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 Featured Items
2024 Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair Grand Prize Winners

The Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) announced the grand prize winners for 2024. Five high school grand prize winners will receive a $100 cash award and an all-expense-paid trip to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles, CA May 12-17.

“Please join me in congratulating our grand prize winners,” said Oanh Loi-Powell, NEOSEF board president. “These students epitomize next generation science and deserve recognition, admiration, and appreciation for their hard work. We are immensely proud of them.”

NEOSEF grand prize winners

NEOSEF grand prize winners

About NEOSEF

NEOSEF is a Society for Science affiliated regional science fair. Established in 1953, NEOSEF organizes the annual science and engineering fair for northeast Ohio students and sends the top winners to compete at Regeneron ISEF.

See more of the winners and projects


Johnny Wu Movie VIP Premiere Event - Bullets, Brothers and Blood
Johnny K. Wu is an award-winning independent filmmaker based in Cleveland Ohio. He just released his latest movie, 'Bullets, Brothers and Blood', at a red carpet VIP event at Atlas Cinemas in Euclid.

Johnny Wu interview

Johnny K. Wu


More photos and video from the VIP Premier


Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024

On April 8, 2024 a total solar eclipse will cross North America. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon's shadow completely covers the Sun - known as the path of totality - will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the Sun's corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun.

Cleveland, Ohio is one of the major cities in its path and there will be a Total Eclipse Fest at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland which is also home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center.

Hundreds of thousands of people will want to view this once-in-a-lifetime experience. (The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next one to pass over Ohio is predicted for 2099.)

Megan Landean, Total Eclipse Fest Project Manager

Total Eclipse Fest Project Manager Megan Landean
with card and instructions to make your own pinhole device


More information and videos about the Eclipse and Festival


It's true - I swear!


Soundblaster card



Polish Cat Concord Casimir Predicts Cleveland Weather
Since 1969, the famous weather predicting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil has had an abysmal overall accuracy rate of less than 40%. Even flipping a coin will get you 50%. And his Ohio copy, Buckeye Chuck, has been replaced by a stuffed animal.That leaves the orange cat Concord Casimir as the go-to spring forecaster.

Concord Casimir studies the weather maps

Concord Casimir studies the weather maps


John Niedzialek teaches Earth Science and Meteorology at Lakeland College. A dozen years ago, John found the orange tabby outside St. Casimir Church in Cleveland and annually predicts the weather in the way he eats pierogis. If he eats them sloppily, Cleveland is in for a long, messy spring; if Casimir eats them normally, then it's winter as usual; and if he swallows the pierogis in one gulp, the region can look forward to a warm coming summer.

Concord Casimir will make his forecast again this Friday at High noon. No, he will not be getting up at 6 am like that not so smart critter in Pennsylvania. After all, why would you get up at 6 am when you can eat a pierogi at noon to predict the weather? Niedzialek says, "He works one day out of the year and still complains about it."

Concord Casimir and his  Master, John Niedzialek

Concord Casimir and his Master, John Niedzialek


Casimir has not missed a forecast yet and his Master, John Niedzialek says that it has something to do with where he was found at the church that many say is a miracle story.

Come back to see how the miracle cat does this year.


Annual Magnum Holiday Lunch
Each year we like to gather an eclectic group of friends and business associates for a holiday lunch. 75 techies, media, non-profits, politicians, business, cultural - they were all represented at Bo Loong.

Dan Hanson with serial entrepreneurs Tim Mueller (Vantage One, City of Cleveland Tech Czar

Dan Hanson with serial entrepreneurs
Tim Mueller (Vantage One, City of Cleveland Tech Czar, etc.)
and Ron Copfer (Fathom IT, Visual Evidence, RBX, etc.)

Rania Abbadi, Lisa Wong, Johnny Wu, Carmen Blackwell and Dan Hanson

Rania Abbadi, Lisa Wong, Johnny Wu,
Carmen Blackwell and Dan Hanson


See how to get invited next year, who was there and view
Photos from the 2023 Magnum Party

and the Second Page of Photos from the Magnum Party


IT Department Christmas Tree


IT Department Christmas Tree



Steve Wozinak Zoom
The Hudson Library & Historical Society hosted a virtual evening with Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, Author of iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It.

So cool to hear from the Woz and to be able to ask questions in the chat.

Steve Wozinak in zoom call



Wings of Women Event
Wings of Women event



Women Tech Leaders Event

Women Tech Leaders



Science at new Art Museum Exhibit
A new exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art called China's Southern Paradise: Treasures from the Lower Yangzi Delta will be open from September 10, 2023 to January 7, 2024.

China's Southern Paradise banner at CMA


China's Southern Paradise: Treasures from the Lower Yangzi Delta is the first exhibition in the West that focuses on the artistic production and cultural impact of a region located in the coastal area south of the Yangzi River called Jiangnan.

It's a large and diverse exhibition. It features more than 200 objects from Neolithic times to the 18th century, ranging from jade, silk, prints, and paintings to porcelain, lacquer, and bamboo carvings.

Portraits of the Qianlong Emperor and His Twelve Consorts

Portraits of the Qianlong Emperor and His Twelve Consorts


One part of the exhibit shows the Lifecycle of a Silkworm.

Lifecycle of a silkworm


You can also see Carbonized Rice from Mount Tianluo which is the earliest archeological evidence of domesticated rice in the world.

Carbonized Rice


See photos and a video tour from the Treasures from the Lower Yangzi Delta exhibit


The Golden Ratio Demystified
The Greek Cultural Garden hosted a Lecture Series in the summer of 2023 showcasing some of the great thoughts from Greek cultural luminaries. On August 19, 2023 the topic was Demystifying the Golden Ratio and it was presented by math professor Athanasious Sarantopoulus.

Athanasious Sarantopoulus teaching in the Greek Cultural Garden

Athanasious Sarantopoulus


In mathematics, two quantities are in the golden ratio if their ratio is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two quantities. It's usually denoted by the Greek letter phi and is an irrational number with a value of about 1.618. What makes it interesting is, as Athan explained, the principles and applications of the Golden Ratio, and the interconnectedness of art and science.

See pictures and watch a video of the Golden Ratio lecture


Making commemorative prints at Cleveland Asian Festival
Zygote Press is an established, nonprofit community printmaking studio, gallery, archive, and education center that supports artists through residency programs, studio access, and artistic development in a collaborative environment open to all. They had a booth at the annual Cleveland Asian Festival on May 20 and 21, 2023 and showed attendees how to make their own commemorative prints using their relief printing press.

Liz Maugans, Joe Sroka, Bellamy Printz, and Kelly Novak founded Zygote Press in 1996 as an open, collaborative shop - to give artist printmakers affordable access to facilities. At the time, many college print departments and print businesses were downsizing and transitioning to digital production. The Zygote founders worked to inherit and purchase discarded presses and other pieces of printing equipment, and so populated the shop with the tools necessary for a functioning studio.



2023 Cleveland Asian Festival Pictures and Videos


Cleveland Guardians Tech Features for 2023 Season
The Cleveland Guardians have a lot of new merchandise and promotional items for the 2023 season. One of the interesting new things is the abundance (about 50%) of cashless options to buy a hot dog and a beer or whatever. Not just at the stands but also for about half the vendors coming to your seat.

There is also a new system to get a beer quickly. Visit the area, swipe you card, grab the beer you want and as you leave the area the technology charges your credit card while you are heading back to you seat, never missing any action. I can't wait to try that



2023 Guardians new merch, promos and food


Cybersecurity Update with Terin D. Williams - DHS - CISA
It's been a while since peers could gather in person and learn about and discuss important IT and Business issues. So it was great to see so many people out and about at this event sponsored by Box and ASMGi.

Cybersecurity event sponsored by Box and ASMGi


The hot topic that drew the large crowd was Cybersecurity with a presentation by Terin D. Williams, Cyber Security Advisor, Ohio, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

Terin D. Williams

Terin D. Williams


Photos and videos of the Cybersecurity presentation


Computers Assisting People
Since we started in the mid-90's the volunteers (we are all volunteers) of Computers Assisting People (CAP) have refurbished over 25,000 PCs and countless peripherals and donated them to over 550 Cleveland area schools and non-profits in every ward of the City and East Cleveland and beyond.

We are partnering with the Rotary Club of Cleveland to have a Community Day where people can learn about how to get a computer, how to donate, how to volunteer and more. Resources, pizza and fun.

We hope you can attend. Let us know if bringing a group (school class, Scouts, etc.) so we can have enough pizza. If you are a company and want to be involved - a resource table or just chipping in for the tchotchkes and food - please let us know.

Here is a flyer you can share. Thanks

CAP Rotary Community Day



The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England
The Cleveland Museum of Art opened a new exhibit - The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England - which is the first exhibition in the US to trace the transformation of the arts in Tudor England.

The Tudors exhibit at Cleveland Museum of Art


It includes huge tapestries that fill entire walls, suits of armor, sculptures, portraits and more.

The Tudor dynasty ruled for only three generations but it transformed England from a land devastated by the War of the Roses to a major player in Europe and eventually the rest of the world. This exhibit covers the larger than life personas of Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

Tudor Family Tree

Tudor Family Tree

As a mathematician (and geek), I was very interested in the Astronomicum Caesareum books. Henry VIII had a large and impressive book collection

from Henry VIII’s astronomy book collection

from Henry VIII’s astronomy book collection

Photos and videos of the Tudors Exhibit at CMA.


Geek Font Humor
Font joke


Annual Magnum Holiday Party

Each year we like to gather an eclectic group of friends and business associates for a holiday lunch. No, it's not just techies. Media, non-profits, politicians, business, cultural - they were all represented.

The food and atmosphere at Emperor's Palace in Old Chinatown is always terrific and they opened up just for our 70 or so guests

Victor Ruiz, Jessica Davis and Ron Copfer

Victor Ruiz, Jessica Davis and Ron Copfer


George Koussa, August Pust, Margaret Wong, Annie Pu and Mehmet Gencer

George Koussa, August Pust, Margaret Wong, Annie Pu and Mehmet Gencer


See how to get invited next year, who was there and view:

Photos from the 2022 Magnum Party


Nela Park GE Lighting Holiday Light Display 2022

Nela Park is the headquarters of GE Lighting, located in East Cleveland, Ohio. Nela Park was the first industrial park in the world and was home to most of the lighting breakthroughs of the last century. Thomas Edison was a founder. Albert Einstein and other notables visited.

Dan Hanson was raised in East Cleveland and his family visited the world-famous Christmas lighting display every Christmas season. You used to be able to drive through the campus but in recent years the display is all along Noble Rd. He takes us on a tour of the 2022 display.



See more photos of the 2022 Nela Park Christmas Display


Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) Open House

For more than 30 years, the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) has been providing Northeast Ohio manufacturers with the guidance they need to achieve long-term success. They service 18 counties in Northeast Ohio and consult on a wide range of manufacturing needs to create jobs and drive change by collaborating with manufacturing CEOs, governments, community leaders and educators to solve problems and build opportunities.

They opened a new facility at 63rd and Chester and Great Lakes Geek Dan Hanson took a walk through the amazing new facility. As you will see, there are robots, arc welders, tools for forming metal, grinders, vacuum lifts, 3D printers, injection molding, die cutting and much more. Plus state of the art classrooms and information showing the well-paying job and career opportunities in manufacturing.

MAGNET open house display


Photos and videos of the MAGNET facility

The beautiful new building has an extra component for the community. On the west side of the building there is an incredible playground with fun activities that will also teach scientific principles.

Magnet playground


See the playground page for pictures and videos.


Cleveland Tech History

Having come of age with many of the luminaries of Cleveland Technology the Great Lakes Geek has begun a series of episodes on Cleveland Tech History including:

  • Ron Copfer - Serial Entrepreneur and Tech Pioneer

  • Jim Cookinham - Godfather of Cleveland Tech Industry

  • Chris Thompson -Journalist who changed Cleveland's Tech Scene

  • Tim Mueller - From Web 1.0 pioneer to Deputy Mayor

  • Kevin Goodman of BlueBridge Networks

See the Cleveland Tech History inteviews





CFO’s & CIO’s Let’s Talk IT Budget 2023

Free Webinar on November 9, 2022 - Budgeting for IT in a Volatile World.

BlueBridge Webinar


In order to properly budget for your IT needs in 2023, you must first understand the changing landscape of business. In today’s world, companies must be agile and able to respond quickly to changes in order to remain competitive. The days of spending huge sums of money on an inflexible IT infrastructure are over. As technology becomes more and more essential for business success, the need to carefully plan and budget for your IT needs becomes increasingly important. In this webinar, we will explore how to aggregate your 2023 IT budget with compliance, risk, and agility in mind.

Learn more and sign up for the free BlueBridge webinar

Panelists include George Mehokwho is a chief information officer, author, and advisor with more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry. George is currently the founder and managing partner of robotic process automation and systems integration consulting firm ApertureXI Technologies.

Branndon Kelley is the CIO for AMP. He has more than 20 years of experience providing vision, leadership, governance and execution for technology programs, projects and departments.

Kevin Goodman is Managing Director at BlueBridge Networks, Ohio’s leading managed IT and data center provider.

Sign up on the website or Contact Kevin Goodman, Managing Director for more info and to sign up.

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Aer Lingus Cleveland and Dublin direct flights

Paula Svadlena is Aer Lingus Regional Sales Manager for the Midwest USA and Canada. She sat down with Dan Hanson and told about Aer Lingus (www.aerlingus.com) which took its first flight in 1937 and started transatlantic flights in the 1960's. The big news for people in Cleveland and NEOhio and nearby is that Aer Lingus is launching 4 weekly non-stop flights from Cleveland to and from Dublin Ireland starting in May 2023.

Paula told us the details and the great ease of making the trip (including clearing international customs) between the two cities. In addition, travelers can fly to Dublin and spend some time in Ireland before continuing on their final destination in Europe such as London or Paris without additional fees. Plus travelers from Europe and Ireland now can visit Cleveland quickly and easily.



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Cleveland Airport's John T. Hogan

John T. Hogan is Deputy Chief, Marketing and Air Service Development, for the Cleveland Airport System which includes Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport. He sat down with Dan Hanson and told about how both leisure and business travel are picking up since the pandemic with about 9 million passengers per year, almost back to the normal 10 million passengers. For the 300+ people who travel from Cleveland to Europe each day they will be able to fly direct to Dublin, spend some time in Ireland if they choose, and/or continue on to Paris or Frankfort or Amsterdam or wherever. Plus, with a US Customs Office in Dublin they can clear customs there and when they arrive in Cleveland they can leave right away.

Chief Hogan said this direct flight is an opportunity for Europeans to visit Cleveland and the surrounding areas. He credits several organizations for making this happen.



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RIP Michael Heaton

So sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Heaton, former Plain Dealer writer and more. I did an interview with Michael Heaton in 2007 when his book Truth and Justice came out. It has some great stories and many Cleveland connections - Danny Green, Michael Symon, Frank Jackson, Joe Esterhas and the like. Some great stories as only the Minister of Culture could tell them.

Plain Dealer Minister of Culture and author Michael Heaton signing his new book

Listen to the interview with Michael Heaton

Rest in Peace Minister

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Keithley Gives Back

Clevelanders and beyond will know the Keithley Instruments company which was founded by Joseph F. Keithley in Cleveland in 1946. His first product, the "Phantom Repeater," amplified low-level electric signals so that they could be measured by more standard equipment. The device was used by physicists, chemists, and engineers in the development of hearing aids and amplifiers.

The company took off with the introduction of the second product - an electrometer. Now there are about 500 products with major product lines including testing and measurement products such as electrometers, voltmeters, signal generators, data acquisition, and production and benchtop parametric testers and analyzers.

In 1964 they moved to Solon and later (2010) was sold and then merged so it now exists wholly as a brand of Tektronix Inc.

The latest exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art is called Impressionism to Modernism: The Keithley Collection.

See photos and take a video tour of the Keithley Collection.

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Fairly Easy Problem

Your first guess/attempt will probably work. Can you solve it any other way?

Math problem


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Who would ever need 10MB?

10 MB PC


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Fan Expo Cleveland 2022 (formerly Wizard World)

Fan Expo (formerly Wizard World) was back in Cleveland the weekend of April 30, 2022. Billed as "the ultimate playground for Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, and Gaming. Three BIG days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions and world-renowned celebrities including William Shatner, Katee Sackhoff and many more.

William Shatner at Cleveland Fan Expo

William Shatner at Cleveland Fan Expo


The huge show floor had lots of vendors selling collectibles, original art, comic books, toys, games, clothes, gear, etc. There were also educational and entertainment sessions off the main show floor. As always the costumes of the vendors and attendees were the best part of the event.

COSplay at Fan Expo 2022 in Cleveland


See pictures and videos from Fan Expo 2022 in Cleveland.

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COSplay and other costumes at Fan Expo Cleveland 2022

COSplay and costumed characters at Fan Expo Cleveland 2022

Cool costumes at Fan Expo Cleveland

COSplay and costumed characters at Fan Expo Cleveland 2022

See lots of costumes from Fan Expo 2022 in Cleveland.



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Great Lakes Geek Calendar

With the pandemic dwindling and hopefully leaving for good we are bringing back the Great Lakes Geek Calendar of Events. The Calendar features virtual and in person events about technology, business and science.

We are honored to have the technology leaders of BlueBridge Networks as a sponsor of the Great Lakes Geek Calendar of Events.

BlueBridge Logo

Submit your open-to-the-public event (it doesn't have to be free, just open to all) and we will post. You can also sign up for the free Great Lakes Geek eNews which includes upcoming events.

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Rebuilders XChange
Geek Business

Rebuilders Xchange RBX sign

Rebuilders Xchange (RBX) buys and sells construction material from ordinary to extraordinary. RBX is in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood in an organized, 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse. (The address is 5401 Hamilton but it's easier to go North on East 53rd - their webiste has clear directions).

On the supply side, they work with local contractors and individuals who have access to overstock, new or salvaged building material. RBX inventories, markets, and sells dropped-off items. Once an item sells, RBX cuts the 'consignor' a check at the end of the month for 50% of each sale. Instead of dumping, donating or storing usable material; both businesses and individuals finally have a streamlined solution for making money.

On the demand side, they are open to the public 4 days a week! Customers have access to an ever-changing inventory of over 1,000's of new, unique, and vintage items.

Jessica Davis and Ron Copfer

Jessica Davis and Ron Copfer

Pictures, video and more of Rebuilders Xchange

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Fun with Maps - Latitude and Longitude

There has been a lot of math and science in developing the systems of latitude and longitude and the time zones and related items. From early astronomers and mathematicians to Ptolemy and Galileo and others the creation of instruments like the pendulum clock, quadrant and sextant were brilliant innovations.

In this special episode of Fun with Maps with Dan Hanson instead of looking at one particular area, he look at some items that affect all the maps of earth. These are the terms latitude and longitude. Using those coordinates you can pinpoint any place on earth. They are essential for ship captains and pilots and others.

Maybe this will be a refresher course or maybe it will be new for you as we discuss latitude, longitude, the Prime Meridian, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, the Equator, International Dateline, Greenwich Mean Time, Time Zones and more.

And we explain how you can be at a spot on Earth where it is both today and yesterday.



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Other Current Items
Murder in the Cultural Gardens
Geek Whodunit

"It just didn’t seem right to DJ. A body found bludgeoned in a place known for “Peace through Mutual Understanding.” But there she was, crumpled behind a bust of composer Franz Liszt in the Hungarian Cultural Garden. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed 911. “What is the nature of your emergency?” the dispatcher queried. With a suddenly very dry mouth DJ managed to get out, “There’s been a murder in the Cultural Gardens.”

That's the beginning of the recently published first novel by Dan Hanson.

Murder in the Cultural Gardens book cover - Franz Liszt statue


The whodunit, titled Murder in the Cultural Gardens, takes place in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and all 30+ gardens are featured during the mystery. You may even recognize some of the characters.



Click the link above to learn more or to purchase in paperback or Kindle version from Amazon. Or contact Dan via the Murder in the Cultural Gardens webpage to have a signed book delivered.


What the Great Lakes Geek is reading
Geek Book

The Great Lakes Geek just finished reading (listening to actually) Make Your Bed - Little things that can change your life by Admiral William H. McRaven (US Navy Retired)

On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university's slogan, "What starts here changes the world," he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.

Read the book review of Make Your Bed

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Bob and Dan's Adventure to the PC Graveyard
Geek Blast from the Past

Computer techies (OK, geeks) Bob Coppedge and Dan Hanson used to take groups to various places of interest to computer professionals (OK, other geeks). They called it Bob and Dan's Excellent Adventures.

This video from 2004 was just unearthed from some old DVDs. This was a different adventure as Bob and Dan visited a cemetery and visited the graves of some old technology - from dBase to Win 95 before facing their own demise.

Watch it if you dare.



See more PC and Tech History


It's Baaaaack
Geek eNews

By popular demand (really, would we lie to you?) the Great Lakes Geek is bringing back the free Geek eNews. It will be sent via e-mail whenever we have something really good to share. Not too often, we promise.

So sign up and look for the news, tips, puzzles, contests, special offers and other information that only the Great Lakes Geek can bring you.

Great Lakes Geek free eNews Signup Form

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Geek Domain Names

Order Domain Names, e-mail accounts, web hosting, SSL certs and the usual menu of Internet items for great prices at Great Lakes Geek Domains. Follow the link at the bottom of the nav bar (under search) or click to visit


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Certified Partner News
Magnum News

We are proud to be Kroll Ontrack® Data Recovery Certified Partners.

This allows us to offer clients the best-of-breed products and services that Kroll Ontrack provides to recover your lost data.

NOTE: Tampering with media information may result in irreversible damage. Contact us right away when you have data loss to maximize the chances to recover your data.

Krol OnTrack logo


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Website Disclaimer
Website Disclaimer

We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Please note that some of the links on this website are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.

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