Articles written by J.P. McCauley

What is Helium

About me - J.P. McCauley

A BS in English Lit, Math and Computer Science. An MA in English Lit. I've been working in IT for well over half my life now. I am hoping to explore new horizons and get back to my roots simultaneously through writing.

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Computers & Technology > Internet Security & Safety (Other) How to make a good online password: 5 of 38
There are a number of way in which your Internet passwords can be stolen. Some of the methods used to steal passwords are: monitoring unencrypted network traffic; tricking a user into entering a password on a bogus web site or even giving it to someone on a phone call; looking for a password among written notes; guessing sim... More..
Personal Finance > Retirement Retirement: The spousal IRA explained: 1 of 6
Other than increasing the limits, the 2008 tax rules for the Spousal IRA have not changed from 2007. If your filing status is Married Filing Jointly AND you are not covered by another retirement plan but your spouse is covered, you may contribute and deduct up to $5,000 as long as you or your spouse earn at least that much an... More..
Sciences > Chemistry The chemistry of calcium and its relation to biological function: 2 of 9
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Considering our bones and teeth are mostly comprised of calcium, that isn't hard to imagine. Of all the calcium in the human body, 99% of it is contained in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% is found throughout the body in blood, muscle, and in the fluid between cell... More..
Local Guides > Raleigh Best companies to work for in Raleigh, NC: 1 of 4
Like the rest of the nation, Raleigh, NC has been hit hard by the economic downturn, but the news is not all bad. In terms of economic performance, a report by the Brookings Institution lists the Raleigh metro area as the strongest in North Carolina and among the top 40 in the nation. The Brookings Institution measures econ... More..
Local Guides > Raleigh Historic sites of interest in Raleigh, NC: 1 of 4
In 1788, Raleigh was chosen as the new state capitol of North Carolina: an interesting fact, because Raleigh did not exist yet. Raleigh is one of the few cities in the United States that was planned and built specifically to serve as a state capital. The city was officially established as both the new county seat and the ... More..
Computers & Technology > Internet (Other) What is an IP address?: 1 of 3
An IP address is used to indicate a logical location of a node on an Internet Protocol (IP) network. Traffic is routed based on the IP address in order for the data packets to get to the intended recipient. The IP address does not indicate the actual intended recipient, - that would be the MAC address - the IP address just ... More..
Computers & Technology > Internet Access & Providers What is a default gateway?: 1 of 3
Let's assume you have an address you want to get to, but you have no directions on how to get there. A GPS system could come in handy. But what if instead of being a human in an unfamiliar part of town, you are a data packet on a TPC/IP network looking for an address outside of your local network? Actually, things have just b... More..
Local Guides > Raleigh The best eastern-style barbecue in Raleigh, NC: 1 of 3
As a recent transplant to Raleigh, I was surprise to find that barbecue is a common topic of conversation around the water-cooler at work. I was even more surprised to lean that I did not even know what barbeque was! What I knew as barbeque is known as grilling here in North Carolina. This Yankee was due for an education i... More..
Local Guides > Anchorage The best places near Anchorage, AK to take a dog sled ride: 1 of 3
When you think of dog sledding, you think of Alaska. The Iditarod, the most famous sled dog race, covers over 1,000 miles through Alaskan wilderness. When visiting Anchorage, you may want to experience the local flavors by taking a dog sled ride. There are a number of options available to you in the Anchorage area year rou... More..
Local Guides > Anchorage The best ski areas near Anchorage, AK: 2 of 4
Do you love skiing? Then you will love Anchorage Alaska. Anchorage does not have the reputation of being a glamorous ski destination, but it does have something that most of the glamour spots cannot boast: an extremely long snow season. Ski resorts can remain open for about seven months out of the year. For those willi... More..