Setting Up Your PC for Dual-monitors: It's Easier Than You Think

No Comment | Posted in » AGP, Dual-monitors, dual-port video cards, DVI, IRQ conflicts, KVM, PCI, VGA    

Super Talent Solid State Drive 32GB

by Anna More

The Super Talent 32GB SATA flash hard drive is based on solid state flash components. They have no moving parts which gives then the advantage greater reliability than other hard drives. Shock exposure and vibrations are completely harmless to the solid state drive from Super Talent since it has no physical moving parts. These SSD drives consume about 85% less power and they produce lesser heat than rotating magnetic drives. They offer a faster transfer speed compared to magnetic drives and faster access speed.

Super Talent 32GB SATA flash hard drives are designed for ultimate reliability and durability. Super Talent 32GB SATA flash hard drives come in 1.8 inch, 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch for a 128GB drive. Super Talent manufacturers offer both plastic and aluminum for your casing options. Plastic is more lightweight and aluminum being more durable and rugged.

One of the key features of this Super Talent 32GB SATA flash hard drive is power efficiency. Because it has no motors than any conventional hard drive demands. Lower power causes less heat produced inside that needs to be drawn out, which means cooler components and the cooling fan will have a lighter load on his part. And you get too enjoy on a longer battery life because of less power produced.

Another feature is that it has a fast recovery speed from sleep mode. Unlike the conventional hard drives they take time from recovering from the sleep mode. Since the SSD is always set in ready mode, it takes only a second to recover to full operation. The Super Talent flash hard drive is lighter than most hard drives. It is lighter because it has no motors. It produces a silent operation than most hard drives because it has no moving parts and the cooling fan compared to conventional hard drives are far less to produce noise.

SSD drives have the advantage of being far more rugged and reliable than any regular hard drives. They are built using the Flash technology for faster and smoother performance. Flash technology means that it erases blocks of memory before writing them.

So if given the choice of getting a SSD, I would say that the Super Talent 32GB SATA flash hard drive has the features needed in its generation. They are far more advanced than the regular hard disk but they do not come cheap because of the technology used. I would say that the Super Talent 32GB SATA flash hard drive is built for the kill and it would give you what you had paid for. Go and make your move.

About the Author

Choose from a wide variety of storage solutions from some of industry's most powerful names such as Seagate, Western Digital and many more. Whether you are looking for SATA hard drives, SCSI components, or the revolutionary solid state hard drives (SSD), you will have a selection at Netfreez. To find more information, visit them at http://www.netfreez.com

source:www.goarticles.com

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Major Computer Cleanup (Cleanup My Computer)

by: AngeloPC

Almost every PC user knows that, from time to time, your computer starts to run a little slower or you notice that you harddrive space is dwindling. So many people shrug this off and choose not to do anything about it. They think that it's normal to have these kinds of computer problems and that there isn't anything they can do about it. Your computer is trying to tell you something...it's time for a cleaning. It's time to get rid of the junk and organize the files on your computer, just as you would clean and organize your office. This step-by-step tutorial will put you on the path toward a cleaner, more efficient computer.

In this tutorial, we'll only concern ourselves with Windows XP (I guess I'll have to re-write this article for Vista), for a couple of reasons.

1. Microsoft has ended support for Windows 98, 98SE and Millennium.

2. If you still have one of those earlier operating systems, your computer is probably too old to become "efficient" by today's standards.

Follow these steps, exactly, and you just may learn to love your computer, again.

Unused User Accounts

If you have any User Accounts that are no longer active, logon as an computer administrator and remove them.

1. Click START, then CONTROL PANEL.

2. When the Control Panel opens, click USER ACCOUNTS.

3. Click CHANGE AN ACCOUNT.

4. Click on the name of the account you want to remove.

5. Click REMOVE THIS ACCOUNT.

6. When given the option to "delete files" or "keep files", choose to delete them.

7. After removing all unused User Accounts, restart the computer.

Windows Updates

Make sure you have all of the latest Windows Updates installed by visiting http://update.microsoft.com and following the instructions on the website.

It's critical that you keep your computer up-to-date. Microsoft releases new security updates all the time and it's easier just to set your computer to automatically download and install these updates. Here's how to do that:

1. Right-click on MY COMPUTER.

2. Click PROPERTIES.

3. Click the AUTOMATIC UPDATES tab (reference the illustration, below).

4. Choose "Automatic (recommended)".

5. Click APPLY and OK.

Remove Unused Programs

This is pretty basic stuff. Most Windows users have already been through the steps of adding and removing programs, but we'll list the steps for those who haven't.

1. Click START, then CONTROL PANEL.

2. Double-click ADD OR REMOVE PROGRAMS.

3. When the window that opens has fully loaded, scroll through the list of programs and remove any that are unwanted or no longer used.

4. Just a piece of advice...any programs listed that mention anything about "bargain", "cash", "search", "web" or "fun", in the program name, should probably be removed.

Temporary File Cleanup

Temporary files are one of the biggest wastes of harddrive space, hogs of computer resources and major causes of recurring spyware and virus infections. They need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Follow these steps to remove ALL temporary files from your computer:

1. Double-click MY COMPUTER.

2. Open the root drive (usually C:).

3. Open DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS.

4. Click TOOLS, then FOLDER OPTIONS.

5. Click the VIEW tab (reference the illustration, below).

6. Under "Hidden files and folders", click "SHOW HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS".

7. Uncheck "HIDE EXTENSIONS FOR KNOWN FILE TYPES".

8. Uncheck "HIDE PROTECTED OPERATING SYSTEM FILES (RECOMMENDED)".

9. When the warning message pops up, click YES.

10. Click APPLY, then OK.

***It's recommended that you change the file folder settings back to their default settings after you fully complete the computer cleanup.***

1. With the Documents And Settings folder opened, open a user account folder.

2. Open the LOCAL SETTINGS folder.

3. Open the TEMP folder.

4. Press CTRL+A to select all files.

5. Press SHIFT+DEL to permanently delete all selected files. *Note*: you may be unable to delete ALL of the files and folders because some of them may be "locked" by the operating system or another program. Select smaller groups of folders or files in order to remove as many as possible.

6. Navigate back to the LOCAL SETTINGS folder.

7. Open the TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES folder.

8. Repeat steps 4 and 5. See *Note*.

9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 for all user account folders.

10. Empty the RECYCLE BIN and restart the computer.

Virus And Spyware Scans

If you don't already have an antivirus program and two or three antispyware programs installed and updated on your computer, then you're BEGGING for problems. I use Webroot Spy Sweeper w/Antivirus, Webroot Desktop Firewall and Spybot Search & Destroy. If you're relying solely on "free" programs for your computer security, you're making a big mistake. I understand that you don't want to pay for software. Nobody does. You just have to look at the value in investing a little bit of money toward preventing the problems that might arise from choosing the "cheaper route". Ok...enough said on that subject.

The most efficient way for antivirus and antispyware products to complete their scans successfully is to run them while the computer is in Safe Mode. To restart Windows in Safe Mode, tap the F8 key about every half-second or so, at computer startup, once you see the manufacturer's logo. You'll then be brought to a screen where you will use the arrow keys to choose the boot mode. Use the arrow up or down key to choose SAFE MODE. Press enter and let Windows do it's thing. When the computer has fully booted, complete FULL SYSTEM scans with your antivirus and antispyware programs. When they are completed, reboot the computer, normally.

Registry Cleanup

After all of the unwanted programs and all of the viruses and spyware have been removed, you're going to want to clean your system registry. There is always a ton of "junk" left in the registry, after you uninstall programs and remove malware. That's gotta go! I've never been big on using an automatic registry cleaner, until recently. I started using PC Tools Registry Mechanic, a short while ago, and it works really well. Use the link to download the demo. Run the program and see how much junk it finds. Invalid registry entries are one of the major causes of computer crashes.PC Tools Registry Mechanic will "tighten-up" your registry to decrease the chances of computer crashes and it may even speed-up your computer!

Defragment The Harddrive(s)

This is the final step in your major computer cleaning. This will insure that the files on the disk are organized in such a way that makes them more quickly accessible, causing less "wait time" and less wear and tear on your drive.

1. Click START.

2. Navigate through ALL PROGRAMS to get to the ACCESSORIES folder.

3. Choose SYSTEM TOOLS.

4. Choose DISK DEFRAGMENTER.

5. Select the main disk (C:).

6. You shouldn't need to "analyze" the drive. At this point, it's better just to choose "DEFRAGMENT".

7. Let the program run through the process and reboot the computer, normally, when completed.

That's it! You should see a HUGE improvement in the performance of your computer.

source:searchwarp.com

3 comments | Posted in » antispyware, Antivirus software, Registry, Unused User Accounts, Windows Updates    

4 Ways to Stop Computer Freezes and Game Lag

No Comment | Posted in » computer freezes, defragging, DirectX, game lag, online gamer    

Direct TV Offers a Large Selection of Programming

by David Johnson

Satellite TV also gives you options when it comes to your equipment and programming. Cable TV delivers their entertainment through low quality limited bandwidth cables. Now you can enjoy satellite TV's one hundred percent digital quality video and sound. With satellite TV the signals are all transmitted using a geosynchronous satellite which has the ability to send out signals to each individual dish. This makes it possible for you to enjoy more programming options than you could ever think of.

Direct TV offers one of the most impressive programming selections to their customers. With their massive amount of options you will never have to listen to your family complain that there is nothing for them to watch on TV. Even Direct TV's entry level package is known as the largest entry level package out of any offered in the TV service industry. This entry level package actually contains more than one hundred and fifty five different channels including such favorites as Disney, ESPN, USA, and Comedy Central.

Those who need a package that has more to choose from can always upgrade to Direct TV's Total Choice Plus package which has more than one hundred and eighty of the nations most popular channels. With this package you can also enjoy the large assortment of XM satellite radio which is always one hundred percent commercial-free. This package also includes popular channels such as The Golf Channel, Nicktoons, and Discovery Home.

If you are one of those families who are really into relaxing at home and enjoying a movie or two, then the Total Choice Premier package that is offered through Direct TV is the perfect choice for you. This package truly includes everything that you need to enjoy a night in at home with your family and friends. The Total Choice Premier package includes some of the most popular movie stations in the United States including Starz, HBO, Sundance, as well as Cinemax. This package also comes complete with thirty sports channels which are guaranteed to keep any sports fan happy.

If that still is not enough programming options for you then you can always add on even more options. You can add on adult entertainment channels, pay-per-view subscriptions, and seasonal sports subscriptions. Those who are football fans must consider Direct TV simply because they offer the exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket. Regardless of what type of programming you are in to, Direct TV is sure to have what you are looking for.

No Comment | Posted in » Direct TV, Discovery Home, Nicktoons, satellite tv, The Golf Channel, XM satellite radio    

Stop Computer-killing Dust in its Tracks

by: Erik Keranen

It attacks your computer like the South American army ant. Tiny, harmless looking critters by themselves, in larger numbers they can cover, kill and dissolve a full grown cow in a matter of hours.

Okay, maybe not exactly like that. But, wood shop and machine shop owners are experiencing the devastating effect manufacturing dust can have inside their shop computers. And they are looking for answers.

It doesn’t take much to ruin your day, especially, when metallic dust meets sensitive electronic components. Electricity chooses to travel in the shortest route possible, and little bridges of metal dust make great short cuts.

And wood dust makes a great insulating blanket. That’s okay if you’re lost in a big wood bin and freezing to death, but to a hard working computer it can be bad news. Heat sinks and fans attempt to dissipate the heat from within your computer, but a layer of dust can reduce or prevent this transfer of heat. Also, computer fans can malfunction when dust and grime are allowed to build up. Things heat up. Computers die. Data is lost. Business suffers.

Okay, what’s the answer then? How do you protect your computer from dust?

The actions you are willing and able to take to protect your computer equipment from dust depend on a large number of individual circumstances. Regardless of your situation, I recommend you take a three-front defensive position and optimize for each of the following areas:

• Computer room environment
• Protective computer dust barriers
• Computer maintenance

Let’s look at each of these areas individually.

Computer Room Environment

Control the environmental conditions surrounding your computers. The ideal solution would be to keep your computers and monitors in a clean, climate controlled computer room. In other words, take them out of the danger area. Of course, this is unrealistic or undesirable to many shop owners, who want, or need the computers to operate in the immediate work area.

So what then? Do what you can to control the dust and air pollutants in the shop. Use and maintain dust collectors for woodworking machines and a ventilation system for the shop area. And, if you can’t move the computers out of the shop, try to move them across the room, away from welding, grinding or direct contact with billowing sander dust.

Protective Computer Dust Barriers

These include computer dust covers, dust filters, computer dust bags, and computer enclosures. Each has its advantages and limitations as described below. Determine which option is the best solution for you.

Standard computer covers are made by a number of manufacturers. Usually plastic or vinyl, they are cheap, but effective in keeping dust off your computers and monitors. However, they may only be used while your computer equipment is shut down. And, you must remember to put them on. Every day. In other words, they are almost useless in a busy shop.

Computer filters, on the other hand may be used while the computer is running. Also very cheap, these small pieces of loose mesh material are placed over fan air intakes in the computer case to remove dust from incoming air. Some have experimented with using panty hose, Brillo® Pads and other household items with some success. The main drawback with computer filters is their small surface area. They clog up quickly in dusty areas and must be cleaned, or changed frequently to allow the unimpeded flow of cool air into the computer case. Another drawback is that they leave other openings in the computer case unprotected, allowing fine dust to infiltrate the CD ROM drives, floppy drives and other small openings.

Relatively new on the scene, computer dust bags are a combination computer cover and computer filter. Designed for the harsh, dusty and smoky conditions inherent to wood shops and machine shops, these innovative covers entirely encase the computer processor or monitor at all times, allowing the entire surface of the bag to act as a huge dust filter to remove dust from incoming air. Monitor dust bags have a see-through, anti-static front to allow a clear screen view, and are very effective in keeping dust, wood chips and other debris out of the cooling vents. At around $20 or less, the recommended life-span of the computer dust bag is 3-12 months, depending on the level of dust in the shop. A possible drawback to using the computer dust bag is reduced access to CD and floppy drives. However, it is possible to use these drives if you cut a hole in the dust bag and cover it with a door flap, which is included with the bag. You may also have to cut an access slot to use your USB ports.

Finally, computer enclosures are typically metal or wood, box-like cabinets which your computer processor and monitor are placed in to protect them from the surrounding environment. A variety of fan and filter combinations introduce fresh air into the enclosure. Computer enclosures have the added advantage of protecting your equipment from blunt force trauma, such as a falling 2x4, chemical splashes and other things harmful to your computer. Filters must be changed regularly. Disadvantages include high price, greater amount of space required, and filter maintenance.

Computer Maintenance

Finally, the third part of a sound computer dust protection strategy is computer maintenance. Yes, that means cleaning. Does that scare you? It’s easier than you think. You don’t have to buy all kinds of expensive tools and cleaning agents, and no heavy scrubbing or complicated disassembly is needed. The most important thing is to maintain a regular computer cleaning schedule. It may be as simple as opening the computer case once every three months to blow out the dust. Educate yourself on the computer cleaning basics and decide the right course of action for yourself. For a copy of the Standard Operating Procedure, “Computer Cleaning and Dust Protection in an Industrial Environment", which you can modify to fit your own requirements go to www.computerdust.com. It’s free when you sign up for “The Computer Dust Solutions" newsletter.

Just as numerous insects and animals perish when attacked by the army ant, a great number of computers are killed by dust every day. Don’t let it happen to you. Follow the common sense ideas shown here and stop computer-killing dust in its tracks!

Erik Keranen is the founder of Computer Dust Solutions and publisher of the Computer Dust Solutions newsletter. You can sign up for the newsletter and get a free copy of his Standard Operating Procedure, “Computer Cleaning and Dust Protection in an Industrial Environment" at the web site, www.computerdust.com.

No Comment | Posted in » Computer filters, dust bags, enclosures, protect computer    

AMD vs. Intel: Which Chip Offers More Bang for Your Buck in Gaming PCs?

by: Jordan Hall

Computer enthusiasts have long known of the ongoing rivalry between Intel, the processing giant, and Advanced Micro Devices, or AMD. Since the early nineties, Intel and AMD have vied for technical dominance in the computer hardware field and in relation to computer gaming. For many years, AMD was like the “kid brother" of Intel the latter held a seemingly insurmountable lead in terms of market share, and the former simply eked by and scrappily etched out a place in the industry for itself. Intel was also traditionally associated with more powerful chips while AMD came to symbolize greater value. Back in the nineties when clock speed meant everything, Intel’s Pentium III chip always managed to maintain a sizeable lead in terms of performance and speed over AMD’s Athlon offering. Product support also tended to lean decidedly in Intel’s favor largely due to their history of success, there were no shortage of computer manufacturers ready to do business with the company. AMD, meanwhile, enjoyed an almost cult-like following amongst computer enthusiasts who lauded its price-to-performance ratio.

Eventually, however, the raw power of a processor began to be less important than its overall performance, information processing ability, and power consumption. The landscape began to really shift in about 2000. That year, AMD announced and began to develop its 64-bit line of processors, Opteron and Athlon 64. The company essentially staked its future on these chip lines, and in 2003 they released to much acclaim. The balance of power had shifted decidedly in the processor market while Intel’s Pentium 4 chips struggled with power consumption and heat issues as they steadily increased in clock speed, AMD’s 64-bit offerings allowed consumers to take advantage of more powerful 64-bit code in their systems—including gaming systems. Whereas Intel enthusiasts could always point to the performance discrepancy between the two different types of chips, AMD quickly became the processor of choice for computer gaming and computer hardware enthusiasts. The processing power provided by the 64-bit AMD chips proved to be too great to pass up, and this was only reinforced in 2005 when the company released the first dual-core processors to the market. Since then, Intel has been playing catch-up in terms of hardware availability, and AMD’s market share has reached its highest point at roughly 20 percent, according to eWeek.com.

What are the Advantages of AMD Processors?

As the processing landscape has shifted towards AMD’s side, there are some key benefits of using AMD-based hardware that have been revealed. The first is obviously the pure power edge that AMD has attained. Tom’s Hardware (tomshardware.com) has long been regarded as a reliable authority in the field of computer hardware reviews. While Intel for years could always claim performance superiority over AMD at the high end, Tom’s reports that this is no longer the case. In conclusion to a comparison between AMD’s dual core Athlon FX-60 processor and Intel’s Pentium Extreme Edition, the reviewer writes, “With the exception of a few audio and video encoding benchmarks, the Athlon 64 FX-60 represents the new device to beat as far as performance goes, thanks to its two processing cores." Furthermore, the reviewer adds that the increased demands of running dual graphics cards configurations means that “this processor is a great choice for the best-possible 3D gaming experience." This status as the most powerful processor is reinforced by the fact that Alienware, renowned as the industry leader in terms of powerful custom computers, uses the FX-60 exclusively in its top-of-the-line Aurora ALX system.

Another advantage of AMD processors over Intel, at least for the time being, is the lower relative power consumption of their systems. According to Tom’s Hardware, AMD’s Turion 64 enjoys its status as the most efficient single core processor, and while Intel’s Core Duo is technically the most efficient dual core processor, the overall power efficiency of AMD systems offsets any advantage that the Core Duo might have. When you subtract the power draw of a graphics card, which can be massive, it remains clear that AMD processors just do their job in a more efficient manner.

So What about Intel?

None of this means that Intel processors should be completely disregarded, however. One key advantage that Intel maintains is in sheer numbers. Intel still maintains a roughly 80 percent share of the market today, and as such you are more likely to find a system sporting an Intel processor rather than its AMD counterpart. Furthermore, Intel’s long string of dominance ensures that there are no software-hardware compatibility issues as Intel is the accepted leader in the processor industry, companies base their compatibility around Intel processors first.

It’s not as if Intel is resting on their laurels, either. As has often happened during the rivalry between Intel and AMD, competition is breeding a new level of performance. Intel has recently shifted to a 65 nm processor core process, beating AMD to the punch in the process. The reduced core size allows for greater possibilities in terms of chip efficiency and power. Intel’s top-level chip is still more expensive than its AMD counterpart, however, perhaps due to the relative newness of the 65 nm process.

So Which Chip Should you Buy for Your Gaming Computer?

All of these technical comparisons are well and good, but they don’t answer the fundamental question: which chip is best for computer gaming systems? Though they continue to use the 90 nm core process for the time being, AMD processors still represent the best “bang for your buck." AMD’s highest-end chips are still priced lower than their Intel counterparts, and the performance numbers available for them don’t lie. Furthermore, AMD-based systems are more power-efficient in general, and certain technologies allow for technical innovation. nVidia’s nForce line of motherboards, for example, is just on the verge of achieving steady dual-channel DDR2-667 memory support for Athlon 64 FX2 dual core chips. What this means for the consumer is that the memory will operate faster, with a higher bandwidth, and in greater harmony with the processor than ever before.

No Comment | Posted in » AMD, chip, gaming, Intel, processor    

Registry Problems Trouble the Working of Operating System

by: Sam Mike

Why and when registry slows down the computer?

Registry structure of the operating system saves all the registry files related to the software which are frequently installed and removed from computer. It keeps track of all the DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files of all the installed components. Registry needs to be monitored and troubleshoot on regular basis, for healthy processing of computer.

According to the research made by computer repair agencies that almost 90% computing power of computers is affected by corrupted registry files. Most of the computer systems report errors due to missing important registry files.

The registry is affected only when you have installed programs on the computer and uninstall them after some time. Most of the time uninstall utility dose not work properly, and leaves some unnecessary files in the computer. The size of the registry grows and makes use of large space of memory. Frequent addition and deletion of software from computer gives rise to the registry fragmentation, corruption and registry failure.

Most common problems of the computers, when registry fails are listed below

Being a layman, a computer user is not much familiar to cope with such kind of computer problems. Some of the symptoms are mentioned below, which indicate the failure of registry files.

These problems are only encountered when programs are constantly installed and removed from the computer. Some of the files are left behind in computer registry even the un-installation process is finished. Such files create problems for the operating system to work properly. The best solution for this issue is to scan the whole computer and use of efficient registry cleaner software.

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No Comment | Posted in » Data recovery, Registry, Slow speed    

Motorola V3i - Martin's Quick Review

by Martin Fortus

The caller ID screen on the outside is rather small, leaving the shiny casing to become easily smudged from fingerprints, but the V3i is an overall gorgeous phone. The clamshell design flips open easily to answer calls without touching a button, and snaps shut to end them. Users do have to remember to end their calls manually if they are using the speakerphone mode, however.

The buttons and switches around the exterior of the phone all fit smoothly into the design of the V3i and are very easy to use. The keypad is similar to that of the V3, with easy to distinguish keys and great responsiveness. Also like the original, the V3i is a quad band mobile phone, making it ideal for international usage.

The low resolution camera of the Razr V3 has been improved to a 1.2 megapixel camera that features an 8x digital zoom and is capable of video as well. The V3i's camera is still very poor quality compared to other camera phones on the market, but it is great for occasional usage or for picture messaging.

Another greatly appreciated upgrade seen in the V3i is the addition of a music player. Though the version that includes iTunes software is not available in the UK, the V3i features an easy to use MP3 player that can be controlled through the phone's exterior keys. Musical playback is available in flight mode and can be used with headsets or played through the phone's speaker, which provides fairly good quality. The music player also allows users to create play lists for more convenience.

The internal memory features of the V3i are not very impressive, with only 12 MB of storage. MicroSD cards can be used to expand the memory and to store music for play lists, but the card slots are located under the battery cover, making them difficult to access. The 64 MB memory card included with the V3i can easily hold about 150 tunes, but anyone desiring more file storage will have to remove the battery cover.

Although the features of the Motorola V3i are rather outdated compared to other mobile phones, it is a great improvement over the original Razr. If you're looking for a sleek and trendy clamshell Razr phone, but want the added convenience of a functional camera and MP3 player, the V3i is perfect.

About the Author

Shop online and get the Motorola V3i with free line rental, and other top mobile phones. Choose from the best 12 months free line rental deals today!

No Comment | Posted in » Motorola V3i, MP3 player    

Should You Get A Multi-Function Phone?

By: Vanessa Arellano Doctor

In our day and age, there have been a lot of technological advancements done in the field of mobile telecommunication systems. In order to get a lot of customers, phone companies continue to develop new and exciting innovations on phones in order to keep up with the needs of their customers, and at the same time to keep ahead of their competitors. These new innovations have resulted to different phone units with different new applications and improvements that help the consumers satisfy their needs.

One particular change that phones have undergone to evolve into the phones that we have today is their ability to function not just as a phone, but also as another type of device. These multi-function phones actually offer more than just the standard features that regular phones possess since these phones change into another type of device.

There are phones that also double as a camera, or as a music player, or even both. Some also function as a personal computer in a sense that it allows you to type files, browse the Internet, and even send e-mails. There are a lot of functions that phones today are able to incorporate into their system. The question now is how do you determine if you should get a multi-function phone or not?

Multi-function phones, as taken from their name, have multiple functions that the phone is able to do. It can be used for different purposes, depending on the features that the phone have. Unfortunately, some of these features are rarely used, or are even useful, for that matter. There are certain innovations on phones that is interesting to have, but offers very little significant purpose. Before you can decide what type of phone you should buy, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

A multi-function phone differs from regular phones, not only in functionality and features, but also differs in price. Having all those extra features can be very costly, especially if the added features are very state-of-the art technology and innovations. Nothing comes free with phone companies, so keep in mind that all the added features in your multi-function phone are being paid for by you.

If you have the money to spend on those added features, then you should have no problems purchasing phones that are multi-functional. However, if you do not have the extra budget to buy phones that have other features aside from the basic text messaging and calling services, then you should probably think twice about buying these multi-function phones.

Another thing that you should consider when buying phones that are multi-functional is if you will be able to take advantage of the added features and functions that it possesses. Having a multi-function phone can provide you with a lot of new ways and means to communicate, but if you will not be able to make use of all the added feature that the multi-function phone offers, then why bother purchasing it in the first place.

Whether you choose to buy a multi-function phone or not, you just need to base your decision according to what you need and what you can use. It is useless to have a phone that has a lot of features that you cannot use.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company. http://flatrateonline.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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Used Large Format Scanners

By Damian Sofsian

For many who want to install a large format scanner, a used one will do as satisfactorily as a brand new one and at a much lower cost. Consider an engineering firm that does all its design in CAD. It might still want to convert some of the older drawings, or those obtained from other sources, to digital form. A used scanner obtained from an authorized dealer with a warranty and maintenance contract would fulfill this need much more economically than a new scanner, since the application does not require the latest models. But an art museum, library or a reprographic center may opt for a new machine with the best resolution and image quality.

When going for a pre-owned scanner, care must be taken to ensure that the machine is compatible with computers and operating systems that are used today. For example, some of the old Contex DOS-based scanners use a proprietary interface card that is no longer available. Some of the old models will need frequent repairs, and the parts for it will no longer be available. So it is always good to opt for scanners with a maintenance contract also included in the buying price. If the scanner is for temporary use, then the re-sale value should also be considered when making a choice.

The major attraction in buying a used scanner is the lower cost involved; but this should not be at the expense of quality. Buying from reliable vendors who are authorized by the manufacturers themselves ensures quality. Contex, Vidar, Graphtec and ACTion Imaging are some manufacturers who facilitate the re-sale of their used scanners. Re-sale involves repairing the old scanner and making required modifications to suit the present need. Standard accessories are also made available. When buying used scanners, it is always advisable to buy it from a dealer near you, since that will make the repair and maintenance easy, whenever necessary.

About the author:
Large Format Scanners provides detailed information on Large Format Scanners, Large Format Color Scanners, Large Format Flatbed Scanners, Used Large Format Scanners and more. Large Format Scanners is affliated with Home Theater Projector Screens.

source:www.ezinefinder.com

No Comment | Posted in » Contex, Graphtec มACTion Imaging, scanner, Vidar    

Plasma TV vs. LCD TV - Which is Better?

By: Brian Stevens

Plasma TV vs. LCD TV

You know you want to buy a flat-screen TV but you don't know if a plasma TV or an LCD TV would be your best choice.

This article explains the differences between plasma versus LCD TVs, then shows you how to get the best price for a plasma or LCD TV.

Plasma TV

A plasma TV screen consists of millions of multi-colored gas-filled cells. When electricity passes through the cells they light up and produce a picture.

Plasma TV screens have a much higher resolution than tube TV screens. In fact, the picture is so clear it's almost like watching a scene through a window.

Screen sizes range from 42" to 65" wide and are 3" to 4" thick.

LCD TV

LCD (light crystal display) TV screens are made up of a thin layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between two glass plates. When an electricity is sent through the crystals an array of tiny multi-colored pixels light up to create a picture.

LCD TV screens are thinner and lighter than plasma screens. They are the most screens for computers, and are quickly gaining popularity as TV screens.

LCD TV screens are anywhere from 1/4" to 4" thick and 2" to 65" wide.

Plasma vs. LCD Features

Picture Quality

When it comes to which type of TV screen is sharper and shows more detail, plasma TVs have a slight edge over LCD TVs, though LCD TVs are catching up.

Plasma TVs are also slightly better when it comes to viewing angle - how far you can sit to one side of a TV screen before picture quality is affected.

Screen Life

Screen life is the number of hours a TV provides before the picture begins to fade. Plasma TVs have a screen life of about 30,000 to 60,00 hours, depending on the make and model, while LCD TV's have a screen life of 60,000 hours or more.

Plasma TVs are also subject to "burn in." This occurs when a TV displays a still image long enough for a ghost of that image to be burned into the screen. LCD TVs do not have this problem.

HD TV

Both plasma and LCD TVs display HD (high definition) signals for a sharper, more three dimensional picture. LCD TVs, however, have a slightly higher resolution (more screen pixels) then plasma TVs.

Video Games

Plasma and LCD TVs are both great for video gaming, however because of plasma TV's tendency toward screen burn in, an LCD TV is the better choice if you play a lot of video games.

Portability

LCD TVs are thinner and lighter than plasma TVs, making them easier to move and easier to mount on a wall.

Plasma vs LCD TV prices

When it comes to which type of TV gives you the most bang for the buck, it depends on what you're looking for.

If you're looking for a large-screen TV - 42" or larger - plasma TVs are currently cheaper than than similar-sized LCD TVs. When I recently compared prices on 42" TVs, the cheapest plasma TV was $999, while the cheapest LCD TV was $1,367.

When it comes to mid-size TVs, I couldn't find plasma TVs smaller than 42." The cheapest 32" LCD TV I found was $619, while the cheapest 27" LCD TV was $550.

Visit the http://TheSatelliteTVGuide.com to get more information, to compare prices, and to get consumer ratings for plasma TVs and LCD Tvs.

The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on plasma TV vs. LCD TV.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

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Helping you pick the right hard drive for your computer

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Need Audio Conferencing software for your office?

BY:Randell Rogfend

Are you tired of making the routine presentations every time? The same material, lectures, demonstrations and the boring proposals leave you sulking at your job. It is time that you switch to something new and get tied up to the latest technology - Audio Conferencing Software.

There are a number of providers who help create a new platform for business conferences by providing audio conferencing software or web conferencing software services.

These companies fulfill the needs of equipments for presentations such as stage acts, event productions, conventions, conference support and the like through some of the best video audio conferencing software services. Apart from the regular web conferencing software, these companies also provide for lighting arrangements, sound, projection, recording, video and broadcasting layouts.

Anybody can avail these conferencing software services in sets or individual packets. It is required of a company to answer all the conferencing needs and at the same time provide quality service at reasonable prices. The companies also offer technical support with the equipments. There are a whole lot of companies selling such services, but some of the industry's best video conferencing software services are available at the website.

The companies provide you with a technician who aids and guides you through all the levels of the presentations. It is far much easier and convenient to handle the equipments in the presence of a helper.

Audio video conferencing software is an easier way to conduct a virtual meeting at any place. It gives way to easy file sharing, collaborative software, or any combination of these equipments and tools. Slide presentation, streaming audio, and document sharing are some of the extras you can incorporate into this conferencing method. The decisive goal is to make the meeting as realistic as possible, where everyone can see each other, hear each other, view and modify projects, and so on - all at a cost that eventually pays for itself in travel savings.

Audio conferencing software has proved to be very useful tool to upgrade the industry standards. To hold an audio conference is more often than not an easy procedure and at the same time is an appropriate alternative to travel, especially when a meeting does not require face-to-face interaction or any kind of document sharing.

It is difficult to find the right audio conferencing software and the best service provider, which provides a comfortable budget and an excellent quality. At times, the voice quality during the presentations might get disturbed, and can affect the important conversation in a bad way, which could indirectly hamper the business. Find some of the best audio conferencing software for your presentations.

About the author: Randell Rogfend is a father of three children who has had a long and fulfilling writing career. His passion is writing and he has contributed to countless newspapers, magazines and books. www.audioconferencingsoftware.ixzc.comThe following site is his collection of articles about his latest interest: www.audioconferencingsoftware.ixzc.com/Audio_video_conferencing_software

No Comment | Posted in » audio conference, conferencing software, face-to-face interaction    

Refurbished Laptop Computers - Upgrade or Purchase New?

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3G mobile phones: Be-friend with technology

By:Raina Kelsey

"Necessity is the mother of invention," they say, and its true the way mobile industry is growing by leaps and bounds. Better known as mobile telecommunication devices, new age mobile phones have broken all the barriers and have incorporated more and more advanced features to suit today's hectic lifestyle. A growing number of consumers are using souped-up mobile devices for managing their business as well as personal lives with ease.

Thanks to the technological breakthrough the mobile industry has achieved in a very short span of time. And the most incredible acquisition is the introduction of 3G mobile technology. The obvious advantages of 3G mobile phones are the connectivity – whether its data transfer capability or the mobile Internet – these 3G enabled mobile devices have made life more easier than ever before. And that's the reason why businesses are turning to new age mobile phones.

With the introduction of 3G mobile phones in the global mobile phone market, consumers are now experiencing the true capabilities of 3G technology. With more efficient voice and data solutions, these mobile devices are finding a more protective and productive place in the corporate world. Offering broadband speed mobile Internet, high speed data transfer capabilities and 3G video calling features – 3G mobile phones could be the best choice for the business world.

Almost all leading mobile companies are launching 3G mobile phones in the mobile market. Moreover, these incredible devices, offer entertainment features as well. Whether its camera or music player or even mobile games – get everything in your Smartphone. Built on Symbian OS, these devices also allow users to download new applications. What's more, latest phones also support expandable memory card – allowing more space for multimedia and other high-end applications.

With the rapid growth in the mobile technology, its not possible to predict anything, but its for sure that in the coming future, more and more advancement in the mobile world would take place. Amen!

Raina Kelsey is an expert author, and writes about latest gadgets. For more information about
3g mobile phones and other sim free phones please visit www.mobilespectrum.co.uk.

No Comment | Posted in » 3G, mobile technology, Smartphone, Symbian    

10 Bone-Headed Mistakes Plasma TV Shoppers Must Avoid!

by Isaac Ridley

You have to side-step slick TV salesmen talking about "DLP", "EDTV" or "1080i". You have to outsmart internet con artists selling "gray market" Plasmas. And you have to ignore bone-headed advice from Fred, the neighborhood know-it-all.

Mistake #1: Don't Buy A "No-Name" Plasma TV! The most important decision you can make when buying a big screen TV is to decide not to buy a "No-Name". A device as complex as a LCD, Plasma or DLP TV must be manufactured with the finest components by dozens of expert technicians working in multi-million dollar plants. "No-name" companies use none of those.

Mistake #2: Never Trust A "Seeing Eye" TV Salesman! If you walk into a TV showroom and don't know EDTV from HDTV, some slick salesman will smile and eat you for lunch! Don't let salesmen make choices for you, or you'll end up with some outdated TV his boss wants to get rid of. Or you'll end up with screen burn-in on your new Plasma when your son hooks up his Playstation 3; or suffer with a dim display in your brightly lit living room. Do a little research before you make a purchase; it's not difficult.

(If you're not familiar with some of the terms used above - DLP, EDTV, LCD - Google the "123 Guide To Plasma TV.com")

Mistake #3: Don't Buy From A "No-Name" Retailer! It's important to buy your Plasma TV from a reputable dealer selling brand name merchandise. The return of a faulty $2000 Plasma TV won't bankrupt Wal-Mart or Sony; but could devastate a Mom and Pop electronics store. Try to make major purchases from a major retailer's website; make sure they offer a good return policy and have brand name Plasmas at a discount price.

Mistake #4: Don't Fall For Plasma Internet Scams! We've all seen what look like great deals on Plasma TVs online. But exactly what is a great deal? It means getting GREAT MERCHANDISE at a GREAT PRICE. It's not a great deal if you get CRAPPY MERCHANDISE at a GREAT PRICE! You don't want your "new" Plasma to be a returned or refurbished item. Avoid "gray market" or "B stock" merchandise, and avoid sellers who aren't authorized retailers.

Mistake #5: Don't Play Video Games On A Plasma Television! The chance of screen burn-in on a Plasma TV has been greatly reduced by improved technology, but not eliminated. Computer programs, video games, stock tickers and station logos can burn permanently into the screen, ruining your expensive TV. LCD and DLP TV screens cannot suffer screen burn-in, ever.

Mistake #6: Don't Let A Know-It-All Pick Your TV! Your neighbor Fred says he's an expert on Big Screen TVs, and volunteers to help you buy one. Fred may be a good guy. . . he may even know the difference between DTV and DLP. But Fred may also be a Boob blowing smoke out the rear of his shorts. How can you tell? Rely on the only person you can trust to look out for your interests . . . you! Listen to Fred, but take him with a grain of salt . . . and do your own research!

Mistake #7: Don't Try To Bring Home A Plasma TV By Yourself! There was a time you could go to Circuit City, buy a 19-inch color TV, throw it in the back seat and take it home . . . those days are over! Shipping a Plasma TV to your home is the only sensible way to get it there; it's too big, expensive, heavy and delicate to be shoved in the trunk of a car. Your retailer will arrange shipping for you; make sure that insurance and order tracking are included in the deal. Don't sign for delivery until you've inspected your TV for damage.

Mistake #8: Don't Install A Plasma TV Without Help! A Plasma TV, although thin, is actually very heavy. A 50-inch Plasma TV can weigh over 160 pounds. Mounting a Plasma TV on it's table stand is a three person job; call some strong friends over. The delivery people will put your TV on the curb, or in your living room, depending on what you paid for. They won't install your TV on a wall mount, that service costs $200-$300.

Mistake #9: Don't Fail To Connect A Dolby Sound System! You shouldn't settle for the sound coming from your TV speakers. Attached to your TV, a Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound amplifier sends six separate channels of sound through speakers in front of, on both sides of and behind the viewer. Home Theater Systems start as low as $250 and go into the thousands; they include an amplifier, five speakers, wire and a sub woofer. Dolby 7.1 is even more advanced with eight sound channels.

Mistake #10: Don't Forget To Budget For Peripherals! For full enjoyment of your new Plasma TV, you'll need lots of other stuff: HDMI cables for each peripheral, surge protectors, a TV stand or wall mount, a HDTV DVD player and digital cable for High Def broadcasts. You'll also need a Home Theater System with at least Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound and a comfortable viewing area. I'm not trying to scare you . . . a modest system can cost less than $300, A good system between $800-$1000 and a Top-of-the-Line system $1500 and up.

Well, there you have it . . . the 10 Biggest Bone-Headed Mistakes you could make when shopping for the perfect Plasma TV! Avoid them like the plague!

Good luck . . . I hope you find the Plasma TV that will thrill your family for years to come!

It's as easy as 123!

About the Author

Ike Ridley is the avid videophile and self-confessed "Movie Nut" who created the website the 123 Guide To Plasma TV . To visit us, click the links or paste this URL into your web browser:

http://www.123-guide-to-plasma-tv.com/

Ike has moved to the Caribbean where he clicks away on his laptop under a palm tree.

No Comment | Posted in » Dolby Sound System, HDTV, LCD TV, Plasma TV    

Nokia N95: Your multimedia computer

by Adam caitlin

In the N series portfolio, Nokia introduces a new mobile device, the Nokia N95 - a complete multimedia computer with a host of premium features. Built on 2-way slider concept, the device comes equipped with a 5.0 mega-pixel camera, GPS functionality, impeccable mobile connectivity options, music and video features, and lots more.

The device brings a comprehensive range of multimedia features together in a slim profile. The compact mobile phone fits easily in the pocket - and can definitely replace stand-alone devices. Whatever you need: a music player, digital camera, navigation device or more - the Nokia N95 incorporates all these in its compact mobile casing.

With its unique 2-way slider concept, the device provides easy-to-use options for accessing different modes such as playing music to searching new locations or watching new videos with a simple slide. Get instant access to numeric keypad and dedicated media keys, when you slide open the device in upward and downward direction. Featuring a powerful 3D graphics, the device provides an excellent interface that makes it easier in finding new features and services.

The Nokia N95 offers superb quality digital camera with Carl-zeiss optics. Take pictures and videos with a 5.0 mega-pixel camera. You can also view videos and images on a compatible television - thanks to the TV-Out feature and support of Universal Plug and Play (UpnP) technology. And, with HSDPA, WCDMA, WLAN and EDGE - get excellent mobile coverage as well as speeds, wherever you go. Browsing and downloading of multimedia files have also become easier with 3G technology.

Moreover, the device offers excellent entertainment options with a wide 2.6 inch QVGA screen at 16 million colours, 3D graphics, 3D stereo effect, audio jack, support of microSD card and a mini USB cable for swift data connectivity. All-in-all, the mini camcorder from Nokia lives up to everyone's expectations. For information about Nokia Mobile Phones Please visit our site.

About the Author

Adam Caitlin is a Internet Marketing consultant. Mobile Phones , Mobile Phone Deals

source:www.goarticles.com

No Comment | Posted in » GPS, mobile, n95, Nokia    

Bit Torrent Vs Apple The Battle For Your Video Downloads

By: Skye Conroy

The high Steaks poker Game Has begun; Hollywood watches and waits. As Bit Torrent takes on Apple in a battle for your video downloads.

Earlier this year Apple pushes for and gets removal of DRM (digital rights management) from music and video downloads on Itunes. Just as Bit Torrent goes head to head with Itunes on video downloads.

In February Bit Torrent Inc, the internet company founded by Bram Cohen opened it’s new entertainment web site.

For those who don’t know about Bit Torrent yet, it is a protocol, that can be used free of charge to download large files quickly over the internet using very little band width, It was invented by Bram Cohen. (to learn about bit torrent and how it works go to see the resources box at the end of this article)

Last year Cohen’s company entered into agreements with several movie companies among them Paramount, Warner Brothers, MGM,20th Century Fox and MTV networks. This was the ground work for them to build their business model for a broad market video download service. MTV is a key company because of it’s market demographics.

Apple was quick to follow suit and made it’s own agreements with various movie companies.

This latest effort by Bit Torrent will offer a strong competition to Apple’s Itunes as well as other movie download sites, such as ,Walmart and don‘t forget DirectTV and cable on demand services.

What Bit Torrent offers is rental downloads, purchase downloads and some free downloads. It also offers an opportunity for you to publish your own torrents. Very attractive to new producers of video content. This appears to be a move to create a home for original content providers at the Bit Torrent web site.

You might say that is all well and good but how do I watch the content on my big screen TV? Good question.

Two months ago Bit Torrent announced it’s partnership with the company Netgear , which has developed a small inexpensive interface cable box to use to transfer your movies, video and other content from your computer to your TV. Hmm…. sounds a lot like Apple TV.

In an interview on CNBC May 3, 2007 Patrick Lo, the chief executive of Netgear said that Netgear’s plan is to use it’s wireless networks in the home to drive content from the internet to the home TV and make everyone’s home a wireless network.

Not so fast Bit Torrent; last week Apple counters with , what else, video on demand.

London’s financial Times wrote an article indicating that Apple would be offering a video on demand download service in the Fall. And the downloads would be rentals that would cost $2.99. These rental downloads would be good for thirty days and could be shared on one or more of Apple’s devices, Apple TV, iphone or ipod.

This latest move by Apple seems to have placed Apple and Bit Torrent in direct competition with all other video on demand services, which include Amazon’s service, Netflix service and the cable and direct TV companies services.

The gamble would appear to be for Apple and Bit Torrent to drive these other services to a point where they are marginal players and for one of them, that is Bit Torrent or Apple to emerge as the consumer favorite for video and internet content downloads and streaming wirelessly.

A question arises; where is Microsoft in all this? Are they missing the boat again? Or just waiting for the dust to clear?

Hollywood is placing bets on as many power players as it can; hence the agreements with both Bit Torrent and Apple waiting to see who comes out on top.

Skye Conroy works for websitedesignpartners.com a website that provides free tools, information and resources for small businesses.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

No Comment | Posted in » Bit Torrent, DRM, Itunes    

Moving Forward To Connect With A VOIP Telephone

By: MIKE SELVON

VOIP telephone and voice over ip systems are changing the way people talk on the phone. A VOIP telephone is now helping corporations change their global communications policies and is putting them more in touch with international business partners.

A VOIP telephone is changing the way personal users talk to their families and giving them more time to share and communicate like it was originally intended. Distance no longer needs to mean cost thanks to VOIP telephone services.

Having a VOIP phone may make you the most popular person in the office. Imagine having the capability to use your VOIP anywhere in the world and still get excellent rates, possibly even pay no money at all, for long distance phone calls.

Incoming calls can be automatically moved to your VOIP phone, regardless of where you have decided to connect to the VOIP network. This gives the VOIP phone user a great deal of mobility and functionality, on the road or abroad. The VOIP telephone is certainly the thinking person's communication device, enabling the entire world to draw closer as the user continues to move through it.

Business VOIP is one of the most popular services available from VOIP providers. Most providers offer free VOIP telephone numbers to use nearly everywhere in the world. These numbers are arranged through organizations that compile and connect people on VOIP networks.

VOIP User is one of these organizations and it enables customers the ability to connect to any network and at time anywhere in the world for free. This mobility makes VOIP telephone systems the wave of the future for corporate users and for business VOIP plans.

You can also use a VOIP call center to enable connectivity for customer service at all hours of the day, every day, any day of the year. This type of service is unique to VOIP users because the VOIP call center can actually be mobile, too. As long as the VOIP call center user has a good connection to the internet or to another network, helping out with customer service calls is possible.

Many VOIP systems or providers also provide a series of bundled extras for no extra charge. This PSTN features include great items like 3-way calling, call forwarding, call waiting, automatic redial, and the ever-popular caller ID.

The services VOIP call centers provide are also bundled with these great features, making VOIP an even more popular choice among people looking for a great deal with great service features as well. It is a program that seems too good to be true to many people, but the technology is real and the programs work just as they say they will.

The future in terms of VOIP telephone systems is here. Without a doubt, VOIP telephone technology is on its way to taking over the communications work and establishing new trends within a matter of mere years.

As systems change and evolve to offer even more capabilities to customers, the customer base of companies like Vonage VOIP will grow significantly and people will flock to VOIP providers to upgrade their existing telephone services to something better. VOIP will change the way we communicate once again.

Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our voip portal for more great tips on voip telephone, and leave a comment at our voip blog.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

No Comment | Posted in » voice over ip systems, VOIP call center, VOIP telephone    

Which Vista is right for you?

by: Shirona Gunawardhana

According to Mr. Gates of Microsoft, 90% of us computer users use Windows. Also according to him we should all be using or getting ready to use the latest operating system, Windows Vista, from Microsoft. Now the questions - who should really upgrade and which version is the right version for your use - Standard, Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise or Ultimate?

If you are using the latest version of Windows XP Professional, and are up to date on the patches, don't rush for an upgrade unless you are buying a new computer or are an IT professional developing technology based on the Vista platform.

You may not have noticed but Windows XP also has many versions - Standard, Home, Professional, Enterprise, Tablet PC and Windows Media Center. Very few people use the Standard Version and Enterprise is for the very large enterprises. So I will skip them in my review.

Windows Vista Basic is the upgrade over Windows XP Home with fewer crashes, brand new interface and improved security. You will also get limited access to Windows Mobility Center and Meeting Place. What you do not get is Pluggable log-in authentication architecture, Aero, Rights Management Services (RMS) Client, Tablet PC, DVD Maker, Media Center, Movie Maker regular/HD, Domain join for Windows Small Business Server, Encrypting File System, Integrated smart card management, Group Policy support, Roaming user profiles, Virtual PC Express, BitLocker Drive Encryption, Fax and Scan and ShadowCopy.

Windows Vista Home Premium is the upgrade for previous Windows XP Media Center with fewer crashes, brand new interface, improved security and graphics improvements including DirectX for gaming. You will also get limited access to Windows Mobility Center. What you do not get is Domain join for Windows Small Business Server, Encrypting File System, Integrated smart card management, Group Policy support, Roaming user profiles, Virtual PC Express, BitLocker Drive Encryption, Fax and Scan and ShadowCopy.

Windows Vista Business is the upgrade for previous Windows XP Professional & Tablet PC with fewer crashes, brand new interface and improved security. This is the version I recommend to my customers. What you do not get is DVD Maker, Media Center and Movie Maker regular/HD that are not essential for a business professional.

Windows Ultimate has all features of Basic, Home Premium, Business and some extras for a hefty price. Most systems sold by custom pc makers, HP, Toshiba, Dell and Lenova does not come with Ultimate installed. Microsoft recommends a $199 upgrade Ultimate from Home Premium and Business.

Visit Microsoft Vista website for all features and comparisons.

source:searchwarp.com/

No Comment | Posted in » Aero, Windows Vista, Windows XP    

Simple Steps To Follow When Windows Won't Boot

By: Ted Baker

When you are installing a program, it may cause a conflict with one program to another, and the windows will fails to boot. There are ways of correcting booting up or not booting up. Get an emergency boot disk or create one from another computer running Windows 98 or Me

Place floopy disk in the drive or some computer have access to bois and select boot priority in A drive. Start Computer without CDROM support and press Enter. Follow A prompt type dir c: and press enter.

A good hard drive indicates when the files and programs are present. Start restoring the system Registry to repair Windows, configuration system and autoexec. bat files, to where the PC may boot up.

Type System C to restore files or another way to restore master boot record, is to type in “fdisk mbr” and press Enter. To check for occurring errors, type “Scandisk C:” If procedures fail, try repeating again.

To create a Windows XP Bootable Floopy is to place a formatted blank diskette in A drive, then open Window Explorer to the C, select Tool, folder options, to show hidden files and press Tab to view.

For rechecking disk “Hide Protected Operating System files and folders”, look in option dialog box. Use disk if Windows XP would not boot, but basically, files on the hard drive will continue to boot up.

If the PC would not Boot Pass Windows and Window Millennium then press and hold CTRL key until start up option appear, then release it. Select Safe Mode and press Enter. You are now in Windows limited version. If you know the cause, delete that program.

Then select start and type "scanregw /fix" press enter, to restore your registry which replaces your current registry with an earlier copy that was the backed up.

To start the PC repair to your Windows 98 Registry, hold down the CTRL key and select "Command Prompt only". Then type "scanreg /fix" and press Enter and "scanreg/restore" to restore a previously saved copy of the Registry.

Press F8 after rebooting the PC and if the Windows should freeze while booting up, then select "Last Known Good Configuration". After rebooting make allowance for the computer to boot the last backed up files. Choose "Safe Mode" to remove files you know that may cause the operating system to hang up.

If your operating system fails or become unstable, go through the article a few times to see if you miss anything, then try again or try looking for other related article. If there are alterations, be certain to back up your registry before making changes and know how to restore.

You can improve your computers load up time and overall system speed with registry repair software. It can help prevent your computer from running into errors and causing your slow load times. Find out how to clean your registry today.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

No Comment | Posted in » PC repair, Windows Won't Boot    

Booting problem in PC

By: ravi chamria

One fine day you start your PC and get messages that say,”Book Disk failure”. The problem is that the hard disk is detected but the OS does not load. The system may get stuck in the second screen during the booting process or the OS might display an error message and refuse to load. Such situations can be trouble some as they leave you with very few troubleshooting options

One of the common problems in dual boot systems is of the boot loader getting corrupted. For example, you have a system running Windows XP and Linux using Lila as boot loader. If Lila gets corrupted, you can not boot into either OS.When this happens, you have to boot into the system using some other media, such as a boot floppy or the Windows Dafter booting go to the command prompt, type ‘fdisk/mbr’ and press [Enter]. Note that if you use Windows 2000 or XP, boot into the recovery console and give the command ‘fixmbr’ to clear the MBR. Unfortunately, after you restart, it will boot to Windows directly, without any option of booting into Linux. You will have to restore LiLo again from your Linux CD, or reinstall boot loaders such as XOSL from Windows.

If your problem persists, or if you never used a boot loader, than boot into the system from a boot floppy or the Windows CD.Windows 2000 and XP users should boot into the recovery console. Go to the command prompt and give the command fdisfk/mbr’and then give the command ‘sys C’. This clears the MBR, and makes the bootable partition C, Windows 2000 and XP users should give the command ‘fixmbr’ and’ fixboot’ C: to do the same. Then restart the system to boot into the OS.

If you still have trouble, you might have a virus on your PC’s boot sector .It is difficult to confirm an infection without a virus scan. Thesymptoms of an infections-applications slowing down or many unrecognized files appearing in the system-should give you a clue. For example Windows 98 and Me users might see a message during boot up that says,” No valid FAT on boot drive” this is caused due to a boot sector virus called stoned Monk. Even reinstalling Windows might give you an error message that says, “Your computer already has an operating system installed”. Then best solution is to connect the hard disk to another system, and scan with an anti virus tool. You can also create a rescue disk for the anti virus tool and scan the system using it.

If nothing mentioned above seems to work. Then you have a serious problem at hand. Connect it to some other system and try to access the data if you can, then your boot record is damaged. Otherwise the service center beckons.

Ravi chamria is a webmaster, for more computer related articles please visit at Computers-and-Technology

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

No Comment | Posted in » Book Disk failure, boot systems    

Hot Secrets Revealed : Things No Website Designer Or Web Hosting Provider Would Tell You

By: Abdul Vasi

Web-hosting and designing the apt website for your business can be quite a daunting task for the uninitiated. Notwithstanding the jargon and the fact that most of the technical nitty-gritty would sound like a death knell to you, it is important and is something that your online or offline venture cannot do without. When it comes to website designing and hosting, there are a few secrets that the industry tends to keep them under wraps. Not that it would eat up your bottom-lines but it might help you in making the most prudent decisions with regards to your small business web design and hosting requirements.
We have listed out a few things to keep in mind for the non-technical YOU. The more you pay heed, the better your decision is going to be.

• Read the terms and conditions of your web hosting provider and ensure that you know what you are getting for your money.

• Choose a plan that is appropriate for you. Some web hosting providers lure you into believing that they provide you with "Unlimited bandwidth". No one can provide with Unlimited "disk space" and "bandwidth" just because it is a saturated market out there amongst the web hosting providers and there is no one in the world to be able to provide you with the same. It is a marketing gimmick and it helps if you are aware of this fact. What is required here is your acuity and decision making skills - You ought to know approximately how much traffic your website must be getting to determine the bandwidth and the disk space. The hosting providers can manage to con you into believing that you have access to "Unlimited" Bandwidth and disk space because they know that most small business owners and webmasters do not need a lot of these parameters and hence they get to improvise.

• Please do ensure that you know your web-hosting provider's policy with regards to increasing your bandwidth requirements if you envision your web site's traffic. Higher number of hits on your website would mean more bandwidth requirements. Just keep track of the surges in traffic and ensure that your provider gives you the flexibility of increasing the band-width as and when required. Also, pay special attention if you intend to include videos, blogs and mp3 content on your site. You need to make a lot more space available for all that content and you have to think about all this when you talk to your web-hosting provider.

• Does your hosting provider have a range of hosting services - ranging from shared common hosting to Dedicated servers or virtual servers? Does your service provider also provide you with other relevant products like email, traffic boosters, blogs, photo sharing utilities and a whole lot of things depending on your unique requirements?

Building a website isn't as easy as it was earlier. Its difficulty level has now evolved along with the innate complexity of the Internet itself and your success is now attributed to prudent and acute decisions that you ought to make while considering your Internet Strategy for your offline or online business.

Abdul Vasi is a Marketing Expert specialized in Internet Marketing, His Web hosting India Company Hostcats provides you with reliable but affordable web hosting solution for your online business.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

No Comment | Posted in » Dedicated servers, Unlimited bandwidth, virtual servers, Web-hosting    

Four Common Myths About Backup Software

by: Alexey Spiridonov

Computers affect the way we live, communicate, work, and entertain today more than ever before. So, the information stored on them becomes very significant. Loosing data from your hard drive is at least unpleasant, but in some cases also very expensive. At the same time, not all of us take measures to protect their data. Moreover, day after day we hear about alarming accidents of data loss. But why reliable backup strategies are not as much widespread as data crash accidents? – Perhaps, because people have some wrong notions about backup software and about the problem of data loss in general.

Precious personal and work data is stored in a computer's hard disk, but no hard disk is perfect. Sometimes they die, and so does the information stored. Furthermore, viruses, human errors and even natural disasters or theft can take away your data without any chance of restoring. One reliable solution for the problem of data loss is backup software that makes reserve copies of your critical data automatically. There is a great variety of such data-safe program to choose from. But why do people still ignore this software?

In this article we'll try to denote some possible reasons of ignoring backup software and to destroy some myths about backup preventing people from using it. We have summarized these notions in four common «myths» and will try to expose them.

Myth 1: The risk of data loss is insignificant

Some people believe that data loss is not their problem.
Why don't they care? Because they just know nothing about possible crucial hardware faults and destructive effect of such faults on the stored information.
Actually, there are high risks of data loss. According to the survey conducted by Verio (Global Premier Provider of Online Services), fifty-three percent of respondents have already experienced an actual loss of information that was stored on a PC. Six percent of PCs will suffer an episode of data loss in any given year. 31% of PC users have ever lost all of their files due to events beyond their control.
The reasons of losing data may vary greatly – power faults, short life of the hardware, viruses or hacker attacks… The fact is: you can irretrievably lose the information stored on your home or work computer (i.e. project data, email correspondence, personal information, irreparable and urgent documents) if the hard disk crashes.
Learn by others' mistakes: thoughtless attitude toward data backup has fatal consequences. Most people and organizations come to understand this only after loosing their crucial data accidentally. With special backup software your data is more likely to be always on hand.

Myth 2: Copying files manually is more effective

Some people are aware of the risk of data loss and try to deal with this problem without special backup software. These people protect the data on their own.
Common practice for such people is copying data to digital media occasionally. In other words, they copy their data without any backup software. Of course, it is better than nothing. But is it enough for guaranteed data protection? You can simply forget to make a backup before a hard disk fault, and your previous backup work will become sheer waste of time. Moreover, you can forget to copy some files which you may need most of all after data loss.
With special backup software you can use automated procedures for regular backup and synchronization under your own schedule. Backup software will do all the routine work on copying files for you, you only need to set what, when and where you wish to backup.
In other words, manual copying of files is not as reliable and comfortable as using special data backup software.

Myth 3: Backup software sufficiently slows down computer performance

Some people think that backup jobs require too much hardware resources (space on a disk and CPU time) and it is tiresome to run them often. They suspect that backup software will impede using computer for work, entertainment or other purposes.
In fact, most backup programs are not resource-consuming. A typical backup program requires only operation system installed and about 5 Mb free disk space for program files. So, if your computer meets these requirements you have nothing to worry about. In other words, if you computer can have an operation system running, it will easily run a backup program.
Moreover, with a scheduler you can set your backup operations execution on the most convenient time. For example, during lunch time or when you sleep. Moreover, some backup programs can run in service mode. In service mode, the backup is independent from the currently logged in user. The benefit is that your backup tasks are processed even if somebody else is using the system at the moment or if nobody is logged in at all.
As you see, with a good backup program you can perform reserve copying operations in any time you wish. It means that you can have backups running when you are idle, and they will not interfere with your work.

Myth 4: Using backup software is difficult, time-consuming and expensive

Imaginary difficulties of data backup procedures make users think about backup as a waste of time and money and as the result refuse it, hoping for the best.
We are busy at work, family and friends fill our days and leave us little time for boring things like computer maintenance. But backing up data is much easier than it seems.
Please forget fairy tales about baffling complexity of backup programs! Most of backup programs have Wizards with intuitive user interface which let you configure your backup task with ease.
A typical backup program can be installed within several minutes. Setting a backup task takes several minutes more. That's all. Then the backup program will take care of your crucial data.
After all, the price of such a program (30-70$ for single license) is far less then the costs of data loss.

We have tried to expose some myths about backup and to mark some positive abilities that backup software gives us. Today's backup software offers comfortable way to make reserve copies of your crucial data. As more people get familiar with automated backup solutions, they tend to become must-have software, along with e-mail clients, word processors and anti-virus programs.

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REGISTRY PROBLEMS TROUBLE THE WORKING OF OPERATING SYSTEM

By: Sam mike

Why and when registry slows down the computer?

Registry structure of the operating system saves all the registry files related to the software which are frequently installed and removed from computer. It keeps track of all the DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files of all the installed components. Registry needs to be monitored and troubleshoot on regular basis, for healthy processing of computer.

According to the research made by computer repair agencies that almost 90% computing power of computers is affected by corrupted registry files. Most of the computer systems report errors due to missing important registry files.

The registry is affected only when you have installed programs on the computer and uninstall them after some time. Most of the time uninstall utility dose not work properly, and leaves some unnecessary files in the computer. The size of the registry grows and makes use of large space of memory. Frequent addition and deletion of software from computer gives rise to the registry fragmentation, corruption and registry failure.

Most common problems of the computers, when registry fails are listed below

 Corrupted applications show error while opening an application
 Useless and failed objects related to browser like temporary internet files which occupy a lot of space of primary drive
 Missing files related to applications installed on the computer
 Damaged components of active X and COM objects by adding and removing new system files to them.
 Reliability of registry files becomes suspected

Being a layman, a computer user is not much familiar to cope with such kind of computer problems. Some of the symptoms are mentioned below, which indicate the failure of registry files.

 Slow speed of processor
 Very low performance
 Instability in the application’s processing
 Frequent errors while work is in progress
 A very slow startup of windows
 In most severe case, windows denies from getting started.

These problems are only encountered when programs are constantly installed and removed from the computer. Some of the files are left behind in computer registry even the un-installation process is finished. Such files create problems for the operating system to work properly. The best solution for this issue is to scan the whole computer and use of efficient registry cleaner software.

Webmaster: Optimum Data Recovery, Inc offers data recovery service for hard disk drives, RAID systems and other storage devices.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

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The Advantages of Help Desk Support Software

Author: Kent Pinkerton

Help desk support software is a must-have for any new or existing online business. Even if the majority of your business is off-line, many people prefer online product and service support. Customers want their questions answered quickly and personnel need a way to effectively manage their work. Help desk software is an affordable, easy-to-use and useful tool for the growth of your business.

Some of the benefits of help desk support software may include an increase in customer satisfaction, few calls to call centers, more productivity of personnel, and the ability to determine and better manage issues with your service or products. Consistent feedback can help the growth of your company by keeping you informed on what works and was does not.

Both customers and personnel will benefit from a productive help desk program. Most help desk support software programs allow the end-user to compile a list of FAQ's to better serve the client base. In cases such as this, many companies choose to automate their help desks. This can save the company both time and money by letting customers find the answers to their own questions. Of course there will be occasions when the FAQ's do not cover every conceivable troubleshooting issue. Although help desks can be automated, this type of software also allows for more advanced technical support to be offered. Customers can simply submit an inquiry to the appropriate department and expect a timely response. With help desk support software packages, customer and technical support staff are better able to manage and track trouble tickets.

Purchasing a help desk software package can increase your customers' satisfaction and their desire to continue business with you. Without such a management program, staff can be easily overwhelmed with support calls and emails. Customer support should be the top priority on any business' agenda. Without a loyal customer base, a company simply will not thrive

Help Desk Software Info provides detailed information on help desk software solutions, including IT help desk software, web-based help desk software, free help desk software, help desk tracking, help desk support software, and reviews of help desk software programs. Help Desk Software Info is the sister site of Recruiting Software Web.

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Broadband - Get Connected Now!

By:Steve Dolan

Find the best in broadband

As recently as a year or two ago, the number of people who could reliably use online video services was small. Now, video services such as youtube.com are among the most popular sites on the internet. This is all thanks to Broadband Internet services. Downloading video is just not practical using a dial-up connection. With a broadband connection, however, downloading video or other bandwidth intensive content from the Internet is practical.

Broadband Internet

Broadband Internet is commonly used to describe high-speed Internet access, which means any Internet access service that is faster than 256 kbit/s, or at least four times faster than a user would get using a dial-up connection over a digital phone line.

What are the Different Types of Broadband?

There are two main methods of providing broadband Internet access: via a a cable modem , and via a Digital Subscriber Line, or DSL modem.

A cable modem allows users to get a high-speed connection to the Internet over their cable television connection. Because the cable television infrastructure is already designed to carry large amounts of traffic quickly, you can potentially get a very good Internet connection using a cable modem.

While a cable modem connection uses your existing television cable connection, a DSL modem uses a standard telephone line. What makes a DSL connection so useful is that it sends signals over the telephone line at such a high frequency that it does not disturb the normal operation of the phone line. This means that you can get fast access to the Internet and use your phone line at the same time.

What does the Future hold for Broadband?

A number of new services will be widely available in North America within the next few years that will offer an even faster connection than cable or DSL modems. One system, that is already being used in East Asia is VDSL, or Very high data rate Digital Subscriber Line. Another exciting technology is power-line Internet, or Broadband over power lines (BPL). BPL lets you get a broadband Internet connection over high-voltage power lines. While this technology is exciting in terms of its potential reach – it’s very hard to find a location that is not services by a power line – there are still some concerns over signal strength that need to be addressed before BPL can be used widely.

Getting the Best Broadband Connection

Cable modem connections are generally faster than DSL modem connections. However, this does not always mean you should always get a cable modem. If there are going to be a lot of people on the same network, a DSL modem will handle the crowd better than the cable modem. Also, you have to consider the total package; because existing cable companies often provide cable modems, you often have to subscribe to cable packages just to get an Internet connection. This may make cable modems more expensive than DSL modems for comparable services.

Steve Dolan in a veteran IT professional of over 25 years who could not live without his broadband connection. Find out how you can get the best broadband by clicking on Broadband

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Overview Of Software Development and Web Services

By EGBSystems

Link Popularity Building Strategies Information

Link building is important aspect of search engine optimization. It is one of abuse also. Cross Linking is an accepted method designed to build traffic and boost Page Rank. It relies on two websites approving to point an outbound link to the other site. Several website holders spend a huge contract of time for exchanging links. If did correctly, got some good anchor text too. Reciprocal links have now extremely little effect, while they will not harm the target site neither will they distribute the benefits to rankings that they once did.

Link Potency
Discovery potential link Exchanger is not too difficult. Search any one of the popular search engines and find out sites that match from intention keywords or check the link partners of relevant competitors. Most of the direct competitors will probably not want to link with particular site. If they done then so much better. So from the remainder find if they have good Page Rank and a links page. Now write to the webmasters of these sites asking for a reciprocal link. If there is no email id try for webmaster @domain or info @domain.

Must mansion want to write a normal letter telling them about site and why believe about complement each other. Some group even put an outbound URL before contacting the site. In any case give the URL of particular links page where propose placing the link. Remember that anchor text carries weight with the major search engines so give them the exact phrase. Some webmasters may refuse to particular link. Because may have a low or even zero Page Rank as reported, don't be discouraged and point out the benefits of keyword rich anchor text from a relevant page.

The most common features include:
' Users initiate link wishes
' Administration features to check and agree the request.
' Monitor the inbound-link with automated removal of underhanded linker.
' Making of modified search engine friendly link page.
' Request reciprocal links from webmaster.
' Modify email template.

Linking Techniques
Direct Edge and Indirect Edge
Information retrieval (IR) is named as Edges. The first document links to second document link is direct edges. This is a strong possibility that the second document is related to first document. Simultaneously there is no direct link from second document to first document. This is also a strong possibility that document second is related in some way to first document. This function activates an indirect edge between second documents in to first document.

Double Direct Edge
The documents are interchange by each other name as double direct edge. It has consequence for sites that have a link profile that is made up mainly from reciprocal links which can be easily marked by analyzing edges between documents. If any indirect edges were shown an abnormal link profile and search engine ranking may struggle.

Triangulated Linking Link
The documents are interchange by like circle for example take three document names I, II and III. The process of link exchange I is add II then the II is add III then the III is add I. Now no one add more then one but all of the indirectly inter change. Webmasters and SEO's are gradually switching on to begin triangulated linking regrettably this linking strategy is also easily detect by search engines.

Authority Group Linking
Usually articles were written with the sole purpose of create one way links from the article to the aimed page. It can be adapted to make additional application to the aim by including a link out from the article to a right page.

source:www.ezinefinder.com

About Author :

John is a professional Copywriter of EGB Systems & Solutions Inc. He written many articles about http://www.egbsystems.com . For more information about
web design, software development and medical services contact him at john.seocopywriter@gmail.com

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ATA vs SATA

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Mac Laptop

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Sounding Off on Some of the Best Sound Cards for Your PC

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Spy Cams and What They Could Do to You

By: Nahshon Roberts

When talking of spy cameras, one of the first things that you can perhaps consider is James Bond films, perhaps even conspiracy movies when you got a mind that entertains such ideas. Still needless to say, they are not as weird as Hollywood appears them to be. They're only surveillance cameras that are smaller than what we usually observe. As a matter of fact, spy cameras aren't meant to be seen. That's why they are usually small then placed in casings made to look as the most mundane objects like pens, watches, cosmetics, sunglasses, even buttons.

A spy camera is a surveillance technology used in cases where hidden surveillance is badly needed. For instance, you are suspecting that one of your people is cheating in one mode or another. To stop them from permitting their guards up and permitting you to catch that specific person red-handed on video, you employ the usage of a concealed spy cam to monitor your persons without them knowing about it. You might also opt to wear them around should the need arise by utilizing covert spy camera to monitor your persons without them learning about it. You could also opt to wear them around should the need arise by using wireless spy cameras. It is actually somewhat basic, yet it gets the job done! Nanny cameras also became very famous techniques of spy cameras after news of nannies as well as maids misbehaving and mistreating the children when the employers are not around.

A spy cam is available in many forms. There are those that are placed in inanimate things made to match into the common surroundings letting them hidden, such as those disguised as or hidden in lamps, watches, or speaker systems; and spy camera glasses as well as button cameras which are also known as body worn, small spy cameras. Nevertheless, a spy camera doesn't essentially imply a tiny surveillance object. A well-hidden, usual security cam can also be thought of as a spy cam.

These types of security cameras could be more dangerous than regular CCTV cameras. At least, with the latter, you're aware that you are being videoed so you tend to get your act together. With hidden spy cameras, you do not know when that small all-seeing eye is trained on you and there you are doing whatever you feel like doing. Which is the major goal of having spy cams: to find out what you are doing when you believe no one is looking. These little gadgets destroy marriages when a spouse is caught cheating, disgrace an otherwise credible individual, as well as pull down people in high positions.

As you could notice, if something as small as a mini spy camera can destroy a reputation, how fragile can reputation be? I believe all we have to do is take good care of it. Yet integrity could sometimes be so elusive. Temptation is a part of living, yet when you give in to temptation kindly, you are likely to get out of the mess unhurt, if you get into a mess at all! All I am saying is, get your action together before those hidden video cams get you. And if you have to give in, take into consideration the consequences. I am sure you will find a way around it.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

Looking for CCTV surveillance systems ? Choose from a huge range of CCTV camera systems and get your own security camera system when you visit our site now.

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What You Should Look For When Choosing An MP3 Cellular Phone

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How To Remove One Operating System from a Dual Boot Windows XP Computer

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Beginners Guides: Annual PC Checkup

A medical primer for your computer, from dust bunnies to defragging, keep your computer in good health.

There comes a time in every once-new computer's life when it just doesn't feel fresh anymore. You know, when it's taking 5-10 minutes to boot up into Windows, the fans are making funny squealing noises, and there's a wad of orange cat hair protruding from the rear fan grille. It's the computer equivalent of senility, your once precious box has lost its edge.Time for action.

Sure, you could pop down to your local computer mart for $200 or so of fresh parts to keep the dust from settling, but for those of us on a budget there is another option. For starters, there are a fair few things you can do to make your old faithful feel (somewhat) like new again without much expense. Let's take a quick look at some of the most common hardware and software problems related to constant use, and find some quick solutions.

First though, an list of things you are going to need; a "PC first aid kit" if you like:

Ok, forget about the cat repellant. It's hard to find, anyhow, and the can of compressed air will do in a pinch. Just turn it upside down and aim. Try not to do this near open flames however, unless you are looking for a more permanent solution to your cat/computer issues.

Fan problems are by far the most common age-related computer health issue. Fans are essential to your PC's well being, and they will gum up eventually, unless you habitually work in a clean room.

Common computer fans include the CPU heat-sink fan, possibly the most essential mechanical part in your computer, especially if you happen to be running one of the newer AMD processors. Problems with this fan can cause all kinds of crashes and software glitches due to heat. If that fan stops, so does your computer, potentially forever, with a little wisp of very expensive smoke.

Other important fans are the Power-supply fan at the rear of the case, which is often the only source of airflow in and out of the computer, and any case fans that may have been added to promote air movement and stop the dust from settling.

Dust settling is a major problem for fans, and computer health in general. Generally speaking, the higher you place the computer the better the air-flow in and out of the case, and the longer the fans are going to last. This is simply because of the dust and other airborne nasties like the aforementioned cat hair and cigarette smoke.

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Learn About Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones

By Keith R Scott

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To Spam or Not To Spam: Is That A Viable Question?

by Jimmy Oakley

The origin of the term "spam" is rather interesting as it actually came into being long before email reached it's current popular form. As you know, spam is a form of canned meat sold by Hormel. The term "email spam" actually originated from a Monty Python sketch. During the 25th show of Monty Python's Flying Circus, a three and a half minute sketch was played. The scene was set in a restaurant referred to as the Green Midget Cafe in Bromley and centered around a disagreement between a waitress and a customer. Almost every menu item had spam as one of the main ingredients. The customer did not want anything with spam in it: thus, an argument ensued that repeated the word spam some 132 times.

The menu is shown below so you will appreciate the humor aimed at Hormel's now famous spam.

Egg and bacon Egg, sausage and bacon Egg and spam Egg, bacon and spam Egg, bacon, sausage and spam Spam, bacon, sausage and spam Spam, egg, spam, spam, bacon and spam Spam, spam, spam, egg, and spam Spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, baked beans, spam, spam, spam and spam Lobster thermidor aux crevettes with a Mornay sauce garnished with truffle paté, brandy and with a fried egg on top and spam Spam, sausage, spam, spam, spam, bacon, spam, tomato and spam (this is only in the radio version's menu, but the TV version features the Hungarian trying to order it)

The phenomenon, some years later, of marketers drowning out discourse by flooding Usenet newsgroups and individuals' email with junk email advertising messages was named spamming, recounting the repetitive and unwanted presence of Spam in the sketch.

There are several types of spam in use by spammers all over the world. Not one single country or location can claim fame to control the wide use of spam. According to Sophos, a security software developer, the major sources of spam from April to June of 2006 were the United States (accounting for 23.3% of messages sent), while China accounted for 20.0% and 7.5% from South Korea. By continent, Asia leads the pack at 40% followed by Europe at 27% and then comes the USA at 26%.

And according to information compiled by Spam-Filter-Review.com, email spam can be broken down by category. Products leads the way with 25%, then Financial scams at 20%, Adult-19%, Scams in General-9%,Health-7%, Internet-7%, Leisure-6%, Spiritual-4% and all other amounted to 3%. My personal experience is that I receive on average of 5-6 Financial scams daily and sometimes more. Fortunately for me my ISP spam filters eliminate the majority of the hundreds of spam emails daily before they reach my Outlook in-box.

Spam violates the AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) of almost every ISP (Internet Service Provider). If you are considering a bulk email campaign, be aware that you are putting yourself in jeopardy of loosing you ISP account as most will enforce their AUP. And all it takes in most cases is just one complaint from a disgruntled spam recipient.

The quantity of spam is staggering. Sometimes it depends on who you are but Bill Gates receives 4 million emails a year and most all of them are spam. And then the guy who owns acme.com receives over one million spam emails per day. In the year 2005, 30 billion spam emails were sent every day, 2006 it grew to 55 billion, 2006 it jumped again to 85 billion pre day and in February of 2007 it is shown to continue it's growth to more then 90 billion spam emails per day. It is speculated that over 90% of all emails sent are spam emails!

Although spam laws are being passed in most major countries, it is obvious that another deterrent needs to be developed. Countries taking affirmative legal action by passing anti-spam laws include:

-The Untied States-CAN_SPAM Act of 2003 -Australia-The Spam Act of 2003 -The European Union-Directive-Article 13- The member countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Even though there is a concerted effort throughout the world to curb spamming, legislative efforts have been for the most part ineffective and counter productive. As an example the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 requires that each email have a way for the recipient to opt-out of the senders list. Most believe that if you opt-out to a spam email, you are doing nothing more then confirming to the spammers that they have reached a working email address. In 2002, the Center for Democracy and Technology found that 16% of websites tested with opt-out requests continued to spam.

To Spam or Not to Spam: well, you be the judge for yourself. The biggest concern I think one should have is loosing their ISP accounts. I have heard of spammers just going form one to another or having multiple ISP accounts to insure that they will maintain up time.

Hope you didn't find this too long but the more research I did for this article, the more practical information I found to include for your reading pleasure.

About the Author

Jimmy Oakley-Author-2007- Jimmy is an Internet Marketer that discount markets the Premier Email Marketing and Internet Marketing Courses online. The courses he markets are continuosly updated and never outdated. Learn the right ways of marketing on the Internet by visiting http://www.makeyourlivingonlinetraining.com now and learn Internet Marketing techniques found nowhere else.

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Guide to Overclocking Intel Core 2 Duo Processors

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Which is better? EDTV vs HDTV

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The Criteria To Look For In A Good Digital Camera Review

by Roberto Sedycias

For simplicity, the digital camera review is usually in a summarized table format, with stars or numbered ratings beside each make. The reason for this is that this format makes it very clear for the reader to understand. However, the criteria assessed are not always made clear and may leave the reader wondering what exactly the ratings for the product was based on and whether it is reliable.

A good digital camera review should have a wide reaching outlook and consider as many aspects as possible. It should have the requirements of a variety of buyer`s covered, considering the possible uses and realistic price ranges that may be required.

The good digital camera review should also offer insightful opinions in terms of features, portability, performance and cost. It should be easy to follow but also informative, with a balanced argument and also a more in depth description available for any interested buyer. It should compare one product to another, to provide the consumer with the best possible choice. The good digital camera review should also be honest; to make sure the consumer truly gets what suits their needs and expectations.

Firstly, the cost should be considered and clearly stated. This is a necessity as all potential buyers have a budget in mind when purchasing a digital camera. The review should explain whether the product is good value for the price bracket that it covers, and if so, in what way. There should be reviews of several types or make of digital camera for each price range so that the consumer can understand what is fully available. The review should also try and alert any buyers of possible available discounts and deals that are realistically obtainable.

Performance is central to any review. The digital camera is bought for a reason, and potential buyers want to know whether what they are purchasing will meet their specific requirements.

Performance includes the lens and sensor quality, the range of zoom, additional special features, compactness, weight, picture quality and reliability. These are all factors which will affect the quality of the image taken and also the type of photography that the digital camera is designed for.

Clear reasons behind why each feature is considered to be of high or low quality needs to be backed up with clear and justifiable arguments. There should be comparisons made between digital cameras, and a range of makes covered.

An excellent review will also go one step further and investigate the product a little further to give the reader the best possible service. This may include testing out any available accessories, or assessing the level of support from the manufacturers or the time taken to deal with repairs. These added extras can make the choice much more informed, and help the potential buyer from making possible mistakes.

Most importantly, the best digital camera review should be user friendly, with technical information either explained in layman terms or kept to a minimum unless it is a review specifically aimed at professional photographers. It should appeal to its market and provide the information required.

About the Author

This article can be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/camera-digital.php Roberto Sedycias works for www.PoloMercantil.com.br

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Try Prepaid Wireless and Experience the Freedom of Wireless Communication without the Contract

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How to get 3000 satellite tv channels on pc

by dhconsult

I was working abroad and couldn't keep up with the news from my country. I should admit, I'm a real TV addict and spending more than a day without seeing my favorite program is really fustrating I never wanna go there again. I never travel without my laptop, so as I was surfing, I found this advert about satellite tv for pc, I'm a suspicious person, but when I saw that they were promising refund if not satisfied...That was the first time I bought anything over the net, and the last time I was paying for television ever ...

My Computer As An Extra Tv

Many families are fighting about who get's to see what,it's not so easy to please everyone! Most of us have an internet connection at home and often more than one computer. So what about turning your computers into the TVs that satisfy the need of every members of the family. It's possible! With satellitetvtopc program you can watch what ever you want whenever you want - no morefamily disputes !

100 Channels ? 1000 Channels ?? 3000 Channels !!!!

While some providers ask for a fortune every month to access less than hundred channels, year after year, the satellite tv program has gone from 1000 to 3000 tv stations worldwide. The pro edition was successful with 1200 stations, and many of the old customers have now updated their program to the Elite edition, indeed, with 3000 Tv channels, it went straight to the top of the download programs in 2006 and have received many awards.

Anywhere in The World

The best advantage of this system is that it is available from anywhere in world as long you have an internet connection, and nowadays, it's sometime easier to find that then a petrol station ! While you're stuck in front of your TV, using satellitetvtopc is accessible anywhere in your house , as anywhere on earth, As I told you above , I was working as an expat and I know it from my own experience.

Prices and Payment

Here is another huge difference, while satellite providers like directv, dishnetwork are asking for 100 $ subscription every month, with satellitetvtopc you make a one time fee payment, you will be charged once 49 $ and never ever have to pay anything more, for a lifetime, and none of the channels are asking for fee entrance. The Pro edition is now available for 39 $, but for an additional 1800 tv stations, I think the 10 $ difference is like peanuts, actually , many people ordering the pro edition has asked for refund to upgrade to the Elite edition. Anyway, if you're not happy, you will be refunded 100 % with no questions asked, 49 $ to feel happy is nothing, 1 $ to feel deceived is a lot too much isn't it ? You can access the program using internet checks, your Paypal account or any credit card. After payment, you will instantly receive an email with the zip file and the step by step instructions. In less than 3 minutes you will have the satellitetvtopc program installed ready to watch your favorite channel.

USA Television and ... Europe, Asia, Africa ... More than a Tv, it's a window to the world, you will not only see the American side of life, but aswell what's going on around inthe rest of the world. With more than 100 countries available, there are no other providers on the market that can compete. Sports in China, News from BBC in the UK, a movie from Sweden, TV Shows from Italy, Fashion in Africa, market in Asia ... nothing is missing, it's going a lot further than you can imagine ! Do I need a dish or digicard ?

No and No ! That's what is surprising, you will not have to wait for any delivery. As long as you have a computer and an internet connection, you are ready to get started. The satellite tv is providing a stream using your adsl. A 56 kps connection is the minimum required, if you don't have it , you shouldn't even be able to read this review !

Extra with the package

The software comes into a zip package , including antispam and anti spyware. The TV connections are all saved, and the applications are secured. And as an extra bonus you can win a plasma TV or Mp3 player... just read the policy about it in the main program.

100% Legal

This program as nothing to do with a p2p program, this program is completely legal. You will never have to worry about legacy in that case. It's imperative to us to always check our products before recommending any program here on trial-review.com.

Should I go for Pro or Elite Edition

You can go for the pro edition and only pay 39 $ and access 1200 channels, If your not happy , you ask for a refund, and if you're happy you will do aswell to upgrade to elite edition and get the 3000 tv stations, that's the reason why we only promote the Elite edition... but it's still up to you, internet is a free world, no one will blame you for a mistake !

What Kind of Tv Channels do I get

That's probably the question interesting you the most ...satellitetvtopc is like any other provider in this case, try to give the most of what is available Movie channels could be the reason why you would like to buy the program, and off course they have it , and not just a few! Sports channels is a big part of the program aswell, soccer, baseball, NBA, Golf , car racing, tennis, the big game, Football... no sport is missing . News from all over the world, including NBC, BBC, FOX and of course CNN ... Music Channels and live concert, Cartoons, Family Entertainment, Adult channels (with a filter). More specific channels aswell, like religious channels , weather report, financial, fashion ... Whatever your need is, it's in the software.

Compatibility

One of the rules with our ranking is to test any program on as many systems as possible. satellitetvtopc is compatible with any Mac or Windows versions, from 95 to VISTA.

Can I get It Now ? For how long ?

Yes, you can download the program right now, it's available 24h/24 , 7 days a week. If you have a Paypal account or credit card , you'll be watching television on your computer in 5 minutes. As soon as the program will be install, you will never have to pay for it again, it's a one time fee solution, access for a lifetime.

Do I need to schedule an appointment to start the service? No, access is instant. All that is required is that you download and install the software on your computer.

Do I need any additional equipment for my computer? NO, You do not need a TV card, descrambler, antenna or any additional equipment.

Is this service available in my area? Yes, as long as you have an Internet connection you will receive full service.

Can I install this on more then one computer? Yes, you can install this in up to three computers or notebooks that you own. You are not authorized to redistribute this software to others outside your household.

Will this work on any computer ? Yes, It works with all computers running windows 95, 98, NT, ME, 2000 or XP.

Is this compatible with my wireless Router? Yes, it is total compatible with any Cable of DSL internet connection direct or through a router.

Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee? Yes we do! If you are experiencing technical difficulties and would require support, our support team guarantees to solve your issue on first contact or your money back! Simply contact us by email, by phone or through live web-chat function located in the member's area.

What kind of support can I expect? We have 3 teams offering support around the clock and 7 days a week. Once inside, you will find clear online forms where you can submit your questions, FAQ pages that answer all common issues, and, if you do not find your answers there, our support team guarantees to solve your issues on first contact or your money back! You will get clear concise answers back in record time! You can contact our technical support team by email, by phone and by using our Live Chat buttons available within the member's area. Start by clicking here ( Links to Support)

Can I cancel my membership? Absolutely, if you ever become dissatisfied you may cancel at any time during the course of your membership without any further obligations.

Is my registration secure and confidential? Absolutely! Your personal information and email are never shared with any other organization whatsoever - we take confidentiality very seriously. Our registration process and payment pages are 100% secure.

Is it true that I will also find Radio channels like on "satellite radio" ? Yes, You will also be able to access hundreds of Digital Radio stations, broadcasting from all over the world with the highest audio quality.

Get 3000 Satellite Tv on Pc

source:www.goarticles.com

No Comment | Posted in » digicard, dishnetwork, satellite tv, satellitetvtopc    

Web Conferencing: The Future of Doing Business

By: Joseph Ducat

We all know that the Internet has grown phenomenally in recent years and just about every significant business is connected, usually by means of a DSL line or some other type of broadband link. It is now time to consider exactly what this fact implies. The knowledge that all global businesses are interconnected should point you towards the enormous potential that web conferencing can offer today’s businesses.

Let’s take a look at exactly what web conferencing has to offer. First of all, what exactly is this technology all about anyway? Well, it’s about business communications. Specifically, it involves taking advantage of high-speed broadband Internet connections to make possible online what used to be done over long-distance phone calls or face-to-face visits: the business conference. Now, those are two tried and tested methods, and are familiar to just about everyone. So what advantage does web conferencing offer over them? Let’s examine that question.

First, take the telephone conference. That is definitely a useful route for communication with a client or colleague over a long distance. Of course, it also means that you are paying the bills for long-distance telephone calls. Furthermore, there are obvious limitations to a phone conference, such as the inability to share visual information with each other. And in the end, there are many subjects too complex for more than two people to discuss intelligibly over a telephone. It is very difficult, for example, to hold a sustained debate on concepts and ideas between several people using only voice calls.

Next, how about the option of paying a physical visit? That is certainly an ideal thing to do in most cases, as you eliminate so many communication barriers by meeting face-to-face with someone, and make a presentation so much more effective. However, you must also weigh in the cost-effectiveness of these types of meetings. In most cases, you will find that you can deliver the necessary information to your distant client or colleague without the need for a physical meeting. In such cases, spending for the travel required to meet with someone at a distant location would be extravagant.

Web conferencing offers some clear advantages to these older methods. With a web conference, you can grant all the participants access to a shared screen, which allows you to readily transmit visual information to everyone over a great distance. You can also save money on long-distance phone calls by making use of VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocal--this enables long-distance voice conferencing at the fraction of the cost of traditional telephone conferencing. And of course, web conferencing will save you the time, trouble, and expense of business travel.

With new technology comes new ways of doing business, and we should all adapt to the changing times. That is definitely the case when it comes to web conferencing.

Source: http://www.superfeature.com

J. Ducat invites you to read his articles on How To Save Time And Money In Web Conferencing and more by visiting aboutwebconferencing.info/

No Comment | Posted in » broadband, DSL, telephone conference, web conference    

Video Conferencing: Convenience as well as Efficiency in One

by Nahshon Marini

In order for a video conference to serve its objective, essential components such as audio as well as video inputs (mics, cams, webcams), audio as well as video outputs (speakers, headsets, PC monitors, projectors), and the primary control system that can permit information transfer should be there. Nevertheless, for the discussion or conference to be more energetic and interactive, alternative tools as in IMs, Flash technology, Java scripts, etc., may allow attendees to express themselves not just verbally, but they would be able to interchange data and other relevant material by sharing documents, observe slide presentations, share videos, and utilize a universal whiteboard where every participant could draw or scribble on. Several videoconferencing technologies have all the equipments and applications and much more depending on your needs.

There are countless videoconferencing companies that give videoconferencing options fashioned to your needs. They can accommodate a discussion composed of a group of three to ten individuals to a conference of up to above a hundred attendees in various geographic places. Prices could range according to the equipments, programs, and applications used. You may either select a universal cost conference calling service or a per-minute calling program. However, you could always host your own video conference if you have the basic technologies for video conferencing.

The video and web conferencing sector has become a booming business because organizations as well as agencies large and small, or even private persons, are now understanding the benefits of video conferencing. The organization can keep a lot of special travel time and travel costs through this technology. And it is very convenient for those who have career mainly in the house. But not only is this useful to business people and workplaces. The general public could make perfect utilization of this technology for faster communication and exchange of data through public videoconference rooms which has now become readily accessible for those who don't have the right equipments in the house.

By the use of videoconferencing technology, things have become simpler and easier to complete. For a professor, for instance, rather than getting a plane ride from New Jersey to a university in Florida to attend a seminar, he can utilize video phones to give his talk or discussion to a group of school individuals in real time yet still be able to listen to their inquiries without having to cancel his next class. For clear reasons, this process is now being widely accepted. Even relatives and colleagues may presently coordinate online reunions. But physical attendance could not take over technology no matter how advanced it is.

About the Author

Reap the benefits of videoconferencing when you visit our site today! From video phones to webcams, we have all the latest and most innovative equipment for video conferencing.

No Comment | Posted in » real-time, video conference, web conferencing    

Cable vs DSL: How To Know What’s Better For You

By: Michael Cohen

With the fast pace development of the internet technology today, it’s very possible to connect to the world and get information in just a matter of seconds. People who frequently go online have a choice between close broadband rivals cable operators or DSL (digital subscriber line) service for instant access to the internet. The battle continues between cable and DSL companies who promise to provide customers with the best service for high-speed data transmission.

Broadband technologies started to develop in the early part of 2000. In the U.S. alone, broadband internet usage either through cable modem or DSL connections soared from only six percent in June 2000 to 30 percent in 2003, according to a study.

Cable

Cable operators, through their cable modem service, provide broadband using the same coaxial cables that transmit pictures and sound to your television set. Most cable modems are external devices that have two connections – one to the cable wall outlet and the other one to a computer. With this type of modem, a user can both watch cable TV and use his computer at the same time. Instant internet access similar to DSL can be achieved just by turning on the PC.

With a residential cable internet connection, a user can have download speeds between four to six Mbps or roughly 70 times faster than a dialup connection. Cable consumers can even opt to bundle their internet access with digital cable TV and digital phone service to avail of discounts.

Cable companies especially in the urban centers felt threatened with the entry of DSL and immediately took action spending billions of dollars for upgrades. Many of them have boosted their download speeds in hopes of competing with cheaper DSL offers.

DSL

DSL is a telecommunications service that allows an ordinary telephone line to be used as a high-speed conduit for data, voice and video. It boasts of broadband speeds over ordinary telephone lines and is considered one of the fastest growing high-speed access technologies best for both business and personal use. Among the telecommunication technologies available today, DSL is the most powerful and flexible solution for high-speed internet access and information transfer.

A typical DSL connection enables users to receive data at a maximum of 1.5 Mbps and send data at 256 Kbps. The nearer your location to the provider’s central office, the faster the speed you’ll get. And what’s best about this is that with DSL, connectivity is always guaranteed. In other words, a user can be sure to go online instantly as no dial up connection is needed. In some cases, users can even use the same line for voice and data traffic.

Apart from its high speed connectivity, DSL is very cost effective in that a user needs only little new equipment and no new telephone lines. It is easy to use and requires no further training.

DSL technologies come in various forms depending on a user’s location and bandwidth needs. These are the IDSL (ISDN digital subscriber line), ADSL (Assymetric DSL), VDSL (Very High Speed DSL), RADSL (Rate Adaptive DSL) and HDSL/SDSL (High Data Rate DSL/Symmetric DSL).

So you decide which of these two broadband technologies suits your needs. If you only need internet access without getting a new telephone line, then the DSL may be best. However, if you want to subscribe to a cable TV and have fast internet access at the same time, then the cable modem will suit you best.

Source: http://www.superfeature.com

Michael Cohen recommends you visit www.satellitesweeper.com to answer the question: DSL vs Cable.

No Comment | Posted in » broadband, cable, DSL, high-speed, internet access, Mbps    

Make Windows XP Run Faster!

BOB RANKIN ...is a tech writer and computer programmer who enjoys exploring the Internet and sharing the fruit of his experience with others. His work has appeared in ComputerWorld, NetGuide, and NY Newsday. Bob is publisher of the Internet TOURBUS newsletter, and author of several computer books. For more helpful articles and free tech support, visit http://www.AskBobRankin.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Rankin

No Comment | Posted in » Cyber Sludge, Defrag, startup, window    

Photography And The Cell Phone

by Roberto Sedycias

The cell phone has some additional features that are not yet available on digital cameras and so may even be able to provide some advantages. The best way to obtain quality photographs is to understand the specifications that are available on these devices, enabling you to make an informed decision when choosing your mobile product, ensuring that it meets your requirements.

The size of the cell phone screen will affect the quality of viewing on your phone only. It will not affect the quality of your photograph when downloaded to your computer. However, the pixels that your cell phone camera uses will affect the quality of the image a great deal. The minimum resolution you should use is 1.0 mega pixels if photographic images are an important feature for you.

Higher resolution of 3.0 mega pixels and up is available on current cell phones. The higher the number of pixels, the better quality the photographic image will be when reproduced. This is because the pixels are the amount of dots used to create the image; the more that are used, the less the image will break up when enlarged.

The memory size of your device will directly affect the number of photographs that you can store. This will affect your output, and also give you less scope for getting that perfect shot. Your device will detail how much memory it contains, and this amount is usually very low, to store only a few photographic images.

However, the memory capacity can be supplemented by purchasing a memory card that is compatible with your cell phone. The largest currently available is as much as 2 Gigabytes, which can store large numbers of photographs. The exact number will vary as the number of pixels directly affects the amount of memory used. The settings of your picture image can often be changed also. The picture quality is better the higher the resolution you choose. Lower resolutions take up less memory and so can be useful if you just want to send images to friends and family, if are running low on space or if the quality is not of importance.

It is also important that you can store your pictures. If you purchase a cell phone memory card, make sure that it also be compatible with your computer or that it can be hooked up to a USB that is computer compatible. Your device should also come with a USB that you can use to download your pictures. This enables you to clear your cell phone regularly, maximising the use of the camera feature. Once stored, your photographs can be manipulated using programs such as Photoshop, as with any other photographic image.

A major advantage of a camera is that it can be used to send pictures direct to friends and family with a compatible cell phone. These can be sent via multi media messages, which although relatively expensive are now appearing in cell phone contracts as part of a package.

Digital photos can also be sent via email if the cell phone is internet enabled. Any photographic image can be sent for free via infra red or Bluetooth to another compatible device. This is an excellent way of sharing images, without the need for downloading first, which is both fast and functional. This means cell phones do have an advantage over other photographic devices to a degree, as they do not yet have this feature.

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

About the Author

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant forwww.PoloMercantil.com.br

No Comment | Posted in » camera, cell phone, photograph    

Beginners Guides: Browser Hijacking & How to Stop It

If you though Pop-ups were annoying, just wait until your web browser is hijacked! In this guide, PCstats shows you how to regain control and kick out the hijackers,
Kung-fu style... - Version 1.0.0

Browser hijacking is one of the web's constant dangers. Whether it arrives in the form of a flood of obscene pop-up windows assaulting you after a mistyped URL, or malicious code taking over your browser completely, chances are good that every Internet user will be subjected to this practice in some form.

Fortunately, avoiding a browser hijacking is not impossible if you stay aware, and take a few simple precautions. Take the metaphor of locking your car doors while you are out for a drive as an example. If your browser keeps redirecting you to www.somerandomsite.com and you are here looking for ways to cure what ails you, we'll cover that too.

To sum it up, this PCstats Beginners Guide will show you how to avoid and defeat these annoying and potentially embarrassing attacks on your computer, starting with seven preventative measures;

1. Use common sense
2. Use and update an anti-virus program regularly
3. Use antivirus 'auto protection'
4. Keep an anti-hijack 'toolkit' for emergencies
5. Change your Internet Explorer security settings
6. Try an alternate browser

What's a browser Hijacker?

This term covers a range of malicious software. The most generally accepted description for browser hijacking software is external code that changes your Internet Explorer settings. Generally your home page will be changed and new favourites will be added that point to sites of dubious content. In most cases, the hijacker will have made registry changes to your system, causing the home page to revert back to the unwanted destination even if you change it manually.

A browser Hijacker may also disallow access to certain web pages, for example the site of an anti-spyware software manufacturer like Lavasoft. These programs have also been known to disable Antivirus and anti-spyware software.

Most browser hijackers take advantage of Internet Explorer's ability to run ActiveX scripts straight from a web page. Generally, these programs will request permission to install themselves via a popup that loads when you visit a certain site. If you accidentally give them permission to install, IE will execute the program on your computer, changing your settings. Others may use security holes within Internet Explorer to install themselves automatically without any user interaction at all. Worse, these can be launched from popup ad windows which the user has not even intended to view.

As well as making changes to your home page and other Internet Explorer settings, a hijacker may also make entries to the HOSTS file on your system. This special file directly maps DNS addresses (web URLs) to IP addresses, so every time you typed 'www.pcstats.com' (as an example) you might be redirected to the IP address of a sponsored search or porn site instead.

Some browser hijackers may also install themselves onto your computer system as legitimate programs, leaving an entry in the 'add-remove programs' list in the control panel. There are many faces of broswer hijacking, and to combat the situation, you have to be aware of all the tricks and loopholes that make this scourge possible. Browser hijacking isn't necessarily a virus, and isn't necessarily adware, so stopping it isn't necessarily best left to software monitoring programs either.

No Comment | Posted in » adware, hijacked, pop-up    

How to Keep Your Blog Traffic - Tips for a Stickier Blog

By: Tinu AbayomiPaul

So you finally figured out how to get those visitors to your site, huh? Well, partner, it's not over. Now you've got to keep them there if you hope for your blog to be effective.

So, how do you keep your blog traffic? I knew you'd ask that...

1. Your Audience Is More Important Than Your Search Engine Rankings

Who knows what way the wind will blow in years to come. You may be able to do without traffic from Google one day - just like you're probably doing without traffic from Hotbot right now.

However, you'll never be able to do without your clients and prospects. If you could you wouldn't be in business, would you?

So pay attention to what your audience wants to hear. If you configure your blog correctly in the first place, you won't have to worry about a good ranking so much.

2. Don't Add to the Noise.

It's okay to be silent for short periods if you have nothing interesting to say. In the meantime, while you're keeping your lips tight, find something *really* interesting to say.

Of course, I believe that there's never nothing to say. But I'm a writer and not everyone thinks that way.

After the first six to eight weeks, post every day if it suits you and you have words of interest. But after that, if you can sense that your posts aren't full bodied and home brewed, it really is fine to make us go without for a few. We'll live. We won't think so, but trust us, we will.

Just make sure you have something darn near-earth shattering to share when you get back, so we will all sit up and take note... and realize that we missed you.

3. When You Do Talk, Do It Loud and Proud

(Even if you find out later you were Loud and Wrong)

It's considered impolite to behave like a Rock Star when you're having a business dinner, even if you are one.

But guess what? When you're blogging, you aren't at a business dinner. That's not to say that you must indulge in Rock Star behavior if it doesn't suit you..

You don't even have to be *a* star. But you definitely want to be noticed, maybe referenced, and hopefully linked. A great way to do that is to be different. The most unique thing about you is You. Inject your personality in all that you do online.

So if you have news, share it. Heck, if you have gossip share it, just always, always, always, link to your suspicions or sources. On the rare occasion that a high-profile blogger's information is totally off-base, they print a retraction. So don't be afraid to suppose. Just let us know whether you are sharing a rumor, hunch, a fact or opinion.

4. Do Unto the Blogosphere, and Make It Easy for Them to Do Unto You

When I have credible sources, I link to them. Even if I read something from the Google Blog, but know when I first saw it first at Micropersuasion, I'm still linking to Micropersuasion. That's all there is to it.

(And let me tell you - it's a Huge deal when Steve Rubel links to an article that you wrote even when it's not posted on your site - think about that the next time you're tempted not to link out because "they have enough traffic.")

For the majority of people, I realize, that situation may never be in consideration. Most of the people reading this have nothing to do with search engines, public relations, or internet marketing.

Well, I'm here to tell you that even if your business is timeshare resales, you should still link to your sources. You never know who is reading and who is going to link back. Especially if you're in a business niche where twenty visitors eventually means at least one sale, find out what the neighborhood is like in your part of the Blogosphere, look around, and play nice with the other kids.

5. Blog Like You Talk - But if You Talk "Funny" Get Someone Else to Blog with You

Nothing will scare your visitors away faster than landing in techno-babble by accident. I landed at a friend's site about search engines, and the first paragraph I saw said something about (a+n) times the square root of pi and I clicked out before I even remembered why I went there.

Don't get me wrong - if that's how you talk, keep it real. But if that's not the language your clients speak, you might want to either have an employee represent your company in the blog, or do a team blog that represents all the prominent voices.

6. Give Every Subscription Option Under the Sun

Most people paying online are going to use their credit card or debit card, by far. How crazy would you have to be to say, hm, 90% of people use credit cards, but the hell with that. If they want my binoculars, their only choice is to send me a $20 check by snail mail on Tuesday mornings.

In this same way, refusing to turn on your site feed, because most people are currently following you by email, makes absolutely no sense. Refusing to start an email list or offer subscriptions to your blog headlines, summaries or posts via email is equally nuts, particularly now that there are tools in place that will translate feeds to email for you.

Not serving as much of your audience as you can is turning down money, plain and simple.

Hopefully these tips will help keep visitors coming back to your blog. It's like the old adage said, it's easier (and cheaper) to keep your present customers than it is to constantly find new ones.

The same thing goes for your blog visitors.

Source: http://www.superfeature.com

No Comment | Posted in » hotbot, Micropersuasion, Traffic, visitor    

Six Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do

Here are useful tips and tricks that you can teach even an old cell phone to do.

Cyrus Farivar, PC World

Right before your eyes, your cell phone has morphed into a portable computer. Whether you're searching Google via text messages, using Short Message Service (SMS) to make international calls, or e-mailing a voice message, these tips will help jump-start your cell phone's inner PC--and make your life easier to boot.

Text Your Google Search

For the price of sending a text message, you can unleash the power of Google without having to open a Web browser. Just text GOOGL (46645) to get access to much of the search giant's most useful information, including addresses and phone numbers, word definitions, numeric and other conversions, weather, and even sports scores.

For example, if you want to look up the phone number of a pizza joint to place a take-out order, text-message the name of the business and its city and state to GOOGL, such as zachary's oakland, ca. A minute or so later, Google will send you a text message similar to this: 'Local Listings: Zachary's Chicago Pizza 5801 College Ave Oakland, 94618 510-655-6385'. To save time, enter the zip code instead of the city and state.

To look for more-general information, text something like pizza 94618 to receive the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all the pizzerias in that area. (This is especially handy when you're in a city or neighborhood you're unfamiliar with and you're jonesing for a double espresso.)

Search Google with your cell phone to retrieve information via text messageGoogle's ability to text you word definitions helps you compose just the right message to send with that bouquet of flowers you're ordering, and it also can adjudicate tense games of Scrabble. To get a definition, text GOOGL with the command define: followed by the word (with no space between), such as define:qindarka. How else will you ever find out that there are precisely 100 qindarkas in a single Albanian lek (which, oddly enough, is also the name of that country's national vegetable).

You can text Google for all sorts of conversions, too. For example, if you want to convert pounds to kilograms, or liters to quarts, or even find out the number of miles in a light-year, text GOOGL and enter 2 liters in quarts. You'll receive a text back with the answer faster than you can say '2.1133764188651876'. To convert foreign currency at the current exchange rate, text: $100 in euros (the three-letter abbreviation for different currencies also works, such as 100 usd in eur).

Google has many other options for fast lookups from your phone. To find out the forecast for a region, text weather and the city name, such as weather Peoria, IL. During last summer's pennant races, I almost wore out my phone's dial pad using Google to check scores. To find out how your team is doing, simply text its name, such as Dodgers to see how things are going in Chavez Ravine.

Depending on your cell-phone plan, sending a lot of text messages to Google may launch your monthly bill into the stratosphere. Check to see if your service provider offers any special deals for high-volume texting before you start punching those buttons.

SMS: Get Google Calendar Alerts, Make Calls

If you use Google Calendar to keep track of your appointments, you can send yourself SMS reminders of the events you have listed. Once you've signed up with Google and logged in, you can add your upcoming activities to your online calendar, too.

Receive alerts via cell phone of upcoming events on your Google Calendar.To set alerts for the events, click Settings at the top right of the page, choose Notifications, scroll to the bottom of the page, and enter your country, phone number, and cell provider. Google will then text you a verification code to enter on this page. After you enter the code, check the boxes for event reminders at the top of the page. Once you have events in your Google Calendar, the service will send you a text-message reminder for each upcoming event. Alternatively, you can ask to be sent a daily agenda, which includes all of that day's events.

Call Via SMS

Anyone who makes a lot of international calls can use SMS to take advantage of cheaper rates. Two of my favorite SMS services are Call2.com and U.K. ISP Telecomplete's MyWebCalls.com. Both allow you to send an SMS message to their servers, which then either place the call (if you have previously registered the number you're calling) or call you back with a dial-tone allowing you to enter the number manually.

Call2.com uses standard phone lines, while MyWebCalls.com is VoIP-based, which is cheaper but may be less reliable. Calling France on MyWebCalls.com is 1.4 cents per minute, while on Call2.com it's nearly 6 cents per minute.

After you register for the service, you text the number that the service assigns you (you may also need to enter a password). You could use this service to place domestic calls as well, but the real savings come when placing calls from outside the United States. Read our reviews of three other VoIP-based services for cell phones.

Take Notes Via a Camera Phone; Call 411 for Free

The next time you're heading to a meeting, leave your notepad (or your laptop) behind and let your camera phone record the meeting notes. The Qipit service lets you convert the text in an image captured by a cell-phone camera (or any other digital camera) into a PDF file (it will also be available as a JPEG). After you register for the service by providing your name, country, and e-mail address, you enter your cell number, service provider, and phone model.

The service indicates the quality of text scans you can expect. For example, my Motorola Razr V3c rated only one out of three stars. After you photograph, say, the whiteboard or your own handwritten notes, you e-mail the image file to the service (copy@qipit.com for black-and-white images, and color@qipit.com for color), and it is added to your list of files. As we went to press, the service is free, but it's limited to 25 documents per account, and it supports only JPEGs with a minimum resolution of 1.3 megapixels. You pay only the cost of an MMS message. (Note that you can also send the service images to be scanned and converted via e-mail.)

Make 411 Calls for Free

A more traditional way to find information about a business than texting Google (see the first tip) is to use your phone company's directory-assistance service, aka 411. However, most cell phone providers charge $1 or more for each 411 call. Fortunately, there's a free alternative: 1-800-FREE-411.

Just like the name implies, a quick call to the number puts you through to an automated voice-recognition program (similar to the old-fashioned 411) that asks for the city, state, and name of your listing. The catch is that before the service gives you the number, you have to listen to a short ad. I tested the service by asking for "Mughlai," an Indian restaurant in New York City. While the service didn't at first understand "Mughlai" (pronounced MOOG-lie), it understood my second attempt, "Mughlai Restaurant," without any difficulty.

Connect With Friends; Send Voice Mail via E-Mail

Extend your social network to your cell phone via Dodgeball, a free online service--with 15,000 members and growing--that allows you to broadcast your location to friends by sending a text message to the service. Instead of calling or texting each of your friends individually to say that you're at the local pub cheering for your March Madness picks, or commiserating over your alma mater's early exit, you can send a single message and let Dodgeball do the heavy lifting. After you sign up for the service using your Google login, you set up a profile that asks for your home city and gender (you can choose not to specify gender), as well as your cell phone number and service provider, and the number or e-mail address you want your messages sent to (you can also choose to receive photos, though this option is turned off by default).

Find out where your friends are by having Dodgeball text you their current location.Once your friends sign up, you add them as "friends" in your profile. The next time you're out and about, you send Dodgeball a text with the message '@Joe's Bar and Spa' to let your buddies know that you're grabbing a beer and a rubdown. The message they receive will include the address of the location you checked in at. Plus, your friends' friends will automatically be notified if they're within 10 blocks of your vicinity.

Send Voice Messages via E-Mail

Now you can send voice messages to anyone without ever dialing their number. The free Pinger service lets you record audio messages that are delivered as e-mail attachments. After you sign up for the service, you set up your address book on the site (you can import your existing contacts from Gmail, Outlook, and most other large e-mail services). Pinger provides you with your own local voice-mail number that you can use to send and receive messages. Call your number, say the name of the person you wish to leave a message for, speak the message, and you're done. The recipient can listen to the message without having to sit through long and annoying canned greetings.

Further, you can send the same message (such as a party invitation) to a group of people at one time. Each person on the other end will receive a text message alerting them to a new voice message they can retrieve by calling the number it lists. Recipients can reply to the voice message simply by pressing 1, or they can forward the message to someone else. Another neat feature: All of the voice messages you send and receive are archived at Pinger.com and are accessible from any computer--great for leaving voice notes to yourself.

source:about.com

Cyrus Farivar is a freelance technology journalist based in Oakland, California. He writes for The Economist, National Public Radio, and Engadget.

No Comment | Posted in » cell phone, Dodgeball, SMS, voice mail    

Top Tricks for Safe, Smart Downloads

Plus: Download and play videos, and unclutter your machine's system tray.

By:Steve Bass

The Hassle: I download lots of free software, but I'm worried about picking up adware. What do you suggest?

The Fix: Fire up your standard defensive shields (firewall, antivirus, and antispyware); then add an extra coat of armor. I recommend giving Cyberhawk Basic a try. Unlike antivirus software that checks for virus signaA-tures, Cyberhawk watches for and blocks suspicious behavior as it occurs.

But Cyberhawk doesn't play well with all computers, so I have two alternatives that thwart malware by running your browser, e-mail, and instant messaging apps in a protected sandbox. That way, you can end a session and easily reverse potential damage to your system. GreenBorder Pro with SafeFiles throws a border around your browser and puts downloaded files into a special folder, so that you can run them in a protected session. At $30 per year, it's not dirt cheap, but you do get a 15-day free trial. Or try Sandboxie, a free but complicated tool that quarantines downloads and their installation routines in a sandbox until you decide they're not harmful. Warning: Be sure to try each program separately.

The Hassle: I'm an avid downloader, but I hate downloading files one at a time.

The Fix: You need a download manager. FlashGet is a remarkable free tool. Click a link to download a file, or just copy the link into the clipboard, and FlashGet pops up to perform the download. Even handier: Drag and drop multiple links onto the program's floating dropzone. The default setting can download ten files simultaneously and resumes the transfer if it's disrupted midstream by, say, a browser or unlikely (ha!) PC crash. If you have a manager but it won't work with Firefox, use FlashGot.

Quick Tip: Have you ever happened across a site loaded with zillions of images or videos that you wanted? Forget download managers: The tool you need is WinHTTrack Website Copier; it saves an entire Web site to your hard drive.

The Hassle: Is there a good way to download YouTube or Google video files?

The Fix: Many sites contain Flash-based streaming videos that are yours for the taking. Just use the Web-based toolsat KeepVid.com or VideoDownload.com. Both sites have links you can add to your browser's toolbar to handle drag-and-drop video downloading. For multiple YouTube videos, download TubeMe. To watch the files, use VLC or FLV Player--or convert the videos into AVI files at the Online FLV Converter site.

Clear Away Clutter With WinPatrol

WinPatrol is a must-have tool: It helps keep your system tray free of clutter and warns you when a program insists on loading at system boot-up. The latest version--WinPatrol 2007--has Delayed Start, a smart feature that lets you delay launch of nonessential programs for up to an hour after the system boots, so Windows loads faster. That's ideal timing for applications such as backup programs. Also new is a right-click function that opens the startup program's folder in Windows Explorer. WinPatrol Plus costs $30 (and I promise you, it's worth the money), but there's a free version as well. Compare the two versions.

source:about.com

Contributing Editor Steve Bass writes the Tips & Tweaks blog and is the author of PC Annoyances, published by O'Reilly. Contact him at hasslefreepc@pcworld.com.

No Comment | Posted in » adware, Cyberhawk, download, system tray, unclutter    

How Safe Am I Without An Adware Removal Tool?

by Paul Buckley

Has anyone ever asked you, why would you need an Adware Removal Software? You see Free Adware Removal being promoted so frequently that it is only natural to ask yourself, why? The reason is simple. At this current time where product marketing is so brutal, most retailers, be it an info product, or physical product, are willing to pay huge sums of money just to know what you are looking at online.

The online marketplace is becoming so huge so quickly that many, if not all, free softwares are embedded with some sort of Adware or other. Tell me, would you like your bought items being tracked shamelessly by Adware? Do you like the adware to display web based advertisements? No? Then go grab yourself a Adware Removal Software and protect your privacy!

To those who have to go through the adware removal process, there are some guidelines and steps that can simplify the task. Removing adware is similar to removing computer viruses. In order to remove adware, the first step is to identify what it is he or she has to deal with. Adware Tool, like computer viruses, affects computer systems in different ways and creates or modifies different registry variables and values, and also does annoying things like display web based advertisements!

But Why Do We Need To Remove Adware and Spyware?

Adware Tool is a potential threat to all your personal data when you access the internet. Adware Tool is free software that is installed onto your computer with your permission and does very helpful things like helping you fill up online forms!. In exchange for carrying out this task the installed Adware Tool will track your computer usage and display web based advertisements. For most of the time people who use Adware Tool have legally opted into this.

It does not even sometimes come from what you would think would be the most likely candidates: porn sites or gambling sites & other illegal material. You can quickly see what a nuisance this Adware Tool can be particularly if you end up having a lot of these Adware Tool downloaded to your computer. It helps to download a spyware and Free Adware Removal tool that also contains an adware shield of some sort that is running in the background and blocks the download of a new piece of spyware before it occurs.

Spyware is No Small Matter!

You can actually get an online scan without buying or paying for any software. Everyone should eliminate spyware and adware from your hard drive for your computer privacy protection by using a Free Adware Removal tool.

Be Very Careful Online

There are many Free Adware Removal on the Internet; It is not hard to find one either. So it is best that you go get yourself a reputable Adware removal program and do a quick scan on your system. Adware is dangerous.

About the Author

How serious is identity theft? Protect yourself, get Adware Removal and protect your online security.

No Comment | Posted in » adware, Adware Removal tool, spyware    

Attackers Connect to Internet through User Computers

by btv raj

Win32.Agent.y comes to your computer when you download many dubious, free applications from the Internet. Drive-by-Download is another mode of propagation for the Trojan as malicious websites force it into computers by exploiting browser vulnerabilities, where all you need to do is to view those websites to get infected.

After finding its way into the computer, the Trojan activates an HTTP Proxy Server on TCP port 12080. It then uses a special configuration program to give a random port number for the proxy. Using it, a remote attacker can connect to different websites and launch nefarious activities like Online Robbery, Identity Theft, Denial of Service attack and Click Fraud Scam.

"A criminal remains at large as long as he manages to keep his identity hidden from the law enforcing agencies," says Rohini Sonawane, Chief Operating Officer of MicroWorld. "This Trojan is made to act as a camouflage mechanism for the attacker to hide his shady activities on the net. Any inquiry to find the origin of an online attack will stop at the compromised PC of a victim, who apparently has no idea what is going on!"

If Trojan-Proxy.Win32.Agent.y is only used for masking IP addresses of attackers, some other Backdoors and Trojans can be employed to take over the computers completely. According to a report published by FBI on Wednesday, over 1 million computer IP addresses are taken over across United States by remote attackers. Because of their widely distributed capabilities, such botnets are a growing threat to national security, national information infrastructure and economy, FBI said.

"Intrusion of any level into one's computer is dangerous as there's no end to it once it begins. With the incremental nature of today's malware, users need to be on their guard while working on computers and more so when connecting to the Internet. Be it office or home users, it's a must to incorporate security practices in one's computer routines. That said, it also calls for protecting your machines with comprehensive security solutions that work on cutting-edge and proactive technologies," views Rohini Sonawane.

MicroWorld

MicroWorld Technologies (www.mwti.net) is the developer of highly advanced AntiVirus, Content Security and Firewall software solutions eScan, MailScan, and eConceal. MicroWorld Winsock Layer (MWL) is the revolutionary technology that powers most of MicroWorld products enabling them to achieve several certifications and awards by some of the most prestigious testing bodies, notable among them being Virus Bulletin, Checkmark, TUCOWS, Red Hat Ready and Novell Ready.

For more information, please visit www.mwti.net

About the Author

Btv Raj is the Content Writer and Creative Visualizer of MicroWorld Technologies.

No Comment | Posted in » malware, proxy, TCP, Trojan    

The Hidden Danger of Emails

By: Troy White

Have you noticed people tend to hide behind emails these days? It is soooo easy to blast off a quick email rather than a phone call.

BUT – emails have a tendency to be taken the wrong way, and in the wrong context.

I just saved a deal because I understand the inherent problem with email communication.

The background: a prospect emailed me for a quote. His request was not enough information for me to provide anything specific. So I was persistent, and maybe a little difficult, in that I do not provide a quote until I know exactly what I am quoting on.

Danger #1 – asking for clarification by email in the wrong way can be taken like you don't care, or want, their business.

Once that was cleared up, I put together a thorough proposal and emailed it over.

The person replied back a couple days later asking about the price. They missed the price in the quote – so I resent that section.

Danger #2 – I resent it without clarifying I was resending something they already had in their emails from me. Never assume ANYTHING with email

They replied back saying it was a very unprofessional way of doing it – sending the proposal without the price – and expecting them to ask for the price (again – all this because of a misunderstanding – and them not reading the original proposal in its entirety).

I could have gotten nasty at this point – but I didn't. I could have pointed out that they need to open their eyes and read what was already sent to them.

And the deal would have been lost.

But, having dealt with email issues long enough – I thought through my follow up carefully. And I pointed out that the price was there right from the start – sorry for the confusion.

The result? The deal is done and I saved a disaster from happening (possibly even bad word of mouth if it was not dealt with properly).

Danger #3 – Next time you are thinking of sending a scathing email out – type it – but DELETE their email from the to: field. Sit on the email for at least a couple hours – read it again when you calm down – and then send it.

This simple process has saved my hide (and bank account) more than a few times now.

Think through your emails very carefully – they will NOT be perceived in the same way that you intended. If the person is having a bad day… or they are sick of emails (go figure)… or if they just got bad news… or … or… or.

The reasons are numerous for your email to be taken the wrong way. And it can hurt your business and your income if you don't think it through properly.

Just about did for me today!

Source: http://myarticlezine.com

Troy White, The Marketing Results Mentor and Expert Copywriter helps clients achieve HUGE growth surges in their business in very short periods of time. If you're an entrepreneur in need of quick cash flow surges – here is the quick-hit solution to put money in your bank…. The Wild West Wealth Summit! Make sure you visit www.WildWestWealth.com or sign up for the Free Cash Flow Surge Newsletter at www.CashFlowSurges.com

No Comment | Posted in » communication., email    

The Beginning of the PDA Explosion

by Garry Allen

In 1996, Palm computing manufactured the first generation personal digital assistant known as the Palm m130Pilot. Due to a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Pilot Pen Corporation the name Palm Pilot was given to the second generation of PDA's in 1997 and from 1998 onwards, this virtually became the generic name of all handhelds. Interesting huh!

Now, the founders of Palm Computing, Jeff Hawkins, Donna Dubinsky and Ed Colligan who also are the original inventors of the pilot actually when they first set out wanted to produce handwriting software named Graffiti. Fortunately, for the world they changed their plans midway, and decided to get into hardware. Palm is known to have gained from the attempts of Apple Computer and Go Corporation to produce handheld devices.

I bet you didn't know that Palm Computing was initially a division of US Robotics and then later of 3Com. Now Jeff, Donna and Ed who initially founded Palm felt that the didn't have enough control over the Palm Product so as a result they left 3Com and founded Handspring in 1998.

Handspring became the first Palm OS licensee and then produced a replica of the Palm handhelds and called it the Handspring Visor which used slightly different software and had a hardware expansion slot.

Then in 2000 Palm Computing became a separate company, which was called Palm Incorporated. Then in 2003, Palm Incorporated split into PalmOne for selling hardware and PalmSource for selling software. Handspring merged with Palm to form PalmOne and in 2005 PalmOne acquired the full rights to the Palm name, which it had shared with PalmSource and changed its name back to Palm.

The earlier Palms used the popular DragonBall processors which were a Motorola 68000 derivative. But the more recent models use a type of ARM architecture. The Arm Architecture is a class of RISC microprocessors, which is widely used in embedded systems and mobile devices. It is usually referred to by the Intel Xscale brand name.

Handhelds from Palm are becoming more advanced and are merging with smart phones and they have the capacity to work as computer harddrives via USB cables. The Palm handheld Treo 650 which functions as a mobile phone and also provides SMS, email and instant messaging.

It was predicted that as handhelds with multiple functions like the Treo become cheaper and more advanced, the traditional PDA device will disappear. Cell phone manufacturers are already producing smart phones, which use interfaces similar to the Palm OS and at present the Palm OS is used by the Sony Clie', TRG Pro and Handspring Visor, apart from the Palm handheld. Now wasn't that an interesting history on something you most likely use everyday.

source:www.goarticles.com

About the Author

Learn how to keep your pc healthy with the Free Report "10 Secrets to a Healthy PC" and get the latest information on computers, laptops, PDA's and more at the best rated laptops website.

No Comment | Posted in » palm.handhelds, PDA, Treo, Xscale    

7 Signs That Your Computer Might Be Infected With Spyware

by Sunil Tanna

Here are some warning signs that may indicate that your computer has become infected with spyware:-

1. Your web browser's home page changes by itself, without you asking for it to be changed.

2. If you mistype a URL in your web browser's address bar, or you perform a search, you are transfered to a strange web site.

3. New items appear by themselves in your web browser's bookmarks/favorites.

4. Your web browser contains a new toolbar which you don't remember choosing to install.

5. When surfing the Internet you are bombarded by pop-ups. Of course, some web sites do contain their pop-ups, but spyware pop-ups may appear on any web site, even sites which do not contain pop-ups, such as Google. Another tell-tale sign, is if you start to see pop-ups for a competing store when visiting one store's web site.

6. Your system starts to become unstable, especially when surfing, crashing for no reason (although these types of problems can be caused for other reasons than spyware).

7. Your system slows down to a crawl (again, speed problems are not necessarily caused by spyware).

If you believe your computer may be infected with spyware, it is a good idea to get some anti-spyware software, so you can scan and clean your computer as soon as possible.

About the Author

For more information about spyware please go to: http://www.guide2spyware.com/

No Comment | Posted in » malware, pop-up, spyware    

Everything There Is To Know About Broadband Internet

By: Dalvin Rumsey

In order to fully benefit from a broadband internet connection, the first and most important thing one will need is a high-speed modem. Starting from the early 2000’s, the internet has become more and more popular among people from various countries. No matter the field we are working in, the internet is a very useful tool, as well as a means of relaxation in our spare time. There are three types of broadband internet connections: DSL, cable and satellite. All three of them offer a high speed in accessing the information we are interested in.

Many people having dial up internet connections may not get the whole picture of having high-speed internet access. Once they have the chance of comparing their home internet service to a broadband internet connection on their office computer, they will surely see the huge difference.

The most popular type of broadband internet connection is the Digital Subscriber Line, or for short, the DSL connection. Large amounts of data can this way be easily and quickly transmitted everywhere in the world. There are many rural areas that have cable which offers broadband connections. The single drawback of a DSL connection is the fact that all the customers share a certain amount of bandwidth. The broadband internet connection can therefore get quite slow at times. Cable companies try to avoid this by adding additional connections as the number of users increases.

Let us take a look at the benefits broadband internet has brought over dial up internet access. First of all, broadband is way faster. A customer can therefore instantly access information on the Internet. There is no need for a phone line, so the internet connection doesn’t need to be terminated in order to make a phone call. This will ensure the fact that one will never get disconnected, as it used to happen to dial-up users. The problems related to connecting to the internet during peak hours will also be solved.

The broadband connection can be a very pleasant means of spending your free time, as there are millions of movies and videos one can watch over the internet. The user has the choice of either downloading them into his own computer or directly watch the movies online. The buffering is very good, so there will not be any chance of not having a good time watching videos or listening to music over the internet.

The best option for getting a broadband internet connection is to get a package deal on cable services and broadband internet. You will save money over having them at two separate providers. Just go out and experience broadband internet and you will not be able to live without it!

Source: http://myarticlezine.com

No Comment | Posted in » broadband, DSL, high-speed, internet access, satellite    

Cheap Web Hosting

By: Alan Murray

When it’s time to take a company or project online, there are countless options for how to build and maintain a website. The one aspect that may be overlooked in the site design process, however, is the best way to host the website in question. Many companies sell domain names and others offer hosting, but very few have high-quality cheap web hosting programs.

There is nothing worse than sitting down to work on your website or check your orders only to discover that your domain has crashed or times out. How can you get sales if your site is always out of order? Cheap web hosting is certainly not created equally.

Finding Quality Cheap Web Hosting
There are many offers of low priced web hosting. But like many things, it is important to research a company thoroughly to ensure they offer the services you need. Is there customer support around the clock? Are you able to make modifications instantly? How much red tape is there to make administrative changes? Finding cheap web hosting that offers a complete package of services can be more complicated than simply shopping the bottom line.

Knowing What to Look For
In the virtual world it can be hard to decide what matters most from a hosting company as certain things matter more to different individuals. Some areas of consideration for all potential customers include:

Customer Service – Is there support for any and all problems you will experience? Customer service can include tutorials, information, email, live chat and phone services. It is important to be able to contact another, preferably knowledgeable, human at any time. After all, if your website isn’t working, you need it fixed now. Time is money.

Uptime – How often is the server hosting your domain online? If there are known problems with the server such as frequent time outs or crashes, no amount of savings will be worth the hassle. You must have your site in peak condition at all times, and if it is down and there is nothing you can do, the frustration will more than cancel out the few dollars a month you might be saving.

Quality Assurance – What happens if things go wrong? More than one webmaster has been locked into a contract only to want to back out when they got a full taste of the company’s antics. Companies have different policies and fees for switching domains from one service to another. It is important to find a company that is flexible and offers a money back guarantee if possible.

Size Allotment – Will the hosting package give you enough space? Simple websites don’t require as much space as full-fledged online shops or forums, but nobody likes to run out of room. Be sure you are getting plenty of storage and transfer for your money.

Management Features – The back office is literally where the magic happens. If you have to wait on someone else to upload and approve your site, you won’t be comfortable very long. You need access to your account and your domains and you need it around the clock. Who knows when the urge will strike to change some text or update your latest online offering? "

Source: http://myarticlezine.com

Abdelrahman prepares many articles on cheap web hosting and free domain names. For additional information about web hosting & domain names, visit www.haabi.com.

No Comment | Posted in » domain, hosting, website    

10 Ways To Protect Your Laptop Against Theft & Loss

by Titus Hoskins

And they should know, the U.S. Department of Justice stated in a recent report that the FBI lost 160 laptops in a 44 month period ending in September of 2005. If FBI agents have trouble keeping track of their laptops, imagine what the ordinary person is facing.

The statistics are pretty grim. A laptop is stolen every 53 seconds. Ouch!

With stats like those you have to do everything in your power to avoid becoming a victim of laptop theft. If you keep valuable personal or business information on your laptop the consequences can be even more gruesome and devastating. For laptop hardware can be easily replaced, but your valuable information may be lost forever.

So here are...

10 Practical Ways to Protect Your Laptop Against Theft, Loss or Misplacement.

1. Keep Your Eyes On Your Laptop

Be aware of your laptop at all times especially when traveling. You wouldn't leave a Thousand Dollar Bill lying around unattended would you? So watch your laptop closely.

2. Don't Use An Obvious Laptop Bag

Carry your laptop in regular luggage that doesn't look like it has a laptop. Don't advertise your laptop to any would-be thieves.

3. Use Visual Locks And Restraints

Use visual locks and restraints to secure your laptop and to act as a deterrent. It won't fool hardened thieves but most will opt for a less secure laptop. For example, you can use a product like STOP, this system works by attaching a specially-made security plate to your laptop. This plate is barcoded and registered. It also carries a warning label letting would-be cyber thieves know that the ownership of your laptop is permanently monitored.

4. Use Passwords And Encryption

Use passwords and encryption to protect any sensitive information on your laptop. Again, unless you use very sophisticated encryption it won't fool the experienced hacker or hard-core digital thief but it will slow down and hinder the common criminal.

Set a BIOS Password for your laptop. You have to take advantage of any security option that's on your laptop's OS or operating system. For those using Mac OS X you can encrypt your entire hard drive and set-up a master password in order to view it.

Windows XP & Vista lets you encrypt files and folders. Just right click your data, select properties, open general tab and then advanced to check "Encrypt contents to secure data box".

5. Use Encryption Programs Like Steganos Safe 2007

You can also try something like Steganos Safe 2007. Vital files can be encrypted and it can even turn your USB thumb drive or iPod into a key for unlocking your hard drive.

6. Use Anti-Theft Software Like LoJack

Use anti-theft software that can track and locate your laptop or computer through the IP address once the stolen laptop is used to access the Internet. Use systems like "LoJack For Laptops". It costs Costs around 50 bucks a year but it may be worth that price for your peace of mind alone.

According to the info on their site they recover 3 out of 4 stolen laptops equipped with the LoJack system. It basically places hidden and silent software that reports back the IP address and location of the laptop once it is stolen and the thief connects to the Internet.

7. Use Invisible Ultraviolet Markings

Use invisible ultraviolet markings so that any recovered stolen laptops will be clearly marked as yours to the police. Keeping track of your laptop's serial number is also a good idea and have this number stored in a different place other than on your laptop.

8. Try Remote Data Deletion

If you place important information on your laptop have a remotely controlled self-destruct solution in place. Then your highly sensitive information can be deleted remotely after your laptop is stolen.

9. Be Prepared

Create company policies for management of your company's laptops. Have set procedures in place for tracking and reporting of any laptops stolen or misplaced. Be prepared for the inevitable.

10. Backup Backup Backup

Regularly backup any vital information you have on your laptop. Most information will be useless to potential thieves but may be extremely important to you personally or for the running of your business.

No matter if it is through theft or simple misplacement, losing a laptop is a painful experience, one you should avoid at all costs. However, if it does happen to you, be assured you can minimize the pain by having a complete backup of your laptop's contents. In most cases, this information will be much more valuable than the laptop itself.

For hardware can be easily replaced, your personal data and months/years of work may take forever to recover or redo. Sometimes it is lost forever, so BACKUP your information regularly. Keep your laptop and its contents safe and out of harm's way. Simply protect yourself and your laptop by using the tips you have just read.

About the Author

The author has a keen interest in all things laptop and runs an online: Laptop Buyer's Guide For Timely Special Savings/Deals/Coupons on Toshiba, Dell, Apple, Sony, Alienware

No Comment | Posted in » cheap laptop, Encryption Programs, stolen    

GPS maps - How Important Are They?

by Korbin Newlyn

However, the military, researchers and various other people who would have the need or desire to be aware of their exact locations at any given time are also utilizing this kind of technology. On the other hand, for the majority of ordinary people who would not want or need to know about any systems or maps that could let them know exactly where they are at any given point in time, GPS maps are not as well known.

Exactly what is a GPS Map?

GPS is an acronym that stands for Global Positioning System, this system is a global radio navigation system that is comprised from the interaction of 24 satellites orbiting the Earth, along with their corresponding ground stations. In the distant past, navigators and sailors would depend on the stars to point them on their way to their destinations. Fast forward to the present, through the use of modern technology of a GPS map, travelers such as sailors, pilots and those who travel by land no longer have to use the stars to guide them.

A GPS positioning system utilizes the orbiting satellites as reference points in determining the distance from one point to another and to find certain objects on the planet. With the use of satellite data, it would be fairly easy to calculate the distance of a certain place to another place.

The technology has become so advanced and precise that it can calculate your position exactly down to the centimeter. For instance, if you are using a GPS device to find a certain area anywhere on the globe, it can pinpoint precisely where that area is and what the distances is from where you are standing. The exact nature of the technology within GPS systems is such that when we refer to a GPS map, we can rest assured that the information we can find within these GPS maps are easy to follow and accurate.

Everyday uses for GPS Maps

The GPS map has too many uses in our current society. For one thing, the police department can help fight crime by using a GPS map; by installing a GPS vehicle navigation system in police cars, the police officer can easily respond to alerts in the city. GPS maps give police and other government services the ability to find a way around the city just as if they know every corner and every street by memory alone.

Because the technology has progressed to the point where it can find a location down to just a few feet it has been utilized extensively by the military as well. When you see the documentaries on TV showing a "smart bomb" strike a target with pinpoint accuracy what you are seeing is GPS technology in action. What they do is incorporate an on board GPS navigation system into the missile to guide it to its target.

source:www.goarticles.com

About the Author

Korbin Newlyn is an avid follower in the electronics field. You can find more of his insights at GPS Navigation and at Automotive GPS tips.

No Comment | Posted in » GPS map, navigation, smart bomb    

Top 6 Standalone Spyware Scanners

From Mary Landesman,

It's not just viruses that plague today's Internet users. Spyware surreptitiously monitors your computer and Internet use, while adware can bombard your PC with unwanted advertising. Both pose a drain on your bandwidth and can lead to loss of security. Following are a selection of the best dedicated adware and spyware scanning tools to ferret out these often hidden menaces. If you go the standalone route, make sure you back it up with antivirus software and a firewall.

1. McAfee VirusScan

McAfee AntiSpyware 2006 is no longer sold as a standalone product, but don't despair. McAfee VirusScan (2006) includes the same stellar protection. In our tests, both products nabbed 98% of running processes associated with adware and spyware, effectively neutering the infestation. At $39.99 for both stellar spyware protection and a top-notch virus scanner, McAfee VirusScan (2006) is a steal.

Read Review

2. Webroot Spy Sweeper

Spy Sweeper removed 100% of the miscreant BHOs and Toolbars in our tests and stopped 84% of the active processes associated with adware and spyware. Spy Sweeper is a standalone spyware scanner and not a full-fledged Internet security suite, thus it is best used in conjunction with antivirus and firewall software.

3. Sunbelt CounterSpy

Sunbelt's CounterSpy removed 90% of the miscreant Browser Helper Objects (BHOs) in our tests. Sporting above average detection for only $19.99, CounterSpy offers inexpensive protection, an easy-to-use interface and US-based tech support.

4. Windows Defender

Windows Defender is offered free and, like CounterSpy, sports above average detection rates. The product is still considered beta and tech support is not provided. Despite these setbacks, it can provide a good second opinion. However, Microsoft AntiSpyware and CounterSpy should not be installed on the same system, as they both share common components.

Vendor's Site

5. Spybot Search & Destroy

Free for personal use, Spybot doesn't have stellar removal rates. It does, however, provide TeaTimer and SDHelper which are extremely effective at preventing adware and spyware from gaining a foothold on your computer. So while you may not want to rely on it for detection and removal, you may want to install and activate it alongside other protection to help keep your system spyware-free.

Vendor's Site

6. Hijack This

Another free utility, Hijack This isn't a traditional spyware scanner. It will, however, provide a full report of what's active on your system. Experienced users can peruse the report, identify the miscreants, and use Hijack This to disable the unwanted loading (or do so manually). Less experienced users can save the Hijack This log and send it to a more savvy friend for advice.

Vendor's Site

source:about.com

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Top 9 Windows Antivirus

1. Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium

AntiVir is a consistent leader in independent antivirus tests. Avira's AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium is a low-impact, easy to use virus scanner that also includes rootkit detection and phishing protection. Five euros of each purchase is automatically donated to the Auerbach Foundation, a non-profit that supports various charity and community-related services. AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

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2. Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal

Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal offers excellent antivirus protection, perhaps unsurpassed in its ability to unpack and scan compressed files - something that trips up a lot of other vendors. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

3. BitDefender Antivirus Plus

Softwin's BitDefender Professional protects against viruses, spyware, and instant messaging threats, as well as offering firewall rules to block undesirable traffic and a privacy gateway to keep your identity and preferences private while surfing the Internet.

4. McAfee VirusScan Plus

McAfee VirusScan Plus is an ideal candidate for those seeking an antivirus/firewall combination without all the bloat of traditional Internet security suites. McAfee VirusScan Plus makes an easy job of removing adware and spyware, something not all antivirus products deliver.

5. Panda Antivirus 2007

Panda Antivirus 2007 combines antivirus, antispyware, and antiphishing with its highly touted behavior-based TruPrevent Technology. License covers use on two computers and includes free tech support via email (telephone support options are also available).

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6. F-PROT Antivirus

F-PROT Antivirus for Windows offers a feature that's increasingly harder to find - it includes a command-line scanner that can be used to create a rescue CD for scanning the system in Safe Mode. This is a particularly effective way to remove stubborn resuscitators. Firewall not included.

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7. G Data AntiVirusKit (AVK)

AntiVirusKit (AVK) provides a double layer of protection, bundling two of the best antivirus engines - Kaspersky and BitDefender - under a single, easy-to-use console. Like Nod32, you'll also want to bolster G Data's AVK with a firewall.

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8. AVG Anti-Malware

AVG Anti-Malware combines traditional virus protection with adware and spyware scanning, in a low impact footprint ideal for resource-strained PCs or those who just want the best performance possible out of their computers. Free tech support is available via email and the standard license includes two years of protection. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

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9. Eset Nod32

Nod32 features a small footprint, low performance hit, and fast scan speeds, providing focused virus protection ideal for gamers or those with an older PC. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

source:about.com

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Secunia Software Inspector

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Tips for IM safety

From Mary Landesman,

Instant Messenger worms are becoming increasingly more sophisticated - and more prevalent. To avoid infection, treat IM as suspiciously as you should be treating email. These tips will help you avoid infection:

Don't be click-happy
Don't click any link received in IM unless you've first confirmed that the sender intended it. This includes links contained in 'away' messages - these 'away' messages are often frequent targets of IM worms.

Beware IMs bearing attachments
Don't open any attachment received unexpectedly - verify that the sender intended it. Make sure you enable file extension viewing so you're not fooled by the infamous double-extension ruse. Before opening any attachment, scan it first using up-to-date antivirus software. (The Kaspersky online scanner is superb for quickly checking single files less than 1MB).

More is *not* merrier
Keep the number of IM clients to a minimum. IM worms target specific clients, though multiple clients might be targeted. For example, the 2002 FloodNet IM worm sent its infectious message to both AIM and MSN Instant Messenger users. Thus, the more IM clients used or supported, the more likely you are to be victimized by an IM worm.

What to do if infection strikes
If you do get hit by an IM worm, remember that all of your contacts are now vulnerable. To avoid sending the infection to others, disconnect from the Internet until you are able to completely remove the infection. If you need Internet access to obtain antivirus software or updates, ask a friend to use their computer and burn the files to CD. If this is not an option, uninstall the IM client until after you've properly cleaned the infection. Of course, always keeping your antivirus software up-to-date will avoid this last minute scramble for protection.

source:about.com

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Ten Features from Windows XP Not Appearing in Vista

by Marko Hammond

XML Shockingly, some user tests show that .net applications simply run faster in XP than in Vista. If you have to process great amounts of data on .net applications, you may get frustrated with Vista. Users feel that in this respect, Vista only beats XP in the "looks" category. XP is still on top on the aspect of performance.

Shell XPs Luna shell has now been dethroned by Vista's Aero. The elegant 3D look and feel of Aero is probably an effective marketing strategy for average users. Experts point out however that a shell is still a shell and does not show real system capabilities. The Luna shell may have looked plain but it did not point to XPs real performance ability.

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