Nestled on the picturesque shores of Kauai at Anini Beach, an exciting new opportunity is emerging for small business owners, startups, and digital enthusiasts to take control of their data and build something truly tangible: their own servers. This class, led by tech educator and visionary Benjo, will guide participants through the process of setting up a personalized server system, fostering independence from expensive cloud services.

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Why Learn to Build Your Own Server?

In today’s digital world, reliance on major cloud providers often means hefty monthly bills and a disconnection from your own data. If you stop paying, you risk losing access to the very files that shape your personal or professional life.

Benjo’s “My Computer Therapy” method seeks to solve this. By teaching participants to set up servers using affordable, sustainable solutions like Ubuntu Server, OnlyOffice, and NextCloud, this class empowers you to:

• Take ownership of your data.
• Ensure its availability, even in emergencies.
• Save money compared to traditional cloud services.

This is more than a technical tutorial—it’s a step toward digital sovereignty and a community-driven learning experience.

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What You’ll Learn

The hands-on class covers everything from foundational knowledge to advanced server setups. Here’s an overview of what you’ll achieve:

Step 1: Hardware Preparation

Participants are encouraged to bring their pre-purchased hardware and charged laptops. The goal is to ensure everyone starts on the same page, ready to build.

Step 2: Server Installation

• Installing and configuring Ubuntu Server.
• Setting up a virtual machine (VM) for redundancy.
• Connecting remote disks for secure data storage.

Step 3: Integrating Essential Applications

• Setting up OnlyOffice for document management.
• Installing NextCloud for secure, customizable cloud storage.
• Implementing WordPress for future website needs.

Step 4: Advanced Configurations

• Using CloudFlare tunneling for seamless server connectivity.
• Connecting DNS and managing port forwarding for external access.
• Ensuring data is stored externally for recovery and redundancy.

Step 5: Collaborative Learning via Moodle

The class will also utilize Moodle for instruction, where participants will access materials, join group discussions, and learn in real-time.

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Unique Payment Method: The Bank of Sally Shore

Rather than charging a traditional fee, the class operates on a suggested donation system. Participants are encouraged to contribute 1,000 Kehelelani seashells (valued at $100).

This playful, community-centric currency reflects the Hawaiian spirit and supports local artistry. Collected seashells are used to create art, which is appraised and auctioned through the Bank of Sally Shore, connecting local culture to a broader audience.

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Course Format and Community Building

The class is more than a one-time event. It’s a collaborative journey:

• Pre-Class Collaboration: Participants join an online discussion group to familiarize themselves with the tools and connect with classmates.
• In-Person Learning: On the day of the class, we gather at Anini Beach for a hands-on setup, supported by snacks and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Ongoing Support: The community continues to grow as more members join, share insights, and support each other in their projects.

By the end of the course, participants will not only walk away with functional servers but also a newfound network of like-minded individuals.

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Additional Details

• Location: Anini Beach, Kauai, Hawaii.
• Internet: Powered by Starlink’s Gen 4 satellite system, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity.
• Power: Participants should bring their own charged laptops or power sources.
• Duration: The class spans a flexible schedule, ranging from four hours to a full weekend.

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Why This Matters

Benjo, founder of My Computer Therapy, is driven to change the world by providing affordable, innovative solutions to modern-day problems. With over 300 days spent at Anini Beach, his vision combines technology, sustainability, and community.

This class isn’t just about servers—it’s about creating a better, more tangible future where individuals and businesses take control of their digital presence.

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Reserve Your Spot Today

If you’re ready to join this groundbreaking initiative, visit MyComputerTherapy.com to learn more and sign up. Together, we’ll build a system that’s not only functional but also a reflection of our shared commitment to innovation and independence.

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Picture this: you’re hustling through another caffeine-fueled workday, clicking through web forms, and, out of the blue, you’re stopped. A checkbox pops up on the screen—a single, innocent phrase: “I’m not a robot.” You think nothing of it. You click, and sometimes you’re done; sometimes, you get a secondary quiz. But what’s really happening here? This is not just a benign check for human presence. No, my friends, it’s a peek into the surveillance machine—a quiet, nearly invisible incursion into your digital footprint, analyzing behavior you never even thought was up for scrutiny. Yet, here we are, all guilty of giving away snippets of ourselves with a simple, almost thoughtless click. This is not about paranoia. It’s about awareness. Let’s dive deeper into this world of behavioral analysis, data mining, and the seemingly benign security checks that open a window into our personal lives.

Chapter 1: The Seduction of Convenience

The modern web runs on convenience. We, the clickers, the scrollers, the buyers, have surrendered to it—hook, line, and sinker. It started small, a CAPTCHA asking us to decipher some squiggly letters or numbers, something only human eyes and brains could handle. It seemed harmless. But then Google stepped in, turned the game upside down, and suddenly our behavioral quirks became data points. A mouse move here, a hesitation there—it’s all collected, crunched, and analyzed. We handed this over willingly, trading privacy for ease, often unaware that ticking the “I’m not a robot” box was less about confirming our humanity and more about observing it. Our digital clicks became the bait, and we bit, over and over.

To the average user, it was just a box to be ticked, a small price to pay for accessing the website you wanted. But behind the scenes, algorithms were at play, mining micro-movements of the mouse, capturing clicks, tracking your path across the internet. It was no longer just about what you clicked—it was about how you did it. Each interaction became a part of a greater pattern, a data point added to the mass of behavior tracking. We didn’t just let it in—we invited it. Why? Because resistance was slower, messier, and inconvenient. Clicking that box meant fewer headaches, no endless streams of warped text to decipher. It was a seamless experience, and that’s how we got hooked.

Chapter 2: Owning Our Data in an Age of Surveillance

We’ve reached a critical juncture in the internet’s story—a time when we need to take back control. So, what can we do? Start by being aware of what’s happening each time you check the CAPTCHA box, acknowledging that Google’s primary goal isn’t simply to stop bots. It’s to train algorithms, improve their AI, and yes—sell you ads with laser-like precision. Every time you tick that box, you’re feeding a machine designed to profit from your preferences, habits, and behavioral trends. We need to stop treating our data like it’s a commodity we can’t control. It’s not about paranoia; it’s about empowerment, about becoming data-wise and thinking twice before casually ticking “I’m not a robot” without considering the trade-off.

To keep your data safe, consider alternatives to Google’s ubiquitous reCAPTCHA. Systems like hCaptcha give you the same security benefits without feeding the giant data-hungry machine. Better yet, support initiatives that don’t monetize your information at all, like cryptographic attestations or open-source solutions. Imagine a world where your online behavior remains yours alone, unseen by algorithms crafted to turn you into a predictable consumer. We need to educate ourselves and demand solutions that prioritize privacy over profits.

Conclusion: A Call to Awareness

If this article leaves you with a sense of unease, good—it should. This isn’t about becoming a tinfoil-hat-wearing internet exile; it’s about staying conscious in a digital age where the price of convenience is your privacy. Each time we reflexively check that box, we need to remember it’s more than a simple security check; it’s a behavioral analysis tool, a market research strategy, and a way to reinforce an advertising machine that thrives on knowing who you are. The time has come to reclaim the narrative, to educate ourselves, and to find ways to protect our digital footprints.

We don’t have to give away every piece of ourselves to access the web. Let’s start asking questions, demanding alternatives, and keeping our behavior out of the hands of data brokers who see us as nothing more than a collection of profitable traits. It’s time to stop clicking without thinking. To paraphrase a classic: click wisely, my friends.

The End.

This piece blends insight and urgency, aiming to wake up readers to the often-invisible invasions of privacy they’ve unknowingly accepted. It’s about choice and ownership in an era that commodifies human behavior.

For those living on the water, a kayak provides a perfect base for a portable office. Lightweight and agile, it allows you to explore Kauai’s stunning coastline while remaining self-sufficient. However, maintaining internet access and a reliable power source poses unique challenges. Here’s how technology makes it possible:

Starlink and EcoFlow: The Core of Connectivity
The heart of this setup is a Starlink satellite dish and an EcoFlow River 2 Pro battery pack. Starlink delivers reliable internet connectivity, even in remote areas, making it a game-changer for off-grid work. The EcoFlow River 2 Pro offers a compact yet powerful battery solution, capable of running Starlink for about seven hours on a full charge. Paired with portable solar panels, the system provides continuous power under sunny conditions, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity throughout the day.

Challenges of Off-Grid Kayak Living:

• Wind and Hydro Limitations: While wind and micro-hydro power could theoretically extend power supply, current models are too bulky or unavailable in portable sizes suitable for a kayak. This makes solar power the primary energy source for now, limiting energy capacity to sunny days.
• Space Constraints: A kayak’s limited space requires prioritizing compact and lightweight equipment. Every component must be easy to transport and quick to deploy.

Expanding Horizons: Electric Motorcycles and Portable Power

While the kayak offers unique flexibility, electric motorcycles present the next level of mobile power potential. Imagine transitioning from a coastal kayak to an electric motorcycle, expanding the range of exploration while retaining off-grid connectivity.

The Role of Electric Motorcycles in Off-Grid Exploration
Electric motorcycles provide a sustainable alternative to traditional off-road vehicles. With advances in battery technology, an electric motorcycle could serve as a mobile energy hub, storing power generated from solar panels during stops. The dream is for Elon Musk’s Tesla technology to integrate solar, wind, and hydro solutions into a unified, portable system that supports off-grid adventures.

Advantages of Electric Motorcycles on Kauai:

• Greater Mobility: Cover larger distances faster, accessing inland locations without sacrificing off-grid independence.
• Portable Power: Use the motorcycle’s battery as a power bank for devices, Starlink, or other gear when stationary.
• Solar Recharging: Charge on the go with foldable solar panels that can be mounted or packed, optimizing energy collection during breaks.

Harnessing the Island’s Elements: A Call for Better Portability

Currently, solar power remains the most viable renewable source for off-grid life on Kauai, but the potential for wind and hydro solutions is immense. The challenge lies in making these energy sources portable and adaptable for mobile use, particularly in an environment as dynamic as Kauai’s.

Solar Power: Reliable and Portable, but Limited
Portable solar panels have become the cornerstone of off-grid energy, especially in sunny environments like Kauai. Foldable panels are easy to carry and set up, and when paired with a reliable battery pack like the EcoFlow, they provide a consistent power source. However, overcast days can still pose limitations, making energy management a crucial skill for off-grid living.

Wind and Hydro: Potential Waiting to Be Unleashed
Kauai’s coastal winds and flowing streams offer untapped energy, but current portable solutions for wind and hydro are not yet practical for kayak or light motorcycle travel. Future innovations could include collapsible wind turbines or modular hydro units that fit into compact spaces, allowing explorers to harness the island’s diverse energy sources.

A Call for Innovation: Portable Hybrid Systems
Elon Musk’s expertise in battery and solar technology could revolutionize off-grid setups by developing lightweight, hybrid systems that integrate solar, wind, and water power into a single portable unit. Such innovations would expand the possibilities for off-grid living, making it easier to remain self-sufficient without being tied to one energy source.

The Practical Realities of Floating Off-Grid on Kauai

Living on a kayak along Kauai’s coast is not without its challenges. From managing equipment to adapting to unpredictable weather, every day presents a new set of obstacles. Here’s what it takes to make it work:

• Equipment Management: Everything from battery packs to solar panels needs to be securely stored and easily accessible. Waterproof gear and durable containers are essential to protect sensitive electronics from saltwater and moisture.
• Energy Conservation: Balancing energy usage is crucial when relying on a single power source. Charge devices strategically, conserve battery life, and maximize solar collection during peak hours.
• Adaptability: Prepare to adapt based on the conditions. In rough weather, prioritize securing gear and conserving power. Use downtime to recharge devices, reorganize supplies, and plan the next leg of the journey.

A Vision for the Future: Portable Off-Grid Innovation on Kauai

As technology evolves, so will the potential for more advanced and portable off-grid systems. Kauai’s diverse environment is the perfect testing ground for these innovations, encouraging a lifestyle that blends freedom, technology, and environmental consciousness. From kayaks navigating the coast to electric motorcycles venturing inland, the dream of a fully integrated off-grid lifestyle is closer than ever.

What’s Next for Off-Grid Tech on Kauai?
The future of off-grid living on Kauai lies in developing compact, lightweight solutions that can withstand the island’s unique challenges. This includes improving battery efficiency, expanding solar capacity, and creating portable wind and hydro options. With the right advancements, explorers could harness Kauai’s sun, wind, and water to stay connected while immersed in nature.

Conclusion: Embracing the Island’s Spirit with Modern Tech

Floating the coast of Kauai with a kayak and working remotely is more than a technological challenge; it’s a way of life. It’s about finding harmony between the digital world and the raw beauty of nature, using the best of modern technology to minimize your environmental footprint while maximizing freedom. With every paddle stroke and solar panel deployment, off-grid living on Kauai becomes not just a possibility but a lifestyle—a call to adventure, exploration, and sustainable independence.

Additional Resources

• Starlink for Remote Work: Learn more about Starlink’s capabilities
• EcoFlow Portable Power: Explore the EcoFlow River 2 Pro
• Portable Solar Power Solutions: Find the best solar panels for off-grid living

Welcome to My Computer Therapy

At My Computer Therapy, we believe in empowering individuals through education and technology. Our mission is to provide hands-on learning experiences that enhance your understanding of computers and digital devices. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced user seeking to deepen your knowledge, we have something for everyone.

Our Courses

Our courses are designed to be engaging and informative. We offer a range of topics including:

• Basic Computer Skills
• Advanced Server Management
• Network Security
• Web Development
• Cloud Computing

Why Choose Us?

Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping you succeed. We provide a supportive learning environment with plenty of opportunities for hands-on practice. Our small class sizes ensure that you get the individual attention you need to thrive.

 

In a world where the digital and the physical increasingly intertwine, MyComputerTherapy invites you on a groundbreaking journey to the heart of Hawaii – a venture where augmented reality (AR) meets the rich tapestry of Hawaiian cultural heritage. This fusion not only showcases the potential of cutting-edge technology but also offers a unique window into the past, making history and tradition accessible in ways we’ve never imagined.

A Digital Canoe Voyage:
Imagine paddling a virtual canoe through the historic Polynesian voyaging routes, the stars above you mapped in real-time, guiding your way as they did for ancient navigators. MyComputerTherapy is exploring AR applications that bring these experiences to life, offering an immersive learning platform that honors Hawaii’s navigational traditions and the wisdom of its ancestors.

The Virtual Hula Experience:
Through AR, the traditional art of hula can transcend physical boundaries, allowing users worldwide to experience the dance’s spiritual and historical significance. Picture a digital classroom where the movements and stories of hula are taught by holographic kumu (teachers), bringing the essence of Hawaiian culture into homes around the globe.

Augmented Reality Heiaus:
Heiaus, sacred Hawaiian temples, hold centuries of history and cultural significance. AR technology can recreate these sites in stunning detail, offering virtual tours that highlight their architectural ingenuity and the spiritual practices associated with them. This blend of technology and tradition opens new doors for education and preservation, making the rich heritage of Hawaii accessible to all.

Bridging Worlds with Technology:
At MyComputerTherapy, our mission extends beyond digital wellness and learning; it’s about creating bridges. Bridges between the past and the present, the digital and the tangible, and between cultures. Through AR, we envision a future where technology serves as a conduit for cultural preservation, education, and shared understanding.

Set Sail with Us:
We’re at the dawn of a new era where technology enables us to explore, preserve, and share the cultural treasures of Hawaii in unprecedented ways. Join MyComputerTherapy in this exciting journey as we harness AR to celebrate Hawaiian heritage, opening doors to immersive experiences that educate, inspire, and connect.

Dive Into the Digital Renaissance with MyComputerTherapy’s Suite of Services

Hey there, fellow digital trailblazers and business virtuosos! Are you ready to vault over the barriers of the binary and ride the high tide of innovation? MyComputerTherapy invites you to a symposium of the senses, a digital deluge where your business isn’t just seen or heard but truly understood and transformed.

Unveil the Digital Curtain:

In the labyrinth of the digital cosmos, where confusion reigns and clarity is as elusive as a shadow in the night, MyComputerTherapy emerges as your beacon. We’re not just a service; we’re your digital Sherpa, guiding you through the tech wilderness with a blend of education, innovation, and a touch of the extraordinary.

A Kaleidoscope of Services:

• Digital Enlightenment: From the ABCs of SEO to the zen of cybersecurity, our tailor-made tutorials are your ticket to tech mastery.
• Innovation Unleashed: Custom app development, web wizardry, and cloud conquests – if you can dream it, we can digitize it.
• Connectivity Reimagined: With our umbrella system, your data doesn’t just reside; it thrives, interconnected and accessible across platforms and paradigms.

Class Is in Session:

Curious minds, gather round! Our latest class offering, “Navigating the Digital Seas,” is your compass in the tumultuous waters of tech. Explore the vast potential of our umbrella system – a haven where file sharing sings in harmony with project management and WordPress waltzes with Nextcloud. Discover how to harness these tools to elevate your business to the stratosphere of efficiency and innovation.

The Invitation:

This isn’t just a call to action; it’s a summon to adventure. MyComputerTherapy beckons you to join the ranks of businesses and digital nomads who’ve cast off the shackles of the mundane to embrace the boundless potential of technology.

Dare to dream, to explore, to conquer. Let’s embark on this digital odyssey together, transforming the way you view, use, and interact with technology.

Venture into the heart of digital possibility at MyComputerTherapy’s Class. The future isn’t just coming; it’s here, and it’s spectacular.

Riding the Digital Waves with MyComputerTherapy’s Radio

In the kaleidoscopic world where silicon meets soul and pixels blend with the pulses of nature, there emerges a beacon for the digital drifters, the technophiles, and the seekers of serenity alike. Welcome to the odyssey that is MyComputerTherapy’s Radio – a symphonic blend of technology and tranquility, where the bytes meet the beach, and every tune is a step towards enlightenment.

A Symphony of Silicon and Soul

Imagine, if you will, a world where the vast, uncharted territories of the internet become a playground for the mind, where the digital waves are not a tempest but a tranquil melody that soothes the soul. This is where MyComputerTherapy’s Radio casts its net, capturing the essence of technology and wrapping it in the rhythms of relaxation and the beats of learning.

Navigating the Binary Seas with a Compass of Compassion

Channeling the spirit of Hunter S. Thompson, we venture into the heart of the digital jungle, not with trepidation but with a thirst for adventure. With MyComputerTherapy’s Radio, we’re not just tuning into frequencies; we’re diving headfirst into the mysteries of cyberspace, armed with nothing but our wits and a desire to decode the complexities of the digital age.

The Curriculum of the Airwaves

Our programming is as eclectic as the minds we seek to inspire. From the zen of coding to the artistry behind digital content creation, each broadcast is a lesson, each song a lecture. Imagine dissecting the latest in tech trends to the backdrop of soothing tunes, or exploring the frontiers of software development guided by the voices of those who navigate them daily.

Where Every Listener is a Digital Nomad

In this digital odyssey, every listener is a nomad, wandering the virtual landscapes, seeking knowledge, entertainment, and a sense of connection. MyComputerTherapy’s Radio is your guide through these digital plains, offering insights and companionship as you journey through the bytes and beats.

The Invitation: Tune In, Turn On, Tech Out

In the immortal words of Thompson, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” With MyComputerTherapy’s Radio, the ticket is free, and the ride is boundless. So, tune in, turn on, and tech out. Let the digital waves wash over you, bringing with them the knowledge to empower, the music to uplift, and the community to belong.

This is not just a radio station; it’s a movement. A call to those who live at the intersection of technology and transcendence, to those who yearn for a connection that transcends the physical and ventures into the vast expanse of the digital.

Join Us: MyComputerTherapy’s Radio

In the end, it’s all about the journey. And in this journey, you’re never alone. MyComputerTherapy’s Radio is your companion, your guide, and your fellow traveler. Together, let’s make every tune a step towards a greater understanding, every beat a leap into a world where technology and humanity dance in harmony.

Introduction to Digital Nomad Education at My Computer Therapy

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the ability to create, manage, and thrive in a mobile office environment is invaluable. My Computer Therapy is thrilled to introduce a series of classes designed for the modern digital nomad. From setting up your portable server to mastering content creation and leveraging NAS systems for efficient editing, we provide the tools and knowledge you need to excel in your nomadic lifestyle.

Spotlight Classes:

1. Digital Nomad Essentials: Dive into the fundamentals of remote work, exploring essential digital tools and strategies to stay connected and productive, no matter where you are.
2. Building Your Portable Server with TrueNAS SCALE: Learn how to set up and manage a TrueNAS SCALE server that travels with you. This class covers everything from initial setup to advanced configurations, ensuring you have access to your data securely and efficiently.
3. Content Creation on the Go: Master the art of creating compelling content from anywhere in the world. This class focuses on utilizing NAS systems for seamless editing, storage, and sharing of your creative work.

Free Class: Digital Nomad Essentials

Start your journey with our complimentary class, Digital Nomad Essentials, and discover the freedom of efficient and effective remote work.

Explore the Class and Guide

 

My Computer Therapy

The Digital Odyssey Unfolds

In the glow of the setting sun, where the digital and the physical realms converge, My Computer Therapy crafts a symphony of innovation and serenity. Our story is a tapestry of technological empowerment and natural splendor, woven with the threads of passion and a mission to enlighten.

Embarking on a Voyage of Discovery

As digital wayfarers, we sail across the binary seas, navigating the currents of cyberspace with a compass of compassion and a map charted by curiosity. We endeavor to anchor our clients in the safe harbors of knowledge, guiding them through the vast ocean of the digital world.

Charting a Course to Digital Literacy

Our quest is not just about the destination but the transformation along the journey. We teach, we mentor, and we empower. With every session, workshop, and tutorial, we unveil the mysteries of technology, fostering a community of adept navigators poised to harness the power of digital tools.

Amidst the whispers of the wind and the rhythms of the tides, we listen, we learn, and we grow. Join us on this odyssey of the heart and mind as we pursue the horizon where the digital sun sets and rises on a world of endless possibilities.

Set Sail with Us

Nomadic Tech Tales: Kauai

A Journey Where Technology Meets Paradise

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In the vivid tapestry of life’s great odyssey, I’ve set sail on a course less traveled, charting a path where digital waves and Kauai’s whispers merge. This voyage is not merely about the connectivity that binds us but a chronicle of discovery, an odyssey of imparting wisdom, and breaking free from the confines of conventionality. It’s about crafting connections, embarking on adventures, and quenching the thirst for shared knowledge.

Bound by the constellations and the boundless Kauai waves, my narrative weaves a saga of remote collaboration, learning, and transcendence—a testament to the unyielding human spirit. Starlink, my beacon beyond traditional confines, illuminates my path.

From the lush, verdant jungles of Central America to the serene, golden sands of Kauai, my footsteps have echoed a tale of enlightenment, carrying the rhythms of ‘mad love’—a chorus sung in harmony with the souls I’ve encountered, a song of profound connections made and wisdom shared under the vast, open skies.

My mission, woven from the fibers of wanderlust and an unquenchable desire for knowledge, manifests in the creation of classes where languages and life lessons are shared. Embracing the Hawaiian language, I’ve embarked on a journey of ‘aloha,’ an ode to the beauty of embracing new cultures and the power of knowledge to unite us across the vast digital divide.

With the dawn of the digital renaissance at our fingertips, My Computer Therapy stands as a beacon of innovation and simplicity. From crafting digital landscapes for up-and-coming businesses to weaving the threads of automation for enhanced efficiency, our vision is clear—to empower, to elevate, and to connect.

As we prepare for the Geek Retreat on the tranquil shores of Anini Beach, we extend an open invitation to you—become part of our journey, join our mission, and together, let’s traverse the digital horizon. Sign up for our newsletter and join us as we set the sails for tomorrow’s promise.

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