Proximity to Major Cities

Chatham County’s location near major metropolitan areas, such as Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, has played a significant role in its growth. With easy access to the Research Triangle Park, which houses numerous high-tech companies and research institutions, Chatham County has become an appealing option for professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle while remaining within commuting distance of job opportunities in the urban centers. This proximity to economic hubs has spurred both residential and commercial growth in the county.

Natural Beauty and Recreational Opportunities

Chatham County boasts a picturesque landscape characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic waterways. The county is home to Jordan Lake, which offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.

Additionally, the Haw River, which meanders through Chatham County, provides vistas and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The abundance of natural beauty and recreational activities has attracted nature lovers, retirees, and families looking for a serene and idyllic setting to call home.

High Quality of Life

Chatham County offers an excellent quality of life to its residents. The county’s strong commitment to education is evident through its well-regarded public school system and the presence of prestigious educational institutions like Central Carolina Community College.

The community places a strong emphasis on preserving its cultural heritage and supporting local arts and crafts. Farmer’s markets, artisanal shops, and community festivals provide opportunities for residents to connect, support local businesses, and celebrate the county’s unique character.

Thriving Economy and Business Opportunities

Chatham County has experienced substantial economic growth, attracting a diverse range of businesses. The county has successfully fostered an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation. The presence of cutting-edge industries, including technology, biotech, and agribusiness, has created a multitude of job opportunities, and spurred economic development.

Moreover, Chatham County’s favorable business climate, along with its affordable land and proximity to major transportation corridors, has made it an appealing destination for companies seeking expansion or relocation. Companies seeking to purchase and develop land in Chatham County can work with an Accredited Land Consultant to help them better understand land use and sales.

Sustainable Development and Preservation Efforts

Chatham County is known for its commitment to sustainable development and conservation. The county has implemented measures to protect its natural resources, promote clean energy initiatives, and encourage eco-friendly practices.

From the establishment of conservation easements to the promotion of green building practices, Chatham County is actively working towards preserving its natural beauty while accommodating growth responsibly.

Remarkable Growth

Chatham County’s remarkable growth as one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina is a testament to its unique combination of advantages. From its proximity to major cities and recreational opportunities to its thriving economy and commitment to sustainability, Chatham County has become an attractive destination for individuals and businesses seeking a high quality of life in a picturesque setting. As the county continues to flourish, it will be exciting to see how it balances growth with preserving the attributes that have made it so desirable in the first place.

The post Chatham County: One of the Fastest Growing in NC appeared first on Absolute Computers.

Recently, we bumped into Full Stack Plumbing in Apex NC. They’re an operation out of Pittsboro who is currently expanding into the Apex and Cary market. Super nice people.

If you want to shop around, we’lll leave some tips below on how to find someone to fix those leaking pipes, but first – it’s story time…

Plumbing and Computers – a Horror Story:

Our first location was on Woodwinds Industrial Court off Cary Parkway. The commercial space was essentially a 200sf office/retail front end with a garage in the back. Thankfully, we proactively had everything a few inches off the ground, thanks to paranoia. The preparedness paid off! One weekend, the hot water heater rusted through. Monday we arrived to about 3″ deep water throughout the entire store. Thankfully, the landlord took care of everything.

Finding a Good Plumber in Apex NC:

Whether you are getting ready for a bathroom remodeling project, installing a new water heater, or experiencing an unexpected leak, you are in need of hiring an experienced, quality plumber. But where do you start? How can you assure that you are hiring a reliable and qualified tradesperson to get the job done right?

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when hiring a plumber for a job big or small.

Check Reviews!

One of the best ways to find out if the plumber you want to hire will do a good job is to see what their previous customers had to say. Online reviews on Google, Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor can give you an idea of how well the plumber has served their customers. You can check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints have been made against a plumbing company. Ask family, friends, or neighbors who they have used for their plumbing projects and if they were satisfied with the work that was done. If you’ve found a plumber you’d like to hire, ask them for references from previous jobs. A qualified and reliable professional will be happy to share this information.

Check Credentials.

All states require plumbers to be licensed, meaning they have completed necessary training and education in their field. Make sure to hire a licensed plumber. Holding a license also requires the plumber to have obtained all necessary insurance and bonding. Ask your plumber if they are properly insured against damages caused to your property or injury to themselves while on the job. Make sure to see proof of insurance, so you know that you are not liable for damages.

Get a Quote.

Ask your plumber for a quote in writing that list everything covered in the estimated cost and the terms of the quote. Consider getting quotes from multiple plumbers to guarantee you are getting charged fairly for your job. Make sure to ask if the plumber charges by the hour or a flat rate and the estimated time to complete the job. Take the time to discuss payment options and expectations.

Communicate.

Make sure to communicate with your plumber your needs and concerns. Assess if the plumber communicates clearly and professionally. An experienced professional will take the time to explain the problem and proposed solution to you, as well as go over the costs you will incur. If they are difficult to reach or unresponsive to your questions, they may not be the right person for the job.

Go Local.

Look for a local plumbing expert, who will be familiar with plumbing codes in your location. If a plumber has done quality, reliable work they will have built a reputation in your community as an experienced professional.

Whether you have a backed-up drain or need a new toilet installed, a little research can help you hire a qualified, licensed plumbing professional to get the job done right.

The post Finding Plumbing Repair in Apex NC appeared first on Absolute Computers.

Note: We decided to write this article after contacting Raleigh Tree Company. We utilized one of their emergency services and needed a tree removed.

Pruning Regularly

One of the essential things you can do for your trees is to prune them regularly. You’re likely aware of the fact that a healthy, strong tree will make use of the light that is shaded by other healthy trees. This means that it needs a lot of pruning. As your tree grows, you’ll notice that all the limbs and twigs on your tree are getting thicker and more robust. Prune these limbs and twigs regularly to keep your tree healthy and strong. You can use pruning shears or a landscaping tool like a hand pruner. You don’t need to cut all the branches at once, just the thicker ones. The number of trees you should prune will vary depending on the type of tree and its care. Acid-free, low-growing trees will require little pruning, while trees that produce heavy branches and spreaders will benefit from more frequent pruning.

Trim Back any Overgrown Branches

Branches that grow out of control can become a liability. They can become a tripping hazard, entangled in power lines, and even cause power outages if a storm brings down the trees overhead. And since our region suffers from frequent winter storms, these overgrown branches can become even more of a problem. A great way to deal with this issue is to use hand shears to promote the tree’s healthy growth. These trimming tools come with particular branches that allow you to snip off unwanted portions of the tree without damaging the rest. Another effective solution is to use a chain saw.

Aerate the Roots of the Tree

One of the crucial ways to ensure a tree has the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy is to aerate the soil around the roots. If your tree’s root system is a bit constricted, you can aerate the soil around the roots. This will allow more oxygen to reach the roots and encourage the growth of new healthy tree roots. Air circulation also helps to keep root diseases and insects away. Look around your tree and ensure some breeze is going around it. If there isn’t any movement, the roots will get too stressed and drop off. By removing the enclosed limiting factors, trees can get the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy.

Check the Soil Regularly

Trees need a healthy, stable, and rich soil to thrive. To get the soil the right texture, always work it in with a gardening spade or similar thick-bladed gardening knife. If you have a lawn, you can always add a second layer of soil to keep it healthy. If your tree has poor soil quality, you’ll likely see poor growth and abnormal leaf color. Add organic matter, such as chopped-up leaves or shredded garbage, to your soil mix to help your tree grow healthy trees.

Use Good Watering Methods

When watering your trees, there are a few things to keep in mind. Watering your healthy trees will ensure they get the water they need and help them reach their full potential. It is essential to regulate the volume of water used on your trees. Watering too hard can cause the tree to develop a fungus that can turn the sap into a toxic substance. If the soil around your tree is typically very waterlogged, it can cause the roots of your tree to rot. To avoid either of these problems, you should water your trees at a consistent pace. If using a water sprayer, ensure you are targeting the root zone and not the leaves.

Remove all the Stakes and Guy Wires from Trees.

One of the ideal ways to keep your trees healthy is to keep them from getting hit by stray objects like branches and wires. Clearing the ground around your trees will also help reduce the risk of trees being struck by objects. Guy wires may choke your trees, strangle them, stunt them, and even create weak spots that break in strong winds.

Mulch Around Trees to Keep them Cool and Humid

One of the easiest ways to keep your trees healthy is to mulch around them. During very hot, humid weather, trees can become saturated and stressed from all the water they need and the inability to evaporate it quickly from the leaves. That leads to unhealthy, at-risk leaves susceptible to diseases and stunting. To avoid this, mulch around your trees. It will also help retain moisture in the air around your trees, keeping them from becoming too dry.

Apply a Slow-release Fertilizer

For trees that are not used to regular fertilization, a slow-release fertilizer can be used. This will allow your tree to get the nutrients it requires without the stress of frequent fertilization. A well-balanced fertilizer should contain a good balance of N-P-K, calcium, and magnesium.

Tree Cabling and Bracing

Cabling and bracing your trees can help them stand out from the background and improve their ability to withstand wind and rain. Consider cabling if you have large trees that need to be braced or tied to a pole for winter protection. This will prevent the trees from falling over from the weight of the snow. A well-braced tree will have less likely to break under the weight of the leaves in the fall. Bracing the trunk will help your tree stay healthy and give it the energy it needs to grow.

Conclusion

Trees require specific conditions to grow and reach their full potential. The health and growth of your tree will determine the length of time it will live and the quality of its foliage. Your tree care routine is an essential part of keeping your tree healthy.

The post 5 Common Tree Repairs in Raleigh North Carolina appeared first on Absolute Computers.

Why are Bradford Pear Trees a Problem?

While Bradford Pear trees produce beautiful blossoms in the springtime, they are more dangerous to the North Carolina ecosystem than meets the eye. In addition to not being a native species, they are wildly invasive and cross pollinate with other trees. While that might not be an issue for the eye, Bradford Pear trees have an unpleasant odor, and their branches are not structurally sound. This can lead to serious consequences for homeowners in spring and winter storms.

NC Bradford Pear Bounty Replacement Program

NC Bradford Pear Bounty is a collaborative program between NC State Extension, NC Urban Forest Council, NC Forest Service, and NC Wildlife Federation. This collaboration allows homeowners to exchange their Bradford Pear trees with a native tree.

The NC Bradford Pear Bounty program is simple. Take a picture of your Bradford Pear tree with a close-up shot of the leaves. Cut it down. Take a picture after you have removed it. When you present the documentation, you will receive a new, native tree for free.

To be eligible for the Bradford Pear tree replacement program, you must:

• Pre-register for the event
• Be a North Carolina resident and homeowner
• Remove the exiting Bradford Pear tree at your own expense.
• Bring the before and after documentation from your tree removal.
• Attend the event in Greensboro on April 23, 2022

The new trees are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Additionally, up to 5 trees can be exchanged (one-for-one).

Visit treebountync.com for registration, requirements, and additional information.

The post North Carolina Bradford Pear Tree Replacement Event appeared first on Absolute Computers.

One of the marketing strategies that technology has encouraged is the use of podcasts to reach consumers and develop a solid brand for the company. It doesn’t take a lot of equipment or special skill to develop a podcast, but there are several legal complications that could arise from your endeavor. So, whether you rely on podcasts as a way to share your hobby or you run an online business like smokingthings.com, make sure that you are operating with the law on your side. These are the primary issues podcasters need to be aware of.

The Truth on Music Laws

There is a lot of misinformation about “fair use” laws on music use. Some believe that clips that are less than five seconds long are safe, while others claim you are able to play seven seconds of audio before being required to pay royalties. Any work created after 1978 is granted copyright protection for the life of the author with another 70 years after that. Public domain music can be found using Google, or you could pay a fee for stock music.

The Truth on Image Laws

Just like music, art, photos, books, or scripts have been granted copyright protection for the lifetime of the original creator plus 70 years. You need to check any material you use to make sure it is allowed. Work with artists directly to know what is allowed in terms of use or to guide you to another source where you can find material for your show.

The Truth About Ownership Rights

Your podcast may be your material, but your podcast host may try to change your content or alter its production. When you work with a network, you will probably have a contract outlining the terms and conditions. Make sure that the clauses are clear and that they have limited rights concerning your material. You will want to be compensating for any changes or use to your content, but you also should receive the credit for the material. If your material has been compromised, file a copyright claim to strengthen your hold over your content and keep the network or sponsor in line.

The Truth About Lawsuits

A podcast could open you up to a lawsuit, especially when you start monetizing. Your content or what a guest on your show has said could incite a listener to file suit. Forming an LLC is a way to protect your personal finances and assets, forcing any litigation to be limited in recourse to the assets of the LLC.

Podcasts can be a great way to engage your consumers and grow your business. However, without the right research and protections, you could find yourself facing several legal infractions.

The post 4 Legal Concerns for Podcasters appeared first on Absolute Computers.

When you purchase your MacBook Air, be sure to get a NEW MacBook Air. I personally like to purchase mine directly from Amazon and not a third party.

Here’s a link to buy the MacBook Air directly from Amazon:

Newer versions:

The MacBook Air above is perfect for most users and college students. It features a 1.8Ghz 5th Generation i5 CPU and has a 12 hour battery life.

There is indeed a newer version out there. It is slightly faster and has a 1.6GHz dual-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.6GH.

Click the link below to get the latest pricing from Amazon:

Will the MacBook Air go on sale on Black Friday 2019?

Black Friday 2019 takes place on Friday, November 29, 2019. Check the link above for Black Friday pricing, but note that the $679 pricetag is a “daily deal”. That specific sale ends at midnight November 25, 2019.

Other differences:

The older MacBook Air looks almost identical to the newer MacBook Air. Aside from the processor, it has Intel HD Graphics 6000. Newer (2019) models feature the Intel UHD Graphics 617.

The post How much is MacBook Air on Black Friday 2019? appeared first on Absolute Computers.

I use the “Plus 6” model for a family of 4. On Prime Day, the Instant Pot is only $55.99 (it is normally $129.95!)

Be sure to get the ORIGINAL Instant Pot, not a knock-off. Here’s the affiliate link directly to buy the Instant Pot from Amazon:

What is so great about the Instant Pot?

I called this thing the Instapot for years before mine finally arrived. And, to be honest, the first few times I used it I treated it like a crock pot and burned everything that I cooked. However, used properly, the Instant Pot is awesome because it is a high pressure cooker. You can cook chicken breasts in like 7 minutes.

Here are some reasons people love the Instant Pot:

• There’s an Instant Pot Community on Facebook
• Ribs – from raw to falling off the bone in under half an hour
• Steamed Eggs!
• A million recipes
• Easy Cleanup
• Did I mention it is fast?

I heard that Amazon plans on selling about a quarter million of these on Prime Day 2019.

The post Instant Pot on Amazon Prime Day is a Great Deal appeared first on Absolute Computers.

The best timing chain for a 2004 – 2008 Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6 is a genuine OEM Nissan Part. The genuine Nissan parts being sold today by dealerships are superior to the parts that came in the car. I learned this the hard way after repairing a 2006 Nissan Maxima and using an “Evergreen” Timing Chain kit, which broke, and I had to replace the timing chain a second time. I’ll post my horror story below, but first, on to the parts..

The cheapest place to get the GENUINE, OEM, REAL Nissan part is right here on Amazon. This is a VERY hard to find link, and the part will be shipped from an actual Nissan Dealership. Even if a mechanic is repairing your Nissan Maxima, get them this part:

Although they are not in the picture, the above kit comes with all tensioners.

While you are repairing the vehicle, be sure to also replace the water pump. I’d strongly recommend you get the real, genuine Nissan water pump. You can definitely save a few bucks here and you’ll probably be ok, but man if that thing breaks you’re going to be spending 15 hours replacing it a second time.

You will also need this gasket set:

Avoid generic aftermarket parts!

If you scan through the forums you’ll see mixed reviews.

If you scan through Amazon, you’ll see mixed reviews.

Many of these reviews are fake and not from verified buyers.

In 2017, I went onto Amazon and purchased an “Evergreen” timing kit for my 2006 Nissan Maxima SE after the chain began rattling. Of course, the chain was rattling because the plastic timing guide had broke. The kit was around $180. I was not trying to be cheap; I just had no idea you could still get the actual part from Nissan. Anyways, the part went in and everything was fine – for about 4,000 miles – then the rattle came back. UGH! After removing the access panel, plastic chunks came falling out. I was tempted to take the car to the junkyard, but, instead I went ahead and got the Nissan part. It cost a bit more, but I had a friend install it.

So – DON’T buy a cheap alternative timing kit for your 6th generation Nissan Maxima with the VQ35DE engine.

The rattle

Just to be clear, the rattle is described in this YouTube video below:

The post Best OEM Timing Kit for a 2004 – 2008 Nissan Maxima – and a FAILED Repair (3.5L V6 VQ35DE) appeared first on Absolute Computers.

You shouldn’t have dialed that number.

You shouldn’t have dialed that number, but, you did. The “Microsoft employee” tells you that your computer has a problem and they need your credit card. It’s only going to be $199 and the representative will remotely log in to your computer and take care of its problems.

The only problem is, that was not a Microsoft employee and your computer wasn’t broken.

Recovering lost money.

If you used a credit card, you can call them and dispute the charges. You should have your credit card company issue a new credit card as well so that the numbers are changed. Next, you need to have your computer serviced (by a real repair company).

Take action to keep attackers out.

According to Cyber Security Training NYC, the scammers didn’t just want your $199, they wanted access to your computer. They usually install software on your machine while they’re “fixing” it. You need to get this harmful software off of your computer – it could be a “backdoor” which will allow them back in.

If you’re not sure what happened, call us or bring your unit in for a free diagnostic. We’ll be happy to look at it for you, repair it and help you get back on track to prevent future attacks.

Microsoft also offers up some free advice here for those who wish to DIY.

The post Tech Support Scams Hit Cary NC Computer Users appeared first on Absolute Computers.

Error handling is a key principle of programming, regardless of what language or platform your development team uses. Every piece of code should account for all possible outcomes and provide logic for how to mitigate issues that may appear. But robust error handling will not be able to fix all problems in an application or system, and that’s where error monitoring becomes a critical part of your development workflow.

Basics of Error Monitoring

The concept of error monitoring is to make development and support teams aware of any unexpected issues that occur on an application once it is live in a stage or production system. Most modern programming languages institute a logging system that will write messages to a text file or a database each time an action is requested and completed. These logs contain valuable information about application performance and user-facing issues, but they can also be challenging to wade through and read. Dynamic error monitoring solutions provide a method of automatically collecting all relevant details about an issue and displaying it in a single package.

Once an error monitoring system has detected a problem and launched the correct alerts, it’s time for the development and quality teams to dig into the details and look for a root cause. Errors and bugs should be assigned to an individual, who is responsible for managing the investigation and identifying workarounds or fixes. Error monitoring tools can also help teams spot negative trends in an application’s performance and launch improvement efforts before end users are affected.

Error Monitoring Integration

The strength of any error monitoring solution lies within its ability to integrate with a development stack and its related platforms. Without full integration, error monitoring tools won’t be able to identify the places in codebases where issues are originating or trace errors to the end user’s experience. Notifications are also a key function of error monitoring tools and they should be integrated with the development team’s communication systems so that all relevant stakeholders are alerted right when an unexpected error is encountered, either internally or externally.

Planning for error monitoring should be a strategic part of any project launch or project charter. Teams need to design their error monitoring system as early as possible in the software development lifecycle, or else they risk losing valuable data and wasting more time later in the project. The key decision for management teams is whether to build a custom error monitoring solution or else rely on a third-party tool. Custom-built solutions are often more robust, but they also require significantly more resources in terms of time and effort.

Monitoring Errors with Retrace

Stackify is one of the leading developers of tools and solutions for software teams. Their Retrace error monitoring product provides advanced error monitoring for all major programming languages. The tool goes beyond basic logging and actual watches all code operations to look for issues that may affect end users. When one is encountered, Retrace kicks off real-time alerts and documents all relevant information, including timestamps, web request headers, and even related database queries.

Retrace is touted as a smart error monitoring solution, meaning it is capable of automatically parsing through data and identifying which errors are unique and which ones are related to a common trend. With this information, development teams can arrive at root cause diagnosis faster and more efficiently. Rather than wasting time digging through log files, they can let Retrace handle the error analysis and start fixing problems right away.

The post What is Error Monitoring? appeared first on Absolute Computers.