Personal Computer Article

Dell Super Fast Optiplex Computer With LCD Flat Panel Monitor Included Big 40 GB

2010-11-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

Also Includes: Power cables, Keyboard, Mouse, New Speakers
High Speed Internet Ready, Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Programs also included on CD (to install)
Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz (Gigahertz, very fast), 1 Gigabyte (GB) DDR RAM Memory, Big 40 GB Hard Drive
CD Drive (Plays Music & Data CD's), 10/100 Networking (Cable-DSL Internet Ready), 8 x 2.0 USB Ports
Original Sealed Microsoft XP, Office Suite CDs included (Open Office is Microsoft Office compatible), Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Programs

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Original :: Dell Super Fast Optiplex Computer With LCD Flat Panel Monitor Included, Big 40 GB (Gigabyte) Hard Drive, 1 GB RAM, P4 Desktop PC, Single Core 2.8Ghz. Processor, XP

piano lessons online

2010-11-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

pianogr.blogspot.com LIVE WEBCAM GREEK MUSIC LESSONS In this video you are looking and listening to the "zeibekiko" rhythm on the piano. Online piano lessons via Skype -my mobile: (+30) 6979131059 Giannis (John). - Greece / Athens Online help with learning Greek songs on the piano . Live help online using the camera on your computer, (in the comfort of your own home), via Skype to play and improve the Greek songs you like on the piano or keyboards. ฮคฮฑ ฮผฮฑฮธฮทฮผฮฑฯ�ฮฑ ฯ�ฮนฮฑฮฝฮฟฯ� ฯ�ฮฑฯ�ฮฑฮดฮนฮดฮฟฮฝฯ�ฮฑฮน ฮบฮฑฮน ฮบฮฑฯ� ฮฟฮนฮบฮฟฮฝ, ฮ�ฮธฮฎฮฝฮฑ ฮบฮฑฮน ฯ�ฯ�ฮฟฮฑฯ�ฯ�ฮนฮฑ.

Video Rating: 0 / 5

Kiwi

2010-11-07T00:56:00.000-07:00

My Master's Thesis Animation, which I completed while I was at The School of Visual Arts, MFA Computer Art, in New York City. Created using Maya, After Effects, and rigged using The Setup Machine by Anzovin studios. If you would like to download there is a small version at my website: www.donysanimation.com The music is orginal and is by Tim Cassell, someone I went to highschool with. The music is available here: donysanimation.com donysanimation.com Alot of people have been emailing me asking a whole lot of questions. Maybe you can find some answers here: www.isfat.com Everyone thank you so much for your compliments and kind words! www.savethekiwi.org.nz Rate Kiwi! on IMDB! http

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Call of Duty Black Ops

2010-11-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

Wide array of play modes including single player, local multiplayer versus and online co-op and multiplayer
Seventh installment of the Call of Duty series, based on the live fire conflicts of the Cold War era
Diverse variety of play setting ranging from urban air and ground combat in SE Asia, to snow combat in Soviet region and jungle combat
Blending of traditional COD, and new first-person character scenarios designed to both retain the essence of the COD gaming experience and ensure constantly flowing and varied action
New arsenal of weapons and vehicles tied to the Cold War era, including the SR-71 Blackbird and sited explosive-tipped crossbows

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List Price: $ 59.99 Price: $ 58.45

Original :: Call of Duty: Black Ops

EDR ZX7RR B Engine

2010-10-31T03:56:00.000-07:00

www.EDRPerformance.com Owner Eric's personal ZX-7RR "B" engine. Kit crank, Kit Long Rod, Kit Pistons (14.8:1 compression), Ported Head, Kit Cams, Kit Valve springs/retainers, Kit mechanical Oil pump, No charging system, Suter Dry Clutch system, Akrapovic World Superbike Dual Split Titanium Exhaust, Keihen FCR 41mm carbs, Kit Carbon Intakes/Big Airbox, Ohlins SBK Forks, Marchesini 16.5" wheels, Brembo GP Monobloc's, SPA tach, VP MR9 Gas. Dyno 148rwhp with 205-16.5" slick (@155-158rwhp with std streeet tire) "A" Engine has same, but with Pankl Titanium Rods, Titanium Valves and Gear Drive camshafts--video coming soon for that one.

Video Rating: 5 / 5

Joels 1994 Acura Integra Type R swap Quick walk around

2010-10-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Please do not bother with negative comments, I dont care if you dont like the car. its my car. I do to it WHAT I WANT. not to make you happy, cause i enjoy it. aside from that, enjoy. and while your free, check out www.mischief.tv if you love cars, mayhem, models, trucks, anything. great site. thats where i can normally be fine, that website was the reason i made this little clip, they wanted to see a little bit of the car. My 1994 Acura Integra LS with a JDM B18c motor and USDM itr trans. the car was tuned by Slow Motion Motorsports in Columbus OH by Corey Parish. There website is www.slowmotinmotorsports.com. They did a fair amount of work on the car too. THE CAR IS UP FOR PARTS. I have to pay off a WRX i just purchased. so the car is up for parts. You can message me on here. The car is located in Maryland. You can message me if you have any questions on the car or if you are interested in parts. THE MOTOR TRANS AND ECU WILL NOT BE SEPERATED. DO NOT ASK. Heres all the mods that i can think of that are done to it. the car is a 94 ls chassis with gsr blades on it or its also got a set of Pink Rota GT3's it has a jdm b18 C in it with a GSR crank, GSR head with jun cams and jun valvetrain Carbon Fiber Whale Penis Intake USDM ITR Trans converted from the car being automatic. JDM ITR Bottom End (pistons) w/ balanced GSR crank (lighter) (11.5:1 CR) GSR Head NEW acl rod,main,thrust. NEW itr oil pump JUN3 Cams and valve train P72 throttle body Skunk2 Intake Manifold Benen Fuel ...

Video Rating: 3 / 5

Keep On Eye On Your Childs Internet Use It May Just Save Them One Day

2010-10-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

If you think that you're doing enough to protect your children from internet predators, you best think again. There are a lot of parents who feel that their sons and daughters are well informed; only accessing suitable web content and only speaking with people they know when they are on the web. As a parent they have followed the advice of keeping the computer in a central room and keeping watch when their children are online. They may perhaps even have downloaded a parental blocker to make it possible for the children to merely access the web sites that they deem satisfactory. All this may not be enough.

You most likely didnโ��t know that 75% of kids are willing to share theirersonal information on the net, regardless of everything that you have told them and that 77% of internet predators are focusing on children 14 year of age and older. So while you might be thinking that it's your younger children that you need to be watching more closely it's really your teens that are actively talking to their friends and total strangers on the net. They are actually the ones at greater risk.

And while the majority of parents would tell you that they are actively protecting their sons and daughters and monitoring their internet activities studies show that only 1/3 of all households in the U.S. are actively doing anything to control and monitor their childrenโ��s net use and that most children will not approach a grown up or parent if they are sexually solicited on the web. And studies show that 1 out of every 33 kids on the internet have received at least one assertive solicitation on the web during the past year. This is including requests to meet, mail or send dirty photographs, money, or gifts.

If you want to be sure that your kids are protected then there is genuinely only one way to go about it. You need to buy a key logger or parental spyware program and download it on all your online ready devices. The cost is so reasonable and they can be downloaded within a matter of minutes. This program can let you see exactly what your kids are saying, seeing, and being solicited with on the net. A program such as this will permit you access to all information not only that they are accessing on the net but also all the people they are chatting with.

Original :: Keep On Eye On Your Childs Internet Use It May Just Save Them One Day

Compaq Presario CQ5600F Desktop PC Black

2010-10-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

AMD Athlon II 170u Processor (2.0 GHz; 1MB L2 Cache; 1000MHz System Bus); 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM (1x2GB expandable to 4GB); 500GB (7200 RPM) Serial ATA hard drive; Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE integrated graphics; SuperMulti DVD Burner with LightScribe Technology; Integrated audio, 6 speaker configurable with up to 5.1 surround sound capabilities
External Ports: Headphone, Microphone (Front), 2 USB 2.0 ports (Front), 4 USB 2.0 ports (Back), VGA-out (Back), Microphone/ Line-in/ Line-out (Back), LAN (Back)
10/100Base-T network interface
Compaq USB keyboard and optical mouse

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List Price: $ 329.99 Price: $ 329.99

Original :: Compaq Presario CQ5600F Desktop PC - Black

South Park Mac vs PC

2010-10-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

Sync, store and share your files with friends online for free! Check out db.qeecode.com A parody of the Mac vs. PC commercials with South Park characters. Created as the final project for a multimedia production class at California State University Northridge (CSUN). There's an error in the credits South Park studio is at www.sp-studio.de Software used for animation: Flash 8 Pro Software used for voices: Cool Edit 2000

Video Rating: 4 / 5

New born free Synthetic Hair Pieces TOP TACHColor 2

2010-10-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

THIS IS FINAL SALE // NO RETURN OR EXCHANGE
2005
TOP TACH
drawstring/ponytail
Chade Fashions

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List Price: $ 20.31 Price: $ 12.79

Original :: New born free Synthetic Hair Piece(s): TOP TACH-Color: 2

EDR ZX7RR warming up 2

2010-10-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Age Of Empires Collectors Edition Limited Edition

2010-10-08T23:56:00.000-07:00

Limited Edition - 3 CDs in Jewel Case Packaging - Age of Empires and Age of Empires II Complete with all Expansions
Includes: Age of Empires; Age of Empires Rise of Rome Expansion;Age of Empires II : Age of Kings Gold Edition;Age of Empires II Conquerors Expansion

Rating: (out of 94 reviews)

List Price: $ 9.99 Price: $ 8.50

Original :: Age Of Empires Collector's Edition (Limited Edition)

Breaking the Computer Buying Cycle

2010-10-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

That New Computer SmellIf you are like most people when they go out and buy a new Personal Computer you probably get excited when you take it out of the box, turn it on and marvel at how fast it runs. When a computer is new it always seems to run faster and boot up quicker than your old computer. The applications and games seem to run without any slow down and when you get on the internet the pages load instantly on the screen, and you can quickly surf from one website to another. Overtime though, your computer can slow down and not run as quickly as it did when it was new.This slow down can occur for a variety of reasons and when it happens it can be frustrating and spoil your computingxperience. Often times when this happens it can be corrected by either cleaning up your hard drive, or running some diagnostics. Perhaps the computer has a virus and once you remove the virus, performance can be restored. What do you do though if you have done all those things and your computer is still running slow?If your computer is running slow even after you have removed any viruses and attempted to improve system performance, it could mean that the demands you are now placing on your computer have exceeded the computer's capability.As we use our computers we tend to install new software applications and attempt to run more applications simultaneously. The new software we install can require greater computer resources such as more computer memory and a faster CPU, or central processing unit to run the software applications or games properly.If you are like me you like to have multiple software applications running or multiple internet browser windows open at the same time and that can utilize greater amounts of computer resources as well. The more resources you use, the slower the computer will run.This is a constant problem in computing because computer technology doubles roughly every 18 months. In a demand for more feature rich software applications, software developers create more resource consuming software programs. To meet the increased demands of the software, computer manufacturers continue to build faster, more expensive computers. This, in my opinion, is a vicious cycle where in order to maintain a fast and enjoyable computing experience, the computer user is forced to go out and buy a new computer every few years.Fortunately for me I have never had to worry about that problem. I am a certified computer professional and have been building and repairing computers for over 15 years. When I want a faster computer I do not go out and buy a new expensive computer. I have learned how to break the new computer buying cycle by upgrading my computer. By upgrading my computer rather than buying new, I can simply make myself a faster computer at a fraction of the cost.You can break the computer buying cycle too and you do not have to be a computer professional like me to do it. You only need to know a few things about computers, be handy with a screw driver and be able to follow a few simple instructions; but before you begin to think about upgrading your computer, it might be important to get a brief overview on how a computer works.Computer BasicsComputers are made up of a combination of hardware and software working together. When you aren't familiar with how a computer functions then they can seem very complex. You can reduce that complexity, once you understand how a computer works at a basic level.At its most basic level a computer receives input and produces output. A computer receives input through input devices such as the keyboard and mouse (hardware). Every time we click the mouse on a link or move the mouse across the screen we are giving the computer input or an instruction to do something.The computer receives the input as an electronic signal created by the mouse click or keystroke on the keyboard. This signal is transmitted through the computer and is converted into digital data where it can be interpreted as an instruction by the operating system, software application or game.(software)The computer processes digital instruction data and produces output as either an image or words on the computer screen or perhaps as a printout on a printer.What makes a computer fast is its ability to receive input, and produce output quickly. There are several components a computer needs in order to function but there are three primary components that directly affect how fast a computer can operate.The three primary computer components which handle the processing of input and make a computer fast are the:Motherboard or Main System board CPU or Central Processing Unit RAM or Random Access Memory The MotherboardWithout getting too technical, the Motherboard is the computer component that connects all the hardware together on the computer. You could think of the Motherboard as a data freeway that links together all the components of the computer and allows them to transmit data between each other and and communicate.Every computer component on the computer connects to the Motherboard either by being connected directly to the Motherboard or connecting via a data cable. The devices or components that connect to the Motherboard are the CPU, RAM Memory, Hard Drive, CD ROM/DVD drive, Video Card, Sound Card, Network Card, Modem, Key Board, Mouse and Monitor.There are additional peripheral devices which can connect to the Motherboard as well through a variety of data ports which are connected to the Motherboard such as a printer, digital camera, microphone, and even a HDTV. These devices can connect to the Motherboard using one of several ports such as a USB, Parallel, Fire-Wire, SATA (Serial-ATA), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port.In short the Motherboard provided the data communication infrastructure which allows communication between all the devices. What makes one Motherboard faster than another is the volume of data it can support being transmitted across what is called it's data BUS and the speed at which it can transmit the data. One way to think of it is in terms of a street. Think of the data bus as a street and the data are like cars driving down the street. Older Motherboards communication was the equivalent of a two way two lane street with a speed limit of 25 MPH. Today the new Motherboards are like 8 lane highways with 200MPH speed limits.New Motherboards are faster because they can allow more data traffic at higher speeds.The CPUThe CPU or Processor is the brain of the computer. The CPU carries out all the instructions that you in conjunction with the Operating System, like Windows XP or Windows 7, asks it to do. CPUs can only carry out one instruction at a time but they do it so fast it seems like they are doing multiple tasks at one time or "Multitasking".Newer CPUs are faster because their "clock speed" or "clock cycle" is faster. The clock speed is the speed at which a CPU can carry out instructions. You can think of clock speed like the timing of a metronome, the device that helps musicians keep the right musical time. A metronome has a hand on the front of it which swings back and forth at a timing interval you set. As it swings back and forth it ticks like a clock. Like the metronome the CPU also ticks at a set interval but a CPU ticks at an incredibly fast rate which is measured in Mega or Gigahertz. The CPU carries out an instruction on every tick of its clock cycle.New CPUs can not only carry out instructions at very high clock speeds but they can also be made up of multiple CPU Cores. Each Core can carry out its own instructions. When you have a Dual Core CPU it can carry out two instructions at the same time and a Quad Core CPU can carry out four. There are even six Core CPUs out now and like the newer Motherboards these CPUs also have a larger Data BUS to send and receive data faster through the Motherboard enhancing the computers overall performance.RAM MemoryRAM or Random Access Memory is what stores all the instructions you have asked the computer to carry out. Every time we interact with our computer we are creating instruction data for the CPU to process and even the simplest interaction, like moving the mouse across the screen, requires many single instructions the CPU must carry out. You can imagine that playing a computer game or running an application like Adobe Photo shop can create a tremendous amount of instructions for the CPU. The CPU is fast and can execute a lot of instructions quickly but it can't do them all at once which is why we need a place to store the instructions until they can be processed. This is why RAM was created.RAM is basically the storage place for all the instructions that are waiting to be executed by the CPU. You can sometimes tell when you don't have enough RAM when you have clicked on the mouse or hit the enter key to initiate a program and the hour glass just sits there spinning on the screen. It can appear that our computer has locked up or froze but what is actually happening is the computer is completing the series of instructions it has been given before it can perform any further instructions. When this happens we usually see it as the computer briefly locking up. It is also very frustrating.The best way to resolve this problem is by simply adding more RAM to your computer. Adding more RAM is possibly the easiest way to increase the performance of your computer. Increasing the amount of RAM in your computer can help your computer run faster because it allows your computer store more instructions. This lets the computer carry out a lot of instructions while you continue to do your work and it reduces the computer freeze ups.The speed of the RAM you use can also help the computer. If you use RAM that has a faster Data Bus speed it can send the instructions it is storing to the CPU at a faster rate. The faster the CPU gets the instructions the faster it can carry them out and the faster your computer will run.The amount and type you can use is dictated by the type of CPU and Motherboard you use. The Bus speed of the CPU and Motherboard as well as the capacity of RAM the Motherboard can recognize will determine what type of RAM and how much you can use.Some Motherboards will allow you to install as much as 32GBs of RAM and most Motherboards will recognize multiple Bus speeds so you can use several different types of RAM. Generally speaking the faster the BUS speed and the larger storage capacity of the RAM, the faster your computer will perform. The important thing to remember though is that with larger capacity and speed comes higher price.What's nice about upgrading RAM is most Motherboards can accommodate several different speeds and capacities of RAM so you can start out with a slower speed and smaller capacity, which will be less expensive reducing your initial upgrade cost and then later down the road you can upgrade your RAM to a larger capacity and high speed.Replacing the Motherboard, CPU and RAM is actually a lot easier than you may think. The CPU and RAM are directly connected to the motherboard so you can replace all three components at the same time by simply swapping out the motherboard.To do this you must first determine what kind of form factor of motherboard your current computer supports.The Motherboard Form FactorMany computer manufacturers such as HP, Compaq, Dell, Gateway, eMachine, and Acer build their computers based on 4 primary motherboard form factors or design specifications and they are:ATX = Full Size Motherboard generally found in full size Desktop computers and Towers Micro-ATX = Mid Size motherboard found in Mid Tower and Smaller Desktops Mini-ATX = Small Motherboard found in Mid Towers, Smaller Desktops Mini-ITX = Newest motherboards very small size found in new smaller towers and desktops These form factors refer to the size of the Motherboard itself. The computer case is designed to accommodate a specific size of Motherboard. Once you have determined which form factor your computer model is, then all you need to do is purchase the correct form factor Motherboard that fits your computer models case.It would work like this. Let's say you have an HP Pavilion 750n desktop computer. This is an older computer with a single core processor. Nice computer when it first came out but very slow by today's standards. You decide that you want to make it faster by upgrading it to a Quad Core CPU but you need to determine if you can upgrade it.You can determine whether or not you can upgrade that particular computer by going to the HP support website. On the site you would type in your computer model and look at the hardware specifications for that computer. HP will list the form factor information in the specifications guide. Having done this many times, I already know the 750n uses a Micro-ATX form factor.Each computer manufacturer I named has a support site on their webpage where you can go to determine your models form factor. You can also do a search on Yahoo, Google, or Bing and ask what form factor your computer model is. If that doesn't work simply email me or leave a comment on this article and I can help you locate it.Once you know the type of form factor your computer model supports you are now ready to decide what performance level you would like to upgrade your computer to.The performance level of the computer is generally dictated by the CPU it uses. You may recall I indicated the CPU is often referred to as the brain of the computer because it processes all the instructions and it sets the computers overall speed based on it's clock speed.Since the computers overall speed is set by the CPU, you typically start your upgrade by determining the CPU performance level you want.How you decide which performance level you would like to upgrade to can be based on how you use your computer and how much you want to spend to upgrade it. Generally speaking if you only use your computer to send and receive email, browse the web, and save and share digital images from a digital camera, then you may only need to upgrade to a Dual Core CPU to significantly improve you computing experience.If you play lots of games, burns DVDs, edit movies or sound files, and work with high resolution images or graphics, then you may want to select a Quad Core CPU to increase performance and improve your computing experience.From a cost perspective you can expect to pay more for a faster CPU than you would for a slower CPU and Quad Core CPUs are generally more expensive than Dual Cores. As a rule I believe you should purchase as much as you can for as little as possible that way you get the most for your money and you won't have to upgrade again for quite a while.When you are ready to select your CPU you will have choices based on manufacturer and type and there are also some differences between the various types of CPUs from each manufacturer which you should be aware of.There are three primary CPU manufacturers Intel, AMD and Motorola, but for the purpose of this article we are only going to focus on Intel and AMD. Motorola is primarily responsible for making CPUs for Apple Computers. Apple computers, are a proprietary computer model and it can be more difficult and more costly to upgrade an Apple computer.This article is focused on helping the budget conscious, who own what is generally referred to as an IBM compatible computer, upgrade their computer easily and inexpensively. IBM compatible computers are identified as those computers which primarily run a Microsoft Windows based operating system such as Windows XP or Windows 7. Intel and AMD manufacture CPUs that support IBM compatible computers so those are the two manufacturers we will focus on.For the purpose of this article I am not going to go into great detail about the differences between Intel and AMD CPUs. There is already a significant amount of detailed information available on the internet which describes each manufacturers CPU chip architecture, as well as gives side by side comparison.I would invite you to do a little research on how each manufacturers chips are designed and then review a website that benchmarks each CPUs performance. There are many links on CPU design, comparisions and reveiws on the weband this can help you make your CPU choice.The prevailing sentiment regarding AMD vs. Intel is that both CPUs, in either Dual or Quad Core configuration, perform similarly with Intel being slightly faster. Intel CPUs have always been associated with executing business applications quickly while AMD CPUs run multimedia applications quickly. As you research their benchmark scores you will see Intel on a graph seems to dramatically out perform AMD but when you look at the duration of time between the two it is minimal.Where you will see a significant difference between the two manufacturers is in cost. AMD CPUs are almost always less expensive than Intel CPUs. The question I always ask my clients is, "Is a 4 second faster speed difference worth an extra $200 or $300 dollars more by buying an Intel CPU?" To me it is not.I am looking for an overall performance increase compared to what I am currently using. Once you upgrade your computer you are not going to be comparing it to another computer of equal performance, you will be comparing it to the speed of your last computer. If after your upgrade, you find your computer runs significantly faster than your last computer and it didn't cost much for you to achieve that performance increase, you will be happy with your upgrade and that is what is important.CPU CacheEarlier I indicated that RAM stores all the instruction data being transmitted to the CPU and throughout the computer. The CPU Cache is another form of high speed memory only it is specifically devoted to the CPU. It has been shown that a CPU can process data faster if more of the data it must process can be stored on memory located closer to the CPU itself.All CPUs come with a cache but some newer CPUs will come with an additional cache that is faster and can hold more data closer to the CPU. Typically CPUs operating at a higher clock speed and having an additional, faster cache will offer higher performance.A good example of this is the difference between the AMD Athlon and Phenom Series of CPUs. Both the Athlon and Phenom series come in Dual and Quad Core configurations but the Phenoim Series has an additional L3 cache making the CPU faster. It also makes a Phenom series CPU more expensive than the Athlon Series.Another interesting tidbit is there is now a version II for both the Athlon and Phenom Series. The version II offers a more faster cache hence both CPUs are supposed to be faster than their predecessors however the benchmark numbers show a relatively small increase in performance.Be sure to do a little research on the differences between the AMD and Intel CPUs and select the one you feel will be appropriate for your computing needs while meeting your budget goals. Once you have chosen the CPU you want you will then be ready to select the Motherboard that supports not only your CPU but your computer form factor as well.One last thing regarding CPUs are both AMD and Intel have different CPU form factors so when you are selecting a Motherboard for the form factor that meets your computers specifications you also need to select the one that fits your CPU choice. This may seem complicated but it is not that difficult once you start looking at the Motherboard and CPU combinations.The resellers I have showed you have filtering options on their web pages which allow you to select Motherboards that can support either AMD or Intel. You can also filter by both CPU and computer form factor as well which can help you narrow down your decision making.Once you have made a decision on the CPU, you want to select the Motherboard that will support the CPU you have chosen. As far as Motherboards go there are several major manufactures of Motherboards and they all produce the 4 main types of Motherboard form factors. The major manufactures are:ASUS Biostar Gigabyte MSI Foxconn ECSJetway Zotac This may seem like a lot to choose from but as you begin to filter on the CPU type you can narrow down your focus and make selecting the right Motherboard easier.Each motherboard will come with common features that are necessary for standard computer operations and some can come with additional features that may or may not be beneficial to you. The primary thing to remember about the Motherboard is that all of the components connect too it and you can choose to customize your computer upgrade as much or as little you want depending on the Motherboard you purchase.For example, you can purchase a Motherboard which has the video and sound card integrated into the board. This saves you both time and money because it eliminates the need for you to choose a video or sound card, but if you want a specific video or sound card, you can select a Motherboard that does not come with those integrated components and then pick the video and sound card you would like to install as add in cards onto the Motherboard.Here is a list of common Motherboards features:Keyboard and Mouse input often referred to as a PS2 connector USB - Universal Serial Bus ports for connecting computer peripherals such as (Keyboard, Mouse, Printer, Digital Camera, external Hard Drive etc...) Parallel Printer Port (not as much in newer motherboards as printers use USB) Local Area Network or LAN connection for a network or internet connection Dial-up Modem (not as common in newer boards due to high speed internet connections) Optional Motherboard Features:1394 or Fire-wire connection (higher speed data connection) External SATA or Serial-ATA connection (higher speed data connection designed to connect external SATA devices such as a Hard Drive) HDMI - High-Definition Multimedia Interface to connect an HD Monitor or TV, or to an external High Definition Audio component We touched on RAM earlier and we know that the RAM you choose must be supported by the CPU and Motherboard you choose. To make it simple it breaks down like this when upgrading. The CPU determines the type of Motherboard you have to choose and your computer model determines the type of Motherboard form factor you select.The Motherboard will dictate what type of RAM you will be able to use so that will make your selection easier. The only thing you will have to decide when it comes to RAM, is the size of RAM meaning the amount of Gigabytes, Gigs or GBs of RAM you choose and the RAM speed you select.One other thing you must be aware of is the newer Operating Systems such as Windows Vista and Windows 7 require a minimum of 2GBs of RAM to run properly so you will want to select at least 2GBs of RAM when you upgrade. Knowing this can make your decision regarding the amount of RAM pretty straight forward. As far as the speed of RAM you select that again will depend on the speeds the Motherboard will support, the amount of performance you want and how much you are willing to spend.As far as determining the speed of RAM your Motherboard will support that is not difficult to determine. As you begin to look at Motherboards you will see they clearly specify the type and speed of RAM they support.I have covered a lot of information up to this point and I hope you have a better understanding of what is required for you to be able to identify the Motherboard, CPU and RAM components you would need to upgrade your current computer. Buying these components and upgrading them your self is far less expensive then going out and buying a new computer and I am confident with this information as a starting point you too can save money buy upgrading the computer yourself.There are however, two important additional pieces of information you should know before you attempt to upgrade your computer.1. Before you upgrade your current computer you should back up all of your important data on to an external storage device such as an external hard drive, USB jump drive or burn it onto a CD or DVD.The reason this is important is when you upgrade those components you will be forced to reinstall the operating system and that will erase all the current data on your hard drive. In additional if you don't have an installation disk for your current operating system, you will need to purchase a new copy of Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 to install once you have upgraded the components. This may not actually be a major concern for you if you were already considering upgrading to a newer version of Windows. Also I can help you find an inexpensive copy of the Windows operating system if you it.2. The new components you will install in you current PC will be more advanced from a power consumption standpoint and upgrading them will most likely require you to also upgrade your power supply.The upgrade is not expensive and is a very easy to accomplish. The type of power supply you will want to select will be roughly 400 watts at least and will need to be a 20x4 pin or 24 pin power supply. This is the type of power supply supported by the newer Motherboards. Again the Motherboard specifications will indicate the power supply requirements.To make your computer faster all you need to do is upgrade the Motherboard, CPU and RAM. You start by identifying the type of Motherboard form factor your current computer will support, and the performance level you want to upgrade to. Then you buy the CPU that fits your performance needs along with the Motherboard and RAM that fits both your computer model and CPU specifications.The one thing I didn't cover is the actual installation of these components once you have purchased them and are ready to install. At a high level the process is nothing more then:Unplugging the computer and disconnecting all peripheral components such as the keyboard, mouse and monitor from the case Before you open the computer, discharge yourself electrically or purchase a static strap to ground yourself to the chassis, this will help you avoid static discharge which can fry a computer component. Removing the side cover off the computer case Disconnecting all the power cables and Data cables from the old Motherboard Unscrewing and removing the old Motherboard from the case Unscrewing and removing the old power supply Install the new power supply Install the new Motherboard into the case Reconnecting all the power and data cables Powering the computer back up and listening for proper post sound Now you are ready to install the operating system I know once you decide to start this process you will have many questions which is why there is one last thing I would recommend you do before you begin to upgrade you computer.There are many do it yourself computer repair and upgrade manuals available online and they can provide you all the help you need to do your computer upgrade. Many of the books will provide you step by step explanation on how to replace just about every component on your computer and provide you with detailed diagrams so you can see how to actually perform the removal or install. I would suggest you make a small investment and purchase one of these books.If I could recommend any do it yourself computer manual it would be "Self Computer Repair Unleashed".This book covers all aspects of computer upgrade and repair in a clear concise format and provides full color diagrams and step by step instructions to help you through any computer upgrade or repair. I can't recommend this book enough. I have provided a link to this book on the links page of my website below in my signature.I thank you for reading my article and I hope it has inspired you to go out and tackle what you may have originally thought was an impossible task. You can upgrade your computer yourself and save yourself a lot of money too.

Original :: Breaking the Computer Buying Cycle

Car Rental InsuranceDoes Anyone Really Need It

2010-10-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

Do I need car rental insurance? This is a question that many people ponder very simply because the car rental agents usually make it seem like you're committing a crime when you do not agree to take it and they make you sign a waiver stating that you declined the additional insurance. You may dare to reject it and may even agree with him because you think that somehow it will provide additional coverage in case of accidents and mishaps. The fact is, no rental car insurance offers additional benefits beyond what your car insurance and credit card is going to pay.

To verify this fact, contact your insurance company first to make sure that this is accurate. Let them know that you plano rent a vehicle along with what period of time and where in the world. Then let them tell you if you have coverage and what exactly will be covered. If you are concerned, most car insurance companies offer an option of additional insurance for that vehicle rental for the period of time, which usually cost you much less than the rental car offers.

After checking with your car insurance company contact some of you credit card companies to see what type of coverage they will provide with a rental vehicle. Some cards will cover you but at a higher rate so it's a good idea to consult with several before deciding which card to use for your booking.

Between your car insurance company and your credit card company, you should have enough coverage to take care of all matters that may arise. Do not be intimidated by the dealer to pay for additional insurance. Although it may seem like something you need, it usually winds up serving as additional income for rental company with no added protection for you. Keep in mind that their motivation to sell you this insurance is certainly not for your protection, but their profits.

Original :: Car Rental InsuranceDoes Anyone Really Need It

HP Pavilion A4310F Desktop PC Black

2010-09-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

AMD Athlon II X2 250u Dual-Core Processor (3.0 GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 4000 MHz System Bus)
4GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM memory (2x2048 for ultimate performance)
640GB Serial ATA hard drive, SuperMulti DVD Burner with LightScribe Technology
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE Graphics with 256MB integrated shared graphics memory. Up to 1919MB Total Available Graphics Memory as allocated by Windows 7

Rating: (out of 6 reviews)

List Price: $ 640.00 Price:

Original :: HP Pavilion A4310F Desktop PC (Black)

Mac vs PC

2010-09-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Transformers, this short Visual Effects piece shows us what really goes on inside our home computers ... that's right, they're robots, and they wanna beat the f#!@ out of each other. See more at www.nickgreenlee.com

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Song Test

2010-09-23T03:55:00.000-07:00

I know its not good, its my first time ive used software to make a song or really ever writing a song, im not putting it here to show that its good, im keeping it here for personal use so in 6 months i can look back on this and see how far ive come. so enjoy it or hate it doesn't really matter and by music programs i mean recording software, i played all the guitar parts and used my own effects without the computer just used the computer for recording. ;p by the way this isn't one song this is 3 clips from different things I wrote, 1.) Intro 2.) Breakdown 3.) Chorus i know it sucks you dont have to tell me. lol

Video Rating: 0 / 5

Dell 30 Ghz Super Fast GX Computer with Dell 19 LCD Flat Monitor Huge 500GB Hard

2010-09-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

Intel Pentium 4 3.0 GHz With Hyper Threading (very fast), 4 Gigabytes (GB) DDR II RAM Memory
DVD-RW Optical Drive (Plays and Records DVDs/CDs), 10/100/1000 LAN Networking and Internet (Cable-DSL Internet Ready)
Dell 19" LCD Flat Panel Monitor, Original Sealed Microsoft XP, Office Suite CDs included
High Speed Internet Ready, PCI Express Video Ready (32MB included), Audio, Headphone, and Microphone Jacks
Also Includes: Power cables, Keyboard, Mouse, New Speakers

Rating: (out of 17 reviews)

List Price: Price:

Original :: Dell 3.0 Ghz. Super Fast GX Computer with Dell 19" LCD Flat Monitor, Huge 500GB Hard Drive, 4GB RAM, DVD Burner (DVD-RW), and New Licensed Windows XP with Genuine Microsoft Authorized CD

Adolf Hitler Speech 1933

2010-09-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

You don't see political speeches given with this type of emotion any more! The only reason I put this Video on YouTube in February 2007, was because it was the only one I had on my computer that I could load at the time. I thought others may find it historically interesting. My own personal political viewpoint is centralist, neither left not right.

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Compaq Presario CQ5500F Desktop PC Black

2010-09-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

AMD Sempron 140 Processor; 2GB DDR2 System Memory ; 500GB (7200RPM) Hard Drive (SATA); Genuine Windows 7 Premium 64-bit
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE integrated graphics; SuperMulti DVD Burner with LightScribe Technology;
6 speaker configurable with up to 5.1 surround sound capabilities; 2 external 5.25" bay; 1 internal 3.5" bay
10/100Base-T network interface
Headphone; Microphone (Front); 2 USB 2.0 ports (Front); 4 USB 2.0 ports (Back); VGA-out (Back); Microphone/ Line-in/ Line-out (Back); LAN (Back)

Rating: (out of 7 reviews)

List Price: $ 329.99 Price: $ 329.99

Original :: Compaq Presario CQ5500F Desktop PC - Black

EDMS Making your Documents Secure

2010-09-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Gone are the days when we used to be very apprehensive of the bugs that would be always ready to have a party on our paper documents. Use of computer revolutionized the way of functioning. However, to store big files and protect the memory storage from failing, again we had to take care of everything. The storage of documents into storage media like CD, DVD, Hard Disk and Blue Ray Disc, have made the task easier. Still lot of efforts and manpower has to be deployed to store the documents in a secure manner. This necessity led to the rising of many companies which provide storage solutions .

Electronic Document Management system is an advance form of โ��Document Management Systemโ��. Few decades back, some company came up with the idea of managing the papers, print documents and photos of the companies. From here the companies took a step further to manage the electronic documents. Earlier only a few formats of the files were managed. The main task was that of scanning and savig the documents in the image or pdf formats. This helped the organizations a lot to get rid of the heap of the papers occupying the costly office space. This also helped them to retrieve the documents whenever required for the reference purpose. Document archiving was easier and smoother now.

EDMS helps an organization not only to protect and store the documents but also in providing access to the data whenever required. The data to be stored can be integrated, indexed and distributed easily for the workflow. Various methods employed are โ�� . Capture โ�� this involves gaining data from the scanners, fax and memory devices. Optical Character Recognition(OCR) software is often used. . Indexing โ�� this is done to gain access to the documents easily and to track the data. . Storage โ�� storage provides management of documents and transfer of documents from one media to another. . Distribution โ�� it is done for the access of the data and use.

Original :: EDMS Making your Documents Secure

Adware Can Cause Real Stress and Data Loss - Scan as Quick as You Can

2008-07-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

Free adware and spyware scans are something that you should certainly take advantage of if your computer is running slow and you do not presently use an adware program. They can easily be utilized in one of 2 varying ways.

Firstly you can actually get an online scan without downloading any software's. The disadvantage of this is that this method is usually not as accurate and will more often than not leave some hidden malwares or adwares lurking deep within the depths of your pc files.

Secondly you can take advantage of the free adware scans that are all over the internet. These take just minutes to install and are very easy to work. These free scan software's will usually carry out a more thorough job of locating and isolating any adware of spyware problems that you may have picked up whilst surfing the net.

You will find that a free scan software will carry out what is called a deep system scan and the adware that has locked itself in the deepest and most intricate workings of your computer will easily be located in order for you to destroy it.

You might also wonder how did the adware get into your system in the first place? You know you did not download any program's so how did this happen? Well unfortunately it is all to easy to pick up these nasty viruses simply by visiting a website or portal. Some unscrupulous webmasters will plant scripts or codes on their WebPages in order to infiltrate your pc.

Adware / spyware viruses from websites will usually try to carry out tasks such as hijacking your net browser or home page in order to get you to come back to their site and purchase. Others might probably have darker intensions such as stealing your personal information and data, This is not to be taken lightly if you store such things as your financial details or passwords within your pc.

With such dastardly deeds taking place on the net I am afraid that only an idiot would go unprotected, for the sake of a free spyware or adware scan please check out your computer as soon as you can.

Each and every day new adwares are making their way onto the world wide web, This is why it is essential to get an adware eraser that is regularly updated with the newest and most deadly of spywares and adwares.

So first.

Get a free scan.

Use the erase function it if you are infected with an adware.

Regularly check your computer and cleanse it.

Regularly update your adware/spyware software [ this will be free of charge ]

If you follow all the above your computer should be adware free and running like new for as long as you keep to your anti adware regime in place.

Keith Larraby finds free ways to remove adware and spyware. For details and tips, visit: http://adwarenuke.com

How to Back Up Your Files Using XP's backup utility - Step by Step

2008-07-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

To determine how important it is for you to back up your files, you can simply ask yourself the following question: "How bad would it be if I turned on my computer tomorrow and all my files were gone?" If the answer is "It wouldnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt be that bad, thereรขโ�ฌโ�ขs really nothing important on my computer anyway" then you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt really need to be backing up. On the other hand if your answer is like mine and you say "I would be dead in the water, and I would probably go out of business" then you need to make sure you are backing up your data to a separate location than the usual one.

In this tutorial Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm going to tell you exactly what you need to do in order to set up a back up for your files. This tutorial applies to the Windows XP operating system. If you have an older version of Windows there are still plenty of options, but those are not covered here.

The first thing you are going to need to do is make sure you have a working USB port on your machine. Test it out by attaching some kind of USB device to the machine. A good item to test with is a portable USB flash drive. If Windows recognizes the device then you are set.

Next you are going to need an external hard drive. This is where your files will be backed up. My favorite external hard drive is the Western Digital Portable 40GB external drive. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs small, unobtrusive and needs no additional power supply as it gets its power from the USB port. I like to avoid extra cords if I can. Western Digital has been a good name in hard drives for many years. Another nice thing about this drive is there is no software to install. You just plug one cable in and Windows XP recognizes it. You can purchase this drive from Buy.com by clicking on the picture of the item below. If you think you need more than 40 gigs for your backup they make a 100 gig version of the same drive, but 40 gigs should cover most peopleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs important files.

Before plugging in the new external hard drive go to "My Computer" (Start, My Computer) and take a look at what is under "Hard Disk Drives". You may see a drive labeled (C:) or a (D:) , in any case just take note of the drives you see there. After plugging in your new drive give Windows XP a few seconds to recognize it. You should get a pop up saying something like "Your new hardware is ready to use". Go back to My Computer and again look at what is under "hard drives". You should now see a new drive that was not there before. This new drive is the external drive you just plugged in. Take note of its letter (D: or E: etc).

Now that your new drive is hooked up and recognized by Windows XP, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs time to set up the Windows XP backup utility. If you have Windows XP Professional edition this is already on your computer. You can check to make sure it is there by going to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools and you should see "Backup". Windows XP Home edition does not ship with the XP Backup Utility. If you follow the above path in Windows and you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt see the back up utility this means you do not have it. In that case you will need to download it (can be downloaded from my site). Once you have downloaded the file it is fairly simple to install. Just double click on the file and follow the directions.

If it is installed correctly you will see the "Back Up" file when you follow the above path in windows. Click on "Back Up". The utility starts in Wizard mode by default, so you will probably see a screen that says "Welcome to the Backup Wizard". Click the Next Button.

The Next screen is called "What to Back Up", choose the one that says Back up selected files, drives or network data."

Here you have a screen that looks a lot like Windows Explorer, and you can see a layout of your folders. Most people keep their important documents in the "My Documents" folder, so go ahead and put a check mark by that folder. Put check marks by any other files you think you need to back up. Expand the folders as need be by clicking the check marks by the folders. When you are done click Next.

Now you need to decide where to back up to. Click the "Browse" button. If a window with "please insert a disk into disk A: comes up just hit cancel. Use the drop down menu to find the external hard drive you just plugged in (remember you took note of what drive letter it was) Click on the drive letter. This window will show that there is nothing on the drive, since you just added it. Right click anywhere in the white empty space and left click "New" and then "folder". Name the folder something like "backup". Once youรขโ�ฌโ�ขve created this new folder double click on it to go inside the folder. Once inside click on the "save" button.

Now you should be back at the Backup Wizard again at the window called Backup type, destination and name". Under "choose a place to save your backup" you should see the name of your new hard drive as well as the folder you created. Click Next.

You are taken to a window that says "Completing the Backup Wizard". Click "Finish". Watch it back up. If it went well it says "back up complete". Click Close. You should now be back at the รขโ�ฌห�Welcome to the backup utility advanced mode" screen.

Click the button again for "back up wizard (advanced)". Click Next, choose "Back up selected files,or network data" again and click next. Again choose the folders you want to back up. Click next.

Again you are at the Backup type, destination and name screen. Under "Type a name for this back up" enter "backupincrement" . Click browse and find your hard drive and the folder you made earlier. When are again inside the folder you made, click in the text field to the right of "File Name". There is probably something in there that says backup.bkf. Whatever is in there, rename it to "backupincr" or just "increment" if you prefer. Click "save".

Now you are back at the Backup type, destination and name screen again. Click "Next". Now you are at the "Completing the Backup Wizard" screen again. This time click the "advanced" button.

Hit the drop down menu and choose "Incremental". Click Next. Check the box that says "Verify Data after backup". Click Next. Check the radio button that says "Replace the existing backups". Click Next. It asks "When do you want to run the back up?" Choose "later". For the Job Name put in anything you want then click on "Set Schedule". Choose when you want the back up to run. I would recommend daily at night, say 9 pm. After you choose the schedule, click "Ok" Click "next".

Choose a password for the backup. This can be anything though I would make it easy to remember; "password" should do fine. Click รขโ�ฌห�Finish".

Thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs it. You have set your back up to run on a set schedule. It should run automatically without you having to do anything.

Carlos Cabezas writes regularly about home technology at http://www.HighTechHomes.tv/blog. His business, High Tech Homes, helps work at home professionals, families and small businesses with their technology issues.

7 Things to Look For Before Choosing Your iPod Movie and Music Download Website

2008-07-21T03:59:00.000-07:00

There are many sites that will give you everything you need to download millions of media files to your iPod to enjoy at your own convenience.

Some are better than others.

Let's cut straight to the chase.

You should first of all try to locate sites that will give you all of the latest tools for accessing the largest file networks possible. Which leads us to the first thing to look for in a good iPod download website.

1. Variety. Many iPod download sites will give you access to all the necessary tools to search and download all kinds of files for your iPod or computer. Basically, you will be able to find whatever you need for your IPod or computer. This includes games, movies, software, wallpapers, and much more.

2. Compatibility. The second thing to look for when locating a good iPod media download site is one that offers services that are compatible with older iPods.

A few of the better sites will only limit your downloads to what it is your iPod is designed for. For example: if you have an ipod shuffle all you can download is music but if you have an ipod video you can download videos as well.

The best sites will allow you to download music, games, images, wallpapers, screensavers, and software. I've even found a few where the music downloads are available at no extra cost!

The other compatibility issue is your internet connection.

The best iPod download sites will provide down load services whether you have a 56k connection or broadband. Obviously with a 56k connection, the download rate is much lower than the rate of a broadband connection. You can easily download music with out a problem, though it is normally recommended you use a broadband connection when downloading videos.

3. Software. Always make sure the site you're interested in downloading from includes with your membership the movie to iPod transfer software. This software will transfer any movie from your computer to your iPod device.

For instance, let's say you download your favorite movies to your PC. You will then be able to watch them there using a regular media player, or you will be able to record them using the necessary CD / DVD burning software. With the movie to iPod transfer software, you will be able to download all your favorite movies to your PC and transfer them to your iPod.

4. Support. What kind of support does the site offer? Is there someone available around the clock 7 days a week? The best sites will offer full support inside the members area, you should be able to contact them at anytime and submit your questions. You should get clear concise answers back in a timely manner.

5. Confidentiality. As always when doing business on the Net, you should ensure that the registration process and payment pages are 100% secure. Look for secure SSL certification that can be verified.

6. Software Requirements. The Better download websites will not require any extra software. Everything you need should be provided in the members area.

7. Payment. Find out whether or not you will be billed again. Is this a subscription or are the memberships one time fees? Will you have to pay per download?

There are some excellent sites on the Net for downloading media to your iPod. But, as I said at the beginning of the article, some are better than others.

Do a little research and you should do just fine.

For a free report on the best iPod movie and music download websites, visit:

http://goaddr.com/dhf

Rodney Brooks is President of Brooks Global eBusiness Solutions

http://www.brooksglobal.blogspot.com

Personalized Calendars

2008-07-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

Calendars have existed for centuries. They are an indispensable element for organizing daily life. There are different types of tailor-made calendars to suit an individual?s special requirements. Personalized desktop and wall calendars can be custom-designed by professional calendar designers. It is possible to feature your personal snapshots, quotes, logo texts and other designs to a calendar that is personalized to your life. Personalized calendars are an exceptional way to safeguard the extraordinary memories your family cherishes or to advertise your business.

When designing personalized calendars, all elements can be customized including images, dates, holidays and language. Pictures can include those of a new baby, family history, vacation, family pets and special occasions such weddings and family reunions. The pictures can be as small as 2" x 4" or as large as 8 1/2" x 14". Moreover, the pictures can be color or black and white.

Personalized calendars will brighten every day of the year and will make a terrific gift for your family members and friends. It is possible to design and print out yearly, monthly or weekly personalized calendars using one?s imagination. The 12-month calendar is the most popular. A personalized 12-month calendar, allows you the opportunity to enjoy a different photo or piece of artwork every month, and you can also choose a special cover for the calendar. Not only can you reminisce, you can also keep track of very important dates, appointments and events that are coming up. You can also plan your vacation and holidays using a personalized calendar.

Business calendars can be personalized by incorporating photos specific to your product or business alongside your company name, phone number, website address and company logo with many optional sizes and templates. These calendars can serve as interesting fundraisers, yearly gifts and as promotional gift options. A personalized business calendar can be displayed on a customer's desk or wall all year long.

Many websites provide the opportunity to design your own personalized calendars with the aid of downloadable software. There are many reputed companies with top-quality digital printing facilities where you can create personalized calendars that are inexpensive, stylish and very high quality.

Calendars provides detailed information on Calendars, Free Calendars, Printable Calendars, Custom Calendars and more. Calendars is affiliated with Atomic Alarm Clocks.

Elements of Atomic Clocks

2008-07-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

An atomic clock is a kind of clock that uses an atomic resonance frequency standard as its counter. While the time base of a conventional clock is the oscillating pendulum, the atomic clock is based on the properties of atoms transitioning between different energy states.

The first person to express the concept of the atomic clock was the Columbia University Isidor Rabi in the year 1945. He suggested that a clock could be made from a technique he developed in the 1930s, called atomic beam magnetic resonance. By 1949, the National Bureau of Standards introduced the world's first atomic clock using the ammonia molecule as the source of vibrations, and the first atomic clock using cesium atoms as the vibration source was announced in 1952.

Both conventional clocks and atomic clocks use oscillations to keep track of passing time. The oscillation frequencies within the atom depend on the mass of the nucleus and the gravity and electrostatic "spring" between the positive charge on the nucleus and the electron cloud around it.

The most accurate atomic clocks available today use the cesium atom and normal magnetic fields and detectors. Cesium 133 is the element most commonly chosen for atomic clocks. The operation of a cesium-beam atomic clock is based on the transition between two states in the cesium atom. Rubidium is also used in atomic clocks, and it lowers the cost; however, rubidium clocks are less stable. Hydrogen masers have short-term stability and low long-term accuracy. Mercury ions are also used in some atomic clocks. A particular isotope of Ytterbium has a particularly precise resonance frequency in one of its hyperfine transitions. Strontium has a hyperfine transition that is not precise. But strontium can be driven by solid-state lasers that can be utilized to make a very inexpensive, long-lasting, and compact clock. Cesium atomic clocks are used in laboratories like the National Institute of Standards and Technology to maintain national time scales.

Atomic Clocks provides detailed information on Atomic Clocks, Atomic Clock Times, Atomic Alarm Clocks, Atomic Wall Clocks and more. Atomic Clocks is affiliated with Printable Calendars.

CD Duplication Terminology

2008-07-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here we will take a brief look at the most common terminology that is used in CD duplication.

BLER
Block Error Rate. This is the raw digital error rate before any type of error correction.

CD
This the Compact Disc, a digital medium that's formed of a 12cm polycarbonate substrate, a reflective metalized layer, and a protective lacquer coating.

CD-R
Compact Disc-Recordable. The term CD-R is used to describe the technology of recordable CD along with the equipment, software, and media that are used to make the recordable disks.

Data layer
With CD-R media, this is the organic dye that is sandwiched between the polycarbonate substrate and the metalized reflective layer of the media. CD-R disks don't have any data on them at all until the are recorded.

Now that we've covered those aspects of CD Terminology, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

Injection Molding
This is a manufacturing method where the molten material is forced into a mold, normally under high pressure, then cooled so that the material will take on the shape of a mirror image in the mold.

Media or blanks
CD-R media are the disks that are used to record digital information using a special recorder and premastering software with a computer. These discs are made of a polycarbonate substrate, a layer of organic dye, a metalized reflective layer, and a coating of lacquer for protection.

Organic dye
The data layer of CD-R media is made from a dye that is melted during the process of recording. Where the dye is melted, becomes opaque or refractive, scattering the reading laser so that it isn't reflected back into the reading sensors.

Reflective layer
This is the metal later that sits on top of the dye that reflects the laser beam back to the reading assembly. This is normally 24k gold in CD-R disks, although it can be silver as well.

As you become more and more familar with CD duplication the above abbreviations and meanings will become second nature. And next time you're at the pub quiz and the question comes up "what does BLER mean?" you'll know instantly!

Sometimes it's tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I'm positive you'll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.

Visit CD Duplication Web today for information on CD duplication and related topics.

For further information on CD Duplication Visit http://www.cdduplicationweb.com right now!

Types of mp3 Players: a Quick Overview

2008-07-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

MP3 players are pocket-sized electronic devices that have the ability to not only store, but play music and other sound files.

Although MP3 players are sophisticated devices and there are of many types, they can be placed into one of three broad categories. These categories include hard drive based players, micro hard drive based players, and flash based players.

Hard drive based MP3 players are typically larger and heavier than their competitors due to the fact that they contain a large capacity hard drive inside.

This however, may be one of itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs only weaknesses. These MP3 players provide the largest capacity, ten gigabytes or more, out of the different types of MP3 players.

Due to the fact that ten gigabytes equates to roughly 2,900 MP3 files, most consumers buy these players because they accommodate their entire MP3 collection.

Micro hard drive based MP3 players are similar to their big brothers, the hard drive based players, except that they are a bit smaller, both in physical size and internal storage capacity.

These MP3 players hold up to six gigabytes of MP3 files, which equals roughly 1,700 songs. Still boasting a respectable capacity, these players have won over many consumers due to their light-weight, compact size. Additionally, both hard drive and micro hard drive based players commonly contain rechargeable batteries that can not be replaced for a new battery, but only recharged.

If itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs small size and moderate capacity that you are in search of this type of player may be just right.

Flash based MP3 players are ultra compact, low capacity players contain no moving parts and consequently, never skip.

Another advantage of these players is that their size and lack of moving parts allow them to use minimal power, causing your batteries to last longer.

Also, these players almost always use replaceable, disposable batteries, allowing you to put in a new battery if your player should die in the middle of use.

However, flash based MP3 players commonly range in capacity from 32 megabytes (roughly 10 songs) to two gigabytes (roughly 570 songs) at most.

Therefore, most consumers with a large music collection tend to shy away from this type of MP3 player while athletes can appreciate the sturdy nature of these devices.

Some of the different types of MP3 players include additional features as well. A few of the hard drive players include a small screen that can display pictures and video that are stored on the internal drive. Other players allow for digital voice recording for future playback.

For more more information about mp3 players types please visit http://www.mp3-player-search.com

The System Development Life Cycle

2008-07-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

[1] Identification of problems:

The proposal to develop a the new information system started with a formal request resulting from the identification of existing problems identified in the current systems used in the mail order and wholesales business operations.

Using the scenario information which provides details of the current installation, the areas of the companies operations to be redefined can be categorised into one of three areas., The opportunities for introduction of Information systems and technology are in this case not the objective of the business process re-engineering, but are more a by-product. These are as follows:

Information is an organizational resource which must be managed as carefully as other resources. Costs are associated with information processing.

[2]Feasibility study:

The need for a new system is clearly defined in the problem identification stage of the process. As identified by the clients, many of the companyรขโ�ฌโ�ขs systems that support the procedures have not been modified for many years. Others are regularly maintained. In order to improve productivity, it has been decided to re-engineer some of the core business processes. When two separate functions are performed by different people, the existence of two separate transaction processing computer systems, operated at two different terminals is not seen as a problem. In the proposed system one operative will be performing one new business function and obviously the one terminal and one computer system should support the new function.

[3] Information gathering on the proposed system:

For each application identified as a candidate for redesign, as identified during the problem definition stage, the process associated with each was investigated in detail to determine the advantages and disadvantages of its operation, its running cost, overall effectiveness, how the problems came about, and the detailed functional and technical system requirements necessary for the current system to achieve its results.

A detailed definition of the systemsรขโ�ฌโ�ข functional operations and the flow of information in relation it is passed between organisational functions as follows here in an example:

a} Customer places order:

The customer places an order at your site, using their payment method of choice. When a customer places an order or requests a catalogue, information associated with the transaction is collected. This information required in fulfilling the order or catalogue request includes the customer's name, mailing address, products ordered, shipping addresses, and credit card information. The information is stored on our customer file in a completely secure environment.

b) Sales:

Customer orders received by a sales function are passed to an accounts function for processing and invoicing as well as to stores for despatch of goods.

c) Customer Order Processing:

This includes all the activities related to processing of customer orders and inventory control in an organization, under the current system an order-entry clerk would directly enter any order by way of a keyboard,.

Processing can streamline the order management cycle and improve customer service and satisfaction This function handles: Perform online credit check, maintain accurate records, advise customers of order status and item availability, direct dispatch of goods and issue invoices promptly. Sales Analysis and history features provide a valuable tool for management.

d) Invoicing:

This function is responsible for the production of customer invoices, requesting payment for goods or services delivered. Information generated by this function (about the customers and stock) is stored and is used to produce invoices, usually on pre-printed continuous stationery.

To charge the customer the accounting function requires the necessary sales information, which is supplied by the sales function.

e) Accounting:

Financial accounting is the process of documenting the financial transactions resulting from the activities of an organisation almost all of which generate materials of this nature. This function also acts as a control mechanism over the financial transactions of a business. Accounting records can than be analysed to provide information on the performance of a business over a period.

f) Payroll: Payroll systems are concerned with the production of payslip for employees and maintenance of records required for taxation and other deductions. In a manual system the preparation of payroll figures and the maintenance of payroll records is an intensive task. Although tedious and repetitive, it is a vitally important task.

g) Transaction Processing:
Easy entry of customer orders including copy of previous orders, partial shipping and billing and automatic release of back ordered items for shipping upon receipt

h) Query open orders:
Drill down to shipping information on line items, customer order history, including current, year-to-date, or all, customer, credit files, stock Files:

i) Returns Files:

Returned or damaged merchandise handling, return merchandise authorization credit note generation and automatically generated accounting entries.

j) Payments and receipts:

These may relate to sales orders or purchase orders. Receipts are amounts received from debtors. Payments are made by a business to settle debts with creditors (suppliers to the business).

[4] System analysis:

The current business systems are operating on fundamental principles developed in the foundation of the company. The restructuring of its procedures to enable centralised support operations and planning. Many of these are legacy systems for management of stock, order, returns and account files for keeping track of individual customer accounts, returned goods, and payments; it also needs to have information on stock levels transferred to a single relational database system.

The way in which commercial transactions are conducted will be directly effected be the fundamental change in the shift towards the importance of information exchange that is not intrinsically part of the current computer based applications to facilitate business processes, new systems to capture information on customers

[5] Design of the system:

The potential systems subsystems, functional and technical component parts must be reevaluated to determine how the system is to meet the requirements identified at the analysis phase. Coding (if required) the information system would take place then testing and debugging.

In this instance a prototype system should be run in a simulated operational environment with real staff but test data which would not affect the real operation of the old system still continuing, and would allow the system to be tested safely and adequately on the sample data as well as the people who will have to make it work in future.

[6] Implementation and evaluation:

Once the evaluation stage has been completed, all lessons learned should be incorporated, and a final evaluation made to check this has been carried out.

First installation and operation on real data of the new equipment and software to form the complete system should take place at a single non-mission critical site for further testing until all subsystems work as intended.

Staff training should have been happening throughout, to the extent that staff had been involved in the evaluation stages, but the training of the remainder can start at this stage using this non critical site as the รขโ�ฌห�school'. The new information system should be run in parallel with the previous operations of the company until the new system is working effectivity, to ensure that the operation can continue to function if the system runs into unforseen complications at this late stage.

Parallel implementation should be must effective in this situation as this is the safest option where both the old and the new systems operate simultaneously and the results of the old system are used as a benchmark; which can be compared against the results of the new system to determine the reliability and accuracy of the new system.

[7] Maintenance:

The performance of the new system should be monitored by the installation team for the first weeks of its operation to establish if there are any unforseen failings in the design of operational procedures and whether it addresses all the original requirements. Before the installation team log off they should put in place the continuing monitoring systems to be operated by the companyรขโ�ฌโ�ขs staff, and any necessary back - up / technical support service.

Formal updates to keep management and the operations staff involved must be conducted at each stage during the system design, development, test, and implementation phases.

ร�ยฉ I am the website administrator of the Wandle industrial museum (http://www.wandle.org). Established in 1983 by local people to ensure that the history of the valley was no longer neglected but enhanced awareness its heritage for the use and benefits of the community.

How to Put Video on PSP - 5 Simple Steps

2008-07-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

How to put video on PSP is not difficult. Here are 5 simple steps to master and soon your buddies will be calling asking you how to put video on PSP for them.

First, you will need the following items:

- A DVD player on your computer (having 5-10 gb free space on your hard drive)

- A USB cable connecting your PSP to your PC

- A 512Mb Pro Duo memory stick (The PSP's default 32Mb memory card is way too small for the huge MP4 format files that are needed for video)

- A DVD Ripper like "ImTOO DVD Ripper" which "rips" or pulls the movie from the DVD onto your computer

- A PSP video converter like "ImTOO PSP Video Converter" which will allow you to convert or "rip" your videos to MP4 format

Second, put in one your favorite DVDs. Next, open your DVD Ripper and choose that named video since you want to put it on you PSP. Click the "Extract" or "rip" and save the file to a specified location.

Third, if you have video files on your computer currently then you simply hit "add" from your DVD ripper and save the file to a specified location.

Fourth, choose the video file that you saved to your computer. Click the "Extract and Encode" button from your PSP video converter and save that file.

Now the files you have on your PC are in the correct MP4 format and need to be moved over to the PSP.

Fifth, how to put video on PSP? You need to add a new folder on your Memory Stick named, "MP_ROOT" (without the quotes). Under the "MP_ROOT" folder add a sub-folder named "100MNV01". This is where you copy your MP4 videos and their accompanying thumbnail files (*.THM).

That's all there is in learning how to put video on PSP. Now it's time to enjoy your favorite video with some popcorn and a soda.

Anthony Pace is a video and PSP enthusiast. If you'd rather not deal with the technical aspects of how to put video on the PSP and don't want to dish out the money for a DVD ripper or Video converter check out the following: How to put video on PSP

Defragmentation Explained

2008-07-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

Defrag Your Hard Drive, donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt think you can't do it sure, you can. Letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs get started.

Have you ever noticed how your computer seems to run slower? and slower each week? Did you think it was just your imagination, Nah! Your computer really is getting slower because, your hard drive needs to be "Defragged" or defragmentation of your hard drive, same, same.

Any time you view a web site, download an MP3, install a game, or create a new file, your computer is saving that data in bits on your hard drive. As you add more data, the bits are moved around and separated from one another common on all hard drives.

Not to worry!!

After some time these files are spread all over the hard drive in tiny fragments. This slows down your computer. That is where "Defragmentation" comes in. Defragmenting the hard disk will put all the different fragments together in one place, which allows the computer to save time. When you run a defragmentation, it puts the pieces back together, so files, programs and such load faster. It' probably a good idea for the average user to defrag once every 1-2 months at the very least. I usually run mine every two weeks.

You can solve the problem easily by defragmentation of your hard drive. If your using a Windows operating system, it comes with a manual defragmentation tool built in.

However, depending on when you first run the defragmentation program it could take some time to complete depending, on the size of your hard drive to process the amount of data to complete the fragmentation process.

Even if you do not install games or download programs or files regularly, fragmentation can still be a serious problem on your system, especially if you receive a large volume of emails each day.

Each time you read one of those emails, you are adding more chunks of data to your hard drive and slowing down your computer even more.

If you get just ten emails a day, it would not take long for you to start seeing a significant decrease in your system's efficiency. The bottom line is that defragmentation is a serious problem, but it is also an easy problem to solve.

If you don't mind using the "built in" defragmentation tool in your operating system, then you should definitely be using it on a regular basis. Once you do it once or twice you kick yourself for not doing it sooner, it is not that difficult of a task to perform.

If you want to run the defragmentation process automatically just do a Search in Google "defrag" or what ever search engine you use and youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll find dozens of programs to choose from.

Now with all that said, here is a simple and easy way to defrag your hard drive. Letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs get started, it should take us all but a minute to start the process. I use two different methods, donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt ask me why. I probably could not give you a sensible answer; they achieve the same results, just a different way to get there from here.

Anyway, letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs get started.

Method I:

Start/My Computer/C:Drive/Properties/ Tools/ Defragmentation

* Click Start

* My computer

* Right Click on C: drive

* Select Properties

* Tools

* Select Defragmatation

Method II:

Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Defragmenter

* Click Start

* Select All Programs

* Accessories

* System Tools

* Disk Defragmenter

There you are -- Not as Scary as It Sounds!

Remember, it could take some time to defrag if you have not done it in a while. So be patient!!

Please Note: Be careful when running defrag. It can take a long time to defragment your hard drive the first time. Also, the defrag program takes files off your hard drive and sticks them into your system RAM while it is reorganizing your disk. If you lose power during a disk defragmentation, it can cause a slight problem. At best, you will probably mess up a program or two and at worst; you may no longer be able to access your hard drive and Windows. Definitely not some you want to do during a thunderstorms or possibly power outages.

Mike Pulli

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mike Pulli is the owner of http://www.foolishtimes.com. He Invites you to look at the services and download Free helpful information e-books, article library, information and resources to maximize your internet experience. Sign up for the Free newsletter.

Other sites by Mike can be found at http://www.foolishtimes.com and http://www.pigpenpicks.com

Schedule Your Windows Tasks

2008-07-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

How many repetitive tasks do you perform manually on your PC at home or work?

What tasks do you perform which need all users to logout of the system during work hours?

If you are working within Windows then you can use Schtasks, which ships with Windows, to perform those tedious tasks for you.

Schtasks is a tool you can use to carry out a task at a particular time, date or day. You can use Schtasks to run VBScripts, Batch files or any kind of executable application that can be fired up from the command line within the console window. For instance, if you have a Windows service running, which for whatever reason needed bouncing every morning or after a weekend power down, you could write a VBScript to bounce the service and schedule it to run at an appropriate time. Here is an example of how you would set a schedule via Schtasks to bounce a service via a VBScript at 3 am every morning on business days Monday to Friday:

schtasks /create /tn bounce_service /sc mon,tue,wed,thu,fri /st 3:00 /tr "c:my scriptsbounce.vbs"

If you are using Schtasks on your PC, and not on a server, then you would not switch off your PC running when you leave work and let SchTasks can run your tasks overnight. Your last task on your PC might be to shutdown your PC. Schtasks does provide the ability to start up your computer at a specific time but I have found this a bit problematic to get working on some PCs.

Here are some ideas for using Schtasks:

Backup files when your computer is idle or at the end of a working day.
Run overnight processes when no users are logged onto a server, database or application.
Start up or shut down your PC.
Compact databases.
Compile multi-developer applications.
Perform web publishing overnight when resources are free.
FTP data across a network when bandwidth usage is low.
Start, stop or bounce Windows services.

Using Schtasks will reduce your manual labour, ensure consistent processing without human error, and buy you time to do other things.

For complete instructions on using Schtasks see: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/schtasks.mspx

Duane Hennessy
Senior Software Engineer and Systems Architect
Bandicoot Software
Tropical Queensland, Australia
(ABN: 33 682 969 957)

Your own personal library of code snippets. http://www.bandicootsoftware.com.au

Moderator of http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AccessDevelopers

Keeping Passwords Secure

2008-07-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

As the web has evolved, so have the methods of collecting personal information. A large number of websites require visitors to register to gain access or participate. While the need for registration is understandable, tracking user names and passwords can be burdensome. Consider using software to store your passwords, in a safe accessible manner.

Most websites have privacy policies, but the value of privacy statements are only as honorable as the people behind the websites. Here are suggestions for keeping passwords and your information secure:

change your password frequently
never share your password with anyone
try to choose a password so it doesn't need to be written down, but not so obvious others would easily guess the password
be sure your password is at least 6 characters
don't use a password containing all the same characters
don't send your password via email or provide it over the phone
don't use pet, family or friend names
don't use your telephone number, zip code or address
use a different password for each account
don't use user name
deactivate accounts for terminated employees
don't allow shared accounts
password contains upper, lowercase letters, non-letter characters and numbers

Resources

Password Software - http://www.password-software.com

Passwords are not foolproof. Do not rely on a password alone to protect sensitive information. Monitor accounts closely to ensure that security is not breached.

About The Author

Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net a company specializing in alphanumeric paging, SMS and wireless messaging software solutions. Other sites by Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com , and http://www.small-business-software.net

Mp3 Players : Flash-Hard Drive Which One Was Made For Your Music?

2008-07-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

The evolution of the mp3 format has allowed us to compress music files also known as (mpeg-1 audio layer 3 file) so that we can store and take our music anywhere in great amounts. Here is a comparison of the 2 so you can decide which mp3 player storage style is best for you.

Flash mp3 players

Flash memory (non-volatile memory) means any information or music stored on it is less accessible to loss. All data is stored on chips which means even turned off you won't loose data. With non-moving parts it is great for the active person and you won't be worried about skipping or jogging of the music. The memory size is not as big as it's counter part but does have it's own benefits. Flash memory players are small and lightweight so for using them on your daily commute or music on your daily run you just put them in your pocket or off a neck chain and have more than enough music on it.

Hard Drive mp3 players

This type of storage is for the serious person who would like to have all their cd collection on one storage device. The hard drive units tend to have more storage space. Some jukeboxes even offer up to 60 GB storage. The music hard drive is basically the same as your computer and laptop storage technology. The reliability of the hard drive isn't the same as the flash players the hard disk drivers have many spinning parts and memory is based on magnetic technology. This would mean a serious hit or drop could damage your music on your player. No memory source is all 100% safe from loss just keep your music backed up even if it's on the original cd.

Daryl Plaza is the owner of Everything About MP3s - a website focused on helping people learn more about MP3 players. For tips and information on MP3 players and accessories, check out this website.

Compile .BAT Files into Native Windows Applications (.EXE)

2008-07-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

Since the DOS days, batch files have been one of the most convenient and immediate ways to accomplish certain tasks. Even today it's possible to find some remarkably sophisticated utilities written as command-line batch files.

On the downside, batch files are easily hacked, edited, and reverse-engineered, making them problematic to rely on in certain situations.

I've written before about some ways around this, such as using elevated or deprecated privileges, but one of the more interesting tools I've seen for working with batch files is a program called Quick Batch File Compiler (QBFC).

QBFC takes any command-line batch program and compiles it into an encrypted executable or .EXE file. An .EXE file is much harder to casually reverse-engineer, so this could be a way to conceal a particular batch file's operations from an end user. For instance, if you had a network environment where a batch script was run at logon, and you wanted key information in the script hidden, the script could be converted to an .EXE and protected from prying eyes a lot more easily than a conventional batch file. (.EXE files also run faster than batch files, of course.)

QBFC can create two types of applications: a standard console application, which accepts conventional command-line parameters, or a "ghost" application, which opens no windows and provides no feedback. The latter is best for security or for when you want to perform an install or modification silently. QBFC also lets you set various resources in the .EXE file, such as its description, the company name, version information and even the application icon.

QBFC's shareware version is unrestricted, except that all .EXEs produced by the program flash a brief note at startup. The registered version does not have this limitation.

Program's Home Page: www.battoexe.com

Serdar Yegulalp sells multimedia software from http://www.abyssmedia.com

Cool iPod Features You May Not Know About

2008-07-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some iPod features that you may not know about:

--> Parental Supports

The iTunes Music Store also now offers parental controls, so that parents can disable access to Podcasts, shared music, or the iTunes Music Store as a whole. Parents can also restrict music with explicit language.

--> Cool iTunes Tips!

Dp you want to organize your iTunes in a better way? Putting an entire album into a playlist is not exactly the most effective way of organizing your songs, writes Christopher Breen. Here are the convenient ways that you can organize your tunes:

 Song Name
 Time
 Artist
 Album
 Genre
 My Rating
 Play Count
 Last Played

Christopher Breen also mentions the web site of Doug Adams (www.malcolmadams.com/itunes) which offers scripts (many are free and worth downloading) for corralling duplicate files in your iTunes Music Library, converting files from one audio format to another and locating album art on the Web that you can then paste into iTunes.

--> iTunes on your Cellular Phone

Want iTunes on your cell phone so you can carry around your mobile music library with you? Apple, Motorola and Cingular Wireless are introducing the Motorola Rokr E1, the first cell phone equipped with Appleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs iTunes software.

--> iTunes Shortcuts

Who doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt love having a little helpful information to make things easier and more effective? Well, thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs what this section is all about!

Weรขโ�ฌโ�ขll take a look at all of the shortcuts that you can use on iTunes, which will make your downloading experience faster, easier, and more powerful.

In fact, youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll probably learn a few things simply by looking at these shortcuts; features and ideas that you didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt even know existed! These shortcuts are all gathered from Appleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs great website (www.apple.com).

For your convenient reference, these shortcuts are provided to you in table format. This will make it extremely easy for you to jump to this section of the book when youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre online, or if you canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt remember a particular short cut.

Each table will fall into one of the following categories:

 Playback
 Library and Playlist
 Music Store
 iPod
 Audible
 iTunes
 File Menu
 Edit Menu
 Controls Menu
 Visualizer Menu
 Advanced Menu
 Windows Menu
 Help Menu

Mia LaCron is the founder of IpodFunctions.com - http://www.ipodfunctions.com/ - devoted to helping individuals get the most out of their Ipod.

How To Buy A Printer

2008-06-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

A Lot of people tend to just go cheap when buying a printer, but in the long run it can end up costing you more. Even though Ink jet printers might be inexpensive up front the cost of replacement ink can drive up the overall cost over the time of ownership. You know what I am talking about, some times the ink is more than the printer was.

Check the prices of the ink cartridges of the printer you are considering and find out how many pages each cartridge will print. Once you figure out approximately how many pages you will print per month, you can determine the cost of the printer plus ink over the course of a year. Consider getting individual cartridges if you know you'll need one color more than others--for instance, if many of your documents have a red logo or if you print mainly black and white.

Manufacturers very often list faster print speed specifications on their packaging than we see when testing performance. A typical ink jet printer can produce two to four pages per minute of text and one full-page, 8.5-by-11-inch photo or graphic in two to three minutes.

Some color ink jets can print photos at a level that approaches the quality of a professional photofinisher. If you plan to use your printer primarily for photos or graphics, look for models that are built for that. If you plan to print mostly photos, look for photo printers with features such as a built-in PC Card slot, an LCD panel that allows you to view and print an image without using your PC, and bundled image-editing software.

If you print mainly text documents, consider buying an inexpensive black & white laser printer. These printers provide superior text quality compared with high-end ink jet printers. Some monochrome lasers cost as little as $200, making them a good deal for home users. If you need to print a lot of text and high-quality graphics, buying a good photo ink jet printer in addition to an inexpensive monochrome laser printer could save you money on ink and maintenance costs in the long run as opposed to buying an ink jet to do it all.

Many monochrome lasers come with optional ethernet ports for networks. If you plan to use the printer with one PC, don't pay the extra money for an ethernet card.

Color laser printer toner cartridges are the most expensive consumable you can buy for a printer, but their yield is so much higher than an ink jet cartridge that, in the long run, color laser toner is less expensive on a per page basis.

If you're not running a graphics department but still want to print color, you'll most likely choose an ink jet printer, which can create beautiful graphics at a tenth of the cost of a color laser. However, keep in mind that the inexpensive price of an ink jet is quickly surpassed by the cost of replacement ink.

Gregg Hall is a marketing consultant for many online businesses. See who he recommends for printer supplies

Computer Repair Tools

2008-06-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found yourself up to your elbows in computer wires and chips using your wife's toenail clippers to try and nip off an extra wire? You think you might be able to get your project complete before midnight, when you suddenly realize those clippers aren't going to work without taking out half your motherboard. Substituting computer tools with household things never ensures that your computer is repaired. Still, most people will try almost anything to save money. However, in the case of good computer repair tools, you should never skimp on quality or specialty.

There are millions of computer repair service provider companies who render great support providing all the necessary computer repair tools. Most computer repair tools are available in economical tool kits. They are durable, precision-engineered, demagnetized, and ideal for routine maintenance, upgrades and general repair. There are a number of computer repair tool kits companies offering their kits at remarkably low prices. These durable, precision-engineered, demagnetized tools are ideal for routine maintenance, upgrades and general repair.

An outstanding selection of superior Ultra tools comes in a handsome, rugged carrying case for easy portability. There are tools made of some rare and unusual elements to meet your needs in the most convenient of ways. For instance, Obsidian, also known as volcanic glass was used by primitive people to make tools. All tools are fully demagnetized to protect your computer's hard drive or magnetic media from damage, and each tool is conveniently stored in a custom designed case.

Computer Repair provides detailed information on Computer Network Repair, Computer Repair, Computer Repair Services, Computer Repair Software and more. Computer Repair is affiliated with Computer Part Supplies.

Online Banking Security - The Number One Priority

2008-06-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Whenever a bank issues a security threat to its customers, other banks seem to suffer a drop in Internet traffic and account usage, too. This is not because people don't trust the other banks, it's because customers are reminded of how susceptible they are to fraud. It's our money after all, and of course we don't what to have it stolen from us. Banks do post a guarantee along these lines.

'We guarantee if any money is taken from your account through a computer crime, we will repay it in full.'

Banks pride themselves on providing top notch online banking security to their customers. They also pride themselves on providing customers with the best information about their security. Many banks will provide the details on their website. They might tell you how they have the latest in encryption software so that no hackers can steal passwords or any other information you send. Banks use a combination of hardware and software encryption devices to protect access to your accounts and personal details.

When you go to the login page, and you will most likely get a pop up window stating that you are now being directed to a secure site. And what you input here will not be visible to anyone else. That statement is true, the bank does not and never will provide your login password or any other sensitive information to anyone else. Naturally, the online bank expects you to do a few things to protect your account, so never disclose your password (for example don't write it down or email it to anyone, or let anyone else see what you are typing in when you log on). So here you enter your login details and answer a security question to enter your account. Don't forget to always log off when you've finished your transactions, this is most important.

The banks also run regular maintenance on the website pages, so that they can pick up on any small errors that they may on their system. This regular maintenance is usually done with prior warning to the customer, but it will mostly be done when there is the lowest amount of traffic to cause the least disruption possible to its online banking customers.

Online banking security is paramount to banks that have online banking services and they will never jeopardise your trust to save a dollar. If the customer losses faith in the bank's security then the bank will lose many customers.

Bruce Walls is an author and webmaster at http://www.onlinebankingforu.com Read this article here

For Digital Camera Novices: How Images Are Stored and Transferred

2008-06-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

Although Digital Cameras entered the picture quite a number of years ago and have subsequently all but eliminated film cameras, some consumers are just now making the switch. The reason for this is clear as the quality of a 35mm shot is outstanding and quite simply, we understood them. However, digital cameras offer advantages as well, such as the ability to edit photographs and to delete unacceptable images prior to printing or "developing": a tremendous cost savings that allows photographers to experiment worry-free. When a stalwart film camera fan decides to take the leap some basic questions about how digital cameras function can arise.

Two common questions for digital camera novices are regarding how pictures are stored and then subsequently transferred for printing or sharing over the internet. The quick and dirty answer is that pictures taken with a digital camera are stored on digital memory cards: Smart Media cards, MultiMedia cards, Compact Flash cards etc. Images are stored on the cards and then loaded to a computer. Once on the computer, the images on the cards are generally deleted and the card is re-used so that a huge library of memory cards does not have to be maintained.

Images are usually compressed to fit on the cards. Greater compression allows more images to be stored on a given card helping to eliminate the need to download images to a computer after every few shots. However, it's important to realize that the more the images are compressed, the more the quality of the image is sacrificed.

When purchasing a card for a digital camera, users can roughly estimate that with a typical 8 megapixel camera, the card will hold at least one quarter as many images as the card has megabytes, which is indicated on the front of the card. Both the amount of compression and the resolution of the images greatly affect the storage capacity of the card. Another option of course is to purchase multiple cards.

Many individuals who travel with their digital camera get a portable hard disk which allows them to download their images onto it, delete images from their card, and continue using the card without having to worry about downloading to their computer when they are away from home.

Once an image is stored on a digital camera, there are several ways of getting images from it to a computer. Individuals purchasing their first digital camera will need to determine how their new camera will connect to their computer to assure they have any necessary equipment/cables to complete the transfer. Common connections include:

รขโ�ฌยข Card readers

รขโ�ฌยข A Docking station to connect the digital camera to the computer via either a USB or FireWire connection. (USB 2.0 allows much faster downloading that USB 1.1)

รขโ�ฌยข PCMCIA adapters. These exist on most laptop computers. The memory cards fit directly into the slot and can be loaded from there.

Once connected to the computer, the software included with the digital camera is simply launched and transfer is completed with the click of a button. Even for those new to digital cameras, the ability to store and download images to their computer should be a very simple process that will be easy to master.

Christine Peppler share information on home entertainment and home electronics products, inluding digital cameras on her website at http://www.homemedias.info.

RoboCat Rat Zapper

2008-06-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Do you need a cat to catch those rats around your house, but you do not want the cat to drag them into the house to eat them or to display them to you so you know they are doing their hunting job? New RoboCat Rat Zapper is almost here! If you do not have a cat then your rats will multiply and cause you problems, but if you buy a cat, that means another pet or animal to look after. Cats make great pets but they are also expensive to feed. If you spend $10.00 per week on cat food, cat litter and toys for a couple of cats then you are paying about $520.00 per year on your pet to catch and eat those rats.

You will also have to deal with the smell, damage to sofa, cat hair and a pet that you just know will not listen but rather take over the household and do what ever it damn well pleases. In fact if you tell them to kill the rats they will just look at you like you are a stupid human (no comment) and roll back over and go to sleep.

Now then, I propose you lease a new RoboCat, equipped with a high-powered stun gun. It will recharge and plug into the wall at night and hunt those rats all day. The AttackCat system, which is an up grade can be leased for $35.00 per week, which is a cost savings over the real organic model. It will purr and do all those other things, but it does not smell, actually farts out fragrance in those parts of the house it senses unfortunate smelly ordors. There are six fragrances to choose from.

Some consumers are even setting up RoboCat Co-ops and share these cat with others while on vacation, similar to a four-legged Time Share. You and your whole neighborhood can prevent the spread of disease with a few RoboCats in your neighborhood. Think of it as a organic replica run neighborhood watch program?

Lance Winslow

Getting more Battery Time from your Digital Camera Battery

2008-06-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

Like other portable consumer electronic devices digital cameras use batteries as their power source. All batteries have one major drawback: they only last for a limited time. In this article we will explain what camera features consume the most energy and how you can squeeze more life time out of your digital camera battery.

There are many types of battery. Your digital camera might be using disposable batteries or maybe it uses rechargeable ones. Rechargeable batteries use a variety of technologies such as nickel cadmium, lithium ion or lithium polymer. Battery technology has advanced in the last years but batteries life time is still considerably short. It is very frustrating to come across a great photo opportunity just to find out that you have run out of batteries.

When it comes to power consumption not all digital camera features are equal. Some of the digital camera greatest features are high energy consumers. By knowing which features consume the most energy you will be able to avoid or minimize using those features save energy and get more life time from your batteries.

The biggest energy consumers in a digital camera are the LCD screen and the motors that move the mechanical components of the camera such as the lenses when focusing or zooming. Digital cameras allow viewing of photos that were just taken on a small LCD screen. Some of them also allow shooting photos using the LCD instead of the traditional viewfinder. An LCD screen consumes relatively a lot of energy. This is the reason why all digital cameras turn off the LCD after a certain amount of time of no usage.

The other big energy consumers are the motors. Digital cameras have motors the move the lenses either to change the zoom or to focus. Motors consume relatively a lot of energy when moving the digital camera optical components. And finally the flash is a big energy consumer too. Shooting photos using the flash consumes more energy that shooting photos without flash.

So what can you do in order to minimize power consumption and get more life time from your batteries?

Turn off the LCD and use the viewfinder: Use the optical viewfinder instead of the LCD for composing your photos. Using the camera menus disable the LCD by turning it off. Since the LCD consumes a lot of energy every time you are using it to take a photo or to look at your objects and compose a photo you are wasting energy. Only use the LCD when you must for example when taking an overhead photo when the optical viewfinder is not usable.

Minimize photo previewing: The LCD consumes a lot of energy. When you preview photos on the LCD you are wasting battery. Only use the LCD to view photos when you need to do so for the benefit of the next photos shooting รขโ�ฌโ�� for example to check if a composition was right or if the lighting was good. Do not use the LCD to view photos for fun or to show photos to others. Wait until you are on your computer or in your office or home to do that.

Do not use continuous focus when not necessary: Every time your camera focuses it consumers energy. The motors that move the optical components in order to focus consume a lot of energy. You can not avoid focusing of course but you can avoid focusing that is not necessary. For example your digital camera can be set to continuous or single focus. For moving objects such as in sport events continuous focus is used so your can stay focused on the object until you are ready to take the photo. In those cases as long as you press the shutter button half way down the camera will continue to focusing on the object. To save energy minimize that time to the minimum necessary. For example if you plan to shoot a photo of a runner at point A only press the shutter when he gets close to that point. Holding the shutter button down and following the runner for a longer time than needed to capture him at point A wastes a lot of energy.

Do not press the shutter button half way down for no reason: Every time you press the shutter button half way down and do not take a photo you waste energy. When pressing the shutter button half way down the camera goes through a series of processes getting ready to shoot a photo. It focuses the lenses it wakes up electronic components and gets the flash ready if needed. Avoid pressing the shutter half way down when you do not plan to shoot a photo.

Carry another battery: Two batteries have twice the energy as one. Carry an extra battery if you are planning for a long shooting session or if you are not sure how many photos you will shoot and how long you will be away from your charger. Some photographers always carry an extra battery with them รขโ�ฌโ�� batteries are very small and light and carrying an extra one is really not a burden. One thing to remember when carrying an extra battery is to always make sure that you are carrying an extra battery that is fully charged there is no use in carrying an empty battery. Batteries tend to lose their charge even if they are not used so if you are carrying an extra battery for a few days or more remember to recharge it even if you did not use it.

Recharge whenever you can: Charge your battery (or batteries if you carry an extra one) at least once a day or whenever you are back to your office, home or hotel. Even if you did not take many photos and you think the batteries have enough power in them it is better to make sure by fully charging them rather than to take the risk. You never know how long your next photo shooting session will be and when will your next recharge opportunity will be. Batteries slowly lose their charge even when not used so always recharge your extra battery too even if it was not used.

Plan for battery consumption: The most important thing is to plan for battery consumption. For example if you are leaving your office for a short photo shooting session of an hour you are not going to have any battery issues. In such cases you can ignore all the guidelines and just shoot photos freely in the way that is most convenient to you. If you are going out for a long day of photo shooting in scenarios that require flash and maybe continuous focusing (just as shooting a sports event) รขโ�ฌโ�� plan ahead for power consumption take an extra battery or maybe two refrain from using features that are not necessary for your session such as previewing photos on the LCD or using the LCD as a viewfinder.

In conclusion until battery technologies improve to the extent that battery life is so long that it practically lasts forever you will have to be conscious about how you use your digital camera in respect to power consumption. Following a few simple guidelines can significantly improve power consumption and make your batteries last longer.

Ziv Haparnas is a technology veteran and writes about practical technology and science issues. This article can be reprinted and used as long as the resource box including the backlink is included. You can find more information about photo album printing and photography in general on http://www.printrates.com - a site dedicated to photo printing.

Does Microsoft Show Hackers How To Attack?

2008-06-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

After another security hole recently surfaced in Microsoft's Windows operating system, the software giant released a patch this past Friday to plug the possibly devastating "back door" which allows hackers to potentially seize control of any pc running Windows.

The latest threat, "Download.Ject," infiltrates computers after users surfing with Microsoft's "Internet Explorer" web browser visit websites infected with the virus.

This newest security patch covers Windows XP, 2000, and Windows Server 2003.

Several factors make this latest development more disturbing than past discoveries of security problems with Internet Explorer, currently the most dominant web browser on the market.

First, it demonstrates very clearly that criminals discovered they can use the power of viruses to very profitably steal important bank, personal, and credit data from people on a large scale.

Second, it took Microsoft what many would consider a very long time to come up with a patch for this problem.

Before a fix appeared, Microsoft told everyone who uses Internet Explorer to stick their finger in the dyke by putting their web browser security settings on high, rendering it impossible to view or use features on many websites and web-based services.

Third, expect this to happen again as new holes open in the future when Microsoft makes Windows more complicated, adds layers of code, and generally makes the operating system more complex.

This may sound like business as usual, however, I think this story actually points to a much deeper problem, one for which I'm not sure a simple solution exists.

Though free and reasonably reliable, many people do not automatically update their Windows operating system through the update service on Microsoft's website. (I won't even get into how many people don't operate up-to-date anti-virus protection.)

Whenever Microsoft publishes a security update, especially for a highly publicized and obviously widespread security breach, thousands of people will not immediately download the update.

In fact, tens-of-thousands of users will not download these security updates for days, weeks, even months (if ever).

So let me ask what seems like a very elementary question: By publishing security updates that point out very obvious flaws in their system, doesn't Microsoft also point the way to exactly where the holes exist?

Let me put it another way.

Doesn't this rate the same as discovering that the local bank vault won't lock and then announcing the details on the front page of the paper along with the dates and times no bank guard will be on duty?

After all, if tens-of-thousands of users won't immediately get the Microsoft Security Patch, don't those patches show hackers exactly which holes get plugged (and which, logically, must already be open without the patch)?

It doesn't take a hacker with more than a basic set of skills to recognize where and what holes got fixed and then reverse-engineer how they can get into computers that don't get updated.

Now, do I have a concrete, 100% bullet-proof answer to this problem? Unfortunately, I don't have more than a common- sense answer...

At this point, your best defense rates staying current on the latest threats and how to defend against them.

Keep your anti-virus software current, your firewall up, and your Windows software updated with the latest security patches.

Though not a perfect solution, at least you'll have a fighting chance to prevent, or at least minimize, any possible threats.

For more information from Microsoft's website, go here http://www.ebookfire.com/download-ject.html

About The Author

Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use fr^e articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website or affiliate links... http://www.TurnWordsIntoTraffic.com

http://www.thenetreporter.com

SmartCar Memory Stick for LapTop Transfer Data

2008-06-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

With the new technology used to transfer information to from your digital camera to your laptop or PC using memory sticks which hold significant amounts of data it appears such technology will be perfect for net-centric cars. Where all the data is stored in a black box situation as many cars now have these features already. If you were in an accident your memory stick would be connected to a USB output. The officer could immediately put the memory stick into his computer and determine fault or in case of a speeding driver, could simply say driver's license and memory stick please, which would denote the data of all the previous 2 hours worth of driving. And there would be instant verification of the radar detector too.

This would also be great because it would have all the recorded data for your fuel consumption data, maintenance and pollution output. The automobile could be a self healing car with a sophisticated black box with all life times data. This would also be good for aircraft, ride on lawn mowers and would make it extremely valuable for hand held diagnostic devices. Wonderful for rent-a-cars, government vehicles on loan to employees to prevent tax payer abuses, teen drivers fro parental control to help reduce insurance costs. The military uses are also significant for deployment, routine maintenance and data could be uploaded via satellite during non-peak net-centric usage periods to the logistical base for notification of over run of maintenance period or extreme conditions such as heat, salt air near oceans or hard driving meaning addtional care during next check up, thus prolonging life and preventing future break downs of fundamental parts whcih could lead to loss of life, loss of mission or loss of physical asset.

Memory chips could be saved for maximum resale value, or used as part of ignition system or recharging

Lance Winslow

Are You Well Protected?

2008-06-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

Winterรขโ�ฌยฆthe official start of the cold and flu season. Though, technically speaking, things got started a little early. Close to a million computers, mostly home PC users, have been infected.

For many of us our computers are our business. We keep in contact with customers and clients via email, do extensive internet research, and transmit important files electronically.

We know what to do to protect our bodies from viruses. There are some simple strategies, and even free precautions we can take to protect our businesses by keeping our PCs virus free.

Adopting the following six checkpoints will help keep your computer healthy and your business uninterrupted.

Use a Firewall

At its most basic level a firewall is a software security system that acts as a barrier between your computer and the outside world (the internet) by monitoring all incoming network traffic. A more advanced firewall will also monitor outgoing traffic. How you use your computer will determine whether basic or advanced firewall protection is needed.

What a firewall does is make your computer invisible while on the Internet. If hackers can't see you, they cannot attack you.

Windows XP has this software installed; however, it may need to be enabled. If you have XP and would like to enable the firewall, directions are on the Microsoft website.

For non XP users, firewall software can be purchased. McAfee and Zone Alarm are two very popular products. Zone Alarm has a free downloadable firewall, basic version, available on their website, www.zonealarm.com.

Before installing a firewall, you may be interested in learning your computerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs vulnerability. This is something that can be checked for free and in just a few minutes. Visit the website of Gibson Research Corporation, www.grc.com, and under Hot Spots, click on Shields UP. It takes a little bit of scrolling to get to but is well worth the extra seconds. In minutes your PC is scanned and its vulnerability rated.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is the "shot" after the epidemic. This software protects your computer from known threats. Many PCs come with antivirus software already installed. Some of the more popular versions are Norton, PCCillin and McAfee.

If you have it pre installed or have purchased it, great. Please be sure to keep it constantly updated with the latest virus definitions. This is important because these definitions are formed in response to the latest viruses. If you don't have this protection, please consider getting it.

Once this software is installed on your computer, you will be automatically notified when new virus definitions are available. Then it is just a matter of a few clicks to download the new definitions.

Likewise you will be notified when your antivirus software is about to expire. The software needs to be updated annually. The initial purchase, renewal, updates and installation can all be done online.

Spyware Eliminator

Why am I getting all of these pop ups? Certain websites that you visit or free software (shareware) that you download, and, in some cases, hardware purchased from major manufacturers will also install tracking devices on your computer (spyware). Spyware is annoying but not illegal.

An internet search will reveal the many choices available for spyware elimination software. The important thing is to get one and use it consistently. Spybot and PestPatrol are popular choices.

I really like Spybot Search and Destroy. Besides the fact that it is free, once spyware is identified, the software will provide a detailed description of just what it is. This is helpful just in case it identifies something that you don't want to get rid of.

Backup, Backup, Backup

How often do you backup? What files/programs do you backup? What media do you backup to?

We all know the importance of backing up our information yet so many of us donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt do it. There may be a ton of reasons why it's not done but the one reason it should be done on a regular basis is that it can be a timesaver, possibly a business saver if your computer system is corrupted for any reason.

If you happen to be using Windows XP Professional, the backup procedure is quite simple. For users of XP Home Edition, it is a bit more involved. Complete instructions, however, are on the Microsoft website.

Typically, data files are what most people need to back up and having well organized files will certainly simplify the process.

Whether you backup to disk, zip disk, DVD, writeable CDs, external file drive or utilize one of the online services, it is important to get into the habit of backing up on a regular basis.

Weekly Updates of Windows

Windows users are automatically notified of current updates for the Windows operating system when your computer is turned on. With just a few clicks your operating system is updated.

However, when certain patches become available for your particular applications software (XP, 2000, NT, etc), as was/is the case with the recent worm viruses, a visit to Microsoft's website is necessary.

Once there, Microsoft will scan your computer, tell you what updates are available, and you then have the option of installing them on your system. In some cases, you will need your installation CDs to complete the download.

With the recent run of viruses and with more expected, it is imperative to check for these updates weekly on the Microsoft website as well as do the automatic updates.

Be Careful of Email Attachments

Email is such a widely accepted method of communication, and this has not gone unnoticed by hackers who use email as a means of mass virus spread.

For this final checkpoint, your due diligence is the only software required.

Always delete any email from unknown senders and be very careful of any attachments you are not expecting from any known senders. As we have seen, hackers can quite easily access Outlook address books to spread viruses.

By the way, including a fake email address in your address book will not prevent your PC from spreading viruses. This is an urban legend. If youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre interested in the full story, check out this link:

www.snopes.com/computer/virus/quickfix.htm

When it comes to the health of our computers, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Effective prevention software along with plain old common sense, used consistently, can keep you protected.

About The Author

Roxie Hickman, Virtual Assistant (VA), is the owner of The Virtual Connection. The Virtual Connection (www.thevirtualconnection.net) specializes in working with the รขโ�ฌห�sucstressedรขโ�ฌโ�ข (successful professionals who are stressed because theyรขโ�ฌโ�ขve been doing it alone). The Virtual Connection provides offsite executive, administrative, and personal assistance (virtual assistance).

roxie@thevirtualconnection.net

Pimp MySpace Pages to Share Your Individuality

2008-06-14T04:59:00.000-07:00

MySpace is a great place to be if you want to network for business or personal reasons. Not only can you meet a lot of great people through MySpace it is one place on the Internet that is easy to use but can be made into an individual experience. The reason for this is that MySpace allows you to infuse your space with your style to let others know who you are. You can pimp MySpace pages in a variety of ways including MySpace backgrounds and Myspace layouts. Pimping your space will let all who visit know a little bit more about you just by taking a quick glance around, and it may even encourage them to come back again and again.

MySpace backgrounds are just that, backgrounds but they are usually specialized or themed. The backgrounds can be solid colors, patterns, shapes, your favorite band or singer, pieces of art, flowers, stars, animals, or anything else you can imagine. MySpace backgrounds are not hard to implement onto your page, most of the time all you have to do is copy and paste an html code onto your profile and youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre done.

MySpace layouts are another great way to pimp MySpace pages. The layout of a typical MySpace isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt all that intricate or attractive, but you can do more than just the basic layout if you want. The layouts can be found all over the Internet so you simply have to look around for a layout you like and it can be yours. Even if you do not know html all you have to do is copy and paste an html code and youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre done! When you refresh your MySpace profile you will see that all of your information is laid out just the way you want it so that you can show your visitors who you are and what you are all about.

Get Myspace backgrounds and Myspace layouts at the Pimp Myspace site!

Downloading MP3 Files - What You Need To Know

2008-06-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

In recent years, everyone has heard about the music industry closing in on MP3 file-sharing websites that allow visitors to download music free of charge. The music industry contends that this occurrence is hurting the financial aspect of the music business. Why? Because people were downloading files for free instead of purchasing the CDs, which caused a reduction in revenue. As a result, numerous lawsuits surfaced and some individuals found themselves having to answer a lot of questions.

Since that time, new websites have emerged that are geared toward providing customers with a paid service for downloading MP3 tunes. This approach seems to be working as the revenue is continuing to pour into the industry and fans are still getting quality music at a monthly subscription rate as opposed to having to purchase an entire CD for one favorite song. One such paid service is available at http://www.mp3.com, which allows users to download MP3 tunes directly onto their player or onto a CD. Even with paid services, some restrictions do apply and customers have to be careful about not violating copyright laws.

There are services offered by Russian websites that offer MP3 downloads for much less than those in the USA. This is because the cost of music in general is much cheaper in Russia and MP3's are sold for literally pennies. While these sites claim to follow Russian law, some claim that they are unlawfully selling music.

Few websites still offer file-sharing services, but they do exist. In addition to the concerns regarding their legality, these websites often lack in the sound quality that legitimate, authorized providers can offer. Any music enthusiast who wishes to download free music should consider visiting the artist's website directly. In many cases, artists will provide a free downloadable track of a new song. Why? Promotion is the key to this approach as fans will be tempted to buy the CD if they enjoy the free track. The best time to check up on this type of promotion is early because they often expire after only a short time.

The majority of MP3 players are accompanied with software that allows for simple download from the computer directly onto the player. Commonly, these connections are done with a USB cable that is connected to both the computer and the MP3 player. When transferring files, it's important to make sure that the MP3 player can support the file format. Every player can read an .mp3 format, but many also have success with .wma files.

Edward Shapard is a fan of old fashioned crooners like Bobby Darin and Michael Buble. See his best tips for getting MP3's online at http://www.buymp3music-online.com.

Choosing the Best MP3 Player for Travel

2008-06-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

MP3 players are now capable of many things including making your life easier while traveling.

With more of us traveling these days whether it be across State, interstate or around the world, often one home comfort we miss is our music. The choice of music player has been limited over the years to either tape cassette or a CD player, the major problem was the carrying of the units and the box of tapes or CD's.

With the invention of the MP3 player, the saving of both weight and space has been greatly improved, and the convenience is just fantastic. But the wide choice of MP3 players available has created a few other challenges, mainly with the huge choice and functionality of MP3 players available today.

Choosing the Best MP3 player for Travel, has not been so easy, until Today.

Imagine combining your CD player, DVD player, Laptop (the important info), voice recorder and extra memory cards for your digital camera all into one small unit.

The following will give you a few ideas as to what functionality is available in MP3 players available today, that you could use while traveling.

First things first:
To Choose the Best MP3 player for travel we need to have an idea as to what we may want to use it for.

Some Ideas, apart from listening to music,
Listening to the radio station (for local interest or emergency)
A podcast (Download a recording of the local places of interest)
A voice recorder (to make notes of where you have been or places of interest)
Reading or listening to eBooks (while in transit)
While jogging (we all need a bit of exercise even when on holiday)
Storing and viewing Photo's from our camera or videos stored from before we left home.
Are you going to go snorkling, if so do you want your music?
Filing our itinary and flight details.
Playing Games, to fill in time.
Use your MP3 player to make a journal of your travels.

This list has just a few ideas as to what the modern MP3 players can do, once you have thought through your own needs you will be in a much better position to 'Choose the best MP3 player for your travels'.

For more information on MP3 players for travel check out www.mp3srock.com Where you can download an eBook on 'Choosing your Next MP3 player' and see many of the latest MP3 players and accessories.

About the Author

Charles West sells Technology products (cameras, DVD's, sound systems and of coarse MP3 players etc) for a retailer. Over the last couple of years he has come across many people who need a little more help in understanding the idea of MP3's and the different types of MP3 players and their uses. So to help he has developed http://www.mp3srock.com for people to understand all the many variants and uses of MP3 players.

Getting Your Information Technology Career Started

2008-06-11T01:59:00.000-07:00

Many newcomers to Information Technology get an overly-optimistic picture of the field from tech school ads that continually make note that "an average MCSE salary is $80.000 a year!".

And if someone's thinking of getting into IT and goes on the internet to do some research, they're met with the opposite end of the spectrum - complaint after complaint about how much IT is a terrible field, you can't break in, there's no room for newcomers, etc.

As usual, the truth lies in the middle. As much as I love the IT field, I'll be the first to say that it's often hard to get that first job. Many tech schools have a job placement department, and that can be one big plus in their favor.

What if you don't have that resource working for you? When you're breaking into any field, IT or not, you must not make the classic mistake of sending a ton of resumes and waiting for the phone to ring. The odds are that it won't.

You must get out and talk to people. The term "networking" doesn't just refer to allowing computers to talk to each other it also refers to people talking to each other. In your case, you've got to get out and meet people. Check the business section of your local newspaper. There will be dozens of networking meetings listed in there. It doesn't matter that you aren't in the field yet go to these meetings and meet people. Initiative is never a bad thing.

And once you get that first job, make it count. Show up on time and do what you say you'll do. If you don't know something, dig into Google and find the answer or ask a more knowledgeable colleague. (Just doing these few basic things will put you way ahead of the pack.)

Getting started in IT is as tough as breaking into any other field. Having worked in a few different jobs in my life, though, I can tell you this: No other field in the world rewards individual drive, initiative, and achievement like Information Technology. The fact that you have to work so hard to get in will make your eventual and unstoppable success just that much sweeter.

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages. For a FREE copy of his latest e-books, "How To Pass The CCNA" and "How To Pass The CCNP", visit the website and download your free copies. You can also get FREE CCNA and CCNP exam questions every day! Pass the CCNA exam with The Bryant Advantage!

Wireless Headset, Provides you the Freedom of Movement that You Need

2008-06-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

Wireless devices are an excellent advancement in technology and electronics that allow us to enjoy the functionality of our various products. They do not need to be plugged into a base unit such as the media player, stereo system, computer or other electronic items. The wireless headset functions on the premise of communication via blue-tooth, infrared signals, or then radio signals. This type of headset enables you to enjoy music, or even enjoy your favorite movie or television series while working out, cooking or while you in the bathroom.

Such wireless headsets are specially designed keeping in mind the convience of people, so that they could enjoy their favorite movie or listen music even while they are in the middle of a room filled with people, without getting disturbed. Sometimes, it so happens that because speakers are in-built in the system of a television or music player, the sound may not be so clear. This makes the person sit too close to the system, in order to listen to the sounds and voices. However with the help wireless headset one can enjoy complete sound clarity at any distance in the room from the actual sound-generating device.

Basically, the wireless headsets have been created with effective a sound component that helps, one move about without missing any of the important sounds to be received. Even companies or call centers now days provides the staff this wireless technology, that they can attend to online conferences without having to be at their desk all the time.

Though this wireless listening mechanism provides freedom of movement while receiving the desirable sounds, yet there are certain limitations to it. The most important limitation is distance problem, because as far as distance is concerned when it comes to clarity. This means, since the device functions on signals of radio active waves or blue tooth, it is manufactured to receive signals within certain proximity of the base unit. Beyond which it begins to grain and also lose connection.

The factors that you need to consider while keeping in mind while selecting a wireless headset are:

-The quality of the speakers and the range till where they work and also the treble.
-The comfort level: They should be comfortable and fit well into the ear so that it does not keep slipping off, or is should not be too heavy for ones ears.
-The battery life: See the battery life is sustain, which in general should be up to six to seven hours. Also make sure the battery comes with a warranty incase something goes wrong.

Wireless Headsets

Home Computer Repair

2008-06-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

Home computer repair is facilitated through thousands of online services where you can gather enough knowledge to gain confidence to repair your own computer. Many problems dealing with operating systems, multimedia software, music software, image creating and visual effects software, various hardware elements and vireos protections can be taken care of under the direction of a qualified technician.

Most of these companies concentrate their efforts exclusively on home and small office computer users who require greater attention to detail and personalized service. Most of the times they maintain retail stores that allows them to keep costs low in order to provide competitive service prices.

There are many companies who provide home computer repair services. These services include repairs, upgrades, installs, new system sales, virus removal, computer maintenance, networking and more. Highly trained computer technicians perform all of these services. Many computer technicians will travel to your home or office to diagnosis, estimate and complete upgrades and repairs. In most cases, all work can be done in a single visit.

Sometimes, you can even achieve a computer diagnostic via remote by temporarily handing over your mouse and keyboard controls to someone in another part of the country or even the world. In this, you give them permission to search through your computer via their own computer, for the purpose of seeking out whatever is ailing your computer. This option is not possible unless you are able to get online, so if the issue is one of connectivity, a personal visit will definitely be required.

HTML Explained: Part 1

2008-06-09T04:59:00.000-07:00

Want to save money while promoting your web-based business? Of course you do. Here's some advice on the matter, from a freelance copywriter who knows: it pays to learn the basics of HTML.

If you're like me (stubborn), you've probably been dodging HTML for many years. All that code mushed together... it's distressing to look at! But here's the thing: HTML is your friend. He might be ugly, but he's a good guy to have on your side.

Once you get a basic understanding of how HTML works, the gibberish starts to make sense. And that's when you'll realize how easy it is to create web pages for your own business without having to 1. pay a designer thousands of dollars, or 2. purchase one of those expensive web design programs.

Let's start with a general explanation. HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language. It's the basis for every single design element you see on a web page: layout, copy, image placement, links, music, animation, etc. People who design their sites using fancy web page creators with buttons and copy/paste features are merely controlling the HTML code via the program's graphic overlay. Underneath it all, the code's still there in its pure form. You can see it if you go to a webpage and then click View>Source from the top menu.

Easy Web Page Creation

You can create a professional-looking web page using HTML and the bare minimum of tools: a text program (such as Notepad) to write and save files in, a Web browser to view the files, and a photo-editing program such as Photoshop.

Ever visit a webpage and then click View>Source so you can stare at the "guts" and try to make sense of it? The text program that opens that page is the same one you'll use to create your own web page from scratch. Keep in mind, a text program is NOT the same as a word-processing program, such as Microsoft Word. If you use Word, you may accidentally save your file as a .DOC, and in doing so, create all kinds of coding problems that make your page look crazy. NEVER create web pages in Word!

Here are three salient points about writing HTML code.

1. Your text editing program does not recognize paragraph returns when you type them with the Enter key. You will separate your text manually, using HTML tags such as and .

2. HTML code does not differentiate between capitals and lowercase. Your tags can be typed either way and they'll still work no matter what.

3. HTML doesn't recognize Smart Quotes- those curly quote marks that Word and other word processing programs like to convert your straight quotes (or inch marks) into when you least expect it. HTML also doesn't recognize "curly" apostrophes (as opposed to straight ones, or footmarks). If you use these in your web documents, the computer will interpret them as code and fill your web page with gibberish. So DON'T USE SMART QUOTES OR CURVED APOSTROPHES!

Creating a Text Document: the Basis for Your Web Page

Start a new file in your text program such as Notepad, then save it with the .html extension. For example, you might name your file, "myfirstwebpage.html". Later, after you've entered your code into the text program, view the page as it will appear on the web by using a web browser such as Explorer or Netscape. Click File>Open, and then enter the name of your file. Viola! There's the web page that YOU created! The great thing about this feature is that you can keep on saving your text file and refreshing the browser page to track your progress.

Keep in mind that the pages you create and save as .html files won't be available for viewing on the internet until you publish them. This is done by purchasing a web hosting package through one of the major web hosting companies; for example, GoDaddy.com. You're required to "rent a space" for each web domain you own. But that's a topic for another article entirely.

Now that you know how easy it is to create your own web page, it's time to uncover the "secret" to HTML! HTML is logic-based; and for those of us who love a good logic puzzle, this is truly a beautiful thing. If you're ready for some HTML web design revelations, read HTML Explained: Part 2!

Liked this article? Have more of the same emailed to your inbox each month. Sign up for the Copywriting and Marketing Ezine from Dina at Wordfeeder.com and learn to write search engine friendly web copy and market your web based business for free.

Have You Invited A Spy Into Your Computer?

2008-06-08T14:00:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's true. You may have inadvertently invited a spy into your computer. This spy is known as "spyware, adware, or trojans", and once it is in your computer it starts taking statistical information as you travel the Internet. In some cases, it may send you pop-up ads and slow down your computer. A wired.com article, mentions it "could even collect your credit card information".

How did you invite the spy?

Maybe you visited a website you knew and enjoyed only to find that it was recently purchased by a pornography site. The new company has imbedded "spyware" into the home page and now, in many cases without your knowledge, it is on your computer.

Maybe you downloaded a free or paid program and as part of the package you were provided with an added secret bonus รขโ�ฌโ�� a "spyware" program. Spyware may also be placed on CDรขโ�ฌโ�ขs you purchase, too.

Maybe you agreed to it! You could have downloaded a program and checked the box to allow the program to take statistics from you "for their own use".

Maybe someone sent you spam, especially porn spam, and that spam created the spy. Spys can easily be placed, without your knowledge, in pictures or HTML email.

What you can do?

Purchase a firewall program and it should let you know if a program is about to download from the website you are at. Note the word "should".

Or you can learn all about spyware, download an anti-spyware program, and schedule time in your weekly calendar to run an anti-spyware program. The first time I conducted a "clean up", on my 18-month old computer, I found 2 porn and 42 other spyware programs. Then a week later, I had 4 new spyware files appear.

To further reduce the amount of spyware that ends up in your e-mail Inbox, create a "rule" or "filter" that will move any e-mail containing "certain adult words of your choosing" directly to your delete or spam folder.

Norton and MacAfee the virus protection specialists, have added anti-spy programs to the list of maintenance programs they sell. However, according to information Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขve seen on email lists, theyรขโ�ฌโ�ขre not as anywhere as good as the Ad-aware program from Lavasoft.

Just a note: If a few people use your computer and each has their own log in password, when you run LavaSoft program, you need to run it under each password. Example: Letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs say Katie and Molly have passwords on your computer. Log in as Katie and run Lava Soft. Then log out of Katie, and log in as Molly and "run the program again." Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm sure, youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll find additional spys under each log in name รขโ�ฌโ�� just like I did last weekend when I cleaned and updated a friendรขโ�ฌโ�ขs computer.

Use the resources below to help you learn more about Spyรขโ�ฌโ�ขs:

Learn about protecting your computer from spam and spyware
http://www.unwantedlinks.com/
http://grc.com/optout.htm
http://www.spyware.co.uk/

Check for spyware on new software before you download it.
http://www.spychecker.com/

Free anti-spyware program.
Use it at least monthly and donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt delete the items you really want! http://www.lavasoft.de/

Opt out of double click ads
http://www.doubleclick.com/us/corporate/privacy/privacy/ad-cookie/default.asp

Removing your e-mail, address and telephone numbers from lists.
http://www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html#mail

Anti-Spam Tools
http://www.webattack.com/freeware/comm/fwspam.shtml

BONUS: Opt-out of credit card marketing mail
The three big credit-reporting companies provide your information to "resellers" or "vendors". To curtail this abuse, call toll free 888-567-8688. Listen to all the options before hitting a key. #3 is the best option to remove you "forever" (well till you change your phone number). Remember to get your cell phone number removed, too. Once you call them they will mail you a confirmation letter for you to mail back to them.

ร�ยฉ 2004 Maria Marsala, Business Growth Strategist. Bringing women-owned service businesses our Wall Street expertise. Your bottom line is NO accident. If your income has been hovering or flat lining the past year or so, if you are working more than 35 hours per week and have no passive income stream, we need to talk. http://www.coachmaria.com You have nothing to loose and everything to gain!

What Has A Portable MP3 Player Have To Do With Your Business

2008-06-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

Plenty! When we made the decision to be our own bosses, we gave up the luxury of having our employers sending us to us seminars, workshops or conferences that help improve our skills and gain knowledge related to our work. All this became our initiative. We have to look for and invest in our own education. But as busy entreprenuers, taking time off to learn can be quite a feat.

On the other hand, it need not be that way especially if you have a portable MP3 player. The Internet has opened up a whole new learning avenue we can take advantage of, right from the comfort of our own home offices. A majority of courses online are in MP3 format or can be extracted to MP3. With the popularity of podcasts, teleseminars and web conferences, you will find no shortage of audio learning material. In fact the opposite is true - you may find yourself not having the opportunity to listen to all these great information. What an ironic twist of fate huh?

But this is where the portable MP3 player can become the entreprenuer's best friend. You can download MP3 files directly into your portable player and begin to listen and learn while you do other tasks away from the computer.

I know this has helped me tremendously. I used to have piles of MP3 files clogging up my computer hard drive. I'd download them, start to listen but never finish because of other duties away from the computer. It got to a point I didn't even bother trying to listen because if of the constant interruptions.

It was frustrating because here was all this great information at my fingertips that could be put to use immediately to advance my business. Instead, it's sitting gathering cyber dust. Once I purchased a portable MP3 player, I had the freedom to listen, learn and apply. What a great difference it made.

There is also a flipside to this. What if you're the one creating the content? For many of us the thought of sitting down to write an article is almost paralyzing. In our mind's eye we see it as moving a mountain. It's not that we don't know how or it's hard to do but the thought of is simply unpleasant. So how can your portable MP3 player come into play?

Most portable MP3 players have a recording function. You can record as much as you like limited to only the drive space of the player and a simple 128MB drive can store quite a bit of audio. So, why not dictate? Record your thoughts or pretend you're talking to a friend on the phone about your topic. Then have it transcribed. By doing so, not only are you making the most out of your time because you can do so where ever you are. You also get things done instead of letting a mental block stall your business.

So if you're having a hard time consuming your training material creating content or even writing your book, pick up a portable MP3 player. They are so inexpensive these days you really have no excuse to start. It's time you moved on.

Technology is the best thing since sliced bread for entreprenuers but it's great only if you know how to use it and what to use. Learn to do so at http://www.TechBasedMarketing.com with Lynette Chandler. She teaches entreprenuers how to leverage readily available technology for their marketing.

ScanDisk-An Overall Look

2008-06-01T01:59:00.000-07:00

The leader in flash memory, ScanDisk delivers more flash memory products than anyone else in more form factors. They carry 315 issued U.S. patents along with 160 foreign patents, so it is very clear to see that ScanDisk is THE inventor of flash data storage. ScanDisk was founded in 1988 by Dr. Eli Harari, who was an internationally recognized authority on non-volatile memory technology. They serve both consumers and original equipment manufacturer, while licensing its technology to a number of other industry-leading companies.

Flash memory is a rapidly growing field, due to the direct result of "consumer demand" for always something smaller, more feature packed, more portable, and always wanting a digital device. Because of this reputation, available is a great, diverse line of MP3 players to suit every consumer with MP3 desires. SanDisk is a name to consider when shopping for your digital audio player as it provides a line of digital audio players with video capabilities, FM tuners, expandable memory, and voice recording. With five different lines of digital audio players to choose from it is probable to find something that fits a specific taste.

The SanDisk "SansaTM" e200 series of MP3 players give the consumer the capability of music, photo, and video clip playback - all in one device. With a 1.8" TFT color screen and advanced navigation, along with a very easy to use interface, this line comes with three choices of disk space - 2GB, 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB, with a strong battery life at about 20 hours when fully charged. It has a durable metal backing to avoid excessive scratching, which is an advantage over others. Supporting the Microsoft PlaysForSure subscription music, a media converter can be purchased to support most image formats for photos and small personal videos.

SanDisk's SansaTM m200 series provides high-quality digital music playback as a replacement to the original Digital Audio Player line, as SanDisk is one of the leaders in the flash drive arena. This series doesn't offer anything flashy (no photo or video), but does everything you need if you are looking for pure digital audio. The series comes in the 512MB (blue), 1GB (silver), or 2GB (black) sizes with optional data storage capabilities. It also can be used as an external storage device for data and a PC transfer case.

The SanDisk SansaTM c100 series is made for the active type, by providing flash memory of 1 or 2GB in a lightweight and durable device that is available in brilliant color. You can listen to music downloaded from the PC, listen to FM radio, record FM radio, or make voice recordings while jogging or studying. The SanDisk Sansa c100 series can also display photo thumbnails, but has no video playback capability. If a person is new to the digital audio game, not quite knowing how much space they need, the SanDisk SansaTM e100 series of expandable memory MP3 players is a great option. Coming with a built-in 512MB or 1GB of memory, a person can expand the space by up to 2GB with a SD slot memory card. This player also comes with a built-in FM tuner.

Check out http://www.mp3playertop.com/ for more articles on ipod shuffel and creative zen 20gb mp3 player.

Simple Overview Of Computer

2008-05-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Computer is an electronic machine work on the instructions of human being. In other words you have to input data to get your required output. Sure it has its own intelligence which is hidden from a user, that help in accurate and speedy calculations.

It has memory to store your things which is called as data. Computer helps user to huge amount of data securely, and helps to retrieve the stored data in fraction of time. It is very efficient way of data maintaining. Also it is useful fast way of searching piece of information from mass information.

Data is nothing but arranged information, it may be text, numbers and graphics.

There are two basic categories of computer fields

1. Computer Software 2. Computer Hardware

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

=>Software Programming

=>Graphic Designers

=>Multimedia

COMPUTER HARDWARE

=>Basic Computer Hardware

=>LAN

=>WAN

This is how the computer fields are categorized. Now start doing some exercise regarding "Research" remember we talk about this previously. Carried out this research as you wish according to your convenience. But I recommend you to do one research per day.

For example take Research - 1 on day 1 that is today. Then next day vice versa.

With this you will observe information which you can digest and understand well. So takes the things in little pieces. Best of luck

Research - 1

What is computer

computer overview

how to use computer

computer

Research - 2

What is data

data

how data works

what are the types of data

Research - 3

What is computer hardware

What is computer memory

Types of computer memory

Note:

The best way to carry out this research is on Internet.

1. Type this link in internet explorer http://www.google.com

2. Type any of the above sentence or word you are looking for in search box and press enter.

I hope you like this article. I am trying my best to provide you the simplest information.

Please feel free to comment. Your suggestions and comments are appreciated and helps me to improve the quality of the information.

Author is the owner of Computer Learning Center website where people learn computer basic and advance courses and tutorials and also know how to get bread and butter from the computer.

Mohammed Amerullah Qureshi

amer@7jj7.com

http://www.7jj7.com/learn

Comparing MP3 Players

2008-05-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

The main benefit of the Digital Age is convenience. MP3 players are one of the most popular components in recent years. They way they work is simple. You simply download your favorite music to an MP3 player and begin enjoying your music. MP3 actually refers to a method of audio compression that maintains the original quality. People often download music from their favorite CDs onto their MP3 player, but downloading music from the Internet is becoming more popular. There are websites available that enable you to subscribe to their service that allows you to pay either a monthly fee for downloading music or on an individual basis.

When you think of MP3 players you probably think of iPod. iPod may be the biggest name in MP3 players, but it is far from the only type available. There are actually numerous MP3 players on the market. Think all MP3 players are the same? Just view the MP3 players featured on iPodMini.us and you will see how MP3 differ. MP3 players can be categorized according to the size of their hard-drive. The size of an MP3รขโ�ฌโ�ขs hard-drive basically translates into how many songs you are able to store on the player.

The lower-end of MP3 players, referred to as flash players, have a hard-drive from 512 MB to 1 MB and you can store about 200 songs. These players cost about $200 and are great when you want a compact player, such as when you go jogging. Many of these players are so compact that they can easily fit in a front shirt pocket. Popular flash players include the iPod Shuffle, Sony Network Walkman (1 MB), and the Oregon Scientific Waterproof MP3 Player. If youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre on a tight budget, the SanDisk MP3 player is available for just $70.

Middle-of-the road is always a safe way to go, especially when it comes to technology. Capable of storing anywhere from 350 to 1,000 songs, micro hard-drive MP3 players such as the iRiver H10 and iPod Mini are your best bet. The price tag for these players is about $200.

If you want to store a large music collection, MP3 players with a 20 GB or higher hard-drive should suit you just perfectly. The iPod Photo leads the pack of this level of MP3 players. With this MP3 you can store 16,000 songs. In addition to playing audio files, you can also use this player to view video files. The player supports the most common audio and video file types, including TIFF, BMP, JPEG, MP3, and WAV. The Creative Nomad Zen Xtra player is highly competitive to the iPod Photo. It also has a 60 GB hard-drive. Other top models in this category include the Sony Network Walkman (20 GB) and the Dell Digital Jukebox.

The MP3 players mentioned so far are portable. If you spend a significant amount of time on the computer, you may want to use a player such as Rhapsody. These players feature a lot of extras. For example, in addition to downloading music from the Internet, you can generally burn CDs, listen to the radio, or import CDs. These players typically feature a free basic model, which is fine for general music listening. If you want the advanced features you will need download a more advanced model, which includes a monthly subscription that may or may not include free music downloads.

ipodmini.us provides reviews of the latest mp3 players and a comprehensive mp3 player shop, including accessories.

10 Tips to Stay Safe and Secure Online

2008-05-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

The Internet can be a dangerous place.

While you're enjoying the convenience of online shopping, Internet banking and subscription websites, nasty people lurk around every corner.

Hackers, fraudsters, identity thieves and many others would love to get hold of your personal details.

And what stands between you and a security disaster?

Your password.

Just 8 little characters long, it's your last line of defense online. Here are 10 tips for choosing and using bullet-proof passwords that will protect you from harm:

Tip 1 - Avoid the obvious

Passwords based on personal details are too easy to guess. Avoid using names, places, favorite sports teams, or "password".

Tip 2 - Make it non-dictionary

One option a thief might try to crack your password is a brute-force dictionary attack. Choose something that you won't find in any dictionary.

Tip 3 - Use the full 8 characters

The more characters a password contains the more secure it becomes, so fill that password field to the max.

Tip 4 - Mix the case

Deter thieves further by using a combination of upper and lower-case letters. A mIXeD cAsE password adds another layer of protection and is ever harder to guess.

Tip 5 - Include non-alphabetic characters

Adding numbers and non-alphabetic characters (like a hyphen) to your password makes it less likely to be cracked than something purely alphabetic.

Tip 6 - Don't write it down

This should be obvious but it's amazing how many scraps of paper surround the world's PCs.

Tip 7 - Assign a different password to each login id

If thieves get hold of your password, they'll try it in every online system available. Use a separate password at each website and you won't have all your eggs in one basket.

Tip 8 - Employ a password manager

Remembering multiple secure passwords can be challenging. Specialist software like http://www.robo-form.com manages your passwords securely and automates the login process.

Tip 9 - Logout when you're done

Always hit the logout button when you've finished using a secure site like online banking.

Tip 10 - Close that browser

Web pages and passwords can be cached in the browser, so close down your browser window for added security.

Follow these simple common-sense tips and you'll enjoy greater online security while benefiting from the many advantages the Internet has brought.

About The Author

Steve Robson is a successful technical author and contributor to 'How To Buy A Laptop.com' - the definitive online guide for buying a laptop computer. Check out: http://HowToBuyALaptop.com

Amps, Volts, and MAh

2008-05-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

PDA batteries like all batteries have electrical specifications that include its volt and milliAmp hour rating. These terms are abbreviated as we see in the following example: 3.7 V, 1600 mAh.

What do these terms mean, and why should you care about the specifications of pda batteries?

Volts or V are an electrical measure of energy potential. You can think of it as the pressure being exerted by all the electrons of a PDA Battery's negative terminal as they try to move to the positive terminal.

Amps or A is an abbreviation of Ampere, a 19th century French scientist who was a pioneer in electricity research. Amps measure the volume of electrons passing through a wire in a one second. One Amp equals 6.25 x 1018 electrons per second.

Amp hours or Ah measures capacity. That is ultimately what we want to know about PDA Batteries from a consumers point of view. Amp hours quantify how long a pda battery can deliver a certain amount of charge before it runs out. As with all metric measurements, Amps can be divided into smaller (or larger) units by adding a prefix.

In the case of PDA Batteries, a milliAmp hour (mAh) is most commonly used. Note that 1000 mAh is the same a 1 Ah. (Just as 1000mm equals 1 meter.) Note that Amp hours do not dictate the flow of electrons at any given moment. PDA batteries with a 1 Amp hour rating could deliver ร�ยฝ Amp of current for 2 hours, or they could provide 2 Amps of current for ร�ยฝ hour.

Typically, PDA Batteries will use 1 to 3 Amps per hour, depending on the model's processor speed, screen size, screen brightness adjustment, usage, and other factors.

Keep in mind that slight variations in voltage generally do not impact the performance of your PDA. We see this all the time with universal and external batteries. The original battery might be specified at 10.8 Volts, but customers using a universal part can operate their laptop safely at either the 10 or 11 Volt setting.

Dan Hagopian of Batteryship.com authored this article. http://www.Batteryship.com offers PDA Battery Replacement Kits with tools and instructions for iPod battery, iPAQ battery, Clie battery, Palm Battery, Axim battery, Treos, and Blackberries.

Writing รขโ�ฌโ�� How to Set Up a FrameMaker Template?

2008-05-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

A FrameMaker template consists of a set of Master Pages.

Select File > New > Document from the top menu.

Select Portrait and create a new document.

Select View > Master Pages to switch to the master page editing screen.

The default FrameMaker document comes with a single master page named RIGHT (check the status bar at the bottom of your screen), complete with a default HEADER and a default FOOTER. In between is the default TEXT FRAME.

To modify the dimensions of the text frame, select Graphics > Tools to reveal the TOOLBOX. Select the arrow on the TOP RIGHT square, the SELECT OBJECT tool.

Click on and select the text frame. Six handles will appear on the dotted-line borders of the text frame.

Select Graphics > Object Properties.

In the dialog box, enter the WIDTH and HEIGHT of the text frame, its distance from TOP and LEFT of the page, the NUMBER OF COLUMNS you need on the page, and whether you need a ROOM FOR SIDE HEAD for your sidebar (check the check-box and then enter the WIDTH of the sidebar and the SIDE it should be on).

You are basically done. If you need a certain text to appear on the HEADER or FOOTER of every page, enter those as well.

To enter a page number, place your cursor where you want the page number to appear and then select Format > Headers & Footers > Insert Page #.

If you want a "Page X of Y" type of page number designation, do the above, enter a single space, and then select Format > Headers & Footers > Insert Page Count.

To clone a LEFT master page from your RIGHT page, select Format > Page Layout > New Master Page.

In the dialog box, give it the name LEFT, and leave the radio-button "Create from Master Page Right" as is, selected.

Click Add and voila! You have a new LEFT master page looking just like your RIGHT page.

So whatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs the point?

Now you can change the positioning of the HEADER and FOOTER elements, for example, so that page numbers and Chapter headings can appear away from the "gutter" and towards the open ends of the pages.

I usually also clone one more master page from the RIGHT -- the FIRST page since the first pages of all chapters always look a little different.

Once you have your three basic master pages, your rudimentary chapter template is done.

Save and return to your body pages by selecting View > Body Pages.

Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation. He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years.

In addition to being an Ezine Articles Expert Author, he is also a Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), and a Member of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI).

You can reach him at writer111@gmail.com for a FREE consultation on all your copywriting needs.

You are most welcomed to visit his official web site http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary background, writing career, and client testimonials. While at it, you might also want to check the latest book he has edited: http://www.lulu.com/content/263630

A Guide to Digital Cameras

2008-05-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

When my wife and I first found out a few years ago that we were going to have a baby, we both automatically shifted to baby-prep mode. She spent her time buying pretty things for the nursery and shopping for cribs and car seats. Like the ultra geek that I am, I started shopping for a digital camera so we could forever celebrate little Haleyรขโ�ฌโ�ขs birth with pictures. Sheรขโ�ฌโ�ขs now almost three and little Will has joined our family as well. Of course, daddy still has to carry that little digital camera everywhere so I can capture any moment at any time. With the sheer number of pictures taken, if we were to have used a traditional film camera, we surely would have gone bankrupt within a year considering the price of film and processing. A digital camera can be very cool, but it helps to know what features to look for. Whether you want to commemorate your children growing up or just want a cool toy to play with on weekend outings, a digital camera is a very wise and money-saving purchase. This week, weรขโ�ฌโ�ขll discuss some things to look for when making that purchase.

The most obvious perk of having a digital camera is that you will never again have to buy film. Digital cameras store pictures either into internal memory or an external memory card. You simply download the pictures onto your computer and then reuse the memory to take more pictures. Also, you no longer have to pay for film processing, though you can still buy prints of your pictures by simply taking your memory card into most department and dug stores and using a digital print kiosk. As a better alternative, you can print some fine pictures from a photo or color printer using specially-designed picture paper.

One thing to watch out for when buying a digital camera is the number of mega pixels. This is a number that indicates how large a picture the camera can take. Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt be fooled into thinking that you have to have a 6 MP (mega pixel) camera. A 3 MP model will print very nice looking 4X6 pictures and will be more than enough to take a picture to use as wallpaper on your PC desktop. 4 MP cameras will take pictures that will print up to 8X10 pictures quite nicely, while a 5 MP will print up to 11X14 pictures. For most usage, a 3 mega pixel camera will work just fine. I suggest you buy as much camera as you can afford, however, as it never hurts to take pictures that are larger than you need, and you never knowรขโ�ฌโ��you might want to print a poster of that image some dayรขโ�ฌยฆ

One of the single most important features to look for in a digital camera is its zoom ability. There is a very real difference between optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom means that the cameraรขโ�ฌโ�ขs lens will zoom in on the subject, retaining the original quality of the image. Digital zoom, on the other hand, uses software within the camera to modify the image to make it appear closer that it really is. This leads to something called รขโ�ฌห�pixelationรขโ�ฌโ�ข and is a very bad thing. Using digital zoom can ruin an otherwise very nice photo. When buying a digital camera, I completely ignore the digital zoom capabilities, instead looking only at the optical zoom. Try to get a camera with at least a 3X optical zoom.

There are a number of memory card formats on the market today. These include Compact Flash, Secure digital (SD), Memory Stick and xD. Any of these will work just fine, just be sure to buy the kind of memory card that fits your camera, and get a card that will hold as much memory as you can afford. Well, a 1 gigabyte card might be overkill, but try to get at least a 128 or 256 megabyte card.

Now, for the Cool Site of the Week... This weekรขโ�ฌโ�ขs site is WebMD.com. WebMD is a wonderful health and medical site. No matter what ails you, WebMD will have some useful information on it. It has a really cool feature where you can even answer some questions on your symptoms and it will provide a diagnosis. Of course, this site should not be used in place of visiting a real doctor, but it can give you some very useful information for your research.

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions for future articles, please email me at mike@MikeBryant.com.

Mike Bryant has worked as a professional software developer for over ten years. A born entrepreneur, he currently owns Centrant, LLC, a software consulting firm specializing in custom software for small businesses. He currently resides in Jackson, Kentucky with his wife, two kids, and five computers. For more information, please visit MikeBryant.com.

Billing Software Guides

2008-05-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

You have your own business and it?s doing well. However, you feel a little disorganized. Your accounting and billing system could use some organization. You need to find some billing software guides that will help you find the perfect software program for your business. Billing software is designed to help you keep track of customers and generate statements, invoices, and other business documents.

Billing software guides are designed to help you choose the billing software that is right for your business. When it comes to billing software, you can get as general or specialized as you need to. For example, medical billing software has special features designed to accommodate the needs of a thriving medical practice including a place to enter patient insurance information. Automotive billing software is designed to meet the needs of an auto body shop. What kind of business do you own? Is there specialized billing software designed for your type of business? If not, then you will need to choose a more generalized program.

Once you choose the billing software program that is right for you, you will need to learn how to use it. The best software program is one that is easy to learn and easy to use. If a system is too complex and confusing, it won?t have the desired effect because you may not use it. That?s not to say a learning curve will not exist or is not normal. But it shouldn?t take you too long to figure out how to use it.

Billing software guides help you choose the billing software that is right for your business. If your industry doesn?t have specialized software, as is the case with medical billing, then you will need to purchase a more generalized system. When you do find the software that is perfect for you, it will make your job so much easier.

Billing Software provides detailed information on Billing Software, VoIP Billing Software, Chiropractic Billing Software, Free Billing Software and more. Billing Software is affiliated with HIPAA Complaint Medical Billing Software.

What Is FTP And How It Works?

2008-05-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

FTP is a method to manage files over the Internet or a network: meet the File Transfer Protocol!

People are generally using the FTP for transfering the files uploaded on their web hosting server. We already talking about files... trasfer, and most important... protocols.

A protocol is a method which informs your computer about the connection to a server or client (in a nut shell, tells the browser how to get the file, how to read the informations about it, etc).

The FTP is a common process used in file trasfers from one computer to another: one computer is the server and the other one is being called - the client (because it connects to the server).

A server is uploading when sending files, and the client is downloading them. These are commonly used terms and I believe you have heard about them before.

To access a FTP server you need an internet or network connection, a FTP address, a username and a password.

The FTP address of the server is the main thing you must know before accessing a server. Here is an example: a friend of mine put some files on his computer and gave me the adress which looks like this: ftp.myfriendsdomain.com

To access this address, i can use my browser (e.g. Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc), or a FTP Client (a software for connecting to FTP servers).

Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs possible the server to be password protected, or I will connect anonymously using my email address as a password.

Connecting anonymously?

Thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs right! If the server is granting acess to everybody, you will connect anonymously - using anonymous word as username and your email address as password. But this happens only when you are allowed to connect anonymously.

In many cases privacy is king. For this reason, the anonymous connection mode is disabled. You will need a username and password to establish a connection to that server. The method is used for protecting different areas on the server.

Clients and browsers?

There is a big difference from connecting to a FTP server using a browser or a client. In most cases the browser will allow to connect and download files from a server.

On the other hand, if you are using a FTP client you can: download, upload, delete files, etc.

FTP vs. HTTP

Accessing a server using the HTTP (Hyper Text Trasfer Protocol) is commonly used for websites. If you will access cnn.com with your browser, you got yourself a quick HTTP connection.

Let me show you two major differences between FTP and HTTP:

1) When connecting to a FTP server you are using a FILE server (that means you canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt see anything but files there), but if you connect to a HTTP server you access a WEB server, which means you can load web pages into a browser.

2) Using a FTP connection you can download and upload files to the server, but when you use the HTTP connection you can only download content from the Internet for viewing, is a "read only" method.

Another thing you can do with the FTP method is to change mode of the files. Why? Because you might use certain files that need different permissions.

For example I have a small web application which stores your name and email address inside a file on the server. If that file is write protected, I canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt store any information. I need to change itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs writing permission. This step is also called chmod-ing a file.

What is CHMOD?

The chmod command is used to change permissions of a file using the File Trasfer Protocol.

After youรขโ�ฌโ�ขve uploaded something on a server you might want to set up the file permissions. For example: the owner can change the fileรขโ�ฌโ�ขs content, but any visitor comming here can only read it.

This is done using 3 simple commands: write, read, execute.

Every command can be assigned (in the same time or dispersed) for owner, groups and anyone else.

Sometimes the chmod commands are hard to use and understand, but now itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs easier, thanks to the three digit numbers!

Here are the most used commands for chmod-ing a file:

- CHMOD 644 The file can be read by: owner, groups and everyone else, but canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt be changed, or executed but other people excepting the owner.
- CHMOD 700 The file can be read, written and excuted by the owner (user). The groups and everyone else canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt read, write or execute it.
- CHMOD 755 The owner, the group and everyone else can read and execute the file, but only the owner can write it. (this is a very common option for chmoding a file because allows the execution of a file - itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs valuable for web applications).
- CHMOD 777 Full access to everyone for reading, executing or writing the data.

Fact: FTP is used mostly for uploading files to a web hosting server! Webmasters are using this procedure to put websites online for their visitors.

Free FTP Clients (some of them are free only for personal use):

* http://www.ipswitch.com/ - WS_FTP
* http://www.primasoft.com/ftp.htm - AutoFTP
* http://www.ftpx.com/ - FTP Explorer
* http://www.corbanware.com/ftpworks.html - FTP Works

Best Regards!
Vladimir Ghetau

About the author: Vladimir Ghetau is specialized in professional Web Designing. He wrote the book "How To Advertise Your Business Like A PRO" which helps improving your web site traffic up to 378%. You can see work results on his web design and development website http://www.PixelTomorrow.com/

Discount OEM Software

2008-05-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

Many software vendors offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) versions at very low prices, and itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs not surprising that a lot of active computer users buy them. But are they really legal? The answer is a yes and a no. Read on to find out more.

Technically speaking, you can only get OEM software with a specified accompanying hardware. So when these OEM programs are copied and then sold separately from the hardware, there is a violation. Unless the license specifically states that the OEM software is free and can be copied and distributed, then transactions involving the sale and/or trade of OEM software are illegal.

The only reason that OEM software is still rampantly sold in the market is that manufacturers have never really actively reprimanded the vendors for illegally distributing them. The key is to be a wise consumer รขโ�ฌโ�� know that when you buy counterfeit OEM-labeled software, you will not be entitled to technical support, service packs, upgrades or patches. Weigh the consequences against the benefits and decide accordingly.

You can still legally purchase discount OEM software, provided that the software is licensed to OEMs for bundling. Legally reproduced OEM software can be bought from hardware manufacturers themselves or from their licensed distributors. They should come with user manuals, original retail packaging, and technical support from the hardware provider themselves.

If you are not sure of the OEM software you want to buy is a legal copy, try visiting OEM forums. Ask people who have used OEM software what they think of the one you want to purchase. It is a good idea to sign up with these online communities so you can get first-hand, consumer-to-consumer opinion and support. There are also OEM assistance sites that can try to check the legitimacy of any OEM software for consumers like you. Do not hesitate to contact them when youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre in doubt.

Discount Software provides detailed information on Discount Software, Student Discount Software, Discount Embroidery Software, Discount OEM Software and more. Discount Software is affiliated with Free Educational Software.

How to Buy the Perfect PC

2008-05-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

PCs have become a staple in every home. Without PCs, you will find it hard to stay connected and to even do the work required of you in school or in the office. With so much PC packages being shoved to our throat every time we go to department stores and computer shops, you'll really get quite confused on what you really need and what PC package will fit your budget and lifestyle. To help you through this dilemma, here is a brief backgrounder of the parts of PCs that you should get to know.

Processor.

This is one of the three primary components of your PC. The processor is the part that determines how fast your computer process information. Intel is still the leading brand in processors but competitors such as American Micro Devices (AMD) are slowly catching up, offering cheaper alternative. In shopping for a processor, one should consider the following:

Clock speed - this will show the number of instructions that a computer can execute in a second. This usually comes after the brand name. Processors nowadays are already set at the gigahertz range.

Cache memory - this stores the data that were previously accessed. This simplifies the work of the computer as it would not take twice as long to access information already stored in memory bank. Without a cache memory, much of the work will fall on the RAM (Random Access Memory).

Operating temperature - some processors easily heats up. Before buying, make sure that you have asked about the operating temperature just in case you need to buy additional fans or put the computer in an air-conditioned room.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM serves as the temporary memory of the PC, containing information that are needed for the computer and the programs to function. In addition to processors, RAM also determines the speed of the computer. The higher the RAM, the faster the computer is in accessing information and responding to commands.

Motherboard

This is where all the parts of the PC's CPU (Central Processing Unit) are attached. Some motherboards already have videocards and soundcards embedded on it while others don't. what is important however is to choose a motherboard that is compatible with your RAM and processor. Incompatibility of PC hardware can cause major problems and may even lead to the breakdown of your computer.

Hard drive

This is the part where you store all the information in your PC. Picture a floppy disk with much much larger storing capacity. The hard drive serves as the permanent memory of your computer. Here you install all your programs and save all the documents that you need. It is also important that you buy a hard drive with really big capacity especially now when people are so used to storing multimedia files that may use up a lot of hard drive space.

Video cards

This is the part of the computer which determines the quality of the multimedia images that you will view. The higher the memory of the video card, the better is the picture quality and the colors. Also, video cards are also responsible for how fast multimedia images are accessed. This is especially needed if you use your computer for multimedia activities such as watching a movie or playing video games.

Dee Kerr makes it easy to find a PC that suits your needs, quickly & easily. Learn the essential keys to look out for. visit: Pc buying guide website, or want to build a PC?

Review: Real world Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS

2008-05-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

Photoshop CS is no doubt the most momentous Photoshop progress which complements digital photographers. Real world Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS discusses exciting new features for general users, web designers, video editors and digital photographers. This book is authored by Bruce Fraser.

Bruce Fraser is a noted author having co-authored the penultimate Photoshop resource book Real World Photoshop from Peachpit Press. He is also a contributing editor for Mac World plus a regular contributor for CreativePro where he wrote his "Out of Gamut" articles. Fraser is also a co-author of Real World Color Management from Peachpit Press. He has also made a study of human vision and how it relates to reproducible color in photography and photomechanical reproduction. Bruce is a regular speaker and presenter at notable trade shows and conferences as well as Seybold and Thunder Lizardรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Photoshop Conferences. He has also consulted for an extensive series of major photographic and digital imaging companies.

Adobe Photoshop CS is the new version (Version 8) of Adobe Photoshop. It is a part of the newly announced Adobe Creative Suite which combines new versions of Adobe Photoshop CS with ImageReady CS, Adobe illustrator CS, Adobe InDesign CS, Adobe GoLive CS, Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Professional, and the new "Version Cue" file version manager, which lets you track integrations quickly and locate files easily.

Camera RAW part of Photoshop 7 Adobe Photoshop Camera RAW & JPEG 2000 Plug-in Bundle is now an integrated part of Photoshop CS. This has added substantial power to Photoshop CS. JPEG 2000 delivers superior quality for the same compression ratios. Conversely, since no camera support JPEG 2000, support is available through a separate plug-in that ships with the software.

Depending on the camera brand, Raw may come in different flavors. Adobe Photoshop CS covers most RAW formats available today. However, RAW data may not be always read accurately. For example, the white balance of Nikon Coolpix 5000 images may have unnatural result which is not a case with Nikon Capture 3.5. To fix the white balance, click in a non-specular white area followed by a minor tint adjustment. Supplementary adjustments can be made through the advanced "Calibration" tab. The "Adjust" tab controls exposure, shadow, brightness and contrast sliders. Albeit Photoshop CS features now a new Histogram Palette, the RAW dialog box also features live histograms.

Noise reduction is not a problem with Photoshop CS. It has the color noise reduction and luminance smoothing sliders which allow you to reduce colors and luminance noise. Luminance noise should be use with caution because it can lead to an artificial "water paint" effect. The noise reduction performs very well and preserves the image detail and sharpness.

To remove chromatic aberrations, apply a local desaturation in the corresponding color channels. The Lens tab of the Raw dialog box provides effective ways of eliminating these aberrations.

To have additional knowledge of Camera raw with Adobe Photoshop CS, purchase a copy of this book. It will sure enlighten the dark areas of the subject matter.

About The Author
Maricon Williams I love reading. Give me a book and I'll finish it in one sitting. Reading is the chance to be transported to a different world and so is writing. I'm more enthusiastic about writing however, since you can relay your ideas to someone else. I can only imagine that feeling when I hear a complete stranger talking about my ideas which read on an article somewhere. To relay my message to as many people is the same as touching people with music. Only mine's less harmonic. I try to make up for it with the color I bring with words. And most of the time, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs more than enough. For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.ucreative.com

Simulation Software

2008-05-13T10:00:00.001-07:00

The world behind a virtually simulated world is that of simulation software. Simulation software is the tool used to design or manage the imitation system to describe the real potential process or situation. They are generally application specific and the main characteristics of this software is usability and availability. Based on these, simulation software has found its way into numerous and varied application fields.

One example of this type of software is Risk, a software package used primarily for risk analysis and decision-making. This simulation is used basically for financial analysis by insurance and financial services companies. Analytica is a software package used in investment, portfolio and network analysis, as also in areas of research.

Any Logic 6.0 is used for market modelling, logistics, resource and asset management. Although used primarily by the telecom and transportation sector, it may be used for global modelling for any kind of business. Arena, SAS Software, Show Flow, SIGMA, Sim cad Flow are some of the other simulation applications available in the market.

Scheduling, goods and people management, call centre activities, network flow analysis can all be included features in simulated software. Simulation software has widespread applications and uses. This enables the user to analyse, interpret and draw conclusions, using information from various sources and in various forms. These are designed to inculcate in a model, information from spreadsheets, CAD, output and production figures, which provide a realistic and accurate idea of effects, results and reactions when parameters are changed in the simulated process.

Simulation software used in simulation games are designed to replicate even the smallest of details to provide a realistic feel to the game. Its use for military purposes varies from military ranges, mock warfare, internal simulation, external simulation and exercise planning.

The applications of simulation software are increasing everyday and increasingly sophisticated simulation software applications are now available for personal computers as well.

Simulation provides detailed information on Simulation, Simulation Games, Simulation Software, Flight Simulation and more. Simulation is affiliated with Free Spyware Removal Software.

Surviving the Changes In Microsoft Word 2003 Mail Merge

2008-05-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

With every new version of Microsoft Office it seems that in Microsoftรขโ�ฌโ�ขs wisdom they decide to change the way in which we do the humble mail merge. In earlier versions of Microsoft Word such as Microsoft Word 2000, the process for undertaking a mail merge was simple. The first step was to create your data source, which by default was a Microsoft Word document with a simple table in it. The next step was to create the main document, which could be a letter or pamphlet. Then the third step was to add your fields to the main document and then finally carry out the merge.

In Microsoft Word 2003, if you are starting a brand new mail merge then you should be aware that you no longer produce a Microsoft Word document as a datasource, in fact the datasource you produce is a Microsoft Access database. I, to a certain degree applaud this move because I am a fervent believer that all raw data should in fact be stored in a database of some sort, it doesn't matter whether its a Microsoft Access Database, a MySQL Database or SQL Server. The reason for this, is that the database enables the user to use this information more than once and a database is far more stable than a Microsoft Word document, especially if you are working with large volumes of data. You will also find that the Microsoft Access database created by the Mail Merge Wizard is very simple and will only contain a single table with the fields you defined.

The cool thing Microsoft has done with this, is that by storing your raw data in a Microsoft Access database, it enables you in the future to easily share this data with other applications. In fact, it is much easier to move data into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or even into a commercial database system like Microsoft SQL Server from Microsoft Access. The new mail merge functionality also enables you to filter and sort your data much easily. The other key benefit is that the Filter allows you to select what data you want to actually include in the mail merge proces.

The issue I have though with the new Microsoft Word 2003 Mail Merge process is the complexity of doing a merge. In particular the long winded way that you have to add the merge fields to your document. In earlier versions of the Microsoft Word application, such as Microsoft Word 2000, you could simply add each merge field to your main document in one go. In Microsoft Word 2003, you must first open the Merge Fields dialogue box each time you want to add a field. Thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs right, you have to add each field by selecting the field and then inserting the merge field and then close the dialogue and then you must repeat this step for each individual field. I find this more annoying than anything else.

We could of course manually enter each field in using the shortcut Ctrl + F9 (used to insert a field) but that too I consider is a lot of work. I think in future versions this is something that Microsoft will change but I guess only time will tell.

All in all, I think the new Microsoft Word 2003 Mail Merge Wizard is a positive step forward but for the previous users of the mail merge process it can be a little daunting and confusing.

If you would like some help or step-by-step assistance, my team at One-on-One Personal Computer Training have put together a Microsoft Office Specialist Word 2003 Training kit to help you step through the process of doing a mail merge in Microsoft Word 2003 and its available by clicking here. We also provide a daily Microsoft Office hints and tips email which is 100% free that you can subscribe to by visiting http://www.1-on-1.biz

We also offer a Forum at http://help.1-on-1.biz where you can go and place questions or issues you may have and my team will review them and post answers usually within 24 to 48 hours or provide you with links to locations where you can get the information you are looking for.

This article was written by Chris Le Roy Managing Director, One-on-One Personal Computer Training and all Copyrights 2005 must be observed.

IT Focus - Careers and Redundancy

2008-05-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

Once you have become an IT professional your life becomes consumed with IT. Long hours of programming, support or planning and irate spouses become your life.

There seems to be no way out of the IT circuit and the rule is diversify or die. What was popular today is gone tomorrow and to keep employed you are always having to surf the crest of the IT wave with the latest advances in technology, languages and software. Diversification does not mean you have to rely solely upon IT courses and books, there are other pursuits that can complement your IT career whilst providing an escape route in times of fatigue or facing vocational redundancy. Here are some ideas:

Instead of learning the latest computer language try learning a new human language. A new language such as Spanish, French, Chinese or German will give you the skills to program applications that cater for people who speak those languages. Your new human language will allow you to export your skills to other countries providing you with the ability to travel and should your skills become redundant in one country they more than likely could be utilised in another country. You could end up providing translation services for documentation or applications or even just working as a translator.

Writing articles about your job gives you skills in writing and publishing. Perhaps IT journalism is your next step, writing for an IT magazine or writing a book on a system you know well.

Courses in speaking or training could lead to a job in training IT professionals where you would probably get free training yourself in the latest products.

I have a friend who started growing lettuces on the side, I was amazed at how much he had done when he showed me tables of hydroponic lettuces growing on his 6 acre property. His philosophy was "in the future people will most likely not need Oracle but they will need food". A radical departure, but he is beginning to pull a living from his venture and there is no need to expensively upgrade a lettuce to the latest version.

Duane Hennessy Senior Software Engineer and Systems Architect. Bandicoot Software Tropical Queensland, Australia (ABN: 33 682 969 957)

Bandicoot CodeClipper, your code snippet organiser. http://www.bandicootsoftware.com.au

Moderator of http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AccessDevelopers

What to Consider When Buying a Computer

2008-05-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

What will the backup service be like if there is a problem? Will service be on site? Does the vendor offer a collection service if there is a problem? If not, is the vendor close enough for me take the computer back or will I have to pay to send it? Is it worth paying a little more to a local dealer with immediate access to backup services if/when something goes wrong?

Will the vendor sell me something more expensive or complicated than I need?

Talk to them and get a quote from more than one vendor. A reputable dealer will sell you what you want/need, not what they want to sell you.

Is an installation service offered?

Helpful if you are a mature beginner and have never set up a computer before. (Of course if you happen to live near Ledbury, we will set it up for you!)

Do I need a laptop or a PC?

Generally PCs (personal computers) are cheaper. Laptops take up less space and can be stored in a cupboard. A PC will always be on show but set up ready to use. A laptop can do EVERYTHING a PC can do (this is a question we are often asked.)

BEWARE of 'bundled' (free, included) printers.

Often the ones included are the ones they couldn't sell any other way because they are the most expensive to run. Check the cost of replacing the ink cartridges here BEFORE accepting the printer. It might turn out to be CHEAPER to buy a separate printer which uses cheaper, compatible cartridges.

I am an IT teacher working mainly with mature beginners http://www.it-teacher.co.uk

Signs That Your Home Computer Is Infected by Spyware or Adware

2008-05-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

There are a number of indicators you can watch for which will suggest that your computer has been infected by spyware or adware. Please note that some of the symptoms listed below are not unique to just a spyware or an adware infection.

1) PC Performance รขโ�ฌโ�� Both spyware and adware consume your PCรขโ�ฌโ�ขs resource like computer memory. A bad spyware infection could dramatically slow your computerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs performance including causing your systemรขโ�ฌโ�ขs to become increasingly unstable. Spyware also can affect your internet connection speed as it takes up bandwidth to communicate information back to its creator.

2) Pop up Ads รขโ�ฌโ�� It is highly likely that your computer is infected by adware if you notice more pop up ads appearing than usual. In some cases pop ads start appearing on the desktop even if you have not opened a web browser. Alternatively, search results may appear in a pop up or another browser window relative to the website you are visiting or keyword term you have typed into a search engine.

3) Browser Toolbars รขโ�ฌโ�� These programs are commonly bundled with free software which the publisher often describes as "advertiser supported." The toolbar then feeds adverts based on the website you visit. They are usually very difficult to uninstall. "180 Search Assistant" and "Huntbar" are example programs.

4) Browser Settings รขโ�ฌโ�� Your internet favourites or bookmarks and start page are two main settings which are targeted by spyware authors. Web sites are inserted into your list of internet favourites in the hope that you will visit them. Browser hijackers change the start page which is visited when the browser loads. Any unexpected change to your start page is a sign of infection.

5) Start Up Programs รขโ�ฌโ�� Some spyware variants will try to add themselves to your Windows start up program list. If you boot up time becomes noticeably slower then review your program start up list to check for applications you are not familiar with and remove them. This program list can be review using the "MS Config" option from the Windows XP Run command.

6) Software Failure รขโ�ฌโ�� A spyware infection can cause some of your programs to crash or stop working. In particular watch if your Internet Explorer browser refuses to work all of a sudden.

7) Hosts File Changes รขโ�ฌโ�� The Hosts File is a Windows file that maps the numerical IP Address to the Host Name very much like the address book on your cell phone "maps" your friendรขโ�ฌโ�ขs name to their telephone number. Some spyware programs can change these setting so that when you type in "www.yahoo.com" for example you are re-directed to the spyware authorรขโ�ฌโ�ขs website.

Richard Rogers runs a number of computer-related sites offering Spyware Remover and Anti Virus Software help.

Blu-ray Disc: Successor of DVD

2008-05-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

What is a blu-ray disc or BD?
Blu-ray Disc (BD) is next-generation optical disc which is considered as the successor of currently used DVDs. BD is developed by a group of international electronics manufacturers under the name of "Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA)". BDA includes - Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson and many more.

A BD has a whopping five times the storage capacity of a DVD. So it can hold a data of 25GB. It can be single sided or double sided; a double sided disc can contain 50GB of data. BDs primary use is related to hi-definition movies but it is equally useful for data storage. BD is very similar to a traditional DVD disc in look and feel.

Difference from DVDs and CDs
BDรขโ�ฌโ�ขs absolutely of same size. So a player which plays BDs will also play DVDs and CDs. The main difference is use of blue ray laser instead of red ray laser, as in DVDs and CDs. Now a question can arise "what is the benefit of using blue ray laser?" The benefit of using blue laser is its shorter wavelength which is 405nm than a red laser having wavelength of 650nm. So it provides a greater precision than red laser, the higher the precision the smaller will be each storage sector on the disc. This helps BD to store more data in same size.

Industry Support
According to BDA, the association holding the research, 170 media companies, movie and game production houses and computer peripheral manufactures are currently supporting this new technology. Many electronic majors already announced their BD players and other are soon going to announce their players. Currently the price tag is put at $1000 to $1800; this price tag will soon come down.

Applications of BD
Data Storage รขโ�ฌโ�� With a storage capacity of 50GB, mass storage is certainly a fascinating property of BDs. High Definition TV and Video รขโ�ฌโ�� With audience through out world are switching on HDTV (High Definition TV), recording and video will be much easier using BDs. High Definition Camcorder Archiving รขโ�ฌโ�� Home videos will soon be able to record High Definition video with use of BDs. Archiving รขโ�ฌโ�� Mass storage of data, music and images will be no problem with 50 GB space on one disc.

Features of BD
Except some features like backward compatibility with DVDs and CDs, 50 GB storage and use of blue laser, there are many unique features which are included in BD.

1. Strong copyright protection mechanism รขโ�ฌโ�� Unlike CDs and DVDs, industry is trying to make BDs piracy free. For this a mandatory copy protection mechanism is employed.

2. Long life รขโ�ฌโ�� the industry is keen to keep BD format relevant for at least 10 to 15 years. They will try to put all the modifications before making it popular.

3. Cost รขโ�ฌโ�� BDA is claiming the cost of writing and cost of disc will be very close to DVDs, in spite the fact of higher storage. So, the outcome cost per GB will be very low.

4. Anti scratch รขโ�ฌโ�� hard coated BD needs no cartridge and it is robust against scratches and fingerprints.

Conclusion
With a great industry support, Blu-ray Disc will soon become popular due to lots of features it has. BDs for computers are under development while BDs for videos already entered the market. I welcome this new technology and wish it a great future.

Manu Dutt Tripathi is a computer professional from India. http://manudutt.wikispaces.com

Screensavers With Calendar - An Innovation

2008-05-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

Designers are always trying to do something new with screensavers. As Internet usage increase, the screensavers are becoming more popular. The latest innovation in screensaver designs is calendar screensavers.

Screensavers - Why This Popularity

It is not difficult to understand why screensavers are becoming so popular. Most of them are free. They give enjoyment. Most of them come with lovely music. They are fun to watch and share. To sit on a computer for hours can become tiring. Screensavers give the much-needed break.

Calendar Screensavers - Why Different These screensavers are animated video shots. The animated image has a beautiful calendar. It looks lovely to look at and some of these are fabulous and totally free. Agreed that many users will not use the calendars on the screensavers to know about date, but is usage the only reason for getting something? Then luxury cars would never sell.

Varieties -

You can download free Calendar screensavers with the following main topics and more - 4th July, Birds, Butterflies, Christmas, Flowers, Halloween, Love & Romance, Ocean Life, Natural World, Happy New Year, Miscellaneous, Seasons, Sports, Saint Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, Transport, Valentines Day and Waterfalls.

Enjoy free downloads of Calendar Screensavers. Watch them whenever you get tired and need to relax, enjoy and listen to lovely music.

CDMohatta writes text for Free Screensavers. You can download as many as you wish at no cost. Please select from - Free Calendar Screensavers all topics, Free Halloween Screensavers with Calendar and Free Love & Romance Screensavers with Calendars

7 Tips for Buying a Cheap Laptop

2008-05-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

Buy a cheap laptop with older technology
Rapid advance in technology makes it meaningless to buy the latest technology at a high price. When laptop with wireless capability first came to the market, a unit with this technology can cost up till US$2500. Now after 2 years, you can get a relatively fast centrino laptop for less than US$1000.

Buy used or refurbished laptop
The depreciation of a laptop value is so high, that after one year in the market, a laptop can easily lose half its value. So if you are looking for a cheap laptop, look for one which is close to one year old. Not all used laptop are in bad condition. You will be surprised to find that some used laptops are still in good condition because their owners are power users or gamers.

Buy laptop from power users or gamers
I like to buy electronic gadgets including laptops from hard core power users or gamers. Let me share with you why. Gamers or power users usually require the latest and most powerful technology to run their games or power hungry applications. They often will not settle for second best. They also have the tendency to chase after the latest technology. So after one year, they will be bored of what they have and will look to sell off their laptops so that they can buy a new one. Now if you are looking to buy cheap laptops with up to date technology and you happen to have friends who are gamers, do ask them if they are looking to sell off their laptops. Who knows, maybe you can buy a good and cheap laptop from them.

Scan through gaming forums and local gaming community
if you do not already have friends who like to play computer games, then scanning through gaming forums on the internet is another way to get good and cheap deals for used laptop. Internet makes it easy for you to do this. Go to google.com and start searching for gaming forums. Visit each and everyone and see if they have a Trading Section. You will definitely find many posts from gamers looking to sell their gaming laptops.

Scan through local bulletin boards
Do scan through local bulletin boards near you for cheap deals on laptop. Students or even companies do offer their used computers or laptops for sale when their studies or projects end. I personally had gotten a few good deals for my family and friends.

Look for cheap laptop with at least 512mb memory
This is especially important for used laptop. If the processor speed is slow, then having more memory can compensate for the lack in speed. In fact, the size of memory plays a big part in determining how fast a laptop runs an application. Just by increasing the memory size, you can see a huge difference in speed. A cheap laptop with at least 512mb memory can run most non graphic intensive application easily.

Get cheap laptop from reputable manufacturer
This is very important because if you are buying used laptop, then the chances of requiring servicing is higher than a new laptop. So if you buy from a reputable manufacturer, you will save a lot of trouble and time if your laptop does require servicing.

Charles Wee owns and runs http://www.cheaplaptopguide.com, a website that provides useful content on sourcing and buying of cheap laptops and discount laptops. He also runs a free blog hosting service at http://www.bloggerhaven.com

Computer Forensics Methods For the Home User

2008-05-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

Many homes today have more than one computer or even a home network. Homes today have: parents who use the computer for work, gaming and entertainment and also their children use it for schoolwork, gaming and socializing with their friends.

If you need to find out what's happening on your computer when you are not using it, you can do so by running software on it that tells you everything. If you prefer the long way, you could try sifting through files on the desktop to look at history, cookies, websites visited and images caches but this method is long and tedious and won't tell you everything. Plus, the others in your household may be clearing their tracks after using the computer.

You can set up your computer so that it erases all your files after each use making investigating the habits of your children, teenagers or spouse difficult. If they are clearing out the cache and temporary internet files after each use it can feel near impossible to find out what they are doing.

As a parent or husband or wife you may feel the need to investigate what your family members are doing on the computer. Perhaps you are worried that your children are chatting with strangers and giving out personal information. Maybe you are worried that your teenaged son is downloading pornography or that your teenaged daughter is chatting with undesirables. Maybe you're even worried that your husband is downloading pornography or that your wife is chatting with other men.

Whatever your concern, you can find out precisely what's happening without your family member knowing that they are under your surveillance. Programs can log every move made on the computer and report to you. You can easily install it to run in stealth mode on your personal computer to track:

-Websites visited

-Chat conversations from any instant messaging program

-Emails sent and received

-Screen shots

-Time logs

And more...

Some can send you encrypted files to any address you choose that will give you the information you need to either put your mind at ease that nothing unsafe or inappropriate is happening in your home or arm you with the evidence you need in order to confront a situation with a member of your household. These programs can find out what you need and then be removed or deactivated at will.

Children are faced with bullying and online predators constantly online. Some children don't tell their parents when they run into trouble. Some children carry on internet conversations with who they perceive to be other children but that may be pedophiles.

Spouses sometimes carry on Internet based relationships or participate in pornographic activities online. This may be something you need to know to help you in your relationship.

Total Innovations, Inc. specializes in developing award winning software programs designed to solve computer users needs. The Emailspy computer monitoring software, http://www.spyblaster.com & http://www.folderhider.com are a few of the most recent. See full details at: http://www.emailspy.com

Who Will Win the Race - Internet Explorer or Firefox

2008-05-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a web browserรขโ�ฌโ�ขs era, we are witnessing real action behind a browser other than Internet Explorer. The most browser history we can remember, major and widely accepted internet browser was Internet Explorer.

In late 90s, there was a time when Netscape was trying to claim superiority in that browser market share, but Internet Explorer walk away winning a lions share. However at present, for the first time Microsoft is facing tough competition. The new contender of Internet Explorer is "Firefox", which is likely to take advantage of the security concerns that is counted as loop holes in Internet Explorer structure.

A browser from the producers of Mozilla, Firefox is drawing massive attention. Firefox is a browser that focuses on opening websites rapidly while keeping malicious pop-ups and spyware a side.

While, at final stages Firefox luckily was picked for the upcoming browser two federal agencies that recommended Internet users to select browser other than Internet Explorer for the first time, because of security concerns.

Internet users began switching over Firefox after facing numerous security issues with Internet Explorer. Users believe that Internet Explorer has not actually been upgraded since beginning of 20s. Users have to download the patch known as Service Pack 2 as well as upgrade their system up to windows XP for more secured Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer use to hold around 95 percent of market share for web browsers but slide down to nearly 92 percent in just the few months. This might seem a few percentage points, but these few percentages depict millions of people who have switched over to Firefox from Internet Explorer.

It shows that Firefox is becoming widely accepted by millions of its fans, for its excellent features such as download speed, outstanding user interface along with its pop-up blocker.

But the biggest advantage for Internet Explorer is that most websites are still built to work best with Microsoft's browsers. It may result that some sites may not sees right or not be accessible at all through internet browser other than IE.

So, who will win this race Internet Explorer or Firefox? If Firefox sustains getting market share as it has at current phase than future is bright for Firefox. But, if Internet Explorer comes out with the solutions for its security issues, it can hold onto its over 90 percent lions share in the browser market.

Whatever, but the fact is that both browsers have had advantages along with security problems and loop-holes. So only the time will show the right answer, just wait and watch.

Allen Brown is a freelance writer for http://www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com, the premier website to find Free Software Downloads including free anti-virus software, free spyware detection software, free toolbars, free chat software and more. He also freelances for http://www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com

Looking For Childrenรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Learning Software? Help Finding The Best Software

2008-05-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for great educational software or childrenรขโ�ฌโ�ขs learning software for your kids? Today most kids are more connected to video games, television and the computer then ever before. They are so connected that it can often seem impossible to get them to do their homework, do any extra studying at home or even pull them away for a second. Well, as the old saying goes if you canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt beat them then try joining them. What that means for trying to educate your children is instead of trying to get them off the computer get some education computer games.

Often parents shy away from purchasing childrenรขโ�ฌโ�ขs learning software because it is too expensive, they donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt know what to purchase and they are not sure of the educational content in them. However all of these factors can easily be overcome by going through the following steps.

The Fun Factor

First and foremost before you purchase any software you want to make sure that is has some fun factor for your children. If you just go and buy any program off the shelf without doing any research and forethought you can very easily end up getting a really boring program. This will end up collecting dust on the shelf because lets be honest if your children are not going to play it.

There are two main ways to check the fun factor of a game that you are contemplating purchasing. First you can check the latest reviews of the software. You can check online places like Amazon or eBay to read other members feedback and options. This is often a great source of a lot of feedback. Another source that can sometimes work well for you is to ask some friends that you know. Ask other parents, teachers at your childรขโ�ฌโ�ขs school or other people. This will sometimes not work if the software is really new.

The Educational Factor

The educational factor goes hand and hand with the fun factor. You want to check the fun factor first because if it is not fun it will not be used. However all fun and no educational content is not what you are after either? So you will want to take a little time to look at the educational content of the program. Typically you want to evaluate the educational content on the following basis. Is it age appropriate? For example if the game is teaching chemistry then it will probably not work for your kindergartener. You can find this information typically by carefully looking over the software package. They will typically have a recommended age and grade levels that are covered. Also you want to look at the number of topics taught and how they are taught. Look at the screen shots of the program on the back of the box. These can all be great sources of information for establishing the usefulness of the software.

Other Relevant Factors

There are a few other things that you will want to check before making the purchase. For example you want to see how hard the installation process is going to be and make sure that you computer operating system and configuration will be able to support it. Another nice feature is being able to save and print what your child is doing in the software. Some of the programs will allow this while others might not. However it can be very beneficial to print and post your childรขโ�ฌโ�ขs work on the refrigerator. The last thing that can be nice to check before purchasing if possible is the clarity of the images through the screen shots and the sound quality. You might not be able to establish these things from the box alone but you can often ask the salesmen at the store about it.

The Issue Of Cost

One last thing to be aware of is to not fall into the trap of cost. Often when people lack knowledge about a software product they will just go and purchase the most expensive one. However price often is not a reliable indicator of the quality of the program. That is just something to keep in mind while you are out shopping.

If you take the above factors into consideration then you are set to go and purchase the software. Just remember this is only one piece of childrenรขโ�ฌโ�ขs learning software and it is not the end of the world if it is not the best ever program. Typically childrenรขโ�ฌโ�ขs learning software is not that expensive and in the end go out and try a few different programs.

Check Out The Modern Guide To Raising Healthy Children- It is the Website and Guidebook your children should have been born with! Learn more about Fun Children's learning Software For Free Right Here.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV/AX Implementation - Russian ERP Market

2008-05-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

In this small article we will be giving you highlights on Microsoft Navision and Axapta implementation, customization, tuning and reporting in Moscow and on Russian ERP/MRP market in general. We suggest this information to IT directors of multinational corporations with connection to Russia, Kazakhstan, Central Asia. Recently - in September 05 Microsoft Business Solutions renamed Microsoft Great Plains, Navision and Axapta into Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics AX, following the directions of Project Green. We will be discussing localization, government reporting, language translation.

รขโ�ฌยข Localization. Microsoft has two ERP products for Russia and CIS - Microsoft Dynamics NAV - Navision and Microsoft Dynamics AX - Axapta. Microsoft Dynamics GP is not localized and is not available in Russia from Microsoft Business Solutions Moscow. You can purchase the license from MBS Partner in US and implement Microsoft Great Plains in Russia, but you will face government reporting issues

รขโ�ฌยข Language. Both - Microsoft Navision and Microsoft Axapta have interfaces translated into Russian and to some extent you can have multilanguage version, the reason we are rising multilanguage issues - in order to control your subsidiary in Russia you should have at least English interface and reporting.

รขโ�ฌยข Government Reporting. Russian tax reporting is somewhat relatively conservative and the regulation here is rather strict. Also, tax inspectors assume that you use standard chart of account and do transactions on the General Ledger level, following accounting transactions prescribed rules.

รขโ�ฌยข Chart of Accounts & Transactions. Standard chart of accounts has enumerated codes for accounts and geared toward manufacturing accounting. Again - accounting code prescribes you do transactions in General Ledger. The regulation would be not an impediment, if you are manufacturing company and tune your manufacturing ERP / MRP module to use codified and state-approved accounts/transactions. However if you are service business, especially high-tech oriented - the code is a pain for you, because Sales Order Processing or Service modules are typically designed under the assumption of accrued accounting, without posting your profit and expenses through "goods in production" type of accounts.

รขโ�ฌยข Cash Based Accounting. Technically you can use either one: cash based or accrued methods. However, the accounting code was designed with the idea of the cash method.

รขโ�ฌยข Implementation Partner. For the company, having headquarters in the US/Europe, consulting company selection is important question. Technically implementation should be done in Moscow, but the implemented ERP should be "consolidated" into Corporate ERP, an so - the communication between consulting company and your headquarters based IT and Finance department should be very efficient.

We encourage you to analyze your alternatives. You can always appeal to our help, give us a call: Russia: (095) 918 3314, Germany: (0177) 8349 806, USA 1-866-528-0577 or 1-630-961-5918, help@albaspectrum.com

Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer at Alba Spectrum Technologies (http://www.albaspectrum.com), serving Microsoft Great Plains, CRM, Navision to mid-size and large clients in California, Illinois, New York, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Washington, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, Montreal, Moscow

Strategies to Maximize the Life of Your Mac Hard Drive

2008-05-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

Although Macs are often deemed the most user-friendly computers, many Mac users do not know much about computer maintenance. This is because Mac OS cleverly hides all the cumbersome applications it runs to keep the system secure and healthy. Unfortunately, while this maintains Appleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs signature look and feel, it also takes away the userรขโ�ฌโ�ขs ability to easily monitor and maintain the health of their computer. Below, I recommend several procedures that can be performed by most Mac users without much difficulty, which will help safeguard your computer from data loss.

Be SMART, Monitor your hard drives

SMART stands for Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology and allows you to run diagnostics on your hard drive to determine if a failure is imminent. In order to run the tool, launch Disk Utility (Applications: Utilities) and click on the top level indicator for your drive in the left-hand column. In the bottom of the window, you should see something like "SMART Status: Verified". If you do not see "SMART status" at all, your Mac does not support the technology. If you see "SMART status" but do not see "Verified", your drive may be at risk of imminent failure. In this case, your best bet is to backup your data and replace the drive. This simple, but often overlooked procedure may save you from losing your data. One other thing worth noting is that although there is a myriad of 3rd party applications that can run these diagnostics automatically, be advised that using such utilities in the event of a hardware failure can cause extensive damage to the drive.

Clean up files

This is pretty self-explanatory and is applicable to all computer users รขโ�ฌโ�� take some time to organize your files on a regular basis. Clean up any downloads or files from your desktop and place the files into appropriate folders. This will not only save time, but will also protect you from losing files due to bad sectors.

UNIX Maintenance Scripts

Mac OS uses automatic maintenance routines called maintenance scripts to clean up system log files and other temporary files. The three scripts are designed to run daily, weekly and monthly. The problem is that these scripts are set by default to run late at night when most Macs are either off or sleeping. If the computer is off or in sleep mode during this time, the scripts will not run and the log files will grow in size, clogging up the startup disk and slowing down performance. The good news is there are a number of 3rd party programs that exist that allow the user to set different times at which to run the scripts, including MacJanitor (v.1.3 or later for Tiger) and Anacron among others.
I will be reviewing these titles and many others in the weeks to come so stay tuned. In the meantime, visit our website to learn more about Mac maintenance, data recovery tips, and other useful stuff.

Alex Bezborodov is the technical writer for Accurate Data Recovery, specializing in data recovery for end users, academia and small businesses. Check out the ADR Resource Center for more useful information.
Let ADR bring your data back to life!

How You Can Find the Perfect iPod Speakers

2008-05-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

So, you have an iPod, but not the speakers. Well, you need to pick up a pair today. The speaker make sharing the music so much easier with your friends. Have that great song you want to have all you friends listen to, but it's a pain to pass it around with just the headphones? Well, that's why iPod has made the speakers, for easy music listening with your friends.

Nowadays, you can throw a party anywhere as long as you have an iPod and a set of iPod speakers. They are so tiny, yet they can boom the bass and shake up the place.

iPod speakers are either portable, which you can carry around, or home models, which you cannot carry around because of some restrictions like, it is bigger and heavier and is therefore not handy, and it is not battery operated and work only when plugged into an electrical outlet.

But, that's why there's so many options for speakers on the iPod. You can get anything from small, easily portable speakers to something big enough to hook up to a home stereo system. It just increases the versatility of the iPod as whole.

The portable models are battery operated and has a size just slightly larger than iPod Nano and some weighs only half an ounce! Although portable iPod speakers offer sound better than most computer speaker, it can't compete with the home only or standalone iPod speakers that can produce louder, crisper, and more booming sound, for these iPod speakers get their power directly from an electical outlet that gives much energy compared to a low voltage battery.

Below are the best in iPod speakers that could rock us out of our seat with their booming sound.

-iBlasting the Room with iBoom iPod speakers

iBoom is the newest iPod speaker from DLO. The iBoom iPod speakers sport an amorphous shape and has a slot in the front which serve as a hub for iPod or iPod mini. The four iPod speakers only need 20 watts per channel to start producing sound. iBoom iPod speakers also has a built-in handle, an AUX in port, and can run either on AC power or a with six "D" batteries. When plugged in to an AC power, the iBoom iPod speakers will charge the cradled iPod. Design wise, iBoom iPod speakers look pretty good with a white iPod cradled on it.

The plus points for iBoom iPod speakers are (1) low wattage consumption but could still produce decent sound, (2) portable and (3) charge an iPod when it is running on A/C power.

- 'What's the new Black?'

For Altec Lansing, the answer is still black.

Altec Lansing's inMotion iM3 iPod speakers come in the usual Apple white and, now, in black. It weighs around 15 to 16 ounces only and is sized just a bit larger than the iPod.

Altec Lansing is known for creating sound system that could produce sounds in different ranges from the highest pitch to the lowest bass. And now that Altec Lansing has speakers for the iPod, expect that these iPod speakers would be of high quality. In fact, these iPod speakers has a class D amplifier to create rich, audible sounds.

It's quite unbelievable that these speakers could last 24 hours from four AA batteries. You can carry these iPod speakers anywhere, and play it on for an all night party even on a place where there's no power outlet, like the soccer field, basketball court, or the lakeside.

The black Altec Lansing iPod speakers has the same price as that of the Apple white version.

- Apple's Hi-Fi Shouts "Party!"

When iPod was released in 2001, the only way you could hear the playing songs is through headphones. There were no Apple-branded iPod speakers then, yet. Third party manufacturers and developers created their own iPod speakers to answer the growing demand for off-headphones music playing.

In 2006, Apple realized that it was time to create one of its own. In February, Apple released the iPod Hi-Fi. Priced at $349, Apple's eye is set on the high-end market.

Hi-Fi iPod speakers, according to Apple, creates a large soundstage and has a wide frequency range. So, Hi-fi iPod speakers are not only portable speakers, they can be the only speaker for a small house or an apartment, replacing the bulky speakers with separate woofer and sub-woofers. With the sound of these Hi-Fi iPod speakers, you can shout "Party!" anytime you want.

Design wise, it looks cool. It bears the traditional Apple white color. It's size is bigger than most portable iPod speakers and is the heaviest, weighs 15 ounces, in the entire line of third party developed iPod speakers

Hi-Fi iPod speakers are powered in two ways, AC or DC (six D-cell batteries), comes with a small, white remote control, and built-in handles to bring it anywhere you go.

So, if you haven't picked yourself up a pair of iPod speakers yet, what are you waiting for? There's so many options that I'm sure there's a pair out there for exactly what your needs are.

For more information about Ipods and Ipod Accessories please visit www.ipodgoodness.com

There are alot more accessories and gear for your Ipod, to find out more about what different types of accessories are available for your Ipod drop by Ipod Goodness and learn about the latest Ipod Accessories.

Search Page Google

2008-05-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Many Benefits of Owning a DVR

2008-05-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

Has This Ever Happened To You? OK.. it's Friday night, the kids are asleep, and a movie you've been waiting for is on Pay-Per-View for the first time. You buy the movie, grab a bag of popcorn, get all comfy on the couch, and ten minutes into the movie "RINGGGG" it's the _______ phone!!! (you fill in the blank).

Well, you can either:

1)Let the answering machine get it

2)Answer it yourself and miss the movie

3)Hit pause, answer the phone, talk for 20 minutes, then resume watching the movie exactly where you left off!

If you answered #3 then you must have a DVR in the family. LIFE IS GOOD!

For those unfamiliar with DVR's a short introduction is in order. The initials "DVR" are short for Digital Video Recorder. In a nutshell, a DVR is the modern day equivalent of a VCR with one major difference... it does not use tape. A DVR records audio and video onto a hard drive where they are stored in digital format. DVR's take recording to a whole new level by enabling you to pause, rewind, slo-mo, and instant replay live TV broadcasts, a priceless feature to have when watching sporting events or Pay-Per-View movies.

Can a DVR really change the way you live your life? Well, you'd be surprised about all the benefits adding a Digital Video Recorder to your Home Entertainment system can have. A DVR is one of those rare products that can have such a profound impact on the way we live our lives that we'll find ourselves wondering how we ever lived without it. Following is a list of some of the major benefits a DVR can add to your TV viewing experience, along with a brief explanation.

Take control of a live TV broadcast: One of the features that helped make DVR's famous is their power to control a live TV broadcast. By buffering the satellite signal, your DVR can pause, rewind, and slo-motion a live TV broadcast. When your done you can resume the program without missing a thing.

Never miss your favorite shows again: If your schedule doesn't permit you to be around to watch your favorite shows, just program your DVR to record them for you so you can watch them at your convenience.

Put an end to family squabbles: With a DVR in your life family arguments over who gets to watch their favorite shows on the big screen TV are a thing of the past.

Two of your favorite shows on at the same time? No Problem: If your DVR is equipped with dual tuners, you can have it record one show while you watch the other. If you are not going to be home, you can have your DVR record both shows (even though they are on at the same time) and watch them at your convenience.

More powerful yet Easier to use than a VCR: Most DVR's include a feature rich Program Guide that can extend up to 14 days into the future. The DVR functions are then seamlessly integrated into the guide to make recording your favorite shows a snap.

Skip over annoying commercials: With a DVR there's no need to sit through annoying commercials any more. While watching a recorded show, just hit the fast forward button and they'll fly right by. Some DVR's can fast forward in 30 second segments making it even easier to skip over unwanted commercials.

Play your MP3 music files over your sound system: If you've got an extensive array of MP3 music files on your PC, you can transfer them to your networked DVR and play them through your home entertainment system.

Watch digital photos on your big screen TV: Are you tired of having to huddle around a tiny computer monitor to view your digital photos? With a networked DVR, everyone can get comfortable and enjoy digital photos right on your big screen TV.

Both DirecTV and DISH Network offer Satellite receivers with Digital Video Recorders built right in. In addition, many cable providers are also beginning to offer this technology to their customers. Once you live with a DVR, I can almost guarantee that you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

ร�ยฉ Written By: Michael Casamento

Michael Casamento is the founder of SatelliteTVSmarts.com offering comprehensive comparisons, along with the latest News, Deals, and Information on Digital Satellite TV, and Internet Access.

For more information visit: http://www.satellitetvsmarts.com

This article may be freely reproduced so long as the above resource box is included in its entirety.

Destination: Desktop for Google

2008-05-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

First we had the original Google search that evolved into the leader in its class. In fact, it became so popular that the word "google" worked its way into our everyday language as a verb, as in "to google" something. Google later introduced a toolbar that was plug-in for some browsers like Internet Explorer. The Google toolbar features a direct Google search box with quick access to image and group searches, a pop-up blocker, and for Internet marketers mostly, a PageRank (PR) indicator.

With competition like Yahoo and MSN threatening to start nipping at Google's heels, Google has introduced several new services to try to stay ahead of the pack. Recently they introduced Gmail, their web-based free email service (currently offered by invitation only). And still in the Google lab is the Google Deskbar (for Windows users only).

The Google deskbar is a plug-in that resides in the Windows taskbar, the little control panel that contains your start button, perhaps some quick launch icons, the clock, and the system tray. Search engines and marketers have realized that to maintain and increase their competitive status, they will need to find ways to get surfers and customers to invite them to their desktops.

The deskbar features quick access to Google's results, no matter which application you're currently using. Researching a class report? Check facts and sources quickly. Working in Excel? Look up the formula to calculate the volume of a tube easily. Following breaking news? Check it from the deskbar without leaving Photoshop! You'll be able to preview your search results with the small "floater" window that will close automatically.

From students to senior executives, from casual surfers to serious Internet marketers, the Google Deskbar may add to your productivity and fun online. It's worth a look.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.sitetube.com. Visit his website for the latest on planning, building, promoting and maintaining websites.

Comparing Digital Camera Features

2008-05-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

More people are able to afford digital cameras because their prices are falling but the number of characteristics is rising so it is important to be able to compare digital camera features.

The first step in being able to compare digital camera features is to decide what you want to get out of your camera. If you compare digital camera prices you will see that for shooting family snapshots you can get a good basic digital camera for under $400, while a professional model is over $2,000. When you compare digital camera features you need to know the extent of the use you are going to get out of it.

It is essential when you compare digital camera options to understand the issues of image resolution, which is measured in megapixels. Basically, the more megapixels, the higher the resolutions of the final image but you definitely need to compare digital camera images with your actual requirements. This is best done if you compare digital camera resolution with the size of the images that you want to print and you will find that a 1-mg camera can create a 3-by-5-inch (7.5 by 13 cm) photo-quality print; a 2-mg camera will make a 5-by-7-inch (13 by 18 cm) print; a 3-mg camera will make an 8-by-10-inch (20 by 25 cm) print, and a 6-mg camera will make a 9-by-13-inch (23 by 33 cm) print.

One of the other points to consider when you compare digital camera prices is to look at the complete package that is offered. Some included extras to look for when you compare digital camera packages are if the camera includes a cable for your computer and if it comes with image-editing software that works with your computer. If these are not included it is still possible for you to buy them separately but you need to allow for this when you compare digital camera prices. Another important point to consider when you compare digital camera options is to choose a camera with removable memory in addition to built-in memory.

All of the cameras that you are considering when you compare digital camera features should have an LCD screen for viewing pictures, a built-in flash, a timer, and a time/date stamp on even the most basic camera. You should also look to compare digital camera packages that have optical zoom, not digital, if you need a zoom capability and most midrange cameras should have high-quality optical zoom lenses but it is still worth checking to make sure.

About The Author
Steve Gargin is the administrator of http://digital-camera-reviews.helper-guru.com/casio-slim-digital-camera/index.html which is a great website dedicated to giving free advice on Digital Cameras.

Choosing The Right Accounting Software

2008-05-02T04:59:00.000-07:00

For over 20 years I have been involved in writing accounting software and in training users on how to use both my own and other leading accounting software packages. Their knowledge when I met them for the first time ranged from being qualified accountants to those that had never even switched a computer on รขโ�ฌโ�� let alone run an accounting software package.

Please understand that there are thousands and thousands of different accounting packages available in the world today and no single article can cover them all.

Is your accounting software suitable for your business?

I have seen time and time again businesses that have bought a package that has been recommended by a particular software vendor or a friend or by an accountant that just canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt do the job properly.

Think about what you have bought and if it is not suitable cut your losses now. The cost to change later on is going to be far greater. You will either stick to the unsuitable package because you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have the time or inclination to set up yet another package or, here we go again to set up another new package later on with all of the learning curve, data input etc all over again.

I have seen companies that have changed their accounting package two or three times in as many years. What an incredible waste of time, effort and money.

If you havenรขโ�ฌโ�ขt bought a package yet make a list of your businessรขโ�ฌโ�ขs requirements and make sure that the software seller actually shows you how to perform these tasks easily. If you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt understand ask again and again.

If you work in an industry where you have requirements that are outside the normal then speak to others in your industry, see what they are using.

There are a whole lot of software companies out there that specialize in accounting software that meets the specific requirements of this or that industry.

Remember one thing in choosing your accounting software if nothing else รขโ�ฌโ�� You can probably buy an off the shelf package from your local computer store for a few hundred dollars, whereas specialist packages probably start at a few thousand. If the few hundred dollar package is not right for your business you have wasted your money. However much you spend รขโ�ฌโ�� invest it wisely. This initial cost is just the beginning. The software needs to do a good job for you over many years.

Most specific requirements for your business will be on the customer invoicing side. Some of the common questions that people have had in my experience are รขโ�ฌโ��

รขโ�ฌยข I have this or that discounting or pricing structure does the package handle this situation. Even the need to show two discounts at the same time. Will the software handle this or will I have to change the way I do things.

รขโ�ฌยข I sell a product that has multiple sizes per product as in the timber and glass reseller markets รขโ�ฌโ�� can the invoice list the different tally list on one line.

รขโ�ฌยข I sometimes sell the product in a bulk pack, sometimes as a single unit. Does the software cope with this as a single product or do I have to set up a several similar, but individual, products in order to invoice and to show on the invoice as I want.

The list goes on. One thing that you need to understand is that many of the software vendors out there want, or need, you to buy their package. It doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt really matter after the sale if it was best for you or just best for them.

Also be absolutely sure that if you arenรขโ�ฌโ�ขt absolutely sure about what you want and need it will be even harder for someone else to understand what you want and need. Sit down quietly and make a list of all the things you need. Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt rely on being able to come up with it all when you are under pressure looking at a software demonstration.

I have had the experience of selling software and then after installation finding that the business has a specific requirement that is paramount to their business and no one thought of mentioning it. Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt just assume that accounting software does everything. Find out.

Donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt just take the salespersons word for it. See it happen on their demonstration and understand it. Sit at the keyboard, if necessary, and drive it yourself.

If the way they work around your situation is long winded and awkward maybe you should look somewhere else. If it is too complicated for them to set it up during the demo make sure that you talk to several of their existing clients, preferably in allied industries to you, who have been with that software supplier for some time and are still happy.

There are those around that can tailor software to your specific requirements. BEWARE รขโ�ฌโ�� this is sometimes a costly exercise at best and very often a recipe for disaster.

Be wary of using a package recommended by your accountant solely on the basis that it works in with their package, and thus reduces the work they have to do, to do your tax. Consider whose interests are being served best. Choose a package that will work efficiently for your businesses best interests 365 days a year and not your accountantรขโ�ฌโ�ขs best interests for only a couple or so weeks a year.

Understand what you are buying and how it is going to benefit your business. Understand that the software needs to work around your business and not your business around the software.

Be wary of packages written overseas รขโ�ฌโ�� do they cater for all of your tax and accounting requirements and, most important, do they have a good support network in your country. What will happen if there are legislative changes, tax law changes and the list goes on.

If you are going on the recommendation of a friend or business collegue make sure that their business and requirements are similar to yours. Businesses and software packages are not all equal. Because it works for them doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt mean it will work for you.

There are countless numbers of accounting packages now available with each claiming to have a unique advantage or benefit over the others.

Be careful in your choice รขโ�ฌโ�� it can be very easy to make an extremely costly mistake.

I run several websites that specialize in various subjects including http://www.diyaccounts.com.au that gives advice on all aspects of accounting software from choosing, setting up and using it. This article is copyright. It can be reproduced but must not be changed or have sections deleted, including this section at the end.

Other sites are http://www.sense-now.com that helps newbies understand different types of internet businesses, which ones could work for them and which probably won't. http://www.oumas.com.au is all about arts, crafts, cooking, wine and beer making and so on hobbies

Why do Manufacturers Invest in Business Management Software?

2008-05-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

With many manufacturing shops heading over seas in favor of lower cost, it is tough to compete in todayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs marketplace. As a result, the goal for manufactures who want to compete going forward is to run leaner, faster and more accurately.

The manufacturing industry is heading toward a technology revolution. Many of the leading software vendors have created vertical solutions developed specifically for manufacturers. These vertical solutions help automate the entire process from the shop floor to accounting and beyond.

Top 5 Reasons:

1.Inventory tracking and control: Naturally, manufacturing companies deal with a ton of accounting work. Manufacturers have to deal with inventory which includes raw materials, work in progress and finished goods. Tracking these processes without automation makes this a pretty time consuming effort. Fortunately, business management software automates this whole process by tying all of the different functions together.

2.Running Multiple Systems: Many smaller operations have multiple systems running including a small accounting solution like Peachtree or Intuit, and they do some inventory control with these systems, however most everything else is tracked using databases such as Microsoft Access and Excel. A solid business management solution allows you to complete the same work and even more with just one single entry.

3.Cut Operational Cost: Seeing exactly where your money is going is one of the best steps to cutting costs. Most business management solutions for manufactures can provide complete, graphical, up-to-the-minute information of exactly what is working and what isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt with your business before it is too late to make adjustments. Having complete visibility of your key performance indicators on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis is paramount in making educated decisions.

4.Job Costing: Youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre business is only as strong as your weakest link. Job costing systems help to identify which manufactured items are generating the most profit and which items are costing you money. With a manufacturing vertical you will be able to identify production bottlenecks, and respond in real time to last minute engineering changes and high priority orders.

5.Improve on-time delivery: Business management software solutions integrate detailed shop floor and material reporting that visually shows where problems in your supply chain and on your shop floor may be approaching. With plenty of time to correct these issues before they cause a delivery problem, manufacturers are sure to improve delivery times. In addition, specific data as to when materials can realistically be shipped are available during the sales order process to ensure that feasible dates are given at the time the order is placed, so that you are not chasing an unrealistic timeframe.

It is no wonder the leading factor for manufacturers who are investing into business managements solutions seems to be inventory related. Manufacturers are realizing that it just doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt make sense to enter the same data into three or four different systems.

That is why many of the leading business management software vendors have focused on automating this entire process. Most of the available solutions take a modular based approach, meaning that their solutions have completely integrated modules that are designed for different types of manufacturing.

Many of the solutions donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt stop there. Typically they tie in all of your business functions including human resource, ecommerce, distribution and customer relationship management.

The most popular solutions in the market for small to mid sized manufactures are developed by Best Software (Formerly Sage Software) and Microsoft Business Solutions. Each company has a whole suite of solutions that have been developed specifically with manufactures in mind.

With so many options on the market for manufacturing specific solutions, the possibilities seem endless, so when making a decision on which vendor or service provider to use, make sure you really do your homework and dig down as far as possible to make sure that you are making the right choice.

Scott Davis is a specialist in Manufacturing Software and works for Software Link

Speed Up That Older Computer Before You Buy a New One

2008-05-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Many people buy new computers when their current one starts running slow. With rapidly increasing processor speeds and larger amounts of memory becoming cheaper, spending a few hundred dollars does not seem so bad if it will get you back to the speeds you are used to. But, any reliable computer technician will tell you that even a five or six year old computer can still run reasonably fast if it's tuned up properly.

For a computer a tune up is almost entirely software related. Every time you install a program or visit a website or download anything, there are changes made to your system that, over time, can drag performance down to a crawl. One quick way to check your systems health is to look at your resources as follows:

1. Right-click on the taskbar (this is the solid area to the left of the Start button) and choose Task Manager.

2. Click on the Performance tab and look at CPU Usage and Physical Memory Available.

3. If the CPU is running more than 15% and you have no other programs running, you may have a hidden process running in the background. Click on the Processes tab and click on the CPU column to show the item using the most of your processor. If the name of the process is unfamiliar, look it up at www.tasklist.org for a better definition.

4. You can follow the same procedure if you find that memory available is low.

A very common cause of memory and CPU usage is spyware or malware. These are hidden programs that get installed inadvertently when you download something or try a "free" software program. If you suspect that you have some of this unwanted software, the good news is that you can usually remove it completely and gain back a lot of performance.

A search on Google.com for "spyware removal" or "adware removal" will give you many options of tools to clean this unwanted software from your computer. Most of them are free and are very effective.

Another alternative is to re-install the operating system, but that will require re-installation of all programs and documents. Just make sure you have everything backed up to CD, tape or an external drive before you try this. Home computers today commonly contain important documents and digital pictures that may be irreplaceable if lost.

Sean Graver is the author of many articles on computer troubleshooting for both desktop and server platforms. He is the Lead Systems Engineer for a software company in Redmond, WA managing datacenter operations in the US, UK and Australia. His computer experience extends back the late 70's and he regularly works with small business owners to automate repetitive process and streamline operations. Please visit his website, SafeguardComputer at =>http://www.safeguardcomputer.com

Refurbished Computers on the Internet

2008-04-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

What is a Refurbished Computer?

Refurbished Computers. Remanufactured Computers. Reconditioned Computers. Essentially, all of these terms refer to the same thing. But what does refurbished really mean? A refurbished computer is one that is sent back to the manufacturer for a variety of reasons, refitted with different parts as necessary, and then tested and approved for resale by the manufacturer. Yes, this could mean that a computer was returned because it didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt work properly. But, this is not always the case. There is a excellent chance that the problem was nothing more than a cosmetic defect, such as a small ding on the monitor. Or it could be that a custumer recieved the wrong model, but had already opened the box.

Most importantly, refurbished doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt mean that youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre buying a computer with a defect or something else wrong with it. All computers go through the same testing and approval process refurbished and new alike.

Refurbished Computers are not Old Computers.

Buying refurbished doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt mean youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre stuck with an outdated machine. While computers are forever becoming faster and able to hold more data on larger hard drives, the basics of the computer are still the same. The technology used is typically less than a year old, so you can get processing power and memory specifications that are almost the equivalent of brand new models, but at a much cheaper cost. If you just want an inexpensive computer to do e-mail, surf the Internet, balance your checkbook, play a few games, and do some word processing, you might want to invest in a refurbished model. Most are still upgradeable in case you want to add more memory, a larger hard drive, or even a faster processor later on.

Who Should buy Refurbished Computers?

Many people new to technology are unsure what there needs are. It often makes sense for them to purchase a refurbished computer. I recently did this for my grandmother. She enjoys geneology and has many boxes and books full of information about our family. The internet is a great tool for researching your ancestory and sharing the fascinating stories that you find. My grandmother had very limited experince with computers, but I purchased a Compaq for her for Christmas. She loves it, and it has allowed her to store much of her information electronically and to share that information with family all over the United States.

Small home offices can also benifit from purchasing remanufactured computers. Many companies cannot afford a huge investement into hardware. By purchasing quality used equipment these businesses can take advantage of the benifits of technology without breaking the bank.

About The Author

This article is written by Bryan Wayt webmaster at Cheap Computer Information.

Apache, MySQL & PHP for Windows

2008-04-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

Apache, MysQL and PHP for Windows could be a nice nice thing to have on your Windows workstation. You could try and experiment with all kinds of nice PHP and MySQL based applications right on your Windows desktop running Apache, instead of having to access a full-featured server.

Most people have Windows as their workstation and it can be sometimes difficult to switch to another operating system. So, you may have always wanted to run PHP applications on your Windows machine but wondered if it is too difficult to install or if the hassle will be worth it.

This article gives you the essential information to get started right away. Even if you are a seasoned PHP, MySQL and Apache guru, the checklist below will still be helpful in your installation process.

There are lots of 3rd party software that bundles Apache, MySQL & PHP in one package and installs them on our computer. We do not recommend this and suggest that you directly get Apache, MySQL & PHP from their official sites.

Apache

1. Get Apache 1.3.33 from here: http://httpd.apache.org/download.cgi.

2. Choose a mirror close to you and in the same page, look for the Win32 Binary (Self extracting) file: apache_1.3.33-win32-x86-no_src.exe.

3. Download the file and save it on your hard disk. Run the installer and the self- extracting wizard will guide you through the rest of the steps. Choose all the default settings and run Apache as a service.

4. Remember to put "localhost" when asked for a Server name/Domain name. Use "administrator@localhost" when asked for the administrative email account.

5. Now point your browser to: http://localhost and you should see an Apache Test Page.

6. You can change this page by creating an "index.html" page here "C:Program FilesApache GroupApachehtdocs".

7. You can manually start and stop the Apache server. In a Windows command prompt, type "net stop apache" or "net start apache".

MySQL

1. Get MySQL 4.1.7 from here: http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/4.1.html

2. Under the Windows downloads section, choose Windows Essentials (x86) and click on the Pick a Mirror link.

3. Download the file mysql-4.1.7-essential-win.msi and save it on your hard disk. Run the installer and the self-extracting wizard will guide you through the rest of the steps. Remember the root password when prompted for it in the installation process.

4. Once the installation is done, on your Windows toolbar, go to "Start->Programs- >MySQL->MySQL Server 4.1->MySQL Command Line Client".

5. Type the root password and you should be logged in to the MySQL shell.

6. Type "show databases;" to see the list of databases. Type "quit" when you are done.

PHP

1. Get PHP 4.3.10 from here: http://www.php.net/downloads.php

2. Under the Windows Binaries section, choose the file: PHP 4.3.10 zip package size 7,405Kb dated 15 Dec 2004.

3. Download the file and save it on your hard disk. Unzip the file and rename the extracted folder to "php". Now move this folder "php" and place it under "C: Program Files".

4. Move all the files under "C:Program Filesphpdlls" and "C:Program Filesphpsapi" to here: "C:Program Filesphp".

5. Copy the file php.ini-recommended to "C:WINDOWS" and rename it to php.ini

6. Edit your Apache "httpd.conf" configuration file located here: "C:Program FilesApache GroupApacheconf".

7. Add the following lines in httpd.conf:

LoadModule php4_module "C:/Program Files/php/php4apache.dll"
AddModule mod_php4.c
AddType application/x-httpd-php .php

8. Now stop your server by issuing the following command in Windows command prompt: "net stop apache". Then type "net start apache" to start your server. We are now going to test the PHP installation.

9. Go to "C:Program FilesApache GroupApachehtdocs" and create a file test.php

10. Edit test.php and add the following code:

<? php phpinfo(); ?>

11. Point your browser to http://localhost/test.php and you should see a lot of PHP configuration information.

Congratulations! You now have Apache, MySQL and PHP installed in your computer. Now you can install your favorite script right on your Windows workstation.

Sanjib Ahmad, Freelance Writer and Product Consultant for Business.Marc8.com - Business Best Sellers.

You are free to use this article in its entirety as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content, and include the resource box listed above.

Best Passwords

2008-04-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

No sane person would ever like someone else reading her email. Or for that matter some other person using her password and breaking into a financial institution. You should, therefore, choose a strong, secure password in such a manner that would be a hard nut to crack for others and easy for you to remember. The more random and mixed-up you make it, the harder it is for others to crack. Mind you, if your password is compromised, the password crackers will even take over your identity.

A password, if too short, is vulnerable to attack if an attacker gets hold of the cryptographic hash of the password. Present-day computers are fast enough to try all alphabetic passwords shorter than seven characters. We can call a password weak if it is short or is a default, or which can be rapidly guessed by searching a subset of all possible passwords such as words in the dictionary, proper names, words based on the user name or common variations on these themes.

On the other hand, a strong password would be sufficiently long, random, or which can be produced only by the user who chose it, so that 'guessing' for it will require too long a time.

For maximum security, the user should follow some simple guidelines:

1) Passwords should preferably be at least 8 characters long and not more than 14.

2) Passwords should contain a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters (%&3ac_ht4@m7).

3) Passwords should not contain a dictionary word from any dictionary, be it French, Spanish, medical, etc.

4) Each password should be different from the user's User-ID and any permutation of that User-ID.

5) New passwords and old passwords should differ by at least 3 characters.

6) Avoid picking names or nicknames of people, pets, or places, or personal information that can be easily found out, such as your birthday, address etc.

7) Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs wise to stay away from common keyboard sequences, such as dfgh678 or abc345 .

8) Never form a password by appending a digit to a word. That can be easily guessed.

9) Avoid writing your password down or storing it on your computer.

10) Never share your password with anyone else.

Passwords provides detailed information on Best Passwords, Change Passwords, Password Generators, Password Protection and more. Passwords is affiliated with Electronic Keyboard.

Basic Computer Maintenance

2008-04-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

One of the most common questions computer users ask is, "How do I maintain my computer and keep it running great?" A computer is a lot like a carรขโ�ฌยฆit costs more than you think it should, it starts going down in value as soon as you bring it home and it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are a few basic guidelines required to help keep your PC out of the shop:

รขโ�ฌยขAlways use a surge protector! Power surges, spikes, lightning and brown-outs are all things that can literally burn up your computer & its peripherals. Save yourself lots of money in repairs by buying a decent surge protector (AKA power strip) for your computer and use it. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply), though slightly more expensive, is even better. Also, realize that these power strips can only take so muchรขโ�ฌยฆonce they get hit with a large spike of voltage, they can lose their protective capabilities. If yours is over 3 years old, consider a replacement.

รขโ�ฌยขAlways use up-to-date virus protection! Everyone should know about this by now, but we often see computers with either no virus protection at all, or anti-virus software thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs badly out-of-date. Nothing can wreck your computer faster than a virus (except for maybe electricity, like we mentioned above), but with a small investment in good anti-virus software and making sure you set it to update itself daily, you can easily protect your computer and your critical data from being trashed. Norton & McAfee are the most popular brands, but there are othersรขโ�ฌยฆsome are even free for personal use. Here are some links you can visit for more information:

McAfee Anti-virus - http://us.mcafee.com/

Norton Anti-virus - http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/

AVG Free Anti-Virus (for home users only) - http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/ww

รขโ�ฌยขBe careful what you install on your computer! This is another thing many people overlook. Installing lots of programs on your computer is a lot like putting a bunch of rowdy children together on a playgroundรขโ�ฌยฆsome of them may not play well together. A good rule of thumb is "if you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt need, donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt install it". This is especially true when you surf the web. You will likely get bombarded with pop-up ads trying to get you to install all kinds of free utilities they claim your computer canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt live withoutรขโ�ฌยฆmost of these are spyware, adware and junk. These little programs can slow down your system, collect personal information without your permission and sometimes even cause your computer to crash. Rather than pay a technician to clean up your computer when itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a mess, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a better idea to keep it clean from the start.

For a more detailed list of computer maintenance tips, you can download this free PDF file from our website (free Adobe Reader required for viewing):

Home Computer Maintenance Guide - http://www.eternitek.com/bin/PC_Maintenance.pdf

-------

Donnie Schexnayder is a ministry technology expert. He holds industry certifications from Microsoft and CompTIA and has over 10 years experience in supporting churches and Christian ministries with technology. With a mixture of passion and expertise, Donnie helps ministries advance their mission of bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth by using cutting-edge technology. Donnie lives with his wife and 2 children in Colorado Springs, CO.

Eternitek :: Advancing Christian Ministries Through Technology

http://www.eternitek.com

info@eternitek.com

HTML Explained: Part 2

2008-04-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Get started creating web pages using text files and HTML code! This article is a continuation of HTML Explained: Part 1, which gives a general overview of HTML. Here, we're going to get into the nitty gritty of the code itself. Once you see how simple it really is, you should RUN, not walk to the nearest bookstore and grab your own copy of a handy HTML manual. All right, let's begin.

In viewing the source of web pages, you may have noticed a lot of these things: < >. They're called HTML tags, and they're what the computer uses to interpret the HTML code.

NOTE: in this article I had to add spaces to all of my HTML tags so that I could display them without actually having them work. There are two HTML tricks to actually "shutting off" HTML tags, but neither of them function properly in this submission box.

The HTML tags shown here will display like so: < FAKE TAG > but in reality you're supposed to type them like so:

A friend of mine describes HTML tags as "on/off switches." An easy example which you may be well-familiar with, is the Bold command. To "turn on" Bold, type (but with no spaces). All of the text that comes after the Bold tag, will then be Bolded. To "turn off" the bold characteristic, type . Any text that comes after the "bold off" tag will unbolded.

It's worth mentioning that in all cases, all text that falls between an "on" or "off" HTML tag will take on the characteristic of that tag descriptor. How much text can you put in between two HTML tags? As much or as little as you want. That means, you can use just a couple of HTML tags to design paragraphs and paragraphs of text.

What are some other HTML tags that web designers frequently use?

and (for italics) and (for underline) (to create a single line break).

In most but not all cases, if you activate an HTML tag by enclosing it in these: < >s, you must also deactivate it at some point, as in and for italics shown above. An exception to this rule is , or paragraph separator tags, and or line breaks.

Specifying Multiple Text Characteristics Within a Single HTML Tag

HTML tags work in different ways, depending on the aspect of the design they're controlling. As I mentioned above, you can control all elements of web design via HTML codeรขโ�ฌโ��page separation, text formatting, image placement, design layout, and hyperlink insertion. For this reason, one HTML tag can include multiple variables. This sounds a lot trickier than it is.

For example, a tag with multiple variables enclosed all in one of these: < >, can be used to format text. An equals (=) sign is used to specify multiple characteristics within a single HTML tag. To tag a section of text for font specs, begin with:

< FONT FACE=

Using no spaces after the equals (=) sign, type your font name in quotes, as so: "arial". You can also specify the size and color here. In the same tag that says to close. Your font tag will now look like this:

(but with no end spaces).

If you wanted to, you could also include a color for the text within that tag. The color is entered in the same way as the font face and size, and is named within its own set of quotation marks either in a basic name such as "black" or "red", or a 6-digit numerical code that begins with a number sign.

So, an HTML tag that designates a paragraph typed in Arial font at the 2nd smallest size of type, in the color black, would look like this:

All of the type that came after this HTML tag would take on the characteristics above. Once you wanted to "shut off" the font characteristics of that blurb of text, you would type the tag .

Using HTML Tags to Add Images to Your Web Page

Now suppose you wanted to add an image to your webpage. And let's assume the image was already located in the folder of your website where images are stored. In order to make the image appear in your NEW web page, you need:

1. the complete web address of your website (such as http://www.wordfeeder.com),

2. the folder (or subdirectory) on your server where images are kept, and

3. the file name of the image (ends in .jpg).

The HTML code used to "pick up" an image from a source is IMG SRC. As always, it belongs inside those handy bracket-things. So your tag would begin:

< IMG SRC=

Without typing any spaces before or after the = (equals) sign, you'd then paste the URL of where the image is located (as explained in examples 1, 2 and 3 above), and follow with the filename and .jpg ending. I'll illustrate this with an example from my own web collection of images:

< IMG SRC="http://www.wordfeeder.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/wordfeederlogox.jpg" >

By typing that HTML tag with the specific web address and folder information/filename within quotation marks, the computer knows the origin of the image, and will then "hyperlink it" into your web page.

If you're ever unsure of the filepath of an image you need, go to the webpage where it's located and then right-click the image. Under "properties", you'll find the complete URL path that must be typed in between the two quotation marks that fall inside your Image Source tag.

Note: you do not need to "shut off" an image tag.

You can also include multiple variables within a single image tag. For example, if you wanted to left-align the above image, you'd edit the above tag to look like this:

< IMG SRC="http://www.wordfeeder.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/wordfeederlogox.jpg" ALIGN=left >

Hyperlink Tags for Email and Website Addresses

Ever wonder how webmasters create live links? A live link might say something like, "Click here for more info!" and then when you click there, you're suddenly transported to a new web page. A live link is simply type covering a website address. Check it out:

< A HREF="http://wordfeeder.com" >Visit Wordfeeder for more info!< /A >

That's HTML code for "hyperlinked text". It looks weird, but think about it this way. The first part in that's enclosed in these: < >, is what turns on the "make the following words into a link that leads to the address I am typing here" function. The end tag, < /A > is what "shuts off" the "hypertext linking" feature and will then let you resume typing in normal, unlinked text.

As you can see, by typing a few simple HTML tags, you can create some pretty amazing things. This article is just the tip of the iceberg. I hope that the explanations and examples shown have at least provided a basic understanding of HTML for you. A great way to learn is by "studying" other people's web page code from the View>Source window. You practice by copying their HTML code into your own fake pages, and filling in the "meat" between their "on" and "off" tags with text and images that suit your own purposes. But be careful. If you paste HTML incorrectly, you can totally wreck and corrupt your document.

For folks who want to get into serious design, I highly recommend that you buy a comprehensive HTML guide. Once you get the hang of HTML, there's no telling what you can create!

404 Page Not Found - A Marketing Secret

2008-04-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a cheap magic trick for you - I bet you I can guess the answer you will give to the following question:

What do you usually do when you click on a link or button and get the classic "404 File Not Found" page?

1. You click on the "Back" button of your browser (with disgust) and go somewhere else?

2. You look at the address field and erase the text right until the next "slash" and try again?

3. You look at the address field and try the domain name, hoping to get to a home page and navigate your way to the right place?

4. You try to figure out if something is misspelled or if the link is just broken and try to type what you think to be the correct address?

5. You call Mel, your tech support guy and yell "my internet is not working again"?

6. You immediately find the contact information for the webmaster of the site and inform them of the situation?

7. You hack into the server hosting the site and fix the broken link yourself, leaving a "Ralph was here" message?

Let me guess, if you are like most "normal" citizens, always rushing somewhere, with a cup of bad tasting and very hot cofee in one hand and nervously moving the mouse with the other hand, annoyed that you threw away that mouse pad and now your "optical" mouse is all jittery - then.... the answer is no. 1.

You will simply click back and try another place. In fact, the vast majority of people will not even think about the fact that there just might be other alternatives.

Bottom line is - if you have a website and you care about attracting visitors, you must do something so that you do not lose that group of people who come to your site by following an old link or by typing your URL incorrectly.

For some starnge reason, it became embedded into our minds that the "404 File Not Found" page is the equivalent of rejection, dispair, negative energy, in other words, it's just bad karma. If you get a "404 File Not Found" you just have to turn around, run as fast as you can and never look back.

This is one of those ubiquitous anomalies that people stop questioning - but of course, that's how it is. I don't believe that. I thing everything can be changed, habits can be altered, ultimately it's all about perception, it's about that image that we create in our mind and store somewhere into a memory cell.

So what can be done to a "404 File Not Found"? Is this article actually going to talk about anything useful?

Well, since the perception we all have about the "404 File Not Found" is that all things are broken, and since we can't change the actual fact that browsers display that page when things are bad, then why not change the image of that page? Why not put a more humane face there?

Those error messages were designed many years ago to be simple, cryptical and easily interpreted by machines. Everything else evolved, except that.

Did you know that it is possible to add HTML to a 404 page? How about a nice message saying "sorry buddy, our link is probably bad but we're still here, the rest of our site is up, we want you, we'll help you get through this!!"

The subliminal message I'm trying to pass to you here is that there are so many simple yet not tapped into methods to run a successful online business, by simply making sure you are not losing your potential visitors.

So go ahead and change your error pages.

It is not possible to customize your 404 error page if your web host has not enabled this facility for your website. For example, at the time of this writing, if you host at Geocities or Tripod, you would not be able to customize your 404 Error Page.

Most reputable web hosts, however, will allow you to do so.

If your web host has this facility, you will usually find mention of this somewhere in their documentation. In fact, if they mention somewhere that you can customize a file named ".htaccess", it probably means that you can also customize your 404 File Not Found error page. Some hosts will offer the feature through their "Control Panel", some will let you paste HTML code, etc.

Bottom line, just remember this very simple, common sense technique:

A custom 404 error page is really important to the success of your web site. Customize your site's error messages and you will keep your visitors.

For your reference, here are the most used error codes and their meaning:

400 - This will be reached when the user enters a url that refers to a page that does not exist on your site.

401 - This will be reached when the user has failed to authenticate their self properly when trying to access a restricted page.

403 - This will be reached when access is forbidden to the page the user to trying to access.

404 - This will be reached when a user misspells a url to a page they are trying to access. It is important to be helpful with your 404 error page or the user may decide to leave your site.

500 - This will be reached when the page cannot be displayed. This can occur when a script fails to run, or under other circumstances. You should have the user contact the site administrator when this page is shown.

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Andrei co-owns Bsleek - a company that specializes in web design, hosting, promotional items, printing, tradeshow displays, logos, CD presentations, SEO and more. Andrei has amassed an extensive technical knowledge and experience through his career as the CIO for a major travel management company and through his past careers in military research, data acquisition and airspace engineering. He also consults for Trinity Investigations, a New York based PI firm.

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Bsleek - Redefining cheap web hosting

The New iPod Nano

2008-04-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs talk music! Letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs talk podcasts!

1,000 songs, non-skip, digital quality, portability - the pencil thin iPod Nano is just the ticket. Jogging, walking or toughing it out on a treadmill life just got a whole lot easier with the addition of the rugged, little iPod that holds either 500 (2GB) or 1000 (4GB) songs. Thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs 14 hours of sounds that will go with you everywhere.

So what do you do with all those sounds?

I work two hours from home via the public bus and regional rail lines. I get up at 5:00AM, catch a 6:35AM train, after a jostling pushing bus-ride, coffee on the regional rails, then another jostling, jolting bus ride to get to work by 8AM. I couldnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt do it without music รขโ�ฌโ�� and I couldnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt make it without my rugged little iPod. It holds my sounds, a few photos of my feline, furry buddies sound asleep at home, a couple audiobooks and my podcasts of various things that interest me.

Portability in the extreme

What makes this tiny 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.27 inch stand out? Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs thin, weighs only 3.5 ounces, yet it backs quite a punch. Using the Click Wheel, you have access to your music, photos, podcasts, extras like a calendar and contacts, a World Clock and many extras On-the-go Options where you can create custom playlists personalized to exactly the songs you want to listen to at that moment.

Photos of the cool cats

I only have a few photos of family, friends and my many felines, but the Nano can actually hold up to 25,000 photos. Now thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a lot of picnics, baby showwers and weddings to pass around the office! You can also set it up show a slideshow of your favorite shots on the full-color screen.

Easy Sync with iTunes

Through iTunes, the premiere iPod syncing software that works on Mac or PC, you can import a CD easily, buy songs or podcasts from the iTunes store sync or upload it to your iPod. iTunes starts syncing automatically after hooking up your iPod. Instant music to go, as well as news and commentary on any subject you like. I like the Audiobooks section for those long rides. It has over 11,000 titles. Prices start at just $2.95 per title, Songs are only 99 cents. Syncing is blindingly easy and you can start building your own library of audiobooks รขโ�ฌโ�� a number of them available exclusively at the iTunes Music Store including all six Harry Potter audiobooks.

Letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Accessorize!

With all new things comes the upgrades and gizmos to customize the new toy to perfectly fit your tastes and preferences. iPod Nano is no different offering a wide-variety of earphone choices, many colored skins to make you Nano uniquely yours. I prefer the powder-blue skin myself, and the In-Ear Headphones for maximum sound quality and bass resonance.

You car is a stereo on the roll!

Many of the newer cars come iPod capable with the hookups necessary, but since I have an older model vehicle Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขve done the conventional iTrip and plug-in car Monster option. Either way, it allows you to take you music with you on the road with "seamless integration between you car and your iPod." In other words, fabulous sounds while you drive.

Imagine this scenario.

You stumble out of your bed in the dark, take care of personal business. Now youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre dressed and ready to go. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs still dark. Out you go, heading towards the local bus stop, still near-comatose. You take out your earbuds, turn on the Nano and wham, music fills your world or the latest Battlestar Galactica podcast about the last gripping episode fills your consciousness. You begin to wake up, ready to face the day on your terms with kick-ass background music or scintillating commentary to make your trip to consciousness and work just a little bit easier.

You don't like my scenario? Dream up your own. Just make sure you have include music, because everything moves, slides, walks, and treads better to a beat รขโ�ฌโ�� whatever your beat รขโ�ฌโ�� whether itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs classical, new age or rock and roll. It's gone digital, all wrapped up in a cute, little box that takes your songs to the next level and beyond. When you think music, think iPod Nano.

Allyson Brandy is a writer, breast cancer survivor and science fiction fan with a slightly skewed, amused perspective of the world. Read some of her other articles at: http://www.writingbuzz.com.

A Quick Look at Free Spyware

2008-04-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

When it comes to removing spyware from your computer there are various options open to you and these include installing a spyware blocker, spyware cleaner, and spyware detection software. There are a wide range of products available for consumers and this article will focus on the free spyware that is available and the things you should be aware of when choosing free spyware.

Free Spyware Programs

There are a number of free spyware programs available and a brief internet search will bring you up a list of them. These programs can be downloaded and installed on your computer and will give you protection against unwanted spyware.

SpywareBlaster is a free spyware detection software program that prevents spyware activeX controls from being installed on your computer. This spyware blocker also blocks cookies from websites that are known to track you internet habits. This is a free spyware program that can be downloaded and installed on your computer. Although free this spyware cleaner does have a number of advantages including the blocking of activeX.

SpywareGuard is another free spyware program that is available. This spyware blocker runs in the background and prevents spyware from being downloaded onto your computer. This free spyware program also has the ability to prevent your computer from being hijacked whilst you are browsing the internet which is a necessity if you have a dial up internet connection.

Whilst free spyware programs are available it is always wise to do a comparison of the features available with paid spyware removal software. Some free spyware removal software will only allow you to scan your computer for spyware and will give you a large list of spyware found. These free spyware programs will not however, allow you to remove this spyware from your computer until you actually purchase the spyware removal software. This is something that you should be aware of when looking a free spyware programs.

We have a made the most comprehensive research on adware and spyware. Find it only on the Free spyware remover website. All about spyware and adware on LeanderNet - http://www.leandernet.com

Wordpress Plugins

2008-04-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

Maybe you always wanted a feature that hasn't been available in the latest release of Wordpress. What you can do is either install a 3rd party plugin or write your own custom code to extend the features of Wordpress.

Wordpress plugins are programming code that enhance the features of a standard installation of Wordpress. A well written plugin will be basically "drag and drop" without modifying the core code of Wordpress. As Wordpress has been designed in a modular way, plugins allow you to customize your site to your specific needs without modifying the core of Wordpress.

Ever since Wordress version 1.2 plugins have been available. Wordpress plugins can be categorized according to the feature it provides. Here a list of various features that you can implement for your web site through Wordpress plugins.

Administration: Install Wordpress plugins to customize features like Admin Tools, Anti-spam, Comments, Meta, Restriction, Statistics, Syntax Highlighting, Syndication, Tweaking, etc.

Design, Layout and Styles: Change the look and feel of your blog by implementing plugins that modify Archive, Calendar - Event, Navigation, Randomness, Styles.

Graphics, Video, and Sound: Add plugins that create Audio - Mood and Images for your blog.

Posts: Implement plugins for Editing Posts, Formatting Posts, and other Miscellaneous Post related issues.

Links: Setup Wordpress plugins that change the default behavior of linking.

Miscellaneous: You can install miscellaneous plugins that shows weather information or other outside information from external websites.

Installing a plugin for Wordpress is not difficult. Here are the list of steps that you need to take to install most plugins. Some plugins may require additional steps.

1. Upload your plugin to the wp-content/plugins folder

2. Go to your Wordpress site using a browser and login

3. Click on the Plugins link from the main menu at top

4. Scroll down the list of available plugins to find the plugin you just uploaded

5. Click "Activate" to make your plugin active

Wordpress Plugin Sites

We found the following sites with a comprehensive list of Wordpress Plugins:

Wordpress Wiki - Plugins: http://wiki.wordpress.org/?pagename=Plugin

WordPress Plugin Repository: http://dev.wp-plugins.org/

WP-Plugins Download Interface: http://redalt.com/external/plugins.php

Wordpress Plugin Database: http://www.wp-plugins.net/

Sanjib Ahmad, Freelance Writer and Product Consultant for Business.Marc8.com - Business Best Sellers.

You are free to use this article in its entirety as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content, and include the resource box listed above.