security and Consulting, Inc, he knows better than most that computer hardware and software systems require upgrades from time to time. A fast an reliable network is essential to the functioning of a business, and when the network goes down then it’s a problem for everyone. The business not only loses money due to down time, but also because of all the work and time that has to be done after the network is up and running again.

Everything has a natural life cycle, and that includes computer hardware and software. Computers typically should be replaced every two to three years, while servers can last a little longer, with suggestions ranging from three to five years. Computers are generally less expensive than they once were, and keeping up-to-date with technology and its ever-increasing demands enables employees to complete their work faster and more thoroughly.

Operating systems also need to be kept up to date. Latest releases have the newest features, which enable the OS to use the hardware and memory to give users the power that they need. Network systems and PCs are able to handle a lot more memory than they used to be able to handle, so programs and functions are able to run a lot faster.

Francis St. Holder has a degree in Technical Management from the University of Maryland at College Park.

Sources: http://www.businessinsider.com/5-reasons-to-upgrade-your-computer-and-networkits-beyond-being-cool-2011-3
http://ipoint-tech.com/benefits-to-upgrading-or-replacing-your-current-network-server-and-pcs/

Saturday 30 April 2016

Francis St. Holder - Clinton Cycles

Francis St. Holder has spent most of his career in the IT industry as an IT Engineer. In 2015 he branched out as the new owner of a used motorcycle shop in Clinton, Maryland.

Clinton Cycles re-opened under his ownership in May of 2015. The shop features used motorcycles, and service for any make and model, and carries a wide variety of pre-owned motorcycles, such as Suzuki, Honda, Triumph and Kawasaki. The dealership has been a mainstay in the motorcycle community for many years, providing everything from custom-made bikes to custom tee shirts.

Clinton Cycles offers new products from Triumph and Honda under existing agreements, and continues to offer the used bikes on which it first built its reputation. The shop has many devoted customers, some of whom are willing to travel long distances to give them their business. “Got my first bike in ages at Clinton Cycles, and had a fantastic experience,” said one satisfied customer. “They are super busy so don’t be in a hurry...I really appreciated the time they took with me. I will be doing all my bike business here, although I live up in Baltimore...Thanks guys!”

The shop prints custom tee shirts for motorcycle brands and clubs, and with their on-site printing can have an order ready in two to five days after submitting a design. They also now carry apparel and accessories for women.

Francis St. Holder has spent more than twenty years in the IT industry as an engineer and remains the Chief Technology Officer at Information Technology Security and Consulting, Inc.

Sources: http://www.clintoncycles.com
http://www.examiner.com/article/a-new-era-for-clinton-cycles

Thursday 21 April 2016

Francis St. Holder - Computer Networks

Francis St. Holder is an IT professional based in Fort Washington, Maryland. He is the Chief Technology Officer at Information Technology Security and Consulting, Inc. He has long experience with Fortune 500 companies, delivering state of the art IT solutions.

Computer networks are an essential tool for companies, government offices and other institutions, allowing them to function both efficiently and securely. They can be created in several different ways. What they have in common is that they enable multiple computing devices to share their resources. That includes everything from printers and text files to electronic communications, such as instant messages and emails.

Computer networks are established and maintained by professionals like Francis St. Holder. There are several different ways to create computer networks. These include using telephone lines, Ethernet cables, satellites, radio waves, or infrared beams. Networking has become an integral part of telecommunications. Our reliance on computer networks has become so great that without them. the operations of businesses, government agencies and schools would be greatly impaired.

There are numerous types of computer networks available. Two of the most common are known as LAN and WAN. LAN is short for Local Area Network. They are set up to connect devices in small areas, such as within a single building. They usually use Ethernet cables to connect the network’s various devices. WAN stands for Wide Area Network. These networks connect devices over a larger area, and use devices called routers to connect various LANs. The Internet is basically an immense WAN that covers the entire earth.
Computer networks are maintained by IT professionals like Francis St. Holder, who has more than twenty years of industry experience.

Sources:
http://www.networking-basics.net
http://www.cisco.com/cisco/web/solutions/small_business/resource_center/articles/connect_employees_and_offices/networking_basics/index.html

Tuesday 22 March 2016

Francis St. Holder - Real Estate Development

One of the many skills that Francis St. Holder has cultivated over the course of his career is real estate development. Also known as property development, real estate development encompasses a wide range of different activities, including the renovation of an existing building, or the improvement of a plot of raw land.

Real estate developers can be companies or individuals. One becomes a real estate developer when they buy a piece of property and improve it through construction, renovation, or restoration. Active developers buy land, finance property, and tend to control the entire development construction process from start to finish.

A real estate developer is similar to a conductor for an orchestra, or a director for a movie. While the developer may not be physically renovating the property or engaging in the construction, he or she will oversee the operation and make sure that it aligns with a certain vision. Because developers often take the greatest financial risk investing in the creation or renovation of a property, they also receive the highest rewards. A good real estate developer has a keen eye, and knows how to see value in a property that others cannot.

Francis St. Holder is not just an IT Engineer and business owner, he is also a real estate developer and investor. His skills as a real estate developer have come from over twenty years of experience in related fields such as business development, design, and implementation. Francis continues to develop a number of valuable skills that help him grow as a person and a professional.

Tuesday 15 March 2016

Francis St. Holder - Pencak Silat

Francis St. Holder is a successful IT engineer with over two decades of experience in his field. He currently works for Information Technology Security and Consulting Inc. as the Chief Technology Officer. He is also very interested in staying fit and active through different kinds of exercise like weightlifting and martial arts. One of the types of martial arts that Francis St. Holder is interested in is pencak silat.

Pencak silat refers to a class of martial arts that was originally from the Nusantara. This full-body fighting style incorporates throwing, striking, and grappling along with the use of weaponry. Because every part of the body is used and the attacker is allowed to strike anywhere, pencak silat is used for physical defense and for psychological ends.

Offensive strategies in pencak silat includes many different techniques, even simple punches and kicks have many different variations and can be combined for different attacks. Even these basic attacks can change based on lineage, style, and regional origin. There are also techniques that can be used to add to the style and technique of the fighter, such as sweeping to knock the opponent off their feet, deceptive blows to distract the opponent, and the scissor takedown where the attacker grips their legs around their opponent.

Defense strategies can also be combined and varied to give each fighter an individual style and signature. The most basic technique is blocking or tangkisan. Others include deflecting, dodging, and countering.

Francis St. Holder enjoys practicing pencak silat to stay fit and active and to relieve stress from his hard work as a business owner and IT engineer.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pencak_Silat

Monday 7 March 2016

Francis St. Holder - Fort Washington, Maryland

Francis St. Holder is a successful IT engineer who lives in Fort Washington, Maryland. He has worked in the IT field for over 20 years helping individuals and companies incorporate cutting edge technology into daily life. Although he was born in Durham, North Carolina, he grew up and still lives in the Washington D.C. area. Francis St. Holder enjoys the close proximity to the United States Capital that Fort Washington offers but likes that it isn’t too built up compared to the city.

Fort Washington, Maryland has a population of just over 23,000 people, square footage of 16.6 miles, and borders Washington D.C. on its south side. It is named after Fort Washington, which was completed in 1809.

Fort Washington is a stone structure and served as the only defensive fort to protect young nation’s capital. It also offered a good field range for cannons. During the War of 1812, he fort was captured by the British during an attack and advancement under the command of Admiral Gordon. This happened three days after the capital was burned. A cannon exploded as it was passing the fort on the USS Princeton in 1844.

During the outbreak of the Civil War Isaac Toucey, the Secretary of the Navy ordered a detachment of United States Marines to garrison the fort. However, they were removed from the fort in May of 1856 by Gideon Welles, the Secretary of the Navy at that time.

The fort now serves as part of an extensive park that offers hiking paths and views of the Potomac River. It is popular with families and history buffs for outdoor recreation like fishing and picnicking.

Francis St. Holder likes living near the historic fort that once protected the capital and enjoys its scenic views offered today.

Sunday 28 February 2016

Francis St. Holder - Expectations for an IT Engineer

Francis St. Holder is a successful engineer from Fort Washington, Maryland. He is very passionate about his career and loves his work. Over the course of his two-decade long career, he has worked in various facets of the Information Technology field like: operations management, business development, systems management, and Cloud solutions. Francis St. Holder also has extensive experience working with Fortune 500 companies. Although he loves the work of an IT engineer it is not for everyone. Understanding what IT engineers do will help any prospective student or professional know if they want to work in the field.

IT engineers have a wide range of responsibilities depending on the company and specific duties needed for the position. Some of these may include: maintaining or repairing hardware, troubleshooting and resolving issues with software, designing data systems, creating computer programs, and overseeing installations. Often times, these tasks involve long uninterrupted hours of work to resolve issues. This requires attention to detail and the ability to stay focused on a task for long periods of time, as well as excellent problem solving skills and critical thinking. Engineers also create instructions manuals or other documentation and write reports. This requires good written communication skills and the ability to get others to understand complex instructions. IT engineers may also participate in strategic planning to determine the technological present and future needs of the company.

Although the work of an IT engineer can be stressful because of the long hours and technical nature of the work, they can typically expect a high compensation rate for their work and many types of IT engineers will see an increase in employment, especially in software sub-fields.

Francis St. Holder enjoys working as an IT engineer and all the opportunities it has brought him.

Monday 1 February 2016

Francis St. Holder - Martials Arts for the Body and the Mind

Francis St. Holder wakes up at four in the morning to exercise, meditate, and pray on a daily basis. He is passionate about martial arts and is a dedicated practitioner. He enjoys martial arts because it keeps his body and his mind healthy and balanced. He focuses on Penchak Silat, an Indonesian martial arts style that focuses on strengthening the body as well as the mind.

Martial arts are great for your physical health. The principals are focused on increasing a practitioner’s strength, endurance, agility, and speed. Practicing marital arts requires you to be in great physical shape. You will need to have great muscle tone, and physical endurance in order to succeed in a martial arts match. These athletes work on their cardiovascular health, their muscle tone, and their agility by regularly performing a variety of exercises.

Another major aspect of martial arts is mental strength and stability.
These practitioners meditate on a daily basis in order to achieve balance in their mind. They also use mental strength to increase their physical endurance to fatigue as well as pain. Many gurus will tell their students that mediation is a key to mastering their style of martial arts, and will remind their students that having a clear mind will help them win their matches.

There are several forms, styles, and schools of marital arts. Each has a different set of techniques. However, most martial arts schools incorporate meditation into their teachings. Francis St. Holder practices Penchak Silat, and works hard to strengthen his body and his mind in order to master his martial arts style.

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Francis St. Holder - How your Business Can Improve with IT and telecommunications

Francis St. Holder is a professional in the IT and telecommunications industry. He has worked for Information Technology Security & Counseling Inc. (ITSCI) since 2000, and is their Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He and the company he works for help several clients design, install, and maintain their network systems. As an IT professional, he understands that a well-designed network and IT system will help improve business or organization.

Information is vital in business. Companies send and receive information from their clients, suppliers, partners, and the government. In modern society, it is nearly impossible to run a business without the use of a computer, the internet, and different software programs. The day to day operations of your company or business can be seriously impacted by the quality of your IT and network. A high quality networking system that is designed by an expert can help your internet and software programs run smoothly no matter how much you use them.

Security is paramount in business. Many companies keep confidential information on their employees and their customers in their computer systems. A security breach in their network can be disastrous. The theft of confidential information can damage a business’s reputation and cause them to lose customers. A computer virus could also wipe out a business’s records, which would seriously damage its day to day operations. A network system that is designed well and secure will help protect your business and your customers. Francis St. Holder helps assess, design, and install networks for his wide array of clients.

Wednesday 13 January 2016

Francis St. Holder - Should you buy a Custom Motorcycle?

Francis St. Holder is an IT professional who has always been passionate about custom motorcycling. In 2015, he purchased Clinton Cycles and offers custom motorcycling services through DMV Baggers to his fellow enthusiasts in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. If you love motorcycles and are passionate about having the perfect bike, you should consider buying a custom bike rather than a standard make and model.

There are several companies who make phenomenal motorcycles. Honda, Yamaha, and Harley Davidson are just a few reliable, and high performing motorcycle manufacturers. Any of these bikes would be a treat to see and ride. However, some motorcyclists prefer to have a motorcycle that was made for them. These enthusiasts generally choose their favorite manufacturer and have the paint, tire style, and seats all customized. They are able to create a unique bike that has every detail they dreamed of. A custom bike costs more than a standard bike, however, you will be able to choose every detail.

You can get your motorcycle customized in several different places. Some choose to have the manufacturer customize their bike when they buy it. Others choose to go to a local motorcycle servicer who specializes in customization. Either is a good option for custom work. Francis St. Holder re-opened Clinton Cycles in 2015, and offers his customers custom services. At this dealership and service center, motorcyclists can buy a new or pre-owned bike and work with DMV Baggers, which is also owned by Francis St. Holder, to customize their bike.  

Sunday 3 January 2016

Francis St. Holder - 3 Steps to Improve IT Security

Francis St. Holder always reminds his clients that security is vital when it comes to their networks and IT systems. He is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with Information Technology Security & Counseling Inc. (ITSCI). A major aspect of his career is to assess his clients’ IT systems and then design and support their new networks. Security is a major issue for most business and organizations who have a wireless network, and it is vital to make networks more secure.

One way to improve your IT security is to use a virus protection software. If you hire an IT Engineer to upgrade your network, this is one of the first things that he or she will install. If you run a business, or an organization, a computer virus can be deadly to your business. You could lose all of your information, and confidential information could be stolen. Make sure you have good anti-virus software that is up to date.

A second way to improve your IT security is to change your passwords frequently. If you are a business owner or manager, make sure every employee who has access to your network changes their passwords on a regular basis. A good IT Engineer can set up reminders for each employee’s login information.

A third way to improve your security is to test your own security periodically. Ask the IT Engineer who set up your network to conduct security audits in your business. This will help keep your network and computers secure. Francis St. Holder is a talented IT Engineer who always provides his clients with the best services, and tips on network and IT security.